15 December 2007

Things that helped me get through finals

The key to getting through finals without complete loss of sanity is, of course, bribery. (aka, "rewards" systems that you all know you do!)

So aside from the occasional <>, alright, daily trip to the coffee purveyor of my choice, here's what kept me going.
  1. Vivaldi's Four Seasons. This is actually the only music I can study to; anything with words and I just end up singing along. It also happens to be my favorite composition. Ever.
  2. Easy Tiger, Ryan Adams. In all honesty, I haven't even listened to any Ryan Adams past Gold. And Gold is still my favorite solo project, but Easy Tiger is growing on me. There are hints of Adams' brilliance on "Two Hearts" and "Everybody Knows." I wanted to like "The Sun Also Sets," and it starts out so well, but he tries too hard with too many transitions and vocalizations. Redeeming track: "Pearls on a String."
  3. The Washington Ballet's Nutcracker. Not as polished as Joffery or the American Ballet Theater, but the creative interpretation of an Americana-inspired Nutcracker was delightful. Amazing costume design. Favorite part: the Russian dance was done in a "frontiersman" theme... complete with Davy Crockett.
  4. This song by the Swedish musician Loney, dear.
  5. Thai Kitchen. I'm not a big fan of packaged food. But, after realizing that I was pretty much only consuming coffee/chai or Panera, I had to find a healthier way to eat in a rush while studying. They were actually cheaper in the store ($1.29) and vegan and gluten free. :)

What I'm looking forward to over break:

Reading The Once and Future King. And taking another class, of course.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

There should totally be a #6 - The Harvest Christmas Party. Or maybe that was a release after hours and hours of studying and reading and writing.
You looked fabulous, your dance moves were ones for the movies, and it was great to see you!

Ryann said...

Yay! Betsy stopped by! Yep, the HCP was a little celebration after finals. Was nice to actually be social again. :) And I think my dance moves are best kept for blooper reels. Hehe. But it was a blast! Can't wait to boogie in Kenya with you.