Haven't been around in awhile. I should change this.

I've been very very very bad with updates and keeping some information going on this. I think I'll try and change this.

It seems as though I've been in an interesting funk for the past year. Its been great working as a teacher and being a music director at a school but It has been very musically fulfilling for me. I've taken on a number of private music students that have really fixed that void. I'm happy when working with musicians that have high abilities. Quailty over quantity is the key for me!

In other news I finally made the long awaited trip to my homeland of Chile. It was one of the greatest trips I've ever made and one of the best experiences of my life. Prop's to Laura, a friend of mine from college who is living in Santiago, for helping me out.

Steady Gig!

I've picked up a steady gig at Jackie Rielly's in Bethpage NY. I ended up playing there on a Tuesday night for about 2 hours. The owner of the pub loved my music and has given me a gig there every thursday night. It looks like I'll be playing from 9-12 at night.

More info to come.

~~Brian C~~

In the world of music

Being a musician there are a few things you need to do to have a stable carrier. First find a steady music related job. If you consider yourself a musician and work at a pizza place your a musician on your off time.

A second issue you need to cover is continuing your music network. Today I stopped by a music store on my way home from the school I'm teaching at and have a connection with the owner of a music store. Hes going to give my number to people looking for guitar lessons and other guitar needs.

And finally! PERFORM. You need to play at least one day a week somewhere. It can be a church, a pub, a retirement home, a school. It really doesn't matter where as long as there are people there listening to you and it helps you become a better musician.

(More info tomorrow about my classroom)

~~Brian C~~

I have just completed my official orientation for teaching in a Catholic School on Long Island. It was a very informative and good orientation for people who are teaching in a homeroom...

I'm kind of used to that stuff already. I'm excited and nervous and a whole other bunch of feelings about teaching. I also really want to go get a master's degree so its looking like the one year plan for teaching. Tomorrow is hopefully my last interview/screening for this job. I've had 3 interviews already with the school I'm teaching at now I'm doing a big Diocesisan screening/interview.

Also have a bran spankin new resume which I'll try and find a way to post up here. If you want a copy e-mail me Yabadoodle1486@aol.com

gn

~~Brian C~~

If I can explain myself in one word

Unproductive

Over the past 2 days I've basically done S@#!. I am slightly nervous about teaching and have been finding some of these resources from the school I'm teaching at less than satisfactory.

I guess the first year you teach anything you kind of have to jump in with a basic plan...

What do I want the students to know after being with me for one year? (good start)
I also really need a school calendar to see what I'll be teaching in relation to school masses and state testing. (kind of important)


Well I will be heading to the school and setting my room up tomorrow. Apparently my beautiful (former computer room with an AC!) is cleared out and ready for me to move in.

I also just got a fantastic computer program called Microsoft Musical Instrument. Its an old come with your computer program from the early 1990's but one of the greatest music instruments software around.

That single program actually made my nerves disappear. Each time I get a good idea or some piece of really good material comes my way I feel a bit better. OHHH I also just found out my favorite Chilean Bakery is about a mile away from the school I'm teaching at. Guess where I'm going to be all the time for lunch!!!!


~~Brian C~~

Morrocan Mint Tea Picture

I thought I'd throw you a picture of the wonderful Moroccan Mint Tea creation which I'm actually sipping on right now. (I made a new one today) I've changed it a little bit by using honey as a sweetener too.

Also I cant find my camera so I'd like to thank wikipedia for this picture.

Moroccan Mint Tea

I'm currently enjoying a delicious Moroccan Mint Tea in its Iced variety! Its a great creation from Morocco involving gunpowder green tea, fresh mint, and sugar. When you drink it hot or cold it will actually cool your body down thanks to the delicious fresh mint!

Directions

Heat water (Do NOT bring it to a rolling boil) Water should be steaming.

Put a heaping teaspoon of Gunpowder green tea and about 9 mint leaves in 6-8 ounce cup. (I normally squeeze the mint leaves in my fingers a bit to bruise the leaf also known as breaking down the cell walls. It releases the oils)

Pour hot water into cup. Let steep for 2-3 minutes

I like to strain the tea then incorporate sugar.

Garnish with some extra mint leaves and Enjoy!


P.S. if you want to make it in the iced tea variety let the tea cool down. Or if you just cant wait throw some ice in it.
P.P.S. I'll throw a picture or two up of what it looks like!