i hate my job

Well, I haven't written in forever; I just haven't felt like it.

I'm leaving for New York within an hour, but it doesn't really feel like I'm going. Maybe when I get in the plane, but probably not until it get into Manhattan.

My thoughts are with my friends in Eau Claire. I know how tough this anniversary is for all of you. I love you and I'm sorry you're in so much pain.

God bless.

Heather

Never Date a Leo

Dramatic, egotistical, and emotional - a Leo is way too high maintenance for you!And forget about a quick fling with an alluring Leo. It's either everything or nothing with this sign! Instead try dating: Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces, or Cancer

What Sign Shouldn't You Date?

Okay.

Your Dominant Intelligence is Musical Intelligence

Every part of your life has a beat, and you're often tapping your fingers or toes.You enjoy sounds of all types, but you also find sound can distract you at the wrong time.You are probably a gifted musician of some sort - even if you haven't realized it.Also a music lover, you tend to appreciate artists of all kinds. You would make a great musician, disc jockey, singer, or composer.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Who'd have thought?? I think I'll go for a career as a disc jockey. . .

You Should Try Running with the Bulls

Exhilarating, but not as dangerous as it might seem.You're more likely to get crushed by a person than a bull!

What Extreme Sport Should You Try?

Sweet!!

Things have been getting better. Instead of working 3 days on, 1 day off (repeat), I'm working 4 days on, 3 days off! It's so much better. I actually have time to do things that I want to. Speaking of things I want to do. . .I'm taking flugel lessons. My teacher is really great. He's played with some amazing musicians & for some reason he likes me! My lesson on Sunday was close to 3 hours long. I think this trumpet thing is going to stick.

Last weekend Ez & I went up to Sedona to see Benny play at the jazz festival up there. It was super nice to see him & Sedona was absolutely gorgeous. I'm hoping that we'll be able to go sometime on one of my long weekends.

We're going back to New York next month. It should be a great trip. Ez is playing at Dizzy's again & I'll be singing. That will be a fun thing to have on the resume. I'm also planning on spending some time with Benny, Ingrid Jensen, and my New York pals. I can't wait to get back to the city.

Anywho, that's 'bout it for right now. Sorry for the lack of legit posts; I just haven't felt like it.

Much love.

Your Life Is Worth...

$761,000

How Much Is Your Life Worth?

Well, that's a shit-ton more than I thought.

You Have Fantastic Karma

You are a kind, sensitive, and giving person.And all your good deeds will pay off - if they haven't already.But you're not so concerned with what you get in return anyway.You have an innate caring nature - and nothing can change that!

How's" Your Karma?

You Should Drive a BMW

Refined and classy, you want a car that looks rich... and goes fast!

What Sports Car Should You Drive?

HA! I'm so old!!

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall bringsWhether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

What Season Are You?

I do enjoy the autumn.

You Should be a Cinnamon Redhead

Unique and confident - you would look radiant in this strong hue.

What Kind of Redhead Should You Be?

My hair was totally this color in high school. I think I was every shade of red actually.

My hair is finally short again!!!

I'll post a picture someday.

Another. . .

Your Personality Cluster is Introverted Feeling

You are: Tolerant, flexible, and open to new ideas.A stickler for integrity and authenticity.Passionate about causes, beliefs, or politics.Likely to have many "best friends" from many walks of life

What's" Your Personality Cluster?

And another. . .

You Are Beer!

You don't need to get totally wasted when you hit the bars.More of a social drinker, you just like to have fun with your friends.And as long as the beer keeps flowing, you're a happy camper.But don't mix things up: "Beer Before Liquor, Never Been Sicker!"

What Alcoholic Drink Are You?

I thought women were from venus.

You Are From Neptune

You are dreamy and mystical, with a natural psychic ability.You love music, poetry, dance, and (most of all) the open sea.Your soul is filled with possibilities, and your heart overflows with compassion.You can be in a room full of friendly people and feel all alone.If you don't get carried away with one idea, your spiritual nature will see you through anything.

What Planet Are You From?

You Are A Hornbeam Tree

You are a reserved person, looking in from the outside.Naturally attractive, you take good care of your looks.You are not egoistic, and you make life as comfortable as possible.You look for kindness in others - though you are seldom happy with yourself.A bit mistrusting and unsure, you dream of being swept away by someone unusual.

What's" Your Celtic Horoscope?

************************************************

What I have learned this week at work. . . rich people are mean

I never really feel like writing. I'm tired. I started a new job & it seems like I'm working nearly everyday. Boo!

I just feel like taking stupid little quizzes!

You Are a Liberal for Life

You've got a bleeding heart - and you're proud of it.For you, liberal means being compassionate, pro-government, and anti-business.You believe in equality for every person, and you consider yourself universally empathetic.Helping others is not just political for you ... it's very personal too.

What's" Your Political Persuasion?

Couldn't see that coming!!

You Should Wear Charcoal

Cool and relaxed, you always look forward to the start of fall.Gray represents your peace with the world and your surroundings.

What Fall Color Should You Wear?

I'm glad it's not pink!

You Should Wear Dark Rose Lip Gloss

Sophisticated, classy, and timeless.

What Color Lip Gloss Should You Wear?

I hate lipstick. It probably stems from playing the trombone. Whatever.

You've Experienced 56% of Life

You have a good deal of life experience, about as much as someone in their late 20s.You've seen and done enough to be quite wise, but you still have a lot of life to look forward to.

How Much Life Experience Do You Have?

So I guess I can die when I'm 40?? 56% huh?

Time for a little nap before work!

this job is weird.

Your Kissing Technique Is: Perfect

Your kissing technique is amazing - and you know it.You have the confidence to make the first move.And you always seem to know what kissing style is going to work best.Sometimes you're passionate, sometimes you're a tease. And you're always amazing!

Are You a Good Kisser?

he he! As if you had any doubts!

Dark Purple

To others, you seem a bit dark, mysterious, and moody.In truth, you are just a very unique person who doesn't care what others think.And you really enjoy your offbeat interests and friends.You've decided that life is about living for yourself - simple as that.

What Color Purple Are You?

I don't think I own a single article of purple clothing.

You Are the Very Gay Winnie the Pooh!

Come on, he doesn't wear pants!And he's a little too obsessed with Christopher Robin

What Gay Childhood Icon Are You?

Ahhhhhhhhh.

You Are 68% Healthy

Your diet is quite healthy, but you don't too crazy with what you eat.You know how to eat what's good for you, but you're also careful not to deprive yourself.

How Healthy Is Your Diet?

I guess that's better than 20% healthy or something.

You Are 64% Pure

Well, you're not exactly an angel - but you're pretty darn close.But chances are, you have a couple juicy secrets deep in your closet.

How Pure Are You?

No questions please!

Your Career Personality: Idealistic, Service-Oriented, and Future-Oriented

Your Ideal Careers: Alternative health practitionerArchitectEnvironmental lawyerLibrarianMagazine editorMuseum curatorNovelistNutritionistPhoto journalistPlaywright

The Quick and Dirty Career Test

And musician. . .

You Should Own a Beagle

Low maintenance, very friendly, and sturdy.

What Kind of Dog Should You Have?

I seriously want a puppy.

Your Celebrity Boob Twin:

Paris Hilton

Who's" Your Celebrity Boob Twin?

At least mine are usually covered up & aren't on tape!

I got a new job today!!!!

I'm super excited.

HUGE update to follow!

I miss y'all

Tonight we went out to dinner at a nice Italian restaurant here in Scottsdale. Guess who was at a nearby table?? Joey DeFrancesco! Ez was going to send over dessert or a drink, but he was just getting ready to leave. He came over and talked with us for a little bit. Nice guy.


Who'd have thought that we'd see Joey D? I didn't!

My Wrestler Name Is...

Ivory Pandora

What's" Your Wrestler Name?

I Am Indigo

Of all the shades of blue, you are the most funky, unique, and independent.Expressing yourself and taking a leap of faith has always been easy for you.

What Color Blue Are You?

My Inner Retro Girl Is

1950s Domestic Diva

What Retro Girl Are You?

BULL SHIT!

Ez Belongs in Brooklyn

Down to earth and hard working, you're a true New Yorker.And although you may be turning into a yuppie, you never forget your roots.

Where Should Your Inner New Yorker Live?

Ez picked the same.

My Geek Profile:

Academic Geekiness: HighFashion Geekiness: LowGeekiness in Love: LowMusic Geekiness: LowGamer Geekiness: NoneGeneral Geekiness: NoneInternet Geekiness: NoneMovie Geekiness: NoneSciFi Geekiness: None

How Geeky Are You?

Ez's Geek Profile:

Fashion Geekiness: HighAcademic Geekiness: ModerateGeekiness in Love: LowMovie Geekiness: LowMusic Geekiness: LowSciFi Geekiness: LowGamer Geekiness: NoneGeneral Geekiness: NoneInternet Geekiness: None

How Geeky Are You?

This one was Ez's : )

Ez Passed 8th Grade Spanish

Congratulations, you got 6/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Spanish?

So Ez is brilliant!

I Am Storm

Exotic and powerful, Storm descended from a line of African priestesses.Emotions can effect your powers, but you are generally serene. Powers: controlling weather, creating winds that lift you into flight, generating lightning

Which of the X-Men Are You?

Yeah, so Halle Berry and I are pretty much the same person. Take that!

I Am The Moon

You represent the unconscious side of life, what happens in dreams.You are capable of great genius - but also of great madness.Emotions tend to be primal for you, both your fears and your fantasies. Your intuition is always right, listening to it is the difficult part. Your fortune: You are about to embark on a very important journey - and a very difficult one.Some of your deepest dreams will be realized, as well as some of your deepest nightmares.Follow your creativity and visions; stay away from your weaknesses.You are taking a voyage to the center of yourself, and you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

What Tarot Card Are You?

Ez is a Chihuahua Puppy

Small, high strung, and loyal.You do best in the city with a adults - young kids could crush you!

What Breed of Puppy Are You?

Ha! Ez!

Ez Shouldn't Wear an Orange Bikini

You're the kind of girl who usually likes to leave more to the imagination... a bikini isn't really your style.However, once in a whlie you find a bikini so unique and stylish that you just have to wear it!

What Color Bikini Should You Wear?

This one was Ez's. Let's hope he doesn't really get one!

Ez and I just quit our jobs. It will be a relief. We'll both be working next week, but we were already going to be gone the week of the 21st, so that will be a nice time to leave.

Relief.

You Belong in Brooklyn

Down to earth and hard working, you're a true New Yorker.And although you may be turning into a yuppie, you never forget your roots.

Where Should Your Inner New Yorker Live?

Children make me tired!

I'm in Scottsdale, AZ!

It's beautiful!!

I had a job interview today & I start tomorrow!!!

I got a brand new, nice flugelhorn!!!!

Ez's house is great & his parents are fantastic!!!!!

Yay!!!!!!

Call me!!!!!!!

My last post in Boise (probably)!!

My flight leaves in exactly16 hours. And two hours after that, I'm in Phoenix!

I had a nice day. I made 5 cds for my sister, packed a little, and had an amazing dinner at my favorite restaurant. After dinner, I gave my mom an early birthday present. She really loved it, and I felt like I gave a good present for like the first time in forever. I also just got a new laptop! My neighbor had a fairly new laptop & sold it to me for $120 with the wireless card! Yes! I'm pretty excited.

Well, I have a ton to do before I leave tomorrow, so I'm gonna jet. Don't be too surprised if there is another post at 4 in the morning in which I'm totally stressing out!

Well, it's 3 in the morning and guess who's wide awake??? I'll give you one guess. . . me!
I suppose it's a perfect opportunity to update. I've been thinking about the daunting task of recounting my week in Port Townsend & I've decided mearly to highlight.
Here goes:

-Tuesday: ~Workshop with Nancy King in the morning and afternoon. She's awesome!
~Great bass line clinic with Christoph Luty. Good ideas about transcribing & so forth
~Amazing faculty presents concert. Group #1 was Bruce Forman, Dan Balmer, Chuck Easton, Dave Captein, Dawn Clement, & Gary Hobbs. Group #2 was Nancy King with Steve Christofferson duo, then with Dave Bjur and Pete Swan. Group #3 was Gary Gibson, Randy Porter duo with Steve Wilson, Ingrid Jensen, Dave Captein, & Gary Hobbs. Let me tell you a little about Gary Gibson if you don't already know about him. The man is an awesome percussionist/vibraphonist/steel drum player. I thought the steel drum was going to be some kind of gimmick, but let me tell you, the guy is awesome. He played one of the best versions of "Georgia on my Mind" that I have ever heard!
~Now for one of the BEST parts of the workshop. . .the "Ray Brown Remembered: The Art of the Piano Trio" clinic hosted by Jeff Hamilton, Benny Green, and John Clayton. They shared stories about their own experiences with Ray & also played 4 tunes. It was absolutely beautiful! One of the most touching musical moments at the camp was when they played "Li'l Darlin'" with the intro that Ray wrote. Breathtaking. I was so emotional after the clinic, that Dave had to hold me up. Benny hung on to me for a while while I recovered. It was crazy how everything I was feeling manifested itself into me physically. Wow!
~I observed a piano lesson given by Benny, Tamir Hendelman, & Randy Porter. Benny and Tamir played musical chairs on the piano bench. Nobody ever gets to see something like that. Amazing.

-Wednesday: ~Ingrid Jensen's clinic in the morning was great! She played us tracks from her new album "At Sea" while showing us pictures from her honeymoon in Alaska. The photos and the music were gorgeous! I was able to tell Ingrid how much I love her music. I later found out from Benny that she really liked me! Yes! This was the beginning of my awesome time with Ingrid (my new favorite person).
~Faculty presents concert: Group #1 was Pete Christlieb, Bill Ramsay, Jay Thomas, Tamir Hendelman, Chuck Deardorf, & Gary Hobbs. Group #2 was Bob Florence (solo), then with Jiggs Whigham, then with Kim Richmond, then with Terell Stafford. Beautiful. Bob Florence just radiates love. I spoke to him afterwards and he was more than sweet; his wife was too. Group #3 was Kurt Elling, Bill Mays, Christoph Luty, and Jon Wikan. The band was killing. I don't know. Kurt just doesn't do it for me.
~Ingrid held a rehearsal that night in which I helped out making copies. God, she's an amazing musician.

-Thursday: ~Still trying to figure out what song to sing. So far I've tried: How Insensitive, Since I Fell For You, Beautiful Friendship. . . by Friday I settle on In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning. It turned out to be a good choice.
~Faculty presents concert: Group #1 Dee Daniels, Marc Seales, Christoph Luty, and Clarence Acox. If you ever get a chance to see Dee perform, DO IT! Besides being an amazing singer and musician, she grabs your heart everytime. I've yet to see her be anything less than incredible. What a beautiful person too. She is pure joy and light. I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend the week working with her. Group #2 was Buddy DeFranco, Bill Mays, Dan Balmer, Chuck Deardorf, and Jon Wikan.
~Ingrid's band at the Public House that night = INCREDIBLE. Her band was: Randy Porter (piano), Chuck Deardorf (bass), Jon Wikan (drums/cajon), Bruce Forman (guitar), Steve Wilson (alto sax), and of course, Ingrid Jensen (trumpet/flugel). They killed!

-Friday ~I checked out some combo performances. Ingrid's combo was fantastic. I also got to hang with Nancy for awhile.
~Benny's Art Blakey combo performed that night. I got to know some of the guys in the band (including my good friend Dave Speranza). They were soooo good & such a blast to listen to. The whole room was on their feet and dancing. The band was shaking it & even Benny was moving! Our friend Belinda came up from Portland; it was so nice to see her.
~Went down to the Public House to catch Ingrid's band again. She let me introduce the group for the second set. After they were done, Jon said they'd give me a ride back to camp, so we hung out at the bar. After a couple of beers, Jon and I did tequila shots! What a fun guy! I also got to hang out with Ingrid's step-father, Al. He's a bundle of laughs & just an all around joyful guy.
~Oh yeah! My friend Javier Vergara (from Poncho Sanchez's band) came down and hung out. It was great to see him.

-Saturday: ~Had an amazing morning hanging out at Nancy's pad with Belinda, Benny, Nancy, and Leroy Vinegar's widow Carol. We sad around and chatted for a few hours & Nancy showed me gorgeous pictures of her granddaughter. Fun!
~Caught some great music. Then came the great-great music! Benny played two tunes (Lush Life and Love You Madly) solo before Dee Daniels came out and broke my heart with "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man." Belinda and I were sitting together holding hands and crying. Dee is just so passionate & Benny so sensitive. A perfect pair. Kurt Elling then came out to do a tune with Benny and shat all over it. I don't know. I'd rather hear one note full of soul, than a million "impressive" notes splattered all over the place. Nancy sang "We'll be Together Again" as a personal request by me. She was fabulous. The trio of singers came out to sing "Bye Bye Blackbird." Nice show.
~Said goodbye to Belinda and Benny, then hung out with Nancy until show time. My group began performing at 10 that night. Everybody did so well! I was so proud of everyone!!
~Went to hear Ingrid's band again. Introduced the band again. Drank more with Al and Jon. Ingrid drove me home. I decided to become a trumpet player. Let me say that again I AM SWITCHING TO TRUMPET and I couldn't be more excited about it. Ingrid is going to teach me everything she knows. I'm so lucky to have her as a friend.

As I'm writing, I keep remembering awesome things that happened throughout the week. I don't feel like writing about them, so call me.

I was laying in bed about an hour ago thinking about some of my favorite musicians & it occurred to me that most of them are women. I'm aware that most of the giants are all men, but for some reason, I am attracted to the music made by women. It's not that I'm a man basher; I'm far from it. Maybe I just identify to their experiences. Who knows! I don't think anyone would dispute that Maria Schneider, Joni Mitchell, Ingrid Jensen, Shirley Horn, and Nancy King are awesome.

I think it's time for me to try sleeping again. Boy, I'll be impressed if anyone actually reads this book of mine!

Love

I'm a little hesitant to begin writing about my experience in Port Townsend, because I'm afraid that once I start, I may never stop. The following will be completely free wrting; whatever pops into my head at the time is what is written.

I'll begin by saying that I have never had such a wonderful week. I was constantly surrounded by beautiful, loving people, who also happened to be AMAZING musicians. Even the first night was beyond special. There was a faculty concert which included (in alphabetical order): Clarence Acox, Geroge Cables, Steve Christofferson, Jeff Clayton, John Clayton, Pete Christlieb, Dan Balmer, Dee Daniels, Chuck Deardorf, Chuck Easton, Dawn Clement, Kurt Elling, Bob Florence, Bruce Forman, Gary Gibson, Benny Green, Jeff Hamilton, Tamir Hendelman, Gary Hobbs, Ingrid Jensen, Nancy King, Christoph Luty, Bill Mays, Randy Porter, Bill Ramsay, Kim Richmond, Marc Seales, Gary Smulyan, Terell Stafford, Jay Thomas, Jiggs Whigham, and Steve Wilson! That first concert was worth the price of the camp. WOW!
Afterwards I went backstage to find Benny & say hello. It was wonderful to see him & get one of his great hugs. We found some other people who were wanting to jam & we played pretty late. I even sang! Boy, was I nervous to sing in front of him, but I got over it. People began to trickle out, until it was just Benny and I at the piano singing Stevie Wonder tunes. How beautiful. He walked me back to my room at 2 in the morning. Needless to say, returning home in the middle of the night became the norm.

Monday was the first day of classes. I was placed into Vocal Group 1, which was comprised of beginning singers, more or less. I'm so glad I was in group 1; everyone was so sweet & genuinely happy for everyone else. After staff introductions and whatnot, we all went up to the front of the room & sang a chorus of F blues. It was cool to see how unique everyone was & to get a taste of their personality. Of course, when I stepped up, I said "I'm Heather Sessler. I play trombone." It's been hard for me to shake the trombone part of me. Now I can say "I'm Heather Sessler. I sing and play trombone." Well, anyway, I got to give Nancy King a hug after that. Nancy has become such a loving support for me. I now think of her as a surrogate mother of sorts. Now onto the best part of Monday. . .the Faculty Presents concert. The first group to play was: Ingrid Jensen, Gary Smylyan, Kim Richmond, Bruce Forman, Tamir Hendelman, John Clayton, and Jon Wikan. AMAZING!! I don't even have to go into it more than that. Absolutely amazing! Next was George Cables solo. Wow! If you haven't seen George Cables play solo before, do it. He's incredible. For his last number, he invited John Clayton up to play a duet. It was a tune he had written and was beautiful. My good friend Dave Speranza and I had to keep our chins from hitting the floor. Gorgeous! The last group was Steve Wilson, Jeff Clayton, Terell Stafford, Jiggs Whigham, Dan Balmer, Benny Green, Christoph Luty, and Jeff Hamilton. Talk about a killer band!! They played a free, kind of etheral arrangement of "Someday my Prince Will Come." It was beautiful & the whole building was wanting more, so Benny just played the opening to "Moanin'." Holy shit! The band kicked in and swung their asses off! Each solo just got better than the last & I was wondering how they were going to keep the energy going through 7 soloist. I didn't have to worry though, 'cause when Jiggs Whigham came in on his trombone solo, the band nearly dropped out, only to crescendo & blow the roof of of the place. After hearing that, there was no doubt in my mind why Benny played with the Messengers. The music moved me so much, that I actually felt my stomach cramp up. This continued to be a trend & I spent most of the week "sick" from all of the music. It was all positive though.

I'm going to take a break. Just looking at everything that happened on Tuesday and Wednesday, I'm going to have to pace myself.

More later

You Are Best Described By...

Petite FleursBy Pablo Picasso

What Famous Work of Art Are You?

You Are a Chimera

You are very outgoing and well connected to many people.Incredibly devoted to your family and friends, you find purpose in nurturing others.You are rarely alone, and you do best in the company of others.You are incredibly expressive, and people are sometimes overwhelmed by your strong emotions.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Best. Week. Ever.

Ever.

More to follow.