oh you guys... I do already have stilettos and some other sexy stuff and I'm working on the ass part at the gym nearly every day. but hmmm....for sure that's another idea to think about (not really...well maybe...). However, yes there are two female judges so if I wear something more 'frumpy' then maybe I'll get their sympathy.(?)

@Avguste and Scott - I think your ideas about playing for people everyday and also going to the nursing homes are great. Except, I'm too scared to do that. I'm very shy in person and I could never just call someone up and say, "hey, I'm coming over there to play your piano and you have to listen to me." But you've got the wheels in my head turning - maybe I can try doing some of those things little by little.

Could you get a couple of friends together to share a recital at a retirement center? That way you won't be playing the entire program yourself but would still get the performance experience.

That's a good idea, Sarah. Thank you.

The people in retirement home LOVE to listen to someone, who plays the music for them, I'm sure from some personal experiences in Germany (and I think the American old people are same at this point). Some old ladys say very loudly during the performance "Oh, beautiful!!!" So don't be disturbed by such reactions
And also the staffs are wating for such volunteers. Give it a try and you will know that!

oh, okay....

The first question that comes to mind is : are you single?
Just kidding

Being shy is one thing, however you have to realize you dont have much time left before the competition.
The longer you wait to actually get ready mentally, playing wise and such, the harder it will be and the more fright you will have.

ohhhh Avguste - That's just the kind of thing I need to hear - helps to get me going! But at the same time, it scares me a lot!! Although really I can't even perform my pieces for anyone right now because they are not ready. Probably because I have so much I have to prepare - about an hours worth of music. I am right now trying to memorize a few of the pieces; I've got two memorized currently, would like to get at least one more memorized, and then the rest I will play with the music on the piano. But see that's the thing - Realistically, I probably won't even make it past the first round. But what if something strange happens like everybody else plays poorly and a miracle occurs = I actually do make it into the 2nd round? Then I have to have my 2nd round pieces ready to go too. And so on...

simple answer.
Effective now, you eat, breath,sleep the competition and the program for both round.
you wake up, you practice for 3 hours. Take 1 hour nap, back to 3 hours of practice

Okay, Coach! Sounds like a good plan. Except I have to also get in my time at the gym everyday too so I can get that other thing (my ass) ready too. Actually, that part is already pretty good , but I still like to work off all the tension I hold in. I find I can practice for longer stretches if I release tension and remind myself to relax more while I'm at the piano. (I know - duh to me! )

Work out at home.
Use your body weight.

And you need to send me a pic of that other thing LOL

Ok since you insist - here is a photo of my nice ass.

LoL
Nice one

And I will look at your videos

Reminds me of a song about the pet donkey that I once had. I lost him on a trip to San Francisco. I wrote a song about it and here it goes....

(Intro if you please)
"I once met a gal from Paris
She sold me a mule one day.
The cutest little donkey with the sweetest bray.
But my donkey got out -- lost in the city
and now I'm blue ---- as blue as I can be.

"I lost my ass...In San Francisco...
High on a hill it brays for me.......
Where did my little donkey go? I've searched both high and low.
The natives know but they won't tell -- oh well, what the hell.....

"If you should go....To San Francisco...
And my little burro.... you - oo should see..........
Just put your arms around my little donkey
(Wait for it. Wait for it.)

And you can kiss my ass for me........"


(Bows to massive applause)

I can hear Tony Bennett now.... Ohh, that's an idea....Scott, record yourself singing this!

*edit*

too vulgar, JG. I deleted your post.

~M