MMMMusic to the x Power

Yesterday's ideal schedule went as follows:

8:15-10:15 am - Practice at the HFAC (scales and arpeggios, "I Don't Love Nobody")
10:15-12:00 - Conversation with friends @ the Instrument Office, picked up new writing project for work at the BYU library
12:00-12:30 - Lunch with Sam on campus
12:30-2:30- Practice continued: Franchi's Introduction & Tarantelle, Bottessini Concerto
2:30-2:45 - Lovely walk home
2:45-3:45 - Chill at home, check messages, make a couple calls, vacuum house, water plants
4:00-5:30 - Errands to shoe repair store, grocery shopping
5:45-7:00 - Trip to Gold's Gym for dance aerobics class
7:00-7:30 - Shower and freshen up
7:30-8:15 - Prepare dinner (meatloaf, roasted potatoes w/ fresh rosemary, fresh steamed brocolli, sauteed mushrooms), hang with Sam
8:15-8:40ish- Show apartment to friends of friends who will be moving in after us
8:45 - Dinner with Sam
9:15 - Family Night, Sam's lesson on the Spirit World
10:00 - Bedtime

Last week, with the trip to Portland, I didn't practice much and bombed my bass lesson on Friday. So, I said to myself, this week would be the true test if I'm serious about this recital thing. I'm to practice four hours a day minimum in preparation for the upcoming, never-before seen, yes-it's-really-going-to-happen RECITAL!

I'm tentatively planning on Saturday, July 25th in the late afternoon, depending on the venue. Okay, it's official. No backing out. I'm in. I hope you're in too.

The challenge to this recital will be several upcoming trips that could jeopardize personal practice time. From June 20-30 I'll be on tour with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to St. Louis, Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, Norman, and Denver. The day after Motab returns, I'm off to for a second tour with singer Maureen McGovern with concerts in Logan, Pocatello, and Sun Valley.
Every time I go on a tour and I sit on a bus staring out the window, I wonder how I end up in these kinds of situations, and I wonder if it's the last time I'll have the opportunity, but they keep coming, and I can't complain. I hope Sam can come for the second tour.

ANNND the week after the Maureen McGovern tour we (Sam, me, and Cheri) are going to Portland again to secure housing. Busy busy! Hm!

Last week was my last day as Owen's mostly-full-time babysitter, and I was sad. But I'm amazed by how much time it takes to watch a baby and how much I can accomplish during the day when I don't have to be home. It is so much easier to focus and practice and work on campus, and I can go out at my leisure. But there is something very satisfying about childcare, and I miss my little friend.

But right now, with the practicing, the music, and working from home/school writing copy, this balance (including leisure reading, guitar, and exercise), is what I had hoped for when I left my job in March.

So . . . back to the practice room. Just like the old days. Oh, to feel young again! The old school girl in me is reviving herself!