Playing Catch-Up

These mornings right after the time I change I find it difficult to get out of bed - it's just so easy to continue to sleep and with the continued cold and now dampness to the air I certainly don't want to crawl out from under the covers. Consequently, my days have been starting later and somewhat behind schedule.

The last few days I have been on the run constantly. I believe today things might be getting back to normal somewhat, though again, I'm behind schedule.  The end of last week sort of fell apart...students were rescheduled for one reason or another, I had a couple of other appointments to fit in and I had to help a fellow teacher test one of his students that couldn't make it to the testing on Saturday. Everything that I personally had wanted to do got shoved to the back of the priority list. I do hope today to get to some of them.

Saturday at 7:30 a.m. I was picked up by a fellow piano teacher and we drove to the testing site to begin setting up for the day. Music Teacher's Association Student Achievement Testing began at 9. I was in charge of the theory test. I found it's been way too long since I had to add fractions which is necessary for scoring, but I think I managed and everything else went smoothly - it was just a long day. The other teachers got to sit down together and eat lunch, as it happened I wound up eating alone in my room while continuing to give the test. That afternoon we were blessed with the opportunity to sit in on a master class given by our guest performance judge Giuseppe Lupis. You can get to know him a little, here.

I was thankful that one of my students chose to take part in the masterclass, but at the same time it was a bit nerve wracking as a teacher to hear someone else critique my student. Giuseppe was very pleased with him though and had several compliments, then taught both of us something about legato and dynamics that I did not know. I learned from his teaching of some of the other students as well and wish I had the opportunity to take lessons from him. My student's testing sheet was returned with high praise and high marks. Giuseppe was born and raised in Italy and though I had to strain from time to time to understand him clearly, his accent was such a pleasure to listen to. All of us teachers took him out to dinner that night and had a wonderful time getting to know him. I truly hope this is not the last time that we see Giuseppe. 

Sunday of course was church. Hubby had volunteered to help with a local ski race that was held that morning, so I went to church alone. After church I came home and did some house cleaning and cooking to prepare for company on Monday. My house is in real need of some major spring cleaning and I am beginning to get that urge but it's not strong enough yet to force me to get started. I did what needed to be done, and it was fine. 

Monday I was so relieved to get my hair cut - amazing what a difference that makes. The weather was gorgeous with highs in the 40's so I drove down the hill and practiced on the pipe organ...such a treat. It's out of tune now with the temperature changes and the moisture, but it didn't matter to me. Later my mentor came over for supper and he asked if I felt at home at the instrument since I hadn't been there in so many weeks and I told him "like I had never been away." I had made enchiladas and apple crisp for dessert - it was good and the company even better. The plan was to discuss our upcoming recital plans, and we did, but not to the extent I had hoped. It's ok, it will all work out...I just have a tendency to have to have everything laid out and predicted ahead of time. 

Yesterday and today still I find myself in the need of some down time. I just need some time to myself to reorganize and recharge but I have to keep to my schedule and just keep on going.  Today will be another practice day - with Easter and the recital coming up, not to mention the need to prepare for each Sunday, I really can't skip any practice days. 

Daughter #2 is on as backpacking trip in Tennessee for spring break. She was exhausted from work and classes and sports activities before she left so I hope she's doing alright and doesn't come home exhausted and sick as she heads back to classes. Certainly no moss gathers under her feet! Oh to be young again! 

My son still has not been put back on at work so he's starting to look for something else. I hope he finds something soon, but who knows where that will take him. 

The latest from Gordon my friend/teacher fighting cancer: 

Hi Everyone

Just got back from the doctor's office. Blood counts are up so I got my chemo infusion #7. Everything went well. 

Then went to the infectious disease doctor. You may recall that I got an infection in my right foot that moved up into my calf. After trying 3 different antibiotics, I was admitted to the hospital and put on my meds intravenously. After a week (7 very long days - had to go home just to  feel better) I was released and given the remainder of this last antibiotic to take orally. That doctor saw me today and was so pleased
that she cancelled the next MRI and sent me home. Yay !! I'm to finish this last antibiotic and see her again in 2 weeks. 

Praise God !

It's good news, but prayers continue. 

Well that about wraps up my update. I need to get back to the routine around here. 

Until next time ~