Monthly Musings: December & January

I know, I know, I've fallen behind on my blog. It's like the laundry: the more you avoid it, the harder it is to catch up.

While January has come and gone with little reflection on the previous month, I've decided to double up and combine my musings into a single summation.

A few pivotal things stand out:

1. Tyler is my rock
He. Is. The. Man. He has picked up more home responsibility in the last two months without even being asked. Since the start of the semester, he has donned the chef's hat. I think it surprised us both how tasty all his food is! This is probably the biggest gift he could give me right now. And I love tacos, so I have no complaints.

Michelle Bill Photography

2. Treasured friends will always remain close, no matter the distance
Neighborhood walks, park dates, a Disney day, late-night couch conversations, breakfast appointments...all these remind me of the rich history I have with a handful of dear friends. I am grateful for the face time - however short - I had with each of them.

Sara G Photography

2. Our church community is for keeping
We're now in process of becoming members at King's Parish. We've wanted to pursue this for a while now, but life just got in the way. Last weekend, I hosted a baby shower for one of the gals at church, and I was struck by how amazing each and every one of those women is. Tyler has benefited greatly from the men's fellowship events, too. We are beyond blessed by this community and the way they keep the Gospel at the forefront of all they do.


3. Performance is a practice
While my practice habits have remained consistent over the last two years, my opportunities to perform have been rare since graduation. Getting back into the swing of things in this regard was a challenge at the start of grad school. It is still a challenge, and likely always will be in some way. In the last six weeks, however, I have begun to put myself out there more and have found that I love the experience of sharing my work with others. This semester I have plans to give a mixed solo and collaborative recital. This is not required for school, but I want to grow more accustomed to the practice of performance. It will be a great way to show my students that I, too, preserve through stage right, memorization issues, and focus. I am in three ensemble groups this semester: a trio (piano, clarinet, and cello), a piano duet (one piano, four hands), and a piano duo (two pianos, four hands). It will be fun to add this ensemble element into the mix, too! Additionally, my trio has a handful of required performances for chamber music, so I'm looking forward to gleaning from those experiences, as well.

Long Time No Write

The last month has been a whirlwind! I know I said that about the previous month. I can't believe my holiday break has come and gone and we are eighteen days into the new year. Really?!

In the interim, we have hosted a good friend, driven to Florida and back, celebrated several Christmases, reunited with old friends, and married off a sister. Those are the big events. Of course, the everyday conversations, shopping trips, church performances, and neighborhood runs are notable, too! In fact, Brooklyn acted like she was overheating in the Florida winter. It's been a while since she's experienced 80-degree Florida humidity!

Ty was able to visit friends from his Florida workplace, and I spent some special time with some very special kids. It was a joy to see my kiddos and students! After Ty flew home, Julia and I headed to the west coast, where we visited our great aunt and uncle. I topped off my time home with a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth! The weather cooperated beautifully: the perfect Florida winter day!

We are adjusting back to normal life fairly well, except for a bout of acute bronchitis. I can't seem to shake this! Yesterday, I presented at a national pedagogy conference. My workshop was entitled "Becoming Dispensable: Training Independent Learners," and it focused on teaching students the basics of practice. Needless to say, I was wiped after my morning at the registration desk and my lunchtime presentation. School officially started Friday, but it won't regain speed until Tuesday. My schedule will be at maximum capacity, so I am trying to rest well now.

Some things I am looking forward to in the coming months:
1. Chamber music - I am in a trio (piano, cello, clarinet) and a piano duo (two pianos)
2. Performing more
3. Giving an elective recital (hopefully in March!)
4. Getting to know my individual students better
5. Learning more about student repertoire
6. Teaching intermediate group piano
7. Ty's cooking!
8. Joining our church
9. Running and memorizing Scripture with Mary Anna
10. My birthday! Is it too soon to start the countdown?