Step Inside the Centre

Welcome to my workplace! I am thrilled to be on faculty at the Centre for Musical Minds, a north Dallas music studio which is known for its fantastic teachers and student retention. Kristin, the owner and operator of CMM is a graduate of my degree program at SMU. She also published a book about her success. From the onset, I was curious about Kristin's business plan and philosophy. She's been highly successful and still loves her job after about a decade of time in the field! I'm in it for the long haul, so I want to learn all I can from her.

Before school started, I had no idea what my workload would be. When Kristin approached me about working part-time at the CMM, I was hesitant. In fact, I thanked her and politely refused her offer, saying I was afraid of overcommitting but was interested in a future position. She could have scratched me off her list and called the next SMU grad student, but instead she encouraged me to seek advice from recent grads who had worked for her throughout their program of study.

Can I say I'm so glad I reconsidered? While it is a bit of a drive to Frisco, it is 100% worthwhile! Not only do I get a break from the graduate school thing once a week, but I get to see an operational studio in full swing. I love seeing students in another part of the city and teachers out in the field. Every teacher here has a master's degree - Kristin only hires teachers who have attained or are currently seeking a graduate education. I'm fairly certain that I'm the least qualified teacher here! It's inspiring to be around great musicians in the "real world" (aka, outside of SMU, which in some ways is an ideal situation).

Kristin has a knack for arranging popular music and teaching with the iPad. As a result, she encourages students to play various genres and provides each studio room with an iPad (and grand piano and keyboard!). Classically trained teachers, pop music, and iPads? Of course, all of this is in addition to the regular technique and repertoire, but it's neat to see a teacher who isn't afraid to explore "the road less traveled" in classical teaching. She's also a fantastic boss! I may have arrived to work to find a goodie bag of lotions and lip gloss.

Keeping track of two different studio dates and deadlines is tricky, but it's part of the process. I'm soaking up everything. There are so many things to learn, and I am thrilled to be along for the ride!

Studio B, my workspace!

Not my diplomas, but I hope to have one very much like the one on the left before too long!

Scale Hall of Fame

Music library (there are two other shelves, too!)

Kitchenette!

The facility decor is one of my many favorite things about the CMM!

Now I'm just sight reading on the iPad while waiting for my students. Gotta catch up with my technologically adept students!

Tyler Tuesday: Work is Work

This past weekend, I was bed-ridden sick. Jessie has already given you all the details about that, so this post might be lacking in content. I think I broke my record for how many movies I have watched in one weekend.

It might be better, rather than give an update of what is going on, to talk about prospects that I have been thinking about.

I have really been liking my new job here in Dallas. The pay is good, the work is what I like to do (fix trucks), and the hours are easy. I have been able to complete almost everything thrown at me and my boss is happy. There is also the opportunity for further training. Life is good, right? But there is still this nagging urge in the back of my mind to do something crazy. Something as crazy as work for myself.

Self-employment or self-infliction, as my mother calls it, has always been something that I have thought about. But maybe that’s everyone little dream right? Opening your own shop, greeting your happy customers one by one, and providing a unique service that nobody else has ever thought of. Washing your hands and sweeping the floor as the sun sets. Satisfied with another hard day’s work, knowing that you left an impression that meant something to people and made some real money that goes straight in your pocket, not to some corporate overhead. The problem with this is it's just a dream. I know enough about business to know these ideals are not very realistic. 

More likely you have thirty or so odd-ball people screaming at you to unrealistically get their work done simultaneously. You hate them for the way they treat you, but you’re bending over backwards to put on one more smile for them because they are the only hope you have to try and pay off the huge business loan you took out to afford the shop you work in . The landlord cut the lights off and you are scrambling with flahlights into the night just to make it through one more day, exhausted. All the while at home awaits three weeks of paperwork in a corner drawer that you haven’t yet dealt with. You keep it in that drawer because it's important and if you don’t deal with it something bad will happen. You don’t know what that is, but its bad.

I really see it from both sides. You can go to work, clock in and clock out without having to stress about all the difficult things in business, but you get paid less for that luxury; on the other hand, you can work for yourself and get all the pay and all the accompanying stress. This is not to say that hourly jobs don’t pay well and owning a business does. Or that hourly jobs are stress-free and owning a business is all work an' no play. I think that a lot of it has to do with one's personality. 

I know myself fairly well at this point, and I know that it takes a lot for me to take care of certain things. Things as simple as sending email replies, filling out some insurance papers, writing weekly blogs on time -- they are difficult for me and take me forever. I have always had this struggle, and I purposely try and battle it with the little things. But if you give me a task and a time to show up and do it, I have no problem. Wake up early or stay out late, whatever it takes. I can work hard but not in that way that is helpful for an entrepreneur. 

Seeking out contacts, setting up meetings, researching tax benefits, and filing the right paperwork for the right time are things that I just want to run from, and I know that is not a good business plan. I will need to work on things that I’m not good at in order to even think about trying to start a business. And I know that there are lots of different paths besides employer and employee. These are the things that I have been thinking about and looking into as I work my job every day. Every day is a day under my belt for whatever I need to do next. Thanks for reading.

Currently listening to: Hillsong United, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Jessie Welsh Piano.

Currently Working on: 2011 Mack CHU613 with active engine code 4094 derated condition likely caused by faulty EGR flow. Found the EGR cooler clogged with soot.

Currently Thinking about: all of the above. 

Take a Bow

Wednesday night I played my last ballet class at the most wonderful dance studio. During the year, I accompanied two classes on Mondays and two on Wednesdays. One class of Monday girls also came Wednesday, so I saw them quite a bit! When I was in the hospital, they inquired about me. They often asked my opinion of things. Once they came into class all goofy, forgetting I was behind the piano. S's face turned bright red when her eyes met mine. I smiled back and said, "You think I didn't know you guys were crazy before now?! You can't scare me off!"

I'm terrible with names, but I can tell you all the names of the girls in my M/W class. Last night was an especially small class, but we had a blast anyway!

They are in middle school. I thought I disliked middle schoolers. But these girls? They may have just changed my mind. I've never met middle school girls with sweeter dispositions, higher regard for authority, avid support of one another, or a better work ethic.

Each night at the end of class, they walk to the piano and thank me with a curtsy. 

Last night, I asked if they'd be willing to take a picture with me. Before I could finish my sentence, they were posed and ready to go! While I was leaving they whispered something to Mr. R, their instructor. Could I send them the photo please?

How thankful I am for the past nine months at this studio! I learned so much about accompanying, performance, teaching, ballet, and people. Last night it was my turn to take a bow and thank them (and my fantastic boss, Mr. R!) for a wonderful, enriching experience that I will greatly miss.

Sandwiched between J, E, C, & S

The Serious Post

By now, some of you know that Tyler and I are considering the possibility of relocating, at least for a time. This has been a topic of conversation around our home for about a year now. I've applied to three schools for graduate studies in piano. One audition is down. Two more are just around the corner.

"Auditions? Sounds exhausting..."

We aren't any closer to making a decision - that's not really the point here -  but we are excited to be walking one step at a time by faith and with the support of our families and close friends. A huge part of my silence on this issue (including our wonderful survey trip last year) was due to the fact that I didn't want to post my plans when I was unsure of the outcome. But you know what? I'm not afraid of "failing." By Grace, my perspective is changing from that unhealthy pass/fail goal mentality. We want to be where God wants us in every season, wherever that may be and whatever that may mean.

That said, my mom and I had a super fun, 48-hour trip to Texas last weekend.

Highlights included fresh tacos, gluten-free goodies, a run in 20-degree weather (this Florida girl has tougher skin than we thought!), and seeing Frozen for the first time. 

(Side note: I've jumped on the bandwagon: Frozen exceeded all my expectations. I can't stop listening to the soundtrack; it's been my non-stop packing/getting ready music. I purchased the Deluxe Edition just in time for our upcoming road trip! Sorry, Ty!)

Mom experienced Taco Joint for the first time!

I could survive on tacos.

Tu-Lu's = Gluten Free Heaven

Mallow Bar? Yes, please.

I should probably purchase a pair of running leggings. I really couldn't feel my legs at the end of this run.

Beautiful winter!

Freezing at Frozen! This was the perfect pre-audition activity!

Post-audition DQ.

Of course there was practicing and the actual audition, but that was truly a small part of our quick trip. It's ironic how so many hours go into such a short event. It meant so much to me that my mom came along. Without her, I may have just moped around nervously. Instead, we had a blast exploring together!

Brooklyn says, "Piano is overrated."

Don't worry, Brooklyn. After the long drive, there will be plenty of outside time in beautiful Texas for you.

"That's a promise, right?"

We leave tonight! Your prayers are appreciated.

With that, I leave you with some non-Frozen words that have been looping in my mind.

~

"For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield."

-Psalm 5:12

"But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary..."

-Isaiah 8:13-14a

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."

-Job 42:2

"The LORD of hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, so it shall be, and as I have purposed so it shall stand.'"

-Isaiah 14:24

"For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind."

-Job. 23:14

"God is unchanging in His person, purposes, and promises; and yet He feels emotions and interacts responsively with His creation." - Randy Pope

"Most people, if they really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise...if I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." -C.S. Lewis

Back in Business

It's good to be home and getting back to my "normal" routine. I worked two days this week and attended my students' recital. I also took naps and fell asleep one night still fully dressed in the day's attire. Recovery can be exhausting!

The point of this post is to share my updated website with you, complete with a recent video recording (thanks, Sia!).

You know you want to see it!

Click here!

Or here!

Just want to see the video?

I'd be much obliged if you passed it onto anyone looking for a teacher or accompanist.

Please and thank you.

Plug over.

Race Recap: Baldwin Park Half Marathon (AKA The Race I Would I Run Again and Again!)

If you were wondering if I decided to run or not, I did! The doctor gave me the okay, and that was enough for me. I ran very, very little last week and just focused on resting and recovering.

Also part of my preparation for the race...

Calf Ironing

Family, my doggie, football, and a "calf-rolling" session. Runners, if you've never had your calves ironed out with a rolling pin, you are missing out - seriously! This tip brought to you by the ballet studio where I work! Who knew I'd pick up helpful tips for running?!

My marathon training buddy, Mollie, ran the Wine and Dine Half Saturday night at Epcot (and seriously SMOKED it! Go, Mollie!). For a moment, I thought about signing up, too. I'm almost to the point where I'm considering another Disney race, but I was so drawn to this little race in Baldwin Park. There were just over 300 participants. No corrals, no fighting crowds, no tutu-- sorry, I really need to let that go.

My morning started splendidly with a pre-sunrise trip to a local park. I wanted some time to sit and relax before heading to the race course. We let Brooklyn run around and burn some energy. We may or may not have stopped for me to use the bathroom before heading to the course. AH! Race nerves! I told Ty that I seriously had no idea how I was going to run. I was just excited for the opportunity.

Pre-race with my pup!

Tyler jokingly said something about being the "Weim Wrangler" at the race. I found it so hilarious that I made him pose for a picture. Brooklyn made that face all on her own.

Best company I could ask for!

My start time was only about fifteen seconds after gun time (told you it was small!), and Ty and Brook watched me head off! I later found out that they went for a nice long walk and met different people and dogs at the race. I was just a little bit proud when Ty told me people were complimenting him on Brooklyn's good behavior. 

A down-side to small races is that it can be challenging to pace yourself. I was running only with a stopwatch and missed the first mile-marker (somehow?). I didn't know my pace at all really until I hit mile two at 16:00. My dad, a college letterman in cross-country and track, gave me this advice: find someone around your pace and try to stick with him. If he moves out of your sights, find someone else.

I tried to do that. One, gone. Two, gone. Three, gone. They were all too fast for me!

Finally, around mile three, I came up on a middle-aged woman who was steady and around my pace. For a half mile or so, we went back and forth: I passed her, she passed me, etc, etc. Then she just turned to me and said, "Let's stick together, okay? I'm Ellen. What's your name? And don't mind if I don't talk too much."

I was delighted! While were weren't talking "too much," I managed to find out that she is a nine-time marathoner. She was at mile 25.5 last year in Boston when the incidents took place. Apparently she had been injured during the race and likely would have been at the finish at the worst possible time, if not for the injury. She's fifty-one and has been running since age sixteen. I don't mind saying that I'm a slight person and typically buy my jeans in the smallest size. Let me just say that I have no idea where this woman shops. She was a tiny, feisty thing! I liked her, and she motivated me to keep pace. Since she had a GPS watch, I let her do the monitoring and just kept with her. She was truly a godsend!

Post-race with Ellen!

The course was beautiful! We ran around Lake Baldwin and on the Cady Way Trail. The runners were friendly and cheered for each other. It was a positive, motivating experience!

Mile 11 was the hardest. I felt It. Would. Never. End.

Unlike our recent 5K, I was giving it all I had at the end. I was breathless and couldn't have talked if I'd have wanted to. When I saw the finish line in my sights, Ellen told me to go on ahead. Somehow I found a little bit more energy and did just that.

I know, I know. It looks as if I'm first or last. That's just how not crowded it was. Did I mention I'm a fan of small races?

I had the best cheering committee ever! Ty spotted me approaching the finish line (which looped in the parking lot) and said, "Brook! It's Mom!" He began cheering immediately, and then the two of them ran next to me part way to the finish line. Brooklyn was quite excited after watching runner after runner come it!

She was also excited about the water bottles I got...

She eventually calmed down again! Hello, pretty puppy!

My mom was planning to attend, but she was a little bit delayed. Unfortunately for her, I ran faster than expected, so she missed me at the finish line. Fortunately for me, though, because I set a new PR: 1:49:41. Probably the only time ever I'll beat my record by over twenty minutes. I guess it really makes a difference when you don't have food poisoning. (Sinus infection? No big deal.)

We all know the best part about races - for the racers and spectators - is the much anticipated post-race meal. Mom made it to breakfast, and that's what counts! I felt a little gross walking into a restaurant, but nothing was coming between me and my coffee and bacado omelette, thank you very much.

We may have played hooky from church and crashed at home...

Races are tough on the support crew!

Pretending to be grumpy because I took their picture.

...and then gone to Disney!

 Tell me that's not the best of both worlds? RunLovelysmallrace and then PlayDisney.


Hollywood Studios time!

Stunt Show! Lightening McQueen now has a role!

Meeting characters is one of my favorite things to do!

After this photo, she just stared and said, "Very good, very good,"

Tons of characters were out! Even rare ones like Pinnochio, Mulan, Poppins, Belle, Hook, Stitch, and more!

Osbourne Lights were up!

By this point, my legs were KILLING me. I told Ty he was going to have to carry me to the car if we stayed much longer. We crashed at home at 8PM. Pretty sure we were both asleep by nine. Thankful for such a wonderful day running and being with my family.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween...

...From the Peter Pan Cast!

Oh, wait! That's my family at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party earlier this month. 

We look so incredibly like the cast that I almost didn't recognize us.

Last Friday, I hosted the Annual Halloween Musicale. Ty and I also threw a party the following night.  We aren't really party people, if you know what I mean. The last party we threw was a small gathering (mostly family) for my college graduation - in December. We really want to use our home to be hospitable, so we decided to throw a Halloween bash!

It was hosted by Wendy and...

...The Ghost Host (duh!)

He was such a sport at MNSSHP, but he said he didn't want to "wear a dress" at his own party. We recycled the hat from his John costume, and came up with this!

One of my favorite parts about Halloween is the themed food.

I had so much fun creating treats for our parties! Yes, the punch is teeming with sour gummy worms. 

But not every edible spooky has to be sweet!

Exhibit A: Bats!

Exhibit B: Spiders!

Here's some of the gang in the photo booth! Ty and I are sitting on a bale of hay. :)

(Of course we didn't think to take pictures before a handful of wonderful folks left. Rats!)

 I need to send this to Kelly; she'll get a kick out of it.

 Sone is acclimating to American culture just fine.

And for today? I'm going to work as a nerdy music teacher.

Oh, wait.

Do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do!

I do that every day. 

At least I'll be handing out candy on this special day!