Stepping from the Spotlight

As I mentioned, I am accompanying at a ballet studio two nights a week. I'll admit I was a bit nervous about this altogether new endeavor, especially since I am ignorant of nearly all ballet terms and certainly all techniques.

During my college years, I wouldn't have thought twice about accepting this job (it was actually offered to me, indirectly, while I was still in school). I would have argued that teaching pays significantly better and that the classes are past my bedtime. Yes, I calculated life as if it were an algebraic equation. X always equaled practice. I turned down most invitations or opportunities unless I was sure this equation would balance by the end the day.

While I still aim to fit in my practice and hit the hay early, I am finding that I take joy in other things, as well. For instance, being here:

It's not about me. It's about providing music for the dancers. As long as I'm steady and accurate, I'm really unnoticed. And you know what? That's okay. I get the privilege of sharing in their art. Stepping out of the spotlight (and literally into the corner!) has been a wonderful thing. I love being in their studio. It has given me the chance to venture into an entirely different world - while still doing what I love. It's definitely a change from high-concentration practice and teaching. The atmosphere is terrific; I love watching the instructor interact with his students, as he evidently loves his job.

Funny story: on Monday, I entered the lobby for the first day of regular classes. One of the gals behind the desk looked at me and quickly said, "You must be the pianist." Perhaps it was the glasses and Converse? People have always told me I look like a dancer, but I guess they were all speaking without any authority in the matter. Clearly I do not look like a ballerina, and clearly I chose the correct profession.

(Phew! Glad I look like a pianist!)

Thankful for a full week and the provision of work - work that I enjoy! 

On the Job

Work is in full swing!

My home students are in their third week of lessons, and I began my ballet class accompanying job last week. Today was my first day at the music conservatory. 

My days are long and full, but I'm loving it. Week days entail roughly ten hours at the piano - either practicing, teaching, or accompanying (or all three). I guess it's a good thing I love what I do, right? 

Always checking my "balance temperature," because I know how easily my obsessive work ethic can spike to dangerously high levels. Some days it doesn't all get checked off the list. And that's because some things are more important. (Like dog park dates with Ty and Brook, feeding my family, and spending time with a sister who lives out of the country most of the year.)

Slowly I'm becoming okay with the fact that there will be always be work left incomplete. So thankful for people in my life who understand that hardship and fight alongside me. 

Enough about humans. ;)

Brooklyn has realized that if she wants to be close to me, she has to be near the piano. She brought her blanket out of her crate and dragged it to the piano last week. The habit has countinued. How cute is that?! Don't worry,though, Brooklyn still gets daily exercise and more than her fair share of affection. :) 

See?

Yes, I'm blogging from bed. And yes, she's sitting completely on top of me. 

I have a scheduled break between students up at the conservatory. During my break today I got my hands on this beauty (literally!) for an hour. 

I teach from two different "studios." One of them happens to be a church sanctuary. 

I guess it's not too shabby. (You'd better believe I was geeking out!)

And my other studio is a room with a lovely window. 

I am still shocked that all of this has fallen into place. I feel blessed far beyond my expectations and needs. I don't deserve any of this. I hope to keep this perspective as the new becomes the everyday. I want to marvel when it's the mundane. 

The Secret Weapon

As I previously mentioned, we are warring the roaches over here. Ty brought out the big guns, and I haven't seen a bug in the kitchen since.

And then we had a huge rainstorm.

This morning I encountered two more roaches. Thankfully, neither invaded my breakfast space. Even more wonderful is the fact that my guard doggie was on duty. This one will do what it takes to protect me! (Hear that, robbers? She vicious.)

Folks, she's the secret weapon. The bugs have met their match with Brooklyn.

See that speck near the ceiling? Even this smaller roach did not escape Brooklyn's sight!

In case you're wondering, we do not allow her to make a habit of climbing the walls. I've never even seen her try that before. Extreme measures were called for today. Ty said he was proud of me for not screaming and waking him up. :)