Regroup!

I've done a terrible job keeping up with this, but this is mostly because I've been so busy.  Mission accomplished?  I had planned on only keeping this for the summer but I'm concocting a plan.  Explanation of said plan and recap of the summer will follow.

A good sign (has a ghost on the back of it.)

The fact that I haven't even thought of this blog in days is a good sign.  I've been incredibly busy and have been doing very little squandering.  Successes:

1) Two shows played, slight bass skill improvement
2) Playing guitar more regularly
3) Some sewing and alterations attempted
4) New dishes cooked
5) Some reading done
6) Lots of hanging out and reconnecting with friends

It's getting to the point where it feels like summer is already slipping out of my hands and everyone is leaving and I'm not at all prepared for the new job.  I'm trying to not let melancholy color my days.  I'd rather let grass and watermelon and friends and music and books do that.

Finally beautiful weather.

This week is shaping up to be beautiful.

I spent most of the weekend with friends and it was well spent that way.  Yay for amusment parks and water slides and early bed times! 

This week is going to be busy with bass playing for the upcoming shows.  I'm so happy about this!  There's part of me that suspects that this could be what gets me writing again.  A jump start of sorts.  Yesterday I tackled 5 songs out of 8.  Today I try to figure out bass lines for the last three.

Working out is becoming a routine and I'm feeling so much better about myself.  It feels great to get stronger.  It makes me want to run around ninja-kicking and air-punching.

I wandered around looking for old fabric today to make pillows, found some beautiful old linens, and then put them down.  Why did I do this?  No, really, why?  I blame my tired-face and headache.

A friend-lunch date was exactly what I needed today.  Kelli is someone I love very much and do a terrible job with keeping in touch.  We have plans next week!  Imagine that, it really is that simple. 

Headache headache headache nap. Hello new begonias!

A new job.

It's been a busy couple of days!  I interviewed for a job on Wednesday and learned that I got it by 1 in the afternoon.  I've been trying to get hired full time for years, it's such an amazing thing to finally have it happen.  The kids at Lincoln will be greatly missed though.

In sewing news, I altered a dress and a shirt.  I know absolutely nothing about sewing, so this is a pretty big success. 

I'm struggling with getting any music done.  I restrung my guitar and played a little, but it's something I prefer to do when I have long, quiet stretches of time.  That time simply hasn't happened.  Friend time is always too appealing to turn down.  I'm playing with the Lonelyhearts next weekend though, so I will absolutely have to get practicing.

Yesterday was spent in Ames seeing Mark.  Happy day!  We parked it, walked it, ate it, record stored it.  Today I'm putting serious goals aside and going to the beach FINALLY.  The recent two weeks of constant thunderstorms really didn't allow for beach parties.

I've taken a lot of pictures over the last few days, but i'm totally lazy and I'm not going to bother.  Beach beach beach beach beach...

A Little Break

So I'm going to be honest, I slacked a lot over the last three days and there's no way around it.  I figure that's sometimes necessary.  I DID manage to fill my time with action rather than inaction, and that's the whole point.

Saturday: Impromptu stranger wedding!  Andre and I  drove out to a beautiful farm house and spent the day eating, talking, seeing a wedding, playing ping pong and croquet, and dancing to samba music.  Success.  No reading, no working out, no making music.  A lot of being happy.

Sunday: Family day!  I drove up to Cedar Rapids to spend some time with Mom and Dad on Father's Day.  I made some pizza, which is ALMOST like making something new because it is very involved and I've only attempted it a couple times over the years.  No reading, no working out, no music.  A lot of being happy.

 Monday: A day of trying to get things together.  Nicole and I had a workout date in the morning and certainly made it worth the trip to the gym.  After that, I cleaned up a bit at home and did a little reading (finally! geesh, loser).  I did some major TV time with Klang once she got back into town and lazed around with Andre.  Reading? Yes.  Working out?  Yes.  Making music?  No.  Ugh.

Today: Another work out date with Nicole.  We did an hour of yoga that made me swear like a sailor and doubt that there is good in the world.  I think I need to work on my concentration and breathing, yeah?  Felt much better when it was done.  My teaching book came in the mail so I starting getting some professional reading in.  I also managed to buy guitar strings to replace my broken and worn down ones.  Little steps.

Here's hoping tomorrow's weather allows for some beach time, right?  It's criminal how little I've been able to go this summer.

Yesterday and today.

I finished the in class part of my class yesterday and don't have to worry about it again until I start the school year.  Glad it's done, glad I have an interview next week, glad to have work ducks in a row.  I like the sound of that: work ducks.

The rest of the day?  A little reading, a True Blood episode, a lot of dancing.

Today is this: lunch with Gables/Geoff, Toy Story 3, radio show (klangandmer.blogspot.com), burlesque, more dancing probably.

Master your face!

Today I went to my first class that gives me graduate credit.  Actually moving towards a masters?  I'd say that's a decent enough accomplishment.  I have homework even.  Then?  Then I'm going to read this:

Then some music maybe?  Definitely a bike ride at least.