Updates

So I finished my first full week of my new job. Oh the joys of being a musician, self employed, and doing what you love. Despite our groans and moans, the Lord does delight in giving us the delights of our heart. It is not always on our time schedule, and it doesn't all come at once. Two things I have found out. Even what I am doing now is not the end. I think that is what I find fascinating. Each phase gets better and better as it goes along God's path of our planned lives.

This week I truly enjoyed taking each day as it came. I woke up every morning with a deep breath, asking God for the grace to just take it a step at a time. Now being self-employed there are many challenges. But if one can just take it as it comes, there is a calmness to be found. I had some wonderful moments, and some moments of frustration. But I can truly say I learned so much this week.

And each of my students has so much to teach me personally. They are all so different---in their vocal qualities, backgrounds, pursuits, personalities. I love it. Being involved with so many different people is very fascinating to me. Learning how to communicate with each one effectively is a delightful challenge to me.

The week ended well with a good Saturday of teaching. I have such gifted people in my studio. Today I taught a new student who is so excited about this next step in their vocal career. So many questions. I love helping each of my girls through this musical path. There is so much to be compared to with life in general. Sometimes I think if I would take my own advice to heart, I would be so much better off.

Practice has gone well this week. Being able to come at it fully rested has become such and special experience for me. I am looking forward to my own lessons! I am very much ready for a renewed focus.

You know, the Lord has been and is being very good to me. I am truly grateful and humbled for what He has placed before me in this next journey----and excited to say the least.

A WICKED Weekend

So I have to tell you about my wicked weekend.

Before you freak out, not it wasn't like that! So just clear your minds!

I went to see WICKED this past weekend at the Ford's Oriental Theatre, downtown Chicago. It is so not like what you imagine from the title. Instead it is the rest of the story to the Wizart of Oz---both prequel and sequel. Wow was it incredible. From the cast of singers and actors to the acting itself, to the staging and set! I have never before witnessed such a performance where 100% of the cast was 100% involved in their personal part. I got chills so many times! And it was just purely delightful music. Belting done in its proper technique!!! I really need to research this style of singing.

Each character was truly delightful and convincing! What a story.

On top of going to this production, my friend and I toured the Cultural Center, ate dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company while walking up and down Chicago.

With this weekend came several evenings of staying with my friends, movies, the Olympics, Fish dinners, music, and oodles of popcorn. Oh and did I mention fishing!!! Didn't catch anything, but it sure was fun. I got some bites, but no eating!

And so it began!

Today! It had its complete beginning today! It wasn't just patchwork! It is official! What a wonderful feeling to look back over a day having accomplished so much doing what you love!!!!

Today I taught some new students, transitioned some current students, practiced, researched, prepared. WOW I did a little bit of everything. Literally! Even got my flier finished for my student's recital finished! Kinda like it myself. :)

And to see their eyes as they walked in, and their expressions as they watched themselves in the floor length mirror, and their reactions as they viewed the pictures and equipment! It was classic. I often felt my eyes fill with tears and my stomach flury with excitement.

I loved it! Teaching, practicing, researching----MUSIC! I LOVE MY JOB!

A New Phase!

As I sit here sipping my coffee, preparing for my new day--my new job--my new start--I feel a certain amount of nervousness settle in. And yet, mixed in with those nerves is a strange sense of calmness. I don't really know what is causing the nerves---a little bit of everything maybe (from fear to excitement). But I think it is good.

You see I start a new phase of life today! What thought. Yesterday at 4:00, I literally walked out the office door of my former job, and didn't look back. I felt no anger, no bitterness, no regrets. I had no thoughts really---except for, "Don't look back, Shellie. Just keep walking!" And I did!

I think there comes a point in life when you just decide to go on. Hindsiight is always 20-20. I wish I could have come to that realization sooner. But I am also aware that there is a time for everything.

And so the healing begins. I don't know what this phase holds. Today, I don't care. Well, right now, I don't. Who knows what today holds! :) My thoughts could change! I'll let you know! Tee hee! But right now, I move on. Forgetting those things which are behind, looking forward to the Glorious Hope that God has placed before me.

Just saying HI

Hi Sheri and Stacye! Hope you are well today and that you have a good day! :)
I love you both and miss you ever so much!

Memories Worth Having

Today was my birthday! Another year down and another to go! :) I will admit that I don't feel any different. I guess that is good. 26 is a good age. Just like 25 was.

It was a quiet day. Kinda peaceful. But still full of memories. You see, I have the best family in the world, who made me feel loved in many ways on this 26th year of my life. My mom and dad drove all the way up just to have lunch with me. It was so good to see them and just sit down and talk. I truly enjoyed their company. They got here, looked at my new house and my new studio set up. Mom made some suggestions and we made a couple changes. Then she gave me some birthday presents! :) Tee hee! Some new clothes and a popcorn bowl! I LOVE it! I have been searching high and low for one. You see, I am a popcorn fanatic.

Then we went to Ihop and just talked and talked and talked. They left town 3 hours after arriving. And I went on with my day!

My sister, Sheri sent me a gift card for Crate and Barrel. I love Crate and Barrel---because I truly can be a homey person. I love kitchen stuff! :)

This morning I called home to remind everyone that it was my birthday. (As if they forgot). But nevertheless I called! :) Told mom and dad I had cut my hair and was wearing a new outfit.

Stacye texted the birthday song to me! I love it when she sings to me over the phone in text messages. I have no doubt that she sings a long with it too! :0 Quite beautifully I might add! :)

Yes, I have the best family in the world. What a different, but memorable way to celebrate my birthday! What love! I am so blessed. What memories!

I still have a party to go! :) With friends. I have wonderful friends too, as you can see. They sure know how to make someone not feel alone. I love them all for it!

Happy Birthday, Me!

YES! IT WAS ME!

I went home last night to "experiment" with a "new recipe". Probably not so new to most people. But when you are working with a stove and a kitchen when you haven't had one for two years, well, life can be different. And especially when it is a gas stove. Who knows what could happen.

I fixed up my dinner, which turned out superbly! Very tasty. A form of spaghetti, but not quite. But oh so good. Yes, I am enjoying cooking and such!

I had set out enough chicken for dinner last night and a chicken salad sandwich today for lunch at work. I was being so good about being on top of things. So around 7 I put my last Chicken on to boil so that I could shred it and make up my chicken salad later. I promptly left it to boil on the stove and went to my studio to get some work done.

No big deal. All was good.

Well, I got lots done last night. Really I did. Until I smelled this unusual aroma. HHMMMMMM! What could it be!

"Oh NO!" I thought.
"My Chicken."

I rushed upstairs, only to find the glass lid all black, no water in the pot, and a rather, well sad looking burnt chicken (only on the bottom though). I picked up the pot and rushed outside for fresh air.

10 minutes later I came back in. Set the blackened lid on the stove, put the little chicken on a towel, and placed the pot in the sink with water and soup.

Bless me, I was able to use most of the chicken. It was more than done. No need to worry about disease from raw meat from me today!!!

And let's just say that the pot is still sitting in water in the sink today!

But oh the house! I was embarrassed. I turned on the ceiling fan. Anything to get the smell out. Didn't work. My roommate got home before the smell left home. All I could say was, "Yes, It was me! I burnt my chicken. SORRY!" There was a smile and a chuckle with a word of encouragement, "That Happens. I've done it before."

Didn't make me feel better, but hey, at least we were all of one understanding!

Woman's Work

Have you ever asked yourself the question: Are there really things that women should stay out of---you know, things that only men should do? Well, I found myself face to face with that question tonight! And let me tell you folks! I defeated fate!!!!! I mean I glared it right in the face and accomplished the task! Women can do anything they put their minds too. Of that fact I am sure. I am not convinced that we always should! But that is not the question! Should and Could are two different words. I preferred the could end of things this evening.

You see, 12 of my favorite CDs were stuck in my Car CD Changer. I needed them, since I will be starting my home studio shortly! My dad and I had determined that the changer was probably shot anyway since it had decided to die on me literally a couple weeks ago.

So tonight I decided to tackle the feat of getting to my CDs. First one screw, then another, then another, and another, and another. And kaboom! it just escalated!!!!! I pried and pulled, figured out I had forgotten a couple more screws. Parts flew here and there. Pieces broke off. Nails (as in fingernails, ladies). Yes they all broke! And I scraped up my fingers!

But finally, my CD segment popped out! I had accomplished my feat. As I looked back over the changer, a bit of remorse for the poor thing hit me. Then I remembered that it was dead already. So I dumped it all into itself, and came inside.

Have no fear, the CDs are safe and in their cases. The changer: well, if one could die a little more! It did!

So, should women tackle electronics and such. Well, they CAN! If they want to!!!

You decide: do you WANT to?

And yes, I did come in promptly and file my fingernails!!!

Continuing On

So last night ended up being a movie. You will never believe which one! BABE! I will admit that I am a sucker for old movies. I grew up on them: Little House on the Prairie, Knight Rider, Hogan's Heroes, Doris Day, Judy Garland, Fred Astaire. You name it, I probably watched it!!!! And loved them all.

I remember when BABE came out years ago. The fondest memory I have is that of my sister, Stacye, being fascinated with the high singing mice. They squeaked out their hilarious little tunes and titles of the various movie sections. What a hoot. So I am working through this movie. Maybe I will finish it tonight. It is my third try at it!! :) Sorry. Can't help it. I get tired!

I accomplished MUCH today! Finished getting all boxes unloaded. Got my studio basically finished. At least to a point where I am down to the final touches: an end cabinet of some kind to go by my piano and some files for my teaching. It is really growing on me. I LOVE it. I can't wait to use it! The floor length mirror is a great touch! I know it will kill my students. Oh well!!!! Some things are a must.

I also got some personal files tidied up a bit! That was a relief. And finished my private studio policies and paperwork. I hope to send out contracts and letters next week! Here's to hoping.

I finished the evening with a Taco Salad for dinner (one of my favorites), tea on the porch (White Chinese Honeydew), and a chat with my best friend, Trista. Haven't talked to her in a while. She is really getting out into the community accompanying. May I take this opportunity to advertise that Trista is a fabulous accompanist. Another proof that true accompanists are NOT a dime a dozen. It takes real talent. And she has it. Her next endeavor is to accompany for a professional opera bass! How cool is that!

Well, I am going now. I still have things to get done, but while I am coming down the home stretch, all will get done in God's good time. He is proving so much to me right now. Mostly His Love and Grace. How humbled I am at receiving things I do NOT deserve. Oh how refreshing it is to finally find the perfect Person to rely upon. He has always been there, it just took me a while to believe it. Some days I still struggle, but I find Him always beside me---leading me, encouraging me, teaching me. What a God I serve!

End of a Full Week of Changes!

Well, I will admit that I don't feel very inspired tonight. I have been doing some cleaning and rearranging. I'm tired and know that tomorrow holds a day with a mess on my studio floor. All for a good cause though! Unless I make the mess, I won't get it clean and orderly! So I am about to power down for the evening with a bag of popcorn and well................haven't decided on a movie or quiet time! We'll see! :)

However, as I look over this last week, is has been just that! So much going on. I have now been at my new home one week. It feels so good! I truly am enjoying it. Just coming home has been very healing to me! I am almost done "unpacking" and that brings a sigh of relief. I can't wait to move my students into my studio! I got my Victorian Secretary moved in. It has so much storage space. That is what I am tackling tomorrow---putting up my actual studio items of files, music, cds, books, etc.

This week was different at work too. A nice change of pace. Did a lot of training with the lady who will be taking my position. I definitely worked a full schedule this week! :) So much to go through, yet at such a nice pace. All will be just fine. I've had to take my lunch to work and stay through all day vs. being able to go home like I did before. I have even found that enjoyable. I often go and sit outside in the sun. I love the sun. It gives me such hope and energy! Watching the birds in the Willow Trees is exhilarating as well. What wonders God has made! Such color and art.

Oh the little things in life that make a difference: Cooking on a stove, sitting in your backyard, working in the back yard, putting up curtains, having internet at home. You know---those little things you never think about! But those are the things that bring pattern and enjoyment to life! I guess just being normal is very refreshing---You know, realizing that you are doing what every other human being in the world is doing---or at least should be doing. Oh, the things you take for granted!

I did teach at my home a few times this week. LOVED it!!! Gives me something to look forward to over the next few weeks!

May this year---each moment---ever live in my memory, reminding me of the journey I have been on these last few years.

Well, I am done rambling. Perhaps I will make more sense tomorrow night! I am going to look forward to the opportunity of keeping you updated more often!

The MOVE

Well! It's done! I moved. Not unpacked, but definitely moved.

I have been in my new house for 3 nights now! What a change. I will admit that the first day and night were a bit rough. But after getting some much needed sleep, I actually have been able to relax and enjoy it! I love my kitchen and backyard! How fun to utilize both of them. And of course the weather is great here to just sit outside and enjoy it! My kitchen is small and cozy. Christina and I spent Friday and Saturday totally taking it apart and redoing it!!! At least it is clean and organized now!

My room: well still has miles to go, as does my studio. But they are both coming. I finally got my wardrobe set up, so I am eager to start in on my clothes today!!!! It has been fun to pudz up to this point and rearrange. But now to the hard work!!!

I do have stories to share! Of course!

Saturday: I'm driving home from a wedding and grocery shopping in Schaumburg. I was ready to be home and I had a car full of frig food. I turn onto Walnut and there you have it! The street is blocked. Now keep in mind, I just moved. I know one way to get home! So I sat for a few minutes then turned around and took a side street. I had NO clue where I was. So I kept driving! Well, needless to say, I ended up on Barrington Road, all the way at the end of Hanover Park, with no clue how to get home. So I called one roommate. No answer. So I called the roommate out of town. Well, she answered and got me home!!!

Sunday: I was up! I was ready! I was heading out the door. Turned around to lock it and it wouldn't lock. Well that's no good. It has to be locked. So I pried, and pleaded, and twisted, and turned. No luck. So I set my stuff on the ground outside, came inside and tried to lock it from the inside. No good. Finally after about 20minutes of struggling, I decided to lock it, close it, and go through the garage. Only to find out that my roommate had left the garage door open for me. And here I had been outside, and didn't even see the HUGE OPEN Garage door behind me to my immediate right. So I hit the buttom and ran. All was good.

But I was late to church! :)

Well, that is all for now. I really do need to start in on unpacking today! That was the point of being home!