Play it Again

This is a concert week for my chamber orchestra. Concert weeks practically mean Ara has to move out. We have night rehearsals until 10 pm and Ara's bedtime is 7:30 pm. Tonight, though my nice brother and his girlfriend came over and hung out while we were at rehearsal. We put Ara down early and she slept like an angel the entire time. If only we could do that every time. I made a big batch of beans (mother-in-law's recipe) so we could feed everyone tostadas and they actually came out good! I'm excited, these beans are like my m-i-l's speciality and she has tried to show me how to make them twice now. 'A' even said they were good and he is the pickiest man alive. I talked to an old friend on the phone today, she re-found me through my website and emailed me. We were roommates for a year and then housemates for another maybe 2 years I think. It's so nice to hear her voice and know she is doing well. We hope to meet up one of these days, she is living in phoenix now so it's a bit of a drive. I can't wait for her to meet Ara.

Playing-wise I've been feeling a slight lack of confidence. I have been analyzing my vibrato and reminding myself to play the phrase. We used to have this joke back in school that I was a good player as long as I never "took apart the TV". Here I am taking it apart though and I still can't say that is a good thing. It can be challenging to teach something you take for granted. When I feel that disconnect between the music and my feelings I go through this frustrating cycle. I need to know why I get stuck in these ruts and how I can get out of them. I used to keep a playing diary (shut-up I'm a nerd) where I would write down the measure/piece/concept that I was struggling with. So that is what I am starting here. You don't like it? Me neither, lets hope it passes.

P.S. I am sick and tired of sentences that require commas and apostrophes.