Training

I've now survived 2 band trips in one month!  As I mentioned in my last post, our Ireland trip with Rick's North Central High School band was a huge success and was amazing.  I started a blog for them if you are interested in our adventures, please check it out nchsband.blogspot.com.  I'm not sure if the band staff will continue to use the blog for things other than Ireland, but it was a great chance for me to practice posting while on an international trip, and parents were able to keep track of us and see lots of pictures of their children.  Speaking of pictures...here are a few from that trip:

I also survived my Symphonic Band trip to the NAI festival in Atlanta, Georgia.  We had a wonderful trip and the kids played beautifully.  The weather cooperated, and NO ONE GOT SICK while we were there!

Luckily, the weather has steadily improved and I've had the opportunity to take my first longer ride on my new bike.  (I really feel like my bike needs a name at this point...feel free to send me your suggestions.  It is light grey with aqua/green accents and it is a Giant brand if that helps inspire you at all!).  The kids and I rode to Holliday Park for my inaugural ride (see, this is where I could insert the bike's name).  It was a little chilly, but as you can tell from the photos, the sun was shining!  Ah, spring at last!

I haven't had much of an opportunity to do other longer rides lately, however, I have been cross-training.  We are now officially registered to run the Geist Half-Marathon on May 18th.  In the past 3 weeks (and 4 of the days while we were in Ireland!) I've exercised everyday except one for 60+ minutes per day.  I'm on a streak here!

And last, but certainly not least, I've begun practicing bassoon as well as continuing with reading Mozart.    It is somewhat frustrating to practice bassoon (by the way, my bassoon's name is Joe) when you haven't played on a regular basis for the past 14 years or so.  Just like exercising, your muscles get out of shape!  It was a bit humbling to do so, but I recorded a quick excerpt of one of my favorite Milde etudes for your listening pleasure.  This will sort of be like the before picture when you are trying to lose weight.  It's not really very flattering, but it will make me feel better in the long run!