I always get stressed before my students perform.  Tomorrow morning’s performance (at the weekly Chapel, but for a special “Grandparent’s Day”) is at 8:30 am; therefore I am stressed tonight.  Firstly, I have to get up VERY early to be there on time (6:15 to 6:30 am, very early for me).  Secondly, I don’t know exactly what is going to happen so I am not sure how tuning will happen or what the set up is.  Thirdly, there is of course the usual stress as to whether the kids will behave, freak out, etc.  We are only doing a few pieces, but this is the first time I am “performing” for the school and naturally I am nervous for myself as well!  Wish me luck .  It’ll all be over by 9:30 or so…and then I’ll have another week before another student performance.  (This month contains FIVE different concerts.  Luckily I am not in charge of any of them, we just show up and play.)  The kids will be great of course—they have been working hard and we have likely over-rehearsed. 

Today was a day off from work, so I decided to double down on workouts.  I am still within my two week unlimited Bikram time frame, so I figured I should head back and torture myself again.  Wow, it was still very hot!  I had a lot of trouble feeling like I was going to pass out.  Maybe I was pushing myself too hard?  The teacher lectured me after class about not going directly from trying the posture to sitting down (instead, I should stand with arms by sides first) but I really didn’t want to pass out.  I’ve fainted in my life, and I know how it feels when I am about to.  That is not the time for continuing to stand.  She also suggested I should wait to try a posture again until I really feel up to it.  Maybe I will go to a larger, busier class next time so I won’t be the only one sitting out!  (Yes, I know it’s meant to be non-competitive.  Not my forte!)

Then I had a workout with Mike.  First one since Thanksgiving—it was tough but as usual fun.  I am feeling more like myself again after all the butter!  (You know, from stuffing and turkey and pies and cookies).

I also did tons of emailing—I think I’m actually caught up on my “correspondence.”  It’s amazing how much time goes into communication/scheduling with the parents and teachers. 

HBBC:  90 minutes Bikram Yoga: 4.5 points, 1 mile walk: 1 point, 60 minutes cardio/strength workout: 3 points.  Total: 8.5 points.

Okay, after a fairly relaxing week, this upcoming week will be nuts!  It’s all due to my upcoming performance with Chamber Project St Louis.  Well, not all–but the extra busy is.  I also have another new student this week (that makes one each week for about four weeks), and that fills up my home teaching schedule until something changes.  I can’t believe how many students I’ve added at home in the past month!  Usually I add more in August, but this year has been different.

I had a great lunch today with my friend Melissa.  We went to Bar Italia and sat outside (it was a bit cool, but nothing we couldn’t handle).  I hadn’t been before, but will definitely go again!  I was starving after my “long run” in the morning (ran 1 hour 10 minutes doing a 8 minutes run/2 minutes walk ratio, nice, slow and easy) and really enjoyed my lunch–food and company.

After that we had rehearsal for the Chamber Project concert.  We’ve been working hard and are down to our last few rehearsals.  It should be a great concert, but I am getting pretty stressed–it’s a big program!  I haven’t played at the venue “The Chapel” before, but people say it’s really great.  If you are local and free Friday night, come to our concert!

What else this week?  Two weddings, lots of running/working out, TONS of teaching as usual (no days off this week) and of course Election Day.  Yes, I’ll be voting.  Will you?