Hitting the ground with at least one foot running

It's September 2nd, and so far, all is quiet. In fact as soon as the new CBC 2 Morning show started playing what they are referring to as "music" ... the bedroom got really quiet again. After 30+ years of never once hitting a snooze button, I've been converted... in fact, the snooze button is closely followed by the OFF button - a really really sad day for our national broadcasting service.

The quietness is going to change in a few hours though as the inevitable "back to reality" mode hits. On the list of things to do today is to finish up two course outlines and stand in front of a photocopier for a few hours while they all print. Apparently I have a TA for the course I'm teaching at U of A, and I was hoping I could use that person to do the copier work for me - but I haven't received confirmation of who this is - and class begins tomorrow at 9:00 AM.

Last week, almost certain disaster happened. We are one week away from the beginning of choir rehearsals, and we found out one week ago that the Oratorio "Solomon", which is the work I'll be conducting in late November with Richard Eaton Singers (Edmonton's symphonic choir) is completely OUT OF PRINT and won't be ready until mid-October. However, our incredible librarian and general manager found scores in Toronto, and low and behold, one-hundred-and-thirty copies of the piano vocal score should be somewhere en route, likely in a plane passing over western Ontario as we speak, and should be in the hands of our librarian tomorrow. Amazing really.

Other things on the to do list this week -- finish a job application, which will include putting together CDs and DVDs, prepare material for my church's concert series, including budget and PR related work, prep classes, including online material and powerpoint presentations, and prep rehearsals for next week!

The cats however are still sleeping unaware of the apparent cosmic shift in the world today.

Cats, Crackers and Cheese

It is the eve before my parents arrive from the east, and my lovely wife and I are madly cleaning house, making the spare room ready, drinking Australian Shiraz, and training the cats not to jump up on people. Well, the last one is going to be a loss cause. My mother isn't a big fan of anything that isn't bipedal - especially if most of their mass is covered in hair, and especially if they are stupid. Which describes both of our cats. We do love them dearly however - not to worry.

Plans for the weekend include a reception in honour of my graduation tomorrow night at a dear friends house. I'm not a huge fan of this kind of attention. ... Oh, hogwash - I love it, every minute of it - and I can't wait to share it all with my parents. I am a conductor after all, there needs to be some little tiny thread of self-right-ee-ousness, egotistical "LOOK AT ME" attitude, or I probably wouldn't be where I am today. However, the shy and quiet side is also evident at times - hence the anonymity of this blog. Anyhow, beautiful wife is right now in the kitchen putting together massive trays of veggies, crackers, and various sorts of cheese in preparation for tomorrow night.

Aside from the party tomorrow, and convocation on Thursday - everything continues on at the same rate of speed - which is somewhere between a brisk walk and a gentle gallop. I have a rehearsal with a whole pile of brass instruments and organ tomorrow afternoon, in preparation for a dress rehearsal on Monday, and concert on Thursday evening. Parents leave again on Friday midday - I'm predicting the week will fly by - but with much joy.

One of three potential job applications is now in the mail. The other two will be prepared after Christmas. Not holding much hope for any of them, but that's OK. The joy is - I love everything that I am doing - so if something comes along - it's going to have to be a good one!

Closing the Flu

This morning I finally got around to getting my flu shot. I haven't had one in a number of years. It seems that by the time I get around to thinking about getting my flu shot, I am too sick to take it, and it's too late in the season to worry about it. I actually felt sickness setting in on Monday, after my busy weekend, but I think I've managed to stay it off for the time being. Large doses of Cold FX and rest for the next few days should help.

Speaking of concert weekend - it was a very successful weekend all around. My chamber choir concert on Saturday night went exceedingly well, and was well received. A 75% standing ovation at the end of the show, which our faithful followers don't give very readily, so I was quite pleased. More importantly though, the choir peaked in all respects. The music making was some of the highest we have achieved - adding the level by which I was pleased.

The professional choir's show on Sunday was also a resounding success. As predicted early this week, it was exactly as what people expected. All were entertained in every sense of the word, which was the goal of the whole production.

This week brings in my inbox two job applications - one local - one out east. I'm not certain that either of them will go so far as shortlisting me, but I have to get into the routine of applying for everything that comes across my plate, so I will apply for all and everything that is available. I have to say, it does feel nice to see "Doctorate required" and be able to say "That's me!"

Parents are arriving on Saturday afternoon for a week - where I have a concert, and convocation on Wednesday. There is much joy to look forward to in the days ahead ...

Keep working Cold FX!!