Back in the Swing of Things

School holidays are finally over, and life is back to normal. I'm probably the only one in the house who is happy about that, but oh well. We had a lovely few days down on Phillip Island. Highlights for me were the Koala Conservation Centre, the Penguin Parade and the Nobbies Boardwalk. We also went to a "Tex Mex" restaurant on our last night. It wasn't too bad - although the lemon-flavored margarita left a lot to be desired.

Chelsea has started 2nd grade and really likes her new teacher, Miss Ladd. I like her too, because she gave them homework on the first day of school. Chelsea is still learning the violin from yours truly and about halfway through Book 1 of "Tricks to Tunes." She is also starting to play basketball and is quite scrappy. What she doesn't have in height, she makes up for with speed and determination.

Little Skye is learning new things all the time. This week, she started to sing along with the Wiggles DVDs and with me when I sing "Edelweiss" to lull her to sleep. I've posted a video recording of her singing with me. She'll be singing in perfect harmony by her 2nd birthday, I can feel it. She has also just started going to occasional care for about an hour a couple days a week. This is a big step for her as she has never been in a day care facility. The first time was fine. The second time, when I came to pick her up she was standing by the door and immediately grabbed on to my leg, bawling her little eyes out. I felt terrible! But they assured me that it was normal. At least I know she loves me.

As for me, I've got a few goals for 2010 that I'm working on. I'd like to get back to work, either as an administrator (preferably for a music-related organization) or as a violinist in a professional orchestra. So to that end, I have been applying for jobs all over the place and I've been practicing regularly on the usual orchestral excerpts and violin concertos required for auditions. My former violin teacher, Sascha, whom I deeply admire and respect, once told me that preparing for auditions is like preparing for battle. He added that I shouldn't give up until I have taken at least 40 auditions! So there you have it. Stay tuned for updates on my road to 40 auditions...

Skye lined these figurines up all by herself. Taking after mummy with the neatness!