Cheesenotes

Giving Thanks

The year 2010 has been one of significant change and upheaval for me and my daughter, but now that we are settling in to our new home I realize that we have much to be thankful for. I'm thankful for my family, especially my brother and my parents, who have supported me and my decisions, the good and the not-so-good. I'm thankful for my true friends, both in the States and in Australia, who have kept in touch with me and kept my spirits high. I'm thankful for my dog, Jackie, my ever-faithful companion, who is more human than dog. I'm thankful for the Commonwealth of Australia, for the opportunities she has given me and the assistance she provides to single mums like myself. I'm thankful to have a home of our own, even though it is a rental, it is our peaceful sanctuary. I'm thankful for my health and the health of my daughter. I'm thankful for the Melbourne Opera Company, who fills my soul with the most glorious music for me to play and experience. Finally, I'm most thankful for my daughter, Skye, who makes me laugh and smile every day, and gives me hope for the future. Happy Thanksgiving.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Wow, so much has happened since February 5th (the date of my last post) - some good, some bad.
Here's a timeline:

Feb. 6 - my birthday - good
Feb. 25 - Lachlan's Gran (a.k.a. Great Granny Annie) passed away - bad
Feb. 27 - Jackie's 10th birthday - good
Mar. 2 - Australian Citizenship Ceremony - good
Mar. 7 - Lachlan's birthday - good
Mar. 10 - opening night of BARBER OF SEVILLE - good
Mar. 11 - audition with Sydney Symphony - bad (but good that I did it)
Mar. 20 - Skye's 2nd birthday - good
Mar. 27 - sat as Concertmaster for performance of BARBER - good
Mar. 28 - Lachlan and I decided to separate - bad

Hope you'll forgive me for not going into detail. Just know that we are both doing OK and trying to keep our relationship amicable, for the sake of everyone involved.

Now for some photos of happy times.

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...