with frustrating regularity...

I managed to accomplish the first part of my practice schedule yesterday, but not surprisingly, I did not come back after my extended break. True, I had lots to do and I did get 2 hours in... But now I'm just disappointed in myself for once again, not reaching my goal. Today, I slept until 10:30. At 8:30 I had a little conversation with myself which reminded me of a performance I saw a couple of days ago by this woman who is called Dynasty Handbag. It's just this one woman who's character is a total fucking mess. Ratty hair in busted curlers, a ripped bathrobe and lipstick all over her face. Anyway, she her show begins with her in bed, trying to get up and start the day. She starts by telling herself, "get up, get up, get up get up...." Then eventually....."get the FUCK up!!! I'm going to fucking kill you if you don't get up...." It's really hard to recreate the whole thing here, but let me just tell you, it's fucking hilarious. AND, not only can I relate to Miss Handbag, but like her, I often loose that battle and go back to sleep. ummm...so now it's like 11. Sweet!

work starts in 15 minutes

Isn't ridiculous how you feel like you have to go through all of these morning rituals before work can actually begin. For me, it can be a 4 hour process. Making breakfast, coffee, eating, cleaning up, shower or no shower?? gym or no gym??, stretching, computer, bills, snack....it could really go on like this easily for an entire day. Believe me. But, today, I will be getting to work after two waking hours pass. Not too bad.

My practice plan: 1/2/2007
12-1 warm-up, scales and arpegg, octaves and double stop excercises (I have these great and somewhat evil books by Cassia Harvey called Double Stop Musings that I recommend if you're in to torturing yourself...but you feel buff after)

1:15-2:15 Britten
45 minutes of mvt VIII (presto) slowly and gradually with metronome
15 minutes review of recently "learned" mvts

Break

3:30-4:30 Britten
30 minutes of presto...continue where I left off
30 minutes of mvt VI (Andante espressivo)

I know this is pretty ambitious...but there is really no reason that this can't be done. I'll keep updating on my progress.

Happy New Year!

well...it's kind of funny how New Years often turns out. Tonight, I had no expectations or plans really. The only plan was that I was going to pick my husband up at the airport--finally home after a month long tour of Europe. All I cared about today was having a chill evening of homecoming happiness. Sadly for him, he is nearly incapacitated right now and is hopefully soundly sleeping... that after a month of not sleeping, being in an uncomfortable van followed by a long plane ride he is now home but with excruciating not moving kind of back pain. So with one hour of 2006 left, I am contently home, nursing my love as best I can. I have thoughts of a great year past. Enjoying a nice glass of wine and listening to the 3rd Haydn piano concerto...a new favorite. I have a really good feeling about the coming year. Of course you really never do know what life will throw at you, but I feel positive about this coming year. In fact, not that I was speaking of "resolutions," but my official new years resolution is to direct positive energy and light into myself and everything around me. Well, one day at a time...

The Procrastinator does what she does best...

It's unbelievable how many things I can manage to do INSTEAD of practicing. It seems simple enough? Sit down and work. Yet, I here I am writing a blog...about not practicing! No, it's not really going to be just about that. The purpose of this blog...well, truth be told, it really does feel like an inception of a brand new way to not practice. It is true that I am sitting at the computer and typing--and not working at the moment. But, I hope in the long run I will gain some insight as to why it is a struggle and how best to deal with it. Also, maybe I can be helpful to the many many other people who have trouble doing their work, practice, etc. So, if somebody out there in cyberspace is, like me, procrastinating their ass off and feels inclined to comment, advise, whatever, I welcome you with an open mind that is willing and hoping to change.