Memories are fresh

I've had a lot happen in the last few weeks.  Work got pretty hectic and last night was our final orchestra concert of the year.  They played so well -- I am impressed.  The compliments came flowing and still are.  The principal was beyond impressed which is always good.  :)

So last week I did pretty much no training.  I think I ran twice?  Lifted weight maybe once?  I don't remember.  It was quite a blur.  Saturday was spent at a student's school recital.  Sunday I finally got back into training -- thank God.  It felt so good to get back to it!

I've had some music-related opportunities come up that has me very excited!  I might be doing a chamber music thing in Chattanooga, TN, I'm trying to get a jazz combo together, I'm going to Montreal to perform with the Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra (with my cuz Cullen -- he called me into it) and now I'm very excited about this bluegrass night at the Marietta Square.  This has me pretty motivated for playing music again.  I haven't performed with people much in the last 7 years and it has been killing me.  This weekly bluegrass thing has me very excited though.  It just a jam session with about 20-30 other musicians on the sidewalks of the Marietta Square.  It was so much fun to watch yesterday.  I promised a man that I would bring my bass next week and now I can't wait.  I get to learn a new skill!  Yes!

Monday while I was at work, I got a call from Dad.  My cousin's husband, Bruce (aka "Goose), died of a heart attack Monday morning.  I got very upset and left work within a couple of hours.  After sitting at home doing some work stuff, I changed and went to the pool.  I hadn't gone swimming since my lesson a week and a half ago.  Thought I wouldn't get much done.

I was so surprised that I was totally focused and felt great in the pool!  I finally stopped sinking when rolling for air.  I felt rejuvenated.  I felt smooth in the water and I felt strong.  I plan on trying to go again tonight -- I hope it goes just as well as last time.  I only have 10 days before the PTC SuperSprint Triathlon.

I went for a run afterward.  I felt really strong then too.  Things felt good overall on Monday.

The whole time I was training, I never thought about Bruce.  However, as soon as I stopped, I started thinking about Bruce.  :(  His death was so unexpected.  He has always been healthy.  He is a former Marine who stayed in shape after retiring from service.  He never had a care in the world.  You could never have a serious conversation with the man -- he was too full joy and laughter.  He raised a fabulous family.  Now he's gone.  Just like that.  Our lives do go on, but coping sure is difficult.

I really didn't want to go to work Tuesday, but I had to do that concert.  I couldn't postpone it and I couldn't just cancel it.  Bruce wouldn't have wanted me to do that anyway.

If it wasn't for this stupid meeting after school, I'd go ahead and go home.  I really don't want to be at work.  Service is on Saturday.  I'm going to see if I can take off work for Friday.