Nineteen weeks of school down, twenty-one to go. Not quite to the “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel” phase yet, and shame on me for even thinking it, but I know it’s there.

I think it’s going to be a good semester. Not without its problems and uncertainties, but there is good music to be made out there, and I’m confident my students are up to the task.

True confession: I have not had a cup of coffee since New Years Eve. I don’t really miss it as much as I thought I would. It’s all part of my rock and roll fantasy; my dream of being dependent on zero substances, and thereby improving my overall health and outlook. Not that I won’t ever drink coffee, mind. I love the stuff. I just don’t think it needs to dictate my morning routine anymore, decaf or not. ‘Sides, I already have enough stuff in my life that makes me jittery.

I’m trying to break some ancient habits, like always having a mug of coffee at my keyboard during 1st period — though lately, it’s been tea. I don’t need that, either. So we’ll just see how this day goes, not having my liquid luck for 6th grade rehearsal. It’s insane how we (or at least I) come to look on ridiculous substances as ritualistic necessities (although the science is often in our corner). I seek to break those surly bonds in an effort to rid my life of destructive influences — and not just food-related ones, knowwhatimean?

All right, back to the school house we go. It’s been a fun and enlightening winter break, but I long to get back to educating young minds, one wrong note at a time.

FO