New attitude: check.

Not an attitude check, but attitude — check.

I knew last night was going to have a couple of rough spots, but I chose to not worry about it, and it was lovely. The kids came through, and I was proud of one and all. Two were out sick (both went home from school during the day, so at least they made an effort to be there), but everyone else showed up in the single-digit temperatures, and the audience was great.

There’s something to be said about the conscious decision to stop fretting. It took me a lot of self-talk. You know, the out-loud kind, when you’re alone. They’ve done their best; just about everything I’ve asked of them. There might be some cracks in the mortar, but no one will notice but us. Just relax and enjoy the experience of a bunch of teenagers actually choosing to make art. And it worked. Imagine that.

Those who know me also know that the above comes at a great price. In music (though not in life in general), I’m a fixer. I will go to almost any length to get “the sound.” Well, short of calling evening rehearsals before concerts. Even I have my limits. :-)

Regardless, it’s all over with for another Christmas season after one more, and I’m certain I’m not alone in my relief. Every music teacher in America feels my happiness. Tonight is grades 5-8; should be fun.

Until the flip side…

6 thoughts on “New attitude: check.

  1. Rae

    Woah-cool! Yea, I was just reading through a post around this time last year and two years before. Both were about the same time and about “positivity” and how long it’ll last. Maybe this year will be different, eh? Self-talk (and some self-deprecation about the snob I was being) helped me last a while. Maybe this year will be different…

    Congrats! Let it flow..

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      Yeah, I probably contradicted myself about 10 times, too. HA

      I’m done now — more tea and maybe some dinner in our future!

      Reply
  2. Suzanne

    Hey you, I bet the concert was beautiful! Like you said, only you and maybe the kids would know of any “mistakes”; most concert goers are totally oblivious and are there to enjoy a nice evening of music presented by their kids.

    I, too, am trying to keep a level head during this busy season of delivering Christmas cards.

    Enjoy your break, sweets. :)

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      Thanks, friend! And I’m sure your workload has to be double around this time of year. Don’t you deliver on a bike? How does that work with people getting packages?

      I hope the rain lets up! :-/

      Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      Yay! Thanks, RD — bout time you got around to RtB from that busy retired life! You went underground and nobody heard from you! Ah wait…must be basketball season. :-)

      Reply

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