Happy New Year!

I've been very bad about posting lately, but that will all change soon. I have been saving up things to write about, actually, and hoped to get some good posting in over the break, but the stomach flu (followed by a brief but lovely vacation -- life is not so bad) took precedence.

I started work today at a small private school, filling in for a friend on maternity leave. I'm teaching 5-12th grade choirs and music directing their spring show, Seussical the Musical, which is based on the writings of Dr. Seuss and promises to be very fun. My schedule at the school is great (for example, I'm currently in the middle of a 3-hour break), and should leave me at least some time for practice and editing. So far, the worst part about it is getting up early -- my first class starts at 7:20 every morning! It's amazing how much longer the day is when one rises that early. Other than that, it's a great job. I've worked here, as a sub and as part of their musicals, on several occasions, so I feel at home, and the kids are great. My room is right next to the school theater, and has a very comfy couch in it, on which I'm currently lounging.

One down side to this job is that I'll be here more or less all day, Monday-Friday. It really cuts in to my flexibility schedule-wise, and I'm already feeling the effects as I try to schedule lessons and rehearsals around my job. It really makes me realize how lucky I am the rest of the time to have such a wonderfully flexible schedule. However, being so busy (and I'm in for one extremely busy spring) also makes me more productive, and believe it or not, more organized, if only out of necessity. I've cleaned my bathroom (sorely needed), and cleared off my desk, which I haven't seen the top of for months. I've organized my music and finally put away my summer clothes. I've even taken time to write out my 2006 goals and break them in to monthly installments. Some highlights:

• pay off all my remaining credit card debt and my car loan (this has been decreasing steadily this year, but this full-time job will definitely help!)
• continue to grow musically and vocally, and follow all paths I can find to help advance my career (there are specifics here, to be dealt with in another post.)
• keep my apartment organized and clean (a tall order, as both my husband and I tend to be slobs unless we have company coming over, but I'll never maintain my sanity this spring if I come home every night to a messy home). So far so good, and it feels great! Actually, Alec and I will hardly be there, which should keep it from getting too messy!
• re-lose the 10 pounds I gained back after losing 25 pounds on Weight Watchers last year

That's it for now! Happy New Year, everyone, and good luck with your own goals and resolutions!