You know when people say “if i had only known then what i would go thru…” that’s how i feel. August 29th – my personal d-day – not only was it the day of my move after 15 years in a small apt crammed to the gills – but it was also the day Katrina destroyed New Orleans and the Gulf Coast were i grew up and had family living there. I had no idea that three months later I would still be reeling from those two events as well as a surgery that had been very scary for me (not a life threatening event). I had never had surgery – and this one involved one of my senses that is dear to me as a musician. The good news is that now – months later – the operation was a success and the outcome is very good!

i wish i could say the same for my unpacking! slowly i trudge along – part of the hold up has been the construction of much needed storage in this very storage-challenged apt. I knew it about the apt when i made the decision to move there were other reasons to take the apt – but what i didnt realize was that it would be months before i would get all the work done and still be unpacking. however, the other good news is that i found a FABULOUS carpenter and he has continued to come back (!) and we have created some really good solutions to the challenges. NOW i just need to finish unpacking!

Its not all bad – the Kitchen and Bathroom have been done except for a few minor things (touch up painting and electrical work in the kitchen-new ceiling light. The Music room – one of the main reasons i took this apt (its the front room and faces the front porch and street) – is unpacked and set up – EXCEPT for the clothes on the piano and in boxes -which i am in the midst of sorting thru and give away/store/keep to wear. And that has to happen soon because when I returned from medical leave, i had been moved to a new group in the dept and asked to work a new schedule – now i go in late morning and finish early evening, just in time to get to any concerts/operas thank goodness! this schedule means that i can get in a couple of hours of practicing in the early am. we are talking 7is am ! i first had to check with my upstairs neighbors – their bedroom is just on top of my music room – however, they were lovely about it. she has to be at work for 8 am and he is in grad school so she was glad that he would be motivated to get out of bed. of course this first week of the schedule i have come down with a blazing cold – and have been sleeping in in the mornings. but next week! monday morning i start – its been …. well, a reallllly long time since i had a daily practice time as well as a piano and a decent piano to do that – in fact this is the FIRST Music Room and decent piano I have ever had! so i guess i need to find a teacher! anyone know any good piano teachers in westchester? it will be interesting to see how it goes especially since i know there is a way to go before i get my chops back – well, it will be an adventure.

Oh, and to help me and inspire me – i see Richard Goode on Friday at Carnegie Hall – my former nyc piano teacher was a friend of his and we used to go to and discuss his concerts – so i am looking forward to seeing/hearing him again.