Where is Summer Going?

My posts have been few and far between because I have been very busy lately. I found myself completely absorbed by the University String Orchestra Camp that was held the last week of June. I was one of the head counselors and when all was said and done, I was just grateful that nobody died or went to jail.

Last week, the boy and I went camping up on Madeline Island. For those of you who don't know, Madeline Island is the largest of the Apostle Islands located in Lake Superior. Many of the shops in the area are boasted as being "Wisconsin's Northern most ________" because of how far north the Island is. It was a wonderful place to get away, spend some quality (and distraction-free) time with my love and to get in touch with nature. There is something wonderful about waking up with the sunrise because your body could sense the illumination of your surroundings and could hear the world waking up around you. At home, that interaction with nature simply does not exist and this lack of interaction with nature genuinely leaves a void in my heart. If you'd like to see pictures of my adventures up north, you can view them here:

My Independence Day was spent chilling at my parents. In true American fashion, I was gluttonous and ate way too many burgers and brats. My siblings all left and since Zak just dropped me off on his way to work, I was stuck sipping on some quality brews and playing with sparklers by myself.

Tomorrow, I start my new job. I am a little nervous, but mostly excited. I am kind of sad because I have decided that I will not be auditioning for the Madison Symphony in August, after all. My time that should have been spent preparing for an audition was instead consumed by my job search, but ultimately, steady employment is more important than a possible gig. I hope that I will be able to audition for a couple of grad schools sometime soon. It is unfortunate that my practice for grad school will largely be major concertos and unaccompanied Bach, yet my practice for major orchestras has to be excerpts. It makes it hard to kill two birds with one stone.

Zak and I are also taking a yoga class together this summer. So far, it has been a great way to do something new together. I enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the class and the mental and physical strength I have derived from the practice of yoga.

Summer is quickly passing me by, but I believe I have been taking advantage of the weather and of my bout of temporary unemployment.

Namaste