Here's the gist of what's going on with life:
After a lot of consideration, especially in terms of where I was financially, I realized that I was not prepared to head off to Switzerland in September. Yeah, it really is disappointing, but I'm glad that I faced reality, and didn't try to go in spite of my preparation. And in the meantime, I can use the year to practice and get lessons in while taking gigs and the like to keep my face up. I would hope that I'll be an even better horn player because of the time.
I also have decided to stay with Starbucks. I've been averaging 25-30 hours of work each week, and while not totally ideal, it's money in the bank, and gives me time to do the practicing I need to do. It's a big adjustment after a year of working maybe 15 hours around my school schedule, but it's nice to find myself with only one job instead of my traditional 2-3.
One major change to life in Seattle I'm hoping to implement this year will be the addition of a car to my life. I don't like the idea of the bills that will come along with it, but after four years of getting everywhere on the bus, and having to do my grocery trips limited to what I can carry, I'm ready to be able to have the convenience of a car. Now I just have to find a reasonably-priced one.
I've had lots of fun this summer on my days off too! One awesome memory was jumping in a Cessna with Chris and his dad and little sister to fly to Salem for the Amico family reunion. Lots of sun and swimming, and some really fantastic food were all perks, plus it was fun meeting so many nice people.
I'm excited to see what's in store for this next year, even though it wasn't what I originally thought it was going to be. I think the break from school after 17 years straight will be good for my soul (and my brain!), and working in customer service some more probably will motivate me to go right back to the books. Meanwhile, I'll be playing in the SPU orchestra again this year, so if you feel like coming for a listen, you'll know one place to find me!
~Allison
