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Year Three, Day 298: The Metronome

Today was a much better day than yesterday.

 I had far fewer moments where I desired laying down on the ground and passing out.

It helped that I was able to spend the day with Baby Gracie. She always makes everything better.

Also, my eating habits were much more refined today. I'm back to cutting out gluten, low carbs, low sugar, lots of vegetables, and lean protein. In addition, I am working really hard on upping my water intake.

I'm still tired, a little blue, and rather sore. But I have more energy, and my heart is lighter. I was able to make a quick stop at the gym. Only had time for a bit of weights, but even a little bit helps.

As usual, my piano students brought me a great deal of joy. My last student of the evening surprised me. She told me she had been practicing with the metronome all week! She was most proud of herself.

I was shocked. Most of my students hate the metronome. I was so pleased to see how much her playing had improved in just a week with regular practice with the metronome. I think because it was her own idea, make her even more proud.

Something about the metronome stirred a memory as I was walking to the bus stop after her lesson. It brought to mind eighth grade. I attended Saint Mary's of the Valley Academy in Beaverton. I was one of the last group of borders at the Academy. Which meant I live there. In a dorm.

I was a most awkward teenager. Painfully shy. But I remember a moment in my piano lesson with sister Francis, where I felt confident. Calm. Not weird. I also recall another time playing the piano with the little orchestra at Mary's. Same feeling. I didn't feel weird, or awkward, or like a miss misfit. I felt confident, calm and capable.

Most of my childhood memories are painful. But those two memories were joyful. And there was this feeling of structure and organization. Almost as if there was a metronome ticking in the background. I can't quite explain it. I spent a good deal of time resenting my parents for sending me to that school. Cried myself to sleep many nights.But after a while, the structure was comforting. And I eventually made friends. I regret that I didn't go on to high school at St. Mary's. But that is a different story.

I never really had much structure my life. I've seen this with Baby Grace. She responds really well to structure and routine.

Which is probably what I'm trying to accomplish. With this blog. And my daily routine of hooping, prayer, piano practice, Bible study.

Perhaps we all need a little metronome ticking in the background of our lives.

That's a strange thought. But I am pretty tired. I need to get up early tomorrow. It's my day off of Baby Gracie duty. And I have much to accomplish. Primarily piano practice. I think much of my angst lately is guilt. I have not been practicing much. And there is a big concert looming in May. I'm going to be accompanying a choir and playing with a small Orchestra. We're performing JS Bach's "Magnificat". And I'm going to be doing a little solo on a real portative organ.

Yet another story. Now it is time to rest.

I will talk to you tomorrow. Have a lovely evening.

Love,

 Zita


 P.S. Here is today's whooping video. Day 257!


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