Another year gone since I last posted, and another musical. Maybe that's the way to go? Maybe not...

It's been a busy year. Had two good friends move to other states for new jobs, and both are happily settling in. It's sad to see them go, but I will try my best to stay in touch (I've not been great about that in the past. "Yes, we must keep in touch." "Great idea!" 3 years pass with no contact. "Oh yeah - I said we should keep in touch. Maybe I should get on that..."). Family has spread out - siblings love to travel, so they are either in another state or in another country for extended periods. Fun to catch up when I can, but it does mean I see them less often. Work remains enjoyable but we're a bit understaffed, so always keeping busy. If nothing else, I'm getting better at personal scheduling, time tracking, and prioritization. Also helping figure out ways to get stuff done quicker and better - it's a great feeling to figure out how to cut the time it takes to write a report in half, then also have the client tell you how easy it is to read.

On the music front, I'm gearing up for the second run of 3 shows of another musical. Last year was The Drowsy Chaperone. This time, it's All Shook Up. Basically, it's Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (complete with crossdressing, love octagons, and all manner of hijinks) set in 50's Midwest America, with the music of Elvis (here's a taste). They actually put the band out onstage for this one, so we're up there in full view with our bowling shirts and crazy number of mutes (for trombone, it calls for straight, cup, bucket, plunger, and harmon). A heck of a lot of fun to play, and I get to stretch my high range (which I so rarely get to do these days).