Teacher Jenna has come out. I've spent more time than I should admit getting things ready for my new students, but let's face it--I've been quarantined so I have zero plans. I've gone through 2 printer ink cartridges. The new students all have note name flashcards cut out and ready to go, Ditto Studio policy papers, notebooks, and student surveys. I also have scales and chords printed and ready with incentives in place. A couple of my new students are advanced which has been fun!
I had a piano recital scheduled for Saturday, February 5. Jessica and I rescheduled the recital since my family was in quarantine. Well, guess what? I wasn't able to make it to the rescheduled recital either on February 12.
Covid took time to spread throughout our family. James tested positive for Covid on Sunday, January 30. Isabelle tested positive on Thursday, February 3. Andrew tested positive on Saturday, February 5. I didn't test positive until Thursday, February 10 (2 days before the recital). It has been a big bummer. Fortunately, Andrew and I had mild cases (we are fully vaccinated and boosted). The kids aren't old enough to be vaccinated yet (James will be in March though!) and Covid-19 was worse for them.
James was definitely the sickest of the group. One day, he slept for 7 hours during the day and an additional 12.5 hours that night. It was bad for both kids for a couple of days, and then thankfully symptoms eased. (Although their fevers were pretty stubborn for awhile.) Since having Covid, James' prayers have been very sweet. "Please bless none of our family will get Covid. Please bless everyone in my preschool will stay healthy." "Please bless I won't get Covid again." James cried in pain more than once. If James doesn't have an appetite, you know something is wrong! That first day, he didn't eat. The scariest point may have been when Isabelle was wheezing and couldn't breathe which caused her to throw-up. It was sad to see my babies so ill. So glad the kids are back to their peppy selves! James was jumping for joy when he was able to return to preschool.
To say the recital situation was stressful is an understatement. Should we reschedule the recital AGAIN? We decided to move forward with the recital without me. This wasn't an easy decision to make. It seemed like there was no good solution. My mom really stepped up to the plate. She accompanied all the violin students on the piano for me. This was not an easy task-- she had very short notice to play some challenging songs and spent hours practicing. I owe her. Fortunately, I was able to watch 4 of my students perform via Zoom. Despite everything working against us, the recital turned out and I'm relieved to have it behind us. Thank you, Jessica, for leading the recital so beautifully and for booking the recital at a gorgeous venue. I better be able to attend the next recital in person. I was in charge of the treats for the performers. I'm pretty original-- they got Pop Rocks Candy with a label saying, "You Rock!"
Apparently, I'm off the hook with publicizing that I teach piano. Nothing is more powerful than word of mouth! Ditto Studios is taking off. My evenings will be a little busier with my new piano teaching schedule, but I think I'm going to like it. I'll definitely be relying on my Crockpot and Instant Pot for more meals. What a relief that I'll be back to teaching in person. Quarantine, I'm almost at the finish line. I'm thrilled to watch my 8 students progress.
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