Fun in Chelan

No, this isn't the kind of fun you're probably thinking of. You'd think the phrase "fun in Chelan" would mean visiting all the little shops downtown, or hanging out at the water slides, or swimming in the lake, or even boating in the lake. Those things are all really fun, indeed, but what would I mean by "fun in Chelan"? Think really hard...that's right! Something music-related, of course! There ya go. The Chelan Bach Fest is upon us...well, upon those who are in Chelan. I am part of the festival orchestra, which rehearses throughout the week and then performs at the very end of the festival, this time being July 21st. The Bach Fest is a really cool event that has been going on for a while. It lasts longer than a week (I'm not sure exactly how long, but maybe 2 weeks), during which there are concerts almost every day. These concerts usually feature smaller ensembles or soloists, who are either brought in or choose to come in to perform on a recital. And yes, a good chunk of the literature being performed is by J.S. Bach. The festival orchestra isn't involved in very much Bach unless a piece they're doing calls for them. This year, only the string section and a few woodwind players from the orchestra play music by Bach. Otherwise, the orchestra plays a concert composed of orchestral lit standards and pops music. It's always a very fun week, as this is my 4th year doing the Bach Fest. The music is fun to play and to listen to. So, if any of you happen to be in Chelan on the 21st, then I'll see you at the Riverwalk Park...or, at least I'd better see you.

The downside about being in Chelan now is that Holly and Luke are not here with me. I miss them a lot. But we're all doing fine. Luke had his very own photo session this morning, and Holly says that Luke was quite cooperative, and the pictures turned out extremely cute. Can't wait to see them!

One thing's for sure - I'm sure diggin' these un-interrupted nights of sleep. Holly even tells me to enjoy them with a firm tone in her voice. Yes, dear! Whatever you say! It's funny, I still feel really tired for some of the day. Is fatherhood just one of those things that makes you tired all the time, no matter where the kids are? I hear that becoming a dad makes you fatter, and I'd love to use that as an excuse for the weight I've gained in the last couple years...but, oh darn...Luke's only 3 months old. I guess I can't really blame my weight gain on Luke. Unless I say that I gained weight in anticipation for being a dad...no? don't think so? Indeed. It is not...logical.

Seriously, though, I'm really not diggin' being "overweight", if you will. It's not cool when the t-shirts that you've been able to wear for 9 years feel small to you, and your body tires out easier, and you just look fat in pictures. The camera seems to add a lot more than 10 pounds, in my case. It's kinda sad...I remember about 5 years ago thinking that I could eat whatever I want and not exercise, and as a result not care about how much weight I gained. I used to laugh at those who worried about their weight (well, not really laughed out loud. Just inside the crazy world that is my brain). But now, I see why people worry about their weight. Not only do I feel worse-looking than I already did, but I feel worse. I hate that I tire out easier, and I hate that I need bigger clothes.

So, I hope to do something about that quite soon. Stay tuned.

Take care and value music.