I usually have Tuesdays off, at least during the day. Today I started with a gift massage from my friend Ulyana who took pity on me. I called her to find out any stretches that would help a crick in the neck and she gave me a short but focused neck massage. Early. I didn’t mind at all.

Then it was car repair time and a million other errands to prepare for New York Ukefest. I love my repair shop (yes I said that) and they did a great job. Brakes are costly but that’s not their fault, they would be costly anywhere. These people are just plain good, honest folk and they deserve my hard-earned dollars if anyone does. The shop is owned by a woman, Betty. I heard about her through two women I used to work with at Foster Community Center. I used to go all over town for this or that repair, but now I’m loyal. They are great.

Anyway then my First-Time Toe-Up class. Three great folks in that class, and they did great. Loved it, as usual.

Then home for dinner (take out from Altu’s restaurant) and music rehearsal. And now the plan is to make a few kazoos to take to NYC to sell at the same table with our CD’s. It’s past 11, but this is not late yet for me. We’ll see if I get any made once I get away from this computer. I did make a promise to Mysterious John of Shorty Long, that I’d bring him a Hershberger Art Kazoo. So we’ll see if I get on a roll or not, after John’s very special instrument is finished.

Photo: Kazoo I made a long time ago. The digital version of the photo is dated 2003, but I’m not sure if maybe it’s older than that.

After much of a week focused on dance, now I’m back in my regular work for a few days before we do another much of a week on music. I do love my regular work. This Monday was a good day.

Monday is Haslett Community Ed. day, where I teach folks (mostly retirees) how to use computers (my only remaining computer work, really… though for about a decade I supported myself teaching computer seminars and consulting/programming/repairing). It’s really fun work, and they really appreciate me. I will not see them next week because I’ll be on my way back from New York, and so I got many hugs and good wishes as folks left. What a great life I lead!!!

Tuesday I get my brakes fixed (ugh). The car has 109,000 miles (and has been paid off for about 2 years) and these are the first replacement brakes. I figure I’m doing well. It’s just a hassle, but necessary before a trip. I hope to visit with my friend Ulyana while I’m waiting for the brakes to get fixed. That would make the experience downright pleasant!

Then Tuesday night I have First-Time Toe-Up sock class at Threadbear. I had 3 people signed up a day or two ago, so the class is definitely a “go” but there is room for more if anyone wants to join us last minute. Just bring all the double-pointed needles you have and I’ll help pick yarn in class.

Wednesday I just work for 2 hours, one a private knitting lesson and one the CityKidz Knit! program. Then I’m home to pack for New York! Woohoo! New York!

I love love love cities! Toronto was my first city. My friend Jarrettia says I’m a city collector and that really is true. I’m a subway collector in particular. I insisted on riding the subway in Cairo, for example, just to say I had done it. Not because I needed it… we had a wonderful driver. But he dutifully took us there and we rode two or three stops then came back. It made me happy (the Cairo Subway is extremely nice, for the record).

And I spent my entire childhood, singing into the mirror, practicing for the day when I would be grown up and singing on stage to an audience. And that is what I will be doing this weekend.

It’s truly a life’s dream come true, this small but satisfying singing career. We’re not any kind of famous, unless you are obsessed with currently performing ukulele acts. But I’m a very good entertainer (and my act is complete with Brian). I am fortunate enough to have audiences on a somewhat regular basis. What could make me happier than that? It’s as good as it gets.

Sleep… I need sleep…

Photo: My friend Lisa took this photo of me with my bug (1998 New Beetle, gasoline with manual transmission, named Joy) when I’d only had her maybe 3 months. I got her 1 year old. I still adore this car, it still looks and acts like a new vehicle. Lucky me.