To Do...

I figured that if I post my "To Do List" on my blog, maybe I'll be more likely to get at least some of it done. Keep in mind, this isn't like a "Get milk... go to the pharmacy... change oil..." kind of list. It includes some of that short-term stuff, but also lists some things I'd like to get done in the long-term (but not TOO long-term). So, here goes (in no particular order):

• Clean crap off the counters and table in the kitchen
• Organize the home office
• Write marching drill for Jeff's show
• Come up with a somewhat solid financial plan for the next two years (you know, the two years where my paycheck gets really small...)
• Finish doing whatever I'm doing about the weeds in the alley
• Figure out how to fix the shrubs
• Study for grad school placement exams
• Get trombone worked on
• Practice
• Get mutes
• Arrange some stand tunes (and actually finish them)
• Keep and follow an accurate planner
• Do a "Goodwill sweep" on my clothes
• Figure out what we can get rid of in the garage
• Save up enough money for 2009 WSOP buy-in
• Read more books
• Walk the dogs (on a semi-regular basis)
• Exercise (on a semi-regular basis)
• Lose 20 pounds
• Pay off credit cards and cars

Finally...

Well, I've finally gotten to a point of the summer where I can actually take some time off. I probably shouldn't whine. I did go to Disney World, spend some time in East Texas, spend time with the family in Southern California, and lose a bunch of money in Vegas. So, to say I haven't had any vacation would be a little misleading. Within days of getting home from Vegas, I started a week of teaching at Texas Tech Band and Orchestra Camp, followed immediately by a 5 day conducting symposium.

Now that all that has passed, I can enjoy the part of the summer I really like. Now, for a few weeks anyway, I get to just spend some time at home. It's not like I'm just going to be lazy, as I have several things I'll be doing around the house. Plus, I'll be getting my brain back in gear for placement exams in August. I'll also be working at my glorious part-time job a lot more. Even as busy as I'll be, it'll be nice to just be at home for awhile.

Gimme My Money Back!

Vegas took all my money! Ok, not all of it, but more than I wanted to give it. I managed to prove, once again, that I'm not as good as I think I am at the whole gambling thing. Oh well, we'll chalk it up as a learning experience.

Even with the financial difficulties of the trip, we had a great time. Jeff very nearly finished in the money of his World Series of Poker event. I think he wishes he hadn't gotten anywhere close to the money. Missing it by 5 may be worse than missing it by 100. Of course, finishing 275 out of over 2700 players isn't too shabby. It's too bad you don't get paid unless you finish 270th.

We also got to see a handful of pros. Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, Barry Greenstein, Eric Lindgren, and Chris Ferguson, just to name a few. Is it sad that I treat these people like movie stars? Next year, I'm going to find an event to play in also. If I can build up the bank roll, that is.