So, 2010 starts the day after tommorow. I was realising the other day that at 28 I've probably lived one third of my life, if I live until old age. It made me think about where I've got to in life and what has been important to me. I then began to think what my priorities are for the next third of my life. I came to the conclusion that the first third was all about finding my way and getting set up. The next third is all about seeing those things through to the best of my ability. I believe God sends us all here in love and with good purpose, I want to know him more and see through his purposes for me. I want to be an inspiring Dad to Ellia and be her security. I want to be a commited, loving husband and I want my career and ministry to be sustainable and fruitful. 2010 is the start of this next phase.

Yesterday I was rehearsing for a musical. I must say it is stretching me in my playing. The notes on the score are quite straight forward. However, there are changes in tempo and different ways of counting in. This coupled with changes between sticks, soft sticks and brushes brings things that I am certainly not completely comfortable with yet. I am used to playing to a set tempo or going to a timing within that tempo. It's easy to make excuses and feel a bit rubbish, but hey it's a chance to grow in this type of playing. So here goes today's practise and rehearsal.

The night shift, book reviews and coffee.

How beautiful are my two girls:) So we have experimented with different routines since Eliya was born 5 weeks ago. For the last few days I have decided to stay up with Eliya (whether she's asleep or awake) until 2 am while Carina sleeps, then she is doing the other half of the night. That way we are both getting a decent amount of uninterrupted sleep. Much coffee is therefore being drunk and I am slowly persevering through my 'Lost' boxset.
The book that I mentioned in my last post has had a few outings this week. It has such a huge amount of content in it. The best practice manual I have ever seen for serious drummers in both Rock and Jazz styles. If only I had more time:)
Gary Chaffee is the man.

I'm writing this post with my two girls asleep beside me. I've got alot to be thankful for. Our Baby girl Eliya was born last wednesday. She is now 1 week and 1 day old.
I have had this week off work and it has been a fantastic week at the same time as a huge learning curve.
I didn't really know what to expect, although I had prepared myself for sleep deprivation.
It is generally feed and change the baby every 3-4 hours, although Eliya slept for 6 hours uninterrupted last night. This means you never get longer than a 5 hour sleep in one block and I'm used to atleast 8. But it seems that I'm adapting slowly. The psalm says enter His gates with thanksgiving in your heart, it's easy for me to do this at the mo. It also says enter His courts with Praise, I've read recently that giving Praise to God is all about Praising God for who He is rather than what He has done. So I give thanks for our little one, but I also know that it won't always be as easy to Praise, but I know that He will still be worthy because God is who He is no matter what's going on in my life. Anyway, end of my spiritual bit for now.
My birthday is coming up. My mother asked me what I wanted. There is a book I have wanted for a while it's called time functioning patterns by Gary Chaffee, looking forward to getting stuck into it. Will do a review when I've got into a little bit. Am also planning to get a new drum track on www.drummingsolutions.co.uk and on my myspace page every week from now on. There finishes the ramble of a man trying to balance family life, spiritual life and drumming development. Until the next time...