Gen Leung Piano Studio, Oakville Ontario

I know I work too hard and too much when I have students ask me “when do you ever take time off?” I had probably three of my students this week ask me that very question, and I know they all asked because they care. To me that said a lot, and it made me feel really good because I knew that I meant something to that child asking me that question.

I can’t say it enough, I love what I do. I’m so incredibly fortunate to be able to share what I know when some absolutely amazing kids. But even with that, I do need time off.

So I’m happy to say that after the recital, I’m taking a well deserved two week break. I don’t think I’ll even look at my piano at that time ☺.

So on my break, I’m going to read. It sounds so simple, yet there hasn’t been enough time this year to do that. I have so many books and titles of books that I just want to get my hands on. I know I won’t be able to finish all the books I want to read in my two weeks off, but it’s a start.

I’m also going to see my family. With my brother finishing his PhD, I’ve seen him maybe twice this year so far. Definitely not something I’m proud to admit, but with both of us being such perfectionist (Thanks Mum and Dad ☺ lol) neither of us have had the time to just hang out and have coffee. So I plan on going down to see him and my sis-in-law before they get their new little puppy! (I’m so excited for them!!!)

And the least exciting thing I’m going to do on my break; clean my basement. ☹ I sort of wreaked my washing machine last week (Note: Outdoor seat cushions REALLY can’t be washed!!) and lots of things got very wet. But with both Andy and I being so busy this past year (with the move, Andy’s promotion, my crazy work schedule, little friends coming and staying with us, and I could go on… but won’t) things have found their way into the basement and just end up sitting there. Plus it’s driving me nuts trying to find things I know we have, but can’t find!!

Oh, and as some of my students and their families have seen, I’m making a “living room” on my front porch and it’s coming along nicely. That’s also on my to-do list for my break. Maybe I should do that first so that I can sit and read there… that sounds like a good plan. ☺

So thanks to those three wonderful kids who actually thought of me as an actual person and not just the lady who teaches them piano. It means so much to me just having been asked simple questions like "When do you get time off?"