Work has been really busy these past few days and it is affecting my practices. Not so much in the amount of time that I have to practice but in my mind set when I get home. Programming work can be very draining mentally and on a very difficult day I usually come home in a vegetative state. Still, I make myself pick up the horn and go through my normal routine. Sometimes I am energized by working on certain things but most of the time I struggle to get through the routine. My attention is probably not where it should be — cleanliness of attacks, focus on good tone, execution. I'm usually just trying to get through it all. Still, I figure I should spend time practicing no matter what. If nothing else, I can condition my mind and body to get used to practicing in this state and over come it. I used to write science fiction and stopped because of the same reason. I refuse to let work kill this creative flow. I've worked to hard to get where I am.

I have family in town this weekend so I know my practice sessions will be short. I'll cover the basics and keep my chops fresh. Once my schedule returns to normal – full steam ahead. In the mean time — I will enjoy the visit. Who knows, the wonderful times I have with them could sudden come forth during a solo or song. That's the wonderful thing about jazz… even when you're not playing; just living life is a form of practice that will work its way into the music. Live life!!