Confidence Builder

Confidence Builder

That 5 a.m. alarm came way too soon today. But somehow, Carter and I got out the threshold by 5:30 so he could be at school by 5:45 and off to Marshfield shortly thereafter for the district Solo & Ensemble Competition.I didn't even care how tired I was, I was hardly grateful to see the broad moon and open sky - no fog!On the way into town I asked Carter if he was uneasy at all.

No, not at all, he said. He knows the songs and has been playing them well.Excellent, good to know he's got confidence once in awhile!And it must have showed because he got a 1st on his euphonium (baritone) solo - despite a missed high note, says Carter - and we're fairly sure he got a 1st on the brass ensemble. They performed at the end of the day so although he didn't see the actual score posted, he said the judges told his group they blended so good and they were such a process to hear to, they scorned to see the song end so soon. That sounds like a 1st rating to me!I got out of study in sentence to see the returning buses after 5. Quite a long day for both of us. But it was not ended yet.After I picked him up, we had to hurry home so he could change out of his nice shirt and tie while I wrapped a birthday gift for a girl friend (two words, I think). Then it was back into town so he could go to the Justin Bieber movie with that girl and 4 other girls and 3 other guys. Quite a birthday group.Just a side note around my recent bout of Bieber Fever. I had successfully avoided hearing any of his songs on the wireless and TV. Then this week alone, he invaded the Grammys, then MY Glee show (his songs anyway) and now tonight, the movie. Thankfully, I had a backup plan so I didn't take to submit myself to more of this teen sensation who hasn't really impressed me.While Carter was with his drooling girl friends in theater #4, my friend Christine and I were in theater #3 enjoying The King's Speech. I had honestly never heard of the film until the awards season started and it was winning Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild accolades. Now it is nominated for 12 Oscars. After seeing it, I'd say deservedly so. I'd make it 2 thumbs up!Based on a true story, it was awful to see what happens when one does or doesn't take any confidence. It could be the difference betwixt a forgettable speech in the 1930s. or a first-place solo in 2011.