You've heard this one before.

Guitar teacher not happy with me. I've not made any sort of improvement to my playing. In fact...I've gotten worse.

This was a bad week. Even my weekend kept me too busy to actually practice. So, ladystarblade and I are going to get into the habit. No matter what time it is...right after we eat, we work in at least 15 minutes (preferably more) of guitar practice each night. Then we can move onto other things. Once we make it habit it won't be such a big deal.

It worked for yoga...

We can do this.

And my instructor can, perhaps, feel like he's actually doing a decent job teaching me. Because he's a wonderful teacher, but...I don't do enough with what he gives me.

And that has to change.

Next week...I hope I have much better news.

My lesson is tonight. Tonight. At 6:30 p.m.

This week, I have had time to work in a total of 8 minutes of practice time! 8 MINUTES!!!!

This is beyond bad. And I know I complain about this week after week, but I really am not good at the guitar and it's because I lack practice time. 8 minutes isn't going to make me improve on my skills. At all! It's ridiculous. It's shameful. 8 minutes!!

Granted, I was out of town this weekend. But I did bring my guitar with me. Did I pick it up? Nope. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday...I have classes until 7:45 p.m. I'm home by 8:00 p.m. I shower. On Tuesdays, I don't get home until closer to 9:00 p.m. Fridays I go do my grocery shopping, and this often takes all night because...well, we go where the deals are and that means going to three different grocery stores at times. Wednesdays are my lesson days.

I try to make time for my guitar. Because the truth of the matter is...I really, really want to learn. I just haven't been able to put the effort I need to into it. I'm never home. When I am...it's late. And you try playing an electric guitar on the third floor apartment without disturbing anyone...because that doesn't work. Neither does the fact that I really need to be playing along with Nickelback's CD, but can't do that either...because of the hours in which I'm home.

8 minutes is unacceptable. And I'm ashamed of my lack of dedication to the instrument. I am.

And I keep telling myself...only one more week of classes...only one more week...

Until August...and it happens all over again.

*sigh*

I went to my lesson early last night because I had to be at the theater. Thankfully, my instructor still had an open slot he could fit me into. Whew. I would have been mad if I missed my lesson, because 1) it's paid for 2) I had to pay for the following month 3) I am frustrated but still loving the learning process.

Walked in yesterday and the first thing he asked was how my practicing was coming along. I started to laugh. Literally. And then told him that will be possible after my summer class ends in mid-June. Ugh.

But the lesson went well. I started to play along with the Nickelback CD on "Rockstar." Still have a long way to go, but he told me the way around the elusive F (which I'm to still practice...but for these purposes...), which requires playing a power chord. Very awesome. Much easier. YAY!

So...that's now coming along better. I need to work on it some tonight. Once I get everything else I need to accomplish done. Oy!

So, not bad at all. I still want an electric guitar. I hate tuition and my car for this reason.