I went in early to RCW today so I could finish stretching the head on Janet's drum. Everything went absolutely smoothly. I am really getting this stretching thing down. I spent a long time massaging the head and jumping up and down and digging my knees into it. I don't know if that makes for a better head. I think this one is going to sound good. I pulled and pulled and cranked those jacks pretty hard. I decided to stop cranking when one of the mimi looked like it was going to rip, but I think I did good on pushing those boundaries between safety and a good-sounding drum. We'll see. The last head I did is sounding better after a few weeks of playing it. When you first put a head on a drum it has a tinny sound. Not sure why. But it goes away after a while and mellows into its own unique voice.

I'm sorry to say that I forgot my camera so I don't have any pics. I'm very proud of my straight rows of tacks and even mimi. Just take my word for it. I can't wait to work on another head.

After stretching the head, we had rehearsal. It went well. I started sweating, which is nice, seeing how winter has been cold and wet. A nice sweat feels good every once in a while. But now I am so, so tired, and I have so much work to do in my life. I need to make a list and start attacking my projects one by one.

Yesterday I played hooky to a class I've been taking and playing hooky has never felt so good. It was a beautiful day, yesterday, with temperatures reaching the mid/upper 60's and me and my friend went wandering up to Telegraph Avenue and into the bookstores and music stores. I've been curious about getting a record player (I grew up listening to records--even though they had better technology by then--and No, I am not that old, in case you were wondering) and I am convinced that I need to get a turntable. Used records are only a couple of bucks each! Plus you have to admit that you can't beat the earthy, raw sound of a scratchy record. But that is another adventure.