Monday, March 15, 2021 - Multitasking During COVOD

One of the more interesting things to me from this last year of dealing with COVID has been the way it has made my life more deliberate. Although I have been working really hard to learn songs and prepare for my online shows as well as recording videos and doing a few outside gigs, I have ceased a lot of the multitasking I used to do. My days used to be listening to books and podcasts in my AirPods while I drove to gigs and did the myriad of promotional and business dealings I had with booking and performing 10-15 gigs a week. When COVID hit that whole apparatus shut down for me like it did for a lot of us. I spun my wheels while I tried to figure out what I was going to do with all the inertia I had built up for so long. I settled on doing online concerts and recordings and the few senior facilities I can do safely from outdoors and online, and that’s all been good, but the amazing thing is that I’ve learned to do just one thing at a time now. Because I’m learning songs and staying home I’m not driving while listening to a book or podcast. I tend to focus on the task at hand and let everything else go until I reach a natural stopping point. I’m developing new habits and routines that center around concentrating on one thing at a time and giving that one thing the attention to do it well and thoroughly. I still get distracted, but I feel less stress, and I think I am more centered and peaceful. These are all good things, and I wouldn’t have thought my life would change like this. I’m now wondering if I can ever go back to the way I was before. I don’t even feel as much angst when I drive now. I talk to the other drivers with thoughts like, “What’s the hurry? We could lose a whole year, so what’s a few minutes?” The moments are now what really matters. 

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What have I been up to? 

I got to do one senior facility outdoors last week, and it was strange setting up and playing for the first time in several months, but it was also the proverbial “riding a bicycle” that happened with no thought. I couldn’t see the folks through the window very well, but it was so good knowing they were right there within earshot. Some have had COVID and have compromised bodies or thought processes now as result, but it was still good to share their presence. 

My Thursday show doing Irish tunes was a wild ride. I was in the mood for some of the fast and crazy Irish tunes, and so it was a night full of energy and pathos. Slainte! 

My Saturday night show doing Philmont songs for Philmont folks was wonderful too. I got to interact with so many friends from way back, and the memories were flowing. It was the first time I did a sponsorship, and that went great too. My Philmont friend Jason Mascitti with Thrivent partially sponsored the evening, and in return I mentioned his financial planning services several times. That was easy to do as I think financial planning is a very worthy thing to do, and Jason and his company are top notch. 

My Sunday night show was a bunch more Irish tunes in addition to several favorites and requests. I was  a little scattered I think from the time change and not enough time to learn all the requests I had, but it all worked out fine. This community we’ve created online is such a caring and genuine group of people. I love them one and all. 

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What am I up to this week? 

I have several senior shows both online and outside, but with the snow and cooler weather we’ve recently had we’ll have to move to online shows or reschedule for warmer days. 

My Thursday show 7-8:30 I felt like doing something different, so I’ll be playing songs by the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots. I have loved these two groups for as long as I’ve known them, and they offer such a unique and cool sound and songs. I know it will stretch a few ears, but I know it’ll be a good time. Please tune in if you can. I’ve dug out my ‘40s Gibson archtop guitar so it’ll sound authentic and be a little more fun. 

My Sunday show 7-8:30 will be the favorites and requests we’ve come to enjoy over the months.I can’t tell you what that will be until I get into the list and of requests and formulate the show, but it will be entertaining and warm as we all get together in our online community. I’d love to have you if you’re available. 

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That’s it for this week. How has this last year with COVID been for your multitasking and focus? 

Best always, 

Tom 

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Details this week: 

Who:  Tom Munch  
What:  playing and singing an online concert Mills Brothers and Ink Spots 
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts   
When:  Thursday, March 18, 7-8:30 pm mountain time  

Who:  Tom Munch  
What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests  
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts   
When:  Sunday, March 21, 7-8:30 pm mountain time

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