The hardest thing has been grappling with what to do about work. I started back on June 23 for 3 days a week and have been agonizing about whether to go back to full time, 4 days, or what. I finally decided this week to stay at 3 days for an indefinite period. It is hard to say no at work, but it's getting easier every day I come home and see him growing and changing-it's really true that he is giving me some much-needed perspective on what is important in my life. I hope I can maintain the balance between the intellectual stimulation of work and the joy of being there for my baby... I guess I'm lucky to have the best of both worlds.

tc: What are your fondest memories of OOTB?
LBS: I loved performing - the feeling of being in the middle of the music when the group was really "on" in front of an audience and had tons of energy - it was such a high to show off what we could do when we really let loose on the fun stuff. I especially loved arch sings because the acoustics made the music fill the space and the audience could get a feeling of what it is like for the singers all the time.
There are way too many fond memories to pick one. Here are a few: August retreats at Myrtle as bonding time with everyone; really feeling like we all belonged together. Spring break 1990 when we drove up the east coast and sang in Boston (including my high school, which made me proud); spring 1989 recording sessions in Biddle basement and doing the Time and Tide trio over and over again; singing at basketball games (and getting in past all the lines!); singing Closer to Fine for the Indigo Girls backstage after their concert; the first time we heard the Bubs sing Allison when they toured on their spring break…

tc: What do you wish had been different?
LBS: The inevitable politics and (dare I say it?) bitchiness that happens among any group of women, even the most motivated and commonly interested. Even though I wish we could have avoided some of the hurt feelings that came from that I think it was a growing and learning experience for everyone in the end.
I also wish I had taken advantage of the talent surrounding me and tried to arrange a song or learn how to direct, so that I could have taken these skills with me after I left Duke.

tc: Can you think of a specific moment....that captures the essence of what OOTB was to you?
LBS: It was one of those fall festivals they used to have on the quad on West, in front of the Chapel and near the bus stop. We were singing on a stage set up in the middle of the quad. It was a perfect, beautiful fall day and we were so "on" - I think we were singing Closer to Fine - and it was one of those moments for me when I was simply happy to have the music flowing from me and all around me. We were all smiling; loving to sing and sharing the same energy from the collective sound we made. OOTB was a kinship of all different kinds of women who shared this common love of being in the middle of the sound, I think. I don't know why this snapshot sticks with me but I guess it was just one of those rare moments of profound contentment.

tc: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
LBS: Ugh, the interview question.... I see myself continuing to work in healthcare, but also hopefully having another child (and of course since this is a fantasy question I'll be balancing it all perfectly). I'd like to resume my participation in the arts-singing, writing, maybe acting again? (I didn't do this at Duke but always wanted to because I did in high school). I really don't have any more specific ambitions for right now, because I am so busy actually living the dream/goal that I'd had for so long -- job, marriage, house, baby.... Yet I feel the need to continue doing things that continue to develop ME, so that I will be an interesting person to my child, and also so I have something for myself when he grows up. In many ways having Evan is making me want to balance my life out even more than just between work and home. It is making me realize that it is important to have multiple roles and not be so invested in just work or even just motherhood as my primary identity. We only go around once...so now I have to make the time to do more for my creative side.

tc: Are there any insights or thoughts you’d like to share with either the alums or the current group?
LBS: Ummm…I don't think I have any sage advice to offer. Just enjoy the music and the friendships that emerge from the shared love of it.