Thread: DECEMBER Tracking

I gave up piano at the age of 15 or so, after many years of lessons. And, I might add, many tears.

I started piano lessons at 8. I was "allowed" to stop piano when I joined the band in the 8th grade. (so piano was 5 years and band was 5). As for the tears......... I was more passive agressive. I hid the music I hated under the sofa and told my mom that it was lost. If the teacher had been a little more open to letting me play things I liked instead of things she liked, I might have stuck with it more.

Judy, my piano education was entirely classical, with superb teachers. My mom was determined to get a concert pianist out of one of us. (Didn't.) Unfortunately, I never loved playing the piano--never played it just for love--and never actually learned how to play the piano, in spite of my considerable proficiency at reproducing the music. Someday I'll get a keyboard, and relearn how to chord and improvise. If I actually DO take tuba lessons, I'll probably learn a lot more about the mechanics of music-making than I ever did before. I did learn the discipline of practice, which still serves me well.

My dad plays clarinet and saxophone, and he and his sister (piano) used to jam all the time. That's what I mean by playing for love. I don't ever remember my family gathering around the piano to sing for fun, although we sang in the car a lot, and while doing the dishes. My dad hoped we'd be the Lennon Sisters, but it was hard to get discovered in your own kitchen.

Oh, dear...I don't have enough to do, so here I am rambling away. I give everybody permission to tell me their stories!

Barb, consider yourself egged

Off to the poodle beauty shop....see you all in a few hours.

It's a busy day for me but wanted to stop by and let you all know that you are in my thoughts. I'm thinking I won't get to stop by much until after Christmas. Have a great week everyone! Miss you all!

I started organ lessons at the grand old age of 16! That was when we got the 2 keyboard organ. I really think I did it for my Dad who could pick up and play any insturment without even knowing how to read music. He was absolutely fantastic at playing by ear. Anyway, at that age I was into the pleasing everyone else mode so I took the lessons while he sat in the kitchen and listened so he could learn also. I did enjoy playing, but taking lessons at that age was a bummer. I wanted to be out with my friends. I don't play as much now as I used to...a shame really. I can remember as a kid...every Saturday night Dad would get on the accordian, mom on the single keyboard organ and I would grab some spoons and we would have a jam session. So much fun.

Rachel: I saw the program on Oprah about Chris Gardener. An amazing man. And he doesn't flaunt his wealth and has never forgotten what it was like to be poor and homeless. Did you know that to this day he has a room in his mansion where he keeps bags that are still usefull? I'd love to meet this man.

Heather: Thanks for popping in. We'll keep your chair by the fire nice and warm for you.

Peg: You're wearing yourself out girl. You need to take this a little at a time. If you try and do everything at once you're only going to end up exhausted. Take some time for you too!

Another day of no water at work. I was sure it would be fixed yesterday. Boss went to town and bought the part for the pump that broke and the repair guys said they would have it up and running right away. They were still working at 4:30 when I went home. Fixed soon I hope.

When I came to work this morning the roads seemed pretty good. I slipped a little coming off the bridge but no big deal....I thought. When I rounded a corner in the bluffs all I could see was a red blur on the left side of me. By the time I realized it was a car in the ditch I was already skidding. The road was solid ice!! Thank god I have 4 wheel drive that cuts in when my car starts to skid or I would have been doing doughnuts down the road. Needless to say I held by breath while I was squealing like a pig! Finally got it under control, but I sure didn't drive very fast after that.

So....I'm down 1 lb. from yesterday. This dress thing has been keeping me very, very good...like a little kid waiting for Santa. I even dusted off another walking video, rolled back the tables in the frontroom and did my exercises last night. Then I pulled out a new roll of wool and started crocheting so I wouldn't think about eating. And it worked. I allowed myself a lc cracker and some cheese at 10 p.m. but nothing before or after. This just might work for me. Also, dh was told last night that he has to go to Costco to pick up some tables for the Legion. So, we might be going back into town before boxing day. If so, I'll try the dress on earlier. I'll keep you posted.

Back to work...lots to do....not enough time. Now I know how Santa feels! lol

Forgot to tell you....last night dh came home from our store with a huge bag full of Mars bars. They were close to out of date so the rep gave them to him and told him to give them to me to make him a special treat. Seems you take 6 or 7 of the bars and melt them in a double boiler and then add Rice Krispies to make Mars Rice Krispie Squares. That's my job for tonight. Just what I always wanted to do but not be able to taste!!

Donna, bringing home bags of Mars Bars counts as Wife Abuse--even before the recipe.

Last night, I made a batch of "low-carb" Chocolate Nutty Bark. It's easy, and doesn't make a whole lot. However, that small batch consists of 1/4 cup of coconut oil (plus cocoa and sweetener) so if you start noshing and lose your head, the calories add up in a big hurry. I stashed most of it in the freezer, and headed upstairs to bed. I still hear it calling my name.

Here's the recipe anyway:
Line a pie plate or glass dish with wax paper, and put it in the freezer to get really, really cold--ten minutes or more.
Melt 4 TBS coconut oil (about 1/4 cup)
Stir in 1 or 1.5 TBS cocoa and 1/4 tsp. Stevia (this wasn't quite sweet enough for me, but if you like your chocolate with a bite, this is enough) and nuts if you want them. You could probably use Splenda.
Let it cool for a bit if you want your "bark" thicker.
Pour onto the cold plate, and pop it back in the fridge or freezer to harden.
Breaks easily into pieces that are waa-a-ay too easy to pop in your mouth.

That's the entire extent of my holiday "baking." No banshee here! (Well, yes, I did make a casserole and a cheesecake pie for the office party.)

On my way to a crash landing. Just wanted to stop in and tell my gal pals nitey nite!
Oh...almost forgot...I got a new cut and highlights today. ~Color~ me happy

DD and DGS arrive tomorrow afternoon. Prayers needed that they don't get stuck in Denver, although DIA can probably handle that kind of weather.

Early day tomorrow...up at 0400, then some time off....yipee!!

over and out!
(((hugs to all)))
S.

Pic-chas, Shell!!!!! Oh, happy day, your babies will be there tomorrow!

Barb, that recipe looks really good I'm tempted!

Donna, you're scaring me with your driving tales. What a terrifying experience!!! But do snag that dress if you can get there safely.

Judy, I have a hard time thinking of you as passive aggressive, even as a kid!

Rach, I'd LOVE to hear your Mood Indigo!!!! Please do record and share. Wow, what a long and grueling concert day--but you'll be flying on endorphins, no doubt

Brenda, I hereby vote you Miss Personality of 2007. Misbehave accordingly.

Now, how is the tuba research going?

Long day, everyone, and I'm properly pooped. At least the poodle girls are beautiful, and much of my disarray of desktop paper has been sorted and filed.

TB, Heather, Bert, Donna Peg, apologies. See you all tomorrow.

Good morning!

You are all looking at someone who has NO MUSICAL TALENT whatsoever. Can't sing, can't play, but can dance a little. Does it count that I can FEEL it? In my next life, I would love to be an opera singer or ballet dancer.

I do remember when I was about 6-7 years old, I took "piano lessons" at school. It came complete with a cardboard key layout. Even at the tender age I thought it was stupid. How can you play on cardboard? But I was always taking some lesson or another then quitting. My Mom got fed up with paying for nothing.

Brenda, thanks for the heads up on the L'Oreal Mineral Makeup. I may run to the drugstore today and get some. I know Shelley loves her mineral makeup!

Donna, be careful! We all worry about you. It seems like every winter you have several near-misses! Is there ever a time when you just stay home because of the weather?

That Christmas Train idea sounds so cute, but not standing outside in the cold weather waiting for a late train!

Rachel, I agree. Your NY Carnegie schedule sounds hectic. But you will be floating on air! How wonderful so many friends/family will be there! Surely Roger will take a picture of you on the stage. Is that permitted? Hopefully, you can share that!

Judy, what are your Christmas Plans? Traveling -- or is everyone coming to your house?

Shelley, Peg, Barb, Heather, Berta, Terry:

As Heather mentions, I will probably be pretty scarce now, too. My anal tendencies to have a perfect house, with the perfect tree, packages, meal, etc. is getting old. Is there any hope for an O/C to reform and say "The hell with it. Let's have FUN!"

Love to all!

Oh! I forgot to mention .... SHELLEY .... you got highlights? Wow. We certainly do want pictures!

Morning all. I've just dropped my laptop, and almost had a heart attack. Hope I haven't scrambled its brains. Mine certainly seem to be.

My neighbor got mugged on her doorstep last evening. Some passer-by grabbed her purse--opportunistic, but scary anyway. She wasn't hurt, but the purse contained a prescription with personal info on it, which is VERY scary these days. Muggings happen anywhere, but it's particularly nasty when it happens so close to home. My dh will want to keep me on a leash.

Speaking of leashes, isn't it time for another picture of the Poodle Girls?

Alida, there's really no hope to reform an O/C when it comes to holiday entertaining. I just hope everybody appreciates your efforts while they are having a good time.

After our extensive discussion of mineral make-up a while ago, I finally bought some Neutrogena in a self-brush container. Frankly, it's so subtle I can't quite tell what it does. I really don't like most types of foundation, but I need a little something to even out the skin color on my face. This might not be it either. Maybe it's a matter of brand or shade, but I have no clue how to choose the right shade, no matter what the "shade guide" in the store says.

And about being a ballerina in your next life? Don't wait! My entree into the world of exercise occurred when a friend and I--both in our 30s at the time--took adult Ballet lessons at a local community center. We loved it! Unfortunately, after several enjoyable months, our teacher was replaced with a man who had been a danceur with some big-city company, and he was openly contemptuous of the size of my legs. For pete's sake, I wasn't trying out for the Nutcracker! Anyway, I got tired of the scorn, and turned to other things. I'll try to dig up the poem I wrote about it. I wonder where my ballerina slippers are?

Brenda, how's the flute coming along? I can't believe you're actually teaching yourself from a book. You must be a natural.

Off to cycle class this morning. Have to admit that this class is a challenge to my self-motivation. It only feels good after it's over.

Back later.

Hi guys! Did cycling class this morning too Barb. It was a tough one but you are right, I too feel great that I did it. Tomorrow and Friday should be elliptical and one day of weight training with my sister. I'm so glad that I finally have a gym partner that I don't have to drag there. Having someone who enjoys going is really great!

Doing okay diet wise. Can't wait until the day after Christmas when all the goodies are delivered to dh's work. Since I've been having problem with my allergies and asthma I had to bring baking goods to my house instead of making them at my mom's. Christmas I go to in-laws and mom's house where they have animals. It is going to be tough. Luckily I got my inhaler out and still have a few puffs left.:jump: They could come over here on Christmas but some of the cousins that would be along too always wreck or steal my kids toys. It's okay for them to come over sometimes but to have new presents wrecked or stolen on Christmas would be a sad day. I'll just put some medicine in me and hope for the best for the sake my of my kids.

Feel bad that I haven't been responding to your posts lately. You guys are great and I know you understand. This time of the year is busy for us all. I'll try to stop by again later though.

Hi all?

Peg, somehow I missed your earlier post! A keyboard player! Excellent ? we have the bases covered! You life does sound exhausting these days ? hang in there ? Judy?s right ? it?s the reason you wanted to get to CA, right? Besides this will all calm down once the holidays are over!

Donna, nothing like a little incentive to keep us on the spot, right? You go girl, one pound down again? wooo hooo! I agree that the bag of Mars bars constitutes abuse. :(

Alida, Rog snuck a camera in the last time ? he?ll likely try to do it again! Go, do, BE the perfect holiday spirit ? we love you! And we?ll be here when you get back!!

Barb, ugh, a mugging so close to home is right ? how scary!!

Berta, I hardly use make-up ? but when I do, I use the natural stuff (foundation, eye-liner, concealer) I can find at Whole Foods (Dr. Hausechka) ? It?s no more expensive than the stuff you buy at the department stores (in fact, it?s less). The more I read about the amount of chemicals in our lives (in clothing, sheets, towels, air fresheners, paint, rugs, mattresses, etc? and considering the skin is the body?s biggest organ and we absorb SO much through it) the natural make up is one more way I feel I can do what I can to avoid that many more chemicals entering my system.

Shelley, are DD and DGS in yet? How NICE that they will be around for the holidays ? you?ll enjoy that so much ? and yes, pix of that gorgesou head of hair you have!

In fact, to all of you gals? This is getting to be BUSY time for all ? no pressure to get on here every day ? but PLEASE do consider taking photos you can post later of family or decorations or self ? I?d love to see some of how you are all celebrating!

I?m off to sew ? see you soon ? hugs to all??