Heaven help me, I loves some Nine Black Alps.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The love of music, next generation
Today is a very proud day at our house. Our second child, Jordan, just performed at his first band concert, after a mere five weeks of instruction on his trumpet. We also found out recently that our oldest, Morgan, has not only made second chair at the middle school for viola, but has been selected for the district's honor orchestra, which convenes this Saturday.
swelling with pride
It's curious how the instrumental programs here work. The band program is huge, gets fiercely competitive by high school, and gets richly rewarded. Until last year, the main reason people would attend high school sports was to hear the band. The bands are always flying off to Six Flags or Disneyland, and even got to march at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego a few years ago.
Orchestra, on the other hand, is just now starting to develop into something that's a big deal. The music is getting more complex, the awards are starting to come, and the orchestra is getting to go on trips now.
When I was in school, we just pounded rocks on other rocks to make music. OK, it just feels that way. Anyway, I wasn't able to pick from all the instruments until fifth grade, but could play a string instrument starting in third grade. Yeah, thanks a lot for messing THAT up, Prop 13. GRR
With the boys, they get to pick any instrument and start playing in fifth grade. They make a big deal out of it, let the kids come and try them all out, and finally have a big sign-up day at the school where we sign up for the instrument of choice, get the rental agreement, and pay for the music and everything else.
Morgan, being the contrary sort he is, decided to play viola because he wanted to play something different. One year in, he showed real talent, but wanted to switch to percussion because he saw all the cool things the band kids got to do, and felt left out. We promised to let him try out for percussion, and work out private lessons with a high school kid from church, if he continued to practice the viola. Sadly, it didn't pan out for him; we've been forced to nag him to bring the viola home and practice. His talent still allows him to outshine the other kids, but I wonder how much longer that will last.
Jordan, being the more happy-go-lucky sort, actually wanted to play trombone but was told that his arms were too short. If you've seen Jordan, you'd know how much that made me laugh. Jordan has never been too small for anything, in any of his ten years. Tonight, we also found out that one of his friends, who is almost a year older but quite a bit smaller, is playing trombone. What the?!? Anyway, Jordan switched to trumpet, and has been delighted with it so far. He practices with minimal supervision, and is excited to see the older kids at their performances, so he can see what the future holds.
And I get to think of what great music they'll make, once Jordan gets better, and they can find music they can play together. Right now, practice time gets pretty dissonant.
swelling with pride
It's curious how the instrumental programs here work. The band program is huge, gets fiercely competitive by high school, and gets richly rewarded. Until last year, the main reason people would attend high school sports was to hear the band. The bands are always flying off to Six Flags or Disneyland, and even got to march at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego a few years ago.
Orchestra, on the other hand, is just now starting to develop into something that's a big deal. The music is getting more complex, the awards are starting to come, and the orchestra is getting to go on trips now.
When I was in school, we just pounded rocks on other rocks to make music. OK, it just feels that way. Anyway, I wasn't able to pick from all the instruments until fifth grade, but could play a string instrument starting in third grade. Yeah, thanks a lot for messing THAT up, Prop 13. GRR
With the boys, they get to pick any instrument and start playing in fifth grade. They make a big deal out of it, let the kids come and try them all out, and finally have a big sign-up day at the school where we sign up for the instrument of choice, get the rental agreement, and pay for the music and everything else.
Morgan, being the contrary sort he is, decided to play viola because he wanted to play something different. One year in, he showed real talent, but wanted to switch to percussion because he saw all the cool things the band kids got to do, and felt left out. We promised to let him try out for percussion, and work out private lessons with a high school kid from church, if he continued to practice the viola. Sadly, it didn't pan out for him; we've been forced to nag him to bring the viola home and practice. His talent still allows him to outshine the other kids, but I wonder how much longer that will last.
Jordan, being the more happy-go-lucky sort, actually wanted to play trombone but was told that his arms were too short. If you've seen Jordan, you'd know how much that made me laugh. Jordan has never been too small for anything, in any of his ten years. Tonight, we also found out that one of his friends, who is almost a year older but quite a bit smaller, is playing trombone. What the?!? Anyway, Jordan switched to trumpet, and has been delighted with it so far. He practices with minimal supervision, and is excited to see the older kids at their performances, so he can see what the future holds.
And I get to think of what great music they'll make, once Jordan gets better, and they can find music they can play together. Right now, practice time gets pretty dissonant.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Vacation approaches
Listening to: For Against - Echelons
Back to the grind today. Bleech. I can't wait for two weeks from now, where I'll get to be offline for an entire blissful seven working days. Ah, such sweet relief.
The kids had to go back to school for the first time in six days, but they weren't too bad about it. I fully expect that to change by about Wednesday. Then, the fangs will come out as they complain about having to get up so early. It was nice as well to have a quiet house in which to work. It's hard to keep telling the boys to be quiet because I'm on yet another conference call.
So, we're back in the routine, at least for the next two weeks. Then we're off for Chatham, IL, to meet Melissa's online friend Dawn, who's actually living in the UK right now. (Hmm, maybe I'll fit in her luggage.) The next day, we'll travel back down to Ozark, MO, to visit our dear friends, whose faces will split in shock at my new physique. I can't wait.
Back to the grind today. Bleech. I can't wait for two weeks from now, where I'll get to be offline for an entire blissful seven working days. Ah, such sweet relief.
The kids had to go back to school for the first time in six days, but they weren't too bad about it. I fully expect that to change by about Wednesday. Then, the fangs will come out as they complain about having to get up so early. It was nice as well to have a quiet house in which to work. It's hard to keep telling the boys to be quiet because I'm on yet another conference call.
So, we're back in the routine, at least for the next two weeks. Then we're off for Chatham, IL, to meet Melissa's online friend Dawn, who's actually living in the UK right now. (Hmm, maybe I'll fit in her luggage.) The next day, we'll travel back down to Ozark, MO, to visit our dear friends, whose faces will split in shock at my new physique. I can't wait.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
It's Sunday, so that means more things to ponder that I picked up from church today. As always, if that kind of thing makes you itchy, move on. No hard feelings.
We spent some time today in Sunday School discussing the thirteenth article of faith:
Isn't that lovely? Who can't get behind a sentiment like that? Anyway, the question came up: What is the admonition of Paul?
Well, here it is, in Phillipians 4:8:
After giving this some careful consideration, it hit me: we need to be finding those things that are true, honest, just lovely, et cetera, wherever they may be found.
That may not be revelatory to some, but hear me out on this. We Latter-Day Saints tend to be very insular, willing to read, see, and listen to only a few things, all within the bounds of that which is "safe". In many milieus, I'm the same; I'm more comfortable going to the movies than the art museum, I don't read a lot, I play it safe in the films I do decide to watch. Really only with music do I eagerly seek out good things wherever they may be.
What I guess I'm saying, is that it's high time I get to the library and do some reading, and it's time to get to the museum in town and get my art on. I will still have my limits; still no rated R movies for me. That still leaves a lot of places for truth to be found.
But how will I know the truth when I see/read/hear it? That's easy enough; the Spirit of God testifies of truth, so as long as I stay close enough to be able to listen to the Spirit, I'll be in good hands.
We spent some time today in Sunday School discussing the thirteenth article of faith:
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Isn't that lovely? Who can't get behind a sentiment like that? Anyway, the question came up: What is the admonition of Paul?
Well, here it is, in Phillipians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
After giving this some careful consideration, it hit me: we need to be finding those things that are true, honest, just lovely, et cetera, wherever they may be found.
That may not be revelatory to some, but hear me out on this. We Latter-Day Saints tend to be very insular, willing to read, see, and listen to only a few things, all within the bounds of that which is "safe". In many milieus, I'm the same; I'm more comfortable going to the movies than the art museum, I don't read a lot, I play it safe in the films I do decide to watch. Really only with music do I eagerly seek out good things wherever they may be.
What I guess I'm saying, is that it's high time I get to the library and do some reading, and it's time to get to the museum in town and get my art on. I will still have my limits; still no rated R movies for me. That still leaves a lot of places for truth to be found.
But how will I know the truth when I see/read/hear it? That's easy enough; the Spirit of God testifies of truth, so as long as I stay close enough to be able to listen to the Spirit, I'll be in good hands.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Where I Came From
One of the reasons I signed up for NaBloPoMo in the first place was so I could take some time to document the things I've gone through to lose weight. It's been a hard long slog this year, but it has absolutely been worth it.
That fact got driven home today, as a friend called for some help. He had bought himself an elliptical machine, and needed help lugging it down to his basement. I drove over to help him, because he's a good guy and if the elliptical is what gets him going, then bully for him. Thing is, though, is he's a BIG guy. Scarily so. He's maybe five foot ten, and weighs nearly 320 pounds.
Here's what's sad; last year, I made him look like a pixie.
Last year was my absolute nadir of physical condition. After Thanksgiving, I probably weighed close to 370 pounds, spread all over my six feet two. My waist was nearing fifty inches. I was relegated to 4XL shirts, and my neck was approaching 22 inches. I would huff and puff walking up fourteen steps to get from our basement to ground floor. My wife, bless her heart, didn't nag me (much), but she was secretly scared to death that I would die soon.
How did I get that way? In my case, it was simple: I would overeat uncontrollably. I would go through portions of food that would stuff a normal person, and find room for more. When my wife would gently suggest that I had eaten enough, I would eat more out of spite. There were more than a few times that I would eat until it became hard to breathe. In addition, I hardly ever moved anywhere except from the couch to the PC to the bed.
What made me change? Strangely enough, my competitive spirit. My wife called me one night, as I was out picking up groceries, and suggested that I go to the local sporting goods store and sign up for a weight-loss contest, with a sizable cash prize. Motivated by the money, as well as a nagging feeling deep down that I wasn't living right, I signed up. I was given a diet and some suggestions for exercise, then I was weighed. On that day, December 27, 2006, I weighed 355 pounds.
I looked at the diet when I got home, and almost quit right away. It looked impossible, to be honest. I decided to make a deal with myself to try it out for a week, and see how it went. I wouldn't even try to exercise, like I could have at that point anyway. (I'll get to the diet restrictions later, I promise.)
One week passed, and I weighed in. To my delight, I had lost nine pounds, and didn't feel completely ravenous with hunger. That sealed the deal; I would stick with the diet.
Where am I today? Today, I weighed in on my friend's scale, after getting the elliptical down to his basement, and weighed in at 217 pounds. That may be off, because he had just purchased the scale, and it wasn't tared properly, but I'm not much heavier than that. My size 38 jeans have to be cinched to fit properly. My size 19 dress shirts make me look like a kid wearing his dad's clothes. I've lost weight off my feet, for Pete's sake.
Visual evidence: here's me, after six weeks of diet, having already lost 27 pounds.
Here's me, from this past December.
That fact got driven home today, as a friend called for some help. He had bought himself an elliptical machine, and needed help lugging it down to his basement. I drove over to help him, because he's a good guy and if the elliptical is what gets him going, then bully for him. Thing is, though, is he's a BIG guy. Scarily so. He's maybe five foot ten, and weighs nearly 320 pounds.
Here's what's sad; last year, I made him look like a pixie.
Last year was my absolute nadir of physical condition. After Thanksgiving, I probably weighed close to 370 pounds, spread all over my six feet two. My waist was nearing fifty inches. I was relegated to 4XL shirts, and my neck was approaching 22 inches. I would huff and puff walking up fourteen steps to get from our basement to ground floor. My wife, bless her heart, didn't nag me (much), but she was secretly scared to death that I would die soon.
How did I get that way? In my case, it was simple: I would overeat uncontrollably. I would go through portions of food that would stuff a normal person, and find room for more. When my wife would gently suggest that I had eaten enough, I would eat more out of spite. There were more than a few times that I would eat until it became hard to breathe. In addition, I hardly ever moved anywhere except from the couch to the PC to the bed.
What made me change? Strangely enough, my competitive spirit. My wife called me one night, as I was out picking up groceries, and suggested that I go to the local sporting goods store and sign up for a weight-loss contest, with a sizable cash prize. Motivated by the money, as well as a nagging feeling deep down that I wasn't living right, I signed up. I was given a diet and some suggestions for exercise, then I was weighed. On that day, December 27, 2006, I weighed 355 pounds.
I looked at the diet when I got home, and almost quit right away. It looked impossible, to be honest. I decided to make a deal with myself to try it out for a week, and see how it went. I wouldn't even try to exercise, like I could have at that point anyway. (I'll get to the diet restrictions later, I promise.)
One week passed, and I weighed in. To my delight, I had lost nine pounds, and didn't feel completely ravenous with hunger. That sealed the deal; I would stick with the diet.
Where am I today? Today, I weighed in on my friend's scale, after getting the elliptical down to his basement, and weighed in at 217 pounds. That may be off, because he had just purchased the scale, and it wasn't tared properly, but I'm not much heavier than that. My size 38 jeans have to be cinched to fit properly. My size 19 dress shirts make me look like a kid wearing his dad's clothes. I've lost weight off my feet, for Pete's sake.
Visual evidence: here's me, after six weeks of diet, having already lost 27 pounds.
Here's me, from this past December.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Time well spent
Two tickets to the second-run theater to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for the third time a piece ... $5.00.
A gallon of milk, Rice Chex, and hair color ... $13.27.
Dinner for two at the Chinese buffet place ... $23.04.
Letting Melissa know that I'm not glued to the PC, skiving off work to spend a night with her, and counting her almost sixteen years into our marriage ... priceless.
Oh yeah, good times.
I don't know why I get suckered into Chinese buffet. We actually have a pretty good Chinese restaurant that we found right after moving here, but we still try other places, and each time I've come out disappointed. What really gets me is why some places feel the need to compete with Hometown Buffet and the like, by offering poorly-done fried chicken and French fries, or heaven help me, enchiladas, instead of just hooking up some really good Chinese food. It's sad, really. They at least had some basic sushi, which was nice, and their mushrooms in brown gravy was good.
I had to laugh as I sat down with my first plate. I had piled it pretty good, but I had broccoli I had taken from the beef & broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, and a yummy chicken & veggie stir-fry. If I had been there last year, it would have been laden sky-high with lo mein and meat and the like. I walked out today feeling full, but not totally bloated.
Melissa and I decided that OotP may be the most subtle of the Harry Potter movies, because it reveals little secrets from close inspection. For example, you can see the scowl that crosses Ginny's face every time Harry and Cho talk together. There's rock music in the Gryffindor common room, and I couldn't quite hear it well enough to place who does it. So I'm a Harry Potter geek; it's little things like that that bring me joy.
Well, enough for today. Good night all.
A gallon of milk, Rice Chex, and hair color ... $13.27.
Dinner for two at the Chinese buffet place ... $23.04.
Letting Melissa know that I'm not glued to the PC, skiving off work to spend a night with her, and counting her almost sixteen years into our marriage ... priceless.
Oh yeah, good times.
I don't know why I get suckered into Chinese buffet. We actually have a pretty good Chinese restaurant that we found right after moving here, but we still try other places, and each time I've come out disappointed. What really gets me is why some places feel the need to compete with Hometown Buffet and the like, by offering poorly-done fried chicken and French fries, or heaven help me, enchiladas, instead of just hooking up some really good Chinese food. It's sad, really. They at least had some basic sushi, which was nice, and their mushrooms in brown gravy was good.
I had to laugh as I sat down with my first plate. I had piled it pretty good, but I had broccoli I had taken from the beef & broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, and a yummy chicken & veggie stir-fry. If I had been there last year, it would have been laden sky-high with lo mein and meat and the like. I walked out today feeling full, but not totally bloated.
Melissa and I decided that OotP may be the most subtle of the Harry Potter movies, because it reveals little secrets from close inspection. For example, you can see the scowl that crosses Ginny's face every time Harry and Cho talk together. There's rock music in the Gryffindor common room, and I couldn't quite hear it well enough to place who does it. So I'm a Harry Potter geek; it's little things like that that bring me joy.
Well, enough for today. Good night all.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Ack, today's the day!
I completely forgot about NaBloPoMo starting, to the point where I almost forgot to post here!
NaBloPoMo, for those unaware, is the blog-posting equivalent of NaNoWriMo, and stands for National Blog Posting Month. The idea is to get those creative juices flowing by forcing oneself to make a blog post every day through the month of November.
To be honest, I don't know if I'll make it. No, not because I want to slack out, or because I lack material. The problem is that I have a huge vacation coming up around Thnaksgiving, and I don't know how much time I'll be able to use to access a PC and make a post.
Heck, I almost missed tonight, due to the following things that took away my attention:
That job thing
Cooking chicken noodle soup and snickerdoodles for our missionaries, as it was our turn to feed them
Dealing with a spouse with a killer migraine
Having to study for her seminary class, due to said headache
Babysitting another team that is upgrading our anti-virus software
Dealing with three boys, their friends, and their never-ending sugar-fueled requests for sleepovers
Trying to potty-train Suki the Evil Terrier
Ugh, I had best get on with that seminary lesson. I'm supposed to cover Exodus 5-7 in a coherent manner for a group of high-school age kids, all extremely intelligent.
Wow, NaBloPoMo is getting off to a rip-roaring start here. :P
NaBloPoMo, for those unaware, is the blog-posting equivalent of NaNoWriMo, and stands for National Blog Posting Month. The idea is to get those creative juices flowing by forcing oneself to make a blog post every day through the month of November.
To be honest, I don't know if I'll make it. No, not because I want to slack out, or because I lack material. The problem is that I have a huge vacation coming up around Thnaksgiving, and I don't know how much time I'll be able to use to access a PC and make a post.
Heck, I almost missed tonight, due to the following things that took away my attention:
That job thing
Cooking chicken noodle soup and snickerdoodles for our missionaries, as it was our turn to feed them
Dealing with a spouse with a killer migraine
Having to study for her seminary class, due to said headache
Babysitting another team that is upgrading our anti-virus software
Dealing with three boys, their friends, and their never-ending sugar-fueled requests for sleepovers
Trying to potty-train Suki the Evil Terrier
Ugh, I had best get on with that seminary lesson. I'm supposed to cover Exodus 5-7 in a coherent manner for a group of high-school age kids, all extremely intelligent.
Wow, NaBloPoMo is getting off to a rip-roaring start here. :P
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