Our Labor Day Weekend was just lovely. I'm so thankful Mom and Dad came to visit. It meant I didn't need to ask off work, or "work" from home on the kids' extra day off (Teacher In-Service). Although I hated being at the office that day, at least they all met me for lunch. And now I have more PTO days banked, to get me through the holiday season. That's always a good thing.
Anyway, we ate some yummy food (I'd say brunch on Sunday at Reveille was a highlight, as well as jambalaya on Tuesday), (well, and hamburgers on Sunday night in the backyard!), played a lot of cornhole and I have the mosquito bites to prove it, went to the bookstore allllll together once, and truly enjoyed the early mornings and fall temps on my back patio. Yay! So many of my favorite things! We even spent a couple of hours one morning watching 2 deer who were in the backyard woods. RIGHT. THERE. They stayed such a long time, even though we were moving around not-too-quietly. It was kinda magical.
Also, it's wonderful to have guests who don't feel like guests.
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Today is one of those marathon days that start up once school's in session. The kids have piano at 6:15, and I'll need Shawn to meet me there so I can get back to choir practice by 7:15. (I'm not really excited about it, as you know if you have read me for any length of time. I love singing, but I always complain about choir. Just... some of the people require too much effort. Sigh. Very Christian of me. But as long as the kids are in school at St. Joe's, I guess I'll keep up with it so we can get the "participating" Catholic tuition rate. Ha. The minute Kate graduates from 8th grade, I think I'm done.)
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And tomorrow, our annual (?) hurricane evacuees may arrive for an extended stay. We're.... of course happy to give them safe refuge. But kind-of less happy than we should be. They're guests that really feel like guests. Oh well. The kids'll have fun with their cousins.
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Update (Friday morning): Choir practice was really fun last night. Since it was the first one of the season, we started a whole pile of new music, and I realized: I really love sight-reading. Sight-singing. For years, it intimidated me (back in college, particularly). But I've gotten comfortable with it, confident, and I especially love when I get it right. Our director, Alvin, is a joy. He's so funny. I had to give him a hug afterwards, and then he amped it up even further by complimenting me. I left feeling really FILLED with happiness. (One of the big/contrary personalities wasn't there last night, which I know helped keep the atmosphere pleasant.)
Showing posts with label those who sing (right) pray twice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label those who sing (right) pray twice. Show all posts
Friday, September 8
Wednesday, December 9
Wait, it's December?
Christmastime is here! Whether we're ready for it or not, and surprise, surprise, I'm probably not! I saw a photo from October on my Facebook feed the other day, and I thought, wait, isn't it still October? Even though I know very well that all of November is already behind us (and some of December, even)! It's crazy, how time works -- how the days are long but the years are short. And I mean, I try to "just take one day at a time." You'd think that would make me extra-aware of what day/month/year it is. But, no.
Anyway, we have actually placed orders on Amazon Prime (Prime is the BEST), so at least we're not totally behind in the Santa Claus department. They're both definitely suspicious about S.C., and Alex may already be completely in the know, although he's not letting on. One of my friends says she tells her kid, "If you don't believe, you don't receive!" To me that's a little harsh, but I'm at the point where I kinda WANT them to figure it out. Partly so we get the THANK YOUS we deserve, heh, and partly so I can wink and waggle my eyebrows and talk about it in that fun, conspiratorial way.
I've not even thought about Christmas cards, but we did decorate...
I have to stop right here and one LAST time, "publicly" thank Shawn for all his hard work this past weekend. He had just told me Friday afternoon he was feeling his annual "anti-Christmas" feelings (don't we all?), and that I should be warned, and I was... but then I insisted anyway, that we were doing the tree and then HE was doing lights outside the house all weekend, plus raking/blowing leaves.... basically I said, "Christmas, here: Make It Happen" and he did. He worked ALL day Sunday, 9 to 9, save for the hour when I made him take me/us to brunch with Santa at the Country Club, and have a holiday mimosa with me, and LIKE IT.
So THANK YOU, Darling Husband, I love you so. This is just the way of the world, it seems, for husbands and wives. I think of our friends Jason and April, and I am certain she gives him her Instructions, and he is Expected to carry them out, and at least I'm not quite THAT brazen about it, I don't think.
The school Christmas program is already out of the way, Santa brunch, check, and so this weekend's activities include dinner out Friday night with our couple-friends Christina and Bobby, and the choir Christmas party Saturday night. I'm skipping choir on Sunday because I detest the song we're doing. Ha! I've never skipped for that reason, but I have done this song a zillion times with this choir and with another choir, and even though most people say it's SO BEAUTIFUL (Cantique de Jean Racine, by Faure), I still just hate it. The soprano has a few notes too low for comfort, (below "the break," as they say, which for me is lower than about A above middle C) and it's supposed to be sung in French, but we always sing it in English. Bleh. Actually, I don't even love it in French. It's boring to sing. Sorry, Faure. So, Sunday we can either go to the mall or wrap presents or do something FUN, after 9:00 Mass (or Saturday vigil). Lord knows Kate will demand we do SOMETHING FUN.
Oh, and I'm having my December cold right now, so hopefully that means it will be gone by Christmas Eve/Midnight Mass! Two winning years on that score, woo!
Anyway, we have actually placed orders on Amazon Prime (Prime is the BEST), so at least we're not totally behind in the Santa Claus department. They're both definitely suspicious about S.C., and Alex may already be completely in the know, although he's not letting on. One of my friends says she tells her kid, "If you don't believe, you don't receive!" To me that's a little harsh, but I'm at the point where I kinda WANT them to figure it out. Partly so we get the THANK YOUS we deserve, heh, and partly so I can wink and waggle my eyebrows and talk about it in that fun, conspiratorial way.
I've not even thought about Christmas cards, but we did decorate...
I have to stop right here and one LAST time, "publicly" thank Shawn for all his hard work this past weekend. He had just told me Friday afternoon he was feeling his annual "anti-Christmas" feelings (don't we all?), and that I should be warned, and I was... but then I insisted anyway, that we were doing the tree and then HE was doing lights outside the house all weekend, plus raking/blowing leaves.... basically I said, "Christmas, here: Make It Happen" and he did. He worked ALL day Sunday, 9 to 9, save for the hour when I made him take me/us to brunch with Santa at the Country Club, and have a holiday mimosa with me, and LIKE IT.
So THANK YOU, Darling Husband, I love you so. This is just the way of the world, it seems, for husbands and wives. I think of our friends Jason and April, and I am certain she gives him her Instructions, and he is Expected to carry them out, and at least I'm not quite THAT brazen about it, I don't think.
The school Christmas program is already out of the way, Santa brunch, check, and so this weekend's activities include dinner out Friday night with our couple-friends Christina and Bobby, and the choir Christmas party Saturday night. I'm skipping choir on Sunday because I detest the song we're doing. Ha! I've never skipped for that reason, but I have done this song a zillion times with this choir and with another choir, and even though most people say it's SO BEAUTIFUL (Cantique de Jean Racine, by Faure), I still just hate it. The soprano has a few notes too low for comfort, (below "the break," as they say, which for me is lower than about A above middle C) and it's supposed to be sung in French, but we always sing it in English. Bleh. Actually, I don't even love it in French. It's boring to sing. Sorry, Faure. So, Sunday we can either go to the mall or wrap presents or do something FUN, after 9:00 Mass (or Saturday vigil). Lord knows Kate will demand we do SOMETHING FUN.
Oh, and I'm having my December cold right now, so hopefully that means it will be gone by Christmas Eve/Midnight Mass! Two winning years on that score, woo!
Friday, November 6
Choir, on a positive note
Let me just start this with a huge Siiiiiiiiiiiiighhhhh. Because that is, in general, how I feel by Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. I donnnnnn't wanna.
But yesterday I decided to talk myself out of that crap. To direct my thoughts a little. To TELL myself, "I am going to choir because I enjoy singing. I enjoy being with these funny people. I am furthering my music education, and I like doing that." I don't know what all exact words I used. But during the drive there, I kept thinking it. When I got there, one of the men who drives me a little bit crazy pulled up at the same time I did. But I stopped myself from rolling my eyes (not that I would ever do so TO his face, just inside my own car), and instead tried to think, "How do I want this person to see me? As "that nice young lady who's always so kind to me." Not as, "That soprano who always seems tired and a little closed off."
I've also been trying to think of vocal breathing as another kind of yoga breathing. They're not the same thing, obviously, but breathing is good either way. :)
So, last night's rehearsal was better, with a positive intention behind it. I also remembered that choir can be my only time to (sorry for the cliche) "break open the Word" a little bit. The hymns we sing, of course, are usually based on Scripture, and Lord knows I don't have (make) time to read it. When it speaks to me personally, which happens a lot, hey, that's a lovely bonus. "Singing is praying twice," and all.
Anyway, life. It's true we humans are learning all the time, and still haven't figured it all out. More for me to be diligent about. :)
Friday, May 10
Happy Friday! Some thoughts (7QT)
1. One thing I like to do is cut my fingernails short, and then paint them. Don't know why I like the look of short, painted nails better than long ones, but I do. Long ones seem... bitchier, maybe? I particularly enjoy painting them at the office. It feels illicit, and luxurious. Here's the color I'm painting today (I "borrowed" it (without asking) from KT's stash of One THOUSAND tiny nail polishes).
2. I used to be so much better at this blogging thing. I revisit old posts -- today I wanted to find out when, exactly, AJ started reading, so I was exploring January 2009) -- and I think, I was funny. I could string sentences together in a humorous, somewhat entertaining way! And people were coming here to read what I said. Hunh. I feel like I have lost some of that ability. And I know I've lost the greater ability to write anything meaningful. I used to do that. I got jealous reading some of Britt's insights yesterday. I wish I had written them. It's fine; suppose I'll just continue to write pithy things. ;) The difference is, I guess, she has a theme and a purpose, and I'm just here doing my thing, for me.
3. Actually, what it is, is, I'm saving my good stuff for the PAID writing I must do. Yesterday I knocked out two big assignments -- a letter from the Editor (me) for our magazine, and an article about one of our products -- that had been on my list all week. OHHH, I did not want to write those two things. But there were hard deadlines, and I had to. I broke out the pencil and paper for some good old-fashioned brainstorming (hate doing it in a group, don't mind so much scratching it out myself on scrap paper), and Wrote Those Suckers. Even got some virtual high-fives on them from the higher-ups. It felt good to get them done BEFORE Friday, and once again I was reminded to be grateful that I have a job where my actual skills are being used. Sometimes it's even fun, to write good things. It's a rare blessing that a lot of people who work do not have.
4. Random something that's kinda neat: An Oklahoma church unearthed a time capsule from 1913. My favorite things were the ones addressed to "Our friends in 2013."
5. I've been working on the way I see the world, lately -- I know that sounds kind-of big and dramatic. I had noticed, sadly, that I just had this general dislike of other people. You know, like, other drivers for example. It's easy to scowl at and sort-of hate the driver who cuts you off. And we all have people in our lives who are kind-of weird, and we just roll our eyes about them and allow our surface impression to simmer and grow. Which turns into dislike. So, well, I wanted to stop doing this. It actually happened by accident: I was in church one morning and I saw, in a front-row pew, this very rich family (who are always so nice, but) who live in a giant, gorgeous house which I used to grouse about every time I drove by it. And when I looked their way, I only saw that I LIKE them. I actually felt like I LOVED them. Loved that they're part of my community, anyway. (And they're nice. Why should I care about their house?) And then I saw another family I know, and I love them, too, for who they are as relates to my family. They're weird, sure. But that's who they are. Looking around, then, I started being able to love all the different people there, in different ways. The super-most-annoying lady became "Quirky Sue," in my mind, instead. I mean, accept it, right? It's not going to change. Just love her for who she is. Last night it happened at choir practice -- I felt such love for all the good, odd, annoying, sweet, dedicated people singing next to me and behind me. :) It's hard to explain. I'm trying to carry this feeling to the workplace (and other drivers!), because that's where I get a large majority of scowly feelings toward people. It's hard work (is that okay?), but I like it. Did anyone ever read that horrible book, the Celestine Prophecy? I did, and hated it, but the concept of seeing an "energy" or "light" coming from each person (hooey, in the book) is feeling real to me in this context.
6. What are we reading? I am trying like heck (in ten-minute increments) to finish Kingdom Keepers 1. AJ is loving this series -- he loves ALL the mystery/adventures series -- and I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. It's fun, but I don't want/need to read any more after this one. It's great for a kid like him, who's been lucky enough to go to Disneyworld enough that he remembers where rides and attractions are, because it takes place there. If you had never been to Disney, I'm not sure it would be as interesting. I'd like to read a grown-up book next, and I have a long list.
7. I'm going to miss singing this anthem with the choir on Memorial Day weekend, and I'm sad because I adore it. So fun to sing. It starts kind-of slow but gets really good around 2:20, and the Alleluias are just awesome. Best with eyes closed. :)
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| Orange for spring! |
2. I used to be so much better at this blogging thing. I revisit old posts -- today I wanted to find out when, exactly, AJ started reading, so I was exploring January 2009) -- and I think, I was funny. I could string sentences together in a humorous, somewhat entertaining way! And people were coming here to read what I said. Hunh. I feel like I have lost some of that ability. And I know I've lost the greater ability to write anything meaningful. I used to do that. I got jealous reading some of Britt's insights yesterday. I wish I had written them. It's fine; suppose I'll just continue to write pithy things. ;) The difference is, I guess, she has a theme and a purpose, and I'm just here doing my thing, for me.
3. Actually, what it is, is, I'm saving my good stuff for the PAID writing I must do. Yesterday I knocked out two big assignments -- a letter from the Editor (me) for our magazine, and an article about one of our products -- that had been on my list all week. OHHH, I did not want to write those two things. But there were hard deadlines, and I had to. I broke out the pencil and paper for some good old-fashioned brainstorming (hate doing it in a group, don't mind so much scratching it out myself on scrap paper), and Wrote Those Suckers. Even got some virtual high-fives on them from the higher-ups. It felt good to get them done BEFORE Friday, and once again I was reminded to be grateful that I have a job where my actual skills are being used. Sometimes it's even fun, to write good things. It's a rare blessing that a lot of people who work do not have.
4. Random something that's kinda neat: An Oklahoma church unearthed a time capsule from 1913. My favorite things were the ones addressed to "Our friends in 2013."
5. I've been working on the way I see the world, lately -- I know that sounds kind-of big and dramatic. I had noticed, sadly, that I just had this general dislike of other people. You know, like, other drivers for example. It's easy to scowl at and sort-of hate the driver who cuts you off. And we all have people in our lives who are kind-of weird, and we just roll our eyes about them and allow our surface impression to simmer and grow. Which turns into dislike. So, well, I wanted to stop doing this. It actually happened by accident: I was in church one morning and I saw, in a front-row pew, this very rich family (who are always so nice, but) who live in a giant, gorgeous house which I used to grouse about every time I drove by it. And when I looked their way, I only saw that I LIKE them. I actually felt like I LOVED them. Loved that they're part of my community, anyway. (And they're nice. Why should I care about their house?) And then I saw another family I know, and I love them, too, for who they are as relates to my family. They're weird, sure. But that's who they are. Looking around, then, I started being able to love all the different people there, in different ways. The super-most-annoying lady became "Quirky Sue," in my mind, instead. I mean, accept it, right? It's not going to change. Just love her for who she is. Last night it happened at choir practice -- I felt such love for all the good, odd, annoying, sweet, dedicated people singing next to me and behind me. :) It's hard to explain. I'm trying to carry this feeling to the workplace (and other drivers!), because that's where I get a large majority of scowly feelings toward people. It's hard work (is that okay?), but I like it. Did anyone ever read that horrible book, the Celestine Prophecy? I did, and hated it, but the concept of seeing an "energy" or "light" coming from each person (hooey, in the book) is feeling real to me in this context.
6. What are we reading? I am trying like heck (in ten-minute increments) to finish Kingdom Keepers 1. AJ is loving this series -- he loves ALL the mystery/adventures series -- and I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. It's fun, but I don't want/need to read any more after this one. It's great for a kid like him, who's been lucky enough to go to Disneyworld enough that he remembers where rides and attractions are, because it takes place there. If you had never been to Disney, I'm not sure it would be as interesting. I'd like to read a grown-up book next, and I have a long list.
7. I'm going to miss singing this anthem with the choir on Memorial Day weekend, and I'm sad because I adore it. So fun to sing. It starts kind-of slow but gets really good around 2:20, and the Alleluias are just awesome. Best with eyes closed. :)
Friday, August 19
7 Quick Things I Did Yesterday
It was a busy day.
1. Got up at 5:00 am. I started this schedule last school year, and it did accomplish the task of allowing me to do homework with AJ twice a week at our kitchen table. I do also kind-of like being awake before everyone else, and leaving the morning shuffle of dressing kids and gathering backpacks to DH, while I drive to the office at 6:15. (They also behave better for him than for me.) HOWEVER. It’s so earrrrlyyyy! Whine. I’m unsure if I really want to keep up with it this year again.
2. Witnessed some police business going down! I was in the drive-thru line at the bank, and another guy in line was evidently not doing the right thing, to use daycare-ese. 4 cop cars and 1 plain-clothes investigator! They cuffed the dude while my teller was all, “Thank you for banking with Wells Fargo!” over the tin-can speaker.
3. Made it to carpool in time. I was not the last car, and this always pleases me. One reason I am unsure about continuing these early days is the extreme rush it takes for me to GET to carpool. Even with leaving my office at 3:30 (exactly 480 minutes after I arrive at 6:30, minus lunch), I hate that stress. AJ knows if I don’t make it, not to panic... but I panic.
4. Met an online friend IRL! A sweet lady I met on Sparkpeople.com lives right around the corner from us. She and I met up for a 30-minute walk in the park, and AJ came with us. He walked a little and played on the playground a little. I don’t know if we’ll continue to meet in the afternoons (I’d rather not have AJ there by himself, although I do think it’s important to model for him the importance of physical activity), but I think we’ll definitely meet again.
5. Cooked a real dinner for once this week. It had a protein, vegetable, fruit, and Crescent Rolls. It was not hot dogs, chicken nuggets, leftovers, microwaved, or one of my frequent dinner solutions. We hadn't had this dish in a while and I thought it was delicious.
6. Went to the 1st choir practice of the season. We had fun, and my only regret was being overly excited about some music we’re doing this year that I’ve done before. I don’t want to be THAT GUY, who acts like she knows it all, already. Yeesh. *stupid stupid!* I do wish we'd get some additional people to join. Young-ish people would be nice (average age in our choir is about 60). Edited: NOT that there's anything wrong with 60, of course (Mom)! But it would be fun to meet some singers my own age.
7. Barely saw my husband. So I bought him a pint of Cherry Garcia. We first ate that flavor on our second date, I believe it was, 12 summers ago in 1999. I remember being excited that he shared a bite, on his spoon, with me. So intimate! ;) Anyway, I barely saw him yesterday, so it’s a good thing we have a date night planned this weekend. I can’t wait.
more quick takes hosted by Jen!
1. Got up at 5:00 am. I started this schedule last school year, and it did accomplish the task of allowing me to do homework with AJ twice a week at our kitchen table. I do also kind-of like being awake before everyone else, and leaving the morning shuffle of dressing kids and gathering backpacks to DH, while I drive to the office at 6:15. (They also behave better for him than for me.) HOWEVER. It’s so earrrrlyyyy! Whine. I’m unsure if I really want to keep up with it this year again.
2. Witnessed some police business going down! I was in the drive-thru line at the bank, and another guy in line was evidently not doing the right thing, to use daycare-ese. 4 cop cars and 1 plain-clothes investigator! They cuffed the dude while my teller was all, “Thank you for banking with Wells Fargo!” over the tin-can speaker.
3. Made it to carpool in time. I was not the last car, and this always pleases me. One reason I am unsure about continuing these early days is the extreme rush it takes for me to GET to carpool. Even with leaving my office at 3:30 (exactly 480 minutes after I arrive at 6:30, minus lunch), I hate that stress. AJ knows if I don’t make it, not to panic... but I panic.
4. Met an online friend IRL! A sweet lady I met on Sparkpeople.com lives right around the corner from us. She and I met up for a 30-minute walk in the park, and AJ came with us. He walked a little and played on the playground a little. I don’t know if we’ll continue to meet in the afternoons (I’d rather not have AJ there by himself, although I do think it’s important to model for him the importance of physical activity), but I think we’ll definitely meet again.
5. Cooked a real dinner for once this week. It had a protein, vegetable, fruit, and Crescent Rolls. It was not hot dogs, chicken nuggets, leftovers, microwaved, or one of my frequent dinner solutions. We hadn't had this dish in a while and I thought it was delicious.
6. Went to the 1st choir practice of the season. We had fun, and my only regret was being overly excited about some music we’re doing this year that I’ve done before. I don’t want to be THAT GUY, who acts like she knows it all, already. Yeesh. *stupid stupid!* I do wish we'd get some additional people to join. Young-ish people would be nice (average age in our choir is about 60). Edited: NOT that there's anything wrong with 60, of course (Mom)! But it would be fun to meet some singers my own age.
7. Barely saw my husband. So I bought him a pint of Cherry Garcia. We first ate that flavor on our second date, I believe it was, 12 summers ago in 1999. I remember being excited that he shared a bite, on his spoon, with me. So intimate! ;) Anyway, I barely saw him yesterday, so it’s a good thing we have a date night planned this weekend. I can’t wait.
more quick takes hosted by Jen!
Monday, April 25
Monday teaser list
Sooooo many things I want to document here and share with my few wonderful readers. Soooo should be working and not blogging. But I just started reading a new productivity book this morning, and it’s making my To-Do List look even MORE daunting and stupid than usual. Plus, it's a post-3-day-weekend Monday, so I have very little oomph for work. My inner self is more important than my [non-life-saving] work IMHO, so inner self wins for the moment, and spills out onto the screen, in bullets:
> Three-day weekend! My company kindly gave us Good Friday off, so I spent it with both kids. I know that isn’t news to most people, but every day is so precious, especially in light of things going on around me, and I just have to treasure each extra day I get. So we went to the mall, again – I’m becoming a mall regular, which scares me just a little bit – because KT needed some 3T shorts and tee-shirts for school. I found a lot of cute things at JC Penney. Surprised me, but they’re just as good a value as our beloved Target. And, okay, I also let each kid get a toy at the Disney Store. AJ found a Perry the Platypus whoopee cushion and I PAID MONEY FOR IT. *forehead smack* But hey, it makes him laugh. KT got a Dalmation puppy (I sort-of forced it on her). She's been sleeping with it, so I guess it was a good choice -- note: Not a princess.
> Lots of singing for Easter Weekend. I was in the choir section Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. It was rewarding and fun, and I had a small solo psalm, for which I was very kindly thanked and congratulated. Most lovely was that we had a soprano “ringer” join us, and she was friendly AND talented. I was thankful for her because she made me want to sing better. Kept thinking to myself, “My new friend, S.” Hope to see her again.
> Swimming lessons continue. I’ve nearly concluded KT’s portion of the show – she’s just really too young for it, given her swimming history of only one week in the summers. She can’t take the combination of a big pool, a lot of other splashing kids, an unknown grown-up, AND 3:00 on a Sunday afternoon with no nap. She's melted down each week. It’s another *forehead smack* moment for me – really stupid – and a sunk cost (hat tip: Tess), so... whatever. We’ll swim with her this summer because we’re joining the subdivision’s pool for the first time. I’m going to continue my early Tuesday/Thursday schedule, and plan to take the kids to the pool on those afternoons after camp/daycare. AJ’s making great progress in his lessons, and he had a private one yesterday because no one else showed up (who holds classes on Easter Sunday anyway?!). He needed the extra practice and one-on-one attention, and he did really well. But man, is it a challenge for kids who don't like water in their faces. I felt pretty bad every time he spit in the coach's face. (Eek.)
> Kitchen is painted! I will have the photographic evidence to post soon, right after we re-organize the entire cabinet system and put everything that currently resides on the dining table back in its new, rightful position. Ha! No big deal! I'm hoping that a lunchtime trip to Garden Ridge today will help with those tasks. (BASKETS.) We love the paint colors we chose. *Pats on back to us!* We r so smrt!
So... more to come this week: Hopefully an extra special Before/After edition, and also something else extra special (hint, the traditional gift is.... inexplicably, Tin). :)
> Three-day weekend! My company kindly gave us Good Friday off, so I spent it with both kids. I know that isn’t news to most people, but every day is so precious, especially in light of things going on around me, and I just have to treasure each extra day I get. So we went to the mall, again – I’m becoming a mall regular, which scares me just a little bit – because KT needed some 3T shorts and tee-shirts for school. I found a lot of cute things at JC Penney. Surprised me, but they’re just as good a value as our beloved Target. And, okay, I also let each kid get a toy at the Disney Store. AJ found a Perry the Platypus whoopee cushion and I PAID MONEY FOR IT. *forehead smack* But hey, it makes him laugh. KT got a Dalmation puppy (I sort-of forced it on her). She's been sleeping with it, so I guess it was a good choice -- note: Not a princess.
> Lots of singing for Easter Weekend. I was in the choir section Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. It was rewarding and fun, and I had a small solo psalm, for which I was very kindly thanked and congratulated. Most lovely was that we had a soprano “ringer” join us, and she was friendly AND talented. I was thankful for her because she made me want to sing better. Kept thinking to myself, “My new friend, S.” Hope to see her again.
> Swimming lessons continue. I’ve nearly concluded KT’s portion of the show – she’s just really too young for it, given her swimming history of only one week in the summers. She can’t take the combination of a big pool, a lot of other splashing kids, an unknown grown-up, AND 3:00 on a Sunday afternoon with no nap. She's melted down each week. It’s another *forehead smack* moment for me – really stupid – and a sunk cost (hat tip: Tess), so... whatever. We’ll swim with her this summer because we’re joining the subdivision’s pool for the first time. I’m going to continue my early Tuesday/Thursday schedule, and plan to take the kids to the pool on those afternoons after camp/daycare. AJ’s making great progress in his lessons, and he had a private one yesterday because no one else showed up (who holds classes on Easter Sunday anyway?!). He needed the extra practice and one-on-one attention, and he did really well. But man, is it a challenge for kids who don't like water in their faces. I felt pretty bad every time he spit in the coach's face. (Eek.)
> Kitchen is painted! I will have the photographic evidence to post soon, right after we re-organize the entire cabinet system and put everything that currently resides on the dining table back in its new, rightful position. Ha! No big deal! I'm hoping that a lunchtime trip to Garden Ridge today will help with those tasks. (BASKETS.) We love the paint colors we chose. *Pats on back to us!* We r so smrt!
So... more to come this week: Hopefully an extra special Before/After edition, and also something else extra special (hint, the traditional gift is.... inexplicably, Tin). :)
Wednesday, March 23
So much
I'm not stressed, I'm just... a little sad, I guess. I didn't check the calendar (but I thought I did?) and today is a baseball practice... but I scheduled a desperately needed haircut/color for myself at the same time (first world problems). No big deal, DH can take both kids to the ballpark, I know this, but it makes me feel bad. Because Monday night I left them all to go to Book Club. And Thursday night is choir practice every week, and as much as I love choir, it starts to wear on me after a full schoolyear's worth of every-week rehearsals. I've only skipped once or twice for a break, but once was last week, so I really need to GO this week. (I mean, I could be one of those people who NEVER goes to practice but shows up on Sundays and says, "What're we singing?" Except I get really irritated by those people.) And of course, this week we also have a Thursday baseball GAME. I think I can do both if we take 2 cars to the park, although I know KT will fuss and cry when it's time for me to leave without her. I don't know, maybe I'll skip again.
I want to get philosophical and come to some unique, well-written conclusions about the way I feel, but I don't think I have the mental energy for that. Everybody's crazy busy. It's not a big deal, sometimes it is a big deal... at least we got our taxes filed last night, and the painting is underway... right? I found some hand-me-downs for KT so at least she has some spring clothes and an Easter dress she can wear, but I still need to go shopping for shoes etc., and I simply can't find the time to do it. Maybe this Saturday, in between baseball pictures at 10:00 am, our game at 12:15, and me cantoring at 5:30 Mass? Er... no. And Sunday's no better -- Mass with choir goes from 10 AM until noon for me, and then we have our first swimming lesson at 2:30. I don't want to feel guilty for adding those swimming lessons -- my kids NEED swimming lessons and I think they'll enjoy them -- but MAN, do I ever feel guilty.
It's just way too much sometimes. I am so thankful I took Spring Break off - I have a week and a half to go until some much needed vacation time. No baseball, no swimming, no Fricking WORK. I hope I can make it a productive week but still feel like the days are long.
I want to get philosophical and come to some unique, well-written conclusions about the way I feel, but I don't think I have the mental energy for that. Everybody's crazy busy. It's not a big deal, sometimes it is a big deal... at least we got our taxes filed last night, and the painting is underway... right? I found some hand-me-downs for KT so at least she has some spring clothes and an Easter dress she can wear, but I still need to go shopping for shoes etc., and I simply can't find the time to do it. Maybe this Saturday, in between baseball pictures at 10:00 am, our game at 12:15, and me cantoring at 5:30 Mass? Er... no. And Sunday's no better -- Mass with choir goes from 10 AM until noon for me, and then we have our first swimming lesson at 2:30. I don't want to feel guilty for adding those swimming lessons -- my kids NEED swimming lessons and I think they'll enjoy them -- but MAN, do I ever feel guilty.
It's just way too much sometimes. I am so thankful I took Spring Break off - I have a week and a half to go until some much needed vacation time. No baseball, no swimming, no Fricking WORK. I hope I can make it a productive week but still feel like the days are long.
Wednesday, December 8
More Arts, Please
I am enjoying your lists of traditions (see below); keep 'em coming. :)
Today, though, I want to document a couple of things. I've always loved the arts. And... hee, hee, the crafts. They've both been on my mind.
The Arts, because this season is filled with music, and mine has been speaking to me profoundly. My sister's chorus (oh look! there she is, right on top of their webpage!) recorded an amazing Christmas CD. I've been listening to it daily, but only as much as I can stand, because it's so emotionally moving I can only do one or two songs at a time. I'm amazed by the power that one chord, or, in "The Friendly Beasts," (a song I usually don't care for, btw) ONE NOTE at the lower end of the piano honestly moves me to tears. I've been wishing that I could fill my every HOUR with music and make a living from it. I don't know that that's my calling, but oh, what a joy it would be. I'm ever grateful for my own small part in the world of Music -- like last night, I got to cantor at the Immaculate Conception vigil Mass. Although it took me away from my home and family for yet another hour, I was truly lifted up by being allowed to sing. Even humble little ol' "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman." So, so grateful.
And The Crafts, because yesterday I went to the fabric store to buy grosgrain ribbon and barettes. I'm making KT a few hairbow stocking stuffers all by myself, and the idea of getting out my glue gun and attempting a new thing was surprisingly exciting for me. I don't have time for big craft projects anymore, but even a tiny trip into that side of my creativity gives me a little boost. I need to remember that, and find things I like doing, and DO THEM. Creativity is good! Crafts are okay!
Today, though, I want to document a couple of things. I've always loved the arts. And... hee, hee, the crafts. They've both been on my mind.
The Arts, because this season is filled with music, and mine has been speaking to me profoundly. My sister's chorus (oh look! there she is, right on top of their webpage!) recorded an amazing Christmas CD. I've been listening to it daily, but only as much as I can stand, because it's so emotionally moving I can only do one or two songs at a time. I'm amazed by the power that one chord, or, in "The Friendly Beasts," (a song I usually don't care for, btw) ONE NOTE at the lower end of the piano honestly moves me to tears. I've been wishing that I could fill my every HOUR with music and make a living from it. I don't know that that's my calling, but oh, what a joy it would be. I'm ever grateful for my own small part in the world of Music -- like last night, I got to cantor at the Immaculate Conception vigil Mass. Although it took me away from my home and family for yet another hour, I was truly lifted up by being allowed to sing. Even humble little ol' "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman." So, so grateful.
And The Crafts, because yesterday I went to the fabric store to buy grosgrain ribbon and barettes. I'm making KT a few hairbow stocking stuffers all by myself, and the idea of getting out my glue gun and attempting a new thing was surprisingly exciting for me. I don't have time for big craft projects anymore, but even a tiny trip into that side of my creativity gives me a little boost. I need to remember that, and find things I like doing, and DO THEM. Creativity is good! Crafts are okay!
Wednesday, March 31
New (somewhat ranty, somewhat linky) Things
I've/we've been doing some new things. Starting with the most important and ending with the least:
1. Going to Confession. Well, I did it once. Last week. I had been kinda hoping to get to go to our parish's Reconciliation Service, but it was on a Monday night at 7:00 pm and I didn't see how I could get the whole family there, or even just myself and AJ, and get him home by bedtime. I know I need to start going again because AJ's first confession LOOMS in 2nd grade! Luckily (or not), the Music Director called and, whoops! He needed a cantor at the last minute, and couldn't I come step in for him? I think God might have wanted me there, no? Or, heard me thinking, "I wish I could go..." and found a way to Make It Happen. Thanks, God! So anyway, it was a long wait in line even though they had 15 priests there to help, and the confession itself was your run-of-the-mill "Impatient with spouse and children, Don't always get to church every Sunday, Say a Rosary for penance" kind of confession. I went back and forth being nervous and not caring, although I can't go anywhere NEAR a penance service without crying just a little. It's all so holy! And emotional! I love it, in a way. I enjoyed imagining all the sad, guilt-ridden little prayers and wishes of all the different people whispering to various priests, prayers rising up into the air and then being gently blown away into the clean, clean air. It's nice imagery. (And then there's the annoying "Rules" about going once a year, and the "Why don't all the other Christians have to?" thoughts. Heh. It's a constant conflict, Catholicism.)
2. Going to Urgent Care. And seeing my baby boy have to deal with something that he didn't expect. Something that embarassed him (an ugly rash and accompanying set of big ol' blisters on his little cherubic face, poor thing). Something that he had to learn to explain to his friends without breaking down because they're thinking, if not saying outright, "OMG, what IS that?" It's been a learning experience for us both. Mommy learning to accept that he's going to get hurt in this life, and him learning (hopefully) to be brave, to not listen to what others say/think about him, and to accept people even when they have weird growths on their faces. Man. Heavy stuff.
3. Watching a whole lot of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Well, I mean it's only been broadcacst twice, but I'm smitten with the show. And I'm posting about it because all of you guys should watch. For one thing, who doesn't love Jamie's accent?! He is a cutie pie. It's been eye-opening and mirror-pointing, in that I've realized just how much CRAP I actually feed my own kids on a daily basis. I know I'm much less of a food a**hole (hat tip, Kristen) than most of the mom-bloggers I read. I sent AJ to school with ABCs and 123s (the orange ones) for lunch today, along with a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie, okay? And I do that regularly. He eats Oscar Meyer bologna. (Baked) Cheetos. Trix yogurt. (He also eats fruit every day, just so you're not calling DFCS on me, righteous food a-holes!) HOWEVER. I want to try to be better about all this. I'm really, really trying to serve the kids more fruits and vegetables, and my mission over the next few months is going to be to start trying them out on some new meal options. This, for instance. For another thing, I'm trying to substitute, in my mind -- on nights when I want to just take the easy route and order a pizza, I'm trying to do a fruit/crackers/cheese dinner instead. As long as you're reading about it, a great ranty link about this subject (and others) is at supercool Rita Arens' blog today. AMEN!! But still. This topic has been in the forefront of my brain for the last 3 weeks.
4. One final New Thing. I cleaned out my sock drawer. Remember? From the to-do list How many weeks ago?? It's done. That's new.
1. Going to Confession. Well, I did it once. Last week. I had been kinda hoping to get to go to our parish's Reconciliation Service, but it was on a Monday night at 7:00 pm and I didn't see how I could get the whole family there, or even just myself and AJ, and get him home by bedtime. I know I need to start going again because AJ's first confession LOOMS in 2nd grade! Luckily (or not), the Music Director called and, whoops! He needed a cantor at the last minute, and couldn't I come step in for him? I think God might have wanted me there, no? Or, heard me thinking, "I wish I could go..." and found a way to Make It Happen. Thanks, God! So anyway, it was a long wait in line even though they had 15 priests there to help, and the confession itself was your run-of-the-mill "Impatient with spouse and children, Don't always get to church every Sunday, Say a Rosary for penance" kind of confession. I went back and forth being nervous and not caring, although I can't go anywhere NEAR a penance service without crying just a little. It's all so holy! And emotional! I love it, in a way. I enjoyed imagining all the sad, guilt-ridden little prayers and wishes of all the different people whispering to various priests, prayers rising up into the air and then being gently blown away into the clean, clean air. It's nice imagery. (And then there's the annoying "Rules" about going once a year, and the "Why don't all the other Christians have to?" thoughts. Heh. It's a constant conflict, Catholicism.)
2. Going to Urgent Care. And seeing my baby boy have to deal with something that he didn't expect. Something that embarassed him (an ugly rash and accompanying set of big ol' blisters on his little cherubic face, poor thing). Something that he had to learn to explain to his friends without breaking down because they're thinking, if not saying outright, "OMG, what IS that?" It's been a learning experience for us both. Mommy learning to accept that he's going to get hurt in this life, and him learning (hopefully) to be brave, to not listen to what others say/think about him, and to accept people even when they have weird growths on their faces. Man. Heavy stuff.
3. Watching a whole lot of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Well, I mean it's only been broadcacst twice, but I'm smitten with the show. And I'm posting about it because all of you guys should watch. For one thing, who doesn't love Jamie's accent?! He is a cutie pie. It's been eye-opening and mirror-pointing, in that I've realized just how much CRAP I actually feed my own kids on a daily basis. I know I'm much less of a food a**hole (hat tip, Kristen) than most of the mom-bloggers I read. I sent AJ to school with ABCs and 123s (the orange ones) for lunch today, along with a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie, okay? And I do that regularly. He eats Oscar Meyer bologna. (Baked) Cheetos. Trix yogurt. (He also eats fruit every day, just so you're not calling DFCS on me, righteous food a-holes!) HOWEVER. I want to try to be better about all this. I'm really, really trying to serve the kids more fruits and vegetables, and my mission over the next few months is going to be to start trying them out on some new meal options. This, for instance. For another thing, I'm trying to substitute, in my mind -- on nights when I want to just take the easy route and order a pizza, I'm trying to do a fruit/crackers/cheese dinner instead. As long as you're reading about it, a great ranty link about this subject (and others) is at supercool Rita Arens' blog today. AMEN!! But still. This topic has been in the forefront of my brain for the last 3 weeks.
4. One final New Thing. I cleaned out my sock drawer. Remember? From the to-do list How many weeks ago?? It's done. That's new.
Friday, November 30
Have yourself a ranty little Christmas
Listen, I understand that the radio stations are businesses, and that they have to play more than 12 songs in their rotations, in order that people will listen and not switch the station, in order to get the good ads. So I know that musicians need to write new versions of old songs. How else will the station fill 24 hours of Christmas Tunes, now 'til Christmas?? How, I ask you! But I have BONES TO PICK -- mostly music-nerd and English-nerd bones, so bear with me, here -- with some of the newest versions of 2 of my favorite Christmas carols. OH MY GOD.
First, someone has recorded a very swing-y, very filled-out version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." There are a lot of embellishments and odd syncopations, and it is rubbing me the wrong way. Because, listen to the words: Merry Little Christmas. It's a little thing. A delicate, simple notion of Christmas. The words spell out what the music should be. The four even eighth notes of the original "mer-ry lit-tle" are ON PURPOSE, people.
That one gets a warning -- minor offense.
Over on the local Christian station, someone else has done a big band/swing version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." This one doesn't bother me as much with its swing rhythm, because it's big band in very obvious ways, like lots of horns and a big, brassy, round vocal lead -- he sounds like Michael Buble or Harry Connick and I really like those guys. HOWEVER. This version has hijacked the lyrics for Extreme Right Evangelicalism and it pisses me off. It says,
"Through the years, we all will be together,
If His grace allows...
Hang a shiny star upon the highest bough..."
Nothing wrong with "If His Grace allows," I guess, but nothing wrong with saying "the Fates," either!! I mean, dang, it's just LITERATURE. Just mythology, the first stories the world ever had. But NOooo, we wouldn't want to allude to something other than GOD allowing things to happen, not even innocent, literary Fate. That wouldn't be Christian enough. Errrrrrgh. Annoying. I almost can't listen to this one.
Traffic ticket. You have violated the song in a big way.
Finally. This week I have heard 2 separate versions of "The Little Drummer Boy," both with LOUD drums and/or background vocals like Doo-wops or Doot-doots, intruding on the song. Here again, you idiot "songwriters" of today: LOOK AT THE LYRICS. The beauty of this song is its simplicity. The older, choral version (that thankfully, you still hear on the radio), barely has any accompaniment. That is no accident! The haunting silence of the moment where the little drummer boy offers to play his drum is what MAKES this song. Am I right? The pause before... "Then... He smiled at me...." ?? Is BEAUTIFUL. Makes your throat catch in the back. BEGS to be followed by a reverent, appropriate ending: "Me and my drummm." My simple, tiny, seemingly insignificant drum. That made God the baby smile. NOT my LOUD, FAST, BASHING DRUM-SOLO DRUM, which is, I swear, what one of these ridiculous versions served up.
APPALLING. Go to Jail. Go directly to Jail. Do not pass Go, do not collect any candy canes from me.
First, someone has recorded a very swing-y, very filled-out version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." There are a lot of embellishments and odd syncopations, and it is rubbing me the wrong way. Because, listen to the words: Merry Little Christmas. It's a little thing. A delicate, simple notion of Christmas. The words spell out what the music should be. The four even eighth notes of the original "mer-ry lit-tle" are ON PURPOSE, people.
That one gets a warning -- minor offense.
Over on the local Christian station, someone else has done a big band/swing version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." This one doesn't bother me as much with its swing rhythm, because it's big band in very obvious ways, like lots of horns and a big, brassy, round vocal lead -- he sounds like Michael Buble or Harry Connick and I really like those guys. HOWEVER. This version has hijacked the lyrics for Extreme Right Evangelicalism and it pisses me off. It says,
"Through the years, we all will be together,
If His grace allows...
Hang a shiny star upon the highest bough..."
Nothing wrong with "If His Grace allows," I guess, but nothing wrong with saying "the Fates," either!! I mean, dang, it's just LITERATURE. Just mythology, the first stories the world ever had. But NOooo, we wouldn't want to allude to something other than GOD allowing things to happen, not even innocent, literary Fate. That wouldn't be Christian enough. Errrrrrgh. Annoying. I almost can't listen to this one.
Traffic ticket. You have violated the song in a big way.
Finally. This week I have heard 2 separate versions of "The Little Drummer Boy," both with LOUD drums and/or background vocals like Doo-wops or Doot-doots, intruding on the song. Here again, you idiot "songwriters" of today: LOOK AT THE LYRICS. The beauty of this song is its simplicity. The older, choral version (that thankfully, you still hear on the radio), barely has any accompaniment. That is no accident! The haunting silence of the moment where the little drummer boy offers to play his drum is what MAKES this song. Am I right? The pause before... "Then... He smiled at me...." ?? Is BEAUTIFUL. Makes your throat catch in the back. BEGS to be followed by a reverent, appropriate ending: "Me and my drummm." My simple, tiny, seemingly insignificant drum. That made God the baby smile. NOT my LOUD, FAST, BASHING DRUM-SOLO DRUM, which is, I swear, what one of these ridiculous versions served up.
APPALLING. Go to Jail. Go directly to Jail. Do not pass Go, do not collect any candy canes from me.
Tuesday, February 27
Sing song
We're beyond thrilled that AJ finally enjoys music. He enjoys it a little too much, to the point that we fear for the safety of his CDs. But we were WEARY of holding him up to reach the alarm clock/CD player every. time. we entered. his room., so recently I put it down on a nightstand for him.
OH THE JOY! He will stay in his room now, while I'm in the kitchen making dinner. Not that I NEED him to do that -- he WANTS to be there, alone if that's what it takes... So he can take CDs out, and put them back in. On "endless loop." He'll just play the first 2-3 notes, to confirm that indeed, that IS the Wiggles, then he opens it up, cracks it out of place, takes hold of the no-touchy part in order to slide the center gently down over his index finger -- you know, so it won't get any "feener-pints" on it, as we've taught him ;) -- and then quickly picks the next one in rotation. He clunks that into the player, scraping it just a bit and making me and DH wince.
I guess our parents worried that we'd yank all the tape out of their cassettes and 8-tracks, leaving it in a trail along the floor. So it's all relative. I pick my battles. And if he wants to listen to CDs, fine by me.
Here are the songs that most often get stuck inside my head:
"It's the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! Come inside, it's FUN inside."
"JACK and Jill went UP the hill, to FETCH a pail of WAH-TER..."
"Little Mister Roo... don't grow up too fast, too soon...." (makes me cry)
"The wonderful thing about Tiggers, is Tiggers are wonderful things!"
"Look at you Now" (Bear and Treelo, from Bear & the Big Blue House)
"Lights, Camera, ActionWIG-GLES!"
I wish I could post clips but you Mommies should be familiar already. AJ also asks "Did loo bwing loor iPod?" every time we get in the car. Because I have uploaded all of his music to iTunes, in case he destroys the CDs. Because I am smart that way.
OH THE JOY! He will stay in his room now, while I'm in the kitchen making dinner. Not that I NEED him to do that -- he WANTS to be there, alone if that's what it takes... So he can take CDs out, and put them back in. On "endless loop." He'll just play the first 2-3 notes, to confirm that indeed, that IS the Wiggles, then he opens it up, cracks it out of place, takes hold of the no-touchy part in order to slide the center gently down over his index finger -- you know, so it won't get any "feener-pints" on it, as we've taught him ;) -- and then quickly picks the next one in rotation. He clunks that into the player, scraping it just a bit and making me and DH wince.
I guess our parents worried that we'd yank all the tape out of their cassettes and 8-tracks, leaving it in a trail along the floor. So it's all relative. I pick my battles. And if he wants to listen to CDs, fine by me.
Here are the songs that most often get stuck inside my head:
"It's the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! Come inside, it's FUN inside."
"JACK and Jill went UP the hill, to FETCH a pail of WAH-TER..."
"Little Mister Roo... don't grow up too fast, too soon...." (makes me cry)
"The wonderful thing about Tiggers, is Tiggers are wonderful things!"
"Look at you Now" (Bear and Treelo, from Bear & the Big Blue House)
"Lights, Camera, ActionWIG-GLES!"
I wish I could post clips but you Mommies should be familiar already. AJ also asks "Did loo bwing loor iPod?" every time we get in the car. Because I have uploaded all of his music to iTunes, in case he destroys the CDs. Because I am smart that way.
Friday, December 1
...That Radio Song!
I just have to post this because it is hilarious and SPOT-ON. My favorite Thursday 13 list from A Flyover Blog:
In response, and to shake those awful tunes out of our heads, I will list here my FIVE FAVORITE, pleasant-to-hear, happy-inducing Christmas songs.
1. "Sleigh Ride" by Johnny Mathis, Any Grant, or the classic orchestral version. I can't decide; I like 'em all.
2. "God Rest You, Merry Gentlemen" (choral). The poetry of the lyrics, the harmonies of voice, the minor-to-major resolution at the end...? PERFECT Christmas tune.
3. "Here Comes Santa Claus" (by I don't know who)... AJ's favorite, apparently. "Come Here, Santa Claus," he says. This cute-ism, I know, will live forever in our family lore. I'm trying to learn all the lyrics. I love the end, "So let's sing praise to the Lord above, for Santa Claus comes tonight." :)
4. In Dulci Jubilo. You're not going to hear this on 94.9 Lite FM. Too bad, because it's so upbeat and LATIN. Was my favorite performance in my college chorus (possibly because I had a small part in the special quartet).
5. I Pray On Christmas, by Harry Connick Jr. Not a traditional carol, but it's one of the 4 or 5 albums that I drag out every year.
"I pray on Christmas (Oh, sweet Jesus)
that the sick will soon be strong,
I pray on Christmas, the Lord will hear my song,
I pray on Christmas that God will lead the way...
and I pray on Christmas He'll get me through another day."
About all we can ask, right? :) (Boy, is it hard to just choose FIVE!) Oh wait. I have to put this one:
"Jingle Bells," by Herb Alpert. HA! What am I DOING with this album?? I don't know, but I love it. I wish I could attach a clip because it's so funny and loungey but I don't really know how to do that.
Anyway, happy holiday listening!
13 Christmas Songs I Never Want To Hear Again (HA!!)
1. My Favorite Things by Rod Stewart. This is just wrong. Rod Stewart bears no resemblance to Julie Andrews.
2. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree by Jessica Simpson. Why is this girl still around? She can't sing, act or talk, yet she's everywhere! Go away... and take your sister with you!
3. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon. The most pathetic holiday tune ever penned. (Emphasis mine.) Guaranteed to induce severe depression. Makes me want to fill my pockets with heavy rocks and wade into the river...
4. I Wonder As I Wander by anybody. Just plain odd. Gives my a tiny chest pain every time I hear it.
5. The Gift by Aselin Debison. Can't sing. Can't sing. Can't sing. (never heard this one but I'm sure she's right)
6. The Christmas Shoes by Newsong. I detest this wretched song! Emotional manipulation on an unparalled scale. Whoever wrote this convoluted piece of Christmas drivel should be brought to the town square and flogged! There, I feel better now.
...click for more! It's worth it, I swear.
In response, and to shake those awful tunes out of our heads, I will list here my FIVE FAVORITE, pleasant-to-hear, happy-inducing Christmas songs.
1. "Sleigh Ride" by Johnny Mathis, Any Grant, or the classic orchestral version. I can't decide; I like 'em all.
2. "God Rest You, Merry Gentlemen" (choral). The poetry of the lyrics, the harmonies of voice, the minor-to-major resolution at the end...? PERFECT Christmas tune.
3. "Here Comes Santa Claus" (by I don't know who)... AJ's favorite, apparently. "Come Here, Santa Claus," he says. This cute-ism, I know, will live forever in our family lore. I'm trying to learn all the lyrics. I love the end, "So let's sing praise to the Lord above, for Santa Claus comes tonight." :)
4. In Dulci Jubilo. You're not going to hear this on 94.9 Lite FM. Too bad, because it's so upbeat and LATIN. Was my favorite performance in my college chorus (possibly because I had a small part in the special quartet).
5. I Pray On Christmas, by Harry Connick Jr. Not a traditional carol, but it's one of the 4 or 5 albums that I drag out every year.
"I pray on Christmas (Oh, sweet Jesus)
that the sick will soon be strong,
I pray on Christmas, the Lord will hear my song,
I pray on Christmas that God will lead the way...
and I pray on Christmas He'll get me through another day."
About all we can ask, right? :) (Boy, is it hard to just choose FIVE!) Oh wait. I have to put this one:
"Jingle Bells," by Herb Alpert. HA! What am I DOING with this album?? I don't know, but I love it. I wish I could attach a clip because it's so funny and loungey but I don't really know how to do that.
Anyway, happy holiday listening!
Tuesday, May 23
There'll be joy
I knew I wouldn't be able to stand "taking a break" from blogging. :) So I'm here, even though I still don't feel I have anything much to share. Except, well, writing things down that *I* want to remember, like last weekend I participated in possibly the best choral experience I've ever had. Now for me that's saying a LOT, because I have had the honor of singing in LOTS of choral concerts. Some in Europe, which you'd think would make them top on the list just by geographical and architectural default. I've been inspired many many times by particular MOMENTS during a choral performance. Like when I sang Handel's Messiah, when all the A-mens begin, I really FELT the "end" of that piece -- the culmination, because it paralelled my own life at that moment. It was the end of my college career -- my senior year Spring concert -- my last event with my first concert chorus. The end of my first love affair with choral music. (Oops, watch out for my dripping Sap!) I had a brief moment singing those Amens where every instance of music in my life was brought to mind: Granny, "the" singer in our family who taught me by example; my childhood stint in the First United Methodist and First Presbyterian choirs in my hometown (I was very young - maybe only 3 or 4 - for one of those choirs); all the piano and violin lessons; "songleading" in elementary school Masses... it was a tearful but happy moment that I'll never forget. And the times in Europe WERE great, too. Sometimes I'd just marvel at where we were -- Poland, Prague -- those were amazing moments.
That said, this past weekend was, yes, I think a teeny bit BETTER. The music we sang included a lot of songs I'd done before, and some, like Schubert's Mass in G, that I didn't think I even liked in rehearsals. But I learned very definitively that *the orchestration* is what makes Schubert and Mozart. The choral components? Meh. But put 'em together -- stand right in the middle of it, feel it happen around you with the 2nd violas sitting right there and a great conductor, an organist, and focus on your every note so that you execute each one perfectly as it was meant to be sung? and it's heaven. It's mathmatical and perfect and a full unique language. That is why those guys are called "genius."
Choral performance is most assuredly my favorite thing to do. I would rather have been in that church, on those risers Saturday night, than just about anywhere else. [And now for some stream of consciousness that I typed out shortly after the concert...] Durufle motets -- Tota Pulchra Es won't get out of my head now, I love it. Totus Tuus -- hardest choral piece I've ever sung -- and I've done it twice in performance now -- Such a prayer. "Totus Tuus sum Maria" -- I am completely yours, Mary -- Our Mother -- was a good chance for me to ask for strength and guidance in motherhood. The whole experience was spiritual for me. The actual "spirituals" made me grin wide. Gilead, Ride On King Jesus, Little Lamb, and Ain'a That Good News! Man! The acoustic was amazing, the music well chosen, the artists real, the sound glorious. The last note of Little Lamb = "Joooooy!" reverberated at least 6 seconds. I am PRIVILEGED to have been part of all of it. I heard my own voice, singing its best and loudest! at times. And yet it was just a tiny part of this grand whole GROUP -- a real communion with others, musical ensembles. I know that music is, aside from my family, my husband, and my son, Absolutely the greatest gift God gave to me. -- to the world! It's larger than me, larger than the world. It's a Privilege. And it's very humbling.
Thanks. Had to get that out. :)
That said, this past weekend was, yes, I think a teeny bit BETTER. The music we sang included a lot of songs I'd done before, and some, like Schubert's Mass in G, that I didn't think I even liked in rehearsals. But I learned very definitively that *the orchestration* is what makes Schubert and Mozart. The choral components? Meh. But put 'em together -- stand right in the middle of it, feel it happen around you with the 2nd violas sitting right there and a great conductor, an organist, and focus on your every note so that you execute each one perfectly as it was meant to be sung? and it's heaven. It's mathmatical and perfect and a full unique language. That is why those guys are called "genius."
Choral performance is most assuredly my favorite thing to do. I would rather have been in that church, on those risers Saturday night, than just about anywhere else. [And now for some stream of consciousness that I typed out shortly after the concert...] Durufle motets -- Tota Pulchra Es won't get out of my head now, I love it. Totus Tuus -- hardest choral piece I've ever sung -- and I've done it twice in performance now -- Such a prayer. "Totus Tuus sum Maria" -- I am completely yours, Mary -- Our Mother -- was a good chance for me to ask for strength and guidance in motherhood. The whole experience was spiritual for me. The actual "spirituals" made me grin wide. Gilead, Ride On King Jesus, Little Lamb, and Ain'a That Good News! Man! The acoustic was amazing, the music well chosen, the artists real, the sound glorious. The last note of Little Lamb = "Joooooy!" reverberated at least 6 seconds. I am PRIVILEGED to have been part of all of it. I heard my own voice, singing its best and loudest! at times. And yet it was just a tiny part of this grand whole GROUP -- a real communion with others, musical ensembles. I know that music is, aside from my family, my husband, and my son, Absolutely the greatest gift God gave to me. -- to the world! It's larger than me, larger than the world. It's a Privilege. And it's very humbling.
Thanks. Had to get that out. :)
Monday, January 16
Note to self:
No more cookie dough.
Ohthehumanity my tummy aches. I didn't even eat that much, just a spoonful or two... but, oh. So determined to make the cookies, though -- because I want to be the kind of Mommy who bakes cookies on cold Sundays.
* * *
Yesterday at Mass we sang "Here I Am, Lord." And the thought occurred to me, very late in this game, that (duh) perhaps I am CALLED to be in this place, at this time, working full-time and mothering, even though I *think* it's not what I want. The lyrics say, "I will go, Lord, if you lead me," and for some reason that phrase hit me differently, although I've heard the song seventy trillion times before. This might sound trite, but perhaps it's: "OK, Lord, I will GO to work (sigh) if you lead me and help me through it. I will go." Like, maybe I'm meant to inspire someone (at work? or at church, or in another circle) that they can, like I can, be a mom and work, too. Maybe they're struggling with a decision of their own, or wondering how it can all work out, and I'm meant to be a graceful example to them.
So now all I need is the graceful part. Heh. I know I've been given the grace -- it's displaying it that I probably need to work on.
(While I was cantoring this song at the mic and the thought struck me, I had to also quickly pray, "yipes! lead me through *this song* so I don't get choked up In Stereo!")
Ohthehumanity my tummy aches. I didn't even eat that much, just a spoonful or two... but, oh. So determined to make the cookies, though -- because I want to be the kind of Mommy who bakes cookies on cold Sundays.
* * *
Yesterday at Mass we sang "Here I Am, Lord." And the thought occurred to me, very late in this game, that (duh) perhaps I am CALLED to be in this place, at this time, working full-time and mothering, even though I *think* it's not what I want. The lyrics say, "I will go, Lord, if you lead me," and for some reason that phrase hit me differently, although I've heard the song seventy trillion times before. This might sound trite, but perhaps it's: "OK, Lord, I will GO to work (sigh) if you lead me and help me through it. I will go." Like, maybe I'm meant to inspire someone (at work? or at church, or in another circle) that they can, like I can, be a mom and work, too. Maybe they're struggling with a decision of their own, or wondering how it can all work out, and I'm meant to be a graceful example to them.
So now all I need is the graceful part. Heh. I know I've been given the grace -- it's displaying it that I probably need to work on.
(While I was cantoring this song at the mic and the thought struck me, I had to also quickly pray, "yipes! lead me through *this song* so I don't get choked up In Stereo!")
Monday, April 18
Singing
On Saturday, we had a marathon rehearsal for the Archdiocesan Choir concert that's coming up in 6 short days. I'm so glad we worked the Lauridsen piece TO DEATH, because it desperately needed such focused concentration (3.5 hours). I hope that the tenor section can pull it off. They sounded pretty scary from where I was sitting. (Sopranos, of course, were wonderful. As were the altos; seems like just the men could use more work. Sorry, folks, them's the facts. Meow.) I think part of the problem is that so many of the singers in that choir are stretched thin, musically. They sing in this or that concert ensemble, plus their parish choir, plus the Arch Choir. It's too much and no one has time to concentrate on that much music unless they don't have day jobs. It was frustrating, to say the least, but again, I'm glad we got the practice-time in.
Speaking of practice, I have just been going over the Ave Maria for a wedding I've been asked to sing. A paid gig, people! And $125 extra dollars fit very nicely into my budget plan for a whole new wardrobe. I hope I will do the song justice. My paternal Grandmother, "Peachy," was known in her little town for singing at weddings, in every church and every denomination. :) I wonder how many she did in her lifetime? I am using the same music she did, in all its tattered glory. My Dad saved it for me after she died. I am soooo thankful to him for giving me that little piece of her. I love seeing her markings (in pen!! eeks!) among the notes. She had a beautiful voice. She taught me two of the lullabies that I sing to AJ, which are the large majoiry of what I sing these days.
This weekend, besides lullabye-ing, I also got to cantor the 5:30 vigil Mass, just me, alone, with the microphone, as loud as you please in front of a congregation who NEVER joined in. Can you see my big grin all the way from over there? I was thrilled to be asked; apparently the regular guy was on vacation. It actually went very well; the things I screwed up were only really audible to me and probably to the pianist. And I learned, I think, that little mistakes (or big ones) are just God's way of keeping my ego in check. (I promise you, it's in check. I don't claim to be the greatest singer out there by any means.) There was also a flutist, about 40 years old or so, who hadn't played in front of anyone since she was 18. She was uber-nervous, which silenced the butterflies in my tummy, since, thank heavens, I have performed in front of people much more recently. (She did great, by the way.) Another little gift though, for which I was grateful.
The only drawback to all of this was that DH was designated babysitter for most of the weekend. I know he doesn't mind -- as a parent, one of the things you crave most is time with your little one -- but I also felt bad for taking away time that he could have been doing something for himself. I don't know what... mowing the lawn? He doesn't play golf or have many hobbies that require him to be out and about. But he deserves some time. Problem is, with the wedding and the dress rehearsal for the concert, and Sunday morning Mass, next weekend will be much the same. I have scheduled a babysitter so that DH can go to hear the concert himself (oh yes, choral music is SO his thing, not)... maybe we can go have a drink afterwards. I'm sure I'll be quite thirsty after all the music-making.
Speaking of practice, I have just been going over the Ave Maria for a wedding I've been asked to sing. A paid gig, people! And $125 extra dollars fit very nicely into my budget plan for a whole new wardrobe. I hope I will do the song justice. My paternal Grandmother, "Peachy," was known in her little town for singing at weddings, in every church and every denomination. :) I wonder how many she did in her lifetime? I am using the same music she did, in all its tattered glory. My Dad saved it for me after she died. I am soooo thankful to him for giving me that little piece of her. I love seeing her markings (in pen!! eeks!) among the notes. She had a beautiful voice. She taught me two of the lullabies that I sing to AJ, which are the large majoiry of what I sing these days.
This weekend, besides lullabye-ing, I also got to cantor the 5:30 vigil Mass, just me, alone, with the microphone, as loud as you please in front of a congregation who NEVER joined in. Can you see my big grin all the way from over there? I was thrilled to be asked; apparently the regular guy was on vacation. It actually went very well; the things I screwed up were only really audible to me and probably to the pianist. And I learned, I think, that little mistakes (or big ones) are just God's way of keeping my ego in check. (I promise you, it's in check. I don't claim to be the greatest singer out there by any means.) There was also a flutist, about 40 years old or so, who hadn't played in front of anyone since she was 18. She was uber-nervous, which silenced the butterflies in my tummy, since, thank heavens, I have performed in front of people much more recently. (She did great, by the way.) Another little gift though, for which I was grateful.
The only drawback to all of this was that DH was designated babysitter for most of the weekend. I know he doesn't mind -- as a parent, one of the things you crave most is time with your little one -- but I also felt bad for taking away time that he could have been doing something for himself. I don't know what... mowing the lawn? He doesn't play golf or have many hobbies that require him to be out and about. But he deserves some time. Problem is, with the wedding and the dress rehearsal for the concert, and Sunday morning Mass, next weekend will be much the same. I have scheduled a babysitter so that DH can go to hear the concert himself (oh yes, choral music is SO his thing, not)... maybe we can go have a drink afterwards. I'm sure I'll be quite thirsty after all the music-making.
Thursday, March 17
on Gregorian chant
There is nothing like Holy Week music to bring out the Catholic in me. I really should have been born before Vat II, when good music still reigned and the solemn things were done right: in Latin. Last night's choir practice was spent frantically preparing for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday... and, well, if we hadn't spent so much time chit-chatting and eating birthday cake, we might have gotten to Easter vigil and Easter Sunday. I'd forgotten the marathon that Holy Week requires of choristers. I'm already tired.
Sadly, I can't make the Holy Thursday service, where we sing the Pange Lingua. You just can't beat a good, 6-verse chant. Saint Gregory the Great was right on with his collection of songs and plainchants. (Don't you love the picture of him with the little choir boys?) Can I get a Woo-Hoo for Gregorian Chant! Woo-Hoo! I hate to miss singing that particular one, because the melody is beautiful. Of course, it's always a challenge to keep the pitch* and fit all those words in, when you have to sing while processing outside the church and around to the chapel. I remember when I sang at another parish, we'd have to run to catch up with the director (named Gregory, incidentally, who taught me most of what I know of the great traditional chant). Running and singing -- fantastic idea. I don't think St. Greg would have really imagined it that way.
It always makes me wish my parish were ornate and tall and "old-school," so that the sound could rise like it's supposed to, into the rafters, and bounce back off the stone ceilings. But not many parishes are built that way any more. It also makes me really regret not studying Latin in high school. Mom should have insisted. (It's okay, Mom!) Truly, though, I think the best way to learn it is to sing it, and I am fairly certain that Mr. Red Herring, venerable Latin teacher of [Hometown] Catholic High, wasn't doing any singing in his classroom. Too bad.
Anyway, I am rambling (and could continue) but you may not be as die-hard a fan of ancient church music as I am. Your loss, I say.
*And may I add a Catty Choir Comment (CCC) about pitch?? Ours last night was ABYSSMAL. I thank God that I sing in another (auditioned) choir where pitch actually IS a concern. Sheesh, people! Let's not SIT ON the notes, please?? *Shakes head in despair.* < / diva >
Sadly, I can't make the Holy Thursday service, where we sing the Pange Lingua. You just can't beat a good, 6-verse chant. Saint Gregory the Great was right on with his collection of songs and plainchants. (Don't you love the picture of him with the little choir boys?) Can I get a Woo-Hoo for Gregorian Chant! Woo-Hoo! I hate to miss singing that particular one, because the melody is beautiful. Of course, it's always a challenge to keep the pitch* and fit all those words in, when you have to sing while processing outside the church and around to the chapel. I remember when I sang at another parish, we'd have to run to catch up with the director (named Gregory, incidentally, who taught me most of what I know of the great traditional chant). Running and singing -- fantastic idea. I don't think St. Greg would have really imagined it that way.
It always makes me wish my parish were ornate and tall and "old-school," so that the sound could rise like it's supposed to, into the rafters, and bounce back off the stone ceilings. But not many parishes are built that way any more. It also makes me really regret not studying Latin in high school. Mom should have insisted. (It's okay, Mom!) Truly, though, I think the best way to learn it is to sing it, and I am fairly certain that Mr. Red Herring, venerable Latin teacher of [Hometown] Catholic High, wasn't doing any singing in his classroom. Too bad.
Anyway, I am rambling (and could continue) but you may not be as die-hard a fan of ancient church music as I am. Your loss, I say.
*And may I add a Catty Choir Comment (CCC) about pitch?? Ours last night was ABYSSMAL. I thank God that I sing in another (auditioned) choir where pitch actually IS a concern. Sheesh, people! Let's not SIT ON the notes, please?? *Shakes head in despair.* < / diva >
Thursday, March 10
a few notes in the key of D-iva
Yesterday we had a team "retreat" for work. Got to be off-site all day and spent the whole time talking about a new product that we need to be familiar with. It was very productive. Made me grateful for a good job with good people who are intelligent, who want the best for the company, and who are willing to work hard to make things happen. Made me also frutstrated with the state of certain events and (other) people at the office, who aren't necessarily willing to work so hard.... but complaints about work, who wants to read that?! And besides, who doesn't have complaints about work? No need to bore MySelf or anyone else with it here. (The diatribe on AJs snot was boring enough! Sorry it was at the top for more than 5 minutes. Don't know quite why I felt the need to write about that. You'll be thrilled to know that for now, the offending mucous has cleared up and we are working with a dry nose for the first time in what seems like months.)
ANY-way.
Choir practice last night. It was a long one, as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Have had a couple of additional sopranos join since I joined, so the section is building up. They're both quite nice. One is a high school diva, however. She attends a performing arts school. I don't know if I'm jealous that I didn't have that opportunity, or if I just cringe at the memory of "Fame" the TV show, but it bugs me. Her voice is lovely (I got to sit next to her and share music), if a bit "Muscial Theater" for my taste. Of course I can't afford to be so catty, since musical theater was my LIFE, at that time of my life. It's just the idea that a choir is meant to be a blended sound, and she very much didn't blend. (And was, in American Idol terminology, "a bit pitchy," to boot.) I know, I know, all of God's children have a place in the choir. And she is quite talented, believe me. Meow -- the Choir Snob in me just has to have her say. So sue me.
I believe the director has a separate choir for the high school singers of the parish... wonder if he'll suggest that New Girl join it? (Crossed fingers. Although perhaps my attitude sinks my own maturity level to that of most high school girls! Sigh.) I like knowing high school kids - makes me feel not so.... 30! (Not to mention they are babysitter possibilities.) But, we can't have soloists joining because I AM supposed to be the new "best voice in the choir!" Who got the solo on her first day there?! Me me me me me, that's right! That's truly the heart of my issue, I know deep down. ;)
ANY-way.
Choir practice last night. It was a long one, as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Have had a couple of additional sopranos join since I joined, so the section is building up. They're both quite nice. One is a high school diva, however. She attends a performing arts school. I don't know if I'm jealous that I didn't have that opportunity, or if I just cringe at the memory of "Fame" the TV show, but it bugs me. Her voice is lovely (I got to sit next to her and share music), if a bit "Muscial Theater" for my taste. Of course I can't afford to be so catty, since musical theater was my LIFE, at that time of my life. It's just the idea that a choir is meant to be a blended sound, and she very much didn't blend. (And was, in American Idol terminology, "a bit pitchy," to boot.) I know, I know, all of God's children have a place in the choir. And she is quite talented, believe me. Meow -- the Choir Snob in me just has to have her say. So sue me.
I believe the director has a separate choir for the high school singers of the parish... wonder if he'll suggest that New Girl join it? (Crossed fingers. Although perhaps my attitude sinks my own maturity level to that of most high school girls! Sigh.) I like knowing high school kids - makes me feel not so.... 30! (Not to mention they are babysitter possibilities.) But, we can't have soloists joining because I AM supposed to be the new "best voice in the choir!" Who got the solo on her first day there?! Me me me me me, that's right! That's truly the heart of my issue, I know deep down. ;)
Friday, February 18
the one where I get the choir solo
It has long been a wish of mine to have a singing solo (see right). Once, during high school, when the director of the spring musical felt guilty because he promised me a part and then reneged, he gave me a small, 5-second singing solo in Act II. A second time, in college, because I was the VP of the university chorus, the conductor let me sing the soprano part of a 4-part quartet: approximately 16 measures of one piece. Both were small parts. Both were significant to my little singing ego. But I have since learned that, as much as it would be nice to be the soloist, it is also very important to have good singers on the melody, leading the congregation, making the unified chorus sound unified.
Wednesday night, I went to my first rehearsal of the St. Joseph's church choir. I've been a parishoner there for 3 years, but haven't had the desire to join them. But Sunday, I was mysteriously Called by a notice in the bulletin: "Music Ministry needs singers, esp. sopranos." ...and when does a choir EVER need sopranos? So, I went. It was fun, in a nostalgic way. I was in a legitimate, grown-up church choir in my single days, for about 4 years. (And in many, many teen church choirs all through my school years.) Made some wonderful friends in the adult choir, had a great director, sang some great music. (Actually, I think I sang a duet there once, too. Not a solo, mind you, a duet.) St. Joseph's group is so similar, it made me smile. Church choirs are all the same. You've got your big-shots, who sing with the local civic chorus and think they know it all. You've got your humble folks who don't really read music or have any formal training, but like to sing. You've got the ones that, bless their hearts, have been in the choir for going-on-17 years. I think the weekly choir-ing is something that I like -- maybe need -- to have in my life, and I was glad to be there once again.
After rehearsal, the director asked me to stay a minute. I presumed it was to fit my robe, get my phone number and address, you know, the typical stuff. He said, "Would you want to sing solo on "X" song, this Sunday?" I was floored. My first rehearsal! He likes me, he likes me! (He could actually hear me in the acoustically inferior music room, with flute and (loud) 20 tenors going strong!) Now granted, after the first few minutes of rehearsal, I could see why they needed soprani (soprani?). They have more of the "like to sing" variety of choristers than the "have-had-vocal-training" type. I am oh-so-superior, aren't I? But hey, when you're good, you're good. ;) And apparently someone noticed. Hee.
It's technically a duet, if you want to know the truth. But the first verse is mine, all mine. I'll let you know how it goes.
Wednesday night, I went to my first rehearsal of the St. Joseph's church choir. I've been a parishoner there for 3 years, but haven't had the desire to join them. But Sunday, I was mysteriously Called by a notice in the bulletin: "Music Ministry needs singers, esp. sopranos." ...and when does a choir EVER need sopranos? So, I went. It was fun, in a nostalgic way. I was in a legitimate, grown-up church choir in my single days, for about 4 years. (And in many, many teen church choirs all through my school years.) Made some wonderful friends in the adult choir, had a great director, sang some great music. (Actually, I think I sang a duet there once, too. Not a solo, mind you, a duet.) St. Joseph's group is so similar, it made me smile. Church choirs are all the same. You've got your big-shots, who sing with the local civic chorus and think they know it all. You've got your humble folks who don't really read music or have any formal training, but like to sing. You've got the ones that, bless their hearts, have been in the choir for going-on-17 years. I think the weekly choir-ing is something that I like -- maybe need -- to have in my life, and I was glad to be there once again.
After rehearsal, the director asked me to stay a minute. I presumed it was to fit my robe, get my phone number and address, you know, the typical stuff. He said, "Would you want to sing solo on "X" song, this Sunday?" I was floored. My first rehearsal! He likes me, he likes me! (He could actually hear me in the acoustically inferior music room, with flute and (loud) 20 tenors going strong!) Now granted, after the first few minutes of rehearsal, I could see why they needed soprani (soprani?). They have more of the "like to sing" variety of choristers than the "have-had-vocal-training" type. I am oh-so-superior, aren't I? But hey, when you're good, you're good. ;) And apparently someone noticed. Hee.
It's technically a duet, if you want to know the truth. But the first verse is mine, all mine. I'll let you know how it goes.
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