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Pets, Instruments and Christmas
Dec. 7th, 2010 09:25 am1. Just had a sobbing phone call from my sister; apparently Mom and Dad just left to take the dog to be put down. The medication wasn't helping at all, the dog refuses to eat and the surgery wouldn't be worth it.
I am full of sympathy for my mom and my sister because I know that they really loved Sami. At the same time, I am relieved, both for the dog's sake - she will not be suffering anymore - and for the sake of their household budget, which really cannot withstand a pet's illness.
EDIT: It took me so long to type up this post that the deed is done. Dad just texted me to say Mom's devastated, but that it was her own decision, so while I am so, so sorry she's hurting, I am pleased that she was able to see - and make - the right choice.
2. I wonder how long it will be before Dad gives in and lets Mom get another dog.
3. We went to Boychild's school yesterday after I was done with work. He has decided he wants to be in band, and after several weeks of learning to play the recorder and then trying out different instruments, he has tested very well in low brass, specifically in the baritone. Added to that, he actually really likes the feel of the baritone, both holding it and using the mouthpiece.
Going into this, he thought he'd want to do percussion or trombone, and was leaning toward trombone. He decided, however, that he didn't like the way the trombone rests on the one shoulder, and prefers the baritone.
So at his school last night was the company the school goes through for band instruments, and we were able to rent a baritone. It's actually a really good idea; we paid $65 for a four-month trial period, which includes any necessary maintenance, and after that, it's $42 a month, plus $5.95 if we want the maintenance plan to continue. And every payment - including that original $65 - is applied toward the purchase of the instrument, though we are not at all obligated to purchase it. AND if we want to pay it off early, we get a 20% discount on the remaining balance, and there's no interest at all during the life of the rental period.
The only thing that was kind of a shock was the total price of the instruments - my GOD, have they gone up since I was first in band!! A new baritone retails at around $1595. We could have gone with "like new," but at $1395, we didn't quite see the point - he may as well have a new one.
But price aside, I'm really glad he wants to be in band; I think music is so important, and of course both hubby and I were band geeks ourselves. It's kind of lovely to see the tradition continuing.
4. I kind of want to see if I can find a secondhand flute and maybe take some lessons again. I still have my piccolo, but it needs a complete overhaul...and besides, I should really relearn what I've forgotten on a flute, first.
5. We get to do the bulk of our Christmas shopping this weekend; my stability pay came in yesterday and payday is this Friday, so Saturday will be fun. Now I just need to make a frigging master list so all the info is in one place - HEE!
We have picked up a few things here and there already, of course, but the majority of the fun is yet to come. ;)
6. OHMYGOD. This cocoa is AMAZING. We had a holiday party on Sunday and one of the take-home things were packets of hot cocoa; I got one that's DARK CHOCOLATE, and I just made it, and I think my eyes crossed with unadulterated joy.
I am full of sympathy for my mom and my sister because I know that they really loved Sami. At the same time, I am relieved, both for the dog's sake - she will not be suffering anymore - and for the sake of their household budget, which really cannot withstand a pet's illness.
EDIT: It took me so long to type up this post that the deed is done. Dad just texted me to say Mom's devastated, but that it was her own decision, so while I am so, so sorry she's hurting, I am pleased that she was able to see - and make - the right choice.
2. I wonder how long it will be before Dad gives in and lets Mom get another dog.
3. We went to Boychild's school yesterday after I was done with work. He has decided he wants to be in band, and after several weeks of learning to play the recorder and then trying out different instruments, he has tested very well in low brass, specifically in the baritone. Added to that, he actually really likes the feel of the baritone, both holding it and using the mouthpiece.
Going into this, he thought he'd want to do percussion or trombone, and was leaning toward trombone. He decided, however, that he didn't like the way the trombone rests on the one shoulder, and prefers the baritone.
So at his school last night was the company the school goes through for band instruments, and we were able to rent a baritone. It's actually a really good idea; we paid $65 for a four-month trial period, which includes any necessary maintenance, and after that, it's $42 a month, plus $5.95 if we want the maintenance plan to continue. And every payment - including that original $65 - is applied toward the purchase of the instrument, though we are not at all obligated to purchase it. AND if we want to pay it off early, we get a 20% discount on the remaining balance, and there's no interest at all during the life of the rental period.
The only thing that was kind of a shock was the total price of the instruments - my GOD, have they gone up since I was first in band!! A new baritone retails at around $1595. We could have gone with "like new," but at $1395, we didn't quite see the point - he may as well have a new one.
But price aside, I'm really glad he wants to be in band; I think music is so important, and of course both hubby and I were band geeks ourselves. It's kind of lovely to see the tradition continuing.
4. I kind of want to see if I can find a secondhand flute and maybe take some lessons again. I still have my piccolo, but it needs a complete overhaul...and besides, I should really relearn what I've forgotten on a flute, first.
5. We get to do the bulk of our Christmas shopping this weekend; my stability pay came in yesterday and payday is this Friday, so Saturday will be fun. Now I just need to make a frigging master list so all the info is in one place - HEE!
We have picked up a few things here and there already, of course, but the majority of the fun is yet to come. ;)
6. OHMYGOD. This cocoa is AMAZING. We had a holiday party on Sunday and one of the take-home things were packets of hot cocoa; I got one that's DARK CHOCOLATE, and I just made it, and I think my eyes crossed with unadulterated joy.
