Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That

1. 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.

A few days off, a long weekend, school ended for Boychild, we saw my Baby Sister, we hit up the farmer's market, we went to see the last installment of the Shrek saga, and we planted some green stuff.

Then came the drama. Boychild went into his room to put something away, and called us in. His gargantuan, ancient goldfish has finally - finally - had the sense to swim to that celestial fishbowl in the sky.

This made Boychild nearly hysterical. Too hysterical to repeat most of the prayer I fed him as he knelt over the "burial site" (aka "toilet"); he managed a few words here and there, and the rest of it was, "What she said." Then came some kitchen-chair sitting, head bowed and tears flowing, and the occasional head rested on my hip when I came close enough while clearing up for dinner.

I had no idea he was quite so attached to a twelve-cent, seven-year-old, six-inch goldfish that had a murderous streak when it came to other aquatic beings. Apparently, however, this was an event for which - while aware it was coming - he simply wasn't prepared.

Luckily, he calmed down and giggled when I, being the unsympathetic wretch I am, made a joke about zombie fish biting my ass when I go to the bathroom next. We now have an appointment with the boychild to visit the pet store tomorrow evening and collect more fish.

Although this time, I think we'll skip goldfish - twelve-cent or otherwise - and try something else.

wandaxmaximoff gave me some topics to elaborate on; I've done so and here they are. ;)

( Questions from Clare )

Come on, more! XD.

* OK, I couldn't stand not knowing so I looked it up. George Gershwin composed both, and Ira Gershwin wrote the lyrics for I've Got Rhythm. ;)