Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That

Cleared a quarter of a million dollars out of old accounts so far, and it's only just coming up on lunchtime.

I should not be this hungry, but oh GOD, I am starving. The kind of starving where you feel the first couple bites moving all the way down your throat. I can hardly wait the five minutes left to go scarf that damn sandwich my hubby so thoughtfully made me this morning. EDIT: Obviously, it's well after lunchtime, now - that sandwich was way good.

1. ( Foooood. )

2. ( Shopping. )

3. ( Christmas Cards. )

4. ( This Song. )

So despite the inherent craziness of the holiday season, I think we're probably ahead of where we usually are at this point, and that's pretty cool. :)

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.

Been meaning to do this for a while, now; happened to have a few minutes and thought I'd get to it. ;) Settle in for a few minutes and listen to some of my favorites.

1. If you'd like to play along, reply to this post and I'll assign you a letter.
2. You then list (and upload or link to the video, if you feel like it) 5 (6, 7) songs that start with that letter.
3. Then, as I'm doing here, you'll post the list to your journal with the instructions.

I found this about a month ago on wyldbutterflies' journal, and Angora gave me the letter "L." Good choice, Angora. *thumbs up*

( Cut for some fabulous music, as defined by me. )

So? Hate 'em? Love 'em? I'm interested. Feel free to give me another letter, and to ask for your own letter. I'd like to know what y'all like to listen to, as well! ;)

I am so completely stuck on this song. It's called "Fireflies" by Owl City. The entire album is wonderful, but this song-. It's the first one I heard, so I love it best right now.

Embedding isn't allowed for this one, but click the link, watch the music video for it - it's just fabulous: Fireflies Let me know what you think!

...

Not much else right now. I'm working on day four of this headache - I'm thinking it's tooth-related. I have an appointment for the 7th of December for my fillings; my mouth is finally starting to hurt. It's pissing me off. I have some numbing stuff, but it doesn't last very long. :/

...

Had Mom and Dad, Karen, Bunny, John and Dana over for dinner and company last night. Made tater tot hotdish, and mini apple cider cheesecakes. And pumpkin pie, too. It was a lovely evening. BETH, WE MISSED YOU AND THE GIRLS!!

OK, that's the gist of it for now. :)

1. It's raining. Thank you, Lord - the humidity was absolutely stifling. Our air conditioner is turned off for the first time since, oh, Thursday...

2. Was in bed with the light off around midnight last night..and somehow slept till eleven. Wasn't planning on that, but it was pretty nice.

3. Culver's for lunch - wanted to stay all afternoon, there's a band that plays there each Saturday afternoon! They were just starting when we were finishing up, it was very cool. Several older gentlemen and few older ladies, playing bluegrass. We may go back next Saturday for more!

4. Made pig candy today. GOD, IT IS SO GOOD. I wasn't expecting it to be this awesome. I'll try to get a picture of it for you, but it might not last that long. It's just bacon, coated in dark brown sugar and baked in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Cool it on a rack and you have the stickiest, sweetest, tastiest treat ever. And actually, the bacon we picked up at the store was maple bacon - I think that adds to it. So good.

5. Got a picnic to attend tomorrow. Have to bring something to share, so I'll be making potato chip cookies. YUM.

6. Resting at the moment; watching an old Top Gear episode and enjoying the smell and sounds of rain. Not too shabby for a Saturday, no? XD.

Time for a meme, this time from superbeffie. Comment if you want to do it and I'll give you five topics I associate you with, and then you post and elaborate on them.

( My topics from Beth )

Anyone else want to give me topics to elaborate on? Please? This was fun. XD.