My mother just bought us a Yamaha P-95 (NICE digital piano). It's our Christmas present. She said, "If you let me buy it now I will pay for it; if you want to save it for Christmas I will pay half." How could I say no to that?

I am going to start learning, in hopes that that will make the kids want to learn. So far, this seems to be working. (Also, my mother can't find middle C. This boggles me. I only had 4 weeks of piano lessons when I was 6, but I do know how to find middle C.)

I am going to start learning, in hopes that that will make the kids want to learn.

I had piano lessons from 2nd through 5th grade. I did not like it and hated practicing, etc etc. But I am very glad my parents made me take them, it was a solid musical foundation that I found valuable later on. Even if now, I don't think I could play a single thing on the piano. (ETA: I only wish they'd been so pushy about sports or something physical like dance or gymnastics!)

Watching the Voltaggio Brothers Thanksgiving special.

But I did go to the bank, get cash, spent time at the local bagel place (a chain) having breakfast(ish) and coffee and knitting. I also called my brother to ask about Thanksgiving and what my niece wants for her birthday and then I found the very anonymous looking envelope that my new bank card came in. I have been spending sometime updating pre-orders on Amazon with the new CC#, and doing same at other places I shop online. Oh so much fun.

I wish I knew how to play the piano. I had some random strings of lessons maybe in high school and/or college, but have never had regular access to a piano, so it never took.

WE HAVEN'T EVEN HAD THANKSGIVING YET!!!

It was already on once! The world is bananas.

FYI - I want the Voltaggio boys to cook my Thanksgiving dinner. You guys can make that happen, right?

I bought my first Xmas presents today. Online. For my parents to give to ME.

I have a cold and I went to a bar to see a concert last night. Bar was really hot and humid and did a number on my sinuses that they haven't recovered from. I've had a headache all day that I can't get rid of, it is driving me mad.

(popping in)

I took piano lessons for a year when I was a kid -- from my mother. Mistake. She's an excellent pianist, but wasn't a very good teacher. She gave up on me because I never practiced, and she believes that if you are a true musician you'll want to practice all the time and will need no prodding. My feeling is that, unless you're a rare child, you have so many other things going on that you need a practice schedule and probably a little nudging.

Four years ago I decided to start again from the beginning, since I remembered nothing from those childhood lessons. Turns out I'm not very good, but if I practice regularly I'm fairly competent. It's been a year and half since I had a lesson, and I haven't touched the piano since. I need the prodding, I guess. But I kind of enjoyed practicing when I had a reason to practice.

My mother just bought us a Yamaha P-95 (NICE digital piano).

Oh, you lucky thing!

I learned just enough piano to pass music theory classes waaaaay back in the day. I wish I had room for a piano (real or digital), as I'd love to actually learn to play.

ION, for all your snacking needs: Cocoa nib pink peppercorn caramel corn [link]

I had some of this last night, and it is AMAZING. I am going to get over my fear of using a candy thermometer and making caramel so I can make my own supply.

I'm going to curl up with an Amy Garvey and some tea.

Was it good for you?

I had piano lessons for years and would love to take them again. I really wish I'd never stopped. Being able to sit down and play would be really lovely, I think.

I know I've told it before, but the piano was a huge part of my childhood. My dad bought himself a baby grand when I was four, as his Christmas gift to himself (he was selling insurance then -- I guess it was a good year). He would come home from work and play old standards while Mom made dinner, and it's one of my favorite memories of childhood.