Piano

I know it's not quite the end of the year, but I wanted to talk about one of my goals for the year, which was to finish my Alfred's level 2 course book.  As you can see, I got close, but didn't quite get there. 

I got pretty close, but the songs at this level are more difficult and take longer to learn.  But that's just part of it.  I think this funk I've been in all year has affected my playing -- as in, there were too many days that I just didn't feel like practicing, so I'd just go over the songs once and call it a day.  Maybe things will pick up next year, but for now, I'm setting that aside and just playing Christmas music for the time being. 

I think I need to play for fun for a while, so that's what I'm going to do, play Christmas music and hymns and such.  

I keep saying I'm going to record a Christmas concert for you.  It's been such a long time since I have posted any music, but there seems to be some strange disconnect between my hands and hitting the record button on my phone.  Heh, one of the online piano tutors I follow made a video of this very topic.  It's a short, and I couldn't figure out how to embed it, so you'll have to go here to watch it:  Jazer Lee.  

I had to laugh when I watched it, because it is so me.  While you're there, watch some of his other shorts. I mean, he absolutely nails it!  I feel seen.  

Not much else to talk about today, because all I did was watch cheezy Christmas movies, Chosen roundtables and aftershows (you have to watch those in the free app, but you can watch the show on Prime), and knit.  

I finished this hat. 

Yarn: Red Heart Supersaver

Colorway: Neon Stripe

Pattern: Basic Beanie

Needles:   US 8

And I cast on a new one.  

Yarn:  Hobby Lobby I Love This  Yarn

Colorway:  Sunset

Pattern: Basic Beanie

Needles:  US 8

And finally, I forgot to tell you.  When I was at Walmart yesterday, I dug through the pallet of garden soil and found a couple of bags that weren't too terribly busted open, so I bought them.  It's supposed to be pretty dry this week, so maybe I can get out and work in my garden spot some.  Since I don't plan on tilling the dirt up any more, it ought to settle in pretty good, and I won't have to worry about it getting all mucky.  I still need to shave off some spots and fill in others, but the major overhauling is done.  

I'm tempted to cash in my Ibotta savings and get three more of the  8' x 2' beds.  Or maybe just two for now, and put them into the opposite corner.  That ought to be enough for me to see where I want to put my 4' x 4' beds.  I feel like once I at least get the beds in place, the serious planning can begin -- even if I have to wait until spring to get started with the serious planting.  Heh, get it?  

OK, never mind...  

By the way, that dadgum cat of mine has decided those beds are her new litter pans.  Once I get my herbs planted and mulched, she ought to stay out of them, especially since I got that plastic stuff to put down.  Eh, I'll show you when I do it. 

Speaking of Ibotta, they're really screwing us up this Thanksgiving.  Ever since I've been using the app, they've been giving out free Thanksgiving dinners.  I'm sure they'll still have some free stuff, but to get the turkey, I have to get someone else to sign up and redeem an offer using my referral code:  lypnolp.  If I don't get someone to start using the app, I don't get the turkey.  

Bummer.  I just don't feel like I should have to depend on someone else doing something for me to be able to redeem an offer.  But for what it's worth, Ibotta is really the only rebate app that's worth the trouble.  Every other app I'm using, I've earned $100 or less -- mostly less -- in the last 6 years since I started.  In Ibotta, I've earned nearly $1500.  Yep, you read that right.  One thousand five hundred dollars. 

If you want to give it a go, please use my referral code.  If not, I won't fault you for it. 

And finally -- for real this time-- if you're reading this, please leave me a comment, either here or on whatever social media you find this link on.  Sometimes I really do feel like I'm just talking to myself.  It would be nice to know you're listening.  Or reading, rather. 

Whatever...