Music

Something I should have said earlier is that I LOVE music, playing and listening. During school, from 5th grade to my first year at university, I played the clarinet (and attempted tenor sax and flute). The friendships and travel during those years are invaluable, stories to which we often refer with my friends. There is no way to replicate the experience of six busloads of (mostly) talented, albeit hormonal, teenagers who were driven to work hard to become national marching band champions. Or the midnight mud fight and dance that followed at music camp in 1983. Or the six years of county honor band where I learned much of the wind ensemble repertoire. Some of my favorite memories are of being on stage or the field, playing with others and getting goosebumps from the amazement that comes from doing something that moves people.

Anytime people walk into my office, they will hear music--guaranteed. What they will hear, though, greatly varies: Tool, Christina Aguilera, Miguel Bose, Joe Jackson, Gaslight Anthem, Snow Patrol, Deadmau5, Suzanne Vega, Pat Benetar, Elvis Crespo, The Police, Sleigh Bells, The Fugees, School of Seven Bells, Patsy Cline, Ozomatli, The Bird and the Bee, Juanes...endless variety. My only no-nos are modern country and most rap. I have been known to enjoy a tune or two from Eminem or Lady Antebellum, but they are the rare exception. New Age will not invade my space, nor will overly-produced crap with treacly, inane lyrics. Yes, I am a judgmental chowderhead when it comes to music--that will NOT change. I always get the free iTunes cards at Starbucks, as it's a great way to explore tunes I normally would not hear.

I am also a huge Beethoven fan, whether it's his symphonies, string quartets, violin sonatas or piano concerti. When I leave this plane, I want the second movement from the 7th symphony played at my memorial. If I could be paid to listen to and write about Beethoven, I would have one of my career wishes fulfilled.

I do not know where I would be without music.

First Post

I had been debating for sometime whether I would have a public blog. The one I have on another site is just for me and selected friends, and I believe I will keep that one for now until I see how this goes.

What to tell you...

As it says up top, I am a 40ish social worker. I have been in the field for 20 years now, and have been fortunate to have had a wealth of experience in many different areas, from neurological rehab to a high school in the 'hood. I have learned every step of the way, and am grateful to those who have been gracious enough to teach me, even when I didn't want to learn the lesson.

I have been a runner off and on since I was 16, and this past May completed my first half marathon. People often look at me cross-eyed when I say that I love to run, but the truth is that if I did not do it, I would have easily lost the amount of sanity I manage to hold onto. I love to run on the beach, but I like the trails where I live, also. Whether it's cold, rainy or sunny, I only have a bad run when I am not focused. Otherwise, it's my meditation.

Dark chocolate is the cure-all when life is not going my way. The darker, the better, although I do not decline a Twix or a Reese's. The best one I have ever had is the 3400 Phinney Bread & Chocolate. Dark chocolate with salt and bread crumbs mixed in; I enjoy the mix of sweet and salty. Another favorite is sea salt pita chips with Nutella. If you have not tried that, you must. I am on a quest to find whole wheat pita chips, so if you know where to find them, please let me know.