Thursday, October 22, 2009

Broken Thoughts, by Random Lunacy

I went to open a new checking account for my business because the bank I am currently with decided that instead of giving a high five to their loyal customers, they started hitting small business accounts with mondo fees.

Um, did they not get that small business part??? Can little fishies like me really afford to have my money either held hostage or unceremoniously taken away? I believe the answer you’re looking for would be a clear, ‘oh hell no’!

So, the local bank in the next town over charges nothing for small business checking and I decided to move my money on over so it is no longer held up at fee-point.

When I opened up my EIN document to print it this morning, I realized that Chucka Stone Designs just celebrated her second birthday three days ago. Yea!!

I totally love my job and I love my company and fully intend to keep this little fish swimming in the big old ocean for as long as possible, dodging sharks and finding super secret awesomeness around the corners of patches of coral reefs.

Speaking of awesomeness…

Today I started drum lessons, a promise I made myself last year. Well I might be a little late to the party, finally learning, at age 36, the instrument I have wanted to play since I was a kid, but as far as I’m concerned it’s never too late. My instructor Gil Graham, is so cool.

I found him in a most destined way too; thanks Universe! My mom was selling her lovely photo inspired art at an open studio fair in my old (and now defunct) Junior High School so Matt and I went to check it out. The show was on all four levels of the building as there are artist studios everywhere. We came in through the basement door as it seemed a logical place to start.

As we were walking by a completely unassuming room with an open door I pointed out where the cafeteria line used to form across the hall. Next thing I knew there were some slow drum beats coming from that door and there was a sign reading “Come On In!”. As if I could resist. We listened to the kid play for a few, shook hands with Gil and promised to be back near the end of the day to chat after seeing my mom.

The end of the day proved to be well over an hour while, for free, Gil started breaking down my skill and experience level as he let me play a few hundred beats. I was amazed with what I already knew like how to hold the sticks and limb independence (thanks Rock Band, seriously) and Gil was amazed at not only those things too but also that I was able to keep consistent time.

I think we both got a little giddy at the prospect of entering into a kick ass teacher student relationship and I signed up on the spot. Today was great as I worked toward greater independence and lengthier beat combos. The coolest thing was he told me as I was leaving that we just went through about 3 lessons in that one lesson time slot, that I sound great and am picking it up really quickly. Woo hoo! It still feels weird but I guess that is like anything new right?

I had a chance to interview Adam Sankowski from local band The Grownup Noise again about their veggie oil conversion van that they have used to tour the country for two consecutive summers now. He is such a great guy and always a fun interview. Plus I love discovering new music, especially when it is really, really good.

And they are really, really good.

If you are in the area and can stay up past your bedtime this Saturday night I highly recommend hooking up with me and Matt at their show at TT the Bear’s in Central Square Cambridge.

OK that’s about all I have steam for today so go read everyone else’s stuff now. How about if I say please?
KC, Ginger, Kate, Bridgete and Bree

BTW…thanks for the picture SuperStock!

10 comments:

Joan said...

Yay for Chucka Stone. Your bag was great on my vacation.
I played the drums in High School. A LONG time ago. :) It was fun!

Bridgete said...

I keep swearing I will eventually take cello lessons. I may be 36 before I do it, but now you've shown me that if that's how it happens, that's okay! =)

pastrywitch said...

Keep learning new things - my belly dance teacher says it prevents dementia. And who wants that?

Theresa said...

Drummers are the coolest members in any band. Rock on girlfriend!

It's never too late...

Almost Precious said...

Yeah, some banks just don't think or all they think about is how to squeeze more money out of their customers.

Hey cool about the drum lessons, good to see you're following a dream. Sounds like you are a "natural".

And last, but by no means lest, Congratulations on Chucka Stone's
2nd birthday, the gal is growing up.

Suldog said...

Q: What did the drummer get on his IQ test?

A: Drool.

Sorry. That's just my inner bass player talking. Drummers get way more chicks than us, so we're jealous. But, of course, you ARE a chick, so it's the best of both worlds!

(Huh?)

Someday, maybe we can get together and jam a bit, when you're feeling good about your progress.

By the way, Watertown Savings Bank is another good one. I've been with them for years and they charge no hideous little fees.

Chris said...

Keep practicin' those drums. Never too late to learn.

spottedwolf said...

Excellent.........I need a good Cancerian percussionist.....our natural adaption to rythym makes some of the best.....hey Jenn...get into the whole conga thing. You'll love that stuff and their is a big demand for people who can do that style.

Rosebud Collection said...

First..Happy Birthday to you..I like the looks of that cake..but with the sweet tooth I have, I would.
"It is never too late to start something good". A priest told me that once and I never forgot it.
So, taking up drums is a good thing and fun..Good for you and I wish you luck.
Have a great week ..

Chris Stone said...

congrats on the business anniversary! and on the drum lessons.