A trait that many people don’t know about me is my musical abilities. I grew up around music but when your parents both really grew up in the 60’s and 70’s then naturally you’re going to have some amazing music in the background while you’re children are growing up - you know? Another trait I’m quiet about is my painting addiction. I’ve been itching to get to a canvas with some oil but that doesn’t look as though it’s going to happen anytime soon.

The one I can act upon is the musical taste. I don’t think it’s possible for me to get any work done unless I have some kind of music going on in the background. For years I had extensive training in everything from orchestra to rock. I played the clarinet, flute, base clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and even dabbled in percussion just to round myself out. I’ve attempted to play the guitar but I’ve never had any formal training in it. The one thing that has stuck with me throughout the years, and probably has a lot to do with how quickly I can type is the Piano. I started on a rinky-dink little keyboard and now I can sit down at a baby grand and just play my heart out. It’s been a few years, and I’ll admit that I’m a little rusty but that doesn’t mean I’m incapable of getting back into it, you know?

For anyone interested in the piano, whether they’re new to it or just looking for some new and interesting things to putz around with. I came across a site where the owner publishes a newsletter on Piano lessons & piano chords. It’s completely free and if you’re looking to spend a little money you can purchase a full-blown piano course on DVD as well. The course is meant for adults but I’m sure a child would have no problems with it either.

Since it’s been a pretty relaxing day, I’ve treated myself to a Raspberry Burst Smirnoff Ice.  I’m just not sure of how “healthy” it is to have a bottle of malt beverage while on my diet.  Everyone is entitled to a little bit of a slip up though.  I have read on numerous occasions that having a glass of red wine once a day is good for not only your heart, but there’s something in it that aids in weight loss as well.

Is there anyone out there that’s following this method?  I’m not asking to come out of the closet if you’re an alcoholic or anything, just curious as to who follows the news to the point that they add a much deserved 8oz. of wine to their nightly relaxation.

Sean is having some trouble with his car. I’ve been poking around online in search for payday loans so that I can get a quick $1,000 transferred into our bank account in case we have to fix anything. Of course the money will be sent right back if it turns out that it’s an easy fix. Hopefully we’ll figure something out before we have to make the 5 hour drive back to Delaware on Monday. Originally we were going to leave on Sunday but only a fool would try to leave New York on a Sunday afternoon. With all of the traffic on the southern state parkway and then the traffic heading down the turnpike in Jersey, it’s really not worth it, you know?

I’ve been doing well on my diet even though I’m in New York.  It’s very hard to eat healthy when you’ve been deprived of good Italian food, as well as good Chinese food.  I’ve been eating small meals and keeping my calorie count down pretty low as well.  Tonight I had a very well balanced grilled chicken on a bed of greens and while I was using a smaller plate to make it look as though I had more food, I still filled up on lettuce pretty quickly.

Exercise has slowed down a bit, I’m limited to walking around the block and for the past two days it’s been an average of negative two degrees (F) so naturally it’s hard to get any real work out done when you’re having trouble breathing with the thick cold air.  I don’t have the luxury of my club house like I have down in Rehoboth.  Spending more time standing than sitting and keeping myself busy by cleaning the house is still giving me some kind of activity, so I guess that counts for something - right?

Do you know anyone who’s gone through with Gastric Bypass Surgery? Have you personally gone through it yourself? I’m interested in knowing more about this procedure from a first-hand standpoint. No, I’m not interested in getting it but you can’t get any general surgery information with the resources they have online. I’d kind of like to see the procedure done but I doubt I’d ever be allowed in an operating room for that to happen.

I’m just curious about it because I keep coming across links for like lapband los angeles and then I’m unable to locate any real information about the procedure itself. Yes, there’s a band around the stomach that’s adjustable and they also move some things around but what exactly is moved around? I’m a medical fanatic so anything that involves cutting someone open has my full attention. I’m freaky like that, yes, but I also know that I can handle blood and guts better than many nurses I’ve had in the past.