2008-01-24

Not so new any more, but...

So, before January is out, a brief review of 2007...

The year was, unsurprisingly, mostly about learning to be a parent. It isn't easy sometimes, but I think we haven't had it badly overall and the youngling is a complete star. Latest cute story: having fed the littlun, I left her playing while I sat next to her having my own lunch (which wasn't ready early enough). Next thing I know, she had rummaged through the bib bag (kept hanging on the back of her highchair), and was standing next to me proffering a bib and indicating that she expected to have it put onto her and then be put into the highchair. What could I do but oblige and give her some of my lunch? That's me told!

Next most important was finally completing my degree. That's 7 years of study all paying off. I'm now booked in for a graduation ceremony in May, which should be a laugh. Incidentally, last week I actually received a sales call from the OU, who had noticed that I wasn't signed up for a course and wondered if I had continued my options for further study. I said that I was taking some time off from study.

Musically, I have kept playing harmonica with slowly increasing confidence and repertoire. And furthermore, I have spent some time with my ukulele, learning a few basic chords, so at least I can accompany a few songs. The youngling likes musical instruments too, and apart from shaking her maracas, she can also make good noises by twanging uke strings and by banging on our electronic keyboard (it's amazing what functions and effects she can set off sometimes).

The other big thing which I haven't written about yet is that I have started learning morris dancing. This is turning out to be a great way to get some exercise, get out of the house, meet some other people, and an excellent excuse to drink beer. :o) I don't have any of the outfit yet, but will have soon...

So, all in all, apart from some rocky patches 2007 wasn't a bad year, and it ended with a great new year's eve bash with some very good friends in South Wales.

2008? Well, more of the same, I guess. We'll see how the morris and the music goes, but the top priority remains the youngling, who is already developing into a real little person who is a lot of fun to be with. It's all good...

2008-01-03

I SAID I BET THAT YOU LOOK GOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR

There is a fairly interesting article in Rolling Stone, The Death of High Fidelity, which is full of plenty of "well, duh, we knew that" stuff, but includes some good examples of differences in dynamics between recordings.

Coming soon, something to mark the new year, with some thoughts on 2007 and 2008, but probably not today.