Gold

and Silver. Or, even better, Silver and Gold. Like the Silver and Gold Brass, a brass quintet based in Albany, NY. I've played tuba with them since March of this year. The quintet itself is about 2 years old. We play original arrangements and quintet standards at a variety of settings. I mean a variety: nursing homes, churches, clinics at local schools, Citifield (Mets stadium) in Queens, etc etc etc. I've always wanted to play in a really good brass quintet and I finally do.

We've been developing within the last couple of months at an incredible pace. We have this great core sound now that I've never heard in a group that involved me. We played at the senior recital of one of the members a week ago and came out with wonderful recordings. You can hear them at www.myspace.com/silverandgoldbrass . The recital recordings are the top 2 on the list: Prelude to a Kiss and Grand Valley Fanfare.

In other news, Thanksgiving was fun. I had a better time than I probably ever have at Thanksgiving with my family. I credit Brian for this. I know how cheesy that sounds. But it was really nice to see my family and friends and be able to brag endlessly about how awesome life is. And just as nice, there was no hella gay "I'm thankful for..." dinner conversation. We did say Grace though. It was a bit awkward. Why am I so much better at sitting in a church pew through a Catholic Easter mass and so bad at holding hands with my family while my oldest brother thanks the Lord for our food?

The only thing missing from the Thanksgiving that Brian improved was Brian himself. He was in Oneonta with his family. I'm actually leaving in about 40 minutes to get on a bus going there. :) It's nice. Really old school, too! I can't wait to roll up to the station and see my love outside waiting for me. <3

I really want a beagle. There was just a news segment about one getting abused and now I want to save it and every other beagle in the world.

I really enjoy not having a car. What a totally different take on the world! Wednesday I rented a car using my College of Saint Rose staff discount. When I returned from Vermont, I took a bus to Crossgates Mall and met up with a friend. Then took a bus back and walked later that night. So just recently, I've re-experienced having a car as a transportation resource, and I didn't like it as much. I hate having to park and get gas and deal with city driving.

Okay I should start getting ready. I have a bus to catch. Then tomorrow we come back from my love's family and I go to rehearsal with my quintet. There is a lot to be thankful for!