The prairies are alive....with the sound of music.....

Is anyone going to Rainbow Stage to see the Sound of Music? The tunes are perfect for shower-singing in your best opera voice........'the hills are alive.....with the sound of mu-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-sic!' Plus, who can't recite 'Do Rae Mi'? But, I won't indulge you in the fluff. To be honest, I usually don't like old musicals. The Wizard of Oz, for example, only serves the purpose of spoon-feeding us nostalgia, and watering down the intellect like we're an audience of 3-yr-olds. Maybe that's where the lady on Romper Room got her inspiration. The only thing that Dorothy and the 3 dopes had to offer was a snazzy pair of red shoes. The musicals that do deserve credit are ones like Abba, Phantom of the Opera and A Chorus Line. Now those musicals have a carefully crafted mixture of wit, humor and intelligence. But, back to the Sound of Music....... even though it's old, I'll make an exception and go see it. Yes, it's nostalgic. Yes, it's a bit kitschy. Yes, we're tired of seeing those curtains transformed into 8 yellow dresses. But the tunes are so familiar that you can't stop yourself from singing along. You can try to rebel, but eventually you too will be yodelling it up better than the Ricola commericals. And the last reason we'll go see it: everyone likes to watch another sucker have her life completely transformed by a husband and children. Welcome to the Desperate Housewives Club, Maria! :)


Speaking of music, I just called my piano student yesterday to ask what she got on her Grade 3 piano exam. I was ECSTATIC to hear that she scored 87%! Isn't that awesome?!?! My proudness is bubbling; bragging priviledges are in order at the next piano teacher's meeting. YAY for Sarah! She earned it!



We're heading out to Calgary this week for a family reunion, so I'll be off Blogger and Facebook for a bit. Hopefully, I can score some pictures from Ikea to decorate the walls of the new red, diningroom. Here's a pic of the before-and-after painting process, as it went 2 weeks ago. Hope everyone's having a great summer!!!!! Talk to you soon!

Looking back 1 year ago......

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Last nite I was awakened by what I can only describe as a very loud grunting kind of siren. It was so disturbing that I thought the rapture was here. It was 4:45 in the morning and I looked out the window and couldn't see anything creating the noise. I starting wondering if I was one of the folks "left behind." Of course, Dave was in Edmonton so I couldn't accertain whether or not this was true. I was on my own on this dilly of a pickle. Everything else on the street looked quiet. The noise diminished a bit so I went back to bed, questioning over & over whether or not I really did *believe*. Then the noise came back and I jumped back out of bed again. What on EARTH is that?!?!? I waited a couple more minutes peering out the window and then Nancy Drew -- I figured it out! A truck drove down my street spraying what I can only piece together to be malithion for the mosquitos!!!! What a relief! Later that morning, I received calls from both Dave and my dad. I didn't mention this event, but inside I breathed a sigh of relief confirming that I wasn't left behind!!!!

Happy Tuesday!

Well, today was a good day! Who can complain when it's hot, hot, hot! For the first time in my life, I live in a house with air conditioning. Mr. Steinhilber, though, likes to walk around like a popsicle, while I drown myself in long-sleeved hoodies and shiver to keep warm. Ah well.....summer is finally here!

After a day of work, I headed out to Oakbank. I think it's important to remember where you were raised. I'm so appreciative that the majority of my students are willing to drive in from Oakbank, so I decided to do the same back. I dropped off some music at a teacher's house today, headed off to the Paint Shop to buy my red paint, headed off to my parent's house for a fabulous dinner (Good Job, Mom! I know you're reading this!), and then visited my piano student at her own home. I figured it'd give her parents a break from driving in, and it was fun to see her play on her own piano.

Now my next project is to get the diningroom painted. I'm so excited! Red is on it's way!


Does anyone have any dropsheets that they wouldn't mind lending me? Or else, do you know where I can get some cheap ones?

From Silvia Street to Wisteria Lane

I'm starting to think that we just might be living on Wisteria Lane after all......

After teaching piano tonite, I called my mom to invite myself over for dinner tomorrow. (I shall refer to myself as Susan) Just then, our phonecall was interrupted by the doorbell and an exuberant 'HI!!!!!!!!!!!!' My neighbor ("Edie") was out for a walk with her boyfriend and wanted to introduce us to him. They were extremely friendly and high on energy. In fact, as the minutes passed, I started to hypothesize that they were either A)drunk OR B) In love. After all, on Wisteria Lane, everyone has a glass of wine after dinner. Maybe I should try that. My piano students would pass their songs with flying colors! Our eccentric neighbors asked to tour the house (we've been getting that alot lately, thus confirming my theory to always have your house clean. Bree would be proud) and commented on the loveliness of our crown molding and hardwood floors. Then they noticed our junk left over from our garage sale and proceeded to take it off our hands. What the heck......it's a couple less things that we have to take to Value Village. We got a quick run-down of how the happy couple first met, lost track over the years and recently reunited. Yup, when your neighbors in the city, you meet all sorts of people. But at least our street's not boring!

I'm thinking of ordering myself a T-Shirt........

My first week....

Well, the job's going decently well so far. I'm getting trained to do a variety of things. The store is only run by 2 people, so there's lots to do. I enjoy interacting with the customers the best. This week, I was only in 2 days (but another day I was also temping at an insurance office), doing stuff like lifting boxes, counting and stacking music books, pricing music, laying it out on the floor, watching how they ship music out (there's procedures for everything!!!), watching how they work the till. The funny thing is, I actually applied for a school secretary position a month ago! I passed the screening tests with flying colors, and my interview was scheduled for tomorrow. But, I declined the interview after getting hired at 'Muzical Times.' I think I'm done with the secretarial roles.

Tonite was my last MYC group class for the year. The girls were a ton of fun! I swear, these are the cutest 5-yr-olds on the entire earth. We played 1 piano song, and then played music games the rest of the class. For example, I put down some hula hoops with rhythms and clap a rhythm; they'd then have to run to the right hula hoop that I clapped. That sorta thing. Handed out their certificates and goody bags, and then Dave gave them homemade cookies that he just baked tonite, especially for them.

Now I just gotta get my pedagogy homework done for Sunday.....

I got it!

Well, I returned to the music store on Saturday, and the first thing that the manager says to me was, "Well, do you still want the job?" I reply, "Sure!" And he goes, "You're hired then!"

The name of this place is 'Muzical Times' (spelt incorrectly, as to avoid any links to my blog through Google searches for the stores)


I start tomorrow! Wish me luck!

Music to my ears......

Life.......it's all about the timing........

How cool is this......I walk into a well-loved sheet music store this week to pay a bill for jazz books I bought 2 weeks ago. As I'm handing over my credit card, the employer asks me, "Would you be interested in working here? We noticed at the Jazz Workshop that you're very personable, and everyone seems to like you." Then he commented on my playing. (I was the clinician's reluctant guinea pig infront of all the piano teachers, to test out improv in his new books that he's trying to promote). Then, we did an on-the-spot interview! I felt so honored. I hope they're serious about hiring, because I'd love to work at that piano player's paradise! Hopefully it all works out. I kinda feel a Sally Field's blubbering coming on.........

"You like me, You really like me!"

Then, tonite, while we were chatting with our friendly neighbors out in the yard after piano lessons, (picture it: the modern-day 'Little House on the Prairie'........ah, feel the love.....) the previous owners of our home drove by and stopped to chat. This was the first time we'd ever met them -- what timing! Luckily, Dave had just cut the grass, and the house was clean. (I always say "You NEVER know who's going to pop by!" Hey, I grew up in the country -- drop-in company was the norm!!!!) Anyways, we started chatting, and the son asked for a tour of our home. He noticed the garage was ripped down, and was curious to see the inside, so we appeased his curiosity. I asked his elderly mother numerous times if she would also like to come inside (now that I finally got a chance to meet this lady), but she refused several times. She had just come back from her six-month holiday to Florida, and preferred to nurse her cigarette and remain anonymous under her 4-foot wide brimmed hat. I wasn't getting the warm fuzzies from her, but at least MY curiosity was finally appeased.

It's all about being in the right place at the right time.......

Here she is......

Aleah Mae Steinhilber

Parents: Dan & Corallee
Big Brother: Marcus (2 yrs old)




Born May 15, 2007
3 lb, 11 oz
16 inches

It's a Girl!

For the very first time, I have a niece! Miss Steinhilber is a welcomed addition of sugar and spice to our testosterone-pumping Steinhilber family. Long live the 'X' chromosone! To everyone's surprise, Corallee went into labour about 6 weeks early. To my knowledge, they haven't got a name picked out yet, so I'll be excited to hear what they call her.

In other news, I had my spring recital tonite. I was so proud of my students. They practiced so hard and did so well. Even Dave did a little razzle dazzle in a guitar-piano duet with me. Thanks for all your help, honey!

These shoes were made for Walkin'....

Last week I went for a walk with my friend Jill. We walked about a good 2 hours, and I could've gone longer, if it wasn't for my shoes. Did my feet ever BURN! Of course, one should NEVER wear 3-inch wedge shoes that push your feet forward. Ouch! So, after the walk, Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, soaking her feet away. But, oh, as luck would have it, Jill informed me that Mark's Work Warehouse was having a sale the very next day! So, after work, I had about an hour to rush to the store and hurry home before my piano lesson. To my delight, I found TWO pairs of shoes! Check it out...... Yup, another pair of wedge shoes......BUT, I did get a pair of runners! Tee hee!

La weekend!

It's been a good weekend, but busy!!!! This blog entry looks a bit like a diary purge of my weekend, but I don't feel like wasting more time being elaborate and fanciful in word choice. I've also highlighted the subjects, in case you prefer to get the updates with one quick glance.

- On Friday nite, I hosted a baby shower in honor of Sarah Joy Hansen (daughter of Melissa and Darren). What a cute little fry! Good times with the girls that came.

- Saturday morning, I played piano for 2 musical theatre classes, then made a taco salad for my Grandma's 87th birthday party. Got a chance to re-connect with all the relatives at the party, including my cousins from Regina. So different to see the kids all grown up, with boyfriends and girlfriends in tow. They've graduated from cute to darn good-looking!

- Sunday morning, I got up early and started my Pedagogy assignment at 8 am. I figured I could finish it in time and still get to church. But, it took so long to complete, that I just finished it in the nick of time at 12:30, rushed off to class and scarfed down a sandwich while driving. After all that mad frenzy, I suggested to Dave that we go get an icecream and veg in the early evening.

But alas, I still have another lesson plan to complete for tomorrow's class. I'm procrastinating a bit by blogging and oh......I've now discovered another time-waster: Facebook! I love it!

I'll post a few pix later after a study break.....

He is Risen Indeed

Yesterday was a fantastic Easter morning at our church. We arrived early at 8:30 am to practice for the worship team. Normally, that brings out the Grumpy Groundhog in me, but this time I felt ok about being there. After practice, we relaxed to a yummy-licious quiche and fruit for breakfast. It felt so nice to relax and just be in each other's presence around a table. We started the service by worshipping through music. Now, I know there's many ways to worship, whether it's through prayer, listening to the sermon, following along in the scriptures, etc. I do all that. But, for me, I'm able to worship most easily through playing piano. I live and breathe playing piano -- it's my passion and it's what ignites a fire from within. I had the time of my life playing yesterday with the worship team, and it felt awesome to worship alongside the congregation singing to God. To hear everyone else singing and just giving our praise to him was so cool! It was one of those heavenly moments and I'm grateful that God uses our meager human efforts on our instruments to glorify himself and bring others into his presence. After the service, my friend's mom came up to say hi to me. I was so excited to see her there! Now, if I can just get her daughter to come. God's doing great things!

Rum......oli

I love games! And on Friday nite, I just discovered another fun game! Carly invited us over for a Rum-themed nite, complete with the game Rumoli, the drink Rum & Coke, and a yumm-i-licious dessert! This is one girl who knows how to entertain! Luckily there were no corn dances established or anything embarrassing in order to earn more pennies. (Poor Jon!) The only unfortunate part of the evening arose when my stomach gave out like a ball of spikes and I had to cut the nite short at 11pm. I think I over-did it with the eating, which had previously started with binging on the stirfry meal I made for dinner that nite. Some popcorn, then dessert......I sometimes forget to curb my eating and think "Well, as long as my jeans still fit, then there's no problem."

Well, I'm off to a birthday party for 2-yr-old Rebecca today. Guess I should pace myself on the Winnie-the-Pooh cupcakes. lol!

What kind of car do YOU drive?

What kind of car should YOU be driving? Now, I'm usually a patient person. Most people think I'm mild-mannered, sweet, and just plain nice. NOT! I'm here to admit that the ugly beast from within emerges when provoked under the two following conditions:

#1. I'm forced to get out of bed at cruel hours of the morning
#2. I'm stuck in traffic behind certain drivers on the road

Now, I've figured out a solution to #1 by teaching piano after 10 am. But, I haven't found a way to cure #2 yet. Have you ever noticed the types of people who drive certain cars when you're in a hurry to get somewhere? Here's my experience based on my own observations over the last few months:


1) Camry drivers: Baby-Boomers. They love their little luxuries and roomy vehicles, but they're as slow as the Manitoba bison. Stay off the road, Morty. Their car music of choice: Anne Murray.

2) Mini-van drivers: Young Families. They're popping up everywhere. They also tend to drive under the speed limit. The 'Baby on Board' signs should be updated to say 'First Time Parents'. Everyone will get the message: You drive slow and annoy us. Their car music of choice: Veggie Tales.

3) Crown Victoria drivers: 35 - 45 yr olds. Their cars get them from Point A - Point B. They also tend to cut off other drivers and take their corners at 80 km/hr. Probably because they know that if they write off their vehicle in an accident, they'll get a bigger tax receipt for donating it to a charity, than if they were to spend money to actually fix it. Their car music of choice: AC/DC.

4) Pick-up Truck drivers: 30 - 45 yr olds. These trucks tail-gate other drivers and drive 15 km over the speed limit. Ritalin and Red-Light cameras were invented for them. Their car music of choice: Garth Brooks.

5) Civic drivers: 20 - 30 yr olds. Cute, sporty cars that zip in and out of lanes smoothly and seem to get ahead of all the traffic. I wish I had one. A red one. Their car music of choice: Billy Talent.

6) SUV drivers: 25 - 45 yr olds. Usually heavy on the foot and high on pollution emission rates. These drivers like to scare seniors and other helpless pedestrians to move out of their way. Their car music of choice: Snoop Dogg.

That leaves me to ask the question: Which vehicle suits your lifestyle? Or which vehicle SHOULD you be driving?

Grease

Last nite, Dave took me to see the musical Grease! I know, I'm a 'musical-loving nerd'. Who cares, I love it! Check out the bald-headed guy in the picture Dave took as the announcer said several times "All cameras will be confiscated. Please turn off all devices." Luckily I got to sit behind Howie Mandel there, but Dave was stuck behind Marj Simpson. We badly wanted to ask her to lower her curly pony-tail but couldn't quite articulate how to gently do that. Thankfully, there were 2 open spots after Act I, so we moved over to those seats for Dave's viewing enjoyment.

Today I had the priviledge of baby-sitting my cutie-pie nephew Marcus. He's all smiles and at the age of 2, he's as cute as a button. That is, until he had an accident in his diaper. Whoa! In an effort to clean him up, I was gasping for fresh air in another room and held my breath everytime I went to the bathroom to try to help him get cleaned up. I'm no synchronized swimmer, though, and could only last a few seconds before dashing back into a clean room to refresh my oxygen supply about 8 times. I'm sure I dry-heaved more than a cat with hairballs, and tried everything to prevent myself from throwing up in my mouth. Next time, I'm cutting him off from having seconds on fruit. Or thirds and fourths, as it may be. Oops!

Weekend Get-away

I was reminded of how good it feels to take a little time off away from home. Dave and I took a weekend drive down to Grand Forks for some shopping and some R 'n R. Now, since I started teaching piano, Dollarama has become my main source of shopping for teaching supplies, and my wardrobe has been put on the back burner. But, when we hit the stores in the States, my eyes lit up like a high-efficient light bulb. Everything was 50% off so we stocked up on clothes, jewellery, the game "Imagine If" (thanks to Chris and Karen for introducing me to this game!) and my personal favorite possession -- a RED purse! Now, for anyone reminiscing about Chi-Chi's (remember those days?), I'd totally recommend a trip to Paradiso! We loved their Mexican food so much, we went there twice. Dave's parents also spent the weekend in the States, and his brothers joined us on Sunday JUST FOR THE DAY to EAT at Paradiso. It's that good!!! Ole! However, when I ordered a marguarita, the waitress asked to see my ID! What -- do I look 20? Must be that Mary Kay age-fighting moisturizer. Like really, TEN years? Sheesh! To all of you folks heading down there this month yet, have fun! Eat, shop and be merry!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Celebrities seem to be doing changes on their hair these days, from clip-on wigs and extensions, to the extreme buzz-cut that Britany Spears is sporting. But I decided to go somewhere in-between. No matter how much I try to grow out my locks, I always seem to come back to this 'Old Faithful' hairstyle with the blonde highlights. It's finally smooth and straight with the help of NO STYLING AIDS; I'm free from spending time trying to make it bounce into place for volume, and I'm free from those monotonously boring flips on the ends. Now it actually falls into place on its own! I'm free!

But, if you think my cut is dramatic, you should check out Dave's lid. Now, HE's got a bold color!!!!! Go to his blog and beg him to post a pix.

When the moon hits your eye.......

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! My Popeye hero who's notably known for being "strong like bull" took me to dinner at "Just Off Broadway" for some romantic culinary yumminess. The musical entertainment was a little more geriatric, though, consisting of an old man serenading on his guitar. Dave and I sat there wondering if it was Senior's Night. Who let THIS dog out? Who, Who, Who, Who........(never mind, that rap song's long gone, too). When he came to our table, I thought I'd throw this old-timer for a loop and request "More than Words" by Extreme. Come on, the song's 16 years old, ya gotta know it! It was played at every sock-hop in junior high. Nope, he was scratching his head over that one. lol! I decided to let him off easy and then requested "It's Amore." Funny, though, we must be getting old, too. It's 10:30 and both Dave and I just want to go to sleep. Ah, old married folks already! Happy Valentine's. Good-Night Everyone!

Valentine's Wish List

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Our hubbies may be wondering what to give us for that big day. Now, we all know that the media over-hypes their merchandise, promising to win our hearts. I'm here to set the record straight, thus saving hundreds of dollars and promoting a stronger marriage. It's really quite simple! Compare the 2 lists:

What HE thinks we want:

• Chocolate (it's a little cliche and boring)


• A fat piece of jewelery (Don't you hate those "Kay" commercials? It's not necessary, honey. We still love the engagement ring!)


• Lingerie (it's more like butt-floss than undies)


• A plasma TV to hang over the mantel (this is quite obvious -- no!)

What Women REALLY want him to do:

• Clean the house (It's called a Vaccuum and it makes the dirt disappear -- really it does!)


• Sing the praises of our cooking (You know you love it, you know you do!!!!)


• Put your clothes in the hamper (You're a big boy now)


• And last but most importantly, agree with us. "Yes Dear" really does work.

Now, offer this fact to your husband, and he might be so impressed that your Wish List may come true:

Sports Trivia: Did you know that this was the 1st Superbowl ever to have an African-American coach? Not only that, this Superbowl featured 2! Something for the coaches and the African-American community to be proud of.