I am so sore

Is it because I ran a record 7 miles yesterday morning?

No.

Is it because I have been chasing Emily around the parking lot, helping her learn how to ride a bike?

No

Have I decided to lift weights?

No

It is the stinkin' violin's fault that I am so sore.

My sister is getting married, and asked me if I would play a few songs as mood music, while people get seated. So I pulled out my violin and have been trying to dust off a few songs.

That violin is kicking my butt. My left arm is sore and cramping up. My left fingers are having a difficult time typing, and my finger tips are black from the strings. My back is a little sore, too.

And I still sound squeeky.

Hannah has been cracking me up with practicing tips. She is a strict teacher. (That doesn't sound like forte to me...)

I pulled out my Suzuki music and found that book 5 songs are impossible, Book 4 is scary, and most of Book 3 is way too hard. I found a couple songs in Book 2 and a song or two in Book 3 that I think I may be able to play. I stink. Do you think Sarah will mind if I just play Twinkles? (California Sunshine - California Sunshine)

Looking back at the years of music lessons that I did NOT appreciate, I can see that even though I was a complete practicing slacker, I still somehow learned so much! Thanks, mom, for making me keep playing, even though I must have embarrassed you at lessons when I had obviously not practiced. Remember the time I fainted?

And even though the mysterious muscles on my forearm are sore, I am really enjoying playing the violin. I love the violin. I want to be able to really play it. I think I need to get a job so I can afford to pay for lessons for myself. Or maybe I will make the girls quit the piano (they gripe about practicing anyway) and use that money on myself! (insert evil laugh)