2013 ... 31 Day Blog ... Day 2

[debris4spike]

I started the 31 day blog and posted the first entry ... a picture of myself ... and then haven't got any further. So, here is Day 2 -

20 Facts About Myself

I am sure you could probably fill in the facts quicker than I can!

1. I am single ... and live alone.  My weekends are spent at my parents house.  I am (and have always been) very close to them.


2. I am a James Marsters fan (did you know that!)


3. My life is governed by my faith in God ... I believe 100% in the Bible.  My life is my faith - my faith is me.


4. I am a member of the Plymouth Brethren - very staid ... with women keeping silent in the services.


5. I failed my A levels (at 18) but was offered a place on my college course anyhow - and studied for 4 years to become an osteopath.  I then worked in that profession until I was 49.


6. I play a clarinet in a classical orchestra.  I play a sax for fun (although have also played it in orchestra) ... I am self-taught, yet play to a fairly high amateur standard.


7. My favourite classical composer is Beethoven.


8. I love music of the 20's - 40's as well as the 60's.  Cole Porter's music is a real favourite.


9. I almost had an accident in my (2nd) driving test ... but past 3rd time on a Friday 13th.


10. I am accident prone - always have been, with a real penchant for falling down stairs ... the first time being when I was 2, the last time being about a month ago!


11. I am basically ambidextrous.  I right with my right hand, but when I was an osteopath I worked left-handed. I have learnt Judo (left handed), Archery (bilaterally) and fencing (where I found it easier to have lessons right-handed, but to fight left handed).


12. Although I can swim well (breast stroke) I am scared of water - can't get my face wet at all, after being pushed in a pool as a non-swimmer by a teacher.


13. I only started riding at 34 and Mum bought me Jaykub when I was 41.  I was 49 when I last rode, but want to again one day.  (Thank you Jaykub & DJ)


14. I am a loner - was bullied at school.  But have learnt to be happy alone.  Although I suspect I also find it easier to be alone than risk being let down by someone.


15. I said I am single ... true, but what is the real truth is that I have never had a boyfriend.  Maybe, now, if my dream-man turned up I would be too scared!


16. I love history - sightseeing is a real love of mine.  Holidays are always a busy time for me!


17. I hate cycling, always have done, even before I was run over!


18. I have 2 baby brothers ... both of whom are married, and I was bridesmaid at both weddings.


19. I don't have a TV - I have an ancient telly so I can watch DVDs.


20. And, last but not least - I am incredibly loyal to those I love.

So, I suppose you knew all those facts - as I am usually quite open when I ramble.

On a side note, I mentioned my 2 brother's weddings ... well, 24 years ago today I was Maid of Honour (my first bridesmaid job) in Detroit.  Must write an email to them!

.

Comments

[missus-grace.livejournal.com]

If possible, I'd love to see pics from your brothers' weddings. How long have each of them been married?

[debris4spike]

I posted this a few weeks back - that is the 3 wedding photos ... you know the phrase - Three times a bridesmaid!

[missus-grace.livejournal.com]

I missed those...thanks for redirecting me! They are lovely pics, and I love the family ones!

[debris4spike]

It's nice to have family photos of happy days, isn't it?

[elisi]

I play a clarinet in a classical orchestra. I play a sax for fun (although have also played it in orchestra) ... I am self-taught, yet play to a fairly high amateur standard.
Can I ask about your orchestra? I'm putting one in a fic, so I thought I'd ask an expert. How many are you? Which age range? And do you have a piano/keyboard player? Do you play concerts frequently? (I've been wondering about this for a while, just never got round to asking. And I am always jealous of people who can play instruments, as it's something I never got round to, as it were. Maybe one day...)

[debris4spike]

The orchestra is the one from Bude, so although I am 5 miles away I still play in concerts ...and the last 3 main rehearsals.

For it to classify as an orchestra you have to have all strings ie-
1st violins
2nd violins
violas
cellos
double bases
Then woodwind ... flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons (if possible), then brass (french horns, trumpets, and trombones) ... then tympani (with percussion if needed).

It really depends on what type of group you want. Our's has
8 first, 8 second, 3 viola, 4 cello, 2 db's
2 flutes. 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 french horns, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone ... and 1 tymps/percussion ...
And the conductor.
We have a piano if needed, but that's rare in an orchestra.

However you can have a different "off-balance" group if you call them something like "Orchestral Players".

We rehearse every Monday - although people who live far away just go to the final 3 rehearsals.

Age is not usually the problem - it's ability and the commitment to the group (and personal practice)

Does that answer what you need - anything specific, just ask.

My mum's cousin had a keyboard for his 60th birthday - so, no it's never too late.

[elisi]

That's very helpful, thank you! My main problem is that I've made my character a pianist (in as much as she's anything), so I might shift it a little an have it be 'Orchestral Players'. :)

[debris4spike]

Or - it could be an operatic group - local musical etc . Most local shows have a small orchestra - 4 strings and 1 of each other instrument + a piano!

Or - go the other way and have it as a Baroque group - clarinets are then out, but you would have Harpsichord work ... especially if Church based ... old Church music etc

[kudagirl.livejournal.com]

I would love to do this meme, but no photos of me will ever be on LJ. Nope...Never.

Now I didn't know that women were silent in your Church. I can't imagine that would be easy. Guess I'm too opinionated to let things go sometimes. Part of my family is Church of Christ which is different than most Churches. No musical instruments of any kind. They sing, but no music is played. Here is a link that explains more than I can. http://www.ask.com/wiki/Churches_of_Christ?o=2801&qsrc=999&ad=doubleDown&an=apn&ap=ask.com

When I was six, I almost drowned. I had been a good swimmer before that. We were in a local stream that had low places and some really deep spots. We often have family socials there. There had been a bridge over one area that collapsed. There were deep holes from the posts that held up the bridge. I got into one of those and couldn't get out. My uncle pulled me out, but since then if I can't stand to be in water over my head. I freak out.

I didn't know about you not having a telly that got the new shows. I love watching DVDs, but I love watching regular TV.

[debris4spike]

Thanks for that link - Brethren are in many ways similar, although we don't have a minister ... any male members can be asked to take a service (and it is up to them if they do!). When Mum & Dad were kids there was no piano for their communion services - and occasionally today, if there isn't a pianist available, then we sing un-accompanied. We have adult believer's baptism as well.

I can now swim - but just hate water on my face - even when standing under a shower in my own bathroom. Fear that deep-seated is hard to remove.

My old TV died about 6 months before I left Bude and I realised I didn't miss it ... also was £150 a year better off (our TV licence ... paid for things I never ever wayched) - so, as of now I am enjoying re-watching TV series and films ... maybe just makes me staid & boring though.