A new passion...

Well, I guess it isn't really a new passion, per say. I've always wanted to be a drummer. Growing up, my favorite Muppets was Animal and I used to have a toy drum that I would bang on just enough to drive my sisters and parents crazy....

Story time:

In 7th grade, first year of junior high, my parents asked me if I wanted to be in band. I said, yes, but only if I could play the drums. Now, to be in percussion in 7th grade, you had to try out. Not everyone could be in percussion; only about four or five 7th graders. I took a rhythm test as well as sight reading test. I had taken piano for quite a number of years, so it wasn't anything new to me.

My parents told me that if I didn't get into percussion that they would let me choose any of the other instruments to play--- the saxophone, the flute, even the tuba if I wanted. "Oh," Dad and Mom said, practically together, "the clarinet!" (They probably seemed most enthused about the clarinet because it was the cheapest.) I only wanted to be in percussion. But, in case I didn't get in, I chose the clarinet as an alternative.

I don't play the clarinet. I made one of the percussion spots. And I practically loved everything about it! Near the end of the year, however, I got stuck with playing the triangle and marimba, and I never got to play the snare drum, which was my favorite. I was the most passive of the percussion team and I got stuck with the pieces that I didn't really want. Thus, (and for other reasons) I decided to take choir. I didn't take band again--- I now regret that, even though I made lots of good friends in choir and a few good memories. I wish I would have kept playing percussion....

I don't know what really brought it out--- but,lately, I have been thinking about playing the drums. I want to! I can't stop thinking about it. My brother-in-law has a set that he doesn't play and I found really cool free online lessons!!....

Now--- here is the question. Do I start to try playing this very second? Or do I wait until I get home from my mission?

Here is a new-ish dream: Me, home from a mission, living in a cute little apartment, (probably a cheaper one than the last one I had), near school, with a drum set to play on...! My sister and brother-in-law are selling their drum set for $800 (hoping to get that price) at Christmas time. It won't be around when I get home. But, I can find another set when I get home. I'm not worried about that.

Anyway, I just wanted you all to know about my new passion, my new dream. It's good to have a goal, something to work for, something to look forward to accomplishing--- even if I can't really get started until after my mission. Maybe it will make me want it even more.... What do you guys think??