Which would you buy?

I went to the violin shop to up size to a 3/4 size violin for Brooklyn. I was expecting to pay about $100 after I traded in her 1/2 size. I get what I paid for the first one minus a $39 trade in fee. She was playing her most recient song and scales on a couple of different ones. They all sound different even though they are the exact same line. The sales man then says that he strongly suggest to "step up" to another level of student violins. Okay, how much??
This is the violin I was expecting priced at $425.
This is the first "Step Up" for $795.
Second "Step up" for $1495.
Or this one for $1995. I know, they all look the same to me too.



He went on to say in front of Brooklyn, of course, that if she has a better violin she'll improve and feel better about herself. (Thanks, grrrr) He also told her to play the first "step up" which she loved and I admit that it did sound more smooth and deep.



Ok, if I trade in my old violin and step up then I only have to pay $458. Oh yeah, I definitely have that kind of cash lying around...better yet, it's pocket change. :( If I had known a year ago, I could have saved for it.



I know that eventually we will want to "step up" to a better violin but she is only nine. I decided to stay with the first violin choice. He was so disappointed. He said "Her teacher won't be happy." (Thanks again, grrr) I would love to get the best but I can't do more than I have. He said that people don't pay a lot to show it off but to get the best sound. I know that and I would love to. I am tempted to "step up" with my tax return but only the first step. Then in about 1-2 years, well "step up" again for her full size.



Anyways, I am so glad that I didn't know what I was getting into when we started this violin journey. I probably wouldn't have done it. But she loves it and that does makes it all worth it even though it pains my check book.

Which one would you have bought? Would you spend beyond you means or would you buy the one you can actually afford?

LOST

Holy smoly, if I wasn't hooked already I'd definitely be a fan now. I don't want to say too much now for those who haven't watched it yet but I am dying to talk about it. So for those of you who did watch it, what did you think?

I Miss This!!!!

"Nothing's better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you."
AARON DOUGLAS TRIMBLE

Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to be having a baby, loving every minute of it actually. This quote says it perfectly....

"Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running."
SARAH CONDOR

I walked on the treadmill this morning and I couldn't help but reminisce over the last ten years of running. I started training for my first race before I was even pregnant with Brooklyn. It's actually what got me through the first few years of my infertility adventures. I trained for my first race with a group of friends from the U pharmacy. We'd spend our breaks running and biking. Biking is another wonder and exhilarating adventure.

I was thinking of how wonderful I felt every morning when I'd come home from an early morning run. I'd get up at 5:15 am, be out on the rode by 5:30 am and without thinking (most mornings) be a mile into a four miler. Some mornings were very tough. The first 1/2 mile would be excruciating and I'd wonder what I was doing out there instead of in my bed sleeping. It seriously took a half mile to wake up and be in the mood for running. Then something happened, chemically in my head, I suddenly felt strong, energetic and ready for anything to come my way. I'd put everything into the next 2 1/2 miles then slow down the last mile until the last two tenths and sprint the rest of the way. The only thing that made a morning run like this better was having a fabulous friend to enjoy it with. The conversations were great and the bond unbreakable.

I loved jumping into the shower after I got back. First to warm up because I get beastly cold when I'm done and nothing feels better than having adrenaline and a clean body to start your day. I loved the way I felt knowing that nothing short of a major disaster could ruin my day. My out look was incredibly strong and invincible.

"Keep your dream in front of you. Never let it go regardless of how farfetched it might seem."
HAL HIGDON, Marathoning A to Z

So, I've purchased another running stroller, I sold my old one in a garage sale last summer and I will be buying a new pair of shoes on the next sale. I am rev and ready to hit the rode again. Just three more months for the smell of a fresh baby and the feel of a great run.

Bowling

We went bowling with Brian's mom and cousin Vic. The kids had a great time but realized that virtual bowling is soooo much easier.

Nice approach, Calvin.

Must have been good.

Starting out great.
Her form needs some help:)

Cousin Vic

It's nice to have Brian with us. He doesn't get to do stuff with us.
Grandma Sandra, the kids fav.

She is growing up so fast.