Running update

Marathon news: did 7 miles in Seattle, then 4 in Vegas, then 8+ when I got home Saturday, plus 4 on Monday. That last one was a bit rough. Tonight I'm going to do 4, and I need to find time to do 8 while I'm in Orlando this weekend. Then I'll be back on track with my training group. Not bad considering I had to take 2 weeks off for my calf. Bought new shoes. That helped a lot!

Airport signs and "Brunch for Lunch"

When we got to Vegas on Tuesday night, D was there to meet us at the airport. We were expecting him to just pull up to the curb, but instead, he was hiding behind this sign! Too funny. It's now hanging above my desk for those tough days when I need a good chuckle!

Yesterday at school, we had "brunch for lunch" and we ALL know what that means, right?!

Bacon, indeed!

The dog stopped hiding!

From a parent:

"I am so glad all the playing/practice he does is paying off. I can tell he's improving because I can finally recognize songs and the dogs have stopped hiding when he plays. He was so excited about being a leader, he made me sit and listen to everything he was going to play (like 20 minutes of songs..it seemed like almost everyone in the book, my smile was a little frozen by the end"
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I LOVE my job!

How many more shopping days?

Latest poll results;
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When do you START your holiday shopping?

The day after Thanksgiving - it's tradition! 0% 0 votes
December 1st. I can't THINK of the holidays until I see it on the calendar! 14% 1 vote
December 24th. Nothing like that last minute rush! 14% 1 vote
December 25th, 8 AM, any participating 7-11 0% 0 votes
December 26th. That's when everything is on sale! 0% 0 votes
I shop all year. It's more fun that way! 71% 5 votes
7 votes total
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I guess that means that most of you are almost done, but in case you haven't got a gift for ME yet, check this week's poll for ideas!

It's the thought that counts!

What happens in Vegas....

We're back! We had a BLAST in Vegas for Thanksgiving. Saw 3 Cirque shows (Mystere, Le Reve and Love) for the price of 2. D and V got to meet my adopted Jewish mother, who (and I quote) "Hates Hoover Dam." I, on the other hand, am now the Dam princess 2006. Had a parade and everything. I rode on the back of the rented convertible, waving at everyone and shouthing "Enjoy your Dam Day!" Unfortunately, my tiara was stolen by the airline baggage handlers, so the effect was lost.

I also learned that you should NEVER play the slots that have animal themes: The monkeys ate my money!

I will be giving more details on the trip later in the week and will be opening it up to guest spot blogs by the dynamic duo travel companions. As for now, there is laundry to do, a house to clean and tons of things to catch up on.

You'll Never Walk Alone!

So there's a tradition at this convention that is absolutely the coolest thing ever (if you're a band dork). There are 4 honor bands and we end with 2 concerts, each with 2 of the bands. At the end of each concert, the two bands combine to play "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Rogers/Hammerstein's "Carousel." The seniors all stand and we sing to them:

When you walk through a storm
hold your head up high
and don't be afraid the dark.

At the end of the storm
is a golden sky
and the sweet, silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind;
walk on through the rain
though your dreams be tossed and blown.

Walk on, walk on
with hope in your heart
and you'll never walk alone.

You'll never walk alone.

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I pretty much bawl like a baby every freakin' year!

Say "Goodnight," Boys!

I'm still in Seattle working at the biggest gathering of band dorks in the world (me included!). We had 2 fabulous concerts last night; one was by a Japanese High School band, the other by a professional brass quintet. The 2 performances were quite different and so the balance of the evening was perfect.

After the 2nd concert, most of the staff and the brass quintet went to the hotel bar for a tasty beverage (or two). I think there is a rule somewhere that where there are professional brass musicians, truly tasteless joke and all-around fun must follow. But there is also some unwritten rule that traveling brass musicians are "horn dogs" in the truest sense of the word. Let's just say that the night ended by two of them making sure I found my way back to my hotel room. They were a little disturbed that I wouldn't actually let them IN! In fact, they were SO confused that they called my room a few minutes later to make SURE I didn't want company.

I guess the bright side is, I COULD have been a contender. I just have morals. Hard to believe, I know!

It's nice to be wanted!

I'm in Seattle with some of my favorite people. Yesterday was a busy day, but it started off REALLY well! I got up early (since I'm now 3 time zones later than I'm used to) and ran 7 miles through the neighborhood by the hotel. I had a great view of the mountains and other than getting chased by a pack of wild dogs (OK, they were 12 week old Retriever puppies who thought I wanted to play) the run was good. I bought new shoes before I left Miami, and that seemed to help my sore calf issue. I had my headphones on and was listening to some of my favorite worship music. It started with P's high school choir singing "Now is the Time to Worship." He's here in Seattle with me, so it made me smile. When I got back, I had a message waiting from T: "Good morning, princess! Come join P and me for breakfast." Another big smile; I love these guys! Then I get a text from D, who's already in Vegas: "Having my first margarita. Hurry up and get here!"

It's so nice to be wanted!

Let's play "Top That"

In response to yesterday's "Heard in the classroom" post, I received this from my buddy B in CA

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So we're working on a new production of "Velveteen Rabbit" with my symphonic band and the musical theatre class. My two best trumpets are both characters on stage, however there is a tasty solo in the third number they both want. They are going to challenge for the right to play the solo from the stage, in character. I said to the third chair player that she should also learn the solo just in case. "Just in case of what?" she asked. "Just in case they both get whacked before the show performs" I replied, sorta snidely. "What kind of show is this?!?" she asked with alarm, to which the oboe player chimes in, "The kind wher you bring blow darts so that you get the solo, dummy..."

Somedays I really love my kids!

Be well,
B.

Heard in the classroom....

Heard in Homeroom today: (names have been changed to protect the silly little fools!)

Me: Hey! Karen! Why are you slapping Jon like that?
Karen: I'm trying to slap the stupid out of him.

(I haven't laughed that hard in a LONG time!)

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Heard in the Bandroom today:
Me: Hey, gang! You need to tap your foot when you play so you can feel the subdivision of the eighth notes when your foot goes up and down.
Little Petey: My feet don't reach the floor!

(What's sad is that it's true. And he's in 7th grade!)
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A Big Shout-Out!

A few weeks ago, there was a flurry of activity around the Bing Blog Poll. Seems that S's "Invisible Friends" over at www.theknot.com were encouraged to vote early and often! I don't even know these people and they all want to go on vacation with me. could it be my offer to pay? Or just that I am SO WAY COOL that everyone wants to know me? Didn't think so.

"MUST SEE" NYC!

Last week's poll results.........
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Which shows should be "MUST SEE" entries for Bing's New York tour?
Wicked! 5 votes
Chorus Line 1 vote
Avenue Q 10% 1 vote
Spamalot 10% 1 vote
all of the above 2 votes
10 votes total
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NOT part of the poll...FPCO Choir performance at Carnegie Hall in April. Tia and I are organizing the fan bus. Sign up now!

May I have the Ultrasound please?

In the infamous words of my Christian Freak Friend, who is growing a freakish alien inside of her at the moment:

"It's a frickin' GIRL! We thought it was a boy this whole time. We're adjusting."

I'm saving the voice mail for when the child turns 16 and needs ammunition. She won't need much; have you MET her mother?

Please send contributions to the child's future therapy needs via this blog.

7th graders and spam

A letter from Dean Bing:

To my darling 7th grade students,

As your Dean, it has been brought to my attention that some of you are forwarding a a chain letter entitled "Cute." Let me point out a few things to you:
1. This is called "spamming" which is a direct violation of our school's computer use agreement. If you are found spamming, you face a one week computer suspension.
2. You will NOT get kissed on Friday by the love of your life because you opened this chain letter. You're 12 years old; you haven't even begun to live, let alone love.
3. Your crush will NOT ask you out if you don't break the chain; Your crush is ALSO 12 years old and has not yet learned how to navigate romantic relationships. Many 40 year olds are still working through this and it has nothing to do with broken chain letters.
4. You will NOT have bad luck for the rest of your life if you don't forward the chain to at least 10 people by midnight. You'll have bad luck from the Dean if you do. Which is worse? I thought so!

Get back to work!
Love,
Dean Bing

For Pet Lovers everywhere

Got this today....if you knew my animals, you'd know it's true!
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Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary:
8:00 am Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm Wow! Watched TV with my master! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
---
Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary:
Day 683 of my captivity: My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. The audacity!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released --and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded! The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly.

I am certain that he reports my every move. The captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe......... for now....

What's happening...

Here's a list of fun things that are happening in November:

National Impotency Month
V's birthday - Nov. 23
National Peanut Butter Lovers Month
V's birthday - Nov. 23
National Pomegranate Month
V's birthday - Nov. 23
Pursuit of Happiness - Nov. 8 - 14
V's birthday - Nov. 23
National Game and Puzzle Week - Nov. 19-25
V's birthday - Nov. 23
Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day - Nov. 14
V's birthday - Nov. 23

Computers and the Senile

Here’s a story you’ll appreciate. I heard it at lunch today. Our PE teacher had to go to Naples with her husband because his mother couldn’t access any of her on-line bank accounts and couldn’t pay her bills. They went over to try and help her out. When they got there, they realized that she didn’t have the “Number Lock” on for her keyboard. That fixed it, but she’d tried to log in so many times with the number lock OFF that all of the on-line services locked her out. They had to call every bank to reset her passwords.

LAME! This week's poll results....

OK, so evidently all of you were off at NATO conference or World Summits or something infinitely more important than voting in the weekly blog poll. Here are the results of last week's poll....
---------------------------
Let's go to Vegas

Votes
February 23-25 0% 0
March 16-18 100% 1 vote
April 13-15 (GET YOUR TAXES DONE EARLY!) 0% 0
May 18-20 0% 0
June 8-10 0% 0

1 votes total
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Guess who that ONE vote was from? I'll give you a hint: it wasn't any of you! Let's try a little harder next week, shall we?

Dear Lord, I am thankful

THAT WE'RE GOING TO LAS VEGAS FOR THANKSGIVING! and for V's birthday. But it's really about 75% Vegas and 25% her birthday. Cuz we're there for 4 days, and her birthday is only 1 of those days. But she wants a 45/55 split in her favor. Doesn't matter. You know why? We're going to


VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGASVEGAS VEGAS VEGASVEGAS
VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGASVEGAS VEGASVEGAS VEGAS
VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS
VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGASVEGAS
VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGASVEGAS
VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGASVEGAS VEGAS
VEGASVEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS
VEGASVEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS
VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGASVEGAS VEGAS VEGAS VEGASVEGAS


PS: On MY computer, this spells out "Vegas"...formatting is off here. Not quite the same effect!

"Senior" personal ads

Some "Senior" personal ads seen in Florida newspapers:
(Who says seniors don't have a sense of humor?)
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FOXY LADY:
Sexy, fashion-conscious blue-haired beauty, 80's, slim, 5'4" (used to be 5'6"), searching for sharp-looking, sharp-dressing companion. Matching white shoes and belt a plus.
=======================
LONG-TERM COMMITMENT:
Recent widow who has just buried fourth husband, looking for someone to round out a six-unit plot. Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath not a problem.
=========================
SERENITY NOW:
I am into solitude, long walks, sunrises, the ocean, yoga and meditation. If you are the silent type, let's get together, take our hearing aids out and enjoy quiet times.
====================
WINNING SMILE:
Active grandmother with original teeth seeking a dedicated flosser to share rare steaks, corn on the cob and caramel candy.
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BEATLES OR STONES?
I still like to rock, still like to cruise in my Camaro on Saturday nights and still like to play the guitar.
If you were a groovy chick, or are now a groovy hen, let's get together and listen to my eight-track tapes.
=======================
MEMORIES:
I can usually remember Monday through Thursday.
If you can remember Friday, Saturday and Sunday, let's put our two heads together.
============================
MINT CONDITION:
Male, 1932, high mileage, good condition, some hair, many new parts including hip, knee, cornea, valves. Isn't in running condition, but walks well.