Lesson #5: Piano Lessons and Pokerfaces

Tonight I almost decided not to post anything. Take a break. Why not? I deserve it, I've had along day. But if you commit to something, especially something that's only 30 days long, you might as well stick with it. I'm not a fan of things like diets, workout crazes like P90X, or anything that is too constrictive, regimented, or militaristic. Sometimes it's hard for me to stick to things. But then again, I've stuck to things that I should have quit sooner. But then there are others that if I had just stuck it out, who knows where I would be now? One big regret is quitting the piano at age 6. My cousin was a concert pianist and my mom decided it would be a good idea if he taught me to tickle the ivories. Bad idea jeans. I was an unruly child who didn't really like to practice. He was a preoccupied teenager with no desire for teaching. Match made in heaven; I didnt do my drills, and he never enforced. I wanted to be good at something instantly, or not do it at all. It's a trait that has plagued me throughout my life, a consequence of having things come too easily to me. And so the piano, like so many things before and after it (figure skating, violin, pottery class) fell by the wayside. I've learned that there are probably many things in life I will never be very good at: I'm not an athlete, my cooking is good but not five-star, my photogrwphy skills dabbly at best, and my boyfriend's two obsessions - golf and poker - are two things I will not only never be good at, but will likely be very, very bad at. I'm not one to hide my cards or conceal my emotions.. And I'm not patient with a tiny ball and a club I can't swing. I could learn, take lessons, read books, study videos, and the dreaded practice. Or I could enjoy watching, enjoy learning but not excelling. I'm actually getting quite good at that part. And if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the World Poker Championship on ESPN. Seriously.