i just finished my first full week of choir. i must say that's it's pretty fun. i've gotten the 'sway' down, but i still worry that i'll open my eyes and find myself going in the wrong direction. thankfully, that hasn't happened yet, and i'll try not to dwell on it any more. since i've just started, i don't know the specials that we sing during the service, like during the offering, etc. i kind of chuckle as the music starts, because i don't have a clue as to when to sing, what notes to sing, or any of the words. i should be terrified since thousands of people are watching me. but i watch the director and listen to those around me, and pick it up easy enough. other than that, i was a little worried about how large a time commitment this is, but i think it might be okay. i mean, i really don't have much else to do outside of work. and it keeps me from watching too much tv.

another thing about choir is that i have to start wearing ties, since it is a requirement to be on stage. now, one of the big benefits of being an architect is that we don't generally wear ties. (maybe it's the one thing we do to try and make up for the low salary.) and then i go and join something that makes me wear them again. sheesh. so i'm still trying to determine what kind of ties i like. sunday i wore a brand new tie from barneys, and tonight i wore an old tie from salvation army. i guess i've already about run the gamut. and by the way, the barneys ties was from their warehouse sale, so i didn't pay $80; it was 75% off. can you do the math? no? well, that means it was only twenty dollars.

speaking of saving money: i know this is not the blog about being frugal--that's tracy's--but i just got a notice that since i signed up for direct deposit for my giant school loan repayment, they lowered my interest rate by a quarter percent. that's not much, but it means that it's down to 2.750%. plus, i've overpaying a little. thanks, Dad!