Getting To Know Me: Music (and a little about books)

For me music and books are both endless. The list of the music and the books I like could go on forever. My taste in both books and music are eclectic.
When it comes to music I can listen to just about anything, I am not a huge heavy metal or rap fan, but there are some songs in both genres that I like especially in the right mood. For instance tonight I was frustrated at somethings going on, and I needed to get a couple of things done. So I needed to calm down and relax. I turned off my phone, plugged my iPod into some speakers, and I turned on my classical play list. I then cranked up the volume (Kraig ended up taking Kate downstairs and shutting the door to the TV room). With Russian Sailors Dance up full blast, and the music engulfing me, I was able to calm down and relax.
I know the songs that will make me mad, I  know the songs that make me sad, I know the songs that calm me down, I know the songs that are apart of me. Music is a part of my soul, I need it as much as I need water, air, food, and books. If I don't have the option of blaring it from speakers, then I will put headphones in and letting the music swirl around my head.
In junior high and high school I played in the high school orchestra, I was not good. I was alright, I wasn't super talented, but I tried hard. I had a few things working against me, like my dad hated me practicing and I couldn't afford to take private lessons. Everything I did, I did on my own. There are so many times that I miss that hour a day of having to play music, and listening to the intricate workings of a musical piece hearing the melodies and harmonies coming together to make something complete. I miss that one hour a day I had the chance to spend in the one class that actually helped me relax and didn't usually stress me out.
I still have my violin, and I even take it out from time to time to play, but I seem to have gotten worse at playing since I haven't done it regularly in over a decade (sad). However the music I have never really forgotten, and I love it.