Slice Of Life Number 2: Piano

I watch my fingers as they hit the piano. I never really stop to think about how amazing it is to play an instrument. How all I have to do as hit the right keys, and this amazing sound comes pouring out of it. My fingers flit about the piano with more skill, ducking under, weaving around each other as they fall down on the keys. I make myself fade the music away as I come to the end of a phrase and start a new one. The next part requires some restraint, so I slowly press the next keys.
I always say that I hate piano lessons, and in a way, I do. My piano teacher, "Dr. Vertenstien", is about as difficult to work with as it gets; she's 87, from Romania, and super strict. I've been playing for 8 years with her. It is not uncommon I work hard on one section all week, finally get it perfect, walk through the door all excited; and have her tell me something like "okay" to "it needs work" to "that was horrible". I like her sometimes; but I'm kind of forced to in order to collaborate and play piano. I have been kicked out before, gotten yelled at, and NOBODY wants Dr. Vertenstien to get mad at you. One of her biggest things is that you "must respect the Steinway!" For those of you who don't know, the Steinway is a type of piano. "Respecting the Steinway" involves cutting our nails to the quick, not wearing any necklaces, bracelets, watches, or sequined clothes that could scratch it, and never painting our nails. If we have paint on our fingers, we'll be kicked out unless we wash all of it off. My friend and I once showed up for a duet or music theory, I can't remember, and Dr. Vertenstien promptly made her cut her nails with scissors, making her bleed. Some other habits of hers are cooking boiled cabbage, stuffing gross tissues up her sleeve, and even more. Dr. Vertenstien can be difficult, harsh, and inflexible.
But she's also a really amazing teacher. I keep playing until I finish, and then finally head into my room to play some pop music. I don't hate piano. Actually, I love it. There's honestly nothing that I love more then playing my keyboard, singing, and writing different songs. I just wish that I could play for myself, pop instead of classical, instead of playing for some old dusty lady with a walker.
(OK, that was mean. Dr. Vertenstien is actually a really good teacher, and I like getting her opinions on playing. She can, however, be frustrating sometimes).