This week, I’ve started a new hobby. I’m learning to play the ukulele.

Some people have been surprised by the news; others think it’s pretty cool. One thing I’ve found in doing my research before getting the instrument was that it is growing in popularity, particularly among young indie types.

Throughout my life, I’ve always had a bit of a struggle getting myself to learn an instrument. Generally, I just find every excuse to not practice. Right now, however, I legitimately have less time than I’ve had in quite a long time. Some people might wonder why I’m taking up an instrument at this point. I desperately need a new hobby that is just about me. I need something that forces me to take some time out for myself. And because of my personality, any time that is taken for myself needs to be used accomplishing something productive.

I’ve gotten really exciting doing research for the ukulele. Tabs or chords for most every popular song can be easily found on the Internet. There are several free resources for not only music, but lessons and tips for beginners. The community is extremely helpful to those who want to learn to play.

About a month ago, I got it in my head that I either wanted to finally perfect my ability to play the piano or take up the guitar. The guitar intrigued me because it would be a little different than anything I had done. I began researching what it would take. Robert and I went to Guitar Center, and I realized that if I were to get an instrument of any quality, I would likely be paying $150-$200, maybe more. We just didn’t have the money right at that time to start, so I filed it away as a possibility for later in the year or some sort of group birthday present.

A few days later, I talked about learning to play with my friend Andrew. He pointed at that really learning to play the guitar takes a lot of time; it’s not the kind of thing you can just pick up and be really good right away. He suggested I try the ukulele; it’s easier, much cheaper, has several resources online and is the hip thing to do right now.

I went home and started doing research. I spent about two weeks online looking over everything before I ordered the instrument off Amazon: a Lanikai LU-21 soprano ukulele, which is what I found on numerous sites to be perfect for beginners. It arrived on Tuesday, and I’ve so far had about two hours to actually play it. So far, I’ve successfully accomplished playing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” with two chords. The challenge in learning, I can tell already, is going to be transitioning between chords, the same difficulty I faced when trying to pick up the guitar a couple times.

I’m very excited about this new hobby. I’ve practically been talking about it nonstop all week, much to the annoyance of those who have been talking to me. I hope that I find the time to get to be pretty good so I can maybe start playing in church or simply as entertainment for my friends at parties. And, hey, I know a couple people in bands who might let me make a cameo if I’m nice!

I’m also taking requests for songs to learn, if anyone has suggestions.