Hi, Budda

The Project for a PIC is interesting ...

BUT you have such a thing already-in-one-package from MAXIM ...

Just have a look to the DS 1615 chip ... that you even can get free from MAXIM Integrated Products.

I know it is a bit less funny ... but if you're a beginner ... a simpler project would really be better !!!

Alain

PS: For the "chocolate box" ... you'll have to wait a bit more ... Cf.: Cat Stevens !!!