Fidelio

JD and I had a new experience last night: German opera. Fidelio was written by Beethoven and we actually enjoyed it, as it was very "stirring" (direct quote from the rich ladies sitting behind us). The story was good, the plot moved along for the most part, and there was even some humor in it (I didn't know Beethoven had that in him). Outside of the performance there was also much to observe: A woman alone in her box seats was playing musical chairs throughout the entire opera, by the end I believe she had sat in 4 of the 6 chairs at her disposal some of those more than once. A girl sitting next to us fell asleep without even a slouch in her back, I was pretty impressed, she was awakened by a rather high note, wiped the drool of her face, and went back to sleep. Clothing ranged from tuxes and gowns, to jeans and t-shirts, the tux and gown crowd were the funnest ones to listen to with their sophisticated remarks on the performance (such as stirring). All in all it was a great experience, one I would repeat in the future if the right opera came along.

Ohhhh, I know

The Families Alive Conference is at Weber State this week. I attended the key note tonight with Val who is going for school. I have to admit it is rather strange going to a parenting class without any children, you feel as if you have just infiltrated a secret club and you now have actual proof that parents were indeed plotting against you as you were growing up.

I Want......

While shopping at Costco today and perused through the books=BIG MISTAKE. I want pretty much every single book in the picture on the right hand side. Some of the titles included are: the entire set of Beverly Cleary, the entire set by Roald Dahl, all of Shel Silverstein, a ton of Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter, pretty much all of my favorite reading material from learning to read to now; why oh why did I have to go by the children's books?!?!? I want them ALL.

Junior Recital

I wish I could sing.....I went to Catie Omer's Junior Recital this evening and can I just say she is amazing? She sang the first note and the thought flashed through my head: "Well you're definately out." Because I wouldn't in a million years be able to sing even the first note she sang. I had several friends in high school who had beautiful voices and I always envied that talent, but I came to the conclusion that while some have that gift, there need to be others around to appreciate it. I am a very big appreciater to make up for the very little talent I possess in this area. So thank you to all those out ther sharing their beautiful voices so I can enjoy them.
Side note: I love the people I work with, this was Deb's daughter's recital, and we had 3 of the 5 coworkers come out to support. I think that is pretty neat.

The First Paragraph

When I wrote the following pages, or rather the bulk of them, I lived alone, in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which I had built myself, on the shore of Walden Pond, in Concord, Massachusetts, and earned my living by the labor of my hands only. I lived there two years and two months. At present I am a sojourner in civilized life again.

Four Way Chess

"It is not just a battle anymore.....It is war!"

It also takes about 2 1/2 hours to finish.

Fresh Air

This weekend has been a much needed breath of fresh air. It was so nice getting up into the mountains to enjoy the yellow aspens amdist the snow covered pines, have the pressure of school disappear, get things cleaned up a bit at home, and to attend the temple. I feel so much lighter and much more peaceful. It is nice....and airy.