Traveling again

Well, we're headed out of town again, and again, to one of our favorite places. We really are so lucky to live the life we do.
This time, we're going to Tarpon Springs, FL. My mom and step dad are already there, and then we're bringing Dave's parents along, as well. Of course, the pup's going, too. There will be about a one-day overlap when we'll get to hang out.
I'm also very excited about our day of deep sea fishing on Monday, and hope to have lots of great pictures to share when we're back.

In other news, all of a sudden (well, not really, but it will seem so readers), I am on an exercise kick. In the new year, which - I promise - was a coincidence, I started taking an early morning spin class about twice a week. Having grown bored with that routine, I've taken a bit of a hiatus in favor of getting in shape to run at least 5K. When I'm comfortable with that distance, I'll get back into spin at least once a week along with some regular running. And, finally, I've also asked a former teammate about playing soccer again.

Things both personal and professional are starting to move along, and it feels great; the holding pattern was getting really old.

Up to what?

Well, this weekend, I've dealt with a lovely cold. Not too bad, but enough to keep me from running or getting out much. I've done an awful lot of laundry, though. But yesterday, Dave and I did get out for something I've been waiting on for quite a while.

New York's Metropolitan Opera has been simulcasting its Saturday matinée performances in movie theaters since 2006. When I heard that La Boheme was a selection this season, I was determined to go. While Madame Butterfly was the first opera I ever listened to in its entirety, La Boheme was the first (and is still the only) that I own. I have only ever listened to it, though. I was thrilled to see it for the first time - performed by no less a company that the Met.

I was also curious to see what the parallels are between Puccini's La Boheme and Jonathan Larson's Rent - one of my favorite modern musicals.

Stunning it the only way I can describe it. Dave does a better job than I could, though. If you're interested in a more detailed description, jump on over to his post on the subject.

I will echo something he says, though. If you enjoy opera or symphonic/orchestral music, take advantage of the opportunity to see one of these productions. It's well worth the afternoon and the price.

Pics and misc stuff

In kind of an odd place lately - if you haven't noticed. We've gotten a long way in a couple of big projects - house makeover and debt reduction (they may seem mutually exclusive, but they're not) - and it's strange. I should be happy, thrilled, with how much we've done over the last five years. And, yes, I am, but I'm also getting more and more anxious about both. I think it's that we can really see the light at the end of these tunnels, and I'm just waiting for something to come up to thow a big old wrench in both of them. Probably in one fell swoop. Sorry to be such a downer.

I had a weird day, today. A friend was in the running for a job, and was unceremoniously dumped from the process. I get business decisions, and I get that things come up; I'm not angry with anyone in particular, but I'm furious with the way things happened and environments where someone cannot be told honestly why they were pulled from an opportunity at the very end.

Oh well. I promised some pictures from recent travels. Another disappointment. Damn. There aren't any that I particularly love in the recent batches. That's unusual. I've posted some that'll illustrate our trips pretty well, though, considering the fact that the crop wasn't all that great this time around.


Does the Obama poster image creep anyone else out - just a little bit?
Check out the shot of the boat in the marina at Isle of Palms. Couldn't resist that one.