oh, the drama

Last night I went to see a local production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. It was spectacular! I absolutely loved it! The story I already knew, because I teach it to my 4th graders, but this production was very fun - they made the most of the little jokes, and made the on stage action as funny as possible.

The singing, of course, was amazing. The sets were good, but the costumes were great. I think the people that put this show together did a wonderful job. the most amazing costume was Papageno's - he looked like a big peacock. Can't get much more "birdy" than that...

The high school girls that played the 3 spirits were great, and I LOVED when they first came out...on ROLLER SKATES! It was fantastic.

I know some people think that opera is old fashioned, or not "new", but I would highly recommend going to see an opera. It's something everyone should experience, and the stories have lasted so long because they are timeless.

Besides, the work that goes into singing these roles is unbelievable. You will never hear singing like this anywhere else.

Seriously - get yourself to an opera!
K

space

I don't think I have enough space.

Not space in my house - I love my house. Well, it's a condo, but it is perfect for me.

No, I mean brain space. I think I need some more space to think, to plan, to be prepared. I had a nice talk with my boss today. Last year we changed the schedule at my school, and now I have 4 pretty hellacious days, and not much on Friday. This is great when it actually happens, but for the past 2 weeks we have had either to teach on Friday, or meetings that were required. I understand that this will happen sometimes, but it's really taking a toll.

I didn't realize how much until one of my parents asked me how I was today, and my answer was that I was tired. I wasn't sure where this came from, especially considering that I got 9 hours of sleep last night. But I am thinking that I'm metaphysically tired. I don't have enough "rest" in my life.

One consequence of this is that my desk at work looks like a Kinko's exploded on it. Another is that I don't have time to plan creative lessons, and just rely on the same thing I've always done.

I hate this.

Don't hear me wrong - I love my job. The past few days have been the funnest I've had in a long time. I enjoy great relationships with my students, and as a result we have fun in class, even when we are not "doing" fun.
This morning I got the song 6th grade is doing stuck in my head for most of the morning. They caught me singing it as I was walking down the hall, and started singing it to me, really loud! It was funny.

But I don't enjoy fighting the organization, the planning, the work of doing work.

I'm ready for Spring Break.

I'm off to play some electronic Yahtzee. Maybe that will let my brain turn off for awhile.
K

This is Felix.

Felix is staying with me for awhile. I like Felix, but I do NOT like scooping the poops. Just wanted to say that.

I had 2 kittys once. Sam:

and Max:

I miss the kitty loving, like when they'd come and sit in my lap.

I miss the kitty loving when they'd look up at me and do that little cat smile, that looks like a squint.

I DO NOT miss the poo box.

Anyway, just taking a moment to remember my 2 kittys. Sam lived with me for 13 years, and Max lived with me for 8 years.

Miss you guys!

K

for today

My friend Dawn tweeted today about what she was thankful for. This nudged me to not just go about my business (which happened to be getting dinner - pretty important!) but to stop and take a moment to be thankful.

I AM thankful! I'm especially thankful for the grilled cheese and tomato soup last night, and how it warmed me up after getting home. I'm thankful for home - as my friend Debi says, "I'm thankful for a warm home on a cold night." I agree. I'm thankful for all the awesome people God has put in my life, or maybe that He's put me in theirs: my awesome youth pastor, our new pastor at church, the cool people I teach with, my "always" friends, like Beth. We don't talk all the time, but I know we are tight, no matter what. For my great family, especially in times like this.

Just wanted to unwrap some of the gifts I've been given, and remind myself what a great life I have.

Thanks God.

K

the broadmoor incident

A couple weeks ago, my whole family went out to lunch. Now to say this was just lunch does TOTALLY not do it justice. But I will explain.

My mom and dad have been married for 40 years. Pretty amazing, considering they've gone through a lot: several houses being built (not at one time), several of my grandparents living with them (not at one time, except for the 6 months of 2 grandmas), my sister's time of being really very sick, a move halfway across the country, and much more. They are awesome parents, and awesome people. Really, I can't say enough about how lucky I am to have them as parents. Garrison Keillor, in one of his books, says that when he was young he visualized how you get matched up with your parents as a big gumball machine in the sky. When your parents become pregnant, whoever is next in line in the gumball machine rolls down the chute and is assigned to them. I am glad I got assigned to them.

Anyway, I digress. 40 years. So, in celebration, my parents took the family out to The Broadmoor. There is a reason for the capitals.

The Broadmoor is a world-famous, five-star resort here in Colorado Springs. It's a beautiful place, nestled at the foot of the Rockies, and is tops in every way you could imagine. The Sunday Brunch (capitals are deserved here also) at The Broadmoor is amazing. There is a whole room of food, all of it great, and much of it not things you eat every day at home. Omelets made per your order. Bananas Foster made for you when you request them. Crepes, yes, made for you as you request. Fruit, breads, meats, desserts, and way too much more to list. My brother-in-law said he went into a food coma that afternoon.

We all had a wonderful brunch, and just an all-around great time.

Here's Mom and Dad, and the dessert that the Broadmoor made for them to celebrate:

So. Great day, great food, great company, and a good time was had by all.

After eating, we headed out toward the car, and the girls all stopped by the Ladies. We were talking and laughing about one time when I wasn't paying attention and tried to wash my hands but dispensed a big glob of lotion instead of soap. All of a sudden we heard a big crash. It sounded like someone's head hitting porcelain. Really hard.

Mom was the only one left in the restroom, and it sounded bad. All three of us gasped.



Silence.



Kerri: "Oh my gosh! (pause) Mom, are you OK?"



Silence.



Kerri, moving closer to the restroom: "Do I need to come in there?"



Silence. Then, very faint sound that might be laughter.



Then gradually getting louder, Mom laughing.



Hmmm...



When she came out of the restroom, laughing, I might add, she pointed at the commode to show us the chip that was taken out of the tank lid. Presumably this happened in the crash, but she was laughing, and couldn't say anything. At this point the other three of us realized that mom was OK, and started laughing as well. When she could breathe again, mom said that she had put her purse on the back of the commode, and when she picked it up the strap caught on the lid and picked it up , only to drop it on the tile floor.

We composed ourselves, and went out into the lobby, where Dad and brother-in-law immediately asked what had happened. Evidently they heard the crash, and then my subsequent "Oh my gosh!" and couldn't figure out what could have caused this in the restroom of The Broadmoor.

Maybe this is why we don't go to fancy places very often...

Anyway, here is a picture of me and mom holding tissues. We were holding tissues because we were laughing so hard that we had tears. Even several minutes later.

So I guess that I want to say that I am very grateful for Mom and Dad. I'm especially grateful that Mom didn't get hurt on this auspicious occasion.

And I'm glad we don't go to The Broadmoor very often, because the plumbing bills would begin to add up after awhile.

K