The End of the Singing Season

I finished up my holiday concerts this weekend with two performances for our National Philharmonic Singers group. We performed with the Washington Symphonic Brass Quintet last night and this afternoon.

It was nice to be able to sing in a chamber group at Christmas time so that I could sing something other than The Messiah. It's just nice to have some variety. One of my favorite parts of the concert was when the quintet performed "Go Tell it on the Mountain." It was so lively and inspiring that I had to make a huge effort to sit still.  My other favorite part was when we did a sing-along of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." One of our directors leads the sing-along. She has half the audience stand up on the odd days and the other half stand up on the even days.  It's hilarious to watch!

I was reminded last night at our concert's after-party that I'm not very good at socializing in a non-LDS setting.  I feel like when I'm not drinking alcohol like everyone else seems to be, that I'm creating a social barrier. It's weird though because I know I'm not the only one who doesn't drink and it's not always because of religion that people abstain. I tried to explain to my new friend in the group that it feels like I'm watching a spectator sport by watching people drink. He didn't really understand and said something about not judging me for abstaining. Would it be weird to set a goal to be less awkward around people in social settings? I feel like it's a game I've been losing. Hanging out with a two and four-year-old several nights a week isn't earning me any points either.

Just in case you thought I forgot, here are pictures from my parents' visit. I managed to stay out of every photo...muahahaha!

New York Public Library

Rockefeller Center

Cartier on 5th Ave

5th Ave snowflake :)

beck

Sleepy Post

I dropped my 'rents off at the Dulles airport this morning.  Somehow going to bed at midnight and waking up at 4:45 am this morning was the most sleep I got in one night while they were here.  We set up a rigorous weekend schedule, including a day trip to New York. Seriously, my parents and I ran around like we were all kids--except that they're over twice my age. So I'm exhausted.

But some really good things came out of this weekend. I shall list them here and possibly post pictures later in the week.

1. Ate at my favorite French restaurant in DC, La Bergerie. Found out from the owner that they're opening a new restaurant with a younger, green, organic vibe
2. Saw Memphis the Musical on Broadway. Saw Adam Pascal live. Such a great show.
3. We were blessed to stay at my friend's apartment in NYC since she was out of town. Saved $300 plus on a hotel for the night. So grateful.
4. Sang the Messiah with the National Philharmonic Chorale. I knew it so much better this time around.
5. Sang an original composition by Perla Antoniak in our ward's Sacrament Christmas program.
6. Ate at Morton's the Steakhouse. Loved the brussel sprouts. I think brussel sprouts are having a comeback right now. I see them on menus everywhere.
7. Finished another book. Only six more to go for my goal of 50 books this year. Woot!
8. Ate a hot dog from a street vendor in NYC. Delicious.

C'es tout.

beck

Five for All Forever!!!

G, the boy I babysit, has a little blankie-bear named Bebe.  Bebe just celebrated his fifth birthday. G insists that unlike the rest of us mere mortals, Bebe will stay five forever.  I wish I could stay 25 forever.  Time is slipping through my fingers all the time.

There have been a few instances lately where I've read someone's bucket list or heard someone tell something they've always wanted to do and I've thought "Shwew, I've done that." I have enough items on my to-do lists; I don't need inspiration from others to add on to my own.  By the way, I think most peoples' lifelong dreams have to do with Europe, landmarks or art.

I've still got a lot of living to do. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I'm working, babysitting, singing...and reading. I read FOUR books in this last week. Two of which I read yesterday. Yes, it's true. And so every time I call my mom the first thing she says is "Stop reading!" Then she says "Find a husband." My two greatest challenges.

Now, for your viewing pleasure, some of the decent photos from my brother's wedding two weeks ago.

beck

Happy Halloween!

I had the mermaid hair this year...so I found a mermaid costume that I loved!

beck

Memphis

I'm being irresponsible right now.  I just discovered Memphis: the Musical on Netflix. It's a filmed version of the Broadway show. I couldn't help it; I had to watch it! I just finished the first half and I'm going to try to control myself and turn it off.  Especially since I've been bawling through most of it.

Some of my friends think of me as a Broadway fanatic. Let me lay down my position. There are some musicals that I know and love. I have favorite actors and actresses. I have favorite songs. This is more than most people can say, but that doesn't put me anywhere near my idea of a fanatic. Perhaps the fact that I was moved to tears by a Broadway show puts me more towards the fanatic side of the scale, but I'm still no where near it.  But anyway, I'm not ashamed. Music and drama move me.  Bah, I love it.

beck

Probly Should Have Told You All Along

My spirits are high after a weekend filled with beautiful fall weather.  I spent all of Saturday down in the District--first going to Sis U, then to Taste of Georgetown and a grand finish with babysitting.  Well, I skipped over the best part. After Taste of Georgetown and before babysitting, I meandered around the Georgetown Waterfront, walking to the Kennedy Center and back.  Just feeling the sensations of warm sunshine and cool, breezy winds.

Today, I can't get Andy Brown's "Ashes" out of my head. It was featured in one of the more romantic and fan-pleasing episodes of Rookie Blue. 


I hope you're enjoying life and embracing every moment.

beck

The Gospel Truth

I loved this quote by President Joseph F. Smith, which Elder Oaks referenced during his CES Fireside address last week. It makes me love my Church even more. 


Joseph F. Smith: “We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer.  No sect or religious denomination in the world possesses a single principle of truth that we do not accept or that we will reject.  We are willing to receive all truth, from whatever source it may come; for truth will stand, truth will endure.” [Gospel Doctrine, Deseret Book, 1939, p. 1.]

I have some mediocre pictures from my birthday celebration, featuring 25 flavors. I'm a little wiped out today after 30 hours straight of babysitting G & W, but I feel the need to document via blog.

The dinner spread. I love pizza. 

My favorite flavor: vanilla, vanilla. The birthday cupcake has fruity sprinkles on it. :)

This was not from the birthday celebration, but it was on my camera so I threw it in. My ward organized a Potomac River Cruise this last weekend. They rented out a whole boat.  Robin moved out here recently so we were able to go together.  

beck