Dances with Anabelle (and other good stuff)

Perhaps if Tabbitha did a little more of this...




And a little less of this...She could PLAY with the purple string instead of sitting on it. Or eating it.But that's our House Monster for you. And I wouldn't change anything about her (except for the part where she attacks our friends. That's always awkward.)

In other exciting news... I spent half the weekend under the Bright Lights of stage. Trust me when I say it gets HOT. And I'm not the only one wiping my brow...


I had the chance to take a few photos during Friday's Dress Rehearsal/free concert. No - they weren't all the shots I was aiming for...but as I don't want to make myself stick out TOO much, lest I play during the quiet time. Again.

There's nothing like earning the conductor's glare when you're the only one playing during Mozart's 41st Symphony (and you're supposed to be quiet). Boy, the acoustics in the auditorium sure do echo loudly. Luckily I sit in the back - so I can either 1) blame it on someone else or 2) blame it on the violas (my usual routine.)

And in other VERY exciting news, I've been given the green light to start very very light light light training. Friday's run was wonderful. Saturday's strength and core session was WONDERFUL. Sunday's easy bike spin was WONDERFUL.

Can you sense a theme?

After everything that I've gone through health-wise, I'm not taking anything - not one single thing - for granted. Its easy to not think about health and happiness when we're, um, healthy and happy. But its different when we struggle with illness after illness, never sure when we'll be back to our usual self.

And in celebration of my first bike ride in XX days, I splurged on a GIANT cup of coffee from Starbucks. Thanks Mom for the Christmas Starbucks Card - I finally used it and BOY...you really did put a lot of money on that thing. I'll definitely be using it in the future after fun rides...
Most of the coffee made it home - for which I was again, happy. I never claimed to have great bike handling skills, especially after the break from training. Besides, I hit a few speed bumps on the way. Literally. And boy - let me tell you, hot coffee on your derriere feels strangely akin to a bee-sing on the derriere (which I've also experienced). Proof that I didn't spill it all...
Another concert today, followed by sushi for dinner (we must celebrate) and wine (we must celebrate). And perhaps the latest Amazing Race with a special someone...

Congratulations to ALL who raced this weekend!

PS - My "partner" during core work. Ever felt like you were being watched?Let's just say I'm not winning any staring contests any time soon.