.jeri.

This past weekend I went with my sister on Friday to see The Phantom of the Opera at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. I had never seen the show but had always heard about it, and we had been trying to see an opera all spring, so we decided that Phantom qualified even though it's not specifically an opera. The Segerstrom Hall is a great venue, but I really do think they should have stopped building after two tiers. We were in the third tier (balcony) and all of the actors looked like dwarfs. Also, this was the first time I went to a classier musical performance in the O.C. (don't call it that). I was really surprised at how little etiquette the audience had. Tons of people came in late, mid-songs, and tons of people whispered or talked lightly. The people I sat next to even unwrapped several candies during the performance and then had the nerve to throw the wrappers on the floor, as if we were at a baseball game. I'm not sure if it's because Orange County is more relaxed or what, but I was really shocked at how people were behaving. The performance itself was very good. Jenny and I have decided that this musical must be famous for the set more than anything else. The movement of set and set pieces is so intricate, elaborate, and seamless. Forget the chandelier scene - the scene where the Phantom takes Christine down to his lair is amazing. We are both of the opinion that the music is good, but definitely dated with the electric guitar and synthetic drums, and could use an update. I will admit, though, I have been singing songs in my head from the musical for the past several days. Overall, I'm glad I went, but am cautious at the idea of returning to the OCPAC again.

Saturday I got up and went walking with Ruth for the first time in a long time. I was feeling guilty about missing my Friday workout, so I made sure to make up for it. Yes, I'm that obsessive about it these days. Can you believe I feel guilty when I don't get in five days a week and an average of four or more miles per day? Ric and I went to see the Kings play against Dallas. We were slaughtered. Oh well! I went shopping with my sister at the Brea mall and Nordstrom Rack and found some shoes, boots, a new wallet, and coat. I'm excited about the coat, which was originally $150, but I purchased it for a mere $41!! We went out for dinner at Roman Cucina. I highly recommend the bruschetta and garlic and oil pasta. That night, Ric and I watched The King of Kong at home.

Sunday we went to church and the music was teeeeerrrrible. I apologized to Julie from our office, who was visiting for the first time that day. After church, I was driving on the way to Emily's birthday party and ran over a giant nail. Fortunately, it only pierced the edge of the tire and didn't actually puncture it. My parents came with pliers to pull out the nail, and I was safely on my way. I met up with Ric at the party, where we celebrated Colin's return and Emily's first birthday. We ate well, watched Liz dance with Emily, and received a nice housewarming gift of a recipe box to match my kitchen. We napped in the afternoon and watched tv.

Yesterday we got our taxes done. Boo for California! As it turns out, we owe them a ton. So much for the economy stimulant check coming in May. We're basically exchanging money with the government. Last night we got the microwave placed, finally. I got my arm workout by holding it in place while Ric screwed it in. I'm surprised my arms don't hurt more today, since I was actually losing feeling in them at the time!

Well, I was going to include a movie review today, but have run out of time. It's time to go jogging in the park and say hello to all of the usuals out there. Tonight I'll be cooking my first meal in my new kitchen. It only took almost two months to get there, but we're finally making good progress!!