Family Date Night

The debonair gentleman got the family tickets to see Zelda in Symphony. Though the family enjoys playing the game we are a far cry from some of the enthusiasts out there. We viewed many small children dressed as Link or Zelda. It was cute. We also couldn't fail to notice those adults that I think enjoy living in the fairy tale world more than reality. While some costumes were quite remarkable, I found it slightly sad how much time and money they 'waste' on the hobby. I understand the enjoyment one receives from playing a game, the fun of solving riddles, and battling monsters. Our family likes the pleasures of the joystick and buttons, the firefights, challenges, story lines, and the occasional discussion surrounding the solving of mysteries and riddles - but we leave that 'world' where it belongs. What I found disheartening was the way some have made this an idol. They live their lives to get back to the game, to become the character that is found in the story. The sad thing is some of those individuals didn't appear to have a friend with them. It didn't appear to be 'just in fun'. They sat in the seating closest to the stage, had their pictures taken with many, and didn't talk with a soul.
The eclectic group of people in attendance was comedic
- The Die Hard fan wearing elaborate costumes that were expertly designed and crafted. They took up many of the front row seats, paying dearly for the chance to be a close as possible.
- The 'Typical' gamer wearing the fan t-shirt they live in, hair disheveled more like that of a bird's nest than an adornment for the head, playing the game on their hand held devices they were there to listen to, buying overpriced t-shirts and posters they could take home to display more pride in the art of the chaff.
- The Refined gamer: Those who enjoy the art of the game for the challenge, opportunity to relax, unwind, and appreciate the fun. They wore normal clothes, some with fan t-shirts but obviously had not been their primary method of modesty and been laundered & folded prior to wearing. They had a life and a job outside of the entertainment 'box.'
-The Family: Parents who brought their children to hear music they could relate to but experience the world of culture and refinement orchestra music can bring.

The night was quite enjoyable. It was a thrill to hear simple music expanded and designed for symphonic orchestration. The composer did a remarkable job evoking emotion through the use of strings, brass, and percussion. My favorites were the 3 pieces played at the end. They were beautiful and moving. It was a delight to see the kids enjoy the evening and atmosphere, to laugh at points in the music that brought back a funny incident from the game while turning to share it with the rest of us.

Family Date Night

My Gentleman got the family discounted tickets through Goldstar to go see

The kiddos don't know where we are going. It should be fun, though I am skeptical.

Unexpected Visitor

Saturday we had a day of the unexpected. We had plans to get some projects done around the house. While the Gentleman & I were busy in the garage we hear C. yelling that a ferret had run in the house. We didn't believe her...until we found it in the entertainment room. A frustrating 30 minutes spent getting the thing cornered and it was caught. After its exciting adventure the little guy curled up and took a nap. I don't blame him - I wanted one too.

 I visited our various neighbors asking if any had lost a ferret. The responses were 'No', 'What's a Ferret?', or just laughing. The most amusing was the man who replied: "What is a ferret? Oh, well if no one claims it we have been looking for one. We will take it."
How can you not know what it is, then decide that you have been wanting one? We: posted signs, fed him chicken feed and grapes, watched him, talked with him. He: slept, hid in the cardboard tube, hissed, screeched, jumped to get out, and lunged to attack hands in the cage. After finding that ferrets are illegal to own as pets in CA we figured we wouldn't get a phone call. We also decided that since he wasn't partial to any human contact he probably had been loose (aka wild) for some time. We gave him back his freedom.

My Gentleman did some research and found that we didn't have a ferret it was a long tailed weasel. They are wild and do live in CA. They like to hang out near chickens to catch the rat population. We may see our little friend again.

I'm trying to turn Crafty

Decided to make my own music fruit after seeing the very expensive ones elsewhere.

All the supplies. Starch, Old music (I chose Chopin), and Paper Fruit from Michaels for $1

The finished item.

On display next to the orchid I am going to keep alive for once.

Sweet little BABY

A baby shower for Shannon.

The crew and taste testers

Swave....Chilled

The 80's are back! The Boy stepped out of Miami Vice.

Kitchen furniture is HERE!

One way to put together chairs

After waiting for 3 months the chairs and table for the kitchen arrived. It was such a delight to put them together.

The finished product

An afternoon of Fun and visiting

She wouldn't let go of the luggage for hours

A day of fun with the cousins

Surprise!

There is Nothing Like a SURPRISE housewarming party to make you feel humbled and Loved!

Waiting outside the door for the unsuspecting friend to answer the door.

Needless to say...I was shocked. So shocked I shut the door on everyone before opening it again.

I don't think I have laughed and cried so much in one night in a very long time

I LOVE these ladies!...and the ones who went home before the shot was taken.

Changes in the Air

A few weeks ago the news came down of the coming change to our beloved PSP. While the change is easy for some, it is difficult for others. There were tears, concerns, frustrations, and sighs of relief all contained in the same room.
 During the following days I pondered how life continues to change. My desire: that things remain the same. But why was I being stubborn? What is wrong with change? Nothing. The Lord uses change to teach us to rely on Him, to not become content in our sin, to seek His Word, to teach us, to make us long for heaven, to show us Mercy and Grace, to give us the opportunity to repent, to further the gospel, etc.....
It became clear - My desire for the PSP to remain unchanged was really my selfish ambition to remain in a comfort zone where effort to establish new relationships wasn't necessary and effort to maintain current relationships requires little time. I realize that if I truly do love those ladies that I am around and see each Friday then I should be working on those relationships outside of Fridays. I have become lazy by using Friday as the opportunity to 'catch up' on their lives without putting effort into seeing how those same people are doing throughout the rest of the week. My love for them had become convenient as long as other days weren't interrupted. Is that true brotherly love? No
I know that change is good. Now to put it into practice.