Subterranean By Design...
---Green Bean Machine---
2003-12-21 - 10:16 p.m.
Well it certainly has been a while. The last few times I've been at the computer I just haven't had the need to post, so I didn't. But it's been a fun weekend and it's time to dust off the keyboard.
Friday night, Lia and I went to Grand Rapids to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Van Andel Arena. We started with dinner at a fantastic restaurant called Charley's Crab (which I was led to believe was across the street from the arena). It was a bit of a hike there, but it was worth it, and it was nice to walk a little after the dinner. The concert was a marathon indeed, as the band played for close to three hours. It was quite a spectacle to see. Along with the orchestra, guitars, and keyboards, they had a pretty impressive light show. Oh yeah, they also had singers, but the instrumentals are by far their best pieces. Towards the end, they broke down into a little Led Zeppelin, and this R&B guy sang a couple of lines from, I think it was "Kashmir." I could be wrong on that. It was at the same time badass and silly.
On Saturday, I had to say goodbye to Lia, as she is now off to Colorado with the fam. I should not be too lonely, however, as I am going home on Tuesday to see my brother (in from NC) and the rest of the fam and the boys. Looks like it's going to be bowling on Monday, cards on Tuesday, celebrations on Wednesday and Thursday, and another big dinner on Saturday. It promises to be a good week.
On Saturday evening, I attended a Hillsdale Christmas party in East Lansing. I got to see a whole bunch of old Hillsdale folk. The party was hosted by Russell and Gina Rendall, and I was reminded of how many people from the Dale are engaged/married and how quickly it happens. Good for them, but I think I'll wait. For the party, I decided to make a green bean casserole, something that I've never made before. It was a good choice, as making it is very easy, and it turned out all right. It could have used a little more salt, but I was satisfied with the turnout. Today a casserole, tomorrow a roast!
After I left that party (I found myself on the outer fringe of a tighter group of friends) I hung out with Rick, Dave, and Sarah Grillo, and Derk. We played some darts, drank some beers, ate some chips, and talked some smack. A good evening.
Got a call from Deborah Kent, who was in state over the weekend. Always nice to hear from her. Seems like she'll be done with her grad school by the end of the 2004-2005 school year. Then she'll be Dr. Kent, and I'll have more motivation to stick things out here.
Check out my current wallpaper. Any Hillsdale person who took math classes should "appreciate" it.
Song Currently on WinAmp: Again, I have a CD playing, and this is "Alone" by Moby. I don't listen to this disc too often, but tonight I was in the mood. The song title is appropriate as I am all by myself for a couple of days. It's good sometimes to have some solitude.
Two Steps Forward - Two Steps Back
