Just Life

I can't believe it's already August. Christmas is only 4 1/2 months away, and my younger brother and sis-in-law celebrate their 5th Wedding Anniversary and my older brother turns 33 at the end of the month. Two of my cousins have had children in last three weeks - I still just remember when I found out they were pregnant! I've lived in my house over 2 1/2 years already, and my late grandmother would have turned 91 this past Sunday. Even my kitten has gained over a whole pound since I've had him!

[Music]
Two weekends ago I had the amazing opportunity to play in a concert at the Nigerian Embassy in D.C. It was a phenomenal experience! I played mainly timpani, although I did play my talking drum on an African piece, and also played snare drum on "Time to Say Goodbye" - what a great piece! Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman have a recording out, and I have really come to enjoy listening (and playing) the song! The concert was a benefit for the Elizabeth Foundation Inc., which was founded to promote the education and economic potential of women and children facing socioeconomic conditions in Africa. At this link, there is more information about the foundation, and although many pictures of the concert, including one of me playing the talking drum(although it's a bit blurry): http://www.tef-inc.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=378

Last weekend I attended the Herndon Music Festival with Amy and Brian, and heard a local band - they were pretty good! On Saturday night Anna and I watched jazz music at the Town Center, including two vibraphonists. I was really excited to watch them, and of course, was amazed at their talents. Sunday, my friend Brian and I attended the Mercy Me concert after the National Game. We had to exit the stadium and re-enter, and while we were standing in line, it started raining! Luckily we were close to the cover, so stayed relatively dry. And actually, it was so hot out, the water felt good! Then during the concert, it rained again - twice! Brian and I were smart, we had sat in seats that had cover, because we knew those skies were going to open up! It was particularly funny when Mercy Me began singing "Bring the Rain"!!!

[Lincoln]
Lincoln had 4 shots on Saturday, including his rabies shot. Boy was he out of it for the rest of the weekend! It was ok, since I was so busy anyway. He now weighs 4.5 pounds! He is very spoiled - I have bought him several new toys, and a carrier, since the first trip to the Vet wasn't so easy carrying him (especially since the Vet is located within PetSmart! He no longer attacks my feet in bed, however, in the mornings once he realizes I'm awake, he licks my face and wants attention (again - did I get a dog??)

[Church]
Thursday I attended a BBQ at church. It was fun, but hot. 4 people in the singles group were baptized after dinner, and then we square danced. It had been a while since I had done that! Our pastor is off for the summer, so we have had guest speakers every Sunday for the past 5-6 weeks. Although they have been good, I definitely miss Lon's teaching, and am looking forward to his return in September.

[Health]
I have been tired recently - hopefully because I have been working out regularly. I feel a little warm tonight, so I'm heading to bed in a bit. I have not been sick since January 1-3 this year, so I want to keep that up! I will be seeing an orthopedist on Friday about my left ankle, which has been bothering me for almost a year and a half now - thanks to Barry's screen door, which attacked me in May 2006. I've had the X-rays taken, so the orthopedist will be able to read them and hopefully tell me my diagnosis. I know it won't be anything serious, but it's definitely SOMETHING because sometimes it is so stiff I can barely walk.

[Floating]
I'm really bummed that I won't be in CA next weekend - my friend are going floating and getting together to hang out. I miss those times!