Bit of Ivory

Sorry I’ve been kind of flaky about updating lately. Ginny is still gone *sob*, so my computer time is limited to how long I can stand sitting alone in my room on an uncomfortable computer chair. Which hasn’t been very long, lately. And I’ve been *trying* to avoid updating at work (I’ll only be writing this entry periodically throughout the day, on breaks). So, that’s where it stands.

Anyway, I had a good weekend. A year ago on Friday night, I saw the summer blockbuster, PotC, with Kirk, Susan, Mel, and a couple of my roommates. Funnest. Night. Ever. In a sort-of-homage to that memorable night, I saw Spider-man 2 with Nicole on Friday night. Good movie. Must see again. And it was really nice to hang out with Nicole– I don’t do it nearly often enough.

Friday was also my Grandpa J.’s 80th birthday, and on Saturday there was a party for him, at which my family sang a couple of songs– “Sentimental Journey” and “Fascination.” I got to see my great-aunts and uncles, and watch my grandparents waltz to “Fascination.” It was great fun.

After the party, I bought some new clothes (yay!) and then went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s 75th Anniversary Gala Concert. It was Absolutely. Amazing. The choir was in great voice, and sang some of my favorite songs– “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and “Climb Every Mountain” and Bach’s “Alleluia Chorus” and “Come, Come Ye Saints,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and my all-time favorite hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” I actually teared up on the last verse, when the choir sings

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, O, take and seal it
Seal if for thy courts above.

In soaring 8-part harmony. So cool. The Orchestra at Temple Square was awesome that night, too– they did the first movement of the New World Symphony, and I’ve never heard them perform better. At the end of the night, President Hinckley said a few remarks, and we gave him a standing ovation. It’s not often you get to clap for the prophet– we’re usually in meetings that require a bit more reverence– so it was very cool.

I felt very lucky to be there in more ways than one– so lucky to have this amazing choir right here in my hometown, to go and see (for free!) whenever I feel like it– so lucky to be able to enjoy music and have it touch my soul– so lucky to be in the same room with a man who is God’s representative here on earth. An amazing night.
Yesterday was mostly lazy– I did a bit of stuff online, and then watched (most) of Hobson’s Choice with my family. If you’ve never seen this movie, get a hold of it. It’s great, great fun– Charles Laughton doing *comedy.* And the Manchester/Lancashire accents are absolutely delightful– they’re one of the reasons I have Albus Dumbledore’s family living just outside of Manchester. So. Great.

So now I’m getting so pumped for my trip to the Shakespearean Festival this weekend. I never got around to reading “A Winter’s Tale,” and I doubt I’ll have time now. But that’s okay. It’s still going to be So. Much. Fun.