Birthday days

So, my birthday has been great. I had a great night out with Phillip, Melissa, and Andy. Andy and I had a great talk and time. It is so great to have him back. After that late night, I slept so well. Got up early, went to yoga/Tai-Chi class, renewed my license to a class C and with no stupid "under 21" box, bought a book I have been wanting for a long time, ate at J. Christopher's, researched a charity to give my car to, then the fun began. I went and picked up my friend Blair at her house. She looked stunning. I love her new hair cut.

See?

Then we went to the Olive Garden and got soup, salad, pasta, and a glass of wine. After we leave there, we drive downtown to the Woodruff Arts Center. I was afraid that I forgot to print out a parking pass or something that I needed but we pull up and I say "I already paid for parking". The parking lot attendant, in his black suit with white bow tie, asks "What is your last name sir?" After I tell him, he looks through the list and then says, "Go on in." I felt so 'expected'.

We decided to dress down because she was feeling under the weather and I was feeling like a bum. There were still people more dressed down that we were and that made us both feel better. Getting the tickets from the box office was a breeze and we sit down in our great seats. Far enough back to let the acoustics of the building do it's work and get the sound of all of the instruments to our ears at the same time. They are practicing around individually and it is nearly chaos. The first chair violin walks out and the room goes silent. She engages her violin and this amazing sound comes out and then the chaos all connects and every musician is playing the same note. The conductor walks out and gets a warm and swelling welcome.

I wish I had the mental strength to continue in detail but the first few movements they played were of Beethoven and were also incredible. I could not stop smiling and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I never knew my ears could hear something so dynamic and beautiful. It was like the highest quality recording ever. So perfect, without fault, deep, rich, filling, soul shaking. I must go back when there is another demonstration of a master because I am in love with goosebumps.

The way back we just rode with the sunroof and all the windows open on the highway. There were a few moments where I felt like I wasn't there but in the future. It was weird but I highly enjoyed spending time with Blair even if it was in silence in a car with the wind dampening everything but our night. Who better to share an experience like this with than a best friend?

In 7 hours I leave for the beach. Enjoy the down time of the blog because it will come back with a vengeance on Tuesday.

Weak week

So this week has been a little ruff with the shadow of car breaking, relational issues, and work being stressful. But this morning I saw exactly what I needed to see. A five day weather forecast. Friday - Sunny and 74; Saturday - Sunny and 73; Sunday - Sunny and 81; Monday - Sunny and 81; Tuesday - Sunny and 82; This five day forecast is my five day forecast. Not only for weather but also for experience and joy. Today will continue to be busy, hence why I am writing this on my lunch break but it doesn't matter. Being at peace does not mean there is no turmoil in your life. Truly being at peace is being able to be at peace when it the the most trying day of your life and you can maintain perspective. I am thankful for the hard week because it has tuned my perspective slightly better than it was before this week. That five day forecast is perfect leading up to my birthday. Add in: possibly going to the Classic, the season finally of 24, one more night of World of Warcraft, hanging out with a few of my best friends downtown, going to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and going to the beach. That is a week worth living for.
Go to my Flickr page here to see a few pictures from last week. I haven't taken many pictures this week because I am not really in the mindset for it. That will change tonight. Always expect great things because then you might actually see that they happen all the time.