Weekend

Tough weekend in the news. A bit odd being at a shooting match after such an event. I encourage you to place blame on people, not inanimate objects.

DePauw 2012

East College

Two weekends ago I traveled back to DePauw University in Greencastle, IN for my 10th reunion. It was quite enjoyable reliving some past experiences and seeing how much things have changed. For one, sticker price tuition has doubled in 10 years. So if I had kids right now and want to send them to DPU, I need to save more than the value of my house.

Meharry Hall

I wondered around to some spots. East College is the main building. We had many special events held in Meharry Hall. It is less Methodist Church and more auditorium these days. It still creaks the same way but they put in some new carpet! I don't think I remember the organ.

Meharry Hall from the back

First classroom in college, College Writing

Roy O. West Library received a face lift

GCB and Ranch Fries

Of course no trip to Greencastle would be complete without a stop at Marvin's. Marvin's is the home of the Garlic Cheese Burger, GCB. It is a creation that was divinely inspired. What you see in the picture is actually a half GCB. A whole is 2 1/4 patties because we all know college students need something to help pack on the freshman 15. Just imagine the best thing ever and multiply by infinity, that is the GCB.

Fraturday on the lawn of my beloved Sigma Chi

All day Saturday we brought back Fraturday and drank and told lots of stories at the house. Two RVs showed up. Lots of Sigma Chi, Pi Phi, Kappa, and Alpha Phi love to go around. We even let some Phi Psis join the fun.

Crazy dancing by young and old alike. Jessica has skillz.

Eventually, we moved the party to the big tent for the band and silly dancing. There was some lawn mower, shopping cart, stove, and more sweet dance moves on display.

List of those "officially" in attendance from class of 2002

Great times had by all. I should go back every year. If you have kids, send them to DePauw, you won't regret it, and they'll have a fantastic time they'll enjoy forever. (They'll also party their ass off)

Cutting Edge Half Classic 2012

photo credit: SJP

This weekend I traveled to Effingham, IL for the Cutting Edge Half Classic with Stephen. It was a fun little trip aside from my passenger door not closing and then not opening. I'm sure it looked like a clown car with Stephen climbing out after me through the driver's door.

This was my first 70.3 mile triathlon since 2010. I was only a runner in 2011. For those not in the know, this is considered a half. We swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles. Yes, in that order.

The day started with an overcast sky. The swim had excellent buoys that I could actually see.

On the bike we traveled due west for 28 miles, turned around, and came back. On this day, we had a 15 mph West wind. Fighting the wind was a struggle. At one point I looked down and saw I was going 14 mph. When I figured out that meant it would take me 2 hours to get to the turnaround, I LOL'd, for real. Once I turned around, it was excellent having such a strong tailwind. Of course, it started to die as I went. Also, the sun really started to come out.

The run was 13.1 miles of sun baked gravel and pavement. The temperature at finish was 93 degrees. I could hear my shoes sticking to the hot tar in the pavement. With 3 miles to go I started to run out of energy and really wish I could find a port-a-potty. Needing the facilities really slows my running down. As you can tell from the picture, I have a more on my mind than simply finishing.

Finished 6th in my age group and 40th overall. Even with all the wind my bike was just under 6 minutes faster than my previous best bike. Thanks, Big Tree Cycling!

Memorial Day

I went up to the farm on Memorial Day. We went around to our dead people and decorated their graves. We all shared a lot of laughs. Mom couldn't remember where her parents were buried, Uncle Tom suggested we just text flowers to people, and I found out our family plot has Frank buried on it. Frank was planted there over 100 years ago and is no relation. I'm guessing my grandfather bought the plot with him on it because it was probably discounted.

I thought the view out of the cabin looked particularly good so I took a picture. Dad would have liked it.

Noticed some critter had turtle for dinner next to the road.

Hope you all had a fantastic Memorial Day, too!

WhiteWaterRaftin'

I'm going rafting this weekend!! That is what happened last time, those are my feet. Maybe I'll stay in the boat this time, but falling out is so much fun!

photo swiped off the web

An Evening at the Opera

Gioachino Rossini via wiki

Unimaginably incredible.

Truly, that is the best description my brain can come up with.

Attending an opera is something I've wanted to do for a long time. It has always seemed like something very few people have the opportunity to do. How many people do you run into that say, 'I'm thinking about catching an opera this weekend. Want to come?' Pretty much never, unless you and I are living very different lives. Operas are something that have existed in works of fiction and the past, in my mind; movies, books, tv, centuries old entertainment. This weekend it became a reality thanks to L and her appreciation for adventure and culture.

The adventure started with dj L providing an EDM fueled 2 hour drive to Kansas City, Missouri, The City of Fountains. Almost constantly on repeat was Concrete Angel and Eyes, because they're amazing songs.

Upon arrival in KC, it was a quick change into our opera finest. I was in navy with The Thunder around my neck. L was stunning, (as she always manages to be) in an LBD. There was a vote taken regarding dresses and shoes, and I must say, I have good taste based on the number of compliments she received from women. From the 9ish year old on the elevator who said (to the best of my memory), "you're really pretty" to the ladies at dinner and then the opera.

 The Webster House via KC Crossroads

For our dinning pleasure, we headed to The Webster House. If you are going to see an opera or symphony or anything at The Kauffman Center in KC, GO TO THIS PLACE. First, it really is a beautiful old school house in the heart of Kansas City. Second, the downstairs is an antique, gift, and interior design shop that I would have enjoyed perusing if we had a bit more time. The restaurant is on the second floor. The kitchen is on display for all to see at the rear of the largest dining room with smaller rooms off to the sides. We were in one of the smaller rooms. The setting was very comfortable. It seemed they had all the tables arranged to not have anyone being forced to look at someone at another table. It really felt as if we were dining in someone's home. L had the Pan Seared Salmon accompanied by grilled leek, fingerling potato, tarragon and three mustard sauce. I couldn't pass up the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with mashed potato, mushroom ragu, foi truffle butter and port wine sauce. Amazing. Both dishes were amazing.

Also, this needs its own paragraph, our server was amazing. The odd mix between there whenever you need them but not there too much, she had it. The ability to be involved in the meal but not being a 3rd person with us. Providing personal bits of information on the dishes that isn't just some overly worded preplanned response. Trouble is, I don't remember her name. She even gave us an update on the time. I didn't ask her to, I completely even forgot to mention to her that we were going to the opera. I think she actually took note of it right at the beginning of dinner and made sure we wouldn't be late. Great job.

via The Kauffman Center

The Kauffman Center was a block from The Webster House. Like I said, perfect location. As we entered, I think L and I both mustered up something as descriptive as, WOW. Wait, let me back up. Earlier in the evening, L and I had a conversation about what people would be wearing. The Kauffman Center doesn't have a dress code. They say, come in what is comfortable. Now, comfortable has many different meanings. We wondered, will people be in jeans? Maybe. Full on ball gowns? Most certainly. Flip flops? Surely not. More on this latter. As we formed up with the other spectators outside the building, everyone looked amazing. I find a certain enjoyment being dressed up and around others that are also dressed up. It isn't often I see men in tuxes (ones they OWN) and women in ball gowns. And by, isn't often, I pretty much mean never. Everyone around us looked great. It added a sense of excitement. I believe it is a sign of respect and appreciation for the event. Let's face it, most nice clothes aren't as comfy as pajamas. So, if you are willing to go through the trouble of dressing up, you must have some level of interest and caring in what you are attending. As we are walking in, I am admiring what people are wearing, and L is seeing the posters for other performances, making a list of what we are to see next.

Brandmeyer Great Hall via The Kauffman Center

We enter into the Brandmeyer Great Hall. What an incredible space. It functions as the lobby of the two venues in The Kauffman Center. Operas take place in Muriel Kauffman Theatre and symphonies are housed in Helzberg Hall. We are then ushered into the theatre.

My picture doesn't do the place justice.

We took our seats, orchestra section, row P, seats 107 and 108. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. We were slightly left of center and much closer than I was expecting. It really is amazing how so many people can actually be so close to the stage. We marveled at the people and sights around us. We could see peeks of the orchestra down in the pit. The orchestra began to quietly tune, the last few seats were filled, people settled into their chairs, the lights went down and the orchestra opened with a roar of room filling sound. L and I were both completely amazed. Maybe me more than her but our smiles said it was incredible. I thought, how is it possible for those people to be playing down in that hole and the sound seeming as if it is all around me. I would like to know what the song was. I have heard it before and I bet you have too. The orchestra lulled, the curtain went up, the stage lights lit up shinning upon, the opening night of The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini. And I will say that Figaro is one singing barber!

How can one person, standing on a stage, with an orchestra playing, fill a huge space with so much sound? I have no idea. The balance between the orchestra and the singers was perfect. And those singers were so very impressive. They managed to sing and perform a production in Italian yet translate all of their words into actions and emotions that, even I, was able to understand. For those worried about not understanding, Muriel Kauffman Theatre is there to help you. They have what is called, The Figaro Simultext system. On the seat-back in front of you is a small screen that displays a translation of what is being sung or said. You could turn it on or off and the screens had a special filter so you could only see yours and not be distracted by your neighbor's. I turned mine on and was using it at the beginning, but found myself using it less and less as I was sucked into the performance. L probably only looked at it once and was also able to follow the story perfectly. It really is a good idea, so don't worry about the language. You'll understand the story, or you can read the dialog. Towards the end of the first act was my favorite scene of the whole opera. After a lot of discussion, and causing a lot of commotion, the police arrived. Things went down hill from there and an all out brawl started. This was done in slow motion and even the skeleton was in on the action. All of the audience was laughing and the entire stage was covered in humorous occurrences. Everywhere you looked there was a new bit of comedy. And with that, act I was at an end, and my bladder was really happy.

 Woodley as Basilio (top) and Burdette as Bartolo via The Kansas City Star

Act II was much shorter. Yet my favorite singer had considerable performance time. Don Basilio, played by Arthur Woodley, is a wicked man that is trying to see to it Rosina marries the wrong man. He had such an incredible voice. He sang with such power I think he shook the theatre. When he first opened up, L and I looked at each other, astonished. I'm still not sure if these people are real people or some sort of singing robots. When the curtain closed, I wanted more. I think I could have listened for another 3 hours if they would have asked us to stay so they could perform again.

As we left, L and I noticed a few things. Remember when I was telling you about the dress code? L nudged me and did a discreet point and head nod. Yep, sure enough, jeans and FLIPPY FLOPPIES. You see it all, because right in front of those people was a man in a tux and a woman in a ball gown.

The next morning we had brunch on The Plaza at Gram and Dun. I recommend trying the place out. Very delicious and also a great staff.

And that was our evening at the opera. Completely impressed by everything and a life experience I'll never forget. L and I will be back, we'll be looking to see you there.

I Rocked the Parkway

I ran the Rock the Parkway half marathon, or pikermi, over the weekend. Going into this block of training I wanted to run another personal record. The PR didn't happen but it was a good time. Well, I ran a time I was happy with and I enjoyed the race.

It was warmer than I was expecting. Probably around 70 degrees. Also, it rained the night before so the humidity was high and the roads were wet and slick. I was expecting a relatively flat course and that didn't happen either.

As the race started I did my best to hold back my pace. I have difficulty not being caught up in the moment of the start and running too fast. At mile one I realized I needed to slow down. I watched the clock for the first few miles and settled into a good rhythm.

I made a decision to skip the first aid station, as I was feeling good. Also, skipped the second. This doesn't really save much time but it does cut down on the stress of grabbing a cup, fighting the people, and trying to maintain pace. I've run plenty of 13 milers without water so I knew I could skip a few.

Around half way I started trying to turn things up. Somewhere in here is when another runner passed me. At this point in races I generally am not passed. That happens plenty at the beginning but towards the end I try to pick people off. After picking up the pace and passing this lady things were looking good. Until she passed me again. Turned things up again and got in front of her.

Mile 10 presented all of us with a big climb. About a half mile of an unrelenting ever increasing elevation. I'm a decent hill climber. I thought for sure this would put a gap between me and my chosen opponent. Not the case, this lady was a challenge but it's always fun to have someone to race.

Mile 11 I started pushing harder, mile 12 even harder. Next thing I notice, lady is in front of me AGAIN, and hauling the mail like I couldn't believe. Never caught her even with my 6:51 pace.

Last 0.1 of a mile I gave it my all for a 5:55 pace but was about 10 feet too slow.

Race ended with an official chip time of 1:41:49.7

And here is the data from the race.