Who's that girl

Friday night was a magical evening for me. Karyn had a meeting, Grace and Mattie were at a sleep-over, so it was just me and Haley. We decided to get dressed up and go to a "fancy" restaurant. I listed several and Haley chose Metro, a place I had never eaten at. She looked so cute in her pink dress and pearls (I should have taken a picture to post). The staff there was so good to her and treated her like a princess (a special thank you to Erin, our waitress). We were seated on the balcony that overlooks the rest of the restaurant so that Haley could watch everything that was going on. She was even given a pillow to sit on rather than a clunky booster seat. They served her macaroni and cheese (not on the menu, but she requested it) and Sprite made to look like a tropical drink. She kept talking about how fancy everything and all the people were. It was great to see the place through her eyes. She behaved better than some dates I've had! Afterward we took a stroll on the downtown market, she loved hearing music outside of different clubs and restaurants and would stop to listen and dance a bit. Finally we stopped into Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea for a piece of double chocolate torte and coffee before heading home to read Henry Hikes to Fitchburg. After that it was bedtime for Haley and back to reality and preparing for a yardsale for me. But the evening was magical all the same...and Sunday we all got to go on a real hike and enjoy the beautiful weather and fall colors. Haley was especially excited to see pink and purple leaves and couldn't wait to go to school today and tell her teachers about these new fall colors that she had discovered.

Madonna / Who's That Girl

Forget regret or life is yours to miss - No other road - No other way - No day but today

I really enjoyed M's blog about music. As you can probably tell, music is pretty important to me. I have broad tastes (as I do in most things) and tend to focus on a CD or two for a while (still haven't entered the digital area in a meaningful way - maybe when I get an iPod for Christmas - hint, hint). Currently I've been listening repeatedly to the soundtrack from the soon to be released motion picture version of the musical "Rent." I really like both the music and the lyrics. I would love to see it live, but may have to go see the movie first.

In case the grapevine hasn't reached you yet, I've decided to accept a position with with another firm that will allow me to be within daily commuting distance from my family again (in other words, back to where I was until this time last year). It should be interesting to see how completely different the place is and I look forward to seeing my girls each night! I will miss my current project and the team that has come together - luckily I should still have contact with them as the two projects are related and may be integrated in the future.

Tomorrow is the big Tech Miami game and I'm excited to go cheer on the Hokies and spend some time with good friends. And finally, in case I don't blog again before Tuesday, don't forget to vote! For a representative democracy like ours to work, citizens must engage themselves in the electoral process. I don't care how you vote, just do it even if you just go to the polls and don't choose anyone. I'm going to vote tomorrow!

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Cast of RENT (words and music Jonathon Larson) / Life Support