Pages

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious






It's a bigger word than "Consanguinity!" I guess this is the word I will use to describe the time we had in NY City.

We arrived on Sunday evening late, taking a cab in from Liberty Airport in New Jersey. Our hotel was in Soho. It was a nice, 4-star hotel close to the "Spring Street" subway entrance. It also turned out to be close (about 3 blocks) from where the actor Heath Ledger was discovered dead in his apartment on Tuesday. We actually walked down there that evening to watch the news coverage.

On Monday Rebecca and I visited the Museum of Modern Art (referred to as MoMA by everyone in NY). That place is very interesting. They have some really nice art pieces such as Starry Night by Van Gogh. Our favorite in this museum (Rebecca and I actually had the same favorite piece - believe it or not) was one by George Seurat where he even painted the frame! They had some other "art" that was so weird it was entertaining. One display was a fabric igloo on a 20 ' X 20" bed of grapevines with neon numbers in a Fibonacci series running in a path through the igloo. Other interesting displays were a pink fluorescent bulb in a corner (named "pink in corner") and a piece of rope hanging from the ceiling called "piece of rope."
Also on Monday, we also had lunch at Rockefeller Center and went to Sak's 5th Avenue where Rebecca tried on an evening gown that was on sale for $1000. It was amazing to see the prices on some of the designer clothes. Rebecca really doesn't like to spend money - even at Old Navy - so she couldn't really enjoy the shopping. But we had to duck into some of the stores just to keep warm. We also came to the conclusion that it's not much fun to try on clothes when you are wearing long underwear and lots of layers. It's just too much trouble!
On Tuesday, we went to the Metropolitan Museum. It is the biggest museum in the Western Hemisphere and was overwhelming. In contrast to some of the questionable talent on display at MoMA, the art here was fabulous and SO BIG! Some were the size of an entire wall. We saw whole rooms of Monet, Degas, Renoir, etc. Our favorites were the Impressionists but we also loved the European Portraits and American Landscapes. There's also some modern art at this museum, and it provides some contrast. We really could have seen lots more, but after looking at art for 4-5 hours, we were a bit overwhelmed.
So we trekked to the Southside Seaport to try and buy half-price Broadway tickets for a matinee on Wed. We got lost on the subway a few times and hiked about 20 blocks to our destination only to find out that the only half-price tickets were the very expensive ones (in other words, $150 tickets on sale half price). So we stayed at the hotel that night and watched the UT - Kentucky game with Terry.
On Wednesday we had lunch with some missionaries that we support with Jews for Jesus. They live very close to the United Nations. We wish we could have spent more time there, but by that time Rebecca and I had figured out how to get our Broadway tickets and had to rush off to see a matinee of Mary Poppins. Turns out the best way to get cheap Broadway tickets is to walk right up to the box office - go figure. Anyway, Mary Poppins was spectacular! It had some new songs that aren't in the movie, and the set was so impressive. That evening we saw "Spamalot" on Broadway as well. It's a musical based on Monte Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. I thought Terry would like that, and he did. It was very funny.
The next day we only had half a day, but we decided to try to shop at Century 21 near the World Trade Center (our Jewish friends said the best buys were there). It was a real experience. In contrast to the huge dressing rooms at Sak's, the dressing rooms here were sort of a huge shower curtain covering 20 stalls on each side. You could basically see all the other women trying on their clothes. It was a bit much for Rebecca, who is very modest, but she managed and bought a pair of slacks. Our friends were right, it's obviously where all the good deals are. And they have 4 floors of clothing!
So we had a great time seeing art and theatre and many adventures riding the subway and navigating on ground level, too. The main way it could have been better is if it could have been warmer, but we won't complain.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Snow Day!

We finally got some snow! It's not a lot, but it's been at least five years since we've had even this much. So we are taking the day off along with all the city and county schools for miles around!

This means a day of playing for the kids and a day of catching up on housework for Mom!

Monday, January 14, 2008

I Feel Like I Just Won the Lottery!

I got a call while standing in line at Walmart today from our state senator's office. The state is awarding a $10,000 grant to our homeschool group! I filled out the paperwork in August - then some additional paperwork in September - then some more paperwork in November. I pretty much figured the request was bogged down in red tape or they would find some reason not to give it - after all we are a homeschool group, and this is excess state tax money! But the check is now written and on its way!

The main "catch" is that we must spend all the money by the end of this year. We are already brainstorming about Lego mindstorm, microscopes, rhythm instruments, a powerpoint projector, etc. We want to make sure that we spend it in a way that folks can benefit over and over.

Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Start Spreading the News . . .


We're leaving next Sunday for New York City! I'm so excited that Rebecca and I are going to get to accompany Terry on his business trip to NYC. We'll be there Mon.-Thursday and plan to make it an "art field trip." We plan to see the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and perhaps the Brooklyn Museum and the Guggenheim. We also plan to take in a half-price Broadway play or two and do some shopping (window-shopping at least) on Fifth Avenue. If we are brave and the weather is good, we may also skate a little in Central Park.

A Wood Nymph and and one of Aslan's Animals

These are the parts that Rebecca and Nathan got in the upcoming "Chronicles of Narnia" play at our local theatre. They both really wanted speaking roles, and I thought they did great at tryouts, but over 140 kids tried out for only 16 speaking roles. Caleb and Noah tried out as well but didn't get parts at all. We are learning to be happy with supporting roles. I say "we" because I didn't realize until going through this process that I have a lot of pride wrapped up in my kid's performance and achievements. That's something I need to work through with the Lord.

I'm sure they will both enjoy just being in the production because they like "Narnia" so much.
And Nathan is glad that he gets to fight on stage with the good guys. Rebecca will be able to spend time working on the scenery, program and promotional artwork for the play.