What is She Talking About?

Have you ever wondered that? What is she talking about? I'm not talking about my spouse....

The highlight of this week was Candace's birthday. After crippling our bank account during her recent multi-week trip to the States, she said that she didn't feel like she needed anything for her birthday. Having been married for over 11 years now, I know that's code for: "I don't want anything big, but I want you to do something." I started small with the newest Twilight movie on DVD and followed with the big guns: tickets to the opera at the world famous Teatro Colon. I know... I'm awesome, right?

The opera we saw was called Pelleas et Melisande. It was all in French. Lucky for us, they had a screen above the stage translating it into Spanish. The funny thing is that we went with a couple that don't speak a lick of Spanish. The Opera was about some chick Melisande who marries some dude, Golaud. His little brother Pelleas hooks up with Melisande, blah blah blah. Golaud kills Pelleas. Melisande delivers a baby and then dies after giving birth. Golaud is left with the baby: Is it his or his brother's? [CLOSE CURTAIN] [APPLAUSE] There. I have saved saved you the agony of going to see it for yourself.

The Teatro is magnificient, ornate, and beautiful. It was actually closed for the better part of the last three years and has re-opened since we have lived here so we were happy to experience it.

Overall experience at the Teatro Colon: 10.

Opera: 2.

Chances of me choosing to see another opera: 0.

I'm just being honest here. Not that they can't sing their pants off, I just couldn't get into it. I have seen a ballet. I have now seen an opera. And now I don't have to any more. The important thing is that Candace was pleased as punch to go on a dress-up date. Earlier in the week, I came home early from work and grilled some hamburgers... a special treat.

Happy Birthday to Candace.

This was also our first full week back in country. After 7 weeks of healthy kids, the runny noses began almost immediately after we hit the ground. We have all been sick this week (with me getting it last). Probably something to do with going from the summer right back to winter. Or just kids being kids and never washing their hands.

Our kids are a hoot. Claire is the sweetest thing. Sam, for the second time, inadvertently (I think) left nursery with a toy or two in his pocket. Claire is moving all over the place now that she is walking. They keep us smiling... and tired.