The Dead, The Wicked, and Hell

Kinda morbid sounding, eh? Well, it's not what you might think!!

This past weekend, Joe and I went had a much-needed date day in The Cities. And our first stop? The Dead Sea Scrolls...

When we heard that the Dead Sea Scrolls were visiting the Science Museum, we knew we had to go see them! I mean...this is the chance of a lifetime! So, after locating a coupon that saved us $16 (Go me!), we visited the Science Museum to get a peek at the scrolls. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed (to protect the Scrolls from deteriorating too quickly), but we did get to read plenty about the caves they were found in, see lots of artifacts from those same caves, and read more about the history of the Scrolls themselves. I wish we had been able to stay longer - we were slightly rushed to get to the next thing on our agenda - but I'm glad I had the chance to see them.

After finishing up at the Science Museum, we made a mad dash to the Orpheum Theater where we had tickets to see....

"Wicked" is a musical that I've known about since college, and have been dying to see! We tried to go one other time with my parents about a year ago, but the tickets were super expensive, and our seats wouldn't have been that stellar. Joe surprised me a month ago by buying us tickets to FINALLY get to see it LIVE! I was on cloud nine, and believe me, it lived up to everything I'd dreamed it would be! The music was phenomenal and the performance was as stellar as anything on Broadway (not that I've ever seen anything on Broadway... ;) )

Here's a shot of one of the stage decorations:

It would move and the eyes would light up periodically.

Creepy.

And here's us waiting for the show to start!

(I'm not sure why Joe has the deer-in-the-headlights look...)

After the show, we began walking to our dinner reservation, but I had chosen fashion over function earlier in the day, and I was wearing heels.

Oops.

So....after a few blocks of walking (and frantically trying to hold down my skirt as the wind whipped by) and complaining, I talked Joe into stopping at the Target located downtown (How cool is that?). And so I got myself some pretty, yet functional shoes:

See how sparkly they are? :)

It was much better, let me tell ya.

Soon, we arrived at our dinner reservation - Hell's Kitchen (my apologies for the language on the sign...) 

I had heard of this place, but never been there before, and Joe was excited about it so we checked it out -- plus it had live music in the evening, so I was totally game! It has quite interesting decor (kind of on the dark and goofy side) and the food is great! We got BBQ pork nachos which come with pickles and coleslaw on top -- might sound strange, but they were addictive!! Joe got a penne pasta with lots of cheese and garlic on it that he loved and I got the BBQ pork sandwhich, though it ended up being a bit too spicy for my taste. And then we got strawberry-vanilla bean cheesecake for dessert.....yumm....

It was a fabulous day, and so special to have that much time to just have fun with my hubby. :)

just a little update...

In my last post, I mentioned that I had received a flower and sweet note unexpectedly from my husband on Monday. Well, something's gotten into him, because I have received a fresh red rose and an accompanying sweet note every day since then. I think I'm getting spoiled!!

Last week, he brought me chocolates and a card to work. For no apparent reason.

I think he loves me. ;)

It has been such wonderful timing, because every day something has happened at work to make me feel like a failure. And I slept through my alarm today. Again. So the encouragement has been very timely, and I love him so much for it!

a little something

Some days the Lord encourages you in little, unexpected ways. Like today, for instance. I had finished my day at work yesterday in an irritable mood, due to a conniving customer that had really irked me. And then this morning, I had the privilege (sarcasm intended) of being totally chewed out by a disgruntled customer. And I only called to get their change of address.

*sigh*

However, the Lord used my sweet husband to lift me up. Last night, for no apparent reason (by that I mean birthday, anniversary, holiday, etc.) there was a single red rose with a simple little note waiting for me when I got home. And then today, on my lunch break, I arrived home to yet another red rose and another sweet note, telling me why He appreciates me and loves me.

It's amazing what such a simple little act of love can do to melt away the tension and stress I was dealing with related to work.

And also, a great opportunity for me to remember to be an encouragement to others, as well as to pray for those who really just IRK me. I think I need some help on that last point, but I'm a work in progress, and the Lord is faithful. He is, after all, the God of second chances!!

My hubby makes the world go round...

I have a wonderful husband. I don't mean to brag (or maybe I do) but he's wonderful. Amazing. Super. Splendiferous...ok, you get my point. :)

Why is my husband so terrific, you ask? Well, last night when I came home from work, supper was waiting for me on the table. Still warm. That's a feat in itself in my book! Plus the dishes were already done. Beautiful. AND....(there's more you ask? indeed there is...) I had a gift and a very sweet card waiting for me. In a gift bag. How awesome is that?! The gift was simple and small, but one that I will use regularly, a pair of fun socks -- Christmas socks, so I can wear them during the Christmas season, rather than afterwards!

As for the card, I won't give it to you verbatim, but I will let you in on the general message -- because I thought it was so completely appropriate for us (as anyone who knows us will attest).

The outside showed a squirrel holding an acorn and saying:

"I think I'm a squirrel, because I like you, and you're a big nut"

And then on the inside it said,

"I'm also skittish and prone to indecisiveness"

Isn't that great!! He's the greatest husband. EVER. And I love him so...