KennyBlog

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How’s the snow? Greetings from Orlando.

Last night we went to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus at the Allstate Arena. This is an annual outting for us as we’ve been going since before the girls were born.

Last night show was enjoyable. There were the typical elephants, tigers, horses, tapese artists and clowns. Also there was the double barrel human canonball, hoop jumpers, jump ropers, wire walkers and guy who walked on rotating arm (must be a better name). The jump ropers were very good. The clowns did have much of a role in the second half, that was disappointing but it did mean the show ended a little earlier.

Today we went to see the musical Oliver put on by the Christian Youth Theater (CYT) group. As usual, the performance was very good, however the story is not one of my favorites. For those not familiar with CYT, it is an organization that teaches young people about performing. The performers in their productions are between the ages of 8 and 18 (I think), most of the staff is also young people as well. Obviously they have some adult coaches.

Nikala and Ellexi were enrolled in CYT for the past few years, but took a break this fall due to basketball. The have auditioned for one product and are considering trying out for the production in the spring.

This is an excerpt about the play from the CYT web site:

Set in 19th century England, Oliver is based on the literary classic Oliver Twist. Written by Charles Dickens to expose theharsh injustices of the British child labor practices, Lionel Barr’s musical adaptation mellows the story with music and humor while telling the desperate story of Oliver, a courageous young boy from the workhouses. Despite his struggles with poverty, mistreatment and lawbreakingcompanions, Oliver remained sweet and virtuous, eventually discovering his true family.

After traveling last week I thought this week might seem calm. I must have been dreaming. I took donuts to work since it was my birthday (a while back). Monday was halloween, the girls were dressed and did the normal ‘trick or treating’ through the neighborhood. Yes, now there is way too much candy in the house. Also, I made an appointment for my truck, it needed a muffler and to have an oil leak inspected. Some consulting work comes in that needs immediate attention.

Tuesday…dropped my truck off and then had lunch with Deena. She graciously gave me a lift to my house so that I could get my motorcycle. Then it was back to work until 8:30PM. The shop called to let me know the muffler was done and they had inspected the oil leak. Seemed like the leak was from the oil filter housing and the main rear seal (ouch!). I made sure I could get the truck back by Thursday noon and said “fix it.” Current estimate for truck: $1,200.

Another busy day at work, but I get to ride my motorcycle, so life is good right off the bat. I decide to see the girls after work (7:30PM). Deena tells me that they are both gone; basketball for Lexi and Girl Scouts for Nik. Well I ride along with Dee to round them back up. We find out that the 7th grade will be working on the farm on Friday, so Nik needs other plans and Deena will be gone on a trip.

Thursday is another beautiful day for my motorcycle, if the weather stays like this I’ll be able to pay for the repairs of my truck by the gas savings. Dave calls about my truck and gives me good news, the main seal doesn’t really seem to be leaking. However, the oil filter housing is and it is easier of correct. Woo hoo!!! Deena calls to let me know that Nik’s class will only be at the farm from 11 til 1:30 on Friday. We agree that I’ll just take Nik to lunch while the rest of the class is at the farm. Works goes on and on, but I finally leave in time to get the girls at the church (Ellexi’s religion ed class). Nikala informs me that her class will not be going to the farm this Friday, but next Friday. What the hect? Do they have a schedule or not? I tell Deena and she retorts that there’s no school next Friday!

Friday… I oversleep, now I need to get ready, get the girls ready, feed the dog and be off to school in just over an hour. Of course we manage and are not late to school. Nikala calls me to let me know that the farm trip will actually be Monday. I think I repeat to myself “Do they have a schedule or not?” The group at work take me to lunch for my birthday a Tang’s Chinese Restuarant. That was nice. Work is work and again pushes me later than I want, especially since Nik has Religion Ed at 6:45. While I’m on my way home, see tells she’d really like Panda Express for dinner … so I give-in and take her out to dinner on the way to church. She enjoys her favorite and I enjoy her company. Ellexi and I eat at home. After getting Nik from church, I pretty much collapse.

That brings us to today. Both girls have basketball practice at the same time. Ooh, this is nice but it only because there is a big football game at the Warren Township High School today. The day has been dreary with rain most of the day. Tonight, Nikala has a party to go to, so it’s more running.

And to think this is just another week.