Monthly Archives: February 2010

Elton John & Billy Joel – Face 2 Face 2010

Last night Linda and I enjoyed one of the best concerts we’ve experienced.  Elton John and Billy Joel entertained us for 3 solid hours with hit after hit.

Ever since these two rock icons joined forces several years ago, we’d both commented how awesome it would be to see their concert.  However, being in med school with 2 young daughters didn’t allow for such luxuries.

When it was announced they’d be coming to Kansas City this year, I hopped at the chance to get tickets.  The last few tickets available were way up high behind the stage.  It was totally worth it.  It turns out, incidentally, that the seats were great.

If you ever get to see these two in concert – do yourself a favor – go without hesitation!

Photo courtesy of concertaholics.com

Anna & Silver Strings

Anna is in her second year as a member of Silver Strings – an honor strings ensemble for the 5th and 6th graders of the Shawnee Mission School District.  The rehearsals are at 7:00am on Friday mornings at a school about 5 miles away.   They meet, practice, and are then bussed back their respective schools in time for the beginning of the school day.  This, obviously, requires a lot of commitment by the kids (and also their parents that drive them to rehearsals).  Fortunately, we’re part of a carpool of 4 girls and Linda has only had to drive for 2 months this whole year.

They had one of their concerts the other night and it was a real joy to listen to really motivated elementary string players play together.  Great job, Anna.

KCMTA Multi-Piano Concert

This weekend is filled with rehearsals and concerts for the 2010 Kansas City Music Teachers Association Multi-Piano Concert.  This concert involves 18 grand pianos on stage with 2 players at each piano.  This duets-only concert includes around 20 pieces that have different sets of players on each set.  It’s like an orchestra of pianos.

All four of us are playing again this year.  I’m playing with Anna; Anna is playing with Emily; Linda is playing with Emily and also with several other students.  It really is a lot of fun.

The picture is from the yesterday’s rehearsal.

Happy Valentines Day to Bill

Linda told me yesterday that I had to be at the house between 3:30 and 5:30 today.  She  mentioned she had found the perfect Valentines gift, but I had to be here for it to work.

Would you believe – my wife went all out – she sent me a Singing Valentine done none other than one of the quartets from the Heart of America Barbershop Chorus.  I have always loved barbershop and am very vocal about the fact that I wished I had the time to join the Chorus.

The piano lessons were interrupted and we all gathered in the piano studio to hear these 4 men sing me classic barbershop love tunes (e.g., “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”).  They gave me a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a single rose.  The girls will likely get all the chocolates.

Anyways – it was an awesome Valentines gift – especially since we’ve not given Valentines gifts to each other in over 10 years (her idea, not mine).

 

Cheer class

Anna and Emily have been on an extended leave from their dance class due to an ankle injury sustained by their dance teacher (who is over 80 years old).  Having these 2 extra hours in their weekly schedule, it was decided to let them take a Cheer Class that was being offered at our gym.  They have had an absolute blast!

Pictured here is the final pose in one of their routines – they really looked like they were having fun.

Hero Wax Museum

Emily’s 5th grade class recently had to complete an in-depth report on their hero – including speech in full costume.  Last night the parents were able to go to the “Wax Museum” up at the school.  All of the kids were lined up in their costumes with a red or blue “button” on the palm of their hand.  Upon pushing the “button”, the character would come to life and present their life story.  It was incredibly cute.

There were many heroes – Harriet Tubman, George Washington, Jonas Salk, Jackie Robinson, Theodore Roosevelt, Pocahontas, and many, many more.  Emily was Mary Lou Retton.

P90X Begins

My P90X program arrived and today was Day 1.  I’m a little sore – but I feel great.  I’m really looking forward to completing this thing in 90 days (May 5, 2010).

I’m not fully disillusioned in seeing myself as becoming one of those ripped hard-bodies, but I hope to shed some fat (i.e., love handles) and gain some defined muscle mass.  At least my pants will fit better.

Fortunately, I’ve got a good friend in the area that is doing the same program.  He’s about 3 weeks ahead of me and will be able to give me plenty of advice and encouragement.

Wish me luck.