Fun and Games

As Block 5 started revving its engines, I took a pit stop this weekend and enjoyed a lovely night at the ballet on Friday. The Houston Ballet promised that I would "applaud every breathtaking movement" of Marie in its world premiere. The life of Marie Antoinette inspired this full-length ballet by artistic director Stanton Welch. While it was impressive, I maintained full control of my breath the entire night. Peppered with many not-so-subtle innuendos, the first act centered around Marie and Louis XVI's struggle to consummate the marriage. Overflowing with opulence, the second act featured scenes of gaiety and frivolity around Versailles until the angry peasants broke up the party. The incredibly slow, dreary third act belabored Marie's march to her death by the guillotine. Overall, I enjoyed the costumes, the chorus numbers in the first act, the lovers' dances in the second act (video above), and the fact that the third act finally ended (ouch!).

Friday night festivities continued with a beer and game of bocce ball at Hans' Bierhaus in the Rice Village. Though Tiffany and Ryan clearly outperformed Joseph and me, we ended up winning somehow (perhaps out of pity). Tiffany, Ryan, and I wrapped up the night with a cutthroat game of darts, which really wasn't a game so much as an attempt to 'hit the bull's eye.' Very sophisticated game.

On Saturday I had my picture taken for the church directory. Taking a solo picture was quite an odd experience. Hmm. Weird.