Going to the opera is almost like being on a vacation. There's nothing better for frazzled nerves than an expressive, excellently presented opera. It's a way to sit back and let someone else pay attention to detail. I loved it. I didn't know much about Wagner or "Tristan and Isolde" before. Now I know something. I read a couple of books (one of them the libretto—hey! I know a new word!). I also checked out the music CDs from the library. The production I saw in Norfolk on February 4th is much better than the recording I checked out. That Peter Mark guy is one hell of a great creative director.

I liked the ending that Peter Mark came up with—Isolde lays across Tristan as she dies and the whole set is lit up like an underwater cave. It's pretty good. In the real story, Isolde's husband, King Marke, is supposed to bless the dead lovers. That's an interesting ending if the action is directed to highlight this tension in King Marke. Peter streamlined the action to focus on Isolde and Tristan. I suppose since the story is about them that's a pretty good way to go. I really liked the treatment even though it left a few things out. But, that's a director's prerogative.

The remainder of the weekend was also a lovely vacation from routine. I really enjoyed conversing with my sisters and nieces. Mom made us a totally great dinner Friday night.

My next vacation is February 21st. Haven't a clue what I'll be doing. Suggestions?

My next vacation started today. I'm going to the beach to see my mother and an opera. The best part of vacation is sleeping until I wake up. I know.

I'm taking two vacations this weekend.

Going Back to Work on Monday. I'm calling up my private plane and jetting out to Freeport, Bahamas. I'm leaving in about an hour. I'll be back Monday afternoon so I can chill out and unpack before getting ready for another work week. I'm taking a friend along.

Not Going Back to Work on Monday. I'm calling up my private jet and jetting out to Oberstdorf (oooh, check out the webcams!) for some good skiing (this is why I keep my passport current). While I'm there I'll be picking up my daughter from Switzerland for a couple of days. After that, some friends have told me they will be there during the week. I'm looking forward to great evening conversations over Glühwein and maybe a little night skiing with a torch in my hand (or posted along the run). I'll be back a week from tomorrow. Then back to work.

Work is not a bad thing. It makes the time go by and I feel like I'm accomplishing something, even it's just becoming more patient or getting a client to understand that they need to be real specific when they give instructions. I learn at work. I like work that teaches me things. However, it also has to pay me for those new skills. I can see how management would think that they incur an expense by teaching me. However, I am a very quick learner and they get a return on their investment in a very short time and generally get back two times more (at least) than if they had invested in an average person.

I've nothing against average people. They are what make me stand out so much. Also, there are plenty of way-above-average people who are a lot of trouble. It's just that the definition of average is what most people are. It's not my fault I'm so smart. I was made that way. Everyone has a talent they can take advantage of. Mine is intelligence. I haven't taken advantage of it because it seems so unfair to run rings around people.

What I need is a way to jump in and out of this life. I like the low profile, low key life but I need to sometimes jump out and do something wild and out there or up there or whatever it is that that my heart calls me to do. I need a particular type of rhythm—like dancing in and out of a rut ... or maybe that's walking and dancing ...