From the Inside Out

Since my birthday is the unfortunate victim of a Monday, we decided to have the birthday celebrations this weekend. I also got to pick up my birthday gift early…whoohoo!

When I was in Maui, I rented a Cannondale carbon fiber road bike and promptly fell in love with it. So, after doing some research last weekend, I was ready to make a purchase. I had narrowed it down to two options, but wanted to test them out before making the final decision.

On Saturday, we went to our local cycling store, Plano Cycling and Fitness, for the test drives. The shop took my measurements using their nifty computerized system and then used that information to set up the bike to match my specific proportions — pretty cool, huh? I rode both bikes and ultimately purchased a 2011 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Fem 4. It’s a beautiful thing and a great ride! I can’t wait to get more miles on it!

After picking up my new bike, Gary took me out for a birthday evening on the town. First, we had a fantastic dinner at Jorge’s Mexican Restaurant in the Dallas Arts District, and then we walked over to the new AT&T Performing Arts Center to see the Blue Man Group. I’ve seen them perform in Vegas, and I love their show. It’s entertaining, humorous, and lots of fun! It was the perfect cap to a great night with my favorite person in the world!

Dinner at Jorge’s

Outside of the AT&T PAC

Waiting to see the show!

A look inside the PAC

The chandelier, which completely retracts into the ceiling when it’s time for the performance to start.

Side view of the theatre before the show.

On Sunday evening, the birthday celebration continued with a family party at my parent’s house. My nephew surprised me with a custom cookie cake that he made for me. It was cool and yummy! We put candles on it, and even though I’m terribly old now (hehe!), I was still able to blow them out. I got gifts and cards, but the most precious part was being able to spend time with my family. I love them and am thankful that God allowed me to be born into a loving, happy, God-fearing home. I am truly blessed.

We have three “Leaving Iowa” performances behind us and three more to go! We didn’t have huge crowds this weekend (probably due to the holiday), but the audiences who showed up were great — a big thanks to our friends and family who made it out!

There’s still time to get tickets if you want to see the show. The remaining performances are on Sept. 8-10 at the Courtyard Theatre in Plano.

For more info, click here and for a few behind the scenes photos, check out the pictures below.

Getting the stage set during one of the final rehearsals

Actor’s view from Stage Right

The ladies’ dressing room

Where we get “purdy”

Guys dressing room

Ready for the show and having some fun!

Another view of the Courtyard Theatre from the stage