Entertained

The symphony was really nice. We got off to a bit of a rocky start because my dad showed up late for dinner, which a) pissed me off, as it always does b) meant I spent the whole time worrying about getting the performance on time and c) meant that we had about five minutes in which to scarf down our dinners. Not the most enjoyable meal I’ve had lately, which is a shame, because it was really good food.

But then, then we got to the Strathmore center. If you live in the DC area and have a chance to go to an event there, I highly recommend it. It’s this new performing arts center that they built in Rockville (they call it North Bethesda, but I’m a native. I know Rockville when I see it.) It’s specifically designed to provide excellent acoustics, and it does. It is this lovely blend of very modern lines, soaring ceilings, walls of windows and light wood with art deco touches mixed in at times. We had amazing seats. My dad was thrilled, although I can’t really take credit for it. I found their online seating diagram confusing because the colors in the key didn’t seem to match the colors of the seats. That all worked out for the best since we ended up at the front of a box that was right at stage level. I didn’t even realize I had bought box seats! And we were so close. If we’d had to storm the stage for some reason, we’d have had no problems at all.

The performance itself was very well done. It was the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra playing pieces that were written to go with Shakespeare plays, so they had actors from the Shakespeare Theater doing readings from the plays in between the music. My dad loved it, and I had a very nice time as well. I think it may be his favorite present that I’ve ever given him.

On Saturday I went to see Catch and Release with my friend Becky. Becky is the perfect movie date. She understands that I like to watch the previews, and doesn’t judge me for it. She doesn’t ask stupid questions or make clever comments during the movie, and if there’s crying to be done, she’s crying right along with me. There wasn’t really much crying in Catch and Release though. It was surprisingly funny for a movie that starts with a funeral. Of course, it had Kevin Smith, and I usually think he’s funny. Except for Dogma. Most of that movie was not funny to me, but maybe you have to be Catholic to get it. Anyway, if you like romantic comedies and movies where everyone ends up with the right person in the end, even if you can kind of guess at how it is all going to work out, than Catch and Release is a nice way to spend a couple of hours. Becky and I give it two thumbs up. Plus, it has the guy who plays Bullock on Deadwood. He does way less swearing, jaw clenching and steely-eyed glaring than usual, and looks surprisingly good with no mustache and modern hair.

What was entertaining about your weekend?