Wicked, DC, A Friend’s New Venture and Wordcamp…
Posted on | May 24, 2010 | 4 Comments | Share!!
I’m looking back at the last post I did at the beginning of this month and what I’m about to cover now and it’s kinda nuts how much Mel and I did this month. Not customary for us really, but, since we did some pretty awesome stuff, I feel it’s only fair to share it!
First up? Wicked! The broadway show that is.
Mom and Dad (Tad’s) wanted to get Melinda tickets to see this show a ways back for her birthday but the show didn’t make it to the DPAC until much later than anticipated. Nevertheless when the tickets went on sale, Mom snagged us a pair and the long sought after date was set! Truth be told, I never had much of a need or want to see the show. It was Mel who had read the book and was interested to see the broadway production of it, so I went in not expecting much and was totally blown away by the show! The stage production, the voices, the lighting, it was all amazing! The last show we’d seen was Les Mis. years ago and MAN, it’s incredible how far broadway shows have come!! It was truly a wonderful night, we got all dolled up (Mel looked wonderful, Tad looked… presentable), had a great dinner in the American Tobacco District Campus beforehand and just simply enjoyed a wonderful night out in city that’s really been sneaking into our hearts lately: Durham.
So without a doubt, much thanks go to Mom and Dad for such a wonderful gift!
A few weeks later we had the opportunity to see Mel’s brother Marshall and his girlfriend Julie while they were in DC. We’re pretty sure we won’t get a chance to head north this year so we took the chance while we could. It was so worth it! We stayed in a WAY better than average Best Western 
, got to ride public transportation (really love experiencing other cities’ public transportation systems lately) pretty much everywhere, had a great meal at a chop house/micro brewery 
(Mel drank he second full beer ever!) saw some of old Alexandria on foot and met some of Marshall and Julie’s truly wonderful friends from their time in Armenia (unbelievably kind peeps).
It was a short trip but it was packed with great stuff! We’re so glad we got to do it!
On the way back, we got stop and see our good friend Michelle Rigg’s new yarn shop “Down Town Knits” in the middle of historic downtown Apex, NC! With a genuine focus on local artists’ wares, she’s created something really special here and we’re totally psyched for her and her new shop! Pics are below and if you are in the area and need a yarn fix and knitting supplies, stop by!
Lastly, Tad attended Wordcamp in Raleigh this weekend and got his “learn on” with some the heaviest hitters in the WordPress community. I (Tad) wrote about it at length here on my site, but suffice it to say, I’m really proud of where this little open source project has come and where it’s heading! It’s given me a lot over the years and I’m really glad I was able to wade into it’s community this weekend. I learned some cool stuff for sure and can’t wait to apply in my future endeavors!
So yeah, WOW, full month! Hope you all are doing well and are already for summer!
Best,
Tad and Melinda
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Now playing: Gregory Alan Isakov – San Francisco
via FoxyTunes
Tags: day to day > events > outings > spring > Tad's Section
Hi Tad (and Mel) Great to get to get to “know” you a little better. I’m just learning about this “blog stuff” and to “meet” people through your writing like this is a big mid-opening to me. I’m so excited and it really makes me feel optimistic about the future of the world to read this little taste of your life together. I’m not really sure why, but it does. Actually I do think I know why. Because so many of us in the current “world order” don’t have “real communities” — aren’t part of any “well functioning teams” — and here I’ve made a random connection with Tad through his WordPress Tutorials that are helping me from cyberspace and I chose to “follow him” on Twitter yesterday and now get your family news today. It’s really remarkable to me. And brings tears to my eyes. To connect with strangers so openly and wholesomely. I really do think your blog post and sharing yourselves so matter-of-factly and openly in this post is a REAL GOOD SIGN FOR HUMANITY.
Hope I’m not too heavy for you. The last theater I went to was Les Mis many years ago too, which I really, really enjoyed, and your post inspires me to consider the possibility again. I certainly have many opportunities in LA, but haven’t taken advantage of them.
Wish you both the best,
Tom Huntington
Hey Tom!
You’re not being heavy at all!
I’m glad you enjoy our blog and get something out of it. That’s kind of why we do it. To document our life (for friends and family) as well connect with like-minded individuals in the world.
Take care,
Tad
What a month you guys have had! Thanks for sharing Mel’s smiling face (and with a beer of all things!)! I’m glad to hear you liked Wicked…I’ve not seen the play or read the book yet (it’s on the nightstand for ‘later’) but I’ve heard mixed reviews about it. Regardless there’s just something about going to a play isn’t there? We used to go all the time to Broadway when we visited WV during the holidays but haven’t done it in awhile. Mamma Mia and Chicago remain my favorites to this day!
So great you got to hook up with Marshall and Julie again…hope they are doing well!
Mel–is this the friend/yarn shop you talked about a year or so ago? If so, it’s amazing to see she’s opened and doing well! Take care you two and with a little luck, maybe we’ll get to visit again soon!
Hey Rachel!
Yeah, it was a busy one, but definitely a “happy” kind of busy.
Wicked wasn’t necessarily an amazing play story-wise, but as far as entertainment goes, it was pretty damn amazing! Oddly (and ironically) though, the music was my least favorite part about it. Although there were definitely a few good numbers in there.
Seeing Marshall and Julie was a REAL treat, we honestly don’t see those guys enough so it’s always nice to seize the moment when they are remotely close by! And Mel with a beer is always a treat for me to watch. LOL! I love that shot of her too.
I’ll let Mel answer your question on the yarn shop, I believe it’s the same person, but I’m not really sure.
And YES, we’re REALLY hoping we’ll get to catch up with you soon!
I really think it can happen, we just have to get all of the pieces to fit. It’d be so good to see you again!
Hope you guys are well!
Talk to you soon (I hope),
Tad