Yesterday was a pretty good day.

Filled with mostly happy surprises.

I found a pair of walking shoes that fit, in colors that I like (black and red), at what seems to be the going rate for “a reasonable price”. I could quibble, but if they cost roughly four times what my last pair cost, maybe they will last me for eight years instead of two.

I’m saving the old ones to wear when I work on the Habitat build next month. After which, they will be unceremoniously retired.

When I was driving up to the temple last Thursday night, one of the DART buses had a vinyl skin [in various tones of scarlet] advertising Madama Butterfly, which the Dallas Opera is performing next month. And the tag line, “We’ll have you seeing red”. I thought that might be a nice use for some of my bonus money. So yesterday morning I went online to price tickets, which is when I decided to just buy the CD for now and become familiar with the plot and the arias, and in a few more years, when I am well and truly out of debt, I can spring for one of the good seats and not feel like a Philistine.

I had a 33% off coupon at a big-box bookstore. I spent it on the Maria Callas recording. There are three CD’s: two for the performance, and one which contains the libretto and related materials. I sat on my bed and knitted through the first CD yesterday. I’m reasonably familiar with the story, and I know some of the music. It was interesting to sit there and listen for repeating themes, and to try to figure out what was going on by the flavor and intensity of the music. I’ll listen to the second CD in the same fashion, once I am home from stake conference this afternoon.

I also had a birthday coupon from Coldwater Creek for $10 off a purchase. I found a cute pair of earrings [stars from some kind of shell, embellished with silver inlay] and brought them home for $6 and change. I wore them to the Saturday session of stake conference last night, and to the dance in Arlington afterward.

The themes last night were patience [we are not amused], obedience, having true love and charity in our hearts, and other topics that I needed to hear. I took a lot of notes.

Will slip out the door shortly for the Sunday session, in hope that I am not too late to get a good parking space, and a good seat.

The dance last night was better-than-OK. I’m not crazy about themed dances, and this was an 80’s dance. Had I known, I might have stayed home. But the DJ did a good job of keeping things lively, and he found something I could line dance to, and the treats were yummy.

There is definite good news in one aspect of my life, but it’s still a stealth project for now. There is sad news as well: the Taco Cabana a few miles down the road is either remodeling or is becoming a different restaurant. When I turned into the driveway yesterday afternoon, there were workmen inside and out, hammering and banging and make a dust of things. And not a Cabana Bowl in sight.

And I have Not. Clue. One. what is going on with NintendoMan.