Had a very pleasant surprise Tuesday evening. Matthijs and I were going to continue the puzzle of 1000 pieces that we got for Christmas last year, and then I found under the pieces 2 cards for the musical West Side Story. It dated 23rd of December 2009, which was yesterday. Turned out that Matthijs had booked for the musical and asked free from work for me, all as a surpise. So we went to Scheveningen yesterday. Yay!

I had been complaining that I would be singing so much songs from WSS while I had never actually seen the musical. We sung 'America' and 'Cool' with Musilon for the anniversary concert and we'll be singing 'Somewhere', 'I feel pretty' and 'America' for the Theaterobers show. And now I've finally seen the musical. It was the English version on anniversary tour, so I could actually sing along with the songs. (Though I didn't because I always find it disturbing when someone next to me is doing it)

Compared to Ciske or Tarzan the decor-switches between scenes were less impressive (radical) but just as effective. I liked how they did the bridal shop and I loved the 'balconies' of the flats. My favorite character was probably 'Doc'. The old man that ran a store and was an old friend of the Jets, who also tried to warn them and keep them from murder. Alas, he didn't succeed.

Even though the story is very much like Romeo and Juliet, this one is just as gripping. Probably because the setting is very familiar and closer to home/current time. The dances were stunning (such agility!) and the costumes simple but effective. It was a bit of a 16+ musical with lots of harsh words, suggestive moves and even a rape. Not to mention the killing of course.

Public transport was behaving quite well. No problems on the way to Scheveningen, but two canceled trains on the way back. However, we got in Utrecht well on time for the EE meeting. Also, no problems getting back to Enschede.

Today last day of work before the holidays and minor vacation. Yay! I do want to go downtown this afternoon to buy a new watch or get a new battery for the old one (it's lagging) and to spend the 12964 DE loyalty points (about 65 euro) that I got from my grandparents and mother. I'd like a new set of china for the holidays or other special occasions. Work is kind of slow at the moment. I'm mostly waiting for answers to my mails or instructions.

Need to clean the house too. Tomorrow my mother, her partner and my brother will come over for a game of Arkham Horror and Christmas dinner, so I need to at least vacuum clean and clean the toilet. Best do this today because tomorrow morning I want a nice Christmas breakfast and then have to prepare the chocolate mousse for desert and bake an apple pie. Oh, and how about wrapping the presents?

Second day of Christmas I go to Harderwijk to visit Matthijs' grandmother in the hospital (broken hip) and Matthijs' father and then we have another Christmas dinner at my father's place and presents afterwards. Well, back to work an preparations now.

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year everybody!