My year...

I have superstitions. I try not to be stupid about it, but my biggest one surrounds birthdays and New year's. I try to look at the signs and portents -- or make my own -- about how the year will come out based on what happens on or immediately around the special day.

New Year's this year, well, it was the first time in ages that I didn't have people sharing my table either on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. On the other had, I got my black-eyed peas, greens, and cabbage, so I'm covered on health, wealth, and happiness. And on January 2, I was sworn in as a commissioner -- and yes, it has taken pieces of my life that were devoted elsewhere.

Now my birthday portents are all around music and performances (watching, not participating, at least for right now).

Last Friday, I won free tickets to the opening of the DC Jazz Fest. Last night, I had free food, free alcohol, and two hours of good music. I also have the schedule of events and a good portion of them are free. I already have plans for the June 12 concert on the Mall, and I'm trying to see what else I can fit in around my commissionering.

Saturday, a friend gave me a hugely expensive and wonderful ticket to Iphigenie en Tauride. It was Placido Domingo's last performance as artistic director of the Washington National Opera, so there was a presentation afterward as well as a stunningly good performance.

linaerys was right that the relationship between Orestes and Pylade was pretty slashy, but what really struck me was the shimmering beauty of the women's choruses. Gluck wrote gorgeous music for female voices, and this was my first time hearing a full opera of his. Patricia Racette was wonderful as Iphigenie.

My sister's birthday present to me is a ticket to the Glee Live concert next Thursday. And I hope to afford a ticket to see Charlene Kaye this Saturday.

So much music of so many different types and so much joy in listening: Is this the universe trying to tell me it's time to tune my guitar?