So we're in the middle of the second month of a new year, and here I am realizing I haven't posted since September, and I wish I had a better excuse than laziness, but I don't. A lot happened since then, but also nothing happened. Things made me happy, things made me sad, things made me complacent, and things made me apprehensive. So I thought I would wrap up the final months of last year in pictures. It's really the best way.
He started the bike himself. He's a born rider
X-Files Re-watch. Forthcoming post!
Best moments are snuggling with this sleeping boy
She wasn't happy I was leaving for the night
Work retreat. Best date ever right here.
Halloween. I went for fun, wifey went for scary. See below.
A slight vacuum obsession. Could be worse.
A true act of love right here
Saying goodbye to the Paper Moon
This is typical. He strips down and destroys the house. Good thing I love him to pieces.
Planetarium time!
Took a trip to Mars
Participated in a campaign and got a kickass shirt out of it
So we have decidedly (maybe) come to an end of the concert season. And we had one hell of an end that's for sure. Let's get right into it:
Phillip Phillips:
This concert was totally unplanned, but that didn't mean it wasn't fun. Up in Ogden, they had been advertising a free concert with an unannounced guest. They actually encouraged guesses as to who would be coming. There were guesses of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, to P!nk and even Bone Thugs N Harmony. But alas, an hour before the concert started they finally announced who it would be, and I will admit, I wasn't that excited. I only know two Phillip Phillips songs and they're the ones they play on those insurance commercials. But I was already dressed and to Jordan's place, and we said what the hell let's go. If we don't like it, we can go hit up a bar or something. Well it actually wasn't too bad. He sounded really good, and we just chilled on the grass and listened whilst talking. My sister on the other hand, was up front dancing her heart out because he happens to be her favorite. So if it had been terrible, I at least had the knowledge that my sister had a great time.
The Doobie Brothers:
This concert was planned for sure, and it was actually a birthday gift to my mom. She has wanted to see Boston for a very long time, and The Doobie Brothers were an added bonus. The weather all day had been rainy, and not just a little rain, but flash flood rain. And the weather people said it wasn't over yet. So we went prepared with a tarp so our tushies wouldn't be wet, and ponchos to cover the rest of us. We were up on the grass, and so we chilled with beers and listened to the classic tunes of the Doobies. They even threw in a Michael McDonald song, and it wasn't awful. The rain did present itself again and stayed for about 20 minutes and then let us be for the rest of the night. I call that a good night.
Boston:
As I had mentioned, my mom was pretty excited to see Boston. I still feel bad about not taking her back in the 90's when I won fourth row center tickets, but I was young, and my then best friend went with me instead. So when I heard they were finally coming again, I jumped at the chance to make sure my mom would get to see them. And they didn't disappoint. They sounded amazing, they played all the hits, and then some new songs which were ok. The best part was that it turned out to be a parent/daughter night and I took my mom, Jordan took her dad, and Jordan's cousin brought her dad as well. We had fun singing the songs at the top of our lungs, and dancing on the wet grass. And our parents had more fun than we did if that's possible. Again I call that a good night.
Paul McCartney:
Well the ultimate of ultimate concerts happened and it deserves my story upfront and then you can watch the videos. If you know me, or read this blog, you'll know that The Beatles are my all-time favorite band, and Paul McCartney is not only my favorite Beatle, but my favorite solo artist as well. I own everything he has ever released, and know all the songs by heart. You could say I'm an obsessed fan, or just a very well versed fan. Either way, growing up I was growing more and more convinced that I would never get to see my Macca live in concert. The closest he ever came was Vegas, and I just didn't have $1,000 to fork out on trip costs and a ticket. But then something magical happened four years ago. He announced a date in Salt Lake City, and I flipped out. I was online the moment tickets were available and got the best seat I could get with my poor man's money. I remember it being the most amazing concert ever and I could die happy after that. I had come to terms that it was most likely a one time chance and it was worth every penny. I really never thought I would see him again. And then he announced a date again in SLC this year, and I once again flipped. Jordan was sweet enough to say she would go with me, even though she's not a huge Beatles fan or Macca fan. But she does know that when a Beatle comes, you go. So again I was online the moment tickets went on sale and got the best seats again for the money we had, and this time, were we not only closer, but the venue was smaller. It actually felt intimate compared to last time. And trust me it wasn't. But needless to say, the excitement for this concert was just as great, if not greater. I was getting to see him a second time!
We sat in our seats with anticipation as we waited for him to come on stage, I couldn't believe I was getting to see him again. And then the time had come, out he came and man did he look good. The entire night he proceeded to play song after song without skipping a beat, taking a break, or anything else. The man is a machine, and worth every penny spent. I knew every song of course, and sang my throat dry. Tons of videos were taken (evidence below) and pictures galore too. I'm beyond lucky that I got this second chance to see him, and I really do hope there's a third in the near future. I can't get enough of him, and his energy. It's easily the best concert I've ever been to, topping the first time because I was closer and because I genuinely enjoyed watching Jordan's excitement at being there. And I'm not saying it was the best because I'm biased, but because he really is one hell of a performer and knows how to play to a crowd perfectly. Please enjoy my snippets of the concert!
All My Loving
My Valentine (Johnny Depp is signing on the screen)
Maybe I'm Amazed
I've Just Seen a Face
Blackbird
Lovely Rita
Let Me Roll It
Daytripper
Helter Skelter
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite
Hi Hi Hi
Live and Let Die
Thank you for indulging me in this summer's adventure of a million concerts. It has been an amazing summer full of great music and friends, and I could not be happier.
The concert season has begun! And I could not be more excited. So many bands, so much good music, and friends to spend the time with. Who could ask for more? We've already hit up three of the bajillion we're going to, so here's a run down of the concerts so far, and then a list of ones to look forward to hearing about:
Jimmy Eat World:
This was the first concert of the season and occurred back at the end of May. It was at the Depot which I love because it's more intimate, and the sound is awesome. The down part was that it wasn't a 21 and older concert, so us beer drinkers were exiled to the upstairs and crammed in the small area, while the kiddos and non-drinkers enjoyed the stage area. It was alright though, the view was still great, and we got to enjoy the music just the same, but with beer. Which is always better. The opening act, which I don't even remember their name was a piss poor band of two who used background music and they played guitars on top of that, and mumbled words into the mics. I was slightly embarrassed for them. Jimmy Eat World or as Jordan and I lovingly call them, JEW, was much better and played all the classics you would expect. It was a good night.
Coolio:
Wow so ok. This was both mine and Jordan's first full fledged rap concert ever. And we were out. of. place. We got there at what we thought was on time, but turns out we were so very very wrong. So we chilled at our booth that we totally earned because we were so damn early and drank beers. 4 1/2 hours later, good ol' Coolio decides to grace us with his presence, but not before we have 2 hours of DJ's playing their versions of other rap songs, and then the opening "act" Space Ghosts. Yep. Space Ghosts. They actually came out on stage with space helmets on their heads and started rapping. And then Coolio made it out on stage, but we were so engrossed in our phones trying to ignore the amazing Space Ghosts we missed it. We look up to see Coolio's onstage rapping with our ghosts from space. Coolio then started rapping his own songs starting with the Keenan and Kel theme song and ending with Gangsta's Paradise. Oh by the way there were only three other songs in between those. Then Coolio runs off stage and is done. We spent 4.5 hours waiting for five whole songs. Someone please tell me, is this how all rap concerts go? Because if so, this will be my first and last. I do have to say despite the ridiculousness of it all, Jordan and I did have a good time, and I even had a moment with Coolio. Just before Gangsta's Paradise started, Coolio ran off stage and tried to run outside but chose a locked door first. After he tries to open it and fails, he looks straight at me and I back at him and I shrug. He then tries the next door and outside he goes. It was kind of an important moment we shared I feel.
Def Leppard & Kiss:
So this I say is the first BIG concert of the season. No disrespect to JEW or Coolio, but this concert was massive. And by massive I mean the crowd size. It was my first time at Usana (a lot of firsts this summer I'm noticing), and so I myself have nothing to compare it to, but Jordan assures me that it's never as full as it was for this concert. After our 2 hour drive getting there, we parked a mile away and hiked to the GA section. There we wormed our way to the front for the GA section and staked our ground by standing there. We got there just in time for Def Leppard to start and it was so good! They sounded great, I knew most of the songs and we sang and half-danced our hearts out. Then came intermission before Kiss started. By the time they did it was after 10 and we're old so we agreed to hear a few songs and call it good. We were honestly there for Def Leppard, so it wasn't a hard decision to make. We made it through two songs and then hiked our mile back to our car and deemed it a successful night. I was happy to at least watch Kiss come out on stage on a giant spider in their infamous makeup. So mission accomplished for me. Turns out the concert was record breaking. It was sold out, and it was the first date on their tour. So Utah wins! And I mean Utah because the whole damn state was there "rock and rolling all night long".
And stay tuned for the following reports. They are bound to have stories because that's how we roll.
Daughtry & Goo Goo Dolls
Steve Miller Band & Journey
Styx & Foreigner
Train & The Wallflowers
Boston & The Doobie Brothers
Paul McCartney
Mury
So I made this promise to myself and you readers to be better about writing this year, and I've not kept this promise. In fact I've been really bad about writing, and I really do want to do better. I've just had this sort of writer's block going on. So for now, I will share with you some of my excursions and fun I've had over the past little bit. It's not much, but it helps this introvert here to break out of her typical routine of TV on the couch. And that means something.
February:
Jordan and I decided that we would be each other's dates for Valentine's Day, and I must say it was the best date I've had in years. We saw The Lego Movie (no shame, it was Awesome!) and then Twigs for dinner after. We had many martinis (it's a martini bar) and then called it a night. Also I got to spend a night with my favorite family and see one of my besties Jennie while she was in town. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures from that night, because Jennie and I suck at taking pictures, but we did have an amazing night of chatting until the wee hours. Ma made a great dinner and joined us in the chatting, and I loved every minute of it. I even got to finally meet Jennie's youngest who is a character. Thanks again Ma for the invite!
March:
This month has been busy with fun. First Jordan and I went bowling with her cousin and friends up in O-town. Jordan decided at one point she needed some assistance in getting herself a strike. It worked my friends. It worked. The next day was Oscar day, and so we had a party. Obviously from the pic, we didn't have as many people, nor famous for that matter in our selfie, but we did manage to get one famous person in there, and that's all that matters.
March also brought the first birthday of my adorable nephew Aidan. He even took his first real steps on his birthday! He's still unsure about the walking in whole still, but he's getting more and more ready. For his birthday, I thought I would surprise his parents, by sketching Aidan for them to hang on the wall. It turned out pretty well. And I had a ton of fun drawing him. He's a pretty good subject.
March also consisted of me getting super sick with bronchitis. But I managed to make it to Les Mis at Hale Theatre with Jordan, and I'm so glad I did. It was amazing! They did a great job. Two Fridays ago I held a Frozen viewing for my sister, brother-in-law and mother at my place. And because I had already seen it, I volunteered to watch my nephew so they could enjoy the movie. It wasn't a hard thing to volunteer for, but man was I exhausted by the end. I love that cutie so much.
The month also brought the discovery of just how much Lily loves Cheetos. I know it's not good for her, and I only let her lick one, but it kind of started an addiction for her! I kept finding her digging into the bag if left unattended. Luckily no other Cheetos were licked. I also spent a night burning music for Jordan while enjoying an episode of Grey's Anatomy, drinking a cup of hot chocolate and cuddling Lily. It's called multi-tasking and I excel at it.
To end the month off right, Jordan and I decided it was time to make a trip up to Park City for pizza. Yes pizza. It's so good, and worth the trip up there. We also walked around Main Street for a bit and I found me a cute dress. We then went back to my place and watched a lot of Sex and the City, because that's how you end a girl's day. And then what did I have to do once I bought the dress? Buy shoes to go along. And then I kind of felt like Carrie Bradshaw for a minute and bought a few pairs. I will wear them all. I also fit in a viewing of Divergent with Erica, which was really good and followed the book pretty well (more on that in a future post).
All framed up and pretty
Reference Photo
Waiting for the play to start!
Aim was creepy photo with Hermione. Result is: Nailed it!
babysitting this guy is a workout, but hella fun
yes my feet are really that large, and no not that
wide normally, but sometimes they just fit better
Outfit complete
So there you have it, my life in a nutshell over the past couple months. Nothing super exciting, but me getting out and socializing is a big deal, so it's been good for me. And there will be lots more fun had coming up. Our summer is full of concerts, which will bring a slew of pictures and stories I'm sure.
A lot has been going on lately, and I just want to express how happy I am right now. I have a great job, with amazing people I'm so glad are in my life, my friends are amazing and I love them so much, my relationship with my sisters are on the road to recovery, and my nephew melts my heart every day. Life is good. Something I haven't been able to say in almost a year, and man it feels good. I still have some repair work to do personally on other things, but I really haven't been this happy for a long time and I'm loving it.
This year has started off pretty darn good. I hope it continues on this awesome path, because I have so many fun things planned for this year already. It's going to be a kick-ass year.
So I've been really horrible with this blog this year. Mainly because this year has not been the best, and I didn't want it to seem like I'm doing nothing but complaining. But now the year is wrapping up, and honestly it's ending on a pretty high note, so I thought I'd share some of the highlights that have come within the last couple months.
- As many know earlier this year I had sister trouble. I'm happy to announce that all has been resolved, and I could not be happier. I love my sisters so much and all I want is to feel a part of the family again and us love each other equally. I think we are on the road to that happening once again. An extra bonus is the time I have got with my nephew who I adore more than anything, and didn't know I had that sort of love to give. It's been amazing.
Rachel's kneeling, she's not really that short ;)
That smile!
- My regular readers know that I'm a huge Doctor Who fan, and this year brought forth the 50th anniversary. So most of November was filled with special after special and then the big 50th anniversary episode which I got to see in the theater in 3D and I'm so glad I did. I wish I had taken the time to report on my experience, but I've been so lazy. So I will share a few pics from the party we held the night of and then the movie viewing a couple days later.
Partying it up Doctor Who style
Best movie experience ever.
- I started a new job in October. Those close to me know what a tough time it's been this year, and finding this job has been a blessing from the gods. I have finally found a place where I can be happy, where there's no drama, backstabbing or turning a blind eye to office politics. In fact there is virtually no office politics! I had no idea that this kind of thing could exist. That people could be adults and treat each other like adults, and just focus on the job, and not "who's better than whom", and "what kind of hell can I create for my co-workers today?" None of that exists with my new job, and I'm so glad I can't even tell you. I love it, and my co-workers. They are some of the most awesome people I'm proud to get to know. I'm so lucky. I don't have any pics of work itself, but I thought I'd share the awesome gifts I received for Christmas.
I'm pretty sure the best salsa I've had
I love how my co-workers know me already
The scarf is beautiful!
That's right folks a Vitamix
- I have some of the best friends a person could ask for. Not once have I doubted any of them would be there for me when I need them. And I love them so much. Jordan you have been my rock this year, and I'm going to make next year amazeballs for the both of us. So many plans, and so much fun to be had, we are going to rock it. You are a fantastic person, and we will be old ladies on your porch drinking our wine yelling at the kids. It's going to happen. Penny, you are the most amazing friend, and I'm so proud to say we are going 20 years strong. You continue to surprise me every day with your love, and I only hope I can show you the same love back. Your kids are my kids, and I can't imagine any of you not being in my life. Angie, our friendship has grown stronger and stronger this year, and I can't wait to see what the future brings for us. We have each other's backs always and forever. I love our no expectations friendship and that we can enjoy each other's company so easily. I see next year being fabulous and us getting to do so many Beatle-y things together. I love each of you so much! And to show you just how great my friends really are, here are the gifts I got:
Thank you Penny!!!
The TARDIS Disappears! Thanks Jordan!!
I really do hope next year brings nothing but happiness and joy to me, my loved ones, and all of you. Thank you for everything! Each and every one of you make a difference in my life, no matter how minute it may be. I'm so grateful!
