Sunday, September 27, 2009

Surreal Weekend

So many things have happened, and not much in some ways. I've been really tired, though.

Friday my daughter, Avalyn and I were at the peditrician, and he thought she might be allergic to milk, so there are changes that had to be made, and it seems to be making a difference. Yea!

Saturday, I was just really tired. It was just that sort of day. I bought a ticket to see John Allred, Larusso, This is Anfeld, The Trademark - all local artists, at a place called Kilby Court. Fortunately, it was very small and laid back sort of show, so it was very enjoyable. John and Larusso were especially good, as always! I got to chat with a lot of people, which I always enjoy. I have a friend that is trying to write a history of Kilby, so I decided I could take some pics for her while I was there. I hope she likes them. :) I tried my best to get some pics of the artists, but not the sharpest since the lighting was very dark, and very red, but I did get a few. I still have a lot of editing to do.



Some amazing artists have performed at Kilby, including Relient K, Anberlin, Mute Math, et al. It's akin to a huge garage, with a courtyard outside and a firepit. They didn't have the fires ablaze last night, as it was actually a bit warm out. In fact, it was gorgeous.





On the way to the venue, it was so nice I had the top down. The drives up and back were pretty good, except for one short slow down on the way. I wondered what was causing the delay, and thought maybe construction. Then I looked over at other side of the road and saw a lifeflight helicopter. The other side of the road was totally blocked, and dead stopped. I said a prayer for the people involved, and wished there was a way to put up a sign that warned people to exit the freeway before they hit the mess. There has to be a way. There was an electronic sign on our side, but it wasn't two-sided and it wasn't operating. Still, I'd rather be waiting than taking that flight! I hope everyone ends up being o.k. in the long run.

The drive home was pretty nice overall, and I stopped at my PO Box on the way home to pick up mail. Church Music by David Crowder was waiting there for me. It's funny because I almost bought it online Friday night and decided that I would pick it up at Best Buy later in the week instead. Apparently pre-ordered it and forgot. LOL I listened to it on the way to church today and really like it.

After church I had some good conversations with a few people. Tammy was there from the Pregnancy Care Center and we had a nice chat and caught up since I haven't been to any of their events for a while. Then I had a really long chat with Chris sitting on a bench outside the church and enjoying the beautiful fall day and amazing view.

When I arrived home after church, my husband and I went to my daughter's place and he fixed her swamp cooler and tried to turn on her heater. We still need some help with that one. She and I picked up the belt for the cooler and bought a few groceries and Ed mowed the lawn. We put a newborn outfit on Avalyn, and it was still pretty huge on her. Hopefully that will soon change. She is really very cute being so tiny, but it's not good for her. She looks better today, and back to gaining weight I think. I hope so!





Afterwards, I came home and could barely stay awake, so I passed out on the couch for a few hours. Then I watched Wolverine with my husband, who I am sure dozed off during parts of it. I wonder what he missed. LOL

Nothing much exciting going on here. I'm hoping to enjoy the next two days of nice weather before Wednesday before things cool down.

Peace out, and God's blessings

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Grandma's Delight

Some pics of the beautiful and tiny Avalyn from today. If you go by exactly 4 weeks, she is a bit more than a month old, but if you go by date (24th) she is one month old today.





Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Isn't this pretty? :)

Are You Sleeping?


I really wish I could sleep right now. It's not that I am not tired enough. And, I definitely need to be up much earlier than my normal time, since my daughter starts back to work tomorrow and this grandma is the child care provider.

But today is trash day. That wouldn't be so bad, except that I have a small piece of salmon that wasn't cooked before it went bad. It's still in the fridge. I don't really want to take it out and toss it until it is going ALL the way out the door. So, I sit here waiting for Ed to awaken from dreamland so that this can be timed just right. It's my insane way of doing things and a bad habit.

In addition to the trash issue, I have dogs who were just fed and are sitting by my feet, and who are getting a little attention, finally. Daisy is actually calm right now, which is unusual lately. I think after about 4 years she finally is figuring out what "down" means. Rocky is chewing on a bone and really getting rather into it.

At any rate, I will be quite tired when I have to awaken, but at least I will get to see my sweet little peanut of a granddaughter.



Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! :)

God's blessings and peace out,
Melanie

Monday, September 14, 2009

Not My Usual Week

So, I've been busy this week. I have accomplished a few things, though not sure how long they will last. I had plans, which were somewhat waylaid, which is good and bad, I suppose. I choose to think that things work out as they are supposed to work out in the end.

Originally my plan for Friday revolved around heading out to Salt Lake City to see Matthew West. There was a free concert and Nick Vujicic was speaking. I had a few people tell me about Nick not too long ago. I also had a ticket to hear Nick at the Mormon Tabernacle on Sunday evening. About 5 years ago, an organization called Standing Together organized a three-day event and brought Ravi Zacharias to town, and one of those nights he spoke at the Mormon Tabernacle (as well as two colleges), and I was at two out of three of those events as well. This was a rather historic event as Ravi Zacharias was the first evangelical Christian to speak at the Mormon Tabernacle since D.L. Moody 100 years prior. Now, Nick Vujicic was to speak there on September 13. Standing Together arranged for this event as well.

Sometime last week, my mom called me and said she wanted to come out to see Avalyn on the 10th or 11th. I said, O.K., and didn't even think about the date. I just mentioned that I did have plans for the 13th. Then I do think I said something about the 11th a day or so later, but can't recall exactly when. I had hoped she might come with me, but she didn't seem at all interested. I still had hoped to go, if the timing worked out. My mom arrived on the 10th. I figured that we would have some time together, and to visit with Avalyn earlier in the day, but by the time we all got together it was already after 2 p.m. The doors opened at 5:30 p.m. So instead of heading for SLC and waiting in line, I ordered pizza and waited for pizza. I really hated missing Matthew as I worked hospitality for his show a few years back, and I just thought he was one of the sweetest people. I so wanted to get a chance to see him and even just say "hello" again. But it wasn't to be. But I did have a good visit with my mom, my daughter, and Avalyn, and that's a very good thing. :) Here are a few pics:



The next day, we got off to a late start again, and I was online checking out facebook waiting. Josie posted a note about going to Peach Days in Brigham City, and I know my mom likes festivals of that sort, generally speaking, so I suggested it. We were already planning on heading to my daughter's which wasn't too far out of the way or anything, so we decided to go. Bethany didn't really want to go, so we planned to see her on the way back. We managed to find the festival o.k. without getting lost. When we arrived, we saw some guys dressed as gunfighters, etc., and asked them if they were performing. They were just there for the parade earlier in the day, but one of the guys had all sorts of Indian woodwinds, some or all of which he made himself, and he demonstrated them all for us. It was pretty cool. :) Then I asked if they knew about the shuttle and they told us it was just the UTA (buses, basically) and we were able to catch one rather quickly.




The shuttle dropped us off at the car show, and it was probably one of the largest car shows we had ever seen. This was good, though, as my mom and her husband, Jim, like old cars, trucks and motorcycles. :) My mom found her first car there from 1936, and she was pretty excited about it. :) We spent quite a bit of time looking at the cars as there were hundreds, and I took a lot of photos. There was even a section on Corvettes, so I took a few pics for my husband. They were all older vehicles than his, although I did see one that looked like his 1990 vette back at the parking lot. LOL We also saw a couple of Edsels, and a Model A or two.




It was already getting a bit late, so we hopped back on the shuttle. We weren't going to stop again, but decided that we would find the peach cobbler with ice cream, especially since Jim was really set on it after discussing it with someone on the bus. When we got off the bus and saw quite a few booths, and spied one selling peach cobbler with ice cream. We also saw some small cars that were being raced around the track, so I took pics. They would have to jump a small "wall" as part of the track, so I spent a few minutes trying to capture one at the right moment. I got a few pics from it. Then my mom and Jim got their cobbler with ice cream, and I bought some peaches and no sugar peach jam (that looked a little syrupy, once I checked it out.) Then we hopped back on the shuttle and headed for the lot.


After we left the Peach Festival (we really didn't see that many peaches), we called Bethany and headed for her place. I showed my mom the baby's room and wardrobe, and then we decided where we would go for dinner. We decided on Sizzler's (even though it's not Bethany's favorite place.) And she was going to join us after she fed the baby. Everything worked out and we had a dinner at Sizzler's. Bethany's old boss came in and she hadn't seen Avalyn, so she was able to get a look at her.

After dinner, we all headed for my place. We visited a little while and then went out and took pictures before we lost all the light. Avalyn was a bit fussy, so they weren't as sharp as I like (and I can be picky about that at times) with slow shutter speeds, but we did get some good, passable shots. We have a few pics with 4 generations (My mom, me, Bethany and Avalyn) to show for it as well. Afterwards, my mom, Bethany and I went to Babies R Us, and I spent too much on diapers and outfits that were on sale for Avalyn, and a really cute pair of shorts for Deidre's baby when she arrives. Then we went to Hancock Fabrics and picked up some of the fusing for hems so my mom could help me hem my pants so I'd have something to wear.





Then we came back, and all headed for our places for the night.
My mom's travelling home now:



So, it was a long day, but a pretty good one.

Sunday morning, I had my alarm set for 6 a.m. so I could see my mom off. I went over to Wal Mart first to see if I could find a pretty dress for my sister's granddaughter, but they didn't have much, so that was a bust. I headed over for Smith's who was gracious enough to allow my mom to park her "house" there for a couple of days. I stayed around and visited until they were ready to leave.


Then I came home, had breakfast and headed for church. I was pretty sleepy, but the service was really amazing. Pastor Mark is teaching out of 1 Peter, and it touched a lot on relationships and fellowship amoung other things. It really dove-tailed into things I had been discussing with someone via text the night before.

After church, I visited a bit, and then headed home. I made lunch and then took a nap so I would be able to make it to SLC. I left the house around 4 p.m. and made pretty good time, had no trouble at all finding a parking place, and was not to terribly far back in the entry line. I spent time talking to one or two people until the doors opened. I headed in and thought I'd probably be sitting in about row 5 or 6, but I noticed that the rows weren't really filling up. I kept walking and saw space in Row 1, so I asked if it was being saved or reserved and it wasn't, so I sat down in the front row. I really wished I could have had my camera just simply because the pipe organ with the magenta lighting behind it is very strikingly beautiful. I imagine it would be a great photo. (We weren't supposed to have cameras, although some people did.) I saw someone carry Nick in not too long after I was seated. The place slowly but surely began to fill up until it was pretty full.
There were people across the street in an overflow area, even. There was still room next to me, so one of the LDS greeters there asked me if it was taken, and it wasn't so a guy from West Valley sat down next to me. I talked to him a little, off and on.
Finally, the event started with opening thank yous. Evan Wickham led the crowd in worship, and let me tell you he is very talented. After the worship music, a gal from Draper sang (I think her name was Angela) and she had an unbelievable voice. She did a really interesting and pretty rendition of Amazing Grace, among other things.

After the music, it was time for Nick to speak. IT's funny, but I think the things he had to say really did tie in with the whole day and week for me, including the things Pastor Mark had taught on earlier in the day. I was extraordinarly moved many times during the night. I laughed, and I cried. I hope I won't ever be the same. God is good.

Afterwards, Nick wanted to hug people who stood up after praying with him, and even though I said a prayer with him, I didn't exactly pray for salvation, so I stayed back, as much as I would have loved a hug. I ended up talking to a young lady named Kelly for a bit. So, we decided to hug each other instead. :) Just as Kelly was leaving and I was getting ready to leave, I saw Gideon. I had watched a video of Gideon (Gideon was also born w/o arms) with Nick the day before, and I was so moved. I wanted to tell him, so I went over and said, "hello" just before he left. I made it a little awkward, I think. He probably thinks I'm a tad weird. LOL He has this most amazing smile, though. He introduced me to his brother and helper. I asked him about skateboarding and if he did tricks. He almost has a trick down. I figure next year he'll probably be amazing us all. :) Shoot, he already is amazing me. I'm lucky not to fall off and kill myself, so he's better than I am already. LOL

So, I started to head out again and saw a couple of couples from church, and walked out with them. I thought I knew where I was going, but I was on the other side of the Tabernacle, so I ended up walking back around the premises. Along the way, I decided to take out my cell phone and make a little space so I could take a pic of the tabernacle. It looks like a fairy tale from the outside, especially all lit up at night.

Then I found my car, and headed for home. I ate, uploaded some pics, fed the dogs and crashed. I was definitely tired, but happy. Tired, but good is my normal state of affairs. LOL IT's what I usually say when people ask me how I am doing. It's been an unusual week, but a good one.

God's blessings on your week, especially if you made it through another one of my mini novels. ;)

Peace out,
Melanie

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

You "Blink" and It's Over Already


I woke up a bit later than I probably should have. That's the story of my life. I woke up a few minutes after noon, and did a quick internet check of my messages, etc., looked up some directions and copied a few photos in case I need some memory space.

I had lots to do today around the house, but it wasn't to be.

At 1:10 p.m., I was scheduled to go with my daughter to my granddaughter's doctor's appointment. We've seen a lot of him lately. Avalyn is a little small and was still not back to birth weight on Friday, so he wanted to see her Monday. I was rather nervous about the whole thing. As it turns out, she is fine, and she managed to make it from 5 lbs. 6 ozs. to 5 lbs 9 ozs. This is a milestone and I know I'm relieved. I'm pretty sure my daughter is as well. She's still pretty small and still fitting into premie clothes. It's possible that she will be out of them soon.

After the appointment we headed over to Walmart to pick up some preemie diapers and a few other items, and then to Walgreen to pick up Avalyn's prescription (for reflux.) It wasn't ready, so we went to Wendy's to get some lunch. It was 3:30 p.m., and I needed to be in Orem (about an hour and 15 minute drive) for the Blink 182, Taking Back Sunday concert. Doors were to open at 5:30 and a local band I know (Allred) won a contest to open. John had said that he was supposed to play at 5:45 sharp. I cut it way closer than I like to and arrived about 5 p.m.. IN fact, when I saw the lines, I was really concerned that I might not make it in time. I wasn't originally planning to go, and I had the Dr. appt. to attend, so I was in the seating rather than on the floor as usual. The $80 fee was a bit steep for me right now since I was recently furloughed from work, and also just purchased tickets for Trans-Siberian Orchestra in November which weren't so inexpensive, either,so my ticket was only about $45 in the seats. At any rate, I finally found the will call booth and picked up my ticket. Then I found the shortest line at one of three entrances. I chatted with a couple of gals until I'm sure they just wanted me to shut up, and then asked if they'd hold my place in line just in case. It was 5:43, and the line wasn't going all that quickly yet, so I was pretty nervous that I would miss John's set, so I asked someone up closer if I could cut in line. They didn't seem to care. I made it inside in plenty of time, and it was probably closer to 6 p.m. when John performed. Phew!!! So, I didn't miss Allred's set, and they all sounded great. I meant to tell Nate, I really loved the drums on their set last night, too. :) I am used to seeing John Allred play acoustic sets, and it has been a while since I've heard the whole band. Their set was short, but I loved it.

Then I went out to see if they were out and about and John wasn't around, so I did the ladies room thing and went back to my seat. Shortly after, the next band played, Chester French. He was interesting, not bad, not astounding, but o.k. The funny thing to me was that the song I thought was done the best was a 60's song by the Shangri Las. LOL It was actually pretty good.

I got up again just as that song was playing and looked around a bit again I ran into Dave (guitar) and chatted for a quick minute, and then went back to my seat.
Nate (drummer) was coming up the stairs and sat a row or two behind me for a short bit before he left again. I talked to him a little before he left.

Then it was time for Taking Back Sunday. I enjoyed their set. The first couple of songs were a tad rough vocally, but really weren't too bad. A few people on line mentioned that Adams vocals weren't the best live, so they were much better than I expected. It's amazing how much expectations matter. LOL Anyway, I was pretty impressed with Adam's microphone twirling. I've seen a few people toss the mike's around before, but I think he was one of the best in that regard.

Then there was a long set up time and again I walked about and ran into Dave. He said he wanted to see if he could go backstage and get the schedule. LOL (Later I did see him and he didn't have it yet and was going to get it. Then I saw him and found out that he was successful.) :)

Finally Blink 182 hit the stage. The lighting was awesome, and the backdrop was really interesting. I kept thinking Jacob might like it because there were some interesting visual things going on. The music was really very good. I thought Travis was pretty amazing on the drums, actually. The vocals and harmonies were outstanding, which I always love. The only thing that was kind of weird about the music was that there were a few times when I'm sure I heard keyboards, and there is no keyboard. It was probably a track of some sort. I guess that's o.k., I just wish it wasn't so obvious. LOL Blink 182 has a pretty good stage presence as well. The only drawback was that Tom can be pretty vulgar at times. The language was not for the faint at heart. He also kept turning his behind to the audience and I kept thinking that it looked like he was passing gas. LOL At one point Tom said he was going to strip naked and crowd surf. I actually was a bit worried he might. Some things are better left to the imagination. :) At the end of Blink's set, they took a long break while the crowd went crazy, and then came back with a vengeance. The encore started off with the drums raising up and moving across the stage and then doing a spin ala Newsboys style. That's always fun. Then they proceeded to play a very long encore.

At the end of the show, I kept watching the set lists and no one seemed to even be trying to get them at that point. I finally went for broke and headed over to the side of the stage, second level. Tom's set list was still there (the one he messed up on reading for one of the songs and started to play the wrong one) so I was a little bit more hopeful. I asked a guy at the side of the stage. He couldn't hear. Finally he told me to go around front. I was sure security wouldn't let me all the way to the floor, but I went down part way closer to the front and it was gone. A guy in front of me had the set list so I asked if he could take a pic of it and e-mail it to me later, so he said he would. :) (Security told me twice, no cameras allowed, so I put mine back in my car. There were cameras everywhere. Figures.)

Anyway, on the way out, people saw Blink out by the buses, so a crowd formed around the cement wall and people tried to catch a glimpse of the band. I just went back to my car and grabbed my point and shoot. I tried to get a shot of the buses and trucks lined up, but I couldn't really get close enough for the flash. So I went back to my car and got the SLR with my fastest lens. I set it at the highest ISO
(3200) and managed to get a couple of passable snapshots just so I'd have something, and I wanted to wait for traffic to die down anyway.

About the time I was trying to get the last shot, the police came and told everyone to leave or they might arrest people (yea, overly dramatic overkill, as I was about to leave anyway, and there really were only about 30-40 people left.) So, obviously, I headed for my car. Traffic had finally died down a bit, so the timing was about right. I got a good view of the sign and it still listed the show, so I turned back around, parked and took a few pics of the sign, and then headed for home.

The trip home was uneventful, which is really a good thing for trips home. :)
I arrived home about 12:30 a.m. It was early yet.

It's 5:49 a.m. now... I should sleep. :)

Sweet dreams.

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Music, Mae, Charity and a little Photography

Looking forward to this:

Mae is promoting their Project "Touch" which encourages fans to get involved in some sort of joint community service action related to their tour. I plan to definitely be involved. :)

If you are a Mae fan, you should check out the Maeteam and join.
Go to http:/wwww.whatismae.com and click on "maeteam" and register!
Then add me as a friend. :)

Oh, and while you are at it, I am participating in Worldwide Moment, and encourage you to join in the fun as well. Basically it consists of people from all over the world taking photos at the same moment and submitting them. That moment is September 9, 2009, 9:09 a.m. Japan time. For me, that translates to September 8, 2009, 6:09 p.m. (Mountain time) To find out more check this out:
http://www.worldwidemoment.org