It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...

It's funny, but I was thinking it was a beautiful day today (albeit a tad on the warm side) and Mr Roger's theme song popped into my head. That happens to me sometimes. A phrase will come to mind, and it's been in a song somewhere. I looked at the clouds earlier today, and started singing Both Sides Now: the verse about clouds. Hopefully I sang it well, but I rather doubt it. My husband was silent. He's used to me singing everything. I used to embarass my girls singing in Wal Mart.

I had the thought to take a few flower pics this afternoon, but I wanted the lighting to tone down a bit first. Then I waited a little longer than I anticipated and thought perhaps I'd waited a bit to long, but still got a few decent shots. I hope you enjoy the results :)






Oh, this guy was extraordinarily noisy, as jays often are:



And this is the neighbor cat, Ricky, although I'm quite sure for many years he has been certain that we are really the intruders, and the place is his.



P.S. Keep looking up at the clouds, but don't forget to stop and smell the roses once in a while. :)

Adding Canine Cuteness to the Blogosphere

I've already had this up on my myspace blog for a bit, but thought I'd add it here. Besides, my blog could use a little photo cuteness about now. Molly & Baxter belong to my daughter. Molly is a bassett/cocker mix. She does well with people and loves attention, but she is not always great with other dogs. She is crate trained and house-trained, and in fact she actually LOVES her crate.

Baxter is a lover and gets along well with people and other dogs. He is house trained.

Why am I telling you this? Because Molly and Baxter need new homes. (And because they are cute.) :) My daughter has 4 dogs and the City only allows two. She has been cited and would like to find new homes for them asap. It's not that she wouldn't just love to keep them, but that isn't an option at this point. So, if you know anyone in or near Northern UT that would love to have a new friend at their place, let me know.

Current Events

So much has happened lately, and yet not much of anything. I'm really not sure where to begin relating current events in my life (or maybe it would put you to sleep anyway), but I will give it my best effort.

I'm going to start with the most recent event which happened probably less than an hour ago on my way home from work. I was navigating my way through the usual construction mess in the dark as I do every evening after work. I noticed a car on the right that was about to "overtake" me and then saw something in the road, probably slightly illuminated by his lights. He was difficult to see, and at first it almost looked a bit unreal, but there in the road, was a deer - a mere fawn by the looks of it. He stood there for a sec. and for a minute I thought the UHP officer to my right would make contact in a most unfortunate way. Fortunately the deer turned and ran. Now I've lived here for nearly 9 years, and I have worked at my current job for 5 years, and this is the first time I've seen a deer on the road here. I would have more expected it just a little further north on the freeway, and I'm not at all surprised that there are deer about, but it isn't really the usual thing to see them so close to the general population. :) If it were only daylight and I didn't have to drive. But the photo is still etched in my mind.

Shortly after the deer incident, the UHP put on his yellow lights, and crossed over in front of me, eventually turning all his lights on and pulling into the left lane. I thought the way the road looked, I should probably do the same, but then quickly realized I had it backwards. He was stopping for an accident. I could see past the emergency vehicles and flairs to a car almost turned completely sideways, and I could see a young lady in the driver's seat sitting and writing (probably filling out paperwork for the police report.) I hope everyone was o.k. It brought back memories - and not necessarily all of my favorite ones. LOL

I started physical therapy last Wednesday, and my third visit will be tomorrow. I was told that I could do some therapy in the pool if I wanted, so I'm looking forward to that. I love the water. I have this stuff called theraband that I use for a couple of exercises. It is comprised of a strip of stretchy material that looks and smells much like a thick ballon and is about 4-5 inches wide with a knot tied at each end. The smell caught my attention as I was typing.

Work is coming along well, for the most part. I am working on a different document now (I am a data transcriber) and it is one of the longer, slower documents. At the end of the night, my rates amounted to about 11.2 docs per hour. I thought I was going along at a pretty good clip, too. LOL Not long ago we met an important deadline and the entire section was being rewarded with a nacho dinner. We bring the food, we get no extra time. I'm still trying to figure out how this was a reward. LOL By the time I heated up the beans I brought in the microwave, got my food and ate, I used up my lunch break and 2nd break, so it made for a very long night. My last thoughts before leaving were, "Is it Friday yet?"

And for those who are wondering what my concert plans might be for the near future, I do have them. The next show I have plans for is the Warped Tour in Boise. I know for certain that I am not missing Relient K for anything. I am still trying to sort through what bands I want to see, but other than RK, the two I most want to see are probably Between the Trees and The Color Fred. Fingers crossed (and prayer to be said) that they will not be playing on opposite sides of the venue at the same time, as is often the luck of the draw with Warped. LOL It's a week from Saturday, so I'm getting a little excitedd about it. :) Two days later I am going to see The Spill Canvas. They are having a bowling party before the show for Aids awareness, so I've signed up to attend. I have'nt been bowling in years, and I wonder with my wrists as they are (too much keyboarding) if I can pick up the ball. LOL Please.. no video. LOL On July 19, I am seriously mulling over the idea of driving to Henderson, NV to see The Fold. I haven't seen them in about a year, and that's just waayyy too long! Although, there is some possibility they may come closer before then, and if that happens I will be a happy gas saver. At the end of July, my travels will take me near George, WA to the Gorge and Creation NW. Usually when I go I have a plan. This year, there are so many bands I want to see on both stages that it will be tricky. I'm especially looking forward to The Myriad, Esterlyn, Switchfoot and Ruth among others. On July 30, I am most likely going to head for Rock Springs, WY to see Switchfoot. The show is free with the entry to the fair. Free is good, since gasoline is far from it. I hadn't really thought about going until I decided to look up the distance and discovered it was only 2-1/2 hrs. from my place. In August, I have a ticket for row 6 for James Taylor, and will be at the Warped Tour in Boise. Unfortunately, I have had to cut back on a few shows simply can't afford all that benzene. Still, I have plans to visit my daughter in Sept. and catch Third Day, Jars of Clay, and Switchfoot all at the same concert. I have a meet/greet for Switchfoot, so I'm pretty excited about it. I met Jon in CA and was quite impressed.

In other news, I am trying to help promote The Worldwide Moment and will probably blog about that in the next day or two. If you haven't checked it out, I urge you to check it out and get involved. http://worldwidemoment.org

On myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/worldwidemoment

On facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22582875002&ref=mf

And just I promised here is the link to hear my lyrics put to music by the lovely J.S. James. If you would like to hear the song Jennifer created out of my lyrics (with a few small alterations), check it out here:
http://www.myspace.com/jenniferscottjames
Doesn't she have a pretty voice?

And so another novella is brought to a close.

Peace out,

--Melanie

Updating My Blogspot

I spent the last couple of hours or so catching up on blog reading and adding
a blog roll to my blogspot. I may get a chance this evening to post a new blog.
Lots of things coming up soon.

I have had almost no comments anywhere as of late, and I'm rather missing them.
People must be out enjoying the sunshine. That's a good thing, really, but I do get a little lonely here at times. LOL ;)

Love, peace, and up-to-date blogs,
Melanie

Summer Book Club

O.K., so it's not the most creative and interesting blog title ever, but I'm still in p.j.'s and I have to leave for work in 25 minutes. LOL

This summer Mark Lee is orchestrating a summer book club which should be a lot of fun. I had pretty much fallen out of the habit of reading whole books, and Mark pretty much inspired me to start reading again. It's not that I didn't want to, but I had no real direction. At any rate (I've noticed I use that phrase a lot), I get "credit" for the last two books I've read if I post them in a blog.

The last book I have read (or should I say am reading as I have about a chapter less and will be finished at work tonight) is the C.S. Lewis book The Pilgrim's Regress. The first few chapters and parts of the book can be tricky to follow, but I love it just the same. The other major challenge is that there are Latin phrases woven through parts of the story, and not speaking Latin, it didn't make for easy reading.* There are numerous times when the path that the main character takes sounded so familiar to me that I had to laugh out loud. The main character, John, who is a figment of the narrator's dream, is searching, and what he finds is a pretty good summary of a lot of the thinking that is out there. It is still relevant. :) I am particularly enjoying the end of the book where John's quest is finally being explained. I don't want to give away any of the ending, as I really do recommend the book. :)

The book I read just prior was The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. For those who are expecting a theological treatis on heaven, you will be disappointed. On the other hand, it is a The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a great fictional work with a great message. I laughed and cried as I read it and was moved. I highly recommend reading Mr. Albom's book. It's not difficult to read at all and I pretty much finished it in 2 halves of an afternoon... so that adds up to about an afternoon's read. LOL

If you want to get in little more reading, check out Mark Lee's summer book reading club on his blog here:

http://marklee.typepad.com/this_guy_falls_down/2008/06/summer-readin-2.html

Here are some of the books on my "to read" list:

Push My Life Into a Duffle Bag by John Roger Schofield (bass player for The Myriad),
I just received this one in the mail! :)

Scientific Facts in the Bible: 100 Reasons to bElieve the Bible is Supernatural in Origin (it was inexpensive, it interested me and it looks like it will be a quick read)

Three by Ted Dekker

God's Debris by Scott Adams

Emergence

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel

I'd like to find a few easier to read fiction books to toss in there as well. I several of the books already, so mainly I want to read some things I've had for a while but haven't read first. I have not read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series, so I would love to do that. I have lots to keep me going. :)

Love, Peace, and summer reading fun! :)

--Melanie

* I found this website and it will be helpful for anyone choosing to read, "The Pilgrim's Regress." :) http://www.solcon.nl/arendsmilde/cslewis/reflections/e-regressquotes.htm

Sometimes I am Not So Smart OR A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Mall?

Yesterday I went to my daughter's so that she could cut my hair. We also planned to go to the mall so I could try to find some decent PJ's to wear for Pajama Day at work.

I was trying to get some pics of the mountains and a few clouds and I could not find an uncluttered place to take one of the shots I had hoped for. I said something to my daughter and the next thing I know we are headed up Ogden Canyon to take some photos. We stopped at Pine View Reservoir and headed up past Wolf Creek. There was some gorgeous scenery along the way. We also passed a waterfall that is usually just a small thing only it was really not so small yesterday. What a sight that was!

Anyway, I got a few O.K. shots, but only tonight realized why I was having such a difficult time with exposure. It really helps if you check the ISO. I bet if I were to check the ISO right now it would be set to 1600. You would think after making this error in the reverse several times, I would learn my lesson, but alas, I haven't apparently. LOL I was shooting at some really ridiculously high shutter speeds. For some shots it worked well. For water shots it wasn't the best scenario.




(This photo is for Jacob & Brett - Keep looking up) :)


Also, we stopped at the waterfall on the return trip, but the lighting was nearly impossible - shady at the bottom with the sunlight hitting right at the top. By the time we reached the waterfall we were running short on time so I just took a bunch of wild guesses on the exposure, which didn't work so great, either. I hope the waterfall downpour continues until next weekend, so I can try to get out at a little different time of day to give it another try. I guess that is how one learns. I've gotten so used to low light shots, I need to come out into the daylight. LOL

We made it to the mall about 1/2 hr. before closing. Sears was the first place we found that actually had anything much of a pajama section. The prices were a little steep, but I finally found a skull top and black bottoms on sale. They still weren't cheap, but they weren't horribly expensive. I had hoped for something more cutesy.
Cutesy ones weren't in my size. At any rate, trying them on was out of the question, as we were getting the store closes in 10 minutes warnings, and neither of us was enamored with the idea of taking the long way around the mall to my car. We went to Mervyn's and they had a pair of shoes that are more like slippers than shoes that matched the top so I purchased them. I tried them on at the store, and they fit well.

So in a brilliant stroke of genius I decided it really would be a good idea to try these things on before I planned my attire for work. The top fits o.k., but for some reason it was designed for someone with really skinny arms that I do not have. It fits, but pretty snugly. The pants are on the verge of being high waters, but they work if they never shrink. I guess I will have to hang them to dry. I really would take them back, but then I don't know what I will wear today. My daughter really wants the top and she may get it eventually.

But for today, I will look as close as an old lady gets to wearing Goth in her pajamas at work. No make up, not really Goth at all, just as close as this old lady gets. (I only mention this because there was talk of people dressing Goth for Friday the 13th.) At any rate, skulls seem to be en vogue, and I will be trendy. ;) Hahahaha I will be a trendy old lady in her pajamas who pretends to be a photographer sometimes. LOL

Peace out,
Melanie

Random Thoughts That May Grow Up Someday

As the title states - random musings:

The nature of my center meets the nature of His will
The love I have has fallen short
I guess it always will

My obsession will cost the one I love His very life
His devotion will cause Him to willingly lay it down

(perhaps that should be past tense? Or is it ever present tense?)

*****

Every analogy has already been given
Every metaphoer has long become trite
What can I say that hasn't been said
Words alone fail me
I need insight

O.K. not so great at rhymes sometimes. LOL

NOTE: I was going to edit my typo on metaphor, but then it made me laugh so I changed my mind. ;)

Oh, one more thing -- I wrote some lyrics and someone else reworked it some and made it into an actual song. I will blog about this later. I should have posted it already, but I'm hopelessly and forever distracted. I have 5 million things to do and I'm still here. LOL

The view of the mountains,the clouds and the lighting were all simply breathtaking today when I pulled into the parking lot at work. I didn't have a "real" camera handy so I took a few cell phone snaps. The darker shot was taken across the street form work at a Chevron Station at about 8:45 p.m. It was a gorgeous day out today.

So now I'm a Thief? LOL

I stole this from Daniel Kirkley's myspace blog.

Yea, it's a comercial, but a really good one. Check it out!



While you're at it, you can check out Daniel's music sometime. He has a nice voice.

Have a great day!

God's blessings,
Melanie

Meeting Ernie

Somehow my boss took pity on me and when I asked to be able to work 1/2 a dayshift on Friday, May 9, and take half the night off to see Ernie Halter in Orem. I'd been trying to figure out a way to connect with Ernie and see him play since probably 2003, especially the last 3 years. I managed to find Ernie through 2 different paths. The first was through Clay Aiken. I was watching Clay on several of the late night shows not long after American Idol and Ernie was part of the back up band. I loved the fact that he not only did a good job on the back up, but he always had a huge smile and looked so happy. It's hard to miss that. :) Then either slightly before or after that time on some sort of internet search that I really don't think had much to do with Clay, I ran across Ernie on a radio station contest. I think he was in the top two of a talent contest of some sort and he performed a cover. The guy who ended up winning was good enough and quite good on the keyboards, but he wasn't very current musically. I thought Ernie was and would have wanted him to win. As I recall, I didn't realize they were the same person right away, but figured it out soon enough. LOL The next time I saw Ernie was on myspace. I always marvelled at his creativity and knowledge on the intricacies of promoting his music on myspace.
I was on Ernie's message board for a while, and then his myspace. I watched a few of his shows broadcast live on the net and enjoyed them. Later we e-mailed a few times. He was using knock knock jokes in his shows, so I sent him a few links. He said he used a few. Ernie had booked shows in Salt Lake City only to have them fall through, or he would book a show and the dates would not be possible for me. So finally, May 9, I was going.

May 8, I crashed my car on the way to see Eisley, et al. Now I had no car. I certainly was not able to work the 1/2 day shift or any of it for that matter. Orem was and hour and a half away. There was no way I could expect my husband to kill several hours there and keep him up past his bedtime. ;) So, I pretty much begged my daughter to take me. I had a Dr.'s appt. at 3 p.m., so instead of my husband taking me, she just picked me up and took me to the doc. Afterwards we went to Barnes and Noble and I found a book of Knock Knock jokes for Ernie (I just had to do it!) LOL Then we picked up my daughter's date and we headed for Orem by way of fast food. Good stuff. :) ;) We found the place without too much trouble, and my daughter came in with me for a short bit, we made arrangements as to picking me up, etc., and she headed off to the local mall to kill a few hours.

The venue was a Comedy Club called Wiseguys, and a small place. It was perfect since there were tables with chairs so I didn't have to stand. I was able to bring my camera, so anyone that knows me can guess I was thrilled with that. :) While I was waiting for the show to start I met Benton Paul, a local artist that I really like and who just happened to be one of the openers. I bought his cd and talked to him a bit. Then I met up with Ernie and was able to talk a little and give him the joke book.

As for the show, it was very laid back and very enjoyable. The first opener was a gal named Mindy. I didn't catch her last name, but I enjoyed her singing. Benton played next and did an amazing job. I highly recommend giving him a listen sometime. :) Then it was time for Ernie to play. The crowd wasn't huge, but there were definitely Ernie fans in the crowd. Ernie was in a vote to see who would play "Rock the Boat" with some other artists and promised to play his song "Whisper" (my favorite) in his "tighty whities" in L.A. if he won. He won, and he did. Someone asked for a repeat in Orem, and he declined. I said, "Thank you." LOL There was some banter back and forth as it was so casual and intimate. It was great. At one point Ernie did a song with audience participation and I have to say that was probably one of the most participatory, on-key audiences I've heard in a while. It really did sound good. LOL

Ernie was the main opener for Josh Hoge, and Josh played next. Josh was pretty good as well. He was also very engaging on stage and I enjoyed listening to him.

After the concert was over the club was having an "Italian Soda" party, and so I had two free Peach Italian Sodas, visited a little with Benton and had a photo taken with Benton and Mindy, then I finally caught up with Ernie again and got a photo and hugs, and I was able to get a pic with Josh as well. I bought a tee from Ernie and about that time my daughter called (her timing was impeccable) and she headed over to pick me up.

I had a great time and I'm so glad I was finally able to meet Ernie and hear him play live.

So there ya have it!!!

Death Cab for Cutie

My intention was to arise bright and early and head out to Thanksgiving Point and arrive there sometime around 9-10 a.m. on Monday. As it turned out, it was 3 a.m., and I wasn't asleep yet, and I wanted enough rest to make the hour plus drive to Lehi. My daugther was going to take me, but as it turned out, my husband took me to her, and she let me use her car. That probably added a good 1/2 hour to my traveling time altogether. So what started out as trying to make it by 10 a.m. turned into being happy if I could get there by noon. I decided in advance not to stress over time this time around and trust God on that one.

I made it to my daughter's place, spent a few minutes paying attention to her dogs, and chatting, stopped at the gas station down the street to put gas in her car, called her to find out how to open the gas cap cover, filled up and headed down the road. Along the way the street was lined with flags, a visible reminder that it was Memorial Day. I wondered about the etiquette of flags in the rain, but they did appear to be plastic, so I suppose no harm done. LOL It was still quite a site. :)

I finally made it on the freeway, and made pretty good time getting to Thanksgiving Point even if I wasn't really driving all that fast. At one point I hit the emergency flashers and had to figure out what I touched to set them off. I'm quite sure the guy behind me was rather puzzled. LOL At any rate, I made it there in one piece just around noon. There were already a few people waiting, 4 gals who had been there since 5 or 6 a.m., and 4 other gals who were sitting in chairs covered with blankets and an umbrella. AN umbrella would have been smart since we were to be rained on, hailed on and standing in the wind. Thunder and lightening had me a tad concerned at one point as it was the one thing with the potential to cancel the show. And my motto is the show must go on? LOL It was to be a very long wait, on a cool rainy day to see Death Cab for Cutie and Tegan and Sara at an outdoor venue.

As it turned out there were technical difficulties (sound problems we were told) that delayed the opening from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. As a result the opening band, Rogue Wave was cut from the show. There was a 10 p.m. curfew. I really felt rather bad for them even though I'd never heard them before as I know the merch sales after a show are probably their bread and butter. So, unheard, I bought one of their cd's after the show... but I"m getting ahead of myself. LOL

To add insult to injury (if you know me) I had to take my camera back to my car as they said no cameras were allowed. Phones were o.k. Several people did get in with cameras and no one said anything at the stage even in the front row. But I just had to be satisfied with cell phone pics. But it's better than nothing. :)

At any rate, once I was inside the gate I found it was a very long run to the stage. And even though the gals in front of me were inside the venue waiting in the restroom (one of the workers let them in) and I was in the front of the line and was one of only two people who were checked before the gates open, I barely made it to the front row. Me and two of the 6 o'clock gals who were next to me could not figure out where the other people came from. But I was happy... front to the left just in front of Ben. Not too bad, I'd say. :) I was a tad apprehensive about being pushed hard after the accident and prayed about it and two bigger guys were behind me and they pretty much took the brunt of everything, so I had it pretty easy most of the show. I said I probably owed them dinner or something. :)

As for the concert, Tegan and Sara weren't bad, although I wasn't blown away I did like their set just fine. I had heard they were good live and "stand up" comedienne's onstage, but they didn't have a lot of time for banter. They did manage a little, though. After they were through I managed to get a set list.


Finally, it was time for Death Cab for Cutie. I recognized the guy managing the stage from previous shows and noted that he'd been with them for quite a while. He rather reminds me of Ben, too, although they look more alike when they both were wearing frames. LOL I guess one can't get away from noticing the changes band members make when you see them only once a year. Anyway, they apologized for the wait and played quite a long set which, of course, I didn't mind at all. :) They played When Soul Meets Body, I Will Follow You Into the Dark (with audience accompaniment), A Movie Script Ending (Highway), Crooked Teeth, I Will Possess Your Heart (with Intro) and quite a few others. Death Cab's stage presentation has become progressively better since the first time I saw them a few years ago. At one point Ben held up his guitar "rock star style" straight up and said he was just used to playing it I guess the "normal" ?? way? and said he needed to practice it but probably on their time because it looked cooler. Everyone laughed. After the last song the applause and chants started for "encore" and "one more song". Ben came out and said they would have to make it quick because they would all turn into pumpkins or something or other at 10 p.m. due to a curfew. Then they pretty much played right up to the limit. It was really a good set overall.




I tried to get a set list but was told there was none, even though I could have sworn I saw them tape paper down. So, maybe the took them with them? LOL Two of the security guys really tried for me, though, so that was cool.

Anyway, I tried to look for a key someone lost, to no avail, and I left when I didn't see her anymore. Then I headed for the merch table and bought one of DCFC's cd's that I didn't have (Something About Airplanes) and a tee, and the Rogue Wave cd and headed for the car. I took one look at the traffic and decided to wait a bit. I walked over to the farm just to look and saw a llama in the dark, and smelled farm smells, took a phone call from someone and finally headed for home. My daughter decided she had a friend that could bring her to pick up her car in the a.m., so that saved me an extra trip.

So, now I'm home, up way to late, and very tired. I think I'll put the dogs in their crates and catch some sleep.

I still intend to blog about meeting Ernie finally, I'm just waiting til I can get the pics up to accompany it. Hopefully I can do that this week.

And please, don't forget the Chapman family in your prayers. There's also a Prayer for the Chapman's group on facebook. I'll add the link later once I look it up.

Have a great week,
Peace out,
Melanie

Shaken

Tonight I came home from work and headed for the computer to check my e-mail. What I found there had me totally and quite literally shaking.

As some may know, I was privileged to help cater at Steven Curtis Chapman's concert here in February (check out my Feb. blogs.) I never really got to talk to Steven during the day. He waved at me once, and I held the door open.. that's about it. However, I did get to meet both of his sons and have a short conversation. I thought they were really nice kids (yea, to me they're kids.) ;) Will plays drums for his dad, and his brother Caleb plays guitar.

For those that are unaware, Steven has adopted three precious girls from China. The youngest was 5. In a very tragic turn of events, Steven's teenaged son (none of the articles mention a name) was backing out of the driveway in an SUV and he apparently did not see the youngest girl Maria and he hit her. She was taken to the hospital where she died of her injuries. I almost cannot type this without crying. And it has left me shaken.

All this to ask you to keep the Chapman family in your prayers. I cannot imagine anything harder to deal with in my life. All my problems seem so small by comparison. It is obvious how much this little girl was loved by her mom & dad, and her brothers and sisters, and I am almost at a total loss for words. :(

http://www.klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=3961

God's peace to you all.

Melanie

Cupcakes and Other Things

Cupcakes & Other Things
Category: Life


Well, I decided it would be a good idea to make a white cake. Now I've made it from scratch before, but I wasn't planning anything that elaborate. I just had been craving some cake for some unknown reason and it sounded like it would be good. Besides, I've had two white cake mixes in the cupboards for what seems an eternity. It was time they were used.

So, I mixed up the cake mix (eating what was probably several cupcakes worth of batter in the process) and put a dozen cupcakes in the oven to bake. I even managed to put a load of dishes in the dishwasher. The recipe on the box cited 350 deg. as the recommended oven temp, but it seemed a tad hot, and sometimes my oven cooks a little on the hot side, so I decided to turn it down to 325. Then I headed downstairs with book in hand and proceeded to read the rest of The Five People You Meet in Heaven. (It's a bood book, btw.)

Usually from where I sit in the computer room, at my desk, I can start to smell things baking about the time they are ready to come from the oven. I didn't smell the cupcakes. I forgot about them. A good 45 minutes later my mind starts screaming, ""Cupcakes!" But then I was rather puzzled as I expected to smell something - something burning, but I didn't. I had no idea what I would find when I got to the top of the stairs. The cupcakes gratefully are not burnt. Oh, they are even maybe a little edible, but they more have more of the consistency of a cookie than a cupcake. So I have 12 rather "dry" and slightly crunchy cupcakes, but hey, they are not burnt. They aren't even too bad served with very vanilla soymilk.

Pardon me while I take the last three cupcakes out of the oven. Hey, three good cupcakes isn't bad. LOL After all, there are only two of us here.

Note to self: If the front door is open on a warm spring day, don't rely on smell to alert you to the fact that the cupcakes are done cooking. LOL

Peace out,

Melanie

In case anyone is wondering

I'm still alive and kicking... albeit a bit to sore to do too much in that regard.
I pretty much stayed out of work all week, except for Tuesday when I stupidly decided to try and work 4 hours. My back was in knots. So, I went back to see my regular doctor. He took an x-ray to be on the safe side and prescribed a muscle relaxer. I believe it is the generic version of Flexaril(oh, I need to double-check the spelling on that one) for 5 mg. I took one and it pretty much knocked me out for 12 hours. I literally was too heavy to get out of bed. I think laying in bed too long isn't good, either. But I did have a lot of sleep. My back is less knotted in one spot, but it is kinda sore all over. I spent so much time on the heating pad this evening that I felt a bit like a piece of cooked meat. LOL Am I done yet? Sigh...

I think it's slowly getting a little better, but I probably should see a chiropractor or something.

I received a check from insurance for the car made out to me and the bank. That's going to be fun. My husband wants to do the work himself. Not sure how that's going to play out. he ordered parts that are supposed to be here by Tuesday. I definitely want the body work done by a shop.

At any rate, say a prayer for me. I am going to try and go back to work 1/2 day again on Monday, and I need to go to the courthouse and try to figure out how much the citation is going to set me back. Then I need to find a chiropractor and figure out how to fill out the personal injury papers for insurance.

Anyway, time for sleep. I still have a few adventures to blog about like finally seeing Ernie Halter live and meeting him face to face and pics from a great show in Orem.

Good night all.

--Melanie

The rest of the story...

After my mishap on the freeway, I had a tow truck dispatched. It was supposed to take about an hour to arrive. I had to talk Chevron's tow service into it since it hadn't been cleared by the Highway Patrol yet, but they did. So, when a sherif arrived 30 minutes later (I thought no one was going to show up by that time), and told me that it would be quicker I debated. He pretty much encouraged me to let them call someone and in my shaken state I acquiesced. What I wasn't told was that the dispatched tow truck was planning to tow my car to a yard, and that if I wanted it towed home it would cost me $120 in cash. I was sorry I cancelled my dispatched tow truck. The UHP that arrived after the sherif pretty much told me I had to because my car couldn't stay there. Of course, my car HAD to be towed right then even though there was another car that was already on the side of the road not far away sticking out more than I was. It could wait to be towed, apparently. Had I the presence of mind at the time I would have suggested they tow that one. But, I was shaken, more than a little disoriented, and a girl with a mission. I was still going to the show. You know, the show must go on. LOL

So, after I was cited for improper lane travel (this is a joke, right? LOL), I got into my husband's car and headed for home. We arrived at home. The tow truck driver wanted to drop my car off on the street. My husband insisted he put it in the driveway. It was a good thing. The suspension was broken. Moving it off the street would have been a nightmare.

I was watching the time. I can still make it if... I can still make it. I'd been looking forward to seeing Vedera, The Myriad and Eisley for months, and I don't give up easily. I looked in my pocket to retrieve the ticket I put in my pocket after the accident and it had vanished. I tried to stay calm, printed up a receipt and hoped for the best. I had enough to repurchase just in case, but wanted to buy merch with that money. I convinced my husband to drive me to Salt Lake City. I said somehow I'd find a way home. Twice on the way down we were almost hit by cars, we ran into traffic (an accident worse than mine), etc., but we made it to the venue. I expected a long line since it was only 15 mins. until the doors opened, but there were probably only 25 or so people ahead of me. My husband parked the car on the side road. As I got out of the car, Steven of The Myriad was walking towards me. I think he recognized me and he smiled and said "hi" and I said "hi". I started a conversation and told him what happened and about the ticket. He said he'd see if I could still be put on the guest list. Then I asked if he would do me a favor and take some cereal to Eisley, and he said "Let's see if they are on the bus" and he walked with me to the bus. Boyd came out and I handed the cereal to I think Chauntelle. Boyd said he could smell the cereal. I was thanked lots. :) I was still kinda out of it. LOL Boyd was told what was going on and he walked with me to the front and then made sure I was on the guest list. Everyone was so nice. I finally was able to relax a little. My right side hurt a but, but I was doing o.k. I was glad it wasn't a pushy crowd. I found a spot on the right of the stage right under Steven's keyboard. Then I started chatting with people around me. The guy behind me I had seen at a previous show and we talked a bit. I told him about the accident. He probably heard me tell a few others. I bet he was tired of that story by the time the night was over. LOL Then there was a conversation with a group that waited for police two hours because they had an accident just down the street from the venue. One of them is on the Eisley boards. SO I wondered what the odds were of us both having accidents on the way, and then to end up standing right next to one another.

Finally it was time for the show to start and Vedera played. I had been listening to their cd a good part of the week, and was looking forward to hearing them play. I had seen them twice before, once opening for Mae, and another time opening for Mute Math at Kilby Court. They did not disappoint. I was really pleased to hear track 4 on the cd, which I love. The crowd gave them a good reception and the set up began for The Myriad. I have to say I really love those guys. I had seen them open for David Crowder Band in Boise in October, and I was totally impressed. I'm still impressed. It was a great set. I had a pretty good view of Steven's feet the whole time. Actually, they were kinda fun to watch. His feet really get into the music. LOL Well, part of the time he was playing guitar and I could see his face then. It was a treat to hear them play Grandfather Clock in full, and a lot of songs I've come to love over the last few months. I was soooooo happy to be there. Too soon their set came to an end.




But there was still plenty of good music to come. Eisley was next. I think it is the best I've heard Eisley sound, and I've seen them play a few times before. I could hear the vocals really well. Sherri's vocals were even a bit loud on the first song, but I was loving it. :) It seemed to go by so quickly, but they played a good, long set. Afterwards, I managed to get a set list. An Eisley set list is always something I love as they always have artwork, and are always pretty. :) Most everyone else that was looking for anything had their minds set on guitar pics. I had what I loved getting the most. :)




I put my camera gear away and headed for the merch tables. I talked to The Myriad for a while and showed Jonathan that I had my Copeland hoodie on. :) I purchased a tee shirt and the new cd, had the cd autographed, and pretty much talked to everyone except Steven. Steven and John left, but I had a photo taken with Jeremy, John Roger & Randy. I was laughing that last time I saw them my ticket was left at home and this time it was lost. I joked that one of these days I'd make it to one of their shows with my ticket. Last time two of the guys left before I could get a photo, same this time. (Someday I'll get a pic with Steven.) Then I went over to Vedera's merch table and bought an adorable blue tee with the life cycle of a monarch butterfly on it. Then I asked to have a pic taken. They consented. Then I realized I didn't have the right lens in and had to try to swap with one hand. One of the guys held everything for me and they were quite patient with me. :) The pics turned out cute, too. I knew Kristen's name, but not everyone else's, so we did introductions. They were some of the nicest people ever, and I was so happy to make a formal acquaintance. :)





After pics, I went to Eisley's table and saw Zane. I was glad I remembered his name. I asked if it was too late, and he said "no". I bought the "rabbit" Eisley tee in navy and took a pic of Zane. He said he wasn't anyone important, and I corrected him on that one! :) Then I headed out the door and waited for my daughter. I rather had hoped to see Boyd and the Eisley clan around somewhere, but it wasn't to be this time. I saw Randy again and asked if he would thank Boyd for me. I waited quite a while for my daughter (she ran into traffic and it was late even) and played with my camera taking 2-3 second photos just to see what I'd get. Obviously they weren't sharp, and I deleted all except one which I kept as a memory.


Anyway, my daughter did finally arrive to pick me up and we stopped at a Taco Bell and headed for home.

It was one long day. I'm extremely happy I didn't miss the show. Now instead of just thinking of the accident, I at least have a fond memory.

And now I'm even more sore from all this typing!

Peace out,
Melanie the stunt ninja driver
(hahaha.. definitely not!) LOL

A Not So Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Show

There is a theatrical production with the title, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (which I believe was also made into a movie) and for some reason that seemed to fit my day yesterday, although it wasn't so funny, I suppose.

I arrived at work about 11 a.m. yesterday to work a 4 hour shift. I was kinda bummed that I wasn't there a little earlier so I could leave early, but I consoled myself with the fact that crowds at the Avalon aren't usually there so early anyway. My original intent was to get the bands gift cards at Starbucks but I just ran out of time. I did pick up some cereal for Eisley as rumor has it they are big cereal fans. LOL But I digress and get ahead of myself all at once.

I arrived at work, put in my four hours and headed out the door. On the way out, my husband called. I think this was somewhere between 3:05 and 3:10 p.m. It was perfect timing as I was going to call him when I got to the car. I told him my plans for the day, where I was headed, etc. I climbed into the vehicle and headed for the Avalon. I expected to be there sometime between 4 & 4:15 p.m.

At about 3:30 or so, events put a crimp in my plans. Life has a way of doing that. I was driving in the middle of three lanes of traffic when I saw a truck cross a little over the line. I wasn't sure if it was going to come into my lane or just went a little over the line, so I prepared to change lanes to the left in case. As I was starting to go into the left lane I saw a car was in my blind spot, so I veered back into my lane, although I am guessing I turned back too sharply as my car went totally out of control. I careened across the right lane and into the guard rail. It felt almost like gliding. It's funny, but I kinda said a prayer because I thought I could really be hurt, and I felt a strange calm. I bounced back onto the freeway, and I fully expected to be impacted by 10 cars, but it didn't happen. I bounced into the guard rail again, I think, and might have again had the car not finally stopped. Two people stopped to see if I was o.k. - a gal in a van, and a guy in a pickup who was following an oversized truck (maybe the one I was concerned about.) The gal called for help and the guy said she could probably leave if she didn't see anything. He later told me he was a former highway patrol officer. He also said that the back end of my car was so far off the ground, that he thought I was going to flip and he only narrowly managed to avoid hitting me. I am grateful that both things did not happen. The whole thing borders on miraculous, including the fact that I am terrified of the airbags because I sit close to the steering wheel only being 5 feet tall and it did not deploy. I am terribly sore right now, but not as bad as I actually expected to be so far.

The suspension is broken, 2 badly damaged wheels, and 3 flat tires. That's what is known so far.

But the show must go on. I was determined. I convinced my husband to drive me to Salt Lake to the show and drop me off. Then I convinced my daughter to pick me up afterwards. Yea, the show was worth it. LOL

I will blog about the show later.

Oh, my car was nearly paid off. I only owed $700 which I planned to pay off with the economic stimulus package money. I just checked my bank account. The money was deposited in my account yesterday. Isn't it Ironic? I could add a verse to Alanis Morisette's song.

Peace out,

Melanie

P.S. There is a God... I am still here.

Tonight's the Night

... I get to see Eisley, The Myriad, and Vedera. I feel bad if you can't come along because that is going to be one GREAT concert! Can you tell I'm excited.

And to make it even sweeter, I see Ernie Halter on Friday. :)

Woo Hoo. I guess if I have to work a 4 hour day shift in a few hours I should sleep?

I'm so far behind I can't see myself

I can't see how I am going to catch up. I am so far behind on so many things that's it's far easier to sit here and blog about it. LOL

At any rate, just wanted to say that I will try to catch up, maybe on Sunday afternoon. I have been to two concerts this week, a graduation and a baby shower(Congrats Corrie! and James & Anne) One of them was the Superchick, Disciple, KJ-52, Britt Nicole, Starlit Platoon concert where I worked catering and took photos. I will post something more detailed later, but suffice it to say the concert was good, and the people were some of the nicest. Last saturday I saw The New Frontiers along with Alive in Wild Paint and some great local artists. Thursday I see Eisly, The Myriad and Vedera which I am probably the most excited about as I totally love all three bands. :) Friday, I finally get to see Ernie Halter. I think I've been trying to hoping to see him live for 5 years. LOL Finally!!! Now, if I just don't get lost trying to get there.

My hard drive is full, so I'd better go and make some space so I can work on photos. Otherwise I won't be able to take pics, and I believe both Thurs./Friday I can use my SLR. Woo hoo!!! :)

Peace out,
Melanie

my latest musings...

Another work in progress - I think it's lyrics for music I can't write.: LOL

I want to be remembered
though I'm hidden in the crowd
Tell me can you see me
Can you hear me shout

I want to be delivered
from this lonely place
Tell me can you find me
Can you see my face

I'm lost and I want to be found
I'm in the middle of the forest
No one's there to hear the sound
I'm lost I just want to be found

So, I'm good at hokey lyrics. LOL

Other thoughts:

Jesus died and was buried and rose again.
I just feel buried.
Buried in debt
buried in emotion
buried in sin
buried in tears

Worldwide Moment

Worldwide moment is an event where everyone takes a photo from whereever they are simultaneously. You can find info. on it here:

"But for now, the time has come to:

A) Figure out when to do the next World Wide Moment. Please go to this link and vote on when it should be. I'm sorry, but I could not figure out how to include the actual poll within this post, if that's even possible. I'm an idea guy, but not an Internet expert...

http://www.blogpoll.com/poll/view_Poll.php?type=java&poll_id=146928

B) Promote World Wide Moment's Facebook and MySpace groups. A student from Clemson named Brittany was awesome enough to start a World Wide Moment Facebook page two days ago, and it already has over 300 friends. If you'd like to join and keep up with updates head here:

World Wide Moment's Facebook Group

And, it already has a Myspace page. Here it is:

www.myspace.com/worldwidemoment "