Merry Thanksgiving and Happy Christmas?

You know, it's really tough to come up with catchy blog titles. I remember in school and the emphasis in Creative Writing on finding a title to grab the reader's attention. I'm not sure I ever mastered that one.

I never really finished blogging about my October, but it was one very full month!
In addition to the Snow Patrol concert, and my trips Vegas and Colorado, I started back to work, started watching my granddaughter when her mom was at work, went to see Eisley (with Say Anything, Bayside, Moneen, et al.),






worked during the day in hospitality and catering for Remedy Drive, and that same evening saw Mae in concert and collected a carful of things for The Road Home (homeless shelter and services) and took photos for a Harvest Party at my church, October was insane, but good. November has still been very full, but gratefully a little slower.



Tomorrow I will have the great pleasure of seeing Trans-Siberian Orchestra from
Row 8, Floor 1 at the Energy Solutions arena (which used to be called The Delta Center for any former SLC residents that haven't kept up. LOL) I'm not a huge fan of this venue, and not so crazy about floor 1, but I'll def. take row 8! LOL This will be the 4th year of me seeing them and it is always a highlight of my year. Unfortunately, they don't allow any photography, so not fantastic pics will follow, but that's o.k. After the show, they always do a meet/greet or as the line by the table autograph sessions are sometimes dubbed, a "greet and leave." LOL I still always manage to get a few words in. LOL

Thursday, I will be at my church for a Thanksgiving meal. I am bringing a turkey. In a stroke of fantastic and fortuitous timing, I was able to get a 24.62 lb. turkey for only $.40 a lb. at Wal Mart.

There was a limit of 2, at the time, so I picked up a smaller second turkey for around Christmas time. I won't be home on Christmas day, so I may have to fix it just a little late. :) I will be in Arizona, visiting my daughter, and her baby (which is due on Dec. 5.) So it will be a warmer Christmas this year.

For those who keep up with me and my crazy concert schedule (all one or two? maybe...) I will be at the Winter Wonder Slam in Boise, on Dec. 8 to see Relient K, primarily; I have a ticket to see Brand New/Manchester Orchestra in Jan., and a ticket for Jack's Mannequin in Feb. I am trying to behave myself and slow down, but it's tough! LOL I do really want to see Dashboard's acoustic show on Dec. 4, but not sure if I will go now. I had a ticket for the same show (non-acoustic) in November, but they cancelled and automatically refunded which I didn't totally understand, but now I'm not sure if I want to tackle it. I know John Allred has a show coming up, so if I have to choose, I may just catch his who instead. I have to see how the timing works out this time around.

I am off work now probably until next season which for me will most likely start somewhere between the end of January and the middle of February. The last two years, I have been called back the middle of February. Things seem less predictable every year, however, so I have no idea what to expect.

In the meantime, I am trying, albeit very slowly, to accomplish a few things. I've been going through my clothes and getting rid of things that are just too big for me to wear now. I have quite a growing pile. Hopefully between Thanksgiving and Christmas I can catch up on a little rest and get a lot more accomplished.

My granddaughter is growing like crazy now, and it's fun to see. She smiles more, and has even laughed for me (or was that at me.) ;) Today I took some snapshots of her smiling for her grandpa.



We also watched Star Trek. I liked it. The ending was different, so I'm not quite sure what to think of it yet.

I hope everyone has a very blessed Thanksgiving, and a truly Merry Christmas this year.

Peace out,
Melanie

My Two in One Attempt...

Saturday was an interesting day. I had a ticket to see We Shot the Moon (doors at 5 p.m.) and Sherwood (doors at 6:30 p.m.) and I knew it would be cutting things close. I was told early shows at Kilby Court usually ended by 8 p.m. and Dan said that Sherwood usually plays around 9 p.m. for headliners, so I figured I could make it. The shows were only a few blocks from each other.

Nothing about Saturday really went as planned. I had planned to sleep until 1 p.m., but my husband woke me up at 11 a.m. because my daughter needed a bill paid by noon.
I knew it was supposed to be cold, but it was snowing. I planned to leave at 3 p.m., but instead I left at 4.

I thought this could work, but before I left I saw that We Shot the Moon's van and trailer had rolled. I found out they all walked away from it, and I asked Jason (via facebook) if they were still playing and he said Jonathan would be playing an acoustic set. So I headed down the road.

I got to Kilby around 4:30. I usually get there early enough to use one of the few spaces right by the venue, but I think I just missed that opportunity, so I parked on the street and headed back. There was a small group of young people there already but they never got in front of me in line... they could have as they were there first. It was literally freezing cold out, so I was glad when they let us in 10 minutes early even before set up.

The show pretty much started out on time, so I was hopeful, but there were a lot of artists. The show was pretty much acoustic all around, which was actually kind of nice. Tyler played first. I don't know his last name. I think I've seen him before, though. He seemed kind of nervous.

The second guy was a 15 year old (Adam something or other?) and he was really pretty good. I kept thinking he was going to be completely amazing by the time he was 20.

Then a band played called Between the Avenues (I think, not totally clear as I was super tired.) The first song and a half was a tad rough vocally, but after that they were awesome -- especially when the two guys harmonized. I don't know if I've seen them before or not, but three out of the 4 were quite familiar, so I'm pretty sure that I have.


Then Aaron of Larusso played an acoustic set. I always love hearing him live.


Another local guy by the name of Mason Jones played. He was a lot of fun. He mentioned audience involvement, so I started clapping during one of his songs, but no one else was. IT was really odd, so he just went over to me and was saying, "Yea, that's what I'm talking about." I was having a hard time not laughing, but it was a little awkward. FINALLY, everyone else started clapping and having a good time...tough crowd. LOL

Then it was finally time for Jonathan to set up. The gal behind me said, "It looks like you might not make it to Sherwood, so I asked the time and it was 8:15 p.m.) I was disappointed, but still hopeful.

I decided to go to my car and get some things I had for Jonathan, et al., so I asked the gals behind me to watch my things and hold my place and they graciously did.
I bought A Silver Lining as I wanted to purchase a hard copy at the show, and ran to the car. I got back just after Jonathan started the first song.

Jonathan was definitely grateful to be there alive and playing. I think he was shaken up but at the same time seemed almost eerily calm. He said he wanted to hug everyone. (And yes, I took him up on it after the show.) There was a good crowd there, but it wasn't overly tight. Jonathan just played acoustic with the keys (no guitar at all) so his repertoire was limited. But he played quite a few requests, and then played a few Waking Ashland songs. Several of us requested The Bright Side, and he wasn't sure he could pull the whole song off, but he did it beautifully. People sang along to almost every song. It was pretty awesome. Anyway, the show ended at about 4 minutes before 9, and I had some things to give Jonathan, so I probably was headed out by a few minutes or so after 9.



I figured I'd miss about half Sherwood's set. It literally took me a few minutes to arrive at Studio 600, but probably 15-20 to find a place to park and get into the venue.

When I arrived I saw Sam (promoter) at the door, and he said, hurry they are playing the last song. So I wormed my way up to almost the front, said "hi" to the rest of the band standing next to me, and took two pics of Nate. Then it was over. I hoped for an encore, but if there was one, that was it. I heard the last half of the last song! Sam got on stage and made an announcement, so I took a few pics of him doing that.



LOL Then I went over to the merch table and talked to people. I bought a Sherwood hoodie because it was so cute, I was freezing and I'm into warm clothes at the moment! Then I talked to Dan for a while, and went back over to get change at the merch table for a twenty and left the hoodie there.. at least that is where I last remembered holding it and I did set it down. I talked to Mikey really briefly, and to Nate briefly and he told me they'd probably be back in the spring. Then I started talking with Corey and followed her around a bit. I wanted a photo with all they guys, but they needed to hurry and load out, so I waited. Then Corey walked with me to my car because I had something for her, and some hot chocolate for the guys. Then I drove back. They were all on the bus already except for Joe, so I just had a pic taken with Joe. Oh, and I put in a song request for springtime. LOL I'll see if it works!! ;) At least I got to say hello to everyone, so it was still kinda worth it all.

I went back to my car and realized I really didn't have the hoodie anymore, so I went to the venue where there was some sort of dance party, and they let me look. I didn't really expect to find it. I got back into my car and texted Corey.. who texted Lindsay, so they are going to send it to me.. isn't that awesome! I was much relieved!!!

Anyway, so I made the trip home. I was super tired, but got on the computer and worked on pics and made it to bed about quarter to 4 in the morning.

So.. I'm beat, time for some hot tea and a little sleep.

Hoping for some sweet dreams...
Peace out

From Denver to Fort Collins

October 17 was family day. :) I was still staying at my sister Stephanie's place in the Angel room. The day included showers, getting dressed, making sure as many of my things were packed that I could pack ahead, getting my camera gear back in order, checking my facebook, etc. I think I had a bowl of some yummy cereal that Stephanie had in her kitchen.

I can't recall what time we headed out to Fort Collins, but I do know we stopped at Starbucks along the way. I'm really loving the Vanilla Rooibos Latte with soy (aka the dairy free version.) It's pretty tasty. (I wonder if they are open at 2:24 a.m. LOL) I resisted the urge to eat something sugary and probably fattening.

Then instead of Denver or Bust, the theme of the trip changed to Fort Collins or bust. I have an Aunt and Uncle in Fort Collins, that I hadn't seen in a very, very long time. We used to go to Wyoming and Colorado every summer, so we visited a few times when I was younger, but I think I was 16 the last time I made the trip to Fort Collins. Let's just say that it was a very long time ago. I remember taking a picture of my cousin sleeping on a picnic table and playing Spoon. I'm not sure I even remember how to play it anymore, though I'm sure it would come back to me rather quickly. Anyway, I was looking rather forward to the trip.

For whatever reason we weren't planning to take the toll road. This did not make the
GPS very happy. She kept finding new and inventive ways to get us to take it. It was pretty comical actually. I got a kick out of it anyway, but then sometimes I can be easily entertained. ;) IT was a beautiful day out, once again, and a very nice drive. There was some uncertainty (but not a lot) about exactly which street to turn on and the specific house, but we really found it (or I should say my mom and sis found it) without too much difficulty.

When I got to my Uncle Kin's place, my Uncle Merle was there also along with my cousin Lorrie. We were all invited in, of course, and had a nice visit. We were planning to go to lunch, but it took us all a while to settle on where we were going. We ended up at Black Eyed Peas. The food was good, and all very high fat, southern style cooking. It was tasty, I must admit. I must have burned off a few calories at the Relient K concert, though, because I was pretty hungry. We had a great waiter and he even took a few group pics for us.

After lunch, we went back to Kin & Betty's place, and visited a little more. Of course, you know I took a ton of photos while we were there!



Soon it was time to say our goodbyes. Just when I was getting ready to leave Kin asked me to wait a sec, and he went back and brought me a gold coin. Then he came out and gave one to each of us. That was kind of fun. So, we said our goodbyes for real and headed out on the road.



WE made one pit stop to return the car my mom and Jim were using during their stay in Colorado, and then headed back to Steph's.

We had a lot of fun at Stephanie's as I played Wii for the first time. We played Wii bowling. I think I bowled just a tad better on Wii than in reality. It's odd bowling with a "bowling ball" that is imaginary and has no weight. LOL Randy (my bro-in-law) kinda cheated a little.. if that is what you call it. He would use the controller from the couch and not even get up. It was actually kind of funny, especially since he would actually get a pretty good score that way. Oh, and it is pretty funny when the ball goes backwards and everyone ducks. I think it's one of the highlights of the game. And it can happen a lot when you are trying to get used to the controller. LOL

Finally we all ended up headed off for some sleep. I used Stephanie's laptop for a bit, made sure everything except what I was wearing was packed and ready, and had a decent night's sleep.

The next morning, I made it to the airport, and everything went smoothly for the trip back home. It was a long week, but a great one. :) It was so good seeing everyone and I was very glad that I made the trek.

Denver or Bust, Part 2

October 16 was THE big day. It was Relient K day. It was Ethan Luck's birthday, it was see Brito day, meet Megan day and the "my sister was going to see my favorite band day." I was kind of excited, and a tad nervous about making things all work out together. I always stress over stupid stuff that God has all under control before I even think of making the trip. LOL

My original plan was to get to the venue about 10 a.m. Brittany and Megan had planned to be there around 10:30. I was up long enough before 10. My sister fixed yummy pancakes for breakfast. I took a shower. My sister helped dress me.. sort of. She gave me a pair of pants that shrunk and she couldn't wear as a result, and a cute shirt to match. Then she found a shiny belt and necklace that went with it.

We spent a long time trying to figure out how to transport Ethan's cake.... nothing was working. I finally just took the cake and hoped and prayed I'd find somewhere cool to store it until I could give it to Ethan. I had throat coat tea for all of the bands (I should own stock in the company. lol) and a small silly gift for Thiessen (lead singer of Relient K for those who are not fans.)

By the time we got out the door and arrived at the venue it was shortly after noon. It was o.k., though. I was the only one there. LOL My sister was to drop me off, and come back later for the show. She was concerned about it not being the nicest part of town. I told her that venues are only rarely in the nicest part of town. I assured her I wouldn't be alone all that long as I knew Brittany and Megan were coming.

It was absolutely gorgeous outside. I couldn't have asked for a nicer day. Not too long after I arrived, a guy from the venue showed up, so I asked him if they had somewhere cool to store the cake. He invited me in and we checked this tiny fridge in a small side room, but took one look and we both said, "no". LOL So he said there was a refrigerator in the dressing room, and that he would put it in there and try to "hide" it until after the show and I could come back and have cake with them. I tried to downplay that, since I didn't want to invite myself into the dressing room. LOL I tried to explain I was just a fan, and not sure if they would want me there. Anyhow, he finally took the cake to the dressing room, and I just hoped it would work. (As an aside, I talked to Ethan who said he knew about the cake, and would have some, but Jon Schneck said he thought it was gone, so now I don't know if Ethan even had any of his own cake. I don't know if he knew it was vegan, until I talkd to him, either. I did give Ethan the candle, though. LOL)

Anyway, I think Brittany and Megan arrived around 12:30ish. We all chatted for a bit. The bus was across the street next to a hotel. I don't remember the sequence and time frame all that well, but the bus did finally pull up to the venue for unloading. I saw John Warne and his lovely wife Sarah, so we finally met. I almost met her in Boise at the hotel, but just missed her. Unfortunately it was a fairly short conversation because the bus was pretty noisy, and they wanted to go out, of course! :) I saw Thiessen and he was really sick and not feeling well at all. I gave him the silly gift and throat coat tea. WE talked for a sec or two, and he went into the venue. This is where I really lose all sense of what happened when. Still, all of the individual moments are etched in my mind... some favorite things:

Megan's friends offering to buy me something from Wendy's and bringing it back for me gratis. My treat next time. That was sweet.

Seeing Copeland pull up and start to unload. Aaron was on the bus with RK, but I talked briefly to the other guys in passing.

I saw Aaron and gave him the throat coat tea and explained to him why I always bring it - he's the one that started my "trend." I said something about Matty being sick and he told me that he probably gave it to him.

Having everyone "hold my spot" while I walked to Starbucks to get Ethan a Starbucks card for his birthday. I wanted to get him a Vespa tee or other Vespa store item, but you couldn't order them online and the only time I could go was Monday when they were closed. My sister didn't seem too interested in visiting the store in Denver, and it would have been tough to do anyway, so I decided to walk to Starbucks. I need to figure out how far it was... it seemed like quite a hike! On the way this guy behind me starts making comments about me wearing a shiny "belt on my @**, and why was I, etc. I sooooo wanted to make a snide comment back, but decided to ignore him and walk faster. LOL Just as I asked someone if they knew how far away Starbucks was, I was directed and it was practically in front of me. LOL So, I went in, had them make me a Vanilla Rooibos latte with soy milk and make it iced (it's supposed to be a hot drink.) Then I talked to the gal for a minute while the tea finished steeping and bought the gift card. Then I made the long trek back. I think the walk back didn't seem quite so far - probably because I felt less uncertain and less lost.

Looking up and seeing April! I was so not expecting to see April, so that was a VERY nice surprise. :)

Talking with April and Jon Schneck about a burger place. I really thought Jon had decided not to go with us since he kind of disappeared, and we walked down there and ordered. Jon showed up later, and we left before he got his order so as not to bug him. Later he said he was looking for us and wondered where we went. Kind of a comedy of errors? LOL He and April both had the same thing and gave it two thumbs up. (The new siskel and ebert of hamburger joints?)

The box office opening up early and being able to get my photo pass BEFORE doors opened. That was awesome!! Very organized and no hitches. I loved it.

The concert, of course!!! I have to say that the concert was pretty amazing. Barcelona had the strings with them for the concert and they added a lot. They already have pretty amazing vocals, which is a huge plus, and I enjoyed their set immensely.


My sister and her husband decided to go out for something to eat/drink before the show (and they accidentally went to a gay bar first.. kinda funny) so they missed Barcelona's set, unfortunately. Copeland was amazing as usual. Aaron sounded really good. I texted my sister (she was up at the top, I was at the barricade next to Brito) and asked her what she thought and she said they were awesome. :)



And even though Matty was sick (and rumor was he really wanted to cancel out), Relient K put on a first rate concert. My sister was impressed. :)





Giving Ethan his birthday candle (it was supposed to go on the cake) and getting a pic with Ethan.

Introducing my sister to Jon Schneck, and to Aaron Marsh and talking to Aaron about Florida.

Oh, and taking a photo of a display for Relient K's new cd, at a record store on the corner, and having them tell me to let the bands know that they could get a discount. LOL I think they thought I was with the band. It was kinda funny.


Okay, I could go on forever. I had a great time. Thanks to all who were a part. Thanks especially to Brittany, Megan and friends for holding the fort and letting me goof off a little. I felt kinda bad that I relied on you so much for that.

Finally, after I am sure I kept my sister's husband, Randy, up way past his bedtime; and before they had to hog tie me and throw me in the vehicle (JK, or am I?) we all got into the car and headed back to my sister's place. I was pretty tired, but it was a great day!!!

Thanks again to anyone and everyone who made it so special!!!!!!!

P.S. Still adding pics... stay tuned. :)

Denver or Bust, Part 1

Perhaps I should try and finish my Denver saga before I forget too many details.
I bet y'all thought I forgot!

After arriving home from Vegas late on Oct. 14, I set about finishing up my packing. I had to repack my camera, recharge batteries, make space on the cd flash card, etc. I had most things packed a week in advance, but had to repack and add a couple of items. I wanted everything to fit in a backpack with room to include my purse. It worked and everything fit. There were also last minute things (like laundry) to finish up before I headed for the airport. As it turned out, I would have ended up with 2 hours of sleep, so I just stayed up. I was definitely tired. I don't sleep on planes, so I hoped I would hold out for a bit of visiting before I crashed at my sister's place. My mom was supposed to be there, but it had snowed, so I hadn't heard if she actually made the trip. As it turned out, she and her husband Jim decided to fly out, and they were already in Denver. I was happy because I was able to get a window seat both directions, and I definitely prefer a window seat!!! I like looking out at the clouds, the mountains, and the groups of houses that all look like circuit boards or a game of monopoly (depending on how high we are flying at the time.) Mostly there were clouds and mountains for the flight. I did close my eyes and rest a few times, but never went to sleep. I did get water and pretzels for a snack. Exciting, huh? I did marvel at the clouds this trip. They were so thick in places that they looked a bit like whipped snow. I would have almost expected to be able to step out and walk on them. I took pics with my cell phone.



It was a somewhat short flight, so it wasn't too long before I was in Denver. Once I arrived, I had to figure out how to get to where I could be picked up. I saw a really cool airplane model inside the terminal and snapped a pic with my cell phone (is there a pattern here?)

I asked for directions and was directed to a train in the terminal. Once I got that far, I heard from my sister, and I told her where I would be so she could pick me up. After a short wait outside in the pick up area, my sister Stephanie and mom arrived to pick me up. Once we arrived at Stephanie's house, I was directed to my room and was told that I had the angel room. It was really a pretty room, and quite comfy, too.


Afterwards we all chatted a bit, and played ball with Charlie the wonder dog and tried to figure out how and when we would get a vegan birthday cake for Ethan Luck.

We called a place called the Leaf in Boulder, and made arrangements to pick up one of their vegan carrot cakes. Someone from my sister's workplace brought one in at a potluck once and she said it was the best carrot cake she'd ever had. After a bit we went out to eat at a place called Village Tavern (I think that was the name of it, anyway.) I couldn't really see anything low fat on the menu, so I opted for scallops, since I love them. When my meal arrived, any hopes of it being remotely fat free vanished. Large scallops on top of mashed potatoes and green beans and butter poured over everything. LOL It was yummy, though, and those were some of the best mashed potatoes I've ever had. Of course we took pics of each other... still wondering why I didn't take a pic of my meal. LOL
Stephanie & Randy:

Afterwards we picked up Ethan's cake, and stopped at Target to pick up a few things. Then we headed back to Stephanie's. I won't even swear to the order of things as I was so tired, they all just ran together.. even which day to some extent. At any rate, I finally got into some pj's, and was able to catch some sleep, as the 16th was Relient K day at the Ogden Theater, and I wanted to be there really early. At least that was the plan. I was also planning to meet Brittany and Megan there because they wanted to be really early as well.

But that will be day two, aka part two and this is day one, aka part one.

Peace out,
Melanie