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

Prayers

I have been online enough, but since I started work, went to a ton of shows, and battled pertussis, I've lost track of some of the boards I've been on for a while. Eisley's board was one of the boards I hadn't visited in a while.

So last night I got back online and decided to check out some of the threads. I found out that Zane, their merch guy, was hit by a car(s) and ended up with a head injury. Zane is a very nice, and personable guy. I know I went to take a photo of him once and he said he wasn't that important. I disagreed. I also remember having a conversation with him about merch. A little later in the day someone wanted to see the merch before the show, and he accomodated them. Anyway, this is to say he's a good guy, and my hope and prayer is that he will recover fully and soon. I wouldn't mind at all if a few others joined me in that prayer.

Then the real kicker, also on the Eisley board, is that Randy, the drummer for The Myriad, has a form of bone cancer. This is the post from their website:

"Friends and family,

As some of you may have heard, our band mate Randy Miller had a large tumor removed from his left chest/shoulder area which has now been diagnosed as Chondrosarcoma, an extremely rare cancer of the bone. Unfortunately, during the meeting with the specialist at Stanford this week, he was informed that the tumor removed was just the tip of the iceberg. The tumor is much larger than they originally thought and it extends into his shoulder and arm. There is also a tumor in his left pelvic area and thigh and still another large tumor located on his right adrenal gland which is possibly another type of cancer altogether. Due to the aggressive nature of this cancer, Randy should begin chemotherapy immediately but is waiting to hear back from the state as to whether they will insure him. Until then, he cannot begin the treatment process. Please pray that this process is expedited.

There are immediate and ongoing financial needs for Randy and Kristyn and kids, Connor and Gillian. These needs can be met by donating to a “Mercy Fund” set up by a non profit organization called The Stirring and currently designated to Randy Miller. There are a few different ways you can send tax deductible donations to this fund. One is online at www.thestirring.org. Located to the bottom right of the main page you will see “ONLINE GIVING”. If you click on this link you will be directed to a secure page where you can set up an online giving account. Once the account is set up you will see the “MERCY FUND” and be able to send secure donations to the family through this organization. Tax deductible donations can also be sent in the form of a check to:

The Stirring
RE: Randy Miller
3468 Bechelli Lane Suite E
Redding, CA 96002

Any financial support you can give in order to help the Miller’s through this difficult time is appreciated.

Thanks for your prayers,
The Myriad"

I have tears in my eyes as I post this. These guys mean a lot to me. They have been amazing to this old lady when I've seen them. Please, keep Randy and family, and all of them in your prayers and if you can help out - that would be wonderful.

I am just a bundle of good news. :(

God's blessings,
Melanie

The hurrieder I go the behinder I get

I think I used to hear that saying from my mom long ago. I'm not sure where she got it, but it tends to suit me too well. LOL

At any rate, I am going to see Weird Al tonight at the fair. I haven't had enough sleep. I need to do a lot of things, and here I am online. I'm a glutton for punishment. LOL

And, I am now the street team co-ordinator for Mute Math in Salt Lake City! The tour just started with a sold out show in Boston. It shouldn't be any surprise that Mute Math would sell out. Not only is the music outstanding, but they probably have one of the best live stage shows out there. They set the standard for stage presentation!! Not only that, but they are touring with Eisley. It's an interesting combo. Eisley is just pretty. Mute Math rocks! But both bands are absolutely incredible live. If it comes near you, DO NOT miss it!!!!! I can't emphasize that enough. I've had my ticket since the day they went on sale.

http://www.mutemath.com/tickets