The Best Concert We Never Went To

You know, this weekend turned out nothing like I expected, and yet it's leaving me quite satisfied. The problems started when we almost had to cancel our dinner plans due to Will's flight schedule, but miraculously, he got off early. That meant that not only did we go to dinner, we also got to visit the kickoff Fourth Friday event downtown that we enjoyed on our anniversary last year. The weather was perfect, the food at our favorite restaurant was divine, and the company was the best in the world. Both my dates ;)

Saturday, was the big day for the Toadlick Music Festival, so we packed everyone up and took the gang to one of the biggest parties in Southern Alabama. We knew the weather might be a problem, but we were mentally prepared for gettin' muddy. We didn't expect the music to stop as soon as we got there, but that just meant we had an excuse to tailgate. Tailgating was NOT allowed, but there wasn't much they could do about it while the concert was on hold. 

When the actual storm got close things did get a little hectic. We were ushered into a pavilion, and minutes after all hell broke loose with one of the worst storms we have seen since living here. We were cozy inside and had coolers full of goodies, but it definitely got intense for a bit. So intense that there was ZERO power in the surrounding counties when we came out. You'd think we'd all be pissed because we had yet to see a single artist and hadn't even made it into the festival through the mud, but we were enjoying each other's company. Eventually, a few of the artists played acoustically and we got an AMAZING sunset, so all in all...I call it a win.

The gang was a little boisterous this weekend, which I had no patience for, but I just focused on spending time with Will and it made for the perfect anniversary weekend. I love it...almost everything went wrong, but we were together and had the BEST time. 

That's what it's all about, folks.

Girl Talk And Tornadoes

I'm not entirely sure I will be able to post this, because I'm in the middle of a tornado watch with thunder and lighting popping all around me, praying that we don't lose power. I think I may only be calm because I'm having to hold myself together for Weiser. Poor thing is NOT a fan of thunder. I have him wrapped in his favorite blanket, though, and at least I don't have to leave him to go anywhere. This is definitely a new perk of not working; I don't have to worry about my house being destroyed by an anxiety filled dog!

I was planning on going to the gym today, but that doesn't seem smart. The good news is, I am so used to working out at home, that I can get in some HIIT Circuit Training even without power. In fact, I may wait to see if it goes out, because that would be a great way to kill time. Either way, I can't let this weather keep me from working out, during the #1800MinuteChallenge.

Today, we are supposed to share what music gives us inspiration, so I'm going to tell you my secret weapon. Have you ever heard of Mash Ups? They are basically 'Bastard Pop' songs that have been created by overlaying songs to create new songs. Something about them really gets my blood flowing, and I either have to dance them out or work out like a beast. I was first introduced to Girl Talk a few years ago, and my obsession has grown. My iPod is now full of mash ups, and I don't want to ever go back to 'regular' music.

While you check out some mash ups, you can also read the New Rules Of Fitness. I usually don't agree with mainstream 'rules', but these are pretty good. We are starting to realize that we actually know nothing about our bodies and what to do with them. I know that sounds sad, but it really is a positive. It shows that we {not including the dang genetically blessed} are all in the same boat, and we can learn what works for our own bodies. Instead of thinking "Why doesn't this work for me if it is supposed to work?" We can say, "Well, that didn't work, so onto the next workout!" Workout freedom.

 It's time for me to trick Weiser into going outside again while the lightning and thunder have calmed down for a bit. I know homeboy can't hold it all day, and he's going to have to get used to this weather out here. Sorry Weezy-booboo, we aren't in Kansas Colorado anymore!. Hope you are all having a less exciting Monday, haha.

Summer Favoritas!

Today, I am flying back to Chicago!
I just love my job sometimes. The fact that I get PAID to go back to such an awesome city is fantastic. I am most excited about going to see The Book Of Mormon at the famous Chicago Theater, which we didn't get to see last time. Apparently, it's from the creators of South Park, so I'm pretty sure it's going to be an interesting take on Mormonism. Have any of you seen it?

In honor of Summer drawing to a close this weekend, I thought I would share some of my favorite moments. Obviously, having Will home was the best part!

Favorite Trip:

Favorite Date:
We had a LOT of good dates this summer, but the Scavenger Hunt Picnic was my favorite.

Favorite Accomplishment:
Shooting for the Hooters Calendar is an accomplishment in itself, and come October 1st, we will know if I've actually made it IN the Calendar. Cross your fingers.

Favorite Toy:

Favorite "Look" of the summer:

Favorite Song:

Favorite Movie:

I don't actually know if there were any serious I'm-going-to-die-if-I-don't-see-this-the-moment-it-premiers movies, but I really enjoyed The Great Gatsby. Maybe because I've read it a million times, but either way, it was a great cinematic experience.

Only regret:
Not getting to go back to the pool at The Broadmoor. I REALLY wanted to stay there again, and veg out in the pool.

PS. I don't usually wear makeup in the pool. We just finished brunch ;)

What were your favorites of the summer?

We were all slacking in blogland, so hopefully we all made up for it in Summer fun!

I Used To Think I Was Adopted

Tis true. I knew that I favored my dad, but I NEVER thought I looked like my mom. Plus, she's what you might call a "spitfire" and "hard to handle", which were not the type of qualities I thought highly of for myself. So there I was going through my FB newsfeed, and BAM, this picture showed up and I finally saw it. What do you think?

I guess I am my mother's daughter after all.

Next, I saw this fun little link up, and at first I was like, wow, this seems easy...
But then, I was all like, dang, how do I narrow these down?!



Helene is right, and music really does define our lives with its undeniable hold on us all.
I rocked out in the 90's to Ace of Base and songs like Tears In Heaven or Wonderwall, but I also remember songs from my childhood like dancing in the kitchen with my mom to Time Of My Life from Dirty Dancing and In The Air Tonight was always cranked in the 'Stang with my dad. Ooh, and Bonnie Rait...Oh how I love me some Bonnie.

So here is my attempt at defining myself through song

My go-to Karaoke song:

Journey Don't Stop Believin' {I totally sound like this...}

Favorite Disney Song:

Sarah Mclachlan When Somebody Loved Me {Toy Story 2}

The song that always makes me happy:

Bobby McFerrin Don't Worry Be Happy {one man sick acapella}

The song that never gets old:

Queen Bohemian Rhapsody

The song I dedicate to Will:

Brad Paisley Then {narrating The Notebook}

The songs that got me through last years deployment:

Lennon and Maisy I Won't Give Up {sung by the best child duo}

Christina Perri A Thousand Years

And last but not least, a song that was once long forgotten, but I recently rediscovered:

Eagle Eye Cherry Falling In Love Again

Bonus points if any of you actually remember Eagle Eye Cherry. Although, that song may not count because it doesn't actually define me...I just love singing it with someone playing an acoustic guitar.

After all these, you might wonder about my eclectic taste, but you would never get bored listening to my iPod. Especially if you go to my favorite playlist that is comprised of Mashups like this. They are what I live for in the gym.

Do you relate to any of these? Or do you just think I'm crazy?

I like crazy. Helene brings it out in me.

That surprise I mentioned ;)

Back story:

Will loves it when I sing to him, but I never sing a full song.

(In fact he chastises me for it ;)

Thus, I got the brilliant idea to send a few songs over to him in the 'Stan.

 What was the first I chose?

Watch the video. hehe.

I am not a professional by any means,

 just a wife singing her heart out ~ hoping that it makes it's way all the way to her lover.

This is also my inspiration this weekend.  

I can't tell you why (don't you love when I'm so cryptic), but hopefully- if all goes well, I will have some pretty cool news to share soon!

Super Bass By Sophia Grace

Are you wondering who Sophia Grace is?  She just happens to be the most talented five year old that I have ever seen.  She dances (with attitude), raps and has a set of pipes that comes out of nowhere.  

Don't take my word for it...See for yourself:

This lil' Brit blew me away, as I'm sure you have seen why.  I am saddened because some people are taking it negatively, due to the mature nature, but the song plays on the radio, television and even grocery stores...Personally, I'm more offended by parents posting pictures of their kids practically toungin' each other.  I'd rather have my child expressing creativity, than makin' out with their playmate.

Regardless, you can NOT deny the talent that Sophia has.  Thank goodness You Tube introduces us to these little treasures!

Happy Friday, Y'all!

Hate Mondays...So I stopped working them!

I can't wait for....CHRISTMAS!!!  (I'm not even mad that Costco has their Christmas Decor out.)  I need some Christmas Spirit in my life....

I'm happy that....that yesterday was a wonderful day of fun with just me and the hubs <3


I'm excited because....My best friend bought me a plane ticket to come see her for my birthday! (more on that tomorrow, so you'll have to come back to find out the deets!


I'm craving...Jami's green chili, that she brought to our BBQ on Saturday...YUM.


If I had 3 wishes they would be...
1) World Peace (No, SERIOUSLY. Why can't we just get along?) 
2) To get all of our family together in one place, since our families haven't even met...That's a whole 'nother story that I'll have to expound upon later, but we eloped, so it's our own fault ;) 
3) Take Will to Europe.  He hasn't been, and I LOVE it over there.  Just waiting till we have some time to go....


I miss....Our wonderful family and friends...The Army takes us far from them :(


I love...Food, cooking, photography, the beach, blogging, reading, music, traveling, sunsets and the way my husband kisses my palm. #meltsmyheart


I am thankful for...My husband, our family, our wonderful friends, Weiser,  the adventures we are embarking upon and simply life in general. 


This is why I miss my family:

Don't let Mondays Get Ya' down y'all!  Do as little work as possible, while plotting out the rest of your week.  If you plan the rest of the week well, then you won't even feel like you took a break on Monday!  Call Mondays "Mental Health Mondays" and use them to YOUR advantage.

The Flobots and Co.

My husband introduced me to this band awhile ago, and like him- I quite enjoy them.  We missed their last show in town, so I promised him that we would go to the next one, which just happened to be this past Saturday!  I must tell you, though, we almost didn't make it...

He got back from the field on Thursday waaayyyyy past my bedtime, so Friday evening was our first bit of quality time.  Apparently, Will was looking forward to it just as much as I was, because this is what I came home to:

Followed by Filet fresh off the grill, paired with roasted red-bliss potatoes and a zucchini-squash medley.  As if I didn't need another reason to marry this man, HE CAN COOK TOO!  Not only was dinner fabulous, but we stayed lost in conversation well after dinner was finished, and then cuddled up to watch the movie "Unknown" with Liam Neeson. (Highly recommend, by the way). 

 All was fabulous, but at the end of the night he began complaining of a pounding headache.  This was odd because he doesn't normally get headaches, he began acting out of character and confused and he also had a weird lump on his leg that had rapidly popped up.  I didn't want to over-react and haul him off to the hospital, so I gave him some medicine, tucked him in and checked him a ba-zillion times throughout the night to make sure he didn't  die on me have a fever.  The next morning his headache was better, but the lump was bigger and even more painful.  It was actually to the point that he couldn't even walk normally, so to the ER we went.

We were afraid that it was going to take forever at the Fort Carson hospital, but we were actually seen relatively quickly and efficiently.  The Doc said it was most likely a cyst (not the cancerous kind) and that he would prescribe some antibiotics and pain meds as the first line of defense to try to avoid surgery.  As minor as the surgery would be, it's still a pain in the butt and prolongs the healing time.

Bad news: It made for an uncomfortable day/evening for Will

Good news:  He got babied by me, got hopped up on relief from pain meds, still got to go to the concert AND got to sit in the Handicap section!

Air Dubai and K-Flay were the openers and we all enjoyed both!  Seriously, they are worth checking out.  Air Dubai's lead singer has an INCREDIBLE voice and K-Flay is basically one chick who creates her own beats, DJ's and sings.  Pretty darn multi-talented, if you ask me.

 I think the group of people we went with also MADE the concert.  None of them had even heard of any of the bands, but they were down for a good time and trusted our musical judgement.  They certainly made the show more interesting ;)

#inthemoment

In case you are unfamiliar with the band, you might recognize this song:

 And definitely check out the video for "Stand Up". It's my favorite <3

Unfortunately, Will's leg doesn't seem to be better...in fact it seems worse :(  I will spare you the details, but it's GROSS.  He said he's gonna stop showing me, if I don't stop getting grossed out and making fun of it.  Needless to say, he is going to sick-call in the morning and then straight to the doctor.  I think the surgery is inevitable at this point.  Poor baby.  I would say that he's doing all this to get out of all his responsibilities, but I know that he's really in pain and with the way it looks....eeewwwwwweeeeeeeeeoooowwww.