Girls, Graduation, Goals and Good Music

So last weekend was short but full.

Friday night I headed to the PM Nightlight Lounge at Dallas' Joule Hotel with Stephanie and Eric. There we saw Allison and her Burlesque Group perform. They did an excellent job and was had a good time as always. :)

Saturday morning was dreadfully rainy but we made our way 90 miles east of Dallas to Texas A&M Commerce where my Aunt Stephanie graduated Suma Cum Laude. This was a super cool moment for her and the rest of the family.

...shortly after the ceremony, I had to skip the celebration and head back towards Dallas (actually, past Dallas and all the way to Frisco) so that I could work the FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders FC at Pizza Hut Park...which ended in a tie. But still fun to work.



Sunday, about 12 hours after being at Pizza Hut Park, I was back there with Momma as we attended the Kenny Chesney Make Up Concert for the one that ended up being washed away. It was GREATNESS!

This time around the tickets were all first come first serve. Because of this we ended up standing in line waiting for the gates to open for about an hour and a half. It was a beautifully awesome day that became more AWESOME when Kenny Chesney himself came out through the parking lot on a golf cart to say hey to everybody waiting and tailgating. Did I mention I touched his arm? Yep, after a little hustle through parking lot I got close enough and TOUCHED HIS ARM. lol Yeah, that kinda made my day.

Anyways, we finally got in and we got the most perfect seats. I could have stood against the stage but I really wasn't feeling standing in the sun for another couple of hours. The seats were just fine for me and Momma. :)

The curtain was raised and Kenny took the stage and said, "Now, where were we... ", the crowd went wild and he sang There's Something Sexy Bout the Rain...the song he stopped on 2 weeks ago. He then started the show over and played for the next THREE HOURS. Half the songs were his...half everyone else's. I always knew the man is an amazing entertainer. But now I know he's an amazing Person. Thanks Kenny for bringing the good times back to Dallas for a night. :)

much love


...headed back to Costa Rica for more adventure and stories...stay tuned :)

Viva...Las Mother's Day!

Friday May 8, 2009

After seeing only one swine flu mask in DFW airport, Momma & I boarded the plane, and we were on our way! I was planning on sleeping all the way, but ended up watching the in-flight movie, He's Just Not That Into You. (Yeah I'm a sucker for that movie and ended up watching the whole thing.) The credits began to roll and we landed in Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada!

We headed to the taxi line...with about a couple thousand other people...also ready to begin their weekend. The line was ridiculous! It felt like we were waiting in line at Six Flags...a much cooler Six Flags of course. :)

We arrived at the MGM Grand Hotel



...dropped our stuff in the room and headed to our 10:00 pm reservation at craftsteak...OH MY GOODNESS! This was some awesome food. Of course I have to share lol:


Lemonhead Martini:

Cutest/Yummiest Rolls:

The Ribeye:

Chocolate Souflee & Banana Ice Cream:



Sorry it was amazing!

After dinner we began to explore the hotel and did a little bit of window shopping...followed by some actual shopping. :)

It was roughly 11:45 pm when the Dave Matthews Band concert let out at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and we were all of a sudden caught in a flood of DMB fans. (Think the wildebeast stampede in The Lioin King.) After the heard was gone, we headed back to the room where the most comfy beds ever awaited us!


Saturday, May 9th

At about 9 am I woke up and headed to down to the spa. It was packed. My massage was good but I must remember next time to request a dude. Checks just seem to be slightly weaker. Nonetheless, it was still good.

During my massage my awesome Momma went and found us a couple of chairs at the HUGE River/Pool. This was not an easy task, and I am soooo thankful she did this. Eventually I found her. I got us a couple of tasty beverages and got in the River...with my yard o "pink lemonade" and proceeded to do some great people watching. :)

After a couple of hours at the pool we went inside in search of lunch...and a Mavs' score. When we walked through the Sportsbook we were up so we kept on walking.

We ended up doing lunch at Rainforest Cafe. There we shared steak, ribs and shrimp. Another good meal. :) Back through the Sportsbook and we were now tied 33-33 with Denver. So...since I figured we were safe, I dropped my mom at the slot machines (after I played $20...I quickly foundout the addictiveness of the one-arm bandit) and headed back out to the pool...yard in hand.



At the pool I found a couple of cool sisters from Alberta, Cananda and hung w/ them as we laughed at boys from Seattle and a bachelor party full of Pittsburgh guys with a Groom from Lewisville, TX of all places!! I had a ton of fun til the sun went away and they closed that part of the pool...which was fine since I was shivering at this point.

I went back to the room where I found Momma...and foundout that the Mavs lost...by one point! (kinda glad now that I missed that game.) So, I laid down for a super quick nap that was much needed.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena was the destiantion of the night. Opening Act...Jason Mraz...followed by Dave Matthews Band!! (Which is the second reason of why I chose Vegas on this particular weekend.)



After buying the obligatory T-Shirt...we headed to our great seats and Mr. Mraz was already singing his first song. I could listen (and have listened) to his voice all day long. He just makes me happy. :) I wasn't the only feeling like this. When he sand "I'm Yours," everyone was on their feet and singing and dancing along. Good times fo sho'.

Next up...Dave Matthews Band. (a first for my mom) There was non-stop dancing...Momma got a kick out of this. I do love the DMB fans. They know and love the music. The vibe of the show was super up-beat...just the way I like it. :)

Momma left a little early but it wasn't because she didn't like it...because she most definitely did. It was just a super long day...

New stuff off the album coming out in June was also played and I am really looking forward to owning it! :)

Dave Matthews Band put on a great show and I was super glad and lucky in life to be there. I know this.

All Good...

So the last couple of weeks have been full of extra curricular activities.

Not really all that motivated to talk about each one so here's a visual representation of each. :)

4ish times a week since January:





April 25, 2009 Henry's 25th Birthday:







April 26, 2009:



April 30, 2009

May 2, 2009 Kenny Chesney Part I:

May 3, 2009 New Shoes:

May 5, 2009:






May 6, 2009

Okay, okay, I have to talk about this last one. Last night Momma and I went to see Rent. We were on the front row. Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp from the original 1996 cast starred in it. It was amazing. I was having a so-so day...but as soon as Mark (Anthony) begins his intro:

We begin on Christmas Eve with me, Mark, and my roommate, Roger. We
live in an industrial loft on the corner of 11th street and Avenue B, the top
floor of what was once a music publishing factory. Old rock 'n' roll posters
hang on the walls. They have Roger's picture advertising gigs at CBGB's and
the Pyramid Club. We have an illegal wood burning stove; its exhaust pipe
crawls up to a skylight. All of our electrical appliances are plugged into one
thick extension cord which snakes its way out a window. Outside, a small tent
city has sprung up in the lot next to our building. Inside, we are freezing
because we have no heat.

Smile!

...My heart was once again filled with love and I knew the next 2 1/2 hours were going to be something special.

I wish everyone could/would see this and realize that it's all about love, tolerance, and living each and every day to it's fullest. So how can it possibly be a bad thing?

much love

Happiness...

Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

much love

I Gave It My Best Shot!

So Wednesday night was kind of RIDICULOUS!!! ...in a good way. :)

As you may know (because I bugged you constantly about it) I was one of the five finalists for the Mavericks/Coca Cola/House of Blues Rock the House contest. Thanks to your votes...I won the opportunity to sing at the Dallas Mavericks vs San Antonio Spurs Game on March 4th at the American Airlines Center.

*Interesting side note...it was Noche Latina, and therefore the teams were wearing jerseys that said Los Mavs y Los Spurs.


Anyways, roughly 24 hours before the game I was notified that I would be singing Pat Benatar's Hit Me With Your Best Shot. I've never sang this song...especially not in front of 21 THOUSAND people.

I had a brief rehearsal in my truck in the parking lot of Dave & Busters (that's where were had planned to have dinner) that consisted of my ipod, Momma and cousin Kellie...I learned the words and was ready to go. The next 24 hours of anticipation was kinda brutal. I wasn't really nervous just really excited. Yeah this sounds kinda silly and crazy...but you have to know that I grew up performing and have missed it a ton...so when i was given this opportunity I had to go for it. Carpe Diem!!!

Instead of my normal routine of trying to hacky sack it up with the guys after dinner...I was on the dock at the AAC, earphones in ears, playing the track over and over and over again. I work with AMAZING people and the amount of positivity, "break a leg," and "knock em dead," etc. wishes I heard made me feel super special. Thanks to all of you for that.

Before the game started I met my Momma and sister, Brenda, on the concourse for one last run through...yeah I have very little shame...or fear for that matter. :)

I'm quite certain that my heart rate was off the charts by the time tipoff came around. Oh yeah, did I mention I happened to also be working the game that night. I was running replays for the in-arena show. I would be singing at the end of the 1st quarter. There was approximately 3 minutes left on the clock so I RAN (I don't run) to the other side of the court and had about a minute to spare before it was "show time". The next 3 minutes were a complete blur.

This is what I know:
I know I got out on the court and saw some of my favorite familar faces.
I know there was a sea of Mavs and Spurs fans in front of me.
I know Chris Arnold introduced us both.
I know the other contestant sang.
I know I was handed the mic and at THAT moment there was this rush/high/something that went through my being.

I'm pretty sure I sang and I felt pretty good, great about it. :)

The crowd was deciding factor of who won. But you can judge for yourself if you'd like...

I did not win.

But that wasn't really the point of it all. I just wanted to get out there and "Rock it!" Mission Accomplished. (to me anyway...and as we know this is MY blog and really MY opinion is all that matters) ;)

The bit was over and off I RAN (I repeat, I don't run) back to the replay room, and with an awesome round of applause from my co-workers...we were back to work. The final score was Los Mavs 107 Los Spurs 102. Awesome game and most needed win!

It was a noche to remember.



*here is the entire contest if you're interested:

much love

ALOHA!... Part 3

February 1, 2009 Day 4:

First of I’d like to say I have the most amazing Momma and God Mother, Carol…due to me not having direct deposit, my funding during the trip went kinda haywire…but where there’s a will there’s a way…And man do we have so WILL!!!

I woke up to the sun shining…it’s warm and wonderful! It’s also SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! Whoo hoo?? HA! No, it’s cool.

*Quick back story…I tend to take vacation during either January or February due to the fact the NBA and NHL teams have their All-Star Breaks somewhere around then and therefore, I usually have a couple of more days where there’s no games. This was also the perfect excuse to boycott/leave the country during Valentine’s Day. (Which I am SUPER cool with.) But the last couple of years I’ve “escaped” during Super Bowl time…last year I had a blast watching it en espanol in Costa Rica!

So although our plan was to try surfing again, plans changed. Because of the time difference, the game would be starting right around lunch time. So we decided to head to Senor Frogs. Yes, once again we played tourist. It was fun. We had this Criss Angel-look-a-like waiter named Nick from Delaware.

And thus we were entertained for the never several hours! :)

*One of my favorite places in Nassau is Senor Frogs to Just. Have. Fun. The one in Waikiki is still in America…and therefore, under the laws of America. Watching “kids” between the ages of 18-21 have a crazy good time does not happen here. We made our own fun. And it was all good. Just warning ya…not every Senor Frogs is the same. :)

Anyways, we headed back to the hotel for a MUCH NEEDED nap.

We woke up around 8 p.m. and then mayhem ensued!!! My fabulous camera-chica, Stephanie, and I made a video. Not just any video though. I’m trying to win a trip to Vegas, courtesy of the Dallas Mavericks. The goal was to “Rock the House” (of Blues) by karaoke-ing it up. Here’s what was submitted. The song is Mr. Brightside by The Killers. Go ahead and laugh…I don’t mind in the least…especially if it gets me to Vegas Baby!!! ;)

*Someday I’ll post the “blooper reel”…it’s way more entertaining…well to me and Steph anyways. ;)

After a quick shower, we got all dolled up and headed back out on the town in search of dinner...with some cool stuff along the way.

Mosaic wall of the visitors center...

Pretty Hibiscus...

Probably the Coolest Apple Store Ever!...

We ended up at Doraku Sushi.

This place is owned by the son of Behinhana…so we thought hey, lets check it out.

After the awesome food, once again we were exhausted…so back to the room it was…good night! :)

But wait! There's more... to the great week I had...

So one of my favorite things to do is to see concerts, shows, gigs...basically any and all LIVE MUSIC. My top list of people/groups to see in person are (in no particular order):

Dave Matthews Band
Kenny Chesney
Better Than Ezra
Jason Mraz
Matt Nathanson
Buckcherry
Matchbox Twenty
Flogging Molly

If I'm in town (or the town that they happen to be in) I will see them. You might scoff at this list but I don't care (as this is MY blog) and I do not push the music I like on others. (hence the beauty of the earphones) I like what I like and you like what you like.

Besides digging their talent, the energy that they give off to the crowd and that the crowd gives back is why I go. I LOVE it when (almost) everyone's on their feet singing along. When this happens, I know that they're doing something right. (yes, I'm envious and wish I was in a band but that's besides the point lol)

Anyways, my most excellent week continued with me being lucky enough to see to of the artists on my list.


Thursday

Although I despise the the complete corporate-ness of the Nokia Theatre, I headed there anyways and paid a ridiculous amount for parking (which reminds me I need to get that darn sticker off my window). I got inside and to my seat (on the 3rd row) and was already smiling because I knew I would be enjoying the next couple of hours. Jason Mraz took the stage and as he began to sing the first song my being was filled with happiness. Dude is amazingly talented and funny and not bad on the eyes either. ;) He's also not afraid to drift off in the middle of one of his songs and do a bit of a "cover" and then back. (I love the cover song.)

For over 5 years I've had great and slightly random memories when it comes to seeing this man do his thing. :) The first time I saw him was back in 2003 when he opened for Johnny Lang (good show). But the next time was during halftime of SuperBowl XXXVIII in 2004. (Yes I missed the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake wardrobe malfunction.) Back in 2005, I got the pleasure of actually meeting him when he opened for Alanis Morissette at the Bass Hall. Super nice guy (hugs, autographs, pictures)...I'm sure it had nothing to do with the 2 hot girls (that got his attention on the streets of downtown Ft. Worth) I was with. ;) Anyways, each and every time I've seen him has been a good one. :)
Thanks MR. A-Z.

And the hits just keep on comin'...

Friday

I won't spend to much time on him since I did devote another posting back in March to Matt Nathanson. But I will say, he put on another great show that had me smiling, singing, laughing and rockin' all the way through. He got a much deserved upgrade (this time he was headlining the large room at the HOB) since the last time he was here. It was very cool to see alot of new fans come to the show as well. (I'm sure he's thanking VH1 constantly these days)

You know it was a good show when you're walking home and can't help but have one of the songs playing in your head. :)

much love

This Week-ish...

Saturday: So last weekend was pretty darn rough for South Texas thanks to that force of nature called Ike. Most of Houston's power was knocked out and well Galveston was left under water. As far as my family and friends. Everyone was fine (physically). Lots of power lost. One roof lost. A tree on one house. And one house that was split in HALF by a tree. The main person I was concerned with was my great aunt Marlene. She recently had hip surgery and was moved to a hospital-ish type place during all of this. Luckily power was sustained by a generator. But it was so weak that she could not even move her bed up and down to get comfortable. I just glad every one's ok.

In Dallas we got some nasty rain Saturday but that's about it...and my mom and I had tickets to see Mamma Mia! the musical in Ft. Worth...so we went.

And it was pure fun and greatness! (as a musical based on the music of ABBA should be). Every time I go to see a show it makes me remember how much I LOVED doing theatre. The music, the dancing, the costumes, the cast that became family for a short period of time...I miss all of it. Unfortunately, the whole sports gig completely conflicts with me partaking in such greatness. (grr)

Moving on...

Sunday my mom and I and friends, Debbie and Monica, decided to try something different for lunch. We ended up at the House of Blues for their Gospel Brunch. The food was pretty great...but the massive amount of it was a bit overwhelming. The band and singers were excellent and Monica even got on stage with them at one point. Good times....but definitely a once a year thing. (like I said MASSIVE amounts of food)
Monday night I worked the last ever MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL game at Texas Stadium. It was a great game! Up until the very end you weren't sure who was gonna win. "How bout them Cowboys!" (Grandaddy would have been proud.)



Tuesday wasn't too special but it was new music and dvd Tuesday and that meant I took a trip to Best Buy during lunch and made a couple of purchases. (don't know that I've ever been in Best Buy without making a couple purchases lol)


I got the new Darius (don't call me Hootie) Rucker country album, Learn to Live. I really like it. I saw him (and the rest of the "don't call us Blowfish") not too long ago and loved them live. His voice is HIS voice and I don't think he's trying to BE country...there was most definitely country already in that guy. :)

Next up was the new Buckcherry CD, Black Butterfly. There last album, 15, was about my favorite Rock album of the last couple of years, Track 1 to Track 11. Yeah they're not really "kid" friendly...but as I have no kids...I'm good. ;) I was super excited when this hit the shelves (yeah it wasn't available on iTunes). And so far, so good. I dig it. I think it sounds best when driving down the highway with the windows down in this gorgeous weather we've been having. (You see here in Dallas, we only get about a week of actual "fall" weather.)


And last but not least, The Complete First Season of Pushing Daises on DVD. (yeah I'm not cool enough for Blu Ray yet). This by far was my favorite new show of last year. I can't wait to watch 'em again before the new season starts...I better get on that. ;)
Wednesday...see post below.

Thursday night was great fun. I went with Michael, Monica, Eric and a couple other chicas to play TopGolf. (go here if you care to know what it is www.topgolf.com) I had a great time. I was pretty awful at the beginning (as my golfing past consists of the miniature variety...again thoughts of Grandaddy) but I think my "swing" (hack) got slightly better by the end...sorta. :) They also had killer sweet potato fries and yummy blood orange sorbet. Can't wait to go back!



So yeah, it was another good week of living life ...and I leave you with this...idiot...

much love