Totally and Completely

Smitten!!!

So obviously, I didn't take this picture. The tickets I got were for the 5th row...from the very back of the E Center...I thought I was going to be a whole lot closer, but that's okay. The concert was absolutely AMAZING!!! I'm still on a concert high! Jason Mraz is a true entertainer. He wasn't a boring singer who sounded exactly like his album and just stood there. Furthermore, he didn't lip sync and he was 100% in tune. I LOVED this show. I want to go again, but sit closer. He was funny, and interactive. I couldn't resist, and I bought a concert t shirt. I'm so glad I did. It truly was the greatest concert ever. He was so much fun, and I just had a BLAST!!! He was fun with the rest of his band too. He included all the players and introduced them one by one and let them show off a little bit. It was just so nice and so carefree. He seems very laid back and "chill". How else can I put it? "Chill" seems to sum it all up. One thing he has been doing, is taking polaroid pictures just about everywhere he goes. From the stage, he took pictures of each individual member of the band and tossed the polaroids out in the audience. He had the drummer take a picture of him, and then out it went into the audience. Too bad he didn't have some sort of picture-flinger so those of us in the nosebleeds could have serious bragging rights. One guy down on the very front row got to take Jason Mraz's camera and take a shot of the whole group together, and then of course--the picture was sailing through the air. They went a lot farther than I expected them to. SUCH a good concert. I seriously want to go again. I just really liked it and really want to be his friend. Weird, I know. I was totally impressed (in case you couludn't tell). I'm running out of great things to say about it because I'm still in shock. I never expected it to be that great. Of course--the only concerts I can compare to would be the Blink 182 concert in 2004 (with that crazy band that sings "Insane in the membrane, insane in the brain") where there was a GIANT bong on stage. hee hee. Or the Good Charlotte concert (I don't even remember the opening act) where I was on a sort of blind date again, in the nosebleeds (except that concert was packed) and I honestly couldn't tell if they were really singing it or lip syncing. Who knows? So I guess it's really no surprise that I was blown away. If I had known it would have been that great, I would have given up eating for a week to buy the tickets on the front row. *sigh*

Maybe one day Jason and I can be great friends (and I'll even get to sing "Lucky" with him).

P.S. I actually thought to myself (well more like played the movie in my mind), "Hey! If I try out for American Idol, maybe I'll magically be able to carry a tune in a bucket, and then I could win, and then on the finale show I'll stand on the stage with millions cheering, and I'll sing "Lucky" with Jason Mraz, because when you win, you get to sing with your favorite artist. I think I would pick Jason Mraz--and "Lucky" would just be perfect..."

And the crowd goes wild...

And then I'm back at work...

P.P.S. I'm completely aware of how stupid I sound right now, and that this is a fleeting thing. And yes, Josh knows that I'm obsessed (and totally celeb crushin)!

Freebie Friday

If you don't know who this is, I'm not sure we can be friends anymore. This is the creative and talented Mr. Jason Mraz. His first big hit was "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" back in 2003 (I remember hearing it for the first time as I was finishing the rest of my packing for the A Cappella trip to Washington D.C.). I was immediately smitten. My sister bought the c.d. and I horked it for awhile. My favorite song from his first album (Waiting for My Rocket To Come) became my obsession while I was driving out to StageRight for an audition for Anne of Green Gables (which I was cast in, but dropped out of after a couple of weeks). (The song to which I'm referring is called "I'll Do Anything"). I love his relaxed and chill music from his latest album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"). He did however, have an album between these, called "Mr. A-Z" (which is his name: MRAZ=MR. A-Z). While it was a good c.d., I think my favorite by far is his latest ("We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things").

There was a significant length of time between his second and third albums. I read on his website that he was "discovering himself". He said he was in some other countries living for awhile, and not doing much performing. While there, an anonymous person left a stack of religious books (from varying religions) outside his door. Mraz said he read them and really liked different aspects of each. It was then that he began his latest album. Perhaps my favorite song from "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things" is "Lucky". This is his latest radio hit and is a duet with none other than miss Colbie Caillat. (I'm a big Colbie Caillat fan as well). What could be better than this combination?! He wrote part of the lyrics, and she wrote part of the lyrics, and then they got together to record it. I believe he was still living in another country, and she was in the States. He found out that she was a big fan of his, and he decided he wanted to record with her. Great idea Mr. Mraz! LOVE LOVE LOVE this song. I really like how relaxed and "chill" this latest cd is (though it's not without the occasional profanity...consider yourself forewarned).

The best part of this post, however, is that I HAVE TICKETS TO HIS SHOW!!!!! Last night as I was driving home from work, I heard that one of the radio stations was doing a remote at a car dealership right by my house, and they were giving away all kinds of concert tickets...including tickets for Jason. So I stopped by to see what I had to do to walk away with my very own pair of tickets to his show. There is a game called Tailgate Golf, and I started to explain this, but just don't know how, so google it if you don't know what it is. Basically, you had to throw these things, onto another thing, and it had to stay on the top rung of the thing you threw it on, and you had three chances (like I said, google it...). I tried, but was unsuccessful. Bummed about the tickets, I walked over to pick up the two furthest away throwing things, and coming up with clever and charming things to say so I could have another chance, and was walking back with my throwing things when he said I could have the tickets anyway. I was shocked. Really?? Did he not see how far away I chucked those things? He must be blind! He then explained that I was the first person to even make an attempt to go pick up my throwing things and for that, I deserved tickets. I was so excited and giddy, I thought I was going to fall over. So I drove home with my Mraz tickets. Oh, I mean, I drove home with my 5TH ROW Jason Mraz tickets. :0D SOOOOOOOO excited. Here's my dilemma. I have no one to go with. It is Tuesday night (the 28th) and I'm inviting you. Just leave a comment on this post, and tell me why YOU deserve to go to the Jason Mraz show. Of course, you'll have to go with ME, BUT--it involves 5TH ROW TICKETS!!!!! TO JASON MRAZ!!!!!! Get commenting! We only have until Tuesday!!!

I've Decided...

...to start running again. If you want to join me, I'll be at Gold's Gym. Probably on the bike, or stairmaster...but HOPEFULLY on the treadmill...running. :o)

Catching Up

So these are my cute parents, and this is from the birthday celebration they had for both me, and Josh. We went to dinner at Al Forno's (Italian) and then went to my parents' house afterward for cake (Josh's birthday cake) and to open presents for me from my parents. Thanks Mom and Dad! Love you guys a lot!

My Mom is a Baker Extraordinaire. Everything she makes is from scratch, or mostly from scratch. She seems to outdo herself every year when it comes to cakes for birthdays. She really does cool stuff. Here is evidence of that baking genius:

Josh's double layer Lemon Cake. It was pretty darn tasty! Because we went to Al Forno's and had bread with oil and vinegar (for me--sans oil) my mouth was feeling a little sensitive to strong flavors. It was really good, but because of the intensity of the vinegar, the lemon was a little strong at the time. Perfect later. Josh always loves the cake saturated in a bowl of milk, but I prefer it just plain. :o)

So remember that post about the sense of humor of our paper deliverer? Well, about a week after the paper being stuck in the wall by our door, it mysteriously ended up here. Like I said, sense of humor.

While Kristen and Dave were in town, my parents and I decided it would be fun for them to come to The Roof, so I arranged for the table (and of course the awesome discount ;) ) and ordered flowers for the table. They were inexpensive and SOOOOOO beautiful! One was a sort of Congratulations for my sister and Dave in anticipation of the arrival of the little jelly bean (not until December). The other was for my Mom as a Congratulations for her completion of her most recent turn as Relief Society President. My Mom is incredible and just the epitome of Relief Society. She is really amazing and has such a love for and testimony of Relief Society. It was bittersweet for her to be released. The least she deserved was flowers.

This horrible and completely unflattering picture was from Al Forno's when we went out for our birthdays with my parents. Ugh. I have GOT to figure out how to be successful at taking these kinds of pictures.

Hunting Season

As you may recall (or just happen to know) we are house hunting. I have renewed motivation for moving as our rotten apartment complex is raising the rent—yet again. Not to mention we STILL haven’t received our “incentive” for signing another year lease (from when we renewed our contract in February 2008), and we weren’t able to have the “Sign for a year, get a month free” incentive we received when we first moved in. They told us they would most likely have that option available if we were to renew after the first year. Aside from these reasons, and the fact that the property value most definitely has NOT improved to warrant it, they are raising our rent-yet again. Blech. Unsatisfied with the current options for houses listed on the MLS system, I’m reaching out to my fellow blog readers and followers. So, I ask you, nay, beg you, please keep your eyes out for houses that are For Sale By Owner in your areas. I think we would prefer to stay somewhat close to the area we are in now, but at this point, we’re willing to look into anything. So, keep your peepers peeled! I would really appreciate it if any of you find any information about homes for sale in your area(s) (that YOU would move into). Approximate addresses will suffice (though if you pick up a flier and somehow pass that on to me, I might reward you with baked goods…or something else really great—like the privilege of hanging out with me for an evening—kidding of course). We don’t really want to move any farther north than Farmington, and not much south of Sandy. I beg of you, help us be freed from perpetual rent increases and mind-numbing beige walls with sandy-beige carpet that we can’t liven up. (Did I tell you that the lady in the front office suggested I tack fabric on my walls as an alternative to painting since it is not allowed?? Yich. Someone needed to reign in that creativity at a younger age). Oh, and we won’t turn down any offers to live in anyone’s house for free (or disgustingly cheaply rented) while parents, grandparents, friends, cousins, etc. leave UT for some long period of time (missions, retirement vacations, sabbaticals, etc.) Please, please, please, let us know if you have any great ideas. We really appreciate it. Plus, if you help us find the house of our dreams (wink wink) you just might be exempt from helping us move. From what I understand, that should be incentive enough. It took 3 people to carry our inherited t.v. up to the 3rd floor. Not to mention we have a King Size bed and giant dressers. Thanks in advance for all the great suggestions you’ll have.

Here are some things I do NOT want for suggestions (purely for your entertainment):

This is a "NO" based primarily on the fact that I wouldn't want anyone having "proof" I'm not from this planet. I know I say things sometimes that make people think, "What planet is she from???!!!" But I don't want anyone to actually have grounds for thinking that aside from what comes out of my mouth.

I thought the pink house next door to my house growing up was a bit odd. This is utterly shocking. It looks like it belongs in Gardner Village filled with tutus and polka dots and ribbons and other frilly things. I can't believe this man agreed to live there...awkward!

While most likely affordable, this isn't what we're looking for, so if you suggest this, you'll have to help us move-- by yourself--without a moving van.

My Latest Sadness

So today our story begins at 8:30 a.m. when I realized I had hit snooze for the last hour and a half. Yes, that's right. I hit the snooze button from a sleepy 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 when I promptly got up and started my day off a little late. As I slipped my shoes on just before heading out the door, I realized my right shoe felt a little loose. These are my FAVORITE shoes. (Not to be confused with my favorite BOOTS, completely separate categories). As you can see, there is a little button on the strap. This button is held on with elastic, and is not meant to be buttoned and unbuttoned as you take them on and off. You are supposed to just slip your foot in and out. I wear these shoes at least 5 of the 7 days of the week, and I heart these shoes! They are really comfortable (for heels. What I mean to say is, I'd rather wear tennis shoes, but these are a great second option. So. Back to the story. I started to indagate and found that the elastic has become threadbare. Not to mention the holes in the soles, and the completely worn down tread on the bottom. Near tears, I sulked to the car and made my way to work. All day it has been loose, and I had forgotten there was going to be a fire drill today at work. If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you may remember a post about fire drills and tired thighs where I mentioned I work on the 12th floor. I knew if I had to trudge down the stairs and across the street and down half a block, they would completely break. I realized I have an old pair of tennis shoes at my desk that I keep with my emergency backpack for just such occasions. I made it all the way to my appointed meeting place and back to my desk singing my own praises for remembering to keep those extra shoes here at work. Thinking I might be able to make it through one last night at the roof in them, I slipped my feet back inside, and that's when it happened. The button popped off, and my shoes are now totally broken. I will be investigating shoe repair stores. I'm sure they are easily fixed. Did I mention I tried to get Josh AND my Mom to buy these shoes for me for my birthday last year (2007) but they were $70??? After some exceptional bargain hunting, I found them for a mere $35. So I bought two pairs. One in Black, one in brown. Lucky for me, the brown pair is in my truck, and I will have something to wear tonight to work. Heaven knows I would have been booted from the Restaurant if I had showed up in my emergency tennis shoes. :*( What's that you ask?? A silver lining? Oh right! This means I get to buy new shoes. :o) (Right buddy??)

Determination

I'm determined to...

...rock my math class this semester

...lose more weight (oh say, maybe 5 pounds by the end of the year)

...get more sleep this week (if only for this week)

...make dinner/lunch at least twice this week

...write in my journal at least 3 times this week

...do something nice for the husband

...think happy thoughts when I'm approaching a meltdown

Just thought I would write down some of my goals for this week and the rest of the year. Any suggestions on how to accomplish all of this by the end of the week/year?

Free Plug Friday

So here's the deal. I'm posting a plug for The Roof Restaurant. Why? Because I truly love my job there, and I think dining at The Roof is a fantastic experience. The price of one adult gourmet dinner buffet (soft drinks and regular lemonade included) is $35.00. They have Prime Rib 100% of the time on the dinner buffet, and always a variety of seafood dishes. The desserts, are amazing. They all look fantastic, and 98% of them taste fantastic too. Every night there are over 24 desserts on the buffet, and live piano music every evening. Not to mention the stunning view of the Salt Lake Temple. While the Conference Center and Capitol buildings are gorgeous as well, nothing quite compares to the beauty of the temple--especially as the Sun sets and the temple lights up. The other night I joined my family for dinner there, and every 5 minutes, the view changes as the Sun sets. The colors are magical and awe inspiring. Even better than this? Dining at Christmastime when the lights on Temple Square have been lit for the season and you overlook the lionshare of Temple Square lit up in all its glorious splendor. The Roof is only open for dinner Monday through Saturday. The Restaurant opens at 5:00 p.m. for the dinner buffet.

For those who can't quite make it for this caliber of exquisite, there are the fabulous Lunch Buffets for Mother's Day and General Conference Saturday (twice a year). No, the food is not the same, but the atmosphere is. Saturday (as in tomorrow) we are opening at 11:00 with the last seating at 1:30 p.m. for a lunch buffet. Turkey and Ham on the carving board sliced deli thin for sandwiches, hot entrees (Enchiladas for sure--I've been told these are fantastic! Our Chef hails from Mexico, so I think he probably knows what he's doing when it comes to Enchiladas), a variety of salads, and of course, dessert. While the desserts will be slightly less to look at, they will still be delicious! Pies, cookies, brownies, finger foods (I'm guessing eclairs, but I'm not sure). All of this made more enjoyable by the reduced price--$17.00 for an adult to dine at our lunch buffet ($11 for children). If you haven't had the chance to dine at the Roof, this would be a great opportunity to experience the atmosphere. What could make this even more enjoyable? The fact that you might have the pleasure of being shown to your table by yours truly. Of course the regular gourmet dinner buffet will be served that evening beginning at 5:00 p.m. and in case you're wondering, we are completely booked from 7:00 p.m. through the end of the evening (due to Priesthood session).