Sorry About That...

Okay, so it's been a couple of months since I last blogged.  Everything I thought was normal and true came crashing down and it was time to pick up the pieces.  Fortunately, the pieces are coming back together quite nicely and that's a good thing.  And that's all I have to say about that.

The kids have gone back to school and we've settled into our normal, chaotic life.  TKD, soccer, keshet, Sunday School, all Scouts, gymnastics, strings...phew, I'm tired. 

Did I mention Daniel started playing the viola?  He loves it and plays it every chance he can.  Of course, the learning how to use the bow has been awesome.  Ugh.

Emily and I took our (what was to be yearly but has become twice a year) girls' weekend trip.  We flew to Portland to see the Blue October concert but also managed to meet up with Tommy and Matt while we were there.  I haven't seen Tommy in 8 years, so it was REALLY good to see him.  It was also nice to meet Matt, whom I've heard so much about.  They are too cute. 

While we were there, we took the scenic drive around and saw Mt. Hood and a ton of waterfalls.  What an amazing place.  The weather was perfect for a touristy trip on Saturday and, even through it was drizzly on Sunday, hanging out downtown with the boys was a blast.  I also ate at a vegan restaurant and really enjoyed it!  Too fun.

We went to the concert Sunday night and it was AMAZING.  We were very close (third row) and at one point, the lead singer looked me in the eye and smiled.  *sigh*  I almost passed out.  LOL!  After the concert, Emily and I decided to hang out because "I had a feeling," and our patience was rewarded.  We got to meet the entire band.  Everyone but Justin took pictures with us but they all signed our tickets and talked to us.  Too cool.  We were flying back to the hotel.

Sunday, October 3 was the Kansas City Blue October show.  Emily flew in on Saturday and we were having a great time.  We met her friend, Karen, for yoga and brunch Sunday morning and came back early to get ready because I'd won meet and greet passes for the concert.

Yep. We got to hang out at soundcheck (they sang 5 songs!!!!) and then got to meet the band, minus Ryan. Emily made sure to let Justin know what she does for a living and they were all over her. Hugs and whatnot. I couldn't speak. Ugh.  Here's the awesome photo.  *sigh*

Jeremy (drums), Emily, Matt (bass), Justin (lead singer and guitar), me and CB (guitar)

The huge smile is because Justin had just kissed me on the head.  *swoon*  Of course, that's probably why I'm all flushed, too. 

We met Karen and her friend at the concert (because I suddenly had 2 extra tickets) and had a blast.  The opening act was the Parlotones (check them out...they're awesome.  And very good looking) and then Blue took the stage.  AWESOME concert. 

After the concert, Emily wanted to get Ryan's signature or something, so we hung out after the concert to meet him and we got to.  :)  Matt remembered us from the meet and greet (so cool!).  We didn't get to see Justin or Jeremy again but that was okay.  

So, Emily and I have been reliving the weekends all this past week.  Too bad their tour is over.  :(  Yeah, I'm 16.  LOL!

A Much Needed Break

On Tuesday, I flew to Chicago for the Blue October concert that Mike gave me tickets to for our anniversary. It's been a long 3 month wait, but it was well worth it. Mike worked it out so that I would stay with Emily while I was there. It was so awesome to actually spend a little time with her. Okay, so 2.5 days. :) Mike, for Valentine's Day, made us reservations at The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building for dinner before the concert. The view was amazing. These pictures were actually taken from my seat at the table.

Navy Pier

Lake Michigan

Emily pointed out my fear of heights, and I was actually okay because I didn't feel like I was going to fall. Stupid, but true.

After a wonderful dinner (I've honestly never had this swanky of a dinner in my life), we headed over to the House of Blues for the Blue October concert. Yay!

The stage
Balcony
One of the opening bands had some of the Blue October members come and play with them. The guy on the far left is Ryan from BO. The next day, this opening band (Hurricane Bells) blew out their engine in St. Joe, not far from us. I would have gone to pick them up. LOL!

And then, Blue October took the stage...it's a small venue, so we had a good view.




I've actually got this one up as my FB profile picture. LOL!

Anyway, the concert was amazing. The average age was probably around 35 and we were all acting like college kids. I think that annoyed the college kids that actually were there.

Wednesday, we drove to the suburbs to visit with an old friend, Amy. Amy moved from Peoria when we were in 5th grade but up until that point, she and I would walk home from school together. I haven't seen her since 7th grade, about 22 years ago. Wow. It was awesome to catch up over lunch. What was really nice is that it wasn't awkward and we've vowed to make it, at least, a yearly thing.

I also made a stop to see Bobbi and Ed. We couldn't stay long, though, because of the wonderful Chicago rush hour traffic.

That night, Emily and I grabbed a bottle of wine (or two or three...I don't remember) and stayed up talking until 4 am. It is so amazing to have a friend that you can go forever without talking to and when you do, it's like nothing at all...there's no "why haven't you called?" or anything like that.

The trip length was perfect, but I was sad to go back home on Thursday. However, it was really nice to get back to the routine and my own bed. The kids gave Mike an excellent report and Mike did the same. I really think he liked being "in charge." LOL!

Told You I'm Obsessed...

I cannot get this song out of my head. Yes, it's Blue October. No, it's not the real video since it hasn't been released yet as a single. The kids singing on it are so cute. Hard to believe it's Blue October since it's such a happy cheery song.

Where Is This Summer Going?

I blinked and June's almost over. How did that happen? We've already had a great summer, though. We got our vacation and the kids got to go to their very first concert.

Last weekend, we headed to Red, White and Boom. It's an annual outdoor concert that the radio station I listen to puts on. Mostly up and coming artists with one hit or so and then they have a headliner that's been popular for a while. Needless to say, since Mike's stuck in the 70's, he was not at all happy about going. He was a convert by the time the concert was over. Especially after Blue October played (they played just before the headliner, David Cook...although I think they could have easily headlined.)

They've become my summer obsession. Two years ago, it was Maroon 5, last year it was Twilight (although I think it was after the summer) and now it's Blue October. Their music is deep on so many levels. I wish I was able to get Calling You on video but I was too into the song to record it. I did, however, get Hate Me on video. Awesome, awesome and amazing. For those not familiar, this song is an apology from the lead singer to his parents for all of the crap he put them through while he was growing up. The lead singer deals with bipolar disorder and drug/alcohol addiction. The answering machine message at the beginning is an actual message to the lead singer from his mother. Also, it's pretty explicit so watch out when listening around young ones (Mike would cringe every time they would drop the F-word). Please pardon my singing along. Also, at the very beginning, that is NOT me screaming like a banshee! :) However, I do give out a few "whoooooos." Lyrics are below.

Hate Me by Blue October

I have to block out thoughts of you so I don't lose my head
They crawl in like a cockroach leaving babies in my bed
Dropping little reels of tape to remind me that I'm alone
Playing movies in my head that make a porno feel like home
There's a burning in my pride
A nervous bleeding in my brain
An ounce of peace is all I want for you will you never call again
And will you never say that you loved me just to put it in my face
And will you never try to reach me it is I that wanted this

Hate me today
Hate me tomorrow
Hate me for all the tings I didn't do for you
Hate me in ways
Yea ways hard to swallow
Hate me so you can finally see what's good for you

I'm sober now for three whole months that's one accomplishment that you helped me with
The one thing that alwasy tore us apart is the one thing I won't touch again.
In my sick way I want to thank you for holding my head up late at night
While I was busy waging wars on myself you were trying to stop the fight
You never doubted my warped opinions on things like suicidal hate
You made me compliment myself when it was way too hard to take
So I'll drive so f****** far away that I never cross your mind
And do whatever it takes in your heart to leave me behind

Hate me today
Hate me tomorrow
Hate me for all the things I didn't do for you
Hate me in ways
Yea ways hard to swallow
Hate me so you can finally see what's good for you

With a sad heart I say bye to you and wave
Kicking shadows on the street for every mistake that I had made
And like a baby boy I never was a man
Until I saw your blue eyes cry and I held your face in my hand
And then I fell down yelling make it go away
Just make her smile come back and shine just like it used to be
And then she whispered how can you do this to me

Hate me today
Hate me tomorrow
Hate me for all the things I didn't do for you
Hate me in ways
Yeah ways hard to swallow
Hate me so you can finally see what's good for you