This post is brought to you by J & L...

Where do we begin?

"TINA"=the universal name for all things shady.

Setting: Thursday night about 9:30pm. I'm home alone. Just arrived into Jtown...chilling at J's in the 'hood where it's been said, "People die over there."

SCENE 1--

Knock on the door. I answer. It's "Tina." Remember, "Tina"=all things shady.

Tina: Uhh...My name is Tina. I live down the street. My car's out of gas. I have no money. Can you take me to Walmart?

L: Uhhh....Sure. Let me get my things. (At this point super hero music begins. If only in my mind.)

Fast forward through the small talk and my feeble attempts at sharing Jesus, and go straight to the part where I'm sure I'm an enabler in a drug run as I drop her off at her "next stop."

END SCENE.


SCENE 2

L: (Thoughts in my mind---Didn't I see that white hoopty of a car at Walmart? What's it doing creeping by our house?)

Dial Jenni.

L: J, when are you coming home? I'm freaked out. ...I'll be waiting for you at Starbucks.

END SCENE.

SCENE 3

Setting: 11:30pm. Back bedroom of J's house. Light knock on the front door.

J: L, shhh. I think I just heard a knock.

L: Yeah right.

DOORBELL!!

J & L run for the bathroom with phone in hand with J SCREAMING...I wish I had the phone number to my local police officer. Instead she dials for Cliff.

J: Cliff get over here now!!


END SCENE.

It's 5:oopm on a Wednesday evening and I'm sitting in my favorite Starbucks. I love it, not for the amazing coffee that i'm often given for free because I know a million people who work here or just want to buy me coffee, but because of the people who come and go from this place. Last year this was my office...and probably my second home. Now, a year later, it still feels much the same.

I'm a little weary from seeing so many people, but completely blessed at the same time. As one person stated, "You have your meetings lined up like the airplanes coming and going from O'Hare Airport." It's true, but I know my time here is limited. I'm trying to soak up every moment with these precious friends who are so dear to my heart. Lunch here. Coffee there. It does a heart good.

Does anyone else do the same?

I'm in JoMo right now. Hanging out with this person....



Having way too much fun. With a million stories to share. But no time to share them.

Soon...

Here's the BUTTER COW DISPLAY. Yes, that's all butter. Yes, it's life-size.

Apologies go out to everyone who was anxiously awaiting my concert review. Namely, Babs. :) I took a blogging hiatus. (And by "hiatus" I mean I traveled down south to the parents' home where wireless internet was unavailable--"hiatus.")

So here's the scoop...

Venue: State Fair (Note: Last time I went to a concert at the State Fair it was to see New Kids On the Block--*NKOTB* for all of you who were fans. I was going into the 8th grade, I believe. And also note: If I have my say, it will probably be that long between this past weekend and the next time I want to attend a concert at the "fair." Uggh. I'm pretty sure the stage was about 6 ft. wide and the grand stand was about 45 ft wide--with our seats being on the farthest left. (OK, I'm terrible with measurements, but you get the idea!!)

Time: 8pm-9:25pm (GGD) 9:25-9:45pm (Stage Change) 9:45-11pm (CC)
*NOTE: Total time of Goo Goo Dolls = 1 hr. 25min. (possibly longer)
Total time of Counting Crows = 1 hr. 15 min. (at most)
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE??

Songs:
GGDs played all of the songs listed in my previous post. I quote Vickie in acknowledging their quality, "Are you sure they are not lipsynching?" They were that good. (Sis, you were right.)

CCs played a melancholy mix. They were far from "show-y." And while I was loving their performance, the rest of the audience seemed a bit bored. (Apart from the 2 sorority sisters standing in front of us who were dancing and singing/yelling to every song sung. Perhaps I should have befriended them? ...Perhaps not.) I'm sad to say that the only time the audience was really into the CCs was during their final song...Hangin Around. And honestly, it was the only time that the band really seemed to bring much energy on their part as well. Hmm. I'm guessing they are just a little worn from their summer tour.

Honorable Mentions:
"BFF"--This post would not be complete without mentioning our new best friend. At one point during the GGDs, this blonde-headed woman came and asked if she could sit down in front of us for a moment. She then proceded to talk very loudly to Vickie about anything and everything, as if they had known each other their whole lives. She was shocked to find out that we were as old as we were, as she believed us to be 22 or 23! (She was 38.) She spent most of the night confused as to which band was which and wondering what songs she knew. Later she moved down to make friends with Krista and I was just incredibly grateful to be sitting in the middle at that time. Apparently she and her husband were trying to "be young." I left wishing they would have tried that somewhere else.

Adam Duritz--Has anyone else noticed how much he's aged and umm....gained weight? Seriously, didn't he use to date Courtney Cox or Jennifer Aniston? Apart from his still-crazy cool hair, this guy would have fit right in at the fair. I know I have no room to talk and I'm probably way too harsh, but I was just a bit perplexed by the whole thing. He can still sing though and my favorite is when he plays the piano. I guess what I'm saying is that if he asked me out, I wouldn't decline. :)

Overall though it was a good night. I'm grateful to V & K for accompanying me to this event. I know that you both knew like 5 songs the whole time, but I love you all the more for it. It shows what amazing friends you are!

I'm sure I've held your suspense long enough. The answers to today's musical quiz....

COUNTING CROWS & GOO GOO DOLLS

Good job to everyone who knew without looking at the comment section! I don't really have a prize for you, but I'm pretty sure you already knew that to begin with. :)

And since I gave you the lyrics, I thought I should also give you the song titles.

COUNTING CROWS:
1. Rain King
2. Sullivan Street (it was given in the clue!)
3. Raining in Baltimore
4. Round Here
5. Long December

*Bonus Clue: Mr. Jones (my personal fave)

GOO GOO DOLLS:
1. Slide
2. Black Balloon (also given in the clue!)
3. Sympathy
4. Iris
5. Here is Gone

Have I mentioned that Counting Crows is my all-time favorite band? Because they are. Just like some people are avid U2 fans (who I like as well) or Rolling Stone fans (for the older peops, perhaps?)....I'm a CC fan!

I love them. I love them. I love them. I've wanted to see them in concert FOREVER and now the day has nearly arrived! Unfortunately I'm not allowed to bring a camera in--which is a complete bummer, considering I'm sure to be called up on stage for being the band's most amazing fan ever!

Stay tuned for details....

A summer concert is on tap for the weekend. I can hardly wait!

Let's see if you can guess who I'm going to see by using the following lyrical clues from some of my favorite songs...(And if I told you already, you CAN'T guess!)

1. I belong in the service of the queen.
2. I take the way home that leads back to Sullivan Street.
3. I need a phone call...I need a plane ride....I need a sunburn...I need a raincoat
4. I step out the front door into a fog where no one notices the contrast of white on white
5. It's one more day up in the canyons...and it's one more day in Hollywood...it's been so long since I've seen the ocean...I guess I should.


And if you haven't guessed it yet, here's a bonus clue...
**We stare at the beautiful women....she's looking at you...no, no, no...she's lookin at me

DOUBLE BONUS POINTS if you can guess who will be with the aforementioned group:
Here are a few lyrical clues--
1. What I feel is what you are and what you are is beautiful.
2. Baby's black balloon makes her fly...I almost fell into that hole in your life
3. Stranger than your sympathy....this is my apology....
4. You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be and I don't want to go home right now
5. I want to get free...talk to me...cause I can feel you fallin'

Any ideas???

It's over.

Another season of "So You Think You Can Dance" has come to an end. Wednesday nights will not be the same. And while I refused to comment on the show last week, this week my silence is broken.

Benji--I knew you would win. Your tears at the end were a bit dramatic, but I understand. It's been an emotional ride. I almost cried myself. But just think, you now have plenty of reasons to smile.
1. A year's contract in Celine Dion's show in Vegas (although, I'm not quite sure if this should make you laugh or cry)
2. $100,000
3. A new car
4. Your girlfriend...err, dance partner, Donyelle--(Are we the ONLY ones to sense that there's more going on behind-the-scenes than we know???)

And to the judges...
Mary--I'm going to miss your screams
Mia--Even your speech says, "I AM ART"
Dan--Why'd you get married?
Brian--Thanks for getting your hair cut this season! I was much less distracted!
Nigel--Another wonderful season! THANK YOU!

And to Cat Deeley (the host)...
Please don't renew your contract!


OK, that's all I've got. Except to say...


Watch out judges, we've got ourselves a star! And these are just a FEW of her signature moves! :)

create your own visited country map
or check our Venice travel guide

I just went to this site and created a map of all the countries I've spent time in. The number is now 22, which according to this, is only 9% of the world. Man, whoever said it's a small world afterall?

**Correction: I've actually been to 23. I forgot about Turkey. That brings the percentage up to 10%. And as you can see, Africa is on my list for the future...that and Australia and Antarctica (even though I've come close to going there before). Then my desire to travel to all 7 continents will be complete. :-)

Hot dogs...cold beverages...funnel cake....flying "Elvi"...the national anthem...tail gate parties...summer skies....baseball....perfection.

It was all of these things and more as the Sox took on the Tigers at US Cellular Field Friday night. The fact that it was mid -August and the temperature was in the 70's with little-to-no humidity was nothing short of a miracle. It was my first time to a White Sox game...oh wait, excuse me..... at the WORLD CHAMPION White Sox game and I was not disappointed.

As you can see from the pics below, it was "Elvis Night" at the stadium. And let me just say, he was everywhere! From the little kids to the old beer-bellied men, after a night like this, I'm convinced that Elvis is alive and well!

My voyeuristic tendencies were in high gear, as there was a plethora of "interesting" people to watch. There were the flying "Elvi" (note: we say "ElvI" because there were more than one) and all the other people dressed up like the king...the anorexic italian ice selling guy...the european beer selling guy...the guy that sat next to us reading his paper all night guy...the guy who checked out every girl who walked by guy....the high five lady....and oh yeah, there was baseball!

The Sox won 5-0 and afterwards there was a great show--the dancing dads (a.k.a. dirty old men), some kid who knows every Elvis song ever written, and to top it all off--fireworks.

It was a night to remember as the fans chanted their favorite "Let's Go White Sox" cheer while walking back to their vehicles beneath the light of the low-hung moon. Everyone was happy and I must confess...I was too. This definitely qualified for a check on the "Anything and Everything Summer" list.

Thanks Babs & Trix!! What a wonderful evening!

So You Think You Can Dance....

Yes, I love the show. But I'm not going to talk about it. :)

After watching last night's episode, I figured it was time to put my money where my mouth was (since I seem to think I should be a judge) and show off some of those "moves people have never seen before."

At about 9pm a small group of us headed downtown for Salsa night. Our bom-boms were shaking and our hips didn't lie....we are white! But, oh did we have fun!

Have I mentioned how much I love to dance? Maybe I missed my calling?

So I was just listening to a sermon on "God's Will" that I had downloaded a while back. It was playing through my iTunes library and immediately following the message, Alanis Morrisette's "Head Over Feet" began. At first I wondered if that was what they played at the church, but I quickly realized it had just moved on to the next file in my library. (Blonde moment)

But then I thought about it.
Maybe "Head Over Feet" could describe our relationship with God (minus a few parts)?

I had no choice, but to hear you.
You stated your case time and again.
And I thought about it.

You treat me like I'm a princess
And I'm not used to liking it.
You ask how my day was

Chorus:
You've already won me over...inspite of me
Don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it, it's all your fault.

Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole
You're so much braver than I gave you credit for
And that's not lip service

Repeat Chorus

You are the bearer of unconditional things
You held your breath and the door for me
Thanks for your patience

Blah, blah, blah.....

Move over worship leaders. I've got some ideas!

Confessional:

*I've watched enough Gilmore Girls as of late that I may actually believe that I live in Stars Hollow. (Thank you, Family Channel, for your Sunday 8-hour marathon and twice daily showing of my new addiction. Side note for all who are concerned: I did not watch these all in one sitting.)

*I've been feeling the need to create, so along with watching the aforementioned television program, I've been working on a new scrapbook...so much so, I've almost forgotten to eat.

*And along with my need to create & lose myself in mindless fictional television characters, the city girl in me is dying to get out. Lucky for me, a trip to "the city" is on tap for the weekend. Baseball...concert in the park...art...shopping....it's just what the doctor ordered!

*On top of all this, I think I made the mistake of placing this picture as my desktop screen. It makes me miss these little ones something fierce!

Quote of the Day (brought to you by "The Gilmore Girls"):
Q: Do you like coffee?
A: Only with my oxygen.

Dear Summer,
I wish I liked you more. But the truth is, I don't. In fact, I'm quite bored with your heat index and humidity percentages. I'm ready to open the windows...wear a sweater...drink my extra-hot coffee outside...and frolick in the autumn leaves. I'm ready for a change.

And maybe, Summer, you're not to blame. Maybe this change has little to do with the season and everything to do with me.

So while you tarry on, I will do my best to find joy in each day. May my heart and mind be attentive to every moment, every opportunity, to bring praise to the One who is-I AM.

Yours For All Seasons,

L

It's been a few days and I've been in a bit of a funk. I haven't really felt much like leaving the house, much less leaving my pajamas (although I did both...after 3pm each day...for fear of becoming a complete bum). I guess I've just needed some down time after my summer "tour, " so it's been good. I apologize to all of you to whom I owe emails and phone calls. I promise to rejoin the rest of the world shortly.

Currently it's 10:15pm on a Friday night as I write this post and "Full House" is playing on the t.v. DJ and Kimmie are singing along to "Blame It On the Rain" and "Straight Up Now Tell Me." To all of you who are reading this, I'd just like to say: PLEASE don't hate me because my life is sooo exciting. ;)

And...whatever did happen to predictability? The milk man? The paper boy? And evening t.v.?
These are just a few of the pressing questions on my mind!

So besides the questions and the mindless t.v. viewing, I actually managed to find time this evening for a killer game of tennis with the Warrior Princess. And while it may have only been 30 minutes long, we managed to send the Indians running. GO TEAM! Now if it weren't for those "blasted nets" we could take on the world!

A New Proclamation

Although I once stated that 2006 is the "Year of Clarity," what I meant to say was that 2006 is the "Year of the Cardinals!" (There Trix, it's in writing!)

And while my beloved team seems to be on a losing streak once again, I just wanted to say....I STILL LOVE YOU! (Now start winning!)