Day 16

A note before we get to the goods. At last week's big wedding, I had a conversation with Melissa that feels very fitting for the preface to this post. For one reason or another, we were talking about our crying patterns. I can't say that I'm not much of a cryer--because the same things set me off every time. Stress at work, teaching a church lesson, or reality television arcs of personal inspiration or achievement. (See The Biggest Loser or The Olympics.) Some people well up at movies that move them or shed tears of joy at weddings. Apparently I'm only wired to weep when a major weight milestone is reached or Bob Costas has some insane voice over documentary about the Chinese pairs skaters.

I never said I wasn't complicated. I've been dreading today's post for quite a few days, but I've come up with that resonates for me. Try not to cry, okay?

A song that makes you cry (or nearly)

Scene: Mother's Day, 2000
Four days before I graduated a year early from High School. That last semester of school had been somewhat of a whirlwind; taking Saturday school classes to earn enough credits to graduate a year early, working part-time for work-study credit, and traveling to local, state, and national-level DECA and speech competitions (Wow, so so geeky.).

While traveling, I missed the announcement and practice sessions the Young Men and Young Women of my ward held to ready their Sacrament Meeting singing of that hit Primary classic "Love is Spoken Here" to be sung on Mother's Day. Having sung that song since before the womb, I marched up to the front with my other friends and wardmates and waited for the music to start.

I'm not really sure if I lost it before the first words, or during the first line--but I'm pretty positive I didn't even make it through the first verse before I just stood there and cried. And cried. I probably mouthed the words but no recognizable tune could have escaped my lips had I even tried.

That scene of my story happened ten years ago next month. In hindsight, I can more easily identify the feelings that song provoked in me. On the eve of my full-on launch into adulthood, that song served as one last final reminder that I'd been born of goodly parents and raised in a kind, loving home that all too soon I'd be leaving.

In the past month, I've spent a considerable time one-on-one with my parents. We played for three days in New York City while my dad was there for a conference and then I spent eight days at home in Portland last week. Coming from a family of four daughters, it isn't often we get to play that coveted game of "Only Child." How much fun we had together! Sure we had some visitors while I was in PDX (Julie + Greg for Easter and seven bridesmaids the night before the wedding), my favorite moments were the early morning (!!) moments making boutineers with my mom or driving to work with my dad. We made sure no one ever had to drink alone and spent time figuring out our new state-of-the-art phones. We talked about work, and church work, and yard work. We hiked and ate at Chevy's and found great bagels in NYC. I'm convinced the world would be a peaceful place if everyone had the kind of adult relationship with their parents that I do with mine.

So the me of 10 years ago cried during that song. I'm not altogether convinced I wouldn't cry again given a chance to "sing" it again this year.

Day 01

Today is the first installment of a 30-day venture I've self-titled "Get to Know Your Neighbor" month. Already I'm overthinking the list, but this is who I am!

Your favorite song

I'ma spare you all from a country song, don't fret. I tried so hard to find a way to link this song without the video because I rarely click on videos and I project my web behaviors on everyone else. (All together now: "This is who I am!")

So this song--and I'm abiding by the rules and only choosing one--is an enigma to me. It's my most played song on my home iTunes. The enigma part comes from the fact that I love it in all situations. Something about this song provokes emotion despite my mood of the moment.

This song just makes me feel; I don't even know how to explain it. Very rarely am I beyond words, but I'm beside myself in figuring out how to explain the power this song holds over me. Yes, it's a break-up song. But for some reason, I listen to it on repeat even when there's no romantic drama in my life. Sara's voice is hauntingly painful, but there's still strength within her. Perhaps that's the lesson to take away and why I love this songs in good times or bad.

But like I said, I don't have the words to explain this song.



Does this song seem familiar to you but you're not sure why? Hollywood has picked up on the fabulousness of this song too. Places you've heard/seen it: "Addiction" dance on SYTYCD choreographed by Mia, Elena and Stefen finally give in on "Vampire Diaries", oh yeah and that juggernaut known as American Idol audition week.

This is the part where I'm pretentious and tell you I loved this song long before it got "popular." Because everyone loves that person. But anyway, my favorite.

Pop, pop, pop music

I fell in love with mash-ups when I was training for my Half last year and have accumulated quite the collection. Some are better than others (Beyonce mixed with Tom Petty? Holla! Madonna and T-Pain? Kanye and Beethoven? Yes please.) Each year, my favorite artist, DJ Earworm, mashes together the top 25 Pop songs of the year. I distributed the 2008 version to everyone I knew and played it on constant repeat throughout the year. Well folks, 2009 is available and I'm officially in love.

My love for pop music runs deep, so I'm sorry if that means we're at odds with each other. Even if you can't feel the groove, you have to give props to DJ Earworm for the talent to weave these 25 songs (and their videos!) together. I'm with Mal, and agree that anytime Beyonce is on is a win.



Song available for FREE (and legal) download

"streetlight people; living just to find emotion"

I'm not quite sure how, but the song "Don't Stop Believin" has become a song I'll always associate with my time in Boston. I have countless memories with this song--from Christmas Galas to secular outings at the bar, to a recent going away dinner for one of my besties. This song always makes people happy.

How can I not be completely enamored with the version below? A song I love--the memories and feelings it provokes complete with a High School Musical-ness setting? (For the record, this is from the show Glee on Fox) I can't get enough. This song makes me feel like anything is possible.

{{UPDATE: Video removed. Go to YouTube and search it. You won't be sorry!}}

Now whoooooooooo has a "Don't Stop Believin" story they'd like to share?

Now fess up

Someone left me a voicemail Tuesday night while I was en route to Portland. My phone was off, ergo I (sadly) can't tell who left the VM. Hands down one of the best voicemails of the year -- 45 seconds of my birthday/favorite Christmas song, and some kind of hard to hear best travel wishes message.

Honestly, I have no idea who it came from--and I wish I did. Reveal yourself!

And for the rest of you, check out what's become into quite the birthday tradition...

Mistaken Identity

I heard a new song on the radio this morning and wondered if it was Maroon Five. It was actually the Jonas Brothers.

Somewhere, Adam Levine is not a happy camper.

Hollywood!

It's an undisputed fact for this generation that music is power. To be perfectly cliched, it moves, changes, and at times inspires us. Now don't get me wrong, I love music as much as the next guy--but I'm not one of those people who live and breathe music.

By this point in our relationship, you should know what I live and breathe. Do you have a guess? If you're going to say the Biggest Loser, you're only partially right (another Tuesday with Hot Tamales and tears? Check.). If you're going to say my Gucci fannypack, you're only partially right. If you're going to say donuts, Skittles, Joe's, the Celtics, finding deals or being lucky, you're only partially right. Hmmm. Maybe I need to rexamine the things I live and breathe--I have a lot going on!

If you guessed Entertainment, you're mostly right. If you guessed Entertainment and how it intersects with my daily life, you're spot on. When I say "Entertainment", I mean TV, movies, books, music, and pop culture. Pretty much anything EW.com reports on. (Geez, I love my E-Dub.)

Music has the most profound meaning in my life when it marries two things. My favorite "musical moments" occur when music becomes a soundtrack to something else--a TV show, a movie, a moment, or a memory. Like smell, music has the ability to take us to a far away time and place. But this post isn't about just the moments and memories. It's about entertainment + moments/memories.

Exhibit A - Mannequin is one of my most favorite childhood movies. The theme song from this movie always reminds me of this movie--and it gets surprising airplay on lite radio. Oh wow. I just read that this song was nominated for an Oscar. An Oscar? I love this movie even more. In fact, I think I shall throw a Mannequin party now. I found this most awesome clip on YouTube; why did I even doubt it existed?

This clips together all the very best parts of the movie!

Exhibit B - Now I didn't watch all the seasons of Dawson's Creek. In fact, I think I only had spotty viewings of Seasons 1 & 2. Nevertheless, can anyone hear this song and not think of this TV show? It takes me back to early High School that's for sure...

So readers. It's your turn. I know you all have musical moments that changed your life--however, I want you to give me musical moments + entertainment moments that you remember. Deal? I can't wait to read what you come up with.

Heart on a String

I read a most excellent PopWatch Confession post on my favorite website: Music that gives me the chills. The writer references the audition scene in Flashdance and the rehearsal montage in Girls Just Want to Have Fun (a most excellent 80's guilty pleasure) and then opens the discussion on movies, music, and moments that give you the chills.

I read through the list to get some ideas; responses ranged from Rudy to Buffy to U2 to Lost. I was amazed by the range of response. In an act of pure plagiarism, I will post those I whole heartedly agree with:

• A League of Their Own when Betty Spaghetti learns that George died in the war. (Geena Davis is then seen sobbing in her own room)
• At the beginning of The Lion King, when Rafiki holds high over Pride Rock the newborn cub Simba and all the animals, um, cheer, whilst the final chorus of "Circle of Life" explodes out of the surround speakers
• The final scene of Karate Kid when Daniel goes into the crane and he's about to do the move on his nemesis to get his revenge in a respectable way, and the music hits right after he looks at Miyagi who gives him the nod of approval to do it! awesome! 80's awesome!! "You're the best....around!"
• "Defying Gravity" from the musical Wicked.
• The second episode in the first season of Friday Night Lights, where Coach Taylor has taken nervous, shy, stuttering Matt Saracen out to the football field at night and helps him both figuratively and literally find his voice. The entire scene is all varieties of awesomeness, but the part that gave me chills was when the background "crowd" noise comes on over the loud speaker, and Matt's calling out the plays louder and louder, and then they scream the following exchange:
  

  Coach: What's your name?
  Matt: Matt! Saracen!
  Coach: What do you play?
  Matt: QB1!
  Coach: And how do you play it?
  Matt: PERFECTLY!
  Coach: We'll see about that!
  Coach: How much do you want it?!
  Matt: I want it, Coach!
  Coach: THEN TAKE IT.

• Live performances of Kelly Clarkson; particularly her new song "Sober"
• Anna Nalick's "Breathe (2 a.m.)" used in the infamous Code Black/Super Bowl episode of "Grey's Anatomy" and Meredith's hand is on the bomb in some guy's chest cavity. (Special shout out to Coach Taylor making an appearance as Bomb Squad Guy!)

And in an effort to stop plagiarizing others words, I present a few of my own chill-inducing moments:

• Extreme Home Makeover. "Move that bus! Move that bus!"
• In HP7, where Harry comes to grips that he must fight Voldemort alone; the spirits of those he loves buoy him up as he marches to his *****.
• The Fray's "How to Save a Life Album". The perfect commuting soundtrack.
• The movie Hairspray. I just can't get enough.
• The song combination of "Have a Little Faith in Me" (Mandy Moore) and "Breathe" (Michelle Branch). It's nostalgic of my BYU days.
• Ben Lee in concert.
• Jim's speech to Pam at Vegas Night; The Office finale, Season 2.
• Jordin Sparks singing "Broken Wing" on country night of American Idol; Season 5.

I'm sure I'll have many many more. In fact, I'm sure I'll continue to comment my own post as I think of them. Join me! What movies, music, tv, etc. gives you the chills?

Ella ella ella

I'm kind of obsessed with the original Rihanna version of this song... and now Mandy Moore has done a slower, more soulful cover.



As always, I don't really get the allure of the song--it seems kind of silly, but it's just so darn catchy! And in case you haven't seen the original:


There are at least three covers of the summer's hottest song now--Mandy, Chris Brown, and Marie Digby (as heard on "The Hills"). A summer phenomenon I just can't get enough of!

What other song covers do you like? The Alanis version of BEP "My Humps" is pretty funny. Are there other outrageous or especially moving covers you like?

Rock Your Body

I picked Melissa up on Friday night at the bus station. She and I were the co-founding members of the Holla House and I forgot how much I miss this girl in my life. She's been unreachable in Uganda all summer but came in to town expressly to see me, and well, Justin Timberlake.

The first question of the night: Why don't guys go to the JT concert to pick up on loose women? We sure saw plenty of them. Here's a photo I snapped at a crosswalk. Count how many men you see. (The two boys on a date don't count.) Then count the women. Odds are in your favor men.

On our way into the Garden, we passed the convoy of Tour vehicles. We took a moment to swap photo-taking services with other fellow JT-appreciaters.

Mel and I were some of the only women in attendance who didn't create a true Girls-Night-Out. Yie.

I of course did an open mouth smile. Mel joined. We spiced it up a little by adding a foot kick. After the gal taking our photo snapped the first she seemed a little perturbed by the open mouth and quickly said, "Let's take another." Lo and behold, we took the same exact photo. Some people can't appreciate open mouth.



Like or loathe Justin's music, you'd have to be a fool to admit that he isn't born to perform. He sang, he danced, he played piano, guitar, and one of those piano/guitars I've only ever seen Jem's Rocker use. JT was never out of breath or seemed tired. It was a whirlwind of a 2-hour show. The dancing was by far my favorite--he broke it down over and over and over. The video below isn't mine (we were no where near that close to the stage), but I think you'll appreciate this view better.

After the concert, we ate at the Cheesecake, went home and watched the last six week's worth of SYTYCD to catch Mel up for the finale. Slept in, bought a bunch of white trash snacks at the Sev, beached on Saturday, proved our ties to Utah by listening to country music very loudly with open windows, ate at Joe's (with another run in with my Boyfriend waiter), and just like that, she was gone. 30 very fun, very eventful hours.

The only thing I would have changed about the weekend was wearing sunscreen. That's how you know you did it right.

It's Your Love

Last night, Marianne and I were set to attend Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's final touring of their "Soul 2 Soul" concert. I attended last year in Salt Lake, and knew just how exciting the show was going to be.

Here we are, striking our best cowgirl poses before we took off through the very urban Boston mass transportation system.

Let me fill you in on a little secret. The great city of Boston does not appreciate country music the way Salt Lake City does--or for the record, the way they should. I know I'm a dying breed of country music lovers, but come on. I can't help it. Country music makes me feel good. Happy. Aye yie yie. I love it so much. This concert didn't even sell out! And those who were there were mostly too sloshed to remember how fantastic it was. Boo Boston, I've found your first weakness. Heck, there's only one country station here! And it's terrible! (SLC for the record has three; all of which are a joy and a southern delight.)

But I digress. Here we are, standing in front of some big Tim & Faith sign. I smuggled both Marianne and my cameras into the Garden in my front jeans pockets. Shabby security secured our right to contraband photos. Huzzah!
Here's how they opened the show. A fantastically amazing cover of Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars." If you don't listen to the whole song, jump ahead to :56 remaining where Faith starts to wail. This was the point where I got goosebumps and remembered how obsessed I am with Faith. (Really! Everything about her is getting better with age!)

Tim & Faith both did an hour of their own music. It literally blows my mind how they (esp. Faith) can belt like that for so long.

They were amazing on their own, but they were absolutely phenomenal together. I'm pretty sure these two have the hottest love on earth. I know what Reese&Ryan's breakup did to me, Tim&Faith would literally rock my world.

I understand I'm casting my pearls before swine with this post as it's uncool to like country. But I had such an amazing time and I promise you would have too. Listening to these two just makes you want to be in love and happy. And gorgeous. I will close before I continue gushing. If you love me, go find a version of "I Need You" by these two and just listen to it. I'm rather obsessed. I'd upload my video, but it's too large. Do it. For me. (I'll even make it easy. Here's a slideshow of photos of them and the song.)

How true it was, when I texted Stephanie telling her I was at the concert, and this was the reply I got: "Fun! This is like the best week ever for you!"

Amen.

Sell Out

Last weekend, Jamar came down to visit for the express purpose of attending history's most craptastic teeny-bop concert. Whenever anyone comes to visit, it rains. Without fail this has been my experience. I shouldn't have been surprised at all that the third weekend in May was 45 degrees and pouring down rain. And we had lawn seats.

Funnier however than the rain, and the musical acts, were the patrons attending the event. It was a Disneyland Carnival of lights and sounds, high school athletic apparel, and kids getting dropped off by their parents. We were, without a doubt, the oldest people in attendance (besides the moms chaperoning their non-driving age kids). Check out this action:

The day looks much brighter than it was. It was dark, gloomy, raining, and see-your-breath cold. We were sitting on an emergency foil blanket. Trying to keep the water from running down the hill and into the waistband of our already-soaked jeans. It was awesome. (As it my Discotastic eye makeup from the night before.)

And when I say it was awful and pouring rain. I mean it. Check it out--don't you wish you could join us?

After 3.5 hours, we'd had enough. We didn't even get to see Hil Duff, Fergie, Daughtry, or special guest Akon. Like totally no way. There's always next year.

Feelin' the Spark

Last year, I was rooting for Kat. This year, it's all about the Sparkle that is Jordin.

It will most definitely be a battle to the finish tonight. I think for the first time in Idol history I don't love one and hate the other of the finalists. I'd be satisfied if Blake won, I just want my girl to bring it home! (I've been a Jordin fan since the semis.)

You can guess where I'll be tonight and what I'll be doing!!!

Pop, Pop, Pop Music

I bet you wish you were attending this concert.

Dashboard Confessional, Daughtry, Fergie, Rihanna, Hil Duff, Katherine McPhee, Omarion, JoJo, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Gym Class Heroes, Robin Thicke, and Lily Allen.

Top-40's plethora o' fun. All for a one stop shop price. Jamar and I may be the oldest people in attendance, but you'd better believe we'll be having a majority 'o pre-teen fun.

If you're in the area, or interested in some fun in an open air, open lawn-sitting venue, come join us May 19th.

If you're going to sassily comment on your disdain for pop, R&B, or Top-40's music, please consider attending the Soul2Soul II, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill concert with me in July. IF you're going to sassily comment on that, love me for no other reason than the fact I make an amazing cheeseball.

Dream on This

An Oscar-winner, a Grammy-winner, and a Tony-winner all together in one 6-minute blow out!
Quite possibly the best moment of the Oscars. I love these ladies--and they freakin' brought the house down! Words can't describe how great this performance is.

Beyonce is beyond beautiful and I'm developing a healthy-sized (no pun intended) girl-crush on Jennifer Hudson. Can these girls wail or what?

Oscars last night were awesome!

Soul 2 Soul II

One week ago today I went to the sweetest concert in my concert-attending history. It was the Soul 2 Soul II Tour at the Delta Center -- for those of you not familiar with the country music scene (which, knowing my friends is most of you), this was the Faith Hill and Tim McGraw concert.

Faith and Tim really ARE the perfect celebrity couple. They're both fantastically attractive, and honestly seem to love each other. Actually, the two of them performing together might be the sexiest thing ever:




It was really hard to select just one video for this post (I haven't figured out how to post multiple YouTube videos yet). I had a good time surfing through potential videos and this is the one I decided upon because Faith and Tim are together. I didn't take this video, nor is it even from the Salt Lake show, but you get the point.

We sat in the upper bowl but still had a great view of the stage... the concert was well worth every penny paid. Faith and Tim both did an hour set and then six or seven songs together. They both had such high energy! I'd see them again in a heartbeat if I could...