He's got the world on a string

A few weeks ago I went to the best concert of my life with my bff Kjersti (and yes, we were twinners for the night in our matching t-shirts). We spent the evening swooning, dancing, laughing, and singing along with Michael Bublé as our most gracious host. He was charming, goofy, natural, sincere, and an absolute entertainer. Every song he sang was full of emotion, like he was living it all himself. He called us "my loves." On several occasions, he removed his earpieces so he could just hear pure sound of the band. His voice was raw yet just as smooth and dreamy as his recordings. I screamed uncontrollably when he hit the stage. I felt like a school girl at a Backstreet Boys concert - it was just an instinctive reaction to an incredible moment. lol He even wandered out through the crowd as he sang!

At the end of an incredible 3-song finale, he hushed the crowd and sang "Your song" - like he was singing to every one of those ten thousand people individually - with no earpieces or microphone. It was simply beautiful.

On his website it says: As Michael Bublé opens wide the doors to his own emotions for the world to see on “Crazy Love”, he knows he has no other choice. "I can't [BS] my fans, he says. They will know it’s real because they will feel it too -- and after that we are no longer strangers."

Sure he likes to cuss every now and then, but he is real. It felt like hanging out at his house, with a big band in the living room :) He made it personal; you truly felt like his friend by the end of it.

The best part was that he recognized what a blessing it is to do what he does. He gives the best show imaginable because he knows his fans are the people who make his life possible. He was so gracious and humble about the gift and opportunities he has been given. If only more performers were like Bublé!

Can you tell how totally thrilled we were to be there?

Bublé has said, "You can try to trick the people and come out wearing a fedora and a tuxedo but that's not me. I was born in the late '70s, I wear jeans. i don't hang out in casinos. The lifestyle isn't my thing. I don't drink martinis and I don't smoke cigars."

He's still just Mike, the son of a "salmon killer" from Burnaby, BC, who simply loves to sing.

And I tell you what, it was worth every penny to attend such an amazing concert by someone who made me feel appreciated for being there. Too bad all his Canadian concert dates are sold out, cuz I would LOVE to live that night again :)

This guy knows how to make an entrance... and exit

Just a glimpse of his greatness. Please excuse the unsteady camera, I was too busy screaming and swooning to keep a clear shot :)

The opener

Sweet, sincere finale. What a class act!!

I'm blue da-ba-dee-da-ba-dah

Back in February I went to the city's Mardi Gras costume party with my aunts and uncle. I helped with the make-up and then jumped in on the fun. I LOVE dressing up, and it had been a while, so I had a blast!

We even won best group :)

Catch up time

I have had some really wonderful adventures the past few months. I am working on articulating these experiences and my feelings about them. I also feel like few people read my blog anymore, but I guess the lack of commentary doesn't necessarily mean you aren't reading, just that you have no opinions... lol
Anyway, for those of you who are listening - and thank you! - please bear with me while I catch up.
P.S. I am happy to report that within a month after my weight max-out, I lost 15 lbs. Though still far from structured in my fitness, I am well on my way to looking and feeling much better:)

My angels

Thursday morning I woke up around 4 am and was violently ill. I threw up 7 more times before 9:30 am, and a 9th and final time just after noon. I have never been so painfully sick so many times in one day. It was exhausting, discouraging, and downright scary.

I am happy to report that my strange malady seems to have run its course and I am now trying to rest and recover from the fatigue and dehydration. But I have to recognize two wonderful people who helped me survive yesterday.

First, my dear, sweet mother. I haven't had her around when I was sick in a very long time. She made all sorts of teas and drinks for me, searched out remedies for my poor tummy, rubbed my aching back with essential oils, and so many other things. My mom can drive me crazy sometimes, but there is no one better to take care of you when you are sick! She has the biggest heart of anyone I know, and I am grateful that she is my mom.

And secondly, my amazing little brother, Stephen. He spent his day off buying me ginger ale, running errands for mom, making pizza for our nephews, and even managed to pull off his weekly nerd-fest with his friends. Most importantly, he gave me a healing Priesthood blessing. Through his slow but deliberate words, I felt heavenly power giving me the patience and strength to endure this physical trial. Not only that, but I felt the incredible faith and love of my brother. In my heart, he will always be the baby brother I adored, but now he has become an amazing young man. He is so kindhearted, full of love, ready to serve, obedient, dedicated, loyal, smart, and way funny when you catch him in the right mood! I am so grateful for the past few months I have had to spend getting to know him better and watching him prepare to serve the Lord. he will be a most excellent missionary.

My family is far from perfect, but they are just so good! Even in the midst of physical torment, I am so very blessed.

She’s back!!!!!!!!

Figuratively and literally.

I am back at home in Canada after four wonderful weeks of travel and visits. But more importantly, I am mentally, emotionally, and spiritually back where I should be.

The past six months or so have been a very trying time for me. I have been living with my parents - without my own room. The weather was bitterly cold. I gained weight. I felt lost, frustrated, confused, and alone.

Then back in February, something clicked. I was driving around running errands after a great trip to the gym; listening to some of my favourite music, completely in control of my own schedule. Suddenly I realized how great I felt. Even in my putzy little home town, I felt like ME again! I felt like the girl who had a fun, independent life in Florida. I felt confident, happy, positive, and calm. It was AWESOME!!!

At first it was a fleeting feeling, and the discouragement would still creep in daily. Now, I feel that difference consistently – even with the obvious opposition of a miserable April snowstorm :) This small experience, combined with several others and culminating in my extended vacation, has helped me to get back to being the girl I love to be. Me!

I believe I have kicked whatever funk was weighing me down. I am still not where I want to be in my life, but I know that I will be soon. I have the perspective to see a few months ahead and recognize the value of a little sacrifice now. I have become more involved with local events and organizations. I have a calling at church. I feel a part of something valuable. I contribute, I matter! And I can give so much more standing tall, shoulders square, with a smile of excited determination on my face. Not a whole lot has changed in the past year and a half, but I have changed, and that is what matters most. I like the progress I have made. I like the person I have become. I like the way I am starting to see others, the self-discipline that I am learning, the way I treat myself, and how much I just want to be good!

So in a way, I am back to the old me – positive, determined, motivated, and passionate. However, I believe the updated version is just that much stronger, wiser and happier. And boy does it feel great to have found her!!