June 2015 Weekend Update

June was really busy! I didn't take many pictures though. I spent early June in Louisville/Nashville for a work trip. It was quite a bit of fun. I met clients I hadn't met before. We got to go to Churchill Downs. I saw a part of Nashville I've never visited before. All in all, it was a successful trip. So, that first weekend was spent traveling home and catching my breath.

The second week in June was fun! A friend and I saw Mumford & Sons and had a blast. On Friday, the In-Laws, Brother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, the nephews and the four of us went for Asian food. The food was plentiful. We did not give the baby sushi, but he liked edamame and tempura. The next night, we went out with our friends. Husband went golfing with the boys. A friend, Sister and I went to a brunch that was fantastic. Then, we met Sister-in-Law at the movies. After, we met up with the boys for happy hour and kept hopping from there. It was a lot of fun. On Sunday, we went to my parents' pool.

The third weekend, Little Miss and I met Sister and Nephew to see Inside Out. My mom watched Captain while we went out. We did some light shopping, too. That Sunday was another quiet Sunday. We've made an effort to keep the place relatively tidy. I think the lighter Sundays have helped.
In the last weekend, we went to Sister's house on Saturday to celebrate my dad's birthday. The kids baked brownies. I went to the mall to pick up Little Miss's flower girl dress for Sister's wedding next year. Then, we all just had an enjoyable evening. On Sunday, I met friends for lunch and some girl time.

Other items of note is that Little Miss had her last day of first grade (the picture above is misleading because it's really the last day on the left and the first day on the right). I really liked first grade (and she did as well). She grew so much - both physically and academically. She's so very bright and so eager to please. I hope she is as lucky with her second grade teacher.

Meanwhile, Captain has no desire to walk. He will very occasionally walk assisted and can walk alongside the couch, a cabinet or in the crib. He'll just fold up his legs until you let him go so he can crawl. I know his legs can support him and he knows what to do so, until he wants to, not much else to worry about. He is a fantastic eater. He'll eat anything. He's had jambalaya, many meats, fruits. He's ate shrimp last weekend for dinner. He loves fruit and pretty much anything I'm trying to feed myself. He even tried some of Husband's buffalo chicken. We've been having some constipation issues. It turns out that he needs a healthy diet of fruit and daily prunes. At least once a week, it's a big struggle so hopefully we'll have it straightened out soon. Poor little guy.

Little Miss Words of Wisdom

1.  Last Friday, I chose clothes for Little Miss to wear to school.  She told me she didn't want to wear the shirt I chose.  This isn't new.  She doesn't like any clothes I pick, but she also doesn't want to pick out her own clothes.  Her reason was that the shirt was too special.  She didn't want the other kids to be jealous of her special shirt so she should probably just wear a regular one.  Seriously.  I don't know if I buy it, but she gets points for originality.

2.  Yesterday, she wanted to know what All About that Bass was about.  I told her it was about a girl that all the boys chased.  Boys find her pretty.  She told me that it's more important to love herself than have someone love you.  She then told me that she loves herself because she's so smart.  I told her that she will be a better partner to someone if she is smart and confident and loves herself.  She just kind of rolled her eyes like duh.  Girl needs her own advice column.

3.  On Sunday, we bickered quite a bit.  I won't lie.  At 1PM, her friend dropped off a coat left at her house.  The mother asked if Little Miss could go to their place for a playdate.  I happily said yes (and Little Miss had her shoes on and was gone before I even finished agreeing).  When she came back, we went to get some Frostys at Wendy's because I promised her we could use her gift certificates.  So, I was asking her what she did at her playdate and asked if she was polite and well-behaved.  She just said, exasperated, "Libre soy, mama!"  For those who haven't watched Frozen a billion times including the bonus features of Let It Go in different languages, it means Let It Go in Spanish.  So, now I have a snotty brat who can drive me crazy in 2 languages.  

Weekend Update - 2 for 1 Deal

Because so little happened in the last two weekends, I'm smooshing them into one weekend update. 

Two weeks ago, we dropped Little Miss off with my parents, and my parents, Sister, Nephew and she went to Maine.  She had a great time with my grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousin.  This year, friends of the family also went so the two cottages were given quite the work out.  Little Miss came back a total big girl.  She seemed taller, more confident (which is hard to believe) and just so chatty about the whole vacation.

In the meantime, I went to see matchbox twenty and The Goo Goo Dolls.  You can view the setlist here.  It was a great show, and I had a nice night out with my friend. 

Last weekend, I picked up Little Miss from my parents.  We drove into the city to drop something off with Husband and then went to Target for a first day of school outfit, Trader Joe's and the grocery store.  Little Miss was all tuckered out when we got home.  Sunday, we did very little.  We basically had brunch, took a family nap and then had dinner.

In the meantime, I've been trying to catch up on Breaking Bad.  I did watch 2 seasons in the last couple of weeks.  I hope to be caught up with season 5 for this Sunday.  It's been a challenge. 

Weekend Update - Music and Vodka

This past weekend, I ran home on Friday so Husband and I could go to see The Lumineers with Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law.  We tailgated and then went into the concert.  It was a lot of fun.  I overindulged just a little, but the band was great and the weather was beautiful.

On Saturday, I got ready early to go to a golf outing in which Husband was participating.  It was a Skirt Off so all 20 men dressed in kilts (or makeshift skirts) and teed off from the front tees.  After, we celebrated Husband and Brother-in-law's second place finish with some food and drink with the group.  Then, we ran a few errands and met friends at The Dave Matthews Band concert.  The concert was awesome, but the weather was not awesome.  Luckily, we had seats in the amphitheater.  It poured about half of the concert.  I zipped up my hoodie and put up my umbrella for the lengthy walk to the car and only got wet on my legs and feet.  Husband got soaked.  I was designated driver home which was uneventful.  I was asleep almost immediately when we got home.

Today, we slept late and then Husband went to pick up Little Miss.  We've been getting in a lot of cuddle time, but I think she is glad to be home.

Not what Culture Club intended I bet...

For literally years, we've been trying to capture this video.  We listen to the 80's station on XM Radio a lot.  It's the only music the three of us can all agree on.  Somewhere along the way, Little Miss started this little butt wiggle dance to Culture Club's I'll Tumble for Ya.  Today, she let me record it.  It's always adorable, but I'm partial to when she did it as a squishy little toddler.  It's not quite the same as a big girl.  Still always makes me laugh though.  If you're not familiar with the song, I've embedded the original song below:

The Truth About P!nk

Last night, I went to see P!nk in her The Truth About Love Tour. I left work just a smidge early to meet a friend for a margarita and dinner. Then, we saw the very end of The Hives and P!nk. She was absolutely fantastic. You can click here to see an example of her setlist. From my memory, it was pretty close to what she played last night. She is very high energy and it was just a really fun concert. I was surprised that she cleaned up a lot of the songs. She either sang the radio versions or moved the microphone away to downplay the language. Because I don't have a microphone and only buy the explicit versions of songs, I sang the real versions. 

Little Miss asked if she sang Raise Your Glass and was excited to hear that she did. Below is video of Try performed last night. Some of the aerials were more impressive than this one, but it gives you an idea of what she does. Also, one of the last songs had her flying over the crowd so she could give a show to the back rows and the high rows (though not as high as we were). That was pretty impressive.

Mumford & Sons

Last night, a friend and I left work a little early and met at The Green Turtle for a yummier dinner than I expected there. Then, we walked around in the falling snow to a shop to kill some time before Mumford & Sons! We also caught one of the opening acts, Ben Howard, who I enjoyed much more than the opening act for another British band Coldplay I won't name. 

Below are two video clips from songs performed last night, Babel which opened the show and Lover of the Light, my favorite. 

NOTE:  For the setlist and music videos of the songs performed in last night shows (though not from last night's show), you can check this link out. There is video of the really cool encore where the band brought the opening acts back out to perform a cover of The Weight which brought back nice memories of the performance at the Grammys last Sunday. 

Smooth

If you know me at all, you know about my thing with matchbox twenty. My thing doesn't extend to going to their concert in the next state by myself on a weeknight, but if I could have found someone to go with me, I would have. Here's hoping the next leg of the tour hits DC. 

Smooth: The TV Show with Matchbox 20 from Rob Thomas

I like Pina Coladas...

Mom and I were talking about Escape (the Pina Colada song) earlier this month.  I said I liked it, but the couple bothers me.  I mean, they are basically a bunch of cheaters.  So, she wanted to know what I meant.  I explained the song and then played the song to her.  Still, I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that she only liked the catchy chorus and had no idea what the song is about at all. 

Weekend Update - The Boss in NJ

Last Friday, poor Little Miss had a dentist appointment. She handled it like a trooper. She admitted to crying but because of the noise, she insists, not pain. After, she recuperated very quickly. We then left to go to New Jersey. Husband and I had a delightful and relaxing dinner at Il Villagio. 

On Saturday, we slept late. Then, we went to friends' house where we carpooled to Met-Life Stadium to see Bruce Springsteen again. We hung out in the parking lot for a handful of hours and then found out that there was a rain delay. You can find a recap here. The concert was fantastic. We didn't get to bed until 4AM and it was worth it. 

The playlist was as follows: 
1. Out in the Street 
2. The Ties That Bind 
3. Cynthia (tour premiere) 
4. Badlands 
5. Who'll Stop the Rain 
6. Cover Me 
7. Downbound Train 
8. We Take Care of Our Own 
9. Wrecking Ball 
10. Death to My Hometown 
11. My City of Ruins 
12. It's Hard To Be A Saint in the City 
13. Jole Blon (With Gary US Bonds) 
14. This Little Girl (With Gary US Bonds) 
15. Pay Me My Money Down 
16. Janey Don't You Lose Heart (full band premiere) 
17. In the Midnight Hour (tour premiere) 
18. Into The Fire (tour premiere) 
19. Because The Night 
20. She's The One 
21. Working on the Highway 
22. Shackled and Drawn 
23. Waiting on a Sunny Day 
24. Meeting Across the River (tour premiere) 
25. Jungleland 

ENCORES 
26. Thunder Road 
27. Rocky Ground 
28. Born To Run 
29. Glory Days 
30. Seven Nights to Rock 
31. Dancing in the Dark 
32. Tenth Avenue Freeze Out 
33. Twist and Shout 

 On Sunday, we went back to our friends' house and watched the Jets game. Then, we head on home. It was an exhausting weekend from which we are still recovering, but it was worth it!

Conversation with Little Miss

Little Miss was cuddling with me on the couch last night.  Under her breath I can hear the following:

"Anyway you want it, that's the way you need it.  Anyway you want it."

I sit up and look at her and asked, "Did you just have a Journey moment?"

"What?"

"I heard you.  You were singing.  'Anyway you want it, that's the way you need it.  Anyway you want it.'"

She started laughing.  "Oh, yeah.  You just had a Journey moment, too."

So, thanks, Journey and State Farm for contributing to our silly couch moments.  Little Miss dove right into "We Built This City" afterwards. 

Sexy Friday

It's decided (well, by me) that Lenny Kravitz can make anything cool and sexy. He wore a purple jumpsuit type thing the first time I saw him. I also got to see him perform once and that was pretty sexy. He hasn't acted in too much, but I thought he was great in Precious and not everyone can pull off gold eye make up like he did in The Hunger Games. He's just the epitome of cool which is quite the accomplishment considering his name is Lenny.

Weekend Update - The Weekend That Was My Birthday

Last Friday, I took a half day from work to meet a friend at Celebrate Fairfax. The Legends of Hip Hop played featuring Young MC, Rob Base, DJ Kool and Digital Underground and hosted by Flavor Flav. I had a lot of fun. Little Miss spent the night at Sister's house with her and Nephew. On Saturday, we woke to a call from Sister. Little Miss was sick so we rushed out to Fairfax to bring her home. She spent most of the day on the couch with me. Later, she had a small meal and went to bed. The next day, we planned to go to the fair if she felt better.

On Sunday, Little Miss woke up literally bouncing into our room. So, we went to the fair to meet Sister, Nephew and friends.  Little Miss rode as many rides as she could. Then, we saw The Legwarmers perform. On the way back, Little Miss rode some more rides. I had a teensy bout of heat exhaustion so there was a bit of dramas as a vendor, 2 volunteers and the firefighters of Falls Church came to tend to me. After some water, ice packs and sitting in the air conditioning, I was free and clear to go home. However, because of the drama, I had to miss out on seeing some friends which was sad. After, we went to Sister's house so Little Miss could take a quick bath in case she fell asleep on the way home - which she did. So, big weekend had by all - ups and downs.

Sexy Friday

I won't be as diligent about Sexy Friday as in the past, but I thought it was time to bring the topic back. So, in honor of his 50th birthday, Jon Bon Jovi is the recipient of Sexy Friday. I chose a photo of his face which is not my favorite body part of his. Yes, he does music, and I'm a fan, but I do so love him in Moonlight and Valentino - the clip will show him in a brief scene. I always thought it was an underrated movie.

What was your first CD?

I read this article which mentions Lady Gaga's first CD purchased with her own money. I was horrible. I totally refused to make the conversion to CDs. I loved my little tape player. However, eventually, I just had to bite the bullet. My first CD was The Cranberries Everybody Else Is Doing It. Oh, the irony. Hm, I think that's irony. Stupid Alanis Morisette has ruined the concept forever. I am not sure I still have the CD. It's actually doubtful, but if I do, it's purely for sentimental reasons.

Future on Wheel of Fortune/Jeopardy!

Category would be Before and After.

The answer would be:  Lead singer of matchbox twenty who is useful on the Island of Sodor. 

The question would be:  Rob Thomas the Tank Engine.

Little Miss and I were in the car listening to my iPod.  I had no tolerance for kid music today so I made her listen to my iPod on shuffle.  A Rob Thomas song came on, and she was listening.  She tilts her head and goes, "Mommy, who's this?"  I tell her Rob Thomas was singing.  She waits a beat and then says "Just like the train!"  I agreed to which she responded "I'm so smart."

Road Rage

I don't hate Christmas music. Really.  Also, I like Feed the World.  Plus, even though I think November 19 is too early to play it 24/7 on a radio station, I just choose to listen to another station until at least after Thanksgiving. That said, on my way to work this morning, I heard Feed the World. I look over at the car next to me. Her windows were up and my windows were up. Plus, I had my own radio on at a moderate level. What do I hear?  Feed the World from her car radio as if it was playing inside my own head. I could barely hear my own music (soundtrack to Rent in case you were wondering).  Seriously, first, too soon. Second, the music was so loud, her future self from next year could hear that stupid radio. Not necessary.  /rant

Rant

Now, the song is kind of annoying, but it's darned catchy. I'll sing it in the car, sometimes even with the windows rolled down (ok, at that point, I'll car dance, but I won't sing). However, it bugs me that the lyric is: You and me could write write a bad romance. It's not like the "you and me" has to rhyme with anything. It should be "You and I could write a bad romance." Anyway, it's been bugging me. I thought it should bug you, too. Below, if you haven't heard the song, is the Glee version because that's the version I listened to in the car. I linked Lady Gaga's version below that.

What I Sang All Week

Except I did go to work.

Bon Jovi!

Last Monday night, I went to see Bon Jovi with friends. It was a blast. The band puts on a great, fun, high-energy concert. I love that the band obviously plays the new album, but there is the popular songs. Obviously, there are songs I wished to hear, but with a band that's been around for more than an album or two, some are going to be left off the setlist. Still, it was a lot of fun and almost all non-stop music. The video below is from the concert on Monday though not recorded by me as I was a teensy bit further back.

Below is the playlist of the concert:
Happy Now
We Weren't Born To Follow
You Give Love a Bad Name
Whole Lot Of Leavin'
Born To Be My Baby
Lost Highway
When We Were Beautiful
Superman Tonight
We Got It Going On
Bad Medicine
~ Roadhouse Blues
It's My Life
Lay Your Hands On Me (Richie Sambora no vocal)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover)
I'll Be There For You
Something for the Pain [acoustic]
Someday I'll Be Saturday Night (Acoustic)
Keep The Faith
Work For The Working Man
Who Says You Can't Go Home
Love's The Only Rule

Encore:
Runaway
Wanted Dead or Alive
Livin' on a Prayer