Keeping 2012 Happy

Well, I wish I could say that I have spent the last 6-1/2 months traveling the world and was without internet access, but then again, I've never been a very good liar.  My last post on January 3rd was about my "Wall of Happy" which I have spent the last 6-1/2 months trying to fill.  I've done a pretty good job.
January
-We welcomed a new washer and dryer into our home!
February
 -We spent a weekend with my family in Edisto and saw Botany Bay for the first time- AMAZING.

   March
-We celebrated my Dad's 60th birthday and he handled it pretty well.
-My oldest friend and The Husband's cousin got engaged!  I couldn't be happier!
-Spent a (much needed) weekend with my girlfriends and one of them announced she's due in November.

 -The Husband and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary.

 April
-A friend and I were invited to spend an evening on the tour bus of one of our favorite bands...yes, I felt like a well-behaved Penny Lane.

May
-I graduated with my Masters in Literacy Education...WOOHOO!  My amazing sister threw the best Graduation Celebration at her home...Happy Cinco de Mayo!

-Matt came to visit all the way from Montana!
-We welcomed a new air conditioning unit into our home!  

June
-My first year at my new school ends as my summer starts creeping in.
-We spent a week vacation with my family in Edisto and I drove the boat for the first time.

Photo taken by Sister

Photo taken by Brother

 -We celebrated The Husband's 30th birthday.

Keeping 2012 happy.  Hope you are too.

Thank You, Chicago

All I can say is that The Husband and I live a pretty spectacular life.  Last Thursday we flew to Chicago with 2 of our buddies to see that old friend I've written about before, Widespread Panic.  The 3 nights of shows at the Chicago Theater were amazing.  First of all, the Chicago Theater, itself, is amazing.  The architecture and artwork is something to marvel over.  I felt as if I was walking into Les Miserable or Phantom of the Opera.  I wanted to slap anyone that spilled their drink or attempted to smoke in the place.  Each night we had perfect seats where we could really boogie in our socks- or in my case, boogie in my boot.  We danced, sang, smiled, and got goose bumps with the music all weekend.

On Saturday we took the train to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs vs. the Phillies.  JB, from Widespread Panic, threw out the first pitch.  Unfortunately the game ended with a win for the Phillies, but I am now a Cubs fan as I respect their attitude about losing.  "Win or Lose, We Booze" I think is how it goes.  All they worry about is having a good time and everyone was very welcoming to us southerners.

 Harry Carry

 John Bell after throwing the first pitch of the game.

I'm telling you, the place has stopped in time.

We left early to beat the crowd.  I have to get a head start with the boot and all.

 After the show Saturday night, we went to a blues bar that stayed open until about breakfast time called Kingston Mines.  It was probably one of the coolest holes I've ever been to with 2 stages and plenty of toe-tapping tunes. 

 

It was another lovely time where The Husband and I looked at each other wondering how we'll ever top it.  We have nothing but good things to say about the city.  Hope to see you again, Chicago.  Thanks for your fabulous hospitality and your good time.

 I know what you're thinking...a person with one broken foot already shouldn't stand in the middle of the street, but what a great shot.  Panic's tour buses to the left and our hotel to the right.

Hello, Old Friend

When I was 12, I sat in my older brother's room and went through his cd's.  There was this red one that I loved and I listened to the 3rd track on repeat.  Almost every chance I would get, I'd sit in the floor in his room and listen to this album.  I didn't know then how strangely important those moments were.  During those sessions with the red colored album I was starting a relationship that would grow to be far more significant than those creating the music would ever know.

The music was a bond between my brother, my sister, and I.  Our parents never understood our loyalty to the band and maybe that's because our loyalty wasn't as much to the band as it was to each other.  The band became something that was just ours.  Being so much younger than my siblings, these moments were something I treasured.  Every chance we could get, we would drive to hear them play.  My sister and I just smiling and dancing while our favorite songs played.  Our giant brother tap dancing across the lawn around us.  I will forever be grateful to them for including me and showing me the ropes.

I continue to travel to hear the band with my husband who also has a history with the music.  Now I have incredible memories with him as well.  Seeing this band is like seeing a dear old friend.  It is a relationship that stretches beyond the musicians and nuzzles me deep in my soul and I love it.