The Avett Brothers

Funny how you find bands that touch a chord with you. I had never heard of this group, but heard this particular song on 95.9 The Ranch and had to buy it. They are currently opening for Dave Matthews Band in concert, but I would place them in alternative country/folk/bluegrass as their genre. I believe their roots are bluegrass, but you can tell that they are transitioning to a more mainstream sound. I read up on them and of course they are getting hammered by a few hardcore fans for selling out. I think the bluegrass/banjo has traditionally been more prevalent in previous albums. It does still show up in a few songs on their latest album. If you like this kind of music you should give them a try. Enjoy!

working from home. :)

Ipod Todd has a problem...

and it's called Words with Friends.

Definitely don't play his games for him.  Just a heads up.

U2

Last night, I fulfilled one of my Bucket List Items by attending the U2 Concert.  It. was. amazing.  It took me a long time to realize that I was actually in the presence of my Moment, much to the annoyance of Todd.  He kept asking me if I was excited, if I was looking forward to the concert, if I was hoping for "With or Without You" to be the opening song.  And sure, I was all of those things, but just very calm in anticipation-which is odd for me.  Calm Excitement.

We gathered our group of friends, left Decatur around 4, and headed to Cowboy Stadium to find our parking pass.  Our fearless organizer, Jennifer, had researched the best way to park and cemented a safe spot right across the street from the GIANT structure that is Jerry Jones World.  MUCH better than the $10 parking her "better half" kept eyeing.  :)

We had just enough time to treat ourselves to dinner and a few drinks before the big Hike and Climb to the concert.  The stadium was a little HUGE.  If it's possible, it looks SMALLER on the outside than the inside.  But enough about that, it is just metal and concrete...back to the MUSIC.

The stage was set up off-center and was GIGANTIC.

Here is the view from our seats.  We were on the third deck, second row, and if not for that arm right in our line of vision, we would have been giggly about our location.  As it turned out, the awesome U2 was so energetic and excited, they never stayed in one place and we were just as much a part of the concert as those right there in the guts and glory section.  It was an odd looking stage though; Bono himself called it a spaceship.  :)

Muse was the opening band-guys I'd never heard of, but was entertained by during the anticipation of the awesome U2.  They were one of those kind of bands that draws me into their sound, causing me to dissect it into the individual parts.  Sometimes I'm just so amazed that those parts can come together to make a whole sound.  I think that's the band geek in me coming out. :) They FINALLY finished, and it was time to wait for the awesome U2.  and wait.  and wait.  Lots of waiting-which added to my Calm Excitement.

And then, they arrived.

I could hardly believe my senses.  I felt like my entire body was lying to me.  I couldn't possibly be in the same universe as This Band.  This Band that took me under their wing in my "tween" years, giving my music substance, and my brain some exercise.  I fell in love with U2 in about 7th grade.  Before then, I'd mostly dabbled in Country (I was SO country when country wasn't cool).  Joshua Tree seeped into my bones and began to shape my philosophies.  I started researching my Irish Roots, and tried to understand the turmoil in that country.  I, too, became an advocate for Peace.  From that moment, I devoured every album.  I actually bought two Rattle and Hum CDs because I wore one of them out.  So, standing in that stadium, listening to their music, straight from their bodies, I was starstruck.  All I could do was inhale, exhale, and listen.

They were incredible.  Bono never stopped.  The Edge (my favorite) was subdued perfection.  Their music filled the stadium.  Their lyrics filled our souls.  Always with a political message, Bono thanked George Bush for his work in Africa, and asked all of us to become One in the quest for Peace.  The encore came in three parts, and they FINALLY played "With our Without You," which I FINALLY decided is my favorite song. 

As we left the stadium, I was also FINALLY filled with that outward excitement Todd had been wanting to see.  At one point during the encore, he told me I needed my own section at a concert.  Hey, when you feel the music, you just gotta move.  :)  I think it took the entire concert for the Moment to sink in and become part of me. 

We spent the drive home recapturing our favorite moments of the concert, dodging cars driving the wrong way on the highway, feeling our way through the fog, justifying the late bedtime, and reliving a perfect Bucket List Moment.  Like I said.  Amazing.

I'm already concentrating on two things...

"I'm watching TV AND eating this ice cream.  You want me to concentrate on THREE things by also listening to you."

-guess

A Lesson in Photography

Our entire life together, I've been coaching Todd on smiling for a picture. It started because he'd give the mug shot face (no smiling whatsoever) in every single picture, and then he just started trying too hard. We actually practiced in front of mirrors for our wedding pictures. I know, it sounds shallow, but you really should see some of the things he tried to pass off as smiles. But, my friends, I give you the new Todd. Not only has he graduated from smiling lessons in general, it seems I have a full blown underwear model to-be on my hands.

I give you super-serious-I'm-too-sexy-for-my-shirt Todd:

The Hunter

Tuesday was opening day of Dove Season. Interesting fact? Not usually for this little family; however, this year Todd decided to be a hunter, not a gatherer. You can imagine my surprise when he told me of his plans to go dove hunting in general, let alone the first day of the Season, AND on a SCHOOL NIGHT. But, he covered his bases, and had his mom chip in with me so I could run around to all the Mom activities planned for that night, so I guess I couldn't complain too much.

The images in my head were cracking me up. Todd in camo. Todd crouched down in the "brush." Todd wearing a hat with leaves hanging off of the bill. Todd's accent acquiring more "ain'ts" and "ders" as the night wore on. But, he did manage a few kills. Gag. He even cleaned the little birds, and grilled them last night for dinner. The kids and I looked at warily at the spread, and mostly nibbled on the vegetables and rice. We're just more comfortable knowing our Todd bought the meat instead of killed the meat. It makes a difference in our little world. For now, I think we are safe for another year; I doubt Todd will venture into any other kind of hunting season, since he tears up at Charlotte's Web when both Wilbur's life is in danger, and Charlotte's daughters decide to fly away.

Good thing we don't actually HAVE to hunt and gather...good thing indeed.

I gotta give him credit...

This week of teacher training has been a drain on the ol' fam, and a beat down for Todd. Even though I'm half-time for the school year, I've been working overtime to get ready for that school year-meaning gone before sunrise, and home at sunset. There are some stories in that alone that I will save until I'm a little less brain dead, and a little more positive. :) I'm sure you know how that goes...

But back to Todd, the best husband on the planet. Yes, you read that correctly; go ahead and print it out. I know I don't brag on him that often, but he really has picked up the slack this week. He's done the Morning Routine of breakfast, clothes, beds, and bags for the day. He's dropped off the kids and Marley at their designated locations; he's picked them up, and fed them dinner. He even stopped by his Mom's this afternoon to help with Grady's naptime, an ongoing debate and battle. In addition to all that, the kids told me he read a few bedtime stories and tucked them all in super tight and cozy. AND, the house is not totally wrecked. I'd even say it was clean.

And then today we all pulled the rug out from under him.

This morning, Madison locked his keys in the truck. He was already late for a meeting at work, but luckily could borrow his Mom's car and get there relatively on time. She was saved by the hair on her chinny chin chin. Having friends in high places, he was able to problem-solve that situation through the James Wood Dealer by lunch. Bumps to Roger for that one. :) Then, this afternoon, I had a flat tire. In Southlake. Besides that, I used my girl card, and played helpless. Todd drove from Decatur to Southlake to fix the tire, and did so without too much complaint. And after all that, he patiently listened to me as I showed him my little teaching-without-a-classroom setup. He didn't offer his 2 cents a single time! He just listened! I know. Pick your jaw up off the floor. It's true!

So, in my moment of supercrazy, Todd was my hero. Who knew? :)

I guess, deep down, I did.

now I might be gay for Coldplay

As many of you know, Todd has a mancrush on Coldplay. Last night, we scratched an item off his bucket list, and saw them live in concert. All of you reading this, put this experience on your personal bucket list immediately. It. was. amazing. They sounded amazing; their musical talent was incredible; their stage presence was humbling. It was almost a spiritual event. Truly.

The night started off a little shaky, when Todd sat in his seat only to find that it was broken. Broken completely off the hinges:

So, our friend, Chris, took it upon himself to tattle this hardship to the powers that be explaining that Todd was insane about Coldplay, and the broken seat was ruining his experience. Ruining his life even. Would you believe that they reseated us? Moved us even closer? We were basically front row after that. Better than front row if you ask me. We could see Chris Martin's individual beads of sweat. It was fantastic.
We owe our Chris big time. :) And even after all this spectacularness, when our other friends Natalie and John walked by, Chris scored them a seat with us. Needless to say, we were all giddy with our upgrade.

Then, the concert began. I was literally jumping up and down in my excitement. Ya, I love a good concert, but to be there with Todd, who is literally Gay for Coldplay, just bowled me over. I wanted him to soak up every second, and there were a thousand wonderful seconds to soak up. They released balloons during "Yellow," and when they popped tons of little confetti filled the air. One wandered our direction. Todd popped it. See? The stars were definitely in alignment for us last night.

They moved the stages. TWICE. Once, to be closer to the middle of the crowd, and another to be out on the lawn. They ran RIGHT IN FRONT OF US to get that second stage. In my exuberance, I screwed up the camera, but I have a great picture in my mind. A picture of Todd inches away from giving Chris Martin a high five.

He did a little blues number about being in the Lone Star State; his drummer sang a solo, and then they sang "Billie Jean." It was surreal. It really was. As the concert progressed, I fell more and more in love with this little band.

I didn't want the concert to end, but after 3 hours of enchanting us with his piano, Chris Martin gave everyone there a free CD, or "record" as he called it, and serenaded us one more time. Todd doesn't show his excitement outwardly very often, but I think I caught a few "woos" coming from his direction throughout the night. I definitely heard him singing along, and could see him drinking in these amazing moments. Viva la Vida. I can't say it any better than that.

the radio in my head has been tuned to this song...

and it's just so good I thought I'd share it. That's all I'm saying...

34!

I met Todd when he was 13 years old. He befriended me as the new girl in Decatur, and has stuck by my side since that moment. We have survived high school, college, jobs, houses, and children. We have grown up together, and are just now settling into our little routine as adults back in our hometown community. Today is Todd's 34th Birthday, and it's amazing to me to think that I have known him for 21 of those birthdays. We are celebrating this weekend at the Lake-perhaps Todd's most favorite place in the world, and probably listening to Coldplay-perhaps Todd's most favorite band in the world. Sometimes I look at him and still see that 13 year old that cheated off me for spelling tests, which makes me laugh and of course, roll my eyes. We've had a lifetime of laughing and eye rolling, but those memories make him my bestest friend in the whole world-Happy Birthday Toddman...have a beer, my treat :)

Fun for the Whole Family

Tonight, we headed out to the Lake to get the boat ready for the weekend, and to meet my family for dinner. Simple enough plan. In the process, Todd also wanted to show off his new 7-foot-water-hydraulic-pressurized rocket. His birthday is next week, so I guess he treated himself early, even though he said the rocket was for the kids. Whatever. I actually didn't take any pictures of the official rocket launch, but the aftermath of tonight's launch and retrieval was an event unto itself.

The rocket shot over 100 feet in the air, and where it landed was anyone's guess. Our last launch was after dusk, and it chose to land in uncharted territory. Territory full of "stick tites." Those of you who don't know what a stick tite is:

Yes, that is Todd's leg. Full of what I call stickers, but Todd favors the "stick tite." All these little suckers were stuck to his leg hair, and we had to problem-solve how to get them off. It's not a new problem; we've had to deal with these with our dogs before, and we just rake through their hair over and over. Or shave them. Todd was favoring the shaving option, but we assured him we could get the little "devices of stick" off his legs. So, we pulled each one off one by one. Oh, let me add that each stick tite was attached to a Todd leg hair, so in effect, we pulled out those one by one as well. Oops. But funny. very funny. "OOHHH Kelly Clarkson." comes to mind. :) We laughed, and Grady worried. Like I said, fun for the whole family. :) Sometimes watching someone else in pain is just a little funny; now why is that?

Grand Canyon Tour 2009

We left at 4:45 a.m. this morning in the dark so we could take advantage of the cooler temperatures and provide a chance to get out by 1:00. We made it right at 1:00. We had a lot of experiences and I learned a few things along the way as well. Here are a few of the things I learned:

• The Grand Canyon is as beautiful from the bottom as it is from the top.


• Going down hill is much harder than coming up. Just ask Mom!


• When you think you are almost there...you are not!


• The Colorado River really is 52 degrees...burr...good for sore muscles though!


• Dry heat really is not as hot!


• Daily Ranger programs are interesting.


• Flying insects like dirty people and bats like flying insects.


• Squirrels like to eat wet ones baby wipes!


• If we ever need more lizards, I know where to find a few.


• Wildlife generally does not care about your presence in the Canyon.


• Mules are sure footed animals and I still would not ride one down!


• Streams next to your camp are refreshing after a 10 mile hike.


• You need to watch for rattlesnakes on the trail!


• The last mile out of the canyon is a bitch!

You can think you have done something special since only 1% of those that visit the Grand Canyon hike the trails below the rim and only .5% of that 1% go to the bottom. Then you discover that there is actually a sponsored event call the Rim to Rim Hike, which was today. May 15th is the first day the North Kaibab Trail is open for hikers to do that so they were out in force. When I got up this morning at 3:15 a.m. there were already Rim to Rimmers going by us back to the other side, which means they were going down in the dark (fast). Yesterday we saw a guy who was going across and back across in the same day. That makes a marathon seem like a walk in the park since he was going to travel 42 miles and cover approximately 18,000 feet in total elevation change. Kuddos to anyone in shape enough to do that in a day. I guess I will just have to hang my hat on the fact that I did something I always wanted to do. And I am ready to do it again if anyone out there wants to do it with me.

Radio Silence

Todd went down into the Big Hole in the Ground today, and I won't be able to reach him AT ALL for three days. I actually hadn't even considered this detail until this morning. I do that a lot-not thinking through all the details of an event. The other day, Jennifer and I took the kids to CiCi's after baseball, and I was literally in the line to pay when I realized it was a buffet. Um-3 kids? 1 adult? Logistically not the smartest thing I've ever done. Thank goodness she was there with me to tackle that pizza catastrophe-to-be. ANYway, during this morning's revelation it struck me how often Todd and I communicate. We constantly text, call, or email. We solidify the afternoon schedule (that can take up to 15 texts easy!), wonder what to have for dinner, ask about eachother's day, vent about something crazy that happened, or sometimes just send that random "I luv u." (text speak of course). Today my phone was quiet. Todd might as well be on the moon-it's just that weird.

Also today, I subbed at the Intermediate School-6th grade science, and taught a lesson on Carrying Capacity. I was totally pumped because this is my niche (ha!), and I could talk for days on natural selection, population control, predator-prey relationships, etc. When I went to review the assignment, it was over the Kaibab Deer population that reside in the Grand Canyon National Preserve. How nifty is that? The same day I lose communication with my Todd because of the Big Hole in the Ground, I randomly teach this lesson? Omen? Fate? Divine Intervention? Definitely.

addicted to the facebook quiz

I admit it, I love taking those "what kind of.....are you" quizzes. It's like reading your horoscope, or reading tea leaves, things I think are also superfun, but don't take too seriously.

Apparently, the last one I took, "What crazy bitch are you?" (see how superfun??) says I'm pretty crazy. Sinead O'Conner Crazy. Which is funny, because I was her only fan in Decatur back in the good ol' days of 1989 when I was a newbie here.

"You are one fierce bitch. You are very independent and will take no bullshit from anyone but your personality is actually sort of quiet and shy. You are a natural beauty and you are very comfortable with your femininity. You don't feel the need to overdo it or go out of your way to fuss over your looks. You don't want to distract people from what you stand for and the talents you possess. You are very idealistic and will go to any extremes to stand up for what you believe in even if it creates controversy and people don't understand. Relationships can be hard for you sometimes because men feel threatened by you but time again they come running to you and realize that you are actually very sweet and motherly....until they cross you."

According to one Facebook friend, this quiz was "soooooooo fitting." Hmmph. I never thought of myself as idealistic. I mean, all we need is love, right? :)

Federal Criminal Court Witness Duty is Fun!

Oh, except for the 10 hours I had to stand outside the court waiting my turn for 2 days. Come on you either paid your taxes or you didn't, it is real simple. Just sayin!

after 12 years of marriage...I guess it takes a lot...

"How was the Easter Egg hunt in Nocona?" (pause)

"How was the Easter Egg hunt in Nocona?" (another pause)

"How was the Easter Egg hunt in Nocona?" (3rd question in 1 minute)

"Todd-How was the Easter Egg hunt in Nocona?" (getting irritated)

"TODD! Did your mom say anything about the Easter Egg hunt?" (super annoyed)

"TODD!!"



"Danielle, you are going to have to be more interesting than Deadliest Catch if you want me to answer your questions."



Oh, yes he did.

bird on a ceiling

We have birds living on our back porch. They recently constructed a lovely establishment, I'm sure the envy of all their little friends, on our back porch speakers. Todd was not excited about the construction, but I refused to let him demolish the homestead these little guys worked on so diligently for 2 weeks! Such reckless behavior would have left them homeless! and I'm sure there are babies on the way! It's our job to help provide a little comfort for them during this stage of their life-until they get back on their own feet anyway, and find a nice tree of their own to call home.

I'm cracking myself up-

Anyway, last night-when Todd took the dogs outside for their "evening business", one of the birds FLEW IN THE HOUSE! It was the most hilarious site to watch Todd run all over the living room, stopping every now and then to JUMP UP AND TRY TO CATCH THE BIRD. He opened all the doors and tried to herd the bird out, and cussed me occassionally for not helping. I gently explained that birds are not herd animals, and it was just going to have to find the exit on its own-independent decision making skills are vital for survival you know. :)

Eventually, the bird did fly out the open door and we all settled back down. It was a funny 15 minutes though. Laugh out loud funny I tell ya.

i believe you...

Today we are hibernating from the cold Winter, cooking up a yummy lunch, drinking some hot chocolate, and listening to some of my favorite tunes.

I believe I've mentioned Todd Snider before, and how much I love him. We became fans back in the day. Once, he showed up to Jerry Jeff Walker's Labor Day Fest with long hair, a sweaty tshirt, and a speech that just about made me write in Willie Nelson for President of the United States. I quickly bought a tshirt and subsequently joined the mob for a signature. Since then we've trapsed all over to listen to him play-I even got his pick and set list on my 30th birthday. :) His music is a mix of Texas Country, Nashville Country, Blues, and Rock-n-Roll. I'm sure he'd rather be viewed as a rocker, on the other hand, he probably doesn't think about his image all that much-another reason I'm giddy for him. His music tells a story, brings you back down to earth, and most of all refocuses you on being Happy to be Here (one of his title tracks.)

Just now, one of my favorites, I Believe You, just came across the itune airwaves. I found a video of him below, but an official music video (produced and everything) can be found here. They won't let me imbed that one. :(



See? I have music opinions too. :)

Good Song for a Wedding Recessional?

I heard this song on my son's DS Guitar Hero Decades game and it reminded me that a good friend of mine told me this song was used as the recessional at the end of his sister-in-laws wedding. I think that is awesome. These guys are definitely a throw back to the 80s. Not sure about their other music, but this song rocks with its guitar rips and vocals. The song picks up at the 45 second mark if you care to give it a listen. It is a fun song so it is worth 4 minutes of your life. Plus who does not like a skinny guy in a tight 80s jump suit?