had to share...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fxvxn7wwrA&NR=1

I found this link for an acoustic set of "Stones under Rushing Water" by Needtobreathe, and it is amazing. They played it at the show, and I tried to record it, but it was too loud...my poor camera could not handle the instruments. The only part that was clear was the pure vocals at the end when they do a part acapella. I love love love it! Joe's baritone rounds out the sound beautifully. Anyway, I wanted to share it, because I am convinced that if people heard them, they'd be instant fans as well. And these guys deserve it. :) And yes, I am slightly obsessed.

things that make me smile...finale

Days 29 and 30 are going to be combined, as I was not really able to do them having been in San Francisco! I am also going to use this last one to share about the concert I went to because it was so so fun and well, made me smile. :)

-Hearing kids engage with God. Caleb, my 3 year old friend, was showing me his foot saying that it had been hurt. He then proceeded to tell me that it was okay though because "God healed [his] foot." Then he said, "Thank you God for healing my foot," and went back to playing like it was nothing. I stood there beaming, because I knew I was witnessing a precious moment. He also at another time was coloring a page with orchids on them. He told me that they were monsters. I asked him what monsters do. He looked at me, and smiled, then said, "Rawrrrrr!" and went back to coloring. Haha. Yes, that is what monsters do.

-Road trips! (minus the traffic)

-Meeting people from other places. At the show I went to, we met Dave. We called him Apple Dave because he works for Apple. Apple Dave is from England. He insulted my camera, calling it "practically a Poloroid", and joked with us about needing subtitles. My roommate Gayle especially had a hard time understanding him. He was pretty funny, and was our friend for the evening. He just enjoyed hanging out with the band along with us (more on that soon...)

-Realizing on a Friday that you have taken off of work that you still have a FULL weekend ahead.

-Sleeping in. :)

-Live music.

So, yes, the SHOW. Gayle and I arrived at Cafe Du Nord at about 7:45, just in time to grab a drink and get ready for everything to begin. The first two bands were pretty good. I enjoyed both. Usually I feel fairly ambivalent toward opening bands, but not this time. By the time it was Needtobreathe's turn, the place was crowded and I had a few people standing in front of me. I wanted to be as close as I could be. They played a variety of old and new songs, and I was excited to hear Bo lead a song. Usually Bear leads, as he is the frontman and sound of Needtobreathe. But Bo, Bear's brother, is one of the main writers for the songs, and it was a treat to hear him sing one of them. At the very end, they unplugged and sang two songs over us. They also earlier in the show sang a part of "Stones over Rushing Water" completely acapella. It was magical.


The end of the show came, and Apple Dave introduced himself to us. Then, as we saw members of the band come out to hang with the fans, Dave marched over to Bear to get him to take a picture with us. It was hilarious, and we had a new friend. Bear was very accomodating, and Gayle told him that he needed to come to the Central Coast to play. They ended up talking about how they went to the Pismo dunes and how his wife is a nurse...Gayle works at the hospital, so they had quite the conversation! Soon, we met Bo, who was obsessed with Gayle's headband! Haha, we took a couple of pictures with him, but he was not as easy to converse with. Next thing you know, Joe, the drummer, was standing by himself, and we walked over to say hi. Hi turned into an hour conversation ranging from why they don't ever play in the UK (asked by Apple Dave) to what his relationship with God looked like. He told stories about having to buy new clothes at Walmart sometimes because they ran out of clean clothes...life on the road does not always include laundromats. And that they are probably Febreeze's main supporter being a group of sweaty guys and all. Gayle and her friend broke off to meet Seth, the bass player, while Apple Dave and I continued our talk with Joe. Eventually we wore him out, and realized it was 1am. And so we headed out. We crashed at her friend's place, a typical small apartment in San Fran. It was delightful. I am pretty sure I did not sleep until 2:30am. But it was all worth it.



I started out the trip as a fan of Needtobreathe's music but ended it as a real fan of them. They were interactive with their fans both on stage and off, and they want to connect. They don't want people to walk away liking one of their songs, but rather embracing who they are and what they produce. I believe that, in that, they are successful. It was amazing to see how they could gather a crowd of both believers in Christ and not. Their ability to reach both is such a blessing! I hope that they get the promotion they deserve, but that they do not lose the heart of what they do. These men are authentic, and I very much enjoyed meeting them.

final fall fashion day...

...which they really should call "Fashion feel good day" because of all of the amazing compliments! You ladies who have been a part of this week have been so sweet! And I barely am awake enough to post today's, so I will peruse yours tomorrow. This was fun! I wore a more casual outfit for frolicking in San Francisco, and honestly did not get very many shots. I did my best though, and here they are:

I snuck the top right picture in while I was in the dressing room at H&M (hee hee).
Shirt- Gap
Scarf- Target
Necklace- same as earlier (Forever 21)
Jeans- Old Navy
Fake Vans or "Fans"- Payless Shoes
Sunglasses- Ross

Here I am looking out into the bay. Fun day for sure. And slightly sad to see this week of fall fashion ending. I enjoyed it!

fall fashion day 4!

Today my entry is earlier in the day, and tomorrow mine might not make it until Saturday...but tomorrow's will be backdropped in San Francisco! I am excited to get away for a day and a half to have some fun. Here is day 4:

Striped sweater: Ross (I love it for the shoulder detail!)
Necklace: a boutique shop at a concert venue (a favorite, for sure)
Scarf: Target
Jeans: Target

I love having fun with the shots I take. :)

age 28...errr, day 28

Only two more days after this, and the lists will be gone...but I am excited to share today's things that made me smile. My only complaint about this 30 day project (besides having to stick to it daily) is that NO one person has shared anything with me that makes them smile. So, please, if you are actually reading this, share something that made YOU smile today. :D

-The people I work with and for. The clients we serve are great! They bring a different perspective to life that is often random or unexpected, but almost always guaranteed to make you smile. I surprise visited one of my clients today, and what ensued was hilarious...I only wish I could share. But let's just say that he was sorry he didn't shave for me. He only shaves for single ladies and hates being caught off guard by one and not being shaved. Hee hee. It was fun.

-Smelling candles until you find the perfect scent. I am sure I look funny pulling off lids and taking a deep whiff but man, when you find the right one, you want to grab it and light it up! (which I don't...until I buy it and get it home). Sometimes there are funky smelling candles.

-Newborn babies. They are like little nuggets that you can just cuddle with for hours! I got to hold a little boy only one week old when I dropped off food for the family. Newborns are so dependent on their parents to care for them...it is a picture of how we should be with God. Resting completely in His arms. I want one. Obviously not now. But soon.

-Breakfast for dinner. I simply love breakfast!

fall fashion day 3

Hahaha, is it bad that I have my outfits planned for the next two days? :)

Orange-y dress: Target (even better, it was clearance!)
Necklace: Forever 21
Boots: thrifted
And of course, same cardi from yesterday...

P.S. There are lots of other amazing women flaunting their fall wear, and you can find those listed on Emery's page!

day 27

....continued....

-Long drives where you can think, pray, sing, whatever...especially if they include beautiful scenery! Driving today to Hearst Castle was wonderful.

-Dollar tacos. Need I say more?

-When you think something is going to go badly, and it turns out to be okay. I had to go into my boss' office today to discuss something, and I was relieved when it didn't turn out to be the lashing I was dreading. He was looking to see that I had a plan to fix the situation, and I did, so problem solved. Sometimes, I over think things.

-When God answers little prayers, like when my roommate got permission today to take a test early so that she can come with me to the concert this Thursday. So sweet! :)

fall fashion day 2

So, this morning, I realized that I was thinking way more about what to wear than usual...because I was going to be taking pictures! Ha ha :) I was perusing the other fashion posts (all very nice), and one person commented that they love sweaters/cardigans, etc. Well, so do I. I love the purple cardigan I wore today. You will likely see it again, perhaps even tomorrow.

The headband- made by a talented friend for a wedding I was in about a month ago
The necklace- Lia Sophia
Purple cardigan & gray tank- Target (no joke, one of my favorite places to shop)

I wore plain black slacks with the black heels from yesterday...not that thrilling, but good for work today. So I didn't take a shot of that.

day 26

Back to rain again today...not sure what is going on...but I have to admit that I felt like rain tonight. And that's okay because this, along with a few other things, are helping me feel a little better. Things like...

-Being reminded of your worth. I got an email from a friend tonight that wrote amazing things about women, admitting that their biggest flaw is that they forget their worth. I know that email was sent with perfect timing.

-Also being reminded of the attitude of your heart and who determines it. Another email brought me to a site I follow where a man with no arms or legs wrote about allowing God to determine our heart attitude, that we should be grateful no matter what the circumstances. More perfect timing.

-When the weatherman is WRONG. Like today. My friend Stacy actually called me to see if I knew if it was going to rain (because apparently I know things like that, haha), and so I checked for her. She was looking into washing her car. The weatherman of the internet world said no rain, but at approximately 5pm today, the proof was in the pudding, so they say...and we had rain. Stacy decided not to wash her car, so she was grateful.

-Fall fashion. See post below.

fall fashion week: day 1

I follow a fun and amazing writer here in the blogger world (check her out at http://emeryjo.blogspot.com/ ), and she has put out the call to flaunt our fall fashion. I almost passed the call up. But it just seems like a fun idea. I really like fashion, even though I would not say I am on any kind of cutting edge. My blog is going to be quite busy this week, with the last days of things that make me smile and now a week of my best fall fashion. Our weather has been weird lately, so this may be a funny week to do this!

I am wearing my new sweater from Forever 21. I love it for its peacock feather in pink and several blue hues. I tend to wear a LOT of blacks, grays, etc. so when I pulled it out to put it on this morning, I wanted to go a little bolder and chose a mustard yellow top. Paired the whole thing with my Express skinny jeans and a pair of black kitten heels. Comfy but fun!

(close up of the feather)

day of jack bauer and of christmas

That is 24 and 25. :)

-Drive-In movies! Whether you pile in the back of a truck or snuggle in a car, drive-ins are the right price and loads of fun. I packed a bunch of food and enjoyed "Where the Wild Things Are" and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs". I also think that movies based on children's books are RAD.

-16 oz cans of soda for 99 cents.

-Using psychology in things. Like analyzing the Wild Things movie. Or looking at your temperament and seeing how it affects others. I did both this weekend.

-FREE massages. (the massage chairs at Bed Bath & Beyond...squee!) I seriously want one (there is one for $80!). It kicks off my Christmas list...that and a mini NASB bible so I don't have to lug my big one everywhere. Poor thing is beginning to fall apart!


-FREE dinners with awesome friends. I love a free meal. Make that meal at Tahoe Joe's and you get a :D

It was a good weekend. Only sad part is that it is over. But I only work 4 days this week! Trip to San Fran on Thursday!

veinte tres

Some funny guys I know wrote a song about a girl turning twenty three called veinte tres...now one of those guys is going to marry that girl in a few short months...I think writing songs for the one you are going to marry should be a pre-requisite, yes? Even if it is silly and includes lyrics like, "que dice el gato? meow". Haha...so begins day 23...

-Pumpkin Spiced Chai Iced Blended drinks in the fall when it is 90 degrees outside. Need I say more?

-Planning fun events. Even if two people show up, I love planning events.

-People watching. Tonight I was people watching at an amazing show I went to with two bands- Almost There ( http://www.myspace.com/almosttherecalif ) and Citizen ( http://www.myspace.com/iamacitizen ). They rocked it. But watching people who are watching a concert is great. You see a lot. Very interesting.

-Watching kids dance freely when they think no one is looking. Why don't we do that all the time? Why do we have to care so much what others think? The only sad part about the kids is when they got self-conscious. Luckily it faded fast as the music carried them away again.

It is really really really hot outside and even hotter inside, but I am going to attempt to fall asleep...I cannot wait until the weather makes up its mind and dives full on into fall. Yes, two days ago it was pouring rain. Now humid heat with no sight of letting up. Good night all. Sweet dreams...may you not have the many weird dreams I had last night! Haha!

two two (or 22)...

Back to work today, but felt like I was dragging...took a nap at about 6:50 pm after reading for a while. I did get a lot accomplished at work today. That made me smile.

-Books. Gads of books! I like books and reading. I am reading a few right now..."Power Evangelism" and "Pilgrim's Progress" are the two right now, but I am also feeling compelled to start reading "Holy Spirit, My Senior Partner". Really I have a list of about 10 books I own and want to read....

-Farmer's Market. I did not go tonight, but I like it a lot. One day, like a friend wrote about, I want to walk through Farmer's holding someone's hand. That makes me smile. And I know that one day, it will happen.

-Fridays. Always make me smile! And it is tomorrow!

-Amazing concerts. Tomorrow I get to hear Almost There and Citizen play...both are super awesome! And then next week, I am going to see Needtobreathe!!! In San Francisco!!! So excited! I won free tickets and I am looking forward to spending the day mulling around after the concert. I never do that...linger and mull around. :)

twenty one...

So yesterday, I practically did nothing. I slept a lot, because I woke up feeling sick and chilly. I feel better today, but still dragging a bit. So, that is why I am doing yesterday's note, today.

-Doing nothing (every once in a while). Sometimes we need to stop and allow ourselves to rest. It was nice to do that yesterday.

-Having friends who facebook stalk you and bring you what you say you want via facebook. Example: Yesterday I posted that I was craving cinnamon rolls but was too lazy/sick to go get them. A friend of mine who was coming over to study with a roommate of mine saw the status and decided to bring some! My hero! (Ladies, Estevan is an awesome candidate for a future husband. This is Christina and I approve this message.)

-Being able to watch T.V. shows on the Internet! I have not had cable in my house for six years, but there are shows I like to watch. I have discovered the amazingness that is free T.V. on the Internet. So great! I can catch up on several weeks worth if needed...or watch on my own time. Yay!

-The following quote- "never make someone a priority that considers you an option." So true. And very revolutionary. God made me a priority, as He has you. There are people who are meant to have room in our lives, but perhaps not priority. That's okay...but we get hurt if we give someone priority who is not willing to give the same back. I like quotes that make you think.

t w e n t y

Only ten more days until I stop...I kind of like writing about things that make me smile, like I said it keeps me reminded of the good things in life. I will likely re-visit the subject in the future, but not on such a campaign.

-"Duh" signs. I was driving like a granny today in the monsoon that has attacked California...okay, that's extreme, but I drove by the fire station where they have their risk of fire sign out. I laughed out loud when I saw that it said the risk was "low". Duh.

-Listening to the rain. It is one of my favorite sounds.

-Warm meals on cold days. Today I took a liking to grilled cheese and ham. So simple, yet yummy.

I am doing this early so I can go to bed at a decent hour tonight! I have an early day tomorrow...

nineteen!

....and here's some more!

-RAIN. It's gonna rain! The dark clouds, the warmer but still chilly air...makes me want to curl up and read a book with a warm drink. And my husband. (one day.)

-My co-workers. They are a fun bunch. Today our office mascot (a chihuahua) was dressed up in a little chicken outfit. I took pictures.

-Making decisions that you know might be hard, but are good for you.

-The smell of pumpkin candles. :)

18.

A day late, but not a dollar short. Things that make ya go... :)

-When God's love brings you to tears.

-When God shows you how He works behind the scenes. That sometimes the person you are inviting or that you meet is not ready when you come on the scene, but perhaps you are a seed planted. It is fun when God shows you when the person blooms, even if you are not the harvester at the time.

-Dressing up like a princess. I felt very elegant last night. Pictures to come!

seventeen

I think it is curious that today is day 17, and I found a poem I wrote when I was 17 today that was about being 17. Must be day 17. Haha, that is a lot of the number 17.

And the beat goes on...ladeedadeedee...

-Lazy days! Short of having band practice at 8am this morning, I had no real agenda. I came home, took a nap (hee hee), got my car washed, picked up food, and was joined by a friend who also had nothing but laziness on the agenda. It was one of those days where you are astounded at the time because you could swear it must be several hours later than it actually is...

-On the same token, I love having a clean room! It is 95% there! Having a lazy day also meant time to organize the little things that have slowly driven me crazy since I moved. When I moved, I was caught up in wedding stuff, so I threw my room together and put off the rest till later. That later was today. All I need is a vacuum run and a few clothes to put away, along with a few things I have left out for a project. My room is almost there! Happy!

-Days where I don't put on makeup or make a big deal about what I wear. Don't get me wrong, I didn't leave my house looking awful, but it was nice to just be confident in comfort.

-Movies from the time frame of my young childhood...especially ones with characters like Steve Martin...they are good for many laughs.

-My family. Going through pictures of them today made me realize how blessed I am. I miss them a lot...time to make some phone calls, I think. I love that the holidays are coming...as rushed as they are, they bring us together. And no on-call this year on a holiday!!! Yay!!!

cheating...because i can...days 15 & 16!

I know, I should be doing two separate entries, but this one time...I will combine them. I have an early Saturday morning, and it is getting late.

Things that made me smile yesterday and today...

-HUGS. Cuddly little friends who just love and love through their hugs. I love grown up hugs too. I am a huggy buggy gal...what can I say?

-Shopping for something specific, and not only finding it, but finding it on SALE! Best e v e r. Seriously.

-Sending a friend texts like "I see you..." when you are just out of their line of sight and watching their reaction. It is a bit creeper-ish, but it makes me laugh. :)

-Bantering. The kind of back and forth quick tongued sparring in jest. I do it a lot with male friends, actually. But it takes wit and sharpness, which is challenging and fun.

-Celebrating with friends. I get to do some of that this weekend...whether it is for a farewell (don't go Cheatwoods....you will be missed!) or for a birthday where you get to dress like a princess...I love having a good time with my pals.

-Dressing up. You name the theme, I will go there...unless it is sketch. But all in good fun, I am willing to dress funny, no holds barred.

-Reminiscing. I have been at my church for over 8 years now, and I was remembering some old memories with a good friend tonight. It made me smile for sure. I have been so blessed by my friends and family here, I can't even begin to express how much!

I think I had some good ones tonight. I hope to be back on track by tomorrow. :)

oops, day 14...

I decided last night that going to bed before 9:45 was much, much more important than writing about things that make me smile. But, a late entry is still required. It's not that I didn't think about it...I just wanted to go to sleep, so I did!

-Randomness. All things random. Like a video on "committing to having a mustache" by the makers of Grape Nuts. I love things like that. I also love to share things like that and see the reactions. Random nonsensical stuff. I see it everyday, and I know it is there to bring a smile to my face.

-Knowing that God keeps His promises. He has promised me a few amazing things. The best part is that if He promises it, I am not the one who has to make it happen. Whew!

-Fresh baked cookies and vanilla ice cream. Such a great combo!

day 13

I am going to make this quick so I can go to bed...so...

-God's grace! Tonight He spoke deeply to my heart about something I have been wrestling with Him for over a year about...and tonight I chose to let Him take it. I am choosing to trust a love unknown and not settle for mediocrity. And although I chose the wrong things for a long time, His grace has washed over me.

-Feeling productive. I felt like I got a lot done today at work. It was good.

-Making babies laugh or smile. :)

on the twelveth day of smiling...

Aaaahhh, that reminds me that Christmas is coming!!! While I absolutely LOVE Christmas, the speed at which it is coming is frightening...I hope fall lingers a bit before barreling into winter.

Today's list:
-Swing dancing! I enjoy it very much, even though I would not classify myself as a great dancer...in fact, any kind of partner dancing used to freak me out. Mostly because I felt like I would fall all over any guy who attempted to spin me around the floor. I love dancing, but dancing in coordination with someone? Yikes. Then, a dear friend named Howie taught me some simple steps and that I indeed won't maim my partner. I have been slightly addicted since. I still mess up a lot, which results in laughing at myself, but again, it makes me laugh. I dream of being 80 something dancing with my husband...so romantic!
-The candy aisle at Ralphs. Endless choices...dangerous but so good!

-Listening to my newly married friend talk about marriage as being the best thing ever. I can't wait to double date with her and her husband one day, and eventually raise our kids together. She, of course, makes me want to get married, but I guess I still would at this point without her encouragement.

-Down comforters on cold nights. :)

-The story of Mary and Martha, and the fact that God is trying to teach me to learn how to rest in His Presence.

-Big, green grapes. Yummy!

day e l e v e n

Continued...

-Days that actually feel like fall! Someone tried to tell me today that I would miss summer when we really delve into fall, and I simply told him it was not true. I love summer in the summertime, but once it is time for fall, I am ready, and welcome it with open arms! Cold nights where my down comforter is put to good use, bundling up, crunchy leaves, changing colors (even if it is much less dramatic here)...I love fall!

-Getting a hold of God's heart. I only ever get a hold of it in small portions, because I know I would be overwhelmed with more, but it makes me cry...it is so beautiful. He loves me. He really does.

-When dogs get excited to see you. How can that not make you smile?

-Books. I love books. I am making my roommate read Pride and Prejudice. She has never read it! I have a list of books to read...I am going to be making more time to tackle that list. I have some good ones on that list. Now if only I had a fireplace to go with that...haha. :)

day 10

Today I slept in because my little self decided to evade sleep until 2am! I pretty much got up in time to get ready and go volunteer at the Harbor Festival. It was a really mellow day, but definitely a good one.

Things that made me smile today:

-Kettle Korn, fresh and yummy! People everywhere had bags of it...I could not help but buy some on my way out.

-Getting close parking spots when you pray for them. I am pretty sure I could have parked much farther away, but God gave me a hand, and a parking spot.

-Movies with Tom Hanks in them. I don't know what it is about him, but I like almost every movie he is in! Tonight after deciding to be a vegetable (while balancing my checkbook), I watched the Terminal. That movie made me smile.

-Being unexpectedly thought of.

niner niner day nine...

Two hours past brain mush time, and I think my brain gave up good thinking right about 10am this morning, so really I am about 14 hours past clarity...haha, nevertheless, here I am. I smiled and laughed a lot today. Sometimes at myself and my inability to come up with words like "conference" or forgetting what I was going to do right in the middle of doing it. So here is some of what made me laugh besides myself...always a funny thing...

-The 90s. Sister Act 2. Ace of Base. Boyz II Men. Spice Girls. My night was filled with this. I still have a mix of "Spice up your life" and "Barbie Girl" stuck in my head.

-Trying to do things that might be physically impossible. Like bending your legs behind your head. Real pushups. The worm. And laughing when you realize that all you have really accomplished is sticking your butt straight up in the air. Classy.

-Girls nights. No, these do not usually consist of pillow fights and doing nails. Sometimes they do. Tonight we challenged each other to do crazy amazing feats of amazingness. And mostly fell flat on our face laughing.

-Laughing. I love to laugh.

-Gospel type music. Too bad I can't really sound like that when I sing. But it gives me the shivers and makes me smile to hear it. Like the entire soundtrack to Sister Act 2.

I really need to go to sleep. But I get to sleep in tomorrow. Another thing that makes me SMILE! :)

day 8

I am starting 10 minutes before 10pm, so perhaps my list will be a little more coherent. Hee hee. I am starting to look forward to writing this everyday. One cannot keep this up forever, but I think this is something everyone should do at some point in their lives. Keep track of things that make them smile. Here we go for today!

-The faith of a child. I got to go to a meeting for our Kids World team, and one of the leaders shared some amazing stories of faith from the kids in our church. Jesus told us to have faith like a child...He did so because it is so unhindered. So real. And so beautiful. I want faith like that. It makes me want to hang out with kids even more!

-Getting my car back after being parted from it for almost a week. I love my car! I really do! It is at 211,000 miles, and still ticking. I am praying it goes to 300k. It is a good car. :)

-Good, deep conversations with trusted friends. I love that I have friends who I can say almost anything to, and they still love me. That they can share their heart and be real. It is so important, and I know I have not always had that in my life. I greatly appreciate them!

-Having a variety of things to do in my job. I taught CPR today. Tomorrow I will be holding meetings and setting up new clients to start their new positions at one of our group sites...oh, and starting billing. It is the variety that keeps things from getting monotonous! I like my job.