Tag: Favorites

The sweet song of rain

On September 21, 2010

To me, rain is magical. My love for it is probably why I loved The Netherlands so much. Everything about it makes me happy.

The smell of wet dirt, grass and pavement.

The feel of the cool breeze against my face.

The sounds of rushing water, as if I suddenly live under a waterfall. The whishhhh of cars as they drive past, and the rumble of thunder in the distance.

It’s even better when it thunderstorms. The darkness to instant day as lighting streaks across the sky in it’s tree like form. The giant claps of thunder that almost make your heart stop for a split second.

The other day it thundered so loud Joel hit the living room floor. After we stopped crying from laughter he told me he thought it was a gunshot outside. Then I cried laughing all over again.

Thunderstorms change the weather in a matter of minutes. It can go from blistering hot to nearly chilly. From dry to humid. Or humid to dry. You just never know.

The unknown is the best part. There’s always a vague sense of danger. But as long as I’m home cozy and dry I know there’s little chance any harm will come to me.

Nothing makes me happy quite like rain. Nothing soothes me to sleep better.

I’m grateful for days when the skies are blue and the sun warms my face. But I wouldn’t mind if every night I was lulled to sleep by the song of rain.

Beer?

By Abigail

On September 20, 2010

In random

If you know me you know that I am not picky. However beer? Not at all my thing. There’s just something about the smell that I can’t get over. Blech.

Until now.

Ladies and gentlemen I have big news. I have found a beer that I can not only choke down. I actually enjoy it. Seriously this is a big deal. My beer of choice?

Allagash White

I’m told this is a girly beer.

Again, if you know me that should not surprise you. I tend to like girly drinks.

And I’m totally cool with that. If this “girly” beer is what transitions me into a beer drinker then all the better. Not that I plan on making beer part of any kind of regular habit. It’s just much easier (and way cheaper) to have a beer with a bunch of friends then to have to try and find some kind of cocktail.

So, exciting stuff. Or at least it is for me.

Faraway Friends

By Abigail

On September 10, 2010

In pictures, thoughts, trips

We picked up our passports with shiny new Indian visas in them today. Well, they’re not actually shiny but in my head? Covered in bright, Times Square like lights. So pretty.

Also, remember how I was concerned about the number of pages left in my passport? The Indian consulate was nice enough to use those “extra” pages in the back that aren’t squared off for stamps instead of taking up two whole pages. Two pages that I didn’t really have mind you. I counted, I have 15 spaces left. Not pages, spaces. Should be plenty for this trip since they used the pages I thought were useless. Such nice people.

While in the car I got a phone call from a friend of mine who lives in Arizona. They are not only in town but were wondering if we had plans as they unexpectedly had two extra tickets to a White Sox game and would love it if we could join them. Um, yeah! Not only were we free but we were like ten minutes away. Perfection.

Jenny is one of my oldest and dearest friends and it was amazing to get to see her unexpectedly.

Seriously love this girl.

We didn’t stay for the whole game since tomorrow is going to be an early morning. We didn’t even actually stay for half the game. In fact, as we were walking to our car a parking attendant was all “You’re going the wrong way, game’s that way.” Thanks dude, the giant stadium with bright lights and screaming fans was not enough of a hint.

But can you actually blame him? Who leaves a game before the 4th inning?

Us, apparently.

A Blog with Substance

By Abigail

On September 6, 2010

In blog news, Sites Worth Visiting

The beautiful Meghan at JaMonkey gave me this fantastic award.

Rules:

•Thank the blogger who awarded it to you: Thank you so much dear! I love your blog and am so honored that you think of mine as one with substance.

•Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five (5) words:

1. Real
2. Adventurous
3. Optimistic
4. Interactive
5. Random

•Pass it on to 10 other blogs which you feel have real substance.

Pretty All True – for her words that never fail to make me feel real emotion.

The Bottle Chronicles – for her honest take on life, motherhood and her new marriage.

Chill Mama Chill – because she’s still (mostly) sane after 5 months of a sleepless newborn.

Jack and Mandy – because Mandy can make even a story about buying a steam mop hilarious and interesting.

Mommy Wants Vodka – because not only is her blog hilarious but she’s actually awesome in real life.

My Beautiful 604 – she doesn’t blog nearly enough but when she does I love getting a glimpse into her life through her pictures.

Twenty Something and Blogging – the sweetest, most animal loving blogger I know. <3 her!

JewliaGoulia – honest, real and beautiful. This blogger is on a life changing journey that amazes me. She so inspiring.

No Points for Style – because she is the bravest, most open and honest blogger I know.

In These Small Moments – because she reminds me to stop and enjoy every tiny, wonderful moment of life.

Bonus (because I’m not so good with the rule following apparently)

Chronicles of a Monster-in-law – because oh. my. god. you will not believe what her MIL has tried to pull.

True rock and roll

By Abigail

On August 22, 2010

In pictures, thoughts

Tonight I finally got to see one of my all time favorite bands in concert. One that I’ve been dying to see since I was, oh, 12 or so when I first fell in love with their music.

Aerosmith.

True rock and roll legends.

And trust me, when they take the stage you can see why they are legends.

First of all they look like they’ve been partying, hard, for the last 40-80 years. I’m not saying they’re old. I’m just saying that the rock and roll lifestyle is not an affective anti-aging method. You know it’s bad when I could tell from this far away.

Yep, we were cheapos responsible and bought lawn tickets. Made it so getting pictures of the actual band was impossible. The show however was every bit as enjoyable as any other where I’d been right next to the stage.

They’re just that amazing.

In fact, sitting out on the lawn was better in a lot of ways than having a seat. Joel and I got to stretch out and cuddle while we waited for them to play.

No comfier way to see a show, that’s for sure.

Then, when Aerosmith took the stage?

I died.

No really.

Oh. my. god. I love them.

I was impressed and kind of surprised by the range of ages at the show. There were plenty middle age folks like I expected but there were a ton of people our age and even a surprising number of kids. It’s so neat to me how Aerosmith spans generations without having changed their sound much at all.

Again, they’re just that good.

Highlights of the show were:

*Steven Tyler making a smoking pot gesture when he gave us lawn folks a shout out. Yeah, definitely a lot of pot smoking going on in my general vicinity. Unfortunately no one offered to share.

*Joe Perry “battling” his Guitar Hero self. He was sick of kids coming up to him and telling them they beat him in the game. He of course kicked his own ass. Then again, he was judging.

*Steven Tyler humping one of the cameras. Classy.

*Steven Tyler getting bras thrown at him. Some things never change. Also? Classy.

*Joey Kramer’s drum solo. He has some serious talent. He also loves attention…. as any good rock star should.

*Them playing too many of my favorite songs to name. Singing along with Steven Tyler live was just… ::sigh:: … incredible.

They’ve been one of my favorite bands since I was 12. I can’t think of any band I’ve liked as much for as long. We had tickets for their last tour (a year ago?) but Steven Tyler fell off the stage and broke his hip or something and they canceled the rest. Leaving me devastated of course. I was scared to get excited for this show until we were actually almost to the venue.

Thankfully it lived up to and exceeded my expectations. They were the last on a long list of bands I *had* to see in concert.

I think I saved the best for last.

Current song obsession and other things

By Abigail

On August 8, 2010

In random, Sites Worth Visiting, thoughts, video

Sometimes there are songs that just stick with me. I’m one to put a song on repeat for hours if it really speaks to me. This song is my current obsession. It’s been on to the point that Joel has groaned “not again” more than once.

Also, you may have noticed my fancy buttons on the right sidebar. The main reason I blog is so I can look back and remember the fabulous details of my life. A close second reason is to meet new people, find new blogs to read and develop friendships.

Reason number two is why I’ve joined Picket Fence Blogs and created a button for my blog. I’d like to get out there and make more connections in the blog world. You can help me by clicking on any of the picket fence buttons if you’d like. You can vote once daily.

I’m actually overwhelmed by the number of voted I’ve received already. If you’ve voted for me, thank you. If not, you’re cool too. Obviously I’m not doing this for the votes and I won’t pester anyone or even bring it up very often. I just think it could be a fun little side thing.

In other news, I did some more training at work today. It looks like the store is actually going to have it’s soft open on Wednesday. I’m both excited and really nervous about this. In a lot of ways I feel like I have no idea what is going on. Normally starting a new job most of the other people there have experience so you can kind of rely on them until you get the hang of things. In a brand new place like this there won’t be any room for “sorry I’m new” because the whole freaking store is new. ::gulp::

It should be a challenge but I’m always up for a good challenge so I’m not too worried. Even during training we have people almost constantly walking in wanting to check the place out and see if we’re open yet. I don’t see bringing business in being an issue. If it’s everything it seems like it’s going to be then it’s going to be an amazing place to both visit and work.

That’s pretty much everything for now. It’s funny, I sat down expecting to just post the song really quick and be done. Next thing I know I’ve rambled on for almost 500 words. I’m really starting to love blogging everyday. It’s becoming less of a chore and more of a pleasure. I’m not going to lie, the fact that I’ve actually been getting some comments and responses more often helps. I feel like I’m actually talking to people and not a blank wall. It makes it so much more fun.

So, much love to all my readers. I still get all giddy and happy about each and every comment. Inside, I’m still just an excited 12 year old girl. Bubble hearts and kisses to you all.

Current favorite song

By Abigail

On April 16, 2010

In video

I found this song while reading through EmmieBee’s* blog. So beautiful. I’ve listened to it sooo many times over the last couple of weeks. See how the view count on YouTube is almost 3.5 million? Yeah it was at like 2.5 million when I found it… Ok not really but I love it. Hope you enjoy.

*she has a pretty neat blog, you should check her out. 🙂

Somewhere Over the Rainbow…

By Abigail

On March 3, 2010

In random, video

This is one of my favorite songs. It’s so calming and it puts me in my happy. I could listen to it over and over. Enjoy.

My New Favorite Song

By Abigail

On January 9, 2010

In Sites Worth Visiting, thoughts, video

I have an obsession with dance music. I’m not sure exactly when it began. Probably during my first trip to Amsterdam when I was 14. It also helped that I moved to Europe when I was 18 and that’s basically all they play in the clubs there. I didn’t know any different. When I finally turned 21 I was sorely disappointed by the music they play at most of the clubs in the states. Just not the same.

Anyway, a local radio station plays Dance Factory Radio late at night and Joel and I enjoy listening to it on our drives home from visiting my family. Tonight while listening I discovered my new song obsession. It puts a giant smile on my face. Seriously, listening to it makes me so happy. So, I needed to share with all of you what will, no doubt, be on repeat on my iTunes for several days.

Ravers in the UK by DJ Manian:

Please ignore the random girls in soapy bikinis. Just turn your speakers up and enjoy the awesome sound.

p.s. I’m pretty sure I even understand the lyrics to this song… Pretty sure.