Conor Oberst at the Rialto

We went to see Conor Oberst at the Rialto this past weekend. That had to be the best/most enjoyed concert I've been to. The guy is really talented and sings with a level of expression that makes you want to keep listening. He is not over the top, so he is not screaming and yelling at the microphone, it is very suttle. He also played a few acoustic songs that were very enjoyable and easy to hear. It probably helped that the Rialto has a new sound system now and the teather wasn't all that full. We were able to have seats in the back through the show, but we were also able to stand closer whenever we wanted to. The only thing I didn't like was that some of the members of hte band were drinking beer on stage. Not just like taking a little sip here and there, but more like 'let me get drunk fast' or my 'drunken high is going away, need to replenish' The singer was switching between beer and water. I felt sad cause I have a feeling they are all alcoholics and feel that they can't perform or loosen up, or be more themselves unless they are drinking.

23 weeks - Life will TRIUMPH

I can't believe there is a baby growing inside of me. Not just any baby, but a replica of Joel and I and the result of our love for each other and our love for God (it makes me want to cry). I am most amazed with this whole baby thing. A little baby that is growing and growing without much effort on my side, a little life that has started making demands in our life. He will grow no matter what I do or not do. I feel like a mother plant, with a little seed inside of me that has everything he needs from me to just grow and become a human being. As giselita says, the whole pregnancy and baby is so complicated and such a sensitive and perfect system, that it is a real miracle when a healthy baby is born, yet it feels as if, even within that sensitive balanced system, it is such a resilient system that makes life triumph. Seems that life and the push to create more life is such a strong force in nature, that will overcome many a obstacles and almost with no effort at all will triumph and create another generation. I feel like I am merely a player, a peon taking part in nature’s master plan to carry on with life. I say that cause it feels that even if I don’t put a lot of effort into my pregnancy and go on with life as usual, the baby will grow and will ask for what he needs. I don’t have to remember to eat, cause my body gets hungry, I don’t have to remember to sleep, as my body will just shut down when it needs to or when I am reaching my limits. If I just go on with life as normal, with no additional effort it feels like the baby will grow whether I like it or not. Of course I want the best for my baby, so I try to eat well, to rest a lot , to not get too excited, but in the end I think those things are more for my benefit than the baby’s. Life will triumph!

It is starting to look like a house, like a BIG house

WHEW! Building a house takes a long time!, but our addition is starting to look like more and more like a real house. Black paper went up, then the windows and the patio door (which looks great) and now we are working on the siding. It has been a great learning experience for Joel and I. It really is not all that complicated, of course you have to have knowledge about how and when to do things but most of it follows common sense. The inspector of the house is a great guy (I will have to get a picture of him), he told us to call him if we ever have any questions on how things need to be done. He always calls us back, even when he is out of state on vacation ooops!. He saves us from a lot of worries and making things more difficult than what they need to be. YEAY for great inspectors. His name is Dan.

Six dogs, Four adults

We had a very interesting weekend a weekend ago. We had our beloved friends from Phoenix visit with their 3 dogs (we didn't get to see their little girl, as she was spending time with the grandparents). We don't get to see them that often so it was so nice to see them again. We did our usual Rocco's visit, which always proves to be a memorable experience, and just lots of hung out and talking and eating. We did attempt to watch the unrated version of latest Adam Sandler flick, which most of us agreed was a bit distasteful and offensive. You would think that 6 dogs is too much, but it was very nice having all this little creatures running around, they are so cute! even thought Gracie followed poor Rex around all weekend, nagging at him and acting as if he was something to be eaten. it was a great weekend, and that is not just because Doug cleaned our front and back yard, and helped trim our overgrown front mesquite and palo verde trees. Can't wait togo up and visit them in Phoenix

My beautiful niece's birthday celebration

Did you all know I have a beautiful niece named Ashton? of course. A couple weeks ago we went out to celebrate her very special birthday at Leo's Mexican food. We had good food and the best ice cream cake ever!... REALLY, Gelato cake (has a special name I can't remember) from Fratelli's on NW corner of Swan and Grant. A great alternative to regular, sometimes boring flour cakes, and it cost as much a normal store bought cake. TRY IT OUT!