New Memories Like Old Times

Lindsay, Emily and I were able to spend a day in San Francisco.  We shopped.  A lot.  And ate.  A lot.  We were able to hit up a mall, the three-story Forever 21 (that's the picture above), and the Apple Store.  The time flew by and we found ourselves still shopping when the stores were closing.  Checking out at the Nordstrom Rack downtown, we found a Ke$ha CD.  Yeah, I bought it.  Yeah, I love it.  It’s not the most wholesome music, I know, but the songs are catchy and it made for a great drive home.  Our evening ended at Bubba Gump’s on Fisherman’s Warf.  We had a fantastic waiter and the food was incredible.  As we walked back to the car, we stopped to marvel at the beautiful bridge and the lights in the city.  It was very late and Fisherman’s Warf was deserted.  This is definitely a sight to see if you ever get the chance.  It is one of those vivid images in my mind that shines a little brighter than the rest—seeing the beautiful pier that is usually filled with people, completely quiet and dark.

These few days before Rome are filled with appointments, packing, and shopping.  I am certainly most thankful for the time with my family and friends.  These are those moments when you ask yourself if it will ever be better than this second in time.

Well, it seems like song lyrics are a big part of my blog.  So, I will try to keep ending with a song that fits the post.  I have been addicted to the Ke$ha CD so I will pick something from there.. “Boots and Boys” is a funny song, “Something ‘bout boots and boys/ They bring me so much joy” and so is “Kiss N Tell”: “Listen to yourself, you’re a hot mess/ St-st-stutter through your words, breaking a sweat” (it’s about a cheater).   But I’d rather end with something a bit more inspirational or at least thoughtful.  To close, then, from the title track “Animal”: “This is our last chance, give me your hands/ ‘Cause the world is spinning at the speed of light/ The night is fading, heart is racing/ Now just come and love me like we’re gonna die”.  So love like there’s no tomorrow (but not Ke$ha “love”) because, well... Let’s just love like Jesus! :] <3

The Fray

Being home is awesome.

Lindsay and I were able to see The Fray perform at a nearby winery.  The image above was taken at the concert with my phone (no cameras allowed in the venue) and I edited it a little with Photoshop.  We enjoyed a wonderful evening with amazing food and even better music.  I never realized how powerful their lyrics are until I was able to hear them live.  The two songs that still stick out in my mind are “Ungodly Hour” and “Happiness”.   “Ungodly Hour” was by far their best performance of the night, sung by Joe King (not the lead singer).  He used an acoustic guitar and his voice filled the outdoor arena.  The last song of the night, “Happiness”, was devoted to (the lead singer) Isaac Slade’s parents for their anniversary.  These lyrics speak for themselves, “Happiness is like the old man told me/ Look for it, but you’ll never find it all/ But let it go, live your life and leave it/ Then one day, wake up and she’ll be home”.

Getting ready for Rome

The date is approaching quickly and there is so much to be done.. shopping, packing-- oh yeah, and the pre-departure work.  Ten pages down.. many, many more to go.  This reading seems pretty interesting compared to Hum 1 and 2 though.
Well I wanted to post something because I was sick of it saying "No Posts".  So I will leave you with my current song obsession, "The House that Built Me" by Miranda Lambert.  Yes, it's country.  Yes, listen to it anyway.  It is a fantastic song and video and it tells a beautiful, true story: The House that Built Me (video).  Ok, that's enough for now!  If anyone has any packing tips (besides "don't bring all of your shoes") let me know. :] <3