Late this afternoon I was meeting with some of my parents in our office when one of my teenage clients walks in helping another coworker with groceries. We greet each other and then after a few minutes she starts telling me that she had a lot of dreams last night. One in particular was about fish. Then she paused and told me in a very serious tone that when you dream of fish it could only mean two things. "What?" I asked. "Well either someone is going to have a baby or someone is going to come into town." And I asked, "Well which do you think it will be?" And here is the kicker, ladies and gentlemen:
"I think you are going to have a baby."
Cue deer in headlights.
The best part is that when I asked why she thought that, her statistical reasoning was that "most women after 6 months of marriage get pregnant. I know, I have a lot of nieces and nephews." It was just beyond hysterical. She spent the rest of the time I was in the office, passing by me saying "fishies!" It really cracked me up. But just to be on the safe side, I'm going to really make sure I'm popping those pills every morning!
I haven't had to worry about my weight for the past 25 years. Then 26 hit. That was a pretty ugly slap in the face from Mr. Reality.
I am now 27 and decided it is time to start taking care of my body. Now, I know that I am not overweight or anywhere near it. Even the Wii fit deemed me "normal." However, I don't want my weight to start spiraling out of control when I hit 30 and my body changes yet again. So thankfully, my high school friend, Angelique Millis, came to the rescue. In exchange for a photoshoot with my hubs, she offered me her fitness program, the Bikini Model Program.
This program focuses on building sleek and feminine muscle tone without having to spend countless hours slaving at the gym. This spoke to me because I really hate going to the gym, not because I don't like working out (I actually really do), but because I hate all the hoodlums gawking and the little teeny bopper girls pretending to use equipment when they are just sitting at a machine texting their friends. It is a huge turn off. However, with this program you can start looking like a regular Alessandra Ambrosio in the comfort of your own home. I highly advise you check out the website and consider purchasing their ebook, which is what I have been referencing.
Today was my official first day and I can't wait to start seeing the results. I hope to stay focused and determined and figure that making this blog post would probably help. I can't let all of you down! ;)
I've broken my "no weekends" posting rule because this just could not wait until Monday. As you all know, Thursday was Pumpkins Day and it did not disappoint. At all.
Get comfy because here is my full report. :)
We arrived at Mizner around 2pm and it was pouring down rain. I can't lie - I was super worried that the show would be canceled (again). We decided to brave the rain to find some drinks since we had heard that there was a nice local pub in the mall. We found the pub, unfortunately, it was closed. Makes sense considering that it was only 2pm, but at that time, we were pissed. How could Boca deny us our alcohol? ;)
We settled for some beers at Max's Grille. Some turned into many while our other friends arrived and before we knew it - it was almost 4pm. I decided to walk outside now that the weather had cleared to check if a line was forming or if they were sound checking. Well, I found both! Unfortunately, the music I was hearing was from their sound technicians and not the actual band, but I got into line and was happy to see that I was only number 7 or so. A few minutes later, the band came on stage for their official sound check and I was lucky enough to be able to watch them rehearse through the Amphitheater's fence.
Slightly wobbly video of soundcheck. Please ignore fangirl-isms.
Pretty early on, I noticed Billy looking over in our general direction so I waved through the narrow bars and he waved back. I through up rock fingers - he did so back. This is where I had a fangirl moment. I let out a pretty ridiculous squeal. For the rest of sound check my friends and I cheered them on and Billy addressed us as "his wall." It was probably shortly after that BAT NAILS (a local radio personality dressed as Batman) arrived and we officially got the line party started: we met more Pumpkin fans who were surprisingly awesome (not freaky as per usual) and started taking shots. It was about that time when we were probably labeled the most annoying people in line, but we wouldn't have it any other way. We had an absolute blast, which helped the time go by faster and sure enough, before we knew it the doors were opening.
Illustration of how much fun we really had while in line.
I ran like the wind and was able to score a front and center position, literally setting my purse down on the stage. At this point, I don't think words could really describe how I felt. I was going to see my favorite band in the entire world. A band that I thought I would never be able to see again for the past 8 years. And not only was I going to see them, but I was going to see them perform just a couple of feet in front of me. I don't know if it was the drinks, but my little heart was very happy.
Show time arrived and so did black ominous rainclouds. Sure enough, huge raindrops started to fall all over us. Lightning struck, the whole nine yards. Of course, in our excitement, we all started to cheer thinking a bad ass rock show in torrential rain would be pretty outstanding. Unfortunately, their crew didn't think the same. They all came running out to stage and started moving equipment and staring apprehensively at the sky. Thankfully, the rain stopped several minutes later and the intro music kicked in. The band came on stage and they immediately proceeded to rock our pants off.
Video of the band completely rocking out.
I already knew their setlist so I knew what to expect. A lot of people told me this would spoil the show for me (including my hubs), but I have to disagree. It helped me enjoy the show even more. I knew what I was going to hear and did not get disappointed that the songs I wanted to hear were not played. Sure, I would have loved to hear Lucky 13 or Geek USA or Fuck You (An Ode to No One) - that would have been legendary, but I didn't harp on it. What they did play: some classics mixed with many "obscure" songs and covers did not disappoint in the least bit. They had a lot of energy, the crowd had a lot of energy and I loved every second of it.
At one point, the band slowed it down for an acoustic set (Once Upon A Time, Again, Again, Again and The Rose March) and Billy brought out his little niece, Ava, to sing along with him. It was by far the most adorable thing in the world and it was nice to see Billy as a family man for once, even though he did get upset that we cheered more for Ava than for him. ;)
Billy hugging little Ava after her singing debut.
They then changed things up by playing a cover of Pink Floyd's Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun, which despite expecting it, was really a bummer for me. It was too long, too psychedelic and too boring for me and from what I saw, for the rest of the audience. Sure, it was cool to see Billy wail on the Timpani's to the point that he broke a stick, but 10 minutes or more of strange noises and feedback was way too much.
Billy bringing it on the Timpani's.
The encore consisted of a kazoo-driven We Only Come Out At Night, which was pretty amazing and a closing with a fun cover of Mungo Jerry's In The Summertime. As they were saying their goodbye's, my amazing hubs was able to flag Billy down to give me a guitar pick. So I am now the lucky owner of one of these to add to my "collection" (Billy gave me one at the Spec's show in 2000):
It was an amazing show. Granted, I've read a lot of negative reviews about this tour, but for a hardcore fan, it was perfect. Like I said, there were a lot of songs I would have liked to hear that were not played, but I wouldn't have replaced any except for the Pink Floyd cover only because it completely lost the audience. I saw my favorite band and at the end of the day, I would have had a grin from ear to ear if Billy Corgan was just sitting on a stool reading a cereal box. If you are just a singles fan, you will hate it. But honestly, if you only liked 1979, why the hell are you even attending? I left really hoping that they are able to embark on their 20th anniversary tour in November so we can see them again.
But the best part was still to come. We bought some merchandise (shirts and posters) and then took a quick bathroom stop before heading over to where their bus was parked. We found a group already waiting of about 30 people. About 10 minutes later, Billy walked out of the venue towards us. It was at about that moment that my brain turned off. A guy asked him if he could take a picture with him. Billy said no, that he rather spend 10 minutes actually talking to us rather than snapping pictures and signing autographs. Although I was bummed b/c I was hoping to FINALLY have a picture with him after 13 years of crazy fandom, I understood that he was actually being a very cool human being. So we talked. Or rather everyone talked for me. I just stared at him. My friends told him how great the show was, one girl asked if they were going to do more residencies, one extremely annoying fan asked Billy to take his country's flag and finally I opened my mouth. All I could ask was details on the free Orlando show that was going to take place the next day. Ugh, stupid Meli. But, I suppose it was better than what I really wanted to say and do : scream I LOVE YOU and give him a bear hug. It was very very difficult to hold back, you have no idea. But I behaved. Augi on the other hand, slipped Billy his business card. Why? Well, I don't have to write it out for all of you, you can all watch video evidence as caught by another fan:
So I saw my favorite band. And they were amazing. And then I got to meet a man that I have admired for the majority of my life. So all and all, a pretty stellar night that I wish I could relive over and over again.
I can say with every fiber of my being that I completely and utterly love my wedding video. I have sang its praises on this blog before. I just really really love it. I could probably watch it every day and not tire of it.
But with that said, I stumbled upon this ridiculously talented videographer via a post on The Knot and was blown away. There are really no words to describe this team's work. Let's just say that I wish I could get married again just so I could book Still Motion. They come with a hefty price tag, but I've never seen something that is so worth the big bucks.
While scouring their blog, make sure to check out their tribute to The Beastie Boy's Sabotage using a wedding party's groomsmen. Flipping genius.
After having a pretty depressing weekend, I can honestly say that today is looking very bright (despite Tropical Storm Fay knocking at our front door)! You see, many things were going wrong, but now two out of the three aren't too shabby.
Ready? #1: I got an official date for my thesis defense. It's happening people: I'm finally going to graduate. Jeez, I almost don't even want to say it.
#2: Remember the Pumpkins concert tomorrow? Well, it got rescheduled to Thursday! This never happens. Ever. But it did. And it's pretty freaking awesome. Sorry: FUCKING awesome.
Actually, both of these things are FUCKING awesome. Nay, LEGENDARY.
And to all my fellow South Floridians, stay safe during the storm tonight and tomorrow! ♥
For all those readers that have forgotten, Tuesday was supposed to be the happiest day in the world: it was Pumpkins day. Yes, Tuesday is the day the Pumpkins will play Mizner in Boca. The day I took off from work along with my hubs and 6 of our closest friends. It has been 8 years since I've seen them play live. This was not supposed to happen.
Tonight we are going to the Fillmore on Miami Beach to watch a little Mexican guitar duo, Rodrigo y Gabriela. They were initially in a thrash metal band before deciding that they wanted to go back to their roots and get the hell out of Mexico. They now reside in Dublin, Ireland and pump out some amazing cover songs as well as originals, still quoting Metallica and other metal acts as influences.
I highly recommend listening to their stuff. They are incredible. I am super excited to see them live tonight with the hubs, my in-laws and some friends. I'm sure it's going to be a fabulous night and I'll come with a full report tomorrow. For now, here are some videos to wet your appetite.
Stairway to Heaven cover.
Music video for Diablo Rojo (so looking forward to rocking out to this tonight).
Thanks to the Knot, I stumbled upon this hilarity of a website. Makemebabies.com is a website that generates what your baby will look like using pictures you upload of yourself and your partner. You can also "mate with" celebrities. Exciting stuff.
With that said, I just had to do it. I'm a sucker for this kind of fuckery. And it definitely paid off. I laughed for a good 5 minutes straight and even had a few tears. This is one hot baby!!!! I can definitely see the family resemblance. Can't you?
And I thought it was only appropriate to breed with Batman himself, Christian Bale, as well (Hugh Jackman and Gavin Rossdale were not available). Not surprisingly, we had another extremely attractive child! Wow, I can't wait to start making babies of my own! I can only hope they are as adorable and endearing as these online versions!!!
So after what felt like the most hellacious week, I can finally say hello to a fabulous weekend ahead of me. One of my best friends in the world, Elissa, is celebrating her birthday in Key West for Lobsterfest. Although I've never been, I hear it is just tent after tent on Duvall full of delicious lobster-esqe meals. Yummy in my tummy!!!
Besides the lobster, I absolutely love Key West. I love the laid back vibe, the ability to walk the streets with rum runner in hand and being able to spend 24/7 in shorts and flip flops. Yes, please!
And if all of those reasons weren't great enough, I also get to spend a weekend with some of the most amazing people in my life (awwww).
So I wish you all an amazing weekend and I will hopefully be back on Monday with some photos and stories to share!
Unfortunately, it is. Here is one of our favorite castaways, Josh Holloway, on the set of his new movie Stay Cool with Winona Ryder. This is so terribly wrong and frightening. See, Lost? This is what happens to your cast when you have such a long hiatus!!!
I wonder what Sawyer's nickname would be for this fancy little character...Pony? Cassette? K-Fed?
So yesterday I posted about attempting to post my very first muxtape and failing miserably. Today I think I'll be a little more successful after a quick tutorial from the hubs! If you do not know what muxtape is, check out this superb little blog about it.
I hope to make this a weekly ritual so I can share my musical interests with you guys. I always enjoy hearing mixtapes and discovering new music, so I figured you all would as well! My first mix is Pumpkins-centric (my, what a surprise!). It's a little live compilation for all those going to see them in two weeks or for those that have never seen them live or even for those that have never heard of them (gasp!).
They definitely are in my top 10 concert experiences, not only because they are my favorite band, but also because they just put on such a great show. They never do it "half-assed." They always put their all into their performances and you really can't beat that.
I hate Monday's. I think that is pretty clear if you are my friend on Facebook. As my cousin put it one night, my Facebook status updates are just a countdown until the weekend. And that's pretty much the way I view my work week: What day is it today and how many are left until Friday?
This Monday proved to be extra special. As I was walking out of my condo this morning, I see the maintenance dude hosing down our hallway blocking me from getting to my car in the parking lot. I make a facial expression that I thought was pretty explanatory that I needed him to move out of the way or at least move the hose out of the way. Yep, I guess not. So he kept hosing and I kept moving. I tried to be slick and turn before he splashed me to take an alternate route when all of a sudden I was sprawled on the floor. Fantabulous. The best part? This good sir didn't even ask me if I was OK or if I needed help. HE JUST KEPT HOSING. Meanwhile, a good portion of my left leg is scraped and bleeding. That is not the way I'd like to start my Monday.
Then I walk into my office (after putting our first aid kit to good use) to listen to my voicemails. And it was one of those voicemails. The ones that make you smack your head against the desk repeatedly.
So because of that, I was going to make my day a lot better by posting my first ever muxtape, but I couldn't figure that bitch out. Growl. I'll wait for the hubs to get home so I can post one tomorrow! Hopefully I can make a weekly ritual out of it.
I am officially 27 and I officially have a bad ass haircut to go along with it. My hair was snipped to oblivion on Wednesday night at Peter of London. The fabulous Dee was my hair stylist. Yes, that Dee. From Bravo's Shear Genius. And that she is! She's a super cool chick that really knows what she is doing. Of course, I kind of went pop culture crazy on her, but tried to keep it to a minimum. ;)
This weekend is going to be pretty laid back for the Sanchez clan. Having a few friends over Saturday night for one of our infamous "game nights," which should be fun as always.
So I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! I'm off to go clean the pad while listening to some hot tunes!
