Gaga Land

"We needed a pop star who could simultaneously celebrate the spirit of pop -- the spirit that makes everyone, no matter who or where they are in the world, stand up and start dancing when "Billie Jean" comes on the jukebox -- and deconstruct, and ultimately shift, the static notion of the pop star as a figure of blind worship and untouchable-ness. Gaga has put the glitter wand back into the hands of the audience. She's made the audience responsible for what they are viewing. No other pop singers are doing that, at least not on the level that Gaga is. No pop singer has done it on that level, ever, period" - Salon Magazine.

My sister and I saw Gaga perform in Vancouver August 24th 2010 at Gm Place (recently called Rogers Arena.) It was truly one of the greatest concerts I have ever been to in my whole entire life and I have a sneaky suspicion that I will look back at that experience for years to come.
I have never been to a concert where the artist works so hard to make the fans the focus of the night. At one point, she walked around the stage pointing a lit up torch at fans to see what they were wearing. She would comment about how beautiful they looked, how she was inspired by each of them.
I remember seeing her in an interview and she had stated that at the moment she didn't have a home because she wanted to spend all her money on costumes, props and sets for the concert.
Having seen her perform at the Monster Ball, it was VERY evident that blood, sweat and tears had gone into making this a one of a kind performance.

Throughout the night she made it clear that it was a gathering for the "out-cast"....that each person was beautiful and special the way they are no matter what...that we are all in this together. It created this strong bond not only with her but the rest of the audience. It was amazing, I really felt so encouraged and so inspired by her.

People can say she is crazy or that she is a bad role model but then I would say that they simply misunderstand her. She is completely raw talent. Her voice is spectacular. She writes her own lyrics and music. She dances, she plays instruments such as piano. Very talented. Her outfits are all created with a purpose behind them.

I have never been to a concert before that changed the sets so many times - and they were extravagant sets! And the outfits? I lost track!!!  I can't believe we only paid 90 dollars each!

It was just the most fun I have ever had, and I can't wait to see her again!!!
A truly beautiful, inspiring woman!

A Proud Little Monster,
Nay

P.S. These are all pictures I took at the concert. We were VERY close to the stage as you can see!! :)An experience of a lifetime and I got to share it with my best friend, my sister Jen!

It's Thanksgiving today!
(....depending in which side of the border you live.)


Our American neighbors are celebrating in style with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NY, turkey dinner, and going to bed with sweet dreams of Black Friday.

I am very blessed to be married to an American, and to have a wonderful "In-law" family. 

I am also very proud and blessed to be a granddaughter of an American solder who fought in World War II.  He was too young to join the army so he lied about his age and joined anyways. He was a true patriot and taught me alot about love for your country.

While bed ridden yesterday due to my back, I watched President Obama issue a presidential pardon for 2 turkeys named apple and cider. It was quite hilarious, I had no idea they did that......and that's what you miss while your busy at work!!!

It's hard to believe we're just over a month away from 2011. Of course as you think of the New Year, your led to think of new resolutions and goals for the next year. I have no idea what is in store for Bran and I. I do hope and pray that God would open doors for us and that it would be an exciting year. In the Bible it talks about God restoring what the locusts stole and I pray that 2011 would be the year of restoration. I really lost some good years between 2007-2009 being so consumed with anxiety. In March of 2009 I was able to get it under control as God had delivered me from fear. I am so thankful that I was set free because you can hardly call it "life" when you're feeling like your going to die every day.

Certainly there are a few things I still need to work out. Such as time management, lol. Not over-doing it. etc. But those are things that can be corrected.

I am really excited for Christmas. And if it keeps up the way it is, we're going to DEFINITELY be having a white Christmas. It's so beautiful outside. It's been snowing non-stop since yesterday!

Well, I am going to go lie down. Back is still killing me. I finally gave in and have an appointment at 1:00 to see the chiropractor. Boooo.

XxOo.

This is SO good

Psalm 138:3

"On the day I called, You answered me;You made me bold with strength in my soul."

Best Friendies

Sick...again

And...let's top it off with the fact that I can barely move. I hurt my back by simply lifting my head to see what time it was this morning. This was immediately followed by a "freak out" in which I began to wonder how I was ever going to get out of bed and imagined myself paralyzed because of one stupid move. Eventually, after 2 ibuprofen and somehow maneuvering myself against the wall and the bed, I got out of  bed! It hurts to sit, to lie down, to walk, but at least I have feeling in all 4 limbs! Hypochondriac? Yes!

It's a beautiful -17 outside (-27 if you factor in the wind chill.)  I am glad to be warm in my comfy clothes and with a heated home! I remember when we first moved into this house, our furnace barely (if at all) worked. I remember trying to scrapbook but having to stop because my fingers were ice cold. Try scrapbooking with gloves, it doesn't work. I've tried.  Approximately $10,000.00 later, we have a nice new energy efficient furnace.  It keeps us warm in the winters, and nice and cool on the hot summer days! I thank God we had the funds to pay for everything cash at the time.  That wouldn't be happening now, hahaha!!!

So the pic above is me and my sis enjoying our first REAL snow fall. Yes we had a little snow before but nothing was sticking. Nov 20th we had TONS of snow, it was so beautiful! It's all still here, but I would like more. Seattle totally got snowed in!! I was watching the Seattle news and there was about 25 vehicles abandoned on the highway, cars sliding down streets while hitting other parked vehicles. Me and my warped mind, desperately wanted a piece of this action in Kamloops.....

Well, I am going to go *attempt* to lie down....I feel like I have been sleeping for 3 days solid! Good grief..............

XxOo

What A Glorious Day

I woke up to the most glorious sight - fresh, powdery, snow. *Smile*

Yesterday was a very productive day. I made a huge batch of chili and hamburger soup. I recently came into a wealth of Ziploc containers so I felt inclined to fill them with delicious, hot food. Food that comforts you in the cold of the winter. :)
Oh and guess what - no preservatives or road kill!

Today is my daddy's Birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best daddy ever!! :) We're going to go out to eat (forget the name) so no dishes or cooking tonight! I bought him the new Call of Duty Black Ops....tempted to keep it for me.
REALLY tempted to open it right now.
But must resist.


My hair appointment with Ken is today, wootwoot! :) He is amazing!!!!!  I always look forward to getting my hair cut - he always knows what I want without me even saying anything. He just moved into a larger salon this month so I am excited to see what that looks like! 

Also apparently Suzy Shier has 40% of all their clothes, so I just may need to drop in there to take a peak....hmmm. :)

Anyways, here's some pics:

A batch of Chili and Hamburger Soup

Fresh Snow Fall

XxOo

Umbrella (Singing in the Rain)

Bravo, Chris Martin's wife!!!  You done good!
I may even be obliged to address you by your name now due to your outstanding performance on Glee. I've enjoyed your movies but for the most part I've respected you simply for marrying Chris Martin, the lead singer of the most stellar band on earth, Coldplay. The combination of their soul stirring lyrics and his voice (particularly the high falsetto) is pure poetry....it's like water quenching your thirst.

Anyways, Gwyneth (that was my first time addressing you as you and not as Chris's wife), you proved that you're sassy, fierce and a great singer!!!  Please return to Glee in the future!!!

For those who didn't see it, click on the link below:
LISTEN: "Umbrella/Singing in the Rain" Glee Mash-Up

Signed,
Coldplay Fan + Glee Fan  = Gwyneth's Fan

Insert Title Here

Drinking eggnog from a wine glass is magnificently magnificent.
Truly, it is!



Before I started to write this post, I was trying to come up with some catchy title. A popular phrase? A funny quote? As titles were circulating through my brain, a thought occurred to me. It was an Oprah "Aha" moment (I resent referring to that!) I was searching so hard for a title, that I really wasn't putting much thought into the content of the post.
It was at that moment that I noticed the parallel between posting......and real life.

We want the titles, and we want them NOW.
Boss. Mom. Superstar. World's Greatest Hockey Player. President. Etc.

There's alot to gain with titles.
For some, it's walking into a room and having automatic approval from at least half the public.
For others, it's money, fame, friends, power etc.

For alot of us, we're not willing to put in the blood, sweat and tears to get there. We observe those who have gone before us and want all that they had sacrificed for, and we want it now.

The people with the greatest titles are not where they are because they desired fame above all things. These people were born leaders, given vision and willing to do whatever it took to succeed.  The road was not easy. In fact for many, the road never existed before them and they had to do all the work themselves without any guarantee that anything would work out for them.  They did not strive for the title, but for the fulfillment of walking out their purpose in life.

Which type of person are you?

The person who would compromise their moral and spiritual beliefs just to be king?

Or

The person who would sacrifice all they have for what they believed in? A person.....who a title would be created for.

:)

XxOo.

Stay A Little While!

....Just in case you've come to browse a while, I've added some music for you! :) Too bad this is virtual, I would offer you a cup of coffee/tea while your here! :) 

Music will be updated weekly! 

This week brought to you by, John Mayer! Represent, yo!

Enjoy! 

I Love My Granny!

Flowers from my Granny for my Birthday ---  was such a nice and welcomed surprise!!!

"Discmans" and Paparazzi

I spent some time today putting a few cd's onto our ITouch....such an awesome little gadget. I was thinking back to my high-school days where I thought it was cool to own a Sony disc-man. So you have this big clunky disc-man, and then you also have to ensure if you want more music, to carry a few CD's with you. It was so inconvenient. However, music was important to have, so thus you did what you had to.

Fast forward a few years later, and you can now load pretty much every CD you own onto this little IPOD with room yet for apps, movies and tv shows.

Last Christmas we bought a Harmon Kardon IPOD dock.....you should hear the sound! It's amazing. Crank up a Gaga song, and the bass will shake the house! I use it pretty much everyday. Create a quick play list of songs, crank it up and la dee da dee da!!!!

I just watched a documentary by Adrien Grenier (Entourage) on the world of the paparazzi. Specifically, it was focused on a 14 year old boy who engaged in the paparazzi world. He addressed the issues of why they do what they do, why the world is so obsessed with celebrity and how fame changes people. It was pretty interesting, caught it randomly on HBO this afternoon.
Of course, which song came on during credits?
Gaga's "Paparazzi" --- obviously! lol.

Well, gotta go attend to some house work!

XxOo!

IDK!

I just don't know!
I don't know.

All I know, is that I don't know.

:)

I don't know about anything.
I don't know who I am. Where I am going. Or what I should do.
I don't know what's real and what's counterfeit.
I don't know when to look the other way and when to fight.
I don't know when to confront, and when to just offer a shoulder.
I don't know why people act the way they do.
I don't know why people love even when they have been hurt.
I don't know why I am where I am today.
I don't know how much longer I can work in a job that shreds the inner parts of me.
I don't know why I feel alone, when I have people around me.
I don't know why I don't feel God the way I used to....

....and lastly, I don't know how Bran puts up with me! :) But I'm glad he does!

It's just a world of "dont know's" - and perhaps these questions need to be left unanswered.

Desperation

A few days ago I was working on some music/lyrics and and the verse from Psalms in which David says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" came to mind. Particularly the part when David asks for the restoring of joy that comes with salvation.

It is SO important that the joy of salvation is restored to us. It's living that first moment over again where you have found Jesus and everything in this world has grown dim compared to the desire to know Him.
It's having your cares stripped away and replaced with peace.

Knowing Jesus isn't boring.
Nor is it just law and religion.

In Psalm 16:11 it says, "You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."

In HIS presence, there is FULLNESS OF JOY. :)
In HIS right hand, there are PLEASURES FOREVER!

So back to the first paragraph, I was just hit with the fact that we (I) need to start back at that first place....desiring a clean heart, a right spirit and the joy of salvation. Coming to the place of repentance and humility.
It's going back to square one.

In Psalms 42:1-2 it says, "As the deer pants for streams of water,so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.When can I go and meet with God?"

This verse is where I am at right now in my life.
I am on the verge of breaking, I am tired, I am desperate. My soul thirsts for the living God.
WHEN can I got and meet with God! :)

XOxo

Be Still My Heart....

Call of Duty Black Ops comes out.......at 11:59 on my Birthday.....EEEEEEEPPPP!! (Technically, it's out on the 9th, but they are advertising the 8th because...well you know...)

I still need to finish Modern Warfare 2. It seems that whenever I actually get time to sit down and play, I spend all my time doing online play instead of completing missions.

Pow pOW!

Peanut Butter Birthday Time!

In a mere 2 days, I will be 25 years old. By no means is this a traditional birthday milestone, however, I am declaring it to be special because of the following reasons:

1. Dairy Queen had its 25th anniversary in the summer.
2. 25 divided by 5 is 5. My favourite number is 5.
3. 25 is ¼ of a century.
4. I will be half my dad's age until November 20th and I will be half my mom’s age when she turns 50 in April 2011.
5. Just celebrating our 5th wedding Anniversary back in August, I have been married for 1/5 of my lifetime.

I have always believed a birthday cannot fully be celebrated on only one day. It must be enjoyed for the full month. Hence, I shall proclaim November my birthday month.

There are a few perks about being born in November. My favourite perk is that Christmas is just around the corner and so I decorate my house the first week of November. Birthday pictures will look spectacular with all of the Christmas lights and decorations! I have had a few birthdays with snow and that has made my heart happy. I love snow. Snow is happiness falling from the sky. LOL. (I know, super corny, but it’s true.) My birthday is far enough from Christmas that I get to enjoy my gifts and not feel like the 2 occasions are squished into one. My birthday is close enough to Christmas that there isn’t this let down after you have opened your gifts. In approximately one month, you just get to open more! Christmas is not about opening presents, but its sure fun!

Speaking of Christmas, I decorated my house last night. Last night marked 50 days until Christmas. Wootwoot! I bought some new indoor lights from Wal-Mart and they look spectacular!!!!

On Saturday, I re-arranged my whole living room. I think it looks a lot more warm and welcoming. So my challenge last night was to “Christmasify” my house, but without making it look tacky. When you whip out your Christmas decorations, it’s so easy to want to plop decorations wherever there is a free space. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who have little knick-knacks and trinkets everywhere. It’s so cluttered looking, and just......tacky. Ha-ha. I suppose there’s a little more grace during Christmas, but you better put your trinkets away on January 1st!!!

I can’t wait until the time change on Sunday the 7th. The obvious advantage is that you gain an hour. The not so obvious advantage, is that the evenings become dark earlier. I LOVE IT! I love leaving work at 4:30 and it getting dark outside. You get to see the Christmas lights, and see the snow light up the sky.......and its all so wonderful!

XOxo

A life of Glee or Theme Music. To be or not to be.

Somehow my mind always wanders back to that one episode of Family Guy where Peter Griffin wishes that he had theme music for his day to day laugh. His wish is granted and for every footstep he takes, there is music that moves with him.

I wonder, what would be preferable.
Having theme music like Peter Griffin, or spontaneously breaking into song through out the day like an episode of Glee. .

I would love for life to exactly like Glee. For that to happen however, you would have to have the world around you perfectly aligned. It would require science.
You see, the moment a song comes to you after you have experienced some emotion (love, happiness, hate, hurt etc.); the band must instantaneously appear behind you. Without talking or looking at them, they will know the key, the rhythm, which instruments to play, when to come in, when to end and if you will have an instrumental break.
Once the band’s details have been worked out, somehow, the people around you (both friends and strangers) must know which lines they will sing, where to harmonize, and when to not sing so that you have the spotlight.
They must also be equipped with dancing skills. They will know exactly which choreographed movements to use for each song.

Phewf. It’s a lot of work. Discussing this has made me decide that I would much rather live my life like an episode of Glee than just walking around with theme music.

Glad we have established this point.

Anyways, unless I have billions of dollars and a ridiculous team of superheroes such as scientists, musicians, dancers, etc – I think that none of the above will occur.

So, plan B:
I will happily be content to just sit at my piano day after day after day and let whatever I am feeling come out in music and song.
I will also happily be content with throwing on a CD (well, those are becoming extinct. Let’s say, putting my IPOD on play) and blasting it nice and loud!

Music to me is the equivalent of what donuts are to Homer Simpson.
Pure, beautiful, bliss.