Ch-Ch-Changes

I've come to realize that I crave change.

I should've known that from the amount of times a month I change my hair, or the amount of time I spend rearranging living room or bedroom furniture. You don't even want to know how much my wardrobe changes......

So often things in life that used to bring me such happiness and pleasure, I feel like burrying in the dirt and never wanting to see it again.

I know there are things in this life I can't change, like the rain in Seattle, or Daylight Savings, or the fact that I will never in my life be a natural blond with blue eyes. But I know that there are so many things that are within my control to change.

I've personally been going through a lot of change recently. Good change, but hard change. Our family has changed. Our family life has changed. Dan's priorities have changed. My priorities have changed. My sanity has changed.....and so on and so on.

One thing I've been wanting to change is this blog.

It started out as me, then I changed it into something that I'm just not; something I did to please other people. So it's time to take control and change it back.

I'll be going through some blog rennovations here soon and hopefully it doesn't upset anyone. But hopefully the right people will continue to read it.

2nd Place?........ Feels Like 1st!

This last weekend I went to Spokane with my fellow AJoy'ers to compete in our region. There were chorus's from all over Washington, Alaska, as well as northern Idaho. It was an absolute blast & I gained a lot of valuble knowledge as well.


This is the mass sing we did before the Quartet Competitions on Friday night.
Competition isn't easy for me though, cause I get very intimidated when I know people are judging me.

These were all of the new members competing this year, including ME!

So I was a bunch of nerves despite the calming herbs I took, the days previous.

Here's us about to take the stage

At the end of our performance I set myself up for severe disappointment on how we did. Not only did I feel I let my chorus down, with my personal performance, but I also felt a complete let down, cause I KNOW we've sounded better in past performances.

As I sat down in the audience after we got off stage, I had a discussion with a fellow AJoy'er and she and I both felt the same. So when it came time to announce the awards, believe me I was surprised when they announced the winner of the most improved (since last year) chorus, was none other than, US!



Woo hoo! I was more than overjoyed! I was so proud of us. We improved by 44 points from last year, which is a huge jump. Last year the chorus got most improved as well and it's seriously unheard of in Sweet Adelines for a chorus to improve as quickly as we have. So that was a HUGE accomplishment.

Then in our division (Division AA or mid-sized chorus) we took 2nd place! (last year they were 1st in Division A or small chorus) And then as a final medal we took 2nd place overall (last year they took 4th place overall). Can we say AWESOME!!!



I was jumping for joy! I tell ya, that even though we took 2nd, it totally feels like 1st to me!

Here's us wearing our medals and preparing to sing at the Show Of Champions, Saturday night.

Congratulations to my fellow chorus members. Thank you so much for treating me like your own from day one and for allowing me to have an absolute blast everytime we get together. I'm so happy I found a group of ladies I'm proud to call my sisters. I love you all!!!

AJoy Friends & Family

Before we head off to Spokane for our regional competition, we hold a sorta "dress rehearsal" show, for our friends and our family. Last night our friends and family got a look at our contest package as well as the quartets that are representing our chorus (Champagne, Frenzy & Sunbreak).

Thanks to the Thurgood's & the Thatcher's for coming to support me!

Here's video from last night's performance. (I'm the 2nd one on the left in the front row)

3rd Place A Cappella Festival 2011

We won!
Can you believe that we won something we didn't even know we were competing for?

That's just how awesome A Joy is! Are you jealous yet?

Anyways yesterday's festival was a total blast! I wish I had been there the whole day to see the rest of the acts I missed in the morning.

After having an unofficial warm-up/run through at one of our chorus member's house, we got to the festival in time to see The Baudboys perform. Man are they an awesome group of guys. They were the favs of the day. They have this bass, (Paul Eng), that has one of the yummiest voices and his range is absolutely amazing! He was my favorite. I didn't take any video, but click here for a different video of my favorite song that they did yesterday, with Paul soloing.

At the end of the festival we had the honor of listening to a cappella legends, The Coats. Now I must admitt I've never heard them before, but after yesterday I was glad to be in their presence. Even with the crappy sound system 3rd Place Commons had and with the horrible sound that resonated through the back of the food court where I was sitting with ma peeps, they still stole the stage with their awesomeness, (their tenor is AMA-ZA-ZING!). I've decided I want to be just like them when I grow up. Again I don't have any video of my own, but here's one I found on YouTube.

After a day of a cappella singing what better thing to do after, than sing sum'more! I can officially say that I've had a night of "Tag Singing"......and it's TOTALLY ADDICTING! It's like a drug!

Anyways I have 25 more days till I head off to our Regional Competition. I can't wait! It's going to be blast!

Good Old A Cappella!

In case you haven't been on planet earth lately, my chorus is singing at an A Cappella festival this Saturday, March 5th. (click the flyer above for location details)
It's a casual event and if they stick to the schedule, we'll be on the stage at 3:30pm.
Hope I'll see you there!

30 Day Blog Challenge

Since I pretty much suck at blogging, I thought I might steal this idea from Jacki. Even though I'm not looking forward to it.


Day 1 a photo of yourself and a description of how your day was
Day 2 a photo of something you ate today
Day 3 your idea of the perfect first date
Day 4 your favorite photograph of your best friend
Day 5 a photo of yourself two years ago
Day 6 a photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet
Day 7 your dream wedding
Day 8 a song to match your mood
Day 9 a photo of something you last purchased
Day 10 a photo of your favorite place to eat
Day 11 what's in your makeup bag?
Day 12 a photograph of the town you live in
Day 13 your favorite musician and why?
Day 14 a TV show you're currently addicted to
Day 15 something you don't leave the house without
Day 16 you celebrity crush
Day 17 a photo of you and your family
Day 18 something you crave a lot
Day 19 another picture of yourself
Day 20 the meaning behind your blog name
Day 21 a phot of something that makes you happy
Day 22 a letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 23 15 facts about you
Day 24 a photo of something that means a lot to you
Day 25 what's in your purse?
Day 26 a photo of somewhere you've been too
Day 27 a picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?
Day 28 your favorite music
Day 29 something that you could never get tired of doing
Day 30 a photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past

The Most Wonderful Time~The Show!

Yesterday was our holiday show and it was absolutely awesome! The night before I couldn't sleep cause I was so excited! (well that and I forgot to take my meds for my RLS, so I really couldn't sleep!). It was a lot of hard work and preparation for all involved, but it totally paid off. We had a sold out matinee (which is highly unusual) and an almost sold out show in the evening. The show was filled with many acts which were all sung a'cappella. Our chorus, A Cappella Joy sang two sets and I sung a solo in the second set, as well as a part of a VLQ (very large quartet, which consisted of 8 males and 8 females......and yes we know a quartet consists of 4 people).

Thanks to Northwest Sound for sharing the stage with us, you all are slammin'! Thanks to all my fellow AJoy'ers for an awesome show and for being the best sisters a girl could have! Thanks to Nikki Blackmer who rocks our world! She's seriously oozes awesomeness!

Thanks to all of those who supported me and came to the show! For all those who missed it, maybe next year? In the meantime here's a peek of the most wonderful time had by all. (Thanks to Dan who took photos and video)

Caroling! Caroling!

If anyone is out shopping at the outlet mall in Marysville WA, this Saturday, Dec 4th, between 2-4pm, don't be shocked if you see somone, that looks just like me, walking around the mall singing Christmas carols with a bunch of women.

It really is me!

Sit back and enjoy the awesomeness that is AJoy!

The Most Wonderful Time

This will be the most wonderful time you'll have this season! Come see me sing on Dec. 11th! Tickets are still available online (but let me know that you'll be there!) or you can purchase them through me.

Don't miss this spectacular holiday event!

Halloween~2010 Style!

Hope yours was frightfully fun!

The Circle Of A Woman's Reach

Okay since my friend Cheri posted this on her blog, I figured I might as well post it on mine.

We had a Visiting Teaching Appreciation night, last week and I got the wonderful opportunity to sing. Cheri's son Brady played the guitar. He's so darn cute I just wanna smoosh him to death! I openly wish him to marry any of my daughters one day. He's such a great kid and his momma raised him well.

Anyways this video for some reason is off from the sound a bit, but enjoy it anyways.

A Joy's Newest Addition!

I'm officially the newest member of A Cappella Joy (aka: A Joy)! I couldn't be more pleased.

I had my audition last night and passed with flying colors.

It feels so good to be singing again and especially with this group of AWESOME women.

By the way I sing Baritone. It's SO different than what I'm used to, (cause I'm used to singing the melody or the Soprano line) but it truly is the best part of the chorus and also the most challenging (I think).

Anyways I just had to spread the news, cause I simply can't contain my excitement. I seriously cannot wait till our next rehearsal!

September

September is buzzing with busyness. Here are some of the things I'm looking forward to in the next month:

• Price Family reunion
• Homeschooling my kiddos
• Desiree at school once a week
• One-on-one time with Makayla
• Sack Lunch Day with other homeschooled kids
• A Cappella Joy every Monday night!

And things I dread or am dreading:

• Physical Therapy twice a week
• Speech Therapy appointments
• Dan's outpatient surgery
• The drive to the Tri-Cities
• The drive back from the Tri-Cities

I'm especially excited about joining A Cappella Joy every Monday night. This is something that I've always wanted to do and I'm finally getting to do it. Yay me! (a'la London Tipton)

Almost Paradise

I'm still trying to catch up on blogging about my latest trips, but there are a lot of pictures to go through and edit. So in the meantime, I'm bloggin' about what a great day it was (still is) today.

My friend Cheri came over to play. We ended up painting birdhouses

(that I bought months ago and never got around to painting with the girls).

And by the way I take no responsibility for my girls outfits. I shouldn't have to remind you that they dress themselves and they decided that even thought it was 68+ degrees outside, they still wanted to wear their "long pants/shirt plus winter boots-combo", instead of shorts & a t-shirt. What a bunch of weirdos!

Can you tell who's belongs to who?

Let me give you a hint.....just pop on over to Cheri's blog and you'll see which one made the best house! She's so darn talented, it makes me sick!

Today was also the perfect day to give "Freida" a bath. She desperately needed it.

(And YES I name my cars. My dearly departed Caroline was my first.......*tear)

What a beautiful day! Thanks Cheri for makin' it extra special.

(and for putting up with my 80's Mega Mix and my wonderful purposely off-key singing!)

By the way today's title was brought to you by the song by Heart; Courtesy of my 80's Mega Mix.

Changing Lives ~ One Person At A Time

Who'da thought my blog would do someone any good?

Well it just so happens that it did just that.

I posted this a while ago about my new blender and how even my girls love healthy smoothies. Well after reading this post, Cheryl over at ThatGirlIsFunny.com made a comment:

So first, I was like, "brussel sprouts with grapes? yuck!" Then, I saw your kids enjoying it and I had to stop to reconsider. Isn't it funny how our point of view changes so quickly when we see someone else do something that we thought was unlikely or impossible?.... I've been having trouble adding in enough fresh vegetables lately. You've given me new resolve to try making smoothies at home. Wow! What if your post actually gave me a way to get my 5 servings of veggies every day? I have some carrots - I'll see what my regular blender does with them. Here's to good health! :D ....What if I really made eating brussel sprouts a habit? If your little girl liked it, surely I can manage it? I'll accept the challenge (gulp - or should I say slurp?)

....OK, I just made my first smoothie! I think your blender probably is more powerful than mine. But I managed to make a carrot-apple-cranberry juice smoothie! Now, need to go shopping for brussel sprouts, broccoli and oranges. I think you may have solved a my "not enough fresh veggies" problem. Thanks for showing your kids enjoying their smoothies. That worked to put me in action. Look at you, making the world a healthier place, one heart at at time :D

So after reading that, I felt pretty darn good about my post and how it might've changed just one person's life. I didn't really take her seriously. I mean, no offense, I didn't know her personally and how was I to know she was serious?

Well she was. She even wrote a post about it here.

I'm so glad that I can eat healthier by using my blender to add more fruits and veggies into mine and my kids lives. I'm especially glad that I was able to influence even one person as well.

(*tear!)

March Makeover Madness

I was asked by the Beehive leaders to do an activity on hair and makeup. I decided to take it a step further and give a couple of the girls a makeover. They had an activity last month called the Silly Olympics. The 2 top winners of the Olympics “won” a free makeover by yours truly. ($170 value!)

The activity was held last night and the makeovers of the girls were made over the weekend. It was a lot of fun, but the makeovers were pretty tame. This was a chance to get a total change in their look, but in the end, both girls chose something not so dramatic. It was a little disappointing, but I still had fun doing it. I also regret not having any "Before & After" pictures. (Grrr!)

For the activity I gave the girls a Hair Care quiz to see how much they knew about hair care. The majority of them did fairly well and all of them said they learned something new. It was mostly a night where they could do each other’s hair and makeup and learn how to better care for their hair, but I also gave a demo of makeup for those who wanted to learn more.

Like I said before it was a really fun night and I was grateful and flattered that I was asked to do this. For everyone’s reference I’ve decided to post the hair care questionnaire for your benefit and knowledge. See how many you get correct. Post your answers in a comment. You can check your answers here.

True or False

1. Brushing my hair 100 times a day will make it healthy and strong
2. Hair grows faster/thicker if you cut it
3. Split ends can be fixed with the right products
4. Split ends will travel up the hair shaft

5. Hair grows faster on different parts of your head
6. Wearing my hair in a tight braid or ponytail will cause baldness
7. Sharing combs, brushes or hair accessories can spread scalp diseases
8. Hair should be washed everyday
9. Hair products labeled as “Natural” are chemical free

10. Hair will always remain the same texture

11. Swimming pool chemicals will turn your hair green

12. Dandruff is caused by a dry scalp
13. Dandruff is contagious

14. To get really clean hair you must “Lather. Rinse. Repeat”
15. Salon products are better than drugstore products
16. Your hair can get “used” to a product and not work for you anymore
17. Conditioners are only for people with dry hair

18. I should only use conditioner on the ends of my hair
19. Lemon juice will bleach hair blond
20. Blow drying causes hair loss

Things That Are Keeping Me Going

I got my stitches out yesterday. Not that it means anything, cause of the last time I got my stitches out. But to me it means nearing the end. If there ever will be an end. In the meantime I'm on stinky antibiotics (they really do stink) and keepin' the leg up (although, not as much as I should be....oops!).

But I am grateful for all of the good things and people that keep me going each day.

First off, my husband. Seriously....he's the man.

He's awesome and he's doing a great job.

My girls, who "help mommy" all the time.

They're my go-to girls.

Visiting Teachers

Visits in general

Home Teachers

Hot meals brought in


Phone calls


Netflix


Dad's Oatmeal Cookies

(Imported from Canada)

Bundaberg Diet Ginger Beer

Good books

Online Shopping (even if it's just browsing)

My daughters quoting Star Wars, or simply singing the theme song....(my current fav is when my oldest randomly quotes Aunt Beru)

"Luke's just not a farmer Owen..."


Anyways I just wanted to jot down some things that get me through the days of grief over this leg. It makes me not so low down. And that's the down low. Yo yo. I'm outta hee.

*I take no responsibility for the gangsta talk

It's Just Another Manicure Monday (Woa-oo-woa)

No I don't get manicures every Monday....but I did today.
Was it selfish?
YES.
Was it worth it?
Maybe.
Do my nails look awesome?
As awesome as they can I guess. (I chose a really dark, semi-sparkly blue)
Did it totally ruin the experience, having my two kids tag along?
Oh heck yeah.
But am I glad I did it?
Yes. Yes. and YES!

This whole going in for surgery crap has really gotten me down lately. I did some more shopping this morning at The Village and ran into a friend which was really nice (Hey Alli!). So that cheered me up a bit. But as I was heading home and picking up my mail I decided I wanted to treat myself to a manicure. I wish it were a pedicure, but the whole, hole in my leg thing kinda puts a damper on things down there. Can't soak my feet, for fear of getting the bandage wet. And half the pedicure is the massage and I can't exactly feel anything on the inside of my right leg anyways (it's still numb from my injury.....yeah I know.....ew gross.....well, at least I think it is), so that totally ruins things. So a mani it was. I went to my old nail salon, from when I used to live in Redmond. They don't do the greatest of jobs, but they're cheap and it was an old place, with people who recognized me and that made me feel good. It's kinda like walking into Cheers.....you know....the place "where every body knows your naay-ay-ame (dun dun dun) and they're always glad you caay-ay-ame (dun dun dun)". Okay that's enough of the Cheers theme song.

But my point was that I needed to feel the love. (It worked)

Are you getting me?

Well.....I'm needin' to feel the love and a great way to do that is, if you're reading this post, leave a comment. Even if you don't know me and are reading this blog for the first time, leave a comment.

Show me the love!