The Parish Room - Elliott Yamin and The Last Goodnight

Anna and I went downtown Saturday night to see Elliott Yamin from American Idol play. Don't you dare laugh at us for buying tickets, you would too and you know it. He was our favorite from that season. Just a genuine guy with genuine talent you couldn't help but adore.

It turned out to be the most fun we've had in a long time! The opening acts were incredible, including The Last Goodnight, an up-and-coming band from Connecticut who are known for their song "Pictures of You." They were so talented! Especially their keyboard player, who we agreed was the best we've probably ever seen. And of course, it takes a lot to impress us. After the show, the band was kind of hanging around so we got to meet them and take photos like giddy little fans. Hope they make it big one day!

This is Anna with the piano player. He was very sweet.

We didn't get up close and personal to Elliott. Unfortunately, I guess he's too big of a star now to mingle after the show. Although it was a small venue, which was cool.

I took a picture with "Sway" who was from the same season on AI as Elliott, and was singing backup in his band. What a cutie-patooty. Elliott's set was amazing, his vocals were impeccable, and the band rocked! It was so much fun. Check out more pics at the gallery.

Last but not least, here's a short video clip from Elliott. I'll post some more to YouTube shortly.

Sleep Disturbance

I had dreams all night about poor little Iggy. Is it because I was bombarded all day long with over-dramatic details from the media? Or could it be because my little Bear was sleeping next to me, head on Michael's pillow, whimpering in his own peacefully undisturbed doggy slumber?

(Michael's out of town, btw. Someone has to keep me warm at night! Don't judge!)

Escape from Suburbia

"Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them."

-- Bill Vaughan

The "quote of the day" on my Google home page :)

Recognition

My recovery was going along just fine and dandy - when all of a sudden, one of my incisions decided to open up and expose itself to the world, like a grimy old man in a trench coat. This has not happened to me before (with the incision, nor being flashed by an old man), but apparently when you slice into a previously healed scar, the skin is less likely to close back up properly. I developed a minor surface infection which began causing all kinds of slime and gore in and around the wound. So bad, that I couldn't even bear to take a picture of it like I normally would to gross you out with.

I tell you all this only so I can brag about Michael, and give him the recognition he deserves for having to clean it out with peroxide three times a day for the past four days.

Michael --- who can't even go into the vet's office with me when Bear has blood drawn (after a near pass-out experience), and turns various shades of green when I have IVs inserted at the hospital --- stoically overcame his aversion to medically questionable situations and didn't even dry-heave as he watched the ooze bubble from the antiseptic.

Michael --- who set up this very sanitary cleansing station (and brought me the flowers!).

Michael --- my hero!

Recovery

Well, the latest round in my slice 'n' dice tour was Monday morning. I went under the knife once more to have my spinal cord stimulator ex-planted. The surgery went well; it was one of the easiest so far, and I was able to go home that evening. Now it's just some rest and lots of tv (hurray for the new fall season!) before life gets back to normal. I didn't tell a lot of people about this surgery (because let's be honest, it's getting a little old already!) but for people who knew, I thought you may appreciate the update.

Of course, I have my live-in nurse to take care of me and take over my chores for awhile (all while taking unflattering pictures of me).

And my other roommate and personal dishwasher (Anna), and my own personal chef and life coach (aka Mom & Dad ;) to get me through.

Life's not so bad.

Another Austin Visitor!

Our good friend Eric didn't feel like he got enough quality time with us while we were in California, so he came all the way out to see us here when we got back. He also went to his cousin's wedding since he was in town already.

We didn't have a lot of time, but we did manage to show him some sights around town which he filmed (his profession at which he is very talented: see EricMaddox.com!)

Check out more photos at the gallery.

California Trip

New photos will be added to the gallery all week!

Claimjumper Happy Hour - Thursday Night

Anyone and everyone who is available, let's meet at Claimjumper Thursday night for old time's sake. Michael and I will be there by 6:30. Call for details. 512-965-3481.

Hope to see you there ;)

Many Happy Returns

Here we go, we're returning to California for our second visit! We hadn't been planning on repeating a trip home so soon, but a couple of important events convinced us otherwise!

Our good friend Rory's wedding is this Saturday at his parents' amazing home in Foresthill. Michael is a groomsman. We met Rory's bride, Astrid, a year ago at Anna's going away party. She is a beautiful gal we'd love to get to know better. All I can say is Rory is a different person since having met her; I don't think I've ever seen him so happy, and obviously giddy in love. Congrats you two!

Sunday is our Grandma's 80th birthday party! Can't think of a better reason to come home and celebrate such a joyous occasion. We love you, Grandma.


So, we'll be in CA Thursday (Sept 13) through Sept 25. This time we're bringing along a surprise guest - ANNA! I hope we get a chance to see ya'll.

Rescue and Rehabilitation

Sammie gets a new lease on life! I know for sure we made the right decision, even though we miss her at times. It seems joining a new "pack" was just what she needed to shape up.

It also sounds like she's receiving wonderful care, and is well on her way to finding a new family. What a wonderful organization. We are very grateful to them.