Current wishlist…

I need these flats in my closet, STAT!

My biggest wish is to remodel our kitchen (finally), so I am working on Timmy to get it going for the end of summer/fall. Here’s a few of my many inspiration pics:

Source: Jessica Helgerson Interior Design via Pinterest

Source: Flea Market Trixie via Pinterest

Saving up to buy a camera bag, but can’t decide between this one:

and this one:

And I think I need some more of this…

Oops…didn’t mean to sneak that in there!

Ok, so not all of the items are attainable. I mean, who knows if I’ll ever have that nice of a kitchen.

Ok. Ok. So the following account is 100% true, and can be vouched for by my homegirl, Micaela.

As you may know – indeed, how could you not – I have a silly crush on Hugh Laurie. Last year, I was super-stoked to make it to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival (read about it HERE) and I scooted up fairly close to the stage so I could snap some pics of my other husband.

Then, he announced a full tour, and one of the stops just HAPPENED to be in MY town!!

Tim obtained tickets for me as soon as they went on sale, and I was super stoked to see that we snagged third row, center seats! I had never been to the Napa Uptown theatre, so I wasn’t sure exactly how good these tickets were.

The day of the concert, Marco came down with a nasty virus, and we had to cancel our babysitter. Tim was extremely generous and stayed home with the sickie. Micaela drove up to attend with me, so the ticket didn’t at least go to waste.

We got to the venue, and I couldn’t help squealing for joy! Such a lovely theatre.

Micaela and I were escorted to our seats (HOLY CRAP THEY WERE AWESOME), and we marveled at the closeness of the stage. It was decorated with quirky vintage lamps, which gave it a comfy old bar feel. It was announced that patrons were only allowed to take photographs during the first song “at the request of the artist”. Oh Hugh…so shy.

Finally…my dream man #2 (Timmy is #1!) walks out in this awesome navy suit, and he greeted the crowds. He was charming and funny, per usual.

THEN. He asked for a volunteer, someone to start the entire show. My hand shot up in the air, but I had a feeling that the row of people in front of me had raised their hands first.

S’OKAY, THOUGH, ‘CAUSE HUGH LOOKED RIGHT AT ME, POINTED, AND SAID “You, right there! You replied very quickly!” HOLY MACKEREL WITH A SIDE OF STEWED CARROTS.

I did the typical “Me!?” move and jumped up out of my seat.

“You even got out of your seat, all righty then.”

This is the part where I gushed across two aisles “I’m a huge fan, I think you’re amazing” (yep, I said it.) He blushed a little – it happened a lot during the evening, when a group in the back yelled “I LOVE YOU DR HOUSE!”, when a dude a few seats over asked “Boxers or briefs??”, etc. It wasn’t just me (darn it).

Then he asked that I picture myself in the driver’s seat of a Rolls Royce, with the keys dangling in the ignition. I was to raise my arm and drop it, like the old movies of car races – when i dropped my hand that was the moment the music would start. Of course, I was so jumbled that I asked which arm to use, and he laughed (so did the audience *beet red face*), and told me to use my right arm if I was right-handed. “You can draw this out for the people in the back, we don’t start until you say so.”

I twirled the arm a minute and then dropped it – and of course, the drummer smacked his skins at the precise moment. Very awesome. I grinned and blushed, sat down, and realized I’d dropped my camera, and Micaela hadn’t been able to snap a picture of my crowning moment.

ANYWAY, I was still super freaking excited, because I swear to the goodness that Hugh looked at me several more times during the rest of the concert. I swear. Seriously. Eye contact.

So, the concert was fun. The band was so good – it was great to see a group of people that are really having fun together, enjoying the music they are making. Hugh shared the history of a the songs he played, and though he pooh-poohed the idea that he piloted the whole thing, he really is an immense talent. His voice isn’t the most perfect, but it fits the music he’s playing.

So, then, the concert came to an end (much too soon!) They finished off with a rousing tune that had everyone in the audience on their feet, snapping their fingers and shaking their hips.

I never wanted it to end!

The gentleman thanked us for the support, LOOKED RIGHT AT ME, smiled, and waved to the crowd, before booking it offstage.

I was perfectly happy to go home and relate my experience, and Micaela and I just snapped some photos of the marquee, and joked about sneaking onto the tour bus.

Something made us cross the street to get a closer look at them, and we could see that the backstage entrance was right in front of our noses. There was a fair amount of packing up of instruments, so we decided to wait with the six other people, hoping for a glimpse of Hugh. Maybe he’s take pictures? Maybe he’d sign something? Who knew! We just wanted to see him.

Eventually, he did come out and he slipped into his bus quickly, only to come back out and head straight for us! Wheee!!!

I was very patient, and was the 2nd to last person to have something to sign. The security guys were firm “No pictures with, only of, the artist”. But when Hugh finally got to me, he smiled, said “Thank you for coming out tonight.” I handed him my concert ticket to sign, and he asked my name. then I said “You were wonderful. I’ve had a great evening, I got to start the show with you!”. He stopped writing my name (correctly spelled, BTW!), looked at me, and pointed “Of course! You weren’t wearing that sweater earlier.”

“It’s cold waiting out here!” (me)

“Well, thank you for doing so! We’ve had a good time here tonight.” (HL)

“I think you’re amazing!” (me, gushing again – pathetic)

More blushing (both sides), and then Hugh threw out a “lovely to have met you” and then the next guy in line started shoving through.

Hugh Laurie talked to me, face to face. He remembered my dress. He thinks I’m lovely to meet (i hope).

And Micaela caught a picture of us!!

We squealed like tweens all the way to our cars. Awesome night.

Copyright Booksnshoes.com and Aperture by Michelle D.
Please don’t use my pictures without my permission.

Last week was the long-awaited Death Cab for Cutie concert at The Fox! It was a very good show. They’re currently touring with the Magik*Magik Orchestra.

We went with Adan (aka Flan) and my friend Laura. Good times, good times. The opening act, Youth Lagoon, was just ok. A little whine-y – plus, the guy was like 12 and it was weird as opposed to impressive.  Ha.

I was happy to note that Ben Gibbard sounds just as good live as he does on the albums, and though a mellow style of music, the show was fun. So happy when they played ‘A Movie Script Ending’, but bummed that ‘Brothers on a Hotel Bed’ didn’t make the set list.  Phooey!

In other news, my adorable son is growing up ridiculously fast. Look at this:

Also, I don’t know how I am going to make do without ‘House’. Crying ridiculous amounts the past few episodes. One episode left.  One word: Oreos.

I’ve got a book post coming up, but before I delve into my literary adventures, there have been goings-on in other media. I’ll make it snappy, since I have reached critical mass in the need for sleep. It’s kind of ridiculous how little sleep I’ve had in the past two weeks (hence the eerie silence on this here blog).

Last week ‘House’ creators announced that this is the final season – and I actually teared up. What will I do without Dr House??

I’ve decided this will give Hugh more free time to play the piano (for me), eat good food (with me) and read novels aloud in his natural English accent (to me). You know, ’cause obviously he’s coming straight to the Napa Valley after his show ends.

Sunday night (19th) the Season Finale of Downton Abbey airs. GAHH! Too short! This show needs to be moved from mini-series to regular series, so there are more episodes to devour!

OH MY GOD, ANNA AND BATES. I don’t want to ruin ‘Downton Abbey’ for anyone…but last week’s episode had many awesome moments. That’s all I’ll say.

Lord Grantham is officially ‘On Notice’, and hopefully I will not have to move him to the ‘Dead to Me’ board a la Stephen Colbert.

Also, can someone please make me look like this? Lady Mary is so lovely I bet she sleeps on a cloud and bathes in milk.

On the music front, tickets to the Death Cab for Cutie concert have been purchased! I am thrilled to see them perform. I started listening with the ‘forbidden love’ EP back in high school, and I’ve NEVER been able to catch them live before;  the tickets usually sell out before I can get to them – but this time I got onto Ticketmaster on a break at work as soon as they went onsale.

Marco and I have been having dance parties in the car on the way home from work and daycare; I’ll crank out a tune and he shakes his groove-thang in his carseat. Lately, he loves The Black Keys’ “Gold on the Ceiling”.

I’m excited to finally see ‘The Artist’! It finally arrives at the Cameo this weekend. Sour Patch Kids and Milk Duds will be consumed. What? It’s dinner.

…AND YET!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? I was so close to Hugh! Probably the closest I’ll ever get…for now. Just kidding, Timmy!!

I did have to throw an elbow to get this close. I wish I’d brought my DSLR and the zoom lens, so I could get even CLOSER photographs! Phooey.

Saturday’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass was 5 kinds of fun.

Marco’s first music festival! It was awesome! He was the cutest boy there.

Dude! Fried pickles with Sriracha sauce! Sooo good.

Marco just loves banjos.

Gillian Welch was great; some of you may know her voice from The Decemberist’s latest ‘The King is Dead’, or from the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack. Anyway, her voice carried over the park, and even from our position we could enjoy.

Next festival: I’m wearing makeup. I LOOK LIKE A GHOST.

The evening kind of ended badly, with Tim, Marco, and I walking across the entire city to get to our car (towed). No lie. Golden Gate Park to Mission Street next to the Bay Bridge. But…even that couldn’t exactly bring me down. LOL

 But also…yesssssssssssss!!

Lookie what I FINALLY got in the mail (happy birthday to meeee!)

I’m a little concerned over the rumours flying all over the interwebs about changes made to the movies, and am keeping my fingers crossed that Yoda still looks like the Yoda I love on VHS (yep, still got ‘em), only slightly less grainy. I know that you live in Northern California, George!! *shakes fist*

I can’t wait to watch this with Marco!

And people say nothing good ever comes in the mail.

I love the post office. My local branch has the nicest people ever! They smile whenever they see me, ask me how work is going (they remembered that I got promoted), and always tell me to have a beautiful day.

How can you hate it? Plus, they have stamps! I love stamps. Yes, I am a nerd. This is not news, readers. But I actually use my stamps, thankyouverymuch. I’m not one of those weird collectors. one day i’ll be rich and have books of stamps okay

I was geeking out at the Post Office when I saw these, and they are currently in use for my outgoing mail:

{poor NASA.}

The new Pixar stamps might be purchased soon:

Further nerd news: WTF Netflix?! So disappointed in you.

OK, I need to talk about something that will up my cool quotient…

 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is just a week and a half away!  OMG OMG OMG. HUGH LAURIE!!!!!!! I might faint.

Whoops. That didn’t help. LOL

Alright….

I am really looking forward for Hugh Laurie’s blues album:

This should be an interesting album; I’ve never been a big blues fan (the occasional B.B King aside), but I know Hugh is a talented musician (is there anything he can’t do!?), so I will most definitely give it a whirl.

I’m so glad the week has ended. It’s been so hectic and occasionally unpleasant – but some weeks are just like that, I guess!

Roux went missing earlier this week, and it was awful!! Stabler cried all over the house (seriously – for HOURS), and Chloe wandered in confusion. Luckily, though, she is home safe and I’ve kissed her little nose a million times.

I think I may have strained something in my shoulder, and, as I can’t think of any other reason (no work outs lately) I’m blaming Marco’s increasing weight. I have the hardest time trying to carry him in his car seat!

In happier news… my other hubby has been nominated for a Golden Globe AND a SAG award. I hope he wins!!

I’m finishing up Crime and Punishment by Fydor Dostoevsky, and I LOVE IT! It is so beautifully written, and thoroughly examines man’s morality and madness. The names get confusing (lots of ‘k’s and ‘y’s) but once you get them straight, the English translation is perfect. I may read The Brothers Karamazov next.

This weekend we’ll be visiting with the Gomers, and I’m hoping to get in some ‘me’ time on Sunday. Need to do a bit of Christmas shopping! I can’t believe that Christmas is next week. I haven’t even started wrapping gifts; my tree looks almost naked.

Off to give Roux another smooch.

XOXOXO

My birthday is only 1 month away (I’m turning 26)!

I love making wishlists, so here’s my birthday list:

One of the best British comedies! I was already a Hugh Laurie devotee, but I fell in love with Stephen Fry because of this awesome series, which is based on the hilarious ‘Jeeves’ stories by P.G. Wodehouse.

I love the black Converse slip ons that I purchased a few months back; but these are a bit girlier.

Found this on Etsy several months ago. A beautiful handmade journal with a bit of one of my favorite Sonnets!

Awesome color, and a classic sneaker.

We have a winner!! Balenciaga Paris has received the seal of approval from Tim. I love this scent. Wearing it made me feel elegant and bohemian at the same time; very European. All I had was a teeny sample to apply to my wrists and neck, though. I need a bottle!

I have the 3G, and it’s served me well over the past two years. My contract is officially up, and for now I will not renew unless I get the iPhone 4 (I’m just riding it out on monthly terms). I want FaceTime! There are, of course, rumours that AT&T is losing its exclusivity contract, and Verizon may have a CDMA iPhone – if that happens, I may wish to switch to Verizon. BUT, it wouldn’t happen until January 2011, and I don’t know what Verizon’s monthly price would be for service.

More vinyl records! I have a very small collection, and would love to expand it. I just pre-ordered Jimmy Eat World’s new album, ‘Invented’ on vinyl, and am very excited for it’s arrival; unfortunately, it won’t ship out until September 28th.

The questions..

1. Are you superstitious? There are some silly things that I do, I guess: I keep my fingers crossed when I drive by a cemetery, I try not to walk under ladders (though that’s just common sense – what if it collapses!?), and if I spill salt then I throw it over my left shoulder. But, I don’t worry about black cats (in fact, my next cat will either be all black or a ginger) and I would never carry around a rabbit’s foot.

2. If you were an animal..what kind would you be? I have no idea which animal I’d most likely be, but the animal I’d most LIKE to be would be a housecat; namely, Stabler. He’s got food, water and all the attention and belly rubs he wants. He’s got toys (OMG boxes!) and can spend a good hour tracking a fly like it’s Public Enemy No. 1. Stabler is ridiculously adorable, and is guaranteed a kitty treat or bit of milk if he hops into my arms like he’s hugging me, and purrs loudly.

3. You would never catch me wearing………? Ugg boots or sweatpants (yoga pants around the house, sure. Actual sweatpants?! Eww), a skirt with ankle leggings (too 80′s), ‘Mom’ jeans. Basically, you’ll never catch me in anything ugly.

4. If someone posts a VLOG..do you watch it? If it’s a blogger that I follow, and the topic is interesting.

5. Have you ever waxed your girlie/manly parts..or any other part of your body? Eyebrows and lady parts. The last is too painful.

6. Are you a spender or a saver? I suppose I’m a spender. I’m not great at saving money for a rainy day, but I am good at keeping costs down while I spend – using coupons, discount cards, and shopping around to find a better price on things I need.

7. If you were starring in a movie..who would you want to play your leading man/woman? Hugh Laurie, because he’s a fantastic talent (and I adore him); or Taye Diggs, because he’s delicious, like Mmmmm. If it was to be a woman, I’d want Cate Blanchett, because she’s so beautiful I could cry.

8. Smoker..never smoked..social smoker..or smoked back in the day? Tried a cigarette once. Coughed. End of smoking relationship.