Sunday, April 18, 2010

Utah Symphony

Last Saturday we got to hear "Verdi's Requiem" at the Symphony with Grandma Pace. We were so excited that Grandma had invited us to go with her. The peformance was incredible and we loved every second of it!

Then, last night, Grandma called and invited us to join her again. This time for "Pictures at an Exhibition." Here's Tyler and Grandma before last night's performance began.

The first half was modern music. And, well, this is what I saw midway through the first piece, composed in the 40's by Bejamin Britten; "Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes."
The second piece was edgy and just strange to me. The composer, Steve Mackey, a composer-in-residence, came on stage and explained each movement to us. The principle violinist was phenomenal. But, this was not my favorite of the night. Intermission was a welcome conclusion to the first half.

Just as intermission was approaching, Tyler shifted in his seat and crossed his legs. I happened to look down and this is what I saw! My mouth fell open and I couldn't stop laughing! Are you kidding me? You did NOT just wear these to the Symphony! Oh Tyler, you do keep me entertained. I love you. All of you. Even when you wear your biking socks with the white-trash of white-trash emblems on them to the Symphony!

After intermission the symphony performed the title piece "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Modest Mussorosky. It was amazing! This piece is made up of 10 movements. It is as though you are strolling through an art gallery with each movement describing a different painting. Loved it!

Thank you so much Grandma! We had a great time...

Saturday, April 10, 2010

March Madness

Just so you know...it had NOTHING to do with basketball and everything to do with my MAZDA! It just started acting weird and then it died all together. Could it be the battery? We checked. Checker (where I had bought the battery 18 months previous) said, no. I needed a second opinion so we asked Auto Zone. They said, Nope. But the car kept dying and could only be driven after jump starting it. Took it to the Mazda dealership, after leaving it at the shop for several hours, their diagnosis was that the battery needed to be replaced. Interesting! I took the car back to Checker and although they couldn't get their test to say that the battery was bad, they were just done with me and gave me a new battery. Happy with my new battery, we drove as far as the parking lot exit and, yep...the car was back to its same 'ol issues. We barely made it home. Later that night we jump started it again and surprisingly it was still working the next morning. I drove it to work and was feeling pretty happy that perhaps the car dying last night was just a fluke. Had an event that afternoon, go to get in my car and....WHAT? My car had been hit.

Nothing huge, but my front bumper had a gash in it, and after careful inspection found out it was caused by the car that was parked in front of me. Seriously? They had pulled in too far, hit my car, and then backed up a couple inches and just walked away. No note. Nothing. So bugged! How was I sure it was them? The gash in my bumper was the same shape as their bent license plate. I left a note...no one ever called me. RUDE! But, I took a picture. If this is your car you owe me at least an apology!
Later that night Tyler, who does not claim to be a "grease monkey," worked on my car until he had it running well enough to get it home. Yeah! My man is amazing!!! The next day my dad came up (Thank you, Dad!) to see if he could take a look and make sure it was going to keep working, get it back to normal. He and Tyler worked and worked, but by the end of the night it was still not working correctly. (No pic of Dad...darn the darn!)


Now what? Called Mazda, they still thought it was the battery. Seriously? Called a mechanic, recommended by family and friends, dropped it off the next morning and later that day the car was fixed. For the small price of $950. It was the alternator, the starter and several light bulbs that had blown. Apparently it was the alternator the whole time...but because Mazda couldn't figure that out everything else started to go. Oh...let me also say that the Airbag Light is now permanently on, and if I'm in an accident the airbags won't deploy. Cost to fix that as well? Just a small $750. Um...no thanks. I'll drive like I did in the 80's, without air bags. Wish me luck!

A little history: Before my Mazda6 I had a Mazda 626. Similar story. Mazda couldn't figure out the issues until AFTER it went out of warranty. That was fun. Thanks a lot, Mazda.

Oh, and Mazda, in this case, 2 strikes and you're OUT!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

A Dele...What?

Last Wednesday, March 23rd, at 7 p.m. I attended the Republican Caucus Night. I went to show that I can be political. To prove that I have a voice. To declare that I care who speaks for me and my opinions at a political level. To stand up and say, "I'm proud to be an American!"

Honestly, I wanted to see what a Caucus really is. I wanted to feel things out and see how, in the future, I can be more involved politically. Well, when all was said and done, I walked out of the meeting a nominated and elected State Delegate!

The guy I replaced didn't seem all that happy. I guess that's why we have elections, right? Let the people choose, let them vote and let the one with the most votes represent the people. He still shook my hand and wished me luck. Not sure how sincere he was...

I feel a bit humbled and mystified. I feel encouraged (and honestly...a bit forced) to do a lot of research and figure out who are the best candidates. I FEEL SO POLITICAL!

I do have an opinion, I'm just not one to share my political opinions openly...for the most part.
But, now, I'm representing my precinct and I'm going to make them proud!

I love America! I love that we all have the right to vote...however we may choose!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

NASCAR

This past weekend Tyler and I along with my brother and sister-in-law, Todd and Lisa, headed to St. George for a little shopping (girls) and mountain biking (boys).

And then, on to Vegas for an experience that was loud, fast and totally exciting! We were among the rednecks of the rednecks!

It was a lot of fun; amazing weather, jaw-dropping and ear-burning sites and sounds of white-trash and a surprisingly fun event to watch.

This was our first time at a NASCAR race, or any professional race of this caliber, but Todd and Lisa are seasoned veterans. They graciously showed us the ropes! They taught us how to maneuver the pre-entertainment (aka people watching), how to breathe without inhaling secondhand smoke and how to communicate with drunk spectators.

We have to admit, watching cars go around in a circle sounds rather boring on most occasions, but when you're surrounded by 200,000+ drunk, screaming racists, it's actually quite entertaining! The thunderous sound that 40+ race cars make when they go by at 190 mph is pretty impressive.

For us...this was an experience we will not forget!! We had a blast! However, next time we'll watch from the smokeless comforts of our living room.

But, another weekend trip with Todd and Lisa is a definite-must on our to-do list!!! Thanks guys...=)






And, finally...for my friends and former-coworkers at 3M...



Tyler's Day at the Man Spa

In February...he got "the works!"
Tyler's hair a few day's before
(with Brigitte and Grandma Pace)

Haircut

Scalp Treatment

Beard Prep

Shave

**HOT HUSBAND**

Catching up...

...on blog-worthy events!

In January my mom turned 65! We celebrated. Food. Decorations. Presents. Party hats!!
Happy Brithday, Mom! Because of you...I am who I am today. Thank you...thank you...thank you!
I love you...

Also in January, Tyler and I celebrated THANKSGIVING!
It's true. Well, sort of. It was our own special Thanksgiving Day.
Tyler was offered a job and we were so HAPPY! We had a turkey in the freezer and decided to cook it in THANKS for all of our blessings. We really are so BLESSED...and so thankful!

Here's to Tom the Turkey and Tyler the Employed!!!

And finally, January brought a little bang and a few layers!

Please Pardon...

...the interruption!

This blog address has now been updated and new posts will be available shortly. Like, tonight!

Thank you for your patience.

~Tyler and Brigitte