song of the week(end)

Today I was adding some songs to our blog playlist and I remembered this cool, lesser-known song by U2, but not completely by U2, that I wanted to add. The writer and some of the vocals were done by Michael Hutchence, the front man for INXS back in the day. I know INXS is a band from the 80s, but if you asked me to name of one of their songs, I couldn't. (Side note: I just looked them up. I know who they are. I immediately recognized the first song listed, "New Sensation". How could I not know that? My older siblings would be so disappointed in me. They probably loved INXS.)

Back to the song at hand, "Slide Away". It's great, but hard to find. Here's the twist with it, some of the vocals were performed by Michael Hutchence, but he died suspiciously before the song was officially released or created. Bono took it and made it magically mysterious. Yes, mysterious. It is such a funky, spooky-ish song. I can't decide if the slight chill factor in the song is due to the music and lyrics or because I know the guy wasn't alive when the song came out. Not sure, but I hope you enjoy it.

(By the way, it's located on the right-hand side of this post in case you missed it. Playlist.com didn't have it and neither did iTunes, so I couldn't add it to the blog playlist.)

you're never too old

I just discovered this video on someone's Facebook status and I was shocked, thrilled, moved and inspired. Susan Boyle-what a woman! I guess the old saying "you can't judge a book by its cover" is true.

Susan Boyle on Britain Got Talent
Uploaded by dwarthy

It really makes me want to do more with my life. This woman is a 47 year old church worker with one beautiful voice. I think she could find a part in some musical. Why not? She's spunky, talented and doesn't fear opportunity. That last emotion is the one that thwarts progression. FEAR. I think I have a tendency to let that slow me down. Sometimes I would like to change my job, go back to school, travel more, or just switch things up in general, but that four letter word gets the better of me and I start thinking too much about the unknown. I need to constantly remind myself of that Helen Keller quote, "Life is a daring adventure, or nothing." Good words to live by and good for Ms. Boyle for sharing her talent and living her dream.

a special arrival

This arrived today and....

I am so excited to watch it!

I'm positive it will be full of awkward, lovey dovey moments, but I can't wait to relive the day--the speeches, family and friends, our first dance (we felt so strange with everyone staring at us)--it's going to be great. I'm also interested to see what the camera caught that we didn't even notice. The day was kind of a blur.

Thank you to Grant and Rachel PORTER for capturing our day.

You two are fantastic.

spring fling

I hope to make it here this spring...

and Kent hopes to make it here...

French lavender fields and Bernabeu Stadium.

I can't think of a better compromise.

is it just the name?

I have new love, and it comes in a plastic container with a flip top lid.
Here it is...

These guys are so good, the perfect snack. Plus, they're sea salt almonds. I'm not sure why, but they taste much better than regular salted almonds. It has to be mental. I just picture myself sunbathing on a tropical beach or taking a leisurely sail when I hear they are made with sea salt. More alluring than imagining myself in a salt mine in the middle of nowhere.

So good.