Rascal Flatts Recap!

Since 2005 I have seen Rascal Flatts in concert six times. I think each time I go I say it's my favorite show. Last Friday night was no different. The opening acts were Eden's Edge, Thompson Square, and Little Big Town. I had never heard of Eden's Edge, but they were pretty good. I've seen Thompson Square before and really like them. This was my first time seeing Little Big Town live, and I have to say it won't be my last time. I plan to see them when they come back again, they were awesome!! I honestly think they could headline a show they were so good.

Despite being in the 90s all day, it was actually kinda nice outside by the time Rascal Flatts took the stage (oh yes, five of the six Rascal Flatts concerts I've attended have been at outside venues, during the summer, in Texas). Thankfully there had been a nice breeze most of the day so that helped make it feel cooler (and I also smuggled in bottled water to keep me cool and hydrated). :)

After singing a few songs, Rascal Flatts took requests from the audience (sadly I was in the very back on the lawn so they couldn't hear me). But someone up front asked to hear "Mayberry", which is one of their earlier hits, and that would have been the one I requested, so I lucked out. :) During that song the cutest little girl (about five or six) was helped on stage by one of the band members and she sang every word of "Mayberry" with them. She was adorable.

I guess I could just share my pictures instead of going into details about the concert. It was fun, my summer concert series continues next month with Brad Paisley. Weehoo!! :)

Pictures I texted to my friends asking if I looked stupid in my cowboy hat. They told me to wear it, so I did. Come to think of it, they never answered if I looked stupid or not, they just told me to wear it. Um... :)

Me and Laura in the car before heading in to the concert

The two rival country music stations in Dallas are KSCS and The Wolf.

Our view from the lawn seats

Pre-concert pic- aren't we lovely? :)

My friend Crystal met up with us!

Fans to stay cool

The BFF and our friend Aaron were there too! :)

Eden's Edge and Thompson Square

Little Big Town

Me and Brandy (and some creepy guy looking over my left shoulder)

Rascal Flatts!

The picture on the bottom left is the little girl who got to go on stage, sorry so dark.

 

Sad I didn't have a better zoom for pictures of Joe Don (right). :)

 

Happy Monday y'all!! 

XOXO!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving...
That my Texas Rangers are in the World Series (you knew that was coming, didn't you!) :)

I'm loving...

My 80s/90s country music playlist I made on YouTube. Pure greatness! I miss this "old" country stuff.

I'm loving...

That Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus loves Rascal Flatts. I love him even more now!

Country Songs Helped Elvis Andrus Learn English: MyFoxDFW.com

I'm loving...

These pictures of my sweet great-nephews in their Halloween costumes.

C loves lions!

Isn't E the cutest elephant you've ever seen?

I'm loving...

These Peanuts magnets I got at Michael's for 99 cents (it's the little things that make me happy). ;)

I'm loving...

That I was able to update my blog TWO days in a row for the first time in a weeks!!

XOXO friends! GO RANGERS!

Rachel's 12 Days of Christmas

I'm sure everyone has heard the popular Christmas song, 'The 12 Days of Christmas". For more on the history of the song, click here. Now, no disrespect to the author of this, but I'm not sure how I would feel about receiving any of the items listed: drummers, pipers swans, geese, hens and a partridge. Although the pear tree I could handle, I like pears. :) So, I thought that I needed to write "Rachel's 12 Days of Christmas". Since I haven't met my "true love", I'm replacing that with "Santa" for now. 

On the first day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: a number one starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers pitching rotation. 

Oh yes, I'm so ready for the 2011 season (102 day until Opening Day, not that I'm counting). We lost out on resigning Cliff Lee (my only saving grace is that he didn't go to the Yankees- he went back to Philadelphia- he likes the National League better than the American League.) And now Zack Greinke (another good pitcher we had interest in) has gone to Milwaukee. As much as I **heart** my sweet C.J., he's not a number 1 starting pitcher, yet (well, except in my mind of course). **sigh** Speaking of C.J., the Rangers need to resign him to a long term contract before he becomes a free agent next year. ARE YOU LISTENING RANGERS??

 

Sweet C.J. Again, I'm not a stalker, I'm just a fan! :)

On the second day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: Two tickets to the Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl is being held at Jonestown this year (aka Cowboys Stadium). I live about 20 minutes from there. I would LOVE to go (just to say I've been to the Super Bowl). I've been working hard trying to find connections for free tickets. If you know of any available, please let me know! :) If you have an extra ticket and need someone to go with you, I will take care of parking!! :)

On the third day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: Three backstage passes to see Rascal Flatts.

I love Rascal Flatts. Click here for pictures of me at their concert last year! I've seen them in concert five times- they are awesome. Even if country music makes you start twitching and causes hives to break out on your arms, I think you would like them and should give them a chance. Click here for their website to hear some of their songs.

 

Rascal Flatts. I **heart** Joe Don (far left).

On the fourth day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: Four sets of Rangers season tickets.

Baseball is more fun when you are with friends- if I had four season tickets, I could take three friends with me to the games. See, I'm a giver, I look out for others! :)

 

Me and Rangers co-owner, Chuck Greenberg. Maybe he can get me season tickets?

On the fifth day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: FIVE SPURS CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS.

Yes, I live in Dallas, BUT I didn't grow up here (I've only lived here about six and a half years). My parents are from San Antonio, therefore, the Spurs were the basketball team of choice for my family while I was growing up. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the Mavericks, I do cheer for them. If the Spurs can't make it to the Finals, I cheer for the Mavs. The Spurs have won the NBA Championship in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007. I would love to get that fifth one this year!! :)

 

Me wearing my Tim Duncan jersey (a gift from my friend Martha a few years ago).

On the sixth day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: Six Chick Fil-A milkshakes.
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Chick Fil-A milkshakes are manna from heaven!

 

Me enjoying a much needed Chick Fil-A milkshake!

On the seventh day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: Seven seasons of NCIS on DVD. 

My new addiction. I tried for years not to go to the dark side and watch it (seeing that I'm already addicted to the CSI series), but I finally caved and got hooked (like I knew I would). My favorite character is McGee (are you really surprised that I like the nerdy guy? Yeah, I'm not either!) :)

On the eighth day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: Eight pints of Blue Bell ice cream.

For those who have never experienced Blue Bell ice cream, I am so sorry. You need to visit one of the shaded states below that sell Blue Bell! :)

On the ninth day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: Nine new outfits from Kohl's. 

I love Kohl's. I would say about 85% percent of the clothes in my closet came from Kohl's.

On the tenth day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: Ten vacation days from work.

I figured if I had ten days off work, I could really take a good vacation. I could knock out a lot of baseball ballparks on my list! For those of you who don't know, I'm trying to see all the MLB ballparks in North America.

On the eleventh day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me:  Eleven new books by Allison Brennan and Roxanne St. Claire.

I've mentioned them before, but I'll mention them again. These are two of my favorite authors. If you are a fellow book worm, I recommend checking out Allison's website here and Roxanne's website here. They both have new books coming out soon. I'm counting down the days!! :)

On the twelfth day of Rachel's Christmas, Santa gave to me: A Twelve pack of Dr Pepper.

I'm a Pepper, he's a Pepper, she's a Pepper, we're a Pepper, wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too?

So, what would YOU like for your 12 Days of Christmas?

Wednesday Ramblings and Blog Journal Day 1

If you love to read, and if you love baseball, then you have to read The Bullpen Gospels by Dirk Hayhurst. Actually, even if you don't like baseball, I think you will enjoy this book. Dirk tells the story of  the not so glamorous life of being in the minor leagues. There were parts where I laughed so hard I cried, and cried so hard I laughed. I literally couldn't put it down!

Note: Due to language and somewhat crude humor (hey, it has conversations that took place in a guys' locker room, what did you expect?), this book may not suitable for children. Or my parents. ;)

Okay, so several of my blogging friends have been doing this, so I'm jumping on the band wagon and joining in as well. It's a 30 day blog journal with a different question each day. So, on top of my normal ramblings, you'll get this as well (I can tell you are all very excited!)! Here is the list.

Day 1- Your Favorite Song

Day 2 - Your Favorite Movie
Day 3 - Your Favorite Television Program
Day 4 - Your Favorite Book
Day 5 - Your Favorite Quote
Day 6 - 20 of my favorite things
Day 7 - A photo that makes you happy
Day 8 - A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 9 - A photo you took
Day 10 - A photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11 - A photo of you recently
Day 12 - Something you are OCD about
Day 13 - A fictional book
Day 14 - A non-fictional book
Day 15 - your dream house
Day 16 - A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - An art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18 - My wedding/future wedding/past wedding
Day 19 - A talent of yours
Day 20 - A hobby of yours
Day 21 - A recipe
Day 22 - A website
Day 23 - A YouTube video
Day 24 - Where I live
Day 25 - Your day, in great detail
Day 26 - Your week, in great detail
Day 27 - My worst habit
Day 28 - Whats in my handbag/purse
Day 29 - Hopes,Dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 - A dream for the future

 

So, here I go!

 

Day 1: Favorite Song:

I'm not sure I could pick just ONE. I'll list a few (it's okay to do that, my other friends have!) ;)

 

Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts

Little Moments by Brad Paisley

Consuming Fire by Third Day (going old school- it's off their first CD!)

Give You Glory by Jeremy Camp (click on the name to go to the video, it wouldn't let me embed it here).

And finally, my friend Jenna over at Legally Brunette is starting (back) up Who and Why Wednesday. I thought I would participate!

 

 

1. Who is the better America's Sweetheart?  

Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock 

 

 

I'm going to go with Sandra Bullock. I like her better than Julia Roberts!

2. Who would you rather get fashion advice from?

Stacy London or Tyra Banks

 

 

I've only watched Stacy's show so I'm not sure. I know that Stacy can be kinda harsh, so maybe I should go with Tyra. Although she might be mean too. If I could get free clothes out of the deal, I really don't care who gives me the advice!! :)

3. Whose show would you rather be on?

Oprah or The View

 

I don't watch either so I'm going to say neither show. I'm not the biggest fan of talk shows.

4. Which vampire would you rather date?
Edward Cullen or Bill Compton

 

I had to Google who Bill Compton was (I haven't read that series). Now, I'm a fan of the Twilight series, but if I had to choose a vampire from there, it would be Jasper Hale. (see below) ;) He's a Texas boy and has that southern gentleman thing going for him!

  

 

5. Which Hollywood heart-throb would you rather go to dinner with? 

Brad Pitt or Matthew McConaughey

 

Neither one of these guys are necessarily my personal pick for heart-throb, but if I had to choose between them I would take Matthew McConaughey. Mainly because he's a Texas boy, we might have more to talk about (I know he likes football). And he looks better shirtless (hey, I had to put a why, so that's my why!) ;)

You made it through my very long edition of Wednesday Ramblings!! Thanks for hanging in there with me!

 

Have a great day!! :)

Wednesday Ramblings...

I thought about rambling today on how the Rangers beat the Oakland A's 3-1 in the bottom of the 10th last night (thank you Nelson Cruz for the walk off home run). BUT, I figured my non baseball addicted friends might want a break from baseball talk, so, I opted to do this "note" that I got on Facebook instead. It's called the "Truffle Shuffle". What you do is set your iPod to shuffle and answer the following questions with whatever song comes up (even if it makes no sense). Some of these are really funny, some are so close it's scary!! : ) And yes, I really did shuffle and didn't "cherry pick" answers.

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY", YOU SAY?
Wonderful Maker by Jeremy Camp

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Come On, Get Happy by David Cassidy (theme to the 1970s TV show The Partridge Family)




3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY? 
So Much Like My Dad by George Strait (how sweet that came up on this song!!) :)


4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Wrong Again by Martina McBride


5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Jeremy by Pearl Jam (for the record, I don't know anyone named Jeremy, besides Jeremy Camp!) :)
(viewer discretion advised for this video)



6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Big Girls Don't Cry by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (I swear I'm not making this up, it's really on shuffle!!



7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
The Dance by Garth Brooks


Watch The Dance - Garth Brooks in Music  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Then What by Clay Walker

9. WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Beautiful One by Jeremy Camp

10. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
God Love Her by Toby Keith



11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
The Anthem by Good Charlotte

12. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond




13. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Drunker Than Me by Trent Tomlinson (okay, that did not match up well AT ALL!!) ;)

14. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
Drinkin' and Dialin' by Darius Rucker (I guess when you are a fan of country music, most of the songs are about this!!) :) And yes, Darius Rucker (of Hootie and the Blowfish) is now country! :)




15. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Watching You by Rodney Atkins



16. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Summertime by Kenny Chesney



17. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
The Tide is High (Get the Feeling) by Atomic Kitten

18. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
You Are Loved by Josh Groban (for the record, I would NEVER regret Josh Groban- I LOVE his voice!!) ;)



19. WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Feels Like Today by Rascal Flatts



20. WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
American Soldier by Toby Keith (this song actually can make me tear up! GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!)



21. WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
The Truth by Jason Aldean (I should have done this via video so you know they are really coming up in this order!)



22. DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Friends by John Michael Montgomery (again, that fits perfectly!!) :)

23. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Here Comes Goodbye by Rascal Flatts



Happy Wednesday! We are halfway through the work week- WAHOO!!

:)

My Wonderful Weekend!

I meant to post pictures yesterday of my weekend adventures, but alas, I never got around to it. I got home, cooked dinner, and got wrapped up in the original Superman movie (the one with Christopher Reeve). It has to have been almost 20 years since I've seen that movie. As much as I **heart** Dean Cain (who played Superman in the TV show Lois and Clark), I'll have to admit that Christopher Reeve was/is the best Superman.

Christopher Reeve (l) and Dean Cain (r)

Back to my weekend recap. I had a great weekend hanging out with my niece Alice. We haven't had a "girls weekend" in years, it was a lot of fun. We went to the Rangers game on Friday night and saw an awesome game. The Rangers beat the Angels 1-0. I think it was only the 9th time in Rangers history they had won 1-0 at The Ballpark (it was either the 5th or 9th time, I've read conflicting stats in different articles). C.J. Wilson pitched a great game- probably his best game all season in my opinion. I think he was trying to impress new Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee! : ) It was a sell-out crowd, it was almost like Opening Day. I didn't get our tickets until Friday, so the only thing available was the nose bleed section. But, like I usually do, we were able to sneak down closer in the 4th inning.

Saturday my niece twisted my arm and we went shopping at Kohl's (and when I say she twisted my arm, I mean she said, "hey, let's go to Kohl's, and I said, um, okay!" I **heart** Kohl's. After our shopping adventures we got ready for the Rascal Flatts concert. It was awesome! Five of my friends went with us (my friend Aaron was the lone guy- he didn't seem to mind too much).We had a blast! Chris Young, Kellie Pickler and John Rich opened for them. In between acts, we were "entertained" by three "less than sober" guys in front of us (they were there with their wives). Thankfully they weren't obnoxious drunks. Although at one point the wife of one of them scolded him for being too loud. It was kinda funny.

Anyways, like I said, Rascal Flatts was wonderful. This was the fifth time I've seen them in concert and they didn't disappoint. They sang a lot of their old songs, and a new one that is going to be on an upcoming album. LOVE THEM!!

Here are some pictures of my adventures this weekend!! Sorry there are so many! Hope you enjoy!!

:)

A view from our seats that we got at the box office.

Me and my niece Alice.

 

I love this Chick Fil-A sign at the Ballpark!

A view from the seats we moved to in the 4th. ;)

 

Ran into my friends Bill and Annette- it was wonderful to see them! They were in town and called to see if I happened to be at the Ballpark (they know I go to a lot of games). :)

Final score 1-0 Rangers!

 

The fireworks show after the game was set to music from musicals. I loved it!

 

Me and my group of friends at the Rascal Flatts concert (and some random lady in the first row who wouldn't move. I like how the kid behind us is smiling for the picture).

Taking lots of pictures before the concert started.

 

After almost two hours of opening acts, Rascal Flatts takes the stage!

Joe Don Rooney, lead guitarist. I **heart** him. ;)

For their encore, they sang their hit, "Summer Nights"

Until next time...