And so it goes...

Change is inevitable. It lurks around corners just waiting to spring itself on you. Change kind of like the boogie man. You like to think you can control him (the boogie man after all is only in your head) and yet your subconscious can freak you out over the stupidest things. Okay maybe a bad comparison to change, but work with me here. I honestly like to feel like I have a grasp on the things that happen in my life and have control over them, but change is an unavoidable curve ball, even if you duck you get nailed in the head and it just hurts more then accepting it.



So why the dramatic beginning? Because it is my birthday week and I have convinced myself that I rule the world during this week of my life. I love my birthday. It is one piece of change I have always accepted. I don't know that I really support the getting older stuff, but I love looking over my life accomplishments from the last year and being able to see that I have become more grown up (this is at least the goal!) Looking over this last year the only good title I could think of was Change. Don't get me wrong it has been a GREAT YEAR!! I have learned more about myself then ever before. Honestly though the stupid boogie man kept catching me off my guard. I had some many curve balls that I kept trying to juggle so they wouldn't come down on me, but I couldn't prevent change. As of today though, looking back, I am proud that I survived. I did the best I could with what I was given. There are somethings I probably could have done differently that may have changed some of the mapped outcomes (retrospect give you that kind of thinking), but the truth is I did my best and I am the only person I can control. That makes this birthday another great one.



A couple of days ago I was asked what my greatest accomplishment of my life so far has been. So in keeping this an upbeat happy blog about change I am going to share the answers I came up with. Now don't be disappointed, starting a blog is not on this list. I know that is a tragedy but I had to cut something out of the top three and it was the casualty.



3. Finishing college with no debt. Still having no debt 2 new cars later. I know that is silly, but with the currently crashing economy I am proud that I don't have to worry.



2. Putting on my first ever concert filled with my own original music and then creating a music video. (I am not going to lie all of this SCARED the dickens out of me to do! but I still did it!!) Don't worry someday soon I will post the music video.



1. Having the best, most amazing support group ever. People are the most important to me. This year more then ever I know that I am loved. Some people question if this is an accomplishment. I admit loving and supporting others is the only thing I am really great at. I love everyone, but to build an keep a true lasting relationship with anyone it has to be built from the ground up and it is DANG hard work. I have failed at this in the past and even recently with people I didn't want to fail with. Often the ground broke for reasons I don't understand and may never understand, but looking around me this weekend I knew that there was a room full of people, family and friends, who would never leave me nor forget me even if I was the one breaking the foundation. There is no greater blessing, gift, or accomplishment then this.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME!!

Key to the songs...

HAZZA! I walked away owning no ice cream! Come on people cheat next time or something! Ice Cream would have been a great prize too. So here they are, the title and the singers:


1. I'll Still Love You More, Trisha Yearwood

2. When You Say Nothing At All, Keith Whitley or more recently and less twangy Alison Krauss

3. I'll Be, Edwin McCain

4. The Way You Look Tonight, Tony Bennett (and every other crooner ever!)

5. I Could Not Ask For More, Edwin McCain and Sara Evans

6. If you Ask Me To, Celine Dion

7. Endless Love, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross (Or for the more hip generation Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey)

8. I Love You Just The Way You Are, Billy Joel


Bada Bing! There you have it. Now for your viewing pleasures, I share with you the greatest moment in Love Song History, as well as the best scene in Hell Boy II The Golden Army. Enjoy, and imagine me singing along, or laughing my head off, in fact imagine both at the same time.

* * Please note I don't condone or agree with the drinking beer remedy, in fact I stick with what aqua man says about it and I don't give in for love!

Congratulations are in Order

I played at a wedding recently (or a month ago, I am bad at updating my blog!) I actually enjoy playing at weddings, and honestly I enjoyed singing at this wedding even more then I ever thought that I would. There is just something about cheesy love songs that really gets me going. I have included a few examples. I hope you are sitting down and not near any one of the opposite sex these songs have a lot of power. Please note mockery is what I do well, and if you LOVE love songs either don't read this or get ready to shake it off at the end. Buckle up and enjoy the ride...

"... Ask me just what I'd do for you And I'll tell you I would do anything..."

...except laundry I am not a huge fan of it. I am not a huge fan of dishes either, but I guess can do them for you. Oh, and don't ask me to not smile because that just makes me laugh.

"...All day long I can hear people talking out loud. But when you hold me near you drown out the crowd..."

If only this were true! Picture this, you standing awkwardly in the middle of one of those TMI moments. I would scream, "BABE, HURRY ON OVER HERE. This guy is saying too much I need to you to drown him out with your love!" (Read that quote redneck and it is even funnier!)

"...As we lie awake in my bed You're my survival, you're my living proof My love is alive and not dead.."

People pinch themselves as proof of life or at least alertness. This is one super charged heart if the only proof love needs is lying next to someone, awake, in a bed. I am assuming this is circumstantial.

"...Lovely, never, ever change. Keep that breathless charm. Won't you please arrange it ? ..."

Honestly if I could choose to never change (gain wrinkles, bags, age spots, weight etc.) I would. Tragically I can't arrange it because the big man upstairs told me no. I will try to smooth things over though and get back on those arrangements. I am sure we can come up with something. Maybe a plea deal.

"...No I could not ask for more then this time together, could not ask for more then this time with you. Every prayer has been answered every dream I had come true..."

Did you say you come with a big house, a cook, a maid, a new car, oh and don't forget your horse! Oh wait I wanted to be a rock star too, can you fulfill that one as well? Where are you going??? Come back here??? Please fulfil my dreams!!!

"...Somehow ever since I've been around you Can't go back to being on my own ..."

Really? Sorry man, you don't have a choice I HAVE to go to work today and the boss man didn't like it last time I brought you with me. Wait don't you have a job you need to get to too? Maybe we could find a couples job somewhere.

"...Forever, I'll hold you close in my arms, I can't resist your charm..."

Just stopping using your charm to get me to take the garbage out. That's not fair, I fall for it every time.

"...You always have my unspoken passion, Although I might not seem to care..."

Finally an honest sentiment. Though on occasion, right in the middle of the 4th quarter tie game, neck to neck, scoring run, I still sometimes wonder if you may have more then one unspoken (or screaming) passion.

If you can name the title and artist of each of these songs, I will buy you ice cream! That was fun. Honestly I could keep going all bay, but tragically I am not as cynical as I make myself out to be. I love these songs and I BELIEVE!

Well here is what you really want to see. Lucky I actually had a camera there!

Hair

The dress

The Event

Congratulation to M-Dawg and Ironman.

The best things in life....

Are definitely accessories! Those of you who know me probably know that I HATE the cold almost passionately, but I LOVE the snow! I want snow on every major holiday, Birthday included! I realize that is crazy coming from someone who hates cold. I have reasons though. Winter time and Snow (NOT COLD! ICK!) bring out the best accessories! Here they are, my favorite cold weather accessories

SOCKS

Most of the year I don't wear them, but when it is winter time I pull out ALL the stops. Granted some of these have gotten me into a bit of trouble from time to time.

These bad boys aided in the great shoulder injury of 2008. Granted the cause is still undetermined though dancing into the kitchen may have plays a role. Good thing there were a thousand witnesses to this prize Sue moment.


Some socks embarrass me (not really a hard thing to do)

No one told me that wearing red and black monkey socks to a professional work place wasn't super professional. Nor did any one mention I probably should have given up the ankle revealing black pants before pulling out the red/black striped monkey socks. Oh the memories I could have prevented by consulting a fashion specialist. It will take years of therapy to heal these wounds.



Some socks make me laugh, Really quite hard at times.

I know you can't hear them, but the frogs squeak. HAHAHA they ROCK! Wear these suckers around for 10 minutes and you will be smiling!





Then there are socks I wear for the benefit of my toes. Toes really are very useful things they help with balance and I am sure they once made a great chew toy for you when you were an infant and yet they get very little excitement out of life these days. They are shoved inside stinky (not always but sometimes- admit it!), dark, and enclosed places called shoes. Let them breathe and have their own space!







That's right! Wiggle those puppies around! That feels great!





Seasonal socks make me smile as well. I only have Halloween (tragically not pictured), Christmas, and Valentines day seasonal socks though. Do they make them for other holidays? Presidents day? Martin Luther King day?








Now this may seem odd (honestly what about this blog with pictures of my feet isn't off), but there are definitely socks that are comfort socks for me. Some people have comfort foods, blankets, stuff animals, TV shows, etc., I have socks. Generally they are fuzzy/hairy, soft, and are super warm!! Oh and the more colorful they are the more comforting they become!

There are other socks that are also great comfort socks...I call them slipper socks. Much more conservative then my hairy monsters above.

Classic and conservative socks are the ones that most people see me wear; these days especially (remember the striped monkey socks). They deserve a lot of credit for helping me to appear normal when I am out in public.








Thanks for the facade boys! (Side note-the far right pair is my favorite pair of socks!)

Finally the wayside collection that I never wear, or only wear when I have no other clean socks.

The ones you should really feel bad for are the ones not pictured above. I didn't even dare let them out of the drawer!



For an extra benefit for reading the coolest blog ever- The Official Monkey Sock Collection

Huh this is the first time I have ever noticed that I have tons of Frog and Monkey socks. Why in the world can't I grow out of them?? Oh well just don't mock my coolness and we can still be friends.

HATS

Holy cow who in the world is honestly that long winded about socks when there are Hats to show off? Crazy Banjosuey! Oh wait, except the crazy part! So in order to get you all out of blog land before dark I will skip the details and pictures of the hats for now (They will probably get their own blog someday!). Just know I have an intense passion for Hats! So keep your hands on them if you want to keep me from trying them on!

CHRISTMAS SWEATERS

Just kidding I am not really a fan, but Merry Christmas regardless!!

Pretty Amazing Neil...

So I have no idea how but Neil Diamond turned me on last night! The funny thing is I don't find him attractive, but when singing "Play Me" and taking off his jackets my heart started thumping and my voice jumped out of me with a major "OW OW, Neil baby I will live my life forever in blue jeans for you, OW OW" Then I turn my head and the #1Neil fan next to me is laughing at me. HOW did I get to this point?? I don't know. Let me retrace my steps...



It was a snowy day Friday so #1Neilfan and I decided to take trax. Trax however decided not to take us! Okay that is an exaggeration, but honestly Utah Transit Authority if you want me to actually pay for my Trax ticket then you need to clean out the money case on occasion so it will take my money. So trax was running double the trains (every 7 minutes instead of every15) and our train was coming and the machine wasn't working! So I saw some of the UTA security dudes and so I go up and explain my problem "Excuse me Madam, I have to go see the "Jazz Singer" and your machine won't let me do it honestly, would you like my $4, I sear on my Neil Diamond ticket I am not trying to get out of paying" and the tough security lady said in her Aussie accent, "Which train are you taking, this one? Just make sure you buy one at the other end", so the whole time I was on the train I was stressed they were going to ask for my ticket!! I had my $4 ready to hand to anyone walking by looking for tickets.




Finally we made it to our destination and started walking the "Brooklyn roads" (or the streets of salt lake, I feel a song coming on) and all of the eating establishments had long waits so we thought about our op ions and since neither of us are into "red red wine" we went and got the Island grill on! Yummy Rumbi! It was full inside, so we looked around to decide who would be the most entertaining couple to become acquainted with. Our options- 1. The awkward couple who insisted on sitting on the same side of the table instead of facing each other. 2. The couple you couldn't keep their hands off of each other and held hands the whole time they were eating 3. Join the family party in the south 40 of the complex or 4. Sit next to the nice looking older couple. We picked option 4, it seemed the most sane option. It turns out the couple was with a group of 8 that traveled from Idaho to come see Neil. Apparently Neil doesn't make it up to the potato state anymore, doesn't he know there are "Kentucky women" up there? Oh wait or Idahoans.

We walked to the Delta Center and EVERY single portal says no cameras and no cell phones! We started thinking that they were serious about that. We get in our seats and the anticipation starts. I am getting antsy in my seat muttering things to myself "then Sue came along, loved me strong..." Apparently I wasn't alone in my anticipation because in the middle of my rendition of "Solitary Man", the guy behind me yells, "Come on Neil I just want to hear some Cracklin' Rosie!" We all have our song you know! Don't worry then our anticipations were then settled as a mystery voice came over the intercom and said "the show will start shortly and be warned the lights will turn off abruptly" OH GOOD! When you say abruptly what do you mean? Oh well, Shortly, that is soon right? WRONG! We had to wait for Santa to show up, which he did. Funny though He was so little and his elf was SO BIG! It was strange too because the Elf's assistants were all posh! It was an interesting Christmas crew, but they got the attention they were looking to get. There were 4 members of Santa's crew in total. So once we were all in our seats and Santa had his moment to shine (I believe he was sufficiently well watered before arriving) the magical intercom voice comes on again, by this point I am just irritated so I ask "COME ON! Where was the abrupt lights out? What happened to Shortly? Neil, I am going to stop "Thankin' the Lord for the Night Time" if you don't start now!" Once my rampage ended, the lights started (SLOWLY) going out. Honestly hire me as the announcer at least I tell the truth.

Finally he came out and the #1Neilfan said "Hello Again Neil" and I said "Oh Neil, you look so much like yourself!" It was a "Beautiful Noise" and he came out with a POWERHOUSE play list! He sang "Love on the Rocks" and he went right into "Play Me" and we are back to the moment...I never dreamed this could happen. I am too young for the Neil appeal, but he said "turn on your heart light" baby and I said OK! Well that is a little extreme. Actually after #1Neilfan started laughing at me I joined him back in reality and danced with him through "Sweet Caroline"(Neil could sung this one all night and I would have been happy) and "America". We (well I, #1NEilfan is tougher then me) cried through "You Don't Bring me Flowers" Neil sang to my soul when he whipped out "I am I said". By the way Neil quick question who honestly needs a 15 piece band? There is a lot of personality on that stage up there with you! I am just afraid the Diana Ross/Tina Turner want to be back up singer of yours may steal the show! Hello Mr. Percussion, you make that look so easy! Oh wait...Neil, baby sorry I got distracted!


He encored with "Hallelujah" I walked away grateful that I had a chance to see Neil for myself and from the 6th row. Back on Trax we herded in and stood next the the DoRagman and his wife who didn't stop talking the whole time, then we got stepped on by the I have never stood on a train before girl, oh and I am pretty sure I saw my 5th grade teacher. Regardless, Banjosuey has officially seen Neil Diamond and LOVED it! Thanks #1Neilfan for being in charge of tickets! You rock!


Finally, for documentations sake, a picture of the evening: me and #1Neilfan. Proof that we LIVED on Friday!

A few small observations...

So I was walking downtown Friday evening after the AWESOME Christmas Concert at the Conference Center! (Richard Gilmore I love you!!) and I noticed a few things. Here they are in order of observation with a little added commentary.

1. When a Man Loves a woman

I think Michael Bolton may have missed a line when singing this song. Last night I was walking behind a couple. I am really not sure what my eyes are thinking sometimes but all I could see was a big black handbag. Here is the funny thing, it was in the hands of a man. Granted that sparked my interest so I checked. Sure enough in his other hand he had a woman. Wow if that's not love what is? Word to the men, beware no matter how nice you are being, the person walking behind you is laughing their head off. Even though I was laughing it was a very loving gesture. Good work sir on making your wife happy last night!

2. Marque

I love the Melta Center...or what every eco friendly thing that arena is called these days. So they have a flashing marque that tells people of the upcoming events. At the end of its announcements it flashes two screens. The first says "We hope you had a great evening" Sue says back, "Why thank you for caring, what a thoughtful building you are!" Then the second thing the screen says is "Drive home Safely!!" Sue responds with "but I am not driving!" Then Sue thinks..."Wait a second he isn't even talking to me!! He is trying to distract one of those other people so that they will hit me or some other (possibly deserving, possible not) pedestrian." So I start doing the maniac dance and screaming, "don't pay attention to the marque! It is trying to distract you from being a good driver". Then I realize that it is a good thing this whole conversation is happening in my head because people would surely think me crazy and possibly a little distracting! Lesson learned don't read flashing marquees while driving even if the message is directed at you.

3. Beeping Crosswalks

I was once told that cross walks that beep were for blind people so that they could know when to cross the street. I am no fool though. I realize they are for those oblivious idiots who are so stuck in their own worlds: on their cell phone, reading while walking (not a super safe activity when it is crowded down town), or starry eyed gazing. What ever the cause there are some oblivious people who get beeped at (compliments of the intersection) that they best start walking. So maybe I am wrong but honestly if they were made for blind people how do you know really when it is you turn to cross? Are the beeps different for the North to Souths and East to Wests? Maybe I am the ignorant fool. Hmmm...I am going to go stand on a corner until I figure it out.

4. Bigger Trees Smaller lights

When I was a kid the lights at temple square were MAGIC! There was nothing I loved more, but it is funny as I have gotten older I have realized I hate the cold more then I love the lights. But I did observe this year the the Mega Granddaddy trees in the middle of temple square didn't have any lights. It made me wonder if when a tree reaches a certain age it has a light retirement. Are all the other trees staring in jealous awe at the amazingly past and history of the granddaddy tree's lighted years hoping they can some day reach the point of light retirement. While the tree itself is crying inside for having no purpose this time of year anymore. My opinion is just because the tree got a little bigger that is no reason to discriminate against him. Give him some lights and a purpose! Even it is just a single strange that can only make it a fourth of the way up the trunk. Bring back some magic and light into that poor trees life. (Why have I digressed to feeling pity for trees? Maybe I should discuss this with my therapist.)

So there they are my minor observations. Oh did I mention the Christmas concert was PHENOMENAL??? Richard Gilmore I really do love you! You tale was EPIC! Don't worry all of you who missed it they are making a PBS special out of it!

Party planner 2008

I really like giving myself titles. This year my title shall officially be the party planner of 2008. Now I can't take all the credit there have been a lot of helpers and we have done a GREAT job at throwing uniquely themed parties. I am going to do my best to recount them. Oh and for an added bonus I will be attaching pictures!! Oh and if you read this and know of one I have missed let me know!! Oh and...just kidding no more Oh ands!!

White Winter Party- What better place to have a white party then in Logan where there is always snow! We ate all white food consisting of White chili, marshmallows, White Oreo truffles, etc. We watched white Christmas and played games well past the Sue 10pm melt down. In fact we went to bed about then, wait not until 2ish when I was well into my melt down. In the morning we had a fantastic FULL COOLER breakfast thanks to #1UTE! She made sure we were well fed!

Twilight Party X2- Now you may be wondering is it possible that these people really had 2 twilight parties? Answer is YES! The first one was for the 4th book release! Breaking dawn night was quite a success. The Barnes and Noble was packed and afterwards we went back to my house for some speculation and treats! Poor brother of mine was the only boy who stuck out B and N with the girls! My sis made a special Breaking Dawn Cake in honor of the event. The picture below shows the people who made it the whole night.

As for party number 2 it was the Twilight Queens birthday and how better to celebrate then with a Twilight party!! All of the food was black, red, and white! It was impressive to see what people brought. My personal favorite was the tomato mozzarella and balsamic vinegar dish. What Twilight party would be complete without a black, white and red cake. We provided fangs for everyone (even though they are not typical in the books). We had people make Vampire capes and do Bag Skits. It was very entertaining. No blog would be complete with out a picture of the hostess.

Mystery Night- Now, up front confession I didn't plan this party, but I was included. We played a few varieties of clue including a debut of clue DVD!! I highly recommend that game. For food we had sloppy joes (not sure what the mystery is other then it is a mystery to me what is in sloppy joes!), surprise cookies (I made these! Yum!), and mystery airheads! I must admit too I am not sure what the movie we watched was called.

Graduation Party- The best fun of this was making the participants wear crowns. We celebrated 3 graduations and 1 welcome home! Please note in the picture, geocasher is wearing his do rag like a bonnet.

Hat Party- This one just kind of happened because of my passion for hats. Don't worry I have a single picture of myself in each of these hats!! In Fact it is sad to admit but I am pretty sure the hat party was just a Sue party. At least I shared long enough to take a picture. Yes there is a pot on one persons head.

08-08-08- What a great day to be born!! We had 8 food dips and activities based in triples, 8's, or multiples of 8. It was great. Since it was Devo's birthday evening we let him pick the movie, so we watched Fletch in the homemade out door theater!!

Gilmore Night- This could also be known as the triple birthday. We made newspaper hats (the best was when one caught on fire in a citronella candle!). We also built snowmen with treats! Marshmallows being the main bodies. We watched some Gilmore on our outdoor screen while we ate some quality Emily Gilmore pastries. I am very proud of myself and my sis for making them!! Petit Fours are now our specialty! The picture shows our newspaper hats, and my party planning crown.

Same Day, Same Year, and Same Profession Party- This was also a dual birthday party. The geocasher and bomb have the EXACT same birth and the same profession. The real joy of this party was that we kept it a secret and planted lots of false trails up to the actual event. We had pictionary with only number pictures and watch 13 going on 30. We ate pie for obvious reasons!

The picture below show the winners of the guess how many games (yes we really counted all of those containers. The nerds were the worst.)

Is it sad that all of our parties revolve around food???