Today, my favorite person turned 43.

Today, my favorite person turned 43. I think his day went okay. I was not feeling well last night and some of today, but I did his nails and we'll have a date tomorrow.

We're not doing gifts because I think it would just stress him out (that's what he said, anyway). I'm never on time with stuff like that, regardless. But things will ease up soon. Maybe he'll get a surprise once I'm working again. He definitely wouldn't expect it. 😂

Tl;dr: The show was great, Janet was great...

Tl;dr:  The show was great, Janet was great, the city was interesting but smelled like pee and I needed all the help navigating it.

I have to write about going to Houston.

Ok, so first of all, since I'm unemployed, one of the only reasons I was able to see Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso was because my friends, Janet and Jajuan, said I could stay with them.  I consider them both to be my friends, even though Jajuan insists that Janet stole me from him.  😅

They live in a suburb of Houston, so that's nice.  I like suburbs.  I grew up in the woods, so suburbs are a comfortable medium for me in that things are close, but you still have space.  I am NOT a city person.  I don't think I could live in an actual big city, but I can go to them if I need to.

I invited Janet to the concert with me because I didn't want to go alone and Shaun wasn't coming.  She's like me in that she's often up for whatever.  I think we both like experiences.

One thing to know about Janet, though, is that she is a planner.  I do not mean that in a casual sense.  😆  She even out-plans Shaun, which is saying a lot since he was an Eagle Scout and taught to always be prepared.  Me, on the other hand... I didn't often have a lot of choices in life, so I'm good at rolling with whatever happens.  So a Blu + Shaun combo or a Blu + Janet combo is a really great thing.

Days before I even headed to her house, Janet had scoured the parking situation at the venue, made travel plans, and also back-up travel plans.  She had the train all figured out and everything.  I am so grateful to her, because otherwise I would have just tried driving to the venue in my car (which turns out it would have been ok, but you never know).  We ended up taking the train and that was pretty cool.

But let me tell you, I was LOST AS FUCK tryna get to that train.  I was out there in the streets accidentally jaywalking and shit.  I was a whole mess.  She probably should've held my hand like a little kid.  😂  She was thoughtfully looking at the crossings and figuring things out and I was just melting in the heat AND INESCAPABLE HUMIDITY, trying not to die.  She was a lifesaver for that city stuff.

So we got to the venue and found the line and the wait began.  Then we got put into corrals and we could see the side of the stage.  I could hear them doing soundcheck.  I almost cried when I heard Paco's voice in real life, OMG.  Ca7riel came out the back of the stage and took pictures or videos of us.  We all started cheering and waving.  I love how playful he is.  I was so emotional, and the show hadn't even started!

When we were finally let in, I somehow made it to the front, which is fortunate because I'm short.  We were there pretty early, so that helped.  I've seen some pictures and I look like a puppy with my paws over a fence and only my head poking up.  😂  Janet was feeling uncomfortable in the crowd, so she went to the back and that was ok.  I was paying attention to nothing but the guys once they got on stage.  It's stupid because I feel like I only remember bits and pieces.  From the heat and excitement, I was basically on another planet.

The show was great.  I'd definitely see them again.  I think Phoenix was rescheduled, and I'd totally take Shaun to that one if I could find tickets (it's sold out).  I haven't been that lucky, though.

Anyway, before we headed to the show, we met up with Carla and Samuel for lunch.  Me and Carla had nail stuff and animal stuff in common on Facebook, so when she found out I was coming near, we decided to meet up for realz.  It was really fun!  We all got along well and it made me super happy to be able to know more people in real life.  We'll definitely have to get together again the next time I'm in town.  I also got to stay a night with my friend Meia.  I hadn't been able to spend much time with her since we both left Alabama and I missed her greatly, so that was nice.

There were a couple of other people that it would have been great to see, but the timing didn't work out.  That's ok.  I'll definitely be back.  Me and Janet used to hang out frequently when we both lived in Alabama back in the day.  She's been my friend for like, 20 years now!  Then life happened and she moved a few times and then I moved, but we always kept in touch.  Now that she's just a little 13-hour drive away, I can do that in one day.  We're not going to go years without spending time together in real life anymore.

Actual footage of us walking back to the train after the show:

😂😂😂

Full video here.  It's great.  Watch it:

My Concert Videos from seeing Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso.

My Concert Videos from seeing Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso.

I'll get around to posting a little bit of my video from the concert eventually, but first:

I'll get around to posting a little bit of my video from the concert eventually, but first:  

Look at me in these stills from a video the venue posted. I look like a goblin that wanted to steal Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso's souls. 😂😂😂

I never know wtf my face is doing. Ever. I had no idea that I looked so crazy.

They probably saw me because I was right up front. If so:  Sorry, guys. 😂💙

Just now going through my concert video...

Just now going through my concert video. Apparently, I recorded more songs than I thought... From my back pocket. It's music, and a bunch of knees and crotches. 😂

Today was a comedown/take a migraine pill kind of day.

Today was a comedown/take a migraine pill kind of day. Me and Janet pushed ourselves yesterday in the heat. For me, a major part of the exhaustion was just from pure excitement. I enjoy concerts, but I've rarely been the one to choose/suggest one. This one I REALLY wanted to attend; I chose it, and I put in the work to make it happen. I was going with or without a buddy.

I had a wonderful time. I did get separated from Janet; I'd managed to get right up front when she'd gone to get water or go to the bathroom or something. But I was fine with that. I wanted to sing and dance and enjoy myself and not be self-conscious about it around people I know. And I did sing and dance through the whole show. I didn't record much - I was too busy enjoying myself.

I was so close to Paco. I could see his eyes. I tried hard not to stare him down like a creep, but I probably failed. At one point I had closed my eyes and was just grooving, and he said "Close your eyes and feel the music." I don't know if he saw me or if it was coincidence, but DAMN. They also did a really sensual and sexy version of Cosas Ricas. 🔥

So anyway, this is the most fun I've ever had at a show. Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso did not disappoint. A lot of times, live shows just don't sound as good, but the energy was great, their voices were amazing, the band was on point... I just can't say enough good things.

I got some Starburst that the band threw. I made some friends. I saw Ca7riel and Paco live. It was a wonderful (albeit hot and sweaty) time. I am happy. 😊

It was a great show.

It was a great show. The excitement/heat won and I threw up in the merch line afterwards. But I lived. And I also did not pass out, so it's all good. 😂

If I die (of heatstroke), I died happy. 😂

If I die (of heatstroke), I died happy. 😂

CA&RIEL & Paco Amoroso

SWEATY.

SWEATY.

You nasty, Houston. 😂

I'm so excited I could die.

I'm so excited I could die.

Going into a city.

Meeting a friend.

Seeing Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso live.

I'm literally vibrating with excitement.

I made it to Houston around 11 last night.

I made it to Houston around 11 last night. Thirteen hours on the road, 2 bathroom/fuel breaks, but otherwise a straight shot.

I didn't sleep at all on Tuesday night before I left. I definitely wanted to, but the excitement was too much. But I wasn't tired on the road. I listened to Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso the whole way and I was awake and happy. I crashed hard and slept like a rock when I got to Janet and Jajuan's house last night. I'm currently so excited it's causing a headache. I'm a whole mess. I've never been this excited for a show before. How am I in my 40s being more of a fangirl than I ever have in my whole life?

These guys are magical. They've been a daily staple for me since I first saw them on TV back in May. I can't get enough. They're creative, talented, beautiful, funny, bold (not afraid to go against norms)... I could go on and on. But I'm gonna try to chill down and level out so I'll be ready for the show tomorrow. I plan to match their energy.

❤️❤️❤️

I kissed this wily turd...

I kissed this wily turd since he's the one hanging out with me. 😂 Happy New Year, Harley.

Shaun carried the Booger upstairs...

Shaun carried the Booger upstairs when the kids wanted their presents. It was his first time up there. He had to check everything, even the tree! Cub came up, of course. He always does. I just didn't feel good about leaving Bear out. He's part of the family, too. ❤️

I feel like such a jerk.

I feel like such a jerk. March 15th was Shadow's 24th birthday and I didn't say anything to the internet because he's not even on here. I thought "What's the point if he won't even see my post?" But I keep thinking about it and clearly it's just not sitting well with me that I didn't mention the anniversary of such a life-changing and special day.

I think he had a good day despite my lack of public acknowledgement. He wanted Five Guys as his birthday dinner so we had that. He'd asked for some audio recording equipment and he got it. He also asked me to make him some apple/carrot/spinach juice, but he forgot about it and was pleasantly surprised when I made it for him.

It's crazy how time flies. It's hard to believe that he's 24 already. I guess no matter how old he gets I need to make sure I document the day because even if he won't see it, it's important to me.

Today is Kira's birthday. She's a whole 24 years old.

Today is Kira's birthday. She's a whole 24 years old.

She wanted a Strawberry Shortcake for her birthday, but I think there was some confusion on whether she was celebrating today or this weekend.

Long story short:  She has all of this cake now. 😂

Unbeknownst to us, she made the 2 smaller cakes for herself last night so she would have a cake today. Me and Shaun went shopping this morning and found a slice of Strawberry Shortcake, but not a whole cake. We also found the other strawberry cake which looks really good, so we snagged it, too. And cakes pops, just because. 😂

So... Looks like we'll be eating cake for the rest of the week. 😂

She wanted dinner at Cracker Barrel so we did that and it was good. She also wants to go thrift shopping this weekend, so that's our plan. I hope she's had a good day! ❤️

Hey, friends, the party is booked!

Hey, friends, the party is booked!  It's going to be on Saturday,  November 25th, 2023 at Sunshine Skate Center in Oxford from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.

They only had party packages on the weekend.  I didn't want to book it on Black Friday and I'm traveling to Alabama the weekend before and back home the weekend after, so this is the best I could do as far as timing.  I'm used to the holiday interfering with my birthday plans so I understand if that is still the case, but I hope I get to see some friendly faces.

If you expressed interest in coming before I'm going to tag you in the comment below to make sure you see this.  I have to bring a guest list with me to the rink so I'll need to know at some point if you were serious about coming.  (And it's ok to come without skating if you just want to say hi - just please let me know if you're coming and if you're skating or not).

I'm so excited to see everyone!  ❤❤❤

Me and Shaun...

Me and Shaun had planned to go see the Dresden Dolls at Meow Wolf Santa Fe tonight, but we're not going. I'm almost as excited about canceling our plans as I was about making them. 😂😂😂

I was up at 4 this morning because I hadn't seen Adrian since I got off work yesterday evening.  Normally, she comes to bother me while I brush my teeth before bed and she's very cuddly when we sleep, so that was pretty different. Logically I know that cats hide and do weird shit sometimes, but I woke up in the middle of the night searching for her because I was sure she was dead somehow.  My brain was GOING OFF. I was like "A snake ate her. She got outside when I wasn't looking and is coyote food. Something fell and squashed her." 

So at 4 this morning I turned the lights on and started searching the room. Finally, I started climbing the ladder to my loft bed. It was then that she came to the edge of the loft bed with eyes squinting and a cringing face like "Why the fuck is the light on?  What's happening?" She looked SO disgruntled. 😂😂😂

Anyway, I didn't get much sleep after that and I've been tired all day. As for the concert, doors aren't until 10 pm and I'm like "That's crazy." I'm crashing out by 10 on a good day. 😂 Thankfully, the tickets weren't expensive and Shaun is happy to support the artists whether we go or not. I've seen Amanda Palmer live a few times, but never the Dresden Dolls together. And yes, I would like to, but also, that feels like effort and sensory overload and a sold-out show in a small venue with a virus still around. So I'm content to stay in tonight and be an old fogey with my best friend and my ani-pals. 😊❤️ I have a dentist appointment in the morning, anyway. 😂

Yesterday I woke up and hit the ground running.

Yesterday I woke up and hit the ground running.  There was a bunch of stuff I wanted to accomplish and I did pretty much all of it.  Today has been the opposite.  I slept until 10-something, did Shaun's nails, and just finished stuffing myself on Pizza Hut - which really hit the spot.  I can't believe it's already so late in the day, though.

Shaun told me that this morning he looked out of the window and saw Harley walking along our privacy wall.  Thankfully, Harley saw Shaun come outside and ran back in, then met him inside like "I was here all along."  That is the second or third time we've found Harley outside (where none of the cats are supposed to be).  He's getting out of the dog door.  We've been leaving it unlocked since Cubba's key batteries died, but we have more batteries coming today so this shouldn't be an issue for much longer.  But this totally makes sense for Harley; after all, he was found in the motor of a car from Douglasville in the Oxford PetSmart parking lot.  He clearly has an adventurous streak.

Twice in the last few days, Shaun has pointed out lint on Cubba's belly button.  I legit didn't know that could be a thing for dogs, but I guess it makes sense since the hair swirls all towards one place.  Now I'm going to be looking at his belly button all the time.  😂

I sent Shaun to his game room (or rather, just away from me) because I need some quiet.  I feel sensory-overloaded at the moment and need to be by myself.  I thought I might catch up with some family and friends over the phone today, but I don't think that is going to happen.  I would like to talk more during the week... except that I don't want to.  I've found that I spend a lot of time in meetings for my job and it's oddly social despite being remote work, so I feel like I get a lot of socializing in during work and kind of the last thing I want to do is spend more time talking or messaging back and forth when I'm off.  I'm sorry if anyone feels neglected.  I'm taking care of myself right now.

I don't know what else this days holds for me, but it's gorgeous out.  Maybe I'll at least pot some plants and take a walk.  I don't know.  Gotta let my brain and ears settle first.  😂

I hope you're all having a lovely day.  I see a lot of happy pictures.  I'm glad y'all are enjoying time with your families, but to be honest I'm so relieved that I'm past having to put effort into holidays.  I've openly been an atheist for a long time, and this is the year I stop going through the motions of holidays I don't celebrate or care about for the sake of other people.  The kids are 23 and I'm 40.  I'm just done, and I'd rather be done than be a Grinch.  So Happy Easter or whatever else you might be celebrating.  I will always wish my friends and family the best, no matter our differences.  Love to you all.  ❤

The two kinds of holiday people summed up:

😂😂😂 The two kinds of holiday people summed up:

Got to do the light tour this evening...

Got to do the light tour this evening. It was gorgeous out, but gusty.

If you watch the video, be warned that it's loud.