Aha Moment

Today I recognized for the first time that Bob Dylan sings backup vocals on one of my favorite U2 songs, Love Rescue Me.

(lyrics to Love Rescue Me)

Shameless is the song playing on my ipod.  I love the grittiness of it, Garth had a good thing going with that one. Years ago Toby used to say it was my theme song (whenever I'd get obsessed with one boy or another).
And then there's Whiskey Lullaby - musical perfection.

U2

Hands down my favorite rock band is U2. I acknowledge I'm not alone in this. It all started back in high school with a introduction to the "The Joshua Tree" with its classics and then the infatuation grew to embrace other albums like "Rattle and Hum" and "The Unforgettable Fire" -- the first time I heard the song "Bad" I was hooked. The love grew and I came to appreciate not only the music but the poetry that U2 creates. Some of my fondest teenage memories can be brought back to life be hearing their songs. And Toby will tell you its no secret that I have a bit of a crush on Bono -- I can't quite explain it, but I can't deny it either--to this day to love listening to Bono.

On May 24th I got to see U2 in concert again! And I must say it was pretty much the coolest concert I have ever been to. The band was in rare form and sang many (if not all) of my favorite songs. It was definitely a night to remember--from the stage to the lights to the music it could not have been better. Back in 1997 I went to my first U2 concert at Rice Eccles Stadium. It was pretty amazing to see the band live for the first time--but I think this concert was even better than the last.

I took my good camera along and got some pretty great pictures--like the one at the top of the page -- this is Bono singing All I Want is You with an extremely cool green guitar (happy sigh!) I also had a great time hanging with Toby, Liz, John, Norm and Becca. Thanks for getting the tickets Lizzie! It was awesome!

A Night at the Opera

Every so often my flatmate decides we need a little bit of cultural enlightment, last year it was the ballet, this year the Opera. She decided we would go see a production of Madame Butterfly. We got all gussied up (as gussied as we get in our world) and headed out for a night on the town.

We arrived a little early at the theatre and got invited to attend a pre-opera lecture where a very well educated lady explained some of the thematic elements of the music and a little of what we would be seeing as the opera progressed. This would prove incredibily worthwhile later on as the entire opera was in Italian!

The music was gorgeous, the scenery was amazing--a single japanese house set on a hillside complete with long grasses that stuck out everywhere--it's kind of hard to explain in words. The kimonos Madame Butterfly wore were fabulous...

The singing in Italian with the subtitles, not so much. It was kind of like watching dubbed Godzilla movie where they take 10 minutes to say a 5 word sentence. I had a hard time keeping up--thankfully I had read the synopsis in the program and had listened to the lecture so I wasn't completely lost.

And did I mention the music...? It was gorgeous (sans the singing). I may have to invest in a instrumental version on Madame Butterfly. But wouldn't recommend listening to it in a warm, dark location...talk about a nap trap! It's rather like watching a yoga video or listening to a Beethoven cd...very relaxing...you're getting very sleepy...

For the record--I DID not fall asleep in the theatre! I reserve all pre-bedtime napping for the recliner when I watch movies at home.

And I can't forget to mention--it's always a very interesting experience to attend the Theatre with what can only be referred to as "seasoned theatre goers". If you've ever been to the theatre you know exactly who I'm talking about...fossilized women in low cut sequin gowns, bearded men in tuxedos, etc., etc., etc. If you love people watching you should go to the theatre some time, just remember as my favorite little sister has so aptly said regarding public commentary, "we should be quiet."

My "Must Have" Music

If stranded on a desert island with only my iPod I would have to have the following songs:


Better Be Home Soon ~ Crowded House

Heart of Mine ~ The Peter Malick Group featuring Norah Jones

(to be continued)

Next Stop ... Houston

Last week I learned that my next exotic fly-away will be to the humid city of Houston, Texas. I will be flying out on the 18th for a week of fun within the walls of the Clayton Library for Genealogical Research, the latest outpost in the Digital Book scanning project.

I guess I am destined to become a world traveller. :)

More than Just an Honorable Mention

U2 deserves more than just a passing comment in the concert list (Thanks, AnJ!)

I have adored U2 since I was a sophomore in High School, I'm not afraid to admit I cut my teeth on The Joshua Tree before discovering the older, equally, if not more fabulous stuff, like Unforgettable Fire. The first boy I dated (dated is a generic term here used to say, I went out with him once) taught me the finer things about U2 and introduced me to the song Bad (Thanks, NW!)

When I finally came into my own and had money burning a hole in my pocket I started buying albums (domestic and imports -- I make it sound like a huge collection, but its kind of weak, I hate to admit)...but that's beside the point.

I like to think of U2 as my first real concert, no offense to Dave Matthews, Hootie (yes, we're on a first name basis), or Tom Petty, but how could they compete with Bono? They can't, 'nough said. I had pre-determined upon learning that Bono and the lads were coming to town that this would be my last hurrah before submitting my mission papers.

As for the date, May 3, 1997 - Rice Eccles Stadium the PopMart tour -- a day that shall forever live in my mind. I was literally less than 30 feet from the stage on the east side of the stadium. I was that close to Bono. (for some it's Sting, but for me it's the oft greasy Bono...what can I say...I've got a crush on him.)

My only regret, the opening act was Rage Against the Machine.

And thanks to the Internet and other slightly more obsessed u2 fans out there you can download the concert at http://www.u2liveconcerts.com/ to enjoy the show for yourself.

(I wonder, if one listened close enough would they be able to hear the fight my petite sister got into with the rude girl who would not kindly move out of the way so my Lizzy could see.)

The Longest Day Ever (flashback - France)

My first impression of Europe is cloudy. That is not to say I have not formulated an opinion yet but that there are a lot of clouds here. Phenomenal clouds. Somehow I managed to catch a few Z's over Ireland. I looked out the window this morning, even though the fasten seat bealts light was on to try to get a glimpse of England but there were too many clouds in the way.



The flight was long and the people next to me talked a lot. I slept maybe two hours last night on the plane and another on the plane to Bordeaux this afternoon. I arrived in France safe and sound and am safely tucked in my hotel room at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux Sud - Pessac. It has been a very long journey. And it's only just begun.

(originally written at 8:06AM Mountain Standard Time -- That's Midnight in France!)

Forget Paris? Not for a long while.

For those of you who have been dying to know how Paris was, here are a few shots from my very brief stint in "The City of Lights." Life is back to normal now (which here means it's totally crazy and hectic) I thought a slideshow might be the best option. Let me just say you should all go to Paris at least once).

Paris...

I was without the internet for the last two days of my travels, so be patient, Paris is yet to come.

France - Day 3 or "So much to Blog, So Little Time"

This morning we met Pierre (yes, a french man named Pierre) who informed us that he could not train us because he was very busy and he does not want to share his microbes (he says pinching his nose to indicate he has a cold). This after he has shaken our hands. Nice Pierre! The bulk of day three was spent inside the orange and yellow office building. We were introduced to a new scanner, which was a very cool machine...a little too complicated for our project, but cool nonetheless.

For lunch we took an excurision 2 kilometers (1.242 miles) to the town center of Pessac, a lovely little place. Upon entering the square I was overwhelmed by the wonderful fragrance of countless flowers, the fresh rainy air and the overall atmosphere of the moment. I only wish there was some way to capture the smells as well as the sights of Europe. Why doesn't home smell this good?

We ate at a small bistro, where once again, the bulk of the menu included only slightly cooked or raw meat. What is with the French and there fascination with raw meat? I find it interesting that the men we are traveling are fearful of branching out and trying something new. They just order the usual beef steak...someone should shake them and remind them this is France! I tried salad with duck...not the best. But there is always dessert to redeem the meal. Ah, Pastries.

After lunch we visited a little pastry shop called Paul. These shops are all over Europe. I splured and spent 1,25 Euro on a Viennese pastry dotted with chocolate. I could not resist! (Even after the apple tart for dessert).

We did not make it to the town center of Bordeaux, however. Our more than gracious hosts had other pressing plans and the weather had turned to rain, it was good to rest in the hotel and get a good nights sleep.

Tianna and I are off to Paris tomorrow. I still can't believe it.

France - Day 2 or "Dining on Duck, Desserts and Dunes"

Have you ever wondered why they say "French Women Don't Get Fat?" I'm starting to understand. It's because they are very happy and because they eat very well. Today I will enlighten you on the finer points of French cuisine. Let's just say the French word of the day is Fois Gras (I hope I spelled that right) : which here means, Duck liver = delicious, who knew!?

I also enjoyed a delicious Sea Bass, what can only be referred to as a King Prawn and an escargot. Yes, you heard me right, I ate a snail...dip them in mayonaisse and you can eat just about anything.

This delicious seafood (did I just say that?!?) was enjoyed by the seaside at a restaurant called Chez Diego. I would recommend it if you ever make it to the South of France.

We also visited a beautiful place called "Dune da Pyla" which is an enourmous sand dune (150 meters) which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Words cannot describe how beuatiful it was there. Walking barefoot with soft sand on my feet was a welcome relief from the hours of sitting I had to do this week. I'd like to go back there right now to take in the fresh air and just breathe. It was amazing. One other reason French women don't get fat -- breathtaking beauty all around them. One minute your in a dense forest, the next you are looking out as far as the eye can see, with Spain to the left of you and London to the right. Amazing stuff. I'm considering becoming an ex-patriot like Hemingway.

I give you the Dune:

Me at the Base of the Dune -- (the stairs rival the escalators at Universal Studios)

Looking West from the Top

The View Back and to the Left (toward Spain)

Tonight after "work" which here is used to mean, stuff I pretty much already know, delivered with a French accent while sitting in a funkt yellow and orange building, we will visit downtown Bordeaux and most likely eat more French food. Yay! I neglected to mention, counting breakfast and lunch I spent a total of FOUR hours eating! Dinner literally took two hours, but it was SO enjoyable that it didn't matter...yet another reason, French Women don't get Fat!

France - Day 2 or "Pessac (Sud Bordeaux - Day 1) - Before Breakfast"

This morning I woke up to 3 wake up calls. One I set on the tele. One from a computerized phone call and lastly the lilting French tones of the congierge "zis iz your wake up call. Good Morning."

I caught a quick shower, in what I might add is the cleanest hotel bathroom I've ever had the pleasure of showering. I'd like to bring the bathtub home with me.

Blew my hair dry with the reverse vacuum hose the Frenchies call a hair dryer and now I have very fluffy hair, much like a French poodle. Perhaps its the top secret ingredient R3007 that is listed first on the Germany manufactured shampoo (sounds like something left over from the Nazi regime if you ask me).

First on the list, find some breakfast before 9:00 when our ride is coming to take us to i2s, which is the place where our scanners are made. There's a continental breakfast buffet downstairs that cost 14.50 Euros...I'm going to try to eat my money's worth in chocolate filled pastries.

France - Day 1 or "An American in Paris"

You are hereby forewarned that this is the lenghtiest blog ever

Upon arrival at the gate yesterday I discovered that there was a big party in celebration of the first direct flight to Paris. I was greeted by a balloon arch, very friendly stewardesses and the Accoridan lady who was playing french tunes in the waiting area. I cannot tell a lie, I got the giggles when I saw her and had to walk away for several minutes. How could I not share? (She played non-stop while we waited to board the plane).

There were dignitaries (the Governor and his entourage), French ambassadors and a mulitude of new people. Tianna (my work friend and traveling companion) and I were interviewed by a guy from the Deseret News and one of the news ladies for Channel 5. We have yet to hear if we made prime time. :)

They even had hors dourves in the waiting area...

Salmon Puffs (yuck)

Duck Something or Other (not so bad)

Endive with Cheese and Apples (worst of all)

Chocolate Truffles (to die for)

The flight itself wasn't as bad as I expected, in the beginning. The first couple of hours flew by I saw an amazing sunset (sort of) from my middle row aisle seat. There was a purple stripe on the horizon the likes of which I have never seen before. We flew over the midwest, across Canada and then to the Atlantic. and when my usual sleeping time rolled around I wasn't the least bit tired and things went down hill from there. I slept maybe a total of two hours and discovered at midnight Utah time that the sun was rising. I can't sleep when it's light so I read and tried to watch the tele. It was pretty miserable. However, thanks to my hooded sweatshirt I was able to block out a little of the morning sunshine to snooze for about an hour. By this morning the map showed we were nearing the British Isles. I slept though Ireland but tried to catch a glimpse of England with no luck, too many clouds.

We arrived in Paris at about 10:45AM (local time) and went through the very strange airport..the biggest let down of the day, The Guy at the Desk didn't stamp my passport! I travelled all the way to France and didn't even get a stamp in my passport. Perhaps it had something to do with my over-tired, grumpy demeanor. I serously could have cried at that moment.

Tianna's stamp - "I got the SHAFT!"

I sold some of my US dollars for Euros. For your information 1oo US Dollars comes to 52.97 Euro when you minus the 5 Euro Commision. (Ick!) And French people assume you understand French and when you don't they give you a haughty look and snub you (it's been a rough day).

The Charles de Gaulle airport is a pretty cool structure, all glass, kind of reminds me of a caterpillar or something. I'm hoping to find a postcard or something so I can get the whole view. I think the expression about people who live in glass houses may have come from France. (They should make a book about this airport -- it's more like a mall than an airport. I hope to get more pictures on Friday when I go back up to Paris).

Charles de Gaulle Airport

After the trauma that was Charles de Gaulle we made it on the short flight to Bordeaux. I slept the whole time (about an hour) it was nice. I did get a view of the countryside as we came in for a landing in Bordeaux...it's lovely here.

Bordeaux, France

Looks like it's time for bed. I've got an early day tomorrow and need to adjust to local time.

Your french word of the day is "Sortie" it means Exit.

On the Road Again

On Monday I leave for France. This will be a historical day for me. Not only is it the first non-stop flight to Paris from SLC (I'm hoping they'll at least have commemorative t-shirts or something), but it will be my first trip overseas. I am not looking forward to the 10.5 hour flight, but I am looking forward to seeing a few sites in France during my visit.

Most of the time will be spent in Pessac (about 25km from Bordeaux) but one of the gals I work with and I will be visiting Paris the last day and a half of our journey. I've been perusing the Paris guidebook and as luck would have it there's too much to see and too little time.

I guess I'd better start saving my pennies, nickels, quarters, dimes for a return trip and pray for a better exchange rate (right now a dollar is worth about .64 Euro -- ugh!) I'm not thinking there will be a lot of souvenirs, though I'm sure a girl could go crazy in a place like Paris.

Rumour has it that there will be Internet access, so time willing you may look forward to another string of blogs from the road.

Kansas City - Day 6

People Watching

As I type this entry I am sitting in Panera Bread looking out over a bright orange statue of Shiva the Destroyer--insert Runaway Bride quote here--eating a Fandango Salad and a Turkey Artichoke panini sandwich which cost me $10 - a far better choice then the $29 luncheons I've attended this week.

I have seen many interesting people as I've been eating my lunch...Genealogists, teenagers, the tiny lady who ordered 6 ice teas...how will she carry them? You name it I've seen it.

But there are two people in particular that deserve mentioning, I only wish my desire for and respect for privacy did not prevent me from taking a few snapshots...oh for the spectacle camera where a simple push of a button on the bow of one's spectacles could capture so many wonderful things, like these two gems:

1) the white haired granny decked out in pink and rhinestones, complete with a pink cowboy hat with a feather boa trim. I kid you not.

2) The man in the Revolutionary War uniform, complete with 3-cornered hat. Once again, I kid you not.

Something tells me we're not in Kansas anymore!

Kansas City - Day 5

This morning began in a rush. I attended a class given by my bosses boss. I then attended 2 more classes and a luncheon. After lunch I returned to my room to change shirts, because I had somehow acquired some whipped cream or something from the luncheon on my dark blue shirt. While in my room I turned on my cell phone to find two messages from my boss wondering where I was because they were waiting in the Lobby before leaving for "the meeting." No one had informed me there was a meeting. So I call the boss to say sorry I missed the meeting and he's already forgotten I wasn't there. Apparently there was a communication error followed by a round of the blame gain, neither man was willing to admit that they forgot to tell me. Aargh!

After a mildly frustrating day my evening culminated with a visit to Far West and Liberty Jail. For those of you who are familiar with the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you will understand the importance of these two places in the history of the Church. Sadly the visits were far too rushed but I was able to appreciate the feeling of history and peace that abounded in both locations. It was very easy to see why the early saints chose to settle in Missouri. They countryside is beautiful and green as far as the eye can see -- from horizon to horizon. As I mentioned there wasn't a lot of time for exploring, but I did get a few pictures (gotta love the dogwood trees).

And might I add...If the state of my hair in Missouri is any indicator that Missouri will one day be the new Zion, I believe it is true. My hair is fabulous here! if only I was more photogenic...that is NOT a request for compliments, just an actual fact.

Kansas City - Day 4

Slept in a little. Went to an 8:00am class on Civil War pension records. Went to Panera Bread for breakfast...i was very hungry but only ate a french toast bagel with honey walnut cream cheese. It was delicious. There wasn't a 9:30 class i was interested in so i wandered (via The Link) over to the Union Station to take some pictures and to see what all was there. They are currently having the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit. I didn't go. I did find this crazy railroad bridge that I took a walk on. it was pretty cool.

did i mention that the Union Center is a fully operation Amtrak station? Trains come and go all day. It was pretty cool. Unfortunately a lot of the pictures didn't turn out with my small digital camera and i could have had tons of fun with my Canon rebel. i definitely need to invest in a small travel tripod.

I got to collect tickets at the FamilySearch luncheon (yeehaw!) and I attended a very interesting class on websites for researching genealogy in the United Kingdom. I will be checking those out.

Tonight I went to the WWI Memorial and Museum. It was pretty cool. I'll admit I don't know much about WWI, though I do recall I have a great uncle who is buried at Flanders Field. After tonight I think I'd like to learn more about it.

Kansas City - Day 3

This morning I was invited to go out to breakfast with a co-worker who I met yesterday, her name is Cherie and she's really a cool lady. She took myself and another couple over to the Union Station where we ate real breakfast food and a fairly famous establishment called "The Harvey House Diner." Apparently these restaurants were quite popular during the era of train travel (i.e. 1950s and 1960s).

We were in a hurry to get back to the Hotel for the opening session of the conference so I didn't get to take any pictures. I'll have to go back because the Union Station is a cool building. Perhaps to get a picture of the famous bulletholes in the building. http://www.unionstation.org/bulletHoles.cfm

I went to a session on Civil War research this morning. IT was pretty good, then I attended a luncheon (which is a fancy word for a infomercial where they feed you). Today's luncheon was better than yesterday's. I learned about The National Institute on Genealogical Research. This is a program for experienced researchers (which counts me out) where you get to spend a week in Washington, D.C. learning from the experts and looking for records in the National Archives and the Library of Congress. The speaker made it sound like SO much fun. Needless to say, I'd like to attend...but I fear I would need more experience before they would consider me for the program.

After lunch I went to the exhibit hall to see what was there and then realized I missed the beginning of the 2:00 class, so I went up to my room to recharge my batteries, literally and figuratively. I ended up taking a nap and missing out on the visit to the Mid-Continent Library. Oh well. I needed a nap. I grabbed a salad for dinner at a place called Panera Bread. The food was delicious, sans the cilantro in the salad. I wish there were one back home but apparently it's a Missouri/Kansas thing. I'm thinking I'll try their "French Toast Bagel" in the morning...it sounds yummy.

Tomorrow it's more classes and a visit to the WWI museum -- hopefully I won't sleep through it.

*Did I mention my favorite musical Wicked is here this week. Unfortunately I didn't find out until it was too late and I wouldn't have had transportation there any ways...very disheartening. I am waiting with great anticipation for its arrival in Salt Lake next summer. And I am not ashamed to admit my jealousy of the fact my niece and nephew got to see it on Broadway.

Kansas City - Day 2

Today i was informed that i am a "geek" for taking pictures of my food. This from Sue, a woman who then encouraged me to take photographs of the gigantic drinks, she even held one for a shot.

With that, an explanation. After a day of pre-conference classes my boss decided to take a few of his closest friends out to dinner. We went to a Kansas City standard a BBQ pit (emphasis on the word pit) called "Arthur Bryant's Barbeque" where barbeque is the only thing on the menu. Not a salad to be had, unless you count cole slaw. The photo was my dinner. It's was a little on the dry side. Maybe I chose poorly...I really wish it had been a bagel with a schmear of cream cheese.