April Showers

Well this last week has been somewhat eventful, although I can't remember what I did last weekend. :) So after phoning up Melo to see what we did, I guess I can continue. Oh yeah, how could I forget, we tried the Dine-O-Round downtown. We went to this great little tapa restaurant called Eva's. It wasn't that bad. I actually had no food allergies to any of the food and felt pretty good. I get sick from time to time when I eat out, so I am usually pretty cautious about trying new places, but like I said, it wasn't that bad. Prices were pretty good as well. We had a little excitement when we got there as a woman passed out and her date/boyfriend/husband, just picked her up and ran her out of the restaurant and yelled...call 911! He then proceeded to lay her on the ground to the side of the restaurant out front and that was that. It was pretty strange. After, we drove around for a little bit and then jetted home.

Over the weekend, Melo went up to Park City to celebrate one of his friend's birthday. I was so tired, I just laid around that night and ordered a pizza. Nothing like a pig out. :)

Sunday, we met up with our friends to celebrate birthdays. Gabi's was on the 12th and Scotty's was on the 17. So we met up at SL Pizza and Pasta for their brunch and enjoyed just catching up with Bob and Nancy and Cristina and the kids. It was a fun time. Later that day we went over to Belen's house to have the "first" bbq. I absolutely love the smell of bbqs and couldn't get enough of it that evening. The weather was perfect and it was so relaxing. I was very excited for Belen's potato salad, as it is the best! We enjoyed catching up and it was a great intro to the new week.

I finally went in for my endoscopy this week. Boy oh boy...am I getting old. They will have my test results back in the next 10 days, so it's just the waiting game. :) They had to dilate my esophagus, which I think I will never do again, but they found some strictures (scar tissue) and since I tend to get food stuck in my throat, they decided to do the "procedure". Not a big deal, but it felt like someone had dislocated my chest bone. It normally takes 24-48 hours to be okay, some people they are okay right away, but for me...I'm barely finding relief as of today. I had a sore throat for 2 days and if I lean in a certain way, I still have a little bit of pain, but what can ya' do? Just wait it out. On Wednesday I thought I might have to go to emergency as the pain was getting a little worse. But with a heating pad and some warm tea and my prescription, I was doing okay. Just needed a little extra rest I guess.

So this week has been a lazy week. I have so many things to do, but I just needed to stay down. I'm glad I'm feeling back to normal. Acid reflux sucks!

One Day At A Time

I have been meaning to update my blog and try to make a habit of saying at least Hi each day. Ü  A alot has happened in the past year or so, but I will remain in the present as that is my new mantra!

take a read if you get a chance at :
http://www.oprah.com/spirt/The-Art-of-Living-in-the-Present-Josh-Baran/

I'm going to try my hardest and stay focused and be present in the present! :) [this was a posting that I found a draft to, and just barely posted it today...it was from March 2010]

This is it!

"This is it."  This moment is my life, completely. 

Absolutrific April

Well this last week flew by and I enjoyed the ride! I finally "washed that grey right out of my hair" from Shan, and it was so fun! She actually wanted to do a different color on me, so I trusted her and we did it!  I was kind of scared, but you can only really tell unless I am in the sun...it has a hint of red! I love it! I feel like a brand new woman...I'm so easily pleased when it comes to the simple pleasures of just getting your hair colored! My hair feels like heaven! I also got a a little trim as well and I love the cut! I truly love Shan for all that she does for me and my hair! She's a Godsend! After I went with Jessica to find some make-up as she is going to be on "Good Things Utah" on Friday and meeting some very special people! (more details to come) We were pampered by Robb at the La Mer counter...after spending over $850, that is Jessica...we were in shock when we actually looked at the receipt. Shame on Robb...what does he think we're made of? Someone will be returning some items very soon! :) At least we walked out with some awesome samples and an appointment to get made up by La Mer in two weeks! :)  Should be fun!

On Friday we started preparing Melo for his trip to Las Vegas.  He was to attend two meetings with some potential clients, that we are crossing our fingers with!  I worked that day and then went to go get his car from the rental shop.  Melo then surprised me with tickets to the Utah Opera.  Verdi's Requiem.  It was the most exquisite performance.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and especially because Melo thought of it.  He was so excited to take me.  He made us dinner...fish and salad...one of my favorites and then got ready.  This time however, I have to tell you I really enjoyed the evening...when we go out sometimes I tend to get very uneasy because I want to be on time, etc., but, even though we were running short on time, I remained very calm that evening.  I found that we were running late, but I just said to myself...Enjoy the Moment, Amy! We got downtown and we had to park a little ways away from Abravanel Hall...but again...I said "Enjoy the Moment!"  So we had a very nice walk! Ü  We got inside...and the performance had already started...again...I said, "Amy, it's okay!"  So we went in after the first two pieces and just slipped in and enjoyed the rest of the evening!  We had wonderful seats! It was very relaxing and just a perfect evening.  After Melo took me to SetteBello's gelato shop.  It was heaven!  Then we jetted to the store to grab some last minute things he needed to take on his trip and we got home, he packed and we went to bed...as I was laying there I started thinking to myself...that I didn't want him to go.  How was I going to be without him?  Mind that I usually tell Melo..."hey I need my space...can you go somewhere for a while"...and then when he does...I fall apart. :) (Not completely...hahaha) 

He left early on Saturday morning and I was pretty sad, but so glad for these great opportunities.  He and his friend Francisco went and I think they just needed a "boyz weekend"...Melo was great to keep me updated and that he had made it.  I get so nervous when he drives on long trips..especially when others are driving along with them...nowadays you just never know if someone is going to cross the median or something crazy...so I tend to get a little nervous, but they made it and in good time!

That day I worked and had a great day...I actually may have sold a piano! I hope that my customers come back and buy the piano! :)  All day Saturday all I could think about was where I was going afterwards. I had the opportunity to go to the opening game of the Real SL soccer game! Jessica had bought tickets for her family and friends and we were going to see Jonah, as he was granted his Make-A-Wish wish!  It was a two day extravaganza as he was able to go to the Rio Tinto Stadium the day before and go to the Real's practice.  He met Kyle Beckerman and had a limo ride with David Archuleta.  It was so awesome.  They had an action packed day on Friday as they started with being on t.v. on "Good Things Utah" where Jonah was told what he was going to be doing that day...(practice with Kyle Beckerman and then get a ride with David Archuleta!) He was so cute on t.v. and was soooo happy! They then were presented with tickets to the Blaze game to see David in concert that same evening.  Jonah was speechless! Jess told me that Jonah and David sang "Touch my Hand" during the limo ride and they had a fun time together...at the Blaze game they spent the entire time with David in the suite...Jessica said it was AWESOME!  Then on Saturday night, we went to the opening game and Jonah was out there on the field with the team as they were receiving their championship rings, etc. and guess what?  Jonah was presented with his own Championship ring! It was awesome.  Jessica was all over the news and had such a great night!  Then the biggest surprise of all was  David Archuleta inviting Jonah to sing with him at half-time.  Jonah was adorable...  I cried during the performance! It was so endearing.  From hearing Jonah singing the song over and over and over, over the year...and then finally he gets to meet David and sing it with him at the stadium...it was just so amazing!  His wish came true!  HE totally deserved those wonderful two days. He is such a fabulous little boy! 

After I went to dinner with Audra, Dalene, Melissa, Darren and Mindy.  We had a great time and got to see the news and Jonah was on it! It was brilliant!

On Sunday, I enjoyed a quiet morning and decided to call up my friend Evie to go grab a tea! We ended up meeting at Oasis and enjoyed the afternoon talking for about 2 1/2 hours.  It was time well spent as we were able to really catch up and enjoy one another's company! She's amazing and has so many wonderful things happening in her life.  She's truly an inspiration to me!

That same night Melo returned home.  I was so happy! He was so anxious to just relax, so we just bumbed around and went to bed.  I can't blame him as he drove straight through and was pretty pooped! 

The next day he had some things to do in the morning and I jetted off to work.  I actually had an appointment to go to the Dr.'s for this dumb acid reflux that I've been battling with! I finally have a endoscopy scheduled and I hope we can get to the bottom of this terrible condition.  After I went back to work and then jetted to my Zumba! I love that my friend Cinthya got me started with Zumba...it is the best! Now Jessica, Evie and Teri are attending.  We have a lot of fun!  It was a fabulous class yesterday and I'm feeling it today! :)  After Melo brought me home dinner after attending the VIP reception for the Anne Frank Exhibition which just started.  I was suppose to attend, but I had to go to Zumba...can't miss that!  Ü 

Today I went to work at the University of Utah.  Virginia Tanner is getting ready for their Spring concert! The girls are all so cute and so excited to be performing in the next few weeks. I can't believe how fast time has gone this semester! It is crazy...but I have thoroughly enjoyed this semester up there playing the piano!  Today I could hardly wait until class ended as I was meeting up with my good friend Sally to get pedicures.  We thoroughly enjoyed it as we got to sit in massage chairs and have a little pampering done to our feet!  It was too fun! I now have purple toes!  It was a fun time catching up with Sally and just enoying the afternoon! She is the best!

I can't believe how this week flew, but it truly has been another great week! :)

Where does the time go!

I can't believe today is April 7. Where does the time go?  I enjoyed the weekend as we celebrated Easter.  No major events though.  I tried to listen to General Conference, but with work, etc., it was pretty hard.  We were to go over to my parent's house, but I decided not to attend as I just didn't plain feel like it.  Melo went to his Mom's house and had Easter dinner and was nice enough to bring me some dinner.  Ham is definitely one of my favorites!
Well the past week and a half has been flying.  Melo and I attended the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Convention on Friday.  Melo was presented with "Member of the Year!"  I am so proud of him.  He has worked so hard for the Chamber and I am so glad they have recognized all he has done for them.  He gave an excellent little speech and his presentation of the Don Quixote Awards went well! He and his crew did an excellent job.  So I went down and had a great lunch and hung out for a while and then went to teach piano that evening.  We basically crashed that night, since Melo has been working non-stop on that project.  It was good to actually see him for one full night! :)

On Staurday we attended India Night that our friend, Poonam put on.  What a fun night! They had some great musical artists, dancing and a fabulous fashion show that she put on! We actually were only going to go for a couple of hours, but the fashion show was pushed until almost the end of the night...so after watching and listening to all the artists from 8:45-12:00 a.m., we were pooped, but we had fun!

Monday night we had the pleasure of seeing Dianne Reeves at GAM.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lt4wjvTlXA.  She put on a sensational show that evening.  She was SPOT ON! I have never felt so much emotion from an artist.  She made me laugh, cry and sing! I actually had the opportunity to meet her and she signed my CD.  She is very inspirational and I am truly finding a deep appreciation for Jazz music.  It is the bomb!

Tuesday night, we also had the opportunity to see Little Dragon.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yedD4JsZyT0 WHOA!!!! After waiting for almost three hours for them to perform, (due to inclement weather, yes it snowed in April), they finally arrived and put on a superb concert!  I love Yukimi's voice and her energy.  She sang most of the songs that I wanted to hear and we had a great view of the show! Even Melo liked her.  It was a lot of fun and going to a concert during the middle of the week is such a rare thing to get to do, since I work almost every evening at the firm, so it was a real treat!

Today I started teaching a new piano student.  I am so excited that my studio is growing.  In the past, I have not had time to really involve myself with piano like I would like to, so I decided I am going to make time for it!  I now have 7 students.  It is so fun.  Each student is so different and I love that it keeps me on my toes and helps me with my self-confidence to know that I really can teach.  Ü

I am hoping to start private theory again with one of my old professors from the University of Utah.  She has been gracious enough to take me on privately and I am so excited! Watch out world...maybe I will be able to write some music after I get over my fear of theory! Ü

Other than that, this week has started out pretty well.  The days seem to be filled with a lot of different activities and new adventures.  Can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings. Ü

Highlights of the Month of March

I think I will try to elaborate more when I have time, but I was looking at my calendar, ready to change it and just wanted to highlight some fun and not so fun events that Melo and I have done this month.

We both attended the Camerata Awards Dinner to represent Daynes Music.  We had a fabulous time. From hob-nobbing with complete strangers, to eating a fabulous dinner and the listening to some excellent music we enjoyed ourselves very much!  What a fun night! That same night, we hiked up to the Union Building, (mind you I was in my highest of high black heels in the freezing, somewhat snowy night) to support our friend, Eduardo with his event to support Hispanic Business students and tried to dance the Cumbia...I think "someone" may need some lessons...Ü

I also attended a funeral this month of baby Zachary who was born on March 17, but sadly passed away.  I hope that the Lord continues to bless our friends as they mourn the loss of their little boy.  It made me realize how precious life truly is.

We also attended our friend, Cory's birthday party.  We ate great food at Squatters and hit the bowling alley, the Ritz.  It brought back so many memories for me as I used to spend my weekends there (my highs school days) dancing the night away to the sounds of the Cure, , Siouxsie and the Banshees and the ultimate Frankie Goes to Hollywood, ("the Power of Love"),etc.  Good times!  We had a blast!

Ruthie, one of my co-workers at Daynes finished her last week with us as she is getting ready to have her baby.  Emma Grace arrived March 30th!  We are so excited for her and David and I can't wait to see both of them.

We also celebrated one of our dearest friend's birthday, Dennis. Melo and Dennis have many years as great friends and we were so excited to spend our evening with their family and friends.  We went to Tuscany and had some great Italian food, and it was so nice to catch up with them.  We hope that we can spend more time with them once the weather gets better!

We also celebrated another birthday that same evening with some long time friends as well.  Kamillah turned 17 and was throwing a party!  Melo remembers her as a baby and can't believe how old she is getting.  Her parents threw her a FABULOUS party with a DJ, food, an oxygen bar and a little "mini" bar with yes...non-alcoholic drinks. Pamela and Cristian were fantastic bartenders.  What a great night!

Many more birthdays were celebrated this month, my niece Briana, my great friends, Jen Snow and Brigette and my brother! What a fun month!

I also caught up with my fabulous friend, Evie, who is the most incredible person I know.  We had dinner together and even though we have had so much time pass, it didn't even feel that way after we started talking.  I'm so blessed to have such a great friend like her.

Well I guess we're on to April...Bring it On! Ü