A friend recommended Starbuck's new drink, Salted Caramel Chocolate. It's on my list for things to-do on Thurs. Who's up for chatting it up with me over a free drink?
Starbucks is offering a buy-one-get-one free promotion on its holiday drinks, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m Thursday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 21. Plus, you can sign up for text-message offers from Starbucks that will be sent every day starting Dec. 1 for 12 days. Just text 12DAYS to 29943. .
Since my cousin, Liz, and I got tickets to the So You Think You Can Dance Finale (SYTYCD), we decided we had better go.I have always wanted to be a part of a reality show ending. These episodes seem to have a unique thrill of celebrating a contestant's win as confetti embraces the audience. It's an interesting phenomena.
Before we left, I contacted one of my favorite blogger for advice. (Her blog focuses on various filming locations for TV and movies.My favorite post of is when she received the opportunity to be part of the background on The Hills).With her nice response, she encouraged us to wake up early and wait around all day.
After a few thoughtful conversations, my cousin and I embarked mid-morning to get in line. After a normal El Lay drive, aka traffic monster, we arrived near the CBS Studios just before noon. We parked in a mall nearby and walked around the long block to where the SYTYCD line was forming. There were only 4 people in line so we decided to venture off for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.
Have I ever told how much I enjoy the Cheesecake Factory? Sure almost every item on the menu is bad for you, BUT every morsel of their food is so tasty--minus the cheesecake blech. Their motto should be "Whatever you order, it is guaranteed to be AMAZING!"
One semi-sweet moment was that we happened to end up at a table where it was our waiter's first day. It ended up being one of the longest lunches I have ever had! Once our checks came, our waiter mistakenly charged too much. We noticed it and mentioned it to him, and about a half hour later the total was fully corrected. Much of this time was due to having a managers first day as well, and they had to learn how to issue a refund together.
After a crazy good lunch we took a walk back to the CBS studios, past the signs for the Price is Right, and Betty White's hit, Hot in Cleveland. When we got into the line we ended up being the 15th person in line.To keep ourselves occupied, Liz had brought a mock up book titled "Putting Christ in Christmas." The book helped us become temporary friends with the people next to us for the next few hours. The friendly Dad from San Diego looked at the title, and asked where I fellow-shipped. We then enjoyed a conversation about Christ, the holiday season, and the fact that SYTYCD is a decent family show.
After a few hours of waiting in line, moving through security and more waiting, we were ushered into the studio! Once in, I shuffled, danced, and sang to top 40 songs while we waited for everyone to be placed according to height and looks. Then many "aha moments" took place:
Turns out all the young people (50 of 'em) in front of the stage are from various dance studios in Los Angeles.
The stage is about half the length and width of a high school auditorium stage.
The studio is not fond of tall people. We were moved from a pretty close spot, to the end of the audience. Then we were told to stand against the bleachers where the choreographers sit. With only a few feet away, I waved to Travis and Nappytabs. We were then given permission to be seat fillers. The show had started and we were rushed to sit in in the bleachers between Lauren and Kent's family. PRIME spot! After a few minutes, additional family members arrived and we were ushered down to the audience floor in the very back.
Cat Deeley: Tall, great energy, genuine, and 100% my favorite host! Stood behind me for a bit.
Nigel Lythgoe loves to have total control on his show. Before the little tapper danced, he told us not to cheer because it messes him up. It was somewhat awkward when he later tried to get us to cheer for him. Perhaps he forgot what he had mentioned to us???
Once Lauren was the winner, someone opened her Gatorade bottle and in typical sports celebration, gave her a shower. Once the show wrapped, we all chanted, "Lauren! Lauren!" It was quite fun!
I really enjoyed seeing the opening number with all the contestants. My favorite routines happened to be the Travis Wall routines, specifically the following one. I love the haunting melody, the intense story of betrayal, and it the high flying talents of the dancers.
Clip of How it Ends:
I really loved being apart of one of my favorite tv shows, not to mention the finale. Now I just need to find my bucket list so I can cross off attending a reality show!
This is by far one of my favorite songs ever, and I have debated when I should post it, but All I am going to say is I love to dance. Please watch the following videos:
From my Music Video Shoot because I am so happy (thanks to my filming friend who is always the best at filming ideas, and laughing at my awkwardness) :
From the concert on Monday night (Song: I Want You Back covered by the Colbie Caillat):
Summer has a vibe and feeling associated to it. I tend to think of it as comfy, cool and relaxed. I love flip flops, shorts, and the summer sun shining as you are outside. It has a rhythm that takes you to good times, and creates the beat which flares up the summer heat.
I love to drench my body in the sun, as I read a "beach novel," or look around at the crowd in my sunglasses while I jive to music.
I just love summer and am somewhat sad that it is more than halfway over.
In my own opinion, Rihanna is one of the best performers in the music industry (No she is not the best singer, dancer, or musician, but a sincere performer). I think this video proves it, if it doesn't make you go, "WOW! I wish I was there!" Then we might have a little problem.
Also to note. Sunday School was atrocious. I felt like I was teaching a history lesson, and it's not easy doing that in front of thirty, 20 year olds. I would just like to thank those that participate, and those that attempted to focus. Mad Props to all you teachers out there.
Thanks Rihanna, Interestingly enough what you might think this song is about, you don't.
Anywho I have the "Question Existing," based on several experiences I had tonight:
1) I got out of work tonight and start driving, and hear the Thud, Thud, Thud rolling behind me. I get out and sure enough I have a flat tire. I started getting angry and frustrated, because I;
A) Don't Remember how to change the tire.
B) Was really looking forward to the dance.
C) Just wanted to get out of the windy cold (I work out in the West side of New York, Utah!)
So thankfully I called a friend and received numerous tidbits of advice on what to do... Several, tidbits, and they were patient the entire time, and didn't appear frustrated.... To which I am thankful, and must learn from them.
After changing the tire I roll out of the parking lot, and start driving past the spanish mall, Ghetto, and the back roads.
I eventually make it home, when I get a call to change a physical feature. I got pissed... I immediately hung up the phone and cut off the conversation. I felt much like a backstabbing Brutus to Caesar, "Et Tu Brutus?"
The fact of the situation is that I secretly want to change my hair color, and its on my list, but I have had enough change in the past week, and feeling tired from it.
The biggest change this past week is that I decided I finally felt comfortable "in this skin" but really am starting to feel the opposite.
So on and on, the tire keeps rolling, and occasionally we all get stuck with a flat. Take time to change it, and you will be able to keep rolling onto your destination.
