Saturday Night & Labor Day!

Happy Saturday night, everyone, Happy Labor Day Weekend! I hope you're having fun closing out Summer 2010, but please remember,do not drink and drive. It's neither safe nor fair to you or anyone else. And it's just not worth it.

I have to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY (tomorrow) to my mother-in-law! I have the best mother-in-law and I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful, strong woman who works with me, and supports me and her son--both individually and together. Happy Birthday, mom--here's to many more, we love you!

Right now, I'm drinking a delicious cup of Hot Mint Tea w/ Honey--so delicious and relaxing!

I'm also watching shows I had recorded on the DVR, I love that DVR--literally, I think it's one of the best inventions since the Internet. Sure, back in the day (20 years) when I was a kid, we COULD and I DID record a lot of shows on the VCR--but you had buy the tapes, program them in advanced, set everything JUST right and pray to God it taped. LOL! This DVR is MUCH better!

At the moment, I'm watching the ABC Special "CMA Music Fest" and it so neat! I'm really glad that I've made a concious decision to return to my old hobby of Country Music. As you all know, for well over 20 years now, I've made it a huge part of my life! When I met Colin and got married, however, I kind of gave it up a bit. I still listened to country radio and I got HIM listening to country music (I always convert everyone--well actually, I don't, the music does, I just help it along!), but as far as knowing who and what was happening in the Country Music World, I didn't really know. Now, I do again and it's nice. I was always "Country When Country Wasn't Cool" and although I love all music now--in part thanks to Colin, truly--my heart is Country man. No two ways about it.

Right now, Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker are singing a song "Damn It Feels Good To Me" and it's really good. It's funny how two former non-country acts can sound MORE country than some country artists today. I have ALWAYS liked Uncle Kracker, he has a great voice and did a duet with Kenny Chesney a few years back called "When the Sun Goes Down". Uncle Kracker's song "Follow Me," is holds special significance for me. I won't say why, but it just does. So I've always liked him. It's funny, his current country hit "Smile" is so cool, and along with that and Train's (non-country) hit "Hey, Mr. Mr." it's like 2002 all over again. The year that I graduated High School and the summer following my graduation, it was "Drops of Jupiter" and "Train" ALL THE TIME on non-country radio. And this Summer of 2010, they're all over the radio again. I've always liked Train too. Anyway, this song by Uncle Kracker and Kid Rock is really neat. "If you don't like me that's okay, I ain't gonna let it ruin my day. I got no good reason why, Damn It Feels Good To Be Me....I got it all figured out, I got no worries that I'm worried about and if I got called crazy--happy to be--damn it feels good to be me." That's just cool!

Truth is, I have plenty of worries, we all do. But I'm getting better at not worrying myself into oblivion. Planning helps, worrying, not so much. And no, I don't have it all figured out, but I'm getting there. I'm figuring more and more out every single day. And that's all I can ask for.

I was thinking last night that with the changes going on in my life this year--losing Nellie, my father being so ill, my grandmother almost dying a time or two, Colin's illnesses, even with all that, 2010 has still been pretty good. I've had fun, I've truly enjoyed many things over the last 9 months or so. I've learned how to stand up for myself, how to take care of myself and how to take care of others. I was thinking last night that this could either be the year I almost lost a lot--and did lose a little (Nellie Marie) or it could be the year that I finally learned to let go.The choice is mine. The art of acceptance and letting go--it's a much needed lesson. I've not decided yet which it is, but I am getting there. I'll keep you posted.

Anyway, aside from Uncle Kracker and Kid Rock I was just watching Reba and you know, that woman is amazing! Truly, I know that word is SO overused--not EVERYTHING is amazing but Reba IS! That lady has done it ALL and it JUST dawned on me that she has been around my WHOLE life! Literally. She won her first CMA Award in 1984, I was an infant back then. There has never been a time in my lifetime, that Reba has not been around! And she's still kickin'! I have to say that she's the ultimate living legend for my generation. And all of my idols--Trisha, Martina, Wynonna--they all wanted to be like Reba for good reason! :) Here's to you, Reba!

So, as you can tell, my love affair with Country Music has been rekindled in a big, big way--and I'm loving it!

I am spending THIS Saturday night the SAME WAY I spent many a Saturday night growing up! Back then, I watched "The Mandrell Sisters" show w/ Barbara Mandrell (and her sisters, of course) and "The Grand Ole Opry Live". Yep, most kids were out with their friends having sleepovers--and I did have a few now and then. But, most Saturday nights, you'd find me with my TV Tray (and yes I have one tonight), yummy dinner and good ole country music viewing pleasure! It was cool--and it still is!

I've noticed that truly, the more things change the more they stay the same. I've also noticed that life is pretty much a game of "now or later." As much as I try and stay in the "now" because I believe it's incredibly important for peace, solitude and sanity--sometimes you do have to deal with the "later". You HAVE to plan a little bit--not worry yourself sick over the "what if," stuff...but balancing the two is just as important of learning to live in the now. Life will never be perfect, or even easy, but it is what you make it. I have learned to enjoy the "now," to live in the moment, cherish the little things and usually make the best of anything. I can't quite figure out to put this, so I'll just stop here, think about it a few days and write about it later. See, I'm choosing to not write about it now, so I'll write about it later--ha ha!

Moving on....

Oh, Hello Mr. Urban! (Still watching CMA Fest) Wow, that Keith Urban just gets better and better! I could look at him all day! But, he's not just nice to look at--he can sing, write and play guitar better than most people I've ever heard. Even Vince Gill admires Keith's guitar playing and that's saying something! When I got to see Keith in concert last year it was SO COOL! He puts on a fantastic show, really entertains and crosses genres flawlessly. He has respect for all music and I respect that about him. Sure, he's not always the most "country" country artist--but like me, he always comes back to it. He does A LOT of folk-sounding stuff as well as breakdown bluegrass stuff. He can do it all and does it all so damn well! Did I mention he's gorgeous? Yeah, watching him on TV any day has gotten to brighten your day a little--at least it brightened mine! LOL!

Now, I'm watching Martina McBride. I have to admit, I didn't always like her. In fact, I kind of used to not "get her"--at all. I don't know why, she's always been the epitome of a lady and a total vocal powerhouse. Today, she's one of my most favorites! But, it wasn't really until 1998 came and Martina put out a song called "Broken Wing" and holy cow--I've been a HUGE fan of hers ever since! Tim McGraw--the host of the show tonight--introduced her and called her one of his best friends. I know him and Faith ARE very close with Martina and her husband, John. Both couples have 3 daughters, share the music business as their form of employment and they all grow up in the South. So, yeah, of course they're close friends. My favorites Wynonna and Billy Dean are also close friends. So are Vince Gill and Reba. It's so neat knowing that all these artists I grew up listening to and still love and adore are actually friends with each other in real life. I'd LOVE to be a fly on the wall at ANY dinner they were having together. I'm just sayin'. I really like this song of Martina's "Wrong Baby Wrong," it's so true and man that girl can SING! WOW! Plus, shes' not much bigger than I am--that big voice comes out of a tiny 5.2" classy lady--it's quite cool! :)

So, today was a good day. I had a meeting at work and it went really well. I really appreciate that our bosses really appreciate us. At every meeting, and usually once a week or so, we get a "Thank You," and it's so nice to hear. I mean, they're our bosses and that is our job--but they say "Thank You" anyway and I just love it. It's nice to be appreciated and I respect anyone who is humble enough, and generous enough, to show and share their gratitude with others. It is so cool and very encouraging. It makes me want to do my job and do it well. I don't do it for praise, but hey, having bosses that show their appreciation beats the heck out of bosses who NEVER say anything nice. I am so blessed!

Oh, by the way, the BEST part about DVR's--being able to fast forward through the commercials! Fabulous!

Anyhow, I've wanted to write a lot in last 8 days or so, but I just haven't. I want to write about a lot of different things, but not just yet.

I'm choosing what I say on here quite carefully again.

I really just wanted stop in and write something--anything. I had no agenda for this entry and while it's probably not my best entry, hey, at least I wrote one!

I did want to mention that over the last week I got to see "Jersey Boys" the musical on the Strip. Great show, not worth $120 a ticket, but worth the pair of shoes we donated to get the tickets (Locals Special). If I was older, I probably would've been way more into it (even though I feel about 40 most days, I'm not.) The Four Seasons were a little before my time. I enjoyed it none the less, though. I also got to go to the Las Vegas History Museum and smell real Northern Nevada Sagebrush. Oh it was positively bliss full. I teared up, 'cause that's the kind of sap I am. But, the sage brush here in Southern Nevada smells different than the Sagebrush up in Northern Nevada where I'm from. So, being able to smell authentic Northern Nevada Sagebrush was like being home again--it was an instant memory kicker and it was so wonderful! All of the exhibits were so fun and fascinating and very well put together, but the Nevada Exhibit was my favorite. People tend to overlook my home state, and while I'll admit, it's in one hell of a pickle right now, I love that I was born and raised here. I'm proud of it. Nevada is very diverse and has a lot to offer, I'm glad I know it's history and most of all, I'm glad I got to smell the Sagebrush of my stomping grounds! I also got to hang with Sarah on Monday and that was fun, as always. She lives in a truly gorgeous, quiet part of town and we had a blast! It was so peaceful and serene up there, I loved it! Today, I went to the Outlet Mall and that was fun too! It's nice to get out of the house, but I really am a homebody. That's just me.

Anyway, time for bed. Yes, it's only 10:29pm, but I'm tired. Tomorrow (Sunday) is the day of rest, and I'm startin' early tonight!

Thanks for stopping by, y'all--and thank You, Lord, for a wonderful week--strength, courage, kindness, compassion, peace, quiet, abundant & delicious food, my home, my friends, my family and of course, Country Music!

Oh, in honor of both Labor Day and my awesome Country Music--I'll leave you with a song that signifies both. This song is what country music is all about--paying homage to the working class. It's called by "A Hard Hat and a Hammer" by the fantastic Mr. Alan Jackson, before I post the lyrics though, you can find the video here.

I also wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to all the hard workers out there, and even those that want to work (but can't find a job right now--it sucks, I know.) I love my country's work ethic, I love that I grew up having a work ethic instilled in me (thanks, Mama!) and I admire and appreciate everyone out there who works tirelessly. There is more to life than work, but work is a part of life. Together, workers are the backbone of this country.

So, here's me tipping my hat to all of you on this glorious Labor Day Weekend and here's another one of Alan Jackson's "gems":

All week long making a living
Life keeps takin', he keeps giving
Behind the scene, below the grade
Hardly noticed but part of everything

But there's nothing wrong with a hard hat and a hammer
Kind of glue that sticks this world together
Hands of steel and cradle of the Promised Land
God bless the working man.

Yes, indeed, God Bless the workin' man, and woman, and God Bless Us Everyone!!

In Light N' Love,
-Sarah Liz :)