Rockin' at the Winter Wonderjam 2010

Last night my good friend Amy and I headed down to Tucson for the Winter Wonderjam concert. After listening to an iPod full of music from the ar tiss who were playing during my trip to Anaheim last week, I was excited to see (and hear) them live. The bill included Chrinsntina Perri, Ryan Starr, Ingrid Michaelson, the Plain White Tees and Sarah Bareilles.

92.9 "the Mountain" made a good choice to open the show with Christina Perri. Her haunting and powerfil voice started it off with a bang, which carried throughot the concert. Her first hit "Jar of Hearts" is on the radio everywhere, and I'm sure the world will hear a lot more of her very soon. Amy and I quickly got in line to buy her EP and get her autograph. I told her that I would try to fit one of her songs onto my wedding playlist, but since most of them are broken- hearted messages and she begins recording her new album in January, her songs passing final selection is unlikely. Oh well. I will listen to them while im working out or something.

Ryan. Starr was okay. I felt like I'd seen him before. But he does have a spot on the P.S. I Love You soundtrack, so he scored points anywah.

Ingrid Michaelson was the best act of the night. If you haven't heard of her before, you've probably heard her music somewhere. Her songs are pkayed on Old Navy and Apple commercials. She has an awesome stage presence- so funny and endearing. In a moment of hilarity she shared with us that she recently had her toe nail removed - and that she kept it. Out of context - gross, but it was funny at the concert.

Has anyone noticed that the bass guitarist for the Plain White Tees looks like a young Zack Galakinakis? I kept looking for his satchel.

And of course, Sarah Bareilles was awesome. She has an upbeat way of sharing her attitude and breaking bad news. I love it!

The more concerts I go to, the more I think I was a groupie in another life...

Engagement

It was a dark and stormy night.

It was perfect!

Here’s What You Need to Know

• I am getting married to my favorite person, Matt Hubbard.
• He proposed in Disneyland in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle (and my whole family)
• I will be on cloud 9 until further notice

Our Engagement Story

The Lead-In

Last week, I headed to Anaheim for a vacation with my family at the Magic Kingdom. It was fun to see my nephews enjoy the park and to spend time with my parents, my brother and my sister-in-law. Disneyland during the holiday season is fantastic! It really felt like Christmas was all around. When I met up with them, my family had already been in Disneyland for 2 days. Originally, I thought that I had 2 days left at the resort, but then found that I had an extra 2 days with my 4 day pass.

Despite being the happiest place on earth, Disneyland is place best experienced with someone else. Since my family was leaving on Saturday morning, I called up matt to see if he wanted to spend the day with me.

The Coordination

Little did I know, Matt was on his way to the Diamond district in Los Angeles with his mom to pick out an engagement ring. His plan was to propose in the ensuing weeks, having taken my dad’s number from my phone and asking for his blessing.

It didn’t work out that way.

When I called Matt, he said that he had to work the next day, but that he would try and work something out. (He really did need to work and he really had to move things around.) For those who do not know Matt, he does not like crowds. When the park got crowded a few hours later, I called him to let him know. To my surprise, he didn’t mind. (He was picking out the ring at that moment.)

Around 3pm, my family had just sat down to lunch at Denny’s when matt called. He could make it! He said he would be in Anaheim around 12pm, and that he needed a place to stay. He asked that I hand the phone to my dad for hotel advice. Right there, with my dad sitting across the table from me, Matt explained the situation, told my dad the original plan and asked for his blessing.

From Matt’s end, the line was silent. Then my dad created the perfect phrase that simultaneously answered the affirmative and gave nothing away to his daughter, who was a foot away and completely clueless.

Dad came up with a random excuse to leave the table. Matt and dad then proceeded to orchestrate a series of events that dad would later deem “not difficult, because it was impossible”.

The Proposal

After three days straight of long activity, I was exhausted. I went to the hotel to get a few hours of sleep so that I could spend time with Matt when he got into town. When I woke up, plans had changed. We were meeting at Sleeping Beauty’s castle at 7:30 to take a family picture. Since we are not often all in the same place, this is not uncommon during family gatherings. I re-did my makeup and dressed warmly for the night.

I think everyone in L.A. came to Disneyland that night. Main Street USA was packed, and as we negotiated the strollers and my nephews through the crowds, music played and it started snowing. For the record, Disneyland is a magical place.

We found a discouraging surprise when the castle was roped off, and we were informed that we could take pictures in two hours. I asked my family what we were doing next. By this time, they already knew what was going on. Collectively, they said “Umm…I dunno.”

All of a sudden, Matt was there! And his mom! And then, a staff member came up to the other side of the rope and asked if we were ready. “For what?” I asked.

Matt escorted me to the other side of the rope and proposed. Time slowed down and sped up at the same time. My heart raced and my ears buzzed. In front of at least 10,000 people, the love of my life wanted to spend his life with me.

I’m a wordy person, but in these moments my brain just doesn’t work. I think I said yes, but I really don’t remember….in essence, I said something to that effect.

I am so grateful that everything worked out the way it did. Matt and I are so happy, and we have a great story. I’m glad my family (especially my dad) was involved. My ring is exactly what I wanted (and what Matt wanted too). The Lathrop family is small, but strong and Matt will be a robust and happy addition. I hope I have the same effect on matt’s family as well.

I could gush forever. For now, I’m signing out.