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.

What A Year!

So obviously I forgot I had a blog.

Whoops.

But you didn't miss much. All in all, I would prefer if this year was a blank entry. Had I written, you probably would have quickly tired of my negativity.

But everything is coming together now. I have to be proud of myself for getting through it all (and give lots of credit to Matt Hubbard, who saw me at my ugliest).

Though this summer is exhaustingly hot, I have a lot to be grateful for:

• My new nephew Bryson
• Matt's neice Lark, and soon-to-be-born nephew Orion
• An unofficial offer for a writing job
• A new zeal for writing
• A great trip to San Francisco
• My amazing boyfriend
• My fantastic roommate
• Supportive friends and
• My family, who never ever gives up on me

A Nice Day

About every 6 months or so, I take a day and do absolutely nothing. I'm usually pretty active, and a full day of unconscious bliss doesn't sound appealing. Occasionally however, the option to not answer to anyone or exert any effort toward anything; to recharge is the most appealing. Aside from a small efforts of Jenn and Alice to wake me, I remained in bed and asleep for most of the day. Tomorrow I will be back on my feet and living life. Until then, it's a lazy day.

Petsmart

Xerxes and I went to Petsmart yesterday, which was a far more crazy experience than I thought it would be. We hopped in the car, and it was a normal ride until we pulled into the parking lot.




From that point on he was pretty much jumping out of his skin. We got 2 toys: 1 long blue squishy squeaky dog, and a rattley scrunched up dog. He likes them both, but the blue one is his favorite.



I know he can't wait for Kennie and Aubree to get home, but I'm trying to be the best dog sitter ever. (And I promise, if I ever get a dog of my own, I will not put so many pics on my blog.)

Berxerxes

We're getting along great - me 'n Zerk. He goes nuts sometimes...when we see another person...when along dog is around...at 8am...when I get home from work...at 9PM...at 10PM...

He's funny when he plays.




And he got a new toy from Jenn. Crustacean! Say with a french accent.

House 'n Dog

I've come to the conclusion that life just doesn't slow down. I used to have a full day every week or so to recoup, organize: do what I wanted. Once I graduated from college, life gained momentum and now It's like a rock rolling down a hill, gaining speed momentum and excitement. On average I'm going from 5am to 10pm and then I crash.

As an update (I've been absent lately)
- I'm trying to lose 30 pounds
- working a lot
- busy all the time

Now for the adventure this week:

I'm housesitting for Kennie and Aubrey while they vacation in Oregon. It's a long drive from my place, but it's close to work and I get to play with Xerxes, their spunky dog.

I just got here a few hours ago and took some pics. When I got him to somewhat sit still.




I think he was happy to see me.


Sitting did the trick. He is a very photogenic boy!



This will be fun!