barefooton45th.com » music

11 Simple Things

Lesley — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:20:06 +0000

try: to say “no” more often, even if the opportunity is a great one

see: the baby birds in our trees

taste: beer battered asparagus

listen: to Carrie Underwood, LIVE, at Arco in May (!)

visit: my own backyard for a little bit of springtime R&R

start: riding my bike to work again

stop: living in the past or the future

organize: my spring wardrobe, which is currently packed in the linen closet

read: Good Night and God Bless (and then hope I can plan a trip to Europe)

play: on my skateboard

learn: flower arranging or photography. Anyone want to buy me a DSLR? No?

This exercise is borrowed from my friend Janna, who blogs here. Thanks Janna!

Best of 2009

Lesley — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:14:47 +0000

It’s become a tradition to recap my year’s bests. As usual, this list is not necessarily books or music that debuted in 2009, bur rather things I enjoyed in 2009 for the first time. Each year I add or delete certain sections. This year I deleted the “Best Moments” category only because I’ve already mentioned most of our best moments in other places on this blog. Please add some of your favorites from any category in my comment section OR create your own post and leave me a link!

Best of 2009 Reads

Shanghai Girls- Lisa See

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society- Mary Anne Shaffer

Celebration of Discipline- Richard Foster

For Women Only- Shaunti Feldhahn

Best of 2009 Movies/TV

Julie and Julia

Invictus

The Blind Side

Young@Heart

Gran Torino

Slum Dog Millionaire

Glee

Best of 2009 Music

Lord of Lords-Hillsong

Say Hey, I Love You- Michael Franti

Have a Little Faith- Michael Franti

Single Ladies- Beyonce

We Got Love-Ryan Shaw

Use Somebody- Kings of Leon

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Glee cast

Magnificent- U2

Love- Matt White

*Thank you Amy, Anne and Matt for introducing me to some of these songs.

Best of 2009 Websites

www.Etsy.com

www.YoungHouseLove.com

www.farmandafryingpan.com

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/women/

Bonus section: Things I’m anticipating in 2010

Erin and Mike’s wedding

The arrival of all 41 babies

Matt’s graduation

Fourth annual summer camping trip

Scott and Lauren’s wedding

Getting a dog (Jonathan?!?! PUH LEASE?)

Archives:

Best of 2006, Best of 2007, Best of 2008

The Man Behind the Memories

Lesley — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:46:34 +0000

Thanks to Michael Jackson, and my dad, I started break dancing at 3 1/2 years old. We have home videos in our living room, MJ and Bruce Springsteen records play in the background, as my dad lays Scott and I on the wood floor, takes our legs and spins us like a Twister dial. My brother and I usually loved this game, except for the one time when I, Sissy, turned a little too sissy and began to cry. No surprise there.

As soon as Allison was out of her high chair, she joined in the fun. When I was maybe ten years old, my parents bought a VHS tape that highlighted some of Michael’s best music videos. We watched that tape many, many times. Looking back, our Michael Jackson obsession might have been somewhat concerning odd to other parents. While their children were watching Bambi, our eyes were glued to MJ as he grabbed his crotch, hiccuped and moonwalked his way into our hearts. It wasn’t until we were older that we began to realize just how odd the King of Pop really was. The VHS tape got lost somewhere (or, perhaps damaged from too much play) and we grew used to the fact that the music superstar wasn’t quite as amazing as he used to be.

Last Christmas, Allison found our favorite video collection of music videos, and had the DVD shipped from Indonesia. We sat around on Christmas Day and watched the entire thing. I could still remember my favorite parts–the Jackson 5 performance, his odd moves during Rock with You, and the Beat It music video. As we watched, I found myself saying, “Oh oh oh! Here it comes- this is my favorite part!” It was as if no time had passed.

When Michael died last June, I was in Murrietta for Katie’s wedding weekend. Very early that next morning I drove to Orange County to take my dad out to breakfast. Every radio station I’d grown up with was playing his songs and remembering his great moves. I jumped from station to station, remembering different parts of my childhood as I went. Michael may have received way too much attention in the next few months, but I believe many people felt the way I did- we weren’t remembering the man, but the memories he’d created.

Last night, J0nathan and I saw This is It. I’m glad we did. The movie reminds me of the Michael we loved–the dancer, the singer, the entertainer. He was an odd man, who grew stranger as the years went by. While I don’t idolize him one bit, I am thankful for his music and dancing. Because what would any good school dance or wedding be without a little MJ?

(photo: My sister, Allison, and our parents dance to Thriller at Katie’s wedding while I laugh. Photo credit to Erica B.)

Oh, you look so beautiful tonight.

Lesley — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:25:02 +0000

After six months of eager anticipation, here we are at the Rose Bowl watching U2 perform the largest concert in the stadium’s history. Close to 100,000 fans packed out the stadium for a two-and-a-half hour concert broadcast around the world on YouTube.

I told you in April that I’d be blogging about the concert as soon as it was over. I’m writing this on only a few hours of sleep–because it took us three hours to get out of the stadium and back to Orange County. In the background tonight I have the YouTube concert streaming so I can catch all the little things I wasn’t able to see last night. Our seats were amazing, but, still not quite close enough to see some of the emotion you can pick up on camera.

What I loved the most about last night was the energy in the crowd. There is nothing like singing with 100,000 other people, nothing like seeing the hands waving in unison, and nothing like the beating that takes over your entire body. There’s nothing like watching the Dad in front of us as he continued to jump up and down, much to the amusement of his teen daughters. There’s nothing like hearing Amazing Grace float over and out, into the sky, and hearing the sounds of thousands join in. There were moments where I found myself worshipping God..thankful that I could do so, and praying that others might be moved to do the same. That statement will sound dramatic if you’ve never been to a U2 concert, but, I’m being honest!

Here we are with our concert buddies- Lori and Dan. We tailgated with a few other Westmont alums, then hid out in the car afterwards to eat pumpkin pie until the crowds thinned out. If you’re jealous, don’t worry. Tickets go on sale soon for Summer 2010 tour. Anaheim anyone?

One Love, One Life, One Need in the Night

Lesley — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:27:00 +0000

I contribute, and give credit to, the hand of God for bringing Jonathan and I together during our early years of college. I also might credit Bono. Don’t call me a heathen. God can work through people, right?

My love for U2 stems from my Dad, who would play their songs at a loud volume on Saturdays when he did yard work. It became a soundtrack on family drives back from Mammoth. Me, the ever contemplative one, would sit with my head turned back to the looming Mammoth Mountain as we began our descent down the hill towards Bishop. U2 would sing their soft melodies as I was sappily thinking about growing older. Even as a nine year old I was probably already conjuring up this blog post (note: sarcasm).

Back to my love story. Our sophomore year at Westmont (in the fall month’s leading up to Winter Formal, in the midst of Old Testament tutoring sessions and watching Home Alone…stop laughing, God works in mysterious ways okay?), Jonathan and I discovered our mutual love for one of the biggest bands of all time: U2. Together with our friend Rob Hughes, we bought three tickets for their All That You Can’t Leave Behind tour. At the last minute, Rob backed out. I remember panicking. An entire afternoon and evening, alone, in a car, with Jonathan. Was this a date?

If it was a date, I made a horrible one. We sat in pouring rain and traffic for four hours as we inched from Santa Barbara to the Staples Center. I think I made us stop three times to use the bathroom. Jonathan was blunt every time that my stops were not in his travel plan. We grabbed In-N-Out, scooted in at the last minute, and settled into the arena for the show of a lifetime.

I believe this one single night may have sealed the deal for two friends who’d eventually become lovers. The lights dimmed, the lighters came out, the roar overtook the room, and we couldn’t help but give each other giddy smiles the entire night. It was just weeks after September 11th, and in honor of that day U2 played “One” with a backdrop of every single name of every single victim who died that day.

Afterwards, the rain had stopped. We got into my Pontiac Sunbird, put the top down, blasted U2 and the heater, and sped up the coast back to Santa Barbara. Nothing has really been the same since. Well, except for the fact that we’re still buying U2 tickets. In six months we’ll be concert goers again along with 90,000 other fans (and, ironically, Rob and his wife) as we see U2 present their only California concert at the Rose Bowl. Can it get any better than that?

You can expect a full blog report immediately following the night. And, if you’re like my husband and you think this posting was simply to brag that we got tickets, you’re wrong! Sorta.

p.s. If you’re going to this concert, leave me a comment. I’m already planning a tailgate party.

The 15 Minute Blog

Lesley — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:13:00 +0000

I just told Jonathan that I really wanted to blog tonight but ran out of time. I filled my evening with much more important things like: working until 7:00pm, eating dinner, and watching 24. (LOVE IT. Such a good season).

Jonathan said, “Why don’t you just do a 15 minute blog tonight?” To which I replied, “Great idea!” I don’t think he realizes that most of my blogs usually only take about 15 minutes.

Here are a few things that I’ve been pondering/doing/planning/considering/and occupied by:

Counting down… the days until Jonathan graduates (and filling my time ordering invitations, finding a cheap caterer, and thinking about centerpieces).
Working… a lot more than usual, as part of the company’s new idea to work a “Second 40.”
Reading… a Celebration of Discipline with my girl’s bible study (my new Tuesday night activity, since say goodbye to my Pakistani friends). The book is REALLY good, and is making me thinking about my faith in ways that I never have before. It’s transformative, challenging and so good for me.
Listening to…Lord of Lords by Hillsong. Amy sent us girls a link to this video which touched my heart last week.
Going to … Angel’s Camp for a one- night spontaneous getaway with Jonathan before life gets crazy for the next 3-4 months. I love him so much.
Learning… as much as I can about social media so that I can start delivering trainings to our clients.
Getting back… on the bike for my commute. I’ve missed it! Happy for warm weather again!
Praying for… Jeff and Nicole’s baby, Taylor, and praising God for the ways he’s worked in her little body the last month.
Looking forward to… Santa Cruz weekend with Lori!

Night Night!

Pride.

Lesley — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:25:00 +0000

“This is not just an American dream, but also an Irish dream, a European dream, an African dream … an Israeli dream and a Palestinian dream,” Bono said in the middle of U2′s performance of their 1984 hit “Pride (In the Name of Love).” (MTV)

(Lovin’ my three day weekend / celebrating MLK Day / anticipating Tuesday morning’s festivities. Are you?)

Best of 2008

Lesley — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:00:00 +0000

In keeping with my yearly tradition, here is (in my opinion) the BEST of 2008. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, See you in 2009!!

Best of 2008 Reads
The Last Chinese Chef- Nicole Mones
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan- Lisa See
Clear Blogging: How People Blogging are Changing the World and How You Can Join Them- Bob Walsh
Water for Elephants- Sara Gruen
Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life- Shauna Niequist
The Reason for God- Timothy Keller

Best of 2008 Movies
21
Baby Mama
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Dark Night

Marley & Me

Best of 2008 Music
I Will Possess Your Heart- Death Cab for Cutie
Lovers in Japan- Coldplay

Love Story- Taylor Swift

Best Websites in 2008
http://www.picnik.com/
http://www.zazzle.com/
http://www.worldwideopen.org/
http://www.goodreads.com/
http://informedin08.blogspot.com/

Best Moments of 2008
Toasting Allison on her graduation
Kayaking the river with Matthew and Jonathan
Sitting on the beach in Cape Cod
Finding out Amy was pregnant
Walking around rainy Boulder with the girls
Getting up on a wakeboard, and staying up
Finishing a half marathon in under two hours
Sajida passing her test
Jonathan being offered a job

Katie Miller getting engaged in Hawaii!

Things I’m Anticipating in 2009
Movies: Time Traveler’s Wife, The Lovely Bones
Music: U2, No Line on the Horizon
Books: Outliers, Malcom Gladwell (already out, just need to buy it)
TV: 24 is back on January 11th

Purchases: A new laptop!
Moments: Inauguration 2009, Anne’s new baby, Jonathan’s graduation, Katie’s wedding

** This list is not necessarily music, movies or websites that debuted in 2008, but rather things that I enjoyed for the first time in 2008. Any to add?

Best Modern Christmas Songs

Lesley — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000

Christmas has arrived. I don’t doubt you’re anticipating the return of favorite carols, cookies and movies. Over the course of December I’ll be posting a series of my favorites, just to get in the spirit of the season. Up first…

Best Modern Christmas Songs:

Santa Claus is Coming to Town- Ray Charles (Because who doesn’t love Ray Charles?)
All I Want for Christmas is You- Mariah Carey (Because as mentioned previously, it’s the ultimate shower singalong)
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear- Josh Groban (Because the song is absolutely 100% gorgeous. Seriously. Download it.)
Song for a Winters Night- Sarah MacLachlan (Because my roommates made me listen to this song nonstop over Christmas 2001 and I grew to love it.)
What Christmas Means to Me- Hanson (Because I’ve danced in a parking lot to this song with…well…you know who you are girls.)
New York Christmas- Rob Thomas (Because I’m reminded of my engagement four years ago)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Coldplay (Because in case you haven’t noticed this last year, I’m obsessed with them.)
Christmas All Over Again- Tom Petty (Because it was on the Home Alone soundtrack. See next week for more on my obsession with Home Alone.)

Next week: favorite Christmas movies

News in the world of music

Lesley — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Tired of reading my blogs on Chris Martin/Coldplay. Oh, don’t worry. 2009 is all about U2. We got in the U2 mood this weekend by watching the 1988 “Rockumentary” called “Rattle & Hum.” It was pretty much awesome.

Bono on their new album– now due in early 2009:

“We’ve hit a rich songwriting vein. It gets a bit dark down here but looks like we’ve found diamonds not coal. I thought a while back we might have the album wrapped by now, but why come up above ground now if there’s more priceless stuff to be found? … I’m always the one who underestimates how easy it is to simply ‘put out the songs now.’ If it was just up to me they’d be out already! But early next year people will be able to start hearing what we’ve been doing. We want 2009 to be our year, so we’re going to start making an impression very early on.”

Apparently, the band has up to 40 tracks they’ve recorded…not all of which (obviously) will make the new album.

U2′s legendary producer, Steve Lillywhite, claims the band’s eagerly-awaited new album will be their BEST ever.