Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session: Post Break Up

Just keeping it real over here on all accounts.

First, it’s not Friday. But last Friday, my Wi-fi was down all day due to a crazy wind storm we had and this Friday I have a different post that I want to specifically post on that date. But hey, I definitely jam out other days of the week, so really, it works. #rebelyell

Second, I’m fully aware that it is a bit dramatic to create and share a playlist titled “Post Break Up,” but hey, unfortunately most of us need a playlist like this at point or another. You are welcome.

I’ve been adding songs to this list over the past couple of weeks and it was MUCH harder to keep it under a reasonable number than I thought it would be, which was silly to think because all artists have at least a handful of break up songs to their name. And really, I could have just made the list with only country songs… or only Taylor Swift songs.

So is this list a bit cheesy? Yes, because there was no way I was leaving Dolly out of it. And it is definitely full of angst (my teenage self would be so proud). But it is pretty well-rounded — meaning it covers every stage of a break up and quite a few different situations. So please note, I obviously don’t personally relate to every single song, quite a few are just songs that I enjoy and love to jam out to regardless of what they are about. Enjoy!

p.s. There are a few songs that are explicit, just FYI, if that’s not your thing. #sorrymom

What are you listening to lately?

See past Friday Jam Session posts HERE.

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session: Favorite Albums in 2017

I am SO EXCITED to bring back this series. Blogging is such a fun hobby for me and a way to both journal my life and exercise my writing skills outside of work, so in 2018 one of my goals is to blog more regularly. Friday Jam Sessions used to be some of my regular posts, but how I was doing them at the time — choosing one song to highlight for a bunch of different categories and writing a review for each — were just so time consuming so I eventually got out of the habit of doing them. But music and discovering new artists and tunes is still one of my favorite things and I missed sharing these posts. So now that I’ve become loyal to Spotify a few years ago, I am going to switch things up and share playlists I build on there around different themes. This is much easier for me to do because I listen to Spotify almost all day, everyday, regardless if I am at work, in the car or at home. And I’ve always had the habit of sorting songs into playlists based on moods or themes as I go. So right now I am aiming to get one of these posts up about every other week or so. Let me know if there is any particular theme you want me to feature!

See past Friday Jam Session posts HERE.

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To start us out, I decided to look back at 2017 and feature my favorite 10 full albums that were released that year. My music tastes stretch far and wide, but not surprisingly, artists that came out with full albums that I listened to over and over to, were almost all artists that I consider some of my all-time favorites. I decided to put three songs from every album on the playlist, which was NOT EASY. I should also note that Chris Stapleton technically came out with TWO new albums this year (because he’s amazing) but I counted them as one in this list…and still included three songs from each.

  • Ed Sheeran // Divide
  • Maren Morris // HERO
  • Chris Stapleton // From a Room Vol. 1 and 2
  • Logan Mize // Come Back Road
  • Harry Styles // Harry Styles
  • The Greatest Showman Soundtrack
  • Aaron Watson // Vaquero
  • Taylor Swift // reputation
  • Turnpike Troubadours // A Long Way From Your Heart
  • Halsey // hopeless fountain kingdom

A few playlist notes…

Halsey was a bit of a surprise to me because I don’t recall really liking much from her first album, but I really liked her sophomore album this year. Harry Styles’ freshman solo album solidified that his talents stretch far beyond his work with One Direction and I spent most of 2017 demanding that my friends listen to it. I was over the moon that Logan Mize finally gave us a new full album and proceeded to reminisce about all of his concerts I went to in college. My obsession with Ed Sheeran continues to know no limits and after discovering Maren Morris when her original EP came out a few years ago I have to remind myself that she’s still considered a new artist. After listening to him a bit in college, Aaron Watson shot up my list when I finally caught one of his concerts back in September and was kicking myself for having missed out on more of his music for so long. Maybe its because we’re the same age and I feel like I’ve grown up with her, but I’m still a shameless fan of Taylor, and after being a little concerned about LWYMMD as the first single off the new album, the rest of it was everything that it should be. Turnpike Troubadours has such a distinct sound, and I finally made it to one of their concerts for the first time, which only solidified my love for their music. Chris Stapleton’s sound continues to memorize me and I will never be able to wrap my mind around the fact that he spent so many years writing for other people before making it on his own. I FINALLY saw him live in concert this past year, and he is even so much better live — if that is possible. Finally, I couldn’t not mention the album that seems like everyone can’t stop talking about, and that is The Greatest Showman soundtrack. The movie was SO GOOD and the soundtrack has been on loop in my car for weeks. I think I know every word to every song by now.

I am sure that I forgot or overlooked a few albums,  but I did have these others on my list when I was planning this post, so I suppose they deserve honorable mention.

  • Little Big Town // The Breaker
  • Thomas Rhett // Life Changes
  • Old Dominion // Happy Endings
  • Grace VanderWaal // Just The Beginning
  • Demi Lovato // Tell Me You Love Me

And these are artists with albums coming in 2018 that are on my radar so far that I am looking forward to.

  • Dierks Bentley
  • Vance Joy
  • Justin Timberlake
  • Kacey Musgraves
  • Twenty One Pilots
  • Brothers Osborne

What are you listening to lately?

Capture

So There's That Series

So There’s That Vol. 24

{Sort of like  a “Friday Five”  or a “Life Lately” except it’s probably not Friday, and I gave up on the idea of a catchy alliteration. These are some bits and pieces of my not-so-glam 20-something life. See past posts HERE}

Catching up again before I go home for some vacation time! Stay tuned… there will be lots of posts and pictures to share later in August!

Sawyer June

My new baby cousin Sawyer June joined the family on July 13 and I wrote this little love letter to her that you can read here.

Since then, my favorite Snapchats and texts are ones with her little face in them. I am SO EXCITED to finally get to meet her in 3 DAYS!

National Harbor

A few weekends ago in July, this guy and I spent a lazy Sunday exploring National Harbor (which is maybe 25 minutes south of where I live.) We had a great day window shopping, people watching and of course trying some yummy food and drinks. I had never been down there before and didn’t know there was so much! Definitely a place to keep in mind for a staycation.


Write It Like a Love Letter

http://allisonfallon.com/love-letter/

Almost everything that this gal writes leaves me deep in thought and shaking my head in strong agreement. She describes a relationship with words and writing that I’ve always sought after and this piece linked above discusses approaching writing in a way that I really understand. If writing isn’t your interest, keep moving, but if it is, I’d suggest reading this.

New Hair

The hair was getting a bit unhealthy so it was about time for a major chop. To be honest, I’m not in love with it when I wearing my natural curl (not pictured), but it does feel a lot healthier and it will grow back!

Chris Stapleton

Since I moved to the DC area 2.5 years ago, Chris Stapleton has performed nearby TWICE while I was out of town for work. He has been at the top of my “must-see” list for a while now, so when my friend Emily said he was performing at Jiffy Lube Live the night before I went on a work trip, there was no way I was missing out again.

Friends, I spent the next couple of days DEAD TIRED, but it was SO WORTH IT.

The sign of a great artist is when they sound better live than they do on their album. I am so glad that Emily was fangirling as much as me, because we both could hardly make it through one song without talking about how good he was again. If you are a fan, I highly recommend seeing him in concert!

Right as the opening song began, it started to DOWNPOUR for about 5 minutes or so, and then stopped. We huddled under my blanket that was waterproof on one side and turned out about the best we could.

Staying Present

Earlier this month I shared some thoughts on “Staying Present.” I can’t say that I am a pro at it, but thinking out loud like that has certainly help me be a bit more intentional and self-disciplined.

I also shared about how awesome getting “Shine Texts” are, and had SO MANY people tell me that they signed up for them because of my post! Enjoy!

Fist Bumps

I couldn’t get this video from CNN to embed correctly but if you need a smile today, I definitely suggest clicking the link below. Too cute!

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Utah – Ag Media Summit


I failed to get any pictures with other humans, but the location for this year’s Ag Media Summit was not too shabby. I am not a winter sports gal, but I would definitely return to Snowbird, UT, for the views alone.

New Music from Logan Mize

My favorite artist FINALLY has a new full album out! You can bet I listened to it 3 times through before 10 am on its release day last week. The song above is my favorite so far but they are all so good. I lost count of how many of his shows I saw in college (5 or 6??) so I want him to come to the DC area so bad!

Visitor


I have been practically counting down the seconds to my vacation for a while now so it was nice to see a familiar face from Eastern Oregon last week to hold me over. Beth has been a high school ag teacher and FFA adviser from another school in my home FFA district since I was probably in middle school. Since my own Dad was an ag teacher for 14 years, many other Oregon ag teachers tend to be family friends. Beth was always so kind and supportive to me as a student, so when she was in town with kids to attend the Washington Leadership Conference, I was happy that we had the chance to chat a bit over dinner.

I also tagged along when her group visited the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. I have been a lot of places in DC but this was actually a first for me, which is a bit embarrassing since it is only about 4 miles from my apartment!

Out and About

A few snippets (and Snapchats) of life lately.


My favorite little guy Wesley Ray is getting a baby sister in December!

My Life in Memes

Memes that are speaking to me right now… both thought provoking and just plain funny.

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So, There’s That.

Cheers!

So There's That Series

So There’s That Vol. 15

{Sort of like  a “Friday Five”  or a “Life Lately” except it’s probably not Friday, and I gave up on the idea of a catchy alliteration. These are some bits and pieces of my glam #postgradlife. See past posts HERE}

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1. Hokie Country

Man, I am tired.
I was planning on getting this “So There’s That” out LAST Friday before my weekend started, but here I am on the following Thursday and struggling to wrap it up.
This past weekend I road tripped down to Blacksburg, VA, home to Virginia Tech, to visit my good friend Chelsea.
Chelsea and I lived together at Smurthwaite Scholarship House for two years at K-State and she was my “big sis” in the house. I have always felt so lucky because while some big and little sis pairs do not really connect, mine has turned into a life long friend. Chelsea is a PhD student and invited me and Katie, another K-State friend who lives in Baltimore, to come down for the spring football game. It was a FULL weekend, complete with girl talk, tailgating, complaining about undergrads, crab ragoons, watching an entire season of Archer and a REALLY bad sunburn for me.

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Me and Chelsea 🙂
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Katie, Chelsea and me.

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Solid start to a fun day!

2. Proud Big Sister

Note to self, wathcing live golf scoring on a computer is almost just as nerve wracking as watching a live, fast-paced sport.

Last week my sister, a senior playing golf for the Lewis-Clark State Warriors, played in the Frontier Conference Championship. Although her team did win the regular season championship, they still had to win the tournament in order to go to nationals in Georgia (which I would to traveled to). Unfortunately they came up a little short and placed second. But I am still so proud of Janci. She attacked this season with hard work, commitment and a good attitude. I know she was pretty sad to have played her last tourney as a student-athlete, but I know she is so thankful that she pushed herself to that level.

And she didn’t lose by any means. She was an 2nd Team All-Conference player, a Academic All-Conference student-athlete and at the tournament she was recognized with the Champion of Character Award for the season.

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My family cheering her on in Arizona. Really wish I could have been there.

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3. Welcome to the World Robin Michelle!

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One of my best friends and freshman roommate, Leah finally welcomed her little beautiful little girl into the world on April 4! I am so excited for her and Ryan, and can not wait to hold her when I visit Kansas at the end of May!

4. #WorkLife

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I am always so excited and a bit relieved when I project that I put a lot of thought and hard work into turns out how I envisioned it. Two of the overseas offices for the organization that I work for are celebrating 50 and 50 years this year and these two commemorative programs were used at the celebrations that took place earlier this month.

5. Lip Sync Battle with Melissa McCarthy

In my next life, Melissa and I are going to be BEST FRIENDS.
I have been a super fan since her early days on my all-time favorite show Gilmore Girls and it has been fun to see her career take off. Her recent Lip Sync Battle with Jimmy Fallon officially replaces this one with Joseph Gordon Levitt as my FAVORITE.

6. Gilmore Girls Retro Poster

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Speaking of Gilmore Girls, I am REALLY trying to convince myself that I do NOT need to buy this retro fan art for my new apartment. I am trying to downsize and simplify… but the jury is still out on this and the other two posters I stumbled upon on Etsy.

7. Bye Marilyn

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Sometimes you just have to let go.
When I was maybe 15 or 16 my Aunt Michelle was recorating her living room and let me have this huge canvas of Marilyn Monroe. For whatever reason I always loved this picture, and so it hung in my room through high school and once I moved out of the scholarship house at K-State, Marilyn made her way across the country to become a part of our random college decor. My roommates pretty much hated her, saying that she was creepy. But over time she became the best conversation starter and a bit of a roommate joke (hence why we referred to the picture as another person and not an object.) When I moved to DC I did not really have room for her so she went into storage underneath my bed. I am getting ready to move again to a new apartment next month and decided that it was probably time to retire her.

8. Alex’s Snapchat

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This should not be THAT funny.
But it was enough for me to screen shot it and send it to 5 other people.
Someone in grad school has way too much time on their hands…
#easilyamused

9. Disney Princesses Singing in Their Native Languages

Guys, maybe it is just because I grew up on most of these movies, but these videos are seriously really cool! I knew what countries quite a few of them were based in, but others were a bit of a surprise. Ariel in The Little Mermaid is Danish? Who knew!

10. Drink The District

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A couple of weeks ago one of my new DC friends Elissa joined me, my co-worker and his group for a fun afternoon at Drink the District, a beer and wine festival.
Despite the chilly temps in April (love my new beanie!) fun was definitely had.
Lots of fun.

11. Carpool Karaoke

I’ve explained my love for James Corden before…

And now I am officially obsessed with his Carpool Karaoke segments. My favorites include Adele, Sia and both of the Biebs (#noshame). This link below features and ranks each of the guests that have participated so far:

https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/james-corden-carpool-karaoke-clips-ranking?ref=twitter-869

Yo James, when you are ready I have a list of requests for you to consider.

12. Word Love

Quotes that I have saved to my phone lately.

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13. America Survives

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I refuse to talk about the elections on my blog or social media. There are already enough people blabbing on and on about it. But regardless of who you are backing, you have to admit that this is at least a little amusing.

14. 50 Design Terms Explained Simply for Non-Designers

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This is a great resource regardless of your level of expertise in design.
Read HERE.

15. On the Road with Wheat Foods Council

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http://www.ontheroadwithwheatfoods.com/

This is fun way to learn about wheat foods in the United States!

16. Fire Away

Seriously. Though. Put. This. On. Repeat.
Of course I also loved his performance with his wife at the ACM Awards.

17. Prairie Star Tournament Champion

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My office takes the Men’s NCAA March Madness tournament serious and yours truly ran away with the win. Thanks for the loss Michigan State.

18. Perspective

perspective - rainSource: Kansas Wheat

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So, There’s That.

Cheers!

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session Vol. 23

I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE.
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Friday Jam Session

1.Favorite New(ish) Album
Illinois – Brett Eldredge

I’ve been meaning to feature this album since it came out in September. Even though his voice is very recognizable, Eldredge wasn’t really someone who was on my radar that much. I liked a few songs from his debut album, but he didn’t stick with me, and I listen to enough music that that’s an important factor. With his new sophomore album, I feel like we get much more genuine personality and there is a really good balance of the types of songs that are on it. I am loving the stripped down version of the single “Drunk on Your Love” above (original HERE), and also enjoying “You Can’t Stop Me” ft. Thomas Rhett, “Wanna Be That Song“and “Fire

2. Favorite New(ish) Collaboration
Back Home – Owl City ft. Jake Owen
Listen HERE

When I saw this in a playlist of new music on Spotify, I clicked out of pure curiosity. I never would have imagined putting these two voices together. I’ve never been much of an Owl City fan and I like Jake Owen, though sometimes he can be a little too much for me. Coincidentally, I’ve actually seen both Owl City and Jake Owen in concert.

I LOVE this song. It’s sweet and simple, and I enjoyed the contrast in their voices, especially in the harmonies. And really, I’m a sucker for any song that is an anthem for small towns, the country and anything that reminds me of home.

3. Favorite New (to me) Artist or Band
Chris Stapleton

I am all about finding new artists and there is a special place in my heart for outlaw country and red dirt music, but I get kind of annoyed when people insist that anything else labeled “country” is trash. OK, maybe we need new labels, but I do enjoy a lot of the new acts from the last few years. Anyway, when Chris Stapleton was nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year, people were beside themselves and carrying on as if the guy was an unsung legend, though surprisingly, I had never heard of him. I never got around to listening until his performance at the award show with Justin Timberlake blew up the internet. Holy crap, I regress. I totally understand the fuss now. That performance, shared above, as well as the performance of Timberlake’s “Drink You Away” immediately after, was amazing. I’m definitely a fan now. Off his new album I’m also really liking “Traveler“, “Fire Away“, “Nobody to Blame“, and “When the Stars Come Out.”

4. Jam I Have On Repeat
Lush Life – Zara Larsson

If you ever wonder what jamming out in your bedroom in front of the mirror with your hairbrush looks like, I’m pretty sure this music video is a great example. At first I thought the song was kind of flat, but over the past week on my walk to and from work I found myself pushing repeat. Don’t know how long that will last, but right now its my jam.

6. Favorite Spotify List
New Boots – Spotify

Always something new to listen too. It’s fun to think back to when so many of my favorite artists, country and not country, were just at the start of their careers.

7. #SoulMusic I’m obsessing Over
Speaking of Truth (Orchestrated) – Lelah

I heard this on a TV show a few weeks ago and instantly pulled up the Shazam app on my phone to figure out what it was. I guess you could say its a bit indie but I LOVE the artists voice blended with the instruments. This is a song that I would LOVE to see used in a dance routine.

9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down
America’s Sweetheart – Elle King
Listen HERE

I have mixed feelings about this artists debut single, “Exes and Ohs,” but this song caught my attention right away. It’s an edgy anthem, and GREAT to jam out to in the car. I keep waiting for it to get old for me, but it hasn’t happened so far.

10. Taking Me Down Memory Lane
Eyes Open – Taylor Swift

I often identify songs that I think would make a great track on a soundtrack for books that I read, so I really enjoy seeing how the real soundtracks are interpreted when those books become movies. (For example, all opinions aside on the Twilight movies and books, I still LOVE each of the soundtracks.) I was really disappointed when I learned that the last installment of the The Hunger Games, Mockingjay Part 2 was not going to have its own.  Overall, I think the first movie’s soundtrack was my favorite and although the other Taylor Swift track got all of the attention, this one above was one of my favorites.

11. Work, Work It Out
Bitch Better Have My Money – Rihanna

Grandma, you probably don’t want to listen to this one. I’ve always been a big Rihanna fan and I love turning this one up with I’m working out. I’ve also become with watching dance videos from this studio featured in the video above. I think because I did dance growing up, I might appreciate their talent even more. Seriously, not in a million years would I have ever been that good.

12. Making Me Want To Fall In Love
I’ll Be Your Man – Zac Brown Band
Listen HERE

Zac Brown Band has one of those sounds and music personalities that remind why I love music. They have carved out their own special spot in the music industry and you can rely on the fact that they will never disappoint you. This one above off of their new (awesome) album is adorable and makes me tear up almost every time. Of course I then found this video that shares the meaning behind the song and how it was recorded, and I did indeed, tear up.

13. Guilty Listen of The Week/ Favorite Cover
Torn – One Direction (Original by Natalie Imbruglia)

Go ahead and judge me. I don’t care, I’ve explained listening to One Direction before. Before I saw this video I didn’t know that this was actually one of the songs they covered when they were on X-Factor. It’s a pretty common song to cover, but it seemed far enough out of their wheelhouse that couldn’t help but check it out. It’s different, and I still think I like it better as a female solo, but I did enjoy their version.

14. Song I Originally Loved But Now Is Overplayed
Here – Alessia Cara
Listen HERE

I wouldn’t say I ever loved it, but it was catchy and different when it first came out. Now it’s just really gets on my nerves. Definitely over it.

15. Popular Song Making My Ears Bleed
My House – Flo Rida
Listen HERE

I can’t handle this song. Flo Rida just needs to stop. Yes, I jammed in my teeny-bopper years to “Low” and a few other songs, and still would if they came on the radio, but I’m pretty sure this one is killing brain cells and you can’t even dance to ti.

16. Country Pick
It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To – Billy Currington
Listen HERE

Considering this song has been on my favorites list for most of 2015, I’m not sure why it hasn’t been mentioned in one of my blog posts yet. Billy Currington is another artists that has been around a while now and in my opinion, still doesn’t get enough attention for his talent. His voice is rich, and his sound choice and sound is always strong.

AND

Dark – Ryan Beaver
Listen HERE

These song could fit under quite a few categories include my selections for #SoulMusic and song on repeat. For me it just has one of those smooth addicting sounds, and the lyrics stand out to me as something a bit different than what I’ve been hearing recently. I haven’t listened to anything else by this new artist yet but this particular song was perfect for his vocals.

BONUS: My Voice Picks, Week 7 – 11

We’re in the second week of live playoffs and honestly, it stresses me out. It’s so hard to choose! The contestants are just now starting to really settle into their own styles and becoming comfortable, so there are so many that still stand out. While song choice is still a big factor is what performances I like, I am finally starting to pick favorites based on wanting to hear more from them regardless of what they are singing.

Week 7 Knockouts
Dare You to Move – Evan McKeel
A Women’s Worth – Nadjah Nicole
Jesus Take The Wheel – Carrie Underwood
Turning Tables – Jeffery Austin
Cowboy Take Me Away – Emily Ann Roberts

Week 8 Live Playoffs

I Drive Your Truck – Barrett Baber
In The Garden – Emily Ann Roberts

Brand New Girlfriend – Zach Seabaugh
Something in the Water – Celeste Betton
Songbird – Madi Davis

Lips of an Angel – Morgan Frazier
Halo – Jordan Smith

Barton Hollow – Chance Pena
Say You Love Me – Jeffery Austin
Never Tear Us Apart – Blaine Mitchell

Week 9 – Top 12 Live
My Love – Zach Zeabaugh
Great is Thy Faithfulness – Jordan Smith
In Color – Shelby Brown
Let It Go – Jeffery Austin
Who Will Save Your Soul – Madi Davis
Blame It On Your Heart – Emily Ann Roberts

Week 10 – Top 11 Live
Why Not Me – Emily Ann Roberts
Love is Blindness – Madi Davis
Only Hope – Korin Bukowski
Delta Dawn – Barrett Baber

Week 11 – Top 10 Live
I’d Love to Lay You Down – Barrett Baber
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Zach Seabaugh
Hallelujah – Jordan Smith
Go Rest High On That Mountain – Shelby Brown
She’s Got You – Emily Ann Roberts

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So, what have you been listening to this week?

Linking up with these blogs today!

Here, Here and HERE.

Cheers!

So There's That Series

What’s Up Wednesday: November 2015

Oh hey, what’s up? Is it SERIOUSLY the end of another month?!

This link up happens the last Wednesday of every month with the same list of questions and is hosted by The Larson Lingo, Mix & Match Family andPinterest Told Me To.

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What I’m Eating This Month…

This month went by quick and though I kept up with cooking more and more original things, I didn’t really take pictures. It is the start of the holidays and I love to share with people so I when a made a few things ahead of time for Thanksgiving I also made a few things to share at work and give away to a few people including my great grandma’s nutty sour cream cinnamon rolls and Dad’s smoked salmon dip.
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What I’m Reminiscing About…

Last year I surprised my whole family by coming home for Thanksgiving for the first time since I was in high school. It was great fun, but I’m not sure I could ever go that long without spilling the beans. I was super proud of myself.

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My suprise trip home for Thanksgiving 2014.
My suprise trip home for Thanksgiving 2014.

What I’m Loving…

All of the social media Thanksgiving posts throughout the month.
Listen, I know lots of people think it can be superficial (or annoying) and that “we should be thankful everyday of the year,” but that attitude makes me so mad. Quit trying to find a way to be a gloomy hipster. So what if its really cheesy? I think the world needs a little bit more of that, especially lately, and I enjoy reading those tweets and statuses much more than your well-crafted, bandwagon political opinion. 

NARS Lip Pencils.
http://www.sporcle.com/… long story, but my co-workers and I addicted.
The Bloggess’ Awkwarding Brings Us Together series.
The Timehop App. It’s a brilliant idea, and it never fails to make me smile every day.
My new flannel sheets.
The Prairie Californian’s “Thirty Days of Food” blog series
The Total Wine store.
This quote.

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Joseph Gordon Levitt’s mad lip syncing skills

What I’ve Been Up To…
I started out the month at Lake Tahoe for my job’s Fall Board Meeting. It was a beautiful location and I managed to sneak away for a few minutes for some great picture taking…

My Spoo grandparents, who I haven’t been able to see in a few years, live a few hours north of Lake Tahoe. Because of the time difference my flight got in mid-morning, so they made the trip to spend the afternoon with me. Being back in Nevada and visiting with them brought back so many childhood memories of the summer I would spend there with my sister and our cousins. These two are such an important part of who I am and I just love them so much.

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What I’m Dreading…
I’m pretty sure I’ve said winter for the last 3 months…

 So, ummm holiday travel? That’s different, right?

What I’m Working On…
Finishing buying and making Christmas gifts… DUH. I am DETERMINED to be done when I leave to go home for my week off.

What I’m Excited About…
2016.
Really though, 2015 was incredibly unexpected, exciting, challenging and rewarding… and all in ways that I couldn’t have imagined when I rang in the New Year. But looking ahead as I start to fill in my calendar, set some goals and continue to explore my new home (which will probably always feel new to me), I am so incredibly excited for 2016.

What I’m Watching…
As I expected, shows are starting to lose my interest. I LOVED the first season of How to Get Away With Murder, but there is just way too much going on this season and some of the characters are really starting to annoy me. I just don’t see where the show can continue to go from here and not have those problems. I am about 3 episodes behind, and at some point I will probably binge watch and catch up to the Fall Finale because I “HAVE TO” know a few things in the plot, but after that, who knows. I also dropped Blood and Oil. I really liked the idea of it and the acting is pretty good but its too slow and considering I watch way too much TV, it was easy for me to forget about it.

I’m still kind of keeping up with the Voice but that’s primarily because I just turn the TV up really loud so I can go off and do other things around the house. I still regularly watch Gotham, Criminal Minds and Scandal, though sometimes its later on my computer. The two new shows that I am loving are Blindspot and Quantico.

What I’m Reading…
Except for re-reading Mockingjay before the movie came out (which I haven’t seen yet) I haven’t found the time or haven’t as interested in reading the last two months. It probably doesn’t help that I’ve been indecisive and picky, so I’ve legitimately started 5 different books in the last month and a half and haven’t finished one. I typically don’t have this problem and I’m sure with the cold weather that it will go away soon.

What I’m Listening To…
As always, check out my Friday Jam Session series for what I’m listening to every week (or so). Lately I’ve been enjoying albums from Adele, Eric Church, Sia and Ellie Goulding. There are always a number of new singles that I’m into, and I’ve joined the bandwagon and am STILL obsessing over Chris Stapleton’s (check out his whole album) and Justin Timberlake’s performances at the CMA’s

What I’m Wearing…

ALL THE WARM THINGS
…and November here is not nearly as bad as January and February.
(I also failed at taking pictures.)

I’ve had to refrain from buying every flannel I see because they don’t really fit into my work wardrobe, so I just got one new one that is seen in the picture above with my grandparents.  My tall/skinny jean boots are also at their two-year mark and probably wouldn’t make it through another winter just on their own, so I recently got these Steve Madden boots from Off Broadway (I LOVE THAT STORE!) I’m so picky about shoes so I was happy when I finally a pair that worked for me.

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What I’m Doing This Weekend…
Friendsgiving!!!

I am headed down to Raleigh, NC, which will be a little over a 4 hour drive, to spend Thanksgiving with my friends Jake and Nicole. These are two Oregon kids that I helped recruit to K-State and became good friends with along the way. They are now out in North Carolina and I am so excited to see some famiilar faces from home (Oregon AND Kansas!) Based on the chatter from the past few days I think we are going to have plenty to eat (and drink) over the next few days! It should be a fabulous time!

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What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month…
 One word.

HOME.

This Month’s Bonus Question: What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

– I’m not sure how early it started, but my sister and I have always had this rule or understanding that we DO NOT under any circumstances go look at or go through our stockings until the other one is awake. When we were younger that meant one of us shaking the other awake at 6 am. Last year at ages 20 and 24, I got a mean text message from my sister at 9:28 am (as I could also hear her all the way up the stairs) that she was starting without me at 9:30 and that in the future, if I wasn’t out of bed by that time, she was taking my stuff.

– Pancakes for dinner on Christmas Eve.

– My family is usually pretty tired from our store being busy during the holidays, so Christmas Day is pretty laid back. Someone always gets a movie of some kind so we usually end up watching it and pulled out a board or card game.

– Uncle Jay’s unique gift wrapping. Trashbags are the most repeated, but past years have included newspapers.

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Well, that’s what’s up this Wednesday!
Cheers, and Happy Thanksgiving Friends!