Farmer’s Market!
by Sara on August 25th, 2008
Yesterday Kristen and I took a trip to the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market.
I’ve never been to a Farmer’s Market before, but let me tell you this: how fun!
The Farmer’s Market offers everything from fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers to flea market-type booths full of jewelry, lotion, soap and more.
There’s something special about a Farmer’s Market. You won’t understand unless you’re there, of course. Kristen remarked that she thinks of trips to the Farmer’s Market as romantic. In that moment, I wished for my boyfriend’s hand to hold. It’s hard being away sometimes.
But as hard as it is being away, it’s even harder to live life inside a box, only wondering what the world has to offer. I’m getting a dose of life experience, and while sometimes I wish that I could do that from the comforts of home, I know that I’m supposed to be here, in this place, in this program.
Backstreet’s Back, Alright!
by Sara on August 25th, 2008
As 7:30 p.m. finally arrived, my excitement level peaked. I was mere moments away from seeing THE BACKSTREET BOYS in concert for the third time, and I couldn’t have been more excited. As Kristen and I sat waiting (very) impatiently for the Backstreet Boys to take the stage, Girlicious, the opening group, began their set.
Honestly, I was shocked. I’ve never seen so much leather, so many midriffs, so much booty smacking and provocative dancing in my life. Furthermore, I’ve never heard such bad singing since American Idol.
The only glimmer aboard this never-ending train of skank? Girlicious was so bad that they offered great entertainment. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in my life. Kristen was in tears, she was laughing so hard! It’s amazing how something so bad can be so good. :)
Then, when my amazingly sexy Backstreet Boys took the stage, I was transported from a 20-something young woman to a screeching 13-year-old girl. As the Boys came out to the tune of “Eye of the Tiger,” dressed in boxer robes, I found my legs shaking and my heart palpitating with excitement.
Upon hearing the opening sounds of classic BSB track “Larger than Life,” my screams of excitement only amplified. By the way, during this song, I screamed to Kristen, “You owe me a penny!” You see, we bet on what the Boys would open their show with, and I won!
Although the Backstreet Boys went from five members to four in the past few years, as Kevin Richardson left the band, they put on an AMAZING show. Kevin’s absence was only noticeable in the characteristic Backstreet Boys tracks “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” and “I Want It That Way.” Howie Dorough took over Richardson’s tracks, and performed them in a satisfactory fashion. But as a three-time BSB concertgoer, it sure was unusual to see only four Boys on stage.
One (of the many) highlights of the concert came in the form of a medley of four classic BSB tracks from the Backstreet Boys album: “Quit Playing Games with My Heart,” “As Long as You Love Me,” “All I Have To Give,” and “I’ll Never Break Your Heart”. The medley, full of crooning voices and delicious harmonies, proved to make me weak at the knees, shrieks emanating from my throat as often as vibrato echoes in the voice of the gorgeously talented Brian Littrell.
The Backstreet Boys’ two-hour long performance included new songs from the Unbreakable CD, such as “Inconsolable,” “Treat Me Right,” “Panic,” and “Trouble Is”. In an interesting new development for BSB, while composing songs for BSB, each Boy is also working on his own solo venture. Throughout the concert, each Boy serenaded the audience with his own song. From Howie Dorough’s salsa-inspired croons to Nick Carter’s grown-up, aching “I Got You,” I was definitely satisfied. My favorite: AJ McLean’s “Drive-By Love”. Can’t wait for his CD to hit stores!
With wardrobe changes varying from suits and vests to jeans and t-shirts, the Backstreet Boys kept me guessing. Furthermore, BSB demonstrated innovation throughout the show in terms of set. During “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely,” the Boys gathered around a poker table, complete with cards, chips and drinks to sing their sorrows away. And, in “All I Have to Give,” BSB danced and sang around a makeshift trash can fire. These creative sets echoed the deeper meanings of each song, and of life on the road.
The Backstreet Boys closed down their show by hearkening back to days gone by with “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”. This emotionally-charged, musically hyped-up version of this classic track proved to be a perfect ending to a stellar show. After endless cheers from the crowd, BSB returned to croon “Shape of My Heart,” a Black & Blue staple. With confetti flying through the air and fireworks capping off the performance, the night came to an end with a, well, bang.
Greetings from the Twin Cities!
by Sara on August 25th, 2008
I apologize for the huge delay in blog posts; I’ve been without Internet access for a few days.
Here’s an update on what I’ve been up to:
After arriving in the Cities on Thursday, I unpacked my boxes and got myself settled. I love my new apartment! I am living with a family friend, and she has decorated my area in crisp neutral colors with beautiful floral arrangements and candles. I have my own kitchen and bathroom, as well as a living room and a bedroom. I’ve enjoyed getting settled, and putting my personal touch on the space. My room is now full of pictures from home, MyPenguin the Penguin, and my Charlie dog (yes, I still have stuffed animals!).
Thursday evening I practiced driving in the Cities. Deb, our family friend who I am living with, and I set out for Minneapolis and the location of my internship interview the following day. After Deb drove the route once, we pulled a Chinese fire drill and switched seats so I could drive :) I can now check “Do a Chinese Fire Drill” off my list of things to do in life :) And to my parents: don’t worry, there weren’t any cars around!
Friday morning included a trip to Super Target! I am SO excited that the Cities has a Super Target; it’s fabulous. I love the 30+ check out lanes, the women’s clothing section, and the endless decorator items. Plus, if I’m ever buying lighter fluid and funky socks, I can always pick up a jug of milk or two at the same time! On Friday evening, my cousin Kristen arrived to spend the weekend with me.
Saturday was a full day for us girls; Kristen and I woke up early for a trip to the Mall of America. We found some good buys!
Saturday evening we took in the MN State Fair. As a first time State Fair-goer, I was amazed at the setup. From food vendors offering spaghetti and meatballs to a log ride maneuvering its way through a concrete-surrounded river, I was impressed. The MN State Fair even boasts sky-high gondola rides offering a bird’s eye view of the fairgrounds.
Stay tuned for a review of my third concert seeing the one and only Backstreet Boys!
MOVING DAY!
by Sara on August 21st, 2008
My car is packed, my maps are highlighted, and my Backstreet Boys tickets are in my hands.
I’m MOVING today!
I’m VERY excited; I can’t wait to see what this adventure has in store for me!
Last night, my family threw me a going away party; thank you to all of you who attended, and thank you for the well wishes and the gifts :) You all are so sweet and so supportive.
I’ll be leaving in a few hours…
Next blog will be from my NEW apartment!!!
Wishing for safe travels, and that Josie, my kitty, could come with me :(
New adventure, here I come!
Me and To-Do Lists…
by Sara on August 18th, 2008
Me and to-do lists get along.
We’re like [insert bad cliche here, e.g. bread & butter, peanut butter & jelly, etc].
I am constantly taking pen to notepad and writing down the minute details of my life.
“Take out deposit slip and give to Mom.”
“Find book by X author and pack it in box A.”
I really should write to-do lists for the important things in my day.
“Wake up. On time! No snooze for you.”
“Eat more than one piece of banana bread for breakfast. Are you crazy? You think one piece will fill you up?”
“Breathe. Stop stressing.”
That last one…yeah, kind of like my life’s mantra.
Too bad I’m too much of a basketcase to listen to it.
I am moving on Thursday of this week (or, as my Mom likes me to say, “temporarily leaving”).
I have a trillion things to do before then. [Not really a trillion, but I tend to exaggerate. A lot.]
Haircut, errands, packing, going-away party, boyfriend time, Josie time, family time, One Tree Hill time.
The usual. ;)
Today’s List:
-Haircut. I’m off to see one of my past coworkers at Great Clips where I worked during high school; hopefully she remembers me!
-Errands. Gotta pick up my contacts. Woo!
-Bringing a SURPRISE to my BOYFRIEND at the MALL! :) (ssshhh!)
-Attempt to catch up on my Jon & Kate Plus 8!
-Attempt (and most likely fail) to read my third-to-last book for research.
Woo! Wish me luck!
Random thoughts…
by Sara on August 17th, 2008
Hello!!
Sorry for the delay in updating…I’ve been catching up on my sleep!
The conference and trade show (for my internship) in Omaha was a blast. It was definitely hard work (two 14-hour days, among two 8-hour days and two 3-hour days), but I greatly enjoyed the presence of my co-workers. Let me tell you this: this summer, I worked with a phenomenal staff of smart and witty people. If this trip represents a glimpse of how the “real world” operates its very own business trips, sign me up.
In other news, I want to wish a (belated, of course) “Happy Birthday” to my amazing boyfriend Jordan; woo 23!
Also, just a sidenote (actually, a HUGE sidenote) :
I am moving on Thursday, Aug. 21.
Yes, that’s right, I’m leaving good ‘ol home for the greater Twin Cities area. I’ll be living in a downstairs apartment in the home of a family friend. For the next 3.5 months while I’m studying the intersection of the craft of writing and the act of social change, I will (finally) gain some independence.
I am SO excited to be out on my own. Excited, yet a little nervous. I know that I will miss my family, boyfriend and friends like crazy, so that will be a little interesting. But I’m looking forward to weekend visits from my loved ones (hint hint!).
While I’m leaving this Thursday, I plan to come home a few times throughout these next few months. Here’s a rough estimate: I am tenatively planning to be home for Labor Day weekend, a weekend in the middle of October, and Thanksgiving. I also will be traveling to Aberdeen to take in State Soccer games in October.
I promise to post before I leave…here’s to an eye-opening experience! (And here’s to hoping my kitty Josie doesn’t forget me…)
Trade Show: Day Two
by Sara on August 10th, 2008
So it’s DAY TWO into the annual conference and trade show for my internship.
This year, the festivities are held in Omaha, NE.
I’m writing this from my sweet hotel room with my AMAZINGLY plushy bed.
Seriously, it’s great.
Anyway, this is what I’ve done so far:
1. Almost died like 482 times due to the driving of one coworker…who will remain nameless :)
2. Moved a lot of stuff.
3. Two meals at sweet restaurants [Chicken taco pizza; bacon cheeseburger]
4. Partook of the Olympics (Go Michael Phelps!
5. Explored the Old Market [no purchases]
6. Bought my Jordan a birthday gift that if he doesn’t like, I will give up on buying presents forever [HINT!]
7. Eaten gummy bears
Woo! All in all, over the past few days I’ve worked about five hours. These next four days, however, will be full of work, which I’m actually excited for. It will be really interesting to see the conference preparations that my coworkers and I have been working on since June finally come to fruition. Plus, I’m excited to network!!
Here’s to another yummy meal tonight, and to wanting a Blackberry so I could live blog from the trade show floor. ;)
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