White Trash Bash

A few weeks ago, we had two dear friends part from us. Don't worry, they didn't die or anything crazy like that. No, they just moved to the midwest. Halie is now in Kansas City attending UMKC for her graduate degree in piano performance, while Michael Ted is in Omaha, Nebraska to pursue his law degree at Creighton. Since they are some of our dearest friends, we decided we needed to have a going-away party for them.

After some brainstorming, the concept of the White Trash Bash was born. We basically just invited people to dress up like white trash and bring their own meat to cook on a grill. The front lawn of our super-ghetto green house was the perfect place to have the party, especially because we live on the corner of a very busy intersection and we wanted to see how people would react. We got some pretty funny looks. We must have looked pretty legitimate!

So, here's to you, Halie and Michael Ted! Thanks for being such amazing friends. You are truly an inspiration to us all. Good luck in your new adventures! We can't wait to see you again.

The front of our humble abode. It was perfect.

All the girls (plus Michael Ted).

The spread.

Michael Ted and his lovely pretzel cigar.

Joel the grill master.

Shern and Jenna.

Our beloved Jessica.

Trey, Scott, Jennie, and some kid that I don't know.

Kaylee and Daren.

Joel and me with baby Joelsephine. We're so white trash it's ridiculous.

He's really good at babysitting.

The party by night.

The grand finale was the burning of Daniel Manjarrez's guitar. Don't worry, we got permission first. It was quite the spectacle, complete with a musical speech by Kaylee and Jennie honoring Halie and Michael Ted.

J Boog Concert

Hey, remember when this happened?

When I got home from my trip to the UK, I was greeted by these beautiful flowers and an envelope with my name on it. Joel, being the awesome boyfriend that he is, surprised me and bought me tickets to see J Boog in concert. There had been a number of times that J Boog had come to Utah to perform, and every time something had come up and I couldn't go. Not this time, though! On July 26th, 2013, I got to see one of my favorite artists finally perform live.

It was probably the loudest concert I've ever been to, but it was awesome. Siaosi and the Hot Rain Band opened for the man himself. They weren't too bad, but I was starting to get antsy by the time J Boog finally made it to the stage. But baby, when he did get up there, it was like the heavens opened and celestial music came pouring out.

My favorite part of the whole thing, though, was being able to experience it with my best friend Halie. Many parts of our friendship stem from our mutual love for J Boog and Hawaiian reggae music, so being there with her was the best thing ever. Joel was so thoughtful to buy both of us tickets.

So, for those of you who aren't familiar with J Boog and his good vibes, which is probably most of you, I have included a few links to some of his best stuff below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

"Let's Do It Again"

"Waiting On the Rain"

"Police and Thieves"

"Sunshine Girl"

"Leaving With Me"