The New Year, so far, has started pretty well! Although I had a moment of weakness on Saturday night, I bounced back quickly… I essentially started some doubting some personal things; I found myself looking at some things in my life as negative, when in actuality, I just misplaced my perspective. Anywho, after fumbling for a few hours in the dark, I found it again, and I am all whipped into shape. I woke up Sunday in the best mood… rejuvenated, refreshed!! And so Happy! But I think that there must have been a demon or two left, because I was a bit moody… It’ll all level out.

I hopped on Facebook Sunday morning as I ate my breakfast and began doing laundry – Sunday, if you know me, is my “domestic day.” I spend it doing laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping. Then each Sunday night, Eric and a few of our friends get together for coffee and Charmed. I love that show!! – Today was to be different, though, as I hung out on Facebook, I saw that several people were going to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert. I was SO jealous…. Then I thought to myself, “Why be jealous when you can just get tickets and go too!?” So that is what I did. I hopped on Ticketmaster to see, if by chance, any tickets were available… and there were. I was SO excited. I didn’t even look around for good seats or anything, I just bought the first two that popped up and then called my Mom. She has always wanted to go, so I figured we could grab dinner then head to the show. Gave her a buzz, popped on the net and made reservations at Maggiano’s – my favorite place to eat in Nashville – and finished my domestic jobs for the day. I headed to Walmart to do my shopping; while there I talked to Eric for a few and apologized for bailing on Charmed night, which he was fine with, of course. I got back home, watched the copy of “Julie & Julia” that I picked up an Bluray while there and had lunch. Shortly after, I got ready and headed to get my mom for our night of dinner and music.

As I departed for Nashville, I hit the gas station to fill up, and hit the road… until I realized: I DID NOT GET THE TICKETS!!! So, I was about half-way to Nashville before coming to that realization, so I immediately did an about face and called Medardo, who was at home. He did me a HUGE-O favor and met me near the interstate at JoZoara to give me the tickets that I had forgotten. MAJOR THANKS to Medardo for helping me out!! I owe you one. I got back on the road, mom and I had dinner (excellent as usual) and we headed to the Sommet Center. After dropping mom at the door, I got a pretty awesome parking spot, one block away from the center, and walked to the lobby. Oh-Em-Gee!!! – It was REALLY cold! Like… My ears hurt SO bad when I got to the lobby, and it was only a 5 minute walk, if that. We waited for a few, then finally got to our seat. The seats were AMAZING!!! We were on the lower level, section 103 and in row F. We could very easily see the stage, and it was a perfect height were we did not have to look up or down to see the show. Just straight ahead. It was nice! As it turned out, my friend Jenn and her bf were there with a friend, and a former coworker/friend, Natalie, was also there. I went to their sections to visit a minute, as we were all there somewhat early. Then headed back to my seat to enjoy the show.

In case you are not sure who or what the Trans-Siberian orchestra is, let me give you a brief overview of what they do. The combine Heavy-rock elements with a classical orchestra strings section, add in wonderful vocals – solo, ensemble, and narrative – and mix in some computer generated music via synthesizers and keyboards. It is literally 300 years of musical combination brought together with timed and choreographed lights, fire, lasers, platforms, and digital screens for a show that is not only a wonder to hear, but amazing to watch as well. The music was fantasic, the story was beautiful, and the effects were breathtaking!!! I sat there, in awe of what I was seeing. I am so amazed at the sheer talent that each person, from the lead singer/director to the stage-hands and lighting designers, possesses. I plan on posting some pics of the show on my Facebook page later in the day. I literally took almost 400 pictures! I just couldn’t stop. I want to capture every moment!! The show lasted just under 3 hours, and it was well worth the tickets. I plan on being a regular to their concerts whenever they are near, and I encourage all of you to go if you can when they return. It is even, in my opinion, worth a road trip if they hit somewhere near, like Atlanta or Memphis. We left the show slightly before 11:00 and headed home.

I am looking forward to tonight, as one of my favorite shows is returning – The Secret Life of an American Teenager. From the teaser commercials on ABC Family, this season is going to be filled with all kinds of twists! Can’t wait!

-=brett=-