I promise I'm still here.

What is this? Kristin is blogging again? As many of you have noticed I have taken a longer hiatus that I've wanted to from writing. I'm feeling like I should get back into again. A lot has happened in the last year and a half with my personal life. I've done brave things, stupid things and things that make me feel like a stronger person overall. Even though I won't go into detail about many of those things, there are some things I would like to share.

It all started when I moved back to Illinois from California.That was a long hard ride that I'm happy to say made me a lot stronger on the other side. The worst was the heartbreak and feeling numb for a while which can't be undone. If things didn't happen they way they did though, it could have been worse. We are still friends and if he reads this, I still wish him well. Always.

My parents took me in again and I lived there for some time. After I was able to get back on my feet with my job at the hospital, I moved in with my friend and his brother. I have to admit it was/is a strange living situation but it works. My friend relocated else where so now I just live with his brother and cat. I couldn't be more thankful for my family and friends. Love you all!

I've been to many concerts and made many memories, which I hope to share since I'm blogging again. This year I've been to Nashville (my favorite place and hopefully future home) twice, and crossed Texas off my list of places to go. There are still many more things I wish to accomplish in life and am hopeful I will do so!

Life.....what's next?

Ramble Ramble Ramble. This is real life. Sometime's it's great and you know what you are doing and the next you are standing with your shoulders shrugged and hands in the air. 

I'm not particularly frustrated with life but I'm confused with what to do. I've completed my associate's degree at SJCC and had intentions to continue on with my Bachelor's. I have yet to hear from the college I applied to that I was admitted. I also had a completely horrifying moment during one of my speeches in my communications class that I was too embarrassed to go back. Speaking in front of large groups of people is not my forte. I would just rather sit behind my computer screen and write something. So needless to say I have decided to switch what I want to do again. 

I recently started learning Javascript and brushing up on HTML/CSS. Dave has been a great help since he already had known the ins and outs of programming for years. So right now that's what I'm doing and not much else. Sharks season is over until September so I don't really have much work until then......so then what else do I do? Dave and I (mostly Dave) are working on a website/application idea that I hope people will love too, especially crazy concert goers like us :) Stay tuned for that! Hopefully will be done with it and have it working in about 3-4 months. 

Dave recently discovered a blog/website also called Mr. Money Mustache aka MMM. We are really trying to cut back on spending and at first I was kinda skeptical that we could do it. We have started with food which includes not eating out as often and making everything at home. We have been doing that for a little over a week and so far seeing that we are spending much less on food (shocker). Dave also wants to become financially independent like Mr. Money Mustache in about 10-12 years. Which by financially independent he means "retired". I don't really like to refer to it as "retired" because then it makes me feel like I should be old or something. If we could live like that though and not have to worry about money then that would be amazing. If I can figure out different ways to save money too I will be posting that on here so that everyone can benefit! 

So yeah, real life.........it's crazy, random and can get even crazier! 

Life Lately.....Exciting, relaxing and exhausting all at the same time!

Haven't really blogged in a while and of course I kind of miss it. There has just been so much going on lately that I have to get off my chest and write down before I lose some memories. 

Last week my parents came to visit and we gallivanted around the bay area eating everything in sight! It was nice to see them and enjoy their company while they were out here visiting beautiful California. We went to Monterey, San Francisco, Santa Cruz and enjoyed a few KRTY sponsored shows with the comedy of Killer Beaz at Fortino Winery in San Martin, CA. We also attended a songwriter's show at our favorite winery, Clos La Chance, also in San Martin, CA. 

Mom and I at the Fortino Winery

Mom and I in Santa Cruz

Mom and I about to get ready to walk the bridge! 

Dave, Mom and I in Monterey

Dad and I on the steps by the Golden Gate Bridge! 

After my parents left, I was lucky enough to work the two U2 shows that they were playing at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA! I worked merch both nights and it was crazy busy and exhausting at the same time.

The reason I am sharing that I worked is what happened before the 2nd show I worked. I was making the walk from the parking lot to the employee entrance and was walking by the back gate where the artists, sharks players normally come in. As I was passing this time, there was a crown of fans standing back there waiting (more than usual). I saw a black SUV enter the gate and stop, the lead guitarist know as The Edge gets out and starts saying hi to fans. I keep walking by.......

Now I mention that U2 is one of my favorite bands and when would opportunity arise again to say hi to one of the band members? Never! So I go to the other side of the fence next to some other fans at the end and Edge comes around the corner. He stops in front of me and I wave, he comes closer and I shake his hand and say "Hi, Nice to Meet You! ". And just like that, I'm in complete shock. I keep thinking about that moment and as crazy as it sounds, it might just be my favorite memory to date right now. When else can you say that you said hi to an international rock star on the way into work??!?! 

Sharing stories about my glory days has come to an end.

I had every intention of coming on here today to post a new concert blog about seeing Frankie Ballard last night. I had some struggles with youtube that left me irritated beyond belief and have come to a pretty crazy decision. From here on out I will no longer be writing about my recent concert adventures. I came to this decision because I need to focus my energy on a new venture that I will be pursuing. I do still love writing but have decided that it will not be the career that I really want in my life. The field of journalism can be crazy, busy, hectic and quite scary from what I've read and learned in the few courses I took for that major. I only wanted to pursue it because I enjoyed what I was doing here with my concert blogs. I will still continue to go to concerts but not share every little detail with you guys. There will be pictures posted on my social accounts but none here. I'm sorry if this upsets anyone but maybe I can use this blog to post other things. It's not that I have given up but would rather pursue something that can make a difference in my future and my future someday husband's future. We may have to cut back on the concert going in the near future because I think it may have gotten to be a little too much. It's something we both enjoy doing but we don't have to be at every show. I've come to this reality and will enjoy the shows we have planned for this summer!

Now for that new thing I said I was going to pursue......I am currently learning how to be a programmer on an online course. I am working on a JavaScript course right now that is challenging but if I set my mind to it, I can figure it out.......with help from Dave. He is my teacher and my world and I'm not sure what I would do without him. I've always liked computers and putting code into the computer to make it do things for me is pretty cool. That being said, I've decided to not go through with trying to get my Bachelor's Degree. All I have to do now is learn all these things, use them to hopefully have a career in programming to make good money someday. I'm not sure that I will be exceptionally creative enough to come up with an idea for a game, application etc. but I could help on a development that is already started.

Now for this blog you will still see random musings from me, most likely about trips, maybe some recipes.....and fashion stuff because recently I've been getting into dressing myself a little better.

It will also still be such random ramblings. As it should be.

My Top 14 Country Albums of 2014!

A lot of great country music was released this year and I'm here with my list of 14 albums and thoughts on them, good and bad. My reviews are only based on what albums I purchased this year. There were more albums released but I did not get them all! Here it goes.....

14. Florida Georgia Line- Anything Goes

Florida Georgia Line is back with their sophomore album called "Anything Goes". I thought this album was going to be a great followup to their first party album based on the lead single called "Dirt". That was probably the least party sounding song on this album which left me a little disappointed. I guess I was hoping for more meaningful songs like "Dirt" but like the album title "Anything Goes"....I guess anything goes? Florida Georgia Line will still have mainstream country success because of their huge following now but hoping the next album they will dig a little deeper into the dirt if you know what I mean.....still an OK album....but just OK....

13. Jason Aldean- Old Boots, New Dirt

I'm usually a huge fan of Jason Aldean's albums and they usually have a lot of great tracks on them to listen to. This one also left me a little unimpressed. Maybe I still need more time to listen to the songs and have them grow on me a little. The lead single "Burnin' It Down" is probably one of the best on the album. Another song I really like on it is called "Two Night Town" but besides that I think that's it. I looked back at last years list and it surprised me to see that Luke Bryan's album was at the bottom of the list! I've now grown to love it, hope to see the same here with this album hopefully! 

12. Garth Brooks- Man Against Machine

Garth Brooks came back this year with new music along with his many tour dates across the country. His first single "People Loving People" is a great message song but did not really make it on country radio. I was not hugely in love with the song but was hopeful that this new album would have more songs on it that I would like. I feel like it's the exact opposite of the Florida Georgia Line album and has too many meaningful songs on it! My favorites on this album are "She's Tired Of Boys" and the two-steppin' tune called "Romeo And Juliet". It is a great comeback album for Garth but I think the next album needs a few beer drinkin' songs on it? 

11. Chase Rice- Ignite The Night

I have to admit that it took quite a while for Chase Rice to grow on me. I'm not sure what happened but ended up seeing him live four times this year! My favorites on this album are "How She Rolls", "50 Shades Of Crazy", "Gonna Wanna Tonight" and "Jack Daniels and Jesus". This album is full of great up tempo songs and maybe what you would consider "bro-country".....but it does not seem to bother me! 

10. Cole Swindell (Self-Titled)

He used to sell t-shirts for Luke Bryan and now he's had a few #1 songs and opened for Luke! Besides his hits "Chillin It" and "Hope You Get Lonely Tonight", I have other favorites on this album. "Swayin" is an amazing song that I relate to a lot because Dave and I go to so many concerts. When I listen to that song all I imagine is us in the crowd dancing along to the music! "Dozen Roses & A Six Pack" is another amazing song that if the girl in the song wants him back he's got a "Dozen Roses & A Six pack if she don't". 

9. Frankie Ballard- Sunshine and Whiskey

It's been an amazing year for Frankie and could not be more proud of him! Love his two #1 songs "Helluva Life" and the title track "Sunshine and Whiskey"! He's got some other great songs on this album called "Tip Jar" and a funny one called "Don't Tell Mama I Was Drinkin'". 

8. Rascal Flatts- Rewind

This album is much better than their last album called "Changed". Along with their singles "Rewind", "Payback and "Riot", there are other solid songs on this album like "I Have Never Been To Memphis" and "Powerful Stuff". They will always be one of my favorite country bands and hope to see them putting more albums out like this for many years to come! 

7. The Swon Brothers (Self-Titled)

We saw The Swon Brothers earlier this year in San Jose and was blown away with their original songs. I was a pretty big fan of theirs on The Voice too and glad that they made an album that is pretty traditional sounding country that is also modern. "Chasing You Around" is a great example of the traditional sound I am talking about along with "Songs That Said It All". There are quite a few deep, meaningful songs on here as well like their current single called "Pray For You" and "Breaking". All in all this is a pretty solid debut album and hope to see them around for a long time. 

6. Kenny Chesney- The Big Revival

Or more like the big redemption, this album MUCH better than the previous two! When I first heard "American Kids" I knew that Kenny was back with some more hits! I just love "Beer Can Chicken", "Don't It" and "If This Bus Could Talk". Comparing it to his last release "Hemingway's Whiskey", I've found myself not skipping any songs and enjoying this amazing album! 

5. Little Big Town- Painkiller

Little Big Town never ceases to amaze me with each and every album they put out! My favorite songs off "Painkiller" are "Good People" and "Things That You Don't Think About". The title track has a great vibe and its a perfect album title. Of course the lead single "Day Drinkin'" will be going on every summer playlist from now on. Heck it doesn't even have to be summer to do a little "Day Drinkin'". They just released "Girl Crush" as their current single and it is such a different song but really speaks the truth. 

4. Lady Antebellum- 747

Lady Antebellum thought this album was a departure and different from their previous albums. I don't really think it was all that different but nothing short of amazing! Like I said about "Golden" last year, they really know how to put an album together that caters to what their fans would want to listen to. It has a great mix of uptempo and slow songs. My favorites are "Damn You Seventeen" and "One Great Mystery". "Freestyle" is their current single and love that one too! 

Before we do the top three, here are some honorable mentions that I did purchase but did not make the list of 14:

Ashley Ray- Call Me a Ray

Blackjack Billy- Rebel Child

Blake Shelton- Bringing Back The Sunshine

David Nail- I'm A Fire

Jennifer Nettles- That Girl

3.Eli Young Band- 10,000 Towns

I honestly do not think that I can pick a favorite from this album....or any album they have put out in the past! They are just that good! Alright one of my favorites would probably be "Just Add Moonlight", which I was hoping would be their next single. "Prayer For The Road" is their new single and it is also really amazing. "Drunk Last Night" went to #1 and this album has it all from love songs, drinkin' songs, songs about life.....you'll find it on "10,000 Towns"! 

2. Miranda Lambert- Platinum

This album won a CMA for album of the year! So happy for Miranda! I felt like this album was a little different than her previous albums but in a good way. She had a bit more songs that are pretty humorous like "Gravity is a B*tch" and "Old Sh*t". My personal favorite is "Just Another Sunday In The South" which cites different country songs from the 90's. Also helps that Neal McCoy is singing on it! I really really like her duet with Carrie Underwood "Somethin' Bad" and "Smokin' and Drinkin'" with Little Big Town. 

1. Dierks Bentley- Riser

You all probably know by now (I hope) that I am a HUGE Dierks Bentley fan and this album is his best yet! I knew the day that I heard "Drunk On A Plane" that it would be a huge hit for him and I'm so glad it was! Needless to say "Drunk On A Plane" is my absolute favorite. But where do I begin with the others? They are all amazing too. This is the Dierks I have been missing for the last few albums with more sorrowful sounding songs like "Damn These Dreams" and "Hurt Somebody". The title track "Riser" is a song of hope while "Say You Do" (his current single) is another classic heartbreak song for Dierks. I am so incredibly proud of Dierks for making this album and for all the success he has had this year! 

That's it for this years album countdown! Did your favorites make my list? Let me know! 

That's My Kinda Night!

On October 18th, 2014, Luke Bryan brought his tour to Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA. The show sold out in minutes and it was really great to see Luke for the first time in over three years! Also on the bill was Lee Brice and Cole Swindell. I have never seen either of these guys and was pretty excited to see them for the first time! 

Cole Swindell was up first and really got the crowd going with his hits "Chillin It" and "Hope You Get Lonely Tonight". He also performed many songs off his debut album along with his new single called "Ain't Worth The Whiskey". He's also a great songwriter that's written songs for and with Luke Bryan and his first #1 hit as a songwriter for Thomas Rhett. Here he is singing "It Goes Like This":

Really enjoyed seeing Cole and can't wait to see a full show of his someday! 

Lee Brice brought the party next opening with his hit "Parking Lot Party". I only got to see about half of his set since I was lucky enough to get to meet Cole Swindell. Before I left to meet Cole I got to see him sing "Hard To Love":

From what I could hear backstage, Lee kept the crowd engaged and singing along. During "I Don't Dance" I could hear everyone singing and it felt magical even though I couldn't see! Can't wait to see a full show of Lee's someday too! 

Luke opened his show with the title of his tour "That's My Kinda Night". The crowd went into a frenzy and could see everyone dancing and singing along! Last time we saw Luke was at a little festival right before we moved out to CA. It is great to see how much he has grown as an artist since then and to see about 40,000 people singing his songs back to him! 

Here is Luke singing his latest hit "Rollercoaster":

All of the artists on this tour are hit songwriters, not only for themselves but for other artists too! Luke brought Lee Brice back out to sing a song he helped write called "Crazy Girl" for the Eli Young Band. It was an amazing moment to see with Luke playing on the piano and Lee playing the guitar. 

Luke then brought Cole Swindell back out to sing a song they wrote together called "This Is How We Roll" which Luke sings normally with Florida Georgia Line! 

Luke kept the energy flowing throughout the night with hits like "Country Man", "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye", "Drunk On You" and the list goes on! Another great moment of the night was when Luke sang "Drink A Beer". They brought a little pier for Luke to sit on and fog was projected underneath for a pretty cool effect! 

Luke put on an amazing show and I hope I don't have to wait 3 years to see him again! 

The Girls Behind That Country Song!

On October 10th, 2014, newcomers to country music Jackie Lee and Maddie & Tae performed at the Rodeo Club in San Jose, CA. 

I'm always very excited to see new artists, especially ones who are already shooting up the charts with a hit song like Maddie & Tae. I absolutely love their song "Girl In A Country Song" and was so excited to hear more! 

Opening the show was Jackie Lee, currently signed to Broken Bow records. I was really impressed with him and really hope his current single called "She Does" does well on the radio. 

He played a few original songs and a few cover songs. During one of the covers a surprise guest came out to join him, Raelynn! 

Jackie came back out to do one more song after his set called "Amen". I knew the song sounded familiar and it was! Love and Theft also recorded the same song! 

Maddie and Tae were next and put on an amazing show! They played a lot of original songs. which I was hoping for because I wanted to hear more! One of my favorites was one called "Shut Up And Fish". There was also another called "Sierra" about a girl they went to high school with that was a huge drama queen and bully. Both pretty hilarious songs! 

They played "Cowboy Take Me Away" which was their only cover song. Fantastic choice! 

They ended their set of course with "Girl In A Country Song"! 

I really hope to see both of these artists again! Amazing show!