By Rachel Bailey
I like to be impulsive and spontaneous, but usually I end up being a planning-ahead kinda girl. Not this weekend.
On Friday afternoon, I saw someone on Twitter saying they were going to see Josh Groban in Brisbane that night. I love Josh Groban. I went to see him the last time he was in Brisbane - 6 years ago. I own all his albums. I really wanted to see him live.
So I rang my sister (also a fan) to see if she wanted to go with me (she did) and got a couple of the last tickets left for the second show - Saturday night. The next morning I drove down to my sister's house (not in Brisbane, but closer than I am) with an overnight bag in tow. We saw the concert, I stayed the night, and I came home again yesterday afternoon. So spontaneous!
The concert was fabulous - Josh's voice is amazing. My only complaint was that the time seemed to go too quickly. I could have stayed listening to him all night! Here's him singing one of his hits from a few years ago, You Raise Me Up.
The other fabulous thing about my little trip away was spending some time with my sister, her family, and her non-human family. No dogs, I'm afraid, but a cat, a horse and some chickens. I have a few more photos of the night and the weekend away, so I'll pop them on my facebook page.
All in all I'm a bit tired from the big weekend, but I feel *so* invigorated. I really should be spontaneous more often! What about you? Are you the impulsive sort? When was the last time you did something on the spur of the moment? How did it turn out?
Update: a few people in the comments have said they didn't know Josh Groban but loved the clip above. So I couldn't resist adding another one in. This is another powerful song that has a similar inspirational feeling to the one above.
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| My gorgeous sister just before we took our seats. |
On Friday afternoon, I saw someone on Twitter saying they were going to see Josh Groban in Brisbane that night. I love Josh Groban. I went to see him the last time he was in Brisbane - 6 years ago. I own all his albums. I really wanted to see him live.
So I rang my sister (also a fan) to see if she wanted to go with me (she did) and got a couple of the last tickets left for the second show - Saturday night. The next morning I drove down to my sister's house (not in Brisbane, but closer than I am) with an overnight bag in tow. We saw the concert, I stayed the night, and I came home again yesterday afternoon. So spontaneous!
The concert was fabulous - Josh's voice is amazing. My only complaint was that the time seemed to go too quickly. I could have stayed listening to him all night! Here's him singing one of his hits from a few years ago, You Raise Me Up.
The other fabulous thing about my little trip away was spending some time with my sister, her family, and her non-human family. No dogs, I'm afraid, but a cat, a horse and some chickens. I have a few more photos of the night and the weekend away, so I'll pop them on my facebook page.
All in all I'm a bit tired from the big weekend, but I feel *so* invigorated. I really should be spontaneous more often! What about you? Are you the impulsive sort? When was the last time you did something on the spur of the moment? How did it turn out?
Update: a few people in the comments have said they didn't know Josh Groban but loved the clip above. So I couldn't resist adding another one in. This is another powerful song that has a similar inspirational feeling to the one above.
Looks like you had fun Rachel. Our big road trip concert this summer is to see One Direction with my 14 year old obsessed daughter. I plan to bring ear plugs tp protect my ears from the piercing screams of little girls. We also saw Pink in March. That was a great show. I am more of a planner.
ReplyDeleteTammy, I sympathise with your plight! Ear plugs sound a very sensible plan. But what a great mom you are to take your 14yo to those concerts. I've often thought Pink would do a great concert - she's so energetic and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Tammy. *I* would like to see 1D - and not bring along a 14-year-old daughter! OMG, I am obsessed with that group of lads. I DO hope you both have a lovely time. Yes, I would imagine ear plugs would even be necessary for me, as those tweens and teens could permanently deafen me!
ReplyDeleteI too am a planner. However, since my daughter has been driving her own vehicle for several years now, I have learned to "go with the flow". Whenever she wants to go somewhere but can't rustle up a friend to take, lo and behold, good ol' Mom will join her instead. We have had lots of "road trips" together, and I wouldn't change them for the world. The same thing goes with my elder son wanting company; he doesn't ask often, but whenever he does, I drop everything I can (sometimes I have to work, darn it) and off we go. Good memories.
My husband likes to stay at home, but I've been impressing upon him how much fun it is (and what great memories there are for all) when joining our kids. I have been browbeating him to go when asked, but he's improving with age and has finally started to look forward to these "road trips". It won't be long till there are grandkids, and then there won't be any more adult trips....
Rach, there's a sad gap in my education as I am completely unfamiliar with your Josh Groban. However, he has a very nice smile and gorgeous smouldering eyes so I think I best rectify that gap asap. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of being spontaneous, but I don't seem to manage it all that often. I wonder if it's possible to plan for spontaneity?
P.S. Your sister has the most gorgeous orange wrap. I want one!
ReplyDeleteLaney, you know how the Harry Potter books were rereleased with subtle covers for adults? I've wondered about concerts doing something similar. There are singers / bands I'd like to see, but like you and Tammy, I doubt I could put up with all the teen screaming. What about some smaller 'over 21' performances? Tailor made for the three of us. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, your road trips with your daughter and son sound priceless! And once the grandbabies come along, there will be road trips to all the little kid venues. I foresee this being a family tradition!
Michelle, you haven't heard of Josh Groban? Get thee to a music shop. Or iTunes. Or however you purchase music. I'm also a huge fan of Bach, so my fave Josh song is Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring. You can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kldahkWDkv4
ReplyDeleteOr when you visit, I can play you my complete collection. Really, it will be no trouble at all. :)
P.S. Michelle, I'm not at all surprised you have similar tastes in wraps to my sister. I took some photos of her horse that might interest you as well. :)
ReplyDeletelol Tammy my 15 yo daughter is off to 1D too in Ocotber when they come to Oz!
ReplyDeleteI love that song in the clip, Rach. I dedicated a book to my Mum a long time ago with that line - "you raise me up so I can walk on mountains". Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it!
Now our kids are older hubby and I are more spontaneous about eating out or doing things just for us - am hoping that continues :-)
Amy, what a gorgeous dedication to your mum. The words in that song are just so emotional - seeing him sing it live (twice now), I felt like crying. In fact, I may have.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that you and your hubby are being more spontaneous and doing things just for you. I bet it does continue. :)
I confess I too didn't know who Josh Groban was, but I can see why you are a total fan, Rachel. That song brought tears to my eyes. I had to play it twice!!
ReplyDeleteI love being spontaneous - variety - that's spice of life, right?
Jen, that song is just fabulous, isn't it? He sang it on Saturday as part of his first encore.
ReplyDeleteYou know, since I'm finding not many people know his music, I might just pop another song up there in the post. :)
I do know who Josh Groban is -He is very popular in the US. I do love his Christmas music. He has a beautiful voice, but I am more a Michael Buble fan
ReplyDeleteFor the Road trip - we live in North Carolina, but I got tickets in Hershey, Pa. This is now our summer vacation.
Laney and Amy- I do like their music. They have some catchy songs. I even know their names and which one is which. My daughter loves Louis. Laney you should go see them. Amy - have fun when you see them.
Tammy, I love Michael Buble too! We must have similar tastes. :)
ReplyDeleteJosh Groban has a gorgeous voice that never fails to create a heartfelt emotional response from me. You're so lucky having this spur of the moment weekend. Often it's the spur of the moment, social, get togethers that are the most memorable.
ReplyDeleteDora, that's such a great description of his singing!
ReplyDeleteYes, the spur-of-the-moment-ness itself can make it all the more fun, can't it? Adds to the excitement. :)
Rach, I now have a song crush on "Remember" :-)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Ooh, should love to see the horsie pictures
Michelle, I love, LOVE that song! I have two versions of it on my iPod - the single and a live one. I love to play it up really loud. :)
ReplyDeleteHorsie pics should be up in a couple of days. As soon as I send in these edits...
Rachel, I'm a brand new Josh G fan after listening to those - especially "You Raise Me Up" - just love that "Irish" bagpipes sound. And his voice is so rich and delicious!
ReplyDeleteI'm a planner so I find spur of the moment quite difficult sometimes. So I need to remind myself to just do it sometimes and not worry about the finicky details! so good on you for racing off to the concert!
Sharon, that song is amazing, isn't it? There's another one on the most recent album with that same Irish-y sound. I'll see if I can find a clip tomorrow and show you.
ReplyDeleteBut all I can think now is what an opportunity I missed when you were visiting! I could have played you all my Josh Groban CDs. Next time you and Mr Archer are here, you'll get the full JG treatment. ;)
Tammy and Rachel,
ReplyDeleteYes. I enjoy Michael Buble quite a bit too.
He hosted the Canadian Juno Awards last week (and it's still replaying - I just found a link to watch his intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExiPn2jE4Gk). I have it taped to watch the whole show (hopefully soon), but I've heard since then that he wrote 80% of what he said throughout the night. I am not surprised he could do it; I'm just surprised they let him. I've watched his specials and seen his sense of humour in action, and also would love to see him in concert too. Watched one of his specials where he automatically chain smoked after each performance, but I've since heard that he quit smoking since meeting his wife; sure hope so. I know he wanted to emuluate Frank Sinatra, but he didn't have to do that too....
Rachel - I am soooo jealous! I love Josh Groban. When You Say You Love Me is one of my fav songs of all time. So glad you had such a great time (even if jealous!) :)
ReplyDeleteRachel, that sounds like a fantastic night and even better that you could go with your lovely sister. I saw Josh Groban on Graham Norton and he was so lovely that I started listening to him after that. Must admit that I was introduced to Michael Buble the same way and I like him too. I love to be spontaneous but have found myself doing it less and less since I've had kids. The kids are away this week so I'm "planning" on doing a few more things spur of the moment!
ReplyDeleteLaney, thanks for that link - I just watched it and it was so much fun! I love that he can make fun of himself and that he's clearly such a nice guy. Talent and personality - a great combination!
ReplyDeleteHelen, we'll have to start a Cats JG fan club! When You Say You Love Me is such a beautiful song. Heart wrenching. I played that album (Closer) over and over when I was writing one book.
ReplyDeleteBarb, I love the Graham Norton show. I've found a couple of new bands / singers that way too.
ReplyDeleteGood luck planning for spontaneity this week!
Yes, please, Rachel! Next time, we'll definitely be asking for some serious Josh G time!
ReplyDeleteSharon, I have CDs, I have DVDs, I have songs on my iPod - I have it all! :)
ReplyDelete