Beat This Summer

This summer, and like most summer's, I wanted to make these few months the best I possibly could. Whether it was hanging out with friends, taking as many chances and opportunities as I could, or going on trips when possible. This Summer exceeded all of my expectations in ways I never could have imagined! 

I knew that this would be one of the last summer's I would have before true adulthood kicked in as I switch from a community college to the big league of a CSU this week! I want to get serious with my career and goals, and this was a summer to do some last minute stuff to get further ahead in those departments and to just enjoy being young and realizing I don't know it all. It was also a time of reflection on where I've been in my life and what I still have left to do. 

But, enough of that, let me go over some of the highlights! 

•The Lauren Graham Book Signing! 

•The American Idol finale and being able to meet some of the idols I had been chatting with on Twitter all season! They were seriously so sweet and I still get a chance to talk to them from time to time, which is fun! 

•Graduating from Taft! 

•Nashville

•Taylor Swift "Red tour" concert 

•L.A trips! 

•Chris Colfer book signing

•Bass Lake

There were so many other incredible memories of hanging out with friends and going to the movies or even just simple things like going for a bike ride or eating breakfast outside, while I'd read my devotion and Bible. But, if I went through each and every thing, we'd probably be here all day! Haha! 

All of that down time has helped me prepare for school, since I started today. It's kind of depressing to officially say goodbye to all the fun times and not having too many cares in the world. But I'm determined and ready to get the show on the road. After all, my end goal is Nashville after graduation... So, that'll keep me motivated when I feel like giving up.

"As long as I live, whatever I do, as great as it is, you know what's a bummer? I ain't ever gonna beat this summer with you..." 

Here's to a great new school year! I'll be updating about all of the fun along the way! :) 

That's all for now,

Shelby 

Keith Urban "Fuse" Album Review

Keith Urban released his 7th studio album, Fuse last week, on September 10, which is also the name of his current headlining tour. It's no secret that I'm a HUGE Keith fan and have been from the moment But, For the Grace of God was released to radio, even if I was a bit younger to truly express how much I liked him. He has proved over time that he is not only an artist and a musician, but that he is also an incredible songwriter at that.

With this album, you can tell he branched out a bit with styles and sounds. Keith described that as the fusing part of the record; deciding what sounded good together, whether it was beats or voices, and just trying something new. There are some songs that have a bit more of a rock edge and a pop flare here and there, with a country twist that only Keith can pull off. However, his catchy melodies and descriptive lyrics are all still there, and let's be honest those are what make a Keith song, aside from his gorgeous Aussie voice.

I would almost be as bold to call this a country/hip hop/pop/rock album, if that makes any sense? HA! The first time I listened to it, I wasn't quite sure of what to make of it. It was a little different than what we're used to with him, but as I listen to it more

Somewhere In My Car has that traditional catchy rhythm and beat to it and who can forget those famous, "Oooh-ooh's" we all love to hear Keith say in between a verse and chorus. Definitely makes me want to have a dance party or rock out with my air guitar. I also love the 80's vibe in the chorus. But, probably one of his most, uh, descriptive songs to date! ha!

But, in my mind we're somewhere in my car 

And it's raining hard on the streetlight glow

You got your lips on mine, it's gasoline on fire

I never will forget, you grabbed my shirt and pulled it over my head

And your fingertips slide up and down my back

Breathin' hard, steamin' up the glass

I'd give anything if I could bring you back home

Even The Stars Fall 4 U I think this is the perfect next single for Keith. It's like one of those daydream songs. You know, when you hear that song and think about that one special person? Or maybe you just dream of finding that person someday. As soon as I hear this song, I see a mini movie in my head that would make for the cutest music video.

Every star up in the sky, has got your name on it tonight

And they don't stand a chance like I know I don't

Girl, you can't tell me that you can't see, the kind of spell you put on me

You gotta know just what you do, 

Even the stars fall for you...

Cop Car This one deals with that innocent, puppy love, that maybe isn't so innocent after all. You can be so caught up in it and it's dangerous, because you're pushing new boundaries. But, in the end, it's worth every repercussion you're going to have to face. This is such a fresh take on the matter of "young love" and great metaphorically speaking, as well. Keith always has a way of making something so easy on the ears, while getting a bit deeper with the heart. 

You were thinking that

Running for it

Would make a good story

I was thinking you were crazy as hell

And you were so innocent

But, you were stealing my heart

I fell in love in the back of a cop car.

Shame This is one of the more repetitive tracks on the CD, but I think that's exactly what the tune needs. It gets the point across of learning from your mistakes and not being perfect. Sometimes that's a cycle that we go through in life, where we're constantly messing up, but each and every time you just get up again and dust yourself off. A great theme song for this point in my life.

Hey, I'm not tryin' to be perfect 

It's not like it's worth it

Everyone hurts the same

Hey, I'm not tryin' to be special

'Cause I ain't no angel

Everyone hurts the same

What a shame

Good Thing The intro to this song reminds me too much of a Luke Bryan song. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it's not my style. Definitely catchy, but it's not my favorite. 

Just give me one chance,

And you'll never be lonely no more.

We Were Us (Duet with Miranda Lambert) First off, I was extremely impressed with Miranda's vocals on this particular song. When I heard they were doing a song together, I wasn't quite sure what angle they'd be coming from. But, I am obsessed with this song! I think this will be a huge hit for both of them, since it's the latest single for Keith. It's not your typical breakup song; pining away for the love of your life, your heart breaking into a million pieces when those little reminders come back. Instead, you're relishing over the fact that the relationship happened and you can still smile about it. It takes you through those special times and how sometimes it just fades out.

Back when that song was a song

I could sing along without thinkin' bout you every time it came on

Every beat, every line, every word, every time

When a road was a road

I could roll on through without wishin' that empty seat was you

Money was gas, dreams were dust, 

Love was fast and we were us (Definitely my favorite lines)

Love's Poster Child The instruments in this one make it sound a bit more sultry and gritty than a lot of Keith's songs. I would almost even compare parts of it to a Jason Aldean song for that southern rock flare. I love the way he messes with the guitar more and truly shows what he can do with his talent in that area. He has such a way of making you feel something with just a few strings on the guitar and that's impressive!

Show me how it's done this side of Dixie

I'm a broke down truck, baby, won't you fix me

Just keep on dancin' til the break of dawn, come on, come on

Stars fall down, make the world stop, kiss me

Wherever I go, I want you with me

Somethin bout you makes my heart run wild

You're love's poster child

She's My 11 I think this track shows the versatility of Keith's voice; roller coaster at the beginning, "oooh's" and the Justin Timberlake falsetto as he slides into the chorus. Perfect for cruising around town with your sweetie with the top down and loving life. Another cute daydream song. 

Come Back To Me It sounds like one of his classic heartbreak songs, with a bit of a longing in the guitar strings he plays. Much slower than the rest of the album, but truly beautiful, just the same. What a beautiful premise for the story line, too. The idea that the girl has things she has to do, but that when she returns, that guy will still be there waiting for her. If you love something, let it go, really rings true here.

If there's pavement you ain't put your shoes on

If there's dance floors you ain't made a move on yet

If you're feelin' too safe here beside me 

And you wanna do somethin' you might regret

Try the whole world on if you feel the need

Then come back to me

Red Camaro Some interesting beats start off the song, adding in a bit of banjo keeps the theme of "fuse" going right along. It's fun to drum along to and groove a little bit. One of those songs that you'll be able to turn on in your car and make it feel like it's summer all year long. You also have to appreciate his "rap" style of getting out the words in the second verse.

Your lips around a Coca-Cola

My hand on the wheel and your head on my shoulder

Some things never go out of style

Like you and me together

Staring at your legs on the leather of my

Red camaro

Little Bit Of Everything was the perfect song to release as the first single as it best encompasses this new era for him, but isn't so far off from his old stuff that it throws people off. In fact, after listening to the rest of the record, that seems like the safe choice to continue seeking out the same audience, as well as others that might not be as familiar with the rest of his music. I wasn't crazy about it the first time I heard it, but like most songs, it grew on me very quickly and became one of the songs of my summer.

I don't need too much of nothin'

I just wanna sing a little chill song

Get my groove on

Pour somethin' strong down in my drink

Oh, I know

I don't need a whole lot of anything

I just want a little bit of everything

Na na na na, na na na na,

I just want a little bit of everything,

Na na na na, na na na na

Raise 'Em Up (featuring Eric Church) The beginning of this track probably sounds the most country with the soft strumming of the guitar, and Keith's voice sounds remarkably like Eric Church's at the beginning. There were parts where I got the two confused the first time I gave it a listen! It resembles "Somebody Like You" a lot in the chorus, which just seemed funny...I wonder, did he do that on purpose?

Get those white sails sailing down in Mexico

It's just a whiskey glass if you ain't makin' a toast

Life your tear-filled eyes up to the sky

A comin' home, you've been gone too long

Tonight we're gonna

Raise 'em up

Heart Like Mine Another ballad of sorts that follows the story of a man who is hard to love and knows he could be a better man, but has a hard time getting to that place, because of the heart he has and the things he has seen in his life. If I'm not mistaken, this might be the track that was like a "pre-quel" to his hit, "Stupid Boy," like a glance at that crossroads before he lost the one thing that ever really mattered in his life.

I'm doing the same things 

I saw my father do

'Cause I was just a kid in the corner

Watching the words as they turned black and blue

Black Leather Jacket Another one of those songs reliving the glory days, just by putting on that leather jacket you wore in high school. It's almost like a catchier, more modern day version of "Unanswered Prayers" in the sense that both high school sweethearts have moved on, but the memories still come back with that one object and time stands still.

And if I put it back on, I'm sixteen sittin' next to you,

Down by the river you got the shivers, so I put it around you

We're countin' down the memories in the moonlight and red wine, vinyl static

Three polaroids, two young hearts, and one real cool, black leather jacket

Gonna B Good Such a perfect song for this time of year! I feel like fall is the time when we all start to reflect a little more and can be content with our lives and the stages that we're in. This is going to be a motto of mine for the quarter at school I'm heading into right now. It's a feel good song, and will be one of those anthems that I rock out to when I just need a pick-me-up.

Oh, it's all starting to come together

Stars are lining up like they should

Yeah, like I pictured, but even better

It's gonna be you and me

And it's gonna be, yeah, it's gonna be good!

Lucky Charm Has a bit of a rock edge as it starts out in the beginning of the intro, but it eases back into a groove that only Keith Urban can do! He sure does love to sing about those shooting star analogies ;).

Sunlight shinin', baby, roll the dice

Now that I got you by my side

We can't lose

No more waitin' on a shooting star

I'm betting it all on your pretty heart

Baby, you're my lucky charm

I think it's a fantastic album, with so much thought process behind all of the instruments and songwriting. But, I still have to say Defying Gravity will always be my favorite album of his, but I love the fact that he isn't complacent and is bold enough to try new things from time to time. He knows who he is, and I think that's why the fans trust him enough to go a little outside of his comfort zone when he needs to.

Listening to this album has me even more excited to see him at The Hollywood Bowl in just a couple weeks. These songs will be EPIC live, I can already tell.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

I said goodbye to the last weekend of Summer 2013 yesterday, and I couldn't have imagined a better time.

Saturday:
Saturday, I woke up sick (again) and watched Parenthood in my pj's for awhile with my mom, because I was feeling pretty lousy. I love that I've gotten her hooked on the show, just like I did with Gilmore Girls many years ago. Anyway, I had breakfast and some hot tea, and eventually I started feeling better. Which was great, because I had plans with my dad that we'd been talking about for the last couple months.

When my dad came home, we were off to LA for some good 'ole fashioned father/daughter bonding time. We stopped for lunch at Chipotle, and hit the open road! I really need to work on the cliche's, I think, but that's to work on another time. We got to L.A. and still had a couple hours to kill around town. But, I didn't really know of where to go this time (since my mom wasn't with us and most of what I had in mind, she might have wanted to do). So, my dad ends up driving up to the Warner Brothers Ranch lot, which is closed to the public. And let's just say...He, uh, had connections. So, we're driving into the lot, park and get out just to see the Friends water fountain from the show's opener. I have been joking about getting to see that for the longest time and actually put it on my bucket list to get my picture in front of it. Well, thanks to my dad, it actually happened! I was freaking out, and it all happened so fast, I didn't have much time to think about what I wanted to do, I was just snapping pictures and taking it all in. I mean, that might be the closest I actually get to meeting any of the "Friends" cast, just standing where they stood (and sat), other than seeing Matthew Perry at a Dodger game. My dad and I made a video, so I sent it to my mom to show her where we were, and I guess I made her cry in the middle of JCPenney, because she knew how excited I was. AH! She's the sweetest :).

We didn't stay too long, but I didn't mind, because I got to see it, and that's what mattered! It was one of the coolest moments ever! After that, I didn't care what else we did...That moment trumped all. So, we drove around the Toluca Lake area, went by the studios (Universal and Warner Brothers), and near The Grove. After a little while, we headed up to Dodger Stadium for the game that night.
The Dodgers took a really bad defeat, and lost to the Giants, with a score of 19-3. Yeah, it was bad. But, my dad and I had fun chatting and joking around. We didn't see any celebrities, but I wasn't really counting on that either. I haven't been to a game in at least a month or so, so it was good to be back!

After the game, we stopped at Krispy Kreme and Jack-in-the-Box...More healthy choices, right? HAHA! But, we had to get home, so we never usually stop for anything else! On the way home, we played this random radio game we came up with one time, of guessing which artist or song we thought was going to come up next. Let's just say it wasn't as predictable as we thought it would be, listening to The Highway on XM radio...But, we were having fun and laughing about our choices, so it seemed to keep us entertained.
We made it home around 12:15, talked to my mom for a few minutes and I fell asleep pretty quickly, after checking Twitter one last time, of course.

Sunday:

I woke up feeling so tired and groggy yesterday morning, but got up earlier than usual, and even had time to eat a donut from Krispy Kreme! We went to church, which was a great message about family, as the new series is focusing on that. We were also celebrating 50 years for our Pastor's wife (and also a pastor herself), since it was her birthday, which was a lot of fun seeing her testimony in new ways and in pictures/interviews with her parents.
After church, my parents and I had lunch at Chilli's, then came home for a little while.
At 3:00, I had a coffee date with one of my best friends, as we celebrated for her birthday (since I had to miss her dinner the night before) and caught up on life. We're both getting ready to start universities this week, so we talked about that and some of our ministry positions at the moment, and she told me all about work. But, the biggest thing I took away from our conversation, and as simple as it sounds, is that...We're young. We don't have to have everything together. We don't have to know where this road we're on is going to take us. Sure, it's great to plan, but it's better to be open to what God might have up His sleeve. I'm trying to remind myself not to rush, because Nashville and all of the things that I want will always be out there. But, I'm not always going to be living at home, being able to spend quality time with my parents, and having home-cooked meals with no bills to pay. I won't always be able to call my closest friends up to see if they want to run to Starbucks or hang out at my house for a marathon of The Office or Glee. And I won't always be able to get involved with church activities or things at school to meet new people or get to know what else is out there, while still "learning."These are the moments that I don't want to take for granted. Besides that, I just really love my heart to hearts with Viviyan. I always come out feeling much better about whatever situation I'm in and usually she helps me see things from another perspective.

After that, I came home and later on, my uncle and grandparents came over for dinner-my grandma made Manicotti, along with salad and breadsticks that we picked up from Olive Garden! YUM! We talked for a little while, then watched the testimony of a former mob guy who spoke to my grandpa's church a few weeks ago. His message is so powerful about how God can transform any heart! If you're interested to find out more about him, google Michael Franzese and see what he's all about! They're even making a movie about his life.

When that finished, we had cake and ice cream for dessert and visited with everyone for awhile, while the guys finished watching the football game. Pretty soon, the house was empty again and nerves were setting in for school, as my imagination played tricks on me and tried to freak me out. It was the last remaining moments of summer and freedom. I watched the Million Second gameshow quiz with my parents and wrote a little more (as if I don't do that enough).

I tried to go to bed a little earlier, and managed...But, let's face it. I am always going to be a night owl.

That's all for now,
Shelby :)

Stay tuned for highlights from my summer!!

30 Day Challenge (Day 12)- Describe a Typical Day in your current life

Most of my days (at least during the week) are pretty boring and simple, especially right now since I'm not working or going to school...So, I just sort of wake up and see where the day goes, if I don't have any plans...And every day is different depending on whether there are certain errands that need to be run or whether I get together with friends, and also if there's something good on TV, which isn't usually until later on at night!

Around 10:00 (or 10:30 lately)- Wake up/drink a cup of coffee/Quiet time with God...Get ready for the day!

Noon (ish)-Lunch/Hangout with friends (if I had something planned)/Bike ride/Sit around and do nothing/Run errands with my mom...

2:00/5:00-Occasionally I'll sit on my porch, just to take in the fresh air and relax, or to clear my mind and get things done...Afternoons are usually my time of day to "Create", whatever that might mean at the time. I like to get on blogs and Pinterest for inspiration, then sometimes I'll work on videos for YouTube, or I'll write stories/songs...Or I'll just spend all afternoon blogging. Like today.
If I do have plans, this is usually that portion in the day where I'm getting ready and preparing to go.

6:00- Usually this is around the time I have events or services to attend at church, but that doesn't happen very often. I haven't been too involved with the Young Adults department lately, so I haven't had anywhere to go.

8:00-That's around the time my dad gets home and we'll eat dinner, spend the rest of the night just talking and watching TV in the living room...Every once in awhile, we'll take a drive or go out for dessert just for something to do.

Midnight is about the time I go to bed every night, but I spend a good few hours just writing and reading or making collages. I feel most creative when everyone else is asleep and it's absolutely quiet, except for the few random noises around the house that make me jump here and there. It allows me to focus a little more and get into that zone of saying what I need to say. I have been trying to go to bed a bit earlier, since school is getting ready to start in a few weeks, and going to bed around 3:30 was just wiping me out. Maybe that's a sign I'm getting older, when staying up late doesn't excite me quite like it used to.

I'm looking forward to going back to school, if for no other reason, to get out of the house and to have a definite planned out day. I like having a schedule and keeping busy...Too much free time on my hands just gives me time to think and worry about the future, and there's just no need for that. In the meantime, hopefully I have some good material to write about and brainstorm for a bit.

30 Day Challenge (Day 11)-Pet Peeves

*People who feel like they're entitled to things just because of their last name or who their parents are...Social status! 

*Loud chewing....

*Tapping or drumming on anything.

*When the radio is turned off or way too low in the car, it drives me up the wall.

*Girls who give those up and down glances at concerts, comparing outfits and looks.

*When people read your texts and don't respond back.

*When people cancel plans at the very last minute and do it all the time.

*Somebody telling me what I should do when they aren't involved with the situation and it doesn't take away from their life in any way.

*When people are too touchy feely and I'm not that close with them.

*(Sometimes)When people read my tweets back to me or talk about things I've talked about days ago on my blog...In person...For some reason it just makes me feel extremely awkward. I write to get it off my chest and then forget about it...So, it's just a weird thing.

Never, Never, Never Give Up...

There have been so many times lately that I have been so close to throwing in the towel because no door seems to be opening and things just seem to be taking a lot longer than expected. It feels like everyone around me, including people who are younger, are getting more opportunities and great starts for college and their careers...And I'm just sitting here, constantly wondering if I'm in the right place or if I should be doing more or what I'm even supposed to be doing to move forward.

Well, I've been praying that God would allow the right opportunities and the right doors to open for the path that will ultimately lead me to Nashville or whatever career path He may put me on. Yesterday, I got one of those very opportunities. You're looking at the newest writer for the entertainment site, PopWrapped! It's not an extremely well known site right now, but they're getting ready to launch another site hopefully at the end of this month that will get more attention. I'm just thankful for the opportunity, as it will count as an internship. It's helping me get acquainted with people, getting stories in, doing a little bit of research, and just getting more practice for the writing itself when it comes to official statements and news about the industry, rather than just opinion pieces.

I have already written a few stories, because I have a lot of time on my hands, so you should head on over to PopWrapped to check them out and other articles from the rest of the staff. It seems like a pretty great team and they have a wonderful system going so far.

Also, I have started SERIOUSLY looking for a job. I turned in an application over the weekend, and I'm hoping to look into a couple more this week. Then, on Monday, school starts up again. I feel like it has been SO LONG since I've actually been in a classroom with students and actual assignments, so it's definitely going to take some getting used to, and if I do get a job with some of the extra activities I have going on, it's going to take a lot of scheduling and going to bed a whole lot earlier, eating healthier and getting better with time management.

So many changes going on and it's a bit overwhelming right now. Growing up is seriously no joke, but even as stressful as these moments can be transitioning into a new chapter...I have to keep reminding myself that I'm extremely excited about where this road is taking me, or at least where I think it's taking me right now. Even though it's terrifying not knowing, it's kind of a thrill, too. And at the end of the day, this dream is worth every bit of it.

Now, is the time to just keep pressing on, shooting for the stars and whatever other cliche is out there. Gotta put in the work to see the results...Here I go!

Wish me luck and say a few prayers for me :0

That's all for now,
Shelby

Funny Moment of the Day...