Last night was most definitely the best night of the summer. I got off work at 6, Dave picked me up, and we headed down to Ybor for the Gogol Bordello show. And wow, what show it was.

Since the band wasn’t going to be on stage until probably like 9:00, Dave and I got dinner beforehand and drinks at the bar across the street from the venue. We were meeting my 2 friends from college Rambo and Grant. Rambo met us at the bar and Grant didn’t show up until Gogol had played there second song. I hadn’t seen them since graduation, so it was nice to catch up and just hang out together.

Most people have probably never heard of this band, so I’ll post a video from youtube of them on Letterman for anyone that actually reads this. They call themselves “Gypsy Punks”. I’m not really sure what that means, but I like it nonetheless. Just watch…

Ok, so imagine that for over an hour. They didn’t stop once. They’re one of those bands that you have to see live to appreciate. Yeah, they have some good albums, but their live show just blows them away. It was insane. The whole place was dancing and having a good time. How could you NOT dance to music like this? One of the coolest things about them is the mix of people they bring to their shows–old, young, black, white, hippies, punks–they were all there having a good time.

After the show we went back to the bar across the street and had a beer. We laughed, talked, and just enjoyed each other’s company. Grant still has a few more quarters left of hell. Rambo and I both agreed we are glad we never have to step foot in that place again. Rambo finished his teaching certification and is on his way to getting his masters. Dave’s friend, also named Dave, showed up. I’m so glad he’s able to come hang out with us again. Somehow in the half hour we were at the bar I lost my voice, probably from the people smoking, but I didn’t care. I was having an awesome time.

Sometime during the night I had this awesome revelation about how great my life has become. I’m almost 26 years old and can still go to concerts on a Monday like I’m in high school. I have the most amazing man in my life that is the most laid back, fun loving person I’ve ever met. He’s good to me. He has a good family. My family loves him. Minus the few pounds we want to lose, we are in good health. We both have jobs that we enjoy. We make enough money to be able to not only go to a concert on a Monday night, but get dinner and drinks beforehand.

And my friends. Wow, my friends are amazing. They’re hilarious, talented, and so into what they do. I feel so lucky to know these people. All of them are amazing.

Last night it just all came together. Everything has just fallen into place. For the past few months, I’ve felt like I’ve just been going and going without stopping. You know that phrase, “sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses?” Well that’s what I did and I realized I haven’t been happier in my entire life.

Tags: concerts, Dave, friends, life

Yesterday Dave and I joined LA Fitness, a new gym that opened up by us. We worked out yesterday and today and so far I’m enjoying it. Dave actually woke me up and was all ready to go this morning. I’m glad that he is into it as much as I am (although he says he is sore).

I’m excited to start taking classes. On Tuesday I’m going to do the kickboxing class and Thursday night a salsa dance class. I haven’t danced in a very long time and have never done salsa, but I’m always up for trying something new. Maybe I could even get Dave to do a class with me!

I already feel a difference in the amount of energy I have after only working out for 2 days and I’ve only lifted weights and did some light cardio. If I keep this up, I’ll be a ball of energy always.

Tags: fitness

I have gotten a lot done over the past few days. I cleaned my house pretty hardcore. I organized cabinets, cleaned ceiling fans, dusted, and cleaned out the garage. I spent the entire morning Saturday cleaning and still haven’t gotten everything I want to accomplished. I don’t really know what had gotten into me lately; I’ve been on this organizational cleaning frenzy. I like the results.

On Sunday, Dave and I checked out the new LA Fitness that opened up. We have been talking about joining since they started building it and after seeing the place and hearing what they offer I’m pretty sure we will this weekend. The thing that really got be interested was all the classes they offered, especially the dance classes. I miss dance a lot and joining would allow me to get back into dance while getting a good workout at the same time. Dave was excited about the basketball leagues. I’m hoping if we join we stick with it. I know I will, but Dave and I have tried working out in the past and it’s only lasted for a month and then he gets uninterested and we stop. I really want us both to stick to a fitness plan and get on the road to being healthier. I’m ready to get healthy and have a little fun while doing it.

I’m also doing better with my spending and have been saving a lot more money. So far this month I have saved $400. I’ve been sticking to a budget and Dave and I haven’t been eating out as often. I would like to have $5,000 saved by the end of the year so I can have a decent down payment on a new car. I currently have about $1,600 saved, so I still have a ways to go, but I feel like if I stick to what I’m doing I will be able to pull it off.

I feel like I’ve never been more ready to make these changes in my life. No matter how big or small they are, they will help get me on the right track to where I want to be in life!

Tags: life, me