fun. the band.

I love Fun. (despite their confusing name). I've loved them since my *brother introduced me to their music...a couple of years ago? Sometime shortly before their Some Nights album came out, I recall (with clarity). And I suppose he introduced them to me because of his awesome wife, Abby (hi, Abby!).

*Side note: I think it's wonderfully appropriate that Vance is the one who introduced me to Fun., because historically, in my life, he's introduced me to a lot of great music, including but not limited to: Tom Petty, Scorpions, Royal Bliss, Collective Soul, and Halestorm, as well as some lesser-knows like Pain of Salvation (listen to their cover of Hallelujah, please) and Birthday Massacre, among others.

But I digress.

My favorite Fun. song has been, from the beginning, The Gambler.

I'm not sure what it is about that song, but...*gasp*...I love it.

The rest of their songs are catchy, too. Something about Nate's voice just gets to me. 

Back in January or February, I found out that Fun. was bringing their Most Nights tour to Utah in August, and I was all over that. I think I received my concert ticket on Valentine's Day. (Best Valentine I've ever given myself. Thanks, Gina. Sincerely.)

Fast forward 6 months from date of purchase (but rewind, like, a month and a half from now)...

I figured Fun. would put on a great show: I know and love most of their music; I was in excellent company (Michelle, Abby and Lindsay, and we met up with a handful of my Idaho Falls peeps); at an incredible outdoor venue surrounded by my lovely Utah mountains. Yes, I knew it would be a wonderful show.

I didn't expect to walk away thinking it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to.

But, guys? Fun. puts on an incredible show. Nate and his guys were very interactive with the crowd, and they were animated. And I love them.

I got an incredible picture of the setting sun as we waited for the opening band to come onstage, and then...I don't know. Let's just say that when it gets dark, the quality of my iPhone pictures takes a dramatic nosedive. Good thing Lindsay was able to capture some amazing shots, and that she shared them with me...

Let's just see if you can't tell whose phone took what pictures, shall we?

The crew: Abby, me, Michelle, and Lindsay

Picturesque backdrop to a fantastic concert, don't you think?
Hello, group of strangers!

Hello, Nathaniel.

Yes, this one is mine. It's blurry, but I kinda love it...

"Carry oooooooon, carry on, carry on..."
(That's probably not the song they were singing at this point, but whatever.)

Him's a little guy, but boy, can he sing!

...

Utah loves you, Fun.!

Also, did I mention? We were pretty near the stage.
There were just a few people behind us...

 Yeah. Seeing Fun. in concert was pretty much amazing. I wouldn't mind seeing them each and every time they make their way through SLC...

Life Goes On?

I know it. I KNOW IT!

I've been back from NYC for something like 11 days (but who's counting?), and I've only done a couple of posts about My Adventures in the Big Apple; and although I'm still kinda laughing over the Bum post, I haven't really done my trip the justice it deserves.

I swear, those posts (the ones that will do it justice, I mean) are on their way, I swear it unto you! Just know I have a really good excuse for not jumping right back into the blogging game.

I have my reasons!

Mostly it's that time went on without me while I was away, the way it always does! (What's up with that anyway, universe?) So yeah, between work and church and softball (we won both games last week!), I've been kept pretty busy.

Plus, the one Saturday I've been back in Idaho, I was kept spectacularly busy: driving up to Mesa Falls, "hiking around" Mesa Falls, driving back from Mesa Falls, taking a quick nap, getting the house ready for a pot luck, enjoying the pot luck and my visitors, and watching that truly heinous movie with Janae and Jess. (No sweat, Janae! I'm still not judging!) -And that was just Saturday!

Anyway, I'm sure I care more about my NYC trip more than all y'all do, but in my own little fantasy world, you're all dying to see and read about Taking On the City: Ginabean Style. It's coming, friends.

While I already have your attention, I'll show you the few pictures I took at Mesa Falls and all that jazz...

First, softball...

One time when I was up to bat last Wednesday, I swung with all my might and ended up bunting.
So I ran for all I was worth and ended up falling onto first base. (I lack grace?) My already-scabby-knee got torn up, and the previous scab was loosened entirely. It was gross. And hurty.

See what I mean? GROSS

And HURTY

Like I said, this past Saturday, a group of us went up to Mesa Falls for our traditional Mesa Falls "hike." I think there were about a dozen or so who went this year...but most of them wanted to meet at 7:30am; Keri, Aaron and I wanted to meet a bit later, so we did. It was the plan to meet up with them at the falls, but we never really specified which falls (upper or lower), and so...we kind of didn't technically meet up with the rest of the group until lunchtime. (We've always started out at Lower Mesa, so I thought, naturally, that our group would've gone there first. Boy were we wrong!) So yeah; all these pictures will just be of our small group...

Keri and Aaron at Lower Mesa
(the falls were huge this year
because of all the rain and snow we've gotten!)

Also at Lower Mesa...

Aaron got "tired" on our hike back up,
so Keri gave him a piggyback. For a few steps, at least.

Me and Keri at Upper Mesa Falls

So lovely!!!

Anyway, I've given you my word that more NYC posts are on their way, and I am a man of my word!

know what i love?

*I've been re-reading the Harry Potter books. And I love that after a run-in with dementors, CHOCOLATE is the remedy to lift one's spirits. Awesome. What a terrific idea!

*It's been cool and rainy here in IF since Sunday morning. I'm nowhere near ready for winter weather, but I'm kind ready for a break from hot.

*My family is the best. I love each member oh. so. much! My brothers and I didn't always get along stupendously as children, but we all get along really well now. We talk easily, we like spending time together, and my folks, brothers, sisters-in-law, and nephews and niece are easily my favorite people in this wide world. PS I hope Aaron has a DYNAMITE 30th birthday tomorrow!!!

*I really enjoy the Gospel. Not sure where I'd be without it. I love the Church and its teachings. It brings me peace and solace, especially when life gets stressful.

*I get a kick out of my friends as well. I got to chill with toadbucket and Booj for a few hours on Friday, which I haven't done in years. My IF peeps are pretty dang awesome. My best friend from high school, Heather, is still one of my favorite people; I love that even though she's married with children and we don't get to see each other very often, things are still great between us. (Some things never change, and I love that!)

*Sunday dinners are pretty great, too. Just sayin.

I love lots of other stuff too, but I have to go just now.