Depeche Mode

I have so much that I want to say about the Depeche Mode concert, but I just don't know where to start.


Oh the shock, oh the people in the audience, oh the dancing, oh the memories and did I say, "oh the shock"? I'll say it again, OH THE SHOCK!!

As Melissa and I walked into the E Center, we started people watching. It is, after all, one of the best things about a concert. There were people from every walk of life. There were rockers, there were those stuck in the 80's, there were people in their 60's, there were goths, there were, little kids and then there were those like us- normal, every day people that have memories of Depeche Mode and high school/college. One of the things that I noticed was all of the tattoos. I really don't think I have seen so many tats since NASCAR!

The first shock of the night was how many girls were there that forgot to wear the bottoms of their outfits. There were a number of girls in cute tunic tops, but that was all that they had on. One girl was showing her very minimalist lace underwear with her short tunic. Sigh. What would their mothers think? But, it did spark one of the best comments of the night.

Mel: I hate it when I leave home and forget my pants...
Amy: and my cellulite cream.

Truly not a pretty site.

Now a few words about the concert... It is awesome that Depeche Mode knows what made them famous and they aren't afraid to return to that place in their concerts. I loved hearing a bunch of their old music, remembering junior high and high school dances, mix tapes, friends etc. I did find it funny that they are still wearing their same clothes from the 80's- including Martin's silver suit. Dave's vest without a shirt brought memories back of an old friend I ran into after my mission at a dance club- he was dressed then (in 94) just like Dave was dressed in 2009. It was also entertaining to watch Dave be so in love with his own fanny. If I'm not mistaken, he had his back to the audience, shaking his little fanny more than he was facing the front. His dance moves resembled those of a Latin dancer- which surprised me a bit. Maybe, Jade can do a Latin ballroom number (when she gets much older) to a Depeche Mode song. Or maybe they could do one on So You Think You Can Dance.

I am not in love with the sound system at the E Center- but maybe it is just because I'm getting OLD.

I really enjoyed their choice of backgrounds for most of their songs. Strange Love would be the MAJOR exception to that. It was during their first encore when they played Strange Love. For some reason, they decided to have a two girl soft porn video going. I was very glad I had a large beam covering part of the screen, because one of the girls removed her shirt. I wasn't confident I was seeing what I thought I was seeing, until a friend of mine confirmed my suspicions. CRAZY! There were an awful lot of kids there to have that video being displayed on a GIANT screen. As you can guess, that was the major SHOCK of the night.

Mel and I left before the 2nd encore. I struggle with waiting for 8 plus minutes while the band either strokes their ego or goes to the restroom while we stand and clap. That wasn't really why we left, but it contributed. We were tired and we are old so just after 11 we decided to call it a night. Plus we avoided the post concert traffic and parking lot scene.

It's so wonderful to have a concert buddy and to have a husband who likes me having a concert buddy. So, thanks Scott for supporting us in our girls night out, and thanks Mel for another very fun night and a yummy home cooked meal.

Jade and her hot date...

Tonight my friend Kim came over to bring me a yummy treat of Milk Duds (my favorite). [Thanks Kim!] Tyson, her 5 year old son came over with her. He came in his cute little jeep. It was just like my little girl was getting picked up for her first date. She's all grins when Tyson comes over. They went for a ride around the neighborhood. It was very cute. He even took her little sister for a ride. It's a darn good thing these kids are too young to be exclusive. Jade would be jealous if she knew about Tyson's crush on Aubrey.

The Drowsy Chaperone---

We had a wonderful night at the Drowsy Chaperone. Thank you Bob and Janet for putting it together, we really should do things like this more often. I'm sad Scott couldn't come but I'm glad Melissa was available and willing to come with me.

Since we don't get our pictures taken together very often, we took advantage of the opportunity. I may have to scan some of our old ones and do a post of Amy and Melissa through the years. OH HOW WE'VE CHANGED! I guess being friends for 18 years will do that. Can you believe it's been 18 years!!! Okay we're 6 months shy of 18 years, but still.

Unfortunately I have a double chin in this picture and Melissa looks great.

So, I fixed my double chin in this one. Look we almost look 20 again. (Be nice, we aren't getting any younger.)

And now for the up close that isn't shooting up at us. I have to say, end of quarter is wearing on me. Look how tired my eyes are.

A quick review of the show... It was very very funny. I would recommend it. If you are easily offended by sexual innuendos, you won't find it funny. Although, the older lady next to Melissa did laugh at ONE of the jokes. I really enjoyed the "man in the chair" and found him to be very pleasing and fun to watch. We saw him afterwards and he was a real cute young kid- not at all what I expected after watching him in the show. We thought the whole cast was pretty old (you know, old like me and Melissa), but when they came out after the show was over, they were almost all very young. The seats were great and there wasn't a piece of the stage that we couldn't see. If you have a chance to go to see this show, do it. It's very entertaining. (Oh and did I mention that it was really short? and that there was no intermission?- Intermissions ruin the moment ;) so this play didn't have one.)

Pants?

I bet, when the church put together the "Father-Kid" camp out, they weren't expecting the wives to come out to pitch the tent. Good thing Kim's such a good sport and was willing to do it.

I don't think Tyler would have been up for cooking breakfast if she hadn't come out to help him with the tent.

The Cats Away...

While Scott's been away, I thought I'd hook up with some real "hotties". Okay, we know that isn't true- on so many levels. But it was a kick getting my picture taken with these guys.

Who are they? Why would I get a picture with them? Well, here's the story...

Yesterday, Melissa and I went to Chipolte for lunch. It was a first for me, and I really liked it. (The Veggie Burrito is really good and way too big). While we were visiting, a large group of pretty rough looking guys came into the restaurant. They were all wearing logo shirts and clothes, several of them were obvious security detail with the earbuds and walkies. I'm very impressed with Melissa that she actually knew who they were. Tap Out is in town filming their reality show. www.tapout.com (I post that link with a warning- DO NOT GO TO THE "TAP OUT GIRLS" LINK!) Anyway, they were really nice and let us interupt their lunch. You can check out their ultimate fighting show somewhere on cable.

Hagermann's Bakehouse

Sugar Cookies- almost as good as mine (okay Jenny Squire's).
Really yummy Turkey sandwiches- grilled without butter.
Super friendly father-of-the-owner, named Dave.
But the best part, getting to go to lunch with Melissa.

Here is Melissa's review.

Swan Lake on the top of Fort Rodney

Having never been part of a ballet, it was very fun getting to learn a little bit of a ballet number and get the guys laughing at us.

The best part of the hike (and the dance) was getting to spend time with Tiffany Clinger and Sandy Tarwater. I've known both of their husbands for several years now, but had never had the chance to meet Sandy and have only spent a little time Tiffany.

The boys and their toys

Scott and Steve went sailing several times during our few days on the beach. I went with them twice. The first time was great and we did one trip the three of us and the second trip Tiffany joined us. Now the second time we went, didn't go quite so smoothly. The winds were blowing and the water was rough. Apparently a little too rough. The two of them were team steering- which turned out to be a bad idea. The side went up and the three of us went in. We couldn't get it up so the resort water sports group sent a boat out to help us. I let the guys head back on their own and I rode the boat.

Here you have Scott and Steve watching the boats in the bay.














Here you see the race between Scott and Doug against Steve and Don. Steve and Don kicked Scott and Doug's fannies.