Ten Awesome Things.... About Rain

As you may know I live in a non-rainy place – Los Angeles.  Which is unfortunate for me because I love the rain (although not enough to want to move anywhere else) so when it does rain I get super excited. For some reason, though, it only seems to rain at night time so I don’t get to appreciate it as much as I could.

This weekend  we had a couple of storms come through which let me enjoy daytime rain. In honor of these storms today’s post is all about rain!

O N E – It’s great for our dried up reserves. It’s no secret the California is in a drought (we usually are) and that this winter has been SUPER dry (hey East Coast, send some of that snow this way!) so getting these storms is helpful – we still need a lot more, though!

T W O – It makes us appreciate the sun more. There is that saying that you can’t know what happiness is unless you know what sadness is. The same goes for rain and sunshine. Without the rain would you appreciate the sun? (And the sun all the freaking time makes me appreciate the rain more).

T H R E E – It smells good! You know what I’m talking about! The smell of the concrete becoming wet. The fresh air. It’s all great, or is it just me? (maybe this is because it doesn’t happen often)

F O U R – Splashing in puddles! I love wearing my tall rain boots and walking in the puddles (as long as I don’t splash myself, that is). I also love going a good speed through big accumulations of water. There are lots of these here when it rains because our gutters are all clogged up. There is one street near me that for a good 3 miles gets so backed up with rain water that small cars cannot use the right lane. So much fun!

F I V E – The sound of it on the windows. As I’m typing this on Monday afternoon at work, I can hear (on and off) the pitter patter of the droplets on the window. I also love this at home. We have a skylight in our bedroom and at night the rain is loud against the skylight. It annoys Thomas, but I love it! Surround sound rain! (the window is on the opposite side of the room from the skylight).

S I X – An excuse to cuddle up and watch a movie. Not that we really need an excuse, but it does make it easier to want to do this. I love sitting on the couch, the sliding glass door open and a blanket pulled up around me watching something. Bliss.

S E V E N – Hail/Thunderstorm - even more rare than rain around here is hail and thunderstorms. This past storm had both. I didn't get to experience the hail myself but my niece and nephew got pelted on it on Sunday when they went to the Griffith Observatory and on Monday on the way home from school. Jealous!

E I G H T - Snow! No, it doesn't snow where I live. At least not on the ground. But within an hours' drive there can be plenty. Unfortunately this has not happened in a couple of years. Rather, it has snowed but it hasn't stuck around more than a few hours making snow play not really an option. 

N I N E - Rainbows! Without rain there can't be rainbows!! 

T E N - Walking in the rain. Beyond splashing in puddles - it's fun to just walk in the rain, even if with an umbrella. There is something nice about enjoying the storms all around you. 

10 Awesome Things - Backstreet Style

In honor of the Backstreet Boys releasing their documentary “Show ‘Em What You Are Made Of” last week, I dedicate this month’s Awesome Things to them.

1. The Backstreet Boys have been around for over 20 years and have released 8 albums which have sold over 130 million copies – more than any other group (boy band) in history.

2. They are truly devoted to their fans. They host cruises every year that allow fans to get up close and personal with them. They stop to sign autographs whenever they can. They don’t spit on their fans. And when you do meet them they talk to you like they’ve known you forever and are a friend – not just like a “fan”.

3. Their music is amazing. Their voices harmonize incredibly well together and it can bring me up from a bad mood at any time.

4. Now my nearly 13 year old niece is obsessed with them – which is awesome. It’s a connection we have and we love to watch their videos together.

5. They are honest. They share their trials and tribulations with the public. From alcoholism and drug addictions, to loves and heart breaks, to vocal cord problems, they are open and honest with the fans – it makes a difference.

6. They made a movie/documentary that gives us an even broader view into their lives. The documentary was great, I loved it and can’t wait to see the extra footage when they release it.

7. They perform amazing concerts. From doing it in the round so that there were front row seats all around, to flying high above the fans and getting closer to the ones higher up in nose bleed seats. Their shows are never boring, the guys are moving the majority of the time – dancing their butts off. They do a capella songs and sing-alongs to keep the audience involved.

8. Now that they are on their own label and they get to choose which songs go on the albums and which don’t I’ve found that their songs have improved lyrically and performance wise. These songs matter to them and it shows in the songs themselves. They are also utilizing more of each of their talents instead of sticking to one or two lead singers.

9. They show the determination to keep performing and putting out music as long as the fans are around – which they will be if they continue to produce the music they do and stay true to the fan base.

10. I’m not big into music, I typically listen to talk radio in the car. I will like certain songs every now and then – but with them… I can be obsessed. The music, the performance, and the men themselves. It has been amazing to grow with them and see how they’ve changed and the things they’ve gone through. It is awesome that something that I’ve loved since I was 13 is still around now that I’m 30!

Awesome Things!

I just discovered this link-up and wanted to partake in the fun times!

Amanda was telling me that she does her lists using a theme, so I thought I’d do that this time as well.

Since the newest thing for my family is puppy I wanted to share 10 awesome things about my little guy. 

O N E   He is a cuddle bug! This is one of the reasons I wanted a small dog. I wanted a dog that would curl up with me and nap, Lance definitely does this. 

T W O  Although he is currently a nipper, he is generally a good dog and can be around kids without a problem - something that they say chihuahuas generally don't do. 

T H R E E  While does shed, it's not too much - or at least his tan colored hair is not visible on too much except maybe a couple of of my work pants. 

 F O U R  I get to take nice long walks with him! I always liked walking, but there was nothing that inspired me to actually go out and walk. Lance does that for me! I get a good 30-40 minute walk in the evenings! 

F I V E   He is NOT a barker! Of course he does bark at times, but it's not very common. I haven't found the common thread in his barking, it seems to be at random people. 

S I X   I mentioned before about him being good with kids - but I'd like to add that he is awesome with my niece and nephew. The other night we walked toward their house and when they came close enough for him to see he ran with his tail a wagging. It was most definitely awesome! 

S E V E N   This might be annoying to some people (and I guess sometimes it annoys me) but I think that it is pretty awesome that Lance follows me wherever I go. He definitely prefers me over my husband. As I'm writing this at my desk (and my husbands' desk is in front of mine) Lance is at my feet with his toy. 

E I G H T This might sound strange, but I think it is awesome that Lance hasn't learned to pee by lifting his leg. He pees like a girl. This is perfectly find by me since this means that my couch and walls won't be peed on (since he's still not potty trained!). 

N I N E   Lance is not a tea cup chihuahua, he is probably as big as chihuahuas get (12 lbs at the moment), but I can put him in a shopping bag and take him into stores with me. He behaves well and doesn't bark at people. I love it! 

T E N   Lance loves to play fetch! Luckily we have enough room in the house to throw the toys far away enough for him to run to and get. I think this is one of the best parts of having him around!! 

Side note: Hopefully I'll be doing better this year with pictures... if only I can get ahead of the blogging game and have posts prepared a few days ahead!