Kates Lives On

Update about the signs along the highway: they have now changed. While I was driving to work the other day, I read the billboard that said, "Now Hiring Guys Named Doug." Omniture has crossed out the name Doug and it now reads, "We reached quota. Thanks." The sign that used to say, "We Have Too Many Mikes" is now crossed out and below it says, "Actually, will the Mikes please stay." You may be wondering about my claim to fame. As the title gives away, I am in the clear. My sign now says, "Still Looking For Kates." Who isn't? Long live the queen.

I turned 22 between these last two posts! Happy birthday, Quin! (Did you really think I was going to wish myself a happy birthday? Please.) It's my brother-in-law's birthday tomorrow, so I will make it a public affair.

What did I get for my birthday, you ask? Well I'd be happy to share--thanks for asking! I got a yoga mat from Becki and Dallin--thank you two again! I love it, and I love that I don't feel incredibly dirty after doing yoga on the work mats. I can now do inversions and not feel like I have to wash my hair afterwards. I got three cans of frosting (kind of embarrassing to admit that I love frosting--it's so convenient when I need something sweet!) as well as the 3-disc version of Twilight from Ash and Kate. I love this present, too! I'm so happy that my friends are so aware of my wants/needs. Melissa bought me a Camelbak water bottle, which makes me so much more happy than a water bottle should make me feel.

. . . and then I got the present of all presents. Stacy and Pierce had me open an orange tissue paper-wrapped present that contained two tickets--to David Archuleta! David is one of my favorites! Ever since my mom, dad, and I watched American Idol last summer in Puerto Rico together, I have been head over heels over this 18-year-old! He has a wonderful voice, and his nervous laugh makes me giggle so much. Melissa and I went to the concert a few Fridays ago, and it was divine--he did not disappoint! Thank you, Mom, Dad, Stacy, Pierce, and Melissa for driving and parking! You guys made my 22nd birthday magical!

Stacy and Pierce, thank you so much for the surprise birthday party. Your apartment looked absolutely stunning, the treats were heavenly, and the company was unparalleled. You two are so thoughtful and you really make me smile every time I'm with you. I'm a lucky girl!

hehe This is a picture I edited in Paint. The picture was actually taken at my 21st birthday party when Carrie was pregnant with her baby. He's going to be 1 in a few weeks--crazy!

"David, stop that. You're too funny." That's what I was thinking.

Here we are on the floor of the E-Center just waiting with the thousands of screaming 6-year-olds, screaming right along with them!

Before the party got started, we had to get a picture of the man with the sweet 'stache. Sadly he covered his face and the zoom didn't do the trick, but boy oh boy did Melis get a great close-up of me. Hey everyone, come see how good I look!

We are way too excited--so excited that Melissa's little thumb made an appearance in the picture. What a random pose. And I am fully aware that my hair looks . . . not fantastic on the side there.

Here's when I started to lose my hearing. But wait, you guys! That's not even David! Benton Paul opened for David, and I'm willing to bet I was one of 10 people who could actually sing along to his songs, but the gals screamed anyway. Why not? He's cute!

"Oh my gosh! Benton, you're so good! But now that you're done, we want to see David."

There he is! Like a little angel on that stage. I actually guessed the first three songs he would sing in the same order--impressive. . . and scary, I know. He even sang You Gotta Be by Des'ree-one of my favorite songs! A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton, Love Song by Sara Bareilles, and lots more. To add a little Latin twist to his concert, he sang Como la Flor by Selena--learned it in high school, so I even sang along in Spanish!

Including horrible pictures of your 22-year-old self is a must in a post like this. Here I am just telling the camera that I am so pumped that I know 95% of the songs David's singing.

Have you read the Twilight series? I'm thinking I need a boy with jet black hair and dark skin . . . I am on Team Jacob.

I'm pretty sure "Goddess Divine" Melissa would be on Team Edward, but she hasn't read the treasured series.

We feel really good about being the oldest ones at the concert by about a decade. No, we did not lose our voices by screaming at the top of our lungs for D.A. ...shifty eyes

We had awesome seats--front and center and on the end of the row! David kept thanking the crowd and saying, "Wow!" after every song while laughing, just as I suspected.

I can guarantee nobody would want to kiss that face on the left. I promise I'll work on that. For now, let's all laugh it up. You won't be laughing when David wants to smooch.

I'm smiling because my arm looks like a stick.

This was such a fun night! Oh yeah, and it was Melissa's first concert, so naturally I had to act like a fool. Thanks again for the simply beautiful present!