Ray and Gray!

Hooray - It's Monday! Just trying out some reverse pschology so I can pretend Mondays are just as good as Fridays. And so I don't have to spend the next five days with a mental countdown until the weekend. The power of positive thinking, right?

As much as I love "on the go" weekends, the occasional "do nothing" weekend can also be quite nice. I'm learning that of all the things I love about being married, having someone to do nothing with is one of the greatest perks there is. My weekend consisted of a little pool time with friends to catch the last lazy days of summer, a little shopping, and lots and lots of couch time with Mr. T watching my new HBO obsession:

Maybe it's the ad person deep inside me (my first job out of college was a media buyer at an advertising agency), or maybe it's just the sheer fascination with life in the 60's, but I am officially a "maddict." I just wish Don Draper wasn't quite so good looking so I could hate him a little more. Seriously, Don, how can you cheat on Betty? She's beautiful, she has dinner on the table every night when you get home, AND she doesn't ask questions when you're being shady. You better start acting right in Season 2.

So we capped off the weekend with quite possibly the concert of the summer...Ray and Gray!

And let me just say, my expectations were sky-high. Because these two are easily in my Top Five Musicians Of All Time, and I had been counting down the days until they graced Nashville (though I wish they would have kept the concert at the Ryman instead of Bridgetsone Arena). Even with our awesome 3rd row seats...

And let me assure you, Ray did not disappoint. Though he MAY have spoken a total of 10 words between songs. But his voice is so soulful and so amazing it almost hurts. When he started singing it truly almost took my breath away. And "You Are The Best Thing" will now be one of the songs on our wedding video, I'm pretty sure. Yep, definitely buying his new album ASAP.

But David? Oh, David. Gone are the days of "This Year's Love," "Shine," and "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye." Which we can all agree are pure musical excellence. Now his songs are European versions of "Free Bird" -10 minutes long and a tad bit repetitive. I like the old stuff better. The ones that remind me of being in my mid-twenties and thinking he was singing every single one for me.

Before I forget, let me insert a quick plug for one of my most favorite "under the radar" restaurants downtown, and a perfect place to grab a cocktail before a concert. Merchants!

As much as I love a good honky tonk, I so love the throwback style of this place. Our bartender wore suspenders and a bow tie, and introduced me to a perfectly-concocted drink called the "South Side" that he insisted I try and was absolutely delish. Local gals, be sure and try it the next time you're on Broadway!