A True Performer

I am pretty picky when it comes to entertainers.  I mean, really picky.  I don't know why, but it takes a lot to impress me.  So this summer when I attended a concert and was not only impressed, but laughed my head off, I was excited.  

Jason Lyle Black is a talented pianist.  I tell you what...this kid can play anything from classical, to rock and play it with precision and style.  And, he can even play it backwards and upside down.  

Check out when he was on the Ellen show.  

But what makes him special is his ability to surprise you with unexpected humor.  Like finding a way to play Michael Jackson's "Thriller" at a wedding.  Check out the video on his website www.jasonlyleblack.com

Now, I really enjoyed his concert, and not just because I won a prize for knowing his favorite musical comedian (Victor Borge-check him out if HERE), but because my girls and I had such a good time together.  There was a little something in his show for everyone.  Disney mashups for the kids and some humor that the older crowd enjoyed.

This performer has it all!  And on top of that, he's just a great guy.  I finally officially met him for the first time at a National Speakers Association event a few weeks ago.  After a few minutes chatting we decided to exchange his cd Piano Preludes for my book Master Your Mindset   A few days later not only did I receive his CD, but he also sent an autographed picture for each of my children, thanking them for coming to his show, and a special note of thanks for me.  That's class folks.

I invite you to take a minute to listen to his cd, watch some of his videos, and if you ever get a chance to see him live, TAKE IT!  You can even listen on Pandora HERE.  Check him out at www.jasonlyleblack.com or on Youtube.   I can't wait to see where his career takes him.  

Date Night at BYU for the Win!

So, you know how we have been counseled to go on a date once a week.  Yep, well, our home schedule has changed so dramatically over the past few months that we got really out of sync with our dating.  We even worked over our anniversary.  

So when Jimmy said "Hey, Hon, can I take you out this week sometime?" I was ecstatic.  I kept feeling like we just needed something fun.  We haven't had a really good laugh together for a while.  But, what to do?  .  

After trying to find multiple "funny" things to do and striking out, we ended up at the Wilkinson center at BYU in Provo, Utah.  After chowing  some Chic-Fi-La we made our way to the bowling alley where we found a pleasant surprise.  It seems BYU is all about "dating" and tries to help a couple out by offering a great price for "date night".  A half date night was one game for each of us with free shoes for $6.  Regular price $12.50.  Sign me up!!!!  But it wasn't just the price that was great!

I spent a little bit of time at the bowling alley growing up.  Whether it was going with a friend whose mom worked at the lanes, or bowling every Friday for P.E. or even going with my extended family every year around Easter, I've been to a few alleys.  And you know as well as I do, they don't always have the best environment.  So, bowling isn't always on my list of go-to activities.  

But the funnest thing about bowling at BYU was the atmosphere.  It may seem cheesy to some, but I got a big kick out of the Disney Soundtracks playing in the background.  It was well lit, clean, open and inviting.  All around us were families, dad's and their daughters, and young adults on dates.  

We sang out loud to the songs, bowled with our left hands, and laughed really hard when Jimmy did a little dance that ended when he dropped his bowling ball on the ground. 

So, is there still clean wholesome bowling to be found?  You bet!

And the date didn't stop there.  Did you know that BYU has multiple museums that are free and pretty darn awesome.  We have taken our kids to them many times, but this time it was just us.  

Here's the cool thing.  The Art museum (MOA) has a date night checklist you can do for free.  And when you have finished it, you even get a free poster from the gift shop.  It only took us about 20 minutes and it was fun to do something different than a movie.  We actually got to talk to each other and share ideas and thoughts.

Any good date ends with ice cream.  And BYU creamery is our favorite!  Head back to the Wilkinson center or over to the Creamery on 9th to get some yummy cold treats.

I must say, that my heart feels a little lighter and my connection to Jimmy a little tighter after laughing, sharing, and eating goodies together.  BYU for the date night Win! 

Leap of Faith

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