The Durbs Blurbs: February 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

02.28.2013: My Hollywood Superstar

So Vince and I came out to CA for a few days....because Vince had an audition for a USAA commercial. It was actually a call-back audition of sorts. He had auditioned for a separate commercial with Christina & Justice last year, and they made it to the final selection round, but he ended up not getting it. However, the casting director called him out of the blue because they were doing this special Veteran profile piece and had really liked his story. So, they asked him to come out to Hollywood to record an audio piece for the potential tv, radio, and website commercial. They said they would call him back for the video shoot another date. So we got to visit this sound studio right in Hollywood near some of the big studio lots. We were there for a few hours and they did a super long "interview" with Vince. I got to sit back in the studio and listen and watch the audio guy do his thing on his big board with about 100,000 switches and keys. It was beyond cool! Definitely one of those "once in a lifetime" experiences. Well, hopefully Vince will have more of them...but if not, it was and exciting and memorable day!!

Vince is in the studio behind the glass with a guy who is interviewing him.

Studio...

The sound guy....

Afterwards, we drove down thru Beverly Hills and out to Santa Monica. We had lunch on 3rd Street Promenade...then walked out to the pier. Vince had never been here before so it was fun showing him around.

Of course, Route 66 sign....End of the Trail...but not for my superstar!

Had to take the opportunity to pose with the Air Force Memorial...that is why we are here after all!

I am posing by the mall....haha!

We ended up spending the whole day down in LA. Had an amazing day...perfect weather. This is why people pay the big bucks to live here. I want to move back...NOW.

We left around 7pm to head home....and sat in non-moving bumper to bumper traffic all the way. Oh ya, this is why I left California. :(

Sunday, February 24, 2013

02.24.2013: Post-Party Clean-up

So the next morning came really, really early for us!! We had to rise & shine and clean up our mess in the clubhouse! Vince, Sarah, Vince Jr, Rachel and I woke up and drug ourselves over to "the room". Vince did a breakfast burrito run for us while we started the process. Turns out we had a messy little group the night before!! Haha!! Looked like we had about 300 people in there! After a while Vince took Rachel off to the airport....and we tried to keep it going. And by "we" I mean Sarah and I. It wasn't long before Vince Jr disappeared in the couch, behind the cushions, and under some tablecloths. He was done. When Vince (Sr) got back, he joined him on the couch :) While they napped, Sarah & I finished organizing all the stuff for transport back to our garage! What a day....we were beat down!

When we were done, Vince Jr & Sarah met up with all the cousins at Grandma's house for lunch. Christina & Lex stopped by Olive Garden for some take-out and they all converged on Grandma for a few hours. Vince and I took naps on the couch while enjoying the empty house for a few hours :)

That would be Vince under the tablecloths...

And that would be Vince Jr hiding/sleeping behind the couch cushions.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

02.23.2013: Christina & Lex's Engagement Party

Christina & Lex were engaged on Christmas this past year, so what better reason for a big party than to celebrate the biggest engagement of the year! Vince and I could not wait to throw them an engagement party for everyone to gather to give them well wishes and blessings for this year leading up to their wedding. We didn't have long to plan so we kicked it into high gear. I think we did a pretty good job pulling it all together!

We had a great turnout and had family and friends come from all over the country, literally! Christina's Mom, Rose, and her husband Michael came out from San Antonio....Lex's parents from Tampa, FL came out....Vince Jr & Sarah came from SA also....one of Christina's best buds from her early years, Rachel, came from SA (who is also her other bridesmaid)...Brittany (Greg's daughter) came from North Dakota...Christina's aunt & uncle from Tucson...Thelma's brother & wife from Tucson....my family from CA came out....and of course all the AZ family and friends were there!

Vince and I planned the theme and menu based on the life of Christina & Lex. The theme & colors were a preview of the wedding to come (except it will be on a beach in a 5-star resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico....so basically identical to tonight!). The wine and beer was selected from countries and regions they are from, have visited or were about to go visit. The food was very Mediterranean ... Greek Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Iberian Ragu, Moroccan Meatballs, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Collard Greens, Naan, Jasmine Rice. For dessert we had Red Velvet Cake, a variety of cupcakes, and French macaroons.

We had such a great time tonight!! Christina & Lex were so grateful that everyone came out for them, and that we had such a wonderful party in their honor. Vince gave a great toast near the end of the night. Most people stayed until about 10pm...some stayed until 2am! It was a party that did NOT want to end!

Vince, Vince Jr, Sarah, Rachel and I spent the whole day before setting up the room, and the whole morning of getting everything prepped. So, we were exhausted from all the work, AND play! But how much fun we all had! I haven't laughed so hard in a long time!!!