Ok where was I? Oh yea, still in Ely. Sunday, after our night out, we got up, drove to the airport, and caught our flight. Nothing really exciting happened on the way to Scotland. It’s a pretty easy flight, only about an hour. What I did like about the flight were the seats. The plane was smaller, so the rows were two by two. I had the window, Doogie had the isle, and there was no sweaty, smelly person sitting next to us. Yipee!

Tangent: Seriously, you never know who you’re going to be sitting next to. One time, on my way to see Amanda in NYC, I sat next to this guy who insisted that I watch Dazed and Confused on his laptop with him. When he realized that he did have a double jack thingy for our headphones, he went around the cabin asking people if they had one. Yes, he did manage to get one. And yes, I did have to watch the whole movie with him. And yes, he did follow me out of the airport, asking to share a cab in the city. AND YES, I hit him over the head with my luggage. JK on the hitting part. I just ran!

Soooo we finally got to Scotland, where Fay (mum-in-law) and Ian (pa-in-law) picked us up. When we got to their house, where we stayed for most of the trip, we were greeted by the Stevensons, Kirsty (Dougie’s sister), Duane (Kirsty’s husband), Kieran (oldest son), Becca (middle), and (the newest member) Jack.

Here are some pics:

This is the first time we have met Jack! He was a jar full of puddin’.

That night the fam put together a buffet style meal. Just what we needed. Yumyumyum. My favorite part of the meal was the way them Scots say buffet. Instead of saying it with a short /u/ sound, they use an /oo/ sound. So it’s like booffet. I like saying it. Booffet. “What are we having for dinner tonight?” “I think we’ll put together a booffet.”

On Monday, we had the Weans (wee ones or child) over. So Dougie and I decided to go on an adventure with Kieran, Becca, Jodie (boxer dog 1), and Holly (boxer dog 2) into the Scottish countryside.

Beautiful:

One of my favorite parts of Scotland is the long walks we go on. Too bad I won’t go in the foresty parts because the Blair Witch Project ruined it for me.

When we got back, we hung out with “Just Jack” some more.

Tuesday it was Duane’s 40th birthday! We went into Ayr (city on the west coast of Scotland, about 20 minutes away from where we were) to get some pressies!

More pics:

Can you see Dougie and Ian in the next pic?

After we got home, it was time to celebrate.

I think he’s very happy with his iphone…

Awwww brother and sister.

So far Scotland was perfect but don’t worry, there is still a lot more to come!

We started our European Vaca at LAX. Very scenic. Usually, when you get onto a 10 hour flight, you’re not in a very good mood. LUCKILY, we saved up all our Amex points and got upgraded! Whoohoo! Beds!!! And Champagne. Here we are before we take off!

Easiest flight ever! We ate some food, watched some movies, and got some sleep.

Our first stop on the Henderson Vacation was Ely, where uncle Ronnie, aunt Denise, cousins Stewart (aka Stewie) and Neil, and of course, the Lovely Sally, Stewie’s girlfriend, live. We got into London about 3:00pm and got our luggage easily. So far so good. We knew coming into London around rush hour on a Friday was going to be bad but it’s coo cause we’re on vacation. From Heathrow Airport we took the express train to Paddington Station, where we would get a taxi to Kings Cross. Still going good! When we get to Kings Cross, where we will jump on a 45 minute train to Ely, we encounter utter chaos. There are wall to wall people standing around staring into space (kinda like the look Heinie gives to me everyday).

As we walk to where we will purchase our tickets, a whole crowd of people walk in the opposite direction. Our first instinct was to follow everyone. Luckily we did not. We found out later they got the train to Edinburgh. So we push our way through the crowd to buy our tickets but when we get to the booth we see that all trains going to Ely are canceled for next half hour. (Something to due with electric lines down somewhere, blah blah.) That’s ok. As long as we get there eventually. We buy our tickets and wait. This is when Dougie starts staring into space along with the rest of them. (Ok. Not space but the HUGE train scheduler thingy, that I cannot make any sense out of.) So I decide to meander around. I buy an iced coffee which is nothing like Starbucks. And I go to the “toilet”. Now getting my coffee was easy but getting in the bathroom was not. They had one of those bars that stick out and won’t let you pass without paying. It was like 30p to use the bathroom. We just got there. I had no change. And I really had to goooo. So now I’m running around (with my luggage, carry-on, and coffee) to all the vendors asking for change. Seriously the Brits were not amused. And Dougie was still staring into space. FINALLY I get the EXACT change and make my way into the bathroom. Now I’m not going to go into detail, but, juggling my beautiful new luggage, my HEAVY carry-on, and my iced coffee into the bathroom is not an easy task. When I make my way back to Dougie, he says we had to go to the train right away. There was only one train going to Ely in the next hour. The next train to Ely was another 3 hours away! So we book it to the train. When we get there it is already completely full! Oh well. We have to stand. Not a big deal, right? WRONG! People keep coming and coming. Everyone is trying to squeeze onto this train. I am pushed so far up against the wall that I left a Shannon-sized imprint. It really could not get any worse, right? WRONG AGAIN! When the train takes off, I realize there is no air on the train! Wahhhhh! THEN at the first stop, MORE PEOPLE GET ON. I am like really? REALLY? I was so close to the man standing in front of me, I could smell what he ate for breakfast!!! It was the longest 45 minutes of my life.

We finally get to Ely at around 8:00pm. It only took us 5 hours!

When we get to Ronnie and Denise’s house, we chill out. It’s sooooo nice! Stewie, Neil, and Sally come over, too. This is where we have our first taste of fish and chips. Mmmmm! Fried food!!! That night I sleep like a champ.

Saturday we wake up to a beautiful day! Total barbecue weather. Ronnie and Denise put on a wonderful barbecue and we eat! Here is the one photo we have of the barbecue:

That’s Ronnie. He’s a famous radio personality! You might remember him as the man who married us!

That night we went out in Ely for a few drinks!  Here are the only pictures we have of that night:

After this point, it all gets a bit hazy… We had a great night out. And it was fantastic to see the brothers! And Sal!

Well that is the start of our vacation. Good times.

Stay tuned for more!

Nate and Nikki from ShaSha on Vimeo.

Congratulations!!

• “As sisters, which is what we are” -Nikki (Really pushing the sister thing. Zing!)
• “When I heard the most magnificently angelic voice I’d ever heard in my entire life. Better than NKOTB, better than Tiffany and even better than Tina Turner! I couldn’t believe my ears, I’d found my very own American Idol!!” – Jen (Laying it on thick. AND I LOVE IT!!!)
• “I will sing loud and proud, but never, NEVER will I overpower the singing of the great Shannon Marcee Henderson.” -Nikki (Know that I have to be the center of attention!)
• Already in awe of her bedazzling beauty, I was taken back as I felt my heart flutter when I heard the most incredible tune come out of her mouth. “Big wheels keep on turnin’, turnin’, proud mary keep on burnin’, burnin’. Rollin’, rollin’ rollin’, rollin’ rollin’ on a riiiiiiivaaaaaa.” -Jen (Still laying it on thick!)
• “I love children and think that love for children makes the world go ‘round. HOWEVER, if those little brats cross any lines (e.g. blocking our view, heckling, singing louder than us), I’m not afraid to smack one upside their head.” -Nikki (LOL. I wonder if she’ll smack her own upside the head if they try to sing louder than me?)
• “Shannon has so many people that love her and adore her, and I’m sure they’ll all do anything to win a night with Shannon.” -Jen (Laying it on thick like honey on a piece of buttery toast.)

Well. I have come to a decision. The winner is…

Sorry. Hehehehehe!

The

winner

is

EVERYONE!!!!!

You get a concert. You get a concert. You get a concert. You get a concert. You get a concert. You get a concert.

Here’s the deal. Jen is going to the Taylor Swift concert. Nikki is going to the GLEE CONCERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAYAYAYAYAYAY!

AND

If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands!!!! (I’m totally clapping right now.)

Between Jennifer Lyn Hrycyk and Nicole Ann Saenz.

Here are their entries:

JEN’S ENTRY

Taylor Swift: Dreaming of an evening with her, and Shannon.

When I was a young girl, I adored singing. I’d watch The Sound of Music every day when I came home from school. I’d sing as loudly as my vocal chords could belt “Cliiiiiiimmmmmbbb e-vvvvvvvrrrey mountain…..”

Once my VHS tape broke from watching Sound of Music too much, I moved on to Annie. My vocal chords had gotten stronger by now, so I was able to harmonize with myself, “Thhhhhhhee suuuuuuuunn will come out, toooooo-morow….”

I was a glorious singer. Unfortunately, no one else thought so. As I grew to realize that maybe my angelic voice wasn’t as good as Debbie Gibson and Joey McIntyre, I couldn’t bare the thought to give up my dream of being a famous country pop star.

Finally the day came when I realized: I’d have to move on from being the next Tiffany, and would have to live vicariously through someone else’s career.

I waited for years and years to decide who I would live through. I searched high and low, but I never found anyone. So I had no choice but to repress my lifelong heart’s dream. Being a singer and/or living vicariously through one, it was no longer an option.

Days passed. Months passed. And eventually years had passed. Then, something unexpected happened.

It was the summer before college. It had been years since I’d reminisced about my dreams. Suddenly, they all came flooding back to me when I heard the most magnificently angelic voice I’d ever heard in my entire life. Better than NKOTB, better than Tiffany and even better than Tina Turner! I couldn’t believe my ears, I’d found my very own American Idol!!

She had silky, shiny, thick, luxurious hair. She had big beautiful eyes that showed off eye shadow like no make up job I’d ever witnessed.  She had a radiant smile that could make everyone, in any room she walked into, fill up inside with joy.

As if being such a beauty wasn’t good enough, she undeniably resembled one of the hottest, most popular singers on the planet at the time, Brittney Spears, BUT PRETTIER (obviously).

Already in awe of her bedazzling beauty, I was taken back as I felt my heart flutter when I heard the most incredible tune come out of her mouth. “Big wheels keep on turnin’, turnin’, proud mary keep on burnin’, burnin’. Rollin’, rollin’ rollin’, rollin’ rollin’ on a riiiiiiivaaaaaa.”

Suddenly, my dreams of living vicariously through the most amazing singer EVER, flooded back from my soul. I’D FOUND HER!!!! This is who I can only dream of being, this is who I want to live vicariously through. Is she a country pop star? I’m not sure. Is she famous? She has to be!

I was soon introduced to the apple of my eye for many years to come, Cannon. Yes, her name was Cannon. I’ll admit, I was a little intimidated by her charm. But her warm, cozy hugs quickly made me feel right at home in her arms.

Okay, so what was my point? Oh right, why me (sorry I got sidetracked by such happy memories)?

Why me? I’ll be honest, there’s nothing too special about little ol’ me. However what I can genuinely say from the bottom of my heart: Taylor Swift and Shannon Henderson have something in common; I adore both of them with every itty bitty ounce of my heart and soul.

When I hear Shannon’s voice and Taylor’s voice, they both of the same effect on me. They make me smile. When I see them, I always giggle because it makes me realize how fitting the song, “The Best Day” is. I know Taylor wrote that song for her mom, but it’s like I could have written it for Shannon. Or Taylor. Either one because whenever I’m with Shannon, I have the best day. Whenever I see Taylor or PerezHilton.com or TMZ, I have the best day. Go figure?

Most importantly, why me? Simple. Because Shannon and Taylor could give someone (me) the opportunity, for one small moment in time, in the midst of so many negative things in the world, to shine with true happiness.

It’s my dream to spend an evening being able to sing along, as loud as my vocal chords will go (just like we did at Kelly Clarkson, but maybe more), to all of the Taylor Swift songs I know (including some of my faves…You Belong With Me, Love Story, You’re Not Sorry, The Best Day, to name a few….). I’ll admit, there’s a few songs I don’t yet know, but what better possible way to experience them for the first time, than in person, with tears of joy falling from my humbled eyes.

Oh, a random thought I just had…I know it might be hard to believe, but I love, love, love screaming kids. Screaming kids, screaming adults, screaming babies….it’s like Taylor Swift music to my ears. I have a feeling that if I were the lucky winner (and I never win anything, but that’s okay, what’s one more loss in my life) I might get to be surrounded by screaming kiddies all night. I mean this could be like the best day of my whole life all of this, even better than my wedding day probably.

But do you know the only thing that could make this whole experience better than the true bliss I’ve already described? Only one thing: if I could wear an outfit matching Shannon’s. She always looks so exquisite, if I could wear a piece of her for just one night, I think I could sleep peacefully forever more.

I can only imagine the difficulty of this decision. Shannon has so many people that love her and adore her, and I’m sure they’ll all do anything to win a night with Shannon. Oh and TS too. If I don’t win, it’s okay, life will go on. I’m used to coming out behind, so nothing new.

But if I do win, I don’t know if the smile on my face will ever fade. Ever…

NIKKI’S ENTRY

Why you?

It’s almost silly for me to answer a question like, “Why you?”  The true question here is “Why not me?”  As sisters, which is what we are, we have always included each other in the most awesome and fun activities we’ve been privileged to.  If we have nothing set up to entertain us, we simply vow to “stay up for the rest of our lives” and entertain ourselves with 80’s movies, board games, or idol.  So again, I pose, “Why not me?” I am your blood (and blood is thicker than water). We are birds of a feather. We are, quite simply, the most fun people we know.

Finally, I must argue that not only would picking me be your best and most fun choice, picking me inevitably strengthens the roots of our band.  While you are out for injury (blast you jagged glass!), it would be wise for our little duet to really find its roots and learn “what we are all about.” Seeing as how Taylor Swift songs seem take up the majority of our group’s library, taking me to the concert is not only the right choice for you personally, but also professionally. Warming you up for the kill.

How many songs do I know?

I do have both Fearless and Taylor Swift, the self-titled album (it takes courage and confidence to have a self-titled album, so great job Swifty).  I feel very strong with Taylor’s more popular songs, but still have more to learn when it comes to her lesser-known tunes. This concert would be the boost I need to help me memorize and perfect all of Taylor Swift’s songs.

Again, I must point out that my refining of Taylor’s material will definitely help our band. At the concert I will be exposed to more direct teaching in the way of Taylor, and will no longer frustrate you, my partner, when I do not know the lyrics to a song. Is your decision becoming clearer? I sure hope so.

How loud will you sing?

I will sing loud and proud, but never, NEVER will I overpower the singing of the great Shannon Marcee Henderson.  As discussed previously, by the concert I will have perfected each of Taylor’s songs, however, the true benefit will be to you, ShaSha. I will play back-up to your lead, chorus to your solo. I will never sing so loudly that you cannot hear your two favorite singers at the concert, Taylor and you. This is YOUR day, I’ll just be there to make it better for you.

How do you feel about screaming kids?

I am truly a professional when it comes to kids and their audible habits. As you know, I’ve been nanny and teacher to many children, of all age groups. I can easily deal with children and their natural, excitement at the concert. I love children and think that love for children makes the world go ‘round. HOWEVER, if those little brats cross any lines (e.g. blocking our view, heckling, singing louder than us), I’m not afraid to smack one upside their head. Those little nuisances will get what they deserve if they even try to ruin your experience. So there!

If you could be any artist in the world, who would you be?

Why I’d be Shannon Marcee Henderson, of course.  Her ease of being in the spotlight and spontaneous, audience-pleasing performances leaves no one before her in my eyes. I’ve seen her turn the darkest of bars (Tumbleweeds) into an upbeat, happy place (which just happens to have had some HB white-trash in it). Also, ShaSha is not only an artist of song, but also an artist of humor. She has always carried her Improv groups and been the “ham” of any musical she has been in. She is a well-rounded star and I would be lucky to have an ounce of her gallons of talent. Tell me this is solidifying my spot!

How do you feel about wearing matching outfits?

Of course matching outfits are a necessity when attending a much to-do concert. Rather than completely matching I prefer “coordinating” outfits, meaning we each wear our own color, or alternate hairpieces, bracelets, cowboy hats, sparkly bras etc. By coordinating outfits we are telling other concerteers, “Hey look at us; we are fun enough to match, but are still our own person.”

So whether we have Matching Outfits like this or Coordinating Outfits like this, we are sure to wow others and have a blast while doing so. Pick me! Pick me!

How will I decide??????? HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So…here it is folks, Mama Saenz’s entry!!!!!

1) Why you?

Why me?  I’ll tell you “why me” young lady.  If it were not for me, you would not be going to this concert because you would not exist!  Enough said.

2) How many songs do you know?

I know enough to fake it and I could always bring cheat sheets.

3) How loud will you sing?

How loud?  My voice will be deafening, earsplitting, piercing, thunderous and shrill –pretty – no, but loud – yes.

4) How do you feel about screaming kids?

Screaming kids?  Oh hell no!  I will give them the classic Cass-Cheatham look started by my grandmother, used by my mother and perfected by me.  One look from my blazing eyes and those brats will take their seats with their hands folded.  A thump on the head might help too.

5) If you could be any artist in the world, who would you be?

If I could be any artist in the world, I would be Van Gogh (but what does that have to do with the Taylor Swift concert?)

6) How do you feel about wearing matching outfits?

Matching outfits?  Are you kidding?  Did I not dress you and Lisa alike for the first several years of your life?  The only rule is, of course, different colors.  I’ll even let you wear blue since you’re still complaining that you always had to wear pink.

Now what time is the concert?  Seven? That seems awful early in the morning but I’m use to getting up early so that’s okay.  What?  Seven at night?  Are you talking about an hour before my bedtime?

Never mind.

Here’s a little video of our friend Taylor:

Alexis Hartman

Mrs. Henderson’s class

1.9.10

It’s A Love Story, Baby, Just Say Yes

April 16, 2010.  To anyone else, its just another Friday, but to me, it’s the most important day of my life.  My idol, Taylor Swift, is playing a concert in which I have the opportunity to witness her amazing talent in person!!   However, its only if I win this contest.  Why me, you ask?  Why should I get the privilege to go to this 2, hopefully 3 hour-long event of excitement and teen angst?  Well, first and foremost, I am probably the most fun person I know.  We’ll laugh, we’ll share stories, we’ll create memories.  Another reason why it should be me?  We were Taylor Swift fans before the Kanye incident.  We were even Taylor fans before “You Belong With Me” came out.  Other than that, because I can relate to her songs more than anyone I know.  This is probably due to the fact that she wrote them based on my life.  I mean, how else can she pinpoint exactly what I felt in one experience when she wrote “The Way I Loved you?”   Or “Love Story?”  Romeo and Juliet is my favorite story of all time.  I’m convinced “You’re Not Sorry”,  “White Horse” and “Breathe” are based on a true story via boys from my past.  They have to be.

I know all of her songs and can sing them all, obviously knowing every lyric, most likely to the point that my voice will overshadow hers on the microphone.  I don’t mean to do this, as I know everyone will go to the concert to hear her and not me, but I swear, I sound EXACTLY like her in the car – so I shouldn’t disappoint.  And compared to us, there will be no screaming kids.  We won’t even notice there are other people there since there will be too much excitement and enthusiasm coming out of our lungs between the two us.

The concert means a lot to me, not only because its an opportunity to embarrass myself happily by wearing coordinated outfits with my fellow Taylor concertgoer/BFF, but because I want to be her.  I want to play the guitar like her.  I want to date Taylor Lautner like her.  I want to be America’s sweetheart like her.  Most of all, I want to be super rich, humble and creative just like her.  This is why I believe we should coordinate our outfits.  Either by matching or by us dressing up like her two different main characters in the “You Belong With Me” video.  Have you seen those glasses and outfits?  Talk about fun.  I’m the perfect fit for the Taylor Swift concert and can’t wait to see my face superimposed on that man’s body on www.shannonscrazy.com!

Best of luck to you, Miss Alexis!

1. WHY YOU?

Who cares about this stupid election? We all know it doesn’t matter who gets elected Winner of this contest. Do you really think it’s going to change anything around here; make one single person smarter or happier or nicer? The only person it does matter to is the one who gets elected. The same pathetic charade happens every year, and everyone makes the same pathetic promises just so they can put it on their transcripts to get into Taylor Swift Concert. So vote for me, because I am already going to Taylor Swift in Denver, and I don’t care, and as winner I won’t do anything. The only promise I will make is that if elected I will immediately dismantle the competition, so that none of us will ever have to sit through one of these stupid concerts again! (hint thats from a movie)

2. HOW MANY SONGS DO YOU KNOW?

Embarrassingly enough I don’t think their is a Taylor Swift song I don’t know. In fact I am sure that not only can I sing like her but can probably stampede like an elephant on stage just like her and…. if my hair were longer…. awkwardly sashay it side to side on my head more times than is needed….”if you could see that I’m the one who understands you…”

3. HOW LOUD WILL YOU SING?

My voice is pretty loud, never on key except for the occasional mistake when I hit the same note as the person i am trying to imitate but nevertheless the question isn’t how well I sing but how loud….I am more than willing to bring something to enhance it as well… something along the lines of a megaphone…. home-made and bejeweled ORANGE AND BLACK to represent your ties to the Oilers (go VIKINGS) of course.

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SCREAMING KIDS?

More importantly how do they feel about me? From experience with my four nieces and nephews all under 3 years old I have learned to block them out when need be…be patient when possible and when all else fails Scream along at the appropriate times. These kids at the concert wont know what hit them.

5. IF YOU COULD BE ANY ARTIST WHO WOULD YOU BE?

I’m going to turn this around on you a little bit…. hear me out. Okay so you told Turi at your HBHS GIRLS REUNION (yes i know you didnt go there) that you wanted to be my BFF… well everyone on planet earth knows the answer to this question that has ever met me… If I win this GOLDEN TICKET maybe we can go to HER concert next.

6. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MATCHING OUTFITS?

I love matching outfits…it will be like Sadie Hawkins 1999 when you were a Senior and I was the younger male Junior and we both went as sexual active trombone players together ( you were so young and beautiful then and still are)…in fact i still have the outfits if we can squeeze into them over 10 years later. If we can’t then next best option…I buy us matching flasks, and we can take shots, matching one for one of course, until we cant remember the kids screaming or possibly even the concert itself and the awkward hair sashaying and her long limbs seemingly not connected to her body and to which she has no control over, and have to buy tickets to her vegas show and do it all over again just to get the full effect. YAY I CANT WAIT

ATG