2010? Wowserooni!

It's 4:00 AM on New Year's Eve, and Guy and I are up. Guy's up because of the pesky raindrops tapping on the window, and I'm up because I went to bed too early. So here I am - blogging away about 2009. Consider this our "Christmas Letter."

The year had a crazy start. After living in two different cities for 6 months of our married life, I could finally move from LA to Nashville and be with Guy. Why did we separate? I thought I had a touring gig as a backup singer, but that ending up being a bust, and Guy wanted to start working with his band Harlott (based in Nashville).

Everything worked out though. I had my cousins and JQ to keep me company, and I started hanging out with Lorn and Bryan from YouTellConcerts.com. Those guys took me under their wings and let me be a part of their brilliant idea - a video concert review site where the fans give the review.

Before leaving to Nashville, the guys asked if I'd be interested in being the Nashville correspondent. I agreed, and it has been the best past time ever. Nashville has been great to me. I've met a lot of great people, seen some killer shows, and I have a lot of journalist experience under my belt now. Many sites have posted our videos, and I think 2010 is going to be YTC's year.

I've also started helping out with editing artist interview videos for one of Premiere's shows, "Aftermidnite." My new friend Robin and her "Entourage" have been so helpful. They welcomed Guy and I in with open arms and have shown us how this fair city works.

Now for the real fun stuff! Harlott! Guy's band is doing great. They've played in some of the more popular clubs and bars in Nashville(Mercy Lounge, Exit/In, Springwater), and they've even toured a bit (Arkansas, North Carolina). They were a big hit at Farm Jam 2009. :) They recorded their album at the famous Blackbird Studios owned by Martina McBride and her husband (thanks to our friend Leland). So 2010 brings the album and, hopefully, more touring.

Of course, things can't be perfect, and the worst thing that has ever happened to me happened this year. My dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. I can't tell you how painful it is to get that news. Life just stops and there's nothing you can do, but pray and hope. Suddenly, all the success doesn't matter anymore - only family and friends (those you love).

But no more "sad trombones" (as Masa would say), all the prayers are working. Dad is responding to the chemo, and it's killing those cancer cells. Dad looks great and is active. It's been great spending more time with them this year. We live 10 hours away, so I've seen them every break I get.

My work has been supportive in letting me work from their house when I can. I love my job and my coworkers. I feel very blessed.

My cousin, Emily, had a beautiful baby boy, Marcus, this year. Guy and I got a gorgeous niece as well. Jami, Dru and Brody added Tessa to the family. We got to meet Tessa in October. We went to Nebraska. I saw my first Nebraska game. Nebraska lost, but it was still fun. Well, despite the raging hangover caused by a night of espresso vodka shots with Guy's friends. YIKES! :)

Speaking of hangovers, we are going to a big party New Year's Eve party with fake snowfall, huge video screens, and DJs. I haven't had a drink in a while, so I'll be a cheap date :) Yeah, I'll let you know how that goes.

Wishing you all a blessed, happy, healthy new year!

XOXO,
*Chrystal

Snowball Fight!

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Ditto House

Nooch sent me this, and I nearly peed. So funny!

Riding the Coattails

Tonight is CMA night, and yes, I'm going to the awards and some sweet afterparties thanks to my hard working, connected friends. Lucky me!

The past few days have been incredible. Some of my lovely Premiere friends are in town for the CMA Remote. JQ and Michael came out to Mercy Lounge with me Saturday night to see "My So-Called Band" - 90s covers. We picked up right where we left off and danced all night. We would've stayed for "a million more songs," but once the band ended we headed to Tootsie's so they could get a taste of Nashville's Broadway.



I can tell JQ loves it here, and I can't wait until she comes back to play some shows. Michael seemed to have had fun, which means a lot to us, because he's a super hard worker and deserves a little party time.

Guy has been having fun too, whether or not he chooses to admit it. He like pretending like he's a Country star. Quote: "Get me some sunglasses and a cowboy hat. I'm gonna do some interviews."

Good times, indeed. I'll be sad to have it end, but no tears yet. Big night ahead :)

The Haunted Muskrat Trail

I know...it's dark. You just had to be there...

Another Baby! Marcus Has Arrived!

Look at this little prince! My cousin Emily had Marcus yesterday, and took this picture this morning. So precious. Just think about it...waking up to a whole world - so much to do!

Amazing News

Got great news the other day! Dad's chemo is working! At his last appointment, the doctor said the cancer cells are dead in the lungs and liver, and the tumor in the pancreas has shrunk to half its original size. We are so thankful for everyone's thoughts and prayers and hope you'll keep them coming. God Bless! XOXO.

Since your vibes are so great, please extend some to a little boy named Connor (my co-worker's boyfriend's son). He's going through a delicate surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his stomach on Friday.