Last week, with all of my painful-rejection mayhem, I didn’t have a chance to share one of the most important things of my recent life: I GOT TO CROSS AN ITEM OFF MY BUCKET LIST.

Yes, friends, I finally made it to a Josh Groban concert. At long last.

I’m not sure what took me so long to get to one, as he’s been my favorite singer for well over a decade. Maybe just not following his schedule, not making time to do it, not booking shows for myself as easily as I do for others. Who knows? 

But the point is, I made it there! Of course, “there” wasn’t as close as I would have preferred, with the nearest show playing nearly two hours away, but still. That’s drivable in a day. My husband and I made it to the June 15^th show at Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York.  

We had some frustrations along the way, with traffic, delays getting into the arena (totally missing our VIP reception), and timing issues—the show was supposed to run from 7:30-9, but Josh didn’t even go on until 9 after a prolonged opening act—but the show itself was great. Any excuse to envelop myself in his otherworldly vocals, especially live, is a good excuse. I just sat there letting the frustrations slide off  me as I took in the majesty of his voice.

Now, I’ve had the immense pleasure of hearing Josh sing live before. I was fortunate enough to see him in his Broadway debut, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. While I wasn’t particularly a fan of the show, I LOVED Josh in it. His song, “Dust and Ashes,” was full of passion and power. Seeing the show was worth it for this one song.

And it got better! I was doubly fortunate enough to MEET HIM outside the stage door. I got a photo with him and an autograph. I got to tell him that his song “When You Say You Love Me” was my wedding song. It was a very special night.

This night was not quite that special. It was amazing getting to wrap myself in Josh’s voice for a full 1.5 hours rather than a mere song or two, but there were no special “meet Josh” experiences that we happened upon. 

That’s okay, though. It was still a night to remember, it was still a check off the bucket list, and it was exactly what my “wonderlife” should entail: having amazing experiences that make my spirit soar.

My favorite two songs of the night were “Pure Imagination” (which I’ve posted about before) and “Granted.” I’ve been listening to the latter constantly on my phone (along with perennial favorites, Hamilton and The Greatest Showman), and I adore its message of not taking moments for granted:

“The story’s yours, go write it;
Tomorrow’s undecided.
Our days are counted on this planet.
Never take a single breath,
Take a single breath for granted.”

What moments have comprised your greatest “wonderlife” experiences? What items on your bucket list do you want to achieve one day? Share in the comments below!