Best of 2007

With the end of the year drawing near, I've decided to give you my thoughts on a few of my favorites. Sadly, I didn't do enough reading this year to contribute a best on what I've read but I am in the middle of The Kite Runner. Here goes my "best of" list for 2007:

• Best documentary: King of Kong: Fistful of Quarters


• Best movie: Waitress


• Best albums: Sky Blue Sky, Wilco; The Reminder, Feist; Back to Black, Amy Winehouse; Easy Tiger, Ryan Adams


• Best concert: Damien Rice
  

Do you have any favorite movies, books, television, concerts or other items of interest from 2007?

Bah humbug

It seems I love to complain about car repairs so bear with me. I took my car in for a much needed transmission flush today and instead of spending $130 I walked out spending $695. I know that everyone else deals with this, too, and it's a necessity but why does it have to make me so crabby? Unexpected car issues set me off like nothing else. After dealing with monthly car woes since October and a deficit of approximately $1400, I'm hoping this is the last time I will have anything else unexpectedly come up for awhile. Bah humbug.

Merry Christmas!

I had a great time at home for Christmas. For four days, I got to see many friends and family members and spend some quality time with Adyson. (Babysitting for a three month old is hard work!!) I didn't take nearly the amount of pictures that I should have; below are just a few highlights. Merry Christmas to all!

Our little fashionista. Look at those boots! Adyson, you make Aunt Amy so proud. I have a feeling your love of shoes will be well nurtured.
Our little "Santa Baby" on her first Christmas.
Amber and Wesley. We took him out on the town and he was so good!
Baby Lynton. I think he looks like the "real" Charlie Brown.
My mom holding Adyson. We babysat on Friday night while Cathy and Bryon finished up their Christmas shopping. I was exhausted. Who would have thought it would take three adults to care for a 12-week old baby?

Beauty and Charity

Breanne bought me a beautiful bracelet from Bead for Life. This program helps Ugandan women turn recycled paper into works of art. In the process, buying these items helps build a better life for these women and their families. It's an amazing program and something Breanne became interested in after seeing War Dance at the True/False Film Festival this past year. The film was moving and Breanne, especially, took note. And not only is the bracelet beautiful but so is this very small gesture to help make the world a better place. It reminds me just how fortunate I am. How many blessings I really do have. And right now I have this very warm, fuzzy feeling reminding me, this is what Christmas is all about.

It's official

It's official. The Writers Guild plans to picket the Golden Globes on Jan 13. Will the show still go on? Will any actors show up? More here.

The skinny on Kenny

Joe thinks this is not something I should admit to other people but I'm going to do it. I like Kenny G.

It all started when I was in high school and my yearbook teacher would play Kenny G nonstop. Now you'd think that would make my friends and I wince but I'll remind you, the class was an hour long. We were cool with listening to Kenny for an hour every day and before long we were singing and humming along and really enjoying it (or maybe that was just me?). When the next school year came around, my teacher had new cds but we were still fond of Kenny. I don't know about my other classmates (except for Amber because she's right there with me) but my fondness of Kenny continues today all because of dear Mrs. Brown.

Anyway, Kenny was here tonight for a concert and, of course, I had to go. I pursuaded Monica to attend with me. Kenny started off the show by entering from the back of the auditorium. We had aisle seats. Kenny stopped right at Monica and thrust his saxaphone in her face. The expression she was wearing was priceless. I erupted into laughter. I couldn't contain myself. I am still embarrassed by how rude that probably seemed to Kenny but just seeing him lock eyes with Monica and start playing to her...I can't even describe it without wanting to laugh all over again.

It was a nice show and I was totally impressed by his band. Each one of them had incredible talents and with the exception of one drummer they'd all been playing with him for decades which says a lot, too. My final thought for the evening - Kenny is so incredibly skinny.

Holiday sweaters galore

This made me laugh.

This could really affect me

I've had a few people ask me if the Writers Guild strike was affecting me. It's not. I only watch a couple of tv shows a week and mostly keep up with television by watching shows on DVD. I may have spoken too soon. Sounds like the strike could keep the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards from happening this year or they could be postponed. This could really affect me. More here.

First visit with Santa

Thanks for all the offers of help, tips and suggestions about how to get my car uncovered. After working on my car for another 45 minutes later in the day (and using a bit of warm water) I was able to free my front windshield from some massive ice. It seems as though I'm now good-to-go until the next ice storm hits which should be later tonight!

Cathy, Bryon and Adyson were here today for a visit. Adyson had to see a pediatric gastroenterologist for her acid reflux and with some more Prevacid I think she'll be a happy baby. I took the day off and we took the opportunity to go to lunch, go shopping and take Adyson to her very first visit with Santa.

Adyson never even woke up to see jolly Saint Nick but that may have been all for the best.

Two months and so big

I need a garage

An ice storm attacked last night. Every church and activity in the area seems to have been called off today. It's late afternoon and I have decided that I will uncover my car. After 45 minutes, it doesn't look the like windshield will come de-iced any time soon. I broke my ice scraper in half but knew I had a spare in the trunk of my car. But of course I couldn't open the trunk with so much ice covering it. With lots of determination I got the trunk open but now it will not close. Even pushing all of my body weight against the trunk it's still not closing and my car is still not de-iced. I guess I'm staying in. Today. Maybe tomorrow.

In the spirit

Natalie was here yesterday and today. We really had a great time together. Today we went shopping and I helped Nat really knock out the rest of her shopping in record time. And, surpisingly, the stores really weren't that crowded. While we were at lunch today, a large group of older men came in and hovered by the door. I wondered what was going on until they started singing Christmas carols. It was some of the most festive and beautiful singing I've ever heard and such an unexpected lunchtime treat.

Tonight Marcia, Diane and I went to see The Santaland Diaries which is a one-man, one-act play adapted from David Sedaris' essay about working as an elf one year in SantaLand at Macy's. It was the perfect combination of laughter and sarcasm. What a great prescription for the hustle and bustle.

The birthday girl

I was on the phone with one of my closest friends the other night talking and catching up; it had been awhile. Below is just a portion of my conversation with "M".

M: "So you have a birthday coming up. What are you doing for your birthday?"

Amy: "Umm, no I don't...Are you serious? Um, I just had my birthday about three months ago, remember? I went to Las Vegas..."

M: silence

Amy: "You didn't forget...You sent me a card and a gift card in the mail for my birthday."

M: "Oh my gosh! I'm going crazy! I'm going crazy! I put a birthday card in the mail for you today with another gift card. That seems like an entire year ago that you went to Vegas. I really thought it had been that long and wondered today why your 'upcoming birthday' - December 10 - wasn't on my calendar like it should be."

Amy: (laughing hysterically) "Did you try looking in September? I'll send the gift card back to you. It's seriously not a big deal."

M: "Keep it, girl. Merry Christmas!"

And for those of you who know M, you know it just makes the story that much more loveable and funny. And I don't want to be 31 already - No way! But my "birthday" card arrived today just the same. Happy Birthday to me!

I can't wait!!

Good for Chase

So even after our disappointing football loss on Saturday night, Chase is still getting an invite to New York as a contender for the Heisman. Good for him! More here.

Weekend review

Well the Tigers' sucess was short-lived but it sure felt good to be number one for awhile even if it was only for a week. Man, that football game was a heartbreaker.

I have started wrapping presents and have pretty much finished up my Christmas shopping which feels good. Every year I obsess about having it all done. I always want to have all of my cards sent out and all my presents bought and wrapped as soon as possible. It's as if I'm in competition with myself.

I had my first Christmas party tonight. One down, four to go.

A different approach to gift-giving

If you're like me, I have started running out of things that I really "need" for Christmas. And, sure, there are things that I want but many are either a little too pricey to pass along as gift ideas or I've already bought them for myself. I find the older I get, the harder it is to answer that question when my mom and sister ask me, "What do you want for Christmas?" Unlike my childhood days of rattling off toys and wants, I've started to become a bit more practical and, even still, find it hard to really come up with too much that I need or don't just get for myself.

A coworker of mine is giving her grown daughters (and anyone else on her list) gift certificates to Kiva this year for Christmas so they can select a business to "sponsor." She says, like most of us, they already have enough "stuff" and they're both moving again so who needs more "stuff."

Kiva was founded by an American couple who noticed that people in developing countries could be successful with small businesses to support themselves and their families if they could get very small business loans. Kiva allows people to pick a small business (often just 1-person or family business) featured on the Web site and loan from $25 up to help them improve their businesses. The loans are made online, handled by a microfinance institution that disburses the loans, and then repaid to the lender(s). When a loan is repaid, the lender can use the money to make a new loan to another small business if they wish, or simply get their money back. The loan repayment rate is extremely high (in high 90s percentage). The photos of the entrepreneurs and their small businesses, along with their stories are on the Web site, so people can select which person/business they would like to help. People who make loans get email updates of how the business is doing if they wish.

Although I already have my shopping lists made and will probably continue to shop as usual, I really liked this thought. What a unique gift idea for the holidays!

Someone to eat cheese with

Meagan alerted me to this movie which is playing here in Dec. She thought I'd like it. I think it was the title that tipped her off but watch the trailer, it looks pretty funny.

Letterboxing

I just read this article about letterboxing. I had never even heard of this hobby before but I find it strangely intriguing. Maybe that's because my not-so-secret-alter-ego is Nancy Drew.

That's who

Has everyone seen the cover of Sports Illustrated? I seriously can't recall the last time I was this excited about football...it was probably during high school long, long ago. And never have I planned my week around a football game.

Amy the elf

In the same spirit as Nichole and Becky, I have "elfed" myself. Enjoy!

Holiday wrap up

Aside from a trip to see my family, I've spent much of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend playing Scrabble and watching movies. In fact, Joe and I went to see both Lars and the Real Girl and The Darjeeling Limited. Darjeeling is definitely my favorite Wes Anderson flick; I really liked it. And the movie marathon has continued from there as we have watched on dvd: Talk to Me, The Groomsmen, Fracture, Ratatouille, Mr. Brooks and Chalk. I have also rediscovered my competitive side while playing many games of Scrabble. It's been a great few days. Joe is leaving first thing in the morning and for now we are watching (and enjoying) the MU/KU game. So far so good for the Tigers.

Thankful

Thanksgiving 2007

Clockwise: Bryon, Cathy, Adyson, mom, dad, me and Joe. Aunt Amy and Adyson Joseph and Adyson

What happened?

In this crazy world some things are so hard to understand. I'm trying to make sense out of something that makes no sense at all. Isn't anything true and sacred anymore? What I'm talking about is what I'm calling, "the biggest upset in Bachelor-history."

Let me break it down for all of you who don't watch the show. The bachelor dates all sorts of women and throughout the season he continues to eliminate girls until there is only two left standing. At the final rose ceremony he is to give one rose to the girl he wants to get engaged to. This would be Option A. Now over time some bachelors have mixed things up a little and have decided not to get engaged but to continue to pursue the relationship (Option B) with the chosen gal (who still gets the rose, just not the ring) and the couple live happily ever after...or until the credits stop rolling.

Last night Brad sent Jeni home. Then--and this is where it really gets hairy--instead of giving the final rose to DeAnna he decided to send her home, too. (Newly elected - Option C.) Brad, have you never seen the show before? You don't have to get married. You can pick one girl you like best and continue the relationship. And although history tells us it's not going to last anyway, please induldge us with that scenario. The entire point of me watching for the past two months was to see who got the final rose...to see who you liked best. Brad, you can give the final rose to Chris Harrison for all I care. Just give it to someone. Anyone. I want my money back.

Incessant talking

One of my pet peeves is when people talk through movies. And I don't mean the casual comment or two. I mean when you sit in front of people who feel the need to narrate an entire two-hour movie. I went to see Dan in Real Life tonight which, by the way, was very good and was sitting in front of three or four older ladies. They felt the need to explain every joke or make a comment about every single thing. "Oh they're on the east coast." "She's not very happy." "He said..." Argh!! Why do people have to talk (loudly) through an entire movie without even the slightest concern that it might be interrupting those around them. And why is it that I seem to always sit in front of these people? It's like when I get in what I think is the shortest line it turns out to be the longest. When I take a short cut and then get stuck in traffic and when I go to a movie I always sit in front of the people who talk through the entire show. Am I alone in this?

Gals night out

I met some friends here for dessert tonight. Turns out the CBS national news was there filming a segment for their Sunday morning show about dessert and wine bars. Stay tuned!

P.S. The creme brulee was amazing!

Thirty-five

Happy Birthday, Joseph. I hope this is an amazing year for you.

It's back!

Project Runway is back. The first episode of the new season airs tonight on Bravo. I can't wait!

Getting back to my roots

I've been on a ramen noodle kick. It's been years since I've eaten ramen but one thing never changes, you really can't beat 6 for $1.

KC fun

I had a very fun Saturday. Breanne, Monica and I trekked to Kansas City and met Kim, who made the very long four-hour drive from Great Bend, at the Country Club Plaza. We had a great time catching up with Kim and shopping, eating, shopping and eating (bannana creame cheesecake!).

Monica and Breanne

Kim and me. We miss you Kimmy!

Me rubbing the nose of the boar replica which is supposed to bring good luck. Somewhere there is a photo of me rubbing the real boar's nose in Florence, Italy.

Cathy and Adyson

Baby Graham

Alex and Nichole's Baby Graham has arrived! Graham Wyeth was born at 8:27 a.m. today and weighed 8 lb 6 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Congratulations!

Cristin's stuff

Above are photos from Cristin's craft show booth on Sunday. I've somehow become both her agent and her publicist. If anyone is interested in a hand-made tutu, kimono, bib and burp cloth set, knit hat, booties, etc. she's your go to girl. Isn't her stuff so cute?

SJP responds

A little over a week ago, I wrote about SJP being cruely named the unsexiest woman alive. Well she speaks out. And frankly she doesn't seem to mind. Sticks and stones may break my bones...Read her response here.

Goodbye bad friends

During the week, I usually only watch one or two television shows consistently. I do, however, keep up with several different shows on dvd. Over the years, one of those shows has been The Sopranos. I finally watched the series finale late last night. I had heard all the talk ahead of time surrounding the ending to which I had mixed emotions. It's always a little weird when you've watched a show for several years and then you finally close that chapter.

Chococat

I love Hello Kitty and I love black cats so it's no wonder why I love Chococat (Hello Kitty's black cat companion). Since I travel so much, I've been on the lookout for a really cute luggage tag. I've passed up many because they didn't stand out enough or just weren't that cute but tonight I found a Chococat luggage tag and had to have it. I know, I know, it doesn't take much to make me happy, huh?

First Halloween

I hear Adyson slept through her first Halloween but when it was time to go to bed she was up all night. Her entire wardrobe was courtesy of her Aunt Amy. You'll notice another pumpkin hat by Cristin. (This one a little different than Wesley's hat.) And I just love the black kitty on her pants!

What a day

Today instead of going to work, I was going to attend a conference. On the way to my conference my mind was elsewhere. I was half-driving, half-day dreaming about all the things I had to do and all the things going on in life. If you live here, you're probably aware of a section of Providence near campus that narrows and a section of the curb really sticks out. I realized I was running straight into the curb at about the same second it happened. I hit it. Hard. I immediately turned, got out and saw that not only was a few chunks of metal gone from my hub cap but also a few chunks were missing from my tire, too. I was supposed to be at the conference soon. And this was already shaping out to not be my day. I went to a nearby automotive shop and left my car while frantically trying to reach a coworker to pick me up. I spent the rest of the day at the conference distracted and worried about money. It turns out that not only did I need one new tire and an alignment, I needed four new tires. So $525.18 later, I'm at home and I'm calling it a day. Yesterday I got paid. I also meticulously budgeted for the month in order to buy Christmas presents. Is it possible that we're never really supposed to get ahead?

She's crafty!

I'm helping Cristin on Sunday by working at her booth at the craft show at Hearnes. If anyone is interested in coming by for lots of cute hand-made items and gifts, the show is 11 am to 4 pm. Let me know if you need more info.

Happy Halloween!

Baby Wesley (Hat by Cristin, of course!)

I demand a recount

Maxim magazine recently named "The Five Unsexiest Women Alive." Who do these people think they are? And to make matters worse, Sarah Jessica Parker is number one. Are you kidding me?!? When is the last time you saw a women's magazine naming the most unsexy men alive? Never. I'm totally disgusted by this magazine...the list is as follows:

1. Sarah Jessica Parker
2. Amy Winehouse
3. Sandra Oh
4. Madonna
5. Britney Spears

Three and six

What an honor to celebrate Caelleb's sixth birthday and Tia's third. Their really cool mom, Taina threw a swim party at the ARC. It's been so much fun to watch these two grow up.Caelleb blowing out the candles on his cake. He was so excited!
Tia (with grandma) opening up her present from me - fingernail polish!
Caelleb and Vanessa. Aren't they SO cute?

Cheers to Meggan!

Meggan, Meera and I celebrating Meggan's birthday. Happy 28!

Babies abound

Amber, my childhood friend since the third grade, had her baby this morning at 3:43 a.m. He was 8 lb 1 oz - welcome Wesley Michael!

What I was doing 10, 20, 30 Years Ago

This post is part of an experiment by Mary DeMuth and I was tagged by my friend, Sandi to participate. Mary is trying to see how far the blogging world can reach. If you decide to answer her question, either leave it as a comment on this blog or answer it in your blog and link back to hers at http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com/.

10 years ago: I was 20 years old and attending John Wood Community College, living at home with my parents, and was preparing to transfer to Culver-Stockton College as a communications major. My friends and I were probably cruising around in my 1990 Dodge Shadow listening to Nobody by Keith Sweat or You Were Meant for Me by Jewel.

20 years ago: I was ten years old and in the sixth grade. I loved to read Babysitters Club Books and really liked my English/Reading class. I remember dancing to Kylie Minogue's Locomotion.

30 years ago: I was six weeks old. My sister, Cathy was three and I hear she loved playing big sister to me and was very attentive. My parents probably had me listening to the Steve Miller Band.

Lots of fun

I went to the Ragtag last night to see Two Days in Paris. This movie is laugh out loud funny. Julie Delpy plays a Parisan living in New York and who travels to Venice for two weeks with her American boyfriend, Adam Goldberg. After their vacation in Venice they spend two days in Paris (staying in an apartment above her parents). And while the movie does make you think seriously about relationships, (and asks, "How well do you really know someone?") I couldn't help but mostly find the humor in it.

Really important stuff

I grew up under the old adage that if you swallowed gum it would not be digested for seven years. As a kid, I remember thinking about all this gum adding up over a period of time and was scared silly any time I had accidentally swallowed gum. Well we can all breathe a sigh of relief as that old wives tale has officially been disputed. Read more here.

Today is John Mayer's 30th birthday. Probably not really newsworthy or a milestone to anyone else reading (except for Breanne, of course) but since it's my blog, I get to mention it.

And just when I thought I had sworn off The Hills, and hadn't seen much, if anything, of this season, I got sucked back in the other night watching a marathon and was up until after 1:00 in the morning. It started out innocently enough with me not being able to fall asleep and just flipping channels and the next thing you know I just couldn't pull myself away. I also saw the first episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. I really didn't want to watch it. I knew I would hate it. Well the rest is history. I will probably catch every episode from here on out.

A day with Adyson

I took a vacation day today so I could spend an entire day with Cathy and Adyson. Tomorrow Adyson will be two weeks old and Cathy's birthday is later this week. Happy 33rd birthday, Cathy! Today seemed like as good a time as any to celebrate.

Seriously, people...

I went to the restroom at Barnes & Noble yesterday. The lady in the bathroom stall next to me had her small son in there and they were both talking to her husband (the boy's father) very loudly on speaker phone. Can you not wait to initiate or answer a phone call until you are out of the public restroom? And even worse, you do it on speaker phone so that everyone can be part of your conversation. I felt so awkward, as if I were actually the one intruding upon them, and then I was scared to flush the toilet for fear it would interupt their conversation. Below is a fraction of what was actually said:

Mom: Tell daddy what shirt you're wearing today.
Boy: Wex
Mom: He's wearing his t-rex shirt.
Boy: Flush.
Dad: What did he say?
Mom: Oh, he said, "flush." We're in the bathroom at Barnes & Noble and he wants to flush the toilet.
Dad: (dead silence)

Pinwheel Italian Calzones

Yesterday it rained all day long. The perfect weekend just to sit on the couch, watch dvds (I loved Hot Fuzz!) and cook. Joe was here over the weekend and that pretty much sums up our time together. Friday night Joe made Pad Thai and last night I made Italian calzones from a recipe Meagan gave me. Delicious!! Here is the recipe.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 (14 ounce) jar pizza sauce

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, green pepper and onion. Set aside.
3. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into 4 rectangles. Press the remaining perforations together to seal. Spread the filling evenly onto the rectangles. Roll up the filling inside the dough starting at the short side. Slice each finished roll into four slices, and place cut side down onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned. While the pinwheels are baking, warm the pizza sauce. Serve the pinwheels with pizza sauce in small cups for dipping.

Nerd Test

Not that I think I'm a nerd because I don't. I do, however, have some readers that I think should take the test. (Did that sound rude? I meant that some of the questions reminded me of some people I know. Ahem.) I would LOVE to see the results.

Music City Review

The conference was really wonderful. I was starting to have my doubts last week about going but am so glad I did. I knew I wouldn't back out or anything (plus I had already paid and committed to Taina) but was just really stressed out about taking off on Friday, had so much going on and hadn't been sleeping well. This conference turned out to be exactly what I needed and I hope to go again next year or at least as often as time and resources allows. Plus Taina and I have not had the chance to hang out for some time so sharing a room was fun. Just like childhood sleepovers, we stayed up late both nights talking. Below are some photos.

Sharita, me and Taina at Cozymels. Jan and Dan met up with us at Cozymels.

Eric showing off his new posession. And, yes, that's a ginormous yam!

Nashville

Tomorrow Taina and I are headed to Nashville for the Zoe Worship Conference. There will be several others from church going as well. I am very ready for a much needed weekend of relaxation, retreat and spiritual growth.

Introducing...

Adyson Beth

She is the proud owner of a dark, black mohawk. And she's quite charming. Even with her eyes closed for approximately 20 hours a day, she has already managed to steal my heart. I'm sure there will be many more photos to come.

The big surprise came tonight when we were all ushered out to the hallway of the Labor and Delivery unit to await passing tornados. It was crazy so it's no wonder why we jokingly contemplated the name, Stormy. After more than 12 hours into her life, Cathy and Bryon finally decided on a name, Adyson Beth.

P.S. Did I mention that she's absolutely perfect?

She's finally here!

After Cathy's doctor made the decision yesterday afternoon to induce my sister's labor so that the baby wouldn't continue to get bigger, my niece finally made her entrance into the world today a little after six this morning. She is 7 lbs 15 oz and 20.25 inches long. Still no word on a name and I hope to have pictures to share very soon.

Three cheers for Matt

Breanne and I are going to see Matt Nathanson tonight at The Blue Note. (Our fifth MN show?) Matt is hilarious and I always enjoy his humor. In fact, it might just be my favorite thing about him. And I can't wait to hear him play stuff from his new album.

Family Guy

Monica and I are going to see Family Guy creator, Seth MacFarlane tonight. He's going to do stand-up and will show never-before-seen clips from the show. He also does the voices for Stewie, Brian, Peter and Stan Smith. I laugh a lot at the show so I'm sure I'll laugh a lot tonight.

Update: Seth was great and I'm glad I got to see him and hear more about the show. He even showed us Sunday's show before it premiered which is cool. The worst part is that I've come down with some sort of illness. Sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, etc. Ironically enough, my boss also has the same thing. I guess that's what happens when you spend too much time with someone.

Work

My life in a nutshell. Way too many 10-12 hour days working lately and although the end is in sight, I'm still waiting for it to stop. Today we were filming on location and, at one point, I thought I was an extra in Deliverance. If you haven't already guessed, getting back to nature isn't quite my thing. But the best part of my job is always seeing the fruits of my labor - I can't wait!

Baby update

Cathy went to the doctor today and is already dilated 2 centimeters!

Two and a half weeks

My mom, sister and I at Cathy's church shower.
Cathy opening the pink baby sweater I bought for her.

Cathy only has two and a half weeks left until her due date. Her church family threw her a shower today after services and I was glad I could be a part of it. I've seen all the cute stuff. Now I just can't wait to see my cute baby niece.

Wilco

I saw Wilco last night. I think that makes it my third show and I was not disappointed. The thing that never ceases to amaze me is the band's energy and never have I seen them play just one encore; last night there were two and I've even seen three. Jeff said we were the most energetic crowd on this tour so far and that even included his hometown crowd. Read more about the show here.

Breanne and I before the show.

Cheese

I recently received two different cards from two different people with one similar theme. Sad or funny? I guess my friends know me very well.

My index card

On my bulletin board, above my desk, is an index card with Matthew 11:28-30 written on it. It's a good reminder for when life is a little too stressful. Not to sound alarming, but the card has gotten a lot of use lately and I'm glad it's there.

Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my load is light.

Lazy Day

Today was a lazy day. It didn't even occur to me until late in the day that I was still wearing my pajamas. I guess I hadn't had a reason to leave the house. After a day of cleaning, laundry, napping and telephone talking, I finally took a bath and changed out of my pajamas at 7:30 p.m. I can't remember the last time I spent the whole day in pjs.

Jonesing for a come back?

About a week or so ago, Monica professed her love for the fanny pack to me. She said she had a purple one growing up and wishes it would come back in style. Of course, over the weekend, she pointed out every fanny pack in sight. You know all the phases and styles we went through while growing up (tight rolled jeans, acid wash, parachute pants, high bangs, etc); is there anything you'd like to see come back in style?

Flirty Thirty

Without a doubt, I have had the trip of a lifetime and the best birthday ever. I had such an amazing time with my girlfriends and it was so great for everyone to get to know each other, too. Plus, Carrie and I realized it had been five years since we've seen each other - crazy!

First things first. Monica and I arrive around 9:30 am on Sunday and met Kate at the aiport. Carrie soon met us for lunch at the Paris, where we stayed. We decided to walk the strip before heading to The Palms where the 2007 Video Music Awards were being held. We had the place staked out for the red carpet but were quickly disappointed to find out that the red carpet festivities were being held inside for media-only and that the only view we'd get were celebrities being dropped off at the front door in limos with the hotel being blocked off from view on the inside. Out of all my years of red carpet-watching, I found this to be very disappointing. Most award shows have red carpets outside and bleachers for the general public. Boo MTV. Boo. And what happened to regular festivities from past MTV awards shows such as bands playing live outside? We did catch a few celebrities who were kind enough to roll down their windows and wave. Most stayed inside their vehicles and away from fans - boo again. We saw Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler, Paris Hilton, Rosario Dawson and a couple others that I really had no clue about...this is where it's obvious that I'm 30 now and not 15.

Sunday night we had dinner at Wolfgang Puck's Postrio at The Venetian. We spent the rest of the evening walking the strip, touring the hotels and then saw the water show at the Bellagio - so amazing - before retiring to our casino for nickel slots. I am proud to say that I walked away from my trip only $15 poorer due to gambling.

Monday (my birthday!) we went to the Stratosphere Tower for sightseeing and then had lunch at the Hilton's Star Trek Experience restaurant, Quarks Bar & Grill. Yeah, we pretended to be trekkies. It was so much fun and who wouldn't want to share a ginormous green drink containing dry ice? We toured more hotels on the strip and finally made our way to dinner reservations at Daniel Boulud Brassiere at The Wynn overlooking the Lake of Dreams. This was the best dinner of my life. Really, really cool light and music show during our dinner and awesome food - thank you, Carrie! Our last outing for the night was to the Mirage where we saw The Beatles (Cirque du Soleil) Love Show. Fantastic!! I now want to go see every Cirque du Soleil show possible and have been singing Beatles tunes since Monday night.

Monday, Kate left early to catch a flight home and Monica, Carrie and I had brunch at our hotel before leaving for the airport ourselves. After staying up until 2-2:30 a.m., 4-4:30 a.m. central time, two nights in a row, I was ready to get into my own bed at a decent hour last night but so loved this trip! Thank you Carrie, Kate and Monica for making it so fabulous and special.

Kate, me and Monica at the fountain outside our hotel.

The Eiffel Tower replica at our hotel.

We patiently waited for celebrities to arrive to the MTV VMAs but were quickly disappointed at our obstructed view.

Rosario Dawson was one of the few stars to arrive and acknowledge all the fans waiting outside. She even stopped and took pictures of everyone. And say what you like about Paris Hilton but she was one of the few to wave and acknowledge the crowd. (When I saw Paris my face lit up like a child on Christmas morning, her appearance made my day.)For kicks we had lunch at the Star Trek Experience restuarant, Quarks which is located at The Las Vegas Hilton, home to the official Star Trek convention! Kate liked this green dude so much she kissed him. You think you're tough? This guy has nothing on me...hey, wait, doesn't he kind of look like a mean Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? (Sorry, if there are any Star Trek fans reading this...don't hate on me. I really am just clueless.)
Me posing with the blue dude. I hear he's from season one.
Monica and the green guy.
Our drink. Also our reason for coming to the restaurant. It's not your birthday unless your drinking a green concoction with dry ice.

Lake of Dreams at The Wynn...seriously the COOLEST thing ever. This was our view for dinner and when the sun set there was a light and music show projected over the waterfall.
Monica and I at the Venetian.
Kate, me and Carrie at the Venetian.
Carrie, Monica, me and Kate at the Stratosphere.
Kate, Monica, me and Carrie on the observatory deck at the Stratosphere. I like amusement parks and roller coasters but there are CRAZY rides up here. At more than 800 feet, I say "no thank you."

Carrie and I posing at dinner at The Wynn.
Birthday dessert complete with a candle and message!
Monica and Kate at dinner at The Wynn.