Hear me roar

I did the most adult thing of my entire life yesterday. I put an offer down on a condo. My offer didn't get accepted, which I expected, but I did expect more bargining. It seems as though my bottom line for this particular place was still short of the home owners' expectations. It might not be meant to be. I will keep looking and maybe find something else or continue to rent until the right thing comes along. No matter what, I am extremely proud of myself for going through this process and doing this on my own.

My fans have spoken

So everyone wants to know what I thought of the Academy Awards? Well, at least everyone who reads my blog! I loved it. I honestly thought it was one of the most entertaining ceremonies that I'd seen in recent years. (Sorry, Kate. I really did.) I thought they were doing well at cutting out long speeches, boring performances and dull hosts. In my opinion, Ellen should be invited back. I would, however, like to see more of the big awards spread throughout the show so that we don't have to sit through so many technical awards first. Dresses that I loved: Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow. I did not like Nichole Kidman's dress and she usually scores an A+. I think everything about Kate Winslet is just perfect. And, Helen Miren? Wow, she looks good for her age. I also grow more and more in love with Leo as the days go by. And I am so very happy that Martin Scorcese won. Good for him!! And perhaps what made me most pleased was hearing that Meryl Streep, who has been nominated 14 times, announced on the red carpet that she is also a size 14. You go, Meryl Streep.

My favorite day of the year

My favorite day of the year is Sunday -- The Academy Awards. I will no doubt be watching lots of E! and will be glued to the television. I've seen most of the movies except The Queen, Last King of Scotland and Little Children. Those are three that I still want to see. The saddest part is that my favorite time of the year will soon be coming to an end.

Friday's Feast

Feast One Hundred & Thirty Two

Appetizer
Where on your body do you have a scar, and what caused it?
I have a scar just above my right elbow caused by a bike wreck during childhood.

Soup
What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle?
I'm not exactly sure but I have had several instances of having very realistic/powerful dreams that came true. Two in particular have always made me feel that it was Gods way of preparing me for what was to come and it was his way of putting my mind at ease.

Salad
Name a television personality who really gets on your nerves.
Star Jones Reynolds used to really get on my nerves especially when she used to do the red carpet for E!

Main Course
What was a funny word you said as a child (such as "pasketti" for "spaghetti")?
I could never say the name "Troy" which was unfortunate because it was also the name of my best friend's little brother. In fact, it wasn't so long ago that I actually started saying the name correctly. It always came out more like, "Trory."

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I have always thought Sean Connery was hot. (Don't ask. It was literally the first thing that came to mind.)

I'm suffocating

I. Can't. Breathe. I started looking at condos yesterday and it's so scary (and exciting) to think of this whole process and concept. It's also extremely confusing. And math is not my strong point either. Sometimes I don't like being a grown up...wouldn't life be so much easier if someone else would just do all of this for me? Or if I could rely on someone else to help make the decisions? Nope, it's just me and I feel extremely stressed today.

El Burro

I hung out with Dan last night. It was just your typical Monday night. We went out for Thai food and then listened to the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at the University. Okay, so it wasn't really my typical Monday night but I tried to be a good sport -- that is, until I got there. One folk song that was sung in Spanish was called El Burro. Translated the song goes like this:

The donkey that used to carry the vinegar died.
God has now taken him away from this miserable life.
He was brave and stubborn. He was the cure for all
unpleasantness. He stretched his hoof and raised his snout.
and with his stiff rear end he said goodbye to his friend the
parrot. All the neighbors went to the burial,
and Aunt Maria played the cowbell.

License to chill

There are three contenders. Vote for the new Missouri license plate by clicking here.

Apartment deer

This was the scene outside my apartment today when I was home for lunch. There were three deer but one of them got nervous and ran off.

Friday's Feast

Feast One Hundred & Thirty One

Appetizer
What sound, other than the normal ringing, would you like your telephone to make?
I would like to be able to download ring tones and music to my cell phone but it's not equipt.

Soup
Describe your usual disposition in meteorological terms (partly cloudy, sunny, stormy, etc.).
Sunny

Salad
What specific subject do you feel you know better than any other subjects?
Celebrity gossip/news.

Main Course
Imagine you were given the ability to remember everything you read for one entire day. Which books/magazines/newspapers would you choose to read?
It would probably be nice to read about history since I'm not so good with geography and dates.

Dessert
If a popular candy maker contacted you to create their next confection, what would it be like and what would you name it?
It would probably contain chocolate, coconut and caramel. I would call it Amy's Delight.

Wanted: dead or alive?

I'm sure I'm not the only person that doesn't like Dr. Meredith Grey. There's just something about her that has always made me feel like the show would be better without her as the main character. I've told people this before. Now as her life hangs in the balance and it looks as if she might actually die, I wonder if I was right. I found myself shedding a few tears last night watching Grey's Anatomy. And would Shonda Rhimes really kill the main character? It would be a bold move. I'm wondering what everyone else thinks.

Better with age

Today is Meagan’s 30th birthday. I don’t know when I met Meagan because I’ve always known her. We grew up in the same small town and graduated from school the same year. We were always friendly to each other but never close friends. Then she and her husband moved next door. Literally, next door. It has since been one of the biggest blessings in my life. We would smile and say the casual, “hello” between comings and goings. Then about a year ago I was at my mailbox and as Meagan walked by I spilled my guts. I was going through a terribly rough time and she was there for me. She comforted me and I have felt like we’ve been connected at the hip ever since. She’s really become one of my very best friends and I can’t imagine my life without her. So today I am celebrating Meagan’s 30th year of life. Here’s to our friendship getting even better with age.
The new brat pack: Meagan, Monica, Meggan and Kim.

For all of my valentines

Every year I try to send out valentines to my friends but if I don't get around to it, I at least try to make sure all the single gals I know receive a card. My friend, Kim summed it up pretty well in a card she sent to me. She said, "So while this day is typically about romantic relationships, I don't think friendships should be left out. They are just as important and should be celebrated, too." I agree whole-heartedly. Where would I be in life without my friends? Especially my girl friends who are always there for me even when guys are not. This is a day to celebrate the love and special relationships I have in my life and I am so very blessed -- Happy Valentine's Day!

Levi

It's true that my friends have the cutest kids. I made it to church yesterday morning a little late after driving from my parent's house and stopping to put gas in my car. I walked in and found a seat next to Ben and Rachel. I slid in next to them in one of the center aisles and then made eye contact with Becky, Levi and Audrey sitting over to the left side of the church. I smiled and waved. When we were finished singing and the church was quiet Levi yelled, "A - MEEEE!" I love Levi.

Road trip shuffle

On the way there
Comment, Wilco
The Way You Look Tonight, Tony Bennett
Who Did You Think I Was, John Mayer Trio
King of Pain, The Police
Controversy, Prince
Long Line of Pain, Amos Lee
I Would Die 4 U, Prince
Wishful Thinking, Wilco
O'Sailor, Fiona Apple
A Mistake, Fiona Apple
Spiders, Wilco
Hurricane, Lisa Loeb
Bleed, Anna Nalick
Funky Big Band, Janet Jackson
Pride (In the Name of Love), U2
Lonely, Tom Waits
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, The Police
A Years Worth, Jonah Sage
American Baby, Dave Matthews Band
1,000 Oceans, Tori Amos
Situations, Jack Johnson

On the way home
Dreaming with a Broken Heart, John Mayer
Wow, Snow Patrol
Freedom, Amos Lee
Call and Answer, Barenaked Ladies
Outfit, Drive-By Truckers
Apres Moi, Regina Spektor
Show Me Heaven, Tina Arena
Goodbye My Lover, James Blunt
White Room, Cream
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, U2
Out of My Mind, John Mayer Trio
Something's Missing, John Mayer
Broken Drum, Beck
I will Follow, U2
I Know, Fiona Apple
Bend and Break, Keane
Ol' 55, Tom Waits
So Long Jimmy, James Blunt
Hell is Chrome, Wilco
Everything's Just Wonderful, Lily Allen
Turn the Page, Chantal Kreviazak

Lynton

He's so adorable. He barely opened his eyes while I was there and, when he did, you could tell they were so heavy he was forced to immediately close them. He's sleeping all day and up most of the night. But oh so cute!

At home

My sister, Cathy and me.

Amber and me. We've been best friends since third grade.

I spent my Saturday in the car traveling to meet my grandma and mom for lunch. Afterwards I went to see my friend, Micah and I met baby Lynton for the first time; he's adorable. Then I decided to go to the annual fireman's dance with my sister, her husband and their friends (I guess they are my friends, too) and had a great time. I was skeptical about going but I had fun seeing old friends.

The Bead Shoppe

On Friday, I was invited to a night of jewelry-making at a place called The Bead Shoppe. I ended up pacing the shop for about 15 minutes not knowing what to make. Then, suddenly, I got inspired. This is the necklace I made and I'm quite proud of it. I've already worn it three days straight.

Friday's Feast

Feast One Hundred & Thirty
Appetizer
Have you been sick yet this winter? If so, what did you come down with?
I've had a couple of minor battles but nothing worth talking about.

Soup
What colors dominate your closet?
Black, brown and tourquise

Salad
How would you describe your personal "comfort zone"?
My apartment, my bed, my couch - that's my comfort zone

Main Course
On which reality show would you really like to be a contestant?
I admit to watching bizarre reality shows but I can't believe that I'd really want to be on one. If I had to pick it would probably be The Bachelor.

Dessert
Which holiday would you consider to be your favorite?
Christmas. I love the parties, the giving and the excitement of being at home with my family for a few days.

A plan

Marcia and Diane invited me over for dinner last night. They've been a surrogate family for me since I moved here almost seven years ago and the first people I met. Just as I took comfort in Diane's mashed potatoes, corn and meatloaf, I took comfort in talking to both Marcia and Diane. We discussed goals for life. Marcia said that a goal without a plan is just a daydream. It made me start thinking about what is in store for me. Short-term goals: get a new place to live, a kitten and lose some weight.

Friday's Feast

Feast One Hundred & Twenty Nine
Appetizer
What was one of the fashion fads when you were a teenager?
I was obsessed with wearing Keds. Wore them constantly. Had them in many different colors.

Soup
Name one thing you think people assume about you when they first meet you.
That I'm always really outgoing. I have a quiet, shy side, too.

Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how hard do you work?
Honestly, it depends on the day. There are days when I barely have a minute to spare and can't find time to eat lunch and there are days when that couldn't be farther from the truth.

Main Course
If you were given a free 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl to sell anything you currently own, what would you advertise?
I'm not sure I own anything worth selling but maybe my leftover cow collection.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I love to sleep when it is raining.