New versus old

Over the weekend, Joe and I went over items we will need and want for our new household together. In the process, I started thinking about furniture I can live without, clothes I can get rid of in attempt to scale down my never-ending closet and the items I can let go of where we already have duplicates. I’ve come to the realization about how sentimental I am about most of my possessions. I guess this is part of the reason I find change so hard – I’m so sentimental.

When people marry after college or when they are much younger I think they probably each have much less. (Joe and I both have our own houses full of “stuff”, albeit mismatched stuff, but we probably both need to scale down.) Registering for items means getting new things together that maybe you’ve never had. Of course there’s plenty that I don’t have and a lot of the stuff I do have is hand-me-downs or just not ideal. For instance, I love my dishes and there’s nothing wrong with them, I just don’t have a complete set. I guess its fine for me to have six of everything because I’m just one person but ideally, I’m told, we need twelve. That makes sense. Don’t get me wrong, thinking about the new stuff is super exciting. I just know that realistically it’s silly to keep the old stuff, too, when and where it doesn’t make sense.

I was talking to a colleague today who is kind of going through the same thing. Over the weekend she moved into a much bigger, much nicer house. She should be ecstatic about the move but she said that even though it’s just across town she found herself teary-eyed and weepy last night when she went by to see her neighbor one last time before officially moving. She told me that she started sobbing in this woman’s kitchen and she said to me as a way of explaining, “I don’t like change.” My friend told me that she’s very sentimental about her house. It was the house where her children have all come home to from the hospital. There are so many memories. Even though she may like new stuff it also makes her sad to think about giving up the old. When my friend starting explaining to me her feelings, I knew she was on to something. That’s exactly how I feel.

I like my stuff. Maybe it’s not new or ideal but for the most part I like it. Giving it away (or at least some of it) may not be easy but I know it’s the right thing to do. I want Joe and me to have a fresh start with lots of new memories to come. Nevermind, getting rid of the clutter and mismatches will be so much nicer for the both of us. And Breanne says that the excitement of getting new stuff together will help ease the pain of letting go of the old. Sometimes I just wish I weren’t so sentimental…but that’s probably a good thing. It’s probably why I feel so heartfelt about my friendships and the people and places I love. I guess it’s just what makes me who I am.

I'm back!

I'm back from my weekend trip to Chicago. Joe was sick while I was there so we didn't do too much but that's okay. Hopefully I will avoid catching whatever he had but was glad to see him nonetheless. We were able to talk and flush out wedding plans. I think we have it narrowed down to the last week in July or first week in August. Hopefully we should have it finalized with the resort later this week.

The other two noteworthy things we did over the weekend consisted of art and eating. First on Friday night my craving took us out for Indian food. It's amazing that if I had the same craving here I could be sitting down at a restaurant 10 minutes later. In Chicago (due to the lack of Indian cuisine on the southside) we drove to the nearest L, parked, got on the train, rode for awhile, got off the train and on another, rode for awhile, got off and walked the remaining several blocks to the restaurant. About two hours later we were there. I'm not sure if or when I'll get used to that! Luckily, our plan is to eventually move to a more central location.

Saturday we went to the art museum for the Hopper exhibit. I really love his stuff. The exhibit included a lot of paintings of houses or man-made objects which he's known for but mostly I love his pieces that include people. I had seen Nighthawks before but that's a painting I could see time and time again and not grow tired of it.

Exhausted

I left my house at 8:30 this morning and returned home for the first time tonight at 10:20 pm. It seems I've been having those weeks lately where I'm on the go every night. I just need some down time. Looks like I'm going to be gone the next three weekends, too. First stop is Chicago.

Oh! My! Gosh!

I just received the following email in my inbox from nkotb.com. Don't judge!

ATTENTION NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK FANS
THE TIME: 7AM EST / FRIDAY APRIL 4th, 2008
THE PLACE: THE TODAY SHOW COURTYARD ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, 48TH/49TH STREET NEW YORK CITY
THE EVENT: BE THERE IF YOU ARE READY...

Quiz time

I thought this was a fun article for current and former Columbians. I scored a 12.

The epitome of Grace

Today is my great, great Aunt Grace's 104th birthday. Despite being legally blind, Grace is still living independently. She is such an amazing person. People are also surprised when I tell them how she's only been in the hospital a couple times. My favorite memories of Aunt Grace are the times when she would "babysit" for me while I was growing up. When my parents and sister would go to a basketball game or somewhere that I had no desire to go, they'd drop me off for a few hours at her senior housing apartment where she still lives. I loved the big magnifying glass over the top of her television screen and the cuckoo clock. We would usually listen to the game on the radio and spend our time eating popcorn. Even today she has a great memory and still loves to listen to sporting events on the radio. She is such a beloved family member - Happy Birthday, Aunt Grace. (Pictured is Aunt Grace and me, circa 1999.)

I think we have a winner!

My package arrived today and inside I think we have a winner! I think I have one dress to take back and one to keep. So far, the keeper is the most "me" out of any of the other dresses I've seen or tried on. Think simple. Think Carolyn Bessette Kennedy-simple.

Not your average girl

Some people have been surprised when I tell them I am eloping. But let's face it, I'm not your average girl. I don't like the color pink, I'm still waiting for my maternal instincts to kick in and I don't want a traditional wedding.

I want the day to be just about Joe and me. I would rather spend money on a great honeymoon and trip than a wedding. And I don't need the added stress of all the hundreds of details that go into the planning for such an event.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's perfectly healthy and normal to want a traditional wedding, it's just not for me. Needless to say, I've been thinking a lot about traditions. (And don't forget to look up the origin of honeymoon because that one is pretty barbaric.) I've never understood most of them or why we do the things we do. Feeding each other cake, garters, tossing rice, etc.

I think most wedding traditions are fun and harmless. The one tradition that I have always been adamently against is the tossing of the bouquet. Call me sensitive but I don't understand why we have to herd all the single girls together so they can catch a bouquet in an attempt that they will be the next one chosen for marriage. As a long-time single gal, I always found that one to be a little insulting and embarrassing. Even more humiliating when you're vying for the bouquet with girls 13 and under. Neither I nor any of my friends ever enjoyed that tradition. Without realizing it, it's like saying that you're not okay unless you're married.

I also understand that today's giving away of the bride represents a showing of parental support for the marriage. But the original giving away of the bride comes from a time when marriage wasn't as much of a choice but the father literally gave away the bride usually in return for something. When Breanne got married she made sure, "Who gives this woman to marry this man?" wasn't a part of the ceremony. She decided by its omission to discretely take the stance that as a mature adult she was marrying Dan of her own free will.

With all that being said, my intentions aren't to offend or to dismiss the importance of tradition and the security that comes from it. I just think that sometimes we need to rethink why we do the things we do. Most importantly, you have to be true to yourself. Sometimes breaking the mold really is okay.

The black hole

I used to carry tiny, dainty purses and medium purses. Thanks to Meagan, I've been carrying a large bag since September. Don't get me wrong, I love it! It just keeps getting heavier and heavier. Today I picked it up and realized it was the same weight as a small suitcase. It's become a bit ridiculous. At any given time, I might actually have magazines and mail inside. I use my purse to carry my lunch to work. Tonight I decided to review its contents. Here goes: cell phone, iPod nano, pager, Palm Pilot, two different kinds of chapstick, lipstick, various business cards, my business cards and holder, a hair clip, small notebook, paycheck stub, checkbook, wallet, camera, keys, two different bottles of hand sanitizer, hand lotion, prescription medicine, a packet of sunblock, seven pens, rubber band, two paper clips, a mirror, powder, random papers and two loose pennies. Since when is it necessary to carry seven pens? It's time to downsize!

Makeover

I think I was getting in a rut with my old look (or I watch entirely too much HGTV and am desperate to overhaul something) so my blog now has a new design. I'm going to periodically try to change out the header either with a different photo or a new quote but for now I think this pretty much speaks to my personality. But if you stumble upon my page and things aren't on the up and up, I'm just playing around and trying to get things exactly as I want them. You'll notice I'm also too much of a creature of habit to make too many changes in the layout. I'm already an old lady set in my ways.

Into the Wild

I watched Into the Wild Saturday night. I can't stop thinking about it. I'm definitely going to have to read the book and I've ordered the disc of special features.

Happy Easter!

I spent the day visiting my family. I left home this morning, had a nice lunch with everyone and visited for awhile before arriving back home around 8 pm. It was a nice day and my cousin Sue and her family were here from Maryland so it's always a treat to see them.

Grandma Dixie and Adyson
My cousin Sue and her daughter Makenna who is very cozy (and sleepy) in her dress-up clothes.

More about dresses

I went shopping yesterday with Meagan, Monica and Kim (in town for a special visit!) and I think I came much closer to finding a dress...or at least a style I think I'm going to go with. I have a couple more in mind that I've found online that I want to try to compare. Supposed to see Joe in a couple weeks so I think that will be a good time for us to get the rest of this wedding stuff figured out...too hard to do it all over email or the phone.

Happy Easter and Good Friday!

My favorite zip code

Is anyone else excited about there being a Beverly Hills 90210 spinoff? In high school I used to have the 90210 poster hanging in my bedroom. I've waited many years for this and it's being written by Rob Thomas who was also the writer for my beloved Veronica Mars. More details here.

Monica + fanny pack = excitement

Tonight was Monica's birthday soiree. The earrings I gave her paled in comparison to these two gifts. Monica got a fancy fanny pack and a filtered water bottle. Yes, she can now drink water directly from a stream while camping. Needless to say, her friends know her well. It doesn't take much to make this girl happy. Just one of the many reasons we love her.

The perfect dress...or not.

I just had to share this wedding dress. Seriously people. Seriously. Monica says it's the wedding dress equivalent of a mullet. I concur.

Dress shopping

I went wedding dress shopping today with my mom and sister. Let me just say I found the process to be painstaking. It was long, tedious and frustrating. All those corsets, slips, zippers, hooks and padded bras. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. And why does formal wear always have to run small? Shouldn't it be the other way around? Instead of having to go up two or three extra sizes than you normally wear wouldn't it make the bride-to-be much happier to go down several extra sizes? Someone needs to rethink that and they'd probably have the market on wedding dresses. Today reaffirmed that I'm not your traditional bride and made me thankful for not having too many more decisions to make. Groom - check. Destination - check. Date and dress - not so much.

My Little Easter Bunny

My mom, dad, sister and niece are here this weekend visiting. Today we went out to lunch and did a small amount of shopping but have mostly just been hanging out. I suspect tomorrow we will do a little more of the same.

Meagan got in on the bunny action, too.

Love is in the air

My good friend Natalie is engaged! Happened today in NYC in Central Park. Her grandmother's ring. I am so excited for her I can't stand it.

For the sake of nostalgia

There were a few movies that I couldn't get enough of while growing up. One of those films is returning as a sequel this summer. More about Lost Boys 2: The Tribe here.

My own version of Cheers

I just returned from picking up lunch at my favorite sandwich shop. It occured to me today that the owner and all the regular employees know who I am. I'm not sure whether to feel pleased or embarrassed by this fact.

Never mind me

My friends, Marla and Tony are moving again. I'm thrilled for them! More here.

Lots of changes

Saturday I had decided I wasn't getting out of my pajamas nor was I leaving my house. I was just too sad about all the change going on in my life. Then Becky called. Then I talked to Monica. Then I had an unexpectedly fabulous day.

I know what you're thinking, "Amy's getting married. Why is she sad?" I read online today that 88% of brides-to-be experience difficult feelings after becoming engaged. So I guess that would make me normal...What a relief, right?

Everyone who knows me knows that I'm practically the mascot for this little town I live in. I love it here. Absolutely. Love. It. Then there's that other pesky fact about me. I've only lived in two places my entire 30 years - two! I didn't even live away from home while attending college. My overwhelming feelings of sadness lately have nothing to do with Joe but everything to do with me. I have much anxiety about moving, finding a new church, a new job, navigating a big and strange city and being farther away than usual from most of my friends and family. It's all enough to send me into a panic.

For me, being single has always defined who I am. No, I didn't always want it that way but for most of my life that's how it's been. Even for most of my relationship with Joe, we've had a long-distance relationship. And even though I was part of a couple, I was still on my own most of the time. For the eight years I've lived here, I've done everything on my own. I've always felt very proud of my independence. I have a well-crafted routine. What happens when that changes? Does this mean I may not be eating chocolate for dinner anymore? Or watching bad reality television at my every whim? Or *gulp* consulting with someone else about finances and schedules?

I know that my heart is with Joe. That's where I want to be. That is the part I don't want to be misconstrued. What I don't know is how to navigate all the change with self-confidence and ease.

My kind of day

It's been my kind of day. Lunch and shopping with Becky (well technically I had already eaten but I still joined her for a Diet Coke and conversation) followed by the gym and then a trip to Starbucks for a latte and a little quiet time to read. This was topped off with Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and some Mexican food with Monica. I can only hope to finish out my evening with some magazines and dvds. Miss Petigrew was delightful! The costumes were fabulous and it was a great light-hearted movie.

The runway comes to an end

Spoiler alert!

What did you guys think of the season finale of Project Runway? I can completely understand why Christian won and would have been hard pressed to think otherwise given his enormous talent (especially at such a young age) but Rami has been my favorite from the get-go so I was a bit disappointed.

The things we do for love

My boyfriend fiance bought me a present over the weekend. I'm supposed to watch this before we can get married. I took the first step last night by unwrapping the cellophane and I may actually get started tonight. I think I have several seasons of SATC to loan someone...

Bye

Another party. Another good-bye. I never got around to posting about this big milestone until now. (Maybe because I forgot my camera and had to wait and steal the photo I'm using from Michael's myspace.) Michael, my friend since college, has moved to Colorado. A little over a week ago we had his goodbye bash so I went with the girls. I can remember many days on campus hanging out with Michael and since then spending time together at movies and dinners. Good luck, Michael! We'll miss you. (left to right: Monica, Michael, Amy and cute, pregnant Breanne)

Where do I start?

After that last post I don't really know where to start. So much to say about the weekend but everything else seems pretty insignificant.

I guess I'll start with the movies I mentioned earlier. They were great. I truly loved all of them but a couple stood out as my absolute favorites - Forbidden Lies and American Teen.

• Forbidden Lies. About a woman who writes a best-seller about her best friend's honor killing in Jordan. Turns out she's quite a scam artist and the documentary leads you on this tale trying to prove if any of it is true. Quite an amazing journey and very well done.
• My Mother's Garden. A woman whose hoarding disorder is so bad she sleeps in the backyard and has to crawl in through a window to get into her own house which is litered with trash and dead rats. The daughter is also the film-maker and had to leave home at 13 because she had no place to sleep. This is about the intervention she and her siblings have with their mother.
• Very Young Girls. Focuses on prostituion in NYC where the average age for girls to start the life is 13. The filmaker runs an organization to try to help these girls get out and better themselves. I was sobbing during the movie. Joe was sleeping.
• Audience of One. A pentecostal minister in San Francisco sees a vision from God that he wants him to make a $200 million sci-fi movie. The story is about this man and his journey to do so. Interesting man. Interesting congregation. Interesting story.
• American Teen. If you like Laguna Beach or The Hills this is your movie. Even if you don't like those shows, this could still easily be your movie. The film follows a group of high school seniors in Indiana as they navigate through their last year and endure heartbreak, scandal, depression, college anxieties and everything else. I will have to say the security guy from Paramount came out before the show and accosted the audience with threats of arrest if caught recording the movie. It was awkward and totally ruined the mood. Everyone else just seemed so gracious to be involved in the festival.
• Cat Dancers. Probably Joe's favorite film. We got to see inside the life of the first cat entertainers. It's a very tragic tale and much more emotional than I had anticipated.
• I Think We're Alone Now. When I first heard about this film I thought it would be the fun tale of Tiffany fans...maybe something sweet about her fan club president. Instead it's the story of restraining orders and unrequitted love. Quite heavy and emotional but so well done. The filmaker spent the most time answering questions and really interacting with the audience.

I think I enjoy documentaries so much because I love the true story angle or at least someone else's version or perception. To me, the best stories really aren't made up scripts but about real life. Real people. Joe's aunt recently blogged about this site. After checking it out, I've become quite addicted and intrigued. It's pretty popular and the theme of several books but for all those who don't already know about it, check it out. The premise is to mail in your deep dark secret on a post card.

Also, I'm trying to come to terms with finding a new quote and a new header for my blog. Here's to hoping Carrie gets married in the sequel!

I said yes!

Joe and I went to dinner in a quaint nearby river town on Thursday evening. After dinner we decided to walk down the street as it was a not-so-cold evening and it had been awhile since we'd been there. And outside, in the light of a storefront, he asked me the age-old question. I said yes. I'm engaged!

T/F 2008

Joe will be here in two days and we're all set for the True/False film festival this weekend. There were too many great choices to pick from but I've narrowed it down and Joe graciously let me choose! Below are the films that we have tickets to see.

• Forbidden Lies


• My Mother's Garden


• Very Young Girls


• American Teen


• Audience of One


• Cat Dancers


• I Think We're Alone Now

Oscar recap

Of course the only movie I hadn't seen won for best picture but it does come out on video in a couple weeks so I'm willing to overlooking that error on my behalf.

The night was full of surprises. The first being that my friend Robin, who lives in Dallas, called me an hour before the show telling me she was on her way to town from KC and wanted to see if she could watch the show with me. She's a very serious movie-watcher and had seen all nominated movies for best picture so it was a match made in heaven and a great surprise.

Just a few of my picks:

• Best dressed - Jennifer Garner
• Worst dressed - Tilda Swinton
• Other highlights - Diablo Cody winning for best screenplay, Glen Hansard/Marketa Irglova winning for best original song and Javier Bardem's acceptance speech.

It's a glorious day!

It's Oscar day!! You all know what that means, right? I'll be glued to my television for hours tonight. And always my favorite event - the red carpet! Not only is it a glorious day because of the Academy Awards, it's also Taina's birthday. Could life get any better than this? Your birthday and the Oscars all in the same day? Happy birthday and happy Oscars!

Nichole's orange couch

Imagine my surprise when I looked at the paper today and saw Alex and Nichole's old couch staring back at me. The funny part is that Nichole and I had just talked about whether or not her donated couch would be making the move to the new Ragtag. I assured her it probably would be but I was so wrong. Read Nichole's take on this travesty here.

The great lockout

I have a routine every morning when I leave my house and am on my way to work. There is a mailbox at one of the entrances/exits to my apartment complex where you can drop outgoing mail. So I do this almost every morning (it's usually my Netflix). This morning was no exception.

I put my car in park and hopped out. My door was half shut, half open. I got back to the car and tried to open but the door wouldn't budge. I expected all of the other doors to be locked except for my drivers door. I didn't purposely lock my driver's door and just hopped out for a second so why wasn't it letting me in? After rattling the door several times, I got that lump in my throat, my heart started beating really fast and I started to panic. Not only was my car running with the keys locked inside but so was my purse and my cell phone. I couldn't go back to my apartment and I couldn't call for help. My apartment office doesn't open until at least nine and some days it doesn't open at all (yes, I live in the land of no rhyme or reason). And worst of all? It's 13 degrees outside and I'm wearing a skirt. Yes, of all days to wear a skirt...which probably hasn't happened for months but I have a very important meeting today so I pulled out all stops with the black suit.

I thought long and hard about just busting out my window but then I realized that the possibility of that happening with my bare hands was slim to none. I started to walk away from the scene of the crime when a neighbor (ie, good samaritan) finally walked out of her apartment. I could barely talk with the lump still in my throat but asked if she had a cell phone I could use and explained my situation. She said yes and so I called the only number I could remember off the top of my head, our PR secretary. I explained the turmoil I was in and begged her to send a locksmith stat. I hung up and gave the phone back to my new best friend who said I could wait in her warm apartment while she went to work. I just felt too odd to wait by myself at a stranger's place (yes, even though we were best friends at this point) so I told her I'd be okay and sent her on her way to work.

I go back to my car and am practically kicking the door of my car and pacing around, shaking from the cold, when an older gentleman stops in front of my car. He's looking at me nervously. I thought for a minute he might be the locksmith but it was probably too soon. He rolls his window down and I knew he was going to ask if he could help me or maybe offer to let me sit in his nice warm truck while I wait. He reaches out his hand and says, "Can you put my mail in the mailbox for me?" You've got to be kidding me. I walk over to his truck, take his mail and return it to the mailbox. I ask him if he's got a phone and explain that I'm locked out of my car. He then asked me why I wasn't waiting inside some place warm. "Um, because my apartment keys are locked in my car," was about all I could manage at this point. And I'm still shaking. He hands me his cell phone and I call the secretary back who explains a locksmith should be there within ten minutes. I give the old guy his phone back and he still doesn't offer me to sit in his nice warm truck.

The locksmith finally arrives - hurray! He lets me sit in his van while I wait and he gets my car unlocked in no time. I still can't figure out why my driver's door locked on me when I jumped out. And now, even more than an hour and $55 later, I still haven't thawed out.

Bits and pieces

I think I'm dubbing today as "random present day."

My boss just returned from Italy and brought me back a beautiful Murano glass pendant. Then I returned home and had a package from Joe. The frog he sent me is stretching and it pays homage to my new workout routine.

Which brings me to the fact that I went to the gym last week and there was a 70+ year old man wearing an AC/DC shirt. Does anyone else find the humor in that? I nearly fell off my treadmill.

This also seems as good a time as any to mention that all the Valentine's Day candy has now been replaced with Easter candy. And my favorite candy is staring me down everywhere I turn. How am I supposed to be diligent about working out when I really want to just gorge myself with chocolate?

And for my pizza-loving friends (that should be everyone), there's a new take & bake, carry-out and eat-in option that I like very much. Check it out.

I like sugar and spice

In the name of Oscar, I went to see There Will Be Blood last night. I told Joe on the phone afterwards how great the acting was. It really was excellent. So did I love it? No. I just don't think I can love movies that are too sad, too painful or too violent. It's why I couldn't love Atonement or Away From Her. It's probably why I still haven't seen No Country For Old Men. I can appreciate these movies, I can love the acting and the beauty but I can't typically claim to love them all around. It's probably why Juno and Waitress remain my favorite movies from the past year. I need that happy ending. Although I felt heartache while watching both of those movies and cried during them, I also felt at peace when they were over. And happy.

My favorite place

I'm feeling a little sad and nostalgic. I just got an email stating that my favorite place is moving soon (tomorrow is the last day) to a new location. I've known about it for well over a year so I've had plenty of advanced warning but still to think that I may not go back to that cozy little place with so many memories makes me kind of sad. I've seen so many great films there with some of my closest of friends and have many fond memories. My last trip there was about a month ago with Joe and it was also the place of our very first date. Sure the new place is supposed to be bigger and better and I'm sure I'll love it...but I'm a creature of habit. And sometimes it takes me awhile to adjust. So for right now, I'm going to not be too excited about how wonderful and spacious the new place is but instead I'm going to mourn my old friend. My favorite stomping ground.

Face-time

I just had my first-ever facial. I had a couple gift certificates so I thought I'd use them on something I've always wanted but have never splurged on. Usually when I go to the spa, I am a sucker for either a massage or a pedicure. Not today. It was a divine experience.

Last night was an extra special Lost for me. Sayid has been my absolute favorite character since day one so I loved all the face-time he received last night.

Happy Friday friends!

My flowers

Valentine's wishes

I used to have a Valentine's Day ritual. Instead of being bitter and single (not to mention the fact that I could just barely stomach the color of pink wafting around everywhere I looked) I made sure the holiday was more than just celebrating romantic love. It was - and is still - about celebrating friendships, family, special coworkers, etc.

In the past, I always made sure I had plans. I would round up all of my single friends and we'd hit the town. One year Breanne and I cooked an elegant dinner for our single friends, complete with a dessert of home-made chocolate covered strawberries. Another year, some friends and I went to a local pub for dinner (there was sure to be no candlelit dinners at a pub or long lines filled with lovers) and one year my friends and I went to an anti-romantic movie. (Hey, it was group concensus people.) That was my Valentine's Day ritual...spending it with the other single people in my life who mean so much.

When I met Joe, my ritual changed a bit. And, since then, so did the lives of most of my single friends! Today dating long-distance makes it hard to have any romantic plans for Valentine's Day so I'm opting to instead spend my evening at pilates. Of course, I still sent a valentine to Joe along with something special. What's on your Valentine's Day agenda? And how do you show the one(s) that you love, you love them?

Tattoo this

I just read this article. And I have to say, I'm freaking out a little. I had no idea that people actually get tattoos in their eye. Oh. My. Gosh.

I've always been a little facinated with the idea of tattoos but never had the courage to go through with it. One, my skin is incredibly sensitive. I would be that one person who got ink poisioning or had some extreme reaction. Two, I fear that I would one day change my mind. And three, with my luck, my tattoo would one day be saggy or stretch-marked. Take your pick.

Anyway, my random question to you is this, if you had to get a tattoo or were going to get a tattoo, what would you get? Why? And if you already have tattoos, what do you have and are there any significant meanings? My answer to this question is that I would get a tiny black cat. Very tiny with a cute tail...I don't know why, I just love black cats. And it's kind of dark and mysterious.

The best day ever!

I have had the best day ever. It started out first thing with water aerobics (I know, can you believe it?) with Taina. I was pretty impressed with myself that I actually voluntarily got out of bed early on a Saturday morning to exercise. What's even more impressive is that I had to pack a bag to shower and change clothes at the gym because I had a baby shower to attend afterwards. Just a couple of months ago (or weeks) that would have been a reason to not go at all. I have a major aversion to locker rooms. I hate changing in them and I sure don't shower in them either. But I did today. All in the name of working out.

After the baby shower, I met Monica and Breanne for lunch and shopping. We had so much fun together. I literally feel giddy from laughing and smiling all afternoon. We (Breanne) bought lots of baby stuff and lots of panda baby stuff. Pandas weren't in the picture before today but they were way too cute to pass up for baby Grayson. And, by the way, I picked out the name for Breanne's baby months ago, before she was ever even pregnant, and they are using it! Hurray! See all the reasons I have to be happy? She's still considering a middle name. I've come up with Grayson Mayer but for some odd reason, I don't think it's a serious consideration.

I'd like to thank all the little people

You like me. You really like me. What a pleasant surprise to come home from such a wonderful day (more on that later) and find that Nichole has given me an "E" for "Excellent Award." My day seems to just keep getting better! Now it's my job to pass the "E" along. Well, I'd like to pass this on to one of my favorite reads, Taina. Congratulations, Taina, it's your turn to pass the torch.

Happenings

My good friend, Jodi delivered a baby girl on Wednesday. Gianna "Gigi" Harper arrived via c-section and is welcomed home by big brother, Brendon. I'm still awaiting her beautiful pictures but I will pass them along as soon as I see them.

My sister's daycare (which was more importantly also a church) burned down early yesterday a.m. From what I understand, a juvenile is now in custody for intentionally starting the fire.

Joe and I are gearing up for True/False which will be held in a few weeks. Now that the films are announced, we will have to make a grid and try to determine which movies to see and at which times. Inevitably, there will be conflicts. It's actually a very complicated process. What's even more exciting is that there is a documentary about obsessive Tiffany fans. The film is called, I Think We're Alone Now. Doesn't that just sound amazing? I think this is where the conflicts may come into play. It's, of course, at the top of my list so I really hope this makes it on to Joe's list, too. I'm thinking that I'm going to have to make it go on Joe's list.

A little moderation

I've recently decided to dive head first into the world of physical fitness. I wouldn't call this a New Year's Resolution considering I joined the gym in February but in the four days since I joined, I've been four times. Not too shabby, huh? Well before you go congratulating me and pinning medals on my chest, I have a confession to make. In my thirty years, I have found that whenever I am focused on exercising, I can't quite get it together with my diet and vice versa. And maybe I don't exercise when I'm going gangbusters on my diet because all I think about is food all day long...what I can eat, what I can't eat, what I wish I could eat and when do I eat again. All that thinking about food gives me little to no time to think about working out, nevermind being too lethargic from eating "right" to work out. So while I am doing great with the working out part for now, I need some help with the diet part. And maybe I just need to be proud of the small steps I'm trying to take toward a healthier life. I wish I could be one of those people who are repulsed by bad food because they are so busy becoming physically fit but I'm not there yet. Does anyone else have this problem? What do you guys do to reach your fitness goals?

Happy Super Bowl!

I spent the afternoon with Cathy and Adyson yesterday. We went to get Adyson's Valentine's photos taken, also known as fourth month's old pictures. Doesn't that onesie speak for itself? And Nichole just called me to wish me a "Happy Anniversary." I'm sorry to say, I was a little taken back at first but then I was quickly reminded that we met at a Super Bowl party several years ago...and it's been love at first sight ever since. Happy Anniversary, Nichole!

Just like the Energizer Bunny

I usually love my apartment. Right now, this very second, I hate it. My next door neighbor has been playing music way too loud much longer than I care to think about. I can't hear the movie I'm trying to watch. I can barely concentrate and I sure won't be sleeping if this continues. Joe said he used to just knock on his neighbor's door and ask them to turn it down but advises me against that. And why am I so scared to do it? And even something besides the club music I hear would be better. I keep hearing the same beat, over and over and over again...

Something new

I am excited that there is finally something new on television tomorrow night. I will readily admit, I all but gave up last season. In fact, I mostly kept up with the show via recaps on the web but this season looks enticing and maybe some of my questions will finally be answered. Here's to hoping this season is as good as it looks.

On the go

With the exception of my lazy Saturday, I've been quite busy over the past few days. I went to a fun event on Friday night and kept busy with church activities and friends yesterday. Tonight I'm going to see Jesus Christ Superstar and tomorrow I'm going to see Evita. I've been busy but I'm having fun.

Also, noteworthy was the SAGs last night. I finally got to watch an awards show! No major surprises with any of the winners.

And there are reports that the rumor I mentioned in my last post is not true. If that's the case, my dreams are totally shattered!

This might be the best news I've heard all day

Sources say the "Kids" are making a comeback. Do you believe it?

Tagged for Five

I was tagged by my friend, Tiffany to participate in the following fun post about myself.

The rules list is as follows: Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog. Share (choose 1): Five random and/or weird facts about yourself. Five top places on your “want to see or want to see again” list. Five things you never pictured being in your future when your were 25 years old.

Since I can hardly remember being 25 and there are probably too many weird, random facts about myself to choose from, I'm picking number two which is also good because I love to travel and consider it one of my favorite things to do. So the top places on my want to see list are:

• Paris. I really want to go to the Louvre...and maybe kissing under the Eifle Tower wouldn't be so bad!
• Hawaii. Just seems really beautiful. Plus, I haven't been able to shake that desire since the Brady Bunch went.
• Fiji. Like Tiffany, I think this would be such a desirable place to go. There's something about staying in a hut out in the middle of crystal blue water. Serenity now.
• Alaska. This is a new desire. Just in the last few months I've started to really think about what a cool trip this would be.
• Greece. Maybe it's because I've seen Mama Mia and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants but something tells me this is a magical place. Santorini here I come!

So this is my top five for now, until I read about something new. (By the way, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first issue of this magazine.) If you want to participate, consider yourself tagged!

Big girl

Adyson will soon be four months old and is just getting so big. Cathy passed on some new pictures today. Below are a few of my favorites.

Highly emotional

In my quest to watch as many Oscar-worthy performances as possible before the big day, I just finished Away From Her. The result? I have been crying off and on for the last hour and fifty minutes. I even had to call Joe in the middle of the movie for emotional support and make him promise we'd never get Alzheimers and we'd never live in nursing homes.

In review

Joe left this morning. As always, I was sad to see him go. We had a great two days of hanging out. Went to see The Savages. It was a great, well-done movie but a lot more serious and sad than I had anticipated. Also watched a couple of dvds and even made time for a fabulous dinner. And he bought me a cool new cd that I'd been wanting for awhile.

I wasn't working today due to the holiday so I went to see Atonement. It's been on my to-do list for some time so I finally took the plunge. It was gut-wrenching and beautiful. I really loved it...until the end. I'm still thinking it over and I have problems with it. I'm afraid with a bit of a different ending the film could have been so much more. Even still, I'm glad I saw it.

Insomniacs

I couldn't sleep today. It happens every now and again. At 3:30 a.m. I was wide awake. I tried lying in bed for awhile but finally sometime after 4, I was up. I checked email, looked at blogs, watched television and just waited. Joe was coming for a visit and I knew he'd be here sometime after noon. Little did I know, Joe couldn't sleep either and was on his way. When I thought it was "safe" to call him at quarter til six he was only 40 miles from my house. Now, it's not even noon and I'm exhausted.

A techno savvy update

My parents were here today for an appointment so we had lunch. Most of you know that my parents aren't the most techno savvy people. They don't even have a computer (yet). My mom seems to be getting with it these days. She threw out terms at lunch like "facebook" and "myspace" and regularly asks about my blog. It's so cute! And after she bought a digital camera last year, she's been recently checking out computers. I'm so proud of her.

In other news, Taina alerted me to a blog about Juno on the blogsite of a local church. I found it to be very interesting and true. Read more here.

Saturday

My day in a nutshell: I got to see Caelleb play soccer today and was even present when he scored his first-ever goal. Go C! Taina then accompanied me to see Juno (again). I've also baked cookies and have been reading off and on throughout the day.

These days, I've been spending most of my spare time reading. I've gone through phases my entire life of reading a lot and then reading absolutely nothing for a long time. I'm trying to read more - consistently more. Less tv. More reading. Reading my Bible, study books, fiction - everything. I finally finished The Kite Runner. I will have to say that the first 120 pages or so moved quite slowly for me. I even put it down for over a week. But then things just started to fly. I found myself up until 1 am several times this week thinking, "Just one more chapter." I thought I would finish it last night but my eyes were heavy and I finally put the book down when I knew I couldn't stay awake any longer. Finishing a good book is always a little sad for me. I grow fond of the characters and I want to know more. This one is no exception and I think it will stay with me for awhile. In my quest for more reading, I'm moving on to this.

Doomed

I fear that my beloved awards season is completely doomed. No red carpets. No speeches. No after parties. After the Golden Globes have been cancelled, I am still holding a small amount of hope for the Academy Awards. Small. Very small.

In the mix

This is actually the first time I've entered a blog-contest but I couldn't pass up the fabulous prize. Not that I'm a serious baker but I could be...in fact, I think a pineapple yellow mixer could inspire me to be quite serious! Below are the details. Good luck!

A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!
The Prize:
The winner will receive a brand new Hamilton Beach 4.5-qt. Eclectrics Stand Mixer, Pineapple Yellow!!

About the mixer:
From Hamilton Beach’s “Eclectrics” line, this all-metal stand mixer comes with a host of accessories - a Flat Beater for cakes and cookies, a Dough Hook for bread and a Wire Whisk for whipped cream or pudding. The 4.5-qt. stainless steel bowl comes with a Pouring Shield that helps prevent splattering while in operation. The pouring shield has a built-in chute for adding ingredients. Powered by 400 watts, the stand mixer has a two-way mixing action to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mix. The quick-release, tilt-up head assists when removing the bowl. 9 x 14 x 14-in. When you’re ready for a kitchen re-do, don’t call in the carpenters! Instead, “counterscape” your kitchen with Hamilton Beach’s retro-designed, affordably priced electrics in happy, sun-saturated colors. Their “Eclectrics” line includes updates to those classic appliances from the 1950s. All of their “Eclectrics” are available in six colors: Apple Green, Moroccan Red, Pineapple Yellow, Intrigue Blue, Sugar White and Licorice Black.

Shoe-lover

Another lesson in aging - the shoes. I have some really beautiful shoes. Some are very ornate and I liken them to great pieces of art. And like any art aficionado, my collection cost a small fortune.

For awhile, I was all about the stiletto. At first it was almost out of curiosity. Several years ago, I used my Christmas money to buy my first pair. Black Steve Maddens. I still have them. They are classic and beautiful. I wore them with jeans and t-shirts; I wore them with skirts and dress pants. I soon caught on to walking in them without any problem. I built up my stamina so that it didn't feel too burdensome to wear them for more than a couple hours. Pedicurists would exclaim, "You wear heels a lot, don't you?" when seeing the perfectly formed callus on my foot. I moved on from that first pair. I bought more. I became a shoe-lover.

Saturday night, I looked at all these beautiful shoes in my closet. Too many. Not being worn. You see, I have a secret. I don't wear stilettos much, if ever, anymore. I have grown accustomed to flats and ballet-type shoes. It's a good thing that they're in style but more importantly, they're really comfortable. I'm well aware that I'm not an old lady just yet but as I find myself getting older and going out less, I find my art collection sitting in a closet. Collecting dust. I feel kind of guilty about that. I haven't made any New Years Resolutions, at least not out loud. Perhaps if I did, I would tell myself to continue to buy comfortable shoes but to not close the gallery for good. Some things are just meant to be shared.

Homebody

Taina's recent blog got me thinking about something. I like to stay home.

It wasn't so long ago that I actually thought something was wrong with me if it was a Friday or Saturday night and I was at home with no plans. How could that be? And it wasn't so long ago that my friends would pick me up at 10 pm to go out for the evening. These days at 10 pm you will find me in my pajamas and either I'm in bed watching some tv (and I watch less and less of E! and MTV and more and more of HGTV) or I'm getting ready for bed. It's funny how things change. My parents often stay up much later than me. No kidding. Back in the day, they were the ones going to bed so early and I was the one staying up so late.

Tonight I went to dinner with a couple of friends. Our dinner ended around 8:30 and we all tried to think of things to do. We ended up coming back to my place for a quick round of Scene It. What was on everyone's mind but nobody said at that time was that we were all fine with just going home and calling it a night at 8:30 on a Saturday.

Say it isn't so, the girl about town is writing about wanting to be the girl about home.

Happy New Year!

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, side view

I've been on a hiatus for a few days as I've been celebrating the holidays with Joe. We packed in lots of fun on this trip and only leaving "the neighborhood" for our New Years Eve festivities and a jaunt to Oak Park on Friday. Below, in chronological order, is what I've been up to:

• Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio. I've literally been wanting to visit this attraction for years. Next on my agenda, I'm adding a Wright biography to my "to do" list.

• Sweeney Todd. Johnny Depp is nothing short of brilliant and I liked the music far more than I'd anticipated. What kept me from loving it (I did like it) was that it was so gruesome and scary I was forced to watch with at least one eye shut for most of the movie. Joe made stuffed pork chops this evening after we'd stopped by a local butcher earlier in the day. The chops were great but enjoyed even more so as leftovers the next day after "meat" pies were no longer so heavy on my mind.

• Juno. My new favorite movie of 2007. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. And like the sap that I am, tears were shed.

• Sound of Music. Can you believe that I have never seen this movie? Bits and pieces but not in its entirety. I took advantage when it was on tv Sunday evening. Doe a deer, a female deer, ray a drop of golden sun...
  

• Bowling. Believe it or not, Joe and I have never gone bowling together. The local joint was packed for a late Sunday night. I won one; Joe won two. I have to say, my bowling skills have seemed to improve with age.

• Chinatown. I've never been to this part of town before so we had our New Year's Eve dinner here.

• Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy. Definitely not as good as the show I saw in Vegas and somewhat cheesy at times but it was still a fun way to spend New Years.

• Travel. Possibly one of the most annoying traveling trips I've ever had both to and from Chicago. My luggage was "lost" in the airport (long story) on the way there and getting home my flight was delayed, delayed and delayed. Luckily, I'm here now and life is good. Happy New Year!!!

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?