Oh Spring... Where art thou?

I think it's really cold outside today... I don't even want to check, because i think it is in the negatives... as in degrees! So here is a little taste of spring, to make us hopeful for all that is warm, cheery and bright.... Tulips! I saw these at the grocery store the other day and i couldn't resist! At least somewhere in the the world tulips are growing! Probably in Holland, those Dutch got it going on! (Right Diana!)

Tonight, I am going OUT! (so cold! brrrr) with my west side girls, Jaime & Shannon sans Cindy... (isnt that a song, East end boys and West side girls?) My cuz Kelly is going to join us and see how the H2oTown girls roll... The plan is the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Walker Art Center... I am a big fan of Frida, a bit bizarre yes, but colorful and deep also. Then we are hitting up my favorite pizza place Dulono's in my old Mpls neighborhood and then maybe a sip of Wondrous Punch at the Red Dragon... should be WONDROUS! Stay Warm!

Such a Lovely Day...

I must confess, I have never been big on celebrating my birthday. I tend to look at it as a much ado about nothing. But this year, for year 31, this has been the nicest birthday yet. I spent the first half of my day relaxing then meeting with my parents and brother for lunch. It was great to see them and have a good lunch. After that i headed home, because i had a lot to do. I planned a little party at my place. I wanted to have some of my favorite people over and make some yummy food. Everyone was commenting on how i had to make food for my own party... but making food for me is a gift, and I want to share this gift with everyone. So it's no big deal! It makes me happy! The best was the pad thai in individual cups! I must eat pad thai on my birthday! But the food is just an after thought, because it was the people that were there that made it so special! I had a whole home full of the greatest friends a girl could ever ask for! What a blessing! Plus well wishes from friends and family from afar! Which added to the sweetness!
Everyone wore party crowns, which actually went well with Megan, Sarah & Ellen's dresses, since they showed up in Bridesmaid dresses! My cousin Kelly got her hair cut that day, getting the new Katie Holmes cut! I love it!

All in all it was a great day and a fabulous night. What more could a girl ask for!

Twas the Night Before...

Awwwww... this year, the night before my birthday is so much more... relaxed! Turning 30 last year was a pain in my you know what, the worst time, the baddest birthday. I spent the whole time waiting... waiting for what? Waiting on a boy trying to figure out what he really wanted... A girl waiting to grow up... A life waiting to begin... No more waiting! PUKE!

I received a birthday card today from my BFF Rachel, and I loved what she said, "You made it through your 30th year and you had FUN! Even though it was one of the hardest years for you--you didn't squander your time and your energy [she probably meant on silly boys!]-- you lived with purpose and determination!" I love me some Rachel!

Here I am on the eve of 31... more content, more cheerier, more a lot of things. And not putting an ounce of might into waiting. Well, except on God... cause He is the only one worth waiting on! I'm super excited for tomorrow! Lunch with my parents and brother and dinner and laughs with good friends!

31 Here I come!

Girl Put Your Records On!

Sometimes as i sit in my apartment, I often think, something is missing. Like a big question mark is looming above my head, like the Arby's symbol in those commercials, Are you thinking Arby's? But there is no words with my question mark, just a blank question hanging there. For months and months now, I would be in the middle of doing something, and suddenly stop, something is missing! I immediately look for my keys and my cell phone, because I am always losing (or at least i think i feel like I've lost them), but alas they are right there where i left them. What could possibly be missing? In those times I feel like I am stuck in a moment where the answer is at the tip of my tongue, but doesn't quite come to fruition. Then on Sunday, I figured out the mystery. My record player! I have been living a whole year in my place, and my record player has been MIA! Tucked into boxes, saved in storage. How did i get this far without it? I love the sound of records, the crackling of the needle meeting plastic grooves and the deep hallow sound out of an old speaker box. I have a Califone Record Player, probably from the 1950s. I've had other record players over the years, but this one is my baby. And it is portable too, so i can bring it along with me, like break dancers did with boom boxes on their shoulders. So I went into my storage room, climbed over boxes, dug deep and there it was, looking a little dusty and a lot forlorn! And if that wasn't bad enough, my records were looking a little dingy and ready to take a few spins on the turntable. The question has been answered, all is well, now if i could just get that darn Arby's symbol off the top of my head!

Ashley Simpson For Realz

Ashley Simpson is not my favorite singer, but this new song is just too catchy to miss! I love the whole 80's throwback vibe! And Timbaland produced it, and we all know that everything he touches turns to gold!

Ladies DO love country boys!

My latest celebrity crushes:

Trace Adkins!

and

LUKE BRYAN! mmmmm!

The Birthday Care Package Mother-Load!!!!

This morning, I enjoyed a fabulous Valentine's themed brunch at Kyle & Kelly's. Complete with Asparagus Stratta, Heart-Shaped Lemon Poppy seed muffins and some laughs from their nephews, Drew & Ben. (Do you know that they call their school mascot not the Mustangs but the Buttstains? That was sooo funny!!) After brunch, I helped Kyle haul dry wall into his house. I don't think he actually thought I had it in me to lift and carry dry wall, but alas I am one bad mamma-jamma when it comes to lifting things! Then Kyle changed my oil on the Legacy. Awesome & Appreciated!

I headed home and what did my wondering eyes appear, an awesome care package that brought me lots of cheer!!! My Aunt Lori sent me the most fabulous birthday care package ever! Complete with all the things i love! Heart shaped muffin molds, valentine cookie cutters, assorted sprinkles and icing, soap, and candles! Basically, a girly-girl like moi's dream package!! I am so thankful and happy for this sweet birthday surprise!! Thank you Auntie Lori!! You are awesome!! Check out the fantastic stickers and greeting on the outside of the package, now this is how you do it up right people!!!