24 years young!

Friday night with my friends was a blast! we had dinner at Zelo's in Minneapolis & then went out for some drinks & dancing. It had been too long since we all had gotten together and it was nice to be with everyone again. The night went by so fast & soon enough we were waking up to race to my Mom's for Prom time. Thanks to everyone who came out & made my birthday special!

Even though I am 24 years young, this weekend I felt old. I think it was all the prom festivities, and how I was totally exhausted at the end of the day! Everything turned out perfectly....the hair, makeup, dress, everything! I was really happy for my sister because she looking absolutely stunning. I'll post a few pictures to share. There are more on my photography blog!

She was so beautiful! she had the most classic black dress that I was totally envious of :) And her boyfriend is the sweetest boy. Once they got away from the commotion of all the pictures & grand march & into their limo he told her he had secretly dreamed about this day since he met her in 7th grade, but never thought it would happen (taking her to prom) awww! so cute. They had a great time. Sunday morning we headed back over to my Mom's for a delicious birthday dinner. We had steak & bay scallops....they were to die for! YUM! and my mom made the most delicious triple layer chocolate cake from scratch. Oh my goodness it was sinfully good. We had so much going on this weekend but it was filled with family and fun times. I opened my presents and we played the Twilight board game and watched golf. It was a nice relaxing afternoon. One of my favorite presents were tickets to the Phantom of The Opera....we are going at the end of May & I can hardly wait. I've wanted to see it for years now! Overall it was a great birthday & filled with lots of love. My husband went out of his way to make it amazing, which makes him amazing. I am so blessed. The only downside to the day was an issue with my cell phone. Next to my bed is a stack of 6-7 books, naturally, and my phone was sitting on top of them. Someone called this morning to wish me a happy birthday & it was still on vibrate from when I went to bed....so it vibrated off the top of the books into a cup of water and....that was the end of my phone :) so now I'm in the market for a new one!! Sorry for not getting or returning calls & messages-I'm relatively MIA right now. But I really appreciate all the birthday wishes sent my way!! I'll update you when I am back up & running. Time for a much needed full night of sleep....zzzzzzzz.

Whirlwind.

Wow what a whirlwind of a day! everything turned out GREAT though! details & pictures to come later...for now we are relaxing :)

No Bull.

We just got back from our delicious lunch & I am stuffed. What a satisfying meal. Our waiter was nice enough to bring me a birthday treat....a triple chocolate crunch moose cake with homemade cream whipping. Yes, it was over-the-top. I even got to blow out a candle :) mmmm it was mouth watering. Did I mention I love this place? That's why. Their tagline says it all:

Quality Steaks
Seriously Served
No Bull.

Love it :) OK back to work, I'm having a hard time focusing today! (obviously).

Random Fact Friday

RFF: Mr. Man makes up words. a lot. The best part is, he doesn't know he's saying them wrong & it's freakin hilarious. It gets me crackin up. I love it :) It doesn't happen too often, but when it does it's the funniest thing. He's totally serious about it too-he'll say the word completely wrong and keep a straight face. For example, he uses the word "nuzzle" for nozzle (like a spray nozzle on a hose). Secretly, I think he just likes to make up his own vocabulary!! Those of you who have been lucky enough to witness this know what I'm talking about. Love my husband.


Hehe. Here's a picture to get you through the workday...It's finally Friday!! YES. My Dad is taking me out for my birthday lunch today & we are going to Manny's...YUM! I'm looking forward to the weekend but it sure is going to be hectic. Can't wait to see all of my friends tonight and go out for some long over-due fun!

Signs of Comfort

As I sit outside on the mall, I see a pair of young people-young love. Their legs are tangled together and their fingers are intertwining. They are turned towards each other & looking at one another but not speaking. They do this for several more moments and then start giggling, still staring at the other. I love this-not only because it's refreshing and innocent but it's comforting-it reminds me of the way we sometimes act....giddy & childish together. To the left of the love birds are three homeless men sitting on the floor and singing "This little light of mine" acapella. Even though they have ratty clothes & look like they haven't showered in weeks, they are beautiful. The sound coming from their lips is so compelling I am transfixed on listening to them. They making harmonizing seem easy. A few steps away a man is sketching a scene of downtown in his sketchbook. He is pausing & smiling at the singing men. Signs of comfort.

What a beautiful day

The sun is shining! I'm really looking forward to this evening because I'm spening it with my sister. My Mom, Al & I are getting dinner and then I'm running errands with Al to get last minute things ready for prom. I'm so excited to be helping her get ready because I didn't have a big sister to help me get ready when I went to prom! I'm the makeup artist, hair stylist & photographer all in one...haha so there is a lot of pressure on my shoulders to get things just right. It should be a lot of fun. After we send her off we are going out for DRINKS and dinner Saturday night with the fam. We are also picking up our Mother's Day present tonight...so excited to give it to my Mom. I am about to take my book, walk down to chipotle, and sit in the sun for an hour and enjoy lunch outside. Perfect :)

Eat, Pray, Love

Now this was an interesting book for me, I hated it & I loved it. Basically it's about a woman in her thirties who realizes one day that her life is not satisfying, and starts out on a journey to find herself & God. She travels to Italy, India & Indonesia on a whim. She meets many interesting people & experiences life-changing moments. I love the part about her travels, & coming to love & accept herself. I think we've all been on a similar journey (although maybe not so many miles from home). I loved her free spirit & admired her ability to be able to drop everything & leave for a year. In that way I could completely relate to her. But-there is a basic underlying principle in Christianity that Jesus is the only path to God and eternal life, & she does not believe this. She believes there are many paths to God & practices several different religious ceremonies and rituals on her way to finding inner peace. Those parts were harder for me to swallow, but I could still appreciate the happiness she was finding. I found myself routing her on, I wanted her to find what she was looking for & finally find peace. I know what it's like to have inner turmoil. At times I found it a little slow-last Monday I finished the Book Thief, so it took me a week to read. If it's a good book I can fly through it. Overall though it was a feel-good, interesting read.