Happy Anniversary Nick & Elaine!

Just wanted to drop a quick note to wish my friends Nick and Elaine a very happy 1st anniversary! Congrats Mr. and Mrs. A!

Good Bye Long Hair!

Tomorrow I am going to take my a** to the barber and tell him I am sick of looking like an a**hole. (Any Wesley Willis fans out there?!?!?)

Hair, You were pretty for a while, but now you are just too long and unruly to stay. You must be cut. And, thanks to my favorite salon in town, you will be today. Adios!

Triple Tragedy

Since I got home from work early today (outrunning crazy thunderstorms!), I figured I'd catch up on my blogging...Gina and Brett's wedding, Father's Day, etc...but wouldn't you know it, the camera that all the pictures are on are in my hubby's truck, and he isn't home :-( So, those posts are going to have to wait.

In the meantime, I thought I'd address the only news headline out there right now, MJ's death. Yesterday when I was driving home from work (ok, I was driving to the mall for a quick shopping trip before heading home (got some good stuff too!)) and I was scanning through my channels and realized that MJ was playing on 3 of them. I thought it was weird, but didn't understand it until I heard the announcement. I was shocked and saddened. Although he had a questionable reputation around the boys (my mom calls him a "diddler"), his talent was undeniable. Every radio station has been playing his music and with every song that comes on I think "Wow, I forgot about this one. I love this song too!!!"). Thriller, Bad, Beat It, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Do You Remember, Black or White, Billie Jean, Dirty Dianna, PYT, I could go on and on and on! Hearing all of these incredible songs made me come to one conclusion...the most tragic part about all of this is realizing how amazingly talented he was...truly a rare and unmatched talent...and how it seems to have all gone by the wayside, overshadowed by accusations and really crazy stunts (baby over the balcony anyone?). Although I don't like to make excuses for anyone, I cannot even imagine what a childhood filled with abuse and a lifetime in the constant spotlight will do to you. Regardless, I hope he finds the peace in death that he could not find in life. And, I wish nothing but the best for his children. And, I know that his awesome music will live on forever.

Also, I'd like to acknowledge Farrah Fawcett's death, too. A tragedy by anyone's standards. That bastard cancer has struck again. It makes me sick. I just feel like her death has been so overshadowed by Michael's death that she is not getting the recognition and attention she deserves, so I want to take this opportunity to honor her as well.

And, then Ed McMahon too? Star Search was my favorite tv show growing up. And, who didn't have dreams of the Publisher's Clearning House Prize Patrol showing up a your doorstep with a giant check?

These things really do come in 3's.

A Moment of Silence

John's grandfather passed away on Wednesday at the age of 91. He lived a very long, full life and we were very blessed to have had him around for so long. He had been deteriorating for quite some time, so his passing was not unexpected, but it is still a sad time for our family nonetheless. His wake is on Monday evening and he will be laid to rest on Tuesday morning.

For my dear friends and family out there, I ask that you please take a moment to remember that life is precious and short, so take advantage of every second you have with your loved ones.

Here's to you, Gramps! You will forever be in our hearts.

An Update (While there is time!)

What a flippin' busy week! Work, shmurk...you've heard it a million times. But on top of that, I've been busy outside of work too.


Monday after work, I stopped at this new store in town called "Steals & Deals" to satisfy my curiosity. Interesting...some good stuff, some not so good stuff...but I walked out with the most delicious smelling lavender all natural shampoo and conditioner for $0.99 a piece. Score! I will definitely go back for beauty products...they had stuff there for $2 or $3 that I've seen in regular stores for like $20. Nice ;-) After my bargain, I went and did the dreaded weekly grocery shopping, and then on a whim, I decided to hit up the library on the way home. I really love our city's library and I definitely don't go as much as I should. I haven't picked up a book since my Twilight obsession a few months ago, so I thought it was time. I got "Love the One You're With" by Emily Giffin. I've read her books "Something Borrowed" and "Something Blue" and liked both, so I figured I'd give it a shot. We'll see! But, I could not start reading my book that night because I had to watch the season premiere of "True Blood". Ahhhh, and so the vampire obsession continues! Love it! And now that I just found out that the main characters Sookie and Vampire Bill are a couple in real life, I love it even more! Then, of course, I had to get my weekly dose of The Bachelorette. I'm such a sucker for cheesy TV. I think I'm the only one that still watches this show, but I just can't help myself.


Yesterday after work I hit up Macy's because I've got a gift card burning a hole in my pocket, but sadly was unable to find anything I loved. Don't feel bad for me though...I stopped at CVS on a whim on my way home and scored new mascara and lipstick (which I totally love...a rarity for me!) for buy one get one! Am I a bargain scorer or what?!?


Anywho...I need to get my buns off the computer and cook some dinner, but I figured I'd post while I have the time. We've got a wedding to go to on Friday, my sister-in-law is coming into town on Saturday, and then we've got my dad and sister coming over on Sunday for BBQ and cake to celebrate Father's Day and my sister's 20th birthday. Whew...I'm zonked just thinking about all this, especially considering the busiest summer ever continues for the next 4 weekends (I'll fill you in soon...promise!). Toodles!

Congrats Bug!!!

My little brother Chris is officially a high school graduate! We attended the 101st graduation of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School on Wednesday, June 10th to witness the big event. I think this story is best told in pictures, so here we go!



The grad entering the auditorium...







Officially graduated, diploma in hand!








The graduating class at the end of the ceremony...

Me and my beloved little bro/grad!

Me, mom and Chris...

Our fam...J, me, mom, Chris and Chris (mom's on again, off again, on again boyfriend...ugh!)...






Crazy extended fam...Maddi, Becky, Kyle (also a grad), mom, Chris and me...




On an unrelated note, this may seem a little stalker-ish, but I just had to share this because I was so blown away by it. One of my high school cheerleading coaches is a teacher at my brother's high school (former high school, I guess I should say). Anyway, she was at the graduation because she was one of the senior class advisors. I was completely floored at how AMAZING she looks these days! Total transformation from 10 years ago. Check this out...


Here she is 10 years ago (the one on the left)...




Another shot...she's on the right in this one...



And here she is today...



Another shot of her today...




Can you believe it!?! Way to go, coach! You are an inspiration, for sure!

WAH

W = Work
A = At
H = Home

Love it! I get to sleep in a little later than usual, take my doggie love on a longer morning walk than usual, take my time getting ready for the day, and then get comfortable on the couch with my computer on my lap. And, the best part is...I get so much done! No interruptions, no distractions, just work, work, work! It's fantastic!

I decided to WAH today because I have the afternoon off...for my little bro's graduation! I CANNOT BELIEVE MY BUG IS A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE!!! I still remember the day he was born, still remember what a troublemaker toddler he was, still remember dropping him off at daycare, picking him up from elementary school, watching him grow from a baby to a man. I just adore my brother and am so proud of him. I cannot wait for tonight (better wear the waterproof mascara!). Prepare yourself for pictures!!!

Congrats Bug! Your big sis loves ya!