Happy Birthday, Bryce!

BEARS!

After my boss (seriously huge guy - we hire amazing people), Mike, and I moved all my packed boxes from 1016 to 14202, we started going through and emptying them. The great thing about packing slowly, and early, is that you forget about your stuff! So when I unpacked the select stuffed animals that have made it with me to my 25th year, and umpteenth move (dorm - apartment - dorm - home - CO - now a 2 bedroom) I scooped them all up and ran through the apartment shouting "BEARS!" Although, I have to say this is slightly remiss: Twitches is definitely not a bear, nor is Gap Rabbit. But those notwithstanding, that's a buttload of bears I've got in my arms! And the warmth and happiness that flowed from them through me was something to write home about.

When I was an intern in Houston, I spent the summer hanging up funny pictures of dogs in the MarCom cubes around me. It kept me entertained for a better part of the day. I found this print out among old old letters and keepsakes and things that, as Mike says, are the strangest things to keep. But when I go through them, I remember. And it's worth the extra boxes.

There's a little bit of blood in every step he makes

I was at a dealership in Caldwell, Idaho when one of my service advisors said, "Well, there's the cross guy."

Um...what?!

So he pointed outside at this man who walks up and down the main thoroughfare from Nampa to Caldwell, carrying a cross the entire way. This is a slightly moving sight, I have to say. Except for...what is he looking at?

I ran to Blimpie for lunch, and on my way back he was headed back down the other side of the street...texting. On his Blackberry. And I have to admit, it took away from the statement. Quite a bit.

The Howling by Rich Mullins

Demon Horse

I flew out one time last year, and when I came back this guy was on the side of the road coming up to Jeppesen Terminal. Talk about getting your attention. The things that happen while I'm gone that sneak up on me when I return would stun you.

I know they do me!

This is going to be the week from hell!

But I at least have my webcomics to keep me warm!

Tea with Moom!

Tres Jolie afternoon tea with opposite of Yu Yu (i.e. Mimi - and she did it to herself!).

Louisiana Pearl

Mom and I took the Light Rail downtown to see exactly where I would be getting married, and figure out how in the world we're going to make a bookstore marriage-worthy. Good thing she came to visit or I'd still be freaking out about it. At this point in the weekend, we'd only been to Wal Mart twice (out of 5), so we were pretty happy.

On the way home, we stopped at the Louisiana Pearl station and walked down Pearl to Mulberries Bakery. I have to say, this made me feel very urban, which I like. Mullberries is tucked into what was once probably the main street for miles and miles. Incredibly old, incredibly beautiful buildings with personality and, in some cases, major need of refurbishing. We popped in so I could show her the photo of what my "wedding cakes" will look like, and to try a bite. A few seconds of heaven later, we were walking back to the train. I've been admiring this stop from below on I-25 since my first treck up the highway for a Jack's Mannequin concert a few weeks after I moved here. It's been almost three years, and I'm just now taking a photo of it.

Appreciate the artsy public transportation. Appreciate!

It occured to me while laughing at this strip that my favorite little bundle of joy is also named the same as one of my favorite web comic characters. What are the odds there could be that much cuteness named Sophie in the world?

Apparently pretty dang good.

Stay by Ben Jelen (this was my iPod mantra my senior year...well...one of a few while walking/biking to Whener High)

I simply do what the roadsigns tell me to

You're just jealous they don't talk to you.

Or do they?

All at Once by Jack Johnson

What is it with cats and windows?!

Why can't there ever be any dogs? I love dogs!

Guerilla Radio by Rage Against the Machines

Some Assembly Required

Kind of like a good day.

I had a couple dealer visits, went to the office to find out I still had a job (which was the biggest relief), came home to work out, ate at Chipotle, and enjoyed a new S.K. novel while sipping a signature (not just the regular - this is like 4 hot chocolates in one explosion of liquid goodness) hot chocolate at Starbucks next door. Came back home, enjoyed a bath, put these socks on that reminded me of Christmas, and fell asleep on the third new page of my book. It was a good day.

Take On Me (acoustic cover of A-Ha's classic) by A.C. Newman

Packing

Classic
You Don't Know Me by Ben Folds

Forgot the Flowers...

Extended the Celebration!



Pandora (Blizzard Remix) by Mike Foyle

Happy Day Before Valentine's Day

Sushi on Pearl Street in the snow! Well, not actually eating in the snow...


We just wrote messages in the snow!


Hard to Beat by Hard-Fi

'Stang

I heart my SRF.

Put Your Face On

I've been packing up all of my belongings once again, and decided to clean out my makeup tackle box from high school and finally pass it on. Would you look at that gold mascara? Loooooooved it!


Poker Face by Lady GaGa (who apparently is not the flavor of the week)

Stalagtites

Or is it mites? I could never remember...

Keep Yourself Warm by Frightened Rabbit (look for the radio edit; you've been warned)

Have you seen this vase?

If you have, you're a frequenter of Dollar Tree, and I need you to go back and buy them all!

Transatlaticism by Deathcab for Cutie

D.I.Y. Wedding

Well...I can cross that off the incredibly long list of do it yourselfs...


Loungin' by LL Cool J

Decor

Pier 1. One of the many stops after signing our lease. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!


Konstantine by Something Corporate

Too fun. A better caption would've been "Hop". Ha!

Returning to the Fold by The Thermals

Reunited

I wrote about painting this little thing last January. I had COMPLETELY forgotten about picking her up! When I went to the pottery painting place, there wasn't one on the shelf. I knew...she was gone. I spoke to the girl working there, who said they usually have an auction for charity with pieces that are left for a long time. A little sad...

"But I think we have one on display back on the shelves as an example. Maybe..."

If she hadn't thought of that, we never would've found each other! It was meant to be. :-)

No One's Gonna Love You by Band of Horses

Tea, iced

Hell hath no fury than that of a drink left in the car overnight in Idaho Falls.


Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in my Hand by Primitive Radio Gods

Hello, Sophie

Photograph courtesy of Debra Dean, since I planned my travel around the little impending arrival - and she decided to come a week early...

No Envy, No Fear by Joshua Radin

Book Buddy

I cannot TELL you how awesome this thing is when I shlep my stuff from state to state. Even paperbacks are protected from the wrath of Kendra's purse!

Sometime Around Midnight by Airborn Toxic Event

Promotion is not in your future

My favorite Super Bowl commercial. Yay for party at Chris & Deb's! Can't wait til next year!

How Far We've Come by MatchboxTwenty