Age Appropriate

My birthday is in a few days and I'm not too excited about turning yet another year closer to the big 3-0.

I know I talk about my old lady syndrome, but I honestly don't feel like a 27-year old. Yeah, I've converted from a tube top to a cardigan on a Saturday night, and now fear for my hangover when I'm pressured into taking a jager bomb, but I'm young. I'm hip. I'm not a day older than 22, right?

Of course not, but really, at what age do you wake up and really feel like your age?

Speaking of an age-related topic, my friend and I just couldn't go through with it yesterday. We had a date planned to see the Bieber movie. I've never kept my Bieber crush a secret, but the thought of paying more than $5 (movies during the week are $5) to sit in a theater with a bunch of drooling teeny boppers didn't seem age appropriate.

So, we saw Just Go With It instead. It was cute and funny. A little far fetched kinda story line, but I love me some Jennifer Aniston. She is so hot. Curious though...why can't she keep a boyfriend?

Not that John Mayer can even be grouped into the same category as suitable. He's a little d-baggish. Did you see him at the Grammy's? He was posing like Johnny Depp and looked like he was on something. And for the record, I thought he was a poser before I saw it on Fashion Police.

Man, I'm all over the place today.

So, age appropriate? Thirty years ago, many 27 year-old women would have been married for 7 years by now and have anywhere between two and six children, depending on the religion. Us Catholics like to have lots-o-kids. Joking about the religion part, but there is some truth to the Catholic part...we find enjoyment in creating really big families. My daddy is one of 11.

Well apparently, 27-year-old-women of today like to stay out until 2 am and play flip cups, and snap photos of the guy holding an empty keg above his head.

But birthdays are worth celebrating. And that's exactly what we were there for. A birthday bash.

So whatever age you are, don't stress about the small things. Live it up. Laugh uncontrollably. And make it worth it. Because the truth is, it's appropriate for you and that's all that matters.

This soon-to-be 27-year-old is off to devour a new recipe: Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil. If it turns out tasty, recipe coming soon.

 

 The Birthday Boy

Weekend Recap Countdown

It's Sunday, which means tomorrow is Monday and time to go back to work. Blah.

However, I'm looking forward to warmer weather and glad to see some of this ugly snow finally melting away. C'mon sunshine, I need some Vitamin D and my car is in dire need of a good wash.

I had a great weekend. My usual relaxing Friday night while Brian went to happy hour, some retail therapy and my allotted one-night out a weekend. What can I say, I'm old.

Ok, time for a weekend countdown.

5: the number of movies I watched this weekend
The hubs doesn't really like chick flicks all that much, so I took full advantage while he was at happy hour. Oh, did I mention I "rented" all of these from the public library for free? Awesome.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 - I loved the first one, so I had to see the second. Cheesy and very typical, but I liked it:).
Valentine's Day - Cute. Glad I never saw it in theaters. Enjoyed all the stars that were in it.
The Other Boleyn Girl - Watched on Saturday afternoon. A little slow, but good.
The Secret Life of Bees - Really enjoyed this one. A feel good movie with a touching story line.
Machete - Only lasted 15 minutes before we turned it off. And that's 15 minutes I will never get back. SO stupid. Anyone see this movie? Should we have given it longer? Does it get better?

4: the number of hours I spent at the mall
I haven't spent this long at the mall in ages! I normally dread the mall because of the crowds, but this trip was pretty successful. My friend and I went with a planned itinerary, but got sucked in by the retail therapy. I just love shopping with the girls!

3: the number of sandwiches ordered at Jimmy Johns at 2 am
We drove to Lawrence on Saturday night to see some high school friends that were in town. The night would not be complete without late night grub. Duh.

2: the number of seconds I was away from knocking this bia out at Dillards
We were simply browsing fragrances when we were bombarded by a crazy sales lady. I told her three times we were "just looking" and she still insisted on trying to sell me a damn gift set. It was seriously exhausting and totally annoying. Change your approach lady and you might actually sell something.

1: the number of baskets KSU lost by
Can you believe the outcome of that game? McGruder's last second winning 3-pointer...so we thought. So disappointing.

I'm now watching the Grammys. I missed Gaga's and Bieber's performances, I'm sad. I have always liked Lady A, but seriously, I feel like they are so overdone.

I'll leave you with some pics from Saturday night.

My friend Sarah from high school

Me and Mark

Janea aka Sha-nae-nae.

This girl is hilarious. Check out her over sized lighter that she bought so she would notice if anybody tried stealing it. Only her!

Love me some Jimmy.



Friday Randomness

It's Friday and I'm happy! Here's a few random things about this week:

A Little Behind
I worked out yesterday for the first time in two weeks. And I hated every minute of it. But, this mention isn't about my lack of motivation to get ready for summer. It's about my lack of keeping up with technology.

As I'm running on the treadmill, I can't help but notice a co-worker of mine (I have a gym at work), a college grad who recently started, staring at my iPod. Oh yeah, he couldn't keep his eyes off of my ancient iPod mini. You know, the first smaller iPod model apple ever invented? The one that just so happens to be bigger than most of the models out today. Yep, that's what I still work out with. He was probably wondering what it was and why he has never seen one before.

Source

Well, my trusty old iPod mini is still alive and kicking. Works great actually. It just looks like I have a boom box strapped to my arm.

So, my question for you is...should I embrace my ancient iPod mini and use it until it breaks...or opt to buy one that is more up to speed with the rest of the world?

No Strings Attached
I saw this movie this week with my girls. It was quite funny and one I would recommend seeing. It was nice to see Natalie Portman in a different, more normal role. And Ashton, well Ashton is just a cutie patootie. My favorite quote from the movie: "You look like a pumpkin bitch!"

Why are you still here?
I found this little critter in my bathroom last night.

Why is he still around? It's the dead of winter. Confused. Anybody else have ladybugs crawling around their house?

Cake Balls
I made lemon cake balls last night for a work luncheon event today. I got this recipe from a friend and they are oh so yummy. Recipe coming soon...

A New Fav
Tostitos Artisan Recipes Chips - Roasted Garlic and Black Bean. Very tasty. Try them. Love them.

Source

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

Big Screen Deprived

Me and the hubs have always been REALLY terrible about going to movies. Like, I can count on one hand how many movies we have seen in theaters in the past year...and my hand is only flashing you a peace sign.

Source

Yes, I'm completely serious and not just being facetious.

Sad, I know. Two movies in the theater in the past year. And one was Eclipse. How did this happen!?

It's not because we don't do date nights or push our quality time to the back burner. We just don't go to the theater.

It's quite easy to believe when you consider the following:

1. Our weekends are so often consumed with planned events: weddings, dinner with friends, trips home, work events, house projects, going out...etc.
2. We have Netflix so we constantly have new release DVDs at our finger tips
3. I enjoy being a home body

Number three could not be more correct. I work five days a week, often longer hours, to come home and sit on my butt in sweat pants while finishing off a half carton of cookies and cream ice cream. My weekends are for fun, getting things done, running around like a busy bee with little time to spare. And I like it this way.

But really, we need to change this strange rut we have gotten ourselves into. According to some, motion picture theaters are gradually being taken over by The Digital Revolution and will soon be no more.

I'm not sure that's what will happen, but I don't want to miss out on really great flicks in the theater anymore.

Like Inception. The movie we watched last night from our new couch.

Wow, what a brilliant, compelling, well-written, make you think movie. It was hard to follow at times, spoken from the annoying movie watcher who asks way too many questions (Brian hates it), but completely held my attention.

Now, I know I am utterly behind on seeing this movie. Tell me something I don't already know. Like your take on the ending. If you haven't seen the movie yet, you may want to stop reading now.

I hear there is quite the debate going on about it, so I want to hear your thoughts on the matter.

At the end, when Leo was reunited with his children, was he in real life or in a dream? Did the totem keep spinning or did it topple over?

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I hate rain. Seriously sunshine, could you not grace us with your presence for even 30 minutes this weekend?

How gloomy and depressing are rain and clouds? In my opinion, freakin' gloomy!! BLAH!

Gotta love when this (see below) is sitting right in the back yard and you can't even step foot in it. My poor raft didn't even get any love this weekend. Tear.

Luckily, my brother and his friends put the pool to use after an intense all-day drinking game. It was freezing. And pouring. None for me.

Boys will be boys.

All in all, it was a great weekend spent with family. Lots of catching up and movies.

Yes, we watched three movies: Invictus, The Book of Eli and From Paris With Love. The only one I thought was great was The Book of Eli. The other two were just ok. Invictus was a little slow moving for me and Paris With Love was a semi-weird storyline, but full of action. I would recommend all of them, I just didn't think any of them were amazing or anything.

The rest of the weekend consisted of consuming large amounts of alcohol and food. My parfaits turned out scrumptious. I even had one for breakfast the next morning. YUM. Thanks to my mom for being such a great hostess to everyone!

The whole fam took turns at lighting fireworks. We weren't planning to do any, but my brother got the itch and went and purchased some.

 Bringing back memories. Flowers were my favorite.

 Throwing a crackle ball. Notice...I have shorts and a tank top on. Maybe because I didn't pack one pair of jeans with me. Can you tell I was hoping for nice weather? Thanks rain.

My brother throwing a huge pack of Black Cats at me while I was lighting another firework. Hence, all the smoke. Luckily, I ran to the other side of the street.

 Pyros.

Our culdesac and yard looked like they were on fire.

 Huge mortar.

Too bad Jakey Boy didn't have as much fun with the fireworks as everyone else. He was scared to death. He wouldn't leave Brian's lap.

You would think a hunting dog wouldn't have problems with noises that sound like gun shots. But nope, not this reject hunting dog. He hates fireworks.

Tucker loved the fireworks! He would look up and follow them as they went in the air.

 

I even had some time to visit my good friend from high school, Sarah, and her adorable kids. It's always great to see old friends and catch up. Oh, and Jake even invaded her mom's fish pond in the back yard. Sorry about that Sarah! My dog is crazy! 

She just started a blog last week and I'm hoping to learn about all of her exciting daily experiences with raising two under two.

Bye for now! Hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday weekend! 

Run, Bike, Run

We had a great weekend. Semi-relaxing, somewhat productive and always enjoyable. I seriously love the weekends (as I'm sure everyone does), they are just never quite long enough.

Friday night, we stayed in to get some trim painting done and to watch Avatar. We never saw it in theaters nor in 3-D. But we still loved it. Brian more so than me, he's really into the whole Sci-Fi type of flick. All in all, well-thought out movie, intriguing, holds your interest and definitely worth renting. Fortune number one was accurate:) - "a movie would be a great way to relax this weekend".

Saturday, I woke up bright and early to head out for a bike ride with some friends. It was an organized MS-150 training ride with a small group of people. As of right now, we're not signed up for the MS-150, but we are still mulling it over. One hundred fifty miles seems like a lot on a bike, but it would definitely be something I would love to say I did. We biked 28.6 miles! It was my longest ride to date and I loved it!

After the ride, we stopped for brunch at Winstead's. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I have never been there!! Fortune number two - "tomorrow is a good day to try something new," check. I also tried a new recipe that night, details to come later.

The hubs also tried something new this weekend.

He couldn't join me for the bike ride because he was resting up for the Corporate Challenge duathlon Sunday morning.

Run, bike, run.
Run - 2.5 miles
Bike - 13.5 miles
Run - 2.5 miles

This was his first competitive multi-sport event and he did such a great job! There were several other guys from his work and friends competing, so it was a fun-filled morning as a spectator!

 And...he's off!

Coming back from the first leg

On to the bike...

Meanwhile...

Matt starts his Triathlon. First up, swim.

Matt moves to the bike.

Also featuring...Scott as he heads up the biking portion for his team Triathlon.

Brian finishing with the bike, back to running.

Coming up on the finish line, pushing it hard.

Finish line!

Matt headed to the finish

All the boys after finishing

Good job babe! You did great!