Sabrina's Wedding

Went to the wedding of a high school dance team friend on Saturday night. Instead of flower girls, she had flower ballerina's on toe shoes who danced in and sprinkled rose petals... She also choreographed her first dance with her husband, then the whole bridal party joined in for a funk routine. They were good sports!

Bride and Groom

Everybody now...

LeAnn and I. We met in 7th grade and our parents were friends, too.

Dance Team reunion!

Weird Bowler

Last night, I had to go to a bowl-a-thon for work to support an organization called Junior Achievement. JA goes into inner city schools and teaches freshman about how to write a resume, save money, go on job interviews, etc. I complained because I'm really not much of a bowler and didn't want to go, but then my boss pledged a buck for every pin I knocked down because she didn't think I would do very well -- that was all the encouragement I needed! I went, I played, and scored 170 over two games (maybe my personal best!). Anyway, today a coworker posted the pics and I had no idea that I was such a weird bowler! Check it out!

Holli and Huy's Wedding

Some friends from church got married a few weeks ago and it was awesome! Rebekah came to town and I met her and Lisa for the drive up to Malibu. We sang songs, caught up, and laughed the whole way. The wedding was in this really neat wooded area with a stream running through it. The trees all had hanging lights and lanterns and Holli and Huy's joy just overflowed! It was also a ton of fun to be with Mariner's friends again. A lot of people from the single's group that I used to belong to were there, so I loved getting the chance to be with them all again!

My small group/wine club all together again! Amy, Beks, me, and Lisa

It was cool how the pastors asked them to take a deep breath and look out at the people who love them and were there to support them!

A cute shot of some Fuel girls. Yes, this is my standard "going to a wedding" dress.

Nashville

Missie graduated last month and the whole family trucked to Nashville! We had a great time and it was fun to scream for Missie when she went across the stage (although she didn't hear us!). I'm so proud of my little sister for going away to college, figuring out what she wants in life, learning some tough lessons, and doing things you can only do when you're young (like hoping into moving trains and climbing to the top of the Belmont Mansion!). I'm most excited about the fact that she's already moved home!!! Missie is so fun to be around and while we're as different in personality as we are in our coloring, she's one of my favorite people!

Found her in the crowd! Not an easy feat!

The graduate!

Me and my sisty!

Mom was still rockin the wheelchair, so here we are on her lap. : )

We also celebrated Mother's Day in Nashville. My mom is such a special lady and I feel like I've gotten to know her a lot better this year. Since the accident, I've spent a lot of time being Super Nanny for her when my dad needs to go out of town. She's a cool chick. When I think of the kind of mother I want to be, nearly every one of my main desires are already emulated by my mom. She has a huge heart and has always made us kids know how much she loves us. You know that phrase "this hurts me more than it will hurt you" that mom's say when they're about to give a spanking? Well, with my mom, I always believed it. : )

At a fancy Mother's Day brunch with my wonderful mom!

Ya, my niece eats seaweed.

Mom and her kids!

We walked around the Opryland Hotel...which is huge and like a city. People actually stopped and watched a watershow. Missie and I mocked them all.

And of course, there is one vineyard in Nashville and we found it. : )

We both said, "YUUUUUUUM!"

Sex and the City

I LOVED LOVED LOVED the movie!!! Barbie and I got sassy, went out for drinks, and then went and saw a late show last Friday night. It was quite commical because we clearly weren't the only women with that idea!

The theater was full of sassy women, dressed to the nines, who were loud and proud to be out on the town with their best gals! What I really love about SATC is the friendship among the four main characters. Throughout the series, men and jobs would come and go, there would be family dramas and health scares, but they always had each other - even when they were in a tiff. I love that as a single woman, I had that kind of show to encourage me!!! Anyway, there were scenes in the movie when I (and everyone else in the theater) audibly sighed, and there was one scene where I laughed so hard that I almost cried!

If you haven't seen it yet, RUN out and get your tickets!!!

Barbie and I all dolled up for the movie!

Woo Hoo!

I already have my Sex and the City movie tickets for Friday night, do you?!?!?!?

Birthday cards

I LOVE BIRTHDAYS! I love to remember people and honor them on their birthdays, not just celebrate my own. I pride myself on my ability to remember people and send them a nice card with my thoughts on how they've impacted my life...probably because I had a junior high leader at church who continues doing that to this day and I always admired her for it!


Having said that, I've been slightly lame this year and have forgotten more than a few special birthdays. Argh! At least I can rectify that on my blog today. Sooooo, Krissy-pooh, this one is all about you!


Kristen is a very special friend of mine who now lives with her husband up in Seattle. We were coworkers at the toll roads and church buddies almost immediately. If it weren't for Kristen, I likely wouldn't have gone to Mariners regularly because I was afraid to go and sit by myself. So, we went together and in doing so, her steady commitment and love for talkign about what we learned really challenged me and encouraged me. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have gotten to know some of my pastors and now friends!


But my friendship with Kristen is about more than just attending church together. At the toll roads, she used her INSANE artistic ability to make funny things that would have me rolling on the floor...if I had an 8th of an ounce of her talent, I'd promise only to use that power for good. Ha! We also went to see a lot of movies (that others might perhaps think to be cheesy), and we celebrated girl power by watching Alias together, too! : )


Kristen, I miss your constant friendship. I know that you have a ton of friends because you are so loyal and faithful, and sometimes I'm jealous that I don't get to see you or talk to you very often. BUT, I want you to know that I treasure you and think the world of you nonetheless. I hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday and know that you're loved by people all around the country!

The Tebbe's

Last night I had dinner with two old coworkers from DC, Andrea and David Tebbe. David is in the military now, so they've moved a bit over the last couple of years. Now they live in Virginia Beach, but will be heading to Berlin in the fall. While we don't keep in contact on a regular basis, I always appreciate the fact that they squeeze me in on visits home! It makes me feel like a cherished friend and I always try and drop things to see them, too. I know it's hard to visit because you have to see so many people, but I'll always try to make it work when you're here! I enjoyed our laughs and our conversation last night and I can't wait to meet your daughter the next time!!! XOXO!

DC/NYC

Last week, I was in DC for work and went a little early to play with friends, then I ran up to New York City after my conference was over. It was a GREAT week! I stayed with Sarah and Walter and just had a wonderful time with them...I never need a plan with Sarah and we always seem to have a ton of fun! What an easy and wonderful friendship I have with her! I also saw Clarke a couple of times and really wish that she was there more that week! I miss these two wonderful friends from my Schwarzenegger days!

I also spent some quality time with my old friend Amber and her husband, Jeff. Amber and Jeff used to live in OC and I know them through politics. I haven't spent a TON of time with them over the years, but last Monday I realized just how much fun they are and how much I miss my friend Amber! We spent about four hours together at the Capitol Hill Club catching up, being silly, and talking about challenges/life and how to solve the world. I'm so proud of Amber for the heart she has shown since taking in Jeff's niece. Amber, I know it isn't always easy, but I firmly believe you're up to the task! You can achieve anything you try! I love ya!

Me and Amber at dinner. She's such a hoot!

That same night with Sarah. We also met up with Marco and Kim (who just gave birth!). It's so great to be able to put hodge podge groups together that get along so well!
I also spent a lot of time with my friend Keirsten. I went to hang with her and her kids on Tuesday, then she went up to NYC with me on Friday. We had a WONDERFUL time on the train talking and catching up. We also went and visited an old DC friend in the city, went to Serendipity for Frozen Hot Chocolate - yum!

Me and Keir at Serendipity

We also went to see Cry Baby on Broadway. My talented friend Alli is one of the stars and in an ironic twist, one of Keirsten's college buddies was in it, too - they even had a duet together!!! Alli was INCREDIBLE! She's such a comedian and has a wonderful presence!!! Her solo was RAD and at one point she also rocks a scene in a granny bathing suit and snorkling mask. Too funny! We met her backstage and got the full tour...how awesome to see such a different career path...it was SO NOT a cubicle! Ha! After the tour of backstage, we walked outside and people were wanting her pic and autograph...what can I say, she's a star! : ) Click this link to read a neat article about Alli and Christopher (Keir's friend) - it was in the Playbill program that we got. We also had brunch together on Saturday and had a really nice opportunity to catch up and talk about life. Alli is a great gal...she's got such a huge presence that I think people might only see her that way, but when you get her talking, she is a great communicator who has more than that to share with the world! Thanks again Alli, for a wonderful time together!

Me and Alli out in front of the theater.

PS - this was just published about the show on opening night... "The show's secret ingredient, and all-stops-out scene-stealer is Alli Mauzey, who plays Cry-Baby's whether-he-likes-it-or-not girlfriend, a deliriously delusional stalker who won't take no for an answer. She risks big with this over-the-top performance and wins. "I just keep it real for myself. Everything has meaning for me. I never try to go for a laugh. It's very real. My main objective is to, basically, get Cry-Baby. I will do whatever I have to do to get Cry-Baby. And you know what? It is a little taxing at time. I scream a lot in the show, but I couldn't do anything less or I wouldn't be honest."

A Nice Day for Golf

Yesterday, I played in my first tournament of the season...really my first time on the golf course in a long time.... I started out okay, but actually got a lot better throughout the day. Yeah! It was beautiful and sunny, but a little on the chilly side! As we were getting close to the end of the day, we were attacked by some geese. Guess they know where their dinner comes from!!!

Great weekend with great friends!

Simmons and STJ came to town this weekend! We had a great time together and enjoyed some of our favorite things. On Saturday, we went to Temecula and hit a few wineries, then came home, sat in the spa, and just enjoyed catching up on all sorts of topics. : ) It's so nice spending time with out of town friends and taking it easy...we didn't have too much planned, and on Sunday, had lunch, pedicures, and some hang out time down by the beach!

Me and STJ (Steph)

Us three at Ponte

Cheating my diet with a big hot chocolate

STJ left and Simmons and I went to the Laker game. We had killer seats and enjoyed watching them win in overtime!!!

This almost made me shoot diet coke out of my nose

Today's project update

Just finished the final coat on the paneling, put together my new desk, and WALLPAPERED! Oh my goodness was that a lesson in patience...and glue-iness! ; )

ta-da! oh yeah, there's three seems. who da man?! I am!

all bright and shiny
okay, had a thought, but need some advice...should I inset the wallpaper in the panel moulding?
and here's my purty new desk... I may stop by Home Goods tomorrow to see if they have any petite chairs, but if not, I'll be fine in the meantime with the camelback upohlstered chair I have.

Easter Sunday

Easter is always such a special time of year. Aside from celebrating the Lord's resurrection, it's a wonderful time to spend with family and because of the wonderful weather down here in CA, it's a great way to enjoy the Spring!

Yesterday we trucked out to Murrieta to my Uncle's house and basically pigged out all afternoon. We ate outside in the shade while children and dogs ran around us. Then it was time to play in the pool. The little kids rough-housed in the pool with the big girls (me and a few cousins) hung out in the spa (don't worry, it was only warm, not too hot!).

My cousin's daughter Hope pushed me around in my mom's wheelchair (while I drank mimosas! ha!).

Buddy found the most eggs - 14!

A great day to sit around and chill... my mom even had her own little perch with Get Well balloons and the kids decorated her cast like an Easter egg -- okay, I admit it, I helped, too!

An update on my Mom

This is why she's feeling better - ha!

No, but seriously, my mom is doing much better. She goes back to get cast #2 off at the end of the month and will likely get another one, though it is possible she might get a boot. All her pain is gone but she's still going nutters because she's not really allowed to leave the house or sit without her foot elevated. She's only cheated a little bit, which is impressive!

Dad and Daughter work day

On Saturday, my dad came over to help me with some projects. I basically had to put a request in for his time because he's so busy and I knew the projects would be pretty involved! He came over and together, we put in about a ten hour work day. But, the result is INCREDIBLE!!!

Aside from me falling off the top of a ladder and bruising the back of my leg, everything turned out better than I'd imagined. I really love working with my dad and think it's really cool that we can do these kinds of projects together. I love him so much and am so thankful to have a wonderful father like Big D!

Below is a photo of the panel moulding we put up in the dining room. (Don't worry, that's just primer...it will look much better with a nice glossy finish!) I really love the traditional look and so we did this moulding on the big wall and then on the return on the other side of the mirror'd wall. Because I have a condo, it really makes the living room and the dining room look like two distinct rooms. I LOVE it!

We also put up picture frame moulding in the hallway that leads to my bedroom. I am going to wallpaper inside the frame with a pretty tone on tone damask paper and then hang some photos on it. I think it will look really rad. Got the idea from Candice Olson, whose my favorite designer on HGTV.
It was also time for some new nozels in the shower. I like the porcelein look...really old school and fun. Unfortunately, when I was leaning on the shower frame, I dislodged some of the caulking that I'd put up like a month ago...that was a messy and long process, so I wasn't happy that I have to do it all over again. Grrr.
I also replaced my medicine cabinet with a new one. This one is much more streamlined and fresh...the other one was a little crusty, but this one has beveled edges. I hung it myself, so I was pretty pleased with myself. ; )

Thanks Dad, for being such an awesome father and fun work partner! I hope that over the years we have many more chances to work together, even when it's hard work!!!

Eat your heart out Candice Olson! : )

I ordered a new light fixture for my dining room and I've got my dad reserved for a work day on Saturday! I'm finally doing a few other projects that I've been wanting to do for a while like some panel moulding, etc. I love love love working on my house and it's totally addictive.

An Update on my Mom

My mom is at the doctor's office right now, hopefully getting a smaller, more managable cast. She's been a super good patient so far, but I believe will spend the better part of the next four months buying everything there is to possibly buy on the internet. Poor thing is completely laid up from her fall.

I was Super Nanny last weekend and spent time with her while my dad was out of town. I did her grocery shopping, laundry, and watched a ton of movies with her. I also did some shopping for my Grandma, who is about to move into assisted living. I guess that's the major blessing that's coming from my mom's accident...

Anyway, I hope my mom is less achy and more mobile with the new cast. Here's a photo of the old one - it was the biggest thing I've ever seen!!!

I'm an electrician!

As you all know, I love working on my house. Well, last weekend, I tried something new...changing out a light fixture! I love my beautiful new bathroom light. It's so much brighter and less tacky! I recently spackled over the areas where the old fixture was and need to sand it down and paint, but other than that, it's working out great so far...AND I didn't electrocute myself! Yeah!

Congrats Jennifer and Sean!

I guess since she has a website now devoted to journaling her pregnancy experience, I can officially say CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER AND SEAN! It's so exciting to see a dear friend see her heart's desire come to fruition. Jennifer and Sean have been married for about three years and couldn't wait to start their family. God's timing is often unexplanable, but what a joy to know that Baby Fitzgerald is on his/her way!

Jennifer and Sean have such amazing hearts and it's undeniable that they'll be wonderful parents! Emotionally speaking, in our little urban family, Jennifer encourages and Sean supports. They both always have wonderful advice to give and are so genuine and authentic. Because they are just such beautiful people, I can't help but be thrilled for them as their family begins to grow.

Jennifer and Sean, I love you both so much and am constantly blessed by your friendship. I couldn't be happier for you and I pray that God continues to bless you both in this time and as your child grows into being a wonderful man or woman!