Happiness All Around Us

Okay. I did it. I had a birthday this week. And it was a big one. It's the one that I have dreaded for about 5 years now. I always joked that I would need to be sedated for this one. Yep...you know it...I turned 30. When did I grow up? I don't remember. And I didn't see the memo. I never got this memo!! But anyway, back to the happy part.

I went to work and no one said a thing to me that morning. By lunch time, I was almost depressed. I mean, you would think that the people I spend 40 hours with a week would remember something like that. Anyway, around 3:00, one of the girls IMs me and asks if I want to walk to the post office with her. I have a bill to mail, so I tell her I will. Then she informs me that we have to first walk upstairs to get some money from someone. So, I trot up the stairs with her and she suddenly shoves me into one of the side offices and everyone yells "surprise!!" I was so shocked. I still have this bill in my hand that needs to be mailed and everything. But it was fabulous. Here I thought they had forgotten about me, but they had intended to surprise me all along. Super fun!

Then...

I had plans on just going to have some dinner with a group of friends that night. Something simple, yet fun. Well, they had other plans. I ended up getting clues, having my makeup and hair done in the fashion of the 80s (then like that of an old lady complete with wig), and doing crazy and fun stuff all night. I kept being told that we had dinner reservations at 7:45...that's why we only had a few minutes for each thing. So the last clue was given and we were off to the restaurant. While en route to the restaurant, I had two people in the back seat with me working on my hair and make up yet again. The hair started out as pig tails and then turned into braids. Then those braids turned into buns. So I asked if they were doing a Princess Lei job on me. They promptly told me no...they were just making it look like a little girls hair. When all of that was done, the blindfold went back on and we drove around for a bit. We finally get to the restaurant and I am led in. I hear one of my friends say that we were set over to the left, so I was steered in that direction. The blindfold suddenly came off and I was face to face with a ton of my friends from church in my pastor and his wife's house. It was so much fun! I was facing the table which was decked out in star wars goods. Several of my friends had on darth vader masks and were holding light sabers. So my hair was indeed in Princess Leia fashion. It was such a fun surprise. I had no idea that they were going to pull something like that off. And before the night was over, everyone got to sit down and watch the whole video of the evening. It was amazing.

Happiness is...having a scary birthday upon you, but having friends who turn it into an amazing day.

Again with this Happiness Thing

Saturday evening around 5:00, I was supposed to get together with some friends to play a little frisbee golf. Well, it was all soggy and wet outside from the storm system that had moved through, and since no one wanted to play in the drizzle, we decided to change our venue to the church and just play some card and board games inside. By the time 5:00 rolled around, the funky weather had cleared up and given us a gorgeous day. So, we decided to play a rousing game of ultimate frisbee. Tip...This game is best played on the grass, so that when you trip and fall, you don't break yourself. We played in the church parking lot. Asphalt. Pain. You get the idea. As it turned out though, only a couple of people tripped (I wasn't one of them...surprised? I was) and no one was hurt. However, I had another problem. I was wearing a sweatshirt. It was hot. I was hot. And miserable. It was supposed to be all drizzly outside. And we were supposed to be inside. I wasn't prepared. But one of my friends informed me that there might be something that I could put on in the lost and found box in the office. So, I trotted myself inside and found a shirt that would work. I went back out fully refreshed and ready to kick some ultimate frisbee butt. It rocked.

Happiness is...Finding a shirt in the lost and found that you can wear while playing ultimate frisbee.

Part 2 in Our New Series

So, I was sitting here in my office this morning just kind of staring into space. I know you're shocked, but there's a perfectly good explanation as to why I'm doing it this morning: It's overcast and dreary outside and it's dark in my office because I like to work with the lights off. Those two things alone create the perfect environment for space staring. Anyway, as I was off in my own happy place, my eyes came to rest on some papers taped on my wall. When I snapped out of my daze and focused my eyes, I smiled. The papers are drawings and letters that my niece and nephew made for me last year on my birthday. Their willingness to sit down and draw me pictures and write me letters (well, my nephew just told his daddy what he wanted to say and his daddy actually wrote it down) meant the world to me last year and it still does to this day. Those pieces of paper make me happy.

Happiness is...Having an amazing niece and nephew who aren't afraid to tell you how much they love you.

Happiness is...

We're going to start something a little different here at the Purple Monkey. Instead of the normal posts, the next few posts will reflect the idea of "Happiness is..." I will of course, fill in the blanks thus instructing you on the only way to be happy that day. HAHAHAHA!!! I'm kidding. I hope that you find happiness all around you, all the time, everyday. But seeing as how this is the first post, we're going to be a little nutty with it. Ready?

Have you ever noticed that when you're working hard or playing hard, you often put off going to the bathroom until the last moment? At this point, it's almost too late. Lots of times, you're willing yourself not to have an accident. Or you're doing the pee-pee dance trying to give yourself just a couple more minutes. Don't lie...I've seen you do it. Today, I found myslef in this position. I'm doing some training for work which just happens to be located in a different building than the one I work in. When we finished up today, I kind of felt the need to visit the potty, but I waited. Big mistake. I had to walk out to my car, drive over to my building, find a parking space and make it to the building. By the time I got in here, I was about to lose it. So, I rushed to the bathroom as quickly as I could without looking like a complete freak and thankfully found it empty. I was overjoyed.

Happiness is...finding the bathroom empty when you gotta go.

Summer Lovin...Had Me a Blast

Friday night, my church hosted a fund raiser in the disguise of a barn dance/karaoke sing-a-long. They did a fun job with it. You could pay to sing, pay to have someone else sing, or pay to buy yourself insurance to insure you didn't have to sing. Thinking that no one would possibly want to hear me sing, I didn't worry about the insurance policy. How wrong I was. As soon as I walked in, my pastor got that mischievous look in his eye and I should have bolted for the door. As it turned out, he paid for both me and a friend of mine to sing. To minimize our humiliation, we decided to sing together. After much deliberation, some sweat and a few tears, we decided on "Summer Nights" from Grease. It was a hoot! We did all the motions and dance moves that we could remember and had the place in hysterics. And yes, pictures were taken. No, I will not share. Heh. I'm just mean like that.

Hope your weekend was full of joyful moments that will make lasting memories.

Happy Resurrection Day

Okay, I know I'm a little late for this, but I wanted to put my feelings on the subject out there on the floor for you to peruse, speculate on and ulatimately agree with. Ha!

Not a big fan of the word Easter. Know where it comes from? I'll tell you. Easter comes from the fertility goddess Eastre. Now I understand why the early church chose to celebrate our Risen Lord during her celebration...to avoid persecution. But, we don't really have that problem anymore. So, I'm deciding that I'm going to call it Resurrection Day from here on out. Join me!

Have you ever sat and thought about exactly what this day really means for us? We all know that it's the day that Jesus rose from the dead...but what does that mean? I had a lot to say here, but suddenly, I don't want to write it all out. I want you to think about it. Really think about it. Focus on the fact that as He died three days prior, He was thinking of you. He did it all for you. And on Resurrection Day, He defeated Death so that He could be with you always. Everything He did was for you. Now He sits at His Father's right hand interceding for us. He's praying to His Father for us!! Whenever we are wronged or whenever we wrong someone else, He turns to His Father and says "Dad, I already took care of that." He's got your back! He loves you more than you can imagine.

I hope this excites you as much as it excites me.

Pickles!

So, I've been seriously wanting a pickle for a couple of days now. Yesterday, I finally bought some at the store. They're perfect snacks at work. They have no sugar, fat, or calories. And the aromatic breath that they're sure to bless me with is almost certain to keep my office mate on his side of the room. Anyway! Today, I had a pickle right after lunch. It was so yummy. It made me so happy. Then, I dropped my pickle on the floor and that made me sad. And suddenly, I was inspired. I wrote a song about the pickle. It is sung to the tune of John Denver's fabulous hit "Sunshine on My Shoulder"...

Pickles on my shoulder make me happy
Pickles on the floor can make me cry
Pickles in the water look so lovely
Pickles almost always make me high

It's a hit, don't you think?

P is for Prayer

Hey all. So this weekend at church totally rocked. We did a fabulous 42 hours of prayer. We kicked things off with a bang Friday at 6:00 with a full worship band and some serious praise and worship was done. Then we had some other worship bands come in and take the reigns for even more praise. And just a reminder...God inhabits the praises of His people.

People came in shifts to pray so that there was constantly someone there for the full 42 hours praying. And for most of that time, we had different groups of people doing praise and worship as well. Guys, it was powerful. It was moving. It was amazing. My eyes were opened a bit more. My heart was softened a bit more...much more and it's just going to be mush. But in all honesty, words just can't describe what it was like to be a part of that experience. I'm stoked!

We are the Kingdom, guys! It's time we realize that!!

It is Finished...

Hey Purple Monkey friends! Well, I did it. Well, I sorta did it. Confused yet? This past Sunday, I participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March. 26.2 miles of uphill both ways kind of hiking. I made it to about 18 miles before I had to quit. My heart started acting funny and just wouldn't let me finish. But you know what? It's a triumph anyway. Never in my life have I attempted something like this. And never in my life would I have considered even contemplating something like this. But I did. I trained for it. I signed up. I got up at 3 in the morning to be at the base. And I walked more than half of that bad boy.

Random side note...I met up with a group of guys from Kansas around mile 8 who really made the hike enjoyable. They were funny and supportive up til the end.

Guys, it was an awesome experience. I stepped out of my comfort zone and did this in memory of those who were continually out of their comfort zones. They are true heroes and they deserve to be remembered.

5 Days and Counting...

Can I really do this? Am I fully prepared? Should I just quit now and cut my losses? What if I twist my ankle the day before? These are just a few of the things that have been running through my head today. The day where boys become men and girls become women is fast approaching. Earlier this month, I was wishing that it would hurry up and get here. Now I'm terrified of it. That's right everyone, the 26 mile hike is in 5 days. 5 short days. I'm freaked out. I'm scared. My heart races a bit when I think about it. I just want to finish this thing. That's all I want. I don't care how mangled my body is when I'm done. I don't care how long it takes me. I just want to finish.

But if I don't finish, I'll know that I did my best and that's all that matters. Right? I need some verification here!!

Babies, movies and nail polish.

Now, you may be asking yourself what could these three things possibly have in common with one another. Okay, you may not be. What am I...a mind reader? I'm just guessing here. Anyway, back to the original question. What do these three things have in common? Well, I'll answer you. I was involved with all three of those things this weekend. Not really a fun answer, was it?

I went back home to help host a baby shower on Saturday. It was super fun. There was a small speed bump at the beginning, but once we pounded our way through, everything went off without a hitch. The mommy-to-be got lots of great baby stuff to welcome the fabulous little bundle of joy. Fun times. Fun times. I'm so ready to meet the little guy, I can hardly stand it!!

After that, I had a girl night/slumber party. We watched "Rent" and painted our toe nails and finger nails. I always enjoy hanging out with my gal pals and justy being plain old goofy. Wait, I'm like that no matter who I'm with. Never mind.

The Midnight Bandits Strike Again...

Okay, it wasn't really midnight. And all we really did was some chalking and just a little saran wrap. Today is our pastor's wife's birthday. So, last night, the bandits struck the house with chalk. We told her happy birthday and that we loved her and stuff. See? We were nice! Then we decided to get a bit mischievous and wrapped the shed with saran wrap. We were actually thanked for that since it would keep random stray people from getting into their stuff. So, it really probably wasn't like a strike at all. We didn't come in with guns blazing and do some serious vandalism...instead, we kind of sauntered in with toe nail polish and powder puffs and made the day a happy rainbow of love.

Did that make sense to anyone else, or am I just that tired?

Old School

So, last night, I did something I haven't done in a really long time...and it was a blast!! I went over to a friend's house and played video games. Old school video games. We played Donkey Konga (I was in charge of playing the little conga drum thingy...a task at which I was horrible) and Mario Kart. There were four of us and we all got to play together. I have to admit this though...I don't really play all that well with others. I kept wanting to throw stuff at them so that I could get ahead. I just wanted to win once! Is that so wrong?

Loads of laughter and tons of fun were had.

If you don't already have this, I implore you...find friends that you can hang out with and kick it old school. Play a game you played as a kid. It makes you feel alive.

Three Girls. A Car. A Mission.

Operation Road Trip was a huge success. We had an absolute blast. There are a million bunnies out at night. Seriously, I saw more bunnies along the side of the road than I knew existed in the great state of New Mexico. We got there late Friday night, but still stayed up to chat with the sweet family who let us invade their home. Saturday, we got up, got ready and hit the town. It was so much fun. We visited with old friends, frequented old haunts...all the usual stuff. It was great. And then we ran into a nasty little sand storm on the way home. Not fun. I was really gritty and gross. I hate that.

But all in all, the weekend rocked!

I hope yours was as much fun as mine!!

ROAD TRIP!

Can any other two words in the English language elicit more excitement than "Road" and "Trip"? Especially when pushed together to make the most glorious phrase "ROAD TRIP!" Well, that's what I'm going to be up to this weekend. Now, normally, road trips are taken when people want to go somewhere more glamorous than the town they live in. Not so this time. A few of us are hopping in the old car this afternoon to head to a town that is about 1/6 the size of the town we live in. Woo Hoo! Let the good times roll, peeps! In all seriousness, we're going to go visit some friends, eat lots of food and drink lots of chai tea. Should be a blast.

I expect all of you to wait with bated breath for my post next week to let you know how everything went. I know you all will want to know. I mean, I would if I was you.

Who Moved My Cheese?

For those of you that don't know, that is the title of a book that's all about change in the work place. I've never read it though, so I don't really know what they talk about. So, when you think about it, that's kind of a cheesy title for me to use on this post. Oh well, what's done is done.

Anyhoo...the reason I brought this up is because things are going nutty here at work. My boss put in her letter of resignation yesterday. That makes me sad. *sniff sniff* She is the coolest boss ever. Hang on...*grabs kleenex and blows nose*...okay, I'm better now. And now my office mate and I are getting moved down the hall, around the corner, and away from everyone else. Blegh. I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me and that while I was sommer-saulting ever so gracefully in the air, the floor was removed as well.

But it just strengthens my resolve to have faith in the Lord. He has the whole situation under control.

My Friends

After going back through and reading some of my ramblings in my blog, I noticed something. I have some stinkin' awesome friends. So, I would like to devote this post to those of you that I am privileged enough to call my friends. You guys freakin' rock! And you're all so special in unique ways. You make me laugh. You make me cry...in a good way, of course. You push me to the edge of myself and then some. You enjoy spending time with me as much as I enjoy spending time with you. You share your hearts. You share your lives. You love me for who I am. The way the world is these days, friends like you are few and far between. I'm just ever so lucky that I have so many of you. Now all of you, raise your glass for a toast. What? You don't have a glass? You didn't see where this was going? Well, go get one. I'll wait.

Ready? Here's to you...my friends. May your lives be filled with as much love as you have shown me and continue to show me. And just so you know...that's a lot of love. I am honored to be your friend!

Is it Possible to Amputate from Waist Down?

Most of you are aware that I'm training for a 26 mile hike at the end of this month, right? Okay, well, if you don't know that, then...Hey guess what everybody! I'm training for a 26 mile hike!! We all up to speed? Okay. This past Saturday, my walking buddy and I walked our longest walk to date. We don't want to go the full 26 miles before the actual event, but we got on up there...we walked 20 miles. I kid you not. I came out of it with relatively few blisters this time, so that's good. However, from my lower back down to the toenail on my little toe hurts like you wouldn't believe. I've heard that pain is your bodies way of telling you to stop. Well, I don't have that option!! I've got to do this thing!! I've come too far to stop now!! Plus, I've already paid the entrance fee...and it's non-refundable.

Not to mention the fact that this hike is very dear to my heart. If you're interested in what it's all about, click on the "Bataan" link to the right. It'll explain everything.

I hope today finds all of you happy and in good spirits...and in less pain that I'm in!!

Short. Over. Short again.

Okay. So, I got this letter from my mortgage company yesterday. I always get one this time of year when they tell me what my new payment will be for the next year. Taxes and insurance being what they are, my payments fluctuate ridiculously. About two years ago, they informed me that I was $2000 in the whole. Huh? How did that happen? I had to break that up over the next year and end up paying out the nose for my house. Completely insane. Then last year, I got my letter from them adjusting my payment almost $200 less than it was the year before and they also enclosed a check for $700 due to an escrow overage. Excuse me? What the...? I gladly took the check and put it in savings, but still couldn't figure out exactly how all of that happened. This year, I'm short again. Imagine the drama that unfolded in my house yesterday when I opened the envelope. However, it's only a couple hundred short this time, but that's just insane. You would think that we would be able to get this stuff all figured out at some point. Work with me, people!!

Don't get me wrong, owning a home is a lot of fun. You can paint your walls hot pink if you want (and I would wonder about you if you did) and not have to ask a landlord. You can do just about whatever it is that you want to your house, which really is a heck of a lot of fun. But at the same time, it's a hassle when you have to deal with the likes of a mortgage company.

Sometimes, I just wish I could call them up, reach through the phone and thump them. That would make me feel better, I think.

Blessings to you all

Hey! Sorry for my hiatus last week. I just ran out of things to say...believe it? I didn't think so. Actually, I was away from my computer for a couple of days to go on a Walk to Emmaus. If you don't know what that is...shoot me an email. I'll fill you in.

Guys, all I can say about this is...wow. No, that's not it. It's more like WWWOOOWWW!!!! Super Rad!!! I have never felt more loved by my Heavenly Father or more filled with His Spirit. It was an amazing weekend. And everyone that had a part in it deserves my undying gratitude. Such an awe-inspiring time. I really just don't have the words, so I'll stop. My only hope is that you'll see Jesus shine through me a bit brighter from here on out. God is so good!!

Love and hugs!!

Chick Flicks and Rock & Roll

So last night, I had to endure a chick flick. I always hang out with some friends on Monday evenings. We'll just call them D and K. The past few weeks, D and I chose some very strange movies to watch...if you've read my previous posts, you know what I'm talking about. Apparently, K doesn't enjoy the same taste in movies as D and I do. Honestly, I don't know why. We have superb taste. So, last night as a sort of punishment, she decided that we would watch a chick flick. Blegh. I am so not a fan. But, I watched How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days with as much grace as I could muster. It really was cute though. I'll admit that. I did laugh quite a bit, although it was the supporting actors that made me laugh the most.

However, D came home toward the end of the chick flick and declared that we would watch School of Rock as well to sort of balance the evening out. I laughed so hard that I even snorted a time or two.

I got home late, but it was worth it. I truly enjoy my Mondays. Good friends rock!

Friends...food...and FUDGE!!!

My weekend was a hoot! A few of my friends came up from out of town to visit for a few days. As soon as they got here, we high-tailed it to dinner. I was starving!! We ate. We laughed. We caught up on foreign and current affairs...always important issues that should be discussed during every meal. After dinner, we lounged and caught a flick. Saturday morning, we did some shopping (!) and then grabbed some lunch. You know, I always thought the freaks came out at night. Not true...they were all at lunch with us the other day. It was odd. More movies were watched and some games were played.

Then they left me. I stood at the door. I watched them drive away. A small tear escaped my eye and slid down my cheek. (Oscar nomination inserted here).

But then two of my other friends came over and we had a girl night. It involved chick flicks, popcorn, nail polish and lots of chocolaty-fudgey goodness!!!

I hope that your weekends contained as much love and laughter as mine did.

It's an 80s revolution...Totally

Okay. I bought a CD the other day that is called something like Millennium 80's New Wave Party...or something like that. The name of the CD is not that important. You only need to know that this is the coolest compilation of 80s music ever to grace the planet earth. I had it playing in my car the other day and one of my younger friends picked up the case and began reading the song titles. So, she was fully aware of the fact that these songs were from a few decades ago. The song that was playing ended and the next one started. She suddenly set the case down, gasped, said, and I quote "I know this song! It's an old one!" I started laughing. Hard. She couldn't really understand what was so funny. Then as I regained some breath, I explained that all of the songs were old...hence the 80s theme of the CD. She set her jaw and just told me to shut up. That just made the hysterics worse. I giggled about it all night. Too funny.

Valentine's. Day.

Valentine's Day! Let's give it a hand everyone!! We're about to witness something very exciting folks. Now watch. Here it comes. Wait for it...Wait for it. This it is...this is the moment when the heart of every single person in the world is ripped out of their chest and stomped on! Hooray!!! In all seriousness though. I don't like Valentine's Day. At. All. However, this year, we had a missions banquet Tuesday night at the church to support the Cocina del Amor. There was dinner, dancing, a silent auction...all in all, it was a pretty nice evening. But, I was still very aware of my single factor, but how can you not be on Singleness Awareness Day?

But I stand firm that someday my Prince will come. I've already got one in the Kingdom of Heaven, but I look forward to experiencing a little piece of that Heaven here on earth.

Peace!!

Party on Wayne! Party on Garth!

If you hadn't already noticed from this post and the last one, I have this sudden compulsion to watch very stupid movies. And the interesting thing is that both of these movies have starred Mike Myers. Very interesting indeed. Notice a trend here? But seriously, Wayne's World is a cult classic and must be viewed by all audiences everywhere. Now, for those of you who haven't seen it yet, go out and rent it! You know who you are.

Not only have I been watching stupid things lately, I've been doing stupid things as well. What stupid thing have I done recently? Well, I'll tell you. I walked 15 miles on Saturday in the cold and wind. I'm still in training for a 26 mile hike next month, but truly...walking 15 miles in the wind is stupid. I kept having to have my friend remind me why we were doing this. And her reminders, while fabulous, still didn't make me feel any better until I was laying on my couch and whimpering about the pain. The excrutiating, maddening pain!!

I hope your weekend was a memorable one.

Woman. Whoa-Man! Whoooooaaaaaa-MAN!!!

If you don't have any familiarity with the movie So I Married an Axe Murderer, then you don't have any clue as to what that title means. But if you have seen the movie, then you're rolling on the floor laughing begging for it to stop so that you can take that much needed breath. Okay, that's really not the funniest part of the movie (the Scottish father really steals the show), but the Woman-Woman-Woman poems are hysterical.

Why am I talking about this movie? Well, I'll tell you. I watched it last night. Yep, that's it. Nothing philosophical. I just watched it last night.

A friend of mine came over and we watched movies and ate pizza. After we discovered who the axe murderer was, we popped in some action from the boys whose life goal it is to incarcerate supernatural ecto-plasmic beings. My friend had never seen this particular flick, so we simply had to partake in the total cheese that it is. She laughed. I laughed. We laughed.

New Life

Last night was an amazing night for me...

First, I found out that some super friends of mine are having a boy. They are due in May and we have been waiting patiently to find out whether to buy pink or blue. We now know for sure and I just can't wait until that new little life joins us and grows up to be an awesome, fabulous man of God. New Life!! It's very exciting!!

Second, I have issues. I found this out last night. Most of you are probably nodding your heads in agreement already. And just let me say...ha ha...you're very funny. Rest assured, I am dealing with and working through all of this new information. And when the Lord and I are through sorting it all out, I will have a new life in Him and with Him. I know that it's going to be a little difficult and I'll probably want to sit and pout from time to time. Or be too scared to move around the next bend in the road. But, I will do it. I may have to grit my teeth, squeeze my eyes shut and crawl, but I will make it through. I will have a New Life!

It was a Day of Celebration

Yesterday, I celebrated. Yesterday, the champagne flowed like water. Yesterday, all things wrong were made right. Yesterday was truly an awesome day.

Okay, so it wasn't that fabulous, but it was a good day. Yesterday was the 6 year anniversary of my independence day. That's right people...6 years of freedom! But that's not necessarily the focus of my joy. I celebrate the road that the Lord and I have traveled together since then. There have been a lot of deviations from the path, but I always found my way back to Him. There were a lot of times where I just sat down in the middle of the road, stuck my bottom lip out for a big old pout-fest when things didn't look like they were going my way. And there were several times where I would find myself rooted in one place, scared to find out what was around the next bend in the road. But He was always there, always patient, always kind and more importantly, always loving me, encouraging me and guiding me. So we continue to walk together and we continue to grow closer to one another every day. I'm excited to be on this journey with Him...constantly in His loving gaze and surrounded by His loving arms. I can't imagine a better way to spend my life.

Who was that Masked Man?

The Legend of Zorro: $15
Dinner from Wendy's $6
Hanging out with friends watching a great movie and eating a burger: Priceless

Last night, we watched The Legend of Zorro. I laughed. I giggled. I guffawed. I chuckled. There was never a moment in that movie that I wasn't thoroughly entertained. Tornado was probably my favorite character. He added comedic relief with superb timing. If I had to choose a two-legged favorite, it would probably be the Priest. He rocked! He was feisty...even a bit scrappy.

Before movie night ensued, I partook of a guitar lesson. I started learning The World I Know by Collective Soul. It's harder than it sounds and my fingers stinkin' hurt this morning!! But it was fun and I'm excited about learning it.

But of course, far outweighing the lesson or the movie, spending time with my friends was the best part of my day.

No Worries...I'm Back

Sorry for my absence at the end of last week. I just really had nothing to talk about. Honest and for true. *Pause for audible gasp* However, the weekend has left me with a plethora of topics for us to converse about today. I worked a lock-in for 5th and 6th graders for about 45 minutes Saturday morning at 3am. I don't remember squealing that much when I was that age. It was interesting. When I got there, they were playing Sardines, which looked like a lot of fun, but only if you are the size of a 5th or 6th grader.

A scoche later that morning, I walked roughly 7 miles training for my marathon hike in March. It was a good, brisk walk. My friend and I chatted and had a good time.

Saturday evening, my niece had a birthday party to celebrate 6 glorious years as my niece. But, imagine, if you will, what this party was like. Water park. Lots of small children. 100% humidity. It was out of control. But she had a fabulous time as did all of her friends. Made me wish I was a little kid again. She had lots of fun. She got lots of cool gifts. And we all got to appreciate the joy that was bestowed upon us 6 years ago when she came into our lives.

Super Bowl Sunday!! I had a most phenomenal time at the Super Bowl party last night. I actually cheered for the Steelers. I know, I know. I'm sure you're all throwing your hands up in the air in confusion and disgust since I griped about them a few posts ago. But before you give up on me and chalk me up as insane, listen to my reasons. I was happy that Big Ben was able to prove himself as a quarterback and that his rookie season last year was not just a fluke. And if my Broncos couldn't represent the AFC at the Super Bowl, well I'm just glad that the team that did represent my conference won. And I think it's pretty neat that they made history this year by winning. As I said before, you may recall, no #6 seed team has ever gone to the Super Bowl...and they won it! I will confess that there were some bad calls. Seattle should have gotten that touchdown that was called back. I'm not so sure that Big Ben crossed the plane with the football on that particular touchdown. But, it was a hard fought, well matched football game. And I'm always up for a little football!!

I hope that your weekend left you with a plethora of things to talk about as well.

Take off, eh...

Ah yes. Strange Brew. It is the finest piece of cinematic magic ever put together. Okay, I almost made it through that statement without laughing. In all reality, it is probably one of the most ridiculous movies I have ever seen...thus making it hysterical in my book. I sat down to watch this amazing film with a couple of friends. Two of us had seen it before, so when a funny part was happening, we would laugh the appropriate length and then glance toward the one who hadn't seen it to make sure some laughter had bubbled to the surface. Every now and then, she chuckled. But it was more in that I-Can't-Believe-I'm-Actually-Watching-This-Movie chuckle. But she made it through with a smile on her face without so much as a complaint.

If you have never seen this movie, you simply must see it at least once. So, the next time you hear me say "Jelly donut coming" or "The Force has stopped you, you knob" or even the possible mention of a "soaker", you'll know what I'm talking about.

You're Only as Old as You Feel

We had a plan. We set the goal. We made preparations. We went stealth. Then we succesfully completed our mission. This past weekend, some friends and I went chalking. I had more fun than I knew what to do with. And I discovered that the old saying "You're Only as Old as You Feel" is very true.

This is how you play the game...you choose unsuspecting friends (really, don't try this with strangers...not as funny and they might call the cops if they bust you) and in the dark hours of night, you attack, uh, with chalk. Chalk their sidewalk, their driveway, the walkway to their front door...whatever. Oh, but be careful of motion sensor lights. Those can be pesky and can foil a chalking plan better than just about anything else. However, they're not as bad as a barking dog which will quickly make you jump to you feet, yell "Run! Run!", throw caution to the wind and run to your car with wild abandon all while your flip flops slap the pavement wildly (and loudly) underneath you.

Good times, people. Good times.

Okay, I've seen better days.

I'm hurting. At this point, it's wise not to touch me, breathe too close to me or even look at me. Last night, I went to the gym. I haven't been in about 5 months. I got on the weight machines and just had a merry old time doing as many reps and with as much weight as I had done when I was going to the gym regularly. Suddenly, the lightning bolt that is reason, struck my brain as I was finishing up on my last machine. This is not smart. In fact, it's pretty dumb. Huh. Isn't that interesting? But, it was too late. The damage had been done. Today, I hurt. And it has gotten progressively worse as the day has gone by. Fabulous. Kids, don't try that stunt at home. It's just plain goofy.

Oh Cow...It was Amazing

Every now and then, the movie industry stuns me. Stuns me to the point where I want to stand up when the movie is over, applaud and yell out "Stunning! Was anyone else stunned?!". Okay, I think I've said the word stun in several of its variations enough times. I'll stop now. I have really only been stunned (sorry) one other time that I can recall and that is when The Passion of the Christ was released. Of course, when that one was over, I had to sit completely still for about ten minutes and try to regain my composure. Not much on the jumping out of my seat with a hoot and a hollar. But last night, I saw End of the Spear. That movie was amazing, stunning even (couldn't help myself!!). It was raw with emotion and it pulled no punches portraying the story of the five missionaries who gave their lives in Ecuador 50 years ago and the subsequent transformation of the tribe responsible for their deaths. Please see this movie if you have the chance. I give it two very enthusiastic thumbs up while the rest of my hands are gripping tear-sodden kleenex.

Hoot and a half!

I laughed. And I laughed. And then I laughed some more. Seriously, it was out of control. Last night, I met with a couple of my friends to work on a few things for them. These two women are beyond funny when they're alone, but when you get them together, you're always holding your breath to see if the universe is going to implode...as if it's a travesty against the laws of nature for these two to be in the same room together. They are just that funny.

I think we did more laughing than work last night. But that's alright. We did get quite a bit accomplished and we are well on our way to getting this project on a roll to completion.

Thanks Ladies! You two are a hoot and a half!

Need some cheap, abundantly hysterical entertainment?

Have you ever wanted the chance to sit back, relax and utterly enjoy the heck out of someone doing something most amusing? You may be thinking I am refering to a stand-up comedian or possibly even your crazy Uncle Joe who has a scoche too much Holiday cheer at Christmas and tries to dance the Macarena. But I'm not. Seriously. As funny as those things might be, especially the latter, I am referring to my guitar lessons. Trust me, these things can provide hours of entertainment for those of you a little short on cash and are in desperate need of side-splitting laughter. I'll be going along through a song and will suddenly have a brain freeze. I know the chord...I've played it a million times. But suddenly, and for no apparent reason, my fingers completely forget what to do. This episode leaves me staring at my fingers with a dumb-founded expression on my face and all I can do is say "Why fingers? Why?!" And as soon as brain freeze sets in, my guitar instructor, laughs for a good long while as I sit and ponder what just happened. In all seriousness, folks, my guitar instructor deserves to have a good laugh at my expense from time to time. He's taken me, someone who has played the violin for about 19 years and has taught me how to play the guitar. I'm having to retrain my arms, fingers, and wrists to do things that are huge NO-NO's when playing the violin. So, next time you see him, give him a pat on the back or a big hug and have pity on him. He has to hear me play every week.

Peace!!

It's a sad, sad day for Blue and Orange

I cried, I begged, I pleaded, I threw my fists in the air and even tried pouting a little, all to no avail. The Broncos still lost. Can you believe it? They lost to the Steelers! Please. The Steelers. No #6 seed team has ever made it to the Super Bowl...until now that is. That's just wrong, folks. Wrong, I tell you!! However, I'm going to stop talking about that now because I am likely to fly off into an uncontrollable rage. And that's just not pretty.

Other than the atrocities of yesterday, my weekend was pretty great. I spent time shopping watching movies, playing my guitar, singing, enjoying friends company...and I laughed a lot. It's so fabulous to be surrounded by good friends. And it's even better when you can find friends who don't mind when you throw yourself on the floor, kick, scream, drool a little and fly off the handle like a stark, raving madwoman. So, here's to my friends!! They take me anyway I come. You guys are the greatest!!

How was your weekend? I hope it was a splendid one.

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's a...Banana?

Last year, around the beginning of spring, I went to Book/Music/Video store with some friends. Hanging on a rack at the front of the store is where the purple monkey power was originated. What was this phenomenon? What could possibly be my muse? A pair of pink flip-flops. Now, you may be asking yourself, what is so incredible about pink flip-flops? Well, I'll tell you. The strap! The strap was a purple monkey. His arms stretched back to the sides of the flip-flop and his little tail wound between your toes. I was entranced. It took a moment for me to snap out of my daze. I picked up a pair of the incredible flip-flops and looked at my friends. Then in a whisper, barely audible, I said "Feel the Power of the Purple Monkey." And that, ladies and gentlemen, is where it all began. I have since created a super hero persona for myself that includes a purple suit with a monkey face. My weapon of choice? A boomerang that looks like a banana. But that is for another time and place.