Update From Phoenix

I got these ADORABLE pictures yesterday from Monique, so of course I had to put them on the blog. The one with Nicolette with a ponytail makes me want to give her a big hug and kiss. You can tell that girl's got sass! My dad, otherwise known as Pop, is on his way tomorrow to visit the Valley of the Sun. Wish it was me!

What I Did With My Forced Time Off

Well, I had some time off over Valentine's Day weekend, so I decided that a little trip up north is just what I needed. When I got to New Haven, my mom had this really cute cake for me (like the ones she used to bake for my birthdays).

The next day, we bummed around New Haven, taking some pics along the way. I told mom to "show some teeth"....

I love this pic of mom having a good belly laugh over an inside joke.

And a few pics enjoying lunch together....


Then on Saturday, I went with Devan down to New York and we had dinner in Greenwich Village with some friends of his. We had cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery that are THE BEST cupcakes I've ever had!


We spent the night with his friends in the city, the parted ways and I made the hairaising drive out of New York to go home. I enjoyed driving in New York for about five minutes until I lost my way and my gas gauge was perilously close to E. All in all, however, a wonderful way to utilize the time off!

Woncha Be My Valentine?

This saturday was "Make Valentine's For Those You Love" day! Amanda and I were at AC Moore (always dangerous for my wallet) a couple of weeks ago and decided that we wanted to do something for Valentine's Day. We picked up chocolate pieces, chocolate molds, and cookie cutters in the shape of lips and hearts. We cooked and melted all afternoon long, along with some distractions of playing with the cute baby.

My Love for Scotland

I just want to put it out there that I love Scotland. And it's true, one could say that my love for this beautiful country might be from the fact that this is where a lot of my ancestry comes from. Yes, this plays a part in my fond feelings. But I must say that there's a much better reason for my gratitude: Just take a look at all these tasty morsels-all from Scotland. It seems to me that there are just some countries that produce them better that ever. Here's a little glimpse into that fabulous country.


First we have Gerard Butler. First seen in Tomb Raider and Phantom of the Opera but more widely known for 300 and the recently released PS I Love You. But if you have a minute, catch him in Dear Frankie and Timeline as well.

Next is Ewan McGreggor who you probably saw in the new Star Wars movies, but don't miss him in Miss Potter and Big Fish.

Then we have John Hannah, who you have to see in Sliding Doors and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

And then of course, we can't forget Billy Boyd, who stole all our hearts in Lord of the Rings. But he was also adorable in On a Clear Day.

And then we have the tastiest morsel yet. A man who, dangit, if he wasn't married, I'd buy a ticket to Scotland today! Catch him in Atonement, Becoming Jane, Starter for 10, and Wimbeldon. Ah yes, the lovely James McAvoy.

My friends, I think we need to schedule a trip to Scotland soon.

The Adventures of Zeus the Amazing.

This weekend has been one of great adventure for Zeus the Amazing Honda. Zeus was a little worried about the morning as it started off icy. He watched with trepidation as the sleet came down and quickly froze to his windshield and bumper. But like all good cars, he was confident that his mistress, Heather, would take great care-she had always done so in the past. And so it was with caution but certainty that they would be fine, they set out on that Friday morning, reaching their destination without incident. It began to warm up, and the sleet soon turned to rain, so Zeus' anxiety lessened by the minute. When Heather was finished with her job that morning, they both began the half-hour journey back into the city. It had never occured to Zeus to begin being fretful again because Heather hadn't turned on her music on her ipod (which, quite frankly, Zeus found obnoxious). But as she approached the city, the traffic increased. Zeus sent a mental flag to his owner that she might be going just a tad bit too fast, but on pondering what a horrible thing an accident would be, she quickly put those ugly thoughts out of her head. When the cars in front of him suddenly jerked to a stop, Zeus tried valliantly to stop, but alas, the roads were still slippery from the morning's sleet! Poor Zeus could only close his eyes and flinch as his nose scraped under the big evil black SUV. His mistress, after uttering words that shamed him, got out of the hurt Zeus and talked with the mistress of the evil black SUV. Heather, having no other choice, took Zeus to work. Upon leaving the damaged little car, his mistress, being distracted, left Zeus' headlights on! "Oh no! Wait! Heather!" he cried, but she did not hear him. Zeus could do nothing but tiredly spend the last bit of energy and then slowly die. Later that evening, Heather came out to Zeus to discover the dead car in the parking lot. "Oh my! What have I done to my poor Zeus?" she lamented. Is this the end of the realationship of Zeus the Amazing and Heather, his thoughtless mistress? No, not so! The next day, after being obliged to leave him where he was, his mistress returned with reinforcements (and the power to resurrect her dead car)! And after spending the day at the doctor's, Zeus has a new battery. He, sadly, still bears scars from his recent adventures, but is more amazing than ever!