Orphans Deserve Better

I am not generally one to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to petitions and boycotts, but as a supporter of Show Hope, and adoption in general, I'm passing this one along.

I just read about a rather disturbing horror movie called "Orphan" that Warner Bros. is releasing soon. Instead of rewriting what I read in a much less eloquent way, I will encourage you to read this post from the Show Hope blog.

Then visit www.orphansdeservebetter.org to learn more and sign a petition to be sent to the Warner Bros CEO.

What I've been up to: a photo essay

Long time, no blog. What can I say? I'm a busy girl.

Here's a smattering of things I've been doing...

Travel: I was in Seattle for nearly two weeks at the end of May. Came home for a few days, then flew to LA to drive across the country on a grand adventure with four friends. Home a few days again, then visited the fam for a couple days. Home for two days, then went to St. Louis for three days for a meeting. I am happy to be home! Below is one of my favorite photos from our Route 66 journey, courtesy of Jess. (Is it really 'courtesy' of Jess if she doesn't know I'm stealing it and posting it? Hm.)

Turning 29: We first celebrated my birthday around midnight in St. Louis, then in Chicago, then Jess and I had a party in Indy. Not just any party... a birthday prom. It was great fun, and I love that we have friends who happily (in most cases) oblige and dress up to dance and act goofy in the Millers' backyard. I bet there aren't too many girls out there who get cake smashed in their faces on their 29th birthdays, either...

Concerts: I love summer concerts! So much so, I have been to three of them in the last six days. New Kids on the Block, The Fray, and Casting Crowns. Three vastly different crowds. Three good shows. By the way, I think people watching is one of God's greatest gifts. Here is a photo from NKOTB:

Shopping: This one's pretty much a given. My current project is the guest room, so below are some of yesterday's purchases. Come visit! But not quite yet.

Painting: Isn't it a nice color?

Organizing: This is the 'after' photo of my plasticware cabinet. Really, how much of this stuff does a single girl who doesn't really cook need?

OnebookOnemonth Challenge

From time to time, I'll be posting on Meg M.'s OnebookOnemonth Challenge blog. I can't promise it'll actually be once a month, but we'll see... Check it out. Join us. Read books. Write about them.

And here are a few unrelated observations from my day off today:

• If I'm going to shop at The Fashion Mall, I need a larger SUV.
• I really, really am not a fan of the new rules for drivers license photos. No smile. No glasses. The camera is below eye-level, resulting in an extra chin...
• Ellen is my favorite Macy's associate. She always lets me use the coupon, and keep it for next time!

I've said it before...

And I'll say it again. My friends rock. Not only do they know that this is one of the two most exhausting weeks of my year, but they also know my favorite flower. Thanks guys! I love you! (When I saw that my red message light was blinking, I almost didn't call because I thought it would be an annoying message. But then the man was like, "we have flowers for you!" Yay!)

And as an added bonus, here are a couple photos of me participating in a drumming circle at the Northwest Folklife Festival yesterday. (I did get to have one day of fun!)

Vacation Blog '09!

A couple of weeks ago, my four road-tripping friends and I got together to chat about our upcoming adventure. 

At the top of the list? How to handle the blogging. A big decision. Write on our individual blogs, or create one especially for the trip?

We decided to go with one to which we could all contribute. So without further adieu, I give you... our 2009 vacation blog!

http://lifeisahighway09.blogspot.com/

Life in Photos

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my friends? Because I love them a lot. Here are some reasons why:

On Thursday, in preparation for "Meredith and Derek's" wedding on Grey's Anatomy, we had a little celebration. Jess went to The Flying Cupcake, and when she explained what we were doing, the lady there gave her these plastic engagement rings for decoration. Then we set up a unity candle, and I decorated the living room with bridesmaid dresses. I love that we do ridiculous things like this.

Today, Jordan, Becky and Meg graduated from med school. I am 0h-so-proud of these three lovely, amazing friends. Jordan's parents hosted a cookout tonight at Eagle Creek. As soon as I saw this cake, I knew Jordan would love it. Read carefully. No, this isn't how it was supposed to be. We especially love the comma followed by the exclamation mark. Somehow I think this will become a catch phrase and will find its way onto future cakes...  :)

When disaster strikes, hilarity ensues

I'm not really sure that I can explain what happened tonight. I was rinsing a plate in the sink when I noticed my feet were getting wet. Next thing I knew Jess was mopping my kitchen. Then it got even better - I had a dishpan under the sink that had filled with water from the leak, and in a moment of sheer stupidity, I took it out of the cabinet and dumped it in the sink. Uh, yeah, that created a little waterfall between the cabinet and the floor.

By this time, I was not just laughing, but doing that thing where I can't breathe and my stomach hurts. (In case you haven't noticed- when I'm not sure how to react to something, I generally end up laughing.)

My garbage disposal somehow cracked and came apart. Who knows what else is wrong. What is it with this week? First it was the iPod, and now this. Ah, the joys of being an adult...

My faithful and quick-thinking friend:

Where it all started...

Because I did not happen to have any caution tape laying around: