Date Night

It was a spur of the moment thing. We tried a new place and weren't disappointed. I got bbq and he got the most amazing onion rings. After we ate, we played air hockey and basketball. He beat me at both but I was happy anyway.

Another Great One

Stagecoach '09 was a blast. New friends, old friends, good music and plenty of laughs. Each year is different, and although this one was definitely different from the last, it was still inexplainably fun in its own way.

Today I'm missing the feeling of waking up in a tent at the first light of morning, sitting in a lawn chair in the sun for five hours straight and laughing with friends that I almost never get to see.

I guess the bad thing about looking forward to something so much is the whole being sad when it's over thing. I kept saying, "I just want one more day," when really, I want a million.

Off to Indio

The day has finally arrived. Bright and early tomorrow morning we'll be loading up and heading to Indio for four glorious days of sun, fun and country music.

I seriously don't know how I'm going to work today. The anticipation is killing me.

Enjoy your weekends! I know I will!

Show some love

Hug a tree, or pet a plant.

Eat dinner on the grass, and bring a treat for the ants.

Turn off the lights, and bring out the candles.

Open the windows, and feel the breeze.

Watch the sunset, and vow to recycle.

Have a happy Earth Day, and show her some love.

Heat Wave

Last night was warmer than most, thanks to the heat wave that rolled in a couple days ago. Triple degree temps in the valleys, upper 80s at the beaches.

Brianne and I decided to take advantage of it with dinner outside. She put on shorts, and I fought the urge to grab a jacket out of sheer habit. We walked down to 3rd Street and decided on pizza and beer. The ceiling fans whirred above our heads, and we feasted on sundried tomatoes and feta cheese. When we made it back to the apartment, the heat kept us up and restless until late, eating Easter candy, sipping cold milk and talking about the coming weekend.

I think it'll be one of those nights I remember for a long time - one of the ones that makes me smile.

Sun & Fun

Today is simply beautiful.

The sun is out, the air is warm, and it's Friday, on top of it all.

The weather man says the weekend is supposed to be even better.

Lay-out-till-you're-crispy-then-dip-your-toes-in-the-water kind of weather.

I can't wait.

Throw in the fact that my VERY FAVORITE music festival of the year is coming up next weekend, and I challenge you to wipe this smile off my face.

Happy Friday, boys and girls. Make it a good one!

Number 9

Can be checked off the list.

It was a small game night. Only four of us. But others were there in spirit (including Jesus and President Obama).

Popcorn and beer. Whiskey and coke. Apples to Apples. And questions like, "If Charisse were a piece of produce, what would she be?" I chose a passion fruit. Others chose a mushroom. Not sure if I'll ever understand that choice.

All in all, very fun, and since we got new games for Easter, a night that will definitely have to be repeated.

Easter '09

I'm so thankful that I grew up in a family where holidays are treated extra special and no one is too old to get an Easter basket.

I hope your Easter '09 was as fantastic as mine!

(Click on the picture to see all the details.)

Picasa, Micasa, Sucasa

Picasa Photo Collages.

My new favorite thing.

Seriously.

You have to try it.

Summer Planning

It's once again that time of year - time to start planning summer vacations.

Long weekends here. Floating holidays there. Birthday plans. Family visits. Yearly traditions. And suddenly it seems there's simply too much fun to fit into those three glorious months of sun.

This year, it's looking like I won't be able to go everywhere and do everything I'd like to do. Time and money are not on my side. But there is one trip I will be able to make, and when I get sad about missing the others, I simply remind myself of this one, because this one is the BIG one.

Need details? Suffice it to say: Mason and I. Ten days in August and September. Exact destination to be determined, but we're thinking London and France, maybe Ireland or Germany. And seeing as how this will be my first time, I'm pretty excited.

Somehow I have a feeling this one will be worth it - worth cutting back on the others. A trip to remember - at least that's what everyone tells me.

Plane tickets are to be bought this month so expect more details soon. Until then, good luck on all your summer planning!

May We

May we never forget how amazing it is to be loved and understood - to have people in our lives who are ready and willing to share their laughs, their loves and even their socks.

May we always be in awe of those moments when we look at someone's face and know exactly what they're thinking even before they open their mouth.

May we always be thrilled that we have people in our life who think we're perfect as we are and feel happy when we're around.

May we never, never, never forget how unbelievable this all is...

This is my hope for today.