Yep, still yapping about Boston

After the 5K, and sleeping off the pukey, it was off to Fenway for my very first Red Sox game. Now, we all now my love and adoration of my Texas Rangers (and mainly Josh Hamilton), but, I was super excited for the game (thanks again for the tickets, Sam!)
Me and Sarah at the game. It was kind of rainy before the game, but, it turned out to be a really nice day.
Sarah, me, Danielle, Jessica and Sam.
After the game, Sarah, Danielle and I hopped the T and somehow made it to Cambridge for dinner. And by "hopped the T" I mean we looked like totally lost tourist idiots who couldn't figure out the T. I can manage the underground in London like a pro, but, send me to Boston and I get all sorts of confused. True story.

ANYWAYS. The Red House. Cambridge. Awesome.
After debating between sparkling water, bottled still and Cambridge's Finest Tap Water, we ordered. I got a yummy pasta dish with mussels. Mussels. And garlic. Does that piece of garlic on my fork not look like a mussel?!?!
And this is our waiter Jesse. Who Danielle assured that we were not hitting on him. Because men love to hear that. Our reservation was for 5:30, we left at like 8:30. We had way too much fun!
Yep, that's exactly what you think it is. A picture of me, sittin' on a toilet (D, aren't you proud?). Seriously, how tall is that thing? I couldn't touch the floor!
My fave girls!
So, since dinner lasted for 500 hours, we had to book it to NikeTown hoping they were open--they were! But, after we left, I'm sure they wished they'd locked up about five minutes earlier. See that photobooth behind Sarah and Danielle? Yeah, we took it over. Danielle became a pro and was teaching everyone else how to use it. It.was.awesome!

Yes, we trekked all over Boston to get these pictures. And? I LOVE THEM!!
We had so much fun! I cannot even tell you how much I loved hanging out with those girls. Why is Maine so far from Texas??

I know, y'all really just care about the marathon posts. I'll get there, pinky promise.

I went to Boston? Are you sure?

So, I went to Boston over the weekend. I knew that it was going to be an awesome trip. Granted, there were some hiccups in the plan since one of the main reasons I was going to Boston wasn’t able to make the trip, but, that’s ok—she’ll have her Boston someday and we will rock that trip like nobody’s business. (Dear Boston, I apologize in advance)

First up after reading Water for Elephants on the plane (yes, I read it in a day. I never do that. The more removed I am from the book, the more I love it. I have to admit, I wish there had been more about the relationship between Marlena and Jacob—or maybe more of that dynamic—I don’t know) (also, I am now in love with the name Marlena)—anyways, after I read a book on the plane, put on some makeup and pretended I didn’t look like a freezing hobo (dear Boston, I’m from the south) I headed off to the first event—a blogger happy hour.

Which really turned into a bunch of screaming girls and me attacking my marathon guru with a huge ass hug. (um, why do I have no pictures of you until the baseball game?)

I got to meet Sarah and Danielle, and Katie—and see my fave little grad student, Christy again—and my favoritest redhead evah (imagine I’m saying that with a Boston accent).

Redheads unite!

Then, because I was about to cut someone for some H2O, we headed out in search of food and ended up at Kings—a restaurant/bar/bowling alley in a parking garage (seriously!) where Sarah, Danielle and I proceeded to eat way too much and we also met with Sam, his brother Josh and friend Matt.

Thanks to the five Diet Cokes I downed at dinner, I could not fall asleep and stayed up watching TV into the wee hours and then woke up to rain, rain, rain on the morning of the BAA 5K.

Sarah, Katie and I were going to walk it because we’re cool like that, but, then Sarah got cold feet (literally!) and decided to stay warm, and I just decided I’d do whatever and take it as it came. After all, it was a 5K. I could do this.

Me and my Christy--love this girl!
I could do it, and I did.

But, here’s where SP’s Life Lesson #523 comes in: don’t run a 5K on two Excedrin and a bottle of water. Trust me—it hurts coming up.

I went back to my hotel to sleep off the pukey, and that’s pretty much where the day goes downhill—or, uphill? I’m not really sure. It got awesome, let’s just say that.

Mainly because Danielle has hot legs and wins awesome contests. (OH MY GAWD SO MANY INSIDE JOKES)

Me and Sarah before the 5k.

There's also a super cute picture of me and Danielle after the 5k, but, she hasn't posted it yet. Sads.

Stay tuned for part 3 of 561. Or something.

Best. Weekend. Ever!

This picture pretty much sums up the weekend:

Sam is superman, y'all! I won't steal his thunder, because I'm sure he'll have an awesome blog up about Boston, but, dang it if seeing him on Boylston didn't make us all cry.

Best.Weekend.EVER!

And I just love this picture of Danielle, it's my second favorite picture of the weekend. Yes, our Sam had a major cheering section. He did it. Sub 3 hour marathon!

Only 364 more days, huh?

Someday Life

In my someday life, me and this girl will live next to each other....

This will be our view...

We will have little miniature farm animals (yes, I will name it Kevin Bacon) and our children will grow up and get married--and then we'll officially be related....

This girl and I will own a villa here... and we'll have assistants who tell us that our offices cannot rotate and we'll never fly coach (inside jokes--do y'all watch Mr. Sunshine? If so, you miiiight get those!).

(Ren, I would have posted a picture of you and me, but, I don't have any that you approve of!) (be grateful I didn't post a picture I found of the two of us from initiation brunch um SEVEN years ago. When did we get old?) I'll wear fancy shoes and Isla Fisher will ask me for fashion advice. Oh, and, I'll be skinny, duh.

I love my someday life. What does your someday life look like?

xoxo, Mrs. Igelsias Princess Counsela Banana Hammock

(oh my gawd, everyone, please go see Bridesmaids when it comes out so you'll understand my ridiculous quotes)

(pictures from here, here and here)

Good news: My time machine works!

Bad news, it only works on the ten years in reverse function.

Sadly, it doesn't have the ability to go forward or selectively pick areas in which to reverse and STOP at (obviously, I'd choose the time I ran into Colin Ferrel at the Admirals Club at LAX and would freeze frame the hell out of that moment).

In case you're wondering, here's what I looked like ten years ago (I'm on the right). That's me and my high school BFF who now is a park ranger (?) in Washington. And that's me on the left this time--my sweet, sweet, amazing friend who lived down the street from me and is now a teacher.

And that's me and my sister--no, NOT MY CHILD I SWEAR on Easter.

And that's me, yesterday, in my car, rockin' out with the sunroof open and Sublime on the radio (someone please explain the alfalfa sprout situation with my hair?)

Yesterday, I was driving home from work in a lovely sunny day, sunroof down, music up and I couldn't help but remember the days, ten years ago, when me and the girls pictured above (well, maybe not my sister) would pile into my SUV, open the sunroof, blast the music and just drive.

Of course, no country drive dance party was complete without a 32oz Dr. Pepper and a box of Hot Tamales. The only thing that has changed is that now it's a 32oz Diet Coke.

I loved it. I felt like a kid again.

My time machine works. (apparently, it's a combination of SUVs, sunshine and awesome music). Huh. I should patent this.

(yes, yes, this was in high school when I thought I needed to be blonde. I've obviously gotten over that) (for the most part) (oh, and yes, my hair is curly, I am bff with my flat iron)

Because it's Friday

Why yes, I did study political science in college and why yes one of my very best friends worked on a presidential campaign in 2008, but no, we will not be talking about the potential government shut down today, oh no.

Today, we shall talk about this: I know, i just snort laughed too.

Find more at Kate Middleton For The Win. (warning: you will get nothing else done today)

Lucky bitch. I've never wanted to be someone else more in my entire life (this includes my dream of being Isla Fisher, Nancy Kerrigan and Reese Witherspoon).

Happy Friday!

(I'm sure that Kate really is very nice. She just has the most amazing hair and you know, will be a PRINCESS and all. Again, lucky bitch.) (I need to be nicer) (even to royalty) (I KNOW)

The Many Faces of Ella Mae

This is my little snuggle pup, Ella Mae.

She came to us two years ago as a rescue. Before her foster mom got her, she was a pound puppy for a month and before that she was a wild dog. How the pound ever caught her is a total mystery to me. I love her so much. She's my girl. She's my footwarmer, my alarm system, my dish cleaner upper and the silliest, happiest dog I've ever seen. Isn't she cute?

This is Ella sunning herself.

This is Ella trying to be incognito on the new Pottery Barn pillows. "Youz can't seez me. I blendz in....." And this is Ella Mae's signature side eye "Bitch please". This is Ella Mae's version of helping--sleeping on the job. Obviously, barking is very exhausting work, time for a nap. I snapped this the other day when she was just lounging around. Cracks.me.up! Look at her freckley belly! And her little beagle feets. Which I think are the cutest thing ever.

Can you imagine what I'll do to you when I have actual human children? My apologies in advance.

Now, tell me how cute my beagle daughter is.

Success and Failures--in the same weekend!

Yes, I am that talented.

Success: I slept in on Saturday and even managed a few naps, which were blissful except when the beagle attempted to climb into my lap and then fart. Waking up to that smell will make you grumpy, trust.

I also managed to put on my big girl undies and go see my friends and more specifically, mom to be. However, turns out the gameplan was to see Jane Eyre and I’m cheap, and tired and you know, anti social, so, I ate my fro yo with them and we chatted, and then I went home to snuggled with the dogs and sleep.

Oh, then I somehow managed to stay up way too late watching season one of Sons of Anarchy (why isn’t it September, WHY?!). The husband even stayed up to watch it with me even though in terms of shows on FX he is firmly in the Justified/Lights Out camp and I have fallen more and more in love with outlaw motorcycle gangs. See also: WHO AM I??

We had our first bbq of the season yesterday and I stuffed myself silly with way too much food, stayed up too late (again!) and had a generally glorious time. Did I mention food? Failures: Cold is still here. I’m pretty sure that I should be a case study for the longest cold ever in the history of the world. Dr. House, I’ll be in New Jersey the end of the month—I’d be happy to stop by the hospital for a check up, just sayin'.

I had a dream on Saturday night that my baby sis was home and I tackled her. It was the best dream. And then I woke up and realized it was just a dream, and it will be another year before I can tackle her.

I’ve been up since 4AM thanks to am awesomely loud thunderstorm and I broke my favorite butter dish yesterday when I attempted to melt three sticks of butter for approximately 500 pieces of garlic bread (before you ask, yes, it was microwave safe). Let’s just add blowing up the microwave to my life of talents. Also? Butter is a real bitch to clean.

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend AT HOME, spending time with friends and family. A reminder that although I don’t get to have them that often, they are my favorite kind of weekends.

And, falling asleep to Jax Teller also doesn’t hurt.

(image from here)

How was your weekend? What did you do?

Weekend Sheemkend

Guess what? I'm not working this weekend! I know! Cue choir of angels... now. Awesome.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am, but, please note, I'm almost as excited as I would be if there had been a new episode of Bones on last night, but there wasn't so homegirl was passed out at like 8:45. No judging! (sidenote: did y'all hear that Emily Deschanel is pregnant? I looove her and I'm so happy for her. Does this mean that Bones and Booth will finally get together?!?)

Now, you would probably think that because I'm not working I'm going to use this time to maybe clean the house, cook some meals, maybe actually go to the grocery store. But, you would be wrong. I will do none of those things--well, maybe go to the grocery store, I get hungry ya know.

I fully intend to sleep my weekend away (thus hopefully kicking this two month cold to the curb)--although, there has been talk of movie and treats night with two of my favorite church gals--not sure that a) I'm up to it and b) I am trying to convince them that the only Pride & Prejudice worth watching is the Colin Firth version and so far I am failing on that front, thus, do I really want to stay up late watching a Jane Austen movie if Mr. Darcy isn't freaking Colin Firth? I think not.

But, I do really love them both and one of them is about to have a bambino like any minute, soooo, it's probably best that I put on my big girl grown up undies and go enjoy our last hurrah sans baby.

Sigh. Who woulda thought that at 26 I'd want to go to bed at 8PM and eat cookies and call that a successful evening? 18 year me is kicking my ass. Who knows, maybe I'll be cooler at 30. Doubtful, very doubtful.

Oh! And, I'm getting my hair cut after work today--don't panic, just a trim. This damn mop has gotten out of control and my bangs have grown out--not a good look for me. Also, don't worry, no color is involved, sister is stayin' red.

What are y'all doing this weekend? Wanna come watch Colin Firth movies/House/Bones/Sons of Anarchy/Friends/Will&Grace with me?

If y'all don't have plans, you should really consider heading to The Woodlands to participate in an amazing fundraiser for an amazingly sweet family--plus, you'd get some quality time with my bff and I bet she'd even quote Friends for you.

GO TO THE WOODLANDS!

Photos in the Park for Holden's Heart

Y'all know my best friend. The one who quotes Friends with me and supports my love of tacky home decor--well, she's a photographer. And a freaking awesome one at that (as evidenced above).

ANYWAYS.

She has an amazing heart, and she is doing a fundraiser for the family of a little boy who has spent most of his first year of life in the hospital--you can read his story here (oh, and, bring tissues).

Since little Holden has spent most of his young life in the hospital, his parents, Lindsey and Trent haven't needed much, since, it's all been provided by the hospital--but, now that he's home (yay!), they need stuff. Diapers, wipes, clothes and such--oh and the bills--the medical bills for days!

So, Ren is doing photo shoots this Saturday, April 2 in The Woodlands, TX to raise money for them (I told you she was awesome).

For a $50 donation (check or cash) you will get a 30 minute session with her along with three (3) 5x7 photos and all the photos will be shared on facebook. Bring your friends, family, dogs--anything! You can check out her AMAZING work on her blog here.

So, if you, or any of your friends will be in the area near The Woodlands, Texas this weekend, please consider making a pit stop and getting some fabulous photos taken for a super worthy cause.

Contact Ren if you're interested: ren_morrison AT mac DOT com

Or, if you can't make it, but, would like to make a donation, I'm sure we can work that out for you.

Please, spread the word, and Help Holden's Heart!

It's Official: The Mayans Were Right, The World Is Ending (or something slightly less dramatic)

So, yesterday I logged onto facebook to write a congratulatory message on my niece's wall (isn't that what the cool, fun aunts do?)--in case you didn't know, my niece has been accepted into The Rockette's Intensive Summer Program. That's right, my little goob is going to be high kicking it in NYC this summer--and I couldn't be more proud.

Anyways. Facebook. Y'all, that is how I discovered that my little niece has a boyfriend!

Anrelnre&8nfjsd!*0^dhlasdjs#urenemu%ndfud!

The world is ending.

Can't deal. Can't deal.

Of course, I did some light stalking (because that's what any crazy aunt would do) and he seems like a nice kid and all, but, just, no. She's the little eight year old that had to sit in the middle seat in the back of my car. And we'd share a Diet Coke and apple cobbler. She's not old enough to date--there must be some sort of mistake. (side note: she's actually 16. I don't want to talk about it)

This? Is probably why I don't have children yet. I would be the most crazy overprotective parent on earth.

My niece is probably going to block me on facebook now. Smart girl.

Some Stuff

1. It was a busy weekend around these parts, I had to work late on Friday and I worked all day Saturday. Of course, because I work crazy hours, I AM IN FACT STILL SICK.

2. Sorry, I didn't mean to get shouty, I'm just over.it.

3. My dad came into town, so, it was fun to catch up and spend time with him--although, I felt bad that I worked all day Saturday.

4. I ran into this sweet girl on Saturday, so, that was fun!

5. Do y'all watch Army Wives? Did y'all watch it last night? Holy moly, I'm pretty sure I cried during the entire episode. No joke.

6. The husband is really enjoying his job! Yay!

7. My bestie got a new puppy yesterday and it's taking everything I have not to purchase a ticket to St. Louis to go snuggle lil miss Sage. And Mally of course, we can't forget Mally.

8. No new episode of House this week. Sad face.

9. I ordered a bunch of stuff from Ballard Designs last week and cannot wait until it gets here. I'll be that much closer to my finished home decor projects!

10. I'm so ready for a long weekend, but, won't have one until....Memorial Day? Boo. What's new with y'all?