Photo Booth

So this past week I stepped once again into the 21st century and bought an iPad. I know, right?!? I don't even know who I am anymore. But after I started playing around on it I had a minor freak out because I wasn't sure I would be able to blog on it. And I am nothing if I can't blog...to all four of you.

So, I called my brother and asked for help, telling him that I was 'thisclose' to returning it because I had somehow ended up with the technological idiot gene. And Steve Jobs had failed to convince me why this stupid iPhone-on-steroids was so freaking awesome. Thankfully he talked me off of the proverbial Apple ledge and helped me figure out what I was doing.

And this was the result: iPads are the bomb diggity.














































These are three college degrees at their finest. Mom and Dad are so proud.

Needless to say I think I am going to keep it now. I mean, how could I not after that 30 minutes of fun?! And this way, while I am traveling to Ireland in the days to come, you'll be able to keep up with me as I win friends and influence others with my mad computer skills. It's the least I can do for this world.

No Words

Do you know what this is?

Yeah, me neither.

But I do know that a certain six year-old found a coat in the closet and stuck his stuffed dog's head through the head hole. And it was howling.

2 points for creativity.

The Musical Genius of Treehouse Sanctum

Last month I introduced you to the biggest musical sensation since U2: Treehouse Sanctum.

They are otherwise known as my big baboo Sam Rymer and his darling singer/songwriter friend Danya Prado. This musical duo is taking Denver by storm - I don't know what that means but they are doing it!

I have personally witnessed two of their performances and I can honestly tell you that I had NO IDEA that my brother possessed that much musical talent. Seriously. Muy impressivo. And to think that I share those same genetics. Perhaps I do have a career in the electric banjo after all. (No joke. I would love to learn the electric banjo.)

And Danya? Well Danya is fab. She has the most angelic voice around. Really good stuff, peeps.

I encourage you to come and listen to them sometime. Or now. You could listen to them now if you want. You know, just to get a sneak peek.






Their next gig is Monday, August 1. You should totally come. You could even meet the band.

And if you want to hear more of their stuff, you can find them on Facebook. Or just email me since I am now their unofficial, unpaid PR guru who hopes to someday be mentioned in an album cover or in a song. I don't think that is asking too much, do you?

A List of Things That Have Nothing To Do With Each Other

Behold: A list. My mind just works better in list-mode. Bullet points and numbers bring peace to my soul.


1. We haven't discussed the series finale of Friday Night Lights but GOOD GRAVY was it awesome! I loved how they didn't show the final catch of the game but you knew they won because they were wearing their championship rings in the next scene. I love how Coach Taylor ran through the Santa-crazed mall to tell Tami that he will move to Philadelphia so she can have the job of her dreams. I loved that Matt proposed to Julie (who sometimes drives me crazy) in front of the Alamo Freeze. And I just about DIED when Tim Riggins said that he hoped his and Tyra's dreams would one day run into each other. DIED, I tell you. Oh sigh. I love Tim Riggins.

2. I have yet to make the black bean brownies. To be honest, I am kind of afraid. I mean, seriously. Black beans in brownies?? But that's the recipe...dump a whole can of black beans into a brownie mix and PRESTO! Magic beany brownies. Have you ever heard of these? Have you ever eaten them? Would you eat them again? It boggles the mind.

3. My vacation is just around the corner and I am already counting down the days. Next week I am off to Ireland, the home of my pasty white peeps, fabulous accents and lots and lots of sheep! And they also have some of the best food on the planet. I may take a computer with me just so I can show you what I am eating on a daily basis. Riveting, I know.

4. I need a manicure.

5. I am pretty sure Super Target is my kryptonite. Seriously, people. That store is amazing. It has some sort of magnetic power that sucks me in and whips me around, leaving me penniless and laden with material goodies that I am convinced will somehow complete me in every way. That is marketing at its finest and it gets me every time.

6. I went bowling this past weekend and scored a 51. That's right, 5-1. Try not to be jealous.

7. Happy Tuesday to you! I know it is weird to end on #7 but I don't know what else to say.

8. The End.

Lovebirds

There's a new man in my life.

Correction: There is a new man in Claire's life, but since she lives on the other side of my living room, there is a new man in my life too.

His name is Carr and they are blissfully happy. BLISSFULLY.

Like the kind of full-on twitterpation that usually happens once in your life and it takes both your appetite and your breath away and you can't eat, sleep or think clear, rational thoughts and sometimes you might even leave ice cream out on the counter for your sister to discover later.

That kind of bliss.

Sometimes I don't even think they know I am there because they are so wrapped-up in their blissful world that nothing else matters. It's actually pretty fun to watch. It is a picture of God's grace. And His love. And His plan, for not only them, but for those they will meet and change and influence in their years ahead together. And it gives me hope that God raises up good men. Sometimes I feel there is a shortage of them but I know they're out there.

Somewhere.

(Cue "Somewhere Out There" from that mouse movie. You know which one I am talking about.)

But in the meantime, if I can get past all the ooey gooey-ness of what is now my apartment and most of my waking hours, I am really excited for these two. They just fit, you know? Like chocolate and peanut butter. Or chocolate and coffee. Or chocolate and dark chocolate.

Or maybe just like Claire and Carr.

Culinary Cravings

I kind of want to eat my weight in miniature Snickers. That's not weird, is it?

And I think I am going to make brownies tonight only using a can of black beans. Have you heard of this? Doesn't it just BLOW YOUR MIND?

I'll let you know how they turn out. I could either love them or hate them.  Well, obviously.

Cloudy With A Chance of T-Ball

On Saturday I got a phone call from my Mamacita telling me that Noah had expected me to attend his t-ball game. The game was just getting ready to start and if I left right then I could make it in time for most of the game. Unfortunately, my night's sleep had not done its magic and I resembled a cross between a wet mop and death. So I showered, changed, grabbed my camera and raced to the field.

Lo and behold, I was able to capture the last seven minutes of what I am sure was a very riveting game between two teams who would have rather looked at rocks than play a game of ball.

Case in point:

Take a look at the kid on second base. He is studying to be a meteorologist. He predicted rain for the afternoon.

At one point, there were more dads on the field than there were players. It was all they could do to keep their kids motivated. I am surprised they just didn't get up there and bat themselves.

And this little guy brought his teddy bear with him.

He is so cute that I almost want to eat him.

Even though the players often struggled to show enthusiasm, the fans made up for it. These two haven't missed a game. Bless their hearts.

And this kid? Well, I think he was bummed out that I missed him bat. I realize it was my fault but I didn't want to scare the kids with my dirty mop head. Hopefully I can make another game before the season is over.

And maybe I can have a weather report while I am at it.