fun with 21

If you have been tagged in this, write the names down of the last 21 people that wrote on your wall (no repeats), and then answer the questions. Say you’re guessing if you don’t know, but at least guess on all of them. After doing this, tag your 21 friends to do the same:

1. Emily Fraser
2. Mitch Lupkes
3. Rachel Rugg
4. Luke Wagner
5. Chris Geidner
6. Brock Andreatta
7. Keno Ely
8. Megan Mulvey
9. Lisa Giglio
10. Jeremiah Juso
11. Sara Giglio
12. Aaron Kithcart
13. Sanjida Saklayen
14. Denise Lupkes
15. Reagan Boeset
16. Sanj George
17. Caitlin O'Connor
18. James Hillary Ferguson
19. Domonique Deery
20. Jill Mansheim
21. Lindsay Muehlbauer


How did you meet 7?
i work with his lovely wife kristen

What would you do if you had never met 15?
probably not gotten kicked out of class in 8th grade for laughing too hard

What would you do if 20 and 1 dated?
be supportive, but as far as i know, neither of them are lesbians

Have you ever seen 17 cry?
maybe of laughter

Would 3 and 6 make a good couple?
i would say no

Would 4 and 16 make a good couple?
they would definitely be hilarious

Describe 19:
effing fab-u-lous!!!

Do you like 17?
very much so. she is great.

Do you think 21 is attractive?
i don't have unattractive friends

What's 5's favorite color?
green, black and yellow, just like the jamaican flag

When was the last time you talked to 9?
this morning

What language does 5 speak?
the language of the law

Who is 16 going out with?
lance armstrong

What's 14's favorite music?
no idea

Would you ever date 18?
if i could only be that lucky

Would you ever date 3?
no, sorry

Where does 19 live?
she'll be living in Spain in a few short days

What is the best thing about 4?
his sense of adventure and how hilarious he is. c'mon, we once slow dance to karaoke in a restaurant and the man running the karaoke had a mullet.

What would you like to tell 6 right now?
we need to go out to dinner again soon.

Have you ever kissed 1?
and NO.

What's the best memory you have of 5?
the spaceship, of course.

Is 2 pretty?
very pretty in a very manly way

How did you meet 8?
in college. she asked to use my vacuum to clean up the glass from a snow globe she dropped and i let her, all while thinking to myself...hey idiot, everyone knows you sweep up glass not vacuum it.

Is 12 your best friend?
one of them, YESSSSSSSSSS. love him times 12 million

Have you seen 12 in the last month?
yes! i just visited him

When was the last time you saw 16?
too long ago! ok, so i did see her dec 5

Have you been to 21's house?
not her new one :-(

When's the next time you'll see 10?
not soon enough.

Are you close to 2?
not as close as i would like to be

Have you gotten in trouble with 7?
i wouldn't say trouble, but we have had some fun times together

What did 12 write on your wall?
Yes. I'm still on yours, right?(that was in reference to being the beneficiary on each others life insurance policies.)

Would you give 19 a hug?
of course!

When have you lied to 13?
i don't think so

Do you know a secret about 8?
yes.

Describe the relationship between 11 and 18?.
there isn't one, but i bet they would have a good time if they ever met

How long have you known number 2?
his entire life

Have you ever been in a fight with 6?
no, but we should have been in a fight when he left me on the beach in hawaii with d'dough

Does 11 have a bf/gf?
yes, larry

Have you ever wanted to punch 21 and/or 2 in the face?
no! but i do love to rugby tackle 21

Has 1 met your mother?
nope

How did you meet 21?
we worked together in the summers. some of the best summers of my life.

Did you ever accidentally physically hurt 13?
no

Do you live close to 7?
yep

What is 8's favorite food?
candy and carbs

If you could change one thing about 4 what would it be and why?
that he lived closer to me so we could hang out

Say something nice about 20.
she tells really funny stories..like the time her brother had a party when her parents were out of town

What kind of car does 1 have?
a silver one

Have you traveled anywhere with 9?
mexico

If you gave #2 $100, what would they spend it on?
women and liquor

What is your best memory of 21?
so many! BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Out of the Top 21, which is the funniest?
they are all very funny in their own ways

Who is the most flirtatious?
hmmm, i don't know...that's hard

Which one lives the farthest away?
domonique...spain

Which one do you hang out with the most?
well, i live with lisa but i probably see emily more because i work with her

Have you ever been angry at 15?
if i ever was, i got over it quickly. she's pretty hard to be angry with

Ever had a crush on anyone on this list?
probably

What’s one of number 3’s strengths:
her laid back attitude

Who do you think will respond to this?
no one

He put a ring on it...

I love Megan and Darrin(well, I call him Dames). They have one of the healthiest relationships I know and was very excited that they got engaged on Saturday. 

Just remember, someone VERY wise once said, "Love is love."

Package leads to Burge evacuation

I'm so glad this happened after my time.

Taken directly from www.presscitizen.com:

About 700 University of Iowa students were evacuated Thursday night from Burge Residence Hall after a suspicious package was found there

UI spokesman Steve Parrott said he did not know anything about the package, which was found sometime about 4:45 p.m. He said students were advised to take their books with them when they evacuated the dorm.

Nearby Currier Residence Hall was opened up to the displaced students, as was the Iowa Memorial Union. Parrott said students could go to Hillcrest Residence Hall for dining service.

University of Iowa and Iowa City Police as well as the Johnson County Bomb Squad were called in to investigate the package.

Burge resident Kris Kroski was among the dozens of students waiting outside Burge waiting to hear word about when they would be let in. The entrance to the residence hall was taped off and students were directed to the opposite side of the street.

Kroski said he was not told why Burge was evacuated.

chew on this

In a recent study(can't remember the name of the study but if your really interested, I can find out) it was shown that chewing gum for 20 minutes lowered stress cortisol levels in saliva 16 percent. Save your breath and destress...chew gum.

Freakin' Fabulous

This is my newest purchase from Borders and it is, freakin' fabulous. Clinton Kelly uses his wit to win you over and make you dress, speak, behave, eat, entertain, decorate and generally be better than everyone else. Now that I have made it clear that I own this book, I would like to let you know that I have also read this book. So, that makes me better than everyone else.

Just kidding.

Anyhow, if you are struggling to find a last minute gift for nearly anyone this year, buy them this book, or buy it for yourself. It's a great conversation piece to have on your coffee table...and maybe, just maybe, it will make you better than everyone else.

Whatever you like

1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!!


IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Hot Child in the City, Nick Gilder and the Time Machine

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Faithfully, Journey

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
The Sweet Escape, Gwen Stephani

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Just not today, Kenny Chesney

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
You Sexy Thing(I believe in miracles), Hot Chocolate

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Just Dance, Lady GaGa

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Follow Me, Uncle Kracker

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Keeps Gettin' Better, X-tina

WHAT IS 2+2?
How will I know, Whitney Houston

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Glamorous, Fergie

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
These Days, Rascal Flatts

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Chicken Fried, Zac Brown Band

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Leave the Pieces, The Wreckers

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Anybody, David Kroll

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Love, Sugarland

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Here I Go Again, Whitesnake

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Superstar, Lupe Fiasco

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Bennie and the Jets, Elton John

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Paralyzer, Finger Eleven

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Tell Me Why, Taylor Swift

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Dancin' for the groceries, Kenny Chesney

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
I won't back down, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Dancing In the Moonlight, King Harvest

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Horizon, Rachael Yamagata

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Undeniable, Mat Kearney

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Kiss, Prince

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Stop and Stare, One Republic

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Hyponotize, Notorious BIG

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Beast of Burden, The Rolling Stones

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Whatever You Like, T.I.

it's going in my ears

DJing at the tannery causes me to get sick of music very quickly and feel like I am constantly updating my personal collection so I have something new to listen to. The bonus is that we use the SONOS system connected to Rhapsody at the tannery so I get to experiment and create new play lists every time I am there. I also have a rather diverse taste. My only dislike is music that causes me to get a headache, like angry music.

Lately I have been listening to:

--The new Seal album, Soul. It's great background music for cooking or cleaning.

--David Kroll's It's Workin' album. It recently became available on iTunes. I encourage everyone to buy and support your local artists...well, not local to Chicago, but he is my neighbor from home. Great guy...support him.

--Taylor Swift's new album Fearless. That girl is having hit after hit.

--Mrs. Officer by Lil Wayne and Bobby Valentino

--Heartless by Kanye

--John Legend's Green Light

--Chasing Pavements by Adele

--Single Ladies(Put a Ring on It) by Beyonce

--Poker Face by Lady GaGa

Goodbye Metrodome

I am a little nostalgic as I sit here watching the Iowa vs. MN game tonight. As much as I would like to see MN win their last game in the Metrodome, I don't want to see Iowa lose. Hopefully, Floyd of Rosedale will go to the most deserving team...and I do love Shonn Greene. GO HAWKS!!!

The last time I was at the Metrodome was probably 5 years ago for another Iowa/Minnesota match up. Iowa won in an upset and the Iowa fans rushed the field and tried to take a goal post out of the dome. The Iowa athletic dept ended up paying about $15,000 in damages, but I do believe we went to the Alamo Bowl that year. A great game that I also attended...and upset against Texas Tech in which Nate Kaeding let the Iowa Marching band in "In Heaven There is No Beer" after the win.  But I digress, at that Iowa/MN game was the first time that I met my now sister-in-law, as it was my brother's first year of law school at Iowa and he, Jill and Nat went to the game. I was in my ICU clinicals at the time and I had to work a 7pm-7am shift the night before the game and Aaron, Jodie, and Spence picked me up at UIHC and we drove straight to the game where we had a great time. That night we went out and and a very memorable time in the Twin Cities. We ran into some of the MN players at the bars that night and Aaron recognized one of them who had been injured that day during the game and said to him, "Didn't I see you riding the stationary bike on the sidelines today?" Well, this was enough to piss the player off enough to want to kick Aaron's ass. I somehow got thrown in the middle of this, because of course, the guy wouldn't hit a girl. A classic way to diffuse any hostile situation. Anyhow, it was a great weekend. 

I will be sad to see the Metrodome go with all these great memories of it(and the only Big 10 stadium that serves alcohol) but will be glad to see MN play real football in an outdoor stadium despite the elements, because I do remember being at Iowa games when I was little where the refs threatened to give penalties if people didn't stop throwing snow balls onto the field.  Welcome to the game, kids.

ZBB

Lisa and I went and saw Zac Brown Band at Joe's on the 7th. The show was great. I personally think they sound even better live than they do recorded. 

I love live music.

On the 8th, I went and saw two of my coworkers blues and funk bands play. They are always fun to watch. They just released their first album, so that was exciting. 

Did that all happen almost two weeks ago, already?

Beautiful People: A social network for ...beautiful people

Beautiful People , a social networking and dating site, which only welcomes exclusively attractive members, proves that even a controversial business idea can be a successful and highly profitable one.
The company name may ring a bell, Beautiful People has had extensive media coverage, because news outlets, magazines (and of course, people like me) just can't resist voicing their opinions and stirring the pot in hopes that a public debate will be the outcome. While Beautiful People may be receiving press that leans in the negative direction, their name and concept is now in the public eye. It may be a reverse marketing strategy, but it seems to be effective in attracting the vain and superficial clientele they seek.
Their mission, which they are not shy about voicing, is to provide a networking site where members are not forced to scan through the profiles of unattractive people as their competitors oblige individuals to do. So what's the protocol to ensure only the bold and beautiful join Beautiful People? Anyone who wishes to enter their ranks can setup their profile, complete with their most alluring photo where existing members can approve or reject them within a 72 hour review period. Apparently members are supposed to consider applications based on both their photograph and their profile text...but I think we all know better. Now, the good news is even if the public doesn't think you're beautiful the first time around, you are allowed a second take (with an updated profile of course). However, if you don't get through, be prepared to take a good hit to your self esteem. With a name like Beautiful People, can you expect anything less?
If it's not enough the Beautiful People's discriminatory empire has expanded from the UK to 10 additional countries worldwide, they have even launched their own reality TV series. Broadcasted by Toronto, Canada's Slice Network, the series follows the two male Directors as they prepare for events, greet their adoring public and generally manage their business.
Image Property of Beautiful People.com
While, I think it's clear that this is not a business that I personally favor and I don't make it a habit to cover organizations that are already publicly known, I do have a point. Even the most controversial of business ideas can be developed into profitable empires. So, keep that in mind entrepreneurs!
Whatever your business plan, don't let the criticisms of others stop you. Take a page from Beautiful People's book, just don't try to step on too many toes during your ascent to entrepreneurial success.

**taken from www.inventorspot.com

Bored? Move your ass...

There is no good reason to ever be bored, unless you want to be. If you are bored, let me fill you in on some fun, exciting or just interesting things that are going on...

Roger Ebert

Ebert is at the borders on State and Randolph  today at 12:30 signing copies of his new book, Scorsese by Ebert.

Zac Brown Band

Joe's @ 9pm

Atlanta's based Zac Brown(and his band) play country-rock. The Foundation is set to be released Nov 21. 

Calling All Cougars

Sat Nov 8 @ 11pm

Tuman's Tavern

An event for cougars and those who hunt them.

Lingerie Loft Party

Sat Nov 8 @ 10pm
Undisclosed location downtown(email greaterthanwho@gmail.com for venue info)

It's a pants-optional loft party.

Half-price martinis

Tues Nov 11 @ 5:30pm

Kit Kat Lounge 

3700 N Halsted

Selection of about 100 martinis.

--The Bulls are home Fri Nov 7, Sat Nov 8 and Tues Nov 11. 

--Northwestern is playing Ohio State at home on Saturday. 

--The Blackhawks are home Sunday Nov 9 and Wed Nov 12. 

--One of my coworkers has 3 of his bands playing at Weed's on Sat Nov 8 from 9pm-1am. I've seen him play several times and a good time is always had by all. Mostly blues and funk with some original stuff and some covers.

Have I become a bag lady?

I have always wondered why some people carry such big bags around with them all the time...the mom bag, I called it. I have friends who carry crazy amounts of unnecessary stuff around with them all the time. With my schedule becoming increasingly busy lately, I have found myself carrying a bigger bag to and from work lately(hello multitasking on my break).

Fearful that I was becoming a "mom bagger" I dumped out the contents of my bag to assess the situation. Keep in mind that I have literally been home for one full hour out of the last 31 hours(I worked overnight at the hospital) so it may have a little more in it than usual.

Contents:
-cell phone and charger
-cooking light magazine
-book, Three Nights in August
-granola bar
-gum
-2 tubes of chapstick
-tube of lip gloss
-toothbrush and toothpaste
-2 pens
-variety of sharpies
-my planner
-clean underwear
-papers to apply to volunteer to tutor homless kids
-work keys and ID
-nail polish, file and polish remover
-deodorant
-cough drops
-wallet
-soy nuts and dried cherries

I would say that isn't too bad considering I have been gone from home since 630 yesterday morning, stopped home for an hour yesterday afternoon to shower and change and won't be back home until 2pm today.

when the weather gets frightful, have a cocktail that's delightful

While we are on our last few days of nice fall weather before the frigid winter hits us, it's time to think about how you are going to stay warm this winter. A roaring fire with friends and a cocktail sounds nice. Check out the cold weather cocktails or browse for a signature holiday party drink.

10 Toasty, cold-weather cocktails

dirty down there

Since I work in health care, there are almost no health subjects that are off limits at work. It seems that lately, we have had an excessive number of teenage girls coming into the hospital positive for STD/STIs, which is very concerning to me. One of my co-workers uses a great phrase to describe promiscuous people and people positive for STDs..."dirty down there." 

As I was reading an article on cnn.com today, it linked me to an article from www.thefrisky.com. Since the article was cleverly written, I started clicking around on the site and read a few more articles when one featured another website that helps you tell people when you are "dirty down there."

InSpot.org is a website sponsored by a nonprofit organization that is "dedicated to developing and using Internet technologies to prevent disease transmission and enhance the sexual well-being of individuals and communities."

Through this website you can send e-cards to sexual partners notifying them that you are positive for a STD or just letting them know that they might want to get checked. There is also an option to send anonymously. A handy scrolling list of STDs is available if you want to get specific. Even if you aren't "dirty down there," you should check out the site and keep it mind in case you ever know of anyone that has the misfortune of contracting something.

And just remember...

You don't have to be a cheap, immoral promiscuous slut to get AIDS. All you have to be is unlucky.

The Great American Autumn Adventure

Your hood or mine?



That was Brock's text yesterday as we were trying to figure out what we were going to do. Deciding that we wanted something new, we headed to Lakeview in search of a late lunch and "autumn in a glass." We were enjoying the nice fall weather when we blew by Wilde. Just by looking at it, we knew that they would be able to create "autumn in a glass" for us. The inside is really warm and cozy with fireplaces, a massive bar and upscale pub food. We had a great waiter named Brian with whom we gave the challenge of creating a nice fall beverage for us. He brought us cable cars(a martini of spiced rum, triple sec and lime juice with a cinnamon and sugar rim). Fabulous.

After enjoying our food, we headed back out to continue on our autumn adventure. As we were walking the temperature suddenly began to drop and I felt rain hit my face. Not sure if I was imaging things, I turned to Brock for verification. As I did, the wind picked up and we were being pelted by sleet. Fortunately, this only lasted for about 3 blocks. We were near our next destination of Kit Kat for a late afternoon of 1/2 price martinis. We quickly befriended the bartender and the couple sitting next to us. The woman apparently makes pecan pie that's better than sex(according to the guy) and he is a triple 7 pilot for United.

During Brock and I's conversation we discovered that we are both going to be in Chicago and family less for Thanksgiving. So, we decided that we are going to have Thanksgiving together. No turkey and we will have a mandatory casserole, since we are from the Midwest. Needless to say, I am very excited to have plans for Thanksgiving.

2 out of 10, not bad

I am by no means a trendsetter or do what the in-crowd is doing. So, I was shocked as I was paging through Chicago magazine and saw that I had recently been to 2 out of 10 on the Hot List. Falling from last month's #1 spot to #2 is eating at Graham Elliot and lower on the list is More, a cupcake shop.

I would recommend GE to anyone. Great food. I believe that Graham recently came out with his fall menu. More just happens to be located at 1 E Delaware, which is Brock's building and there are always free trays of More at his front desk. Honestly, if Brock didn't live there, I am sure I would have never had More. I do love that his front desk guy never makes me sign in or call up to Brock. He simply lets me in. It must be because he saw me come and go about 1000 times helping Brock move in.

Seasons change

You know those lame ice breakers you frequently find yourself having to participate in when having to get to know other people? What's your favorite color? Dead or alive, choose one person you would most like to have dinner with? What's your favorite season?

Well, I had to partake in a fun icebreaker session the other day and the favorite season question made me stop in my tracks. Spring was the answer about ready to leave my mouth, then I stopped and realized I have either changed my mind or have been lying to myself for years. Spring puts up a good fight though, because it does own my birthday. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love celebrating my birthday(and Aaron's, too). I enjoy seeing everything turn green and the weather turn warmer, leading into summer, but maybe I like other things more...

This year, I have found myself having a love fest with fall. Even though it signals the end of summer and warm weather gatherings outside and the end of patio weather, I am really enjoying fall. I have always been a fan of walking through the crunchy leaves. The cooler weather is the perfect reason to throw on a hoodie or cozy sweater and curl up with a cup of hot tea and a book.

So, for now...fall. Fall, it is.

Zac Brown Band

Come one, come all!

I am STOKED that the Zac Brown Band is coming to Chicago Friday Nov 7. They are playing at Joe's on Weed St.

I love Chicken Fried. Listen and love it. Love it.

it's me

I frequently get these e-mails, so I'll help everyone out and fill it out myself(not quite the same effect, I know).

Where did we meet: I am constantly meeting myself
Take a stab at my middle name: Leigh
Do I smoke: Only when I'm on fire
Color of my eyes: blue/green
Do I have any siblings: yes
What's one of my favorite things to do: Have a good time
What's my favorite type of music: I really listen to anything except angry music. 
Am I shy or outgoing: Depends on the situation.
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules: I like to believe that rules are elastic and sometimes I like to see how far they can stretch.
Any special talents: Yes, I do believe it's called the horse face.
How many children do I have: At work, a lot. Personal life, none.
If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing I would bring: a boat

And they called her Bedbug

It has long been proven that smells trigger the strongest memories. After a rain the other day, I was walking outside and smelled a familiar smell. I could not immediately put my finger on it, but kept thinking and thinking about where I had encountered that smell before. Then memories started forming...it was late at night, I was walking down a white, gravel road with a girl about my age next to me, laughing hysterically. We were in flip flops, despite the puddles in the road with the water being splashed up on the backs of our calves. We were walking towards a dark lodge with only the moon light to guide us. 

It was the same smell that lingered at camp after a rain and my brain was flooded with memories, most of them including my partner in crime, a girl better known as Bedbug(named from a song, not promiscuous activities).

You see, during my summers in college, I worked at this great camp for kids that was pretty secluded down a gravel road and all the roads and paths in camp were gravel or dirt. My last two summers there, I was the assistant director. This meant that I got upgraded to living in an 8x10 foot tar paper shanty(loving called "The Hut") that had electricity! Don't kid yourself into thinking it had a bathroom or running water, though. Oh, and I got to share The Hut with Bedbug. We had two cots and a small shelving unit. We had to be careful where we put our cots or they would go through the wood floor(there was also a very nice woodchuck that lived under that floor that liked to wake us up at 4am). All of our clothes were stored in Rubbermaid containers to keep the nice mice out. They were two of the most fun summers of my life. Full of constant pranks between our amazing boss, the Bug and other counselors. 

The memory of Bug and I walking up to the lodge late at night made me smile as I walked down the street, in a big city, hundreds of miles from the rural camp we called home for 9 weeks every summer. A place that greatly shaped who I am today and brought me one of my best friends and a former boss who is also a great friend and mentor. 

Ryan Bowen, what?!?!

Last night at work I got floated up to the adult floor. While checking on some of the patients in the day room, the NBA Europe Live Hornets vs Wizards game was on. I looked up at the TV screen and thought, that tall white guy looks really familiar. In fact, I ran into him at Target at home a few weeks ago. What? Ryan Bowen is still playing pro ball? That can't be him.

Sure enough, he turned around to run down the court and on the back of his jersey was Bowen #40. I guess I just figured he wasn't playing pro anymore since I saw him at Target with his cute kids a few weeks ago(all of them were decked out in Iowa gear), but I guess I was wrong(first time ever being wrong, for the record).

Good times with Brock, as always.

Brock and I make an attempt to meet for dinner once a week, unfortunately, it always ends up being once a month. We have opposite and crazy schedules, but we always manage to have a blast when we're together. 

We always make an attempt to go to a new place. Last night, we decided that sushi was a great idea and headed to this hidden gem on Rush, right by his place. The sushi was amazing, but the decor was a little weird. they also had incredible bathrooms. I made Brock go look at them. They had square toilets and flat screens. 

After dinner, we headed back to his place and watched the debate while enjoying some wine. I can't wait until the next time we hang out. And...Brock just got some great new clothes, so I got a fashion show!!! It's never a dull night when the two of us are together. 

What would your theme song be?

I work with an amazing group of people at the hospital and we are lucky we all get along as well as we do. Some days and nights can be really challenging at work and others, not so bad. We are usually able to keep a good sense of humor on the really bad nights.

Recently, we decided that we should have an introductory song played when we walk into work at night, much like most stadiums do for each batter as they walk up to the plate for each at bat. Enjoying the concept, we all started naming the song that we would choose to make our grand entrance to.

Which leaves me wondering...if you had to enter to a song everyday, what would that song be?

It's not only a phone, but a conversation piece

I believe that iPhone users are in some sort of secret cult, so secret that we often don't know we are in it, until too late. We have this weird common bond with each other that allows us to use our phones as a conversation starter. More random people talk to me now more than ever before, especially if they also have an iPhone.
Everyone that comes into the salon that also has an iPhone and sees mine will immediately start chatting me up about it. Talking about the pros and cons of the device and now, the applications that we most love. People LOVE to show off their favorite applications. I usually tell people that my favorite app is the Magic 8 ball. Ask it a question, flip the phone over and BAM an answer. Everyone loves to ask the 8 ball a question.

Don't tell me that you still believe in love

Really, I gave up on love when Bobby and Whitney split back in 2006. If, I would have any doubt left that love existed(maybe from seeing one too many Disney movies with the kids at work) I would have seen the light of day when the news reports came out that Holly Madison and the Hef called it quits.

Having a cold one

My brother was in Vegas the weekend before last for a guys weekend and for his fantasy basketball draft. One of his buddies that lives there wanted to go to some bar that he had never been to and convinced the crew to go. Upon entering this bar(5 below, I believe) the guys had to watch a safety video and were given a parka and mittens to wear while in the bar. The bar was apparently made entirely of ice. After going through the process, they get into the bar and realize they are the only ones there. To add to it, upon going to the bar, they could only get vodka and cranberry or white cranberry juice. They opted to take their on the rocks and get out of there, with my brother claiming it was the worst bar he had ever been to. I would challenge him and say...JB Barracudas...c'mon, it's nickname was "The Cuda."

CNN had an article on a similar bar in Orlando.

Another app I'm loving...

AIM.

I probably hadn't signed onto AIM in over a year until a couple of weeks ago when I downloaded it to my iPhone. I couldn't believe all the "buddies" I have that are still on that thing. So, if you are still on AIM, feel free to hit me up.

My favorite application

My favorite newspaper to read is probably the New York Times. I just like the (usually) witty style of writing it employs. I love, love, love the NY Times application downloaded to my iPhone so I can read it anytime, anywhere...such convenience.

Articles I have recently enjoyed(but didn't have time to blog about):

Sorry, Fido, It's Just a Guy Thing
--an article about how more men are choosing cats over dogs as pets

Modern Love: Shipping My Insecurities to California
--how to break up when there was no commitment to begin with

Shaken and Stirred: A Deep Sip for Deep Thinkers
--sounds fabulous

33 States to get $62 Million in Zyprexa Case Settlement

Pat's Trailer

Pat(Megan's brother) is in the production of Something Wicked Comes This Way by Ray Bradbury at the Lyceum Theater this fall. So, if you happen to be in Scotland, drop by for the performance. Rumor has it that it might be one of his last performances across the pond and he's coming back home to the states soon. I know his family would love to have him closer to home.

Something Wicked Comes This Way Trailer

You might be interested to know...

1) It's national Mental Illness Awareness week.

Did you know that war veteran's have twice the suicide rate compared to the rest of the US population?

One in eight veterans that return to their college campus after serving in the war have PTSD.

2) University of Iowa to receive FEMA funds

The University received $230 million in damages during the flood this past summer and FEMA will be directing about $75 million in flood relief to my alma mater.

3) AIDS, cancer scientists win 2008 Nobel Prize

As Kenneth Cole said, "We all have AIDS."

4) Duke picked No. 4 in preseason poll

5) Iowa Basketball Preseason Prospectus

It will prove to be an interesting season with such a young team and it being Lickliter's second season coaching the Hawkeyes.

6) TIME: Why some women hate Sarah Palin

Keeping all political comments to myself, I find this article to be interesting and disheartening. If you aren't going to like someone, it should not be for a superficial reason.

Reading Frenzy

I don't know when I have found time to ready latey, but apparently I have been reading a lot. In the past month, I have ready:

Over the Edge, Johnathan Kellerman
Bad Love, Johnathan Kellerman
The Web, Johnathan Kellerman
Compulsion, Johnathan Kellerman

Out of My Head, Didier Van Cauwelaert

The Confessions of Max Tivoli, Andrew Sean Greer

Any suggestions of new books to read?

Palin Porn

Sorry, but I think this is HILARIOUS!!!

Hustler is making a Palin porn and I happen to think the plot is pretty funny. The Russians at her back door...come on...it makes you laugh just a little.

Taken directly from tmz.com:

Sarah Palin is officially a legend! Hustler Video is shooting a porn with a look-alike titled "Nailin' Paylin." The spelling is sic and so is Hustler. You betcha!The faux Sarah is Lisa Ann, who "will be nailing the Russians who come knocking on her back-door." In another scene -- a flashback -- "young Paylin's creationist college professor will explain a 'big bang' theory even she can't deny!"There's also a threeway with Hillary and Condoleezza look-alikes.The video is in pre-production, but is being fast tracked for release before the election.

The burbs

Last night, I trekked it out to the burbs...all for Megan. I've hardly seen her since she moved out to Arlington Heights. I think I saw her more when she lived in Miami than just a suburb away.

We had a great dance party in the car while we waited in rush hour traffic. Then we went to dinner at Fuego, a fun Mexican restaurant by her place. The tables were really close together and it almost felt as if we were eating community style(the newest trend since tapas). Fortunately for us, the older woman next to us had a birthday. Oh yeah, we got to sing to her while she wore a sombrero. The younger man with her exclaimed, "I wish I had my camera with me." Well, I had mine, of course. So, I offered to take their picture and email it to them. It turns out that the woman had just turned 90 and her grandson had flown in from Atlanta just to take her out to dinner. Hilariously, the 90 year old thought that the sombrero was a souvenir and took it with her to remember her birthday.

Then, just when we thought nothing else funny could happen, I went to the bathroom before we left the restaurant. Naturally, there was a line, with no where to wait. Everyone was shuffling around like we were at a Friday night ho-down practicing our square dance moves. Someone)perhaps me) said that it was like a dance just to move in there and this 70ish woman started breaking it down. I couldn't stop laughing, nor could the other 5 people waiting. As I was coming out of the bathroom the same 70ish woman was walking out ahead of me and I noticed something looked askew with her outfit, then BAM...it hit me...her skirt was tucked into her underwear and she was about to give a packed restaurant the show of her lifetime. I ran after her and got her stopped before she made it to the first table, but it was a close call. Dinner and a show, anyone?

We took the night down a notch after dinner and headed back to Megan's place and played two very serious games of Scrabble and consumed some nice wine. Next time we see each other we will have to have the tie breaker game. See, the thing is...I'm a little bit competitive.

random happenings

I spent this weekend in Kohler, WI for Kristen and Keno's wedding. The wedding was held at Whistling Straits, which may be the most beautiful scenery for a wedding I have ever seen. It was an outdoor ceremony and Lake Michigan was in the background. It was a very small and intimate wedding. The reception was amazing. One of our friend's bands played the whole reception and did an amazing job. Afterwards the majority of the wedding goers headed to The Horse and Plow bar for a little after party.

Today, I was walking down Madison St when my phone rang and it was Megan. As I was talking to her, he voice kept getting louder and I thought it was weird and wondered if I had somehow hit the speaker phone button. Oh, no. That creep was creeping up behind me on the sidewalk. Darrin was in a car around the corner, Megan had been stalking me down since she was in the neighborhood. It was really good to see her and Darrin. Meh meh.

Man had penis amputated without consent

Well, that's not good. Someone's in bigggg trouble.

Read about this poor man HERE!

no longer anon

Brock had the Harry Potter 6 dream.



That's all.

exactly what i needed

I had a great night last night.

It started out with one of the worlds nicest cabbies. I was up north and running late so I grabbed a cab to attempt to make it home in time to get ready and make it to dinner with Brock at 645. Well, thanks to Chicago rush hour traffic on a Friday in the rain, I got to my place at 625. With the promise that I could make it in and out in 10 minutes, the cab driver waited for me. I ran in, threw on a dress and grabbed my make up. The cabbie was new and had a guy riding along with him to help him out. That man was nice enough to hold a mirror for me while I did my make up in the cab...eyeliner and all, in stop and go traffic. I managed to only be 2 minutes late. It was pretty amazing.

Then Brock and I had a really amazing dinner at Graham Elliot. If you've never been there, you must go. The atmosphere and the food is phenomenal. They have an in house mixologist that makes out of this world drinks. If you go, I think it should be mandatory that you get the peanut butter pot de creme. It is an amazing dark chocolate brownie with a layer of in house made peanut butter in the middle that could revive a dead person. The plate was brushed with dark chocolate, a scoop of homemade peanut butter ice cream and crushed malted milk balls. Brock and I took a bite at the same time and just looked at each other. Words could not describe how good it was.

After dinner we headed back to Brock's place and had a glass of sangria on his balcony, enjoyed the view of the city before heading up north to enjoy a ketel one krush. There, Brock ran into Alex and it was his birthday. Peter met us out for a little while(and he's HILARIOUS!). Then, we ran into Patrick and hung out with him for the rest of the night.

Overall, it was a really great night and it was exactly what I needed.

dreams and books

I finished reading She's come undone by Wally Lamb tonight. Pretty good book. I am a total binge reader. I go through streaks of quickly reading book after book. When I get through the stack of books I'd been intending to read I stop and don't read for a couple of months again. Acquire a new stack, dive in and read obsessively. It's my pattern.

This made my day today:

One of my friends(allowed to remain anon) called me tonight to tell me that he had a dream about us the other night. One of the best dreams of his life. He said that one of us had a friend that worked for Warner Brothers and had stolen us a copy of the new Harry Potter 6 movie. Then we sat in his apartment on his couch, cross-legged, and holding hands watching the movie because we were SO excited. 

How fun is that dream? Like little kids sooo excited to watch the movie that we had to hold hands out of pure excitement. I. love. it. 

chuckle chuckle

As always, The Onion gives me a good chuckle.

I haven't read it in a couple of weeks, but when I went to theonion.com today, this was one of the stories that popped up. The title made me laugh, because it reminded me of my grandpa(and the injured bird he called "Hop Along") and the occasional reports from my parents about birds in their yard. Then, I clicked on the link and the setting was Des Moines, Ia...which made me chuckle even more.

Hummingbird back at feeder again, Grandmother reports

DES MOINES, IA—Area grandmother Eileen Lankford, 82, announced Tuesday that a hummingbird, which she has reported seeing on multiple occasions in the past several weeks, was back at the birdfeeder outside her kitchen window.
"My little friend was back today," said Lankford, who has spent the past three afternoons periodically looking out the window to check if the hummingbird had returned. "We had a very nice time together."
In a series of voicemail messages and notes to her children, Lankford informed them that the hummingbird stopped by her home at approximately 12:05 p.m.
"I was waiting around all morning, and then suddenly there he was," Lankford said. "I thought the little fellow would fly off right away, but no, he decided to stay for a meal."
Lankford ate a chicken salad sandwich wrapped in a napkin while watching the bird.

The hummingbird
Referring to the hummingbird as her "special visitor," Lankford said she was impressed by the bird's appetite, noting that he "certainly liked to get his tiny beak in there." Lankford was reportedly delighted that the hummingbird found the food to be appetizing, though she did express concern that the small creature might choke from eating so quickly.
Lankford confirmed it was the same hummingbird that had made previous appearances at the feeder, claiming she recognized it by its handsomeness.
"He is quite dapper, and has such a lovely color," Lankford said.
The hummingbird sighting is only the latest in a series of events that has prompted Lankford to compose handwritten letters to her loved ones. In the past year, the grandmother of six has alerted her family members to such occasions as the blooming of the tulips, the blooming of the azaleas, the first dusting of snow, and her birthday.
Although she called it "a shame" that the hummingbird could not stay at the feeder for more than 15 minutes, the recently widowed Lankford acknowledged that the busy bird probably has a family of its own it needs to care for.
"He flaps his wings so much," Lankford said. "I don't know how he does it without stopping to take a nap, my goodness."
Lankford, who received the birdfeeder as a Christmas gift from her two granddaughters in 2005, said her late husband John used to fill the feeder every morning with an artificial nectar solution of water, white granulated sugar, and red food coloring. According to Lankford, a neighbor boy she hired to mow her lawn now performs the task, though on several occasions he has accidentally spilled the solution on the ground.
"I just wish he'd be a little more careful," Lankford said. "That food is for the hummingbirds, not the bees and the ants."
Lankford has experienced a number of other setbacks with the birdfeeder in the past few months, including mold forming inside the apparatus, and the wind blowing it to the ground. The feeder, however, sustained no permanent damage, and was able to be restored to its proper position three weeks later when Lankford's son visited to install her bedroom air conditioner.
The hummingbird's appearance marks the most notable event to take place in Lankford's backyard since May, when Lankford reported seeing a cat she didn't recognize.
Although the small bird has not returned since Tuesday, Lankford plans to remain stationed in the kitchen until two hours past dusk each night to ensure that she does not miss it.
"I hope he comes back again soon," Lankford said. "Every time I see him frolicking around, it makes me smile."
"He's so full of life," she added.

Lies are good?

I agree. Sometimes there are appropriate times to lie.

Lies are good for friends and family.

Duck stamp number has people calling a phone sex line

Government says error would be too expensive to fix.

Duck Stamp Error

(no title)

When it comes to music preferences I lean towards categories I like to call:

*feel good music
*ass shakers
*country
*songs I can belt out when no one is in a 10 mile radius
*NOT angry music



New stuff I am liking:

*Duffy(it took me a few listens to warm up to her, but...)
--Warwick Ave
--Serious
--Mercy
--Delayed Devotion
--Distant Dreamer
*Kid Rock's All Summer Long
*M.I.A's Paper Planes
*Pink's So What
*Heidi Newfield's Johnny and June
*Sugarland's It Happens and All I want to do
*Taylor Swift...pretty much anything she sings

No, it's not Folger's in your cup

Thanks to Megan Maher, the best thing ever has happened to me.

I used to be a breakfast hater, now, I'm a lover. What could be better than waking up to breakfast being ready? Not much, really.

Slow cooker oatmeal

1.5 cups oatmeal(not the instant kind)
1 granny smith apple(cored and peeled then shredded or thinly sliced)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp brown sugar
2 T raisins
4 cups cold water

Mix it all together and put it in your slow cooker for 6 hours on low and PRESTO...wake up to breakfast

One more reason to get excited about Iowa football

Mitch King.

Well, ok, maybe I am a little biased since he is from my hometown, but ESPN is pretty high on him, too. He was recently ranked #3 defensive tackle in the nation in the preseason Herbie awards. Stormin' Norm Parker is also pretty jazzed up about #47 as well. At the I-Club banquet he said that when MK's motor is running there is no one in the nation that can stop him.

Needless to say, I am excited to watch him play tomorrow and watch him throughout the season.

Also, a congrats to his sister Reagan and her husband Nick who will be expecting Beckett James, their first little blond haired blue eyed beauty(well, he has to be a stunner if he looks anything like either of his parents) in 11 more weeks. Hopefully, I will get a chance to hang out with them for a little bit tomorrow, too!

On Iowa, GO HAWKS!

Is this Heaven? No, it's Oreo Cakesterville.

Oreo cakesters are AMAZING. So good, I want to carry a box around with me at all times and just hand them out to people.

I was quite hesitant about this product when I first saw it, because I thought it would just taste like a soggy Oreo. I have serious issues with soggy foods, so I refused to try them. Then, my brother and I were digging through the cupboards at my grandpa's house when we found a box of them and decided to try them. Well, we were both immediately addicted. It was so bad that we were eating a package of them in the car on the way home from the hospital one day and were scraping the crumbs out of the package.

I saw them at the grocery store the other day and had to turn and walk away, because I would just want to eat them. I think I am going to give everyone I know boxes of them for Christmas this year. If you haven't tried them yet, do. IF you try them and don't like them, I can't ever talk to you again.

crunchy leaves

As much as I love summer, I am so excited for fall. I love fall for college football and tailgating and sweaters and hoodies and jeans and crunchy leaves and bonfires.

Not Cuil

Cuil, pronounced "cool" was developed by 2 former Google employees that happen to be a husband and wife team. According to a NY Times article in todays paper, this new search engine was launched today with the promise of returning more comprehensive and relevant results. Google is currently the top search engine, being used for over 60% of all searches done in the US. Yahoo is a distant second with a little over 20% usage. With the promise of better results and a more user friendly layout, I was excited to try Cuil. After happily typing http://www.cuil.com, I got this message:

"We'll be back soon...

Due to overwhelming interest, our Cuil servers are running a bit hot right now. The search engine is momentarily unavailable as we add more capacity. Thanks for your patience."

Not Cuil.

I didn't want to...

but I have to admit, I kind of like Come on over, the new Jessica Simpson song. Maybe country is a better fit for her. She is from Texas, y'all.

And people wonder why...

I became a vegetarian.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/us/27immig.html?em&ex=1217304000&en=8af05895cad29362&ei=5087%0A#

Hazel

Ok, so it's not that new, but I love little stores like this...because I am a paper and stationary whore. I love sending and receiving handwritten notes and they are even better if they are on something fun.
So...Hazel opened in our neighborhood a little over a year ago. The only thing that I don't like about Hazel is that the store has wierd hours, but I still manage to visit it frequently. Check it out.

Man steals buses, returns them at night

A man stole Miami-Dade transit buses, drove them on their routes and returned them at the end of the night and didn't even steal the fare.

buy it

Corona and lime by Shwayze is now available on iTunes.

Buy it.

RIP Sophia Petrillo

Sadly, my favorite Golden Girl passed away this morning, Estelle Getty She was better known as the sarcastic Sophia Petrillo on the long running tv show, The Golden Girls. 

Estelle Getty passes away at age 84

20 years later...still hangin' tough!

Like everyone else, I was a fan of NKOTB 20 years ago. I must say, their new song isn't too bad...actually, I'm liking it.  

Get out your jean jackets, big buttons and roller skates because the NKOTB are b-a-c-k...

Summertime video

Random facts

I love knowing random facts. Here are some that I learned this week:

**There are around 600 kernels of corn on every ear. 

**There is on average one silk for every kernel of corn that is on the ear. 

**One out of 3 hotel rooms order adult movies.

**The Marriott makes 30% of it's profits off of adult movies ordered in the rooms. 

Corona and Lime by Shwayze

I am loving this laid back song by Shwayze right now. It reminds me a little of the LFO song that was out around 10 years ago. Everytime I hear it I want to be hanging out on my back patio.

It was released on Rhapsody and Verizon July 15th, but hasn't been released on iTunes yet. Sorry, the video is awful.

Click for video

Another one...

Also taken from that Angie girl....

Name: Stacey L Lens
Single or Taken: oh so single
Eye color: blueish green
Shoe size: cruise ships(according to my brother)
Height: 5'11"
What are you wearing right now? work clothes, I'm at work
Righty or lefty: righty

FAVORITE
Kind of pants: linen
Animal: horse or Madagascar hissing cockroaches
Month: May
Juice: I don't really like juice, but so like mimosas...so, orange?
Favorite cartoon: I like the comic strip Fox Trot, does that count?

HAVE YOU EVER:
Bungee Jumped? No, but I did some free falling thing
Loved someone so much it made you cry? dumb question
Been in a physical fight? only with my brother and megan
Been on a plane: I love flying!!!
Came close to dying: no, but someone tried to kidnap me once
Been in a hot tub: love them
Fallen asleep in school: yep
Broken someone's heart: doubtful
Cried when someone died: yep
Fell off your chair: oh, yeah. there was this one time in 7th grade...
Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call: not that I ever recall
Saved IM conversations: totally, you knkow, back in the d-a-y

Do You:
Believe in love at first sight? no idea
Believe long distance relationships work: i know they have for other people
Like school: yes
Question yourself: constantly
Who was the last person that called you? my mom to tell me that they got home ok
Who makes you smile the most: hmmm, a lot of people make me smile
Who knows you the best?: maybe my brother
Get along with your family: oh, yeah

Final Questions:
What are you doing this weekend? well, it's the weekend and I'm working
What car/truck do you wish to have: vespa
Have a lava lamp: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
How many remote controls are in your house? no idea
Are you double jointed? not possible. no such thing. it's called having loose ligaments
When you last showered? 2:30pm
Scary or Funny Movies: funny
Rootbeer or Dr.Pepper: ooh, I would welcome either
Summer or winter: there are good things about both
Diamond or pearl: neither, I'm not really a jewelry girl
Sprite or 7up: neither, they don't have caffine in them and are therefore, a waste of my time
Coffee or tea: both!
In person or on the phone: I hate the phone

Yesterday Did You:
Talk to someone you like: yes, I like a lot of people
Buy something: yes, a diet coke fountain soda

Last person who:
Slept in your bed: me
Saw/heard you cry: no idea, I haven't cried in a really long time
Made you cry? again, no idea
Went to the movies with: no idea, haven't been to the movies in months
Been to Canada: yes
Been to Mexico: yes

Random:
Do you have a crush on someone right now: hmmm...
What book are you reading now: The Confessions of Max Trivioli
Future kids names: kids?!? I'm not even dating anyone...let's not get ahead of ourselves here
Do you sleep with a stuffed animal: no
What's under your bed: rubbermaids of winter sweaters
Favorite sports to watch: baseball, football, basketball, rugby and volleyball
Favorite Locations: lots and lots of places
Tattoos or piercings: my ears are pierced
What are you most scared of right now? failure, always failure
Who do you really hate? no one
Do you have a job? um, yeah
Have you ever liked someone you didn't have a chance with: oh sure, his name is Matthew McConaughey
Song that's stuck in your head right now? Stuck in the middle with you by Stealers Wheel
Have you ever been on radio? yes. I had to do some promo thing

More Random
What color is your underwear right now? peacock blue
What are the first things you notice about the opposite sex? smile
Are you too shy to ask someone out? yeah, you had to in high school for the vice versa dance
Hugs or kisses: wierd question
Dogs or cats?: dogs
Favorite Flower?: wild flowers
Have you ever fired a gun? oh yeah
How many pillows do you sleep with? multiple

angie swope is my hero

So I googled myself tonight to see what would come up and one of the first hits was a post on Angie's blog titled "stacey lens is my hero." It was a survey, so I am going to complete the survey for her...

1. The phone rings. Who do you want it to be? someone with good news
2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? I don't remember not ever returning it, but I am sure there was that one time...
3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? It depends on how comfortable I am around the people. I can be shockingly quiet sometimes.
4. Do you take compliments well? No, not at all.
5. Do you play Sudoku? I used to, but am so over it.
6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive? I would have a better than average chance.
7. Do you like to ride horses? Star is my all-time favorite horse, Doc comes in a close second...Jack and Cupcake are definitely at the bottom of the list!
8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Yes...horseback riding camp.
9. What was your favorite game as a kid? Ghost in the graveyard...one o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock ROCK!
10. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, what would you do? tell them to go home to their wife.
12. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? yeah
13. Do you like to pursue or be pursued? Be pursued.
14. Use three words to describe yourself? quirky, tall, BOL
15. Do any songs make you cry? not currently
16. Are you continuing your education? aren't we always
17. Do you know how to shoot a gun? yes
18. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you grabbed? my roommate
19. How often do you read books? frequently
20. Do you think more about the past, present or future? mostly future...too much probably.
21. What is your favorite children’s book? Cars and trucks, trucks and cars. Also love the giving tree and the quiltmakers gift
22. What color are your eyes? bluish green
23. How tall are you? 5'11"
24. Where is your dream house located? no idea, but it would have a huge yard
27. Have you ever taken pictures in a photo booth? i have always wanted to, but never have
28. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? at least 2 years ago
30. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? about a mile and a half from my place
32. Do you like mustard? yes. i used to HATE it, though
34. Do you look like your mom and dad? mostly like my mom in the face, my dad in height(excpet I think I am taller than him now, right dad?!?!?)ha ha ha
35. How long does it take you in the shower? not very long
37. What movie do you want to see right now? something funny
39. What did you do for New Year’s? Went to Kristen and Keno's
40. Do you think The Grudge was scary? I didn't see it.
42. Do you own a camera phone? yep
44. Was your mom a cheerleader? She always cheered me on
45. What’s the last letter of your middle name? h
47. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? usually 4-6
48. Do you like care bears? I used to a whole lot.
49. What do you buy at the movies? tickets
50. Do you know how to play poker? A little.
51. Do you wear your seatbelt? only in the front seat
52. What do you wear to sleep? clothes
53. Anything big ever happen in your hometown? floods and steamboat days, of course!
54. How many meals do you eat in a day? 2-3, sometimes I am too busy and survive on snacks
55. Is your tongue pierced? no way, that is so bad for your teeth!
56. Do you always read MySpace bulletins? No.
58. Do you like funny or serious people better? Funny.
59. Ever been to L.A.? Nope, not really into anything celebrity related
60. Did you eat a cookie today? i did. it was chocolate chip.
61. Do you use cuss words in other languages? no
62. Do you steal or pay for your music downloads? iTunes
63. Do you hate chocolate? No, but I really don't like milk chocolate. I am a dark girl.
64. What do you and your parents fight about the most? nothing really, unless they aren't listening to me, like when my mom tries to pack me a travel bag of snacks when I go to leave and I don't want it and have no where to put it and she keeps trying to make me take it. right, josh? but if that is all we argue about, I think we have it pretty good.
65. Are you a gullible person? No, nt really.
66. Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy? Definitely not.
67. If you could have any job (assuming you have the skills) what would it be? I would love to do nothing but volunteer for different organizations all day.
68. Are you easy to get along with? sometimes
69. What is your favorite time of day? evening

The end.

Church cancels gun giveaway

Wierd

Link: Church cancels gun giveaway

Summer ain't over until this list is accomplished

Here are some things I would like to do before summer is over....If anyone is interested in doing them too, let me know!

**see a movie in the park

**see 16 candles band at least once(they are a great 80s cover band...always a blast!)

**go to the Whole Foods Flavor Fest

**lollapalooza(if I'm in town)

**Taylor Street Festa Italiana

**see the Jeff Koons exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art(it's there until Sept)

**Make it to a couple of farmers markets

**go camping

**drink wine on Brock's balcony

"I do," they did

Last night, I returned from a very busy but fun four days in Iowa. One of my long time, good friends tied the knot with the love of her life. Lindsay, better known as Bedbug married Bill on Saturday July 5th in Burlington.

The festivities started Thursday when we had the rehearsal then had a blow out bachelorette party for the bride to be. Instead of "suck for a buck" we sold glow necklaces and glow sticks, making $130 for the bride. Friday we had the rehearsal dinner and followed that up with the West Burlington street fest. We saw some good live bands and some nice fireworks.

Saturday was the big day. We got up early to get beautified...hair and make-up. We got the bride in her gown, the bridesmaids started getting dressed, all set for pictures, when we noticed that the brides gown was not on right! YIKES. After making ourselves over a half and hour late for pictures we smiled and said cheese. Only to find out, many of the groom and groomsman's pictures had to be re shot because the grooms fly was noticeably down in the pictures. It was a funny fiasco. The ceremony went off without a hitch. I was paired with an awesome groomsman, he an his wife were so much fun to hang around. I am glad I got to meet Matty and Jen. The party bus was awesome and the reception was a giant party. I got to see a lot of people I hadn't seen in a while and CJD stopped by for a visit and a dance. It was a great wedding. Bug was the most relaxed, calm and laid back bride I have ever met. It was a pleasure being her bridesmaid. We were never stressed about anything.

The newlyweds are currently in the Bahamas for a little R&R!