Sigh

I was notified of a rent increase today, effective July 1.

Grrrrrr.

And just because my rent is low for the market doesn't make it any better.

For some reason...

...I haven't been in the mood to take pictures of life events. And this past weekend had some fun events with some friends over for fondue dinner on Saturday and then another group of friends over for brunch on Monday.

In hindsight I envision some cool photos of the big vat of cheesy fondue and the platter arranged with the dippers, vibrant and full of color. Or the tall cinnamon pull-apart bread loaf sitting prettily on the cake stand. Or what about my friends and their lovely faces? Those would have been nice to capture too. But alas, I didn't. And I'm not really sure why.

Sorry my blog is boring these days.

Disagreements

Considering *I* would have given myself a C on my Psy101 final (and ultimately a B in the class), I must say I'm quite pleased that my professor and I disagreed on this matter. And when the "error" is in my favor, I'll let him win.

True Dat

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and new. "
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I like being right.

Yeah for Tessa & Andy! I just hope she doesn't freak out having seen the show & Andy's interactions with the other women (namely Bevin).

Post-finals slumber

I had my last final of the Spring term this afternoon. Hurray! Right after I met my friend Charlyn for a margarita, became so sleepy, and came home to take a nap. A 6+ hour nap. It was FABULOUS.

Except for being awake right now. I'm watching Oprah (shopping bargains with SJP-love her!). This is what's on at 1am.

I'm resting up this weekend before I begin summer intensive classes that begin on Monday. The cycle continues. Sigh.

Studying

I went home from work last night intending to study away the evening until a classmate came over to go over a paper, and then study some more after she left.

Well, first I had to straighten up just a smidge (i.e. do the 2 (3?) week old dishes, a load of laundry, wipe the bathroom sink/faucet/mirror, sweep up the hair from the floor, make the bed, sort the mail, take out the trash, pick up the fallen flower petals from the carpet, put away the last of the plates/platters/pitchers/serving-pieces sitting in bags on my kitchen floor since the baby shower 2 weeks ago, etc). Once that was done I was able to get about 20 minutes of studying done before Rhonda (classmate) arrived. And then Idol came on, and then DWTS, and then I remembered I hadn't watched Monday night's episode of Bachelor. (Sorry Ian & Danielle! But I didn't expect either of you to last, even though I liked you both!). And then it was bedtime.
I read about 10 pages, maybe 6, or 4...no 6. TONIGHT. It's all about the studying. At least until the ANTM finale watching at D's.

BAD, Kelly!

Walk up May in May

One afternoon last week, Bailey stopped by my office after school. It was perfect timing; I needed a break. So we decided to go for a Photo Walk up May Avenue.

"What," you may ask, "is a photo walk?" I've never done one myself, but it seems to be something creative people do to inspire their photography prowess. Since I've decided that I would like to hone my own photo-taking skills, I thought I'd see how inspired I was by this walk. I can't say I was "inspired" per se, but I did learn that higher ISO isn't always a good thing.

Here are a few things we saw...

Thanks for going with me, B!

Funkadelic

I'm in a bit of a blogging funk. My mind has been so preoccupied with papers to write, papers disappearing because flash drives got corrupted, rewriting said papers, experiencing random physical maladies concurrently, and trying to study for finals.

So until I'm more inspired, with more free space on my mental hard drive, I'll post these past & current magazine covers, which inspire my inner "Queen with a flair for drama (& pink)" and "Wanna-be-Eco-friendly/Dream-trip-to-Antarctica" sides.

It was time for a change

3 hours later...

Side & Rear views.

12

My niece Bailey turned 12 yesterday and like most pre-teens, she wanted clothes and an i-Pod. She got plenty of the first and likely enough money to get the latter. Lucky girl!

We celebrated her in style at Hometown Buffet (her choice) and at home with chocolate cake & presents. Only Bran, Mike & Audrey were absent, as they are hygge-ing in DK. We missed them.

Happy 12th Birthday, Bailey! Love you bunches.

The cake...

The presents...

The siblings...

Lillepigen is here!

FINALLY! I've been eagerly anticipating the arrival of pictures of the recent addition, a little girl born April 21 to Mary & Frederik, the Crown Prince & Princess of Denmark. And here they are! (Yes, I'm a Royal Watcher. :-)

Allow me to introduce to you lillepigen (translation: "little girl"), as yet unamed until her baptism on July 1. Big brother Christian is clearly smitten.

May Showers bring June Babies

Raja Isaac is one lucky little boy. Due to be born to Dave & Rama in early June, he is going to be well-loved by not only his parents (of course) but also by the many friends that love him (& his parents) already.

Five of us had the pleasure of throwing a baby shower for Rama, one of the nicest, most sincere, and thankful people on the planet. So it was especially fun to try and outdo ourselves to make it an extra special day for her. Flowers (by Lauren) were gorgeous, the cake & favors (by Molly) all darling! The locale (Sarah's home) was beautifully landscaped in anticipation of the day, and the food (by Abby & I), delicious, if I do say so myself.




PS. More pics here!

Stranger than Fiction: The movie & Pokey-time for Paris

1.) The movie

Saw it tonight. I really enjoyed it and thought it well-played by all involved. I like seeing Will in non-Will-typical roles, just like I enjoyed Jim Carrey in Truman Show. Both are fascinating, interesting stories. I recommend them both.

2.) Jail-time for Paris

I LOVE THIS! (And this!) I love this Judge and even if he is trying to prove a point by being extra harsh with her, good for him! For too long have Paris and her ilk flaunted laws used their money and status to be free from consequences. I hope she ends up having to go. (Although if she does, I'm sure she'll turn it into a publicity stunt, a la "Simple Life: Jail Time," which will no doubt infuriate me further. Just do your time, sweetie! Take it like a real woman; like Martha & Lil' Kim!)

LBD

Both of these epitomize my ideal style in the classic 'Little Black Dress'. One is simple but slightly vampy & sexy, while the other is feminine and classy. Both are tres chic.

I'll take one of each, please!

Treasure Hunting

Some people look for finds at flea markets, antique shops or "quaint little boutiques" on some random street in a backwater town. My friends & I, however, we aren't too proud to shop at Home Goods. Here are some of our finds you may want to consider for your home.

The sunflower wicker chair can be yours for just $299.99.

Although you may be thinking it's all just crap, rest assured most of the decor items in my place that get the most comments are from Home Goods! Just come prepared to look around and see past the hideous sunflower chairs and straw lions (although I actually think he's kind of cool; in a kids room maybe?).

B.Jovi in the house

Seeing/hearing Bon Jovi last night on American Idol reminds me why his concert was, still is, and may always be my most favorite EVER. He rocks. His songs rock.

I HEART Bon Jovi.

PS. I forgot to mention A.I. in my TV Tuesday post below! I would be fine with a couple different winners, though Melinda is my front runner for being the most "ready." I think Jordan has huge talent and I really like Blake's funky be-bop style (his Bon Jovi song last night was killer!). Chris & Phil are my least faves of the groups.

360 (sort of) Tour: Rearranged Living Room

I don't love any of these pictures (bad lighting) but this gives you an idea of how things have been rearranged (for the most part; still have a few odds & ends to tweak/add). An in person viewing is necessary to feel the coziness. Come over soon!

From the front door.

Look Left.

Move to the north-west corner (by the tall lamp on the left in the above pic) & look south-east.

Turn a smidge to the right for view of bathroom/bedroom (left door) & kitchen (right door).

Back at the front door, look left to the couch.

Fireplace mantle closeup.

Sigh.

Sometimes I really miss Denmark. Especially when I see pictures like this.

TV Tuesday

(SIDE/INTRO NOTE: I just love my newly rearranged living room. Props go to Mike & Bran for their help in moving everything around, and also to the other Bran for offering her design suggestions too! It's nice to have neighbors pop by.)

Sitting in my comfy chair now conveniently placed in front of my TV last night watching Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) and The Bachelor (yes, I still catch a season now and again), I realized that I watch more TV now than I ever have before. And I have TIVO (or in my case, DVR) to thank for that. No longer am I chained to watching TV at a certain time. My lovely DVR does it for me while I'm away at school or off gallivanting with friends or family. But that means, of course that I must spend time watching all that recorded television.

Here's who I'm rooting for in the reality TV category.

Amazing Race: Dustin & Kandice..........Dancing With the Stars: Joey & Kym

America's Next Top Model: No one really, I just think the picture of Jaslene (see above) is, in ANTM speak, "fierce" (even if she looks like a drag queen most of the time).

The Bachelor, Officer & a Gentleman: Tessa