2008...the unofficial recap

At the end of the year, everyone generally sits back and reflects on what they did or how great the year was for them.
I’d like to take this opportunity to do things my way (like always) and go a completely different route.
I’m going to let you in on a little insight...the things I DID NOT DO or SAY in 2008.
You can draw your own conclusions at the end as to which ones will make the TO DO list for 2009.

Let’s start with the things LL didn’t SAY in 2008:
"No thank you, I don’t feel like going to happy hour after work on Friday"
"Go ahead and tie that bow for me"
“This doesn’t match. Oh well"
“I’m so over wearing my leggings”
“Of course it doesn’t have to be perfect”
“Ok. Let’s go with your idea instead of mine”
“No thank you, I don’t want any wine”
“Ugh. I hate reality shows”
“Aren’t Spencer and Heidi the cutest couple?”
“You had me at Hello”
“A quarterback? I’m not interested”
“I think I’ll go in to work this weekend”
“I’m using my vote for that Archuletta kid”
"I really wish Brangelina would have some more kids"
"My word! Pam Anderson looks stunning"
"Has anyone see my false teeth lying around?"
"Amy Winehouse is truly and inspiration to todays youth"
"Yuck. Guacamole"

And on to the amazing list of things LL didn’t DO in 2008:
Adopt a child from Malawi
Give birth to twins
Record a county album
Score the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl
Finish the Iron Man in 10 hours
Finish the Iron Man at all
Compete in the Iron Man
Start an underground fight club
Pose for a Playboy photo shoot
Win an Olympic gold medal
Compete in the Olympics
Take a journey south of the equator
Buy a pair of Ugg boots
Make out with Joaquin Phoenix
Live in the actual city of Phoenix
Solve a homicide investigation via interrogation and jazz hands
Write a novel
Invest in stand up comedy classes
Attend a live taping of the Oprah show
Attend a live taping of the Rachel Ray show
Attend a live taping of anything
Take a sunset tour of the city lights in a hot air balloon
Knit a sweater for a dog
Knit a sweater for a cat
Design my own line of knitted clothes for animals
Eat a cheeseburger from McDonald’s
Marry a quarterback
Star in a Broadway play
Discover the secret of life
Give into the Twilight phenomenon
Take candy from a stranger

Ive got a long year of not accomplishing things ahead of me. Here goes nothing. Or everything. I cant be certain what you would say in the situation.

Wishing everyone the best in 2009!
LL

Fashion Forward

Are you having trouble trying to pick out the perfect outfit for the New Year's Eve parties tonight?

Do you want to look highly fashionable but be comfortable at the same time?

Are you looking to fit in with the crowd but also express your own personal style?

Kara has it all figured out:

The Cutest Christmas Love Birds

Preparing for 2009

I can not believe that 2008 is fast approaching its end.
I haven't even started on my goals list for 2009 or my recap of 2008.

But I did decide (maybe) on a new blog background for the new year.

Actually, I'm just trying this one on for fun right now. Kinda like wearing a pair of shoes around the store whilst still shopping to see if they mesh well with your everyday life. *

*Retail workers hate that but I think its ok. Try it next time. You'll thank LL.

It's been a while since the last blog.
Everyday I think of a great post but then I get side tracked and busy and forget.

This is a mini re cap of all the ideas in my mind the past two weeks that I was going to blog about.

First, I am obsessed with the idea of Santa bringing me a dog for Christmas. Specifically one that looks like this little guy I found and AAWL. And I want to name him Joaquin (JOE for short).

Stay tuned for more information on this topic. I'm sure if Santa comes thru on this I will turn into one of those crazy "dog moms" with pics and posts of his day to day activities. And I'm also one of those people who think it's hilarious to dress up dogs in outfits...so that might be comical.

Second, Toastmasters is going so great. Last week I won the "Best Speaker" award! I'm zoned in to get this stand up comic thing underway once the public speaking fear relinquishes.*

* yes I used that word correctly.

Third (and maybe the most exciting)....THE CARDINALS MADE THE PLAYOFFS! What an amazing year for Arizona. Steph, Corrine, Jessica and I were at the title clinching game last week. Happy Birthday Stephwana! I told them to win a title for you. You're welcome.

Fourth, my new obsession in the car: Lady GaGa. I can't explain it but the entire cd puts me in a good mood. Feel free to give it a listen. Then follow it up with Britney's new cd, Circus. You'll enjoy that one too.

And lastly, you know how I love Michael Buble?

That is all.

Now I have to get some shopping/holiday projects...wish me luck!

True Love

WELL, as it turns out...it was meant to be!

I let the leggings go after St Louis and guess what?!

They came back to me...in the form of Kelly Ripa.

The "Legging Conspiracy of TMH" was put to an end yesterday when Ryan informed me that last week Ms. Ripa wore leggings on her show.

And, as we all know, she is not Lindsey Lohan.

In fact, she is a daily fashion icon to women across America.

Here is the video to prove it:

If you haven't guessed by now, I immediately jumped back on the legging train by wearing them at yesterdays TMH Thanksgiving.

Cleverly named yesterday's "turkey leggings".

Don't worry, I made sure to take a picture to add to the LL & Leggings photo album.

I've got game...

You know how I know how to impress the dudes?

Football Sunday.

Friends.

Beer.
Buffalo Wild Wings.

A boy I like.
Coversation about "Sex Wars"*

I see this:

Right before I see this:

I may write a letter to BWW about the poor quality of the barstools and their inability to hold my body weight when excited.

* "Sex Wars" is a new TMH obsession. No further explanation needed.

Meet Me in St Louis

Update on the vacation front (in a well organized list, of course):

• Charlie missed his mommy
• I now know how fall color schemes were developed
• I want a home in St Louis (spring-fall only!)
• I love St Charles and a darling scrapbook store, "Rock Paper Scissors"
• The Cardinals made the Rams cry (and I got to look at #7 from the back the whole game)
• I rode my first big city train
• I come home tomorrow

More details and pics to be posted when i get back!

NE's Guest Blog - One

SCENE: Your living room (or other environment for which you partake in TV viewing)

. . . AND ACTION! You are watching one of your favorite TV shows (HIMYM) and it's like any other Monday. You're minding your own business stoked to see what hilarity will ensue, then all of a sudden . . . BAM! No, a bus didn't just go through the afore mentioned living room wall, instead CBS decided to kick this bitch up a notch (thank you sweeps). You can’t believe your eyes, right there on your very own television screen is one of the best things about shows . . . a GUEST STAR (Brit-Brit)! You're overwhelmed with excitement and enthusiasm, just when you thought it couldn't get better, a curve ball is thrown in and a whole new level of enjoyment is had!

Enjoyment Causing Curve Ball:

Prepare yourself folks because that is exactly what's about to happen here today . . . I (Anie, not Britney) am proud and honored to be featured as a GUEST STAR on one of your favorite blogs (LL's, not Barney's). The reason behind this stroke of luck you've just encountered is two fold of course . . .

1. My new obsession is all things blog. I heart reading them and really can't get enough. To quote a wise women "I have no idea how I functioned without the use of blogs for so long."
2. I don't have a blog of my own and that means I'm jealous and want to get in on this.


I know what you're thinking. Duh, just start your own blog like the rest of the free world. Whilst we all know I will most likely cave in the near future to sign up for one, thus far I've held strong. Why, you ask? I'd like to think I have a high standard for things to be deemed funny, clever, or witty and undoubtedly my blog would require all these items on a regular basis. Hence, I am nervous I'd fold under this self-induced pressure if I had a blog all my own.

More importantly, this guest star concept might be genius! The way I see it this stint on LL's blog will lead to other guest starring roles (cough, cough Lex, Karina, Ryan cough, cough). I could start a new trend of the elusive blogger who only guest stars and everyone will search for me on the blogs of all my favorite people. That means YOU as a blogger benefit from even more hits than you received before because DUH I come with a fan base built in!

Ok, so that last part might be made up. This so called "fan base" is basically comprised of the same people for who's blogs I'd be featured on, but let's skip the technicalities of it all, shall we?

Soon bloggers all over the world will want me to write for them. CNN will issue a scrolling news bar with the headline “ribbon-loving mystery blogger strikes again.” (“CNN” is clearly code word for “Vh1”). I could become famous and more importantly turn a profit! Again, let’s skip the technicalities of how this would provide me with income. I’m sure logistically and monetarily it will all work out just as I imagine.

So now on to the good stuff (As it turns out I can't just blog about blogs) . . .

I’ve decided there are many things in life that are HIGHLY enjoyable and HIGHLY underrated. This makes for a recipe riddled with high opportunity cost (yup, I paid attention in my college economics class). As such, I’m making a list (because that’s what brings me joy) of just a few of these items so that you can get on board with the following (in no particular order):

Lunchables: Yes, that’s right those pre-packaged non-sustainable meal options that all the cool kids packed on field trip day. (Damn you Mom for not buying them!) I’m not talking about the new fangled fancy “make your own cold pizza” bullshit kids have now. I’m referring to the classic turkey, cheddar, and cracker combo. These are on the list because they are inexpensive, delicious, and packed with sodium goodness. Plus they’re sold in the gift shop on the 2nd floor of my building, and I’m normally in a hurry. For this convenience Kraft, I thank you. (Related Honorable Mention: Capri Sun)

NOT THIS:

YES PLEASE:

Always Sunny in Philadelphia: In truth, this topic requires a post all it’s own. (See how you just now got baited into looking forward to my next guest-starring role? I have a fail proof plan on my hands!) If you have yet to partake in this awesome hilarity brought to us by FX I insist you move it to the top of your priority list immediately! Who needs to worry about an economic recession and job security when you can laugh your ass off at random shenanigans every Thursday night?

Downtown / Midtown PHX: I’m an East Valley type ‘o gal. Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale – that’s my hood. One-way streets, the “nues” (ave that is), and my general lack of direction stopped me from going anywhere near the I-10, 51, or 17 for many years. That has since changed (well not the “nues” part I try to avoid crossing 19th ave after dark or anytime I’m alone). BUT - I’ve gotta tell you if you haven’t been in the area lately, you’re missing out! First Fridays, fun antique shops, historic Willo district, Zoes (LOVE), the Symphony, sugars galore, and an actual urban city are just some of the things hidden down here. WHO KNEW? Next time you’re on the freeway on your way out of town, perhaps stop for lunch (Zoes is on McDowell just east of 7th ave). PS – the tallest building on the left pays me to go there 5 days a week.

Velma from Scooby Doo: You know who I like, that never got much play? Velma, from Scooby Doo. She was a hip, hip chic. Rooby-rooby-roo!

"If you love something..."

"...let it go." (?)

Apparently, this some "great" advice someone once gave someone else. And apparently, it worked out for that person and their situation.
This person then decided to go and blab this advice to everyone they encountered that was in a similar situtation.

This advice then turned into some sort of worldwide phenomenon and now everyone in America hears it whenever they have a situation this may be the resolution to. *

(I know America is not the world but to be honest, I really dont know how they do things in France so just go with me on this)

Well here is my situation:

Someone recently told me (and by someone I mean two TMH girls that are tyring to break my heart) that leggings are not making a comeback this season, that I should already know this (you know, cause I'm so hip and trendy) and stop trying to wear them out of the house.

WHAT?! They have got to be kidding me!

How can I be forced by fashion to give up the leggings? I love the leggings!

I mean, the leggings and I have been thru a lot together and we've had a lot of great times over the last year or so.

For example, here we are on a fire truck:

And here's our first time together in a limo:

Here we are again on my birtday:

Oh and here we are running from Megan & playing dress up in a faux pirate/slut costume:

NOW, I know what you're thinking. And yes, I get that they make my legs look a bit "minnie mouse-ish". And my butt a tad "kim k". But I'm ok with that, obviously.

So you must see my dilema. I just can't picture myself "letting go" of the leggings. I mean, if Audrina can't let go of Justin Bobby...how can I be expected to live without my favorite cotton blend leg covers?!

And let's just say I do decide to someday adhere to this advice. What's next? Is someday going to tell me wearing a wife beater to the office with dress pants is inappropriate?*

(I wear a wife beater and dress pants to work everyday. The leggings too in the winter. Pray for me.)

So, in an effort to try and maintain my "hip & trendy" status with the fashion industry I've come up with a compromise. I will take the leggings on next week's vacation in St. Louis and begin parting ways with them upon arrival home.

BUT, if I see one fashion model or celebrity, other than LiLo, walking around in leggings this winter... they will return to my wardrobe.*

(I will consider that the "if it was meant to be, it will return" blah blah blah that comes at the end of the advice.)

Bye Week

Wikipedia’s Definition:
The term "bye week" exists in American football. In both Canadian and American professional football leagues, the term "bye week" refers to any week during the regular season in which a team does not play a game. Each NFL team will have one "bye week" during a normal season; this is placed on the schedule between Week 3 and Week 10[1]. The NFL has used the bye week since 1990 so as to extend the regular season schedule to 17 weeks. Between 1999 and 2002 byes had to be scheduled every week because the league had 31 teams. Traditionally, the CFL and Arena Football have scheduled byes only in seasons when they have had an odd number of teams in their leagues. However, the CFL introduced a scheduled bye week for its eight teams for the 2007 season.

LL’s Definition:
The Cardinals don’t play this week. What am I going to do?

How I spent my bye week(end):
1) Hip hop show with BARS, Stephanie and Brandy.
2) Mixed the beats.
3) AWU meeting.
4) Cute stamping party at Nicole’s house.
5) Joaquin Sunday.

Although I missed the Cardinals, beer and chicken wings... it was nice to have Joaquin back for a day. I've missed him.

Put your picture here. And here.

Yesterday I came across the cutest idea: photo mosaics
just add this mosaic maker with pictures from flickr using these questions* and voila! (not to be confused with viola, stephanie)
*1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you attend?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10.What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you?
12. Your IM or screenname?


Here's how mine turned out:

Pretty cute right?
Because I had so much fun with this, I asked the girls to get in on it too. Here's how theirs came out. I just LOVE them!

Stephanie:

Holly Howe:

Megan:

Karen:

Jen Babe

Nicole

**Did you notice how everyone has Greece as their dream vacation and I chose a hammock. strange?

Stiffler...?

I have a new celebrity crush!
Sean William Scott (aka Stiffler)
Before you question my hottie picking skills and my new obsession for this cutie, please review exhibits A, B & C* (or one, two and three for those of you that are better with numbers)


EXHIBIT A (1)

He looks good holding a football!

If you know anything about me and my love of football & quarterbacks, you understand how this makes me feel.

EXHIBIT B (2)

Bald head: check

Tattoos: check

Tight t-shirt: check

Sexy jeans: check

you see where I'm going with this right?

EXHIBIT C (3)

The boy can rock a sweater vest! (and that's pretty much been obsolete since Chandler Bing)

You can see now how this obsession came about. Well, those reasons and the fact that he was on my favorite morning news, Good Morning Arizona. * (yes that's a plug. I want Brad Perry's job.)

Feel free to jump on the Stiffler bandwagon if you want. It's a good wagon to be on, I'm just saying.

Birthday Bear!

Last weekend we celebrated Kara (Bear's) 2nd birthday.
Seriously, time does fly by and I can't keep up.

Because Steph and I like to impose our ideas, opinions and hobbies on everyone we know...we've decided to get a head start on Kara.

Her birthday party was a football theme. YES, football!

Before you go making any judgements, it was super cute and girly at the same time.

Lots of pink, lots of ribbon, lots of pink ribbon and football. I made a sparkley football cake, pink football cupcakes and a birthday banner complete with rhinestones, flowers and bows!

And as a birthday present to Kara, her Uncle Matt (Leinart) (my husband) made sure the Cards won! He really is such a nice guy!

I can't wait to start planning number three! (I think HH will be ready to put her wedding dress on again and play Wedding Barbie)

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the party...

My Pink Life...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A subject that is near & dear to my heart...so close in fact theres a tattoo near my heart in honor.

Ten years ago my beautiful, loving, kind, creative and all around amzing Aunt Kathleen (Auntie) was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Today, she is as strong and as lovely as ever.

She is one of my most favorite people in the whole world and I would be willing to do anything for her (with no doubt she would do the same for me).

This blog is dedicated to her and our wonderful family.

A family I cannot imagine my life without. They are my world. We are together when things are great, when things aren't so great, when we are happy and when we are sad. Every holiday, every birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza and every pool party just because we want to spend time together.

But my favorite time to get together above all, is the one we do every October for my Auntie:

The City of Hope Walk for Hope

Of course, this years walk was especially sentimental. I dont know where I would be in my life without Kathleen.

The woman who taught me to scrapbook. The woman who encourages me everyday that I can do whatever I put my mind (and heart) in to. The woman who takes me from an emotional high strung mess, to a calm level headed thinker with just a few minutes of her clarity.

I love you Auntie!

Time Flies...

I KNOW! Over a month since my last post… Shame on LL!
Things have been pretty crazy at TMH and life in general and I am just trying to push through it.
Here’s an update since last posting (get your cocktails ready, this might take a while!)

First: The Olympics came to an end.
It was weird the first couple days and I was unsure about what to do with the television but then, life went on without them.

Second: FOOTBALL IS BACK!
Sadly, Matt (Leinart) (My husband) lost his job this season. 2nd string QB is still a QB but we have hopes he will start next year. I am a fan of Kurt Warner though so it’s not a horrible position to be in. The season has been pretty good so far. 2-1. Megan, BARS and I attended the game last week vs. the Miami Dolphins. Although our seats were ON THE ROOF and we were all three suffering from the night before, we still had a fun time and can’t wait to go to another game!

Third: Miss Madison Jeanne Blood turned 1 year old!
We had her Princess themed birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza (the place our family holds every birthday party...no matter your age). I was in charge of the cake and I think if you ask the birthday girl, it was a BIG HIT!

Fourth: The DBJ girls celebrated another MSC.
We went to brunch at Crackers & Co where we donned our tiaras, heels and all the jewelry we could find. I LOVE that after all the years we can still all get together to celebrate each other and our friendships!

Fifth: TMH has officially been housebroken.
After nearly 4 months of dwelling at our lovely home, we FINALLY had our housewarming party. Of course there was a theme! Everyone wore hats. Our heads were bigger than our heads that night (yeah that’s what I meant to say). The 3 of us planned out numerous hat changes for the night with the thought that it would be a chance to pull out all the great stuff from the accessories closet. I think by the time we changed into our second, we all forgot. Regardless, everyone had fun and the next day was an awful mess to clean up. Let it be said…the TMH girls can throw a party!
(sadly, or funny, I only came up with these photos of us)

Even after all of that, there are still lots of things to look forward to in the month ahead. Kara Bear turns 2. The City of Hope Walk for Hope in honor of my beautiful Aunt Kathleen who is a 10 year survivor. The Susan G Komen Race for the Cure with the “I am the Cure” committee.