Yep, I'm Older

So I had another birthday.....

they are really starting to be cumbersome. 

Not that I mind the numbers steadily going up- it has to happen if you are alive- it's the gray hair (though the way it catches the light I prefer to call it silver) and slowing metabolism (I always bring along my spare tire-just being prepared)  that comes into play as those numbers expand that rattles the nerves.

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I woke up and it was March 12th so I figured I might as well celebrate. After all it is the one day you are allowed to be selfish and do whatever you want. First my mom and sister took me to lunch at BJ's Brewhouse. As usual I ate to my capacity... and then found room for my birthday pizookie. There was a little shopping that followed lunch, after all we had to burn some calories. 

Next came birthday dinner....

Since my jeans were still too tight from my overfilling at lunch, I decided on some skinny fries for dinner. Since Freddy's has the skinniest fries around, that is where Jason, Lauren, and Jace took me. It  is also convenient that it is a stones throw from Freed's bakery, where I may or may not have gotten a buttercream cupcake with sprinkles....

and Jason got me this inspiring book..... now I really will know it all....

Now begins the countdown of my last year as a thirty- something...

strange how your outward appearance ages, but inside I still feel 22. Guess the big secret of life is simple- stay away from mirrors!!

So what has Jace been up to.....

Jace got to check out and get inside of an authentic SWAT truck. Then he got his merit badge at the court of honor that followed.

Jace all spiffed up for church.... 

A tooth was loose, so loose that Jace reached in and pulled it right out....

The tooth fairy probably would have come had he not misplaced that valuable gem...

We took a drive out to Primm to check out the off road race-

Jace posed for a picture by none other than the winning truck....

Then there was the daunting task of the science fair. Jace built a combustible chamber out of soda cans, that when ignited, would send a tennis ball soaring. His project received an "honorable mention"- a step up from our usual participant status!!

Jace went with the Boy Scouts to tour Channel 3 News to earn the communications badge. While there, they were featured in the weather segment. True to his class clown nature, Jace waved to the camera while saying "Hi Mom." 

I Want it All

Las Vegas Market

(February 2013)

A week of walking, wanting, eating, and laughing. 

My friend Dawn and I spent our days strolling through showroom after showroom of home decor, art, fabric, and furnishings. Lunch, snacks, and sodas were provided as bribes to lure you in to browse their company's goods. We did sign up for a few accounts and later placed a few orders so our days wandering were not in vain. The only downfall of Market is that it is not like a store- there is no buying of stuff right then and there. It is a look and browse, then set up an account, then place an order and wait patiently type process. On the bright-side  we discovered new companies and contacts to help in our efforts as Interior Designers. I added a few pictures below of some of my favorite furniture, art and accessories..... 

Pantone color of the year- Emerald

We stumbled across this amazing store with an amazing name. 

It is called Chandra.  And it sells rugs.

Lunch at Surya....

 I got to get cozy in a rocking bed- genius. Why didn't I think of it. 

Then there was the magic carpet ride with the handsome Aladdin, a highlight.

Dye & Metal

Back in January.......

I admit it. I was slowly beaten down, my authority started solid but was repetitively eroded like a sedimentary rock battling the smash of constant ocean waves. Eventually I caved and allowed Lauren to dye her hair. My protest was valid, as her hair color was the envy of anyone who has ever hoped for that perfect mix of highlights and lowlights. I tried in vain to explain this, but my words fell upon stubborn teenage ears. The deal was clear that there would be no major changes, but just a lighter blonde. 

Before

During...

After...

Metal Mouth, Brace Face

Evidently Lauren's teeth were dying for some attention. They weren't horrible, but askew enough that they needed braces. Now she is stuck with them for two years..... but it is worth it for a perfect smile!

Tonight, We Are Young.....

New Year's Eve.

It had become a mundane lackluster holiday in my life. Sipping bubbly poured from a chilled bottle of Martinelli's while a contrived TV countdown glared mocking me (for it knew I sat like a lump watching) was what this holiday had deteriorated to..

OK so maybe New Year's hasn't been that bad, but I can't say it has been all that memorable either. It becomes one of those EXPECTATIONS vs. REALITY scenarios. The hype is out there, you like to have fun, you want to do something but the day comes and BLAH- you've got nothing. 

So this year we decided that maybe some EFFORT was in order. We convinced our friends Scott & Leana to put on an 80's dance party with us to ring in the New Year. I went punk, mohawk and all, while Jason went with his classic Devo look. Lights flashed to the music that covered everything from Madonna to A-Ha and The Cure to Technotronic. The crowd was a little thin- turns out that there are people who actually prefer to sit on the sofa come New Year's Eve. Not me. I am still young (kinda), I can set the world on fire (or at least a spark),  I can burn brighter than the sun (that part is true). That night we had fun.... and nobody had to carry me home (though I know they would have). Next year there will be less effort, I am sure of it, but as they say- the party must go on.....

Scott & Leana

Justin & Stephanie

Travis & Christa

Heather, Steph & Steph

Jim & Kirsten

Donald & Angie

There was one thing that felt like falling down by night's end.......

mohawk spike #3