Sneezing into spring

Earlier this week, I wore my peacoat to work. Now, I'm in a short-sleeved shirt and a skirt. Spring has finally arrived. As glorious as this is after what seemed like non-stop rain for a few months, I remember why spring and I have a love/hate relationship. Spring brings everyone out from their caves and makes the quad a happy, lively place. Spring brings out all the cute capris and tank tops I've been wanting to wear. And spring also brings out the allergy demons (aka the itchy throat, watery eyes, runny nose demons). I'm taking action this year however, I've made an appointment to see an allergist next week! Its actually quite ridiculous to avoid being outside in this beautiful weather because I'm afraid of becoming incapacitated by all the pollens floating around. I think this would come in handy. Anyhow, that's my rant on allergies.

So last weekend was absolutely delightful. I held out hope, against everyone else who was sure it was going to rain on Picnic Day, and it turned out to be a perfectly sunny day. Besides the weather, it was just so fantastic to see so many people I haven't seen in a while. Aubrey hosted a wine and cheese soiree at her place on Friday, and it felt like an ADX reunion. Rachel and I talked later about how it is such a blessing to have a certain group of girls that you will always have a connection with, no matter what different paths our lives all take. It was really cool to hear where life is taking everyone---some to the city, some across the country to nursing school, some to marriage. I really enjoyed getting to catch up with everybody.

This weekend looks promising as well. We're taking off to San Francisco tomorrow afternoon to hang out with David's brother Jeff, and his cousin, Katie. Somehow we're going to cram in Jeff's apartment for the night, and then David and I are hitting up the ADX semi action and going to see "Fame Becomes Me", the pre-Broadway run of the new Martin Short musical. I'm excited!!

Oh gosh, I feel another sneeze coming on......why must you tease me this way spring?!

I'm a busy bee

This post was inspired by Google Calendar, the latest invention from the masterminds of Google. After Krystle informed me about this wonderful creation, I of course had to add everything into my calendar right away.

And it hit me. The next two months are going to be crazy busy--but in a good way. It just wouldn't be spring if every weekend wasn't packed now would it?

The main events of April and May include (in chronological order):

*Aubrey's wine and cheese soiree
*Picnic Day (no rain please)
*Bronwyn's birthday dinner
*SF hang out with Jeff and Katie
*ADX Semiformal (can't resist a Broadway musical)
*my mom and dad's 25th anniversary party
*Katie Shockey's bridal shower
*Kate and Chris's wedding weekend (so excited)
*Memorial Day weekend is still unbooked--I'm thinking it'd be cool to take a day trip somewhere outdoorsy


On another completely random note, I've been checking out different musicians and bands on MySpace since this week has been slow at work. Here are my current findings:

Schulyer Fisk
Molly Jenson
Sonya Kitchell

Enjoy!

drowning in puddles

dear rain,

go away. it's utterly impossible to enjoy SPRING when you're still around. you have had your time to be the center of attention all throughout March, and you need to leave April alone. thank you,


me

Lobbying for some gelato!

David and I went to go see 'Thank you for Smoking' with Dan and Krystle in the newly renovated Varsity Theater in downtown Davis this weekend. I was especially excited about the gelato that was being served inside the theater---at least that's what I thought was indicated by the marquee that had "Gelato"written on it. However, no gelato did we find. I guess they will be serving it at the theater 'soon', whatever that means.

The movie, though, was great. Definitely a witty, comical take on the world of lobbyists. And the cast, for the most part, is stellar. I think Katie Holmes was totally miscast, but it doesn't ruin the film.
So go see this film and support smart cinema instead most of the mindless crap (I mean really, did they need to make a Scary Movie 4?) they are showing right now.

Viva Las Vegas

David and I took a 4-day trip to Las Vegas last week, since neither of us had been before. We had gone expecting it to be a mini-vacation, and came back exhausted and sick. Not to say that the trip wasn't fun-- I'm glad we went and got a taste for the Vegas experience. However, after 4 days, I got tired of the smoke constantly blowing in your face, annoyed with all the people on the street handing out stripper fliers, and sick of the incessant "bling bling" sound of the slot machines. It was one of those trips that you were happy to be home at the end.

Main highlights:

-Getting free tickets (from one of my dad's friends) to Lance Burton, an amazing magician performing at the Monte Carlo
-getting to visualize what the Eiffel tower looks like at the Paris hotel
-walking through the 'Italian streets' at the Venetian hotel
-playing for 30 minutes on TEN CENTS at one of the penny slot machines

On a more serious note, I have to say that spending time in Vegas really made me realize how easy it is to fall in the materialism trap. I found myself envious of the couples who were eating at all the posh restaurants we passed (we ate at the fast food court instead), or wishing we had endless money to spend at all the shops we walked by (our only purchase was a $1 souvenir magnet). Even though these thoughts were fleeting, I had to remind myself that all of it is temporary--and why invest in temporary things?

In the book of 1st Timothy, Paul sums it up quite nicely:

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."

Couldn't have said it better myself.