New York, New York!

The past week I went to New Jersey and New York to visit my best friend Shakira's little brother. He goes to the Westpoint prep school in Tinton Falls. It was a really fun trip, and people in New Jersey really say "yous". We had some of the craziest cab drivers. Our favorites were Bobby K and Bobby C. Bobby C crammed 5 of us into his cab and started filling out some paper work while driving. Finally, he said, "Oh I guess I could do that later." Thank God, we all thought. Then he got a phone call, and proceeded to talk to his "Baby." We are flying down the street and he sees a cop. "Hold on, baby," he says, "Last thing I need is a ticket." He slams on the breaks and sets the phone down as we pass the cop. OMG! Scariest cab ride ever. We practically kissed the ground when we arrived. Oh, and Bobby K, our first cab driver offered to hump our luggage. Yes, you read that right. He kept saying it, and while we realized he meant carry, none of us could get over the fact that hump does not mean carry over here in the West. Haha. :) Call me immature, but it was funny.

The whole trip was amazing. LJ's (Shakira's little brother) game was really fun and they won! LJ is a great football player and I am excited he gets to continue to play in college.


Here is Shakira and I at the game... it was sooooo windy!

Both teams had to be present to sing Westpoint's alma matter. (LJ is #29)

Here is all of us after the game. Ethan is in the back... he's LJ's best friend. The guy on the right side is Shakira's hubby.

Here is Shakira and I at the Jersey Shore.

This is before I lost my camera...that was the only downside of the trip. I leaned down to touch the Atlantic Ocean and I think it fell out of my pocket. When I came back to see if it was still there, it appeared the Atlantic had already swallowed it up. I replaced it that day, but the new one is not as good... oh well. It's a story, right?

This is my favorite picture of Matt and Shakira... can't wait till there little one is born! :)

Here we all are at Madison Square Garden. Matt, me, Shakira's mom, Laura, and Ethan

The New York Skyline

And again

Part of the city from the ferry that is not photographed as much :)

Shakira, LJ and their mom, Laura... love them!

Me and Shakira... ignore my hair it was windy... and you can see the baby belly :)

On the train to NY/NJ!

Here's a video we made on the way to New York... I never make videos, so since I did I had to share it :)

I Hate Sundays

Usually... I do. Sunday means getting up early for church (which I like, just not the getting up early part). Sundays mean laundry, nothing on t.v. but football, sorry, I am just not someone who likes football, unless it's live. I will watch any sport live b/c you get to cheer and let's face it I love to cheer. :) Anyways, Sunday also means going to bed early to get a good start to the week which inevitably starts on Monday.

Today was different, and I was trying to figure out why. I had a great weekend. And, not because it was super social. It was all about my attitude. Today, while I did go to church, did the laundry, get ready for the workweek, I also made sure to focus on myself too. At church, I was present in the Sunday school class and had one of the best weeks in a long time. We have identical triplets in the threes now, who are some of the most precious things you have ever seen. :) I came into the worship room and this little girl Lauren was waving at me, so excited to see me. It was a great feeling. But the best part about my cleaning day was I turned up my music loud (sorry neighbors) and rocked out. I am not ashamed to say that I have mini jam sessions alone in my apartment. I suggest you all do it. It is very cathartic. And, it made me feel ready for Monday. Bring it on.

Why I Love Kids

I called my mom today and the little boy she's taken care of since he was about 2 weeks old, answered the phone. His name is Braden and he is now 8 years old. Here was our conversation, which is why the post is titled as it is.

Braden: Hello.

Me: Hi! How are you?

Braden: Good.

Me: What are you doing?

Braden: Going to McDonald's.

Me: Mmm, sounds good. So, how's school going?

Braden: Good.

Me: (Remembering I had learned all about his new girlfriend on my last visit home.) How's your girlfriend?

Braden: We broke up.

Me: Oh, no, what happened?

Braden: Well, one day she was sick and I didn't want to go by her because I didn't want to get sick. And, then the next day she was out because she was sick. Then, when she came back she said, "Why weren't you nice to me the other day?" I said, "Because I didn't want to get sick." So, we broke up because she didn't like that.

Me: Oh, no, are you okay?

Braden: Yeah.

Me: Do you have a new girlfriend?

Braden: No, but Anna has a new boyfriend.

Me: Wow, that's fast.

Braden: Yeah, that's how Anna is. She breaks up with someone then the next day, she has a new boyfriend. Then breaks up with someone, and then has a new boyfriend.

Me: Oh wow, that's interesting.

Braden: Okay, well Laura (my mom) wants to talk to you now.

Me: Okay, bye Braden.

I then talked to my mom and she said she had no idea all this had happened. We both decided little Anna was quite the girl. :) Oh, I just love these conversations. It's why I love teaching Sunday school. These kids just crack me up. Oh, and the best part about Braden is this story is very him. He's a bit of a germaphobe, so I love that he didn't want to go by his girlfriend b/c she was sick. We'll all know when he really likes someone b/c he brings her soup when she's sick... that will be a big step for him. :)

My Party :)

All of my favorite people (who live in the Seattle area) were able to get together for my birthday. My work had a party as did the office building we work in, so I was four glasses of wine in when I arrived at my party! Sorry friends. :) But just know, I had a great time. We went to one of my favorite restaurants, Fado. It is an Irish bar, and they have the BEST food. Salmon bites, boxty wedges (basically it's fried pita you dip in cheese: amazing!), a quesadilla like you wouldn't believe... hmm, does it sound like I like food? I do. :)

As much as I started my day a bit depressed to turn 27, I ended the day on a good note. And, not just because of the wine. I am so grateful for my friends, all my facebook messages, my life. I need to really appreciate the little things, so when shitty things come my way, I can be grateful I have the really important things in life. Thanks again to all my friends, both here and across the U.S. I love you all and am so grateful you are a part of my life!

Me and Nicole in the office... remember, 4 glasses of wine, don't judge :)

Dylan and Natalie, one of my most favorite couples :)

Krissy and me... So glad you came out Krissy!

Me and Marissa, this girl has seen me through a lot of birthdays, and I hope it never ends!! Luv ya girl! :)

And here is Shakira and me... and baby boy! Her little baby is growing away in there, and I can't wait to be an auntie! I love this girl so much, and am so glad she came all the way from Bremerton to celebrate my day. :)

Sunday was my actual birthday. Here was how I spent my day.

Enjoyed myself a Dexter Marathon, I love this show!

And, bought myself a couple birthday presents: Cheesecake and a gossip mag... looks like 27 won't be such a bad year! :)

Birthday Celebrations

I am celebrating my birthday today! I really had to be coerced into it as I am not very excited to turn another year older. I wish I was married, or at least had a boyfriend. I wish I was married so I could be pregnant or already have a baby. I wish I was done with the extra year of school and had my CPA. I wish, I wish, I wish. But, in all reality, that is not my life right now. I am trying really hard to be okay with that. I put on a pink dress today and did my hair and makeup. I very much look the part of the girl who is having a birthday. Yay! :) I will have a good day, and an even better evening. I will appreciate my friends and know they love me and I love them, and for now that is more than I could ever ask for. Pictures to come later. :)