Twenty Nine and Other Stories

Well I'm right at two hours before the big day........I took today off work to bring closure to my decade. I realize some of you will roll your eyes at that, but this is the sort of person I am. I like definite endings and beginnings, so I took today to celebrate the end of what has turned out to be a fantastic decade. I did some journaling about it today - who knew the whole thing had been so much fun?

Last year my birthday was a hurried celebration prior to my last minute flight to Kansas after the tornado. Mom, Dad, and Marie took me to Ivanhoes where I had my first for real strawberry shortcake.

And this was during the work celebration. My hair sure has gotten long in the last year. I hadn't realized how much until I started looking at these pictures!


Well let's see - what else do I have for you? Oh! Happy "I Just Called to Say I Love You" day.
And the zoo story. I had to get permission from Sarah to tell this one, since I'm telling it on her. Sarah (of the fabulous Flour Child Cupcakes) had a birthday this past Saturday and she wanted her party to be at the zoo. So a few carloads of people drove down to the zoo and we wandered around looking at animals and watching the little kids get all excited about everything. One of the babies in our group just turned a year old not long ago. Baby Meredith. She is a pretty stylin' kid - often sporting sunglasses and little bonnets in the great outdoors. We just left one of the first exhibits when Sarah spotted baby Meredith in her cute little hat just grinning over her Dad's shoulder. Sarah said (rather loudly) "OH!!!!!! Look at her cute little bonnet!!!!!!!" Right then, about two dozen Amish people walked by us. Sarah and I dissolved into some pretty heavy giggles. WOOPS! Poor timing but very funny.
And last but not least...IDOL!!!! I so forgot that this was Tuesday - days off work do that to me. I forgot to record it, so I had to rush home in time to watch. Here are my thoughts on the fab final three:
David Archuleta - Round One: I actually thought this was one of his best ever performances. I thought his voice sounded much stronger than normal and I thought he seemed confident and NOT awkward. Round Two: I didn't love it. It seemed hokey - Simon called it awkward and I would agree with that. He was back to the David who is good but doesn't seem quite mature enough to handle tour life. Round Three: I thought he did a very nice job on that one. I didn't think the song choice was as bad as Simon said. I guess maybe I like David better when he's not moving.
Syesha - Round One: I thought she was good, but I wasn't blown away by the song. Maybe if I'd known the song?? Round Two: This was actually my favorite one for her tonight. Her dress was about six inches too short (sorry Phats, I'm sure you loved it) and it was kind of a seductive performance, but I thought she sang well. I was very surprised the judges tore it down as much as they did. Round Three: I thought it was pretty good! I thought overall the judges were too critical of her and I think she could be in trouble because of it.
David Cook - Round One - He did an awesome job, I thought, and I continue to just absolutely love him. Round Two - That was a SHORT song! I agreed with Paula that I was just getting into it about the time it was over. I thought he did a nice job on it though. Round Three - I screamed. SO SO SO GOOD. I also think he should wear that outfit from now on. David for the win, PLEASE!!!!!!!