Call to Musical Action

If you are looking for music that makes you feel like there are things worth feeling for - David Ramirez is a good place to start.



Best part of this call to action? His new cd is available for FREE on noisetrade. Click here to get there.

David is a friend of mine that I adore with a fiery passion. He's a twenty something with the soul of someone who lived in a time where cigarettes didn't give you cancer and men didn't stand a chance in the arms of a woman.

He sings about falling apart and pulling yourself back together. He sings about being the best version of ourselves and also the worst.

Try something new - listen to David this week. He comes highly recommended.

Jam-packed weekend

This weekend was a good'n.

It started with a fabulous VISA Corps retreat with my amazing student ambassador group, led to AN incredible TCU game. Bye bye Boise. And finished off with a movie premiere at Lone Star Film Festival, Yogurtland, a trip to the dog park and a softball championship.

My wonderful "other" plays in a community softball league with some wonderful gentlemen, he calls friends.

Last night was the final game of play-offs for the league championship.

Our boys blew em' out 9 to 1 or something of the like.

They were out of hot chocolate at the concession stand, but Air and I gorged ourselves on goldfish and trail mix between our softball cheers.

My personal favorite of the evening: "Come on Marky Mark show me your Wahlberg!" Mark's the pitcher.

Good right?

Here are some pictures from this fantastical fun weekend.

Inspiretsy deux

Yesterday was too much fun. Today though, I'm a little obsessed with preparations for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here are some of my favorite etsy delights for the holidays.




Yes, let's. It's time to overeat.




Thanksgiving coasters for those delicious adult beverages.





If I had offspring I would make them all wear one of these.




Loving a non-traditional Christmas card. (KK thinking of you with this one)



The shabby chic stocking.




For when my coffee gets chilly this Christmas at home. 

Inspiretsy

I may not be allowed to shop this November. But I can dream. Thank you Etsy for your inspirational goods. I shall refer to the following as "inspiretsy."

Fabulous dish towels.

Coffee with Mr. Darcy. Why yes... please do tell.

Cream or sugar?

It's looking like rain around 2:05.

Exploring bear. 

Poking around Etsy for the latest and greatest never gets old.

It's almost as fun as buying things off etsy... almost.

Bad Lip Reading

I have never been someone who is talented at lip reading.

If I am in a loud room with someone who wants to talk to me, the chances I will misinterpret their attempted contributions to the conversation are abnormally high.

It's not even lip reading, it's lyrics to songs and regular conversation in my home when the television is on. I think I have trouble listening and then interpreting what was said. When someone says "Let's go grab lunch tomorrow at noon" I may hear "Lettuce munch borrowed the harpoon."

Obviously this causes problems in my everyday life.

However, it appears a fellow interpretation-impaired individual has put their issues to good use. Regardless of political affiliation, this is hysterical. And yes, they do these videos centered on liberals too. No worries - it's equal opportunity silliness.

If you enjoy the Rick Perry one - check out their Mitt Romney video below it. That one makes me lose it every time.

Oh Rick...

Dear Mitt...

Weekenders

This weekend started off with a real bang when rock-climbing was cancelled and Airika, Bella and Emma (my dogs) and I decided it was high time for a sleep over. This decision was significantly impacted by the fact that it was approximately 50 degrees in our house and there was no way I was sleeping in my freezer-room by myself.

We took our sweet time waking up the next morning(ish), around 11, and happily allowed the pups to act as blankets until it was warm enough to emerge from the down-comforter and plush throws.

Snuggle pups.

Once we woke up we decided on breakfast. I've started shopping for REAL groceries at the Sprouts Farmers Market nearby and it has done wonders for my eating habits. It's amazing how your mind and body respond when you replace prepackaged frozen foods and noodle boxes with veggies, fresh baked bread and fruit.

Saturday featured San-Fran-sourdough toast topped with natural peanut butter and clove honey. Served up alongside a cup of Constant Comment Tea in our LOVE Michigan mugs.

Chilly morning breakfast.

Later that day I went to the dog park, saw a matinee, did all my laundry, ran errands, and wet-swiffered the whole dag-gum house. Take that dog hair and dirt wads.

Sunday was my Modern Art Museum date. Including brunch at the cafe modern and my other's creative interpretations of modern art. Favorite conversation of the day:

Him: "Are these all supposed to be interpretations of the American Flag?"

Me: "I don't think that was the intention, but it's an interesting idea."

Him: "See, my attempt to get deep and consider the capitalist agenda of the US and how it is consuming our once beloved ideals... and this guy just liked lines."

Lastly, I had the I LOVE THE SEARCH party, after the agape feast and sweet tunes we went for a jack frost at Pappas Burgers with our glitz and glamour minister Suzanne. Goodbye weekend. Thanks for the entertainment.

Suzanne packed the house. Big surprise.

No shop November

My personal no shop November challenge has become plan for my May vacation instead.

I am doing well not buying myself any unnecessary goodies or clothing so far. (wow, good job me. it's only 4 days into November.) However, I will admit Airika and I received a scarf that we ordered on Cold Water Creek in October. I felt a little like I was cheating... but it was October when I ordered it. So it's fair game.

In May there is a wonderful window of time where students have left campus and there isn't much to do, which leaves a perfect little vacation sized hole in me and my wonderful other's schedules. This past May we went hiking in Joshua Tree National Park and lazed around the hidden gem known as the 29 Palms Inn. If you are looking for a place to really get away, hike, and relax - I would recommend checking this place out.

One of my photos from the informal rock climbing in Joshua Tree.

Don't be thrown off by the terribly unprofessional website, or the lack of amenities featured. This place is a little slice of heaven, as long as you don't mind the desert. I didn't think it would be my cup of tea, but I loved every minute of our sand and stone laden escape.

This year, my pick is a bed and breakfast in Key West. We did the desert, now we need to go for a different sandy experience. I was drawn to the Popular House thanks to multiple yelp reviews and a sense of eclectic, home cooked comfort. If it works out for us - I'll be thrilled.

Key West beach front.

 The Popular House, just outside town, walking distance to the beach.