Tuesday Tunes. ::: The Waiting by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers :::

Good morning, and Happy Tuesday Tunes to you all!

How was your weekend? And what all did you do? I worked this weekend, so I didn't get to enjoy many weekend activities. But this Thanksgiving week was one of the best and busiest. My mom, dad, and I did the Turkey Trot in the morning. My friends had Friendsgiving in the afternoon. And then we had a family Thanksgiving that night. On Friday, I was able to see my friends, Krystal and Rafael, who were in town or the Thanksgiving holiday. And I was (finally!) able to give them their wedding present from Colorado Woodcraft. 

Remember how I'm working on being patient? Remember how it's a complete and utter struggle not to chase things down and instead, be patient, and let things fall into place? Yeah, me too. It's also been on my mind a lot. So, today's Tuesday Tunes reflects that.

Today's song is "The Waiting" from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Because, sometimes "the waiting is the hardest part" and you "can't let it get to you." Anyway, I hope you are having a good beginning to your week! Enjoy!

Sunday Funnies. ::: Real People, Fake Arms :::

Happy Sunday Funnies, my friends.

I hope you have had a great Thanksgiving week and weekend. Did you need some comic relief after spending so much time with family? I can honestly say, that the mix of friends and family was great this year.

Just in case you need some humor in your life, I have two videos for you today. And the name doesn't even give it justice. On Halloween, I showed my friends these videos. They were fairly skeptical when I told them the name: Real People, Fake Arms. But the videos did not disappoint. Obviously, I'm a little biased as two of my favorite people (Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake) are in this video.

Real People, Fake Arms. With Justin Timberlake and Steve Carell. Part 1.

Real People, Fake Arms. With Justin Timberlake and Steve Carell. Part 2.

Alright, friends. I hope you enjoy these videos and the rest of your weekend! 

Tuesday Tunes. ::: I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons :::

Good morning, and Happy Tuesday Tunes to you all!

How was your weekend? And what all did you do? I didn't have to work this weekend, so I was actually able to enjoy some weekend-y activities.

On Saturday, I went to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with Kimberly and Ayana. They have an exhibit about whales, which have been my favorite animal since elementary school. So needless to say I wanted to soak that up as much as possible. Ayana wanted to do the interactive activities, which was pretty entertaining to watch. Side note: Do you know what Wolverines look like? Please look it up, if not. (And don't just search for "wolverine" because you may just get information on the character of Wolverine.) I can honest say that I was totally surprised by their appearance.

On Saturday night, I went over to Sonya & Brendan's house and played with little Sawyer until it was time for him to go to bed. We watched silly youtube videos, talked, and had dinner until it was time for  us to go to bed.

Sunday night I had to work, but in the morning, I explored a new type of workout. I went to Miraas Aerial for my first ever Aerial class. I've been wanting to try Aerial yoga and aerial classes in general for the last 2 years. I'm not certain why I never did it but, I'll be going again soon (tonight, actually). As a former gymnast, I noticed many similarities between aerial and gymnastics. Mostly, I noticed the need for body awareness that is needed for both activities.

So, for today's Tuesday Tunes, I've picked "I Will Wait" by Mumford & Sons. I don't know if I ever told you about this, but for the last two years on New Year's I pull one Tarot Card for several of my friends. The card I pulled for 2014 for me was the "Patience" card and how fitting. As I was typing up everyone's Tarot card meaning, I got to my own and, because I was doing it last minute, I just figured I wouldn't type mine up. When I told my friends this, they laughed. I was lacking patience, completely. In this year, I've been working on my patience and this song has been one that I've gone to when in need of some help on the whole patience thing.

Okay, while the song is symbolic my 2014 goal to be patient, it also combines some of my very favorite things. 1) A favorite band: Mumford & Sons. 2) My favorite state: Colorado. 3) My favorite concert venue: Red Rocks Amphitheater. 4) A favorite way to hear a favorite band: In Concert.

Sunday Funnies. ::: He Was Injured. Injured Bad. :::

Happy Sunday Funnies, my friends.

How are things? And what have you been up to over the last 3 months? I hope you've been able to enjoy some fall activities and stay warm. Dang, it was cold a couple of weeks ago!

Things on my end have been ridiculous. Seriously. Moving, Halloween-ing, Housewarming, working, staying warm; I'm exhausted! So, writing here has taken a back burner. Particularly the back left burner, because I never use that one. (Is that just me? Just curious.)

Regardless, I'm back today. I make no promises for the rest of the week. But can we celebrate that I'm writing today? And if so, can we celebrate by watching this video? And laughing and the frankness of the boy in this video? Okay, good. I'm glad.

Sunday Funnies ::: Robin Williams :::

Happy Sunday Funnies, my friends.

The passing of Robin Williams is no longer news at this point. And, as we seem to do with every one's life (and death), we've figured out all of the sordid details. We've stopped remembering all of the great roles he has played in our lives and we've started to pick apart his life.

Well, I've stopped watching and listening to the media's coverage of this man's death, and I've been focusing on who Robin Williams was to me. He was my English teacher who jumped onto his desk and told me to "Seize the day." He and I flew together to Neverland to defeat the evil Captain Hook. He was my father, who pretended to be my housekeeper, just to spend time with me after school. He was also my father's flamboyant partner who owned a spectacular cabaret. He was my Genie who granted my three wishes. And he was the psychologist who challenged me to open myself and I challenged him right back.

If I could, today's Sunday Funnies would be every single one of these roles (and many more). But I don't think any of us have time for that. So, in lieu of watching every single movie, stand up routine, and TV show appearance of Mr. Williams, I will leave you with this.

29 Taught Me, 30 Will Teach Me

I've been 30 for a little while now - in fact, the "something" of my "30-something" is one month, two weeks, and two days - and I'm finally getting this thing posted. I've been thinking about the content of this post since about January, when I first started considering my upcoming birthday. While I was reading "30 Things Every Woman Should Have And Should Know By The Time She's 30," I was trying to decide what I learned in my as a 29 year old and what I hope to learn as a 30 year old. I've received inspiration from all over - from the book, from my New Year's resolutions, from the places I love most, and even from you! Here's what I've learned from as a 29 year old and what I plan to learn as a 30 year old:

29 Taught Me

Keep Ricka Weird - In my 29th year I noticed my favorite nouns (people, places, things) are, as some would say, weird. And they don't hide it, they are proud of it. My favorite people aren't scared to be the unique characters who come from deep within. People who flaunt their quirks and follow the dream within them. Those are the characters I want to surround myself with most.  On the other hand, people who hide their "weird" are not nearly as fun; it feels stifling to be with someone who is so conscious of his/her every move and tries to be "normal" or "perfect." 

Some of my favorite towns boast "Keep [Insert City Here] Weird." The feeling that you are different, and you are living in a place that not only accepts, but embraces your differences is welcoming. What about the things in my life? I cherish the objects I have with unique story. The couch I bought from the store? It's fine. But the one I got for free outside of my apartment? Now that couch is weird; but I love it even more than the one I've had for many years.

Be weird.

You Can Go Home - Who says you can't go home? Bon Jovi, actually. And Thomas Wolfe, I believe. But I believe you can. This past year was the year I came back from my adventures in Austin to Colorado, my home. Things aren't the same as they were 3 years ago. But I'm very thankful for that. I learned  you can go home, as long as you are aware that "home" is not going to look or feel the exact same as it once did. It's like when you are in high schooler and you go back to your elementary school. It's the same building, but you've changed- you've grown taller, you've learned new skills. Since you've changed, the halls seem skinnier and you look at the 4th graders and think to yourself "I wasn't that small when I was in 4th grade." But you were. It's the same with going home. Things may look different, and they most likely are, but recognizing that difference is pretty special. And realizing the important parts of your home are still the same. Denver still gives me the same feeling as it did when I used to stay at my grandparents' house.

Evolve - As you may remember, my New Year's Phrase/Word for 2013 was Evolve. And evolve I did. I looked at many of my habits under a microscope and decided whether or not they were benefiting me, or not. It was a hard year of learning new skills and unlearning old, out of date habits.

30 Will Teach Me 

Support - Well, hello there, New Year's Phrase/Word! Wait, did I even tell you my 2014 New Year's Word? Here it is... Support! I've realized that in the last 29 years, I haven't been very great at knowing who, when, and how to ask for help. I'm very proud of my independent spirit; it's allowed me many amazing experiences. If I had always needed the support of another person, I never would have seen half of the things I saw in Austin. Even though I don't always NEED support, I can ask for it when I WANT it. And I did want support in Austin. There were certain things I just didn't want to do alone - going to Franklin BBQ and Uchi, for example. It's a nice balancing act. Wanting to receive support, but not depending on it entirely. I suppose over the last couple of years, I've wanted to prove I can do anything by myself. I had the attitude of a 2 year old who says "Me do it" when they want to prove they are able. But now, I'm opening up to the idea that just because you CAN do things all on your own, doesn't mean you HAVE to do it alone. That's what friends are for, right? Supporting each other is the only way we can do all of the fabulous things we have planned. (Pretty convenient for me to be focusing on support when I'll be moving this fall and I'll graciously accept all of the support I can find.) My goal as a 30-something is to understand that balance better, and ask for support when and both want and need it.

Not only do I want to be able to ask for/receive support, I want to be able to give support. I'm striving to be a better listener, shoulder to cry on, and all-around supporter of those who support me. (But I want to point out that distinguisher: I want to support people who support me. I'm through going to event after event for people who aren't willing to reciprocate.) On a positive note, I was texting a friend who was having a hard day recently and the simple act of asking if he wanted to talk about it elicited a response of "... reading that made me instantly feel better..." It felt amazing to receive that text! Maybe my 2014 New Year's Word is already coming to fruition!

Thanks, Pinterest for this gem.

How To Live With Less - Well, this one is definitely going to be a hard one. Since you know me, you are aware I'm not a minimalist. I'm also not a maximalist (is that a word?). I'm somewhere in-between. I have everything I need, and many things I want. I have an idea for a New Year's Goal for 2015 that will be quite the undertaking. Before I get there, I'm going to need a paradigm shift to that of a minimalist. I'm going to rely on a lot of you to help me with this shift. So, thanks in advance.

Get Rid Of Riff-Raff - Full disclosure: I got this suggestion from my lovely hairstylist, Jolee. We were chatting while she was making my locks into my dream hair when the topic of turning thirty popped up. "Your thirties are going to be amazing! I love being in my thirties. This is the year you are finally going to get rid of the riff-raff in your life," she said. Okay, maybe that shouldn't be a direct quote, especially considering how long ago that conversation took place (which reminds me, I should probably put "Haircut" on that To-Do List of mine). Anyway, we continued to discuss the fact that thirty was when Jolee felt like she was able to trust her gut enough to know the difference between riff-raff and non-riff-raff. I've been thinking about it since my appointment with her, and I decided that ridding my life of riff raff is my goal for my 30's. I'm getting rid of those nouns (people, places, and things) in my life that are "good-for-nothing, rabble, and scum." Not only that, I'm going to strive to no longer be riff-raff in anyone else's life. If I'm being honest with myself, I allow myself to be "disreputable or undesirable" sometimes, and that needs to end at 29.

I might need this doormat as a reminder.

Alright, friends, what do you think? What am I missing? Is there a lesson you learned as a 29 or 30 year old that I should consider?

Tuesday Tunes. ::: Hey Love by Miner :::

Good morning, and Happy Tuesday Tunes to you all!

How was your weekend? And what all did you do? This weekend was full of work, for me. In fact I'm in the midst of a five night stretch. Woof! But before this crazy week began, I was (as always) busy! On Thursday, I visited with my grandma and did some (completely unnecessary) shopping. On Friday, I met up with my college roommate, Julie. Julie and I went on a hike on the Mount Falcon trail and then we had a huge dinner with her parents.

For today's Tuesday Tunes, I have the song "Hey Love" by Miner. I have been urged by two of my friends (you know who you are!) to listen to Miner for the last couple of months. Then, for my birthday, my sweet friends gave me a Miner CD. And I've been listening to it ever since. If you like the Lumineers and the Head and the Heart, I think you are going to like Miner. Their sound reminds me of another artist, but for the life of me, I can't put my finger on who it reminds me of. Is it "Fleet Foxes"?  Or "Band of Horses"? Or another band with a animal in the name? Regardless, I really enjoy their sound. And my favorite song on the album (thus far) is "Hey Love."

So, what do you think? Julia and Anthony: is this your favorite song on the album? Let me know. And have a wonderful week!

Sunday Funnies. ::: I'm a hyper hypo. :::

Happy Sunday Funnies, my friends.

I was reminded of one of my favorite skits the other day. A skit I had completely forgotten about until now. A couple of my friends and I were trying to decide who our favorite SNL cast members are and Mike Myers' name came up. Initially, I wasn't sure I'd put him on my Top 10 SNL Cast Members List, but then the words "Hyper Hypo" popped up into our conversation. It was then that I remembered the skit I had loved in high school; I loved it so much that a friend and I had it memorized in high school.

Here's the best link I could find: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/80666791/

Mike Myers plays the part of Phillip, a child who is hypoglycemic and hyperactive, while Nicole Kidman plays the part of Grace, a child who recently moved from Australia. Phillip's unexpected, but insightful comments are my favorite, ex: "You're surrounded by a lot of positive support."

Though I don't the actual name of the video, I call it the Hyper Hypo. And I hope you enjoy the Hyper Hypo. And the rest of your weekend!

Tuesday Tunes. ::: Beneath the Brine by The Family Crest :::

Good morning, and happy Tuesday Tunes to you all!

How was your weekend? And what all did you do? When I first started writing this post I started with, "I didn't really do much this weekend", but I ended up erasing it. Because this weekend was busy. 

On Friday I did a lot of chores, cleaned the house, walked around Wash Park, and took down the wonderful birthday decorations that had adorned my walls for the last week. Saturday, I continued my chores by doing what felt like 19 loads of laundry. After major laundry-ing, I went to Vert Kitchen with my friends Sonya and Brendan (and their 5 week old baby boy) for a Birthday Lunch. Vert Kitchen has incredibly fresh ingredients with a European influence. To start, we shared a ridiculously delicious (and Gluten Free!) brownie before our lunches were ready. For lunch, I had the Curry Chicken sandwich and Mexican coke-a-cola (which is obviously the best kind). It was a great birthday lunch! Saturday night, I went to Hacienda Colorado and then to Dave and Buster's with my friends for Kimberly's birthday. We played games for hours and, if given the time, I'm sure I could have spent several more hours playing Skee-Ball and doing the "Red Cup Challenge" (which I basically just Beer Pong, without the beer). When I woke up Sunday morning, I was planning on taking hours to wake up and just being lazy. Instead, I went to the Pearl Street Farmer's Market with several friends who live in the neighborhood. We walked around, sampled and bought food, and then had the arepas of Quiero Arapas. Just thinking about it, is making my mouth water. Then, Sunday afternoon I met with some friends to help plan an upcoming wedding shower for our friend.

Whoof! What a weekend! I'm slightly exhausted. But, doing all of those fun activities (minus the laundry) was somehow energizing as well. I have a new outlook on a couple of things (thanks Juliana!) and I'm ready for the busy week ahead. To help you with the week ahead, I'm presenting "Beneath the Brine" by The Family Crest. I first heard this song on "All Songs Considered" on NPR. I downloaded this song as soon as I got home (I was on one of my marathon walks around the park to reach my 500 Mile Goal) and I've had it on replay for the last week. This song takes so many twists and turns, it should keep you on your toes for the week ahead. Enjoy!

Sunday Funnies. ::: So great, SO GREAT! :::

Good Sunday Morning, my friends! And happy Sunday Funnies to you!

While we were busy celebrating my birthday last weekend, my friend Sarah noticed that I said the words "So Good!" a lot. A whole lot in fact. So much, that she assumed that I had seen a certain SNL video and was quoting it. The truth is, I hadn't seen it. So, while waiting to get into Snooze for a Birthday Brunch, I got to watch this video. 

Obviously my favorite part is when Jimmy Fallon starts laughing so hard that he ducks down to laugh and then regains his composure for the last part of the scene. This skit is (said like Justin Timberlake as Jimmy Fallon) So Great, SO GREAT! 

Birthday Girl.

Because you know me, you also know I love my birthday. Really. I always have, and I always will. I have a child-like excitement for my birthday; the kind of excitement where I can't sleep the night before my the big day. Having a July birthday meant when I was in elementary school, I never got to bring birthday treats on my actual birthday. I did however bring brownies at the end of the year to celebrate my upcoming birthday. Since then, I've brought treats to work (or school) on my birthday to relive those elementary school days. Also, my mom used to make me a Birthday Poster every year. The poster had pictures of all the activities I was into (gymnastics, riding my bike, etc.) and it appeared bright and early the morning of my birthday and I always looked forward to seeing it. I know, it's juvenile, but my birthday is my own personal holiday symbolizing another year I've traveled around the Sun. And I love it!

26th Birthday Celebration- BBQ at Home
(Krystal made that awesome cake and the yummy cupcakes)

27th Birthday Celebration- Drinks Downtown

28th Birthday Celebration- Pedal Hopper

29th Birthday Celebration- 1920's Theme

This year, just a couple of days ago in fact, I turned 30. And before my birthday I wasn't sure I wanted a party. As you can see from the last couple of years, birthday parties are my modus operandi. At one point this year, I didn't even feel like planning a party. This is the first year I can ever remember feeling "blah" about my birthday. But, thankfully, with the help of one of my closest friends, Sarah, I snapped out of my Birthday Ennui (that's what I chose to call it). I have to say, it was her excitement for my birthday that changed my attitude. Sarah wanted to make the trip from California to Colorado just to be here to celebrate with me and she was completely in when I finally came up with a theme.  Her enthusiasm was the best peer pressure to get me out of my Birthday Ennui. Knowing one of my besties wanted to celebrate with me meant I needed (wanted) to show her a good time. And I think the "Dirrrty XXX" Birthday party did just that.

In the end, my Birthday Ennui dissolved and I was able to revel in my juvenile tendencies on my 30th Birthday. I absolutely could not sleep the night before my birthday, due to all of the excitement of turning another year older (which made working the next day a little on the difficult side). I brought in Voodoo Donuts to my coworkers at the hospital in celebration of my birthday. And my sweet friend, Sam, made me a Birthday Poster (like the ones my mom used to make) that I opened on my birthday.

30th Birthday Celebration- Dirrrty XXX
Me (as Xtina) and Sarah (as the Orbit gum lady... "Dirty mouth, clean it up!")

So, I just want to thank you Sarah! And all of my wonderful friends who helped with planning this event, dressed up in a "Dirrrty XXX" costume, and made my last trip around the Sun so spectacular. Without you, this birthday celebration would not have been as amazing as it was. In fact, it wouldn't have happened without you. 

And here's to another trip around the Sun! I'm so excited to see what my 31st Trip Around the Sun brings!

Xoxo!

Sunday Funnies. ::: SomeECards. :::

Happy Sunday Funnies to you, my friend!

How has your week, and weekend been? Was I the only one who felt incredibly overwhelmed by all the facebook posts this week regarding Teacher Appreciation Week, Nurses Week, and (today,) Mother's Day? Because I certainly didn't even know that this week was dedicated to all of those wonderful people. But in all of my being overwhelmed, I realized what a crazy coincidence it is that all of these celebrations fall within the same week.

As a nurse whose parents (and siblings) are teachers, I found this coincidence to be fitting. Both teachers and nurses have professions that are challenging and the people who choose these professions are nurturing and compassionate. But here's the rub: these descriptions also pertain to mothers. And, I think it's fair to say, many mothers tend to be a combination of a nurse and a teacher. Moms teach their children to be wonderful human beings and in the process they nurse their kids' injuries. Who would you want taking care of you when you are sick on the couch and can't leave the house? If you are like me, it's your mom. And who taught you to spell your name, do your laundry, and the important life lessons needed to make friends? Again, for me, it's my mom. 

So to celebrate Teachers, Nurses, and Moms, I've found SomeECards that I hope you'll enjoy.

Thanks again to all of you teachers, nurses, and moms out there. This world wouldn't exist without you. 

Tuesday Tunes. ::: Happy by Pharrell Williams :::

Good morning! And happy Tuesday Tunes! (I say, hoping that you'll forgive me for being an absentee blogger for the last 3 months.) 

If you know me (which you do because no one else reads my blog), you probably know that it's been a busy couple of months. I applied for, and got, a new job; celebrated St. Patrick's Day with friends, had an amazing Game Night, found my dress for a wedding I'm in this June, went to an 80's Prom, ate way too many 7am breakfasts at Snooze, and in general have just been living a scintillating life.

And to cap it all off, today's song, Pharrell's "Happy", popped into my life. What do you think about today's song? Some friends and I were discussing it during our "Tres de Derby" party (think: big hats, burgers, hot dogs, Derby watching, ice cream, basketball watching, and shuffle board playing) and I think the final point was this: "Take it for what it is." (Thanks Alan, for the insight.) 

Whether the song makes you smile, change the station, dance in the car, or unhappy (as a guy recently told me it made him), it evokes some reaction. For me, this song makes me dance in the car and smile. Unless, however, I've heard it more than two times in one day, and then it evokes the changing of the channel. But it never makes me unhappy (I think the guy who told me that was a little off his rocker). As a special side note, one of my coworkers recently messed up the lyrics to "Clap along if you feel like a room without a view" and we laughed for the remaining two hours of our night shift (I'm sure you too would forget the lyrics at 5am too). 

Anyway, here's the video, if you choose to watch it or not:

Additional side notes: 1) Like most videos, I hadn't seen this until I wrote this post. But apparently I like videos of people dancing (see "Brave" by Sara Bareilles). 2) I like Pharrell's multitude of outfits in this video. 3) I've heard (via NPR) that his latest album G I R L is pretty great, I guess I'll have to check it out, maybe you will too.

 Have a Happy Tuesday!

Sunday Funnies. ::: Financial Advisor. :::

Happy Sunday Funnies, everyone!

Today I present an actual Comic Strip from the one and only Zits Cartoon. I have loved Zits since it first appeared in the Sunday paper. Back then, I probably associated with Jeremy, the teenage boy in the cartoon. These days, and this day in particular, I side with his parents.

Why you ask? Well, because this week, I did exactly what Jeremy's mom, Connie, and his father, Walter ("Walt" to those of us who know them well), did. I met with a financial advisor*. A friend had actually suggested this meeting years ago and I was absolutely certain I didn't need it. More than that, I was terrified. What if this person looked at my finances and said "You are screwed." I've watched enough Suze Orman in my life to know that sometimes our goals are out of our reach. But I didn't want to face facts. Ignorance is bliss, right? So, I spent the last 4 years avoiding my finances. Spending how much I wanted, on what I wanted, when I wanted. The problem? So many "wants", too little money. Well, that's not completely true. But you get my point. I wasn't ready to take a good hard look at my financial future and make any short or long term plans.

This year though, it hit me: It's time to support me. (Later, I'll be sure to tell you all about my New Year's Phrase... this sentence is part of that.) And how can I support myself without some financial support? I can't. Basically, I'm finally ready to get my finances under control. And, like they say, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." I was finally ready to take control and support me. Because of that, I've been reading more about the "Spending Diet" and  the "Spending Fast" (thank you And Then We Saved for some much needed inspiration!), I've been reading the Suze Orman book that has been on my shelf for 6+ years, and I finally contacted my friend's financial advisor. This first meeting was a step in the right direction, but the journey hasn't ended. Frankly, it's only just begun. In our first meeting, my financial advisor gathered all of my financial paperwork and will be looking over it in the next couple of weeks. But we meet again in two weeks so she can help me set some attainable financial goals (buy a house/condo/duplex, retire before I'm 80, etc.). I'll keep you posted on my progress in the meantime. And if I learn any gems, I'll pass them along to you. But you have to promise to do the same.

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend (even if I did bring Sunday Funnies to a more serious side)!

* - "adviser" and "advisor" are considered interchangeable according to the internet and my most trusted grammatically correct friends.

Tuesday Tunes. ::: I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers :::

Good morning, and happy Tuesday Tunes to y'all!

How was your weekend? I worked this entire weekend, so mine was pretty much just filled with work and sleep & sleep and work.

In a previous post, I talked about listening to the signs around me. Realizing (read: hoping, wishing, believing) the Universe has some cosmic way of saying, "Hey! I have a plan for you, now go out and do what I say!" Well, I've been feeling like the Universe is back at it recently. This may not seem odd to you, but I've heard today's Tuesday Tunes every time I turn on the radio. Every time. Not only that, this song recently showed up while I was watching "How I Met Your Mother." Twice. What does it mean? That 97.3 KBCO is obsessed with The Proclaimers? That I listen to the radio too much (and by the way, who else is listening to the radio when you could listen to digital music or Pandora or Spotify?)? That the Universe is not only controlling the radio, it's also in control of "How I Met Your Mother"? I don't have the exact answer. 

But what I do know is this: I am listening (who remembers those old Deep Rock Water commercials?). I figure if the Universe has a plan for me, it must know me pretty well. And it must also know that I am a very literal person. So, with that said, I've decided in 2014 I will walk 500 miles. And perhaps next year, I will walk 500 more. Just to be that (wo)man who walks a thousand miles to fall down at your door. 

Thus, I present you with I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) by The Proclaimers.

Please note three things: 1) I have never seen this music video before so don't judge based on that 2) it must be a legit video- it has the MTV logo in the lower left corner (which makes me nostalgic for the days when MTV showed music videos. Odd concept, right?) and 3) I apologize for falling down at your door in advance.

Sunday Funnies. ::: 17 Reasons The Denver Broncos Are The Least Hateable. :::

Good morning, and happy Sunday to you!

This week I'm presenting a BuzzFeed List of the "17 Reasons The Denver Broncos Are The Least Hateable Team In The NFL Playoffs." I would have put this up last weekend, but I didn't see it until after last weekend's game. I have to say, the entire town of Denver is still buzzing with excitement about our last playoff win. There is a flurry of orange and blue everywhere you look, and I'm so happy to be a part of it.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjkiebus/reasons-the-denver-broncos-are-the-least-hateable-in-the

Anyway, look through the list and see what you think. Reason number 15 is spot on. And reason number 14 just makes me smile. It's so important to have a sense of humor in life. Instead of giving more publicity to athletes who are selfish and rude, let's focus on athletes/coaches/management who don't behave like jerks, just because they can.

Tuesday Tunes. ::: Tubthumping by Chumbawamba :::

Good morning, and happy Tuesday Tunes to y'all!

How are you this morning? Are you feeling as wonderful and elated as all of us in Broncos Country? I sure to hope you are. And how was your weekend? Besides the fact that I had to work for the majority of the weekend, I had a pretty fantastic weekend. I worked both Friday and Saturday nights, but luckily for me, I did not have to work on Sunday. I went to Park Tavern with some friends and watched the Denver Broncos beat the New England Patriots! We drank, ate, and were incredibly merry because now our Denver Broncos are going to the Super Bowl! Who's excited about that? This gal. And to show my excitement, I'm going old school on y'all.

Now, the last time the Denver Broncos went to the Super Bowl, was the 1998-1999 Season. And the song that I've chose to feature was popular then and I remember the local radio show making a parody of this song. They put John Elway and company into the song and talked all about the Broncos. And though I have been unable to find said parody (if you find it, please let me know!) I will simply play this little ditty for you guys. Sound good?

I hope you have a wonderful week everyone! And GOOOOOOO Broncos!

Sunday Funnies. ::: Oops, I Crapped My Pants. :::

Man, do I get some funny looks when I mention certain hilarious skits, this one included, when my friends haven't even heard of them! "Oops, I Crapped My Pants" is a classic skit in my mind and I'm always surprised to find out when people don't know what I'm talking about. This week my friend Rachel and I were having dinner at Sushi Den when I mentioned the skit and she looked at me like I had five heads. So, to avoid receiving this look again, I happily bring you "Oops, I Crapped My Pants."

My favorite line: "I'm wearing them. And I just did."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Two Truths and a Lie. ::: Bachelorette Party and Labor Day in New Orleans. :::

In an earlier post, I formatted my ramblings in the form of the game "Two Truths and a Lie." I decided it would be a great way to tell you all about my (not so recent) trip to New Orleans. Decide for yourself which of these three things did not happen on my first trip to NOLA.

1) Our trip coincided with "Southern Decadence." Unfamiliar with Southern Decadence? I was too, prior to our trip. Read more here. In the most basic terms, it is the largest gay celebration in New Orleans. As if New Orleans wasn't crazy enough, we were there during a very popular weekend. It was a given that we were going to run into some unique characters, but we ran into even more due to Southern Decadence. I think we ran into at least a dozen men in angel wings and another dozen in women's dresses.

2) I had some of the most unique, delectable food I have ever had in my life. I ate (in no particular order): fried alligator, beignets, turtle soup, gumbo, pecan-crusted gulf fish, and a fried soft-shell crab po-boy. We ate at one of the restaurants where Emeril Lagasse got his start. Not only that, we sat in a private room where several celebrities had recently been. Later in the night, our waiter told me that I sat in the same chair as one, Justin Timberlake. My butt on the same chair as JT's? I can only hope our waiter wasn't just telling me what I wanted to hear.

3) I held an alligator! And my friend Lindsay kissed an alligator! We headed to an alligator tour by Airboat Adventures in Lafitte, LA (which is about a thirty minute drive from the French Quarter).  While waiting for our tour to begin, we saw a white alligator. Once on our tour, our guide jumped into the swamp, played with two of the alligators we saw, threw one of the alligators in the swamp, and fed one from his mouth. Who is crazy enough to swim and play with alligators? This guy. I found that article featured on Yahoo! not even a week after our tour with him. Holding the alligator seems pretty tame after you see a man in the water next to one, but I was still shaking when I held the little gator.

Lindsay and me in our wigs from CoCo Coquette. 

Commander's Palace. Where Emeril got his start.

Holding an alligator. When in New Orleans...

Truth is, Lindsay's Bachellorette Party went off without a hitch. (Well, minus the fact that I got pulled over on the way out of Texas and into Louisiana....) We had a phenomenal time together and now I want to go back for every Bachelorette Party I attend.

I've kept you on the edge of your seat long enough, number 1 was the lie. Not because our trip didn't coincide with Southern Decadence, mostly because we didn't see any guys in angel wings.

Tuesday Tunes. ::: Brave by Sara Bareilles. :::

Good morning, and happy Tuesday Tunes!

How was your weekend Reader? Mine was a ridiculously busy weekend full of friends and fun. On Saturday, I had lunch with my friends Sonya and Nicole at Tocabe, then Sonya and I went for pedicures after lunch, and then we walked to one of our favorite stores on Broadway. On Sunday, I met up with some friends at The Pub on Penn to watch the Denver Broncos take on (and beat!) the San Diego Chargers. It was a busy weekend, and now I'm trying to catch up on some much needed sleep.

I know it's not summer, but that is when this song made its way into my head and my soul. When I was in Austin, Molly and I would play this song over, and over, and over again. At the time, the lyrics were spot on in regards to our lives and it felt good to sing (off key in my case) the lyrics at the top of our lungs. Sometimes certain songs become popular right when you need them most. Last week, Molly and I were finally able to have a long overdue phone date. Despite the fact that this song was our summer song, I think I can safely say that it could also be our winter song as well. What say you Molly? 

Side note: I hadn't seen this music video until now. And I have to say, not bad Sara Bareilles, not bad.

Have a wonderful Tuesday, all!

Sunday Funnies. ::: Hello, I'm a Car. :::

Good Morning, Reader. Or should I say, Good Morning, Long Lost Friend...

I blame me, and solely me, for my hiatus. And I could go on and on and on, making excuses for the long absence, but let's get real: People far busier than I are accomplishing more than this. So, my silly excuses matter very little. The important thing is I'm back. 

And with that said, it's time for Sunday Funnies. Perhaps my favorite (blog) day of the week. I have to tell you, Reader, that sometimes I start quoting commercials, movies, etc. without even realizing it. That's what happened last weekend when Olivia and I started quoting Dane Cook. Looking back, we sounded completely ridiculous (watch the video, and you'll understand why) to begin with, but sounded even more nutty due to the fact that the other two people with us had absolutely no clue what we were talking about. So this video, I dedicate to them.

Special note: Kimberly- I hope Olivia and I saying this all the way home didn't ruin your Bride Day.