Pioneer Woman!

My friend Krysta and I decided to take a little adventure last night and go to the Pioneer Woman book signing in our area. We got there about 2 hours before it started and were given tickets for group F. There were 50 people in each group so that means 250 people were ahead of us in line. The bookstore was really organized though (meaning, they had hardcore staff people who wouldn't let you line up until they called your group letter) so at first it didn't seem like it would be that long of a wait. Here's Krysta at the beginning of the night, still wearing her coat (that didn't last long - it was hot in there.)



We spotted PW's oldest daughter and Krysta suggested we get our photo taken with her. I got over my embarrassment and agreed (glad I did.) She was super cute and TALL! Yes, she had cowboy boots on.


We couldn't really find a place to sit while we waited so we walked around the bookstore for about three hours as we waited for our turn. We spotted a lovely older woman wearing these stripper shoes. I stifled the urge to ask her where she bought them.


Later, I started reading a book on my iPhone, which Krysta found to be quite funny considering we were in a book store. Note the horrible grow-out. Hair appt is on Tuesday, in case you were wondering.

Remember how I said at first we didn't think it would take so long? Well, we were wrong. Fifty people per group, each with a book or two or three to sign makes for a long wait. Plus she didn't do any sort of public speaking -- just the signing so that made things go a bit longer than we expected. The event started at 5 PM and we got up to the front of the line shortly before 8 PM. As soon as it was our turn to go up, she had to take a bathroom break so we waited a bit longer.


When she came back, we took pictures and started chatting. She said she loved Seattle and decided to stay here today as well before heading down to Portland for her signing there on Monday night (I'm glad she stayed because we have had sun all day today.) We talked about our favorite PW recipes (in case you were wondering, Krysta's is the prune cake and mine is the apple dumplings -- not in the cookbook.)


There's a better picture of Krysta on facebook but this one is better of me...my blog, my choice of picture, right??

I cannot express how sweet, lovely, kind and funny she was. She told us to scoot in because she had no personal space issues at all, which I loved. She is exactly as you would expect her to be: normal, down to earth, totally approachable and someone you would be friends with if you lived on the next ranch over.


Such a fun night -- so glad we went!

A few more thoughts

My mom has been leaving pots of flowers on my porch this week (a whole month before my birthday too!) I cannot tell you the joy that it brings me to have colorful flowers by my door. Well, almost as much joy that I feel when I think about what a wonderful mother I've been blessed with.

I'm going to be in bed by 8:30 PM on a Friday night. I live the most exciting life EVER.

Because I could no longer stand the pain, I bought a wrist brace at the drug store today. It's mostly helping. I'm afraid it's carpal tunnel and since I'm a doctor who moonlights as an executive assistant, I'm sure I'm right. (Yeah, yeah, I'll go to the doctor when I get back from vacation.)

How great was Elton John on Oprah today? Oh my gosh. He is just amazing. I wish they had let him sing the entire hour. And speaking of Oprah, did you see Richard Branson's home in the Virgin Islands? I want to be his friend so he'll invite me and my friends (i.e. all of you) to go stay on his island.

Songs I bought this week on iTunes: State of Shock (Michael Jackson/Mick Jagger), the Hello songs from this week's Glee, and Crystal Bowersox's "Midnight Train to Georgia." She's probably going to win, don't you think?

Krysta and I are going to see The Pioneer Woman tomorrow. Wish us luck -- I'm a little worried that there will be a gazillion people there and we won't make it to the front of the line before she has to leave.

And that's it -- bedtime. Have a great weekend!

Thursday thoughts

I love and adore hummus.

I went to Costco with Mr. Crushworthy during lunch today (I KNOW!) Of course, this is the one day that I go to Costco and don't see a single soul that I know but I promise this really happened. He's struggling with a decision, seriously stressed out and needed a field trip away from work. Who knew that a stroll around Costco with me is a surefire cure-all? Well, it is.

I've worked late every night this week. It's getting old.

Have you ever met anyone who is "allergic" to everything? I have. Did you know that if you have food "allergies" and you eat out at fancy restaurants, your food "allergies" won't bother you because the quality of food is such that it doesn't bother your food "allergies?" Yeah, I didn't know that either. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

TV update: I can't wait to watch the finale of Ugly Betty (don't tell me how it ends.) I am loving Survivor this season - still can't believe Russell outmaneuvered Boston Rob. I'm not really into Dancing with the Stars. I have all of the episodes of Lost recorded (including last season's finale) and have yet to watch any of them. Justin Bieber was actually pretty good on SNL last weekend. Who'd have guessed I'd ever say that?

My wrist hurts. I'm not sure why.

I got my tax return. I'm going shopping now. Spring is springing and I need new clothes for my trip to Utah next week. Yes, I leave for Utah one week from today. I'm going to Callie's graduation and Women's Conference. I'm excited even though the thought of leaving work for 6 business days stresses me out. Blah.

Things I loved, things I didn't: Vegas edition

I got home late Friday night after spending three fun days in Las Vegas with my dear friend Michelle and her darling daughter, Dani. They invited me to join them for part of their spring break at a timeshare just behind the Flamingo Hotel. Pictures at the end but first, here's what I loved and what I did NOT love about Vegas.

LOVED:

• The Bellagio. I went to Vegas thinking I'd love the Venetian most of all but I am still dreaming about staying at the Bellagio the next time I visit. I loved the Dale Chihuly sculptures in the lobby but the Conservatory was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I want to go back and see how they change it for the different seasons. Click this link for more info. And then the night/water show out front? LOVED IT!
• Serendipity 3's frozen hot chocolate. It totally lived up to the hype.
• Brunch at Treasure Island. Mini-donuts people. That's all you need to know (and yes, I gained 0.4 at WW this week - don't judge.)
• The painted ceilings in some of the malls. It made me happy to see blue skies and clouds inside.
• Brighton stores (I counted two on the strip, two in the airport.) I bought a beautiful new watch. Plus, they give you darling bottles of water when you shop there. I loved getting something for free in such an expensive city.
• The weather. It was sunny and 75-80 the entire time. I've missed being warm.
• The Bellagio was far and away my favorite but the Venetian, New York New York, MGM Grand, Paris and Caesars were pretty incredible as well.

DID NOT LOVE:

• All the smoking. Why do people bring their babies or children here? Seriously, not a good idea, in my humble opinion.
• Watching pervy old men happily take the naked women cards handed out on the street.
• The no law against walking around with alcohol. It's just weird to see but yet, also kind of funny to watch people walking around drinking out of a giant $20 Eiffel Tower replica.
• People who think they can wear clothes they really have no business wearing. Michelle and I thought about setting up a booth just to offer our own fashion advice to the poor souls walking around in leopard pants, too high of heels and Ed Hardy anything.
• Getting splashed by a Lexus driving by as we walked to brunch. I should have taken a picture of how wet I got but I was too busy being mad/sad about it. :(

And now, the pictures. Not in order...

The closest we got to Donny...I couldn't talk Michelle and Dani into seeing a show, dang it!

Me outside of the pirate ship at Treasure Island

Dani, Michelle and I waiting for the light show outside of the Bellagio.

The Conservatory at night

Cute snail at the Conservatory - his shell is all flowers

More Conservatory. Did I mention I loved it? I'm not sure if you knew that yet...

I can't remember where this is -- Caesar's? But more than the incredible statues, you should be noticing my fabulous purse.

Me and Michelley in the lobby at the Venetian. Again, rocking the cutest purse ever.

The Venetian again - loved these umbrellas

Dani and me shopping - look at the beautiful painted ceiling.

Me and Snoop

Sigh...Justin...

And finally, my favorite shot of the Conservatory. Yes, I want you to love it as much as I do!

I have been changed for good

No this is not a post about friends or even a post about one of my favorite musicals. Instead it's a post about things that have seriously changed my life for good. And because I care so much about you, my readers, I will now share this list with you.

1. Remember what I used to do with my lipsticks? Well, my fun new coworker, KK, taught me a simple trick and now my lipsticks are flat. Don't believe me? Just look at this actual picture of my actual lipstick!

So all you slanted lipstick people, listen up! When you start using a brand new lipstick, apply it using only the very tip, until you eventually wear down the tip and are left with a flat surface. It really works! (Do I need to do a video demonstration? I will if you want.) Anyway, I am SO happy that I will forever get to use every single bit of my lipsticks and will no longer break off the tips whilst applying.

2. Popchips! Have you all tried them yet? They are seriously making my lunch time so satisfying. I buy them from Amazon which works for me because they are individually portioned, 100 calorie bags but I hear they have big bags at Costco and most grocery stores now. I'm a fan of the BBQ flavor most of all and they don't taste one bit like Pringles, which is what I think baked chips taste like.

3. Please tell me you're all eating Orowheat sandwich thins. If you're not and you're trying to cut extra calories out of your life so you can eat more Easter candy, then you must switch to eating them now. I seriously eat a turkey sandwich each and every day and absolutely love it. Throw in a bag of popchips, an apple and voila. You have the perfect lunch (finishing up with a fat free pudding cup at about 2:00 because hello, I have to have dessert or I will lit'rally -- say it like Rachel Zoe, people! -- die.)

4. After keeping it for 15 years, I have finally retired my old clock radio. I don't know why I kept it so long (maybe because it still works?) but I'd been eyeing one of those iHome ones at Costco which has a dock that charges my iPhone and finally pulled the trigger. I couldn't find it on the Costco site but here it is on Amazon but for like $30 more (so buy it at Costco.)

Anyway, I had no idea that newer clock radios are so polite that the music starts out softly and then gets louder so as to gently wake you (how thoughtful, huh?) I also had no idea that newer clock radios will allow you to adjust the snooze to longer than 9 minutes! I also had no idea that newer clock radios keep your alarm set for the same time every day so there's no more of that OCD/"did I set my dang alarm" feeling. All of that AND it has a remote? Perfection, I tell you! Why on EARTH I waited so long to buy this item, I will never know. Anyway, if you have an iPhone (and better yet, if you are a two iPhone/iPod family) you totally NEED this.

Okay, that about sums up why my life is so amazingly perfect right now. I'm really a simple girl with simple needs.

Honest. I am!!

Happy Easter/Conference Weekend everyone!

Recent blog entries I've loved

Because I don't want to blog about the singles activity I went to last night (way too depressing) and because I haven't taken pictures of fun things I've been doing lately (brunch with Krysta, BBQ with my family, a play with Kim) I'm going to blog about other people's blogs. Smart, huh?

I've fallen off my blog of the week wagon but here are some recent entries I loved and thought you'd love as well. I probably have more than this to share but guess what? My reader is up to 607. This is what happens when I get too busy at work and I don't get to take lunch (but it does make for nice results at WW - go me.)

Anyhoo...

You know how people come up with lists of things to accomplish before a certain age? My friend Jasmine's sister Autumn posted the BEST such list. Read it here. Seriously awesome. Number nine made me laugh out loud.

One of my darling/former YW, Jamie has such a fun blog. I love her. Read her letter to her life here. It made me want to write my own such letter.

I really want to get over my fear of pie-making and bake this pie but not the cookies for the crust. I love that there are people out there who go to that extent when baking but me? I buy cookies from the store and feel great about it.

I made these chocolate chip cookies today for our handyman at work who is so nice and does whatever I ask without rolling his eyes or complaining. They've got a really good flavor and a nice texture but I don't know that they're the best ever. I used all butter but didn't chill the dough so will try them again and be more exact next time.

Have you read anything interesting I need to know about???? Do share. I mean, I won't have time to read them but I might have free time again someday.

Blogworthy news

I'm not sure I'm loving the whole "blog once a week" thing but since I've had a lot going on lately (including stuff I couldn't really talk about) I just haven't been able to blog. But the cone of silence has been lifted and I can officially tell you I got the job!

The interview was much easier than I expected -- only three simple questions. They obviously liked my answers because two days later I was told the job was mine. I started supporting the new guy on Monday in addition to my regular work and let me just tell you, I am going crazy. Thankfully, I will be able to start offloading my old job to my replacement by next week.

I have such mixed emotions about everything. I'm over the moon happy about the new job. Seriously thrilled, I tell you! My new boss is so nice and very similar in leadership style to my current (beloved) boss. He's also just as devoted to his family, just as ethical and a really great guy. The job will be different and with different challenges which is good after working in the same group for nearly five years. I could also easily pull a Dwight Schrute and cross out the "to the" after the "assistant" part of my title and sound REALLY important.
HOWEVER, I get in my car and cry just about every night as I drive home because I'm so sad to be making this change. Last night, my (beloved) boss called all three phone numbers, sent texts to both work/personal cell phones and finally called my friend Krysta to try and find me because he thought he had said something that upset me. I mean, come on...who does that? I know we'll still be close - it'll just be "different" and I'm not always a big fan of "different."

Anyway, I'll be fine. This really is a great thing. I just want (a.) to stop crying so much and (b.) to sleep for 8 hours in a row. Is that so much to ask? I think not.