Surprised I Didn't Ruin the Surprise

If someone claims they don't like surprise parties, I'm pretty sure they are lying or have a screw lose. I understand not wanting to be the center of attention (I can't relate but I guess I can understand) but tell me what could possibly be wrong with being dragged to a bar that you don't want to go to, but then suddenly being surrounded by everyone you love!

On Friday, my very sweet friend Kyle threw a surprise party for his very sweet girlfriend Liz. He worked tirelessly planning it, contacting all her friends and family, and coming up with a master scheme for getting her to the bar. I love planning parties but I suck at keeping them a secret so we decided that the less I knew the better. At the pre-party dinner, which was not a surprise, I almost hyperventilated and Matt threatened to locked me in the bathroom but Kyle was cool as a cucumber and pulled off an amazing party! Liz was very surprised and had a wonderful birthday.

How I felt about the whole thing:


Song of the Day
I'm So Excited seems like an appropriate song for this post.

The Other Peas in my Pod

I have trouble writing "big" posts. I shy away from somethings that are really important to me because I can't always express in writing how I truly feel. That is why I haven't written about when Jess and Mandy, my best, known-them-forever, friends, came a few weeks ago. I can't adequately explain how happy, relaxed and loved I feel whenever the three of us are together. I guess the best I can do is ask you to think of your very best friends...

Now imagine you haven't seen them in awhile...

Now imagine they show up in your new home...

Ok. Got it? I felt just like that!

The other peas in my pod

Song of the Day

Another song we rocked out to during their visit...Jay Z and Alicia Keys New York.

This Day In Positively

Something Special for Guests

I know New York can be a tricky place to visit. It is hard to get into the city, tough to navigate and expensive. That is why I am so appreciative when friends come to see me. Their effort means a lot. I've mentioned that while growing up food equalled love so I like to make a little something special when I have friends in town. My two best friends came to the city from Boston a few weeks ago and I couldn't have been more excited. I whipped up my favorite granola from Lick My Spoon and I made parfaits the first morning of their visit. We were going to have plenty of time to eat pricey, less-than-healthy meals, so the parfaits made the perfect breakfast to start off a busy day of walking around the city. I made enough granola so the girls could take some home with them. Who doesn't love a little parting gift?


Do you like to do a little something special for your guests?

Song of the Day
This song was the soundtrack of my friends' trip. Maybe we spent a few minutes watching Doc Hollywood. And maybe we loved every minute of it!

Positively Enjoyed The Fantastic Mr. Fox

I've been dying to see The Fantastic Mr. Fox since I first heard it was coming out back in August. It was one of my favorite books growing up (Roald Dahl is a genius) and I've always enjoy Wes Andersons' style. Dahl + Anderson = Anna at the theater on opening weekend.

The movie did not disappoint. It was visually stunning. The detail and the care that went into each character and scene was really incredible. And the story, just like I remember it, was great. I wouldn't say it was a "kids" movie. There were several children in the theater and they weren't freaking out, like the poor kid sitting behind me during Snakes on a Plane*, but I think a lot of it was over their heads. But get them the book. It is a great read. And you should definitely the movie! Here is a little taste. Positively FANTASTIC!



* I realize that admitting I saw Snakes on a Plane in the theater may have lost me some credibility as a movie critic but I thought it would be funny. Unfortunately, like the poor kid behind me, I spent most of the movie with my sweater over my head just wishing it would end.


Song of the Day

The movie also boasts an awesome soundtrack. Please enjoy one of the tracks, The Rolling Stones' Street Fighting Man.

101 Things in 1001 Days: #21

#21 on my 101 List was to go to a concert with my youngest brother Jack. Instead we saw the comedian Patton Oswalt. So it was more like a concert of laughter.

As I've gotten further into my 1001 Days my perspective has changed a bit. At the beginning I was sticking to my list with a Type A intensity that would make Martha Stewart blush, but now I'm loosening up a little. The list is supposed to be fun and challenging, not crappy and stressful.

I invited Jack down from New Hampshire to some see the show and I thought that I couldn't check #21 off my list because I had specified "concert." But the point of that item was to do something fun with my brother that we would both enjoy. We have a similar sense of humor so comedy show = mission accomplished. We had a great time at the show and an awesome weekend. Thanks for coming Jack!

Please enjoy this Patton Oswalt clip. He is hilarious! Heads up to my younger or more sensitive readers, there is a bit of "spicy" language.



Song of the Day
Today's song is Pearl Jam's The Fixer. Surprisingly upbeat!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday! I inherited my love for my birthday from my mother. That lady loves her birthday and I'm sad I can't be with her today. So instead of celebrating with her I'll have to settle for bragging about her.

Besides birthday love my mom has taught me that life is long. In a good way! She has reinvented herself so many times. She is always growing, changing and learning. Watching her live her life this way has granted me tremendous freedom. I know that I can take my time and that I can accomplish everything I want in my life.

For about 10 years my mom has focused on painting. And because she is talented and works hard she has become really good. Here are a few of my favorites of hers.

Students in Mexico

My little sister Alice

My mom was inspired by the Shem Women's Group

The Chicken Guy!

And my all time favorite! My grandma and my brother Ben

You can check out more of my mom's paintings here and here.

Today's Song

Today's song is Regina Spector's Fidelity, one of my mom's favorites.

Not Very Often

Matt: Can beanbag chairs ever be cool?
Me: No
Matt: Are you sure?
Me: I've never been more sure of anything in my life.

Every once and while, but not very often, I'm cooler than Matt.

Song of the Day
What's cooler than being cool? ICE COLD! Please enjoy Outkast's Hey Ya.

Halloween: Part 1

Did you have a happy Halloween? Matt and I threw our first party in our new place and it was a huge success. I haven't collected all the pictures yet, but as soon as I do you will be the first to see them. Promise!

Here are a few of my favorites from other Halloween celebrations:

This is my co-worker and logo designer extraordinaire Caryn as Peg Bundy. Not her real hair. Or is it!?

Here is Dennis as the Dos Equis' Most Interesting Man in the World. He can speak French in Russian!

My mom and step-dad bringing Halloween to Mexico. Aye carumba!

And my favorite! Abby the pirate dog!

As you know I have a soft spot for adopted dogs and Abby has become leader of the pack. I met her last weekend while visiting Matt's sister and you may think the severe overbite and murderous stare would make her hard to love but it is the exact opposite! She is actually the sweetest, most mild mannered dog out there. I couldn't help myself but to rename her Pirate for the weekend and I'm so glad it inspired this awesome costume.

Song of the Day
I got a request for this song and I love it! Please enjoy Leo Sayer's You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.