It's the best - easily in my top 5

Everyone should read this book. EVERYONE. Not only because it's a gripping story told in a way that you can't stop turning pages but also because it's true - not just a true story but everything is painfully real. You hear stories about WWII and you know the basics and you've seen Hollywood portrayals. But Unbroken tells the experience as it applies to real people. You see their fear, their weaknesses, their strength and their wins in a very real and relatable way. It made me understand the war, this country and the sacrifices and profound challenges that WWII veterans went through, especially those who fought in the Pacific. Their triumphs are so real you cry, their pain is so real you ache and you come out of it with such a fierce appreciation for those who went through WWII, both at home and in combat, that it's hard to contain.

If this glowing review isn't enough to convince you to give it a read, well they are making a movie. It's set to come out in 2013 and there is noWAY you are going to get everything out of it that you can by just the film alone.

She done did it again.....

So I should probably stop posting every time she accomplishes something amazing because if I did every post would be about her. And frankly she needs to get her own damn blog that I can link to... But yes, she has done it again. This month Ange was chosen as one of the NPC Athletes of the Month. The best part is is that she is all real, no supplements, drugs etc. - just hard work. Really really hard work.

Oh yeah, and by the way she also took 1st place in her figure class Emerald Cup Competition in Washington this month. There is definitely a pattern here. I'm so proud but still can't believe this is the same girl that would rarely where shorts when we were in high school because she wanted to hide her legs haha. Congrats AnHala!!!

A spring break story...

My parents, J and I took the baby bro on a spring break trip to SoCal so he could visit the ocean for the first time as well as Vegas. Though it will likely be my first and last leisure road trip to any where that is more than five hours away, it was quite the clambake.

This story is sponsored by Instagram, Instagram: Over-processing mediocre cell phone photos at the click of a button!

First stop, Vegas! Well actually it was more like the fourth of fifth stop between snack breaks and bladder emergencies.

We were fancy and opted for the hotel WITHOUT bed bugs. I stayed here for the first time when I was 12. Nothing had changed. Nothing.

Walking the strip..... Ok let's be honest. Buffet-bound!

Bellagio fountains. This is just before the song started, being what Toad thought was titled "Let's be a Lady Tonight."

Volcano at the Mirage. It was still pretty cool but apparently I had a flashback to this time last year and thought I was posing for engagement photos.

Finally the beach.

Then somehow this took place.

Hiked this.

Did some whale watching and saw these. (Sorry about the series of unfortunate events that took place on this boat, Ma.)
 

Still not cool with stingrays.

Then somehow this happened.

Combat

Dear Clearance Easter Candy,
You may have beaten me this year. One might say you made me cave like a house of cards and now your chocolaty cravings that are staying with me only remind me of your sound 2012 triumph, along with my stint in your sugary POW camp after my capture. But this is just one battle my friend. I know where you are and I know how to avoid you now. So relish in your spoils this year, because even if I have to avoid stores for two weeks after Easter in future years I will do it to ensure my victory.
Sincerely,
Your biggest fan and worst enemy

Let's talk about the baby...

One of my besties, Jen, is easily one of the most fascinating people I know. From the time we met over 10 years ago, we've referred to her as "the baby" since she was the youngest and tiniest of our group of friends. She is also one of the cutest, creative, unique and most considerate people I know. (Think Zooey Deschanel with an edge.) But the moniker "the baby" is nearly an oxymoron since she is actually one of the most fierce, independent people I know. That pretty little package that likes to decorate in soft pastels, do crafts and sew her own clothes also has a bit of a dark side that has delivered countless laughs. I got this little nugget from her last night. We had been texting about the incident of an attacker on the river trail that we always go jogging on and she wanted to make sure I was well armed.

It's all they say it is..

I am still yet to see the movie and when I read it I really didn't know much about it. It really is a kick in the head - not sure what that means but it was a pretty powerful book. I found myself crying a few times in parts that weren't even overtly sad and the ending definitely threw me for a loop. It's one of the most unique perspectives I have ever read. I suggest you give it a go.

I didn't have pockets

If you are a backstage director during a massive social event and you are required last minute to go onstage and present an award, make sure you don't have your cell phone sticking face up in your bra. You WILL likely receive a call while you are standing in the middle of the stage waiting for the recipient to come up and your boob will light up in front of 1,100 people.

Eighteen years...

Eighteen years ago today a little boy was born with giant dimples and a fear of bare feet. He was a little cuddle muffin with a soft heart and a love for frosting. He could fake cry like nobody's business, and be it guilt or charm he could pretty much get you to do anything. He never stops making me laugh or making me proud and is a constant bright spot in our lives. Happy Birthday Toad. I love your big butt.



PS - Now come Joan my yard.