It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

The weather outside was truly frightful! DC was hit by the perfect storm the weekend before Christmas. Toilet paper was flying off the shelves at the local grocery stores in preparation for the big storm (seriously...I'm not kidding. No TP, no produce, no eggnog...the shelves were empty). Church was cancelled. Airports were closed (all 3 in the area...poor holiday travelers). 24 inches fell in 24 hours. It was quite the sight!

Storms like this separate friends from true friends. A true friend will help you scrape the 2 feet of snow off your car in leggings...thanks Hope!

Merry Christmas...it's looking like a merry one in DC :)

I Always Want What I Can't Have...

This realization came at the Michael Jackson movie, This Is It. I didn't have tickets to his concert, I had absolutely no intention of ever getting tickets, and I probably never would have watched a video of the concert or footage from the real thing. However, now that he's gone, I would have given practically anything (within reason...) for Michael to have performed just one full concert! He marked his dances in This Is It...and they were still impressive. He only sang a few notes of each song...and I was still in awe. I remembered why I hung his poster in my bedroom when I was five. He's talented beyond belief...

NYC Finally...

 Love, Love, Love NYC...so beautiful!

I know everyone has been dying to see pics from Diana and I's final adventure together (as roommates...we're still friends so there will definitely be more Di-ami Adventures).

Here's the highlights (in no particular order) from the Big Apple...

We went big this time and stayed in a luxury "pod." You can see the toilet right next to our bed...NYC style!

 We went with a classic and saw The Lion King on Broadway...amazing!

Graham joined the party at the Stardust Diner...after he took us on an awesome tour of the NBC Studios. He's our very own Kenneth the Page (if you don't know who that is...watch 30 Rock.)

We took a leisurely stroll through Central Park on Sunday...perfect weather!

This is the married (unknown til after the photo) cop I may or may not have made Diana stalk with me.

We had a lovely weekend in NYC. We did what we wanted, spent way too much money (its NYC...you lose money just breathing the air) , and laughed at each other. It was a nice little send off before Di up and abandoned me in DC :( I'll forgive her for leavin me if she promises we can have a repeat NYC trip next fall!   

I'm a big deal...

Image via utne.com

I've always thought so, but it's been verified by a professional.

Sylvia the Psychic read my palm in NYC and said...

"You're gonna be something special. You're kind of a big deal."

(or something like that...)   

I don't know about you, but I think Sylvia's on to something!

Stay tuned for more details on Diana and I's adventure in NYC!!

Eight Years Ago...

   September 11, 2001

The Pentagon Memorial

I remember exactly where I was when I first heard the news. I'm sure all of you do too. Eight years ago, I remember being glued to the television, crying as I watched the names and faces of all the 9/11 victims flash across the screen. I remember hearing their somewhat everyday, yet amazing stories. Stories of moms and dads, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors...most of them just living quiet lives and trying to make our world a little better. Eight years ago I never imagined that I would live and work amongst the people and the places that terrorists targeted to spread their hate that day. I never imagined that those moms and dads, and brothers and sisters who witnessed 9/11 with their own eyes would become my friends and neighbors. Eight years later, I hope we all take time to remember that day and all the moms and dads, brothers and sisters, and friends and neighbors who have lost their lives as a result of the events eight years ago. I'm grateful for their sacrifices so that I can continue living my quiet life and keep trying to make our world a little better. 

All the Single Ladies...

In the spirit of giving...I'm sharing some words of wisdom with all you single ladies out there (sorry it's too late for all you marrieds). Pass this on...it could revolutionize dating.

Wayne and I were standing in line just like this... 

Costco Pizza Line

And our conversation went like this...

Kami: "blah blah blah...I'm tired of dating, men are from mars, etc." {something like that...}


Rita the Random Line Lady: "Girl, you just make sure he's straight. You just never know these days. They all be pretending. You gotta be sure he straight..." {that's the PG version...Rita added a few more X-rated details about all the so-called "pretenders"}

Kami: "Oh yeah, you, uh, just never know these days..."

Wayne: ---silence----

You heard it here first! The recipe for dating success- make sure he's straight and that he ain't just pretending.

Summer Lovin' had me a BLAST...

Now don't get the wrong idea...I didn't really have a "Grease" moment this summer. However, I had a blast enjoying every hot, sunny day! Here's my little tribute to the past 3 months...hold on tight, it was a wild ride!

 

 

 

 

Costa Rica for Memorial Day

 

 Independence Day in Cape Cod 

 

 

 
Carrie Underwood at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville...did I mention we were in the 4th row?!?

Summer Concert Series continued with Keith Urban...best concert ever!

And finally...pedicures with Kalli and co., lovin' on Chloe, Maddox with Grandpa Kenny and co., fair parade with all the Grandma's, and catching up with my girlies! Love, love, love UTAH (and the Box Elder County Fair and Rodeo).

Goodbye Summer...bring on fall!

Like it was just yesterday...

This is my Kalli-girl. She's quite the little lady. She loves dancing, singing, playing with Grandma, teasing her brothers, finding kitties to save, and being cute. And she's really good at all of 'em. But, she's probably the best at being a sister...a girl couldn't ask for anyone better.

Did I mention she can touch her tongue to her nose? Now that's talent!

This little lady was the answer to many, many prayers...I prayed all my life for a sister. When I was a little girl (and a big one, too) I wanted a sis more than a pony or a Barbie convertible or even a trampoline. Almost every time I blew out my birthday candles, I wished for a sister. And just when I thought all hope was lost...along came Kalli. She was definitely worth the wait-I couldn't dream of a better sister. She's perfect in every way!

For the past NINE years, she's been one of my best friends. She knows just what to say to make me feel better-on my last birthday she reassured me that I wasn't that old! However, I must be a little bit old, because I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday! Best day of my life for sure! Thanks for being my sissy, Kalli Mae. I can't wait for our next sleep over and shopping trip and dance party. I love you forever and ever! Happy Birthday Kal-girl!

Oh, and you're birthday package is in the mail sweetheart...sorry its late!

Old Lady Club?!?

My sweet little Tabbi thinks I'm getting so old that I've lost my memory! She issued me this challenge...

With Laura on the National Mall watching the Cherry Blossom Parade
April 2009

In the NYC after brunch at Sarabeth's
February 2009

Mr. Plumber & the Tidal Basin at the Cherry Blossom Festival
April 2008

Niagara Falls, Canada :)
October 2008

NYC elevator
June 2009

In the stocks at Williamsburg
April 2009

Eating gelato in Georgetown (?)
August 2008

On the National Mall, in the pouring rain, watching the 4th of July Fireworks
July 2008

Well Miss Tabbi, I guess I'm not that old now...I've still got the ole' memory :) Thanks for the birthday love...miss you like crazy!

Burgers, Buds, and Birthdays...

What's the best way to spend your birthday?!?

Eating a burger as big as your head...


With a bunch of your best buds...

And finishing the night with a Birthday Bundt :)

24 isn't so bad...especially with friends like these! I've got the most amazing friends and family...thanks for all the birthday love everyone!