I'm too excited...

Neil and I leave for London and Rome today. The only way to sum this up is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxLbWV3904o

See ya in 10 days!!

Surprise Visitor

Wednesday morning I woke to see a text from my brothers friend from college, Tim. He said he was going to be in Chicago for the afternoon on Thursday and would love to meet up. I immediately called off work. Tim is such a great guy and the type of person I hope everyone has in their life. Tim spent our first Thanksgiving without Colin with us and has stayed in close touch with my whole family over the last two years. He's been so sweet to my parents and helpful to them through the grieving process.

I met Tim and three of his friends (who are HILARIOUS) up at the Signature Room at the Hancock building. The Signature room is on the top floor of the Hancock and has 360 degree views of Chicago (and a $14.00 cocktail). Even the bathrooms have an amazing view! We sat up top by the window and chatted away for a few hours. Tim and his friends were only in Chicago a few hours on a lay over on their way to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but I had a great time hanging out with them (group photo to come). Thanks for the call, Tim and safe travels!!

50 Shades of Grey

Ok, I'll admit it, I was intrigued so I started reading "50 Shades of Grey." It sparked so much controversy I wanted to know what the big deal was! Like so many of the books that it is being compared to (Twightlight, Hunger Games, etc) the writing is far from stellar, but the plot line sucks you in! I definitely agree with the reviews that compare the relationship between Ana and Christian to that of Bella and Edward in Twighlight. Now that I'm forcing myself to get through book number 3 (is it just me or did the writing get worse as the series progressed?!)  I can't help but think of how great of a movie this is going to make, my inner goddess does back flips at the thought of it (gag me). My sister and I always share our thoughts on who should play the characters. Some of our thoughts were:

Christian -Ryan Gosling, Chris Pine, Armie Hamer

Ana -Lily Collins, or as much as I hate to admit it, Kristen Stewart

Mrs. Robinson - Ellen Barkin

Kate- Emma Stone

Elliot - Jake Gyllenhall (Laters, baby)

I like this article on the Frisky.com, they had some great choices as well (except for their picks of Megan Fox and Paz). http://www.thefrisky.com/2012-03-19/casting-fifty-shades-of-grey-with-actors-we-wish-would-do-gratuitous-hardcore-sex-on-screen/

One Friend

I've been reminded lately of what great friends I have. It's those calls, texts, messages throughout the day that really make you appreciate the special people in your life.

Keb Mo - One Friend,

People come and
People go
They take and they give
Build you up
Just to let you down
That's just the way it is

All I need is one friend
To get me through the day
One friend
That never goes away
Only one friend
To understand
And never let me down

I've been in love 
I've been in pain
I'm a sinner
And a saint
No matter where I am
Or what I do
It's you I appreciate

All I need is one friend
To get me through the day
One friend
That never goes away 
Only one friend
to understand
And never let me down

Can't nobody love you
More than you love yourself
And as long as I've got my one good friend
I don't need nobody else

All I need is one friend
To get me through the day
One friend
That never goes away 
Only one friend
To understand
And never let me dow

Weekend Wrap Up

After a hectic few weeks it was nice to have a low key weekend!! Because Neil's in the midst of his busy season and I have been occupied with family and traveling it feels like we haven't seen each other much lately. So Friday night we had a chill night in with some deep dish and DVR. Saturday, while Neil was at work, I did some shopping for our upcoming trip (10 days away!!!!). I probably spent more than I should have, but it made me even more excited for our trip.

Once Neil was done with work we headed over to the bash of the year, little Brandon's 5th birthday! I can't believe he's already 5 years old! Neil and I stayed pretty late and by the end of the night, the birthday boy was tuckered out.

Sunday Neil and I just relaxed and had a huge breakfast/Easter feast (yes, those are eggos)

Standard Sign

Saw this at a bar in Arizona

Is this normal?!?!

Fun in the Sun

After Saturday's emotional start, my two coworkers, Mary and CJ and I checked into a hotel and had a great time together!! Sunday CJ treated us to a beautiful hotel where we immediately planted ourselves pool side and soaked up the sun!

Hilarious story: while laying at the pool I struck up a conversation with the lady laying next to me and we started talking about where we are from. As the conversation progressed we pieced together that she is my prom dates mom! Smallest world ever!!

That night, CJ, Mary and I went out to explore the site of Arizona, which included In and Out Burger :)

Although we were sad to go back to work, it was a great trip and I am so thankful for the friendship I have with both CJ and Mary.

Missed and Loved

Saturday, unfortunately, was the two year anniversary of my brothers passing. I had a trip planned to Arizona for work so I decided to extend it a bit and go out there early because my brother lived in Arizona for about 12+ years and I wanted to be in a place that was so special to him. The day was emotionally draining, but it did feel good to experience the places that Colin loved so much. I had two amazing and supportive coworkers with me and we made the rounds through Tempe. We started off with lunch and then hopped over to Fat Tuesdays where my brother worked when he was at ASU.

We then walked around Campus and over to the stadium. When Colin was at ASU he drove a golf cart around taking people who had injuries to class. We saw a golf cart (with they key in) and it made me smile :)

I miss Colin so much, but it was great exploring ASU. For those moments that get too overwhelming and I miss Colin the most, I listen to the song "For Good" from Wicked because it rings so true to my brother.

ELPHABA

I'm limited
Just look at me--I'm limited
And just look at you--
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda...

Because now it's up to you
For both of us--
Now it's up to you

GLINDA

I'VE HEARD IT SAID
THAT PEOPLE COME INTO OUR LIVES FOR A REASON
BRINGING SOMETHING WE MUST LEARN
AND WE ARE LED
TO THOSE WHO HELP US MOST TO GROW
IF WE LET THEM
AND WE HELP THEM IN RETURN
WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF I BELIEVE THAT'S TRUE
BUT I KNOW I'M WHO I AM TODAY
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...

LIKE A COMET PULLED FROM ORBIT
AS IT PASSES A SUN

LIKE A STREAM THAT MEETS A BOULDER
HALFWAY THROUGH THE WOOD
WHO CAN SAY IF I'VE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?
BUT BECAUSE I KNEW YOU
I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD …

ELPHABA
IT WELL MAY BE
THAT WE WILL NEVER MEET AGAIN
IN THIS LIFETIME
SO LET ME SAY BEFORE WE PART
SO MUCH OF ME
IS MADE OF WHAT I LEARNED FROM YOU
YOU'LL BE WITH ME
LIKE A HANDPRINT ON MY HEART
AND NOW WHATEVER WAY OUR STORIES END
I KNOW YOU HAVE RE-WRITTEN MINE
BY BEING MY FRIEND...

LIKE A SHIP BLOWN FROM ITS MOORING
BY A WIND OFF THE SEA
LIKE A SEED DROPPED BY A SKYBIRD
IN A DISTANT WOOD
WHO CAN SAY IF I'VE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?
BUT BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...

GLINDA
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...

BOTH
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU
I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD...

ELPHABA
AND JUST TO CLEAR THE AIR
I ASK FORGIVENESS
FOR THE THINGS I'VE DONE YOU BLAME ME FOR

GLINDA
BUT THEN, I GUESS WE KNOW
THERE'S BLAME TO SHARE

BOTH
AND NONE OF IT SEEMS TO MATTER ANYMORE

ELPHABA

LIKE A COMET PULLED FROM
ORBIT/AS IT PASSES A SUN/
LIKE A STREAM THAT MEETS A
BOULDER/ HALF-WAY
THROUGH THE WOOD

LIKE A SHIP BLOWN OFF ITS
MOORING/BY A WIND OFF THE
SEA/ LIKE A SEED DROPPED BY A
BIRD IN
THE WOOD

BOTH
WHO CAN SAY IF I'VE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER?
I DO BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR THE BETTER

GLINDA
AND BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...

ELPHABA
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...

BOTH
BECAUSE I KNEW YOU...
I HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD.

Parent Time!

These last two weeks have been bananas! At the last minute, my parents popped into town for a few days! It was a great, unexpected surprise! We had a lovely time together and the weather was beautiful in Chicago. My dad had work obligations so my mom and I did some lunching, shopping and just relaxing together. We also met up with my cousins and their two adorable little boys and we met up with another set of cousins we hadn't seen in awhile. So much fun and I'm so glad they came!