Precious

My niece Madilyn, all dolled up for her dance recital rehearsal. I almost started bawling when my sister sent me this picture, via text message, earlier tonight. I don't know why, but dance recitals make me get all weepy and emotional (especially when the youngest groups take the stage). Could be the stark realization that I'll never get the chance to experience a dance recital as a proud mother.

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2011: Semi-Final Predictions

Eastern Conference:
(1) Washington Capitals vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning: Washington in 7
(2) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (3) Boston Bruins: Philadelphia in 7

Additional note(s): Although I picked the Capitals to win, I hope I'm wrong. I fell in love with Martin St.Louis and the Bolts during their amazing Cup run back in 2004. I like Timmy Thomas and the Bruins too, but I'm a Philly girl at heart, so I'm going with the Flyers.

Western Conference:
(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (5) Nashville Predators: Vancouver in 7
(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (3) Detroit Red Wings: Detroit in 6

Additional note(s): Out of all the remaining teams, Nashville has the best possible chance for an upset. I chose the Canucks, but I wouldn't be surprised if Pekka Rinne helps the Preds get past Greasy Lu and the Creepy Sedins. Go Sharks!

P.S. I went 7 for 8 in my Quarter-Final picks. Damn Dead Things.

Oh, Danny Briere

Why are you so damn adorable?!? My ovaries did flip flops after seeing this picture. I want to make babies with you, and I don't even like babies all that much.

I'll Second That

Now that President Obama has produced his birth certificate, will Donald Trump do us all a favor by pulling his lower lip over his head and swallowing? Idiot.

Monday Movie Meme

This week's movie topic is all about Facial Hair...

Boston is an Original Six hockey town. And right now the Bruins are caught up in a thrilling series with those hated Montreal Canadiens. Playoff hockey leads its players to grow playoff beards for good luck. Share on your blog characters in film with memorable beards and or mustaches, linking back here so that others can find you.

One of my all-time favorite movies, Gettysburg (1993), is a beard/mustache/goatee lover's dream. Check out the beards on Lt. Gen. James Longstreet (Tom Berenger) and Gen. Robert E. Lee (Martin Sheen) above left, and the mustaches on Brig. Gen. John Buford (Sam Elliot) and Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels) above right. You know, I've never understood why Civil War soldiers would want to deal with beards at all, given the frequent lice outbreaks and the scratchy wool uniforms. Scratchy wool uniforms + itchy facial hair= a special level of hell, especially during humid summer battles.
The award for worst facial hair in Gettysburg goes to Lt. Thomas Chamberlain (C. Thomas Howell). It's so thick I bet it could stop a bullet.

Easter Weekend Recap

How was your Easter weekend? Did you save any Cadbury Mini Eggs for moi?

I had Good Friday off and was hoping that the weather would be decent so I could start the monumental task of searching the storage shed for my spring/summer clothes. Of course, it was cold and rainy all day, so there went that plan. After lounging around the house most of the day, my mom and I went to the local AMC theater and caught a matinee of Madea's Big Happy Family. Hands down, Big Happy Family is the best Madea movie to date. We laughed, we cried, we both enjoyed the crazy antics of Madea, Mr.Brown, and the eccentric, pot smoking Aunt Bam.

The weather cleared up Saturday, but instead of doing the things around the house that needed to be done, I went shopping. Bought capris and a couple of shirts at Kohls, and then stopped by Bath and Body Works to stock up on Wallflower refills. I ended the day at my best friend Kelly's house, where we helped Nathaniel dye eggs and then watched the delicious Ben Barnes in Dorian Gray.

I was invited to an Easter Sunday luncheon at my dad's house. My step-mom and sister went all out with the food: ham, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, sweet potatoes, and (my absolute fave) homemade red velvet cake. The highlight of the day was watching my nieces and my step-cousin Leeann's three children participate in a chaotic Easter egg hunt. I forgot how much fun it is to watch little kids run around after ingesting shitloads of sugar.

I just wish that my brother and my two nephews could've spent the holiday with us. It costs my brother around $100 to fill up his truck, so he decided to stay home this year. Thanks a lot, greedy oil company bastages.

THE PUPPY CAM IS BACK!

Say goodbye to work and hello to pure joy. A new litter of Shiba Inu puppies was born on April 14. Check out the live stream feed here. Just a word of warning: once you click the link, you will be addicted to their cuteness. Nothing more adorable than a sleeping Shiba puppy pile!

Chillin' With My Peeps

You Are a Purple Peep

You like to be the center of attention, but you don't show off. You don't try to please anyone. You avoid giving in to others. You don't like people trying to persuade you or sell you on things. You can be quite academic in your approach to things. You are scholarly and bookish. You are very scientific. You like to experiment and pour over research about everything.

What Color Peep Are You?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

My Great-Aunt Anna

Last Friday, my great-aunt Anna (pictured center between my mom and my Nonna) celebrated her 102nd birthday.

Yes, you read that right. Her 102nd birthday.

The staff at her nursing home held a small party in her honor. I think she deserved a freaking parade or at least a birthday shout out from Willard Scott.

She was born April 15, 1909, when William Howard Taft was President of the United States. The Titanic sunk on her third birthday (just to give you some perspective).

I can't even begin to imagine what life would be like at 102. To be honest, I hope I never find out. As much as I love being alive, I don't think I want to be around in 2071 (the year I'd reach Anna's milestone).

Ty Conklin Is Da Man

Guess who made the number one "Save of the Year" according to NHL.com? Goalies just freaking rule.

Monday Movie Meme

This week's movie topic is all about Running...

Monday marks the 115th running of the Boston Marathon - the oldest annually contested marathon in the world. Lots of movies feature runners, running scenes and foot races. Share on your blog those movies that make your feet tired just watching and link back here.

My favorite "running" movie is Run, Fatboy, Run (2007). Five years after jilting his pregnant fiancée on their wedding day, out-of-shape security guard Dennis (the hilarious Simon Pegg) decides to compete in London's Nike River-Run to win her back.

Behold, My Spirit Animal

Don't wanna get up+ don't wanna go to work+ I hate mornings= this dude and I were separated at birth.

Today's Fortune Cookie Message

"A pleasant surprise is in store for you soon."

Sure hope so! Not to sound greedy or anything, but a pleasant surprise (or two or three) would be fanfreakingtastic.

How To Annoy Me

Expect me to hang on to your every word, but then ignore me when I'm talking.

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2011: Quarterfinal Predictions

Eastern Conference:
(1) Washington Capitals vs. (8) New York Rangers: Capitals in 6
(2) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (7) Buffalo Sabres: Flyers in 7
(3) Boston Bruins vs. (6) Montreal Canadiens: Bruins in 5
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning: Lightning in 7

Additional note(s): As much as I like watching the Caps, Flyers, and Lightning, I am the most excited over the Boston-Montreal match up. I can't wait to watch Canadiens fans lose their shit any time Zdeno Chara is seen and/or mentioned. I hope the city of Montreal is increasing police patrols; if the Bruins win the series, I can see the Les Habitants faithful burning cars, smashing shop windows, and overturning cars in protest.

Western Conference:
(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Chicago Blackhawks: Canucks in 6
(2) San Jose Sharks vs. (7) Los Angeles Kings: Sharks in 5
(3) Detroit Red Wings vs. (6) Phoenix Coyotes: Coyotes in 7
(4) Anaheim Ducks vs. (5) Nashville Predators: Predators in 7

Additional note(s): "Dear eight pound, six ounce , newborn Baby Jesus, don't even know a word yet, just a little infant, so cuddly but still omnipotent", please please PLEASE do me a favor and take out the Dead Things (*cough Evil Red Empire) and the Shithawks (especially the Douche Lord) in round one. Lets go Coyotes and Sharks!

My Little Beliebers

My nieces, Madilyn (above) and Claire (below), at Madilyn's birthday party on Sunday. 5 years and 4 years old respectively and already bonafide fan girls. Their mom and Aunt Julie taught them well.

Post-It Notes From The Edge

T0 the asshat on I-474 who was using the shoulder as a passing lane:

My Cat Is No Charlie Sheen

Despite the fact that Pippin is indeed a feline, he doesn't possess tiger blood (or whatever the hell Mr. Sheen credits for his ability to handle drugs).

The Tao Of Nathaniel

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure you'll be getting a big tip!" my seven year old godson, Nathaniel, to the barber who was lamenting over how much hair she had to cut while he squirmed in the chair.

(Guess who took him for the haircut in the first place? Yep. Thanks for putting the pressure on me kiddo).

Ever Have One Of Those Days?

I feel your pain, monkey.