Conflicting

I do realize that I wrote two conflicting posts one right after the other (not counting this one).

I am truly devastated by Greg Giraldo's death.

I am also happy for Zachary Levi's birthday.

I feel conflicted at the moment.

But I more upset about Greg's death than excited for Zac's birthday (no offense Zac).

Anyways, just thought I'd clear that up.  I felt weird writing both posts right after each other.

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Birthday Wishes

Dear Zachary Levi,

Happy Birthday!

I only wish good things for you.

You have been an inspiration to me.

I completely admire your heart for others and your love for God.

Blessings and love on this, your 30th birthday!

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I.Am.So.Upset.

R.I.P. Greg Giraldo.

You were hilarious.

I am so devastated that you passed away this week.

Who will make me laugh next season on Last Comic Standing?

I'm as upset as I was when John Ritter died.

My prayers and thoughts are with your family.

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Tagged by a Friend

I just got tagged in a post by my wonderful friend, Alana.  I believe that I would answer the same eight little questions she did, so here I go:

Flower.

Gerbera Daisies.

Color Combination.

Pale Turquoise and White

Celebrity Couple.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Theme Song.

"Keep Holding On" sung by the Cast of Glee

"I had a Terrible Day" Food.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Lipstick, Lipgloss, or Both.

Mary Kay Nourishine Lip Gloss in Pink Diamonds

(especially great after Mary Kay's Satin Lip mask and balm)

Magazines.

 People Magazine

Everyday with Rachael Ray

Favorite Things about Fall.

Fall Trees

Pumpkins and Pumpkin Patches

Caramel Apple Cider from Starbucks

My Birthday 

(I'll be 24 on the 17th of October *hint hint*)

My favorite shows are back on.

Including CHUCK and GLEE.

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Delicious Dinner

This weekend has been jam-packed with mom and daughter time.

It's been great.  Last night, my mom and I went to a Pampered Chef party (my first one) and I ended up buying knives for my future kitchen, bag clips, a tool that holds things in place while you cut them so you don't cut yourself, and some cutting mats.  

Today, I went shopping with my momma.  We went to Stein's Garden and Gifts, Kohl's, Play it Again Sports, and Mayfair Mall.  I bought a new plant today!  :)  It's a White Butterfly Plant that I named "Bella."

I didn't take any pictures of it yet, but I'll post some on when I take one.  Bella is the newest addition to my other plants; Fred and Luther.

My mom and I went to P.F. Chang's for lunch and then came home for the day.

After the long day of shopping and hanging out, I decided to make some bruschetta for dinner.  It was delicious!  To make the bruschetta, I slice up some french bread and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on it.  

For the first time ever, I used a stoneware slab.  Stoneware doesn't require any pre-heating and it holds heat evenly.  Over time, the stoneware also becomes nonstick and all you have to do to clean it is rinse it with water.

Ok, so back to the bruschetta recipe.  After slicing the bread and drizzling the oil, I create a mixture of:  diced tomato, minced garlic, and italian seasonings (basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano).  I evenly distribute the tomato mixture on top of each of the bread pieces and then top them with italian cheese.

I threw the bruschetta into the oven at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes.

This is the "before" picture:

This is the "after" picture:

It was delicious!  My mom and I ate the bruschetta while watching the movie "Just Wright" with Queen Latifah.  It's super cute.  And a great way to end the night.  Now, I'm off to bed before doing announcements both services tomorrow at church.  Sweet dreams all!

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Amandine

My dear friend Amanda has recently flown to Spain to teach for the next year (or so).  She arrived safely, thank God, and is now adjusting to life in Spain.

Amanda and I have been good friends for the past 5+ years now.  We took a chance on each other and lived together our first year of college-which turned out WAY better than I think either of us imagined.  Amanda is hilarious, intelligent, beautiful, thoughtful, creative, and kind.  I am going to miss her so much while she's away.  Luckily, we now have things like Wi-Fi, iPhones, Skype, Facebook, and E-mail so we can at least keep in touch from different parts of the World.

Dear Amanda,

I hope your trip is everything you hope for and more.

I hope you learn a lot about the culture, the language, and yourself while you are away.

Cherish every moment and take many pictures.

Use your talents for a good cause and make an impact in Spain.

I miss you and am looking forward to talking soon.

Love you,

Anne

In our dorm room freshman year of college (2005-2006)

Halloween at a friend's house at UWW

Amanda and Katie at State Fair this summer

Us girls at Tommy and Derek's for a game night

The Tosa girls at UWW for a weekend visit

Lisa's graduation party last December (2009)

Amanda being "sexy" at the Art Bar with the Tosa Girls

Amanda, you crack me up.  :)

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Autumn Mentality

I am so excited for the fall season!

Here are a few reasons I am pumped up:

1.  The trees change colors; oranges, yellows, browns, reds...

2.  I get to go to a pumpkin patch and apple orchard soon!

3.  Thanksgiving happens during the fall season.

4.  My birthday is in just a few weeks.

5.  I enjoy crunching leaves under my feet.

6.  Fall weather has a distinct smell that I absolutely adore.

7.  It's time for sweatshirts, scarves, long pants, and jackets.

8.  I thoroughly enjoy the smell of fall-flavored candles.

9.  Starbucks' Caramel Apple Spice.

10.  I get to snuggle up in warm blankets.

I have high hopes for this fall season.  I'm ready to start embracing the change of weather and enjoy every moment.  I hope you are also able to cherish this wonderful season.

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