gone too soon

There are certainly other things I could write about but I just feel the need to reminisce.

I am deeply saddened. I feel like I lost a friend. I'm a completely dramatic person so this may seem silly and a little immature and unnecessary (maybe even a tad weird? yes... I can't explain it) but I was in utter shock over the death of Michael Jackson. I think it's death in general that I don't deal well with but for an icon of that magnitude to be ripped from the world so suddenly, I really had a hard time yesterday handling the news! I listened to his music all night, read the stories... couldn't watch the news because it was just too much.

Growing up I would listen to the albums Thriller and Bad ALL THE TIME. Over and over and over to make sure I memorized all of the worlds. I was slightly in love with him, I'm not going to lie. I remember being over at Bobbi's house and she owned the album HIStory. We would listen to it all night and just talk about how much we loved his music. I'm not kidding that's how much we loved him!!

Oh and I loved this movie. :)

Even if you aren't a MJ fan because of some things you've heard in the media or don't agree with some of the details of his life, you have probably at least enjoyed a few of his songs. How could you not? A pop icon and legend.

The 'come back tour' that he was rehearsing for would've been an absolute dream to see. If I were to have seen him in concert I would've totally been one of those girls that would've fainted at just the sight and sound of his voice. Yes, that is how much I loved his music. Even though I may not have listened to him much in the last 5-10 years every time I would happen to hear a song of his on the radio or a random play on itunes, you better believe I would be jammin' and singing at the top of my lungs.

RIP MJ, your music will live forever.

last but not least

This past weekend was the last of our graduation parties. Saturday my cousin Nate had his high school graduation party. It was SO great to see the family! I really only see my Dad's extended side of the family at major family functions... so it's hard to catch up on life when you only see them every 6 months, so it was wonderful to be able to chat with the cousins and grandparents. Congratulations Nate!!!! Love you!:)

My dear friend Valerie also graduated this past Sunday from Otterbein. That girl has come along way. I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished... AND she's going back to get her MBA. Congratulations girl!! You rock! :)

So in the midst of catching up with my cousins and hearing about all the cute stuff their kids do and how my cousin Kylie is expecting again (with her 4th child!!!! yowza! ) I began to think, what do I have going on, I mean really? I am extremely happy with my life but I guess I'm just needing a challenge... something to push me to do SOMETHING. So I've decided I'm going to run a 10k. It's not HUGE news but it's something I'm looking forward to. I figured I can run 5k's no problem, I run 4- 5 miles average and feel pretty good... why not run 6.2?? Exactly, I'm just going to gear up for it and do it. I'm actually really excited about my little decision. :) haha, I lead such an exciting life!!!! The earliest 10k I can find around here is October (or after) time frame... but there are 4 milers. (kinda weird but whatever) So that's what I'm gonna do! Run a 10k! whohoo!

And now I leave you with some crazy pictures from our fun night at the Park Street Festival this past Friday night... hope you enjoy :)

This would be me, Stacey, Meredith, and Christy

Sweatin' to the Oldies???

kisses!

Meredith looking like a purana (sp??)

Matt's dancing because he wants some 'street meat' as we call it. (i.e. gyros) hahaha!

and last but not least... our entertainment of the night... Stacey & Meredith singing their ghetto fabulous song. Good job girls!

Birthday, Graduation, and other fun stuff

I was by no means excited for my birthday this year. Alas, it was bound to happen whether I wanted it to or not. I am now a part of the '29 club' (as Kathy calls it). Oh yes, it has happened. 29 and holding! My family and friends were super wonderful to me this year.

My Mom, StepDad, and brother Glen all came over on Monday and we had dinner together. Something we don't do nearly enough. They were too sweet and got me a Camelbak to go with the NEW BIKE Matt got me for my birthday!!! It rides beautifully and I love it... what a gem! :) I definitely plan on using it as much as possible this summer... the bike and the Camelbak!

Tuesday, my birthday, Matt's Mom and StepDad brought me dinner. Matt's Mom made me a really cool wreath made out of wine corks. It turned out really awesome! She is so talented! It's fun to look at and see corks from the places we visited in California...brings back good memories!

Friday evening my dearest best friend Kathy threw together a little party with some friends to come over and celebrate my birthday. We grilled food, drank some wine, relaxed by the fire... it was a great time! I have the best friends... thanks everyone for coming!! :)

Saturday was my brother Glen's high school graduation. Wow, that just sounds so weird! My baby brother is all grown up! He plans to go to OSU Marion in the fall and study to be an xray technician. I'm proud of you Glen and I love you very much!

Glen and his cute little girlfriend Ashley

Sunday went to visit family and celebrate Matt's cousin's engagement! It was our first time meeting Christy and she was super sweet. Too bad I don't have any pictures of the cute couple. But I am super happy and excited for them!! Congratulations Dave and Christy!! :)

After our family luncheon we ventured out to Schiller Park with Jonathan and Kathy to watch The Three Musketeer's. Every weekend in the summer there is a play put on by local actors. Jonathan and Kathy's friend Bill is a lifer at this stuff :) so we just had to see him in action.

(that would be him i.e. Bill on the right)

Kathy enjoying the vino... and the show!

Very fun and we will definitely be going to the other shows later this summer!! If you've never been you must go check it out!

So after that busy week and weekend.... I need a weekend from my weekend!