You'll feel better once you listened:

  

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.-Billy Joel

Since I've been SUPER busy this past week with baseball (of course) and took a short visit to see my friends Josh and Jana in Arkansas, I didn't have any time to present you with your TOP TUESDAY TUNES this week! So we're switching it up and here are

CHRISTIAN'S THURSDAY TOP TUNE PICKS:

(Please hold your applause)

1. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- That's what's up

2. Chappo- Come Home

3. The Walkmen- The Rat

4. Lay Low- The Backbone

5. Punch Brothers- Rye Whiskey

Enjoy and Happy Thursday from the guy who dressed like Elvis...

.....as a Four year old.

Take notes, boys:

You might not know this about me, but I love to read.  I'll read anything. Sometimes when I'm in the bathroom (and realize I might be in there for awhile), I read the back of the shampoo/conditioner/soap/face soap bottles. I have shelves full of books; boxes in the garage, full of books; books in drawers; under my bed, and even in my car.  I consider my books as friends, "Oh I read that during my 'Van Gogh' phase in college, I can't get rid of it!" I blame my dad, he's a worse book hoarder than me.

Hoarding is such an ugly word, let's just say I'm an avid collector.

 I'm a sucker for surprises. I love opening an old purse, and finding a necklace I forgot about; or finding a candy bar in the jacket I haven't worn since the PREVIOUS winter....yeah, I totally ate it.

That sad/gross story being told, my point is I like to leave whatever piece of paper I'm using as a book mark, in the book- like a surprise for later. I've found shopping lists, old drawings, a note from my deceased cousin Katy saying hi, etc. I open each book to find something I completely forgot about.

 I was supposed to be cleaning, when I stumbled upon the photo guest book from our wedding; and I started feeling nostalgic. I opened it up and 3 letters fell out of it. These were no ordinary letters, but old love letters from Chris I put in there for safe keeping.

Take notes boys, because this is how it's done:

When you need to apologize for being rude (as a 20 year old boyfriend): 
"I am sorry that I am not the most nice and caring boyfriend ever, but I love you so much and I want to be with you forever. I know I am sometimes grouchy and a little mean,  but it is just a mood I get into. It doesn't mean you did anything, or I am not happy with our relationship. As long as you want to be my girlfriend I am happy. I love you so much, and I feel so lucky to have you as mine."

When you want to encourage (as a 24 year old fiance): 
"First of all, I really admire you and how you continually search for things to make you happy. I know you're not perfect, but in my eyes you are- so I don't always see the things you need help with. I want to be there for you, and provide you with all the help you need and more. I think you are absolutely wonderful in every aspect of life (except maybe math because you don't try).''

When you want to make sure she knows you think she's pretty: 
You have no idea just how beautiful and sexy you are. I know you struggle with certain parts of your appearance and I should do a better job of making sure you know how I feel about you, but seriously you are smokin' hott! And yes, that is hot with 2 t's.


When you want her to know you'll be with her forever (as a 27 year old husband): 
I am so happy with our life, and I hope you know that you are the reason. You are such a wonderful person, and you have made me a much better person. I love you so much, and all I want to do is spend the rest of my life with the woman I love.

Your husband and best friend,
Chris

I just realized I've got to go; I've got a LOT of books to look through today.....

Fat weekend, Part 2

Every time I climb aboard my private jet (2006 Kia Sorento) and fly (cruise control at a comfortable 75 MPH) to Kansas City, like the true jet-setter I am, there is ALWAYS something new, or somewhere I have never been to experience.

Once, we went through this exhibit called "Dialogue in the Dark"where you are in total darkness, given a walking cane and led by a blind guide through different simulated scenarios like a park, grocery store, and a busy street . We used our other senses to discover our surroundings. It was INCREDIBLE! I think about it at least once a week.

My best friend, Lesley, knows all about this unending "quest for something new" personality trait of mine, and always graciously tries to accommodate me. This trip, she was able to tug on my heart strings. Enter: THE CITY MARKET!

For once I took an iphone picture that isn't blurry! Huzzah! Do you think "Historic City Market" would pay me for this masterpiece?

Apparently this place hosts a HUGE Farmer's Market, but only on certain days. Unfortunately, we missed those days BUT they still have shops open with unique, funky goods, and a slew of specialty shops where you can buy items you won't find at your local Wal-Mart. I was so excited, I decided to wear a hat:

The light was so perfect, I insisted Lesley let me take her and Blake's picture too:

Ok! Enough pictures already!!! Let's GOOOO!!

When you go to Historic City Market you see all kinds of goodies for sale:

Anyone interested in this framed-stained-glass-teacup-set-work of art? The spoon is included! 

It costs $115, it's kind of an investment piece. 

Lesley was confused as to why someone would want to pay $60 dollars for a boring black dress. 

When you go to the Historic City Market you see delicious sights that make your stomach rumble:

This was about the time I found the Italian Deli/Store, and realized I was actually visiting heaven. They had fresh ricotta cheese. FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE!

CHRIS! Show me how excited you are!!

This is his: "I'm humoring you, and pretending to be excited because you'll pester me until I act as insane as you" face. After this he said, "why don't you let me handle the camera for awhile."

Now THIS is an olive bar! I thought this place couldn't get any better until I rounded the corner and saw this delicacy:

Have you ever had truffle oil? If not, drive yourself to Historic City Market right now and buy some. I was so excited I did a little dance right there in the shop:

HUZZAH!!  

Our wonderful morning at Historic City Museum made us realize we were starving. Lesley and Blake swore to us that once we ate at "Oklahoma Joe's" we would never look at BBQ the same way: 

And boy were they RIGHT.

So next time you go to Kansas City, be sure to stop by Historic City Market, I'll be the one dancing with the truffle oil.

A preview, just for you:

I had a FUN-tastic time in Kansas City this weekend. I can't wait to tell you all about it, but my fingers....are....very tired....and want to only type the letter zzzzzzzzzzz. So, before I fall asleep at my computer, I leave you with this picture of me being VERY excited about something that still makes my feet dance on their own accord....

Huzzah!

When someone tells me some good news or something exciting, I feel a simple: "Oh how nice!" or "I'm so excited" just doesn't do how I feel inside any justice. That is when I break out the old-school phrase HUZZAH! (pronounced huh-za like pizZA!)
For example:

"You got that dream job in Fiji and you're going to fly me over there on a private jet once a month?! HUZZAH!"

or

"You mean as an adult I get to CHOOSE cookies over a sensible dinner, and no one can tell me no? HUZZAH!"

or

"There is an Andy Griffith marathon on t.v. this weekend!? 

HUZZAH!"

This morning, I woke up wanting to shout and extra-large and extra loud HUZZAH!  I get to see one of my best friends/favorites this weekend in Kansas City (shout with me, friends: HUZZAH!)!

 and it's Friday!

All together now:

HUZZAH! 

and

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Have an adventurous weekend, even if it's spent relaxing on your couch!

Adventureland

I love adventures. I love experiencing or trying new things; and I don't even mind getting lost. I keep telling Chris we need to try out for the show, The Amazing Race, because we'd DOMINATE. Although, I can't (won't) eat the weird stuff, like cow udders, so that may take us out of the running.

The thing about me is I consider anything an adventure. Wal-mart? On a Saturday afternoon the day before Christmas?  YES! Who knows what kind of THINGS we'll see! Or WHO we will see!  

So when a new antique/collectibles store opened, and my mom said: "you wanna go?" I immediately JUMPED at the opportunity for a new adventure. I was not disappointed. In fact, I was shocked at how amazingly wonderful the place was. I kind of want to go back everyday and dig a little deeper.


For example:

Hey there...sexy lady. The doll not me.

Please ignore my weird pose. I was trying to match the creepiness of the button doll.

I 

I was most impressed to find these little cute painted gourds....

then I turned around to see this:

Ohhhhh Monkey lights! There are SO many things I want to decorate with you!

Let me just say: Button doll girl, gourds, and monkey lights were at the beginning of this adventure. When I realized there were rows and rows of hidden gems like these, I felt like crying tears of joy. It was then that I turned the corner and saw this:

WAIT. You mean to tell me there is such a thing as JOHN WAYNE TOILET PAPER?! What is this magical place?! Well how about this:

Hello cup dedicated to Missouri! Of course I want to drink from you!

Feeling overwhelmed by the awesomeness of the Missouri cup, I quickly rounded the corner and saw this:

Pottery Barn? How did you get in here?! I was very confused when I saw the above cool set up because literally I was just looking at this:

Just Orca whale hanging out with a Hot Wheels lunch box....

and when I thought things couldn't get any cooler in this mystical place, my eyes feasted upon this amazing piece of cinematic history:

A giant old school batman poster is cool enough by itself, but then I saw it was a part of this huge collection for sale: 

A whole section dedicated to McDonald's....?!

Ohhhh America. You and your obesity rates!

Even though I truly wanted one of everything in this new wonderland (even the Orca whale) there was only ONE thing that I regretted walking away from, and that is this guy:

but I just don't think he would fit on the fireplace mantle....

I think I went to Willy Wonka's house....

There is a 'so incredible it will blow your mind' secret place located in St. Louis, Missouri. Actually I don't think it's a secret, but everyone I've asked about it always says: "Now just WHAT are you talking about?" And I say: "EXACTLY!"

When you're in downtown St. Louis, you're already in an appreciative mood because of the beautiful architecture and rich history. It looks like this:
 

The guys and I are walking to a restaurant in this shot. I promise, Andrew WAS in St. Louis with us, but he is very popular, and had many fans to attend to. However, notice the very metropolitan area we're in?

Little did we know that just a few streets over a place that was a cross between Narnia, Hogwarts, Willy Wonka's chocolate factory,  and the World's Fair was awaiting us to explore its deepest depths. What's the name of this magical wonderland, you ask? CITY MUSEUM. Don't let the name fool you.

We found a place to park, and as we were walking up to CITY MUSEUM, our eyes feasted on this sight:

This is the outside. COVERED with ramps, ladders, tunnels, TWO airplanes, a castle turret, a fire truck, and a bonfire complete with marshmallows. 

When we walked into CITY MUSEUM, I was delightfully overwhelmed by all awesomeness:

Wait- is this real? Or is that man in a BRIGHT yellow shirt about to tell me I'm dreaming and then turn into a cat or something?!?

 After pinching myself in sensitive areas that shouldn't be pinched, it was decided I was most certainly NOT dreaming....so we went to work in the EnChAnTeD cAvEs (that writing is meant to denote whimsy). Exploring the man-made caves was a bit daunting. It was fairly dark in there and you never knew where a tunnel would take you, if  it would get smaller or if it would ever end. 

This was a very small dark tunnel. I used my camera flash to see where it would lead. Immediately after this picture, I quickly (frantically) crawled out backwards saying: "Nope! Nope! Not happening. Turn around! Go back! Go back!"

Now this is more my speed, lots of room: 

You can't tell but, those jagged spikes are actually dinosaur teeth. Yup, you read right, DINOSAURS!

My brother Christian has a true skill for climbing and fitting through tight spaces. He was in heaven: 

Ahhh! Look out! There is a Cave Monster behind you!!! Or pushy 3 year old.

After thoroughly exploring the CaVeS, we discovered the stairs to the TEN STORY SLIDE. We climbed for what felt like hours and finally reached the summit.  We had some time while waiting in line to reflect on the awesomeness that is CITY MUSEUM, and discuss how to re-create it in our backyard. Many ideas were thrown around, but somehow my suggestion of adding a mermaid pool was shot down....not cool.

This is at the top of the 10 stories looking down, pretty cool right!?

My mom and I, after looking down at the spiral stair case.....

I almost said: "Hold me mommy! I don't wanna goooo!"

but I remembered I really didn't want to walk ALL the way down the stairs so I got brave and did what any sensible girl would do: 

...and made her go first.

The ride down wasn't that bad.....if you don't mind careening around a spiral slide for ten stories:

Dad obviously liked it. I'm pretty sure on his way down he yelled: "SEE YA SUCKAS!"

We all made it down the slide of death in one piece, and worked our way back through the EnChAnTeD cAvEs with only one emergency along the way: 

Christian! A giant fish just ate you! Get out of there!

I got really excited because I thought SURELY this was a time machine hiding in St. Louis, ready to transport me to all kinds of fascinating places past and future....

.....it wasn't. 

It may not have time travel, but CITY MUSEUM did show us some other cool things like:

Don't mind me, just climbing an indoor tree-house. LIKE A BOSS.

and

It really did have a lot of mirth, mystery and mayhem....AND a circus. Yes, a circus. What are we holding? Oh just a beer CITY MUSEUM legally sold us! This place is paradise!

An art center with pottery, painting, chalk drawing and paper mache? Yes, please!
I know what you're thinking, reader: "No way this is all in one place! She somehow transported me to a dream she had!"  I am here to tell you that IT IS REAL (at least that is what Chris tells me) and IT'S WONDERFUL!

I don't know why the creators of this magic-land decided to put a bank vault in it, but I'm glad they did...

because now I can crack a safe....like a true professional (lie.).

The outside was just as cool as the inside: 

HELLLOOOO DOWN THERE!! You look like tiny ants! I wanted to spit, but Chris said no....

We're just hanging out climbing stuff...no big deal. 

So if you're ever in St. Louis make sure you make it a PRIORITY to get yourself over to CITY MUSEUM! You won't regret it. Be careful though, because when you leave, you'll want to put this in your backyard: 

Hello my loyal subjects! Thank you for being so faithful now GET OFF MY LAWN!

and it might end up looking like this: 

Actually, if you can achieve this give me a call so you can make one in my backyard. Seriously.