Divined by the universe....

Last week marked the day ten years ago that I was a senior sitting in my High School journalism class. I had completed my assignments, was doodling on my notepad and the ADD was kicking in. Bored, I asked my brilliant journalism teacher, Mrs. Baxley, if I could go to the bathroom. In our High School, the closest bathrooms are next to the weight room. This seems like an insignificant detail, but it is crucial.

You see, Chris was in weights class that fateful day, and they were timing 20 yard sprints in the hallway- by the very bathroom I was wasting time in! Timing the sprints was a 2 man job, and a clipboard was shoved in my hand to write down the sprint times (actually I was standing there talking and was told to get back to class, or make myself useful).  Chris, being the stud he is, was on track to break the record (which he still holds- no big deal) and stayed after the bell rang to make the record  his own. I stayed to write down his time.

On my way to return the clipboard (and Chris' return to the locker room), an innocent conversation took place that would have lasting consequences, for both of us:

Me: So. Do you have a date for prom yet?
Chris: No, not yet. What about you?
Me: Nope.
Chris: Uh...Do....you...wanna....go....?
Me: Sure!

Ten years ago today, Chris and I went on our last first date, and have been partyin' ever since....

Isn't he handsome!?

God bless Senioritis...and ADD.....and sprints in the hallway...

and Mrs. Baxley for letting me go to the bathroom....

Superpowers

We rented, watched and liked Captain America and Thor, this last Sunday. It made me realize that everyone has superpowers. Some, like me, have more than one (obviously)...

 My brother, Christian, has a very unique superpower. If you are what you eat, he's definitely bacon and cheese; but if you are what you listen to, he would be every song ever written. The guy loves music, and not just any music. REALLY good music. He is never without a pair headphones. For proof, see picture below:

He also can talk to Diner statues.

 Here is how conversations regarding music go with my brother, Christian:

Me: "You know what song I'm into right now? As My Guitar Gently Weeps by Eric Clapton, so pretty."
Christian: "Ya! That's a great song. It was actually written by George Harrison and recorded by the Beatles in 1968 for their White Album, but Clapton does plays lead guitar on it. If you like that song, you'd really like blah blah blah"

If you want to know what a song is called, just call Christian up to get a quick answer:
Me: Hey! Are you busy?
Christian: No, what's up?
Me: Which band sings that song (singing) DOOON'T STOP BELIEVIIINNNN! Somethin' Somethin' FEEEELINNN'!
Christian: Journey.
Me:  Nooooo... that can't be right.
Christian: Yes. Journey. Why?
Me: Darn it, I just lost a bet.

A few years ago, I decided to use his superpower to my advantage, and began demanding he make music playlists and C.D.s for me. He did, but only because he loves me:

I probably love him more though.

 Christian is a frequent concert attendee, and is usually forced to be the resident D.J. at every party (although I have a feeling he chooses this job because other's people choice in music is sub-par):

See the ipod in his hand? He's about to rock the party out with his musical selections.

He also knows how to look cool at an outdoor music festival:

Yup, that's JACK WHITE'S mobile recording bus he's standing in front of.

Now that Christian makes me cool, I say things like: "This song is JUST NOW on the radio? Pshhh I was listening to it MONTHS ago!" like a true hipster would. 

I know what you're thinking: It's just NOT fair that she has a brother with Superpowers like this!  I agree. So, I'm starting what I call: "CHRISTIAN'S TUESDAY TOP TUNE PICKS." 

Every Tuesday Christian will give me a list of the TOP FIVE  songs he's listening to that week. You can check them out, download them or completely ignore them (although I wouldn't they're usually pretty good). You guys are so lucky! So without further ado: 

CHRISTIAN'S TUESDAY TOP TUNE PICKS:

1. Hold On- Alabama Shakes

2. It's Time- Imagine Dragons

3. Beneath the piano- The Devil Makes Three

4. Disparate Youth- Santigold

5. Sleep Forever- Portugal the Man

You're welcome.

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.....

You never know what you'll find....

My phone decided it no longer wanted to be a phone, but an inanimate object that would neither charge nor power up. When this occurs, one of two things can happen: 1) You fall in to a tail-spin of panic, depression and over-eating because you no longer have a phone and your communication to the outside world is shut off; or 2) your dad graciously lets you borrow his old phone until you get a new one. Fortunately, I fall into the 2 option. When you get your dad's old phone, you also get his contacts, alarms (6 am dad? NO!), and pictures.

I found some really great pictures; some I'd never even seen before, and they showcase my family's personality just beautifully. Oh my gosh, there was this one really crazy one that-- actually instead of telling you, let me show you:

You know it's going to be good when the first picture is of Andrew in a gorilla suit:

Just my dad....

 

......taking a picture with a statue of Mark Twain, like a boss.

This was in Colorado, last summer:

I wasn't there for this, but I think Andrew is yelling: "We're on top of a Mountain!!!!"

I found this very sweet photo of my parent's

Right next to a photo of this: 

The word 'poop' out of painter tape, compliments of Andrew. 

Speaking of Andrew, my little smooshy face,  I saw this: 

He is using the sign to let people know that apparently, the party is NOT at my parents house, 

but in his pants.

I think this picture represents every male who is forced, by his wife/girlfriend/mother/sister,  to go to IKEA:

IKEA should consider opening a bar at some point.

I found sweet pictures like this one of me and my brothers...

Obviously I didn't get the "wear a plaid, button up shirt" memo,

and mistakenly showed up to dinner in black.

Then I found pictures like this: 

My mom and her dog, Scout, each in their own Snuggie. 

I found a video of my dad dancing to his birthday song where my mom and I tried (and failed) to harmonize at the end:

Here's a picture of our friend, Carrie, at her 40th surprise birthday party...

My mom and I totally made that sweet sign.

I am trying to put a batman mask on Scout in this picture...

He's very photogenic. 

Speaking of my parent's animals; here is a picture of Penny, the gray cat, snuggling up to a taxidermied bobcat.....

Is that a bobcat snuggling with a gray cat? NOPE. Chuck Testa!

(If you have no idea who Chuck Testa is, you need to google him and watch his video right now)

And finally, I leave you with: 

An unexplainable picture of Christian and I wearing sombreros while I'm (what I can only assume) playing air guitar.

HAPPY MONDAY!

Shhhhh.....

I am going to my friend's surprise birthday party tonight! I LOVE surprise parties-well, I love surprise anything, really;  I would say "if you have chance to throw a surprise party for someone DO IT!" but I recently found out someone in my family would "rather die than have a surprise party." So that throws 80% of my ideas out the window!

In honor of surprise parties, here are some pictures of my surprise 22nd birthday thrown for me by Chris and my best friends (P.S. Please ignore my terrible haircut/outfit. Being as this was a surprise I was NOT warned to wash my hair and/or look my very best! I blame Chris):

SURPRISE!

Backyard Surprise parties are the best! 

Yep, that is my smooshy face back when he really was a little smooshy faced boy!

Every party needs a pinata, especially one representing Pirates of the Caribbean!

CANDY! 

Chris, giving me a birthday toast:

I just realized that for all these years I thought it was a 22nd birthday party that was thrown....it was not, it was a 23rd birthday party....What else have I been getting wrong all these years?!

He must really like cake.

Our huge smiles say: YAY for surprise parties! 

Since my surprise party was such a success, maybe I should throw one for that reluctant family member? Is it possible to throw one for myself? Well, either way.....

HAPPY SATURDAY!

We did it again....

I'm really not one for sleeping. I do like sleeping-when I can actually FALL asleep. My dad says when I was a baby and they put me down for a nap, I would lay in my crib and kick kick kick the wall just waiting until I was allowed to get up. Fortunately, I learned to read and my nights and naps from kindergarten on were more entertaining.

After many nights reading Nancy Drew by flashlight and knowing the dastardly villain was in my bedroom closet, I finally made it to college (where I still read Nancy Drew by flashlight). This is where I met some of my very best friends. I was happy to spend my sleepless nights with them by solving the world's problems. Typical bedtime: 5 or 6 a.m. YIKES.

Mainly these two awesome folks. Yes, that is my little smooshy face in the background...

When I say 'solving the world's problems', I mean we debated how Harry Potter would end and which characters we would invite to a dinner party all the while having Pirates of the Carribean marathons.

So you would think that being an official adult now and having graduated college 5 years ago, those late nights would be no more. You would be wrong. By the way, did you see the sun rise this morning? It was lovely!

I blame these guys: 

That's right: My husband, my brother and our best friend, Jordan. 

and this:

I also blame this for my double chin.

 It's not that we start the day and say: "Hey! Let's stay up REALLY late tonight and feel like ass tomorrow! Yay!" It just kind of happens. All kinds of things happen, and I try to document these shenanigans as best as I can. For example:

Christian gets annoyed when I film and/or take pictures constantly. Yes that is my cluttered fridge, you should see the inside.

Last night was NOT this exciting,  but we still solved quite a few of the world's problems. 

Over Christmas break we made a movie aaaand stayed up until 6am. Here are a few pictures of what it looks like when we make a movie (of course costumes are involved): 

Patrick's shirt says: He's formal, but he likes to party.

Not only were these possible costume choices, but Chris' weekend attire.

Can you believe I am blood related to this guy? Yeah..I know....you totally can.

I am also blood related to this handsome fella....

I think he was saying: "huh? I can't hear you over the awesomeness of this tight Hawaiian shirt."

So it being Saturday night, I say: why not stay up solving the world's problems, or exchanging crazy stories or even making weird movies that only you think are hilarious? You only live once, ya know.

Anyways, I gotta take a nap....

Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting......

Since my sister-in-law is due to push a human being out of her lady parts any day now, I wanted to have some special time with our 6 year old niece before her little brother got here and stole the show.  Let me just say: The kid can party! To be fair, she comes by it honestly....

 

My life's motto.

 
We started the day off at my 7th grade girls basketball game. Did we win? Oh sweet sweet reader. You are so funny. So gentle. So naive. The answer is NO. No we did not. Don't ask me the score, I won't tell you. I will not tell you the score! I will not tell you that the other team scored 56 points and I will definitely not tell you that we only scored 6 points (you read that correctly).  whistley was NOT happy! This is a conversation that might have happened between our players:  

We decided some Mexican food (translation: margarita) was the only cure to our bad losin' basketball blues (say that ten times fast) and the fam went to our favorite local Mexican restaurant. After a much needed food gorging, we realized we were on a roll and thought: "Hey! Why not keep feeling good and go see The Muppets?" Have you seen the Muppets yet? Go. Now. So worth it. Kermit speaks to your soul:

Welcome back, gang. Welcome back.

Still on a singing and dancing high from the Muppet movie, we came home and got the real party started. Homemade hot chocolate, junk food, staying up late, and candy for dinner included. Then we played THE GAME TO END ALL GAMES

                                                     
I promise you, one day I will explain my passion for Disney with you. I want to give my obsession the attention it deserves, and gather all my pictures, stuffed animals, plates, dolls, pins, clothing items, movies, etc. in one area to take a proper family picture with them.

You can imagine my suprise/shock/elation/almost cried/happiness when I learned there was a 'Disneyland Adventures' video game for the Xbox 360 Kinect. We immediately went and got it. Luckily for the 6 year old, Alli, I played on Friday night because she is a GAME HOG and I will punch a child.

Here is a picture of Chris trying to direct her through the park (psh, I could do this with my eyes closed).....

This picture tells me 7 things:
1. I still need to put my clothes and suitcase away from our St. Louis trip last weekend.
2. I should probably finish my Christmas decorating sometime before December 25th.

3. I have yet to send my Grandma the painting I made her.
4. There are 6 pairs of ladies size 8 shoes by the front door which means they are all mine.
5. My toes are very shiny and a little strange looking
6. These file folders have been sitting on the fireplace for over a month now and would probably like a more permanent home.
7. Chris needs to take this crate of books back to school already (geez! The guy is a walking mess! Oh - the walking mess is me? You're probably right)!

Uhhh....I gotta go guys, my house needs me. Maybe I could recruit Alli into doing some chores for me.

WAIT! What am I saying? Who needs to clean their house when CLEARLY painting a picture of cats sitting in a tree is a MUCH better choice:

MEEE-OW!