What do old people like more than free food?

Trick question - nothing!

While all the cool kids are in Chicago at the Healthy Living Summit, I hung out with my people. That's right, I attended Senior Law Day! 1700 elders and myself had a blast scoring free swag and bags of potato chips. I almost lost an arm when I was too slow picking a bagel in the breakfast line. Luckily, I was trained by the best (my dad) and got into my old-person mindset. This included grabbing and stowing 3 granola bars, one bag of chips, homemade peanut brittle and some candy. I restrained myself and did not steal any tea bags. I did grab a muffin to wrap up in a napkin and take home, but I got hungry/bored waiting for the first speaker, so I ate it. :)

Other swag included information on reverse mortgages, living wills and whether I was ready for retirement. There were over 23 separate sessions, but you could only attend 4. Once again, I was reminded why I want to practice Elder Law - the people who do are amazing and you are providing a real service.

Nerd alert and something sappy

True story: I just found Inuyasha is on Hulu - all 170+ episodes. I may never work again.

Also, in exactly 365 days, I'll be marrying my best friend!

Did I mention that for my 24th birthday, he threw me a surprise party where he cooked like 8 courses for everyone? And this was before we were dating! Can you see why I'm marrying him?

manual emergency

Today I had the mission of moving Jake's car from its spot on the street to a spot around the block. Why? To avoid street sweeping day. As y'all know, Jake has abandoned me for the week to gallivant around Alaska and kayak. When I asked him what to do about moving the car, he said "You can do it!" I told him of course I could move his car. Only problem, his car is manual. Now, I've had a lesson on manual, but it was two years ago. As I got into his car this afternoon to move it, the problem became abundantly clear.

First I could not get his car to start. "Great," I thought to myself. "I've broken his car." After a little internet research, (Thank you, Wikipedia!) I learned I needed to push the clutch all the way in, AND have the car in neutral.

Second attempt, I got the car started. "Yes! Victory is mine!" Wah wah. No. I couldn't get the car to shift from neutral to first without it making horrible noises and dying on me. Of course, it didn't help that I had an audience for this. Two guys working on the house next door must think I'm crazy or completely incompetent. I'm not sure which I'd prefer...

This is how I felt.

I knew I needed to do something to turn my luck around. Time to bake! Luckily, Tina posted this recipe earlier. I didn't have any sweet potatoes, so I used 1/3 cup peanut butter and 2/3 cup plain yogurt instead. Delicious!

I decided to try my luck one more time. I read the wiki article again and headed out. I got the car started! I got it into first gear! I stalled at the first stop sign.

As I waved the lady behind me around, she asked if everything was alright. I nodded, smiled, and took a deep breath. This time I got the car started! I got it into first gear! I didn't really stop at either of the other two stop signs (no other cars were around and I was turning right). I didn't take the car out of first. Yes, I went awkwardly slow. I kept sweet talking the car around the block. Finally, I pulled the car into a spot twenty yards away from her original resting place! VICTORY! I just have to do this all over again on Thursday. The perils of living in the city.

Did I mention I was shaking by the time I got out of the car? I was. I went inside and administered one oatmeal/raisin/coconut/peanut butter cookie and felt like this.

Please excuse the shininess. Sometimes, I have an eerily alien glow about me. :)

Gripes and joy in the little things

First off - gripes

• I left home at 7:45am and returned at 8:15pm.
• I stayed late because I was waiting on my coworker to finish up a project before I could finish my part of the project. She chatted to the plant guy for 45 minutes, then orchestrated phone calls for 30 minutes for personal business.
• The boy is off kayaking in Alaska for the week and will not have cell service for a week. I already miss him terribly. :(
  

And now: joys!

• Because I ended up staying late at work, I ran across the street to grab dinner. I went to Mad Greens - a first for me. I had a delicious salad!
• This is our first Valentine's day-over three years ago! It always makes me smile. :)
• I hope y'all are finding joy in little things today!
  

Play ball!

We went out with some friends to see the Rockies play Tuesday night. Unfortunately we lost, but the game was fun!

Friends!

I was surprised to find a hot potato bar at the game. I got a giant potato with all kinds of goodies on it. So good.


In other news, I've spent an embarrassing amount of time today watching Bones and be completely unproductive. I decided I'm okay with that. :)

Wedding pics, finally

Mom finally sent me her pictures from the wedding we attended over the 4th. So much fun was had by everyone.

Bridesmaid luncheon! Weather was supposed to be crummy all weekend, but it held out until it was time for fireworks. Bride is in the middle in the poppy-colored dress.

Mom and me enjoying mimosas!

Transportation from the wedding to the reception! Colorado is so much fun. :)

Our wedding is about a year away!

The family. Yes, we are all in blue; no, we didn't plan it. It could be we are all vain about our blue eyes... And yes, that giant next to me is my brother. :)

New!

New design! What do you think?