Road Trip

It's past 2 AM and I need to get up in about 6 hours so I can get ready for a road trip with the girls. Three of my best girlfriends and I are driving down to Charlotte, North Carolina for a whirl-wind, extended weekend trip, where time will be spent hanging out with old friends and meeting up with new friends. I spent the better part of this evening dealing with a "Georgie Crisis". My friend (and ex-roommate), Iowagirl, is so graciously dog-sitting Georgie while I'm gone. I dropped Georgie off at her place earlier this evening and about an hour later got a phone call from Iowagirl, who informed me that Georgie was freaking out. Anyways, it's a long story that I would rather not divulge in at the minute. And plus, my brain is pretty fried. I really need to hit the sack. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to this road trip tomorrow. I have a feeling it's going to be another one of those quintessential "girly" road trips and after a pretty stressful week, this girl time could not have arrived at a more perfect time.

Annoyed...

...seriously annoyed. It was supposed to be a quiet evening of relaxation until my roommate arrived with friends, taking over the living room. It's a freakin' Sunday night! I am so annoyed.

Venting

I am incredibly annoyed right now. Sometimes I wonder why I put up with finicky, flaky, wishy-washy individuals. Why are there people like this? Especially people who are supposed to be grown, "mature" adults???

P-Town

About a month ago I went on a roade trip up to Cape Cod, MA with my good friends, Irishgirl, Iowagirl, and The Rev. Iowagirl and I brought our dogs along with us on this mini weekend get-away to one of Cape Cod's coastal towns, Provincetown. Talk about a dog-friendly town! It seemed that everyone who lives in Provincetown, or as the locals affectionately call it P-town, owns a canine or two. :) The weekend was spent reading on our beach front patio, walking into town to shop, and eating good food. It was probably one of the most relaxing weekends I've spent in a long while. Anyways I suppose I'm overdue for posting some pictures on this blog, so here you go!

Me and Georgie in front of the Wired Puppy Coffee Shop with my cuppa' joe! Fitting picture, isn't it?

Beautiful shot that my friend TheRev took.

Sleepy time! Georgie and Jacinda cuddling in the car.

Georgie waiting oh so ever patiently while I checked my email inside The Wired Puppy Coffee Shop.

The Marina in P-Town.

Shops and Art Galleries in P-town

My lovely lobster dinner. It was delish!!!

The view from our hotel deck.

Georgie and Jacinda chillin' out and enjoying the sun.

Iowagirl, Irishgirl, and TheRev hanging out at the Marina.

Kayak docked by our hotel room. I really wanted to go kayaking but never got the chance to go. :( Ah well, there's always next time.

My sweet Georgie, looking a little bored on the ride up to the Cape.

The girls having dinner at Pepe's Restaurant.

Our hotel room right behind the chairs. I spent a big chunk of time on these chairs reading Harry Potter that weekend. It was so sweet to have our hotel room on the first floor, giving us the opportunity to just walk out, through the sliding doors!

Forgiveness...Grace...Love...

Tonight I have once again learned that I have not "arrived". At least when it comes to communicating my anger and frustration. I had a huge blow-up with my roommate this evening and it was not a lovely sight. While I prayed for grace to confront her with love, ended up in a shouting match and red angry faces. So after a ciruitous argument (shouting match) that went on for about fifteen minutes, this is how it ended:

Roommate: So are we done now? (She meant with our "conversation")
Me: So done.

I walked off in a huff and in the midst of my anger and frustration, I started crying, naturally. And of course in the midst of my crying fit, I knew that I did not handle that argument very well and that I needed to to ask my roommate for forgiveness. As I contemplated on how I was going to do this she walked out of her bedroom, and in the most self-effacing way, apologized and asked for my forgiveness. I was humbled and it brought me to the realization (yet again) that this is what the Gospel is all about. It's about God's inimitable Grace, leaning on Jesus to help me love and forgive my friend, and also admitting my own foibles. And trust me, I have many, many, said foibles.

I know that I will continue to be a work in progress. However I am confident that God, who has begun a good work in me, will be faithful to complete it. Christ just simply calls me to believe and rest in Him to lead me in life, whether it be through shouting matches with my roommate, deciding about graduate school, or even walking into a new relationship. All He is asking for me is to trust in the Savior that He is.

Oh, did I mention that I'm flying out to San Diego tomorrow evening?
Pray for me.

Woohoo!!!

So tonight I went on my very first motorcycle bike ride with a friend of mine. I've always been a big chicken when it came to motorcycle bike rides, however after numerous offers from my friend, tonight I finally relented. All I can I say is.....have I been living in a box all my life??? It was so exhilarating!!!

I think I've rendered myself a veritable addict.

What is Real?

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

Margery Williams, from The Velveteen Rabbit

Grad School

The last few years has been this relentless see-saw, swinging back and forth between going to graduate school to pursue either an MSW or MA in counseling. A few years ago I was set on starting graduate studies. I was accepted into Fordham University's MSW graduate program in New York City and was set to embark on a short-term career that would involve study, lectures, books, research papers, and exams. Nerd that I am, I was thrilled at the prospect of immersing myself in academia heaven, even if it was only for two years. Well my dream of pursuing an MSW in my favorite city suddenly came to a halt when the reality of tuition fees and living costs hit me. The decision was made and I decided not to go. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, but yet probably one of the wisest ones I've made. While I unequivocally wanted to pursue this degree, I also had other ulterior motives for moving into NYC. But that's all in the past.

It's funny because over the last few weeks the Graduate School issue has been coming up in various forms, whether it be through conversations with people or through emails. I have this opportunity to have grad school paid for by my place of employment, but of course that comes with conditions. So with that said...should I sell my soul?

Georgieism #1

Oh. Deah. Lawd. She has this penchant for licking the toilet.

I think it's time for me to run to Pet Smart to pick her up a doggie toothbrush.

She's Growing....

I took Georgie out for a run earlier this evening along the Camden waterfront and will wonders ever cease?!?!?! She ran along side me the entire time and did not do her usual game of "jump and catch the leash".

My baby's growing up. I'm such a proud mama!

Interesting...

This post is going to be somewhat cryptic and those who read this blog will have no idea what I am talking about. But that's alright. I guess there's nothing wrong with a little mystery, right? Just need to "muse" out loud, or for a lack of better words, type out my thoughts. I'm taking a big risk here.

I've made an interesting discovery over the last few months and I'm curious. Why? Why so curious? Is there some sort of encouragement needed? An opening? If so, then I am open. But cautious. With time and much prayer I could soften up, open up.

Did I really just type all that out? It's what I've been thinking in the last little while. So there, I've said it. The ball is in your court.

Six Years Ago.....

I can remember the morning of 9/11 all too clearly and the chaos it incited all over the east coast. It was around the time of my "one year anniversary" of living out here in the east coast. I remember sitting on my bed late that night, listening to the traffic going over the Ben Franklin Bridge, located behind my house, and wondering if the terrorists had plans to bomb the bridge. This bridge was apparently a target and so I was somewhat paranoid that it would explode in the middle of the night while I was asleep. But with all that said, as I sat on my bed late that night I penned down my thoughts, prayers, and feelings in my journal about what transpired on that fateful day.

September 11, 2001

I really don't know where to start. Words cannot even being to express the grief I am feeling over this catastrophe. All I can ask is why? This day will definitely go down in history and I need to somehow record it: my thoughts, my feelings, and my reaction.

When Judy came into the library this morning at UrbanPromise, anouncing that 2 commercial jet liners flew right into the twin towers, I was stunned. Then panic set in that I didn't know what to do. All of us staff at UrbanPromise were all shocked. We all crowded into the library, watching CNN - the horrific chaos. Then the news of two other hijacked planes crashing: one at the Pentagon and the other just outside of Pittsburgh. Oh Lord, the monstrosity of this event has affected this whole nation. Have mercy on this country Oh God. Have mercy on the families who lost their loved ones on the plane, in the World Trade Center, and at the Pentagon. Father, I believe your hand is in the midst of this chaos. I know in my hear that you have a greater purpose for all that has transpired in the last 16 hours. I pray for the safekeeping of this nation. I pray for this nation's leaders as they decide on what measures to take. I commit to you President Bush as he takes on the enormity of this terrorist attack. Please give him wisdom and I pray that he will turn to you in this time of need.

Father I have hope in You and a peace that you will turn this around for your glory.

Remember. Always.

Dumb Ass Moment #8

So it's been a while since I've written about one of my idiotic moments and after what transpired tonight, I figure that there is no better time than the present to share about one of my infamous Dumb Ass Moments.

Tonight, when I arrived home from work at around 9:30 PM, I realized that I left my keys inside my house. And of course my roommate, Irishgirl, wasn't home. And OF COURSE, when I called her, she did not pick up her cell. I called her multiple times in this almost scary manaic, stalkerish manner. I ended up waiting for about 45 minutes until she finally called me back. Irishgirl had turned off her cell phone, OF COURSE. I was so pissed off and really wanted to take it out on someone, IE. Irishgirl, but yet at the same time knew that it was all my fault. During the time I waited for Irishgirl to call me back, I ended up waiting at my next door neighbor's place, A&M's, who so graciously put up with me for the duration of my wait.

How did I do the dumb ass thing of leaving my keys in the house? I took Georgie out for a walk last night and attached my house keys to her leash, only to forget to take them off the leash and attach them back onto my regular key chain.

I am a certifiable Dumb Ass.

Happy September!!!

So I'm taking the "slight" hint from my friend Amy, under the guise of "Jesus", and writing a new post. Yes it has been a long time coming and I am a self-proclaimed, certifiable, lazy-assed blogger. There. I admit it.

Seriously though, the last few weeks have been relatively busy and so I took a hiatus from blogging, of course much to the chagrin some friends, *cough*Amy*cough*. ;) August consisted of hanging out with good friends, taking Georgie on long walks along the water front, nursing Georgie after getting her fixed, and spending some quality time with my aunt and uncle who flew out here to the East Coast for a visit, and taking part of the Extreme Makeover Home Edition's "MOVE THAT BUS" finale in East Camden. Yes, I saw Ty and ogled at Ed Sanders. Go ahead, be jealous.

Hello Ty Pennington!

Imbibing in some "spirits" at a friend's going away party.

My neighborhood's annual block party. Jello shots over-floweth, provided by one of my lovely Puerto Rican neighbors. Let's just say that I was "happy" that afternoon.

Georgie and one of the neighborhood kids, Little "T". This kid lives a few doors down from me and is absolutely in love with my dog. I can usually find Little "T" and his two other siblings waiting around for me and Georgie when I walk out my front door. This kid is a sweetheart!

Yesterday Irishgirl and I went berry picking at Moods Farm in Elmer, NJ. I was in blackberry and raspberry heaven! I think I ate more berries than picked - they were so deliciously sweet, especially the raspberries! This is definitely going to be a yearly tradition in the summertime!

Raspberry bushes at Moods Farm.

Tozer

I believe in the sun, even when it's not shining, I believe in love, even when I am alone, I believe in God, even when He is silent. -AW Tozer

Hot!!!

So the East Coast is entering its second straight day of a heat wave. Of course this has been made worse with the excruciating heat. Insufferable really. I honestly don't mind the heat, however when it's combined with high humidity, it's somewhat a bit hellish. Thank God for air conditioning. I honestly don't know how I did it for the first few summers I lived here without any a/c. Anyways, just thought I'd post some recent pictures of Georgie for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Georgie trying to stay cool.

Poser!

Georgie in black and white.

Don't let this sweet look deceive you!

Wednesday Blues

I'm not really depressed, just fighting this nasty sore throat. Today was a given sick day and so I spent most of the day in bed. Just got home from my church small group and thought I'd post an entry seeing that it's been a while since I've written an entry. I'm not really looking forward to going back to work tomorrow especially since I'm still feeling under the weather. Ah well, another day, another dollar. I really do love my job.

Last week I ordered this book from Westminster Seminary online and I just received it via UPS this afternoon.



The author, Charles D. Drew, is senior minister of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City. A friend of mine who has been reading this book raved about it and so I decided to order it. Interesting that the author is Charlie Drew because I had an encounter with him a few years ago when I was going through a really dark time in my life. It was just a conversation through the phone, however it was pivotal in my recovery from a broken heart. I will never forget that afternoon, sitting in my roommate's bedroom all by myself, surrounded by Haagen -Daz chocolate ice cream, potato chips and dip (yes, the ultimate comfort food to nurse a broken heart!), and listening to Pastor Drew's words of comfort as he prayed for me over the phone. I was a pathetic sight, but God used Pastor Drew to minister to my soul and for that, I am so grateful. I have a feeling this book is one that is worth experiencing and I look forward to delving into it.

The Weekend

Just thought I'd post a pictorial account of the weekend. Enjoy gawking at them!

As a result of the "lovely" hot and humid weather out here in the east coast I've had this incredible hankering for water ice, preferably Rita's Water Ice with gelati. Since I can't make it to Rita's every time I get one of these water ice cravings, I've been buying a pack of 6 water ices from Wegmans. Luigi's water ice isn't too bad, in fact I would highly recommend the lemon flavored ones!

My friend, Iowagirl, was in San Francisco this past weekend and so I picked up her puggle, Jacinda on Saturday from her place (her roommates were dog sitting for her) so she and Georgie could have some quality doggy time. Here's the two of them panting away after running circles around my livingroom for who knows how long. Typical behavior for the both of them when they get together.
Driving to Pet Smart for some dog food and toys. Georgie and Jacinda enjoying the summer breeze from my car window. No, I did NOT take this picture while I was driving! We were waiting at a red light. :)

On Saturday night I took the dogs, along with two friends from church, to Clark Park in west Philly, where the Philadelphia Orchestra were giving a free concert. Classical music makes me happy!!!

Georige and her new friend at Clark Park. There was this adorable little girl who was sitting next to us with her parents who was slowly inching her towards Georgie so she could sit next to her and pet her. It was the cutest thing!

Irishgirl, PAgirl, and I decided to play hooky from church yesterday and drove down to the Jersey shore for some beach time. It was a perfect beach day!

Mine and PAgirl's feet, waiting for the waves to hit the shore.

What I'm "Required" To Do

I am alive. Really I am.

I know it's been a while since my last post. One would have thought I got lost amidst the battlefields of Gettysburg, but alas I did not. This last week has been relatively busy and I have been somewhat engrossed with work stuff. How exciting is my life. (Note that last comment is just dripping with sarcasm). The heat and humidity out here in the East Coast has been nothing short of unbearable. I really miss the West Coast's beautiful and mild summers....along with its majestic mountains and lush flora. And today is one of those days where I question my decision to settle out here in the East Coast. There are, of course, advantages to going back to the West Coast, the beauty of the area, living the West Coaster's "laid back" lifestyle, and of course my family. And speaking of "family", which is not just exclusive to mom, dad and my crazy brother, this also includes the multitude of aunts, uncles, and even crazier cousins, all of whom I love so dearly. So I ask myself for the upteenth time, "What the heck am I doing out here?" I know the primary reason that attracted me to this place, but it blows my mind when I think about how long I've been here. I was reminded tonight by a good friend why I stay out here, in the midst of a chaotic city which is an oxymoron in and of itself. I live here because it's where God has called me to minister to the hurt and the needy. This is where He has and continues to use my gifts so that He is glorified.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and

to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

This is where I can put love into action and do what God has "required me to do". This is why I live here.

I'm in....

Gettysburg. Actually I've been here since yesterday afternoon for a work conference which ends tomorrow. Then it's back to Philly and my "real life". I trekked through some of the battlefields and perused through some monuments with a couple of co-workers this evening. It was weird knowing that I was standing on a field where thousands of men died and it was crazier to think that the American Civil War took place only about a hundred and fifty years ago. It was eerie think that I was standing on a "graveyard" of some sort. I'll have to come back and do some more exploring, being the history whore that I am. I truly am my father's daughter.

Have a good night all!

Note To Self....

Never take Georgie down to the waterfront to watch fireworks. Can we say traumatizing???

Toodles!

So I'm heading up to NYC tonight to play tourist guide for my cousin from San Diego and another friend from Vancouver, who are both in town this week. I will most likely be in the Big Apple until Saturday and so until then have a wonderful rest of the week!!!!

Another Year.....

Why is it that the older you get, the quicker that birthdays arrive? *Sigh* Happy Birthday to me. :)

Phone calls... emails.... sweet text messages.... cards.... hugs.... visiting friends... these are all things I cherish, more than any ten dollar gift that anyone could give me. Through all this, I am also reminded of God's inimitable love which at times surpasses all understanding. He continues to love me me through these close family and friends who have contacted me in various ways today. Because of Christ, I am far more loved, cherished and forgiven than I could ever imagine. My heart's desire is for God to bring about a transformation in my heart and to embrace the fact that God has already forgiven me, and most importantly, loves and cherishes me more than any individual on the planet.

Kayaking....Again.

So I went kayaking again this afternoon with a group of friends and the highlight of our excursion? Sgurl flipping over her kayak, dumping her on the river as she maniacally paddled to catch up to me in order to give me the "splash and soak". It was hilarious. Sgurl knew how to swim and so she swam to the riverbank in order to get back onto her kayak. Good times.

My next water adventure? Tubing down the Delaware River. Who wants to come? :)

Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

One of my favorite hymns and I have been singing it in my head for most of the day. I'm about to take Georgie out for a run, which is also my "tilling" time with Jesus. I think I'll be meditating on this particular song while running. Who knows? If I feel motivated enough, I may belt out a line or two!

Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me,
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Thy love;
Leading onward, leading homeward
To my glorious rest above.

Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore;
How He watches o'er His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth,
Watcheth o'er them from the throne.

Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Love of every love the best;
'Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
'Tis a haven sweet of rest,
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus,
'Tis a Heav'n of Heav'ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to Thee.

S. Trevor Francis, 1834-1925

Mish Mash

Just a mish mash of photos taken from the last few months.....enjoy!

Celebrated PAgurl's 30th birthday at the end of April. I baked her this delicious red velvet cake. It was double layered and absolutely DELISH!!!

Had some good friends over for "Asian Night" a few weeks ago.

Our lovely spread of Asian delights! Made from scratch, of course!

Memorial Day weekend barbeque at my backyard. Picture taken with the girls.

It's a waiting Georgie!

Thoughts

Over the last few days I have been thinking about a friend I was corresponding with earlier this year. We both decided to cease communication sometime in the beginning of April as it was the wisest thing to do. Nonetheless, these thoughts have been relatively quite frequent since the beginning of this week. I wish I could send him an email to see how he's doing, however I don't think that would be the wisest of ideas.

If only..........

All I can do at this time is to pray for him and trust that He is in God's hands.

Really Now....

I ought to be in bed due to my state of sheer exhaustion. Spent a nice part of this evening cleaning up Georgie's mess on my living room carpet. She decided that this evening would be a nice time to be afflicted with diahrrea. Isn't that just splendid? I was driving back from East Falls when my roommate, Irishgirl, called me on my cell phone and broke the lovely news to me. Bless Irishgirl's, heart, she cleaned up the initial mess, however when I arrived home I took over and did my best to "de-stain" the carpet. It took me about a half hour, soaking the stains with "Oxy Clean" stain remover and eventually scrubbing. I think the diahrrea stains are out and I'm hoping I don't find any leftover residue when the carpet dries up. Now the living room has this lovely aroma of Febreeze mixed with together with the putrid stench of dog poop.

It's been a long hot, frustrating day, and I am so incredibly tired. Thank goodness Christ never asked me to be this "perfect" picture of Christianity. Instead He's asked me to lean really hard on Him, in the midst of my imperfections, as He loves my roommate and even my puppy through me.

One Month Later....

It's been so long.....
Over the last month or so I discovered something that's kept me from posting on my blog. I'm blaming it all on "facebook". It's crazy how a single site can connect you with individuals you haven't talked to in years. That's how it's been for me this last month and it's been quite mind bending as I've been trying to catch up with old high school friends and other's I grew up with. Certifiably insane.
Right now I am on the verge of utter exhaustion. I went kayaking this morning with some good friends and just got home about half an hour ago. Irishgirl, TheRev, and NYCer are in Philly getting a pedicure and manicure done while I opted out so I can take a nap. Sheesh, I'm such an old lady. I want to post a pictorial account of the last month or so but my digital camera is upstairs and I'm about to fall asleep on my laptop. This picture Georgie of will have to suffice until the next time I post. Not to worry....I won't wait a month until I blog. :)

Iron Sharpens Iron

For the last few months I've been doing a book study and praying together with four good friends, Irishgirl, Irishteacher, Kenyagirl, and Messianicgirl. We've been meeting every Tuesday evenings, each one bringing an ingredient in order to cook a meal together beforehand. It's been an amazing time with these four incredible, godly, women whom I've learned so much from over the last few weeks. Last night Messianicgirl was unable to join us, however she sent along with Kenyagirl little notes of encouragement and a short devotional which in restrospect focused on Proverbs 27:17:

"As iron sharpens iron, so man/women sharpens the countenance of his/her friends"

What an awesome reminder of one of Gods precious gifts to us, friends who encourage us and lovingly challenge us to "keep going". I am so blessed to have friends who challenge me to become all that God intends and friendships who draw me closer to Christ. These four precious women "sharpen" me and motivalte me, tell me the truth and even risk hurting my feelings because they love me and have my best interests at heart - "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses" Proverbs 27:6.

I don't strive to look for perfect friends, but friends whose hearts are set to follow God. I also strive to be the kind of friend that helps others become more like Christ.

Mom II

It feels like yesterday that I wrote this post celebrating my mom. Oh how time flies by so quickly. Yet again, another mother's day where I'm thousands of miles away from my mom. I'm feeling somewhat pensive and nostalgic, wishing I was home celebrating this special day with her. Having flowers delivered to mom doesn't seem to do much justice, expecially when I think of all the things that mom has had to put up with, especially with me. Nonetheless, I would have to say that my mom is the best mom in the world, even with her quirks and idiocyncracies. She is a woman full of warmth and grace, one who embodies compassion and kindess to people around her.

Happy Mother's Day Mom! Love you!

Cinco De Mayo

Oh happy spring day! It's a gorgeous day out here in the East Coast and there is no way I am going to spend it blogging away for hours on end. Just wanted to pop in and tell everyone that I am alive and well. Georgie has been taking most of my free time away from blogging. Gee, this pup is so high maintenance! Anyway, I'm taking off in a few minutes to check out the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival in center city Philly. What a beautiful day for it! I'll try to take some pictures and post them later on.

Toodles!

Yeah....Yeah...

I know it's been a while since I've posted. You can blame the new pup. ;) Seriously, I feel like I am taking care of a human toddler. Really. This last week has consisted of making sure Georgie doesn't chew my roommate and I out of the house, cleaning up after she pees on the carpet and hardwood floor, puppy cries, puppy training, and of course making sure she gets loads of attention. While I've helped to care for dogs in the past, taking care of your own is an experience on another level. As challenging and frustrating it can be at times, especially when you spend about 10 minutes in the backyard encouraging her to go "potty" and then come back in the house only to have her pee all over the floor within two minutes, I'd have to say that joy abounds exceedingly.

My Baby

I'm sure I raised a few eyebrows after last night's post and so with out further adieu, I would like to present the newest member of my family.....

GEORGIE LINDEN

While I've been contemplating for a long time on getting a dog, I finally did it and "committed". Yesterday Iowagirl and I made plans to check out the breeder where she got her Puggle, Jacinda. Of course, my orignal "plan" was to look at some puppies, however when I saw the litter of "Frengles", I was completely smitten. And what are Frengles, might you ask? They're another one of the many hybrids that breeders are coming up with - a cross between a French Bull Dog and a Beagle.

Georgie and her new BFF, Jacinda

Iowagirl brought Jacinda with us yesterday to the breeder's and once Georgie entered the car, I knew it was going to be kindred spirits in the making. Jacinda was gracious enough to share her bed with Georgie on the ride back to Philly.

This is the life!

This one was taken for you dad. Georgie can't wait to meet her "Lolo" in Surrey!

Shock.

OMG. Did I just commit???

....details to follow.

Halellujah!

Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed!

This weekend has been spent hosting lunch/dinner parties at my place and so I've spent a big chunk of time "slaving" away in the kitchen. Don't get me wrong. . . I loved it! I love cooking for people and hosting dinner parties. I am truly my mother's daughter. And so, without further adieu, another one of my pictorial accounts for your viewing pleasure:

The "Cousins" and Airforce Guy

Lasagna Dinner...YUM!

Red Velvet Cupcakes...the most delish cupcakes I have ever devoured. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven after eating one of these! Kudos to my cousin Anna!

Pink Tulips - Easter dinner wouldn't have been complete with fresh flowers.

Easter Dinner

The "Easter Dinner Gang" - minus Joy.

Easter egg cake from Whole Foods. Compliments of cousin NYCer.

Goblet and Cake

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Resurrection day!!!