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!!!

Argh!!!

I am so ticked off with men right now, I could spit.

To Tide You Over

Just thought I'd give y'all a pictoral account of my time in Vancouver last weekend. So here goes.....

My version of still life, "Mangoes and Bananas", on my parents' kitchen table.

"Sharon's Roses"

The Newlyweds

Dad's Prayer

My silly Princess "M"

Hugs


My Little Munchkins


"Surf 'n' Turf"


The two "Anna's"


Me and The Girls

Leaving Home

My time here in Vancouver has flown by so quickly and tomorrow morning I fly back to Philly to resume "life". As I look back I'm feeling quite nostalgic as I think about the myriad of whirlwind activities which transpired over the last four days. My brother got married this past Thursday in a very small and intimate ceremony which consisted of immediate family, close relatives, and close friends. We surfed and turfed it at The Keg after the wedding ceremony and I must say that I could probably live on lobster for the rest of my life. I love the stuff. My cousin, Khaygirl, got married yesterday in this quaint, little chapel in Richmond, topped with wedding bells and all. Yet again, it was another time of sating our palates with good food and making much merriment with drinks. And yes, I was quite "merry". ;)

Apart from the weddings, much time was spent with the parents, the multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. An old childhood friend, JanGirl, whom I have not seen in three years, flew up from San Francisco to attend the wedding. I was able to spend quite a bit of time with JanGirl during this visit and so it was great to catch up on our respective lives and reminisce about "back in the day". This morning I got together with BFF for an early breakfast before heading out to church. BFF was in the East Coast about two weeks ago visiting her sister who lives in Northern VA, however we spent very little time together while she was out there. During breakfast we had quite the stimulating conversation which centered around hemorrhoids. Don't ask.

I have to say, this was one of the most enjoyable visits back home to date, which probably explains the nostalgic feelings. Makes me wonder what I'm doing out in the East Coast. However, when I do think about it, I am fairly certain that for this season of my life the East Coast is where I am supposed to be. It's where I know that God is utilizing my gifts to serve and minister to those in need. It's where I have this sense of fulfillment and wholeness which results from the many friendships and this incredible job that I have. It's where I can proudly say I came to my "own". And for now, it is where I call home.

I've Succumbed

So I've pretty much whored myself to the likes of internet advertising. The written post below is totally out of character and I'm sure most of you were probably thinking, "What the hell?" My brother and his wife are the ones who introduced to me this lovely concept of blogging for money. And of course, I wouldn't mind making a few bucks here and there. The "Detox" post below is supposed to earn me about $12.00 and it only took me about a half hour to write. But of course my post is under review by payperpost, which of course has the saying power of whether or not my post is good enough to be paid 12 bucks for.

Call me the veritable advertising whore. I've succumbed.