120 Days Of (Amy’s) Summer

So, you might be thinking 120 days? Well, yes! Unlike the traditional calendar definition of summer, *my* summer starts with the shedding of layers...and the commencement of the fun.

And 2009 was the summer of Amy. Just little old me. I’ve been self-exploring and spending time with *me* doing *me* things. Might sound very self-involved but the summer’s of 2007 and 2008 were some of the WORST in my entire life! (I wish that was an overstatement, but it’s not). But I survived. I conquered. And I really owed it to myself to have a great summer this time around. And IT WAS GREAT!

My awesome summer consisted of:

- 5 hikes. (Weak for others, pretty good for me).
- 2 new nieces. Kate Eileen and Margueriete Catherine (two little nephews coming this fall).
- 0 TV hours at my house…and I love it!
- 3 crushes. Two blondes and a brunette.
- 1 near death experience...with this very grizzly bear. I don't recommend it.

- 2 too many airplane rides.
- 3 illnesses. Lame.
- 1 Dunkin’ Donut. It was my first and my last. They super suck!
- 4 camping trips.
- 64,999. The # of *other* people at a single concert along with me, including JJ, Michelle and Carrie. (The most people I’ve ever seen at one time!)

(Can you see us? We are up front. Really:))

- 2 U2 shows! (One more to go.)
- 5 politically charged blogs. Some may think one too many but oh well.
- 6 concerts (Vast, Keane, Jonas Brothers, Depeche Mode, U2 & U2). 4 more in the queue for this fall.
- 25 lbs of weight loss....and counting.
- 2. The # of rows back from the stage at a U2 show this year. Sorry, I can't get over it.
- 1 date. (While only 1, I have to say I wasn’t even trying so it feels like a mini victory to me. I’ll take it, plus it was a good one.)
- 12 days of straight rain…in this desert...and I LOVED it!
- 2 classes. Nutrition and Tap. Call me the next Gregory Hines.
- 1 new roommate.
- 3 sleep overs at the Brough's! I sure do love you guys!!!

- 11 or so dye jobs. What? “No, it’s natural”.
- 253 miles logged on Moon Doggie (my beach cruiser… I’m NOT EVEN JOKING).
- 1 flat tire, for which I fixed myself. :)

- 5.5 books read. (A miracle for me. I normally read ½ a book a year…by the pool).
- 1 crockpot…and many new recipes cooked by someone who *doesn’t* cook. A miracle!
- 7 new pairs of shoes. Guilty as charged. Try to make me stop.

And finally …0 boyfriends which played a big role in the amazing summer of Amy.

R.I.P. summer…you were very good to me.
I’m eager to see what the fall brings me.

OLD FRIENDS

Lately mortality has been on mind a lot. It makes me worry...a lot. Then add to it the fact that my best friend has been abnormally very sick for way too long. Kidney stones are what adults get...but wait, when did we become adults?

It would seem that my age is sneaking up on me and with greater speed every day. I feel as though I'm stuck in the Twilight Zone between a college student and full blown adult with house, husband, kids, PTA meetings and Metamusil. Some of my highschool friends even have teenagers! What the??? I definitely don't *feel* my age, but I'm not exactly sure what I feel. All I know is that I've been in this state of what feels like limbo for quite some time. I guess you could say its a bit of an identity crisis...but that doesn't stop the aging and this haunts me too. But one thing that has given me great comfort is my dear and precious friendships. They are my anchor in a sea of instability and fog.

This brings back to my thoughts about what it will be like to grow old with my dear girlfriends. I've never really thought about this before. I imagine that there will be some fun filled "Golden Girls" moments. But realistically, there will also be mammograms, kids having kids, menopause, chronic disease, ailing parents, death of a spouses or even each other. Some really super heavy things beyond saggy boobs jokes, blue hair, and penciled on eyebrows...heavy things that shopping therapy or playing with grandkids just won't be able to heal.

THE TRUTH: We are *really* going to need each other.

Just yesterday, while these thoughts mingled around my mind, I was listening to Dr. Laura (like I do) when Lillian called. Lillian was a sweet 70+ year old woman, with the cutest voice and saddest heart. Lillian currently had a full and happy life with her husband of many years but the poor dear just couldn't stop crying. Dr. Laura was trying to get out of her what her problem was....and when she finally did, Lillian grievously stuttered through her sobs "my dearest and best friend of 50 years just passed away. How am I to go on without her?"

I nearly lost it myself. The timing of such a call couldn't have been better (or maybe I mean worse). I couldn't EVEN imagine losing any of my friends!!!! Dr. Laura, trying to console her with the facts said "how wonderful is it that you can say that you had such an amazing and marvelous friendship for 50 years. Some people just don't have that. You are a very blessed woman. Celebrate what you had together."

(Then Hoover Dam broke!!!!)

There is a morale to this story...when my tears finally stopped, the light bulb dawned and I could feel the truth of Dr. Laura's words. I realized that I was also a very blessed woman. The likelihood of having many of my current friendships years into the future, like Lillian, was very high because I have absolute great friends!! There was no sense worrying about what will inevitably occur like I have been. I know I should live it up, love, appreciate and celebrate what I have. Life is too precious to be wasted on worry.

Amy's Birthday: The Musical

Birthdays can be a little less forgiving with each passing year and sadly I look forward to them less and less. I really try to not let them bother me and make the most of them if I can.

This year, my birthday started out emotionally handicapped but thanks to some very amazing people in my life, it was absolutely fabulous! Who knew that spending my big evening in my p.j.'s surrounded by my wonderful friends, singing along to Mama Mia (and annoying the crap out of Lori) could be the freakin' time of my life!? What more could this birthday girl ask for?

A GIANT THANKS TO....

- Job...I mean Carrie. thank you for the rather hairy and well endowed cake. You're freakin' hilarious! (Someone send me a picture). And thank you for not spreading your bad luck around. (I just checked and my tires are still holding air).

- Lori, thank you for offering to make French toast in bed...but then not actually following through. (No really, thanks for not spreading your bug. Get well soon.)

- Uyen and Michelle...for my greek dinner. :) mmmmm.

- KC, Mare, Lowder, Michelle, Stacie, Lori, Lingwall, Kelli, and Uyen...thanks for the cash! Can't go wrong with cash right?

- Michelle, thank you for the book, going to get a pedicure with me AND making my greek musical desire come true. That freakin' rocked! You always make the magic happen. How you do that?

- And a final thank you to my "icing on my birthday cake". You know who you are. You are too too sweet. Thank you for remembering and going beyond what was necessary or expected.

I'm a very blessed and loved birthday girl. You all rocked my 33 year old arse off! I don't need my life to be as happy as a musical as long as I have you all in my life.

A super huge "THANK YOU" to....

Britta

Carrie

Fletcher

Michelle

Uyen

Your donation of time, money, and items to my Sub-For-Santa Charity Auction on Saturday, made it possible for us to reach our goal of $20,000!!!!!!!! This will benefit more than 160 children!!! Truly amazing what people can do when they put their mind to it.

I recognize you were supporting me just as much as you were this worthy cause. Many blessings be upon your heads! I'm truly indebted to you. We couldn't have done it without you.

Thank you so much!!!

R.I.P. Our Trip

I'm so sad my girls trip is over. I seriously got my world rocked! Great Music, Great Locations, Great Company. The only way it could've been better is if it was longer. Best part was that I was DAMN funny. Hardly a "Lamey" moment...just ask the girls! It wasn't just Mare and I laughing at my jokes. No, really....I'M FUNNY. SOME highlights.... - Multnomah Falls...where Michelle "poked a badger with a spoon". (Okay, it was a spider with a stick...we screamed nonetheless.) - Gummy Bears. - Lead singer of 'People In Planes'...nearly falling off the stage onto Uyen and I. He recovered, just in time to knock the lead microphone over on top of Michelle, Mare and Lowder. Michelle caught it and saved their lives. Typical Michelle heroin skills. - B.J.'s (mmmmmmmmmm) Bar & Grill. - Seeing Lowder "speechless" for the first time ever...at the sight of Kelly Jones (see how close we were!) - Making fun of "sassy" Uyen .... endlessly! - Voodoo Doughnuts "The Magic is in the Hole". Seriously the weirdest donuts I've ever seen and they are GOO-OD! Flavors like Tang, Coco Pebbles, maple and bacon, etc. Check them out www.voodoodoughnuts.com. - The rain and the very green trees. - "Car"oke. - Crazy homeless people. Why is this a highlight? We had so many laughs at the things that insane things that came out of their mouths. - Shopping, Shopping, Shopping, Shopping, Shopping. (Not to be confused with "jogging, jogging..."). - Just 2 hours from Forks...very surreal especially when reading about vampires in Seattle while actually IN Seattle. - and last but not least...Stereophonics!!!!!! Worse thing about our trip...damn tuberlance and that our trip is over. I love my girls!! I miss my girls...

TRIBUTE OF THE WEEK: Bono and Ms. Lowder

What? Okay, stay with me. So, Bono (and the boyz) introduced Michelle and I to a little British band called STEREOPHONICS. We were attending a few U2 shows at Madison Square Garden in 2001 and Stereophonics was the opening act. We were instantly fans!!!!

How does this relate to Lowder? Well, we introduced Lowder to their music and it was love at first listen. (It didn't hurt that she thought the lead was the hottest thing since Val Kilmer. ) Stereophonics made a stop here a few years...and Lowder was so excited to go with us to the show until she learned that she would be in Italy. Oops.

So, several years later, Stereophonics are finally back in the states, but not coming to Utah. So we MUST take Lowder to finally see them this weekend and that is exactly what we are going to do....in Portland AND Seattle. I'm quite excited because
1) I've always wanted to go to the Northwest...I've never been
2) A girls trip is always fun
3) I can't wait to see Lowder's face when she gets to lay her eyes on Stereophonics
....and well, a good concert is never to be missed!

So....thanks Bono and Lowder for having good taste in music...at least this time.... (Kanye, Kelis and Air Supply, Rascal Flatts are VERY questionable).

SIDE NOTE: Though we met Mare just last March, turns out she was at the two of the same Stereophonics shows that Michelle and I were at in the last 8 years. What a small freakin' world!!!! I think we were "nent to dee". Mare, I'm happy that we actually get to see them together.

"It Was the Event of the Year!" - says E!

Lori's b-day prom FREAKIN' ROCKED!!!!!!!

The prom planning committee really out did themselves. (Michelle, Uyen, Lowder, Mare). I know there was much blood, sweat and tears along with a lot of sleepless nights. WOW WOW WOW! Some highlights of the evening:

- Lori marching the dance floor yelling "hey" when couples paired off for a slow dance and her date was found dancing with someone else (Frew).
- Michelle's parents gettin' down to AC/DC with huge smiles.
- Jason "Crockett" Mayes showing his Miami Vice chest hair.
- The mass fascination with dance pictures....multiple pictures.
- Steve and Liz....nuff said!
- "Hammer Time" aka "Carrie Hanson".
- Lowder MC...Bob Saget has nothing on you.

Too bad real prom wasn't really that fun! Lori, thanks for cutting out on prom 14 years earlier so we could party like it was 1989.

Can't wait to see what the yearbook staff put together.

TRIBUTE OF THE WEEK: Britta (the Vixen) Vaughn

Where do I start? I seriously think that BV walks on water! Over the last few years, I have become better acquainted with this little gem. For the longest time I knew so much about her, but had never met her. It was upon meeting her that I felt like I had already known her a lifetime. I know she wasn't too sure about me at first because the only thing she knew (or could remember) about me is that I gave Spencer an arse kicking via email (Is it wrong that I am sorry AND still not sorry for writing him that?) Anyway, I believe I scared the crap out of her initially but I hope she's seen the real me and as long as she doesn't crosses me I won't need to pull out the big guns on her. (I kid).

Just a few things about my friend Britta:

- She is so amazingly beautiful! Her eyes are so genuine (How YOU doin'?) and she has the ability to tear down walls instantly and draw you in.

- Her kids are freakin' adorable! That little Elle (mini-Michelle) makes me laugh so hard!

- She has priceless perspective and wisdom beyond her years, for which she freely shares for the benefit others. I know that my life has personally been enlightened by her advice and knowledge.

- She's amazingly self-less. BV oozes genuine love, she's compassionate and cares for those she comes in contact with.

- Britta (and my sister Ann) are the most courageous mothers I know. How does BV make the chaos into magic? She gives me hope that one day I can take on work, children, husband, serving others, and the ups and downs of life and still survive...AND look so good doing it?

- What a unique personality! She has one of the most clever sense of humors I've ever encountered. I swear...the things that come out of her mouth some times...

- She and I don't have to be the bestest of bff's for her to be willing to be there for me and she has been.

- She is one of the most amazing women that I know and I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

The morale of the story: I hope I can always be on the "B-Side". Britta, thank you for what you've done for me and for just being so damn cool.

I had an amazing weekend. It was just so fun and packed with entertainment...

1. SEPTEMBER. Need I say more?

2. LOWDER'S B-DAY DINNER. I love that Lowder and I love all my girls (those present and not present). They are all strong, amazing, beautiful and talented girls. They really do mean the world to me. I need their companionship and their lust for life. We are a dynamic group that cannot be duplicated.

3. MONTE TO PICASSO. I went to the this art exhibit at the U. I'm not an 'artsy' person but I could truly appreciate how amazing it is to have 70 masterpieces from some of the most amazing artists that have ever lived... and they are right here in Utah. Its a once in a lifetime opportunity! It would seem I was not the only one who thought that as it was PACKED! We stood in line for 30 minutes. There were yuppies and preppies, students, tattooed folks, seniors, families and even a few emos. It seems everyone was excited to see the works of Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Rodin, Modigliani, Gauguin, and Salvador Dali (my favorite of the exhibit). I have to admit...I felt pretty "sophisticated" for attending an art showing...though I did so in jeans. Oopsie. Carrie Bradshaw would be ashamed.

4. HOGEL ZOO. After some art, we went to the zoo. What a weird cultural mixing, but it was great! I hadn't been in years and the weather was perfect, the company was great....and the animals adorable (despite their smells)!

5. BRITTA'S. From what I hear, Britta's house is turning into "Cheers". People hang out there regularly, at all hours of the day/night, and "everybody knows your name". I think that makes Britta "Sam Malone". Does that make Lori "Cliff"?

6. NEW MOON. Yep, I finished New Moon. People that know me understand that this is monumental. Because it was the largest book I've ever read, I can't help but be inundated with thoughts of vampires and werewolves on a regular basis. In fact, I leaned over to Fletcher in sacrament meeting and whispered "I'm so glad you aren't a vampire." I was freezing from too much A/C and was pleased he wasn't adding to my chill with the lack of body heat.

7. SCRABBLE. After loosing about fifteen games of Scrabble in a row, I FINALLY WON! Me not stupid after all.

8. PALIN. After Romney lost the nomination, I have to say that I was a hopeless and not looking forward to this election at all. Enter Palin. She has re-energized me and woken me from my depressed electional state. I'm happy to actually to be passionate about this election once again.