Bits

I have a dentist appointment this morning. I don't have dentist-phobia. But I did bite my cheek last week AND I have two canker sores. Who thinks this is going to be fun? Show of hands?

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We are having 4 of our neighbors over for dinner on Thursday night! (WOOT) The challenge: one couple is vegetarian. We've decided to stick with what we know: Italian. Bruschetta for appetizers is a definite... but I'm still wavering on the main course. Either Tomato Basil Soup, Salad, and "create your own" grilled cheese OR a baked ziti (w/ tomatoes, ricotta, and mozzarella) salad, and bread. Dessert and coffee is a given. Any ideas or incredible recipes you are dying to share?

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We spent three hours on Saturday and two hours on

Sunday working on laying new drip lines in the front yard. As my dad said, "How green of you!" Our yard is desert rocks, it's time for some flowers. We went to the nursery, planned out where everything might fit and then began digging. In order to get water to the lantana (which we WILL plant) we had to take the line UNDER THE SIDEWALK. Two hours into the project and a man walked up and told us that "there was an easier way than just using our gardening tools and force." He suggested "some pvc pipe and a hose and..." as soon as he pulled away we were back to our stubborn ways. Today: the yard is a mess - but the line is set and we are ready to plant next Sunday. (P.S. I might get in trouble for this pic.)

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I'm starting a new journal today. Isn't that just the best?

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I'm on the lookout for new podcasts. I listen to lots of different ones while I workout, but I could sure use even MORE to choose from. Current favs: "This American Life", "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me", "Stuff You Missed in History Class" and various sermons from some churches. Think: stories. Not self-help or how to train for a marathon. Any recommendations?

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Anne Hathaway is perky, isn't she?

Three Questions

1) What is the most played song on your iTunes list? (Or equivalent thereof.) My iTunes has been a little janky quanky over the years so my play count isn’t QUITE accurate, but my number one song right now, Mona Lisa by Grant Lee Phillips, has been played twice as many times as the song in the number two slot (Married Life, from “Up”). It’s so interesting to go back and see what songs you mindlessly return to again and again!

2) I absolutely love certain movies like “Return of the King” and “Moulin Rouge.” But you just cannot watch movies like that all the time! It can just be too… much. If I had to pick movies I could watch just about every day, they’d be “Return to Me” and “A League of their Own.” So this is a different question than ‘What is your favorite movie?’ This question is: what movies can you watch every day?

3) A few weeks ago, my mom asked me what my favorite food in the world is. I had a really difficult time answering this question. I mentioned a few foods I really like, but never settled on any one thing. Lately though, I realized: I know. It’s the Saturday night meal my dad always makes on campouts, some combination of chicken, sausage, potatoes, bread, cobbler, etc. Eating outside, on a picnic table, in gorgeous weather, overlooking the lake, surrounded by some of my favorite people… it makes the food taste even more extraordinary than it already is. I can’t imagine enjoying any meal more than I enjoy those Saturday night meals at campouts. Thank the Good Lord on High we are going camping next month! My mouth is already watering. Question: what is your favorite food or food experience?