I Liiiiiiiiiive!

Ok, I have to admit that the subject of this post is homage to one of Bria's new favorite movies: Blan (known to some as Mulan). Can I also say how happy I am she chose one of the Girl Power Disney movies as her favorite? Granted, I did heavily influence her choices. ("No, no, no, you won't like Sleeping Beauty. And while we're at it, let me tell you about how bras are evil.") (Just kidding. I promise.)

Anyway, I am alive, even though this blog is no proof. But Bria has also not napped since we returned from Utah, and it makes me want to cry Every. Single. Day. But that's ok, because we're deep in the holiday swing. I even made a couple crafty things. (Gasp!) I know! I, the queen of anti-craft have been making things. With my own two hands. I'll be the first to admit that it's strange. I'll take pictures later. For now though, you can see that we have also been shopping for Christmas presents, which has included many trips down the toy aisle at Costco to see what Bria is drawn to:Which is apparently pretending to be a monster while riding a horse.

Also, this morning, I am making this-- one for me, and one for a friend-- (with smoked gouda instead of smoked mozzarella) and I can tell you that the smell of smoked gouda, garlic, thyme, and parsley on your hands will make all your troubles (nap strikes or otherwise) melt away.

Closeted Control Freak

Back in July I was talking to my sister Amy on the phone when she let slip that she thinks I'm a little uptight. Her exact words were, "we're all a little uptight, but you're a special kind of uptight." Now, you might think I was offended, because, that sounds offensive, right? But I wasn't, because it's true. And I didn't even realize it! I used to think all the time about what my family thought was my "thing." Turns out, I'm the uptight one. It's kind of like when my sister Whitney and I told our sister Lindsay that she's dramatic, and she was shocked. (Are you keeping track of all my sisters? Good.) Anyway, this whole thing has led to a revolution of sorts for me. I'm trying to be a little more relaxed and to learn how to go with the flow. It's all very exciting. The funny part is, whenever I tell people about this conversation with my sister (because I think it's funny, so I like to talk about it), everyone is always surprised. "You're not uptight!" they say. And then I laugh, because I really, really am. I think I'm just a closeted control freak, so it's not readily noticed. But not for long! I'm now engaging in Project Hippie-- because, in spite of being uptight, I am also from Colorado, so I'm naturally kind of a hippie-- so I'm embracing it by becoming more of a roll-with-the-punches type of girl.

Speaking of Colorado and people who probably do know I am a closeted control freak:
This picture was taken almost exactly ten years ago. Yes, that's me in the middle. And, no, that's not one of the haircuts I inflicted on myself. Those other girls were two of my best friends growing up. Ashley (on the left) I have known since we were babies, and Jenna and I have been friends since we were 14.
As luck would have it, in our adult years, we all ended up in Virginia. Ashley has a fancy job in D.C., and Jenna lives in Richmond while her husband is in med school. We met up last weekend to catch up over brunch, and it was simply delightful. (We ate at the Carlyle. I've been hearing about their french toast for a while now, and it was not overrated. Yum, yum.) Of course there was plenty of Colorado gossip to be had, and lots of laughter as we entertained/were entertained by the babies. There is something to be said for people who were friends with you during your awkward teenage years. It was so lovely to be with old friends who know everything about me-- and love me anyway. (uptightness an all!)