Excellent Movie

I haven't been to a lot of movies lately. In fact, there are more Oscar movies that I haven't seen than ones that I have. But I was able to cross one off the list. I
saw Slumdog Millionaire tonight. It was incredible. There were several moments where I wanted to laugh and cry simultaneously. I strongly affected me. It was one of both the happiest and saddest movies that I've ever seen. And the dance sequence at the end has you leaving with a smile on your face (and if you're anything like the gang I was with, you leave with a good workout as we joined in on the dancing).
Some scenes are very hard to watch. But go see it. And hang in there through the rough scenes. I would list that movie in the potentially life changing section.
I have been toying with the idea of a foreign adoption well before Angelina Joile made it cool, and this movie has seriously strengthened my reasons.
Because really, no matter how crappy you think your life is sometimes, there are tons of people who would trade anything to have our lives. As tight as money has been from time to time, I don't know what poor means. Most people don't know what poor means. There are so many people everywhere who need help. Something simple, something that wouldn't really even cramp your style could positively change another person's life forever.
Well, now I'm rambling and tired. So I'll end with this. Go see Slumdog Millionaire and also do something nice for someone.
Have a good weekend!
PS- Happy Half Birthday to Me!!!!!

Quick Update...

I don't have a lot of time, but a lot has happened recently. I also can't get my stupid wireless internet to work. *Frustrated Noise* So here a quick update...
Work has been totally crazy. Last week, I worked 43.75 hours- and only 35 count. I miss overtime. I love my job, but I NEVER want another "Salaried" position. Ever.
I found out yesterday that I got accepted to New Paltz! So I will in fact be furthering my education in the fall. Yay!
My weight loss hit kind of a mile stone. I have lost over 40 pounds. 41 to be specific. Yeah- it's exciting. Yeah- it will be more exciting when I hit 50.
We recently found out that my paternal grandfather has stomach cancer. But it is early stages and fully contained. Surgery is planned for mid-February. Get well soon Pop!
My maternal grandfather turned 89 today!!!! Happy Birthday Grampy!!
Now I have to run out to his birthday dinner.

Help Save the Rosendale Street Fest

This is the "Pre Post" if you will. We are currently working on a press release regarding the plan for the next street fest. But here's a heads up. The Street Fest in in jeopardy. We're not sure if we will be able to pull off the Fest this year. We will know for sure after our "Help Save the Rosendale Street Fest" mixer on March 14th. It will be at the Rec Center from noon to 10pm. There will be like 10 bands, contests, food, and lots of fun! From 12-2, we will be having entertainment geared towards children and families. Then, from like 2-4, the music will be high school type music. Then, the fun continues into the night. We will also have information available for those who want to get involved with the Street Fest! We need volunteers. Whatever your talent or special skill is, we could use your help. As I'm learning this year, the Street Festival is OUR Street Festival. It won't happen if we don't make it happen. So get involved! The next meeting is 2-10 at 7pm at the Rec Center if you want to help. Otherwise, we'll see you at the mixer. Help Save the Rosendale Street Festival!!!!!

Girls Night

Last weekend, a group of us got together and had a girls night. We had only one intention: to have an awesome time! I think we were more than adequately prepared.

There was dancing

and card games

and time for girls to be girls

and of course there was drinking.

And the drinking lead to some other interesting situations, like a surprise bear hug for Bre

Isis joining the party

and whatever this is

and we didn't forget what an important political time we're living in.

We ended the night by frolicking in the snow! And Tobogganing. Totally legendary.

Barack Obama

I just want to take a few minutes to reflect on how incredible it is that Barack Obama is the President of the United States. He is pretty much the opposite of a legacy. He is living proof that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. His opportunities weren't handed to him. He worked so hard for everything in the face of adversity- people just waiting for him to stumble. And now, he is the most important person in the entire world! He is truly inspirational. Congratulations, President Obama!

Vacation

My family just got back from an awesome vacation. We went on a cruise and visited several tropical locations.
The ship itself was pretty spectacular. I had a lot of fun in the dining room.

It was easy to find ways to be entertained while on the ship.

As you know, I always like to try new and exotic foods. In Grand Cayman, I had some turtle soup. Just so you know, turtle has the texture of chicken, but tastes like fish.

In Cozumel, Bre and I went climbing and zip lining on the beach.

We did get a little homesick (and a phone call to SarahRose seemed to help).

Bre and I did a lot of sisterly bonding.

And I was able to spend a lot of quality time with my mom.

In Roatan, Honduras, I pet a shark!!!

The whole family had an amazing time!

Happy New Year!

My introduction to 2009 has been good so far! Bre and I had a bunch of friends over to say good-bye to 2008, and it was a lovely evening. And so far, 2009 has been pretty good. I've got a good feeling about this year!