New York Inspired Me...

This is on a HUGE canvas, so I must say it looks pretty cool hanging over our couch!

Lucky Me!

My husband's amazing Mother wanted to throw me a belated birthday party. Totally unnecessary, but oh so sweet. We had everyone come here, since there was a mishap with the water heater at the in-laws' house. I think we ended up with about 18 people squeezed into our tiny living room, but it was so much fun. The cat was scared out of his mind, the nephews took turns between running wild and watching movies, the adults got to hang out and eat some totally delicious food, we had the company of the newest baby in the family. And I got to be very spoiled by my generous in-laws. I got some top-notch gifts (including Tiffany's, Burberry and Ed Hardy - nothing wrong with that!!) And they prepared all the food and cake beforehand and brought it to the house. One of the cousins even drove 5 hours to be here! It was so nice and really made me feel special. They made me feel like it was OK to make a big deal out of my 30th. They all kept telling me it was a very important birthday.

So thank you soooo much to the whole family for all the effort you put in. I couldn't ask for anything more! And the gifts were too much! Believe me, they will be put to good use!

American Idol or American Idiot?

I was getting so frustrated watching American Idol yesterday! It was driving me crazy with the judge's decisions.

First, I was really sad that they cut Jamar. I remember saying out loud to myself "OK, if they cut Jamar and they keep that dude in the red pants, I'm going to be really upset." Well, they kept the dude in the red pants - Nat. And he always wears those stupid headbands. Ugh. And then Tatiana. Oh my word. Tatiana. I have never seen more of a trainwreck of a person in my life (besides on MTV). Anyway, she made it through and it made me want to rip my hair out.

I'm not usually THIS passionate about the show. I definitely love it and always watch, but I don't ever remember getting so fired up during auditions! I guess I've had a little more time on my hands this year, but I'm thinking I better go back to not caring as much. It's just making me too mad - and a little mean to these poor innocent dream-chasers.

My Birthday Weekend in Pictures

Disneyland


Dinner at Buca di Beppo's


Our House for Cake
...(and Presents and Silly String)


Here's to being 30! I'm old enough to know what I want. I'm old enough to admit when I'm wrong. I'm old enough to stand up for myself. I'm old enough to know that being 30 is so much better than being 20. I'm old enough to afford the good wrinkle cream. I'm old enough to enjoy going to bed at a decent hour. But I'm NEVER too old to have fun and enjoy all that life has to offer.

Celebrity Fat Club

So is Jessica Simpson fat? Since this story is all over the place, I thought I'd just throw in my two cents.

No, she is not fat. Not even close. At least not by any normal person's standards. I'm guessing she's like a size 8 now? But here's the problem. She is not a "Normal Person". She may be normal to her friends and family, but to the rest of us - she's a celebrity. Ashlee Simpson wrote somewhere that she was disgusted with the headlines regarding her sister's weight. She said "All women come in different shapes, sizes, and forms and just because you're a celebrity, there shouldn't be a different standard."

That's nice of you to stick up for your sis. But, really? There shouldn't be a different standard? That right there, is a DOUBLE STANDARD. You know you love being a celebrity and being held to a different standard in every other aspect of your life. You know you love being rich, famous and having everything you want right at your fingertips. You know you love being VIP. You know you love providing your family with everything they ever dreamed of. You know you LOVE it all. But as soon as people start criticizing you, its just sooo unfair. Waa. Yeah, it sucks that people are watching your every move, but that's the trade-off!

And when you go from looking like this:

to looking like this:

people are going to say something. Jessica had no problem flaunting her hot bod all over the place when she was in shape - making American women feel inadequate and bad about themselves. In fact, she loved it. And she made a career out of it. Just by looking good and having a great body. She doesn't even have to do anything else!

Yes, the media may be a little harsh. And no, I don't think Jessica Simpson is fat. But unless they are willing to give up their celebrity status and truly be treated like normal people, we are going to notice when they gain a little weight. Sorry.

Plus come on - the outfit! It's just so unflattering. But that's a whole other issue.