Life in Denim and Flip Flops

It is destined to be one of those weeks where you get posts only composed of bullet points. You know how it is. Plus, it's a Thursday and I haven't done one of these in a while (ignoring the fact that Tuesday's post kinda looked like one). my BEDA buddies-- It has been over 2 years since that fateful day when I signed up for Maureen's Blog Every Day in April challenge. There I got paired up with 3 other ladies. Two years later we're still talking constantly. Fate, Maureen, and a shared sense of crazy brought us together, for which I will always be grateful. Nicola, Autumn, and Christina, you ladies rock. I don't tell you that enough. YA authors-- YA authors rocked this week. Maureen Johnson held her own and rather eloquently defending YA lit from the accusations it has become too dark. I would link the NPR story here, but it's tough to listen to as it wasn't moderated well and the person who disagreed with her didn't exactly listen to her commen...

Wow. A Things I Love Thursday, actually on a Thursday :) Red Glove --I just finished this book this week. I tore through it once I started it. It's not bad for the middle book of a trilogy. Enough plot to keep me interested. Plus I just love Cassel. I mean how can you not? Plus I really love the urban fantasy feel. It's a great warm up for the Welcome To Bordertown anthology that's near the top of my to-be-read-as-soon-as-I-get-my-hands-on-it list. my boss--There are so many reasons to love Mary Anne. This week it's been funny and wacky stories at lunch and during meetings. You should not have as much fun with your coworkers as I do. Seeing both Gretchen and Amy in the same weekend--On my way home from Apple Valley, I stopped by in Clear Lake to see Gretchen. She, being the amazing former roomie she is, fed me and then went out for ice cream and coffee with me. Sadly she didn't take me up on my offer to drive me home. I mean it's only a 3-hour drive back to ...

Hey remember when I said I'd get out of my habit of blogging at the end of the week? Yeah, me neither. Athenian Grill--A cute little restaurant a few blocks from where I live. I don't frequent it often, mostly because I feel like once I get in the habit of going there I'll be there all the time. However, early this week thanks to my broken car, I was without groceries or any good way to get them. So off to the restaurant it was. It's under new ownership. The older gentleman behind the desk was adorable and sweet. (He gave me free chicken noodle soup because he liked my laugh!) And the food was a good as I remembered it. reconnecting with old friends--I have quite a few people I'd call friends that I don't communicate with on a super regular basis. Two of those people contacted me this week and we had a nice chat. That is always a great way to make me smile. watching Manda graduate!!--I got to see my little sissy graduate with her master's degree this la...

I got home late enough last night that I just didn't have the energy to blog this, so you're getting it today. buying gifts early--I've purchased part of a birthday gift for the end of June, a Father's Day gift, and a birthday gift for Nov 7 already. I'm never this ahead on shopping. Ever. Oh and my sister's graduation gift? I've had most of that purchased since early April. I finished up on Wednesday.  dinner with the YWA ladies--Last hurrah of the semester for them was a dinner off campus. IT is never a dull moment with those ladies. The storytelling started before we even made it to the car. getting Manda settled in her new place--Moving is never my favorite thing in the world, but the idea of getting settled in a new apartment and city is a nice feeling. Especially when it has such good food. Speaking of which... Fat Bruce's and Rippin' Good Cookies --If you are ever in Ripon, WI...and why would you not be, right? You must eat at Fat Bruce...