The ultimate sacrifice

I have given up celebrity gossip for Lent this year. It's proving harder than it sounds. You can't get away from it! Even the most reputable news outlets are ready to give you that seedy stuff you so desperately need. I can't go to CNN without seeing a headline about Anna Nicole's baby. I have swore off MSN. I go directly to my email at Yahoo. Running at the gym, I keep my eyes away from the 8 tvs and focus on my magazine.

Another problem is the seemingly simple statement of "give up celebrity gossip for 40 days and 40 nights." It brings about so many questions.

• How could I have done this to myself while Britney is having a such a hard time?
• Does the Oscars count as celebrity gossip?
• What about the red carpet arrivals?
• What if I just *look* at celebrity fashion, but don't *read* any commentary?

Wish me luck. And don't ask me about Britney, because I don't know.

I'm super, thanks for asking!

Birthday weekend 2007 was a success! Here's the recap for those of you keeping score at home.

Pop Quiz: from Thursday, February 22nd to Sunday, February 25th, how many times do you think I had dessert?


Thursday night, Ben and I had a nice date. We went to GoJo's Japanese Steakhouse. Ben caught the shrimp, I didn't (bad toss!). Afterwards we went for drinks.

Friday was the official birthday. I had lunch with some coworkers and dinner with my mom, dad, sister, Ben and Ryan at Chipotle (Boo to no free desert!). Then we headed for the Intercontinental for the evening. Thanks to everyone who was able to make it! Our group topped out at about 30 people. The band was fun, but more mellow than at our wedding. I had a great time so hear are some of the highlights: I received a beautiful desert that I demolished, 4 winning scratch-off tickets and the digits of a long-lost friend from high school! We outlasted the band and made it home around 3...I think.

Saturday was hangover day. I slept until noon, when Ben asked me if I like pancakes. I don't think I have ever gotten out of bed that quickly! The rest of the day we just lounged around in the office. I got my iTunes up and running. Later we went to the movie "the number 23" (in honor of my birthday) with my sister. I really liked the movie and appreciated that it was a thriller and not a horror movie! Then I stayed up too late chatting with my sister.

Sunday, I sung in the choir at church like usual. Then Ben and I went to Planet Sub for lunch. I had the best sandwich ever. The Planet Veggie: Tangy olive spread, fresh red peppers, artichoke hearts, provolone, cheddar, sun-dried tomatoes. Heaven!! At 2:00, my family came over and we had ice cream cake and watched the two flower girls from our wedding have a great time. BFFs!

Pop Quiz Answer: E I G H T

Happy 13th birthday, Dakota Fanning!

Yes, it's true. Dakota Fanning and I share our birthday. Each year we call each other at 7:14 am (sharp) and sing Happy Birthday to each other. It may sounds silly to you, but it's a great way to start a birthday.

The countdown...

Yesterday, I received an omen. I was at Garmin having lunch with my mom. I was in the breakroom, heating up my lunch when the soda vending machine makes a "chink, chink, chink" sound. I look over and no one is anywhere near the vending machine. I *casually* walked over like I was thinking about purchasing a soda. As smooth as Keith Sweat, I reached out to the change return and pocketed my findings. I *casually* walked back to my microwave, as though I had lost my thirst. Minutes later, when I was safely away from the breakroom, I checked my pocket to count my profit. Four quarters found four days before my birthday! So, with my winnings, I will be purchasing a lottery ticket. So, if you don't see me on February 23rd, I am probably in Hawaii.

Aloha!

a three (and a half) hour tour

I DVR-ed the Grammy's and found that I had THREE AND A HALF hours of my life to lose last night, so I watched it.

There were some good performances, but some parts were pretty boring...I was glad I could fast-forward.

Best performance
Chris Brown! That kid is awesome.

Also good
Mary J. Blige
Police
Dixie Chicks
Corinne Bailey Rae
Gnarls Barkley
Shakira & Wyclef

Completely over the top, but still a little awesome
Christina Aguilera. Her diva vocals actually made me laugh at one point.

Crazier than Bjork
Imogen Heap. Who is this person???

Funniest hair
John Mayer. He seriously looks like the cowardly lion.

Disgusting realization #1
Jessica Simpson is actually dating a Grammy winner (i.e. John Mayer).

Disgusting realization #2
The Pussycat dolls were nominated for a Grammy. I just threw up a little in my mouth.

Yikes
Sharlett Johannson is recording an album.

There you go - that's my recap.