When it comes to being a girl, I've never considered myself a traditionalist. But I found a good amount of joy in a tradition this week ... Collin bought me flowers.

"Sometimes we fight just so we can make-up." A line from literally THE only Garth Brooks song I know.

Visit Your Friends

My 10 year high school reunion was this weekend. I did not go. Instead I opted to more wisely spend my money on a trip to Good Records, probably the best record store in Dallas. This trip has been in the working for some time, so I had quite a "to buy" list. And thanks to a graduation gift from my brother, and my recent promotion and subsequent pay increase , I was able to buy more CDs in one visit than I really ever have in my entire life. Collin and I have been listening to my new buys all weekend.

In high school, I remember being afraid that I would get boring as I got older - particularly that I'd loose my taste in and love for music. But the 10 years since high school have proved otherwise. If anything, my taste in music has actually gotten better, more progressive.

I've always thought it's weird that for someone who loves music so much, I don't play an instrument. But I've come to the conclusion that I'm perfectly content reading interviews, buying albums, going to shows, and appreciating other people's handiwork.

All that to say, I'm happy with my choice to take a one hour trip to the record store. I walked away with a much better feeling than my two day high school reunion would have given me. (Though it would have been great to see you, Mel.) Maybe I'll feel more inspired to attend the 20 year reunion. But I doubt it.

Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.

— Eleanor Roosevelt

I So Want One

No, I Know I Can't

I cannot stop watching this show; it is my current guilty pleasure. Normally I don't get into these kinds of shows, where "judges" heep insults on people and America joyously feeds. But this show ... this show has won me over. Maybe it's because of the flashy outfits, or the catchy top 40 tunes, or the super-cute British host, or my own secret desire to dance?

And let's all admit ... it's so much better watching people dance than it is watching people sing. Boo American Idol, boo!!

But I don't watch the elimination show. I want my life to be full of sunshine and rainbows, not eliminations and dissappointments. (I'm such a realist.)

I can't decide who I want to win. Should it be Will, or Katie, or Chelsie? ARGH!? You decide for me, America. Just call 1-888- ...

It's My Bike!!

I had to post about my new bike, because it's so pretty (and so expensive). Though it hasn't seen much use yet - namely because of that devil sun I mentioned earlier - I have high hopes for my relationship with it. I just know we'll be the best of friends. But right now it's just taking up space in the living room ...

I'm Melting

Devil sun.

This is the time of year when weather forecasters seem redundant. And by redundant I mean unnecessary. It's more of the same; each day is a repeat of the previous day. Sunny, hot, sunny, hot, sunny, hot.

As hurricane Dolly hits South Texas, I can't help but be a bit jealous ... they're getting rain.

Free At Last

Though it happened over two months ago, I feel the fact that it took me ten years - yes, ten years - to earn my bachelor's degree gives me the right to celebrate my graduation much longer than those I refer to as "normal" college students. I am enjoying the freedom that graduation from college has brought me. No tests, no homework, no professors.

And if no one considered me an adult before, they do now thanks to my fulltime job.

Much appreciation to you who stood by my side through this education process. My husband definitely deserves two or four or ten pats-on-the-back for enduring all my whining and complaining. We made it, dear. You and I. And now the fun continues as we spend the next 25 years paying off student loans.