Oh, You Want to Rally MY Car? Ok.

Jon, Peter and I. My face is literally about to fall off.

I was all set for a lazy Monday evening after work, cleaning up the tornado that is my room from Christmas present domination. That is, until Peter called me to go rallying. "Jon and I are going to go rally my car, you want to come?" Me: "Um, you mean, you want to rally my car?" Peter: "Yes". So off we went. My car never gets rallied unless Peter is in town. He enjoys it waaaay too much that I can't not let him do it! This time was especially fun because the high school parking lot had not been plowed and there was a constant arc of snow over my car every turn we made. Super fun!! Jon had some freak outs in the back seat, I trust Peter.

Since we were doing so good in the parking lot, we decided to venture to Beach Lake Road. First of all, that road is kind of curvy. We approached the turn in for the parking lot we were going to dominate. Peter starts to turn into the lot and we go spinning, real real fast, directly backwards into a snowbank. The best part about it? As soon as we all knew that we came into the corner too fast, we said nothing to each other (That was the first time Jon was not freaking out in the back seat about hitting something). Then as soon as we hit, Peter grabs my arm and very quietly says "It's going to be okay" then jumps out and starts digging my car out. My car is not even a year old, so I was more concerned with damage to my car than anything else.

Jon, trying not to get his "JT" shoes all snowy, while "helping".

Let me just point something else out. I have a fear. When I am outside in the dark (much like Monday night) I get real freaked out that a moose is going to come up behind me, get up on his hind legs and go tap,tap,tap on my shoulder, then knock me out with his hoof. What?!? I know, I don't understand myself half the time. I wasn't thinking about a killer in the woods, or Sassy, I was thinking about a moose doing something completely ridiculous. Who am I right now, geez! So Monday night, I divulged these fears to Jon and Peter as we were sitting in my car in the snowbank. Needless to say, I am pretty sure they think I am a lunatic and they could not stop laughing at me. It didn't help that I was also really curious to know what moose say to eachother when they walk passed one another. So we were making up scenarios for that as well, of course talking in moose voices. I think the cold got to our heads. Hmm.

After standing around in -11 degree weather, my hands and feet were like popsicles and Peter and Jon were not making progress getting the car unstuck. Jon was not really helping, he just sat in the back seat complaining how cold it was while eating popcorn in his "JT" shoes, as he called them. So, I called Jason and asked him to bring his jeep and a tow rope and pull our ass out of this ditch! So, here comes Jason with snow pants, extra snow gear, tow rope and all ready to use his jeep for something productive and awesome. So, we finally got out, and all was good. Pretty fantastic all around. We got to rally and Jason got to use his jeep for the first tow. Saweet!!! Oh, and Happy New Year's Eve!! Live it Up!

Ross Christmas/Star Wars Domination

The Storm Troopers decided it was a good idea to stop by, instead of Santa. Just joking kiddos, he was Santa's Little Helper!

So, like I have said in pretty much every post, my family rules at pretty much everything. So, of course we totally rule on December 25, aka Ross Christmas Domination.

My nieces are OBSESSED with Star Wars. I think I am the most obsessive person I know, but they mean business and take a close second. They have never seen the movies. No, not even one. But, they know everything you could possibly know about them. The characters, outfits, weapons, you name it. They have SW dictionaries, pillow cases, t-shirts, Storm Trooper helmets. They even asked me to look up the actors who play Anakin and Padme (aka Hayden Christianson and Natalie Portman) just for a visual, they seemed impressed. I'm not gonna lie here, I just used the SW dictionary sitting next to me to look up how to spell Anakin. Yep. Very handy, that book is.

So, it was no surprise when Hill and her fam arrived at my parents house Christmas afternoon, my 8 year old niece, Nina, was wearing a Storm Trooper helmet. Wait, is that what you call those, let me refer to the SW dictionary. Yes, I was correct, a helmet. It was pretty much the funniest think I have ever seen in my life. She walked around like it was always part of her outfit and we should not be surprised to see it. I just about died. Ah, great way to start off the Christmas festivities. Of course we all had to try it on and push all the voice buttons. Made for hilarity and great photo ops!

There she is, our little Storm Trooper!

Before the Storm Troopers arrived, we played a lil yahtzee, got started on our sugar highs, and talked to our grandparents in New York and kick ass cousin, Jeremy, in Arizona! Off to stockings! Stockings have always been our family's favorite part of the Christmas present opening. Seriously, they rule!!! Full socks (everyone is always so stoked to get socks, I love it!) and other fun gifts, they are enough to make me get real excited, real fast! After we all tore through those, it was on to the presents. We all got our dad a pair of snowshoes, since pretty much every pair he had never got returned from borrowing, or we just can't find them (he had like 5 brand new pairs, get a grip people, return what you take, yo!). He was pretty stoked. It is always super fun to watch the kids open their gifts. They are sooo amped to tear through them and get to the next one. At one point, Nina ran across the room and gave me the biggest bear hug of her life because she had just opened my gift, a Star Wars Jedi pillowcase. I thought she was going to hyperventilate she was so amped. Imagine what she will do when she sees the movies!

Family Photo - I realize that Sadie the dog is facing backwards, no need to point that out, mmk?Also, notice all the ladies wearing matching scarves Hill made us, and we got the couch, booya!

In true Ross fashion, we are a little late in taking our Christmas photo (we had been pretty good about getting it done on Thanksgiving in recent years). Much to my disappointment, there are no guns, tractors, or 80s skiwear involved. Can't win 'em all. Sadie is not so photogenic. Try not to get blinded by her reflective Christmas collar. Becca and Amal are our honorary siblings. They are pretty much apart of our family. They didn't get to go home this year, so they celebrated with us, of course, which was great, as usual!

We can't get away from it!

Whenever we are all up at the lake, our parents house is full of people, all the time. Whether it is just our family, or the clusterjam of everyone else we know who lives in the neighborhood. Really. Friday was a shitshow. My friend Steph and her boys came over, Natalie and Bekah, Peter, Kosta, tons of people coming to skate on the lake, it was crazytown, but awesome! We had a massive panini cook off and Steph and I dominated a puzzle for 3 hours, with the help of wine and hot buttered rum, it was glorious. All the fam was gone by Saturday morning and it was just me, my bro Ben, and my parents, in our pjs, all day. I'm not joking. We watched Doc Hollywood, Big Break (golf show) and lounged around. It was the best day, ever.

This years Ross Christmas/Star Wars Domination was so spectacular! I am so thankful to have such a fabulous family that is so close and loves each other like nobody's business. Seriously, thanks family and friends for such a fantastic Christmas and all the fabulous gifts!!! I hope you all had a great holiday as well!!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas...

Well, it is almost here!!! Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too... (do they really sing tingling?) I am finally beginning to get excited about Christmas, thank God, seeing as how it is tomorrow. I guess as I get older I don't get into it as much. I just feel like all I am doing is spending oodles of money. 'Tis the season!

I am heading out to my parents house for the long 4 day weekend of Ross Christmas Domination. I am pretty stoked for that. You can bet your ass that I plan on eating, drinking, and board gaming it up ALOT this weekend. I will share pics next week!

I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas with your friends and families!!!!

Step By Step, Ooh Baby...

BAD ASS!!!!!!!!!

Yeah Boy! The 90s rocked it, soooo hard! I love early 90s music. With Milly Vanilli, Boyz II Men, Vanilla Ice, En Vogue, John Secada, New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul, and PM Dawn leading the pack, how could you possibly not agree?

John Secada was the man. Is it wrong that I still love him? Maybe, but do I care? No. I stumbled upon his cd when I moved a couple years ago. I FREAKED out. You bet I popped that bitch in my cd player and sang along at the top of my lungs. God, seriously. L.o.v.e him!

Paula Abdul, where do I begin? She was the ultimate dance/singing queen. I wanted to be her soooo bad. We would push all the furniture to one side of the living room and make up full routines to all of our favorite Paula hits. We were very good at choreography. I am pretty sure she wanted us to be her back up dancers, until she realized how much better than her we were at dancing, she was a diva. Many of my memories are of Paula Abdul dance routines. Oh, flashback, remember that video with the Cheetos Cheetah look alike, hahaha. Love her!

Boyz II Men ruuuuuule. They will always be fantastic. I had the pleasure of seeing them about 4 years ago when they were in Anchorage. I went to the after party and totally danced right next to them, so basically with them. It was hilarious!!!!!!!!!! I felt like I was back in time. They looked exactly the same as when I was 10 and acted a fool with the ladies. Hmm, d-bags.

Oh no, here we go, on to the best of the best of 90s music. New Kids on the Block. I think I peed myself, and maybe shed a few tears, when I heard they re-joined and were going on tour. I am really really regretting not seeing them! Damn! I had gotten over it and now I am all upset again. Ugh. They were the ultimate boy band (although, BSB pretty much rules). Putting out a Christmas album? Honestly, genius move boys! Did they really think that just because they are older, I would not fall in love with them all over again? Let's be real here, they are NKOTB, I will always love them. Plus they are hotter now.

PM Dawn is straight fantastic. If you have not heard them, it is not too late. They are sooo awesome!! En Vogue took music to a whole new level for me. I always kind of felt like a rebel listening to them. I am pretty sure my sisters and I jammed to them, constantly. Hold up, wait a minute, I think my sisters and I could have formed a girl dance group, we had that shit down! Girls, pack up the kids, we are goin on tour. Look out America, we are bringin our living room floor to a stage near you, bitches!!

That Tire Won't Pump Itself

My family is always giving me crap about how I don't really know how to do much. I don't really bake or cook (I can, but never really got into it), I don't know how to change a tire, check my oil, or drive a stick shift. My sisters say I always got away with not doing too much physical labor, or anything else. Haha, sorry guys, I was the baby!

Last week, I went out to my car to go to work. My tire was flat. Alright, no biggie, I will just see if I can make it to Tesoro and pump it up, then take it to get fixed at Johnson's. Stupid idea. Seriously, "hello, you will ruin your rim, bitch!" This is what I was telling myself when I got about 100 feet down the road and it was not going so well. So, I went back to my house and had to wake Hill up to tell me where Dan (my bro in-law) keeps his compressor. (Sidenote: My tire had a slow leak for a couple weeks at this point, and this had happened before, but Dan was there to blow up my tire and all was good.) So, the little one wasn't working, so we tried the medium, no change, at this point about 1.5 hours had passed, so we tried the big kahuna. Nothing. Nada. My tire was flat as a pancake. Yes, Dan has 3 compressors, different sizes no less. Hill had to go be a mom and I was starting to have a breakdown. I was already almost 2 hours late for work and now was going to have to pay over $100 to have someone come fix my tire. It was at this moment that I was soooo mad. Not at my tire, or myself for not getting it fixed earlier, nooo. In typical Hannah fashion, I was mad at my dad for living 30 miles away and not being there all the time when I needed him, especially when I was in crisis mode! I do realize I could have saved alot of time and money by changing my own tire. Right. Hell if I know how! I was never shown how and if you know me, you know that it would have been way worse for me to try to change the tire, then just pay the damn money to get it fixed. I get frustrated real easy. So, while I was waiting for the mobile tire fixer guy to come, I proceeded to cry into my wee pilla and have a major breakdown. Ugh, I have got to get a grip!

Needless to say, I have got alot of learning to do. I am pretty sure I have to call my dad every time I feel the need to check my oil. "Okay, remind me how to do this again." I am sure he is like, Hannah you are 25 years old and my daughter. And I am a bear that climbs mountains for a living, how do you not know how to do this. But, my dad is very gracious with me.

Believe it or not, I consider myself to be pretty independent. So, I guess I should learn how to do some of this stuff. Or, I could just have someone on call, besides my dad, who can take care of the "manly tasks" for me. Yeah right, not if they knew who they were dealing with. Am I right?

Who Brought Sexy Back? This Guy!

Are you kidding me with this picture?

Oh snap! I have waited too long to post about JT, so here we go. JT (Justin Timberlake) is fanfrikintastic! You have no idea how incredible this kid is until you see him in concert. Done and done. Oh yeah, you read that right. Amy and I saw JT during his SexyBack Tour 2007 in Tacoma. It Blew.My.Mind. For real, how can one person be so fantastic? He is funny, hot, can dance like a mofo and has bumpin tunes. He is real talented. I'm not talkin corn row wearing, N'sync dancin', Britney's boyfriend days, I'm talkin' like Cry Me a River, "Beep in a Box", Jessica Biel, and Sexy Back days! Cry Me A River and What Goes Around Comes Around (have you seen that video? H.O.T.) are only two of the greatest songs of all time, as well as every song on his FutureSex/LoveSounds album. Also, he has his own clothing line (William Rast) and I am pretty sure he is a Packers fan, yahtzee! I feel like I cannot stop talking about him. He brought it back no doubt! (Although, I was never really clear on where it went in the first place.) He is pretty much the male Victoria Beckham. And we all know how I love my Vicky B. My perfect dinner date would be with the two of them. I like to think that they are best friends and sit around commenting on how hot the other one is, while wearing their own designer jeans, and giggling like school girls. I can totally see that playing out in my head right now. Precious.

Have you seen him on SNL, or any interview? That boy is hi-larious!!! He is so quick witted and clever, like when he hosted the Espys, hellooooo Mr. Funnyman. That boy seems to be pretty athletic too, he loves him some golf!I feel like his good qualities never seem to stop! If I told you that a singer/songwriter could sing, dance, be funny, and act, you would be like, um... did you see Britney Spears in Crossroads (yes, I own it, that is another story), singers cannot act worth crap. Wrong. Mr. JT can act like nobody's business. Black Snake Moan- he was fantastic. Alpha Dog - I was sooooo impressed with him, seriously, he was phenomenal. So, I guess JT is not a member of the signers who can't act club. Although, I have not seen the Love Guru, and I am scared to, it looks really bad and I would like to keep my good impression of JT, thanks. Whoopsie, almost forgot about Mickey Mouse Club. He was young, I'll let that one slide.

I know many of you are like, why the beep is she listening to Justin Timberlake, she is 25 and he is totally ridiculous, 13 year olds cry over him. Well, why don't you take a listen to FutreSex/LoveSounds, maybe even have a little jam session to it while getting ready to go clubbing (Amy), then you will understand why he is so magnificent. Until then, lock it up!

Good Luck Having Kids

Sassy faces courtesy of Aunt Hannah. I do what I can.
(Eleni, Nina and Lucy)

The other day, my 8 year old niece slipped me a piece of paper. On it read (exactly how she wrote it):

"I dont think youl marry. Good luck on having kids."

My nieces are pretty in tune to what is going on with me. Well, for a 8, 6 and 4 year old. They tell me they want more cousins and another uncle, but I don't give in. They always ask why I don't have a boyfriend, just alot of good guy friends. I tell them the truth. No time, boys are stupid, they ruined my life, but they are cute. This stuff can get confusing when explaining it to kids, ugh.

I think Hill will agree that I pass on a little too much sass. I talk to them as if we were all in high school sitting on the bleachers at a football game, with valley accents, and using ridiculous language like holla, bizzounce, and making up awesome secret handshakes. That is why they love me. Hill is constantly laughing and rolling her eyes at me when I talk to them. Wonder where they get their sass? Right here.

But, if Hillary and Kim's children are any indication of how adorable my kids would be, why wouldn't I have kids, right? Wrong. I don't think the idea of having the cutest Baby Gap models on the planet (you know I would) is reason enough to have children. Or is it? hmm.

Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.

"I want to clamp Michael's face in a George Foreman Grill."

Jim Halpert, where do I begin? He is adorable in every sense of the word and I would marry him as soon as he said hello to me. He is funny as hell and too cute to handle. Look at that face! That smile and the "Jim look" get me everytime, you know what I am talking about. His real name is John Krasinski and he plays Jim Halpert on one of the funniest shows ever, The Office (I am sure you all watch it and love it as much as I do). I would much rather call him Jim, because that means that him and Pam are really together, and I like it that way. Bonus, he is friends with one of my favorite actors of all time, Jason Bateman.

How cute are Jim and Pam? Way too cute to participate! Amy and I ooh and ah every time we watch the show. We are pathetic, I think David and Jason get a little disgusted with us. Pam is the only person I would approve of him being with, aside from me or Amy of course. They are the cutest couple, on the planet!

I just watched a video of singer Aimee Mann singing "Winter Wonderland" at her Christmas concert and who pops up on stage next to her and starts singing? Jim, sporting the cutest plaid shirt no less (I am a huge sucker for plaid shirts, can you say lumberjack?). He was just singing his little heart out. Soooo cute right now, I just want to hug him. Ah Jim. I really do believe that he acts like Jim in real life, witty, adorable, super sarcastic. They are the same person, they just have to be.

I bought Amy and I these "I heart Jim" coffee mugs that rule! I did not know what to do with myself when I saw the mug, I was so stoked, and I am pretty sure Amy felt the same way. They are extra awesome. I do realize that me telling you about our mugs is super ridiculous and might be alot for some of you to handle, but get over it! John/Jim/whatever I feel like calling you, you have an open invitation to join our Crewnit anytime you want. You would fit in perfectly, just saying. Oh, and to make myself clear, I would be Jim's receptionist any day of week. Amy, we can share a desk.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

Tell a little story Mr. Bones, a funny little story Mr. Bones.
(I'm obsessed with White Christmas, duh!)

The Salvation Army bells are ringing, the Christmas songs are bombarding our radio stations, and angels are earning their wings (I HATE It's a Wonderful Life, fyi!). I love Christmas time. But to me, there is a window of Christmas cheer. You should not be allowed to buy Christmas presents until at least Black Friday and I really don't like putting up Christmas decorations until about 2 weeks before Christmas. If you do it too early, I feel like it really takes away from the whole spirit of Christmas, the whole whirlwind of it all. We just took down fall decorations for craps sake! I bought a couple gifts already this year and have bought alot of new decorations that I am excited to put up. The issue is a tree. I really want a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, pink, blue, or some other random color. How fun would that be? I don't have a lot of living space to put one, so I really need to think this tree business over.

I love Christmas music! My favorite is Harry Connick, Jr.'s first Christmas album. Helloooo Harry! I love him, obvs. Have you heard his voice? Or seen his face? How can you not love that guy. He is the epitome of precious. I could listen to that album all year round, for real. It really gets me in the spirit! I am pretty sure that we listen to it like a million times around Christmas at my mom's house. I need to get that cd in my player, right now!

Another thing my family rules at, watching and loving Christmas movies. Our faves are White Christmas (I am obsessed with it), National Lampoons Christmas, and A Christmas Story (that leg lamp gets me every time!) I cannot handle how awesome White Christmas is. It is probably in my top 10 if not top 5 favorite movies of all time. Bing, Danny, Rosemary? What more could you ask for. Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters... You know you know what I am singing right now.

I love Christmas time. I really need to get my on the ball with my present shopping though. I am so stoked for Christmas at the lake this year, it is going to be a blast! You can bet we will be playing Taboo again, just saying, we love that game! This whole season is such a whirlwind. Before you know it, it's 2009 and what do you have to show for it. Yeah, think about that!

80s Skiwear? You Betcha!

So here I am sipping a mondo ass glass o' wine with my sister after getting home from work at 11:45p (I can't stop myself, you should see the mountains of paperwork on my desk!!) and realized that we are totally ridiculous. Seriously, some of the things that come out of our mouths are straight retarded. We just spent about 20 minutes trying to figure out the best family Christmas photo to take this year. We are trying to take it this weekend and really don't want to take it on the lake this year, again. Don't get me wrong, we love the lake, but it really washes our skin tone out, real bad, and we have done it for the past 2 or 3 years. We ran through the whole gamut of choices. Here are some examples: all dress up as our favorite superheroes, Star Wars characters (I loved that idea), awesome 80s ski outfits (also loved this one, I LOVE the 80s), climb a mountain and take a scenery shot (yeah right, that is outrageous, seeing as how it is -50 degrees outside), sitting in front of a fireplace (not exciting enough), Musk Ox Farm, Reindeer Farm with someone dressed up as Santa (that is totally not our family, at all, but would be hi-larious!) yada yada. You get what I am throwing at you. Finally, we came up with the best idea! Action shots in a collage picture format!! I don't want to give it away, but guns, tractors and skiis are involved. I really hope this photo comes together, because it is going to be epic!!! I think I might have to sneak in some 80s wear for my photo block, I have to represent!

My Boy in Green and Yellow

Seriously Brett, get off my field.

Today my boy, Aaron Rodgers, turns 25. Booya!! I guess he is younger than me, crazytown!! He sure looks older, whatevs. (PS. In case you did not realize, I am a real big Packers fan, and Rodgers is their QB, the one on the left--you better have known that!)

The Pack may not be having their best season, but Rodgers really stepped up to the plate with "Mr. Football" (Brett Favre, the love of my life) being ridiculously wishy washy. I was really amped this season to see him do what he do as quarterback, he has been in Favre's shadow long enough. It can't be easy filling those shoes. He can chuck that ball like nobody's business (but, I think you should try and take the interception passes down a notch, pal) But, he is doing his job, and he is carrying the team well. The team does need to step it up a notch, but I already told them that, and they agreed. He is impressing me all around and a total bad ass. Bonus, I find him pretty attractive. Happy Birthday! (I am doing a beat-box rap version of Happy Birthday at my desk for him right now. I know he can hear me!)

GO PACK GO!!!

Spice Up Your Life

I am fabulous, yes I am.

I am just going to say it. I love Victoria Beckham. The robot?!?! Yes. Posh Spice, Robot, Vicky B. same thing. She is fabulous. The reason why I think she is fabulous is because she is hilarious, is a former Spice Girl, looks hot all the time, her husband is the epitome of London hottness, and her kids are the cutest munchkins on the planet (next to your kids Kim and Hill, of course). I mean really, her 3 year old brake dances, come on, you cannot deny that is hilariously adorable, am I right? Every interview I have ever seen her do I laugh my butt off! She is real witty. I am pretty sure there is a good chance we are going to become best friends. I feel like I have alot of potential besties out there in celebland, I need to get on it! Her only downside, she is friends with Tomkat. They are real stupid, she is not, she needs to stay away from them.

The Spice Girls are only the best 90s girl/dance band of all time. Okay, not all time, but they were real addicting. I could not stop listening to them and I am pretty sure I watched Spice World more than once, and liked it! Also, her clothing line, dVb is hot. I know this because Amy has a pair of her jeans with pink crowns on the back pockets and they rule. And, she is so stylish herself, how can her clothing line not be? She would not let it be awful.

Being married to David Beckham has got to be difficult. She must hate staring at him all day. they have adorable kids that he spends most his time with, he is super hot, is married to Vicky B., and I think he must be pretty good at soccer. I don't follow that sport, but have noticed that Becks likes to take his shirt off at games alot, maybe that is why LA signed him. Hmmmm. Although, I am not a fan of his voice, have you heard that thing? I am so confused every time I hear it. Is that squeaky weird animal sounding voice coming out of that hot face?

Hi, we are the cutest family on the planet, nice to meet you.

She is super adorable, stylish and fantastic, I just don't know how she can look so damn good all the time! Man, I love this girl. Also, I think that she does smile alot, I really do. She is no damn robot! And remember, Spice up your life, every boy and every girl, spice up your life. (I know you can hear the song in your head, don't deny it!)

Turkey Day aka Board Game Domination!!!

I love Thanksgiving! I'm pretty sure I like it more than Christmas. My whole family spends the weekend at our parents house on Reed Lake near Hatchers Pass, pretty much the most spectacular place on earth. Our family rules at Thanksgiving. We can eat and drink just like everyone else. But most of all, we can play board games better than any family I know. Our family and my uncle's family used to spend Thanksgiving together and play games for hours after dinner, aka Ross/Lourie Board Game Domination. They moved to the east coast a few years back and it has not been the same since. If you saw us in action, you would be floored. Lis and I were major telepathic, seriously. We pretty much rule at everything we do together, but games take the cake.

This year, the Johnson's (Bruce, Monica, Eric and Jason) joined us for dessert and Taboo after skating on the lake. They have a cabin right next to my parents house- fun!! We had been waiting all day to play Taboo. Years ago we realized that we dominate at board games because we are telepathic and we constantly laugh at eachother, so it's double the awesome. Example: This summer while playing Taboo, I gave the clue "Swiss Family Robinson" my mom said Ostrich. She was right. Really??? Who would say that, of all the things to say. This time was no different, there were many debacles that made for tons of hilarity: 1) Bruce thinking Taboo was pretty much charades, acting out every clue, he was wrong. We let him go with it because it was hilarious. Bruce was on my team and at one point, all I said was, "I don't want to point to that". Bruce said belly button. I have no idea where that came from, but he was right. 3) My nephew Jonas (2years) was bawling before we started playing. We were all asking him what was wrong and he blubbered out "TABOO". I guess someone told him he couldn't play and that made him real upset. Apparently everyone wants to get in on the action. 4)After realizing that the word he was supposed to describe was Sigmund Freud, not Siegfried and Roy, and saying clues like, "rhymes with shmaken" for bacon, Eric quickly became a Taboo favorite.

Friday, many turkey comas later, we went skiing and skating on the lake and ate more turkey, of course. I was house/kid sitting this weekend as well, so I brought the kids to the lake on Saturday, where it proceeded to snow about a foot. I am pretty sure they each went through 2 pairs of snow pants and about 3 pairs of gloves because is was so wet outside. Needless to say, I was exhausted after being a nanny for 2 days. I had a great time with those kids, and I love my nephew and nieces, but I am pretty sure it will be a disaster if I ever have kids, let that be known.

My family is so fantastic. We have the capability of laughing at each other all the time. We get really loud and really annoying I am sure, but you cannot stop us when we start laughing. We definitely know how to have a good time. My dad just sits there and rolls his eyes half the time. He is surrounded by cackling women alot, I am sure that gets old. We are all really close, but of course we get real annoyed with eachother sometimes, that's what families are for right? Thanksgiving is such a awesome family holiday!! I hope you all had a wicked good time with your loved ones this weekend!! I love Thanksgiving!!

My Friend, Sassy

Just thought I would share a little known fact about me (keep in mind, I am not crazy). I love Sassy (aka Sasquatch aka Harry of Harry and the Hendersons aka Bigfoot). Whiggity What you say?? Yes, it is the craziest legend I have ever heard but I totally believe that Sassy is out there. One day, I am going to find him. Actually, probably not. That sounds real scary and I would probably pee my pants, then pass out, then Sassy would take me to his cave to join his Sassy family and I would be lost forever. By some miracle if I did escape, no one would believe me and it would be super embarrassing, and I really don't need that right now. But on the other hand, Sassy could become a great friend, how do I know if he is dangerous? Although, I'm pretty sure he speaks some crazy form of mountain man English with a little bit of chewbacca speak mixed in, so there that is. Sassy, it would really help me out if you just showed yourself in public once and a while, ok? I could use some back up here!! Until that day, I will just keep on believing in Sassy from a distance. Seriously, he rules. FYI, if you ever want to get me something spectacular, get me a sign like this one or a kick ass Sassy shirt. Better yet, bring me Sassy. Can you imagine? A-mazing!

Before I'm Old and Lazy

There are a few things I would really like to do within the next 5-10 years (most likely sooner). It's not that I think I will be married and have kids by that time, or ever, but I just want to do them before I make up too many more excuses not to.

NASCAR: I am strangely intrigued by the massive redneck crowds and ridiculous amounts of driving in a circle. I have never really watched it, but I think that the experience of watching it live would be unforgettable. I can picture myself getting really into the whole thing. There is no other way, I will have to totally immerse myself. Don't be surprised if I come out of there wearing a Nascar baby doll tee that is obviously too small (cause we all know that is so attractive) and a Nascar visor. Hmm, that should be interesting. I only make myself aware of the important things about Nascar: Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kasey Kahne, and Carl Edwards. And from the looks of them, I think Nascar and I are going to become great friends. Hot damn! And just so we are clear, I expect to see nothing less than Carl Edwards flailing guns around at the winners podium. That would be the best day of my life. I would most likely marry him on the spot.

Kentucky Derby: I have been to Kentucky twice and it is definitely one of my least favorite places to visit. It was not my cup o' tea at all. Thank God I was with amazing friends both times, otherwise I would not have survived the alcohol free counties and ghost towns. I have never been to a horse race, but I think it would be a blast. To me, the Kentucky Derby screams old time elegance. It looks super classy and I get to wear a crazy ass hat. I love hats! I hear stupid celebrities like Jessica Simpson like to attend. If she is there, I will wrestle her to the ground for three reasons: 1. Wearing that stupid pink Tony Romo jersey, 2. Chicken of the Sea. Really? and 3. There is no way she is stealing my hat thunder! FYI, I want that hat on my head right now, it is sooo me!

NFL Game: I cannot believe that I have never been to an NFL game. With all the traveling I do, it is ridiculous that I have not squeezed one in. I think this will be first on my list to accomplish, and I think I can do it within the next year. The Packers are my number 1 team and I would LOVE to see them play. I would also like to see the Patriots and Steelers, (my #2 and #3 teams). I love me some football... Quarterbacks. Exhibit A, Aaron Rodgers. Packers quarterback and token bad ass. My hero. Thanks for letting him show us what he got, Brett!

Europe: I know everyone dreams of going to Europe, but I am going to do it! I was really hoping to take ridiculous pictures with the Buckingham Palace Guards and try to get them to crack a smile. I would even settle for the stink eye, but apparently they don't mess around. I will most likely get stabbed if I even wink at them. My wish is to be over there for about 3 weeks next summer, but I am not sure I can swing that. I want to see Greece, England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Italy among many other places. But, I would really love to go to Denmark. Ever since I did a school project on Denmark in 6th grade, I have wanted to go there really bad. I want to take it all in. I am pretty certain I will become obsessed with Europe and want to move there.

I think I have a really good chance of seeing all these within the next 2 years, that would be spectacular!! There are many more things I would like to see and do in the next 5-10 years, but I will space them out in my posts. Don't want to get too overloaded here. I know the list will keep building. I can't wait to have pictures of my own to post from these events, but it will be awhile!!

Sexiest Man Alive? Absolutely.

Today, People magazine unveiled it's annual Sexiest Man Alive issue. Who is the winner? Hugh Jackman. Now that is what I am talking about! (Take that Brad Pitt!) Not only is he hot, but I think that everyone can appreciate that he is a fantastic actor. I cannot wait to see Australia. Sorry to digress from the fabulousness that is my life (want to know a secret? it's not really that fabulous), but I must discuss what most of you know is my guilty pleasure, celebrity gossip. I totally eat that stuff up! I am not that gullible people, I know the majority of it is not true. Is it embarrassing? Of course, but ask me anything about a celebrity and I will probably have your answer. Is any of it useful information? No.

Hugh Jackman aka Wolverine has long been one of my faves. He is hot, no doubt about it. Even with blades coming out of his hands and those ridiculous chops, I love the man. Two movies that made me love him even more: Scoop and The Prestige. Scoop is hilarious! With ScarJo and Woody Allen in the mix, this movie was destined to be great. I love all three of them. He has great comedic and dramatic skills. Quite a charmer you are Hugh. The Prestige is phenomenal. I am not a fan of magic, at all, and was a little frightened by the idea of this movie. Several months back, Jason made me watch it and it blew my mind. The quote on the front of the dvd case read "You want to see it again the second it's over". I was so intrigued by this movie. And, it had my other faves Christian Bale and ScarJo, so it was extra awesome! I could not keep my eyes off of it and indeed, I wanted to watch it again as soon as it was over.

So, there is your little manjoyment for the day. I apologize to my guy friends out there for this post, but did you really think I could go this long without posting about celebrities, and hot ones to boot? I didn't think so.

Music on My Mind

I have been listening to some really great music lately and have to share!! I am obsessed with music, concerts, and anything involving them. Most of my travel involves a concert/show, and I would not have it any other way. Seeing a band live is like no other. It is such a happy, emotional, spectacular time. Especially when you are in love with the band! For me, it becomes quite the emotional experience and I get really nervous before each show, like I am the one performing or something. Really, I feel like I am going to vomit. I am usually speechless through the first couple songs, then I chill out and take it all in. Obviously, concerts take over my mind, but it is sooo awesome! Just writing about this is getting me all fired up!!

On to the music.

Bruce Springsteen, album - The Ghost of Tom Joad: phenomenal. This album is from 1995. I am a big Bruce fan, but this is like nothing I have ever heard from him. It is super mellow and really showcases that he is a very talented artist, he doesn't only sing Born to Run. I first heard it when I was babysitting for some neighbors, at least 5 years ago. Every time I went to their house I would put it on. I'm pretty sure the kids got really sick of hearing it. But, it was either that or steal it, and that was not going to to happen. I had a really hard time finding the album until I was in AZ last week and Noah and Jeremy took me to a record store. Yahtzee! I got it used for $7. Perfect all around. I think this album really deserves a listen and it might even change the way you feel about his music.

Little Joy, self titled first album: They make me smile! Look at them, a-dorable! I want to join their group!! With Fabrizio Moretti (aka the love of my life and the drummer for The Strokes) writing the majority of their tunes and the fantastic voices of Rodgrio Amarante (Los Hermanos) and Bikini Shapiro, I am completely drawn in. The soft voice of Bikini sounds effortless and warms your heart. Oh Fabrizzio, how I love you. He is a instrumental genius and is a great song writer. Rodrigo's strong sound gives the album what it needs and makes you feel like he is smiling the whole time he is singing. They all do their part instrumentally and don't mess around. You can tell they are doing this because they love it, and that is what it is all about! They have a touch of South American sound with happy beach sound mixed in. They finished their album living in a house together in CA and their name is after a cocktail lounge down the street. How awesome are they?? This group oozes with life and love and I am totally addicted. (FYI, Fabrizio is on the right)


Lykki Li, album - Youth Novels: Hailing from Sweden, this gal is blowing my mind. She is the definition of precious pop and is very talented. The album is not necessarily poppy, but it is different. She has her own style and I like that. One song in particular with her speaking and a trumpet playing, gets me every time, I could listen to that over and over all day long(FYI, I have a thing for the trumpet sound). Every song is enjoyable. She draws you in because she is not the norm, she has heart, she has desire, she is creative, she is unique and makes it sound so effortless. Something about her voice and her music is just mesmerizing. Honestly, I think we could be best friends if we met. I'm just saying.


Bon Iver, album- For Emma, Forever Ago: I am listening to their cd as I write this, it makes me sooooo happy and sad at the same time. I randomly found this album at Barnes and Noble months ago and have not stopped listening to it. I feel like no music has ever touched me as this cd has. I know that sounds extreme, but really, it is amazing, I almost do not know how to describe it. You can feel the emotion in every song. Justin Vernon went to the woods a distraught heart broken man and came out three months later with a phenomenal record that you can't stop listening to. I will take a break from this album every couple days. But, I always go back. With his flawless voice, Justin has created a genius album that is extremely cohesive and mellow, an album that only heartbreak could produce. I hope that I have the pleasure of seeing them live one day, in a really small intimate venue, that would be so perfect!

Let me know if you listen to any of these albums or artists. I am curious to see what other people think. My mind is obviously blown, but that does not mean much to anyone else. Happy listening!!

Clooney and Nascar

When I was little, I was obsessed with playing "office", I think I may have even liked it more than "grocery store" (which I was a HUGE fan of). I had all the necessities: a phone, business cards, checks, invoices, etc. I would sit at my "desk" (which was one of those kid wooden tables with the cute little chairs) for hours and just go to town. I would be the boss (of course) and employee. Apparently this was a one man office. Now that I think about it, I don't think I played with many friends when I was little (like pre-10 years old), hmm. I had a few that I played with often, and that was about it. I do know I was really shy, maybe that was it. Family, you may need to fill me in on this, seriously, I have a very sporadic memory when it comes to my childhood. Like, Hillary, are you sure we grew up in the same house, all I remember is going to your thousands of sporting events when you were it high school, haha. Strangely, I seem to remember everything else in my life, really! It is kind of annoying how observant I am, it can be pretty embarrassing. Okay, that was a way off subject, back to the point.

My destiny: to work in an office. WHAT?!?!?! No teaching, being Dr. Ross (aka a doctor AND the wife of George Clooney from ER-- I would not have to change my name, and I would be married to George, YAHTZEE!!), or driving Nascar for life? Damn! I was banking on Nascar.

Ok, ok, I do like the office life. I love paperwork, it makes me feel accomplished. I can see what I have to get done, and watch my pile of papers dwindle. But, it is really overwhelming too. Like, do I really need 5, 6 inch stacks of paper on my desk at time, just waiting to be dealt with, probably not. I have got to do something to stop these paper storm troopers from invading my desk, I cannot take it anymore! Whoo, One task at a time, one task at a time...

When I feel like adding one more piece of paper to the multiple stacks will make it tumble, I use post-its. Who am I kidding, I don't need an excuse to use a post-it. I can doodle all damn day on those things, they are magical. I literally have at least 100 used all over my desk and up the sides of my desk at any given time. It is like a fruit salad up in here. Don't judge. When I am done with the one little thing written on that post-it, I just shred it, then there is space for another. Making room for my friends, that is all I am doing here, don't worry about it.

I have worked in the same office for 7 years now and I still enjoy it. I like the client interaction. I like the computer work, paperwork, meetings, court, seminars, meet and greets. I love it all. The clients depend on me, my boss depends on me, pretty much everyone depends on me. But who do I depend on? Who am I supposed to go to for all the answers? I seem to have them for everyone else. The legal world is a crazy one, no joke. But, it challenges me everyday and it is a constant learning experience. I imagine I will be working in this field for a very long time. So, I think I am going to need a truck load of post-its. I like all colors, not just yellow. Keep that in mind.

I'm Baaaack!!!

Well, obviously, I am back in Alaska. All I can say is: Really?

Alaska, do you have to snow right before I get off the plane so that my cute warm weather slip-ons get all wet? Or, make people behave like idiots around the airport, practically driving right up to the door for their traveler who cannot walk 10 extra feet to them, only to block my ass form getting to my ride? Come on! Alaska has no mercy.

Needless to say, Arizona blew my mind! I had so much fun and cannot wait to go back! Mexican food, beautiful weather and scenery, awesome people! Like I said in a previous post, my cousins rule, 'nuf said. I also finally got to meet my cousin Noah's fiance, Jeanine, who is pretty spectacular! (I plan on returning to AZ for their wedding in May). We took a trip to Flagstaff to visit my friends from AK, Ashley and Matt. Oh man, much fun was to be had in Flagstaff. Drinks aplenty. We also indulged in The Wine Loft where you can play board games while drinking wine, all the while looking really sophisticated. Um, can you look sophisticated while playing Life? Maybe Shoots and Ladders, but Life? The evening was fantastic and it was great to see Matt and Ashley!

Jeremy's birthday was on Monday. Him, Noah and I went to a really cool record store where I scored a $5 Bjork cd that I used to jam to all the time in the 90s, yes I said the 90s. If you don't know her, get on it!! She is kind of a kook, but I love her eclectic sound. With the rest of the crew in tow, we ventured to Tempe to a sweet Irish Pub our cousin Nate used to work at. Their mac and cheese was fab. Then it happened, one of the most horrible experiences of my life:The Clubhouse. Not only was it the worst venue on the planet, but the bands most definitely did not rule. We saw 2 bands, Local H and the absolute worst band of all time (I have no reason to store their name in my brain). The lead singer was wearing a cape for the first two songs, uh, yeah, I don't joke about capes. I was so embarrassed to even be listening to them. I'm pretty sure I vomited in my mouth a lil, they were that awful. And, they were hell bent on trying to talk politics/the election before every other song, I wanted to punch them all in the face. Um hi, the election is over, lock it up and sing, or don't. We ended the night on a music disaster that we laughed about the rest of my trip. Jeremy seemed to enjoy his big day, and we all had a really good time just hanging out. I was glad to be there to celebrate with him. It was such a chill, and amazingly fun trip and I loved every minute!

I was sad to leave, and even more sad to be back at work today (on 2 hours of sleep) were it looks like a bomb went off while I was gone. Ugh. Back to my Quarter Life Crisis...

Hey DJ Keep Playin That Song

The definition of a fantastic dj: ?uestlove. David and I went to the Buckaroo aka the Buck for Mara's going away shindig. PS, Mara, not so happy you are gone! We then headed to our favorite downtown eatery/lounge/heaven, Crush. If you are unfamiliar, it is a wine bar, and it is fantastic. I have been at least 5 times since they opened this summer and every time I go I am so happy to just be there. Amazing wine, food, service and atmosphere. If you want the best mac and cheese around, Crush has it. And their flights, oh man, the Pino Noir and Malbec are out of this world. Ok, obviously wine and I have a very good relationship.

Now on to the ?uestlove show, also known as the best dance party of all time. David and I got their a little after 10 and Amy met up with us. I also ran into my friend Jed, always fantastic to see him!! ?uestlove came on after an opening dj (who was also spectacular). Who knew a dj could open for a dj, not me. The next 3 and a half hours were dominated by crazy fun dancing. We were as close to the dj table as you could be, without being on top of it. He can spin beats like nobody's business, and good beats, old school beats. He did his thing and it blew my mind. The place went to a new level of crazytown. The crowd seemed pretty random, but totally my kind of gig. I was sad to miss The Roots show on Friday, but glad I got to see ?uestlove do what he do.

I had to be at the airport by at least 6:30 the next morning. I went to bed at 3, woke up at 4:30 for my flight. Needless to say, I slept sound as could be on my journey to Arizona! Seeing ?uestlove was worth the lack of sleep.

Alaska, Warmth and You Do Not Mix

Alaska, you are too damn cold! For real, you should think about warming up about 15 degrees, people might like you more.

I have had it, so I am going to Arizona to visit my cousins Jeremy and Noah and see my friends Matt and Ashley from Alaska. It is Jeremy's birthday on Monday so there is tons o' fun to be had. Our family pretty much dominates at everything, birthday parties being one of them, so I expect nothing less than drinks and food aplenty and much hilarity to ensue. Needless to say, I am stoked for the whole weekend. My cousins rule, so... what else is there to say about that? They rule.

Honestly, I am wicked stoked just to chill in the sun wearing my flip flops while finishing my book Are you there Vodka, It's Me Chelsea (yes, it is a fantastically hilarious book) in the hot Arizona sun. I have really been moving slow as a turtle finishing that book, what is my deal? But, I am bringing some extras to read as well. I think I am going to start Choke or any of the other million books that I am obsessed with buying and let accumulate mounds of dust on my bookshelf. It is an addiction. Don't you worry. This is not going to be a reading marathon vacation, I'm bringing them along just in case, and to read at the airport. I have way better things to do than read when I am in AZ, duh!

On another note, any Roots fans? If not, you should check them out. I have been bumping their beats for a few years now, Amal got me hooked. (Becca and Amal, you know what jam I'm talking about!) They are a fantastic hip-hop group. The good kind of hip-hop. Not the kind that you awkwardly dance to in the club and pretend you don't know the song(secretly, you love that jam!), but the kind that you can actually belt out the lyrics to and admit that you actually like the song. Great beats, lyrics and a fantastic band to boot. Well, the point of that excited rant was to let you know they are rolling into A-town tomorrow, but obviously I will be in AZ. I was super bummed when I found out I would miss them. But wait, ?uestlove from the Roots is doing a DJ set at the Anchor tonight? Hell yeah he is and it is going to blow my mind! First of all, anyone with a ? in their name just rules, period.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and I will fill you in on my sunny AZ trip next week!

It's Going to Be an Uphill Battle

"Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that." John McCain, concession speech Nov. 4, 2008

The election is over and what an amazing race it has been. I am so grateful that I could be apart of this amazing process and such a history making election that I will probably never see again in my lifetime. We have been hearing it for so long, "Change" is what this country needs. I do not think change is the right word. I think this country needs to be restored to what we all know it can be, not necessarily changed. Change is not always good. Some things obviously do need to be fixed, and I respect my new President and hope that he can work together with all parties to restore our country. Put that "change" into action. Show us you can do it. No more empty promises, you made it and it is time to show us what you are made of.

I do not care how you voted and do not want to know. That is your right, and an amazing right it is, to vote and have the privacy of that vote. No one can take that away from you. I was so impressed to see how many people voted yesterday. I am a HUGE supporter of voting and I am so glad that the good old US of A was not lazy this time around and got out there and used their Right to Vote. I do not think there is a good reason not to vote. Everyone has a voice, and this is how it can be heard. Even if your candidate did not win last night, you did your part and that is all you can do. I felt such a sense of accomplishment, pride, and happiness after I voted. I don't think I really cared who won at that point, I did my part and it was up to the rest of America to do theirs.

So, we must move on and have faith and respect in our new President. That he can lead out country to greater things and have our best interests, as a country, at heart. This is not about being a Republican or Democrat, selfishness or popularity, it is about the United State of America and restoring it, protecting it and defending our freedom! We have to do our part and we all did it yesterday by voting. Of course, I am a little concerned about the coming years for our country (um, who isn't?), but there is no point in dwelling on it. Live your life, do the best you can, use your rights, and help this country grow!

"There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem." Obama, acceptance speech Nov. 4, 2008

History was made last night and that is amazing to be apart of! We are in such a scary and exciting time, and God only knows what will happen next, but all I can do is have a little faith in the people of this country and the people I love, that one day, it will all be okay.

As John McCain said in his humbling concession speech last night: "Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history. We make history."

Here Goes Nothin'

Latte anyone? 16 oz. skinny, sugar free nutty-irishman for me, thanks. What the beep is that? My morning Latte. I am addicted to coffee. There, I said it. My life pretty much revolves around my next cup of coffee. I used to have a schedule of my coffee intake (I am a control freak, more on that later). My usual latte in the morning, drip coffee at lunch, and a sugar free carmel americano at night. In the last few months I have varied and now I usually just have my latte and drip after work. Drip coffee puts me to sleep, that is when I realized I had a problem. I know you are all thinking, "Oh man, is she seriously only going to talk about coffee on this blog?" No, no I am not. But, now you realize why this blog is called My Latte Life! I hope you all enjoy reading it. I want this to be a place for me to vent my frustrations and tell tales of my a-mazing life in Alaska. Feel free to leave comments, enjoy!