{bella beetle}

Introducing my new addition...

{blah}

Despite the fact that I pick up my new Beetle convertible in less than three hours, I'm feeling blah today. Yucky. I've been trying so hard lately to stay positive and "up" and, frankly, I'm sick of it. I really just want to sink into the depths of introspection and wallow in whatever emotions I find there.

The last five months have been some of the toughest I've experienced in a long while. Dealth, loss, illness, work stress, friend strees, boy troubles. It's been a tough row to hoe. But, at the same time, I've been having the time of my life hanging out with my crazy crew of friends. I've grown closer to those who were merely "acquaintances" six months ago. My parents have been absolutely wonderful in helping me deal with all my emotional crises. Despite the challenges, I know I am infinitely blessed.

One struggle that continues is my weight. I've gained back 20 of the 70 pounds I lost and I feel it. Some of my cute "skinny" clothes don't fit. My jeans don't, either. I am out-of-shape. I'm very disappointed in myself. I've been so busy either hanging out or being sick I've not had time to work out. I need to change that. To rededicate myself to a health lifestyle. For me. For my own piece of mind and comfort.

Sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug.

{shopoholic}

Yep, that's me. My recently "wish listed" items:

This supercute and funky backpack from Hyperlite. It matches all my swimgear and it's perfect for a day on the lake.

Being the Oakly fan that I am, how could I not want these new Riddles?
These shorts from Eddie Bauer. I am loving the new longer lengths!

I FINALLY found, at a resonable price, the dust ruffle to match my Eddie Bauer denim bedding that has been discontinuted. Yay!

{surf's up}

Lately, I cannot stop thinking of the coast. Living by, or better yet on, the beach. Driving a convertible. Learning how to surf. I don't want to live in So Cal, but rather somewhere in the PNW. Or even Hawaii; I wouldn't be opposed to that.

I've even gone so far as to seriously contemplate buying this quilt from PB Kids:

Yep, I'm sick and need help.

{dreamy divas}

* Downloaded the Dreamy Diva's digital kit from Two Peas. Love the potential with these images.

* SS and I went to see Les Mis last night. Wonderful seats- Orchestra/row 13/just slightly off-center. WOW! The cast was amazing and now the original soundtrack can't even compete with how talented the cast was last night.

* Took the last dose of my Z-Pack of antibiotics. Good-bye nausea!

* Jezebel is FINALLY going in tomorrow to have her overheating/AC problem fixed. Can't wait...it's getting a little to hot to have to run the car with the heater on.

* The Da Vinci Code comes out tomorrow. I've heard this is one movie that doesn't live up to the hype (really, what movie does?) but I'm still seeing it regardless. Maybe not this weekend...I'll save losing my insanity on "opening day" for next weekend when X3 is released.

For a long time, she flew only when she knew no one was watching.

{someday}

{color}

Received the latests newsletter from Kate's Paperie...love all the new colors and I adore that tea set.

And I'm thinking I might want me one of these...but what color? Blue or green?

{summer movie madness}

It's almost that time of year...summer blockbuster season! I love it. Living in the middle of the desert, the movie theatre is one the best forms of entertainment when the temperature hits 115. This summer is providing a plethora of new options. Such as....

Already making plans for the release of The DaVinci Code. I hope the movie can live up to the hype, not to mention the precedence set by the book.

And Captain Jack is back for POTC 2. Yep, gotta take my dad to see that one. POTC is one of the very few movies he will watch more than once.

And who can resist Hugh Jackman as Wolverine (even if the hair cut has got to go)?

{read}

Yes, this really is my "to read before the end of the month" list:

{cowgirl caravan}

Every year about this time I get bit by the "cowgirl bug". It's that little bug that reminds me that, try as I might, I can take the girl out of the country but I can't take the country out of the girl. THIS GIRL. And I don't want to. As much as I enjoy the city, I love the country more. There is something so comforting about being in the great outdoors that soothes my soul. I suppose that growing up camping, fishing, racing horses, etc. has had a small effect on me.

I recently found this link and article. How fun! A group of women fix up old trailers and take them on the road for all kinds of wonderful adventures. These are some pretty cool ladies...

Aricle at ivillage.com

Sisters on the Fly website

{more bella}

Just in case you wanted more pictures of my dream destination, here they are.

{books}

Saturday, at Barnes & Noble, I found the premiere issue of Junk Market Style. Love this. So many great ideas. I will probably never use any of them because I'm lazy, but oh well. This weekend, I also finished Angels & Demons by Dan Brown of The DaVinci Code notoriety. Great book. Besides running a few errands on Saturday, all I did was read this novel. I love how both of Dan Brown's novels draw on history to make the fantastic elements of his work seem less "far-fetched".
I also bought the book we are reading for book club, My Sister's Keeper. Haven't started this one yet but I hear it's amazing. Can't wait to start it.

{bella beach}

I have thought of little else this weekend (when I wasn't reading Angles & Demons, that is) but Bella Beach. I am longing to spend my birthday week there. I can just imagine sitting out in the porch swing at night listening to the waves break on the beach. Watching the sun set over the Pacific. Shopping in all the quaint little coastal towns. Taking a stack of books I've been meaning to read and actually get through it.

Hum...I might actually have to do this.