Happy Birthday, Mama!

Even though the distance separates us, you are always with me, Mom. I wish you nothing but the best in the upcoming year. Without you, there would be no me. I love you.

50 states: Mom, meet Arizona: Part II

I finally got around to posting more pictures from my Mom's trip to Arizona. 

We took her to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona. It was definitely a lot packed into one weekend, including celebrating the fiance's birthday, but it was fun. Seeing the Grand Canyon was something I've wanted since the fourth grade. 

The majestic landmark is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World for a reason. We spent the afternoon at Grand Canyon National Park and ended the day with a ranger sunset talk. It was amazing to see people from all over the World brought together by one place. 

The next morning we headed south to Flagstaff, where we stayed the majority of the day. Downtown Flagstaff is such a cool place, complete with historical buildings and local restaurants, shops and businesses. 

We perused a farmer's market and left with some yummy cheese from Fossil Creek Creamery and apples. We had fondue and a sampler from Beaver Street Brewery. This is a must-visit if you're in the area. The Bramble Berry Brew is worth it alone.

After lunch, we made our way down to Sedona and the pretty red rocks. The fiance and I roughed it last time we were there and didn't go to any of the shops. This time around, we did the tourist thing, which was OK. I prefer camping in Sedona, though.

And my Mom finally got to see an Arizona cactus. 

50 states: Mom, meet Arizona

The lack of posts this past week correlated with my Mom's first visit to Arizona. And we packed plenty in during her eight-day stay. We had an amazing time shopping, swimming, catching up with friends, celebrating the fiance's 29th Day of Birth, a weekend trip to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona and watching a Diamondbacks/Reds game.

I am incredibly blessed to have such a caring, strong, selfless, hilarious and kind woman as not only my mother, but best friend.

I love you, Mom.

Our impromptu Grand Canyon photo shoot.

Five for Friday

 I can't believe it's already the weekend. Time flies when you're covering Little League, apparently.

1. Write on: The baseball teams I'm writing about both have a good chance to advance to the title games Saturday. So I may be doing double duty, championship style, which is scary and exciting.

2. Reservation for one: My mom arrives in Phoenix on Tuesday, and I can't convey the level of my excitement. It's been four months since we last saw each other, but it feels longer. I'm stoked to show her the townhouse and all the area has to offer.

We're planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, which I've dreamed about since I did my 4th grade state report on Arizona. It will be nice to just spend time together in person, too, something a lot of people take for granted.

3. Birthday boy: Bruce's Day of Birth is next Saturday, so I have to finish shopping for and creating his surprises. Happy early 29th, my love.

4. Thrifty recap: We did some bargain hunting last weekend and found a few cool local second-hand and vintage stores in our neighborhood. Post with pics coming soon.

5. Dressing room: Time permitting, I will experiment with the blog design again. I like how it currently looks, but there's always room for improvement.

 

 

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Five for Friday

This weekend you can find the fiance and I confined to the city limits. But for good reason.

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1. Rock out: One of the top groups on my "bands-to-see-live" list will be checked off Saturday, hence the sticking around. I finally will experience the Silversun Pickups, one of my favorites, in concert at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe. 

I hope, hope, hope, hope they perform "Three Seed" ... their best song in my opinion.

2. Rest: I'm sure we'll need it after the consumption of fuzzed-out, hard-hitting tunes as noted above. Proving 28 is the new 68? We'll see.

3. Refresh: My resume, that is. I'm starting to get a better idea of what my next career move will be. And, sadly, it's probably not here.

4. Cover up: Curtains and bookcase shelf doors are two of the next purchases in the townhouse decorating adventure. A trip to Ikea may be in order Sunday.

5. Window seat > aisle seat: My mom is making an AZ appearance in August, so I need to book her trip, ASAP.

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Happy Birthday, Judy

I'm so incredibly blessed to be able to call you mother. I wouldn't be the person I am without your sacrifice, love, kindness and wisdom. Even though I can't be there to help you celebrate, you're always in my heart. I love you.