The Greatest Thing

We tried to get creative with Valentine's Day, but didn't really succeed. But we did have a wonderful day. Ben slept in (he didn't get home until 2:30 from poker). We had lunch (leftover Cheese and Bean Burritos - new recipe from Rachael Ray). We took a nap. Then we decided to get off our lazy bums and go to the grocery store. We had decided that instead of going out for dinner, we would make dinner. We actually have done this for the past several V Day's. It's a nice tradition. We didn't do anything that required too much work. We went to Byerly's and picked up some pre-made crab cakes and beef kabobs. While the crab cakes were baking, I dipped some strawberries in chocolate. Yum!

After dinner it was movie of my choice. I picked Moulin Rouge. Ben thought it was interesting that I picked a tragedy, but I love the movie and haven't watched it in ages.

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

Bruce, Jake and Zoey and the Snow Man

Last weekend we found out that Bruce Campbell was in town for the premier of his latest movie, "My Name is Bruce." We checked for tickets on Saturday morning and the only showing with seats left was the midnight one. So we decided to be young and hip and we went to the movie. In Uptown. Yep, we're that hip. Anyway, it was a lot of fun. Bruce did a Q&A before the movie. He was hilarious! And the crowd was great. For a movie genre that I don't really care for, I thought the movie was pretty good. For a B movie, anyway.

Last night Jake came home! My dad was going to pick him up. My mom and I tagged along to surprise him. It was so good to see my little brother again. Dad took us out for dinner for us to start catching up. Jake picked GC. I was very happy with his choice. :) We have some scheduled time to go Christmas shopping together and he also warned me that he will be over a lot to play Guitar Hero and whatnot. I'm so looking forward to it.

This morning on our walk, Zoey was a very brave dog. As we were walking past a house, she growled and let out a deep, menacing bark. At a snow man. She's such a good protector. Sometimes I wish I could be her for one day. There is this one spot on our walk that fascinates her. I can't even drag her away until she is ready to leave. She sticks her snout in the snow and just sniffs for a few minutes. And everyday she goes straight to the spot. What's there that is so interesting? This morning she took so long sniffing that I think her paws were getting cold - she started lifting up on leg at a time off the ground. Silly girl.

This weekend is going to be busy. I am hoping to only work a half day today so I can run some errands. Then tonight I have a girl's night. Tomorrow night we have an Ugly Sweater party. Then finally on Sunday I have a bridal shower to go to.

Girl's Night

Last night I took advantage of Ben being away and planned a girl's night. It was so fun! Really should do those more often.

We started off meeting at Noodles for dinner. It was Dawn, Andrea, Heather, Cassie and me. After I stuffed myself with pasta for the sixth time this week, we (excluding Dawn because she had to get her hair done - lame!) headed over to the AMC theater to see "The Secret Life of Bees." I am for sure going to AMC during the week more often! Only $5 as compared to the $10 on the weekends, or other places. After the movie, we walked (thanks to Andrea's brilliant idea) to Houlihan's for dessert. So yummy!

Back to the movie. I read the book probably 3 years ago. So, it wasn't exactly fresh in my mind. But from what I remember, it is pretty close to the book. It was funny because I had little bits in my head from the book but when the movie started I was like, oh yeah - I remember what happens next. I thought it was a very good movie. If you haven't seen it yet I would recommend Kleenex.

A Bride, A Prince and A Test

I know, I know. I haven't updated in forever...

Last weekend was my sister's wedding. It was a beautiful day, and she makes a beautiful bride. Everything worked out pretty well. Pictures were delayed a little bit, but in the end all the pictures were taken. The reception was beautiful too. I am still incredibly happy for my sister. Right now she and Pranob are probably on their honeymoon. (They had a reception in India today with Pranob's family and left sometime today for their honeymoon). I really hope that they have a nice and relaxing time. It can't be easy to essentially plan two weddings, one on the other side of the world.

After the wedding we went to see Prince Caspian with some of our friends (for those who don't know, the wedding was in the morning, so we were home and done by 5 pm). The movie was great. I really liked it. But it did make me realize that I really don't remember the books. I will be reading those this summer.

Last Wednesday was test three for the CPA. I think it went pretty well. Still haven't heard on my second test. I'm guessing that both results will be here towards the end of June. Keeping my fingers crossed for good news on both of them.

The Other Boleyn Girl

Last night was a preview showing of the new movie, The Other Boleyn Girl. If you remember British history at all, you would know right off the bat that it is not a "feel good" movie (Henry VIII). The movie was based on a book of the same title by Philippa Gregory. I haven't read the book yet, but probably will after all my tests are done. I have read another of her books and liked it a lot (The Constant Princess).

Anyway, despite the lack of feel goodness, I thought it was a pretty good movie. It's always hard with historical fiction to know what to believe, but most of the big stuff is accurate (per Wikipedia). And since one of my favorite genres is HF, the movie was right up my alley.

It was snowing yesterday. When I got out of the movie, it was still snowing and everyone was warming up their cars and scrapping off the ice. I'm not sure why, but it amused me.

Ben is feeling under the weather. I'm hoping that it's just a cold he will get over quickly. The flu has been going around, so hoping that's not what it is.

A Bunch of Dresses and Houses

On Friday night Kelly and I went to see 27 Dresses. Although it was your typical chick flick, I really liked it. Probably due in part to Katherine Heigl being in it (one of my favorite actresses). And probably in part because it's about weddings. Anyway, I would recommend it.

Yesterday Ben and I looked at some houses on the Parade of Homes. We saw some pretty nice ones. Now we just need to figure out if we're really that serious. I think we are. Which means a lot of house projects in the near future.

Today's plans are laundry, grocery shopping, and studying. Ben is going with Grant to look at houses this afternoon.

Lil Miss Sunshine

Friday night Ben and I watched Lil Miss Sunshine. We both got a few chuckles out of it. It was different than I expected, but we both enjoyed it.

Last night Grant and Patrick came over. We played some Munchkin (the space edition). The first game turned out pretty close... Patrick was at three points (OK, he wasn't close), Grant and I had 9 and Ben won. Ben is a good player, but what helped him was that on my previous turn people smacked me down so I wouldn't win, Grant wasn't able to pull a monster, Patrick wasn't in the running leaving Ben to try to win it. He pulled a 15 monster (or something like that) and he was 23. The only thing I had to stop him was a +3 to a monster... doesn't really help.

After games we went to El Loro for dinner and then the boys went to a movie (American Ganster) while I stayed home and studied.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, Sara and Malachi's plans changed so they weren't with us. :(