A new favorite.

My mom hosted a party for herself this past Saturday. You see, all of her children have now graduated from high school. She is "done raising children." Her words, not mine. I just rolled my eyes when she said that. The house was jam packed with family and friends. Aunts, Uncles and cousins I haven't seen for years dropped by to say hello and have a hamburger. It was such a good time. I wish I had taken pictures. Unfortunately, I was too happy to think of that. :)

Uncle Butch had all of us cousins gathered around while he told stories about my Grandpa and our Montana family. I don't remember what he was telling us, something to do with my grandpa's tough demeanor and strength. My Aunt Marj piped in to say "Well, my favorite was when Hal was walking around the house grumbling about his skivvies bothering him. Remember? He reached into his pants and ripped them right off his body!"

Tall tale? Somehow, knowing my dad and uncles, I believe every word.

Shoes!

Girlfriend got herself a new pair of shoes today. And they are pretty hot!

I can't wait to go home and traipse around the house in them :)

Listen.

"

I had forgotten how happy it makes me to see Johnny in his element, doing his movie thing.

Tuesday night he took me to see one of his short films (a webisode, to be more precise) show at the NW Film Forum. We have the same "we HAVE to be on time" neurosis, which is comforting. As a result we showed up to the showing 40 minutes early and had just enough time to walk through the local park. By the time most of his friends showed up the place was packed. Not one empty seat to be found. I thought I might be there all night because so many groups had entered. It was 25 shorts strung together to make one feature length movie called The Exquisite Death. There were definite highlights and lowlights. But hey, Adler and Zenith was great! Sweet job, 47 North!

I wish I had taken pictures for ya'll. (Art = Life, ya'll) I did just acquire a new digital camera, and one of my goals is to take more pictures. Let's cross our fingers that I follow through.

:)

I found this featured today on greylikesweddings. You know how I love to prowl wedding blogs. Anyway, absolutely charming, no? Custom dishware by Jessica Rust Designs. Too cute not to share.

So, the results of my great April budgeting experiment are out :) If you'll take a look at appendix A I think it's pretty clear where I need to cut back. Washington State Ferries is my favorite place to spend my money? What?

Mint.com is amazing. They do the budgeting for you. With pie charts, and bar graphs connected to all 53 of your bank accounts. No need to bust out the receipts and sort them into piles. Although I collected my receipts in a pretty envelope this month anyway.

Better awareness of your spending = more responsible management of your money. Check that one off my list.