Not Me Monday is Back...

Ever feel like you just spent more time looking at and thinking about how to clean and organize your office/laundry/mail/dog/etc. than it would have taken to actually just DO it? Then join me in revealing your beautifully perfect imperfections.

I did not squeal with delight this past week when I realized Monopoly was back at McDonald's... I'm constantly eating healthy and have been limiting my fast-food budget.

Additionally, I did not eat 8... umm, 10... ok, 12 Rolo's in bed after I had brushed my teeth, and then let Titan munch on one of the wrappers. Besides bad oral hygiene, foil is bad for dogs and I just wouldn't go there.

I also did not, while teaching some of my dancers a great stretch for their hip flexibility, say, "This will be useful for all stages of life," under my breath. I then did not check to see if they had actually heard me, and upon realizing they had not, start laughing hysterically to myself. Poor judgement and bad humor is not funny. I am totally appropriate. Always.

Want to join in? Share your, "Not Me's!!" in my comment section or do one on your own blog page!

It feels so good to be honest now doesn't it?! :)

Happy Birthday to the Man I Love... and such

Ok, so it's two days late... but we've been celebrating the past few nights :)

October 6th is a beautiful day in my world... it marks the day when, in 1983, the most amazing man came into this world and from there forward, I (well, since about 2000) get to celebrate his awesomeness.

So to my handsome husband who is an amazing friend, wonderful doggie Daddy, partner in crime and the absolute love of my life-

Happy Birthday Ben!!!

In other news, the new gutters are up and look AWESOME (new levels of cool have been achieved on our part :)

Ben's been loving his his job at Apple (visit him! It's the store in Naperville). It's been such a blessing to see him in a job he's not only awesome at but also loves with a company he's truly passionate about.

I'm still loving my busy but full schedule- High School Musical opens the end of the month and runs until November 9th- click on the link for tickets!!! I'm the "Directoreographer" (Assistant Director/Choreographer) for this one and Athena will be making her official debut as Sharpay's puppy... she has half a dozen outfits, a glittery leash, and her very own picture and bio in the program!!! It will be exciting on so many levels!!!

Fall is in the air... this is my favorite time of year... love!!!

Home Ownership at its Finest!!!

We're finally getting new gutters on the house today after wanting to do it since last Fall...

Is it weird that I'm giddy about it? That, even thought it's not a "remodel" or vacation or something I'd usually be ecstatic to spend mucho $$ on, I feel like having a House-Warming party for the new gutters?

That I want to create "Meet Our New Arrival!" announcements?

It may be time for us to have kids...

In other news, my bestest Liz and hubby Nathan and my pseudo-nephew and niece are flying in from Cali TONIGHT. I can hardly contain myself.

Joy joy joy joy joy.

Hi My Name is Anna, how is your septum?

So the last month has been a whirlwind for us...

- The opening (and then closing) of West Side Story (to date, the most amazing production I have ever been blessed to be a part of).
- Ben's training with Apple and subsequent opening of the Naperville Mainplace Apple Store!
- Preparing for my two weeks of Alcon training in Ft. Worth, TX.
- Lauren (Ben's sister!) graduated from SIU!!!
- We cashed in our Clunker and got a sweet, supped-up Ford Focus (yea eco-car!).
- Getting ready to start Choreographing/Assistant Directing High School Musical for CYT McHenry!
- Titan turned 2!
- Ben diligently working on his degree with the home stretch in sight!
- Present state of earning my mini-PhD in nasal, ear, and ocular anatomy while IN Texas (only one more week to go!)

In other news,
- I am NOT pregnant, thankyouverymuch.
- Athena learned how to jump off of the deck (as in, the fenced-in deck).
- Ben got his hair cut.


And now in honor of my 6 year anniversary of being with the Disney College Program, I leave you a little Princess love...

West Side Story!!!

Back in 2000, during the Fall of my Senior year, I had the unique privilege of being in the Illinois All-State Production of West Side Story. It was truly one of the most formative experiences of my creative life and an absolute honor to represent my school as a Jet Girl :-)

This year, Broadway unleashed what can only be called a stunning revival of Jerome Robbins' and Bernstein/Sondheim's classic work that won numerous Tony nominations and features Karen Olivio, who won the Tony award for her role as Anita.

And now, this summer, I have had the honor and privilege of being involved in one of the finest pieces of work I believe CYT has ever done. Late last spring we opened auditions to all of our students aged 14-20 from every county (in the style of an all-state show) and cast 50 of the most talented kids in Illinois to put on this amazing, timeless production.

Get your tickets NOW (I'm not kidding, it will be next to impossible to get them at the door!) to any one of our six performances by clicking here or calling the box office at 847.516.2298:

Friday, July 24th @ 7:00pm

Saturday, July 25th @ 7:00pm

Sunday, July 26th @ 3:00pm

Friday, July 31st @ 7:00pm
Saturday, August 1st @ 7:00pm
Sunday, August 2nd @ 3:00pm

All performances are at

Huntley High School Performing Arts Center

13719 Harmony Rd.

Huntley, IL 60142

This truly is a don't-miss experience. Let me know what show you are coming to... I can't wait to see you there!

Is it wrong that this is one of the funniest things I've ever seen?

Just wait for about 1:10 in where he "connects" with the remote... this is unreal, and I'm not sure why I'm posting it. But alas, I hope you experience the rolling laughter than Ben and I enjoyed.

Has it really been a month?!?!

Yes, and what a month it's been! I am officially working for Alcon Laboratories as an Allergy and Otolaryngology Representative (Specialty Eye and Ear division)... a.k.a., I sell allergy and ear meds =) I AM SO HAPPY!

This is not to say it has not been a crazy, busy, hectic, feel-like-I'm-back-in-college-and-getting-a-mini-doctorate month, but Alcon is an amazing company that not only cares about its employees but truly cares about the people we serve and the products we bring to those people.
I am still getting used to my territory as its totally different than my old one (I now have Naperville/Wheaton/Joliet/Hinsdale/St.Charles/South Bend/etc. as opposed to the upper 1/4 of Illinois) and that in itself is a challenge. I've been to Ft. Worth, TX for a week of training and will go back in August for another two weeks, but hopefully then I won't get stuck there an extra day because of tornadoes and flooding... there's no place like home...

Things in E-town are good... our friends the Novelli's welcomed beautiful Abrielle Emma on June 1st. Big brother Angelo just adores her and they are such a sweet family of 4 now!

The Treu's welcomed Brady Alan on May 30th(the surprise of the year because up until his birthday, his name was "Charlotte"... we're working on the returns now!) First time parent's Danni and Brent are holding their own after Brady almost didn't make it at birth- boy or girl, Brady, we're soooo glad you're here!!!

And finally, my best friend Liz and her hubsy Nathan welcomed Kiana Joy on May 22nd. Big brother Andre thinks she's just awesome and I have to throw in there I hate they live in Cali. Note to self- find a way to get to Redding, CA at once. When I was at the hospital within an hour of Andre's birth, it's been killing me that I have yet to meet this sweet little girl.

Needless to say, it was a month of babies!!!

And in our little home, Athena had her spay surgery and is doing just fine. She also had her umbilical hernia fixed as well which left her with a grand total of 14 stitches and a shaved belly to boot. She could care less.

So that's what going on with us... I'll leave you with a funny pic of our little girl. A similar picture has been entered in the Cutest Dog Contest at Pet Pals in West Dundee (on Main Street/72)- if you get a chance, stop by and vote for Athena!!! If we win, we get a gift card to the store which helps BOTH our pups!!!