This Old House opening for Vetiver @ the Granada

Get tickets here.

And if you don't listen to This Old House or Vetiver, you should.

Up in the Gym, just-a Workin' on my Fitness.

A new iPhone user asked me the other day to list my favorite iPhone apps, which got me thinking.

{Stay with me non-iPhone people because there is something here for you too.}

The application that I probably use the most on my phone, outside of e-mail and Safari, is Pandora. Many of you have probably already heard of it, but for those that have not, you would love it.

Pandora is customizable internet radio available on the web (via your PC or Mac) or through the Pandora iPhone app. You do have to open a free account, but then you're able to create new radio stations based on either recording artists or genre. They play other artists related to what you have selected (think iTunes' Genius feature.) It's a great way to discover new artists you might otherwise never hear, and it's free! Go to Pandora.com to check it out. Take note: you'll need to set a preference on your account to block music with parental advisory from playing.

Like probably a lot of people, I need music with a good beat while I'm running. Really, I like to feel like I'm dancing along the treadmill. Embarassing, but true. So one of my Pandora stations is from the genre Club/Dance. (Also embarassing, but true.) It's perfect and keeps my feet moving the whole time. Love that.

January 16th was the first time I stepped foot in the rec this year. I walked/ran (but mostly walked) on the treadmill for 3.5 miles, and I was still sore two days later. Seriously.

FFF: Movies from My Childhood (FYI: That would be the 80s.)

The blog's got the winter blahs. The best way to cure the winter blahs is to watch ridiculously awesome movies from your childhood. Here are my faves in no order.



1. Troop Beverly Hills
They camp at the Beverly Hills Hotel. This is my movie.

2. The Goonies
Obviously.

3. PeeWee's Big Adventure
Regardless of what you think about PWH, he was a big part of that decade and because of him, everyone knows there is no basement in the Alamo. He taught you some Texas history, my friends.

4. Flight of the Navigator
The kid flies a spaceship. Who hasn't wanted to do that?

5. Annie
This needs no commentary.

Honorable Mentions: Short Circuit, The Land Before Time, The Muppets Take Manhattan, and The Care Bear Movie.

Noticeable Omissions: The Neverending Story. The giant flying dog and creepy music when the kid is in the attic still freaks me out.

What have I left off the list?

Outakes

Not sure what was going on here, but these pics make my heart happy.

What in the world.

Does anyone else recognize their favorite 80s pop singer in this movie trailer or was I the only fan?

I am at a loss for words.

New Year's Cabin Bash 2009

We spent New Year's Eve much the same way as last year, although the crowd changed by just a few couples! We went out to Riverbend Retreat Center (the Tarrant Co. Baptist encampment.) It's nice because everyone can spend the night and not worry about the crazies on the road, plus we have a kitchen and gym access.

I don't think anyone got a group picture this year or couple pictures, so that's a little sad. We rang in the New Year playing Rock Band. (I might be borderline addicted to that game for I cannot stop playing.) We paused for about 30 seconds to count down to 2010, then picked right back up.

We split up meals for the shindig with one group bringing dinner on Thursday night, some did snacks, and another providing breakfast the next morning. Ashley and I did breakfast with her making Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls (they are SO good) and me with a brunch casserole. (Julie, the recipe is in this link!)

We had a blast and are so blessed to have a wonderful and fun group of friends to ring in the new year.

Here are some of the pics I did take of playing in the gym.

A game of knockout

Julie with a major serve

Friendly dispute about interference.
Love Tara's face in this pic. Very concerned.

My Sweetie.

Happy New Year!