If I wear CoverGirl, can I do flips too?

This is so cool! CoverGirl has signed 3 US gymnastics and members of the Olympic team, to endorse their makeup brand, Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson and Alicia Sacramone. This is the first time CG has used athletes and not models or actresses. I think it is so great they are promoting beauty in all ages and shapes and sizes. Read the full story here.

Last night: an evening of leisure

Justin's in Wyoming, it was hot outside and I was tired. So I planned a lovely evening of indoor activities.

The night actually started a quite-non-leisurely errand, but I dispatched with that fairly quickly and scuttled home to my cozy gray bathrobe and air conditioner. I curled up on our faaaaabulous new couch and put in a DVD, Charlie Wilson's War.

The movie was really good! Engaging, brisk, funny and moving. I didn't realize until the credit rolled that the script was by Aaron Sorkin, and no wonder. It crackles, snaps and pops. And is so interesting. I didn't know anything about Charlie's story, and this is why I love learning about history. History is pieces to a puzzle, and this jig fits in well with the other things I know about the Middle East. Then I moved on to Calendar Girls. OK. This movie was so great! And I'm seriously wanting to visit Yorkshire now--it is so beautiful. This movie is based on the true story of a group of women who decide to create a calendar to sell to raise money to donate to the cancer hospital that treated one of the ladies' husbands. (Who so sadly, dies.) The women decide to not do a calendar of the usual flowers, pies and chapels that so often are featured in calendars. They decide to pose nude. (Not naked, nude. What is the difference, you ask? Art, they reply.) Helen Mirren and Julie Walters lead the cast in a funny and touching romp about love, grief, change and growth. I heartily recommend.

I also decided, mid-way through the night, that I needed to work out. So as the ladies of Yorkshire are doffing their pants, I'm pumping iron (ok, 2 lb. dumbbells) and doing jacks and lunges and crunches and all manner of sweat-inducing activies. Very fun way to workout too. Movie and a sweat.
But. The pièce de résistance came at 11:00 when I decided I needed a little snackeral. So I did what any ingenius girl would do. I got out my Cuisinart and whipped up some homemade hummus. Wow. Do you hear me? WOW. I even impressed myself. It's really tasty. So if you're not doing anything tomorrow, please stop by. I have a spare robe, plenty of room on the couch, Disc 1 of the Planet Earth series, a bowlful of hummus and a whole lot of veggies.

NoI'mdefinatelynotstressed

Monday morning I woke up with a terrible pain in my left jaw. And then I couldn't open my mouth to chew. Or yawn. Or laugh. And Tuesday morning the same thing happened. And Wednesday morning the same thing. And today the same thing. And my boss suggests to me that I 'm probably clenching my jaw at night because I might be a bit tense and stressed about work and the wedding. No, that can't be it.

I'm smiling. Really. Can't you tell?

*Advil is helping and yes, I'm super excited about the wedding, don't worry.

Well, goodness. I had no idea it meant so much to you

One of the all-time cutest emails I've ever gotten from my sister. How can I deny her?


and PS: PLEASE post to your blog! It is so funny. And reading it is one of the most fun things I do all day. So please, I'm begging you, post more often. Even if it is just a snippet. I loooooove reading it! I mean, I loved reading it as soon as you created it, but now, stuck in the IT dept, I LOOOOOOOVE reading it :) You are so witty and charming and cute!

lll
j

What do you mean this doesn't burn calories???

Yesterday afternoon I had one of my favorite conversations with my Dad. I like to call him in the afternoons, as I scavenge for lunch (usually a salad) and I like to tell him about my girlish woes and aspirations, and he tells me about his day and his golfing and his workouts and his apirations. And I have, on occasion, been known to be slightly repetetive in my woes and aspirations, and he so wonderfully listens, consoles and gives great fatherly advice, and always, always laughs at my jokes. And not little laughs, but big, hearty, chuckley laughs. It makes me feel really good about myself. (And on the very rare occasions when he does need to be prompted to laugh, I know he finds my cues so witty that he can't help but burst into happy gales. Which also makes me feel good.)

I had sort of a crummy morning at work, and by the time I was able to step out and call my Dad, I'd already eaten lunch and was jonesing for a Diet Coke. A contraband Diet Coke, considering I forced myself to give them up. But oh, it was delicious. I digress. As I am wandering aimlessly up Lexington Avenue, chatting away about this and that, a tiny whine snuck into the conversation. And then another. And then another. And then before I knew it, the phone gremlins made it sound like I was shrieking into the phone with complaints about my morning. And my poor dad! Those twerpy little gremlins just wouldn't stop! I mean, I would never shriek and complain and whine while standing on 57th Street and Lex. Come on now. I at least I wait until I'm inside.

And my dad listens, makes all the appropriate "oohhh" and "gosh that must have been tough" consoling noises. And then as I'm winding down, he lets it rip with, "You know that whining doesn't burn calories, right?"

Shoot. You mean...complaining isn't cardio?

Best weekend ever

Well, Ladies and Gents, I've got a lot to report today. I had one of the very best weekends ever. I mean, after the getting engaged weekend. And after Jessica graduating from college weekend. And me graduating from college. And actually, any weekend I get to spend with my family or with Justing (or both!). Ok, so actually, you could say that almost every weekend I have is the best weekend ever. Wow. I'm a lucky girl!

What I'm trying to say is that I had a really wonderful weekend. Justin was in Las Vegas, having his manly equivalent of best weekend ever, so I planned a totally girly few days.

Friday day, I had my 2nd to last wedding gown fitting, and I'm so happy with the way it has turned out. Finally! It was stressful during the process but I think the dress is now really, really beautiful. My sweet tailor, Theresa, who doesn't speak English AT ALL managed to tell me how much she "lobed de dress" and that "eet es de most beautiful one I'be eber done." It was very sweet. And I love the dress.

After the fitting, I scooted downtown to have a wedding hair and makeup trial at Blow NYC. Lots of fun, and my stylist, Nancy, did a really wonderful job. Then I had my makeup done, and feeling a bit silly in full hair and makeup and JEANS (because I was running horribly late) I headed up to the theatre district to meet my friend Liz.

About a month ago, I saw ads starting to pop up for "Top Girls", a play by Caryl Churchill. She is my favorite playwright and Top Girls is my very favorite of her plays, and all-time #1 favorite. So I called up Liz and asked (BEGGED) her to go with me. What a treat.

The play was amazing. The reviews are glowing. And I implore each of you to go see it. If you are a woman, or have ever worked in an office, or disliked your job, or liked your job, or not understood a relationship, or stayed at home, or considered staying home, or wanted a child or didn't want a child, you need to see this play. It will make you think and stretch your heart. It is marvelous.

Saturday, my darling bridesmaids threw me a bridal shower! It was simply delightful. We had a tea party with real rosebud china, mint creamcheese tea sandwiches, prosciutto and cheese, pink lemonade, passionfruit herbal tea, all topped off with Ellie's homemade lemon sorbet (unbelievable) and my very favorite cupcakes, pink vanilla, from the wonderful Buttercup Bake Shop. The afternoon was divine. We laughed, played games, shared advice, impersonated Tim Gunn and the Project Runway crew, and just loved each other. Girls, you are the best and thank you so very much!!!!

Saturday night topped off with Liz sleeping over. A superfun girly slumber party, complete with ice cream, banana chips, Charlie's Angels and Mulan. So great. I treated her to scrambled eggs and bacon the next morning. Thanks again, Lizzie!

Sunday night, Justin came home. Itwas the icing on top of the (pink) cupcake. We were so happy to see each other. And only 2.5 weeks to go until the wedding! Hooray!

Oh Happy Day!

My wedding dress is nearly finished! And I love it! It is a princess dress!!!

You talkin' to me???

So this morning, I stopped and bought a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. (Yes, I know. SHOCK! HORROR! I ate a bagel.) And I went to my bagel man on Park and 57th, where I go very infrequently and after waiting patiently for my turn, I ask for a sesame bagel with cream cheese. And he peers over his cart at me and asks me if I'm tired. ME?? TIRED???!?! What gave you that idea? My three day old dirty hair scraped into a ponytail? My sunglasses on my face even though it was not the slightest bit sunny this morning? So sorry that I haven't had 15 cups of coffee already like everyone else in this city. Hrumphh.

I hate when people tell me I look tired, or ask me if I'm tired. It's like the most socially acceptable way to telling you that you look like crap. And actually, I would wager that I look rather pretty today. But now that you mention it, I am feeling a bit weary. So weary, in fact, that I think I should skip my workout tomorrow and get some extra sleep. Some BEAUTY sleep. Now that's a great plan. At least I didn't fall asleep while eating my bagel. Now that would have been embarrassing.

Hooray for

the basil my boss brought into work for me! She brought a giant baggie of green deliciousness. I can't wait to see what sorts of goodies I can make with this bundle of magicalness. And my office smells awesome.

Hmmm

It's 11:00AM and I've already snarfed down my lunch. (Chicken teriaki meatballs over couscous, if you're curious.) I feel my outfit is questionable. I think I look like a cowboy. And my knuckles are bruised from boxing. Which actually is kind of awesome but hurts.

On the plus side, Justin got home from work last night at 8:30 (!!!) and we had amazing talks about life, love and the pursuit of our happiness. And before he left for the night, he even tucked me into bed. Talk about magical.

This morning before I left for work I put chicken in the crockpot and hopefully when I get home it will have turned itself into barbeque deliciousness. I surely hope the apartment is still there when I get home, and not burned to the ground. That would be bad. My friend Jessica is coming over for dinner and I hope the chicken is as delicious as it was the last time I made it.

Sometimes I just want a cookie in a pretty box

A Tribute to Tim Russert

Please watch this video. Luke Russert, Tim Russert's son, speaks so lovingly of his father. It's such a great tribute to his father. They clearly had a wonderful relationship and great family. I hope the family I'm building will be so full of love and devotion to one another.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20206862,00.html?xid=email-peopledaily-20080616-20206862

Happy Father's Day!

I'm so glad when Daddy comes home,
Glad as I can be!

Clap my hands and shout for joy
And climb upon his knee.

I put my arms around his neck
And hug him tight like this.

Pat his cheek and give him what?
A great big KISS!!

Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you so much. I feel very lucky and blessed that you are my dad. You've taught me so many things and challenged me to learn and grow and be better. You've shown me how to live a faithful life and to live the gospel. You've set the bar. You are amazing. I love you so much!

Let's hear it for Daddio/KipK Roberts!!!!

Hip Hip Hooray for Dad!

See, guys, sometimes holding on to things is totally worth it

Yesterday I wore an exceptionally great outfit: khaki knee length shorts, a crisp white button-up with the sleeves pushed up, and gold high heel sandals. I felt oh-so-summery.

Funny thing about those shoes. I bought them almost exactly two years ago this week. Shortly after the purchase (which I was so excited about) I took a nasty spill down a flight of cement steps in the Prince Street N/R subway station and as a result, had to have a pretty major knee surgery. My leg was locked out for 6 weeks, and I was in physical therapy for over a year. Needless to say, my gorgeous gold sandals never even made it out of the box.

As time passed, I became more and more resolved with wearing flat shoes the rest of my life. I tried to wear the sandals once and made it about three steps before my knee protested vehemently and I was forced to remove them. Even then, I still hung on to this pair of heels. I've made many donations to the Salvation Army over the last two years, and every time I would put them in the pile, and then pull them back out. I just couldn't bring myself to part with them.

Yesterday, I thought to myself (during my quick-as-a-flash dressing session), "Those sandals would look fantastic with this outfit." And I didn't even try them on, or test if I could walk, I just stuffed them in my bag and was out the door. (I commute in flip flops. Even back in the days when I wore heels all day every day, I drew the line at commuting in them.) I am so happy to report that not only were the shoes 1) very comfortable but 2) I can walk in them!! And 3) I could walk blocks in them, not steps.

It was an achievement 2 full years in the making.

I scream, You scream, We all steam

Yes, I know we all know how hot it is. But today I saw asphalt bubbling and steaming. That is something I've never seen before. A New York first.

Instead of ice cream, I believe I'll treat myself to a Jamba Juice for my walk home tonight. Strawberry Surf Rider, here I come.

And I must admit, I was quite concerned about my change in under apparel taking place in the heat of the summer, but I am being quite honest when I say that my new under armor, if you will, makes me feel even fresher and more sprightly than before. So there.

One month!

Today it is one month to the wedding! Happy pre-anniversary!!!!

It's going to be blue skies from here to eternity.

I love to see the temple

I love to see the temple.

I'm going there someday

To feel the Holy Spirit,

To listen and to pray.

For the temple is a house of God,

A place of love and beauty.

I'll prepare myself while I am young;

This is my sacred duty.

I love to see the temple.

I'll go inside someday.

I'll cov'nant with my Father;

I'll promise to obey.

For the temple is a holy place

Where we are sealed together.

As a child of God, I've learned this truth;

A fam'ly is forever.

A stop on the Wedding Parade!

Friday night, the amazing women from my church at home threw me a bridal shower! It was so much fun. They were so sweet to take the time to put together the shower. I bought a new pink dress of the occasion. The other gorgeous girl in the photo is my sister and maid of honor.

So many people came to the shower. It was like a homecoming in a way--all these women who taught my Sunday school lessons, and who were leaders at Girl's Camp and really made impressions in my life. They are wonderful.

THANK YOU!!!!

Detroit, Part deux

I survived Detroit. Better than survived. Persevered. Rose above, even. (Ok, well, maybe there were moments where we could only manage to rise one or two inches above, but it still counts.) What matters is we made it through.

I find Michigan rather captivating. Detroit is a mess, but the outlying areas are pretty, and have quite diverse populations. And the communities are involved with local events and activities. That kind of participatory attitude gets me every time.

My first night there my boss and I went to see Sex and the City: The Movie. It was delightful. If anyone hasn't seen it, stop reading now and get thee to a movie theater!

The second day, we got our work done in the morning and then escaped to the Henry Ford Museum, where we whiled away several hours at the quaint Greenfield Village. It is a Williamsburg-esque historical town, with the requisite old-fashioned snacks and workers dressed up in authentic costumes. There was a choo-choo train and lots of lemonade. Delightful.

Monday night, after a painful day of meetings and workshops, we headed off to Flint, MI for our first dinner party. It was held at the Flint Institute of Arts.

It was great. Delicious food, a pianist, a warm patio and good art made for a nice evening. The bus ride clocked in at an hour and half EACH WAY but that provided nice time to relax and talk with my bosses.

Tuesday was a long day. We had a very demanding schedule with a few nail-biting moments (a major workshop session ready to begin, with a room full of museum directors staring at us, and A/V equipment that just. wouldn't. WORK!!! I don't enjoy being the center of attention in those moments.) It finally shuddered to a start and we gratefully escaped the room.

Tueday night capped off with dinner at the Detroit Institute of Arts. One of my favorite museums and one of my favorite directors. His work revitalizing and reinterpreting the museum and it's collections is amazing.

Wednesday, the last day (pardon the shriek of joy) was jim-jammed packed with action as well. We started the day back at the DIA, and then drove to another museum, the Cranbrook Museum of Art. It's quite unique, in that there is a museum, a science institute, a graduate art program, and a boy's and girl's school, grammer through high school, all on one campus. We had tours and lectures and it was all very lovely. This view of the pond and trees from the portico was my absolute favorite. Very peaceful. It makes me want a backyard.

Wednesday night we broke the state line to go to the Toledo Museum of Art. May I just say, wow. It was unbelievable. The museum was incredible. I grew up in Ohio and certainly never would have guessed that Toledo, of all places, would have the most elegant museum I've ever been in. They have everything. It is amazing.

And just to top it off with even more greatness, they have a new glass pavillion, which houses their glass collection and has a glass blower's studio. Very, very cool.

Upon returning to New York, my boss received an email, complimenting her on her graciousness during the difficult week. The email was very kind:

"Your grace and dignity thru the Detroit meeting makes me feel small; I didn’t do as well. The smooth functioning of the meeting (which I know must have been complicated) and the focus on the all the institutions that I’m sure had planned extensively for the visit was not altered by the circumstances surrounding the meeting. This is a great tribute to you and your staff. I am in awe. One of my life goals was to be a member of this organization; but I won’t be as proud of having been a member if you aren’t there. In the days when I thought (Director X) and (Director Y) hung the moon, they were clear that you hung the moon. I’m still of that opinion. I am very very proud that you are my friend."

I hope to be worthy of such high praise someday.