Bob

We live near a mountain preserve, so consequently, we have lots of desert critters that come down and visit our yard/neighborhood. So far we’ve had visits from bunny rabbits, snakes, roadrunners, javelinas, and bobcats. The bobcat is by far the coolest and scariest! They are beautiful cats, but they can also jump over walls and climb like crazy. I’ve seen a few walking around our neighborhood, just hanging out, but I had no idea they could do this…

That is one tall cactus, and that is one brave bobcat! Apparently he was being chased by a mountain lion and climbed the cactus to get away. Pretty impressive! I didn’t take these shots, but I thought they were fantastic, so I had to share. You can read the news story and link to the slideshow here. That’s Bobcat: 1 Mountain Lion: 0

April Fool

All week long the weatherman kept telling me that we were going to have record breaking heat today, April 1st. They said it would be 97 degrees—possibly even reaching 100. Which is crazy (and makes Al Gore very happy) because it’s typically 75 or 80 this time of year. I woke up today hoping that it was a great big April Fool’s joke, but alas, it’s crazy hot outside. Nearing surface of the sun temperatures.

Not funny Mr. Sun. Okay, ha ha, we get your joke, now just say, “April Fools!” and turn the temperature back down to 75. Thank you very much.

Bear Down Arizona

Thank you Arizona Wildcats! Not only did you make my night by absolutely DESTROYING Duke, (I mean, what a game?!? Amazing! I am so proud of you red and blue!), but you also put me in the leader position in all of my March Madness brackets! Yes! It’s a March Madness miracle! Keep up the good work boys.

March Gladness

It’s been a great week! On Monday I watched the Bachelor finale and almost cried tears of joy as Bachelor Brad proposed to Emily--the sweetest, most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. She was my top pick from the first show, and they make the most perfect couple I have ever seen. The proposal was magic and I have never wanted a Bachelor couple to get married, more than Brad and Emily, in my whole life. They will make the most beautiful babies, and I seriously wish them nothing but the best.

As if that wasn’t enough gladness to get me through the week, it’s also the start of March Madness today! Hooray! Yes, this Bachelor fanatic is also a March Madness fanatic. Here’s a photo from my desk at work—two brackets hanging side by side. No one can ever say I don’t have a balanced life. I run two pools here at the office—the March Madness pool and the Bachelor pool. I guessed correctly about Emily, now if only I have as much luck with my college basketball picks!

Weekends

I love that hints of springtime starts to arrive in Phoenix in February. That means that my cold-weather-living-friends come to visit early! There’s nothing like outdoor brunch in February. Cheers to weekends with good friends, good food, and manicures and pedicures.

Must Listen

You know when you find a really great CD and you just can’t stop listening to it?!? Well, I found one that I love that I just have to share! Last week my friend Amie sent me a secret link to a sneak peek at Adele’s new album, 21. It just came out in the U.S. yesterday and I downloaded it on iTunes immediately. As soon as I heard it I fell in love. It’s heartbreaking, sultry, and absolutely fantastic.

The best part is that you can listen to the whole thing right here on NPR…for free. Listen to it and try not to like it. I dare you. My favorites are Rolling in the Deep, Take It All, and my new favorite love song, One And Only. The whole album is to die for. Take a listen, and enjoy.

Tickled Pink

There are very few things in life that I love more than sprinkles and objects in miniature sizes. Imagine my joy when I got to combine these two favorites into one fun weekend activity. I volunteered to bring a treat to a friend’s Valentine’s Day party so I could 1) buy more Valentine’s Day sprinkles (I’m a closet sprinkles hoarder. I LOVE sprinkles. Whenever I see cute sprinkles I must buy them!), and 2) so I could try out my new miniature cupcake pan. Here is the fruit of my labors…

I'm in love with them! I almost died when these miniature red velvet cupcakes popped out of the open. My heart was singing as I frosted them with hot pink frosting and miniature hearts. I was tickled pink with these lovely treats, so I just had to share. I hope you all have a very happy and sprinkle-filled Valentine’s Day!

So, Like, Amazing

Jimmy Kimmel is so, like, amazing!