It's All Greek to Me!

Last night, Mitchell and I went to the Goo Goo Dolls concert at the Greek Theatre.  It was the first time either of us had been to this venue and it was awesome!  It is in Griffith Park and is surrounded by the hills and trees.  It reminded me of going up in the canyons and singing by the campfire, but with 10,000 friends and instead of a guitar, a band and an awesome sound system.

We had a blast and it took me back to the good old Junior High and High School days.  The opening act was a band named Parachute.  They were good, but they were crazy!  They were running all over the place and they even came out in their underwear while the Goo Goo Dolls were playing.

After Parachute, Michelle Branch rocked it out.  When they were setting up her stuff, I noticed there weren't any drums.  I thought it was odd, then she explained that her drummer was currently in prison and they almost made it through a whole tour with him.  I guess that explains it.  Maybe she should consider looking for a new drummer?  Despite the lack of drums and the slight cold she had, she did a really good job and all I have to say it "You're my shooting star!!" (that is just for you Gwen)

 

Then came the headliners - the Goo Goo Dolls.  They really brought the house down with their music and light show.  It was awesome!  Unfortunately, the show was a bit tainted by some drunkin drama.  The people a few rows in front of us were drunk and insisted in standing the entire time despite the repeated pleads from those behind them.  One man in particular got really fed up with it and tugged on the dress of the one of the girls to get her attention.  She was particularly sloshed and she lost it!  She started yelling and was attempting to hit the man, but her friend was holding her back.  Eventually security was summoned to quell the situation.  They talked to both parties and then asked some people around them what happened.  Now, who do you think everyone was going to say is in the right - the girl who was defiantly obstructing everyone's view or the man who was trying to get her to sit down?  I guess it pays to not make everyone around you angry because they all backed the man and the girls were escorted out of the concert.  Seriously?  We are at a Goo Goo Dolls concert, not a Nine Inch Nails concert - why are people getting into fights and being kicked out?  Especially 30 year old women and 50 year old men?  It was classic.  Luckily, we made it out safely and without any incident.  Rock on Goo Goo Dolls!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

Monday was my birthday! Yay!  Because it fell on a Monday this year, we decided it would be easier to celebrate it on Saturday.  We went to one of my favorite restaurants - Chili's for a yummy lunch and then we went ice skating.  We have an ice rink right by our house and every time we drive by it, I say I really want to go ice skating.  Mitchell was a little weary of going because he hasn't been skating since he was little, but I knew he could do it!!  After clinging to the wall a bit, he got comfortable enough to let go and give it a whirl!!  It turns out, he is quite good at skating and in fact, did not fall even once!!  I think he now has a dream of being a star hockey player.  After we brushed up on our skating skills, we came home to have cake and open presents.  I made my cake again this year. Due to my restrictive diet, I couldn't have my favorite cake, so instead, I made a funfetti cake and added a few flowers. It turned out pretty good!  Thanks to everyone who made my b-day a memorable one!!      

Big Bear Lake, CA

To celebrate Mitch's graduation, we took a trip to get some much deserved rest and relaxation.  We got away from it all by going up into the mountains to Big Bear Lake, CA.  This is the first time I have been there and it is gorgeous!!  Being in the mountains reminded me of home.  Luckily, we had plenty of opportunities to take in the view as our hotel was right on the lake.  Here is the view from our balcony:

 The weather was perfect while we were there, so we were able to take advantage and go hot tubing, walk around the village, and take a cruise of the lake.  On the cruise, we discovered that we were staying a few doors down from Britney Spear's house.  Here is a picture of her "small" cottage:

A few doors down from Britney is the man who is the voice of Bugs Bunny.  As we cruised by his house he came out on his deck and yelled hello at us in true Bugs Bunny fashion.  Here is the boat we were on and us on the cruise:

 So fun!!  We also, sat on the beach, went bowling, and saw the new Pirates movie.  It was a much needed get away and we definitely made the most of it!! 

Law School Grad

On May 13, 2011 Mitchell graduated from UCLA Law School!!  I am SO proud of him!  It has been three years of studying, late nights, big law books, studying, note cards, endless classes, studying, briefs, exams and did I mention studying?  It was a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, but Mitchell did it!!

Mitchell is so smart and ambitious.  He graduated from a top 15 law school in a class of over 300 students that had a record high of over 8,000 applicants (not that I am bragging or anything).

Despite it being Friday the 13th, it was a beautiful sunny day and we were privileged enough to be able to celebrate it with family.  Thanks to all those who traveled to share this special day with us!!  It is a day that neither one of us will ever forget!!  I am so proud of you Mitchell!!

I am SPECIAL (a little update)

At least that is the one word used to describe me in my junior high yearbook, thanks to a boy who had a crush on me.  Well I am still special, but for a very different reason. 

Back in February, I had my tonsils removed after three years of tonsillitis, soar throats, constantly swollen tonsils, and fatigue.  For kids the surgery is minor, but for adults it falls in the major category.  The surgery went well and in fact only lasted 15 minutes.  However, the recovery was not as quick and easy.  I woke up in the O.R. not being able to swallow.  It was scary to wake up in the O.R seeing people clean up and hear them talk about how the surgery went, but it was even more scary to feel saliva pool in the back of my throat and not being able to swallow.  I was still numb and not able to use the necessary muscles to swallow.  I was afraid I would choke or sufficate, but I just relaxed and I was fine.  Apparently, the numbness usually wears off before the patient wakes up, but since I popped right out the anesthia I had the joy of experiencing it.  Talking and breathing was painful, not to mention swallowing.  They kept asking me questions and making me drink water which was a joy and a half.  A couple hours later I was on my way home to recover.  The people I know who have had the same surgery told me it is the most painful thing they have EVER experienced including knee surgeries and child birth.  It was painful and the icing on the cake was not being able to eat or drink despite being EXTREMELY hungry.  I pretty much only ate chicken broth and jello for two weeks.  Yummy.  I can definitely say I never want to eat jello nor do I ever want to have the surgery ever again.

Flash foward a couple of months when I discovered that the left side of my throat was hurting and looked swollen.  I was concerned that I had an abscess, so I went to the Dr.  She took one look in my throat and got a really frustrated look on her face.  I knew this could not be good.  Then she told me that I my tonsils are growing back.  I've never wanted a Dr to be kidding before in my life until then.  I thought this definitely has to be a joke, because I didn't just go through all that pain for nothing and it just isn't possible.  Wrong.  It is possible and happens only to a select few individuals - and by select I mean cursed.  Yep, I am SPECIAL. 

So, now we are trying to figure out what on earth is irritating my throat so much to cause my tonsils to come back.  I am on a nasal spray and a restricted diet.  I also have to stop eating and drinking three hours before bed and I have to sleep elevated.  Things were going well until I came down with congestion and a fever.  Back to the Dr. I went. I have a bacterial infection so now in addition to what is listed above, I am on an additional nasal spray, antibiotic, and mucinex.  I am slowly but surely feeling better.  I just hope something works and we can stop the evil tonsils in their tracks!!

Below are pictures of things I created out of playdough while I was recovering from surgery.  I was home for two weeks, so my mom sent me a care package full of things to do.  This was extremely helpful as watching tv became cruel with all the ads about food I couldn't eat.  Thanks mom!!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like....

CHRISTMAS !!!

Just Call Me Martha

 I may be the worst cook in my family, but I sure can craft like the best of them!!  My contribution to our Thanksgiving this year was the place cards.  My mom was looking to purchasing some fancy smancy Martha Stewart place cards, but then I surprised her with my own creations.  I think they turned out pretty good and my mom said they were even better than Martha's.  You be the judge: