WO: Weekly Obsessions
If you’ve been here a while, you already know the 4th of July happens to be my birthday. And while I’ve certainly learned to embrace the annual red, white and blue theme, I was woefully unprepared for this year’s mid-week mayhem.
In any case, and in honor of my 31st birthday, I thought it fitting to acknowledge 31 things I’m especially grateful for. These aren’t in any particular order after the top 10 š and while some sound silly, I’m a hundred percent serious:
- My family
- My friends
- My faith
- My freedom
- My health
- My home
- My education
- My career
- Church
- Food + water
- Music
- The library
- Road trips
- FaceTime
- Therapy
- The DVR
- Promo codes
- Candles
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Guilty pleasures
- Nature
- Being informed
- Healthy debates
- Wine
- Sunshine
- Technology
- My new diffuser
- Showers
- Sports
- The ocean
Here’s hoping you each had a safe and celebratory 4th ā¤ļøš Cheers!
WO: Weekly Obsessions
My birthday weekend wentĀ much differently than planned, which could be the universeās way of knocking me on my ass a bit. Whatever the case, Iāve got a few things to keep me smiling through the bumps and bruises.
- Lillian Grace: Despite anxiously awaiting my nieceās arrival, thereās still something so magical about her actually making her entrance into the world. She was born on June 30 at 1:12pm ET, weighing 8lbs and 13 oz, and was 19.5in long. Welcome to our crazy, beautiful family, Lillian! I canāt wait to squish those cheeks and cover you with kisses soon.
- SFMOMA: The iconic SF Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) closed for extensive renovations before I moved here, so to say I was excited for a team outing there is a total understatement. We didnāt even make it through the entire building; thereās so much to explore and enjoy. Highly recommend whether you live in SF or are just passing through.
- Birthday Gifts: After an extra-long weekend, our office was a little sluggish getting back into the swing of things today. But two of my teams surprised me with thoughtful cards, flowers and gifts from SFMoMA, which filled my heart with happiness š ā Proof
- Sugar Pine Point: As promised, Tahoe was absolutely stunning this weekend. Our campsite was the perfect distance from the outside world, yet we were close enough to the lake that we could kayak and watch fireworks and relax without much prep at all. Itās no wonder the sites sell out on the first day of the season!
Images courtesy of: SIL + Brother, Twitter, Me x2
WO: Weekly Obsessions
As of this writing, my sister-in-law will be induced any minute to begin delivery of my second niece… and I canāt contain my excitement! Itās been absolutely incredible seeing my first niece grow and develop over the past two and a half years, and I know sheāll be an amazing big sister. Baby will likely arrive tomorrow, but Iām celebrating now anyway. We wonāt quite be birthday twins, but sheāll always be a firecracker in my eyes.
Hereās what else Iām celebrating:
- Anchor Brewing: One of my work teams visited this brewery for a tour last week, and it didnāt disappoint. My fave so far is the Meyer Lemon Lager āĀ perfect for a sultry summer day. Anchor also has a spectacular setup at AT&T Parkās neighbor, The Yard, where you can enjoy craft drafts alongside Americaās favorite pastime.
- 4th of July: Speaking of āMerica, itās only fitting that we start celebrating its birthday (and mine) early. The US of A is turning 240, after all. Iāll be camping in Tahoe with my boyfriend and a group of great friends, but no matter what youāre up to, keep it classy and stay safe!
- A Wireless Weekend: And now, speaking of Tahoe, Iām pretty pumped to go off the grid for a few days. My cell reception will be spotty, which is just what I need for a bit of rest and relaxation. As long as my niece arrives before then, Iām OK with missing birthday notifications on my actual birthday.
- Miley Cyrus ā āParty in the USAā: I know, I hate me too. But what better way to get the people going than with such poetic prose as āNoddinā my head like yeah / Movinā my hips like yeahā? Itās cheesy and awful but the perfect party earworm for Lady Liberty (plus, a hefty payday for Jessie J).
Images courtesy of: Twitter, Our Valley Events, Survival Mastery, Pop Crunch
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Happy Canada Day, eh? In all honesty, there’s a bevy of things to celebrate this week so let’s just get right down to it:
- SCOTUS for Gay Marriage: Itās old news by now, but hotdamnhowamazing! What a time to witness what happens when love conquers all. I hope your social-media feeds were filled with as much compassion as mine! This country still has a long way to go, but steps like this make me #proud.
- SF Pride: Speaking of, this weekendās Pride festivities were absolutely fabulous. All the rainbows and sparkles and skin aside, it was truly incredible to see so many come together to support human rights.
- 4th of July: Um, heller. America and I celebrate our birthday in style each year, and I canāt wait to go wine tasting in Napa on Saturday. Whatever youāre doing to celebrate (me), be safe. Nothing brings a party down like fireworks gone wrong!
- āStand Upā ā Jessie J: Since Iām just oozing positivity and love, this anthem seems fitting. Like she croons, āā¦you’re as old as you feel you are, and if you don’t reach for the moon you can’t fall on the stars.ā PREACH.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
It’s my BIRTHWEEK! The threat of thunderstorms all weekend don’t have me worried. I’m American after all, and these colors don’t run. In case you couldn’t tell, my patriotism hits an all-time obnoxious high this time every year. Brace yourselves.
- Star-Spangled Hammered Tank Top:Ā Look Human has a ridiculous array of funny, funky fashions ā and this tee will let me show off the guns for the 4th.
- Crocheted Flag Vest with Fringe. Yeah.: Over that tank will be this little beauty. Please hold your applause. And don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be wearing jorts to cover my American pie.
- American Flag Flask: What better way to say ‘Merica than with this patriotic flask? It also promises to help you forget the World Cup loss our guys had last night. But damn, does it taste like freedom.
- Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks: In all seriousness, you guys should totally check out NBC’s broadcast (or see them live in NYC!) on Friday at 8 p.m. EST. We’ve got tons of performers … pay special attention to the audience during Miranda Lambert’s songs. Just sayin’.
Images courtesy of: Look Human, eBay, Amazon,Ā Macy’s
WO: Weekly Obsessions
In case youāre not FB friends with Magz and havenāt seen her weeklong countdown ā¦ itās my birthday tomorrow! It kind of snuck up on me, probably because Iāve been packing every weekend with funtivities and nearly forgot to pay rent this month. Adulthood.
- 27 Ways to Be as American as Ron Swanson:Ā Because, āMerica. And though I canāt grow a moustache like his, my mere existence is defined by #22. Iād say thatās a fair trade.
- Pie Face:Ā My cubemate introduced me toĀ this sweet and savory shopĀ yesterday and Iām already hooked. I canāt wait to indulge in an all-American apple pie & caramel smasher tomorrow!
- Macyās 37th Annual 4th of July Fireworks:Ā Shameless plug? Sure, why not. Hosted by Nick Cannon, this yearās show features his wifey, plus Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Like, OMG.
- āThe Remedyā ā Jason Mraz:Ā OK, I totally admit to loving this song simply because it opens with ā ā¦ fireworks from the freeway ā¦ ācause you were born on the 4th of July, freedom ring.ā So sue me!
Hope you all have a safe and happy 4th!
Images courtesy of: BuzzFeed,Ā Pie Face,Ā Christian Today, ManiaDB
Camera Roll Call
Itās that special time again, when I share five recent pictures and try to not be so lazy with my life. Consider it my birthday present to you, dear readers.
Being a super nerd with a big olā birthday drink
The Trop, site of a Yankees victory on my 25th
Obligatory crappy fireworks shot; building isn’t on fire ā this isnāt San Diego
Real life: Holly testing our friendship with Gronk and LeBron praise
Beautiful birthday flowers from my favorite cubemate š
Itās the official weekend now, so get out and celebrate it! Iāll be spending mine with the college bestie and my hairstylist (finally!) ā¦ nothing like the 6th of July to get people excited about freedom.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Today is my 25th birthday, and I’m overcome with a mix of feelings. I’m happy for this annual celebration’s arrival. I’m anxious over what the next year will bring. And, I’m pensive about this past year’s decisions and dreams that shaped where I am today. My emotions are complicated enough, so this week’s obsessions are simple:
- Fireworks: No 4th of July celebration is complete without booms of the rocket’s red glare ā although they’ve been canceled enough years for me to know that life does go on. Here’s hoping tonight’s show is spectacular.
- New York Yankees: This isn’t a new obsession by any means, but I’m celebrating my freedom to cheer on the boys in pinstripes versus the Rays today. It doesn’t hurt that I met manager Joe Girardi yesterday. Life complete.
- My Mani: Colorful and sparkly, this quick nod to ‘Merica has had me smiling all week. It’s only slightly distracting as I type, but beauty is pain, right?
- Office Rah-Rah:Ā My company does a great job of celebrating birthdays with ridiculous decorations and spirit. Derek Jeter, yellow mustard and a bottle of wine from a good friend … what more could a girl want?
Hope you all have a safe and happy 4th with your loved ones. Take a moment to thank the servicemen and women in your lives, and remember those who sacrificed everything for our freedom.
Oh, and happy birthday, America (and me)!
Katy, I always feel like a plastic bag.
Born a Star-Spangled Sucker
Letās pretend you were born on a holiday ā¦ say, the 4th of July? OK, so you grow up thinking all the hoopla is for you. For weeks, you canāt wait to celebrate YOU with the rest of the country. See how you might be confused when you discover it isnāt?
I am an Independence Day baby. As a result, Iāve worn an embarrassing amount of patriotic outfits and witnessed my fair share of firework shows. Iāve had more than 20 red, white and blue birthday cakes. Iāve proclaimed my love for Uncle Sam being only slightly stronger than my love for me.
When I found out ā admittedly, well into my childhood ā that everyoneās excitement around the 4th had basically nothing to do with me, I was crushed. The barbecues, the parades, the screwed-up National Anthem performances ā all of itās for the USA? Not what I signed up for, people.
I was further punished with a few years of canceled fireworks. From wildfires to Florida rain, Mother Nature can be a real birthday bitch. The summer date meant I never carried balloons at school or had a classroom party. Celebrations with friends were moved around the holiday weekend, so everyone could spend time with their families ā the nerve!
The day isnāt all bad, though. Iāve never had tests, like my friends with school-year birthdays. Iāve never been scheduled to work. Iāve hosted a bar crawl the past few years, and itās been a shitshow perfectly fit for the nationās (and my) birthday.
So, enjoy the festivities as you celebrate America and Amanda this weekend. Cheers to another 235 years of kicking ass and taking names!
Slick Rick and I in the county paper on my 1st birthday
Cake-faced already at age 2, with Magz and Brother
Wittyburg.com 