R&R and my day

Two weeks ago I left the blizzards of Utah to do this:

with these people:

I had the most amazing time. I spent a few days downtown SF with my Auntie Valerie talking and shopping until our feet screamed at us.

Then I spent a few days at the Amity Ranch where Patty and her family reside. Patty is my mom's best friend since she was 2. The interesting thing about my mom is that she had about 11 best friends but Patty was the official first. (Don't be offended you other 10, she has plenty of love to go around)

We sat on the porch and drank lemonade, chatted until the wee hours of the morning, went for my first ride of the season (which my buttocks is still reminding me of), procrastinated homework, slept in, ate fresh chicken eggs for breakfast every morning, played freeze tag in the dark, hiked, rode, played with Elizabeth's gorgeous hair, took many many pictures and just plain enjoyed ourselves.

I also spent time with this guy:

and he is doing so well after his double bypass surgery a month ago.

What a trooper.
Gosh I love him.

Let's just say it was a much needed vacation and too perfect.
I want to go back right now.

Today is the anniversary of my mom's passing.

It's been a hard but sweet few days.

I love you mom.

I miss you.

Thanks for all of the kind words everyone, I love you too.

San Fran

I just spent 2 days shopping in downtown SF and I didn't even scratch the surface. H&M is wonderful (all 3 stories), so is Forever 21 but Nordstrom...oh, Nordstrom, be still my beating heart. 6 floors of gorgeous shoes, clothes and accessories that I just can't afford...

for now (you hear that Andrew? That was part of the deal right? love you sweetie)

So instead of sobbing on their gold leaf, jewel encrusted tissues I head over to Macy's which has pretty much the same stuff but without the jewel encrusted tissues. I mean honestly, Macy's probably has about 75% of the same stuff (or comparable) but whatever. I still like my fancy tissues. Don't judge.

While sulking in Macy's I met a wonderful woman who works at the Laura Mercier counter. She informed me in the first 15 minutes of our meeting that the president himself (as she points to her OBAMA rhinestone bracelet) has the same birthday as her ("whoa, that's pretty awesome" I say with a hint of sarcasm). Plus, she grew up 10 minutes away from Harvard (where the big man himself graduated from) and her sister has the same birthday as The Man's daughter. (People of Utah: Democrats really do exist! It's not just a conspiracy to take away your NRA membership.)

Needless to say, she's a tiny bit obsessed and will do anything to meet him. I was a little nervous that she'd somehow find out that I'm pretty conservative, not quite Sarah Palin, but still.

Anyways, I bought some lipgloss from said woman, got home, opened my bag in anticipation and was horribly disappointed. She had put nude eye base in my bag instead of my pink grapefruit, lip plumping goodness.

She knew... how did she find out?

Was it written all over my face? Did she do a background check on me on her little Macy's computer? Oh geez, I can't go back there...

I should have never left SLC, I don't belong here.

Disclaimer: that's not quite how things went but I feel fully capable of taking artistic liberty on here for the sake of humor. Any complaints can be sent to achangewecanbelievein@gmail.com  Thank you and goodnight

Cleveland Rocks

Andrew officially accepted his acceptance to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Yipee!!!

 I know what you all are thinking..."Ohio? Really?" because I thought the exact same thing when Andrew and I were discussing the options. Because I am the best wife ever I told Andrew that I would go wherever he needed to go to get the best education and CWRU hits the target. So this August we are packing up our stuff and heading out on our biggest adventure yet! (wish us luck, we'll need it)

After many hours of googling phrases like "things to do in Cleveland" and "where exactly is Cleveland again?" I promise I passed 5th grade geography, it's just been a while. I have found a new love for the mistake on the lake (as the locals call it).

(It's got a number 20 on it if you're still having a hard time. Don't worry, I won't tell.)

So if you google Cleveland here are a few of the highlights...

Peter B. Lewis Building

This is CWRU's Business building designed by Frank Gehry. There are no right angles in the entire building. 

Sailing on Lake Erie

"I'm sailing!"

The food from Little Italy

For some reason a lot of Italian immigrants centered in Cleveland. 

Including Diane's family. I want to find out why...anyone know?
All I know is that I love pasta.

The Cleveland Botanical Gardens

Severence Hall

Where the Cleveland Orchestra plays

The Browns, Indians and Cavaliers

I've never lived anywhere that has a professional football, baseball and basketball team. 

Please destroy Kobe, LaBron. I will love you forever.

The Cleveland Museum of Art

These are some paintings from the Monet to Picasso exhibit that was here at the UMFA. Picasso, Monet and Gauguin all in one place, be still my heart. This museum is one of the best fine art museums in the country, it was destiny!

Museum of Contemporary Art

too much love in one place...

Kirtland

it's only 45 minutes away! We'll actually be in the Kirtland Stake. How cool is that?!

Cedar Point

This place is also about 45 minutes away. It's the largest theme park in the US. 

Aaron, John and James...get ready to party!

Amish Country

need I say more? I was Amish in another life, I just know it.

last but not least...

The Drew Carey Show

remember the theme song "Cleveland rocks, Cleveland rocks. OHIO!!!"?

They love Cleveland and now, so do I. You convinced me Drew Carey, you convinced me.

Sure gives Cleveland a lot of street cred.

Cleveland's a lot cooler than you thought huh?

Thank heavens for google or I'd still be having an anxiety attack.