My weekend with Neil and Sara was fantastic! I wish they could have stayed longer…it’s always a blast when we get together. I can’t wait until May when I get to see them again.

We did so much this weekend and I took tons of pictures.

My sisters birthday was today (Happy Birthday C-Love!) and on Saturday she had a party at her house.

This is my sister’s roommates dog, Guiness. Squeeee!! He’s so freakin’ cute!

Sunday we went to a Phillies spring training game against the Rays…

Yesterday we took Neil and Sara to the Strawberry Festival and made them eat all of the weird food. They started with the Taco in the bag…

Then we moved on to strawberry shortcake and Chocolate Dip’t Bacon…

We took a food break and watched the pig races. Sara participated. Her racing name was “Fried Fusion”.

This pig was more interested in eating the track then racing…

After the races, we ate the ultimate fair food, the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Burger. I can’t even look at the picture of this thing without wanting to vomit…

Yes internet, that is a hamburger placed between 2 glazed doughnuts. I took a video of us eating it…

They are all smoking crack because that was probably the worst thing I’ve ever eaten and I’m pretty sure it’s responsible for the killer stomach ache I had when I got home.

The weekend was fantastic and was much needed! I love when Neil and Sara visit and May cannot come fast enough!

Tags: friends photos

I spent a good portion of the night cleaning the house in anticipation for Neil and Sara’s arrival on Saturday. I’m so excited!! I haven’t seen them in over a year and I just can’t wait to get together and start telling “your mom” jokes again. Cause that’s what we do. Shut up.

Did I ever mention how I came up with the name uptopdesigns? You can thank Neil for that. Instead of saying high five (cause that’s sooooo last year) we say “up top”. And we say it really loudly with tons of over enthusiasm. My friend Gopal actually does it the best. So yeah, the up top and the fact that I’m a designer, it kind of just fit.

Anyway, what was I saying. Oh yeah….house cleaning. We decided to have Dave’s friend repaint the house, so shit has been everywhere for the past few days to accommodate. We got stuff organized and fairly clean downstairs. Upstairs is another story. I’ll tackle that tomorrow. Maybe.

Tomorrow is going to be so long. I can’t wait for them to get here!

Tags: friends, website

Dave’s old college friend Frank was in town this week to visit, so last night we headed to a beer bar up the street to hang out for a few hours. I invited my friend Bob to go with us too since I haven’t seen him in a few months and he’s in love with the place that we were going to.

We’re all sitting at the bar, drinking pints of  imported microbrews. Dave and Frank are talking about people they used to hang out with in college. “So and so is working here now, Did you know that he is going to be a Dad? Remember that one place we used to go to all the time?”

Bob and I start reminiscing about the days I like to refer to as “a 3 year blur”. For all of us, so much has changed. The crew we once all hung out with pretty much broke up.  I graduated, got a career, met Dave and realized I was in my mid 20’s and it was probably time to stop acting like a college kid. Bob met Kat, started really having to work, and just recently got married and became a stepdad. Our entire lives did a complete 180. We have things we care about now, people to take care of, bills to pay. We’re spending our extra money on furniture and appliances instead of on a 6 pack. Holy shit, we’re adults now.

There was a lot of “Remember the one time…” and “OMG, do you remember when we all went to…” and “God, that chick was crazy…” I will never forget those days. We did things we probably shouldn’t have. We said things that were probably out of line. In the end all of us went on different paths. I suppose it’s what happens when you grow up. You have less in common with some of the people you used to see everyday. You start seeing them less and less until eventually you just don’t see them at all. The people that stay around become your “real friends” and not just “those crazy people you used to hang out with back in the day”. I have a few of those people and it’s always great to get together every now and then and talk about the good ol’ days. Things have changed, we’ve grown up and we’ve gotten more responsibilities, but we’ll always have those crazy memories to share.

Tags: adulthood, friends, life

I got a lot of crap packed yesterday. My back is sore from lifting boxes. Just proved how badly I need to get back into a regular gym routine again. I’ve only lived in this house what, 4 years? How did I manage to accumulate so much crap? People need to stop giving me Christmas decorations (MOM!) and dishes (Regina and Pam!)

In the process of moving, I found a few old journals and sketchbooks back from a few years ago. I started flipping through and came across an entry I wrote back in June of 2007, recapping my last trip to see my friends in NJ. Seriously, it’s been that long since I’ve been there? I feel like such a crap friend. Over 2 years! That’s like…almost unacceptable. I swear I tried to visit. But yeah, this entry hit the nail on the head. A lot of things have changed since then with all of my friends, but everything I’m about to rewrite on here still holds true about these guys. I meant it then and I mean it even more now.

The actual entry was fairly long so I’m just taking out excerpts from it. You get the gist…

“…Saturday night we all headed to the party at Napa. Thanks to Neil, everyone kept calling me “The World Famous Barb”. I felt slightly like a celebrity. I finally met Gop. If I had to describe Gop, I would say he was a real life Van Wilder. Kid knows how to throw a hell of a party. There was lots of beer pong and flip cup. I met a girl named Karen who we nicknamed “Awesome Karen” and some guy named Carl kept falling down Gop’s stairs. At one point of the night, Tom either hugged this guy or was trying to prevent him from cracking his head open. Still not sure, but it had me laughing for a few minutes straight. Review of the Napa party= A+. Only bad thing was that Nadine never showed up. She might’ve been too hungover from the night before…”

“…Tom and I drove the Harley to Wildwood Sunday. He’s one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. We spent the day walking up and down the boardwalk, something I haven’t done in forever since Florida doesn’t understand the concept of boardwalks. You can talk to Tom about anything because he’s done so much. I often wonder how he’s not dead yet. Even though it’s caused some drama between friends, I’m so glad I met this kid because he’s been such an awesome friend. He helped make this trip happen. None of this would have happened if he didn’t pull it all together. I’m seriously so, so thankful. I know I’ve said it a bunch, but thanks again. Thanks so much…”

“…Nadine rocks. If I lived here still, I could see us hanging out all the time. She made us this awesome dinner Sunday night and then we went to get Rita’s Water Ice. She’s always making sure people are fed and comfortable. She’s like Mom, but she knows how to have a good time too. And she’s blunt, honest, and won’t take your crap. I like people like that…”

“…Neil is an awesome friend. I feel like I can tell him anything and he won’t judge me. He’s cool and laid back about things. The past few months I’ve realized who my TRUE friends are, and Neil is definitely a true friend. He listened to me when no one else would. He helped make this trip happen. Thanks for letting me stay at your house. Thanks for everything. You’re the best and I freakin’ love you…”

You guys are all still awesome friends. I’m so thankful and lucky to know each and every one of you. Most people aren’t as lucky as i am to have friends like I do. I miss you all.

Tags: family, friends, journal

Last night was most definitely the best night of the summer. I got off work at 6, Dave picked me up, and we headed down to Ybor for the Gogol Bordello show. And wow, what show it was.

Since the band wasn’t going to be on stage until probably like 9:00, Dave and I got dinner beforehand and drinks at the bar across the street from the venue. We were meeting my 2 friends from college Rambo and Grant. Rambo met us at the bar and Grant didn’t show up until Gogol had played there second song. I hadn’t seen them since graduation, so it was nice to catch up and just hang out together.

Most people have probably never heard of this band, so I’ll post a video from youtube of them on Letterman for anyone that actually reads this. They call themselves “Gypsy Punks”. I’m not really sure what that means, but I like it nonetheless. Just watch…

Ok, so imagine that for over an hour. They didn’t stop once. They’re one of those bands that you have to see live to appreciate. Yeah, they have some good albums, but their live show just blows them away. It was insane. The whole place was dancing and having a good time. How could you NOT dance to music like this? One of the coolest things about them is the mix of people they bring to their shows–old, young, black, white, hippies, punks–they were all there having a good time.

After the show we went back to the bar across the street and had a beer. We laughed, talked, and just enjoyed each other’s company. Grant still has a few more quarters left of hell. Rambo and I both agreed we are glad we never have to step foot in that place again. Rambo finished his teaching certification and is on his way to getting his masters. Dave’s friend, also named Dave, showed up. I’m so glad he’s able to come hang out with us again. Somehow in the half hour we were at the bar I lost my voice, probably from the people smoking, but I didn’t care. I was having an awesome time.

Sometime during the night I had this awesome revelation about how great my life has become. I’m almost 26 years old and can still go to concerts on a Monday like I’m in high school. I have the most amazing man in my life that is the most laid back, fun loving person I’ve ever met. He’s good to me. He has a good family. My family loves him. Minus the few pounds we want to lose, we are in good health. We both have jobs that we enjoy. We make enough money to be able to not only go to a concert on a Monday night, but get dinner and drinks beforehand.

And my friends. Wow, my friends are amazing. They’re hilarious, talented, and so into what they do. I feel so lucky to know these people. All of them are amazing.

Last night it just all came together. Everything has just fallen into place. For the past few months, I’ve felt like I’ve just been going and going without stopping. You know that phrase, “sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses?” Well that’s what I did and I realized I haven’t been happier in my entire life.

Tags: concerts, Dave, friends, life

This week went by so fast for me. It feels like just yesterday I was making a post about cereal. Days/Weeks/Months seems to go by so fast the older you get.

Last night Dave, Chrissy, Bob and I went downtown to a new wine bar that was recommended by one of Dave’s coworkers. This place was fun because you could out money on a card and stick it into a machine that would give you 1oz. samples of wine. I not a big wine drinker and don’t know much about what goes well with what, so I like a place that gives me options. I dated a guy that was one of the people that would recommend what wines would go well with your meal at a fancy restaurant. It was cool when we would go out to dinner because he always picked good wines to drink, but unfortunately none of that knowledge stuck with me. We spent about an hour sampling different wines from all over the world and reminiscing.

Best line of the night came from Bob: “It smelled like if shit could take a shit.” *heaps of laughter*

After we drank all of the money on our card, we decided to walk down the block to a dive bar called “The Hub”. I like dive bars because they are generally a lot less expensive then fancy places and they aren’t stingy on their alcohol. This place was no exception. Chrissy took 2 sips of her fruity vodka drink and said she didn’t want anymore because it was too strong.

*Side note…just because I know my mom reads this. Chrissy drove us home. Those 2 sips were the only thing she drank all night, so you don’t have to worry about me dying or anyone getting a DUI. Love you.*

We got home and I passed out until 10 this morning. I took Chrissy and Dave to breakfast, then we went to Ikea because Chrissy had never been. She ended up buying a few things and is now as addicted to the store ad Dave and I are.

I dropped Chrissy off at home and then Dave took me to my eye doctor appointment. I haven’t been to an eye doctor in a good 10 years or so and lately I’ve been getting headaches which I think are mostly due to the fact that I stare at a computer screen most of the day. The doctor said I had some trouble focusing, but my vision was pretty good. She told me magnifying reading glasses would work best for me, so I’m going to pick up a cheap pair. I’m so lucky that I take after my father when it comes to my vision. he’s had 20/20 pretty much his whole life. My mother on the other hand has such horrible vision that at one point in her life she was wearing glasses on top of contacts.

Tonight, Dave and I are going to see a live performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show that one of my coworkers is in. I’ve seen the show live once before a few years ago and enjoyed it. It’s only $7, they have a full menu and full liquor bar, and it’s something different. Should be fun times…as long as I take a nap beforehand.

Tags: bars, downtown, family, friends, fun, life, outings, wine

Today is my parents 27th wedding anniversary. After all this time, they haven’t killed each other. I hope I can have a marriage that is a strong as theirs is. Way to go Mom and Dad!

Nothing really post worthy has happened this week. I’ve been doing well on my diet and started keeping a food journal again. I’ve also been swimming a lot since the weather has been nice. I haven’t gotten on a scale though because I don’t want it to discourage me if I haven’t lost any weight. Scales are evil.

This weekend is going to be jam packed with fun events. Tomorrow night Dave, Chrissy, Angelina, and I are heading to St. Pete for a Rays game. After the game there is a free concert…Ludacris! I’m not a huge fan of Ludacris or hip hop in general, but it’s free and if anything it will be fun to see the crowd it draws.

Sunday is my Dad’s birthday and the family is all going to Fuego…a Brazillan restaurant that is so good. I’ll be sure to work out extra that day because I know I’m going to stuff myself.

Tags: family, friends, fun

Yesterday, Julie brought the kids over to go swimming. Instead of writing about the day, I’m going to show it with some photos that Julie took.

Tags: friends, photos

Yesterday, we saw our friends Jen and Gerald get married. They had a beautiful ceremony and reception. I usually cry at weddings, but I was surprised at how well I held it together. Even Jen held it together most of the night. It has to be so overwhelming for the bride. The months of planning…getting the perfect dress, who do we invite?, what food should we serve?, where’s the perfect location?, the fighting between bride and family that thinks THEY know how YOUR wedding should be…and then it’s finally here. Finally, it’s all over. Your getting MARRIED. That would be enough to make anyone cry.

I told Dave early yesterday morning that I was going to take a long time to get ready, but he still insisted that we go waste an hour and a half getting breakfast all the way in Tampa. He also insisted that I do my nails since I’m a bad biter, so now I have these stupid fake nails on that is making typing extremely hard. I can’t wait to rip these damn things off.

We got home and I showered, shaved, and lotioned myself. I started doing my hair because I knew that was going to take the most time. I wanted to do something different than the normal, straight hair I sport. I was going to buy a curling iron, but my sister let me borrow her hair straightener and showed me how to curl my hair with it Friday night. This didn’t work out nearly as well as it did when she gave me the how to like 12 hours prior. I would take a chunk of hair and try it and half the time it would curl and the other half I got a weird wave that wouldn’t straighten out so I could start over. I sort of got the hang of it halfway through my head and it was after 12:00 and we needed to leave no later than 1:00 to make it to the ceremony on time and my hair was nowhere near done and I wasn’t even dressed. At 1:00 Dave was shouting at me to hurry up because we were going to be late and we rushed out of the house quicky. I ended up forgetting the memory card for my camera, so I got no pictures at the ceremony. Jen looked beautiful, though.

We had a little over an hour to kill in between the ceremony and the reception, so Dave and I stopped at K Mart so I could pick up a memory card. The pictures I took made me realize just how badly I need a new camera. Many of them turned out dark or blurry. I’m extremely disappointed in the photos; they don’t do any justice to how pretty everything was!

This was the first time in our year and a half relationship that I’ve seen Dave in a suit. I regret not taking a picture of him with his jacket on because he looked great.

There was a lot of dancing, a lot of eating, and a lot of fun.

Gerald was pretty drunk and he kept rubbing Dave’s head and saying, “When we put our heads together, it looks like an ass!”

Jen and Gerald are the kind of couple that I hope Dave and I will be if we get married. They’re just completely happy and comfortable with each other. It’s comforting to see a couple like that when we live in a world where people seem to always want more than what they already have.

Tags: friends, fun, life, outings, photos

It’s officially summer in Florida when it rains everyday. Before 2 weeks ago, it hadn’t rained in like 2 months. Water restrictions were in full effect-no washing your car, no watering your lawn. Then it started raining, and it hasn’t stopped since. I’m really getting sick of it. I want to go swimming.

I had a nice holiday with my family. We headed up to my parents house for a BBQ. They definitely have more friends than I do. There was a bunch of people there that I didn’t know. My parents are way cooler than me. My Dad told me on Saturday about how they went to their friends house and hung out until 3am. I’m glad they have friends now. For the longest time, they didn’t really have any. When we lived in NJ, my Dad worked all the time and my Mom was either working or driving my sister and I around. They had a few friends, but mostly they just had each other. It’s cool to see them getting out and having fun for a change.

My sister brought her friend Angelina to the BBQ. We were sitting down at the table eating, and this little kid comes up to Angelina and starts talking to her. I can’t remember the exact way the conversation went down, but this kid was hilarious:

Kid: My mom made those brownies (Kid takes a brownie)

Angelina: Really? They’re so good.

Kid: You’re pretty

Angelina: Thanks

Kid: What’s your name?

Angelina: Angelina. and this is..(Angelina introduces us) What’s your name?

Kid: Michael, Jr. The fat guy sitting down over there that looks just like me is my Dad

Everyone: bawhahahaha

Michael Jr. takes another brownie and goes away.

He comes back 5 minutes later and takes ANOTHER brownie. That’s 3.

Me: man, you really like those brownies

Michael Jr: yeah (to Angelina) You’re really thin.

Angelina: Thanks. You know, that’s a good thing to say to girls. Did your mom tell you to say that?

Michael Jr. No

Angelina: Your Dad?

Michael Jr. No. I learned it from TV

Angelina: oh, gotcha

He talked to her for like another 10 minutes, telling her about a story he was reading, his annoying little sister, and how he thought school was stupid and dumb. I was cracking up at how honest and sociable he was. I don’t really remember being 8, but I’ve been shy my entire life, so I doubt I’d ever have a conversation with anyone 15 years my senior.

We left the BBQ fairly early because Dave needed to get Dali some food before Petco closed. I went to the mall to get shoes to go with the dress I got for Jen and Gerald’s wedding and realized that all the stores (except Macy’s and Dillards) were closed. It was like 7:30. Since when do they close so early? Maybe because of the holiday? I ended up scoring some really good deals at Dillards. $100 shoes marked down to $23 and two shirts at $8.70 each. (BTW, I’ve totally gone over my $75 budget. I guess I kind of new that was going to happen from the start, although I wasn’t expecting all the car trouble.)

While at the mall, I got a text from Bob asking if I wanted to grab a beer at The Brass Tap, the bar in the mall. Since I was already there, I said yes, then called Dave so he could meet us. We drank a few beers and talked. Bob’s swamped with work. I’m swamped with work. Dave’s just got the normal work load. We leave around 11 and I go to sleep early.

I know this week is going to fly by super fast. I have a lot of things to do at work and not enough time in the day to get them all done. At least we are busy! The wedding this weekend should be fun. I still have to figure out how I’m going to wrap all the presents…

Tags: family, friends, holidays