Some thoughts...

I sent this survey to Elder Taylor and hope that he will complete it and return it...but then...wanted to fill it out myself...

What are you wearing today? Well - I was in my jammies until about 10 a.m. and then jeans and a pink shirt. I finally showered at 3:15 p.m. and wore my tan capris, and a blue cotton shirt and a white cami. And flip flops. Also: don't judge me. If I could stay in my jammies all day - I would do so most days.

What was the last thing you had to drink? Raspberry Lemonade Crystal Light in a water bottle. It's my new favorite beverage. And I HATE Crystal Light.

Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? Um. If I can convince my Dad to do it - I prefer that. But otherwise the car wash does it.

When was the last time you ran? The last time I ran was showing the kids at my acting workshop how to do the Vocal Dash. You run as far as you can while holding a note or yelling and once you have to take a breath - you must stop. I did pretty good, and surprised even myself.

What's your favorite animal? Why? I love Penny dog. She is soft and friendly and great company. She is often a shadow - but I don't mind that. I also love chinchillas because they are so soft - but I don't get to hang out with chinchillas very often.

What is your dream vacation? Right now it's two weeks in the Seychelles.

What is the worst injury you've had? The worst injuries I've had were as a result of my car accident in 2000. Cracked ribs, damaged muscles, contusions, emotional scarring. Those were the injuries with the longest recovery and lasting effects. I also had toes lacerated when a set piece rolled over them. And I also "broke" my arm...but I didn't get a real cast - so I'm not willing to count that.

Do you collect anything? If yes, what and why? At this time I don't really have a collection - but have decided that I want to collect aprons. I love them. I wear one almost daily. And they can be so beautiful. I like the idea of a collection that is functional. Collecting Hummel figurines just seems like such a waste...you can't play with them or use them for much function beyond catching dust.

Do you like hot sauce? I do not like hot sauce. I am for sure the odd one at the Malleys - as they all enjoy the hot sauces. My pallet is just wussy. That's all there is to it.

A weekend trip

Last weekend I took a trip to Nauvoo, Illinois and really only got to see and do a fraction of all there is to do - but for me - it was a perfect weekend.

I drove the four hours from Shorewood to Nauvoo in this:

It looks like a painting, doesn't it? But no - it's for reals!

Then I checked in to the Woodruff Hotel and this was the view from my private porch:
The room was wonderful and the service was so friendly and helpful.

Once I was all checked in, I headed down to the Visitor's Center and joined the Wagon Tour of Historic Nauvoo:
It was very well done, although I don't think the three under a year old were able to fully
appreciate it - since they were taking turns sharing their displeasure.

After the hour long tour, I hustled back to the room to change and make the 4:00 session at the Temple.
I know there are prettier pictures of the temple, but this is what I saw - and it was just so lovely. It was so beautiful and a perfect addition to the day. I will also say that the workers at this temple may be the friendliest I've encountered. At every turn there was a friendly face ready to make sure you knew where you were headed. So great.

After the temple - I went back to the hotel to change again - and head for dinner:
I have to imagine that during the busy season this place is quite packed - because it was very busy on Saturday night - and the "season" had ended the weekend before. The people watching was a very rich experience.

From dinner I headed down to the Sunset by the Mississippi show - which was the last one for the year. It was very well done with lots of talented people. I sat with some senior missionary couples and had a great time. I also needed a sweater for the first time this summer. Clearly autumn is on its way.

On Sunday morning, I got up and enjoyed some breakfast at the hotel - out on the lovely patio:
Seriously - I loved the location! Such a beautiful and peaceful morning.

I checked out of the hotel, and went on a self guided exploration of the Nauvoo buildings.
Most were closed until later in the afternoon - but it was fun to just walk the streets and imagine what it might have been like to be in Nauvoo in 1844ish.

I then walked the "Trail of Hope" - and unlike the early Saints who had to flee Nauvoo - I did it alone.
Here is the view from the "Trail" looking back to the Nauvoo Temple in the distance on the hill.
The "Trail of Hope" leads to the edge of the Mississippi River where the Saints crossed the river, leaving everything they'd built and loved behind. It really was such a moving experience. I loved being there. Every few yards there are plaques with excerpts from the journals and diaries of those who had no choice but to walk the "Trail." Such a beautiful Sabbath morning.

From there I headed back to the Visitor's Center and enjoyed the exhibits and films. Once those were done, it was time to head to church. I joined the Nauvoo Third Ward (really) and it was a great meeting.

The whole weekend was wonderful - and really left me wanting more. I cannot wait to go back and see and do all the Nauvoo adventures.

What a great birthday...

I know that blogging has been so light lately - but trust me, life has been so good. And yes, today is my birthday - but as much as I love my birthday - I love when it lasts longer than just one day! And this year surely did deliver...

It started yesterday - when the Malleys took me to Wrigley Field for an amazing Cubs game! AMAZING. The Cubs were playing the Astros, and there could not have been anything better about the experience. The day was ga-horgeous, our seats were perfection, and the game was exciting with a grand slam and a three run homer - let's be honest...eight runs in one inning is super exciting during any game - but it was delightful for the perfect game. I sure do owe the Malleys big for the once in a lifetime experience.

GO CUBS!

Then today - I taught the last actors workshop for the kids in the ward here - and they brought me flowers and Ho-Hos. Do they know me or do they know me?! And then, I got a lovely and delicious Edible Arrangement from my folks...

Tasty, no?

And then tonight - oh, tonight.

Here I am with my appropriately dramatic birthday dessert:

DUDE...it's on FIRE!!
So good - and I am about to slip into a sugar coma - and revel in my birthday wonders.

So - now I'm 29 and loving it. Thank you for all the calls, messages, e-mails, wishes, gifts, offerings, and love.

PS - I don't yet have pictures of my crown and wand...but they light up.