So excited for my b-day!

I cried when I turned 16. I cried when I turned 18. I cried when I turned 21. I have always been very very emotional at the thought of losing the past and getting older.

Now, 30 is only 3 days away. Yes, I'm old. But- I don't think I'm going to cry this year. I am excited to be 30! It means people can tell me that I still look 21 (hee hee).

I am most excited about my 30th birthday party! My super friends are throwing a little party in a couple of weeks.... we're going to start off with "the amazing race" and then have dinner/socializing. I was a little skeptical about the race part, but I've overheard some of the challenges, and they are seriously hilarious. We're having the dinner in our housing project. Of course, it will not be even 50% done, but we're thinking of hanging lanterns... lots of colors from the rafters... it will be awesome. And- people will have to go the bathroom in the port o potty!!!! YIPEE!!

The only thing I requested is that we all wear birthday hats. (maybe we'll make them, i'm not sure), and that we have cupcakes. I love cupcakes for some reason. Lemon cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes... OH YUM!!! And- they are so beautiful.

Photo shoot, new job, house

I have had a great week. On Monday, I started out with a photo shoot in the morning that was so much fun. I LOVE taking pictures. I could do it all day. I never thought I would ever find something like it in my life, but I did. I look forward to every photo shoot, and feel so great when I finish.

Some of their pics are posted on http://alieleeflangphotography.blogspot.com/

It also didn't hurt that they were a beautiful family!

On Tuesday, I started my new job. I was a little hesitant to leave Maddie, but I was really excited when I got there, and was extremely impressed at how put together they were. I already have an office with my name plate. It was a little overwhelming. I'll be working mostly from there to start and learn... and then transition to home. I missed Maddie (of course), but hopefully when I have it all scheduled, I'll only be away from her for 2 waking hours. That will leave us most of the time to be together!!

The rest of the week I did the normal routines, and am going to try and brave the smoke filled air (from the Santa Cruz fire)... and head to Happy Hollow!!!

Noth'n like a little David Hasselhoff to start a week

This video is so hilarious-- enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJQVlVHsFF8

A lot of changes!

My dad came in last week, so we spent most of the days exploring places Maddie might like. (Children's Museum, SF, parks, zoos). It was a lot of fun.

Here's a pic taken by him of Maddie and me~ I was greatful for it- because Steve never takes pictures, so it's always of Steve and Maddie.

Last week there were major changes on our house! The roof is done, the exterior walls are done, the interior walls are done! WHOO HOOO. I am so excited. The windows are hopefully going to be put in this week which is AWESOME. After the windows are in, the serious stuff can start (electrical, sheetrock, kitchen cabinets). YAY!

I haven't taken any pictures?! I don't know why. But- I'll post them soon.

Last week was also a big one for Maddie-- My dad brought her a baby doll. I didn't think she would like it, but she LOVED it. No- was ENAMORED by it. So much so, that her first two syllable word was BABY. (aside from the usual mama, dada ) It is so cute, I just can't get enough of it. I ask her all day to say Baby. This is what makes parenthood so great.

I also finished a book called "The Host." I started reading it because it's the second book series that Stephanie Myer wrote (the author of Twilight which I'm obsessed about). Let me just say, that I really wish I hadn't spent the $25 and the hours and hours that it took to read it. I should have stopped, but I thought it was going to get better. Oh, well. You win some, you lose some. I'm also reading "A new Earth- Awakening to Your Life's Purpose." I really like it.

I start my new job next Tuesday-- I'll be working on some immigration law stuff, which I am really interested in. The job is perfect for me. The firm is 1 exit away from my house, I can work mostly from home, and we're starting my hours around 10 hours a week. It is a huge blessing that I am greatful for everyday.

And, finally.... my new favorite song is "Starlight" by Muse. It's not a new song, but inspired by Twilight.... (I know, I'm obsessed.) I'm not really obsessed as much as I was... so I'm doing better!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-c94VVU7zc