Baseball's In Full Swing

I just saw that the Tigers won their first game of Spring Training against the Mets. I plan on going to my first game of the season this weekend in Lakeland.

Bowling Scores

Here are this weeks bowling scores as requested.

Amy - 129, 143, 120
Bryan - 140, 150, 145

In Sync House

At today's Adventure Lunch, we visited the In Sync House. No, it isn't the home of Justin Timberlake and his other band members. Instead, it is a brand new custom home in Baldwin Park built as a show home for all the latest technologies. It is a very beautiful 5 bedroom (and I lost count of the number of bathrooms) Mediterranian Style home. There were lots of details like a leather floor in the office, a programable shower, a pool with waterfalls, and much, much more. The house is for sale (fully furnished) for ONLY $4 million! But it's really not my style. I prefer a more minimalistic contemporary look. This house was just a bit too much. And who would keep it clean. Though I suppose if I could afford to own a house like that, I could afford to hire a maid.

Photos © 2006, James F. Wilson; cortesy BUILDER magazine

Valentine's Recap

Bryan and I had a very nice Valentine's Day. We went to my favorite restaurant, Bravissimo, for dinner and then to the Magic game. The game was a bit of a blowout and we left halfway through the 4th quarter. We had really good seats, though. He did get me a Valentine's gift. He got me some Ghiradelli chocolates and an EPass. If you're wondering what an EPass is, it's a transponder which allows you to zip through all the toll plazas without stopping. Now I can save time and maybe even a little money when I drive out to his house.

My Funny Valentine

For the first time ever (and hopefully not the last) I have a date for Valentine's. Bryan may not be the most romantic or be the most articulate at expressing his feelings, but last weekend he expressed those 3 special words that kind of sounds like "olive juice". Of course I had to ask him to repeat it because I truly didn't hear it. He sort of mumbled it as I was heading out the door. But either way it was still very special, and I of course returned said sentiment. Our plan for Valentine's Day is to go to an Orlando Magic basketball game (not against the Pistons). It's probably not what I would have had in mind, but he got 2 free tickets from someone at work. We'll most likely go out to dinner beforehand though (my choice, that is, if I can actually make a decision).

We did have a very romantic dinner Saturday night, though. Our youth group hosted a "Sweetheart Dinner" to raise money for the National Youth Gathering this summer. It turned out really nice. The fellowship hall was beautifully decorated. We had a harpist play. And Carmen was in charge of the food. We had Chicken Saltimbocca (which is spinach & parmesan cheese stuffed chicken cutlets). But it wouldn't have really mattered what the meal was. Whatever Carmen makes is delicious. Yes, the dinner was my idea (and I actually paid for it, too).

I'm not expecting any big extravagant gift or anything. I'm not expecting anything at all. He scoffs at all the jewelry commercials that they put so much pressure on men to buy their significant other an expensive gift to show how much they love them. I told him that I wasn't like that. Sure it might be nice, but I don't expect it. I don't even wear jewelry. I told him the only diamond I want (someday) will go on my left hand. But like I said, I'm not expecting anything, though a card, at least, would be nice. I will make him a card and I'm giving him a framed picture of the two of us.

But Bryan can be spontaniuosly romantic at times. Like last night at dinner, he placed what looked like just his wadded up drinking straw wrapper in front of me. I took one look at it and sarcasticly replied, "Oh thank you. I will cherish this forever." I've never seen his head sink so low. Of course I asked what was the matter. He picked up the wrapper and held it a certain way. It was shaped like a rose. Now I felt like a complete jerk. I gave him a big hug and a kiss and told him how sorry I was and that I really didn't see that it was a rose. I took it and carefully placed it in my purse. He asked what I was doing. I replied, "I told you I would cherish it forever. I'm keeping it safe so it won't get ruined." I love him very much. I hope to spend many more Valentine's Days together. And Christmases. And Thanksgivings. And Easters (yes, he has agreed to come to Chicago with me).

A Career High

Last night I bowled the best I've EVER done in my whole life: 142-142-121. Bryan was very consistant with his 155-145-148. Jon & Becky did very well, too. We beat the second place team.

Super Bowl XLI

I think I'd have to say that last night was one of the more exciting Super Bowl games in the last few years (at least the first 3 quarters). I hate it when they are blowouts. Especially since I don't care who wins (unless by some miracle the Lions actually made it), I just want to see a good game. Bryan hosted a party and so I got to meet many of his friends. They were all rooting for the Colts so it would've looked pretty bad if I was rooting for Chicago. I had good reason to root for either team. I was disappointed with the commercials this year. There were a couple good onces, but the majority were pretty lame.

It's monday again. Time to get ready for another busy week ahead.