Happy Birthday Amanda!

My BFF's birthday is today! So lucky to have her in my life. Here goes a new spin on my birthday shout outs:}

A - Stands for aMazINg. She never ceases to amaze me with her kindness and compassion.
M - Stands for MiLd. Amanda seems to counterbalance my exuberance. She is the voice of reason, the voice of calm. I seem just to relax & my stress is diffused when I am around her.
A - Stands for aRdENt. Amanda is one of the most loyal and unfailing people I know. I know she has my back and will bend over backwards to help me in any way she can. So few people in my life like this. Lucky.
N - Stands for NiCE. Okay, many people are described as nice, but really, Amanda is so nice to people. She thinks of people in ways I can't even begin to explain. Meals, cards, quilts, babysitting, homemade gifts, treats, etc., etc., etc,. Her service to others always makes me want to reach a little higher to be a little kinder to people.
D - Stands for discOUrse. Love, love, love talking to Amanda. My fun gossip friend that I can talk to for hours. She is such an amazing listener, helper, my own personal therapist:}
A - Stands for avANt-GArde. Amanda is so creative, resourceful, always showing me something new and different. She inspires me with cooking, crafting and decorating.

Love you A! I hope you have an incredible day!

For today

Love this simple documentation idea from The Simple Woman's Day Book :

FOR.TODAY June 23, 2009

Outside my window...it is the perfect summer evening. My neighbor is mowing his lawn. All is right with the world on nights such as these.

I am thinking...I need to make a zillion offers tomorrow for Park City Medical Center. Have had such amazing candidates for these jobs. Praying Mack feels good tomorrow about his Spelling Bee!! He is so excited he made it to the school finals. Thinking how I can package Amanda's birthday gift just right.

I am thankful for...the basics--my home, car, central air. Bigger stuff--happiness, upcoming travel, new books.

From the kitchen...Chick-Fil-A tonight in between studying spelling words and practicing piano. Have been making some amazing smoothies though lately for breakfast.

I am wearing...a massive pj dress thing. My house got cold and my work clothes were bugging me today.

I am creating...Whitney's pay it forward gift and a birthday card for Amanda.

I am going...to book a trip to the Four Seasons Scottsdale

I am reading... The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World's Most Glorious - and Perplexing - City (Kindle Edition) by David Lebovitz

I am hoping...Mack has fun at his Spelling Bee

I am hearing...the new Pete Yorn album and Mack now resting and playing his DSi.

Around the house...my dog is finally being allowed to be by himself at short intervals in the house. He has done great so far. Fun coming home today to see him sleeping on the couch with no one else around.

One of my favorite things...is that Mack and I were somewhat productive tonight. We did watch a DVR'd episode of Wipeout though. Why do I love that show so much?!?!

A few plans for the rest of the week...A's birthday, Raingutter Regatta, Transformers, Spelling Bee, piano recital, WestFest, fireworks

A picture to share...