7 things

You may already know this about me, but I like structure, organization, plans, charts. Just ask Kaitlin, Paige, Alisa or Layla. So, here's what's been on my mind lately, in a nice, tidy, structured list:

1. Today, my CI was sick. Yes, tragic, but do you know the worst part about it? That meant no BWWs-- no free wings, no free drinks, no networking, no social life. The one social anything I had planned this week slipped through my fingertips oh so quickly at 6:10am when Dave called in sick. So much for getting out of the house tonight. (I can't complain too much, though, when I have full supplies of wine and Friday Night Lights to keep me occupied.)

2. I went for a run at lunch. It was a hot and balmy 95* outside at 11am. At noon, that + pizza + a 401k meeting made for one tired chica. Note to self: bring a supply of caffeine for the afternoons, particularly when meetings involving the stock market are in store.

3. A pair of fuzzy, pink, deliciously comfortable slippers arrived in the mail today. Who doesn't love getting packages? And FedEx-ed, no less. You're the best, Grandma!

4. Music update. Unfortunately, Rockford's radio stations are nothing to brag about. Thankfully, I've relied upon Fitz and the Tantrums, Mat Kearney, Foster the People, Adele, Matt & Kim, and Ben's energetic summer playlists to get me through my drives, showers, and kitchen adventures.

      Here are my top picks right now (in no particular order):

          -to chill to: Switchfoot~Dark Horses

          -to run to: BliSS~Summer Girls

          -just because i have a thing for this band: Needtobreathe~Slumber

          -top country: tie between-Jake Owen~Barefoot Blue Jean Night and Eric Church~Homeboy

          -best old school: Matchbox 20~Disease

          -best at putting me in a good mood (contrary to the title): Mat Kearney~Down

          -best mashup: DJ Trademark~Summer Weekend

          -best cover: Mike Posner~Rolling in the Deep

          -best up-and-coming band: tie between- Fitz and the Tantrums~Don't Work It Out and

            Foster the People~Helena Beat

                      { ...I could go on all night. more later.}

5. The Messerlys are now the proud owners of a new car. No, this is not a joke. I won't attempt to guess what that brings the total up to now-- but, pictures coming soon when Dad picks it up Friday. In the meantime-- anyone interested in buying a 1990 red BMW 325i convertible?! (seriously)

my best guess as to what Dad's latest buy looks like. love.

6. I have some fantastic weekends planned for the remainder of my stay in Rockford, most of which (no offense, Rockford) involve getting out of Rockford. 

A typical weekday night: ...the view from my bench in Rock Cut, where I enjoyed a lovely summer evening, Outlander in hand. 

6b. BREAKING NEWS. Mikko Koivu just accepted my friend request on Facebook. I don't remember friending him, but apparently I did. That was totally worth interrupting 6) about. (This brings my professional hockey player "friend" count up to 6, I believe? Cool, eh?!)

obsessed with the Wild? how could you say such a thing?!

my "friend," captain Mikko

6. (cont.) This weekend- Mom's coming to down! In September- I'll be heading to Iowa, Detroit, New York, and completing a sprint tri with my very first friend ever. I'm also hoping to get up to Eau Claire, and down to Chi to see Ken/Kathy and fam, Megan and/or a Blackhawks game. 

IOWA to see Mrs. Nelson on Sept. 9  

 IOWA to see Shlee

Sprint tri with Lindsey on Sept. 18

hopefully Detroit to see Sully on Sept. 23

NY to see this creeper on Sept. 30

and if I can pull it off, Eau Claire for Labor Day to see this crazy Packer fan...

7. Last but not least, I think it's time I begin the countdown. Not necessarily because I'm excited- more because I don't have very much else to do. So, here it goes: 26 days till I turn 25. EEK!

Oh my. It's a full two hours past my bedtime. XO from Loves Park.  

This oldie from '09 still makes me laugh. OLE HOCKEY 4ev.