EVEN IF THEY'RE BOOT CUT FLEECE SWEATS?
I saw this ad in one of my magazines and felt like it was speaking right to me. Some might call it effective advertising. . . but the truth is, I just want the red sweats.

GOODBYE, MR. BUSH
(President Bush departing on last scheduled Air Force One flight, just 10 days before Presidential Inauguration)

HELLO, HAT!

(Aretha Franklin performing at Presidential Inauguration)

January 20th 2009 was a big day for America, and I'm not afraid to admit that I got a little emotional watching former president George Bush leave the Capitol grounds in a military helicopter.

I'm also not afraid to admit that Aretha Franklin's hat gave me goosebumps. I think former president Clinton (in the background), likes it too.

FOR THE LOVE OF DOTS
Big red polka-dots on a rug . . . um, could it get any better? I showed this fabulous Pottery Barn rug to my sister-in-law this past weekend. After convincing me that I needed to have it, she proceeded to tell me about her inspiring (and quite timely) "you have to get what you love" philosophy. Kelly, you had me at "get."

WORTHY
What a marvelous idea to give Anchorage another Target. Now I'll be able to drive there in less time, using less gas, which clearly means more $$$ for shopping . . . pure brilliance.

REASON #1549 WHY I'D RATHER DRIVE
Here's an incredible photo of US Airways flight 1549 that "landed" on the Hudson River last Thursday thanks to former Air Force fighter pilot (and certified glider pilot) Captain Chelsey Sullenberger III. Miraculously, all 155 passengers and crew aboard the flight survived. Not only did he "masterfully" land the plane, Captain "Sully" apparently walked the sinking aircraft twice after everyone else had evacuated to confirm that there were no more souls on board. What's almost equally astonishing to me? That there were passengers aboard flight 1549-- those eager to be home with their loved ones, rightfully so-- who caught the first flights out of La Guardia following the crash. Um........hold the bus. NO WAY, NO HOW. NO THANK YOU. You'd find me purchasing two tickets on the first departing Greyhound-- one ticket for me, and one for my industrial-sized flask. Captain Sullenberger III is a hero.

JANUARY 16 / 09
Today marks one year since my dads passing. The words don't come easy for me, so what better way to celebrate him than to do so via his words, via his writing. His passion for sailing will inspire me forever.

"But once back aboard, life get good again. Since man first went to sea mariners around the globe have rested themselves and their vessels in unnamed bays, coves and harbors. For most sailors I've known there's something almost spiritual about being at anchor.The gentle rocking of the boat, the silence broken only by the whistling of the wind in the rigging is intoxicating. It's why we do what we do." (~ entry from Captain Tierney's ship log S /V Golden Eagle / 7 29 2005 ~)

We miss you, Daddy.