Hello...My Name is Janice Billings.

fyi - this picture has NOTHING to do with this post. i just love it. the end.

Since we moved, I've been going to a different grocery store. For my big shopping trips, I go to Fry's...but, if I'm just running up to grab a couple things that we need - I go to Safeway. I think the Safeway is a bit pricier, so I try not to go there too much. (because I'm cheap) When I shop at Safeway, I have yet to get myself a Safeway card.

Yes, I'm lazy.

So...instead - I enter a phone number. Our house number didn't work...so, I tried my cell, then my sister's number, and finally my parents old house number. I figured they would have a Safeway card tied to their old number since they live close. Whew. It worked.

Funny thing is - when I pay, they read the receipt and say, Thank you Ms. Billings. Apparently, my parents old house number has been taken over by a Janice Billings. And instead of signing up for a new card...I've continued to just enter Janice's number. It's been 1 year. I'm still Janice.

Yep...definitely lazy.

New Moon

Yes, of course there was bound to be a post on New Moon.
Remember how much I love this?
If not...remember me here?
Well...we've taken it to a new level.
We saw New Moon.
Opening night.
Midnight showing.
At the Cine Capri.
Yes...we purchased the tickets months ago.
Yes...we waited in line for perfect seats.
Yes...we're nerds...
(or at least the Hottie thinks so)
Was it everything I thought it would be and more?
Sadly, no.
Was it good?
Yes.
Do I finally understand how books
are SO much better than the movie?
Definitely.
No worries...I'll still be there opening day for Eclipse...
just maybe not at the midnight showing.
That was tough!
But...to be fair...
I do fall asleep by 8pm every night,
so midnight was certainly a struggle.

Team Edward vs. Team Jacob

Yes...this past weekend was the Twilight convention.

BEFORE you start laughing hysterically (STOP IT!! if you already have) -

I will have you know it was awesome!!

Geeky? Sometimes.
Fun? Absolutely.
Repeatable? Definitely.



















There was a bit of drama - slash - p.o.'d-ness before we left.
You see...we were all set to meet Alice (Ashley Greene), and Emmett (Kellan Lutz), and Jasper (Jackson Rathbone).

Well...Thursday, just 1 day before the convention - they all cancelled.

I know. So NOT cool! But, honestly - it's not their fault. They are up in Vancouver for Eclipse "fight training." Yes...why did Creation plan the event this very weekend knowing when filming was scheduled. HOWEVER....in lieu of a smaller group of "bigger" guests, they provided a larger group of "medium" guests. And they were SO MUCH FUN!

Weekend Highs and Lows:

• Friday - Cori, My Mom, and I left around 4:30pm-ish
• Pit stop to Circle K to fill the cooler with some beverages for the weekend
• Checked into the Wigwam on the west side of town
• Beverages
• Registered into the convention
• Q&A sessions with cast...Catherine Hardwicke, Edi Gathegi, Gil Birmingham, Michael Welch, Alex Meraz, Chaske Spencer, Justin Chon, and Christian Serratos.
• Beverages
• Photo Ops with Cast...we were sneaky (shhhh...it's a secret)
• Poolside appetizers and beverages
• Vendor browsing
• Wigwam Shade cocktails - HIGHLY recommended
• Twilight Trivia - No winning for us
• Autographs
• Beverages
• Twilight spoof films - F-U-N-N-Y!
• Directing people to the beverages
• Make a Wish Foundation charity breakfast (best part of the event!!)
• Silent Auctions for Make a Wish....go MOM!
• Vegemite and Australian friends
• Smokin' with the celebs - well...I don't smoke, but I was out with the smokers

My Q&A's of the Weekend:

1. Were there some strange peeps in attendance? Ohhhhhh Yeah - people watching made for some excellent entertainment. Oh...and I seem to attract them all!

2. Did people dress up? Mainly just at the vampire ball.

3. Wait...there was a vampire ball? Yes. We did not purchase tickets - but...we crashed it for a few minutes on the way to the pool.

4. Did people dress up at this so-called ball? Ohhhhh Yeah - prom dresses, characters...it was exactly what you would imagine. So...we quickly left in our swimsuit cover-ups and headed to the pool, beverages and all.

5. Was Robsten there? Umm...no. I can imagine the SWAT team would have needed to be called out to protect.

6. Did Jessica act like a crazed fan? Well...no, not crazed. But, definitely jaw-dropping, stunned and speechless.

7. Did we mingle with the celebs? Yes...outside smoking - it always seemed to be just us and them.

8. Were we the oldest ones at the convention? No way! I'd say right in the middle. There were a lot of young girls with their moms, teens with their moms, and groups of friends in their 20's, 30's, 40's, etc.

9. Were there any men? Yes. I'd say around 50-or so. They're called "Twi Guys." Cute, huh?

10. Did I purchase anything? Yes...a baseball style t-shirt reflecting Team Vampire and an organic lip gloss made by a group of Utah ladies with a vendor table. LOVE IT!

Overall, Girls' Weekend was SUPER Awesome!! The resort, the convention, the beverages, the gossiping, the beverage-run, the late-night swimming.......everything was F-U-N, FUN!

Athletic?...um...Not So Sure

When I was around 10 - I decided to play softball. My parents signed me up for SMS - Scottsdale Miss Softball. I was placed on a team of girls all around the same age, yet I didn't know anyone.

My mom was an all-star softball player. In her younger years she was part of a traveling team...so it was in the genes to be rather good. The pressure was on - but I loved it.

Luckily, I joined a great team of girls that were all just starting off, too. The first year...I can't say I was that good - in fact...I'd say I was pretty bad. Our team, Brennan's Babes (yes, that was our name) stayed together for the next several years and we only got better and better.

Those years are a part of my life that I never want to forget. I loved softball - and most of the time, I was pretty good.

For the last few years of my playing, I was a pitcher. I seemed to have been given my mother's gift of softball - well, not as good - but, still pretty good. I could field, pitch and hit relatively well. I definitely wasn't your power hitter, but I could be counted on for a single or double.

When I reached high school - I stopped playing and traded in my glove for a cheerleading uniform. I loved cheerleading - and yes, I still think it's a sport. But...someone definitely should have told me I couldn't get a scholarship for cheerleading - maybe I wouldn't have quit softball so quickly.

Seeing that I have been out of high school since 1997 - I guess it has been a good 15+ years since I have played softball.

But, it's like riding a bike right?

WRONG!

This weekend, my awesome employer rented out the Scottsdale Stadium for a team building event of softball. It was super fun. We all persuaded our spouses and (older) children to join in on the fun. We had 2 teams of around 15 - coed.

The Hottie and I, of course, jumped in on the fun. And, fun it was.

I did not have a glove - so luckily my brother lent me his glove. I really meant to hit the batting cages beforehand...but, you know how that goes. We arrived early to toss a few. And boy...did I ever need it.

I am not quite sure what happened to me. I can still catch - thank goodness. My hitting is okay - definitely not great, but at least I was able to make connection. But, sheeeeeesh-ka-bobs...throwing. Ugh. To say I "throw like a girl" is giving me too much credit. I think Brady can throw better than I can. Luckily, the hottie was willing turn our "toss a few" into "toss a ton." I was starting to somewhat get the hang of it at the end of our practice. But, still - it was em-barr-a-ssing!!!

I used to think I was athletic. Now I'm starting to think I was fooling myself. Was I ever really a softball player? I have the memories...but, were they dreams? Nope - I have the pictures to prove it also. Hmm...what happened??

I have NO IDEA!! I have vowed to join a co-ed team ASAP...any takers? Hopefully, I can recruit some of the fam to join in on the fun. I have to get myself back into the athletic gear. I have told the hottie we need to get me a glove and practice. And...I'm serious!!

Needless to say - the game was super fun and I really hope to do something of that sort again in the future. Our team did get our tushies kicked - but, it was all in good fun anyways. Bryan did get a home run and he couldn't have been more excited. Me - I was 0 for 2. No strikeouts, though - so I was okay with it. It was 90 feet to 1st base...enough said!

Moral of this story = You do lose it if you don't use it.

p.s. - it's the day after...and I'm sore. from throwing a softball. W-I-M-P, WIMP!

I've Got a Problem...

Remember this and this?

I'm addicted. Exactly why I do not read many books...let alone a series of books.

As I type this, I have just finished book 1 in the Twilight series. Yes...I purchased this book yesterday from good old Walmart. I excitedly read almost 300 pages late into the night on Wednesday...or should I say early into Thursday morning. Laughing. Crying. Frightened. Excited. That was me throughout the book. Jessica told me it would be that way...she knows my reading style. She said I would have all 4 completed within 1-2 weeks. And, now...I am sure she will be right. Tonight, I finished the book.

Yes, all 500 pages. Done. Finished. Finito.

I even read the sneak peak that was included for the 2nd book, New Moon. Sheesh...I wish I hadn't. I am literally forcing myself to type this post and then turn in for the night, rather than mosey on up to the 24-hour Walmart to pick it up.

Crazy? Yep.

This is why I don't read...much. I become obsessive.

At the Twilight party I reluctantly attended last weekend, I was reminded of Jessica's tween love for the Sweet Valley High books. Do you remember those? My love for those books was no different. I would stay a weekend with Jessica and we would read. Seriously. Maybe we'd get through a couple books a day.

Obsessive? Exactly.

So, what did I think about Twilight?

Easy read? = Yes.
Interesting? = No doubt.
Scary? = At Times.
Comical? = Yes, it had that, too.
Love Story? = Absolutely.
For Teenie Boppers only? = No way.
Is Bella crazy for loving Edward? = Weirdly, No.
Should I have read the series long ago? = Yes.
Do I still think it is strange that people I know of all ages and gender also read this series? = Definitely Not. And, I sincerely apologize for previously laughing at them for their choice of books/movies.

Once I complete this series - I'll be taking a break from reading. I'd been contemplating a book club. It seems many people I know are involved book clubs I could join. My blogging friend, Em, started one a while back. I was thinking of partaking in a virtual book club.

Sorry Em...as you can see - I've got issues with reading. I love it so, but once I start, I just cannot stop. Hmmm...I guess kind of like what Edward Cullen fears?

I'm on the Wagon

All this hype about the Twilight series drove me crazy.

I'd never read the books.

I didn't want to see the movie.

Everywhere I turned...people were obsessed. Men, women, teens, co-workers, family, friends...everyone.

I thought it was awfully strange.

I figured it was similar to Lord of the Rings. And, I totally was not even interested in that. Thinking about it, I did like the Harry Potter movies (never read any of the books) but, I wouldn't say it was the best thing ever. Someone should have told me Twilight is a total "Dawn" movie.

My cousins invited me to a Twilight party. I thought...do I really need to go to this? I have no interest. Being that I love my cousins - I accepted, though not without hesitation. I figured I'd be bored, but...at least be in the company of good people.

I arrived to the party late, yet just in time for the movie. What I saw was a meticulously planned party of Twilight followers - young and old. A mixture of all ages. Seriously. Majority of the attendees were decked out in their Twilight best and everyone wore a name badge printed with pictures of Edward Cullen. Not to mention there was a life size stand up cutout of Edward with kisses all over him. Too cute.

The movie began. I heard narration of the movie all around the house. In my head I'm quietly laughing. The moment Edward arrives on the screen - I heard gasping from around the room. They LOVE him. So funny....I thought. I had no idea I would soon take on their obsessions.

Throughout the movie, I asked questions - Jessica happily answered as she could tell my interest was strongly increasing. I was able to pull tidbits of books 2-4 out of her. The movie itself left me wanting to read all 4 books that night. NOT KIDDING.

I'm the kind of person that loves to read - but, does not have the patience. Remember this?? I read to complete. I love the excitement and fantasy that reading brings me. But...I get so antsy that I cannot wait to finish to find out how it ends. So, I typically end up reading the book in 1-2 sittings.

I also tend to think, read, and feel too much into the book. I do the same with movies, and TV shows, blogs, and news stories. I somehow find myself truly caring about the characters. Seriously, it's like I think they're real. I know - I'm wieeeee-eeeerd!

Well, I have now found myself excited for Edward and Bella. Thirsting to find out what happens next. Although...I do admit to knowing tidbits here and there thanks to my inquisition. Edward is a bit dreamy. That's funny - because before watching the movie...I really didn't think so. Well, maybe not the actor - but, the character...he's dreamy.

I've heard New Moon opens November 20. I will be one of those crazy fans waiting all night to see the first showing, wearing the Twilight t-shirt, narrating the film, choosing Team Edward or Team Jacob, and loving every minute of it.

It's official - I've jumped on the Twilight bandwagon. What took me so long?

.

We are THAT Family

All day today - I craaaaaved Italian food. More specifically, I wanted good ol' comfort chicken parm.

Mmmmmmm

I tried talking myself out of it all day. And...it almost worked. Then, on the way home - I had to give in. I called the Hottie...he was excited - he had been wanting Italian for a few weeks...so it was a definite go. I'd pick up the cuties and pick him up at home to head out to dinner.

At 6pm - we headed out. Where to? We decided on an Italian place called Baci. I guess it has been around forever...but, recently just opened in a new location at Germann and Ellsworth. We had never been, but had always heard good things.

And...mmmmmmmm it was.

But, that's not the whole story.

We never go out to dinner. Well...that's not fully true. We'll pick up a $5 Little Caesar or a have a Wendy's night. It is pretty rare that we head out - all 4 of us - to dinner. And...it's times like tonight that remind us why.

Have you ever been at dinner and there is that really loud, obnoxious, annoying table with children and you wonder, "who brings their kids out to eat like that???"

Well, tonight that was us.

Here's what all of the patrons had the privilege of enjoying this evening:

• We were all starving - they couldn't bring the food fast enough and Lily sure let them know.
• We were at Italian (remember the craving?) yet Brady
  is not Italian's biggest fan. Pizza = yes, spaghetti = no. He sure was vocal.
• It was freezing. I admit...I was shivering, too. But...we have Brady literally saying over and over and over again - "it's freezing in here." And - believe me...he does not speak quietly. Well, the restaurant did get the message - they were constantly turning the air on and off for us during our entire meal.
• Slamming forks on the table - immediately replaced by splenda on lemons to quiet Lil up.
• "Boken" buckle highchair as Lily said - and boy did she loooove that!!
• Screams and laughter - followed by the "shhhhh...inside voices."
• Lil yelling "happy burday guys" to the nice lady behind us with the birthday cannoli.
• Me repeating over and over - "whisper. whisper. whisper. whisper." Followed by Lil's nonexistent whisper and VERY loud laughter.
• Lil - in and out of her highchair (remember the "boken" buckle).
• Mommy and Daddy scarfing food down SUPER fast before just asking for a to-go box.
• Sugar packets ending up on the mini kids pizza...don't worry, Lil didn't care.
• Brady reminding us of his hatred for spaghetti and sauce.
• Mommy quietly scolding.
• Daddy quietly scolding.
• Cuties laughing.
• Finally...giggles from the next table over as they hear Lily talking LOUDLY and me shushing and asking for the check.

Warning - if you ever see us out to dinner...turn around and leave. Well, unless you're looking for some entertainment.

Good news - I got some cute pics...check em out:

AZ Hollywood

So...the Surprise Party was a success.

The costumes were awesome, the movieoke was awesome, the people were awesome.

Thank youThank youThank you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

In case you missed it - here's a few snapshots. Yes...there are lots of blackmail photos of me.

Guests walking the "Red Carpet"

The Surprise - umm...can you say speechless?

I think Flippy Cup was my downfall - I just might have to retire.

Some Costumes

I think this is where it all went down hill

There are no words

Thanks Babe!!

p.s. this next one is me. at work. on my actual birthday. back to the normal good-girl I am.