b. April 29, 1982

You might be wondering why I chose this particular picture for your first annual birthday bloggy post. That's an easy one! First of all, I heart it very very much because, well, it has YOU in it. Secondly, I think it perfectly captures elements of some of those things I love best about you.

Here are those things in a nice, tidy, and convenient list:
1. Your bravery. This picture was taken sometime during the 9 amazing months you spent in Africa, and while I may be moved to begrudge you that long time away from me, I'm so glad that you went and experienced something so fantastic. I know I will still be hearing new stories about those months for the years to come.
2. Your ingenuity! Finding a comfortable place to sleep when they were few to come by is no small feat, though I'm not sure HOW comfortable those accommodations were for you ;)
3. Your commitment to fashion, even under rough conditions. Isn't that the fancy watch Gerome got you?
4. Your love of music, and of the iPod, which has become an important tool of living to our generation. Some of my favourite memories of our friendship are when you've fitted one of your iPod earbuds into my ear, and the other into yours. Sharing something as everlasting and all-encompassing as music with you has been bliss.
5. Your adorable-ness. Hands-down, you're pretty much the cutest, something that is obvious to everyone - just look at you! Cutie-pie ;)
6. And lastly, your vulnerability. In this picture I see the sweet, soft, and childlike heart of you that I love so much, and that keeps me wishing that I could protect you from all the sad and heart-breaking things that you have, and will, encounter during your life.

There are dozens of other things I could list, other qualities you have in abundance that make you someone so close to my heart. But, you know I've already written all about them, in poems, notes, letters, emails, and Facebook comments. Oh yeah, and I've probably mentioned a few of them to you in person, too. There's no way you don't know that I love you, and that you're my best friend, and that you are someone who keeps me sane by keeping me laughing. But just because you already know those things doesn't mean I can't keep bringin' em up, and thanking you for them.

Thank you.

Oh, and happy birthday, Joshie.

Love Natalie

PS
One more thing... you are so much better of a hugger now than you were when we first met. Can I take credit for that?

Squiggy

My coworker Cheryl adopted my boss's fish, but had to leave him here for a couple of days. I took it upon myself to amuse Squiggy today. I can't help but feel a real connection with the cute little guy!

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!

Roomies

One minute, she's Scary Spice, the next

just a sweet little pillow-hogger. Sigh.

Bagheera looks like I took a tube of lipstick to half his fur, but that's just the sun bringing out the red in his fur... so handsome :-)

Wake Up!

The amount that I love this song cannot be measured by human means.

(Frog) Prince or Pencil Sharpener?

To distract Nikoli from the unforgivable torture of having to wait for his mom to buy him some socks so that he could play in the McDonalds PlayPlace I gave him my camera to fiddle around with. Along with several unflattering photos of yours truly, he snapped this one of my little pencil sharpener. Nice work, kiddo!

I Want One!!!

b. July 8, 1983

If someone had told me back on that fateful day when Dani interviewed me for a job at Carlton Cards that we would one day be best buds, that she would be someone I share all my secrets with, and that we would even travel to VEGAS together, I don't think I would have believed them. But, sure enough, that's what's happened. Working in retail again would not have been bearable if it hadn't been for Double Deuce, and life as I know it would not be halfway as fun if she wasn't a part of it.

Dani, you make me laugh with your crazy sense of humour, and of course, all those times you're just being your unintentionally amusing self ;) You are so sweet to me, and all the little thoughtful things that you do and have done to make me smile are appreciated more than I could ever express. You have the most beautiful smile of anyone I've ever known, can BS with the best of 'em, rejuvenated my appreciation for BSB, and are the perfect mixture of maturing adult and child-at-heart. If this was a yearbook, I'd write "never change"... and I'd mean it. I love you, pretty girl! And if you ever change our plans for an imaginary date again, I'm going to scratch your new blue iPod! And tell Nick Carter that you have Syphilis.

Return of the Mack

Poor Bagheera... after having a blissful week of being the only cat on the premises, his rival for our human affections, Asia, was returned to the household in the same kitty-carry-bag we sent her away in. She's spent the last few days stalking Baggie like he's a beetle, alternating between hissing and moaning at him as if to re-establish her position as the dominant feline. As if Bagheera would put up a fight... he possesses the most gentle nature of any creature I've ever come into contact with.

So, instead of his usual carefree excursions through the apartment as he goes in search of some tummy rubs, ear scratches, snicky-snacks, or plastic crap to chew on, Bagheera has returned to spending most of his time laying in the shady spot under the futon, safely away from Asia and her claws. But only for awhile... when Steve and Abra move out/in together, they're taking custody of the big guy - and he'll love it!

b. May 26th, 1983

My brother. There are so many things I could say about him, and oh so many stories I could share. But, for once, I'd rather NOT embarass him. So, I'll keep it simple. Stephen turned 26 today. He is starting his last stretch at the University this fall, is in love with the girl of his dreams, and has learned to cultivate a handsome beard. For someone who used to be such a little stinker, he sure has grown into quite an impressive young man. I may whine and complain about him at times, but Stephen has achieved so much in the last few years, it takes me aback, every once in awhile. Usually when he drops a four-syllable word in a sentence. I can't get over how much he's grown, and how many times he's impressed me with his intelligence, and his strength. We've been through a lot, my kid brother and I, and if I'm doing half as good as he is, then I'm a-okay.

Stephen is going to be a great husband, father, and teacher, though perhaps not necessarily in that order. I can't believe I'm lucky enough to watch him do so.

Happy birthday, kiddo! I love you :o)

Fashion Police

Okay... so I kinda made her wear it and then pose for a picture. But seriously! That hat is pretty awesome in its awfulness! Doesn't detract from the prettiness of the girl beneath it, though ;)

Little Shadow

This cat has been following me around non-stop since I got home. Yesterday I was using the computer, which is in my brother's room, and had closed the door for a little privacy. She happened to be on the other side of said door, and FREAKED out. She banged her little body against it and meowed the shrillest, most plaintive meow I've ever heard! It was crazy! But sweet. :) I love this cat. She's the only one in this apartment who has shown any happiness at my return, so how can I not be moved by her attention?

Travel Picture How-To

This is what happens when you let someone else take your picture. Ew! But... unfortunately, this is actually what I look like! Pretty much warts and rolls and all. Sigh. The bad part of coming home after a vacation is looking at how fat you are in your pictures! Ugh. Who wants to see the real me?

That's why I have perfected the art of the flattering self-portrait! The key to a satisfactory image of one's self? The right angle, scope, and perspective. Showcasing the strong point of your figure is ALSO helpful...

Cute AND Funny - my favourite combination!

Someone at my work has a cat-a-day calendar... every once in awhile they pass around a chunk of of the past pages for those of us who get a kick out of that sort of thing. Normally they all end up in the recycle, but I had to keep this one 'cause it makes me laugh.

If This Doesn't Move You, Then You're a Robot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rooyt3ptNco

Hilarious AND Adorable

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysqh1uzqGrc