things that made me smile this week...

1. This movie:

The Hangover

2. Being complimented on my hair twice this week. Though, for full disclosure’s sake, each time was by a coworker who started by saying, “I’ve never seen your hair down…” Granted, I’m only in the office once a week, but I think that is a sign to stop being so lazy and actually do my hair more often! What do you think?

3. Getting an overall positive review from my editor during my one-year evaluation. No raise but at least he is happy with my work. And, I still have a job, so no complaints here. (Not today, at least!)

4. Another work related item: I got to do a ride-along this week with the cops during a Click It or Ticket sting for seat belt enforcement. It was pretty fun pulling people over and then interviewing them! Ha! Although I would never want that to happen to me. Plus, my article pleasantly surprised my editor—who was a little skeptical if it would turn in to a good story— and he said it actually made him laugh! Bonus points for me. (P.S. My photographer on that story took a photo of me in the cop car, without me knowing, but I don't have it so I can't post it. Maybe I will get it from her, it's kind of funny.)

5. Opening a never-tasted-before bottle of wine and loving it. It’s always a gamble when you pick up a new brand, especially when you base your decisions on the label, like I do. But in this case, judging a bottle by its cover paid off.

Firefly Ridge Pinot Grigio

6. Pulling the sparkly sandals I bought last summer out of the back of my closet and slipping them on. I had pretty much forgotten about them until Friday morning when it hit me that they would go perfectly with my outfit! Love these Nine West beauties.

I desperately need a pedicure! My tootsies need some polish!

7. An afternoon of catching up with old friends at a bridal shower. (More on that later.)

8. My incredibly-difficult-to-shop-for friend loving her birthday gift. I got her a cute picture frame and notebook, which coincidentally matched (see below), and a fig and vanilla scented candle. All items were from Anthropologie… what’s not to love?

9. This candle cave from Ikea. The picture doesn’t do it justice, so click here.
Btw, I sooo want to go spend a day perusing the aisles at Ikea. That store is like Disneyland for me—with Swedish meatballs! But I know I would walk out with tons of home accessories that I don’t really need along with at least $100 less in my checking account. At least.

10. Friendly people at the dog park. Does it seem like people are nicer when they are around their dogs?

Plus…

11. Hearing Michael Jackson on the radio non-stop. This is, of course, a bittersweet memory from this past week. But it is just amazing how much MJ affected the whole world with his music and hearing his tunes every time I got in the car just reaffirmed for me what an incredible musician he was. I mean, every song the radio would play was one I knew the lyrics to and they made me wanna dance; all his songs were hits! A few times I was sitting in my apartment and I would hear a car drive by blasting “Billy Jean” or “Rock With You” and I would just smile. Without a doubt, his music will live on forever. R.I.P Michael Jackson.

By Brad Elterman/ Buzz Foto

By Christina House/ Los Angeles Times

By Jay L. Clendenin/ Los Angeles Times

Hangover image via filmofilia

Michael Jackson memorial pictures via the Los Angeles Times, here, here and here.