Potterpalooza: The Final Countdown.

I woke up early on Thursday morning after maybe 5 hours of sleep to check my phone. Becca was at JFK, waiting for Krissy to deplane, and then they'd be on their way to my apartment. Soon I was out on the sidewalk as their cab drove up, hugging two tired girls and excitedly welcoming them to New York.

Since they'd both taken red eye flights and I hadn't slept much either, we had breakfast across the street (red velvet waffles, I love you so much) and then crashed for a few hours back at my place. We spent a few hours in the afternoon strolling through the park and lying in the grass, and then it was game time.

"Wait, so we're really wearing our Harry Potter shirts to dinner? Okay, just making sure."


We got to the theater around 8pm to scope out the situation. An employee told us the line was outside, so we went out and saw a line stretching around a city block. Yikes. The good news and bad news was that it was one line for all of the midnight showings, so while we wouldn't be as far back as we feared, there was definitely potential for mass disorganization. We settled in and played some HP trivia on Krissy's iPad.


Throughout the night, a few different TV crews, including MTV and Extra, came through to interview people (not us, since we weren't dressed up). One of the girls in front of us, dressed as a Slytherin, was chosen to be on camera.

TV Lady: Can you shout something at the camera? Like "I love Harry" but something different.
Slytherin Girl: Sure, okay, how about... MAGIC IS FOREVER!
TVL: Um, all right. Maybe... try it again, a little less scary this time?
SG: MAGIC IS FOREVER!!!!
TVL: That's... good. Thanks.

Needless to say, we had a mantra for the rest of the weekend.


We passed the time talking, texting, emailing, and posting Facebook updates (thank heavens for smartphones--am I right or am I right?). Around 10, two girls appeared behind us, apparently having tried to bribe the family behind us $20 to let them cut in line. The dad wasn't having any of it, giving them back their dirty money and making them leave. Awesome.

Then the mayhem began. A little while later, employees began coming down the line. "Okay, the 12:03 and the 12:08, you guys can come in." Portions of the line began to dissolve as people rushed into the theater and we waited nervously (our official showtime was 12:02). It was so disorganized and illogical that we were convinced we would end up in the front row of our theater somehow. Krissy volunteered to go investigate, which we figured was a good idea--she's pretty and unassuming and stood a good chance of getting us in. She texted us from the front lines that it was insane inside the theater, people on the verge of rioting while employees tried to keep the crowds back. Becca and I held our place in line and listened to Slytherin Girl's companion (a Gryffindor) sing soulfully along with her iPod.


Guess who didn't get the sadface memo?
We started to get nervous when we didn't hear from Krissy for some time. Then we got a text: "I'm inside and have seats. There are only two other people in our theater." VICTORY! Soon after that, our theater was announced and we sprang into action. I joined the massive line at the snack bar (where I ran into my friend Kent and we sent a gloating photo of ourselves to Karrie, who was not allowed to come because she is only on Book 4) and then it was time to get settled in the theater. As the lights went down, the three of us grabbed hands and got ready to say goodbye to Harry.


We loved the movie, and it's always awesome to see it with the midnight audiences because the crowd reactions are just right. The mass exodus afterwards was pretty impressive, and we passed by people in line outside for the 3am showing. We walked along Central Park West for a while trying to find an unoccupied cab, and when we finally hailed one, the driver seemed pretty bewildered.

"Why are all these people out so late? Was there a concert or something?"

Nope, just a nerd convention. It was a good night.

End of an era.

Tomorrow morning, Becca and Krissy fly in for a long weekend of playing in NYC. We decided it was only fitting to celebrate/mourn our final HP midnight movie experience with one last Potterpalooza (although of course, nothing could top our last one). I honestly don't know if I'm more sad that the series we love so much is ending, or that we won't get to have this tradition anymore, but either way there is a 100% chance that I will cry.


Still, I could not be more excited for my BFFs to get here and for a weekend full of the kind of silliness you can only have with people you've known for 20+ years. We're going to have some fun.

California, Part 1: The Wedding.

At the end of May, the whole fam convened for a week-long extravaganza of eating, laughing, and general awesomeness. The main event was my brother Jeff's wedding, and everyone had a fantastic time. I generally love weddings anyway, but fill the guest list with my favorite people in the world, throw in some beautiful weather, great food, and hours of dancing, and there's pretty much nothing better.


The bride was stunning (am I right or am I right?).


The kids were entertained.


And, if I may say so, my peeps looked pretty awesome.
We gathered for pictures in the afternoon at Murietta's Well winery. The place was beautiful and rustic, and with the sun slowly setting over the vineyard it was just gorgeous.


Then it was time for the ceremony. Donovan was the dapper ringbearer, and Ainsleigh, Emaline, and Gemma were enlisted as flower girls. Gemma, apparently deciding that she had far too much style to merely walk in the procession, opted to do arabesques down the aisle.


When Jess appeared on her dad's arm, Sarah tapped me on the shoulder and whispered, "Look at Jeff." His face said it all--happy, peaceful, perfect.


After a lovely ceremony and a cocktail hour, we headed inside for the party. The food was delicious, and when it was time for Jess's dance with her dad, Gemma came over to sit on my lap for a closer look and whispered, "Oh, it's the princess and her father!"

And then, we danced:






After cake-cutting (including the Funfetti groom's cake my mom made that turned out to be wildly popular), it was back to dancing. My older sisters weren't sure how long their kids would last and thought they might have to take them home early. Turns out they were the life of the party and were on the dance floor til almost 11pm.




Unbeknownst to us, Dono is a breakdancer extraordinaire. He also danced with all of the bridesmaids and most of the female guests.


Partway through the night, Gemma was getting tired and went to sit down at her table. Then "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga came on and she ran back onto the floor shouting "JUST DANCE IT'LL BE OKAY!" Later, as the clock ticked past 10pm, she plopped face-down on the dance floor on top of her Ducky. About 10 seconds later, she jumped back up and got right back to dancing. These kids have stamina.


By the end of the night we were all tired and my feet hurt like crazy, but it was so much fun. A great night of partying with my favorite people, and I get a fantastic new sister out of it? Win-win-win.

More pictures here.

Into the field.

A few weeks ago I stood in front of my parents' church congregation and willed myself not to cry. In a few minutes, my little brother would be giving his missionary farewell talk. I was about to sing a hymn whose words were a little too apt for the situation and I wasn't sure I'd be able to get through it without getting emotional. Don't look at anyone, don't think about the words, I thought. SING LIKE A ROBOT.

Somehow I kept it together, and David gave a wonderful talk, despite my attempt at sabotage by giving him a big hug right before. That day we all got a glimpse into the wonderful missionary he will be for our Church.



My oldest sister Sarah already posted a great tribute to David, and I won't attempt anything like it since a) it would fall short and b) I generally try not to cry at work. But David leaves us tomorrow to go to the Missionary Training Center, and I wanted to acknowledge the occasion. I know he will have amazing experiences and that he will develop a great love for the people he serves, and vice versa.

We're proud of you, Doov. Good luck!

Planner.

It probably won't come as a shock to most people that I love to plan. It's a trait that comes from my dad and is one that I've adopted with a somewhat manic enthusiasm. At the end of my freshman year of college when I picked my major, I charted out all of my classes (pre-reqs, GEs, major electives, etc.) and credits for the rest of my college career. I also had alternate charts for scenarios including Study Abroad and getting a minor in Management (both of which I did). I love schedules of any kind. I like any excuse to make spreadsheets or add things to my calendar. I check my budgets daily on Mint.com. I get immense satisfaction from making lists. It is probably a great travesty that I have never pursued a career in event planning.

What I love more than anything is talking about my plans with other people. So here are a few things that are currently bringing me great enjoyment:

Making preparations for this year's Warrior Dash, including a 10-person cabin in the Poconos.

Researching every aspect of our trip to Peru, obviously.

Adding to a shared "Summer Bucket List" on Google Docs. As oppressively hot and humid as Summer is in the city, it's also REALLY fun.

Crafting my training schedule for the New York Marathon.

Bookmarking places to eat when Becca and Krissy come to town in July.

And my favorite hobby at the moment: checking and double-checking my flight itinerary for my trip home to California and seeing 3 days until departure in the little box.

Booked.

Dear Peru,

[source]

See you in September.

This weekend some friends and I officially booked our 4-day, 3-night trek through the Andes that ends with a sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu. I am about 10% freaking out and 90% super excited.

Who wants an alpaca?

Bob gets married.

A few weeks ago I got to take a little trip to see my lovely friend Robyn get married. I wasn't sure if I'd get to make it across the country for the wedding, but luckily I was able to spend a couple of days working in our LA office and then head down to Orange County for the wedding weekend.

First, a little note about Robyn. We met on London Study Abroad in 2004 when we shared a room with 12 other girls. The following semester, we shared an apartment with Marisa (who was also in our London group) and Noelle (who we'd visited in Rome). Robyn has many excellent qualities, including but not limited to: baking delicious treats on a regular basis, great taste in music, a tendency to say exactly what's on her mind (which is usually something sarcastic and hilarious), and a fantastic laugh, not to mention a smile that can stop traffic.


I've taken this opportunity to steal pictures from other people's Facebook albums, because my laptop is broken and I can't upload my own.
After working and meeting with clients for a couple days (I know, I am super fancy), I drove down to Anaheim on Friday night for a bachelorette dinner at Downtown Disney. It was a lot of fun, and it was great to spend time with friends that I hadn't seen in years. My Uncle Morrie and Aunt Dawn live one town over from Robyn's family and were nice enough to let me stay with them for the weekend. I loved getting to see them and catch up!


Robyn and John got married in the LDS temple in Newport Beach. It was a beautiful day and Robyn looked STUNNING. In addition to some college friends, I got to hang out with my BFF Fara (Marisa's baby):


We are basically inseparable. She texts me all the time.

Fara's mom kept wanting to take pictures with me, too.
Between the ceremony and reception, Fara, Marisa, her husband Rob and I made the requisite stop at In-N-Out so I could get my fix. I noted to Marisa that I was a little taken aback by how chatty and friendly the cashier girl was. Some things are just a bit jarring after being in New York for so long, and especially after a long and bitter winter.






That night there was a ring ceremony and reception in Robyn's backyard, and everything looked fantastic! After sending the happy couple off with a line of sparklers (and some hugs), we all said our goodbyes and I headed back to Morrie & Dawn's.

The next morning it was back up to LAX for my flight to New York. I managed to get a yogurt through security, but then the only movie on my flight was Voyage of the Dawn Treader, so... win some, lose some, I guess. Anyway, it was kind of a whirlwind weekend, but I'm glad I got to go!