Oprah knows this much is true.

I came across a little card that listed Oprah's "What do you know for sure?" and these were her 10 things at the time:

1. What you put out comes back all the time, no matter what. (This is my creed.)
2. You define your own life. Don't let other people write your script.
3. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power.
4. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. (A lesson from Maya Angelou.)
5. Worrying is wasted time. Use the same energy for doing something about whatever worries you.
6. What you believe has more power than what you dream, wish, or hope for. You become what you believe.
7.  If the only prayer you ever say is "thank you," that will be enough. (From the German theologian and humanist Meister Eckhart.)
8. The happiness you feel is in direct proportion to the love you give.
9. Failure is a signpost to turn you in another direction.
10. If you make a choice that goes against what everyone else thinks, the world will not fall apart.

I like to think of things I know for sure, what I know is true. I'll be back with my own thoughts soon. What do you know to be true? (PS happy weekend!)

The week, in le nutshell

Okay you guys, now that I've recovered from a jam-packed week, here is my reflection.

Wednesday was my first Twins game of the season and coincidentally the team's first win for the season. I must be a good luck charm! It was odd getting used to the new roster. I'll never get over that about baseball. Players come and go like it ain't no thang.

Thursday I had dinner at Eli’s in Northeast. (Yum!) Afterwards, I headed over to the Ritz Theater with the fashion writer for the Pioneer Press to watch the dress rehearsal of Fashionball, a benefit for Ballet of the Dolls and the Ritz Theater. You can read more about that event here. The Ritz Theater is a small theater tucked in Northeast Minneapolis - a place I’d love to go back to and support.

Friday was homemade pizza and wine (not homemade) at The Dr. and the Missus’ house, then it was off to the worst music venue to grace the state of Minnesota, The Myth. Had there been better drink selection, fewer people, better vantage points and more parking, I would have enjoyed this a little more. The only plus side is at the uber-tall boyfriend could lift me up once in a while to get a peek at the show. The band itself was very energetic and the vocals were great. But atmosphere can do a lot to a situation and a memory.

Saturday was a glorious wedding celebration for a long-time family friend. It started off with a tea ceremony, which led to a church ceremony, which led to a break in the day. Then it was onto dinner, dancing, and debauchery. Let’s just say that a complimentary bottle of Hennessey on each table might have been a miscalculated offering.

 {Going through the motions}

{Family portrait}

{Paper cranes only symbolize good things}

{The ceremony}

{This chicken and owl had a special message in their ceremony: they appreciate their ability to get married and will fight hard to extend those rights to everyone else. They also urge us all to do the same. I love these two.}

{And then the reception happened}

{Chinese decor}

Sunday was a full day of recovery from the previous nights. I had to drag myself out of bed to get to brunch which I talked about on Monday. It’s always worth it once you get yourself to do something, but the energy it takes is enough to deter many. Afterwards, I kept the couch warm for a few hours before trekking out, getting pizza, and going to bed. Worthless, I tell you!

On to the next!

Too much fun [and a birthday tribute]!

Καλημέρα! (Kalimera!) That’s Greek for good morning! I’m greeting you in Greek because yesterday was Greek Easter, a holiday I have probably celebrated as much as I have regular Easter because of my bff Jessica, although I didn’t celebrate yesterday, run-on sentence to the max. Instead, I had brunch with some lovely ladies to celebrate Jessica's birthday! We ate at Pat’s Tap in Minneapolis, which had the right ideas in mind, but had trouble executing them yesterday. (Poor service, okay food, inoperable skee ball machines). I'm mostly in support of it because the name of the establishment is a palindrome.

{Exhibit A of tucker-outage}

The weekend was crazy, as usual, just how I like it, but today I am completely tuckered out and somehow have to muster up energy to see Cults at First Avenue tonight. After tonight, I’m going into hibernation. It’s snowing out, so it’s fitting. I don’t even mind snow right now. I was a little shocked to see it this morning, despite the weather reports warning me about it last night, but it feels a little refreshing. I did feel bad for the worms who made their way out to the pavement, only to freeze to death. Anyway, no photos or energy yet to show you the weekend, so that will have to wait a day or two. Until then, it’s time for a birthday tribute!

Happy birthday to Ms. Jessica!

Oh where, oh where do I even begin? I've known Jessica since we were 9 years old. If you know how ancient I am, then you know this is a long time. We have shared neighborhoods, families, heat wave parties, classes, cooking lessons, heartbreak, success, concerts, vacations, and everything best friends could share. I could not have asked for a better fran to grow up right next door to. Jessica always cares so much for other people, it’s no wonder she’s graduating with a psychology degree and so interested in the human condition. Besides being intelligent and genuinely concerned about the state of the world, she’s fun, hilarious, the best auntie, and kind of a badass. Don’t mess with Jess. Happy birthday Loops, I hope it’s a great one full of good juju for the year to come.

The weekend, in le nutshell

I told you it was going to be a good weekend! This is how the story went: 

Friday:

{My boyfriend's brother, Zack, and his new wife Jaemie}

{The two sets of Mr. and Mrs. Will}

{Future Mr. and Mrs.? Cough, ahem}

{Sisters}

Saturday: 
After brunch with the newlyweds, it was time for Theodore's 2nd birthday party.

{Skeptical Archie}

{Still unsure}

{Yo Gabba Gabba cupcakes created by Carrie}

{Dark frosting has its downside}

{Theodore eating green grapes while opening gifts}

Sunday: I went for a long run to start the day off. Then I headed over to the boyfran's family's house where we had a delicious meal and watched the Masters on TV. Yes, I watched golf and enjoyed it. Then the five kids went on a bike ride through Downtown White Bear Lake and along the lake itself. We stopped at various points to play darts and eat pizza and it was so fun! And then, it was Monday. Let's try to spend this week with our heads and hearts up, only to get to another crazy and fun weekend.

{Away they go}

{Pier stop}

{Aww, nerdy}

Happy Weekend!!

Happy Friday! I am so incredibly excited for this weekend!! 

This is why:

Today: I have a half day at work, then it's time for primping and off to Stillwater to my boyfriend's brother's wedding. After the ceremony, we're headed out for dinner and a good time.

Tomorrow: Quick morning recovery from the wedding shenanigans will probably be in order and then I'm off to a 2nd birthday fiesta! Syrup and green grapes for everyone. (This is what my nephew requested for his birthday gifts and by golly, I shall oblige).

Sunday: Easter! I don't really celebrate, but the boyfriend's mother insists I do, and I love it. Pastels? Egg hunt? Chocolate? Brunch? Check, check, check, check!!

I'll be sure to recap here once the weekend is over and I have some photographic proof of what an excellent time I had. Yes, I'm planning for the future, but so what!

Have a great weekend people!! Use some exclamation points!!