Some housekeeping...

So the rain and whatnot has stirred me into overdrive mode where I become super efficient and organized. This has caused me to do several things, many of which remind me to remind all of you to do the same... So here we go with some housekeeping and shameless promotion...

First up, Mother's Day is fast approaching. If you haven't yet figured out what to get her on the glory day, figure it out soon. Flower shops will be busy with arrangement orders, so if that is your cup of tea you should get on it. I've selected my present of choice already, but will share it with you all AFTER the day, because she reads this blog and I don't want to spoil the surprise (it's going to be awesome, mom). Some gift ideas for the creative: photo collages, quote books, picture frames, recipes, home herb garden kits, etc. etc.

Second up, since I'm the sports writer I'll plug a few things. Milan track is home tonight at 4 p.m., but may in fact be cancelled due to weather conditions. If it thunderstorms they delay for 30 minutes of clear weather. Also, Saline track is home tomorrow (Friday) for a very special Golden Invite of Awesomeness in which the boys will be competing with Milford for Team of the Decade Honors essentially. Over the weekend, Milan baseball is home, and Saline softball is hosting Milan and others in its Saline tourney at Saline High School. Starts around 10a.m. I believe.

Third up, Matt Giraud was kicked off American Idol for the third time last night, but this time it stuck and the judges couldn't do anything about it. He was a wild card selection for the Top 13 and earned the judges' first-time save two weeks ago. He made it to the top five and will tour with the other Idols in the summer. I was a big fan of him, and hopefully I'll get to speak with him and his family for a follow-up article soon.

Fourth up, for all the nerds out there... a special Harry Potter Wizard Rock Concert from Tonks and the Aurors will be featured at the Ann Arbor Book & Street Festival May 16 on Stage 2 of Ingalls Mall at 3 p.m. The group is Springsteen meets Wizard Rock, and features songs from the perspective of Nymphadora Tonks. The classic rock style band is fronted by Stephanie Anderson and has been touring the U.S. since August 2007. If you're bored and like nerdy things and fantasy, check it out.

Fourth up (or fifth for those who are counting)... since the weather is nice, I've gained a slight tan despite the use of sunblock facial moisturizer and SPF 45 (I'm a freak). But take notice of the sun on hot days and make sure to take care of your skin. In other warm weather news, my pool is open again... which means sunday afternoon parties, swimming, and fabuloso drink concoctions. For anyone looking to have an outdoor BBQ soon, feel free to invite me, or use one of the awesome drink recipes listed below. One is cheap and one is not, but they both taste awesome. Trust.

Mangoberry Elixir of Youth and Enlightenment (name donned by me, just now)
1 cup Burnetts Mango Vodka (I know Burnetts is gross, but you won't be able to tell)
1 cup Ocean spray Cranberry Juice
1/2 cup Sprite
Mix and pour over ice and enjoyyyyy.

Sangria Margarita
8 oz. tequila
12 oz. margarita mix
2 oz. lime juice
3 oz. triple sec
4 oz. sangria (if you use sangria with wine, rather than just the mix, you'll have a nasty headache.. so keep this part virgin)
Blend tequila, margarita mix, lime juice, triple sec, and ice in a blender and pour into glasses until 2/3 full. Top with sangria.

Hip, hip, hurray for spring and summer!

Sixth up, and most exciting of all. I'm going to shamelessly promote a livejournal user I follow, thanks to previous sports writer Jerry Hinnen. But guess what? It isn't a sports blog. Surprise! It's actually an old college friend of his... she's named cleolinda in her online accounts (she refuses to share her real name). She posts to the blog Occupation: Girl which has thousands up followers and viewers every single day. She writes the Secret Life of Dolls, which is a fun, witty, week-by-week adventure among her favorite movie action figures/dolls. It features characters from Twilight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, and the The Golden Compass to name a few. She's hilarious and brilliant. She also writes what are known as "Movies in Fifteen Minutes," which are typically hilarious overviews of movies using online verbiage and lingo. She wrote so many of them, that they became well-read in the blog world and were eventually optioned to become a book. It is available for purchase now in the UK and on amazon.com. If you're interested, she's hilarious... check out her blog at cleolinda.livejournal.com.