Craig...

This blog has been in the works for some time w/ many drafts and erasures. I wanted to make sure that I did a blog that would do this person justice.

Craig has been a very close friend of mine since high school. Through the test of time, and miles, I’ve learned that our friendship is one of those rare ones where you can walk away for months, or years at that, and when you come back – it’s always the same. Its one of those friendships that many people wish they could have and I’m honored to share it w/ him.

We have a funny history and I think it’s just funny bc we talk more shit together than anyone I know (yes, even more than Wendy and I) – so just be careful should you have an off day and run into us people watching or something – hahaha. Craig made even the darkest days of my high school career a brighter one. As my locker partner Junior year I learned the importance of mirror placement, photo collages, stalking, and that bagged cereal does taste just like the boxed stuff – at least the coco puffs do! I also learned that when a bad photographer positions you in awkward ways Craig will come to the rescue after watching and laughing for a little bit. Senior year he was a staple in helping me get through some tough times. He taught me to shut up sometimes and just roll w/ a lot of stuff even when I wanted to complain some more. Dawson's Creek was one of the greatest shows of all time. Prom and limos are overrated and nothing could ever compare to the weekend of the millennium… my own personal triumph weekend. These are just examples of our past and how our friendships foundation was created... a strong foundation if I do say so myself.

3 years ago Craig and I met up for dinner like we did every few months to catch up w/ each other. He had some really exciting news to share in regards to Columbia and NYC. At that time he was just thinking about it and had not made a decision but we both knew he was going to go. A few weeks after his big move I had the chance to visit him in NYC. He was still getting used to the area and I only discovered this while waiting for him on Spring and Broadway and he on Spring and West Broadway for quite some time… yikes. That was BEFORE he started his 2 year program and now… 2 years later here he is… celebrating being a GRADUATE from Columbia University as a MASTER in Biomedical Informatics!

Craig was always know for loving the attention - he is a rock star after all... It’s only fitting that his graduation weekend is the same as his birthday AND he became an uncle - so he gets a combo blog!

So to Craig – my great friend from the past and present –
I eagerly await the future and all the other people we get to make fun of!
Congratulations on your great accomplishment *bows* Master Adonis. Have a happy birthday and safe flight home!
Cheers!

Nathan "Flutebox" Lee and Beardyman @ Google, London

One of the most AMAZING displays of talent that I have ever seen. Not only are these guys playing the flute BUT they are beatboxing at the same time. WOW! Enjoy

Nathan "Flutebox" Lee and Beardyman @ Google, London

Chris Mann singing "Heartless"

Chris Mann singing "Heartless"

Graduation only by the Grace of God - BHS Baccalaureate Mass

I was really excited to be able to join my parents and one of my sisters to be apart of this big day. Also making it special was the attendance of one of my best friends from the past (see next blog). My younger brother Daniel (the youngest of the family) celebrated his Baccalaureate Mass this morning. For those of you that don't know what a Baccalaureate entails I'll just give you the simplest description possible... For Catholic high school students - it's like their graduation mass, it's the last thing that Seniors do before their final. It's like a rite of passage for a Senior and a time to celebrate their high school culmination with a mass amongst their peers, teachers, and family.

The gym was already packed w/ staff and family members so we opted to take seats in the back of they gym… after getting situated, camera ready, and a few jokes between Craig and I (it's what we're good for), I started to look through the program for the mass. I was very surprised to see that Daniel’s name was in several places (he had not mentioned this to anyone mind you). I admit that I was VERY proud of him and my eyes got a little watery when I saw him in his gown walking through the gym doors with the rest of his class. He had this straight posture and the slight grin on his face as he looked over and waved at us (this is rare).

As Mass started a familiar voice took control of the service – our beloved Father Doug, he is BHS's Chaplin. Father Doug is one of the best public speakers I have ever heard. He has a commanding yet not overbearing presence and his words really hit your heart – every single homily that I have heard from him – I have walked away grateful for the opportunity to hear his words… today was not any different. His homily reflected on a banner that was posted about the stage “Graduation only by the grace of God.” A big part of the homily consisted of a video done by 4 seniors (including Daniel) about what they have learned and will take away from their high school experience. It was comical of course as the video homilies have been in the past yet meaningful at the same time.

At the end of mass comes the closing prayer – which Daniel was given the honor of doing. The picture is a little blurry but mind you – we were in the back row (thanks for the photo Craig)! His prayer was clear and concise and he really shined in that moment...

After Mass we mobbed out to the schools Quad and took pictures galore - I also learned that my brother was not only popluar but was quite the ladies man... huh! who knew?!

To my baby brother - the last of the Rivera legacy to walk the halls of Blanchet... you've come a long way and I can't express how proud of you I am... good luck on your finals and all your future endeavors... don't fuck up!

Vote for your MLS Soccer All Star line up!

Click the MLS logo to Vote for your mls Fav's to make the 09 All Star team!

Shop to Make a Difference

Shop to Make a Difference May 15-17
Benefitting Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research

from http://www.uvillage.com/events.htm:

Purchase a $25 Cure Card to receive 20% off at over 50 University Village merchants. All proceeds from the Cure Card benefit women's cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Participating Merchants include:

Anthropologie
Atlas Foods
Banana Republic
Barnes & Noble
Beautyworks
Blue C Sushi*
Bryn Walker
Chico's
Cole Haan
Confectionery, The
crewcuts
Delfino's Pizzeria
Eileen Fisher
Fran's Chocolates
GAP1
Gene Juarez Salon & Spa**
glassybaby2
Hanna Andersson
Headlines Salon
J. Crew
Jamba Juice
Johnny Rockets
Juicy Couture***
Impress Rubber Stamps***
Kid's Club
Kiehl's Since 1851
Kumon
The Land of Nod
L'Occitane en Provence
Louie Permelia
Lucky Brand
lucy
lululemon athletica
Mercer
Metropolitan Pilates
Miller Pollard
Mrs. Cook's***
MudBay3
Paint the Town
Pallino Pastaria
Papyrus
Piatti Restaurant
Ravenna Gardens
Restoration Hardware***
Smith & Hawken
Sole Food
Something Silver
Sonrisa Modern Mex
Storables
Studio Porter Jensen
The Ram
Tommy Bahama's
Village Maternity
World Wrapps
Yves Delorme
Zao Noodle Bar
Zovo Lingerie

Crate & Barrel will donate 5% of housewares sales andGlassybaby will donate 10% of sales at their Villagelocation to FHCRC



Cure Cards will be available for purchase at participatingstores and restaurants from May 15 - 17.Cure Cards are available now at http://www.fhcrc.org/about/ne/events/shop/



Exceptions:
* Not valid on happy hour.
** Off of retail products only.
* Off of full-priced items only.
*** Off of full-priced items only.
1 On purchases of $75 or more.
2 10% of proceeds benefit FHCR
3 Not valid on food.

Fremont Movie Schedule

From LET's GO TO THE MOVIES:

SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH
MAMMA MIA “Sing-Along”
Welcome Back Summer Kick Off @ Magnuson Park

SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

FRIDAY, JULY 3RD
SHAUN OF THE DEAD
Red, White, & Dead Zombie Event

SATURDAY, JULY 11th
PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE

SATURDAY, JULY 18TH
ARMY OF DARKNESS
Twisted Flick Night

Monday, July 20th
LEBOWSKI FEST – OFFICIAL MOVIE PARTY

SATURDAY, JULY 25TH
DIE HARD
Twisted Flick Night

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST
LEGALLY BLONDE
Bruiser’s Little Heroes Charity Dog Show

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH
THE GODFATHER

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH
SOME LIKE IT HOT
Twisted Flick Night

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH
BOTTLE SHOCK
Washington Wine Tasting Event

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
E.T.
Solid Ground Fundraiser Event

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29TH
INDIANA JONES Raiders of the Lost Ark

Everyone Hearts Food2

Happy Friday :) sharing w/ you guys one of my new fav foodie sites! This newly revamped site gives you an all access look into some gnarly food challenges (I'll pass), tons of recipes, tips & suggestions in everything that has to do w/ food, and FOOD in general! They even have party ideas and theme food menu's to try out. My favorite part is that they UPDATE to match the current season :) something so simple yet missed by so many others.

I have to give them props on their recipe section - it's sorted by ingredients, course, drink types, cuisine, cooking style, and MOOD - which does come in handy!

PS they also have "Food2 Freebie Friday" - you'll have to check out the site for details.
www.Food2.com or follow them on twitter