If I were feeling better, I’d be throwing a party like in the pictures below. I LOVE pink and I love (typically) birthdays, so as you can see, it’s the perfect combo. I would wear a pink party dress, eat pink treats and of course, drink pink champagne. Maybe next year.

I feel like I say a lot of these things…all the time. Am I alone here? Anyone else?

Today is my mother’s birthday and today we honor her. I am overwhelmed by the blessing of having her as my mother.

Mom, I love you more than words can express and today, we celebrate YOU!

When the final episode of season one ended, Mom and I literally yelled, “No!” We just didn’t want it to end! Some of last season’s episodes are available online here.

Source: pbs.org via Kristina on Pinterest

The show is on Sunday nights on PBS from 9-11 p.m. CT.

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Season two of Portlandia aired last night and I give the premiere a 8/10.

I was pleased to see some of my favorite characters from last season are back and just as funny as ever. While there are still some occasionally inappropriate scenes and characters, most Portlanders and Portland scenarios are (for my taste), so I guess it’s just true to culture. The show continues to represent Portlanders so perfectly, it’s a little baffling at exactly how the writers achieve this. Fred and Carrie continue to hit the nail on the head with each and every character.

You can catch Portlandia Friday nights on IFC cable channel at 10/9c.

It doesn’t matter how many times you go through those talking points, some people are good at remembering these points in a speech and some are not. Some people can think quick on their feet and some can’t.

There are actually an endless amount of things that can potentially go wrong, or very right when a politician opens his or her mouth. One sentence can be remembered forever, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” This sentence defined the Kennedy presidency and will never be forgotten. On the other hand, if a misstep is made, in a moment’s notice you can be thrust into crisis communications. This is why I partly find this area of communications so thrilling. It’s kind of like strategic adrenaline.

This morning, Sen. John McCain had such a blunder and democrats across the nation rejoiced. I can’t help but think of the press staff behind the scenes and each of their reactions. Please know, I’m not trying to take a shot at anyone, or at any party. Mistakes happen on both sides and nobody is perfect. This video is just a good example of how quickly something can go so very wrong.

Now, if that weren’t enough excitement, the Iowa Caucus is tonight. As many of you know I really like the excitement of politics and I genuinely believe that government has the capacity to do a lot of good. I know, I’m weird and probably a total nerd for saying that.

Here’s an example of my point: Sen. Wyden raised +$10 million in 2010 to fund a shelter in Portland for human trafficking victims. Human trafficking is an issue I care a lot about; however, I on my own could never raise this kind of support, but because of their position, politicians can.

Government can put the manpower behind the causes you care about, whether it’s education, poverty, technological innovation, job creation, etc. Problem is that there are SO many politicians who care way more about the fame and the money than they do about their constituents.

While they are in the minority, there are a select few who actually work hard every day for you, for me and for the next generation of Americans. We’re very blessed here in Oregon as Sen. Wyden and Sen. Merkley are two of those people. They are genuine policy geeks and could care less about the perfect photo op. Love it.

Saw this pic today on Ari Shapiro‘s Facebook and just loved it. Now, what could be better than politics and Ryan Gosling? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Why does the Iowa matter so much tonight and in the general election? John King from CNN does a nice job of explaining it in this video.

Regardless of your political leanings, I beg of you to not only to vote, but to be an informed voter. I know that so far, it’s been a bit of a circus, but tonight is when things really start getting interesting.

Sit down and make a list of the issues that matter most to you, rank them and then research which candidate’s values align with yours. WARNING: There is no perfect candidate, just like there is no perfect person. Stunning, I know. It’s kind of like dating. You decide what your “deal breakers” are and go from there.

Voting is an incredible privilege and I encourage you to take it seriously. You can watch the live coverage tonight on CNN at 7 p.m. EST.

And don’t forget to root for the Ducks today in the 2012 Rose Bowl!! GO! DUCKS!

I’ve got high hopes for 2012. See ya later 2011!!!

It can only go up from here, right? I don’t normally make resolutions for the new year (in fact I never have), but considering what 2011 brought on, I’ve had a change of heart.

My 10 Resolutions for 2012
1. I will work to live, rather than live to work.
2. I will prioritize my health and cherish the times when I’m in good health.
3. I will go on more adventures during weekends.
4. I will use this blog as an excuse to write more.
5. I will practice my cello more regularly (and sign-up for lessons again).
6. I will be more intentional about reaching out to those in my community who are sick or in need.
7. I will be more patient.
8. I will focus on the positive relationships in my life and let go of the unhealthy ones.
9. I will learn to be content with the season of life I’m in, instead of busying myself with planning for the future.
10. I will look for opportunities to serve those around me.

Do you make resolutions? Why or why not? If so, I’d love to hear some of yours. Happy New Year to all of my lovely readers.