It's MaDNeSS time!

"This is awesome baby!" Yes, I'm quoting the annoying-but-you-still-love-him, Dick Vitale. That is plain and simply how I feel about March Madness. What isn't awesome about last second game winning shots, or a no name school upsetting a powerhouse? Another thing I love about college ball is that there's no guarantee from year to year on any certain school. Take Florida for example, two time defending national champions, did not even make it into the tourney this year. Even if you don't follow college basketball, go ahead, fill out a bracket and see how the madness consumes you. It will. And you'll probably do better than those experts (or geeks) who spend hours going over statistics to fill out their brackets. So, who is my final four you say? North Carolina, Georgetown, Memphis and Xavier, with Georgetown upsetting to win it all of course.

Tuesdays with Morrie

I read this book a few years back when it was on the bestseller list and really loved it. However, I couldn't tell you the details of the book a few days after finishing it (as is the case when I finish most books). So when I saw it on my mom's desk one day I decided to read it again, though I don't normaly read books more than once. I forgot how touched and inspired I felt as I read about this man, Morrie. He was a complete optimist even in the face of death, which I truly admire. Reading about how ugly this disease is in the end really helped me have more compassion for my dad and the fears he faces. That said, you do not have to know anyone personally with this disease to appreciate the book, I would recommend it to everyone.

24 or The West Wing

We finally watched the sixth season of 24 and I'm glad there aren't anymore to catch up on! We have been addicted to this series ever since we were introduced to it in England. We would borrow our friends box sets and watch an entire season in a single weekend, sad but true. However, this last season was probably my least favorite, especially the ending. Come on, there is suppose to be some sort of cliffhanger at the end, not Jack starring out over the ocean - lame-o!

As much as we liked 24, our favorite TV drama series definitely has to be The West Wing. Again, some friends in England owned all seven seasons and we wasted a lot more time than I would like to admit. I felt like I learned a little bit more about politics, even though everything was ficitional. The series was brilliantly written and the characters were so addicting as well.

If Martin Sheen entered the presidential race today I would vote for him hands down and try to talk everyone I knew into voting for him also. However, if Dennis Haysbert (President David Palmer, 24) entered the race also, it would be a seriously tough decision. But hey, at least the decision would be tough because they were both great candidates...I wonder what that would be like.

Long time...

I realize I stink at blogging when my second to last one is about Christmas and it's nearly March! What has been occupying my time you say? Well, besides chasing my little bundle of energy (Oliver), my younger brother had knee surgery (and 250+ pounds is not easy to help move around), my other brother and his wife moved in with the folks (yes, my parents have three adult children living at home with them now), I have taken up reading again and I'm a little ashamed to say that I can't get enough of guitar hero!

My brother Dave brought guitar hero with him when they moved in. I love it! It took me a few times to get the hang of it, but now I can play most songs on medium without getting booed off the stage. I really don't know how anyone plays hard or expert. Yes, it's a huge time waster and I feel guilty afterwards, but I'm completely in the zone while playing. My best song is, My Name is Jonas (Weezer). Rock on!


I am pleased with myself that I have found some good reads, thanks to my friend Gina. This book was so amazing I read it in just a few days, which I feel is quite a feat because there is no relaxing with Oliver running everywhere getting into everything. (He opened the door to my mom's curio cabinet the other day and brought me one of the figurines, thankfully it was all in one piece!) The characters in this story are fictional, but some of the events are historical. I would recommend this to everyone, it helped restore an attitude of gratitude for my life and empathize for people living in countries where some basic freedoms are not enjoyed. However, I will warn anyone who reads this that it is very sad (but don't let that deter you)!

Oliver's 1st Birthday!

Happy Christmas!

I had to post these pictures of my parent's Christmas village. Believe it or not, they did not even put out everything they had this year. They said they did not want to put out the entire village this year because it's too much work, but I secretly knew they wanted to. So I insisted, though I was questioning that decision about the tenth time up the stairs carrying boxes so high I couldn't even see. It was worth it though and has sort of become a tradition that we all love.

Here are the gingerbread houses we make every year with the MacKay's. Why do they all look the same you say? Well, we have this brilliant idea (please sense the sarcasm) of bringing candy and then splitting it equally among us. So, though the house are different shapes and the candy in different places, they essentially look the same.

This is Oliver's first Christmas so I had to buy him this cute onesie. What makes it even cuter is that my friend Allie bought one for her two month old baby, Jensen. Yes, this is the first step to them becoming best buds (or so we hope)! I don't have the pics, so here is Allie's blog with a couple of them on it.

Lots of Oliver