MBLF: The Major Motion Picture

You've seeen the photos. You've read the stories. Now fall in love all over again with "MBLF: The Beginning," the new major motion picture! Yes, now you can get a tiny glimpse into the real-life origins of MBLF, complete with surround sound! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll heave with disgust at the full-color moving pictures of C's left AND right legs at the height of MBLF-dom. Play the video below for a blast from the past and see what all the excitement has been about.

Annum

It's no secret the past year has been a very challenging one for the Barrys. J has had some job uncertainties, and I've apparently done all sorts of nasty things to my body. There were times I was truly uncertain as to what tomorrow would hold -- or, genuinely and with some cause, if there would even BE a tomorrow.

Last night, some of my dearest family came over for a bit of a surprise dinner to celebrate life and living, in the form of my 34th birthday. It was truly a treat to have them with us. J made THE most amazing dinner -- complete with linens and nice china and grilled steak & scallops and fresh rosemary bread and ... it was amazing. He wouldn't let me do a thing, working so hard to make it a wonderful evening, and he really succeded.

Joining us for the festivities were Matt, Monique, the Monkey, Kim, Dave and Cath: let me tell you, this is just a great crew. We ate (a lot), drank (a lot) and laughed (a LOT), and it was probably the best birthday I've ever had. And there were wonderful birthday gifts too -- gorgeous hats and classic movies and books and diamond bracelets and also, Patron! -- but the time spent was really beyond price for me.

This morning my kitchen looks as though it's exploded; I think we used every dish we own. I told J that we should have just ordered takeout, that would have been just fine, but he replied over and over again that he wanted to do this so that I would know how happy he is that I'm alive and still with him. I can only reply that, J, I already knew. You're the best partner anyone could ever hope for, in all ways: you make me feel valued and loved, and there is no more precious a gift. I'm thankful that I'm about to hit 34, but even more thankful that I have such an amazing family to see me through. Bring on 35 ... I'm ready to see what the next year has to offer.

Geek Rock

This weekend was a geek-filled good time. I enjoyed visiting with a number of friends throughout the weekend, and one of the major events was a gathering at our friend G's place. There was a lot of food and a LOT of drink (stories for another time, perhaps?) but I thought I might take this chance to give you a glimpse as to what geeks do for a good time on a raucous Saturday night. Behold ...

Rock Band!

From L-R, our friends L (vocals), D (guitar), B (bass) and K (drums) all take their moment of glory. As the night progressed and the Dragon shots proliferated, the Band members switched out and things got even more and more interesting ... but really, like I said, a story for ANOTHER time.