In 2010 I ... babysat.

UPDATE: V and I were able to make up shortly after "the incident." It just took brunch, a cocktail and a nap:


Possibly the solution to any and all problems?
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What was I thinking? I mean who wouldn't see this and run in the opposite direction?

Violet and Silas, faking innocence. Important note: I was not present when this smiling cuteness was taken.

Oh adorable, right? I'm not so sure anymore. Well, I am sure that Silas is adorable. And really a very good baby. However, I want my thoughts on Violet down for the record so that 10 years from now I can remind her of the evening she made noises that made me reconsider one of my personal truths: modern country music is the worst sound in the world. V is capable of sounds that almost trump the sheer horror of country.

Thankfully I didn't have to endure this alone. Beth and I were tag-teaming the twins, although I think we spent more of the night comforting each other than anything else. Although it was truly worth it because Jennie and Eli were able to enjoy a great evening out together and J got a gorgeous necklace out of the deal.

Little does J know I plan to, uh, let's call it "borrow" said necklace asap ...

In 2010 I ... toasted St. Patty's Day

Another holiday, another occasion to drink beer and see live music. Not that a holiday is actually required for either of these acts, but it's nice to have a cover story.

I looked forward to St. Patrick's Day for several weeks this year, not so much for cause to celebrate my Irish heritage, but because Roxie knew that a local favorite, A Night in the Box, was playing at 7th St. Entry the same evening. Joy! It had been at least a year (likely longer) since I'd seen this group play live, and they are simply fantastic. You wouldn't know it from this shot, but they are one of the most high-energy bands I've ever seen - you'd swear they were playing to entertain thousands every time they hit the stage.

I also have a lot of love for the Entry, with it's intimate performance space and, most importantly, $2.50 PBR tallboys. (This instruction post about how to be your own PBR tallboy is pretty humorous ... maybe Halloween 2010?)

A large group gathered at the 501 before the show (and I was promptly late after having made a confusing pit-stop at 508 ... whoops) for beverages, and conveniently, St. Patty's-themed trivia. We even managed to place and someone went home with a Boondock Saints VHS!

The show did not disappoint either, with Travis Hetman (far right) hanging from the Entry's rafters during a harmonica bit and a full-on guitar solo. Seriously entertaining, although I was admittedly biting my nails with concern for his safety a majority of the time.

Hayley & Jess at the show.

Good drinks, good show, good friends - another successful 2010 holiday.