June 30 - Happy Pride!!!

Happy Pride!!!!

Suggested listening for this post:

My first Pride was in Minnesota about three years ago. It was the first time I met my Lalas and spent and entire weekend with the amazing Brent Dunore. I thank pride every day for these friendships because while I know we would have all eventually gotten so close pride really sped things up. 

Pride means so much to me, it's a beacon of hope, celebration, pride and a reminder that while we have come a long ways we still have a ways to go for equality. 

I want to tell a quick story to really drive home how far we have to go. I had an experience last night while out celebrating pride where I was discriminated for being straight and celebrating pride, by a gay man. A man threw a cup at my friends and I and while we just brushed it off he decided he was going to be confrontational. After ranting about how someone threw a cup at him he went on to attack me saying "is she a lesbian?" "hu?" "no? then she shouldn't be here." My friend tried to defend me saying "you wake up tomorrow and think about what you just said" luckily he turned around and shut up but it really pissed us all off. He who fights for equality just discriminated someone who fights for him. When I think about it today it makes today and the fight for equality even more important to me (if that is even possible lol). It showed me that there is so much discrimination in the world and not until we are all equal will it start to stop. 

I walk tall today as I head over to the pride parade with my friends and know that there are very few things I fight more for than equality. 

Happy Pride Everyone!

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Chicago Pride Parade History:

The first parade was organized on Saturday, June 27, 1970, as a march from Washington Square Park ("Bughouse Square") to the Water Tower at the intersection of Michigan and Chicago avenues

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Celebrity Birthday:

Michael Phelps

Mmm Happy Pride Boys

June 29 - Dancing Girl Kimmy

Happy Birthday Kimmy!!!

I met Kimmy through dance when we were both on Senior Team together and were taking class together almost every night. 

My favorite memories of Kimmy were from Senior Team. As a team we all spent so much time together and got so close. Kimmy was always the sweetest on the team and it often led to our team winning the kindness award at many competitions. Kimmy and I lost touch after I left for college but I hope she is still dancing and living life to it's fullest. 

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This Day in History:

On this day in 1995, the American space shuttle Atlantis docks with the Russian space station Mir to form the largest man-made satellite ever to orbit the Earth.

This historic moment of cooperation between former rival space programs was also the 100th human space mission in American history. At the time, Daniel Goldin, chief of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), called it the beginning of "a new era of friendship and cooperation" between the U.S. and Russia. With millions of viewers watching on television, Atlantis blasted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in eastern Florida on June 27, 1995.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Cary Busey

June 29, 1944

June 28 - Communication Buddy Beth

Happy Birthday Beth!

I met Beth in college when we were both taking a bunch of Communication classes. We often were in the same class and always had a ball goofing off in class and working on "wonderful" group projects. 

My favorite memory of Beth has got to be the nights we would hang out in her office in the DUC with her cute son. Some nights we would have very serious in depth conversations and others we would laugh so hard we would cry. I hope life is treating you and your son well! 

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This Day in History:

Tyson Bites Ear

On June 28, 1997, Mike Tyson bites Evander Holyfield’s ear in the third round of their heavyweight rematch. The attack led to his disqualification from the match and suspension from boxing, and was the strangest chapter yet in the champion’s roller-coaster career.

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Celebrity Birthday:

John Cusack

June 28, 1966

June 27 - Down Town Andrew Brown

Happy Birthday Andy!

I met Andy at his apartment when some mutual friends invited us over to a party Andy was having. It was me, my friend Jessica and some other girls from the dorms who went. I don't really remember much from that night but I do know that I am thankful for that random encounter because Andrew is now the husband of my best friend Jessica. 

I have so many wonderful and crazy memories of Andy be it at the cabin, his apartment in college or when he would come back and visit Jessi when we were still in college, they were all wonderful. I think one of my favorite memories of Andy is from what I think was his and Jessi's first date. I just remember walking into the bar and barely recognizing Jessi because she was so dressed up and then wondering who that hairy lumberjack she was with was. Little did I know at the time that Andy would be such a big part of not only her life but mine as well. 

I hope you have a wonderful birthday! 

We will celebrate when I see you in August for the Lalas wedding! 

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This Day in History:

Route 66 Decertified 

After 59 years, the iconic Route 66 enters the realm of history on this day in 1985, when the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials decertifies the road and votes to remove all its highway signs.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Vera Wang

June 27, 1949

June 26 - Bollywood Partner Taryn

Happy Birthday Taryn!!!

I met Taryn last fall when we both auditioned to be backup dancers in a movie, and made it!

My favorite memory of Taryn is from filming the movie. I honestly can say this was one of the best experiences of my life. The rehearsals were long and tiring but woah was it worth it. Especially when we got to go through hair, make up and wardrobe! I can't wait until the next time Taryn and I can dance together! PS The movie comes out Christmas Day this year!!! Can't wait!! 

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This Day in History:

Berlin Airlift Begins

On this day in 1948, U.S. and British pilots begin delivering food and supplies by airplane to Berlin after the city is isolated by a Soviet Union blockade.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Gretchen Wilson 

June 26, 1973 

June 25 - My Fake Boyfriend Nate

Happy Birthday Nate!!!

I met Nate through my brother Marcus. They have been friends for a while now and once my dad moved into his new house it seemed to be their home base for a while. Often Nate and friends would just show up randomly, even when Marcus wasn't home. 

Bro love at it's best. 

My favorite memory of Nate happened this past Thanksgiving weekend. I had just got back to Wisconsin and decided to meet Marcus, Nate and Jordan out for dinner. We went to the Coffee Kup in Stoughton and had a lot of fun making inappropriate comments, making a mess out of our table and enjoying some diner food. I am not sure how it came about but Nate and I decided that night that we were fake boyfriend and girlfriend. Ever since that night it has always been a big joke and will always be! lol 

I hope the Army is treating you well! 

Happy Birthday Nate! 

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This Day in History:

Michael Jackson Dies

June 25, 2009

Hee hee 

On this day in 2009, Michael Jackson, one of the most commercially successful entertainers in history, dies at the age of 50 at his home in Los Angeles, California, after suffering from cardiac arrest caused by a fatal combination of drugs given to him by his personal doctor.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Ricky Gervais

June 25, 1961 (Age: 52)

He says "Come sit in my lap Nate"

June 24 - Happy Graduation Chris!!

Happy Graduation Chris!! 

So I again don't know anyone with a birthday today BUT my cousin did graduate high school this past weekend so I am going to dedicate this post to him! 

Happy Graduation Chris!

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This Day in History:

On June 24, 1901, the first major exhibition of Pablo Picasso's artwork opens at a gallery on Paris' rue Lafitte, a street known for its prestigious art galleries. The precocious 19-year-old Spaniard was at the time a relative unknown outside Barcelona, but he had already produced hundreds of paintings. The 75 works displayed at Picasso's first Paris exhibition offered moody, representational paintings by a young artist with obvious talent.

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Celebrity Birthday:

St. John of the Cross

Born on June 24, 1542, in Fontiveros, Spain, St. John of the Cross was a Spanish mystic and poet. He became a Carmelite monk in 1563 and an ordained priest in 1567. 

June 23 - Other Brother - Dylan

Happy Birthday Dylan!!

As many of you probably know you very often become good friends with your best friends family. In case of Dylan I am that family. Dylan has been friends with my brother Marcus almost forever. 

My brother has great taste in friends...

My favorite memory of Dylan is actually from when he was very little. Marcus had a birthday party at our house and invited all of his friends, including Dylan, over. I don't know who came up with it but we decided the kids would play a game to find their treat bags. The game was simple tie a long piece of string to each of the gift bag's, hide the bags and give the other end of the string to the kids. Simple enough right? Well not for Dylan he ended up wrapping the string around his arm so tightly it was cutting off his circulation! We had to cut it off him very carefully before his hand fell off! (A little over dramatic but at the time that's what is seemed like!)

I hope you have a great, string free, birthday! 

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This Day in History:

Batman Released

On this day in 1989, Tim Burton’s noir spin on the well-known story of the DC Comics hero Batman is released in theaters.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Bob Fosse

 June 23, 1927

Truly a great man! 

June 22 - Gold Birthday and College Buddy - Mandy and Jeremy

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is my one and only sister's birthday! NOT only is it her GOLDEN birthday!!!!

Dam we have always been cute! ;)

It is really hard to think of just one favorite memory of my sister so I will just mention one. A few months ago we went dress shopping for her wedding dress, it was a surreal moment and I am very surprised I didn't cry. I think the best part of the day was when I made her leave the bridal shop. Few  know why this happened but Mandy does and I just want to let you know I will always "make you leave the bridal shop" and protect and love you. 

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Happy Birthday Jeremy!

First off it is weird to call him Jeremy seeing as he went by Chunky in college. We met because some mutual friends kinda hooked us up. After many AIM conversations and numerous text messages we finally started hanging out and had some really good times.

Those great times are my favorite memories of Chunky. These including getting into my first club, throwing house parties at his house, making breakfast with his roommates and much, much more. We have kind of lost communication with each other since college but I hope life is treating you well.

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This Day in History:

FDR signs G.I. Bill

On this day in 1944, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the G.I. Bill, an unprecedented act of legislation designed to compensate returning members of the armed services--known as G.I.s--for their efforts in World War II.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Meryl Streep

June 22, 1949

June 21 - Going to the Chapel

Happy Wedding Day Heidi!

So I again have run into a birthday-less day. However it is a VERY VERY VERY important day seeing as one of my best friends (we have been friends for over 13 years...OMG we are old) is getting married today! 

True Love!

I have so many favorite memories of Heidi but I think today is going to be the best yet so I will old off until your birthday in July to write about it! :D

LOVE YOU! 

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This Day in History:

U.S. Constitution Ratified

New Hampshire becomes the ninth and last necessary state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, thereby making the document the law of the land.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Prince William

June 21, 1982

June 20 - Kickball Buddy Jessica

Happy Birthday Jessica!

I met Jessica through the Chicago Sports and Social Club. We had both signed up for random kickball teams and got placed together. I don't think there was ever a time where we didn't get along but I feel that we really bonded when we randomly got placed together again in dodgeball. I am so glad I met this girl and know she will be in my life forever! 

My favorite memory of Jessica is when we took a road-trip to the Kentucky Derby. It was kind of a last minute trip but woah was it worth it. It might have rained, no, poured the entire time but we got to see Lance Bass, Kid Rock and get into all kinds of trouble! I can't wait until next year! Fingers crossed it doesn't rain again! 

Love you! 

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This Day in History:

Jaws was released. 

Da, da. Da, Da. DA DA DA DA DA DA!!!

The ominous tones of the now-famous “shark theme” (composed by John Williams and performed by tuba player Tommy Johnson) mark the arrival of Hollywood’s first major summer blockbuster on this day in 1975, when the director Steven Spielberg’s thrillerJaws debuts in U.S. theaters.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Lionel Richie

June 20, 1949 

June 19 - Earl Had to Die

Happy Birthday Lauren!

I met Lauren because I was and still am great friends with her sister Brittany. Lauren and I became close right away, she was the sweet little sister we could push around and make be an extra in our home videos. ;)

My favorite memory of Lauren is from one of the home video Brittany and I used to "cast" Lauren in. We decided we were going to remake the video to the song Good By Earl. If I remember correctly Laure played the part of Earl... Haha what good times!

Love you Lauren!

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This Day in History:

The First Nickelodeon Opened

On this day in 1905, some 450 people attend the opening day of the world’s first nickelodeon, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and developed by the showman Harry Davis. The storefront theater boasted 96 seats and charged each patron five cents. 

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Celebrity Birthday:

Paula Adbul

June 19, 1962

Do you really wanna love me forever? Yes we do Paula, yes we do. 

June 18 - International Panic Day

Happy International Panic Day!

Yep that's right... another day where I know no one who has a birthday :( Oh well we can learn about this obscure holiday: International Panic Day. 

No one knows the history of this day... The creator probably died of a panic attack... Not funny yet kinda.

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This Day in History:

First American Women in Space

From Cape Canaveral, Florida, the space shuttle Challenger is launched into space on its second mission. Aboard the shuttle was Dr. Sally Ride, who as a mission specialist became the first American woman to travel into space. During the six-day mission, Ride, an astrophysicist from Stanford University, operated the shuttle's robot arm, which she had helped design.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Paul McCartney

June 18, 1942

How can you not love that face?

June 17 - Birthday Overload!

Happy Birthday Jessica, Carrie, Bob and TJ!

Happy Birthday Jessica!

I met Jessica at my old job. We worked very closely and because of it we became soooo close. I can not imagine my life with out her. 

My favorite memory of Jessica has got to be at one of our co-workers weddings. I can't tell the whole story because it is way to embarrassing but I will say it involves beer, dancing and blow holes! ;) Jess will understand! 

Love you Girl!!

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Happy Birthday Carrie!

I met Carrie through my friend and college roommate Jessica. I believe the first time was at the Dundore cabin either that or at Pride in Minneapolis -- shout out to Darcey!! --

My favorite memory of Carrie has got to be from a trip her and fiancee (wooohhoooo) came and visited me in Chicago this past spring. After a fun and boozy night at the bars Alesha went home early and passed out. Next thing she knows it's 5 in the morning and the lala's are no where to be found and she has over 20 missed calls... yep she locked them out.... SORRY!

Love you Carrie! I can't wait for your wedding in August! 

oh and p.s. GO PACK GO! 

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Happy Birthday Bob!

Bob is the father of one of my dearest and oldest friends the now Brittany Johnson! Bob has had to put up with me and his daughters shenaganes for over 13 years! 

My favorite memory of Bob is the night he taught us how to play butt darts. We were in their kitchen drinking and Bob suggested we play butt darts, we had no idea what that was. He proceeds to get some quarters and some shot glasses and well... breaks some shot glasses showing us how to play the game. 

Love you Bob!

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Happy Birthday TJ!

I met TJ also through my college roommate and friend Jessica, he is her brother.

My favorite memory of TJ is actually a memory that I don't remember... It was the night of Jessica's wedding and him and Carrie and Megan carried me to my room. Thanks again TJ! lol

Hope you have an amazing birthday!! 

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This Day in History:

On this day in 1885, the dismantled State of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of America, arrives in New York Harbor after being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean in 350 individual pieces packed in more than 200 cases. The copper and iron statue, which was reassembled and dedicated the following year in a ceremony presided over by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, became known around the world as an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. (via history.com) 

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Celebrity Birthday:

Barry Manilow

He just screams sex... lol 

June 16 - Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

I unfortunately don't know anyone with a birthday today but it is Fathers day so let's Celebrate that! 

Happy Father's Day Dad!

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This Day in History:

via google

On this day in 1884, the first roller coaster in America opens at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. Known as a switchback railway, it was the brainchild of LaMarcus Thompson, traveled approximately six miles per hour and cost a nickel to ride. The new entertainment was an instant success and by the turn of the century there were hundreds of roller coasters around the country. via history.com

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Celebrity Birthday:

Tupac Shakur

R.I.P.

June 15 Masseuse Brady and Sultry Paulina

Happy Birthday Brady and Paulina

I met Brady through my friend Garrett at one of his famous game nights. We played Jenga, ate lots of chips and salsa and watched Pitch Perfect.

What a stud muffin! PS we have GOT to take some photos together! :( 

My favorite memories of Brady are our massage sessions. Now that could sound dirty but I was Brady's test client for his Massage Therapy Program, which he just passed!!! Not only was he good at what he does but we also got to chat and became really good friends! 

Love you Brady! 

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I met Paulina though Ballroom Dance, I worked at the studio that she took lessons at but it wasn't until we both started dancing together in Tommye's dance company that we really became friends. 

My favorite memory of Paulina is from a show we did at a art gallery. The music for our performance messed up and the space was small but it was what happened afterward that was the fun part. We all stayed and danced and just had a great time! I can't wait until our next performance!

Love you Paulina! 

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This Day in History:

On this day in 1776, the Assembly of the Lower Counties of Pennsylvania declares itself independent of British and Pennsylvanian authority, thereby creating the state of Delaware.

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Celebrity Birthday:

Neil Patrick Harris

Born: June 15, 1973

Age: 39 years old 

Birthplace: Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

OMG so Jelly you two share your B-Day with him! LOVE LOVE LOVE NPH!