With only one college student left in the mostly empty nest, the family and I took on our civic duty of back-to-school shopping at Nebraska Crossing Outlets and scored all kinds of deals at Under Armour, Nike, and Polo. But let's not forget that requisite selfie I captured while sporting a swaggy Ralph Lauren hat, looking all Indiana Jones-ish when I was actually going for more of a Jennifer Lopez-like vibe.

Must go back for selfie redo purposes, I guess. *shrug*
(click photos to enlarge)

Got me some suntanning time in on the deck today, and it was an absolute scorcher. But thankfully I was able to even out my glow a bit and record a selfie that I posted on instagram... which looks NOTHING like Ross in this GIPHY below.

Found this sweet flashback of hiking with family in Sandia Mountains, New Mexico, a rare moment made possible by my dear Dad who arranged this surprise family reunion. Hiking wasn't in the original plan but was a random afterthought since we were all there to surprise Mom on the celebration of their wedding anniversary. But being all antsy to get out and enjoy some New Mexico sightseeing, we found ourselves zipping up Sandia Mountain Peak via aerial tramway, then trekking up and around the mountains via the South Crest Trail and finally climbing up on top of Kiwanis Cabin, otherwise known as the Fred Flintstone House. The breathtaking view and feeling experienced while standing up there with Dad, nieces, son, & daughter was nothing less than stunningly unforgettable.

Repeat. Needed.

This photo collage is just a peek into all of the excitement I had partying it up on and around my actual birthday. Still coming down from all of the party goodness, I have to admit that shopping, food, and time with my people will never grow old, and neither will I.

I am about to embark on the last days of being 48 and first days of being 49.

Bucket List - *get ready to be completely CRUSHED*

This photo was taken July 26, 2013 just minutes after my step-dad legally adopted me as his daughter at the Sandoval County Courthouse in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Clearly by my genuine smile you can see this was one of the happiest times of my life, one which shall never be forgotten. And since my birth father died within months before this event, I continue to feel blessed knowing I have a physical "Dad" in this world.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

This is the spectacular view of downtown Omaha I witnessed earlier in the week while taking a break from java coding to refresh my brain. And not only did I capture this picturesque panorama of such a fine summery day, but I also managed to sneak in a few games of Words with Friends while checking twitter, Instagram, facebook, Snapchat, and LinkedIn.

So much for that brain refresher. #OCD

From the very first day I started my new position in downtown Omaha, I found myself walking past Harley's Barber Shop located at the entrance of the First National Bank main tower. Each day that I walked by this shop I'd see a little barber dude whom I later learned was named "Mike" and was known for his long grayish-white hair and pony tail, focused on cutting some random person's hair or chatting with a customer. I thought, How cool for this guy to have his own shop right smack in the middle of Omaha's business district with a steady stream of clientele keeping him in business? But then, out of the blue, Mike was no more. Shockingly after 6 months of seeing this guy so dedicatedly keeping himself in business, a notification appeared on the door of his shop simply stating he'd passed away. And that was it - no more Mike.

So now as I walk by Harley's quiet, lonely, and just plain dead shop I'm left with the realization of how suddenly and unexpectedly we can flat out leave the planet. Life over and done.

Hey, Bucket List?  Let's go.

Got me some nice shots of downtown Omaha during the lunch hour, perfect reminder of why getting out of the office has benefits on gorgeous spring days. Also scored 2K+ steps in the process, so there's that too. Go, me. *w00t*
(click photos to enlarge)

Despite the fact that I got doused in the face with holy water by an overzealous deacon sending out a personal Mother's Day blessing during mass tonight, everything appears to be coming up roses at the homestead as evidenced by this gorgeous bouquet of stargazer lilies, roses, and crocuses perched on the dining room table.  Total reminder of why I look forward to this holiday every year - minus the face dousing, that is.