And... weeeee're back!!

Oh, my... what a new year!! I was so excited to start our full year in Philadelphia... mainly because January is the middle of winter, so spring can't be that far away!! But January did prove to be quite a good month. Of course, we celebrated Carlie and Shannon's birthdays (my sis and brother in law), and we went to several basketball games.

The other Blacks (Todd, Kelley, and the girls) gave Troy tickets to see Villanova play Louisville at the Wachovia Center on January 10. We had such a great time. I was a little under the weather, but it was so much fun to be back at a college game. It's been too long since we were in that atmosphere! I think that is the biggest part of college that I miss... cheap tickets, mediocre seats, but good games and good friends! There are pictures on the Picasa site at http://picasaweb.google.com/mandyeblack/VillanovaBballGame11008.

That day, we just made the rounds. That night, we had the Philadelphia Christmas party. It was downtown and was fun. Other than trying to walking on freezing rain and sleet in heels, it was a good time. We ate and mingled and laughed and watched other people dance! Troy and I don't' have much rhythm, so it's better if we are spectators when it comes to breaking it down on the dance floor! See pictures on the Picasa site... there aren't many, but a few!

Then, the next week, we went to see the Sixers take on the Spurs. I just LOVE Tony Parker... he's so hot! Haha!! It was a good game... granted we were among stars that night--World Series Champions, Jimmy Rollins and Jason Werth and actor Jamie Foxx was sitting court side. We had seats 7 rows from the Sixers bench, and the action was phenomenal!! It was a lot of fun... I've never been much of a pro basketball fan, but I'm kinda getting into it! Of course, there are pictures on the Picasa site.

The last fabulous event in January was my early birthday party!! We gathered our group of friends up here and had happy hour and a half and dinner at On the Border followed by a little bowling. It was so much fun. My friends, Laryssa and Melissa, from New York came down, and we all hit Philly in 20 degree weather to see the sites. Of course, we violated Rocky... you can't come to Philly and not take advantage of having your picture made with, by, on Rocky!! There are some fun pictures on the Picasa site. There are good pictures of the entire night. KC and I made the cake... it was the first fondant cake we've ever made, and it turned out terrific!! Of course, being the dorks that we are, the plate and forks matched the cake!!

My birthday was Sunday, February 8... I am now only 3 years from 30, and I think I'll go into mourning next year... Right now, I just want to enjoy the last years of youth before I really have to think about being an adult!! I had a good Sunday birthday... Troy and I relaxed and went out for lunch and then to a movie. Everyone called and sent their birthday wishes. I thank you and love you all!!

With a new age comes a new me! I decided on Monday of this week that I wanted to change my hair. I don't stop at a cut and a refreshing highlight... oh, no. I went all out and colored it dark red!! It is quite a change, but I really like it. Troy seems to like it, too... actually, I haven't had anyone tell me that it's not for me!! I've enjoyed the new, non-traditional color, and I hope you do, too.

I promise to do more when it comes to blogging from her on out. January was really busy, so I didn't have much free time with our outings and events, work, and then we both fought the cold disease that was going around. I'll end here for now... I think you've had quite enough! Later, gators!!!