I AM Casey: July 2012

I have had the lifelong dream of riding motorcycles for as long as I can remember, I've just sadly never done anything about it. Well, this year I decided to have a birthday weekend for myself and take riding lessons from the Utah Riders Education (at Murray High School). Keep in mind I've never even sat on a bike (besides once as a pillion.) So being a complete newbie, I wasn't expecting to be a skilled confident rider after just two short days. I did learn a lot and got to feel more comfortable at the controls. They have wonderful instructors and thank them for their patience. (Matt and Twila shout-out!) I scored a 100% on the written test. Booyah! Now I just need to get my ass back on a seat and keep practicing. I wanna continue working on that goal I've had for so long. Now anyone wanna donate to my bike fund?

The basis of this funny Showtime sitcom is happily married couple Sean and Beverly are persuaded to move to Hollywood and remake their award winning series for an American audiences. Unfortunately (in typical fashion) the network starts to make changes, and pressure them into casting Matt LeBlanc. (Joey!) in the lead role. "They've just gotten L.A.'d." And thus a complicated (yet hilarious) triangle ensues. I watched the first season in one weekend, and can't wait to start Season 2.

When I learned that my friend Candace had her eye on a new (and gorgeous) leather couch, I had to put dibs on purchasing the awesome orange sofa that it would soon be replacing. I promised to give it a good home. (And I have!) My new Living Room transformation is well underway, but there's still work to do. Along with the pussies, the whole family loves our new seating. Stop by (with advanced notice) and check it out for yourself. Its comfy too!

Everyone knows (or should know by now) that I am a Brit at heart. (I really do believe I lived there in a previous life.) So, I was thrilled to show my inner London-boy pride with the opening of the Games of the XXX Olympiad. While Beijing set a bar so high that no one can ever truly compete, I was very much entertained with their opening ceremonies. From James Bond, Mr. Bean, David Beckham(!) and some great British tunes from the past four decades... I'm happy to spend some time watching London over the next couple weeks. You know, to hold me over until I have the pleasure of actually seeing it all in person. Jolly good! Even the cyclopes mascots have grown on me!

"I've had a shit day. You've had a shit day. We've had a shit day" (Lots of them this month actually!) So Pink can do no wrong, as displayed by her numerous Love List mentions over the past couple years. (Please, don't make me count them!) Her latest Summer single didn't disappoint. I eagerly wait to see what else she has in store with the rest of her upcoming album. It's pretty much a guarantee, you'll be seeing her photo on the List again real soon if her track record is any indication! Listen to BM(OLK) HERE.

A few weeks ago while looking for some new tunage and I decided to check out Adam Lambert's latest album Trespassing. Boy, was pleasantly surprised at the number of songs I actually really liked. Perfect for some fun Summer playlists and sweaty gym workouts. My favorites include: Kickin In, Pop That Lock, Never Close My Eyes and Trespassing. Not bad for an Idol runner up. I'm sorry I ever doubted.

Of course my Trooper's air conditioner decided to go out at the start of the hottest Summer ever recorded. (Climate change-- smlimlate smange!) This month I finally got it restored to proper working order. (Thanks Dad!) Now I won't have to suffer with embarrassing sweaty back syndrome for the remainder of the toasty season. And for that, I am grateful! (And I'm guessing, so are you.)

I wanted to catch this in theaters earlier this year, but never did. Thankfully Wanderlust is now on DVD for all of you who also missed it. (Uh, that would be all of you!) Rattled by sudden unemployment, a Manhattan couple surveys alternative living options, ultimately deciding to experiment with living on a rural commune named Elysium, where free love rules. Paul Rudd(!), Jenn Aniston and the rest of the cast are top notch. So drink the Kool-Aid and enjoy the show!

I discovered this New York City indie band after seeing a Facebook friend listening to them heavily on Spotify this month. (For the record... No, not Nike... Or Demetri. Chandler gets this honor). I'm happy I decided to investigate, because I fell in love with this new wave/electro pop duo. If you too are on Spotify you probably noticed that I was playing them on a constant loop as well. Now go follow my lead...

In preparation of taking my rider's course, I decided to pull my bike out of storage, dust if off and actually put it to good use. (Both at my parent's house out in the country, and also around Liberty Park in the city). It was a great way to relax and also get some exercise. Two things I needed desperately this month. Look forward to doing more of it through the rest of Summer.

This may be a step up from putting my iPhone in a bowl. Just a little bit.

This movie stars Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Kristen Wiig(!), Jon Hamm, Mya Rudolph and Chris O'Dowd. (If the kick ass cast alone doesn't immediately lure you in, I don't know what will.) So, two best friends decide to have a child together while keeping their relationship platonic, so they can avoid the toll kids can take on romantic relationships. Sounds like a great plan, right? Tune in to see how it all turns out! Watch the trailer: HERE.

I may have become slightly addicted to this potent energy booster this month. Just ask my fellow co-worker and monthly "Obsession List Maker" Nicole. Just because you are over- worked to the brink of physical exhaustion, doesn't mean you have to show it. Plus as an added bonus, this is the closest you can probably legally 'drink' at work. Warning: You may get a little loopy, wackadoo or cray-cray. For the record, Watermelon Kiwi is my favorite. Now everrrybodddy... Shots! Shots! Shots!

Thanks Tonya! I can only imagine all the hard work and love you put into making my hella radical, totally-outrageous, tubular, choice, mad bangin', bomb of a cake this year! I absolutely LOVED it! *And for the record, it tasted as good as it looks!