Spring is Here!

Here is the view from my kitchen window. As I looked at my blooming flowers, our beautiful backyard and took in the tranquility of it all I was reminded of something my Aunt Beth told me. She said, "Mandi Spring is coming". Sometimes in life we can feel overwhelmed by all that we face. But spring is coming. New life is beginning, and the darkness will not last forever!

As I think about what she told me and I observe the beauty that is around me I am getting so excited for all that lies before me. Believe it or not, I am nine days away from graduating with my Masters. Tomorrow I will pick up my cap and gown from school and this weekend I hope to shop for my graduation dress. I can't believe my spring is coming!!!! God has taught me so much on this journey and here we go!!!!

For those of you who were wondering about my defending of my thesis, it went very well. Last week, on Thursday 4/16, I defended my thesis. It was a great experience and a lot more personable than I anticipated. The bummer of it was that the reader's VCR ate my tape, so she never saw me in action. But she loved my paper, and the write up on my client. She was very complimentary and really encouraged me as I pursue this new adventure.

When it was all said and done, my professor looked at me and said it was great for her to walk with me on this journey and that now I have officially moved from student to professional. Wow!!!! I must admit that gave me butterflies!!!!

Spring is here my friends. What is God bringing to light for you? And if you don't know yet, hold on tight. It's coming!!!! Spring always comes!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Blazers Mania Part III

We didn't take any pictures last night, but can I say it was AWESOME!!!!! Of course I had my great seats and dinner experience, again. I loved it! =-) And my friend Sonya was with me. But the best part of all was the Blazers gave Houston a Big'ol whooping!!!! =-) 107 to 103. It was a close game the entire time, but they won and now they are off to Houston. Which means Jay is going with them. He will be taking off Thursday - Monday. Any one want to come over and hang out with me? he he

But never the less, what an exciting time!!!!

Go Blazers!!!

Blazer Mania Part II

Saturday, April 18th, the Blazers hosted the first Play Off game. Jay was so excited all day! You would have thought it was Christmas morning. He and others from The Game hosted a 3 hour pregame show from the Rose Garden, prior to all of his responsibilities for the Blazers. Then during his Blazers' pregame show, he had the opportunity to interview the NBA commissioner, David Stern. I have not heard the interview yet, but Jay hopes to post it on the blog in the near future.

I had the opportunity to attend the game with my friend Tana. We had amazing seats in the Club level. Our seats were behind the Blazers bench and right across from Jay. Our seats also included a yummy dinner buffet. I must say in all of the games I have attended, I never had this experience...and it was awesome!!!! The crowd was excited, the energy was high, the food was great, the seats were great, and it was an awesome event. Till the game started and the Blazers lost 81 to 108. Yeah, not good!

Blazer Mania Part I

Well, life in the Allen home has been filled with the excitement of the Blazers making the playoffs for the first time in 6 years. Here is an update of the exciting events that have been taking place in Rip City.

Last Thursday, April 16th, the Blazers held a rally in Pioneer Square, which is in the heart of the city. Jay and Brian Wheeler hosted their show at the rally, as well as interacted with the fans on the stage. Jay's comment was, "I've never signed so many autographs in my life!". The team showed up and Mike Barrett interviewed each player before they threw a T-shirt into the crowd! There were 1000's of fans there. Jay said it was an exciting and amazing event. Here are a few pictures he took.

Jay and Brian Wheeler hosting their show, "Wheels at Work" on 95.5 The Game

Mike Barrett interviewing Rudy Fernandez.

The crowd at Pioneer Square.

The Trail Blazers Team!

Blazers Beat the Lakers

Friday night, I went to the Blazers vs. Lakers game. It was AWESOME! As an LA girl, there is a novelty in seeing the Lakers. So every year, this is the one game I really want to attend. However, I must admit I'm a Blazer at heart, so I can't cheer for the Lakers. But I will admit it is kinda cool to see Kobe play. Sorry Jay. =-) My friend Sonya joined me for this game. Here are some fun pictures from our evening.

Ok here is my Awe moment... I saw Koby Bryant warming up.

I thought this was a cool picture. This is when the Blazers are being introduced.

This is my awsome shot of Brandon Roy scoring. See Koby (24) looking over his head. Go Blazers!

Blazers Win! 106 to 98!!!!

Blazers are headed for the NBA Playoffs

I know for some of you, following the NBA may not be on the top of your priority list. But for us, it's a huge focus. And I have to say we are so excited to announce that after 6 years, the Blazers are returning to the play off. This is a great accomplishment for the franchise, and great for everyone who works the games. Although the dates of the games will probably be up in the air till Wednesday night, we are keeping our fingers crossed for home court advantage.

Way to go Blazers!!!!

My Dream Came True

Ever since I was a little girl I never liked having my last name at the end of the alphabet. With every guy I met and actor I had a crush on I always looked at their last named and tried it with mine and considered whether it would put me in the front of the alphabet.

Well, guess what...tonight it finally happened. We went to a church members meeting and went to sign in. And guess who's name was first on the list? MINE!!!!!! Finally it happened. I was so excited I had to take a picture. OK so simple things make me happy. =-)

Here is a picture of the wonderful list! Oh and yes I'm actually on there twice. I've always been partial to Mandi, but in this case, I love AMANDA ALLEN!!!!!!