icymi.

....I took a 2 month hiatus.

While that may be considered slacker-esque, it was completely necessary.  It wasn't burn out.  It wasn't writer's block.  It was me trying to balance my new job workload, plus M's softball schedule, PLUS my work on the Relay For Life Committee. 

Whew.

Now that all of that is off the plate, I'm back!
What have you missed!?

My mom and some awesome friends went with me to celebrate my birthday at my 3rd Color Run!

Being a rebel & wearing my Yoda shirt instead of the "uniform". :)

....Because neck tattoos make me feel hardcore.

Game faces...activated.

By the way...my mom is more awesome than yours.

No idea who this is, but I thought she was super rad for rockin' the Color Run.

My obligatory "aftermath" shot.

 One month later, I participated in my 8th Relay For Life event.  I'm so proud to be involved and on the committee.  We had an awesome time!  7pm to 7am....and it felt like it.  
I'm getting old.  

I was the proud Team Captain of The Crushers!

Downtown Sulphur Springs during Relay.

I was the host of the "Man Pageant".

4AM at The Crushers camp....and going strong.

4AM called for the Mohawk.

Last lap at 7AM!

My team, The Crushers, were named the Most Spirited team. :)

 That following Sunday, I made my very tired body crawl out of bed and attend my very first Comic Con in Dallas!!  It was worth it!

This is the face of a very tired Amber. (But my shirt is awesome...)

Thanks to my friends, Chris & Brad (cameraman), for going with me!

I was a kid in a candy shop.  Seriously.  I'm sure Chris & Brad were ready to drag me out of there far before we ever left.

So, my hiatus definitely hasn't been all work and no play.  But, I have to admit, I am so ready to get back in the groove of blogging again.  I've missed you guys. 

Did anyone else make it to Dallas Comic Con?  Let me know!

8-bits of awesome.

Each week I talk about 8 things that I find to be awesome.  Whether it be geek news, things to be added to my ever-growing wishlist, funny pics or some rad new music...you'll find it weekly here at The Shiny Happy in my

And here we go:

• Can you truly pass up seeing The Boss cover Lorde!?  No.  No, you can't.  Springsteen's cover of "Royals" is pretty sweet.
• Ever wonder which superhero you resembled the most?  For me, yes...everyday.  I thought I was Wonder Woman.  Apparently, I'm Captain America.  I can live with that.  Which Superhero Are You?
• My friend introduced me to MOG this weekend.  Anyone else using this?  I might be hooked.  Especially since I haven't gotten on the Spotify wagon yet.  Which is better?
• I seriously died laughing when I saw this.  This is so me...sorry.  Pin for the win!
• I have been obsessing over this watch for too long.  Ugh.  It must be mine...soon!  I just have to win a little from the lottery first...
• I have big plans to go to  my very first Dallas Comic Con in May.  I can't stop thinking about it.  Anyone else going to be there?
• I have a new love in the form of an Etsy shop.  Everyone should check out House of Darkly.  So many wants!!!  Especially the 8-bit Geek necklace!!
• It's Pi Day!  Pi Day!  3.14 Pi Day!

Alright! And that's a wrap on this week's 8-bits! What things are bringing the awesome to your life this week? Let me know by sharing your links in the comments. I can always use more awesome.