Yeah, yeah, I know it's been awhile since my last post, but I have an excuse! I know this probably won't matter to many of you, but it's been cause for copious libations on my end - I recently became engaged! That's right, soon it's going to be "Mrs. Lush Life," and I'll have to do something domestic like wear pearls when I order martinis or something.

Ahem, anyway, the reason I'm blogging today is because this week marks the first "First Friday" that will begin the ascent into summertime fun and sun -- this time of year, it's actually semi-light out when First Friday begins (around 5 o'clock) so it's a perfect excuse to get out and about around town. My personal preference? Visit Crush Wine Bistro 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and the rest of the month to check out a newcomer to the FF scene, Jason Shea. Check out his work at JasonSheaPhotography.com if you don't believe me.

Otherwise, get ready to have fun this weekend and if you can't make it on Friday, gear up to head downtown for the official start of the Iditarod at 10 a.m.! Find out more online at iditarod.com. (And don't forget to grab a hot toddy at a downtown establishment afterward to warm your inside parts.)

Cheers!