It's been a super busy weekend and I'm pooped. Our special weekend included: seeing Star Trek with G-Man, Mr. A's first swim meet of the summer, a Rays baseball game with Gropius and fam, half of the 3 Doors Down concert after the game, quilting time with my mom, pool time for the boys, and my mom's birthday dinner including a fabulous cake.
G-Man summed up the weekend perfectly...
Last night at the baseball game, sometime during the 2nd inning, G-Man turned to me and said,
"You know when you're relaxed and feeling good, you don't have anything to worry about, and life is perfect? Well, now is one of those moments."
I gave our youngest the biggest squeezy hug ever and a great big kiss IN FRONT OF ALL those thousands of people. As I wiped the tears from my eyes, I saw my Sweetie grinning ear-to-ear. Yes, G-Man, it was one of those moments.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Bacon Day!
Today is the 3rd anniversary of the day my Sweetie officially adopted the boys. That day was one of the happiest, stressful, and emotional days in my life. Each year we celebrate with something fun. This entire weekend is jam-packed with plans. By Monday, I'll need a day off to recover.
I still think S the craziest man on the planet and you can read why here.
I LOVE these guys!
I still think S the craziest man on the planet and you can read why here.
I LOVE these guys!Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Experimenting with Style
Yes, I got a little bored with my blog template and decided to play around with some different backgrounds.
Gropius, you're not going crazy. My blog was gray for about six hours one day last week. But I decided it was too somber.
Gropius, you're not going crazy. My blog was gray for about six hours one day last week. But I decided it was too somber.
Not Quite Brazilian
The tree and bush trimming commenced at our house on Saturday. It was quite a job and the guys worked hard. We were lucky in that no one lost any important body parts, no trips to the ER, and all bird nests were abandoned.
The style of the bush trimming wasn't quite "Brazilian". More Medieval than anything. But when it was all finished the yard looked much better and we had plenty of free mulch!
The beginning
Mr. A going after the ligustrum "Medieval" style
The wood chipper arrives
Free mulch!
One of the abandoned bird nests we found. This one was made with bits of cellophane from a cigarette package. Another one had Christmas tree tinsel woven in it.
Two more bird nests high up in our oak tree. We couldn't tell if they were lived in or not. But we let them be.
A silent observer
The finished product
The style of the bush trimming wasn't quite "Brazilian". More Medieval than anything. But when it was all finished the yard looked much better and we had plenty of free mulch!
The beginning Mr. A going after the ligustrum "Medieval" style "Paul Bunyan"
The part of "Blue" was supposed to be played by Molly but she was too afraid to go outside with all the loud machinery.
The debris pile
The wood chipper arrives
Free mulch!Recycle & Reuse!
Plus a very tired G-Man!
One of the abandoned bird nests we found. This one was made with bits of cellophane from a cigarette package. Another one had Christmas tree tinsel woven in it.
Two more bird nests high up in our oak tree. We couldn't tell if they were lived in or not. But we let them be.
A silent observer
The finished productSunday, May 24, 2009
Memorial Day
The first and only time I visited Arlington National Cemetary I was 12 years old. I was overwhelmed by the enormity of it. As my mother and I rode the tram to visit Robert E. Lee's home I had tears streaming down my cheeks as I looked out over the rows of tomestones.
We saw it all that day: Arlington House, JFK's tomb, and the Old Guard performing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Even as somber and respectful the changing of the guard was, the image that has stayed with me all my life is the field of tombstones.
So this weekend, when you're out bargain hunting at the shopping mall or enjoying a BBQ with all your friends and family, please take a minute and consider this photo below...
Photo courtesy of Arlington National Cemetary
We saw it all that day: Arlington House, JFK's tomb, and the Old Guard performing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Even as somber and respectful the changing of the guard was, the image that has stayed with me all my life is the field of tombstones.
So this weekend, when you're out bargain hunting at the shopping mall or enjoying a BBQ with all your friends and family, please take a minute and consider this photo below...
Photo courtesy of Arlington National Cemetary
Friday, May 22, 2009
Mockingbird Lane
Each spring since we've lived in our house, mockingbirds have built nests in at least one of our bushes or trees. The state bird of Florida isn't hard to miss. Whenever you get within 10 feet of the bush containing the bird's nest, one of the parents will start squawking at you from your own roof top. Get within 5 feet and the other parent suddenly comes out of nowhere and dive bombs your head.
For some reason this year, all of our neighbors on our street got their bushes trimmed down really early. So when the mockingbirds started nesting they all moved into our yard. Bushes and trees. Front yard and back yard. It was actually really nice listening to them sing in the oak tree outside our bedroom window every morning just before sunrise. I've missed that this past week.
I love the pesky little buggers and I wouldn't let my Sweetie cut back the bushes until we were sure the nests were empty. We waited. We believe everyone has moved out. However, our bushes now look like this...
The ligustrum that should be about 4 feet tall is now about 7 feet tall. I've got to admit that I'm a bit embarrassed when I pull up to the house every evening.
But all of that will change this weekend! The bushes are getting trimmed! We're talking Brazilian style! This time instead of dragging all of the debris to the street for the yard waste pick-up next week, my Sweetie wants to rent a wood chipper. I got sooooooo excited about making our own mulch. How dorky is that?
When I thought about it some more I wondered about the "carbon math". Does running a gas powered chipper offset buying X number bags of mulch??? How does one figure that out?
Either way, I'm still excited about mulching. When I told the kids I received a less than thrilling response. I thought they would at be excited about the chipper - a big machine that chops branches into tiny bits. Nope. Mr. A simply replied with, "Oh yeah, eco-slavery."
Mockingbird image courtesy of netstate.com
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Yet Another Stalemate
Not with Jane Austen but this time with G-Man.
That kid is stubborn! He wants me to continue blogging about him as long as I promise not to write anything embarrassing. He especially doesn’t want me to type the word TESTICLES. I think he might grow up to be a lawyer someday.
On the other hand, Mr. A and I have reached a pleasant agreement. He knows not to complain about anything I post on my blog because he now realizes just how much embarrassing material I have on him… including photos. He blames it on the fact that he’s the first born. In return, he’s agreed not to harass me about my upcoming milestone birthday.
Also, in case anyone is interested, I finished Persuasion while in Tallahassee. The second half of the book was much more interesting than the beginning. It was almost as if Miss Austen wanted to hurry up and finish the darn book as well.
That kid is stubborn! He wants me to continue blogging about him as long as I promise not to write anything embarrassing. He especially doesn’t want me to type the word TESTICLES. I think he might grow up to be a lawyer someday.
On the other hand, Mr. A and I have reached a pleasant agreement. He knows not to complain about anything I post on my blog because he now realizes just how much embarrassing material I have on him… including photos. He blames it on the fact that he’s the first born. In return, he’s agreed not to harass me about my upcoming milestone birthday.
Also, in case anyone is interested, I finished Persuasion while in Tallahassee. The second half of the book was much more interesting than the beginning. It was almost as if Miss Austen wanted to hurry up and finish the darn book as well.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Three of a Kind
Ever hear the saying, “I tried so hard not to be like my mother that I turned into my father”?
No? That’s because I made it up myself.
I didn’t intentionally try NOT to be like my mother. I am very much like my mother in some respects. But for the most part genetics is a strong factor and I’m my father’s daughter. For many years my mother would throw her arms in the air and exclaim, “You two are exactly alike!” I never took her seriously.
My dad is a great guy and has a couple of strong personality traits. The first thing people notice is that he’s never met a stranger. However, I used to scream at strangers (one of my mother’s traits).
But once you get to know my dad you’ll notice that he tends to… er... enjoys...er… insists on telling people what to do. Not just what to do but HOW to do it. He’s not being bossy but rather “instructive”. Kind of frustrating growing up with a parent like that.
About a year ago, I got a virtual slap in the face when I was explaining to G-Man how to do something and he said, “I KNOW, GRANDFATHER!”
That’s when I realized I turned into my father.
But not long after that, Mr. A noticed the same trait in G-Man. Mr. A replied, “I’m so glad that I inherited Grandfather’s social butterfly trait.” Then he proceeded to christen my dad “Grandfather 1.0”, myself “Grandfather 2.0”, and G-Man “Grandfather 3.0.”
When all three of us are together, we have to tell everyone else what to do and how to do it. We can clear a room full of family members fairly quickly. Even Molly hides. What 1.0 and 3.0 easily forget is that I have the redhead quotient to reign in too.
No? That’s because I made it up myself.
I didn’t intentionally try NOT to be like my mother. I am very much like my mother in some respects. But for the most part genetics is a strong factor and I’m my father’s daughter. For many years my mother would throw her arms in the air and exclaim, “You two are exactly alike!” I never took her seriously.
My dad is a great guy and has a couple of strong personality traits. The first thing people notice is that he’s never met a stranger. However, I used to scream at strangers (one of my mother’s traits).
But once you get to know my dad you’ll notice that he tends to… er... enjoys...er… insists on telling people what to do. Not just what to do but HOW to do it. He’s not being bossy but rather “instructive”. Kind of frustrating growing up with a parent like that.
About a year ago, I got a virtual slap in the face when I was explaining to G-Man how to do something and he said, “I KNOW, GRANDFATHER!”
That’s when I realized I turned into my father.
But not long after that, Mr. A noticed the same trait in G-Man. Mr. A replied, “I’m so glad that I inherited Grandfather’s social butterfly trait.” Then he proceeded to christen my dad “Grandfather 1.0”, myself “Grandfather 2.0”, and G-Man “Grandfather 3.0.”
When all three of us are together, we have to tell everyone else what to do and how to do it. We can clear a room full of family members fairly quickly. Even Molly hides. What 1.0 and 3.0 easily forget is that I have the redhead quotient to reign in too.
You should have heard us this morning telling Grandmother HOW to take this photo, HOW to use the camera, HOW to focus, etc...Monday, May 18, 2009
How To Embarrass a 12-yr-old
I promised that this week I would start telling embarrassing stories about G-Man so he would finally beg me to STOP blogging about him. I racked my brain all weekend and I really couldn’t think of any amusing little anecdotes about G-Man that would be embarrassing to a 12-year-old. However, I have plenty of material on Mr. A. So Mr. A consider this your fair warning.
Well, there is one thing that makes G-Man blush. When the children were born I made the decision to use the proper names for ALL body parts. No euphemisms or slang. In other words, if an elbow is an elbow, then a penis is a penis. Why should anyone be embarrassed about the way God made them?
But to this day there is one word that sends G-Man into fits of giggles. Maybe it’s just the sound of the word. Here it goes, G-Man, are you ready?
TESTICLES.
This is a statue at work. I took the photo because I thought it was interesting how nature has taken up residence amongst the statuary. But as you can see, I"m surrounded by artistic representations of all body parts every day.
Well, there is one thing that makes G-Man blush. When the children were born I made the decision to use the proper names for ALL body parts. No euphemisms or slang. In other words, if an elbow is an elbow, then a penis is a penis. Why should anyone be embarrassed about the way God made them?
But to this day there is one word that sends G-Man into fits of giggles. Maybe it’s just the sound of the word. Here it goes, G-Man, are you ready?
TESTICLES.
This is a statue at work. I took the photo because I thought it was interesting how nature has taken up residence amongst the statuary. But as you can see, I"m surrounded by artistic representations of all body parts every day.Sunday, May 17, 2009
Skunk-Ape, Jersey Devil, or Armadillo?
Molly: Fearless Skunk-Ape / JerseyDevil / Armadillo HunterAt bedtime last night Molly, aka The Princess, didn't want to go outside because it was raining. With some coaxing she sprinted out to the yard, piddled, and ran back under cover. I didn't have the energy to argue with her royal stubbornness and I knew that she would probably wake me up some time during the night to go back out to finish her business.
That call came a 2:45 am when the rain had finally stopped. The moon wasn't out so I had hard time making out Molly's inky black figure in the darkness. But at the same time no one saw me in my bathrobe and Crocs.
Then came the rustle in the jasmine bush and Molly pounced. Was it the elusive Skunk-Ape up from the Everglades? Was it the Jersey Devil down for an extended snow bird season? Or was it a terrified armadillo rolled up in a ball?
What ever it was - it rustled the bush again and Molly went after it. I had to call her off twice before she would come inside.
You Can Find Anything on the Internet
That's what my mother told me over seven years ago. She was right. I met my Sweetie online at Match.com. *big contented sigh*
Last night I met fellow blogger Gropius face-to-face for the first time and I'd like to think that I've made a new friend. She was more on the ball than me this morning and posted about the "date" before I could. You can read it here.
Lately, I've been amazed by the internet and just how much it really connects people. It doesn't have to be impersonal. I'm just not sure if it's serendipity or synchronicity. But a lazy Sunday morning isn't meant for such profound philosophical discussions.
Last night I met fellow blogger Gropius face-to-face for the first time and I'd like to think that I've made a new friend. She was more on the ball than me this morning and posted about the "date" before I could. You can read it here.
Lately, I've been amazed by the internet and just how much it really connects people. It doesn't have to be impersonal. I'm just not sure if it's serendipity or synchronicity. But a lazy Sunday morning isn't meant for such profound philosophical discussions.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Coming Up Roses
In case anyone is wondering, the traditional gift for the 5th wedding anniversary is wood.
So back in March when my Sweetie and I celebrated our anniversary, he gave me a lovely rose tree and my mother-in-law gave us a rose bush. Both of which, my Sweetie and the boys were kind enough to plant for me.
Now with all of the wonderful rain this week, the roses are blooming...
The rose tree from my Sweetie.
The rose bush from his mom.
So back in March when my Sweetie and I celebrated our anniversary, he gave me a lovely rose tree and my mother-in-law gave us a rose bush. Both of which, my Sweetie and the boys were kind enough to plant for me.
Now with all of the wonderful rain this week, the roses are blooming...
The rose tree from my Sweetie.
The rose bush from his mom.Both plants were delivered bare root from Jackson & Perkins. If you want to send a gift of flowers long distance, I highly recommend them!
Friday, May 15, 2009
He'll Do Anything for Attention
At two o'clock this afternoon I got a call from my husband. G-Man had fallen playing flag football at PE, the school nurse thought he broke his wrist, and Grandmother had him enroute to the ER. I had been away from my desk for about an hour so my husband starting calling my co-workers' phones so he could get someone to track me down. So off I went to the hospital. I really didn't want to be at work anyway.
Luckily, it was only a bad sprain and he gets to wear a brace for the next two weeks.
As you can see, it hasn't interfered with his video gaming ability.
Actually, it must not hurt that bad at all because we're going to see "Wolverine" tonight. We're not allowed to see "Star Trek" because Mr. A is seeing it AGAIN. But this time with a cute girl and he doesn't want us in the same theater.
As a side note, Mr. A is off the crutches as of yesterday. If it's not one, it's the other.
Luckily, it was only a bad sprain and he gets to wear a brace for the next two weeks.
As you can see, it hasn't interfered with his video gaming ability.Actually, it must not hurt that bad at all because we're going to see "Wolverine" tonight. We're not allowed to see "Star Trek" because Mr. A is seeing it AGAIN. But this time with a cute girl and he doesn't want us in the same theater.
As a side note, Mr. A is off the crutches as of yesterday. If it's not one, it's the other.
More Swinging Joy
This photo is posted by special request as per G-Man himself. He told me that it's his favorite photo and that he loves to swing. I've got to admit that this is one of my favorites too. :-)His head seems to be getting rather large with all this blogging attention. Soon we'll have to butter the doorways in the house just so he can fit through. Next week I start with the embarrassing stories. Hee-hee-hee.
Watch out kiddo!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Picking Flowers
For Mother's Day G-Man picked out this Brighton flower charm for me. Ever since Sunday, I've either worn it on my charm bracelet or on my necklace.
In case you've forgotten (since I haven't blogged about him ALL month), this is what G-Man looks like...
Speaking of flowers... This is G-Man at 8 months old...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The G-Man Guilt Trip
“It’s May 13th and you haven’t blogged about me ALL month! Look, Mr. A, Mr. A, Mr. A...”
It’s true. We all know I’m a horrible mother.
Plus I have been spending a lot of time with Mr. A lately. But at the same time, G-Man has been spending a lot of time with Dad doing fun things like painting the flats boat, golfing, and going to the gym.
Any parent with more than one child knows that what you do for one child, you have to do for the other(s). So, my little sweetie, this blog’s for you…
G-Man is the complete opposite of his brother. Which is a good thing. Life would be boring with two of the same kid.
Everyone loves G-Man. His smile can melt hearts. But don’t let that smile fool you. He’s sneaky. He has his grandmother wrapped around his finger. On his birthday, he wants to be kissed by Grandmother before I kiss him because she held him first. A fact that he likes to remind me of throughout the year.
Unfortunately, G-Man is a little too much like me at the same age. He’s shy and reserved in school. He’d rather observe than join in. On the other hand, Mr. A signs up for everything possible. Hence, the volume of blogging material on him.
G-Man is an excellent student. He’s gotten straight A’s all this year, joined NJHS, and went to the Principal’s Picnic yesterday. We tease him a lot that he’s on his own planet or that he still has blonde roots. But in reality, I think he takes in more than he lets on.
One of G-Man’s best talents is his natural athletic ability. It’s taken years for him to decide on a sport. We think he’s settled on golf. He picked up golf as fast as he picked up his first club. Golf is a relatively low-impact sport and hopefully, G-Man will be able to provide for my big Sweetie and I in our old age.
My little sweetie, don’t ever doubt my love for you. Why do you think I always sing the Carpenter’s song, Close to You, for you???
It’s true. We all know I’m a horrible mother.
Plus I have been spending a lot of time with Mr. A lately. But at the same time, G-Man has been spending a lot of time with Dad doing fun things like painting the flats boat, golfing, and going to the gym.
Any parent with more than one child knows that what you do for one child, you have to do for the other(s). So, my little sweetie, this blog’s for you…
G-Man is the complete opposite of his brother. Which is a good thing. Life would be boring with two of the same kid.
Everyone loves G-Man. His smile can melt hearts. But don’t let that smile fool you. He’s sneaky. He has his grandmother wrapped around his finger. On his birthday, he wants to be kissed by Grandmother before I kiss him because she held him first. A fact that he likes to remind me of throughout the year.
Unfortunately, G-Man is a little too much like me at the same age. He’s shy and reserved in school. He’d rather observe than join in. On the other hand, Mr. A signs up for everything possible. Hence, the volume of blogging material on him.
G-Man is an excellent student. He’s gotten straight A’s all this year, joined NJHS, and went to the Principal’s Picnic yesterday. We tease him a lot that he’s on his own planet or that he still has blonde roots. But in reality, I think he takes in more than he lets on.
One of G-Man’s best talents is his natural athletic ability. It’s taken years for him to decide on a sport. We think he’s settled on golf. He picked up golf as fast as he picked up his first club. Golf is a relatively low-impact sport and hopefully, G-Man will be able to provide for my big Sweetie and I in our old age.
My little sweetie, don’t ever doubt my love for you. Why do you think I always sing the Carpenter’s song, Close to You, for you???
“On the day that you were born
The angels got together and decided
To create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moondust in your hair
Of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me
They long to be
Close to you”
One more thing… PLEASE, PLEASE don’t ever guilt trip me before I have to leave for work. You have no idea how hard it is to drive while crying.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Bridges or Bikinis
Mr. A qualified for an engineering competition this Saturday to build a computer model of a bridge using software developed at West Point.
He was also invited to a pool party at the same date and time where there are definitely to be bikini-clad girls.
Decisions. Decisions.
He opted for the pool party.
I'm glad to know that he's not 100% geek. :-)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Post Mother's Day Observation
Monday is here again and this week promises to be another busy one. While looking at my calendar this morning, I realized that the kids have more of a social life than I do. I guess that's why they call me Mom.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Things I Learned on My Trip to the State Capital
1. I have been using the word "capitol" incorrectly. Capitol refers to the actual building while capital refers to the city. My apologies.
2. Wildflowers growing along the interstate are quite beautiful!
3. In Florida, you have to travel north to get to "the South".
4. I couldn't find a recycling bin anywhere north of Tampa.
5. When you arrive at your hotel and it looks like this...
.... turn around and check-in here...
6. It's fun to sleep in a king-sized bed all by yourself.
7. It isn't fun waking up in a king-sized bed all by yourself.
8. I missed morning kisses.
9. Mr. A cleans up very nice.
10. You know it's not going to be a good day when the name of the person you're currently displeased with is on the building where your son's competition will take place.
11. We should have packed the Karma Puffs.
12. Subject Matter Experts can be wrong.
13. It's very difficult to keep your mouth shut when the aforementioned expert is critiquing your child with incorrect information.
14. The new Star Trek movie is awesome!
15. I'm so glad that I don't work for Pepsi because I could never give up Coca-Cola.
16. You know you're truly best friends when a two year separation seems like only two days.
17. I can take pretty good photos over my shoulder while driving through downtown Tallahassee.
The Old Capitol Building
18. There are 11 billboards for Cafe Risque on I-75 South between I-10 and Exit 374. We know this because we counted. We believe there are more going northbound.
19. We discovered the secret location of Kraft's Mac-n-Cheese farm.
20. I must be getting old because I learned that I'm totally entrenched in my comfort zone down here and I don't want to leave it.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Buzzwords
Buzzwords go as fast as they come.
“Staycation” is a very popular buzzword at the moment. From a tourism point of view, I love the concept of a staycation. But the word itself really irritates me!
My vacation this year will be a staycation. In fact, my spring break and summer vacation will all be rolled into one staycation in the fabulous Sunshine State capitol, Tallahassee. That’s right! Two glorious days miles away from the Gulf breezes. The weather forecasts 90 degree temps and pollen counts off the charts. Points of interests will include Tallahassee Community College and Leon County Civic Center. Oooooooooh!
No, I’m not bitter. Just really, really jealous of all the people I know who had spring break vacations and have plans for summer vacation. The Florida State History Fair will be my only vacation this year.
Over the past 9 months I have used every smidge of time off that I had accumulated. You know all the excuses: back surgery, physical therapy, two bouts of bronchitis, let’s not forget the pood foisoning, and all related appointments. I had to scrape together the two days required for this trip.
But you know what? I’m really looking forward to it for many reasons: I’ve never been to Tallahassee before, I’m so proud of my son, I enjoy spending time with him, and I will get to visit with my best friend that I haven’t seen in two years. Sounds like a great weekend to me! :-)
“Staycation” is a very popular buzzword at the moment. From a tourism point of view, I love the concept of a staycation. But the word itself really irritates me!
My vacation this year will be a staycation. In fact, my spring break and summer vacation will all be rolled into one staycation in the fabulous Sunshine State capitol, Tallahassee. That’s right! Two glorious days miles away from the Gulf breezes. The weather forecasts 90 degree temps and pollen counts off the charts. Points of interests will include Tallahassee Community College and Leon County Civic Center. Oooooooooh!
No, I’m not bitter. Just really, really jealous of all the people I know who had spring break vacations and have plans for summer vacation. The Florida State History Fair will be my only vacation this year.
Over the past 9 months I have used every smidge of time off that I had accumulated. You know all the excuses: back surgery, physical therapy, two bouts of bronchitis, let’s not forget the pood foisoning, and all related appointments. I had to scrape together the two days required for this trip.
But you know what? I’m really looking forward to it for many reasons: I’ve never been to Tallahassee before, I’m so proud of my son, I enjoy spending time with him, and I will get to visit with my best friend that I haven’t seen in two years. Sounds like a great weekend to me! :-)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Literary Stalemate
Miss Austen and I have come to an impasse.
In two previous attempts I have tried to read Pride and Prejudice. After both failed attempts I have agreed with Mark Twain's opinion of Miss Austen and her novel...
The only difference between Mr. Twain and myself is that he seems to have actually finished P&P. But then again, he didn't have the Internet to distract him.
So after reading The Jane Austen Book Club and seeing the movie I decided to give Miss Austen another try but with a different novel, Persuasion.
To be honest, it's not going any better this time. But I'm determined to finish the book. Or I'm just really stubborn. I don't like not finishing books. A pet peeve of mine. I've made myself promise that I won't start a new novel until I finish Persuasion.
That plan doesn't seem to be working so well. Because last night I found myself reading my Emily Post etiquette book. I'm not kidding. I picked it up under the pretense of looking up public pool swimming attire etiquette. Anything to avoid reading another chapter of 19th-century gossip!
I have this strange feeling that I may break my own rule and take some "back-up" reading material on my road trip. ;-)
In two previous attempts I have tried to read Pride and Prejudice. After both failed attempts I have agreed with Mark Twain's opinion of Miss Austen and her novel...
"Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and hit her over the skull with her own shin bone"
The only difference between Mr. Twain and myself is that he seems to have actually finished P&P. But then again, he didn't have the Internet to distract him.
So after reading The Jane Austen Book Club and seeing the movie I decided to give Miss Austen another try but with a different novel, Persuasion.
To be honest, it's not going any better this time. But I'm determined to finish the book. Or I'm just really stubborn. I don't like not finishing books. A pet peeve of mine. I've made myself promise that I won't start a new novel until I finish Persuasion.
That plan doesn't seem to be working so well. Because last night I found myself reading my Emily Post etiquette book. I'm not kidding. I picked it up under the pretense of looking up public pool swimming attire etiquette. Anything to avoid reading another chapter of 19th-century gossip!
I have this strange feeling that I may break my own rule and take some "back-up" reading material on my road trip. ;-)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Short Week at Work
This is a short week for me at work. YEAH! I am so excited about getting away from the office for a few days.
No, I won't be going on vacation to a tropical island. Instead, Thursday morning Mr. A and I will pack up and go to Tallahassee. Mr. A will be competing in the State History Fair. Exciting stuff, I know.
Seriously, I'm looking forward to some quality time with my oldest son and I'm very proud of him. Plus we have a lot of fun things planned since there will be a lot of "down time" over the course of three days. There's a great state park that we want to visit and photograph. Both "Wolverine" and "Star Trek" will be in the theaters and we can't wait to see them. Hopefully, we'll be able to meet up with some friends who will be passing through on their way across the panhandle.
I've never been to Tallahassee. So does anyone have any dining recommendations so we don't get stuck in the Applebee's & Chili's routine? The competition will be at Tallahassee Community College and we're staying close to the Tallahassee Mall.
But what I also want to know is this... Whoever decided that Tallahassee should be the state capitol, didn't they realize that Florida is a penisula??? Couldn't they have put the capitol a little bit more centrally located???
No, I won't be going on vacation to a tropical island. Instead, Thursday morning Mr. A and I will pack up and go to Tallahassee. Mr. A will be competing in the State History Fair. Exciting stuff, I know.
Seriously, I'm looking forward to some quality time with my oldest son and I'm very proud of him. Plus we have a lot of fun things planned since there will be a lot of "down time" over the course of three days. There's a great state park that we want to visit and photograph. Both "Wolverine" and "Star Trek" will be in the theaters and we can't wait to see them. Hopefully, we'll be able to meet up with some friends who will be passing through on their way across the panhandle.
I've never been to Tallahassee. So does anyone have any dining recommendations so we don't get stuck in the Applebee's & Chili's routine? The competition will be at Tallahassee Community College and we're staying close to the Tallahassee Mall.
But what I also want to know is this... Whoever decided that Tallahassee should be the state capitol, didn't they realize that Florida is a penisula??? Couldn't they have put the capitol a little bit more centrally located???
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Flip-Flop Season
Before my back surgery and afterwards while trapped in my back brace for 3 months, I couldn't reach my own toes. Way back then I got pedicures on a regular basis. I justified the expense because I felt that pedicures fell under the category of personal hygiene.
Well, I can reach my toes now and it's been 7 months since my last professional pedicure. I couldn't stand it anymore! The entire month of April was stressful and I wanted a little pampering. This weekend I broke down and got a full spa pedicure. It was heavenly! What luxury!
My justification this time was that it's the start of flip-flop season. OK, it's always flip-flop season in Florida but I've noticed that I'm wearing them almost all the time now (when not a work).
Of course, what would a blog about a pedicure be without a photo of my feet? The color on my toes is called "Yoga-ta Get This Blue!" from the India collection by OPI.
Well, I can reach my toes now and it's been 7 months since my last professional pedicure. I couldn't stand it anymore! The entire month of April was stressful and I wanted a little pampering. This weekend I broke down and got a full spa pedicure. It was heavenly! What luxury!
My justification this time was that it's the start of flip-flop season. OK, it's always flip-flop season in Florida but I've noticed that I'm wearing them almost all the time now (when not a work).
Of course, what would a blog about a pedicure be without a photo of my feet? The color on my toes is called "Yoga-ta Get This Blue!" from the India collection by OPI.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Post Swimming Protein Smoothie
Apparently, Mr. A has found a new use for his crutches. The only thing that would make this funnier is if he was in college and drinking out of a beer mug.
Friday, May 1, 2009
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