Fire Pit!!

It works...we can burn stuff anytime now...heh, heh, heh...

Time for Smores!!

Sell, Sell, Sell!!!

I mentioned the Garage Sale the other day…..

I found the entire experience to be very cathartic - to purge and get rid of things that have been floating around the house for way too long.

It NEEDED to go to other places and no longer marinate here.

Go on into the world……to someone else’s house! (plus it helps my budget!)

I was smiling as people hauled away older furniture…as a bunch of boxes were dropped off at Goodwill…..as the recycling was picked up….as the metal went to the scrap yard…..as the garbage men hauled away the last remnants of the clutter…..

I got rid of part of my stockpile too – there was no way that I would ever be able to use all of that stuff – even if I did get it for free……

We do need to have another one – there is always more to get rid of.

But for right now, I feel good!!

Rain Dance...

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; It's about learning to dance in the rain. – Mac Anderson

Came across this quote a while ago and was waiting for the right time to use it…..Sunday was the day!

After an exhausting two days of holding a garage sale, I had a free day. A day to sleep and to be lazy….but I ended up on a hike….

Besides the fact that my butt needs to get back in gear with being more active, the hike ended up being a really fun time in the rain.

I got to see different parts of the town that I live in, had a chance to experience a monsoon under the cover of nature and I got to spend time with one of my favorite people!

Our nature count for the day was:

One beaver dam – no beavers

Six red efts – one was itty bitty and another was the “special” one (his dots were all misaligned)

Four frogs – one which had a frowny face on his back

Seven Northern Hairstreak butterflies – some that were fooled into landing on someone impersonating a shrubbery

A bunch of alien looking plants that turned out to be Squaw root

Two rocks for Mom’s swale

A bunch of pink wild roses

Many snake nests with the remnants of snake eggs

And one VERY pissed off rat snake….luckily TGP has a keen eye and saw it before I did….we were a bit too close to it’s nest so it had every right to be pissed but EEK - SNAKE!!!

I felt much more accomplished than had I sat around all day watching TV - just needed a bit of motivation to get up and go!

New Moon Bunnies!!!

I think that this is better than the first one that the Bunnies recreated...and the bit at the end is so spot on with what REALLY happened in theatres!!

Slurp!!!

This is just brilliant..."Cannibal & Suicide Food"....sent to me by one who enjoys some dark humor...

And has been the recipient of some licks from certain Rude Dogs...




There are more if you want to check them all out!

TOGOTORI in Pix.....

OK, let's get this show on the road!

Nature love....

Pony on the open water.....

Fire, fire, fire!!! "What else can we burn!?!?!?"

TOGOTORI!!

There was fun!!

There were brownies!!

There was Pony!!

There was kayaking!!

I can continue to keep writing like this but it will get annoying!!

A very fun Memorial Day weekend - including all the exclamation points listed above as well as Lil Jon impersonations, cumin that can neutralize nuts (the spice....sheesh...pervs), surving in the car with me (TGP had me count kayaks), three osprey, a custom adjusted lifejacket, Swine Sweat Estates gooseberry wine, Five Fingers.....And one last exclamation.....there was.....

The Firepit!!!



And if you want to see this trip from TGP's more artistic perspective....check it out here!

Sausage Priorities...

All of Friday's errands were delayed when I discovered a deal on sausage....

Not just any sausage, mind you, but Al Freso sausage...major noms....

Regular retail = $4.49

On sale = $2.49

Coupon = $2 off

End result = 4 packages of sausages for $1.96 - less than what even one package was for the sale price.......

Yes, I find this to be fun....

And I love it even more when the receipt says "You have saved $16.00!

Giggity....

Ghosts.....

I have been invited to a seance.....I had to respectfully decline due to other commitments....

But I have had enough of conjuring the spirits in summer camp......when the tree fell on our cabin after we used the Ouija board....

Or when it rained for two days after we were talking to the sun and it hurt itself while running into a box....

Yeah...no spooks for me....

Sploosh!!

I could use the label “kayaking disaster” to describe Friday’s paddle, but that sounds way too harsh for what happened - it was more of a learning experience….

It stared with loading, I did not ensure that my hands were on the boat, so there was a “sploosh!”. I fell in so quickly that there wasn't even time to swear! Luckily the water was nice, but I did hit my leg and knee on a rock. Yeah, not fun. But I hopped up and was determined to get “back in the saddle” - complete with the mindset of "Well, at least I have gotten my first sploosh over and done with".

My wet booty got in the “Green Death Machine” and off we paddled. Bit of a story behind the name – this boat has tried to kill people before – I knew this going in but was willing to give it a try. Even made Muppet eyes for it so I could rename the boat “Kermit”…..

I spent the next hour paddling in circles….not on purpose, just seemed like the boat had a mind of it’s own.

So in the middle of the lake, frustrated to the point of tears, we decide to head back. Guess where the boat did not want to go.....

And to add to the frustration, I pulled a calf muscle walking the “Green Death Machine” back up to the car. Ugh. We made the most of it by eating my soggy kayak snacks in the trunk of the car but I was still bummed that the afternoon had not turned out as expected.

So, next time I go paddling, it will be back in the red boat again….

And the red boat now has a name - inspiration came at 4:30 am (awakened by a cat puking in my closet), I have dubbed it “Cinnamon Stix”. Very happy that TGP has a flotilla to choose from….actually, we will have to start calling him Commodore!!

Purple Vein....

Check out the fuzzy caterpillar!!

I was not standing in the rain saying"Ooo - look!" - Photo credit goes to ACL Photography!!!

The Real Sheriff of Nottingham...

see more Lol Celebs

Sniff, Sniff....

Sniff, Sniff, Sniff, Sniff, Sniff, Sniff....

That's me stopping to sniff the flowers around me......

Actually noticing an osprey as it flies over my head....

Being interested in the type of butterfly that I just saw - instead of simply saying "Oh wow, a butterfly!"......

A part of my life has been spent just racing through the days because there was no time for stopping to enjoy my scenery....

Very cool to have that perspective changed....

Wish List....

Of course after the Mansion in May trip, one always comes home inspired….

I need to grow a beech tree strong enough to hold these massive lanterns....and then spend hours relaxing under it…..


Nifty use for the empty bottles….

And in case of rain…..you have a wall to keep you busy! I found it easier to find what you are looking for versus a traditional wine rack....

Mansion in May....

Bit of a tradition with me and my M-O-M…..we attend the Mansion in May. The fundraiser does not happen every year, so it is quite the event for us to get gussied up and go….complete with lunch al fresco at the café after we tour the mansion….

I did not bring my camera (big ol’ DUH on my part) so I have a few shots from my cell. They do not allow photography inside the mansion, BUT outside is fair game. I will have to go back – there is a nifty colony of turtles playing croquet…and a creative cornucopia branch sculpture made from the “invasive” growth that they cleared.

Interesting thing about these mansions – they always have at least 4 full bars and 3 mini bar/closets throughout the house…wherever you go, you can grab a drink…getting dressed, in the study, in the kitchen, etc.. (so if you are rich, it’s ok to be drunk ALL the time? How many martinis does one REALLY need in a day??) The mansion this year had 6 bars and 4 mini bar/closets!! (that was inside the house – there were 2 more outside!)

Repurposing styrofoam as a swanky lamp!

Since they have top notch landscapers compete for these outdoor rooms, you get some gardening inspiration! (purple rocks that you would put at the bottom of a vase)
Forget the purple African Daisies…I want to plant these!!

Karma...

I have said it again and again and again......

KARMA...a bigger bitch than I ever could be......

Thank you Karma for proving true yet again and evening the score.....

I knew you would....

Seriously, Universe??

I hate that bad past experiences skew my view in certain areas....

I'm aware that I do it...

Painfully aware...so much that it eats a hole in me....

I recognize it and the vicious circle that it creates.....

For the most part I can stop it before I say something out loud....

But by not saying it am I not telling the entire truth?

Even though I know full well what the reaction will be…..

Hello vicious circle….

I am trying SO hard to avoid you.

Bird, Bird, Bird...

It is stuck in my head again thanks to this....



So I have to post it....

Emphasis on the Dizzy….

A few years ago, I went through a patch of visits that involved me breaking a glass every time I was at my mom's house....EVERY time, without fail....

It seemed to be back for a bit....

In the past few months, the following items around me have been destroyed….

Vacuum Cleaner
TGP’s car (indirectly)
Shower Wall
Car Mirror
Bed Frame

I have my own “gravitational issues”, but it seemed that my clumsiness was spreading!

Luckily it has stopped…..for now!!

Heh, Heh, Heh...

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Awkward Overuse??

I reigned in the word that kept popping in a previous blog entry….awkward, awkward, awkward….and oh yeah…awkward….

It had nothing to do with me personally, just the other stuff that was going on....

It was reflected in some fun texts and tweets about what one could do in such an awkward situation…..of all things to remember from a certain Puerto Rican Jew, I had an idea pop into my head that would have been brilliant….but I behaved....and also did not blog about it....

It would have been so easy just to write....Hey, you almost got XXX in your XXXX......How do you feel about that XXXXXXXX??

Gah....awkward.....

Cha Cha Cha...

After discovering that a sombrero is OSHA compliant (think Raptor Jesus logic), I felt compelled to find a perfect image for Cinco De Mayo...

What else but an obscene looking cactus....not only wearing a sombrero but playing the maracas?!?!?!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!!!

Aaaannnnd Drink!

Keep Talking....

It seems like a simple thing.....but we all forget sometimes.....keep talking people.....always clears up confusion whether it be big, small or supernova-esque....


"Keep Talking" - Pink Floyd

For millions of years mankind lived just like the animals
Then something happened which unleashed the power of our imagination
We learned to talk

There's a silence surrounding me
I can't seem to think straight
I'll sit in the corner
No one can bother me
I think I should speak now
I can't seem to speak now
My words won't come out right
I feel like I'm drowning
I'm feeling weak now
But I can't show my weakness
I sometimes wonder
Where do we go from here

It doesn't have to be like this
All we need to do is make sure we keep talking

Mosaic Pony...

Just in case there were any concerns....Pony is doing well!

Jambalaya...

My friends are reflections of me and anyone that is in my life now, I pretty much expect them to be there for quite some time….

So I truly enjoy it when the various parts of my life mesh - Latvian friends click with the American friends, CT friends click with the NJ friends, Band geeks click with the Ren Fair geeks, etc. A jambaylaya of my flavors, if you will….

The girls have melded together well and I had the opportunity to see if the boys would play nicely as well…(There are some that will NEVER meet….that whole “I peed on you” thing clouds judgment)

Anyway, I was glad that everyone got along - not like I had any doubts about that!!

Some of the more amusing quotes from the past two days since I had a French-Canadian vistor…..

Upon seeing a Canadian geese family - “Hey, aren’t those your people??”

I also found that you can't say “Bienvenue!!” to everyone wearing Canadian stuff.…they will not respond in kind….

And in the span of a minute, I had two bird adventures. Saw a crow attack two turkey vultures – full on dive bomb mode and while walking past the Canadian Geese family that was having issues with a Swan, we got hissed at. So I launched into a round of “Be cool man, be cool - we don't want any trouble! Just everyone be cool!!”

Presents!!

I got a present the other night....

I still really can't put into words as to how touched I am...


I know that there was alot of thought put into this....

It is something that people would not expect me to get excited about...



Yes, it makes me feel like a "real" adventurer....

It will provide extra layer of security when I am in the woods...besides being a useful tool....

Now I just have to get comfortable with opening and closing it...and using it....there is definitely a learning curve...luckily I know exactly who to turn to help with that process....

Flowers and Weiners....

Spent yesterday with a whole bunch of scientists and 3 weenie dogs.....

Absolutely amazing experience to tromp through the woods with people that will give you the name, latin name and unique characteristics of every plant that they come across or that you ask about.....

At one point everyone was focused on the rare flower and I was photographing the dogs....this should not come as a surprise....

And when we were looking at the yellow Arctic Spring Beauty (this is the only spot on the entire planet that it grows genetically pure), you could see the pure excitement in the scientists' eyes.

Spring Beauty

Definitely changes my perspective (even more than before) when I walk around in the world...

Gaywing

Axis Of Awesome....

Four Chords...that's all you need....

Cruise!

One day I will go on that cruise....it killed me to say no.....I just can't do it now.....it would have been an absolute blast with the original group of people that had planned on going....


The whole idea had taken on a life of it's own....

We could do the Titanic bow shot with Pony and sing "My Heart Will Go On"!

March up the gang plank flying the Pirate flag!

Make other travelers walk the plank!

Use the balcony for misdeeds and shenanigans!

Singing any song from "Anything Goes" and start rumors that there are gangsters on board!

And the potential for NUMEROUS swizzle jokes!!!

Feelin' Alright?!?!

I know that some of you are waiting with baited breath to see what I write (Hello Avon, CT!)....

I took a mini road trip Friday and as always, it generated a mass of laughs in a very short time period. The joke timetable may have been accelerated due to the fact that I was given coffee AND cotton candy after I arrived…BTW, you can use the cotton candy holder as a unicorn horn…

After a yummy dinner of scallop scampi (thanks Stellen!), we headed to the Instrument show. They played well – the other band just had many more (and way louder) fans….it was good to see them perform even though the music has changed…..could not resist bouncing a bit to “I Still Love You” despite an injured foot…

There are a few things about the evening that I will leave un-blogged (Avon, CT – all the good stuff is written down in my journals).

One tidbit for aspiring musicians…..having the entire band wear black clothing against a black stage backing is not really the best wardrobe choice...especially the drummer since he is the closest to the backdrop…..they all blend right in…...

The next day was a planned hike – unfortunately a combo of excitement and loggers with chainsaws set us off on the wrong trail. After consulting the trusty GPS, we had a “Oh look a trail blaze!” moment…..turned out to be a very well marked property. Bushwacking for an hour will aggravate any foot injury, so we packed it in and I headed home.

Funny enough, I still got a prize for taking the trip - A new-to-me mountain bike!! (Thank you!!) There will be an expansion of the nature adventures…I will be able to ride past snakes and not have to worry about them getting too close!

The good vibe continued for the rest of the weekend – nice dinner on Saturday and Sunday was just a rainy snuggly day (even included Pony while we watched a few movies)….a girl could not ask for more….

Pen To Paper, People....

I know people who know people....actually I know people that ARE people.....so for any and all of you that write short stories.....

The new owner / editor of the Abbey Hill Literary website asked that we remind you that they sponsor a short story writing contest every quarter.

And besides bragging rights that you won something, you also get money - go check it out!!!

http://www.ahliterary.com

Day of A Patriot…

Could not call on office in MA due to “the holiday”….

Stop…think….”What holiday??”……..

Google didn’t have a unique design……

There was nothing on the calendar….

And then I realized…..it’s Patriot’s Day! (also known as Marathon Monday)

The holiday that is celebrated only in Massachusetts....

I forgot about because I no longer live in that state.….

Whoops….will have to wait until tomorrow to make that call...

Girl Power!!

Women are Angels.

And when someone breaks our wings....

We simply continue to fly ......... on a broomstick...

We are nothing if not flexible...


Goes along with the phrase "Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says... 'Oh shit....she's awake!!'"

Carry In, Carry Out....

Yesterday had such a great vibe, I did want it to end. (even though that involved me bailing on a regular Wednesday night event)

Went with a friend and we hiked to the highest point in NJ! We followed a loop called "Monument Trail" and it gave us some spectacular views of the area.

Nature was everywhere - within the first 5 mins we encountered a SNAKE! & tick...only to bump into a BIGGER SNAKE!! about 20 mins after that.....we had blue butterflies leading the way along the trail....yes, I was quoting Harry Potter several times.....and we found some interesting leaves that led us to the logical conclusion of "if babies come from cabbage patches, then we have found where elven babies come from!!"......(and man, those elves have been busy!)........eventually the animal sightings even out and we got to have a cute moment with some baby turtles.....

And thanks to my navigator's keen eye, I was able to see another NJ landmark before it is demolished!! I didn't realize that it was near this area and I was SO excited that I could not share all the Gingerbread Castle's details fast enough!

Muzak...

I had a fun chat with one of TGP's buddies about how music reminds us of people and moments in our lives....bringing it back to what some know to be true - "Music charms the soul."

It’s always there to share our joy & pain and comfort us when we need it….

One of my favorite Goo Goo Dolls lyrics is “Scars are souvenirs you never lose...the past is never far...” (unless you work at it)


So on this bright and sunny day, I stumbled upon “Hey Girl” by O.A.R.

It was like re-connecting with an old friend - music that I forgot that I had...

And in a roundabout way, it ties into what I have been up to in the past few months…trying new things without too much of the knee jerk reaction to be scared, over-think and worry....

I took this girl out last night and we left around 12,
We walked along lonely streets and got to know ourselves,
I like to read - she likes to write,
She likes to sleep - and I like to stay up all night,
My friends say I'm crazy and I agree,
But that's okay cause that the way she likes to be

Hey girl come with me and let yourself go
Hey girl come with me and let yourself go

Well we went out late that night and we danced through the night
I was holding on to her and she be gripping it tight, she was
But she didn't care, I didn't mind
I was unaware that she liked to act so kind,
My friends say I'm crazy and I agree,
But thats okay cause thats the way I like to be

I say
Hey girl, come with me and let yourself go,
Hey girl come with me and let yourself go, go, go-oh,
Just let yourself go

Hush little baby, don’t say a word
I would like to give you everything that you deserve
I’ll give you my heart. I’ll give you all my soul
You can have all my money, If you like you can control
In my mind, I miss you every night that you’re not here
Oh I just want to sit around your life and breath your air
And if I can not have you, I just don’t want to live
Oh I got so much, I would like to give

Hey girl, come with me and let yourself go,
Hey girl come with me and let yourself go, go, go-oh,
Just let yourself go, go, go-oh,
Just let yourself go, go, go-oh...
Let yourself go

Hey girl, but baby it all here just let yourself go
Hey girl, but baby, but darling let your self go
Hey girl, but baby but darling I need to know
Hey girl, but my sweetie, but my lovely, I’d love to let you go
Hey girl, but I’m coming back for you and I’m looking to you girl

I Hears Dem....

"i hears dem....da birdiez...there in da outsidez...."

Sticky...

Finally got this on my car.....

Loose End....

I need to find another special event for it.....

It needs to be done....

Smooth....

Very appropriate for summer....

Intuition Razors

On sale at Target for $6.99 each
Buy 2 razors and get a $5 gift card to Target

Use two $4 off coupons

OOP = $6.61

Pay with $5 Target GC from another deal purchase

OOP = $1.61 (actually $1.56 since I got the credit for bringing my own bag)

Rinse and repeat (if you have more of the $4 off coupons)!

Not bad for razors that normally retail for $8.29 each!!

In the Outsidez...

I have been an indoor girl for the past decade – with the exception of some winter sports…..but I have been having a blast being outside lately (“In the Outsidez” as I like to say)

I went kayaking for the first time – ever – last Friday….very nervous but I trusted my guide and he coached me through it. When I started to freak out , I had his voice in my head chanting “Don’t panic, Don’t panic, Don’t panic”

We even had a full breakfast – complete with kick ass (and creative) omelets and mutant strawberries!!

I did fall in the water (brr!) but it did not involve rolling the boat – I was trying to step from one rock to another…..sheesh…..

And because waking up super early to be on the lake as the sun rose was not enough, we met up with two of my friends and went for a hike too!

Lots of sunshine, lots of fun and a whole lot of laughs – it was a great day!!

Happy Easter!!

How You Like Me Now?

The song from the KIA Super Bowl commercial has been stuck in my head.....Besides being fantastic exposure for an unknown band, it's great driving music!!

Swoon, Sigh & Then Some....

Swoon, sigh and then some….hold onto your bodices....he’s back…..

I'm Henry the eighth I am
Henry the eighth I am, I am
I got married to the widow next door
She's been married seven times before
And every one was an Henry (Henry)
She wouldn't have a Willy or a Sam (no Sam)
I'm her eighth old man, I'm Henry
Henry the eighth I am

Second verse same as the first....

22 & It's Cousins....

I am officially plated, registered and licensed to be back in NJ.....

During this process, I realized that the number 22 follows me….It was the house number of where I lived before I moved up to MA.....It was my unit (*snicker*) number in MA.....

And it is the only number that has been in my license plates in NJ....

(it’s also my b-day minus 2 and the date of TGP’s b-day if you want to add that to the mix….)

I currently live in another house that has a repeating number…my storage unit (*snicker*) has a repeating number......

I brought this up in a conversation last night and thanks to some help, my license plate was converted to a set of lottery numbers….I think that they would be worth playing!!

Snip, Snip, Stick....

This past weekend involved a quest for a car mirror after the garage doorway reminded me who is in charge, three adorable weenie dogs and a bunch of fresh air. When greeted with a monsoon on Monday, I decided to hunker down and be a bit creative....

Instrument and Pony got their own pages.....I also scrapped the big events of the first part of 2009 - VT ski trip, TGHH, East Side Restaurant, Virginia....and even Delavegas ......it was done very...umm...tastefully....

Brick By Brick.…

We all hate feeling emotionally vulnerable…

So we build a fortress to protect ourselves.......

Then someone comes along and you decide that it would be worth it to knock down a small part of the wall and peek out….

Most times you put the wall right back up and re-secure the fortress......



But sometimes, you take down a few more bricks…..

You see what happens…

Then you find yourself knocking down some more....



Removing the bricks scares me…

But right now, putting them back up is not even being considered.....

Summer Wine....

Oh the purr of his voice....I had to pull this out of the vaults...

Yeah, this has everything to do with the fact that Ville Valo will be on the same soil as me....and that there is a bunch of stuff to look forward to this summer.....

Ruh-Roh....

How to end up in trouble really quickly......






Paws off the New Moon DVD!! Especially Edward's face!!!

Batmaaaannnn.....(Part 2)...

It’s no secret that I miss my friends and vice versa – getting to see them for a whole bunch of silly fun made for a fantastic weekend!! Even though we were down a friend (and her cardboard cut out), we still had a blast.

Wii Party - I got the bonus of seeing one herd of CT friends on Friday night. Somehow I ended up with the master controller during Super Mario Bros. and got everyone killed (several times)!!

“Poker Face” was played a bunch of times in the many, many ways that is available on Youtube…..except the original…..

Fun Texts – because even when you are away, a silly text makes it not seem as far…..

Second Weekend Bonus – stopping at a friend’s wine shop and chatting about life, plugs and wine…..

Driving Topless – prompting a FB comment of “false advertising”. The Jeep Wrangler is such a bad-ass vehicle – you sit higher than the majority of the other cars on the road and realize that you could run over them at any time….we sang our lungs out on the drive up to NH and enjoyed the stares that we got…..yup, car load of kick ass girls – get out of our way!!

My friend’s husband was a great sport during New Moon and did not groan too much at being subjected to “REWIND THAT!! Play it in SLOW motion!!!” as we watched the jailbait yumminess that is Jacob….(he had the remote)

Not having to yell “Sparkle, damnit!” at the cupcakes because they already looked like disco balls….

Staying true to every other time that I have seen New Moon, I squealed “PUPPY!!” when the first wolf was revealed….

Presents!! Even though it was not my b-day, I still got some! An “All Crazy” CD, candy cane pens that I am using now even though it’s March….and a shirt that says “I love Midget Porn”….I wore that for about five minutes before choking/snarfing wine all over it….luckily Tide was available and the stains came out!

And when others are trying to fall asleep, there is not much else to do but start in with “Batmaann….”, “Candy Gram”, “What’s that light? There’s an alien in the room!!”, “I need a drink of water!!”, etc. only to find out that they all have TV’s on and no one can hear you and your roomate….but we laughed anyway….

Leaving was sad – but not the same all consuming pain that I have when I leave Florida since I know that I will see them all again soon!

Overall I know that I am where I need to be right now and that they are all just a quick road trip away….and that is a good thing.....

Batmaaaannnn.....

For your entertainment (and mine)…..Three videos that tie back to this weekend....while I figure out how to write the blog entry to sum up this weekend….

Stickers....

He has been relocated, but there was a porcupine wandering around Telluride, CO!!

Fed by people at the ski area, Stickers (fantastic name!!) ended up having no fear of people....

Happy St Patty's Day!!

Nom, Sparkle, Nom....

"I longed to be released from it. I wanted to lose it all... my wealth, my estate, my sanity. Most of all, I longed for death. I know that now. I invited it. A release from the pain of living. My invitation was open to anyone. To the whore at my side. To the pimp that followed. But it was a vampire that accepted it." Louis - Interview With The Vampire

For some reason this quote has been floating through my head. I have this thing with wearing my hair up.....I see it as an invite to any vampire.....or wannabe vampire...


It's the extra loop of hair that does it....I don't feel the same with only a pony tail....it has to be a fully pulled up in a clip......

Sombrero Wearing Mole Rat...

The weekend started with going to see “Alice in Wonderland” – the movie was incredible!!! I ended up playing “Find the Hidden Hearts in the Red Queen’s Castle” for most of the movie – the level of detail is insane.

It was great until the very end of the movie when fire alarm went off and we had to pile outside in the wind and rain…where stupid people made stupid choices in the parking lot…..seriously, what is it with people and having to leave “RIGHT NOW THIS VERY SECOND – GET OUTTA MY WAY”!! Can’t you wait 10 minutes in the car?

And then Saturday I braved the elements to drive to Pennsyl-tucky. (actually I can’t mock this area of Pennsylvania, it’s very civilized and everyone has all their teeth….)

Staying true to a new motto of “There should always be a sombrero involved”, I made a new friend…..

One of our hosts braved the weather to grill dinner….it was more like he was playing “Deadliest Catch” between the wind and rain that was coming in sideways….but he was out there grilling and singing the show's theme song!

Karaoke time consisted of a whole bunch of laughs and some boozy harmony from me….all that singing in the car actually payed off!

And this part should ALWAYS be shouted....


By the end of the night, the guitar and folk songs made an appearance….staying true to our culture, we can not resist a sing-a-long!!!

After sleeping on the comfiest couch on the planet with a pillow fill of “aija zu zu”, I got to enjoy some cheesesteak goodness before heading home.

Due to the flooding, I had to take the long way to drive home, but it took me past the spot where the Mary Murray ferry used to be…so weird to not see it there anymore….

And oh yeah……Shenanigans…..just because it needs to be said…..

Disclaimers....

Spend any amount of time with me and you will experience one of my disclaimers.....

I just have to add them on to everything....it's automatic...

I was considering writing a full blog entry about what bugged me but honestly, I was more mad at myself for letting it affect me in the first place.....

There are a million better uses for my energy....and other people that deserve my attention.....

And this is not a disclaimer about yesterday......ok well it is....but not really.....

Hugs...

Somedays you just need a hug….

It may not fix things in any way shape or form….but it helps….

There are the times that you need one and may not know it….

Or you may need one and not ask for one…..

Whatever the case, a hug goes a long way.....

I know that I am not alone in this thought stream….

And yes...today was a "I just need a hug" day......

*Poof*

WHY, WHY, WHY do people come out of the woodwork when you least expect them to????

You're happy doing your own thing and BAM!!! they reappear.....

GAH!!!

Go away, go away, go away....Just go away already!!!

Siblings...

All plans change...this morning it changed when my brother called...

No drama or anything, just a “I was going to do this, but instead I am perfectly content to chat with you for the next hour and a half”…..

I know that I am lucky - we would drop everything and help each other...

And he has been one of my loudest cheerleaders and strongest supports through the crap that I had been wading through…..

I can't understand how some people can be nasty towards their siblings....I am very glad (and thankful) that I don't have that situation!

"Our Heaven Is Worth The Waiting"....

Waiting for them to tour again is the hardest part.....Haul out the Heartagrams - H.I.M. is coming to my side of the US this spring!!!

One benefit to the band not being that popular.....smaller venues....

Downside is that those venues do not always sell tickets online....

The Ginger Pirate....

Here is Sunday's outdoor adventure from a different perspective......

Say "Hello" to The Ginger Pirate!

http://snowshoeabletruth.blogspot.com/

Firsts.....Definitely Not Lasts....

The entire weekend was a series of firsts....and I don't think that they will be lasts.....

I snowshoed across a frozen lake.....

Hiked almost 6 miles....at one point I entertained the idea of wussing out on the home stretch...very glad that I had a nudge not to....

Made dinner with the assistance of child who has become quite a character....and I was dubbed fun enough to be asked to play after dinner went int othe oven! (I got to be a vet!!)

My sing-songy "Good Night, XXXX" received the same sing-songy reply of "Good Night...You!!" (his approach of "well, I don't remember her name so I'll just say "You"" is still cracking me up)

Found out that there are children's books about hoes...the garden tool....but who can read that with a straight face??

And it's not a first but I do enjoy the oportunity to turn the camera on the photographer...

It was a fun weekend....the whole sequence of events continues to fuel the positive energy that I have regained.....it truly amazes me at how much has happened in the short time that I have been back in the area...

Ink & Paper...

I have mentioned it before...I have a journal entry (paper and ink) for every day since I was thirteen....(oh, the angst.....oh, the heartbreak....oh, the giddiness...oh, the WTF was I thinking!!)

In the past two years, I have had journal writer's block....partially to protect myself but also because there was SO much to write about and it was tough to corral it all in one siting....

With time the emotions have changed and everything is more manageable....I have a bunch of notes that I could expand on if I wanted to but why dredge up the pain just so that it can be chronicled?

Is it silly to keep the goal of having an entry every day?

Should I scale back to just writing about big events?

Or when the mood strikes me?

Think...think...think...

Inspiration....

A while ago, in a previous job title, I met a very cool graphic designer and we reconnected through the Facebook about a year ago....

In the years since we originally met, we have had the ususal life changes - some good, some bad.....but he has also transformed into an inspirational athlete who does all the running and biking that I will never do!! (as I have joked before, I need to be chased by a man with a chainsaw in order to run....)

He's currently training for the MS150 so he has been posting fun videos. (and there's a bonus for those of you that like techno!) Check out his blog - http://www.erichenao.com/

If you would like to donate, here's the direct quote from him "Remember folks, I ride because people with MS can’t. The money you donate to my page, goes to developing research to finding a cure to beat MS. Give what you can, and I’ll keep riding!" http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/eric.henao "

Yak, Yak, Yak, Yak, Yak....

So...what did I do Sunday? Snow kayaking!!!

But what to call it....Snowaking? Snyaking?

Well, as long as there is no real yacking, I am ok with whatever it is called...


We actually had more fun than the kids sledding next to us...proving that adults are big kids, just with bigger and better toys....

And I had the easiest set of directions to follow during set-up. I asked how I could help...."Just stand there and look pretty." w00t! I'm a shoe-in for the "Best Helper Ever" award!