"Extra Sugar"...

Besides the fact that this happened WAY too close to home, the story is hilarious!

“An overnight employee at a New Jersey Dunkin' Donuts was caught selling sex in addition to Munchkins and coffee drinks after police were given an anonymous tip about the off-menu items. Cops cleverly dubbed their investigation "extra sugar".”

For some reason, the girl opted to do an interview and she claims that she thought that the cop was just trying to be her friend.

The people leaving comments have only been adding to the laughs!!

Dunkin Hoenuts….Time to make the dough…the endless “filling the Boston Crème” jokes…oh, there are many creative people out there!

But Not Now...

I know that I go in waves with my posts....which means that there are more coming...



see more dog and puppy pictures

Duct Tape!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

It All Ends...

Harry Potter…..

I have read all the books….

Now I have seen all the movies….

Thank you to JK Rowling’s imagination for the story of the Boy Who Lived!

One very interesting thing is that even though the theatre was full, no one talked during the movie – we all held our breath, laughed and cried as a collective unit.

The acting was superb and the emotion conveyed without speaking was absolutely intense - especially Professor McGonagall!!

They did justice to the book and it was a very good ending to the franchise!





Go see it folks, it is definitely worth it!

Whirling….

As I had said, I had a classic weekend planned – it did not disappoint!

I saw a whole series of houses that are a home – not just a house. You walk in and instantly feel comfortable – that is what I want. And one in particular was a complete Cinderella transformation from just a few years ago – completely jaw dropping makeover! (a obviously a whole lotta work and a master shower that is just droolworthy!!)

I had poutine! (French fries, fresh cheese curds and brown gravy) Will have to withdraw all my disco fries jokes for a while….that stuff was super yummy! I can understand how it fuels the loggers up in Canada. Random side note about that breakfast – it was interesting to see that in every couple at the table, there was an introvert and an extrovert – complete balance in personalities.

I got to meet the happiest baby on the planet – seriously, I am a stranger and you are half naked, but I get the full smile?? Way to win me over, kiddo!

The BBQ was definitely a “Band Weenies Unite!” moment – majority of attendees were people from the Pride of the Eastern Seaboard. Looking around, you saw who is part of the inner circle of a very public personality – was nice to be included in the mix!

One of our friends observed that we have gone from the “Hey, hold my beer” phase to the “Hey, hold my baby” phase – no doubt involved, just handing off their offspring to the closest person. Some of the more notorious partiers (myself included) are completely comfortable holding a baby. Who would have thought that we could all become grown ups?

Another one of my pledge brothers rounded the corner and she was followed by minions!! They were her three kids, following her perfectly in a row, each carrying their own stuff - holey moley, have they grown!! They refer to me as “The nice Mommy with M & M’s”. (the logic cracks me up – I bring treats and am a female adult, therefore I must be a Mommy).

I also had dinner with another of the "Under 3 Feet Tall But Not A Midget" people in my life - his response when he found out that I was coming over was "YAY!"....because I like to play. His first game of choice completely suprised me - we played Monopoly!

The main thought that I had driving home was that I needed to be around the new starting parts of life more since I have been mired down in the old and dying part.

That whole balance thing helps…

Fourth!

The Fourth....Not to be confused with a fifth....

There was camping, there was the Harry Potter Clue game, there was a bonfire with bottle rockets, there was camping in the rain, there was me making breakfast, there was tubing that almost drowned someone!

It was definitely an adventure but instead of rehashing it all, I will leave you with this nifty sketch by TGP!

Ayy to the Tee...

After barely getting any sleep after Jani, I was awake and hiking on the AT! Ok, there’s a time warp in that statement…..I woke up, had coffee, ate some sandwiches, put a happy face sticker in the middle of TGP’s tattoo and developed what some have described as a Beaker-esque tourrettes-like sonar WHEEEIIIP!! that I unconsciously repeated all day….

Anyway, I had my first (ever!) hike on the Appalachian Trail – the motley crew included 4 mountain bikers, 2 pairs of silly toes shoes, 5 Camelbaks, 2 beers, 4 dogs and me!

It was very cool to see the interaction between TGP and the guys that I have heard a bunch of stories about – in essence they are like very cool big brothers to him. Solid friendships even though rarely get to see each other.

Somehow I ended up leading the pack up the mountain….yup, I set the pace without even realizing it. I just wanted to get the incline part over with!

My motivation was keeping up with the dogs – in my head, there was a soundtrack playing for each dog but it all morphed into the William Tell Overture. Seriously, the image of a doxie and it’s little legs leading the way deserves music! At one point, I heard crashing noises in the woods, and the biggest dog’s owner said “Watch out, here comes the Dum Dum Express!” Sure enough, about ten seconds later, all four dogs come barreling past us in a straight line, headed for the next spot to check out. It was hilarious to see one huge dog go tearing by being chased by three doxies!

It was short, but a very nice intro to the AT.

And just because it needs to be said “HI WENDY LADY!!”

The Nose Knows...

A NOSE of breeding and distinction sets Miss Louisa Belle apart from the pack.

The seven-year-old red bloodhound has such a superior sense of smell that she has been trained to detect tainted corks affecting wine.

Her owners, Michelle Edwards and Daniel Fischl, said when faced with a pile of corks, Belle meticulously selected those that had been tainted by putting them to the side with her snout.
"She just has to sniff a barrel of wine to know whether it is off," Mr Fischl said.

"Most wineries rely on the human nose but that is time-consuming, costly and nowhere near as reliable as Belle, whose nose is 2000 times more sensitive than ours."

The owners of Caulfield-based boutique wine label Linnaea buy fruit from the Napa Valley in California and Heathcote in Victoria and they, along with most overseas vineyards, prefer corks for their bottles. Instead of sniffing corks, they decided to train their dog, who was becoming destructive around the house.

Coming from a line of search-and-rescue dogs, Belle is particularly sensitive to smell and can even detect a tainted wine through the bottle.

"It was time to put her to work because that's what she loves and she was very keen to put her nose into everything," Ms Edwards said.

"After two weeks she could isolate the tainted cork within 30 seconds."

Cork taint is a term that applies to wine that has been contaminated either by the wood where it is stored or the cork in the top of the bottle.

It has an odour that resembles damp and makes the wine undrinkable.

Miss Louisa Belle can detect faulty corks before they are inserted in bottles as well as corks that have broken down when wine has been stored.

She can also detect mildew leaf on vines.

Classic...

What looms ahead of me is a classic DizzyVizzy weekend…enthusiasm for all!!

Friday PM - Visit friends in their new house and sleepover

Saturday AM – Visit different friends and their one year old that I have not met yet

Saturday Afternoon & PM – Housewarming/Farewell Bach for my friend being deployed, also get to see a bunch of band weenies that I have not seen in quite some time

Sunday AM – Grandma Duty

Sunday Afternoon – Harry Potter with another friend that lives 2 miles away that I have not seen in about 6 months

Sunday PM - Zzzzzz.....

Jani-Day…

The solstice event had a new participant this year – TGP (rocking a fedora) braved the wilds of NJ to see what the heck the whole thing was about. Side note about the fedora – we had to pick it up from a friend that had borrowed it the night before and we appeared on his doorstep with some Jehovah’s Witness pamphlets asking him to pray with us – it got quite the laugh! (the JW’s had insisted on talking to us about the horrors occurring in the world even though it was blatantly obvious that we were getting in the car to leave)

We arrived at the event and even though I had tried to give TGP a primer on what to expect, the fact that you are greeted with beer and cheese had not been highly emphasized. So, right there we had the event started on a good note!

Noms and beverages were unpacked and then we watched my dad’s choir sing, a few dance groups dance and then it was time for the main act – a singer from Latvia who is named George (with two Z’s) Belt (real name ŽORŽS SIKSNA). We wandered around during his performance but were able to hear him wherever we walked. Of course we bumped into someone that I knew and then wandered about ten feet and again bumped into someone that I knew....this happened for the majority of the tour that I was trying to conduct.

Shortly afterwards, we were joined by my friend and her hubby. Even though they have been together five years, this was his first time at this event and unfortunately due to some very rude people in the past (his skin is a bit darker), he had some anxiety about being there. TGP knew more people at the event than I thought he did and he did not hesitate to jump into the fun at all! And in the process, he ended up serving as a guide on how to relax and enjoy the evening. (also helped that these two guys had hung out before.)

I am bummed that we missed the singing around the fire but it seemed like time sped up time ten once the formal performances ended. I got to dance, I got to enjoy spending time with my friends and family and mainly, I was ecstatic that TGP had a good time. Every time we went to leave, the band would start playing another great song!

Really great thing was seeing TGP helping my mom make about 300 tiny open faced sandwiches. Each sandwich is a work of art and you need a ton of patience to carefully place each little sliver of pepper and each sprig of dill. I will own up to the fact that the wacky looking sandwiches were the ones that I made! It gave me such a great feeling to see TGP and my M-O-M bantering together as they worked. I know that they butt heads at times, but this showed me that there is harmony to be had as well.

99....Not The Restaurant...

Now on to something light while I try to pull together some entries about the recent big outings!

I have seen this on a few blogs so I decided to give it a whirl – bolded the ones that I have done and added my commentary – enjoy!


1. Started your own blog – Ayup, you’re reading it!

2. Slept under the stars - Of course

3. Played in a band – Marching, jazz and concert

4. Visited Hawaii – I would like to! And then I can sing “Down among the sheltering palms, oh honey wait for me!”

5. Watched a meteor shower – Twice – once in Maine on a family vacation and sitting on a Florida beach at night watching a thunderstorm to the left of me and a meteor shower to the right of me.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity – the band needed new uniforms and I charged it to my alumni credit card so it was kinda like a double dip….come to think of it, I never did get my pillow made of the old uniform…

7. Been to Disney World – Oh hells yeah and I wanna go back!!

8. Climbed a mountain – Hunter Mountain is the big one that I remember as a young’un…..and there are a few others in recent history, like High Point in NJ

9. Held a praying mantis - Nope

10. Sang a solo – A few times, in Latin and Latvian

11. Bungee jumped – Nuh-uh….scared to do it.

12. Visited Paris – nope, not really high on my travel wish list.

13. Watched a lightning storm – Yup!

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch – I vote that scrapbooking counts as an art!

15. Adopted a child - No but I did entertain the idea of ransoming one to help pay my college tuiton

16. Had food poisoning – Ugh, yes.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty – No, but now that it is open again, I want to.

18. Grown your own vegetables – they grow in the yard of the house that I live in, does that count?

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France – Only in print and the Da Vinci Code…

20. Slept on an overnight train – Nope

21. Had a pillow fight – It was a legitimate contest during summer camp!

22. Hitch hiked – No, no and no

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill – mainly for job interviews

24. Built a snow fort – Somewhere along the line as a kid

25. Held a lamb – last summer, I was photographed holding the weird looking dog - lol

26. Gone skinny dipping - nope

27. Run a Marathon – No running unless chased by a man with a chainsaw….

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - Nope

29. Seen a total eclipse – OMG, I love the Twilight saga!! Oh wait…..total eclipse…whoops…I have seen that too.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset – Another great movie! Oh, not the Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy movies….of course I have seen both sunrises and sunsets.

31. Hit a home run - No

32. Been on a cruise – No, but it is also on the wish list! And I probably would come back having gained 30 pounds

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person – Yup, even crossed the bridge where I had to pay a quarter and declare that I was from the U.S. of A in order to get back in the country.

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors – Not yet, on the travel list now that it is not full of Commies.

35. Seen an Amish community – summer camp as a teen was in Bethlehem, PA, so yes

36. Taught yourself a new language – I channeled my high school Spanish classes in order to communicate with the housekeeping staff years ago and now I am starting up French. (hmm, I should maybe put Paris higher up on the list if I learn the language…)

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied – When I did, I did not realize it and spent it…

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - Nope

39. Gone rock climbing – No rock climbing per se but did a rock scramble during a hike last spring….and my trail name has something to do with rocks!

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David - Nope

41. Sung karaoke – Oh yeah – many, many times….and I enjoy it!

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - Nope

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant – Nope

44. Visited Africa – Nope

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight – I prefer the beach at night, no potential for sunburn!!

46. Been transported in an ambulance – Thankfully no

47. Had your portrait painted – I have a chalk drawing that was done in London….not really paint though

48. Gone deep sea fishing – No, the hooks involved in fishing scare me – you could lose an eye!!!

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris – Nope

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling – Nope, can’t hold my breath underwater without holding my nose so there is a chance for some major panic doing these two things

52. Kissed in the rain - Yup

53. Played in the mud - it's called Oozeball!!!
(I kept Chele76’s answer because it was my one time to play in the mud too!)

54. Gone to a drive-in theater – Twice in my life, I would like to go more!

55. Been in a movie – Does the UCMB documentary count? Figured as much – nope.

56. Visited the Great Wall of China – Nope.

57. Started a business – Ebay selling counts!

58. Taken a martial arts class – Brown belt in kajukenbo…I do miss it but the time commitment was ridiculous.

59. Visited Russia – Nope, too many Commies

60. Served at a soup kitchen - Nope

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies – Nope but I do love me some samoas!

62. Gone whale watching - Nope.

63. Got flowers for no reason – A few times and I always smile

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma – Blood, I am the universal donor.

65. Gone sky diving – No, I have toyed with the idea but I think that I would be screaming the first 200 feet

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - Nope

67. Bounced a check – Once in my early twenties

68. Flown in a helicopter - Nope

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy – Of course, my M-O-M has a few of mine too. (the clackey dog and wobbly apple, I believe)

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial – 8th grade trip to DC!

71. Eaten Caviar - Yup

72. Pieced a quilt – Nope

73. Stood in Times Square – A whole lotta times

74. Toured the Everglades – Dem gators are big!!

75. Been fired from a job – Unfortunately but it all worked out for the best in the long run.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - Yup.

77. Broken a bone – Thankfully no

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle – Once and I realized how much of a control freak I am.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person – Flew over it when my flight from Vegas was diverted due to storms in the Midwest

80. Published a book - Nope

81. Visited the Vatican – Nope

82. Bought a brand new car – Once - my Black ThunderCloud – a Ford that was made in Mexico
83. Walked in Jerusalem - Nope

84. Had your picture in the newspaper – Oh yeah and that is not counting the Daily Campus

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve – define kiss…..it was a smooch on the cheek from a friend’s friends who I had spent part of the evening trying to scare….does that count as a stranger?

86. Visited the White House – Only outside

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - Nope

88. Had chickenpox – Yup, shared it with my brother too, my dad had never had it so he evacuated and his mom came to help….and she got shingles as a result

89. Saved someone’s life – Physically no, but I have been told that me coming into their lives changed it profoundly.

90. Sat on a jury – 3 days a week for 9 weeks about 6 years ago, I was on a Grand Jury – learned that drug dealers always deal near a school, run from the cops, hit the cop when caught and give a false name….adding four more charges

91. Met someone famous – Back in my mall days we had a constant stream of celebrities coming in to do book signings and performances – the ones that stand out from an interaction standpoint are Dan Akroyd, Jim Belushi, James Earl Jones, BBMak, Rick Springfield, Sean Hannity, Faith Evans and Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons

92. Joined a book club – Nope, I have problems finding time to read and this would just cause me undue anxiety about finishing it on time

93. Got a tattoo – Yup and have ideas for the second one

94. Had a baby - Nope

95. Seen the Alamo in person - Nope

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - Nope

97. Been involved in a law suit – Does a class action suit count?

98. Owned a cell phone – Amazing how we freak out now if we leave the house without it!

99. Been stung by a bee – stepped on one as a kid – not pleasant

Footnote...

I think that since I hate conflict, I am doomed to be surrounded by it. And now that I look at it that way, I have a different mindset on how to deal with the ruckus around me!


For those that have not seen it, here is where the honey bagder reference came from…

Honey badger don't care...he don't give a shit...

But Two Choices...

I wish that I could channel the Honeybadger and just not give a s&*t….yeah, nocandosvillebabydoll, not in my nature….

It has been a whirlwind lately – of time slipping away, of emotional roller coaster-ness, of trying to find balance between work, play and obligations….heavy on the obligation side of things…

And in the midst of it, yelling “Why can’t we all just get along?!?!”

I thought about how I want to rant about people that should not be getting a new car, Iphones and pedicures when they have filed bankruptcy and lost their house. Then I realized that they are free to spend their money how they want – it does not affect my life….. I just wish that they would not complain about it….You created this mess – deal with it and shut up! If you are not going to change your behavior, you are going to have an even bigger mess on your hands, but that is your choice…..again, shut up!

Wait, I just did rant…moving on…

I came across a really great quote the other day “The choices are but two…the positive, the negative.”

It really gave me a kick – I can choose to go into the whirl of negative and continue it or I can choose the positive.

Admittedly, it is very hard to avoid the negative pull when things are out of balance – friends are mad at friends - feelings have been hurt - you are stuck in the middle for some of those situations – things that can’t be unsaid have been – text messages have been misinterpreted – passive aggressive comments have been made on FB – there seems to be conflict everywhere and a general air of pissiness abounds.

Coupled with a three hour mission of obligation that leaves you dripping in sweat..…helping install an air conditioner on one of the hottest and most humid days of the year…..with no foresight or plan on how to actually do this.….or the subsequent drip issue on an electric panel…...all the while thinking “I am in hell”…..only to get stuck in traffic three times on the way back due to paving…after you had found some momentary bliss in a Dunkin Donuts 99 cent bucket of iced tea…..all for a creature that will never realize how much crap has been done since they failed to plan for their “golden years”. When you want to scream, “Why didn’t you pay attention to all the suggestions that were given? How can you live your life so carelessly, assuming that someone will always be there to fix the mess you made? Why am I part of the crew that is bailing you out when you have been so nasty to us all your life??” (The biggest question is “How are you still alive when all you are is skin and bones?!?!?”)

Yeah….lots of negatives to focus on…..

But I choose to focus on the positive (after some time to withdraw and regroup) – I want this to all to work out for the best, I want everyone to get along, I want her to go quietly into the night (it’s time)…..I will always have optimism for a positive outcome because it is there, it exists, I know it does. Same with the good in every person in my life.

Question is, will the Universe comply and let it all shine through?

Bumper-Stickers Seen On Military Bases...

"When In Doubt, Empty The Magazine"

"Marine Sniper - You can run, but you'll just die tired!"

"Machine Gunners - Accuracy By Volume"

"Except For Ending Slavery, Fascism, Nazism and Communism, WAR has Never Solved Anything."

" U.S. Marines - Certified Counselors to the 72 Virgins Dating Club."

" U.S. Air Force - Travel Agents To Allah"

"Stop Global Whining"

Naval Corollary: Dead Men Don't Testify.

"The Marine Corps - When It Absolutely, Positively Has To Be Destroyed Overnight"

"Death Smiles At Everyone - Marines Smile Back"

"What Do I Feel When I Kill A Terrorist? A Little Recoil"

"Marines - Providing Enemies of America an Opportunity To Die For their Country Since 1775"

"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Anyone Who Threatens It"

"Happiness Is A Belt-Fed Weapon"

"It's God's Job to Forgive Bin Laden - It's Our Job To Arrange The Meeting"

"Artillery Brings Dignity to What Would Otherwise Be Just A Vulgar Brawl"

"One Shot, Twelve Kills - U.S. Naval Gun Fire Support "

"My Kid Fought In Iraq So Your Kid Can Party In College"

"A Dead Enemy Is A Peaceful Enemy - Blessed Be The Peacemakers"

...and finally

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don't have that problem."
..... Ronald Reagan

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'

Ebb and Flow…

Be forewarned….this may sound a bit flakey but I think that I was able to get the gist across…

The thought started when I brought home an empty Ortega salsa jar from TGP’s. The full jar already had made me happy - part of a sale and with coupon cost me about 50 cents. I rinsed it out and it is sitting there waiting to be put in the recycle bin. My mom was finishing up making marinated roasted red peppers as part of my dad’s birthday gift…..now she needed a jar. How odd/cosmic/interesting that I happen to arrive home with the jar that she needed about 5 minutes before she needed it.

I believe that the Universe has a lovely ebb and flow of stuff – for actual physical stuff.

I joined Freecycle a few years ago and have benefited from both aspects of it – getting rid of things as well as receiving things that could be of use.

The extra coffee table that I did not have room for went to a woman who was starting out on her own after getting out of an abusive marriage and had nothing to her name.

My street hockey stick went to a kid whose mom was trying to get him to exercise more and this was the only sport where kids did not make fun of him and he wanted to keep on doing it.

I was able to pass on a Bumbo seat to a co-worker that could not afford one to have at her home for her niece that she babysat.

I was able to get about 60 egg cartons for the woman who sells farm fresh eggs - I have been the lucky recipient of free eggs before I got these cartons for her and I saw it as a way to say thank you since she will not take money for the eggs from us (family friend).

I was able to get a bunch of adult diapers for our family’s use.

There are more …..

Put it out there folks, things that you need will come to you and you will be passing your unwanted items to people that can use them…

Whoah, Whoah.....What?!?!?

Whoah, Whoah....Stop the presses!!! Where have I been? Dooney & Bourke makes Disney handbags!?!?!?


http://www.disneystore.com/dooney-bourke/mn/1000812/

Everyone’s Favorite F Word…

I attended an event at Panera a while ago – an invite only sneak preview of new menu items. They really rolled out the red carpet – free beverages, two different salads, two different smoothies, chicken salad sandwiches, chicken orzo soup and cinnamon crunch bagels. And they asked us to “check out” before leaving and we were handed a coffee cup and a cookie (a flower shaped shortbread cookie that retails for $2!) to take home.

There is something to be said for the “Hey, howya doin, let’s get you checked in, here’s some free stuff” aspect of marketing – I love doing it. I have witnessed so many goodybag giveaways – ranging from contact solution to razors to coffee…. Everyone’s favorite F word is FREE! In my experience, regardless of who they are and how much money they make, free makes them giddy.

Makes me miss that world a bit……

But I was happy to take my cookie and coffee and head home….I did not have clean up, do the data entry of those that attended, send out follow up surveys, send out survey reminders, compile the survey data, etc.

So...

So what have I been up to?

Paddle, paddle, paddle, hike, watch a movie, grandma duty, paddle, commandeering someone's Iphone so I can play Words with Friends, hike, zzzzz, date night, freaking people out with my Five Finger shoes, debating what to blog about…

Gingers...

see more Lol Celebs

Schnitzelbank!

Did you know that this is banned from Facebook??? What is wrong with singing about Otto's butt or Otto's gut?

Four Paws in Heaven...

The loss of a pet is always hard – I still have my moments when I tear up about my dog who passed away over ten years ago. We love them love even though they have their moments of being a colossal pain in the butt - how can you stay mad at something that gives unconditional love? I will gripe about my cats and their hairballs or nudging me awake in the morning but I will miss them trying to lick my eyeball when they are gone.

My brother and sister in law just lost one of their furbabies over the weekend – she was a wonderful cat and both of them are devastated because she left this world way too soon and in a way that noone would have wanted for their pet.

I came across this on LOLCats completely by accident and I had to share it for all my friends that have recently lost pets. (just sub in "purr" for "woof" for the pups)



And just because I do believe that we are greeted by our pets when we pass away…..

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

- Author unknown

Shush…

My coworker is going through the beginning stages with her mother.

Two weeks ago, I interacted with another grandmother who is a couple of years away from where my grandma is.

The families have no idea the hell that they are in for…it only gets worse....

But honestly, I don’t want to hear it - I don't want to talk about it.

I don’t want to live along with them and their old person issues. I have my own and a second one waiting in the wings.

I have enough, thank you.

I need things to look forward to.

I need those things to actually happen.

I cling to the happy (no matter how big or small) so I can avoid circling the whirlpool of old.

Remember This?

I came across this up in CT - remember this?? Complete childhood flashback!

Long Weekend...

I dragged TGP up to a family friend’s property on Memorial Day weekend. He bought the property about 25 years ago and has developed it over the years into a wonderful retreat. The property was bare and the first thing he added was an outhouse and 200 pine saplings. It now has a pond, garage, two story house, indoor plumbing and is shielded form the road thanks to the pine trees!

We took the scenic route and enjoyed a two hour ride with a great view and tons of people camping along the banks of the Delaware. After introductions, we were handed an adult beverage and told to relax. Unpack the car? Nah!!

And so began TGP’s immersion not only into Latvian culture, but the mix of Eastern European nationalities that are part of that group. Turns out that I have been remiss in teaching him certain phrases….”Kam Ir, Tas Dzer!” being the main one!! (Rough translation-If you have one, drink!)

The traditional bonfire impressed as always – complete with S’mores made by a Lithuanian Girl Scout. And once she was done feeding us, the BTU’s were dumped on the fire. There is no way that I can come up with a word to describe the sound when you pour used motor oil on a bonfire…..just wear sunglasses!

And folks, I went camping! In a tent! Outside!! It was the morning after that I realized how many spiders actually live in the grasses on the property – eek!!

TGP subscribes to the theory of “Sun Up, Me Up” - even though we all went to bed at 3 am, he was wide awake and ready to go. I resisted his efforts to wake me up until about 6:30 am but resistance was futile. So, off on a mini hike we went! The pond has some raccoon size bullfrogs….well, they sound raccoon sized – the largest we found was the size of a softball.

We had a second hike after the rest of the household woke up and we found out that the same pond has raccoon size snapping turtles!! (seriously, they were freakin’ huge!!) Our 8 year old tour guide/my “make a flower out of pipe cleaners” teacher also led us down to the creek. The water was so crisp and refreshing! So, when the opportunity arose to go tubing, I took it. (TGP stayed and napped in his hammock) We floated down the river ….no paddling skill needed…..no real effort involved….just me, my tube and my adult beverage staying cool at my side in the water….a nice lazy two hours to clear my mind and do nothing….

I am getting old though….Sunday night we drove back late to avoid traffic and it ended with – shower, glass of wine, bed, clunk, zzzzz…..

Monday we hung out with M-O-M and gave her a chance to sit and do nothing. Plus TGP fixed her trunk latch in 10 seconds so she was ecstatic.

A great long weekend!!

Freak Flag…

I subconsciously do this anyway, but…..

Always fly your freak flag high and proud!!

Surprises - Part 2!

As I mentioned, surprise guests keep popping up in our area. One of my really good friends was itching for a road trip and chose me as the destination – woo-hoo!!

And what did I do? I promptly dragged her through the woods on an “easy” hike – completely forgetting that my definition of “easy” has changed dramatically in the past year! Oops….

Then we came across a flattened baby turtle and snake….

Then she found that she had three ticks on her body….

But I think that we fixed the trauma by providing her with a root beer float from Stewart’s!

We also watched the new “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie – the ships, the detail in the buckles on the baldricks, Blackbeard and his menacing comments, Johnny Depp and his Johnny Depp-ness – great flick!

So, we leave the theatre and hear a drum corps…..so, we do the natural thing and follow the music – discovering the NJ Fusion practicing in the Walmart parking lot! After watching their bass drums collide a bunch of times (anyone who has even been in marching band knows that this is a fact of life for the bassline), I get a call from another one of my friends who saw my Facebook status about the music and happened to be in the area!

In honor of her visit, I also brought back the “Beep, Beep!” factor. It started with this car on it’s first road trip up to VT and she was my passenger so it seemed natural. It really is silly but it just cracks up both of us to the point of tears. Good times!!


All photo credit goes to TGP!

Kayak Quorum…

TGP and I have made a new friend/added to the kayaking buddy list. He got a new boat and we were there for the inaugural trip on SplitRock Reservoir. Despite the fog, we had a great time (until TGP’s phone went sploosh and now he has a phone that incites phone envy but that is a whole other story).

Anywho – we spent a lot of our time just chatting and drifting about – good times!

I was Hi-Viz that day due to my very bright rain slicker…..it was declared to be a beacon in the fog!

Surprise!!

Been having a bunch of surprise weekend guests lately – very nice surprises!!

Colorado and North Carolina

New Hampshire

Who's next?!?!?

Communication Levels...

Text….

Email…

Phone Call…

Nothing beats a chat in-person…..(wine optional)….

End of the World...

If the world was going to end tomorrow, I am sure that someone would have mentioned it sooner - the masses have been talking about the predictions of Nostradamus for ages now. The May 21st date is a recent development.

There there's the time zone factor - is it ending at 6 pm EST? What about other countries??

I feel bad for the people that have followed this with 100% conviction - going so far as to give away all their wordly posessions in preparation. What are they going to do Sunday morning?

I also read an article that featured all the things that we will miss out on - the list included the last Harry Potter movie, Lady Gaga's new album and finding out who the mother is on HIMYM.

I’m pretty sure that the world is not going to end tomorrow, but just in case…..

Thank you all for reading my blog!

Madoff's Wine...

Speaking of auctions, I found out yesterday that Bernie Madoff’s win collection was going to be auctioned off. It was to be auctioned off in lots of individual bottles and cases and expected to bring in between $15,000 and $21,000.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/17/news/companies/madoff_auction_wine/index.htm

And today we get the results…

According to early results from the online auction, the collection sold for over $41,500, which will be used to compensate victims of the Madoff fraud.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/companies/madoff_wine_auction/index.htm

The Voice...

The collaboration….the groove….I am not watching the show, but I am definitely enjoying this…

Viral…

For the past two weeks, I have been watching this video every night…..

Sparkly!

I’m on the IRS auction mailing list - have not had anything really interesting pop up that would be worth bidding on but today they posted a warehouse auction link. I guess when they get to a certain point, they get rid of the stuff in storage – ranging from watches, cars, clothing, jewelry, lighters, you name it.

Anyway, these two necklaces jumped out at me - certified as authentic jewels.



Somebody, somewhere said “You know what honey, you need an emerald heart and diamond necklace with matching earrings.” I can’t even imagine what it cost to buy them the first time around!



I have to wonder if the person that ends up buying it will see it as tainted jewelry since it apparently did not end well for the original owner…

Plus Wine!!

Our entire office (including me!) is in a dither about our luncheon today.

Menu:
3 appetizers - Traditional Calamari, Eggplant Rollentine and Portobello Bruschetta
Choice of Mixed Green or Ceasar Salad
Choice of Pasta with Tomato & Fresh Basil, Pasta Primavera or Pasta with Vodka Sauce
Choice of one of four entrees – Chicken Francaise, Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Marsala or Tilapia Oreganata
Dessert - Tiramisu or Crème Brulee

Plus wine!!

Say it with me - “Nom, Nom, Nom”.


It is going to be fun – we get out of work for a few hours, they feed us and did I mention that there would be wine?

Facepalm….

Me: I have some Thomas’ English Muffins that I got at a great price, want some?

Dad: Well, I got a 6-pack of English muffins from Aldi for 89 cents.

Me: Well, I got a 12-pack of Thomas’ English Muffins for a dollar.

Dad: But I got them from Aldi for 89 cents.

Me: Well, split my 12-pack and you have a 6-pack for 50 cents.

Dad: But I got them from Aldi for 89 cents.

Me: Ok then…no muffins for you…

The D-Word….

I know it was coming.

And it had been hinted at a lot more lately.

The D-word.....Deployment….it still brings up the same level of emotion.

I know it’s selfish but I do not want anything to happen to you.

Besides, I may have an event coming up in the next few years and I would not trust anyone else with the music part of it…..

Please be safe while you are off protecting us and know that until you get home, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.



Blinding lights that reach the Paris skies.
Our hero tips his wings to say goodbye
We're going to miss him...

Lil' Beers.....

They are just too cute!! And tasty too!!

Lil' Beer
43 and Bailey's on top



Baby Guinness
Kahlua and Bailey's on top

It's Raining, Raining....

It's that kind of a day!

Thanks to Glee, I actually like the Umbrella-ella-ella-ella song...

Kayak Afternoon...

On Sunday, I was very motivated (read – I need exercise) to get in some paddle time, so I unleashed my hyper side and swept TGP up in my whirlwind. We went out later in the afternoon and were able to paddle with only a chill in the air instead of the rain that threatened. I did have a moment though….”It’s raining!” No, it’s your paddle technique. “Nah, I think God spit on me.”

I have been regularly using my binoculars and used them quite a bit yesterday. “Yup, that’s a tire dumped in the woods.” “Yup, that’s a tree”. “Yup, that’s a big bird.” Definitely nice to be able to check things out from a safe distance…..or check something out that I would scare away of I got closer.

Despite the weather, there was a lot of activity in the wild. Worst moment hands down was me paddling over to pull a piece of trash and two second later all that was heard across the entire reservoir was the high pitched panicky wail of “snaaaaAAAAAAAAKE!!!!!”. It was swimming next to me and we could not get away fast enough from each other. There is no real way to recreate the noise that came out of my throat…..but I think that I scared all the fish too. And after that, I had no desire to be near the shoreline.

We found a tennis ball and I was able to work on my maneuvering skills – still need ALOT practice! I stopped the activity yesterday because I realized that I was too focused on the ball and could flip at any given moment. It will be fun to try it in the summer when it will not be the end of the world if I go “sploosh”.

Funniest moment has to be the sailing of the U.S.S. Batsh*t…..when you can paddle your kayak and a dock – you have skills and great balance on the water....not to mention the ability to create some silly pix!



A fun way to spend the last hours of the weekend!!

(Photo credit goes to TGP & his camera)

Girly Time...

Saturday consisted of good talks, wine with a hidden meaning and a meeting of estrogen (much needed girly time). We descended upon the beautiful new home of Brennie-Pooh and had a wonderful time! And talk about a kick in the butt to get my debt paid off and get my own home – I am such a sucker for the “Great Room” – there is no reason for anyone to be sequestered in the kitchen and not interact with the rest of us as we hang out.

Besides seeing her, we got to have puppy and baby time too. I spent a bit of time wondering about things from the baby’s perspective – they fall asleep somewhere and wake up in a different place, complete with random adults peering at them.

My time with the girls ended with a trip to the Warwick Drive In – I have not been there for at least 6 years and it is still a fun experience! Everyone cranks up their radios and you can sit outside of the cars if you want to. We ended up on the top row due to the car height and I think that going forward, I will always park there – we had a great view of all three movies! It also turned into MST3K (Mystery Science Theatre 3000) since we were watching “Fast & Furious 5” or “Furiouser than Furious” (lol) – not the movie that we came to see but we made do.

It was so great to see the girls and I know that we are planning some more fun for the summer!!

Winfield...

I recently finished the book “Winfield – Living in the Shadow of the Woolworths” – about one of the Gold Coast Mansions on Long Island. The area had the ability to rival Newport, RI had the majority of the mansions not been torn down.

Massive amounts of money spent on homes that were built to last 500 years but were gone after 50 years. Built by people who would have their pet ducks driven South for the winter because “Yes, they can fly, but isn’t it nice that they don’t have to?”

The second owner of the home actually left it furnished exactly the way that Woolworth did – in my opinion, she was living in someone else’s dream home.

The book’s author was engaged to third owner of the home so she actually spent a few years in the home that she had been fascinated by as a child.

It is no secret that old houses do fascinate me – hidden passages, pipe organs in the ballroom, marble fireplaces, hidden meanings in the architecture since it was custom built for the owner…..but I am also a big chicken when it comes to exploring them.

I loved this book – could not put it down….until the last chapter came across as too far fetched with it’s ghost story. All in all, a good read and I was able to visualize Winfield without having to make the trek to check it out.

Their…..There…

Their.
There.
They’re not the same.

I speak a dying language – English is my second language and I find that it is dying as well.

Royal Wedding...

“Many are full of fear for the future of the prospects of our world but the message of the celebrations in this country and far beyond its shores is the right one – this is a joyful day! It is good that people in every continent are able to share in these celebrations because this is, as every wedding day should be, a day of hope.“
- Archbishop of Canterbury



There could be no other topic today except this one – the Royal Wedding!!!

I have no shame in admitting that I watched it – the pomp and circumstance, the elegance, the pageantry – absolutely incredible! And the non stop ringing of the church bells – as if the entire country’s joy kept ringing throughout the land for all to hear.

Royalty used to marry to acquire lands and to make sure that an heir was produced - these two actually married for love. The fact that they waited for so long also showed that Prince William truly is concerned for her well being and wanted to make sure that Kate knew what she was getting herself into and could handle it. With all the comparisons that have been drawn between her and Princess Diana, it would make sense that he would be overprotective of bringing her into the fold.

But there were moments where it looked like a “normal” wedding - Kate Middleton with her nervous energy. Prince Harry joked to his brother as the bride walked in. The Queen looked on as a proud grandmother. Plus, the hated stepmother was there. And the newlyweds just shot the shit as they headed from the church to the reception…..see, just like any other wedding…..

Cycles...

As my friends know, when things go bad, I go radio silent. It is just easier for me to sort it out myself before I can discuss it with anyone else or deal with the barrage of questions that will follow. (and those questions will seem like an interrogation)

The cycle of not reaching out in order to prevent being hurt can be taken as a sign of slipping away. It’s time spent hashing it out….and time spent with all the extremes that one could think of….

You don’t want to live life with regrets so you listen to your gut. I am willing to break the cycle – it is worth it to me. I just needed some time to sort it out.

On Repeat....

Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick and think of you
Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new
Flash back warm night, almost left behind
Suitcase of memories
Time after sometime you pictured me
I'm walking too far ahead
You're callin' to me
I can't hear what you've said
Then you said, "Go slow, I fall behind"
The second hand unwinds

If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time

If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time

After my picture fades
And darkness has turned to grey
Watching through windows
You're wondering if I'm OK
Secrets stolen from deep inside
The drum beats out of time

If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time

You said, "Go slow, I fall behind"
The second hand unwinds

If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time

Time after time

Puuuuuppy!!

Yes, it's a dog story....or as I call them - doggie, doggie, DOGGIE!!!

I was on my daily series of loops around our local lake and I spotted a guy walking his dog – not an uncommon sight. What stuck out was the fact that the beagle was beyond ecstatic to be out for a walk - complete with a smile on his face as he ran – in my mind I heard him singing “Born free….free like the wind….” It was just cute to see.

We ended up meeting up at a bend in the road and of course I had to say hi. Turns out the beagle is named Freddy and they walk every day at least twice since his owner is retired and needs the exercise. I got to hear all about their walk routines (which park, how many loops, etc.) and also how Freddy had been attacked by two German Shephards but was still friendly for the most part (big dogs scare him now). What really stuck it was how the gentleman told me all about Freddy’s doggie friends – never mentioned the owners by name but I heard all about Daisy (the girlfriend), Lincoln (the buddy) and Rory (the other beagle).

It was just such a fun interaction – it made my day!

Killer Cupcake...

I had the rare luxury of having an entire weekend to do as I please…yes, the visual you should have is me running through a field singing “Born Free” (like Freddy, the beagle - but that's another story).

I had been way overdue for spending an entire weekend with TGP so when a certain Killer Cupcake signed up for her first bike race, it gave me a perfect opportunity to request time off from grandma duty.

Late afternoon on Saturday, in the midst of a rain storm, we went kayaking. Kinda like man vs. the elements. I was nervous but I know that the weather can not always be perfect for a paddle and I NEED the experience in rougher weather. I always feel solid in that little red boat – we have an understanding and so far it has not let me down. Plus my life jacket was modified last summer (thanks TGP!) and it is snug so I am protected. I even got all independent and carried the boat to and from the car….it’s heavy!

We paddled about 2 miles total because even though I was enjoying it, the seams on the rainjacket were seeping in water and the sweatshirt underneath got soaked. We were almost to the shore when all the swallows that had been swooping around the water clustered into a big black ball and landed on a tree on the shore……subtle sign from nature to get out of the water….the thunder and lightning part of the storm did not roll in until we got back to the house but we would have been on the water for it had we not turned back when we did!

So, onto Sunday - You only have your first race once and I was very happy that I could be there to support the Killer Cupcake! We were able to provide not only moral support but an experienced pit crew of one (TGP) that has encountered most every issue on and off of a race course.

I channeled my inner punk/rocker/I-get-to-wear-skulls-and-bright-pink persona and spent the day taking it all in. Lots of fun even though there was a bunch of bike stuff that I did not comprehend. And I had a first – I spotted a Bald Eagle. Had no idea what I was looking at until I pointed it out to TGP. (have to work on my bird ID skills). Just incredible to see it soar through the sky and it definitely tugged on my patriotic heart strings that this majestic board symbolizes our country. (I may not be happy with the stuff going on in the country but I am proud to be a citizen of this country).

Afterwards, with TGP representing the testosterone (polar opposite of last weekend where I was the only girl), we went to a friend’s restaurant and had some fantastic pulled pork sandwiches. (There are too many to choose from, so insert your own meat joke here)

Definitely worth the drive and definitely a great feeling to have an entire weekend to do with as I chose!

Words…..Actions…..

We all want to make sure that the special people in our lives are happy. We open our minds to the way that they see life – try things that we would have thrown the sign of the cross at earlier – have very candid colorful conversations – remove our own emotions and stay objective when giving advice (even if we do not agree with the topic or decision).

Ultimately – we want them to be happy with us as we are with them....You don’t want them to feel like something is forced or an obligation...When you say something that is honest that it will not be met with an extreme reaction....That the choices that they make are because they want to spend time with you or to see a smile on your face – same that you do for them.

Words…..Actions…..right now they all hurt…

Paddle, Paddle, Paddle....

What do you get when you combine 7 buzz cuts, a flotilla of 9 kayaks, some happy juice and one pair of ovaries? An afternoon of laughs!! I was the token female on Saturday afternoon and I was the one responsible for the happy juice….cracked me up that these burly guys were excited to drink the pink lemonade concoction that I had made.

It was my first paddle of the season and I adopted TGP’s mantra of “we are not going swimming, we are going kayaking” instead of thinking about how cold the water would be if I fell in. I kept chanting “paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle” in my head for the first ten minutes…..got myself in the right mindset. Even paddled backwards within the first twenty minutes – I have definitely come a long way since I started a year ago! (What next? Rolling the boat?? Ha!)

There was also a video camera strapped to the front of my boat – originally it was set up to film me but we turned it around and the video shows what I saw…..even when I stopped to check out the bird activity (look! A dove swallowtail!) and promptly crashed into a bunch of reeds. The footage is hilarious – it is blatantly obvious that I stopped paddling and let the boat drift……then the reeds get closer…..and closer….and closer….and BAM!!

It truly was an afternoon that we all needed – mainly it was the ability to escape all the crap that has been swirling around lately and just relax, have fun and belly laugh the day away with good people.

Surprises In the Woods....

You round the corner and think you are in upstate NY... And then you round the corner and see this...

Money, Money, Money...

It is amazing how quickly I can spend money – we got a mini bonus and I had mentally spent it 6 different ways. But I had to kick my own ass and transfer the same amount into my savings account to ensure that I stayed within my budget and did not go spending willy nilly.

I have been doing the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover. Very inspirational and it does work. It just takes a lot of discipline to do it. And saying “no” to myself is not easy.

I wish that I could travel where and when I want but I have the debt like an anchor around my neck, not letting me move forward. I have no one else to blame but myself – I made the decisions that led to it so I am making sure that I own up for my mistake and fix it. I will not take the easy way out. I do not want to be someone who files for bankruptcy or loses my house because I can’t be a responsible adult.

Herein comes the level of pride that goes with dealsmithing....I am very proud to declare my savings... Shoprite had some deals a few weeks ago where you got $20 to spend over the next four weeks. I was able to stretch the money even more...Saving $21.62 is good when you are spending $4 out of pocket but seeing the "You saved $75 " just blew my mind!!

Ultimately I want to take the money that is listed as savings on that receipt and put it in a special savings account….but that will be once the debt anchor is gone….

Is The World Really Ending?

I had posed the question to myself “I wonder if anyone else is concerned about all the activity in the Ring of Fire???”.

With all the BIG earthquakes that the planet has had lately, it made me wonder just WTF is going on…..and then the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear power plant issues happened.

Anyone else think that this is the beginning of the end of life as we know it? Is the world really ending?

I definitely have my concerns but the whole thing is out of my control and it would be a colossal waste of time to sit around thinking about it.

So, yes, I do watch the news but not as obsessively as some. I just shook my head when I heard that radiation had been found in the water in Massachusetts…..

If it is the end of the world, I have to get a move on….there are things on my “Life Experience” list that need to get done!!

TSA Puppies...

I thought that this was a really great tribute!

Transportation Security Administration Announces Dolan, the 500th Puppy

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Puppy Program today announced the birth of Dolan, its 500th puppy. As part of TSA's Explosives Detection Canine Team efforts, the Puppy Program names each of the puppies after a 9/11 victim to honor their memory and this puppy was named after Capt. Robert Edward Dolan Jr., who lost his life in the attack on the Pentagon. Operating out of Lackland Air Force Base since 2002, TSA's canine program selectively breeds and prepares puppies to be future explosives detection dogs that are assigned to airports and mass transit systems throughout the country. The puppies are named to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, or who are fighting for our freedom overseas.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewels to Be Auctioned...

I really wondered what was going to happen with the jewels…..you figure the kids will hold onto some of them.....and I had no idea the Taylor-Burton diamond was sold to fund a hospital!

http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2011/03/28/elizabeth-taylor-jewelry/

According to sources, the actress’s brilliant baubles - estimated in the past at $150 million collectively - are expected to be auctioned by Christie’s sometime in the future. (A Christie’s spokeswoman declined to comment.) And though Taylor loved it all - colored stones, pearls - she had a special place in her heart for diamonds, Sedghi says. “She had a collection like I’ve never seen before, and she knew exactly what every one was - what the diamonds were, the quality. But it was more for her; it was … the history behind it. A lot of them had sentimental value.” Of all her baubles - which included the 69-carat Taylor-Burton diamond (pictured, purchased for more than $1 million) - it was the 33-carat Krupp diamond, gifted to her by fifth husband Richard Burton, that she treasured most.

Daily Sketches…..

Quite the undertaking for an artist – every day - coming up with an original idea that can be expressed in a sketch. I look forward to her daily sketches but today was the exclamation of "D00d!!! That is so me!!"
2011 Daily Sketch 87 by *ngoff on deviantART

Overload...

You figure that since I have been living with my own self for over 3 decades, I would not need an owner’s manual….but that is not this case…if it was, we would not have today’s blog entry!

I have not been writing lately – been overloaded and overwhelmed – I thought I had it under control. But when a conversation about tires leaves me sobbing on the floor of the garage, then I have obviously misjudged the situation…

Now that I look back on it, there were subtle hints….which led up to the big hints – I have been leaving work feeling numb. I have a list of people that I want to call/owe phone calls to but all I do on the drive home is listen to certain songs on repeat and zone out. All I wanted was to sit and watch TV….just for a little bit…like an episode of CSI or Glee or HIMYM….but there was never any time to do it...something else always needed to get done and took priority. Then it manifested as just wanting to sleep – conking out even though I was excited about spending time with people or being part of a project.

I have not been saying “no” when I should have and just motoring forward – I spent this past Friday running everyone’s errands but my own. (giving my usual 120% to everyone but myself.) And as we all know, since I give that much, I also crash 120%. Really not kidding – it took one comment about tire valves and I was done.

It does boil down to trading my quality of life because I am doing the right thing for someone who never planned on and never prepared for being old. My mom and I also need support and we lean on each other but how can you give proper support when you need a bunch of it yourself? And when those that you lean on are just as sick about hearing about the situation as you are?

The whole thing should even out shortly – well, as much as it can with the grandma situation - the co-worker that I have been covering for will be back in about two weeks and I can go back to being 75% out of balance instead of 95%.

Bottleneck...

I was going to rant about bad grammar…I was going to rant about people that have kids when they can not afford them….I was going to rant about people in glass houses that throw stones….

But in all honesty, I cannot get the anger to flow. I have had a bunch of fleeting thoughts that fall into the “wow, that would be a good blog entry” category. But it keeps getting extinguished by a fun weekend of carpet camping, movie night with a four year old, an evening playing a silly board game, the maple sugaring adventure….none of which I have written about because I have been too busy enjoying them…

Bulls On Parade...

Slowing It Down….

I definitely use music to unwind when driving home from work….recently found this CD again….


Love Her Madly – The Doors
Strangelove - Dépêche Mode
A Little Respect - Erasure
Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel
Every Little Thing – Soul For Real
Finding Me – Vertical Horizon
Never – The Roc Project
Lady – MOD JO
Boys of Summer – The Atari’s
You Wanted More - Tonic
Can’t Hardly Wait – The Pretenders
Everything You Want – Vertical Horizon
Desert Rose – Sting
Keep Me From Harm – Peter Murphy
Can’t Get Enough – Afghan Whigs
What It Feels Like For A Girl – Madonna
Because The Night – 10,000 Maniacs
To Where You Are – Josh Groban

Mix That May Get Me A Speeding Ticket…

Battle Without Honor Or Humanity – Tomoyasu Hotei
Sweet Emotion – Aerosmith
Welcome To The Jungle – Guns N Roses
Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard
Tainted Love – Marilyn Manson
Bitch – Goo Goo Dolls
Material Girl – Madonna
You Give Love A Bad Name – Bon Jovi
Kick Out The Jams – Rage Against The Machine
Monkey – George Michael
Magnificent Seven – The Clash
When I Grow Up – Garbage
Impression That I Get (Live) – The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Someday I Suppose (Live) – The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
State Of Love And Trust – Pearl Jam
How Soon Is Now – The Smiths
Push It – Garbage
If I Had A Million Dollars – The Barenaked Ladies
I Drove All Night – Cyndi Lauper

Shoos!!

Despite the icky weather, three intrepid explorers headed out Saturday….the main motivation was to get outside in the fresh air but also, the new bindings had to be tested out. And guess what? They work phenomenally!!



I ran…yes, you read that right…me…who does not run…I ran!!! It did not feel like I had more than boots on! It also caused the rest of the group to wonder if there was a bear behind them – because as I very often proclaim - I do not run unless chased by a man with a chainsaw.

Funny thing - the laces on my boots actually came undone but the bindings did NOT budge!!

We had a fun trek around an abandoned golf course and TGP proved yet again how there is a solution for everything – check out the tripod!!

This May Be True...

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Minions....

Banana....

I need to see this movie....

Hammer Time…

The second part of Saturday was the icing on the cake – it made the rest of the day just as fun as the first part - completely unplanned and spontaneous!

TGP and I had just gotten warmed up after snowshoeing when he got a text that his buddy was firing up the forge in his backyard. So, we took a trek up into the mountains to check it out.

Standing outside near the warmth of the forge and watching the snow fall gave me such a feeling of peace. Originally we thought we would only be watching but after a bit, both of us were dropping the hammer! I worked on a plant hook for a bit but decided to watch for the rest of the time. TGP and his buddies worked together on a monster bike chain – 3 hammer strikes in practiced succession – to hammer it into a knife blade.

The guys will protest that they are all novices, but it does not matter – they are making something that will last and they are making it with their own two hands. I had an overwhelming feeling of pride watching these craftsmen working the metal into something that can be used.

Oh and completely amusing - you can always tell when I have the camera….the picture sequence is person, person, person, doggie, cool stuff at the forge, doggie, other doggie, person, person, another doggie, person, person, forge, doggie….