Remember the Great Toilet Paper Debacle of '09? I had asked Taylor to look in the hall closet upstairs to see if there was any toilet paper. I heard him open the door and I envisioned him diligently searching so I took his word for it when he said, "no". Imagine my surprise on Saturday when I found SEVEN rolls in the hall closet! Seven whole rolls just sitting there. They weren't covered by towels or blankets. They were just quietly taking up space on the shelf in plain sight!
That'll learn me.
***
Sunday morning at church I approached my friend, Gail, as she was chatting with Sarah, to ask her a question. When she saw me she hugged me and said, "I love it when you blog about your boobs!" It was quite obvious from the look on Sarah's face that she had no idea what Gail was talking about. Between the two of us we explained what the post had been about.
She considered the story for a moment and then she said, "So instead of Locks of Love, it's like Bosoms of Blessings." How brilliant is that??
This morning in church our pastor asked us what the shortest verse in the Bible is. I shouted out, "Jesus Wept". Brian said, "No, it's pray continually." So I sent him an email when I got home:
Pray continually - 15 letters Jesus wept - 9 letters
I'm just sayin'.
He replied with: 1 Timothy 2:12
I grabbed my Bible, looked it up and proceeded to laugh my head off.
I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.
I had my yearly female exam today. Don't worry. I'm not going to go into great detail about it. I just wanted to share two things with you.
1 - I spied the enemy, the scale, as the nurse and I approached the place where she would take my vitals. I'd been dreading that part of the visit for weeks. But instead of asking me to step on the scales, she asked if I knew my weight. I was so shocked that I actually told her the truth! After I thought, Man! I should have told her 115!
2 - Check out the picture I took while I was waiting for the doctor.
That is some funny stuff!! The doctor told me one of the nurses "decorates" the exam rooms. In November the stirrups had turkeys. Almost makes me want to go back in February and see if there are hearts.
As soon as I got in the car I had to send Todd the photo. He called shortly thereafter and said he wasn't sure which was more disturbing. Santa on the stirrups or the fact I'd take a picture of it.
So last night my friends, Laura and Sheri, and I took Kris to The Cheesecake Factory for her 40th birthday. The waitress brings us our drinks and we toast each other, excited beyond belief that we're actually out without husbands or kids, and I made the comment it was just like Sex and the City. Laura pipes up with, "Mmmm, more like Abstinence and the Suburbs."
When I was getting ready to start my second round of chemotherapy, Taxotere, my oncologist told me most people had an easier time with it than the adromycin/cytoxin I had been given for the first round. However, joint pain or stiffness is a common side effect.
I had my last Taxotere treatment at the end of November 2005 and it wasn't until late February or early March of 2006 that I didn't need a steaming hot shower to loosen up enough to walk half way normal. Still, I have dealt with a certain degree of stiffness ever since.
After the chemo I was put on Tamoxifen. When my estrogen levels finally came down following the removal of my ovaries last year I was switched to Arimidex. One of its side effects is joint pain or stiffness. Mornings and late evenings are the worst, making my fingers hard to manipulate.
So what's up? Nothin' much going on here. Just the usual. You know. Todd's at work - he's got major short timer's disease, but he's making a valiant effort; Katie's babysitting; Taylor's at CIY in Tennessee - kind of like church camp only much more intense. Katie's Little Homies are going camping this afternoon through Saturday morning so Todd and I get some just us time. I think I'm going to make reservations at that new Italian restaurant we were going to eat at for our anniversary, but they were booked. Yeah. That's a great idea.
***
We watched "Fools' Gold" last night and LOVED IT! The chemistry between Kate Hudson and Matthew McConnohotty is nearly palpable. It had everything I love in a movie. Adventure, romance, humor, an exotic location and even a bit of history. Well, made up history, but still.
The prude that I am was a little disappointed at a flash of anonymous boobies. It's PG-13, for cryin' out loud. It was a quick flash, but so very unnecessary. It reminded me of when I was in 8th grade and my AT group went into Hollywood to see Romeo and Juliet at Grauman's Chinese Theater. Really cool experience, but the boys in the group were thrilled when Olivia Hussey jumped out of bed, baring her chest. (But really, what do you expect with a name like Hussey?) The girls were just embarrassed. And a little envious. Or maybe that was just me.
***
OH! Have I told you we actually have a Sonic AND a real Starbucks with a drive through now? Maybe two miles from the house, if that. The only problem with the Sonic is it's such a novelty up here that they have to have traffic managers with walkie talkies directing cars who are waiting for the next available slot. It's totally insane. I mean, I love Sonic and all - you know I do - but it's not THAT great.
Last Sunday after Youth Group a bunch of the older kids went to Sonic. They parked in the lot and walked over to order and eat at the picnic tables out front. You order in the same kind of speaker box as if you'd pulled up to a slot, but you give them your name so when they come out they know where the order goes. So here's the conversation with the Sonic chick and my son:
SC: What's your name?
T: Taylor.
SC: What is it?
T: Taylor.
SC: Tyler?
T: Taylor.
SC: What was that?
T: Billy.
SC: Billy?
T: Yup.
***
This is the top of the swimsuit I bought for Hawaii the other day. I consider it was a good day because I didn't cry in the dressing room. Didn't even feel the urge. I certainly don't like the way I look in a swimsuit. Heck, I didn't like it when I was 40 pounds lighter. But it is what it is so there's no sense getting depressed about it. But what thrilled me was the fact it's just a normal top and it just happens to hide both my mastectomy scar (my left mastectomy scar is pretty high up) and my port scar. I also got two different bottoms - red regular bottoms and a coral SwimMini.
***
This morning I found a great deal on plane reservations for my parents to come up for Thanksgiving. So I called Mom and we booked those babies before they went away. Mom and Dad actually get in on my 43rd birthday. I think we'll celebrate with a chocolate cake and 29 candles. It's just been the four of us for the last two Thanksgivings so we're really looking forward to having some family to help us celebrate.
***
All this goodness leads me to today's verse.
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Katie and I were eating ice cream cones the other day while discussing good nutrition. She said she was going to work the ice cream off in gym the next day. I said I was going to work it off in bed that night MEANING IN MY DREAMS. The kids started laughing and Todd snapped his head up and said, You mean it's that time of year already? Yeah. Funny guy.
***
That same afternoon was Taylor's first day at his new job. The grocery store didn't pan out, but he did get a job with a lawn care service. Four of the six yards they worked that evening were in our neighborhood, one of them right next door. So while he was using the trimmer I snuck out behind our shed, humming the Mission Impossible theme, and took a picture of him. I don't think I got a picture of him on his first day of school, but by golly I got a picture of him on his first day of work.
I was soaking in the tub when he got home and didn't actually see him until the next morning. But he told Todd one of the guys asked him if that lady taking a picture of him from behind the shed was his mom.
Friday night we went to dinner with our friends Dave and Barb. We were talking about my exceptional stealthiness and decided it would have been hysterical if I'd gone across the lawn and said something like, "Does my big boy need some water?"
***
Yesterday was the Women's quarterly brunch at church and it was, as usual, exceptional. Now I can hardly wait until June! I have to find new friends to sit with, though. Some of the ladies at my table were rather boisterous and we got in trouble. When you're quiet and subdued like me those wild women can be a bit overwhelming.
I saw a clip of this on Good Morning America a few minutes ago and it brought me so much pleasure and joy I started tearing up. The woman receives a standing ovation at the end and it is so well deserved!
After Todd's dentist appointment Friday morning we left for Baltimore. Before we'd gotten too far I complained that the spring mechanism in the little storage bin on the dashboard was stuck. Todd said, "you mean this?", as he opened and closed the compartment repeatedly.
Y'all do know why they don't send donkeys to school, don't you? Because nobody likes a smart ass.
We got to the hotel around 11:00 and were gratefully able to check in early. When I had told Todd the hotel was near Camden Yards I didn't realize this would be our view:
And here's a little peak of 1st base:
The Orioles were in Toronto so no game for us. But we've decided to go back in the spring when they're in town and stay at the same place. This hotel is all about baseball:
This picture of Babe Ruth was in our room. He may have played for the Yankees, but he was from Baltimore and is quite the hero there.
This cool glove chair was in the lobby.
And it was adjacent to what I refer to as "Pub Row", so named for obvious reasons.
After a short rest we set off for the Inner Harbor and had to get even more photos of Camden Yards:
It's one of the prettiest ball parks I've ever seen.
And finally, proof that baseball is a sport for the righteous:
The Inner Harbor was less than a mile away, but it took us a while to get there because I had to keep taking pictures. Todd grabbed his jimmies and shuddered when he saw the paddle boats, momentarily caught in a bad memory.
We had a little over an hour before we could get in the aquarium so we ate lunch at ESPNZone. <--I took a picture of this because the date is a combination of Todd's birthday and my birthday. The sentiment was lost on him, however. He looked at the photo and said, "Sweet! Sandy Koufax's 7th perfect game!"
I had to take a picture of the TV in the bathroom. Guys seem to love watching sports while they're doing their business. I personally found it a little disconcerting to have people bowling over my head.-->
<--Right above our table were "Stadium Dogs" - Acrylic Hot Dogs with dirt from various sports stadiums. The Phillies' Veterans Stadium just happened to be right above us. It seemed Providence had placed us in the perfect spot.
After lunch we walked across the bridge to the National Aquarium. This place is incredible and I highly suggest a visit if you're ever in the Baltimore area.
Here are just some of the pictures I took:
As you look up to the top of the atrium when first walking into the aquarium.
A Cowfish. (I need more cow bell!)
Pretty little tropical fish like we saw scuba diving in Cozumel several years ago.
Blurry puffins. Or a blurry picture of puffins. Not sure which.
Turtle, Turtle
Porcupine Fish
Candy gram. Land shark.
Stingray
Australian Fruit Bats. These bats don't eat bugs or drink blood. They only eat fruit. Regardless, I prefer viewing them from a distance.
Long Necked Turtle from Australia. This thing is just weird.
It's Flipper!!
After we'd seen everything there was to see at the aquarium we decided to just hang out until we were hungry enough for dinner. Looky what was just across the bridge.
This had to be one of the coolest Barnes and Nobles I've ever seen. It's part of the Power Plant, a trendy area of the Inner Harbor that also houses a Hard Rock Cafe, ESPNZone and several other restaurants.
Katie and I hung out in the book store for a bit while Todd and Taylor went back to the ESPNZone to play games. Katie's smart that way. She knew I would have to buy myself a book or two and if I made a purchase for myself I would be inclined to make a purchase for her as well. She was right.
It's always the same with me in a book store. First it's the sense of belonging, of coming home, of deep peace as I take my initial steps into the store. Next it's the feeling of being a kid in a candy store - all that literary yumminess surrounding me. Then it's having to make decisions because I simply can't buy everything I want to. And finally it's a desperation to get out as fast as I possibly can because I can feel myself losing control.
So when we got to the losing control portion we quickly checked out and went in search of the boys. After finding them Todd and I sat and rested our weary feet while the kids ran around playing more games.
It was amazing how they weren't hungry until their game tokens were gone. On the other side of the harbor, in the direction of the hotel, was a restaurant called Big Kahuna Cantina.
Taylor ordered his new favorite - BBQ Wings - off the appetizer menu. When I took this picture I thought the entire bucket was full of wings, but it wasn't. The bottom half had chips. Even still he wasn't able to finish them.
Katie had talked about ribs all day. These little beauties are glazed with Plum BBQ sauce and were quite delicious.
This would be my dinner. General Juan’s Chipotle and Honey Glazed Cashew Chicken with cilantro and mango sticky rice. It was scrumptious and spicy in a sinus-cleansing sort of way.
Todd had the coconut shrimp po'boy.
After stuffing ourselves silly we slowly schlepped back to the hotel on our sore feet, got comfy and watched TV until we all fell asleep. Without traffic it's less than a two hour drive from the house, but I'm so glad we decided to stay the night there. We were so exhausted after our busy day and it was nice to just kick back.
Saturday morning we woke up when we woke up and Todd and I made it downstairs for breakfast while the kids lazed in bed and watched more TV. I know we only scratched the surface of Baltimore wonders and I can't wait to go back and explore more!
I had planned to post something else today, but I got this email from Jennifer who got it off a message board who got it -- well, I don't know who posted it there. But it was just too priceless to pass up. It's one of those things that make you laugh and infuriates you all at the same time.
****
Hot dog! It's time again for the annual "Stella Awards"!
For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in where she purchased the coffee.
That's right. These are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts that happened during 2006. You know, the kinds of cases that make you scratch your head. Here are the "Stellas" for the past year:
To kick things off the right way, there was a three-way tie for 5th place.
Kathleen Robertson was awarded $80,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict considering the running toddler was Ms. Robertson's son.
Also in 5th place is Carl Truman, 19, who won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps. Go ahead. Grab your head scratcher.
The last of the 5th place winners was Terrence Dickson, who was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut. Forced to subsist for eight -- count 'em, 8! -- days on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's insurance company claiming undue mental anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish. Keep scratching.
There are more.
Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas, garnered 4th Place in the "Stellas" when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun. Grrrrr. Scratch, scratch.
3rd place went to Amber Carson because a jury ordered a restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on soft drink and broke her tailbone (coccyx). The reason the soft drink was on the floor? Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. What ever happened to people being responsible for their own actions? Scratch, scratch, scratch.
Hang in there, there are only two more Stellas to go.
2nd place goes to Kara Walton after she sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor and knocked out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000 and... oh, yeah dental expenses. Go figure.
Finally (may I have a fanfare played on 50 kazoos please) this year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was Mrs. Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who purchased a new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On her first trip home - from an OU football game, no less - having driven on to the free way, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich.
Don't look so incredulous. Remember, we're talking about Oklahoma here. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned.
Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat while the cruise control was set. The jury awarded her -- you are sitting down, right? -- $1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit. Just in case Mrs. Grazinski has any relatives who might buy a motor home.
ADDENDUM
In the comments you'll see that Jennifer let me know these lawsuits - or at least the results - are fake. WHEW!! Though I have to say, I worked in insurance defense several years ago and you may be amazed at the ridiculous lawsuits. We represented Safeway grocery stores in Southern California and some of the suits people brought against Safeway were absolutely hysterical. Hm... I just thought of another post...
My four week postsurgical checkup was this morning. Am I the only one who never gets to sit more than a minute or two before being called back? I'm sure most people would be thrilled with the efficiency of this office, but I don't like it. Even if I'm 15 minutes early I get called back nearly as soon as I get there. When am I supposed to read?
The doctor was pleased with how well I'm doing and said I was released of all restrictions. I was afraid she was going to say that, but when I grumbled about laundry she graciously offered to write me a note for another year. It was a tempting suggestion, but my desire to have the laundry done my way overrides my desire to have my family continue to do it.
After the appointment I had to hit Starbuck's. It's like I have some kind of Pavlovian response to medical offices. The smell of rubbing alcohol and a blood pressure cuff stirs my need for a White Chocolate Mocha. The Starbuck's closest to the doctor's office shares a parking lot with the local train station. There wasn't a parking space in sight. So I continued down the road until I got to the Starbuck's in Wayne, Pennsylvania. I really wish I would have had my camera because this place is truly photo-worthy. It's in a round building that I believe was an auto garage in the 60's and next to the pretty Starbuck's sign is another sign that says, "Beer Yard in back".
Instead of my usual White Chocolate Mocha - the largest one with all the fat, all the calories, all the caffeine and the yummy goodness of a huge pile of whipped cream on the top - I ordered a tall (the smallest size) decaff, non-fat white chocolate mocha, no whip. (Yeah. I said it just like that. Cool, aren't I?) I was surprised by the deliciousness of it and I even wonder if it was truly non-fat. It even tasted like there may have been some whip on the top. But I decided that it didn't matter because the way I ordered it was only 5.5 Weight Watchers points and that's how I recorded it today.
Speaking of Weight Watchers, I lost 1 pound last week. I much prefer the 3.5 pounds, but I'll take what I can get. Especially since last week wasn't one of my better weeks, what with having company and feeling the need to show them the great ice cream places around here and the tasty Philly Cheese Steaks.
Katie made dinner tonight. Mac & Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli. From scratch. I only helped a little and it was delicious! She got the recipe from her Rachael Ray for Kids cookbook. I thought making a cheese sauce from the ground up was very ambitious for a kids' cookbook, but she did a great job.
By the time dinner was over I was beat. I guess driving to the doctor's office, going from one Starbuck's to another Starbuck's, grocery shopping and then helping with dinner was more than I'm up to. OH! Let's not forget the half a load of laundry I did. Or it was a whole load, but I only made it into the washing machine and never into the dryer. But I'll worry about that tomorrow...
Anyway, after dinner I told the kids to clean off the table and then clean up the kitchen. Taylor tried to get out of it by saying Katie made dinner so she should clean up. "After all, a clean cook is a good cook," to quote his grandfather. She started to argue with him and he came back with this priceless line:
This is not a democracy. It's a dictaylorship.
Turns out he was wrong and ended up helping in the kitchen.
Friday night I was figuring out just how many of my bonus Weight Watchers points I had to use after a delicious dinner of grilled steak, baked potato, salad and a glass of wine, the phone rang. We have caller ID and the name and number pops up on the television. To say I was surprised is putting it mildly.
“Hello?” I said cautiously.
“Hi, Jen! Do you know who this is?”
“Manic?” I asked slowly.
*giggle*
“Yeah! Guess who’s here with me?”
I made the logical guess. “Swishy?”
*giggle, giggle*
“Yeah!!”
How fun was that? It was a great way to start the weekend and I’ve giggled to myself several times since then. Those girls are crizazy fun!
SATURDAY
Todd’s parents flew in from California Tuesday night. They have a timeshare and were able to get a week in New York City. The plan was they would take the kids to NYC Saturday, bring them home on Tuesday, return to the city on Wednesday and come back the following Saturday.
About 1:00 in the morning their other son, Tim, called to say that Rachele wasn’t doing well. She was uncomfortable and a little bit panicked, but that she was sleeping at the moment. Susan told him if she was still anxious and uncomfortable in the morning he needed to take her to the emergency room if for no other reason than to check the babies and ease her mind.
The next call was at 10:30. They were at the hospital and Rachele was in labor. A c-section had been planned for August 1st, but apparently the kiddos had other plans. Tim called while they were prepping her for surgery and then called again to fill us all in on the new additions.
Once it was established Rachele and the babies – and Tim, too – were all okay the Grandparents and our kids left for New York City. Katie is turning into a native.
Not only were Nicholas and Olivia born on Bastille Day, but July 14th is Susan’s birthday, too. So Todd and I sent flowers and three balloons to Tim and Rachele. A blue “baby boy” balloon, a pink “baby girl” balloon, and a “Thank You” balloon; along with a note that read something along the lines of, “Thank you for having the babies on Grandma’s birthday so she’d forget we didn’t get her a gift.”
***
Later in the afternoon Todd and I went to see Live Free or Die Hard. Where do I even begin to describe the sheer awesomeness of this movie? I don’t remember the last movie that entertained me quite so much. Of course, movies are darned expensive and we don’t go very often so that may have something to do with it. But this was easily my favorite of the Die Hard movies.
Here’s the movie synopsis from IMDB:
When a criminal plot is in place to take down the entire computer and technological structure that supports the economy of the United States (and the world), it's up to a decidedly "old school" hero, police detective John McClane, to take down the conspiracy, aided by a young hacker.
This is a particularly interesting storyline to Todd because not only does he work in the electricity sector (one of the terrorist targets in the movie), but he works with FBI and Homeland Security developing standards and procedures so this type of thing doesn’t happen. With the exception of an “I don’t think so” here and there from Todd, he enjoyed it just as much.
Witty humor, incredible stunts and special effects, explosions, explosions and more explosions. How much more entertaining can two hours be??
SUNDAY
My big event yesterday was going to church. I always feel like I’m missing something when I don’t get to go and, understandably, I’d missed the last couple of weeks. But there’s such a feeling of rightness when you walk up to the building and friends see you and hug on you and tell you they missed you and how are you and all that. And for me there’s just something special about singing the songs – worshiping with others and hearing all the voices lifted in praise. Now that Todd is a mature man he carries a hanky with him. All I have to do is tap him on the arm and he hands me his handkerchief because I can never make it through the singing without tearing up.
By the time church was over I was exhausted and I came home and sat for the rest of the day. Todd had to go back at 3:30 for youth group so I just watched TV, read, surfed the net. Yeah – none of that is exciting and not worthy of posting, but I did anyway.
RANDOM
On another note, so far I’ve lost 13.5 pounds. While I’m thrilled with another 3.5 pounds lost this past week, Weight Watchers is not. Now I’m losing weight too fast. BAH! I think the fat may be tired of hearing me complain about it and it just wants gone. I’m good with that.
Today marks two weeks since the hysterectomy and I’m feeling very good. I’m even sleeping on my sides, now, which is very exciting. My biggest problem is that I am a stretcher and stretching is a bit uncomfortable. But I can’t help it. It’s like some alien takes over my body for a minute and my legs and arms unfold and lengthen, all the while I’m trying not to. But even that’s getting better.
Tomorrow I see the dermatology specialist about my funky rashes and blisters that are pretty much gone. But at least I’ll then be established with him so I won’t have to wait three or four months the next time I’m afflicted.
In closing I have this silly little story for you that actually happened since I wrote the last paragraph. Todd has a circular sore on the top of his right foot and I asked him what it was from. He said he didn't know and I said, "Oh! Maybe it's a stigmatism!" Which totally cracked us up because for one thing it's "astigmatism" and more importantly because I meant "stigmata".
Okay. That wasn't such a great story, either, but I had to write it down before he had a chance to.
Whilst looking for an excuse for Todd to buy me jewelry the other night I decided to check out an anniversary gift guide. You know, one of those lists that have a specific gift for each year, both traditional and modern. Our 19th anniversary is in a couple of weeks and there is no traditional gift to celebrate that year. Bronze, however, is the modern gift. I can't think of any bronze jewelry I want.
Some of the traditional gifts seem a little silly, like the first anniversary is paper. In my mind I picture Todd tearing out a sheet of college ruled and giving it to me. Not so romantic. But I imagine when the list was made nice paper was somewhat of a luxury. Five is wood (like a piece of wood for the fireplace?) and six is iron (makes me think of golfing). Again, probably not exactly the gifts that were meant.
The truly funny gifts are under the modern list.
4th - Electrical Appliances. I'm sorry. A man should never, NEVER give an electrical appliance for an anniversary gift.
24th - Musical Instruments. What if you don't play a musical instrument?
26th - Original Pictures. Of what?
32nd - Conveyances. Like bikes, buggies, skateboards, scooters?
1st - Clocks 15th - Watches 31st - Timepieces. Is anyone else confused? Does that mean either a clock or watch is okay?
41st - Land.
42nd - Improved Real Estate. Does that mean you build a house on the land you gave her the year before?
Here's my personal favorite:
44th - Groceries. I'm not kidding!! That's what it says!!
48th - Optical Goods. I think 47th should be hearing aids or something.
And in honor of 46th - which is an Original Poetry Tribute - I've written this little poem:
I gave you a blender when four years we reached. "I wanted some earrings," you said through a screech.
Twenty years later you got a kazoo. You explained in great detail what you wanted to do.
I framed some old photos when we hit twenty-six. You seemed less than happy with all of those pics.
I bought you a bike 'cause the list said I should. After thirty-six years I thought that was good.
Five years later some land did I buy. "With a beautiful view of the lake," said the guy.
The following year when I went to break ground, the sinkhole swallowed the bulldozer down.
I brought you some groceries two years ago. I finally found out just how good you can throw.
I'll buy you new glasses when we hit forty-eight. I'm sure you're going to think that is great!
I have lots of things to blog about, but I'm trying to be responsible and all that - pffft - so I don't have time for a real post. In honor of Mother's Day I thought I'd leave you all with this little video gem.
The mundane ramblings of a busy homemaker trying to get out of housework
About Me
Name::Jenster From::Pennsylvania, United States
wife of a great man who loves me despite my lack of domestic skills ** mother of two pretty wonderful teenagers (and I really mean it) ** reader ** writer ** active member of a terrific bible church, serving women ** breast cancer survivor View my complete profile
So last night my friends, Laura and Sheri, and I took Kris to The Cheesecake Factory for her 40th birthday. The waitress brings us our drinks and we toast each other, excited beyond belief that we're actually out without husbands or kids, and I made the comment it was just like Sex and the City. Laura pipes up with, "Mmmm, more like Abstinence and the Suburbs."
The prude that I am was a little disappointed at a flash of anonymous boobies. It's PG-13, for cryin' out loud. It was a quick flash, but so very unnecessary. It reminded me of when I was in 8th grade and my AT group went into Hollywood to see Romeo and Juliet at Grauman's Chinese Theater. Really cool experience, but the boys in the group were thrilled when Olivia Hussey jumped out of bed, baring her chest. (But really, what do you expect with a name like Hussey?) The girls were just embarrassed. And a little envious. Or maybe that was just me.
Last Sunday after Youth Group a bunch of the older kids went to Sonic. They parked in the lot and walked over to order and eat at the picnic tables out front. You order in the same kind of speaker box as if you'd pulled up to a slot, but you give them your name so when they come out they know where the order goes. So here's the conversation with the Sonic chick and my son:
This is the top of the swimsuit I bought for Hawaii the other day. I consider it was a good day because I didn't cry in the dressing room. Didn't even feel the urge. I certainly don't like the way I look in a swimsuit. Heck, I didn't like it when I was 40 pounds lighter. But it is what it is so there's no sense getting depressed about it. But what thrilled me was the fact it's just a normal top and it just happens to hide both my mastectomy scar (my left mastectomy scar is pretty high up) and my port scar. I also got two different bottoms - red regular bottoms and a coral SwimMini.
This picture of Babe Ruth was in our room. He may have played for the Yankees, but he was from Baltimore and is quite the hero there.
The Inner Harbor was less than a mile away, but it took us a while to get there because I had to keep taking pictures. Todd grabbed his jimmies and shuddered when he saw the paddle boats, momentarily caught in a bad memory.
<--I took a picture of this because the date is a combination of Todd's birthday and my birthday. The sentiment was lost on him, however. He looked at the photo and said, "Sweet! Sandy Koufax's 7th perfect game!"
It was amazing how they weren't hungry until their game tokens were gone. On the other side of the harbor, in the direction of the hotel, was a restaurant called Big Kahuna Cantina.
Taylor ordered his new favorite - BBQ Wings - off the appetizer menu. When I took this picture I thought the entire bucket was full of wings, but it wasn't. The bottom half had chips. Even still he wasn't able to finish them.
