I'm posting this in response to the comments I've gotten from my dear readers about my wedding plight. I'm only posting this here, not on MySpace, because I really don't want him to read it and I'm not sure if he does read the MS blog but I know he doesn't read this one: I forbade it about 2 1/2 years ago and I don't think he's looked back since. So here goes:
Christen and I have been together for about 3 1/2 years now. We started dating in December 2002 and have since been joined at the hip. We love each other with a love that I have never known before, either in giving or receiving. I know, without a doubt, that he is the one for me. He as well often mentions that I am the only one for him.
About the wedding, though, he and I have been talking seriously about getting married for more than a year. We talk in passing about our colors, our flowers, what kind of car we want to take us from the wedding to the reception ... this talk isn't at all one-sided. We both have brought things up about it when we think about it. He's taken me ring shopping once. Sunday we were at the beach and he brings up how before the wedding he wants to work out a lot to get back to the shape he was in before we started dating and I fattened him up (that last part is my embellishment, but we all know it's true). I said, "What wedding?" because we're going to two in the next five weeks and I can't imagine him dropping too much weight between now and then. "Ours, of course" was his response. Of course.
So I've been getting a little frustrated at the fact that a very large chunk of my friends have been getting married and/or engaged in the last year. And by a large chunk I mean more than 20. So my thoughts are consumed by weddings. Planning other people's, deciding what to get for this or that bridal shower, and in the meantime I've started planning ours. It just happened: I was helping his cousin shop for a dress for her wedding and I picked out mine. I was with my best friend shopping for bridesmaids dresses and I picked out the ones I wanted too. And it doesn't help that he eggs it on -- he asked me over lunch a few weeks ago what colors I had decided on for the wedding.
In the immortal words of Billy Crystal, "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." So this is where I am on the subject.
He, on the other hand, seems to think the talking comes easier than the doing. I've tried figuring out what the problem is. He's very traditional, so I know he doesn't want me to propose to him. And I've explained to him that if money is the issue, I don't need much of a ring to start. A pretty promise ring or something is quite fine with me -- upgrades can always come later. But I think (I think, because he's not quite so forthcoming with information) is that he just wants everything to be perfect first. He's not at the job that he wants right now, we don't have all the money we'd like to have right now, etc etc. But life isn't perfect, and I guess he doesn't realize that right now.
The reason I've stopped talking to him about wedding stuff is twofold. a) because it bothers me to talk about something that isn't happening right now, and b) because I don't want to pressure him into doing something he's now ready for. I know we're meant to be together. I just wish the rest of my life would start sooner rather than later.
4.17.2006
4.15.2006
How I know she's mine.
So I was heating up my "Legumes of the Gods" (see prior entry) and Lola had gotten into something, as she always does. It sounded like she was eating a bead, and I knew I didn't have any beads out and about that she could get to, so I was concerned. Actually I'd be concerned if she was eating a bead too, as they're small and can get lodged in her throat ... but that's a digression. Anywho, so I tried to get her to spit it out, but of course she won't, so I go back into the kitchen while looking back at her to see if it falls out of her mouth. Even though it's small, I can see that she's having trouble with whatever t is, so I watch and then it falls. I grab the nape of her neck so she doesn't go back in for the kill and pick up the little piece of something to inspect it further. It's glass. A little piece of reddened glass. You know why she's chewing on it? Because it's there.
Speaking of which, I need to go out today and get some underwear. I'm pitifully low on stock, and it's her fault. They always end up in the back yard. But I guess it's cheaper than the shoes I was replacing before.
Speaking of which, I need to go out today and get some underwear. I'm pitifully low on stock, and it's her fault. They always end up in the back yard. But I guess it's cheaper than the shoes I was replacing before.
Legumes of the gods
So I'm now addicted to these boiled peanuts in a bag that they sell at the grocery store -- absolutely fabulous :)
Please explain one thing: I know they're amazing, but why-oh-why are they being sold on eBay?
Please explain one thing: I know they're amazing, but why-oh-why are they being sold on eBay?
Gridlock
Originally posted April 13
When I was in college and living more than a half hour by highway from school, if I got on the interstate and it was too jammed, I'd likely turn around and go back home. Nowadays, I live exactly 20 miles from work, which is usually a 30-minute drive. Now, mind you, I never ever get to work on time. Ever. I think I feel worse about this than my bosses, as they never seem to care since I get my work done. Damn gridlock.
When I was in college and living more than a half hour by highway from school, if I got on the interstate and it was too jammed, I'd likely turn around and go back home. Nowadays, I live exactly 20 miles from work, which is usually a 30-minute drive. Now, mind you, I never ever get to work on time. Ever. I think I feel worse about this than my bosses, as they never seem to care since I get my work done. Damn gridlock.
April Fool's:
originally posted April 13
Stacy has decided that the full month of April is all about the pranks. She and this guy in Atlanta have been pranking eachother back and forth ... so she decided to have him help her pull a prank on us -- but it backfired. Here's the scoop:
Stacy has decided that the full month of April is all about the pranks. She and this guy in Atlanta have been pranking eachother back and forth ... so she decided to have him help her pull a prank on us -- but it backfired. Here's the scoop:
Stacy and Bob decide to have him email her friends: April, Other April and Suzanne; and say that when she comes home in May that he's going to ask her to move back to Atlanta. So he does send this email, but instead of just saying that he plans on asking her this, he outlines the joke and wants the girls to go along with him on a joke on Stacy where they go all for it and tell her she should move back with him.
Before this joke really gets started, Stacy calls April and tells her about the joke because she feels bad about pranking them. She's worried that they're going to get mad. April reassures her that they won't be mad and that she should go ahead with the joke. April then calls Other April and tells her of the confession (the girls already knew about the joke to begin with). So by the time April gets to work the next day it is decided that Other April and Suzanne will play that they are mad because they figured out the joke.
So on the same day Stacy tries to make plans with TJ, a guy who works with the girls (but not Stacy, she works with a different company now) for him to drive all the girls out to have lunch with her sometime next week. So he sends out the email, and Other April convinces him to tell Stacy that April is in, but Other April and Suzanne are out because they said they're mad about something. So then Stacy gets worried and starts emailing April and Bob (the one in Atlanta) trying to figure out why they're mad (thinking it's because of the joke). April and Bob become evasive, saying they don't know, haven't had time to check, blah blah blah.
April suggests to Stacy that if she thinks they are mad at her, she should email them and find out why. So she does, and Other April emails back that she's not having a problem with work, but that she found out some things that she's disappointed about and she doesn't want to talk about it by email. And Stacy says, "with me?" and Other April says yes, but she's not going to talk about it on the computer.
So this freaks Stacy out big time. Her fears have come true -- she made her friends mad with this silly joke about her moving back to Atlanta with Bob, whom she just met a month ago. She's pacing her office, fighting back the tears, when the email comes back from Other April:
I'm disappointed in you ... for falling for it! April Fool's!
Castles and Princesses:
Originally posted on April 12
Shell and I went out to Target last night after making wedding favors to get more candy for the wedding favors (who knew these things were going to take so many bags of candy? We've done 25 bags of candy and we still have more to make!) and we ended up walking through the baby clothes. I don't think I needed to do that. Everyone I know (within reason) is getting married, or having kids (even though some of them haven't told their parents about said kids ... you know who you are) and I feel like I'm just sitting here, stagnant. I think I'm becoming resentful, and I don't know what to do about that. I'm really happy, most of the time. We have a great relationship, we have a house and a dog and stable jobs (although we'd really like him to find a better job) and everything generally is wonderful. But I long for my life to move on.
Shell and I went out to Target last night after making wedding favors to get more candy for the wedding favors (who knew these things were going to take so many bags of candy? We've done 25 bags of candy and we still have more to make!) and we ended up walking through the baby clothes. I don't think I needed to do that. Everyone I know (within reason) is getting married, or having kids (even though some of them haven't told their parents about said kids ... you know who you are) and I feel like I'm just sitting here, stagnant. I think I'm becoming resentful, and I don't know what to do about that. I'm really happy, most of the time. We have a great relationship, we have a house and a dog and stable jobs (although we'd really like him to find a better job) and everything generally is wonderful. But I long for my life to move on.
I've stopped talking about marriage with him. We used to talk about it all the time, and make plans and decisions and everything in everyday conversation. We'd walk by a fancy car and he'd say, "Do you want to use one of those instead of a limo?" or we'd be talking over lunch about Shelley's wedding colors and he'd say, "What colors did you want to use?" We'd be in Wal-Mart and I'd say, "I think I want [these people] in the wedding party instead of [this person]," and he'd talk about who could be on his side.
I thought maybe it was the money. His cousin got a big ring, and I know he feels the pressure to upstage that (the husband is his best friend), but really I don't care as much about that. I'd like a big ring, of course, just like any girl. But it doesn't have to be right now. Right now it's more important to me that we get married and move on with our lives. The ring can always come later, right? So I told him so. And he was not receptive. I actually found the conversation stilted, one-sided and hostile. So I dropped that conversation too.
But there's all this talking and no movement. I can't do it anymore. So I've resolved to not talk about our wedding. Period. I'll talk with my girlfriends at work, and with Shelley, but he's cut off from conversation about it. Until it actually happens I've given up hoping it will. Maybe then I won't be so resentful.
Product Placement:
Originally posted April 12:
I've decided to use this forum for good: I'm promoting my new favorite personal hygiene product: the Crest Spin Brush. It's fantastic! Like going to the dentist every day, but without the drilling or the scraping or the guilt for not flossing. Seriously! I've converted all of my friends who weren't already addicted (except Suzanne; she likes the Oral B one because the head is smaller and she has sensitive gums ... now don't read anything dirty into that). But for $5 you get a fantabulous experience! Try one today!
I've decided to use this forum for good: I'm promoting my new favorite personal hygiene product: the Crest Spin Brush. It's fantastic! Like going to the dentist every day, but without the drilling or the scraping or the guilt for not flossing. Seriously! I've converted all of my friends who weren't already addicted (except Suzanne; she likes the Oral B one because the head is smaller and she has sensitive gums ... now don't read anything dirty into that). But for $5 you get a fantabulous experience! Try one today!
Reflective like a carnival mirror:
Originally posted April 12:
So you know how most people say, "when you look back you'll forget all the bad and just remember the good?" Well, I have to say in hindsight I'm pessimistic as hell. I don't remember the good times right away. The fights, the loneliness, the break-ups, the anger, the daydreams of freedom -- I have a firm grasp on those memories. ... it's not until I find pictures, or letters crammed between the pages of a forgotten book that I am reminded that not everything about my past was black. There were flashes of good in there too, even happiness. I need to be reminded of this every now and again.
So you know how most people say, "when you look back you'll forget all the bad and just remember the good?" Well, I have to say in hindsight I'm pessimistic as hell. I don't remember the good times right away. The fights, the loneliness, the break-ups, the anger, the daydreams of freedom -- I have a firm grasp on those memories. ... it's not until I find pictures, or letters crammed between the pages of a forgotten book that I am reminded that not everything about my past was black. There were flashes of good in there too, even happiness. I need to be reminded of this every now and again.
Slap my sweet ass and call me Sally:
Originally posted April 10:
So it is a long running idea that I hate hot sauces. Hate em. And it stems from the fact that I hate spicy foods. I just cant eat them they make my mouth uncomfortable. So Ive been going to Tiajuana Flats with the folks from work (Chuck calls it Fiesta time) and then Christen and I go every once in awhile, and I have started trying the hot sauces. Now, Im still a complete wuss at them; I have to let you know that up front. I tried Endorphine Rush (and ate all my tomatoes trying to get rid of the burn) and Don't be a Chicken Shit (not too bad) and one with pecans it it (terrible). But my favorite, and the one I get every time is Slap my Sweet Ass and Call Me Sally. It reminds me of Thai sweet chili sauce. Mmmm. So let it be known that, although a wuss, I have tried and liked a few hot sauces. Dont say I never attempted to branch out.
So it is a long running idea that I hate hot sauces. Hate em. And it stems from the fact that I hate spicy foods. I just cant eat them they make my mouth uncomfortable. So Ive been going to Tiajuana Flats with the folks from work (Chuck calls it Fiesta time) and then Christen and I go every once in awhile, and I have started trying the hot sauces. Now, Im still a complete wuss at them; I have to let you know that up front. I tried Endorphine Rush (and ate all my tomatoes trying to get rid of the burn) and Don't be a Chicken Shit (not too bad) and one with pecans it it (terrible). But my favorite, and the one I get every time is Slap my Sweet Ass and Call Me Sally. It reminds me of Thai sweet chili sauce. Mmmm. So let it be known that, although a wuss, I have tried and liked a few hot sauces. Dont say I never attempted to branch out.
I'm a pusher, but not a drug pusher
Originally posted April 10:
I seem to have a lot of blogs backed up in my journal, so I thought Id mass drop them onto the server (woohoo! server crash!) and give my readers (of which there are two) my random ramblings. Today and tomorrow it is my intention to catch up on all my emails from the past week or so that I havent gotten to (so if youve written me and I havent written you back, never fear time is here!) that being said, if I havent written you back from Wednesday, Ive forgotten that I didnt reply to your email and you should probably write me again. :) I apologize in advance.
I am in need of book and music recommendations as of late. Books I dont read supernatural, or books with a lot of foreign names (its my quirk I get lost in the names unless I can substitute Bob or Harry or Soren the Bunny-slayer this is why I never got very far in The Battle Royale). Or comic books, unless they are just fantabulous (and I can find it in Barnes and Noble so I dont have to purchase it). These are my only stipulations. I like normal, wonderful language in novel form. As for music, I like anything except for rap and r&b. I just cant get into it, and youll be wasting your time trying to get me into it. I hear it at my moms house; its not like Im not exposed to it. But I love swing, rockabilly, classic rock, jazz, nerd rock (see the next entry on that), and anything thats well done or even catchy. Sometimes I get hooked on pop music like the rest of you (even you that say you hate pop music its a guilty pleasure because you can always sing along!) although Ill rarely buy these albums. I do need more music for the iPod. Its getting a little redundant lately.
Im entering the home stretch for the next month and a half: After the next 2 weekends, where Im not really required to do too much, I have: Christens cousins wedding, the TMBG show, Shelleys bridal shower, Shelleys bachelorette party, the band reunion, Shelleys wedding (noticing a trend here?) and the trip to Dallas for GeoWoodstock IV. If the weddings dont break the bank, Dallas will do it, Im sure. Im thinking about getting a small loan just to make sure theres money in my account when Im trying to do all this. :)
A tad more sane:
Originally posted April 6:
So I made ribs and smashed cauliflower for dinner, did the dishes, and got a life, so I'm a bit more sane than earlier. Well, for me anyhow. Decided to subscribe to a bunch of people's blogs ... yay for me, right? And I wrote a few more first sentences in my journal. One of these days I suppose I'll write more. I wrote a short story that Autumn asked me to write, and it was so torturous! And I wasn't thrilled with it once I finished -- it was too obscure. What I wanted to show through didn't come out at all. Don't you hate when that happens? But I'm working on it -- it'll all come together.
So I made ribs and smashed cauliflower for dinner, did the dishes, and got a life, so I'm a bit more sane than earlier. Well, for me anyhow. Decided to subscribe to a bunch of people's blogs ... yay for me, right? And I wrote a few more first sentences in my journal. One of these days I suppose I'll write more. I wrote a short story that Autumn asked me to write, and it was so torturous! And I wasn't thrilled with it once I finished -- it was too obscure. What I wanted to show through didn't come out at all. Don't you hate when that happens? But I'm working on it -- it'll all come together.
Regrets, Writer's Block and Petty Thoughts
Originally posted April 6:
Can you regret the way things came to pass and not regret the things you've done? The long drive home has given way to too many thoughts, too many memories rising to the surface like cream to be scraped off and discarded and yet they cannot be forgotten. I made my decisions and I'm sticking to them because they made me a better person, stronger and more whole. My entire list of friends on this thing are people I once knew, someone I was friends with, someone I was intimate with, someone I loved, someone I envied, someone I played with in the orange tree in the front yard. These things cannot be buried or changed; they just are.
I've been spending my time for the last six months planning. Planning for other people's lives -- their weddings, their children ... planning planning but not for my life, my wedding, my children. I feel so petty to think, when is it going to be me? I don't mean to sound bitter -- all I mean is, if you say you love me and want to spend the rest of our lives together, why can't the rest of our lives begin relatively soon?
I've not been able to write lately. And by lately, I mean the last two years. I have notebooks and notebooks of this and that. Scraps of ideas wadded in my purse. What can a lifetime of first lines get you though?
Can you regret the way things came to pass and not regret the things you've done? The long drive home has given way to too many thoughts, too many memories rising to the surface like cream to be scraped off and discarded and yet they cannot be forgotten. I made my decisions and I'm sticking to them because they made me a better person, stronger and more whole. My entire list of friends on this thing are people I once knew, someone I was friends with, someone I was intimate with, someone I loved, someone I envied, someone I played with in the orange tree in the front yard. These things cannot be buried or changed; they just are.
I've been spending my time for the last six months planning. Planning for other people's lives -- their weddings, their children ... planning planning but not for my life, my wedding, my children. I feel so petty to think, when is it going to be me? I don't mean to sound bitter -- all I mean is, if you say you love me and want to spend the rest of our lives together, why can't the rest of our lives begin relatively soon?
I've not been able to write lately. And by lately, I mean the last two years. I have notebooks and notebooks of this and that. Scraps of ideas wadded in my purse. What can a lifetime of first lines get you though?
525,600 minutes
Originally posted April 1st:
I was watching Rent today and, of course, I was waxing nostalgic. So sue me.
How do you measure a year?
I was watching Rent today and, of course, I was waxing nostalgic. So sue me.
How do you measure a year?
4.13.2006
Just so you know
I'm not dead. I've actually been doing my blogging on MySpace. I'll forward those blogs to here ... eventually :) Otherwise, let me know if you're on myspace!
4.02.2006
awesome :)
| Pure Nerd 73 % Nerd, 43% Geek, 17% Dork |
| For The Record: A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia. A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one. A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions. You scored better than half in Nerd, earning you the title of: Pure Nerd. The times, they are a-changing. It used to be that being exceptionally smart led to being unpopular, which would ultimately lead to picking up all of the traits and tendences associated with the "dork." No-longer. Being smart isn't as socially crippling as it once was, and even more so as you get older: eventually being a Pure Nerd will likely be replaced with the following label: Purely Successful. Congratulations! Thanks Again! -- THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST |
 |
My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
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| Link: The Nerd? Geek? or Dork? Test written by donathos on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test |
3.27.2006
One thousand million tons of bananas.
Monday, bloody Monday -- I think that my weekends have to be good as overcompensation of terrible weeks. It was one of those weeks where I kept getting serious injury after serious injury at work: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, golf carts, lost pregnancies ... I was so happy to be out of work when Friday came about. But .... my weekend was a blast (again ... hehe).
Saturday I had yoga for only the second time since I started -- Other April and I took 2 weeks off after our first class for drinking/vacation reasons. It was so much better than the first time. We did more stretch yoga, like pigeon pose (let me tell you how much I love "doing the uh uh pigeon" ... as Bert from Sesame Street would say). I love the stretching, but I'm no good at the balancing -- I have no balance. I think that I'm going to set up the spare television in that weird room off the deck in the house to do yoga through the week to see if I can get better at the balancing. The only yoga tape I have is abs yoga, but I'll start working with that and see how I do.
Other April brought purses back from Chinatown and I got a small tan and brown Coach and a large black Prada. I'm so excited about the Prada one -- it's really nice. The insides don't look like a real one, but who but me sees the inside? The Coach wasn't really that well-made, but it's good in a pinch when I need a brown one for the club or something.
Saturday night the girls and I had a sleepover at Stacy's house -- the first sleepover I've been to since high school (well, besides sleeping over at boys' houses or them sleeping over mine ...). We had such an awesome time! Other April and I brought booze and board games, Suzanne brought mixers and penis straws, penis stirs and margarita glasses that had our names and "Girl's Night 2006" on them, and Stacy provided the venue and the food. It was so fabulous! We drank like crazy and stayed up until 5am, and talked about boys and sex and everything else you're supposed to talk about at a sleepover (all those secrets you end up revealing that aren't allowed to leave the party). There were suggestive pictures taken with the penis straws and everything :)
Sunday I took Other April home and then Christen and I went to the driving range for a few hours -- I realized I'm not as terrible at golf as I thought I would be. It was a lot of fun; I'll definitely be going back. I have a set of left-handed golf clubs that my dad gave me, and I'm only missing a club or two (I know I'm missing a 1 iron; that might be it). We hit about 350 balls between the two of us -- I hurt my middle finger from swinging -- and whiffing -- and it still hurts a little bit. We went to his parents' house for a little bit after that and I discussed this wedding that we are going to at the end of April with his mom. We've decided that since it's a spring wedding on a Saturday afternoon that it was acceptable for me to wear one of my cute little sundresses, which makes me happy because that means I don't have to go out and get another new dress. All my other dresses are black and pretty fancy. Maybe I can get Christen a lighter color dress shirt, like a light green, so I won't be the only less dressy person. My sundresses are way cute though. I have a blue striped one from the Loft (I love that store) and a white one with little flowers that I got at a great sale at Macy's. As a matter of fact, if it would warm up I would wear them to work -- it's 60 degrees all of a sudden! What happened the high 70s/low 80s of last month????
Last night we decided to hit Mama's pizza for dinner. They have the best breadsticks anywhere -- a little bit of heaven in your mouth. I only had one piece of pizza and a few breadsticks, but it definitely was worth it to go -- so yummy :) Saturday we hit a little seafood restaurant on Clearwater beach called Frenchy's for lunch, and I will tell you they had the best she crab soup I have ever had. Ever. And I get she crab soup anytime I see it on the menu, so I can say I'm a bit of a connoisseur. It had a lot of crab instead of just a little lump on top, and it was smooth and creamy with the sherry and a little kick of cayenne pepper or something. Way tasty.
Saturday I had yoga for only the second time since I started -- Other April and I took 2 weeks off after our first class for drinking/vacation reasons. It was so much better than the first time. We did more stretch yoga, like pigeon pose (let me tell you how much I love "doing the uh uh pigeon" ... as Bert from Sesame Street would say). I love the stretching, but I'm no good at the balancing -- I have no balance. I think that I'm going to set up the spare television in that weird room off the deck in the house to do yoga through the week to see if I can get better at the balancing. The only yoga tape I have is abs yoga, but I'll start working with that and see how I do.
Other April brought purses back from Chinatown and I got a small tan and brown Coach and a large black Prada. I'm so excited about the Prada one -- it's really nice. The insides don't look like a real one, but who but me sees the inside? The Coach wasn't really that well-made, but it's good in a pinch when I need a brown one for the club or something.
Saturday night the girls and I had a sleepover at Stacy's house -- the first sleepover I've been to since high school (well, besides sleeping over at boys' houses or them sleeping over mine ...). We had such an awesome time! Other April and I brought booze and board games, Suzanne brought mixers and penis straws, penis stirs and margarita glasses that had our names and "Girl's Night 2006" on them, and Stacy provided the venue and the food. It was so fabulous! We drank like crazy and stayed up until 5am, and talked about boys and sex and everything else you're supposed to talk about at a sleepover (all those secrets you end up revealing that aren't allowed to leave the party). There were suggestive pictures taken with the penis straws and everything :)
Sunday I took Other April home and then Christen and I went to the driving range for a few hours -- I realized I'm not as terrible at golf as I thought I would be. It was a lot of fun; I'll definitely be going back. I have a set of left-handed golf clubs that my dad gave me, and I'm only missing a club or two (I know I'm missing a 1 iron; that might be it). We hit about 350 balls between the two of us -- I hurt my middle finger from swinging -- and whiffing -- and it still hurts a little bit. We went to his parents' house for a little bit after that and I discussed this wedding that we are going to at the end of April with his mom. We've decided that since it's a spring wedding on a Saturday afternoon that it was acceptable for me to wear one of my cute little sundresses, which makes me happy because that means I don't have to go out and get another new dress. All my other dresses are black and pretty fancy. Maybe I can get Christen a lighter color dress shirt, like a light green, so I won't be the only less dressy person. My sundresses are way cute though. I have a blue striped one from the Loft (I love that store) and a white one with little flowers that I got at a great sale at Macy's. As a matter of fact, if it would warm up I would wear them to work -- it's 60 degrees all of a sudden! What happened the high 70s/low 80s of last month????
Last night we decided to hit Mama's pizza for dinner. They have the best breadsticks anywhere -- a little bit of heaven in your mouth. I only had one piece of pizza and a few breadsticks, but it definitely was worth it to go -- so yummy :) Saturday we hit a little seafood restaurant on Clearwater beach called Frenchy's for lunch, and I will tell you they had the best she crab soup I have ever had. Ever. And I get she crab soup anytime I see it on the menu, so I can say I'm a bit of a connoisseur. It had a lot of crab instead of just a little lump on top, and it was smooth and creamy with the sherry and a little kick of cayenne pepper or something. Way tasty.
3.21.2006
Prayers.
My aunt is in the hospital. And no one bothered to tell me or my mom. I think it's a heart attack; I had to email my grandma to find out and I haven't heard back yet. Grandma said in her follow up email (no prior email to start with) that they took 5 veins from her leg to patch up her heart and it's beating on its own now.
Please, if you believe or don't. Please keep her in your thoughts or prayers. She's such a wonderful woman.
Please, if you believe or don't. Please keep her in your thoughts or prayers. She's such a wonderful woman.
3.19.2006
Holy Weekender, Batman!
So this weekend was a total blast, as weekends tend to be in my family (evidently, since I just noticed that last weekend's post started the same way... hehe). Here's the gist in bullets:
--bought a darling pair of Mia wooden heels with Stacy at DSW (shoe mecca)
--went to dinner on St. Patty's day with Stacy's family for her dad's birthday. Wow, to be in close proximity with that many Atlanta transplants ... hehe. We went to Timpano's Italian Chophouse in Hyde Park and it was marvelous. I had mussels for the first time (I've had oysters and clams, but never mussels) and we stood near the band and talked at great length with the pianist. They had a guitarist, sax and pianist and they were lovely. All old and lovely. Stacy's uncle made me, Stacy and her aunt pose with the sax player sans sax ... if I see the picture I'll post it here :)
--left there to meet with Christen and his friend Jesse at Hooters for more late night drinks while the boys smoked their cigars. The waitress liked to "perch" on the edge of the table like she was an owl too. I was told to hook she and Jesse up, but I'm no good at that so I just drank.
--Saturday, went to Ellenton Outlets with Christen as we hadn't been there in a really long time and just hung out and shopped all day. I bought a cute pink shirt at Gap (I know, I know, but it's a cute pink shirt) and a book about books (you know how I love those) and was talked out of another Coach purse (I was told I have enough purses, like that's possible). We also got a baby ice cream scoop for my new obsession with Rice Dream non-dairy ice cream, and onion cutter to make onion blooms (although I'm going to try to bake it).
--drove down to Anna Maria island and ate at the Waterfront Restaurant - he had the seafood platter and I had the snow crab (I cut my thumb on the sucker). Washed it down with a delightful piece of key lime pie and a cup of tea. It was a beautiful night and we ate on the porch.
--Sunday ventured to Orlando to mill about town; I was talked out of another Coach purse (this one was way cuter) and bought another book.
--dinner at Jungle Jim's for a Peanutbutter Bet (you don't know what you're missing).
--a late-night drive home playing the Penis and Vagina game (substitute one word in a tv show title with penis; substitute one word in a movie title with vagina). It was great fun.
All in all it was a fantastic weekend. Christen is now snoring on the couch next to me and it's distracting. I keep trying to hold his nose -- any suggestions on how to stop it? Well, taking him to bed will cure it and I think that's my next stop. Toodles!
--bought a darling pair of Mia wooden heels with Stacy at DSW (shoe mecca)
--went to dinner on St. Patty's day with Stacy's family for her dad's birthday. Wow, to be in close proximity with that many Atlanta transplants ... hehe. We went to Timpano's Italian Chophouse in Hyde Park and it was marvelous. I had mussels for the first time (I've had oysters and clams, but never mussels) and we stood near the band and talked at great length with the pianist. They had a guitarist, sax and pianist and they were lovely. All old and lovely. Stacy's uncle made me, Stacy and her aunt pose with the sax player sans sax ... if I see the picture I'll post it here :)
--left there to meet with Christen and his friend Jesse at Hooters for more late night drinks while the boys smoked their cigars. The waitress liked to "perch" on the edge of the table like she was an owl too. I was told to hook she and Jesse up, but I'm no good at that so I just drank.
--Saturday, went to Ellenton Outlets with Christen as we hadn't been there in a really long time and just hung out and shopped all day. I bought a cute pink shirt at Gap (I know, I know, but it's a cute pink shirt) and a book about books (you know how I love those) and was talked out of another Coach purse (I was told I have enough purses, like that's possible). We also got a baby ice cream scoop for my new obsession with Rice Dream non-dairy ice cream, and onion cutter to make onion blooms (although I'm going to try to bake it).
--drove down to Anna Maria island and ate at the Waterfront Restaurant - he had the seafood platter and I had the snow crab (I cut my thumb on the sucker). Washed it down with a delightful piece of key lime pie and a cup of tea. It was a beautiful night and we ate on the porch.
--Sunday ventured to Orlando to mill about town; I was talked out of another Coach purse (this one was way cuter) and bought another book.
--dinner at Jungle Jim's for a Peanutbutter Bet (you don't know what you're missing).
--a late-night drive home playing the Penis and Vagina game (substitute one word in a tv show title with penis; substitute one word in a movie title with vagina). It was great fun.
All in all it was a fantastic weekend. Christen is now snoring on the couch next to me and it's distracting. I keep trying to hold his nose -- any suggestions on how to stop it? Well, taking him to bed will cure it and I think that's my next stop. Toodles!
3.12.2006
Wild and Craziness
So this weekend has been a blast! Friday was Stacy's last day with the company, which is a sad sad thing, but we had a hell of a party at Bar Louie to mark the occasion. Ridiculous amounts of liquor were imbibed by everyone -- I think the bar could have catered to our group exclusively and had a great night. I was trashed on a lovely wine, and the pictures were exceptional.
This is me, Stacy, and Other April at the bar.
A wonderful time was had by all, and I found out that I know the bar manager! He's a friend of mine from high school, and I dated his best friend in high school. We caught up; it was fantastic to see him. You know how sometimes you run into people from school and you don't really know what to say to them? This didn't really turn out that way, and we weren't really that close in high school. You know, I did date his best friend in high school ... But it was really pretty neat.
The next morning Other April came to pick me up and take me back to my car (Christen drove me home; I was too intoxicated to do so) and it was a unanimous decision that we skip yoga this week. So the Brother and I went to the Antiquarian Book Fair in St. Pete. So Fun! So many books! The only problem with it was that, as they were all antique book dealers (115 venders) everything was highly overpriced. There were a few books I wanted but I didn't get, and Ian drooled over the copy of Fahrenheit 451 illustrated by Ralph Steadman. Alas, I did not have a grand to part with to get it for him, and if I couldn't pay the $800 for the Tender is the Night first edition, well then. He's just going to have to deal. The most expensive book we saw was $6500 for a first edition of The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury.
There were purchases made, though. I came away with a autographed copy of Pat Conroy's Beach Music, and a copy of Drink: A Social History of America, which, in light of Friday night's bash I thought was appropriate. I also appropriated a well-spent $3 on Letters from a Nut by Ted Nancy for a bit of fun. The Brother picked up a copy of an autographed Orsen Scott Card novel.
Saturday night we went to the State Theatre to see The Spill Canvas, The Plain White T's, OkGo, and Motion City Soundtrack. I do have to say that I think I'm getting too old for such crowds. The average age was around 16. The show was pretty good; I went for OkGo and the Brother for they and MCS. I liked Spill Canvas best when it was just the lead singer; the drummer was out for a wedding and he sang a few songs acoustically by himself and I thought it was great; then he was joined by his band and it drowned him out.
Today has been a lazy day. I brushed the dog and watched Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I have the book, and I thought they did well with the interpretation. It was pretty good. One of these days I'm going to have to get up and get dressed, but I may laze for a little longer. This weekend has gone by so quickly! Toodles!
This is me, Stacy, and Other April at the bar.
A wonderful time was had by all, and I found out that I know the bar manager! He's a friend of mine from high school, and I dated his best friend in high school. We caught up; it was fantastic to see him. You know how sometimes you run into people from school and you don't really know what to say to them? This didn't really turn out that way, and we weren't really that close in high school. You know, I did date his best friend in high school ... But it was really pretty neat.
The next morning Other April came to pick me up and take me back to my car (Christen drove me home; I was too intoxicated to do so) and it was a unanimous decision that we skip yoga this week. So the Brother and I went to the Antiquarian Book Fair in St. Pete. So Fun! So many books! The only problem with it was that, as they were all antique book dealers (115 venders) everything was highly overpriced. There were a few books I wanted but I didn't get, and Ian drooled over the copy of Fahrenheit 451 illustrated by Ralph Steadman. Alas, I did not have a grand to part with to get it for him, and if I couldn't pay the $800 for the Tender is the Night first edition, well then. He's just going to have to deal. The most expensive book we saw was $6500 for a first edition of The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury.
There were purchases made, though. I came away with a autographed copy of Pat Conroy's Beach Music, and a copy of Drink: A Social History of America, which, in light of Friday night's bash I thought was appropriate. I also appropriated a well-spent $3 on Letters from a Nut by Ted Nancy for a bit of fun. The Brother picked up a copy of an autographed Orsen Scott Card novel.
Saturday night we went to the State Theatre to see The Spill Canvas, The Plain White T's, OkGo, and Motion City Soundtrack. I do have to say that I think I'm getting too old for such crowds. The average age was around 16. The show was pretty good; I went for OkGo and the Brother for they and MCS. I liked Spill Canvas best when it was just the lead singer; the drummer was out for a wedding and he sang a few songs acoustically by himself and I thought it was great; then he was joined by his band and it drowned him out.
Today has been a lazy day. I brushed the dog and watched Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I have the book, and I thought they did well with the interpretation. It was pretty good. One of these days I'm going to have to get up and get dressed, but I may laze for a little longer. This weekend has gone by so quickly! Toodles!
