Your gonna miss this.

Confession. I miss school. More specifically, I miss high school. Considering the endless amount of nagging I got, the bullying I received from my peers and educators a like, you would think this would be an odd statement.

OK so maybe its not the whole learning thing, or half my classmates or the homework that I truly miss. Because lets face it, homework on a Friday truly was the end of the world.

But as I watched the kids this morning make their sleepy little way to the bus stops I realized what I did miss was the lack of responsibility, the lack of having to pay bills or worry about this or that.

I missed coming home at 2 in the afternoon and turning to General Hospital while I did my homework. I miss calling that one friend and hoping they had done their homework-or could put it off an hour-to run to Sam Goody's and do absolutely nothing but drink sweet tea and bitch about how hard our lives were.

Because at 17, our lives were that hard.

I miss the whole new clothing smell, the excitement that the new school year brings. The new supplies because I m a nerd like that and get a high off new supplies, a fact that still rings true to this day.

I miss thoughts of homecoming and proms that I swore I would never go to because I would be the lone person to hold the wall up while holding out hope that someone would ask me to it. Yes I even miss the crappy high school crushes I had....

Really I miss the whole simplicity of it all.

No, I would not trade the life I have now to become a teenager again, maybe I would do a few things differently but that's for another subject. And I am pretty sure times are different these days, just like they were when my parents were raising us. But at the same time, there is something about this time of year that makes me long to be that care free.

Even if for just a brief moment more.

5 things I learned from my singles weekend.

A couple of weekends ago I got the opportunity to fly solo for the entire weekend. No hubby, no kid. Just me myself and I. I couldn't remember the last time I had been on my own longer than an evening. I am a middle child, so growing up the house was never truly my own. I never moved out of my parents house prior to my engagement to my now husband and after we had our son there was always someone with me, or not to far off.

But I always wondered what it was like to live on my own, to be truly single for longer than a few hours. Had I missed out on something?  Well by the Sunday that followed my solitude I had come up with a pretty good idea of what it was like, and these are the five takeaways on my end of things.

1. Talking to one self is perfectly normal.

I talk to myself all the time, some of my best conversations have been against myself. I always felt like this made me odd because, well no one else I know really does. But in all honesty I can see now that it is perfectly OK to hold conversations with yourself, especially when your on your own because in all honesty who else is going to answer you?

2. Party of one just doesn't have the same ring, and causes a lot of stares from onlookers.

 Eating at home is great but by the time Saturday afternoon came around I needed to see something other than my four walls and so I dragged myself over to our local hole in the wall restaurant. The same one that we eat at every weekend. I slid into the booth and waited. The waitresses and the customers surrounding me kept looking at  me as though something was strangely wrong. I also think its probably the fastest meal I had ever eaten.

3. My electric bill would be through the roof.

I do not like being in the dark by myself. It scares the shit out of me. Which probably could explain the thousand lights on throughout the house..upstairs, downstairs, and everywhere in between. Something tells me half my income would have been going to my electric bill had this been my normal life. Perhaps I should apologize to the husband when we finally receive the monthly bill. Its not going to be pretty that is for sure. 

4. There is only so much fun one can have at an introvert party.

That's right the jello shooters were lined up, the slip in slide ready to go. I had it all planned out. A total introverted party for one. I was going to have a blast, get wasted and party like in was umm 1999?? But then the couch called, and I hate parties anyway...and the cleanup sounded not so appealing. I did however enjoy the evening on the couch much more than anything. Maybe the party wasn't a smashing hit. But as an introvert, I was fine with it.

5. My house would be immaculate.

By Sunday, the house was clean, the laundry done and had been. In fact I didn't have to do much at all during the weekend. I picked everything up, I cleaned up everything after so there really was no need to. Not only that but you would never know a happy energetic little boy lived there what so ever. I got a glimpse of what life was like before my son-which seems so long ago-did we truly live so clean?  And in a way, I found while it was nice to have a clean house in a lot of ways it was almost to clean, and left me with little to actually do.

I came to the conclusion that while I have always wondered if the single life was something I missed out on, the fact remains I missed the noise of my son's laughter. My husbands snore can get old and loud but it has come to be almost a comfort level...and while I do love my solitude and quietness that I so desperately need from time to time, maybe an evening is truly all I need.

She comes from Boston....

A couple years back, after my medical scares I really began to think of things I wanted to do. Call them my bucket list. Granted most of them weren't that great and consisted of things more in the line of be nicer to so and so, enjoy the time I have. But there were the one or two things I decided I wanted to do in my lifetime.

The first thing listed. To see Kenny Chesney play in Boston MA. Why Boston? Well I have this love of the city for starters. The baseball team has become my own, the history and the vibe and just everything about it has become me.

Second, Kenny loves the town, a couple of his songs revolve around it, so naturally.....and third, he usually ends the tour there. So I always assumed it would be an amazing show.

But of course I had to get there, it had to be at a time I could go. And I had to have the means.

And last November, I took the plunge and along with my husband decided this was going to be the year to go. It was going to be now or never-little did I know he would make an announcement of a no tour for a few years shortly after- I bought our tickets, booked the flights and reserved a  hotel for the weekend.

And waited.

Until this past weekend when all that waiting paid off, and my dream of seeing him in Boston came true. And did it live up to everything I thought? Yes. It was an incredible show, he played a full 30-45 longer than any other typical venue I had seen him at. Whether it was because it Boston, or the end of the tour I do not know. But he did. And it wasn't songs I was used to hearing, the same ones I had known for years. But the ones I love about Boston, and about friends and Island life.

Even the opening act was amazing, the end of the tour seemed to bring out the most in all of them.

As for crowd and all I can not say it seemed all that much different. Well let me say, the tailgating in Foxboro was dif more alive than I had seen, but on the inside they seemed more into the music than drinking, a departure from my usual tours I had seen him where its usually reversed. The crowd at Foxboro drank on the outside more. Or so it seemed.

It was loud, but I can't say it was any louder than it has been in the past at FEDEX Field, though I have to say the air did seem a little different.

And as the night flew by I didn't want it to end, I sang She Comes From Boston at the top of my life. I stood alongside Bostonians and the rest of the New England crowds who had no idea this DCtonian was with them and soaked it all in, the songs, the stadium. EVERYTHING. Because I was here, and I had done something I promised myself I would do.

And even if I am not from the city
For a night.
I was.

Bucket list task=complete.

An owed apology.

I feel like I owe an apology.

August  has not been my month to write. Its not that I haven't wanted to write. Its just. The words haven't been there.

Nor has the motivation really.

First there was vacation, twelve fabulous days of either enjoying time away from things or being on the road. I promised myself, my son and my husband that I would not spend all that  much time-or any for that matter-sitting in front of the computer. Sure I had things I thought, wanted to say and put out there. But I don't think vacation is necessarily a time to spend in front of a computer. I do that enough on a daily basis as it is.

Then there was the post vacation blues that always seem to set in. The trying to get back into the routine of work, and normal life that happens when one is not on vacation. While I wanted to write then I just couldn't.

And then like I have been a lot as of late, I just didn't have the umf or the  motivation or anything to do it. The words, thoughts and all were coming I had even had two topics I really wanted to discuss, and still do. But I have been in a funk as of late. I had hoped vacation would have helped but it is apparent that it did not. I couldn't even really write anything. Tweet, blog post my piece I have been working on for the better part of 9 months. Nothing. It is all frustrating really.

Perhaps none of these are valid and are all just excuses. But for whatever reasons there are please forgive me and bear with me. I promise to get in the swing of things and get moving.

The great ECV debate.

I am an American with a disability. And being that I have a minor case of Cerebral Palsy to the right side, I know not every disability is easy to recognize. While some are more apparent on the outside, others are hidden within. Even my own is at times hard to notice as I have accommodated and adapted so it is.

On a normal basis I do not complain about my disability, I do not point it out or make a big deal out of it. In the long run there are far more that have it worse than I do, need the accommodations and the help more than I do. I am usually the first to offer my seat up to someone who can't stand. A mother with a young child. Even if I know I have just as much right as the blind person I gave my seat to. I do not abuse, cheat or neglect the system.

Though I realize many do.

 If you are a frequent visitor to the parks you are fully aware with the endless debate regarding the subject of ECV's. Some see them as a nuisance, others see them as a necessity, while others see them as something that made this persons with disability outraged.These are those that view the ECV's and see them as an opportunity to cheat the system.

For those that aren't familiar with Disney policy regarding those with disabilities and bus services let me introduce you to them. Like any other guests, they are-and rightly so-allowed to use and have the privilege to use Disney bus services to get around the hotels and parks. They wait in line no different, unlike the system we all knew as a kid there are no different or 'short' buses. When one pulls in to the space-usually every 20 minutes-these guests and their parties wait to the side, as the cast member sets up the ramp, fixes the set and then assists them on, after the members of the parties are welcomed to join before the rest of the waiting guests are allowed on.  I have never had an issue with allowing those with disabilities on first, I can even understand one or two accompanied guests, especially if it is a guardian. But I will say sometimes I find when the party consists of 20 members, I tend to believe they like the rest of us who are waiting could actually wait...

On my latest trip down to Disney World,  I stood in line waiting for the bus to bring us back to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. In front of us, was a row and a half of guests doing the same thing. It was late, it was hot and it was definitely past half the kids bedtime. On the side lined up was 2 ECVs, a boy in a decked out wheelchair and a woman in a pretty teal wheelchair. As the bus pulled in ECV lady #1 backed up hers, as ECV lady #2  stood up walked over to the line and had her son sit down in the ECV we all waited as the cast member rearranged and worked out the bus so he could get as many people, and the ECV's on the bus as possible. It was a struggle with ECV lady #1, but he managed to do it. Then it was the sons turn who raced it around before plopping the ECV on the lift and waited as the castmember brought him on board. When it was finally on the bus, he was asked if he could move, to which he said yes and got up. Two down, two to go, the cast member went back down to see to the wheelchaired guests, and with his back to him the ECV guy began to dance around the bus. And the lady who was the original ECV driver, not only walked all over to the walkway, but carried three strollers and climbed the stairs. The family then gave high fives to one another as the cast member talked to the wheelchair bound guests.Clearly not all of them needed that ECV rental.

The cast member was attempting to tell the wheelchair bound guests that they would have to wait for the next bus. The mother would not have anything to do with it, it took a little bit of determination on her end before he said he would see what he could do and finally managed to get her on as well...the teal lady had to wait for the next.

Maybe this issue wouldn't have gotten me so much had it not been for the fact there were two people who clearly did need the assistance. Maybe those two legitimately had reasons for the ECV's rentals, this we will truly  never know. But from where I stood in line, the lack of empathy and the appearance that these people thought that they somehow were above anyone and deserved to take advantage of this right and services was clear.

No not everyone abuses this sort of thing. There are several out there that need them and do not use them in this sort of fashion. But its families like them the kind that use them to take advantage that give those who actually need them, the bad rap that they have.

But until something further is done, this will continue.

Although I do have one final thought to those that decide to use it to gain advantage. Karma has a way of coming back on you.

Back by popular demand?

After nearly a week and a half away on a much needed holiday, I am back. I am sure I will be back to my rambling ways filled with thoughts on vacation, those motorized scooters and everything in between soon enough.....

Roll call.

Three days before I head out on vacation I find myself not at my cube wasting time staring at the clock as it ever so slowly moves toward the bewitching hour of hit the door. But rather heading into the office three hours earlier, making coffee and preparing for a two day meeting.

It has been the longest day. And I still have a day to go.

I have determined that I should have been an event planner.  In a matter of moments I had set up, arranged and taken care of coffee. In the past I have only assisted, and it has taken two or three other girls.

Yep.

I also sort of enjoyed getting things set up, carrying around a binder with everything. And yes, I mean I print out all emails, and signs. Anything. Yep. I feel super important even though I am sure they could rally care less in the long run. That is until the manager that is running the meeting runs two hours late, and they need everything.

And then that stuff that seems so not important, suddenly turns into the life-saving of the meeting.

Yep.

Maybe I am bragging but at the end of the meeting, they were pretty thrilled with my work. Impressed that I got everything done, coffee kept coming and seemed very professional through it all.

I will gladly take it.

Five Question Friday-7/26: Lets Go To the movies.

July has just about come to the end, a week ago the DC area was in the midst of a massive heatwave, and today we woke to barely 50 degree weather.  And this being the last Friday of July means its the last Friday Five before vacation my friends. This weeks theme: Lets go to the movies....


1. Where in the theater do you like to sit when you’re at the movies?

Usually somewhere right in the middle of the theater. As long as we get there in plenty of time we should have no problem in this. However with a four year old now, when we take him to see the movies we let him pick out the seats, which to no surprise is right up front. Talk about a major neck cramp...

2. What characteristics does the ideal movie companion have?

I tend to like a little over everything, well minus bloody vampire and horror flicks. But my husband loves them, so I think you have to be willing to have an open mind, to be willing to say well no this isn't my favorite, but if its something that you want to watch then hey. I also think someone who won't criticize every dumb thing or talk through the entire thing...

3. What memory do you have of things not going quite as usual at the movies?

I used to work at the movie theaters. Back during the Blair Witch project we actually did have a lot of people getting sick on us. It was quite disgusting to have to clean the whole thing up. That and cleaning up messes from couples who um, yeah did the deed while they were there and did not clean up including condoms. Yes it does happen.....

That and I had a guy who used to work with us (and ironically dated my sister) get let go due to drug abuse. A couple of days later he came into the theater with a gun and was getting violent. All I remember was one minute I was tearing tickets the next a guy (who also dated my sister) flew across the concession stand and covered me.....I must say it was rather scary..nothing happened thank the lord as security handled it, still...

4. What are your feelings about commercials and movie previews playing before the film you’re there to see?

Funny I used to enjoy previews but considering the last movie I saw was with that 4 year old and there were 7 previews and a half an hour long I couldn't help but find them annoying. Maybe they need to cut back on them, especially at a kids movie where they tend to loose interest in things amazingly fast...stick to short, two or three. Then get on to the real reason we are there.

5. Who is an actor or director whose involvement in a film is enough to make you want to see it?

The female in me will not lie and say anything with Ryan Gosling, because umm who wouldn't want to stare at him for two hours? Seriously. Other than that, Drew Barrymore because I simply adore her and think she is so likable...

And there you have it. As mentioned I will be out on leave the next few Fridays, which means there may or may not be a Friday Five.

Under Pressure....

It has been three days since the Royal baby was born. Two since he made his appearance and while you would think the focus would be on the health of the little prince, and Catherine it is not. What is being focused on rather is her figure, the post baby bump that was so evident as she walked out of the hospital proudly beaming still with that after baby glow.

Magazine's are already putting out articles to help her get back in to shape, not fully encouraging her to do so right away but not denying that they aren't either.  Journalist and the media seem to be split in whether she looked gorgeous or still pregnant.

And we wonder why us girls have body issues!

I did not see a huge belly, or a horrible looking person by any stretch of the means, my focus was not on her stomach at all. I saw her beautiful smile, and how happy she looked. How William seemed to be adoring and so in love with mother and child. Or the little bit of insecurities about the whole thing, were they holding the baby right, did they have this, was it going to be OK. Things that seemed much more important than the ever small remains of a baby bump, if that's what you want to call it still.

Did I see it? Yes I will not lie and say I didn't. But to me, it was quite refreshing to see that not every 'famous' person steps out of the hospital in their pre-baby clothes. Hollywood may tell us otherwise, but out here in the real world, its not that quick. So yes, if anything I saw her as just another new mom, well minus the whole wardrobe and hair stylist, because that was fabulous, and was definitely not normal.

Of course the media well tell us otherwise on this as well.

But what would I say to the media? If I had a chance anyway would be this: there are far more important things going on than concerning themselves with the Duchess's post baby weight, or shape. The world is a cruel place and raising a child, whether royalty or commoner is hard enough as it is. Growing up royal while exciting as it appears is probably not as easy either. Shame on you for scrutinizing so quickly. If this is where your focus falls, then perhaps its time to re-evaluate your priorities. Because surely you have better things to concern-and write about- yourself with. We  remember all to well what happened with Princess Di, do not let yourselves aide in another heartbreak. I don't think anyone would forgive you at this point. Nor would I blame them.

Move on, report on something that is of importance.

And let the new family be happy.

The Royals.

Its amazing what one baby can do. Bring a home back to life, bring a Nation together. Or bring the entire world into baby fever frenzy. Yes, its quite amazing all together if you stop and think about it. Like most of the world I sat yesterday watching from my computer, hitting the refresh feed every so often on twitter, and on CNN, FOXnews, the Today page because maybe one of them got the first dibs before any of the others did. 

But also because a few months back as my husband and I were discussing when we thought the baby would actually come, I said:  

July 22nd.  

I did not have any actual proof of this day, no inside information myself. Because lets face it, I am in no way connected to any of the royal family, or the Middleton s. But there was something in side that just said, that is the day. And last week while sitting around the living room with my family and the world was speculating that it was going to be Thursday, then Friday I said no, its July 22nd. My mom turned to me, lifting her eyebrow in only a way my mom can and was like umm. yeah OK. My sister didn't seem to sure that I would be right either. Still I stayed with this date, even as the rumors began. 

On Friday, there was a birth. Or two actually. Andy's best friend and his wife welcomed twins into the world Friday night.  Both mom, dad and daughters all doing well. And while the world watched Kate, we quietly celebrated the new births. They may not be royalty but the news of any baby is always welcomed.

Still the world waited, was she overdue? Was she? As we went to bed Sunday night I said, well tomorrow is the 22nd.....truly I did not think anything more of it. I did not even really care. OK I did because it was exciting but I actually didn't think I was going to be right. I also had an extremely odd feeling, so much so I said we are going to wake up to the news that Kate is in labor. Maybe I dreamt this. I do not know. 

And then, wouldn't you know we turned on the TV the morning of the 22nd, and  my thought, was exactly right. Anderson turned and said. 'Holy Shit....'and then he laughed, because well what else could you do. I said there was still time I could be wrong.

What followed was a thousand calls from that same mom who swore I was wrong, suddenly she was laughing and cussing my name out and saying things like I'll be damned. How did you know?? She informed my father, who sat stunned.

The funny thing is, I did not care about the date, truly I didn't. The baby could have been born last week next week, or in a month and I am pretty sure that happiness feeling would have still remained. And I would have still sat in giddy anticipation with the rest of the world waiting for the moment when Kate and Will would become mom and dad to a  healthy baby boy....the next heir to the throne.

But I admit, guessing the day?

Well that didn't hurt either.

Five Question Friday-7/19: Bureaucracy.

 Its the middle of July, and hot in the DC area. Work has finally gotten the A/C problems fixed which is a good thing considering we went without it for two days. And because its Friday, it means its time for another round of Five Question Friday.This weeks theme: bureaucracy.

 1. The last time your answer was “No,” what was the question?

Actually about five minutes ago. I was asked if I could help out with receptionist duty this afternoon. And while I usually am more than willing to help out, today I needed to head out of the office to pick up those concert tickets I had won a couple weeks ago on the radio. The office is up in MD and closes at 5, I hated to say no. Even more so because I really sounded like I didn't want to do it....

2. What’s a rule in your life that just doesn’t make any sense?

During the week, I always wait until it is exactly noon to eat lunch. I do not know why because the simple more logical method would be to eat when I am actually hungry. But for some reason in my mind on the work week its noon that I must wait til.  Yes I don't really know either so lets just go with it.


3. What were the professional or personal circumstances surrounding your last passing of the buck?

I walked away from a job that I landed back in my early 20s because I got another job two days after I started, yes I was young and did not know what I was doing looking back I am actually sad I passed on the opportunity. Even if the new oppurtunity offered more pay, I think I would have enjoyed the other so much more.

4. What’s an annoying bit of paperwork you have to do with some regularity?

Filling out school paperwork every semester. Whether its for my son or myself. It gets old after awhile. But worth it in the end.
 
5.In some places, employees are entitled to regular smoking breaks. Whether you smoke or not, what would be another thing you’d love to take a fifteen-minute break for, every few hours?

I am all for them allowing a 15 minute break to take a nap every so often. I actually believe it would help everyone out in a lot of ways.  And for the record, I am not a smoker but I do take the non smoke smoke breaks every now and then figuring I can at least get up and walk outside for a few minutes.

And there you have it, my Five Question Friday. I hope you are all staying cool in this heatwave and may you all have a fabulous weekend!

It's getting Hot in here.

Summer seems to have officially decided to make its lazy way to the DC area. And while for most they find this horrible I am trying to relish and bask in the moment.

 However fleeting it may be.

Yes I am well aware of the fact so many think this is odd. Their strange bug eyed glances in the elevator do not go missed by me.

And to defend my reasoning's, I have come up with a list of reasons why I relish in this sort of weather.

1. I feel ten pounds lighter, no coat, no scarf, no heavy boots. Instant slim down.
2. Dresses and skirts 
3. Slurpee's and Sundays.
4. Long days=my mood instantly brightens.
5. Flip Flops
6. Summer concerts
7. Because guys like Luke Bryan, Ryan Gosling go shirtless.
8. Cute toe nail polish.
9. Picnics
10. Because you can't exactly run through a frozen sprinkler now can you?
11. I am way more productive, despite my recent drought.
12. They don't exactly call it winter cleaning.
13. vacations
14. my son's freckles.
15. Because it isn't quite the same getting a groove on to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

Come December I will have to pull out this list, and relish in the fact that six months from then, these will be things to look forward to. But until then, I am more than happy enjoying this heat while I can.

Walk On

With little man down in North Carolina this past couple weeks, we decided it was the perfect time to get off the couch and get moving.

On Anderson's part he decided maybe now that he has hit the ripe old age of 35 it was time to start taking care of his health. He has seen his weight rise during the past several years, and while he was running last fall and had shed some of it the cold winter mornings killed the mood and he found himself back on the couch.

On my end, I am far from being overweight, a couple would probably say I am even under if anything. But I know he needs a support system and I figured walking doesn't hurt anyone so I offered to walk with him. And since Logan hasn't been around we could at least start, breaking in our sneakers we had both bought for an upcoming trip. Sure we would get Logan involved when he was back but at least starting would allow us to figure out some paths, and trails and things.

So far it has worked out fairly well, I am lucky in the sense that our neighborhood has provided a couple of walking trails around the mile plus loop, and within walking distance is some sub shops, and a small strip mall, which will be perfect to walk to should we want to walk to lunch or dinner, but still offers enough distance from home that it is actually a walk and not just around the corner hop.

And this past week I successfully talked him into doing a more heavier hike around Manassas Battlefields, which once again offers several longer trails. He was hesitant to begin with, believing that it would be to boring and plain to walk around, but I must say at the end of the nearly five mile hike he was neither. Despite my attempts otherwise he had to actually see for himself that the battlefields offered more than just a couple of cannons and a statue of Stonewall. Believe me, they do. And we didn't touch nearly half of the place. We both decided it will be perfect for Logan to roam the lands freely and walk around and get a little education at the same time.

I am still on the hunt for more excursions, parks and other paths to get the family motivated and yet providing plenty of atmosphere to keep Anderson entertained. And while we may not be seeing improvements yet, I am reminded that we are just beginning.

Walk on.

A day spent at Tucker Lake.

Tucker Beach in Benson NC

 Growing up our summers consisted of SAC programs, the occasional field trip my mom was assigned to drive and long lazy days spent fighting amongst each other.

And every so often my parents were able to rent a house for a week long stay at the beach. More specifically, the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Which my parents preferred over the loud crowded beaches closer to home where the boardwalks and games lined the outskirts of the beach.

Wait a minute you mean there was a time when I did do something other than head down to Disney every year?

Yes.

Yours truly soaking in the rays.

In fact it wasn't until my honeymoon that I would be spending every summer at the happiest place on Earth. And while I love it, there are times when I look back at those summers spent at the beach and miss them. You see my husband isn't much of a beach fan, which means we don't go. This also means that I relish in every opportunity I can to get anywhere near a place that looks remotely close to a beach. 

Enter Tucker Lake. While visiting that home in NC, my parents, older sis, nephew and my own decided it was time to hit up this quietly talked about spot.

 Nestled in Benson NC, it offers the perfect mix of beach, lake and entertainment.  And on a perfect summer day, it is exactly the cure that I was looking for.

When we first heard of the $15 per person fee, we were a little hesitant to say the least. After all, it is a lake, and why should we have to pay to sit around it. But the fee seemed well worth it when we found out it included the water slides, the zip line, the bouncing rafts and the use of devices.

Little man and his frog.

I will say I enjoyed the fact that the lake was only knee to waist deep. Meaning it was the perfect height for Logan without having to worry about it going over either one of our heads and he could learn to get used to the waters without mommy having to worry about riptides and sharks. Because as a mommy, yes that is something I would worry about.

I would say he loved every minute of it. Spending most of the time up and down the slide and attempting to build a sand castle. There wasn't enough sand for it, but we will pretend it was the best sand castle one has ever seen.

And while Logan enjoyed the water and the sand, my nephew spent the better part of the day enjoying the larger slides meant for the older kids.

There is a concession stand, which actually offers a decent selection of food for a fair price, we however decided to pack a picnic and enjoyed sandwiches under the umbrellas and tables. We did splurge on a couple of snow cones, which were not only quite delicious but for $2, the serving was very plentiful.

At the end of the day I must admit I wonder how we went for years having not one clue that this treasure was just down the road from my parents. Had I known about this sooner, well I may just be spending most of my weekend summers down here at the lake.

It just needs to be about five hours a little closer.

Five Question Friday: 7/12/2013: Which one are you?

Well happy Friday to you all. Its been a long somewhat productive week around the house, funny just how much you can get done when you don't have a shadow. Yes I miss him, but its kind of nice to get rid of the stuff and do things we have been meaning to do for awhile now.

But it is Friday, and that being said its time for the weekly Five Question Friday, this weeks theme: Which are you....


1.The Seven Dwarfs are Sleepy, Sneezy, Bashful, Grumpy, Dopey, Happy, and Doc. Which would be the easiest role for you to play today?


I haven't been sleeping very well lately. The storms that have hit the area have been nasty at night...and I have had some interesting dreams. So I would have to go with Sleepy for the win on this one.

2. Santa’s eight tiny reindeer are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. Which would be the most apt nickname for you today?


Comet, I have been pulling double duty at the office today, I doubt I have sat at one desk for more than an hour at a time, so I am like a comet that way where I am here one minute and gone the next...,maybe.

3. The kids on Eight is Enough were David, Mary, Joanie, Susan, Nancy, Elizabeth, Tommy, and Nicholas. Which of these names have you known the highest number of? Which of these the least?

The most: David probably, as in the 80s I think most everyone was named David, including a really cute kid...
The least: Joanie, I don't think I have run into one yet.

4. The creatures in the Chinese zodiac are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, goat, horse, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Forget which one you are according to the calendar; which one do you imagine yourself most like?

No clue, maybe a horse or an ox because I am reliable and ready to work.... no other real reason though.


5. Each of the Five Chinese Brothers had a special talent: One could swallow the entire sea; one had an iron neck; one could hold his breath forever, one could stretch his legs as far as he needed; one could withstand fire. Which of these peculiarities would have been most useful to you this past week?

The ability to hold my breath. I needed a good reminder that I can still breath, and then I needed to be reminded to do just that, deep breath and relax....

And there you have it. I am working on an idea or two, specifically on the lake I went to over the holiday, should have it up this weekend hopefully.

Until then, have a fabulous weekend.

Keep on...

Every year there seems to be a month where I tend to slack off in my blogging. This years seems to be the month of July. I find this amusing as years ago, on a little site I used to freak if I went a day without posting something about my life. Looking back, most of them were not significant or had much meaning. But I would. Every day. I assumed I would be in panic mode by now if this was back in the day on that little site.

 I have ideas, things to talk about. Pictures from this past weekend that need to get downloaded and then sorted to write about. But then something comes up. My son is away for the week, and those toys that we have so desperately been trying to take care of need to get actually taken care of. Things between the hubby and I need to get sorted out. The house needs to get in order and a night on the couch doing absolutely nothing but catching up on a TV show sounds fabulous. And so there sits my blog, my thoughts and that camera which is still waiting to be plugged in and put up.

And that post that I had been thinking? Well it gets put off for another day. 

But don't you worry-and yes I know worry you were doing in my brief absence because unlike my self you absolutely have no life right?? I will be working on them. I will be posting again. I promise. Just give me a bit of time...

Until then, enjoy life.

Five Question Friday: 7/5/2013: High School Musical

Fridays in the office during the summer are rather quiet. Fridays around the office after a holiday the day before pretty much means its dead.  Awesome for a nice quiet day when there isn't much to do. And since it is Friday, here is this weeks Friday Five: This weeks theme: High School Musical.

1.What song, album, or artist, disliked by you in high school, now sounds pretty good?

Hard one for me considering I am such a music fan that disliking things takes a lot for me. But I would probably have to say I used to dislike that 1979 song from Smashing Pumpkins. Its not that I  hated it, I just felt ehh about it. I didn't see what the big deal was. It was the same sort of feeling that I felt about Nivana, though I still don't see what the big deal is with that group. Anyways back to the whole 1979 song,  now however, well now I find myself actually flipping through my iPod to listen to it, and jamming to it...


2. What specific high-school memory do you have of discovering some song, album, or artist you considered old?

Growing up my parents had two different tastes, come to think of it they still do. My mom liked the classic rock, dad liked hard rock.. anyways in high school I started discovering the whole classic rock that my mom liked, specifically Journey. I don't have one specific memory really just sitting in my room discovering some of the classic songs that made them the band they were. Songs like Faithfully, and Open Arms and Don't Stop Believe'n. I had to go to Tower Records back when you had to actually go to a record store to get the greatest hits then running back to my room where I listened to the CD constantly thinking I had discovered what half the people had yet to. It was pretty awesome.

3. What song or album best serves as the soundtrack for your senior year of high school? (bonus challenge: answer this question with a different song or album for each year of high school!)

Freshman year: Ace of Base The Sign. This was the jam back in the day. Oh how I used to sit around the cafeteria thinking this was the best thing that happened to music since slice bread. It was a huge album back then. They were the biggest thing from Sweeden since ABBA. Yep. I remember getting up in the morning, and heading over to a friends house and watching the video to the Sign. We danced around the living room until we had to leave for school. It was epic.
Sophomore year: Alanis's Jagged Little Pill. The entire album became my anthem for the year and still serve's as a reminder to this day of the good old year. It was angry chic music. My first record where cursing was allowed. I seemed to grow up a lot that year, the entire album proved it. No longer was I listening to kiddie music. And my parents were finally ok with it.
Junior Year: Romeo &Juliet's Soundtrack which seemed to mix a little of all things, pop, rock and became more known than the actually movie. Seriously who didn't love rolling down the windows and just bopping to it. It was jammed with romance and heartbreak. A friend finally got her license and she would pick me up and we would cruise on down the road blasting the Cardigans 'Lovefool' and I was pretty sure the Prom's theme song had to be Kissing you. Of course it wasn't. And since I didn't exactly have anyone to kiss, this was fine by me.
Senior Year: Green Days Time of your life I know so many people that will go on and say that the college years were the time of your life. But for me, it was high school. Yes I was picked on. Yes I was made fun of and was a complete nerd. But looking back, life was easy back then. And I still have some of the same friends to this day. I still had some of the best memories from high school. Running through rain puddles with my best friend because my dad told us to. And hanging out of the car to Barbie Girl the day after graduation. And the summer I spent at a friends house because every night was a sleepover night. And the softball team, and everything else the first crush, the first slow dance to Boyz II Men and even if they guy felt bad for you, it didn't matter. You still danced. It is those kindg of things that make one look back and think, you know that truly was the time of my life.

4. What’s a song, album, or artist from your high-school years you loved then (and might still love) but have great difficulty listening to now, and what’s the reason?

My heart will go on. By Celine Dion. I am pretty sure I loved it back then, the movie was incredible the song was amazing. How could I not listen to it without thinking of Jack and Rose. But at the same time, after about the  millionth time of listening and it being played on every station it got so old. And now I can't even listen to it anymore without cringing to it. Sad yes. But I am pretty sure I am not the only one who feels this way.


5. What song, album, or artist from your high-school years, seemingly forgotten nowadays, do you still listen to with fondness?

Already mentioned it but its a toss up between that Romeo & Juliet Soundtrack and Alanis. Yes both I still crank up in the middle of the summer and think they are two of the greatest things ever. Alanis is less forgotten than the R&J is. I am pretty sure both will forever have a place in my heart and will always be held up in the sort of high esteem.  And in case you have forgotten here is a taste of both...

Romeo and Juliet: Kissing you By Des'ree

Alanis Morrisette: You Outta Know:

Happy 4th of July.

May it be safe and beautiful!

The boys of summer-what I'm listening to.

The music nerd in me loves this time of year. Seriously. Nothing beats the days when you can roll down that window, blast the tunes and just drive. And lets be honest here nothing beats the summer when it comes to tunes...I mean I don't see a whole lot of people creating a winter playlist, unless it just happens to be of the holiday kind.

And now that we are at the unofficial halfway point of the season-which is lets be real, hard to fathom-I figured I would put out what I am currently listening to. You know just in case you wanted to know, were looking for some tunes yourself or were just curious on what Aleisha is listening to this week:

Blurred Lines By Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell:

Love it or leave it, think its offensive or not. No denying it is quite the catchy tune. Not even my anti anything popular sounding husband can't seem to deny this fact. And even if its wrong, you gotta admit it has only brought on more publicity, peeking everyone's attention that much more. Bravo.

Get Lucky by Pharell and Daft Punk:

Maybe this  should be Pharrell's summer. Two huge hits on our hands if you count the RT song above.  There is just something about the song that makes me want to dance. And yes, I will dance or find a way to in my car to this jam.

Boys Round  Here by Blake Shelton

 Keeping it a little country, there is something about this sexy man that makes me want a fling with a cowboy. Just once. It borders the line of country and pop, and is undeniably fun to jam to...even if I can't do the duggie. Whatever that is.

Cruise by Florida Georgia Line

Maybe I haven't mentioned how mainstream country has become. If you need further proof look no further, as this duo seems to making headway in to our homes and hearts...even the name sounds pretty summerish if you ask me. Smooth one boys, smooth one.

 

Pirate Flag by Kenny Chesney

And lets face it, it wouldn't quite be summer, well in my playbooks anyway without a little Kenny. A little sand, a little summer on an island and you have one fine day right there. Maybe its not the classic country rock anthems we are so used to hearing from the man but a little island soul can go along way during the long hot lazy days of summer.

And there you have it, my halfway to through the season summer playlist...no matter whats on yours, may you enjoy a little sun and fun while doing so...

Now the only question is: Whats on yours?

Hello July.

Halfway though the year. 

Can you belief it? I can't. 

I sit here writing this thinking how the hell did we come to this point of the year already? Christmas will be here before we know. Shit.

As I flipped the calendar this month I assumed it was going to be a somewhat uneventful month ahead. You know the kind that is in between. I figure it will be spent getting ready for our summer vacation next month. And long lazy days. But this morning my mother called to ask if she  could take my son down to North Carolina for a week or so. 

Yes, I say. He will love that.

And he will.

We make plans to go down just for a short weekend this upcoming one and will leave him down there.  Little man will go ahead of us sometime Wednesday morning.

Its kind of a strange thought.

I know he has left us before, to visit my sister in the same state that he will be going to in 48 hours. But the feeling is always the same. The odd sense that I am going to lose something so precious to me. Even if I am used to it, my mommy instincts kick in and I think now what am I going to do. I cant remember the last time I slept in without him by my side. Or have a clean house without it immediately being trashed again.

Its a little foreign still.

By the time the little man returns, we will be just around two weeks to go before vacation I believe. A dentist appointment falls in between somewhere, as does packing and hoping to get together with a friend...

July not busy?

Not likely.