Taking A Break

I've decided to take a break today from working out.  I was going to take Sam on her 2 miler but as I started out, it started to thunder a bit.  Looking at the clouds moving through, I thought we were about to get hit with a small storm...so we turned around at the end of our street.  Sami didn't seem to mind but it didn't end up storming or even raining.  I sort of feel bad for not working out but I've done at least a 2 mile walk every day since PIB.  It's okay to take a break.  Plus, I a little slow today from my night last night.

Last night Jim and I went to Terri's for her "Open House".  For some reason, whenever I hang with Terri I end up doing all the things you shouldn't do with alcohol.  I meant only to drink beer but alas, I was mixing my alcohols after only about an hour there.  Beer, wines of all kinds - white, rose, prosecco, red...ugh!  I know better but never seem to DO better when I hang with Terri.  When I poured my red glass and sipped it, I turned to Jim and said, I'm done...lets go home.  I knew at that point that I was just about to turn the wrong corner of sobriety.  We headed out and were home by 11.  I don't feel bad so to speak just a little slow.  I'm glad it's a dreary day because I don't feel guilty for being a bum.

Getting strapped in!

And to cap off this Sunday morning, how about some pics of a sweet girl in her new bike helmet enjoying a ride with her poppa!  Maggie got a new bike this week and she and Charlie have been enjoying some rides which Eva has proven to love as well.  Can't wait to see her tomorrow when I head up to C-bus for a couple days.

Eva: Does this hat make me look stupid?
Me: No, baby girl, you look sweet as always!

K - I'm out...gonna do some work on schedules today, hopefully finish that up.  Later!

LETS GO!!!

WHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Dead Poets Society

So Jim and I went to see Cullen perform at the Essex theater last night.  He was playing Neil Perry, the student in Dead Poets Society that kills himself at the end.  Man oh man!  I have to say, I think this was Cullen's best performance yet (but that's a hard decision to make because I really like him as Arab in West Side Story...hard to compare the two roles really...you know, singing and dancing vs. drama).  Anyway - I have to say, he made me cry.  He did such a good job and I know I'm a bit biased and all but the whole cast got a standing ovation.  It was just so good.  I can't wait to see how well he does at Minnesota.

And that's about all I have right now.  I've taken my walk and am about to head out to the grocery.  I'll come home from there and work on schedules for a bit and then maybe enjoy the sunshine outside.  It's going to be a scorcher, however, so I don't know how long I'll last.

Ooh, listen to this:  So Jim's job sucks.  He works for a local rental company located in the area he grew up in.  The two guys that own it (brothers) are sort of childhood acquaintances.  The one brother he reports to most is a total and complete ASSHOLE!!!  I mean, this is a guy that A) shouldn't be working with others because he doesn't know how to deal/talk to them and B) shouldn't be in charge of a group of workers because he is so pissy and is constantly bitching about their work, belittling them, slamming doors etc.  Recently, I've been convinced that they are trying to drive Jim to quit (I guess they don't want to just fire him).  I don't know why.  Well, that's not true, I do know why.  It's because Jim is a bit of a perfectionist and when he does a job, he wants it done right (um, a good quality).  These dickheads, however, just want the job done in the shortest time possible without regard to the customer.  So Jim's been looking and looking and applying and applying to jobs everywhere.  To no avail.  Well, today, Jim goes in to work, clocks in, gets his jobs for the day and starts to head out.  The asshole follows Jim out to the parking lot and tells Jim...wait for it...how pleased he is with Jim's work this week.  How great he's been doing, what a kick-ass job he's been doing.  He said he realized that Jim's forte is painting (uh, DUH douchebag...you knew that hiring him) and from now on, he's going to keep Jim on painting (Jim's told him this is what he should be doing).  When Jim told me this, I said, "Okay, now, go ask for a raise!"  I kid - sort of...these cheap bastards wouldn't think of rewarding someone like that...it's hard enough getting a kind word from them.

Okay and that's it.  Oh, one last thing.  Can I just tell you how much I hate locusts during this time of year!?  They are so loud and obnoxious.  I wish they'd all DIE!  OH!  When I lay out, it's so hard to concentrate because they drone on and on and on!  When will they stop, I can never remember.  I'm not going to have to wait til September, am I?  Stupid f%&king locusts!

K - now I'm out.  Later!  Oh, wait, one last thing - I just finished a GREAT book which I will review on my blog but if you're looking for something terrific to read, it's called "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton...so good! K - now I'm done.

Let The Drama Begin

So I got an email from Lisa yesterday informing me of the latest scoop in regard to school.  Biggest on the list was that our superintendent has applied for a position in a northern district which would open her position up for, guess who?!  Yup, HH.  Now the question here is A) who would be put in as interim superintendent as our current assistant isn't likely to be approved by the board (since they all hate her); B) could HH be put in as interim and then eventually get the job since that is is main goal (and would the board even approve him?  There's a 50/50 chance) C) if HH was put into that position, who would be put in as interim principal or even principal since our 2 bozos suck and it's doubtful the board would approve them. It's quite the conundrum and should prove to be an interesting year.  Not to mention (as I've mentioned before) I'm up for re-eval and because of our stupid governor, there's a major shakeup in how that's done and who knows if I'll be screwed or even have a job next year.  Regardless of anything and everything, I will be going into the year with my lips in the puckered position...prepared to do some major ass-kissing (to a point).

On to bigger and better subjects:  My plans for the day.  Well, I've walked and run and eaten breakfast.  I'll get in the shower hbere in a minute and head to Old Navy. I need some "fancy" tanks to go with a skirt I bought yesterday.  I will then head to Kroger, maybe the library, and then home to chill until around 4:30.  At that point I'll head down to meet Jim for dinner at Bonefish...yum!  After that, we'll head to the "theatre" where Cullen is performing in "Dead Poet's Society".  Can't wait.  Only bummer - no A/C...Maybe I'll look for a battery operated fan at Target.  Would that be a distraction for the performers?  Hmm...

Well, that's all I've got.  Better get a move on.  Later!

WAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I sit here typing, tears are falling down my cheeks.  It's just so sad to me when I get my "back to school" letter from HH!  Maybe it wouldn't be such a bummer coming from someone else.  Someone I liked.  Someone I respected.  But alas, I need to be happy with the cards I've been dealt and just be glad that A) I have a job and B) It can't be too long now that HH will move on to bigger and better things.  I fear, however, that the bigger and better thing he's wanting to move on to is superintendent of our school.  Ugh!  Wouldn't that just SUCK!  In an interesting turn of events, HH actually hired a FEMALE this year (science)! I don't know that this has ever happened!  She must already be up his ass.  GOD - I need to have a better attitude! I need to turn this frown upside down!  I need to go in there smiling and cheery...ready kiss some ass on my own!  (Especially since I'm up for evaluation this year and who knows how that's going to go!)

So on a different note - my plans for today are to head to Kohl's and see if they have anything worth buying (they're having a big sale). Kohl's, however, hasn't been my cup of tea lately.  I don't know why.  They just haven't had any exciting fashions.  I really just want to find some comfy, easy, breezy clothes for school.  Nothing major.  I also need another sports bra or two.  We'll see what they have.  I may just come home with nothing.  Who knows.

After I return from my shopping excursion, I will probably try and catch up on my vitamin D.  Gotta keep the tan going for as long as possible...while school's still out.  WAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!  I don't want to go back to school!  It's so stupid!  I hate school!

Okay - well, I'm done bitching for now.  Guess I'll shower.  Later!

Bon Voyage...

...Mom and Richard.  Have a safe and relaxing month in Colorado.  I hope all goes well in your travels and that you're able to decompress and enjoy.

As for me, I'm going to take it easy...again...here at home.  I've walked my sweet girl...she got to see a bunny, two cats and her dog friend that I call "Paco" (I name all the neighbor dogs if I don't know their real names and this guy looks a bit like he may come from a Spanish speaking country down south). I'll pop on the treadmill here in a bit and after that I'm not sure.  I'll probably work on Maggie's quilt but I sort of tweaked my shoulder yesterday cutting squares.  My right pinkie and ring fingers kept going numb yesterday.  Weird.  I think today I'll start some sewing...give my shoulder a break.  Other than that, there are no plans here.  It's supposed to be sort of rainy so a good day to chill inside and putz around.

Went to Kroger yesterday (not my normal one) and had the opportunity to try their new scan bag and go thingy.  You scan your items as you shop and then bag them right in the cart.  When you go to check out you just scan a bar code on the checkout and bing bang boom, pay and leave.  I think doing it this first time was a bit slow but it's nice that you can bag it right in your cart and your done.  I hope they get this at my Kroger.

K - well best start my run before I lose gumption.  Later.

Nearing The End

Of summer that is.  Sad.  On Saturday, I got my "back to school" update and date reminder in the mail, which completely bummed me out!  UGH!  I so don't want to head back to school...but I haven't yet won the lottery so c'est la vie.

BTW - sorry I haven't posted but I only got back on Saturday and when I went to post yesterday - Jim wanted use of the computer and being the sweet wife I am, I let him.  After that I just wasn't feeling it. If I don't post in the morning, I don't usually post.

So today - I'll do a major grocery shop, head to Joann for some more fabric (Maggie is such a pain in the ass) and then I need to get to the library.  A couple of the DVDs I put on hold have come in (True Blood season 4 and a Downton Abbey DVD).  I'll then come home, do a bit of cleaning and hunker down to watch my DVDs and work on the quilt.  At some point I need to start working on stuff for school (schedules etc.) but I feel better doing that type of stuff when it's raining out.

Oh, and can I get a woot woot for the Reds!?!?!  10 in a row bitches!  And Marty Brennaman will soon be bald...can't wait to see that!  He made a comment at the beginning of the season that if the Reds won 10 in a row, he'd shave his head.  Love it!

Okay and here are a few pics from our 3 days in PIB.

 The Niagara that floated into the Bay on Wednesday...pretty cool.  The day looks so gray and misty here but really it was hot and humid as hell...not really cloudy.

Eva showing off her tongue...this may have been while we were watching "Step Up" which she loved and danced along with the actors...I have a video of it but my computer sucks and won't load it...I'll post it next time I go to Maggie's.

J.J. had a fight with an ice cream cone...and the ice cream cone won, I think.  He kept sitting next to Maggie while eating and dripping and of course he eventually schmootzed her...hee hee!

Another beautiful sunset!

Oh, and I don't know if you can see it but there is a kayak in this photo...these two people were heading into the Bay at nearly dark in HUGE swells!  I was flabberghasted at their stupidity.  They also had a detachable sail on the front of their "boat" which I guess was helping them but I would have been freakin' out had I been them!

K - well, that's all I've got.  Better shower and start my day.  Later!

Giddyup!

I need to get a move on here because I have SO much shit to do today.  I've walked a baby girl and will get on the treadmill here in a minute.  After that I need to clean the house, shower, go the grocery, then the library.  Come home, eat lunch, start to pack...love on my babies.  Make Zeke's food concoction...um...I can't think of anything else. I just can't wait to get to the Bay.

Ooh, Lisa...I saw German teacher today and she asked me if I'd heard anything about school recently.  I said no.  She said that some of the students (she went to Spain with some of the kids this summer) were saying that your former co-teacher (A.L.) got fired.  I don't believe that but what a weird thing to "hear".  Maybe it's because there's a science position available.  I told Frau that I hadn't heard anything, that you'd probably have heard considering you are close with her and that there hasn't been any job postings.  Just thought I'd share.

Okay well, I need to crack-a-lack here.  Probably won't post tomorrow and I won't post while I'm gone so see you all Sunday (I'll be back Saturday, however).  K - Later!

This & That Around the House

Nothing much going on around here today.  I've walked Sami and am about to go out to mow the back yard.  If I have the gumption, I'll do the front too but I don't foresee that happening.  I'll probably save that for tomorrow.  We'll see.  I also need to work on re-ripping some of my CDs because originally there were ripped and protected and my mp3 thingy won't play them.  Pain in my ass.  I'll probably also work on my quilts.  I also need to get my lists together for things I can't forget to take to the Bay...we'll be walking over rather than taking the car I believe so it will be a fairly short list.  Jim and I will share a suitcase and then I borrowed a cooler on wheels from Dad.

Yesterday Jim and I spent the day at Raeburn...lounging in the pool.  It was a beautiful day - not a cloud in the sky and the Reds won!  What more can a girl ask for?!

And that's all I have for now.  Sorry I'm not more exciting.  Best head out before it gets too muggy.  Later!

Yesterday: Productive; Today: Lazy

So yesterday Jim and I went to Terri's new house (shown left) and helped her paint (with Amy and Marc) her dining room and living room.  We got there just before 10AM and didn't finish until about 5:30.  Seems like a long time with 5 of us (really 4 1/2 since Marc didn't arrive until about noon) but we put on two coats and we cranked it out.  The place looks so good.  Her house is soooooo cute and if I were single and buying, this would be just perfect.  Hell, it really isn't even just a place for a single gal...there really is a lot of room given that it's a 2 bedroom and the decor is so nice..I'm a little jealous.  The woman she bought it from really kept it up nicely.  I can't wait for her Christmas party this year!

After we all finished painting we sat on the deck, listening to 80s heavy metal (funny how much of that music I know...my high school friend Adrienne's fault I think) and drinking Southern Comfort mixed drinks.  Normally I wouldn't drink such a thing (I'm now a brown liquor drinker) but Amy's new account (she works for P&G and this is an offshoot brand they've picked up) is Southern Comfort so she was doing a bit of "research".  I was happy to partake and let me tell you, after one tall tumbler of the lemonade, I had a nice little buzz going.  Jim had the Hurricane punch and Amy actually gave us the last of that bottle to take home.  Definintly a new favorite!

Today I am taking it easy and heading to the pool on this fine and beautiful Sunday.  It's supposed to be a scorcher and I'd rather not roast here at home.  I still need to run and then I'd like to mow the back yard but I don't know that I'll have the time for that today...it may wait until tomorrow.

And that's all I've got for now.  Looking forward to Wednesday and a loooooong weekend at PIB!  K - Later!

Weekend Plans

I'm half way through my morning routine...walking is done but I still need to run...not sure I'll be able to make my 2 miles today (I'm such a loser).  However, since we'll be heading to the ball game tonight, I'll make up for it in walking to and from the stadium and then around the ballpark.  Can't wait.  I just hope we win and that it isn't a nail biter like yesterday was. I didn't get to watch the game (I don't think it was on TV) but I heard about it and it's probably a good thing I couldn't see it since I would have been screaming at the TV and scaring Zeke. Thank Got they rallied and I loves me some Brandon Phillips and Todd Fraser. I will say - the fans booing?  Ridiculous!  Cincinnati fans can be such assholes!  Give your boys a chance!  They're in first place...it ain't over 'til it's over!

So those are my plans for tonight. Tomorrow Jim and I will be getting up and out early to help Terri paint her living room/dining room at her new house.  She called earlier this week and is asking several friends to assist.  I look forward to seeing her new place and we should be home rather early.

Sunday, Terri asked us to go to a weird German festival but I think we're going to bow out.  A) because we need to save money and B) I would rather spend my time at the pool (if Dad and Becky don't mind) drinking bottled/canned beer rather than draft (headache).  I'm sure there will be several others going to the festival with Terri so that shouldn't be a biggie.

Yesterday I got my haircut.  I got 4 inches taken off and it is SHORT!  Just below my shoulders.  I needed it.  I got it thinned out too.  It should be cooler and much easier to manage.

And that's all I've got.  Best get on the treadmill before I lose my gumption.  Later!

Hump Day (not the good kind)

Wednesday, right?  It's Wednesday?  I can't keep track of my days.  UGH...the "down side" of being off on summers...woe is me!

So my plans for the day:  I just walked the dogs.  I had to walk the boys because it was threatening to storm when Jim was going to do it. Of course it didn't storm, which pisses me off.  Not because I had to walk the boys but because we SO need the rain.  Hopefully we'll get some rain later in the day.  Anyway - I just ate breakfast and will run here after I finish posting.  I need to then crack-a-lack and shower so I can go to Costco and Target.  Additionally, I need to stop by Joann fabrics because one of the patterns that Maggie chose for her quilt that we ordered the other day is out of stock.  I'm going to check the store to see if they have it...otherwise, I'll pick up something else...Maggie, go online and see if you see anything you like.  After that...home, lunch, quilting.  Exciting, huh?

And that's all I've got for now.  This weekend is gearing up to be a busy one.  Baseball game on Friday.  Painting "party" at Terri's new house Saturday and some weird German festival on Sunday.  Then it'll be time to get ready for PIB.  A week from today...can't wait.

K - I'm out.  Later!

Yoga, Quilting, Tanning

Not necessarily in that order but those are my plans for the day. I don't know that the weather will cooperate for tanning but we'll see. I've already walked the baby girl...we went on a new route today and our two miles seemed a little longer since she had to sniff at every mailbox and fire hydrant. A nice change though, I think she enjoyed seeing some new sights.

BTW - I've updated my book blog...two new (awesome) books that I highly recommend. I'm currently reading an autobiography about a man whose 15-year old daughter cracks up and is diagnosed with bipolar (a real uplifting book - NOT! But it's still good). I'm always interested in books about mental diseases...maybe because of my job, maybe because of my crazy family (hee hee).

In other exciting news - a week from tomorrow I go to PIB!!! (Diane are you still on for that?! - I'll message you.) Can't wait to get up there...Maggie and Charlie are also going up on Wednesday and of course Trip, Susan and J.J. will be there (it's their week we're crashing).

Well, that's all I've got for now. I need to get downstairs for a bit of stretching and yoga. Later!

Not So Easy Peasy!

Nothing is ever as easy as you hope it'll be.  BUT!  My TV is up and working and I can't wait to run while channel surfing here in a minute.

So why was it such a pain in my ass (really Jim's ass)?  Well, we got the TV (got it at Best Buy); got a TV mounting thingy (tilting, not full motion, not low profile) came home and started the installation.  Then, as Jim was in the attic drilling a hole to drop the cable line through to the wall, he realized the bit on his drill was not long enough nor wide enough.  We also needed a cable splitter with 3 splits and a longer cable.  UGH!  So out to Home Depot we went.  At this point it was about 1PM.  So we get what we need and Jim drills a hole but drills a bit off so he has to re-drill.  Then as he was threading the line through, it broke so he had to drill wider and start over.  In the end, it was 5PM by the time everything was up and working.  However, no complaints from me...I love it and am so excited!

My plans today?  If it's nice I'll lay out for a bit.  I'll also work a bit on some quilting.  Maggie ordered a few more patterns for her quilt and the backing so I'm waiting for all that to come so that I'll have all my materials when I start cutting.  Everything shipped so it should be here soon.  I also need to stay caught up on my Big Brother...I've been taping the After Dark shows on Showtime and they're each 3 hours long so that's a lot to stay caught up on.  I fast forward through much of it but as the season heats up, the drama will heat up.

Well, that's all I've got for now.  Should be a quiet week...until Friday that is when we'll got to the Reds game with Trip and J.J...primo tickets - can't wait!

K - I'm out...later!

Loving The Rain

It's unfortunate that the rain has hit today - when Becky is having a pool/birthday party for her mother but we needed it BAD and I don't mind swimming in the rain.  As long as there's not lightening...we're all good.  We'll leave for Raeburn at about 12:30 or so and stay there most of the day.  They're getting Walt's catered (yummy)...can't wait.  AND!!!  Bonus, I finished knitting Joan's b-day present this morning - a little dog sweater for her mini p (very similar to left...don't know who the dog is by the way).

So far this morning, I've walked, run, cleaned and smacked Jim around a little.  NO!  I didn't do that!  Although who could blame me if I did!?  NO!  I don't mean that.  Anyway - my walk with Sami was nice as it was misting and though humid, it kept me rather cool and refreshed.  My run, however, left me a sweaty mess.

Ooh, speaking of running...I've decided to get a TV to mount right in front of my treadmill.  Just a little one - no larger than 24" or 26".  I'll be able to run the cable directly from the other room into the TV.  Very excited.  I looked at different sets and found a good one with 5 star reviews by Sanyo.  I'll go check it out tomorrow.

And that's about all I've got.  I best get a move on since I still haven't showered and need to get some laundry started.  And I need to crack the whip under Jim's ass too...he's down playing a little Wii...golf I believe.  K - later!

Friday the 13th!

Oooh...scary!  Hope all is calm here with it being a supposed bad luck day.  So far, things are good.  I've walked Sami and it was a very nice walk...cool, a little breezy.  Then I actually did a sort of yoga routine.  It was actually a mix of yoga and strengthening but it was the only "beginner" routine on the yoga channel with my cable.  I've always said that yoga isn't my thing but I decided to give it a try in order to improve my flexibility.  I just feel like I need to do a bit more stretching and strengthening so that my range of movement is a bit better.  We'll see how it goes.  Today's workout was 45 minutes long and not too overwhelming.  There were a few things the chick did that I was in no way ready for but I tried.  I'm hoping to do this about 2-3 times a week along with my walking and running.

My plans for the rest of the day:  I need to get to the store because I want to make a flank steak for dinner tonight and I need to get it marinating.  I'll do that with some roasted potatoes and peppers. Afterwards, I need to just chill here and get some knitting done.  Becky and her sister are having an 80th birthday party for their mother, Joan tomorrow and I thought I'd knit her a dog sweater for her mini pinscher.  I probably won't be able to finish it by tomorrow but at least she'll know it's coming.

Willie

Russell

And for all you fellow fans - what did you think of BB?!  I'm liking the mentor thing so far because I always loved Boogie and Janelle and Brittany and Dan for that matter.  It should be interesting.  I thought the whole Willie Hantz thing was funny...I mean dude!  You look and sound just like your brother.  And you said you were from Louisiana.  AND!!!  You said you worked on a tanker!  Gee, could you be related?  They aren't idiots.  Bonus for me too - I currently have Showtime and can tape all the After Hour shows!

K - sorry about that for those of you who don't watch or care.  And that's all I've got.  Better head to Kroger.  Later!

Home Again...Missing Eva!

And I'm back.  Again.  In Cincy.  Missing Eva (and Maggie of course).  She's such a sweetie!  Eva that is...not Maggie!  She's just so stinkin' cute!!!  And lovey!  I love when she reaches for me, even when Maggie is holding her. And I love when she runs up to me and reaches up for me to pic her up.  And she becoming such a little nut too!  She runs EVERYWHERE.  There is no more walking for her.  If she wants to go to the other side of the kitchen, she's running.  That girl is a runnin' fool!  Of course because she runs everywhere she now falls...all the freakin' time!!!  It drives her Aunt Muir NUTS!  And in falling, she's starting to hurt herself.  On my watch, she took a header on the deck, smashing her upper lip.  And yes she screamed and yes it swelled.  Next morning...she tripped again and fattened her bottom lip.  She looked like she had had her lips done! And then, apparently last night, on Charlie's watch, she bashed her head.  I'm hoping she starts connecting her careless wack-a-doo running and lack of watching where she's going with her injuries.  Maybe then she'll slow down.  Not likely.  Like a said, that girl is a runnin' fool!

(BTW - the pics?  Eva and I sat there after dinner one night for about 15 or 20 minutes it seemed and just read and played.  She loves it when you blow her hair...that's what I'm doing and she giggles like a, well a little girl...loves her!)

So today, I've done all my exercising and need to shower so I can run to the store and what not.  I also need to go to Half Price but I don't know if I'll do that today...we'll see.  I will also start some quilt cutting.  Maggie and I went to Joann's while in Columbus and bought some fabrics for Maggie's quilt that I'm going to start.  The pattern will be similar to the one shown but with different fabrics, of course.  Maggie chose some greens and blues and the small strips in between the larger blocks will be creamy/tan colors.  I'll also do a border, I think.  And of course she wants a king size so I'll be sewing for the rest of my life.  I want to get a walking foot attachment thingy so I can machine quilt but I'll have to investigate and figure that out.  (FYI Aunt Kathleen, I'm still working on the quilt you gave me I just need to get a walking foot attachment thingy for it).

And that's all I've got...need to get a move on.  Later!

Crazy Girl Eva

First a video of Eva walking like a kook.  I don't know why she does this but it is HIGH-larious!  And when she sees you laughing, she does it even more.  I didn't get a great video of her doing it but you can get the idea.

And then here's a video of a sweet girl giving her brother love.  Not sure how much Max actually loves it but he is so good with her and tolerates all her rough love. 

K - well, I'd best get showered and on the road.  I'll see Eva in a couple weeks - can't wait!  Later!

Zoo Zoo Zoo!

So I'm not going to write a full post here but thought I'd give you all a little taste of what I've been enjoying these past couple days. 



Eva - up from a nap and crazy!!!

 First - how about a sweet crazy girl!?



A wild and crazy girl!

Next - a trip to the zoo - I'd never been to the Columbus Zoo and let me tell you - I would go back again and again...it was awesome! The water park looks amazing. Maybe next time.



Flamingos

Some monkey whose name I forget...mandarin?



A kangaroo all lounged out!

 



Who doesn't love an orangutan?

Koalas

And here's a baby girl so exhausted from her morning at the zoo with her new orangutan friend Olive!

I'll post a video tomorrow...she's got this new crazy walk that is hilarious!!! Later

My Own Pace

So, I just got off the treadmill and was really proud of myself because I managed my 2 mile run in my "fastest" time ever - just over 23 minutes (11:35 a mile).  Then I went on dailymile.com, which is where I track what I walk and run and I made the mistake of seeing what others were doing in my neck of the woods.  I feel like a loser now.  One person had just logged 13 miles in 2 hours (9:11 a mile); another person ran 7 1/2 miles in an hour.  What are these people doing?  Running like Phoebe?  I'd go flying off my treadmill if I did that.  I know I shouldn't compare myself to others - especially the athletes on this site but jeez!  I guess I'll try to up my speed on my next jaunt.  Ugh!  BTW - my goal of 3 miles seems really far off.  I seem to be holding steady at 2 miles.  And not even that steadily...sometimes I feel like I'm not going to make it but then I do and I feel great.

Today's plans?  It's too hot to do anything but either stay inside or go to the pool.  We're going to the pool.  The airport recorded 104 here yesterday and today is supposed to be even hotter.  The humidity is said to be 97% right now (is that even possible?!) and if I'm going to be soaking wet the minute I walk outdoors, I better have a pool nearby to cool off in.  In a minute here, I'll shower then get my swim bag ready, make a bit of lunch to take with us, get the dogs settled and head out.

Hope everyone stays cool out there - 2 more days of over 90 and we're in for a nice cool down...can't wait. I don't know if my A/C can take much more of this.  K - later!

Holy Shizz...

...it's hotter than an m-f-er!!!  I mean, walking Sami at 8AM and dripping sweat within 1/10th of a mile from home does not make for a pleasant jaunt! But at least I managed to get out there.  Today is supposed to be our hottest in the stretch of heat we've been having (over 90 for 14 days so far with several hits at the 100 degree mark)...they're calling for 102 today.  And the humidity is radonculous! UGH!  I do believe it will be another day of sewing for me in my pleasantly freezing house.  The tips of my left index and middle fingers aren't thrilled to hear this but they're getting nice and calloused and soon the needle won't be able to penetrate so it's all good.

And here are some pics of a sweet little girl at the 3rd of July celebration in which she partook (I know it says the 3rd...they had it the day before and don't ask why...what's the difference between Tuesday and Wednesday?) By the way - how cute is her outfit?! I do believe that was a gift from her Aunt Anne and cousin Madison! I'd wear that!

Looks like someone turned on the 'tude...and Momma Maggie doesn't look too happy with her little lovey by the way she's gripping/bruising her little arm! Call children's services!!! (Just kidding, Maggie said she was just holding on to her because she kept going up and down the curb and she was keeping her from falling).





No...she's not holding her ears from the noise of the fireworks...she rubs her ears when she's tired. Maggie said the noise didn't phase her at all!

Okay so I'm going to wrap it up here. I'm shopping around for some cute fabrics for quilts I need to "design" for Maggie and Eva. What else do I have to do? K - later!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th to all...and it's hotter than...love in August.  I'm not sure what that means but I saw it online.  I also saw: "It's hotter than two cats fighting in a wool sock" and "It's hotter than a billy goat in a pepper patch".  That's a weird one. How about "It's hotter than a June bride in a feather bed".  What does that mean?  Or  "It's hotter than a hoot n poot"...hmm...not sure.  "It's hotter than a steel playground at noon"...ouch that's hot.  Of course I said that one to Jim and he said, "You know, the heat of the day isn't really noon...it's much later."  Oh, okay, thanks Einstein!  Turd!  Hee hee.

So, I've already walked Sami...I figured I better get that out of the way because at 7AM when I turned on the TV, they said it was 75 degrees and HUMID!  I will concur with that.  By the time I returned from my 2 miler with my baby, I was a dripping mess.  YUCK!

What are my plans today, you ask?  Nothing much.  I think we'll hang around here.  Jim has some picking up to do - sticks and branches from the storm last week.  I'll head to the store in a bit and get a couple steaks.  I'll do some ribeyes tonight with a blue cheese onion sauce...an old fave.  I'll serve it with some roasted cauliflower and red potatoes...yum!

And that's about all I've got.  I was busy yesterday shopping for insurance (sucked).  The insurance through my union was cheaper on house (by about $500) but about $700 more expensive for car (that's for 12 months btw).  Don't know why.  In fact the other places I've priced for my cars have been comparable to my current insurance so I'm not sure what the eff is up with the union insurance.  The guy said he was surprised because they tend to be pretty competitive.  I'm now waiting to hear back from a guy who is checking on what has so far been the best bet...Mom, you'll be happy to know it's Erie.  We'll see.

K - well, I best go make my list and get to Kroger before the mad rush of the July 4th fools out there.  Oh, and Maggie, I'm going to get some Bud Light margarita stuff...I'll let you know.  Ooh, 8% alcohol...bonus!!!  K - Later!

Why Are Things So Complicated!?

New

I mean, for shizz!!!  So, Jim's cell phone broke.  The charger completely fell apart and the screen on his phone had a major crack in it so that you couldn't always read texts or emails.  Needless to say, it was time for a replacement.  BTW - this was a phone that I carried for a year and when I got my Blackberry, Jim took it over.  It was a Samsung Strive (at left) and only as much as he needed for work.  When we went to the AT&T store, he said he wanted something comparable - not a smart phone.  So we got him the Pantech Pursuit (only difference with his old phone and the new one was the new one had a touchscreen).  When I got the phone, I asked the guy, "so everything that the old phone had in it's rate plan will be the same?  I won't need to do anything different for email etc.?"  Answer: "Nope.  You'll be all set with all the capabilities that you had before."  Great!  But of course Jim's not getting his emails automatically sent to him and I'm annoyed.  Last time this happened (when we switched to the strive) they said, "Oh, well that would be an extra $5 a month." (who knows why).  Ridiculous.  I'm letting Jim handle this because I'm sick of dealing with technology and the exorbitant amounts of money that these stupid companies just keep charging us and for some reason, we just keep paying them.  How did we ever get along before?  UGH!

So I've walked my baby girl.  I'm going to run here in a minute.  I need to give Sami a bath because she's all itchy.  I've checked her for fleas and she didn't have any so I want to see if a little soothing bath with a "tea tree" type shampoo will give her some itch relief.  I should try to bathe Bubba too but that will be a feat, for sure.  Other than that, I've got no plans.  I'll try to get to the library after all my "jobs" at home...see if any DVDs tickle my bung.  Maybe they'll have disc 1 of season 4 True Blood.

And that's all I've got.  Best mosey before I lose my running gumption.  Later!

And...I'm Back

Anne and the kids with Eva honing in!

And let me tell you - I much prefer the weather at PIB than here at home.  It's hotter than a MOTHA here and I HATE it.  Upper 90s with high humidity and pop up storms that FREAK ME OUT!.  Last night we had major hail that left our deck and roof riddled with twigs and leaves and I had JUST filled up my pool.  Now I have to empty it and that's a pain in my ass!

Eva running around at the monument

So pretty

A beautiful sunset

Jim at the monument

Chunks, ready for bed!

Anyway - we had a great time at PIB!  We had super weather and it only rained once (well, it rained our first night while we were sleeping but I didn't know it until I saw that our cars were wet).  We did a lot of wave running, chillin' out, laying in the sun, playing with Eva, walking, and playing Farkle (a new dice game that was fun, fun, fun)!  Anne, and the kids came up on the same day Jim and I arrived (Saturday); Aunt Muir and Uncle Stan were there at that time (they left Sunday). Maggie and Eva arrived Sunday.  Anne and Max left Monday just after Cullen arrived.  Cullen left Thursday and John and Aunt Kathleen came later that morning.  Jim, Madison, Maggie, Eva and I left Saturday.  Bit of a revolving door at the cottage but nice to see everyone and hang.  Zeke had a good time as well but I believe he was happy to be back in his own bed and bathroom (for some reason, his favorite place both at home and at PIB is the bathroom floor...must be the cool tiles). Ooh, and I caught a fish.  I don't know what kind.  It sort of looked like a mix between a black bass and a perch (without the stripes).  I of course threw it back.  Madison also caught a fish but I wasn't witness to that.  Apparently it was HUGE!  Anyway - we'll be headed back up in less than a month and I can't wait.  I hope to have good weather then as well.

Pat, Maggie and Madison

So now that I'm back, I will be spending some quality time shopping for insurance. As I mentioned, I believe, Progressive decided to more than double my home insurance which is a crock of bullshit. I've contacted our rep for the insurance available through the NEA (National education association). Our union president has it and she told me that her 2 cars and house was $800 cheaper than the company she had been with. I'm hoping for a good quote. We'll see.

The bay near Snug Harbor (a different view)

I also need to get to the library.  I need to try and run again today (I'll do that in a minute).  I ran yesterday and was hoping to get in a mile and a half but I was only comfortable doing a mile (after my 2 mile walk with Sami).  I just have to work my way back up to where I was.  I didn't run at all while I was gone though I did walk.

Okay, so hope everyone has a cool day and I hope all in the area have their electricity.  Later!

John, Kathleen, Mike