Friday, April 30, 2010

We Wish You A Happy Birthday ...

Today, I share my birthday (or day of birth) with someone who could only be described as amazing.  Someone I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, however, someone whom I cannot wait to meet.  (I Know Someday, It WILL happen.)

I am taking this moment, in my blogging, to wish him the happiest 88th birthday - ever.   Here is to many more, that are equally as happy.

Happy Birthday Pepe.
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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Creative Writing?

As I said yesterday, one of my most favorite guilty pleasures is reading - and because of that, I've also enjoyed a dabble or two in creative writing in my time.  Though, as I also said, they never amounted to anything other than a near carbon copy of what I'd just finished reading.

I'm not that great at it, well, I guess I may be a little to hard on myself here - I've never shown it to anyone, so I don't know what I can (or cannot) do.  I thought maybe, MAYBE, I'd put a little something on here, and see what you all thought?   Go easy on me know, I haven't displayed this since 9th grade English in Mrs. Long's Class!

She woke with start, she heard something - she knew she did.  But what was it?  Where had it come from?

There!  There it was again.   A soft sound, a light tapping maybe?  Perhaps it was just a branch, the wind wishing her sweet dreams - or at least, a full nights rest.

This had to stop - two hours of sleep each night is hardly enough for her to function on, she has a dance studio to run!  How can she teach discipline, and healthy lifestyles to her dancers, if she herself doesn't abide by her own rules?  

Angrily she slaps her pillows and turns over to the other side, now she's facing her window.   The moonlight was playing gently across her floor, the area rug took on an eerie glow - almost iridescent.  

Yeah, she thought, that'll help me sleep.  Make my floor glow.  

Grumbling, she thrust herself into a standing position, she carefully - slowly - made her way across the floor towards the window.  When she got there, she closed the curtains - gently, they were her favorite set.  No reason for them to suffer because of her lack of sleep.

Glancing at the clock she realized it was still night - not even close to morning.   Awesome.  Just what she needed, to be awake - wide awake - at 11pm.   She'd gone to bed at 9:30 - seriously, an hour and a half - wonderful.  She debated on taking a sleeping pill, if she took it now, half a dose even, she could count on 6 hours of sleep.  Not fitful sleep, not restful sleep - just sleep.  Debate over, she headed for her bathroom.

There!   That sound again!  What was it?  That soft tapping again, what could it be?  
It can't be a branch, I'm hearing it away from the windows now - she thought.

Walking carefully, slowly, deliberately to the bathroom she paused ... BANG!  She stopped, dove to the floor and looked around.

She didn't see anything, didn't hear anything else.  Shaky, she stood, brushed herself off and carried on towards the bathroom.  Flipping on lights as she went.

When she got there, and turned on the light, she saw a cabinet door standing open.

Now, how would that happen?  She pondered to herself.

BANG!   Diving to the floor again, she thought, this cannot go on!!!

Getting up, one last time, she decided to check things out - no longer thinking she was being silly, and paranoid.  There was something going on, and she intended to find out.

Padding down the stairs to the first floor, she flipped light switches, opened doors, checked window locks.  All appeared to be okay.  No signs of anyone, or anything, present.   Hmmm, this is odd, perhaps I AM being paranoid.

As she rounded the corner at the base of the staircase, she noticed a light from beneath her kitchen door.  She knew she'd turned that off before heading upstairs - or well, she thought she had.  It's possible she  had forgotten - but just in case, she grabbed the fire poker as she passed.  Better to be safe.


Slow stepping through the hall towards the kitchen entry way, gently pushing the swinging door open ... MEEOOOWWWWWW ... Sampson jumped off the counter and screeched past her feet.   Gasping in shock, she clutched her chest and laughed at herself.   How silly, it was just Sampson - though, she didn't remember leaving the light on in the kitchen.   Carefully continuing through the doorway, fire poker leading the way, she carefully picked her way in.  


Looking through the room, she didn't see anything out of the ordinary, just the light over the sink - that she swore she turned off - was on.   Strange.


Flipping the switch, and shaking her head, she headed back towards her room, Sampson following close at her heels.  The journey back to her room was a quick and silent one, punctuated only by the clicking of the switches as she went.  


Closing her bedroom door behind her, she took stock of the night that lay before her.  A few more hours of sleep really would be the perfect antidote to her paranoia.   Unsure of just what she had heard, and just why she didn't find anything when she searched she climbed back into bed.  Settling in she was a little more than unhappy.  By now, the clock beside her read 2am.  How had that much time passed?  Did she really creep that slowly through her own house?  And why?  Because of a light tapping sound?   She had to get a grip.


Just as she began to doze, the sound started up again, a little more insistent, and a little louder too.  Truth be told, she was tempted just to ignore it, though if she did, and it was someone - or something - needing help, she'd never forgive herself for letting it go unnoticed.  Climbing out of bed once again, she picked up the fire poker she had laid beside her.  Creeping to the door, leaving the lights off this time, the hair on the back of her neck began to prickle. 


Stepping into the hallway she followed the sound, once again, to the kitchen door.  Gently opening the door and peering inside, she at last found the source of the tapping.


Sampson had climbed up on the counter again, and was batting the drawstring to the blinds against the glass.  Laughing at herself, and her foolish cat, she stepped into the kitchen and began to speak,
"Sampson!  you silly animal, you scared me nearly to bits!"  She grabbed him off the counter, and began to turn towards the door, just then the light turned on.


Gasping, clutching Sampson tighter, she swung around, fire poker first and jabbed blindly.  Striking nothing at first, she jabbed again, and again, crying out as she did.  After what seemed like an eternity of hitting nothing, and everything, she opened her eyes to realize she was crying, Sampson was trembling, and she had nearly destroyed her kitchen.


There was no one there with her, which of course, could have been because she reacted like a mad woman, or because no one was there to begin with.  The light, was off.   


Shaking her head, she made her way through the kitchen, and back to her room.  Checking and rechecking the doors and windows as she went.  
I knew it was a bad idea to live alone in such a big house, she thought wildly.


Back in her room - for the second time that night - she closed the door behind her, and placed Sampson on her bed.  Checking her bedroom window, she happened to catch a glimpse of a car driving off into the night.   That seems odd, it's 2am, who would be out driving at such an hour?


Still battling to catch her breath, and calm her frayed nerves, she sat on the edge of the bed.  Sampson sprung up from where he lay and began purring uncontrollably.  


"There, there pretty cat, I'm sorry I startled you.  I seem to have startled myself too.  Perhaps it's time I call the doctor about this paranoia and sleeplessness, hmmm?"


As she lay down again, this time with Sampson at her side, and the fire poker in her other hand, she drifted into an easy sleep.


Tap, Tap, Tap.


Her eyes flung open and her breath caught.

Tap, Tap, Tap.



You can't be serious, she thought, not again!   This time, however, she waited, and didn't get out of bed to go in search of the source.  Instead, she listened. 

Tap, Tap, Tap.



It was getting softer, and there didn't seem to be a sense of urgency in it anymore.  It was a gentle, almost lulling sound.   She let herself drift again, this time allowing herself to give into the urge to fall asleep, and stay that way.


When her alarm rang, barely three hours later, she reached over, petted Sampson's neck and hit the snooze button.  Surely a few more minutes wouldn't hurt, after her restless night she needed more than three hours of sleep.   The dancers at her school would appreciate it as well, she giggled, she'd be less crabby.   Then, as she started to drift again ...


Tap, Tap, Tap.








Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Guilty Pleasures ...

In the face of adversity - which comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors - I try to take the time to re-evaluate my life, and the things - people - places - etc - in it.

I am a very lucky, very blessed woman.  And I know it.  When you lose something (or, as I have this week, someone) it helps to open your eyes to your world, and the way you live in it.

For me, this adversity came in the form of depression.  A depression that I felt was consuming me.  It overwhelmed my entire well being.   My state of mind was less than healthy, and I couldn't find the way out.  I knew there was one, I had faith it was there, I had knowledge it was there - I just couldn't find it.  I needed a life line, I needed a hand to grab.   My life line came in the way of my dear friend Jessi.  I know I've sung her praises before, and I can't sing them enough.  Without her, (and have no fear, a few other particular friends) I don't know where I would be today.  I owe my sanity, my being, my all - to you Jessi.   

While my state of mind has been steadily increasing, in a good way, I've had more time to evaluate that which makes my days brighter - aside from my solid foundation of support.

I have a few guilty pleasures.   I'm going to list them - briefly ...

I love to read ... anything, and everything - in fact, for my birthday this year (which hasn't passed yet) my parents bought me a Kindle.  If you don't know what this is, you need to look it up - it's a device that allows you to purchase, download and read a book - the downloads?  less than 60 seconds, an e-book actually - and if you love to read as I do (though, there is nothing like holding a book in your hands) you'll love this device, and it WILL continue to pay for itself over and over again.  Books range from 69 cents to 19.99 ... and, which kills me really, more than 100,000 FREE E-Books ... decent E Books.  

I have a few TV Shows that I watch online - my newest obsession.  Online TV Viewing.  Which, I do at work - because I don't have the internet at home (and by 'watch' I mean, listen to and have on in the background - really) ... The Real World - remains my biggest guilty pleasure.  I have missed 2 seasons of this show, since it's inception - I know, it's an addiction, and I cannot seem to help it.  Another that I watch is a show called "Being Erica" ... I've stumbled upon this show, it makes absolutely no sense - it's one of the densest shows I've ever seen - but I cannot, for the life of me, stop watching it.  I've watched every episode since the pilot, and am fairly caught up on the premise.   It's about a woman who has a therapist - he offers her a chance to write a list, a list of events in her life, that she would love to live over - to make different choices, in the event they could change her course in life.  It's pretty dense, but again, I cannot stop watching.

Photography, perhaps the biggest of all of my guilty pleasures - I think you all know the depth of THAT obsession guilty pleasure.  It is the one thing I have, that brings me nothing but peace - and calmness, in the face of any and all adversity. 

These guilty pleasures, are pretty obvious ones - if you know me at all, really - you are already aware of that.  I suppose at this point, I should include the ones that are a little, more personal.  I bet you'd all love that.  So let me think here ... here we go.

- I LOVE to color.  Not draw, not paint, Color.  In a coloring book.  With OR Without Emily.  
- I LOVE to sing.  I'm not entirely good at it, but it's one of those - stress relievers - that I can do, just about - anywhere.   Though, there will have to be a very large amount, preferably immeasurable, of alcohol involved to get me back on stage.
- I like to write.  Not poems, not (just) letters, but silly stories.  I even tried to start a novel once - I did, however notice I was NOT creative enough to come up with my own ideas (at the time) I used a lot of what I'd recently read, and given the time that it takes me to read - multiple books, and not a lot of original stuff.
- I like to hike, though, I don't go nearly as much as I should ... aside from the photographer standpoint, I love outside.  There is nothing like a good hike on a gorgeous day - and I don't mean just warm and clear - it could be crisp and cool, a fall day, a winter day .. a gorgeous day.
- Recently - I have started to love cooking - and baking really ... I'm not the best at it, but hey, you learn as you go right?

There are other things, but I think this list is long enough.

I thank you, Jessi, from the deepest part of my soul - for always knowing when I need that lift.  Love ya girl.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Law of the Garbage Truck



Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.


We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.




My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. 



So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck’

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment.

As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.


The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... 
Love the people who treat you right.
Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a blessed, garbage-free day!

Here's to Making Every Second Count ...

Yesterday was quite possibly, one of THE hardest days I've had on record.  From a daycare worker being let go for a problem she can't get under control, to a former co-worker/friend passing away in a car accident on the side of the highway, to having a current co-worker let go for really bad things - I can't really discuss that in great detail here, suffice it to say it was a really - really - REALLY hard decision on all parts.

With the loss of a teacher, a co-worker and a friend all within an 8 hour span, I found myself fighting depression again.  It makes you wonder, "what if" ... what if I'd gotten in touch with Geoff sooner?  What if I'd gotten Ms. S help, or offered more than I did?   What if BG Employee was confronted sooner?   Would the end result be the same?

Sadly, very - truly - deeply - sadly, I know the end result would have been the same, in all three cases - there is nothing you can do to change the course of your destiny, if you've put that course into action - inevitably, the end is going to be the same.  Or at least, that's the way I feel lately.

Some people, a lot more people than those that actually admit it - have problems, addictions, that they can't get a handle on without help, and they often times, can't reach out for that help - and grasp it firmly.  They have more issues than what they show.    They have more problems, than they themselves can get a handle on.  They need the help they so often refuse.  Whether it be substance addictions, hoarding addictions, obsessive compulsive addictions, fear addictions ... addictions they don't know how to face.   Addictions they can't seem to ask for help in facing.

With Geoff, and his loss, it hits hard - for a few reasons.  We'd lost touch for a few years, and recently reconnected through the loss of another of his friends.  We have a common friend, and I happened upon his page accidentally when looking at Shawn's page.  Geoff and I were private investigators together, no, really - it's true.  We worked together for nearly a year - and he helped me grasp the fundamentals of being a great investigator.  His tapes, were among the most professional - the most informative, I'd ever witnessed, and I know he helped a lot of people.

His son, Geoffrey Jr. - has lost his Dada.   Has lost the one person, that I know, who would teach him things, that a lot of people wished their parents taught them.  He has lost his best friend, and he doesn't even know it. Geoffrey is four years old.  Geoff was 40.   Life, will never be the same for that little boy.  Never.  I wish I could turn back the clock, and see Geoff one more time.   I'd tell him to make sure he wore his seatbelt - that even though I know he lived for Geoffrey, I'd make sure he remembered to survive for Geoffrey too.  No matter the sacrifice to his comfort, or his happiness.  Geoff is never going to be forgotten, he made an impact on my world, and I know, a lot of others as well.

Take this time, not to live for tomorrow, to live for right now.   
Here's to making every second count.

Rest in Peace Geoff, may you always shine down of Geoffrey, and offer him guidance in his darkest hours.

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Monday, April 26, 2010

"Don't you worry about my bum!!"

Since Emily turned three she has been less than agreeable (to say the least).  Among her still favored "you're not my friend", "you're not coming to my party", and "I don't want to" ... she has added a few other ....... choice? ........ phrases to her repertoire.

My mouthy little Munchkin has decided to tell us when it is okay to do things, or say things, or HOW to do things, or say things.  As if she weren't bossy enough before - the morning of her ACTUAL birthday, she decided it was time for her to rule the roost (even more than she did) and instruct us, on how we were to do things that day.  "It's my birthday, and I'm a princess today.  I want pancakes"

After the laughter (of course, inside laughter, because you don't want to encourage her) subsided, and the shock wore off, we explained that just because it was her birthday, and she is now 3, it doesn't erase the fact that manners are important, and we ask for things, using our polite words.  To which she promptly responded (Hands on hips, head slightly cocked) "Not Today!" and ran out of the room.   What do you say to that?!   Little booger.

Emily has been potty trained since she was roughly 19 months old.  Completely potty trained, a few accidents here and there - and limited time (MAYBE a month) in pull ups - and she was done with it.  Now, she knows she has to wipe herself, yet, in her haste to get back to playing, "forgets" and zooms out of the room - which, in turn, prompts us to turn her around, and have her .. finish her business .. so to speak .. she gets annoyed with having to stop playing again, and throws mini-fits.  Lord, I love 3.

The other night, when Daddy was bringing her upstairs for her pre-bedtime routine - he put her in the bathroom, told her to do her thing, and he'd be right back, he needed to take some medicine.  She went potty, pulled up her pants, and went to flush - by the time Daddy had gotten back into the bathroom, he caught her and said 
"Did you wipe your bum? You have to remember to do that, or it's going to hurt" ...
 to which my ever growing, teenager stuck in a toddler's body replied
"Don't you worry about my bum, it's on my body"

Seriously?    Dumbstruck for about a half a second, Mike replied 
"sorry to disappoint you - small child - (our nickname for her) - but until you turn 18?  That's MY bum!"

She giggled and said (pure toddler moment returns!)
"Nuh-Uhhhhhhhh - Sue said it's MY body, and I own all of it, so when someone pushes me, or hits me, or tries to hug me or sumfin, and I no like it?  I can tell them to stop RIGHT NOW, it's MY body, and I don't want their hands on me!"

She's right, of course, but how do you explain that to a 3 year old?   That wiping your backside (and front really) is necessary so she doesn't get sick.  Especially, a 3 year old like mine .. mouthy, smart and too damn quick ...

Ahhhh, the moments a mother lives for.

Momma! What was that big bump??

I would like to start this by saying - Emily and I are OK ... neither of us are hurt, a little shaken, and nervous to get in the car - but other than that ... we are okay.

Here's the skinny:
Tuesday Night, April 6th, on the way home from work, at approximately 5:48pm (yep I had glanced at the clock.) while stopped in traffic, I mean, complete stop - six cars ahead of us, at a red light - we were hit from behind.  Now, I'm not talking a gentle nudge, and I'm not talking a slam that pushed me into the vehicles in front of me, or coming at me to the side, but just hard enough to know we were in fact hit.

I pulled over to the side of the road, as soon as traffic allowed, which wasn't very long in fact - and proceeded to call Mike, to let him know A) we were OKAY but just in an accident, and B) we were going to be a little late heading home.  As I was getting off the phone with him, I asked the woman if she was alright.  Her first words to me were not "are you okay?"  or even "I'm Sorry" - they were " Oh MY God, I couldn't get my brakes to catch".   She was driving  a - You guessed it - Toyota!!   The kicker is, it was an older (late 90s) model Toyota Camry ... which is NOT in fact effected by ANY of the recent recalls.  Not even remotely close.   Why she would come out with THAT as her first contact with me, well, verbal contact with me, is a confusing moment for me.  I then told her I had to check on my daughter, and I had to contact the company I work for, as I was driving a company vehicle.

The MOMENT I opened the side door, Emily burst into tears - "MOMMA!!   What was that big bump?!  Is our 'wan' broken??"  I comforted her, and told her it was just an accident, and that we were all okay, and I thought our van was okay too.   I had to make a few more phone calls and speak with the lady that hit us, and I'd be RIGHT THERE if she needed me.  I asked her if anything hurt, or if she was just shaken up.  "Just scared momma, I be okay."

The woman who hit us, immediately upon seeing I had a child in the car, burst into her own tears and was that much more upset.  She was already upset because she hit us, apparently, seeing a small child was in fact in the other car, made it 10 times worse.  Which I completely understood.  I asked her if she was alright again, and made sure her vehicle was in fact drivable, upon completion of the "information exchange" .. once she assured me it was, we got down to the nitty gritty.

Since my car is a company vehicle, I had to notify the owners (who happen to be my parents) and find out what route they wanted me to take.   There didn't APPEAR to be a ton of damage to the back of the van, but the front end of her car - was completely smashed in.  I took a few photos and contacted those that needed to be contacted.

As we were driving away, I saw the ART SUV from the Rochester Police Department (Accident Reconstruction Team) spin around and head our way - we did not call the police, and were well on our way at this point.   I was afraid by not reporting it, I'd get in trouble, but he noticed we were okay, leaving, and turned back around.   

The following day, Emily was incredibly nervous getting back in the car.  She cried at first, and said she was nervous and didn't want to get into another accident, she also wanted to know if the lady that hit us, was going to hit us again.   I calmed her down, talked to her and got her to understand that accidents happen, and hopefully, we wouldn't be in another one.

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It has all since been taken care of - the van (or WAN as Emily calls it) has been repaired - we turned in her pink flowered car seat and are borrowing a friends, she's 4 lbs away from being in a booster seat - every thing is set and done.  It was a less than fun experience, and I HOPE Emily has no residual fears ... thus far, 20 days later, she seems to be doing well.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Random Photography.

One of the things that makes me happiest, is random photography.  I really want to be one of those people who can just - snap a picture of a person, and have it be flawless.   The best way I SEE for that, is to keep practicing.

I want my photos, to speak to people.  To convey the feelings they gave me, as I was taking them.  Does that make sense?

I have a fascination with the sky, cemeteries, trees, animals, small children (wait, that sounded wrong), architecture ... Life.  Really.   I love the way photographs can convey just a small moment in time, that you were lucky enough to be present for.   A bald eagle perched on a tree top, a break in the clouds, a full face smile and belly laugh of a toddler, an infant just entering the toddling stages, a secret moment between two people, the love of a husband and wife ... you know those moments?

I know I've said it before, my camera, is an extension of my arm.  You just never know when something might strike you as photo-graphical (is that even a word?) - you need to be ready.

Attached are a few of my favorite recent captures.   Hope you enjoy looking at them, as much as I enjoyed taking them.

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Over Sunrise Lake in Middleton, NH.

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Just before the Town/State Line in Milton NH and Lebanon ME.

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A Cardinal behind Cardinal's Plaza, Rochester, NH.

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My poor blind Italian Greyhound, Pixie

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The toothless wonder, Dexter, (Dexy for short)

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Duncan, waiting for her mommy to return ... NC is too far away.

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Emily and Dexy, watching the sun set our last night at Erma & Grampy's

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I hope the neighbors up there, never get rid of this tree.

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The sunset, from my parents dock, on Sunrise Lake.

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Do You See What I See?  One of our trees, next to the driveway, has a haunting appearance to it.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Monkey Face Turns 3!

Saturday, April 17, 2010 marked the third birthday of my Monkey Face.  

I am so proud of her, incredibly proud of her doesn't even begin to cover it really, for the behavior she exhibited during her birthday party on Thursday at Chuck E. Cheese (I SERIOUSLY Highly recommend throwing your child at LEAST one birthday party there, they are amazing) and the two subsequent birthday parties we were invited to attend - both on her actual birthday, and neither in her honor.

Attached are a  few of the best moments from Emily's birthday celebration at Chuck E. Cheese, as well as her opening her gifts from mommy and daddy, on her actual birthday.


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The Birthday Princess

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Make a Wish!!

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Watch out World!!  Emi's got wheels ...
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And a pinch to grow an inch ... 
In 6 months, Emily has grown nearly 2 inches.   Sigh.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!    
I hope you had a great one, we are so proud of you!

Friday, April 9, 2010

The First Boat Ride of 2010

The Saturday before Easter, the weather here was amazingly gorgeous.  My mom and dad got to put their pontoon boat in Sunrise Lake, for the first time in 2 years - and we were there for the inaugural boat ride!

We put their boat in the water at 2pm, and were out until roughly 8pm, only coming in because the sun went down, and the wind kicked up a little - and we hadn't eaten anything since breakfast.

With a cold drink in our hands, great music on the radio, the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces - one of my most favorite times.   I cannot wait for Boating Season to OFFICIALLY get under way.  I can't think of any place I am happier, than on our boat (or my mom and dads) on the water.  <3

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Daddy and Emily Driving Grampy's Boat!

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My Mom, (Erma - that's not really her name), relaxing

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The Perfect Day <3

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Erma & Emily doing what we do the best - Dancing & Singing on the Lake <3

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Yes, those are martini's and there are four olives in the corners :) LOL
Dad's "Jolly Roger"

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Water, In Sunrise Lake - for the first time in TWO YEARS!!!

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The Perfect End, to Our Perfect Day

Friday, April 2, 2010

Our Trials with the Easter Bunny.


As I've mentioned previously, Emily will be 3 in a matter of weeks (15 days to be exact) - she also, was not afraid of Santa this year, and we took that as a hopeful sign that she wouldn't be afraid of the Easter Bunny.

Not so.  We've tried a few times now, with 2 different bunnies, at two different locations, and still - she gets excited, until it's time to actually get close to said bunny, and then - She's All Set.

We visited the "Noggin Factory" on Saturday March 27th, for a few "Easter Inspired Activities" ... she entered her page into the coloring contest, enjoyed a goodie bag, and made an Easter Egg on the craft table.  When it came time to say goodbye to the Easter Bunny that was standing outside the store, greeting children, she tensed up - froze - and decided she wasn't a fan of "the bunny".

It went something like this:

Mommy:   Okay Emily, are you ready to say goodbye to the Easter Bunny so I can take a picture?

Emily:  Nah, I'm .. I'm All Set Mom.

M:  Are you sure?  You said you had a big hug for the Easter Bunny, did you change your mind?

E: Yep, Sure did.

M:  Okay, but - after this, she's going to go home to her family and rest before Easter Sunday.  She has a lot of stuff to do before then .. alright?

E: Yep, that's fine Momma.  I'm, I'm shy with her.

M: Alright, then how about you say goodbye from here?  Say Bye Easter Bunny!!

E: Yeah, Uh - Bye Easter Bunny  (and she blows a kiss)

She refused to see the Bunny two additional times at the Lilac Mall, each time saying "I'm all set, I'm uh, shy with them - but Hey Bunny, Bye!!"  or something of that nature.

Here's hoping that her experience with Chuck E. Cheese for her Birthday party in 2 weeks is better ... big costumed characters don't seem to be her forte!



Photobucket

Photobucket

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Today is Bittersweet ..

Today, Rufus, my dear sweet kitty, would have been 23 years old.  Insane, Right?  In 15 short days, it will be 6 months exactly since I lost him.

Today is also 10 years since Mike and I started dating.  I know you don't celebrate "dating" anniversaries once you're married, but I think this one is a pretty snazzy milestone.  

So today is a very bittersweet day for me, while celebrating our milestone, we'll also be celebrating Rufus' life - and what he brought to our lives.  It still amazes me the impact his loss has had on me.  When you procure a pet, a lot of people don't realize what they'll do for them.  

Anyway, in celebration of our 10 years together .. wow, that's insane - 10 years .. I thought I'd write a little but about our first date :) hehe.

Here it goes .. Technically, our first date was March 31st, we saw "Remember the Titans" at "Chunky's" (which is now Smitty's) in Sanford, Maine.  The movie wasn't the greatest 'date movie' but we had a good time anyway.  He was playing with the silverware on the table - a WICKED pet peeve of mine - I put my hand over his to "silence" it - sort of.  Let me give you the lay out of "Chunky's" .. They have seats from cars - like Lincolns, I believe - that recline, roll and all that fun stuff, instead of theater seats.  There is a long table in the middle.   Each table seats 8 people, you can sit next to someone, but when the movie starts, and you turn your chair to watch it, they end up behind you.  He sat across the table from me.  It's a place where you can order a meal (alcoholic beverages ARE available as well, though, back then I wasn't 21) and watch a movie.  Dinner and a Movie becomes a one stop shop.  

OK So - he was playing with the silverware, and I placed my hand over his to sort of stop him ... He glanced at me from the side and sort of smirked.  He slid his hand out from under mine, and instead, put his on top and sort of squeezed a little.   That was the first time he ever tried to hold my hand.

See, we'd been hanging out since the end of January.  I had worked for his parents (briefly) in their now bankrupt and closed FIRST restaurant (a blog for another day I'm sure) and he had worked for mine.  It was his first "non-kitchen" job, and as near as I could tell, he was enjoying working there.  We, along with his "cousin", used to go out for drinks, wander around stores and choose stupid DVDs to enjoy at other times, etc.  In hindsight, he was too shy to go out with me because of our nearly 5 year age difference, the fact that we each worked for the others parents, and it was his way of hanging out with me (sort of pre-dating) ... 

After weeks of this "pre-dating" his cousin, who isn't really his cousin, but some how related and it's easier just to say "cousin" - trust me, it really is .. anyway, after weeks of this, she finally said she was 'busy' and we'd have to either reschedule, or go without her, we didn't reschedule - we went without her.  Though, we changed the plans - it was supposed to be drinks and hanging out, instead, we went to "Chunky's" and enjoyed dinner and a movie.  Well, I don't think we enjoyed either, but it was our first time out together, and it ended with him finally sucking it up and asking me if we were now considered "dating" ... men!  Well, at the time ... Boys!

Once his initial shyness was over, and the first date was done, and a success, we were pretty much inseparable - for two people who each worked 2 full(ish) time jobs ... it was as inseparable as we could be.  

Now, don't get me wrong, we've had our share of ups and downs, and there were times when we weren't sure we couldn't make it, where we weren't going to last together as an "us" .. but here, 10 years later, we stand - together, married, happy, and in love .. more and more in love each every day.  Cheesy Right?

We've also instilled the habit of cooking together - even including Emily - and somehow, it tastes better when we all three, cook together.  We have date night (and we don't always go out - we do make time for just us) and often play board games, card games, or just sit - and read.

Happy 10 Years Bub.  It's better than ever, I can't wait until our next milestone.