Showing posts with label Back to Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Back to Blogging. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Gilligan's Island The Chicago Series: "The Skipper"
We left "Gilligan" in search of a place to have fun. The bouncer was extremely kind to the "early bird" -older-crowd (aka: us!) that showed up at his door. We peeked in and asked if it was open and he said it was. Our next question was how quickly did the tables fill up, because we definitely wanted a table. How sad is this...it was only 6 pm! He said they would probably be full in an hour. We all exchanged looks and said we should go in now and asked if there was a cover. Here is where our new friend won all our hearts....I believe he ducked inside and asked the hostess to let us in without a cover charge. We had our hand stamped and off to a table we went inside "Howl at the Moon."
There was a pretty sizable group celebrating a retirement party for a woman named “Feathers”. Now, I have no idea if this was her real name or her “stage” name, but she was referred to this all night long.
Next to Feather’s party was a smaller crowd of all ladies celebrating an 80’s reunion. Who says older folks can’t have fun? We just have to party early! We've learned to like our sleep.
My husband and I had gone to a Howl at the Moon while visiting San Antonio, TX. He surprised me for my 40th birthday by planning the whole trip-(I know. He is awesome!)-we stayed on the River Walk, saw the Alamo and had the best margarita’s I have ever had. Ever! One evening we decided to visit the dueling piano bar to see what it was all about and ended up having so much fun! We were really hoping that it would carry through with Chicago for our friends to enjoy, and it did! The songs were flowing, folks were dancing and the musicians were playing and cracking snarky remarks getting the crowd going. About an hour after we sat down, more musicians joined on stage; In addition to the 2 pianos, there were drums, a bass, guitar, harmonica and even a trumpet! Three guys and two girls-all rotating between instruments. I can say that I was impressed. What a talented group on stage!
What was that bobbing to the beat up on the dance floor? Is that….a…skipper hat?
My husband told us of a legend that had been spotted around town wooing the young ladies with his soft shoe and that he caught a quick glimpse of him at the Oktoberfest while we were chatting with the "Professor". Seems everyone knows who the dancing Skipper is but can never say where he will show next. As luck should have it.. he was here! I would say put one of his "crew" members in a mix of young ladies, add some music and you have caught yourself a Skipper!
He did not confine himself to just the dance floor either…he made it around the whole bar, like a silent shark, grabbing a hand here and there and pulling in a giggly girl. At one point it got a little creepy because right in front of our table, we caught a glimpse of his dance moves that went way too low and with a little too much gyration for an 80+ year old guy. I thought he was going to break a hip! He found his way back to the dance floor and to a pretty retiree named Feathers who was now wearing a fuchsia boa and was kicking up her heels as well. That was the last we saw of the Skipper and of Feathers.
I mean, really. Who can resist a man in uniform? Such a smooth operator!
 |
| The Skipper via Google Image Search |
Next to Feather’s party was a smaller crowd of all ladies celebrating an 80’s reunion. Who says older folks can’t have fun? We just have to party early! We've learned to like our sleep.
My husband and I had gone to a Howl at the Moon while visiting San Antonio, TX. He surprised me for my 40th birthday by planning the whole trip-(I know. He is awesome!)-we stayed on the River Walk, saw the Alamo and had the best margarita’s I have ever had. Ever! One evening we decided to visit the dueling piano bar to see what it was all about and ended up having so much fun! We were really hoping that it would carry through with Chicago for our friends to enjoy, and it did! The songs were flowing, folks were dancing and the musicians were playing and cracking snarky remarks getting the crowd going. About an hour after we sat down, more musicians joined on stage; In addition to the 2 pianos, there were drums, a bass, guitar, harmonica and even a trumpet! Three guys and two girls-all rotating between instruments. I can say that I was impressed. What a talented group on stage!
What was that bobbing to the beat up on the dance floor? Is that….a…skipper hat?
My husband told us of a legend that had been spotted around town wooing the young ladies with his soft shoe and that he caught a quick glimpse of him at the Oktoberfest while we were chatting with the "Professor". Seems everyone knows who the dancing Skipper is but can never say where he will show next. As luck should have it.. he was here! I would say put one of his "crew" members in a mix of young ladies, add some music and you have caught yourself a Skipper!
He did not confine himself to just the dance floor either…he made it around the whole bar, like a silent shark, grabbing a hand here and there and pulling in a giggly girl. At one point it got a little creepy because right in front of our table, we caught a glimpse of his dance moves that went way too low and with a little too much gyration for an 80+ year old guy. I thought he was going to break a hip! He found his way back to the dance floor and to a pretty retiree named Feathers who was now wearing a fuchsia boa and was kicking up her heels as well. That was the last we saw of the Skipper and of Feathers.
I mean, really. Who can resist a man in uniform? Such a smooth operator!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wordless Wednesday:: Adirondack Beauty
Hard to choose for this week. So many great photos taken on this hike...expect more to follow.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Gilligan's Island The Chicago Series: "Gilligan"
Gilligan's three hour tour should have been by city rather than sea. Instead of his weary travelers suffering from "sea-legs" and then being stranded, they could have suffered from "Seg-legs" and found oasis at the local pizza joint.
After our encounter with "Ginger" aka Rude Girl, we needed to put some fun back into our trip, so we set out to have a day touring Chicago by Segway! Since I am not a huge boat fan, I found this three hour tour more my style and really, really fun! If you have ever thought of taking a Segway tour of the city you are visiting, do it! It is well worth the money and you see quite a bit!
When we checked in at Tour Central, we were already planning what we would have for dinner and that was authentic Chicago style deep dish pizza. We asked the clerk where she liked to eat such pizza and immediately said "Oooooh, Lou Malnati's! The. Best. I eat there all the time!" She was very nice to write down the phone number and directions, which we safely tucked away to use later.
We picked out some rocking helmets, and feeling much like a tough roller derby girl, headed down with the group to meet our tour guide and grab our rides.
Our tour guide (I will call her "Belle") was a cool surfer-chick kind of gal, with a funky, artsy vibe. She was from San Diego and was so glad to have just finished nursing school. Chicago's winters were a bit harsh and she was looking forward to getting back home to warm weather and the chance to grab a surf board rather than snow shovel this winter. Belle got us geared up on our Segways and taught us the basics of how to operate one. We were a small group and we picked it up quickly.
We signed up for the River Tour which, you guessed it, brought us down by the river! We cautiously moved down the path in the direction of Lake Michigan. Making our way through the crowd as a newly "licensed" driver was a bit scary; maneuvering around an empty plaza is one thing, add tons of people on a narrow paved path is quite another! Thank goodness these things are equipped with bells! I kept pushing the black button on mine. It wasn't ringing, so I stuck close to my friend, who was "ding-dinging" her way through the crowd.
We made it through without casualty, and greeted the harbor filled with sailboats. It was beautiful.
We toured the harbor, Planetarium, Field Museum and Aquarium, which we were told was THE best place to visit. Did you know that when the Aquarium first opened, they spent so much money that they could not afford to fill it with marine life? So they brought sea water by train and filled the empty tanks charging folks to come and see the ocean!
After shaking out our "Seg-legs" we made our way past the beach, then Soldier Field and back through Grant Park.
What are "Seg-legs" you ask? A term aptly coined by Segway tour guides after spending hours on the personal transport machines.
On the way back to the Tour Center, one of the Segways stopped working. Oh, no! The three hour tour did end with one of us stranded!! Not to worry, "Belle" was on top of it and coasted back to our 'land-wrecked' friend and brought them back safely. She apologized for ending on such a bad note...but we felt the opposite. Belle did a great job and was an excellent tour guide!
By this time, we could not get out our directions to pizza fast enough. We were all starving. We finally found Lou's and were seated. A lanky fellow introduced himself and took our drink orders. "Gilligan" was working hard to remember that we wanted water and a menu. He brought the menus and then said "Oh, the water!" He returned with three and forgot the fourth. We put in an order for appetizers and beer and waited for him to return to ask for utensils to eat our snacks....he came back with the fourth water then hit his forehead remembering that he didn't have forks and knives in hand. Not the sharpest tool in the box. Every three hour tour needs a little comic relief, right? Lucky for us, he did remember to bring dinner and when the pizza arrived, we all thought my goodness, this was like heaven on a plate. It was so incredibly delicious, I wish I could have eaten a second piece! This picture does not do it justice:
If you head to Chicago and want fabulous authentic pizza, go here. You will not be disappointed!
We walked our stuffed selves out of Lou's and headed down the street where we came across "Howl At the Moon" a dueling piano bar. It looked fun and we made our way inside. Little did we know that in less than an hour, we would finally see "Gilligan's" buddy the Skipper!
 |
| Gilligan, via Google Image Search |
Gilligan's three hour tour should have been by city rather than sea. Instead of his weary travelers suffering from "sea-legs" and then being stranded, they could have suffered from "Seg-legs" and found oasis at the local pizza joint.
After our encounter with "Ginger" aka Rude Girl, we needed to put some fun back into our trip, so we set out to have a day touring Chicago by Segway! Since I am not a huge boat fan, I found this three hour tour more my style and really, really fun! If you have ever thought of taking a Segway tour of the city you are visiting, do it! It is well worth the money and you see quite a bit!
When we checked in at Tour Central, we were already planning what we would have for dinner and that was authentic Chicago style deep dish pizza. We asked the clerk where she liked to eat such pizza and immediately said "Oooooh, Lou Malnati's! The. Best. I eat there all the time!" She was very nice to write down the phone number and directions, which we safely tucked away to use later.
We picked out some rocking helmets, and feeling much like a tough roller derby girl, headed down with the group to meet our tour guide and grab our rides.
Our tour guide (I will call her "Belle") was a cool surfer-chick kind of gal, with a funky, artsy vibe. She was from San Diego and was so glad to have just finished nursing school. Chicago's winters were a bit harsh and she was looking forward to getting back home to warm weather and the chance to grab a surf board rather than snow shovel this winter. Belle got us geared up on our Segways and taught us the basics of how to operate one. We were a small group and we picked it up quickly.
We signed up for the River Tour which, you guessed it, brought us down by the river! We cautiously moved down the path in the direction of Lake Michigan. Making our way through the crowd as a newly "licensed" driver was a bit scary; maneuvering around an empty plaza is one thing, add tons of people on a narrow paved path is quite another! Thank goodness these things are equipped with bells! I kept pushing the black button on mine. It wasn't ringing, so I stuck close to my friend, who was "ding-dinging" her way through the crowd.
We made it through without casualty, and greeted the harbor filled with sailboats. It was beautiful.
We toured the harbor, Planetarium, Field Museum and Aquarium, which we were told was THE best place to visit. Did you know that when the Aquarium first opened, they spent so much money that they could not afford to fill it with marine life? So they brought sea water by train and filled the empty tanks charging folks to come and see the ocean!
After shaking out our "Seg-legs" we made our way past the beach, then Soldier Field and back through Grant Park.
What are "Seg-legs" you ask? A term aptly coined by Segway tour guides after spending hours on the personal transport machines.
On the way back to the Tour Center, one of the Segways stopped working. Oh, no! The three hour tour did end with one of us stranded!! Not to worry, "Belle" was on top of it and coasted back to our 'land-wrecked' friend and brought them back safely. She apologized for ending on such a bad note...but we felt the opposite. Belle did a great job and was an excellent tour guide!
By this time, we could not get out our directions to pizza fast enough. We were all starving. We finally found Lou's and were seated. A lanky fellow introduced himself and took our drink orders. "Gilligan" was working hard to remember that we wanted water and a menu. He brought the menus and then said "Oh, the water!" He returned with three and forgot the fourth. We put in an order for appetizers and beer and waited for him to return to ask for utensils to eat our snacks....he came back with the fourth water then hit his forehead remembering that he didn't have forks and knives in hand. Not the sharpest tool in the box. Every three hour tour needs a little comic relief, right? Lucky for us, he did remember to bring dinner and when the pizza arrived, we all thought my goodness, this was like heaven on a plate. It was so incredibly delicious, I wish I could have eaten a second piece! This picture does not do it justice:
If you head to Chicago and want fabulous authentic pizza, go here. You will not be disappointed!
We walked our stuffed selves out of Lou's and headed down the street where we came across "Howl At the Moon" a dueling piano bar. It looked fun and we made our way inside. Little did we know that in less than an hour, we would finally see "Gilligan's" buddy the Skipper!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Day 4: I'm Every Woman
Day 4: Back to Blogging- write a post about a woman who inspires you.
This is the hardest post to write!! How can I pick ONE woman? I have so many in my life that have given me inspiration whether they know it or not.
Oprah comes to mind...she inspired me to run a marathon...read more books...better myself.
My friend Kim...she inspired me every day as I watched her finish her Masters degree in psychology...while working....while raising 3 kids....she is just awesome.
My mother-in-law....she inspires me to be a better cook...she can have a conversation with anyone and make them feel like they have been friends forever- she inspires me to be that way....
My old boss....she is smart business woman and started and continues to run her own business...with a full staff....with 3 kids....in the event field. Not easy to do.
Elizabeth Gilbert, Julie Powell and Maya Angelou....all writers that have produced books that have changed my life and how I live it every day.
Bonnie Blair...for inspiring me to try speedskating and for allowing me to find and compete in my favorite sport.
I cannot choose just one woman. There are too many...but I know that with all of them,
I am every woman.
--------------------
**This week's posts will be done as part of "Get Back To Blogging" through SITS and a sponsored giveaway provided by, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. The item(s) up for grabs are "Thelma & Louise", a washer and dryer by Electrolux!
This is the hardest post to write!! How can I pick ONE woman? I have so many in my life that have given me inspiration whether they know it or not.
Oprah comes to mind...she inspired me to run a marathon...read more books...better myself.
My friend Kim...she inspired me every day as I watched her finish her Masters degree in psychology...while working....while raising 3 kids....she is just awesome.
My mother-in-law....she inspires me to be a better cook...she can have a conversation with anyone and make them feel like they have been friends forever- she inspires me to be that way....
My old boss....she is smart business woman and started and continues to run her own business...with a full staff....with 3 kids....in the event field. Not easy to do.
Elizabeth Gilbert, Julie Powell and Maya Angelou....all writers that have produced books that have changed my life and how I live it every day.
Bonnie Blair...for inspiring me to try speedskating and for allowing me to find and compete in my favorite sport.
I cannot choose just one woman. There are too many...but I know that with all of them,
I am every woman.
--------------------
**This week's posts will be done as part of "Get Back To Blogging" through SITS and a sponsored giveaway provided by, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. The item(s) up for grabs are "Thelma & Louise", a washer and dryer by Electrolux!
Back to Blogging:: Day 3- What's in a TItle?
I have been running on fumes for a few days now and it finally caught up to me last night! I sat down (once again, verrrry late) and opened up my laptop to schedule a few posts. I was on a site (BlogFrog to be exact) ready to make a comment on a discussion and you know what?
I FELL ASLEEP! Right then and there! Totally zonked! I don't even know if I actually hit the reply button! I don't think I have ever done that before.
Have you ever been so tired that you just fell asleep like that?
-----------
Day 3 of "Back to Bloggin" is to upload a past post title that I liked and explain why I liked it.
Here is one that I liked Writing:
What? No Stunt Double?
I promised this morning that I would have another post tonight sharing my weekend, but something happened today that had me cracking up ...at myself! If you saw it, you would have certainly been laughing AT me and I would not have blamed you one bit.
As I mentioned, today was my first day of my new job. It's a nice little job that I am very excited about. I was so nervous about making a good impression, that I did not sleep a wink last night and let me tell you, the alarm sounded much, much earlier than I wanted.
After sorting out a few things and having a few gulps of much needed coffee, I got settled at my new desk and then it happened. I felt like I was in a re-run of the "I Love Lucy Show" only, I was not Lucy.
I was her stand in.
I can hear the director now...
"Ok. Lucy, I want you to reach over the arm rest of your chair, down into that tote bag and try to grab the bottle of water that is just out of your reach. Good. CUT! Bring in the stunt double...."
Then it is me in the chair and in the next instant, the chair tips, wheels fly out to the side, my feet and the legs of the chair are above my head and I am crashing onto the ground. "CUT! Bring Lucy back in!"
**This week's posts will be done as part of "Get Back To Blogging" through SITS and a sponsored giveaway provided by, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. The item(s) up for grabs are "Thelma & Louise", a washer and dryer by Electrolux!
I FELL ASLEEP! Right then and there! Totally zonked! I don't even know if I actually hit the reply button! I don't think I have ever done that before.
Have you ever been so tired that you just fell asleep like that?
-----------
Day 3 of "Back to Bloggin" is to upload a past post title that I liked and explain why I liked it.
Here is one that I liked Writing:
What? No Stunt Double?
I promised this morning that I would have another post tonight sharing my weekend, but something happened today that had me cracking up ...at myself! If you saw it, you would have certainly been laughing AT me and I would not have blamed you one bit.
As I mentioned, today was my first day of my new job. It's a nice little job that I am very excited about. I was so nervous about making a good impression, that I did not sleep a wink last night and let me tell you, the alarm sounded much, much earlier than I wanted.
After sorting out a few things and having a few gulps of much needed coffee, I got settled at my new desk and then it happened. I felt like I was in a re-run of the "I Love Lucy Show" only, I was not Lucy.
I was her stand in.
"Ok. Lucy, I want you to reach over the arm rest of your chair, down into that tote bag and try to grab the bottle of water that is just out of your reach. Good. CUT! Bring in the stunt double...."
Then it is me in the chair and in the next instant, the chair tips, wheels fly out to the side, my feet and the legs of the chair are above my head and I am crashing onto the ground. "CUT! Bring Lucy back in!"
Lucy = "Whaaaaaaaaa! Riiiiiiiiiicckkkyyy!!!"
Me = "Ouch! Bpffffftttttttttt....hhahahahahaha!"
That's is correct. I literally fell out of my chair!
I am so glad nobody saw it happen because I would never have lived that one down!
I'm sure that my neighbor in the next office has no clue that there is a comic genius in the works, mere feet away. I'll keep that gem for months from now when I can say "Did I ever tell you what happened on my first day?"
For now, I am finishing my tea and grabbing the heating pad for my sore back.
*In my best Troy McClure voice*: "I'm not a stunt double, but I once played one in an office...you may have seen me in "Musical Chairs For Dummies" or "Stop, Drop and Roll, an Office Worker's Nightmare".
Not to worry stunt doubles, I'm going to keep my day job.
--------
I had a hard time finding a title of a post that was catchy! I do have a few...but not many. I have to work on that!
------
--------
I had a hard time finding a title of a post that was catchy! I do have a few...but not many. I have to work on that!
------
**This week's posts will be done as part of "Get Back To Blogging" through SITS and a sponsored giveaway provided by, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. The item(s) up for grabs are "Thelma & Louise", a washer and dryer by Electrolux!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Get Back To Blogging: Day 2 Post
Today is Day 2 of the Get Back to Blogging and the task is to re-upload a post that I wish more people had read. Then explain why it was important to me.
This is the post I chose to share again:
Pasta Love
Original Post Date: 11/10/09
Friend 1 to Friend 2: “You sleep with ziti?”
Friend 2 to Friend 1: “What?!”
Friend Group: All in hysterical laughter.
I guess you had to be there; and I am so glad that I was!
Our family paid a visit to our old “hood” this past weekend. It’s been at least two years since our last visit and nine years since we left the sleepy little town nestled in Northeast Pennsylvania.
I once wrote that when you reconnect with an old, good friend after an absence, an ease and sense of comfort sets into your soul and it seems as though time has not passed at all. This weekend we reconnected with not just one friend, but twelve! Four could not make it due to other plans, and they were missed.
This group of couples actually feels more like family than friends. When my husband and I started our family it was hard not being close to our immediate families. We were pretty much on our own as my family was at least 3-hours away and my husband’s was a solid 5-hour trip. They say that kids bring you together and this rang true as I became involved with playgroups. Because most of us were in the same boat, we relied on each other for everything. We brought our kids together to play while we drank coffee and discussed preschools, shared recipes and story time at the local library. We even shared babysitters, which was like sharing gold.
As the kids got older, we began to have more dinner parties, game nights and wine tastings just to have an excuse to hang out more. Being a transient area, folks moved in and out on a frequent basis. We lucked out, because for a good 5 years we were all rooted in this town and I really believe this is what helped in creating great friendships. I have never laughed more than I have with this group. We had fun each and every time we got together.
I can still remember the morning I had to tell my best friend that my husband and I were relocating. I was devastated. We were doing our “5k” running course that morning (we ran and talked a lot!) and we added a little extra to the loop and went through town. It was an early fall morning-we always ran before our husbands had to leave for work- the sun coming up and the air cool. We just made our way down Main Street and were in front of the firehouse when I stopped, hunched over and started sobbing. I’m sure my friend was in the middle of a story and was wondering why I wasn’t commenting when she looked around and saw me behind her. I remember her coming up to me and placing her hand on my back asking if everything was alright. I blurted out “NO! I don’t know how to tell you this, so I’m just going to tell you; we’re moving.” She stood up and started running down the street mad as all hell. I was mad too. My comfort bubble had just burst and it was a scary thing.
Luckily, our friendship is strong and true and has lived through not only my move but hers as well. Her family recently moved back to our old stomping ground and hence a visit and party to reconnect with our group of friends. As they all began to arrive with hugs and smiles and more hugs, we all settled into our story sharing and how are you’s with ease. The laughs were constant as the birds and bees, religion, and politics were all stirred into the pot; nothing is off limits with this crowd. Since most of us have not seen each other in about 7 years, pictures of the kids were passed around and we all realized that our children are growing up too fast! What happened to the little 4 and 5 year olds we last saw? All of them are becoming young ladies and gentlemen. As for the parents? I think we all look damn good!
I have missed this group, my "friend family", very much. When I’m with them, I feel my guard is completely down and I soak in all the joy that is in the room. To quote another friend “You know, this group has always been great; I can never leave an evening without my cheeks hurting from laughing so much!”
Laughter is medicine to the soul and I’ll take that dose anytime.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Why did I choose this post? I love the friends that helped to shape us into the folks we are today. We have a bond that has tested time and when I look back on that short time in our lives, I sometimes miss it and those that made our days so special.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
**This week's posts will be done as part of "Get Back To Blogging" through SITS and a sponsored giveaway provided by, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. The item(s) up for grabs are "Thelma & Louise", a washer and dryer by Electrolux!
This is the post I chose to share again:
Pasta Love
Original Post Date: 11/10/09
Friend 1 to Friend 2: “You sleep with ziti?”
Friend 2 to Friend 1: “What?!”
Friend Group: All in hysterical laughter.
I guess you had to be there; and I am so glad that I was!
Our family paid a visit to our old “hood” this past weekend. It’s been at least two years since our last visit and nine years since we left the sleepy little town nestled in Northeast Pennsylvania.
I once wrote that when you reconnect with an old, good friend after an absence, an ease and sense of comfort sets into your soul and it seems as though time has not passed at all. This weekend we reconnected with not just one friend, but twelve! Four could not make it due to other plans, and they were missed.
This group of couples actually feels more like family than friends. When my husband and I started our family it was hard not being close to our immediate families. We were pretty much on our own as my family was at least 3-hours away and my husband’s was a solid 5-hour trip. They say that kids bring you together and this rang true as I became involved with playgroups. Because most of us were in the same boat, we relied on each other for everything. We brought our kids together to play while we drank coffee and discussed preschools, shared recipes and story time at the local library. We even shared babysitters, which was like sharing gold.
As the kids got older, we began to have more dinner parties, game nights and wine tastings just to have an excuse to hang out more. Being a transient area, folks moved in and out on a frequent basis. We lucked out, because for a good 5 years we were all rooted in this town and I really believe this is what helped in creating great friendships. I have never laughed more than I have with this group. We had fun each and every time we got together.
I can still remember the morning I had to tell my best friend that my husband and I were relocating. I was devastated. We were doing our “5k” running course that morning (we ran and talked a lot!) and we added a little extra to the loop and went through town. It was an early fall morning-we always ran before our husbands had to leave for work- the sun coming up and the air cool. We just made our way down Main Street and were in front of the firehouse when I stopped, hunched over and started sobbing. I’m sure my friend was in the middle of a story and was wondering why I wasn’t commenting when she looked around and saw me behind her. I remember her coming up to me and placing her hand on my back asking if everything was alright. I blurted out “NO! I don’t know how to tell you this, so I’m just going to tell you; we’re moving.” She stood up and started running down the street mad as all hell. I was mad too. My comfort bubble had just burst and it was a scary thing.
Luckily, our friendship is strong and true and has lived through not only my move but hers as well. Her family recently moved back to our old stomping ground and hence a visit and party to reconnect with our group of friends. As they all began to arrive with hugs and smiles and more hugs, we all settled into our story sharing and how are you’s with ease. The laughs were constant as the birds and bees, religion, and politics were all stirred into the pot; nothing is off limits with this crowd. Since most of us have not seen each other in about 7 years, pictures of the kids were passed around and we all realized that our children are growing up too fast! What happened to the little 4 and 5 year olds we last saw? All of them are becoming young ladies and gentlemen. As for the parents? I think we all look damn good!
I have missed this group, my "friend family", very much. When I’m with them, I feel my guard is completely down and I soak in all the joy that is in the room. To quote another friend “You know, this group has always been great; I can never leave an evening without my cheeks hurting from laughing so much!”
Laughter is medicine to the soul and I’ll take that dose anytime.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Why did I choose this post? I love the friends that helped to shape us into the folks we are today. We have a bond that has tested time and when I look back on that short time in our lives, I sometimes miss it and those that made our days so special.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
**This week's posts will be done as part of "Get Back To Blogging" through SITS and a sponsored giveaway provided by, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. The item(s) up for grabs are "Thelma & Louise", a washer and dryer by Electrolux!
Get Back To Blogging Day 1: Your Very First Post
Let me introduce you to the very first post I entered for Mom Got Blog. Can you believe it has been a year and a few months!?
Leap of Faith
Originally posted on 6/4/09
I recently had a Q & A with my brother about starting your own business. He has never been one to shy away from his entrepreneurial calling and has had a few very successful business ventures. As we spoke, he was explaining his new idea to me and at which stage of the process he was getting it off the ground. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that?!” ideas and once again he has been blessed with impeccable timing. When he is up and running I will follow up with a link to his new adventure located in Virginia Beach, Va. My brother’s insight and advice was perfect timing for me personally and he made my decision so much less scary! Thanks, bro. Love ya.
So here I am, jumping in with both feet and making a go of my new life adventure: writing.
When I was 21, I moved out of the house to live on my own. I quickly learned money was a necessity to live and eat, so I went into the corporate world of insurance and stayed there for 8 years. Around that 8 year mark, my husband and I found out that we were about to start a family. I went on maternity leave and we decided it was time for me to change careers and be a full time mom. 13 years and 2 kids later, it was the best decision my husband and I ever made.
The past few years, I have eased myself back to the workplace and I have to be honest, I've enjoyed being back in the mix of things and contributing to the success of the company, but I struggle with the thought that I still want more. So, adding an outlet to write and share my thoughts seemed to be the next phase to move into.
So, I start my adventure in this new field and invite you to come along with me in my leap of faith; I do not know everything, but I am willing to learn and even impart my wisdom and experience on some matters.
And to my dear brother, if this is as successful as we dreamed, beer is on me!
_________________________________________________________________________
**This week's posts will be done as part of "Get Back To Blogging" through SITS and a sponsored giveaway provided by, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. The item(s) up for grabs are "Thelma & Louise", a washer and dryer by Electrolux!
If you have been reading the past few weeks, then you know about the Gremlins that have taken up residence in my appliances- one being my washer- Which I now have to stand and hold the knob on for it to work at all!
Leap of Faith
Originally posted on 6/4/09
I recently had a Q & A with my brother about starting your own business. He has never been one to shy away from his entrepreneurial calling and has had a few very successful business ventures. As we spoke, he was explaining his new idea to me and at which stage of the process he was getting it off the ground. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that?!” ideas and once again he has been blessed with impeccable timing. When he is up and running I will follow up with a link to his new adventure located in Virginia Beach, Va. My brother’s insight and advice was perfect timing for me personally and he made my decision so much less scary! Thanks, bro. Love ya.
So here I am, jumping in with both feet and making a go of my new life adventure: writing.
When I was 21, I moved out of the house to live on my own. I quickly learned money was a necessity to live and eat, so I went into the corporate world of insurance and stayed there for 8 years. Around that 8 year mark, my husband and I found out that we were about to start a family. I went on maternity leave and we decided it was time for me to change careers and be a full time mom. 13 years and 2 kids later, it was the best decision my husband and I ever made.
The past few years, I have eased myself back to the workplace and I have to be honest, I've enjoyed being back in the mix of things and contributing to the success of the company, but I struggle with the thought that I still want more. So, adding an outlet to write and share my thoughts seemed to be the next phase to move into.
So, I start my adventure in this new field and invite you to come along with me in my leap of faith; I do not know everything, but I am willing to learn and even impart my wisdom and experience on some matters.
And to my dear brother, if this is as successful as we dreamed, beer is on me!
_________________________________________________________________________
**This week's posts will be done as part of "Get Back To Blogging" through SITS and a sponsored giveaway provided by, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances. The item(s) up for grabs are "Thelma & Louise", a washer and dryer by Electrolux!
If you have been reading the past few weeks, then you know about the Gremlins that have taken up residence in my appliances- one being my washer- Which I now have to stand and hold the knob on for it to work at all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
