I should write children's books

Today I was going through some of the picture books at work and weeding out some of the ones that that are beat up, moldy, or just don't make the cut anymore. I found this little gem hidden amongst the shelves. Here's the first page of "Meatball", by Phyllis Hoffman :)

"My teacher Julia has curly black hair and round wire glasses. Every day she wears big earrings, a baggy blouse, and dungarees. In the morning I’m the first one in school. “Hiya, Meatball!” she says, and gives me a hug. My real name is Marilyn, but she calls me Meatball because she says I’m round and yummy."

I don't think a teacher could get away with saying something like that these days. Then again, she does wear dungarees.

I'll never have to buy that stuff again

For a while now I've noticed something weird happening with my mouth. I'd wake up, brush my teeth, shower, and get ready for work. During my drive to work, I started noticing something funky going on in my mouth. It was like a layer of skin was peeling off. I started to get really concerned that something was wrong. Then I started noticing it at other times. I finally figured it out after a few days. The weird mouth thing was only happening about a half hour to an hour after I brushed my teeth! The culprit... that funky new toothpaste I bought. This toothpaste is some crazy super-duper max 12 hour protection stuff. I'm thinking that 12 hour protection was in the form of a thin layer of a slimy film. YUCK!

But being the semi-frugal person that I am, I can't just throw it away, I have to finish it up. Until then, I will just suffer. Gross.

Oh my gosh, they did it again!

I'm sitting here knitting sipping on a left-over frozen margarita from Taco Fiesta. I have the TV on, but I'm not really paying attention to it, just kind of half listening. All of a sudden during a commercial break I hear a familiar tune. Well maybe the tune isn't so familiar to me, but the vocals an music are unmistakable. It's my friends The Icicles! They had another major corporation feature one of their songs for a commercial!

The first one was for the Motorola KRAZR, featuring "Sugar Sweet". The new commercial features "LaTiDa" for Target! I'm glad that their music is getting such great national recognition. They are fun little Indy rock band from Grand Rapids.

Here's their myspace page. Take a look and check out their music
The Icicles Myspace page

YAY FOR THE ICICLES!

Question...

Does this "no wearing of white after Labor Day" rule really apply to us in South Florida? I mean, it's still summer here. We're still in the 90's every day. We'll still be having summer like weather until around December. So why can't I wear lighter clothing so I don't sweat my ass off? I don't know about everyone else down here, but I'm nowhere near wanting to break out the fall wardrobe. In fact, I don't think we even have fall here. I've only noticed two season myself... rainy and dry. Or hurricane and not hurricane.

Fun on an island

This weekend I decided out of the blue to take a little road trip. I had never been to Sanibel Island, so I thought now would be as good a time as any. I tried inviting a few people to go with me, but everyone either had school, work, or other pressing plans. So I decided to go solo. Why not? I'm getting tired of the same-old same-old. I want to get outside and see something new, enjoy the scenery and sunny weather.

So Saturday around noon I took off. I wasn't even an hour into my little excursion when I had my first little mishap. As I was driving down Alligator Alley, this big SUV was in the process of passing me. Right then this little bird chased a bug into the path of the truck. The bird saw the truck just in time and changed his course... right back into my path. There was nothing I could do. I just heard this little "dunk" and I knew I hit the poor little guy. I looked in my rear-view mirror.... uh oh. I didn't see any sign of the poor thing. I had this sinking feeling that he was still with me. So about 12 miles after I hit him, I finally got to a rest stop where I could pull off. As soon as I get out of my car, my worst fears are confirmed. There's the little wing sticking up from the grill of my car. I get to the front and that poor thing is stuck in the grill of my car. I darned near started crying. And not only was I sad about hitting the cute little thing, I had to figure out how to extract him from the grill of my car. Poor little guy :(

After I take care of the little bird situation, I head back on the road. Fortunately I have a pretty uneventful trip the rest of the way. The drive was beautiful and traffic wasn't bad at all.

I find the beach and decide to go on a shelling walk, since Sanibel is famous for it's sea shells. This is where I have my second little mishap. I take my beach bag with me. I have my towel, my purse, sunscreen, a bottle of water, and various other little things. I go to wade in the water so I stuck my flip-flops in there too. As I'm walking down the beach I'm constantly stopping to get in my bag for one thing or another. I even stop for a rest and go for a dip. After a while I check the time and decide to head back to my car before the parking meter expires. By the time I get back I am slightly overheated and very hungry. I go into my bag to retrieve my flip-flops. There's the left one... ok... where's the right? hmmm... Not in my beach bag. Well that sucks. That's the only pair of shoes I had brought with me. I'm clear on the other side of the state and I have one flip flop. So I put another hour on the meter and go for another walk on the beach. Since I got in my bag oodles of time on the walk, there is no telling where it could be. Luckily I did find it pretty quickly. Whew! Lesson learned! I will keep a spare pair of flip-flops in my car from now on. Or at least pack 2 pairs of shoes.

After those two little mishaps, the rest of the trip goes surprisingly well. I go to grab some dinner and think about what I'm going to do for the night. Should I try to find a hotel, or should I relax for a couple of hours and then drive home? I pretty much had decided to head back home when the restaurant I'm in starts to fill up. Most everyone there are locals. The next thing I know, I'm hanging out with the locals having a great time. They are so friendly, I'm having a great time. There's men and women, everywhere from their mid-twenties to retirees. They talk me into staying on the island for the night. I even got hooked up with a great deal on a place to stay. You see, everyone on the island seems to know each other, so a couple calls are made and I have a little cottage for $70. Not too bad, really. I hang out with a group of people for the evening.

One of the people I had hung out with owns a bike rental shop. So the next morning I head to the shop and get hooked up with a free bike and a tour. I get introduced to even more people and hang out by the pool at an ocean side resort. Unfortunately I have to leave around 1:00.

I had so much fun. I seriously had to force myself to leave. Everyone was so friendly, very laid back, and really down to earth. The whole atmosphere of the island is relaxing and laid back. I'll definitely be making some trips back there again. And now after hearing how much fun I had, all my friends want to go with me. Funny how that works.

Ouilts

I had the honor of attending the museum member's opening of the Quilts of Gee's Bend exhibit. It was truly a fascinating experience. I've never quilted myself, but I've been fascinated with the art for for a while now. I think that once you pick up one of the fiber arts, you learn a respect and appreciation for other forms.

This exhibit actually overwhelmed me with emotion. For anyone who may not be familiar with the Quilts of Gee's Bend, here's a little history for you. Quilts of Gee's Bend

These are not only beautiful pieces or art, there is so much more wrapped up in them. These women lived in a poor rural community that was pretty much isolated from the rest of society for years and years. The women who quilted used what ever fabrics they could get their hands on. Most of the fabrics were recycled clothing or whatever materials they could get their hands on.

I was actually moved to tears when I read the story behind one quilt in particular. A sign next to the quilt said that woman had originally helped her mother make the quilt following the passing of her father. She said that when her father died her mother took all of his old work clothes and started cutting them up. Her mother said that she wanted to make a quilt from his work clothes so that when she was lonely she could curl up under that quilt for some love. When you look at the quilt you can see the marks on the fabric from where cuffs used to be. You could see the old, deep set in stains. You knew this was a man who worked very hard for his family and you could see the love, care, and dedication put into making a lasting memory of him.

Anyone in the South Florida area must make a point of going to see this exhibit. If you are free this weekend try to go to some of the opening ceremonies. Eighteen of the quilters are here, and you don't want to miss getting to see them. And they sing the most amazing gospel music.

Bye bye long weekend :(

This was one of the best weekends ever!

Friday evening I headed off to Tampa with Lyn. We had an absolute blast, despite the fact that it seemed like anything and everything that could have gone wrong did. It was just proof to me that good company can overcome bad weather any other obstacles that can come up. The army boys that we stayed with turned out to be the most wonderful hosts. They were the sweetest, most respectful, and genuinely kind guys I have ever met. I met quite a few people this weekend, and I just have to say that we have some amazing people watching over this country. Unfortunately a few of the guys that I met are being sent over to Iraq in the next few weeks. I'm hoping they stay safe and will be able to come home the same people that they are now.

Anyway... Yesterday I came back from Tampa and then ended up hanging out with Nancy and co. that evening. We had pizza and mojitos on the beach from Primanti Brothers. Then we went to the Parrot and enjoyed some cheap beer and people watching.

This afternoon I was invited to Jenny and Nancy's house for a BBQ. If you have never been to a BBQ hosted by a latino family, I would highly suggest it. The food is amazing, and there is a TON of it. And Latin American mothers LOVE to feed you. Literally. If you turn your head for one second, your plate will be full by the time you turn around again. When they decide you need to eat more, it is not a question or a request.

Tonight was Knit Night with the Betties at the Falcon Pub. Since I didn't need any more food, I opted to just have some Strongbow. Torii surprised me with a cute little pirate magnet and some little pirate decorations that can serve various purposes from buttons, to doll props, to cake decorations. This night was another case of being blessed with good company.

Too bad the weekend has to end.

Loooonnnnnggg weekend!

By the luck of the draw, I managed to get an extra long weekend without having to take any time off of work. I worked this past Sunday, so I got the following Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. Monday is Labor Day, so that was a good bonus, and Tuesdays are my normal day for going in late. That means I have from Thursday at 5:00 p.m. to Tuesday at 1:00 all for my very own.

Tomorrow I think my friend Lynlee and I are going to take a little road trip to Tampa! There we will meet up her her friend who will be hosting a little BBQ that night. The next morning we will take off and play in Busch Gardens for the day. I've never been to Tampa before, so I'm looking forward to the new experience. Plus, I might have failed to mention that the people we are visiting are all Army boys. Don't worry, I'll be good :)

Sunday morning we will have to head back to Lauderdale. The rest of the weekend is up in the air, until Monday night. That's when I'll be meeting the Betties out at the Falcon Pub for some yummy food and hard cider! How can you beat a weekend like this?

Bad date book

Cheryl (tejedorita dulce) and I have long talked about writing a book about all of our bad or humorous dating experiences. I recently posted about the ex who emailed me, essentially telling me that he saw a huge disaster and thought of me. And then who could forget Cheryl's date asking her if she would shave his back? The funniest part being that they had just started dating and she didn't even know him that well. Really... when do you reach the back shaving stage of a relationship?

Anyway, that is just a taste of what we have to offer in our book. I think Cheryl and I should start thinking about titles. If anyone has suggestions, let us know!

Oh the joys of being a woman

OK. To any man that might be reading this, you may want to skip this one and move along. I'm sorry if this post may be crass, but I can't help it.

So I am experiencing the great thrill of being a woman right now. Among a multitude of other symptoms, my back hurts so bad I can't sit up strait. In my desperation I went to the internet to see if there is possibly anything I can do that might help my situation. Here is the suggestion that they gave me. "Lie down on your side and bring your knees to your chest. This will help relieve back pressure." Ok, here's the problem. There are about two extra gallons of water that's flowing around in my abdominal area. There's no way that my knees are getting any where near my chest. Another piece of advice that they give... "Try sexual activity." I'm not even going there. I'll just say one thing. Besides the obvious, if any man gets withing 20 feet of me right now, he'll probably loose an eye or something.

I just need to go into hibernation at times like these.

Hey, I saw a train-wreck and I thought of you!

Last Tuesday while I was at my parent's house in Michigan, I got on their computer to see if I could print out my boarding pass. I decided to skim through my email to see if there was anything important going on. To my surprise there was a email from the estranged ex-boyfriend. The same boyfriend who after a 7 month relationship decided to cut things off by just dropping off the face of the earth. No explanation, no goodbye, no nothing.

So out of the blue he decides to honor me with an email. Here is what he had to say...

Hope your doing well. Sorry we ended so poorly. The bridge collapse made me think of you. Hope your family was safe.

"Hope your doing well." He hopes my what is doing well? English buddy, "your" would be referring to a possession of mine. "Sorry we ended so poorly." We? No buddy, it's all on you. I didn't do anything poorly. "The bridge collapse made me think of you." ?!?!?!?!?! What the?!?!?!?! Gee, I saw a huge disaster and I thought of you. Really, do men think before they speak/type? "Hope your family was safe." Ummmm... I guess that's a nice sentiment, but if he was referring to the aforementioned disaster, my family lives over 500 miles and 4 states away for Minneapolis.

Nice try buddy.

I'm back!

I just returned a few days ago from a vacation of sorts and spent a couple of days recovering. My vacation actually consisted of going home to see my family, attend a family reunion, and clean my remaining possessions out of my parent's house.

It was tiring, but a lot of fun. It was especially good to spend time with my little niece. She is something else! She's a super cute, super smart, super funny, and quite the sassy little 2-year-old. And there is no doubt that she is my sister's child :) There's far too many cute stories to try to put them all on the computer, but I think my favorite one is a conversation we had while we were in the Bi-berry (aka library).

Me: Keira, here's a couple of special books. This is "The Grandma Book", and this is "The Grandpa Book." Since we are going to see Grandma and Grandpa, I thought you would like to have a couple of special books to read with them. What do you think?

Keira: I go see Gamma and Gampa today?

Me: Yup. We're going to go to a big park, and Grandma and Grandpa are going to be there.

Keira: Is Aunt Becky going to go to the park today with Gamma and Gampa?

Me: Yup, I'll be there too. In fact, I'm going to ride in the car with you and mommy to go see Grandma and Grandpa.

Keira: Oh... *sigh* Today is a happy day for me!

Me: Awwww :) Today is happy day for me too! (as a little tear wells up in my eye).

Dang she's a cute kid! If I can figure out how to get the pictures from my new phone to the computer (not as easy as my old phone apparently), I have some cute pictures to share.

Ain't technology great?

After a weekend like this, I want to dump all on my technological toys and go live in a cave. It started out with my computer on Friday. I'll keep a really long story short and just say that there is some really bad adware/spyware out there. I'm pretty good at running antivirus and adware programs, but there is so much crap out there. Just do yourself a favor and make sure you have some really good anti spyware/adware programs and run them often... and make sure you update your definitions frequently. I run two different adware programs and this particular bug that got me literally wormed it's way on and opened up a floodgate. And it has ways of hiding little bits and pieces throughout your system that will automatically reinstall the program every time you delete it. So you have to go through and find the little bits and pieces and delete them manually. I'm proud that I managed to do it and not delete something important.

I'm really tempted to toss this blasted computer and get a Mac.

My other little technological mishap had to do with a cell phone. Basically it's taking a really long cab ride right now. So I got to go buy a new cell phone today! YAY! Just what I wanted to spend my money on. But I do have a nice new phone, and it's a cool little toy. No need to buy that iPod I've been wanting, because this phone is pretty fancy!

The downfall is that I was pretty stupid and didn't back up any of the phone numbers off my old phone. So now I have a nice new phone and I don't have any numbers to call. But at least I have a cool phone!

My favorite place

Since I don't have much time to post, I'm just going to put up a pretty picture. This is one of my mornings on the beach before heading to work in the afternoon. It was a beautiful morning, even though it wasn't too sunny.

I know I'm a bit late...

But I have to chime in on the previous conversation between a couple of Betties (Torii and Cheryl). I just have to submit my entry to the whole ass-hat discussion.

My entry is Curtis Stone, the "Take Home Chef."

I've even started shopping at Whole Foods and getting gussied up in the hopes that this man leans oven my shopping cart and asks me if he could come to my place to cook dinner.

I ask you: How would you like to see this man bending over your hot stove?

Must... read... on...

I've spent the entire day hanging out with Harry. I'm exhausted but I can't make myself stop reading. Not only am I totally absorbed into the story, but I'm so worried that someone will spoil something for me. Just like the jerk that published the book review in the New York Times, I'm afraid someone will go blabbing on TV or something.

I vowed I would not turn my TV on or listen to the radio until I've finished it. Earlier today I did need to take a break, so I took a risk and turned the TV on to the Food Network. I'm feeling pretty confident that Alton Brown or Paula Dean won't be leaking Harry Potter spoilers. But you never know.... back to reading I must go!

I love tourists :)

Recently I've been so busy that I haven't been taking much time for myself. I've come up with this bright idea to relax a little and it's been working out wonderfully. Every time I have to work in the evening, I get up early and hit the beach by 9:00. It's so quiet and so peaceful, and VERY relaxing. It's an awesome way to spend maybe an hour or two by myself and just unwind. Except when someone comes along and interrupts your alone time

Today I have to be to work at 1:00, so I decided to go to the beach. I'm sitting on the edge of the water for about an hour and a half when I decide I need to go. I start to pack up and I see this this guy walking down the beach. He spots me, and starts heading up my way. He's got goggles on his head, the biggest grin you've ever seen, and he's sporting a.... I'll just say that he must have been pleased with the view he had he walked down the beach checking out all the girls.

As he tries to make small talk, I'm trying my hardest not to look at him or crack up. He can't figure out why I'm laughing. He also can't understand why all the other people around us seem to be laughing too. I busy myself with packing up my beach bag, and trying to not look at him. Finally he gets the hint that I won't go swimming with him like he wanted me to and he leaves. "Maybe next time", he says. Yeah, sure buddy.

And then he moved on to the next group of girls about 25 feet down the beach. Everyone in the vicinity lost it and started cracking up. As I walked off the beach, some people that witnessed the whole thing gave me a thumbs.

I'm pooped...

I've been running around like crazy at work. I have one major project that I've been working on for about 2 months and I have a week to wrap it up. Then I have 2 major programs I've been trying to plan in between. The first of which was today. We'll just say that I had somewhere between 80-90 small children, and probably about 30-35 adults. An exact count was impossible, because it would be like trying to count a bunch of ladybugs in a box. When you have that many preschoolers in one room, let's just say they don't sit still. And they kept coming, and coming, and coming... At one point I just stood in the middle of the room with a look on my face that resembled a deer in headlight.

The funniest part about the whole thing was when I looked at myself in the mirror after the event. My hair was standing on end, I had this wild and crazy look in my eyes, and I had this mysterious twitch in my cheek.

Now I plan on spending the rest of my evening sipping on a beer and finishing my beanie for the Charmed Knits KAL.

I has a flavor. Does you has a flavor?

I don't know about you, but apparently Patrick Stewart has a flavor.

http://icanhascheezburger.com/tag/flavor/

My friend sent me this link earlier today, and I've been giggling ever since. Call me easily amused but I think it's darned funny.

I got screwed... or at least my burrito did

The other day I had a serious craving for mexican food, so I decided to try something new. I went to this restaurant that I've been wanting to try for about a year and a half now. It was ok, but nothing spectacular. As I was leaving the restaurant I was thinking that I would go back, but I wouldn't go out of my way to do so. At least I thought so until I tried eating my left overs. I'm down to the last couple bites of my burrito when I bite down on something hard. I pull out part of a little aluminum screw or nail or something. I didn't bite down on it and break a tooth or anything, so I'm not going to make a huge deal about it. I just don't think I'll be eating there anytime soon.