The day we left for Florida my car began making this strange flapping noise. I made the decision to not ruin the trip and simply not mention the flapping until we returned. Shockingly enough, 7 days in paradise did not erase my car troubles and when I returned it wasn't magically NOT making the noise anymore.
No, it was just louder and more menacing than before.
Needless to say, reality came crashing back...quick.
So I took my car to a local mechanic on Saturday, a guy my Dad knows through someone else...you know that kind of thing. He ended up being not entirely sure what the problem was and uncomfortable with working on such an unfamiliar car (2004 Chevy Aveo, which people still shrug their eyebrows over).
I was a bit disappointed simply because I wanted my car troubles to be OVER.
Sunday the damn thing just stopped starting. Which somewhat confirmed our suspicion that the timing belt had broke.
This morning I had another shop pick up the car with their rollback (whatever the hell a "rollback" is). They might not get to it until Wednesday, tomorrow if I'm lucky. But the labor alone, IF I'm lucky and it is indeed the timing belt, is going to cost me $175. Tack on the part, the towing and whatever else they come up with and I'm half a d-SLR out the window.
So sad.
I'm reaching the point in my relationship with this car where things begin to go wrong. The timing belt, the this or that belt, the engine...before you know it the transmission will fail me. (Yes, I'm being apocolyptic...humor me.)
I'm afraid there isn't much left in this post. I just felt the need to vent.
I hate my car, I hate car repairs, I hate money.
End of story.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
You Asked For It
This weekend at lunch with a few of my favorite ladies the subject of tubal ligation popped up. I know, tubal ligation just popping up into a conversation? Look, ask them...I still don't know.
At any rate, there we were discussing the ol' tubes. Various stories began to pop up, stories that I will admit...are still giving me nightmares. Things like how the legal consent for tubal ligation is TWENTY FIVE and even worse....that your HUSBAND has to give his consent.
Oh hell no.
You know me, always the women's libber, I've grown quite fond of the whole "my body, my rights" thing. I simply could not believe what I was hearing. How could it possibly be true? I knew for a fact that a woman didn't need consent from her HUSBAND to have an abortion, why the hell would she need consent to have her tubes tied??
I pride myself on my google abilities, I know I'm not the only one, but I have a knack for finding ANYTHING on the internet.
Let me just say, Tubal Ligation Laws? Not the easiest thing I've ever searched for.
But never fear.
To all who requested at lunch.
To all who are reading and are now curious.
In the Commonwealth of Kentucky there are NO laws requiring husband consent for tubal ligation. NOR are there any laws prohibiting the procedure for anyone over the age of TWENTY ONE.
You just sign a consent form at least 30 DAYS PRIOR to the procedure.
(Sidenote: I found out through my mother that I have an aunt who had her tubes tied years ago and to this day my uncle has NO CLUE. Haha, family secrets....)
Now, how exactly do we get confused on the where, whys and hows of tubal ligation?
Much like abortion, tubal ligation (and vascectomy) are up to the doctor. They have full rights to SAY NO, discourage you as much as possible, or SIMPLY REFUSE to perform the procedure.
Your insurance provider can also set specific guidelines for tubal ligation, refusing to pay for one until you've passed a certain age, or number of children...etc.
But by God, if you want one, are determined to have one, you can. Just find a doctor. (Which Planned Parenthood can help you with, I'm told.)
Me? I'm just thrilled to learn there is nothing stopping me from having my tubes tied in my great state. Yes, I might want children someday, but I was disturbed enough by all of this to want the procedure next week.
I feel a little more in control of my body now.
At any rate, there we were discussing the ol' tubes. Various stories began to pop up, stories that I will admit...are still giving me nightmares. Things like how the legal consent for tubal ligation is TWENTY FIVE and even worse....that your HUSBAND has to give his consent.
Oh hell no.
You know me, always the women's libber, I've grown quite fond of the whole "my body, my rights" thing. I simply could not believe what I was hearing. How could it possibly be true? I knew for a fact that a woman didn't need consent from her HUSBAND to have an abortion, why the hell would she need consent to have her tubes tied??
I pride myself on my google abilities, I know I'm not the only one, but I have a knack for finding ANYTHING on the internet.
Let me just say, Tubal Ligation Laws? Not the easiest thing I've ever searched for.
But never fear.
To all who requested at lunch.
To all who are reading and are now curious.
In the Commonwealth of Kentucky there are NO laws requiring husband consent for tubal ligation. NOR are there any laws prohibiting the procedure for anyone over the age of TWENTY ONE.
You just sign a consent form at least 30 DAYS PRIOR to the procedure.
(Sidenote: I found out through my mother that I have an aunt who had her tubes tied years ago and to this day my uncle has NO CLUE. Haha, family secrets....)
Now, how exactly do we get confused on the where, whys and hows of tubal ligation?
Much like abortion, tubal ligation (and vascectomy) are up to the doctor. They have full rights to SAY NO, discourage you as much as possible, or SIMPLY REFUSE to perform the procedure.
Your insurance provider can also set specific guidelines for tubal ligation, refusing to pay for one until you've passed a certain age, or number of children...etc.
But by God, if you want one, are determined to have one, you can. Just find a doctor. (Which Planned Parenthood can help you with, I'm told.)
Me? I'm just thrilled to learn there is nothing stopping me from having my tubes tied in my great state. Yes, I might want children someday, but I was disturbed enough by all of this to want the procedure next week.
I feel a little more in control of my body now.
Things That Make Me Uneasy
Rosie O'Donnell's been warning about this forever. This was the last headline I wanted to find this evening when I opened up CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/29/us.iran/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/29/us.iran/index.html
Friday, June 27, 2008
Free Pretzel
So let's say you decide to hit up the mall tomorrow for the $1 flip flop, you'll get tired from all of that walking around and eventually want a snack, right?
Have no fear.
Print this coupon to get a FREE AUNTIE ANNE'S PRETZEL, sometime before July 27th. (I got it to print TWICE, so if your friend, loved one...etc. needs a pretzel too make sure to try and print it more than once!)
again, hat tip to http://www.moneysavingmom.com/
I see a frugal mall trip in all your futures! ;)
And really? When was the last time frugal and mall went in the same sentence?
Have no fear.
Print this coupon to get a FREE AUNTIE ANNE'S PRETZEL, sometime before July 27th. (I got it to print TWICE, so if your friend, loved one...etc. needs a pretzel too make sure to try and print it more than once!)
again, hat tip to http://www.moneysavingmom.com/
I see a frugal mall trip in all your futures! ;)
And really? When was the last time frugal and mall went in the same sentence?
$1 Flip Flops!
While I do advocate spending a few extra dollars to have less pairs of flip flops, but better quality (being the flip flop snob I am ;) ), sometimes a girl can't help but need a couple of cheap pairs. Especially when those cheapos only cost a DOLLAR.
Given the price of gas, I'm not so sure I'd go out of my way to hit up Old Navy tomorrow for this promotion. BUT, if you were in the area it might be something to check out!
hat tip to www.moneysavingmom.com
Given the price of gas, I'm not so sure I'd go out of my way to hit up Old Navy tomorrow for this promotion. BUT, if you were in the area it might be something to check out!
hat tip to www.moneysavingmom.com
Photo of the Day: A Place Called Unity
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton leave Washington DC together, headed for a rally in Unity, New Hampshire. Unity is a town where both candidates received the SAME AMOUNT OF VOTES in the NH Primary. They are of course, rallying to UNITE the Democratic Party.
Having It All
This post has got me thinking this morning (go ahead, read it...I'll wait): http://www.goodhappenings.com/WordPress/?p=382#comments
I used to be of the pursuasion that a woman could "have it all". Good career, family, money, everything. As I've gotten older and wiser in my days I've come to realize having it all is a bit of a joke. Because having it all means that some area of your life (whether you'd like it to or not) will have to suffer. Your career, your marriage, your time with your children.
I don't see how women do it these days. They give birth, stay home with the baby for its first 6 weeks, then they cart him or her off to daycare where they throw away half of their monthly income so that they can sit at work for 8 hours or more per day while some stranger (whom they often refer to as "teachers" to lessen the blow) raises their baby.
My emotions are all over the place FOR THEM.
This is not to say that it does not work for some people. Some women have to work. Some women PREFER to work. And that's okay. I'm not judging. But for me, it's difficult to wrap my brain around how that would work. I would be a mess.
My favorite part of the post I had you read was that last paragraph:
You know, I think a big part of allowing women (or men, hello...I'm the daughter of a stay at home Dad!) to be at home with their children is changing our perception of what we need in order to have a good life.
Do we need 4,000 square foot houses? Or brand new cars every few years? Or big screen televisions and other expenditures?
I believe it all comes back to money.
Out of the five women who were or are pregnant at my mother's office, only one of them will be able to quit her job after she has her baby. That woman has taken the steps to assure they will be fine financially after she quits, steps that included paying off their car, cutting out outrageous cell phone plans and cancelling cable tv. And yet she will still have enough money to send her oldest child to private school next year. (for reference her husband makes about 38,000 a year, so we aren't talking the wife of a doctor here)
Two of the women are cutting back to four day work weeks. Both have brand new homes and cars to pay for, but are hoping an extra day at home will alleviate a bit of the daycare bill, while still providing them with income to live off of (and an extra day to be with their child of course).
One of the women is coming back full force, with a mother-in-law to watch the baby and a Mercedes and BMW to pay for.
Choices we make.
Do we WANT to have it all? Or do the financial choices we make before children FORCE us to have it all?
It's a tough question and I don't really have the answer.
But it's definitely food for thought.
I used to be of the pursuasion that a woman could "have it all". Good career, family, money, everything. As I've gotten older and wiser in my days I've come to realize having it all is a bit of a joke. Because having it all means that some area of your life (whether you'd like it to or not) will have to suffer. Your career, your marriage, your time with your children.
I don't see how women do it these days. They give birth, stay home with the baby for its first 6 weeks, then they cart him or her off to daycare where they throw away half of their monthly income so that they can sit at work for 8 hours or more per day while some stranger (whom they often refer to as "teachers" to lessen the blow) raises their baby.
My emotions are all over the place FOR THEM.
This is not to say that it does not work for some people. Some women have to work. Some women PREFER to work. And that's okay. I'm not judging. But for me, it's difficult to wrap my brain around how that would work. I would be a mess.
My favorite part of the post I had you read was that last paragraph:
This is all to say that I think 3rd-wave feminism should emphasize finding your
passion in life (be it your career, your family, your hobbies) and to structure
a life that supports your happiness. That means making compromises, and
compromises are key to happiness in any situation. If your happiness now
is your kids, don’t feel guilty for changing the path of your career. I do
feel angry that women were told to charge forward without thinking of the
consequences of incurring hundreds of thousands of $ in debt, but hopefully the
culture will change so that the ethic in America across the board is more family
friendly.
You know, I think a big part of allowing women (or men, hello...I'm the daughter of a stay at home Dad!) to be at home with their children is changing our perception of what we need in order to have a good life.
Do we need 4,000 square foot houses? Or brand new cars every few years? Or big screen televisions and other expenditures?
I believe it all comes back to money.
Out of the five women who were or are pregnant at my mother's office, only one of them will be able to quit her job after she has her baby. That woman has taken the steps to assure they will be fine financially after she quits, steps that included paying off their car, cutting out outrageous cell phone plans and cancelling cable tv. And yet she will still have enough money to send her oldest child to private school next year. (for reference her husband makes about 38,000 a year, so we aren't talking the wife of a doctor here)
Two of the women are cutting back to four day work weeks. Both have brand new homes and cars to pay for, but are hoping an extra day at home will alleviate a bit of the daycare bill, while still providing them with income to live off of (and an extra day to be with their child of course).
One of the women is coming back full force, with a mother-in-law to watch the baby and a Mercedes and BMW to pay for.
Choices we make.
Do we WANT to have it all? Or do the financial choices we make before children FORCE us to have it all?
It's a tough question and I don't really have the answer.
But it's definitely food for thought.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Inspired
Inspired by this, I'm going to answer these. And frankly, you should too.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Finding someone to raise children and grow old with.
What is your current state of mind?
As always, super worried about silly stuff. but other than that (which is normal) I'm pretty calm and enjoying summer.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my family and being alone for the rest of my life.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination, I put EVERYTHING off until tomorrow.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Ignorance and stupidity (i.e. refusal to be more enlightened about the world and issues involving us all).
What is your greatest extravagance?
I'm pretty darn frugal, but I really love gadgets and technology. I'll always spend money on computers and cameras.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
steadfastness, I think it's important to have the ability to waver on something if you were truly wrong to begin with. You should always admit mistakes.
What is it that you most dislike?
I hate when people are apathetic towards anything. But I'm a pretty passionate person, so I guess I'm always seeking that in others.
On what occasion do you lie?
To protect people, or smooth out situations.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I'm not crazy about my thighs.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Sincerity and sense of humor.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Strength, general kick ass-ness. We need more Hillary Clintons and Angelina Jolies in this world.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Lately it's been "for sure".
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
I do believe I've yet to find that.
When and where were you happiest?
Sheer bliss in the moments after my Dad's first heart attack when he was wheeled out of the cath lab, I remember sitting in the waiting room smiling from ear to ear and just feeling this incredible just like...light within my whole body. It was quite amazing.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I really wish I were crafty. I just don't have the eye for it.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I don't think I've had a greatest achievement yet. I was a good kid, I made through school, am working on my "higher education", but nothing remarkable yet. It's coming though.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'm still working on being less uptight, so I guess I would have more fun...that's what I'd change.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
I always say a dog, but one of those dogs that has it made.
What is your most treasured possession?
Photographs, you just can't replace them.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Poverty and hunger I would imagine, the victim of Ethnic Cleansing, Hiv/AIDS mother in a 3rd world country, old person with no family and no support system.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I'm sure people say I'm quiet. But, I'm not really sure how others perceive me.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and ease of friendship, if we have to work hard to be friends it's just not worth it.
Who are your favorite writers?
Mark Twain, Jane Austen, Rebecca Wells, F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.K. Rowling, Richard Yates, Walt Whitman, Margaret Mitchell, Wendell Berry, Maya Angelou.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Rhett Butler, although he is a bit of an anti-hero.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Good lord that's a hard question. How about Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Had that been my time period I feel I would have been just as adament about women's rights as they were. Thank god they existed. And look how far we've come.
Who are your heroes in real life?
un peace workers, volunteers, first responders, my mother, jacqueline kennedy onassis, princess diana, angelina jolie, bono, hillary clinton.
What are your favorite names?
Harper, Ellis, Sloane, Julian, Sullivan, Jude
What is your greatest regret?
Not getting on a boat with my grandpa the last time we were at the lake before he died, not telling someone how I truly felt.
How would you like to die?
Surrounded by my loved ones, happy with how it all turned out.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Finding someone to raise children and grow old with.
What is your current state of mind?
As always, super worried about silly stuff. but other than that (which is normal) I'm pretty calm and enjoying summer.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my family and being alone for the rest of my life.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination, I put EVERYTHING off until tomorrow.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Ignorance and stupidity (i.e. refusal to be more enlightened about the world and issues involving us all).
What is your greatest extravagance?
I'm pretty darn frugal, but I really love gadgets and technology. I'll always spend money on computers and cameras.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
steadfastness, I think it's important to have the ability to waver on something if you were truly wrong to begin with. You should always admit mistakes.
What is it that you most dislike?
I hate when people are apathetic towards anything. But I'm a pretty passionate person, so I guess I'm always seeking that in others.
On what occasion do you lie?
To protect people, or smooth out situations.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
I'm not crazy about my thighs.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Sincerity and sense of humor.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Strength, general kick ass-ness. We need more Hillary Clintons and Angelina Jolies in this world.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Lately it's been "for sure".
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
I do believe I've yet to find that.
When and where were you happiest?
Sheer bliss in the moments after my Dad's first heart attack when he was wheeled out of the cath lab, I remember sitting in the waiting room smiling from ear to ear and just feeling this incredible just like...light within my whole body. It was quite amazing.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I really wish I were crafty. I just don't have the eye for it.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I don't think I've had a greatest achievement yet. I was a good kid, I made through school, am working on my "higher education", but nothing remarkable yet. It's coming though.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'm still working on being less uptight, so I guess I would have more fun...that's what I'd change.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
I always say a dog, but one of those dogs that has it made.
What is your most treasured possession?
Photographs, you just can't replace them.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Poverty and hunger I would imagine, the victim of Ethnic Cleansing, Hiv/AIDS mother in a 3rd world country, old person with no family and no support system.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I'm sure people say I'm quiet. But, I'm not really sure how others perceive me.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and ease of friendship, if we have to work hard to be friends it's just not worth it.
Who are your favorite writers?
Mark Twain, Jane Austen, Rebecca Wells, F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.K. Rowling, Richard Yates, Walt Whitman, Margaret Mitchell, Wendell Berry, Maya Angelou.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Rhett Butler, although he is a bit of an anti-hero.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Good lord that's a hard question. How about Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Had that been my time period I feel I would have been just as adament about women's rights as they were. Thank god they existed. And look how far we've come.
Who are your heroes in real life?
un peace workers, volunteers, first responders, my mother, jacqueline kennedy onassis, princess diana, angelina jolie, bono, hillary clinton.
What are your favorite names?
Harper, Ellis, Sloane, Julian, Sullivan, Jude
What is your greatest regret?
Not getting on a boat with my grandpa the last time we were at the lake before he died, not telling someone how I truly felt.
How would you like to die?
Surrounded by my loved ones, happy with how it all turned out.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Photos of the Day
I liked all of these for obvious reasons.
I've come home renewed, which has been a great and surprising after effect of the vacation. I want to watch tons of movies, read a million books and create beautiful things.
I went grocery shopping yesterday to stock up on all of the things we were lacking. I've noticed lately that the bulk of my shopping time is devoted to the produce area of the store. There were no canned foods, no convenience purchases, nothing more frozen than a box of ice cream. It really made me happy to realize my success in changing the way I eat. Tonight I'm trying a new grilled corn and chicken recipe, all very healthy and hopefully delicious.
Progress.
Yesterday I went to the local library for the first time in months, I just haven't been reading much lately. But I grabbed several things that looked interesting and captivating. I managed to devour Rosie O'Donnell's "Celebrity Detox" yesterday and later I'm starting Cecilia Ahern's "If You Could See Me Now".
But I'm dying for recommendations. What have you read lately (or not so lately) that you've absolutely loved? I'm open to anything.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Trip Recap
I've spent 17 hours on the road in the past day and a half thinking about how I would tell you all about my vacation. There are perhaps two ways to do so, the first way would be sugarcoat things. I'd tell you what a fabulous time I had, how I can't wait to go back, look at me...be jealous, and share a few pictures.
But since I strive to maintain a level of honesty on this blog I will say that telling you that version of the story just isn't quite fair. Because when I'm being honest, both with myself and you all reading, I will admit this one thing: vacation kicked my ass.
It is sort of an oxymoron to think of a vacation that kicks you ass. Don't you take a vacation to avoid ass kickage? To sit on a beach and meditate on life, drink a few frozen concoctions and chill?
Yes, well I suppose some people do. People who take all inclusive trips to some resort in the Bahamas. Those who fly to their destinations. And those who travel ALONE.
But it's adventurous to think you can get a group of people together who call themselves family, make them various ages and then think that everything will be peachy. I know this because I saw it all over the island, all week long in families that were not just my own.
The trip began with a route change, the first of many changes in my "plans". And I won't deny that I struggled with the idea of just letting the little things go. There was no Savannah on the way down, and once we were on the road I was at the mercy of two people who don't believe in stopping to rest for the night. Which meant no hotel. And one group of highly exhausted people upon arrival.
The route change did mean we got to sit in traffic in Atlanta for quite some time, at which point I did manage to get my "I told you so" moment. This lone traffic problem meant that on the way home I finally got my way. But, more on that later.
Because there was no layover and minimum stopping we arrived way ahead of schedule to Sanibel. So ahead of schedule we had to drive around the island for three hours, killing time before our condo was ready. This was another hitch in my plan. A very hot, very annoying hitch that had us circling the 12 mile by 5 mile island God knows how many times.
Thankfully check in went seamlessly, the condo was exactly as it was online and the view was gorgeous. There is no sugarcoating this part, it's all truth. I was mystified by the gulf outside of my window. The sound of waves lapping the shoreline. The birds flying overhead and the palm trees so close you could touch.
There is not much to really report on for the week. There are things I wanted to do but didn't, like spend more time on Captiva or shell Bowman's Beach, but nothing I'm crying over. Jon and Dad had a great time fishing, including catching a huge snook and various other specimen I'm not familiar with. And for the most part I enjoyed myself.
Except for the lugging and hauling and cooking. There were so many times I cursed myself this week for not planning a vacation to a resort that sits out chairs and umbrellas for you. A resort that has a restaurant on site. Or one with towel service. This has become the biggest gripe of the entire trip. Sometimes a vacation rental just isn't as relaxing and this was one of those times.
I'm still not sure if it was all to blame on the long ride which started me off in the sleepy column anyway, but I spent 7 days in a blur of tired, droopy thoughts and actions. I don't think I ever recovered before I was on the road again.
A vacation should be relaxing. Despite how close we were to the beach it didn't make hauling a chair and umbrella down the boardwalk any less not-fun. Nor did the fully equipped kitchen ever make up for being stranded on an island with a $6 toll and NO FAST FOOD.
I don't think McDonalds had ever sounded so good before.
So I learned.
I learned that Sanibel is out of my system for a while.
I learned that a long drive is no longer appealing.
I learned that no matter how cute the vacation rentals are in the future: PICK THE RESORT INSTEAD.
God, I got so smart on this trip.
By the time we decided to leave everyone was in agreement that avoiding Atlanta would be preferable. Which meant two things in my little mind: Savannah and Asheville.
Remember those parents of mine who don't believe in laying over anywhere??
Yeah, I don't think I have to tell you how that leg of the trip went. I think I managed to wave to both cities as we flew by.
Again, I'm just letting that one go. No need in getting worked up.
At least I can now add both Carolinas to the list of states I've been in. Only 40 more states to go.
It was a trip of learning, of growth and of letting go. I got Sanibel out of my system for a while, had a wonderful time shelling and taking pictures, and managed to squeeze in a moment or two of solitude.
Just remind me next year that I need to be at some hotel and spa in Savannah or Asheville. ;)
I'll be posting a few pictures this week of my favorite moments from the trip. Just to offset the complaining I guess. And I'll share all of my pretty "souveniers". If anything, they truly kicked good ass on this trip.
But first my pupils need to get reacquainted with the backs of my eyelids; they've missed each other.
But since I strive to maintain a level of honesty on this blog I will say that telling you that version of the story just isn't quite fair. Because when I'm being honest, both with myself and you all reading, I will admit this one thing: vacation kicked my ass.
It is sort of an oxymoron to think of a vacation that kicks you ass. Don't you take a vacation to avoid ass kickage? To sit on a beach and meditate on life, drink a few frozen concoctions and chill?
Yes, well I suppose some people do. People who take all inclusive trips to some resort in the Bahamas. Those who fly to their destinations. And those who travel ALONE.
But it's adventurous to think you can get a group of people together who call themselves family, make them various ages and then think that everything will be peachy. I know this because I saw it all over the island, all week long in families that were not just my own.
The trip began with a route change, the first of many changes in my "plans". And I won't deny that I struggled with the idea of just letting the little things go. There was no Savannah on the way down, and once we were on the road I was at the mercy of two people who don't believe in stopping to rest for the night. Which meant no hotel. And one group of highly exhausted people upon arrival.
The route change did mean we got to sit in traffic in Atlanta for quite some time, at which point I did manage to get my "I told you so" moment. This lone traffic problem meant that on the way home I finally got my way. But, more on that later.
Because there was no layover and minimum stopping we arrived way ahead of schedule to Sanibel. So ahead of schedule we had to drive around the island for three hours, killing time before our condo was ready. This was another hitch in my plan. A very hot, very annoying hitch that had us circling the 12 mile by 5 mile island God knows how many times.
Thankfully check in went seamlessly, the condo was exactly as it was online and the view was gorgeous. There is no sugarcoating this part, it's all truth. I was mystified by the gulf outside of my window. The sound of waves lapping the shoreline. The birds flying overhead and the palm trees so close you could touch.
There is not much to really report on for the week. There are things I wanted to do but didn't, like spend more time on Captiva or shell Bowman's Beach, but nothing I'm crying over. Jon and Dad had a great time fishing, including catching a huge snook and various other specimen I'm not familiar with. And for the most part I enjoyed myself.
Except for the lugging and hauling and cooking. There were so many times I cursed myself this week for not planning a vacation to a resort that sits out chairs and umbrellas for you. A resort that has a restaurant on site. Or one with towel service. This has become the biggest gripe of the entire trip. Sometimes a vacation rental just isn't as relaxing and this was one of those times.
I'm still not sure if it was all to blame on the long ride which started me off in the sleepy column anyway, but I spent 7 days in a blur of tired, droopy thoughts and actions. I don't think I ever recovered before I was on the road again.
A vacation should be relaxing. Despite how close we were to the beach it didn't make hauling a chair and umbrella down the boardwalk any less not-fun. Nor did the fully equipped kitchen ever make up for being stranded on an island with a $6 toll and NO FAST FOOD.
I don't think McDonalds had ever sounded so good before.
So I learned.
I learned that Sanibel is out of my system for a while.
I learned that a long drive is no longer appealing.
I learned that no matter how cute the vacation rentals are in the future: PICK THE RESORT INSTEAD.
God, I got so smart on this trip.
By the time we decided to leave everyone was in agreement that avoiding Atlanta would be preferable. Which meant two things in my little mind: Savannah and Asheville.
Remember those parents of mine who don't believe in laying over anywhere??
Yeah, I don't think I have to tell you how that leg of the trip went. I think I managed to wave to both cities as we flew by.
Again, I'm just letting that one go. No need in getting worked up.
At least I can now add both Carolinas to the list of states I've been in. Only 40 more states to go.
It was a trip of learning, of growth and of letting go. I got Sanibel out of my system for a while, had a wonderful time shelling and taking pictures, and managed to squeeze in a moment or two of solitude.
Just remind me next year that I need to be at some hotel and spa in Savannah or Asheville. ;)
I'll be posting a few pictures this week of my favorite moments from the trip. Just to offset the complaining I guess. And I'll share all of my pretty "souveniers". If anything, they truly kicked good ass on this trip.
But first my pupils need to get reacquainted with the backs of my eyelids; they've missed each other.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Photo of the Day
The perfect way to cap off a beautiful vacation. Full trip report when I return (probably more than you'll ever want to hear). Tomorrow I'll be on the road again, this time through SAVANNAH!!! Cross your parts and hope I get to drive in to the Paula Deen Store.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Just Checking In
I'd write more but I'm too zapped mentally from all this laying around doing nothing stuff.
Umm, beach is good. The end.
www.flickr.com/photos/apsies34/ if you want to see how it's been so far.
Should mention d-SLR envy is THICK on this trip. Everywhere I turn someone has a Canon or Nikon in their hands, ugh. Must buy one this fall.
But other than that, I've ate too much and been way too lazy. Which means one thing: success so far.
Umm, beach is good. The end.
www.flickr.com/photos/apsies34/ if you want to see how it's been so far.
Should mention d-SLR envy is THICK on this trip. Everywhere I turn someone has a Canon or Nikon in their hands, ugh. Must buy one this fall.
But other than that, I've ate too much and been way too lazy. Which means one thing: success so far.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The View From The Front Door
What more do I need? I've just been blown away by the wonderful views on this trip, the pretty water, low tides and good weather (**crosses fingers for rest of trip**).
I've been exactly what I said I'd be: laid back. This morning I went out alone for a little coffee from The Sanibel Bean, then I picked up the tab on some bait shrimp for my Dad as a little low key Father's Day present. We spent the day beaching it up, the afternoon on the lanai, a little time at the grocery and tonight I walked the dogs up and down the low tide. And honestly, that's about all I have to report.
Love it.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Sometimes Words Are Not Needed
But I'll indulge briefly anyway. We made it (obvs). The beach is beautiful and exactly how I remembered it, except the water is a bit more blue (from lack of rain). Highlights include chatting with a shackled murderer at a rest area in Georgia, finding an armadillo in Lake City, Florida and getting stuck in Atlanta road construction. The last was annoying, but Atlanta is beautiful at night.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Just a Warning
Vacation is about to begin. Let's hope I don't cry too much over leaving Jack tomorrow, that we all make it in one piece and I maintain my new not uptight exterior. Oh, and that I remember to capture all of those funny moments, and faces and places with the lens of my camera.
I leave my favorite passages from Anne Morrow Lindbergh's "A Gift from the Sea", a book she wrote while living on the islands I'm visiting.
I leave my favorite passages from Anne Morrow Lindbergh's "A Gift from the Sea", a book she wrote while living on the islands I'm visiting.
The Beach is not the place to work; to read, or write or think. I should have remembered that from other years. Too warm, too damp, too soft, for any real mental discipline or sharp flights of spirit. One never learns. Hopefully, one carries down the straw bag, lumpy with books, clean paper, long over-due unanswered letters, freshly sharpened pencils, lists, and good intentions. The books remain unread, the pencils break their points, and the pads rest smooth and unblemished as the cloudless sky. No reading, no writing, no thoughts even--at least not at first....
....The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach--waiting for a gift from the sea.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I've Had a Breakthrough
I twittered that just a few minutes ago in reference to this picture. It set off a fury of emotion that I've been holding in all day. Emotion that started at CVS, continued at Walmart and Lowes and culminated in the parking lot of Sonic. I am so uptight, such a control freak, that I cannot stop telling people what to do or getting pissed off when they do things different than my vision.
Hi, I'm April, and I'm uptight.
So I'm letting go. Seriously. I believe this is the breakthough I've been working towards for months now. Tomorrow is hopefully a new day. One where I surrender control and stop giving a damn what everyone thinks.
Phew, I'm starting to feel better. I might even take a page from Dooce and only pack one pair of flip flops.
Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the point.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Great Cicada Summer
Cicadas have become the bane of my existence. Today I came inside from a trip to the store, heard that characteristic screeching and immediately threw my purse to the floor, it was covered in THREE of those nasty little bugs.
Jon has taken to playing tennis with them. He'll run around in the yard swatting at them as they fly up towards his face. Sometimes he can be seen shaking trees to scare them out.
Tonight I noticed Jon, his friend and her cousin traipsing through our backyard with several tennis rackets in hand. Turns out they were headed to the woods near our house to find some more cicadas to kill.
I've been packing. Or at least organizing my piles into hate, hate it more, and hate it the least.
It's not going so hot to be honest.
Jon has taken to playing tennis with them. He'll run around in the yard swatting at them as they fly up towards his face. Sometimes he can be seen shaking trees to scare them out.
Tonight I noticed Jon, his friend and her cousin traipsing through our backyard with several tennis rackets in hand. Turns out they were headed to the woods near our house to find some more cicadas to kill.
I've been packing. Or at least organizing my piles into hate, hate it more, and hate it the least.
It's not going so hot to be honest.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Question of the Day
Last year it was 3 days into a 7 day trip to Florida before Jon had a suitable pair of swimming trunks. Somebody forgot to pack the stack of his and when we returned home, there they sat on the couch, just as folded as ever.
The year before somebody forgot to pack my father's vitamins. My Dad takes about 10 various supplements per day since he doesn't take prescription heart medication. I believe we ended up spending about $75 at the local GNC Outlet in Fort Myers to get all of the vitamins we forgot.
Flashback to the first year in Sanibel and you'll see us at the Walmart in Fort Myers spending $300 on fishing equipment my Mother said she didn't think my Dad would need to pack. $300 on fishing equipment during a trip in which my Father bitched about $50 for a dinner bill.
Two years ago I didn't book our vacation until 3 weeks before we left. I picked a place that was $500 for the week and the website offered NO pictures of the room. However the lady assured me it was close to the water. Trust when I say close to the water really meant over the freaking river, through the damn woods and across a retaining wall next to the penetentiary.
What I'm saying is that despite my online appearance about lists and preparedness the simple truth is I'll be leaving my house on Friday on a wing and prayer and hopes that I've at least forgotten things that I can buy later.
All this week will be a flurry of activity.
Any of you who have met my father know that he is an extremely detail oriented person. You might call this problem OCD, we just smile and nod our heads and don't let him know he's afflicted. He will be dictating and making lists and generally making this trip almost miserable.
Any of you who know me very well at all know that I have a shitload of flip flops and this week will be an intense trial in self control. There are 9 vacation days and only so much room in the van. Not that any of those issues has ever stopped me in the past.
But in the end I hope it won't matter how much he micro managed, how many changes of shoes I bring or whatever stuff has been forgotten. In the end I'll be relaxing on the beach again.
I mean, maybe, if we're lucky and don't run out of gas money halfway through the trip.
If I don't return hope it's because I simply could not leave the beach and not that I'm in some small town in Georgia working off a $200 tank of gas.
Question of the Day: How much will gas have to cost before you reach your breaking point?
The year before somebody forgot to pack my father's vitamins. My Dad takes about 10 various supplements per day since he doesn't take prescription heart medication. I believe we ended up spending about $75 at the local GNC Outlet in Fort Myers to get all of the vitamins we forgot.
Flashback to the first year in Sanibel and you'll see us at the Walmart in Fort Myers spending $300 on fishing equipment my Mother said she didn't think my Dad would need to pack. $300 on fishing equipment during a trip in which my Father bitched about $50 for a dinner bill.
Two years ago I didn't book our vacation until 3 weeks before we left. I picked a place that was $500 for the week and the website offered NO pictures of the room. However the lady assured me it was close to the water. Trust when I say close to the water really meant over the freaking river, through the damn woods and across a retaining wall next to the penetentiary.
What I'm saying is that despite my online appearance about lists and preparedness the simple truth is I'll be leaving my house on Friday on a wing and prayer and hopes that I've at least forgotten things that I can buy later.
All this week will be a flurry of activity.
Any of you who have met my father know that he is an extremely detail oriented person. You might call this problem OCD, we just smile and nod our heads and don't let him know he's afflicted. He will be dictating and making lists and generally making this trip almost miserable.
Any of you who know me very well at all know that I have a shitload of flip flops and this week will be an intense trial in self control. There are 9 vacation days and only so much room in the van. Not that any of those issues has ever stopped me in the past.
But in the end I hope it won't matter how much he micro managed, how many changes of shoes I bring or whatever stuff has been forgotten. In the end I'll be relaxing on the beach again.
I mean, maybe, if we're lucky and don't run out of gas money halfway through the trip.
If I don't return hope it's because I simply could not leave the beach and not that I'm in some small town in Georgia working off a $200 tank of gas.
Question of the Day: How much will gas have to cost before you reach your breaking point?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Quote of the Day
To those who are disappointed that we couldn't go all the way – especially the young people who put so much into this campaign – it would break my heart if, in falling short of my goal, I in any way discouraged any of you from pursuing yours. Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. When you stumble, keep faith. When you're knocked down, get right back up. And never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on.
As we gather here today in this historic magnificent building, the 50th woman to leave this Earth is orbiting overhead. If we can blast 50 women into space, we will someday launch a woman into the White House.
Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it. And the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time. That has always been the history of progress in America.
--Hillary Clinton in her concession speech from yesterday.
I'm proud to be a woman, and I'm proud to have supported her bid for the presidency. End of story.
As we gather here today in this historic magnificent building, the 50th woman to leave this Earth is orbiting overhead. If we can blast 50 women into space, we will someday launch a woman into the White House.
Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it. And the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time. That has always been the history of progress in America.
--Hillary Clinton in her concession speech from yesterday.
I'm proud to be a woman, and I'm proud to have supported her bid for the presidency. End of story.
100 Things To Do: Progress
34. Attend a Catholic Mass.
41.Learn to garden, well.
93.Take Vitamins on a regular basis.
I attended Mass this morning. My tomato plants look amazing, last night I protected them from bugs with just a little soapy water. And as mentioned, I'm taking St. John's Wort and a few other supplements every single day.
I'm hoping to cross off a few more while on vacation.
41.
93.
I attended Mass this morning. My tomato plants look amazing, last night I protected them from bugs with just a little soapy water. And as mentioned, I'm taking St. John's Wort and a few other supplements every single day.
I'm hoping to cross off a few more while on vacation.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Photo of the Day
I came home today and this evening we sat out in the backyard, soaking up the shade and a warm breeze. It was lovely. At some point Jon grabbed a leftover corn on the cob from our KFC dinner and brought it outside to eat. I, of course, grabbed my camera hoping for some nice "corn cob eatin' pictures".
Notice anything wrong with this picture?
No? Here, let me help:
Notice anything wrong with this picture?
No? Here, let me help:
I didn't notice until I uploaded them to my computer tonight. But seriously, I wonder if he's trying to tell me something about all my picture taking?
Revelations
I thought attending a wedding today would be hard. You know, full of all those silly emotions about why it's not me getting married and why am I so alone.
But you want to know the fantastic thing that happened?
I realized exactly the opposite. I am where I've always wanted to be in life. I've never, ever been one to rush this idea of marriage and family and picket fence lifestyles. I just think being exposed to it had initially made me interested in the proverbial grass on the other side.
I'm okay with being single.
Sure the desire hits every now and then to have a person around who shares all my hopes and dreams. But it can wait. Like everything, it has a season. And right now my season is being in this place of dreams and hope and aspiration, for myself. I was always the girl who has always said she wouldn't marry young, or have children young. or do anything otherwise rushed. And why should that have changed?
I'm actually pretty damn happy with my life.
And isn't that a wonderful revelation?
Another wonderful revelation: the single girl gets to marvel at the beauty of the cute usher. And in the end that's not such a bad thing.
But you want to know the fantastic thing that happened?
I realized exactly the opposite. I am where I've always wanted to be in life. I've never, ever been one to rush this idea of marriage and family and picket fence lifestyles. I just think being exposed to it had initially made me interested in the proverbial grass on the other side.
I'm okay with being single.
Sure the desire hits every now and then to have a person around who shares all my hopes and dreams. But it can wait. Like everything, it has a season. And right now my season is being in this place of dreams and hope and aspiration, for myself. I was always the girl who has always said she wouldn't marry young, or have children young. or do anything otherwise rushed. And why should that have changed?
I'm actually pretty damn happy with my life.
And isn't that a wonderful revelation?
Another wonderful revelation: the single girl gets to marvel at the beauty of the cute usher. And in the end that's not such a bad thing.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Photo of the Day
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton chat on Wednesday at AIPAC. (Credit: Callie Shell/Aurora for Time)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Time for Change
The Primary Election Season has finally wound down and can I let out a collective "Thank God" for all of us?
I love politics as much, or maybe more, than the next guy but I was tired. Tired of the ongoing process, tired of watching the returns night after night and listening to the pundits talk about how divided the Democratic Party is.
I got so tired of hearing that line. Despite supporting Hillary until the end (mostly because I preferred her healthcare plan), I ended election night on Tuesday by signing up at BarackObama.com, making him a friend on Twitter and Myspace, and putting all of his appropriate buttons in their appropriate places. Don't let it be said that I was one of the delusional Hillary supporters on election night hoping we take our case all the way to Denver. No, I'm ready to move on to the big fight.
And I'll go ahead and say, the big fight with Obama leading the way feels right.
Four years ago, as I've mentioned before, I sat in my room during a "self imposed exile" and watched the Democratic National Convention on PBS. The young senator from Illinois took the stage, gave his famed "Red State-Blue State" speech and electrified the party like perhaps none before.
It's time. Time for Barack Obama to ascend the national stage and to return the prestige that comes with being an American. It's time to stop the fear politics. Time to stop the lies. Time to change the way politics are played in this country. I'm confident that this fall we will see a Presidential Campaign like we've never seen before.
Folks, history is about to be played before your very eyes.
What an exciting time to be an American.
A little message from my friends at MoveOn.org:
Don't forget to visit BarackObama.com, sign up and be a part of the movement if you aren't already.
I love politics as much, or maybe more, than the next guy but I was tired. Tired of the ongoing process, tired of watching the returns night after night and listening to the pundits talk about how divided the Democratic Party is.
I got so tired of hearing that line. Despite supporting Hillary until the end (mostly because I preferred her healthcare plan), I ended election night on Tuesday by signing up at BarackObama.com, making him a friend on Twitter and Myspace, and putting all of his appropriate buttons in their appropriate places. Don't let it be said that I was one of the delusional Hillary supporters on election night hoping we take our case all the way to Denver. No, I'm ready to move on to the big fight.
And I'll go ahead and say, the big fight with Obama leading the way feels right.
Four years ago, as I've mentioned before, I sat in my room during a "self imposed exile" and watched the Democratic National Convention on PBS. The young senator from Illinois took the stage, gave his famed "Red State-Blue State" speech and electrified the party like perhaps none before.
It's time. Time for Barack Obama to ascend the national stage and to return the prestige that comes with being an American. It's time to stop the fear politics. Time to stop the lies. Time to change the way politics are played in this country. I'm confident that this fall we will see a Presidential Campaign like we've never seen before.
Folks, history is about to be played before your very eyes.
What an exciting time to be an American.
A little message from my friends at MoveOn.org:
Don't forget to visit BarackObama.com, sign up and be a part of the movement if you aren't already.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Photo of the Day
This little thing finally arrived in the mail today in fact I'm typing on it's tiny keyboard right now! It's definitely small. I wouldn't go giving up my regular laptop for it, but I think it will be awesome for travel and for slipping into my purse when I want to.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Question of the Day
Last year it was 3 days into a 7 day trip to Florida before Jon had a suitable pair of swimming trunks. Somebody forgot to pack the stack of his and when we returned home, there they sat on the couch, just as folded as ever.
The year before somebody forgot to pack my father's vitamins. My Dad takes about 10 various supplements per day since he doesn't take prescription heart medication. I believe we ended up spending about $75 at the local GNC Outlet in Fort Myers to get all of the vitamins we forgot.
Flashback to the first year in Sanibel and you'll see us at the Walmart in Fort Myers spending $300 on fishing equipment my Mother said she didn't think my Dad would need to pack. $300 on fishing equipment during a trip in which my Father bitched about $50 for a dinner bill.
Two years ago I didn't book our vacation until 3 weeks before we left. I picked a place that was $500 for the week and the website offered NO pictures of the room. However the lady assured me it was close to the water. Trust when I say close to the water really meant over the freaking river, through the damn woods and across a retaining wall next to the penetentiary.
What I'm saying is that despite my online appearance about lists and preparedness the simple truth is I'll be leaving my house on Friday on a wing and prayer and hopes that I've at least forgotten things that I can buy later.
All this week will be a flurry of activity.
Any of you who have met my father know that he is an extremely detail oriented person. You might call this problem OCD, we just smile and nod our heads and don't let him know he's afflicted. He will be dictating and making lists and generally making this trip almost miserable.
Any of you who know me very well at all know that I have a shitload of flip flops and this week will be an intense trial in self control. There are 9 vacation days and only so much room in the van. Not that any of those issues has ever stopped me in the past.
But in the end I hope it won't matter how much he micro managed, how many changes of shoes I bring or whatever stuff has been forgotten. In the end I'll be relaxing on the beach again.
I mean, maybe. If we're lucky and don't run out of gas money halfway through the trip.
If I don't return hope it's because I simply could not leave the beach and not that I'm in some small town in Georgia working off a $200 tank of gas.
Question of the Day: How much will gas have to cost before you reach your breaking point?
The year before somebody forgot to pack my father's vitamins. My Dad takes about 10 various supplements per day since he doesn't take prescription heart medication. I believe we ended up spending about $75 at the local GNC Outlet in Fort Myers to get all of the vitamins we forgot.
Flashback to the first year in Sanibel and you'll see us at the Walmart in Fort Myers spending $300 on fishing equipment my Mother said she didn't think my Dad would need to pack. $300 on fishing equipment during a trip in which my Father bitched about $50 for a dinner bill.
Two years ago I didn't book our vacation until 3 weeks before we left. I picked a place that was $500 for the week and the website offered NO pictures of the room. However the lady assured me it was close to the water. Trust when I say close to the water really meant over the freaking river, through the damn woods and across a retaining wall next to the penetentiary.
What I'm saying is that despite my online appearance about lists and preparedness the simple truth is I'll be leaving my house on Friday on a wing and prayer and hopes that I've at least forgotten things that I can buy later.
All this week will be a flurry of activity.
Any of you who have met my father know that he is an extremely detail oriented person. You might call this problem OCD, we just smile and nod our heads and don't let him know he's afflicted. He will be dictating and making lists and generally making this trip almost miserable.
Any of you who know me very well at all know that I have a shitload of flip flops and this week will be an intense trial in self control. There are 9 vacation days and only so much room in the van. Not that any of those issues has ever stopped me in the past.
But in the end I hope it won't matter how much he micro managed, how many changes of shoes I bring or whatever stuff has been forgotten. In the end I'll be relaxing on the beach again.
I mean, maybe. If we're lucky and don't run out of gas money halfway through the trip.
If I don't return hope it's because I simply could not leave the beach and not that I'm in some small town in Georgia working off a $200 tank of gas.
Question of the Day: How much will gas have to cost before you reach your breaking point?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Things I Currently Adore
Sean Lennon. I happen to have a thing for celebrity musical offspring, as evidenced by my Lisa Marie Presley love. It's probably to do with my morbid curiosities.
Whatever the case I did a little searching this weekend and managed to get my hands on everything Sean Lennon has ever done (2 albums) off of iTunes. "Into the Sun", his first was okay. However I fell in love with his second go round: "Friendly Fire" which was released in 2006.
This song is my current favorite: "Parachute".
Sidetracked
I now interrupt this regular programming to bring you the following.
April's Vacation is in 10 FREAKING DAYS: A Soliloquy in Four Parts
Oh who am I kidding? Apologies to Shakespeare. I can't write a soliloquy, no thank you to my 17 years of education.
17 years of school. Wow. Kind of frightening to see that written out.
Anyways.
So I have 10 days until vacation. I'm going to call this pre-vacation. Because my butt is doing nothing in the next 10 days that isn't vacation related. I'll have to visit a dozen stores, twice. Then at some point I'll have to do a bunch of laundry. Board the dog...
Okay, I totally stopped writing this after I said "board the dog" because OH CRAP, I had forgotten to call and sign Jack up for boarding. After an intense 5 minutes on hold they assured me he would have a spot for 10 days this month. I have to take him tomorrow to get his yearly shots.
And now I'm all weepy about leaving him for 10 days. This is ultimately the toughest part of leaving. While the girls are small enough to come with us, and the cats are responsible enough to stay home alone, Jack is neither. I hope his neurotic self will be okay without us. I'm always reminded of something I read about dogs once, if they can't be with the ones they love...they love the ones they're with. Hopefully that will hold true.
Okay, I'm composed now.
Really I should be happy. Last year Jack stayed the week with my Aunt and Uncle. While with them, their friend managed to latch her grubby paws into my dog. They "bonded" all week.
And the friend fed Jack PURINA BENEFUL. Because she didn't think my dog food was "good enough".
Umm. Okay.
Feeding one of my dogs Purina is the equivalent of a vegetarian's kid being given meat at daycare. Or Jon and Kate's 8 being fed something non-organic.
For a week after we got Jack back home he had rancid gas. And his coat stunk. And he was OILY. Like, that's weird.
All because some old lady thought her $8 bag of Beneful was better than my $28 bag of grain free, grass-fed, organic kibble.
At least the vet will feed my dog whatever I send with him. And they'll walk him. And love on him.
In fact. I'm feeling better already.
If he can't be with the one he loves, at least he's not eating beneful.
April's Vacation is in 10 FREAKING DAYS: A Soliloquy in Four Parts
To be, or not to be, that is the Question:
Whether 'tis Nobler in the minde to suffer
Oh who am I kidding? Apologies to Shakespeare. I can't write a soliloquy, no thank you to my 17 years of education.
17 years of school. Wow. Kind of frightening to see that written out.
Anyways.
So I have 10 days until vacation. I'm going to call this pre-vacation. Because my butt is doing nothing in the next 10 days that isn't vacation related. I'll have to visit a dozen stores, twice. Then at some point I'll have to do a bunch of laundry. Board the dog...
Okay, I totally stopped writing this after I said "board the dog" because OH CRAP, I had forgotten to call and sign Jack up for boarding. After an intense 5 minutes on hold they assured me he would have a spot for 10 days this month. I have to take him tomorrow to get his yearly shots.
And now I'm all weepy about leaving him for 10 days. This is ultimately the toughest part of leaving. While the girls are small enough to come with us, and the cats are responsible enough to stay home alone, Jack is neither. I hope his neurotic self will be okay without us. I'm always reminded of something I read about dogs once, if they can't be with the ones they love...they love the ones they're with. Hopefully that will hold true.
Okay, I'm composed now.
Really I should be happy. Last year Jack stayed the week with my Aunt and Uncle. While with them, their friend managed to latch her grubby paws into my dog. They "bonded" all week.
And the friend fed Jack PURINA BENEFUL. Because she didn't think my dog food was "good enough".
Umm. Okay.
Feeding one of my dogs Purina is the equivalent of a vegetarian's kid being given meat at daycare. Or Jon and Kate's 8 being fed something non-organic.
For a week after we got Jack back home he had rancid gas. And his coat stunk. And he was OILY. Like, that's weird.
All because some old lady thought her $8 bag of Beneful was better than my $28 bag of grain free, grass-fed, organic kibble.
At least the vet will feed my dog whatever I send with him. And they'll walk him. And love on him.
In fact. I'm feeling better already.
If he can't be with the one he loves, at least he's not eating beneful.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Now Introducing
Cotton Cuddlesworth IV
Inspired by the Travelocity Commercials we bought this gnome for an interesting vacation photo project.
Stay tuned, of course.
And no. I have no life. But my brother thinks I'm awesome. I'm definitely giving him the fun youth I didn't have. ;)
Inspired by the Travelocity Commercials we bought this gnome for an interesting vacation photo project.
Stay tuned, of course.
And no. I have no life. But my brother thinks I'm awesome. I'm definitely giving him the fun youth I didn't have. ;)
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