What sums up my weekend in St. Augustine

Isn't it pretty? There was more than good food and drink this weekend, but I am too tired to recount. I have to rest up for work tomorrow. I will post other pictures that I took. Michelle let me take this one with her camera. It is the perfect drink.

Sealing Grout

What a fun thing to do on your day off of work and service. Yeah! I had help from the kitten. He was more interested in the work than I was. So it goes. J and i go out of town tomorrow for the weekend. It will be a nice break. Plus, we don't have to go see anyone. We just have to relax. That is why I had to get all this piddly stuff finished before we leave. I think we finally agreed on paint colors for both bathrooms. That is the next project. It is nice because I can get things done when I want. No deadlines, real or imaginary.

I rented 2 Days in Paris. It was okay. I felt like I was watching Before Sunset again, only with a hairy Jewish guy instead of Ethan Hawke.

I finally broke down and bought a pair of Crocs. I was one of the naysayers that insisted they were a joke. I still agree they are ugly shoes. J hates that i wear them to places other than work. I think I'll get another pair soon.

My monthly bout of insomnia reveals to me.....

Due to hormones (or stress, I can't differentiate) I get insomnia. I can't sleep. I have to get out of bed, get myself a drink of water, do some pilates-like moves, and eventually end up falling asleep to a movie as I lay on the couch.

It happened to me like that last night. I got up at about 1 and tossed for half an hour. I got up and laid on the couch as I watched the movie "In America." It was pretty good, only I will have to watch it again. I fell asleep before it was over. The t.v. was still on as I've dosed off.

It wasn't until 3 in the morning that I woke up and realized that the t.v. was still on. Before that, though, my dreams got incorporated with what was on the t.v. I got up and realized that I listened through an hour long infomercial selling vibrators...err...back massagers. I couldn't believe it. It was just like QVC for the horny. Can I say that? Very disturbing. So....if anyone wants to know WHAT they advertise on Oxygen after 2 pm, there you go.

A Very Special Day

As you know, it is the Memorial of Christ's Death. It is such a important time to reflect on what is important and show appreciation. We had such a nice day in field service. I really didn't get to speak with any of my return visits. No one wanted to be home today. It was nice to be with such a great group of friends.

We are traveling with the Dougherty's to the assembly hall tonight. I think Katelynn and someone from Japan is coming with us. After, we are going back to their house. Time to make brownies. Who am I kidding? It's always time for brownies. We are suppose to have a speaker from Nicaragua this evening. What a treat.

My sister may be losing her job. My brother got laid off. It is tough to see family members going through hard times. I hope I was encouraging to them. Sometimes, I don't know what to say.

St. Augustine is next weekend. I am counting the days to relax. I have been wound up too tight for too long. I need to decompress. Stress will do that to you. Speaking of stress, I am stressed out with Sprint. Since when do I have time to text message everyone? Sprint says I've text messaged over 33 times last month. I don't think so.....I know that doesn't sound a lot to others, but seriously, I never text message anyone. Not unless it is an emergency. Or I get suckered into an unwanted text conversation. And to anyone who does that to me, please call me. I'd rather hear your voice. A text message is so lame. If you don't want to talk, leave me alone. There, I said it.

Jason got the coolest watch for an anniversary present today. He bought it, but I gave him permission. It is killer sweet. Plus, he got 50 bucks off the price.

5 year anniversaire of Iraq war...seems like yesterday.

Has is really been that long? It almost seems like yesterday that I heard the news that Baghdad was being bombed. Then again, it feels like it has been forever. I was definitely in a different place in my life at that point. I saw things from a distinctly different vantage point. We are now so close to the end it is not even funny.

It is funny how relationships and time can really change how you feel. I hate to get all Carrie Bradshaw on ya, but whatever. I am in a sentimental mood. It is good to see real friendships get you through the hard times. I am in a really good place right now with the best support system I could ever have. I have Jehovah, my family, my incredible husband. I never want to take that for granted. Jehovah has given me so much. I never want to forget that and lose appreciation for everything that I have.

In the order of things....

I saw my elementary school gifted teacher yesterday. The last time I saw her was 18 years ago. She has not changed at all. She has the typical elementary school teacher mentality. Very thorough. I tried to give her a recap of my life in the last 18 years. Being the typical elementary school gifted teacher, she responds with her interpretation of my life. I smile and say in my head, "Not even close."

She was a cool teacher. Just a little eccentric. Now I understand why. She's a dog breeder. If anyone knows dog breeders or has seen the movie "Best in Show," you understand. Dog breeders are a little on the crazy side. Well, a lot on the crazy side. We have a client spending thousands of dollars so that their "champion bitch" (I can say bitch because it is the correct term for female canine. "Dog" refers to the male. Or sire. Stud. Ok, I'll shut up.) will have puppies. It would be simpler and less expense ,in my eyes, to just get a dog who has no complications with getting pregnant. That is just me. But I am not a dog breeder. I know dog breeders that put braces on their dog. That's their choice, even if I think it is a crazy one.

Bookstudy was slim tonight. We only had 6 people. I did make brownies and coffee in the french press. Deliciouso. The rest go with me to work tomorrow.

Harlem is back to his crazy old self. He only has to stay in the bathroom when we aren't at home. He is back on normal litter. No more feline pine. He wouldn't have it.

I can't wait to go to the memorial this weekend. It is always such a nice time of year. It is always nice to reflect on what Jehovah has given us.

St. Augustine in a week and a half. I hope it will be fun.

This is HOT!!!!! - Bulgarian Idol

The Epitome of 80's Culture

This is what I pick as one of the best videos of the 80's. The puppets are kind of creepy. Not exactly flattering interpretations of the band. Love the nod to Space Odyssey

Ladie's Night

I went to Lindsay's house for a "Girl's Night." I haven't done one of those in a long, long time. It reminded me of the single days. All of us married ladies sitting around with chocolate masks on our faces, talking about Jane Austen movies. Colin Firth is soooooo hot. The leek soup and the cuke sammies were to die for. It was really a girlie evening. Elaine left the kid's with Jim. I think he was sour when Hoover called him at the last minute for a Magic game. Oh well.

Poor little Harlem is having a hard time after his neuter/declaw. He won't use the pine litter. He hates being confined to the master bath. I feel so bad, but he must heal first.

We're having a few couples over for dinner. We'll have a nice spread of food. Let's see:

salad
chicken
pork chops
mashed potatoes
gravy
sweet potato casserole
corn on the cob
dinner rolls

And dessert, of course...

The Dark Knight Trailer...And Pyscopath Heath Ledger

THIS NEVER GETS OLD....HOT POCKET!

I can't wait

These two things don't go together

Yes, your nose should do nothing other than smelling your latte. I got one yesterday afternoon to give myself a much needed treat for working. I came back from lunch and Jacquie and I were yucking it up. I took a sip of my latte and she said something hilarious. As I sipped, I started to laugh. All of a sudden, I got the same feeling I usually get when sea water goes up my nose at the beach. I had sucked the latte up my nose. I immediately felt like choking. But I was still laughing. Crap, that stings like crazy. I had chocolate and espresso up my nose. I blew my nose for an hour and I still had espresso coming out. Gross. I smelled espresso and chocolate the entire day. It didn't make me love it any less.

Celebrating my 69th post......hahaha

This is the cutest picture ever. Our friends from Ohio sent this picture of an orphaned piglet that is being fostered by a daschund. How cute. It makes me think of the movie Babe. Or Charlotte's Web. Any random movie with a pig in it. Shelly didn't appreciate my disappointment with Ikea on Saturday. She and John stopped there just to get candy. Are you insane?

Tomorrow will be the first bookstudy held at our house. How exciting. And I will not be there to see it. Well, I will be there, but late. It is such a privilege. I am suppose to be studying for the bookstudy now. I hate procrastination. I do,on the other hand, love making brownies. I love the smell.

David and Robin aren't going with us to New York in July. That is a bummer. It would be fun to have the four of us gallavanting around New York in search of fun. Oh well.

Ikea

I had my first experience in Ikea. I love what I bought. I got everything I wanted at a good price. I think I'll shop Ikea online from now on. I felt like I took a trip to Disneyworld, only no rides and no parades. It was like a big crazy home goods amusement park witout the amusement. It took me 2 hours from start to finish and from what I hear, that is record time. By the time I got to the furniture, my head was pounding. I will be posting before and after shots of my spare room when I finish. I think it will be awesome. Everyone will want to be a guest at my house:)

John Mayer's Cryptic Message......

I just love this excerpt from John Mayer's blog addressed to a mysterious ex-lover. Who could it be? I've definitely been there. And then there is the stalker.....

From John Mayer's blog


"Dear Ex Lover,
Perhaps you didn't understand the last time I told you to stop contacting me, so I'll do my best to spell it out for you. I do not wish to have you in my life anymore. I don't know how much more clear I can be about it. It would serve you best to move on with your life and find someone who can put up with you, because I'm done trying.
I hope this is enough closure for you.
Goodbye.

P.S. If you need me, you know how to find me. "

Delicious!!!!!

So much to do.

The memorial campaign is going along swimmingly. My territory is almost complete.It is hard to believe. We actually have some very motivated pioneers in our hall. Since last year, we have 4 more pioneers. It's great to have so much support in the service. We have those who like to stay out past noon. Wonderful. Debbie is in Israel. Is it okay to hate her? Not really hate, just envy......Plus, Bev gave me a ton of oranges from her yard. Sweet! It's time for fresh juice for the Grey Goose.

Haven't heard from Gil since they got back from their honeymoon. I need to get my face wash back from her. Besides, I miss her.

I work this Saturday. I am rewarding myself by going to Ikea. I have my strategy in place. I need a bed, a lamp, shades, quilt cover, art and lunch. Not in that order, of course. Lunch is first. I just hope I'm not overdoing it. Jason and I are celebrating our anniversary (which was yesterday, 3 years) at Harry's on Saturday night. We don't have too much planned. He'll be going out on service on Sunday with Jim while I sleep in and go to the gym. He's so nice to me. I should really be a little nicer to him.

Impromptu Family Reunion

These are a few pictures from the luncheon after grandma's memorial. It was really nice to have everyone there. It was the first time that Jason's whole family got together. It was a sad time, but it was also a happy time in a way. The rest of Jason's family will be together in July in New York. We are making our reservations now for plane tickets. I can't wait.

Generally speaking .....

Things are pretty much back to normal. J and I are getting back into our usual routine. Our anniversaire is tomorrow. I think we are going to Harry's on Saturday. After I work and go to Ikea, of course.

It is nice to get started on the campaign for the Memorial. It is always a lot fun. I need those long days, evenings and Sundays this month. All of my Saturdays but one have been taken. We are still going to St. Augustine in 3 weeks. Yeah!

Vivian June 1932-2008

We'll see you in the new system Gram.

Back in town

We made it back from Sebastian this afternoon. I need a nap and a vacation. Grandma's service went really well yesterday. There were a few minor glitches but everything was mostly smooth. About 70 attended.

The get-together after the service was very nice. Forty came over to Dave and Robin's for dinner. The weather was beautiful. That evening, we went to Ft. Pierce and had drinks and appetizers at the Tiki Bar. Let's see, a cosmopolitan, 3 rum punches and a shot of Jager. I couldn't feel my tongue. I really hate the way alcohol makes me feel the day after. Time for the detox.

Dave and Frank played "Who's truck is more powerful?" in front of the Brown's house in Lakewood Park. I am surprised the cops weren't called. We got back to Dave and Robin's at about 2:30 am. I am not used to going out like that anymore.