The Crud Continues

I worked until after midnight last night, starting about 14 hours prior, to meet my deadline. At least the deadline was on the West Coast and that helped a lot. This did not help this crud I have thus making today horrible. I did feel better for maybe 5 minutes but it passed.

I called my Aunt this morning to wish her a Happy 94th Birthday. The conversation went something like this:

Red: "Happy Birthday Aunt Dot!"
Aunt: "Ohhh, Happy Birthday to you too!"
Red: "How are you doing?"
Aunt: "Oh I'm just fine! How are you and Mini Red?"
Red: "We're just fine but I'm calling to see how you're doing and to wish you a great day."
Aunt: "I'm just fine."
Red: "Well what's going on? What does your Doctor say?"
Aunt: "I'm just fine. What is Mini Red up to?"
Red: "How's your left arm?"
Aunt: "Oh about the same."
Red: "What about your troubles swallowing your food?"
Aunt: "It's coming along. I'm starting therapy today."
Red: "That's a good sign. What if Mini Red and I come up there this weekend for a visit?"
Aunt: "OH, that would be nice!"

Looks like I'm not getting much information from her. I've just got this bad feeling so even though I really don't want a road trip it looks like Mini Red and I are going up there this weekend. Maybe I can get some real answers.

I'm so exhausted I was falling asleep at my desk. It felt so good and I could have had a really nice nap but I couldn't give into it. I figured since I hadn't had a coffee since Friday the caffeine could really help. Coffee just doesn't go with colds but desperate times call for desperate measures and I needed something to help me get through these test plans so I could go home and my second deadline would be met.

I've decided that Friday I'll leave work early, pick up Mini Red as soon as school was over and drive up to Scranton. If all goes well we will arrive around 8pm and crash and be refreshed to see my Aunt Saturday. We could then head back home around 3pm on Saturday leaving us Sunday to get our Christmas tree. I really don't want to spend any more money than necessary, considering the time of year, but one night at a hotel wouldn't be bad.

While searching for a hotel in the area I got a call from one of the Sisters. They are offering us a room at the convent next to the hospital. That would be convenient but… The Sisters mean well but they pretty much paw us when we get there. I had my Mom laughing at my impressions of the sisters but she's right… I need to stay there and save the money. My Aunt would be pissed if I didn't accept their hospitality.

The convent is becoming a habit this year.

Puny, puny, puny. I crack myself up. It must me my medicines.

This might explain why I was losing my mind

Saturday I was a bit of a bum. I did some research to find out which hospital my Aunt was in since I hadn't heard much since Friday. I found out where she was and finally got in touch with her. Of course I was calling to find out how she was but she was intent on asking how Mini Red and I were and about our Thanksgiving. I told her we were fine but the big question at hand was how she was doing but she didn't want to talk about herself. She sounded so weak but at least she was very alert. We didn't talk for long but I felt better having talked to her. I did some more looking and found the number to the nurses' station and talked to her nurse, Larry, who tells me it was a mild stroke. At least now they know to call me, heaven forbid, anything happens. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and well wishes.

I finally got out to pick up a few gifts but really wasn't into it so I headed down the road for a bite to eat and to catch a movie. Saturday night is date night so I was taking myself out. Potbelly's is next to the Regal Theater in Rockville so I grabbed a sandwich and listened to some of the live music before I headed into the theater. I debated which movie to see and even though I've wanted to see The Fountain the reviews weren't good and I was in no mood for a bad movie. I decided on Casino Royale cause I've heard good things and what could go wrong with and action packed Bond movie?

When going to a movie popcorn is a must so I decided to get a small and a bottle of water. I looked up to notice the dude behind the counter was staring. They all tend to stare when a cute chick, like me, is out on a Saturday night alone but I really don't give a damn. If I waited for someone to go to the movies with me, on my schedule, then I would never go. So the dude getting my popcorn finally says, "Is that your natural hair color?"

"Yup.", I said.

He then says, "That's cool!"

I told him, "Now you're supposed to tell me how nice it is."

To which he replied, very enthusiastically, "It's awesome!"

We both laughed. At least I could break up some of his monotony behind that counter.

I found a seat I was happy with and figured the theater wouldn't be that crowded since the movie had been out for at least a week, I think. I was wrong cause it was packed. There were a lot of older couples and the dudes were obvious about trying to impress their dates. I could smell the cologne on the gentleman next to me. Thank goodness it wasn't bad but I will forever associate that smell with Daniel Craig, the actor who played Bond. Then there was the gentleman behind me who kept making comments he thought were witty but in reality they sounded idiotic. Things like, "I gotta get me one of those" in referring to a Bond gadget or, "I hate when that happens" when the guy finds a hot chick in his room. On my right was a little boy who was there with his parents. I was surprised to hear him use the word "ass" and his parents said nothing. His mother talked through most of the move asking why this and why that. Oye!

I sometimes prefer going to movies alone because there is no one to bother me with talking through out but how do you shut up the strangers?

By the time the movie was over and I got out of there I wasn't feeling so well. I couldn't help but think of the scene in the movie Outbreak where someone coughs in the movie theater and everyone gets sick and dies. Then again I kinda suspected something was on it way since I haven't slept well lately and I've had really crazy dreams. My suspicions were confirmed when I woke this morning sick as a dawg.

I've spent most of the day sleeping and I've just put on one boring movie after another to fall asleep to. It wasn't til 4pm that I've finally managed to stay awake for longer than and hour. Thank goodness Mini Red was being brought home by her Dad this time because I don't think I could have made the drive to get her.

It's time for more medicine. I just hope I feel better by tomorrow cause I have deadlines to meet at work

I'm losing my mind but I'm taking you with me.

Ok here's another...

Recently, I've seen this Gray Convertible VW Beetle with a maroon roof driving around.

I can't help but think of the Armadillo Groom's Cake in the movie Steele Magnolias.

The New Family Truckster

Whenever I see Cadillac's SRX Crossover I can't help but be reminded of...

The Family Truckster from National Lampoon's Vacation.

It's time for the Holiday Craziness to start

Thanksgiving was awesome. We had maybe thirty people at my parents and yet again I was at the kids table but it was my parent's kids at the table. All of us are over 25 except for Mini Red.

I felt bad for Mini Red since she was the only kid there except for the baby. The baby is my sister-in-laws brothers baby so I took my turn jabbing SIL for when she and Brotha Man are gonna make me an Auntie. When they have their baby I will be a REAL Auntie and I can baby-sit and basically… annoy the crap outta SIL and Brotha Man.

Anyhow, for dinner we had cousins from Rochester and In-Laws from Connecticut and North Carolina, Aunts from here and my Uncle and his family came for dessert from Annapolis. Ugggh Desert! For dinner I had a little, very little, of everything with a little extra of the pineapple stuffing. This stuff is over the top. I don't know if it's age or what but I was stuffed! On top of that… I was waiting for it to digest so I could try some desert but that never happened.

I started in on the dishes hoping the movement would help the digestion. It didn't but at least we got a serious dent in the clean up before Mom made us stop.

All of us ended up in the family room and I was able to finally procure a spot on the couch with a pillow on my lap. No I did not unbutton my pants, it wasn't that bad. There were some great family stories and SIL's Dad was cracking me up with some funny stories too.

I truly think my Mom was in heaven. At one point she and one of her cousins from NY were cozying up in a chair together like they were little girls.

The one thing I love about my company is they have always given us the Friday after Thanksgiving off. My Mom and the girls were all going up to Frederick for a craft fair. I opted out for several reasons the main one being I had to take Mini Red to her Dad's.

I was out running some errands, after dropping off Mini Red, and I was in the hardware store when my cell rang and it wasn't a number I recognized. I was one of the Sister's from Aunt's convent. My Great Aunt, who will be 94, next Tuesday, had a stroke. I found a corner in the store and sat down to gather all the information. I know my Aunt is getting older but I was still surprised by it all. There wasn't much information to give since it had just happened but the Sisters were going to see her and would call me later with updates and phone numbers.

Mini Red and I are the only family she has and we are so far away. There's a painful history that has taken a really long time to mend between us. Plus if it weren't for her who knows how long it might have taken to make my first steps to get out of that awful marriage of mine.

I made my purchases and left and so much was going through my head. My first thought was "I don't know what her favorite flower is". There is so much more information that I need to find out about her and our family and time is running out. I just wish she were closer so I could do more.

I continued on my errands and went to the toy store. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of crowds. I hit a few stores near the toy store but I was just a bit lost in my own head with thoughts of my Aunt. I managed to get a few gifts and headed back to meet up with the family at my parents for left overs.

I got a call later in the evening with updates on my Aunt. She was very lucid and asking if anyone had called me but, unfortunately, they had not moved her out of the emergency room yet so I couldn't call her. She's doing well and they were afraid she might be paralyzed on her left side but the Sister that called said they saw her left foot move. So that's good news. I have a feeling Mini Red and I might be on a road trip next weekend up to Scranton.

I give thanks for my family and for my Great Aunt. If you pray or whatever it is you do please think of my Aunt.

I'm ready to get my eat on or at least bring my Tupperware

My office is bare. No one is here and the silence is deafening. This should be fantastic working conditions but I'm procrastinating.

You would think the drive in to work would have been fantastic but I had the luck of getting stuck behind the slowest people. Maybe I'm just being pissy today? The morning started off with Mini Red and I rushing around and me catching her on the computer emailing. WTF?!?! There is no emailing in the morning! Like most mornings I'm calling after her to make sure she is doing what she needs to do. At one point she starts shrieking under the pressure. I just put my hand up to try and stop her because I couldn't understand her. At that decibel only dogs would have heard her. So I guess this wasn't the best beginning but I made sure she was calm and got a big hug from me before getting on the bus

On top of the slow drivers there was nothing on the radio. I'm sorry but I'm just not able to get into this new Kane dude on Hot 99.5. I miss Mark and Kris and the Hot Morning Mess. The Morning Mess was fresh and Mr. Kane, although still new, is not doing anything different than anyone else. It's boring! So I finally just put on Last of the Mohicans to help sooth my drive and this is working when the best thing happens… I saw Walking Man! I have never seen him in the winter let alone in DC and right there walking up Cathedral. He was actually wearing long pants too! I felt my whole face light up and I just wished he would look over so I could wave to him. I should have just put down the window and yelled "Happy Thanksgiving Walking Man" but I didn't. Just seeing him was a sign to perk up and let the stoopid shit roll off my shoulders.

I just want my work done so I can get to the Annual Thanksgiving Eve Family Happy Hour. Yup, you heard me right. My entire family plus quite a few family friends all meet up at Restaurant/Bar in Bethesda the night before Thanksgiving. It's everyone… Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Cousins kids and many more. We tend to gather a rather large group since we all mention it to anyone that lives in our area. Since the family has grown so much Thanksgiving has been divided between two houses so the HH is a great way for everyone to get together. After eating and mulling around the bar quite a few go home to get the kids to bed and some stay out at the bar for the evening. I'm hoping Mom offers to take the munchkin home with her so I can hang out for a bit.

Thanksgiving day Mini Red and I plan to visit some friends and just chill before heading over to the folks for dinner. I can't wait cause this is the time of year for the Pineapple Stuffing and it just don't get no better than that. Pineapple Stuffing is freaking AWESOME! I'm making a Sweet Potato dish this year as well as the Red Wine Brownies (thanks Allan).

For some reason I'm excited about this holiday season. I have a million things to do but I'm not gonna let it stress me this year.

The Mini Red Chronicles

Mini Red has been sick but not enough to keep her down. This morning she had me up at 4:30 due to her alarm clock malfunction and I couldn't, in good conscience, send her to school with her sore throat. We were lucky enough to get an appointment at 8am and we were home by 9am. Hopefully, the culture comes back negative and the medicine will kill some of her pain soon. I liked this doctor because he didn't immediately put her on antibiotics. Too many antibiotics can really screw up the system and then when you really need them they don't work.

Anyhow, on a fantastic note… Mini Red made HONOR ROLL! Can I get a WOOHOO? I am so proud of her. Sixth grade is such an important year and the better she does now the easier it will be for her later. So along with every other effort my parents and I make to help… I also bribed her. The bribing never worked for me when I was a kid because I knew my parents would finally give in. I thought I would give the bribing a shot and I think its working. The deal is… If she makes honor roll three out of the four marking periods then I will buy her an iPod.

The year started out a bit rough and she will probably kill me for mentioning this but she had an E in Reading. This is unacceptable so I encouraged her to talk to her teacher to see if she could make up the work she hadn't done. When she finally got around to talking to her teacher she was told it was too late. In comes Mom… Me, and upon further consideration the teacher offers half the grade if the papers were turned in within three days. Thank goodness. So Mini Red got to work on her three papers, but then there was the big OOOPS. Every time she wrote her paper on the computer she saved it over the last one. So she had to write all three all over again. She made the deadline and brought her grade up to a C. The rest of the marking period she brought her grade up further to a B.

I'm not playing games this year because this is the year that will set precedence for the next six years. Mommy is a real Beotch this year and so much so that Mini Red had an actual temper tantrum just about a week ago when I put my foot down. I have threatened no TV in the past but this year I'm just not having it. There is no way she is allowed to become a limp brained zombie in front of the TV AT ALL during the week. TV is always the first thing to go in my book and I'm not big on a lot of the shows out there for kids.

Saturday night I took her to see The Santa Clause 3. Afterwards she expressed how much she would love to have a snow globe. So yesterday before I went to the grocery store I went by Target and picked up a few Christmas gifts for her. I had been feeling like crap, myself, but immediately perked up at the thought of how excited she will be on Christmas morning with some of the items I purchased, especially the silver snow globe I found. There's a little girl and silver snow and it reads something to the point of "May your Guardian Angel always watch over you". I couldn't help but think of Mini Red going off to college and still having this keepsake snow globe that Mommy gave her when she was a little girl.

My favorite part of Christmas is watching Mini Red's excitement. I think I'm starting to feel the Holiday spirit… Are you?

What A Kiss Means

I found this on Craigslist:

Kiss on the stomach-----"lets have sex"

Kiss on the Forehead ----"Forever you will be mine"

Kiss on the Ear ---"I'm horny"

Kiss on the Cheek ---"We're friends"

Kiss on the Hand ---"I adore you"

Kiss on the Neck ---"We belong together"

Kiss on the Shoulder ---"I want you"

Kiss on the Lips ---"I love you" OR "I want you"

Holding Hands ---"We can learn to love each other"

Slap on the Butt ---"That's mine"

Playing with the Ear ---"I can't live without you"

Holding on tight ---"Don't let go"

Looking into each other's Eyes ---"Don't leave me"

Playing with Hair on Head ---"Tell me you love me"

Arms around the Waist ---"I love you too much to let go"

Laughing while Kissing ---"I am completely Comfortable with you"


Advice

Don't ask for a kiss, take one.

If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you're definitely in Love (or strong like).

How do you kiss?

Oh Yeah...I gotta do this Oyster Riot again next year!

Friday night I went to Old Ebbitt Grill's annual Oyster Riot with my family.

My brother and his wife went last year and loved it. This year there were more of us…12 is more like it. We arrived early and they gave us this brightly blinking oyster pin to wear. It was really annoying until we had a few glasses of wine, which magically toned down the blinking lights.

There were so many oysters and the wine was flowing. We were given a tray and a wine glass when we walked in. It took a little bit to get the hang of balancing everything but we all got in no time. Brotha-Man had some favorite oysters that he remembered from last year so we headed in that direction. On our way there we picked up cocktail sauce and oyster eating utensils.

Most of our group would walk around and pick up a variety of oysters and gather at a table for dipping. There were many people who would walk over to different oyster stations and just suck the oysters outta the shell. I think we tasted almost every oyster they had and there were a lot. There were a few wines that I enjoyed. The wine stations were set between the oysters and they would only pour a little into your glass so you could taste all the different wines. Because of the way you got your wine it was difficult to say exactly how much was drank. If you count the glass then I would say I had eight to ten glasses.

This event was so big that they had a huge port-a-pottie sitting outside. I was told it was very nice but I was skeptical. The idea of port-a-potties sitting on the street in DC and a nice one just didn't seem possible. I've never seen anything like it with its wood interior and brass fixtures.

The evening was winding down and some of us decided to go to Shelly's Back Room a cigar bar around the corner. We were standing for most of the night so it was nice to sit down on the couches and relax in a quieter atmosphere. I went to find the ladies room and as I was waiting a friend of my sister's boyfriend literally stumbles out of the men's room and walks up to me and says "You really aren't a friendly person are you?" WTF?!?! This amused me to no extent and when I told my brother he just cracked up.

At this point Brotha-Man and I were about done and I had to get home. Mrs. M was hanging with Mini Red and I didn't want to keep her too late.

The event was a a lot of fun and I can't wait til next year.

You can be South Parkish too!

I first saw this on Ar-Jew-Tino who got it from Sweet and then I saw E had it and also got it from Sweet.

I had to try it:

I then did a version of YDH and had some people in hysterics. My co-workers and I wasted some time creating more South Parkish co-workers. We laughed so hard I almost puked and South Park characters in our likeness have been posted all over the office.

Here's Mini Red:

What would you look like?

The Kiss

I recently found the soundtrack to The Last of The Mohicans on iTunes. I was listening to it as I worked yesterday and was just amazed. I burned it to disc so I could listen to it in the car on the way home. I figured with the sound system in my car it could be even more amazing and submerse my whole self into it.

I had no idea it would turn into this amazing experience. Once I got to "The Kiss", by Trevor Jones, I was driving along the Potomac towards Memorial Bridge as the sun was going down. It was a beautiful site the way the light was reflecting on The Potomac with the Memorial Bridge and Monuments in the background. I had chills and my eyes were welling up. I had to listen to this song again and turn it up louder this time and it brought me into my own world of no crazy traffic and everything flowed. My rear view mirror would shake I had it so loud but again it was an amazingly beautiful sound that again gave me chills and welled up my eyes.

I couldn't get enough of this song but knew I couldn't play it again that loud as I drove down Connecticut Ave. The rest of the soundtrack needed to be heard and it lived up to my expectations.

I couldn't wait for Mini Red to hear this. I knew she would love it too if for nothing else than the violin. Maybe it could inspire her? I didn't get to play it for her until we were leaving her swim practice and as "The Kiss" was hitting its climatic part I noticed the memorial on the side of the road for the twelve-year-old boy who had been killed the day before. You can't help but think of your own child when a tragedy such as this happens. This was too much emotion but I couldn't turn off the music. By the time we got home I was exhausted.

I highly recommend this soundtrack or at least "The Kiss".

It'll get ya.

What's in a word when the word is Love

I was seventeen and I had been dating my first boyfriend for a few months when one night we were sitting in his car outside my house.

Then he said it… "I Love You".

What did I say in return??? "Oh… That's nice."

To say I love you to someone is HUGE but so many seem to use it as a boomerang. They need to hear it so bad that they throw it out there for it to come back. I never did use the word love with that boy and we broke up soon after.

When I was 19 I met my ex and he said "I Love You" within the first week. I didn't feel it but said it back for fear of losing him. What can I say… I was young and stupid. We married and "I Love You" was said all the time but it became more of an obligation than a reflection of our feelings. Every time we got off the phone we would say "I Love You" more out of habit than anything else.

Since leaving my ex I have not used this word with any man. Mini Red hears it all the time but I don't say it to just say it but I express it to her. I do my best to express how much I love her every night before she goes to sleep. I use it with my family but sparingly because we know we love each other and that is just how the fam has always been. When my Mom says it to me she knows I need it.

I have some great friends but only a few I used the L word with. We tell each other when we know the other one needs it and it isn't flaunted around because that would just be odd.

Today was a dreary, tiring day and the drive home was torturous but it's my one night to meet up with Mrs. M and run. We have committed ourselves and want to cancel every week but we don't want to let the other down so we haven't missed one yet. Our runs have gotten so much better and it's a great time for us to get together because women need their friendships as well as exercise.

So after another great run with Mrs. M I get in my car to find a message from Ra. We have both been busy so we've been missing each other. She left me a message and ended it with an "I Love Ya". That was amazing! It may have been a tiring, dreary day but she didn't know that and it wasn't particularly tumultuous BUT I so needed that. If it was said all the time then it wouldn't have meant as much as it did when I heard it tonight.

Ohh, ohh, ohh... check out this new concept car!

Check out this new concept car from Ford called THE REFLEX. It is absolutely beautiful integrating more technology than any car out there.


It has reverse butterfly doors and it's a three-seater, how unusual. It was going to be just a two-seater but then they thought of the young married couples starting a family. The back seat is designed to accomidate the different stages of a baby growing up or to seat a third adult. It even has a baby cam!

The tires are concave for a thinner tire and aerodynamic. The seats are a mesh almost like hammocks and air bags deploy out of the seat belts. They used exposed circuitry on the outside of the car as well as solar energy. It's a diesel hybrid engine that gets 65 mpg.

Click on the photo to take you to the site to investigate it more.

TOO COOL!

What Tarot Card is my Ex Husband?

He is Death

Change, Transformation, Alteration.

People fear this card, but if you want to change your life, this is one of the
best indicators for it. Whatever happens, life will be different. Yes, the Death card can signal a death in the right circumstances (a question about a very sick or old relative, for example), but unlike its dramatic presentation in the movies, the Death card is far more likely to signal transformation, passage, change. Scorpio, the sign of this card, has three forms: scorpion, serpent, eagle. The Death card indicates this transition from lower to higher to highest. This is a card of humility, and it may mean you have been brought low, but only so that you can then go higher than ever before. Death "humbles" all, but it also "exults." Always keep in mind that on this card of darkness there is featured a sunrise as well. You could be ready for a change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

I find this so fitting. Hahaha

What Tarot Card are You?

You are The Lovers

Motive, power, and action, arising from Inspiration and Impulse.

The Lovers represents intuition and inspiration. Very often a choice needs to be made.

Originally, this card was called just LOVE. And that's actually more apt than "Lovers." Love follows in this sequence of growth and maturity. And, coming after the Emperor, who is about control, it is a radical change in perspective. LOVE is a force that makes you choose and decide for reasons you often can't understand; it makes you surrender control to a higher power. And that is what this card is all about. Finding something or someone who is so much a part of yourself, so perfectly attuned to you and you to them, that you cannot, dare not resist. This card indicates that the you have or will come across a person, career, challenge or thing that you will fall in love with. You will know instinctively that you must have this, even if it means diverging from your chosen path. No matter the difficulties, without it you will never be complete.

I got this from View from Dupont and thought it was cool.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Stoopid damn movie made me cry!

Well… It was more like my eyes welled up… I hate that crying crap.

I just watched The Lake House. These two people communicate via the Lake House's mailbox while living the same day but two years apart. I know that is confusing as hell and I thought the whole premises was ridiculous. I don't know why I put it on my Netflix list cause I don't normally go for the chick flick, romantic type thing. Maybe it was just curiosity. This movie is about two people who are meant for each other and they are patiently waiting.

"They reveal more of themselves to one another with each passing week – their secrets, their doubts and dreams, until they find themselves falling in love.
Determined to bridge the distance between them at last and unravel the mystery behind their extraordinary connection, they attempt fate by arranging to meet."

I love that there was so much of downtown Chicago shown in this movie. I love those buildings… The old and the new. The Lake House that is referenced is amazingly beautiful too. It reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. Definitely on my Places To See list.


The tag line for this movie is: "How do you hold on to someone you've never met?"

Sounds like and online dating story.

Maybe it got me verklempt because it hits kinda close to home with my past experiences. You know you need to let go but can't help but hold out hope.

I'm an Auntie again!

My friend Chrissy gave birth last night to little Michael.

Michael was due in January so he is a premie at just 32 weeks. Chrissy will be released from the Hospital Sunday but they're hoping little Michael will be home before Christmas.

Any and all prayers are sought to help this little man out.

Blogsgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season

When I mentioned the Blogger Happy Hour to Mrs. M she immediately agreed to be my Wing Chick once again. I was really looking forward to the happy hour since work had been another round of stressful lay-offs. I have thwarted that doom twice now. Phew!

As we were walking to Mackey's from the subway Metro Mrs. M looked past me and said, "Oh Hello there." I'm thinking, "Who does she know down here? We're suburban people." I look over to see Tasty Red. Mrs. M is on the ball and not only recognizing people but getting recognized herself.

The bloggers are usually in the back, which is where we found I-66 ready to greet people since he and VP of Dior are Co-Social-Chairpersons of Blogsgiving HH. There were familiar faces of people I've talked to and people I've seen but haven't talked to. But first thing is first and I needed a beer. Come on now you should all know that part by now…Beer first.

I found Velvet sitting in a corner. Hmmm reminds me of a line from a popular movie "Nobody puts Baby Velvet in a corner". She was surrounded by Home Improvement Ninja and Boz. I met View from Dupont and EJ Takes Life. I had to admit to EJ that the first time I came across her blog I thought it was BJ takes life and I thought BJ stood for… Hmmm, you know. Hey Pretty was there celebrating her 30th birthday and getting her drink on when Hammer showed up. He is always fun to talk to but he arrived sans ass kicking boots since they are in the shop for repair in preparation of Winter.

EJ and I went up to the bar for another drink when someone tapped me. Hey it's VK, and he brought a posse of his peeps. I worked my way back and sat down and chatted with Velvet for a bit. Tasty Red joined us and we soon saw Ashburnite who was flanked by two Blogger dudes…
Allan and Aaron. Allan came over to introduce himself since I'm a new reader to his blog. Meanwhile Mrs. M was talking to Boz, who she says is extremely intelligent and fascinating to talk to. Mrs. M was ready for another drink so we made our way to the bar where Mrs. M pays with ones. I tell the bartender she has ones because she's a dancer (wink wink) and Mrs. M swears he was staring at her the rest of the night. As we made our way back someone walks behind me and says "Life of Red" and keeps walking. I ask who that was and it's Ar-Jew-Tino who I recently started reading and I loved his post on Takoma Park. I bump into Jeff who I met at my first Blogger HH in August. We start discussing Blogger Beta and how I finally switched due to peer pressure and now I feel doomed since it doesn't get picked up by DC Blogs and even Bloglines is having issues with it. Hopefully, it will all get worked out soon but I do believe Jeff was laughing at my quandary.

The night was winding down and people started leaving but not before some impromptu flashing of Velvet's belly and the realization that Home Improvement Ninja's shirt reminded me of a candy cane. Both of which should have encouraged some interesting comments especially from JoeLogon but I think he may have been off his game since he arrived late and had to catch up and get his drink on. Then, of course, there was Hammer's lesson on hugs between the genders and how the male hug is done in a way that says "I'm not hugging you I'm just slapping you on the back." He used I-66 to show how it's done.

Mrs. M and I left with Tastee Diner on our agenda, as usual. After Tastee we took the Metro back to Grosvenor and Mr. M called. He had been out with his boys and was back at a friend's house. So I took Mrs. M to his friend's house so she could drive Mr. M home. When we arrived Mrs. M got out of the car and some dude came running and jumped in my car. He's a friend of Mr. M's… One I hadn't met yet. We all chit chatted a little and admired my car before I was on my way. As I was arriving home Mrs. M called to tell me Mr. M's friend stated very empathetically, "She's cute! Hook me up!"

Looks like this chick might have a date soon.

Joe's photos 1, 2

It's back! It's Back! Red is Back!

You know the Holiday Season is upon us when Starbucks brings out the RED CUPS! I'm so frigging excited! I don't nearly enjoy the holiday season as much as I did when I was a kid. I love Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and seeing my ENTIRE family. It's a blast!

It's the shopping I don't like. Figuring out what to get someone and figuring out how I'm gonna pull the money outta my ass THIS year.

I always make it happen because it's all about Mini Red. I want her to have what I had Christmas mornings and this is why I have kept up the traditions we had as I was growing up. Mini Red is aware of the magic of Christmas and keeps it on the down low to make me happy.

This is where I get really sad. All my life Christmas has been about the kiddies. My brother and sister are 10 and 13 years younger than me so when I was older I loved watching them. Soon they grew up and I had Mini Red. I not only got to watch her but I made it happen for her, it just don't get no better than that. Mini Red is getting older and I can still make those Christmas mornings awesome for her but my life no longer gets to experience the joys of the little ones and taking them to sit on Santa's lap. I had always hoped to have more children but I'm most grateful for the one I have I just want her to stay little forever.

Last year was the first year Mini Red and I had our own tree since our new place was big enough. There was much deliberation to pick our perfect tree. Once we decided we called the skinny boy over who picked up our tree, wrapped it up and carried to my car. I opened the trunk (of my old car), where I kept everything, planning on fitting the tree in the trunk through to the backseat. The dude looked at me and I said, "Yeah… I got a lotta junk… in my trunk." I think it was all he could do to contain his laughter.

The past few years there is another tradition that just gets me so damn excited… The Starbucks Holiday Red Cups. I don't know what it is but it just perks me up. This morning I got my first Red Cup of the season I guess this means I have to go shopping soon.

When there's a problem it's usually because they came from out of town

Mini Red and I are in the car tonight and she tells me about a boy on her school bus that is bugging her.

Red: "What's that all about?"

Mini Red: "Mom! He's a boy… I'm a girl! You know."

Red: "Oh so that means he LIKES you."

Mini Red: "No Mom I think it's because he isn't from here."

Red: "Oh really? Where is he from?"

Mini Red: "He's from the planet Idioto (i-de-O-toe)."

Our Kima and a Jeep

2007 Jeep Wrangler Lizard Commercial

Freckles

When I was a teenager a little black girl approached me looking very confused.

Little Girl: "Are you brown with white spots or white with brown spots?"
Red: "I'm white with red spots."

She had never seen someone with freckles before and I have a LOT of them.

Chicago, Chicago

For the first time I have plans for New Year's. Woohoo! Mini Red and I are going to Chicago to see friends.

They have been asking us to come back since our last trip back in the spring. I was amazed at the excitement that was generated when I emailed Nicole that I booked the ticket. Nicole immediately sent the email out saying "The Reds are coming! The Reds are coming!"

Katie called that night and we set some plans. Her three kids will be busy so she's gonna pick up Mini Red and I from the airport. We are then heading downtown to Nicole's office, on Wacker Drive, since Katie hasn't seen it yet. Yes, I am bragging about Nicole's office because it is definitely impressive up there on the 29th floor and a view to die for. Good job Chica, that is but one small perk your due considering how hard you work. Anyhow, Katie says we can hang out downtown but if I by chance suffer an injury, of any sort, we may have to go by her office and meet her boss, the single doctor.

I can't tell you how awesome these people are. Through Nicole I tagged along on a girls vacation to Puerto Vallarta. This is when I first met Katie and Jen. Katie was pregnant with her third child at the time but this didn't stop her from a damn thing except drinking, but she doesn't need alcohol she is a high all her own. Then there is Jen… Talk about a free spirit. She knows what she wants and nothing holds her back. In Puerto Vallarta she hopped up on this statue wearing a skirt even though there was non stop wind. I was an awesome site and her skirt never flew up. The vacation was more like and episode of Sex in the City without any sex. Jen and I were the single ones in this group but she has since found herself a dude. I hear he's a hottie too!

Katie has procured a babysitter for her kids and Mini Red. Nicole will probably be having a few people over for New Years and there are promises of single dudes for "Red from DC". Who knows maybe I'll eventually move there. The Red contingency needs to be represented and the men here don't seem to be interested. I would hate to ever leave my family but it could be good for the Reds. Maybe we could become the traveling Reds?

We can't wait for New Year's. It will be a blast.. of cold Windy air!

All-in-all… I think the Marshmallow Crème was the best part

Shortie arrived late to work, on Friday, due to more crap with her lemon of a Honda. She wanted to go out to lunch. She offered to treat because she knew I was cutting back and I've been bringing my lunch to save money. I wasn't hungry but knew she must have really needed this so I wasn't going to turn a friend down. Ohhh, I could have a beer! I could really use a beer!

We ended up at Murphy's. I ordered a beer and noticed the waitress come back and look into my face. I said, "Need and ID?"

"Yeah"

I handed her my ID.

"Whoa! You're aging nicely!"

Shortie may have needed that lunch but I needed that compliment.

After work I got Mini Red and we were off to run errands. We picked up a few things from the grocery store. Mini Red wanted to fix us some real hot chocolate with milk and cocoa on the stove. I suggested we get the marshmallow crème too and she was all for that! I was excited to find they had Amaryllis bulbs on sale. Last year I experienced the blooming of and Amaryllis and it will now be a yearly event.

I figured since I had a treat this afternoon so why not treat Mini Red. After all she did deserve it because her grades are looking really good after a rough start. What's better than to pick up dinner at El Pollo Rico and go home to watch the movie Hoot.

It was a great evening with the munchkin until we were startled awake at 1am for an impromptu tenant meeting. Our building's fire alarm went off and there's nothing like being startled awake to the possibility of a fire. I told Mini Red to throw on some warm clothes because we needed to leave. I was sure it was nothing but still feared it was something and needed to keep Mini Red calm.

We grabbed our coats and Mini Red touched the door knob to see if it was hot before we opened it. I didn't even think of that! The fire department showed up and I knew a few of the guys thanks to Lou and Nicole. They had keys to get into the office so they could get to the fire panel but since the renovations the keys didn't work. Management couldn't be reached and I think frustration was setting in.

It's funny to see what people grab in these situations. Mini Red grabbed her stuffed dog Sam and another woman grabbed her jewelry box. Personally, I just wanted to have on some panties underneath my clothes.

All in all Mini Red and I had a great evening except, of course, for the fire alarm. We did reconnect with some of our neighbors though and that's always a good thing.

I almost forgot… Ra sent me some pictures she took of her youngest and I. They were taken on a hot summer evening, I had no makeup on and I looked like crap but I absolutely LOVE these pictures! I don't normally post pictures of myself let alone in this state but I have an overwhelming need to share my favorite with you.

Tip-O-The-Day #5

When someone's looking for Sympathy from you and you just don't have it in you...

Let them know they can find it in the dictionary between Shit and Syphilis.

I dropped it like it was hot and got touchy felt

The week has been crazy between Halloween and work so it has been difficult to find time to sit down and recap last Saturday night out at da club. I know those who attended are anxious to read.

We started at Liz's house in Del Ray. CG was already there when I arrived about 6:30 and it wasn't long before I finished my first beer and Pam arrived. We were pleasantly surprised when YDH showed up too! Wahoo a party was starting.

We left Liz's and headed to Evening Star Cafe where we hung out in the No. 9 Lounge. We chilled on the couch and ordered food and drinks. I've never seen a place like this so if you get the chance you should investigate it.

YDH had all sorts of plans for the night and I believe we were his second stop. He offered to drive us downtown so we all piled in his car. Our plan for the evening was to go to Five but CG was dying to hit the bar in Hotel Helix. He said it was DC's version of a Sex in The City Bar. CG knew it was on Rhode Island Ave between 14th and 15th and so it turned into a group effort to find it. I have never seen a bar like this one but it's not I get out a lot so that isn't saying much. We found a nice big comfy couch and ordered a round of drinks. I sent Justin a text message to let him know we weren't at Five yet and what our eta was. The next thing I know I look up to see Justin and his boyfriend Corey walking into Helix. Yeah this was fun but I was losing steam.
Sometime after 11 we decided to make our way over to Five in hopes our emails to get us on the list would get us in without paying the cover.

We hit Connecticut Ave and the whole area was NUTS not-to-mention the line to get into Five was a mob scene. We dove into the line and paired up two by two but it didn't take too long before we got in. This place has four levels with the main dance floor on the second level. We ended up gravitating to the roof where we found two chairs and planted ourselves. Of course the first thing we did was get a round of drinks and CG and I headed down to the second floor to the main dance floor. I can't tell you the last time I went out dancing but has definitely been too long. We met up with the others and started our own dance floor on the roof. I ended up dancing with a dude wearing a knit cap and sunglasses as if he was undercover.

Our group grew as we met people and other friends joined us. I was dancing with Justin and Corey and somehow we started talking about Gene Simmons Family Jewels. I told them how when I was a kid everyone said I must be the Simmons long lost child because of my long tongue and then I demonstrated. Corey said "I may be a gay man but I WANT THAT TONGUE!" We laughed and we all continued dancing and so I dropped it like it was hot and Corey said I was doing it wrong. I said "Oh Yeah?" The next thing I know he pushed me to the wall dropped and slid up my body. Hmmm I think this dude is hiding his underlying heterosexuality tendencies because he did this several times. I soon realized I might be wrong when Corey and Justin faced each other thinking no one was watching and had an intimate moment where they expressed their love for each other. I've never seen Justin so happy.

Pam, Liz and I left at some point after 3am and we started our quest to get back to Del Ray. The first cab we got told us it would be $30. Pam said he was nuts and we got out. I was surprised how many cabs refused to leave DC. We headed down Connecticut Ave out of the chaos and finally found a cab to get us out of there.

It was a full night and everyone seemed to have a blast. I can't wait to do it again but I never want to be out on a Saturday night before Halloween again. It was CRAZY!