Life of Red

Moving

2007-10-31T03:25:00.000Z

I've gotten my own url LifeofRed.com.

Make a note of it!

The Skull still rolls

2007-10-26T13:31:00.000Z

My buddy Hammer asked for a skull update.

The skull is holding up well even in this rain. The rain makes it glisten which makes it look even cooler. I often look around to see if anyone has noticed and oddly enough there aren’t many that have but here are a few of the reactions that I’ve caught:

While at a stoplight a car to my right looked over and noticed it and kept inching up to get a better look.

Ra's son, who’s almost 3, did just what I expected and walked up to the parked car and poked at it. Her older son, who’s 5, wanted to me to pick him up from school so his friends could see it.

When dropping Mini Red off at school some of the kids noticed. They were poking each other and pointing at my car. It was fun to watch their reactions.

Several people in my apartment building have mentioned it. They all say the same thing, “Do you have a… skull… on your car?”

At Family Dinner Night this week Mom said, “What is your fascination with skulls? I can’t believe you put one on your car!”

“People put wreaths on their cars for Christmas… I decided to put a skull on my car for Halloween.”

“Oh! It’s for Halloween?”

Evidently, she thought it was a permanent fixture.

The best so far is when I was driving into a high security facility. I noticed the guard was laughing as I pulled up so I said, “Hey, are you checkin out my decoration?”

He laughed and said, “That’s cool!”

I replied with a straight face and somewhat of a low voice, “It’s my ex husband.”

I fear I’m on a list somewhere now.

His Phoenix was Flaming

2007-10-25T18:11:00.000Z

An article in the LA Times states J.K Rowling “had always imagined one of the main characters in the "Harry Potter" series -- Albus Dumbledore -- to be gay.”

WTF?!?!

Does his sexual orientation really matter? It sounds to me like the LA Times was in need of something to fill space on their pages and latched onto something Rowling might have said in passing. They go into great detail pulling out all the clues in the series confirming that Rowling wrote Dumbledore with his homosexuality in mind.

They interviewed the Head of the Harry Potter Alliance. I can’t believe such an organization exists. This head guy, Andrew Slack, point out seven clues that indicate Dumbledore’s sexual orientation. I find them a bit far fetched but I think my favorite is when they said, “Albus Dumbledore" is an anagram of "Male bods rule, bud!"

Well that’s a bit of a reach wouldn’t you say?

For the full article: Seven clues that 'Potter's' Dumbledore was gay

Blaze of Devastation: A chance to help

2007-10-24T13:27:00.000Z

I’m back! Everything is crazy busy lately and I have pictures from the Taste of Georgetown and this past weekend in Chicago. I will get to it eventually but Mini Red, work and school have to come first.

While in Chicago I kept my ear to the ground about these fires in San Diego. My company has an office there and one person has been on my mind… Danean. I remember one year when the fires were blazing and she said she could see them from her back door. So naturally I was concerned she might be in the way of these fires.

Unfortunately, she was in the way but her family is safe. She sent a message yesterday:

“The kids, my mom and I are staying with friends in a kid friendly place and Lance and the dogs are staying in a dog friendly place. We will reunite when we moved into our "temporary" housing for the next year while we rebuild.

The insurance company is being really responsive so far and so many of our friends in town have given us housing options. Having so much local support really makes everything seem manageable. I just make my list each night and check off the items during the day as I finish them.

Thanks for all the support and the kind words.”

Brace yourselves the photos are devastating.
Before: After:When she evacuated, she had to leave her house with almost nothing. Because they have to stay off the roads, she is not really able to shop. Below is a list of items that she needs.

Clothes for her son, size 4T

Clothes for her daughter, size 2T or 3T

Toys (they especially like plastic animals)

DVD's

If you would like to help out please email me so we can coordinate something.

The head has been mounted!

2007-10-12T13:04:00.001Z

No I'm not talking about porn! The skull has been mounted on the car. I love it since it's kinda subtle.

I first took photos in the garage but it may have been too dark.

I forgot my camera this morning so I used my cell to take photos in the daylight when I was dropping Mini Red off at her bus stop this morning. You can even see her in the car.

As you can tell I took a schlew of pictures to, hopefully, get the idea.

If you see me in your travels around the Metro area drop me an email and let me know. No one seemed to notice the skull on my travels home yesterday or in to work today.

I gots to go

2007-10-11T15:04:00.000Z

I can't live in this building for much longer. The new manager is bullheaded and sits in her office like an Ice Queen, perched slothlike like on her throne, and helps no one. I swear she is there to keep us tenants miserable and everytime we go to her she throws up her hands as if they are a wall and tells us she can't help. I have been a good tenant and have gotten nothing but crap for it.

Everytime a new person moves into an apartment on my floor comcast unplugs my cable. When I called them they tell me they can't come out til Saturday but I just found out the office in my building is no longer open on Saturday. WTF! Now I have to wait til Monday for them to plug the fucker in.

Plus the evil building manager won't let me have access to the room to plug it back in myself. I don't normally raise my voice with people but this woman brings it out in me. Living there is becoming torture.

My only option for the TV is comcast. Direct TV won't work because of the trees and Verizon tells me that when FIOS was coming around the neighborhood my building must have said no. My only other option for internet is DSL and I can't go from highspeed to DSL. Ugh!

Comcast SUCKS!!!! Plus I am stuck in the middle of this fucking monarchy they have in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County needs Cox!

I'm going to either need to buy a place (that I can't afford) or move to Denver for this new project.

This redhead is currently PISSED OFF!

How to save money when traveling

2007-10-05T15:07:00.000Z

I have a wedding to go to this weekend and it's gonna be fun.

This is the wedding of a former co-worker, Tran, and he's the one that showed me Blogger and got me blogging. He is also the first person to refer to me as a MILF.

All the young'uns were gathered in the office one day and I said something, I don't remember what. I think he was suprised at my age I would say whatever it is I said. He turned around and said, "Red! You're a MILF aren't you?"

He and his Wife-To-Be have been together for a long time and they suit each other perfectly. Tran is always doing funny videos and even got WTB into it.

Here comes the Bride:

Expect to see more of "The Tran Files" in future posts.

It's been five years and look at how we've changed

2007-10-03T02:35:00.001Z

The other day I was pumping gas when I saw this car move from the gas pump over to vacuuming her car. I get gas at this station all the time and have no problem with that but I could never bring myself to vacuum my car here. I would rather go two blocks down and do it.

Why?

Because five years ago, October 3rd, at 9:58 am, in what was to be the fourth killing of the morning, 25-year-old Lori Ann Lewis-Rivera was fatally shot while vacuuming her mini van. The rampage didn’t subside til later that evening leaving 5 dead and thus begins the terror of the Beltway Sniper. In realty it wasn’t the beginning but it was the deadliest day of this reign of terror.

Fear struck so many around the Beltway and even further out. By the end of the day I couldn’t help but think this was like a bad movie profiling some serial killer on the loose. It was all so surreal and I just had that thought a year prior during 9/11. Wasn’t 9/11 enough?

People were terrified. The schools were locked down and the kids couldn’t play outside. Instead they were inside practicing what to do for code blue and code red alerts. When did our lives become like the move “Red Dawn”? These things didn’t happen here, especially around DC. It wasn’t really IN DC but all around it in the rural areas and primarily at gas stations. It changed the way we lived our lives and not just for those three weeks of terror but forever.

During those three weeks we all became very aware of our surroundings and every step was carefully planned out. One night I was coming back from a friend’s house in Frederick. Gas was getting low but I didn’t want to stop anywhere unfamiliar or rural. I was living in Bethesda at the time and there were two gas stations near me. As I was driving home I reviewed all the logistics of each gas station in my mind. I decided on the gas station that was surrounded by tall buildings since the other one had easy view of one rural street where someone could hide. People would weave when getting gas so as not to be a sitting duck.

White vans/cargo trucks became a thing to be feared. Whenever I would see one I would look for the orange sticker on the back indicating this white van/truck had been checked and cleared. How crazy is that? There was even a day that traffic got bad and people feared putting children on their school buses for fear of being picked off by the sniper while sitting in traffic. Mini Red’s Dad and I even discussed all of this and feared her red hair would make her a target on the play ground. We knew our thoughts were crazy but we had to be sure to keep her safe no matter what. Underneath, though, we all thought it would never be directed at a child until that day the 13 year old was shot walking into school. That was the most fearful day out of those three weeks because this meant they would stop at nothing not even a child. Thank goodness that child was being watched over by his aunt who saved his life.

At the time I was working on a base that was secured and I hated going to work and having to trust the bus and the school to keep Mini Red safe. The buses changed their routine and how they dropped the kids off. The kid’s route from the bus to the school was blocked and all schools were surrounded by police.

I think we all just wanted to hide inside but that would have given them more power. I hid one day… I just couldn’t bear it and I couldn’t let Mini Red out of my sight. I used that day to gather my wits to then forge forward.

There came a day when I needed gas again. I couldn’t leave Mini Red home alone since she was too young and I didn’t dare take her to a gas station with me. I called my Mom and she suggested I have Mini Red lay down on the floor in the back of the car while I pumped gas. I just couldn’t have Mini Red do that and feared that would scare her so Mom offered to keep her and I ran an errand for her in return. As I headed down the road I saw The Guardian Angels pumping gas at the Shell Station where Lori Ann Lewis-Rivera was shot. I decided that is where I would go for gas after running Mom’s errand. By the time I got back and was heading to that gas station I saw The Guardian Angels leaving. Damn! I couldn’t cross three lanes in time to go to the other station so I went to that Shell. I was terrified but collected myself with the theory that “lightening never strikes twice…” I pulled up to the pump facing the vacuum machine where it all happened. I got out and started the gas pumping and quickly got back in the car and slumped down. I was looking straight ahead into the darkness from where the shot came that kill Lori Ann. Suddenly, the pumping of the gas stopped with a big CLUNK and scared the crap outta me. I was lucky I didn’t pee my pants.

A few days later John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo were captured at a rest stop up in Middletown, MD. I swear you could feel the pressure lift off the DC Metro area and there was a collective sigh of relief from us all. It was over! But was it really? We were scared to let our guard down even after finding out how they did it with the hole in the trunk of the car. Even after figuring out how many they had killed across the country. It took quite some time to let our guard down and to this day I can’t even think about vacuuming my car at that Shell station.

First through third grade for Mini Red began with traumatic events and we saw the world change and more than just Mini Red growing up. First grade there was 9/11, Second grade was The Sniper and Third grade was Hurricane Isabella. By the time she started fourth grade I was holding my breath for fear of what would happen that year.

Those three weeks felt more like three months and it’s hard to believe that was five years ago. The world is a much different place now. The war has been fought here and we have felt terror on our own turf. We have felt it from an enemy abroad and the enemy within and both are equally terrifying. Our guards are still up and our skin is thicker but it doesn’t seem to be over yet and each day brings something new to guard against and a new way to protect ourselves.

For the life of me I just can’t seem to microwave popcorn

2007-09-30T19:35:00.000Z

It always ends up burnt so in my household Mini Red does the microwaving of popcorn.

On Saturday as I was walking into Bloom a little boy chased after me.

“Excuse me, excuse me. You wanna buy some popcorn?”

Here is where I would normally say politely, “Not today thank you.”

I don’t know why I didn't stick with my usual. Maybe it was because he was so cute and working so hard to sell his popcorn for his Cub Scout troop. Maybe I was just surprised they were selling popcorn. So I told him I would check it out on my way out.

I am a woman of my word and I was regretting telling him I would stop on my way out. I briefly debated walking out the other door and ditching him but I gave my word. So when I walked out I went right over to their table. It was two little boys and their Moms were standing behind them directing them.

When he said popcorn I didn’t think it would be microwave popcorn but I bought a box because it was for a good cause and Mini Red loves popcorn. The box was $15 so I handed the little boy a $20 but first he had to write it down on his list. His Mom was in the back telling him to take the money and write it down later. She then prodded him to give me my change of $5. You could see the wheels turning in his head as he contemplated this and didn’t want to give me change. After about the third prodding by his mother to give me the five he handed it to me and I thanked them for the popcorn and headed off.

I’m not a big microwave popcorn person but I was glad to help them out. I probably would never have even bought the popcorn if the boy hadn’t been forthright and approached me. I have to admire him for that.

So today, Sunday, I have been working all day… Again. I decided to try popping up some pop corn. I now remember the other thing I don’t like about it… It smells up the whole place. I only burned a little of it and the day is so nice that my windows are all open. The popcorn was good and Mini Red would be so proud. At least some of it was edible but in the future I think I will leave it to her.

Just a regular Fall Saturday

2007-09-30T03:44:00.000Z

This is the first weekend in a long time that I don’t have anything to do. Summer is over so no beach trips and I needed to do some grocery shopping but that’s about it… No plans and Mini Red is off at her Dad’s

Friday, I put in a 14 hour work day and by the time I left I just wanted a beer so I headed home, had a beer and went to sleep. I wanted to sleep in but as soon as the sun comes up I tend to be up too. So I chilled out before heading out to drop off items at the donation site and then off to the grocery store.

The grocery store seemed to be busy but not crazy and carts were even available. I headed towards the berries, which are a must for my morning oatmeal. There was a dude stacking fresh berries. I stepped up an apologized for messing up his great stacking job as I leaned in for some blackberries. He said, “No! Not those! Take these, they’re better.”

I leaned in again to grab some raspberries and again he took what I had grabbed and gave me what he called better ones. He then said, “You gotta look WOMAN! Maybe you need someone to help you shop.” Ya gotta love the crazy berry stacking dude.

This was a great way to start this trip and I couldn’t help but smile as I saw this guy interact with other passing people. I took my time and moseyed through the store marking off items on my list. It was nice to be able to just take my time and not rush. When I got in line a manager came up and moved me to an open line but it was the express line and I had more than 15 items. I pointed it out to him but he said it was ok. I like this calm taking my time stuff I think it makes my aura much happier and affects people around me.

Now that I think about it everyone was happy and chatty today. Even the dude at the donation drop off place but then again maybe he was just happy I didn’t run him over, which I could have done. When I moved to the express line at the grocery store I offered to let this elderly couple go in front of me but they waved me on. The elderly woman even helped out by handing me items from my cart to put on the belt. After I paid I leaned over and thanked her for her help and she had a great big smile.

My plan was to head home and put the groceries away and I was trying to decide if I was gonna go see The Kingdom or go get a manicure/pedicure but Ra called. So I whipped up a broccoli salad and headed over to the Ra household.

They had other friends over and hanging out too. This was a couple they had recently met at Temple and they have a 5 year old daughter. When I arrived the kids were playing on the trampoline. We were a bit nervous about the kids getting too close to the edge so I suggested they do “Ring Around the Rosie” in the center. They sand and then all fell down and giggled. Ra’s youngest popped up and said he wanted to do it again. Well he said it in his own way and the new friend was surprised I knew what he said because she didn’t understand him. I love that I know him well enough to know what he is saying.

Ra’s hubby Gurp cooked and we opened a bottle of Fat Bastard and we all hung out as we casually ate. It was so nice, not-to-mention rare, to feel so comfortable with new people.

I was the first to leave and hated to go but I could feel how tired I was from my toes to my head. I got hugs from everyone even the little girl. Ra walked me out and I told her how much I liked this family.

On my drive home I was thinking about my friendship with Ra and her family. She and I have had our moments where we have gone months without talking due to some disagreement but that doesn’t happen anymore. We are both stubborn and hard headed and our friendship just keeps getting stronger. I have learned so much from her and I’m so glad to have her and her family. They have taught me to open up and trust. Gurp has become a really good friend too and he even brought back a little something for Mini Red and me from his trip to Bahrain. The boys look up to Mini Red like a big sister and I love that they call me Auntie.

It turned out to be a great day and I learned to just sit back and chill out, which was desperately needed. I can’t wait to do it again but next time I’m getting a turn on the trampoline.

Ever just feel like Cod?

2007-09-27T00:08:00.000Z

Last night Mini Red had swimming and I had work to do so once we got home neither of us felt like making our lunches for Wednesday. I didn’t let on but I was more than happy to oblige since I’ve been having a hankering for Cod and Chips from Eamonn’s.
I just love this place! The food is good, inexpensive, they have beer and their fried snickers will cure what ails you as I proved to a few stressed girls in the office just the other week.

There was a time when I would go out to lunch everyday but it hurt my wallet and I wasn’t appreciating what's around me here in Old Town Alexandria. Plus all I was eating were salads from Cosi and I was there so often that they would start making my salad as I walked through the door. I guess I’m a creature of habit. My first visit to Eamonn’s was quite a bit after it had opened and when I walked in the Hot Young’un behind the counter said “Ohhh you’re cheating on Cosi!” That's because he used to work there.

For some reason this dude always remembers me and always asks where I've been. I guess the red hair makes me stick out like a sore thumb. I do have to say that the hot young’uns all patronize this place so I don’t mind placing my order and hanging out to wait. It’s well worth it.

So if you’re in Old Town you need to stop by Eamonn’s and try some Cod. The Chesapeake Tartar is the best one and tell 'em Red sent ya.

This is what I love about Maryland

2007-09-26T21:08:00.000Z

Chase (Sis's dude) sent me this ad from You Tube.

Right to the point.

This isn't how Martha Stewart would do it

2007-09-26T03:53:00.000Z

During the holidays, and I’m talkin Christmas, you’ll see people go and put wreaths on the grille of their vehicles. This isn’t something I tend to get into. I don’t even like to put stickers of any kind on my car cause I like it just the way it is.

Well... the holidays are approaching, and I’m talkin Halloween. I got a bug up my butt to put a decoration on my car but I want to make sure it won’t hurt my car in any way and I’m not sure how to do this. I’m gonna need some help but before I could make the call my buddy Wes called to tell me he’s been re-hired after the layoffs we had.

Wes is a handy dude to be friends with since fun for him is converting vehicles to run on used vegetable oil or anything that requires use of a backhoe. Thank goodness is wife doesn’t mind lending him out now and again.

After chatting about him coming back to "The Company" I tell him my idea. How Mini Red and I were hanging in Rite Aid checking out all the Halloween stuff and a styrofoam skull caught my attention. That’s when it hit me and I decided I want to affix a skull to the hood or grille of my car in celebration of Halloween. He’s laughing so I’m getting the vibe he loves my idea. I figure this skull might help me out driving through D.C. and maybe everyone will get outta my way for fear of their skulls joining the one already on my hood. I probably need one on the rear of the car too and maybe the tailgaters will stop riding my ass. Especially around National Airport where the speed limit is 40 mph and everyone goes at least 60 mph so I tend to just move to the right and let them pass.

So I digressed… We discuss if styrofoam is the best option and able to withstand the elements and how are we gonna affix this without leaving any marks or scratches on my car. Plus I’m concerned the skull could come loose and fly up into my windshield. He said he would come by and check out the skull and we can plan how we’re gonna achieve this.

In the meantime, a/k/a the weekend, I found a better skull at Target that’s made for indoor/outdoor use. This one is plastic and looks more realistic too!
Tuesday, Wes stopped by the office and we went to the garage with the skull. The original idea of cutting off the back for a better fit will work with this skull too and all we need are some nylon ties to hook it in the center of the front grilles right over the Pontiac symbol. He was gonna take the skull so he can use the equipment at his other job to cut off the back of the skull and holes will need to be made in the side for the nylon straps. I’m still concerned about possible scratching from where the skull will be cut so he’s gonna soften the edges with some sort of tape unless he comes up with a better idea.

When the holiday is over I just need to snip the straps and store the skull away for next year. Ahh next year… Maybe we can make the eyes light up by then?

The skull should be in place by next week so keep and eye out for me and if ya see me honk and wave.

The Ray Lewis Photoshop Challenge

2007-09-25T13:15:00.000Z

Hammer from Throwing Hammers had another Photoshop Challenge.

This time I participated. I can't match the imagination of these dudes but at least I gave it a shot. I think next time I need to throw down a few beers to chill me out before sitting down to put something together.

I think my favorite is Ray Lewis with the Civil War Reenactors. Great Job you guys I have a lot to learn from you

Check out the results.

The devil was cast out and it was FM!

2007-09-24T02:15:00.000Z

Last weekend was a big weekend, Little Man was baptized therefore cleansing his soul and casting the devil out.

Sil had a bunch of relatives trek down from Connecticut for the big event. Her cousin Kate is one of my favorite people and always has a funny story of the odd things that happen to her.

My favorite story was Kate’s trip to the post office when she was living in Long Island several years ago. Sil’s brother, The Officer, is often overseas due to his job in the military. Kate had gone to mail him a package and at the time she was about 8 months pregnant with her third child.

She got to the counter and as the clerk was processing her package she put two and two together, or so she thought, and suddenly was loudly saying “Ohh maa Gawd!”

Kate was startled and didn’t understand what was going on. Until the clerk continued (in a thick Long Island accent), “He’s gonna miss the berth of the baby. Ohh maa Gawd!”

Kate didn’t know how to get a word in to even stop her as the clerk continued, “I’m gonna pray fer you. I’m gonna pray fer you and I’m gonna pray fer da baaby and I’m pray fer da faather. Ohhh maa Gawd!”

She then hollered to another clerk, “SYLVIA! Look at dis. She’s pregnant and da faather is fightin fer our country and gonna miss the berth. I’m gonna pray fer dem. I’m gonna pray fer hur and I’m gonna pray fer da baby and I’m gonna pray fer da faather. Ohh maa Gawd!”

Then Sylvia chimed in and pointing to Kate and her belly and the package, “Ohh maa Gawd! Don’t worry dear I’m gonna pray fer you too! I’m gonna pray fer you and I’m gonna pray fer da baby and I’m gonna pray fer da faather. It's gonna be OK.”

At this point if Kate could even get a word in she was afraid to burst their bubble. She knew immediately she could never go in that post office again let alone send any packages to The Officer from there.

One of the best things about Kate’s stories is how animated she gets and her impersonations of these Long Island women. She had us in stitches for most of the weekend.

Sunday morning was the baptism and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many in attendance for a baptism. We were all a little surprised how the priest explained one set of prayers which are prayers used in exorcisms. He said, “Exorcisms do happen and baptism is the first step in protecting our souls from the devil. It’s very likely a baby could have the devil in him so we need to cast it out as part of the baptism.” I could see Sil and Brotha Man look at each other a little surprised and Brotha Man even mentioned it later when we were all back at The Folks for a bite to eat.

After the baptism we all were hanging around in the church chatting before heading to The Folks. I was talking to Cousin P and his parents, Uncle P and Aunt D. Cousin P was telling us about this google text thing where you send a question to 466453, e.g. for directions or movie times, and you get a text back with the information. He had used it the night before to get directions and was glad he had it. He then said, “It was FM!”

Uncle P and Aunt D were nodding in agreement and turned to me and said, “Do you know what FM is?”

“Nope.”

Aunt D tells me when she first met Uncle P she had sold him a computer. This was way back when computers used those 8 inch floppy drives and you had to format them before you could use them. So Aunt D types in FM at the prompt and Uncle P says, “What does FM stand for?”

Aunt D replied, “Fucking Magic!”

Uncle P and Aunt D soon started dating, got married and had three kids that are now grown… FM!

FM has become a staple phrase in their family and those around them. This is an easy phrase to adopt and can fit so many situations, but maybe we shouldn't be using this language in the house of God. We all looked around to see if anyone had overheard our conversation and we moved on out of there.

Eileen was complaining Friday at the HH that I need to post more often and she has been looking for a new post all week. See Eileen I have finally posted. FM!

Deciphering the photos on Match.com

2007-09-15T16:10:00.000Z

The summer’s over and Mini Red is off at her Dad’s. I did some happy hour time with a few friends Friday in Old Town. I guess these types of weekends are the ones that can make you feel lonely. You know… no one to hang out with. So I found myself perusing Match.com. This is something I could never do again after all the scary dates I got from there.

All these men say such similar things but you can’t help but look at the photo and just move on. The plethora of photos is amazing and no one realizes there is a rule to this type of thing. I see the same thing over and over. Don’t they realize the message they’re sending with these photos?

No Shirt: Please cover it up I would rather find out for myself.
With Kids: You are exploiting your kids or someone else’s. Do you think you’re some politician?
With Women: I don’t want to see every woman you have slept with or not slept with. This just tells me you won’t be real and you're just a player.
With Old People: Ok so these may be your parents or just some old people you rented but again you are exploiting them too and again you're not a politician.
Scenery: WTF? I’m trying to find out what you look like and if we might look good together or even make good looking kids. What is the point of these photos? Does this mean you bring the camera to the bedroom too? Kinky!
With a Group: Which one are you? I guess this means you have lots of friends/family or is it just a cult? Hey your friend is hot maybe you can introduce me to him.
Possessions: Ok so you have a nice Car/Motorcycle/Boat are you trying to use that as a ploy to nab a chick? “Pick me I have money and toys” but do you really have them? I don’t see you in some of these photos either.
Travel shots: This isn’t shutterfly and you don’t need to post ALL your photos from your most recent trip 10 years ago.

Women can be very similar in how they post. I went and checked them out too cause I’m curious as to who is posting out there.

In Bikini: Yeah I know the dudes love this kinda stuff and because they love it this must be why they post themselves shirtless. I think I just screams “I’m horney have sex with me NOW!” Ok so there’s nothing wrong with that but have some tack ladies.

The Poses: This can be comical e.g. the poses that are set up to look natural, the hair flipped and the coy looks, straddling a motorcycle.

Glamour Shots: Hello! You took those ten years ago when you were 50 lbs lighter. When you see that look of surprise on the dude’s face when you meet for the first time it isn’t because you look hot.

With Kids: If a woman poses with kids or more likely a baby it means she wants one bad. Her clock is ticking and she is looking for a clock repair man.

The men and women both posts similarly and because they know if the picture is good then maybe someone will read what they have to say, which is all the same too. “Oh I’ve never done this online thing before”, “I can’t believe I’m doing this” or “I finally decided to try this match thing”.

It’s not easy putting yourself out there for possible ridicule or through awful dates. Kudos for those of you who keep trying online and find something out there, Mini Red’s Dad met his wife on there. I’ve found it’s just not for me.

The Tooth Fairy Goofed

2007-09-12T15:45:00.000Z

I was cleaning and organizing my email and came across this email:

From : Tooth Fairy
Sent : Wednesday, September 8, 2004 4:55 PM
To : reddudette@hotmail.com
Subject : Mini Red's Tooth Transportation

Dear Ms. Dudette,

Thank you for your email concerning Mini Red’s Tooth Pickup. We are sorry the tooth wasn't picked up last night. We understand that this caused Mini Red some distress this morning. We are happy to hear she at least found her money.

The Tooth Fairy for your area had a busy night last night and every time she came to pick up the tooth Mini Red was still awake. This in turn made for a speedy drop off of her money and The Fairy missed picking up the tooth.

At this point we ask that Mini Red place the tooth under her pillow again this evening at bedtime. Please ask Mini Red to try and get to sleep as early as possible since for some reason this is a busy time for us.

Thank you for your patience at this busy time.

-Southern Montgomery County Tooth Fairy Division

Obviously, I had goofed up one night and had to do something to help her keep the faith. So I created the yahoo account and sent this email. Mini Red read it and read it again before asking where the email was that I had written to them since she didn’t see it below this one. I played it off well and that was out of selfishness.

See once I was old enough not to partake in such events along came Brotha-Man and Sis. I took over many of the duties of setting things up to look like we were visited in the night by one fairy or another. At Easter I even bit off part of the napkin and Brotha-Man had gotten such a kick out of it think the Easter Bunny was so hungry that he ate some of the napkin. As Brotha-Man and Sis became old enough not to partake I had Mini Red and this became even more fun with her. So at the time I goofed up this situation with the Tooth Fairy Mini Red was questioning me heavily and with a spotlight in my face. I wasn’t ready to give this up so I needed to get inventive.

Now here we are three years later and I know Mini Red doesn’t believe like when she was little but it goes without saying that she must keep up the façade for Mamma Red.

Just a regular evening at home with The Reds

2007-09-12T01:34:00.000Z

Somehow the TV ended up on the show The Power of 10 with Drew Carey.

The questions are great and some are very thought provoking.

Some of the questions:

What percentage of American women wear a thong on a regular basis? 12%

What percentage of Americans have left work for some “afternoon delight”? 25%

What percentage of Americans believe they have found their soul mate? 62%

I'm suprised at these percentages.

Next week one of the questions is:

What percentage of Americans would admit they are a homosapien? Or something to that effect. I turned that question to Mini Red and she had no idea what a homosapien is. I suggested she google it.

She came back and said she still didn’t know what it was so I went to the computer and googled it and clicked on wikipedia and that just gave you two choices: Homosapien or Human. When I clicked on Human Mini Red threw her arms up blocking the screen and screamed, “OH! It’s a PENIS! Jeeze Mom!” I nearly fell over laughing.

What’s your 9/11 story?

2007-09-11T12:44:00.000Z

Everyone has their own 9/11 story to tell. Last year I told mine. I sat down to read it again last night and no matter how much I would like that day to be put behind us I realize we must never forget. Every American’s life was changed that day. Lugi did a post remembering 9/10, which reminded me how different our lives are now. We can never again let our guard down and the smallest things we would have never noticed before are now alerts to grave possibilities.

I’ve found I’m fascinated hear people’s stories. If you’ve posted your story leave me the link in the comments so I can read it.

The Mammas escaped for a night out on the town

2007-09-11T01:41:00.000Z

Friday was an evening of several Blogger Happy Hours. Gunfighter was hosting one in Arlington and I’m sorry I missed it but location and timing was not on my side. I was able to make the other Blogger HH thanks to Ra and her Hubby.

Before I get to that I promised Ra that I would give an update. Not too long ago I was upset with her and blogged about it. We have been good friends for some time and so I went to her because I decided that I didn’t want to lose the friendship. Seems we had a series of misunderstandings one of which was when I thought she hung up on me when in reality she was dealing with a screwy airline and at the counter at the time. Ra and I have had our differences over the years and we have both had our moments of stubbornness but I think that is what defines true friends. True friends can have misunderstandings and disagreements and still come together and discuss it openly.

So after work Mini Red and I headed to Columbia. Mini Red was gonna hang with Mr. Ra and help him with the boys who are 5 and 2. Ra hadn’t been out like this in quite some time. We arrived at Mad Hatters and I was pleasantly surprised to recognize quite a few people. Before diving in I decided to grab a drink especially since diving into such a social situation can be a bit difficult for me. As my beer was arriving Kassy saw me and came over. She has been taking some time off to pursue her dream of writing and let me tell ya I don’t think I’ve ever seen this chick seem so happy and content at where she is in her life at this moment. If you’re read this Chef… You’re a good man!

Then VK saw me from the other end of the bar and threw me a sexy look. Yes, the old MILF is representing and I love the new look of your blog. I soon noticed I-66 had appeared and we caught up before he was off to grab Arjewtino and help settle a question of mine. Now I’m not one to ask for a link but I had to wonder if Arjewtino was mad at me since he hadn’t linked to me when he moved to his new url. He just hugged me a few more times and promised to fix it Monday. He fixed it and also gave me a blogger report card grade of a C+. I think that should be upped considering his oversight caused me so much heartache plus the law (and common sense) keeps me from bringing Mini Red to a bar.

I met so many new people too: INPY was telling me of his favorite post of mine and how Mini Red flipped me off. I didn’t have the heart to tell him she didn’t. Plus she would have been in deep doo doo if she had. I also got to finally meet VVK and that is one tall dude. I have also found some new blogs to check out… Starting Today… and Just Going with It

As always it was good to see Pat from DC Blogs before he snuck out of there since the crowd was getting rowdy. As I was chatting it up there were some drums being played on my back by none other than Throwing Hammers. I promptly asked for the jacket that was promised since I was now in the Photoshop Club. He has promised an upcoming Photoshop challenge and I’m game to see what he comes up with. The night was topped of with an appearance by Joe, who is one of my favorite bloggers to hang out with.

The night was a blast and it was great to see everyone. Thanks for a great time and I’m anxiously awaiting the date of the next one in hopes I can make it.

What is this world coming to? Everyone should just go naked

2007-09-07T19:34:00.000Z

Southwest pulled Kyla Ebbert off a flight because ONE passenger complained of her skirt being too short! WTF!

The Story from CNN.

I fear our country is forgetting that we are "Land of the Free" when crap like this happens.

I'm flying to Chicago next month and maybe I should just fly naked! At least I won't be flying Southwest.

Labor Day weekend at the Beach

2007-09-06T02:20:00.000Z

The end of last week had me grumpy and I even had second thoughts about going to the beach. I couldn’t stay home though because it would have been depressing. I was down, partly, because it seemed there was no way I could make it in time for happy hour. So in an attempt to get to the beach as soon as possible I offered to drop Mini Red at her Dad’s. The drive to her Dad’s seemed to have the most traffic and in total I spent over four hours trying to get to the beach. My saving grace was The Folks got a bushel of crabs and it was ready and waiting for me when I got there. I took a pull from the kegerator and copped a squat to enjoy the feast.

After crabs I put fresh sheets on the beds and climbed in with Harry Potter… The book not the boy. I was near the end and dying to finish so I could be an all knowing Harry Potter reader. The problem is I couldn’t keep my eyes open but I fought it until I could fight no more. When I finally turned the lights out I could feel my eyes shaking due to fighting to keep them open.

Saturday, we were all up at a reasonable time. Dad and I made egg sandwiches for everyone and we needed to be across the street by 10 for our 10:30 appointment to rent wave runners. The last time I did this I drove and Dad was on the back. This time Mom was driving and I was on the back. Plus this time we didn’t have to make our way through the channel, which was a bit frightening for a first timer. We got out to the marked area for our hour of fun. Mom would take off but then stop rather quickly because she couldn’t see a thing due to all the water in her face. So I took her sunglasses and put them on so she could try without the sunglasses but that was worse and her eyes were burning from the bay water. We decided to trade places and let me have a shot at driving. The switch was a bit scary when Ma stood up but we made the switch without her falling in. It took some getting used to especially with all the water splashing in my face. At first I think Ma was a bit scared because I would turn my head to protect my face from the oncoming water. This way I would have at least one good eye at all times but the water was so choppy I had to just shake it off and keep going knowing that as we went faster we would skim the top of the waves and there would be less water in the face. I mean talk about multitasking: Water in the face, oncoming boats and various water vehicles, making sure Ma didn’t fly off oh and the buoys. We had to stay within these four buoys that were our parameters, which seemed to be a large area at first but when you get going you had to stop because you reached the end. It didn’t take me long to get the hang of it and I would take off because I wanted to see how fast I could get this thing going. The problem is Ma would start laughing so hard, which would get me laughing and a wave would hit and I would swallow a ton of water which would make me laugh more. Or we would just get laughing so hard I would have to stop. I was so determined to get up to at least 40mph that I would lean forward and grit my teeth and hold on tight and just push it. Meanwhile, Mom was hanging on for dear life and when we would go flying we would both lift off the seat and she would scream for me to stop. Oh my, I have tears running down my face as I type this.

Knowing that there wasn’t much time left Ma and I switched so she could have a whirl in the drivers seat again. I was nervous with her driving and I tried not to be an annoying backseat driver. When time was up Ma drove us back in and as they helped us park the wave runner Ma hollered to Dad that she was ready to buy one. When we got on dry land all four of us realized how sore we were and we were shaking. Every muscle was used from the hands and arms to drive and steer as well as legs and hips for just holding on.

We got back to the condo and decided to pull out the left over crabs for lunch but first I had to finish Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It didn’t take me long to finish and I was able to enjoy the end without having heard any spoilers. When I sat down to eat crabs it wasn’t as easy as usual because I was so sore right down to my fingertips.

Ma headed off to the craft show at the Convention Center but the walk back proved difficult after the day’s events. Dad needed to get a new cable box because the one he had was acting up and it was a weekend of football. Dad was in heaven: beach, football, beer and family. Only something was missing… Brotha Man, Sil and Little Man. I guess that makes three things missing. Brotha Man and Sil haven’t made it to the beach at all this summer but they had something better going on… they have been having fun with their new Little Man.

So as Ma and Dad headed off to do their own thing Sis, Chase and I headed to Seacrets. Instead of sitting at or near the water we were able to procure some seats at one of the bars and smack dab in front of a couple of TV’s so we could watch the VA Tech / ECU game. Seal, a friend of Brotha Man and Godfather to Little Man, showed up carrying his version of a man purse and not like a beach bag either. We teased him but he took it well because he had necessities to carry like his inhaler, which is very important and you would understand if you saw all the hot chicks in bikinis. Seacrets was crazy busy and there was so much going on and each of us were doing our own thing.

Sis and I ventured around and found Teacher had arrived and he quickly got going to the tune of “Dude looks like a Lady” while wearing a woman’s top/dress no less. The women, the drunken women, just flock to him. We once saw an older, wrinkly drunk woman in a bikini attacking him and he had to have his boys help save him from the Cougar.
The great thing about Seacrets is you will find all kinds of interesting people and they tend to loose their inhibitions. Let’s take for example the dude who looks like he had portions of his chest waxed just like in “The Forty Year Old Virgin”. I think he noticed me taking pictures and that’s when he put his shirt on. I didn’t feel bad because if you put it out there then you need to deal with it or else don’t put it out there.
Back at the bar a dude came up to asking the bartender a question and he got all pissy when the bartender said he couldn’t hear him because the blender was running. It wasn’t long before the guy was back and standing behind me still being a jack ass to the bartender. This time the bartender said something and the pissy dude finally understood and apologized. The third time the guy came back he said something to me and asked why I was giving him the eye. I told him I didn’t know what he was talking about but when he mentioned the rift between him and the bartender I said, “Oh you’re the one being a jack ass to the bartender. Beware cause I’m his body guard.” He took my ribbing well and we chatted for a bit. I found out he is Sam the Palestinian from Bethesda and he had this booger in his nose. The booger was still there when he came back later but there is no way I could have said anything. I hate when that shit happens and you can’t help but just stare at it with a fear he might laugh and shoot it on you.

More friends of Sis showed up and Seal and friend left. It was interesting to watch the people sitting around the bar since they seemed older. I found it interesting that some of these women would get so done up to sit at a bar in the afternoon when so many are nearly naked. It must be their age, which is right around my age I would guess. I was so opposite of them because I think I had all of mascara on. I had taken a shower after the wave runners but didn’t wash my hair which was up in a ponytail and I had my visor on. I wore some of my shorter shorts and a tank top and Sis and Chase tell me I was hit on a lot. Chase said I was the flame and they were the moths. I didn’t remember it being like that but there was this other man who was sitting next to us and joining in on our conversations. He made comments on my pink toes and I think he even asked for my number a few times. He was a nice enough guy but since I had been drinking it was easier to thwart his advances.

I had reached my limit of alcohol so I got some water and ventured around Seacrets on my own. This is when I came upon the Sexual Position Competition. The rules were: two people of the opposite sex were to link arms back-to-back. They had to dance like this and when the music stopped they had to find another person of the opposite sex and get in a sexual position. The better the creativity the longer you lasted in the competition. The winners got t-shirts and maybe a little turned on and I got some great photos.

I headed back to where Sis and Chase were and they were surprised to see me. Sis thought for sure I had left since I was gone so long. At this point I was done and I wasn’t gonna drink anymore so I left and headed back to the Condo. The Folks weren’t there and I figured they were at Macky’s. So as I was trying to decide my next move I sent a drunk text before I headed off to bed. When in doubt catch up with your sleep… right?

I woke up around 11:30pm with a nice headache and Sis and Chase walked in shortly thereafter from their night out at another bar after Seacrets. I was wishing I hadn’t sent that text message so I made sure I deleted all traces of that phone number. I’m not such a hard ass not to believe in second chances but if he’s interested he will let me know because recent events show he still has my number. Anyhow, an inebriated Chase and I sat down and he got all serious talking about the attention I seemed to attract today and what is it with guys. He hit the nail on the head when he asked if I thought dudes get put off because I’m a Mom. At this point I changed the subject because last year at the beach after an evening at one of the bars Chase was telling me what a great job I’m doing with Mini Red and he Sis and I had the drunk tears going on. I wasn’t about to let that happen again so instead my thoughts turned to another kind of sadness: the summer at the beach was over and this is the first summer in quite a few years that I didn’t get thrown in the pool by YDH.

It was a beautiful weekend and I'm sad to see the summer go.

I know it's a school night but I went out anyway

2007-09-05T04:39:00.000Z

Tonight I had the opportunity to go out to the 9:30 Club. I hadn't been there in way too many years and I won't let it be that long again.

Some friends had an extra ticket to check out The Editors and lemme tell ya I'm digging this band.

Three bands played tonight and we missed Ra Ra Riot but we caught Biffy Clyro. Biffy Clyro's first song caught me off guard since they are more of a bang your head type group but they quickly grew on me.

We thought for sure we would be the oldest ones in the place but found we fit in perfectly.

Labor Day Parade in Kensington

2007-09-03T19:03:00.000Z

2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the Labor Day Parade in Kensington. It has definitely grown since then and my family has it traditional corner where they sit on Connecticut Avenue. As Mini Red and I headed to the family spot we picked up a friend of hers… a BOY! Oye!

When we got to the corner I bumped into a lot of old friends and family and family friends. I love seeing everyone since this is the only time I see some of them.

The parade was great and had a little bit of everything:

After the parade everyone headed into town to get something cold to drink or a bite to eat. There was the usual fanfare and I headed straight for the crab cakes. As I walked further down I noticed the parade was still going and making its way back into town. I was heading right into the thick of things. Once the parade was over there were a lot of people and I was unsure I could fight through them so I waited until the majority had passed. I couldn’t imagine the center of town getting any more crowded then it was when I was there and I was glad I was on my way out.

I don’t think I have ever seen so many people at the Labor Day Parade. Maybe the route of the parade was changed to make it longer. Plus the day it about perfect for a parade no wonder there were so many people.

Ok so I need to do some catch up here…

2007-08-28T03:33:00.000Z

After posting “Yeah I got a Name for this type of Dude” Sis, Mini Red and I headed to the White Marlin Open where I bumped into Boating Man. He was shocked to see me and found out we had friends in common. Meanwhile, the winning Blue Marlin was brought in weighing 632.5 lbs.

Mini Red had three surfing lessons during our vacation. She was amazing and by the third lesson she rode a wave in. I enjoyed sitting on the beach drinking my coffee and taking photos not only Mini Red surfing but all the surfers. It was beautiful.

Mini Red stayed at the beach with Ma while I headed back for a week of work. I was so jealous but I was back the next Friday and I made it in time for Happy Hour at Macky's. That weekend Mini Red and I had a lot of fun digging a big hole on the beach and playing Pirate Golf. I thought I might have captured our Christmas photo but Mini Red’s face is obscured by her hair.

That Sunday I had to take her to her Dad’s where she would stay for another week away. We spoke every day and it seems she didn’t do a whole lot but then again it was her last week of Summer Holiday.

Finally, this past Friday Mini Red came home and to top it off she presented me with a beautiful silver heart necklace for my birthday. I spent the evening working til late while she got unpacked and organized so we could have a fun weekend before school started.

First thing, Saturday, we were off to get school supplies and Target was crazy town. We got our errands completed in time for the pool party and we couldn’t have asked for a better time. Everyone was playing in the pool and got out just as the food was being brought off the grill and a big storm blew in. We met lots of new people and even tried goat meat kabobs. One of the families has a goat farm and the goat meat was awesome.

Sunday, we relaxed, caught the movie The Nanny Diaries and got ready for the first day of school. The movie was great but Mini Red and I had a tough time sleeping Sunday night. Mini Red and I were both a little nervous about the first day of school plus I had the beginning of three days of training I have to do. It’s always a little nerve wracking standing up in front of a bunch of people teaching them a few things to help them do their job better.

Monday, Mini Red and I headed out with dark circles under our eyes but our fears of the day proved unfounded. She has reconnected with some friends and my training preparation day proved I’m ready to teach for the next two days.

Next weekend I am back at the beach and the plans call for Seacrets and some Pain in De Asses. I can’t wait!

Oye! I did it again!

2007-08-26T18:39:00.000Z

I signed up for my next college class, Illustrator with Vector Graphics. I hear this is a tough one.

Nothing like waiting until the last minute, huh? The last class was tough on my schedule since it was twice a week 5 hours each night, whereas this class is on Thursday's... I think. I can't seem to find a key on the website but I think R stands for Thursday.

By having class on Thursdays I will be missing out on a few things:

September 6th Scythian is playing at the Birchmere and I would have taken Mini Red even though it's a school night.

September 20th is Ladies Night Out with the Nationals.

Thursdays are also the night for Grey's Anatomy. Not sure when that will start up again but at least I can catch the shows online.

Then again after I complete this class there will be my spring class which will fulfil my required courses. Then on to the electives and I don't believe those class are as long as these classes. I don't mind missing a few things because the biggest reward is setting an example for Mini Red.

In case you missed it...

2007-08-24T19:40:00.001Z

Gunfighter did a great post about his love of boobies and their presentation.

I know many of you have the same love for this body part so I urge you to read what he had to say.

Go here and tell him Red sent ya.

EZ for who?

2007-08-24T02:12:00.000Z

New Shoes

2007-08-22T15:31:00.000Z

A co-worker of mine has been known in the office for his bright green shoes. I’ve gotten so used to him wearing these shoes that I even, at times, associate the color green with him.

Recently, he was in need of a new pair of shoes and was unable to find the green shoes. He has instead opted for blue shoes and I'm having a hard time getting used to them. It doesn’t help that they are an electric blue and parts of them are shiny.
When a few of us stepped out to lunch Tuesday I mentioned that I’m having a hard time getting used to his shoes. He said he’s noticed they are distracting to people probably due to how shiny they are. Just the other day he was in his Father’s office and was introduced to one of his Father’s co-workers. The man kept looking down at his shoes and he said he felt like telling him, “Hey Man! My face is up here.”

“Welcome to my world!”

The Gift

2007-08-21T04:48:00.000Z

The Folks always ask us what we want for our birthdays. I always ask for something I just can bring myself to purchase for me. This year I wanted an XM Radio since I’m in the car so damn much. It’s not like it’s that expensive but it seems somewhat frivolous and I haven’t been able to bring myself to buy it.

I didn’t know which one to get but just like with Mom’s camera for her birthday there is always some sort of authority within the family. I figured The Folks would get the 411 from Brotha Man and they did. Due to the vacations and Mom living at the beach for the summer they gave me the info from Brotha Man and a check.

So I googled the Delphi SKYFi2 and started comparing prices. It’s so overwhelming that it reminded me of Robin Williams in the movie Moscow on the Hudson when he went to the grocery store to get toilet paper. There were so many choices that he couldn’t decide, freaked out, let out a little scream and passed out right there in the toilet paper isle. The price ranges for the radios go from one extreme to the next and the places with the lowest prices are places with names like Cheap-For-U. Not so sure I want to purchase from some of those online places for fear of someone stealing my Red identity.

What to do? Who would know? Brotha Man! I called Brotha Man and he gave me the 411 and told me he got Dad’s XM at Best Buy and suggested I go there first. So that’s where I was gonna go.

After work I decided to go to the Best Buy at Potomac Yards in Alexandria. As I walked in the store two young'uns were standing at a table doing some promotional thing. One said he liked my chain as he pointed to my necklace. This is one of those moments when I wish I had the clit to say what was on my mind. Like maybe… “I saw you staring at my chest so stop playing like you weren’t! Oh and it’s not a chain is what we call a necklace.” Can you imagine what kind of look that might bring to their faces?

This store had virtually nothing in regards to XM radios and that meant nada for me. The guy tells me they are phasing the Delphi SKYFi2’s out and all the stores have them on clearance. He finally tells me he can look and see if there are any other stores that have them in stock. A few have only one but he warns me that is probably the floor model. He suggests I go home and call around. Harumph!

I noticed on his list that the Arundel Mills store has quite a few in stock. For a split second I thought of calling FN to see if he would get it from the Arundel Mills store for me. I nearly laughed out loud at myself for thinking that. I then noticed that the Germantown store had four. So I left Alexandria and headed to Germantown. For those of you not from around here that is about and hour drive when there is NO traffic.

At this point it’s after seven and I just wanted to be home and chillin but I also wanted to get this radio or I never would. The thing about heading to this Germantown store was I could probably throw a stick and hit Brotha Man’s house but I feared it was too late and if the baby wasn’t asleep then SIL definitely would be. It was odd to be in their neck of the woods and not stop by to squeeze the new little man in my life. Gawd he's cute!

I got there and found the radio right off the bat. Seemed almost too easy so I looked for one of the blue shirted peeps so I can confirm this is all I needed and it has all the parts necessary to mount it in my car. If you know Best Buy then you know it isn’t easy to get help. So I’m standing there waiting my turn. The Blue Shirt Dude is on the phone, on hold, and tells me he will be with me in a minute. At first I thought he told me someone else was in front of me and I was quick to correct him but in fact he was trying to state I was next. I felt silly so I got chatty and stated I wouldn’t take up much of his time. So his customer says, “Well maybe I can help you? What’s up?”

This flusters me so I say, “I’ve just driven from Alexandria and want to make sure this is all I need and I live in K-Town but I’m here in Germantown.”

What did I just say? That made no sense!

[Translation: I've been all over God's half acre in my attempts to get this radio. Please tell me this is all I need so I can go home.]

You should have seen the look on the dude’s face, but then he tells me he works in K-Town at Trick Trucks. Cool! This means he might know a thing or two about these thingys that get installed in them there cars.

So he reads the box to me, which I’ve already read. Confirms some things for me, which are stated on the box. He might as well have patted me on the hiney as he sent me on my way.

I kinda felt stoopid but you know… I really don’t care. As I walked to the cashier I still felt as if I’m missing something about this radio. I guess I’ll worry about it tomorrow because I’m done.

At least I have the radio and that is one of my many tasks that are done. Mini Red is at her Dad’s this week and so I have a limited amount of time to get some things done before the end of the week. This also makes the time go by faster cause I miss her too much.

What puts you in near hysterics laughing?

2007-08-20T01:48:00.000Z

Watching Gene Simmons Family Jewels episode "Fact or Fiction".

They're in Vegas for a wedding and Gene is hanging with Carrot Top who is making props for his show. He's making jail bars out of vibrators for what he calls "Paris Hilton in Jail". He walks away to grab something and Gene picks up the vibrator not realizing there is epoxy glue on it.

He is able to pry his fingers off but the palm of his hand is stuck. He starts shaking his hand and it looks like he is trying to jerk off.

I'm laughing so loud I'm sure I'm disturbing my neighbors.

Gene gets back to his hotel and calls for a nurse who gave a little chuckle but then got serious. She said she had seen vibrators stuck before but never like this.

This is the funniest thing I've seen in a long time

What a day for the record books!

2007-08-16T20:19:00.000Z

August 16th

Elvis has been dead for 30 YEARS!!! I remember when he died. I was so sad. I was at the beach with all my cousins and they would laugh and talk about how he died taking a poop. I was mad at them for talking that way about the King.

We all got over it and sat down to have Othello marathons.

Today is also Madonna’s birthday she is 49. I can’t believe this woman will be 50 next year.

It is also Frank and Kathie Lee Giffords birthday’s. Yes both of them. He was born 1930 and she was born 1953. I find it odd to marry someone with the same birthday. They should have gotten married on August 16th too.

See today is a remarkable day.

Ohh yeah…

It’s my birthday too!

FY your Eye: It’s not too late to catch some flicks outdoors

2007-08-15T21:01:00.000Z

The NIH Film Festival is still going on with a showing of the Devil Wears Prada tonight and an advanced screening of Resurrecting the Champ tomorrow the 16th. The last night of this film festival is Sunday and they will be showing Happy Feet. I’m not into cutesie flicks but this is a good one.

There’s also the Clint Eastwood Film Festival. In Crystal City it on Monday Nights through August 20th and in Rosslyn it’s on Fridays through August 31st. They encourage you to dress like a cowboy since prizes will be given for the best costume.

Bethesda had a film festival but that has ended as well as Alexandria’s.

Columbia Lakefront Film Festival is still going through August 31st

Check here to see if there it one in your area.

My plan is to run/walk with Mrs. M tonight then maybe I’ll bike over to see the Devil Wears Prada.

Remember most of these events are to raise money for charities so you should at the very least buy some popcorn or some ice cream from them.

Red is red and Mini Red is too!

2007-08-14T13:14:00.000Z

Monday, August 6th, was deemed The Day of Family Fun. Yes my Father is Clark W. Griswold. It was Ma’s Birthday and she wanted a Day of Family Fun at Assateague. We packed up food, soda, wine and chicken necks in the cooler. We grabbed the buckets, string and weights for crabbing along with the clam rake. On top of the vehicle we secured the kayak, hopped in, buckled up and we were off.

The Folks settled on an area on the bay side of Assateague where we could do everything including: crabbing, kayaking clamming and more. Ma and I headed off in the kayak and I was nervous because I had never done this but once before. At least Ma was ready for it this time. There were some horses roaming wild on a little island area. We kayaked up and around the island they were on and they never noticed us. As we rounded the bend and headed back to where we started we had to work hard because the wind was blowing and the current was difficult. By the time I got out of the kayak I was soaked… at least my ass was from sitting in so much water.

Next up was Dad and Sis and they went up and back and didn’t go out for very long. While they were out on their short trip I caught up with Mini Red and we did some crabbing. There was a nice warm breeze and I was hoping my shorts would dry sooner than later. When crabbing you can, usually, feel the little buggers biting but with the wind and current so strong it was difficult to tell if you had something on your line. We were soon joined by a little girl followed by her Mom who was worried her little girl bothering us. It wasn’t long before we were joined by the brother and the Dad and Mini Red was tired of crabbing and getting nothing. I handed over both lines to the little kids and gave them tips as I talked to their Mom. They were down from Connecticut and this was their first time to Assateague Island and the kids loved all the animals they were finding.

The little boy thought he had something on his line and we all got quiet. I tried to stay out of the way since I saw the Dad had his camera out. We saw the end of the line getting closer and before it was clear if he had something I swooped down with the net. HE GOT ONE! We all cheered and probably scared away any living thing in the water near us. It was so exciting and that little boy was so happy. I gathered my lines and we said our goodbyes.

It didn’t feel like we were there that long but we were all tired. On top of that we all realized we had made a mistake. It was overcast for most of the day and the wind kept it cool but we got some sun. Red was red and so was Mini Red and Sis. Ma had enough covering her and Dad just get s dark dark dark.

Before leaving we crossed to the ocean side and trekked over the dunes to check it all out. The wind was so strong that as we crossed over the dunes we were pelted with sand... Ouch! We played in the surf a bit but didn’t go in far because the waves were rough. Personally, I had just dried out so I was just happy getting my feet and legs wet.

As we came back over the dunes we saw them… HORSES! They were in someone’s campsite. Ma ran back to the car for her new camera she got from us. She had to get pictures now that she can. The day was exactly as Ma had wanted and one of her bestest days ever.

We all got cleaned up and had planned on going to the White Marlin Open to see what had been caught on the first day of the open. Plans changed when we found out Sis’s friend T.D. Blue was working and so was an old friend of mine, Bar-D. So the Folks and Mini Red went to the Marlin Open and Sis and I headed out to dinner in Bethany at the Blue Coast. The food was amazing and we caught up with people we hadn’t seen in some time. Next stop was North East up Route 26 to find one my cousin’s but he was bartending at Catch 54, which is the newest of the restaurants owned by a guy I grew up with. Catch 54 has some breath taking views from the lower level as well as the upper level.

On the way home Sis and I recounted the day and a full day it was. We had fun in the sun and ended it with a great meal and catching up with old friends and family we haven’t seen in a while. This was the beginning of a great vacation.

I'm Baaaacccck...

2007-08-13T11:22:00.000Z

From vacation.

Sans Mini Red.

Don't want to be here.

Don't want to go to work. Kinda scared to go to work, actually.

I guess I have to go to work now.

Vacation stories and pictures coming soon.

I have a secret love crush…

2007-08-07T03:48:00.000Z

This guy isn’t the normal type of guy I go for. He’s famous and I don’t normally find the famous guys attractive but this dude is intelligent. He's a writer, a chef and has a show on The Travel Channel.

I love that he is well traveled and he has this travel show where he takes you where many have never gone or never will go. There are times he will even get extremely drunk and there are no pretenses about him and loves his cigarettes.

My secret love crush is Anthony (Tony) Bourdain and his show is No Reservations.

I couldn’t even tell you what night his show is on and I just read up on him from Wikipedia and learned a lot about him there. I thought for sure he might be gay but was pleasantly surprised to find out he isn’t.

All I can tell ya is when I catch his show I thoroughly enjoy it because there is something I find incredibly sexy about him. Whatever it is I don’t care I just soak it all up.

A new day and some new views

2007-08-05T03:59:00.000Z

I welcomed this morning a little late and feeling better.

Thanks for listening to my rant. As a single Mom I don't really have anyone to figure some of these things out with. I guess we could say this blog is like my husband. Hahahaha

My sister finally arrived this afternoon amongst some crappy traffic. We decided to go to Seacrets for happy hour so Mom and Dad headed over and Sis and I caught up with them shortly thereafter. As we walked in this dude yelled and scared the crap outta me. He knew my sister from all the summers she had hung out in Dewey. She tells me no one ever knew his name so everyone started calling him Steve-O. Evidently, he calls her Red and I am a Red Sister. I couldn't believe how packed this place was but we are at the height of the season. By the time we arrived the masses were already very happy.

This place is GREAT for people watching. There were some drunk older women grabbing on some of the hot young'uns. There are some really hot women in bikinis and some really... ummm... not hot women in bikinis. This place is where the beautiful and not so beautiful along with the old and young come to mingle all together.

As I looked out over the masses of drunken people dancing in the water I couldn't help but think it was more like an orgy. People out in the water were dancing and lounging on the floats as they are served alcohol. There have been times in the past where a couple on a float start getting frisky and suddenly realize where they are. I guess the whole motion of the ~~ocean~~ bay has something to do with it not to mention all the nearly nekkid people.

If you've never been to Seacrets then you definitely have to check it out sometime but give yourself several days and several different times of the day. Each part of the day brings something new and the frozen drinks, like the Pain in de Ass, will definitely kick your ass and I had a few of those today.

Sis and I picked up a sub from Dumser's on the way back and that was probably the smartest thing since we hadn't eaten much. This all set the scene for me to crash. I didn't even change or wash my face. So now I'm up and I can clean my face and get my butt back to bed because tomorrow is gonna be an early day. Gotta get up early to go get my little Bubbasita (Mini Red) and we have to beat feet back to celebrate Mom's birthday.

Is it bad...

2007-08-04T04:42:00.000Z

That I don't want to see or hear anything about this bridge collapsing in Minneapolis?

The news has been on the background and I catch bits and pieces and it's all so tragic. The news people thrive on anything tragic.

Up next... Ving Rhames dog mauls man to death.

Has it begun yet?

2007-08-04T04:24:00.000Z

I am one grumpy ass beotch that is in desperate need of a vacation.

I have arrived at the beach with minimal difficulty and finally decided to stay.

Ok let me back up.

I called the lizard sitter to make sure I could bring Kima in. They’ve always told me just to come in but I like to call to be sure. This time I wasn’t gonna call but decided to at the last minute and a good thing it was too. They said they were full. Oh no! The dude then asked my name and said, “Kima! For you we can take her”. Phew. I knew I could call my cousin and he had offered just this morning but I felt I would be putting his wife out if I did impose that on them. My cousin loves Kima and would probably sit there every evening and let her crawl all over him. So I finished up some difficult work and was glad some servers went down since this is the perfect excuse to give myself a break and get the hell outta dodge and onto the vacation. I had errands to run and the first thing was to take Kima to the lizard sitter.

I walked into the store (the sitters) with Kima on my shoulder and there were a bunch of guys standing around looking a bit green. A bearded dragon, which was there for lizard sitting, was on the counter and releasing his business and here I come with yet another beardie. I trust this place to take good care of Kima but I can’t help but still worry because I am a Mom and that’s my job. It's just like I don’t think anyone can take care of Mini Red like I can.

So off to the next stop, which is to get new plastic flops for Mini Red at Target. These are inexpensive, good for the pool, the shower at the pool and so she is living in them this summer. I also picked up some inexpensive beach shoes that will be needed when we all go to Assateague on Monday. For Mom’s birthday she wants a day at Assateague clamming, kayaking and crabbing. The plan is to pack up food and wine and set up shop on the beach where we can put the kayak in and wade in the water searching for clams. Sometimes we find crabs but this isn’t the area we normally go crabbing in. The shoes will be useful when wading in the water among the slimy sand. Last time I didn’t have shoes but I found the most clams.

The next stop… I decided against. Time to get back home finish cleaning and grab the rest of the stuff and get on the road. This took me longer than expected and I wasn’t looking forward to the drive. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Beltway was moving and made it to the Bay Bridge in just under and hour. Traffic at this point was thick but moving. I found myself enjoying driving without the radio or music and was just getting lost in my own thoughts. This isn’t such a good thing at times. I started thinking about all the things I hope Mini Red remembered to pack. Plus trying to figure out any of the plans just for the weekend. I missed happy hour and that was bumming me out because that meant I would arrive and be hanging out by myself since the folks would be in bed. I started calling Sis to see what the plans were for Saturday because I only heard bits and pieces at family dinner night. She was frustrated with work and all the things she had to do and wouldn’t be heading out til Saturday. I really understood how she was feeling. I finally got a hold of Mini Red to double check on the things I figured she forgot and I was right. I was bothered by this but I knew I would be and this is why I did it now… So I would be over it sooner than later.

This has been a week of frustrations with Mini Red that have cost me money too. I can’t tell you how many times I reminded her of something she need to pack or think of packing and how many times she would tell me she was done. On top of that we keep arguing over her incredibly messy room. I’m not asking for perfection in any of these things but when I buy her board shorts for upcoming surf lessons and she neglects to bring them or extra bathing suits I can’t help but feel like banging my head against a wall. The surf lessons are the BIG thing this vacation and these items should have been a no brainer and I know I asked her about the suits. She needs to learn her own lessons as I did but then this will probably mean more money wasted. Those shorts won’t be worn any other time this summer and she will have outgrown them by next summer.

Just as I’m hearing all this from Mini Red traffic starts getting stoopid and numb nuts behind me had his fog lights and high beams on. I’m in the slow lane and the fast lane is open and he is right up my ass and won’t go around. Traffic is getting thicker the closer I got to O.C. but I just wanted to turn around and go home. If I weren’t so close I would have. Part of that is due to the fact that I have to drive nearly home on Sunday to pick up Mini Red from her Dad’s and drive back to the beach for about six hours on the road. So vacation isn’t going to really start until I can get out of the damn CAR!

I drive so much and part is due to where my office is but even more lately due to the location of Mini Red’s camp. This is her favorite camp so I do what I can to make it happen. So I’m feeling very over worked over driven and I’m in desperate need of a break from it all. The small things I need from Mini Red like upkeep on her room and to remember what she needs just for surfing is irking me. It makes you wonder why you even bother. I know I will feel better and have it figured out by tomorrow but right now I can’t help but feel Mini Red is in need of learning a lesson. She is spoiled and needs to learn how to do some things for herself now that she is nearly a teenager.

So getting here… On my vacation has taken some doing and I don’t feel like I’m really here yet. I have been working my butt off at work, school and home and feel this vacation is very much deserved. For Mini Red it’s her summer vacation and she hasn’t gotten to sleep in and the schedule was crazy while I was in school. Then again she still hasn’t had any responsibilities. I guess I’m just feeling as if I’m the only one working for a vacation here.

So when do you say, “Say la vie. This is the job of the Mom.” When do you put your foot down and stop getting walked all over and teach your child a lesson. Don’t get me wrong Mini Red is a good girl. One of the better kids out there in the world but I’m talking about a lesson to keep her that way and to help her for when she becomes an adult. This could be one of those lessons that she remembers for the rest of her life.

The vacation that Mom took the surf lessons away.

What's the best way to say it?

2007-08-03T20:53:00.000Z

abdicate, abscond, absent, adieu, adios, bail out, beat it, blast off, blow, bound, bye-bye, cheerio, ciao, cut lose, cut out, dart, dash, decamp, decampment, departing, desert, desertion, disappear, ditch, drop out, dump, egress, eighty-eights, embarkation, emigration, escape, evacuation, exit, exodus, expatriation, farewell, farewell, flee, flight, flight, fly, get away, getaway, git, gluckliche Reise, go away, go forth, go, Godspeed, going away, going, goodbye, hegira, hightail, hurtle, jump off, jump, kiss goodbye, later, leap, leave flat, make feet, make off, make tracks, march out, migrate, migration, move on, move out, opt out, part, parting, passage, perish, pleasant journey, powder, pull out, removal, remove, retreat, rush, sailing, sally forth, say goodbye, scamper, scoot, scram, secede, send-off, separation, set forth, setting forth, setting out, shove off, skedaddle, skip, slip away, so long, split, spring, sprint, stampede, start out, start, starting,startle, take flight, take leave, take off, taking leave, tergiversate, toodle-oo, troop, tsetchem leshalom, vacate, vanish, vanishing act, walkout, withdraw, withdrawal, withdrawing.

VACATION!

As of now!

Ohhhh, I'm feeling a pain in my chest

2007-08-02T16:31:00.000Z

A bunch of us were chit chatting around the water cooler about things like carpal tunnel due to our computer use and what we do alleviate it. A new employee/co-worker didn't understand why anyone would have these issues.

I said, "Well, when you're almost 40 and been working on computers as some of us you'll see what we mean."

He replied, "You're not 40!"

"I'll be 39 in a few weeks... Close enough."

"You're the same age as my Mom!"

"Oh My Jesus! I think my heart is attacking me!!!!"

I can't believe I'm old enough that I could have a kid old enough to be in the work force with other adults. This new dude is not starting off on the right foot with me.

I have no idea what to title this post

2007-07-30T00:08:00.000Z

I finished my eight week condensed course and now have four more college credits to my name. The class took up a lot of my time especially the second half of it and now work has me incredibly busy. This makes finding time to blog difficult and the inspiration isn't so easy. I spend about three hours a day commuting due to the location of Mini Red's camp. Quite a few topics have crossed my mind during the long hours in the car but when it comes time to sitting down and writing it out I'm finding other things that need to be done.

This weekend Mini Red and I have been under the weather. When I picked her up from camp on Friday she was sniffing and sneezing like crazy. I had been fighting a migraine all day and couldn't get out of work early since there was so much to do. The evening plans had changed and Mini Red and I were staying in. This meant no blogger happy hour for me this month.

Mini Red and I did get out and make it to the company picnic on Saturday after much debate. I was hoping the heat and just getting out would help and it did. It was a good thing we went because there weren't many people in attendance. Not one of our executives showed up. The company has gone through some major changes in the last year and it has been very scary and difficult for those of us that have stayed/survived. Things have been getting better but the lack of executives at the picnic was quite a blow to many of us and gives a bad impression of how they (The Executives) feel about the company and it's future.

After the picnic we were exhausted. The drive home seemed to take forever and we were looking forward to putting on a movie and taking a nap. Mini Red pulled out the blow up mattress and made herself comfortable and I crashed on the couch.

Sunday brought more laziness and trying to figure out how to transfer VHS to DVD while suffering another migraine. We also watched home movies from when Mini Red was little little little. Oh how she has changed and I would love to revisit her at that age and just hug her. My favorite was at the age of almost four, on Christmas morning Mini Red was lead into the room with the gifts under the tree. When she saw everything she exclaimed in a high pitched voice, "Look at all the stuff!" Aww she is so cute and I would love to have another. Mini Red says I could just have one injected since I don't have a man. How cute is she?

We then reluctantly ran out to get groceries for the coming week during the thunderstorm and this helped both of us a lot. We enjoyed walking through the rain in and out of the store plus Mini Red was a huge help and made this chore enjoyable because we worked together.

As for my course I learned some really fun stuff that can be done with Photoshop. My third assignment was my favorite. In this assignment we were to show what we learned about channels and creating highlights and shadows among other things like rays of sunlight. I used two of my own photos and four stock photos. I added shadows and rays and used filters. Here are the photos I used:

My end result:

Mini Red’s Night out on the town with Scythian

2007-07-27T03:54:00.000Z

This all came about when Nicole came to town from Chicago. Her stay got extended and I got an email about the dates Scythian added to their tour. Namely, the CD release party at Flanagan’s Harp and Fiddle in Bethesda. We could all get together see Nicole and listen to some Scythian. This was the perfect chance for Mini Red to finally see them live.

Mini Red has been listening to Scythian for some time now and they have been a real inspiration to her. To see them live was extremely exciting for her.

I made a reservation and my inquiries got us a table smack dab in the middle of it all. I was surprised at how quiet and calm Mini Red was on our way to H&F but that all changed when we sat down. Our group trickled in and I can’t tell ya how nice it is to gather with a good number of friends and listen to some great music. I had been anxious for this evening all week because it just don’t get no better than this.

Mini Red watched intently as the crew was setting up. She would elbow me and say, “Look Mom there’s a Scythian guy. Isn’t that one of them?” Nicole went with Mini Red to go say hi to Dan. For some reason as Mini Red has gotten older she has become shy. She didn’t want to take any pictures and sat rather quietly as Scythian was starting up. I guess I can’t really blame her since she was the only kid there. I would feel out of place especially with so many staring when they realized there was a young girl in the crowd. Plus the adults dancing must have been a sight to her. I know it takes me aback at times too.

By the end of Scythian’s first set Mini Red and I were dancing in our seats. We decided to get ready to leave but then I saw Leks was in the middle of the dance floor and I suggested that Mini Red go up and say hi and get a picture. She didn’t want to do this and I couldn’t understand why. When I offered to go up with her she agreed. She told him she plays the violin and they chit chatted. She told him what an inspiration Scythian has been to her and how this was such a special night since it was the first time she got to experience Scythian live. Leks told her to practice, practice, and practice and told me not to ever let her give up her music. I suggested going up to other band members but she didn’t want to do it. On the way home Mini Red thanked me many times for a great evening. We discussed her not wanting to approach the band and she told me she was afraid they would think she was a freak. I told her they would love to hear how they inspire her and she shouldn’t worry about what others think because in the end she would have regrets and wish she had approached the other band members as she did with Leks.

She then said there was another reason she didn’t want to approach them. Her face already hurt too much from smiling and to meet more of them would make her cheeks hurt even more.

It was a special night and we shared it with some great friends. Everyone seemed to be watching Mini Red for her reactions to it all. One of our friends said, “This will be a night she will remember the rest of her life.” Mini Red agrees.

Thanks guys for another great show. You are truly talented.

My Surfer Girl

2007-07-25T01:30:00.001Z

Mini Red and I were at the beach in the beginning of July. It was chilly but she was in the water none-the-less. She is very good at staying in our sight because none of us were ready to brave the cold water with her. At one point my Father expressed his concern about how far out she was. When I said, "She's the strongest swimmer in the family and handling it great" is when I realized it was true and stopped worrying, but I'm still keeping an eye on her.

Vacation is in less than two weeks and I've scheduled surf lessons for Mini Red. We are both very excited! I plan on sitting on the beach with my coffee watching the lessons in the morning and in the afternoons Mini Red and I will jump waves together.

After our week at the beach Mini Red gets to stay for a second week with Grandma and I get to go back to work. That's when the two of them will do the water park. Yup, my Mom does most of the slides right along with her but I don't think I be posting photos of my Mom running into the water like Mini Red is above.

What's a shy girl to do?

2007-07-13T17:37:00.000Z

It’s Friday and I’m all for being comfortable at work. The pants I chose to wear demand a pink shirt so I wore the one I wear most often with these pants. It wasn’t until I got to work that I noticed some slight discoloration and fear I may have a mark on my shirt. I feel like I’m really slumming it today but I’m not gonna worry about it and just gonna get my work done and get the hell outta dodge. I guess I should have worn that low cut pink top instead.

For lunch I ran for some fish and chips at Eamonn’s. I deserve it with all my hard work lately. The young’n who works there remembers me from around town and I caught him lookin but then I remembered this mark on my shirt… Oh well he’s too young for me and these things ain’t got no milk to feed that baby boy. I have to be sure to go back there soon though since there were some yummy dudes patronizing that place.

On my way back I was stuck waiting for the light to change and I noticed him. It was Court House Boy (CHB) crossing over to my corner to wait with me and the rest of the crowd. I have crushed on this dude for years because he is scrumdiddlyfuckinumptious. We've exchanges a few hellos and the obligatory smiles that translate as, “Hey, how ya doing...Buddy?” With my shirt in disarray and the fact that I tend to be a bit on the shy side not-to-mention I have no idea what to say... You know what I did?

I pretended like I didn't see him.

The problem is... It can be difficult to miss me with the red hair and the hot pink shirt with a possible mark on the boob. So I sucked it all in including my chin and acted like everything was normal and as if he weren’t standing to my left (and back a little). What could I say anyhow? “Is this mark on my shirt noticeable? Right here... Near my boob.”

The light changed and I walked ahead doing my best walk possible knowing he might be watching. This was much easier and the back of my shirt doesn’t have any marks… I don’t think. I can’t believe I wore this shirt; it’s going in the trash when I get home.

What else could I have done?

You've got to ask yourself a question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

2007-07-13T14:20:00.000Z

Today is Friday the 13th and supposedly a very unlucky day. There are a schloo of theories as to why this is such an unlucky day but nothing definite. There are certain things I tend to be superstitious about but this is one I have let go.

The number 13 has been considered bad luck for quite some time now and seems to be the center of all superstitions. This is one superstition that can be seen all around us such as in buildings that don’t have a thirteenth floor. I mean really… It IS the thirteenth floor they’ve just named it the fourteenth. Unless, they created some tiny floor in between that they can call the thirteen so the fourteenth is really the fourteenth. Kind of like floor 7½ in the movie “Being John Malkovich” where there is a floor between floors.

Baseball players seem to be a very superstitious group. I have to wonder though… When their lucky socks, which they refuse to wash, don’t seem to be lucky anymore… When do they finally break down and wash them?

There are so many superstitions out there and they could drive a superstitious person crazy. I don’t want to be superstitious so I just don’t listen to any of them. Some say it’s all in our freaky little heads and we make our own luck. Maybe the superstitious just want a little magical luck in their lives? I guess if something wonderful happens in your life and you can attribute it to some superstition you have then why wouldn’t you do everything you can to make more wonderful things happen in your life?

There are a few that do run through my mind:

See a penny, pick it up; all day long you will have good luck… But it has to be on heads.
Some say pick it up no matter what since money is money. Some won’t pick it up unless it’s on heads. For me it depends on my mood and if I feel like picking up the dirty thing off the ground. There are times I will pick it up and flip it over so someone can find it and have the luck. I’ve even been known to set up Mini Red to find one since she gets so excited over it. If it cost me a penny or two to put a smile
on someone face then why not?

A cricket in the house brings good luck. To kill it is bad luck.
This is why my marriage ended. Hahahaha. Our house was full of crickets and they drove me crazy. I became the world renowned “Cricket Killer”. Once I chased one down the stairs and I leaped four or five stairs down to land on it. Maybe that makes me a “Ninja Cricket Killer”?

A black cat crossing your path is bad luck. A white cat crossing you path is good luck.
Phooey! That’s bordering on racist! Hahaha. This one is different in different countries, e.g. in Britian and Ireland it’s the opposite.

Walking under a ladder is bad luck.
This is one I tend to adhere to and can’t bring myself to walk under a ladder. Even a leaning ladder forms a triangle. The superstition is based on the triangle and that triangles represent the Holy Trinity. By walking through the triangle you’re a violating the Holy Trinity and breaking it. If you violate the Holy Trinity then you are in league with the devil. So heed this one.

Knock on wood… Three times.
Yup, I do this one! It was believed that good spirits lived in trees, and that by knocking on anything made from wood, we could call upon these spirits for protection against misfortune. I think the three times is because three is lucky and goes back to the Holy Trinity thing.

I’ve also heard:

Don’t step on one of those painted handicap in the handicap parking space.
I used to adhere to this one but then thought “If I can step on it then I should thank God I can and don’t have to park there”. I step on them all the time now.

There are so many good luck superstitions that just don’t seem lucky to me such as:

A robin flying into the house.
Hello! I don’t see the luck in this plus there will probably be bird poop all over your house now.

A bird pooping on your head.
Ewww gross!

To pick up a piece of coal that has fallen in your path.
Now your hands are dirty and your getting it all over you.

Rain on your wedding day.
I guess this could be lucky because if you can deal with that than everything else, in married life, will be much easier.

Superstitions are pretty much all in your head and are based on what you believe in. So if you believe something is lucky then it will be and the same for bad luck. I have decided that Friday the 13th will be lucky days, hence forth, so for me they will be. I say any Friday is lucky because it means I made it through another week.

Some superstition references obtained from oldsuperstitions.com

Are you a single, lonely woman that is tired of sleeping alone?

2007-07-10T13:25:00.000Z

It’s the newest thing… The Boyfriend Pillow.
This morning The Kane Show was talking about this boyfriend pillow for the lonely, single women. Not yet available in the US except maybe by mail order.

In a quick review I found this article and this article on this new, patent-pending, aide for the single woman.

On the show this morning they were saying the arm is detachable and can be heated up in the microwave. I didn’t see anything in those articles about that but I can think of a different version of the boyfriend pillow that has a detachable part that is not an arm. Now that’s one I would consider buying.

You should always look your best whenever you walk out the door.

2007-07-10T00:16:00.000Z

Sunday, I got up and started writing that last post. In the midst of that I needed to get the massive laundry done so I sorted the piles and was ready to go. The only thing left was to change out of the shorts I was wearing, due to the big hole in the crotch. Along with that I added some undergarments to the top and bottom so as to not scare my neighbors when I walked down the hall, yet what I was wearing was still not par to wear out in public.

So I’m sure you’re asking yourselves, “Why is she telling how awful she looked?”

I am so glad I made some changes to my wardrobe because when I stepped out to switch laundry I locked myself out. The first thing I did was try and wish the door to open with my eyes but I quickly realized that wouldn’t work. I reviewed what I was wearing and the state I was in because I was going for a walk to the folks where there was an extra set of keys.

I decided that avoiding the center of town was best and cut through some side streets. I was glad I didn’t have to wait long to cross Connecticut Avenue and was wishing I had sneakers on to just run over there.

I hadn’t expected the folks to be home from the beach yet but thank goodness they were. I figured if they weren’t home I could always run to my Aunt’s who had a key to the folks who had a key to my place.

Mom was sitting in the kitchen talking on the phone when she saw me walking up the street. She knew something was off because she knows I wouldn’t be caught dead looking like that in public. Plus normally I drive over or I’m running past on a jog. She and Dad got a nice giggle at my expense and Mom gave me a lift home. I think she was afraid one of her friends would see me walking through town like that.

I might be dressing nicer for laundry in the future for fear of this happening again.

The Big Catch Up... Are you Ready?

2007-07-08T15:13:00.000Z

The posts have been few and far between and what has been posted has been minor stuff. I guess I should get a little caught up.

Last Thursday I had a project due for class and it had me all in a tizzy. I had been working on it for about a week and last Tuesday when I was in class I realized I missed a few of the requirements and had to throw the whole thing out and start from scratch. I left class right after the lecture and got home and got to it. I worked til 3am got up the next morning and got back to work immediately after dropping Mini Red off at camp and worked til late afternoon. I was done and had met the requirements but there was an issue with part of it that I wasn’t quite sure how to deal with.

After the lecture on Thursday I asked my professor for some advice and he said it would take some doing but I could have til Tuesday to turn it in if I wanted. On the other hand he noted that I met all the requirements and could turn it in as is. I worked on it during our lab and got a small portion done but I wasn’t happy. I decided to turn it in and still work on it over the weekend and then see about turning it in again on Tuesday. I needed to turn it in at least for me. I needed to show I could meet the deadline with the requirements met. I also need to show I can take that extra step to do what is really necessary and show it's more than the requirements and that I can be thorough and turn out a good product.

Not sure what I think of my end product. I guess it’s like an artist looking at their own work and they can be their own worst critic. I love it and hate it. Now I have to start my final project and the blank canvas can be the most difficult part. I’ll be working on this through out the weekend.

This weekend I was supposed to go to the beach again but I woke up Friday morning and just didn’t feel right. I’m exhausted and just couldn’t see making the three hour drive when I couldn’t leave as early as I planned, which was to work from home in the morning and leave around noon. The goal was to make it to the beach for happy hour but then my presence was requested in a meeting at 1pm. This meant I would be in the office and I couldn’t turn it down since I didn’t have official leave time on the books and had only gotten a verbal ok from a supervisor.

On top of that I got a peek at Mini Red’s room. I try not to be overbearing since most kids grow up living in a messy room and I try to let her take care of it knowing that when I see it in such disarray I usually go a little bat shit like I did Friday morning. The most amazing part is her laundry. I know our lives are crazy lately but her laundry is multiplying like rabbits. I’ve had her do some of her laundry when she is hanging at Grandmas while I’m in class but it hasn’t even made a dent. So I laid some Catholic guilt on her and let her know some of the reason I’m staying home this weekend is to do some cleaning in her room as well as her laundry. There is so much laundry that my Mom has offered to do it this week and I just have to drop it off. I might have to take her up on some of that.

Since there was no beach I mention grabbing a drink after work to a few of the girls at the office and they were all up for that. Liz is the one who finds new places so we checked out Seagar’s in the Hilton near the King Street Metro. After there we headed over to Joe Theisman’s where there was more of a crowd but we all agreed that Union Street Pub is the place that consistently has a better choice of eye candy. Plus they have these great bar stools that are a little wider with handles so you can hold on if you drink too much.

I got home a reasonable hour, especially for someone my age. Yes, I’m old! Last weekend I was sitting on the beach watching Mini Red play in the ocean. I was thinking about how I’m turning 39 next month and that means 40 next year. Holy Fuck I’ll be 40! There were tears in my eyes as I contemplated this. I’ve already told friends that we need to throw me a party. I haven’t had a birthday party since I was 8 and I figured there’s no beating around the bush about this and I would just be blunt about it. I even suggested an extended chick’s weekend at the beach and that would lower cost for some of my friends but in thinking about this more I may need to do something spectacular for myself. I’ve never been one to say I have to do this this and this by the time I’m this this and this age but I may not be able to do this this and this for much longer. I need to get crack-a-lacking but life is getting in the way.

I left my ex the day before I turned thirty with the hope that I was still young enough to get my life where I wanted it to be. Life doesn’t always turn out the way you expect it. I guess I’m just trying to figure out what I need to do next. I’m in College and getting that done but what else is there? There are places to see but not sure where I want to go plus there really isn’t anyone to go with. We are back to this alone shit again. This is what I like about going to the beach when Mini Red is gone… I’m not alone and at home I just get sad over this shit.

So I digressed… Sorry.

Saturday, I headed out to get some things done. I ran to the bank so I could get quarters for the laundry. Picked up a coffee at Dunkin and headed over to my Aunts to help her with her computer. It’s funny… I was telling here there is a service called The Geek Squad that she could always use. She said, “Why use them. You are my geek!”

Oye! I guess I am a geek.

Next, I stopped in Home Goods to see what they had before heading over to Shoppers to pick up broccoli for a dish I was making for a barbecue Saturday night. I put the broccoli in the cooler I keep in my car and headed over to UA Nails in White Flint to get my toes done. I had planned to get a well deserved and needed pedicure on Wednesday but I ended up working on my project all day. I picked out my nail color and the girl was working on my feet and it was feeling very nice I must say. I was thinking this is a treat that really isn’t expensive enough to break my bank and I need to partake more. The girl grabs my flip flops to put on my feet so she can paint the toes and she has a funny look on her face and then I see it! I have two different flip flops on and I've been wearing them all day! I couldn’t stop laughing and the girl couldn’t help but laugh too. I can’t believe I did that. I guess I need some more sleep.

I couldn’t help but be reminded of the shoe incident from fifth grade. I couldn’t decide which shoes to wear to school one day so I put a different shoe on each foot and was checking myself out in the mirror. I lost track of time and somehow forgot I had two different shoes on and ended up at school like this. OMG! So I called my Grandma since Mom wasn’t home and asked her to bring me a shoe that would match one that I had. I thought she would just bring one shoe and that would also resolve my dilemma of which shoe to wear. Plus I could blame it on her if it looked bad. The problem was…She brought both and I still had to decide which shoe to wear.

After the pedicure I headed home with my two different shoes to get a load of laundry in and make the broccoli salad. I picked up Mrs. M a little late, as I am usually at least a little late, and we headed to Woodbridge for a Poker Barbecue (that’s gonna get some comments from Uncle Keith) at Google Boy’s house. I don’t know how to play poker but Google Boy’s Wife really knows how to cook and that was what I was looking forward to. I brought Mrs. M since she is a killer poker player but I made the mistake of letting Google Boy know that.

The food was excellent, as I had expected, and Mrs. M and I joined in a game of Wii bowling before the poker game got started. I didn’t play poker since I’m clueless about the game… or at least was clueless. Liz showed up and joined the game stating she had no idea how to play either but in the end she nearly ran away with everyone’s money until Google Boy got a really good hand and wiped her out.

Today is the BIG laundry day. I’ve separated out the laundry into six piles, 95% of which is Mini Red’s. One load is in and this may not be as easy as I was hoping. I had to go two floors up to even find an open machine.

Now, I guess, it's time to head into Mini Red's room and her bathroom. I'm really scared!

I just bit IT in the hallway at work...

2007-07-03T14:59:00.001Z

I can't stop laughing because it was hilarious and NO ONE saw it!

We need to hire more people so I can have a witness.

If a chick bites it in the hallway and no one sees it did it really happen?

Curiosity killed the cat

2007-07-03T13:46:00.000Z

Ok so I got this from Arjewtino and had to see where I rated. Seems I'm racier than he is even after the photo of him in a pool with another dude's arms around him.

This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:
ass (3x) , sex (2x) , porn (1x)
I wonder if I say Shit!, Fuck!, Damn! if my rating will go up. Let me go see......

I wanna see what Uncle Keith's site will rate expecially after (*WARNING* may offend or mezmerize) this post.

Hmmmm "unable to fetch and rate the url". I wonder if it's just off the charts.

HA !

I just went to a...

Walking Man

2007-06-30T02:07:00.000Z

Lately, I've seen Walking Man more and more. Two weeks ago I saw him walking from P Street down to Rock Creek Parkway around 7:45 in the AM. A few days later I saw him walking out of Old Town Alexandria towards the airport around 5pm.

Today I saw him on Connecticut Avenue around noon and at a bus stop no less! This explains so much but I thought he walked everywhere. He was wearing his usual red shorts and yellow shirt. This time we got a photo:

Photo credit: Mini Red and Mom's cell phone.

It was another great weekend at the beach

2007-06-25T01:12:00.000Z

Dad and I walked the boards Saturday morning to some perfect weather. Not to hot and a nice breeze. We beat our time and walked the 2.25 miles in 33 minutes.

We spent a few hours on the beach before grabbing a late lunch. We all went our separate ways. Dad took a nap while watching TV, Mom worked on her beading and Sis was talking about heading up to the pool on the roof. I laid down to wait for her but crashed and woke about two hours later with only a few minutes to pull myself together so we could all head over to Seacrets and check out the plethora of live bands on the roster for the rest of the day and evening.

We checked the place out and grabbed a drink. Some old woman got mad at Sis for sitting in her seat but Sis had been sitting there for some time and the woman had said nothing of it. We moved to a table near the water and Mom was tickled to find her favorite school teacher up to his old antics for the summer. I now call him “Mom’s Seacret Summer Boy”. Every once in a while Dad and Sis would go inside and check out the Jim Long Band plus I think this gave Dad a chance to check out the bevy of beauties that abounded. We even bumped into some friends and fellow Clemson fans.

My drink of the late afternoon was the famous Pain in the Ass. These are some fabulous frozen drinks and I think I should have passed on the last one. Well I did pass on the last one but I mean the one before that. We decided we were done and it was obvious the late afternoon crowd was leaving and the early evening people were arriving. The early evening people are older and take hours to get dressed a/k/a Cougars. The next round of younger crowd usually arrive around 11pm

We made our way home just a few blocks away. Dad was done and headed off to bed. Sis wanted to watch a movie and decided on Borat. I wanted to go to bed but knew if I hit the hay at that point then I would have to sleep with one foot on the floor to keep the room from spinning. We hadn’t gotten far into the movie when I noticed I had a message. I went into my room to check it out and the next thing I knew it was 1 in the morning. I didn’t remember climbing into bed but I got up and changed and had a hard time getting back to sleep.

This morning Sis tells me she found me passed out fully clothed and on top of my covers with the lights on. She turned the lights out and shut the door and proclaimed me the winner of the Cootie Brown Award. At least I was pretty tame and the headache I had on Saturday was definitely gone by Sunday morning.

The drive home was much better than it was two weeks ago due to a horrible accident. I did run into some traffic on the Bay Bridge but I don’t mind being stopped on the bridge because it gives me a chance to look around. I love that bridge!

Next weekend we are going back and this will be Mini Red’s first trip of the summer. Oh that reminds me I have to schedule her surf lessons for August. She has talked about trying that and I can’t wait to see her in action.

Talk to the hand cause the face just don't want to hear it

2007-06-24T13:32:00.000Z

There have been times in my life where I’ve become grumpy. I say grumpy because it just didn’t seem to be enough to refer to it as a bout of depression. My divorce brought on a lot of this and the struggling I have done to make it all work and forge forward and create a great life for Mini Red.

I have come to rely on only myself but to not be afraid to ask family for help. Asking is the key because they can’t know unless I ask them and asking for help is not easy for me.

There were times I would come home from work and turn off the home phone and the cell phone. For me it was shutting out everything that was bothering me or causing me stress. I would then focus on Mini Red and we would fix dinner and do homework and have the evening and I would do my best not to think about what was bothering me. I was even shutting out my family and would go weeks without speaking to them. This was before Mini Red was hanging at the folks after school and before family dinner nights. I thought they would miss me and be worried and try to contact me to make sure everything was ok. The funny thing is they didn’t even notice because we were all so busy. I think the family dinners started because I would then talk to Mom about this and she realized we were all drifting apart.

The family dinners have been so good for our family. With the large age difference between my siblings and I there was a disconnect. Since starting the family dinner nights we have all become closer and more family members are joining.

My goal is to provide a great life for Mini Red as she grows into her own. I have also understood that if I don’t take care of myself then I can’t effectively take care of her. So I would try to get out and do stuff like date and hang with friends. I felt this was important for Mini Red to see so she would do the same for herself when she was older. Part of me always thought I would meet someone and we would work together have more kids and create this great life I couldn’t make work with FN. I left FN the day before I turned 30 hoping there was still enough time to meet someone to have more kids and build that home life I couldn’t make work the first go round.

So almost 9 years later I see it differently. I want to have a home and a dog for Mini Red but I want to get to that point on my own. I don’t need some guy but some guy would be nice to have. I still yearn to have at least one more child but I’m resolved that probably won’t happen. The goals and the outlook have changed.

Lately, my life is harry at best. I’m in college taking one course at a time and this second class is condensed which makes it more difficult. This is on top of a full time job, being a single Mom and trying to find some time for myself after I have had some time with Mini Red.

This is all ok and there is a definite goal that will be reached and a lesson for Mini Red to learn. What is really bothering me is some of the people in my life just don’t get it.

I have a friend who is a stay-at-home Mom caring for two kids. That is not an easy job but she has a husband that works so she can do this. She is forever asking me to give up something to help her. Help her!? So I help and I’ve taken off work to watch her kids and I stayed over to drive her and the kids to the airport for her vacation, closed up her house and even drove to her place several times a week to water the lawn and garden for two weeks. While she was on vacation I started my next class, which is condensed meaning twice a week from 6 to 10:50 at night. She then got mad when she called from her vacation to see if I could pick them up from the airport. When I said I couldn’t for some really valid reasons, one of which is Mini Red needed to catch her bus and I wouldn’t leave her to get ready on her own, she got mad. Yes, she got mad and even hung up on me. She called about a week after they got home and acted like nothing happened. Not even a thank you for watering or checking on their home. She doesn’t get it and I just don’t have the time to deal with this right now so I guess I’m shutting her out.

There’s this guy and he is really sweet but he isn’t for me. I have let him know this three times and he agreed that we would just be friends. We have hung out and had fun but he is really pushing for something more. It looks like we can’t even be friends and I can’t deal with trying to fight him off right now so I guess I’m shutting him out.

I realized that right now I’m shutting people out and turning off the phones so-to-speak but not to my family. I need my family and these weekends at the beach with them are perfect. I don’t have to do anything but be me and relax and have that bucket of alcohol to wash away the week’s crap. There is no stress here and that is what I need after my crazy weeks.

When this class is over I will talk to my friend and we will work it out because I love her. That guy can’t be in my life anymore because nothing will happen with us and he can’t seem to accept that. I still hope that one day I will meet a guy who can accept my craziness and me and can accept that I have Mini Red (that also seems to be an issue with many guys).

For right now I’m shutting some people out because sometimes you do what you have to do so you can get through life.

The Spice in my Dad's life

2007-06-23T02:09:00.000Z

My Dad doesn’t want us to ever get him anything because he doesn’t want us to spend our money on him. Not for his Birthday, Christmas or even Father’s Day. When we would ask him what he wanted he would say “Just a kiss and a hug”. This year he let me get him something because it’s something he loves.

Dad liked his salt and then it turned into a Seasonal All spice which progress to specific brands and recipes. He went through Old Bay and J.O. and finally found his favorite Wye River. Not just any Wye River seasoning but Crab House Style, Red formula.

Dad has not been able to find it at his usual Wal Mart in Ocean City. So I found the website and joined. The weekend before Father’s Day and we were in The O.C. I was online and said to Dad that I was gonna get him some of his Wye River Spice for Father’s Day. He was more than happy and willing to let me get it for him and I placed an order for 25lbs of the Red Formula.

After a week I heard nothing and the order was still processing. For Father’s Day I didn’t have his gift but he knew it was on its way. Dad actually asked me about it at one point because he was excited.

I finally got word the order would be shipped this week and I was tickled when it was due arrive today. I even left a note on my door for the UPS Person to leave the package and here was my signature just in case. With my luck a signature would be required and I would have to chase down the package next week.

Throughout the day I checked the status to see if it was delivered. I wanted to take it to Dad at the beach. It all worked out perfectly and was sitting on my doorstep after work. I put it in the car and headed over to pick up Sis and Chase to head to shore. We had to take the box out of the trunk to fit Chase’s golf clubs in and when he went to put it back in the car he got a whiff so Sis moved in for a smell and all three of us were standing on the curb smelling this box.

As we got on the road Sis tells me the folks car got hit in a parking lot when they stopped for a bite on there way to shore. Dad was not a happy camper so I called and told Mom we were on our way with spice in hand and let Dad know. She agreed this would definitely perk him up.

Our drive couldn’t have been more perfect. Not even traffic at the Severn River Bridge. We dropped Chase in Arnold for a Bachelor party and Sis and I continued. It was perfect weather and absolutely beautiful.

We arrived, while listening to Bob Marley, and I carried the spice in. Dad popped outta his seat and whipped out his pocketknife to open the box. We were all curious how the spice was packaged. I don’t think any of us expected this:

Tomorrow morning Dad and I plan to walk the boards again and hoping to beat our time. Mom has already bowed out and we will see if Sis is up to the challenge.

I’m sure the next thing Dad does is run to Wal Mart for his spice containers because that’s all he is talking about now. This has made my week and it’s always nice when you can give back to your parents and make them happy.

Guest Post: IT Support May I Help You?

2007-06-22T20:04:00.000Z

A friend at work has a second job in the evenings supporting a help desk. He’s been working help desks for 8 years now and gets all sorts of strange calls as I’m sure you can imagine. The other day he told me one and I thought it was so funny I asked him to be a guest blogger.

**************************

When working in technical support I assist different types people. I assist the person who works in IT and swears they know everything, and wants to call just tell me how our system should work. I assist the person who knows damn well they shouldn’t even be near a damn computer.

I even assist the person just learning how to speak English. I have no problem assisting these people; it's my job to help those that are in need.

I calmly do my job until I get a person who simply wants to waste my time; even though I spend my spare time between calls is sleeping or playing PSP. These people are bored and have nothing better to do such as this woman:

Me: Tech support, how may I assist you?
Woman: HELLO?
Me: Tech support, how may I help you?
Woman: Where are you located?
Me: Virginia
Woman: Where in Virginia?
Me: _______, Virginia
Woman: No your not! Most companies like yours outsource overseas, I know you’re located in India or China.
Me: What? No. I’m an American, and we are not located in India I can assure you. Do you have a question?
Woman: They trained you well, you even sound like an American. You even sound black.
Me: What? Huh?
Woman: What's your name, not your fake American name but your real name?
Me: Goodbye douche.

A little while later she called back and spoke with co-worker, who happens to be Asian with a thick accent. He hung up on her when she wanted to know where in china he is located. What a crazy lady.

How cool is that?

2007-06-16T04:32:00.000Z

I just got home a little after 11pm and my cell phone rings. It’s Tex! He must be at the Extended Blog ger Happy Hour. He says, “Where are you?”

I tell him I thought Mini Red was going to be at the beach with Grandma but plans changed.

He tells me, “There are people here who want to meet you!”

“Oh yeah? It must be because I’m The MILF Blogger.”

“Here’s one now. Hey… Hey… It’s Red!”

Someone grabs the phone and says, “Hello, hello I wanna meet Red!"

I’m cracking up and ask who he is when Tex takes the phone back and I hear him say, “She’s says good to meet you.”

I promise to try and make the next one and bring PSUAcoustician and Shortie.

How cool is that?

Nicole came into town this week and schedules were crazy. She, Mrs. M and I couldn’t all meet up at the same time so she met up with Mrs. M on Wednesday and Mini Red and I were hoping for some time tonight. Ends up, after all the time she lived here, she had never been to Old Town Alexandria so that was our destination.

First we met up with some of my co-workers at a Going-Away Happy Hour for my Sister from another Mister, Na’Imah. We then walked town to the Torpedo Factory and out to the water. This is where we found a man playing some amazing music with goblets. We had to hang around and listen for a bit.

Then something caught my eye. Do you see it?
The things kids put in their mouth?!?!?!

We ended up grabbing a bite to eat at The Fish Market and an ice cream cone at Pops and took our time walking back.

It was so good to see Nicole. We both have such crazy busy schedules that we don’t talk much but our friendship is strong.

How cool is that?

Wednesday, I had taken the day off to take care of some things. Mom and I tackled some errands together and then went for lunch and some shoe shopping. When Mini Red got home I took her to get a Father’s Day gift for her Dad. After looking for ties at Macy’s I stumbled across a bra sale. I’ve needed some new ones for some time now but never had the time or patience. I bought two and was very pleased at the prices although still a bit pricy. One even has a bit of lace and I’m very excited about that. As we walked out of Macy’s I exclaimed to Mini Red, “Boobs are expensive!”

This morning I pulled out one of the new bras (the non-lace one). I was amazed! My boobs looked ten years younger and were up in my neck. They looked so good and so perky I couldn't help but think “Damn, I could hang a coat on each of these pups!”

How cool is that?

This is why I blog…

2007-06-13T03:41:00.000Z

So I have someone to tell all about my odd little days filled with good and bad, especially the good.

The day started off well enough. I got to work and ate my oatmeal with berries. I logged on to see if my test of the Preventive Maintenance (PMs) auto generation worked properly. It did… sort of. This meant tinkering with it all morning and it still wasn't working right. Finally, I set it to run while I was out to lunch and figured I would work on it when I got back.

Trish was picking me up and we were meeting Justin for lunch at Chevy’s at one of the Pentagon malls. First I ran to my car to grab the gift I had for her and the baby. She had offered to pick me up since I was just over the bridge and I was more than happy to let her. So I stood out there on 14th Street waiting for her holding a bag that said “TaDa”. I quickly turned the bag around and gave myself a quick once over to make sure I couldn’t be mistaken for a… You know. Then again they don’t hang around there anymore… Do they? I couldn’t help but laugh and hope she would show up soon, which she did.

I could have stayed at lunch all day. We had a seat outside and Justin and I decided to get the Frozen Watermelon Margarita. YumFookingYum!! We covered a wide range of topics including Boobs. Trish keeps asking me how I deal with them because it’s taking some getting used to. She’s hoping she gets to keep them after the baby arrives. Time flew by too fast and I knew I had to get back and get the test PMs running for the client. We all agreed that our lunch reminded us of a “Sex In The City” episode. None of us could claim to be Samantha but in the end we decided that today Trish was a “Pregnant, Put Together, Charlotte”, I was a “Too Busy Miranda with no Man”, and Justin was “Carrie” because he has the boyfriend, the social life, and just got back from Aruba and is lookin so fine. Beotch! I tried to arrange something where we all go out before Trish has the baby because she could be the DD. Plus she doesn’t need a drop to drink to have a good time or instigate something. I can’t wait to have lunch with you guys again soon. I miss the whole gang not being together anymore.

Back at work I found that all my hard work paid off and the PMs ran perfectly. I documented it and successfully finished some other tasks before heading out. Tonight is class you know and I need to see Mini Red on my way there. I was in a great mood til I came up against Metro Area drivers. They are all over the place and my point was proven as I drove up Cathedral Avenue. Some nut bag not only hit a parked car but his right front wheel was in the parked car’s front windshield. WTF!?!? I know I need to be faster with the camera but I need to see Mini Red before getting to class.

Can I tell you how much I hate Connecticut Avenue on the Maryland side of Chevy Chase Circle? The lanes are so narrow it’s scary and on top of that one of those “Potomac, Suburban Driving, on the phone without a earpiece Mom’s” pulls out from a side road and comes into my lane nearly hitting me. WTF?!?! I even mentioned this to Mom, when I got to her house, who gave an “Oh, one of those” looks because aren’t we all familiar with those women?

So I grabbed a quick bite to eat and a little bit of time with Mini Red before I was off to class. I suggested to Mini Red that instead of watching TV she could read, practice her violin or even write up a review for the blog. I said all of this loud enough so Mom could hear and I think the writing came as a great idea to both of them.

Class was uneventful but a lot of information I'm hoping to retain. When I picked up Mini Red I was glad to hear she spent her time constructively and wrote a post (see previous post).

It was a long day and full of everything imaginable. I think the frozen margarita was key for such a successful day. You should try it sometime, but only one or your right front tire could end up in someone’s windshield.

Mini Red’s Critic Corner

2007-06-13T02:43:00.000Z

Pirates of the Caribbean, At Worlds End

Everyone is talking about something this upcoming summer and it’s not the fact that school’s out. No it’s the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie where Jack is back and better then ever.

Yes, I mean Jack Sparrow… Captain Jack Sparrow.

When Jack first appears he is in Davy Jones locker. The reason Jack is there is because he needed to settle a debt with Davy Jones as we learned in the last movie “Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Mans Chest”.

Well, in this movie Jack and the gang (Will, Elisabeth, Barrbosa, Tia Dalma, Pintel, Ragette, Gibbs, etc) face Lord Cutler Becket, the entire East India Trading Company with Davy Jones and his crew. Thankfully, they are not alone when 9 Pirate Lords from around the world meet to reclaim the sea from the Company and Jones. There is not only action in this movie but lots of funny scenes but no rolling water mill.

The rest is history and you have to watch it to find out. Remember to keep reading Life of Red for more CRITICS’ CORNER by Mini Red. Thanks for reading.

How I met the Ocean City Fire Department

2007-06-10T06:16:00.000Z

Friday, I headed down to the O.C. This past week was full of tension and turmoil and I just wanted to get away and relax with the folks. I took my time driving and even stopped at the Queenstown Outlets to see what I might find. When I hit traffic in Easton is when I noticed all the specialty cars and realized it was a big car weekend in O.C. This meant tons of noise and craziness along with all the high schoolers that are down for senior week.

I didn’t arrive until nine and I hit the hay shortly after that. When I woke at 7:30 the next morning I felt as if I had been hit by a train. You would have thought I had been out partying the night before. Of course Dad was already up and chilling out on the couch. He was itching to walk the boards and I was more than happy to get some exercise. On our way there Dad was telling me his best time was 35 minutes beginning to end and the boardwalk is 2.25 miles long. I was up for the challenge and what lay ahead of me because he walks fast and I didn’t want to slow him down. I thought for sure I would end up jogging just to keep up with him.

The morning was perfect and it was a little cloudy which held the sun back from blaring down on us. Walking the boards there is always something to see. There are so many people early in the morning and all sorts of bikes and surrey’s to rent but the newest things to rent are Segways. Why rent those unless your just plain lazy? We made it from one end of the boardwalk to the other in 35 minutes and Dad thinks we may have beat his record but only by 30 seconds.

Consistently, throughout our walk we passed people due to our fast pace. We even passed one of the surreys but on our way back up the boards two young women passed us with baby strollers. Dad was rather amazed we were passed yet couldn't help but be impressed.

It was a great workout and I was feeling better but I was looking forward to a bite to eat and a nap. When we got back Mom asked if I wanted to head into Berlin to our favorite store Tada. How could I pass that up so the nap would have to wait. As luck would have it Berlin was having its Annual Berlin Village Fair. So Mom made sure to let Dad know we would be longer than originally expected.

The first thing we saw as we headed into the fair was the stage with the live music. Two men were playing and one pulled out his electric piano and was singing. This reminded me of a scene in a movie where this kid was playing his electric piano thinking he was cool but he wasn’t. I wish I could remember which movie that was. Anyhow, I found my little piece of happiness in the Polish Pottery booth. Forget that my head was still hurting and I was feeling the walk from the morning… I had added to my collection and this tickled me pink. We left before the bathtub races but we needed get our late lunch and I was still in need of a nap.

After a kick ass sandwich from Anthony’s I took a nap but my headache was still there when I woke. By this time Happy Hour at Mackey’s was in full swing and I figured a little alcohol might just be what the doctor ordered so the folks and I headed over. We procured some seats at the bar and Mom and Dad had their favorite bartender, Danny, tending to them. A couple of beers later I was finally feeling better but I couldn’t deal with the happy hour food. I was warned they would be getting the bucket but I was clueless as to what the bucket was until they ordered it. The bucket is a beach pail, with an attached shovel, filled with alcohol. It was brought over with three straws and let me tell ya I was scared. It was surprisingly good and every sip was better and better.

I left a little before the folks because It was getting cold and the headlights were on if ya know what I mean. Dad likes to stay for the sunset and Kate Smith singing the National Anthem and were then home soon after me.

I tried to put on a movie but realized I had too much to drink and couldn’t follow what was going on. I figured it was time for me to hit the hay so I climbed into bed at the ungodly hour of 9pm. This was a really good thing because I was rudely woken up at midnight with the fire alarm blaring throughout the building.

Ever notice how you become a bumbling idiot when you’re woken like that? Mom and Dad weren’t in the mood to be leaving the condo but they threw on some clothes and we headed out. The fire engine display was impressive. It was just a false alarm due to kids hitting the alarm box located between my car and my parents.

The Fire Engines left with their sirens blaring as they ran off to the next emergency and have passed at least ~~three~~ ~~four~~ five more times running up and down Coastal Highway to various emergencies. I guess these boys are busy this time of year.

So I am wide-awake and blogging. Sounds like the neighbors are up too! I hope I can get back to sleep soon but at least that damn headache is finally gone.

How do YOU spell Happyness?

2007-06-07T16:57:00.000Z

If you’re familiar with this blog then you are aware that I commute through DC everyday and I have found Connecticut Avenue can be very interesting. I don’t think anything will ever beat the afro mullet I saw in Cleveland Park years ago but it encouraged me to finally purchase a camera-phone.

I know I’ve mentioned some characters I’ve seen in my travels such as Walking Man, who I saw this week on Cathedral Avenue. Another one is Grandma Dressing Man who I saw just yesterday. He was wearing a floral matching skirt and top and it got me thinking… How does someone get to that point? He walks to and from Cleveland Park to work, in Van Ness, everyday wearing women’s clothing. What do his co-workers say? What does he do for a living that his job can look past what he wears and take him seriously?

I have so many questions and would love to be a fly on his wall. Well maybe just his wall at work. I can’t help but think he would have to be so incredibly confident and secure in himself to just do what makes him happy, which is wearing women’s clothing. This is the epitome of not caring what other people think and to a point that it may exclude people out of his life. I’m impressed that he is secure enough to do what it takes have happiness in his life, but I guess that depends on what makes a person happy. Isn’t one of the goals in life to just be happy?

Happiness is something I’ve contemplated for sometime now. What makes each of us happy is so incredibly different. When you’re feeling low what do you do to make yourself happy? My Mom knits and she’s spoken of my Sister’s “Happy Place” as the Starboard in Dewey. For me, often times its music and usually Bob Marley’s Could You Be Loved does wonders for me. Then again a hug from Mini Red will cure anything.

The other thing that does wonders for my state of mind is running. One day I hope to complete a marathon but for right now my schedule allows for once a week if I’m lucky. I’m not a great runner but if something is bothering me running is the best way to clear my head. When I first started running I hated it and it took a while to be more comfortable and figure out the form, pace and breathing. People always say you don’t need much to run and you don’t need any special equipment but you do. For women you need a really good sports bra. Then there are the clothes that wick away moisture to make you more comfortable but most importantly are the shoes. Personally, I have gotten over what I look like when I’m running and I’m not out to impress anyone because my goal is how I feel at the end of my run. Each person has their own way of doing all of this but can be interesting is to see what people wear when they run.

This morning I saw two women running on Connecticut Avenue that were stopped at a intersection. One was in spandex leggings and the other was in running shorts but both had short tops on bearing their middles. Now don’t get me wrong because I, definitely, don’t have a runner’s body but I could have pulled of those tops better than them.

I commend anyone for getting out there and exercising but their midriffs should NOT have been showing. There was a decent amount and it was jiggling all over the place. I couldn’t help but wonder if they had both recently given birth. Seems to be another case of being secure with yourself and I’m all for self confidence. So if you want to let it all hang out that’s cool too but I would think on the busy streets of DC some form of modesty should be maintained.

Maybe it’s all in the eye of the beholder? I find Grandma Dressing Man fascinating and I felt a little embarrassed for the Big Midriff Running Chicks. Others might feel completely different and be bothered by the likes of one or the other.

It boils down to everyone is trying to find their own happiness, people are fascinating creatures and the city seems to bring it all out. I guess I’ll sit back and watch it all because it seems to be something that makes me happy.

The Reds went a Running

2007-06-05T13:40:00.000Z

Last night was my night to run with Mrs. M but due to thunderstorms we had to cancel. So when I got home I piled my hair in a bunch and was putting on some comfy clothes when I noticed IT. There was a big white hair at the top of my head. Not gray because redheads don’t turn gray but white.

I tried to take a photo but it didn’t do it justice. I guess I’m not really surprised and I’m grateful to still have my natural color at my ripe old age of 38. I’m gonna chalk this white hair up to the chaos that is my life lately. At least life has not been boring.

Mini Red and I decided to dive into our leftovers and turn on “John Tucker Must Die” during the storm. I dozed and she got on the computer. It wasn’t long before the movie was over and so was the storm so I gave Mini Red options as to what was gonna happen next.

She could get off the computer and clean her room while I worked on my project for class or we could get out and go for a walk/run. She opted for the walk/run and soon realized there would definitely be running. We had tried to get it together to run before but it never happened. I’ve suggest running since she is often out of breath after swimming and wanted to improve her running for gym.

We walked up the hill and as soon as we were on a downward slope I suggested running. We hadn’t even gotten two blocks before she wanted to stop and complained of a side cramp. I told her to walk if she needed to but walk fast and I would continue running but not far away from her. She pushed herself to keep up or rather keep down. She didn’t understand that running didn’t mean she had to be fast just consistent at least while her body was warming up.

She offered up the definition of running as only one foot on the ground at a time. This means she is listening in school… Wahoo!

We had a great time and I gave her some pointers but explained I’m no great runner by any means. We discussed the how running benefits not only your muscles and lungs but great for your mind. She also got a lesson on spitting since I think I might have the beginning of a cold and tossed a few loogies. She wanted to try but ended up spitting on her shoes. I explained that when running your flem can get thick so you hock it up and roll it on your tongue so you can shoot it out as far away from yourself as possible. Plus when you do shoot it out you make sure no one is around to see you, no spitting on cars and more importantly no spitting on yourself. Spitting as well as burps and farts do happen when running but there is no reason that you can’t try to maintain a lady like sense about you.

By the end of our run she was beat and I was just warmed up. She was walking and I was running back and forth so we were never far from each other. Part of me wanted to just give her the keys so I could go for longer but it was getting dark and with my luck she would lock me out. So I ran around the apartment building and up seven flights of stairs while she walked in the front door and took the elevator. We were drenched with sweat due to the humidity and I gave her the last lesson which is to drink a ton of water and shower as soon as possible because we were stanky.

I just don't get no better than a rainy Sunday

2007-06-04T02:32:00.000Z

Today has been a relaxed rainy Sunday. Thank goodness cause I needed it. This is why I got stuff done yesterday.

I did accomplish a huge task that has been looming over my head. Scheduling and planning Mini Red's summer as well as creating the color coded calendar is now marked off on my to do list. I feel so much better that it is all planned now. Phew!

We were then treated to a nice dinner and finished it off with a movie at home. If you haven’t seen it Happy Feet is a fun movie for just such a day as this.

All evening Mini Red has been working my nerves. I usually offer to beat her, which often gets strange looks when we are out in public. This evening I tried sitting on her but that didn’t help. She finally got into bed and I went in for my usual kiss goodnight once the lights were off. This is when Mini Red said, “Thanks for not beating me tonight Mom.”

I hope next week isn't as tough

2007-06-03T17:47:00.000Z

It has been a very chaotic week. Not sure how I’m gonna do this for another seven weeks but hopefully Mini Red’s drama is over and that will help a lot.

After all the crap with the hate list there was more to the story. The bully had bothered Mini Red so much that she wrote some not so nice things in her journal. Mini Red had a friend spend the night some weeks ago and somehow the friend saw the journal and told the bully. This is, supposedly, why the hate list was created. Then Mini Red retaliated and created her own hate list. She had a few people sign it but then trashed it realizing it was wrong. She hadn’t told me about it because she knew I would not be happy but she readily admitted it to the school administration.

After all that the two girls were punished equally and were suspended from going to the amusement park with the school and I’m out the money. I wrote a long email to the principal and the counselors stating that I agreed with Mini Red being punished BUT pointed out that her punishment was by her own admission of acting out after being bullied whereas they had the bully’s hate list in their hands.

I know the school is limited and can only deal with this so far. My concerns have been noted and Mini Red has learned that retaliation has put her in the same light as the bully. This also means she should have listened to Mom from the git.

Tuesday, I started my class and there are a whole different lot of people in this class. I have learned there are different levels of geeks. I consider myself a geek but then there is a higher level of geekdome. This higher level consider themselves to be the End-All-Be-All and compete to show how awesomely smart they are. Two such people found each other in my class and during the break proceeded to attempt to communicate right in front of me. I swear they were both speaking a different language and weren’t listening to each other. They were loud and I have concluded this is to help others understand just how smart they are. On top of that they are both in their mid forties yet the dude talked like he was in high school and would use words such as “Sweeeet!” These are also the two people that will pop out of their seat grab your mouse and show you something rather than letting the teacher answer a question you have just asked. I am staying very quiet in this class and becoming very amused by all the different characters but if someone pops up behind me and grabs my mouse my redheaded temper might just get the best of me.

Wednesday, brought a bit of a free day. The family dinner was cancelled so I met up with Mrs. M for a run. It was a tough run since we had been slacking the last week and it was hot out. We pushed forward and it felt good but dehydrated us. I cleaned up after sucking down a ton of water, and took Mini Red for a bite to eat before we headed to Columbia to water a friend’s property since they are out of town. I swear there just aren’t enough hours in a day and for a free day we were pretty busy.

The second class, on Thursday, was much better and some familiar faces showed from my spring class. We have been given our first assignment and I’m enjoying it.

Thursday, definitely required some scheduling so I could get to class. Mini Red had her last swimming class and her last concert of the school year plus my parents were heading out of town for a wedding. I didn’t want to miss class so I did some planning. She would have to miss swimming because the concert is part of her grade. I contacted her father and I was able to get him to come out and get her to the concert. This meant he needed to get her before I had to leave at 5pm and have her at the school by 6pm for the 7pm concert. He didn’t want to have to feed her so I would leave work early to do that. He said something about an hour not being enough time. Go figure. After the concert he would drop her off at my cousins and I would pick her up from there on my way home from school. Sounds easy but that’s a lot of people to pull together.

Things got a little turned around when the day came but it all worked out and her Dad took her shopping and out to get a bite before the concert. Mini Red did well in the concert but, evidently, it was so hot that everyone was soaked with sweat by the time it was over.

Friday, brought the end to a crazy week and a change of plans for Mini Red. The original plan was the Nats game and she and I would each bring a friend. Instead she babysat for the cousins kids and they came to the game with me. The Nats pulled it out to win in the bottom of the 10th and Mini Red earned some money to pay me back for the money I wasn’t getting refunded on that school trip she was suspended from. She did an excellent job taking care of the kids and I couldn’t be more proud. So I let her keep the money. She has gotten off easy and I’m out money but if she has learned some lessons then it’s all worth it.

The Weekend Wrap-Up

2007-05-29T02:28:00.000Z

Mini Red wanted to address each of you and thank you for your support but we’ve run out of time this weekend. Thank you for the support it is very much appreciated.

Tuesday morning I will be driving her to school and talking to the counselors. I don't see a need for the two girls to talk and want to know that the school will be taking care of the situation.

Cross your fingers for us.

This week begins another phase for me and that will be another college course. In my first class I earned an A (a/k/a 4.0). Wahoo! This next class is condensed to 8 weeks and therefore twice a week. This will be tough because each class consists of lecture and lab bringing each class to almost 5 hrs.

So if the posts are few and far between this is why.

This weekend Mini Red saw “The Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”. First, she saw it with her Dad and again today with me at the Uptown. I’ve asked her to write a review so keep an eye out. Then again she has a busy week herself including the last concert of the year and ending the week with a Nats game.

I hope everyone had a fun, safe Memorial Day weekend. I for one am not looking forward to work tomorrow.

A tough start to the long weekend

2007-05-27T17:20:00.000Z

The plan was to leave for the beach after dropping Mini Red at her dance at 7pm. Her Dad would pick her up after the dance since it's his weekend to have her.

The plan got all turned around when I got a teary call from Mini Red around noon. A former friend of hers created a Mini Red hate list and had kids sign it. Mini Red knew of the list and was told many kids were bullied into signing it. The list was found by one of the adults and the initiator and the names on the list were in trouble. What really upset Mini Red wasn’t that all the kids were begging her to get their names off the list so they wouldn’t be punished but that some of her friends admitted to willingly signing it. She broke down and my heart still breaks writing this. I didn’t care about anything but getting to her and taking her out of that place. I said, “Tell them I’m coming to get you!”

I booked it out of work and called her Dad as I was running to the car. He was heading to the school to support Mini Red. Then I called my Mom and she was all fired up. She said “Tell Mini Red to skip her Dad’s this weekend and come to the beach cause I want to hug her big and spoil her”.

I got to the school and I wasn’t worried about anything more than hugging Mini Red and protecting her. I talked with a counselor briefly but Mini Red wanted to get out of there. By the time she got her stuff from her locker and we were in the parking lot her Dad showed and she got more hugs.

After all this there was no way she was going to the dance so we headed home to gather her things so she could leave with her Dad. I mentioned several times about coming to the beach but she wanted to go to her Dad’s. I was disappointed but hopefully her Dad will give her some tips on how to handle these situations in the future because he can be sarcastically mean and conniving. To watch her leave with him is always difficult even after all these years but after all that had happened it was even more difficult this time.

So I headed to the beach much earlier than expected. The drive wasn’t too bad and traffic only tacked on about another thirty minutes to the three hour drive. Once I arrived my family was all huggy after the day’s events and when Mom, Sis and I were talking about it we all got a little verclempt. Mom is disappointed Mini Red didn’t come to the beach but we agreed it’s a good sign she wanted to go to her Dad’s. Mom is fired up and wants to make sure the school does something about this situation. She's ready to go into the school and get in their face if necessary but suggested I call SIL to get her take on it since she’s a teacher.

SIL gave some great info. As I had suspected I can’t know the punishment of these kids or if they will be suspended from the field trip next week. I can however go with a different angle and for any of you with kids this is great advice. SIL said to contact the school and explain that as Mini Red and I are discussing what has transpired that there are consequences for actions. Mini Red needs to also be aware of this so she doesn’t make the same mistake. What are the consequences determined by the school district for such actions? Plus tell them that I need to let Mini Red know that the school will protect her. I also plan on pointing out that this is bullying and this should bring alarm to the school that a child could behave in such a manner to rally many kids against one.

SIL says it’s all how you pose the question and to not be afraid to ask the policies and what the school will do. She says the school will cater to the parent that asks questions.

The school counselor told me they tried to have the two girls sit down and talk but Mini Red was too upset. They plan on trying this again on Tuesday but I don’t see the point. Maybe if they were in Elementary school but what this girl has done is irreversible and there is no way they can’t be friends at this point. This proposed meeting could be uncomfortable for Mini Red and what would the bully do other than be nice to try to avoid any punishment. I refuse to have Mini Red in this situation and I don’t feel it’s in her best interest.

Friday was just exhausting and I feel empty since Mini Red isn’t with me. I think I could just hug her for three days straight. I’m leaving the beach Sunday to get her so we can have Monday together. Our plan is to catch the new Pirates movie at the Uptown and she is excited about the plans for her weekend.

Just the Facts... 8 of them... Random

2007-05-24T14:06:00.000Z

Tish tagged me (better late than never, eh?). Love to ya Sistah!

The Rules:

Players start with 8 random facts about themselves.

Those who are tagged should post these rules and their 8 random facts.

Players should tag eight other people and notify them that they have been tagged.

The Eight:

I went to an Opus Dei High School. No, I didn’t join. Yes, I’m OK.

I welcomed the year 1994 partying in a bar in Korea.

I have a freckle on my lip that I have come to regard as quite sexy.

I can imitate several accents. I just have to hear a few words and I tend to be able to run with it. This always drove my Mom nuts.

I used these accents to create characters that interacted with Mini Red and taught her life lessons. Mini Red used to tell people that Cruella DeVille taught her how to make her bed.

I love the show “The Girls Next Door”.

I’m learning how to do a loud whistle from a website. I practice while driving.

I shave my legs, pits, etc pretty much everyday. I prefer to be smooth and can’t stand the slightest bit of stubble on my body. My hope is to one day afford to get Alased.

If you'd like to do the meme, leave me a comment so I can check it out!

An office-wide email received today

2007-05-22T17:24:00.000Z

Every one who has a laptop if you could please send me the following information on it:
1.) Make/Model
2.) Cereal Number (underneath the laptop)
3.) Company Bar Code (if it has one)[underneth the laptop]

Response:
1.) Make/Model: Two Scoops
2.) Cereal Number: Raisin Bran
3.) Company Bar Code: Kellogg’s

Hahahahahaha! I needed that!

Pretty in Red

2007-05-19T16:54:00.000Z

About a week ago I had a meeting with Mini Red’s teachers. One of the comments they made was that Mini Red reminds them of Molly Ringwald in the movie “Pretty in Pink”.

I mentioned this to Mini Red and was informed that this is one movie she has not been introduced to. So the other night I was at Target and found the DVD on sale for $7.50. HELLO! That’s my kind of price so I grabbed it.

This morning Mini Red and I slept in a bit, not-to-mention neither of us knows how Mini Red ended up in my room. I guess we were beat after our night out to see Shrek 3. I would give you some sort of review but I fell asleep in the middle of it.

Anyhow, Mini Red and I are watching "Pretty in Pink" this morning, while in our pjs. It’s amazing how much Mini Red looks like Molly Ringwald. Although, I do believe Molly Ringwald has PSUAcoustician's nose. I’m feeling very nostalgic and old watching this.

Here's my favorite scene:

Craigslist Missed Connections

2007-05-16T01:28:00.000Z

I love checking out these Missed Connections. Every once in a while you see two people that have posted about each other like these two. The sad thing is you never get the 411 on the outcome.

Nats Game Monday Night--Blue button-down - w4m - 25
I was sitting in the M-20s with my friends. The field was in front of you, but you turned in my direction an awful lot... I thought you were adorable, but you dashed off after receiving a phone call.

You had dark hair, sitting with two guys.

I was going to say something to your friends who were left, but they booked it after the end of the game.

If you see this, email me so we can go to a game together next time.

Location: M-20s

Nats Game Monday Night - striped blue and gray sweater - m4w - 26
you were sitting a couple of rows directly behind me wearing a blue and gray sweater, white button down shirt and blue pants. You also had a light brown handbag. It seemed you were just there with friends.

I guess you caught me turning around a couple of times and we made eye contact. I tried catching up to you but the crowd didn't let me.

It's a long shot but hope you see this and are as interested as I am.

Location: Nats game

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Then there are all these missed connections for a hot Redhead near the Washington Post recently. I keep responding telling them I’m not near the Washington Post Building but they keep posting.

Actually, I’m thinking of heading over that way to check her out one day.

We almost had a no hitter

2007-05-15T02:39:00.000Z

Dad had tickets to tonight’s Nats game against the Braves and asked Mini Red and I to join he and Mom. I was itching to make it to a game and my company didn’t get tickets this year so I made sure the folks knew I was interested in going.

The metro ride there was irritating to say the least. There was constant waiting to clear the track, or whatever, on the Red line as well as the Blue line. It’s a good thing we got an early start.

The seats were great and we had room until the three rows in front of us showed up. They all obviously work together and the company was paying. The beer guy even commented that he loved this section. A few times Dad and I tried to get in on a free beer from them but no luck.

The game was awesome but there weren’t many hits. In fact the Braves had no hits and we thought we were going to have a no hitter but that all changed in the 8th inning. It was outta the park so to speak. Dad was disappointed because he thought he was going to get to witness history. In the end the Nats won 2 to 1, which makes four consecutive wins

I was watching a game the other night and the batter crossed himself before each time he was about to swing. He did it so fast that some might not even notice it but it’s his lucky charm I guess. You know baseball is one of the more superstitious sports and I have to wonder… When does a player say enough is enough with a superstition? Do you keep wearing those lucky unwashed socks when the fungus on your feet is getting out of control? When do you say this superstition isn’t working anymore? If it isn’t working anymore do you stop or just add another element to it? I bet it’s all like OCD on steroids, huh?

Mother's Day weekend in review

2007-05-14T03:31:00.000Z

Friday was a jam packed day! After work there was a family BBQ for a little one’s birthday and they had some awesome food. The weather was great and it was nice to visit outside while the kids played.

My sister was heading to The Harp and Fiddle to meet up with some friends and I was going to meet up with some of my friends. This was the first time my sister got to see Scythian live and as always Scythian didn’t disappoint. Just check out the photos.

It wasn’t til later on in the evening I saw the drummer at the bar. Mrs. M and I approached him for a photo op. He said he needed a drink first so we waited... And waited… I said, “Forget it I’m not gonna stand here like an idiot. I don’t need a photo that bad.” Living in DC you do see celebrities every so often and the thought of approaching anyone is out of the question in my book. Liquid courage is the only reason I have gone for photos with Scythian and definitely isn’t my thing to do. I definitely won’t be asking for any more photo ops or worrying about completing the set. Mind you this doesn’t change my status as a fan.

I finally arrived home about 2am after a trip to Tastee Diner. At this point I had been up for over 23 hours and need some serious sleep and sleep I did. I slept til 12:30 the next afternoon. I felt much better.

Saturday afternoon brought a housewarming BBQ for my sister’s at her new place in Glover Park. Her place is great and it just reminds me she isn’t so little anymore. She is 13 years younger than me and the baby of the family. I think Dad has the hardest time with her growing up. They had a great turn out of family and friends. Most of the neighborhood is young and someone is always having a party. I couldn't help but feel bad for one set of neighbors who were trying to have a romantic meal in their back yard and we had this party going on. On top of that the Cornhole game going on in the back alley was getting rowdy because Dad was kicking everyone's ass.

The only pictures I took there were of the mating ladybugs. They had a view of the game and were getting it on. At least sex is happening somewhere.

Must be 18 years or older to view the photo below.
Sunday brought Mother’s Day. Mini Red was brought home early and we fueled the car and picked up breakfast and were on the road by 10am. We made it to Kings Dominion by 11:30 and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. I rode the Hyper Sonic and this is when I realized I should have worn my sports bra because I almost gave a nice view to those cameras they have on those rides. Good thing I brought it along just incase and Mini Red and I detoured out to the car so I could change and we could get on with the rides. She was a good look out while I did my quick change in the back seat. This made the rest of the day much easier to have the pups in check.

The drive back up 95 was slow but in the end we made it home in 2 hours. I couldn’t have asked for a better day and I believe this is the best Mother’s Day on record and I was sure to let Mini Red know. I wish this kinda day for everyone.

It was a great weekend filled with Family, Scythian, Mini Red and roller coasters. Who could ask for more?

TONIGHT!

2007-05-11T20:48:00.000Z

At Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle!

Dubbed by The Washington Post as "one of DC's most energetic and eclectic bands" Scythian (sith-ee-yin) falls nothing short of a "party band". Their high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music has one goal in mind - to get people on their feet and dancing. The crowd is an essential element of each show and Scythian relies heavily on crowd participation to get people involved and loosened up. As The Washington Post states, their results are always the same: ""the band's enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses." Led by a pair of young raging fiddlers, Scythian has a great respect and admiration for the traditional - the foundation of their music; nevertheless, Scythian is not afraid to wink at convention in search of a little fun, lending them an appeal to young and old alike.

Maybe tonight I can complete the set and get a photo with the drummer????

I know... I'm such a dork!

The Sign helped when I had to deal with the Crazy

2007-05-11T12:59:00.000Z

Even though I was up early (all night) I let Mini Red sleep a little. When I got her up I forewarned her that I had no sleep and why. She put on her robe and looked out on the balcony over at the loud boys who were still out on their balcony.

We did our usual morning rush around and got out the door at a decent time. I dropped her off and she was walking over to the bus stop when I saw it. It was a sign… a good sign. It was Walking Man and he walked right past Mini Red. She hadn’t even seen him but I promptly pointed him out. Even Mini Red knew it was a sign that it was gonna be a good day.

I was now off to work and a lot less grumpy but lately, the traffic into work has been a bit on the heavy side, at least in Maryland. DC hasn’t been so bad except for one person this morning and that was the Horn Happy Ho. I was about to turn off Connecticut Ave when I hear this obnoxious horn. She didn’t want to let a car in but the car need to get in our lane so he could turn. This isn’t the kind of driving you would expect from a driver of a VW Green Beetle plus this Beetle had a really obnoxious sounding horn.

We continue down to Rock Creek Parkway and I left room in front of me because I knew this one car would need to get over since his lane was ending. But the Horn Happy Ho wasn’t having it and blew her horn at me. I gave her the “Are You Nuts!” look via my rearview mirror but I don’t think she got it because I had my sunglasses on. As soon as she could she got around me and was trying her damndest to move along as fast as possible but she got stuck at the light. HAHAHA. I could hear her honking that horn again at someone else because she didn’t think anyone was moving fast enough when the light turned green. I switched lanes to see if I could get any closer and maybe this would be my first time to ever flip someone off. I realized that if I did get close enough I wouldn’t flip her off because she just wouldn’t get how special it was.

She was flitting back and forth between lanes and looked ridiculous and I swear all the cars around her slowed just to piss her off. I have to admit I did the same and enjoyed watching her frustration. Finally, on Memorial Bridge she was able to get around everyone and shoot ahead. I was still hoping to catch up to her because I thought it would be really cool if I snapped a picture of her while driving next to her. No such luck I was off onto GW Parkway and she headed to Arlington Cemetery.

I love seeing people like this. It really puts any of my own road rage in check because I don’t want to look as idiotic as they do.

Inconsiderate Neighbors

2007-05-11T10:13:00.000Z

I have been up all night due to my loud neighbors. Last time I told them to "Shut Up!" from my balcony.

This time I will be contacting the rental office.

I have also written them a note that I will slip under their door:

Please be advised that I will be filing a complaint with the rental office due to your excessive noise all night long. This is the second time I have had to deal with the noise and on a weeknight. Next time I will just call the Police.

Personally, your rap rendition of “My Effing balls” is not the sound I want wafting around my child’s ears as she sleeps.

Sincerely,
Your Tired and Cranky Neighbor

So I'm fickle about my waxer, shouldn't I be?

2007-05-11T02:18:00.000Z

Frida Kahlo

On our way home from Mini Red's swimming I decided to stop and get waxed. My eyebrows and upper lip that is. My hair is fair and hardly noticeable but I do this for me.

There's this one place I go and all the girls there are nice and I like the job they do. No matter how much you prepare yourself for that strip to be ripped off it still shocks you. Usually the girl will put pressure on the spot recently traumatized by pressing on it. Surprisingly, this does help.

Today I had the same girl I had last time and I swear this one is a masochist. She won’t apply the pressure once she rips the wax off. Last time she made the comment that that my eyebrows are uneven as if this is a bad thing. No one is even check out your boobs cause I'm betting they aren't even either, honey! This time when she was finished she looked at me and commented on how red I was. Of course I’m red! I have fair skin you nim wit.

I think I’m ready to find a new place for the waxing. Maybe I’m fickle about my waxer but that’s my prerogative.

On another note…

I had a bit of a fit with FN tonight. I asked about picking up Mini Red early on Mother’s Day and he offered two hours earlier than usual meaning 3pm. What is the use in that? The day is already gone. Well they had planned a barbecue and he didn’t even think about the fact that I’m the Mom and its Mother’s Day. He said I should have said something earlier. What am I supposed to do, tell him to help Mini Red do something nice for me for Mother’s Day? Shouldn’t that be a given?

He has since moved his family barbecue to Saturday and has now offered to bring Mini Red home real early, rather than me picking her up, so she and I can head to Kings Dominion on Mother’s Day.

I’m much happier now.

Can you see my ass in this?

2007-05-09T16:07:00.000Z

I recently bought a new dress. I don’t have many skirts but I really don’t have any dresses because they don’t work well on me due to my heavier top half.

I tried on at least 10 dresses last Saturday and was really happy when I found one. It’s white with black flowers all over it. I’m a little uncomfortable and self conscious since this is not my usual, but I’m digging it.

I stepped out of work to run an errand and felt some stares. That’s when it hit me... My dress might be a bit see-through in the sun. Oh Shit! Nothing I could do at that point so I quickly finished my errand, raised my head high and got back to the office pronto.

Once back I informed Trish of my concern of this see-through dress. We looked around to see if there was any place the sun was shining through but unless I climbed on top of the desk and stood at the window we were out of luck. So Trish grabbed the lamp off her desk. The problem is it wouldn’t reach the floor so I held it upside down behind me. Trish moved to the other side of the room to see if the light shined through.

Looks like I was worried over nothing and the dress doesn’t appear to be see-through. We plan to get outside later and check it out for real.

Thank goodness for girlfriends, eh?

I’m Done!

2007-05-09T01:35:00.000Z

As in:
Accomplished, a wrap, all in, all over, brought about, buttoned up, compassed, complete, completed, concluded, consummated, depleted, done in, done with, down, drained, effected, effete, ended, executed, exhausted, finished, fixed, fulfilled, over, perfected, performed, realized, rendered, set, spent, succeeded, terminated, through, used up, wired, wrought.

I'm talking about my first credited college course. That is… Until the next class which begins May 29th.

Since the Summer semester is condensed I’ll have this class twice a week, 6 to 11 pm, for eight weeks. I was a little nervous signing up and committing not only myself but Mom but we all know what we are getting into. I finally signed up last night and it’s a good thing too since there was only one seat left.

I have a few family members that recently needed help with their computers and I’m usually on-call for them. I have forewarned them there is a chance I might be calling them for help with Mini Red while I’m at class. This wasn’t my intention when I was helping them but hey why not?

I think The Undertaker is in town

2007-05-07T03:11:00.000Z

Today, Mini Red and I (along with the rest of DC) decided it was a good day for the Zoo. It was the type of weather where you keep taking your sweatshirt on and off. The shade was real cool but the sun felt good and the indoors were real warm.

We went into the small Mammal house and when we came out I got Mini Red an icee thingy. We moved to the side so I could put my sweatshirt back on and this big entourage of scary looking people goes walking by. They were lead by this HUGE dude who was being very loud.

This evening I’m doing a little searching to find out who this guy might be. He kinda looked like some wrestler. I found that the WWE Smackdown is coming to Baltimore and looks like it was just in Virginia. I found a pic of The Undertaker guy and Mini Red and I think this was the dude we saw at the Zoo today. This is when she tells me he was carrying a stuffed prairie dog under his arm. Evidently, he looked right at her and said "I CARRY MY PRAIRIE DOG WITH PRIDE!" I don’t know how I missed that since I was standing right next to her. Maybe I was pulling the sweatshirt over my head at that moment.

Did anyone else see this guy?

I’m in a funk and you, my lucky readers, are who I’m going to complain to. Part III

2007-05-06T13:53:00.000Z

Part III: Mother's Day

Mother’s Day makes me kinda sad. Mini Red is at her Dad’s that weekend but I’m gonna try to get her back early.

My first Mother’s Day there was a necklace I wanted that said “MoM”. I told FN at least a month in advance that I wanted this necklace and how much it was and where to get it. I was looking forward to Mother’s Day because I curious to see how it felt. Mother’s Day was always important to me because it was the one day to really let Mom know how much we appreciate all her hard work. When I was younger I would often times bring Mom breakfast in bed. Even though I couldn’t cook anything I’m told I once brought her bread (un-toasted) and jelly. Sometimes we would go do something after church but as we got older Mom’s request changed and she just wanted us to do yard work with her and Dad. This is when us kids did most of our yard work.

I was so excited when I woke that morning because that year it was my day too. FN knew what I wanted and I was expecting a cooked breakfast or breakfast out. He did go and get doughnuts and then at noon we went to the store to get the necklace for me. I was disappointed that he hadn’t gone and gotten it on his own but I still had high hopes for the day. We got to the store and he watched the baby so I could get my purchase but I couldn’t because they were sold out. No Mother’s Day gift for me on my first Mother’s Day. I had hoped he had at least planned something to celebrate this day but he didn’t. We went home and it was like any other Sunday. I was disappointed.

I love that I’m a Mother and it is the best thing that has ever happened in my life but this day to celebrate my Motherness has never quite been as expected. I guess it’s hard to articulate what I’ve expected and I must sound like a whiney baby but you can’t help feeling like you feel. Mother’s Day is about my Mother not me and I can’t help but feel it will never be my day.

This is the last part in my three part funk rant, although, I could do another about work but I won't. As you’ve probably noticed I turned off comments for these three rants because I’m not looking for anything else other than purging this out of my system. Just writing it made me feel better although I’m a bit nervous about it really being OUT THERE. Then again it is my blog and I’ll do what I want to.

Thank you for reading and thank you for, hopefully, not judging. I’m off to nag Mini Red to clean her room so we can do something after her religion class. I guess this is my unofficial Mother’s Day.

I’m in a funk and you, my lucky readers, are who I’m going to complain to. Part II

2007-05-05T23:07:00.000Z

Part II: Boys

I’m so tired of being alone. I know this is partly my fault because I’m terrified of ending up in anything similar to the relationship I had with my ex husband. It used to be that every guy I met had something that reminded me of him.

Then I met Cool Guy and it was wonderful but I feared it going away. It did… in a snap he disappeared. I was a blithering idiot and I begged him to leave me a message just saying that it was over but he wouldn't. For some reason he wouldn’t give me that closure. Something happened in his life and he went in a cave and disappeared and caused me a lot of pain.

After that no one could compare to him and what we had and I compared future dates to him but didn’t realize this til later on.

Next I dated Hot Older Guy to get over Cool Guy. He was hot and older and I felt guilty because I was dating him for the wrong reasons. He had some serious issues like smoking, drinking (A LOT) and some anger issues. The anger issues were never directed towards me but having me around seemed to tame them. We only dated for about three months but dated again a year later. This is when I found out his great grandfather was a serial killer. Not just any serial killer… He was the guy they based Hannibal Lecter on. It all made sense now and we stopped dating but we stayed friends.

At one point I threw myself into online dating and that was both comical and scary. Yeah… No more online dating for me. Then I really hit a dry spell cause I didn’t (I don’t) know how to meet anyone.

I started talking to Ladies Man online but not by way of any dating site. It was just happenstance. We were getting to know each other and he was unlike anyone I had ever known but we hadn’t met in person. He had a long vacation planned and we were going to finally meet when he got back. I was anxious and ready to “shoot my wad” so to speak in anticipation of us finally meeting to see if there was a spark. Then I got the email. He had talked about me so much that an old girlfriend got jealous and was finally ready to maybe do what it took for them to make it work. I was dumped before it got started. I was crushed and I was amazed that a dude I never met could hurt me like that.

So the dry spell continued and I realized that when I finally meet someone it will probably be after we have gotten to know each other in some non stressful environment and down the road maybe start dating. This is what happened with Awesome Guy. I was attracted to him but I wasn’t sure and I actually thought he might be too nice. My wishy washiness about him was all in my head but he enveloped so much of what I was hoping for in a guy. We had a professional relationship so there was no way anything could happen between us. The professional relationship ended and a few weeks later he called and asked me out. It was all I could do to control my excitement but I felt I had been holding so much in waiting for this time for him to call that it should be easier to handle now. Our first date was a movie and drinks and we could talk in a more relaxed atmosphere. Our second date we spent the day together and gradually got closer throughout the day and finally had our first kiss. What an awesome kiss it was too! We had a third date and spent the day together and that too ended with a fabulous kiss. That was the last time I saw him. It all seemed to be going so well and I’m still sad over this and it’s been almost two months now. Sometimes I think maybe I’ll hear from him again but I think I was given a line and that’s it.

I think dealing with a dude disappearing is getting easier for me. Everytime I think a guy is different I realize they are pretty much all the same. They say nice things but in the end there words are empty. Maybe that sounds sad or bitter but I think it’s just the reality that must be faced.

So I keep up my guard because of the amount of times I have been let down and this makes it more difficult for the next dude that comes along. Not knowing what happened and having no control seems to be the name of the game in this world.

I’ve met someone else who is a really nice guy and he wants to date me. I want to have all these romantic feelings for him but I’m just not feeling that way about him. I have been open and honest and even told him about Awesome Guy. He is willing to be patient but I’m afraid it just isn’t happening for me. The last thing I want to do is treat him the way I have been treated but I have been open and honest and at this point I can’t be responsible for his feelings. Some of those other guys can’t say that and they are responsible for hurting me. I guess I’m responsible for how it affects me after that.

It is said we have to have these experiences and the pains along with the joys. I just have to try and not let it hold me back because sometimes it’s just easier to hide from it all.

I’m in a funk and you, my lucky readers, are who I’m going to complain to. Part I

2007-05-04T17:59:00.000Z

Part I: Aloneness and Road Rage

I guess my funk started the other night as I was leaving class. The parking lot had only a few cars but was lit well by the full moon, which had this beautiful aura of hazy colors. The night was quiet and it made me sad because usually I leave class and pick Mini Red up from my parents and take her home and put her to bed. This night I was going home alone because Mini Red was away with her school for Outdoor Ed. It had been a long time since I felt this alone and missed Mini Red this bad. She is off to her Father’s every other weekend and when she is with him for a week I can call her every day and I do. There was no communication while she was at Outdoor Ed and I had to trust these people to take care of her.

I can’t help but remember the day she was born. It was an amazing experience to go through labor. Mini Red came out and they immediately took her to the other side of the room to clean her up and check her out. At that sweet moment she was born and came into this world I felt so alone. I felt her moving for so long inside me and now there was nothing but hollowness and it was sad. It was the saddest moment on the best day of my life.

I'm so glad she is home now I can't hug her enough.

The funk continues as I drove home from work, Thursday, and traffic was horrible. I can definitely get road rageous but it hit me... It’s all about control. We want to be in control of our own lives down to the tiniest part. I figure this is only normal but when you are on the road and you are stuck due to traffic or some other car you are definitely not in control. I’m so tired of being frustrated at these other drivers and there isn’t a damn thing I can do about it.

It just amazes me the amount of idiots on the road. They come in your lane, take up the whole road, they don’t’ even move when it’s their turn. Oh then there’s the Potomac soccer Moms in their Expeditions that nearly run you over because they are on the phone and no ear piece.

I will still shake my head at all the Special Ed drivers and hopefully they will feel stupid and learn something but I’m not expending any more energy on this. It’s all about control and we all want to be in control but we can’t. We have to learn to let it go only then can we regain control of our own lives.

Did you know you can get porn on the Disney Channel?

2007-05-03T14:39:00.000Z

Evidently, Middletown NJ kids got more than they bargained for Tuesday morning while watching Handy Manny. They got a few minutes of porn.

Full Story

So many things come to mind:

Oops I was looking for “Handy Manny” not “Horny Nanny”.
Yeah! Free porn!
Use it as a learning experience e.g. “This is how Mommy and Daddy made you.”
“Wow! Manny really knows how to use his hammer.”

From my Inbox: How Men use Post-It Notes

2007-05-03T13:58:00.000Z

I know women who use Post-It's for the same reason

I got a new Toy!

2007-05-01T02:32:00.000Z

I love getting new toys!

I got a 500GB External Hard Drive.

I know... I'm a geek but this thing tickles my toucas.

Before Grey's Anatomy

2007-04-28T01:31:00.000Z

I had once read somewhere that Kate Walsh, who plays Dr. Addison Montgomery, was in "Under the Tuscan Sun". This is such a great movie and was on cable tonight but I missed the beginning. So I went searching to confirm Kate Walsh's character.

I found it and then it hit me. Kate Walsh played Sandra Oh's life partner. I just found it a bit odd to see them playing a gay couple so long before they both ended up in Grey's Anatomy.

What great actors!

Are you ever amazed when you realize what's going around you?

2007-04-27T14:20:00.000Z

Thursday, I was working out of my office in Alexandria. One of my co-workers was looking out my window and saw this site:

He couldn’t understand why this guy was sitting on this dumpster spraying every last bit of debris that was coming down the shoot.

I said, “It’s their asbestos control.”

“What is it they’re spraying? It couldn’t be just water?”

I told him, “Yup, its just water. When I was at the Pentagon they were doing some renovations outside my office. There were complaints about the asbestos so they put a guy in the dumpster to spray down all the debris so no one would inhale it. The dude standing in the dumpster told me it only helped somewhat but it’s less expensive this way and appeased worries about the asbestos.”

Shortie added, "Our health is in the hands of a garden hose!"

As we were watching this guy straddle and spray another dude comes walking out, stands next to the dumpster to smoke. Unbelievable!

Even more amazing, than the dude smoking next to the make-shift asbestos abatement, is they are open for business. Guests are even in the rooms just below the construction.

I understand sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get the job done as in this case controlling this asbestos. I don't know if it's better to know what is going on and be afraid of how it's being handled or if it's better to be oblivious. I guess this can apply this to many other situations such as politics or is it all considered politics of one sort or another?

Snow last weekend, Sun and Water this weekend.

2007-04-24T02:49:00.000Z

This past weekend the Reds were traveling again. This time we were off to Connecticut for a baby shower for SIL. I would say the best part was I didn’t have to drive but the place we stayed was probably my favorite part.

We stayed at the Madison Beach Hotel on Long Island Sound. This place is beautiful with its old time charm. It was a great family bonding time since the whole fam damily was there not to mention the long trip and our close quarters on the drive.

I couldn't get enough of walking around the grounds and along the water but I think Mini Red enjoyed it more. Sunday morning the water was so calm and Mini Red explored and found some beautiful shells.

We made great time on Sunday and arrived home around 2:30. Mini Red and I then headed into town for a book festival. We bumped into some friends and they joined us in our quest for ice cream. We got to the ice cream shop in the nick of time because they were running out of ice cream and closing up.

The best part was the girl scooping was beat and raised her arm to wipe her brow and exposed her hairy armpit. I have to wonder if there are hairnets for the hairy armpits. Shouldn’t they be required? I certainly lost my appetite for the ice cream and decided to have bottled water instead.

My two cents

2007-04-20T13:49:00.000Z

These Virginia Tech murders have been a nightmare. So many questions are being asked and everyone is trying to figure out a way to make sure it doesn’t happen again. On top of that there is so much finger-pointing going on.

Yes we all have questions as to how this boy’s misery came to this. We may not know all the answers just like so many other events in history that are shrouded in mystery and cover-up. As Americans I think we have learned to accept that we may not be given all the answers. Right now it’s a media field day and it seems to be more about this psycho boy and less about honoring the victims.

No matter who you are this tragedy is affecting you in one way or another as a student, a parent or even just as a friend. I can’t help but do my own finger pointing and wonder if his parents knew him at all.

Yesterday morning Mini Red and I were talking:

Red: Do you know why I ask so many questions about school and your friends and how you’re feeling about this and that?
Mini Red: So I don’t end up like that boy?
Red: No, so I know you. If there is a problem then I can be there for you and help you. To know you and recognize if something might be wrong.
Mini Red: Oh.
Red: You should be able to come to me with anything. I may not like everything I hear but I am here for you.

Some reports say this boy may have been schizophrenic and there is so much speculation as to why? If he was schizophrenic then shouldn’t his parents have known this and gotten him help? Did they ever even talk to him? Because it seems as if there was a lot going on that they were unaware of even though all signs seemed to be there.

As our kids grow older we gradually lose control and have to trust in the values we have instilled in them. We also have to trust the rest of the world not to hurt them. I don’t see how any measure could have been put into place to have avoided this tragedy other than his own parents taking notice of him and helping him a long time ago.

I can’t see how after the first murders, in the dorm, anyone could have figured it all out and avoided the next strike. It’s Friday and they are still trying to figure out why this happened. We don’t live in a utopia and thank goodness we aren’t living like George Orwell’s 1984 because this seems to be the only way to possibly avoid just such tragedies.

No one can control the world and these happening can’t be controlled except by parents taking care of their kids. Let’s honor our deceased and the wonderful lives they led. This horrible boy is gone so let’s concentrate on making better parents and communication. Because this, I believe, is the key to avoiding these happenings in the future.

Just my two cents.

Finally Finally Finally Sanjaya is gone!

2007-04-19T01:56:00.000Z

I haven't even been watching all season and wasn't even interested. It seemed so foolish this season but I turned it on tonight.

Ever sit down to a meal and eat WAY too much????

2007-04-19T01:30:00.000Z

Have you noticed that the older you get the longer it takes for that “I’m REALLY Stuffed” feeling to go away?

I have the perfect solution.

But…

It works best if your lactose intolerant.

Have two scoops of ice cream… or more if necessary.

The results cause you to go running to the bathroom and empty out.

Of course, I must reiterate, that it works best if your lactose intolerant or it may make symptoms worse.

Well… I’m off for my two scoops.

Celebrating the Jubilarians ended with a Spring Snow and tragedy in Blacksburg

2007-04-17T01:56:00.000Z

The trip up to Scranton was uneventful and speedy. By the time we hit Wilkes-Barre we decided it was time to stop and get a bite to eat. I love it when there’s no stopping on a trip and you drive right through putting you ahead of schedule. This was a good move because there was no other time to eat all evening.

Aunt Dot was happy to see us and she looked great! We had so much for her and I wasn’t expecting her to want it all but she did. Yeah! I brought her two small plant stands for her balcony and Ra sent a small three tier stand that Aunt Dot loved. Plus we brought her two plants. I was happy she wanted it all and we found places for everything. This also meant I didn’t have to bring it home with me.

I also discussed her taking back a beautiful piece she gave me last time. It’s an Our Lady of Hope figurine plate thingy I got her years ago. She was happy that I would bring it back for her to hang on her wall. These were all great signs because I think last time she was just getting ready to die. This time she is fighting and she wants to walk again. She’s even wearing her wig again. The other sisters and I can’t figure this part out. When she was sick and could wear her wig we were all surprised to see she had a lot of hair and it’s less gray than the wig. Go figure.

Sunday was the big Jubilee. There were 18 sisters celebrating from 60 years up to 80 years as nuns. Evidently, it added up to over 1000 years of service. Holy moly! So many of the Jubilarians were nervous but not Aunt Dot. She had her hair done first thing in the morning and was more confident than I had seen her in some time.

After Mass there was a catered supper I still can’t get over how happy she was. I was a happy girl when I found the wine fountain. This might have added to my exhaustion but by the time Mini Red got to our room in the convent, that evening, we could barely keep our eyes open.
The next morning we woke to SNOW! I had heard this might happen but Scranton had 4 inches by 8am and most of the schools were closed. Frackville had 8 inches by 8am and that was the direction we were going. We visited with Aunt Dot for a while before we go on the road around ten. Route 81 wasn’t bad but around Frackville there were all sorts of crazies on the road and not long after that the snow was clearing up. We made record time and Mini Red took pictures the whole way home.
I’m trying to get Mini Red to look around and notice things along the road. She even noticed modern day windmills along the top of a mountain. She went on to tell me they were learning about how they are taking old ideas like the windmills and modernizing them for alternate energy sources for when we run out of oil. This is what I love about these drives.

We stopped in Thurmont to see what Dirt Cheap was selling. As we were getting ready to leave I see the news talking about VA Tech. I did a little panic and at that point I hadn’t even heard all the details like the kids in the engineering class. My panic is my cousin who is studying engineering there. When Mom picked up the phone she just said “He’s fine”. We don’t have a lot of detail but Mom called my Uncle and just confirmed via his secretary that he’s fine. I’m sure we’ll hear more later and I’m just praying that he was no where near any of it.

Even more terrifying than having family there and still another cousin is a professor there is this is so gruesomely unexpected. Here these kids are and there worst fear is a bad grade and this crazy dude comes in firing. How can a parent feel safe sending their child off to school? I just can’t believe what this world is coming too?

I was too busy to notice it was the Day of Evil

2007-04-14T04:02:00.000Z

The plan for the day was to get a lot done this morning and then get to the office. I never made it to the office but I got a helluva lot done.

Dropped Mini Red off at the bus, went to the ATM, Coffee from Dunkin Donuts and I had the car at the dealership by 7:40. This put me third in line for the day, which ain’t too shabby.

The oil needed to be changed and I had already made an appointment next week for the sunroof recall but this morning they said they would do it all and give me a loaner. On top of that I was due for the 15,000 mile check up and I had noticed some strange things they were going to check out.

By 8:30 I was at Mini Red’s doctor to get some forms signed for her upcoming Outdoor Education trip. I’m told it’s normally a 72 hour turn around to get these papers done but she was squeezing me between patients. Thank goodness.

By 9:30 I was visiting former coworkers and picked up a trampoline to be delivered later to Ra.

I made it to the mall a little after 10, which gave me some time to shop for Aunt Dot but I couldn’t find what I was looking for so I headed to the third floor where Mini Red’s Orthodontist is.

10:40 appointment with Mini Red’s Orthodontist was to review her status and suggestions for the next round of braces. I have had so much anxiety about this and the upcoming cost but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and the Doctor and his staff are awesome! I have to come up with some serious down payment and it’s gonna start with some extraction of teeth which are added cost on top of what the braces will cost. Oye! But it could always be worse right?

Since I was in the mall I went to Lenscrafters to scope out the frames. I found some new frames but these costs are outrageous. I decided to come back another time after I found some frames I like. I need to figure this all out since it feels like so much money is flying out of my butt between braces, glasses and just living day to day.

Today was the deadline for the Outdoor Ed permission slips and fees so by 11:40 I was off to Mini Red’s school to drop them off. Once that was done I headed to drop the trampoline at Ra’s in Columbia. There’s no way I’m making it to the office today.

I arrived at Ra’s about 12:20 and was greeted by her mother. I was so excited to see her and had completely forgotten she would be in town from Canada. I just grabbed her and hugged hard cause I just love this woman.

Ra’s 4 year old helped me unload the trampoline in the back yard. He and I had tried it out the prior weekend and I can’t wait til they have it put together and I can get on it again. At one point the 4 year old was dragging this one part and I suggested it might be easier if he picked it up from the middle.

He looked at me like I was crazy and said, “I can’t Auntie Red! This is heavy and I’m a little guy.”

“Oh ok. Then just finish dragging it to the end of the yard.”

We finished unloading the trampoline, reloaded the car with stuff for my aunt, clothes Ra was giving to Mini Red and closed everything up. I see Ra all the time but it was nice to sit down to lunch and visit with her and her Mom. For dessert we had chai tea, cookies, sat back, relaxed and chatted… I feel so comfortable in her home.

By 2:30 I was off again dropping stuff off at Mom’s, picking up Mini Red, dropping stuff at home and off to find some things Aunt Dot had requested. Dropped off the loaner, picked up the car and continued the search and didn’t find anything I was looking for. We left Rockville and headed to Wheaton to treat ourselves to El Pollo Rico and finally got home by 7 and we are beat.

But we aren’t done yet. A few hours later I made an ice cream run. It’s no longer Lent so we after the chicken dinner there was some homemade hot fudge in the fridge that has been waiting patiently for me.

Packing will be last minute, for me, and hopefully we won’t start out too late for Scranton in the morning. This weekend will be good for my soul since we will be staying at the convent again and there is no internet access. Aunt Dot is celebrating over 70 years as a nun and I’m glad she is in better spirits.

She is still unable to walk and understands that everything is different now but she is ok with it. I was worried about the “ok with it” part but she requested some plants and I took this as a great sign.
Mini Red isn’t looking forward to the nuns pawing her but Scranton’s forecast has snow in it and that makes it all worth it for her. I’m looking forward to the drive on 81 because it's so beautiful.
At least I won’t have to drive on next weekend’s trip to Connecticut for a baby shower for SIL.

The Reds are a traveling!

How positive is your thinking? Maybe you need to take the challenge too?

2007-04-12T03:06:00.000Z

Today a discussion ensued regarding positive thinking. One of my co-workers tends to be a bit negative when it comes to herself and I am often the same way. I like to think of myself as a positive person but again that is different when it comes to me. I think this goes back to “We’re our own worst critic”.

I remember hearing that studies have been done showing that positive thinking can be life changing. So much so that it can help heal you and live a longer life. Google it and you will find a million articles.

Study Verifies Power of Positive Thinking
Optimism and the Immune System
Positive Thinking Can Help You Feel Better, Longer
The Power of Positive Thinking
The Power of Positive Thinking, Psychology Today

In our discussion today I said, “So you start seeing someone and he says something has happened and he can’t talk. He will call you as soon as he can. It was all going so well and you know he is/was into you. Do you hold out hope to hear from him again or write him off? This way if you don’t hear from him then you’re prepared for the worst and protect your heart. If not and you hold out hope and are let down then it’s more difficult to take.”

MB chimed in and said, “Either way you have the chance of being let down so why not be happy during some of that time? If you’re happy then it makes it easier to take the bad.”

Jay’s theory is not that it’s a negative thing it’s just being prepared. She believes there's a fine line between negativity and preparedness.

We have decided to challenge ourselves and invite others to join us. Starting April 15th we begin the month long Positive Thinking Challenge.

We are going to make great efforts not to have the negative thoughts and really concentrate on the positive. We want to see how changing our thought patterns influence our lives.

The hardest part might first be recognizing those negative thoughts.

I mentioned this to Trish back at the office and she loved the idea. All of us briefly discussed that we needed to set up parameters for ourselves or rather consequences for negative thoughts to encourage the positive. We soon realized we were being negative and instead of consequences we need to reward ourselves for the positive.

I don’t think parameters or rewards can be generalized for everyone. For me I have decided to put aside a dollar for every time I turn a negative thought around. After May 15th I will take that money and buy Trish lunch. Why? Because she suggested it.

So who wants to join us in this quest for a month? It could possibly change your life.

For my fellow IT Geeks

2007-04-11T21:45:00.000Z

My Professor showed this to the class last night:

A sign on the way to Chinatown for Fadó Thursday but in the end the birds are dead

2007-04-07T04:00:00.000Z

I was so happy when it was time to leave work, on Friday, and just happy to have made it through the day cause I had the hangover stomach thing going on. I didn’t drink that much last night but what I did drink I guess I took it in pretty fast.

Getting through town after work on Friday was fairly easy but I guess a lot of people were already out of town for Easter. There was a fair amount of tourists on their best behavior and we were all getting along as I drove by the Tidal Basin.

I was on Rock Creek Parkway and thinking about the post I want to write about Thursday night with Scythian at Fadó’s.

The evening started out with a sign: Mrs. M had arrived and was waiting as I ran out of the apartment and hit the button to call the elevator. This elevator is a bit temperamental and will often pass me. The light on the button will go off and the doors never open. Sometimes I catch it and hit the button again and it will open but I missed it this time. Screw it I’ll take the stairs. I get down one flight and realize I left the oven on. I’m not just worried it’s on I KNOW it’s on so I run back up. On my way I notice the button is still lit waiting for the elevator. I run down the hall into my apartment and turn off the oven thanking God the whole time. But it gets better. I run back down the hall to the stairway and notice the button on the elevator is not lit and figured the damn elevator had already passed. Just as I was passing the elevator the doors opened. WTF!? I took this as a sign from the big guy upstairs is telling me to stop worrying about crap cause he’s got my back and I’m not talking about my upstairs neighbor.

We drive to the Metro and got an awesome parking spot and just as were approaching the platform the train arrived. These are all small things but me thinks I should have bought a lottery ticket.

I’ve wanted to check out Scythian’s, “Fadó Thursday” but weeknights aren’t easy. With Mini Red on Spring Break at her Dad’s I figured I should take advantage and a few friends were more than obliged to join me. Mrs. M and I were walking out of the Metro when we bumped into Rachel. The three of us arrived at Fadó’s to find Shortie, PSUAcoustician and WW and shortly thereafter we finally got to meet the ever famous Texpundit. This was my first time at Fadó’s, which is pretty cool and kinda cave like. Shortie and PSUAcoustician tell us the food is good too.

By the time Scythian started we had left the table and moved closer. In no time Scythian got the crowd energized. Many pictures were taken and WW and Tex seemed to really enjoy their first Scythian experience.

So as I’m thinking about this post and driving through Rock Creek these two birds come flying across the street. I have no idea what they were doing be it fighting, playing, having sex, whatever. I didn’t think much of it until I heard a thud!

OMG!

I immediately looked in my rearview mirror and didn’t see the birds. I couldn’t help but think I have two dead birds on my grille. I took my normal route up Cathedral and onto Connecticut. While at the light at the Zoo I was looking around to see if anyone notices the dead birds on my grille. Ok this is a good sign because no one is looking so I’m really hoping there aren’t two dead birds on the front of my car.

Read all about the Guiness Fairy.

The Deadliest Catch, Season 3

2007-04-05T01:59:00.000Z

Last night was the premier of the third season of The Deadliest Catch on The Discovery Channel, Tuesday's at 9pm. If you haven't watched this then you gotta start.

Mike Row, from Dirty Jobs, narrates as these men do one of the deadliest but most lucrative jobs in the world. Remember the movie “The Perfect Storm”? Well it goes a little something like that but in the Bering Sea. It’s absolutely fascinating.

If you missed last night’s first show of the season then it looks like they are playing it again on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10pm.

You can't help but get into it.

First Fergie… Now Alanis. Whose Humps are next?

2007-04-05T01:40:00.000Z

Did you hear about Alanis Morisette newest song/video? She's the new Weird Al Yankovich or rather the female version.

I was reading CreoleInDC and she found Alanis's newest video on You Tube. So I had to post it too!

First check out the original. I was never a fan of this song.

I was never a fan of Alanis but I like her version much better!

Awesome!

The Cherry Blossoms are killing the Tourists Brain Cells!

2007-04-03T17:36:00.000Z

I just don’t get it. Do they go brain dead when they are on vacation? Does D.C cause them to loose their manners?

DC is hard enough to get around then the Cherry Blossoms bloom and the tourists arrive in droves. Lawd help us! They cross the street even though the sign is blinking DO NOT WALK. Some are at times RUNNING down the street. HURRY HURRY you might miss the Cherry Blossoms!

Then there are the drivers. They have the cab drivers stop in the middle of the road so they can gawk without having to deal with all the people. Then I almost got hit when a tourist didn’t like the price for the parking lot and she immediately went in reverse without looking. I laid on my horn and I’m not a honker but finally got out of my way and was leaving. I paid for my parking and I was instructed to pull around and park in this one spot. On my way to the spot and the same woman took it because she changed her mind and NOW wanted to park there.

It wouldn’t be so bad if I wasn’t working on site and begged my Project Manager to let us all work elsewhere for the next two weeks.

On top of all this I had an eye appointment this morning. Come to find out someone cancelled me in their system which delayed everything. I only got glasses a few years ago and it’s primarily for reading and the computer. I don’t wear them all the time but I don’t leave home without them anymore. Years ago I quit smoking and was excited about using smaller purses since I wouldn’t be carrying cigarettes. Now I have glasses to carry around, ugh.

They dilated my eyes, which is just the most fun thing ever (note the sarcasm). Then I drove through DC’s awful traffic. I couldn’t take any unfamiliar alternate routes since I couldn’t read the street signs so I had to stay on course. Then I hit the Tidal Basin and the brain dead tourists. Oye!

When the woman almost hit me my red headed top was ready to blow a gasket. Now I’m afraid of driving through the psycho tourists as I leave. I can’t even enjoy a beer tonight because I have class, which I have high hopes for. Last week was a bit difficult.

Tomorrow definitely has a beer in my future and even better is Thursday. If I can just make it to Thursday it will all be fine.

Mini Red is at her Dad’s all week and I miss her but this is my chance to finally get to Fadó’s on a Thursday night to see Scythian. I will definitely have a beer that night!

Oh and if you are looking for the schedule for the Cherry Blossom Festival... You won't find it here so look elsewhere.

We are our own worst critic aren't we?

2007-03-29T01:16:00.000Z

Thanks for all the great comments on the last post.

Since I started blogging Velvet was always been a big local presence. Her boldness to speak her mind is wonderful and I have loved and admired her writing. I knew it was coming to an end but when I read “I’m done” I knew she meant it and it hit me and really made me think.

There are times I was obsessed about posting but I realize I want quality instead of quantity.

The obsessing to write has chilled out and the purpose for the blog has changed but now I need to figure out the purpose. Who am I writing for? What does blogworthy mean for Life of Red?

As a single Mom and now having this class time is limited. As a Blogger I sometimes sit behind the computer for a really long time. Monday night I had a kick ass run with Mrs. M, ran some errands and chilled on the couch with Mini Red. I didn’t touch the computer all evening. It was kinda nice. The weather is getting beautiful and that’s another factor in less blogging.

Life of Red won’t end and I won’t stop blogging but some re-evaluating is definitely going on.

In the meantime... Tish is doing the Self Portrait Challenge again and found this fun thing to do:

Create your own mosaic here.

**Click the photo to see closer