The devil was cast out and it was FM!

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!

Labor Day weekend at the Beach

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.

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

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

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.

How I met the Ocean City Fire Department

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.

I hope next week isn't as tough

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.

Mother's Day weekend in review

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?

Snow last weekend, Sun and Water this weekend.

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.

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

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

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!

Oye! It has been a very disappointing week... So far

Thank goodness I had the Shamrock Festival in the middle of it all, but...

I just don’t get you boys.

Taxes... Enuf said!

Driving in DC.

My Spring Break day was disappointing and Mini Red is now in big doo doo trouble. She's kissing my butt right now trying to get out of her punishment.

With all my frustrations, lately, today was unusual at work. I was the happy-go-lucky positive one. I guess someone had to be. Tomorrow I'm dragging my co-workers on a field trip. We are gettin' a free coffee at Starbucks. I hope they know where one is.

Ok here is another positive... Brother-Man and SIL announced the name they have chosen for the baby at our weekly Family Dinner. They are naming him after my Dad. The look on Dad's face was priceless!

I’m sure it will be better tomorrow after a run with Mrs. M. A good run always helps. Oh crap! I hope it doesn't rain.

If all else fails then I will hang with the Fam and we will get our drink on celebrating St. Patrick's Day at the beach... In the cold... And the rain.

OK, OK, OK I know! I can get some sleep this weekend.

Much better now.

Wanna peek? Sure ya do!

I know I know there has been a lack of posts from your truly. I’ve heard it from a few of you and I find that a bit amusing.

Justin, who I haven’t spoken to in about a month, called to see if I was ok.

Google Boy called and said “No posts in 6 days! Is this correct? I want to make sure I’m not missing anything.”

I even got an email from Elvis asking what’s up with the dating scene especially after this post. He said he would be my cheerleading section:

She's sexy, she's cute,
She's popular to boot.
She's bitchin', great hair,
The boys all love to stare,
She's wanted, she's hot,
She's everything GSA feds are not.

As for you curious folks… No, I did not hear from DM but I didn’t expect to. Steps have been taken in the dating arena but that is not to be revealed for fear of being jinxed.

This life of mine has so many roles and keeping me very busy especially of late.

Work is very busy and no time to even check out any blogs during the day let alone post. It doesn’t help that I’m on site and only have dial up for internet. On-site we are in a room with no windows on the bottom floor. Because of the tight security we have to be escorted anywhere we go in the building so we just stay in this room until we leave. We are, thank goodness, allowed to go to the bathroom unescorted. I have come to the conclusion that women come from all parts of the building to our out-of-the-way bathroom to unleash the dead within them. Each day I am able to hold my breath longer and longer.

Class is five hours every Tuesday evening. Two hours lecture and three hours lab but the time flies and I’m loving it. We recently learned to repair/restore old or damaged photos and colorization.

As a Single Mom Mini Red keeps me busy. She has swimming twice a week and then there are the various activities such as her concerts. Going to the concerts can be pain not only because I don’t know many of the other parents but I often sit alone or even worse with Mini Red’s father (ugggh), his wife and various other family members of his. I love to listen to Mini Red play but these events get PACKED and are enough to make anyone claustrophobic. I would do anything for Mini Red and thankfully my family tries their best to be there for not only Mini Red but me.

Wednesday is Family Dinner Night. Brotha-Man, SIL, Sis and sometimes… Hmmmm he needs a name. I’m talking about Sis’s boyfriend... Let’s call him Chase. Haha it’s done you finally have a name here. So as I was saying we all go over to the Folks for dinner every Wednesday after work. We catch up on what everyone is up to and sometimes other family members join us like Aunts and Uncles. These nights have become more fun each week and bring us all closer. We love seeing SIL’s pregnant belly growing on her tiny frame. Mini Red will play her violin and more recently I have been sharing what I have been producing in my class. My big night was when Chase found me in Wa Po Express (print edition pg 36) and brought a copy for me. I think Dad got a kick out of it or at least I did watching him read it.

Then there is the one night I run. Mrs. M and I alternate meeting at each others homes and we run different routes each time. This has at times been difficult but we motivate each other. We miss every so often due to weather or illness but try to make it up. We not only get some exercise but there are other benefits like exploring the neighborhoods around us and getting time to talk away from the craziness that is our lives.

So there you have a peek into my crazy weekdays and why I might be tired. You know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How do you know if you’re Royalty?

Mini Red hangs with my Mom every afternoon after school. Mom makes sure Mini Red gets her homework done, which is a huge help and makes our busy evenings easier.

Saturday morning Mini Red and I were hanging out at home and she says to me, “Mom, are you a Princess?”

I have no idea where this is coming from but I tell her that I’m the Queen of our home so she is the Princess.

“Grandma told me that Steve would say he’s a Prince since his Mother’s name, Regina, means Queen in Latin and his Father’s name, Regis, means King in Latin. If Steve is a Prince then you must be a Princess Mama.”

How cute was that? What I liked even better is that Mom spoke of Steve and then to tell her something I had never heard.

Steve is my biological Father who was killed in Vietnam. We never spoke much of him because I was so young and then Mom remarried. It was an unspoken thing between her and I and we wanted to be respectful of the man who became my Dad.

“Well Mini Red… Then that proves you ARE a Princess.”

It feels good when you get a lot accomplished.

It's been a busy four day weekend. I took Friday off after Ra asked me to watch her boys that afternoon. She never has anyone watch the boys and I know she doesn’t have many people in the area so I was happy to help out.

I was planning on working in the morning but decided to take the full day off. I had my physical therapy in the morning. The elbow was getting much better but since the new year it has decided to act up considerably and frustrating the poop outta me.

Next stop… The G-Car needed its oil changed and what-nots checked over. Sitting in the waiting room is where I learned Rachel Ray has a talk show. I love her cookbooks but I have to wonder if she is trying to be the next Martha Stewart. She had Lisa Rinna on and I have no idea what they were talking about between my fascination of her lips and this woman who walked into the waiting room giving me all the details on how her hairstyle was supposed to be like Lisa Rinna's. I am so not interested because I’m trying to get a better look the TV and those strange lips, which seem get in the way of her talking. They look so full that I’m expecting them to burst at any moment.

My next stop is something I have been procrastinating on and now I’m down to the wire. I had to go to the community college to retake my English assessment. If I made two more points this time then I wouldn’t have to take an English class and could go straight to the other classes I’m interested in. I had to go to a couple of buildings, get authorization and then take the test but it didn’t take as long as I had anticipated. When I left I could have done cartwheels to my car because I finally just went in and took care of it. If I have to take the English class then that is fine and I probably really need it then.

Next stop… Ra’s so she can feed me before she and her hubby head out. I’m nervous since the youngest, who is almost 2, is such a mama’s boy and cries if he can’t find her. As they are walking out the door I occupy him with some game and he was never the wiser. He didn’t cry once not even when I put them in the car. Ra says she has to bribe him to get in the car because he hates it. Maybe he had no problem because we were heading on an adventure to get Mini Red and the boys love Mini Red. Ra was amazed at his behavior and how good the boys were for me but her oldest had said his little brother wouldn’t cry for Auntie Red and he was right.

The afternoon flew by and we all headed out to dinner to celebrate Ra’s birthday. Before we left another friend of Ra’s stopped by to drop off a birthday gift. I had given her a smores / fondue set I thought they could all enjoy and no card. I’m not much of a card person except for special occasions. “Save a Tree” is what I say. This is a new friend who wrote her something beautiful about how she values her friendship. Ra turns to me and says, "Red, why can’t you write me things like that?”

I replied, “I don’t have to because you know I love you and your boys don’t cry when I BABYSIT them.”

We both had a laugh. She and I have been friends a long time. Ra stayed with Mini Red and me for two weeks before she left the area to get married. The apartment I was in at the time was really small so she just stayed in my room with me. One night Mini Red woke up and Ra went and got her and next thing I know there were three of us in my bed. When you’re that comfortable with someone you know you’ve found a good friend. We’ve had our ups and downs as friends but I think that just makes our friendship stronger.

Friday was a long day and we still needed to throw some things together for our trip to see Aunt Dot. I’m not a big planner and tend to do these things last minute. Same went for booking a hotel room, which I did at 10pm Friday night.

Mini Red and I were looking forward to Monday and no responsibilities. We planned to be lazy and to see a movie. We succeeded! We didn’t sleep as late as we had hoped but we got out to the movie “Night at the Museum”, which was fantastic. I wouldn’t have thought so but everyone that has seen it has loved it.

We stopped to pick up my finished coffee table from my parents. I started refinishing this table back in the summer but then just let it go. It wasn’t going where I wanted it to so I stopped for a while until I figured it out, which I did recently.

After I went for a run I put the pieces of the coffee table together and Mini Red helped me put it in place. It was the perfect end to a long weekend.


Happy MLK Day!

It was a dreary drive but we are glad to be home

We got a late start and the trip up to Scranton seemed to take forever. I would guess the rain and fog didn’t help. At one point it got dark so fast I had to confirm with Mini Red for fear something was wrong with my tired eyes.

We arrived and Aunt Dot seemed happy to see us. She looks so good and I couldn’t have asked for more other than her dancing down the hallway. She is living in assisted living and it’s the building next to where she lived prior to the stroke. Seems I’m the only one she complains to but she hates it there and refuses to settle in. So much so that she doesn’t want to even use the dressers.

Her former living arrangements were like a dorm. No A/C and they all share a dorm like bathroom. Back in August when I first saw the new assisted living facility I could help but hope she would want to move there soon just for peace of mind and the fact that she would soon be 94. Her age alone should have been reason enough. Her new digs give her a bedroom and a living area as well as her own huge bathroom. Not-to-mention the balcony she shares with her neighbor.

The nurses are some wonderful people. As I watched them I could help but just feel like a heel of a person because of how much good they do for these women they tend to. They bring out these amazing smiles in my Aunt that remind me a baby’s smile.

Quite a few of her friends stopped by to greet us but the best was when they were all at dinner. Mini Red and I stayed in my Aunt’s room and ate the sandwiches we brought. One of the Sister’s was worried and came by to bring us napkins and check on us. She was tickled by Mini Red and loved our hair.

Sister: “I used to be a red head too!”
Red: “Oh I can tell.”
Sister: “I always wanted to have black hair.”
Red: “Me too!”
Sister: “Plus I wanted to be a boy so they would call me Peter.”
Red: “Oh.”

Yeah… I was stumped at that last comment. She excused herself and went back to her dinner. I felt bad for laughing about it (to myself) and thought maybe she just loved the Apostle Peter. Yeah the Apostle! Ok, whatever way you look at it that was a funny comment and her face was priceless. These women are just so cute and innocent.

After Aunt Dot returned from dinner I gathered details of what she wanted me to get from her previous room (that she refuses to give up). We also planned out Sunday and what time we would arrive so Mini Red and I could take her down for church rather than just watching it on the TV.

It wasn’t long before Mini Red and I headed to the hotel, which is where I decided that I am a SNOB. This place scared me a bit. They didn’t even ask me for ID when we checked in but at least the dude was watching “The Wedding Date”, which for some reason this put me at ease. We found our room and Mini Red set down her stuff and jumped on the bed. I yelled “Stop!” I just didn’t want her touching the bed spread cause I’ve heard some stories that just oogie me out. This is when I realized I was a snob and I just needed to chill out.

I told Mini Red and I discussed Aunt Dot and how she needs to speak up and enunciate when she speaks to Aunt Dot because she was having a hard time hearing her. Mini Red said, “It’s tough Mom cause your always telling me to talk softer and now your telling me to talk louder. It’s confusing.” I had to agree with her but all the Sisters had painful looks on their faces when Mini Red spoke because they were trying desperately to understand her.

We struggled to get up the next morning but got me some coffee and we arrived with enough time to visit before church. The nurse got her settled in the wheelchair and we made our way downstairs to the chapel. We got her positioned up front after she gave us some instructions on how it works there. After Mass everyone gathered for lunch, which is a big ordeal getting everyone on the two elevators with all their equipment (wheelchairs, walkers etc).

We ran some errands for Aunt Dot and gathered some items from her old room and visited for a bit before hitting the road around 4:30. I was dreading the drive home due to the weather and I was right. It was dark, dreary and very foggy but I gave Mini Red the camera to see what she could capture before all light was lost.

We made it home in just over three and a half hours due to the lead foot I inherited from Aunt Dot. She always giggles at this comment. Mini Red and I had fun with music, the camera and we talked.

Monday we will sleep in and hang out in our jammies before heading out to see Night at the Museum, which I have heard very good things about.

Ok I’m beat so off to bed I go.

Road Trip!

The Reds are off on a road trip to see our Aunt.

She's out of the Hospital and the Rehab Hospital and living in assisted living. We are not staying in the convent this time and have a room at a hotel. Mini Red is happy about this.

I spoke to my Aunt yesterday and told her we would take her to church on Sunday (she can't walk on her own). She seemed excited about this and didn't even fight me when I told her we had a hotel room.

Now all we have to do is get on the road. Route 81 here we come.

He did show and then he showed again

Yes Santa did arrive but without the big fire trucks this year and he brought candy canes for all the kiddies.

The photo isn't so good but you can see him on top of that truck.

Then around 10pm another Santa arrived in a limo with a ton of elves. This worked out well since all the kids that had seen the first Santa had left except for Mini Red. The kids that were still at the party had missed the first Santa.

This Santa brought beads as you can see around Mini Red's neck and the elves enjoyed taking some pulls off the kegerator. Seems they had some spirits in the limo as they were out visiting all evening.

Mini Red and I are off to Chicago tomorrow morning. I'm not planning on touching any computers so here's wishing you a very Red New Year. I have a good feeling about 2007.

It just don't get no better than this...

I am happier than I've been in a long time. This past month has been difficult with my Aunt being in the hospital, me being sick, Mini Red's issues and getting ready for the holidays.

Today is Christmas Eve and all is done and ready, which makes me very happy.

Tonight is the BIG Christmas Eve Party and this year it's at my parent’s house. I arrived early today to help and Mom was ecstatic at all the help and was ready extra early this year so she is happy. If Mom ain't happy... no one's happy.

I ran home to chill a bit and get ready when my sister called. Our regularly scheduled Santa can't arrive til 10 pm or later and that is too late. Last year a friend of mine brought the Fire Department with Santa riding with them, and three trucks, it caused a ruckus in the neighborhood and everyone was out of their homes wondering what was going on. So the Fam wants me to contact my friend and try getting the Fire Department to bring Santa by again. Well, my friend has moved to Chicago and I can't reach him so I called the Fire House myself. They remembered us from last year but maybe it was because we dragged them in and sent them home with tons of food. I'm told they are busy tonight but they are gonna try and make it by.

The best part of this, for me, is not only how tickled the kids will be but my Dad will be tickled and bragging that I got Santa to come by… and on the Fire Trucks no less.

We are waiting for everyone to arrive and the anticipation of the evening and tomorrow's events is what has me just so damn happy. Mini Red is tired of me hugging her but I think she glad to see me happy for the first time in a long time.

Dad is hollering, "The first one's are here!"

I guess I gotta go.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

-Red

The Journey

Thursday morning I hit the road see my Aunt. As I got onto 270 from the beltway I sped up to get my position in the traffic. The tunes were playing and I was singing along as I flew up the road. Next thing I know there's a police officer on my left who blared his sirens at me and motioned for me to slow down before he cut across the lanes and exited. Phew I was lucky and that set precedence for my speed for the rest of the trip.

In no time I was on 81N driving through the mountains. This is the part I love because the mountains are so beautiful. Since it was a weekday there seemed to be more trucks than what I'm used to but on a road like this but I trust the truck drivers more than some of the cars. As I passed the trucks I would see them look out at me passing but that may have been due to the fact that I was car dancing.

Time flew and before I knew it I was exiting at Scranton looking for Steamtown. I entered the gift shop looking for the train whistles and they told me they were out. I thought "NO WAY!" but then the lady told me there was another gift shop at the other end of the parking lot. I was relieved to find them and picked up some coal too.

I got back on the road towards Carbondale and put on the soundtrack to Last of The Mohicans. The drive was beautiful and just as The Kiss was playing it started to snow. It was so surreal.

I finally arrived at the hospital and Aunt Dot seemed happy to see me. I had never seen her look so awful but I kissed her and acted as if this were like any other visit. I was trying to assess her situation because she's not doing as well as I thought. The paralysis is not improving as well as I was told and there's still definitely facial paralysis. As she ate her dinner I was cleaning up the left side of her face as well as fixing her gown. I was worried that she would get irritated at me but I kept it as nonchalant as possible and I think she was happy to have me there fussing over her.

I helped her open the Get Well and Birthday cards I brought her from Mini Red and me. Mini Red included her school photo, which Aunt Dot promptly set up in front of her. Everyone who entered the room not only heard how she wanted to get back to the Rehab Hospital but was shown the photo of Mini Red. Aunt Dot would say "That's my Great Grand Niece" with a big smile.

At dinner time one of the sisters came over from the convent to get me so I could eat with them. I think Aunt Dot was relieved because she had asked at least a half dozen times if Sister Margaret had forgotten to come get me for dinner. There are seven Sisters living at this convent and I tell ya these women are amazing. We had such a nice time talking at dinner and everyone was curious as to my relationship to Aunt Dot and why it is there is no other family.

See Aunt Dot had one sister and that sister had one son. The sister's husband died at an early age and the son had a daughter (me) ten years later. Shortly after the daughter was born the son was killed in Vietnam. The sister lived until 1984, thus leaving no other family between Aunt Dot and myself. A side note here… My Mother remarried when I was eight and I was very lucky to get a great Father, who raised me, and siblings shortly thereafter.

After dinner I hung out with Aunt Dot some more. There wasn't much to talk about but just hanging out there watching the snow seemed to make her happy. After a goodnight sleep and a nice breakfast with the Sisters I headed back to see Aunt Dot before getting back on the road. I was hoping to see her Doctor but the snow had delayed everything in the area and this was probably the reason for the delay of the Doctor. It was so hard to say goodbye and walk out of there but at least she was looking better.

On the drive home I was thinking how rural we all consider Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg but especially Germantown. Those aren't rural compared to Pennsylvania towns. Carbondale is twenty minutes north of Scranton and it's a huge deal for them to think of driving to Scranton. A good portion of the nurses lived within walking distance to the hospital so the thought of driving an hour to work, like I do, was just amazing to them.

As I drive past these towns I couldn't help but think of the people who built them. They were the coal miners and the families that supported them. My hometown is DC and has a history that is taught throughout the country. I can't help but wonder if they teach their history in school? It's been said that Pennsylvania towns are named using Indian words and names but some I really have to wonder about like Shamokin. Was it named after a Shamokin hot chick?

When I travel it's interesting how different yet similar other towns are to my town. The people in these towns seem so innocent but then you notice something that tells you otherwise. I saw a pick up truck driving towards Scranton that said Roc Hard Construction on the side. What the???

I need this run to kick The Crud so I can see my Aunt

Last week was crazy and sickly and filled with worry over my Aunt. She was discharged to a Rehabilitation Hospital on Friday and doing really well. They started her therapy on Saturday which it was evident when I spoke to her this afternoon. She seemed much more alert and told me how well she was doing except for her throat, which they are looking into. After our conversation I was ecstatic because it was the best I've felt about her health since the stroke first occurred.

I didn't make it to Scranton over the weekend because I was still too sick. So I took leave and I'm going up Thursday morning and coming back Friday. At the Rehab Center they are very strict because the focus is on getting better so visits are limited. Mini Red isn't happy because she wanted to go but I think I'm unhappier about her not going since she is my in-car DJ as well as my buffer with the older nuns at the convent where I'll be staying. So Red is going solo.

I filled out my Request For Leave form and sent it for approval to YDH. YDH was immediately hanging over the wall, "Are you going to Scranton!"

"Yes", I said, "I will get your train whistle from Steamtown."

"Good! Then I will DEFINITELY approve your request and send it through right away."

My company has done work up there and some were given these train whistles. YDH has been talking about this damn whistle a lot lately but today I found out it had something to do with The Office and an episode involving the train whistle. He looked like a school boy dancing around in excitement that soon the train whistle would be his, but that was after he approved and moved my request forward.

So after another exciting day at work starting with a very interesting demo at a power plant in Fredericksburg and ending with YDH's silliness I pick up Mini Red and headed home to get ready for my standing running date with Mrs. M. We haven't run in the past two weeks due to illness between her, Mini Red and me. I was kind of hoping she would cancel because my nose is still running and it's cold outside. I called to make sure she remembered we were meeting at my place to run this week and we joked how we both knew we needed this but were tempted to cancel due to the cold. I layered up and dug out my knit cap. Mini Red laughed at me when I put it on but I knew I needed it.

I think we had one of our best runs ever. Next time, though, I'm wearing gloves. I thought for sure we would cut it short but if anything we extended it a bit. I see now why people run in this weather… It's easy once you get past the initial cold. My goal was for the running to kick the last of this crud outta me and Mrs. M admitted to the same hope for herself.

Right now I feel great from the run and I'm so happy about my Aunt but not enough to dance around like YDH.