Labor Day Parade in Kensington

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.

The Weekend Wrap-Up

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.

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

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.

How did you get your green on?

What a day! I didn’t think I would be doing much but Shortie contacted me and said she and her Dude were heading to The Big Jig. Wahoo! I’m in! I should be since I wore a big sticker on my ass promoting the Big Jig last weekend at the Shamrock Festival.

But first I met up with Nicole for a coffee. I hadn’t seen her in so long and she seemed happier than I had seen her in a long time. She’s gonna be in town for two weeks and I’m so happy to see her.

I finished up a load of laundry before heading out to meet up with Shortie and her Dude. The venue was smaller than I had expected and she was quick to point out the mud and suggested I roll up my pants. I got my beer and the three of us headed up front in preparation for Scythian to play again.

It wasn’t long before Scythain got going and some young chickies pushed their way in front of us. No biggie but I believe they had more to drink than I did at this point and they were jumping up and down. I pretty much had my hand in the little bitch’s back trying to keep her off my toes. I do understand the venue and expected crowds but she had a ton of room in front of her. Maybe I’m getting too old for this? Hahahaha.

They started throwing stuff out and I raised my arm and, evidently, smacked her upside the head with my elbow (the good one). Hahahaha I have to laugh at this cause I think she got mad and really was trying to jump on my toes at this point. So I turned around and pushed my ass her way to help her keep her distance.

Soon they were all jumping all around us now and it wasn’t long before a cup of Guinness got thrown in the air and landed mostly on Shortie. HAHAHAHAHAHA

I’m sorry for laughing Shortie but you know it was funny. This was when Shortie’s Dude said, “Lets move out”. Smart boy cause Shortie and I weren’t getting along with these kiddies. So we moved out got Shortie cleaned up and got another beer. We found another spot in the back and had a blast shaking it all up. The people around us were hilarious.

There was a couple in front of us that just couldn’t keep their hands off each other’s butts. Then there was the dude that took to rolling up his pants to a new height and of course the best was the dude with the green Goatee.

So we shook our toucases and drank a good amount of beer… At least I did. So once I get a few beers in me then I tend to be bold enough to go up to people and ask to take their pictures. There was this stage hand who had some really cool eyes (contacts) and piercings. He looked kind of scary but I knew I could get Shortie to help. This is like the Shamrock Fest where I would have never approached the Mohawk dude but I had a few beers. I have also realized that life is short and I don’t want to regret something as cool as this dude that I could bring to you.

Anyhow, Shortie and I are wandering around while Scythian is on a break. We saw the green-eyed stage-hand but he disappeared. As we rounded to head back into the tent we bump into Leks! Ahhhh. Amazingly Shortie and I were quick on our feet and I threw her my camera and grabbed him for a photo, which seemed fine with him. I told him I loved his crazy hair today. He said he like the color of mine and we were off on our separate ways.

I was tickled to say the least and now I was more ready to get that photo with the Green-Eyed dude. We headed back out of the tent and around and who should we see next… JOE! I completely interrupted his conversation to ask about his stage hand and ask for a photo with him too. Cool!
Joe pointed us back around into the tent to find the green-eyed guy. Thank goodness for Shortie cause I would have missed him. Shortie’s Dude showed up outta nowhere and offered to take the photo so Shortie could get in it too.
Well, we were about done there and we had gotten our drink on pretty good as well as the photos we wanted. We were hungry so we walked towards Fado’s but it looked crowded. I suggested the inexpensive Fuddruckers and all were up for that.

Fuddruckers was a crazy mad house so I’m glad I was in the state I was in or it might have made me a bit crazy. That food was soooo good and after a Lenten Friday I had a hankering for some meat.

I figured after Fuddruckers Shortie and her Dude were heading home and I was heading to meet up with Texpundit and other bloggers. To my very pleasant surprise Shortie was coming with me and her Dude headed home. I didn’t really know where I was going so I was glad Shortie was coming with me.

We hopped on the Metro and headed to Union Station knowing the Dubliner was only a block away but who knows which direction. I hadn’t been to Union Station in years but Shortie seemed to know her way around and got us to the Dubliner in no time.

The line was long but moved quickly. I had no idea what Tex looked like but I knew Scarlett. We didn’t see her anywhere and we searched the whole place. We even went upstairs and as we were looking around a horrible smell wafted through the air. Some freakish dude asked if I shit my pants. I told him I thought it was him and grabbed Shortie and got out of there cause that was some awful smelling shit. Uggggggh.

We never did find Tex and Scarlett and finally heard from him that he had left. Before we left we met Kimberly who was complimenting my hair. Shortie got a photo of Kimberly, her friend and I and I told her I would post it here. It doesn’t do any of us justice but you are an awesome chick Kimberly.
We had an awesome time and here I expected to not even leave my apartment this weekend. I love when things come up out of the blue and those are often some of the best experiences.

My day ended by chatting via IM with a friend I hadn’t talked to in a long time. Thanks Smith!

You can see all the photos on Flickr.

Top O' The Morning To You

With St. Patricks Day so near I am reminded of a typical Irish greeting:

"Top O' The Morning To You."

The typical Irish response is:

"And the rest of the day to yourself."

I recently found an Irish spanking tale (yes, I said spanking) I thought you all might get a kick out of:

AND THE REST O'THE DAY T'YOURSELF!
It was a foine, soft mornin' in the Glen of Aherlow. The grass was a lovely emerald green, and the patches of heather on the sides of the Knockmealldown Mountains in the distance added a delightful splash of contrasting colour to the scene. If it were not for the rain, it would, for certain, have been a grand day altogether. As it was, for those in the Glen as well as the rest of the land, 'twas surely a day to be happy. The winter was over, the shamrocks were filling the country with the mystic message of the Holy Patrick, Himself, even though the man had long since departed this mortal coil and gone to live with the rest of the saints as well as the angels and archangels and all the company of Heaven. The month was March, the date the seventeenth, when all the world tried to be Irish, and if they failed in the attempt, they wished indeed that they were. Paidrag, whose birthday it was, looked down from among the clouds, proud that his work was done and done well. There wasn't a snake to be seen in all Ireland.

It so happened, however, that a grand wee leprechaun named Seamus was just coming from Mrs. O'Brien's public house on the road that winds through the Glen, where he had partaken of the spirits of Hennessey, Bushmills and the local potheen, washed down with a pint of good Guinness, when he was accosted by none other than Donnel, the O'Toole himself.

"Ah, Seamus," said The O'Toole. "I've caught you at last, and on Paddy's day itself," and grasping the leprechaun by the arm, led him back into the snug of Mrs. O'Brien's establishment. In due course the local squire, awakened from his sleep by the pair of them singing 'The Wearing of the Green' in magnificent, fortissimo style, called upon the local constabulary to do their duty and restore peace and order to the Glen of Aherlow.

Constable Connel O'Flynn duly made the call, and reminded Mrs. O'Brien that the licensed hours in Tipperary did not begin before noon, and that it was now only seven o'clock in the morning. Colleen O'Brien did her best to explain, and told Connel that Seamus the leprechaun and the O'Toole himself were two famous Irish tenors on tour, and as travellers, permitted certain dispensations, according to the Holy Father himself. Constable O'Flynn politely pointed out that the O'Toole was hardly a traveller, being a resident of the village of Kilshane a mere half a country mile from the pub, and the leprechaun was well known to reside in a wee cottage in the Glen itself. Sadly accepting the logic of the constable's argument, Colleen announced , "Last call!" and served a final pint of Harp Lager to Seamus, Donnel O'Toole and naturally one for Constable Connel himself. Mrs. O'Brien had a wee nip of The Glenlivet for herself.

In due course, their drinks finished, Seamus and O'Toole took their leave, while Connel O'Flynn remained behind to take care of Colleen O'Brien's behind by giving the pretty lady a grand spanking on her fine bare ass for serving outside legal hours. They both enjoyed it thoroughly, and had another drink after.

Meanwhile, out on the roadway, The O'Toole asked, "Seamus, I did catch you coming out of the pub, didn't I?"

"That you did, Donnel."

"Is it true what they say about leprechauns when you catch them?"

"Aye, it is that, Donnel. Come away to my place and we'll have a look in the pot, and there should be some gold for you." Arm in arm they staggered down the road to Seamus' cottage, singing 'The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls,' almost in tune. Some distance away at Kilshane, the squire rolled over in his bed, groaned, and covered his ears with his pillow.

On reaching the cottage, Seamus led The O'Toole around to the back, to a wee space between the chicken coop and the pig pen where there was what looked like a very small hay stack. Seamus pulled some of the hay out of the way, revealing a large black pot. "Here we are, Donnel! Gold! Liquid gold, a wee dram for you and another for myself." Seamus raised the lid, and was horrified to see that the pot was empty!

At that very moment, they heard a sneeze. It was none other than Elora, Seamus' lovely callypigian companion with the gorgeous red hair, sparkling green eyes and mischievous grin.

"Sure and faith, Donnel, the lass has done it again!"

"Done what again, Seamus?"

"She's taken The Glenlivet!"

"May all the saints above, especially Holy Patrick Himself, have mercy upon us." The O'Toole was always correct in his devotions.

"Amen!" said Seamus, seating himself on the step of the stile that goes over the fence around the chicken coop. "Over my lap, Mavourneen," he said to Elora, who complied at once, lifting her skirts as she did so.

Seamus was pleased to see that the colleen was properly dressed for the holy day, the usual pale blue panties having been replaced for the occasion by a lovely green pair.

While Donnel O'Toole, licking his lips, watched, Seamus patted the two green mounds, then because this was a private moment, asked his friend to close his eyes for a few minutes. Down came the panties, and Seamus, after admiring the glorious view and stroking the tender softness, gave Elora a nice spanking.

When the spanking was over, Donnel was told he could open his eyes, and Elora went to the basket she had been carrying to where the pot was hidden, and produced from it a beautiful green bottle. Its contents may have come from just across the water in Banffshire, but at least the bottle was suited to Patrick's isle.

The three of them had a grand time since Elora, still rubbing her spanked bottom appreciatively, had also brought three cut glass tumblers of Waterford crystal. These served admirably, and when it was time for the pub to be opened legally by Mrs. O'Brien, the Glenlivet bottle being emptied, Donnel O'Toole betook himself there, while Seamus took Elora across his lap once again. Surely it was her fault that the bottle was empty?

As The O'Toole took his leave, they all exchanged the correct greetings for St. Patrick's day, and with a wave to Elora and Seamus, Donnel said, "And the top o'the morning to you both."

Together, just as the pretty green panties were lowered again, Seamus and lovely Elora said in chorus, "And the rest of the day to yourself." Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This tale comes to you through the courtesy of Blarney Castle, County Cork, in the Republic of Ireland. (Yes, I really did kiss the Blarney Stone. Shows at times, I guess.)

Ross of Kilahara

Fookin' Koontz

Thank goodness taking the tree out is only once a year

Well that was a bigger ordeal than expected.

This tree was much sappier than last year's so everything became more difficult starting with getting the tree out of the stand. The stand I have pushes against the tree on four sides with screws but not into the tree. There was so much sap it was kinda stuck and took more effort than expected to undo it all. Thank goodness I had Mini Red to hold the tree… Well not really hold it but she kept it from falling over since I haven’t yet figured how to grow a third arm out of my ass yet.

Mini Red and I got the tree out of the apartment, down the hall, onto the elevator and out to the dumpster. Last year the trees were to go in a special area reserved for furniture and large items being trashed rather than the regular dumpster for the everyday trash. We headed directly to this area to find it locked. DAMN! Not to mention it was pouring down rain and I wasn’t going to take the tree back upstairs. So I looked at Mini Red and said, “Think we can get it up over the gate?” Mind you the gate is about seven feet tall.

Of course, Mini Red’s reply was, “Sure Mom!”

Oh Lord what chaos this was. I mean really Mini Red is a little girl so I can’t expect much from her but damn if she didn’t try her hardest. This next part is not easy to describe but try to use your imagination as you think about me pushing this bushy 6 foot tree over a 7 foot gate. I got it up there and it started to fall back down and if a tree had a butt then I was the proctologist. A couple of shoves and the tree went over. I was now spitting pine needles but I'm glad that's done with. Phew!

On our way back in we noticed that we left pine needles everywhere as if we were Gretel and Mini Gretel. We also started noticing how sappy we were. Back in the apartment pine needles are everywhere. I want to laugh about our experience with the tree but the pine needles were making me crazy and I needed them vacuumed IMMEDIATELY. Mini Red was supposed to do this but it wasn’t fast enough for me so I told her I would do it because I needed it done before I could laugh about my encounter with the tree. Last year I actually vacuumed the tree prior to putting the ornaments on because the needles were everywhere but this year’s tree kept its needles until the end. I will assume that is due to the mass amount of sap it seemed to have.

Vacuuming is done and I’m feeling much better so I go to try and clean the sap off my hands. This is when I look in the mirror to find my face covered with remnants of the tree. All over my face, in my hair and in my EARS! I guess I’m not really surprised since my face was balancing the tree at one point.

So the first step in the post holiday clean up is done. I’m off to finish packing up more of the holiday decorations. Hope you have as much fun as I did getting the tree out of your home.

Chicago Part II

After seeing the car hanging out of Marina City we headed back down State Street. We were contemplating what or next move was and decided to head over to Millennium Park to see The Bean.

We are fascinated by The Bean so we took pictures and chilled in the park and took a few more pictures.

We then visited a Jamba Juice, which is a favorite of Mini Red. Walked around town more and decided to check out the L. I know I'm goofy but I enjoyed the views and was fascinated by this train that runs between these huge buildings.

We were walking around looking for a Garrett Popcorn Shop and we were stopped twice and asked for directions. How odd?

Two days walking around downtown Chicago and I was beat. So The weekend was relaxed and running errands and getting ready for the New Years Eve Party.

The New Years Eve Party was so much fun. Kate walked in all blinged out including a tiara. Jen started calling her the PrinceASS. I still have to laugh at that name. We had a ton of fabulous food and the drinks were flowing. Before I knew it it was midnight and the party kept on and people were still eating but mostly deserts now.

The PrinceASSes

It was 2am before anyone even thought of leaving but I think everyone was having so much fun and didn't want it to end. Nicole was prepared with plastic ware that she handed out for everyone to take food home.

There was still a lot of food so we pulled it all out again for lunch on New Years Day and then again for dinner when more people came over.

It was definitely one of the better New Years I have experienced. Thanks to all my Chicago friends.

Ok so lets do some catch up.

My office Holiday Party was on the 15th and as the time was nearing for the party to start everyone was getting anxious and congregating in my area. YDH was just hanging out blowing his whistle when suddenly CG our HR guy came running over. What occurred next was pure craziness... CG attacked YDH!

YDH turned it around and got the upper hand when CG backed up and came running at him again!

I'm glad the holidays are over and I'm determined to be sitting on a beach somewhere warm next year or on a cruise. Mini Red is concerned with this idea but I suggested we take a Disney Cruise and she perked up. I am very serious about this but we will see.

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

I got HEAD today!

Yeah, you heard me right... I got HEAD!

It was a Christmas gift from a co-worker... Thanks Trish!

The package says:

Grow Me, Trim Me, Love Me

Just add water, Watch me Grow

GROW-A-HEAD

Tis the season to help and the best way to help is by giving

Lately, I have been noticing a lot more commercials for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They have a huge campaign in gear trying to raise money to help more kids with cancer. Every time I see something about St. Jude's I think of what happened this past summer.

My co-worker, Dawn, had often spoken of her best friend's son James. James is six years old and the son of Diane and George. Diane and George have been friends with Dawn and Mark since 1987. Dawn and Di carried their sons together and gave birth just six months apart. Michael and James became best friends and saw each other frequently until Dawn, Mark and Michael moved to Illinois. The two families have not lost touch or their friendship and meet up at least once a year. In Dec 2004, young James was diagnosed with a cancer known as Wilm's Tumor. Earlier this year they noticed the tumors getting smaller with treatments. Unfortunately, the treatments did not continue to be successful and late July the family notified friends that there is nothing else they can do and they only expected James to live another month.

James passed away August 10th in his sleep.

These families have been through so much. If you would like to make a contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in James's name, please follow this link: Donate

Maybe our donations can help save a kid just like James.

St. Jude's Celebrity Friends

(Click photos for videos)

The Celebrity Friends Video

I'm gonna sleep good tonight cause a lot was accomplished today

Mini Red started her day early with a 5am bloody nose. She let me sleep but I was still up a little early. We got ourselves together and were out of the apartment by 9am. There were a few errands to run prior to hitting the Metro on our way to The Uptown to see Eragon. She was so excited and so was I. We parked and headed to the trains when Mini Red said “Oh no!”

“What”, I said.

“I have another bloody nose!”

So we ran back to the car before it got bad and luckily I had a new box of tissues in the car. Mini Red was bothered by this since she had already had one early this morning. We cleaned her up and got on our way.

It was all perfect timing since we arrived at the Uptown at 10:30 for the 11am showing and the box office didn’t open til 10:40. On top of that Saturday Matinees are only $5 per person. Wahoo Jackpot! We got the movie price karma going on.

We grabbed our seats smack in the middle. The place has been renovated and I think these seats were extra new. I wouldn’t be surprised since it was only a few months ago Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore were at The Uptown for the premier of The Guardian. I mentioned to Mini Red that Ashton Kutcher could have sat in the very seat she was sitting in. You should have seen the smile on her face at the thought of it.

The movie was great but I couldn’t help but feel something was lacking. Saphira was beautiful and I loved how her wings looked. Edward Speleers plays Eragon and this is his first film but his supporting cast has some big names such as Jeremy Irons and John Malkovich. Rachel Weisz is the voice of Saphira but something seems off at times.

After the movie we hopped back on the Metro to run our errands and finish our Christmas shopping.

First we went to White Flint and talk about a crazy place. We hit a few stores and got out of there as soon as possible with a few gifts. Next stop… Toys-R-Us. Yes this was just as scary and I’m here to tell ya the people were brain dead in there. You had to give them a little push to move their brain dead bodies out of your way. When it was time to pay I must have gotten some line karma cause when I looked over at this one cashier and mouthed “Are you open?” Jackpot! She was and no one was paying attention so I moseyed right past a few others, paid and was free of Zombie-R-Us.

Next stop... Chipotle to share a vegetarian bowl. The place was packed and I noticed a woman was sitting alone at a table for four. Mini Red went over and asked if we could share. As I was in line I could see Mini Red was engaged in conversation with the woman. When I got there the woman complimented how nice and personable Mini Red was. She was very nice and had one daughter who was at college. I looked at her and saw myself in a few years when Mini Red is off at college. It’s always nice to meet friendly people like her.

Back in the car and we headed towards Bed Bath and Beyond to get Dad’s gifts for Mom. I had stopped by the folks after the movie to get Dad’s credit card so I could do some of his shopping. My sister and I tend to do Dad’s shopping for Mom. It becomes a collective to get the job done and it doesn’t help that we are all clueless as to what to get her this year.

After BB&B we put the BB&B stuff in the car and cut across the parking lot to hit Circuit City rather than getting back in the car to go to Best Buy. This was another smart move since I found what I was looking for and saved some moolah. Plus I picked up the movie White Christmas for a steal. Mini Red wasn’t happy with this because the thought of that movie gets the song Sisters stuck in my head and I drove her bonkers singing it.

Mini Red was tired and so was I but next stop was Montrose Crossing. The plan was to park at the grocery store and hit the Marshalls for a gift we needed for Sunday. We decided to hit the bookstore and Starbucks first. As we parked I turned around and noticed it. A Delorean! I tried to get a picture with my cell phone but no luck. Mini Red and I got out of the car and headed toward our destination but realized the Delorean was not getting out to quickly so I handed Mini Red the phone as we started running but then I let her run ahead. She ran the length of this shopping center and I just started laughing. Mini Red was determined to get a picture and she wanted it so bad. A woman smiled as she saw Mini Red run past and when she saw me (It’s evident I’m the Mom due to the matching red hair) she said “ I thought that’s what that car was.” Well Mini Red didn’t get the picture but we laughed our asses off over her running like a crazy kid trying to get the picture. It was the sixth wind we need to finish up and get home.

We did our thing in the bookstore including a much needed coffee for me. Marshalls was freaking nuts and when I went up to pay there were only two registers open and the lines were huge. They started to open more registers and the customers got crazy. If I had more patience I would have hung out to see the people fight because that vibe was in the air… you know it... Some call it that Holiday Spirit. I left and I still needed one more gift for Sunday.

Mini Red was awesome and ran with me to Old Navy where I got a gift and saved some money. One more stop… The grocery store and thank goodness I had a list. The goal was to finish and get out of there and get home where there is more work to do. I gave Mini Red and item to find and she would come find me and then run for another. We got a full list of groceries and she got us a great place in line. God Bless this munchkin she wanted to get home.

We stopped to drop off Dad’s credit card and I was not happy because I still have to make food for the birthday party on Sunday when all I want to do is veg on the “Fat Ass” couch with Mini Red. It’s my friend’s son’s fifth birthday party and I’m cooking and need to double it. So I’m getting mad about this and mad at them but it’s my fault because I didn’t say no. They spent the day at the zoo and I spent the day getting ready for the holidays and then finally get home to cook for them. They don’t celebrate the holidays so they don’t have any of these pressures and just hung out with each other all day. Yes, jealous is I.

As we carried our bags, from a very full day, into the apartment I decide I don’t want to do this anymore. I say to Mini Red that next year we will just go away for a week in some very warm place rather than all this chaos. She looks at me like I’m crazy but I explain that we can stay through New Year’s and this will be our gift.

“NO PRESENTS?” She says.

I tell her, “I’ll get ya a little something but this will be a vacation and that’s a big present. We can sit on a beach and swim…”

I had to stop cause the look on her face was priceless. I could probably talk her into it. Hmmm

I fixed the food while Mini Red watched Polar Express and wrapped gifts. I’ve decided that I don’t have to be a perfectionist with the wrapping and just let Mini Red do it. She got the gifts for Sunday done and a few others. Wahoo!

I am so relieved at this very moment cause the food is prepared and the dishes are all in the dishwasher. I only have to find room in the fridge for the food because clean up is DONE!

Done! Phew I’m so glad this day is DONE! Finished! Finito! On top of that so much has been accomplished. I couldn't have done it with out Mini Red. She was a real trooper.

Heed this warning when enjoying your office Holiday Party because this could be you

My Office’s Holiday Party is Friday afternoon and is sure to spill over into the evening, for who knows how long, wreaking havoc in Old Town Alexandria. Fun is encouraged as well as safety with the office having even paid to get us cab rides home in the past.

With that said… the cartoon below has been circulating my office.

So if your office has not yet had its holiday party then heed this warning to keep your drink in check at your party to avoid a similar situation.

If not then I want to hear all about it.

I don't want to do the shopping because I want to enjoy the rest of it

Sunday night Mini Red and I went to get our Christmas Tree. I ended up spending more than expected but it all went to a good cause… The Bethesda Firehouse.

On our way home we started singing, as we often do, and decided to take our poem and sing it to the tune of We Three Kings, which happens to be my favorite holiday song. We had ourselves in hysterics and must have sung it at least five times.

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the decorations around town. I'm not a big fan of the colored lights and feel the white lights are better at accenting wherever they are hanging and give an elegant feel. The icicle type white lights always look so beautiful on the Victorian homes. Old Town Alexandria always looks beautiful down King Street with all the white lights in the trees and I think Bethesda does some of that too. There are some trees at the corner of Woodmont and Wisconsin, at the edge of Bethesda, which I just can't get enough of. It's all so simple but I find it absolutely beautiful.
Now I just need to finish my shopping and there's no time for baking cookies. Help!

The Successful All Holiday Blog Celebration

Friday was the All Holiday Blog Celebration at the Science Club. So if you’re a Blogger in the DC area and you missed then you missed a lot.

Mrs. M and I got a late start since we had to drop Mini Red off at her school dance. We got off the metro and hoofed it through the bitter cold. It was colder than a witch’s tit in a brass bra. We arrived and found Velvet and Scarlett just inside the door. This is when I realized my face was frozen.

All the bloggers were in the back in an area called “The Lab” but Mrs. M and I needed a drink to thaw us out. We moved to the back and found the host, I-66, along with many other bloggers. I finally got to meet FreckledK and later on Kathryn showed. This was the first time I had really talked to her since my first HH back in August. Home Improvement Ninja organized a 50/50 raffle for Manna and let the Birthday Girl, Kassy, announce the winner. I-66 organized the superlatives and urged the voting at the HH. I’m surprised the results were in as soon as they were. Good job Dude!

For me the Blogger Happy Hours are not complete without my favorite Blogger dudes JoeLogon, Hammer or the ever studly VK. Oh and I must say I disagree with Velvet because I thought Home Improvement Ninja’s sweater was very festive not gay. Lots of new people were in attendance and I just wish I could have talked with them all. One of the new people I really enjoyed meeting is the ever famous KOB from DCBlogs who I’ve heard so much about.

Throughout the night various people, non-bloggers, would walk to the back, push through us all and realize it went nowhere. It reminded me of mice in a maze “Oh no we went the wrong way. These are bloggers! Turn around quick before someone notices us!”

The night ended with another hug demonstration from Hammer. It was another fabulous Blogger Happy Hour and I send kudos to our ever fabulous Social Chairman, I-66.
See you guys next year! Hahahaha

It's time for the Holiday Craziness to start

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mini Red Chronicles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blogsgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looks like this chick might have a date soon.

Joe's photos 1, 2