Wow. This week has been a full one, jam packed with family visits, lots of travel and a bit of angst (not a fav.)
1. Two- I love seeing my niece. Because of the distance, we don't see her as often as we would like. We consider each moment with her a treasure.
2. The unique landscape of The South- While on our trip, I enjoyed the beach, the pines of South Georgia, beautiful rivers of Georgia and South Carolina, and all the summer blooms across the region. I miss "green" here in New Mexico. Being surrounded by crepe myrtles and the many annuals was a treat for me.
3. Searching for bugs- Daughter and I helped my niece look for bugs in Grammy's yard. We taught her about good bugs and bad bugs and where to look for them. Sorry, Grammy, if you start to find all of your flower pots on their side! OOPS.
4. Home- As much as I loved returning to our old stomping ground and seeing family, I love my own bed and bathroom. I also love coming home and cleaning to freshen up the house.
5. This post at the Cafe- I had a tough time writing this. There were numerous technical difficulties, Internet issues and pure writer's block, but it was something that just had to come out. (One of those, I HAVE TO WRITE THIS moments.) I wrote it for myself and maybe other people can relate to it as well.
Here's an excerpt.
"Jackpot!" That's what our family says when we find a special treasure on the beach. Sometimes we discover a sea shell, a sand dollar, or even a barracuda jaw..."
Go to the Internet Cafe for the rest of "Contentment In Christ."
See Susanne for more Friday Faves!
Have a great weekend and don't forget to leave a comment with your Man on The Moon Phrase.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
We can put a man on the moon.
Forty years ago America headed for the moon.
Still today, I think that's pretty cool.
Plus, it has given us a chance to use the phrase, "We can put a man on the moon, but we still can't (fill in the blank.)"
Today, I'd say, "We can put a man on the moon, but we still can't keep up with people's luggage."
What about you?
Leave your input in the comments.
"We can put a man on the moon, but we still can't (your phrase here.)"
This should be fun!
Still today, I think that's pretty cool.
Plus, it has given us a chance to use the phrase, "We can put a man on the moon, but we still can't (fill in the blank.)"
Today, I'd say, "We can put a man on the moon, but we still can't keep up with people's luggage."
What about you?
Leave your input in the comments.
"We can put a man on the moon, but we still can't (your phrase here.)"
This should be fun!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
So, it started out on a good note.
My day started with a wake-up call from the front desk.
"Good morning. Yes, it is too early. Get up anyway. You have a flight to catch."
After a hearty breakfast of Robust coffee, doughnuts, frozen biscuits and canned gravy, Daughter and I caught the shuttle to Hotlanta Airport (my nemesis.)
This is where I have to insert my dislike for Hartsfield. There are too many people, it is too big, I hate that train with the scary doors, and did I mention there are too many people?
The shuttle driver popped in a CD and I knew we were buds. Phil Collins began to sing In The Air Tonight and I looked at my watch, wondering how long the ride to the airport would be. I didn't want to miss the drum solo.
Turns out, I got to listen to the entire song. I played the solo on my cute Target purse and mouthed the words like a total goober.
That was the high point of the trip.
We checked in, squeezed past security (kidding), and boarded without incident. I was totally impressed with my travel expertise. I even managed to get better seats than the ones originally reserved.
Arrived in Dallas.
(sigh)
"Now boarding, Flight Number Somethingorother... I'm sorry... there's a problem... this flight has been delayed for maintenance."
The delay turned into an aircraft change and a complete gate change. We waited until finally (over an hour later) we boarded our plane. When we did arrive at our final destination, there was no gate available.
So we sat there on the tarmac and watched out the windows like puppies at the pound waiting for someone to adopt them. We pressed our noses to the glass for what felt like a sweet forever until finally they let us out of our winged cage.
WHEW. Nightmare over.
Not really.
Guess which puppy didn't get her luggage.
Now I wait at home for a phone call or a knock on the door, hoping to talk to someone from the airlines who has my little red suitcase with all of my make-up in it.
Keep your fingers crossed, would ya?
On a different note, Maggie is home from the kennel and they said she was SWEET.
I KNOW! More on this tomorrow.
"Good morning. Yes, it is too early. Get up anyway. You have a flight to catch."
After a hearty breakfast of Robust coffee, doughnuts, frozen biscuits and canned gravy, Daughter and I caught the shuttle to Hotlanta Airport (my nemesis.)
This is where I have to insert my dislike for Hartsfield. There are too many people, it is too big, I hate that train with the scary doors, and did I mention there are too many people?
The shuttle driver popped in a CD and I knew we were buds. Phil Collins began to sing In The Air Tonight and I looked at my watch, wondering how long the ride to the airport would be. I didn't want to miss the drum solo.
Turns out, I got to listen to the entire song. I played the solo on my cute Target purse and mouthed the words like a total goober.
That was the high point of the trip.
We checked in, squeezed past security (kidding), and boarded without incident. I was totally impressed with my travel expertise. I even managed to get better seats than the ones originally reserved.
Arrived in Dallas.
(sigh)
"Now boarding, Flight Number Somethingorother... I'm sorry... there's a problem... this flight has been delayed for maintenance."
The delay turned into an aircraft change and a complete gate change. We waited until finally (over an hour later) we boarded our plane. When we did arrive at our final destination, there was no gate available.
So we sat there on the tarmac and watched out the windows like puppies at the pound waiting for someone to adopt them. We pressed our noses to the glass for what felt like a sweet forever until finally they let us out of our winged cage.
WHEW. Nightmare over.
Not really.
Guess which puppy didn't get her luggage.
Now I wait at home for a phone call or a knock on the door, hoping to talk to someone from the airlines who has my little red suitcase with all of my make-up in it.
Keep your fingers crossed, would ya?
On a different note, Maggie is home from the kennel and they said she was SWEET.
I KNOW! More on this tomorrow.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Two
We are visiting my in-laws for a few days before heading back to Small Town. My sister-in-law and niece are here. My niece just turned two. She is full of wonder and baby sweetness.
I'd forgotten what it means to be two...
When you're two, it is tough to have a cold because someone has to help you blow your nose. This isn't fun. For you or the someone.
When you're two, bigger kids are cool. Right up there with Santa Claus, crayons, tape and stuff you find on the floor.
Being two means that suddenly everything is yours and your job is to let everyone know it.
Two is the year that you learn about potties and that sometimes if you do something there, you get M & M's.
When you're two, people like to clap their hands and sing silly songs. You sing along to make them feel special.
When you're two, the bigger people try to play tricks on you at dinner, but you secretly know that broccoli isn't Little People Trees.
Being two means that you get to be friends with Elmo and Cookie Monster. Next year, you learn Spanish with a girl who has a very large head.
Two is the time you discover how fun it is to hide. And to be found.
When you're two, people like to ask you how old you are. Over and over.
When you're two, the world is really tall. Especially when you are trying to reach for something sharp or hot or dangerous. Whatever that means.
Being two means that when you cry, someone big will come and pick you up and hold you.
Two is the time when you are the center of the world, at least for a while, and that's Okay.
Because you're two.
Love,
Aunt Mel
I'd forgotten what it means to be two...
When you're two, it is tough to have a cold because someone has to help you blow your nose. This isn't fun. For you or the someone.
When you're two, bigger kids are cool. Right up there with Santa Claus, crayons, tape and stuff you find on the floor.
Being two means that suddenly everything is yours and your job is to let everyone know it.
Two is the year that you learn about potties and that sometimes if you do something there, you get M & M's.
When you're two, people like to clap their hands and sing silly songs. You sing along to make them feel special.
When you're two, the bigger people try to play tricks on you at dinner, but you secretly know that broccoli isn't Little People Trees.
Being two means that you get to be friends with Elmo and Cookie Monster. Next year, you learn Spanish with a girl who has a very large head.
Two is the time you discover how fun it is to hide. And to be found.
When you're two, people like to ask you how old you are. Over and over.
When you're two, the world is really tall. Especially when you are trying to reach for something sharp or hot or dangerous. Whatever that means.
Being two means that when you cry, someone big will come and pick you up and hold you.
Two is the time when you are the center of the world, at least for a while, and that's Okay.
Because you're two.
Love,
Aunt Mel
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Don't try this at home.
Yesterday was our last day of vacation in Destin. We went to the beach one last time and visited some area museums, rounding out the day with a dolphin cruise.
The cruise offers dolphin sightings along with a chance to feed the seagulls.
This is what happens when you open a bag of Fritos at the back of a boat.
The cruise offers dolphin sightings along with a chance to feed the seagulls.
This is what happens when you open a bag of Fritos at the back of a boat.
I shudder to think what would have happened if it had been Cool Ranch Doritos.
Monday, July 06, 2009
What's at the top of your list?
After seeing Up, I've been thinking about other movies I love, the ones I could watch over and over.
There are some that I like for pure entertainment. There are others I appreciate for the creative talent or good writing. Some of them, I love for both.
Here's my list in no particular order:
1. Forrest Gump- I love this for the entertainment and excellent writing. I keep saying I'll read the book and haven't.
2. Hope Floats- The mother/daughter relationships are brilliant.
3. Fried Green Tomatoes- Friendship and cultural lessons abound. Too many Southernisms to mention.
4. Steel Magnolias- Southernisms and women coming together in celebration and tragedy. Plus, I can picture people I know as the characters.
5. Truman Show- Love it for the lessons on society. Although, I thought it should have ended differently with the audience rallying behind Truman to escape, then watching a new show with a new baby and falling into the old habit. (Sadly, that is probably what would happen.)
6. Christopher Guest movies- Humor in its own category
7. Napolean Dynamite- "TINA! FOOD!"
8. Edward Scissorhands- Makes me cry.
9. Christmas Story- Only I didn't say fudge.
10. Rear Window- When suspense and mystery did not require violence and gore.
11. Gone With The Wind- Do I really need to explain why? ;>)
There are more, but I'll stop there.
What about you? What are your favs and why?
There are some that I like for pure entertainment. There are others I appreciate for the creative talent or good writing. Some of them, I love for both.
Here's my list in no particular order:
1. Forrest Gump- I love this for the entertainment and excellent writing. I keep saying I'll read the book and haven't.
2. Hope Floats- The mother/daughter relationships are brilliant.
3. Fried Green Tomatoes- Friendship and cultural lessons abound. Too many Southernisms to mention.
4. Steel Magnolias- Southernisms and women coming together in celebration and tragedy. Plus, I can picture people I know as the characters.
5. Truman Show- Love it for the lessons on society. Although, I thought it should have ended differently with the audience rallying behind Truman to escape, then watching a new show with a new baby and falling into the old habit. (Sadly, that is probably what would happen.)
6. Christopher Guest movies- Humor in its own category
7. Napolean Dynamite- "TINA! FOOD!"
8. Edward Scissorhands- Makes me cry.
9. Christmas Story- Only I didn't say fudge.
10. Rear Window- When suspense and mystery did not require violence and gore.
11. Gone With The Wind- Do I really need to explain why? ;>)
There are more, but I'll stop there.
What about you? What are your favs and why?
Friday, July 03, 2009
Adventure
I needed a good coffee.
After all, I'd left the movie theatre in tears.
Last night we saw UP, by Disney Pixar. I believe Walt Disney would be proud to see his name once again connected with quality work after a long era of substandard entertainment.
UP has the humor and sweetness for kids with an incredible plot line (yes, a real plot line) and life lesson for adults. I haven't cried so much (in a good way) since Forrest Gump. (As a side note, the action in 3-D may be a bit intense for little ones, so you may go with the 2-D version.)
Before the movie, Hubs asked if we wanted snacks. I passed on the $3.00 box of Snow Caps. (In all honesty, I don't even know the price of Snow Caps these days. I'm just guessing they were $3.00 a box. At that rate, there should be a Willy Wonka golden ticket tucked inside.)
So I decided to spend wisely (ahem) and wait for a $4.00 coffee.
When the movie was over, we stopped at Starbucks, and headed back to our condo. There were a few moments of daylight left, so we walked to the beach.
I stood there in the surf, flip flops off, with latte in hand and said to Hubs, "Oh, no. I've become a yuppie."
All I needed was a very small dog and a J. Crew catalog.
He assured me that I was not. We laughed and continued to walk.
I held my husband's hand and watched my daughter scurry for shells as the sun was already setting behind high rises and family vacation homes. I thought of Carl and Ellie.
Of adventure.
For most of us, adventure comes in packages of newborn baby blankets, ten year wedding anniversaries, and boxes of mac n' cheese.
It greets us at the door when we get home from work. It draws cards for us on Mother's Day.
It wakes us up in the night with an ear infection. It makes us weep at a grave.
It washes away on a sandy shore. It drives away for college.
We walked. I held my husband's hand, the moon now high, and thought of all my everyday adventures.
And that someday, maybe, I'll even get a very small dog.
Shhhh... don't tell Maggie.
After all, I'd left the movie theatre in tears.
Last night we saw UP, by Disney Pixar. I believe Walt Disney would be proud to see his name once again connected with quality work after a long era of substandard entertainment.
UP has the humor and sweetness for kids with an incredible plot line (yes, a real plot line) and life lesson for adults. I haven't cried so much (in a good way) since Forrest Gump. (As a side note, the action in 3-D may be a bit intense for little ones, so you may go with the 2-D version.)
Before the movie, Hubs asked if we wanted snacks. I passed on the $3.00 box of Snow Caps. (In all honesty, I don't even know the price of Snow Caps these days. I'm just guessing they were $3.00 a box. At that rate, there should be a Willy Wonka golden ticket tucked inside.)
So I decided to spend wisely (ahem) and wait for a $4.00 coffee.
When the movie was over, we stopped at Starbucks, and headed back to our condo. There were a few moments of daylight left, so we walked to the beach.
I stood there in the surf, flip flops off, with latte in hand and said to Hubs, "Oh, no. I've become a yuppie."
All I needed was a very small dog and a J. Crew catalog.
He assured me that I was not. We laughed and continued to walk.
I held my husband's hand and watched my daughter scurry for shells as the sun was already setting behind high rises and family vacation homes. I thought of Carl and Ellie.
Of adventure.
For most of us, adventure comes in packages of newborn baby blankets, ten year wedding anniversaries, and boxes of mac n' cheese.
It greets us at the door when we get home from work. It draws cards for us on Mother's Day.
It wakes us up in the night with an ear infection. It makes us weep at a grave.
It washes away on a sandy shore. It drives away for college.
We walked. I held my husband's hand, the moon now high, and thought of all my everyday adventures.
And that someday, maybe, I'll even get a very small dog.
Shhhh... don't tell Maggie.
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