Okay, someone actually came to my blog from a search for "thank you notes for houseguests". I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. It's even better than someone finding this blog using "happy fuzzy bunny puppies". Because I love the thank you note. I do.
I used to hate the thank you note. It was something my mother made me do every June and December and it made me sad. I would get a day or so of leeway and then I was locked in my room after every birthday and Christmas until the damn notes were done. But eventually I figured out that the thank you note is a glorious thing and everyone should write them. A little bit of advice; if you're asking yourself if you should write one or not, you should do it. In fact, you should probably start asking yourself that question more often than not.
A thank you note lets a gift giver know that their gift arrived. Sometimes things don't make it where they're supposed to make it. It happens. A thank you note puts someone's mind at ease about that. It's also just a really nice thing to do. Someone who gives you a gift to celebrate your birth or their love for you or a milestone should be told just how much you appreciate that. If someone opens their home to you and gives you food and clean towels and warmth and hospitality they deserve a pretty little note that tells them that they rock. It's the nice thing to do.
If someone gives you a gift in person then a verbal thank you at that time usually suffices. But if it's a grandparent they still deserve a note after the fact. Because they're your grandparents and they adore you and they love thank you notes. I'm 30 and I think my thank you notes still get put on the fridge in my grandmothers' homes. Also, if it's someone who lives far away or someone you don't see very often they should probably get a verbal thank you at the time of the good deed/gift and then a mailed thank you later.
Spanky had us all out to her family's 'summer home' one weekend. It was awesome. Her parents put up with us for a weekend and her Mom even treated us to a fish fry. So when my friends and I got back I insisted on writing a thank you note and making them sign it. Her mother was apparently thrilled beyond reason and declared me to have been 'raised right'. I love that story. I had a wonderful time at their house and they were good to us and I'm so happy that me letting her know that made her so happy. You know?
And a late thank you note is better than none at all so don't think you can procrastinate until you don't have to write one anymore. Doesn't work like that. Write the dam note. Now.
Thank you notes are easy too. There's even a bit of a formula to it. Thank the person for the gift or kind act. Talk about what you plan to do with the gift or how nice it is or how much the kind act meant to you. Put in a little about the event that prompted the gift or act. Put in a little bit more about you and what you're up to if you have room and then wish the gift giver/do gooder well. Thank them again. Sign off. See, totally easy. You can do it! As can I. I owe a couple right now. I've inspired myself to finish them all!
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
A Visit With Dad
So, after Birthday Week came a day free of stuff. Then Dad arrived. Arrival Day has already been blogged about.
On Day Two, we apparently had a bit of a date night. Without making out. Because he’s my DAD. I came home from work to find the man passed out in my hammock. So cute. Earlier he’d told me he wasn’t really a hammock guy. So when I didn’t see him in the apartment I figured he’d be chillin’ in the swing or off on a walk. Instead he was in the hammock with his RV catalog beside him, his hands clasped on his chest and his cigar clutched in his fingers. Luckily for him, my hammock and my yard the cigar had gone out. I was torn between wanting to wake him up quietly and running back inside to get my camera. The gentle waking won out. Alas. I think I made the wrong choice because the photo would’ve been awesome.
Anyway. We got all pretty and headed off to the Zombie Hut for drinks. Lots of tropical things with dolphins and umbrellas and such in them. And bowls of goldfish that Dad and I kept trying not to inhale, but weren’t so successful. Dad and I tend to graze on whatever is in front of us. Not good. But it’s who we are. Cows who graze. It was a nice little happy hour. We had a table right by the window and drank and grazed and chatted and people watched. Pretty awesome. Then it was off to The Grocery for a nice dinner. It’s a very zen like kinda feel. Minimalist decoration and all. I was facing the restaurant so I at least got to see patrons and staff. I hadn’t realized it until the end but Dad was facing me and a wall and wasn’t quite getting the same visual stimulation. But the food was good and the wine was good and we had a nice time.
Day Three was a little more mellow. Just some hanging around the apartment puttering and eating take-out from Buddy’s Burritos. Which was nice. I like that my folks come to visit and we can just hang and don’t have to spend every moment trying to do some exciting activity.
Then on Friday he headed back home and I headed to work and then LA. Woo.
On Day Two, we apparently had a bit of a date night. Without making out. Because he’s my DAD. I came home from work to find the man passed out in my hammock. So cute. Earlier he’d told me he wasn’t really a hammock guy. So when I didn’t see him in the apartment I figured he’d be chillin’ in the swing or off on a walk. Instead he was in the hammock with his RV catalog beside him, his hands clasped on his chest and his cigar clutched in his fingers. Luckily for him, my hammock and my yard the cigar had gone out. I was torn between wanting to wake him up quietly and running back inside to get my camera. The gentle waking won out. Alas. I think I made the wrong choice because the photo would’ve been awesome.
Anyway. We got all pretty and headed off to the Zombie Hut for drinks. Lots of tropical things with dolphins and umbrellas and such in them. And bowls of goldfish that Dad and I kept trying not to inhale, but weren’t so successful. Dad and I tend to graze on whatever is in front of us. Not good. But it’s who we are. Cows who graze. It was a nice little happy hour. We had a table right by the window and drank and grazed and chatted and people watched. Pretty awesome. Then it was off to The Grocery for a nice dinner. It’s a very zen like kinda feel. Minimalist decoration and all. I was facing the restaurant so I at least got to see patrons and staff. I hadn’t realized it until the end but Dad was facing me and a wall and wasn’t quite getting the same visual stimulation. But the food was good and the wine was good and we had a nice time.
Day Three was a little more mellow. Just some hanging around the apartment puttering and eating take-out from Buddy’s Burritos. Which was nice. I like that my folks come to visit and we can just hang and don’t have to spend every moment trying to do some exciting activity.
Then on Friday he headed back home and I headed to work and then LA. Woo.
Hoku
Pumpkin had to put her dog to sleep last night. She sent an email this morning. I was on the phone with her last night, blathering on about Tangerine's wedding and she had to go quickly because he was crying. And I kinda worried then. But I was still hopeful that it was just one of his bad days and he'd be fine.
She found out that he was sick earlier last month. But he managed to hang in there and have a pretty good doggie time until recently. So I think she was able to say goodbye, spend some good time with him and sort of make peace with him dying. I hope. I know I was really happy when I was there earlier this month and he was still seeming mostly like his Hoku self. He's such an awesome dog. And I got a little sad saying goodbye to him on the way to the train station. I only saw him on visits to Pumpkin but he was excellent and I did love him. And I can’t picture her house without him.
I remember when Pumpkin first got him and I’d go visit her at Cornell. She very graciously let me sleep on her bed while she and her boyfriend sacked out on the floor. And then Hoku climbed up on the bed and flopped down on me and it started to become clear why I got the bed. Then he threw up on me and it was even more clear. Heh.
He was a much bigger dog than I was used to hanging with. My family always had smaller dogs that were excitable but couldn’t really do much about it. So I sometimes wondered if Hoku wasn’t going to just knock me over at some point. On one visit to Pumpkin it was my guestly job to walk him while she was in class. A first I thought he was going to yank my arm out of my socket pulling on the leash (because I’m a wimp) or maybe even pull me off my feet and drag me along behind him (I was smaller and lighter then). Then I let him go run and play in one of the pretty water areas there and was convinced I would lose him. I had visions of him running far and wide, getting away from me and looking for his beloved Pumpkin and in doing so, would be lost forever. Thankfully, this did not happen. He never really left my line of sight, tired himself out, came back and we trotted on back to her apartment.
He was always so friendly. Right at the door when we’d get to her place. Demanding love and attention and ball throwing all the time. Allowing me to rub his belly whenever I wanted, out of the kindness of his heart. I got used to the big friendly dog love and kinda liked it. And he was such a beautiful dog. I used to tell him how pretty he was until Pumpkin made me stop. Said he was a boy and not pretty. So I had to start telling him what a handsome thing he was.
I just wish he hadn’t gotten sick and that Pumpkin could’ve had him around for a while longer. It happens. You tend to outlive your pets. But it sucks so much. Even if you know it’s going to happen. I’ve lost pets and it’s just so horrible.
I’ve never had to actually make the call though. Never had to make the decision to put an animal to sleep. With Sally, our first dog, she was sick and one day I came home from school and Mom and Dad had already put her to sleep and buried her. It was a shock and I was very, very sad. But I had no responsibility in it. I trusted that my parents made the right call and was a little sad I couldn’t say goodbye, but figured they knew what they were doing. With Pussywillow, she started acting sick right before Christmas. And she held on through the holidays. Then, when I was at school, Mom and Dad took her to the vet. The vet said that she was too sick and nothing could be done and the best thing to do was to put her to sleep. So they brought her home so I could say goodbye before taking her down to the vet. But the trip to the vet must have been too much for her. Because she died while Mom and Dad were getting me. And then with our dog Freckles, I was in New York and she was basically Mom and Dad’s dog then and not mine. And they made the decision to put her to sleep once it seemed like life was more bad than good for her. So again, I lost the pets, but didn’t really have to take responsibility for them. And I’m afraid to do that. I love my girls and get so sad when I look at Nani and realize that she’s an older cat now. She’s healthy and happy and all, but I just dread the day when she’s not.
But today she’s fine and Hoku is not and Pumpkin probably isn’t totally either. And I wish I could do something. I have found new love for my suitcase and would love to go see her this weekend, but she probably has to work or wants to be alone or something. I don’t know. -- Let me know, babe. I’m thinking of you. As is my Mom I suspect. Well, she will be as soon as she gets up. As are a lot of people.
She found out that he was sick earlier last month. But he managed to hang in there and have a pretty good doggie time until recently. So I think she was able to say goodbye, spend some good time with him and sort of make peace with him dying. I hope. I know I was really happy when I was there earlier this month and he was still seeming mostly like his Hoku self. He's such an awesome dog. And I got a little sad saying goodbye to him on the way to the train station. I only saw him on visits to Pumpkin but he was excellent and I did love him. And I can’t picture her house without him.
I remember when Pumpkin first got him and I’d go visit her at Cornell. She very graciously let me sleep on her bed while she and her boyfriend sacked out on the floor. And then Hoku climbed up on the bed and flopped down on me and it started to become clear why I got the bed. Then he threw up on me and it was even more clear. Heh.
He was a much bigger dog than I was used to hanging with. My family always had smaller dogs that were excitable but couldn’t really do much about it. So I sometimes wondered if Hoku wasn’t going to just knock me over at some point. On one visit to Pumpkin it was my guestly job to walk him while she was in class. A first I thought he was going to yank my arm out of my socket pulling on the leash (because I’m a wimp) or maybe even pull me off my feet and drag me along behind him (I was smaller and lighter then). Then I let him go run and play in one of the pretty water areas there and was convinced I would lose him. I had visions of him running far and wide, getting away from me and looking for his beloved Pumpkin and in doing so, would be lost forever. Thankfully, this did not happen. He never really left my line of sight, tired himself out, came back and we trotted on back to her apartment.
He was always so friendly. Right at the door when we’d get to her place. Demanding love and attention and ball throwing all the time. Allowing me to rub his belly whenever I wanted, out of the kindness of his heart. I got used to the big friendly dog love and kinda liked it. And he was such a beautiful dog. I used to tell him how pretty he was until Pumpkin made me stop. Said he was a boy and not pretty. So I had to start telling him what a handsome thing he was.
I just wish he hadn’t gotten sick and that Pumpkin could’ve had him around for a while longer. It happens. You tend to outlive your pets. But it sucks so much. Even if you know it’s going to happen. I’ve lost pets and it’s just so horrible.
I’ve never had to actually make the call though. Never had to make the decision to put an animal to sleep. With Sally, our first dog, she was sick and one day I came home from school and Mom and Dad had already put her to sleep and buried her. It was a shock and I was very, very sad. But I had no responsibility in it. I trusted that my parents made the right call and was a little sad I couldn’t say goodbye, but figured they knew what they were doing. With Pussywillow, she started acting sick right before Christmas. And she held on through the holidays. Then, when I was at school, Mom and Dad took her to the vet. The vet said that she was too sick and nothing could be done and the best thing to do was to put her to sleep. So they brought her home so I could say goodbye before taking her down to the vet. But the trip to the vet must have been too much for her. Because she died while Mom and Dad were getting me. And then with our dog Freckles, I was in New York and she was basically Mom and Dad’s dog then and not mine. And they made the decision to put her to sleep once it seemed like life was more bad than good for her. So again, I lost the pets, but didn’t really have to take responsibility for them. And I’m afraid to do that. I love my girls and get so sad when I look at Nani and realize that she’s an older cat now. She’s healthy and happy and all, but I just dread the day when she’s not.
But today she’s fine and Hoku is not and Pumpkin probably isn’t totally either. And I wish I could do something. I have found new love for my suitcase and would love to go see her this weekend, but she probably has to work or wants to be alone or something. I don’t know. -- Let me know, babe. I’m thinking of you. As is my Mom I suspect. Well, she will be as soon as she gets up. As are a lot of people.
Monday, July 19, 2004
I'm HOME!!!!
I was so excited in the car going home last night. I just kept looking at Jersey and then New York grinning and all happy to be home, back in New York, back in Brooklyn. It felt kinda peaceful to be back here, despite the nonsense people spout about how crazy and intense New York is. I felt kinda calm being back home.
I have had a wonderful time traveling all over and seeing my high school friends and all of that. It's all been big fun. My sheer joy at being back at New York is not a reflection on the time spent away. Just so you know. But I am so happy to be back right now.
Tonight I plan to unpack and then hide my suitcase in the basement. I've become irrationally angry with it and kinda want to cry whenever I have to pack it or lift it. I feel my suitcase and I need a little space, some time apart from each other. And since I pay the rent, the suitcase can go in the basement and I'll be staying in the apartment. I'm also going to clean the catbox and change my sheets. And when it stops raining I'm going to mow the lawn and put the hammock back in its spot. And make my apartment all pretty and habitable so I can run around in it and love it enough to be able to handle my next trip in September. Yay. Woo Woo.
Unless Muffy & Steph and I actually follow through on the rumblings we've had about going camping. But maybe I won't have to pack a suitcase if we do that in August. Maybe just a bag. Hmmmm...
Also, I need to catch up on photos and my blogs. Ugh. I brought my laptop with me this weekend to work on the travel entries and just didn't have a moment to myself the whole time. So, gotta do that this week whenever I have a moment. Soon I hope. At least Birthday Week is done. Well, the blogs, not the photo situation.
I am not thrilled to be back in the office, though. Just so you know.
I have had a wonderful time traveling all over and seeing my high school friends and all of that. It's all been big fun. My sheer joy at being back at New York is not a reflection on the time spent away. Just so you know. But I am so happy to be back right now.
Tonight I plan to unpack and then hide my suitcase in the basement. I've become irrationally angry with it and kinda want to cry whenever I have to pack it or lift it. I feel my suitcase and I need a little space, some time apart from each other. And since I pay the rent, the suitcase can go in the basement and I'll be staying in the apartment. I'm also going to clean the catbox and change my sheets. And when it stops raining I'm going to mow the lawn and put the hammock back in its spot. And make my apartment all pretty and habitable so I can run around in it and love it enough to be able to handle my next trip in September. Yay. Woo Woo.
Unless Muffy & Steph and I actually follow through on the rumblings we've had about going camping. But maybe I won't have to pack a suitcase if we do that in August. Maybe just a bag. Hmmmm...
Also, I need to catch up on photos and my blogs. Ugh. I brought my laptop with me this weekend to work on the travel entries and just didn't have a moment to myself the whole time. So, gotta do that this week whenever I have a moment. Soon I hope. At least Birthday Week is done. Well, the blogs, not the photo situation.
I am not thrilled to be back in the office, though. Just so you know.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Birthday Week - Day Ten (6-20)
I was up much earlier than anyone should have to be the day after they turn 30, but it was all really my own fault. Seeing as I had scheduled brunch and all. Originally I thought that there would be houseguests and people crashing after the party. One party left me with five folks there the next morning, and I ended up making them all pancakes that day. I figured it was birthday week so I’d just schedule a brunch into that day after and not have to make pancakes for anyone. Of course it turns out that this was the first party ever that I didn’t have anyone in my apartment the next morning.
Oh god. I hope this isn’t a bad sign for my thirties - a future without overnight guests!?!?!? Not good. Um… I’m a little worried now…
Yeah. I’m not going to think about that. Anyway. A few folks were actually popping by for brunch despite not staying the night so I had to be up and dressed and ready to go. Traveler was even coming in from Connecticut just for brunch. Because he is the sweetest ever.
I was actually up and dressed and tidying a bit when the Traveler arrived. Then Muffy and Steph. There was some miscommunication with Vader, so we ended up hanging out in the backyard for a while, the four of us just chatting and enjoying the really, really pretty day. Finally we all headed over to Lobo for brunch. Eggs and guacamole and spicy Bloody Mary’s and excellent conversation make for a sterling morning after brunch. I was really happy we did it despite my lack of morning after guests.
Then Muffy and Steph drove their grill home and the Traveler headed off. Vader and I hung out in my backyard chatting for ever and it was really pleasant. The weather was gorgeous and it was just fun, lazy friends who’ve known each other forever (21 damn years. Wow. Our friendship can go out drinking now sitting out back dishing. Perfect way to wrap up Birthday Week I think.
Eventually I let the poor woman go home so I could watch some TiVo (yay TiVo) and get to bed.
I can’t wait to do this all again next year. Yay!
Oh god. I hope this isn’t a bad sign for my thirties - a future without overnight guests!?!?!? Not good. Um… I’m a little worried now…
Yeah. I’m not going to think about that. Anyway. A few folks were actually popping by for brunch despite not staying the night so I had to be up and dressed and ready to go. Traveler was even coming in from Connecticut just for brunch. Because he is the sweetest ever.
I was actually up and dressed and tidying a bit when the Traveler arrived. Then Muffy and Steph. There was some miscommunication with Vader, so we ended up hanging out in the backyard for a while, the four of us just chatting and enjoying the really, really pretty day. Finally we all headed over to Lobo for brunch. Eggs and guacamole and spicy Bloody Mary’s and excellent conversation make for a sterling morning after brunch. I was really happy we did it despite my lack of morning after guests.
Then Muffy and Steph drove their grill home and the Traveler headed off. Vader and I hung out in my backyard chatting for ever and it was really pleasant. The weather was gorgeous and it was just fun, lazy friends who’ve known each other forever (21 damn years. Wow. Our friendship can go out drinking now sitting out back dishing. Perfect way to wrap up Birthday Week I think.
Eventually I let the poor woman go home so I could watch some TiVo (yay TiVo) and get to bed.
I can’t wait to do this all again next year. Yay!
Birthday Week - Day Nine (6-19)
I had a Fresh Direct order coming between 9 & 11 and had to make sure I was home by 9. Which was a lot of fun considering I was exhausted and kinda hungover. But surprisingly I caught an awesome cab driver (who did not hit on me) who got me home super fast. The food didn’t actually get there until about 10. Which wasn’t so bad. I mostly sat in my chair drinking water and moaning a little. It wasn’t a horrible painful hangover. It was just one of those things where you’re really tired and your tummy hurts a little and you feel like you might get a headache but then don’t actually get one. It could’ve been much worse.
But then the food came. And I had starchy junk food to munch on and soothe my tummy. And then Muffy came on over to prove her awesomeness as a friend for the three millionth time. And she brought me coffee. We sat and enjoyed our coffee and giggled and moaned (well, I moaned - she was quite pleasant) and I started to feel better. While moaning and coffeeing we opened my bday gifts from Mom. All kinds of cute things she picked up in China like a pretty barrette of lacquer and mother of pearl. I’m afraid to wear it because I don’t want to hurt it. And fancy tea. And slippers and a pretty bracelet and all sorts of things. It was my birthday and all. Some gift opening had to happen and I told all my friends not to bring gifts. Turns out my friends are a disobedient bunch.
At about noon we started working on getting the pad in shape for the party. Which was not fun. We moved furniture and put together the hammock - which is a FABULOUS hammock. We moved crumbling stone garden boarder pieces into the basement. I dropped one on my foot and it hurt real bad. Muffy thought a trip to the emergency room would be a bit of a downer during Birthday Week, so luckily we didn’t have to make one. But it HURT. It didn’t bruise much though. I got a really ugly bruise on my left forearm that didn’t hurt at all though. That’s the one that had everyone worried all evening. Strange. And there was lots of cleaning and all. Eventually I started on my minimal cooking. Normally I spend days making about forty different things but this time I didn’t want to stress myself too much during birthday week and all. So sausage (vegetarian) balls, artichoke (baked Mayo!) dip and Tex-Mex dip were about it for me.
While I was cooking, Muffy went all Martha Stewart in my backyard and it was awesome as well as adorable. She set up all the furniture and arranged a cooking area and seating areas and so on and so forth. I really needed to have taken a picture of it all before everyone arrived, but I’m a slacker and was running behind (as always when it comes to parties). You’ll just have to try and picture it in your mind.
Anyway, she headed home to rest and get prettier and all that and I showered and went back to cooking. Rock Star Fran showed up first - with gifts. It’s All About Me Earrings and pretty slippers that I put on right away. And then I put her to work making most of the Tex-Mex dip because she is a good friend. Then others started popping in with meat and beer and gifts (shame, shame - but very sweet). At some point Muffy & Steph showed up with the grill (because they are far better to me than I deserve) and got that going. I really had very little to do with the grilling as I don’t much care how my veggie burgers are done. At some point Muffy asked me for them, I gave them to her and then a little while later I had a plate with cooked veggie burgers on a bun with cheese. Muffy is kinda magical, y’all.
It was a lot of fun. Tons of people showed up. Well, twenty or so, but that seems like tons. Everyone kinda gathered around the table on the porch area, breaking up poor Muffy’s lawn seating area to bring chairs over to the table. Though I guess that is where the chips and dips were gathering so it makes sense. And there was chatting and beer drinking and hat wearing and all that. At one point DKE got out and had to be fetched and put back in her carrier - adding some nice scratches to my very sexy bruises. Muffy and Steph ran off to get me cupcakes (that whole better than I deserve thing). They were very suspicious upon leaving so I told everyone they ran off for a quickie. I’m pleased with how easily most people believed me. I am a bad person.
Couples kept sneaking off to lay in the hammock and everyone showed proper awe for my excellent backyard. I kept wanting to sneak off for an nap in the hammock due to being completely exhausted and all but thought that might be a little tacky. Actually I did sneak off for a bit after it was dark. But everyone kept looking back at me so I was only in the hammock for about two minutes. Heh. Besides, I really couldn’t handle the idea that there was fun going on and I wasn’t part of it.
At some point Turnip called to wish me Happy Birthday and to tell me she loved me. Because she is cool like that. Sadly I kept getting called away and I think she managed to talk more with everyone else at the party than with me. Oops. Everyone seems to like her though so that’s nice. And she got invited to Monkey Man’s housewarming party by his roommate even though I hadn’t even been invited. And the party doesn’t actually have a date yet…
Nothing horribly exciting happened. Well, there were fireworks or something that we could hear at one point. The group said they were for Olympic Torch ceremonies, but I think we all know that it was in honor of me. And at some point the wind really picked up outside and it got kinda cold. I was actually handing out sweatshirts and shirts and things. Charlotte even put on Ed’s Shirt just to be a little warmer. So we cleaned up out back and then headed in.
We wrapped things up with Vader, Muffy, Steph and I giggling and being dorks in my apartment, putting goo on Vader’s forehead and making dumb jokes and all that.
I think everyone was out of there not long after 1AM and I got to crawl into my pretty, pretty bed feeling a little bit better about being 30. Okay, a lot better about being 30.
My friends are awesome. Really. I’m too lucky. Don’t deserve any of you.
I guess it doesn’t make for an exciting story, but I had a really great day nine.
But then the food came. And I had starchy junk food to munch on and soothe my tummy. And then Muffy came on over to prove her awesomeness as a friend for the three millionth time. And she brought me coffee. We sat and enjoyed our coffee and giggled and moaned (well, I moaned - she was quite pleasant) and I started to feel better. While moaning and coffeeing we opened my bday gifts from Mom. All kinds of cute things she picked up in China like a pretty barrette of lacquer and mother of pearl. I’m afraid to wear it because I don’t want to hurt it. And fancy tea. And slippers and a pretty bracelet and all sorts of things. It was my birthday and all. Some gift opening had to happen and I told all my friends not to bring gifts. Turns out my friends are a disobedient bunch.
At about noon we started working on getting the pad in shape for the party. Which was not fun. We moved furniture and put together the hammock - which is a FABULOUS hammock. We moved crumbling stone garden boarder pieces into the basement. I dropped one on my foot and it hurt real bad. Muffy thought a trip to the emergency room would be a bit of a downer during Birthday Week, so luckily we didn’t have to make one. But it HURT. It didn’t bruise much though. I got a really ugly bruise on my left forearm that didn’t hurt at all though. That’s the one that had everyone worried all evening. Strange. And there was lots of cleaning and all. Eventually I started on my minimal cooking. Normally I spend days making about forty different things but this time I didn’t want to stress myself too much during birthday week and all. So sausage (vegetarian) balls, artichoke (baked Mayo!) dip and Tex-Mex dip were about it for me.
While I was cooking, Muffy went all Martha Stewart in my backyard and it was awesome as well as adorable. She set up all the furniture and arranged a cooking area and seating areas and so on and so forth. I really needed to have taken a picture of it all before everyone arrived, but I’m a slacker and was running behind (as always when it comes to parties). You’ll just have to try and picture it in your mind.
Anyway, she headed home to rest and get prettier and all that and I showered and went back to cooking. Rock Star Fran showed up first - with gifts. It’s All About Me Earrings and pretty slippers that I put on right away. And then I put her to work making most of the Tex-Mex dip because she is a good friend. Then others started popping in with meat and beer and gifts (shame, shame - but very sweet). At some point Muffy & Steph showed up with the grill (because they are far better to me than I deserve) and got that going. I really had very little to do with the grilling as I don’t much care how my veggie burgers are done. At some point Muffy asked me for them, I gave them to her and then a little while later I had a plate with cooked veggie burgers on a bun with cheese. Muffy is kinda magical, y’all.
It was a lot of fun. Tons of people showed up. Well, twenty or so, but that seems like tons. Everyone kinda gathered around the table on the porch area, breaking up poor Muffy’s lawn seating area to bring chairs over to the table. Though I guess that is where the chips and dips were gathering so it makes sense. And there was chatting and beer drinking and hat wearing and all that. At one point DKE got out and had to be fetched and put back in her carrier - adding some nice scratches to my very sexy bruises. Muffy and Steph ran off to get me cupcakes (that whole better than I deserve thing). They were very suspicious upon leaving so I told everyone they ran off for a quickie. I’m pleased with how easily most people believed me. I am a bad person.
Couples kept sneaking off to lay in the hammock and everyone showed proper awe for my excellent backyard. I kept wanting to sneak off for an nap in the hammock due to being completely exhausted and all but thought that might be a little tacky. Actually I did sneak off for a bit after it was dark. But everyone kept looking back at me so I was only in the hammock for about two minutes. Heh. Besides, I really couldn’t handle the idea that there was fun going on and I wasn’t part of it.
At some point Turnip called to wish me Happy Birthday and to tell me she loved me. Because she is cool like that. Sadly I kept getting called away and I think she managed to talk more with everyone else at the party than with me. Oops. Everyone seems to like her though so that’s nice. And she got invited to Monkey Man’s housewarming party by his roommate even though I hadn’t even been invited. And the party doesn’t actually have a date yet…
Nothing horribly exciting happened. Well, there were fireworks or something that we could hear at one point. The group said they were for Olympic Torch ceremonies, but I think we all know that it was in honor of me. And at some point the wind really picked up outside and it got kinda cold. I was actually handing out sweatshirts and shirts and things. Charlotte even put on Ed’s Shirt just to be a little warmer. So we cleaned up out back and then headed in.
We wrapped things up with Vader, Muffy, Steph and I giggling and being dorks in my apartment, putting goo on Vader’s forehead and making dumb jokes and all that.
I think everyone was out of there not long after 1AM and I got to crawl into my pretty, pretty bed feeling a little bit better about being 30. Okay, a lot better about being 30.
My friends are awesome. Really. I’m too lucky. Don’t deserve any of you.
I guess it doesn’t make for an exciting story, but I had a really great day nine.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Birthday Week - Day Eight (6-18)
Well, finally work decided to throw a little love, adoration and early departure time my way. Rock Star Fran made me cupcakes, Lovey brought in popcorn and Sheena made me brownies. There was a card and my evil boss, but luckily no singing. And because I took off at 1, it was pretty brief. So that was kinda nice. Sweet of them to think of me. Though I really dislike most of my coworkers and the ones I do like were invited to Birthday Week so it did feel a little unnecessary. I’m such a fucking ingrate. Lovey, RSF & Sheena - it was very nice and I loved it.
So, I had planned to spend my free afternoon doing all kinds of things around the apartment and running errands for the big party on Day 9. I did manage to run one errand and cross a couple things off my to-do list, but then I just napped the rest of the damn day. Which proved to be a good thing, but made me feel like such a slacker. Though really, what better way to spend an early day off from work?
I finally dragged myself out of bed in time to get sorta pretty for the night’s events. Friends and I used to go to Rose’s Turn a lot a long while back. Nekkid found it when she was visiting from Arkansas during our 24th birthdays. She’s a day younger than I am and she was in town for both the 19th and the 20th. Since it was her birthday she got to pick what we’d do. And she wanted a piano bar. And she managed to pick a rowdy one in the West Village. Good times. It’s an awesome place and we had a fabulous drunken night. And then friends, family & I went back often and for hours. Mom loves the place and Dad tolerates it when he has to. Poor guy even got dragged there during Pride Week one year. Anyway, I hadn’t been back in a couple of years and figured Birthday Week was a good excuse to go. And the place is as awesome as it ever was.
Muffy and Steph got there earlier than I did and staked out an excellent section even though they’d never been there before. Very smart people. We drank and chatted and then PimpDaddy and his woman, Skipper, showed up to make out behind Ed’s Shirt and drink with us. Then Lovey popped in for a drink and out for dinner and back in for more drinks. And Sheena and her man showed up for a little bit. No making out for them though. Alas.
PimpDaddy and Skipper are lovely and yet evil people. So they told our waitress it was my birthday. And the bar was then forced to sing to me. But then I got a drink on the house. So that was excellent.
And then it was 12:30AM and that complete bastard, Steph, decided to tell me that I was 30. Actually 30. And had been 30 for about half an hour. I almost cried. I figured that I’d have birthday week and be all above the fear of 30 and whatever and then I freaked out. For a little bit. Okay, for the rest of the night I was a bit freaked. Thirty! Ugh. I can’t believe it. I practiced saying I was 30 for a few months prior to this. I thought it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. I was mistaken. Dang. Thirty. At some point our waitress heard my fussing and I got another drink on the house for being 30. Which was awesome and yet horrifying. THIRTY!!!!! It seems so old. I used to say that I’d sleep when I was 30. That apparently was not true, but it seemed once upon a time that 30 would be when the fun was over.
Anyway, eventually everyone abandoned my spazzing old ass except Muffy and Steph. And so the three of us left the bar to get ice cream. Having Mr. Softee trucks driving around the streets of New York all day and parking near bars at night is an excellent thing.
Stop reading, Daddy.
And then I went to a friend’s place to be reassured that I was not a scary ancient hag. On the way I actually got hit on by the cab driver which was, well, kinda reassuring. Being 30 and in danger of being a spinster and all. He wasn’t the hottest guy ever but was kinda cute. From Jersey I think. Currently living in the Bronx. In fact, he offered to pull over the cab and do me right there. God help me, the first thought I had was, “I’ve never done it in a cab.” And then I thought that it might be tacky all things considered and turned him down. Alas. What if that was my only chance to do it in a cab? I did give him my number. I think. There had been a lot of drinks. I know he gave me his. Heh.
Um, anyway. That was Day 8. So far as y’all know.
So, I had planned to spend my free afternoon doing all kinds of things around the apartment and running errands for the big party on Day 9. I did manage to run one errand and cross a couple things off my to-do list, but then I just napped the rest of the damn day. Which proved to be a good thing, but made me feel like such a slacker. Though really, what better way to spend an early day off from work?
I finally dragged myself out of bed in time to get sorta pretty for the night’s events. Friends and I used to go to Rose’s Turn a lot a long while back. Nekkid found it when she was visiting from Arkansas during our 24th birthdays. She’s a day younger than I am and she was in town for both the 19th and the 20th. Since it was her birthday she got to pick what we’d do. And she wanted a piano bar. And she managed to pick a rowdy one in the West Village. Good times. It’s an awesome place and we had a fabulous drunken night. And then friends, family & I went back often and for hours. Mom loves the place and Dad tolerates it when he has to. Poor guy even got dragged there during Pride Week one year. Anyway, I hadn’t been back in a couple of years and figured Birthday Week was a good excuse to go. And the place is as awesome as it ever was.
Muffy and Steph got there earlier than I did and staked out an excellent section even though they’d never been there before. Very smart people. We drank and chatted and then PimpDaddy and his woman, Skipper, showed up to make out behind Ed’s Shirt and drink with us. Then Lovey popped in for a drink and out for dinner and back in for more drinks. And Sheena and her man showed up for a little bit. No making out for them though. Alas.
PimpDaddy and Skipper are lovely and yet evil people. So they told our waitress it was my birthday. And the bar was then forced to sing to me. But then I got a drink on the house. So that was excellent.
And then it was 12:30AM and that complete bastard, Steph, decided to tell me that I was 30. Actually 30. And had been 30 for about half an hour. I almost cried. I figured that I’d have birthday week and be all above the fear of 30 and whatever and then I freaked out. For a little bit. Okay, for the rest of the night I was a bit freaked. Thirty! Ugh. I can’t believe it. I practiced saying I was 30 for a few months prior to this. I thought it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. I was mistaken. Dang. Thirty. At some point our waitress heard my fussing and I got another drink on the house for being 30. Which was awesome and yet horrifying. THIRTY!!!!! It seems so old. I used to say that I’d sleep when I was 30. That apparently was not true, but it seemed once upon a time that 30 would be when the fun was over.
Anyway, eventually everyone abandoned my spazzing old ass except Muffy and Steph. And so the three of us left the bar to get ice cream. Having Mr. Softee trucks driving around the streets of New York all day and parking near bars at night is an excellent thing.
Stop reading, Daddy.
And then I went to a friend’s place to be reassured that I was not a scary ancient hag. On the way I actually got hit on by the cab driver which was, well, kinda reassuring. Being 30 and in danger of being a spinster and all. He wasn’t the hottest guy ever but was kinda cute. From Jersey I think. Currently living in the Bronx. In fact, he offered to pull over the cab and do me right there. God help me, the first thought I had was, “I’ve never done it in a cab.” And then I thought that it might be tacky all things considered and turned him down. Alas. What if that was my only chance to do it in a cab? I did give him my number. I think. There had been a lot of drinks. I know he gave me his. Heh.
Um, anyway. That was Day 8. So far as y’all know.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Kill me
I just found a long gray hair. I am so upset. I have no words.
I have the cats, the Brooklyn garden apartment and now the long gray hair. I'm 30. I am a spinster now.
Please don't expect to see me again. I'm only going to leave the apartment for work and otherwise will be staying home with my cats and garden from here on out.
I hate being old. Dammit.
I have the cats, the Brooklyn garden apartment and now the long gray hair. I'm 30. I am a spinster now.
Please don't expect to see me again. I'm only going to leave the apartment for work and otherwise will be staying home with my cats and garden from here on out.
I hate being old. Dammit.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Happy 4th!
I totally forgot to put the flamingo's Uncle Sam outfit on before I left for Boston on Friday. Silly me. Dangit.
The weekend in Boston was good, but exhausting. Between Birthday Week, Dad's visit, LA and Boston I'm exhausted, sore and never ever want to see my suitcase again. And I think my kitties are starting to doubt my love for them. Luckily I don't have to travel again for nine whole days. Bliss! I'm trying to keep those nine days very low key. I mean, c'mon. I'm 30 now. I should be spending more time reading in my garden, surrounded by my cats. Right?
More later when I'm not so run down though. Like Tomorrow. I hope.
The weekend in Boston was good, but exhausting. Between Birthday Week, Dad's visit, LA and Boston I'm exhausted, sore and never ever want to see my suitcase again. And I think my kitties are starting to doubt my love for them. Luckily I don't have to travel again for nine whole days. Bliss! I'm trying to keep those nine days very low key. I mean, c'mon. I'm 30 now. I should be spending more time reading in my garden, surrounded by my cats. Right?
More later when I'm not so run down though. Like Tomorrow. I hope.
Friday, July 02, 2004
Birthday Week - Day Seven (6-17)
Work. Blah blah blah. I did manage to have coffee with Auto though. He was working that afternoon and came all the way up to big bad Midtown Manhattan to humor me a tiny bit during Birthday Week. I admire that in a person. Humoring me, stroking my ego, giving me the mad love. Good things. If y’all want to be friends with me, brush up on that stuff.
I was going to go to Taekwon Do class after work but Muppet and Mr. Muppet and Park were heading for pre-Karaoke dinner and won me over to their dark side. Beer and food and friends or sweating and hurting. I love the Taekwon Do but c’mon. It is Birthday Week. So, off to Heartland Brewery for beer and onion rings and stuff. And because Park hates the subway we all trotted to the garage to get her car. And while I would love to mock her a little bit for the whole germ/subway thing, she gave me a ride in the pouring rain to Karaoke AND dropped me off right at the door. So the mocking will happen later.
I was the first person to arrive at Planet Rose from my party and the second person to arrive who didn’t work there. Some cute little man was at the end of the bar chatting with the bartender as she made him some blue drink. I ordered a vodka tonic and waited for the gang to appear. And read through the song book pondering all the songs I would NOT be singing that night.
See, I hate Karaoke. Well, I hate singing in public. Singing in the shower is awesome. I rock at that. When no one else is in my home. And I like watching other people sing in public. But I don’t like doing it. And so going to Karaoke where you KNOW someone is going to make you embarrass yourself just isn’t fun for me. It also doesn’t help that I know a ton of people who are excellent at Karaoke. ‘Cause they rock out and then I have to get up and sing and it’s just so sad in comparison. It’s actually sad without the talented folks but they just make me look even sadder and who needs that really? But a lot of people requested a Karaoke night for Birthday Week and I mistakenly thought that it being my BIRTHDAY WEEK I wouldn’t be forced to sing. Yeah, I’m cute but not so bright sometimes.
So, folks arrive pretty quickly and the awesomeness begins. BigD rocks out as is his way as does Rock Star Fran. Mr. Muppet sings The Highwayman as wonderfully as ever (it’s his Karaoke thing, you see). The Muppets and Park get me to help on the back-up for Love Shack. BigD sings some Neil Diamond and Rock Star Fran loves the performance but mocks the lyrics, which is as it should be. Rugby hid on the zebra couches hoping that no one would make her sing. Smart girl. One of the highlights was BigD & Rock Star Fran’s duet on You Don’t Send Me Flowers. Such emoting. Such lovely singing. I couldn’t stop cracking up. Buzz and SuperVixen showed up at some point. As did ButtKicker and Chuck. Lots of fun folks. And there was more singing. A bunch of the girls did Faith and Rock Star Fran had to do a lot of voiceover chatter about George Michael’s ass which seemed to be appreciated. Buzz sang me some Britney Spears and my buds actually dedicated quite a few songs to me. Rock Star Fran started to get a little tired and made me join her on Country Roads. The bar was pretty crowded (with at least two other birthday parties) and I felt for their poor little ears at this point. Then, someone not in our group dedicated a song to Amanda “whoever she is”. It was the little guy who was in the bar when I arrived. He just sat at the end of the bar on his little stool singing numbers every now and then all night long. And then ended up dedicating one to me. Cracked me up.
BigD decided to do Satisfaction (I think? - I’d been drinking a lot at this point) as his finale and danced and rocked all around the whole bar. We were all kind of in awe. The whole bar was kind of in awe. And he was pretty wiped out after that. Poor li’l guy. But it was excellent.
Oh, and earlier in the evening ButtKicker had put in The Tide is High under my name. Rock Star Fran promised to sing it for us while we did back up but then she bailed before the song came up. Buzz said he’d do it, but he was lying. So I ended up doing it while ButtKicker and SuperVixen helped me a little bit. Mean. And after that I don’t think any of the rest of us could take it anymore. And the last of the stragglers trotted on home. I got into bed considerably before dawn, but a bit after midnight. Respectable for Day Seven I think. Yes? And despite my little hate of Karaoke I had a really good time.
I was going to go to Taekwon Do class after work but Muppet and Mr. Muppet and Park were heading for pre-Karaoke dinner and won me over to their dark side. Beer and food and friends or sweating and hurting. I love the Taekwon Do but c’mon. It is Birthday Week. So, off to Heartland Brewery for beer and onion rings and stuff. And because Park hates the subway we all trotted to the garage to get her car. And while I would love to mock her a little bit for the whole germ/subway thing, she gave me a ride in the pouring rain to Karaoke AND dropped me off right at the door. So the mocking will happen later.
I was the first person to arrive at Planet Rose from my party and the second person to arrive who didn’t work there. Some cute little man was at the end of the bar chatting with the bartender as she made him some blue drink. I ordered a vodka tonic and waited for the gang to appear. And read through the song book pondering all the songs I would NOT be singing that night.
See, I hate Karaoke. Well, I hate singing in public. Singing in the shower is awesome. I rock at that. When no one else is in my home. And I like watching other people sing in public. But I don’t like doing it. And so going to Karaoke where you KNOW someone is going to make you embarrass yourself just isn’t fun for me. It also doesn’t help that I know a ton of people who are excellent at Karaoke. ‘Cause they rock out and then I have to get up and sing and it’s just so sad in comparison. It’s actually sad without the talented folks but they just make me look even sadder and who needs that really? But a lot of people requested a Karaoke night for Birthday Week and I mistakenly thought that it being my BIRTHDAY WEEK I wouldn’t be forced to sing. Yeah, I’m cute but not so bright sometimes.
So, folks arrive pretty quickly and the awesomeness begins. BigD rocks out as is his way as does Rock Star Fran. Mr. Muppet sings The Highwayman as wonderfully as ever (it’s his Karaoke thing, you see). The Muppets and Park get me to help on the back-up for Love Shack. BigD sings some Neil Diamond and Rock Star Fran loves the performance but mocks the lyrics, which is as it should be. Rugby hid on the zebra couches hoping that no one would make her sing. Smart girl. One of the highlights was BigD & Rock Star Fran’s duet on You Don’t Send Me Flowers. Such emoting. Such lovely singing. I couldn’t stop cracking up. Buzz and SuperVixen showed up at some point. As did ButtKicker and Chuck. Lots of fun folks. And there was more singing. A bunch of the girls did Faith and Rock Star Fran had to do a lot of voiceover chatter about George Michael’s ass which seemed to be appreciated. Buzz sang me some Britney Spears and my buds actually dedicated quite a few songs to me. Rock Star Fran started to get a little tired and made me join her on Country Roads. The bar was pretty crowded (with at least two other birthday parties) and I felt for their poor little ears at this point. Then, someone not in our group dedicated a song to Amanda “whoever she is”. It was the little guy who was in the bar when I arrived. He just sat at the end of the bar on his little stool singing numbers every now and then all night long. And then ended up dedicating one to me. Cracked me up.
BigD decided to do Satisfaction (I think? - I’d been drinking a lot at this point) as his finale and danced and rocked all around the whole bar. We were all kind of in awe. The whole bar was kind of in awe. And he was pretty wiped out after that. Poor li’l guy. But it was excellent.
Oh, and earlier in the evening ButtKicker had put in The Tide is High under my name. Rock Star Fran promised to sing it for us while we did back up but then she bailed before the song came up. Buzz said he’d do it, but he was lying. So I ended up doing it while ButtKicker and SuperVixen helped me a little bit. Mean. And after that I don’t think any of the rest of us could take it anymore. And the last of the stragglers trotted on home. I got into bed considerably before dawn, but a bit after midnight. Respectable for Day Seven I think. Yes? And despite my little hate of Karaoke I had a really good time.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Want to die
Right now I'm so tired I can barely see. I don't think I've had more than about 5 hours of good sleep in a night since early June, if that. I always used to say I'd sleep when I was 30. I apparently lied.
Anyway, LA was awesome, time with Dad was awesome, Ed's Shirt is covered in mud stains and I'm going to steal Turnip's future boyfriend. All is right with the world. I think. I just can't form enough coherent sentences about it. So, today I'm going to surf the net, inhale caffeine and just try to get through the day until I can pass into a coma in my own bed at 9:30PM. Just want to let y'all know I'm alive and plan to catch up on all the day description blog entries by Monday. Oh, wait, no. Going out of town this weekend. Hmmmm... I plan to have them all caught up before my next trip after that which starts on July 15th. Ugh. So tired. No more trips.
Can I please just stay in New York for the entire month of August? Please?
Anyway, LA was awesome, time with Dad was awesome, Ed's Shirt is covered in mud stains and I'm going to steal Turnip's future boyfriend. All is right with the world. I think. I just can't form enough coherent sentences about it. So, today I'm going to surf the net, inhale caffeine and just try to get through the day until I can pass into a coma in my own bed at 9:30PM. Just want to let y'all know I'm alive and plan to catch up on all the day description blog entries by Monday. Oh, wait, no. Going out of town this weekend. Hmmmm... I plan to have them all caught up before my next trip after that which starts on July 15th. Ugh. So tired. No more trips.
Can I please just stay in New York for the entire month of August? Please?
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
I *heart* Daddy
So, Poppy has come for a visit. It's very exciting. Well, not really. But it's fun and it makes me happy.
He was in Indiana for the Grand Prix last weekend (yeah, Daddy went to a race on my Birthday) and decided to swing by New York for a couple days on his way back to Guam, via Hawai'i. The life of a pilot. I kinda want it. So he got here last night. Arrived at Port Authority right about 5:45PM. Not really the best time to be at Port Authority. Oh how I hate the crowds in Manhattan at rush hour. Especially down around 42nd street. I realize I can never live in Jersey now. I hate the PATH and the idea of having to commute through The Port every day makes me break out in hives. I don't think Dad's any more fond of the crowds either. This is the man who stated the whole year and a half he lived here that it was a good thing he didn't own a gun and then would mumble about Bernie Goetz. I think it's just the sheer concentration of people in a small space that leads to the sheer concentration of too many stupid people in a small space. Makes him crazy.
Anyway, we battled through the crowds along 42nd street with his luggage and the rush hour hoards on the F train to make it safely back to my very hot & humid apartment. Because this is apparently the year we're having August in June or something. It's just been too miserable and muggy this month. I lucked into nice weather for the BBQ last weekend. We rested for a bit and let Mom know we made it home. Then off to forage for dinner.
We ended up doing the wine and bread and cheese (and olives and potato salad and hummus and triskets) thing out back. We had a brief bit of sprinkly rain, but it stopped and we were able to eat our stilton & havarti in peace. Then I was forced inside to clean the catbox while Dad enjoyed a post-dinner cigar. Dad has a bit of a phobia about the catbox. Don't know why, but he can't handle it having much in the way of poo in it. I'm starting to suspect that some of my aversion to poo comes from this. I should get a therapist and bring this up. Maybe. Or not.
After that was a lovely walk around the block while we pondered another dinner option for tonight, in case we couldn't get reservations at Grocery. We did get them for 9:30 so that's fine. You don't have to worry. I suspect it'll be drinks at Zombie Hut and then dinner at Grocery. Date night with my Dad. Without the movie.
Then it was just putzing around the apartment. I tidied a little and showered while Dad cleared a backload of email (five days worth!). Good times. I like just hanging with him. We watched the season premier of Monk on TiVo and the scenes of Monk trapped on the subway car kinda made me giggle and think of Dad just a few hours earlier. But I must make clear that Dad did NOT cry on the train. It was also nice to see that they were ACTUALLY on a train to Brooklyn and then in a station in Brooklyn when they were supposed to be in Brooklyn. Though I'm still confused as to how getting stuck back on a Brooklyn bound A train landed Monk in the middle of Times Square.
I felt kinda weird yesterday at work being all excited about my Dad visiting. Lovey lost hers a few years ago and I'd find myself about to say something flip. Then I'd rethink it at the last minute. It just seemed so inappropriate to joke whine about my Pops coming to visit when hers never will. You know? I know she wouldn't think I was trying to be mean or insensitive or anything, but I'd hate making her miss her Dad or anything. I'm just so lucky to have two loving, involved parents who are still alive and frequently visit. That I can just hang around my apartment watching TV and making bad jokes with my Dad. Which is an awesome thing to do.
He was in Indiana for the Grand Prix last weekend (yeah, Daddy went to a race on my Birthday) and decided to swing by New York for a couple days on his way back to Guam, via Hawai'i. The life of a pilot. I kinda want it. So he got here last night. Arrived at Port Authority right about 5:45PM. Not really the best time to be at Port Authority. Oh how I hate the crowds in Manhattan at rush hour. Especially down around 42nd street. I realize I can never live in Jersey now. I hate the PATH and the idea of having to commute through The Port every day makes me break out in hives. I don't think Dad's any more fond of the crowds either. This is the man who stated the whole year and a half he lived here that it was a good thing he didn't own a gun and then would mumble about Bernie Goetz. I think it's just the sheer concentration of people in a small space that leads to the sheer concentration of too many stupid people in a small space. Makes him crazy.
Anyway, we battled through the crowds along 42nd street with his luggage and the rush hour hoards on the F train to make it safely back to my very hot & humid apartment. Because this is apparently the year we're having August in June or something. It's just been too miserable and muggy this month. I lucked into nice weather for the BBQ last weekend. We rested for a bit and let Mom know we made it home. Then off to forage for dinner.
We ended up doing the wine and bread and cheese (and olives and potato salad and hummus and triskets) thing out back. We had a brief bit of sprinkly rain, but it stopped and we were able to eat our stilton & havarti in peace. Then I was forced inside to clean the catbox while Dad enjoyed a post-dinner cigar. Dad has a bit of a phobia about the catbox. Don't know why, but he can't handle it having much in the way of poo in it. I'm starting to suspect that some of my aversion to poo comes from this. I should get a therapist and bring this up. Maybe. Or not.
After that was a lovely walk around the block while we pondered another dinner option for tonight, in case we couldn't get reservations at Grocery. We did get them for 9:30 so that's fine. You don't have to worry. I suspect it'll be drinks at Zombie Hut and then dinner at Grocery. Date night with my Dad. Without the movie.
Then it was just putzing around the apartment. I tidied a little and showered while Dad cleared a backload of email (five days worth!). Good times. I like just hanging with him. We watched the season premier of Monk on TiVo and the scenes of Monk trapped on the subway car kinda made me giggle and think of Dad just a few hours earlier. But I must make clear that Dad did NOT cry on the train. It was also nice to see that they were ACTUALLY on a train to Brooklyn and then in a station in Brooklyn when they were supposed to be in Brooklyn. Though I'm still confused as to how getting stuck back on a Brooklyn bound A train landed Monk in the middle of Times Square.
I felt kinda weird yesterday at work being all excited about my Dad visiting. Lovey lost hers a few years ago and I'd find myself about to say something flip. Then I'd rethink it at the last minute. It just seemed so inappropriate to joke whine about my Pops coming to visit when hers never will. You know? I know she wouldn't think I was trying to be mean or insensitive or anything, but I'd hate making her miss her Dad or anything. I'm just so lucky to have two loving, involved parents who are still alive and frequently visit. That I can just hang around my apartment watching TV and making bad jokes with my Dad. Which is an awesome thing to do.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Birthday Week - Day Six
I think next time I have such an extensive Birthday Week I'm just taking the whole week off from work or something. I did have a lovely lunch at Amy's Bread with Rock Star Stan. And then we went to Staples and I bought pens! Because it's Staples and I have to buy something. I'm an office supply whore, you know. I did have a brief panic attack during the day though. Muffy and I put some warm beers in the freezer the previous night to cool them quickly so we could have more of them. Because. We wanted more. And I left them there. I had visions of a lovely glass bottle explosion in my freezer and it made me a little sad. It's a cute little fridge/freezer. White with blue accent colors. Darling thing. I'd hate to abuse it so. With a glass bottle explosion.
Um, yeah. Anyway.
After work Muppet and I headed over to Southside to meet Muffy and Steph for wine, special garlic bread and penne ala vodka. Ah how I love meals at Birthday Week. And oh how I love penne ala vodka. Yummy. I think I babbled on a bit too much during dinner though. I remember me talking lots and everyone else just smile and nodding and thinking, "must humor crazed birthday girl, must humor crazed birthday girl..." Sometimes I think I talk to much. And I probably tell the same stories a thousand times to the same people. I just happen to find me fascinating and don't realize that not everyone finds me quite so fascinating all the time. Ah well. It was my birthday and I had a great time at dinner.
Muppet had an early conference call the next day and took off after dinner. Muffy, Steph and I headed to the theater and caught Saved!. It was pretty awesome. I love when Mandy Moore sensibly plays evil people. And the movie was hysterical. And any hesitations I had over Macaulay Culkin were apparently unfounded. He was pretty funny. And I think I found him almost attractive. I'm not sure I'm ready to talk about that yet. I also had lots of flashbacks to some childhood traumas. Like the time I was saved at some Southern Baptist revival I went to with a little neighborhood girl and her family in North Carolina. Mostly it was playing games and listening to sermons and winning prizes but somehow on the final night I ended up on my knees praying and crying and being saved. Thank goodness that passed by the time I got home. Or at the retreats we had to go to once a year when I went to Jesuit school in Louisiana. I remember one year we had a lot of musical games at the retreat and they played Wilson Phillips "Hold On" for eternity. Ugh. I did not expect Saved! to actually remind me of my life. How wrong. Regardless, the movie was great and we all had fun.
Then we hung out on the subway platform for about seventeen hours, making horrible fun of each other while waiting for the dammed F train to arrive. Piece of crap line.
Anyway, arrived home to find my beer and my fridge in good condition. Yay!
Not very exciting but it is early in the week. I figured the middle Birthday Week events should be quiet ones. So that things like Karaoke and the BBQ can get the energy they deserve.
Um, yeah. Anyway.
After work Muppet and I headed over to Southside to meet Muffy and Steph for wine, special garlic bread and penne ala vodka. Ah how I love meals at Birthday Week. And oh how I love penne ala vodka. Yummy. I think I babbled on a bit too much during dinner though. I remember me talking lots and everyone else just smile and nodding and thinking, "must humor crazed birthday girl, must humor crazed birthday girl..." Sometimes I think I talk to much. And I probably tell the same stories a thousand times to the same people. I just happen to find me fascinating and don't realize that not everyone finds me quite so fascinating all the time. Ah well. It was my birthday and I had a great time at dinner.
Muppet had an early conference call the next day and took off after dinner. Muffy, Steph and I headed to the theater and caught Saved!. It was pretty awesome. I love when Mandy Moore sensibly plays evil people. And the movie was hysterical. And any hesitations I had over Macaulay Culkin were apparently unfounded. He was pretty funny. And I think I found him almost attractive. I'm not sure I'm ready to talk about that yet. I also had lots of flashbacks to some childhood traumas. Like the time I was saved at some Southern Baptist revival I went to with a little neighborhood girl and her family in North Carolina. Mostly it was playing games and listening to sermons and winning prizes but somehow on the final night I ended up on my knees praying and crying and being saved. Thank goodness that passed by the time I got home. Or at the retreats we had to go to once a year when I went to Jesuit school in Louisiana. I remember one year we had a lot of musical games at the retreat and they played Wilson Phillips "Hold On" for eternity. Ugh. I did not expect Saved! to actually remind me of my life. How wrong. Regardless, the movie was great and we all had fun.
Then we hung out on the subway platform for about seventeen hours, making horrible fun of each other while waiting for the dammed F train to arrive. Piece of crap line.
Anyway, arrived home to find my beer and my fridge in good condition. Yay!
Not very exciting but it is early in the week. I figured the middle Birthday Week events should be quiet ones. So that things like Karaoke and the BBQ can get the energy they deserve.
Birthday Week - Day Five
So, got to work again and again with the no worship, adoration or sending me home early. What's up with that? Maybe someone should put a call in to management. Do they not KNOW it's Birthday Week? Things were actually pretty awful at the office with lots of drama, strongly worded emails and meetings. And I was actually the one writing the strongly worded emails and getting people in trouble. Ugh. Whatever. It was a stressful workday and not really one that fit in with Birthday Week. Bad, bad work.
But then I left. And that was glorious.
Headed home to chat with Pumpkin about birthday fun and her life and all that so I wasn't able to tidy in time for Muffy's appearance. It was so hot we turned off all the lights anyway and didn't even have to look at the filth. So that was good. And chatting with Pumpkin is always a joy.
Anyway, Muffy popped by for sofa night after a crappy day at her job. The plan had originally been for a Bring it On/Center Stage DVD double feature. Or at the very least a Charlie's Angels Season One mini-marathon. But since Muffy was the only attendee and we'd been talking about her seeing Sixteen Candles (finally!) we decided to do that. While drinking beer, gabbing and eating lo mein out of the carton. And sweating a lot in the heat and the humidity. It was a pretty awesome time. I'd forgotten how much I loved Sixteen Candles. Muffy had started to watch it on cable earlier in the month and I told her that wasn't allowed as you miss some of the best parts that way. And I think she liked it. Now she can understand all the Long Duck Dong jokes (man, how offensive and sexist and racist and all is this movie, dang) and the Grandparents and the feeling up of the Molly by the Grandma and various jokes of our generation. I'm sure she feels like a better person.
We did have a bit of a spat during the movie though. She doesn't think that Jake Ryan is all that hot. Well, she did appreciate him at the end when he's walking up to the church looking all smokin' and with the Porsche behind him and all. But otherwise I think she kept hoping that Samantha would end up with Farmer Ted. I have no words. JAKE RYAN!!! So hot. Feel free to throw your support behind Jake and I in the comments section. Because, really. Jake Ryan is so hot.
I made her watch the final kissing over the cake scene a couple of times and then sent her on her way home to her air conditioned apartment while I showered off New York grime and sweat and headed to bed.
Good times.
But then I left. And that was glorious.
Headed home to chat with Pumpkin about birthday fun and her life and all that so I wasn't able to tidy in time for Muffy's appearance. It was so hot we turned off all the lights anyway and didn't even have to look at the filth. So that was good. And chatting with Pumpkin is always a joy.
Anyway, Muffy popped by for sofa night after a crappy day at her job. The plan had originally been for a Bring it On/Center Stage DVD double feature. Or at the very least a Charlie's Angels Season One mini-marathon. But since Muffy was the only attendee and we'd been talking about her seeing Sixteen Candles (finally!) we decided to do that. While drinking beer, gabbing and eating lo mein out of the carton. And sweating a lot in the heat and the humidity. It was a pretty awesome time. I'd forgotten how much I loved Sixteen Candles. Muffy had started to watch it on cable earlier in the month and I told her that wasn't allowed as you miss some of the best parts that way. And I think she liked it. Now she can understand all the Long Duck Dong jokes (man, how offensive and sexist and racist and all is this movie, dang) and the Grandparents and the feeling up of the Molly by the Grandma and various jokes of our generation. I'm sure she feels like a better person.
We did have a bit of a spat during the movie though. She doesn't think that Jake Ryan is all that hot. Well, she did appreciate him at the end when he's walking up to the church looking all smokin' and with the Porsche behind him and all. But otherwise I think she kept hoping that Samantha would end up with Farmer Ted. I have no words. JAKE RYAN!!! So hot. Feel free to throw your support behind Jake and I in the comments section. Because, really. Jake Ryan is so hot.
I made her watch the final kissing over the cake scene a couple of times and then sent her on her way home to her air conditioned apartment while I showered off New York grime and sweat and headed to bed.
Good times.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Reflections on Birthday Week
Celebrating for ten days in a row is exhausting even if there is a scheduled Birthday Week Day of Rest somewhere in there. And even if you have lots of cleaning, cooking, set up, moving and other assorted help from your awesome friends. It still leaves you tired beyond reason.
I have too many good friends that I frankly do not deserve. Friends who will humor me and buy me drinks and help me out with cleaning and moving heavy objects and all of it. And they'll do it even while I'm whining that they're too good to me. And they'll smile while doing it. I mean, Muffy, she came to seven different Birthday Week activities, helped me moved the 'futon' (thanks to you too, Vader), helped me clean my apartment, set up the swing and the hammock with me, arranged my backyard in a pleasing social manner. The woman was out of control. Muppet and her husband dragged themselves to four big events and sang Karaoke and made potato salad. Steph and Muffy loaned me their grill - actually bringing it over, manning it, cleaning it and taking it home. They also bought me a swing. And way too many drinks. And a watering can. And stuff. Other people sang to me at karaoke. They humored my giant ego by telling me I rocked and bought me 'It's All About Me' earrings (thanks Fran!) and came to events and made it all about me. Seriously. It's amazing. And for those who care; Steph came in second with six events. Then the Muppets with four (three for Mr. Muppet). And then Vader, Fran and Charlotte with three. I have to hand out prizes I think. Or owe them all my first born or something. Amazing people, my friends.
Being 30 does not mean that people won't want to sleep with me. Hee. Not that I would ever sleep with someone, Daddy. It's just nice to be wanted. You understand, right?
I'm actually a little freaked out about being 30. I thought that by celebrating it for 10 days and not hiding from it I was all mature and cooler than all the other 30 year olds and whatever and then it was June 19th and I have a little bit of "OH MY GOD I'M THIRTY" going on in the back of my head. It's not overpowering. But it's there. To all my other 30 year old friends, I apologize for any little superior thoughts I had. I am a smug asshole.
Turning 30 is apparently better than having a child turn 30. Thanks for that little bit of perspective, Pops.
Having friends and family humor you and support you as you turn 30 does not mean that they won't mock your sorry ass as you turn 30 and even after you turn 30. And yes. I do mean ALL OF YOU! You mean, wonderful people you.
Backyard parties are excellent. Having a backyard is excellent.
Vodka is excellent.
Your guests DO notice if you go off to try and take a nap in the hammock during a party. But they're polite and don't say anything about it. Though they do keep looking over until you feel bad and join the party again after thirty seconds.
When two of your friends go off to get you birthday cupcakes because they are awesome, it's entirely too easy to convince the rest of the party that they ran back home for a quicky. But then you feel really bad about it when they bring out the cupcakes and sing to you. Have I mentioned how cool my friends are?
Coney Island is a wonderful place.
Ed's Shirt can sometimes try and take over your Birthday Week. But it is only a shirt and so very little effort is required to regain Birthday Week control.
Hangovers are just as annoying at 30 as they are at 22 (when I had my first!!!!).
Mary-Kate and Ashley are just now 18. And I'm 30. I'm very, very old. But no one ever thought I looked kind of monkey-like as a child. I don't think. Mom?
The weather will cooperate when it has to. For Birthday Week. The Yankees will not. But I still love the Yankees.
Turning 30 has not kick-started my biological clock and I still don't want to settle down and do all that stuff. Woo.
I need to listen to more George Michael songs more often.
Jake Ryan is still hot and I don't care what Muffy and Charlotte say.
My coworkers are very strange and they think I'm a bit off as well.
I don't go out enough when it's not Birthday Week and I need to start hanging with my fabulous friends more often.
Socializing causes weight loss as well as being fun.
Okay, I think I've reflected enough. Now I have to get back to writing up the various days of Birthday Week. If I can even remember at this point what happened over the past ten days. Have I mentioned how exhausting Birthday Week is? Have I?
I have too many good friends that I frankly do not deserve. Friends who will humor me and buy me drinks and help me out with cleaning and moving heavy objects and all of it. And they'll do it even while I'm whining that they're too good to me. And they'll smile while doing it. I mean, Muffy, she came to seven different Birthday Week activities, helped me moved the 'futon' (thanks to you too, Vader), helped me clean my apartment, set up the swing and the hammock with me, arranged my backyard in a pleasing social manner. The woman was out of control. Muppet and her husband dragged themselves to four big events and sang Karaoke and made potato salad. Steph and Muffy loaned me their grill - actually bringing it over, manning it, cleaning it and taking it home. They also bought me a swing. And way too many drinks. And a watering can. And stuff. Other people sang to me at karaoke. They humored my giant ego by telling me I rocked and bought me 'It's All About Me' earrings (thanks Fran!) and came to events and made it all about me. Seriously. It's amazing. And for those who care; Steph came in second with six events. Then the Muppets with four (three for Mr. Muppet). And then Vader, Fran and Charlotte with three. I have to hand out prizes I think. Or owe them all my first born or something. Amazing people, my friends.
Being 30 does not mean that people won't want to sleep with me. Hee. Not that I would ever sleep with someone, Daddy. It's just nice to be wanted. You understand, right?
I'm actually a little freaked out about being 30. I thought that by celebrating it for 10 days and not hiding from it I was all mature and cooler than all the other 30 year olds and whatever and then it was June 19th and I have a little bit of "OH MY GOD I'M THIRTY" going on in the back of my head. It's not overpowering. But it's there. To all my other 30 year old friends, I apologize for any little superior thoughts I had. I am a smug asshole.
Turning 30 is apparently better than having a child turn 30. Thanks for that little bit of perspective, Pops.
Having friends and family humor you and support you as you turn 30 does not mean that they won't mock your sorry ass as you turn 30 and even after you turn 30. And yes. I do mean ALL OF YOU! You mean, wonderful people you.
Backyard parties are excellent. Having a backyard is excellent.
Vodka is excellent.
Your guests DO notice if you go off to try and take a nap in the hammock during a party. But they're polite and don't say anything about it. Though they do keep looking over until you feel bad and join the party again after thirty seconds.
When two of your friends go off to get you birthday cupcakes because they are awesome, it's entirely too easy to convince the rest of the party that they ran back home for a quicky. But then you feel really bad about it when they bring out the cupcakes and sing to you. Have I mentioned how cool my friends are?
Coney Island is a wonderful place.
Ed's Shirt can sometimes try and take over your Birthday Week. But it is only a shirt and so very little effort is required to regain Birthday Week control.
Hangovers are just as annoying at 30 as they are at 22 (when I had my first!!!!).
Mary-Kate and Ashley are just now 18. And I'm 30. I'm very, very old. But no one ever thought I looked kind of monkey-like as a child. I don't think. Mom?
The weather will cooperate when it has to. For Birthday Week. The Yankees will not. But I still love the Yankees.
Turning 30 has not kick-started my biological clock and I still don't want to settle down and do all that stuff. Woo.
I need to listen to more George Michael songs more often.
Jake Ryan is still hot and I don't care what Muffy and Charlotte say.
My coworkers are very strange and they think I'm a bit off as well.
I don't go out enough when it's not Birthday Week and I need to start hanging with my fabulous friends more often.
Socializing causes weight loss as well as being fun.
Okay, I think I've reflected enough. Now I have to get back to writing up the various days of Birthday Week. If I can even remember at this point what happened over the past ten days. Have I mentioned how exhausting Birthday Week is? Have I?
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Birthday Week - Day Four
Day Four did not start off well. I got to bed late the night before and then was awakened at 5:30 by evil. And no, I don't mean Steph and his need for dawn.
There are two evil neighborhood cats. I don't know if they're strays or not. There's a third neighborhood cat who is not evil. The evil cats fight a lot, make horrible noises and come to my windows sometimes to whip my little kitties into a frenzy. Monday morning they were at the back window making horrible noises themselves and upsetting my girls and then they started trying to bust through the screen! Trying to get to my girls. I suspect my cats would've won that fight, but I still don't want cat blood and fur all over my home even if it belongs to another cat. So I had to get up and put a stop to all that nonsense. I never really got back to sleep. So the Birthday Week Day of Rest didn't start off so well.
Work wasn't exciting. No one was bowing and worshiping and telling me to go home early for the sake of Birthday Week. Which I found odd. I did manage to get out early enough to run and buy a cheap comforter for the bed. I really couldn't have that ratty old blanket on there with guests coming and all.
Then home to open a couple of the gifts Mom sent me. She wanted to be online when I opened them and I figured I could do a couple of them early. Mom's a total present opener. We joked that if it had been her she would've had everything opened at the UPS store on Sunday upon picking up the box. Me, not so much. I like to savor the gift unwrapping moment. She got me some pretty purple slippers from Hong Kong and a beautiful lacquer barrette with mother of pearl inlay from China. It's so pretty I'm almost afraid to wear it. Maybe on Friday. Though I don't want the drunk people to hurt it. Hmmmm...
Anyway. After that I tried doing a few things around the apartment but mostly decided to embrace the day of rest and then rested.
There are two evil neighborhood cats. I don't know if they're strays or not. There's a third neighborhood cat who is not evil. The evil cats fight a lot, make horrible noises and come to my windows sometimes to whip my little kitties into a frenzy. Monday morning they were at the back window making horrible noises themselves and upsetting my girls and then they started trying to bust through the screen! Trying to get to my girls. I suspect my cats would've won that fight, but I still don't want cat blood and fur all over my home even if it belongs to another cat. So I had to get up and put a stop to all that nonsense. I never really got back to sleep. So the Birthday Week Day of Rest didn't start off so well.
Work wasn't exciting. No one was bowing and worshiping and telling me to go home early for the sake of Birthday Week. Which I found odd. I did manage to get out early enough to run and buy a cheap comforter for the bed. I really couldn't have that ratty old blanket on there with guests coming and all.
Then home to open a couple of the gifts Mom sent me. She wanted to be online when I opened them and I figured I could do a couple of them early. Mom's a total present opener. We joked that if it had been her she would've had everything opened at the UPS store on Sunday upon picking up the box. Me, not so much. I like to savor the gift unwrapping moment. She got me some pretty purple slippers from Hong Kong and a beautiful lacquer barrette with mother of pearl inlay from China. It's so pretty I'm almost afraid to wear it. Maybe on Friday. Though I don't want the drunk people to hurt it. Hmmmm...
Anyway. After that I tried doing a few things around the apartment but mostly decided to embrace the day of rest and then rested.
Heh (Don't read, Daddy)
I'm a 1960s kinda gal. In some ways. I blame being a military child for part of that. Too many tupperware parties and Officers' Wives' Club events in my formative years or something. Ooooh, speaking of... check this out. Hee hee hee.
Seriously, Daddy, stop reading now. Love you!
Anyway, 1960s kinda gal with a splash of the modern skank. Or something. And as such, I, for some reason, had a habit of keeping two condoms and two quarters in all my handbags. This started long before I had a cell phone. Back when I was a little opposed to cell phones. Because I'm weird. Anyway, the habit has sorta fallen off in recent years. I think maybe because of the cell phone. And because I don't carry purses around that often. Though I do use them more in the summer when I don't always have a jacket with pockets upon leaving my apartment. But, I do make sure I have up to date condoms in my travel kit and in my dresser by my bed and somewhere on my person when I hope to get lucky. So I am still safety girl and all. No worries there. I just don't go through all my purses checking for condoms and quarters anymore.
So, this morning I grabbed a purse to bring to Karaoke tonight. I wanted one that sorta matched the outfit and was large enough that I could put Ed's Shirt and all my purse things in it and thus leave the backpack at the office. I was starting to transfer things to it just now when I opened the side pocket And found two quarters, hand lotion, lip balm and, heh, two condoms that expired in June 2001. This amuses me almost as much as COOTER and I have no idea why. Hee. Sorry. Had to share. And now you know that I'm not prepared to get me some booty tonight. Alas.
This entry so isn't going to help my quest for people to find this blog looking for things like 'happy fuzzy puppy bunny flowers' rather than 'topless boys' 'undressed in front of my auntie' and 'my girly parts'.
Seriously, Daddy, stop reading now. Love you!
Anyway, 1960s kinda gal with a splash of the modern skank. Or something. And as such, I, for some reason, had a habit of keeping two condoms and two quarters in all my handbags. This started long before I had a cell phone. Back when I was a little opposed to cell phones. Because I'm weird. Anyway, the habit has sorta fallen off in recent years. I think maybe because of the cell phone. And because I don't carry purses around that often. Though I do use them more in the summer when I don't always have a jacket with pockets upon leaving my apartment. But, I do make sure I have up to date condoms in my travel kit and in my dresser by my bed and somewhere on my person when I hope to get lucky. So I am still safety girl and all. No worries there. I just don't go through all my purses checking for condoms and quarters anymore.
So, this morning I grabbed a purse to bring to Karaoke tonight. I wanted one that sorta matched the outfit and was large enough that I could put Ed's Shirt and all my purse things in it and thus leave the backpack at the office. I was starting to transfer things to it just now when I opened the side pocket And found two quarters, hand lotion, lip balm and, heh, two condoms that expired in June 2001. This amuses me almost as much as COOTER and I have no idea why. Hee. Sorry. Had to share. And now you know that I'm not prepared to get me some booty tonight. Alas.
This entry so isn't going to help my quest for people to find this blog looking for things like 'happy fuzzy puppy bunny flowers' rather than 'topless boys' 'undressed in front of my auntie' and 'my girly parts'.
Birthday Week - Day Three
I had big plans (as I always do) for Sunday morning. Lots of cleaning and errand running and all of that. You can imagine how well that went. I mean, the catbox is still gross and I'm writing this on Day Seven (ACK!!! It's almost over!) of Birthday Week.
Anyway, I did manage to get up and over to my mailbox place by 11AM so I could pick up my hammock and stand as well as my birthday box from Mum and a box of Camp Blood shirts I ordered to make Buzz happy, even though he won't put thongs in the store for me to buy for Mum and I. It was a miserable experience. The box with the stand stuff had opened and so that and the other box were just on the floor of the UPS Store. So I really had to go get them sooner rather than later. And they were long and awkward and no longer rectangular really. So I piled them on the loaner hand truck as best I could and attempted to make my way home. I had to stop every block or so to readjust. I was obviously having a hard time and only ONE person the whole time stopped and asked if I needed help. I was sweating and panting and wanting to cry when I finally got the damn things home. But I got them home and into my hallway and trotted the hand truck on back home to the UPS store. Good times. Then it was off to meet Charlotte at the Big Clock in the Grand Central Terminal (my father would like to make certain you all know it is Grand Central TERMINAL and not Grand Central STATION). I managed to make it in enough time to get our tickets and a bagel before hopping on the train.
The New York Botanical Gardens were lovely. And it was another gorgeous day. It felt a little hotter than the previous day and wasn't quite as sunny but there were nice breezes all day. And it was certainly sunny enough.
We hit the conservatory first. I've been to the gardens tons of times and at least two of those visits were with Charlotte so we could kind of pick and choose what we wanted to see. We were fairly laid back with this visit. I took some pretty flower shots and we made our way to my favorite section of the conservatory - the Carnivorous Plants. I love them. It's a big ole case of all kinds of bug eating plants. So awesome. Even Ed's Shirt made an appearance for those. Because they're so cool. Sadly none of them were digesting any bugs, making it a little less exciting than it could've been. Ah well.
After the conservatory we headed over to the Big Clock in the Garden to wander around the shop. We made fun of hideous $20 cloth flower rings, pondered whether we should purchase Venus Flytraps and sniffed lots of candles. Well, I sniffed them and Charlotte kinda looked at me askance. Then we hopped the tram to the Rose Garden. Which was in full June bloom and lovely. Lots of the orange/pink/yellow roses I love. I think I got more pretty flower pictures. Then it was back to the tram to drive down azalea way (most of the flowers had come and gone, sadly) and end up back at the Big Clock. We wandered around the Rock Garden for a bit with me taking pictures and Charlotte chatting with SABW on her cell. We're hoping Ed's Shirt can go visit her while she's still down in Virginia. Heh. That's funnier for those who know who SABW is; apologizes to the rest of you.
They've added a new visitor's center and snack bar and all since my last trip to the garden so we had to go and check that out. I went straight for an ice cream (it is Birthday Week) while Charlotte pondered a yogurt smoothie. She went for the Haagen-Dazs when she realized it had fewer calories and sugar than the smoothie. Heh. Smart girl. Then off to wait for our train back to town.
It was totally a mellow lazy visit and it was awesome.
I headed home for a nap, some TiVo clearing and net surfing and then back to bed. My lovely lovely bed.
So it was a fabulous kick off to birthday week and I want to thank Muppet, Mr. Muppet, JL, Muffy, Steph, Vader, PimpDaddy, Rock Star Fran and Charlotte for making it so. Y'all rock.
Anyway, I did manage to get up and over to my mailbox place by 11AM so I could pick up my hammock and stand as well as my birthday box from Mum and a box of Camp Blood shirts I ordered to make Buzz happy, even though he won't put thongs in the store for me to buy for Mum and I. It was a miserable experience. The box with the stand stuff had opened and so that and the other box were just on the floor of the UPS Store. So I really had to go get them sooner rather than later. And they were long and awkward and no longer rectangular really. So I piled them on the loaner hand truck as best I could and attempted to make my way home. I had to stop every block or so to readjust. I was obviously having a hard time and only ONE person the whole time stopped and asked if I needed help. I was sweating and panting and wanting to cry when I finally got the damn things home. But I got them home and into my hallway and trotted the hand truck on back home to the UPS store. Good times. Then it was off to meet Charlotte at the Big Clock in the Grand Central Terminal (my father would like to make certain you all know it is Grand Central TERMINAL and not Grand Central STATION). I managed to make it in enough time to get our tickets and a bagel before hopping on the train.
The New York Botanical Gardens were lovely. And it was another gorgeous day. It felt a little hotter than the previous day and wasn't quite as sunny but there were nice breezes all day. And it was certainly sunny enough.
We hit the conservatory first. I've been to the gardens tons of times and at least two of those visits were with Charlotte so we could kind of pick and choose what we wanted to see. We were fairly laid back with this visit. I took some pretty flower shots and we made our way to my favorite section of the conservatory - the Carnivorous Plants. I love them. It's a big ole case of all kinds of bug eating plants. So awesome. Even Ed's Shirt made an appearance for those. Because they're so cool. Sadly none of them were digesting any bugs, making it a little less exciting than it could've been. Ah well.
After the conservatory we headed over to the Big Clock in the Garden to wander around the shop. We made fun of hideous $20 cloth flower rings, pondered whether we should purchase Venus Flytraps and sniffed lots of candles. Well, I sniffed them and Charlotte kinda looked at me askance. Then we hopped the tram to the Rose Garden. Which was in full June bloom and lovely. Lots of the orange/pink/yellow roses I love. I think I got more pretty flower pictures. Then it was back to the tram to drive down azalea way (most of the flowers had come and gone, sadly) and end up back at the Big Clock. We wandered around the Rock Garden for a bit with me taking pictures and Charlotte chatting with SABW on her cell. We're hoping Ed's Shirt can go visit her while she's still down in Virginia. Heh. That's funnier for those who know who SABW is; apologizes to the rest of you.
They've added a new visitor's center and snack bar and all since my last trip to the garden so we had to go and check that out. I went straight for an ice cream (it is Birthday Week) while Charlotte pondered a yogurt smoothie. She went for the Haagen-Dazs when she realized it had fewer calories and sugar than the smoothie. Heh. Smart girl. Then off to wait for our train back to town.
It was totally a mellow lazy visit and it was awesome.
I headed home for a nap, some TiVo clearing and net surfing and then back to bed. My lovely lovely bed.
So it was a fabulous kick off to birthday week and I want to thank Muppet, Mr. Muppet, JL, Muffy, Steph, Vader, PimpDaddy, Rock Star Fran and Charlotte for making it so. Y'all rock.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Coming to terms with my huge ego
I think about going on a break and all of a sudden my visitor count goes up. Oh, and apparently if you do a google search for “my girly parts” my blog is the 7th option. Ugh.
I’m weak. And just completely self absorbed. So there will probably be more Birthday Week entries soon. Once I'm willing to admit I'm a completely self-absorbed freaknut.
I’m weak. And just completely self absorbed. So there will probably be more Birthday Week entries soon. Once I'm willing to admit I'm a completely self-absorbed freaknut.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Hmmmm...
I'm feeling like a bit of a self-absorbed brat right now. Being all obsessed with Birthday Week and job angst and my blog and how clean the catbox is when there are other more important things going on with friends and family and the world at large.
So I think I'm taking a little break from blogging about Birthday Week and job angst and the catbox and Ed's Shirt.
Maybe more updates on Birthday Week or whatever later.
So I think I'm taking a little break from blogging about Birthday Week and job angst and the catbox and Ed's Shirt.
Maybe more updates on Birthday Week or whatever later.
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