Did I mix up my meds?

One of the things I love about vacation is that I get to drink coffee every day. Woo hoo, you might say, but to a coffee-lover, it's a big deal. I could probably get away with drinking on the job, but my mind tells me I'd get a case of the shakes which would lead to anxiety, which could lead me to anxiety attacks, which I've suffered from in the past. So...no caffeine for me on work days. There's an exception. If it's a Wednesday afternoon and I see that the rest of my clients are ones that I know well, I'll have a cuppa. And it makes me feel so good. I say Wednesday because I'm normally off on Thursday. I wouldn't have a cup of coffee on a Tuesday. Rules, rules, rules. I know what works for me. Normally I'd stop drinking coffee about 2 days before going back to work. I forgot this time and I've been drowsy all day. I actually fell asleep on my hammock and I never ever, for any reason, nap. Not because I have something against naps; they're just not in my repertoire. I'm tempted to get on the hammock again and sleep. I'm really that tired.

So it's been a very lazy day. I spent a long time on FB saying hi and catching up. Spent a long time on Reader commenting or just catching up. Read my book. Napped. Ate lunch, showered and tried to read again. But I'm too sleepy.

On that note, I think it's time to lay myself down. It's a gorgeous day to be on a hammock.

Good intentions

I really had good intentions to write a meaty blog post. The day got filled up with all the after-vacation chores. Watering, mowing, washing the car, unpacking, etc. I wonder what it would be like to have a husband or partner to help with stuff like that? I did get to the pool. I spent forever uploading and editing pictures during the time I meant to post. I got most of them put up on Facebook. I already had most of them here. I'll post some new pics tomorrow.

I'm SO glad I scheduled an extra day off of work before going back. We're off Mondays and I'm off on Tuesday too. Wednesday thru Saturday is going to leave me exhausted, but that's what happens every vacation, and it's worth it.

I've probably said this before, but if we're not friends on FB already, write me and I'll give you my contact info.

Till tomorrow...Sleep tight.

PS. I played the Powerball in NC and didn't win. They don't have Powerball in MD. It's probably a good thing.

Last day, and the sun is still shining

Last day. The week has flown by, as is usual on vacation. Yesterday I was on the beach for 10 hours. I read about 10 pages of my book. Listened to music. Used my iPhone for the Internet. A lot. Played in the ocean, this time with my sister and Emily. Made lunches, took a quick trip to a drive-thru Starbucks in my bathing suit. Talked. Still, 10 hours? And not bored. It was our first stay-in night. Tonight we'll go out to eat. We've eaten all our dinners in except the first night.

Tomorrow we leave for Augusta to visit my sister's family and see our new baby Liam. There's some sort of surprise for my birthday tomorrow. I like surprises. I'm SO done with birthdays. I'd like to age backwards for about 20 years, then go forward again. Then back. Wouldn't that be cool?

Here's some random pictures. A little of this and that.

Pretty palm

Em and friends on the beach.

What I won't be doing.

This either.

Our lifeguard.

Shadow selves.


Happy day! Bathing suit time for me. Life is good.

A day in pictures

Hmmm, what is this umbrella doing in the dunes? It looks like a good one.

Let me check the back cause it looks fine from the front.

How did he fold it up???

It looks like he's carrying it away, but no, he leans it against the other side of the fence. Maybe he figures it's no good without the pole?

Wait, who is this boy and what's he doing with my umbrella?

Goodbye umbrella. You'll be missed. I hope someone buys a pole for you.

Random shots from one of the many beach/junk shops. Hermit crab land.

Jonathan and friend.

Emily and friend


Bathing suit anyone?


I bought one for every guy on my list. Not.

Beach chair? Plenty to choose from.



Jonathan said, "Aunt Cheryl, you sure do take a lot of pictures" Yes, I do.

Yes, I'm having fun

Having fun. Not me. Glad she's wearing a one piece today. Can you imagine her in a two piece? Try not to; it was not a pretty site. I hope I'm forgiven for posting this.

Good times!!!

Less than I planned but more than nothing

I started this by saying I was the only one up and it was nice and quiet. My mom is up and will be glued to the news and the tragedy of the Metro train wreck. I just made her coffee and brought mine to the balcony where I've been for the last hour or so. I take my coffee with Splenda and creamer. I've forgotten to buy sweetener every day and I'm still not used to it.

It started off cool and cloudy this morning with my thinking, this is it. Our first bad-weather day.


It's so bright now that I have to keep moving my chair closer to the sliding glass door to get out of the sun. The forecast: 90 degrees and sunny! Sounds like a scorcher. Yesterday my sister and I were saying we'd love a warm and cloudy day. That's showing our age!

Here's the scoop on the umbrella. Why, oh why didn't I think to save the pole to my expensive umbrella? Why didn't I go to the condo office and ask to use a wrench to push that thing in so I could close it up? I looked out yesterday morning and the umbrella was still in the dune where the people had thrown it. I got it and carried it to our dunes and put it there. Then I went on a quest for some type of pole. I looked in our dumpster (yeah, I'm not proud), I asked the guy renting umbrellas and chairs if he had an extra pole. I went to the condo office. I figured any kind of pipe would work. Nope. So, the umbrella top sits in the dune, still.


My sister Ilene and I drove the long way to Sam's to buy a new umbrella. Why didn't I think to call first? No umbrellas. Finally we went to the beach store around the corner and bought a $20 6' umbrella. We set it up and it cast a one person spot of shade. I went back and bought a $14 umbrella. Now we have shade. I can't do the beach without an umbrella. I look at people just sitting out and wonder how they stand it? I'm using lots of sunblock and I'm getting a good tan just by being out and in the water. It helps that I tan really easily.

Well, new plans. I offered to take my mom to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. I don't really want to go, but off we go.

Now we're back. Too bad I don't have more time. Beach is calling. Pics will have to wait. I've been more successful with putting pics up on FB.

Later!

A little about a little

I just took a peek at Reader. I'm 124 posts behind. There's just no way I can keep up with it while on vacation. Know I'm thinking about you. Telling stories to my sister about my friends. She said, do you ever think about how you call them friends but they live far away? I said no, they're my real friends and I'd love to visit a bunch of them. You. One day, I hope.

It's too late to blog. I'm out on the balcony, but I'm tired. Tomorrow will be the first morning my sister and I won't be running errands early in the morning. I told everyone I want to stay out on the beach till 8 tomorrow night and have dinner brought down to me. I'd settle for a pb&j sandwich. In my dreams. I really would like to stay out that late. Today I came in at 6 and made a quick dinner. Another unappetizing one, but it was food and no, the food pyramid is not in use this week.

The umbrella story continues. Tomorrow. Till then...

Life's a Beach

I'm sitting out on the balcony of the condo in my p.j.'s at almost 11PM. The beach is lit with the beams of flashlights reflecting off the wet low tide sand. The waves are crashing. Don't cha wish you were here?

My first thought after putting my foot in the water yesterday was, I'm never coming back in June. The water's too cold. Silly me. The water is wonderful. Probably 5 degrees or so cooler than it usually is. It's so much warmer than the MD beaches. Close to 80 degrees is plenty warm enough. It's been in the 90's the last few days. Hot. Lots of time in the water. Tomorrow I buy a raft so I can float, although I did find that it's easy to float on my own. Arms spread wide, chin up, and buoyant. I'm so glad that I have the ability to easily amuse myself :)

The drive from Smithfield to Myrtle Beach yesterday was an easy one. We got to the condo about 2 hours early and they let us in. We were very gracious and charming (if I must say so myself) and so were they :) My sister arrived a few hours later and we went to Friday's for dinner. Coupons, you know? We thought to go to Walmart to grocery shop but remembered from past years that they're wiped clean on check-in day. We went first thing this morning and again, lots of empty shelves. We did pick up the wine my mom wanted at $2.97 a bottle. I had some while cooking dinner. Not bad at all.

My sister and I hung out at the beach all day. Em came for a while. It was windy, and I had to keep anchoring my umbrella and holding on to it. One time as I was coming out of the water it was tumbling end-over-end down the beach till someone stopped it. Luckily no one was impaled. Unfortunately, this little metal piece that's supposed to be flush protruded, making it impossible to collapse the umbrella. A nice man got a wrench and pushed it back in, but when it was time to pack up, it was out again and there was no closing the umbrella. My good 6' SPF 50 umbrella. So, I put it in the trash can. It kind of reminded me of one of those umbrellas you put in a drink.


A while later, I happened to turn around and the umbrella was gone. I figured the wind caught it and it rolled down the beach. It wasn't till I got to our balcony that I saw the umbrella being used, without the rest of the pole that was laying by the trashcan. Then I watched the couple trying to figure out how to fold it up.





They threw it into the protected dunes! I guess they're hoping it's there tomorrow so they can use it again. Without the bottom part of the pole, it only stands about 2' above the sand. Too funny. I'm heading to Sam's Club in the morning to get a new umbrella. I can't do the beach without one.

Emily and her cousin have been getting along great. Same with my sister and me, Emily and me, etc. We've all been helping out with my mom. I got her all set up at the outdoor pool today. Scooter, towel, book, chair, water. I made sure she was in the shade and could get in and out of the water by herself. Every once in a while one of us would go by the pool to say hi. I brought her lunch. About 5:30 I said to my sister, I wonder what Mom's doing. I called the condo and asked if she was there. Nope. Uh oh. I went to the pool. There was poor mom. She said, I tried to call you so many times. I've wanted to go upstairs for so long but I've been stuck here. Boy did I feel bad. I said, remember last year Mom? All you had to do was get on your scooter and take the elevator up. She forgot. She got on the scooter, put her stuff in the basket and off she went. I went with her, just to see she could do it on her own. Tomorrow we'll take turns staying with her instead of leaving her by herself. Lesson learned.


I cooked quesadillas for dinner. They were just OK but easy is what beach week is all about. Afterward we went to a place called Barefoot Landing to walk around. It's lots of shops with boardwalks over the inter-coastal waterway. Emily and I walked anywhere she wanted to go. We only bought postcards! My sister, nephew and mom hung out in the rocking chairs that are outside all the shops, and people-watched. It was a good outing. The night-time weather has been delightful. I hate to come in off the balcony, but Emily's been patiently waiting for her turn, and I'm sharing. TTYS :)

On the road with a song

I'm writing from the breakfast area of the motel. The trip here was endless . What should have taken 4 or so hours took 7. Much unexpected traffic on 95. Normally we take 301 to 95 but I thought, weekday, non-rush hour. I guess that's the best time to work on the roads. Lesson learned. Of course they could have been working on the other roads too. Then there's the endless bathroom stops for different passengers. The stop at Borders for coffee to go. The run into Walmart for the thingie that goes into the cassette tape player to make the iPod work. Burger King for lunch, etc... Each stop took way too long. But Emily sat up front with me and we sang our hearts out. The music was loud. Grandma tolerated it like a good sport. Occasionally she'd say, do you only have country? It was that or hip hop and that's a little racy for the car. We got here. The motel is nice. Emily and I ate dinner at DQ and went to a few stores while my mom crashed. I brought her our 1 chicken strip and fry leftovers and that's all she wanted. Emily set up the cot and half of it crashed to the floor with her sitting on it. I was worried that my laptop was crushed, she thought I should be worried that she was hurt. She was laughing too much to be hurt. It woke my mom up with a jolt. At midnight Emily was bouncing off the walls, saying she was at the peak of her energy after the energy drink she had in the car. Woo hoo. My mom woke up a million times in the night. She woke me up each time. I'll just say, coffee, take me away. If all goes well, it's only 3 more hours till we're at the beach. If I can ever wake up Emily.

Big Dogs

Just about ready to leave. Too bad I broke my garage door this morning. A bird flew in and I tried closing and opening the door to scare it out. Didn't realize the back of my CR-V was open and the door was landing on it. Now the chain won't move. No worries. I'll manually lock it and take care of it after we get back.

We'll head out and pick up my mom. Then off we go for an overnight in Smithfield, NC. It's a huge outlet center. Nothing worse than staying the night in a motel in the middle of nowhere. Right, Seth?

This will be my first trip without my Big Dog dress. It was time to put it to rest. It's still in my closet. I'll keep it for old times sake.

I'll be around. My and my laptops are traveling companions.

Happy Friday!

More, please

I've said it before. I want more hours in the day. I'd like the extra ones to be in the daytime.

It's the last day of work before vacation. A jam-packed 11-7 day. As I write this, it's pouring down rain. This has been our wettest and coolest spring ever. I checked the 10-day beach forecast last night with trepidation. So glad to see that it's going to be in the 90's and 80's with barely any chance of rain. Whew. These days leading up to vacation have been filled with the usual drama. Last year Emily was not going to come and that changed the day before we were to leave. Last night Emily's friend was uninvited. And my sister's son decided he wanted to come. I hope there's no other changes between now and tomorrow morning when we leave. Please, no more drama.

So I'll bring my laptop, of course. It wouldn't be a vacation without it, though many people would find that strange. There will be 3 others wanting to get on it at every opportunity. Should be interesting.

Things are moving along with Emily and the school. She picked up the welcome packet. I'm copying the first paragraph of a letter from the Dean of Students:

"Dear Parents and Students,
My job as Dean of Students here at the Upper School is a bit unique. Sure, a big part of my job is to help get students back on their feet when they've tripped up, but in truth, we all do that at the Creek. What makes my job so special is the daily interaction I get to have with the kids themselves. My office on the second floor is right in the middle of daily student dealings - just next to the Loft and at a busily traveled intersection between every class. It's a safe place for students to go when they need to get a point across to an adult, or when things aren't going their way, or even when they just need a quiet place to gather themselves. I love my job."

Can I just say how awesome I think this is? The reason for changing schools was to be in an environment where teachers care. Sounds pretty caring to me. Emily picked up one of her required summer reading books. It's an amazing hard-bound graphic novel, The Arrival, by Shaun Tan. It's unlike any graphic novel I've ever seen. Did I mention it's wordless? The artistry is amazing.

Time to shower and get busy. Happy Thursday!

Notes, then some

I've got random thoughts flying by and I'm writing them down. This and that. Later I'll write a post and you'll get to see flotsam and jetson. For now, I've got to get a start on my in-home day. Vacation looms and today is my only day off to get ready. Since there will be 4 of us in my car, including my mother's scooter, space is at a premium. Everyone gets one duffel bag. I get overwhelmed thinking about what needs to be done, thus the need for lists. So...all is well here and I'll be back later on today. Happy Monday!

Oh, just remembered my dreams. I still worked for my salon, but we were in a different building with a different set-up. Our stations were facing our mirrors on the walls (they're not that way) but my mirror was missing. When I went to find out where it was, it turns out that there was a big deal going on with Wella (we don't carry Wella) and because of some conflict in the contract we had with them, they were taking over our warehouse (the salon is in a warehouse, but we don't have a warehouse to go with it), and the warehouse was using my mirror. Another part of my dream involved my car. I drove it into a warehouse for service before the vacation. There was a gift area I was looking at while my car was being serviced and I was looking through a case when I saw you could open the bottom and I did and all the extra stuff (some kind of cheap jewelery) fell to the floor. I scooped it all up, along with all the dust balls on the floor, and put it back in the storage area and closed the little drawer. That's when the owners started walking over. Probably saw me on surveillance tape. I explained what happened and was very embarrassed when they checked out the merchandise and saw all the litter I put back along with the stuff. I guess I had left my duffel bag open on the floor of the warehouse and in the parking lot I opened it to look for my keys. A stream of roaches climbed out, then huge roaches the size of mice. Then something the size of a chinchilla and I knew it had swallowed my keys. I also thought it was intentional that they were there. Like the shop owners planted them to punish me. I had to hold the rodent down with my foot till it died. It was just awful doing that. It finally did die but then I had to find someone to cut it open and that part of the dream didn't get finished. The last thing I dreamt was that my GA sister's family came to visit us on vacation (3 extra people) and someone (my BIL?) asked if I saw the size of the rooms for the number of people staying over. I said yes, it's a three bedroom. That's normally the size you'd get for 5 people. And that folks, are the dreams of someone who normally remembers nothing. Whew. I'm so glad I got that out before it disappeared.

OK, as long as I'm still writing I'll include a few random thoughts. I got a polish change yesterday for my toes. I sat in a fantastic massaging chair. My back and shoulders have been really knotted up (occupational hazard) and I'd been in pain. I sat through 3 cycles of that chair's massage and my back is fixed! Definitely worth the price of a polish change.

I closed the door on my index fingernail leaving the house yesterday. The half moon is teal colored. Not black and blue. Not yet.

I've used the same mascara for years; Maybelline Great Lash. I started using Maybelline The Colossal Volum Express. My lashes have never looked so long and full. I'm talking such a noticeable difference that people comment on it.

I have to do a big cut-back on the AeroGarden before I leave. I love the smell of freshly cut tomato plants.

I spilled my glass of wine at book club. Luckily it was white wine. Later someone spilled their glass of red wine. On the carpet. It all came out!

I left my passenger window open less than an inch. When I got in my car there was bird poop running down the inside of the window, on the door handle and on the seat. Nuff said!

I'm limping. Now I can say it's my hamstring, not my knee. Still haven't taken the time to look up what a hamstring is and what it does. Still haven't iced it. I think it hurts from all the dancing I did at the salon party on Saturday. That was one fun party.

OK...off to work for me.

She's in!!

We got the letter this morning. Emily received the largest financial aid package possible. Over $11K. I'm happy beyond belief! Thought I'd share this asap. I'm on cloud 9. Emily will be part on the class of 2011 at a fantastic school that will have such an impact on her life. Happy, happy news!

La de da

Too tired to think of titles, or TTTTOT

It's so nice to have a porch. It's pouring all around me, but I'm covered.

What a day. We all have them. Not bad, but hard. But good. Just...I dunno. It revolved around the letter I had to write to the school Emily will be attending. That we're hoping she has the opportunity to attend. By the way, Emily was accepted to attend the private school! That was step one in a two-part process. Emily won't attend the school unless she receives financial aid. Lots and lots of financial aid. The dean of admissions gave us the hope that this was achievable, and it's why we went through the admission process. She encouraged us to write a letter to the dean of finances explaining our story and our finances. I felt like it was a college assignment. I wrote, then edited, edited, edited. Stayed up way late. Woke up and worked some more. Sent it to one friend for editing. Sent it to one of my sisters. Sent it to Bon. Judy made the letter more succinct. Bon combined the best parts of the letters and added her own flair. They both put a lot of time into it. Both presented slightly different versions of my essay with improved phrases. It kind of made me more confused. I was glad to leave for the orthopedist. I really like him as a doctor. He has a great manner, and I'd date him. If he asked, which he didn't. Anyway, all of my symptoms are consistent with something to do with my hamstring. I guess I wasn't paying enough attention to what he said. I'm supposed to ice it, but I don't remember how often. I'll call the office tomorrow and ask if he can send me a letter. He ordered 8 weeks of physical therapy. I talked to him about my shoulder, and he added that to the PT orders. Now I need time to do it. I'll start after vacation. I'm just relieved that it's only a hamstring. Whatever that is. I've heard such bad health news lately that I was expecting to hear it about myself.

I was supposed to meet Kit and some other out-of-town friends for dinner last night but their plane was delayed and we canceled. I was supposed to go to lunch today with another friend but she wasn't feeling well. I called Kit and it turned out she and the friends were visiting her dad and would be available for lunch. One of my doctors is right by there so I called the office and told them I had a non-medical question. I asked if they could recommend a restaurant. Good idea, huh? We went to a fantastic place that I'd definitely go to again. We had to wait a while for a table for 7, and it took a while for the food to come. I was stressed because I had to be home in time to taxi Emily to work, but at the last minute I found her a ride. Thanks Sarah! I was able to relax with my perfect chicken cheesesteak sub. And the company, of course. Turned out that Emily didn't have to work after all because of inclement weather.

I should have gone clothes shopping after that, but I went to a new Starbucks instead. It was freezing in there. I hunkered down with the three versions of my letter, and started copying and pasting. When it was done, I saw that Kathy was online and I IM'd her, asking if she'd read the letter and tell me it was good. She wrote asking if I wanted her to edit it. I said no. Ha ha. So, I sent her the letter and she told me to call. With her help, the letter was polished to a shine, and I learned a few things about grammar that I'd never heard of before. It was with much relief that I pushed the send button. Emily's father wrote his own letter, which was very well-written. Now we wait, again.

I came home and started cooking dinner. Chicken Parmesan. I've been pretty lax in the cooking department lately. Turns out Emily ate Chef Boyardee right before I came home. I wasn't hungry because of my big and late lunch. So I went through all that 'bother' and no one ate. I packaged it up in portions and to the freezer it will go.

Emily is at Yoga with our friend Sarah. I'm pretty sure she's never done it before. I've had some time to relax. Feeling good again.

Sorry for the ramble. The un-edited ramble. Is it better to write something than nothing? Food for thought, except I'm full. I just had ice cream for my dinner. Don't tell.

P.S. Thanks Ed for fixing my iTunes! I don't know how I unchecked all the boxes, but I know how to recheck them now.

Good day your way?

I'm in the lobby of the Honda dealership, waiting for an oil change. They had a coupon which made it the best price in town. I always like to have the car in tip-top shape before making a long trip. So, I spent the morning rushing around like a mad woman. One of the things I had to get together were pictures of me from each of the decades I've been alive for something for work. I'm going to scan them before bringing them in. Maybe I'll post them here? I had bills to work on, driving Em to school, lunches to make, etc. That's why I sometimes say I can't wait to go to work so I can relax. And we hairdressers know what I mean. We only have one thing to do: hair. So, after this it's Sam's Club, the bank, then work till 7 tonight.

Yesterday was a hard day off. I brought my mom to the doctor's at Kaiser. I think it's a great place because the staff is really kind and they do everything there in one location. My mom just hasn't been feeling well. No stamina, hot flashes, nausea, lack of appetite. Not every day, but definitely something to be checked out. We were there for over 4 hours. At one point, I went to my car cause I left my phone there. When I walked outside and saw what a sunny day it was, my first thought was: I don't want to be here. Not fair. I want to be at the pool. My next thought was that I was exactly where I should be. My mom needed me and it would have been too much for my father to do. Then I relaxed. I'm no saint, but my time will come and I hope I have someone to help me. We left with no answers, but the doctor didn't seem worried. We'll wait for the labs that didn't get completed. It could be her thyroid, a UTI, etc.. She has a stress test scheduled. She left this morning with my dad for Atlantic City for 3 nights. I don't think that was a good idea, but... And, my mother is going on vacation with me on the 19th. I'm worried about how that will go with how she feels. But, we'll see and take it from there.

I spent the rest of yesterday feeling drained. I got nothing done at home. Messed with iTunes and messed it up. How do you get the songs in your library checked so you can sync your iPod? I don't know how I unchecked them, but if I sync, I'll erase my songs from my iPhone. Talking about iPhones, the new one comes out of the 17th. Mine is 8 months old and now I'm going to have an old one. I want the new features! In the scheme of things, should I complain? No way. Not at all. Do you hear yourself Cheryl? Forget the new one. I'll get the new operating system with a lot of upgrades.

The day started with storms here. Nicer weather is on the way. Hope it's a good day your way.

PS...Stop by Kathy's Peace to say Happy Birthday!

What happened to those random thoughts, etc.

I had a zillion random thoughts floating around in my head this morning that I was going to put up on the blog. I had plenty of time since I woke up at 5:30AM for no reason. They've all fled, except one. I saw a light on the arm of my chair that I thought was my lit cellphone screen. It was a patch of sunlight. I forgot about sunlight since all we've had has been rain and clouds.

Kit came over last night. She said she wanted to take me out for my birthday (much later this month) and I told her I had a BYGO coupon for TGI Friday's. I'm a cheap date. We made up the cost by having berry mojitos. Yum. Then we went to my AT&T store and Kit got a iPhone. I'm very excited for her! We hung out at Starbucks afterward, playing with our 'toys'. It was a great night to be outside.

Today I went to the First Sunday Arts Festival in Annapolis with my sister Lisa. It was a picture-perfect weather day, and a great day to be in Annapolis. The street was closed to traffic and it was alive with craft vendors, live music, outside cafes, etc. It was wonderful. Here's a pic of something I bought: a posy holder made from the bottom of a hollow knife handle. The arm is the handle of a spoon and the base is the flattened head. I put some Lantana from my garden in it. It stands only a few inches tall.


We went to the new Town Center afterward and ate lunch outside. I had a blackened mahi mahi wrap that was even better than Ram's Head fish tacos. I'll have the exact thing the next time I go there. The shops have condos above them on one side of the street and apartments on the other. We went to the sales office of the condos to see the furnished models. The first one was in the $600,000's, the second in the $800,000's. They were both beautiful. Unfortunately we didn't get to see what you could get in the $2.1 million model. The salesman, justifying the prices, told us, 'you're buying a lifestyle'. You could see the Target sign from the windows, although I think I could overlook that if I lived there :). The amenities, including a fabulous rooftop pool and health club, probably make up for it. Next time I'm there I'd like to go with my blogging buddies and check out the apartments. And have the mahi mahi wrap. Plus they have Anthropologie there. That's one fabulous store.

It's cool and breezy tonight and I'm on the deck. The view from my front isn't too nice because of my neighbor and all the paraphernalia on his driveway for his garage doors that he's been working non-stop on. They just keep looking worse. For his sake, I wish he'd gone to Lowe's or Home Depot and ordered new doors. He's working way too hard. Oh well. He hasn't been very friendly, but I continue to say hi.

We're still waiting on word from the school. Emily told me on Friday that she contacted the dean and was told they were waiting on the letter from her math teacher. The math teacher told Emily she mailed it on Thursday. We should hear this week. Of course we all have our hopes up. It would be very cruel, however, to be accepted and not get financial aid. They know it's the only way Emily can attend. I'll let you know what the word is when we hear.

Well, it's time for bed. It's been a good, long day and I'm ready to say good-night. Thank goodness for tomorrows, and that Monday is my Sunday.

Wise words for a rainy day

The following was forwarded to me by a friend, and I thought it was so sensible and wise. I'm glad I did my research before posting. I never trust forwarded stuff at first glance, and with good reason. This was written by Regina Brett, who is 53, not 90.

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
Pay off your credit cards every month.
You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
It's OK to let your children see you cry.
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion, today is special.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
The most important sex organ is the brain.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Believe in miracles.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
Growing old beats the alternative -- dying.
Your children get only one childhood.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Yield.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Dribs and drabs but not dribbles

Today started with a doctor's appointment. The yearly gyn check-up. I don't mind them. It's always a relief, though, when you pass the breast exam, then later get the letter saying the pap smear was fine. I already had my mammogram and it was fine. Ah the joys of womanhood. I see the orthopedist next Thursday for my knee. Hopefully the appointments are almost over.

After the doctor I visited Karen/Happyone. We went to Leelynn's and split a club sandwich and crispy eggplant. We always have a great time together.

I went to my salon and had my brows done. They're all shapely now :)

I planned to drive Emily to work but they have to call in on inclement weather days to see if they're needed. Not needed today.

I have a 4:30 pedicure appointment. I'll pick up pizza afterward for dinner. Emily's choice. Then I'll bring her to her babysitting job.

That's my day. A pretty good one. Sunshine would have made it much better.

We leave for vacation in North Myrtle Beach in 15 days! I've always vacationed in August, so it doesn't seem possible that it's happening so soon. Emily will bring a friend. My mom will come. My GA sister will meet us there. We're staying at the same place for the 3rd year, but in a new unit. They're all oceanfront. I can't wait! I hope the weather is as nice/hot as it is in August and that the ocean temperature is almost as warm. It's hard to imagine on a cool and wet day like today.

Emily 'shadowed' with another student at the private school yesterday. She said everyone knew about her. I guess that's what it's like at a small school. She's been 'friended' by some of the kids on Facebook, and invited to an end-of-year party. We're still waiting to hear if she's in, but it seems like she has to be. I wrote a short note to the director of admissions yesterday thanking her for letting Emily shadow, and she said she was excited to have her there. Getting in is step one. The crucial one is financial aid. It's hard waiting for the news!

Time for the pedi. Hope your day was a good one.

42 and counting

I've been running around like a Mad Woman today. 42 minutes till work, and I can finally relax. Whew. Em asked me to drive her to school this morning and I decided to go grocery shopping straight from there. Despite the fact that I let conditioner dry in my hair last night. The curls helped, and I only ran into a few grocery clerks I know :). I went to two stores, put the groceries away, cooked chicken tenders, showered and got ready for work, did a load of laundry, made two salads with all the toppings, made salad dressing, talked to Elizabeth, and here I am. Ready to go to work so I can relax.

Yesterday was a perfect day. I took my mom to the mall with me. Bought some 'dating clothes' from Ann Taylor and work tops from Penny's. Took Bonnie's advice and had the Apple store apply a new matt-finish screen protector to my iPhone. It looks so much better. Went to Panera's for lunch. The same one I lost my $400 at. Brought my mother home then spent two and a half glorious hours at the pool. I listened to my book. Swam 6 laps, listened to music, etc. It was so beautiful outside. It was a very happy day.

I don't think my neighbor with the garage doors likes me anymore. He was working on them yesterday and didn't even say hello. I spoke to another neighbor who was outside and mentioned that I said something to the neighbor about the garage doors. He told me he talked to him the other night after he'd been drinking and gave him hell about them. Well, at least it wasn't only me, and I said what I said nicely. I guess he gets the idea. Every one likes him, just not the appearance of his house.

I'm loving my new washer, btw. It takes almost an hour to do a load of wash, but it's cut the dry time to next to nothing. I'm still entertained by all the strange noises the washer makes as it does it's thing.

I'm off to read some blogs. 31 minutes to go. I'm so glad it's going to be a scorching hot day and I'll be inside my cool salon. Happy day to you.

Monday, my Sunday

I'm off to spend the day with my mom. Shopping in Annapolis. I just harvested the last of my tomatoes from my AeroGarden. The plants are full of new flowers! I'll post pictures later and fill you in on the day's adventures!

Happy Monday. Happy June!