We’ll Always Have Smashmouth

As we head into the holiday weekend, Melissa, of Merryland Girl fame, asked our blogging group to talk about our favorite Fourth of July memories.

As a child we would get together as a family for the Fourth of July. Usually at my middle brother’s home and then go watch fireworks at the beach.

In college, my most vivid memory of Fourth of July activities was my “brilliant” plan one year to have a picnic at a local lake. I say that it was “brilliant” because it was Texas in July which is. . . well . . . let’s just say it’s very hot and humid during this time of year. There were about half a dozen of us. Ants attacked our food as soon as we placed it on the picnic table. It was if they had seen us coming from a mile away and strategized accordingly. It was if they believed they were invited to the festivities as well. If memory serves me right, we packed up a hell of a lot quicker than we had unpacked. Instead of a lovely outdoors picnic, our group relocated to my boyfriend’s apartment where we continued the celebration in the comfort of air conditioning – and no ants.

My next memory of Fourth of July celebrations is from 2006 and 2007. At the time I was living near my village's town center. One of the advantages to living there was having the "perfect" location for viewing fireworks - and it was, as long as you didn't leave your home. In 2006, we stayed home and had family come to us. We took camping chairs and set them up facing the field where the fireworks originated. In 2007, however, our experience was not as blissful. Mainly due to the fact that we left our home. By the time we decided to head home to watch fireworks we found a variety of local streets closed off – including ones that led into our community. In order to watch fireworks, from the comfort of our own neighborhood, we ended up parking about half a mile away and walking to our place. At the time I didn’t find much humor in the situation. Actually, I was quite upset. Looking back, I find myself laughing at the whole situation.

In 2008, I started a new tradition. BFF invited me to a party at her parents home for the Fourth of July. We hadn't seen each other in awhile so I was all about attending. That evening was spent catching up with many people I hadn't seen in a long time, listening to music and taking in the fireworks. When Fourth of July 2009 rolled around I hoped part of the celebration festivities would include another great gathering at BFF's parents place - my wish came true. This year Smashmouth provided the entertainment. I have to admit I was impressed that such a well-known group was place such an event. (Lots of points for the village special events planning committee!) By 2010 I just assumed my invite was "in the mail." Needless to say, that is where I happily ended up once again. Unfortunately, this year I will not be seeing BFF and family. The reason why is understandable, but it still doesn't seem right. It won't be the same. However, I know that I'll create new traditions and new memories which I am looking forward too.

With that in mind, I would like to wish my fellow bloggers and readers a happy, and safe, Fourth of July holiday!

Before you go out and celebrate, please take a moment to read about what the other members of this blogging group have to say about their Fourth of July memories:

• Merryland Girl (Melissa)

• Mom of Many (Susanna)

• Momorock (Sara)

Until later . . .

Bon Appetit!

This week for the blogging project, Sara ask us to: "Imagine you are a food critic. Which restaurant would you critique? What food would you be served, and how would you describe it in your critique?"

When I saw this topic a smile came to face. See, I'm a Yelper which means I'm a food critic each and every time I dine somewhere.

For those of you who don't know what Yelp is, it's a online site were you can find reviews written on various businesses - including restaurants. I've been "yelping" for several years now. At one point I was so into yelping that my friends would ask me how my review would read while we were sitting waiting for our food. These days I don't yelp as much. It's not due to lack of places to yelp about, but more about having the time to yelp about places I've been. (I guess that is the trade-off for being on the go a lot of the time.)

Getting to Sarah's original questions, I've decided to serve-up one of my past reviews so you can get a feel for how I review restuarants - (especially ones I really enjoy).

This particular review, written in 2008, is for St. Elmo's Steakhouse located in Indianapolis, IN:


"This place definitely gives my favorite steakhouse a run for it's money! If it were close to where I lived I'd have a hard time trying to decide where to go for a great steak dinner.

I'm going to be upfront and tell you this St. Elmo's isn't cheap. I would guess done right (appetizer, steak, dessert and wine) it costs about $70 - $80/person - at least. I wouldn't know for sure since I this was treated to this wonderful meal as a show of appreciation.

The meal itself ---

Come hungry! There is a lot of food served with this meal and it's all good. . .

The Wine:

If you can't find a wine you like you're not looking hard enough. This particular evening a nice Pinot Grigio was the wine of choice.

The Food:

We went full-force on the meal (well for the most part).

The Appetizer:

For starters we had the shrimp cocktail. The horseradish in the cocktail sauce is freshly ground daily. Though the horseradish was a bit potent at times, the cocktail sauce, overall, was perfect. To accompany this fine treat I had an onion roll. That was good as well. The onion was not too over-bearing in taste.

The Soup:

I got the Navy Bean (a first for me). Yum! That is all I have to say about that.

The Steak and Potato:

By the time the main course arrived I felt as though I already had dinner and dessert so I was hopeful I wouldn't waste the eye catching filet that was placed in front of me. I was warned ahead of time they have a tendency to cook things on the rare side so if you like your meat medium order it medium well . . . which I did and it came out perfect. Just enough pink. And the taste - OMG! So good! It was everything it was built up to be - and more. I accompanied my steak with a good ol' fashion, plain-jane baked potato swimming in butter (hey, if I was going to do it right no corners would be cut this evening which for me meant lot of butter on my potato).

Dessert:

The only look at dessert our table got was across the room at someone else's table. By the time dessert came around we were both full though the thought of Creme Brulee was tempting. (Not a usual choice for me, but it sounded really nice this particular evening.) However, I passed.

The Service:

Outstanding service. Impeccable. Our waiter had been there 9-years and treated us as if we were his first customers. He was on the ball at all times and anticipated our every request. Not something I've experienced often.

The Atmosphere:

When the suggestion of St. Elmo's came up I was told it had the feel of an " Ol Boys Club." Funny enough, I would later learn from a good friend of mine that once upon a time that presumption was fairly accurate. How did I find that out? Turns out the grandfather of one of my close friends was an original owner of St. Elmo's. Further into the discussion about St. Elmo's past, it turns out the kitchen use to be in the front of the restaurant however that has since changed. The front now sports a dark wood bar and tables in with minimal lighting. In the back of the restaurant a well lit, open dining area. While dinging in the main dining area, take a look at the photographs that adorn the walls of the main dining area. It's cool to see who's been there to eat.

All in all, dining at St. Elmo's is well worth the cost."


Now that I've shared one of my "food critic" moments, please take a moment to read what my fellow bloggers have to say on the topic:

• Momorock (Sara)

• Merryland Girl (Melissa)

• Mom of Many (Susanna)

Until later . . .

The Purple Look Of Death

I was at the grocery store when I first learned of my super power.

I had called S regarding my craving for candy hoping she would talk me out of purchasing the goodies I had in hand. After agonizing about this decision for a brief moment she asked if I had seen Dorthy's reaction after I gave her the "look of death." "Look of death?" I asked in shock. As it turns out, I apparently gave Dorthy a "look of death" earlier that day that was so powerful it even scared S despite the fact that it was not directed at her. I have to admit I wasn't thrilled to learn of this power, but I understood why such an adverse look might have emerged. Since then I try to be more aware of this "super power" as it's not one I wish to exercise regularly. Sure it stops people ragging on you when you don't want them too, I just don't take pride in making other people feel uncomfortable or for that matter I don't like feeling so strongly against someone that I give them, whether unconsciously or not, such a look.

I'd like to say it was this particular memory that gave me the idea for this week's blogging topic: What is your super power? ((Or, which superpower would you like to have?), but it wasn't. Honestly, the topic is courtesy of my friend Firefly who helped me brainstorm when I was in the eleventh hour of coming up with a topic for this week.

Given who I am, and how I think, I settling on one super power was impossible. Instead, I settled on three super powers I'd like to have . . .

In the true spirit of having a super power, my first choice would enable me to fight evil and save people lives. To accomplish this task, I would have the ability to foresee tragic events taking place and be able to rush to the scene so I could either prevent them from happening OR stop them from continuing longer than they need too. My super heroine name would be . . . ummm . . . ok, I haven't come up with a name, but I know for sure it would be an uber awesome name. Oh, I do know for sure I'd sport a super cute outfit with bedazzled accessories.

On a personal level, I'd like the ability to read minds. I don't want this ability so I know what people think of me nor do I want to know every little thought people have. Honestly, I'd like to have this super power so I could answer the many, "why the heck do they do (insert action)" questions I have - and trust me when I say I have many of these questions.

Lastly, on a purely lazy level, I'd like to have the ability to deliver items to others far away without having to put them in the mail. I'm thinking along the lines of being able to stick my hand/arm through a computer monitor or some sort of portal. Or, how about an elastic arm that stretches as far as it needed too? I mean, hand delivering items is more person, right?!

This mainly has to do with the fact that I don't like going to the post office and getting to the post office - or any mailing facility for that matter - seems to be a challenge for me. Recently it took me two months to ship a package that should have been shipped a few days at the most after I acquired the item. Sure it wasn't critical to get the item to the person, but still... I live within walking distance to a post office and pass at least two others on a regular basis during the week. I'm just sayin' this ability would be really convenient.

Now that I have talked about the super powers I would like to have, please take some time to read about the super powers my fellow bloggers would like to possess.


• Momarock (Sara)

• Merryland Girl (Melissa)

• Mom of Many (Susanna)


Until later . . .

It All Just Blurs Together

The past couple of weeks have blurred together. So, I'm trying, at the very least, to sort a few of the days out.

• After four hours of testing my brain Really, REAlly, REALly, REALLY hurt!

• Last Tuesday I discovered the pool. It wasn't that I didn't know it was there - I just hadn't had the time to enjoy it. Actually, I am surprised I didn't discover the pool last summer. Regardless of any of the above, it was nice and relaxing.

• Strike two was easier to receive than strike one. I wasn't exactly happy about it, but it was easier.

• Wednesday, Thursday and Friday . . . Oh, how do I wrap-up these days . . . Heat. Rain. More rain.

• Sometimes weekend plans fall into place at the very last minute.

• The only thing I did on my "to do" list was buy running shoes. Otherwise, the list was shot to hell.

• I swear, the yarn just jumped into my hands and wouldn't leave. I had no other choice but to buy it.

• Brain = Sponge; Sponge = Brain

• Spending time with academia types is fun. (At least I think so.)

• Having all this additional time on my hands is starting to cause withdrawal symptoms. I never realized how much I enjoyed having a hectic schedule until it was no longer hectic.

• Someone called me "noble" for all the volunteer work I do and then proceeded to say what they did for a living didn't even begin to compare. I didn't know what to say to this. All I could reply was that helping people makes me happy and that I try to align myself with causes I believe in which just enhances the experience.

The whole conversation was odd because I don't see that I'm doing anything outstanding or unique. It's like when I watched this one episode of "Undercover Boss." There was this one guy who didn't think he was doing anything special, however the "undercover boss" was blown away by him. At the end of the show he was praised for his work and given this awesome promotion. All he could say was that he was just being himself and didn't think he was doing anything out of the ordinary. I guess what's I'm trying to get at is that I'm just doing my thing because it's my thing.

The other reason I had a hard time with what this person was saying has to do with my belief that every ones job is important - even a job that someone may consider low-level or menial.

• Speaking of volunteer work . . . I decided to join another volunteer project team. This week I got presented with two different project possibilities. Both of them are outstanding and amazing. I'd be lucky to be on either one. The problem is, however, I don't know know which to choose - and I need to make a decision by tomorrow afternoon.

The scope of one of the projects is something I can basically do in my sleep at this point as my past two projects, over the past year and a half, have been focused on the same initiative. What attracts me to the project is the organization and the fact that the work will be laying the foundation for some exciting future endeavors. On the flip side, the scope of the other project is totally different from what I've done in the past and would be a new challenge. The cause is just as interesting as well.

Typically, I have a strong draw one way or another and choosing a project team isn't a problem. However, at this point, I feel like the only way I'm going to be able to decide is to flip a coin or some other random method of deciding.

At this point, the only thing I know for sure is that this is not a bad problem to have.

• I was knitting in public earlier this week when this guy told me that he thought it was cool that I knit. He then proceeded to say he thinks everyone should have a "pre-industrial" skill.

I never really thought of it that way . . .

• The theme of the party was "Country Club Chic" so you can imagine my surprise, along with a lot of others, when there was a Burlesque show. I guess. . . if you think of the party in terms of being "Gossip Girl"-esque then the show fit in perfectly well.

• Why do I feel like all of the above didn't even begin to scratch the surface of the past couple of weeks?


Until later . . .

He Calls Me Shirley

I don't know why I tried to fight the answer to the question Susanna, of Parenting: A Special Kind of Crazy fame, asked the blogging group to write about this week - If you could have dinner with someone living or dead who would it be and what would you talk about?

Originally, I was going to impress with some of the prominent figures in history I have questions for; however, as time went on, and my deadline lingered, I stopped kidding myself. The only person I wanted my one chance dinner with was... my dad.

It's been almost 22-years since my dad's passing and I still miss him everyday. In his absence I carry around the chain he wore for the better part of his life. It's my way of having him with me everywhere I go. However, the thought that I could have one more dinner with him... well, let's just say that would be PRICELESS.

So, what would this dinner look like and what would be said?

For starters as I cooked dinner, we'd have "Wheel of Fortune" on in the background as was the case on any given week night when I was younger. I'm not sure what I'd be making for the main course, but I know I'd serving apple pie and vanilla ice cream for dessert. It was never a coincidence that this dessert was present at all family dinner (minus Passover of course.) as this was my dad's favorite dessert.

Given that I have a child's perspective of who my dad was, as we ate our meal, I would pump my dad for information about his life; hoping to learn as much as possible about his likes, dislikes, talents and more. I'd want to know everything - the good; the bad; the ugly. I guess what what I'm trying to say is that I'd hope to get a better understanding of who he is was as person and not just as "dad." With that in mind, I'd also hope to hear him say things such as, "Don't forget to turn off the lights off after you've left the room - after all, we don't own the Edison Company." (It would warm my heart to hear him say that to me just one more time.)

Before our evening ended, we'd watch a episode of "M*A*S*H" like we did when I was a kid. As I sat next to him on the sofa I'd place my head on his shoulder and just soak-up my last seconds with him.

As I gave him a kiss on the cheek and a hug good-bye I wouldn't complain that he hadn't shaved like I used to do when I was younger. Instead, I would embrace the feeling and let him know how much I loved him.

Then, before we parted ways for good he'd call me Shirley, and smile.


Now that I have told you about the person I'd most like to have dinner, I encourage you to read who my fantastic co-bloggers would like to break bread with by clicking on the links below:

• Mom of Many (Susanna)

• Momarock (Sara)

• Merryland Girl (Melissa)


Until later . . .

What's On My Mind

Sometimes, in order to get to sleep I have to write down my thoughts. This is one of those times....

• I didn't do anything I should have done tonight (or is it last night). Either way, I slacked. I slacked for the first time in weeks. Maybe I'll regret this on Monday, but tonight I enjoyed relaxing.

• After Monday, there is nothing left for me to do that pertains to "Plan B." It will all be left up to fate. I'm nervous and calm all at once. It's an odd feeling. This also makes me realize that I regain my life again. My schedule will be a lot less rigid than it has been in a long time. I'm starting to wonder how I'm going to fill-up my time. I mean training for a 5K can't take up THAT much time - can it?!

• Speaking of free time . . . The volunteer project I've been working on since October just wrapped-up. I've been asked if I'm interested in joining a new project. I'm torn on what to do. I've enjoyed both projects I've worked on over the past year and a half, but as I said above I haven't had much time for other things in my life over the past six months. Part of me wants to take the next six months off. Part of me realizes that all these things are ending this month and though I'm sure I'll enjoy having some downtime I believe I'll be craving, once again, the busy, hectic schedule I've grown accustom too.

All this leads me to the fact that I have yet to let the organization know whether or not I'm interested in joining a new project team. Maybe I should just flip a coin?!

• One new volunteer avenue I've been thinking about is working on an organic farm once a month. It could be an amazing experience. It would definitely be something different for me. It would surely be a learning experience as well.

• "But you know what the best part of my day is? For about ten seconds, from when I pull up to the curb and when I get to your door, 'cause I think, maybe I'll get up there and I'll knock on the door and you won't be there. No goodbye. No see you later. No nothing. You just left. I don't know much, but I know that." ~ Good Will Hunting (Chuckie)

• I keep thinking about Oprah's last show. I didn't really watch the show this past season, but I did watch the last show. I'm glad I didn't miss it. A lot of what she said struck a cord with me.

• It just hit me today is June 4th. June 4th is a special day for me. Over the past seven years June 4th has always been an extra special good day. Each year it's been something different. Sometimes the reason has been something really big, and other something simple. Either way, it's always been a good day. I anticipate today to be the same.

• They put into effect a "quiet car" policy on one of the public transportation systems as of June 1st. I love that they've done this. It's definitely high time they put such a program into effect. Here's the thing, some people think that"quiet car" means you can talk, but in a low voice. I was tempted to say something to those people, but I really didn't feel like being "that" person.

While talking to someone about all this today it was shared with me that they are considering allowing mobile phone usage on airplane. Something about companies wanting their employees to maximize their time while traveling for business. The thought of this makes me cringe. I really hope this doesn't happen.

• A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with Lupus. They found out this week which means they are just processing the news, trying to learn more about the disease and what to anticipate. I don't want to ask a lot of questions because 1) they don't have answers and 2) I feel as though they will share with me, in time, what they want too.

I'm still trying to process this. I know medicine has come a long way, but I hate to see a good friend be in this position regardless. Especially someone so young (they are a few years younger than myself). Also, this someone I hold in high regards (like a lot of my friends) so I don't like seeing this happen to them.

I keep telling myself everything will be okay and that they will live a long, healthy life.

• I wish I could read minds so I can understand why some people do the things they do; or, for that matter why some people don't do certain things.

• I wish I could be brave.

• The numbers from all the practices this last week range from 138 to as high as 152. I hope the final outcome this time is somewhere close, if not at, that 152 mark. It would mean so much to me for so many reasons. If you understand what I'm talking about than I'd be willing to bet you've been through this yourself - or know someone who has been through it.

• I'm getting tired. I think this exercise may have actually helped me.


Until later . . .

The Story Of My Life?

Here's your task - Figure out what tv show, movie or book is most similar to your life.

Oh, wait a minute! That's not your assignment, that's my assignment. That is what Melissa, from my blogging group, asked us to write about this week.

At first I was very focused on the "tv show" part of this topic. All I could come up with was the show "Modern Family" because I have such a odd, bizarre, different family situation. However, I already wrote about that last week and didn't want to sound like a broken record. (I already feel like I do that too much as it is.) Then I tried to come up with a movie that mirrored my life, but nothing really stood out to me in this category. So I turned to books. Picking a book was the easiest one of all three categories.

S was the person who told me about Meg Cabot's book "Boy Meets Girl." She said when she read it she thought of me. Actually what she really said was that she had just read a book that was "based on my life." She also told me I'd appreciate the style in which the book was written.

Not too long after that conversation I checked out a copy of this book from my local library. Ummm . . . yeah, this book is could very well be based on my life. The main character and I work in the same profession, encounter many of the same professional woes and have interesting romantic dilemmas.

There was one more thing that made this book very "me." The story was not in a traditional form. The story actually takes place through a series of chat messages, e-mail messages, memos and other written forms. (Had she thrown in text messaging then I would have had to contact Ms. Cabot about royalty rights.)

Ok, seriously . . . The last part, the story taking place through a non-traditional format, is what really jumped out at me. Over the past couple of years I have found myself reliving various chapters of my own life via old e-mails, chat transcripts and other forms of electronic communication. I call these items "digital artifacts." As I've read through these items I can see the progression of relationships and situations as they unfolded. I marvel in this. It seems just like yesterday when asked if I had an e-mail account a blank stare fell upon my face and I replied, "What is an e-mail account?" Now, they are the things that document my past.

I love that I found such a personal conenction with the characters in this book, but what I love even more is the way the book was written. It made the time I spent with them just that much more enjoyable and made things even more relatable.

Now that I have shared with you what book shadows my life, please take a moment to read what my fellow blogers have to say about their choices:

• Merryland Girl (Melissa)

• Mom of Many (Susanna)

• Momorock (Sarah)


Until later . . .

May Wrap-Up

I can't get to sleep, but I can't seem to focus enough to finish up a post I was working on earlier. This leads me to believe that bullet points are in order.

Since it is technically June 1st (at least were I am) I thought I'd see if I could put some thoughts around the month of May ...

• The whole "April showers bring May flowers" belief appears to be a fallacy. All it brought was more rain. Though I didn't really complain about the rain, I'm not exactly a fan of it.

• Oh, and consistent temperatures would be nice as well. Given that this past weekend it was chilly and the super hot, my winter coat and sweaters haven't been put away yet. I'm still optimistic we're going to have extended Spring this year despite the fact that the humidity continues to persist.

• Memorial Day weekend was fantastic! It was the perfect balance between being a responsible adult and being irresponsible as well. I got to see family, friends and experience some truly unique moments. Oh, and I visited hispter heaven not even realizing I was entering such a place until I got there. It gave M and I a good laugh.

• A few weeks ago someone used the word "undetermined" in reference to me. When I overheard this I laughed because this person has no idea what is going on in my life. They didn't realize that they found the word that basically sums-up my life as it stands at this very moment. For some odd reason, I still smile when I think about it.

• In regards to the "undetermined" life I'm leading at the moment... I've actually gotten quite comfortable in this world. Things being undetermined use to bother me. I wanted structure around everything. Now I'm ok with things just being unknown. As S said to me recently, I'm sure to get answers soon. At least one would think I will.

• I'm please that I was able to find a balance between getting done the things I needed to get done and going out and being social this past month. It took some time to master, but I think I got there. I've had to be very disciplined about this.

• My pre-Couch-to-5K training is paying off. After this past month, I'm right where I want to be in terms of the pace I walk at when I'm out on the trail. I'm just at the point where I'm ready to turn my walk into a run. I accomplished everything I wanted to during the month of May. (Yay! Gold star for me!)

• Someone recently told me I sounded happy. Yes, someone used the "H" word in relation to me without my permission. What I found most interesting about the comment was it was someone I only know through online means. I was amazed they could get so much from a simple chat conversation. Something to think about I guess...

• After a whole 60 or so days of having an iPhone in my possession I had to get a new one. The camera malfunctioned - and let's be real, what's the point in having an iPhone (or for that matter a Smartphone) if the camera isn't working? I was glad to have purchased the Apple Care for the phone. Once they realized it wasn't loose wires they just gave me a new one and wiped the information off the broken one.

• Pursuit of Plan B is no longer stressing me out like it use too. I actually catch myself thinking about how calm I've been lately about everything. This is a good thing - especially since I got my first answer back and it wasn't the one I wanted. It was expected, but I was still hoping for a different answer.

• This past month I caught myself thinking a lot about smiling. Is this normal?

• I really enjoyed the 30 Day Song Challenge thing, but I'm kind of glad it's over. There is the 60 Day Song Challenge one, however I don't know that I'm going to be doing that - or at least if I'm going to do it right now. I do have some closing thoughts on the whole song challenge, but that's for another entry.

• Overall, May turned out to be even better than April. Like with all months it had some ugly moments, but looking back it was better than April. I wonder if this means June will top May? That would be nice! I'm hopeful this is the case.

Until later . . .