Ketchup, Catch-Up

Want to play catch-up?  I haven't talked about my day-to-days in a few days and I feel the need to unburden myself of the good and bad stuff.  So.

Thanksgiving - Went to my dad and step-mom's house in Malibu, about a 90 minute drive.  Secret Agent Man, Social Animal, and Girlie Girl all had to work.  Handsome Lad was at his Uncle Nurse's house.  So it was just me and Kick Back Dude & family.   I was assigned to take Little Prince in my car, since they had over booked by inviting Princess Diva's questionable brother along.  Little Prince was a fine companion, although very quiet as he slept the whole way there. 
Anyway, we had a nice time there.  My dad seemed to love the questionable brother.  To me, as he gets older, he is harder and harder to talk to.  He probably enjoyed a fresh audience for his ramblin's.  Here are some of us at the groaning board:

We left my dad's about 4:30 and headed back towards home.  WTG was putting on his own working man's meal.  This meant that some of us got 2 turkey dinners!  Plus, I got to see the working kids and be thankful with them.  I'm going to be honest and say, my dad's turkey was better, but the atmosphere was definitely more relaxing at WTG's gathering.  Here are a few characters hanging out in the kitchen:

To summarize ( too late?), I had 2 Thanksgiving meals, didn't have to cook for either one, and ended up seeing everyone I cared to see!  Good day.

Friday - I got up early and went over to Kick Back Dude's house to babysit.  He didn't get that day off and since Princess Diva is in retail, she was strongly urged to work.  I ended up having a nice time with the kids.  Fortunately, it was pleasant and we could spend some time outside.  I, personally, have always found it so much easier to manage little kids outdoors.  I'm not sure how that trait would work if I lived anywhere besides Southern California.  I might have gotten myself into trouble...not really!  Um, not really.  After that adventure in babysitting, which included live tweeting (#thingstoamuselittlekids), I went home and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon and evening.  I also got in a very long talk with DR.  As I've mentioned, we talk quite regularly and at length, but this was an extra long treat.  Really helps me to remain feeling connected to him, in spite of other uncertainties.

Saturday - Hung out with Handsome Lad all day.  He finally returned from Uncle Nurse's house late Friday.  He'd been gone since Monday, so I was really happy to see him.  He, Girlie Girl and I decided to go see 127 Hours.  I, in honesty, wasn't that into seeing it.  Plus, it is still playing in limited release, I think, and we had to go to Pasadena.  Parking is always a nightmare and going to a late afternoon show on a Saturday was expensive.  But there are not that many things that both of them really want to see (albeit for different reasons).  Now, having seen it, I guess I'm glad I did.  I mean, it was very well acted, extremely well done.  But people keep asking me if I liked it.  And it isn't really a movie you can "like"...but it did make me think I might like to read the book. 

Sunday - The last day of my 4 day weekend.  Didn't do much.  Felt good :-)  Still...was not ready to return to work, but of course I did and here I am!
I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, but I did get around to reading and seeing how your weekends went.  I always look forward to seeing how everyone else spends their time.  Now you know, at length (sorry), how I spent mine.   Thanks for reading.

This Musical Message is For Now Be Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving

Leaving aside the darker implications of the day 

(ie. sorry we stole your land and killed so many of you off, Native Americans)

it is still a wonderful opportunity to give thanks.  

 Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow USians and Happy Thursday to my friends elsewhere :-)

Congratulations to Our Three Winners!

Season 11 Winners - Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough

Congratulations to Churlita, NoRegrets, and AlienCG, who all chose Jennifer Grey as the winner for this season's Dancing with the Stars!  You have each won a $25 Target gift card...if you prefer another retailer, just let me know :-)  And tell me where you want me to send your card.  lalaura.b@gmail.com 

Thanks for playing!!!

An Attitude of Gratitude

Seems an approprite time of year to have a Thankful Talk Talk Tuesday, doesn't it?  If you and I were going to sit down to a meal together on Thursday, we might have a chance to mention the things we're feeling thankful for this year.  Since our time is in the here and now...well, why not mention those things in the here and now? 

We can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning. ~Albert Barnes

I am willing to start the Talk Talk.   I am above all, thankful for the health and strength of my family...my children, my mom, my sister and nephew, my dad.   You all know I can be a moody SOB, but thinking with gratitude on what I have always helps me, and my family is always what comes to mind first.  When I look at that quote I feel lucky that nothing so terrible has happened to me yet in life.  My troubles have been ordinary and unremarkable and I am thankful.  Stepping outside of the family realm, which I think we are all lucky enough here to be thankful for, I am also thankful for lessons I've learned in the past couple of years about myself.  Even though, more and more, I think it isn't going to work out, I did experience real love for DR.  I think it is true, also, that it isn't who loves you, but who you love.  Being able to love is a great gift.  It quite literally made me feel like a different person.  I am thankful to have felt that and hopeful that I will feel it again one day. 

So, I've done all this blabbing.  Will you Talk Talk too?  What makes you feel thankful? 

This Musical Message is For They Don't Speak For Us

Friday 5 on Saturday - Literally Figurative

Even though it is Saturday, I thought I'd go ahead with this week's Friday 5, because it is as cute as a bug in a rug.  Literally?  Figuratively? 

1.Do you prefer to be in the driver’s seat or in the co-pilot’s chair, literally and figuratively?  As long as their is a pilot I trust on board, I tend to prefer the co-pilot's chair.  I am not a natural born leader.  I am happy to chime in with my opinion, but not as comfortable being the final word. 


2.Do you have a lot of baggage, literally and figuratively?  If figurative baggage is people and experiences that you must consider before making a move in life, then figurtively I guess I have a bit of baggage.  It doesn't feel cumbersome to me.  I think it is mostly (but not exclusively) good baggage.  Literally, I have practically no baggage at all!

3.How much junk have you got in the trunk, literally and figuratively?  Literally, my car trunk is empty, except when I put in the grocery bags.  The trunk at the foot of my bed, however, is literally stuffed.  What is figurative junk in my trunk?  My booty?  More than enough junk in that trunk, for sure.

4.At celebrations where people are drinking, are you more likely to be literally or figuratively drunk as a skunk?  Neither one.  I'm don't abstain from alcohol, but I'm not much of a partier like that.  I am far more likely to eat too many of the party snacks.

5.What’s something you enjoy that’s literally cheesy, and what’s something you enjoy that’s figuratively cheesy?  Something that I enjoy that is literally cheesy is this pasta with four cheese sauce that I can get frozen at Albertsons.  On the carton it says 4 servings, but I hang my head and admit that I will sit and eat it all for dinner.  I'm sure they mean 4 sides!  haha!  Well, and I only eat it as a special treat, maybe once a month or so.  Don't judge me!  As for the figurative cheese, you all know of my fondness for some competition based reality shows, such as So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars.  All very cheesy offerings.


Thanks for participating, and may you literally and figuratively get the whole enchilada this weekend!   ◄ Thanks for the Friday 5 guy for that line.  It was so cute, I had to keep it.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Welcome to Choose and Defend Wednesday.  Today it is all about the neighbors.  We are all sort of like neighbors in the bloggerhood, aren't we?  My neighbors IRL, range from rather mean to perfectly friendly to a bit mysterious.  But, I'm sure we can all agree that everything is more interesting on TV, even neighbors.  Okay, not strictly true...many of you are MUCH more interesting than anything on TV...nonetheless...  There are lots of sitcom neighbors out there, but I chose these two because many people know who they are and they are sort of like opposite types.  So, of these two wacky sitcom neighbors, who is your favorite - Choose.  And why? - Defend!

Wilson (Home Improvement)

OR

Kramer (Seinfeld)

There you go...Choose and Defend!  If you wish to throw in a little anecdote about one of your neighbors, please feel empowered to do so.  Thanks, Neighbor!

Yes, We're Going to a Party, Party!

Today is Talk Talk Tuesday AND Ananda Girl's birthday, so I got her a cake in the shape of a helmet from her favorite team.  I think there is enough for everyone, so help yourselves!  And what is better with cake and coffee than some Talk Talk?  Nothing.  Nothing is better with cake and coffee than Talk Talk.   

Every year on your birthday, you get a chance to start new.

- Sammy Hagar

Is that true?  Do birthdays feel like a fresh start to you?  Or do you feel the pressure of another year having gone by?  What do birthdays mean to you?  Talk Talk!  And Happy Birthday, Ananda Girl :-)

All the Small Things

Another week has begun.  Feeling optimistic about managing it, at this point...mainly because next week has that lovely long Thanksgiving weekend.  Yay!  Along with the extra day off last week, it seems manageable.

On Thursday, since I was off, I went out shopping with my mom and sister.  I don't care to shop, but we don't get to hang out much, so when they wanted to shop I said "sure".  I didn't actually make any purchases, but I did get some ideas for Xmas. 
Also on Thursday, Little Prince went in to have his ear tube things re-inserted.  It is a simple procedure, but I still feel bad for how confusing it must be for him to be put under.  Here are his before and after photos:




Before...happily playing in his little gown.

After...looking quite cross with dad.

At least now it is over, he is back to his own cheerful self, and hopefully, his hearing will continue to improve.

On Friday, I did very little.  Laundry, bill paying, groceries.  I know how to live it up on my days off!  It was, as I've mentioned, DR's birthday.  Being a sappy sentimentalist it felt like I missed him more that usual on this particular day.   

Saturday, work.  And it was sooo busy.  But time certainly flew.  When I got home I found that Handsome Lad had spent the afternoon watching his nieces and nephew.  Their parents did turn up to collect them eventually, and we all had dinner together.

Sunday, I went to my friend Milly's house for lunch.  Another friend of ours, KK, there too.  It was really nice to have some girl time.  Again, it felt like the day flew by.  Had a nice relaxing evening watching Dexter with Handsome Lad.

Brings us on back to Monday!  Hi!  See you tomorrow for Talk Talk Tuesday :-)

This Musical Message is For a Happy Birthday, DR

Girl Power

Just wanted to show off a few cool photos of a couple of my favorite ladies. 

If this was a Saturday Scavenger Hunt post, the theme could be Girls or Fun or Fierce :-) 

Girlie Girl and D showing us some raditude GHS style.

 

 Clowning with 38 of their closest friends in their group photo.  Do you see them, bottom right?

Miss Personality stalking her prey on the soccer field.  Super star!

In the middle, on one knee.  You shouldn't bother telling her how to pose, thank you very much.

Hope you guys are having a great weekend.  Just made myself miss Saturday Scavenger Hunts :-)

Next Year Will Be Better

Happy Birthday, Dear Richard DR!  

Doctor, Doctor Gimme the News!

Guess what is happening on this fine Choose and Defend Wednesday?  You are all getting a Degree in Medicine!  The only thing to do now is to determine what kind of physician you want to be.  As always, you get two choices...but hey, how you choose to specialize is fully up to you!  So, which would you prefer to do for a living?

MD

OR

DVM

Will you be tending to the peoples or the critters?  And please do feel free to talk about any special area of interest you might be perusing in your field in comments.  Choose and Defend!

I Am Grateful, At Peace, Happy....

Talk Talk Tuesday is here with an invitation for you to...you know...talk about things!  Sitting at my desk yesterday, I was struck again by how much stuff I have around me and it seemed like a natural subject for Talk Talk Tuesday.  Some of it is clutter, but a good deal of it is really helpful in reminding me of what is important.  My inspiration is all around me, in the form of photos of my sweetheart, my kids, and my grandkids.  I also have these:

My motivational, inspirational beverage containers.

I know it seems silly, but I like being reminded to be grateful, peaceful and happy!  I am also pretty certain I have mentioned one of my favorite quotes that I have had hanging up at my desk since I came to work here over 8 years ago.  Here it is again, as too much good stuff is never enough :-)

Best not to concentrate altogether on the sycophany, cowardice, and fraudulence of a society

that feels as if it's in decompostion.  Better to think instead of beautiful children in concentrated

play, of Mozart's music for oboe and harp and flute, of Winesap apples and cold green grapes,

of large hearted men and women who refused to be daunted in much darker times than ours.

-Joseph Epstein "Decline & Blumenthal" With My Trousers Rolled

So tell me, what do you like to have around you for inspiration during the course of your day?  If not things, what thoughts do you keep around?   I love hearing the things that matter to people.  Talk Talk!

This Musical Message is For It's Between You and I

Friday 5 - Packing

Friday, Friday, Friday!  I'm so glad it is Friday!  Yeah, I'm ready for the weekend.  Not that I have any great plans, but the downtime will be good.  I thought I'd celebrate with a bit of Friday 5.  I mean, I really know it is Friday when I get to do the Friday 5 meme.  So....

1. How far ahead of time do you begin packing for a weekend trip?  Goodness.  When is the last time I took a weekend trip?  A good long while, for sure.  But I can say that packing, as with most things that require preparation, is worked out ahead of time mentally.  I tend to go over things in my mind, maybe make lists, but do the actual physical preparations pretty last minute. 


2. What was your most recent purchase of a six-pack?  Another thing I haven't done in a good long while.  Can't recall the last time I bought a six-pack of beer...and even when I buy soda I generally buy the 12-pack.  Every couple of weeks I need another 12-pack of Super Chill cola.

3. What do you look for in a good everyday backpack?  Good, sturdy straps and zippers.  A dark, neutral color.  There, set to go.  Boring, but reliable.  I guess that is me and my everyday backpack. 

4. Among people you know, who’s the worst packrat?  I know a few packrats.  I think I have a sort of inclination towards it, but over the years I have learned to let things go quite well.   DR is one of the worst packrats I know, but I think he is trying to reform :-)

5. How do you know when it’s time to pack it in each evening?  When my eyes refuse to remain open any longer, I pack it in.  Otherwise, I just go on watching tv or reading.  I have to almost literally pass out before I can pack it in!

Hope you are all able to pack lots of fun and relaxation into your weekend!  Don't forget to Fall Back on Sunday!

He Sings the Songs That Remind Him of the Better Times

So glad the mid-term elections are over and done.  And no matter how things went for you, don't you feel we could all use a drink?  It is Wednesday, so let's Choose and Defend!  Make a toast and raise a glass...what are you drinking?

Beer / Wine 

OR

Hard Liquor

Pick your poison...feel free to get specific in comments.  Choose and Defend!

Oh....alright...here's one for the non-drinkers -

No Alcohol for Me!

There!  Happy Wednesday Choose and Defend!

PS - Don't forget to tip your server.

Yo, Bum Rush the Show

I thought maybe we could use this Talk Talk Tuesday to get all political and stuff!  No, not really...I love you all too much for that.  But I am curious about your thoughts on voting, in general.

The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls wich imprison men because they are different from other men.

- Lyndon B. Johnson

It makes no difference who you vote for - the two parties are really one party

 representing four percet of the people.

- Gore Vidal

What do you think of the process, generally?  Does it work or do we need to do some serious revamping?  Talk Talk!

Halloweenie Pictures

Trick or Treat at the Library Wed. 10/27.  I am trying to get started, but parents be mad picture takin' lunatics.



Lt. Dangle (aka Social Animal) of Reno Sheriffs Station.  About to arrest a lady of the evening, looks like.



Cap'n Handsome Lad contemplating fishing for treats.



This pixie always looks rather threatening when she asks a question.  I call that fierce intelligence!



Here is a kitty called Socks.  Not Love Bug.  Socks.



Puppy who doesn't like to wear his little hood.  Woof!



Girlie Girl and her friend/date looking cute for Homecoming on Saturday night. 

Hope you all had a great weekend.  Mine was fun, busy, and full of interesting clothing.  Now, onward to Thankful Feasting Day and beyond!!!