Being lax

Please overlook my laxity in not posting yesterday. No, I wasn't having a such a wild and crazy time here in Hotlanta that I couldn't get around to it. My little "guest" decided to make her presence known quite strongly so I just gave up and turned it over to her for a while.

Today has been much better. I went to the Decatur Book Festival for a little while and got to meet and chat with one of my favorite authors, Mary Jane Clark. She's very personable and a really nice lady. She truly appreciates her readers and lets them know it. She gets better and better all the time, staying with quality, not quantity, so her books aren't cookie cutters . Her latest, It Only Takes a Moment, is well researched and I had trouble putting it down until I finished the very last page.

I wish

I wish I had ten acres to give you. If I had a hundred acres where I live now, I'd sign the deed tonight with no hesitation and be thrilled to be rid of it. You would have to provide the horse though.

Bright Lights, Big City

What a change to see my mom taking to the big city like a duck to water. What's so odd is the more you crave the excitement and stimulation of the urban lifestyle, the more I want to have my ten acres of land, a horse, and all the joys of country living. I know some of it is the different stages we are in our lives, but it just strikes me as funny.

Here at last

My "guest" and I arrived in Hotlanta about 2:00 this afternoon. I was hoping she would say goodbye beforehand but that was not to be so I headed north about 11:40 a.m. anyway.

I'm not the least bit ashamed to admit that I have fallen in love with the big city and, when my son generously offered the use of his condo while he is out of town for several days, I didn't blushingly refuse. In fact, I was so eager it's a wonder he didn't charge me rent!

If he hadn't been so sweet about it, I might have thrown a wild party or trashed his place and told him I did. Would have been interesting either way.

More later.

Ms. "Ella" won't go away

Ms. Ella seems determined to prolong her stay here. I start the day feeling fairly normal (whatever that is) but it seems to go downhill pretty soon. I'm still going to Atlanta tomorrow though. She'll just have to tag along if she won't let go.

One for Everything?

Television shows are a lot like country songs - one for almost every situation. If only life was only that easy! Complete resolution in 60 minutes or less :)

And BTW, it was the "other factors" I was considering in making that decision.

Never hurts to keep options open

I remember an episode of "Designing Women" where Charlene wanted more romance from her man, but eventually realized that he did show romance, though not in the ways she expected. He always made sure her gas tank was filled so she wouldn't get stranded somewhere, started her car on cold mornings, and turned the shower on so she wouldn't be cold, etc. Sometimes when I get frustrated about what I feel is lack of romance and creativity on my husband's part, I remember that episode and am grateful that he is like that and shows his love in everyday ways like that.

It might not be your typical wine and flowers romance thing, but I'd take a man who is genuinely concerned about me any day over grand gestures (though an occasional grand gesture is nice, too!). Of course, there have to be other factors such as compatibility as well, but you know what I mean.

Just food for thought.

Right Decison?

The one person I've been inclined to write off the "BF" list seems to be the one most concerned about my being sick. He's been calling and checking on me at least once a day, quite solicitous in fact. Maybe I need to re-think my options on this? Probably not, but it's a thought.

Pallet, Palate

A pallet full beats a palate full every time :)

(If Ms. "Salmon Ella" doesn’t go home soon, I may need an extra pallet full of AF just to get these darn saltines down.)

FYI Arctic Fox

Just FYI, most people have no clue as to what this "Arctic Fox" drink you keep referencing is. For their convenience, I have pasted the link to their vineyard web page, which describes the delicious wine created there (although they need to use "palate" instead of "pallet" in their description) of which you are so fond.


http://yp.bellsouth.com/sites/foxvineyardswinery/

Hey!

Have you forgotten? The three basic foods are (or should be) Arctic Fox, Diet Coke, and protein bars with an occasional Margarita thrown in to keep from getting in a rut. Beats cooking every time.

I can't imagine anyone actually leaving several articles of clothing in two different places (at least those still on hangers). Wonder who that could be? And thank you for posting under your own ID now so everyone won't think I am saying such "nice" things about myself.

Hope it eases up

I was so sorry to hear about the horrible food poisoning experience. I've never had it, but my DH did (oddly enough, on St. Simon's as well, but at a different restaurant...beware those who dare to dine there...) and it was a wretched experience.

BTW, this thing about leaving clothes everywhere seems to be becoming a habit. I seem to remember several articles of clothing left hanging in my bathroom after a certain person visited. I had to take them to the post office to mail them back since they were some of the only ones that fit after the protein bar and wine diet weight loss spree ;-) I did get several comments from the ladies there that the clothes were very attractive, however.

Back in the Fold

I jotted down some blog notes when I was in the first workshop, before my foray to the pier yielded the disastrous results I described earlier. It may be a little repetitious but I’m going to post it anyway because I thought enough of it to write it down in longhand, no less.

I even noted that I was surprising myself because usually in a place like this, I tend to look for places to shop but this time I just wanted to walk out on the pier and stroll around casually. (Would have fared better if I had stuck to shopping.)

Rain had let up a bit when I started over to the conference center the first afternoon but promptly started pouring down once again. What can I say? I create my own turbulence.

The next morning (still raining) they had the usual wonderful food but I was good and stuck with my protein bar, sans the wine. Just Diet Coke this time.

The workshop was dull. The facilitator from Atlanta couldn't’t make it so we wound up in nine-person groups instead. This, like many others, turned into a three-way conversation with everyone else being shut out. Since I wasn't among the elite three, at least I could sleep with my eyes open.

I do like to attend some of these functions though. I was originally appointed as a member of the Regional Development Center board. They in turn appointed me to Workforce Investment Act services board (our host this weekend), and to the Altamaha Area Agency on Aging board. I wound up as chairman of our 17-county area just as if I knew what I was doing. I particularly enjoy AAAA meetings because I’m usually the youngest one there.

Another huge breakfast buffet this morning but when I walked in and smelled the food, I made quick u-turn right out of there so I wouldn’t ruin everyone else’s breakfast! Filled out my trip sheet, skipped the morning meeting, and headed for home.

Just one tiny little problem though. This whole thing has left me more scattered than usual and I managed to leave several pieces of my nicest clothes hanging in the closet. I conscientiously checked the room 3-4 times but for some reason, I never opened the closet door. To add to it, I didn’t miss them until I had been home over two hours.

Thank goodness the hotel has promised to ship them tomorrow. I’m guessing I’m not the only one who has left things before but may be among the few who left a whole closet full.

Fay lost but...

Fay turned out to be a mini-event here at St. Simons's but Iguana's on Mallory Street threw some heavy licks in her stead.

I skipped lunch today to browse some little shops (never paid that much for what is classified as a t-shirt before!) and go out on the pier where a rather rude pelican seemed to think my toes were his lunch. After several attempts on my feet, I retreated to a safe distance as s/he didn't seem inclined to leave first.

After that, I was feeling the need for a little nourishment and decided to stop at Iguana's to replenish my energy supply. They served the most wonderful Peach Margarita I've ever tasted along with the water and calamari I ordered.

It was back to the hotel then to rest up for a night of music and dancing I had planned with friends earlier in the day. Wrong.

Unfortunately, the only music I heard was my iTunes in between bouts of being violently ill and the only dancing done was two-stepping with the toilet seat. (No, it wasn't the Margarita. I only had one!) It seems some sort of food poisoning cooties had invaded one of those items and I barely made it to my room before the fireworks began. Or maybe I should say before the volcano erupted. This was one of those times you needed to get better to die.

It's after midnight now and hopefully my tummy is settling down at last. It should be. There's nothing left in it. I swear, I think I lost last Thursday's lunch! It feels as my whole insides are lined with ground glass. They rebel every time I try to drink something but I'm beginning to think I may actually survive.

Headed home about mid-morning. More later.

Ah, but I've prevailed!

Take that Fay! You've failed miserably in your attempts to spoil my weekend. I've had to dry my hair three times since I got here but that's just part of a wonderful new adventure. It's wild and wonderful and I love it!

I don't think my room could be further from the parking lot if I had requested it so each trek is a major event in itself. I have a feeling people watching me laughing as I struggle against the rain and strong winds think I may have had a little too much of the grape. Not yet, but...

Wi-Fi is still quite spotty, popping off and on every few minutes so this may well be my last post until I get back home on Sunday. Thanks thirtysomething for picking up the slack (I think).

A tip: Get a cattle prod and about half way through DH's long nap, give him a good shock and say sweetly, "It's my turn dear."

Technological Tragedy

Alas, my mother's taunts to Hurricane Fay came back to haunt her in the form of no Wi-Fi access at her beach retreat. Maybe it's God's way of having her get back in touch with nature...or commenting on starting this blog (?) It will be interesting to hear the results of her sabbatical at the shore (we should all suffer like that!).

Just Pondering

I've just been sitting here musing about the different stages in a woman's life: where I am, my mother is, and my little girls are. Though our needs are certainly different depending on the stage, one thing that remains the same is the need to love and be loved. You need that assurance when you're small, in that you will be taken care of and have a soft place to fall when you venture out into the world. As a mother of young ones, you're more focused on giving (sometimes until you're exhausted) and have to balance that giving of love with what you need as well. The love of a small child is unconditional and one of the sweetest gifts of your life, but it is also a demanding one physically and emotionally. It's so all-consuming that many times your other relationships fall by the wayside and become neglected. We forget that to have loving relationships that they have to be nurtured and tended. As you grow older and see how fragile life truly is, I think you go back to that center and need for a soft place to fall.

Anyhow, just thinking "out loud."

I do have an excuse...

Yes, I admit it. I'm a slacker. But between the long-promised trip to the Aquarium and preschool Open House yesterday, I was too exhausted to even log onto my computer. The girls are taking a morning bath and arguing over Barbie dolls right now, so I'm taking any minute I can carve out, at least until/unless it escalates.

At least my DH got to take a nap yesterday. The four-year-old (who stopped napping at two anyway) wouldn't lie down after our LONG Aquarium excursion and subsequent lunch out which was a near-disaster between potty trips and an exhausted toddler. She decided instead to help me by cleaning up downstairs rather than playing in her room while I rested, which of course translated into me having to stay up so she wouldn't completely rearrange it into an HGTV "before" scene. I must admit to being a tad resentful that he slept 2 1/2 hours while I got nary a wink, despite letting him sleep in yesterday as well (he took the day off to spend with us before school starts). It seems as though that's the way it always goes, right? I don't know what it is about the power of sleep, but when you don't get it and your significant other does, it definitely creates strife. BK, I never thought I'd be the type of person to keep mental "score" of who gets the most shut-eye. I'm trying to be better and see the big picture: a great husband, father, and friend whom I'm extremely blessed to have. But just once, I would love for him to say "Honey, I know you are exhausted. Let me take care of the kids while you get some sleep" instead of just zonking out and leaving me to it 99% of the time.

Already falling down on the job

It's just day three and my daughter is already falling down on the job. Just one posting! To her credit though, she did have open house at pre-school yesterday and is probably still trying to recover from spending so much with all those little rug rats running amok.

My choice of music is a little more mellow this morning; just fantasizing with Barry White a bit but need to switch over to more upbeat tunes. (Barry White is definitely not what you need to hear when you're all alone!) Also getting ready for a weekend retreat at the beach. With Fay running amok off the coast, I guess there will be two hurricanes in St. Simons this weekend because I'm not changing my plans for another "woman".

And now it's "Shout" (Parts 1 & 2). Much better!

Starting the Day on a Good Note

It's early here but I've been up a long time. What better way to start the day than dancing to the Eagles! If only I weren't dancing alone - this time anyway...

That's My Daughter!

What can I say? That's my girl! She really knows how to suck up properly. Didn't I teach her well? Good job, sweetie. (You're still in the will for now.)

My Mom: Devoted Grandmother, Librarian...Hottie??

First of all, let me say that I am completely thrilled at my mother's newfound joie de'vivre. I could not be happier that she has found her "groove" and is truly happy, something I have never seen her be. I must confess, though, that I have spent the past few months in a bemused "suspension of disbelief." It's as though some alien (albeit a bawdy, spontaneous, wine-drinking one) has invaded her body and is in no hurry to leave. She's dating and chatting online and on her cell phone constantly, but it's like a part of me still expects her old, more pensive self to return and kick the new one to the curb. As she tells me, however, this "new" self is not new at all. It's who she has always been, the one that has been buried beneath years of other's expectations and some of the harsh dirt that life has thrown her way.

As she noted before (thanks, Mom), it doesn't seem fair that she's getting sexier and I'm just getting frumpier and, well, older. *sigh* Oh, well. I'll just chalk it up to the precious under-five, active, gray-hair-creating beings to whom my husband and I gave life. That's my story and I'm sticking to it, anyway. Who knows? Maybe one day if I'm lucky enough to make it to 60, I'll pull some tricks out of my "Red Hat" to shock them, too!

Was dating this much fun when I was younger?

I've been trying to prepare for a weekend trip but can’t seem to get much done with my phones practically ringing off the hook since lunchtime. It seems I am either experiencing flood or drought in my social life. Things go along relatively quietly but when I finally meet someone I like, it's as though others come out of the woodwork and are suddenly interested in talking to me, wanting to have drinks, lunch, dinner, etc. That's all okay but it does make me wonder what they expect for dessert that makes them so persistent. Where were all these people when I was sitting home alone?!? The last two kept me on the phone so long that my cereal got soggy so I guess it's Arctic Fox and protein bar time again. (Much better choice anyway.)

Shocking my children

The last 6 months have been break out time for me. I've discovered I'm definitely not over the hill and, while my children have been more than mildly amused at this, they're still a little shocked too. My daughter says it isn't fair that I'm getting sexier and she's getting frumpier. Not that she's frumpy at all but running after two very active little girls tends to wear on you a bit after a while. She and my son-in-law are enjoying my new life vicariously and support me enthusiastically (or so they say).

Perhaps what I've enjoyed most is seeing them turn my music down and my son admonishing me "don't drive your little red car too fast." That sounds like a blast from the past. Talk about coming full circle!

I’m making changes in my life many are afraid of as they get older but it’s making me feel better (and happier) than ever. My house is on the market and I’m disposing of everything in it too. And I'm not sure yet where I'm even going! Instead of fear and/or dread though I’m excited and looking forward to finding new vistas.

My butterflies (possessions) seem to have turned into caterpillars and I don't want to keep any of them. I will relocate ASAP (another giant step) but am not sure exactly where yet. If everything sells today, I honestly have no idea where I will land but it will be on my feet in a new place, looking for more adventure. (It's definitely looking like Atlanta right now, but who knows?) Wherever it is, it has to be a place where others enjoy living too. SPQ Jill Conner Browne said it best: "We don't get too old to play—we get old when we quit playing." And I’ve only just begun. (Now to learn what Keith Urban means when he sings "You Look Good in my Shirt.")