Bad InVESTment

I hate vests. They are so dorky. SO dorky, all I can think of is that stupid David Naughton guy dancing around and asking me if I'd be a Pepper. Irritating! The fingerless gloves, the leg warmers... also pretty ridic fashion, but they are a good kind of goofy, in my opinion. I could possibly be seen in those. But unless it's a cool corsetty-type vest, this 40-year old won't be caught dead in one. shiver!

It's a Good Thing

The first day of 40 has begun, and as Martha would say, it's a good thing. I woke up to chilly sunshine, having to put on my snuggly-wuggly robe for the first time since winter. (that's a good thing now...ask me again in a few months...!) I got my cuppa and went out on the porch, observing the many tables and chairs that were set up all over our patio area--remnants of last night's Shameless 40th Birthday Bash. I had to wipe a tear or two, thinking how last night it was filled with wonderful friends and family that were so loving and generous, sharing this milestone with me. I'm so grateful for everyone in my life!!! There were many gifts--even though they were specifically told to ONLY bring themselves and their appetites for cake!--including a pack of Depends diapers. Lovely. I actually put those in my closet for future use. Hey, one less pack I'll have to inevitably buy. The evening even included a presentation by my sweet and loving hubby, (that's my cutie, on the left!) complete with a very thoughtful and thought out speech by him and poems written and read by my peanuts. *sniff!!!*

The only bummer of the evening was the fact that I COMPLETELY forgot about my camera until the very end when most people had left, so I didn't get many photos at all!!!!! Can you believe it?! What a total drag. Ah well, I'll always have the memories. And now I can truly say that I've had just about EVERYONE on my patio. :-)

More Get-Togethers

Ahh, the rain gods did indeed keep the rain to a sprinkle all night for our outing at the State Fair! There was much fun to be had, as usual. Vivian's art got into the fair for the second year in a row, with the Honorable Mention. Amazing!!! And there is not much better than looking at the sheer delight in your child's face when they are on a ride. (and knowing that THEY are the ones on the ride, and not YOU.) Man, I used to love those things. It IS a bit depressing that I can't stomach them anymore. Ah well, just another instance where I can live it again through my children. :-) I do love to walk through the midway at night, and see all of the lights. Magical. Brings back memories, fo sho.

And speaking of memories, can I remember the last 40 years that have passed as of today? Unfortunately, not much of them. Man, I have such a terrible memory. A guy just emailed me who claims that back in the rock and roll day he asked me to his prom (!) and instead I invited him back to my apartment to hang out with me and the Rand, my guitar player of the Charm School Dropouts. Huh?! Terrible, I have no clue who this guy is and no memory of that incident. Don't get me wrong, I did my share of partying, but believe it or not I did keep that to a minimum so I don't blame that for the memory loss. Just lost brain cells, I guess. As the Sambone would say, Crazy, man.

But yes, today is The Day. I am officially 40, officially Middle Aged. eeeek. I've always been fascinated with things of the Middle Ages, but this is ridiculous. Actually, it's embarrassing now that this is the day, telling everyone it's my birthday. Pretty funny since it's all I've talked about for the past 9 months. Ha!

Get-Togethers

A chilly, (but hoomid!) gloomy, rainy day...not so good when you are planning to hit the State Fair. Ah well, we're hearty Minnesota folk, we'll still go. This is new to us, waiting until late afternoon to start our adventure, (AND dealing with the rain...we usually get pretty lucky with the weather!) but we thought it would be fun to be there at night-time for a change. I'm sure Vivian will be hitting the real Midway this time, which is strange...but of course we'll still be spending plenty of time at the Kidway with Sullivan. Until it's time to go, we've just been hanging around the house and playing Which Witch?! Nice!

Here's a photo of us gourmet gals...we had our dinner the other night at Bruggeman's house. Always fun! It's hard to believe we've been having these get-togethers for what...about 9 years now?? Crazy. Besides hairstyles and weight changes (and all for the better, I'm happy to say!) there have been other changes over the years...we used to go all out with our themes and dress up. Whoever was hosting the dinner really took time to research a menu and made sure to get those recipes out to each couple in plenty of time before the dinner. After almost a decade we just go as we are, are re-using a lot of the same recipes, and often just email a quick "just make an appetizer!" to whomever--but the fact that we all love being together and always have a great time definitely remains the same. I am very grateful for my lovely Gourmet Group. Pastor Tim's birthday was yesterday, just 2 days before mine! We gave him a card that had this button attached to it, meant for donning on your special day. It's hard to read, but it says, "Hooray 4 Underpants" ! Of course this means nothing, but it's really fun to make your pastor wear such a thing. I dared him to wear it to church the next morning, and I'll be darned, he did! It was a bit hidden under his robe, (understood!) but the fact that he wore it at all is the best. This is why I love him, and my church. Who else would have me?!

So soon we'll be heading out to the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Hopefully the clouds will take pity on us and hold back it's rain until we get home tonight. I hope, also, that the weather is nice for my birthday bash tomorrow! FOUR-DEE! Bring it on, baby, bring it on!

Which Witch?!

K, I'm just about the luckiest girl in the world. Last night Stephanie showed up around 6:30, to take me to this 'mystery destination', something that she and Kim had been cooking up for my birthday. Vivian and Cory knew all about it, and turns out they were in on this dastardly plan, big-time. Cory wouldn't tell me what was up, but he did hint that I shouldn't be TOO casual as Kim said I could be for our night out. Hmmmm. So I made sure to wear something comfy, but kind of fun. Vivian had been worrying me, talking it up and saying, "Look out, Mom!" whenever I would mention this night coming up. I know that my friend Kim is indeed the Maven of Mischief, so who knows what these ladies were up to?!

So we get to Kim's house and Stephanie says, "This is where we're going!" I thought maybe there was another trick coming up, but no...I get into the house and am greeted by Kim who says that we're having a 70's birthday party! WOO HOO!!!!!!! I walk into her dining room and am completely aghast at what I see....not only is it decorated with streamers and balloons, but there is an amazing flash-back from the 70's all set up on the table, waiting for me....none other than the Which Witch? game, the very game we've talked about on the podcast and the one that I've even been eyeing on ebay lately!!!! I stood there pointing with my mouth open for quite a few seconds, I was in total shock! OMG, the perfect evening. Playing a vintage game that I totally remembered from my childhood with my incredible friends and eating yummy 70's kid-food! Stephanie made delicious Mac and Cheese--and we're not talkin' Kraft, here!--and delectable Sloppy Joes!!!!!! We had chips, beer, wine, this lovely food, and then mini birthday cupcakes complete with coconut (my fave!) and sprinkles!!!!!!! We laughed and played late into the night.

What friends I have. They put so much thought and effort into this night...especially since neither of them especially enjoy playing board games!!!! :-) Such a sacrifice! Hey, if this is what '40' is going to be all about, bring it on!!!!!! Which Witch every Friday night from now on, right girls? Girls....? ;-)

Goodbye, Pluto

Well, it's official. Pluto is no longer a planet, it is now considered only a 'dwarf'. You would think that someone like me would adore the Lord of the Rings-like status of that moniker, but alas, no. For some odd reason, I am strangely saddened by the change in Pluto's status. I mean, something that seems as constant as the solar system can just be changed at the whim of some crazy scientist. And who makes these rules? "I've decided, after all of these years, that Pluto just isn't big enough to be a planet..." Poor Pluto! Picking on him, just because he's small! Frodo was small, too, and he saved Middle Earth. Okay, maybe not the same thing, but still.

I think what's weird is to think about how my kids will learn about the solar system in a totally different way than we did. Granted this is a given with the dinosaurs, since the details of their exsitence are constantly changing as scientists learn new discoveries. But the solar system! It makes me feel especially small to learn that it's changed.

Maybe I'm just weird for being so attached to a planet. Or maybe I'm just weird. Don't answer that.

Kumbaya

Can I just say again how much I love my friends? For better or for worse, we are there for each other. Let's face it, sometimes life is not that pretty, and having supportive friends and family to get you through is key. I hope you all have that gift available to you.

Another podcast last night! Woo! Man, it had been WAY too long. It felt great to slip right into our thing again, like we never took a break. Yeah! Here's a photo of what we enjoyed after the show...Cheetos for salt and Chocolate Chip Cookies for sweet. Nice! Notice next to the salt, you'll see Stephanie's bird. Salty!!! This was her mood last night, and rightfully so. But hopefully after a night of female bonding, complete with a burning sacrifice (!) and a hand-holding chanting of Kumbaya, (we did change some words there, but we'll keep those to ourselves...!) she's feeling a bit better today. We love you, dear friend! You RAWK!

What, Me Worry?

Check out the Sully-boy, Mr. Joe Cool at the dentist's office today! No worries there. This was the first time he got through the X-rays without a care in the world. Whew! Besides never wanting to use any sort of toothpaste (whether it be there or at home), he's really getting to be quite easy with this. Neither of my kids seem to have a problem with the dentist, which I'm very happy about. I'm sure that can be a very stressful for some. One less thing to worry about for me! Woopee!!! I'll take it.

My Poor Husband

Oh, poor Coreman. I am sure that every time I go to Curl Up and Dye to get a trim, or even take Vivian for one, that he is always a bit worried about what he'll see when he gets home from work. You see, my husband is a Long-Hair-Guy. He himself doesn't have long hair--although, he used to--but he does prefer long hair on most woman. Namely, me. There have been times in my life where I have gone a bit crazy and cut my hair REALLY short. Bless his heart, I know he HATES it, but he loves me just the same. I myself don't think I look good in a very short hair cut, but you know, sometimes a person gets so tired of the same ol' thing, and it's nice to have a change.

So I took Vivian in for her hair cut today, and wouldn't you know? Browsing through a hair book I saw a cut that I thought was really cool and realized that I was in one of those Totally Sick Of My Hair moods. Emily, Vivian's stylist and the one I've been seeing for years now, didn't have an opening right then...but Katie did. I hemmed and hawed, all of the women there telling me to 'go for it'. Even Emily was telling me to go get my hair cut from someone else. :-) So I thought, what the heck?! 40!!!!!! I told Katie that I sang in a heavy metal band and it still needed to be spunky, and she delivered. Here it is! I have to say, I LOVE it. (maybe not the silly photo, but hey. I'm not as practiced at this as my pal Stephanie...!) Kicky, fun, and in my opinion--still Metal. What say ye?

A Whole Lotta Nothin'

I know, I've been a bit quiet recently...but you know, there hasn't been much to report. Since we got back from vacation, it's pretty much been errand running, doctor/dentist/hair appointments, that sort of thing. I don't think you care much to hear about my grocery store runs, taking my pants to be hemmed, or my yearly pap. (and if you do want to hear about my yearly pap, you are a sick individual and please stop reading my blog.)

Tonight I'll be picking up my brother and two of his boys from the airport. They live in Duluth but flew out of here a few days ago (here are my nephews playing Racko with me--aren't they cute??) to go meet our new-found cousins in Toronto for a reunion weekend. I wanted to go, but alas, stuff going on here (you know, all that errand running...ha!), money, etc. Sadly, we can't do it all. I'm very excited to see photos and hear about everything. I'm sure there will be lots of good stories!

A busy week is in store. More of what I mentioned earlier, with some new twists. A podcast on Wednesday, for one--woo! It's been WAY too long since us minxes have gotten together, I'm really looking forward to it! Then Friday I've been informed that my girls are taking me out to a Mystery Destination for my birthday. hmmmm! I've very curious. The only thing I was told is that I don't have to dress up. Curious, and a little afraid. I hope this won't be like one year, when my friends surprised me and took me to an Ethiopian restaurant for my birthday. Sweet idea, of course, but not my food of choice. Dipping soggy bread that disturbingly reminded me of a flacid penis into various pasty dips just wasn't up my alley. But my girls know what I like and I have to say I'm not too worried. I don't even know if it will be food...very mysterious indeed.....!

So, there it is, A whole lotta nothin' goin' on. Soon I'll be sending those kids off to school. Hard to believe!

Zen Moments

Ahhh, what a lovely site. This is the Japanese garden that is now at the Como Zoo. Talk about your zen! I took the kids there today for a lovely morning. Got to see my favorite giraffes and puffins, and then got my zen on in this garden. If only I had a lot of money...this is what my back yard would look like, fo sho!

This, on the other hand, is not such a pretty site. Lindsay Lohan's boob falling out of this dress. Now, I do feel sorry for celebs who can't go anywhere or do anything without a camera following them around, but come on. Who in their right mind would wear a dress like this with nothing underneath, especially when you KNOW cameras are following you all around?! Plus I always get irritated when stars complain about the attention. I'm sure it's horrible to never have any privacy, but when you are gorgeous, have a great body, make more money than you know what to do with, can pretty much go anywhere any time you want, live in a beautiful house (usually more than one!) and work a job that you love and is fun and creative, hey. There's got to be SOME sort of down side, right?!

But instead of leaving you with that horrible image burned on your brain, instead get a gander at this. (if you mouse over each image of Patrick and Ellen--although, forget Ellen!-- you'll see a bigger photo!) Now THAT'S what I'm talking about. Who needs a Japanese garden?! I could find my zen in Patrick Dempsey. I'd have to say he is a very close second to Orlando Bloom. Sort of the more masculine version.

Just Another Porno Tuesday

Look what I woke up to this morning! I stumbled out onto the porch with my coffee--my morning ritual now, to enjoy the fresh morning air, sights and sounds, it's lovely--and I am greeted by pornographic moths. Too bad I don't have the capability to add music to my blog, right now you'd be hearing some of that bad porno-jazz. Talk about your wild kingdom!

Speaking of pornographic, have you heard about the latest security scanning device that they are now using at the Heathrow airport? I watched a video clip on the CNN site that showed a reporter getting in there--a brave soul he was, as although he did have a metal plate in his pants to hide his 'privates', it sure didn't hide his rolls. I guess many people are all up in arms about this (ha, no pun intended!) as they think it's a big invasion of privacy. I say, get over it, people! If it keeps us safe, who the heck cares if someone at the airport sees your Johnson? (or your Jane, for that matter!) Even if they are by some chance some crazy perverts looking for a chance to get a cheap thrill, what's the big deal? If it's a choice between being a bit embarrassed or being safe on a plane, well, there's no choice for me. Just another example of how uptight people are about such things. Silly!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig

There we are, the 2006 Brookside crew! My family, Gabi's family, Gabi's dad and wife, Gabi's sister and boyfriend, Gabi's brother and daugters. No, we weren't all in one cabin, we were spread out between two. But it was certainly a family affair! What a wonderful week. Too much to write about, fo sho, so I'll just throw up a few photos and give you the idea.

Here's Gabi and I, yet again. Not a very attractive photo of me, but hey. 40. The age where you just don't give a damn about such trivial things as bad photos anymore. (and that age is creeping up on me pretty quickly here...just a couple more weeks!) Well, okay, I do care a little...I'm NOT putting the one up here where I have more than one chin.

Now THIS is what I'm talkin' about. Relaxing with a brew-ha (yes, I am drinking a beer, and yes, I didn't drink it all...) in front of the lake. It just doesn't get any better than this. Oh my goodness, is this not my husband?! No indeed, it's Gabi's husband Matt. Cory was probably off with Gabi in the cabin. Now, don't be thinking that. There goes your mind again. We are all very good friends, but not THAT good of friends!!

THERE'S my husband, and my sweet little boy. This is when we went out on the lake for a little paddle boat ride. Lovely!!!

And there's my cutie girl, after the minnow races. Alas, she's holding in her hand a losing minnow, but it was all fun anyway. I actually got to the third heat with my minnow that I had named Frodo...I guess he really did go there and back again. Right back to the starting line.

And that's it for now, folks. Maybe more photos later. It's getting late and I am ready to go sleep in my real bed. Home again, home again, jiggety-jog--and I have to say I feel like a fat hog. Lots and lots of relaxation and lots and lots of eating junk and drinking alcohol (well, not a lot of alcohol, but drinking almost-one beer every day is a lot for me!) makes for one bloat-o tummy. Time to detox! Back to reality! Sigh, I will miss the lake...

Not Gonna Cramp My Style!

Ahhhh, Brookside. Many of you probably recognize this photo...we used it as our Christmas card last year. The typical lakeside family shot. I plan on getting another one this year. The story of Brookside--at least MY story--is pretty darn cool, I have to say. If there are ANY of you out there who DON'T know the story, read on. For the many that do...well, I guess you can skip this part!

One of the best friends of my growing up years was Gabi. She lived at the top of Wylde Green Road, I, at the bottom. The stories I could tell of us would fill up about 10 blogs, so I'll keep it to Brookside. :-) Her family used to go to this resort every year--same time, same cabin. I would have to ask her again just how many years they made that treck, but I know it must have been quite a few. Lucky me got to tag along for a few years, and those are some of my favorite memories ever. This place was a teenage girl's dream, let me tell you. Fun, sun, water, freedom, and lots of cute boys. And the best thing of all? Gabi and I had nothing to do all day but just hang out together.

When Cory and I first met and I realized he was from Park Rapids, Minnesota, I asked him if he knew where Brookside was. Of course when I was going with Gabi's family I paid no attention to what town we were in, it was just a long-ass drive from Iowa City and in the midst of a lot of trees. It was only because I had found an old postcard from Gabi, from a year I couldn't make it with her, and saw the address that it dawned on me. Yes indeed the Coreman knew about Brookside, in fact, it was only 12 miles from his house. Amazing! We drove out there and although some updating had been done, so much of it was exactly the same--including the owners, who actually remembered me! To think all those years I was dreaming about boys, and my future husband was only 12 miles away. Who knew?!

When Vivian was four I talked Cory into vacationing at Brookside. Of course it killed him to spend the money in his home town when we could be staying at his mother's house. But Mom's doesn't have bingo night, or putt putt golf, an indoor-outdoor pool, a lake out your front door...you get the picture. Despite the resistance, Brookside had woven it's magic spell on my husband. We had an amazing time.

Fast forward a few years--to last year, actually--and it just so happened to work out that Gabi and her family could go at the same time we could. We went, we conquered, we shared a cabin...and it was truly incredible. I just LOVE the idea of it, coming full circle as we bring our kids to the place we loved so much when we were kids. Together. And this year, even more of her family will be there at the same time, so it will really be like old times. :-) I just can't wait!

Tomorrow, tomorrow. The kids are bursting with excitement, I hope they get good sleep! Heck, I hope I get good sleep. This morning I was woken early to the pang of a monstrous mentrual cramp. Lovely. Nothing like vacationing with Aunt Flow, especially when you plan on being in your bikini all week. Your black and WHITE bikini. Ah well, I guess I can't think of a better place to feel all crampy. Laying by the lake with the sounds of the wind and my kid's having a blast in my ears. That's a good thing, people, period or no. I will NOT let it ruin my good time! Hell to the no!

So you all have yourselves a good week, 'cuz I sure plan to! See you when your pants fall down!

Big Bummer!

Big bummer, Kim and I didn't win the FM107 Undiscovered Diva contest. It surely wasn't from lack of support tho, thanks so much to all of you out there that voted and cheered us on! I have to admit I felt pretty sad about it yesterday, and am allowing myself to wallow in self-pity a bit and be angry. I mean, come on...the whole "Let Go and Let God", "It Wasn't Meant To Be" and "Everything Happens For a Reason"--all things I have been known to say, in jest or no--sometimes they just don't cut it. Sometimes you are just damn disappointed. But overall, I'm fine, and I'm soooo looking forward to my upcoming vacation! That is the silver lining to it all, that I get to leave with everyone on Saturday instead of having to drive up seperately and miss the first two days.

Vacation, here I come!