Tea for Two and Two for Tea..

This past weekend the family spent in Jacksonville celebrating Karen and Joe's twins by throwing a shower. Chef-sister Laura and I decided to do the girliest thing we could think of, throw an afternoon tea. The tea was complete with tea sandwiches and cookies, a minature tea set on a lemon cake and flowers everywhere. We had a great time. Karen even received a piggy bank with a tiara and tutu from her mother-in-law (a hit of the party).

Then Sunday we spent helping them organize the nursery, putting away a tidlewave of clothing, blankets, bibs, booties and other baby-related items.

Laura and I gave them a Flip Mino so they can take videos of the twins and share with family and friends. Or Karen can start vlogging (creating video blog entries) on her blog Twin Envy. Or

Joe can become a new star on YouTube. Many possibilities.

So I'm kinda tired. And I have a pile of laundry and a dirty house that should be cleaned. I'll get to it one of these days, just not today.

Another Weekend Ends

Weekends go by way too fast.

One day you are walking out of the office feeling great - a weekend is upon you. The next, you are working hard on your yard and watching a movie in the evening.

The next it's Sunday, you're at church, eating dinner with your parents and enjoying some fantastic homemade lemon/lime Cello and now it's 9:30 at night.

Wow. It's like a whirlwind. At least it's a short week with the holiday parked at the end.

Sigh - time goes way too fast.

Playing Catchup

Thought I'd play a little catch-up here. We've had a busy pair of weeks. We had the very cute and pregnant sister and brother-in-law in town for Father's Day. Below is a picture of the two dad's cracking up at a golf story. There's always something funny that comes out of their golfing excursions.
Then it was off to Jacksonville to attend Karen's first baby shower. Below is the Classic Pooh stuffed animal I gave her. He is soooo soft and cuddly. I would formally like to apologize to my family because I was high on estrogen from that wonderful time of the month and I was off the chart annoying - I'm annoyed at myself at how much so I was. Sorry.

By the end, we were a bunch of tired people. Laszlo took the time before we set off for home to take a nap. That char in their living room does kinda just suck you in.


Then it was back to work.

I had the cool chance to do some media training this week. It's hard. I give all the props to people who are comfortable in front of the camera. I realize my brain and mouth don't always work together. And that I really need a hair cut!

Anyways. Now it's on to working on pulling off Karen's second shower. I've never brought a party to another city. But, it should be fun. We are having a tea party - Tea for Two. Something so girlie about a tea party, it takes you back to being a little girl. I'm psyched.

Miscellaneous Catching Ups

I have a little catching up to do. Last week was kinda crazy - not the kind of short week you'd expect after a long holiday weekend. The two photos above are some of the leftovers from that weekend. First Karen and Joe, we spend a lovely evening doing the most primitive and simple thing, burning things in a fire pit while drinking beer (well - all but Karen). Why Joe's not smiling more, I don't know.

Then Monday we went hiking at the Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area on I do believe the last nice weather day Florida will get. Today it was 96 in Tampa, tied the heat record for this date.

But back to the past two weeks. On Wednesday morning my colleagues and I found out that our boss had "resigned" the night before. So we were thrust into the whys, what the *&^@? and what's next? And the next week and some we have been going through the grief process. Started off with shock and then it was back and forth with acceptance and anger. And by the time I get home, I just don't want to look at my computer.

BUT then my little sister is showing me up. She started a blog now, Twin Envy, where she is starting to chronicle this new chapter of her life, being pregnant and what her life will be once the twins come. She's blogged I think three or four times this week! But, in all fairness, she really has much more to talk about than I. My days are really all very similar and I can't imagine anyone wanting to read about my life on most days.

So anyways. I am happy the weekend is here. Relaxing sounds really nice. Now, off to find a cold beverage of the alcoholic variety.

Fort Caroline..Bum Bum Bum..And Other Ramblings

Happy Memorial Day weekend from Jacksonville. We want to thank all the men and women serving our country here and abroad. We are able to enjoy this weekend and freedom because of you and those who have come before you.

Today Karen was working so we thought we would spend the day seeing some sites where a woman pregnant with twins might not want to walk around. So we started out at Kathryn Abbey Hanna park. Where we took a few minutes to look at the Atlantic and step in some sand before we took to the "wellness" trail. Well, we weren't sure we were ever going to find out way out. We walked and walked and walked some more. We started to think we were going in circles. But we finally found our way out.

Then down the road we went to Ft. Caroline (bum bum bum), which is interesting. It is a "good guess" of what it might have been. No one really knows. Laszlo found himself in a recreation of a hut the native Americans lived in and then Joe and Laszlo were looking out over the water.

Overall a good day so far. It's always good to be able to get away, even if it's only a few hours away.

Now, I'm thinking a cold beer would hit the spot...mmmm Beer!

Karen Update

Here's the most recent picture I have of sister Karen's expanding belly. We are visiting them over the upcoming weekend so we'll have more after this.

A Photo Backlog

Random photos from the past 2 weeks.

Two Sunday's ago the family spent the day at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. From the picture above, bro-in-laws Joe and Greg, Hubby, sister Karen (can you see the beginnings of her twins baby bump?) and Mom.
Here's Joe playing a video game that had him sitting in a race car - he was the only one who could fit and he barely did at that.

One of the many race cars on the track on the streets of St. Pete.

The historic Columbia Restaurant last night. My Aunt Anne and Uncle Ted, parents and sister Laura and Greg all had the please to have a meal at the Ybor City landmark. mmmmmm! We even got a tour of the place by our waiter. The kitchen is huuggee!

Millennium Park - Part Deux

So we decided to head out to a park today. Nice weather, good company. Sister Laura and Bro-in-law Greg came along this time. We thought we would take them to Millennium Park in Seminole since it is by there apartment and they had never been there. We had lots of fun. As you can see above my hubby found a coconut - on the banks of the inter coastal waterway. He thought it would be cool if he peeled it (as he is doing above) and crack the sucker open. He did. Unfortunately my battery on the camera went dead so I couldn't catch the outcome - an open coconut that was bad - tasting that is. But he had a lot of fun doing it. We figured it was good to know that if we were stuck on a desert island Laszlo could get into a coconut as long as he had his keys on him.

This is a picture of Laura and Greg. Yes, Greg has an Aerobee on his. He thought we might play with it at the park. He got tired of carrying it so he started wearing it. Could he be starting a trend?

This was very sad. Millennium Park had these really cool sculptures along its boardwalk. I had taken a picture of this one about this time last year. Unfortunately some jerks decided it was up to them to destroy them. This one they broke the head off and almost all of her fingers. Another was completely shattered. It was sickening.

This was some really cool trees on the nature trail we took. It looked like there was a fire in the area. Fires are common in Florida. We have a fierce dry season. I thought they were very sculptural. It was the trail that we couldn't figure out which way to go on. We were hoping we'd come out eventually. We did and made it to my parents for a lovely dinner.

My sister has requested we ride on the Pinellas Trail as our next park visit. I'm in for that. I have to get my husband to make a path to the bikes as they are behind all kinds of stuff in the garage.

Laura, Greg and Laszlo - It's on - Like Donkey Kong!!

From Darkness to Light

Last night my husband, sister and brother-in-law attended the Easter Vigil Mass at our parish St. Matthew in Largo. Easter vigil is the most sacred mass of the year. It is the first mass of Easter where we celebrate Christ rising from the dead.

It is deep in tradition. As the photo shows we start outside (this year we were under and overhang because it was raining off and on) with a fire which signified the light of Christ. This light is then passed candle by candle through the crowd. We then process into the dark church illuminating it. Readings from the old and new testament are read, music is sung and finally the lights come up and we sing the Gloria. Following is one of the best parts - the baptisms of those coming into the church ending with their first communion and confirmation.

I know it's a long mass - more than two hours. But I always say it is worth it. It is the encapsulation of what we as Catholics are about. An Easter people, a people of the word, with up to nine readings packed in (it's up to the pastor on the number of readings), a sacramental people and a people of the light. I always say that every Catholic should attend this mass at least one time. Granted it's not the best place for young kids, it is a place for anyone wanting to witness deep traditions that use your senses well - from sight and sound to the smells of incense permenting the space and even taste as there's often cake to celebrate with the newly initiated.

So Happy Easter to all. Alleluia, Alleluia.

I Love the Wind

We've been having the strangest weather lately. The late winter and spring are typically very dry here in Florida. And while we often have breezy conditions because I live close to the beach, it isn't often windy. Recently we've had a series of fronts come through that have started and/or ended with lots of wind.

There's something that I love about the wind. I love coming home and opening wide the windows. I love the the way the curtains billow as the wind flows through them. I love sitting on my love seat by the front window and feeling the wind on my face. I love the smell of wind.

I have heard lots of ladies complaining about bad hair days recently. But I could care less. Because all I want to do fling open my windows or sit outside and enjoy this fabulous weather. I know that soon it will be hot and humid and I'll be shut tightly behind my windows and cooled by a machine rather than God.

As Seen on My Commute

I was behind an SUV that proclaimed "Born and raised a bitch" and "Drive it like you stole it."

Now I'm not too sure why you would feel the need to put either one of those things on your car. These are really things you want people to read about?

I just don't get it.

I have never understood liking being called a bitch. I'd rather go with strong, smart, sure of herself as positive words/phrases. Men don't get a label like that when they are successful. I see the word bitch as a negative word. Plus - ever heard of road rage?

And Drive it like you stole it? Um...you just want the police to hassle you?

Just something else that is random but bizarre in my world.

March - whhaa?

How can it already be March? I just can't believe how time flies. It just seems like days just roll into the others. One minute it's 8 a.m. and I am wondering will I EVER be at work right on time when my boss is in? and the next it's time for bed. I wish I could savor more moments. I am seeing how fleeting life can be. Rather than thinking about how to get to a next big moment.

Just a random thought. Pretty heavy for a Monday I know. But it's all I've got.

Whew - what a week

What a blur. That's how I would categorize my week.
Sunday, we had a health scare with my Dad. We thought he might have had a heart attack. Thank God, he didn't. He had a really bad cold and because he didn't eat and drink enough so his electrolytes got out of whack, causing his blood pressure to drop and him to pass out. The moral of the story? Drink when sick, just drink in general. My sister suggested the new family motto should be "Just drink!" And I said that the family coat arms would have that motto across it with four different kinds of glasses, a wine glass, a beer mug, a water bottle and sister Karen suggested a glass of milk since she is pregnant and is drinking milk by the gallon.

Then there was a jaunt to Orlando for a meeting. And then to Tampa for a different meeting. And in between, lots of work at work which also included my yearly evaluation that I wasn't prepared to do.

By the time I got to today, I just wanted to sleep and then sit on the couch in my pajamas watching cable.

And now? I am watching the bonus features on the Veggie Tales Top 10 Silly songs with Larry. Now I have admitted it out loud. I like the Veggie Tales. I don't have children, but I think they are the funniest thing. And now, I have sucked my hubby into them. What's not to like about singing cucumbers, tomatoes, asparagus, peas, squash and other various veggies?

Man, what a random post.

So Shiny and New..and Pink!

So I must be the last person I know practically who was iPodless. I had thought of getting one before..and it just didn't happen.

Until Valentines Day. My sweet Hubby bought me a lovely new pink iPod Nano. Yes PINK. I think that makes it even better. I've officially put some music on it and found out where we can buy music - you know Amazon is cheaper than iTunes? And their specials on entire albums can be pretty good.

So yes, now the only person I know who DOESN'T have an iPod? My Hubby. And now he wants one too, just not pink... Maybe if he's really, really good...

Breaking News - Part Deux

Previously I wrote about my sister's pregnancy. Here's the update - there's going to be TWINS! So I'll be an aunt times 2.

Congrats sis and bro and law. I'm sure they will give Dave Simanoff's nephew Ryland a run for his money for the cutest baby ever.

Breaking News..(cue music)

I'd like to congratulate my baby sister and bro-in law Karen and Joe. They announced they are having a baby in September (which is a good month for a birth if I may say so myself).

We are very excited for them and are looking forward to welcoming him or her.

Maybe one day he/she will have a cousin...

Yo ho..oh you know the rest..

Saturday I attended my first Gasparilla parade. It was interesting to say the least. Hundreds of thousands of people, most of them drunk, some stoned and almost all festooned with beads.

Really, the main reason I went was because my parents received tickets for one of the corporate tents that line the parade route. These tents offer many cool things, including food and drink, private port-a-potties, seating and the best chocolate chunk cookies I've had in a long while. Being that I live across the Bay from the festivities, the parking, traffic and the crowds on the parade route, don't tug at me to come. I'm happy to stay at home and catch some of the highligts on the TV.

I still can't say I understand the allure of the day. A bunch on grown men and women, dressing up in pirate garb, throwning beads and getting drunk? I don't know - maybe I'm a fuddy-duddy.

But I did have fun. Mainly the people watching. And did I mention those chocolate-chunk cookies? I don't know if I'd make the pirate-fest in Tampa a tradition, but I'd say try it at least once. Now what the heck does a person DO with all those beads?

Blah, blah, blah

I haven't had much to say recently. I was sick with a BAADDD cold last week and the last thing I wanted to do was type. I mainly lay in bed in a half coma-like state because of the great drugs I popped throughout the day. And on top of that, my hands have been really sore. I have a new symptom that I take seriously, the shooting pains in my thumb and pointer. I understand that's carpel tunnel. So I have been cutting down on the typing when I can. So blogging will take a side to the health of my hands, because it I can't type - I don't know what I'd do for work...seriously, and that is sad!

The Internet Rocks

The Internet is really cool. And I was reminded of it yesterday when I received an e-mail from a friend I hadn't talked to in a long time. While all the cool information s neat - the connectivity it offers is what keeps me coming back.

On a random note - I saw a zebra-striped golf cart with pink seats ad an air-brushed smile on the front driving home tonight. I have to wonder what would suggest to anyone to do that? But at the same time - it was in Pinellas Park - and that say everything.

Happy New Year!

Wow - I can't believe it's 2008. But you know, I am ready for a new year. It seems that I needed the clean slate that comes with the new year. I'm excited at the prospects for the new year.

Although being back to work with a regular schedule isn't one of the exciting things. I was getting used to working partial weeks and shorter hours and there's not a holiday in sight. Oh well - it is called work for a reason I guess.

I know that every one talks about getting organized in a new year. Well, we are actually doing it. We tackled the problem closet in December and have started on the biggest cluster #$@! in the house - the garage. Oh - it will be complete before summer. I look forward to walking into the garage and knowing where to find the thing I am looking for.

Any way. Happy New Years to my friends and family. I am hoping your year is prosperous, happy and full of wonderful memories. You only get to do this year one time, why not make the most of it?