Old?! Who you calling old?

About this time 23 years ago, I went to sleep thinking that I had a week left to finish preparing for the birth of my 1st child. But at around 5am the next morning I woke up having contractions, and by 10am I was holding a 7 lb 5 oz little boy. Dang! I hadn't even got the car seat out of lay-a-way.

Fortunately for me I was only in labor for about 4 hours. So I never felt like I could really participate in those conversations about child birth. Because mine was so short & easy. They say you forget the pain. But really, there couldn't be much pain in that 4 & a half hours.

Recently, one of my high school friends & I were talking about how old our young adults are. And we laughed about the fact that it seems like we were just 23 a short time ago. My how time flies!

My birthdays come & go & I party like it's 1999 for each one. (Well, not really, but I am a Prince fan.) LOL! But some how his birthdays make me feel a bit of melancholy, much more than my own birthday anyway.

So yeah...Somebody is old, and I guess I'm calling me out. I'm old & my son is half my age now, so maybe he's old too, LOL!

A Few things that I Like

I like that I have a dog, because no matter how tired I am I have to walk him. So I get at least a little exercise. Can't ignore that look.


Actually I Love this commercial it makes me laugh every time. Weee! Weee! Little

I just recently ate a Greek Pizza at this place. I know I like Greek Salads, but put it on a pizza & I am in love.

I like my Netflix account. I make use of the online viewing, but I also like watching actual DVD's too.

Just a few things in a quick post.

I saw some kids today playing with one of those little battery operated jeeps. It made me think about this little car. The adult version of those kiddie vehicles. The only difference is this car has a top and well I guess it has an engine LOL. I wonder if there is a warning label inside that says it not for use on the highway. I guess I shouldn't make fun of it, because I'm sure it is much more environmentally friendly than my 14 year old sedan. Although if I'm ever offered this I hope my 2nd choice is a motorcycle, because I'd take the bike instead.

A Week Later My DC Trip

Last week I went to DC again. On this trip I planned to get a SmartTrip card so I could just add money to it whenever I am in town. Unfortunately for me even though I love to quote the line "Reading is fundamental." when it is evident that someone didn't read instructions. I bought the wrong type of card. All of the Metro employees that I had to go to in order to fix MY mistake were very friendly & helpful.

I wanted to tour the area around White House & the Memorials. To do the area justice I probably needed more than a few hours. I walked to the Washington Memorial and sat in the shade, because it was a very hot day. So I really didn't do much but people watch and drink water.



I did buy a few post cards at the store that is at Washington Memorial & mailed them before I left town. I'm just mad that I didn't keep at least 1 of my favorite postcards for myself. I guess I have to go back & get another one.

Arlington Memorial is a stop right before the airport and I took a quick walk around there as well. I just stayed close to the entrance. I guess I need to concentrate on 1 thing on these short day trips. I did find that there is a tour bus that I can get off at various places in that area including Arlington Memorial and then board another tour bus. So maybe if I don't have to walk so much to get to each place I will get to see more.

Randomly Random - That's me!

There is this new guy at work that talks in 3rd person. I had read some e-mails from him, ok sometimes keeping up in writing is difficult so I can see typing your name. But when we are having a conversation...it is soo distracting. I couldn't look at my other co-worker, because then I would have lost it & laughed out loud. She had a smirk on her face...We had talked about it but I witnessed it today.

We'll call him Bob. He walks in the office, me "Hi, how can I help you?" Him, "Bob needs to needs to know who handles Project Y. So I looked it up and directed Bob to said project manager." I guess if I see him tomorrow, I'll great him with "How is Bob today?" Hey, I'll refer to him the way he prefers. 'Cuz when he comes through shooting...Hopefully, he'll remember I was nice to him. (I just hope he hasn't heard me laughing at his crazy a$$ with my co-workers.)

I went to see the "Expendables" on Wednesday. I kept wondering why Sylvester Stalone did his own stunts. I think once you've been an actor that long, oh well, what I think doesn't matter. I guess he needed the adrenaline rush. The movie was pretty good, although, I kept thinking of it as the geriatric action move. I think Jet Li's character was my favorite. And then on the way home I stopped by the Atlanta premier of "Takers" to stand outside & gawk at the people that had passes to go see it. Didn't really see any of the actors from the movie, but I saw a convertible Bentley...which was exciting to me.

Then on Friday, I went to see Takers. I really enjoyed the movie. Even if Edris wasn't shirtless/pantless in a scene. Really, I would still think it was a great movie! I just didn't realize that so many other people were off on Fridays before noon. Yeah, I like to go when it is really cheap.

I have to plan another day trip, just not sure where. Well, I guess I better go do some research!

Thursday Day Trip

Well, I did another Quick Trip, and no it wasn't a ride on MARTA to Buckhead. I have wanted to eat a chili half smoke from a well known DC landmark (<-- see link) for quite some time. And I planned my trip around eating there. Everything else was secondary. Oh, so that-- is near there-- ok maybe I'll go there. (<--How I thought it out in my head & when printing directions from google.)

I took the yellow line train to the U street Metro station from Reagan National Airport. It's a straight shot. The fare after 9:30a.m. was only $1.60 and the return trip would have been about $1.95 since it was going to be after 3pm. I got a Day pass, which is $9.00, and I got my $ worth.

One of the secondary places that I included in my planning was the African American Civil War Museum, because it is also a few steps away from the U Street Metro Station. I went to school in Texas, so I never got that history lesson. The museum is in a small space, but the presentation by the Curator made the museum experience more memorable than my meal. Except for that moment that I was sitting there thinking, OMG I might have to trip over 2 rows of college freshmen to get to the restroom. Uh oh, I don't KNOW where the restroom is. Just breath...Whew, emergency diverted. That's what I get for eating a chili sausage before 11am.

I stayed in the U Street Historic District, and followed part of the African American Heritage trail that includes buildings in that district. Just walking in the area, seeing a black owned businesses that have been in business for 40 to 50 years was interesting and heartwarming for me. I also spent some time at the Thurgood Marshall Center/12th Street Y this YMCA is where our first black Justice met with other lawyers when planning the landmark desegregation case. My trip may have been boring to some, but even though history was not my favorite subject when I was in school. This trip was so interesting that I will probably go back to DC & take some of the other self guided tours on this trail. I have the booklet for planning with maps of each area. Actually, DC has so much history African American and otherwise, so day trips don't provide enough time to see much. But I'll do what I can do.

On the plane home, I happened to be seated next to a man that said when he was in high school he used to go to Ben's for chili dogs before it was famous. He said it was just a hang out for black teens. And he to kind of gave me a little history about DC that isn't at one of the monuments. So even the "middle seat" flight was interesting. I really hate middle seats. LOL

Remnants Randoms

The last 2 Thursdays I have taken the train into Buckhead to go to the movies at the theater that is like a restaurant. The movies are only $6.00 during the week, and what I pay for popcorn a drink & or candy is about the same for a meal today I had quesadillas & a drink. I just realized that I can park for free, so maybe next time I might drive.

Last week I got there early, so I decided to walk to some stores across the street. Ohh boy was it hot. I am not planning on buying any furniture, but the furniture store was the best place to cool off. You know air conditioning & all the chairs & couches to "test." It was on the way to the other store so I stopped there. This time I just went to the theater. I like summer more than winter, but I don't like this heat. Yeah, it doesn't make sense, oh well.

I was going to do a day trip specifically for food, but I woke up late. It worked out for the best, maybe next week.

I actually made it to the Wed Wind Down yesterday. I guess when there is an event at Phillips the parking prices really get crazy. The lot that I used to park at was charging $15; so my co-worker that I was supposed to meet decided against the concert. I drove around and found something cheaper, but I couldn't tell her the street names so she went back home.

The concert was fun, and the people watching was entertaining. I guess just because you need a cane to walk, doesn't mean you need it to dance. Well at least the man that won the dance contest was able to dance without his cane. LOL! I guess I'm not brave enough to just take pictures of people wearing crazy stuff, or even sneak a picture of someone's picnic spread.

I also forgot that the park has the water that shoots out of the ground. Of course I don't have any kids to take there but it's free water fun.

Tourist in ATL

What's that?! Yes, I know I live in Atlanta, but sometimes looking at your hometown like a tourist is a good thing. Haven't you ever had visitors and then suddenly hit all the at home attractions in a few days? And or realized that it has been years since you even drove past some venues.

Some I think are overpriced, but now with the internet it's easier to find bargains. Join them on Twitter or Facebook. If you don't want all their info in your timeline, open a Twitter account specifically for planning your trip & then join those pages. Then you can log in periodically to see when they have specials. Regarding your hometown & or somewhere you plan to travel, the attractions that are year round might have a cheaper fee during non-standard tourist times to attract locals. Some of our museums & the aquarium have happy hours and or music to lure you in and the prices vary. Knowing when those discount times are might allow you to visit more places. Or if it's where you live then you can do something out of the ordinary. An annual membership might be the thing for you, because the attractions have special events that are free to members.

Back to your regularly scheduled program. If you find yourself in Atlanta on a Wednesday evening between now and the end of September there is a free concert at Centennial Park. Wednesday Wind Down each week there are different artists that perform. It's an outdoor concert that is a wonderful way to get together with a group of friends with a cooler and a basket of food with music. Or if you like people watching going alone to listen to the music is great too.

The park is easy to get to from our Five Points Marta Station or if you drive there is parking close by (just some of the prices are much more than $4 RT train fare). Some Wednesdays are more crowded than others. The regulars that attend get to the park early so they can get a seat right in front of the stage. And of course it also depends on who is performing. But I've found that sitting outside of the amphitheater in the park allows you to spread out more and still enjoy the music.

Also, if you really plan on playing tourist the other venues near the park are the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and Georgia World Congress Center for someone attending a convention. Or if you work in the area remember Tuesdays & Thursdays there is Music @ Noon. Ahh so many things to do, so little time. Enjoy!

Random Thoughts

Cock-a-doodle doo?!

I've discovered in my pseudo exercise (actual walk the dog) morning treks that someone has a rooster in their yard. I haven't seen him, just heard him. The first time I heard it, I though I was wrong, that maybe it was a small dog. But a few days later he just kept it up, and I realized it wasn't a mistake there was really a rooster crowing. He must be a suburban rooster, because he made more noise later in the morning than the day I passed the house early. Surely a country rooster would be crowing as the sun comes up, but I've never lived in the country.

Summertime

I definitely prefer Spring/Summer over Winter, but this heat just drains the life out of me. I must be comfy with air conditioning. I have skipped a few events, because of the heat. I know I complained about the cold in the winter and now the heat. Must the weather be soo extreme?

Love Life

Sometimes I think I miss being in a serious relationship. But just recently I discovered that I just don't feel like putting the effort into sharing my time. Nice guy had fun with him, but I'm not in relationship mode right now. Maybe it's a phase. I'm sure he thinks the answer to a question he asked me is "because she's a bitch" LOL Oh, the question "Why is a pretty lady like you single?" Yeah whatever, I know that's a line. I think the last time he called me I was kind of rude. But he had called me left a message & then called back less than an hour later. Give me a chance to return the call please.

Tourist in Chicago

This is the first in my "fast trip" series of posts. Chicago is such an interesting city to me. I guess in part because of the river that flows through the city. I know that there are other U.S. cities with rivers, but they aren't Chicago. Maybe I'm also intrigued with its attachment to Lake Michigan. Also it meets my requirements for a "fast trip."

On my last trip to Chicago I decided that I wanted to take a boat tour of the city. The most interesting to me at the time was the Architecture Cruise. I'm sure the Fireworks Tours & Sunset Cruises are exciting, but I hadn't planned to be in the city beyond 6:00 PM. I'm not sure how many different companies there are that offer cruises, and each company has many different theme cruises. In the various brochures there was everything from a Chicago in the Movies tour, to tours for beer lovers and evening Jazz tours. I think most have an Architectural Cruise of some sort. The walk up fare for the cruise that I took was $25 and it was a 75 minute tour. For those that plan ahead almost all of the companies have an online discounted fare.

I didn't realize how many buildings were built within the last few years. Many of the new buildings are residential, and very expensive places to live. The tour guide of course was funny and I think the jokes got cornier as we went along. The perspective from the boat of many of the buildings is different from just walking or driving through the city. Of course I couldn't help but envy the people that lived in the buildings that had parking below for their boats/yachts.

Getting to the dock for the tour was amazingly easy. From Midway airport I caught the Orange Line train to State/Lake station I already had a transit card from a previous trip, but round trip on the train is less than $5.00 to downtown & back. You can purchase a transit card, pick up a bus and rail map and get information all there at the airport Midway Orange Line station.

What I discovered waiting for the cruise to start is that the water taxis are an option for a quick ride on the river & much cheaper than the cruises. Of course it's without the commentary, but a week and a half later I don't remember many of the buildings mentioned in the tour. I might try the water taxi the next time I go and catch one to Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. There are soo many things to do in the city. A tourist really could spend a LOT of money. I might have to go back with a plan to highlight some of the free things to do there. Oh like maybe transportation & food for $20 or less in a day. That will take some planning. It can't be spur of the moment.

Hmm where will the next "fast trip" take me and what will I do? I hope you stop by to find out. Hopefully my son will bring back my camera & I can include some pictures as well.

New Fast Trip Blog Post

I've been thinking about adding something more informational to my blog. My goal is to maybe twice a month highlight a "fast trip" in a city. It might be a tourist attraction, or the hunt for a food that the city is known for (usually something unhealthy).

My plan is to include cheap and easy in Atlanta and usually cities that have inexpensive, fast (train) public transportation directly from the airport.

Even a few years ago when I had to do my quarterly or 2x a year business trip, I sometimes had a few extra hours in a city. A business trip to NYC allowed me to squeeze in the Statue of Liberty and I think that was a summer trip, because I had my son with me. We didn't do a lot of traveling, but we did a few things on a tight budget and or worked into a business trip. (I saved on MY airfare.)

My tourist attraction visits will usually be on a weekday, so all of my "Fast Trip Visits" will be completed in 4 to 6 hours start to finish. Lodging or transportation to the city won't be included. It will be a work in progress and done on a whim. So hopefully it will be helpful, interesting, and if nothing else I'll have fun.

Coming soon...the tour I took in Chicago this week.

I need to get 2 keys made. I went out picked up a few needed things from the store, and was on the way home before I realized that I didn't get the keys made. Arrh! It was too hot to get out of the car again, must do it later.

Actually 1 of the keys is for my son's car. I told him multiple times before he went out of town to get an extra key made. He didn't, actually he locked the 1 key he did have IN the car. So of course now, I have to get the key made since I'm going to use his car when I put mine in the shop for maintenance. He's out of town for 2 weeks. Yay! for extra unnecessary errands.

My job is getting really unbearable. I've given my resume to a head hunter in another state. I have updated my resume, and now I need to get serious & start applying elsewhere. Economy wise, I know it's the worst time to be looking. I am struggling with having faith in anything right now.

Music Monday - Winner's Edition

It's game night and the board has 2 playing pieces the 1st one was missing 1 wedge, and the second piece needed 2 wedges. I land on what I need. My (now ex) husband breathes a sigh of relief when he sees the "Entertainment" question. There is no way she's getting this answer right he thinks. I don't remember what the question was but the answer was ...





Purple People Eater

I won that game of Trivial Pursuit. LOL! What he didn't know (and I had almost forgotten) was that my best friend in elementary school had that 45 and we used to play the song over & over. So not only was it one of my favorite songs in elementary school, but I knew the whole song by heart.

That was the closest he ever came to winning and to think I was saved by a "One-eyed, One horned flying purple people eater.

Music Monday - Lead Foot Edition

I am a big fan of Earth, Wind & Fire and I'm not sure exactly when I became a fan. I have been sitting here trying to remember buying one of their records. I SAID RECORD...because that's what they were back then. I used to ride my bike to the store & buy 45's. Let me translate for young people. That is a single.

I know that I had Michael Jackson records. I know that I had Stevie Wonder records. I remember the 1st whole album that I bought with my Christmas money. But I really don't remember buying EWF records when I was younger. I know I loooved 'Serpentine Fire' & 'Devotion'. As I was thinking I thought well those came out when I was in elementary school. But even before I was allowed to ride my bike to the store, I went to the store with my parents & left the toy section to go look at records & buy 45's. So maybe I didn't appreciate them so much when their music was new. But I love them now.

I guess the fact that they have quite a few compilations & best of albums helped. I know that I was in my 30's looking all over for EWF in the record store. And my all time favorite song of theirs wasn't a single. It's not all over the internet like some of their songs. The reason I called this the Lead Foot Edition is because this is the song that I will blast in my car sing at the top of my off key lungs. And realize at the end of the song that I am speeding. (Kids don't try this at home, or on the highway. LOL)

On Your Face by EWF Sorry about that. The link should work now.

Blah, Blah, Blah

I thought my dog was always at the door to welcome me home, because he adored me. I just realized today, it maybe because he has jumped off the sofa and he's out smarted me once again. *Hangs head in disappointment*

I hadn't been here in quite some time. OMG tender fall off the bone ribs. I had a sandwich...and I think really the bread is just an extra way to wipe the sauce off of your fingers. Because it's not polite to lick your fingers in public. Well, I guess you have to understand because the sauce is so good, but loud smacking as you do it isn't polite. LOL

The other day I got in my car and the dash had 111°. That is hot! However, there have been quite a few fires either from lightning strikes or something, and just how amazing our firefighters are. If my car is 111° and they are starting out with much higher temps. in all that gear.

Oh, I think I need an icey drink. Maybe I can make it to happy hour at the Sonic...it is near the where I need to drop off a bill payment.

Movie Week

I like to go to the movies. Certainly I could wait for movies to come out on DVD, and for some I do. I really love my N.etf.lix subscription. But I love the big screen & the ambiance of the theater more. Yes, I could get a big screen & surround sound...However, until you read about me winning the lottery and building a house with a home theater, I guess I will go to the movies.

I've recently started going to the theater that has independent films. So much for only spending $5.00 on a movie. About 2 weeks ago I went to see Ci.ty Is.land. It was funny! This movie was about a family & the secrets that they kept from each other. I kept looking at And.y Ga.rcia and thinking he was Ro.bert Din.ero.

This week I saw Mother and Child. The lives of 3 women & their desire for a/their child, relationship with their mother or lack of relationship with their mother & how this formed their personality. Not sure if that sentence makes my point, but if you see the movie hopefully then it will make sense. However, if you need a well written clear review by a professional look here.

I think I will have to go to that theater on the weekend, because on the weekdays I get caught in rush hour traffic. Which is only tolerable if..ah it's intolerable at least to me.

The Great Outdoors

The past few weeks the Atlanta area has had a few rabid animal attacks. First this raccoon attack and then 2 fox attacks 1 in Kennesaw , GA & 1 in Tyrone, GA. The fox attacks are in cities that are about 50 miles apart. It makes me a little nervous about being outside. I guess this neighborhood has been around long enough that we haven't displaced any foxes (is that plural for fox?) I guess the biggest "problem" here is the squirrels.

I was laughing at the fact that as I drove through the neighborhood 1 trash day that there was a squirrel on top of someone's trash can eating a slice of pizza. And my trash can was full so it was open about an inch & a squirrel found the dried apricot package that had maybe 2 or 3 pieces left. When I looked out to see what all the noise was he started dragging the package across the yard. He had to tear through the plastic trash bag & then the package he stole was foil lined. So he worked for it. Should I be worried about rabid squirrels? Or just well fed squirrels.

As I type this with the news on my TV they are reporting that in one county rabid raccoons are attacking dogs. Geesh what a summer...mad animals inland & oil covered beaches on the Gulf coast.

Rainy Days & Old Friends

I guess I'm about to ramble a little. OK maybe Rambler is my middle name.

I woke up today and thought today was Saturday. For anyone that works a traditional Mon - Fri schedule that is like you waking up on Thurs thinking it's Fri. So now it feels like I have to work a whole extra night this week. Ugh!

One of my friends that I grew up with was an only child like me. We lost touch over the years, but thanks to Fa.ceb. ook we have been communicating again. Well, at some point over the years she met her father, and she has 4 or 5 sisters & brothers. So not only is she an aunt, but she is a great aunt. A very proud aunt at that. She has some pictures of the newest niece. Something about a picture of a chubby baby that clears up rainy day blues. Heck the pictures of her nephew with his baby sister, even out weighs that extra day I had added to my week. LOL!

My dog is scared of the thunder. So when I move, he move (just like that?) ha! ha! Thanks Ludacris. Corny? Yeah, ok. Umm, so it is best that I sit rather than trip on the DOG. Well, he does make a good 40 lbs foot warmer.

Oh it may be too late but I try to keep up with free stuff and today there are free donuts here & here.

Yeah! The sun is out! The sun is out!

Neighbors, Neighbors

I have a neighbor that lives around the corner. Sometimes when I see her in her yard heading out, I just go back in the house. And I have seen her notice me first & turn down the other street. Gee that must be intense dislike, right? No, she has a pit bull & I have the chow mix. So rather than have them yanking us around on their leashes growling at each other we the humans just avoid the confrontation.

We both wave nicely & or blow our horns if we pass in the car. She seems pleasant and maybe one of the times I saw her I should have just put the dog in the house and introduced myself. But over the past 5 or 6 months I have only 'known' her from a distance. So go do it now you say...

Well over maybe the past 2-3 weeks her car hasn't been in the driveway there have been about 2 or 3 different cars. And when I am on the street that I can see her back yard, I see her dog laying outside sometimes. When her dog sees us of course he starts barking at us. So I guess when I thought about it (maybe once) I just thought she had someone dog sitting that was like my lazy son. They didn't actually WALK the dog.

However yesterday morning I actually saw a lady come out of her house and get in a car that I had seen a few mornings. The lady that came out was in a nurses' uniform and had a clip board. OMG a home health nurse! So now I'd feel like I'd be perceived as the nosy neighbor if I knocked on the door. If someone else answers the door what do I say? I don't know her name. Hi I'm hear to check on... See if someone came to my door like that I'd look at them like they were strange.

Does concerned = nosey? Do I offer to walk the dog? Not sure if he is people friendly like my dog. Or do I remain me & just wave from a distance at whoever comes out of the house? Maybe I'll see her outside soon. Yeah on one of the 90 degree days, right.

A Little Randomness

I went to a Farmers Market Sunday and I only spent $5 and got quite a bit of veggies and few plantains. I finally successfully fried plantain & it was edible. Yay me! My mistake in the past was that did not use ripe fruit when I fried it before. Hint, when you have to saw through the skin to get to the fruit, it ain't ripe enough. So I bought one that was already ripe & it worked. Of course I still have about 7 lbs of potatoes, so I guess that is a lot of starchy food. But this is the fruit that I like that has potassium.

I typically speak in very general terms about my job. Even in person when asked I just say I work at a call center or a help desk. Most of the time that answer is good enough for people. I never say the name of the company to someone that I am just meeting for the 1st time. Because my pet peeve is usually the reaction that people have...they want a hook up. I met a guy and he seemed pretty nice. I gave him my general answer when he asked what I did. I guess he caught me off guard when he asked where...usually I name the city. But when I said the company name...He predictably asked about a hookup. Unfortunately I had already given him my number...I doubt I'll answer when he calls.