Monday, August 22, 2011

Another Great 2011 Summer Weekend














I can not believe how fortunate I have been this summer. Great weather and awesome days off mixed with good requests had made me feel so refreshed! This weekend has marked another small, yet unasked for, mini-vacation. My boss just gave me the weekend and a Monday & Tuesday off!! Which worked out great since hubby had to make a week long trip to Iowa. Gonna check out the straw and see why these polls are so popular. :-D

Then leaving shortly thereafter for Brazil this has made for some great family time. Hanging out in the yard with the dog, grill, wine & beer. Ahhhh good living.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Bored




The first word that came to mind as I began to contemplate this election season. I watched all the wonks and talking heads on the Sunday news shows. I am interested, but mostly the word that describes me is....BORED.

I have been reading about various potential candidates and their issues etc., but I have never been more bored with all of it! I am tired of them all and tired of hearing about "their" issues. Let's be honest, who REALLY talks about the things that really matter to most of us? Seriously. They give it lip service, but we all know it's just rhetoric and popular talking points, but after the recent crisis of assholes in D.C. we all know that it is all about keeping their jobs.

Those career politicians and ego-centric jerks are all about how they can keep their cushy government job. They are so afraid if they really do what people want they will get voted out. Well, if I can do my part it is going to be getting rid of EVERY incumbent and start off with a fresh group. Hell, they can't be any worse than those who already have the job.

Never in my life have I talked to more people, in my age group +/- 5 years, who are more disappointed. Several have even said that if Obama is the only choice they will either vote independent or NOT AT ALL. First time since I have been old enough to vote that I have heard that. I can't say that I am very happy with his job performance and I am sorry that I voted for him. Not that there is a better option out there, but I am disappointed that I fell for the smoke and mirrors of his speech making.

I have no desire to make any of the others my choice, but am looking for someone to come along on a white horse. Sadly, I know that there is no one and this is going to be a sad and disappointing election.


Saturday, August 06, 2011

Turning 21






















Max turned 21. How did that happen and how did all those years get past me? Of course I got all teary when I was buying cards. Stood in the store and as I started reading them I went all mushy.

We wanted to do something different and something memorable. We didn't have much time to do it. Hubby had already been in Brazil, for a month, and could come back for just a week. I had seen a commercial for Mountaineer, in West Virginia, and thought it could be fun. So I started to look in to it and talk to others.

Friends said that they had fun and it was very casual. The other thing that made it so attractive was the hotel was attached. There are more expansive and cool casinos in Pittsburgh, but you have to stay in an off site hotel and take a shuttle. Not something we wanted with a 21 year old drinking in a strange place.

Just a little over an hour away it proved to be quite the smart choice. I got such a good package deal, since we were going mid-week, that we were able to take a good amount of gambling cash and give Max a nice little bundle as well. We also got vouchers for free breakfast the next morning. That was an excellent deal. we only paid $12 for a meal that was almost $50. Best steak, eggs and waffles I have had in ages!!

We mostly played penny and nickle slots. A few quarter, but hubby & I both won our mo0st on the penny machines. He won almost 200 an d I won 90ish twice. So we ended up breaking even since we continued to play and did a bit more the next morning. Max saved the most cash because it really wasn't his bag. Too loud and too much going on and he couldn't get the gist of the machines and honestly did not enjoy losing money!! He did have a great time and it was an excellent way to control the first big legal drinking. He was very surprised. He and dad shared the beer that hubby brought back from China just for the occasion.

Not something I would do often, but I really think it is a fun specialty trip and might go back in the fall and take my mom.

Monday, August 01, 2011

A Big Birthday Party
















Happy Birthday to us, happy birthday to us...happy birthday to all of us!! This weekend I attended a huge birthday party for myself and about 100 people that I graduated from high school with. We are all turning 50 this year. So the people in charge planned ,not a reunion, but a big birthday shebang for all of us.

It was a blast! Held at a pub, owned by a classmate, we had cake, food and dancing. Not to mention a few cocktails.

A good time talking to folks that I have not seen in years. Including the guy I had a secret crush on in junior high. First time I had seen him since high school.

Girls I have know since second grade, girls I was in musicals.

Glad I took the next day off!!