And She's Off...

Yeah! Izzy's first day went very well. After some confusion Monday about the bus (you know, like making sure she's going to be on the bus that takes her to her school, and not the elementary across town!) she made it on time! Whoo-hoo! She had a good time, but they didn't get to play as much.

I'm just happy for her to be off to school! I can't believe how much she's grown! Here are some pics:

5 dimes

Doesn't anyone want dimes anymore? In two instances, I've tried to exchange dimes for quarters, but no one wants them. What's going on... does no one want my dimes?

Case 1 - I'm in the spooky Speedway car wash. There was some money already on the machine, and I put my $5.00 in. It's asking for another 42 cents so I can do the car wash. Even though the cheapy car wash is $6.00, it's asking for $0.42. Go figure. So I try to put dimes in, but it will only take quarters as change. Ugh. At this time, a car pulls up behind me, so I ask if he could exchange 5 dimes for 2 quarters... he says no, don't worry about it, and gives me the quarters. With my thanks, I squeeze back into the car, and put in the 2 quarters. The machine accepts it, but now says I owe another 17 cents. This machine does crazy math, considering it won't take pennies. So I mange to scrounge out another quarter, and put it in the machine. It now speaks to me in a southern accent -- Welcome to the Speedway car WaRsh. (Yes, it actually says WARSH!) My car starts to pull forward, and I'm left wondering two things:
1) I only paid 5.75, for the car wash (Well 5 and a quarter) and I still owed 17 cents.
2) Why wouldn't the guy take the dimes?

Case 2 - I needed air in my bike tire. I pull up to the air machine at the gas station, only to find they are charging for AIR -- what a rip off. Well, this being the day after the car wash, I still had no quarters, but I did have the dimes. I walk up to the attendant and ask if I could exchange my 5 dimes for 2 quarters, and he just says he'll turn on the machine. First of all, why are they charging for air? And secondly, what's wrong with my DIMES???


Ugh!

Ever have one of those days???

I must have done something wrong in the past, and am paying for it now. Either that, or our house has been transported to the "let's get wacky" universe.

Here is a brief run-down:

1. Our fish tank needed cleaning. So, in the process of cleaning it out, I took the 2 remaining fish and the crab, and put them in a separate bowl. Not a problem so far - except, one of the fish was "acting funny" - which meant his death was looming near.
   
2. The aforementioned crab has been hiding in the filter box, which I think has made here crazy. While in the bowl, she caught and ate one of the other fish. It was pretty gross, but we had a real teachable moment about the food chain. I guess fish eyes must be a delicacy to crabs.
   
3. In the process of cleaning out the tank, I replaced the rocks. Some of the rocks made it into the disposal - not good. But thanks to handyman Jim and a broomstick, the disposal now works.
   
4. In moving the fish tank to another part of the house (our living room, next to the TV) I moved our media cabinet. Well, the original co-ax cord wouldn't reach, so I tried another. This one had been "worked on" and the end came off, and then the satellite picture wouldn't come on after that.
   
5. After cleaning the kitchen of the rocks, fish gunk, etc, I head upstairs to do laundry. The wash is in, and I fold the clothes in the dryer. Now there are several "skidmarks" in the dryer. UGH! Chad thinks it is gum. (Mind you, I haven't been home in 16 days, so I have no clue what this is!) But I spend about an hour cleaning it up.
   
6. I was going to make stuffed manicotti tonight, with focaccia bread, salad, and lemon bars for dessert, but I was too tired.
   

But in all honesty - it's good to be back home!

Where in the US am I today?

Yeah! I'm in Atlanta! We made it here safely, and thought I'd share some of the images. More to come as I can figure out the interent access! UGH!!!

Anywho....

This is the view from our room -- Exciting!

More views from the 20th floor:

OK - who can tell me why '201' is on the roof?

You'll get the full story of this one on the way back.

Hmm... At first I thought it must be a pro-life sign, but I guess they are just warning about not touching the sprinkler.

I'm welcome in Tennessee!

What a cool name for a city!

And for Design:
"Everywhere I look, I'm reminded of her."

It's been quite a trip so far! I'll give more updates as they are available... And to Chad, you'd better clear out the bookshelf. The conference has only just begun, and I'm up to about 25 books (most FREE!)

Miss you Izzy!

Love - Ma!

rainbow and lightning

Check out these photos!

Life and What-nots

Well, been a busy week -- I know I've been naughty in not posting, but in the fickle world of the Internet, I've found a new thing... now, I'm still going to be doing blogs of course, but it's one of those things that are terribly addicting in the universe of the internet... Every so often, I'll find something, and I can't let it go... usually games... this one is better..... Yahoo Answers... Eek -- I've been on it a week, and I'm already a level 2 (hmm... almost like that cult religion I don't want to name for fear of being accused of slander) I have no Idea what the level 2 will get you, but we'll see I guess...
Yahoo! Answers - Home

Hope everyone had a good time over 4th of July! Gareth, hope your day was well, as well... Hmmm.. I wonder, do other countries celebrate the 4th, like we do Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick's Day? I don't know -- would be a good question for Yahoo Answers!

We did hear our Daily Led Zeppelin on the way up to our family reunion, but we'll have to ask Chad what that was, cause I can't remember.

Toodles everyone! Hope you have a good weekend!

Daily Led Zep

Heard today coming back from lunch:

Going to California

la la la laaa

Daily Led Zep

Heard yesterday while we were eating:

Ramble On

Kings Island

You know you are in for a good day, when your daughter holds up her deli round sandwich roll at Subway and shouts (yes, shouts) "My buns are big!"

Chad had the day off, and I did as well, we went to King's Island yesterday. It was a blast. Izzy and I rode several rollercoasters...can't wait until she is 48 inches and can go on the big rides! We even got Chad on the "Beastie" - which is now called The Fairly Odd Coaster.

It was hot, but thanks to my SPF 50 sunblock, we didn't get burned. Izzy made it the whole day without throwing a fit (Thank you!)

It's been ages since I've been there, and many things have changed, but some have stayed the same: The Eiffel Tower was cool, although it freaked Chad and Izzy out a little, being up so high; the Beast is still one of the best roller coasters in the world (You dinna' think I'd take a trip to KI and NOT ride the Beast, now did you?); LaRosa's pizza tastes the same; and everything costs about 250% more than it did 7 years ago.

Our favorites of the day, the Viking Fury - the ship that rocks back and forth, the Fairly Odd Coaster - oh, Izzy walked right past the little Kiddie rollercoaster - Backyardigans' themed, I think, and headed straight for the "big" one, and some of the older "carnival" style spinning rides.

More details as I remember them coming soon... I just can't wait to go back!

Friday Friday Friday

Howdy - It's Friday and the weather is beautiful, the air is fresh and I'm outside working on our new laptop - whoo hoo! The freedom! Now, hopfully, I can get motivated enough to keep up my writing.

I won't go into too much detail here, but for those that heard my "vent" last week at this time, let me assure you - all is taken care of, and things are back to normal, at least for this year. Whew!

I think tonight, we are going to the town's movie night in the park - free movies, bring your own lawn chair, like a drive in, but before cars!

And Now for Pickerington's Place New Feature!

You already know about the Daily Led Zeppelin, and What's on My Desktop.(Which does need updating - come to think of it.) The new one is partially inspired by an email I got this week; you know, one of those, answer the questions and send along so others can get to know you. It's also partially inspired by "Heather's Lunchtime Poll" made popular by the classic - Heathers.

So, here it is - The question of the week (I must admit, the braincells are not up to par today, so I'll have to ponder on another catchy title.)

What's the most exciting and the most boring thing you think you'll do this summer?

TTFN:

Give Me One Moment In Time

Our story begins today, but goes back many years. Today, my mother found a picture of the one "semi-formal" dance I went to my freshie year - turnabout, where the girls ask the guys. Join us on a trip down memory lane to visit places, places best left in the hidden recesses of memory.

Time: Sometime in March 1990
The Event: Turnabout

Dramatis Personae

Lisa
Michelle
Deeann
Dave, Lisa's escort
Scott, Michelle's escort
Bill, Deeann's escort

Lisa and Dave before the dance, Lisa is wearing Gunne Sax, while Dave sports the sweater and tie ensemble.




Michelle and Scott (AKA He, as his name was too vile to speak.) Again, sweaters were very popular for dances (in hickville, not our school!)



Bill and Deeann - the organizers of the evening (insert evil master laugh!)



The obligatory pinning of the flower. Hair professionally rolled to look "old-fashioned."


The cast of 90210 (what a bunch of wannabes)



Cheesy guy shot -- they must be plotting something!



Mullett-man speaks, and reveals the plan to hit the road...



So into the '86 Chevy Astro we go!



"Stan, what a fine mess you got us into!"




Ahhh, the paparazzi won't leave us alone!




"So Beavis, where are we headed tonight?"

"Heh-heh-heh - your boobs look big in your sister's dress!"




Time to pose for the famous dance photo! (Wallet and 8X10 avaliable!)

Aaaannnnddddd SCENE!

New fashion statement

I've been known to make some fashion goofs before... but even I know that it's very Tacky, with a captital T, to wear halter tops, wait -- backless halter tops with a black bra.

Click here for video

Brittany - I know you just had a baby, but your body changes! Go with the changes honey -- you can't wear the same clothes you wore way back when....

FREE!!!

Howdy!

Somehow, we got on the mailing list for these courses... Anyway - the lectures from Ivy League profs are on CD or DVD, but not without a significant investment. The lectures are from: The Great Courses - The Teaching Company : Educational Courses on DVD, Audio CD, Tape, and Cassette - Lecture Series by College/University Professors

So, in order to save everyone money - I've found some free online course for those that just love learning. Here you go:

Course Topics at Free-Ed.Net

Barnes & Noble.com - Barnes & Noble University

OpenUW Free Courses

Berklee Shares: free music lessons, mp3, quicktime and pdf files download

Open Learning Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University

Writers.com: Online Creative Writing, Nonfiction, Screen Writing, Genre Classes & More

http://u.about.com/

Happy learning!

Saturday

Howdy!

Today is turning out pretty well - had a crazy week with work last week, and I'm looking forward to the weekend.

DG came down - Yeah! - so we are ready to rock the town. Last night we saw the DaVinci code. It's fiction people. But I was impressed with how much of the storyline they followed, considering most book to movie creates leave soooo much out. Yes, some was still left out, but it was an OK movie - it was neat to see some of the images described in the book.

Today, we are hitting the gym and going to COSI -- not sure what is the plan for tonight.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day! I hope every mother enjoyed the day today!

This morning, I went out with my mother in law and some of her friends -- we had a great lunch!

When I got back home, hubby had a bunch of flowers waiting for me, along with a DVD of one of my favorite movies - Bend it like Beckham. (I think I like it because of the accents!)

It was great!


Also - my conference went very well -- we only had a few hitches, but for the first conference my writing group put on - it went very well! We have big plans for next year, and it should be even better!

I'm jazzed about my writing, for the first time, last night I dreamed of signing books at my first booksigning - great feeling! I can't wait to go to the national conference this July!

Happy Mothers day!

Happy May

Just wanted to say happy may to everyone - hope the weather is nice -- don't have much time for blogging updates but should have plenty of time after next week!

Laters!

Daily Led Zep

Good Times Bad Times

Update

Howdy folks --

Few topics for today:

Raining Cats...
I found the code from here
But since it's spring and not winter, I found an image that I could replace the snowflakes.

I've been looking for new "goodies" to add to the blog - I like playing around with html code, and I'm actually learning quite a bit! My next venture is CSS, so we'll see what I can add with this.

Here's a good tutorial I've been using: http://www.w3schools.com/default.asp

Ahh... Young River...
I found the movie Exlporers on TV and TIVO'ed it for Izzy - she loves it! I like it too if only to see young River Phoenix and Ethan Hawke. River is soooo adorable!




American Idol:
Last night - what was up with Paula? Did anyone see how much Simon had to control her to keep her looking good?

My prediction: Paris and Kellie in bottom 2, Kellie going home!

I hope they get back to singing some songs that we liked them for at the beginning.

My favorite: Chris -- HOTTIE!

Daily Led Zep

Forgot to put this with the last post


Heard on the way back home:

Heartbreaker

Fun day

Today was cool -- we went to COSI - had a blast! The place is different from what I remember - It sort of looks like the same building, but I don't remember the river -- anyway - they had some really cool exhibits. A STAR WARS exhibit is opening in June - that should be a blast. One cool perk of being a teacher is the discount... we were only there for a little over two hours, and I was worn out! Izzy had so much fun, especially in the Ocean.

Our next stop: JumpBounceBoing!