One too many time outs...

So, my 3-year old Puggles group last week was quite the challenge. I've decided that the NyQuil and Benadryl probably won't work out...so, I was thinking about using alternate methods. Duct tape has SO many uses!!


Had an AWESOME weekend!

Birthday party for a friend on Friday night. Had teppan-yaki, sushi, and MUCH nigori sake!! Then, after 8 of us were nice and pickled, we decided to go drink beer and play pool. I gotta say...I think we set a record. With 8 people, I think it took almost 45 minutes to clear the table. So, I decided another pitcher of Hefeweisen and a game of 9-Ball was in order. Got it all set up, fetched the beer, and off we went for round two.

Unfortunately, the girls vs. boys thing didn't work out so well for the girls..

Oh well.


Tonight, twelve of us had a nice family style Italian dinner. I was asked to order wine for the table. Ended up with a WONDERFUL selection of two whites and two reds. A pinot noir (Cappolla "Director's Cut"....HIGHLY recommend!!), Wild Horse Merlot, a pinot grigio that I new my friend would love (and she did), and a FABULOUS Italian imported Bianco that was superb!! Ate THE BEST chicken marsala in town!! I am SO glad that this place is just right around the corner from our house!! Sunday dinner is just $20 a head....minus all the wine, of course!!


Anyways...had a lovely weekend. Still looking forward to Vegas!!

Hope your weekend was awesome, also!!

Say NO to crack!

I mentioned to you that I just recently got back from Disneyland....yes?


The picture above....well....it is MILD compared to the show we got while passing a thirty-something lady squatting in Fantasyland. I REALLY wish I would have had my camera. In fact, I could have submitted it to the website where I found THIS picture!


Ya know...seeing the top of a thong without crack is bad enough. Seeing floss and crack is HORRIBLE. But, (no pun intended) seeing so much of a woman's butt crack that you KNOW she is going "commando", is nothing short of repulsive. I know some men may disagree with me...but, as a woman, it's just flat out gross. C'mon gals. Let's show a LITTLE class.....ok?


That being said, I belong to a discussion group of "Re-Imagineers", regarding Disneyland. Several past Imagineers are on the discussion board. There's QUITE a hot topic going on right now, in regards to It's A Small World. If you didn't know already, it's been shut down since January 22, 2008. It is scheduled to reopen November 29th, 2008. One of the longest "renovations" (aside from turning the People Mover into Rocket Rods) in the parks history.

Apparently, Disney's guests overall "girth" has grown since the ride was originally designed in the 60's. (Although, Disney disputes that is an issue. God forbid they stop selling those churros...) Anyhow, they are redesigning the boats to make them larger and "more buoyant", and making the waterways (flumes) wider and deeper to accommodate the new boats. Ok...I can see the need for this. However, that is not the controversial part.

Mary Blair, the original designer of IASM (It's A Small World), was nothing short of brilliant. This ride was put together for the 1964/65 World's Fair. It opened in the park on May 28, 1966. It was Walt Disney's desire to represent a "community" feel for uniting the world. I believe Unicef was a major backer of the ride itself.

Well....the current Imagineers are at it again. Butchering yet another "historical" ride. No matter HOW you feel about the ever annoying song that plays during the 10-14 minute ride (depending on how fast the boats and their loads are moving...)...I think we ALL have a sentimental feel for the ride. It seems as though the new plans are to scrap the rain forest scene (you know...where the plastic strips look like "rain", and the sparkly green crocodile with the umbrella stands...remember??). They want to take that whole room apart, and make a room called "Up with America". Something more patriotic. Barf. Not that I am against patriotism...don't get me wrong. We should have kept "America Sings", instead of that STUPID Innoventions crap they have there now. I simple can't WAIT for them to turn that into something else besides the waste of space that it truly is.

Along with the "Up with America" room, they are planning on bastardizing the remainder of the ride, by strategically placing Disney characters along the ride. You'll find Ariel in the mermaid/underwater area....Lilo & Stitch in the Hawaiian scene...Lion King characters in Africa....Mulan in China...is this repulsing you as much as it is me? I will be on that ride when it opens back up in November/December. But, I am bringing a barf bag...just in case.

This whole thing just brings me back to when they redid Pirates of the Caribbean. The first time they changed it, was due to women's lib'ers who said that it exploited women. DUH! You think the pirates DIDN'T pillage and plunder? At least they didn't show the truth in how they raped they women!! C'mon!! So, they changed a few scenes....and added a bunch of FOOD to the village scenes. Pretty outrageously ridiculous, if you ask me. I sincerely doubt that they had an over-abundance of food...let alone, were overly obsessed with food more than the women. Then, to add insult to injury, they decide to redo the ride AGAIN, in order to incorporate Johnny Depp in the ride. Puh-leeze. Just made me ill.

I don't think that I am the only one who goes to Disneyland for the NOSTALGIA. If I wanted thrill rides, I'd go to Six Flags. If I wanted rides about movies, I'd go to Universal Studios. Disneyland was in an upper class all it's own. Sad to see it bow down to lower standards. Sad to see that they thought they needed to improvise another park as poorly done as California Adventures, also.

The Imagineers could have incorporated the FEW decent rides in CA, somewhere within the DL park, itself.

I'd love to be part of the WED or WDI team....

Me-Haul

Me-Haul with a U-Haul.

Today, I got to drive one of these. JUST like this one. Whatta haul. Mom says I could fly a plane if I wanted to. (I think she's being generous...)

Actually, I thought I did very well. And, to think that I passed up driving a limo, years ago. Maybe I could go back...

Had some jack ass man riding the line while he was driving his big new Lincoln Navigator. Mom and I think that maybe he was coming back from a "liquid lunch". We got to a red light at the same time, and he looks over at ME, like I was the idiot driver. Then, he does the "automatic" closing of his side mirrors. I don't get road rage...but I sure shook my head at him when we met up at the next light.

Driving it was rather....freeing. I like doing new things. Especially things that "chicks" don't normally do. Like drive a 14' U-Haul, pull out the ramping, move furniture, and get the whole thing back within under 2 hours. It was rather liberating.

***checking off "DRIVING A U-HAUL" on my list of things to try***

Next up: flying a plane, of course!!


Well, it's been a crazy day. I actually had a SEVEN MINUTE nap today, before running off to the next errand. CRAZY day!! Went to bunco....won NOTHIN'!! I always give those little old ladies a run for their money!! One of the subs said that I HAD to be a good woman, if I am married to a German!! I had to laugh at that one. Cute little ladies.


I truly had something interesting to write about. It came to me during the night. But, now I can't remember what it was about. All I remember is that it had to do with irony. Maybe there's something ironic I the fact that I forgot what it was about....


Saw some great movies in the last 48 hours. I AM LEGEND was pretty darned good. Now, I need to watch the second disc, which was the unrated "controversial" version. Then, there was the movie that was fun for the whole family: DAN IN REAL LIFE. Dean even had us watch it the night after we had just watched it. I HIGHLY recommend it. It has Steven Carell, Dane Cook, Juliette Binoche, Dianne Wiest, and John Mahoney in it. REALLY great movie. Then, we watched THE WAITRESS, with Keri Russell. Chick flick. Decent.


Tomorrow will be another crazy day. Then, Thursday will be, also...but, I have my massage to look forward to on that day. I think Friday has NOTHING scheduled!! YEA!! Maybe I will go to lunch that day.

I'm looking forward to getting out of Fresno again...this time, heading for Las Vegas. Should be a nice time. We've booked a great room at a high-end hotel...and are planning on seeing at least ONE show. I'm kinda getting excited. I will be interested to see how well we do without stepping up to the dice table!! There's so much to see in that city...and we have always stayed inside playing craps. We shall see....


Ok....it's time for me to TRY and get some sleep now. I still am struggling in that area. Believe it or not, yesterday during my (final) post-op appointment, my doctor told me that I needed to drink a glass of wine each night before going to bed. The night before, I had taken an Ambien CR, and still woke up a few times during the night. Never been TOLD to drink before!! WHAT A PRESCRIPTION!!!

So...I think I can handle a glass of wine right now...

CHEERS!!

HOPPY EASTER!!

HAPPY EASTER!!!!


Happy Easter Comments



HOPE YOU ARE ABLE TO ENJOY SOME PEEPS!!!






AND.....DON'T FORGET:

Happiest place on earth..???

I'm back. From the "Happiest Place on Earth"....or so they say. I beg to differ that comment. ESPECIALLY during Spring Break.

Got down there Sunday late afternoon, checked into the Grand Californian, and strolled around the park a bit. Did the same thing Monday - Thursday....came home Thursday night. LOTS of people. Met a terribly rude and unhappy female "cast" member at Big Thunder Mountain. Am wondering what pissed HER off so miserably.

Unfortunately, I lost my iPod in the hotel room. Am hoping, but not holding my breath, that it is recovered. Just not my year.

Didn't get the chance to meet up with JoAnn and Kohl...missed them terribly. Kept mom about as sane as I possibly could with Heather there. Had my share of favorite foods...including a nice glass of white wine at (what USED to be) the Mondavi restaurant. Ended up in a friggin' wheelchair by Tuesday night. I was very disappointed in myself...but, today my trainer and masseuse cheered me on, saying that it was quite the accomplishment that I got THAT far without one. I guess it's just easier to kick myself in the butt than it is to praise myself. Thank God for Steve my masseuse. Took good care of me...always does.

The girls just called, and are in Redlands...on their way back from Mexico. Dayna vomited the second night (in her tent...yuck)....and the dust was SSSOOO bad down there his year, that Alyssa had to have 7 nebulizer treatments, and is still struggling breathing on the way home.

Got a refrigerator on Saturday before I left. I impressed Dean. Got a new stainless steel french-door, 3-door that retailed for $2400....for......$600. (It pays to have been doing all of my remodeling through them. I've befriended a manager...) Should be delivered sometime tomorrow...although I have not yet been given a time...nor have I HAD the time to clear out the spot in the garage that it will be going in. Such a procrastinator!!

Dean and I will be traveling to Las Vegas soon. Staying at the Wynn. Should be enjoyable. Looking forward to that trip.

I have quite a few places/trips planned within the next few months...before the girls go back to school next year. Busy, busy.

Gave out lots and LOTS of pins to little kids for their lanyards during my Disneyland stay. That was the high point. For many of them, it was their first trip. I had two little boys that got lanyards...both named "Luke". They both picked Star Wars pins. Very appropriate. I was given an "Honorary Citizen" pin from a cast member. He found out that I enjoy handing out free pins to little ones who are just starting their lanyards...now it's official. Oh, if I could just set up a homestead there on the property, I'd be set. Just wait...some day, I will be one of those little old people you see working there and just loving life....

Well, that's my update for the evening. Been too many days without the laptop. Hopefully your week went well, and I am hoping that you have a FABULOUS Easter!

Being bold...

This is what I enjoyed tonight.

Nigori sake. Cold, unfiltered, rice sake. My favorite drink whilst dining Japanese style.

I am busy watching "Awake", so instead of posting much, I am feeling rather "deep" and "bold"....and am going to post a "survey" that my friend posted on MySpace.

Here goes nothing...



My list of: "What I've come to realize..."



1. I've come to realize that my boobs: are small, perky, and don't need to be altered.

2. I've come to realize that when I talk: I make people laugh.

3. I've come to realize that, when I love someone: it always hurts

4. I've come to realize that I need: physical, mental and emotional love more than what I am getting.

5. I've come to realize that I've lost: a lot of time.

6. I've come to realize that I hate it when: people treat me as if I am stupid.

7. I've come to realize that when I'm drunk: I laugh a lot and then fall asleep.

8. I've come to realize that money: is not the way to happiness.

9. I've come to realize that people: are all different....yet all human.

10. I've come to realize that I'll always be: addicted to love.

11.I've come to realize I have a crush on: someone I will never have.

12. I've come to realize that the last time I cried I was: for the same damned reason that I have cried in the past.

13. I've come to realize that my phone is: my connection to the outer world.

14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning: I didn't get a very good nights sleep.

15. I've come to realize that before I go to sleep at night : I have WAY too much going on in my mind.

16. I've come to realize that right now : I am tipsy on Nigori sake.....and am terribly lonely.

17. I've come to realize that babies: are wonderful...and something that I will never have again. This realization breaks my heart.

18. I've come to realize that when I get on Myspace: I love checking in on my friends.

19. I've come to realize that today: I had more money owed on my credit card than I thought!!!!

20. I've come to realize that tonight I will: probably pass out on the couch from drinking too much.

21. I've realized that tomorrow I will: I will be alone with my husband....and am unsure as to what that will bring.

22. I've come to realize that I really want to: do something with my life that pleases ME and ONLY me....but MAY benefit others....

23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is: NOT Dan, as he has already sent this out.

SNACK TIME!!!

I've done it.

I've figured out the PERFECT beverage to serve during snack time to my 2-3 year old group.

Ok. Maybe ALL of them don't need it.


GOOD LORD!! Tonight was CRAZY!! I keep thinking that Benadryl crackers and NyQuil juice boxes might help.

(I AM saying that in JEST only. Please...don't take me seriously on this one.)

Maybe it's just better that I SURVIVE the 2 hours, and then come home and have my OWN "special juice box".


Practiced a little Guitar Hero 3 today with Heather. Didn't realize that I hadn't really spent much time with that game. I've got GH 1 down pat. Pretty damned good at GH 2. I saw what little I had played on GH 3... I GOTTA PRATICE!! Ya can't unlock the songs unless you take on a "career"!!

Speaking of career...had an awesome work out today. Getting stronger with every visit. That means: time to go back to work!! Some many choices.... I can't decide what I wanna do the most. So...I'll keep you informed.


I wanted to take some pics of the house for you today, but it would appear that my camera is dead, and the painters took my charger out of the wall, and I have NO idea where they put it!! AARRGGHH!! So, once I find it, I'll snap some up and post them. Deal?


Getting REALLY excited about heading down to OC!! I simply CAN'T wait!!!

Well, it's been a long day. I am taking the kids to school early tomorrow, and then have my weekly massage. Something tells me it's gonna be a painful one. The stronger and harder I workout, the more painful my massages become, because my muscles are so much more tender. ***sigh*** It's a catch 22.

Sorry to keep it so short...but, I gotta get some sleep so that I can build up some energy to keep up with JoAnn and Kohl at Disneyland on Monday!! I've been practicing standing and walking for extended periods of time, as I am DESPERATELY trying NOT to use my wheelchair while I am down there. It will be the first time in a LONG time!! I'm not even going to take it. I'm trusting myself. I will probably get a handicapped pass from City Hall so I don't have to stand in the full line (nor will the rest of my group...BONUS!)....but, that should be the extent of it. I am TRYING to get an inside connection to hook me up with Club 33 reservations...but, during Spring Break, and being this close...it's a VERY small chance. But, you can't blame a girl for asking!!

Have a GREAT night! Sleep tight!! Hope to catch ya manana!!

xoxo

~M~