Monday, June 25, 2007
So I took a little video of Jon dancing to music from New Orleans (my new obsession by the way) and it's too big to upload on YouTube or Vimeo or Myspace...all of which I've tried. So, how do I cut it down? Details anyone? Links to tutorials? I'm really regretting not capturing it on the old digital camera because I'm pretty sure this clip with the new one is big enough to be burned on a DVD and played on our TV. Which is fine for family and such, but the interwebs needs to see this video too.
I set out this morning to really put my all into a post. Give you my deep and true feelings on everything going on around me. Vent. Let it out. But, I still can't. I cannot bring myself to talk about any of it. It's too mountainous to think of going through all of the emotions it requires to write about any of this crazy thing they call life. This insane thing they call family.
I pulled into the library parking lot last night while I was out running errands and cried. Granted a car had pulled out in front of me just prior and my tires had skidded and I was angry. But, I really doubt the crying was about that at all. I've been just a shell of a person since all this started occurring with my Dad. He's so angry with life and the hand he's been dealt that he takes it out on those around him. I understand it, I do. I'd probably react the same exact way. But I'm so fucking tired of everything being my fault.
My cousin Sandy came over last night with her son for no reason at all. They hadn't seen us in a while. Sean wanted to see Jon. Last Sunday my cousin Becky came over with her boys. She really hadn't seen us in a while. I'm no big believer in anything. But I do wonder about these incidences. It is so good for my Dad when people show up unannounced because it allows him to focus on something other than excruciating pain for a bit. I was so thankful for the visits.
We are planning a 4th of July party in the coming weekends. Either this one or the next. We must be crazy because this is the worst time to throw a huge get together. But I hope it helps Dad to see some more to see more people who really truly care that he gets better. When he gets down like this he tends to think nobody cares about him at all. It's all depression related, but that's another story.
So my father loves fireworks. He's a firebug. But this year someone else will have to fire up those big illegal monstrosities that he loves so much. He won't be able to light them so I'm not sure how that will go...we've all voted on our about-to-start-Police-Academy cousin/nephew/son-in-law, Patrick to handle it.
Speaking of Police Academy. We watched Frank Denzinger's funeral this weekend. I know I've spoken of my love of state funerals. And they are the best. But, Police/Fire/EMS funerals have to come in second. The last call over the radio gets me every single time.
So sad. One man. One father. One husband. Gone because some fucking emo kid with a gun couldn't stop fighting with his mother. What bullshit.
Life. Family.
Friday, June 22, 2007
So within the past year or so I've had two wisdom teeth come in. I've kind of just let them do their thing for a number of reasons. I'm a poor college student, I have a fear of needles, I have a fear of pain, I don't enjoy going to the dentist...did I mention I'm poor?
So I let them come in. I mean really, what harm?
Wisdom Tooth #1 makes it way in sometime early last year. It had more than enough room in the back of my mouth. Nothing shifted. Nothing came in at some godforsaken angle. It hurt for approximately 2 days during which I shoved a bunch of orajel back there and hoped for the best.
It was honestly no big deal.
Wisdom Tooth #2 started breaking around 6 months ago. I feared this one would be trouble.
There was no room in the back of my mouth for it. It made me dream of dollar signs and cobwebs in my bank account. But through some stroke of luck, as it then seemed, the damn thing came in with none of the pain I'd associated with #1. Again I figured...why worry. I'd just get them removed when I had the funds so that all the horrible things they say happen because of wisdom teeth wouldn't eventually occur.
Once again. No big deal.
But guess what? #2 is a bitch. #2 is the wisdom tooth from hell intent upon destroying life as I know it. #2 has decided to develop an infection in the gum surrounding it because it didn't break through completely and it has, as I mentioned, ZERO space in the back of my mouth.
I have spent the past week in misery because of #2-The Bitch. I've not enjoyed food for a week. I can't even eat ice cream because it hurts so bad. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I ENJOY ICE CREAM. Ahh...the travesty of it all.
Dad won't even share his vicodin with me. Something about a broken morphine pump and nerve damage and severe spinal stenosis. Whatever. This is me, rolling my eyes.
And so now, all because I wanted to save a few dollars when I had money in the bank to have it done months ago, I have get my parents to pay for a tooth extraction. Not just extraction. Freaking surgical removal because wisdom teeth are BITCHES.
But first I have to take a week's worth of some of the strongest antibiotics I've ever taken in my life. Because #2-The Bitch has ravaged my mouth into a warzone of bacteria and pain.
I'm so tired. I'd like to enjoy food again. And by God, when they extract The Bitch I'd better get some pain medication in return.
So I let them come in. I mean really, what harm?
Wisdom Tooth #1 makes it way in sometime early last year. It had more than enough room in the back of my mouth. Nothing shifted. Nothing came in at some godforsaken angle. It hurt for approximately 2 days during which I shoved a bunch of orajel back there and hoped for the best.
It was honestly no big deal.
Wisdom Tooth #2 started breaking around 6 months ago. I feared this one would be trouble.
There was no room in the back of my mouth for it. It made me dream of dollar signs and cobwebs in my bank account. But through some stroke of luck, as it then seemed, the damn thing came in with none of the pain I'd associated with #1. Again I figured...why worry. I'd just get them removed when I had the funds so that all the horrible things they say happen because of wisdom teeth wouldn't eventually occur.
Once again. No big deal.
But guess what? #2 is a bitch. #2 is the wisdom tooth from hell intent upon destroying life as I know it. #2 has decided to develop an infection in the gum surrounding it because it didn't break through completely and it has, as I mentioned, ZERO space in the back of my mouth.
I have spent the past week in misery because of #2-The Bitch. I've not enjoyed food for a week. I can't even eat ice cream because it hurts so bad. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I ENJOY ICE CREAM. Ahh...the travesty of it all.
Dad won't even share his vicodin with me. Something about a broken morphine pump and nerve damage and severe spinal stenosis. Whatever. This is me, rolling my eyes.
And so now, all because I wanted to save a few dollars when I had money in the bank to have it done months ago, I have get my parents to pay for a tooth extraction. Not just extraction. Freaking surgical removal because wisdom teeth are BITCHES.
But first I have to take a week's worth of some of the strongest antibiotics I've ever taken in my life. Because #2-The Bitch has ravaged my mouth into a warzone of bacteria and pain.
I'm so tired. I'd like to enjoy food again. And by God, when they extract The Bitch I'd better get some pain medication in return.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
40 secrets about yourself.be honest no matter what.
[one] what is your natural hair color?the color it is currently
[two] fort myers beach
[three] what's your middle name?Victoria
[four] your current relationship status?Single
[five] does your crush like you back?George doesn't know me
[six] what is your current mood?decent
[seven] what color underwear are you wearing?pink
[eight] what makes you happy? traveling, music, driving, photography
[nine] what makes you sad? death
[ten] if you could go back in time and change something what would it be?oh i don't know
[eleven] if you must be an animal for one day, what would you be?giraffe
[twelve] ever had a near death experience?nope
[thirteen] something you do a lot?twirl my hair, watch tv, play around with mah computer
[fourteen] the song stuck in your head?isn't she lovely...stevie wonder
[fifteen] who did you copy and paste this from?Steph
[sixteen] name someone with the same birthday as you?our neighbor
[seventeen] when was the last time you cried?today
[eighteen] have you ever sang in front of a large audience?nope[nineteen] if you could have one
super power what would it be?to be invisible
[twenty] what's the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?hair
[twenty-one] what do you usually order from starbucks?white mocha, toffee nut latte or frap.,
caramel macchiato
[twenty-two] what's your biggest secret?if i told you it wouldn't be a secret
[twenty-three] favorite colors?pink
[twenty-five] do you still watch kiddy movies or tv shows?Hannah Montana and Naked
Brothers Band with Jon[twenty-six] what are you eating or drinking at the moment?not a thing
[twenty-seven] do you speak any other language?haha...no
[twenty-eight] what's your favorite smell?chanel #5, fresh cut grass, new cars, baby dogs
[twenty-nine] if you could describe your life in one word what would it be?dramatic
[thirty] when was the last time you gave/received a hug?earlier
[thirty-one] have you ever kissed in the rain?No
[thirty-two] what are you thinking about right now?my wisdom teeth
[thirty-three] what should you be doing?painting my toenails
[thirty-four] what was the last thing that made you upset/angry?religious freaks
[thirty-five] how often do you pray?not often
[thirty-six] do you like working in the yard?i hate it, i'm no good at it
[thirty-seven] if you could have any last name in the worldwould what would it be?
Watkins...unless i married into a political dynasty
[thirty-eight] do you act differently around your crush?once again...never met george ; )
[thirty-nine] name one song that reminds you of an ex?none[forty] who was the last person to make you cry?
[one] what is your natural hair color?the color it is currently
[two] fort myers beach
[three] what's your middle name?Victoria
[four] your current relationship status?Single
[five] does your crush like you back?George doesn't know me
[six] what is your current mood?decent
[seven] what color underwear are you wearing?pink
[eight] what makes you happy? traveling, music, driving, photography
[nine] what makes you sad? death
[ten] if you could go back in time and change something what would it be?oh i don't know
[eleven] if you must be an animal for one day, what would you be?giraffe
[twelve] ever had a near death experience?nope
[thirteen] something you do a lot?twirl my hair, watch tv, play around with mah computer
[fourteen] the song stuck in your head?isn't she lovely...stevie wonder
[fifteen] who did you copy and paste this from?Steph
[sixteen] name someone with the same birthday as you?our neighbor
[seventeen] when was the last time you cried?today
[eighteen] have you ever sang in front of a large audience?nope[nineteen] if you could have one
super power what would it be?to be invisible
[twenty] what's the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?hair
[twenty-one] what do you usually order from starbucks?white mocha, toffee nut latte or frap.,
caramel macchiato
[twenty-two] what's your biggest secret?if i told you it wouldn't be a secret
[twenty-three] favorite colors?pink
[twenty-five] do you still watch kiddy movies or tv shows?Hannah Montana and Naked
Brothers Band with Jon[twenty-six] what are you eating or drinking at the moment?not a thing
[twenty-seven] do you speak any other language?haha...no
[twenty-eight] what's your favorite smell?chanel #5, fresh cut grass, new cars, baby dogs
[twenty-nine] if you could describe your life in one word what would it be?dramatic
[thirty] when was the last time you gave/received a hug?earlier
[thirty-one] have you ever kissed in the rain?No
[thirty-two] what are you thinking about right now?my wisdom teeth
[thirty-three] what should you be doing?painting my toenails
[thirty-four] what was the last thing that made you upset/angry?religious freaks
[thirty-five] how often do you pray?not often
[thirty-six] do you like working in the yard?i hate it, i'm no good at it
[thirty-seven] if you could have any last name in the worldwould what would it be?
Watkins...unless i married into a political dynasty
[thirty-eight] do you act differently around your crush?once again...never met george ; )
[thirty-nine] name one song that reminds you of an ex?none[forty] who was the last person to make you cry?
Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year6-8 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:3-4 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year:3-4 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year:Between 600,000 and 750,000 -- 30% of dogs and 2-5% of cats entering shelters (HSUS estimate)
Number of animal shelters in the United States:Between 4,000 and 6,000 (HSUS estimate)
Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:25% (HSUS estimate)
Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4-6
Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2
Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10
Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:3-4 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year:3-4 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year:Between 600,000 and 750,000 -- 30% of dogs and 2-5% of cats entering shelters (HSUS estimate)
Number of animal shelters in the United States:Between 4,000 and 6,000 (HSUS estimate)
Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:25% (HSUS estimate)
Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4-6
Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2
Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Anderson Cooper on now and again at 1 AM. World Refugee Day. Go learn more about Darfur and refugees around the world.
Our neighbor's cat had 5 kittens on April 30. They are ready for new homes next week and out of the 5, only 1 currently has a promised home. Three of the four left are black and white in varying patterns and one is a gorgeous long coat Calico. If you are interested or know anyone who is please send me a message.
Please help me find them good homes, I'm afraid they'll end up in a shelter or worse if they don't get homes next week. Again, if you or anyone you know wants a cute kitten let me know.
Please help me find them good homes, I'm afraid they'll end up in a shelter or worse if they don't get homes next week. Again, if you or anyone you know wants a cute kitten let me know.
What have I been doing.
Hmm. Well, planting things in our flowerbeds with my mom.
Taking photos of Jon.
Getting fun free things sent to me from Shutterfly.com because of the promotion that came with my camera.
Talking about traveling.
Wishing I was traveling right now.
Taking my Dad to doctor's appointments and MRIs and such at Frazier Rehab.
Worrying about his impending surgery(ies).
Worrying about what that/those surgery(ies) will end up being for.
Stressing about the fact that most of his back problems are most likely hereditary issues and since Jon got Mom's migraines and I have back issues already, I'm assuming I could end up with degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis too.
Blowing bubbles, because it's fun and no, I'm not 4.
Planning a 4th of July Party. Like the one's we used to have in the old neighborhood.
Wishing we didn't live next to religious zealots.
Laughing at the celebrity baby boom from yesterday and sad that Tiger and Elin didn't come up with a more interesting name for their little girl than SAM. Ugh.
Reading the report that Isaac Newton claimed the world would not end before 2060: link
Watched the Faith Forum on CNN with the Democratic candidates.
Became really happy with the news of Hillary's lead yesterday.
Dr. Beach released his 2007 Top Ten Beaches list and for the first time a Florida or Hawaii beach didn't make #1, instead it was Okracoke Island in North Carolina.
Researched places to stay in Okracoke Island.
Watched the Daytime Emmy Awards. Delighted that mah stories won. (Guiding Light, Young and the Restless)
Ate at Sub Station II, the best sub place in Louisville in my opinion. It's on Fern Valley Road, you should all go eat there.
And sat down to write this. For very little reason at all.
I felt an update was in order. Consider this it.
Hmm. Well, planting things in our flowerbeds with my mom.
Taking photos of Jon.
Getting fun free things sent to me from Shutterfly.com because of the promotion that came with my camera.
Talking about traveling.
Wishing I was traveling right now.
Taking my Dad to doctor's appointments and MRIs and such at Frazier Rehab.
Worrying about his impending surgery(ies).
Worrying about what that/those surgery(ies) will end up being for.
Stressing about the fact that most of his back problems are most likely hereditary issues and since Jon got Mom's migraines and I have back issues already, I'm assuming I could end up with degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis too.
Blowing bubbles, because it's fun and no, I'm not 4.
Planning a 4th of July Party. Like the one's we used to have in the old neighborhood.
Wishing we didn't live next to religious zealots.
Laughing at the celebrity baby boom from yesterday and sad that Tiger and Elin didn't come up with a more interesting name for their little girl than SAM. Ugh.
Reading the report that Isaac Newton claimed the world would not end before 2060: link
Watched the Faith Forum on CNN with the Democratic candidates.
Became really happy with the news of Hillary's lead yesterday.
Dr. Beach released his 2007 Top Ten Beaches list and for the first time a Florida or Hawaii beach didn't make #1, instead it was Okracoke Island in North Carolina.
Researched places to stay in Okracoke Island.
Watched the Daytime Emmy Awards. Delighted that mah stories won. (Guiding Light, Young and the Restless)
Ate at Sub Station II, the best sub place in Louisville in my opinion. It's on Fern Valley Road, you should all go eat there.
And sat down to write this. For very little reason at all.
I felt an update was in order. Consider this it.
I'm not crazy about the song, it isn't what I voted for. But, the video to reveal it is funny. Read below and check out here: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/ (Bill is in the video with her!)
Hillary Clinton has gotten creative with a new online campaign video that spoofs the controversial finale of The Sopranos.
In the video, available on Clinton's Web site, the presidential hopeful sits down at a diner and begins to flip through the jukebox as Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" plays – the same song used in the final scene of the HBO hit. Clinton, who is joined at the table by husband Bill, gets a menacing look from Sopranos actor Vincent Curatola, who played mob boss Johnny "Sack" Sacramoni.
While on the Sopranos finale, Tony Soprano (played by James Gandolfini) ordered onion rings, Clinton instead gets a bowl of sliced carrots for the table. "No onion rings?" her husband asks, to which she answers, "I'm looking out for you." Bill asks what tune she's selected as her new campaign song – "My money's on Smashmouth," he says – but just as she's about to reveal it, the screen cuts to black, leaving Clinton's song – just like Tony's fate – a mystery. Unlike The Sopranos, however, with just one more click, Clinton's new campaign theme is revealed to be Celine Dion's "You and I."
Hillary Clinton has gotten creative with a new online campaign video that spoofs the controversial finale of The Sopranos.
In the video, available on Clinton's Web site, the presidential hopeful sits down at a diner and begins to flip through the jukebox as Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" plays – the same song used in the final scene of the HBO hit. Clinton, who is joined at the table by husband Bill, gets a menacing look from Sopranos actor Vincent Curatola, who played mob boss Johnny "Sack" Sacramoni.
While on the Sopranos finale, Tony Soprano (played by James Gandolfini) ordered onion rings, Clinton instead gets a bowl of sliced carrots for the table. "No onion rings?" her husband asks, to which she answers, "I'm looking out for you." Bill asks what tune she's selected as her new campaign song – "My money's on Smashmouth," he says – but just as she's about to reveal it, the screen cuts to black, leaving Clinton's song – just like Tony's fate – a mystery. Unlike The Sopranos, however, with just one more click, Clinton's new campaign theme is revealed to be Celine Dion's "You and I."
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Is anyone else as obsessed with Rosie's live blogs as I am. Because I get really, really happy when one is posted...and really...I'm not normally a happy person. Helene with her glasses and her odd breakfast choices, Janette is kooky and quirky and I love her. OMG. Seriously. Vote for Rosie in the Blogger's Choice Awards. www.bloggerschoiceawards.com
I've once again been tagged for this one. Since I've done it before it's even more difficult to come up with six weird things about myself. But, I think I managed.
popcorn: I love burnt popcorn. Not scorched, or blackened but an extra 30 seconds in the microwave makes it just charred enough on the inside to be delicious.
daydream: I daydream a lot, but about plots of novels I hope to one day write. I'll sit around (anywhere and anytime) and think of characters, stories, settings...etc.
camping: I'm sure plenty of people share this one with me, but around here I've always gotten funny looks when I admit it. I've never gone camping. Ever. I'm pretty sure I don't want to either.
mississippi: I have a desire to see the Mississippi River and bring home a jar of Mississippi Mud. I have no idea why, but it's been on my mind since I was a little kid.
greece: I feel a strong connection to Greece. Like something major in my future is somehow connected to Greece. I used to think I'd marry a Greek...who knows. I did know this guy once who was of Greek heritage and his name was Nick (go figure), but he was Republican so it never would have worked out. At any rate, I really hope to visit there someday and figure it all out.
tonsils: I have abnormally large ones. Everytime I've ever had a doctor look at them for the first time they are ALWAYS shocked. I probably shouldn't be able to swallow, but somehow I can. And no, nobody has ever suggested removing them and I've only had strep throat once. It has, however, cost me tons of unnecessary strep tests.
Tagging anyone who is willing to tell us six more weird things about themselves.
popcorn: I love burnt popcorn. Not scorched, or blackened but an extra 30 seconds in the microwave makes it just charred enough on the inside to be delicious.
daydream: I daydream a lot, but about plots of novels I hope to one day write. I'll sit around (anywhere and anytime) and think of characters, stories, settings...etc.
camping: I'm sure plenty of people share this one with me, but around here I've always gotten funny looks when I admit it. I've never gone camping. Ever. I'm pretty sure I don't want to either.
mississippi: I have a desire to see the Mississippi River and bring home a jar of Mississippi Mud. I have no idea why, but it's been on my mind since I was a little kid.
greece: I feel a strong connection to Greece. Like something major in my future is somehow connected to Greece. I used to think I'd marry a Greek...who knows. I did know this guy once who was of Greek heritage and his name was Nick (go figure), but he was Republican so it never would have worked out. At any rate, I really hope to visit there someday and figure it all out.
tonsils: I have abnormally large ones. Everytime I've ever had a doctor look at them for the first time they are ALWAYS shocked. I probably shouldn't be able to swallow, but somehow I can. And no, nobody has ever suggested removing them and I've only had strep throat once. It has, however, cost me tons of unnecessary strep tests.
Tagging anyone who is willing to tell us six more weird things about themselves.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
I know that by now everyone must be sick of me talking about my vacations. I realize this. But when you lead the boring life that I do you tend to latch onto any excitement that you can.
But, you see...I love to travel. LOVE. And before a few years ago all of my traveling involved someone dying, or going to visit the graves of people who were dead. With all of Dad's various medical ailments, Mom going back to school and such, and my parents having a baby during the midst of all that we never had the resources to take vacations. Unless....someone kicked the bucket. Sad? Yes. But so true.
But, you see...I love to travel. LOVE. And before a few years ago all of my traveling involved someone dying, or going to visit the graves of people who were dead. With all of Dad's various medical ailments, Mom going back to school and such, and my parents having a baby during the midst of all that we never had the resources to take vacations. Unless....someone kicked the bucket. Sad? Yes. But so true.
Before our first family vacation three years ago, my brother thought hospitals were fun places to be. And why not think that? Cable television (which we never used to have), beds that move, cafeterias and gift shops. Baptist East has a park behind it, Audubon is close to the Zoo, Jewish has great views.
And so you can see how thrilling it is for us to go on these trips. So if you'll excuse me for getting giddy about this trip that's in three weeks I'd appreciate it.
In the meantime I'm making a list of things I want pictures of. Does anyone else do that?
It never fails that any trip I go on (even the ones involving death) I also seem to forget pictures I wanted to save for posterity. I always seem to come home and get disappointed that I didn't take enough, or forgot to take a picture of something important. For example, last year I didn't get a picture of the roach motel we stayed at for approximately 2.5 hours. I was so angry and worried at that time that I didn't care to have a picture of it. Now, I tell the story of that trip and in between all the laughing (trust me, it's a good story) people ask if I have a picture. AND I DON'T. Obviously, it pisses me off.
So this year. A list. Cause I'm OCD like that. Give me ideas if you'd like. I'll be sure to post it as soon as I have it compiled, because I just know you're all sitting with bated breath waiting to see it.
And to back up my claim that all our travels involved death, here we are two years ago at my grandparents grave in Pineville, Kentucky. Please ignore the crappiness of the picture because A) I didn't have mah camera then and B) It doesn't really matter to prove my point.
We had a picnic at the cemetery. Pine Lawn is the name if you're interested. I don't think reservations are required. Cumberland Falls isn't too far away so we caught the moonbow later that night. It's a trip to consider.
Monday, April 09, 2007
quotes of the day
The TV business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs.--Hunter S. Thompson
"In your life you meet people. Some you never think about again. Some you wonder what happened to them. There are some that you wonder if they ever think about you. And then there are some you wish you never had to think about again; but you do." - The Wonder Years.
I was going through my old blog earlier today when I ran across the trip report from my first trip to Florida. It made me remember things I'd forgotten and gave me a good laugh. So for posterity I'm posting it here.
June 8, 2005 So Sanibel Island has been absolutely amazing!!! We love it here and are now planning a return trip...Dad is even having a blast...he caught a 25 pound fish last night. We left T-Ville at 2pm on Friday...arrived in Sanibel @ 11:00am the next morning. It was a trip! lol...Highlights of the drive were: Jon throwing up, Dad and his snowball eating habits, "Bobby you were doing fine till you decided to eat", and The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia: haha Candace! Rest Areas became tourist spots and there are some really nice ones out there! Our first night here was so much fun...the beach has touched me like I never thought it would...lol...it's so beautiful. Since this is the one of the best places to shell in the world (the only better places are somewhere in South Africa and a place in New Guinea), it's been awesome becoming addicted to shelling. Conchs, Junionias, Sea Whelks, Starfish..yada yada yada...they are so neat. Everybody comes out on the beach before the sun rises and at low tide and after storms. Wait till you see what we have found! Sunday we explored the Islands, both Sanibel and Captiva...then we went to Fort Myers to Walmart and seek the sights. We went to the Observation Deck on the island, the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Baileys Grocery, and Tarpon Bay Explorers. Lot's of fun but it wore us all out. Monday was beach day...all day long...ahh...bad idea. Never been so burned in my life...it's Wednesday night now and I'm still in excruciating pain. Ick! Poor Jon was all burned too...he fell asleep at like 6pm that evening and slept the night away. We ate at Cheeburger Cheeburger which was a pretty good burger joint...Frings Basket with onion rings and fries was delicious! Tuesday we nursed our burns. Chilled at the beach again...more shelling. Got pizza that was tasty...huge deep dish! Dad caught the 25 pound snook that night on the beach...it was huge, but out of season so we couldn't do anything but release it, oh well. Went to Dairy Queen later that night and the hottest guy worked there! Imagine that!! Met a couple who spotted my UK shirt and struck up a converstation, she was from Somerset and they live in Orlando now, but he graduated from UK in '91..haha...us UK people are EVERYWHERE!!!!! Wednesday we've been on the beach all morning, layed around the condo some, and watched a storm from our lanai. Dinner today was from Schnapper's Hots, good hot dogs, brats, and chicken tenders...yum! Dad and me went to Jerrys Supermarket on the island..they have talking birds! Great atmosphere here...we've had to adjust to island time though...everything opens late and closes early, but we've been living like the locals...lol. Tonight was low tide shelling and we got the biggest shell so far..it was such a thrill!!! Got a mosquito bite on the tip of my finger though, how in the world did I do that??? Can't wait for tomorrow! Only a few more days, but it's been a blast..the best is yet to come though!! Major retail therapy is in the works!!! ~From the Island, April
June 15, 2005
MISSING THE ISLAND 
Let's see..where did I leave off? Hmm...Thursday morning we got up and took the drive in The Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Saw an alligator up close, fished, saw Roseate Spoonbills, my fave bird cause they're PINK! and got attacked by ants, hey, I don't do wildlife. Later around 4 Mom and me ventured out to plan our shopping for the following morning. Drove up and down Periwinkle Way and stopped in a few places to decide where to buy stuff at and who had the best shirts. We came back to the condo to pick up the boys and then headed out to the Island Cow Restaurant, where I HAD to have a t-shirt!! Had a guy compliment me on my "gettin' lucky in KY" shirt. That was cute! lol...tried their crab cakes and hated them. So then we went to the store to buy margarita mix cause the condo came with a blender, thank God. They were yummy. Friday we spent all day shopping...went to Periwinkle Place Shopping Center, Tahitian Gardens Shopping Center, The T-Shirt Hut, some surf shop, She Sells Sea Shells, The Shell Company, McIntosh Bookstore, Mango Bay....despite the rain it was fun. Got a great shirt that says, "I'm on Island Time" haha! That night we wanted to see the Lighthouse lit up at night so we took a really short drive to see it, pretty neat! Saturday we packed up and left the condo after a few emotional moments on the beach, seriously everyone left me down at the water and had to wait for me to come back to the car, I didn't want to leave the ocean. Then we did a little more shopping at the center at Jerry's. They have talking birds there!! Then finally we left the causeway and stopped at Taco Bell. Hadn't had it all week, people were craving! Then we went to Nature's Harvest (think that's the name) an orange place, kinda like a grocery store, gift shop, food place. Sampled juices, bought stuff, had ice cream cones, Jon had orange, Dad had dreamsicle, and I had chocolate and key lime swirl! Fabulous!!! Then we drove for like 19 hours to get home...wow...it was long.
All in all, had a wonderful first trip to the beach. I love it. I'm officially an ocean freak. But, in general traveling is the best. Already planning next year...somewhere less than 19 hours away...Sanibel would be wonderful again but who knows!!!! I will go back to Sanibel though, weddings on the beach I hear are beautiful!!!!!! lol...
Not on the island,
April
