I am soooooo tired!

Most people say that the summer is their busiest time of the year. With all the nice weather and the schools out, they go off on vacations and spend family time together. I am looking forward to summer. I can't wait for it to get here because all of my activities will stop! The Junior League and book club do not meet in the summer. It will be a huge help. I have been out every night this week with (in order): car club, book club, beer club (OK, that one is fun), running club, and tonight, a hockey game. I love doing all these things and being active. I think I just need a nap.

It all comes at once...

Do you ever notice how big expenses seem to come at one time? Well, they certainly have in our house this week. We just had our fence finished, so we are expecting a big charge any day now. Bill took our classic car in for repairs, and the bill is more than we thought. The repairs are necessary, so it needs to get done. We also gave the contractor the go ahead for our new deck. That happened yesterday, but before we knew the repairs would be more expensive. It all comes at one time.

In regard to yesterday's post, we got home much later last night than I had anticipated. I only read for about half an hour, so I got up at 5:30 when my sweetie got up. I finally finished the book as I ate breakfast this morning. I hope I can stay awake long enough to participate in the book club meeting!!

I need to read more

What is it about a book that is "assigned" versus a book that you choose for pleasure? I am reading a book called "The Tender Bar" for my book club meeting tomorrow. I have had the book for over 2 weeks, but have still not finished it yet. All last week if I felt like reading I would pick up a magazine instead of this book. The book is not bad, and it is not difficult to read. The story is interesting - a memoir about a man who grew up on Long Island in the early 70s and later went to Yale to become a reporter. It is a good story, yet I still don't want to pick it up because it was not "my choice" to read it. I don't know why there is a mental block when it comes to reading my book club books. Last month, I read about 3 pages, knew I would hate it, and decided not to go to the meeting. I try to limit myself to 2 of those a year.

Oh well. I am determined to finish this book (94 pages left!). I read for over 3 hours last night, about an hour this morning, then 2 more hours between now and 7:30 pm tomorrow..............I should be good to go!

The Great Human Race

Yesterday, Bill and I ran in The Great Human Race. It is a race put on by the Volunteer Center to raise money for all of the great small organizations that do volunteer work around town. The race was a 5k through the Downtown area. Bill did very well, finishing just a few seconds off his time from last year. I also finished, under the 45 minute mark I wanted, but in over a minute past last year's time. I am pretty disappointed since I have been running (although not regularly). I really thought I might do a little bit better (of course, I am also carrying more weight this year) since I felt like I ran more that I did last year.

Oh well, I guess I just need to use this run as a baseline for my future runs, and hope I see improvement. I did participate in my first running class just Thursday, so it is too soon to see improvement. I know I will run the Komen race in June as well as the 4th of July race. Let's just hope I can write a glowing blog about how great my time was on those races...

First Run

I went to my first "group run" class last night. I would say it was less of a class, and more of chaos. I was told the wrong place to go, so I waited with the advanced group. Someone then yelled "There go the beginners!" and I had to run to catch up with them. The group part did not really exist either. People started running at a designated spot. If you couldn't keep up, well, you just fell behind. So, basically, it was like running by myself in an unfamiliar place. I hope next week will be better...

Hittin' The Sauce

So, we went out of town this past weekend. Where did we have to stop on the way back? The Flying Saucer, of course!! We made a pit stop in Columbia, SC, to go to the local Sauce there. It was totally different, yet still the same as our beloved Raleigh version. They had plates on the wall, but their inscriptions are around the outside instead of in the middle. They served burgers - a food we cannot have in our first floor space in Raleigh because the grill could not be properly vented (we checked with the manager last night). They still did trivia on Tuesdays, glasses on Wednesday, but have mystery brews on Thursday.

It was fun to visit the place. There are several locations - the next nearest one in Charlotte. Guess we'll have to take a road trip some day to the other locations. San Antonio would be fun!!

Always Fashionable...

I have been paying bills this week, and it has been unpleasant. I have purchased lots of things for spring/summer - more than I thought!! I have several (I think five) new dresses for the spring. Dresses are hot this year, and with my figure, are comfortable and flattering on me. I have also purchased some new shoes (are you really surprised?). There are still so many things I need (and want). I think it is about time for a new purse. For some reason, I am feeling like a lime green purse or maybe pink. This season is all about color after all...but, there is something to the metallics. Of course, you can never go wrong with a simple white/off-white bag. Thank goodness I was able to pick up the latest Style Watch from People Magazine this morning. Maybe that issue will help me to decide what I want. Now, when can I go shopping??

Traditions

Bill and I went to The Citadel in Charleston, SC, this past weekend to celebrate Corps Day. Corps Day marks the birthday of The Citadel. This year, El Cid celebrated number 164.

This trip was my 4th to The Citadel (I think). The thing I love best about visiting is that you know what you will see when you get there. The college is steeped in traditions. The parade is the same one the cadets will march and have marched for years. The Summerall Guard will perform that same silent drill that they always perform. It is a drill that is handed down with each class of cadets. It has never been written, so the secret lives with those who perform it. It is a great thing to know that next year, ten years, even thirty-two years from now when we celebrate Bill's 50th reunion, we will see the same tradition.

Reality Sucks

I often build up in my mind how great something is going to be. I am always depressed when the reality does not live up to my fantasy. I wish I could learn not to anticipate and just live in the moment.

Who has a case of the Mondays?

In case you do not recognize that phrase, it comes from the classic comedy movie "Office Space." If you work in an office of any sort, this movie will pretty much sum up your experience. It's a great comedy, full of great quotes and lots of laughs.

Today is another one of those days when I wish I had a three day weekend. This past weekend was full of sunshine and beautiful weather. It was one of those weekends that lets you know Spring is definitely on its way. I did get to enjoy parts of it, but I was working on the latest edition of the League newsletter. I was able to break it up between the 2 days, so it wasn't that bad. Bill, Sammy, and I were able to enjoy the best weather on Saturday by taking a stroll/jog around Duke golf course. Later that day, Bill and I took advantage of the cool evening by sitting outside at The Sauce to enjoy our 3 beers a piece. It is a little cooler today, but over the next 2 days the temperature will rise to about 76 for a high. Talk about perfect weather!!

We found out today that our new fence will be installed in the backyard during the late part of this week, and we have 2 companies coming out to quote our new deck. I am so excited!! Soon, our backyard will be new and improved, and ready for the season full of grilling.

Two Beautiful Boys

Just look at this picture mt sister-in-law sent of my two nephews, Matthew and Guinness. How lucky is she?

A Little Recognition

Last night was our monthly meeting for The Junior League. It was very nice, and I was surprised to be recognized for all of my hard work on the March edition of our newsletter. The Membership Recruitment and Recognition committee has me go to the front of the meeting. They proceeded to sing an original sound about me to the tune of the theme song from "Good Times." They changed the words to work around League Lines. It was very cute and quite creative. I also received a tote bag and a luggage tag with the JL logo. Hard work does pay off!! The timing was good, too, since I have to start the April edition this weekend...

I just don't get it

There was a front page article this morning about folks demonstrating yesterday for a same sex marriage ban here in North Carolina. Why do those people feel they have a right to determine what other people do? I really do not understand why people care if someone else marries a person of the same gender. I personally do not think love in any form can be wrong. So what if two women or two men love each other and want to commit to spending their lives together? I think that sort of commitment is wonderful. It should be celebrated regardless of the couple.

Why does our government think they should have a say in who gets married? It had nothing to do with the government, it is a personal choice to get married. Doesn't the government have better things to do such as extracting the U.S. from this horrible war we caused? I just don't get it. Frankly, I hope I never have that closed of a mind that I do get it.

Love/Hate time of year

It's that time of year that I love/hate - the transition to Spring. I love Spring will all the bright colors and sunny days. The flowers bloom, the birds sing, and the temperatures start to get warmer. Which brings me to what I hate - the weird moderate what the heck do I wear temperature! I don't like the cold mornings followed by warm afternoons. I never know how to dress. Do I wear a sweater? Will short sleeves be too cold? Should I wear hose or will I be warm? I never know what to wear when it will be anywhere between 57-78 degrees out. No matter what I try, it is never quite the right thing.

As a side bar, I do love to shop for spring clothes (of course, I like to shop anytime!) and buy fresh, new things. Still, by favorite time of year is the fall. I love the leaves turning colors, the days getting cooler, and the anticipation of the birthdays (mine and Bill's) and holidays to come. Fall is my number one, but I will enjoy the Spring while it is here.

Why can't there always be three day weekends?

There never seems to be enough time for the weekends! You seem to need 2 days to clean and do all the little things that never get done over the work week, then one whole day to relax. It would be so nice!

This weekend went by too quickly. Saturday was a day for errands after finally leaving the house at about 2:00 pm. Bill and I had to eat an early dinner since we were going to a performance at 8:00 pm. So, we decide to head to this wonderful Turkish restaurant in Chapel Hill. The food was spectacular. It reaffirmed my love of ethnic cooking. We had a spread made from red peppers and spices, then I enjoyed a layered eggplant dish for my meal. We wound up with 2 desserts because the waitress misunderstood what I had said. We were able to try a traditional dessert of shredded wheat stuffed with cheese and topped with a sweet syrup and pistachios. It sounds strange, but it was good. After diner, we went to a performance of Choreo Collective. My friend, Michelle, is a performer in the group. I enjoyed the two pieces she performed, but, I must admit, I am still trying to figure out some of the other pieces. I had never seen modern dance before, so it made for a new experience.

Sunday was a day of working around the house, working outside of the house, and going to the grocery store. After all that work, Bill made us a great dinner. We had jumbo pasta shells stuffed with ricotta, sausage, and spinach. It was wonderful. After dinner, we watched "The Prestige". It was OK, but I liked "The Illusionist" better. They are both worth checking out if you like magic.

CANES WIN!!

The Canes beat Pittsburgh last night 3-2. It was a great game (after the Canes settled in the second period). The crowd was nearly sold out, there were fights, great bursts of offense and defense, and plenty of cheering. Sadly, I was not really into it. I was yawning the whole time, and could see where Bill finds it boring. Yes, the in-game entertainment is the same each time. I started noticing those little things last night, and they began to bug me. It took away from the enjoyment of the overall game. I think I need a hockey break. I never thought I would say that in a million years! Our next game is not until March 30. I hope I will enjoy that match up more.

On the bright side, the two beers at The Flying Saucer last night after the game were delicious!

Goin to the Canes Game

Tonight, we are going to The Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Game. The Canes won The Stanley Cup last year, but have not had the same stellar season this year. They have been struggling all season. It is now about 1 month to go in the regular season, and Carolina has dropped to number nine in the East. For those of you non-hockey folks, the top 8 teams go to the playoffs. Nine gets you nada. They are just a few points out of the playoffs, but if they continue this losing streak, I fear they will never get those points back. They play The Pittsburgh Penguins tonight (currently number 5). It should be a good battle, I hope the boys show up.

In other news, I did watch parts of America's Next Top Model. I missed most of the first hour, but did see the challenge and most of the judging. I still can't decide if I will watch the full season. Last night, I found a new show on VH1 called "The Agency." It is a real life look at the Wilhelmina Agency in NYC. Maybe I will just get my model fix there...