The last week was utterly fantastic, I spent a week long getaway in the sunshine complete with Disney Parks and Harry Potter Land. Disney World is truly a magical place (especially since when you are there you are probably not on the clock) and comes complete with endless food and just the sort of whimsical atmosphere that allows you to escape from reality. I became immediately accustomed to eating dessert several times per day and being completely reliant on restaurants to satisfy all of my dietary needs. I have never been a "child of the sun" so to speak - more like an AC/shade dwelling being, but I must say I put up with the temperatures in the 90s rather well and would have tolerated practically anything just to be away and not working.
Disney World is the ultimate battleground for parents and children. We witnessed tantrums, melt-downs, and all manner of parental misery, both at the parks and hotels. It made me very glad for my childless existence and reinforced even more (if that is even possible) my choice against having children. No offense to all my friends out there who already are moms or want to be moms someday - but be warned, if you take your children to Disney World...Buckle up its going to be a bumpy ride.
On this trip I discovered one of my new favorite places on Earth...Harry Potter Land. Yes, I will readily admit that I was one of those youngsters who after reading The Sorcerer's Stone began packing my bags for Hogwarts; so walking down the streets of Hogsmeade was practically a dream come true. Universal Studios spared no expense and had everything from Butterbeer to Ollivander's Wand Shop. I was in heaven, and now have a "Hermione Granger Wand" perched on my bookshelf as I just couldn't leave without one. I was supremely impressed with all of the rides and details that brought Harry Potter Land to life. My vote would be to continue expansion on the park indefinitely. There may be alot of struggles in the world today, but I for one am very proud to live in the time of the Harry Potter phenomenon.
The hardest part of vacation is always coming back. Now that I see the house and Chloe are safe I am ready to go back and escape the swarms of cicadas that have descended on our state in full force; with carcasses littering the ground it is absolutely disgusting.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Llama In A Wheelchair
Pet rescue events can entice even the strangest of folk to emerge from their normal means of social isolation. The one that I least expected to see was...a llama in a wheelchair. Let's back up a bit...
The past week had been dreadful, full of emotional turmoil (however, highlighted with some success at work). After thoughts of giving St. John's Wort a whirl and a very long talk with my mother, I decided I needed to desist from my usual preparation for doom's day in relationships and once again try to focus on the positives in my life, along with reality. The fact that no matter how irrational my fears may be, I should not be in my pajamas watching Blue Valentine and clutching my Pizza Hut box as if it is my last meal. Luckily, I have a stellar boyfriend who is very understanding of all my scars of the past that tend to creep out at times, who does not make me feel even more ridiculous at those times, than I already do.
Chloe and I had decided to set off into the world (albeit a rainy one) to see what this locally advertised "pet carnival" was all about. The parking was minimal, the rescues were plentiful, and the collection of people was generally strange. On one end they prepared hot dogs for hungry, soaked on-lookers, while on the other a "canine psychic" was reading fortunes for some four-legged friends. I must admit it did sound interesting, whereas Chloe's life could not be more carefree, I could just not imagine what this woman would tell me about Chloe for $20 that was so crucial for me to know. I opted out of that one. There were many rescue dogs in attendance and as we muddled around through the rain - that's when I saw it...the llama in a wheelchair.
My first thought was definitely, "what in tarnation is a llama doing here...in a wheelchair nonetheless?!" This poor llama had lost the use of its hind legs and this very bizarre woman had decided to fabricate a kind of wheelchair device for it to mobilize itself. The llama, "Holly" (as the name tag indicated), seemed perfectly content to be at the carnival in the rain and was very comfortable around all of the dogs, she even tried to nuzzle Chloe, but Chloe wasn't having it. I did notice however that this llama may have not been receiving appropriate medical care as its hind legs looked in bad shape, dragging slightly out the back of the wheelchair and missing large patches of hair. This may have been a very well-meaning individual who just didn't have the resources to care for this handicapped animal. As I looked into Holly's bulging eyes and she continued to chew on thin air, I thought to myself...I only have six days until my vacation and I am not nearly as bad off as this llama.
After leaving the festivities I happened upon my annual Taco Bell craving (I am ashamed to admit) and acquired a bean burrito on the way home. The weekend continued in a positive fashion as I had the chance to see friends, spend some time with my boyfriend, and visit World Market - place of all things global and fantastic. Now that I have replenished my "Ginger Peach Tea" supply I feel that I am able to take on the coming week and count down the days until vacation bliss will ensue.
The past week had been dreadful, full of emotional turmoil (however, highlighted with some success at work). After thoughts of giving St. John's Wort a whirl and a very long talk with my mother, I decided I needed to desist from my usual preparation for doom's day in relationships and once again try to focus on the positives in my life, along with reality. The fact that no matter how irrational my fears may be, I should not be in my pajamas watching Blue Valentine and clutching my Pizza Hut box as if it is my last meal. Luckily, I have a stellar boyfriend who is very understanding of all my scars of the past that tend to creep out at times, who does not make me feel even more ridiculous at those times, than I already do.
Chloe and I had decided to set off into the world (albeit a rainy one) to see what this locally advertised "pet carnival" was all about. The parking was minimal, the rescues were plentiful, and the collection of people was generally strange. On one end they prepared hot dogs for hungry, soaked on-lookers, while on the other a "canine psychic" was reading fortunes for some four-legged friends. I must admit it did sound interesting, whereas Chloe's life could not be more carefree, I could just not imagine what this woman would tell me about Chloe for $20 that was so crucial for me to know. I opted out of that one. There were many rescue dogs in attendance and as we muddled around through the rain - that's when I saw it...the llama in a wheelchair.
My first thought was definitely, "what in tarnation is a llama doing here...in a wheelchair nonetheless?!" This poor llama had lost the use of its hind legs and this very bizarre woman had decided to fabricate a kind of wheelchair device for it to mobilize itself. The llama, "Holly" (as the name tag indicated), seemed perfectly content to be at the carnival in the rain and was very comfortable around all of the dogs, she even tried to nuzzle Chloe, but Chloe wasn't having it. I did notice however that this llama may have not been receiving appropriate medical care as its hind legs looked in bad shape, dragging slightly out the back of the wheelchair and missing large patches of hair. This may have been a very well-meaning individual who just didn't have the resources to care for this handicapped animal. As I looked into Holly's bulging eyes and she continued to chew on thin air, I thought to myself...I only have six days until my vacation and I am not nearly as bad off as this llama.
After leaving the festivities I happened upon my annual Taco Bell craving (I am ashamed to admit) and acquired a bean burrito on the way home. The weekend continued in a positive fashion as I had the chance to see friends, spend some time with my boyfriend, and visit World Market - place of all things global and fantastic. Now that I have replenished my "Ginger Peach Tea" supply I feel that I am able to take on the coming week and count down the days until vacation bliss will ensue.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Revival Of The Garden And A Killer Bargain
Mulch smells like poo, but it sure does look nice when it covers up the inadequate remains of last year. Since the neighborhood association has all but given up on the landscaping, I decided to take matters into my own hands and my own shovel. Several hanging baskets, 4 cubic feet of mulch, 1 rose tree, and ample amounts of begonias later, I have created a mini flower paradise! By no means would I consider myself to be an expert landscaper, but I am proud that aesthetically the garden has been much improved...and nothing has died yet.
In order to maximize the potential success of my garden venture I decided to invest in the "as seen on tv" gardening companion - aqua globes. These ingenious devices (which are made of glass and quite fragile) are designed to provide consistent watering for your plants without having to constantly do it yourself. So far they are working splendidly - aside from the fact that they only sustain the water for several days. I need to stock up in order to ensure that my flowers survive the drought which may ensue during my week long vacation.
With humidity and above average temperatures abounding, it is starting to feel like...well not quite spring, but summer. Now if we could only stop having constantly changing weather forecasts, 30 degree temperature jumps, and thunderstorms, then maybe we could enjoy the outdoors a bit more. Every time I hear "above average temperatures" I think, great the misery of global warming is upon us.
Today at my gym I received a killer coupon that will allow me to partake in the spa services for the very first time. I will be indulging in a facial and massage next week and could not be more excited. Normally I could not afford these very over-priced services, so I plan to treasure every second of the 2 hours that I will be there. It remains essential that I not get attached to these services as they are fleeting (the coupon expires in a month).
In order to maximize the potential success of my garden venture I decided to invest in the "as seen on tv" gardening companion - aqua globes. These ingenious devices (which are made of glass and quite fragile) are designed to provide consistent watering for your plants without having to constantly do it yourself. So far they are working splendidly - aside from the fact that they only sustain the water for several days. I need to stock up in order to ensure that my flowers survive the drought which may ensue during my week long vacation.
Today at my gym I received a killer coupon that will allow me to partake in the spa services for the very first time. I will be indulging in a facial and massage next week and could not be more excited. Normally I could not afford these very over-priced services, so I plan to treasure every second of the 2 hours that I will be there. It remains essential that I not get attached to these services as they are fleeting (the coupon expires in a month).
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Unorthodox Kennel And Various Happenings
Upon our arrival we were greeted by the "owner" and a very large and wild looking dog undergoing a shave. Unlike Sweeny Todd, the man was not British and did not burst out into song, but he did seem a bit off. He proceeded to tell me not to come any closer with Chloe as the dog he was shaving was half wolf and attacked smaller dogs frequently. In fact, he elaborated that this dog had just finished off a mini Schnauzer the previous week...so as you
can imagine my first impression was not one of safety.
The kennels themselves were very unkempt and filled with unsocialized, noisy dogs (not the kind of crowd Chloe and I are used to). Within about two minutes of my arrival I had decided that there was no way I was paying $200 a week for Chloe to stay here, I would have rather paid $200 to avoid the place. Among other things there was an array of farm animals that the man had rescued (which is a very compassionate act) one of which was a donkey that nearly gave Chloe a concussion by kicking at her head, as I was asphyxiating on the airborne gobs of hair. Good intentions aside, he could clearly not handle all the animals in a manner that was up to my standards. After lots of hand sanitizer in the car, we were off from that place, never to return. Luckily, I found another, far superior business - where I am confident Chloe will be treated more as she is accustomed. Moral of the story: always visit kennels, pre-boarding - actually pre-scheduling for that matter.
On the bright side of things, today I went inside a fire house that had been built in 1929 and resembled a castle. It was a real struggle to resist the urge to slide down the fireman's pole, as it stood, brass and gleaming in the very center of the room. I will be doing three consecutive luncheons there for all the shifts, so perhaps then I will have a chance. Historic architecture is such a welcome sight amongst all of the cookie cuter squares that liter the city plan. I am all for charm and character (with modern upgrades of course...and ample pest control).
The battle between Splenda and Truvia is over (well as far as my taste buds are concerned). With its bad after taste and lesser potency, Truvia has been cast out of my pantry indefinitely. I welcome the glorious return of my tried and true (albeit very chemically enhanced) beverage companion, Splenda. I indulged in a glorious cup of tea today with not one, but two packets, just to celebrate.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Refuge of the Non-Coffee Drinker
I once again found myself at my second home...the Starbucks. Yes their free wireless internet and yummy hot chocolate (which I did not partake in today as I had a lunch meeting) they are a winning establishment. Earlier today I was making my usual rounds handing out some updated sales materials and was glad to have a chance to get some work done on the laptop before my lunch meeting. I feel like quite the nomad during the week, making stops at wifi spots when I can and planning lunch dates to ease the loneliness (to be more exact, the loneliness for friendly faces).
The one clear thought I have hanging over my head remains..."you are finally going on vacation (yes a real vacation) in only 17 days!!!" That is the thought that sustains me and I can hardly believe that its real, it still seems to be just a figment of my imagination in a more lucid state. Already having mentally packed my suitcase, I am ready to embark on a much needed escape from reality. I see lots of ice cream, beach type foods, and sunshine in my near future. Praise the gods!
Now that all the hub-bub is over from the royal wedding, it remains to be seen how closely the media will continue to follow Will and Kate. They are no doubt galavanting off to a private island as we speak...eager to escape from the public eye, kudos to them, I could not handle such a public life. Along with my "vacation fever" the royal wedding if nothing else has increased my desire to return to visit the UK 10 fold.
Tomorrow I hit the group fitness classes for round two of kickboxing. Being that my triceps are still sore from last week, it should be a very interesting 60 minutes. The real test will be if I am able to make it out of the gym and to my car on my own two legs.
The one clear thought I have hanging over my head remains..."you are finally going on vacation (yes a real vacation) in only 17 days!!!" That is the thought that sustains me and I can hardly believe that its real, it still seems to be just a figment of my imagination in a more lucid state. Already having mentally packed my suitcase, I am ready to embark on a much needed escape from reality. I see lots of ice cream, beach type foods, and sunshine in my near future. Praise the gods!
Now that all the hub-bub is over from the royal wedding, it remains to be seen how closely the media will continue to follow Will and Kate. They are no doubt galavanting off to a private island as we speak...eager to escape from the public eye, kudos to them, I could not handle such a public life. Along with my "vacation fever" the royal wedding if nothing else has increased my desire to return to visit the UK 10 fold.
Tomorrow I hit the group fitness classes for round two of kickboxing. Being that my triceps are still sore from last week, it should be a very interesting 60 minutes. The real test will be if I am able to make it out of the gym and to my car on my own two legs.
The Most Loathsome Morning of the Week
Monday morning...never a good way to start the day. Well I guess it was good to wake up and find that after 10 years of a strung out war in the Middle East, we finally nailed Bin Laden. That is all well and good, now lets get the heck out of there!
Today's weather is more of the same, rain with a side of rain. Pretty soon I think we all will begin to develop webbed feet to deal with this more aquatic lifestyle. Rainy weather does have certain benefits though, desire to stay in and watch movies/tv under blankets, soup seems more appealing, and the grass will undoubtedly grow another two inches during the course of the day. My new botanicals will certainly appreciate this dousing of moisture - after searching high and low at all of the various garden shops - I finally chose two hanging flower baskets at the most unlikely place of all...the grocery store. Now we will see how long they live.
Rousing myself into a motivated state this morning is proving difficult...but after one cup of tea and watching Bridget Jones last night, I am off to blaze the trail of my winding career path once more.
Today's weather is more of the same, rain with a side of rain. Pretty soon I think we all will begin to develop webbed feet to deal with this more aquatic lifestyle. Rainy weather does have certain benefits though, desire to stay in and watch movies/tv under blankets, soup seems more appealing, and the grass will undoubtedly grow another two inches during the course of the day. My new botanicals will certainly appreciate this dousing of moisture - after searching high and low at all of the various garden shops - I finally chose two hanging flower baskets at the most unlikely place of all...the grocery store. Now we will see how long they live.
Rousing myself into a motivated state this morning is proving difficult...but after one cup of tea and watching Bridget Jones last night, I am off to blaze the trail of my winding career path once more.
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