I have a nickname....?

Perception is a funny thing.

At the birthday party this weekend, I discovered that I have been given a nickname. It's not a bad one, by any stretch - but it sort of took me by surprise. The background info is this is by a newer friend, someone I like a lot and who is the Mom to one of my son's best friends. We met when the boys were in kindergarten. Nice person, great family - I really enjoy being around her and her family/friends. All very nice and warm...

I was leaving the party, and had already packed my daughter up in my SUV and was heading back into the yard to get my son. As I walked into the garage, I saw my girlfriend's sister in law "D" holding my girlfriend's daughter who's going to be 4. As I walked by, I heard the little girl say something about Hannah Montana to me. So I walked back and said "Oh, you like Hannah Montana? She's great, isn't she?" And "D" said "no, she said YOU look like Hannah Montana", so I laughed and said "oh, ya right -- it's the hair. I look nothing like her, but to little kids the hair makes them think of her" and so "D" said " You know that's "T's" mommy" and the little girl said "she looks like Hannah Montana though"...So I laughed and said " so funny, it's just the hair..." So "D" said "Well, it's not a bad thing to be thought of looking like a 17 year old girl!". So I laughed and said "sure, true enough, I'll take it!"

So I was walking back to my truck w/ my son, when "D" said to her husband as I was leaving and saying my final goodbyes -- "Guess what! Barbie has a new nickname -- Hannah Montana". And I looked at her and said "are you talking about me?" and she said "yes" and so I kind of laughed and thought that she didn't remember my name, and thought it was Barbie. Like in Barbara. So I got a little quiet and said to her, "Oh, I’m sorry -- my name is Rebecca, not Barbie" and she laughed and said "no, we call you Barbie". So immediately I turned bright red and said " you do? Who does?" To which she replied "we all do. You didn't know that?!?!". Now I'm beet red, embarrassed but flattered because clearly I didn’t know this tidbit of information. So my girlfriend comes over and tries to explain that when she's referencing me to her friends since I'd only met them once or twice - that was the way they remembered me. As like a Barbie doll. Hence the nickname Barbie.

It's funny, because the way it all came out was sort of awkward, but I'll take the compliment. I think there are far worse things to be called than Barbie, and if I recall not too long ago I wrote a post about why Barbie is living la dolce vita. So while I'm not truly a Barbie doll, to be referenced as such in this day in age, in my thirty-something years -- is definitely a nickname that I'll readily and gladly accept.

Simple yet magnificent at the same time...

Right now, the kids and I are listening to Kids Classical Hour on the classical radio station where they're featuring one of my all time favorite soundtracks "Jurrasic Park" - and talking about the different dinosaurs that used to roam the earth.

At the same time, we're sitting in my son's room going through his dinosaur sticker activity book, matching up all the different kinds of beasts with their respective slots in the book. It's pretty fun, and a great way to spend the morning. My daughter has been, less than cooperative or pleasant over the last 24 hours and so this has been a great way to settle down and have a good time and hopefully start the day off on a good note -- because prior to this, the morning was a little rough.

The music is beautiful if you haven't heard it before, the main theme is one that will probably stick in your head for the remainder of the day -- and just sitting here and appreciating the music with the history of dinosaurs with the kids and a good cup of coffee, is the perfect way to start this sleepy day.

What's cookin' for the weekend??

You know, every Friday I’m glad it’s here --- but for some reason, today I am exceptionally happy that the work week is over. I’m really tired (more on that later!), and a little cranky actually. I’d call today, “Fussy Friday” – that would be a good nickname of the day. I’m a little cranky because I get frustrated at times when good and happy and exciting things go on, and without fail – there can’t be a little drama that goes along with it. That sort of makes me feel….sad, I guess. But it will pass – both the drama, and my feelings about it – because it’s truly not anything for anyone to be upset over.

Especially when there’s so many other good things going on in life! Like a new addition to the family….!! I can’t wait to see my new little nephew who was born earlier this week. I’d have loved to have gone and seen him before he came home, but unfortunately with my work situation as it is -- it’s not as if I can take time off during the day; and my sister in law has been very tired at night so it makes more sense to go see her over the weekend. I am so looking forward to seeing them both. It’s been so long since I’ve held a little baby… sigh. So that’s the fun planned for the end of the weekend….

Rewind to last night. We went to dinner in the North End at Lucca’s. It was….phenomenal. The food was outstanding. The service? That’s a different story…but the funny part about that, is that not having a good seat or good service led to a lot of funny stories that we’ll get to look back and laugh on. And it all turned out well in the end, especially since we had an unexpected guest who lives in the North End come join us at the table and spend the evening with us as well – it was just a really good time overall. And I really can’t say enough about the food. It’s pricey – but worth it. I’d suggest only having one drink with dinner and save the desserts and coffees for one of the cafes. (ooh, or Lulu’s Cupcakes, directly across the street -- whom I love, love, love!!!) Because the bar tab cost as much – if not more – than the meal! But for the meal, it was well worth it. And though I’m suggesting hitting a café or elsewhere for dolci – their flourless chocolate cake was in a word – unbelievable.

Tonight I have yoga after work, which I can’t stress enough how much I’m looking forward to. It’s been far too long –and it is so cold in work today, I can’t wait to get into a hot room and sweat. Then, my son has his last baseball game of the season and cookout. It’s a makeup game from one day that was rained out so…. that should be fun. Tomorrow we have a birthday party that’s a pool party, so fingers crossed that the sun cooperates…

Have a lovely weekend, whatever you may be doing!

One down....

And unfortunately, many more to go.

But at least, the jury knew what was best to do with Neil Entwistle.

Thank God this time, the justice system worked and got it right.

“An eye for an eye would make the whole world blind” was once said by Mahatma Ghandi. And in many cases, for the lesser things in life that we may be wronged by – I whole heartedly agree.

But in this case, and many other horrific cases like it… not so much.

Guess I'm just the vengeful type...

There is a growing epidemic in society, and it’s becoming progressively worse.

It’s called Murder.

I know I’ve written many a rant regarding abuse towards children, but today I’m going to exclude that from my topic list. That in of itself is so abhorrent that it warrants it’s own topic; and I’m sure there will be yet another horrific crime that will trigger one of those rants from me at some point in the future. But today’s topic of disgust is focused around adults. Clearly, divorce just isn’t an option anymore.

1. James Keown poisons his wife with anti-freeze. Ah yes, now there’s a creative one. Hard to trace…difficult to truly have a “smoking gun” with, right? Unfortunately, his actions speak loud enough considering there were enough lies and financial woes to show that there was motive (oh, and admitted interest in investing in a sports car) for insurance money. Poor girl, going to Harvard and working full time – gets poisoned to death by the person she thought loved her?? I’m so looking forward to seeing the conviction come out of this case.

2. Neil Entwistle and his defense team are absolutely insane. I’m sorry, they want a jury of my peers to believe that this woman shot both her infant daughter – and herself -- and then proceeded to get up, put the gun away, avoid dripping blood from her fatal wounds all over the room – and then reposition herself back in bed with the baby and peacefully pass onto the afterlife. Seriously?!?! Clearly they think we’re smoking the same crack that good ol’ Neil is smoking.

3. Scuba Diver and Certified Rescue Diver Gabe Watson just lets his newlywed wife Tina sink to the bottom of the ocean, waving off others trying to help – all for the insurance money. He thought he had the perfect crime; and here this girl was thinking she was marrying the love of her life, the very person who should protect her and care for her all the days of her life. Just a couple of weeks before the wedding he asked her to increase her life insurance policy. Who thinks of these things?!!?!? Especially when you’re planning to get married! That is not the time to be thinking of that…. Maybe if you have children, and life is getting on and you want to ensure that your family is taken care of down the road, but not at this juncture!! And then, to add to insult to injury – at her father’s suggestion – the girl lies to her husband to be – and says she took care of it and increased the policy. The joke is sort of on him – he killed his bride, and she hadn’t increased it. But the guilt her poor father is feeling right now is just awful. However, if he didn’t do it then – rest assured he’d have done it later. It truly turns my stomach.

There are many more cases, but these are just the three at the top of my mind for today. Since when isn’t divorce an option? Is money that important? And if so, here’s a thought for you: WORK for it. INVEST. Truly, a million dollars today isn’t the same as it was a few years ago – and isn’t a person’s life invalueable?!?!

These are just some of the many reasons why I whole heartedly support the death penalty. I don’t believe in forgiveness in some cases. I don’t believe there are people who deserve it. And I truly do not think that God will forsake me for feeling this way.

The perfect "pick me up"....

What’s as good as finding that your favorite lip gloss is available -- and in stock?

As exciting as finding the “perfect” pair of shoes?

Leaving work at lunch to go get your long overdue and much needed hair cut!

(Unfortunately, I will be back…but hey, it’s a like a mini-vacation given the past few weeks I’ve had!)

Ah yes, a date with one’s hairstylist can be as uplifting as having a successful retail therapy session.

And I am on my way…

(I feel better already….!)

Settling into the week...

Enjoy life as it comes, in the precious moments of each day. Live your success and fulfillment here and now, not in some distant, imagined future. Do not set yourself up as a hostage to your circumstances or your inventory of possessions. Choose right now to live richly and fully no matter what. Make joyful and thankful use of whatever you have, wherever you are. There is so very much you have going for you.

Pay no attention to those who scream that you must have this thing or that experience in order to be happy. Ignore them, and simply choose to be happy by creating your own interpretation of happiness all around you.

Keep in mind that most of the people who tell you how bad things are, seek to gain their own power or profit from your dismay. Life is good, life is rich, life is joyful and fulfilling to the extent you choose to make it so.

Open your eyes, look around, and see how truly beautiful your world can be.

Real success is yours the moment you begin to make it.

Don't tread on me....

Today we had a retirement ceremony in work for our Lt. Col. Deputy Director. He is retiring after 24 years of service, and it was a lovely ceremony. I’ve been to many of them over the years; some being very short, sweet and to the point – and others, truly emotional fests complete with not a dry eye in the audience.

This morning’s ceremony was somewhere in the middle. It was very personalized and loving, yet short and not overly drawn out. One of the nicest portions of it in my opinion, outside of the fact that the family is just lovely – was the flag ceremony. I’ve seen several of them, but they are generally flag folding ceremonies. This one was a little different; there was no folding of the flag – it was already folded. But it was passed from service member to service member, and then ended with the Lt. Colonel passing it onto his young son who is an ROTC cadet.

The words that were read, I don’t recall ever hearing previously although it may just be that for whatever reason they resounded with me stronger today than in previous times. And I thought it would be nice to share here. (I apologize in advance for the formatting. I’m copying and pasting it – and it was in all caps. I’m truly not yelling it!)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

I STAND FOR FREEDOM!!

I AM CONFIDENT, I AM ARROGANT, I AM PROUD.

WHEN I AM FLOWN WITH MY FELLOW BANNERS, MY HEAD IS HELD A LITTLE HIGHER

I BOW TO NO ONE!

I STAND GUARD WITH THE GREATEST MILITARY POWER IN THE WORLD.

I STAND FOR PEACE, HONOR, TRUTH, AND JUSTICE

FOR MORE THAN 225 YEARS, I HAVE FOUGHT IN EVERY BATTLE OF EVERY WAR;

GETTYSBURG, SHILOH, APPOMATTOX, SAN JUAN HILL, THE TRENCHES OF FRANCE, THE ARGENNE FOREST, ANZIO, ROME, THE BEACHES OF NORMANDY THE JUNGLES OF GUAM, OKINAWA, A SMALL HILL ON IWO JIMA, TARAWA, KOREA, VIETNAM, IN THE HEAT OF THE ARABIAN GULF, AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ …TO NAME A FEW. LONG FORGOTTEN BY ALL, BUT THOSE WHO WERE WITH ME.

I WAS THERE.

I HAVE BEEN SOILED BURNED TORN AND TRAMPLED

IT DOES NOT HURT FOR I AM INVINCIBLE.

I SHALL OVERCOME FOR I AM STRONG!!

I HAVE SLIPPED THE SURLY BONDS OF EARTH AND, FROM MY VANTAGE POINT ON THE MOON,

I STAND WATCH OVER THE NEW FRONTIERS OF SPACE.

I HAVE BEEN THE SILENT WITNESS TO ALL OF AMERICA'S FINEST HOURS.

BUT MY FINEST HOUR COMES WHEN I AM TORN INTO STRIPS, USED AS BANDAGES FOR MY WOUNDED COMRADES ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE.

WHEN I FLY HALF-MAST TO HONOR MY MILITARY MEMBERS AND WHEN I LIE IN THE TREMBLING ARMS OF A GRIEVING MOTHER - AT THE GRAVESIDE OF HER FALLEN SON OR DAUGHTER

I AM PROUD!

MY LEGACY, MY TRADITIONS, MY BURDENS AND MY HOPES FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

HAVE BEEN PASSED FROM FATHER TO SON SINCE THE DAWN OF OUR GREAT NATION

MY NAME IS "OLD GLORY"

LONG MAY I WAVE DEAR GOD,

LONG MAY I WAVE.

Random Thoughts for this week....

1. Don't sweat the small stuff. So, today wasn't a great day yet again regarding the company I work for. They aren't aware that my task lead fills me in on all the things they say about me -- and he whole heartedly disagrees. Problem is, he doesn't want to jeopardize his own job that he's trying to get upgraded - so he's hesitatant to speak up. Although, he told me that they were "disappointed" in him for not chiming in against me the other day. And truthfully, he told me its because he disagrees and just doesn't want to get in the middle. I can't say that I blame him.

2. I'm in hyperorganization mode again. I bought utility racks for my garage and entirely cleaned it out and reorganized it. I bought another one today for the gym and plan to stack everything neatly rather than the way it is at the moment. Which really irks me. I also bought an over the door shoe rack for the gym as well because truthfully - I'm tired of looking at shoes and sneakers on the stairs. It looks good, and it's neat! Mission accomplished.

3. So excited for this weekend. I'm taking the kids to the Strawberry Festival at Verrill Farm which is our most favorite farm to go to. We've never been to this festival - just the Tomato and Corn one, and I'm sure it won't dissapoint. Fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate!

4. The countdown has begun for the Beckett Bowl. I can't wait to go. I'm hoping my sister will join me earlier in the evening rather than later. Not that I didn't have fun alone last year - but truthfully, it's so much fun to go with someone else. I'm looking forward to seeing the lineup, and it will be pretty exciting to see if any of the Celtics players go. I cant remember who was there from last year -- I think I saw Paul Pierce, and maybe Glen Davis? But I'm not positive.

5. I'm so missing yoga. I haven't been able to go in almost an month now - and I'm so needing it. I think I need a little good karma, and some OM to brighten my otherwise sort of edgy mood. I've been running a decent amount - I'm going to run the lake in a few minutes actually - but it's not the same doing just running. Physically it isn't the same and certainly not mentally. I'm definitely looking forward to trying to get back into my Tuesday/Friday at a minimum.

And that's all I've got for the moment. I had a great post lined up for today -or at least a funny one -but you know, after talking to my task leader this afternoon, I just wasn't feeling very...frivolous.

More than a feeling....

It was so great to watch the Celtics win the Championship last night.

I remember 22 years ago when I watched them with the “Sweet 16”. Back then, there was a rally at City Hall Plaza as opposed to a rolling rally. And so my friend Sharon and I took the first train into Boston, and we were there at 5:30 a.m., front and center for it all. We were interviewed by all the radio stations, television stations, the newspaper – it was awesome. I still have the clippings in one of my scrapbooks. We were officially the first spectators there – and it was such a great time.

There were no riots, no craziness…no flipping of BMWs or breaking glass windows. It wasn’t an unsafe place to be…. I just don’t understand the correlation that people have between winning a sports event and rioting? Because seriously, I don’t see the parallel.

It is DEFINITELY a great time to be in Boston!

(And this is a much better thing to focus on than the Entwistle trial, which seriously, I wish they’d just wrap it up. Why isn’t there the death penalty in Massachusetts?!?! Seriously….there are some people in this world that we are just better off without.)

Reflecting...

Go for long walks.

Indulge in hot baths.

Question your assumptions.

Be kind to yourself.

Live for the moment.

Loosen up…scream.

Curse the world.

Count your blessings.

Just let go…just be.

(carol shields)

I have never...

In all my years as an adult, I have never been spoken to in as condescending and disrespectful a manner as I was to today. The last time I had any kind of issue at work was 15 years ago - and even then I was treated better than I was today.

And I absolutely told her so after she was done.

I don't think she was expecting that. I think she really expected me to sit there and let her talk down to me. I practically laughed at some portions of her speech. Here's the thing - I am so okay with owning my mistakes if they're made. I'm not perfect nor do I pretend to be, so if I've made a mistake, I'm sorry - and I will try not to do it again. But if they haven't been made - and you're going to try to paint me in a corner just because you don't like me (which still blows me away since today was the first time we've met) - be prepared because I do not go down easily.

I have never seen a person try so hard to be professional, yet come across so unprofessionally.

For over 45 minutes afterwards, my task lead was trying to get me to say that I wouldn't quit. I never said that I would; but he saw how I was treated, and how I stood up for myself -and he sees the difference in treatment between employees and just sort of thought I might say "I'm all set with this."

And I still might be. But it will be on my terms....not hers.

Oh, she has no clue as to what she's in for.
I haven't been this angry in years.

Success is the best revenge.....

Everybody's working for the weekend!

Or at least this girl is!

What a game last night! It is really just such a great time to be a sports fan in New England. There was no way I couldn’t watch the game, even when we were down by 24 or whatever it was in the first quarter. See, to me – the thing about basketball is that it’s really anyone’s game until the last quarter – even sometimes the last 5 minutes or so. It’s just one of those games that is so fluid. Everyone really pulled it out last night, but I’m sorry, how great was Ray Allen? I’m pretty tired today because of course, I didn’t go to sleep until 12:30 or so. It was well worth it though.

I worked a bit of OT this week, so as of 11 a.m. – I’m done for the day! I’m looking forward to going home and picking up the kiddies and going out for the day. My son had his last day of first grade yesterday, and we spent the evening in town; the school does a really nice “family fun night” on the town common – and it was a great time for them. Free slush, balloons, popcorn, face painting – and of course a huge place to run around and play with all their friends from school. So today, I’m taking them out to do a little shopping for summer clothes, some gifts for the weekend - and then to my son’s 7 year well visit with his pediatrician.

What does the weekend hold for this girl? Well, let’s see…. Tomorrow, I do believe the kids and I will venture to The Butterfly Place for the first time this year, and then maybe a Kimball’s run shortly thereafter. Tomorrow evening, I have a surprise birthday party for my girlfriend Kim whom I haven’t seen in ages!! So can’t wait for that. And then Sunday, is up in the air at the moment…. But I’m sure we’ll be doing something fun. I know my son has a baseball game in the morning, so…we’ll more than likely end up going visiting afterwards. Actually, it was two of my nephew’s birthdays this past Wednesday and this coming Saturday – so I’m hoping there’s a birthday party in the plans for Sunday. You know, kill three birds with one stone…Father’s Day, birthdays. It’s all good.

(Can I just tell you, this building I work in is disgusting. Oh sure, we have AC now and it’s freezing cold. But it also smells like dirty feet. Truly. Ugh….)

And that my friends, is my story – and I’m sticking to it.

Go Red Sox. Go Celtics.

It definitely is great to be in Boston right now.

Ah, but only in the magic of movies....

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who believed in fairy tales and princes, magic kingdoms and happily ever after.

But then she grew up, and became an adult; complete with the reality of the world, and all that lies within.

Wherever did the fairies with their pixie dust go, with their promises to make life happy and beautiful?

It was only then that she took a long hard look at life, and realized that Prince Charming belonged to the same land that the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny live in.

(However, this modern day and jaded Cinderella that we speak of -- most definitely believes in Santa Claus!)

A serious hole in fashion...

Last night was the Celebrity Putt, and it was nice. The Ferncroft is a
beautiful country club, although we weren't actually allowed inside of
it. Fortunately it was a gorgeous night out and so being outdoors for
the event was a treat. Interestingly enough, a company that I used to
work for was one of the "teams" that was playing with all of the
"celebrities". The owner and I are on excellent terms, and had I gotten
her attention - I'm sure she'd have had me go out there with her if she
could. (She's the same person who invited me to the annual party at
Fenway that I went to in January. ) Only problem is, she's legally blind
so if I'm not right in front of her - or someone doesn't tell her I'm
there, she won't see me - and I wasn't about to yell her name. I mean,
she was probably 6 feet in front of me, but you know - I just am not
that kind of person. So, I watched her and the people she was with (not
her usual entourage who would've seen me and told her I was there) and
got to enjoy seeing how happy they all were meeting the different ball
players and of course, (be still my beating heart!) "the man of the
hour". There were definitely some "interesting" (read between the
lines on that one!) people there, which made me appreciate even more all
the generosity of players giving their time to talk to everyone. It's
got to be tough when you've always got all sorts of people screaming
your name.

So, this morning as I was getting ready for work it truly dawned on me
that I do not have any casual clothes for summer. I have some pretty
work clothes, that are clearly multipurpose for if I'm going out
someplace. But I have no casual shorts, cargo shorts, tank tops, short
sleeved shirts and the like. I don't even have a cute little skirt or
anything like that. You know for if I'm just kicking it back at a
barbecue that isn't a pool party. And truthfully, I could use another
bathing suit or two. Seriously, I have two pair of shorts. One are
these cute purple madras plaid pair that are in the wash - the others
are jeans shorts that I'm wearing today. But I really didn't want to
wear them, you know? I wanted something a little lighter to wear
because yes, it's wet and damp and hot in here again today. So anyway,
it became abundantly apparent that a little shopping is going to have to
take place.

So the list for this weekend's hopeful fix for my fashion woes are....
Shorts, skirts/sundresses, tanks/Tshirts, shoes and sandals.

Suggestions on any places having some great fashion and decent prices?
Because I'm thinking Old Navy and Burlington Coat Factory...
Ms. Ann Taylor and I are getting together next week to spruce up the
rest of the wardrobe.

So much to process...

Today is most definitely a Monday.

To start, I had a conversation with my mother that wasn’t so great; we didn’t argue or anything but life isn’t going well for my parents at the moment so that’s weighing heavily on my mind.

Then, I had an issue with my new company and their policy on vacation time. My task leader just keeps shaking his head because my company is clearly not dealing with the expansion of additional personnel all that well, and for some reason, they’ve decided to use me as their problem child. Only problem is, I’m not doing anything wrong or out of policy. I’ve followed all their requests, submitted my three days off for this summer in advance (yes, only three days! And not together, one a month!!) – had them approved, and still they are having issue with the fact that I work only 35 hours as opposed to 40 because they don’t really want me using vacation time, they’re prefer I comp the time. Which of course I can’t do, since I work 35 hours. And hello – isn’t vacation a benefit that I’m entitled to as an employee?? WTF.

A friend of mine in the office suggested the last time I had the round robin of emails with them, that it may have something to do with my appearance; a thought that hadn’t crossed my mind up until she had said it. The scenario is this: the “president” of the company (whom I do all the interacting with) is a stay at home mom of 4, and her husband is the one I’ve met and inprocessed with. My friend suggested that it’s possible that her husband might have inadvertently made a comment about my appearance, and…since she is the one who actually got my badge made - she might have just put the two together and there you have it: Insta-Meow. I hadn’t even thought about that, because I truly don’t think that way myself – but my friend said candidly that even her husband is sensitive about making comments about her friends appearances to her, just because…well, she might not mean to be upset about it, but she might be. Interesting, huh? So I don’t really know if the issue is my being “part time”, is it just me (as much it can be from not ever meeting me?) – or a combination of both. I’d really hate to think that it would be along the lines of what my friend suggested. Partly because, that’s a sad state of thought from a woman who owns a business; and partly because seriously, that’s just foolish.

Moving on to a phone call I received from the town manager. It was a good phone call, all sorts of exciting things about the petition and a liquor license, but I’m not quite ready to spill the beans on that one, just yet. Needless to say though, it did prompt me to call the local paper and retract a very lovely letter to the editor I had written to thank the people who have graciously supported the cause thus far. That may be better served at a later date if the turn of events that could go place, do occur.

The only real saving grace to the day is that tonight is the Jason Varitek golfing soiree that I’m going to – and of course, some great sushi for dinner.

Hopefully the location is air conditioned, because it’s not air conditioned here in work, and it’s disgustingly humid and sticky in here. Seriously, my clothes feel damp and we’re all sort of sticking to the desks and keyboards.

I so can not wait to hit the shower.

Healthy dose of curiousity...

Today is the last day of soccer, and then for the rest of the summer - Saturdays belong to the kiddies and myself. We've already looked ahead to the Strawberry Festivals over the next few weeks that we're looking forward to, as well as a long overdue trip to the Butterfly Place. So very exciting...

This morning, since its one of the few since September that we haven't had to get ready for dance -- we decided to break out one of my son's birthday presents: Discovery Kids Tornado Maker. We had so much fun! We experimented with different objects in the tornado maker -- as well as different liquids to see how the funnel reacts. It was awesome. Right now, the kids are watching the DVD that came with it, showing how tornados are born and some of the most devastating ones on record.

My son is fascinated with weather - and it's so funny because I said to him, "they're sort of beautiful aren't they?" and he said "no, they're scary...but I'm so curious!". Which is a good thing! He loves science, weather and medicine - I'm hoping to find some sort of science fair we can go to this summer. I know he'd love that.

You Are Rain

You can be warm and sexy. Or cold and unwelcoming. Either way, you slowly bring out the beauty around you. You are best known for: your touch Your dominant state: changing

What Type of Weather Are You?