Happy Dance

Oh happy, happy, joy, joy! Guess what!?!?! Can you guess? Do you see the pictures below? Do you know what this means??

You can barely see it, but it's there. It is a moving truck. My crotchety neighbors have moved!

I really do not need to give you the gory details like how they were obnoxiously loud at 7:30 in the morning on Saturday or how there were about eight vehicles parking other people in or how their moving truck was parked across my garage so I could not back my car out - an infraction that I was guilty of when moving in, but politely moved when asked even though I got the evil eye and an uninviting stare. I do not need to tell you all this because does it really matter????!?!?!? NO! They are gone and the apartment below me will be vacant for a couple of weeks, at least. And, there is always hope that the new neighbors will be friendly and inviting.

All things listy-like

Photo courtesy Daytime Night Owl
A just because picture to give you something to look at.

For the sake of my lack of creative mind, here are a few listy-like things that might tell you a little more about me.

I own these television series:

• Charmed
• Prison Break
• Little House on the Prairie
• Mork & Mindy
• Alice

I covet these television series:

• The Walton’s (At one time, I owned a few of these, but they were actually stolen from me.)
• Punky Brewster
• The Facts of Life
• Silver Spoons
• Knight Rider
• The Smurfs
• Bosom Buddies

Cartoons or television series that I’d like to see (but not necessarily own) for nostalgia purposes:

• Fraggle Rock
• Family Ties
• Charles in Charge
• The A-Team
• Family Ties
• Quantum Leap
• Lavern & Shirley
  

Nicknames given to me and currently used by people in my life:

• Shorty
• Half-pint
• JB
• *My last name*
• Princess
• Jessigirl
• Chica

Some things I hate:

• Clowns (or anyone with clown-looking make up)
• My lack of understanding, prior to college, of the massive amount opportunities available
• When people ask me a bagillion times when I am going to get married, have children, or make them grandparents
• Random chatter
• Loud people
• Small talk
• Smutty television shows
• The color pink
• Blogger formatting (or lack thereof)

Some things I love:

• Veggies
• Mountain Dew
• Thunderstorms
• Good friends
• Patterns (stripes, flowers, number patterns) and geometric shapes (squares, circles, rectangles, triangles)
• Bold colors and earth tone colors
• Lists
  
  

Neighborly Goodness

To my surprise, my doorbell rang Sunday evening. I couldn’t fathom who could be at my door because no one really comes to visit unexpectedly. I ran to the bedroom window to peer down at the unsuspecting visitor and, lo and behold, it was the neighbor lady. Not the same neighbor lady as my last encounter. No, this time, it was the 80 year old mother.

Great, I thought. Now what?

I tried to be positive. I really did. I went to the door with a smile, greeted her warmly and waited anxiously for her to state her objective. Unfortunately, my suspicions were confirmed as she made her request. She asked if My Friend could park elsewhere leaving this particular space open for her because she’s getting older and it is hard for her to get around and walk that far. And it wouldn’t be for long because they were planning on moving soon.

Now, this is a request that I would ordinarily be more than happy to oblige. Respect for my elders was something I learned a long time ago from my father. Even in this particular instance, I was willing to be open to the possibility of accommodating her request.

That was until I began to close the door and she said, “And not to be mean but we were here first, you know.” WHAT?!? My first thought was, Like mother, like daughter. Neither one of them knows how to be nice or is even slightly interested in being neighborly.

I closed the door and went back upstairs and posed her request to My Friend. He laughed. He felt the same as I. If they weren’t such callous people, would we be happy to be accommodating. The parking lot is an open lot for everyone. Even if My Friend didn’t park in this particular space (it is a crapshoot, really), someone else could and does. Moreover, we each have a parking space in the garage that isn’t 10 feet from their front door. If it is so hard for the 80 year old mother to get around, why isn’t the daughter letting her park in the garage? Umm, hello! I also wonder what this 80 year old woman who is apparently not able to get around well is doing driving in the first place.

Maybe My Friend and I are just as callous and maybe we should take the high road and accommodate the elderly woman’s request. If we did, would it matter? Would the neighbors be nice? Would they be appreciative? I doubt it.

Play ball!

I got to go to the Detroit Tiger's game on Sunday! I love going to stuff like that. I love watching live sports. Watching it on TV just isn't as exciting. I cannot say that I am an avid sports fan. I don't follow any sport these days and I couldn't even tell you who plays anymore. Nonetheless, I had fun.

It was an extremely hot day. 93 degrees and sunshine all the way. I wasn't complaining though. I love the sun and I love summer. After you came to terms with the fact that you're just going to be drenched with sweat, it wasn't so bad. At least, I didn't think so. I even got a little sunburntan.

Photos courtesy Daytime Night Owl

Here’s what goin’ on

This week has been a little, well, blah. I’m not overly tired, but I am feeling a bit of weariness from getting up earlier than I am used to, working long 10 hour days and working six days out of seven a week. I promise you, I am not complaining. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work some extra hours and stash away a little extra cash.

In addition to the earlier mornings and long hours, it is summer time. The season that I yearn for all year long. When summer finally makes its long awaited appearance, the warm weather and sunshine seem to come and go so quickly. I am trying to make it a point to enjoy the warmth and sunshine even though, most nights, I would rather go home and crawl into bed.

The weekends have been action packed and there are no signs of slowing. Last weekend, one of my best girl friends brought a new life into this world. I spent a great deal of Saturday in the town left behind visiting with her and her new baby boy. Of course, no Saturday is complete without a trip to Wal-Mart and the loss of a $100 bill. A sly purchase made by My Friend resulted in a Saturday night game of Monopoly. I am learning that My Friend has a tendency to talk a big game and then get his butt kicked. The game is not over yet, but let me just tell you that I am way ahead.

Photo courtesy Hasbro

Photo courtesy Daytime Night Owl

Sunday, My Friend surprised me with a trip to the zoo. Giraffes and zebras and impalas, oh my!

Photo collection courtesy Daytime Night Owl

It was such a nice surprise considering I have no recollection of ever going to the zoo in my life. I am sure I have, but I really don’t remember. It was a beautiful sunny day with a nice breeze. It wasn’t too crowded and we did not encounter any rude people. The day went off without a hitch. The only unfortunate incident that I encountered was in the restroom. Everyone always stops at the restroom when they arrive and, of course, the smallest restroom in the joint is near the entrance. Three whole stalls for a mass of people. As I am standing in line, the girl in front of me suddently turns towards the door, covers her mouth and blows chunks everywhere. (And I mean chunks!) I felt really bad for her, but there was really nothing anyone could do for her. As soon as the next stall became available, I got in and out and made sure to thoroughly wash my hands. Apparently, vomiting did not deter her from attempting to enjoy the zoo because I saw her again 4+ hours later when we were leaving.

After the zoo and the hour and a half drive home, we headed to the house of a friend of My Friend for dinner. Dinner was delicious (um, anytime you have steak, you will never hear a complaint from me). I finally made it home at 9 pm and dropped myself on the couch for about a half hour. When I could no longer keep my eyes open, I fell into bed.

The coming weekend will be no less busy. Two of my very dear friends are coming into town. One Friday night from Florida. One Saturday night from Tennessee. Both will be here for longer than the weekend, thankfully, because I am not sure I’ll have time to see them. Saturday will be work in the morning, boating with mom in the afternoon (I have to go or she will be upset because I have cancelled on her twice already), then a graduation in the evening, possibly followed by meeting a friend for a drink or dinner. Sunday is an all day outing at a baseball game.

Whew…I’m tired just thinking about it.