Spady Family

Hey everyone if you have a chance please visit this blog... http://www.bethjansenphotographynews.blogspot.com/ and read the post on Nov. 18th. This family is having to endure some horrible stuff and if there's anything anyone can do for them please do so. I don't know them personally but I found out about them from one of my favorite photographers. She does some amazing things...not only with photos, but as a human. Tis the season.

Just a Blonde's Take

Bridget

My Apologies

I'm so sorry dear blogging family for neglecting you for so long. My small crazy world has been unusually busy and so much has happened since I last posted. I'm also sorry that this post is going to have no rhyme or reason...I've got too many random bits of info to share that this is going to be all over the place. So let me get you all up to speed...

Well, currently I must admit I'm just a little bummed. My brother was here on leave for a few weeks and just left again this Sunday. This time saying good bye wasn't nearly as hard knowing he'll be home for the upcoming holidays. His visits are always too short and I feel like I never get enough time with him. But I cherish the moments we do get together and anticipate our next meeting. And let me just brag about him for a moment...instead of my Marine bro spending all of his money on getting wasted and taking out hot chicks he took his two sisters out (I was a little mad, I wanted to pay...what can you do though? I'm not taking on a weapon of the government...as he calls himself) And Sunday when my parents came by the house to help me with my new garden (I'll elaborate) they presented me with a gift little bro bought for me. It was the ENTIRE Sex and the City TV series collection in the Hot pink fuzzy box and all! I think I may have mentioned a story about how I wanted it and would probably buy if for myself at Christmas. And apparently he got lil sis an Ipod! What? I couldn't and still can't understand what made him do that, (and not that I even care about getting gifts) but the thought was so nice and I love him for being so generous and sweet. Anyway moving on...

So like I mentioned I now have a garden in my back yard (thanks to the wonderful help of my parental units) My dad cut limbs, tilled the earth, and repaired a fence and gate...my step mom helped me dig up roots, measure, design, pick plants and oversee dad. She's a wonderful project manager! It's not quite done, I need to add a few more plants and some rocks and mulch, but overall I think it's a success! Tonight dad and I will be putting in some sod for the part of the yard that got torn up in the construction of my new porch...ahhh, yet something else for me to share! Now the hard part will be keeping everything alive! I've taken some before and after pics so those I'll share with you all soon!

So my new porch!! For those who hadn't experienced the worst back porch ever let me just tell you. Before the porch was made up of giant square cement pavers that had warped and sunken over the years which created a giant mud pit. When it rained water and mud would collect and my "back porch" suddenly became a giant bowl of mud and water. Not too much fun when you have two dogs you have to let in and out all day. So I contacted a friend that I know that does concrete and had him come out and pour me a new porch. (Again, before and after pics on their way). I must say I'm pretty happy with the end result. We had our first patio party a few weekends ago and it was just lovely! We finally got to season our Chiminea and bust out the pottery barn patio lights. Hopefully with the new garden many more patio parties will take place.

Moving right along, I must tell you all I'm super excited to share that me and the drummer will be embarking on our first trip together soon! We will be heading to the Big Apple, The city that never sleeps, the melting pot of America...yep We're going to NYC! We fly into Newark Airport in NJ and will be traveling back and forth from the shores of Jersey to the busy streets of Manhattan. The whole reason for the trip is so we can see one of our favorite singers, songwriter, producer, most hottest man ever play at Maxwell's in Hoboken NJ! Yes, you are correct I speak of the genius that is Butch Walker!!!! For those who haven't had him shoved down your throat by the drummer he is musical loveliness! Check him out...you will not be disappointed. There aren't many musicians that I believe that put much emotion much less every ounce of their souls into their craft anymore. I was (force fed) introduced to Butch Walker when me and the drummer started dating. He always had him playing in the car or on the computer. So I thought his stuff was pretty good...I fell in love when we went to his show last year. The drummer to this day jokes that he could have asked me to marry him and I wouldn't have known because I was fixed on Mr. Walker. Hearing Butch Walker's music live is unlike anything I've ever experienced. I've always liked music but I've never been one to obsess or ooze about it. I don't consider myself a "music person". But all I know is something happened in that venue and some way somehow I fell in love with Mr. Walker on a level that I've yet to understand. It's not a romantic love or even a love for a friend...it's something so different. "Snap" Whoa what just happened? How did my post end up here?? OK, so now you see why we are flying half way across the country to see a concert. Nuf said. I'm excited to see all that the city has to offer and to be able to share it all with the drummer. Anyone have any good ideas on what to see or do? I've got a list going including but not limited to...The Bronx zoo, Coney Island, Ground Zero, The statue of liberty, Times Square, Wall street, Central Park, shopping (of course) and any local pub or cafe that looks too good to pass up!

And my last bit of info that's kept me away for so long, is my new position!! Yep, this blondie got herself promoted! It's quite different from what I was doing before so I've had to endure lots of training. I'm way pumped though and it's a nice change. I'm actually the boss instead of being bossed. I think that's what's been the hardest thing to overcome. Getting used to telling others what to do instead of taking orders and doing it all myself. Oh, just another step into becoming an adult. (when do we ever actually become one?)

Well, my lovelies I hope this starts to make up for my absence. I promise to try and not leave for so long again. See you all again if not before my trip, but after!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

KNOW YOUR GENES?

May I present to you....Axel, the new 4 legged love of my life (not to exclude Riley). The drummer and I have been looking at adopting a new dog for a while now and we finally found him! I was chatting with a fellow co-worker the other day and it came up that she was a foster mom for our city's Humane Society. Well, I hadn't been on (stalking) their website yet so she showed me the link and I immediately spotted him. I emailed the drummer his pics and info (as I frequently do with other dogs...It's almost an illness) and told him that I thought that this was the one! He fell in love as quickly as I did and the next thing you know I'm filling out the online application. Now there was a little mix up with his name and picture at first...(they accidentally put his picture with his brother's name...Ace) But everything was quickly sorted out and we got our little (huge) puppy boy.

So, now that we've gotten him home and we're sharing our good news with family and friends the question of, "what kind of dog is he?" keeps popping up. Well? We don't really know? With Riley it was easy...A Golden Retriever (I got her from a breeder, she's got papers). But since Axel was abandoned on the side of a country road along with his siblings we don't know what breed his parents were. And his adoption paperwork only makes things more confusing...according to those and the website he's a Lab/Saint Bernard/Hound/Shepard mix? So being the proactive (annoyingly curious) mommy that I am, I searched the web for this:

It's a Pet DNA test that you do at home! You just swab the inside of their cheek with the test swab in the kit, put it in the envelope provided and send it off to the lab (no pun intended)(even though I think it's really cute to think there's a Labrador in a lab coat and goggles testing swabs...awwwe). In a few weeks they send you back the results with a cute certificate that tells you exactly who your dog's ancestors are! Pretty cool I think. I can't wait to find out just exactly what breed Axel is. Not only will it make my response to "what kind of dog is it?" a lot more simple, it will also provide us with valuable information about our pet like physical and behavioral traits that are specific to certain breeds. What I can tell for now is that he's going to be a Super Sized Big Boy (his paws are already bigger than my 75 lbs. Golden's). So I'll definitely let you all know what breed(s) Axel is when his test results come in, but in the meantime do you know your pet's breed? Do you know your own Pedigree? Can you guess what my puppy's chemical makeup consists of? Can't wait to see if anyone is right!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

CELEBRATING THE 4TH

As the 4th of July approaches us this week, I can't help but find myself somewhat sad. The sight of American flags hanging from every possible place and talk of fireworks only makes me miss my baby brother more. You see my brother is a part of the Marine Corps and is in Iraq as we type. I worry/think about him everyday and this week I find my thoughts wandering to him even more. I come from a very Patriotic family. My dad always tried to instill in us the importance of country and to uphold the ideals of our founding fathers. The constitution was almost regarded as highly as the Bible in our house. He had it posted along with the amendments on our refrigerator (the place where all things important are posted...school papers, reminders, pizza coupons). So naturally my brother wanted to defend and serve his country by joining the Marines. Now I have to say, with the exception of my father, everyone was pretty shocked and upset that my little bro decided to join the Marine Corps during the middle of a war. Not that we didn't support him in his decision or weren't proud as hell, but just worried of what that might mean in the future. A moment I will Never forget is seeing my brother for the first time after he completed boot camp. The drill Sargents had us all (family) confined to a small roped off square. All our boys came jogging out of the barracks chanting their steps. They paused in front of us staring straight ahead as we all yelled and screamed. I remember seeing my brother out of the crowd and the look on his face. It was like a dream. I could barely scream...my voice cracked...I was so excited and so over joyed that I was starting to cry as I yelled. I couldn't get it all out fast enough. The graduation was a 2 day affair, and that first glimpse of our loved ones only ended up being a tease. They had to go back to their barracks and get ready. The next day they graduated and I've never seen more relief on more faces in my whole life. I have a dear childhood friend who is also in the Marine Corps and was stationed in a nearby area. He came to my brother's graduation and presented him with a Marine coin that was given to him for good luck by another Marine before he left to fight in the war (my bro is supposed to pass it on to someone else before their first tour when he gets back). It was such a thoughtful and meaningful gift. And I felt so touched and honored that he thought enough of my brother to give it to him. I'll never forget that weekend. I got to see the ocean for the first time and it was with my brother who was starting a new chapter in his life.

The Family at my bro's graduation in San Diego

Sister, Me, Brother, Dad, and Step Mom

At the Ocean

I can't bring myself to watch the news anymore (not that I was an avid watcher before) I'm constantly afraid of what I might hear or see. I know myself well enough to know that I would drive myself crazy with worry. However despite all the worry and sadness I feel. I can't help but have a huge sense of pride. Pride in my brother, my country, and our military and their families. I now know how hard it is to see your loved ones get on a plane and not be sure if that's the last time that you'll ever see them. To know that where they are going is directly in harms way and that they are doing it all for their country. And I can't help but feel ashamed that I'm not strong or courageous enough to do it myself. This will be the first 4th of July that I'll celebrate since my brother has been gone and I know it will be hard to watch the fireworks without being a little sad and missing him. So with the rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air I'll be rooting for all our troops. HOOORRAAAHHHH! SEMPER FI

Happy 4th Everyone!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

BOGGLE!

(Flickering lights) And then blackness. That was last nights scene as I was trying to finally organize my closet. From what I can guess, we lost power due to the high winds. Probably some 100 year old tree lost one of it's trunks. The whole street was black. I was really glad not to be alone. The drummer just got in town earlier that day from working out of town or else I would have had to endure the darkness with just Riley. It was kinda sweet, b/c it was our first power outage together much less in our new house. The drummer couldn't believe I was able to light our whole house with my out of control collection of candles. (As I was unpacking them the other day I was wondering why a person could have so many and contemplated on throwing a few away) Whew, glad the pack rat in me prevailed and I had them all to use (see sometimes you really will need it). Anyway, the drummer and I were sitting at our kitchen table sipping on a couple of cold drinks just staring at each other not really knowing what to do with ourselves. The drummer just looked at me and said, "we rely on electricity way too much!"...I just started laughing and thought about people long gone and how they dealt without electricity. Then I started to wonder what in the hell can we do besides just look at each other...can't do laundry, can't watch TV, we can have sex I exclaim (his eyes brightened) wait nope not a good week can't do that either. Wait I have the perfect idea...we can play Boggle!! The drummer looks at me unamused and asks, "what in the hell is that?" It's a game I say and it's really fun. For those that have never played it's a spelling game where you shake a rack of lettered cubes and get them all in a space and find random words within the allotted time. It's really actually pretty fun. I'm not even a good speller and I can do it. The drummer seems a little leery about playing a spelling game, especially since he isn't a good speller either. But I convince him with my lovely charm and we play. He was really pretty good for his first time. I'm not sure who won since he didn't keep track,why play?, (the Monica side of me) but I'm pretty sure I did! So it's getting late by now and there's no sign of the lights coming on soon, so we go to bed. I tell the drummer to blow out the last candle and turn off the lantern. As soon as he does the lights and everything else we had plugged in turned on! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Oh well, we had fun and it was all sorta romantic. We got back up turned everything off again and headed to bed, Again. So my question to all of you is what do you do in a power outage?

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

Sex and the City

So I took some time today to take a quiz that my lovely friend Deb had posted on her site and here are my results. I have to say they don't really surprise me, even though I thought I had a little more Samantha in me than this quiz indicates. Here's the link if you're curious as to what character you are. http://quiz.ivillage.com/astrology/tests/sexandthecity.htm


You scored 50% Carrie Your answers peg you as a Carrie-type, much influenced by the Air Sign qualities associated with Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Like confident Carrie, a sex columnist, you're curious and perceptive, always seeking answers and never satisfied with the superficial. An Air Sign influence can lead to indecision and an avoidance of tough issues, like with Carrie and her on-again, off-again attachment to Mr. Big. Forward-thinking, incredibly intelligent and witty, you just exude quirky charm. You'd be utterly bored by someone who's just a pretty face or hot body -- though you don't mind looking and flirting! You're more turned on by an equally smart and funny mate, someone who challenges your mind and makes you laugh. You love to talk, so you need a good listener who's open to playful and eccentric ideas about love and lovemaking.

You scored 20% Samantha You identify with Samantha's bold and liberated Fire Sign qualities, characteristics associated with the Signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. You're strong, audacious and larger than life -- and you take what you want! Sometimes you can even be thoughtless and selfish, as you get so caught up in craving immediate gratification and excitement that you overlook someone's feelings. Your personal style likely reflects your desires: sleek, low-cut, revealing just a bit more than might be considered acceptable. Watch that you're not coming on too strong, though. You could scare potential suitors off with all your drama. If you seek so much attention, the more basic qualities of the Fire Signs could be burned right out of the picture. Show less skin or cleavage and more of your creativity, your vibrant leadership skills and courageous generosity!

You scored 20% Charlotte A romantic at heart, you chose the answers that demure Charlotte may have chosen. Strongly influenced by the intuitive, profound and sometimes naïve Water Signs -- Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces -- you're like a mother, a mystery and a poet all in one. Though on the surface you may seem innocent and all about seeking the good in people, beneath the surface, you hide secret yearnings for intimacy, for attachment and ideal love. You're seeking a knight in shining armor, a soul mate, someone who will complete you and tether you to the earth when you get carried away with your fantasies. You're super-sensitive, soaking up the moods of others; you emote freely, crying at commercials and sappy movies. You also provide a shoulder to cry on and open arms for hugs. Be careful that you're not so wide-eyed and trusting that you get taken in by some cunning wolf in sheep's clothing.

You scored 10% Miranda You chose many of the same answers that Earth Sign-like Miranda, the cynical but pragmatic lawyer, might have chosen. Just like Miranda's had a tough time deciding whether to give in to the affections of Steve the Bartender, you don't give your heart up to just anyone. Miranda shies away from a relationship with Steve because he's 'just' a bartender, not something more conventionally ambitious or stable. Those with powerful Earth Sign qualities -- characteristics associated with Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn -- are cautious in love and seek stability and status over nearly anything else. Earth Signs provide a steady, realistic attitude and they can bring order out of chaos. A little-known Earth Sign fact: Incredibly sensual, you seethe beneath that smart, expensive business suit of yours, yearning for intimacy but hesitant to give up your material needs, your career ambitions or your responsibilities for a passionate moment that might not turn out the way you'd hope.

Hopefully I will be able to check out the lovely Warren Theatre this weekend and watch this much awaited flick! Can't wait for the pink Cosmo!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

IT'S ALL COMMING TOGETHER

"Is it hot in here, or is it just me? I wonder if these people have the ac on or what?" Just a couple of thoughts that crossed my mind yesterday as I was writing a nice big check for my new couch. Now, just a little history...I USED TO BE a big spender. I would spend a few hundred dollars on clothes or this and that at the drop of a hat. (I kinda had a problem, I'm an emotional shopper). Well I used to be anyway. I've changed my ways (can you say Budget Queen?) and now that I know that I'm like that I can prevent some pretty serious binges.


So going into the furniture store yesterday after work and buying a couch was a pretty huge deal...more than I realized at the time. I had to call and confirm my choice with the drummer. I remember at one point saying, "remember it's the one with the tufted back" to which I quickly came back with "I mean, with the buttons?". Like the drummer knows what the hell tufted means (forgot who I was talking to for a minute)!! So the ever so eager and surprisingly helpful sales lady asks, "have you made your choice? You going with the Berkley? WHAAAAAAAAAA, WHAAAAAAA, WHAAAAAAA, (alarms sounding in my head) Mini panic! Do I? or Don't I? AHHHHHH!!!!! (Ever so confidently, like the good pageant trained girl that I am) Yes! I made my fabric and wood color choices and before I knew it woman salesperson had my ticket drawn up and my plush total ready! Now don't get me wrong, I didn't spend a fortune. I was reasonable. But having gone from ultra Save mode to spending mode has been a little more difficult than expected. I mean, I swear I felt my throat closing up last night. Who makes themselves physically ill by spending money?? Jeeze! Next on the agenda...Refrigerator! Doom Doom Doomm!

Here is what all the stress was about...only difference is mine is a little lighter in color!

*And I scored a super sweet deal on a treadmill!! I'm on a role!

Just A Blonde's Take

Bridget

READY FOR NORMALCY

I'm officially on countdown. I have 14 days until I get to move into my house (that I bought back in November). My tenants have out worn their stay (they've been great, but I'm ready to live in my own digs). The original deadline has been extended for the one and only time and I will officially be able to move into my house on May 26th (Memorial Day)! Here recently my life has been feeling very chaotic. I don't feel like I'm living the life I want and that I'm supposed to be living. Everything feels like it's put on hold and it's driving me crazy! I'm ready to start cooking again and lounging on the couch watching MY TV shows (instead of every crime/forensics show that's out there, that my roomies like to watch) **side note, my current roommates are my parents** Gotta love them! I'm ready to have a closet!!! My current space is a small twin mattress and box spring on the floor of my brother's old room, my dad's current junk room, with just enough space on the left side to store all my dirty clothes (on the floor), space at the foot of the bed for my unmentionable baskets and assorted clean clothes. I'm living out of hamper baskets and over night bags. I have no real space to call my own. Not even a small cabinet or cubby. However, I did manage to clean off one small shelf in the shower for my shampoo and conditioner. Believe it or not my tom boy of a sister has just about as many beauty products as I do (minus all the makeup). I guess I'm just ready to start this new sub chapter of my life..."Home". I'm already a home owner, but I've yet to live in the house I purchased. I mean I'm so desperate to start my life up again that I'm actually getting excited about texturing and painting! I'd even mow the lawn at this point as long as it's mine (and for those that know me, know I HATE cutting grass). I'm ready to spend my weekends at Lowe's and Home Depot. I'm excited about making what's already mine, truly MINE!

With all this excitement about getting my life back to normal, I can't help but anticipate EVEN MORE, starting a new life (ummm...slightly tweaked life) with the drummer! He's embarking on this journey of moving into a new house with me and I can't wait to live with him and ALL his stuff! Ummm yeah, I'm pretty sure he has more clothes and more stuff than I do! I can't wait for him to finally put to use the budget I've made for him (at his request, no I'm not a psycho controlling girlfriend type that makes budgets for her boyfriend without his knowledge or asking). He's even said that when we live together he has no excuse to not follow his budget. (Damn right he don't! This girl is all about accountability) Ok, so I expect people to follow through on what they say, I am a woman after all. It would be unnatural if I wasn't at least a little naggy.

And I can't forget my little Riley. She's my buddy and has been through a lot with me (not to mention moved A LOT with me, this will be her 7th place to live in her short 4 human yrs of life). She's my golden girl and I can't wait for us to be our own little family again. She's queen of the house and it won't take her long to claim her kingdom! She's a kind ruler though, she let's me have a small space on the bed at night (As long as her treats are bountiful).

So, I'll see you all on the flip side and let you know how everything goes. I hope to do a post of BEFORE and AFTER with some lovely pictures. You can bet there will be a party to introduce my home to you all. Can't wait, til then!

Just a Blonde's Take

Bridget

O, I KNOW THAT'S NOT POOP IN MY SHOWER!

I am dedicating this post to Roomates! I've had my fair share over the years and I have to say, the ones I have now top them all!! Roomates can be great! They can provide wonderful company, financial help, as well as security. However, be warned that there are some REALLY BAD roomates out there. Luckly enough for you I have the 2 worst ones on the planet (sucks for me). For those who haven't heard the stories along the way, let me just give you a peek into why my roomates suck: (I will refer to them now on as the Hippie, and the Redneck)

1. The Hippie thinks paying a bill "on time" is waiting until they send you a cut off notice and paying it on the day that the utility company says they are cutting you off!

2. The Hippie thinks the check I write her every month for rent and bills is beer money and not for rent and bills (thus all the cut off notices).

3. The Hippie thinks cleaning her 4 cats litter box once every quarter is plenty and maybe she should cut back on cleaning it so much! (REALLY?)

4. The Redneck and Hippie think the floor and any other surface are great places for beer bottles, caps, cans, and used dip!

5. The Redneck and Hippie think having 20 people over during the work week til all hours of the night/morning drinking and carrying on outside while driving their vehicles really fast down the street making tons of noise is a normal activity that most people partake in.

6. The Redneck and his white trash friends think that threatening to take my dog and put a pillow case over her head while holding a big gun and taking a picture of it like terrorists and then sending it to me is really funny and a good idea!

7. The Redneck, Hippie and their friends think closing doors, much less locking them is just an option...especially when leaving the house.

8. The Hippie thinks it's ok to drive your car through your garage.

9. The Hippie and Redneck think cleaning is....actually I don't think they even know what cleaning is.

10. The Hippie thinks it's a great idea to buy a brand new puppy...especially when she has just gotten fired from her job and doesn't take care of the animals she already has. And of course needs a brand new digital camera to document the young pup! (while she doesn't look for a job)

11. The Hippie and Redneck think it's perfectly fine to have their animals SHIT in MY shower and then leave it...let's not forget to close the door back! (the only time that ever happens!)

12. The Hippie and Redneck think the garage is the perfect spot for garbage when the trash bill hasn't been paid. (For 3 months)

13. The Hippie thinks that cat vomit only adds to the decor.

14. The Hippie and Redneck think Tostino's Pizza is gourmet.

15. The Hippie and Redneck think it's ok to drink all my organic milk and eat all of my food and then drink and eat the replacements they bought before I do.

I could really go on and on, but instead of dwelling anymore on how terrible they are, I'm now redirecting my focus on being happy that I'm moving out and far away from them into my new house I bought! Even though it does kinda stink that I'm having to shack up with the parental units until my house is ready. At least I won't have to wallow in the nastiness of my roomates filth anymore!

IF YOU ARE UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO PERFORM THE REQUIRED TASKS FOR THAT SEAT PLEASE MOVE!!

Hey kids, I'm back from Paris and finally able to take a break from all the piled up work I had waiting for me. Paris was wonderful...and I don't think one can really know what it's like until you go (I know that's really lame and I'm sure you're like whatever bitch spill, but it really can't be described). It's wonderfully cliche with it's busy Parisians, delicious bakeries, and snobby pigeons (yes even the damn birds snub you). The buildings almost knock the breath out of you (even the ones in Pigalle, who would have thought sex shops could be so chic?). I have decided instead of going on and on about all the details of my trip I would make a list of things I loved, hated, and wish I would have done.

1. Da Bread! If your ass loves carbs as much as mine does then there is no further explanation needed. It was great and I miss it already.

2. The Metro. We have nothing like it here at home and I loved how I didn't' have to drive anywhere and worry about having gas in the tank. It was great. They take you everywhere and it's so cheap!

3. How everyone (including non homosexual males) wear scarves. Everyone does! I have never seen more scarves in my entire life and I loved looking at everyones. I never realized how many different kinds there were and how you can almost tell how a person is by their scarf.

4. Love/Hated the Euro. The dollar sucks my right funky lookin pinkie toe. Exchanging money was no fun, but the actual money looked really cool. And I thought it was funny how they used commas instead of decimal points.

5. Walking. I actually really liked it (yes it made me tired and my ankles are still pissed at me) but I really enjoyed strolling around and being able to walk to places instead of drive. Americans need to walk more...maybe if we did we all wouldn't be a bunch of big fatty boom ba latties!

6. Marlene's shower. (hated it) Sorry girl, but 2 minutes of hot water for the whole day and no holder to put the shower head on really sucked. However it all makes for great stories and I wouldn't have traded it even for a room at the Ritz!

7. The French's version of a Latino Bar. (LoVeD iT!) We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, but let's just put it like this...All male waiters, spanky shorts (more like underwear) and nothing else, sleazy cocktail menu, item on menu roughly translated as the Server's Sperm, bras hanging from ceiling, crazy lights, and one horny DJ. Need I say more?

8. Marlene's blatant use of the word fuck (and varying forms of) in public and around her grandparents! Direct quote..."you can say fuck, mother fuckers whatever, they don't know what you're saying!"

9. The french Party! (loved it) It was so much fun beating all the french kids at their own drinking game. We got to make rules and I got the first one which happened to be that no one could speak French without taking a drink! Cha ching! Now we could understand what everyone was saying and even if we couldn't a beer lashing was in store.

10. The Eiffel Tower. I got to see it during the day and at night...it was awesome! However, climbing up 400 stairs just to get to the first floor was a little too close to a buns of steal workout. Wish we would have gone all the way up!

11. Stupid pink Paris umbrella. No Rhianna you can't stand under my umbrella ella ella eey, because it's turned inside out and in the trash can of the Metro. Stupid made in China crappy umbrella + rain and wind= wet and unhappy Bridget.

12. Notre Dame. Way cool. I swear I could see 'ol Quazi Moto swinging from the bells as they chimed. I'm Catholic so it was like given an ADHD kid free roam of a candy store.

13. Euro Disney. Wish we would have gone. Marlene's friend was kind enough to score us some sweet Vip tickets and we didn't go. Boo! Only regret of the trip.

Overall the trip was great and I can't wait to go back. Hopefully next time the drummer will come along and we'll be able to go to Marlene's home in South of France when it's warm! Until then I'm just about out of vacation days so my pictures and memories of Paris will have to last me until next January!

Just a Blondes Take
Bridget

I'M BETTY CROCKER THE BAKE ROCKER

So I love to bake! And Actually I'm pretty darn good at it. However on the opposite end of the spectrum I'm a terrible microwaver (if there is such a thing). I'm like Betty Crocker with an oven and like Jim Carry in Dumb and Dumber with a microwave oven. I have set butter on fire (damn foil wrapping), burnt popcorn til it was unrecognizable (what? you're not supposed to put it in for 5 minutes and then leave it?), and managed to overcook and under cook a lean cuisine all at the same time! Maybe I should consider myself talented and not stupid when it comes to microwaving!? I mean how many people do you know that can screw up nuking stuff that badly? I definitely didn't get my microwaving skills from my dad, or lack of. He used to microwave us everything! If it couldn't be microwaved or poured from a box we didn't eat it! I'll NEVER forget his famous green chicken. Tyson Chicken breast with poultry seasoning on top (that's the green part) nuked on high for however many minutes and you've got yourself me and my siblings our dinner every other night of the week! Don't forget the all important mixed frozen veggies that of course got zapped as well. And don't kid yourself thinking there was any kind of seasoning or spices put on them. Dad's motto seemed to be the more bland the better. My dad could even make scrambled eggs in the old micro! Not that they were the most appetizing looking things, but I guess we lived and I'm here reasonably healthy! So last night I'm baking some ever some yummy blueberry muffins for my boss's birthday today! I've got the batter in the muffin tin and I'm about to sprinkle the strussel topping on when I lick me fingers (yeah I was going to wash them before I touched anything else). G-ROSS! I forgot the sugar!! Instead of muffins they were blueberry biscuits. So I had to scoop the tins out and put the batter back in the bowl so I could put the sugar in! It was almost a disaster, but being the savvy baker I am I saved the day and they turned out great! I was scared for a minute...I mean I could have been stripped of my title: Bridget Betty Crocker the Bake Rocker! That's why any good baker knows you gotta lick your fingers! Right?

Just a Blondes Take
Bridget

THE CITY OF LIGHTS

That's right I'm going to PARIS (and I'm not talking about the one in Texas) Those Parisians aren't gonna know what hit them. But in all seriousness I'm on freak out mode just a little. We leave in a week and a half and I've yet to find/get some luggage to haul all my goodies in. And since I have been in stress mode a lovely super chic cold sore has taken up residence on the corner of my mouth (don't worry this Blonde got some meds, so we should be good)! And as long as I don't leave my tickets, passport, money, and all other important trip stuff locked away at my work again I should be ok (yeah, I'll share that story). Aside from all of that I'm really looking forward to spending time with some of my best friends! Marlene is being the most gracious hostess and letting me and Deb crash at her place (gotta love free lodging). Along with playing hostess Marlene is going to be our tour guide, our cabbie and our translator. She's my French sister and I love her to the fucking moon and back (hope I don't offend, I only cuss b/c Marlene loves English cuss words). Anywho, I can't wait to soak in everything France has to offer...the markets, the bread, the men (oui, oui), and of course the sites. Paris is going to be this photographer's heaven (I only wish I had a more professional camera. Oh well, I guess a real photag doesn't need one right?). I've already started to mentally pack (Deb knows, she does it too...I'm not the only OCD one) and from the looks of my mental suitcase I have nothing to wear!! I'm so nervous about what to wear...will everyone think I look totally out of style and silly. I hope I don't look like a tourist...all I can see in my mind is some huge balding guy with a button up Hawaiian shirt, shorts, white socks with brown loafers and camera around his neck!

I really don't know how I found a picture of the exact man I described...I swear I didn't find the picture first!! Anyway, I am way pumped and I can't wait to share all my stories with you when I get back...now for those of you wondering what I was talking about when I mentioned leaving all my travel vitals at work here you go:

So me and Deb went on a cruise about a year ago for our friends wedding. I have my ticket book, passport everything I need in a nice neatly labeled (Deb!) folder in my desk at work. We were leaving on a Sunday. Saturday I get up and me and Deb are talking and packing when I realize I have left everything I need for the trip in my stupid neatly labeled folder AT WORK!! Well, I work at a bank and we aren't open past noon on Saturday and of course it was after noon! I rush up to work to find everyone gone! So I call my boss (no answer, go figure he has a life on the weekend) I call another co-worker/friend and get her password and code to get in and shut off the alarm (of course I can't remember my own) So I rush up to work and never having had to turn the alarm off and on I set the alarm OFF! Oh yeah, I did...I'm trying to retype my friends password over and over hoping it will work...No it doesn't so now the key pad is flashing red and more alarms are being set off by me running around like a chicken with it's head cut off freaking out and not knowing what to do (I did contemplate sitting on the back steps to wait for the police so they wouldn't storm in with guns blazing). But then I heard a phone ringing and being the ever clever girl that I am I remember that the security company tries to call in case it's a false alarm. So I dash across the bank picking up every phone I can (of course it's the last phone on the teller line and I had to slide across the sit down area to get to it). I answer out of breath and the man on the other end asks me if everything is ok? I go into my story about leaving everything for my trip at work and my code didn't work, gave him the id number my friend gave me (Thank God that was right!) And he gave me enough time to get my stuff and head out! I'm sure the security tapes are pretty funny to watch (of which I'm still trying to get and destroy, don't need that being shown at the Christmas party). I immediately call my friend to inform her that her code sucks and doesn't work in case she ever needs to go to work after hours (wouldn't want her to experience the same mental breakdown I did). So you can bet that this time I'm bringing my neatly labeled Paris Trip folder with me...BEFORE I leave for the weekend (b/c we are again leaving on a Sunday)! I really don't think I could forget again, I mean after all the torture I experienced the first time (ummm...Debbie please remind me to get my folder of stuff on Friday before we leave).

Just a blonde's take

Bridget

INSPIRATION

I have recently found inspiration from a friend of mine...aahem Debbie...to start a blog of my own. She has like 10 so surely I can handle managing one (note hints of scarcasim). So here it is love it or hate it! And for all of you crazy English majors out there let's just get somthing clear from the start, I suck at spelling and puncuation and I know it so there's no need to point it out...I know there's probably all kinds of things way wrong with my blog but my lack of skill in this area is something I've accepted. You should too. If your wondering where the title for my blog came from it was also inspired, no not by Debbie, but by my dad. He loves the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind (for all you non science fiction geeks it's basically a cheesy alien movie from the 70's). The movie title stepped into my mind (probably since this is all strange and forigen to me) and I took it from there. I'm not completely sure how I will use this space, but I'm sure whatever direction I take it it will evolve into something else. I guess that's how life is. Mine is no exception. I am not the same person I was 9 months ago much less a whole year. I have grown so much in the last couple of years and my priorities have changed. I'm now a homeowner (even though I have yet to move in) and watching way too much HGTV. I have a budget. I get excited about saving and paying my way to financial freedom. I get my hair done every 7 weeks as opposed to my every 5 weeks (and for those of you who were born naturally blonde but now that you've aged you aren't anymore but still want to be, know that's a long time to go without some highlights). Overall I appreciate everything I have more, and instead of dwelling on what I don't I look forward to having it someday! I'm looking forward to all the turns my life is going to take this year and hopefully this blog will help me share it all with you.

Just a blonde's take
Bridget