Nice!

This is fucking AWESOME! A whole new reason to go to Sweden!

Lawn Maintance

This place I live is SOO well groomed, I'm surprised there aren't signs that say "Keep Off The Grass". Ruth walked across the newly mowed lawn this afternoon, and she left a set of footprints that are now the only thing I can see when I look down. Ha!

I found Amity's Etsy page, and fell in LOVE with this piece! It's totally going to be mine!

The fire debacle is finally over. New trim, curtains, and a fresh coat of my new favorite color (Benjamin Moore "waterfall"), and we're back in business!

Franky says relax

I went for a drive through the "country" today. And practically got run off the road! Follow up with beers on the balcony with my favorite boy, a long bike ride, and an assortment of girlie flicks that my mom sent me. Heading out now to the onset of T-town for beers and smokes on the deck, and a Cheech and Chong marathon to mark what seems to be a week long celebration of our one year anniversary. I can't believe its been a year! As dysfunctional and confusing as it may be from the outside...I do love that after a year, we still fit, and still have things to talk about, and as I review texts and emails claiming that we've been an old married couple from the begining...I just laugh.
Time to spend some quality time with my baby Francis!

Mikey, 2 am...

While standing in front of the freezer trying to cool off...
"You've got bourbon but no ice? That's like ham with no burger!"

Holy Guacamole Batman!

So, it's graduation weekend here in my tiny town. And it got me thinking about my (mine and Kelly's) OWN graduation. And I realized that that was 7 years ago.

Allow it to sink in.

S-E-V-E-N Y-E-A-R-S A-G-O.

That's 7 Christmases. 7 Birthdays. 7 summers.

And it all went back to a conversation I had with a friend tonight about how sometimes we just stop associating our actual age with the age we are in our head. For example, my friend will be 31 next month. But she stopped really associating with her age at 25. And today, someone asked her how old she was as she was buying cigarettes, and she began to say 25...but then realized, somewhat with horror, that she was on the back end of 30.
It was kind of funny at the time. But it made me realize that for the longest time I always thought of myself as 22. Maybe 23. It wasn't until I turned 29, and got that new license, with a face on it that only vaguely reflects the face on the original 21 year old ID...and suddenly my schema-shifted. (An homage to JR...look it up)

But so anyway, I was wondering then...what mental age do you think YOU are?

Work

Of course, the one day I put off opening my work email, because I've basically given up hope on EVER getting work again...I get a frantic phone call wondering if I'm around, since I didn't respond to the 5 requests I got sent at 6 this morning!
Amen!

I was awake at 6am this morning. But after three episodes of The Office, I was fading fast. I fell asleep on the couch, and went into the most realistic dream. It was Mikey's college graduation, only he was wearing the cheap blue gown of our high school. Bunches of people came to celebrate, only they were all Kistner's friends from high school. After driving around with him for awhile, collecting beer and smokes and liquor, we ended up at a gorgeous reflecting pool, supposedly at the house he was staying, that was also "Dead Eyes" house...And my maternal grandparents were there! Of which, only one, my grandmother, is even still alive. And she looked 20 years younger, and so happy to be there with my Popop....and I woke up realizing that somewhere I got my wires crossed...and the last few months suddenly make perfect sense!

Ganga Manga

Unloaded 3/4 of a loaf of banana bread (mostly to S) WITHOUT even advertising the green properties of it! Mix beer + buds = hungry friends! Sweet!
Entertaining the proposition of the borrowed tent. If I forgo that expense for a few more weeks, then Mtn. Jam is a bit more reasonable. But what do I want more?

Turns out its a Jewel Song...

Internet Thievery...

I don't know if it's the banana bread talking or what...but it took three tries for me to get through this...and now I want to set it to music!


Night with its shattered teeth
Attempts to speak
My pen is present but
Courage left via the sink
And I’m sorry
I snuck up on you
From behind
I’m sorry not all
My love letters did rhyme
And I’m sorry that
Jesus died for my sins
And I swear to God
It won’t happen again
And I’m sorry
If it was my swerve that
Tempted you to sway
Oh well
Sometimes it be that way
And Romeo was
A very nice man
He said
“Jewel, I don’t think
You quite understand”
And I’m sorry if you had
To explain it like this
I’m sorry I was a point
You were destined to miss
And I’m sorry
I spoke to you irreverently
Down in the hollow
By the old olive tree
And I’m sorry
If my heart breaking
Ruined your day
Oh well
Sometimes It be that way

I said
“Oh well, I got nothing
Left to sell
This love was a bell that
Rang unheard in the air
I was bound to find out
That you didn’t care
Oh well
Sometimes it be that way

And Aphrodite with
Her neon lamp
Kissed Neptune
They put her face
On a stamp
And I’m sorry
I used it to mail
A letter to you
I’m sorry I’m glue and
The rest bounces off of you
And I’m sorry not even
This jet’s metal wings
Could get across
These simple things
And I’m sorry
If I ever sang
Your name in vain
Oh well
Sometimes it be that way

And Goldilocks
Well she knew three bears
They all ate oatmeal
And tiptoed upstairs
And I’m sorry
I never got to
Find you like this
Sleeping like a baby
And swaddled in bliss
And I’m sorry for
All the times
I forgot to imply something
In between the lines
And I’m sorry
If my heart breaking
Ruined your day
Oh well
Sometimes it be that way

I said
“Oh well, I got nothing
Left to sell
This love was a bell that
Rang unheard in the air
I was bound to find out
That you didn’t care
Oh well
Sometimes it be that way

And shadow’s long fingers
They dance on the wall
Electricity chases
Its tail in the hall
And I’m sorry
If my arms to you
Were just empty rooms
I’m sorry
I never could comfort you
And I’m sorry
St. Petersburg is
A miserable town
And I’m sorry
If I am bringing you down
And I’m sorry
If I caused you pain
Oh well
Sometimes it be that way

And flame licks the air
With its silver tongue
Night has many hands
But I have just one
And I’m sorry
I walked in on you
Unexpectedly
I’m sorry
I never served you
Camomile tea
And I’m sorry
I didn’t always have a match
That could start
A fire big enough
For your heart to catch
And I’m sorry
If it was my swerve that
Tempted you to sway
Oh well
Sometimes it be that way


(Stolen from esm)

This band came to me after a drunken night of downloading. I checked my library a few days later, and had somehow downloaded the whole album without remembering! But they're awesome so it worked out!

Be glad you're not my neighbor

Because I've been listening to this song on repeat...

Good Day!

Perfect early Summer afternoon walk!
Good phone chat with my best friend down by the river.
Stumbled across a fun group on the way past the pub.
Bombarded with the smells of freshly cut grass and back yard bbq chicken on the way back through the development.
Golden Girls on the tv when I got home!
Good Day!

Its so cold tonight I had to bring my plants in. Yet it was "warm" enough for me to go on a boat ride down the Hudson? Met an awesome dread locked guy whose building a playground locally. His girlfriend drank some nasty milk based drink that Jackie didn't know how to make. Just another Monday night in Tivoli!

Doped Kitty

I think The Old Guy is addicted to painkillers! As soon as I open the cabinet I keep his pills in, he comes running/limping from wherever he is currently napping in the house! It's cute....but we're almost done with the supply, and I'm not sure how amped my vet is to keep him on the steroids.....

The Aftermath

Having just spent 12 hours (save one for a trip to Williams) in my bathroom, you'd think the last thing I'd be thinking about are shower heads! But it all started because I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out how to get mine back together. (Well, back together with the water spraying in the right direction...not shooting up to the ceiling.) So, I did what every single girl, who can't possibly call her man friend one more time with some sort of "handy man" question, I googled it. And while that didn't work, and I had to figure it out for myself, I found these....

And these...











How alien are THESE?




And...a perfect shower for when you've got a buddy in there with ya...


And...oh MY!
Heaven! I'm in heaven!

KaBOOM!

Went out and bought this fancy smancy cleaning product to aid in the restoration of my bathroom. It sounded toxic and dangerous and rubber glove worthy. PERFECT we thought! I get it home, and start with my shower head, which after a mere two years has become so calcified...its disgusting!
So I follow the directions, spray, soak, scrub.
Nothing.
Not even a little bit of a change.
So I then try it on the tub, thinking maybe the shower head was just too far gone.
Same process...spray, soak, scrub.
Nothing.
Now I'm pissed, cursing and scrubbing....calls of "Everything ok in there?" start coming more frequently from the living room. I make a decision and whip out the good ole standby...Comet. Worked beautifully! My shower head, my tub, my tile...all sparkles beautifully! And the all natural cleaner my mother sends me from Imus? Fantastic!
I'm never spending more than two dollars on a cleaning product again!

Do you have any idea how hard it is to wash a ceiling?

5 Alarm

We were all set to have a lovely relaxing evening on the balcony...candles were lit throughout the house. New live Bob Marley cds provided by JD were on deck...all that changed once we realized the house had filled with smoke, and anything flammable in the bathroom was. Today is fire cleanup...scraping paint, scrubbing tile, hoping this doesn't affect the new deal my landlord offered of "as long as nothing goes wrong this year..." HA!

This is very important. Shave...everywhere.
90210

haha!

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer....

Dub-ya

I never thought I would get this into Electronic/Dub music...but I've been immersed in it for two whole days now...and I don't think I'm ever coming back out!

Its settled. Sunday, June 21 through Wednesday, June 24, you will find my mother and I nestled into the mountains of the Adirondacks. Lets hope we don't kill each other!

Excursions...

Just began planning a camping trip with my mom for this summer. So excited! Especially since we get separate tents! Headed back to my favorite site on Rollins Pond...though I may try and convince her to spend at least ONE night on the remote island.
In talks to take a mid week trip with Mikey sometime this month too. The summer season is upon us!

Excerpts from your Pet's Diary

EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DIARY

Day number 180
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 181
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 182
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!

EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY

DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair ... must try this on their bed.

DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was...Hmmm. Not working according to plan.

DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer". More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...

For JD

WORKING!!!!

Puppy Love

This is going to sound weird...but place no judgment for the situation, merely listen to the results.
So, on our hike Saturday, we took "the other chick's" dog with us. (that's the no judgment part) As a result...I kinda really want a dog now! It was so great to have a companion driving around with us, and catching sticks, and protecting us on the trail. I know its horrible, I have no room, and I know once winter comes, I would hate to have to walk something three to five times a day...but oh my...for that one day, I began daydreaming of a little lab puppy all over again. Blah!

Oh! And we saw a big fat man, mowing the lawn in nothing but a speed-o in Hillsdale. A day to remember I tell ya!

Perfect way to spend a Saturday

Climbed Mt. Everett today. It was a hazy, damp day. Supposedly there are views of 5 states from the summit. I however could barely see Mike it was so thick. And there were only three times that I REALLY did not want to be there...like from my core...all the other times it was just mild hatred. But that feeling of release and adrenaline as you hike back down...totally makes you forget all the heavy breathing and searing lung pain and the swarming black flies and the feeling that you will never be able to pick up your feet again.
And of course, no trip to Bash Bish State park is complete without a drive through the narrow, winding mountain roads and a finish at the Great Barrington Brewery!
Cap it off with beers and bud on the balcony, an appearance from a double rainbow and Pink Floyd B-sides....?
Perfect way to spend a Saturday!

???

When people, who only know you're romantic interest in a random, casual way, say he's a bad guy...should you listen?

I just encountered the biggest flaming prick, I've ever seen! First of all, he was gossiping in the middle of the bakery, and when my turn in line came, he suddenly jumped in front of me and started random ordering about $20 worth of shit. All the while bitching about the people allowing their children to ride their bikes in the front yard...ach! So, I finally get my sandwich, and walk back to my car, where he is standing in the middle of the path and did NOT step out of the way so I could pass. And finally, I get in my car, and there was an older woman attempting to parallel park across the street, apparently she was in front of his car, because next thing I know, he's standing directly behind my car, starring at her, swearing up and down, and screaming that she better not hit his fucking prius! Now, I can not back up and get out of my sapce, becuase he is standing two feet behind MY car, so I roll down my window to tell him to get out of the way, when his technique worked wonders, and the woman, so distracted by his ranting, DID bump his car. He goes flying across the street, arms flailing, lisp working over time....and I managed to pull away before deliberately hitting the mother fucking queen. Douche bags do NOT belong in Tivoli!

Spinning...

Mike gave me the sweetest gift yesterday...and I don't really know how to take it. He somehow got a hold of a live recording from our favorite band, at the very first concert we ever went to; the one where we realized that there really was something kind of amazing happening between us...during this very performance. I'm probably just allowing my inner teenage girl free reign in this matter. But it was extremely sweet regardless...

haha

I just found this picture on Franny's FB from New Years. Never saw it before...but I think its hysterically horrible! And nauseating.

(There ain't no way in HELL I'm posting the one of me!)

Owie

I fell down the stairs of my house yesterday. Slipped right down about 5 steps. Luckily I was holding onto the railing, caught myself and managed to somewhat gracefully (in my mind at least) more "swing" down the steps rather than "fall". I continued on my way. The rest of the day working out sporadically...some situps here, some push ups there...300 squats during my nightly ritual of SATC.
I woke up this morning and I can barely move the right side of my body. My calf muscles feel like they're two inches too short for my legs. And the bruise forming on my ass is just short of monumental.
Off to go for a bike ride!

Humina humina humina....

I want to go to there.....

I LOVE that bunk bed nook....

I WILL have a tub like that one day...

There's something somewhat prefab, yet comforting, about this room...the brick wall...

I'm sensing the trend back to white and blue in my taste palette...It might just be cheaper to take a beach vacation...

The opulence and luxury...

I'm not quite sure what it is about this...but its a fabulous dressing room idea!

I can't tell if this ceiling is an Arno trompe l'oiel or actual fabric. The HVAC grate is throwing my perception off.

Give me a bed with a sea view, and you'll see a glimpse into my heaven.


And finally....I can TOTALLY see redoing my bedroom this way...

Do ya'll get now why I love romantic comedies so very much?!?! You just don't find the same eye candy of production in other genres...

Figures

It WOULD be the week I decide to get back to healthy and restart my exercise regime that I have uncontrollable cravings for bacon...hrmph!

Home Redesign Overload

I've spent the last hour pouring over DIY home design blogs, and now have one question. Do you think my landlord would be pissed if I painted the cabinets?
I have huge doubts that he's ever even been INSIDE this place, let alone would remember that the cabinets were ever once any other finish than a creamy white....hmmm....

Is it really Monday Already?

Spent a relaxing afternoon stacking wood and hanging out with my dad. I can't believe this man is going to be 60 years old on Sunday! Fresh air, hard work, and Dad time. It doesn't get any better!

Another Tivoli Night

This is Leroy. I shared a J with him this evening, right before he and his two friends took the stage to bring Tivoli straight to Kingston. Jamaica that is. The Undertakers played the pub tonight. Two men, one woman...a guitar, a bass box, and fantastic, old school reggae. After the intermission, a random brass section appeared from nowhere to back up the band. I danced my ass off.
And tomorrow night we do it all over again with the Big Takeover in Kingston, and Danielle's band on Saturday. SUCH a great weekend for music. I'm psyched! This is what makes village living worthwhile!