Wednesday, July 29, 2009

He's Just Not that into You...

Ricardo and I watched a movie on DVD this weeekend. "He's Just not that into You." Over the course of the last several days, I have watched it 2 more times. Can't say enough good things about this flick. It appealed to me on so many different levels. First of all it made me glad that I was no longer dating. For the obvious reasons, as well as the fact that I am so technologically challenged. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, E-mail, Voicemail, Texting...whew! So many different ways for me to make an ass out of myself, it would be astounding....or perhaps that would be ASStounding.

Then, I had several issues with Scarlett J's character in the film. Actively pursuing a married man?!! Guess it's because I would NEVER make advances towards a married man. NEVER! Oh, and did I happen to mention NEVER?!!! I have always been the kind of girl who would never even date a friend's old ex-boyfriend out of respect for the friend. It's taboo in my book. So a married man?....puhleeeze!

Which brings me to Bradley Cooper's Character, he was the married man. (Wonderfully acted by the way.) I watched the film 2 more times to try to get a grasp on whether he was really torn about cheating on his wife, really in love with Scarlett, or just using any means necessary to get out of a marriage he felt trapped in.

Which brings me to Brad's film wife, Jennifer Connolly. Wow! She did great in this role. Thought she nailed the whole suspicious thing perfectly. I think you do just know instinctively when something is going on. And her emotions were acted out so honestly. I loved it.

And Ginnifer Goodwin,....forgetaboutit!!! She was a scream! Who hasn't been THAT girl?!!! Loved her!!!

I wish this book had been out when I was dating. Could have saved me so many anxious hours of waiting by the phone, rehashing conversations over and over in my mind until I could just scream, and wondering in general WHY things didn't work out. "He's just not that into you", such a simple statement; yet, sooooo enlightening !!!

The movie itself was great to sit and watch with your significant other. It opens up all kinds of dialogue. I laughed out loud when the two friends sitting on a bench were talking about getting dumped so skillfully that you thought it was your own idea. Haaaa! I told Ricardo how I had guys say: "You're just too nice." "You're the kind of girl that a guy marries, and I'm just not ready for that yet." and misc. other b.s. He told me, how guys say all kinds of things so that they don't appear rude, or hurt a girl's feelings. The whole "It's not you, it's me" thing. It was cool to see both sides of the same situation. We had a good laugh or two. And some serious conversation arose as well....

Believe you me, we had a looooong talk when Ricardo innocently said "The girlfriend is waaaay hotter than the wife." Exxxxsqueeze me?!! WTF?!! You better believe I pushed pause and got to the bottom of THAT comment right then and there. Was he condoning cheating as long as the girlfriend was hotter? Did he realize he was so utterly close to meeting his maker?! I'm glad to report that he was NOT condoning any such thing. He saw the gigantic, ginormous error of that comment. His thought/don't speak filter has been tuned up and his manhood is still intact and in good working order. Although he will have to leave it at home with me in the future when ever he is out on his own. ;) LOL!

Anyway, give me your opinion of this film? What did you like best about it? What could you relate to? Or if you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it. Better yet, watch it with someone you're dating, thinking about dating, or married to. It's great to see what conversation develops. In case you haven't seen it, I've attatched the movie trailor below. Enjoy....


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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Been hoping around on one foot since last week. Using the other foot to kick myself in the ass. "Lost" my camera during last week's road trip. "Misplaced" would be a better word I guess. I know I had it at my Dad's house. I got it out, the battery died, and then it all gets a little fuzzy. I'm sure the camera is in the house somewhere. I just set it somewhere creative. It will still be in it's hiding spot (wherever that may be) come November when I journey back. However, it's a long time between now and then.

I feel as if I am missing an appendage or something. Not being able to take photos when I want to. Not being able to load the one's I have stored onto my computer. Ugh. It's going to be a long 4 months.

4 months of berating myself for being so irresponsible. Not to mention, 4 months of no photos on the blog. I don't know who the 4 months will be longer for- me or you! So, pardon the lack of photos in the meantime. (I'm sorry! ) I'll TRY to be creative without photos. And trust me, when I find my camera- I shall NEVER lose it again! The guilt is too encompassing. Now if you will excuse me, I gotta hop on downstairs for dinner.

Hop...."stupid, stupid girl"...Hop...."so friggin' irresponsible"....Hop...."should take better care of your belongings".....Hop, Hop....

Friday, July 24, 2009

Disturbia

We have a neighbor who peeks through the blinds of their upstairs window when we are at the pool. Not every time, but often enough. We will go out for a swim, and soon afterwards the blinds next door will creep open. Not all the way, just enough for someone to peer out and not be seen.







A twist to this already disturbing tale, the wife plays for both teams. I'm not judging, I'm just saying. I used to think it was her watching us. I thought she would get bored quick enough. Now, the husband is home all the time too on medical disability. I honestly don't know which one is watching us. Yet someone definitely is lurking on occasion.







I honestly don't think they are watching my kids. They have children themselves. And if I thought for an instant they were watching my kids, I would have simply and methodically taken them out. Those of you who know me, know that is true. Also true, it is common knowledge that I definitely don't think "I'm all that. " I have a body that only a husband could love. My husband-not someone else's. And I prefer to get him liqueured up first before he sees me naked. ;) I can't imagine being eye candy to another woman either. So, I just don't get the fascination with peeking through the blinds.....







Here, judge for yourselves- I took these pictures of me in my suit to show you.

I get it. I've got a good tan going. Firm enough looking at first glance. Perhaps I do look appealing enough....FROM A DISTANCE!!!! Lots of things look good from a distance. But they are not always as they appear. Let's face it, I'm a middle age woman in a bikini. My glory days are long gone. The truth be known... THIS is what I look like close up:













It's not pretty. Definitely not anything worth watching. Not even if I slathered mustard all over my body and floated around the pool on a hotdog bun. Okay, maybe THAT would be worth watching for the giggle factor.













We have planted trees in between the houses. It will take another couple of years before we get any real privacy. Until then, Any suggestions? Should I too just keep on ignoring it? Should I just hope that the fascination wears off? Start waving? Give them them the charming Roadtrip Stacy gesture? Invite them over to grill sausages and talk about how things are not always what they seem??!!!







Thursday, July 23, 2009

Sign of the Times

Been an interesting week here. Hubby has had layoffs at his place of employment. Again. The second round so far this year. Another round next week. In addition to the layoffs, the people who were lucky enough not to make the pink slip list got surprises of their own. They will have to take a week off (all at once) with no pay. Also, there will be a 10% pay cut. In addition to the week without pay. Wow!



Now, I know times are hard. Perhaps I shouldn't be complaining....but I will. A week without pay. That's 1/2 a paycheck. (Am I a mathematical wizard or what?!) And a 10% paycut on top of that?! Are ya serious?! I'm sure the mortgage company will understand when I only pay 1/2 my mortgage. Or how about at the pharmacy when I say "It may cost $40, but I'm going to pay 10% less." Everything else is going up in price and our paycheck is going down. Doesn't seem fair.



Makes me wonder what is next. Will it be like school? Will my husband be required to bring his own office supplies? Pens, paper, laptop? Will he have to pitch in for the office utility bill? What is too much and when will it stop?



And may I say, when times were good-there was no 10% pay increase. Or 10% of the total profits for anyone. Oh nay! Hubby has gone over 2 years without a raise. So have a lot of other fine folks at this establishment. My favorite part is how "they" said, "when times are good again we will reinstate the 10% we have taken away." I feel quite certain that "they" will. I also feel quite certain when it happens, "they" will consider it a raise.


We are trying to be proactive. Resumes have been sent to companies. We shall see what transpires. Just some interesting times my friends. Thank goodness I have "the boots." Cause momma may have to go to work.

We will hope for the best and plan for the worst I guess. I know there are a lot of folks who have it worse than us. Who have gone through much tougher times than this and survived just fine. I shall use them for inspiration. At least we have employment. We still have our house. We have our health and each other. In the meantime, we will just try to make more with less. Or make less seem like more. Or something like that.

Hubby says it's not personal. It's business. He just turns the other cheek. I wish I were as understanding as him. But as a wife and a mother, I'm taking it a bit personal. And my cheeks are a wee bit chapped. So I guess my question is, am I right to be a tad irritated? Nervous? Or should I only be counting my blessings? And trusting all will work out?

On the bright side, all that has transpired this week has given me another grand idea. I shall be contacting Mattel....yes, again. This time with my "Destitute Dolly" line idea. She comes with a carboard box...and little else. She may not be a popular toy; but, I'm sure everyone could relate to her.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

More Road Trip Stacy Pals and Accessories

Dear Mattel,


I still haven't heard from you. However, I am not deterred in my idea of the Roadtrip Stacy Doll. After the road trip I have worked out a few kinks and been inspired to add more pals and accessories to the Road Trip Stacy Doll line.







To expand upon"Wonderful Worm", who's beauty is enchanting and who's wholesomeness is like that of Mother Earth. I think we should make her a professional. Perhaps a photographer. Her accessories will be numerous cameras, tripods, etc. We will have her go to beautiful locales and capture great images. Also, I think her clothing should be ultrachic. And we should make her an animal lover. Perhaps have lots of pets that you can adopt. . . . I think this line should have a "Genuine Ginny" doll as well. ( I have taken the liberty to change her name spelling for marketing purposes.) Genuine Ginny will be the knowledgeable, thoughtful, humanitarian friend. The true blue, steadfast kind of doll everyone aspires to be like. She will have brown hair, an endearing smile, and beautiful hazel colored eyes with a shinny twinkle in them. Oh, I know! Perhaps we should make her a nurse. Then she can come with all kinds of cool accessories as well like a stethoscope, nurses bag, x-ray machine etc. And we can have her travel to remote destinations as well, on humanitarian missions.


The line should have boy dolls as well. There is of course the beautiful blue-eyed and brown eyed Stacy Roadtrip Doll children. But there should be other boys as well. Perhaps the "Multi-Faceted Matt Doll" He will be the artist. His talent will only be rivaled by his knowledge and his kindness towards others. He should wear glasses. Perhaps a cool mustache and beard hip kinda look. The Roadtrip Stacy children should have another friend as well. I suggest naming him "Gorgeous Garrett." He is a friend to all. Everyone wants to play toys and spend time with him. He is kind, very blonde and we should make him with lush, full, dark lashes. The kind that all the girls swoon over. Of course, the "Greatest Granpa" doll will be included in the line. His features will be as wonderful as the man...um, doll. He will be kind, giving and inspiring. He will have a big grin and infectious laugh. This doll will give the best hugs simply by pushing a button located on his back.




The "Greatest Granpa" doll should come with accessories like a magical white house.In the house you can have treasures hidden behind furniture items that you lift up. Furniture should include fans. With buttons. LOOOOOTS of buttons. Also, a petite white cat with beautiful markings. This cat should meoow...alot, with a turn of the knob. I suggest having lots of backup batteries for this doll as well. She is a talker! Perhaps we could do a whole small town accessory line as well. With parks, grocery stores, lakes, pastures full of animals, etc.







Oh, and Roadtrip Stacy should have a husband as well. To maintain our fun quirkiness of the line, we will name him "Ravishing Ricardo." He will put the Ken doll to shame. He will be anatomically correct of course. Hung like Trigger :) All the girls will spend hours changing his clothes just to get a peek. (hee hee) At least, that is what I have HEARD little girls like to do and giggle over. Not that I ever did that myself....





Ahem, anyway. I think perhaps we should include Mastiffs in this toy line too. (Wouldn't that be fun?!) Fashioned much like the Baby Alive doll in nature. For example, they should eat tons and then minutes later piles of poo will come out the posterior. They will come with shovels. Large shovels and baggies to put it in. (I think boys will really like this particular toy.)







The ideas are numerous and endless. I'm just getting started here. The tip of the iceberg so to speak. If I were a child, I would definitely enjoy playing with this line of toys. I would spend hours making up fun adventures for all. Not to mention dressing/undressing Ricardo. (more giggles inserted here.) So, I will keep the ideas coming...you REALLY should have your agent call me. I'd hate to have you lose this wonderful opportunity to your rivals over at Fisher Price. ;)

P.S.

When we returned home last night, my husband was asking about the trip.

He asked little brown eyes, "What was your favorite part about Granpa's?" My youngest thought he meant "What is your favorite part about Granpa?" Brown eyes replied, "Probably...How everytime you look at him, he just smiles."..... No truer words were ever spoken. It made me cry. Still does.

Miles, Smiles and Memories

Well, we are home from our road trip. It is a bittersweet thing. While it feels good to be home, it is sad to have the trip behind us. Sadder still to have to part from loved ones. Family and friends. Withdrawal,...severe. Ache,.. acute.







While we had a great time in Kaaaansas. I type it that way because that is how my boys pronounce it. Great emphasis on the first syllable. Kaaaansas. As if it is a magical state that requires much reverence. I guess it does. That is where "granpa" lives. If you think my boys put great emphasis on the pronunciation of Kansas, you should hear them say the word "granpa." They love that man beyond reason. We all do. He just makes everything better. Everything. He can take the simplest thing and turn it into something wonderful. A rock found in a driveway becomes a cherished, treasured artifact. A trip to the grocery store, a magical experience. Granpa's meat department, why it is the holy grail of excitement.





Granpa's house is the coolest. While small in square footage, it is enormous in excitement. They just don't make houses like that anymore. Around every corner is something wonderful. And as luck would have it, he has the worlds' most cutest, sweetest, wonderful cat to share his homestead with. My eldest is allergic to cats. But, he thinks it is worth a little stuffiness just to be around her. My youngest looooves her. He says her name too as if it is the most beautiful name in the world.



It is amazing to me how being in this state, around this great man, in these hallowed halls can make you feel so relaxed, tranquil, blessed, loved.





We had a great time!!! Whether seeing the local hot spots (Some of us didn't want to leave....EVER! ) or...
Visiting with extended family members and close friends. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. People we have so many wonderful memories with. People who help us in making more cherished memories with every trip.With every talk. With every moment together. People who make us laugh. Who open their hearts, homes and share their wealth of valuable knowledge with us. People who know us like no others. Who love us despite our flaws. Who make us feel special.


They welcome us no matter how long we have been away. They long to see us again the moment we leave. And visa versa. Ohhhh, how very visa versa.




The boys were the ones who cried when it was time for their friends to leave. But, we all wanted to. We are counting down the days until our next trip. Until we make more wonderful memories with everyone again. Until then, these photos will help to get us by.



I'll be back tomorrow with more humorous thoughts, insights and ideas. As for today, I'm feeling a little sentimental and melancholy.












































































































Thursday, July 16, 2009

Dear Mattel

Dear Mattel,

I have a great idea for you. It's an addition to your Barbie line. I like to call my creation, "Road Trip Stacy Doll." Unlike Barbie, the roadtrip doll is more realistic. She's shorter, less curves...more rolls. Stacy's not so "plactic looking." She's got a few wrinkles around her brow and laughlines.

Unlike glamorous Barbie, Roadtrip Stacy is more.."down home looking" shall we say. She comes with clothes of course. Cut off shorts and oversized tees. She can wear flip-flops, sneakers or star-spangled knee high boots. She doesn't wear make-up. But you can make the circles under her eyes darker by a quick swoop of your "Stacy Road Trip black washable marker." Stacy will also come with a comb. Because the longer Stacy is on the road, the more humidity plays havoc with her hair. It can get quite chaotic. Why, by the end of the trip it will be standing on end without maintenance.

Roadtrip Stacy is Navigationally challenged. She is always getting lost. You will have to read the roadmap for her and keep her from taking the wrong exits. Roadtrip Stacy will also come with her own SUV. As a bonus, each time you honk on the horn while Stacy is in the SUV, you will get a different catchy phrase. Honk once, you'll hear: "Are you KIDDING ME???!!!" Honk again and hear: "Get the (bleep) out of the way!!!" Honk 3 times and you'll hear: "Don't be an A**hole!" See, Road-trip Stacy is queen of the road. She fears no one. You can even maneuver her fingers to display a charming little roadtrip gesture.

Roadtrip Stacy should have her own line of friends. For instance, "Worm" who unlike her nickname, is very glamorous. She will have long, beautiful flowing hair, and tiny doll like features. ( A vast difference to our more girl next door from the hood looking Stacy doll.) Whenever these two girls get in the SUV they will chatter non-stop. (Be sure to have plenty of back up batteries for the dolls on hand.) You can also have Road Trip children to add to your collection. One who needs to potty every 15 minutes and has no patience. This little fella will come with his own potty seat, dvd player and assorted snacks. Another larger version child will also be available. While this doll is lower maintenance, he gets queasy. So of course he will come standard with a barfbag. More fun, quirky characters can be added in the future. The accessories can be endless as well.

I think this doll could be just what has been missing from your collection. Please have your agents contact me ASAP. Until then, I shall be "road testing" out this little collective creation this weekend. Working out any kinks and thinking of more options for the line.

Catch you next week.

'Til then,
This is Road Trip Stacy bidding you many happy travel miles!

Monday, July 13, 2009

An Air Conditioning Story

Let me tell you another true story. At some point during this tale, you may think I am once again pulling your leg. Those of you that know Ricardo and I will consider the source. Thereby, concurring that it is indeed true.



This is a story about a married couple who have central air. The air conditioning works hard every summer. Running practically nonstop. Poor little a/c unit. Poor married couple with the astronomical utility bill... But I digress.



The a/c unit has a "control center" in the attic. The "control center has venting that runs air throughout the house, as well as pvc pipes that capture water and drain it into a drain pan and outside in case of a backup. Since the a/c unit works so hard, it gets sludge build-up from time to time. This sludge buildup backs up the drain and interferes with the unit itself working correctly. Are you with me so far? Getting bored with this story? (Please hang on a little longer.)



Two summers ago, the a/c unit backed up and needed a repairman. It cost the couple several hundred dollars. The repairman suggested running bleach down the pvc pipe on a monthly basis to keep the sludge buildup from returning. The couple TRY to remember to do this monthly maintenance. However, sometimes they forget and the problem returns. Also, the bleach smells terrible and vents throughout the entire house after using it. It burns the delicate little lungs of those who reside in the house. So......



The wife came up with an alternative idea. A greener idea. One that would remove sludge and not damage lung tissue. Why not use baking soda and vinegar instead? You pour baking soda in the pipe, add vinegar and wait for the chemical reaction to dissolve away the sludge. Works on sinks and tubs like a charm. Husband thought this was worth a try.



Wife said to Ricardo...I mean husband, here is a box of baking soda and here is a gallon of vinegar. I imagine it will take the whole box of soda to clear out all the sludge. ( Now THIS is where communication is VERY important. English is a tricky language. Sometimes you may be thinking one thing and not express it EXACTLY as you intended.) Stacy...um wife, MEANT to add a little baking soda at a time in the pipe, followed by some vinegar, repeat process as necessary until all soda and sludge was gone. Husband HEARD-use entire box AT ONCE in pipe. How many of you are laughing at this point in the story?



Needless to say, entire box of baking soda used at once was not a good idea. The pipe has a "u" shaped neck in it. Baking soda filled entire pipe and got clogged up around and past the "u" portion of pipe. Vinegar just fizzled and overflowed all over the place. Pipe was truly clogged at this point.



Husband and wife both climbed up in the attic taking turns trying to unclog the friggin' pipe. Why take turns you ask? Well first of all this is a partnership. Secondly, it was my bright idea. Thirdly, the attic was hotter than hades on a cloudy day!!! AT LEAST 130* I am sure. Sweat POURING (not dripping) off of body. Neither one of us could take the heat for too long without feeling dizzy. I tried to convince Ricardo it was almost like spending time at an expensive spa. We were getting the toxins out of our body with our own private sauna steam room....He wasn't buying that analogy...at all. Then I suggested perhaps we were getting an early viewing of the afterlife. Whew! It's gonna be hot down there!!! :)



It took a long ass time to clean out all the soda from that pipe. Hours. It took time, patience, a coat hanger jammed into the pipe, and many attempts to add vinegar before the problem was resolved. In the end, the pipe was unsludged. The married couple lost a couple of unneeded "lbs." and resolved to live the good life so they wouldn't have to worry about the afterlife. They had a glimpse of it, and it wasn't pretty...or comfortable.



I guess the moral(s) of this story are, Alternative ideas are worth a try. Green IS good. Partnership is commendable. But perhaps most importantly- you should say EXACTLY what you mean. LEAVE NOTHING to interpretation. Because while English can be tricky.... miscommunication, well.....it's priceless!!!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

A Wedding Story

You've got to love the irony. On Independence Day 15 years ago, Ricardo and I committed ourselves to each other.

I for one, have always considered 4th of July to be the most romantic day of the year. Sitting in the dark, snuggled next to your significant other, watching beautiful fireworks overhead.....yep, sure smacks of romance to me. But now, back to the memory...

I still remember it like it was yesterday. We had a noon wedding scheduled. (Some old western enthusiasts may say "High Noon.") We were doing the old quickie wedding on the way to the airport. Before we caught a flight out to Cancun. No guests, just us. Simple. More meaningful as well, I think.


We hired a limo driver to pick us up at our townhouse and take us to the wedding chapel. The Chapel of Love. No, really. It truly was called the Chapel of Love. The officiator was "Dr. Vows."...yes really. I had picked this establishment out of the yellow pages. It was on the way to the airport, and it was cheap. When I called to reserve our day and time, the good doctor advised me it would cost $50. And I could pay it out in installments if I needed to, as long as it was paid off before the big day. Honestly. But we were living large, we threw caution to the wind. We paid for the ceremony all in one lump sum. In advance. Yeah, we're risk takers all right.

It was a beautiful sunny day. The limo was elegant. The driver was kind and fun. He was also navigationally challenged. He took the scenic route to the chapel and got lost. Had to call headquarters for directions. Also, to call the chapel for us...to advise them we would be late. See, 15 years ago, cell phones weren't commonplace in our lives. Things not going exactly as planned...well, that was nothing new.

We were an hour late for our own wedding. Seriously. THANK GOODNESS we didn't have guests. Can you imagine?! For one betrothed person to not show up for the wedding would have been bad. But for both to be AWOL...THAT would have looked downright pathetic, at best.

Luckily, the good doctor waited for us. The Chapel of Love was a little more than a hole in the wall, of a residential neighborhood. Really. It was a tiny house in the middle of a not so nice neighborhood. Okay, it wasn't a neighborhood... exactly. That would seem too upscale and refined. Let's just, for all intent and purposes, call it what it was. A "Hood." And the hole in the wall, most probably from a bullet. There was a car up on blocks across the street. People definitely noticed when we pulled up in a limo. Some people were standing around on the streets. They were obviously "working". I doubt that they reported their income to the IRS,... but I digress. Others peeked out their windows (the ones that weren't covered with tinfoil) as we arrived. Even the limo driver was a little bit nervous. He backed into the driveway, in case we had to make a quick getaway. He may be navigationally challenged; but, he was street smart. And prepared. I'll give him that. Luckily, we didn't need any quick getaways. The wedding went as planned, sort of....

Upon entering the quaint chapel, we were met with an oasis of beauty. Okay,we were met by a few church pews. (Okay, technically they may have just been "wooden benches.") We also found a few mismatched fold out chairs and candles for ambiance. Not pillar candles mind you,... votives. Votives in cups. Yes, romance was in the air alright! There were also a few strands of greenery twisted around an old white plastic arch. Silk greenery. Aged silk greenery. And a podium which the good doctor stood behind for the ceremony. Ahhh yes, this is what $50 will get ya. Character. Memories that linger long after the ceremony is over. Memories that you will never forget. Even if you try.

To say the chapel's decor was the highlight of our wedding experience, would have done a disservice for the actual service itself. We didn't have traditional vows. Nope. Dr. Vows had other plans in store for us. Anyone can pledge to love, honor and obey. In sickness and in health. For better, for worse....til death do ye part. As for us, one of our pledges was "To give you my heart. For I have no use for it." Honest. We also pledged (among other things) to bathe once a year. Whether we felt we needed it or not. ( According to Dr. Vows, so many marriages crumble due to hygiene issues. ) Then he reached his hand into the ceremonial podium, presented us with two travel bars of soap and announced we were man and wife.

Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Many of you may not believe what you are reading. You may think I'm joking, that's what I do. But I'm serious. You can view it for yourself. We have it all on VHS tape. Our lovely limo driver, taped the unconventional-yet charming ceremony for us. He wasn't a technological whiz, so the first couple of minutes of the ceremony were missing. But, the rest is all there. He even added commentary. And laughter. We all laughed. And laughed. And well, you get the picture.

It is the only wedding I know of, where the bride and groom are laughing through much of the ceremony. We couldn't help it. Each pledge and vow was a little more crazy than the one before. We even had to kiss each other's rings after we placed them on our fingers. ( I now know how the Pope feels.) The good doctor also told us (after he handed us our bars of soap) that he had a good feeling about us. He thought our marriage would be successful.

I don't believe the good doctor ever went to medical school. Perhaps he didn't even attend any Theological classes. I do believe however, that Dr. Vows knew what he spoke of though... In some strange sort of way. Our marriage does indeed seem to be successful. Whether it is due to compatibility, hard work, or good hygiene habits I don't know. Perhaps all. Perhaps none. All I know is, it works. And like our wedding, the marriage has been filled with much laughter.

I also know, that we are truly married. No... I mean legally. We checked that out when we returned from our honeymoon. Wouldn't you?! It was all there. Signed. Sealed. Delivered to the legal registries or such.

15 years later, Ricardo and I still look at each other on occasion and say: "I give you my heart, for I have no use for it." It still brings back memories of that day. The day we lost our Independence, but gained a lot more. And if you ask us, it was one of the best $50 we ever spent. We've gotten a great return on our money. We also wouldn't change a thing about how or where we got married. Okay, perhaps we would change the whole "being an hour late thing." But the truth is, it's not the type of ceremony you have. How large, how small. It's not the location. It's not who is on the guest list. It's the actual marriage that is important. That's what people invest in. Or should. That and soap...or so I'm told.

On that note, Happy Anniversary Ricardo!! I'm glad I gave you my heart. I'm glad you gave me your name. I'm complete because of the two babies we made together. I'm blessed for the life we have together as a couple and as a family. And after all these years, I still see fireworks on our anniversary! I hope there will be many more 4th of July celebrations in our future ! I love you!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Stacy writes a Story

Taking the day off from posting. Sort of. Getting a special post ready for tomorrow. A story actually. A wedding story. Written by yours truly. About a couple very near and dear to me.

So tune in tomorrow. Have yourself a drink and snacks handy. For those of you with incontinence issues, put on your Depends. Having tissues handy is optional. But either way....You won't want to miss it!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Life Saving Enchilada

The boys and I just spent 3 hours swimming in the pool today. Finally came in due to heat and hunger. Heat-102. Hunger-INTENSE!!!

What is it about swimming that causes you to go from fine to stark raving mad hungry in a split second??!! We were all a little weak in the knees and shaky. Barely able to wrap the towels around us and stumble towards the door. Almost too weak to turn the knob. Was only the force of us all tumbling upon each other that propelled the door open.

Threw last nights left over enchiladas and rice in the microwave. Was the longest 1 1/2 minute of waiting time I can ever remember! We sat in wet swimsuits and towels. Water dripping on the floor. Wrinkly fingers grabbing on to eating utensils with all our might. Couldn't shovel it in fast enough. Manners be damned. Need for sustenance too great.

Happy to report we are all much better now. But it was a close call. Too close. I think those enchiladas may have saved our lives!!! Ah, the power of cheese!

Me thinks perhaps I should have taken Drama in High School....who knows what it could have led to???!!!