Ten on Tuesday

1. Over the years, I have learned stuff. Like rum and tequila and beer don't mix, but on those rare occasions when they do, and you discover just how badly they don't mix the next morning, a cheeseburger and fries makes you all better again. I first discovered this in New Orleans on March 18, 1997 (thanks to Rae.) It still works in 2008. Not that I would know; I'm too mature for such behavior.
2. I cannot give up coffee. I can get through the morning (barely) without causing irreparable harm to those in my midst, but by about 2:30 p.m., I need someone to hit. And my head is pounding. And I can't speak in complete sentences. I have cut back drastically on the amount I drink - from a full pot to about two cups - but please don't ask me to give up those two cups. Society and I need the buzz.
3. My dad is having knee replacement surgery next Wednesday. (Happy Birthday, Drew. Your favorite aunt's dad is getting hacked into on your Special Day.) Realizing Dad's knees aren't keeping up with him kinda forces me to accept that fact that he isn't as young as he once was. The man I always thought was indestructible ... isn't.
4. Walt Disney once said, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." I agree with him.
5. In both Wisconsin and Illinois, the law in requires motorists to shift lanes, where possible, to give stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks a safe zone in which to work. In other words, it's not just courteous, it's the law that you must change lanes to allow an open lane for the cop who has pulled over a speeder, or the nasty accident, or whatever. According to the law, when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle or tow truck stopped within 12 feet of the pavement and which has its emergency lights operating, you should shift lanes, if possible, leaving the lane next to the emergency vehicle open. If shifting lanes is unsafe, motorists are required to slow until they are past the emergency vehicle. I didn't know about this law, and neither did a friend of mine who got a nasty ticket over the weekend. Be warned.
6. Also in Wisconsin, motorists must give way to livestock. While the person in charge of the animals has the responsibility to "use reasonable care and diligence" to keep the road open, the livestock does have the right of way while crossing a road and you must stop. It's also the law that if someone is riding or leading a frightened animal and gives you a signal of distress, you must stop until the animal is under control. So next time I try to ensure that a squirrel makes it to the other side unscathed, as long as I'm in Wisconsin, you have to wait for me.
7. I've had some crazy bouts of sadness lately. I really don't feel consciously down post-divorce, so I don't think that's it. I do know that I am petrified of the pending birthday (so much so that I cannot bring myself to celebrate) and I think it's kinda wrapped up in that. Getting older sucks a little.
8. I made a crockpot meal for dinner tonight. New recipe - Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. If it's good, I'll share the recipe. If it sucks, we shall never speak of this again.
9. As the days are getting cooler (dammit), I find myself missing South Haven all over again. Maybe I need a vacation. Maybe I need to see the family. Maybe I just need s'mores.
10. This is my last weekend at the pool. I will probably spend the day Monday at the gym, a great portion of which will be spent out at the pool, squeezing the last few rays of sunshine out before it closes down for the season. Goodbye, suntan. See you in June.