Ten on Tuesday, June 29

1. I don't like moving. I really don't like moving in 92 degrees and high humidity when there are stairs involved. That said ... it was totally worth it to install Millie, Eric and Danny in their new old home. Having my friends a little bit closer makes it completely worth it.
2. Spontanaeity and I still get along. Last Friday when Kathleen called looking for a dinnertime diversion, I initially thought "No; it's a big weekend with lots of activity and I really need to do my laundry." But I changed my mind, because life is short, food is good, and Kathleen is awesome. She met me at P.F. Chang's and we sat on the patio. It was a delightful, wonderful evening. And when I got home, I still had plenty of time do finish my chores.
3. Telling people that you value their opinions is not the same as actually valuing those opinions. That doesn't mean I expect anyone to substitute my judgement for his or her own. It does, however, require one not to assume I (or anyone else, for that matter) am wrong just because we share a different set of circumstances.
4. The car has been officially christened El Guapo. My best friend in the entire universe, the brother I didn't meet until I was 29, is in town on business, and the entire family (minus Rae and Kaylee) got together for dinner. Mike Rice has to pilot my vehicles and name them. He's been doing it since college, and it's the right thing to do.
5. Speaking of Rice family dinner ... it was chicken and dumplings, the way Susan (Mom) Rice used to make them. I have a lot of memories of that particular meal. Sometimes around that big table in the Jacksonville kitchen, sometimes huddled around a plastic bag full of dumplings and eating them cold the next morning. Always delicious. Becky and Cindy made dinner and the most perfect peach custard pie I've ever had. It was a magical meal. And like most magical meals, it wasn't the food, but the people, that made it special. This was the first time in two years that I've been in the same room with all the Rice kids, as James has been teaching in India. It was great to see him - and all my adoptive siblings - if only for one evening.
6. Okay, so this just hit me. We're eating the peach pie, and I ask for the recipe, and little brother Chunk says, "I'll send it to you right now." And he did. From his phone. Which means my little brother has the recipe for peach pie on his phone. How cute is that?
7. I have really effed up my knee. Too much activity over the last few weeks, I guess. It's swollen and cranky. Guess I'll have to take it easy this weekend, huh?
8. VACATION! It's just a long weekend, but it totally counts. Heading up to Lake Geneva on Friday night (pray for nice weather; I'd really love to go with the top down) and staying through Monday morning. In my near future, there will be karaoke, breakfast, pool, lake, sun, conversations and laughter. Sounds like vacation to me.
9. This morning I woke up to a little kitty-vomit minefield. Not sure what the little bastard got into, but it was nasty. And it did not make for a good morning.
10. If you eat a lot of black licorice, jelly beans or gum drops, you will poop brilliant green. No, really.

10 on Tuesday, June 22

1. I bought sunglasses. I had to do it on my own, because while I’ll see Tucson Mike in less than a week, we will not have time to shop. This puts a lot of pressure on me, but I think I did okay. Found two pairs that I really like, and they were buy one/get one half off. What good a pair of half-off sunglasses does me, I’ll never know. At least if they’re half off, they’re also half on.
2. Co-worker Mike is bringing me his bike. And that was an unfortunate rhyme. Anyway, I’ll be using it to train for the Muddy Buddy race on August 1. You should come cheer us on!
3. I have the ingredients to make panzanella – tomato and bread salad. Can I just say, yum?
4. Last Friday, we had some of the most freakish weather ever. The sky turned dark and scary, the wind was crazy and we lost power at the office. So what did we do? Went to the nearest bar for a few beers. Soon, it was safe to drive home and all was well … except I had no power there, either. It didn’t come on until 6:19 a.m. Good thing I have friends who are willing to entertain me in my hour of need!
5. I am not usually excited to perform manual labor. However, this weekend I will be pleased as punch to help move my friends Eric and Millie, and their son Danny, to Aurora. They currently live in DeKalb, which is too far away. Aurora will be much more manageable, for me, anyway. It will be worth the sweat and the icky to have them not living in Iowa.
6. At this time next week, Conference will be happening. Many of our management will be in Milwaukee, and it will be quiet, like the day after Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to getting my cubicle clean and leaving on time.
7. I’m giving myself a little vacation. Fourth of July weekend will find me in Wisconsin, enjoying the water and the company of good friends. I know it’s not most people’s idea of a great vacation adventure, and I know it wasn’t my first choice of where I’d be heading … but it will certainly allow me to rest, relax and enjoy a little time away from the normal day-to-day.
8. I get to see Tucson Mike in just a few days! Well, the rest of the family, too … but it all started with Mike, and I can’t wait to see him. And eat chicken and dumplings. And hang out with the family. Now, of course, I have to admit … I wish the girls were coming, too.
9. I spent part of the day Sunday at my dad’s, because it was Father’s Day. I got presents. I love Father’s Day!
10. Co-worker Lisa and I still walk every day at lunch, as long as it isn’t raining. Today, it was hotter than hot outside. As my friend Marc said, it was “stupid hot”. And I figured, what the hell … at least it’s a dry stupid hot.

Ten on Tuesday, June 15

1. I am trying my damndest to prep for the Muddy Buddy race on August 1. Co-worker Mike and I will run/bike/complete obstacles/crawl through mud on a seven-mile course on a farm in Gilberts, IL. I just hope I don’t make a jackass out of myself. Or die. Or come in last.
2. I really miss having a patio or balcony. I love my little home, but within the next couple of years, I’d really like to upgrade to a place that gives me outside space.
3. Can I say once again how incredibly proud I am of Choose Awesome? Between our sponsorship and donations to our team of (two) walkers in the Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society received more than $560. It was a great feeling to walk for a cause that really matters – to us personally, and to our organization. For our very first venture, it feels pretty incredible. Or should I say awesome?
4. My dad, sister and nephew are still in Hawaii. Some day, I hope to go there. The pictures they’ve posted so far (yes, they access Facebook from the Big Island) are gorgeous.
5. While I miss my Blackberry (which I never should’ve gotten because I’m a Mac person and that’s just wrong) I kind of enjoy having just a regular ordinary doesn’t-do-anything phone. There’s a feeling of being unhooked that comes from not being reachable 24/7. I like that. I will remember that when I go iPhone, and not feel so attached.
6. My container garden is doing very well! I’m going to have to transplant some of the herbs out to give Tom (that’s the tomato) a chance to grow. I am so excited to have fresh tomatoes!
7. I’m still tired from being up all night Friday at the Relay. I am not as young as I once was.
8. I really dislike accepting copy changes from people who aren’t writers. Conversely, I really like having a job. At times, these feelings run at cross purposes with one another.
9. This Sunday is Father’s Day. As much as Mother’s Day is tough for me, being half orphaned and all, I feel for my friends who have lost their fathers. I talk to my dad almost every day, and I am always grateful for being able to do that – in part because I have a reminder, in the form of my friends, that life is short, and Dad won’t be with me forever. Your loss has given me important perspective, and I am grateful for that. You will be in my thoughts on Sunday.
10. I really (really) try to refrain from being passive-aggressive and snarky. This may come as a huge surprise, because it probably doesn’t seem that way. Just think: what if I didn’t try? My world would be nothing but snark. I’ll pause while you feel grateful.

I like ...

camping
pineapple
believing one person can make a difference
butterfly kisses
travel
different drummers, and moving to their beat
playing catch with whatever’s handy
the ocean
dark chocolate
sarongs
soap
my lawn, which is really a beautiful park
going barefoot
Coppertone
cold chocolate cake and a glass of milk
wishing on a star
hope
the fragrance library of Demeter
with apologies to Kevin Costner, long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days
my wrists
being forgiven
forgiving
Snake River Lager
the feel of a dog’s nose in the palm you my hand
honesty (it’s such a lonely word)
feeling good in my own skin
crab rangoon
Loralei Gilmore
El Guapo
old letters
antique cake stands
grande extra shot nonfat mocha easy whip
romantic comedies
the next chapter
Christmas Eve
Spanish
Trixie Belden
garlic
the music of the 70’s
my job
easy silence
Levi's button-fly 501s
two brothers named Mike
sterling
knitting as meditation
drive-in movies
choosing a path
crying when I need to cry
experiences that encompass all five senses
Lush
potato salad
falling asleep

10 on Wednesday, June 9

1. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed with how much I love my actual brother Mike. I was over at Dad's over the weekend, and we decided to give him (Mike, not Dad) a shower. It's nice to be able to help Mike feel secure in a wobbly shower wheelchair made of plastic, but I was able to even make him laugh a little bit. We got him all nice and clean and smelling awesome. I'd wash his toes any day.
2. My dad, my sister Kathie and nephew Alex leave tomorrow morning for Hawaii. I hope they have a great time, especially my dad. At 81 years old, I love that he wants to travel. I especially love that he's finally taking that helicopter tour. Bon voyage, my dear ones.
   
3. Work is called work because it's work. Otherwise, they'd call it recess and you wouldn't get paid. But damn ... lately it's been more work than usual. Not complaining - love my job, love my co-workers, love having a job. But it's a stressful time of year. Bring on July.
4. Our tiny little not-for-profit, Choose Awesome, is sponsoring the Relay for Life at Elgin Community College this Friday and Saturday. I'm incredibly proud. I'm also walking on the Choose Awesome team. Truly looking forward to it.
5. Cats shed. A lot.
6. Sometimes going to the gym becomes a totally spiritual experience. Last night was one of those times. Everything just sort of fell into place, the energy was right and we had a magical hour of dancing. I'm so lucky.
7. Tomorrow (in Chicagoland, anyway) Jimmy John's subs #1-6 are only $1. I'm going with my co-workers. Nothing beats a $1 sammich. Well, several things do, but none that I can get on my lunch hour for a buck.
8. Yankee Candle has this smell called "Sun and Sand" that smells just like I remember my uncle Don's cabin smelling. The perfect combination of Coppertone and fresh air. You should get yourself one.
9. I am craving s'mores.
10. I have really been missing the water lately. It's been a long time since I've spent time lakeside, so I think in a few weeks I'll head North to Lake Geneva. I may not leave the shore for a few days.
    

10 on Tuesday, June 1

1. I love June. Summer makes me happy.
2. What a fantastic weekend! I was able to spend a lot of time either lounging poolside or driving with the top down. I keep sunscreen in my car out of necessity; I think that's the coolest thing in the world.
3. I'm slowly obtaining my summer glow. I know technically it's not healthy to tan, but I use as strong an SPF as I can (30) without breaking out in hella-hives, and I try not to relax out there for too long. I'm not going to spend the summer hiding in the shade.
4. Speaking of lounging in the sun, I came to an important realization on Sunday. I was at Polly's mom's pool, and it was hot and sunny. I had my swimsuit, so I decided to hop into it and cool off in the pool. Polly's cousin Jennifer was there, looking like her beautiful self, and by comparison I'm sure I looked like a sad whale. But as I told Polly, I'm over worrying about how I look. The truth is, I'm overweight. It's not like all of a sudden people will see me in a swimsuit and realize this! So why not take a dip with the kiddoes, relax on a lounge chair, and enjoy every gorgeous moment of summer? Why not, indeed.
5. I had completely forgotten that in Season Three of Moonlighting, the character of Sam is played by Mark Harmon. A very young Mark Harmon. The scene when David knocks on Maddie's door, intent on telling her he loves her, and Sam answers ... it's still heartbreaking after all these years.
6. Sometimes, no matter how hard ya try, ya screw up. The trick is to move on with some semblance of grace and dignity.
7. I really want more of those shishkabobs Polly made on Sunday.
8. The bad news: my scrubby soap thing melted in my gym bag. The good news: it smelled really good, and now everything in my gym bag smells like it. Not a bad trade.
9. It's vacation season and I'm not going anywhere. I wanted to, but airfare is just insane right now. So I'm going to let the money sit in my account and make more of itself for the time being. Besides, I need a new mattress and a new computer and lots of other things more than I need a vacation. I think.
10. Work is crazy in June. The people I work with are crazy in June, too. I fit right in.