Random Neuron Firings

1. Lately, I’m on a Ken Burns documentaries kick before bed. (And here I thought I knew a lot about baseball. Whoa.) Last night, I started The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. Best idea indeed. At one point, an interviewee makes the statement that Americans often view the US as inferior to Europe with regard to the prestige and sheer age of Europe’s landmarks and structures. He then stresses the cultural treasure of these precious tracts of American land — procured not by a rich patron or titled aristocrat — that belong to the people of this country; a wealth of unspoiled beauty, set aside by the government for the sole purpose of the enjoyment of its populace. How wonderful is that? How rare? The Thriller and I have been beyond fortunate to have visited many of these National Parks, and it’s on the bucket list to see them all.
2. My hair is short again. I luv it. Yesterday, instead of getting out the curling iron, standing with the blow dryer for an eternity, and spraying copious amounts of lacquer to prevent the do from flying all over the place the minute I stepped outside, I simply fluffed, spritzed, and walked away. Bam. Blow and go.
3. Why have I been up since 1:50 a.m.? Good thing I don’t have anywhere to be today. Here it is, 3:39 and I’m researching and planning for #4…
4. There’s a group of people coming for lunch on Monday, and I’m doing a baked potato bar. For toppings, I have bacon, chili, broccoli in cheese sauce, salsa, sour cream, chives, butter, shredded cheddar…what else would you suggest? Anything fun? The guests are all teenagers. I’m open for any ideas. I’m toying with breaking out my Fanci-Fill pan and making a couple of cakes for dessert. Hmmm. Mebby not.
5. I had to look up how to properly steam broccoli, since I have never cooked it, and it’s almost never on my grocery list. The biggest challenge, however, will be getting through the meal with that horrific stench permeating the house. *gag* I hope it’s buried by other, more palatable aromas.

Is it naptime yet? I might have to take a break and check the ol’ eyelids for leaks.

Happy….er, what day is it anyhow?

Fiends! It’s been a while, I know. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like that. Good news: Three more days. Three till I’m free. Then you will hear from me, Jimmy. Don’t you doubt it.

You know, it’s always a big deal when your kid reaches a milestone. But believe me, it’s a bigger deal when your grandchild reaches one. The Thriller and I sat, mouths agape, last night and listened to Jake, our recent kindergarten graduate, sight-read a book like it was his job. He hadn’t seen this book since I read it to him, probably a year or two ago. And yes, he nailed it. And yes, I recorded the event for posterity. And yes, I am posting it here.

If you’ve a mind to, humor a doting Grammie and give it a looksee. You’ll be glad you did, as you’ll know more about bees than you did two minutes ago.

Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend. I plan to keep this place from getting so cobwebby in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEfv9Sda0ZA

The Thriller and I were discussing how our fears sometimes limit us in life. (We are taking a trip to France in the near future, despite our discomfort with flying; more on that later!) But sometimes, one has to draw a line between facing a fear and just, well, not on your life. Behold today’s litany of NO:

Nope

Nyet

Nein

Newp

Negatory

Not thinkin’ so

Ah, my old daredevil days. I don’t miss them. Wait…I would have never attempted these places even when I *was* young and foolish (maybe, just maybe the first one, but definitely not the others). I’ll just remain old and foolish, thanks. It was enough for me to stand a good 30 feet away from the edge of the Grand Canyon a few years back. That’ll last me the rest of my life.

OK, now that I’m woozy, it’s time to get started on the day. We’re heading into the last full week of school. Saints be praised. Happy weekend, fiends.

I had an awesome post planned for this morning, but when I went to access the site for the photos and story that would have been certain to knock you out, I found that the site is down. After repeated tries over an hour-long wait, I must bag it till another day. Rats.

Instead, I shall ramble at random.

1. Speaking of rats…I like them when they’re cartoony and cute and cuddly; you know, like me, up there to your left, with the John Lennons, turtleneck, pencil and music notes. (Again, bigtime thanks to talented Andy Nortnik, who drew her so nicely. I get a lot of my retro art and fonts from him, and you should, too.) But the kind that run across my classroom floor when I’m sitting at my desk? Notsamuch. Well, good news: they caught the little varmint, but just in case he went out and had a quick family, oversized traps (eww) still grace the nether regions of the choir room.
2. Today is Mother’s Day. I always miss my mom on this day, more so than usual. I hope all the moms reading this are having a relaxing Sunday, where everyone in your family waits on you and makes you feel like the royalty you are.
3. Know what I hate? All those clickbait video links on Facebook that say things like, “He knew his dad was coming home, but you won’t believe what actually happened” — or, “The last 30 seconds made me laugh so hard, I fell off my chair.”  They’re getting out of hand, people. “I thought nothing could change my life. Then I saw this.”  Seriously? Boot to the head.
4. I am older than handsome John Slattery. (And I must admit, I’m becoming partial to that silver hair look — more on that later.)
5. There are 16 days of school left. The busiest 16 of the year, but 16 nonetheless. I will get through it.

What do you feel you need to ramble about today? The weather? Your mom? Your house? I think I’ll ramble on into the kitchen and make another espresso. That’s the kind of party animal I am.

FO