No, see, it's the PERFECT shirt for this morning.

[stoney321]

So today is trash day, which I forgot, and I'm wearing my new "Rocket Scientist" tee. HAHAHA. Oh, self.

So I'm home! I first have to make a HUGE apology to anyone that I spoiled re: Project Runway. A thousand apologies. My mind was running a mile a minute and I put the LJ-cut too far down. So very sorry, was not intentional, and I'm usually WAY BETTER about cuts, folks. I've deleted that sentence for the record. I was without internet access all weekend, or I would have done it sooner. I AM SORRY!!!


And I'm not even going to apologize for mocking the cutting. That's how hard-core I am. Hard core like a granny at stitch-n-bitch with an AC/DC tee-shirt, yo! I know that makes no sense. I'm allowed two a year. So the BFF continues to be awesome. As is her husband. But for those that like more detailed trip posts, HERE WE GO.

Flight out was nice - apparently there was a Red Hat "to-do" in Lansing, MI, so I had all of these crazy ladies dressed head to toe in purple and red with feathers and spangles and stuff all over them on my plane. Their luggage was purple and red. Their water bottles (empty). Their book covers. I just... Okay, yay for you having something to be passionate about, but - Okay, one lady had a TURBAN on that was ONE FOOT HIGH. With feathers. And sequins. And ribbons trailing down the back. Really? REALLY?? That's how you express your sense of individuality and personal freedom? By buying into a look that lots of other women are buying into? I'll wait a moment for that irony to sink in. I asked her about her chapeau and she told me it cost FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS. Wow. I can think of many things to do with $500, and not ONE of them involve buying a hat that looks like Carnac the Magnificent got attacked by peacocks. (Make those feathers red and purple, and THAT IS WHAT HER HAT LOOKED LIKE.)

So the flight was fun. I finished the book The Liar by Stephen Fry, and I can't stress enough: SO FUNNY. Very clever, incredibly and gleefully gay, and it must be said: no one can properly insult another like an educated and erudite Brit. A sample of the funny: "It's been said that you should experience everything life has to offer, with the exception of incest and murder, which I explained to Mother while in bed last night." Hahaha! I left the book with Chrissy to read, then it's off to make the book rounds in my circle of life friends.

There's the BFF waiting by the baggage, hugs all around, then we went to the barn from the airport to see Doc and the other horsies. It's funny to see her old quarter-horse alongside the thoroughbreds. He's about 75 pounds overweight, hardly has front teeth anymore, and is basically a big doggie. Awwww. (He's 24) We let him out of his pasture to follow us around like a puppy while we greeted all the tetchy/jumpy thoroughbreds. The babies are so skittish, they'd twitch and rear at the sound of a carrot being snapped in half. Yeah, I'll take Western riding and a good Paint over those fellers. The facilities' stallion let me feed him one carrot before he got aggressive. (The horse had balls the size of cantaloupes - gleh.) The barn kitties were almost perfectly round ginger balls with feet and pointy ears. They'd gotten into a fight before we arrived and one had a fat lip. Ha! He looked like he was pouting. (He's fine. The owner of the facility is a vet, in case you wondered.)

Good things I ate while in Ann Arbor: a Magic Brownie from Zingerman's. I picked up a cookbook, too, and will try many of their yummy recipes this week. I also grabbed a dark chocolate bar there, one that is 100% cacao. Awesome, right? Mmm, dark chocolate. HOLY CRAP, I couldn't get that out of my mouth fast enough. Bleh. Have you ever had a pecan that wasn't shelled all the way? You know that little red bit of shell in between the halves? That's what it tasted like. And a hint of dirt. Pee-yook. I think I top out at 80% cacao, otherwise it's just too nasty to my mouth.

Other good things: a pear, apple, cherry, pistachio and feta salad. A grilled pizza with figs, manicotti, basil and asiago cheese. (Holy YUM.) We went to a bar to watch the Michigan/Notre Dame game ("Rudy Sucks" was a popular tee-shirt on Saturday. hahahaha!) and I had tequila shots. Not good tequila, but what can you expect? Patron Respado, for those keeping track. The bartender was hilarious. He was a Philadelphia native, asked me where I was from, then mocked the Cowboys for getting T.O. off their hands. *cough* Who won yesterday? That's right. COWBOYS. Also: any football fans out there see that HORRIBLE leg break on the USC game? Oh god, I jumped out of my seat and walked around the keep my gorge from rising. Oh my GOD.

As far as body aches go, I walked a solid 10 miles every morning, then we would wander around the U of Mich campus/downtown every day, so I probably clocked in 14 miles a day. I got a little full of myself yesterday and ran part of my 10 mile walk (the ground was so springy! Layers upon layers of tree litter...) I paid for it on the plane ride home. They wouldn't let us out of our seats due to turbulence, so I was quietly moaning with the need to extend my leg. OUCH. But I'll miss visiting Ann Arbor when the BFF and her husband move to Tallahassee in October. The Huron is a beautiful river, the city is lovely, and while the people aren't as friendly as I'm used to, they aren't RUDE. Well, much. (I mean, seriously. When you make eye contact with someone, YOU SAY HELLO. Or good morning. SOMETHING. It's not hard, people.)

Oh, while I'm chastising the faceless people out there, let me make one public statement about something NO ONE SHOULD DO.
YOU SHOULD NOT CARRY ON A BUSINESS/CONFERENCE CALL WHILE SHITTING ON THE TOILET IN AN AIRPORT BATHROOM.
I cannot stress that enough. That shouldn't need to be addressed, but APPARENTLY it does!! Good LORD. Some woman - business executive, by her conversation we all got to listen in on - was in the middle of a conference call while blowing raspberries on the crapper. With toilets flushing all around her!! I cannot understand the human mind sometimes. I was apparently standing with my mouth open while waiting in line, and an older woman behind me "tsk'd" and shook her head. "Can you imagine?" What her co-workers must have been thinking... DON'T TALK ON THE PHONE WHILE POOPING, PEOPLE. Or peeing. Not a BUSINESS CALL. NO. Do not do that. You've been taught now, so there's no excuse.

One bad thing - Chrissy isn't going to be able to do the Susan G. Komen 3 Day walk with me after all. She's going to fly out to help her mom after she has surgery (yikes!!), so I'm going it alone. I'll find some friendly faces and slip in with some fun folks, I'm sure. And I'm going to get serious about fundraising this week - get ready! And if you feel inspired to donate (or send me well wishes) that's a GREAT IDEA! Click the link to go to my personal donation page. Any amount is a great amount!

All in all, excellent trip with my most favorite people on the earth. They're funny, intelligent, don't take life seriously, love to play and move and DO, I got to snuggle with Ladybug (their Red Healer - which, seriously? Doesn't everyone know what Cattle Dogs look like? People asked us ALL THE TIME if it was a FOX. "Yeah, just leashed up a wild animal this morning for a run." They just goggled at this pup like she was a rare breed. WTF, people??), saw the horsies and kittens every day, read read read and chatted and laughed until my stomach ached. Now that her husband is done with his Ph.D, he's so relaxed and it was great to see. Usually he's running back and forth to the school and the library, so I've missed hanging out with him. He's as sarcastic as hell, a total sneak, and just one of the best people on earth. They make me happy.

But it's great to be home, I missed my kiddoes and Mr. S - who massaged my knees and I love him MORE THAN EVER as a result - and my kitties were lined up at the door to greet me when I got home. D'awwww.

So how are all of YOU? I'm going to check all the links/recs in my last post, so what else is new? Mmm, I'm making fresh bread today - what's your favorite kind of bread???

Comments

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

Hi sweetie! I missed you so! *smishes you* Huzzah for having you back! :(|)

The trip sounds great, all the wonderful food, good conversation, and holy cow, the walking! You're a rock star with your power walk, yay! Also, Ladybug is the cutest name ever for a doggy.

I'm sorry to hear your BFF won't be doing the walk. Maybe there are groups of people doing the walk in your area you could connect with beforehand just for fun? Or they could even be doing training walks, if there are groups. Hmm. That could be cool. But I'm not worried -- I know you'll have a great time no matter what, and of course you'll meet tons of interesting people and do this incredible walk and contribution to the cause to boot.

Favorite kind of bread -- oooh, I like sourdough, and I like peasant bread with kalamata olives baked right in, but now my tummy is still ooky, so I like plain white toast with jelly. Meh. :D

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

HI HI HI!!!!! *hugs you to BITS* Isn't Ladybug a sweet name?? She's a sweet little scaredy dog who likes her girl and boy very much. *beams*

Okay, I skimmed the flist and saw that you were ookie! What's going on?? *makes you melba toast and flat gingerale*

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

Did you know you can get Zingerman's (http://zingermansbakehouse.com/content/pages/home.php) goodies online? And yes, the Huron is a beautiful river and A2 is a pretty town but those Red Hat ladies are seriously weird. I'm old enough to be one and wouldn't be caught dead in those getups.
Bread? I only eat whole grain bread so any whole grain bread is nummy. I'm currently working my way through a loaf of sprouted California loaf (http://www.alvaradostreetbakery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=10270&Category_Code=bread).

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

Oh, der, I should write explanations instead of oblique references. :D

Yeah, I had food poisoning Thursday night and all day Friday. I was totally laid out this weekend, just hanging out and resting -- the main symptoms were done, but I was exhausted. As long as I was lying down or sitting still, I was like, oh, I'm totally fine! But when I went out just to walk a few blocks or took a shower, I very much collapsed afterwards.

I did do some work on my website this weekend -- hey, nothing like being not being able to do much else besides sit! -- and made progress on VM s2.

I'm at work right now, but huddled in my chair, and I might go home early. I feel like a huuuuuge wimp, but being sick for a day and a half took a lot out of me.

But for happy things, I am so glad you have returned! AWwww to the scaredy dog! *pets her, and also gives scritches to your cats who are probably all purring at you*

[fiveandfour.livejournal.com]

"It's been said that you should experience everything life has to offer, with the exception of incest and murder, which I explained to Mother while in bed last night." Hahaha!

Could only be funnier if it was followed by "just before I killed her". But probably not that kind of story, I'm guessing.

I hate to admit it, as much as I'm attempting to instill some regard by my daughter for whole wheat bread, my favorite remains a good, chewy white bread. Warm. With butter. It's one of life's greatest pleasures, if you ask me.

Welcome back. Glad to hear you had a great time with the BFF. There's just something about re-connecting with a person with that position in your life that's like no other experience - so wonderful.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Poor you!! Food poisoning affects your whole body, so is nothing to sneeze at! *squishes you gently* That'a a LOT of work you did to your site - go you! I think going home early today is a good idea. Stupid Mondays...

Ladybug was bred to be a show dog, so the first nine months of her life were spent in a 2 x 2 kennel - she didn't know how to be outside when Chrissy found her. :((( (Her back legs were bowed too much, so they dumped her. BAD PEOPLE.) So Ladybug is skittish in large groups of noisy people. She's a clinger. *hugs her to bits*

I'm using my new running icon! Even though I took today off. (I think I got enough in over the weekend. =p)

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Mmmm, the sprouted loaf looks a lot like Jack Sprat bread, which makes some of the best toast around. (I judge bread by the toast it makes.) I'm a huge fan of sunflower seed bread, too. YUMMY!!!

I *did* see you could get their grub online, but I'm the type that wants instant gratification. Or at least within a few hours. :) We have some good delis/bakeries here, it's just nice to have a great shop like that for visiting.

RED HAT LADIES!! Craziness. Just... WOW!

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Heee!! You know what, it *IS* that kind of story! But there are so many zingers... He spaced them out nicely. :) Lots of black humor, PG Wodehouse humor, and everything in between. I really liked it. :)

Oooh, freshly baked hot bread is one of the best things in LIFE, yes. Especially if you have homemade preserves to spread on it, YUM!!!

And we had such a great time - we are always able to pick up where we left off. She's just a terrific human being. *loves* Oh! I need to go to my last post and answer your question about Gabaldon... *hies to do just that*

[fiveandfour.livejournal.com]

Lots of black humor, PG Wodehouse humor, and everything in between.

And I gotta hie me to a book store. That sounds right up my alley...I recall picking up a Stephen Fry book before but for some reason not getting into it. I'll have to give him another try.

[julia-here.livejournal.com]

Hey, you're back!

I've heard the cell-phone-in-toilet thing described as a gross way of establishing dominance, but I have to say: Bonobos do it better.

Raining here, finally. we've had essentially zero rainfall since July (less than an inch since June 15th, in fact) and it was getting scary around here.

Julia, and the icon is me in May, 1974, just 22 and almost a BA for the first time

[anelith.livejournal.com]

Sounds like an absolutely wonderful visit! Those Red Hat ladies are quite the bunch, aren't they? Mom went to a few of their lunches when she first moved down to Florida, she even has a hat (very tame by comparison to those you describe), but she quickly got tired of that. I see red & purple stuff (hats, shoes, purses) in the department stores now, so it's big business.

I've seen people use the phone in public restrooms before too, but never on business! That's a new low.

The Liar sounds very amusing -- it's going on my list.

My favorite bread is ciabatta with olive oil and salt on the crust. Oh so good.

Max (our elderly cat) isn't doing so well. Friday I noticed a real change in his walk -- due to nerve degeneration, according to the vet. Lots of angst over new meds the vet is proposing, which we are going to try. If they don't give him some help over the next few weeks, then we're facing the big decision.

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

Love the running icon!

We'll see how long I make it. I want to put in the hours I can, only because I am leaving early on Thursday when I go to see the baby niece and my sister and brother-in-law! Yay for that!

Good for you, taking off today. It'll be good for your body to take a day to mend and rest -- all part of the training!

[southernbangel.livejournal.com]

I'm SO glad you had such a fabulous time with the BFF!! Yay! Visits with best friends are always fun, always worth it. I'm sorry she won't be able to do the 3 Day Walk with you. Do you know anyone in your area who is doing the walk and would like to be in a group with you? I love doing walks like that but I always need someone to do it with me for encouragement and entertainment purposes during the walk.

Re: Red Hat. My mom used to belong to one of the groups when they lived in a small town several years ago and it was THE thing to do. She hated it, but as the wife of the senior pastor of First Church, it was expected. I, being the lovely daughter I am, mocked her endlessly for it. *snerk*

Re: Telephone conversations in restroom. A big fat NO from me. I've heard people carry on conversations while on the toilet and all I can think is, "Gross! Does the person really need that mental image of you with your panties around your ankles as you squeeze out a turd?" I do NOT need that mental picture with people, thank you very much.

I MISSED YOU!!! I watched one episode of S1 of the The Office (U.K.) and thought of you. Tomorrow when I go buy BSG DVDs I think I'm going to get S1/S2 of the U.S. version! All because of you and Maren!

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

*uses the other one*

Oooh, baby trip is coming up soon! This is very very exciting. I cannot WAIT to hear about the baby and to hear how excited and happy you are to hold and snorgle and kiss and cuddle the sweet girl! BABIES.

I watched a bit of the Steve Irwin memorial yesterday on Animal Planet and teared up when their baby boy was born and he picked up his little girl and told her they were going to the hospital to see the baby. BABIES!! I'm such a sucker.

*rubs muscles like WHOA* You could use a back rub, huh? Maybe some broth? *gets apron on*

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

YES!! I highly recommend it. It's a bit... non-linear. If you just accept that, and trust that it gets tied up in a FABULOUS BOW at the end that will make you tsk and mutter, "clever little shit," under you breath with a smile, you'll just let go and let Fry. *beams*

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

I... dominance??? Oh, PEOPLE. Can't we evolve a little more?? It was DISGUSTING, Julia. Conference call. Ordering people about. Asking for project numbers. While going #2!! Emily Post is rolling over in her grave.

We had rain yesterday, too! We're still approaching Stage 4 drought... but the 1.73 inches (according to my rain gauge) was a welcomed sight, too. (No rain for you?? Man, that's crazy talk!)

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

It *is* big business!! And... isn't the whole thing based on one woman's idea that she's going to be an individual? That she's going to think outside the box and do what she wants? So... all of these women go along with the pack? Hmmmm.

You will TOTALLY love The Liar. It is completely up your alley. I'm going to hit the bookstore on Friday and pick up more of his books - I loved his writing style. (And maybe see if I can't make some of that bread when you get here...)

Oh, MAX. Poor Fam. How are the kids? Are they realizing Max isn't doing well?? You know, we talked to all of the kids about Crawford as his health deteriorated in a very matter of fact (but emotionally aware) way, and it helped when we had to make a decision about him. It's never easy. I applaud you for doing what you can and recognizing that his comfort comes first, regardless of the decision. (If it's The Big One, it's because he needs to be pain free. You're a sweet family, and I'll hug you extra hard when you get here, my Anne-girl.)

[hellziggy.livejournal.com]

Welcome home! Missed you!

My favorite kind of bread is fresh warm banana bread. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

I'm still trying to catch up online from my week in LA. Moose has recovered fairly well. He can be seen here ( http://hellziggy.livejournal.com/412866.html ) hanging out w/Mr. Marsters. There are also other yummy James pics here ( http://hellziggy.livejournal.com/411934.html )

Two of my favoritest non-LJ people got married on Saturday and they were both lovely and the ceremony was beautiful and it was just an all around good time.
Now I am back at work for the first time in a week and a half and I don't want to be!!!!!!

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

I haven't met anyone, but they're expecting a good 50,000 participants!! I'm sure I can find a fun sassy group to glom on to. :D I've got some training sessions coming up, so I'll scout out for fun folks.

The Red Hat thing!! Lee, that woman's hat looked JUST LIKE CARNAC'S. I'm not exaggerating. OH! Oh!! Remember that Bert and Ernie skit where they go to the movies and a woman had a crazy tall hat with a feather???? LIKE THAT, OMG!! What is wrong with people? Get a tee-shirt. Hee!

What did you think about the UK version of the Office? (A bit meaner, huh? I still love it, although the characters - imo- aren't as accessible as the US version.) I'm so glad Maren and I are still slashable influencing you for GOOD. You must get into The Office so we have yet another wonderful connection! YOu know, like our secret love for one another. And our love of douchemonkeys.

[hellziggy.livejournal.com]

Also, you still WIN for the best LJ cut tags EVAH!!!!

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

OH MY GOD BANANA BREAD. It makes the BEST French toast (add a little OJ to the egg/milk batter.) Awwwwww, weddings! That's so great - I'm a sap at those. *tears up*

I've seen some of these JM pics popping up on my flist! Good to see the man still looks good! *bolsters you up for work* You can do it, yes you can!

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

YAY!!! She's back!!! Hi.

For the record, my favorite bread is Banana Nut.

And now, I pounce and hug whilst you look at me like I've lost my mind.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

HEY, GOOD LOOKING! Glad to see your name pop up on my flist, sugar booger. And I will join you in the banana nut bread love. (A random typo just had me typing in "banana BUTT bread." That's not in the Ladies Aid cook book, I can promise you that. hahaha!)

[luvxander.livejournal.com]

Nope, the recipe for banana butt bread is in the gay companion book called, "we can't tell the Ladies Aid that we wrote a porno cookbook"

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

YOU DO NOT ADMIRE HER. You don't. She's also the woman that hawks loogies and swallows them while talking to you. How do I know this? TAKE A GUESS. And she was dressed in head to toe Anne Klein. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? Clearly, the clothes make the man. *...two, three, four*

I have READ and oh my GOD, crazy town. WHAT THE EFF? What are you going to do?? I'm running to the gross-ery sto', then Imma call you and find out what's the deal. Ee oh. CHRIST.