Chocolate Shake

Can you remember your very first sip of a chocolate milkshake?

This is my Bird at the county fair Sunday evening enjoying her very first chocolate milkshake from the local dairy farmers tent.  Her daddy is holding the cup for her because she's not even big enough to do that on her own yet.  I think a milkshake is one of those things that can transcend barriers dividing folks; age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status.  It's a simple pleasure that brings humanity together for one frosty cold, delicious moment.

We shared a sweet summer evening with our daughter and some old friends in my hometown.  We drove an hour from where we live in the city to spend time showing Wren the 4-H animals, eating "elephant ears" and cheering on our favorite competitor in the kids pedal tractor pull!  I always enjoy the opportunity to savor a slower pace of life.  One of these days....

Observations this week

First, I want to share with you that I have a fresh zit smack dab in the middle of my upper lip. You know, the area between your nose and lip...the little dip right there has a magnificent pimple. I felt like every person I spoke to today was looking at it. It's like my zit was out talking to people all day instead of me. I don't typically get acne. Not even when I was a teenager, go ahead, send me hate mail.

Sunday morning I went out to the barn to visit my mare. Of course she and the other mares were in the farthest possible corner of the five acre field. I looped the lead rope over my neck with my scarf, dug around in my pockets for gloves and began the trek. I was actually grateful for the bit of exercise. It was cold but sunny and sunny trumps cold anytime in my book. If it had been cloudy and cold, I would've been curled up on my couch. Instead, Mother Nature was on my side. I reached the small herd of mares and called Dixie's name. She looked up and waited for me to get to her. I scruffed her heavy winter coat and spoke softly as I clipped the lead rope to her halter. Some of the other mares were getting nosy so I started leading her back toward the barn. We stopped halfway and she stood still while I gave her a good look-over. Her surgery site under her tail has healed completely and there were no signs of new growths, whew. Keep you fingers crossed. Slyly, I put my hand in my pocket and rustled the plastic wrappers of the peppermints that I brought for her. Ears pricked forward she began pushing her nose around my waist trying to find the goods. I had to take my gloves off to unwrap the candy. Her warm breath cut the cold as she lipped the treat into her mouth. She loves it when I stroke her just above her eyes, she gets all soft and doe-eyed when I do it. She's my beautiful mare and I feel like a kid everytime I throw my arms around her neck and bury my face in her coat. Satisfied that she was in good condition I unclipped the lead rope and told her to go on. She turned and cantered back to the mares. I started walking back to the barn and turned to look at her only to find that she was standing with her head up looking at me too.

Gordon is the old man that owns the barn and cares for the horses. He is a self described "Kiwi" because his native land is New Zealand. As I was coming back to the barn he was coming out of the house. We stood and talked awhile in the barn aisle. As a young man he was an exercise rider for racehorses in New Zealand, he tells stories of training them on the beaches there. Then he moved to the US and he and his daughter raised Arabians and competed in fox hunts. His daughter is in her forties now and is "out of horses" because of a riding accident she had. So Gordon runs the barn on his own. His wife mostly stays in the house while he putters away keeping the barn tidy. Twelve horses make their home there and he sees to it that they are in good condition and properly cared for. I would sleep in my mares stall, that's how clean it is. I don't know that I've ever actually seen poop in it. He cleans the water buckets every other day and the barn aisle is meticulously swept. They don't make 'em like Gordon anymore.

Main Street USA

Today my schedule had me making sales calls in my hometown, which was sort of nice. I knew where all of the doctors' offices were located although it's not hard to figure out, just go out by the hospital. Anything that falls in the "medical" category is out by the hospital. The other end of town has the schools and car wash. Now, the "church" category is off the charts. They have those on every street practically. The big "Danville Christian" is on Main Street in the middle of town, they want to be sure people see 'em comin' and goin' on Sunday morning. The Catholics meet up a few times a week at Saint Mary's on the hill near the old IGA grocery (which went out of business and is now a lawn mower repair store). The Methodists get together on Mill Street. They sort of cater to kids and young families. Snoopy School (preschool) is there along with the best ever Live "drive-thru" Nativity, at Christmastime, naturally. Now, the Apostolic church is down on Lincoln Street. They have a whole compound or something with a lake and horses and a little gift shop that they run. In school we used to call them the "bunhead religion," because, well, because we were ignorant kids, that's why. So, throw in a couple more denominations and you have a whole town with more than their fair share of the Lord.

I digress.

I want to pay a tribute to the Danville Dairy Queen. No other DQ compares. Ours is one of the originals. Forget the "Brazier" crap with grills and fryers. There is nothing better than a rotisserie hot dog in a steamed bun with cheese and chili. Add in a vanilla milkshake and it's just bliss. Today I stopped there for lunch and had the afore mentioned chili cheese dog along with a Peanut Buster Parfait (because they were on sale!). I asked the girl working why it was so much better there and she replied with, "We clean the ice cream machine three times a day.) And there you have it. I was hoping for something a little more intriguing I guess.

While I was having lunch, sitting in my car, I notice an old friend at the DQ window ordering his lunch. I hopped right out of my car and went to say hello. My friend Andy, who always called me "squirrel" when we were in high school. We sat and chatted away for about 20 minutes I suppose. He waved at about 20 cars that drove by. I didn't wave at any. He caught me up on who was still around town and what they were up to. Mostly folks are raising families or raising hell. He's married, but no kids...although he has a new Harley, so I'm not sure what he's raising.

Anyway, he told me a few stories about people we know, that I haven't seen in forever. Some things never change. But I tell ya, it was nice sitting there with Andy in my little hometown, eating DQ ice cream and reminiscing.

Hello Franklin Covey!

Gonna make a list for ya.

• I've been in Chicago for the past two weeks training for my new job.
• My new job is pharmaceutical sales; I've been working my ass off to break into the industry for five years.
• Training was brutal, but I felt triumphant at the end of the two weeks.
• I am home for two weeks during which I have two bridal showers (one of which I'm the hostess!), one rehearsal dinner, one wedding, 4th of July, two evenings planned with friends, one hair appointment, one dentist appointment, get the dog groomed, guests staying at my home for four nights, shopping for new work clothes, trying to find/see an new OBGYN, study for and take an entrance exam for another drug I'll be selling. Did I mention that I'm still working during the days?
• The guests are my brother-in-law C and his fiancee A. They are getting married July 5th.
• I have to leave to go back to Chicago on Sunday July 6th...for three weeks straight.
• Under pressure? Actually, I am scary efficient when this kind of chaos rears it's head. (Note the bullet points.)
• Oh yea, the new OBGYN...we're going to try to get pregnant starting in August. Ha ha! They say there's no good time, so away we go! Luckily I'll actually be home for most of August and September.

Mmmm..Crabcakes!

The rest of the story...

Friday night we had dinner at Paula Deen's restaurant "Lady and Sons." It was fantastic! I have a new appreciation for black eye'd peas. Our server was Bruce and our bartender was James.they were very nice and gave us a few tips about what clubs to hit after dinner. So we took their recommendations and had a great time. We ran into them at a little local pub called Circa. As we walked in they were sitting to the right and some meat head guys were standing on our left. The meatheads were older men in suits that looked like military type guys and they greeted us as we walked in the door. No sooner than we picked a table the meatheads decended upon us like vulchers. About the time they started schmoozing a waitress informed us that James was buying our first round! When our drinks arrived I escaped from the meatheads and joined James and Mike (another L&S bartender) at their table. I thanked James for the drinks and then explained to them the meathead situation. He said as soon as we walked in it was apparent what was going to happen. So, one by one the girls defected to the table where the me and the L&S guys were. The meatheads got a clue and moved on to a new club. Then a random guy asked Frenchy if she wanted to come sit with him, to which she replied, "No I'm sorry I have to go to the bathroom." He looked at her sort of funny and then excused himself. Pretty soon more L&S folks joined us, Bruce and Brandy. James decided A needed to have a striptease since it was her Bachelorette party so he mentioned what a great dancer Bruce is. Somebody fetched a chair for A and Bruce gave her a little lap dance right there! No clothes came off but it was pretty funny and I'll vouch for his ability to shake what his mamma gave him!
We all decided after awhile to move the party to another club called Bachus. It was much louder but there was more room and better music to dance to. Most of us sat around and drank wine and chatted bbut A was ready to let loose so she and James cut a rug. They were a lot of fun to watch. I guess they were some sort of swing/jitterbugging. Lots of fun! Last call came too soon and we hailed our cab driver Dirty Henry. He looked sort of like a drunk homeless man and talked like it too. But he drove just fine. And he told us he was hoping we might need to "discipline him." Hmmm..thus the name Dirty Henry.
Saturday was spent laying by the pool at the hotel. Very relaxing. Took a nap late afternoon then got up and showered for another night on the town.
We had dinner at "Jazzed" a Tapas restaurant. After dinner we walked over to have a drink at L&S. The guys were working and shared their plans for the evening with us in case we wanted to join them. We enjoyed hanging out with them because they were just nice guys. No ulterior motives, they weren't trying to hit on us or single any of us out. So we all met at a rooftop bar called Churchills. It was so fun and I drank more that night than I have in a month. All Malibu and Diet's. So, that's how I earned the nickname "Malibu." All the L&S guys were there, and a couple of them we just met that night, like Durrel and Sherman. The more I drank the friendlier I got. I made friends with the table next to us and the bartenders Evil Bob and what's his name.
A and I danced more than anyone I think. At some point A was having her picture taken sitting on the bar for a 'bachelorette moment." Now, all of us ladies are married except Frenchy who is wrapping up a divorce. So, out of nowhere James has swooped Frenchy into his arms for a very dramatic french kiss. Then after it was over she says,"How about another?" So he dipped her back for another kiss..meanwhile Evil Bob is yelling, "Don't drop her!" It was very sweet and innocent.
After Churchills last call we started head back to the hotel, led by Bruce our Mother Hen. He walked us down the sidewalk and across the street to the waiting cabs. But James and Sherman headed us off at the pass and said, "Do you want to see something really cool?" So, trusting them as we did we all said sure. We walked down to the riverfront to a little plaza shaped like a circle. When you stand in the middle of the circle you can hear your voice echo back to you. So we took turns standing in the circle talking and singing and dancing. A couple came along and we shared it with them, then the guy took the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend! She said yes, but to be honest she seemed really apprehensive and frankly I think she can do better.
A made me sing a solo in the circle and since I was drunk I did. I sang a solo of "My Girl" on the riverfront in Savannah at 4am. It was just one of those magical nights for all of us I think.
The next day most of the girls left, Frenchy, A and me stayed and went to dinner that night. I had the best crabcakes that have ever passed through my lips! A restaurant called "Vics." If you're ever in Savannah you must go! You can't go wrong with the crabcakes. If you're a steak person, get the prime rib, Frenchy's was really good. A had scallops and they were tasty too. We were all tired and it was an early night for us.
The weekend was really great. Very memorable.
As a side note, I puked on the plane on the way home due to turbulence. Yep, it was really embarassing. But I was sitting right up front and told the attendant that I felt sick. He gave me a large plastic trash bag that I stuck my whole head into. I puked as quietly as possible. :)

No, I'm sorry, I have to go to the bathroom.

A's bachelorette party was this past weekend down in Savannah, GA. She's marrying my brother-in-law in July so all her girlfriends converged upon the unsuspecting South.

Arrival
A and her friend/coworker Frenchy picked me up at the airport last Thursday in Savannah. By the way, her friends name isn't really Frenchy, but she earned it over the weekend. Story to follow shortly... So anyway, the three of us arrived at the Westin on the Waterfront, freshened up in our room then went down to the lounge to meet up with A's sister and niece.

Friday
We took the ferry across the river to go shopping. We went into a little restaurant an soon found ourselves being treated to mimosa's thanks to some generous older men. They decided they should treat the bachelorette and her friends to drinks. They also invited us to go on their boat later. We could see it from the ferry dock, it was a nice boat. They were nice guys too, but we didn't go on the boat.
So, a little bit tipsy, we went on our way shopping. We had lunch at a little tearoom. The ham and cheese quiche was fantastic! Then we walked around a little more and then A's sister and niece had to go home so we went back to the Westin. I took a little nap to rest up for the evening. So, you'll have to stay tuned because Oprah is about to come on and I'll have to finish this up later. But just so you know, the adventures have only just begun! Just to tease you...Find out why we call her Frenchy, Who is Malibu? and some men wanted to take us home!

Girl's Night Out

Last weekend was the best time I've had in awhile, as far as girls nights out go. My two very best friends, K and C, and me went to Bloomington, IN for C's little sisters bachelorette party. C rented a couple hotel rooms not far from downtown Bloomington, brought snacks, rum punch and jello shots. Oh, she also rented a male dancer. He had the unique ability to do a handstand over you while removing a dollar bill from your chest...in a thong. Anyway, he really livened all the girls up and got them a little bit rowdy. I'm sure the rum punch helped too. So, two or three jello shots into the evening I piled into the minivan to go downtown to eat. We ate at an italian place and tried to get our waiter to shake his groove thing for us. He wasn't having it.
After dinner we all pitter patted our way around the square to the Bluebird where we were seeing a band called Sixteen Candles. If you are into 80's music at all, they are awesome. I was hammered and throwing all my dancing inhibitions to the wind. Hell, it was a friday night, out of town with my girls! We got back to the hotel around 3am. I actually wasn't hungover at all the next morning. I had to stop the car twice for my friend K on the way home to Indy. We're in our 30's now, I think her body was protesting. All in all, a really great weekend!

Yep, she's wearing a lampshade on her head.

I am ready for some time off. The December sales picked up a little, not much though, and I am ready to recharge for the new year. I want to kick back with friends and family, have some cocktails and sleep in a few days. I have pretty much sold everything I'm going to for this month. It's not a stellar month, but December never is. Did I mention my company is making us work Christmas Eve? All of our plants in the area are closed, all the delivery drivers are off...but sales management thinks the salespeople should come into the office. We aren't supposed to make any phone calls, afterall, our customers have the day off. We just have to come in for a few hours to mail things out to some customers. Busy work. I feel like Bob Cratchit working for Scrooge. Nevermind that I spend Christmas Eve with my family and I might need some prep time. Oh, and we were told that if we are "sick" we will have to show a doctors note. Elementary. Simply elementary. Assholes.

My dog had surgery yesterday. She had "cherry eye," it's when the MN gland hangs out of their eye like a puffy pink blob. Disgusting and expensive. Thank you Lord for the means to pay for it. My poor punkin dog. *in a baby voice* Sher is my baby dog. Sher's jus a baby! Poor sing!

Anyway, My friend and coworker L just closed on her new house yesterday. She is moving in today. I'm really proud of her! She is only 24 and had a nice new townhome built for herself! Just her, no help from her parents or any man. Yay L! So, I have a housewarming gift for her.

Tonight I am having a girls' night with some longtime friends. We rarely all get together but I'm really looking forward to tonight! You just can't replace friends you've had since childhood. I love them like sisters. We're going to Cheescake Factory for dinner and a small gift exchange.

Well, that just about is all I have to report on today. I'm going to take a snooze since I got all of Boo's gifts wrapped and I have posted a blog. I'm sure I'll post again before Christmas. P.S all the snow is melting. Hopefully some will stick around for Christmas.