Busy Bees

Ike and I have been busy preparing for the big move and trip to New York.

Tuesday morning we are signing the lease for the new house (pics coming soon hopefully). After that we are loading all of Ike's stuff into storage until we get back from vacation. I really don't like lifting and moving boxes all day so hopefully there will be an ice cream treat after.

Wednesday consists of massive cleaning of the house; then we are off to Cary until Friday --GoodBerry's Custard here I come!

Early Friday morning we are driving to Busch Gardens in Va to ride roller coasters over and over and over and over....

Quick trip on Saturday morning to the Prime Outlets in Williamsburg then the looong drive to New York where we will stay for a whole month.

I am super excited to go and explore all the little nooks and crannies of the area, but I am dreading the drive up this time because we are driving both cars. Little known fact: I was a late bloomer in the driving department. I didn't get my permit until everyone else got their license. After finally getting my license, I didn't drive on the interstate until later in college. I'm comfortable with driving now, but I really don't like to feel boxed in when everyone is driving very fast (not much room for error). There are a few spots during the drive where everyone is so close its scary. To top it off it will be close to 4th of July so tons of people will be driving. I know I will be fine, but I will definitely breathe a sigh of relief once we reach our destination.

Even so, I am ready for the week to begin.

Happy Monday!

-Jewel

P.S. Charlie doesn't like my attention diverted by the computer, especially when he wants to snuggle and sleep.

A summer Friday (and a Scrabble match).

A quick post about my day:

1. Went to a workshop at the high school about creating wikis for use in the classroom. I think I was the youngest one there. The workshop leader said she was glad to have some "digital natives" there; as one such native, I ended up teaching a few things myself (e.g. using Google Docs to upload and embed PowerPoint slideshows). Overall: fun, informative, and worthwhile.

2. Came home, ate a sandwich, and took a nap. Also played a little Guitar Hero.

3. Went downtown with Jewel and played Scrabble outside the Cow Cafe. A couple items of note regarding the game:

• She didn't really want to play to begin with, so she was slacking off for most of the game. This is probably why I was able to win -- for most of the game. With defeat nearing on the horizon, however, Jewel's competitive edge quickly return. This, combined with poor playing of "H" and "I" tiles on my part, allowed her to surge ahead for the win.
• Jewel's victory is forever marred, however, by the fact that I challenged one of her words, found it to be invalid, and allowed it to be played anyway in order to keep her interested in the game. Perhaps this was a subtle psychological tactic on her part...wouldn't put it past her. Anyway, I'm putting an asterisk next to this win in the books -- she can think of it as her 61*.
• The best part of the game was people's various reactions to us playing outdoors in public. From a trio of high school teens: "Scrabble, for the win!" (Translation: "Cool, Scrabble!") From a middle-aged guy carrying a camera case: "That's awesome...awesome." From an older mom/possible grandma: "No one plays board games anymore." (She proceeded to go into detail about her sons penchant for the "Nintendo 56" and how there was no way she was buying him a Wii for "Two-ninety-nine -- and not two dollars and ninety-nine cents.")

4. Went to Harris Teeter and bought groceries for dinner. We had hot dog buns lying around the house from a party last weekend, so we got hot dogs and fixins. I had sauerkraut and Emeril's Horseradish Mustard on mine. Also I made salt potatoes (thanks to Mom for telling me how long to cook them, and to Dad for informing me that "it's not rocket science").

All in all, a pretty good summer day. Tomorrow's docket includes the dry cleaner, mopping, and possibly washing the car. We'll see what happens.

Back again soon --

its

PS: While digging through my iPhone for the Hipstamatics I took of the Scrabble game, I also found a couple others of note:

The Mermule, which still sits in front of my home.

My empty classroom.

Summer is truly here.

Anticipations

*clip art courtesy of Pugly Pixel and Sugarplum Paperie.

Saturday Fun in the Sun

Summer loves: cornhole, grilling, cold beverages, good friends, and rowdy fun.




So happy that summer has finally begun.

-Jewel

Memorial Day Weekend Anticipations

Summer is here at last as well as our school's last break before final exams (I'm a teacher). I am so ready for this break. I'm excited about:

• stealing ike's blank cds to make summer mixes
  
• wearing a dress everyday this weekend
• a trip to the new t.j. maxx for shorts
• the student talent show
• ike's play all in the timing
  
• buying fresh italian bread, provolone cheese, veggie ham, baby dill pickles, and lime melon orbit gum
• radio island and emerald isle with friends
  
• reading on the beach with a sonic limeade
• relaxing

I hope you all have a great weekend too!

photo courtesy of Babs from a summer long ago

-Jewel