The Good People

You would think with all the latest news in the world that I would only have things to grumble about. I mean, Social Security will be bankrupt in 30 years - just when I need it. And Miss California got to keep her crown. Is there no justice?

Hmmm...no. Regardless, I am still quite pleased. I am also fortunate to have dear friends and family that just keep me giggling and grinning.

Our friend Dwayne has recently introduced Michael to "hashing". In case you are unfamiliar, hashing is noncompetitive running, drinking and socializing. And they don't believe in running on regular roads or trails. No, they like to do this though streams, and backyards, and often while wearing ridiculous costumes.

This Saturday they are hashing while wearing prom attire. I was fortunate enough to get visibility into the following email string. Thank god for the power of the forward button.

Michael to Dwayne:
Any idea what size your red dress is?
Okay, that was a weird question...

Dwayne to Michael:
Let me call my sister and get back to you, I don't remember. lol

Michael to Dwayne:
So, I did a little investigating over lunch and I appear to be in the 20 - 24 range depending on the shoulders...

This is information I never thought I would need.

And lets just say there is one very confused consignment shop owner down the street from my building.

On another note, my friend Anne from LA sent this to me a couple weeks ago and I just have to share. If you were ever concerned abut not finding that perfect piece of furniture...don't you worry! There is furniture for white people AND black people. In fact there is some for Hispanics and for ALL people. This is worth a watch if you are ever considering a visit to the Furniture Capital of the World. Just click below to cringe a little. Cringe in the good way.

The Reeeeeeeddddddd House

Tomorrow I will introduce everyone to my new source of online entertainment...amazon.com reviews! Seriously, I had no freakin idea how funny they are. That's why I have Amy in my life. She keeps the cheap laughs alive. In the meantime, enjoy the image of Michael in a dress. I will do my best to get a picture.

Mistaken identity

As I mentioned on Sunday, I've been experiencing a few cases of mistaken identity lately. On Saturday I was at Costco and several people wished me a Happy Mother's Day. In fact, one woman seemed to go out of her way to express that and kind of chased me down through the aisles. I expect that I was mirroring the uncomfortable and confused expression that her husband had. This misplaced HMD salutation continued on through Sunday, and was only stopped when I just locked myself in the house and refused to go anywhere else. These women do not have a special sensory gift; I am not pregnant.

The true identity crisis actually started a couple weekends back when we attended the World Beer Fest in downtown Raleigh. Imagine a beautiful and warm day with tons of people strolling through two large tents drinking all the two-ounce pours that they can handle. And then they drink some more. The idea is that your $40 admission gives you an opportunity to taste beer across a wide range of both microbreweries and more standard brewing companies. You can compare and contrast and savor, or you can just drink until you fall down. Totally your call.

I was initially worried about the event, as there were a lot of drunk people in a relatively small space. Michael is not a fan of these situations, and I really did want him to enjoy himself. We needed a strategy. The key for Michael is to quickly get him alcohol in his body, and then find a quieter location where he can breathe and not want to run through the crowd with a machete. Sounds simple, right? Our friend Dwayne made a few beer recommendations and gave us the lay of the land, and then we were off.

I still have these moments where I think I am in LA. Then the reality comes crashing back. On this particular Saturday, it was much more likely that we were in Wisconsin. As Michael pointed out, "It is not an event until you see someone walking around with a giant turkey leg." We also discovered that Leinenkugel Brewing had a stand, so of course we needed to sample. You know you are from Wisconsin if you can spell Leinenkugel and know where Chippewa Falls is. Dad is very proud.

Then we made a true and blessed discovery. The Education tent. Here you sit and learn about beer, and they BRING YOU SAMPLES. You sit, you listen, you learn, you drink. And husband is not enraged, and therefore i am not annoyed. Good day. There were three such sessions and they poured 6-7 beers in each. Yes, I was hammered. You see, at one point early in the first session, the pouring woman spilled beer down both my legs. Turned out to be a good thing, as she then overcompensated and poured me tall ones thereafter. Michael unfortunately got "the short pour".

During one of the last sessions where I was content and a bit "saucy and sassy" as some friends have pointed out, I had the real moment of mistaken identity. A delightful older Southern man walked up to me and said, " Thank you. Thank you for dressing like a lady, and having a dress on. Thank you."

Oh yes, doesn't she look all lady? You sir, are wrong, but I dearly thank you.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all of our mom friends and family...we wish you a very Happy Mother's Day! We love you all and wish you the best of days. I was wished a Happy Mother's Day no less than three times this weekend, which freaked me out a little. I give one woman credit though, as Iona's buggy does resemble a stroller. My friend Amy says that pet moms count as well... so there.