Life. Good Stuff.

The journey to Baltimore-DC area was a crazy one.  My niece's wedding was really great, intimate, well-thought-out, and everything from the dress to the flowers, and all the food was fabulous.  The "destination resort" we stayed at was not disappointing at all.  The hot tub in the room was huge and could've fit four people - the bathroom was very spa-like.  All glass shower, beautiful tiles, and everything well thought out.  Huge king-sized bed, awesome pillows, light down comforter, excellent views, and it was also very "please don't bring your child(ren) here" discouraging.  Not cots, no cribs, no family rooms.  Only adults in the pool.  For my child-free ass, that was a HAPPY PLACE.

Unfortunately, the rental car sucked.  We were assigned a 2015 Jeep Compass... wow.  The dead have more options and move faster..  The engine was too small and the body was too heavy.  It couldn't get out of it's own way.  Trying to get on to | 495 and it was just pathetic.  It could also be that I really don't care for an SUV (it's like a cheesy station-wagon on steroids) and find that most people who drive them, can't.  Let's not even discuss parking.

And... I also scored my first speeding ticket in over 7 years.  Fucker clocked me at 41 MPH in a 35 MPH zone.  Ticket cost??  $130.  NO SHIT.  The Super Trooper managed to tell me that the "State of Florida won't be informing your insurance company as long as you pay the court your ticket."  What a fucking racket!!  My husband keeps picking on my not being able to drive 41 MPH.  This is such a non-win, it wasn't even funny.

For the good news...  the house hunt starts tomorrow.  We received all of our paperwork back from USAA and we've been all pre-approved.  I've already been saving interesting houses from realtor[dot]com and my budget is very generous (to say the least).  I also have a budget for immediate renovations before we move in... for instance, hardwood flooring (except for the bedrooms - because I want carpet), tile in the kitchen and baths, new hardware (if I don't like what's in there), countertops, and cabinet resurfacing.  So, I'm not really worried about the cosmetic stuff with the house - I just want to find the best house that fits our lifestyle.  And, yes... having a dedicated guest bedroom and bath is at the top of the list (I'm so dangerous and all... expecting people to come and visit me - hahahahahaaaaaa).  :D  I'd also like a soaking tub in the master bath, but if it doesn't have it (and maybe has a jacuzzi outside or something), I can live.

My biopsy also came back... it's negative!!!

And I have another job interview tomorrow... which may take me a whole lot closer to the Audi TT that I want to get after we buy our house.

Vacances et une Mariage.

We leave tomorrow on the first of several short [vacation] jaunts.  This one happens to be together, as my niece is getting married on Saturday evening.  I finally got my dress in and it looks fantastic.  It's a wrap dress which shows a very good amount of cleavage - hehehe - and it makes me feel wonderful.  The hubs is thrilled with it, too.

I also got a second LBD (Little Black Dress) just for any additional shit that I might get goat-roped into by my mother-in-law.  It's very simple with cap sleeves, but it doesn't wrinkle and that's pretty damned important.  ;0))  I also got some swim shorts and a swim skirt because we have a poolside suite and I intend to do nothing more than soak in the in-room jacuzzi and swim during the day.  Plus, I need some color!!

Although I'm going to have to deal with some in-law crap, I think I'm going to have a great time with both of my favorite nieces... one of which just came out and is bringing her long-term girlfriend with her to the wedding.  I'm really looking forward to meeting her.  If she makes K-dito happy, I'm sure she's a pretty great person.  Also, it should be interesting to see how some family members react... as this will be their first time seeing my niece with her significant other being a woman.

I still haven't heard anything about my biopsy... so I sent a message to my doctor today.  He said that I should hear something tomorrow.  Knowing my luck, it'll be while I'm sitting in fucking Atlanta waiting for a connector.  Isn't that usually how it goes????

Two Weeks of Travel.

After a very quiet Fourth of July (and it was quiet - living in the 'burbs ensures that), I now have a busy two weeks coming up.  On Wednesday morning, I'll be heading back to New Orleans.  My visit is two-fold... I'll be getting a needle biopsy done and then a new audio system put in my car (part of my 40th birthday gift).  I'm getting a touch-screen system with all the bluetooth stuff for my iPod, iPad, and iPhone that will automatically sync.  That makes me so happy!!  Also, I can watch movies if I want, also (or at least my passengers can).  This almost makes up for the needle biopsy and very short trip to NOLA.

However, on the way home from NOLA, I'll be picking up a very good friend and we're planning on having a Girl's Night Out at the IP Casino in Biloxi!!!  Pool, poolside service, room service, and of course our favorite box o' wine will make this a memorable stay!!  I can't wait to catch up and just hang out with one of my close friends for a night.  No husbands, no kids, no dog, no cats... nothing but some relaxation and fun.  I don't even care if I get a sunburn!!  :0))  I'm hoping my friend can catch some good pics with her camera and that the weather holds so that we can enjoy an excellent sunset.  I'm so fucking EXCITED!!!

Next week, on Friday, husby and I will be flying up to Washington D.C. for a wedding.  One of my very favorite nieces is getting married and we've decided to make a mini-vacation out of it.  We're staying at an upscale hotel (with a double-person jacuzzi in the room), 24-hour room service, fluffy towels, robes, and poolside access.  We only have to be at the wedding on Saturday night (and that is at La Ferme Restaurant - and it looks so delicious!!) and the rest of the time is our own.  I'm looking at other dining options and maybe going to the aquarium in Baltimore.  Hell, we might just be lazy and pampered... either way, it's a getaway.

I'm still undecided as to whether or not I'll be going to St Louis in August.  Husby is going to be there for over two weeks, and I could fly in and crash at his hotel with him, easy peasy.  Just don't know if I want to deal with traveling that soon again or not.  Next summer, we have a month long trip to Germany (going to both Ramstein and Landstuhl) and there's also a trip to Japan coming up in the early spring.  I look forward to going back to Germany (although I'm pretty sure I'll be spending most weekends in France) and I've never been to Japan, so that should be interesting.

And in between all those things??  House buying, painting, flooring, and moving.  Let's not bring all that up right now.  I want to ride on this good mood for a while!!

Friends-Drinking-Franzia-Saturday.

This might sound weird.  And maybe it is... but for some of you who don't have friends close by, it'll make sense and it may appeal to you.  Who knows?  For me??  It's better than wine-ing it up on your own, only to drunk dial someone who may not appreciate your consideration post-midnight.

I drink and message with one of my good friends.  It's a planned event.  Really.  Repeat after me:  "This is a planned event".  There's only a couple of steps involved and then, voila!!  Are you interested??  Follow these directions:

1. Find one of your good friends who may be in the same predicament as you.  They could be in a new area (with no friends to hang out with), in an area where drinking is frowned upon (the debbil you say!!), friends that don't drink (my idea of horror), or maybe they are home with the kids or family or in-laws and such (and therefore; they NEED to drink).  Make contact.  Set a date and time.
2. Determine what you're going to drink.  Tonight, I enjoyed a cool 3-litre box of Franzia's Famous "Sunset Blush" - on sale for $8.00 at my local Winn-Dick-Me (AKA "Winn Dixie").  My drinking buddy's husby picked her up the same thing.  
3. At set time, start messaging, texting, Skyping, or whatever.  Get silly and funny and take pictures and laugh.  Get snockered.  Enjoy each other's company.  Do the Girl's Night thing from miles and miles away.  Best of all... hang out with someone you adore and don't be lonely.  

Start the fun with this:

You're merely $8.00 to fun with one of your besties online!!!

Then, just start sending pics to each other.  I took a pic of my favorite wine slurping cup... a Dr Seuss holographic tumbler, along with my favorite movie character, The Dude (from 'The Big Lebowski') and a finger puppet of Dali.  This is what I sent (because my Sunset Blush Buddy gave me The Dude early for my birthday):

So, it's a little dark... but can you FEEL the happy????  I can!!!

I'm not going to bore you with the rest of our conversation, but I enjoyed my time with her immensely.  Of course, it's not going to be as awesome as hanging out in person with someone... but if you're wanting company and you're on your own, this is a pretty good solution.  It's been a great night!!

Visitors. Happy Time!!

Yesterday, I had some old friends pop into town.  It was crazy because they've been doing shows all across the US and had some gigs lined up in Pensacola and in another nearby area. I was thrilled because I hadn't seen Nikki or Jason for almost a year.  The last time they visited was when we were living in NOLA last summer.  Naturally, I invited them over to hang out and stay overnight if they wanted and we had a blast!!  They also have the distinction of being my very first company from out-of-state.  My apologies if my phone went unanswered and messages were left unread.  I'll catch up with you today.  :0))

Ordered out Chinese delivery, got into some wine, caught up on our families, mutual friends, and some interesting stories.  The dog was even over the moon to have them here!!  :0))  We figured out that we've been friends for 10+ years... and I love them because no matter how long it's been between visits, it's like no time has passed when we're finally together.

Nikki also gave me a copy of her newest album (I have them all, now!!) and I'm probably going to see them next week after I get back from New Orleans (I'm heading there on Saturday morning).  This week has been far better than I ever expected and I must've had some weird premonition, because I cleaned my house (seriously deep-cleaned to get rid of the shitty germs from the crap-tastic cold that I had for almost 10 days) and things were back to (what my version of) normal (is).

So... I had great friends come to visit and on Saturday I'm headed out to visit some of my favorite people and be the guest instead of the hostess.  It's like the best karma trip ever.

You can find this by contacting Nikki directly through her website...

If you mention Juggsy or JuggsBunny, she'll autograph it for you.  :0))

I'll be taking some pics of my meanderings through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, and I'm going to try and blog while in NOLA.

It's amazing how a surprise visit can really lift your spirits.  x0x0

On My Own.

This is definitely not a *pity party*, so don't mistake it for one.  I was simply looking at my husby's work calendar and it looks like he'll be home for a grand total of 31 days out of the next 90 (and that includes the 4 days that we'll be flying to DC for a wedding in July).  It's not me that I'm worried about - it's him.  Speaking from experience, it utterly sucks to have to live in hotels for 2 - 3 weeks on end, although I will concede that the housekeeping and room services are nice. 

Previous to moving here (and while getting settled in), I was looking forward to inviting friends from different areas of the country to come and spend some time with me while the husband was gone, you know, just to have company and enjoy the beautiful beaches (and delicious seafood, shopping, and amenities).  Now??  Only a handful of people have made the invite list thanks to a "real" eye-opening experience during my move.  There's really only a small handful of friends I want to entertain (CR, JL, LF, S&L, L&N)... and after I make my solid schedules with them, I will be traveling instead of being the hostess. 

In June, I'll be heading back to New Orleans for a long weekend.  I'm so excited to go - I can't wait to see my friends and do the "front porching" thang!!  Since L&N moved into our old house, I can stay there also, if I want to.  There's a list of restaurants that I want to go to and I'm looking forward to seeing some of my favorite co-workers.  I love NOLA!!  :D

Hopefully, on my way home, I can stop and see another bestie - and we can hang out in Gulfport for a night or two.  I'm looking forward to firming plans up and grabbing some Franzia and room service.  Lounging by the pool on the top of the hotel would be cool - seeing the ocean as we swim.  Laughing and having a good time and not having a worry in the world. 

In July, we'll be attending my niece's wedding in DC.  She's actually getting married in Chevy Chase, MD (which makes me laugh - considering how much I love the "National Lampoon's Vacation" movies.  It's going to be a quick jaunt, but we should be able to throw in a little sightseeing.  I'd like to go to the Smithsonian - but with the time constraints??  I should probably lower my expectations.

Since husby is gone for most of the month of August, I may go to New England.  I'll probably skip most of Massachusetts (except to stop and see JL and two of my favorite cousins) and then head straight to Maine.  I don't want to run into anyone - considering how dangerous I can be!!!  ;)

Those are my plans for now... of course, things are subject to change.  I'm On My Own for a little while, but I'm going to take advantage of that and check off a bunch of stuff on my list.  Arizona and California are on the short list also... just depends on how much time I do have and what the flight prices look like. 

Compared to what March, April, and May looked like... summer is gleaming like a gem!!