Tee hee hee. I listen to them giggle. It gets on my nerves after a few minutes. Your fricken twelve. Or I assume your twelve, by the way your acting. Why are you wearing coochy shorts and low cut shirts? Black bra, with a white tank top? Hello! You don’t even have any boobs. Have some respect for yourselves.
I cringe as I think of my daughter in middle school. If she acts like these girls, she’ll be grounded for life. I’ll tie her up in the cellar. Not really, but it’s a good thought. Maybe she will skip that stage….
I watch as one of the three girls struts past a teenage boy, her back arched and her hips swaying. He just glances at her and turns to his girlfriend, who is shopping for a new wardrobe. The girls are huddled as if they were on a football team. Whispering loudly. Kind of hiding behind a sale rack of skinny jeans. Probably their size, because I have a hard time believing anyone that has gone through puberty can fit in to a size zero.
They giggled and laughed again and went after their next victims. These two men, (I assume they are men because they have a full set of facial hair and an un-godly amount of cologne on) seem to have the same strut the girls were just practicing, minus the hip sway. Their muscles bulge out of their too small Old Navy tee’s. I am pretty sure I saw one of these guys here earlier with a pack of kids and a woman that I assumed was his wife.
The men notice the girls. “You girls wanna go have a good time?”
“Sure!” they giggle immaturely.
One of the girls seem stand-offish. She is smiling, probably to keep the other’s happy. Her facial expressions and the way she is clutching on to her purse, makes me think she is super, nervous. She doesn’t say much.
After they decide they are leaving she doesn’t budge.
“I’m not going. I gotta get home.”
She whispered into her friends ear. All she got back, was a death stare, and rolling of the eyes. The other’s try and coax her to come, with some peer pressure, but she doesn’t buy in to it. She is left standing in J.C Penney, alone. One of the men winks at her as he exits with the others. She looks like a deer in headlights. She begins to well up. As I walk over, I am glad to see her parents have taught her some type of morals. She didn’t give in, and didn’t go off with her friends with total strangers. They could be child molesters for Christ sakes.
As I walked towards her, she started walking to the nearest exit. She pulled out her cell phone and called someone. Most likely her mother, because after the story was told, she yelled that she was not going to call her friends parents. I left it at that.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Week 6
I instantly became stuffy and I couldn’t breath. It was so hot, yet not muggy at all. I had left Maine eight hours ago and it was 39 degrees. Here it had to be at least 90. I was right; 96 degrees. I had never been this far from home, and the only reason I agreed to come to here, was because I got to miss a week of school. Oh, how I hated high school, so anything to get away from that place would be a vacation.
I was expecting to see deserts and cactuses for miles, which I did see on the way to the house. I found it kind of odd, that in the middle of the interstate there was a large, sign that read, “Do not pick up hitchhikers, ARIZONA STATE PRISON ahead. I had never seen anything like it and it struck me as funny. After that, I fell asleep…the layovers at the airports had did me in.
When I awoke, we had finally reached our destination. My Uncle and Aunts house was a small, three bedroom, one and a half bath, ranch. A lot smaller than the home I had grown up in. For seven days my Dad and I had to share a bathroom with five other people. I also had to share a room with my nine year old cousin. So whenever I got the chance, I explored the outdoors. Of course the children followed, but it’s easier to entertain when your not packed in somewhere like a can of sardines. The fenced-in yard wasn’t very large, but it did have a five foot swimming pool, and a tiny carport-like-garage. Which held a couple four wheelers. Here, they call them quads. I never asked while I was there, but I always wondered why anyone in Arizona would want a fire pit. We never used it the whole time I was there, but that’s probably because we enjoyed site-seeing too much.
Day two, we went to the Grand Canyon. I wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of spending the day looking at a big crater, but I put on a smile for my Dad. It didn’t take long for my grin to become real, in between my shivers. It was cold, yet spectacular. One of the most amazing things I had ever seen in my life. We had stayed till sundown, so it was even more beautiful as the sun was setting. The cliffs and valleys are unexplainable. The mule riders and hikers were barely distinguishable, because the canyon was so huge. The Bald Eagle soaring back and fourth, also wasn’t a clear picture until the photographs were developed. The pictures are gorgeous, but do no justice. They don’t even come close to mimicking the beauty of the rocks, valleys, cliffs, or the way time stands still. At that moment there is no worry in the world.
Another day we had decided to go see some Indian ruins. We saw their mud-walled houses and pueblos. Their cliff dwellings were so neatly constructed and beautiful.
We learned how they survived in the dry, desert heat. How they ate, drank, and got to see some of the most astonishing, intricate, pottery. They made almost everything they used in every day life. It was so neat, yet, no one had an answer as to why the Indians had left the village and disappeared.
My baby nieces first birthday was the next day. We just relaxed all day. We watched her smash her own personal, Elmo cake in her face and open mounds and mounds of presents. We played outside with the children, and enjoyed the nice sunny day. We took turns giving the kids a ride on the quads. I wasn’t used to the weather, so I was sunburned and ill feeling. I am pretty sure the next day, I hung out in my p.j’s all day, drank tons of water, used a whole bottle of aloe and slept a lot.
The Phoenix zoo, excessively large shopping malls, and rides through the desert were on the agenda for the rest of our vacation. It was one of the most memorable vacations I have ever had. Being with my Dad, on a vacation, to visit family, and experience new things; it couldn’t have gone better. Needless to say, I didn’t want to go home, but once I did, I had tons of stories to share, pictures to print, and a dark tan to show off.
I was expecting to see deserts and cactuses for miles, which I did see on the way to the house. I found it kind of odd, that in the middle of the interstate there was a large, sign that read, “Do not pick up hitchhikers, ARIZONA STATE PRISON ahead. I had never seen anything like it and it struck me as funny. After that, I fell asleep…the layovers at the airports had did me in.
When I awoke, we had finally reached our destination. My Uncle and Aunts house was a small, three bedroom, one and a half bath, ranch. A lot smaller than the home I had grown up in. For seven days my Dad and I had to share a bathroom with five other people. I also had to share a room with my nine year old cousin. So whenever I got the chance, I explored the outdoors. Of course the children followed, but it’s easier to entertain when your not packed in somewhere like a can of sardines. The fenced-in yard wasn’t very large, but it did have a five foot swimming pool, and a tiny carport-like-garage. Which held a couple four wheelers. Here, they call them quads. I never asked while I was there, but I always wondered why anyone in Arizona would want a fire pit. We never used it the whole time I was there, but that’s probably because we enjoyed site-seeing too much.
Day two, we went to the Grand Canyon. I wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of spending the day looking at a big crater, but I put on a smile for my Dad. It didn’t take long for my grin to become real, in between my shivers. It was cold, yet spectacular. One of the most amazing things I had ever seen in my life. We had stayed till sundown, so it was even more beautiful as the sun was setting. The cliffs and valleys are unexplainable. The mule riders and hikers were barely distinguishable, because the canyon was so huge. The Bald Eagle soaring back and fourth, also wasn’t a clear picture until the photographs were developed. The pictures are gorgeous, but do no justice. They don’t even come close to mimicking the beauty of the rocks, valleys, cliffs, or the way time stands still. At that moment there is no worry in the world.
Another day we had decided to go see some Indian ruins. We saw their mud-walled houses and pueblos. Their cliff dwellings were so neatly constructed and beautiful.
We learned how they survived in the dry, desert heat. How they ate, drank, and got to see some of the most astonishing, intricate, pottery. They made almost everything they used in every day life. It was so neat, yet, no one had an answer as to why the Indians had left the village and disappeared.
My baby nieces first birthday was the next day. We just relaxed all day. We watched her smash her own personal, Elmo cake in her face and open mounds and mounds of presents. We played outside with the children, and enjoyed the nice sunny day. We took turns giving the kids a ride on the quads. I wasn’t used to the weather, so I was sunburned and ill feeling. I am pretty sure the next day, I hung out in my p.j’s all day, drank tons of water, used a whole bottle of aloe and slept a lot.
The Phoenix zoo, excessively large shopping malls, and rides through the desert were on the agenda for the rest of our vacation. It was one of the most memorable vacations I have ever had. Being with my Dad, on a vacation, to visit family, and experience new things; it couldn’t have gone better. Needless to say, I didn’t want to go home, but once I did, I had tons of stories to share, pictures to print, and a dark tan to show off.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Theme week 5
Of course I locked the doors as soon as Justin got out. It’s wasn’t very often that I escaped from my own hometown, so the thought of New York made me cringe. Police men drop like flies out here. I can only imagine how many people get injured or die from the violence. Knowing my luck, out of all of the people here, I would be the one getting mugged or shot at. I am not used to change or trying new things, so this scared me a little. Maine is my safe haven, but I guess Lake George shouldn’t have worried me that bad.
It seemed like an eternity by myself, but he finally came gallivanting out the front door of the Mobile station. I could tell he had something to say. He had the biggest grin on his face. He tried the handle. Oops, I had locked it. I pushed the unlock button….I had to giggle, he looked silly; a 6’3 inch man squishing into a tiny Toyota Scion. It reminded me of Vienna Sausages all mashed in a can. They almost don’t fit.
Justin handed me my Diet coke and two tiny papers.
“What the hell are these?”
“I bought tickets to the rodeo!”
“You bought tickets to the what?!”
“The rodeo.”
“What the fuck did you buy tickets to the rodeo for? We are only here for two more days and you bought tickets to the rodeo? I was thinking more along the lines of Six Flags, the wax museum or skydiving. Not the rodeo. You’re an idiot!”
“No refunds,” he said.
What the fuck? Now I am being forced to go to the rodeo. This was OUR mini vacation. Weren’t WE supposed to decided what to do? What the hell? Why would anyone want to pay money to go see bulls shit all over an arena? Or a handful of hicks get thrown to the ground like a rag doll? Never mind that, who would be dumb enough to do it? And he said, no refunds with the biggest fricken smirk on his face. Sometimes I hate his stupid dimples. Gggrrr He said it like he knew before he had even purchased the tickets, that I would never, in this lifetime, ever, agree to go!
We had made it to the entrance. The combination of the dirt roads and being angry had made my stomach feel a little uneasy. We paid to park and headed on in. We were probably the only out of stater at this fricken place. Who in the hell would come here on vacation? I was still fuming, but when Justin offered me a cup of beer, I cheered up a little. I am not an alcoholic, but never get a chance to drink. I don’t drink in front of my son, so it’s uncommon to be able to enjoy an ice cold Bud Light, so I jump at the chance. The clear plastic cups reminded me of my old high school days of bonfires and keg parties. This made me smile a little too. We squirmed through crowds of people, as I protected my beer with my life, at this time I wanted every savory, luscious bit I could get so I could make it through this god forsaken…thiiing.
The majority of the people were dressed for the occasion. Even the children were sporting the attire. We must have looked like the odd ducks. I don’t even own cowboy boots, hats or flannel shirts. I would never pay a dime for any of it either. Speaking of shopping, oh how I would love to be….
“It’s starting, Ginger!”
I mumbled under my breath. I hadn’t really spoken to him since our escapade in the car, and wasn’t really planning too either. I downed my beer, as we made our way down the metal bleachers and found a seat. This place was kind of large, for pretty much being in the middle of nowhere, and most of the showground was packed,
They had announced over the loud speaker for all children that would like to play a game to head out in the center. They did. What in the world are they doing? Taking off their shoes. Ewwwe! I would NEVER let my child do that. They workers just finished hosing it down. What if they step in crap or get black with mud?
They lined all of the children up, took all their shoes and brought them down to the other end of the stadium and threw them in a pile. They had to run down, find their shoes as fast as they could, put them on and run back. The first one to the finish line won. One child lagged behind because he was so tiny, he almost looked like he was too young to even be walking. Another one had a hard time putting his shoes on, and another fell flat on his face. The crowd roared with laughter. He was mud from head to toe. His big blue eyes were the only indication that has was actually a child. It was really cute watching them scramble in all different directions. They handed out a few trophies to the kids, and started getting the men and women ready for the “real” show.
By this time I needed another beer. Justin had gotten up to buy another plastic cup full for himself and me. Oh my god! He is fricken gorgeous. Can you say ripped? I bet he has a 12 pack under there? Maybe a even more…Why didn’t I want to come here? Such good eye candy! What was I expecting? Puny, little, dorks couldn’t ride, they wouldn’t have enough muscle to hang on.
I quit daydreaming. Justin had made his way back down the bleachers. He sat beside me. I watched the cowboys get bucked off their bulls, after only a few seconds. One had gotten his spur stuck and was being dragged around the arena. It seemed like a long time to me, it must have seemed like an eternity to him. The workers tried, and tried to get the bull to stop, or slow down. He bucked. He ran. He twisted and spun. They tried to grab the cowboy, with no avail. They were chaotically running around with red flags. The men had to just let the spur come loose on it’s own. This had made the show interesting to me. Although I felt sorry for the man, considering he exited like a 90 year old man to the open stall door.
I was on the edge of my seat, by this time. I loved the excitement and the different shows they had for us. There were rodeo clowns, a girls run, bareback bull riding, children’s cow riding, roping, and barrel racing contests. We all cheered on the professional cowboys from throughout the country as they competed. At the end of the night all of the cowboys, and cowgirls lamely walked out into the arena and was awarded their trophies. I will never forget the look on the little girls face that had won the children’s division for cow riding. She was seven years old, probably the youngest in the whole show. She had held on the longest of anyone in ALL of the contests. She proud and grinning from ear to ear and she waved to her parents. I am not really sure who in the hell would let their young child compete in a dangerous sport like this, but you could tell her parents and herself were pleased, as I would be too.
Justin nudged me in the ribs. “You LOVED it!”
“Yes, I’m sorry and thank you. I had an awesome time! Can we come back next year?”
“Hahaha, I knew you would, that’s why I didn’t ask you ahead of time, because I knew you would have said no.”
Justin had won this battle. He had gotten me to like something other than shopping, snowsledding and photos. I went out of my realm and had one of the most memorable experiences of my adult life. Something we still talk about, to this day.
It seemed like an eternity by myself, but he finally came gallivanting out the front door of the Mobile station. I could tell he had something to say. He had the biggest grin on his face. He tried the handle. Oops, I had locked it. I pushed the unlock button….I had to giggle, he looked silly; a 6’3 inch man squishing into a tiny Toyota Scion. It reminded me of Vienna Sausages all mashed in a can. They almost don’t fit.
Justin handed me my Diet coke and two tiny papers.
“What the hell are these?”
“I bought tickets to the rodeo!”
“You bought tickets to the what?!”
“The rodeo.”
“What the fuck did you buy tickets to the rodeo for? We are only here for two more days and you bought tickets to the rodeo? I was thinking more along the lines of Six Flags, the wax museum or skydiving. Not the rodeo. You’re an idiot!”
“No refunds,” he said.
What the fuck? Now I am being forced to go to the rodeo. This was OUR mini vacation. Weren’t WE supposed to decided what to do? What the hell? Why would anyone want to pay money to go see bulls shit all over an arena? Or a handful of hicks get thrown to the ground like a rag doll? Never mind that, who would be dumb enough to do it? And he said, no refunds with the biggest fricken smirk on his face. Sometimes I hate his stupid dimples. Gggrrr He said it like he knew before he had even purchased the tickets, that I would never, in this lifetime, ever, agree to go!
We had made it to the entrance. The combination of the dirt roads and being angry had made my stomach feel a little uneasy. We paid to park and headed on in. We were probably the only out of stater at this fricken place. Who in the hell would come here on vacation? I was still fuming, but when Justin offered me a cup of beer, I cheered up a little. I am not an alcoholic, but never get a chance to drink. I don’t drink in front of my son, so it’s uncommon to be able to enjoy an ice cold Bud Light, so I jump at the chance. The clear plastic cups reminded me of my old high school days of bonfires and keg parties. This made me smile a little too. We squirmed through crowds of people, as I protected my beer with my life, at this time I wanted every savory, luscious bit I could get so I could make it through this god forsaken…thiiing.
The majority of the people were dressed for the occasion. Even the children were sporting the attire. We must have looked like the odd ducks. I don’t even own cowboy boots, hats or flannel shirts. I would never pay a dime for any of it either. Speaking of shopping, oh how I would love to be….
“It’s starting, Ginger!”
I mumbled under my breath. I hadn’t really spoken to him since our escapade in the car, and wasn’t really planning too either. I downed my beer, as we made our way down the metal bleachers and found a seat. This place was kind of large, for pretty much being in the middle of nowhere, and most of the showground was packed,
They had announced over the loud speaker for all children that would like to play a game to head out in the center. They did. What in the world are they doing? Taking off their shoes. Ewwwe! I would NEVER let my child do that. They workers just finished hosing it down. What if they step in crap or get black with mud?
They lined all of the children up, took all their shoes and brought them down to the other end of the stadium and threw them in a pile. They had to run down, find their shoes as fast as they could, put them on and run back. The first one to the finish line won. One child lagged behind because he was so tiny, he almost looked like he was too young to even be walking. Another one had a hard time putting his shoes on, and another fell flat on his face. The crowd roared with laughter. He was mud from head to toe. His big blue eyes were the only indication that has was actually a child. It was really cute watching them scramble in all different directions. They handed out a few trophies to the kids, and started getting the men and women ready for the “real” show.
By this time I needed another beer. Justin had gotten up to buy another plastic cup full for himself and me. Oh my god! He is fricken gorgeous. Can you say ripped? I bet he has a 12 pack under there? Maybe a even more…Why didn’t I want to come here? Such good eye candy! What was I expecting? Puny, little, dorks couldn’t ride, they wouldn’t have enough muscle to hang on.
I quit daydreaming. Justin had made his way back down the bleachers. He sat beside me. I watched the cowboys get bucked off their bulls, after only a few seconds. One had gotten his spur stuck and was being dragged around the arena. It seemed like a long time to me, it must have seemed like an eternity to him. The workers tried, and tried to get the bull to stop, or slow down. He bucked. He ran. He twisted and spun. They tried to grab the cowboy, with no avail. They were chaotically running around with red flags. The men had to just let the spur come loose on it’s own. This had made the show interesting to me. Although I felt sorry for the man, considering he exited like a 90 year old man to the open stall door.
I was on the edge of my seat, by this time. I loved the excitement and the different shows they had for us. There were rodeo clowns, a girls run, bareback bull riding, children’s cow riding, roping, and barrel racing contests. We all cheered on the professional cowboys from throughout the country as they competed. At the end of the night all of the cowboys, and cowgirls lamely walked out into the arena and was awarded their trophies. I will never forget the look on the little girls face that had won the children’s division for cow riding. She was seven years old, probably the youngest in the whole show. She had held on the longest of anyone in ALL of the contests. She proud and grinning from ear to ear and she waved to her parents. I am not really sure who in the hell would let their young child compete in a dangerous sport like this, but you could tell her parents and herself were pleased, as I would be too.
Justin nudged me in the ribs. “You LOVED it!”
“Yes, I’m sorry and thank you. I had an awesome time! Can we come back next year?”
“Hahaha, I knew you would, that’s why I didn’t ask you ahead of time, because I knew you would have said no.”
Justin had won this battle. He had gotten me to like something other than shopping, snowsledding and photos. I went out of my realm and had one of the most memorable experiences of my adult life. Something we still talk about, to this day.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Week 4
1. Nothing to do, so one of my friends, my son and I decide to head to Bangor for a shopping day. We didn’t have much money, so it was more window shopping than anything. We went to the mall and a few other stores. Then drove to the Halloween store. We heard it was awesome. A little expensive, but worth it. Considering we LOVE Halloween, we decided to give it a try.
We head in the door, and my six year old stops dead in his tracks.
“Mum, this store looks scary.”
“Its all fake,” I say. “None of this is real, and most of it is made up. Kind of like unicorns and Spiderman.”
He shook his head nervously, as if to say okay, but I’m still weary.
We walk past the few really scary things and head to the children’s costumes. He wants to be the Mad Hatter this year. My friend Chelsea help me rifle through the costumes. Of course…nothing. I guess I’m going to have to make it this year.
Since us adults don’t dress up anymore for Halloween, we needn’t look at the adult costumes. We left and found a restaurant to get some grub.
2. Sitting around the house on a Sunday morning. Bored out of my mind. My phone rings. YES, it’s Chelsea! I chant in my head.
“You wanna go to Bangor and do a little shopping? Maybe go to the Halloween store?”
“Yes, I don’t have much money, but window shopping beats sitting here bored out of my mind. Hope you don’t mind if Riley comes….It’s so weird I was just gonna call you and see if you wanted to get together.”
“Great minds think alike! I’ll be down in a few to pick you guys up. K?”
“Okay, see you in a bit.”
After singing and talking with Riley for what seemed like days, we finally made it. Once in Bangor, we decided to head to the mall first. By the time we went to Sears, J.C Penney, The Children’s Place, Baby Gap, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Build-a-Bear and Bath & Body Works we decided we had had enough of the mall.
“Wanna go out to eat and to the Halloween store?”
“Woohoo, the Halloween store!” my six year old, Riley, yells. “Let’s go to the Halloween store, and then McDonalds!”
“Calm down Riley and sit down in your seat. Do you want to go to the Halloween store first Chels? I’m not that hungry right this minute, so it’s up to you…”
“Sure.”
As we walk in the door you could see machine made fog, bloody mannequins, and costumes galore. Riley stopped, mid step. He had very little hint of color in his face and he was latched on to my shirt pretty tightly.
“Umm Mum, this place looks scary. I don’t know if I like it.”
“It’s all fake Riley. See this guy? He’s plastic. Feel it. This blood? Its fake. Those alien things over there? There is no such thing. Kind of like Unicorns and Spiderman. They aren’t real, they’re made up. If you don‘t want to go in, we don‘t have too!”
He shook his head, and started his journey to the children’s costumes, but made sure he held my hand tightly the whole time. We all rifled through the costumes in the hopes that we would find a Mad Hatter one in Riley’s size. No such luck. He could be a princess, a brown dog, Super Man, or a whoopee cushion if he wanted…but no Mad Hatter. With a disappointed Riley, we leave and head to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner.
3. Sitting around the house on a Sunday morning. Bored out of my mind. My phone rings. Woohoo, it’s Chelsea! I say dancing around in the living room.
“You wanna go to Bangor and do a little shopping?
“Yes, I don’t have much money, but window shopping beats sitting here bored out of my mind. Hope you don’t mind if Riley comes….It’s so weird I was just gonna call you and see if you wanted to get together.”
“Great minds think alike! I’ll be down in a few to pick you guys up. K?”
“Okay, see you in a bit.”
After singing (or yelling; whichever you prefer to call it) and talking with Riley for what seemed like days, we finally made it. Once in Bangor, we decided to head to the mall first. By the time we went to Sears, J.C Penney, The Children’s Place, Baby Gap, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Build-a-Bear and Bath & Body Works we decided we had had enough of the mall. Exhausted, and very hungry we headed out.
“Wanna go out to eat and to the Halloween store?”
“Woohoo, the Halloween store!” my six year old, Riley, yells. “Let’s go to the Halloween store, and then McDonalds!”
“Riley if you don’t stop I‘ll leave you on the side of the road,” I laugh. ”Chelsea you wanna go to the Halloween store first, since Riley is super excited?”
“Sure.”
As we walk in the door you could see machine made fog, bloody mannequins, and costumes galore. Riley stopped, mid step. He had very little hint of color in his face and he was latched on to my shirt pretty tightly. He looked like he was gonna puke.
“Umm Mum, this place looks scary. I don’t know if I like it.”
“Don’t crap your pants, Riley”, Chelsea jokes. “I don’t wanna have to go to Wal-Mart and buy you new underwear.”
“It’s all fake Riley. See this guy? He’s plastic. Feel it. This blood? Its fake. Those alien things over there? There is no such thing. Kind of like Unicorns and Spiderman. They aren’t real, they’re made up. I don’t want you to have nightmares for a week, so if you wanna leave we can!”
Chelsea picked up a small skeleton, threw it at him. Trying to scare him.
He shook his head, and started his journey to the children’s costumes, but made sure he held my hand tightly the whole time. We all rifled through the costumes in the hopes that we would find a Mad Hatter one in Riley’s size. No such luck. He could be a princess, a brown dog, Super Man, or a whoopee cushion if he wanted…but no Mad Hatter.
“I wanna be a fart cushion!” Riley yells.
Bahaha “Seriously, Riley?”
“No, I was only tryin to make you laugh.” he giggled.
I looked at the price tag, “Fifty bucks, haha, yeah right!”
With a disappointed Riley, we leave and head to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner. On the way he started hysterically crying.
What’s wrong, buddy?”
“It was just scary and I keep thinking that those things are going to come to me in my dreams, and…I think I peed my pants….I didn‘t dare to ask if they had a bathroom, because I would‘ve had to go in by myself, scarrry”
Off to the store to buy more clothes, we go, then to Texas Roadhouse.
Not sure if this is what you were looking for. This was hard, and it sounded like a good topic when I started...not so much. haha
We head in the door, and my six year old stops dead in his tracks.
“Mum, this store looks scary.”
“Its all fake,” I say. “None of this is real, and most of it is made up. Kind of like unicorns and Spiderman.”
He shook his head nervously, as if to say okay, but I’m still weary.
We walk past the few really scary things and head to the children’s costumes. He wants to be the Mad Hatter this year. My friend Chelsea help me rifle through the costumes. Of course…nothing. I guess I’m going to have to make it this year.
Since us adults don’t dress up anymore for Halloween, we needn’t look at the adult costumes. We left and found a restaurant to get some grub.
2. Sitting around the house on a Sunday morning. Bored out of my mind. My phone rings. YES, it’s Chelsea! I chant in my head.
“You wanna go to Bangor and do a little shopping? Maybe go to the Halloween store?”
“Yes, I don’t have much money, but window shopping beats sitting here bored out of my mind. Hope you don’t mind if Riley comes….It’s so weird I was just gonna call you and see if you wanted to get together.”
“Great minds think alike! I’ll be down in a few to pick you guys up. K?”
“Okay, see you in a bit.”
After singing and talking with Riley for what seemed like days, we finally made it. Once in Bangor, we decided to head to the mall first. By the time we went to Sears, J.C Penney, The Children’s Place, Baby Gap, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Build-a-Bear and Bath & Body Works we decided we had had enough of the mall.
“Wanna go out to eat and to the Halloween store?”
“Woohoo, the Halloween store!” my six year old, Riley, yells. “Let’s go to the Halloween store, and then McDonalds!”
“Calm down Riley and sit down in your seat. Do you want to go to the Halloween store first Chels? I’m not that hungry right this minute, so it’s up to you…”
“Sure.”
As we walk in the door you could see machine made fog, bloody mannequins, and costumes galore. Riley stopped, mid step. He had very little hint of color in his face and he was latched on to my shirt pretty tightly.
“Umm Mum, this place looks scary. I don’t know if I like it.”
“It’s all fake Riley. See this guy? He’s plastic. Feel it. This blood? Its fake. Those alien things over there? There is no such thing. Kind of like Unicorns and Spiderman. They aren’t real, they’re made up. If you don‘t want to go in, we don‘t have too!”
He shook his head, and started his journey to the children’s costumes, but made sure he held my hand tightly the whole time. We all rifled through the costumes in the hopes that we would find a Mad Hatter one in Riley’s size. No such luck. He could be a princess, a brown dog, Super Man, or a whoopee cushion if he wanted…but no Mad Hatter. With a disappointed Riley, we leave and head to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner.
3. Sitting around the house on a Sunday morning. Bored out of my mind. My phone rings. Woohoo, it’s Chelsea! I say dancing around in the living room.
“You wanna go to Bangor and do a little shopping?
“Yes, I don’t have much money, but window shopping beats sitting here bored out of my mind. Hope you don’t mind if Riley comes….It’s so weird I was just gonna call you and see if you wanted to get together.”
“Great minds think alike! I’ll be down in a few to pick you guys up. K?”
“Okay, see you in a bit.”
After singing (or yelling; whichever you prefer to call it) and talking with Riley for what seemed like days, we finally made it. Once in Bangor, we decided to head to the mall first. By the time we went to Sears, J.C Penney, The Children’s Place, Baby Gap, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Build-a-Bear and Bath & Body Works we decided we had had enough of the mall. Exhausted, and very hungry we headed out.
“Wanna go out to eat and to the Halloween store?”
“Woohoo, the Halloween store!” my six year old, Riley, yells. “Let’s go to the Halloween store, and then McDonalds!”
“Riley if you don’t stop I‘ll leave you on the side of the road,” I laugh. ”Chelsea you wanna go to the Halloween store first, since Riley is super excited?”
“Sure.”
As we walk in the door you could see machine made fog, bloody mannequins, and costumes galore. Riley stopped, mid step. He had very little hint of color in his face and he was latched on to my shirt pretty tightly. He looked like he was gonna puke.
“Umm Mum, this place looks scary. I don’t know if I like it.”
“Don’t crap your pants, Riley”, Chelsea jokes. “I don’t wanna have to go to Wal-Mart and buy you new underwear.”
“It’s all fake Riley. See this guy? He’s plastic. Feel it. This blood? Its fake. Those alien things over there? There is no such thing. Kind of like Unicorns and Spiderman. They aren’t real, they’re made up. I don’t want you to have nightmares for a week, so if you wanna leave we can!”
Chelsea picked up a small skeleton, threw it at him. Trying to scare him.
He shook his head, and started his journey to the children’s costumes, but made sure he held my hand tightly the whole time. We all rifled through the costumes in the hopes that we would find a Mad Hatter one in Riley’s size. No such luck. He could be a princess, a brown dog, Super Man, or a whoopee cushion if he wanted…but no Mad Hatter.
“I wanna be a fart cushion!” Riley yells.
Bahaha “Seriously, Riley?”
“No, I was only tryin to make you laugh.” he giggled.
I looked at the price tag, “Fifty bucks, haha, yeah right!”
With a disappointed Riley, we leave and head to the Texas Roadhouse for dinner. On the way he started hysterically crying.
What’s wrong, buddy?”
“It was just scary and I keep thinking that those things are going to come to me in my dreams, and…I think I peed my pants….I didn‘t dare to ask if they had a bathroom, because I would‘ve had to go in by myself, scarrry”
Off to the store to buy more clothes, we go, then to Texas Roadhouse.
Not sure if this is what you were looking for. This was hard, and it sounded like a good topic when I started...not so much. haha
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Week 3-Set the Scene
Standing outside the restaurant, the bitter air blusters through my helmet, causing my skin to tingle and sting. The coldness has seemed to pervade through my many layers of clothes, making my finger and toes numb. Tiny, icicles start forming on my face shield as soon as I remove my helmet.
My tummy is obviously telling me there is something wrong. I cant wait to get inside and eat some food. It has only been about six hours, but It feels as though we haven’t eaten in days.
I think back; The ride was exhilarating. The ITS trails were amazing and freshly groomed.. The weather conditions were perfect. Everything glistened as the moon shone off the new fallen snow. The fresh cover of snow made the tree’s seem to hug the trail and give you a sense of comfort. Serenity was in the atmosphere….
“Are you guys ready to go in?”
I quit daydreaming.
“Of course we are Dad!”
“I’m not staying out here another minute, I’m ready to run to the door, I’m so cold!” says Chelsea
“I’d love to see you run in those boots and ski pants!” ha-ha ha
“Oh, shut up.” She said jokingly.
We walk in to the restaurant and go to sit down.
“Can I help you?” the waitress asks.
“Yeah, we would like some food. We are starving!”
“Oh I’m sorry, we closed five minutes ago,”
It was one of the most insincere apologies I had ever heard.
“What? I thought the sign said you were open until 11pm?”
“Oh, we usually are, but we decided to close early tonight since it‘s snowing.”
“So can we get anything? Something easy and fast to cook, maybe a hotdog?” Chelsea asked.
“Oh no, we already shut our grills off, but you can go to the store part. There is already made sandwiches out there for sale, but you better hurry, they are closing up also.”
We head to the store. The only sandwiches in the cooler case looked like they had been made 5 days ago, the cheese looked hard, the tomatoes brown, the pickles soggy, and the salami had left a permanent mark on the cheese. But we were so hungry. We made our purchase, trying not to think about how long they had set there. We got sodas (since the coffee was already dumped), sandwiches and a few snacks, and headed out the door.
As the store and restaurant closed up, we were made to stand outside and eat. It was so bitter even our tomatoes started freezing.
“This is nasty, what kind of store would sell something like this?”
“Never mind the sandwiches, what kind of person would make you eat outside in the freezing cold, have a friggen heart, stupid lady?”
“Did you guys see those deer on the ride up? They don’t seem to get spooked by anything, Dad said trying change the subject”
“Nate, who cares about deer? We still have a 6 hour ride home, and they wouldn’t even let us get warm…bastards!”
“Oh, we’ll make it, it’s not that cold out. If it was it wouldn’t be snowing.” he said as he grabbed my sandwich and took a huge bite.
“Yeah right Dad. My cheeks are burning. Are they red Chels?”
“Yeah, a little.”
“If it keeps snowing like this you are going to have to break trail, Ginger.”
“Awe, Dad, I hate breaking trail! Why can’t you do it?” I whined.
“We have been over this many times, Ginger. Your snow sled is made for it, and does a lot better job than mine. If it gets too hard, just pull over and I’ll switch sleds with you.”
“Alright,” I mouthed with a sarcastic tone. “I am chilled to the bone, lets go!”
We throw our trash away. I put my helmet on, find my gloves and pull my neck warmer up over my mouth, in hopes that it will keep my face from turning into a popsicle. We turn the hand and feet warmers on high, and start the sleds. I go first, as they follow. I hope I remember the way.
Down the trail we go, in hopes to find a place to warm up.
My tummy is obviously telling me there is something wrong. I cant wait to get inside and eat some food. It has only been about six hours, but It feels as though we haven’t eaten in days.
I think back; The ride was exhilarating. The ITS trails were amazing and freshly groomed.. The weather conditions were perfect. Everything glistened as the moon shone off the new fallen snow. The fresh cover of snow made the tree’s seem to hug the trail and give you a sense of comfort. Serenity was in the atmosphere….
“Are you guys ready to go in?”
I quit daydreaming.
“Of course we are Dad!”
“I’m not staying out here another minute, I’m ready to run to the door, I’m so cold!” says Chelsea
“I’d love to see you run in those boots and ski pants!” ha-ha ha
“Oh, shut up.” She said jokingly.
We walk in to the restaurant and go to sit down.
“Can I help you?” the waitress asks.
“Yeah, we would like some food. We are starving!”
“Oh I’m sorry, we closed five minutes ago,”
It was one of the most insincere apologies I had ever heard.
“What? I thought the sign said you were open until 11pm?”
“Oh, we usually are, but we decided to close early tonight since it‘s snowing.”
“So can we get anything? Something easy and fast to cook, maybe a hotdog?” Chelsea asked.
“Oh no, we already shut our grills off, but you can go to the store part. There is already made sandwiches out there for sale, but you better hurry, they are closing up also.”
We head to the store. The only sandwiches in the cooler case looked like they had been made 5 days ago, the cheese looked hard, the tomatoes brown, the pickles soggy, and the salami had left a permanent mark on the cheese. But we were so hungry. We made our purchase, trying not to think about how long they had set there. We got sodas (since the coffee was already dumped), sandwiches and a few snacks, and headed out the door.
As the store and restaurant closed up, we were made to stand outside and eat. It was so bitter even our tomatoes started freezing.
“This is nasty, what kind of store would sell something like this?”
“Never mind the sandwiches, what kind of person would make you eat outside in the freezing cold, have a friggen heart, stupid lady?”
“Did you guys see those deer on the ride up? They don’t seem to get spooked by anything, Dad said trying change the subject”
“Nate, who cares about deer? We still have a 6 hour ride home, and they wouldn’t even let us get warm…bastards!”
“Oh, we’ll make it, it’s not that cold out. If it was it wouldn’t be snowing.” he said as he grabbed my sandwich and took a huge bite.
“Yeah right Dad. My cheeks are burning. Are they red Chels?”
“Yeah, a little.”
“If it keeps snowing like this you are going to have to break trail, Ginger.”
“Awe, Dad, I hate breaking trail! Why can’t you do it?” I whined.
“We have been over this many times, Ginger. Your snow sled is made for it, and does a lot better job than mine. If it gets too hard, just pull over and I’ll switch sleds with you.”
“Alright,” I mouthed with a sarcastic tone. “I am chilled to the bone, lets go!”
We throw our trash away. I put my helmet on, find my gloves and pull my neck warmer up over my mouth, in hopes that it will keep my face from turning into a popsicle. We turn the hand and feet warmers on high, and start the sleds. I go first, as they follow. I hope I remember the way.
Down the trail we go, in hopes to find a place to warm up.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Journal 7
9/13/2010
I went with my Mom to the vet today to put her dog down. It was the most horrible experience EVER! I have had animals put down, but nothing like this. To start; we had asked for Blizzard’s (The dog) actual veterinarian. We ended up with a lady, in which we had never met. We didn’t say anything because we had heard good things about her. Goes to show that you should never believe anything you hear. About 18 pricks, 3 vials of drugs and about 20 minutes later; he was finally gone. You don’t know how bad I wanted to take the needle and stick the vein myself. I have never had training with needles on animals, but I have had training on humans. I have confidence in knowing I could have handled the situation a little differently than she did. I am sure she could have had the other Vet come and help her. Then, to make matters worse; she wouldn’t shut up after and kept repeating herself. We don’t care why you couldn’t get the vein or why the first set of drugs didn’t work. We just want to go home. Remind me never to go there again in my life. I love you Mom, so sorry about Blizzard. Fifteen years is a great life for a dog though. RIP Blizzard
I went with my Mom to the vet today to put her dog down. It was the most horrible experience EVER! I have had animals put down, but nothing like this. To start; we had asked for Blizzard’s (The dog) actual veterinarian. We ended up with a lady, in which we had never met. We didn’t say anything because we had heard good things about her. Goes to show that you should never believe anything you hear. About 18 pricks, 3 vials of drugs and about 20 minutes later; he was finally gone. You don’t know how bad I wanted to take the needle and stick the vein myself. I have never had training with needles on animals, but I have had training on humans. I have confidence in knowing I could have handled the situation a little differently than she did. I am sure she could have had the other Vet come and help her. Then, to make matters worse; she wouldn’t shut up after and kept repeating herself. We don’t care why you couldn’t get the vein or why the first set of drugs didn’t work. We just want to go home. Remind me never to go there again in my life. I love you Mom, so sorry about Blizzard. Fifteen years is a great life for a dog though. RIP Blizzard
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Journal 5 and 6
9/11/2010
Had my doubts about God after my father died, but after Justin's heart problems the other day, and one of my best friends and her family hitting a moose today; someone had to have been looking down on them. Justin is home from the hospital and Jenn and her family don’t have a scratch on them. All they have is a freezer full of meat. Even the car is fine. All’s well in this house today. J
9/12/2010
Dear Coffee,
I think I made a mistake when I cut you from my diet. I know coffee and pregnancy don’t mix well, but I haven’t been pregnant in almost four months. I forgot how much I missed thee. Holy shit, I could type for hours. Well, maybe not. I could babble for days I think though. I need to move, I can’t sit still. I have nothing to do though, because you have made me clean uncontrollably for hours. I think tomorrow I may cut back a little on the caffeine intake. All I wanted to say is, thanks for coming back in to my life. I have missed you more than words can say!
Sincerely, Ginger
Had my doubts about God after my father died, but after Justin's heart problems the other day, and one of my best friends and her family hitting a moose today; someone had to have been looking down on them. Justin is home from the hospital and Jenn and her family don’t have a scratch on them. All they have is a freezer full of meat. Even the car is fine. All’s well in this house today. J
9/12/2010
Dear Coffee,
I think I made a mistake when I cut you from my diet. I know coffee and pregnancy don’t mix well, but I haven’t been pregnant in almost four months. I forgot how much I missed thee. Holy shit, I could type for hours. Well, maybe not. I could babble for days I think though. I need to move, I can’t sit still. I have nothing to do though, because you have made me clean uncontrollably for hours. I think tomorrow I may cut back a little on the caffeine intake. All I wanted to say is, thanks for coming back in to my life. I have missed you more than words can say!
Sincerely, Ginger
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