Trial Separation

I am not sure that words can even express what I feel for the five individuals I am honored to call my family.  And let me say first, that the occasions in which my family and I express our feelings are few and far between.  But I have been away from them for almost a week now, and I have some FEELINGS, dammit.  I just want to say a few words to each of them on this here bloggity blog.

  1. Mom
    This past year I have been constantly noticing ways in which I am just like you.  A few years ago this would have bothered me, but it doesn’t anymore because you are my MOM and I love you!  I am so sorry that you had to leave me so quickly on Saturday.  And Lord knows I cried about it later.
  2. Dad
    I’m out here giving my best effort everyday.  I hope to God I am making you proud.  I don’t think I tell you enough how much I appreciate everything you do for me.  Let me say it now– you’re the best father I could ask for!
  3. Maura
    I am so so happy for you, with everything you have going on in your life since you moved to Atlanta.  I missed you in Knoxville this past year.  I sometimes drove by your apartment just for the heck of it.  I cannot wait until we can have another sneak-out-of-the-house-on-Sunday Which Wich lunch.
  4. Allen
    June 1st is right around the corner, my brother!  And as much as a hell hole that place is, I will miss working in the restaurant with you this summer.  I hope you don’t have to work there much longer.  Also, you’re my favorite listener, and for that I thank you.
  5. Audra
    STOP GROWING UP, YOU!  I am so scared you are going to grow up so much this summer that I will hardly recognize you when I get back.  You’re one of my favorite parts of summer– trips to Target, watching TV on DVD in the bonus room, and hair straightening sessions with the fake CHI.  It is a joy always having you to hang out with, and I love it!

Wow, these started to sound like Senior memories.  Funny, yet-upsetting-to-me story, my Senior memories never got put in the yearbook.  FAIL, yearbook staff, big time FAIL!

The Vineyard

CIMG1422

I’m here!
First thing I did on the Vineyard?  Biked 3.5 miles to a Stop & Shop, purchased a small dinner, then biked 3.5 miles back.  Most rewarding meal of my life!

When People Stop Being Polite

I am completely freaking out about not having a constant source of internet access this summer.  I mean, how in the world am I going to be able to watch the next episode of The Bachelorette?  Yeah, did I mention that I don’t even know if there will be a television or not.

I feel like I’m going to be in the Martha’s Vineyard season of The Real WorldSeven four strangers, picked to live in a house, have their lives taped, work together… you get the idea.

I’ll probably even make that obligatory first night phone call to my best friend from home and tell them all my first impressions on everyone in the house.  This being after we all go out to the bars on the first night and end up back at the house naked in the hot tub.

Kidding.

Completely and Wholly Unprepared

I leave on Thursday.

I leave on Thursday.

I LEAVE ON THURSDAY!

Not to be a baby, but I’m not ready. I think the only part I have covered at this point is my shoes for work. I actually went shoe-shopping for somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 hours last Wednesday. That’s when I spotted these Converse boots pictured below. Wow. I guess it does take all kindWhere would you wear these?s.

When I was in this store I spotted some shoes that I knew would be perfect for work. So I asked the very flamboyant gentleman who was working to retrieve me a pair in a size 10. I was waiting in the store with my friend Christine for what seemed like a good while, when he comes back with not one, but five pairs of shoes.

He had the shoes in question, then four other pairs he thought I might just… like to buy. And I’m not going to lie to you, he nearly convinced me to purchase a pair of spring patchwork Converse sneakers that were totally awesome and totally unnecessary. But I resisted in the end. Still, this shoe store made a good hire.

So, I have the shoes taken care of… the rest will sort itself out, right?

Awe, that's love!

I’m watching Degrassi: The Next Generation on On Demand right now. Yes indeed, I have no taste. But when you watch these shows (other examples would be: South of Nowhere, or some mid-90′s gems like USA High or California Dreams), don’t you always feel so sad for the actors that are playing the parents? I mean, their long and mildly-successful acting careers have led them to third billing on a teen soap from Canada that only appears on the extended cable package? Some people must really love acting.

Earlier I went to see Iron Man. I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of a sucker for Robert Downey JR. When I walked out of the theater after seeing Zodiac last year, I thought this could have used more Robert Downey JR. Anyhow, a preview for The Incredible Hulk came on before the movie, and I’m sure you’ve heard that they’re trying this again, but now that this has come to fruition, it’s still ridiculous and funny. Some people must really love losing money.

Even earlier I was patroning a Starbucks in Pittsburgh.  I saw that they were brewing my favorite coffee– Cafe Estima.  I promptly ordered one in a medium size, but was met with “sorry, we only have Pike Place brewed right now.”  This happens quite often and always reminds me of my father, who has quite a lot to say about baristas who stand around being Chatty Cathy’s when they could be brewing coffee.  Dad has developed a stock response to this–he just walks out.  Occasionally he will even throw in a “I’m sorry, I thought you sold coffee here” on the way out. Some people must really love sucking at their jobs.

While watching the Penguins vs. Flyers game tonight with some friends, I was offered a choice in social lubricants– Bud Lite or Miller High Life.  I won’t say I choose immediately, because I did have a small debate in my head before delivering my answer, as I tend to do about, oh… 200% of the time.  But once I did decide, I choose the High Life–proudly.  And let’s have full disclosure right here and now.  I have a Miller High Life t-shirt and trucker hat.  One of which is courtesy of my parents.  I must really love crappy beer.

Wednesday Night

So far this week I have:

  • finished school
  • laid out for 3.5 hours resulting in an incredibly awkward and painful sunburn
  • moved out of my apartment/dorm/whatever
  • bowled a 183
  • watched a ridiculous amount of television on my parent’s sweet cable setup

And tonight I’m just sitting here watching The Babysitter’s Club movie on On Demand.  I just love that Ann M. Martin!  I think it’s a great idea to make life as an 8th grade student seem deep and complex.  These couldn’t be just normal girls, Martin had to go and give them issues.

Like how Stacey has diabetes.  Kristy comes from a broken home (wow… controversial!).  Claudia can’t pass 8th grade science.   Mary Ann suffers from crippling shyness and an overprotective father.  Dawn is very granola and cares about the earth.  And don’t get me started on Jess and Mallory.  I mean, they’re only junior members of the club, so their issues of diversity and being a nerd aren’t near as important.  I mean… they’ve been 11 years old since 1988, I’m sure they’ve conquered those by now.

Sigh.  To be in 8th grade again.  If I went to Stoneybrook Middle I’d be all over that Logan Bruno.  But ultimately concerned if I had to stay in the 8th grade for 12 years.

What was your favorite BSC novel?  This is a shallow choice, but I’m going with Kristy + Bart = ?

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.