“I have to apologize if my previous posts made it sound like a place to avoid, in truth I think it’s a place everyone should see. The falls are spectacular, if that’s even a sufficient word for it. Seeing them, taking the boat into Horseshoe Falls, walking the Cave of the Wind beneath America Falls and Bridal Veil falls, watching the America Rapids…it was all breathtaking. We loved it and we’d go back. Continue reading
92 Reasons not to drink Diet Coke
Recently I came across a weight loss book / site called The Gabriel Method. I’m not an advocate for the plan, nor a success story, I haven’t even tried it (yet). But I found Jon Gabriel’s work and story very interesting, enough to subscribe to his newsletter so I could learn much more before I considered it for myself. Continue reading
2012 Americade Weekend
Another successful trip to Lake George for the 2012 Americade Continue reading
I left my heart in Hawaii
“Once you’ve been to Hawaii, you spend the rest of your life trying to get back” Those wise words were spoken by our driver on the last leg of our journey home and they couldn’t have summed up our trip better. Even as the days lazed by filled with sun, ocean breezes and colorful drinks, I was already planning the next trip in my head. After six days in paradise, a piece of me will always long to go back. Continue reading
Today’s Generation…
Whenever I get an email that tells me I must forward it or a Facebook post daring me to repost some status, the rebel in me puts her foot down. I refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into propagating the net with other peoples messages, not when I know within five minutes of seeing it from one person I will see it from ten more and then ten more and a month or six from now a straggler will repost it and start the whole mess over again. That said two things I read today inspired a blog because…well…I just needed a blog subject. Continue reading
SOPA Blackout
Supporting Anti-SOPA blackout day.
What is it about Holidays and Families?
Every year my mothers family gets together for a Christmas outing. Sometimes it’s at someone’s house, sometimes in a rented hall and sometimes we go away. We are upwards of 50 people, converging from all directions on one poor, unsuspecting, Inn or Resort stupid enough to welcome us home. We range in age from <1 to 89 and our personalities are about was varied as our ages. Yet, it’s the season of family, isn’t it? With festive decorations, delicious treats, and catchy tunes to sing along to it’s easy to see why people gather this time of year. Continue reading
Thank a Soldier
I’ve been actively not “thinking” to hard about Eric’s decision to join the army, even this past Wednesday when the job he selected has him leaving only 4 days after he graduates in June. Through the whole process from conversation to reserving a position I have listened, I have advised and I have been so very proud. Yet with Aaron already serving and Eric on his way I can’t help but worry about their lives after.
There is, in my opinion, a very disappointing disconnect between civilians and soldiers. Men and women who deserve our respect and gratitude for protecting our freedoms, our borders, and doing the “dirty” work that we ourselves wouldn’t do, to often find themselves as targets from the very people whose lives they are protecting. The phrase “freedom isn’t free” isn’t just a cute cliche to sell t-shirts, it is a reality – every freedom you enjoy was paid for in the blood of soldiers. As a mother with two sons pledging themselves to defend our freedoms, that is a reality I cannot even pretend to ignore.
So remember it isn’t just a day off from school or work, it isn’t just a chance at a three day weekend – it’s your opportunity to thank a soldier, to volunteer or donate to causes that assist our returning hero’s.
- Wounded Warriors
- Navy Seals Foundation
- Homes for our Troops
- Charity Navigator lists several charities so you can show your support
To all my many friends and family who have served I thank you and if you are still serving…come home safe.
Wes The Friendly
Those who know us might not automatically associate the word friendly with my husband. Or even personable. He’s a bit of a rough around the edges biker so this isn’t a surprise. What is a surprise is the number of total strangers who want to talk to him. Case in point.
Yesterday I dragged the man to Tangier Outlets on a hunt for red boots, payback for having to shell out for a new back tire for the bike. Needless to say they did not have the boots in red and I didn’t like the other colors, so I suggested Nathans as a consolation prize. The place was packed and as we inched toward the register I suggested he snag a free table if he could find one while I ordered. Fifteen minutes later I approached the table – a 4 seater because it was the only free one – to find another couple sharing the table and totally engrossed in conversation with him. As if that wasn’t shocking enough when I put the tray on the table and asked what he wanted on his hot dog his new friend told me that I was interrupting their conversation.
I admit there was that WTF moment when I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be insulted, luckily I’m nicer than my husband. In the end they were a cute couple, he did all the talking, she rolled her eyes a lot and Wes thought the whole thing was amusing. I didn’t get boots but I got a story, so it was a good day out.
Normal is overrrated
Back in 2006 when Wes proposed we did what computer nerds do, took our news to the web. This website was to document the journey from engaged to married, broadcasting details of our big day to our friends and family. Even showcasing our photo albums for those who could not attend. It was a big hit.
Then we pretty much didn’t know what to do with the site next. So for four years it’s pretty much stayed empty – just a domain name we didn’t want to lose. Now it’s a blog…because I, web geek that I am, wanted to learn WordPress. No other grand reason or message or goal…just a way for me to practice my programming skills in a new way.
It’s as good a reason as any, right?
One never knows what sort of ramblings may appear. I suck as a blogger, have tried my hand in it for my writing, my weight loss and my addiction to reading. All blogs that sit, lonely and dormant, waiting for a stroke of inspiration. Hopefully this one won’t but I really make no promises.
If I’m boring you here you can always find me on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, just head on over and tell me my blog is more boring than dirt and that might (or might not) prompt me to post something new and witty and altogether life changing.
You may be wondering what any of this has to do with normal…nothing, because normal is overrated.
Gina