On the Road Again

This morning we're heading north to visit R and bring back some of her things - her last day at school is Friday, and we're trying to space the Bringing Home of Stuff out so we'll have room for everything. The 80s Top 40 is playing on the radio, the weather is beautiful, and we're chugging along. We're hoping to find a camping spot later for tonight. Will the Camping Gods smile down upon us??

First stop: Smabela's in Lacey, so Hubby could spend the last of his gift card (we bought a new air mattress). 

Second stop: Waterland Pride at Des Moines United Methodist Church

Third: R's apartment. Loaded up two huge suitcases, a bin, and a pink metal rolling cart.

Fourth: Shmed Meyer's for supplies. "Supplies!"

Fifth: Mount Rainier National Park, baby!

We put up the new tent, inflated the new air mattress, made dinner, went down to the river, and played some cards. I was pretty exhausted so I went to bed early, but Hubby had fun setting up his camera to take pictures of the stars. 

So much fun.

Sand and Water, Baby

"I need to walk. Do you want to go for a walk? Or do you want to drive and walk somewhere pretty?"

Hubby picked "drive and walk somewhere pretty" and we headed north to Lucia Falls.

Solid stone is just sand and water, baby

Sand and water...and a million years gone by

- Beth Nielsen Chapman

The Day of Errands and Sleep

This morning M and I had fun taking the babies around to a couple of different places. B is sick and required DayQuil and naan and hummus, and a Goodwill trip was thrown in there somewhere - found a screen for our fireplace! - and we also ended up at Sbux for a treat. We had rain today for the first time since early last month, and it was cozy to be out driving around between raindrops.

Then, I think I had underestimated how tired I was after two weeks of cap and gown hijinks, because I spent most of the rest of the day in bed, asleep. I couldn't figure out why I was so sleepy and thought back to what I'd eaten, to think if there were any carbs involved that shouldn't have been, but nope, I was just tired. Just slept and slept and slept.

Around 8:00, I woke up, ate dinner with B, and spent the rest of the evening with Sims and tv. Hubby had a soccer summit that kept him away all evening. We both had a nice Friday night. Life is good.

"Your Eyes Need Diapers!"

Work normally is so great, and it was today again, but I am going to complain about one woman whose bad behavior has been rewarded enough times that she expects the same type of over-the-top service every time she comes into the bookstore. She's an entitled 70-year-old brat (she told me her age) and my coworkers and I all had the misfortune of dealing with her because Dan hadn't come in to work yet. (Dan, that was very bad.)

 

But we survived, and I think we all learned something today, and the thing we learned is that this woman is a turd too old to be acting like such a shit Dan's problem from now on.

Also at work: B and I very often experience down time, so today we came up with the idea of passing notes to each other. His desk is right outside the bookstore door so it's pretty quick and easy for us to slip each other a piece of paper. 

Yes. We should.

After my shift, the ODEI had a queer luncheon and panel presentation with amazing Italian food and some poignant stories from the panelists. My eyes became weepy and a nearby woman asked if I was okay and if I needed a hug. I never turn down hugs. Quote of the day: "It's never too late to be who you really are."

Later in the day: Hubby came home, we went to buy plug adapters at Smowes (I also ended up with a teeny new plant)...

...dinner at Snoodles and Company, then we watched a movie that ended up being absolutely terrible. It was recommended by Hubby's (obviously sadistic) folks at the academy, and there were numerous times when each of us yelled at the TV because the movie was so stupid. Nice going, guys.

The Office is always on, thank goodness.

Jimmy Mack, when are ya comin back?

Another sweet day of work. They pay ME to work there?? 

Took myself out for a little lunch (payday) at the Shmendy's on Fourth Plain. The total was $4.11 and I'm a Giant Dork, so of course I had to do the Target Lady thing and crack a height joke. "Four eleven?? That's how tall I am!" I told the kid at the window. 

And just.... nothing. The kid was not amused one iota. Height jokes seem to go right over his head (titter).  

Moral of the story: If you ever find yourself at the Shmendy's on Fourth Plain, don't crack height jokes at the kid in the window. He is absolutely not having it.

Happy Early Juneteenth!

I was asked to stay a couple hours longer than normal at work today, which was totally fine by me because free lunch! Salmon, rice and beans, collard greens, mini cornbread, some weird salad with pineapple and onions and carrots, and a red velvet mini cupcake. TASTY. 

And just look at this puke weather we're having. 

I also went for a walk break with Heidi and Laura, and it felt so great to be outside. 

Work was quite busy. Life is good. 

Shun! Unshun! Reshun!

My phone addiction is making me insane, so I made a rule for myself that I can only use it when I'm outside the house. Thank goodness for the Batphone. 

Hubby and I are also talking about getting me a "dumb phone" that will be boring and have no capability for apps. Otherwise, I'll go nuts. 

Every so often, I still find myself having to text Hubby about something (he's at academy this week and can't answer calls), so that's what the shunning thing is about.

On to happier things. I went out for a walk. Inspiring me:

1. This tree and the bed that curves along the sidewalk and driveway

2. This little path on the left side 

3. The pink on the underside of this tree's leaves

I had a nice quiet day at home, with some piano time thrown in - rare lately, because I have to wait until the Ladies are downstairs. They tend to be a little clingy when Gran plays the piano, the cuties. 

Picked up B at work, then it was off to do a Shi*t order. (Hey, I can't help the way they spelled it.) As usual, Smarget didn't have one of the customer's items, the wifi didn't work in the grocery department, and the guy COULD NOT look at his phone, like, once. Too bad, guy. I was here for ya. Only one loaf of bread for you. 

Came home and found these two deadbeats:

The Ladies and me

(This Lady would come no closer)

Hubby is home and M made dinner. I wrastled the babies until their bedtime. Fun was had.

(Sunday) Afternoon Delight(s)

All this, plus a video chat with Brother E and a trip up to Castle Rock to take R to her ride back to school. Dinner in Woodland. Life is good.

Happy Caturday

Goob wanted in on it too

Catness and Magenta were off doing who knows what.

Life is good here. This morning the babies ran into our bedroom and climbed onto our bed, as usual, before spending the day mostly outside. It's so good to have them home. B and R had plans with friends and some Just Dance time together. We watered the plants and did housework and had Russian chicken for dinner.

Hubby and I engaged in some gig work this evening for the first time in a long time. Later we watched the Starlight Parade coverage on TV and decided to watch in person next year.

it's all white with me

Just me being very pale, as usual. Maybe I'll be a little more freckly by autumn.

Workplace pretties

We made it through our first Cap'n Gown Week! Work was interesting. I spent some time with a coworker I didn't know very well, and I'll spare everyone the details, but:

"Hey look, there’s 100 floors of frights, they’re not all gonna be winners."

After work: Lunch at Smuffalo Wild Wings with these folks

Home: mowed the lawn, watered the trees and shrubs

Happy Pride!

After work, I drove up and met R in Castle Rock, Washington, and brought her home. It's so nice when she can spend the weekend with us. We picked up Hubby from work and B from the gym, grabbed some KFC, I ate a few carbs and that was it for me.