A yeah and a couple grrrrs

Let's start with the good stuff, shall we? Weekend: yeah! Fun stuff. On Saturday, Jeremy borrowed his parents' new Honda scooter and we rode down by the river and in the Camack area. Hence, the hot motorcycle helmet. Ahhh yes. I'm an easy rider, ya'll. Holla.
Ok, ok, that's enough of the fun stuff. Let's get to the grrrrrs. The not-too-bad-grrrr: my phone is (ONCE again) broken. It no ringy no more. Me= sad. So if you're calling me, call more than once if I don't answer.
The does-this-happen-to-people-we-know grrrrrrr: someone ripped off my credit card (and Jeremy's as well) number in California. Puts a little damper on the whole thing, actually. We both still have our cards, but someone's been having a little fun out there on us. He noticed his last week, but mine just started today. Who buys $130 worth of Starbucks? Apparently this guy does. So the card company called me today, and it's all taken care of. But seriously, HUH? Who does this happen to? Me, that's who.

In celebration of our nation's independence...

Typically, the 4th of July means BBQ and ducking from rogue bottle rockets (is it rogue when people point them at you?). This year was only slightly different (am I old?). I blame it on the fact that the 4th fell on a Tuesday. Isn't there something that could have been done about that??
Monday, Little Kim, the Queen Bee (not the one who just got out of jail, yo, the better one) was in the Rock Town. So we met up with some peeps (a good chunk of you who read this blog, actually) at the Faded Rose. Good to see you, John and Leslie! And Kristen, Kat, Karl, Jeremy, Eric, and Matty P.! Hope I didn't forget anyone...
Ummmmm.... Saturday, I went to the river alllll day. I am now sporting a VERY stylish sunglass tan line. Pretty hot. That evening we went over to Kelley's house for some cookin' out. There's just nothin' like a veggie burger hot off the grill. Except for maybe a beefy burger hot off the grill...
Less than a month left of summer. Sadness. Peace out!

La, LA, luh-la, la, la, la, luh-la, la, la

I was a bad blogger this weekend and did not take any pictures (my bad), so I will post a picture of these two fine ladies that has not made it to the blogosphere yet. Let's seeeee.... my weekend.... Friday I hung out WAY too late. Went to Pizza D's and to IHOP around 4. Saturday, I went wedding dress shopping with Brookie Smalls (for her, not me!). Saturday night, Kristen came over and we watched a movie. Fun stuff, fo' sho'. Jeremy starts his new job today! Congrats to him! I'm going to eat lunch with Melissa at the Flying Burrito downtown. Aaaaand tonight... Kimmy P. is in town!!
Meanwhile, let me tell you a story......

So, the night before we left for Cali, this opportunity for blogiture took place... Meet Ben and his little friend the Freaky Green Bug. Freaky Green Bug was minding his own business at Julie's place when he was swept from his solitude and thrown into the mix of a bunch of people. Here, he was picked up and placed on people's faces to crawl around. Freaky Green Bug seemed perfectly happy with his new surroundings, and he happily switched from person to person. Freaky Green Bug will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We may never see him again, but he will not be forgotten...

lazy Pronunciation: 'lA-zE 1 a : disinclined to activity or exertion : not energetic or vigorous b : encouraging inactivity or indolence <a lazy summer day>2 : moving slowly : SLUGGISH 3 : DROOPY, LAX 4 : placed on its side

Today, I all of a sudden realized I didn't know where Arnie was. Typically, that means he's into something... he's in the trash or on my bed. However, this time was different. I found him lounging (COMPLETELY passed out) on the bean bag chair in the computer room. Passed out. Cold. On his back. Next to the dustbuster. Ahhhh... the good ol' life of being a dog. Must be tough, Arnie. :)

How I spent my weekend... by Elizabeth

I'm starting to realize that my summer is quickly flying by. It's almost July, which means I have very little over a month left of my Summer of Fun '06. Must. savor. Anyway, Saturday was Mike and Audra's shower over at Kat and Karl's house. It was lots o' fun. Congrats to Mike and Audra! You guys got some rockin' stuff. Score! Thanks to Kat and Karl for hosting- the food and drink were fabuloso! You guys are the best. No really. The best.

You're carefree and young! You haven't got a care in the world! It's fun! Feel it! Work it! Perfect! And... that's a wrap!

And on Sunday...

Turns out that Jeremy has a little poison ivy that is slowly choking the life out of a tree by his deck. The logical solution to this problem is found here. He put on his full work gear (totally hot), and murdered the vine. With an axe. Way to go, baby. Lookin' goooooood.
I was there to provide my assistance by spraying him (well, not HIM exactly, but the suit and gloves) with bleach after wiping out the ivy. I did my duty, that's all. I do what I can.

And.... I'm back!

Hellooooo to all my friends in the blogosphere. I have returned from my Cali 2006 adventure! You are about to embark on a ridiculous journey with me through a LOT of pictures and tidbits from the trip. I have oh-so-many, many more, which is why I have a photobucket account now. See the whole trip in all its glory by visiting the link at the bottom of this post. You won't be disappointed. And... oh yeah...

GREG AND MELISSA ARE ENGAGED!!! Welcome to the fam, Greg! Congrats to you both!

Link to photobucket: http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j21/beth12381_2006/

Oh... we did all the normal "Hollywood" stuff. Bel-Air (we sang the theme from the "Fresh Prince"), Beverly Hills (insert MANY songs here), Rodeo Drive, Chinese Theater... all that goodness. See the photobucket. Big prize to the person who can tell me what movie this is from. We saw it in the Max Factor Hollywood Museum . Creepy as ANYTHING, but I can't figure it out... Help?? For some reason I thought of Chandle when I saw these scary things. And I laughed for a long time.

Come up with your own caption here.

We ate at the Rainbow (Roxy) restaurant, and psssst...! That's Dave Navarro back there! I didn't want to be that girl that goes up to him and gushes about how I loved Jane's Addiction and the Chili Peppers and Rock Star INXS, the reality show. But I sure shootin' WILL be that girl that sneaks a picture of him while his back is turned. Dang straight.

Best. picture. ever. I can't tell you who these guys are, but I am going to do my research. We went to the Cat Club on Sunset Boulevard and these are some crazy British rockers stuck in the 80s. They were about the size of a 12 year old girl and had better makeup than me. They were totally awesome. Loved it. Frickin awesome.
Yeah, we also went to the Viper Room, owned by Johnny Depp. We're pretty awesome our own selves. Not as awesome as these guys though.

After all that LA madness, we needed to relax. So we took some local advice and headed to scenic Cambria up the coastline. Seriously, if you are ever in the area, you should check it out. Quaint, quaint, quaint.

The next day, we worked our way up scenic Highway 1. On our journey, we made some friends. Meet the chubby little squirrel-like thing that will be your best friend because maybe, just maybe you've got some food in your hand. That you will share. Fatty, I call him. Also, meet the perpetually lazy elephant seal,who will stretch up, grunt and yawn, move 3 feet toward the ocean, and need a nice long nap. They also like to throw dirt on themselves and slam into each other. Uhhhhhggggrrrrhhh... nap time.

Next on the itinerary was a trip to beautiful wine country. This is at the Gloria Ferrer champagne caves where we enjoyed a little of the bubbly. Wine country is absolutely picturesque. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

The end of our Cali 2006 vacation was spent well touring the vineyards of Sonoma. This is our last stop (out of many) at the Cline Cellars vineyards. The day was absolutely gorgeous, with some fabulous wine. Jeremy and I bought a combined total of 11 bottles (at least one from every stop) to start our wine collection. We'll be enjoying California for months to come. See the photobucket link for more pictures! THANK YOU, Melissa for a fabulous vacation. It was a blast. You're the best!! Good to be back!

An early Father's Day shout-out

Since I'll be in Cali this weekend... a little tribute to my Papa Bear. Top 10 Reasons he's the best (there are many more, I just had to choose ten!):
1. He is in a house full of women. All the time. Even our dog was a girl, and he handles it so well.
2. He used to let me put barrettes in his hair.
3. He took me down to Murray Park to teach me how to ride my bike with the super sweet pink seat.
4. He has always worked hard to take care of us girls. And never complained.
5. He loves good beer. Just like his daughter.
6. He used to do the Donald Duck voice for me all time just to make me laugh. It would work every stinkin time.
7. He used to read books to me using the coolest voices. Sure, sometimes I wanted him to get on with the story, but it was hilarious. And he'd lick his finger about 50 times before turning the page cause he knew the suspense was killing me.
8. He knows when to let go of old clothes (or when we pry them from his grip). He hasn't even worn the velour 70s shirts in a while! Check out those shades. That man is stylish.
9. He likes to think that he's tough on boyfriends (casually mentioning a shotgun in the closet), but he's always looking our for our best interest. And we know it.
10. He started his own business, and I'm so proud of everything he's done. He's amazing.
Ok, I lied. #11: He's taking us to the airport at 5 a.m. tomorrow. He's the best. I'm telling you!

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Wish I could have been there with ya... but I will definitely tell Hollywood you said hello. LOVE YOU more than you know! See you when we get back!

Can you dig it... man??

Cali in 1.5 days!! These are people I am fully expecting to run into (aka "stalk") and hang out with while there. I have full intentions of it. We'll be best friends, me and Seth Cohen. Many, many pictures to come. Meahwhile, go a little old school with me and enjoy some Pac and Dre for old time's sake. West side. Cause you and I know it's the best side.

Kids do the darndest things. Adults too.

Before explaining the pictures... a weekend update. Friday: Jeremy came home (hooray!). That night, we went to the Fountain. Good times were had by all. Saturday: I was a river queen allllll day. That night, went to a cookout. Venison and elk were had by all. Well, except me. Sunday: Jeremy mowed my lawn and did some serious damage with the weed whacker (what a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man). Our backyard is less embarassing now. It was a jungle- a perfect home for ratsies. Arnie is happier. That night, I met up with Melissa, Greg, and Greg's kiddies at El Porton. Greg's daughter insisted on funny faces for the pictures. So, there you go... the explanation of why we look insane. Look at my tongue. Ummmm... yikes. By the way, my eyes were crossed for a really long time while she took the picture. That's why I'm not really looking at the camera. HA. And Melissa's a pirate. Arrrgh.
5 DAYS TILL CALIFORNIA (cue the theme to the "OC")!!

Hoorah!

Congratulations, Eric and Emily!! Wish I could have been there! Love to both of you!

A message from Cody and the gang...

Stay off drugs, kids. Or something like this could happen to you. Although, sometimes, if you're very lucky, you can kick that caffeine pill-poppin' habit and perhaps this could happen to you. But it's rare. Very rare. Caffeine kills. No foolin'.

PS, holla to my old friends Kyle and Jaime who silently stalk me and occasionally say hello. Miss you guys! Talk to me more often. It makes me happy. That part's from Elizabeth.

Word.

1. Update from our furry little rat-a-tat friends: they're still here and in full effect. Although last night I sat in the lodge and did not see one. But they were there the night before. We're trying to keep Arnie's food in the house and take away their food source.
2. Baseball game= fun. Did not watch 2 consecutive minutes of it. Uhhh... did we win? Dunno.
3. Midget wrestling= Bad Boy Brian won. There was only one match, which I will admit was a little disappointing. Sorry, no pics.
4. Saturday I saw "X-Men," which was awesome. I want to be Mystique, I've decided. Those would be some incredibly useful superpowers... the endless possibilities...
5. I am knitting again. Trying to finish up a blanket I started on Spring Break. Whoops.
6. Still haven't turned on the air conditioner in my house. It's all about will power at this point. So far it hasn't been bad at all. However, I predict a break-down of the will soon.
7. I'm going up to Fayetteville with my sister tomorrow! She has a deposition up there the next 2 days, so she's going to get a hotel room. So I'll stay with her and get to see my beloved Virginia! Hooray!

PS, this cartoon is called "Jeez, don't get huffy you're a rental" from Natalie Dee, which is funny cause the rats are living in the gutters. Sick. SICK, SICK, SICK.

Politically incorrect entertainment

It does appear that summer is officially upon us. Time for lemonade, swimming pools, grilling out, potato salad, and of course, the greatest game on dirt- the Travs. And tonight, it is midget wrestling, folks. Now THAT's entertainment.
Today is my first official day of summer vacation. I am on my way to meet some teachers for a little lunch at Gusano's, then this afternoon I am going to meet a lady about a nanny position. Gotta stay busy this summer, right? Have a good weekend, everyone! I will take pictures of the wrestling. Meanwhile, visit the midget wrestling museum site . Seriously, who knew?