Guess What....???

Yesterday I volunteered at my neighborhood elementary school by teaching an art class to 3 classes of 3rd - 5th graders. I was a little nervous, kids at that age can be total brats, but they were all surprisingly pleasant!

I was really impressed with all of the classes being taught and the efforts that went into planning and organizing this event. It was called "Art Day" and everyone in the school was able to participate. Classes were 45 minutes each and once the time was up the kids would go to their next scheduled class. I assume the reason this little program was set up is sadly because things like art and music are being cut from schools. So, teachers and schools have to take it upon themselves to organize these things with donations from people in the community. It's just another sad reality of the toll this miserable economy is taking on every day life.

The whole thing seemed really fun. There were things like jewelry making, African drumming, drama, etc. My project was glass candle holders. I figured the kids could make them for themselves, or, since the holidays are coming, make them as gifts for family and friends. And hey, what kid doesn't like to make a mess with glue and glitter? I swear the teacher who's class I was using wanted to murder me when I left. I tried to clean up as best I could but the amount of glitter left on the floor and in the crevices of the desks was almost comical. Well, to me anyway!

I was so impressed with the kid's artistic abilities and their interest to tell you the truth. Even the boys were really into the project and excited to make gifts for their moms. I even heard a few kids in more than one of my classes say, "this is fun". That was nice to hear. I took a few pictures of the finished candle holders.

And today I volunteered with my father in law, serving senior citizens Thanksgiving dinner/lunch. It was a very nice day and they were all very appreciative. My feet and back, not so much! Hmmm...maybe I'm trying to get all my good deeds in before I kill my family next week. We'll see! I am really looking forward to some sunshine in Florida!!

I can not believe that it is the 3rd week of November already. AND, that next week is Thanksgiving already. Where does the time go?

On Saturday we leave for Florida for our family Thanksgiving trip. We switch every year which side of the family we spend Thanksgiving with and this year we are revisiting the whole "let's go on vacation together" scenario. Last time we headed to Florida with my fam, as most family trips go, you plan for 5 days, you wish you would have made the trip longer and then when day 4 comes along and you're ready to strangle every person in your family, you thank the heavens that you are leaving the next day and will get to be away from these miserable people you call family and will get to snuggle up with your pup once again! Wheewwww, annnnd SCENE!

This year we are going for 7 days. I am hoping and praying that by the time next Saturday rolls around I am still on speaking terms with all family members and that there is no love lost and no one gets thrown from a window...

I am going to arrive with a positive attitude. We've planned to do some things differently this time, like not sharing a car with my brother and his family. And honestly, as long as I'm with my darling husband and the weather is warm and sunny, as it's supposed to be, we'll be just fine! I am looking forward to getting away since it's been super cold and windy here the last few days. The only part I hate about going away is leaving my pooch. I miss that little bitch so much when I'm away from her.

We are trying a new "dog sitter" while we're away this time. My cousin, who is a senior in college, and also works as a house/dog sitter in her spare time, will be staying at our house with little miss Lucy-fer. I think she's pretty trustworthy and as long as she takes good care of the pooch, then all is good in my book!

So, what are all of you (in the U.S., that is) doing for Thanksgiving? Are you cooking? Traveling? Hiding under a rock?

Last weekend was a busy one. I had a baby shower to go to for one of my good friends. And as a woman I know that at one point or another I have or will have a shower in my honor but I swear, they are SO LAME! I mean, it's fine to get together with your girlfriends and it's especially nice to honor your friend that is getting married or having a baby or what have you, but I was wondering, would it be rude if you didn't open gifts at a shower? I mean, I know it's a major reason for the shower and many people want to see the loot that you get and want to see you open their gift but it's soooo boring. It takes soooo long. There has to be another way. I'm going to have to figure out what that way is.

Also this weekend we celebrated my Father In Law's 75th Birthday! My MIL had an "open house" for him which was so, so nice. They had lots of yummy food and drinks and lots of friends came to visit for his big day. As a matter of fact, I think about 80 people showed up! It was a lovely day but I still can't believe that he is 75! He is a fire cracker and in great shape. I hope he's around for another 20 years!

And of course, what you all want to see, we had a Lucy photo shoot this weekend so you get to benefit from our little poser. Enjoy!


Lucy looking like a bat upside down


You lookin' at me? - the serious pose


Like Oh My God! - the valley girl


Hello There. The surprised look!


The blink - Please, no more paparazzi!


The "I love my daddy" pose!


The "Paris Hilton/Red Carpet" pose. Work it Lucy!

Picture time...

So, last night as I was driving home from happy hour I was looking around at my surroundings. I passed the U.S. Capitol, I passed the WWII Memorial, I passed the Botanical Gardens, I passed the Jefferson Memorial, I passed the Smithsonian and then I took out my camera. As I almost wrecked my car, and then decided, okay, not worth it Funky, I snapped this shot while waiting at a red light:



What an amazing place I live in. What a beautiful city. And what amazing sights I see just as I drive down the road...I really appreciate my city and my country I hope everyone else feels the same about where they live.

Another beautiful thing happening on the East Coast right now, and probably where all of you live too, is the changing of the leaves and the real feeling that Fall is here. It is happening rather late this year because of the amount of rain we got over the summer, but it's beautiful none the less. The even better part is that it is supposed to be over 70 degrees here today. I can handle that! Here are some shots I've taken over the last few days of the changing leaves, and please excuse some of the rather shabby shots taken as I drove!

And lastly, since some Lucy fan asked for more pictures of her, and because I'm in love with my pooch, here are some shots of our little princess! We bought her a new ball a couple of weeks ago and she absolutely LOVES it! She brought it to bed with her the first few nights she had it but she still adores this crazy ball. It does these amazing, crazy bounces all over the yard when you throw it and she just loves chasing after it. She also loves walking around with this huge things in her mouth, as you can see. She doesn't like to leave it for long, unless of course you are feeding her or are giving her a squeaky toy to destroy! Anyway, enjoy:

All I can say is, WOW!

Today I am so proud to be an American. I am thrilled that finally, after 8 years, the American people's voices are being heard and the best man won.

I woke up around 2am or so and the television was on, and of course, the news was apparent. I heard John McCain's concession speech first and I was extremely impressed. I have always considered him a good man, but he kept it positive and classy, unlike many of his supporters. Some of his supporters on their way out said things like, and I quote, "we now have a Muslim, black panther in the white house" and "he is not my commander in chief, he is not my president, and he never will be"...keep it klassy republicans. Anyway, I won't go there too...I'll only say that I'm happy this is the closest Sarah Palin will ever be to the White House.

I think this gives the United States back our respect in the international forum. The people finally feel like they've spoken and they've been heard. Children of every race, color, religion, can strive for greatness and know that they can do whatever they put their hearts and minds to.

And honestly, let's be thankful for the best part...NO MORE SCATHING, POLITICAL COMMERCIALS! YAYYYY

Last week was a busy one...

On Wednesday we went to see a band called Slightly Stoopid at the 9:30 Club. I love their music and they performed great live but their following is a bit young and I felt very old there for a bit. That was until the 60+ year old woman got there. She was wearing completely inappropriate clothing and was kissing and hugging on a guy that was WAY younger than her the whole time. I had to keep myself from vomiting a few times. I ended up just paying attention to the band to keep my stomach from churning...

On Thursday the hubby and I went to see the Cirque du Soliel show Kooza with a bunch of friends. It was SO SO good! I've never been to a cirque du soliel show so this was great. If you haven't been to one you must go! I think I spent the majority of the time with my jaw on the floor, shaking my head back and forth. The acrobats and performers were simply amazing, I don't know how else to describe it. These people can do things that you would think were impossible. Human beings are just not supposed to be able to do that!

On Friday we went out to din din at this awesome Peruvian restaurant for my dad's birthday and then Saturday it was time for our annual Halloween Party. There were some excellent costumes and I think there were only one or two lame-o's who came without a costume. There was a little drama, which always makes the evening more fun, but nothing that brought the night to a halt. Let's just say Elvis' wife had a bit of a wandering eye once she got tanked. And a certain playboy bunny ended up mixing alcohol with allergy pills making for lots of spills and an early night for her! Fun, fun, fun...

What an action packed week and let me tell you, my body revolted on Sunday! Once all of the drunk stragglers and people who returned to get all of their lost belongings left it was very difficult to do much more than lay around with pooch. And thankfully that little angel was just as tired as we were because she snuggled with me and kept me warm as I was back and forth from my bed to the couch all day long! Our only outing was to McDonald's...how sad is that?






Now it's back to the grind. Work. I hope everyone plans to get out there and vote tomorrow! My office is allowing us to "do whatever we need to do to get out there and vote". I think I'll take the afternoon off to prepare. Who knows, the lines might be out the door...?