Fun In The Mud

The rain didn’t stop us from getting outside yesterday!

In the morning, Allison, Becky, and I had the pleasure of helping at the Hash House Harriers water stop for the Mountaineer Triathlon. It was a nice switch from being a participant in a racing event to being a volunteer. We attempted to perfect the art of handing cups of water and nasty Infinite sports drink to passing runners. The participants were extremely inspiring and it was fun to cheer them on.

Later, despite the mud pit of a field, Boparc softball games went on. The much anticipated game pairing the friendly rivals March-Westin and Squeeze Play ended in a victory for Squeeze Play despite our loss to the less skilled 4-H team just before (nitchy nitchy). Playing in the mud was a slippery and messy experience, resulting in a lesson learned by me that cleats would be an asset. March-Westin was a formidable opponent with three members of the Weston gang playing along with Allison and previous teammate Carl. They played well. However, they could not overcome our spectacular mud game ability. We may see their vengeance in the playoffs. Sadly, my camera was hit hard by the weather and pictures are unavailable at this time.

Memorable Family Vacation Moments in Duck, North Carolina

Physically Fit Moments: Every morning we ran along the path by our house. Stacy and I also used the bikes provided in the house even though the one I used had a slightly flat tire.

Strangest Theory Moment: Dad's theory about water. After Sonic charged us 60 cents for water, dad went into a rant regarding people charging for water, people who buy bottled water, and people thinking they need to drink water to be healthy. As the tangent went on, it made less and less sense. We weren't sure of the point or any substantial reasoning behind his train of thought on this.

Biggest Family Fight: We tried to play Spades. I wanted to be right as the "King of Spades". Kelly's temper flared. I quit. We didn't finish the first hand. A close second was Stacy's picture refusal moment at Miller's restaurant.

Best Candy Moment: Finding a huge variety of fudge flavors. I could not contain my exuberance in the store, embarassing my sisters more than a little. Cookies N' Cream was the best!

Tastiest Dining Experiences: Hurricane Mo's where they had great dolphin fingers and a guitar player as live entertainment. Miller's seafood restaurant was also excellent, with the opportunity to sit by the water and enjoy a lovely sunset.

Start Up With Jane Fonda

Recently, I had the good fortune of finding the esteemed work out video, Start Up with Jane Fonda at a flea market for only 50 cents. This workout proposed that it can help you wake up in the morning or relax in the evening. While this seemed to be somewhat of an oxymoron, Kayla and I decided to check it out. We were given a feast for the eyes as the workouters wore lovely leotards, legwarmers, and slipper like shoes by FAMOLARE (props where props are deserved). Perhaps the workout should have more aptly been named Rock Your Pelvis to the Classics as Fonda tended to focus much energy on this area and compared it to a scorpion’s tail. Classical songs included Sleeper’s Wake by Bach, Pachebel Canon, and an unidentifiable (by me) song from the Nutcracker. Even the eyes got a toning workout as Jane suggested they be rolled to the right, the left, and then the center. Some of the arm toning moves kicked Tae Bo’s butt as your arms, as opposed to your butt, were on fire. At the end of the workout, Jane gave the excellent fitness tip that variety is essential for optimal physical fitness and described myriad videos in her collection. Our plan is to find the Challenge workout, a 1 and a half hour workout, said to be strenuous and fun. We’ll look forward to that.

Test Your Jane Fonda Knowledge Quiz:

What body part did Fonda fracture while filming The China Syndrome? (hint: it was not her pelvis)

What household appliance did Jane Fonda’s Workout, first released in 1982, lead people to buy?

Which phrase did Fonda popularize? A) We’re gonna get fit to Rockaerobics? B) Are you ready to get down? C) Go for the burn D) Thanksgiving is coming up, we want to get rid of those gobble gobbles

What film did Fonda star in with Dolly Parton?

What kind of pills was Fonda arrested for smuggling in 1970?

You Might Be a Hyperlexic if...

You always hear hype about dyslexia, commonly thought to be characterized by reading words backwards or letter reversals; however, in actuality being more generally a reading disability or inability to read. Rarely do you hear about hyperlexia, or a precocious reading ability accompanied by difficulties in acquiring language and social skills.

My cousins and I recently discovered that we have an alternative version of hyperlexia, an extensive urge or compulsion to read (and buy books). This was confirmed by a trip to Barnes & Noble in which we spent way over the anticipated amount on books, even after passing up and putting back many desirable items. We also discovered that Jess and I have discount cards for Waldenbooks/Borders, Books a Million, and were scheming to devise a way for us to share my Barnes & Noble discount card. Over dinner, I exclaimed that I was jealous that they got to read their newly purchased treasure trove, while I had to go to the Dave Matthews concert. Upon only slight examination, there was something wrong with that statement. If it were possible to be professional librocubicularists, we would be at the top of our field.

Here are a Hyperlexic’s suggestions for summer or any other time reading:

Psychological/Mental Illness/Addiction: Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel, the controversial A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, and for reference Buzzed: The Strait Facts About the Most Used Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy

So Funny and Good you wish the book lasted FOREVER: Carrie Pilby, by Caren Lissner

Mystery: Anything by Jonathon Kellerman or Mary Higgins Clark

Young Adult Fiction/ Social Issues: Rx by Tracy Lynn, Big Mouth and Ugly Girl by Joyce Carol Oates

Christian: For fiction the O’Malley Family Series by Dee Henderson, for nonfiction check out Joyce Meyers, Kayla is currently captivated with Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge

Mad Props for Vocabulary and Writing Skills: Anything by Pat Conroy, for teacher inspiration I would recommend The Water is Wide and for sports enthusiasts, My Losing Season.

Tough to Get Through But Generous Rewards Await: The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

I’ll stop there but the list could go on and on…

Dave Matthews Concert

Despite having to work desperately to avoid the viewing of indecent exposure in the parking lot while leaving, the Dave Matthews concert was PRETTY MUCH THE BEST CONCERT EVER. Pre-concert highlights included stopping at Krispy Kreme while the light was on, getting a free Post-Gazette Pavilion t-shirt (XL-Happy Fathers Day, dad?), seeing a couple stare deeply (creepily) into each other’s eyes as we ate dinner, and getting an organic basil seed kit. G.Love and Special Sauce was an excellent opening act and added to the anticipation of the wait for Dave to come on stage. The actual concert was unbelievable, with an awe inspiring jam session in practically every song. Kara helped to provide facts about the band members and songs. An impressive rendition of Smooth Rider was aided by Ian Gordon on Trumpet, Reggie Watkins on Trombone, and G. Love. Being a fellow brass player, this was quite delightful. Kara’s favorites for the night were JTR and Pig. The encore featured a 20 minute performance of Two-Step. I think a return to another DMB concert is definitely in my future. BEST CONCERT EVER!

Connoisseur of the Grilled Chicken Salad
Due to my sprueness food allergy I am limited when dining out. I have tried about every grilled chicken salad around and feel my opinion has reached expert status.

Texas Roadhouse: Best in the area for the price. This salad is huge and serves at three meals. Can’t beat it. They didn’t used to have French dressing, so I got in the habit of bringing my own. They have recently added it to the menu, but I still sneak in my own.

Applebee’s: Second favorite. Blackened chicken salad. They recently changed their menu and they still have this, but you have to ask. Only get the half size. It can serve as two meals. For an extra dollar get the “Pittsburgh Style” fries with it. Ask for them with the salad, but on the side. If you just say you want fries with it they will charge you an extra dollar for a side of fries!

Uno’s: Very average. Wouldn’t get again. Tasted okay for a late night dinner after skiing, but wouldn’t recommend it. Morgantown’s branch was so good they closed already!

Cheddars: Best new salad. Actually had French dressing! Several chopped up cucumbers too. Most places have one or none. Honey coated pecans add a nice touch.

Oliverio’s: Not a good salad at all. No cheese. Very average. Don’t get the appeal of this place. Service took forever. Black olives too. Yuck!

Bob Evans: Chicken Cobb Salad – strange cheese not in many salads in the area. Don’t get this often, but wasn’t bad.

Boston Beanery: Not a bad choice. Good place to go because there is never much of a wait.

McDonalds: Best fast food salad around but only serves as one meal. Must get to go: no French dressing!

New places to try: Chick-fil-a and Panera Bread.

I Finally Conceded: My First Cell Phone

As a wise sage once said, just because other people eat too much candy and get fat, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t eat candy.

I have taken this advice into account as I feel forced into no longer being a cell phone hater. I feel that while I don’t have to be a lover, I can at least be an accepter or a user or one who benefits from their usage.

As opposed to my usual focus on their negative qualities, I will try to picture the positives of having a cell phone:

When alone at the mall or other trendy spots, you can talk on the phone or play with the phone in order to look connected or occupied, as opposed to a lone loser.

When walking along the many paths of life, you may encounter someone you don’t wish to talk to. This may happen frequently. Get out the phone and talk or pretend to talk, wave and move on. You’ll never have to talk unwillingly again.

No more Mother’s Day freak outs. On Mother’s day, when not around a phone, and having not called your mother until 9, she won’t freak out and call all your friends and coworkers.

Soon I will move on to checking my messages every 5 minutes, taking a multitude of calls while dining in a restaurant, hearing my ringer go off in church, sacrificing safe driving, a major reduction in problem solving skills… But the advice of the sage must stay always in my mind. I don’t have to eat so much candy that I get fat.

I’m Too Excited to Sleep

Summer: Warm Sun, Long Days, Picnics, Mosquitoes…This summer is bringing a variety of activities that create such a high level of anticipation it’s already cutting into my sleep. Here are my most anticipated summer activities.

Dave Matthews Concert
My first Dave Matthews concert! I am going with Kara, a seasoned veteran. I can’t wait to be inspired by the guitar skills and what activity isn’t fun with Kara.

Superman at IMAX
This will hopefully make up for missing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at IMAX last year. This year, if no one else goes, I’ll go by myself. Be there, or be square.

Getting Ice Cream at the Evans Dairy Dip in Ft. Ashby, West Virginia
The best ice cream ever! I highly recommend their chocolate twinkle coat cones, but I would bet you couldn’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Family Vacation at Duck, NC
The sun, the sand, the bracing sea air. Time for family bonding, fighting, and fun.

Possible White Water Rafting
Jessica is organizing this adventure for a yet to be decided date. I’m hoping to be available.

American Idols Concert
Most of the office is going! I can’t wait to hear Taylor yell in person, “Soul Patrol, Soul Patrol, Soul Patrol”

Virginia Beach Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon
Labor Day Weekend at the beach. Allison and I are just going to cheer this year. It will take some rational emotive therapy for us to be ok with being fans as opposed to participants but luckily we’ll have each other for support.

The Perils of Biking

Thinking POSITIVELY, Allison and I thought that biking would be a helpful way to get exercise without stressing running injuries and an enjoyable cross training activity. After several adventures, it is a toss up to whether it was worth the effort. The first attempt was not successful. After struggling to get our bikes out of the car, we biked about a half mile on the rail trail. We noticed that my tires were pretty low and asked each other if they were too low to ride or flat. Allison stopped an expert biker (assumed because he was wearing a helmet) and asked his opinion. While he was telling us that yes, they were low, Allison spotted a snake. The snake turned out to actually be two rattlesnakes (as identified by expert biker) mating, though Allison was long gone before the expert biker pointed this out to me. After that trauma, not even thinking that we could go to the local gas station for air and presuming the tires were flat, we struggled to put the bikes back in the car and went for a walk.

The next day I went to the bike shop to discover that I just needed some air in the tires and it was all a completely normal and easy process. Gleefully, we hit the trail and rode about 4 miles only to have our route blocked by a big black snake. We completed our ride in the other direction.

Spring to Summer Snake Count

Lori: 3
Allison: 7

Snakes of West Virginia
What to do if you are bit by a snake