We're Off

Well, we're packed and ready to go. A first for us. We usually wait until the last minute to pack. This time, I've been packing all week and I've done my best to pack light. Of course, there's always those random things that make it in at the last minute. Your make-up, deodorant, toothbrushes, hairbrush, etc. All the things you need to use first thing in the morning.

Olivia will decide, at the last minute, that she wants to take Maria instead of Katie (dolls). Or Ellie and Maria. Oh, we can't forget Pat the Bunny (Lila's bunny), Violet (Lila's doll), sleeping blankets and Taggies. You know - the sensitive items.

So, tomorrow morning, while most of the East Coast is still sound asleep, we will board a plane and fly home for three weeks (Matt has to come back after one week).

Olivia can't wait to get to grandma's, go upstairs to her room and look through her toys. I'm just hoping no one gets sick and that Olivia does her job as a flower girl next Saturday with a smile on her face and doesn't run away half way down the aisle...

Vacation Practice

Warning: Some Adult Content and Bragging

While my Tuesday afternoon babysitter folded our laundry, mopped floors, washed dishes, cleaned toilets, picked up toys (I do not ask or suggest she do this and rarely pay her extra for it) and waited for the girls to wake up from their naps, I ran an errand, came back home, parked the car and decided to practice being on vacation (well, I practice being on vacation everyday here, but I practiced extra-hard today) by walking a couple of blocks to the local beachfront eatery.

I read a chapter of this book, sipped on this alcoholic beverage, enjoyed the breeze, sun, view and observed the following:

• Young teenagers practice their footwork and heading skills. These 13 to 15-year-olds could out rival most American high school varsity soccer players.
• Tried to ignore a young (college age) couple dry h*mp on the beach. Much later, they stood up and proceeded to make out, in an erotic manner, for a very extended amount of time. All the while, they were right next to several young families. No one batted an eye. I see this all the time and, yet, I still can't get over it.
• Observed a woman and her friend search for her bikini top that a wave, obviously, took with it. She did not attempt to conceal herself and did not seem embarrassed in any way whatsoever. She's an attractive young woman and none of the young men on the beach seemed to give her topless self any notice.

I came home to a clean house and one child still sleeping. The only thing pending, that could mar this day, is that I have no idea what to make for dinner. I was too busy practicing for vacation to get to the grocery store...

Lurkers Identified!

Turns out, I had two lurkers in Chicago.

One began lurking very recently. She's a mom in the Chicago area who simply enjoys reading my blog. Welcome!

Then, I was on the phone with a best friend, Amie, last night and she happened to mention that someone from The Chicago Tribune has been lurking on her site too. Just as we were speaking about this, I clicked on my blog and noticed a comment by Amie's sister, Tricia. Here was what it said:

Hey Nat, it's probably me. No I haven't moved to Chicago, but The Virginia Gazette is owned by Tribune, therefore surfing at work, probably shows as The Chicago Tribune. Just a thought. Yes I stalk your site usually once a day !

So, there it is! Both lurkers from Chicago have delurked. Now, I'll have to find something else to be curious about...