Ain't That America

This Memorial Day Weekend was a nice and productive one for our fam. On Saturday, David put sod down in a section of our backyard that was sans-grass (more on that project, plus pics, later) and it looks lovely!

On Sunday, my sister, Cade and I ran some shoppy errands and enjoyed a late lunch at our local BJ's restaurant (yes we got a Pizookie, yes is was de-licious, yes I felt Mom Guilt for enjoying it in front of Cade and yes I am already looking forward to my next "fix").

Chocolate Chunk Pizookie. Yummers!

While we lunched, Cade charmed every table and server in our immediate vicinity (naturally). Everything was going great until one seemingly nice and normal lady paused from cooing and gooing at him to say to her lunch date: "That baby looks like John Cougar Mellencamp!" On the outside I chuckled politely and made no comment. On the inside I was holding back the maniacal laughter. Without making any sudden movements, I glanced at Caitlin with bug-eyes; hoping that she could read my "WTF?!" thoughts but I wasn't sure if she had heard it. The nice lady didn't even say he looks like a YOUNG John Cougar and I don't know if it is his plethora of hair, raspy (in JCM's case "smoker's") voice or the overall rock 'n' roll aura my 10.5 month old son gives off but I will NEVER forget that random comment and the day my sweet baby was compared to a salty aging rocker. Ha ha ha!

Personally, I don't see a striking resemblance. To each their own, I suppose.

Then came Monday and an afternoon Memorial Mimosa (don't judge people, it's a drink for any time of day in my book) to toast those brave men and women who have sacrificed everything to serve and protect our country. The grand finale was a BBQ and some fave [pre] Summertime activities (Cornhole and Left, Right, Center - a super fun dice game) at the casa de our friends Colleen and Spencer. There's nothing like eating and drinking and laughing with friends and watching your John Cougar Mellencamp look-alike son (I couldn't resist) play in the grass to remind you how fortunate you are. I hope those families and friends who are missing someone were able to celebrate with lots of laughs and sweet memories and without too many tears.

Cheers! My Memorial Day Mimosa in an oh-so kitschy goblet from a home-sweet-SLOtown favorite of mine, the Madonna Inn. Collect the whole set (I'm working on it).

Confession

Forgive me, Peanut Gallery, for I have disappeared [again]. This is my first real blog post (to be replaced from here on out with the new Marjism: blost) in over a week. The truth is, I need to invest in a laptop because during a busy week, logging on to our dinosaur PC (I say that with the utmost respect and appreciation) is quite a process. Plus, it's not an option to trap Cade in our office with me; leaving him free to tend to his favorite project at the moment: dismantling our bookshelf - heavy yearbooks, photo albums and all, one by one. Hence, lack of computer access + the day getting away from me = a delay in my blosts. I'll try and be better but am definitely still working out the kinks of time management as with any new job :). I tip my SF Giants cap to you Moms who work in AND outside of the home. You amaze and inspire me! And since my lil' guy is snoozing right now, I'm going to take the opportunity to blost away!

Silly Sunday Snapshot

Cade's shades are Old Navy baby aviators.

Cade Cool

Happiness is . . .

The love and support of dear friends. I am so thankful for you guys!

What makes you happy?

Bring on the Bachelors!

Another installment of "The Bachelorette" begins tonight on ABC and this time the lady of the hour is Ashley H., one of the cast-offs from the last season of "The Bachelor" (aka Brad Womack's second chance at love) who I nicknamed "The Dancing Dentist" (although I believe she has yet to actually graduate from dental school; a mere technicality). I have been sucked into this particular "reality" dramedy since its debut in 2002 when my college roommates and I religiously popped the popcorn, dished out the ice cream, and attempted to dissect every moment of this bizarre new TV genre every week until graduation (another favorite of ours that comes to mind was "Temptation Island" on Fox; SO ridiculous but SO good). I must confess that I have not watched every season of "The Bach" (a term of endearment); even a television addict as committed as I am can only take so many "most dramatic rose ceremonies yet". And, the sad state of most of the female contestants can take its toll on a gal after a while. I took a brief hiatus from the show when "Prince" Lorenzo (*eyeroll*) was on, came back for a season and then left again until Jason Mesnick in 2009, which was odd because I didn't watch his season of "The Bachelorette" with DeAnna Pappas. Regardless, something drew me back in and I haven't missed an episode since. So bring on the new bachelors, booze, roses, the affable Chris Harrison and most importantly, the drama . . . and let's get this Bachelorette party started!