Spongebob says, "See ya, Sucker!"

These women..I just love 'em. With MG relocating, we decided we neede to get together with these crazy women for a night of revelry, excitement, karaoke, drinks, food, pinatas and, of course, games. These ladies are just so much fun. You never know what's going to come out of anyone's mouth or who Susan is going to grab next. I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long while.

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again, empatically: I love these girls!

Please, make my mojitos.

Rockin' out to karaoke.

A love song, obviously.

Baby. Got. Back.

It doesn't really hurt.

Loser.

DeadBob.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things to be Grateful for:

1. My husband. I mean, really, what an amazing guy!

2. My career. What more could one ask for? I get to help children learn. The rewards are endless.

3. The world of scrapbooking because it has helped me find:

4. Creativity. I can sit down and make shit. Out of paper and pictures and glue and paint. Oh yes.

5. Good friends. Life would be so BORING without them.

6. FurKids. There is nothing like being greeted at the door by a wagging tail and 2 meows.

7. Books. Anothe way to get away from the stress in life. Also keeps my brain active.

8. The Wide Wide World of Web. This way I can stay in touch with those I care about when they're far away.

9. Music. HolyShit. Music. My lifeblood. If I'm not singing it out loud or humming, I'm relating what you're saying to a song I heard. My memories are connected to songs. Yeah. Music.

10. Shoes. The inventor of shoes knew what s/he was doing. I can never have too many pairs, and shoes bring me such joy.

11. Family. There is never a dull moment when it comes to being part of a big family. Sometimes you just strap in and hold on for the ride. Other times, you feel like Atlas, afraid that one wrong move will alter the universe. Either way, I wouldn't be who I am today without those wacky folks I call family.

12. Calendars. Honestly. They rule my life. Keep me sane.

13. Flattening Irons. Okay. A bit nuts, but my hair looks so good when I use a flattening iron. Trite? Yes. But a girl has her priorities, no?

Timely Challenge

Blog about some of the challenges in your life that u are now facing. If any. Be as blunt, or bold as u like.

Challenges? Me? I think they've been a running theme in my blog lately. Seems like the past 6 months have been nothing BUT a challenge. Sure, there have been some great times, some fun, lots of laughter... but the challenges lurk in the dark. They're there. They just don't always show their nasty faces.

Challenge 1: Leaving the school where I began teaching to move closer to home, rekindle my passion for teaching, and find the sanity to possibly start a family.

Challenge 2: My best friend moving away. We've talked about it. I think it's the BEST decision for her and her partner. The challenge comes from my selfishness.

Challenge 3: DH starting his own business. Start-up fees, LLC, payroll companies, rent, you name it... it's money leaving the bank account, not going in. But I trust my husband whole-heartedly and I know he will make it work.

Challenge 4: Family crap. Doesn't everyone have family crap that's always creeping up on them? I'm not going into detail here. It just doesn't feel right. But I will say that I am so proud of my family for closing ranks and pulling together. Wow. Challenges are always better met with tons of support from your family. Yay for us!

So, yeah. So many challenges I'm facing right now. Better to do them all at once? I don't know... I think it was MG who said, "Won't it be great to be bored a year from now?" Hell yes! Bring on the boredom. I'm more than ready for it!

It's that time of year...

When school supplies are UBER cheap, and I can fulfill some serious cravings I have for new folders, pencils, crayola products, paper, glue sticks... the list goes on. I decided to buy the bare minimum this year, but then my dorm secret sister pops up with BOXES of supplies for my classroom! WOW. This is me TOTALLY overwhelmed. I'm so grateful. And did I mention overwhelmed?

So, in a week and a half, I go to orientation at my new school. In two weeks, the "school year" begins. In three weeks I have new students and begin another whirlwind year of third grade. It promises to be an exciting one. New faces, new expectations, new friends to be made. New classroom, new culture. New new new.

Change is imminent. Change is about evolving. Change is about what's new. I'm all about some change. And...

Crayola Crayons!

Waiting on Harry

I'm waiting on my pal, Harry, to show up at my door. I arranged for his arrival back in April. Bought his ticket to my house. And he arrived in the area at 10:20, according to UPS.com. Now he's in the truck, heading to my house. I just can't wait. I should go to the grocery store. I should scrub the countertops in the kitchen. I should vacuum the bedroom and upstairs hallway. Instead, I'm waiting. He's going to be here any minute. And I just can't risk missing him when he gets here.

5 Little Things

2Peas challenge today was:

Name 5 things you do every day, without fail.

1. Blow my nose. It's a sad situation, but inevitably, I always end up using several tissues through the course of a day.
2. Kiss my husband. So important to the old adage: Never go to bed angry.
3. Read. I always have a book going and one waiting in the wings. It's my escape time.
4. Shower or Bathe. Unless we're camping, there is a shower or bath in my life every day. Some folks can go every other day, but not me.
5. Talk on the phone. Whether it's chatting with M, my sister in law, or just checking in w/Z, I use the phone.

Soooo, not very profound, but part those are the things I do everyday. I could have lied and said things like exercise or eat vegetables. But there are some days when a vegetable doesn't cross or I don't lace up my walking shoes.

As I'm getting closer to the school year, I'm thinking more and more about rituals, patterns, and plans for daily life. With Z working nearly 11 hours a day now, there are many things he just doesn't have the energy for when he gets home. I don't necessarily think he should be immune to helping out -- everyone has some responsibility -- but I need to figure out how I'm going to use my days wisely. Work is less than 10 minutes away now... about 5 if the lights and train are in my favor. Definitely time to start planning: exercise, meals, housework, excursions to Winston, camping, family time, "us" time.

Glad I love a list, though I think I'll ponder a bit more before I start putting these ideas on paper. A well-thought-out list is a million times better than one shoddily put together. List-neurosis can be your friend.

One Pooped Pup and Two Happily Sore Legs

Aaah. What a great weekend. K's parents have a beautiful piece of land in VA. Mini horses, deer, groundhogs, cats, and... Kharma, of course!

So glad we were able to spend good, quality time together. So glad to see M so very happy now. It's about time, dammit.

On Saturday K and A, along with Max AKA "B Frieze" joined us for an ~8 mile hike on the Bushwhacker and Iron Mountain Trails into Damascus. Excellent hiking, beautiful weather.

Today I will spend the day with my pooped puppy and my two happily sore legs. I might even get some work done around here. =o)

OoTP!!

Yes. I went on opening day. I saw Harry Potter. Not sure what I'm thinking yet... Parts of it I really enjoyed. Parts of it were disappointing. I'm not going to go into gorey HP detail here, as I am a total HP dork, but I wonder how the 6th movie will address some of the loose ends and plot pieces they left out.

More importantly, the 7th book comes out in one week and one day. It will be delivered to my doorstep into my hot little hands on the 21st. It's bittersweet -- the end. I'm excited, but don't want it to end, either.

So, back to last night. I think the BEST part of the evening was spending time with my nephew, niece, and brother. What started as a date between my nephew and me became a famliy outing, Z included. Andy had soooo many questions -- he wanted to know who was going to die and when. Because the movie was so dark, he kept his eyes partially covered the whole time. He's really afraid of "Voldemork" (sooo cracks me up when he says that...). I made him promise that when he's old enough he'll actually READ the books.

Well, I need to get to mowing the lawn and getting my car cleaned. We have a big weekend ahead, and it's time to get started!

If Mandy says...

Change is the new black, then I'm WAY in style these days. It's been a constant uphill climb since about March. No end in sight. My calves are tired. My lungs are weak. My heart alternates between pounding and skipping beats. Sometimes the trail flattens for a minute, but no sooner do I catch my breath than it's back up the hill again.

Here's part of the excitement: C3. Z's new business venture. In progress, obviously.

Here she is....

Adrianne! Amazing...




Too bad I quit women... =op

Every once in a while...

You just happen upon GREAT music.

After M complained about 2 opening acts before Girlyman @ Eddie's last night, we were more than pleasantly suprised by Adrianne. Wow. Haven't heard a voice that rich or songwriting that spot-on in a long time. Perhaps my fave line: "I need a friend like a flashlight..." If I could get youtube to work for me, I'd post a video. I'll work on it...

Yeah. Me still basking in the glow of great live music. Aaaaah.

Too bad I quit smoking.

10 Questions a'la James Lipton

I miss Inside the Actors Studio. Not having the cable makes a difference in subtle ways. Like Mr. Lipton. Love him.

On 2Peas, someone posted his list of 10 questions. Here they are w/my answers:
1. What is your favorite word? behoove
2. What is your least favorite word? can't
3. What turns you on? my husband's smile
4. What turns you off? neediness
5. What is your favorite curse word? dammit
6. What sound or noise do you love? purring cats, rain on the roof
7. What sound or noise do you hate? children crying
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? dancer
9. What profession would you not like to attempt? septic tank cleaner
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "Well done, Theresa. Well done."

Tell me something good...

So, the 2Peas challenge today was to think of a time when something good came of something bad. I can think of several.

1. I had been teaching third grade for 3 years, always having the gifted cluster in my class. I loved it! Even decided to get a gifted endorsement. Then my principal turned on me. She decided that I no longer "deserved" the gifted children, so she moved the cluster somewhere else. It was a real blow to my ego. BUT, the year that I had just a regular ol' class, I LOVED it. I found out what it was like to not have children leaving your class every day. Not to have to make up all kinds of work with them. Awesome.

2. On the flip side, that same principal forced me into taking the Gifted Program Teacher position the year she left the school. She told the new principal how awesome I was at teaching gifted kids (ha!) and that I would be perfect for the job. Wellllll, I HATED it. I went to the new principal crying. She "interviewed" me to open a second grade class since our second grades were overflowing. I ended up teaching that group of children in second and third grade. Looping those kiddos, watching them grow and change and learn was so amazing. One of the best experiences of my life.

3. Dating Tomas. Oy! What insanity. Two years younger than me, I was taken with his rebel attitude and funky sense of style. He dressed like he was in a SKA band. He smoked bidi cigarettes. I was smitten. But it was so mentally unhealthy. Just stupid really. So, he broke it off. I was devastated. And his best friend was there to pick up the pieces and be my friend. 10 years later, that best friend and I are married. Yup. And we don't talk to crazy old Tomas anymore. Things definitely worked out for the BEST.

And... because I worked so hard on it today, I have to post my new collage, created for my siggy at 2Peas.

It's Finally Summer!

And I am TOTALLY taking today to be a bum. There is so much to do around the house, and I have yet to take off my pajamas. It's quite sad, actually. Zach is at work -- he left so early this AM -- I'm not sure how he did it. After this post, I will get my hiney in gear and at least unpack from our camping trip and do some laundry. Oh, and go grocery shopping. I think that's doable for today.

So much has happened since I posted in January (geez! it doesn't SEEM like it was that long ago...) Here's a quick rundown. Zach's 30th birthday w/his parents in town. Mandy and Kate time (love that girl!). Job at OU. Debacle with GCPS job. Finally got a new one. Spring Break insanity with the WHOLE fam in FL. Bonding with the Peas in Americus.

And, just in the last week: the last day of school... my last day at BRES. I cried. It was so hard. I started my career there. All the people I know and love are there. My teaching history resides in that building. But now I start a new journey. 3 miles from home. Back in the classroom. Good stuff.

With the last day of school came Tavern Night. A tradition. Such good times. A recap in pictures:

Nicole, Sarah, Stacy and the Holy Water.

Stacy and Susana. Not too sure what's happening here...

Sexy Self-Portraits. Gotta love 'em.

Susana and Sarah... and Susana's leg. WTF?

Not to be outdone by this weeked's camping near Grandfather Mountain/Linville, NC. It took us most of Saturday to find a campsite, but we found one off one of the Forest Service Roads. Did some awesome hiking. It was the perfect kickoff to my summer vacation!

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Reflective and Sad, but Hopeful

Wow. It's been over a month since I've written. The holidays seem to take over every aspect of life -- and my house. I'm working on taking down Christmas today, replacing the cheerful holiday snowmen and reindeer and santas with "the everyday" decorations of my house. It seemed a good time to do some revamping, too. Declutter the mantel. Put some things away for a while. And replace some pictures. Amid the relief of cleaning, purging, and making room for 2007, I'm finding myself a bit reflective and somewhat sad.

A year ago, I stopped talking to one of my closest friends. Just stopped. I said some things she didn't want to hear, and that was the end. No trying to work it out. It was just -- over. I removed her pictures from their frames today and replaced them with others. I guess it was the needed final step of that relationship. 2006 continued on without her...

Then in February, I ceased communicating with my childhood best friend. She tried again in September, but I realized we had just become two completely different people. So, there went that. I can't seem to get rid of traces of her from my life. I don't want to. There is so much history there. She is so much a part of who I am today. We may not be able to be friends, but the sweet memory of her makes me smile. I wish it had gone other ways, but things don't always work out the way we want them to. Life just happens.

The beauty of all of this is finding new friends. Learning from past mistakes. Realizing who I am through and through and not compromising that for anything or anyone. I have very few goals for 2007, but I want them to count. So, here I am, being hopeful for a great new year. Letting the past go. Letting the present and future in.

GOALS for 2007

• Walk every morning, every day
• Drink water
• Stick to a cleaning schedule (necessary for sanity)
• Become a healthy pregnant woman
• Cherish everything in my life, take nothing for granted

What Teachers Make

I know that practically everyone has received this in a chain email at some point, but I believe that it bears repeating.

What Teachers Make

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Susan. Be honest. What do you make?"

Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?"

"I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them write. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in writing.

I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn't learn."

Susan paused and then continued, "You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"

10 years and counting...

This month marks Z's and my 10th anniversary together, 4 years of marriage. HOORAY! I'm so lucky to have an amazing husband.

To celebrate, we went to NC to choose and cut our own Christmas tree. It was soooo much fun! This is only our second live tree (since we spend every other Christmas away), and I'm loving it! Here are some shots of us cutting down the tree...

And, the finished product...

What Christmas Carol Are You?

You are 'Silent Night'! You really enjoy Christmas, and you like your Christmases conventional. For you, Christmas is about family and traditions, and you rather enjoy the rituals of going to church at midnight and turning off the lights before flaming the plum pudding. Although you find Christmas shopping frustrating, you like the excitement of wrapping and hiding presents, and opening a single door on the Advent Calendar each day. You like the traditional carols, and probably teach the children to sing along to them. More than anyone else, you will probably actually have a merry Christmas!

Take this quiz: Quizilla

Offensive...

So, Bonnie @2Peas has posted this challenge: Blog about the things in life that are offensive to you... do you take offense easily, or not????

I'm a jokester -- there's not doubt about that. And I tend to say things that can be offensive or embarrass people. I wouldn't say that I'm easily offended, but there are some things that, if said, set me off.

1. These kids can't learn. They can't do it.
I'm a teacher, a teachers' teacher, and above all, an advocate for children. Don't tell me These kids can't... All children can and will as long as I am around. It might take some patience, some extra support, a different viewpoint, a different method, but ALL KIDS CAN!

2. That woman needs to lose a few.
As a woman who is overweight -- and not by a little -- this makes me NUTS! Don't tell me that a woman who has a little extra skin here and there needs to lose weight. It is a daily, uphill battle for me. People who say She needs to lose a few obviously have NEVER struggled with it. So, shut up! Are you a doctor? Since when does your opinion matter? (Okay, I need to exhale -- got a little worked up there...)

3. Addressing many when you only need to address a few.
Okay, so hypothetical and silly situation here, but a good way to illustrate my point: Several people at the office are not covering their mouths when they sneeze. The bossman knows exactly who these people are. He sees them daily. Other workers have complained, and he has made a note of it. Finally, during the height of cold season, the bossman gets really ticked off because these people are sneezing a LOT, and no one is covering her/his mouth. So, he writes an angry memo. One that states, "The next person who sneezes without covering his/her mouth will receive a letter of reprimand." Instead of sending it to the offenders, he sends it to the ENTIRE staff, as though ALL of them have committed this offense. This bothers me so much, and it offends me when I am the one who has not committed the offense. Talk to the people whom you are angry with; don't bother me with it when I've done nothing wrong.

So, in the spirit of offense, I invite you to rent a Carlos Mencia DVD, listen to one of his CDs or watch his TV show on Comedy Central. You will be offended. And then you will laugh. We're all offenders. Carlos Mencia shows us just how STUPID we sound when we offend.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

And it's finally cold here in the ATL! Hallelujah! A quick survey to get me started on the Holiday Blogging...

Christmas/New Years questionare
Christmas
Do you like christmas?:	I LOVE it!
Whats your favorite part about christmas?:	Decorating my tree, Being with my family
Who is your favorite person to spend christmas with?:	my husband and parents
What time do you wake up in the morning on christmas day?:	depends on how late we were up the night before, but usually by 8
haha Do you believe in Santa?:	Definitely.
Do you decorate a lot for christmas?:	I'm a moderate decorator.
What your favorite christmas present?:	this is lame, but my cd changer for my car
Do you send out christmas cards?:	yep -- I need to get started!
Do you party on christmas day?:	nope -- lots of relaxation and family time.
What is the true meaning of christmas?:	remembering to be there for those you love
Favorite
Christmas Cookie?:	chocolate chip
Person in the mager setup?:	the sheep
christmas outfit?:	pajamas
time on christmas day?:	christmas eve -- around 8 (everyone has eaten and we are chatting over coffee)
Either
fake or real tree?:	i used to be a fake tree girl, but now it's REAL all the way!
Lights/Decorations/Garlfand?:	TONS of white lights, silver and gold beaded garland, lots of ornaments from days gone by
Wrapping presents or buying them?:	wrap them myself -- or make zach do it
money or presents?:	presents
spend christmas with family or friends?:	family
white christmas or hot christmas?:	white christmas
caroling or listening to carolers?:	caroling
cocoa or cofee?:	cocoa
blinking lights or regular?:	regular
color lights or yellowish?:	WHITE
manger or santa?:	both
red or green?:	green
Have you ever?
stolen anything on christmas day?:	hell no!
Read the story of Jesus birth?:	yes
Gotten drunk, high ect on christmas eve/day?:	comfortably buzzed
Been a Mr. Scrooge?:	yep -- the first year my sister didn't come home for Christmas
Donated to the homeless?:	yes
Been exceptionaly cheery because its christmas?:	always -- it's kind of sick, actually
New Yers
Where do you go?:	it depends -- usually to a friends' house
party?:	do you consider playing games a party?
do you get drunk?:	sometimes
Do you go to clubs?:	Hell NO!
have you ever been drunk and driven on new years?:	NO.
do you have loud toys and countdown the seconds?:	sometimes.
What are your new years resolutions?:	always health... you think i'd be SOOO healthy by now
Do you stay up till midnight?:	yes
Who do you spend new years with?:	my hubby and friends and famly
Are you tired the next day?:	yes
What time is it?:	????????
Take this survey Find more surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site

Well, Chico...

they're not all winners.

Sooooo, here is Frank, Sarah, and me with the one and only Carlos Mencia (he's the one in the hat).

I won't tell you how much we paid to have this polaroid taken, but I will say that we had such a GREAT time. I haven't laughed that hard is SOOOOOO long! Can't wait until he's back in town again!

Since he's known me...

So, Z says that since he's known me I've been in school. For a year now, I haven't taken classes. Since I finished my Master's last year, I am taking some time off. Z hopes it's permanent time off, but, really, it's an extended hiatus until I go back for my Ed.D.

In the interest of keeping up with my field (literacy education), I am taking the Reading Specialist exam today. (In about an hour, actually.) I haven't taken a standardized test since -- hell, when I got my teaching certificate! Needless to say, I'm nervous. So, keep those fingers crossed for me.

I'm off to find my number 2 pencils so I can sharpen them!

Inspired

Sooo, I was reading Ginger Rohlfs' blog about her top 5 picks for Sexiest man... and I decided to make a list of my own.

I only have 4... but here they are:

Number 4: Steven Tyler
I have been lusting after this man for years now. Something about that skinny ambiguity just does it for me. Not to mention that mouth - Hello!

Number 3: Johnny Depp

A classic, no? Dressed up as a pirate or thinking he's Don Juan DeMarco or ironing cheese sandwiches. How can you not love this man?

Number 2: Dean Winters

We have just finished watching the HBO series OZ. He played Ryan O'Reilly. I don't know if it was the bad boy thing or his damn sexy chest, but Whew!

Number 1: John Cusack

Since Say Anything, he has been that man. Something about that dorky yet sexy yet awkward yet suave thing he has going on... HO-LAY!

Tuesday Two

1) To be indestructible or incredibly rich?
Hard call there... probably rich so I can share the wealth. Not too sure what being indestructible would do for mankind, ya know?
2) chocolate or vanilla?
if it's ice cream, it's chocolate. if it's cake, it's vanilla.
3) scrambled or fried eggs?
scrambled, baby. those runny centers just don't do it for me.
4) winter sports or summer sports?
no sports at all, really. but if i had to pick, it would be winter -- love ice skating and skiing and hockey
5) cookies or cake?
CAKE!
6) vote on the issues or with political parties?
issues. and i have lots of them.
7) Indiana Jones or James Bond?
is that a question? without a doubt -- Indy! he's so rugged and manly. none of that Pommy crap.
8) dinner w/Osama Bin Laden or hunting with Dick Cheney?
this one is hard. okay. probably dinner w/ OBL because i'm afraid Cheney might shoot me. and, at least, the conversation would be interesting.
9) be able to swim underwater without coming up for air or be able to fly?
fly. swimming won't get me to the west coast any faster.
10) talk like Foghorn Leghorn or Elmer Fudd?
i say, i say, i say-a Foghorn Leghorn, please.

Lessons Learned

Sooooo... M and I have done some serious growing in our friendship lately. It's been hard. We've cried. I've yelled. There has been crazy typing. Lots of long email back and forth. But I've learned a few things about myself, and about my relationship w/M. Perfect timing for Laura's CJ: Lessons I've learned about love.

Instead of belaboring the ordeal for all of cyberspace, instead I share my layout. The journaling reads...

friends will always love you, even:

• if you disagree with them
• after you argue
• if you confront them
• after they call you on your shortcomings
• if you don't talk to them for 8 months
• when you are unsure of yourself
• when you say stupid crap that embarasses them
• if sometimes you think you are unlovable

friends love you for who you are. no matter what.

it took me a long time to learn exactly what a friend is and does. now that i know, i'm a stronger person and a better friend.

Beautiful Brevard

Some snaps from our weekend in Brevard...
One problem -- no White Squirrels!!!

Gangsta Mandy and "the Bear"

Zach, Kharma, and Mandy

at the base of Triple Falls

Rainy Monday and a 2Peas Chellenge...

2 Peas Challenge:
Describe your childhood home.
Blog about it, and share some memories...

My parents moved to GA when I was 18 months old. From that time until graduated from college (save 1 year in college and a summer away), I lived in that house.

Being the youngest by such a huge gap (16 years), I was basically an only child, so I had the run of the place from the time I was 7 or 8. It was a 4 bedroom split-level. We had a huge kitchen where we would eat dinner as a family every night. I remember finishing dinner and my sister getting up to make coffee. She would sigh something about "Cinderella" and everyone would laugh. Before my brother and sister moved out, I would sit in the corner of the wrap-around bench that went around our dinner table. So, if I wanted to leave, it was "Just go under, T." And I would.

For a good while, my grandparents lived downstairs from us. My dad converted the garage into an in-law suite, complete with a kitchen. After my grandmother passed away, my grandfather stayed for a while. But taking care of a child and an invalid (my grandfather had a stroke and was paralyzed on the left side of his body) was a bit too much, so my grandfather moved into a nursing home up North near the rest of his children.

Because the house was so big, and Mom and Dad had a pool put in, we had big parties during the summer, and I guess during the winter, too, for that matter. I remember 4th of July parties the best. My brother set up with a band in the living room downstairs. There were people everywhere. Lots of food, lots of friends. It never occurred to me that I was just a little kid. I had fun with all the adults... The barbecue would be going non-stop, there would be watermelon and mile-high cheesecake. My parents' friends taught me stupid cheers "U-G-L-Y- You ain't got no alibi! You Ugly! Uh, Uh! You Ugly!" Or how to do a correct forward crawl in the pool. My brother would dunk me under or do handstands in the deep end, so all I saw were his feet. My sister grabbed me and danced with me. Just so much fun. Then, at night, when everything would quiet down, I would lay in my mom's lap, waterlogged and exhausted. My brother and one of his friends would play their guitars. Everyone sang along, and I would fall asleep to the sound of voices, music, and that gentle squeak guitar strings make as fingers move across them. Content.