What I love! | Peaches Prattlings

{August 25, 2015} Facebook can hurt

It’s true, what you see can elicit reactions.

I was looking for a different image and found this one and it was so fitting, especially when I got divorced, so my post is taking a different turn tonight.

After I got divorced, I was dealing with things, getting my into my life full swing, well, after a while anyway. I finally paid some attention to my Facebook account, just like everyone else was at that time. I think I had started it a few years earlier, but hadn’t done much with it. I was working my business, reconnecting, you know how it goes.

I wasn’t friends with the wasband, but I hadn’t blocked him at the time, I thought I could avoid looking. I can’t remember if I was friends with my son at the time, C had an account, T didn’t at the time. Well, I would check out C’s page and pictures of he and his friends and his girlfriend at the time, I think she and I were friends. I was friends with his best friend, BC and his best friend’s brother and step dad, you know how that goes.

Well, I would go through my son’s page and pictures, I guess I was friends with him, now that I think about it, and then I would see pictures of his dad and her and then I would “accidentally” click on his dad’s page, really? What was I thinking? I wasn’t, I was still a wee bit raw. That’s also how I got confirmation that he had gotten remarried, I clicked on his new wife’s page and her name was surprisingly the same as his. Any takers on how all that affected me? muwahahaha!

So, I promptly blocked the wasband and his wife, it was much easier that way!

That happened so long ago and I really am past it all, but let’s be honest, are we ever completely past it all? It’s part of who we are and what makes us…us. When I saw the photo I couldn’t help but laugh, where was that warning when I was “accidentally” clicking on the wasband’s pictures?

Of course, as they say, the best revenge is to be happy and guess what folks…

{August 23, 2015} Happy birthday…mom

Today, August 23rd, my mom would have been 68.

I guess technically she would have been 69 since she passed before her 59th birthday, but it’s my blog, so she would have been 58.

I know I’ve only told you a few things about my mom, just something I keep close to my chest. My mom was quite the woman and since this is her birthday, I’m going to tell you what celebrations meant to her.

My mom loved to celebrate, it didn’t matter what it was, she made it great. I almost said my parties, but it was our parties, GES and I, as kids, they were some of the best parties ever, always so original. Until we were about 9 or 10, could have been younger, when we decided we wanted things like skating or bowling parties, we would have parties in the backyard or basement.

In the backyard, I remember an art party, she put up newsprint pads on easels or attached to the fence with paints and we had our own gallery. If it rained, we went to the basement and played games, all different stations set up and there were prizes for the winners, of course everyone was a winner!

I don’t remember the food, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, but I do remember the cakes. Until we got them from a cake shop, they were home made. What more could you want?

Those parties were what inspired me for my kids, I made sure every birthday was special. There were parties with friends and then parties with just the four of us, I made a special cake and decorated the house, so much fun. GES does the most amazing things for her girls, I know they were inspired by what our mom did for us.

She was funny too, on my half birthday, she would sing Happy Birthday, but half the song. “Hap Bir T Yo!” Silly, right? well, it’s just what she did and I loved it.

I guess that’s why celebrating birthdays is so important, especially with the person I’m with, she and dad instilled that in us, value those you are with and let them know how much they mean to you, how much better the world is with you in it.

Happy birthday mommy, I love you.

And to my cousin JFS, my mom’s first cousin and 20 years apart to the day, I wish you the bestest birthday ever. We don’t talk often, but you’re always in my thoughts. Happiest of happy birthdays. XOXO

{August 22, 2015} What a day!

Sleep…here I come!

The day started normal enough, the cats woke me at 6:30 and I said no thank you and went back to sleep, woken up a few more times, then decided I had had enough and got up. Got showered and dressed and put the door to PSM’s.

I got there and Mollie was super excited to see me, she did donuts around the lawn, a nice welcome, hey cats…take some notes! Then off to The Friendly Toast for a great breakfast at the bar, first come first served. Then back to get the truck and head to Plymouth, Mass. Yes, that is Plymouth, where the Mayflower landed and we have Plymouth Rock! As seen in the photo, not the original thing, but there it was!

We walked through the rain up one street and down the main drag. We stopped for a cup of tea, walked into a few shops, then down towards the water again to the jetty and took that out to the end, it was quite enjoyable.

After Plymouth, we headed to a party hosted by two of PSM’s friends, G&J B. Really great couple and what a house! We also saw a bunch of the friends I have made at the ski house, that was great! We hung for a few hours, got a tour of half of the house. They have school lockers in their laundry room. Maybe the best idea ever!

Well, back towards the house, say hello to Mollie, grab some grub and here we are.

Now that I’m writing what I did, it doesn’t seem as exhausting as it was! I need a nap!

{August 21, 2015} Girls Night In!

Tonight, I had a girls night in.

I had the perfect GNI, just what I needed. It was me, Jymy and Peanut, yup, girls night in with my cats. Don’t laugh, it was all girls!

I got to the hotel, put on comfy clothes, settled in on the sofa with some veggies and hummus, a good start, then I decided I was going to go all girl. Into the bathroom to bring the red back [Revlon, 42], during the 25 minutes the dye was setting, I removed the polish from my claws and paws. After my shower, I put on some more comfy clothes and green for the fingers and sparkly purple for the toes. I tried, but the girls weren’t into getting their paws or claws done, oh well, more for me!

When I was sufficiently dry, top to bottom, I cooked an artichoke and some corn on the cob, a perfect dinner.

After dinner, I cleaned up then laid out on the couch with the cats and watched movies until it was time to write to you.

Girls night in, perfection!

{August 20, 2015} Retail Therapy…yah or nay?

Yes. Does that tell you everything?

For those of you “not in the know”, retail therapy is when you go shopping, not necessarily for a reason and it makes you feel a little better, hence the word therapy. It’s a good and a bad thing, let me tell you why.

Good…you buy things you want, that you like, maybe things for other people. Bad…you just spent money and in some cases, money you don’t necessarily have. Now, when you say “I did some retail therapy” most people know what you’re talking about and they’re interested in what you got, that helps, sometimes with the guilt, ha ha.

For me, I don’t shop that often, but every once in a while, if the opportunity presents itself, I take it. Marshalls is a big culprit of this, too easy to spend money.

Now, for me, when I do end up having some retail therapy, it’s usually two fold. I may get something for myself, but I seem to get more gifts than anything. The really great thing about it is that as I buy things now, usually on sale, by the way, when it comes times for the holidays and even some birthdays, I don’t spend any or very little money. Guess who is just the same…GES, guess where we learned it…our mother. My mom had a wicker chest she kept gifts in, GES has a shelving thing in the basement, in my house I had an armoire, in GES’ house, I have a giant Rubbermaid tub.

I completely forgot that I bought stuff after last Christmas in Atlanta and it’s in Atlanta right now! Go me! So, the fact that we shop throughout the year, when the holidays come around, we don’t spend that much money!

The other day, I went and I found two Christmas gifts, I say Christmas because they are for people who celebrate Christmas, not to worry, Chanukah is coming! Yesterday, I had to drop off my laptop at the office downtown and my headache appointment wasn’t until 1pm.

So, what did I do? I walked downstairs and the first door I went into was City Sports. I’m always searching for a good deal, especially on running paraphernalia. I found sports bra I wear and it was deeply discounted! I got two pair of running pants, with an amazing waistband that will not roll or slip, I love them! And I found out that all of their clothing is guaranteed for life!

Then I went to Marshall’s…and it was on. The first thing I looked for was shoes and I found my running shoes…$150 shoes for ready…$35.99!!!! Mine! Then I found some sweaters, one I can wear to work and did today! I found a new running shirt and socks, but then I got a bunch of Chanukah and Christmas presents! Wahoo!

Today. there was a book fair at the hospital and I cleaned up! Chanukah, Christmas, birthdays, wow, I am so excited about the purchases I’ve made lately. I can’t wait to give everyone their gifts! Is it time yet?

{August 18, 2015} WH- I lived in The South too long!

WH is in the news a lot.

When you hear WH on the news or see it in the news, what do you think of? Is it the White House? It should be, really, it should be.

What is the first thing that comes to my mind? Well, I lived in Georgia for almost 20 years, so the first thing I think about…Waffle House! Really?

You’ve heard me talk about my love of Waffle House, or as some affectionately call it, The Awful Waffle, yes I’ve called it that, it’s wonderful and awful. I was actually talking about it this morning…mmmm.

So…did I live in The South too long, love Waffle House too much? Nah, just call it The White House and we’ll all get along just fine!

waffle house

{August 17, 2015} A roll off and a reunion

Another fabulous team dinner, yum!

SF, one of the team leads on the project, who has been at this hospital for multiple projects has been here 491 days, what!? Well, it’s time for her to roll off.

As I think I told you, we will have roll off dinners when co-workers leave the project. The sad thing tonight is realizing that a co-worker and friend is leaving, but the fun thing was a reunion of sorts. Since I am working in a different location, I don’t get to see everyone that was there tonight, so it was a great treat.

We laughed, caught up, ate great food, reminisced over the time together on the project and what was coming next, mostly vacations that are coming up, where are we going? What are our plans? Can I go with you?

It was a great night. Nothing but good wishes for the future FS!

{August 16, 2015} Happy Birthday SDL!

SDL has a birthday today! OMG!

What can I say about one of my best friends, SDL, who truly is Super Duper! I’ve told you a little about her from time to time, but today is her day, so this blog post is all about her and I’m stoked to be able to tell you about her!

I met SDL back in 1997 or 1998, I know, crazy, right! We met while I was in graduate school taking undergraduate classes and SLD was working on her undergrad degree. We met in an art class at Georgia State University and took several other classes together after that.

Our lives were intertwined over the next, almost two decades! Our friendship has seen so very much, my marriage, my divorce, dating, houses, renovations, loss of our cats, but the best…the search and finally adoption of her amazing daughter, Miss A, I’ve told you about her, once or twice…

We’ve held each other through good times and bad, we’ve cheered each other, got riled up for each other, gone out together, stayed in together, traveled together, but the most important thing, we’ve done them together.

We didn’t stay connected as fiercely as we are today, life happens, gets in the way, but we would invite each other to things here and there, get together, but it wasn’t until somewhere about 2005 that we reconnected and never lost touch after that. We were at a party for a co-worker of hers who was heading to an assignment in London, while I was there to say goodbye to the same person who happened to be the son of one of my neighbors. We saw each other and it was on since that moment!

She is an amazing mother, let me tell you. She wanted to be a mom and went through so much to find Miss A and it was quite the journey, you have no idea, but it’s been amazing and she’s allowed me to be a part of it! To watch her with her daughter is a treat! She is kind, firm, strong, gentle, mush, loving, smart and I love it!

To say she is a great artist would be an understatement. She is magic with a camera, still believes in film, is a master with paint and brush, give her a project and she tackles it and not only succeeds, but excels! Can you imagine the costumes for Halloween?

She is steadfast with friends and family, don’t get in her way or cross her, she takes it to the next level and watch out if you say something about her kid, friends or family, it’s awesome! I’d want her on my side in a fight!

Happy birthday to an amazing woman, sister, daughter who I am lucky to call friend. I love you my friend, live it up, it’s your day!

{August 15, 2015} Ant Man

Loved it.

I really liked this movie. Aside from the million bajillion ants, it was alright. Did you see the movie Antz? Years ago the cartoon. It was a cartoon, so if you looked at the ants when they were up close it wasn’t so bad. The same goes for this movie, when you’re up close and personal with the ants, they’re kind of cool, the have facial expression, they have personalities. They even have names.

This movie, was in true comic book form. It was like the perfect graphic novel jumping off the page. The opening was pretty funny, you had a tragic hero, who only wanted to do right by his daughter and just couldn’t seem to catch a break, hand picked to be a super hero.

There was a great cast supporting cast, the hero, I should have told you, played by Paul Rudd, who knew he was such an action hero. Not after seeing him in Clueless oh so many years ago. You had some heavy hitters like Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly. In true Marvel fashion there was a hint of Avengers, ok more than just a hint, there were characters and name dropping like crazy. There were struggles to get up to speed, fights with girls, angry daughters, secrets, and finally almost to the end of the film, Stan Lee, this came just after I wondered aloud, “Where is Stan Lee?” and there he was, ten seconds max, but he was there.

One of the other cool things about this movie is I learned a few things about ants, well, maybe more than I ever wanted to know, but it was cool none-the-less. To learn why crazy ants are called crazy ants and how they work together to accomplish a goal. Some things you might already know, but others, well, it was a learning experience.

All in all, I really liked this movie and I’m looking forward to seeing it again…on my hard drive.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478970/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

{August 9, 2015} The weekend in New Hampshire

A new weekend, new friends, new experiences, new food, what more could you want!

Another eventful, wonderful weekend in New Hampshire, sounds pretty good, huh? I got lucky and had the weekend off, so I got to take advantage of the opportunity and join PSM up at the house in New Hampshire. We headed up Friday evening, I got back to the hotel from the hospital, remember…I am working at a hospital, I’m fine! about 30 minutes before PSM and Mollie picked me up and away we went.

We didn’t hit too much traffic, it was good, and unusual! Could be because it was close to 8pm. We got to the house about 10:30, settled in and relaxed, then conked out about one am, luckily I was able to fall back asleep after the alarm went off at 5:30am! PSM was not so lucky, poor guy! We finally got motivated and decided to walk into town to get some breakfast. It was a really nice walk, about 2.5 miles and it was off the beaten path, so to speak. We walked through the neighborhood, then the next, came out of there, crossed the street and walked on the path that was created behind the trees, off the street, then across the street, same thing, until we got to the street, about a quarter mile from our destination. It was a good walk for Mollie too.

After a great breakfast, we waited while the other families showed up, we decided to wait for them at the restaurant, easy to find. The first family, J&AH and their kids, C and B, every sweet kids and great family. Next was C&CV with their kids, O and E. E and C are the boys and were so excited to see each other, the girls were just as excited to see each other. After a nice reunion, we all piled into the two cars and headed back to the house.

M&K and their son JT were the last to arrive, another nice reunion, then everyone figured out where they were going to sleep, kids in one room, parents in other rooms, the kids were excited, there are bunk beds, what kid isn’t excited! All of these people have known PSM for a very long time and they are all part of the group who call him Boo. Even the kids!

That is frustrating sometimes…I call his name a bunch of times, but then I say “Boo!” and he hears me, geesh!

After everyone settled in, we headed out for a hike to a trail less than a mile from the house. All the kids piled in the back with Mollie and away we went. We hiked/walked for about a mile and a half, maybe two, possibly, came to a spot where we could go in the water. Lots of rocks and deeper pockets for swimming, the kids had a blast! Swimming, jumping a bit, skimming stones. Then it was back to the path to head back to the house, perfect timing so we could shower, have some snacks and then head to dinner, reservations at 7:30, there were 13 of us!

On the way back is when I twisted my ankle, fun…One of the kids gave me their walking stick, very sweet. We all piled back into the truck and headed back to the house, chilled out, wine and cheese, beers, special concoctions made by our two resident bartenders, AH and KS, I did not partake, but everyone seemed to like it.

The sad part was that C&C got a call that one of their dogs had gotten out and mom had to go because the dog would not come to anyone except her, we were all bummed out. 5:30 this morning we got the news that the puppy was home! Wahoo!

Off to dinner, all piled into the two vehicles again, apparently we were the kid mobile, they are so funny! Dinner was good, good food, conversation and company, then off to get some ice cream, well, most of the party had ice cream, yours truly and PSM were good and skipped. After everyone was happy with dessert, back to the house.

Right to jammies, brushing teeth and movies while the kids fall asleep, one even on the floor, he was so tired!

The rest of us huddled around the table and put in $20, thanks to PSM for covering me, and got down to playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Yup, yours truly included! I held my own for a while and as we neared 2:30am, I starting betting pretty hard, I was winding down and getting tired, I still needed to write to you, of course! I did this in between rounds. Finally about 2:45, we all cashed in and split the money, oh, I was the banker! It was kind of cool having that much cash in my pocket!

We all cleaned up and headed to bed, crashing out pretty quickly and slept until about 8:30am, it was lovely! No alarms!

Tired yet?

This morning, we all got motivated, sort of, and everyone decided they wanted breakfast from the same place PSM and I ate at yesterday and Dunkin’ Donuts, so orders were placed and away the guys went. We took showers, packed bags, stripped beds, threw towels and sheets in the washer and all cleaned the house, people were coming in about 5pm for the week.

The cutest thing, at one point this morning, all five kids were sitting on the sofa playing on their devices, but all the same game, they were in the same Minecraft world. AH laughed and said that they came all the way to the mountains to play games together!

After the house was cleaned and everyone was packed, all the families went to take the gondola up the mountain like we did a few weeks ago with GES and family. PSM and I headed to the craft fair happening in town, it was great! I got some Chanukah, Christmas and birthday shopping done! I am thinking I may go online to find some of these vendors, I want more! Not to worry, I did pick up a little something for myself and…one of the vendors found out I was buying gifts, gave me one of her products for free, how cool is that!

Then we got some lunch, headed out for home, PSM dropped me off at my hotel, I picked up the car and headed to GES and ACS’ house for dinner with the F family across the street. Grilling out, burgers, dogs, corn, the works, it was great! MGS even gets excited seeing PSM, running and jumping up for hugs, I love to see that, I know her parents do too! She was excited to see Mollie too!

After good food, friends, conversation, it was time to come back to the hotel to hang with the cats, unpack, get ready for the week and talk to you.

I am sure you are tired, I am, and you just read about my weekend! How was yours?

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