Fireworks

    From drummers to loud clapping, I have never been a fan of loud noises.  My brother was an avid swimmer throughout his younger years, so when it was my time to dive in the pool, my parents took me to one of his meets to see if I was interested.  My dad was in charge of shooting the starting gun, and with the big POW, I immediately eliminated the option of becoming an Olympic swimmer.  To this day, I still wonder if I had missed out on a completely different future for myself.  Knowing this, you can probably guess that I am not a big fan of fireworks, and therefore, 4th of July has never been one of my favorite holidays.
    Growing up, I would sit just inside our backdoor and view the Salem, IL fireworks.  Eventually, the tree tops grew too tall, so with a little courage, my viewing moved to the roof where I would sit on a blanket, sip Coca-Cola, and eat popcorn.  As I was surely becoming the 4th of July reject, I sucked it up one year and attended the firework show with some friends.  Before I go further, I must inform you about Salem's fireworks.  Unlike big cities which shoot them off one after the other, Salem's consisted of one every 20 seconds (or more).  The grand finale is comparable to the normal portion of the show in a big city.  There would always be time for discussion: What will the next color be?....Can you pass me the chips?....What is that person wearing?  Needless to say, covering and uncovering my ears for 20 minutes was not desirable, so I refused to attend any more shows....or at least that's what I thought.
    We returned from our trip to the Outer Banks to spend 4th of July in our nation's capitol.  Seriously, what better way could you spend it?  PDub, Evens Tyrone, and I metro-ed into downtown, starting our day at the Library of Congress where we proceeded to walk over 3.5 miles in 99 degree temperatures hitting up museums, parades, monuments, and finally Arlington Cemetery.  Just thinking about the history that this city embodies and being able to celebrate Independence Day here still gives me goosebumps.  We soon returned Evens Tyrone to the airport and prepared ourselves (or really I should say myself) for some loud noises.

At the Capitol Building....PDub thinks he's getting business accomplished here....

Dipping our feet into the World War II Memorial

My new home

Yes, this kid has an umbrella under the refreshing sprinkler.

    Contrary to other cities who were unable to shoot their fireworks off due to draught or other cities who accidently shot them off at one time, Washington D.C. delivered with (literally) flying colors.  There's nothing like watching fireworks with only the sounds of the Air Force Band and no big booms.  We parked ourselves under the Air Force Memorial within view of not only the fireworks but also the Potomac River, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building.  It was well worth viewing...loud noises or not.

Our view

July 4th is also my mom's birthday!....so we blew up her phone throughout the day with these pictures....

Kill Devil Hills, NC

    After spending the night in Virginia Beach, we loaded up the car once again and headed south for Kill Devil Hills.  This North Carolina town is located on the Outer Banks, which is composed of a 200-mile stretch of barrier islands.  This long string of land is perfect for tourists (like us) to come and enjoy the beautiful beaches and warm weather.  There are also several other draws to the area, which brought our group here.

North Carolina and its Outer Banks

On the road again??

    The real reason we headed for the Outer Banks....scuba diving.  PDub, Doubles Shark-Whisperer, and Evens Tyrone are all scuba divers who enjoy going on an annual trip (this is only the second year) to dive while I lay on the beach and watch the pups.  Our first trip was last year to San Diego where PDub and Evens Tyrone were convinced by Doubles Shark-Whisperer (a die-hard Divemaster) to become scuba certified.  I began the class but did not finish....another story that I will share at another time.  Anyway, due to the unpredictable weather, changing shallows, and needed currents, there have been over 500 shipwrecks, causing this Outer Banks region to be known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.  What better place to dive?

The Divers....and a man with a mustache

    In addition to the diving, I was able to convince my fellow travelers to visit the Wright Brothers' Memorial and Museum, a lighthouse, and the Nights in Rodanthe (by Nicholas Sparks) house from the movie.  The Wright Brothers' first powered flight took place in Kill Devil Hills, where now stands a monument and a museum with replicas of their gliders and airplanes.

A replica of the airplane (the real one is practically in our backyard at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in D.C.)

Their perspective on "pretend like you are flying"....from airplanes to Superman

The monument

The Outer Banks are also known for their lighthouses, so we, of course, had to visit one.  The Bodie Island lighthouse was first built in 1847 when after 12 years it was abandoned due to poor foundation.  Another was built in 1859 which was then destroyed by Confederate troops during the Civil War.  The most recent one was built in 1872, and as history may tell, it is under restoration.  Therefore, we were unable to climb it.

Sadness

After visiting the lighthouse, we traveled even further south to Rodanthe, which any Nicholas Sparks addict would know as the location where Paul and Adrienne fall in love and find purpose with their lives.  The film-adaptation of this novel was actually filmed in Rodanthe, and the house still stands.  This house was located at the entrance of Rodanthe, and this is where you might remember it from the movie.  However, due to a hurricane and since it was then standing in the Atlantic Ocean, the 83,000 pound house was lifted and moved into town.  It now stands as an inn (making plenty of money...I am sure of it).

Nights in Rodanthe house.

Beach Babes.....or Bums

This is what we call beachelaxing....

    The Outer Banks were fun, and I am definitely looking forward to going back.  I still need to check out the birthplace of the first English settler, the lost colony, and several national parks!  BUT.....As always, I am glad to be home, and I think Maya is too!

Today's stage III with a snarl....or smile....

Virginia Beach

    On Friday evening, we barely escaped the 80 mph winds in the D.C. area and headed south for the July 4th week.  While our milk and chicken breasts spoil in the refrigerator that has no power, we are reclining carefree on the beach.  Life couldn't get much better....other than dreading the return home.
    Our SUV was packed full of scuba gear, suitcases, and two traveling pups.  Doubles Shark-Whisperer and Phoebe joined our family for the trip.  We spent the night in Virginia Beach where we proceeded to pick up PDub's old roommate and good friend, Evens Tyrone, from the Norfolk airport.  I drove the entire, frustrating way to Virginia Beach with an estimated time of arrival of three hours at the start and an ending time of arrival of five hours.  East coast traffic is miserable!

On the road....No worries, I wasn't driving; I was taking the picture.

    My biggest mistake....not getting into the packed HOV lanes.  At first, we made fun of those traveling in the HOV lanes because they were at a stop-and-go for even longer than our lanes were.  However, the further we got from D.C., the faster those lanes went.  My lovely company gave me crap about not cutting over to the HOV lanes by taking one of those "Authorized Vehicles Only" connections.  A little about myself, I follow the rules no matter what they might be, from washing only whites together to obeying major traffic laws.  I told them that maybe if they were driving we would take such a chance.  Another 30 minutes passed and only about three miles.  Up ahead, I could see yet another "Authorized Vehicles Only" connection with 7 cars crossing over in just the time that I watched.  With the support of my carload including the pups, I took the SUV off-road and fell into the fast HOV traffic.  Sadly, after driving five miles, we hit the stop-and-go yet again.

Everyone loves unexpected traffic....It's like the perfect surprise!

Are we there yet?

    After arriving to Virginia Beach, checking into our hotel, and eating some grub, I so politely asked that PDub take the driver's seat this time and head to the Norfolk airport to retrieve his friend.  Somehow, PDub took us the back route into the airport through the FedEx cargo and into an area that seemed like we were on the runway.  Finally, we made it to the arrivals section where PDub avoided a parallel park job and instead pulled in nose first onto the airport sidewalk.  After noting that the park job was probably not good and contemplating for a few minutes, he luckily came across a spot where he was able to pull in normally.  Evens Tyrone joined our group, and we returned to the hotel for a few laughs (somehow Evens Tyrone short-sheeted himself while making down his cot) and some greatly needed sleep (Stage III for the pups).

Houston, we have landed....in Virginia Beach

One with Doubles Shark-Whisperer, PDub, and Evens Tyrone

Now one with me!

Awe....Do you like my unitard?

Neptune (spoken in a deep, commanding voice) and yes, he is palming a sea turtle....not to be confused with a basketball.

My View on Visors

    According to Wikipedia (my favorite encyclopedia), a visor is a surface which protects the eyes.  Under this definition, anything from the face of a hockey helmet to an automobile sun blocker classifies as a visor.  For this blog, I am going to refer to the visor hat, which attaches to your head, usually by velcro, and shades your face from the sun.

 










    I have been fighting with the theory of visors for quite some time now.  During our downsize, I cleared my closet of any and all visors.  My thoughts: I am not a professional tennis player, and I would rather kill two birds with one stone by protecting both my face and my head.  The facts, visors are actually still apart of many people's accessories.  I still see the ever-so-stylish, professional golfers wear them and even some poker dealers.  You can purchase them from any university, major beer line, ritzy car dealership, or just your everyday fashion stores (Gap, Abercrombie, etc.).

 

This is no longer a visor.

    Here are my pros and cons when it comes to visors.  They are great when you don't want to mess-up your hair.  I actually begin my hair styling wearing a visor; put on the visor, dry your hair like normal (if possible), and Wah Lah! you have visor hair (not to be confused with hat hair)!  Additionally, a visor reduces the amount of sweat by allowing for some airflow.  Bring on the heat!  I'm wearing my visor!  As for the cons, you can probably guess that these outweigh the pros seeing that my closet is clear of the topless hats....so here are a few.  Stop reading if you are near and dear to your veeee-sor.  The visor fulfills only half the job that a real hat would do.  It shades your face but allows the sun to blaze down on your sensitive head (bald men...give it up and get a hat; women...don't part your hair because you are asking for it).  Also, most individuals don't wear them correctly to begin with.  They oftentimes flip them upside down or turn them so they shade their neck instead of their face.  When purchasing a visor, I question whether there should be an instructions manual included.  After introducing you to my pros and cons, I hope you have more of a grasp on what you should do with that visor that is taking up space in your closet.  Get out there and wear it!  Or....let someone else take it for a spin.

Attractive....my ImposterBro

Cool....yes.  Protective....No.

I'll have two please.

BIG FIND!!!  A fanny pack visor!!!!

The Story of the Visor Bomb


    One day when I was much younger, I was playing in my house (probably with Barbies) when I heard the doorbell ring.  Being the responsible child I was (and still am), I allowed my father to answer it.  To his surprise, a box was left at the front door with no one to be seen.  It was addressed to my father, but it had no return address.  Being the apprehensive and careful person that my father sometimes is, he decided not to open it recalling all of the recent mail-bombs reported in the news.  After further inspection from my mother, it was decided to have the Salem Police Department investigate the package further.  Nearly a week later, an officer called upon our house with the contents of the suspicious package, a Miller Lite visor.  The moral of the story: visors do not equal bombs....simple math.

My Grandma sporting the bomb visor.

How To: Walk Your Dog in the City

    Last night, Doubles Shark-Whisperer stopped by for some grub and to drop Miss Phoebe off for a few days of playtime with the Maya.  After dinner, we took the dogs on a walk, and I had to teach Doubles Shark-Whisperer the proper etiquette when walking dogs in the city.  I feel that I need to share this same information with you.

    Before leaving the house (or apartment in our case), the dogs must be harnessed.  Like any little wiener, Maya and Phoebe love to bark at lurking shadows, moving leaves, or passersby in general; therefore, to prevent self-choking/hanging (and this will happen), the dogs must be harnessed.  After securing the pups on their leashes, an inventory of pooh bags and treats must be taken.  Don't ever get caught without your pooh bags; aside from the rude looks, the guilt alone will eat you alive if you don't pick up your dog's pooh.  According to recent sciences, they can now link a dog's pooh to the dog....it's DNA, my friends.  You don't want these things on your record.

Harness....Check.  Jealous of their style?

Pooh Bags...Check.  Even with a fresh scent!

    On exiting of the building, the dogs must be rushed out of the moving elevator, through the people-infested hallway, and out of the fancy lobby before any accidents should happen (it's like a video game).  If they do decide to squat, hunch, or whatever your dog does, best of luck to you.  You have been prepped for such catastrophes: clean-up the mess quickly, apologize to any onlookers, and get your team out of there.  Once outside, let the dogs sniff as much as they like; however, do not let this interrupt your walking.  Also, pay attention to general sniffing and potty sniffing....There is a difference.  One will result in absolutely nothing while the other may require some clean-up duties.  Allow your dog to enjoy the outdoors as much as you do (this may be for a short or long amount of time....you're a dog owner, stay outside!).

Maya is demonstrating a general sniff.

    When approaching other walkers, please use your manners by pulling your dog in close to your side (or heeling, as some professionals might say).  I have run into walkers who do everything but pick-up Maya and pinch her cheeks.  I have also run into walkers that will do anything to avoid being eaten by Maya; let's admit it, she is pretty scary.  It's better to be safe in these circumstances, so keep the pup near.  As for other dog walkers, feel the owner and the dog out.  If their dog is twice the size of yours and drooling for a small, wiener snack, keep walking.  However, if the dog and owner seem polite, allow the dogs to sniff each other.  While the dogs are getting acquainted by intimately smelling each others booties, exchange only dog's names with the owner.  Kicker....never exchange owner names.  That's how one might make friends....Hello....Big sign, and the last thing we newbies would want to do.  The dogs want to be friends....not the owners.  I have yet to introduce myself or be introduced to another dog owner, only their dogs.  I've found that if your dogs are the same breed, however, you may exchange not only names but phone numbers (PDub has experienced this).  Go figure.

One scared walker avoiding the ever-so-cute dogs....Hope she doesn't set that car alarm off

PDub did not support our re-enactments

Actual walkers crossing to the other side of the street to avoid our shenanigans

    On the return home, there is no need to worry about the maze back to the apartment if your dog has already relieved itself of both numbers (1 and 2).  Be sure to give your pup a treat if they have proven to be the perfect little angel you tell everyone they are (Maya, for sure).  If the walk was good for both pup and owner, a Stage III (refer to Maya blog) should be reached shortly after.  Dog walking in the city can be quite challenging with all of the obstacles, and I hope that this "how to" has informed you on how to attack such a task.

Wait at crosswalks for the walker-man-light and look like a happy family....It's the law!

Training them to press the elevator button themselves

Stage III...I still wonder if her paws fall asleep.....

A Kitchen Comparison

    As you can guess, our kitchen in Texas was much bigger than our one here in Virginia.  Everything is bigger in Texas....duh.  Even our refrigerator was bigger (two ice makers...'nuff said)!  In addition to the size, the colors are clearly different; in Texas, I must describe the kitchen as warm and homely while in Virginia white and surgery (yup...that's an adjective now).  The single upgrade that I will forever cling to.....gas stove!  Some may not consider this an upgrade, but when you can't cook with certain pots and pans (cast iron per se) on a stovetop, there's a limiting and negative factor that certainly stands out.  Gas stovetops are universal when it comes to pots and pans, and of course, my grandmother's cast iron skillets are getting plenty of use.  Food has never tasted so good!
    You must also get acquainted with our storage (a.k.a. closets) in this apartment.  We have a grand total of three, and this includes PDub's closet, my closet, and (drum roll please) a coat closet.  Now you see, this would be all fine and dandy had I not started my marriage with a pantry (spoiled...yes).  My mom does perfectly well without a pantry, but for me with my baking/cooking needs, I must have at least five boxes of cake mix, two bags of flour, and four bottles of steak seasoning (and that's just a start).  A life without a pantry just won't do.  With the limited storage space in the kitchen, PDub and I visited The Container Store and designed us a pantry/coat/Maya/cleaning closet.  Amazed?....because I still am.  With a little downsizing (of coats mostly), everything fit in.  It may not be as organized as I would want it to be; the coats have to be wiped of flour and powdered sugar prior to use, and bags of chips come crashing down every time Maya gets a treat, but we deal with it.  Oh, the joys of apartment living....Maybe we should just order out this evening....

Our kitchen in Texas

Love the color?

Granite countertops, anyone?

Our Virginia kitchen

Texas Ice Box

Virginia Ice Box

Pantry/Coat/Maya/Cleaning Closet

Gas Stove

My First Home

    I grew up and lived in the same town and house for 18 years.  Since then, I have lived in eight different places ranging from dorm rooms to houses.  As you can probably imagine, I am still very attached to my parents' home.  Although there is new paint on the walls, fluffier carpet, and different furniture, the sounds and scent still give me comfort and fill me with warmth.
    Last week, I had to leave this house for the thousandth time and return to my new home.  I hugged my mom goodbye, and my dad, Phoebe, Maya, and I hit the road for the 13 hour drive.  In my rearview mirror, I took one last glance at my home, which I now so painfully call my parents' house, and said goodbye to my past yet again.
    Every time I leave this house whether it would be to return to school for a few weeks or like now return to my new home for an inevitable amount of time, I develop an ache in my soul that will usually heal with time.  I guess this is a part of change.  All routines must be interrupted at some point, and change must be faced head on.  Each time I return to my parents' house, my memories awaken, and I live as if I were 12 again helping my dad pick out a tie and suspenders and talking with my mom over her coffee in the early morning.  We not only have to grow up but also live the lives we have chosen for ourselves.  Therefore, here I am back in Arlington settling back into my routine and healing from my trip to Illinois.  Luckily, I have PDub and Maya to get me through it.

My new home is wherever these two crazies are.