Fat Dog in a Little Car

So it was too humorous I had to share it. This morning I took Cooke to his Doggie Accommodations for the holiday...the catch was I had Gordon's 1970 MGB to do so. Cooke is not the best in the car anyway...not like barking and puking wise, but just he is clumsy and big, so reduce the Pumpkin Chariot's (my car) cabin space by about 4 and that gives you an idea of our ride across Hampton Roads. In the 15 mile-ish voyage Cooke tried to turn around about 5 times, misjudged the windshield location about 7 times, knocked the car out of gear once (but it was because minivan mama cut us off), tried to lay on my lap 3 times and moved the rear view mirror about 5,729 times...all in all a pretty uneventful trip! But he made it safe and sound. The Hunt Club Kennel is the only place in the area that Cooke seems to enjoy going and he doesn't come back with an ailment, injury or severe constipation. But I have caught on to their game...

They like to decorate the lobby with trinkets and pet toys for sale, precariously placed within tail and mouth reach. We have had a couple of close calls, but no impulse purchases made yet (from Cooke's end not mine) But that dog in a stocking ornament almost met it's maker this morning!

Pets, what would we do without them!?! Don't answer that.

2008 in Brief Review

Sorry it has been so long. Without pictures the blogs aren't terribly exciting and I know this...

The above picture represents my new job (where I actually have my own office), my new name, and if you look closely at the bottom you can see the braille type (of my name) that represents my advocacy work for people with disabilities. Funny that it seems a lot like the braille type posted in the bathroom for "toilet paper" but I will give them the benefit of the doubt!

2008 New Years Resolution?: Become involved in more community activities

Succeed?: Ran the Shamrock Race in March, Started Working at an Advocacy Organization for People with Disabilities in September, and Donated a soccer ball for Toys for Tots in December...so I guess, yes

Wedding: Had a great time in the Keys where we got married on May 24, 2008 in a garden in Key West, FL. Complete with Family, Friends, Ghosts, Fish, Rum, Reggae, Sun and Fun

Other Events: Gordon is still flying freight for a Fed Ex Carrier and I have started working as a DD Waiver Case Manager (I help people who receive the Medicaid Waiver obtain services they need by meeting with them, sending documentation to DMAS and facilitating the services with the service providers).

Our nephew Brakston celebrated his 1st birthday with us in Norfolk/Virginia Beach. We ate dinner at Macaroni Grill and kinda like after school special junkies, we gave him the first taste of a pure sugar rush with his dirt pudding and gummy work cupcake (see Taylor Trio blog for pics). Oh yeah, and Boomer and Heidi were there too ;P How could I forget the boxes (which many are still sitting in the living room might I add). This is a picture of Brakston and his cousin Grant from October

Cooke just recently celebrated his 5th birthday on December 11th. He received a giraffe with a noise making belly that has quickly become his new favorite toy and object to plop on my stomach in the middle of the night. Below is a picture of Cooke at Halloween with his Reptilian costume I found at the thrift store for 45cents...well worth it

Gordon is in the midst of rebuilding his 1970 MGB. He purchased it shortly after the wedding and has enjoyed putting around town in it (especially when it is warm and not raining).

We have joined the Blocker Family YMCA this year. If I remember correctly it is the 2nd largest Y. It is 4 stories of gym and then another floor or two of meeting rooms and offices. Lots of new equipment and nice people...definitely a good investment. And I am sure our downstairs neighbors appreciate me not using our treadmill on the 100 year old wood floors anymore!

Other than that we wish you all a great Christmas and a wonderful new year!! Safe travels and warm wishes,

The Kings (of Norfolk)

Joi-sey bound

Sorry for the lack of posts...our camera had to be sent off to the techy gods to be fixed. So we have not been taking too many pictures recently.

Lets see, lets see, since the last post...



Gordon has broken 100 hours in his job so he is finally off of "High Mins" (flight restriction). Along with that he has been on Reserve from home a lot as well as floating to different lines. He has flown out of Kinston, Greensboro and coming soon he will be do the Newark to Baltimore run for a couple weeks this month. If any of you know Gordon you know his feelings on Jersey and the New England area for that matter...but it is money in the bank and flight time so he is willing to sacrifice.



I officially put in my notice to Hope House on Thursday. My last day will be September 18th. I then start my new job as a Case Manager for an advocacy group for people with varying disabilities. That is unless i get offered a position I interviewed for with the city of Norfolk in the mean time. I am nervous and excited because it is a step up in my career and will be a challenge...Without breaking confidentiality all I can say is it is time for me to get the heck out of Dodge...for numerous reasons!



But on a funnier subject: I was going through some of the pics on our computer and found this...

I believe it was from my Birthday in when we lived in Indiana...Check out the Spock ears and the Michael Jackson post 1990 nose...gotta love it

STUFF!!

After 3 years and 3 moves Gordon and I (but mostly Gordon) were reunited with our long lost stuff. Most of our non-essential belongings were being stored in my mom's garage while we moved around the eastern sea board. Thanks to Boomer and Heidi (and Brakston) I now have my 11 series of Simpson figures and environments as well as my retro Incredible Hulk lunchbox back in my loving arms :P Gordon has his tiki's and paper products...lots and lots of paper products, just ask all of us that carried it down the street and up 3 flights of stairs!

But even more exciting than our hoarders dream come true, we got to spend Brakston's first birthday with him at Macaroni Grill. If our camera wasn't currently broken I would show you his delight in the free ice cream sundae and Dirt Worm Cupcake but I will leave that up to Heidi when she gets home...check out their blog for the visual...till next time

Break from the Thank You Cards

Been a pretty busy month so far. First a big cook out at our Navy friend's house. They are on deployment at the present. Last weekend was Gordon's last 30 something birthday. We had a get together over here with about 10-12 people. Gordon insisted on cooking for everyone and I believe everyone was grateful for it (I know I was)! Then we spent the next night with some good friends at the N'telos Pavilion across the water in Portsmouth. We got to see The Alarm, The Fixx and The English Beat (80s bands if you are wondering). The Alarm sounded awesome, the Fixx sounded as cheesy as I remember and the English Beat were a lot of fun. All in all a good show!! When we got home though it wasn't as enjoyable. I was up most of the night with what I am guessing was food poisoning. I am still not sure if it was from the Panaang Curry at dinner, The red velvet birthday cake I made Gordon or some other contaminant...but it sucked!! I have experienced food poisoning one other time in college...just FYI don't eat mayonnaise from IHOP at 230 am, especially if they have to go "out to the cooler" to get it.

But I digress... currently Gordon is in Greensboro flying the run to Wilmington and I am yet again filling in for our short staffed team at my job. Because as most of you know, Gordon and I have ample experience moving, I was designated the emergency packer for some clients yesterday. They are having major renovations done to their homes FOR FREE and have until Saturday to pack all of their belongings in boxes and check in to a hotel until the renovations are complete...I with their assistance was able to pack 98% of a two bedroom home up in a 6 hour shift and still have time to do documentation and drive to and from their house. Where's Guinness World Records when you need 'em!!

Also, when Gordon does the Greensboro line, we swap vehicles. Since I don't have my motorcycle endorsement (yet) I can't ride the Vespa, so I've gotten to putt around in the MG or what I have dubbed British Water Torture as I discovered all of the leaks in the 38 year old top yesterday during the deluge. How I was getting my left shin wet I still don't know, but I was assured new seals for the new top would be installed rapidly upon Gordon's return. Here are some pics of the car from our friends who borrowed it for their wedding, since I have yet to upload our own pics of it...

Buzz Buzz Buzz

Sorry for the lack of posts...both of us have been pretty busy. Gordon bought a 1970 MGB that he has been doing some mechanical work to with a friend who works in a body shop in exchange for his infamous steaks. He has also been working, hanging out and getting back in shape with our new YMCA membership.

I have been working like usual and carrying my teams emergency pager since my team lead was on a 2 week vacation. I also helped a client get his music together so he could DJ the Hope House Foundation's 30th annual dinner this past Thursday. It was quite an event with peons like myself, people we support and big wigs all in the mix. Over 400 people attended and it seemed to go well. I also have been making use of the new Y membership by using their indoor pool on a regular basis...I haven't forgotten that Gordon still owes me a 25 yard pool of my own, but that can wait for the time being.

The two of us have also been going to Busch Gardens since Virginia residents pay for a day and can go back all summer. If any of you live in the area or are planning to visit I highly recommend the Griffon!On another note, now that we have most of the pictures from the wedding we began piecing together a slideshow disc for everyone...so we haven't forgotten about you! You should expect those within the next 2 weeks (I hope). Pictures are to follow, really!

snorkeling pics

Still haven't gathered all of the wedding photos that we want but in the mean time here are some of the pics from our snorkeling adventure and our stop at South of the Border on the way down.

Couldn't pass up an opportunity to capture Gordon 'really' being henpecked!

Someone honestly had this on both rear windows in their SUV...I tried to get the shot with the Star Wars bumpersticker, but it was harder than I thought at 75 mph. Above: On the way out to the patch reef Below: A rare Erin fish

Great shot of a 2 1/2 foot long Parrot Fish...more photos to come I am sure

We're Baaaack!!

Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to Key West! It was a blast...we hope it was as much fun and worthwhile as it was for us. A few of you had requested to have a copy of our vows so we thought this might be the easiest way to get them out there. If anyone duplicates them though...we want royalties!!! :P

Pictures will be to come... and if any of you have some that you would like to share with us, we would love to see them. Either copy them to disc and mail them or email them to byrd11duck@yahoo.com

Here is our whole wedding ceremony (all 5 minutes of it):

Gordon and Erin Wedding Vows

OPENING WORDS
My friends we have gathered today in the midst of verdant Spring, enveloped in new beginnings. As the lushness of the season flourishes, so does the affirmation of this persevering relationship.
This spring wedding should remind us that like the seasons and the tides, life moves in cycles. We recognize the abiding, shared hope that after every winter, spring will come again.
We are here to celebrate beginnings, and to acknowledge that love, as anything else, requires sustaining care and nurture. In making this declaration to their family and friends, Erin and Gordon express their eagerness to take up this life-long challenge by dedicating this commitment to one another.

VOWS
At this time Gordon, you may state your vows to Erin
(Gordon reads his vows)
What a journey we have taken together over the past few years and no small matter is it that we have ended up here, again, in paradise. And though we have come full circle, we have climbed many a hill and mountain, sidestepped pitfalls and hiccups in our path to reach this plateau. Through this passion and a culmination of our interests to seek knowledge and understanding, our path shall stay as one. As we are drawn by the warmth of the equator, we are drawn closer by each other’s warmth. As the wind moves us we will remain true. No peril of rain, gale, or cold, that we may face together, will separate the vigor or endurance of the dream we share. So as I humbly stand before you here, I wish to commit myself without hesitation, to your spirit, to your love, and to your beauty.
At this time Erin, you may state your vows to Gordon.
(Erin reads her vows)
I cannot possibly express what you mean to me in a few lines. There was a bond with you almost instantly that I have never had with anyone. Together we have experienced some amazing things. You are so much to me, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, arms to embrace, a hand to hold, eyes to guide me, but most importantly you are my best friend. I could never have imagined that I would be taking your hand in marriage back when you would make those long treks across Florida through rainstorms and flat tires to see me or when I peered at you over my mountain of nachos. Even when I broke your dishes or dropped your helmet you made me feel like the most important person in the world. I know I am not the easiest person to get along with and my sense of direction is not always the best, but it was certainly working when I found you. With you by my side I will never be lost. I love you and I always will.

RING EXCHANGE
The exchanging of rings symbolizes the sacred bond that exists between you. The circle is considered to be the most perfect form of all forms in nature. Just as the circle, your rings know no end, so may the love declared here today never end and forever be renewed.
Gordon, place the ring on Erin’s finger and repeat after me:
"I give you this ring in love and truth, for now and forever"
Erin, place the ring on Gordon’s finger and repeat after me:
"I give you this ring in love and truth, for now and forever."

FINAL WORDS
Because you Gordon and you Erin have consented together to be married,
And have given and pledged your loyalties to one another,
By the authority vested in me by the state of Florida,
Witnessed by your friends and family,
I have the pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.
"You may now seal your vows and commitment to each other with a kiss"
And now ladies and gentlemen,
I have the pleasure of presenting to you Mr. and Mrs. King.

Thanks again to everyone who expressed their congratulations in all forms we received...it means so much to us!! Check back for pics in the next week or so.

Anchors Away

We thar be in the homestretch! Gordon and me ll'be leaving Wednesday as soon as he breaks free from his duties. We ll'be stopping overnight and then come plunging into Key West on Thursday in the wee afternoon...if all goes as we be thinking. See most of you scallywags there!!

Mad Bess Flint
&
Bloody John Vane

Wrapping it up

Has not been much time, nor much to blog about recently, but now that we are in the homestretch of "DIY Wedding 101" I thought I would at least touch base.

Work has been work as usual...you know, cutting a pair of pants off of a client, planning trips to Disney World (my former place of enslavement, I mean employment), helping to skyrocket a clients local popularity with Dining out For Life by "raising money for AIDS" as she told everyone. In reality she is not a fan of AIDS but rather in favor of finding a cure in case there was any confusion. This is the same client that will ask anyone no matter how inappropriate the situation if they like car racing, then proceed to rattle off names of racers and her opinion of them ("you know like Jimmy Johnsuh and and and Juner (spelled as she says it), and that one guy, he dead, he died"...as if the Hasidic Jew coming from the Chabad house with his family is interested!...But I digress. We can't forget the client who calls the police all the time because his trouble maker "girlfriend" is always being kidnapped and finding herself in movie-like predicaments. According to our client she has already died of Cancer 3 times. This is the same client that also told an elderly couple in the podiatrist office that they had been following him because they were undercover cops and he knew it. The ladies response was "Hunny, I have 3 kids of my own and I don't keep up with them, so why on Earth would I be concerned about you!?!" All I was thinking when I heard that is YES! hahaha, I love this woman.

But looking to the future (i.e. next 12 days) I have a busy schedule...team meeting today, my weekend, bowling for a clients birthday on Sunday, filling 3 weeks of meds for client, working clients art booth at Stockley Gardens on the 18th, joint party for bachelorette/friend's b-day sometime that weekend, putting birdseed in the tossing bags, dropping the dawg off at daycare for the wedding, packing, cramming all of the junk into the car somehow and getting the heck out of Dodge!

We wanted to start spreading the word that anybody in Key West on Friday the 23rd is welcome to the rehearsal dinner. It will be very casual and kinda impromptu. We are planning on showing up at the Conch Republic Seafood Co. at 8pm and seeing if they can accommodate our party. If so great, if not we will break up into smaller parties. The place is an open air restaurant and is big enough that it should not be too much of an issue. So if you are up for it we would love to have you!...See you then

Congrats!!

I am officially Auntie Erin. For those of you who may not know, my brother and his wife Heidi have brought their new son Brakston Lawrence Taylor home from Guatemala. I am sure it will be a crazy but rewarding experience for all of them, and I look forward to hearing all of the stories and sending the craziest loudest toys I can find (since I live several hundred miles away!)

Can't wait to meet him and see everyone in 5 weeks!!

Moving right along

Sorry it has been a while since the last post, but progress is being made on all fronts here at the homestead.

In sports:

Apparently professional photographers at the Shamrock Marathon decided I was a good subject (or they thought "look at that poor beached whale trying ot make it to the water")...either way they sent and published some pics of me in action.

Hmm, tried to add another in this space but it didnt work, oh well

On the Wedding Front:

We are under the 2 months mark and finally feel like we might actually pull this circus off! My dress came back from the seamstress on Monday and fits very well. While I was at my final fitting my wedding band came to the door. Gordon thinks it was a good omen. Still debating on whether to have my rings fused togeher before or after the wedding...I am routing for after so I dont have to go without my ring from VA all the way till the wedding, but I can see the benefits fo doing it that way I suppose (any thoughts, ideas?)

In Health:

A nasty cold has been going around the area. Yours truly was one of the victims, but it looks like I am on the rebound (a box of Sudafed, a few tissues, some Ibuprofen, and a role of toilet paper later that is.)

In Entertainment News:

I read that Tyra Banks has a stalker and is afraid to go out now...If I were here I would be afraid of going out because of the awful hairweaves and wigs her stylists give her, but that's just me. Also I was forced to take a client to see Titanic the Musical at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach...my thoughts Stay far far away from this train wreck!! It was based on factual events but from someone with at least a minor in theater...Peter Griffin's version of the "King and I" would win an award before this thing would...There was a murder yesterday afternoon and the vicitm was theater... :P

Now over to Cooke in weather...

The skies are clear the temperature is near 80 degrees (sorry IN folks) and I just got back from the dog park! After being chased and chasing a Jack-ass, I mean Russell,Terrier and a couple Shelties and a Scottie I am pooped!! Here is a live satellite image of the current situation:

That sums up this episode of Nawfolk Livin', tune in next time

SUCCESS!!

I finished the race. I beat my best time even though I had to stop and take a quick breathing walk...There were supposedly 7000 runners this morning for the 8k. It was fun, but I don't think the half-marathon or marathon is in my future!!

Here are my posted official results:

RESULTS - SHAMROCK FESTIVAL 8K - 2008

Place Bib# Name Gen Age City St Coun Chiptime Pace Guntime Div /Tot

1051 17020 Erin Taylor F 28 Norfolk VA USA 43:36.00 8:47 45:35.80 71/571

Div Gend/Tot G

F25-29 313/2865 F

Basically I came in 1051st overall and 313th for women...woo hoo...The winner was a male from Kenya that ran at a pace of 4:30 second miles...FREAK!!! or maybe just a masochist. Gordon was at the finish line cheering me on as I quickly crossed and found my way to the beer tent...ahh the sweet taste of success.

Sorry it is sideways, I forgot to edit it...but this was about 1 hour after "the greenest race in the country" and downing 2 yeungling (gotta support the sponsors)

Sweet Dreams are Made of This

Other than the fact that since childhood, Annie Lennox has eerily reminded me of my mom (I think it's the hair cut), I have been having some strange dreams. There are different schools of thought on the whole nocturnal brain processes...some cultures believe that they are symbols, or archetypes if you will, from ancestors trying to send messages. However a recent theory as discussed on the Discovery Channel...yes I do watch Discovery channel (but only when Family Guy is not on) that hypothesizes that our brains are the brains filing system and it sorts through all of the information from the day and saves or discards it based on need or interest...I fall more into the camp of the latter but there are still some areas left fuzzy in my mind...

But anyhow...since the nearing of the wedding I have been having those (what I hope are typical...please back me up ladies) dreams that we get to the wedding but realize that we have forgotten to book a minister/officiant, or we never sent out invitations, or an assortment of other deleterious of wedding faux pas.

This has been happening for the last month or so, and have never disturbed me enough to inhibit my daytime life.

For the past several years a majority of my dreams (if I can remember them) have been pretty mundane...like everyday life events. But the other night I had one of those dreams that I immediately had to tell Gordon when he was on his way out the door for work. He still thinks I am insane and wants to have me checked to make sure I should be the counselor and not the client at work...but I thought it was amusing!

I don't remember how it started but a good portion of it was me with metal finger tips (from the middle knuckle on). At first I was like "whoa what in the world is wrong with me" but then others found out and were intrigued. The next thing I remember well enough to comment on was that I was on an info-mercial type program boasting the use and need for these metal fingers along with 1950s style demonstrations. The rest of the details are a little fuzzy but I do recall some of the uses as:

• Never have to file your nails again, gals!



• (apparently they were magnetized too) Never lose valuable jewelry down the drain ever again



• Scale a building with the greatest of ease (I guess a metal building)



• Become the World's best back scratcher!



• AND



• Never have to buy garden tools again!

I'm sure there were some more obscure not actual uses for my metal fingers, but I'm sure they made since to me in my dream.

I would have to say that the reaction I got from Gordon has to rival the reaction I got when I was dreaming of ordering Burritos at Qdobas and I was pointing at the overhead menu board and placing my order with Gordon in my sleep!!

Just thought I would share that with you all. I am laying low tonight in preparation for the Shamrock Race in the morning...wish me luck (I need it 50 degrees and 16mph winds).

The stork needs a jet

I forgot to mention in my last post all of the new arrivals and baby updates.



Born February 13 to our friends Mark and Jennifer is little Phineas Francis



Also, the casually late appearance of Lincoln Jesse to my cousin Emily's family



Next in the baby order is the long awaited introduction to Brakston Lawrence Taylor. My brother and Heidi made their journey to Guatemala last week to introduce themselves to their new son. They seem to have made quite an impression on him...but I think he will get over it (j/k). It seems that they are moving along in the legal process of the adoption so hopefully the rest of the family will be able to meet him by the time the wedding comes around. See pic Below



And finally is our friend Jill who works at a local hangout who is pushing 6 months pregnant but looks like about 3 years pregnant! She is very excited to be a mother to Little Miss Elliot Bruiser in a couple months...



So as you can see maybe the stork doesn't need a jet but possibly a Cessna Caravan for all of his deliveries...maybe a career move for Gordon :P

Will Spring Spring or has it Sprung?

Sorry it has been a while since I have posted, just been up to the same 'ol same 'ol for the most part. Work is going pretty well I survived my first annual review and annual physicals. The review was really laid back, I simply had to run through all the significant events my client had in the last year and make sure he knows his rights..."I can get married, who to call if I feel neglected, violated, etc." This isn't bad, but the annual physicals are not my cup of tea. As many of you probably know, I personally avoid the doctors like a child (or most people) avoids brussel sprouts. On one hand it's not so bad when it is not me being poked and prodded and inspected, but on the hand I don't want to have to hear about the personal ailments of cognitively delayed folks...let's just say plantar fasci-itus (no clue how to spell that) was the mildest health issue I encountered last week! OK now that I am turning me off of my chinese food I will switch subjects...

10 days until the Shamrock Marathon! I still don't feel 100% confident, but I did buy new running shoes last week that I have been breaking in if that counts for anything. The weather has been a little warmer so I am hoping we will luck out.

Other than that I have been getting a lot of questions on what to wear to the wedding in 10 weeks or so...My answer...I don't care! I don't mean that rudely either. Tradition in the Keys is for women to throw their pantyhose over the 7 mile bridge when they cross...so the law of the land is no pantyhose for women (and men in case you were tempted to wrangle your getaway sticks into the modern day torture devices)! It will be warm bordering on hot for a lot of you, it will be outside in a garden, and it is THE KEYS!! Gordon and I are going all out in garb (kinda), but in no way shape or form do we expect any of you to.

Hope this answers any questions that may still be lingering out there...

2 couples walk into a karaoke bar...

Just thought I would drop a line for any faithful fans out there (cricket noises heard). February has been off to a mixed start...having an impromptu pre-birthday weekend for me followed by an actual birthday with 2 clients that are about as exciting as watching deer hunting on television. We went to the grocery store and ate at Subway...but Gordon did make me a red velvet cake when I got home.

Gordon has been working on the scooter to repair the battle scars of the scooter rally...and as a result we were introduced to a German guy in town who also owns and does a lot of custom work on his old vespa.

Other than that I have been itching to play soccer, but the timing never seems to be right...either people have other obligations when the weather is conducive or Hampton Roads has 40 mph winds and is on fire when people are at home...soon enough I suppose, soon enough. In the mean time I have tried to do more running outside, with a little progress...but still prefer the comforts of the treadmill. A little over a month to go and about 2.5 miles to consistently add to my run but "Goonies never say die!"

I've been busy with work since my co-worker is on her honeymoon and yet again there are two of us running the show...but my time will come. We are T-minus 3 1/2 months and counting...(but on the plus side, the lottery is up to $150 million).

Funny story and then I will quit typing...So there is a Philipino karaoke bar here in Norfolk that I have heard all about but never experienced...so Saturday night a couple friends talked Gordon and I into going to check it out for a change of pace. I had heard that a client of mine, who the terms modest and subdued are completely foreign to her, likes to frequent this place with her friends in the community...wouldn't you know I walk in the door and there she is, my outgoing mild mentally retarded client, singing and dancing in the middle of the floor (both mics in her hand) to "you're beautiful, you're beautiful, it's true". And who does she spot out of the crowd immediately? (thumbs pointing in) "This girl!" It turned out to be an amusing evening, where the entire bar was rocking out to horrible renditions of Livin' on a Prayer, Black Velvet, and the Cranberries, it was just not what I expected. I would probably go back to the karaoke bar...I will just check my clients agendas first!

Froze Our B**** Off!

Well the rally was a good time and yes it lived up to it's name. The first snowfall and possibly the only in The triangle area of North Carolina for the year. There were a few snags on the way, but all in all seemed worthwhile.

Snag #1 Couldn't leave Norfolk until 8:30PM

Snag #2 Took us an hour to get checked into hotel room due to frozen door locks, broken heater, 99% capacity and lazy front desk attendants...but they were nice and apologetic.

Snag #3 The weather made it exciting to ride but I am still trying to regain feeling in my kneecaps. It allowed us to ride to the bowling alley, but then got treacherous so we trailered the scooters back to the Bates- I mean, Duke hotel.

Snag #4 Losing the kickstand halfway across Durham and having the scooterist behind us run over it in the road

Snag #5 While taking a nap after dinner on Saturday Gordon and I awoke to the sound of our friend reliving his burger and garlic fries from Tyler's Tap Room. He stayed in for the party that night.

Snag #6 The service at Alivia's restaurant...nuff said

Snag #7 (more for our friend than us) When he and Gordon dropped off the trailer in Norfolk Coolant flooded the pavement from his vehicle. His response "nothing $700 can't fix"

But there were a lot of positives to the trip:

1. The debut of "the Green Meanie"

2. Meeting and reconnecting with old friends

3. A chance to get out of town

4. Check out the scooter competition

Here are some highlights below

2 stroke smoke!!

Wedding invitations are in the hands of the United States Postal Service now. So you can expect them any time between this weekend and 2013! Hopefully they will arrive in decent condition and we have supplied enough info for everyone to make plans/decisions.

In other news...The mean green machine is in working order and ready to rally!! The "freeze your balls off" rally (appropriately named) is this weekend. All Gordon has to do is put in the headlight bulb that finally arrived today and tighten some cables. It's already been tagged titled and insured to VA standards.

We gathered our cold weather gear today to assure as minimal of freezing as possible. It took me back to elementary school days where to go out to recess you had to wear everything you were sent to school in. Therefore, by the time you are done layering you resemble a cross between the little brother on Christmas Story and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man. I hate the cold weather but it should be fun. Apparently there is a to be a good turn out this year.

Although the vespa is running or at least it was the other day there is always that unfortunate bike that breaks down during the ride...I just hope it is not us because it will be a test of patience and will power to ride at 50mph in 40 degree weather itself. We'll share pics when we get back I am sure

Project Week

This has been a productive week. Besides working my regular hours I have also made progress with wedding invitations. They are really looking good (as good as DIY invitations can be). We still need the address labels to do but that will be cake compared to rolling 60 little scrolls and tying even smaller ribbons around them.

Other than that I have begun to push myself a little farther in my running. I normally like the comfort of the treadmill but have been forcing myself to take advantage of the unusually warm weather-thank you CFC's and styrofoam!

Gordon has been taking full advantage of his paid time off and is getting our '79 vespa P200E ready for the "Freeze your Balls off" rally in NC next weekend. This has been a 10 year project for Gordon. While living in Indiana he made significant progress with my encouragement. Little did I know when he said it's pretty much a complete bike he meant...he had all of the parts but you had to sift through a tub of rust and tetanus to begin to decipher what they were...but Props to Gordon cuz it looks great now!!

And we can't forget the other member of our family...well he is feeling better since his bout with diarrhea. He has been making progress on his sleep...as you can clearly see!

What Have I done!

Well I just officially registered myself in the Yeungling Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. Before you get too excited though I am only running the 8k. I thought it was a 5k which would be no problem for me but that extra mile and a half (roughly) may put me over the edge!

My new years resolution was to get more involved in community activities (particularly sports related ones). Although I enjoy hanging out with our friends here in Hampton Roads, I would like to have a little more substantial plans in my social calendar than "Cogan's or Taphouse tonight?" "Is Jill working?" "I think so." "Yeah see ya there."

I have been running fairly steadily for the last 5 years but I am comfortable in my 3 mile bubble. Hopefully this will be a good thing although the waiver I had to sign was intimidating...not just because it lists the possible dangers of participating in such an event but more so because they have the right to videotape and redistribute my image as I am sucking wind down the boardwalk inevitably with well-toned seniors and pre-teen anomalies zipping by me. Why again did I paid to do this!?! ;P

catch up

I'm not quite sure why I am creating this blog...but maybe it will amuse someone.

Well, It is already 2008 and things are in full swing for the wedding. We have all kinds of goodies en route to the apartment (as if we need more stuff in here!) like plastic bottles, coconut mugs, corks and phone calls about where to stay and when to get there and other miscellaneous questions...all I can tell you is the island is not that big and wherever you feel comfortable staying (i.e. financially and location-wise) you will be alright. There is really not a safety issue in Key West...I've never seen roving gangs or muggers mostly because 90% of the people that live down there are ex-hippies and also because there is not much room to run...so I think you are all pretty safe!

In other news: Gordon is enjoying his new job still. They have had him all over the eastern sea board so far but his main route right now is from the Outer Banks in NC to our beloved Norfolk. The schedule is a little strange in my opinion but it seems to work out.

I am still with the Hope House Foundation working with my caseload of individuals with mild mental retardation. It was a hectic December with my boss out for the month but my coworker (yes singular) and I managed to hold everything together fairly well.

Unless you are a direct family member or live in town with us you may not have known about "The Green Goblin", our 1992 teal green Mazda pickup with 230,000 miles...well it lived up to the name I dubbed it when we got it! Maybe I should have named it "the Green Go-Go" or something instead because on my way home from Gordon's folks it decided to "Stop-Stop". After a ride with a tow truck driver that refused to listen to the new GPS system he got for Christmas and actually used the word "Nyaw" plus a $292 repair to get it back to Norfolk I took that sucker to Carmax and got me a 2006 pumpkin orange...yes you heard me...pumpkin orange Chevy Cobalt! So far I am really enjoying it and the people that have to ride with me are grateful as well...

That about covers it for this installment of "Erin's boring rants" tune in next time for "what Erin and Gordon decided to eat for dinner" :P