We've been enjoying the Simpsons marathon over the last few days on FXX. So many wonderful classic episodes. Loving the Summer of 4'2", Lisa becoming a vegetarian, the monorail, Dr. Zaius, Bart's people, Homer gaining 300 pounds, all of the old gags and supporting players from Milhouse to Sideshow Bob to Groundskeeper Willie to Bumblebee Man to the ridiculous gags and sentimentality. I forgot about those touching moments like Homer covering his work station with Maggie's photos.
That show is classic, and I cannot believe it's been on the air for nearly 25 years. And I owe my marriage in a way to it!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Twenty Years Later...
Twenty years ago this week, I started college.
I thought of that because it's move-in day and 381 or so Freshman have packed up their bags and loaded their cars, driven miles away from home, and started a new chapter in their life.
I don't know if graduating high school or starting college is a bigger achievement or milestone. They both go hand-in-hand, of course. But I remember how much more I anticipated the later, because I truly thought it was a beginning I craved. No more lonely nights, no more shadows of past classmates or friends, no more regrets. College would make me different, maybe even more "normal."
Freshman year was tough, and in retrospect, I had too high of hopes. I immediately fell into old traps, because at heart I'm a "good girl." I was a little scared of partying and drinking, and I didn't know how to behave around guys. And the friends I made I was a little apprehensive about...I mean, I was so unsure I wasn't going to meet the "right crowd." I guess I knew in the pit of my stomach that I really hadn't...it all fell apart half-way through the year. And it really wasn't until a year later that I met my friends for life.
I think if I had advice for a college Freshman this week, it would be to listen to your gut, don't do anything that makes you feel raw in the stomach, but it's OK to go outside of your comfort zone. Sign up for a new club, take a class that really inspires you, say hello to someone who just may have been more "popular" than you were in high school, and it's OK to be a little lost. Those feelings won't last.
And most importantly, know that this isn't the last "first" you'll have. Whether it's your first post-college job, or grad school, or moving in with friends or a boy, or starting a second or third new job, there will be many other beginnings. So if this one isn't perfect, know that such a thing doesn't exist.
And have fun. Always have fun.
I thought of that because it's move-in day and 381 or so Freshman have packed up their bags and loaded their cars, driven miles away from home, and started a new chapter in their life.
I don't know if graduating high school or starting college is a bigger achievement or milestone. They both go hand-in-hand, of course. But I remember how much more I anticipated the later, because I truly thought it was a beginning I craved. No more lonely nights, no more shadows of past classmates or friends, no more regrets. College would make me different, maybe even more "normal."
Freshman year was tough, and in retrospect, I had too high of hopes. I immediately fell into old traps, because at heart I'm a "good girl." I was a little scared of partying and drinking, and I didn't know how to behave around guys. And the friends I made I was a little apprehensive about...I mean, I was so unsure I wasn't going to meet the "right crowd." I guess I knew in the pit of my stomach that I really hadn't...it all fell apart half-way through the year. And it really wasn't until a year later that I met my friends for life.
I think if I had advice for a college Freshman this week, it would be to listen to your gut, don't do anything that makes you feel raw in the stomach, but it's OK to go outside of your comfort zone. Sign up for a new club, take a class that really inspires you, say hello to someone who just may have been more "popular" than you were in high school, and it's OK to be a little lost. Those feelings won't last.
And most importantly, know that this isn't the last "first" you'll have. Whether it's your first post-college job, or grad school, or moving in with friends or a boy, or starting a second or third new job, there will be many other beginnings. So if this one isn't perfect, know that such a thing doesn't exist.
And have fun. Always have fun.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Vacay
We had another good vacation, though I still feel like we're recovering from it. Good times on South Padre, with lots of Dirty Al's and time swimming. And some hot tub time. Time with kids, Taboo, lots of shrimp, and the usual amount of disorganization. We were very pleased to get upgraded to First Class both ways to Jamaica. Granted, we've been to this resort before. And it was much like we remembered it. Though we did get upgraded to a one-bedroom suite that was a usual butler room. The food was good, the beach was good, though we did have our share of rain. It wasn't entirely unwelcome, because it was hot and we were so burnt out (not literally...I did a better job of freckling than sunburning).
We also met our usual collection of friends nearly old enough to be our parents. We are definitely tight with the 50 something crowd. There are never many people in their 30s and 40s at their resorts...too busy with babies. We split the difference between honeymooners and the couples escaping their nearly grown children. Which is fine. The couples from Long Island were very nice, and very conservative. Not surprisingly.
We kept to our busy routine of working out X# of times per day. Which is exhausting, though I was grateful that we could kayak, tried snorkeling, and run. And swim for some people! I also filled up on lots of mango and bacon, which were delicious. We also burnt some off with ping pong.
But after this and a quick trip to Boston, it was so good to be at home. Though this weekend will be another over-scheduled one...
We also met our usual collection of friends nearly old enough to be our parents. We are definitely tight with the 50 something crowd. There are never many people in their 30s and 40s at their resorts...too busy with babies. We split the difference between honeymooners and the couples escaping their nearly grown children. Which is fine. The couples from Long Island were very nice, and very conservative. Not surprisingly.
We kept to our busy routine of working out X# of times per day. Which is exhausting, though I was grateful that we could kayak, tried snorkeling, and run. And swim for some people! I also filled up on lots of mango and bacon, which were delicious. We also burnt some off with ping pong.
But after this and a quick trip to Boston, it was so good to be at home. Though this weekend will be another over-scheduled one...
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