Just One

Hey Now, Hey Now, Our Momo's Back!

2008-08-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

That's right kiddies, Momo and Mike and Matilda were back in town for the weekend. We behaved ourselves for a few hours on Friday night, before Amy took baby Matilda home for the evening (dang, no pictures of Amy here, sorry, Amers)!

Once babysitting was secured, we got back down to...well...not behaving ourselves, so much.

It's ok. She's no longer preggers.

Lord knows what Clint's listening to here. If you know Atef, you'll know why I say that. If you don't know Atef, I'll just tell you that it could be something about chicken milk, flarting, or how he will pollenate all of the women in the world.

There's Marcy, and a new Melissa. We have 2 Melissa's now. For some reason, I'm missing pix of the other Melissa also. Second apology of the day, here.

There's Mark. He took most of the pictures on this entry, actually. But not this one. He couldn't take this one, with both of his hands in the photo, silly.

Me & Shirley, trying to look sultry. Or drinky. Don't bother me with semantics.

If you look carefully, you'll see that this is actually 2 pictures..one of Melissa, and one of Evan. See, there were 2 almost identical, except that Mel looked good in one, and E looked good in the other...so I cut them down the middle and put them together

Mark better button it; Marcy's kicked his ass before.

Hey, what are the odds that Dan will be her from Connect-i-kut the same weekend that Momo's here?!! Pretty good, apparently, you should have placed your bets.

Momo and Melissa have exactly the same size hands. Bet you didn't know that.

My turn to listen to chicken flarting. I mean, chicken milk. And no, we've never figured out what chicken milk is, so don't ask.

I crack Momo up.

Big Glasses Night

2008-06-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

We J1 bloggers have been slacking, haven't we? Last entry was December, and I KNOW we've been out since then. Tsk tsk.

Well, back to it. Our first "big" Happy Hour(s) of the year was Friday night, with Georgie declaring the theme to be "Big Glasses," and bringing a pair for everyone. Ohhh, how jealous the other girls at the other tables were! One lady tried to buy a pair from us, but we smacked her hands and told her no!

Ok, we're nice; we would have sold them, but they were already designated for other friends to come.

You know how you can get about cutting up and making noise that annoys those at other tables? Well, big glasses are pure magic for making all of those other people just laugh right along with you. You just can't be mad at people with big glasses on!

Lori (the former LA Lori; she has moved back, so we are both IL Lori's now) and I put ours on, grabbed a spare pair, and circled the block to see how many "takers" we could get for a photo op.

We noticed that those much younger than us seemed to think we should just go home and tuck ourselves in for the night, while people "our age" were extremely open to trying on big glasses and getting their photos taken. We even warned them that they'd be bandied about the internet.

Our concensus, then: Folks "our age" have fewer hang ups, and hence, are more fun. After making that decision, we went on home and tucked ourselves in for the night.

Little orphan pokerchicks.

2007-12-14T12:44:00.001-08:00

shameless crosspost. forgive me.

(photo by Laurie - I only wish she was in it too!)

Sadly, we were missing 2 of our pokerchicks last night. We were hoping for a full house.

A lot happened this week for all our chicks. One has a very sick cat. Another has a husband with a herniated disk. There are work issues for several, kid issues for others. It's just that time of year, you know? As for me, my hub was stuck in Boston after all the flights were canceled because of the huge snowstorm. Wouldn't have been so bad, I suppose, except he was stuck outside waiting for a train in the storm for hours freezing his tush off. Oh and did I mention that I packed him his left glove and my right glove? Do you know how small my hands are? Oops. I have to say, he was a trooper. Hopefully he'll get home today. But I digress.

Last night was an extravaganza. And it was clearly the distraction that we all needed. Stacks (not her real name) set up an amazing spread - crab cakes, shrimp, nuts, cheese, toffee and more along with champagne and lovely wines.

We talked, we laughed. And we laughed some more.

Oh, and we played poker. Baltimore, Follow the Queen, High-Low, Omaha. We played 'em all.

No big losers last night (well, maybe one).

So maybe it wasn't the most serious game we've ever had. But speaking for myself, I think ranks up there with the best.

I love these chicks. And I love this night every month.

Happy Hallowe'en

2007-11-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know this is heinous cross-posting, but who cares? This is what Hallowe'en is all about:

Those broomsticks are a bugger to fly! Anyway, much fun was had and all the other photos are posted on Flickr. The party season is upon us. Hurrah!!!!

Tiara Night

2007-09-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

It was Tiara Night last Friday, though just barely. You'd think with Halloween approaching, a dozen tiara's would be an easy find, but it wasn't until Friday afternoon that I found these, at Big Lots. $2 each. That's right. Cuz we're worth $2, each.

The evening was monumental for a couple of reasons. First, well, the tiara's. Second...

well...

I don't want to tell you the second...

but...

Momo is moving to Jacksonville, North Carolina, on Wednesday. Wahhhhhhhhhhh. This is seroiusly cutting into our J1 Style, when one of ours has to leave us. We're going to miss her, and Mike, and baby Matilda like crazies. But we J1'd in style on Friday night; they actually let a friend babysit Matilda for the first time that night, that's how much they love us.

Third, because new friends joined us for the first time also, and we coerced dozens in the bar to pose with a tiara to mark the evening. There are about 1 million photos of the evening, here are a few highlights. Watch them as we get out our hankies, and sniff away. (Remember, dab, don't rub.)

Fake Laugh Night

2007-09-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

There HAVE been Girlz Nights in Champaign, Illinois, this summer, but the blogger in charge has been a bit of a slacker. Or rather, overwhelmingly busy. She's sorry, and will return to regularly scheduled GirlzBlogging.

After missing a few funny shots (funny, if you've had Just One), we came up with the idea of photographing one another's fake laugh, a few weeks ago. This is Mark #1, posing for his fake laugh, but insisting that it made him real-laugh.

Melissa is cracking up here:

Mine is very realistic:

I don't think Mark #2 is fake laughing at all, I think he's just sitting there, drinking just one:

Bartender Rich wouldn't fake laugh for us, but I think he was probably fake smiling here, trying to appease yet one more table of crazy women, when all he wanted to do was clear our glasses from the table and get away from us.

I think this is a real laugh too, but I didn't come home with Georgie's fake laugh:

Gratuitous girl-on-girl shot. Look fast before Georgie and Mel see that I put it up here, and make me remove it!

Start snapping your fake-laughs and posting them, and stay tuned: Sept 21 is Tiara Night for the Champaign Leg of J1. We loves to have a theme.

Okay, I know this isn't appropriate for this blog!

2007-08-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

But it's cute, no?

I just couldn't believe none of us has posted since July and, well, I didn't have anything really appropriate to post. So, here's 2 of my guys in their spiderman boxers.

Anyone have anything on target to post?

Just None

2007-07-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

Here's one of our's, kiddies, that hasn't had even ONE, for the last 8.5 months.

We, in the Champaign Satellite of Just One, wait anxiously, for the next 2 weeks!

Monday night on the town?

2007-07-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

I went to pick Kristin up - we were going out for a drink. I brought my son to babysit for her kids. They're posing here...

Whew. We made it out the door! Our jolly waitress greeted us and twisted our arms....we ended up with a bottle of wine. (and some seared tuna and calamari!)

Kristin didn't take to getting photographed right off the bat...

But she got into the spirit of things.

Because she's that kind of girl.

I guess I'm the lucky one - I was the only one with a camera!

Saturday night with a cold

2007-06-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

Tragic, isn't it. The flat looks nice from this andle though.

I promise I will post some fun on here soon - it's summer after all!

Fire 'n Wine Night

2007-05-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

Di and I have taken to winding down our weekends with a glass of wine around the firepit. After housework, and yardwork, she having dinner with her grandbabies, and me having taken Mom out shopping, we pull on sweats and pjs, and meet on her deck around 8 in the evening.

This week she made popcorn. When Di makes popcorn, she does it right: Black popcorn, cooked in an old-timey popper, and real butter poured over the top.

Then we sit back, drink our wine, eat the popcorn, and blather away until about 11 or so.

Won't be long before the extra blankie is unnecessary...

Ahhhh....That's Sunday nights, Girls. Grab Just One beverage and a lawn chair, and come on over.

The prodigy.

2007-04-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's not just girlz, but Kristin's family came for dinner last night & I got some cute shots!

Pre-Wedding Pizza and Pool (and a few more)

2007-04-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

A GAME! One of These Things is Not Like the Other. Pay close attention, now:

*******BEGIN GAME******

******END GAME*****

How's THAT for rejuvenating this blog?

These photos from a little Pizza Suare at Jupiter's a week before Melissa and Joey got married. There was pool, pizza, just one drink, and lots of singing. 70's songs, mostly; you should hear our version of "Afternoon Delight."

Here's Joey giving us his...uh...devil horns gangsta homey boy yo yo yo thingy fingers.

And playing pool:

Melissa and Jim waiting for their turn at the table:

Preggy Marcy wasn't drinking. No fun for her, but this sure was. Her changing body is a constant source of entertainment for us. It's not just her tummy that's growing like crazy, that's all I'm sayin.

Me, Mel, and Lori. Cheeeeeeeeeeeese

And this was from the next day, Girl's Shopping. Well, Marcy, Mike, and I shopping for wedding gifts. Here's Mike trying on a napkin ring at Pier 1 Imports, and insisting Marcy kiss his ring:

As I write, Mel & Joey are celebrating their 1-week anniversary. I love this photo of them, it's so indicative of their relationship; they're always laughing and happy.

Boys' night in

2007-04-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

Following on from the last post, I though this was appropriate to even up the scores and restore balance to the universe.

Party of 4: Girlz E-mail Thread

2007-03-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

The names have been changed to protect the innocent...and hairy.

***********

I can't believe what I tweezed off my forehead/eyebrow last night! I plucked out one eyebrow hair that was 2 inches long!! Two inches!! How can I not see a black 2 inch long eyebrow hair? If that's not bad enough, I plucked out a white short hair that was so stiff and hard I could have used for a toothpick! How can my body grow those monstrosities and how can they just appear over night? I feel like my dad. If I start growing ear hairs, will someone please tell me?

I found a 3/4" hair on the tip of my chin the other day. I was on the phone at the time, and said "this wasn't here 1/2 an hour ago!"

You know that mirror you got me for Christmas last year? Well I used to use it a couple of times a month then went to a couple of times a week now I’m at every other day.

I won’t tell you what I plucked the other day from my BOOB!

The other day I seriously thought of using [husband's] nose hair trimmer. I didn’t use it because I thought, “I’m a GIRL for godsake.” Now that’s a great reason isn’t it?!

Works for me! I have pulled a hair or two off my chest. I just pretend that it was a stray hair from my head that got glued on there with hairspray.

Six Nations

2007-03-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

On this side of the Atlantic we, as the most civilised of nations on the globe, have established a marvellous little competition called the Six Nations. We get fifteen of our fittest, muscliest men together and pitch them against each other with no form of protection and one object: get the ball over the line. Oh, and no passing forwards either. Keep your American football with your pads and helmets: rugby is the sport of kings! But this blog isn't about sport, it's about parties; and what better reason to party than Ireland (I may look and sound British but I'm Irish underneath) smashing England into the ground with a 43-13 drubbing. Aha ha ha ha ha ha! Aho ho ho ho! And just for good measure: ho ho ho ho ho.
So, Simon I went out to celebrate!

And we all know that a night's not complete without getting in a photo with some random fat rockers; Simon didn't disappoint.

Is that guy licking his ear?

Another Mother/Daughter Post

2007-02-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

This is a little clip I took of Melissa and daughter Kirstin, rockin out on a $5,000 chair at Home Elements, in downtown Chicago. Love how Mel checks for the clerk first...

Lunch Sessions / Post Valentine's

2007-02-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

I did not get to spend Valentine's with the second most important woman in my life....no, not Vader....Empress.

So today, to make up for a lost Valentine, she called and asked if I was up for lunch. I had made plans with True, but he canceled and we were free to roam.

To my surprise when Empress rolled up to pick me up at the office, she got out of her car, with 3 Huge Sunflowers in her hand....and two Cards...lovely Handmade ones, with a picture of us both...

You gotta give it to the gal...she got me sunflowers...one of my favorite flowers...she knows better than to get me roses...I'm so not roses.

So we drive about, settle for a quick lunch, but the spot is full. We decided to get out of the parking lot and the lady who takes our ticket says:

"You have to validate this ticket ladies"

Empress quickly cuts her off..

"But..the lot is full...we just drove in..."

"You have to validate the ticket".

She sounded like C3PO's long lost lover.

"But the lot is full, we want to eat but it's full" Empress beginning to lose her temper..

"Well, you should have come earlier".

::gasp::

"Did you hear what this Bitch told us??"

I quickly covered my face with a magazine. I feared for my life.

I guess the C3PO did too, she let us out.

We settled for Ponderosa and Sirloin Steaks....

She tempted me for dessert, but due to my missing sweet tooth, I declined.

It's always nice to have lunch and gossip about women who we loathe and threaten our piece of mind....

And it's always so much better when your best friend who hasn't seen you in a while compliments you:

"Oh my...you look so skinnier...your boobs are even smaller...they no longer protude out of you chest so much!!"

Ah...that's a friend...

Of course there wouldn't be a lunch session without some pics vids...Enjoy!

Me with my sunflowers...and the scenery after lunch...(Empress took one on her cam of the both of us..but she still has to send it via email...)

We wanted to sing a lil' Japanese song for you like her ringtone, but alas, we do not know Japanese, but we can sing mentioning a whole crap load of Japanese Brands for ya'...and it could've fooled anyone....

All Hail the Queen...

2007-02-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

There are no Martini's...no men...and no gossip....no crying (well maybe a lil' later on...)

But it's a Girls Afternoon Out, regardless....

We celebrate the day of love and friendship...

And the reigning Valentine's Day Queen for two years straight...

"All Hail the Queen" was what the crowd cheered...

After the ceremony,

A mommy and a daughter bonded over Happy Meals, Sprites, roses, chocolates and a beautiful handmade card....

I love u Miss C...
her response: I love U too mommy!!!

Now that's what I call a Girls Night Out...
Happy V-Day !!!

Happy Birthday, Scott.

2007-02-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

Last night was Scott's birthday party. Remember Melissa and I made bowls out of records for centerpieces? They looked great. She had posters made of Scott's band, The Low Expectations. This was their world premier.

So the party was great. We met some terrific new people. Danced up a storm. Good times. Good times.

And now for your viewing pleasure, The Low Expectations performing Mary had a Little Lamb. No, not that one. This is great... (The sound is good. The picture stinks. I did everything I could figure out to make it better, but it was very dark in the room and, well, this is it.)

And now, the band performs Ride Around Sally...

Scott's brother really jazzed up this version of Tequila...

And the pièce de résistance, my darling Andrew on lead vocals of Gimme Three Steps.... (Such guts! And he had fun to boot!)

Happy birthday, Scott! We hope you had as much fun as we did.

Dinner Night

2007-01-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

Diane hosted Dinner Night this month. I'm sorry to say that I didn't come home with any photos of our hostess...or of myself, for that matter. Above we sit around her table, after a to-die-for dinner of homemade lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and angel food cake with strawberries.

The food was too good, we all helped ourselves to extra servings, and made short order of her hard work. It would have been beautiful-er if I'd taken this photo before dinner:

Di claimed to be sipping on wine & sparkling water, but we all laughed when we noticed her self- bartending technique: THIS much soda, topped off with white wine. And she didn't even have to drive home.

Di has THE warmest house you'll ever step foot in. It's warm. It's cozy. It's candle-lit, and full of beautifully arranged, homey stuff from her past and present. Ask her about anything in the place, she has a memory about it, and will make you love it as much as she does.

It's not just her home that envelopes you, it's Diane herself. When you are her friend, in her house or not, she's taking care of and nurturing you.

We've been friends for over 25 years, and one of my favorite memories of her "taking care" of me, was when I stopped into her place, an emotional mess when my marriage was falling apart.

It was late spring, raining, and I was freezing. She ordered me to take off my shoes, curl up in a blanket. I did just that when she came out a few minutes later with a hot towel. She'd put that towel in the microwave and heated it up (did you know you could do that?!), and proceeded to wrap my feet in it. I don't think I'd ever felt so safe and comfortable in my entire life as I did that evening. Everything really would be ok.

Anyway, Marcy was on the receiving end of this warming on Tuesday night; here she is bundled up on the world's coziest fluffiest loungy chair thing, after Di had tucked her in for some TV:

On the agenda for the night: Cash & Treasures. Zia wanted to catch a show about geodes, and we were all so entranced that we stayed tuned in for the diamond mining episode also. Marcy's a diamond nut, so we all declared that after her baby is born, we'll strap it on her back, grab a pick-axe, and take a girl's trip to Arkansas to dig for diamonds. Wouldn't that be fun?!

We left for the evening to find a few inches of snow blanketing the world, and had a bit of fun yakking and cleaning off our cars.

After mine was cleaned off, I did donuts in the cul de sac Diane lives in, hooping and hollering, and yelling yeeeeee-haaaaaw!!

There was clearly no water in my wine.

Gay night

2007-01-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

The only photo that came out, taken right at the start. Probably just as well, since I end up looking like this on 'mornings after'...

Ready, aim, fire!

2007-01-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

So what happens when two bloggers go out for dinner and a huge pitcher of sangria? Dueling camera-phones!

Here's Kristin trying to take a picture of me. I think mine came out better. (ha!)

When we ordered a pitcher, we didn't realize it was this huge. I must add, we did finish it.

Girls Night In

2007-01-21T14:58:00.000-08:00

Mike's out of town for the weekend, so Momo and I decided to get together Saturday night. A very glamourous evening: home in sweatpants.

Oh. Some of us wore boa's:

We did run out to Village Inn for a few pies. We got the circular booth in the corner, which was cool and very drafty. Unable to find a warm spot, Marcy and I decided body heat was the only way to go, and scooted together for dinner. It was quite romantic.

We came home for manicures:

And chick flicks:

Lazing about in front of the fireplace:

And curling up in the sofa.

Until the wee hour of 11:30 p.m., when Marcy's baby-growing work put her to sleep, and my red wine put me to sleep.

We aren't always Girls Gone Wild.

In record time.

2007-01-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

I've decided that I must invite anal retentive people into my life. People with big ideas -- ideas with lots of details to implement.

So....

Melissa is giving a party for her hub's 40th. He's in a blues band. The theme is blues and barbecue. Yum! She asked for my help on some details. We found a great venue. She hired a great barbecue restaurant to bring the food. Of course, beer and wine is under control. But how can we make the place look the part?

Music-related confetti for the tables. Check.
CDs to hang around (with fishing line) to pick up the lights. Check.
Posters of old concerts. Check.
Centerpieces? Hmmm...

Let's make bowls out of old record albums! Yeah, lets!

Turn the oven on to 225 F. Put the record balanced on top of a glass jar that is on an old cookie sheet.

After 3 minutes, take it out (with a potholder!). It'll be all floppy. Lay it over a bowl and shape it.

We decided we liked the 'pinched' method the best. But even the 'scrunch' method looks pretty groovy!

Now we need to decide what to fill the bowls with -- Kisses? Chex Mix? Pretzels?

This party is going to rock!

Hey there.

2007-01-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

We had some friends over for New Year's Eve. I know, I know. It's halfway through the month and I'm posting New Year's photos. Sorry. I've been busy. If I wanted to feel guilty, I would have called my mom.

Sound a little defensive? Yea, I know. I'm really frustrated that there isn't enough time in the day...

But, here's a few shots of the girlz (with a couple special guests thrown in...)

There's Kristin with my son, Davis. I think she secretly hopes he'll marry her daughter, Kate some day.

That's my sister and my niece. They came in from out of town. I didn't catch her other two daughters on camera, unfortunately.

Kristin trying to take a picture of me. Ha. I got her back!

Ellen. Great stomach on that girl! But what's with the eye? Somehow, the two other girlz escaped my camera - so here's a shout-out to June and Melissa. I'll get you next time!

Happy 2007.

Finally.

Brand new year...

2007-01-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

...same old chores. I hate the after party.

Lunch sessions back in session!

2006-12-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to your regular pizza joint...

Boo ya!
We're baaaack...

And this time a tad bit wee...

ok..

extremely more annoying than ever...

Empress and I were on hiatus due to her moving to another country..ahem..town...for work purposes...
But today as I sat at my desk pondering which blog to read...(my boss is outta town)...she gave me a call and asked if I wanted to have some lunch...

Of course I said yeah...

First Vid...

Translate:

Empress: "Hey..I did not know Doogie Howser was gay...I mean it was the just the other days I remmember him typing on his Huge computer...Hello I'm Doogie and today I saved a 12 year old girl who was in my class room...I'm a genius baby doctor"..

We also discuss how VH-1 has become our main source for world news...

followed by a long silence due to the fact we were giving VH-1 way to much publicity..

Empress: VH-1 doesn't pay for my effin' SUV..

The second lil' jewel came from a phone call we made regarding the title of a movie...the person on the other end told us, he couldn't think of the title quickly because he felt WE were pressuring him (WE..?? the nerve..) So we immediately asked him if he felt he was on Who Wants to be a Millionaire, the Puerto Rican version..

And the third jewel starts buy us whining that we lost the washer and dryer prize at the Who Wants to be a Millionaire contest...but then get a bigger surprise when we see that pets really do resemble their owners...

"They even have the same hair style and color!!!"

During our lunch outting we stopped by at a cool sneaker boutique where Empress was going to plunk down 100 a pop for some vintage sneaks...but resisted the temptation of the devil..and instead we took a pic of these cool sneaks made for coffee lover's galore..

At another 100 dollars-a-pop I'll take my chances buying a mocha-latte-fancy-coffee-name anyday, to indulge in my coffee obsession...

So after a lunch of pizza...watching gossip TV on the pizzeria's small screen and short giggle filled ride later..we were back to our work spaces...with our tummies full and our hearts joyous we could re-kindle our lunch routine...

No guys, two girls and pizza...
That's what I call the closing the year in style..

New 'girl' on the block

2006-12-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

Hello! Gnightgirl told me that I ought to “scroll down to the betty post, do that, and then post it yourself”, but I’m going to have to wait to test that one out for you all. Instead, I thought would just say hi and reaffirm my dedication to the cause.

The heading promises “Some Women (curses, though I do have a boyfriend), Some Cameras (check), and Just One (yeah right) beverage. Shake. Serve with twist of venting (can do), crying (rarely but I’ll try), bitching (hell, yeah), and laughing-laughing-laughing (check check check). Men Welcome (Amen to that). Buy us all the drinks you want (and that too), but we still won't sleep with you. Probably."

Couldn’t have put it better myself.

Holiday Photos

2006-12-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, we weren't really all together for this, but what's this blog for, if not to laugh at with your girlfriends?

I got an email and these photos from Zia, one or rotating dinner party girls. Aww, Zia and her kitties. Lovely:

Precious:

And, courageous, of her to send this one...

scroll down...

keep going.....

to see....

the scene behind the scene...

the outtake photo:

Happy trails

2006-12-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today I took a friend to lunch. And while you might think that taking someone to lunch at Roy Roger's is a bit of a cheap-o thing to do, think again.

I'll back up a little. I'll call my friend Judi (and that's because her name is Judi). Judi's birthday was on November 19th. On November 27th, one of those big birthday lunches in her honor was to take place. I, unfortunately, had other plans. Plans that had been rescheduled quite a few times. So, I did not join the ladies for lunch at P.F. Chang's that day.

I did, however, upon receipt of the kind invitation, ask Judi if she would be my guest for lunch on another, mutally agreeable day. I would take her someplace special.

Well, if you know Judi, you know that she loves the Roy Roger's roast beef sandwich. I mean really a lot.

Did I mention that the closest Roy's is in Frederick, Maryland? That's 38 miles from here. And while some might balk at driving that far for lunch, it's in my blood. We used to drive hours and hours to have dinner every Sunday when I was a kid. So no, it was not an issue for me.

So, at 11:45 today, I picked her up and we headed west. Giddyup. By 12:30, we were ordering our Roast Beef meals -- actually, I got a new ham and roast beef sandwich they are pushing this month. She is not a ham fan, so she stuck with the traditional roast beef. I like the horseradish sauce and bbq sauce mixed on my RR sandwich. Judi? She takes it straight. No sauce at all. Everything was mighty good. Plus, did you know that Roy's has caffeine-free diet soda on tap? This is a big plus.

And now for the best news. There is a Fractured Prune opening in the same shopping center soon. So we'll be back! Happy Trails and Cheers!

Pizza & PJs

2006-12-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

We'd considered canceling our Girlz Traveling Dinner Party this month, holiday obligations were enough. But at the last minute, we agreed that everyone has time to sit around in pajamas and nosh on pizza.

Pizza and PJjs it was then, on Tuesday night. We showed up at Zia's house, grabbed a beverage and proceeded to her comfy living room to decide which pizzas to buy.

Pizza Hut has a special: 3 medium pizzas for $15.

Hmm... 6 women. How many pizzas should we order for 6 of us?

Perfect!

Kaye and Marcy get right about cracking those pizza's open:

And we got right down to bidness. Here's Kim and Marcy digging in. Kim was comfy in sweats, and declared, "I forgot it was pajama night, this is just what I wore out." I'm going to have to follow her lead next time, I like the way that girl thinks.

No pix of me, except for this pink sock, to enhance this photo of Kristy and Kaye.

Here's a sock closeup. Aren't they cute? My mommy bought these for me.

Kristy kept us entertained with a tale of her being deathly ill in on her last business trip. She was so stopped up she resorted to spreading mentholatum on a hotel towel, and using the iron to create a menthol steam bath. Kristy is the Menthol MacGyver of all time.

Kaye, Kristy, & Zia

It was a beautiful, relaxing evening, curled up and comfy, talking tv and books, and playing with Zia's cats, until we were all feeling like this:

And we called it a night. Diane was in absentia tonight, so we declared her in charge of the next Girls dinner, won't she be surprised? Come on over to her place on January 22, y'hear?

Nashville Nights - Lipstick Edition

2006-11-21T06:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you for joining us today in the Bible Belt, y'all. I'm jag and I'll be your server today. I enjoy ~~long walks on the beach,~~ ~~having sweet nothings whispered in my ear, and sipping~~ ~~champagne in front of a roaring fire~~ beer.

After an emotional Veterans Day (men in uniform make me cry like an overactive tear duct in an onion patch), beer and socializing is well deserved, right? That Friday night found six of us girls at a local Nashville watering hole for what was (I swear) supposed to be just one. Megan, my date for the evening, and I had left our better halves at home and had every intention of putting in an appearance at the bar but heading out early.

Yeah, that happened.

Turns out, it was one of the owner's wife's 40th, so the entire place was decked out in Over The Hill decor, and while a long table down the middle of the room was reserved for the official partygoers, everybody who came in the door, us included, was invited to join in the revelry. There were bottles of wine on the table, gratis, for the occasion, and a kick ass cover band was getting ready to start up.

Here's us during the first round, looking nice and sober (that's me on the far left - good God, my face looks fat - remind me to not turn my head that way ever. One beer turned into a beer and a shot, but, what the hey, two of the ladies had driven all the way down from Bowling Green to hang out, so it was the least we could do.
Then the guest of honor arrived, and we had to toast her birthday and all, so maybe one more couldn't hurt. We'd still be home by ten.

Resident cocktailer and Nashville Star contestant Tasha got up to sing a song, and shoot, we couldn't leave in the middle of her performance....

Around this time, some people from Anheuser-Busch were in the house, passing out free beverages. Now, it'd just be rude to refuse them, right? For the sake of chronology, here's me and Heather, who dates one of my oldest friends, at about this time - bet you can guess who took the Bud people up on their offer and who didn't:As soon as the self-imposed ten o'clock curfew went out the window, it was no holds barred. Much to the chagrin of the more conservative patrons in our immediate area, the band played a little Guns N' Roses block, which inspired this:When the Axl impressions start, it's time to go home. One of the main reasons I love this bar is that it's a block from my house, so I can party a little more than usual without worrying about having to drive home. If you're heading to Nashville and looking for a break from the honky tonks, holler at the girls. A good time is just about guaranteed. They didn't just hang this sign for their health:
They ain't lyin'.

The benefits of a boyfriend..

2006-11-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

When you have a boyfriend who is very known in the musical scene..and happens to be the only Christian Hip Hop DJ...you know...he gets invited to many gigs...

And you know...I always tag along..

With a crew...gals and guys..and we have a great time....and of course my camera comes too...

See what happens when I tag along and bring my cam...and I go out on a night of NO-ALCOHOL..!!!

Yikes..!!!

It's the end of times people..the end of times..

I'm one proud girlfriend I tell ya!!

What a riot.

2006-11-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

Last night, we attended the 11th Annual Oyster Riot at the Old Ebbitt Grill in D.C. It's a night of music, wine (and lots of it) and you guessed it... oysters. Mostly raw oysters - about 20 varieties - but also fried and some sandwiches and shooters. All you can eat. It's a huge party. This was our second year going. And our second year going with Kristin and Jeff.

What you'll notice is that there are no oyster pictures. Why is that? I guess we got really focused on the food when we first got there. So I never took the camera out. Well, that is until we were toasted from the wines and full from the oysters.

There were so many things to share. Some are here....

1) The ladies' room. It was a portapotty building - luxurious, though!

Framed art in every stall.

Feminine products galore....

Even real silk flowers.

I have no idea what this girl was doing. But doesn't she look funny? Can you imagine if someone took your picture in a ladies' room? Yikes. What was I thinking?

But this made it worth it. Here were two very made-up women doing each others' makeup. I was fascinated...

2) People watching and good friends.

I loved this girl's dress. Doesn't she look great?

This guy, James, was some character. Drunker than I have ever seen someone in an upright position for sure. I don't think he knew this girl. He loves his bowtie. He's an engineer who works with flooding. He promised he wasn't driving. He made some comment about whether we had sons to introduce him to. Not bloody likely. Though he did like my butt in my Joe jeans. I guess I should be flattered, but I'm not sure he had clear vision anyway. Probably didn't.

This is Jeff's stomach. Honestly? I can't remember why he bared it.... His shirt was awesome - kind of a searsucker but much cooler.

Now I really, really don't remember why Jeff was pointing at Kristin's breasts. I do remember thinking she had quite a stack...

Jeff was possessed. Doesn't this look crazy? They were giving out flashing oyster pins!

Here is Kristin with Andrew. They make a cute couple. Should I be worried?

Random people. Notice the glowing blue lights all around!

More random people.

They look serious. Maybe it was before the wine. Oh wait! It was! This was in their hotel room before the party began....

And now for the piece de resistance....

This was on a dare. Boy did it make the men squirm. (Though it wasn't authentic, I admit...)

I can't wait for next year's Oyster Riot!

Tough Girls 101

2006-11-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night, we met out, for Just One beverage

While we sipped our One Drink, we discussed that Marcy and I have been known to be "pushovers" at times...but don't go asking us for money just because I told you that.

Melissa, therefore, gave us lessons on how to scare away annoying coworkers (not that we have any), pesky panhandlers, and lounge-lizard men that want to know our astrological signs.

She says that all you have to do is to look at the offender like this:

Yikes! The key, she says, is to hold this pose, without saying a word, until they retreat. She swears by it, and made us work on our mean faces.

Mike's tough-girl look is pretty good:

Marcy and I started out on the right track:

But we faded fast:

And crumbled almost immediately:

Until Melissa looked at us like this again:

After we stopped crying, we gave it one more college try:

I'm afraid it's the best we can do. Just take our wallets, already, and we'll e-mail you our pin numbers when we get home.

To protect, serve...and photograph

2006-11-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

We were Good Girls Friday night, leaving the coffee shop right around 10 p.m. Having had Just One beer before our coffee though, we find it a good idea to serenade a group of guys across the street. We sang "Blinded By the Light" to them. They responded in song.

"That was fun," we told our poor friend, Danny, caught in the crossfire. "Now, walk us to our car and protect us from those idiots."

Here's a pic of our protector, taken last August. I have no doubt he would have taken on 8 guys, telling us "Run, ladies! Save yourselves!" He's just that kind of guy.

Really. It was a good thing he was there.

Oh, no! No one chased us, silly! You watch too much TV!

We just needed him to run the camera, when we ran into Cap'n Morgan!

Thanks, Danny! We wuv you.

We are family.....

2006-11-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

Being the community minded citizens that we are, Kristin and I ventured out this evening for a benefit. Unforuntately, we brought our husbands and HER MOTHER-IN-LAW with us.

No seriously, it was a great time and we talked about everything from Jeff's grandparent's having sex while his parents were dating to my pink betty. Yes, it was a lovely and sophisticated evening.

Oh, and the wine was okay, but the Chopin Martinis were excellent.

And we didn't pledge more than we could afford. Even after the martinis.

(And doesn't Kristin look so cute in this one?)

Betty.

2006-10-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

So, if you read this blog, you might remember that Gnightgirl wrote about some hazy conversations back in Ohio. One such conversation was about this product by Betty Beauty. And while I don't know if the other girls have tried it out, I feel it's a public service to tell you about my experience.

It's easy to use. Takes an hour, though. At least for the "fun" version. The others may be faster.

The results? Yikes. Admittedly, not for me. At least not pink. Perhaps one day, I'll try a subtler color. But for now, I think I'll just make sure it's dark in the room.

But this is not to say if you're a huge Bozo fan that you might not love the look. You might. (Now I have to pray my mother or any of my clients don't read this blog!)

NOT 8:05 p.m.

2006-10-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

Momo just sent me this video from our Ohio trip.

We have a blood-pact not to post photos or videos that make our arms look fat, chins look doubled, or any other minute flaw, in the eyes of the photograph-ee. Though she found this amusing, she was unsure of whether I'd want it posted or not.

I have no idea why not! It's taken at 2 a.m., I'd had 48 martini's with Wendy and Kristin, my nose is stuffed up, eye makeup smeared under my eyes, and I'm whining, swearing and having a bit of a tantrum.

In other words, my normal cute and charming self.

The movie is actually kind of dizzying. Just close your eyes and watch.

My Interpretation...

2006-10-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

of the Dirty Martini, now that I'm more acquainted with him:That's all I'm sayin.

"M&Ms"

2006-10-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

This cracks me up. One of the poker chicks was smiling for a photo and Kristin held up the candy bag. I focused on the bag - so here's her portrait! You can see I have my priorities straight!

Me Last!

2006-10-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Wow! I had such a blast.

It was soooooooo wonderful meeting Wendy and Kristin!! I had a fabulous time.

And, Gnightgirl and I are great travel companions (am I really surprised? Not at all!)

It was absolutely amazing to meet you two brilliant, beautiful ladies!

East meets (mid)West

2006-10-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

I'll write more after I've recovered.

Me next!

2006-10-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

These are from my phone so the quality isn't all that great. Plus the fact that I wasn't seeing all that clearly....

i'll start

2006-10-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

i probably got the most boring and tamest photos of the whole bunch this weekend (i think gnightgirl has some tattoo licking photos?), but here's what i got:

Almost Thirty B-day Bash..!

2006-10-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

Friday was our friend's Predator's "Almost Thirty B-day Bash". Our official Girl's Night Out. But right off the bat, our gal's night out was threatened by some cops..and a big hefty speeding ticket....

But we did manage to put that aside and enjoy our evening...
Empress, True (my new guy pal), Cheryl and Moi..danced our lil' hearts out..while trying to avoid the beach balls that were swurving in the air...Needless to say we got bonked in the head a few times ...until we decided to take revenge and plug the air out of those suckers..!!

The night ended at 4am..in Old San Juan...eating Hot Dogs...Yumm!!!

On an exciting note:

You know that I recorded while the cops pulled us over...and even though you can't see the visuals too well..the audio is priceless...

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

Let me explain the audio:

1. When cops pull us over..
2. When cop in spanish asks me..if I drink...
3. Music at the club...so ya'll can feel what was bumping...

On an editorial note..if anyone can make this post look nicer...meaning...that the slideshow can not like be randomnly in an odd place....and be much more in the center...please let me know...

Knit one. Pearl two.

2006-09-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Well, really, we're crocheting. But since I don't know any clever crochet terms, there you go. This is the 2nd meeting of Hats for Healing. We're making hats for cancer patients. I think there are over 70 so far. With more coming.... Julie and Ellen have taught countless numbers of craft-impaired women to crochet for this project. And it's successful beyond my wildest dreams.

If this isn't a great reason to get the girlz together, what is!?

Girlz Dinner Night

2006-09-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

We started doing a rotating dinner night with a few girls a couple years ago. We all got a little busy and lazy for awhile there, but Diane grabbed the bull by the horns and reinstated Dinner Night last spring.

Tuesday was Girls Night at Kaye & Kristy's place. Hummus, Babaganoush, fresh veggies, and Chicken souvlaki gyros were on the menu.

There was no lack of wine at this shindig either:

Someone drank one too many glasses of that wine, and jumped around the kitchen showing off her slip. There's photographic evidence, but I decided that it could be dangerous to go flashing my her undies all over the internet.

Marcy & Kaye

Zia & Kristy

Di, Me, Kaye

Di in Zia's Goggles

Kristy brought out this carpal tunnel Dyna-ball, that spins and lights up, and did a little dance for us. Zia just happened to have those cool glasses that matched, so she ran to get them out of the car, and...well, here's a mini-clip of what you missed:

Next party 6 weeks from now; my turn to cook. I'm already planning the menu.

Lunch Sessions Part Deux

2006-09-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Ok.
Here we go again.
But I have to warn, that my editing skills really suck. I couldn't like upload the whole thing in one piece and I had to edit it into two segments...

I also must warn that this video contains the "F" word...No..not Flower...or Flappy..If it's too harsh please let me know...I really wouldn't want to offend anyone...

It slipped..and I don't know how to contain myself...or edit myself for that matter.

To help you understand ...we are on our way to lunch..once again..

Highlights of the video:
-Empress with her cap...
-Empress making comments on a certain someone..."Calin"...
-In the last seconds of the 2nd segment you will see how she runs over a yellow light and almost runs over a poor lady crossing the street...

You can hear me in the background squealing:
"...this is Empress running over a Yellow light..and ...a lady!!! Oh my God, we are gonna get arrested for this video"...

Needless to say, the folks at Mike & Charlie's were having blast with our antics.
Empress didn't let me film inside the joint. She thought I'd look to touristy.

Party Pooper.

Friday, we are having a gal's night out...before Empress leaves to Orlando for a few days...If I can get Vader..aka..My Mom to babysit...we will be sure to leave people trembling in their boots...and will be sure to take pics and video..

Lunch Sessions

2006-09-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

Hey!!

It's my first official post on here...So I am sure hoping you will all enjoy.

As some of you may know, I am Mary P. aka Mary Poppins.

Being a single mom doesn't allow much time for girl's night out...but me and Empress aka The Best Friend...have made it a tradition to have our famous "Lunch Sessions"

Let me explain...
We work nearby..we've been friends since 92' and we know all the people who work at all the lunch spots nearby...

In other words...
We create havoc...

Watch...and see what happens when two gals who happen to watch too much Flava' of Love have lunch in our always-not-so-beautiful-Puerto-Rico...

Nuts to you!

2006-09-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

We had a Girl's Night last night. My camera was dead, but I can use pix from another night, to say what I have to say.

One, just ONE of the things I love about the women I choose to hang out with, is that they're NOT a hateful lot.

It's probably my #1 criteria for making friends. I don't care what you do for a living; what you look like, how much you weigh, or what you wear. I don't care your age, or your race, or your marital, educational, or financial status.

But. If you happen to be a woman that wants to sit around making fun of other people, or looking down your nose at them, or gossiping about them...well...hon...you have to go play in somebody else's sandbox.

At our Girl's Nights, we have a nice time.

Other Girls come over and visit:

And yes, we might do this to you:

Or someone might do THIS to you:

Or we might ask you to do this:

And for the most part, we feel like this:

And this:

But we will never.

Ever.

Look at you like this:

Which is pretty close to the look I got from the woman that sat behind us last night.

Is What Happened Is:

See, you're supposed to throw your peanut shells on the floor at this particular establishment. And we'd accumulated several on the table, and I was trying to surreptitiously sweep them off of the table in little bunches. I was too embarrassed to dump them all at once. I'd wait for people to walk by, then flick a few to the floor.

Only this one time...A woman was walking by, and as she stepped by the table, I give another bunch of shells a fierce swipe.

I hadn't anticipated that she'd stop to let someone by, and I nearly hit her.

Nearly. I didn't hit her, but it was close.

She took one step back, gave me a look like that woman up there from Are You Being Served, and said, icily, "very cute."

I could tell, though, she didn't really mean I was very cute. She didn't mean it at all. What she meant was "die, you mudsucking bitch."

Well.

That's not very nice, is it?

So she can't play with us.

Her loss.

So there.

2006-09-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

Gull's Night Out.

Jokers wild.

2006-09-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce Kristin. She's the one in the pink shirt. You know with the wine glass on it. It says "mommy juice" on it. She doesn't look happy, does she? That's because we are taking her for all she's worth. And that's about $4.35.

Seriously, Kristin joined our poker group this month. While we are grateful for another sucker, I mean, player... I am happy to have another friend in the group. So tonight, I introduced her to all the chicks - and they were happy to take her money, I mean, happy to meet her.

We've been playing for three years now. Wow. Has it really been three years? It's my favorite day of the month.

So here's what we ate/drank:

-2 bottles Albarino (white spanish wine)
-1 bottle Red Spanish wine
-3 diet sodas
-6 molasses cookies (Trader Joe's!)
-lots of celery, carrots, mushrooms dipped in jalapeno ranch dressing
-honey pretzel sticks
-a ridiculous amount of candy - tootsie rolls and the like
-cheese and crackers

And there were only six of us.

Frankly, I think I had the majority of the wine and Kristin had the majority of the cookies. So why am I typing and Kristin is standing here laughing? Hmmmm...

I walked away with $1.80 more than I started and she broke even.

Not bad for a Wednesday night.

Honorable Mention

2006-09-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

THESE girls know how to party, and I've just added them to list of road trips that we have to make. I'm thinking we should just make a reality show of Girls' Nights. Check out Laurie's blog about their night out, and you'll see why it's a no-brainer idea. Move over, Survivor!

Happy Birthday, Terry! You still got it, girl.

Play ball!

2006-09-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

Well, sports fans? It's that time of year again. Little League, fall edition. Yes, you heard it here first. We have spring AND fall baseball leagues. Because it would be just a crying shame to have a season without competition.

We're lucky, actually. My kid's coach is terrific and, though they do try to win, they are all about the fun and teamwork.

So this weekend was the first game. My sister-in-law (and friend) and her partner came out to cheer! Gnightgirl, see my sweatshirt?

Okay, it's not a girls night out - it's an afternoon out. A little poetic license...

Maryland, revisited

2006-09-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

Wendy referred, in the last entry, to folks in her neck of the woods not being quite so chatty as they might be in ours. I second that; when I visited the Baltimore/D.C. area, I was most struck at how little eye contact and "h'lo"ing people did.

WE WON'T HAVE IT!! This guy sat next to us at our Crabnight Extravaganza, and no matter how many jokes we made, we just couldn't crack him. Never ones to take, say, a hint, we kept at it. Here's Lori, giving him a hard time while he's on the phone.

He finished his phone call, kept working at his crabs, without ever looking up, finally said, "You're not from around here, are you?" He succumbed to our wiles after politely asking Lori if she'd ever had crabs before, and she replied, "that's kind of a personal question, don't you think?"

And to verify Wendy's statement that those crabs make a big 'ol mess...well, check out the front of that guy's t-shirt.

Martinis...revisited.

2006-09-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Since reading about Gnightgirl's martini experience, I've had martini-on-the-brain. So when we went to dinner last night at Nick's Fish House with our friends, Melissa and Scott, my hub ordered a gin martini (ewww!) and I ordered a Ketel One version. Melissa (bless her wimpy soul) ordered a Cosmopolitan (her hub had a Makers Mark on the rocks - I love a guy who can drink bourbon!).

The dinner was okay. Not great, but fine. We were chatty with the couple at the next table and our new friend even consented to a photo! I'm feeling more and more like I'd fit in at the hot spots in Champaign, where it appears everyone talks to everyone. Here, in the big unfriendly city, that doesn't really happen so much.

And while we ordered plated food, Muriel and her date ordered steamed crabs, a Maryland favorite. If you've never had them - they are dumped in the center of the table which is covered in paper. You eat them with your hands, a mallet and a knife for help. Huge mess. Incredibly yummy.

But did the night end here? No way! We packed up and went to Bare Bones to hear some blues. The Skyla Burrell Band was playing and we'd all heard how good they were.

And here's some exciting news! Melissa, Kristin and I (and another friend of Melissa's) just got tickets to see Four Bitchin' Babes. I'll be sure to report on that one!

I did it!

2006-08-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

I went out with a girlfriend. Just like I promised. Whew. What a relief. And here I was, thinking no chick would go out and let me take her picture. Particularly after a couple drinks.... Thank god I know Kristin! Here we are (we chose not to include the hubs in the photo) after some great Mexican food (and a couple cocktails!).

The evening was great. And a very welcome relief after we both had quite the day. Admittedly, I had some much funnier pix of Kristin, but she's going to have to ease into this....

The olives were good...

2006-08-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

It's not that we go out every night; some of these photos are all taken from the same evening. Back to last Friday. I was lamenting about how I'd never had a martini before. A miracle happened shortly thereafter: A Vodka Fairy appeared. She was promoting Yes Vodka, and we could have, for F-R-E-E any vodka drink of our choice.

Here's my take, then, on a free 2-olive vodka martini:

Sip, sip, sip.

I'm clearly never going to make it as snooty, sophisticated drinker.

We did get some cool vodka lip balms for our "trouble" though.

I think it's supposed to be "Watermelon Shot" flavored. Anyone giving out free cosmetics gets my vote. So go buy Yes Vodka.

Cheese Shots & Hot Water

2006-08-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

On pizza nights, Marcy is known to perform a little act in which she yells "Cheese Shot!!" She grabs that cheese shaker, knocks back her head and takes a shake of it right down her throat. Then she slams that shaker back down on the table like it's Nobody's Bidness, Bitch!

She amazed us again and again Friday night, with her cheese shot prowess, one after another and still standing. She was cheesin the rest of us right under the table!

Until.

The cheese shot that ended all cheese shots for the night. The shot that did her in. I had unfortunately, turned my head for a split second, when I heard her yell "Cheese Shot! Wup! Oh, fudge me!" Only she didn't say fudge.

I turned around to find that ~~one of Satan's spawn,~~ a brat sitting at our very table, had loosened the cap on the cheese shaker, causing the entire bottle of parmesan to go straight down her top.

Happy she was not. Here she is trying to keep her composure:

You HAVE to click and blow this one up for the full effect.

The look on hubby Mike's face is also priceless. Bless his heart, look how he stifles his laughter. Nice job, Mike.

Our buddy Tim, though didn't fare so well. The boy remains in some serious hot water, for this hare-brained act. I mean, after poor Marcy had to spend the rest of the night walking around smelling like BUTT, all he gave her was a verbal apology. That's it!

Let's hear it ladies: I'm thinking this isn't going to go away for anything less than a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolate, and a written apology.

In a handmade card.

Because.

This.

Was.

Not.

Funny.

pffft

Hey!

2006-08-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Look who showed up Friday night! It's Susan! What a trollop! The fur's going to fly when her husband sees this picture! Who in the hell has his hand down her shirt?!!

Oh.

It IS her husband.

Please. Cancel all rumors.

Virtual girls night out....

2006-08-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

Note: this is not my husband. Yikes. It's the hub of a great friend.

I'm thrilled, honored, overwhelmed to be a contributor to this blog. Sad for me, I am 698 miles from the other girls. Woe is me.

Some challenges lie ahead:

1) I don't photograph particularly well. When I went digging through the recent ones, this (and this) are the only ones I was willing to share. Scary.

2) I don't go out with my girlfriends nearly enough. (But I'll work on this, I promise)

3) I'm not so sure I'm as fun as the rest of the girls.

But, always up for a challenge, I'm going to start taking my camera with me wherever I go. And hopefully, I'll capture something worthy!

S.O.S.

2006-08-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

So, I called Momo last night: I was heading out for coffee, I told her. Going to read the camera manual over an iced tea. Would she like to join me, at Cafe Kopi? It was, after all, in the neighborhood of her workplace. She agreed. On the way over, I happened to phone Mel: You in for coffee? LO! She's just hanging out working late, she'll be there for coffee. I phoned Momo back: "Mel's coming!" "Great!" She said. "See you at the Esquire."

Ahem.

Esquire is NOT for coffee. Esquire is for Just One. Pitcher. Of Blue Moon.

Whats Da Girlz to do?

It was actually a low-key Girlz Night. Downright necessary, almost, or why would we have suggested it was for coffee? We just each happen to have *something* going on to create a source of stress for us. We talked easily this night, but we also purged. There are conflicts and surgeries, and we need girlfriends' love and advice baby. Like no one else can give it.

In the interim, there is trivia: Your foot is as long as the length of the space between your elbow and your wrist. Melissa tests it out! Suh-NAP!

For the record, I blurped out this detail to my current "roommate" (son's friend, and my co-son, John) and he tried it. Interesting detail is that he immediately popped off this detail about himself: His "wingspan" is 75" to his 72" height. It is normally an equal measurement. His arms are "too long," but his father had a late growth spurt, in his early 20s, so he figures his is coming. Whatever. Tape measure at the next girls night out:

Wing Span: Height.

Someone bring Microsoft Excel.

As the coffee night was ORIGINALLY meant to be a glass of ice tea and a read through the camera manual, I was, at the least, obligated to play with the new cam. Of all that I came home with, I found this one of Mel frame-able:

Oh, and this one, of our 12-year-old waiter. Holy crap. All of our freakin ob-gyn docs seem to start looking like this "kid" too, the older I get.

Later in the evening, I handed the camera to Don England, who promptly taught me a few cool portrait techniques. Will require a ladder in real life. In the meantime, Chizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

That's pretty cool. HEY! Shut up, Don E! I think Momo and Melissa are talking about out something much more fun than cameras! What is it?!!

Sure enough, that IS what they're talking about. Everyone else shut the hell up, we need to regain control of this conversation.

We're a lovey bunch; we ended up gushing about how much we loved one another, and how much we loved Mel's fiance, Joey, and Marcy's husband, Mike. Here's Marcy, all verklempt.

Talk amongst yourselves.

De-Belligerize

2006-08-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

Most of our Girlz Nights end up here: Our favorite coffee shop, directly across the street, or at the very least, within a block of our starting point. It is also my (our) cozy sanctuary on any other random night or afternoon. A Cafe Mocha or a blackberry tea while we people watch...

And here's our fav-o-rito barista:

Tylahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! That's Tyler to the rest of you; he is one sweetie heart. His artwork is currently on display and FOR SALE at the coffee shop. Make him rich!

Otherwise, here's a shot of the back section. Look how warm & cozy. Students are back now, and securing a table will soon be impossible.

Barney Monroe

2006-08-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here's Melissa and Marcy doing a sultry Marilyn Monroe version of the Barney Theme Song. Yes. They DO love you!

2006-08-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Dan flew all the way from New Haven, CT for ~~Just one with the girlz~~ the birth of his granddaughter. I can't remember what they're laughing about here...maybe the revelation that Melissa used to use "laundry tongs" to pick up her ex-husband's underwear.

Sayonara

2006-08-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Dan's heading back to CT. Look how he's choking back tears. You would too if you had to leave our party.

2006-08-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

They were kissing before this, but I missed the shot. Sorry, boys.

Pelt Me with Peanuts

2006-08-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

I dare you.

Celebrity Sightings

2006-08-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

That's Dan's niece, Angie Heaton, coming to whisk him off for Papa Dels. She's a local musician, and I tried to get her to sing a song for us. She said "I'm shy." By "I'm shy" I think she meant "you're drunk, and I don't know you." So I hugged her.

Awwww

2006-08-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Marcy & Hubband

How's My Lipstick?

2006-08-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Iguana be loved by you....

2006-08-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

There on the left is pretty much what I look like on most days. The photo on the right, gentlemen, is what I'm capable of looking like. Make a note of it.

This is actually the iguana imitation I used to do all the time when I was a kid. It drove my dad crazy; he told me I was going to stretch out my lips.

Try it

2006-08-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

George can turn her tongue upside down.

Melissa cannot.

Look What I Can Do!

2006-08-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

ArmPit Night I

2006-08-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

Hey, Six Eyes!

2006-08-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

Digging for Gold

2006-08-16T22:42:00.001-07:00

Kitty Lori

2006-08-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

George

2006-08-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

Marcy and Mel Give Good Gum

2006-08-16T22:33:00.000-07:00