Why I am having trouble posting...

I've lost my ability to be sarcastic! I can't think of much to write about that doesn't sound absolutely sappy. I am having the best summer and I just walk around feeling tremendously lucky all the time. I miss my ranting ability, but I don't miss my overwhelming need to be sardonic. In fact, losing irony has allowed me to appreciate some things that I would have outwardly scorned before: RVs, yard sales, singing Elmo dolls, baby clothes with dogs on them. Just don't go buying me a Precious Moment for my birthday. I haven't completely lost my mind.

Fessin' Up

I learned the truth about Santa Claus because, when snooping around for Christmas presents, I stumble across items that later were put in my stocking. Even still if I know where Joel hid my birthday present I will look. I don't want to but I do.

Last week I tried to play cool as a cucumber and waited a few days to buy The Deathly Hollows. Then I have been so busy I haven't been able to really sit down and read it. So...since I wanted "the best possible information", I headed to Wikipedia and looked up the Harry Potter spoilers. Kinda pathetic, no?

Two years!

Today I have been meandering here for two years. (Though some might say lately not so much.) I have been being weird for much longer.

Professor Barr expresses frustration over his mommy's liberal use of parentheticals.

Gone Fishin'

See you Monday!

"Brassy Dame"

I was sent a survey from the St. Ignatius alum website last week. Apparently there is a woman writing her dissertation on perceptions of red heads. I had to answer a few questions about my opinion of red-headed people. (I have to admit the survey was a bit loaded...but being married to a red head, I did my best to skew her results.) Still, I am tempted to send her this adorable picture of Lennie from yesterday and ask her if this is what she had in mind when she asked if I thought red headed females are sassy? Happily, Dexter has decided that "points at me and giggles" and "steals away toys you just gave to me" are two traits he is looking for in a woman.

Neighborhood fun

Dexter loves to swing. We do what we are told.

Well, we here at the Clampett household had a good time at our yardsale today. Many of the things I thought would sell like hot cakes are packed in the car ready to take to Salvation Army, and the things I almost didn't put out sold in minutes. Go figure. Anyway, looks like I'll get that pedicure, but I'll spare you the picture of my toes.

We're havin' a yard sale, y'all!

In an admirable attempt to clean the basement I am having a yard sale tomorrow. What is for sale: Lots of candles that used to reside in crappy apartments, mismatched kitchen ware, George Foreman grill, clothes in much smaller sizes than big mama can fit into these days, some furniture, and my dignity.

Not for sale: 1. anything that has ever belonged to Joel or been touched by Joel or even breathed on by Joel, ever. 2. the Baby.

I hope to make enough money to get a pedicure. The dogs are startin' to look Grandpa Welch yucky.

Thwarted in their attempt at a quick escape, the boys try to get by with their most innocent expressions.

Holy Mackerel is this a sad movie!

Hey! Some reviews!

Hooray! I finished some books! I visited the three for two table at Borders. So far I finished The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard. It is always nice when a book you don't suspect much from takes you by surprise. It was a great suspense/ romantic novel. I could figure out what was happening pretty early on, but it was still an absorbing read. Currently I am reading Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart. It was also from the three for two table at Borders. Based on some on-line reviews it seemed like a funny read so I chose it for the neighborhood book club book. So far I am disappointed. It seems kind of misogynistic. It might be ironic or for character development, but so far I am not in love. It also seems to be a bit of a rip off of A Confederacy of Dunces.

Tonight I am watching Night at the Museum with the Boston Barrs. I really was bummed when Anna suggested it as a rental choice, but I am pleasantly surprised. It is funnier and has more of a plot than I thought it would.

Although those were all things I enjoyed, nothing beats a little prunes and oatmeal.

Vacation Fun

He'll be leaving for college before I know it...