Wednesday, March 29, 2006

This and that

First of all, thanks to everyone who suggested some amazing vacation destinations! I hadn't thought of any of them - and I've looked each one up, and they're all beautiful. Destin really struck me as a great place to try out, so I've sent off for some information!

Secondly, my lack of blog posting lately isn't due to my lack of initiative (surprisingly) ... My third monitor in less than a year died a couple of weeks ago. And then - after finally splurging on a killer flat-screen LCD display - my modem decided it just couldn't go on. So, now I'm out a modem (and yes, I'm one of the last losers who still uses dial-up). Sooo, that's my next purchase.

And finally, I'm absolutely loving this spring weather. The high tomorrow is set for 75 - I wish it could be this warm year-round.

Friday, March 24, 2006

Let's talk vacation

Considering my blog title still holds true, I think it's high time to start planning this year's vacation. Right now the destination is unknown, but several factors are essential:
1. White sands and blue ocean
2. Preferably an all-inclusive resort
3. Preferably someplace in the Caribbean
4. The theme should be utter and complete relaxation
5. Did I mention I'm on a budget?
My last several vacations have been aboard a cruise ship. While I love cruising, I think I'm ready for a change. I want to stay in one location and really get to know the place without having to worry about finding my way back to the port before the ship leaves without me.

I'm just starting my research and am open to any suggestions or advice. Have you been someplace I should know about? Was it an awesome vacation or a complete disaster? I want to know everything!

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Because it's all about me

This was a Stacey weekend.

No company,
no plans,
no rules

And let me just say it has been won-der-ful!

My closet has been screaming for new clothes lately, so to shut it up I shopped and shopped. Practically all of Saturday was consumed with the "S" word. I came home with only a couple new shirts, a pair of shoes and a new sundress, but as fate would have it, that's a good thing.

You see, I'm about to be shelling out some moolah to repair my car - yet again - and I'm finally breaking down and buying a *new* monitor for my poor computer that has always had used displays (which seem to go kaput every few months). So, more bargain shopping is in my future - because I am but a lowly old copy editor who isn't exactly making big bucks.

Good thing I love to shop.

Today was spent lounging around in my PJs until nearly 2 p.m. Then I mustered the energy to head to the salon to get my hair cut. It's been since August, so I thought it was about time. I look like a functioning member of society once again. Hallelujah.

Monday is the first day of spring, and I must say I wish the weather would warm up a bit more. Last week was marvelous, and I'm already missing my capris. 75 degrees is perfect weather. 45 degrees is not. 45 degrees and rain is miserable.

On that note, I wish you a happy first day of spring and hope your weather is better there than it is here!

**And yes, I realize this post was very ramble-rific. As is my brain lately.

Friday, March 17, 2006

Dry skin is not my friend

I'm at my wit's end, but maybe you guys can help! (pleeease!)

Something has happened to my skin over the last month or so to transform it into nothing more than a dry mess. My lower legs are the worst, but my hands are in second place. The itching is killing me, and I have tried several lotions and creams (Lubriderm and Burt's Bees, as well as baby oil after showering) to no avail.

Advice is more than welcome. Actually, I'm close to begging for relief.

Oh, and happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Monday, March 13, 2006

And this was my weekend

The birthday weekend: A summary

Friday - the early hours
I rang in the big 2-9 after work at Hair of the Dog, a local pub, with Jim. In those two short (late-night) hours of slogging down some of the best beer I've had in a while (Stella Artois), I proceded to get a bit snockered, watched a near fight between a preppy snotrocket and a well-intentioned hippy and was serenaded by Sandy, a local star who sells flowers from his bike to late-night revelers.

Friday - later in the day
The early hours of Friday had lasting effects, I should say. And, although I'm convinced that 29 has aged me significantly, I'll blame my utter exhaustion on the night before - and especially the beer that flowed freely.
Plans had been made to see Drivin' n Cryin' downtown after having a nice dinner nearby. Those plans were pretty much shot out of the water when I could barely keep my eyes open around 9 p.m. ... Yes, I felt very, very old - and a lame birthday girl, to say the least.
So, instead of rocking out to one of my favorite bands from my college days, Jon and I ordered Domino's Pizza and watched TV. I'm such the party animal these days - sometimes I scare myself.

Saturday
Jon and I headed down to the riverfront where we spent much of the afternoon walking around Coolidge Park and watching kids chase bubbles in the fountain. Kids crack me up.
Later that night we hit Starbucks, where I had the most amazingly de-lish slice of cheesecake ... I wish I could remember what it was called, but it involved raspberries and a chocolate crust. Mmm, Mmm, Mmmmmm.

Sunday
After a near mental breakdown in my closet, I headed to the mall, where I was on a mission to buy new clothes. My old clothes are too faded, out of style and otherwise boring - and I was sick of standing in my closet trying to figure out what shirt looks the least ugly with a pair of pants that I've worn something like 2,980 times (an approximate figure, of course!).
Several hours later, I emerged from the mall with a new pair of capris I bought at Aeropostale (God, did I feel OLD walking into that store) and a $78 skirt from Banana Republic that I paid $16 for. So much for buying a new spring wardrobe, but it's all about baby steps ... (and not going broke).

And now it's back to work!!

Friday, March 10, 2006

29 years ago today ...

This was me!

Oh, if only I could be that cute again!

And that kind of sleep would be marvelous!

Cheers!

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Thought of the day

Working on Saturday should be a crime.
With that said, I'm off to work.

Friday, March 03, 2006

The weekend that was

I had written a super long post about this past weekend in Virginia, but technology struck again and my computer crashed out. Because I'm somewhat lazy (hey - it's Friday!) and don't want to get back into the details, I'll stick to a brief synopsis of the weekend.

Here goes:

Friday - Jon and I arrive in Lynchburg. Nervously anticipating our visit, my mother had had several (read: many) glasses of wine. She was quite tipsy, and thus, made some interesting comments throughout the evening. I wanted to die.

Saturday -
I awoke with a nervous feeling in my stomach because this was the day I was to meet my mother's new boyfriend. She was right when she described him as a "geek" - but he was a nice geek. They are definitely an interesting pair, but seem to be perfect for each other. Anyhow, we headed to Bedford, Va., to the National D-Day Memorial, where it was cold and very windy, but still nice. This picture is of a statue called the Le Monument aux Morts. During the Normandy invasion, shrapnel struck the head of the sculpture and blew off her face, leaving a rather sinister looking monument, but very representative of war.

Sunday - After Jon and I decided Saturday evening that we would leave a day early, we headed to Asheville, N.C. Along the way we stopped in Greensboro, N.C., where we found their mall - which is three floors! I was in heaven! Once we got to Asheville, we drove around a bit, had dinner and then crashed.

Monday - We checked out of our hotel and headed downtown. I love Asheville for a number of reasons, and its downtown area is high up on my list. There are so many eclectic shops, restaurants - and the people are so incredibly friendly. I would move there in a heartbeat if I could.
We spent the better part of the day milling about and taking in the town. But eventually, we had to leave. On our way home, we stopped in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., at one of the gigantic outlet malls there. It was great - Banana Republic, Le Gourmet Chef, Old Navy, etc... But just as we rounded yet another corner filled with more and more stores, we noticed lights going out. We looked at the time, but it was only 6 p.m. - on a Monday - and the stores were CLOSING! Can you believe it?? So, we left.

And that's my super-short version of my trip.

Happy Friday!