Thursday Thoughts - I think about the implication of diving in too deep

1. I had a shit day on Tuesday. Riding the Sugar Dragon straight to hell on the fumes of Super Bowl leftovers felt good in the moment and gave me a stunning headache after. 

2. It didn't help that it was still wicked cold, the beach was super flat, and dogs were still tired from our Monday long walk in the cold. What a nice treat to get an impromptu visit from Beth and G and Lulu Monday. 

3. MFD went home Tuesday night, taking Bruce, Mae, and Billy cat. I kept Ben with me and he would definitely thrive as an only dog. Which I get, after coming from a hoarder house having to fight for food and attention. The only thing he wants is another dog near him when he eats so he can be Mr. Teeth. Bruce on the other hand was very upset to be sent home.

Wednesday was warm and beautiful and made me long for spring. Someone was already out walking in bare feet. Not too long now. I don't wait long on doing that. 

4. I love treasure hunting, but the best is when you go to the beach just for a quick 15 or 20 minute walk and come across some things just lying there you have to put in your pocket. These are Wednesday's, still sandy, and Monday's unexpected glass haul. I should really paint this counter this weekend.

5. This is the new piece of furniture we wrestled with last weekend set up as a work station. I actually put another ceramic utensil holder under the monitor to put that up more too. It works for the few days a week I'll need it in the summer. I'll put a little light in there too in the back. The countertop paint mentioned above is in that brown paper bag waiting, waiting LOL

6. I love when I catch sun or light like this. In my computer monitor before shutting down for the day, me crouching like a creep to get it.

7. I fought the long arm of Wells Fargo Corporate Facilities this week and sort of won? They installed new lighting to adhere to some NJ statute. It is like living next to a fucking football stadium. They dimmed the lights and angled them down but I still need blackout shades. Who has recommendations that won't kill my wallet? These photos were all taken before they did anything.

8. Change of scenery for a few days, and that meant dinner last night with Jen & Kelly! It's been over two years. I've been friends with Jen for over 40 years and Kelly like 32? 35? It's always like no time has gone by at all. We went to Las Margaritas & it was good. 

9. Reminder via byhappyal

10. This made me LOL

TGIAF! Windows open, lunch with a coworker, niece's play tonight. Wrestling with making it back to the shore for an appointment early.

What appears beyond the hyphen in Thursday Thoughts titles is what I'm listening to when I'm starting this - this week is Overkill by Men at Work - love this acoustic version the most 

TWTW - the one with the girls at the lake

I am enormously lucky in the friend/framily department. Not only do I have my BFFs of 20+ years, but I also have my adult life BFFs like the ladies I spent this weekend with (missed you Michelle & Amanda)! Every summer we spend a dedicated weekend together. We used to go to the shore but now the new locale is Lori's lake house. We had a peaceful and relaxing weekend of just being, but just being together. No makeup, all lounge attire all the time, no showers aside from the lake for the majority of us until Sunday. LOL. Nap when you want, walk when you want, float when you want, eat when you want, drink when you want. It was glorious.

Thursday night I had awesome mail to open before I left - the newest Judy Blume from the Literary Ladies Book Club girls and library card and pug socks from Mod Cloth. Debbie and I set out at 6:30 and the dogs were total assholes the entire ride. After 15 minutes, I said good Lord I swear the ride feels like four hours already. Alas, it was not. Debbie wrangled Mae for the entire nearly three hour ride, and we arrived around 9:30, saw the blue moon, and promptly passed out.

My darling dearest Gus decided to get up at 4. I kept him at bay until 5, but then it was time to get up. Once I saw what waited outside, I wasn't too mad. Lori and I got the food and beer shopping out of the way early too, which was great.

Jenn and Melissa arrived before noon, and we set out to float. I got in the freaking lake without a wet suit or lake shoes, you guys. And I floated. And didn't mind it. We had the lake pretty much to ourselves Friday, and it was pretty sweet. Let me tell you paddling around out there is a bit of a workout. Good thing since Friday morning alone I ate swedish fish, a donut, and fried chicken. Yikes and also YOLO. And why yes, I do have video of Melissa threatening me for videoing as I laugh like a maniac after her new raft Big Pink deflated in the middle of the lake.

Boat rides happened both nights with Captain Lori at the helm.

Saturday morning we headed into Montrose for a little look around.

It was mimosa and gabbing o'clock when we got back.

We floated away the afternoon again. Hijinks include Jenn capsizing on a raft while holding her beer aloft, dockside food service, and Mae really getting into the spirit of girls' weekend and getting out on the lake with Auntie.

Lori got us pizza and we lazed around before spur of the moment deciding it was ice cream time. I went on this adventure in my pajamas, sans bra. If you like to judge people who go out in public in pajamas, look no further. The buck stops here. The summer fuck it phase continues.

Sunday morning there was fog rolling across the lake and it was awesome. I took eleventy billion photos. When it was clear, Jenn and I went for a canoe ride. My first and only time on a canoe was Memorial Day weekend but Sunday I was out there steering that shit like a boss. Thanks to Jack for the good lessons.

We made an exception for the boy dogs. They all had a blast, they love the lake house.

Lots of laughs, lots of floating, lots of talks, lots of flip flops, lots of beautiful lake views, and one majestic eagle. I love these ladies. Thanks so much to Lori for hosting.

All good things must come to an end. I was home by two on Sunday and spent the afternoon inside with the dogs, away from the heat. I meant to be super productive but was only about half successful - I made egg muffins for breakfasts, Sunday sauce/spaghetti/broccoli/garlic bread for dinner, and took out some chicken to thaw for the week.I have lunch plans Monday and Tuesday but will do salads the rest of the week. I ordered groceries, changed the sheets, washed sheets and towels, paid bills, and picked up a bit around the house. Boring hausfrau shit, you know.

I truly hope every one of you has the gift of friendship in your life. You can't top it.

I have to wish one of our best friends, Evan, a very happy birthday. He celebrated it yesterday. If you're looking for a photographer in the PA/NJ area, Evan's your guy. Check out the Evan Leslie Images web page here and facebook page here. Ev does a lot of weddings, maternity (he worked for a maternity magazine, he's the real deal), and kid shoots (he is phenomenal with kids) but I've had him do head shots for my firm and he's great at commercial work too. The consummate professional. Give him a ring.

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending

10 Ways to Speak My Love Language

1.  Let me know when you've found an awesome recipe.

2. Inform me of a good sale.

3. Recognize that not every photo is good enough to be cross-platform and only share photos across social media platforms (facebook/instagram/twitter/blog) if they're really special.

4. Use proper grammar and communication.

5. Avoid wearing leggings as pants in public without a dress or shirt covering your parts.

6. Pause when we're walking so I can take pictures like I like to do, or know I will catch up with you when I'm finished.

7. Ignore the way my hair migrates into a side ponytail on its own and refrain from mentioning that I look like I'm from the 80s when that happens.

8. Treat my dogs with importance.

9. Ask what book I'm reading.

10. Pick the restaurant.

What are some ways to speak your love language?

I didn't marry my best friend

I always hear, see, and read, "I'm married to my best friend."  It's all over wedding stuff, like it is a given that that's what's happening - you're marrying your best friend. If your spouse  is your best friend, that is wonderful - I'm not bagging on you in the slightest so don't get your knickers in a knot. I do think in some respects it's become cliche - people feel like they're supposed to say it. Enter moi. I decided it was time to come out of the closet - there are marriages in which the wife does not consider the husband her best friend, and the husband does not consider the wife his best friend. Marriages like mine.

MFD and I have been friends since we were 13 years old, which is 23 years now. We've been together for 11 years. We have literally grown up together. He has always been and continues to be a very good friend of mine, but MFD is not my best friend and he never will be. He's my husband. I think that title bears enough weight by itself. My best friends? They were the people standing behind me in the bridal party line.

I do not want to tie the same person into the role of husband and best friend for a whole host of reasons, one being what if something happened? Then I'd lose both my husband and my best friend in one fell swoop? And myself and my mind in the process, obviously. I got married with the intention of it being forever. Forever is a long time, and if something happens to him before me, leaning on some close friends isn't going to cut it. I will need my best friends for that.

I also need my best friends to

• See movies like The Notebook or Bridesmaids
• Discuss the 50 Shades Phenomenon 
• Consult on female body issues
• Agree to take care of my chin hair if I should become comatose
• Take my facebook page down immediately if I die so it doesn't become a morbid visiting place
• Sound off to someone without them wanting to fix it
• Sit next to in pedicure chairs
• Drink wine and let loose with in the afternoon
• Let my mean girl out to roam around without fear of judgement
• Just be unguarded with people who see me for me and not me as a wife 
• Tell me when the dress looks bad
• Bitch to when my husband is driving me fucking nuts and know they're not going to hold it against him when I get over whatever it is

Let's face it...some things are just better done or discussed with your girlfriends. Especially those WTF is it with men in general situations.

My best friends have comforted me through many things, talked me down from many ledges, had so many serious and frivolous conversations with me, made me laugh until I snort, and just been a source of a criminal amount of fun and tomfoolery in my life. They are the sisters of my heart. I don't always need to explain how I feel to them because they just know.

Sure, MFD makes me laugh, and we have fun, and he's there for me. He is the most important person in my life, but he is not the be all and end all. I don't think that makes our relationship any weaker. Sometimes I feel like there's a WHAT? He's your spouse but not your best friend too? stigma, and to that I say that this is a choice for me. As my life goes on, I will continue to cultivate my relationship with my husband, and my relationship with my friends. Both roles are critical and integral to my happiness.

I don't want one person to be my everything unless that person is myself. At the end of the day, I stand on my own. On the rough days, I'll be propped up by my husband on one side and my best friends on the other. It's what works best for me, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

F is for

1. Being so F'ing glad this week is over. It started like this...

2. Food kindness. Chicken pot pie from Judy, veggie noodle casserole from Michelle, chicken piccata and delicious apps from Pat and Lil. Being a nurse is easier when you don't have to be the cook as well. Thank you ladies! Half of everything is frozen for next week.

3. Family. Ours have been so helpful this week. I dug this one out of me and my brothers from 2003 when Stephen was a freshman at Appalachian State for throwback Thursday.

4. Florence Freaking Nightingale. Pinterest taught me how to make a gel ice pack.  Ice packs are an integral part of my Florence Focker caregiving duties. Two parts water to one part rubbing alcohol. Scientist in training, bitches! Those of you who know how non math/sciencey I am should be having a good laugh right now. Relax, enjoy.

5. Forums - new idea sharing pow wow site for all of you bloggers out there. Have you joined Blog Connect, formed by the lovely Helene from Helene in Between? Get your buttocks over and sign up and talk blogging. Word to your mother, too.

6. Forward. He's temporarily down, but he's not out. MFD has moved his office to his Invalid Lair (I may or may not have created a location on Instagram called "Invalid Lair") and is still open for business. If you're looking to buy a house, sell a house, or rent in PA or NJ, call me. I've got a guy. He's sitting on the couch in the basement.

7. Five o'clock freedom. After last weekend and this week, I really really really really really really REALLY need some MF'ing downtime. I have to recharge my batteries. I am tapped out, exhausted. I need to sleep. And clean up my reading room. And read a book. And watch TV. I am woefully behind on all shows. Speaking of, I'm annoyed with Hart of Dixie and I'm giving 90210 das boot.

Source

8. Felicitations. Today begins my birthday month. HOLLER. March rules! My birthday rules! I celebrate it all month. Sorry in advance for not caring if you're tired of hearing about it by March 6. Sure, the Invalid State will alter the course of the celebrations, but there will be celebrations nonetheless.

Source

xoxo, you know you love me...Gossip Girl aka stupid Dan Humphrey. Still lame, GG creators.

Linking up with The Sowell Life for The Friday Five even though today I have eight.

the Veterans Day weekend that was

After getting my car cleaned for the first time in like two years and picking up a few groceries at Redner's, I hightailed it to the Trenton Train Station to pick up my friend Misty. We got Steve's Steaks (too lazy to drive down to Jim's, my preferred cheesesteak), put pajamas on, drank liquor while lounging on the couch, and I forced Misty into Duck Dynasty reruns. 

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I haven't been sleeping well. Saturday was my only chance to sleep in and try to recoup.

Then the President of the Ahole Wakeup Committee decided otherwise. 

Thanks a lot Gus! Even Geege wanted to keep sleeping.

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No matter how many times I use it, this cup always makes me laugh. 

C O F F E E.

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Misty and I met Alicia, Amanda and Jennifer from our knot.com monthly wedding board for lunch

at the Cock 'n Bull in Lahaska. Are you laughing? I am because I'm five. 

The food was good and the company was lovely.

It was great to have a leisurely lunch with ladies I've talked to on the daily online 

since the year before our weddings.

We split baked brie as an app, and I had a side salad, beef burgundy and pumpkin pie.

The pie sent me into Food Coma territory, but I couldn't resist.

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Food prep, including hoagie dip. 

We MIGHT be able to get a sliver out mayo of the container in the fridge. Right?

Hoagie dip is super easy. Here's my version: 

1/2 lb cooked ham, 1/2 lb genoa salami, 3/4 lb american cheese, shredded lettuce, two tomatoes seeded and chopped, one onion chopped, oregano/S&P to taste, and 1-2 cups mayo.

The key to good hoagie dip is to cut everything super small. I do the lunchmeat and cheese in the food processor (thanks for the tip a few years ago Julie!). 

Mix it all together and serve with hoagie rolls.
I usually do the prep the day before and mix it on the day I'm serving it. 

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Bacon cheeseburger puffs from Plain Chicken. 

These were good, best eaten right away and served with ketchup. 

I used whole wheat baking mix, sauteed onion with the ground beef, and doubled the recipe. 

I flash froze the rest of the balls so they're ready to go when I need them next. 

I probably won't make them again after that - I prefer the bacon double cheeseburger dip.

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My Boston-based BFF and her man arrived to spend the night on their whirlwind tour of NJ & PA. 

It was so great to see them, we haven't seen them since WedFest in July.

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Other friends rolled in, and we had a fun night as always. 

I am beyond thankful for my friends. They are my family.

That includes you, Dutch.

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All fun must come to an end. Mine came at 6 a.m. when I got up to take Misty to the train station. We went to bed around 3. That was a rough ride! And foggy. 

The experience called for a pork roll egg and cheese and two more hours of sleep.

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After the fog burned off, Sunday was gorgeous. Amazing weather. Thank you universe!

I threw open all the windows, changed beds in both spare rooms, did a ton of wash, and watched some Bada Bling wedding show and a lot of Duck Dynasty with Michelle. 

Then I sat outside with my boys for a little, reading and enjoying the day.

I was going to dust the basement...dust will keep. Good weather won't.

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Nails - OPI Bubble Bath. Toes - Essie Raspberry

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Sixteen Candles

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Family dinner for my aunt's 50th at Taormina's.

If I'm eating at an italian restaurant, chances are very good that I'm getting the piccata dish.

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We're the land of the free because we're the home of the brave.

Thank you for your service and protection, Veterans.

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TV catch up and early to bed

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the weekend that was

No cooking, very limited sleep, minimal hausfrauing because MFD rocked and did most of it for me...just lots of quality time with friends and family that leaves me with a full heart.

Back on the chain gang. 

I'm linking up with Sami's Shenanigans, Five30three, and Join the Gossip for Weekend Update.