Friday, November 09, 2007

Lady Lumps

I think it's great that JLo is finally in the preggers way. I guess she's tried for some time to have kids and she's finally fessed up that she's preggers. However.... can she wear anything else besides a dang moo-moo! I mean dayum! That is all we see her in and it makes her look like a f'ing barn!


She used to dress so snazzy. Now she wears tents in all colors and they are long long long! Why try to hide the bump!?!?

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Cell-Ulitis

I must possess one of the most well-behaved cell numbers in phone history. The same cannot be said for TBC or sis. Several times now, sis has received texts from guys that want to hook up with her and refuse to believe she’s not the gal they are trying to reach. In September she was in OKC spending the night before taking Jellybean to the airport to catch her early morning flight. Sleep was at a premium but Mr Hot & Horney was bound and determined to score with his elusive consort and kept up the mobile pressure. As a last resort, sis insisted he call her to prove she was not his playful amante and he finally ceased and desisted after the truth trickled its way through his thick skull.

As you all know TBC’s piss-poor luck with mobile numbers continued unabated. Last month, I called Ma Bell and switched his number and was given the solemn promise they were brand spanking new digits that had never been fondled by human hands. Wrong! If you recall, that very night he received a misdialed number at the ungodly hour of 2 am. True, the party wanted (Renee to Erica) had changed, but wrong calls/texts continued on an alarmingly regular basis. Admittedly, the desperate pleas to be bailed out of jail desisted, but still. The most surprising recent text was the proud announcement from what I can only assume was a female proclaiming her upcoming motherhood. Obviously very bored, TBC played along by asking her if it was his. She said yes! (He’s fixed). After several back and forth texts, she called and was told she had the wrong number prompting the immediate missive “a man answered.” Finally TBC broke down and told her it was him all along and she had dialed a wrong number. Yet again I reached out and touched AT&T to secure a third number for him. This last customer rep, Wesley, swore on a stack of well-thumbed Bibles that this indeed was a virgin number. Third time's the charm, right?…

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Show Me Your Pearly Whites

I get a newsletter from my dentist every so often, and tonights info was very interesting....

Smiles are an interesting feature of everyone’s life. Everyone has one, but everyone feels differently about their own. Consider a few interesting facts about smiles:.

• 62 - Number of times a day the average woman smiles.
• 8 - Number of times a day the average man smiles.
• 63% - Percentage of people who say they look best in photos when they are showing their teeth.
• 99.7% - Percentage of adults who say an attractive smile is an important personal asset.
• 74% - Percentage of people who say that an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances for business or career success.
• 23% - Percentage of people who say they look the best with their mouth closed.

Mark Twain once wrote, "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been!" The act of smiling is a very uncomplicated and important human activity. It really isn't important that your smile be perfect- but that you feel good about it and you give it away! If your stingy with your smile because it’s something less than what you want it to be, we can help - Smiles are what we do best.


Guys never smile!!! I am always smiling. Unless, of course, i'm not. I know I at least do it 62 times a day. Tomorrow i'm going to count. Well, actually this might not be a fair time to test that theory... bein's how i'm having a hard time sleeping at night and I can't breath very easily. Maybe it's best to save the test for another time.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Another Baby Day

Our sunday school class held a little baby shower for us this weekend. Check out that cake! It was so cute that I didnt want to cut it! It was too perfect and looked... well, not real! It was beautiful! Angela finally talked me into letting them disassemble it and dig in.


Lil November got her first Christmas stocking and a stocking hat to match.


She also got a fun (noisy) Noah's Ark toy to play with... complete with lights, sound and action. It follows her Noah's Ark nursery theme.


After the shower, my mom, sis and I treated ourselves to pedicure's at the spa. My little lady, who was the sweetest little Asian girl, asked me if I wanted something on my toe. I'd told mom's girl to put a flower on hers (giggle) but then they asked me something about mine. I had no idea what she was saying, so I just smiled and nodded. Scared to death of what I might get... she put rhinestones on me! I got bling!!!

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Ghosts and Goblins

I just realized that neither of us did a Happy Halloween entry!

Welp, Happy Belated Halloween!

I hope everyone had fun... I did! I ate too much candy though, so i'm on a cleansing diet today.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Engine Envy

TBC and I seem to possess a fleet of vehicles and are therefore never without transportation should the unexpected (car accident) occur. Basically, we have double the vehicles to people ratio. Therefore, for the majority of October and some of September, I’ve been driving The Beast. *reverential moment as we bask in its awesome glory* The Beast was and still is a very popular muscle car that inspires lust and envy in every red-blooded American male gearhead within a fifty or possibly even hundred mile radius. I watch the heads swivel around and jaws drop in wonderment when I whiz by, and it’s with mixed emotions that I realize it’s not Mz Circe’s contours that are causing all the fuss and commotion. I realize there are a few minor accessories that no longer work such as the horn, the clock, the radio, and most recently, the speedometer, but it still looks and sounds magnificent.

Monday afternoon, one of the construction guys stops at my door and inquires if I’m the proud owner of The Beast. So we chatted for awhile about what a terrific car I own and I cheerfully rattle off its stats and background. A little later he pops his head in again and declares that it was almost backed into by their trailer. And laughs. At which point I solemnly proclaim that if even one drop of its primer paint is harmed, I will cheerfully and single-handedly throttle him within an inch of his careless life. By God, that’s a classic car, people! I’ve since changed my parking spot to avoid possible mishaps and believe me, he noticed and asked me about it. Duh! You almost plowed into my baby, ya dolt, of course I’m going to change spaces! Anyway, I guess we are good buddies now as every time he saunters down our hallway, which is often, (just when does that boy do any physical labor anyway?) he tosses remarks and money offers for it my way or stops and chats. For some reason he thought I was a Packers fan and said something about that team winning the game Monday night. My puzzled look caused him to question my football loyalties by which I then pointed to my Browns mousepad. This saucy pup retorted that if I was a Packers fan and owned The Beast, he would give TBC a run for his money. *snorts coffee out nostrils* I warned him to enjoy the view while he can as my preshus GP should be out of the shop soon and it’ll be goodbye Beast. :)

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Power User

I have just been awarded the Yahoo! Power user reward.

I'm a Yahoo! Power Mailer!

Power Users are the heaviest and most frequent users of Yahoo! Mail and were selected by Yahoo! to participate in this pilot program. These users spend an incredible amount of time using Yahoo! Mail, so the Power User program is our way of thanking them.


That is awesome.

Bruiser Bears

(love these costumes...)


In other news: I finally won my first FFB matchup. After eight
l o o o o n g weeks. And I beat the No. 1 team in the league. And I had the highest score of anyone. Ah, victory is sweet... *sigh* :) Go Teddybears!!!
(and the Browns won last Sunday)

The Top God Billboards We'd Like to See
  • You're going to hell! Ask me how.
  • Stop that fighting or I'll turn this planet around right now!
  • My son has no middle name, let alone initial. If you're gonna blaspheme, get it right.
  • Actually, on the seventh day I went to Wal-Mart.
  • Change your ways. Or don't you consider telemarketers a pestilence?
  • I made you in my image -- so pull up those pants, you little punks!

Monday, October 29, 2007

Sharpies in All Colors

This weekend I got my hair colored and I'm going this weekend for a pedicure. I'm getting all prettied up to have lil November :) haha... as if it all makes a difference. But at least I'll know my toes look good and my hair is a new color!

Here's me at 35 weeks and a new shade of hair!


Another shot of the new do...


Can you guess what this is!?!?


Did I fail to mention that my sister did my hair... and afterwards we got a little bored and she came up with the brilliant idea of drawing on my tummy. She guaranteed me that the sharpies would have NO affect on Lil November (as it does us... sniff sniff). If you look closely, you can see my scar right about my belly button, where my belly button ring used to be. Looks funny... ahhaha

With This Ring

It can be tricky trying to dress for a funeral and wedding but I felt I pulled it off with a certain grace and aplomb. I opted for a fancy dark plum blouse with a black skirt and low black heels. After the funeral rites, TBC and I hopped in the car and sped toward the structurally pleasing backdrop of the cowboy-themed, chilly, outdoor October nuptials. Knowing this family well, I expected one glorious affair and was far from disappointed. The blushing bride was resplendent in a gorgeous, strapless ivory confection complete with a dazzling tiara atop her golden curls and cascading veil. Groomsmen sported cowboy hats along with semi-formal attire and I suppose it was anxious nerves that kept those bridesmaids from breaking out in a massive epidemic of goosebumps while wearing their chocolate-hued, bare-shouldered creations. After the ceremony, we headed inside to enjoy the tasteful elegance of the meticulously decorated site. Always a hit, I gobbled down many a gooey, drenched strawberry baptized in the chocolate fountain holding court on the groaning appetizer table. From there we entered the dining room where boxes of fancy chocolates awaited each seated guest. Catered by a local BBQ restaurant, we supped on brisket, twice-baked potatoes, green beans, and rolls washed down by either water, pop, or a nice selection of mixed drinks and beer. I chose the Heineken. :) There was dancing and laughter as the jovial crowd kicked up their spit-shined, polished boots and a good time was had by all. I do love a good wedding!


Beautiful centerpieces



Pink-hued H20 fountain



Yummy wedding cake



Grooms cake depicting the groom’s vehicle. Why does it always resemble turds?

Sunday, October 28, 2007

The Great Quizitation

I’ve found my ginormous baby belly to be an attractor of less that desireable people. It’s like it’s a big neon sign for total strangers… and those which you’d rather not touch you… to feel compelled to spark up a conversation with you and ask all kinds of personal questions. Throughout this little pregnancy all kinds of total strangers have stopped me and asked all kinds of questions. When is your baby due? Do you know what you’re having? What are you going to name it? Is this your first? Are you going to breast or bottle feed? Are you going back to work? Are the kids excited? and the list goes on and on and on….

What prompts me to write this is the latest quizzer. The Wal-Mart greeter lady.

I walked in the door this weekend and was greeted by an unusually friendly greeter with her usualy “welcome to Walmart”… I smiled and grabbed a basket and proceeded on my way. She walked swiftly towards me and said “ohhhhhh… when’s it due?” (thinking IT is Lil November and I do not want to discuss this yet again! and especially with you!) I told her in a couple of weeks and tried to keep walking. She was smiling her gnarly toothed grin and kept right on going with the usual list of questions. Is this your first?! NO! Is it a girl or boy? Girl. And I keep going…. and she keeps following me! So, I stopped and turned to face her in hopes to shut her up so I can get on my way (I really hate Wal-Mart) and I’ll be darned if she didnt head straight for me with hands stretched out like she really was going to start rubbing my tum! There was no way in the world that Wal-Mart greeter lady was going to touch me! I grabbed my basket and darted away from her and she kept talking and asking questions. Are you excited? Yes! (you’d think with my one word answers and the fact i’m walking AWAY from her might let her know that maybe I dont want to make any sort of conversation with her… but she’s so excited she’s glowing). She finally tossed out another question and I just smiled and literally ran to the nearest bathroom to lock myself in a stall.

This close attack follows on the heels of another quizzing experience while exiting the baby doctor office building a week ago. Some strange (emphasis on strange) lady (minus about 4 front teeth) proceeded to quiz Richard and I. She started in with the same darn questions and even though we kept walking away from her she kept screaming out question after question and grinning from ear to ear with excitement like she was going to be a grandma or something. I'm not sure what she was doing... maybe a janitor that worked there or something, and was waiting for a ride.

Why do people think they can ask all these questions and don’t they realize that some of them are rather personal!?!? I know little babies are exciting and all.... but dang! Its nine (well, not actually because if you're lucky you can hide the baby bump for quite a while thus delaying the quizzitation experiences) months of constant questioning and its the same thing over and over. I should just have a pamphlet printed up with all the questions and my answers.. and just pass it out as i'm attacked by baby loving strangers.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Glamorous

I'm having a jewelry party today! It stresses me out (somewhat) to have a house full of people ... mostly those I dont know... and to host a party. My friend Tanya and I went to a Premier Jewelry party a couple of months ago and we decided we'd host a party of our own. Today is the big day....

PLUS last night Richard and I went to a Ribbon cutting ceremony for a friends new business downtown and I invited tons of people and told them to bring their mom and sisters, aunts and friends. So who knows who might show up!

I have plenty of tea and lemonade though. Richard helped me clean, and Tanya is bringing cookies. OH and the bathrooms are clean. Thats always important at a party. haha

Friday, October 26, 2007

Hello Goodbye

Originally, one wedding and one funeral were on tap for tomorrow. Until our neighbor died Wednesday and his widow also arranged for yet another Saturday burial. As this is pushing an already severely nudged envelope, we are sticking with our original plan of attending the first two, but we did pay a visit to his wife last evening and shared a meal with her and several sets of former next door neighbors that we hadn’t seen in ages. Though it’s sad to reunite under these poignant circumstances, the evening was upbeat and pleasant without ever veering toward the maudlin.

Much like most schools across the country, this entire week at Chaos College was devoted to Red Ribbon awareness and yes, I’m wearing my red rubber wrist band. *holds up arm* Various activities were held on campus, but yesterday they had the circle blocked off so as to demonstrate vision impairment. To quote:

A student will wear vision impairment goggles while driving a go-cart to simulate driving under the influence. Other activities during that time will include a simulated jail experience (Kerbear had one of those to raise money for something when she worked here) and other events to increase awareness of the possible consequences of drunk driving.


Anyway, as I was trudging across campus heading for the gym, I observed the go-cart in action and though I thought of it too late to get any really decent pics of the festivities, here are a few I did snag. This is just like reliving the college experience, isn't it? :)


This is actually a pic of the makeshift jail though you couldn't prove it by me. (Cops and kiddos are blocking the view.)


And to conclude our funky Friday...

Things That Can Get a Guy Banned From the Men's Union

  • You catch yourself thinking, "You know, what this bed needs is a few more pillows."
  • "What do you think: a Zima or a white zinfandel?"
  • You rhapsodize about taking that chick with the great rack home from the bar for a long night of sweet cuddling and General Foods International Coffee.
  • You not only know the difference between a puff pastry and a cream puff, but your choux paste swan took first place at the county fair.
  • “Ewww, gross! Two women kissing!"
  • "You know, take away the steroids and over-the-top sideshow atmosphere from pro wrestling and it's just like ballet!"

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Take out the Trash!

Richard has mentioned decorating my stomach for Halloween and he'd thought about a pumpkin.

Today, one of the guys I work with sent me a picture of a couple in costume and SHE was obviously very preggers and she'd been dressed like a fat slob, drunken trailer house trash good-for-nothing boyfriend/husband complete with wife beater shirt and jeans too big with the belt undone, hat, unshaven, and cigarette. They had either drawn on, or glued on some black fuzz for chest hair and belly hair. HAHA

HE was dressed as a blonde bimbo trailer house trash complete with big boobs, nasty makeup, beer and cigarette.

What a funny idea! I'm not real sure our church would think that's too funny if we were to go parading through there during their Halloween night festivities. But gosh, its funny!

W & S Tour--Day 2

After a comfy, if somewhat odiferous, night’s rest and a continental breakfast consisting of waffles and biscuits and gravy, we hopped on the road again heading for the Talimena (Talihina, OK to Mena, AR) Scenic Drive. Be forewarned, there are a lot of motorcycles vrooming down this particular highway. A lot. Scads. Buttloads. It’s just about mandatory to cruise this stretch of asphalt from the seat of a massive Hog. After snapping a great deal of pictures and vainly looking for leaves that had turned an expected shade of yellow, orange or red, we entered Mena and headed south to DeQueen. From there, we crossed back into Okrahoma and stopped in Broken Bow.


One would think the middle of October would be an ideal time to view the annual Changing O da Leaf Colors, but you would be wrong, wrong, wrong no matter what this website tells you. I did spot a bunch of Goldenrod though. *aachoo!*

“The Talimena Scenic Drive is probably best known for its Autumn colors, and rightly so!


Because of our unique geology and geography our fall color season is unusually long. From early October into late November you'll see a variety of trees and bushes changing colors, either deep in the sheltered valleys or along our mountain top.”

Anywho, just north of Broken Bow is the wildly popular winery with the marvelous designation—Girls Gone Wine. This fabulous location has only been open a few years (I think) but what it lacks in stuffy credentials, it more than makes up for in enthusiasm and passion. Rhonda herself was manning the front desk when we arrived and welcomed us warmly. A cute, bouncy Malaysian gal was our perky pourer and she was a total blast. I did have to restrain myself from asking what she thought of the movie, Zoolander. *snicker* Not only did we load up with a case of assorted wines and a commemorative wineglass, but I also purchased an adorable black top with the caption “Wine Diva.”

After snagging dinner at the local Sonic, we bedded down in the “luxurious” Charles Wesley Motor Lodge. I hereby refer to this decrepit, dilapidated hole in the wall as The Palace. While the outside sign drew our attention to newly renovated rooms, they were most definitely not referring to ours with its astonishing pink sheets, dingy brown drapes, broken locks, fluorescent lights, and lack of essential hair dryer and coffeemaker. At least I didn’t glimpse any resident bugs and the sink and tub did look sanitary.


Not quite as lovely as they make it out to be. *arches brow*

Their version of the room

Our actual room


Their version of a cushy chair










Our actual utilitarian chair put to good use










And really, it could have been much worse. This place looked even shabbier, and with a somewhat depressing name and a very disheartening pic...






Early Saturday morning, we fled the premises and before daybreak, headed west toward the Indian Nations Turnpike where we then headed north and home. While the landscapes were uplifting and revitalizing, and we most definitely dropped some serious cash (ok, Visa) purchasing vino, I’d be lying through my teeth if I said we also enjoyed gastronomic delights. After thoughtful deliberation I realized we had chowed down at Sonic, Taco Bell, Subway, and Mickey D’s, with Best Western’s nearby restaurant the only fast food exception. Nevertheless, it was great to get out of town and you’re all invited to Casa de Circe to experience the fruits of Okieland’s labors. ;)

Monday, October 22, 2007

Wine & Sex Tour '07

I’m back at work today after taking an extended four-day weekend hitting the southeast trails and celebrating an abbreviated Wine & Sex Tour 2007. Fall break at Chaos College started last Thursday and this year I took off both days to make up for losing my July vacation time thanks to the ill-fated car accident. After a stormy, water-logged Wednesday in which I managed be driving both to and from work when the angry, tempestuous fronts came through, conditions turned warm and sunny making for beautiful traveling weather. So let’s get started, shall we?

Day 1


Our first stop was Stable Ridge Vineyards on historic Route 66 in Stroud, Oklahoma. This lovely building was once a former Catholic Church and in its quaint and cozy tasting room, TBC and I sampled all the bounteous liquid offerings presented to us. I particularly enjoyed sampling Wine Thang.

Wild Thang – "It Makes Your Heart Sing." This is a fun wine for spring and summer. Slightly sweet blend of four distinct wines. Really good with spicy (Tex Mex) foods.

I also loved Jeremiah’s Red, a lovely crimson thirst quencher that tastes simply divine with dark chocolate.

Jeremiah’s Red - One of our most popular wines. It is wonderful blend of full-bodied red wines and Blackberry. It is a perfect dessert wine or for any occasion. It can be enjoyed alone or paired with rich dark chocolate or cheese cake.


After Stable Ridge, we headed down the road to Sparks Vineyard & Winery in charming downtown Stroud. They have a lovely banquet room right off the tasting area that features paintings done by Oklahoma artists. I couldn’t resist snapping a pic of a lovely wooden door that would have fit right in as a banquet room for King Arthur.


Our new tasting room is located at The Wine Village, downtown Stroud on Route 66. It is only a 15-minute drive away from the winery. The Wine Village tasting room is the result of renovating a near 100-year old building on the north side of Route 66 in the heart of Stroud.

By now I was feeling kinda tipsy and downright sentimental as we made our way toward our third and final stop for the day, the Grape Ranch. For a brief, passing moment, we traversed I-40 and much to my and TBC’s astonishment, I felt my eyes welling up with huge crocodile tears. When TBC turned to look at me and asked what was wrong, I loudly sobbed “I want to go home!” He knew precisely what was meant as I-40 East holds a very special place in my heart. It’s how we head for North Carolina’s Outer Banks and we haven’t made my favorite pilgrimage since the late ‘90s. (But we did fly there in ’02.)









The building housing the tasting room was nothing to write home about but the surrounding grounds were so picturesque and serene with grapevines, a trickling stream, and lovely back deck overlooking a pastoral orchard. Here I am basking in the bright sunshine, enjoying a delicious glass of vino. Wish I could remember which wine I’m happily imbibing but, what the heck.









Thursday night we stayed in McAlester at the Best Western. I had no idea McAlester was such a beehive of bustling activity (though there is Big Mac), but we were barely able to secure room lodging as the place was packed with people. The only room still available was a smoking suite, and though lovely, made for some unpleasant breathing.


Next up: Wine & Sex Tour—Day 2...

Friday, October 19, 2007

Circus Act

Last weekend we all loaded up and headed to the park and thought we'd take some pictures. However, the sun set too quickly on us and we lost much needed sunlight to get good shots of us doing our thing... so, Richard messed with some settings on the camera and used a night time setting. It allowed for more light in the picture but it also didn't allow for much movement. It obviously takes a picture sloooooower....

C said "mom, grab your ankle and pull it up to your head!" OK! I can do that! Here I am.... 33 weeks preggers too :)

Thursday, October 18, 2007

I'm Not Sleeping Well at Night

My foot is still swollen and hurts like a beotch! I kept ice on it all last night and it felt better this morning, but as the day wore on it became more swollen and sore. I'm going to try ice one more night and then maybe I will seek the advice of a medical professional.

It might be broken. Or at least really bad bruised!

On my way home today, I decided women drivers suck. With the exception of me, of course. One chick screamed at me because I wouldn't let her go in front of me on the on-ramp to the highway. Mind you SHE had the yield sign and I had the right-of-way, she came to a damn near stop to wait for me (I always watch to make sure people yield there because you never know what they might do), so I headed on my merry little way. Then she decided she'd go... but by then I was too close to stop for her and so I kept going thinking she'd stop again. No... she kept going! So I slammed on my brakes and then she slammed on hers and screamed at ME! Damn woman!

Then not two miles down the road, I was trying to get out of my lane because it was quickly fixing to exit onto another highway... I signaled and waited for all the jerks to ignore me and do their thing and then I saw a gap. I started merging to my left and this little wench in a little teeny tiny car sped up so I couldnt get in front of her! Bein's how I outweighed her by a ton (i'm talking about the vehicle) I went ahead and merged over. I'd only signaled for forever and she sped up to keep me out.... so i'm coming in woman! She HONKED at me! I only wanted to pass through to get to the other lane, but damn! I wasnt going to take her precious little space. I should have though.

I have to say that I don't recall ever having driving experiences like that with men... they are always women. PMS'in is what they must be doin. DANG!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Stay Puff Marshmallow

I've mysteriously hurt my foot. For a few days its hurt on top of my foot... like right behind my big toe. Right on top. It didn't hurt when I walked or anything, but when I put on my running shoes or pushed on that area, it was rather painful.

Last night I noticed that my whole foot appeared 'puffy'. Swollen. Richard put an ice pack on it and that helped the ache for a bit. This morning I stepped out of bed and whooooaaahhh! It hurt to walk. After a complete inspection of my foot, I noticed that a bruise is starting to form right behind my big toe joint.

This afternoon, my foot is more puffy and aches like no other! It hurts to walk! I don't want to bend my big toe with every step... it hurts to bad! I asked Richard if he was doing things to me at night while I was asleep.... negative. He says he's innocent. I have no idea what I could have done to it. I haven't fallen or dropped anything on my foot. I've had no catastrophe's or injuries that I know of... but now I have this mystery hurt.

How weird.

Inspiration Station

I know, I know! I have neglected you too long, my darlings. But if it helps take the sting out of my prolonged absence, I’ve had excellent reasons. Yesterday was spent in the dental chair (fun, fun), but Friday I was away soaking up helpful suggestions to make the college experience a positive one via speakers who focused specifically on fostering good relations among fellow employees, attending students and ourselves. The sessions were enjoyable, motivational, and downright inspiring and our final speaker was so mesmerizing, one could have heard a pin drop during her discourse. Nursing students provided health information along with blood pressure and diabetes checks. The pièce de résistance were the chair massages offered free of charge of which Mz Circe took full relaxing advantage. On a disappointing note, the vendor who always spreads an accessory-laden feast for public consumption was unable to make it, so I left without purchased goodies. On the upside, I won our table’s fall centerpiece door prize. (woo hoo!) This year our registration gift was a laptop carrier with the sponsor’s logo. Last year it was a zippered folder with this same logo emblazoned across the front, and a few years back we got to select a lovely totebag in a design (I picked animal print) of our choice. And one year was so unbelievably memorable that I have completely forgotten what souvenir we received. *sigh* At any rate, here are some shots for your viewing pleasure.

On our trek home, I spotted a billboard that said:

Wall Street
Bourbon Street
Sesame Street

--Only in America


The Gang (yep, I'm front and center)








Gorgeous colored chalk pic completed in about 15 mins by our first speaker













The centerpiece I won










The rest of our group at the table adjacent ours












Front view (smile gals!)











Transportation and our trusty driver. (Thanks, J!)