Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Take It Easy




"Take It Easy" - Travis Tritt


I'm resisting the urge to pull a mega vampire-y night.   And instead, giving some "sleepytime" tea a try. 
I thought earlier, when I inhaled this 65 pound burrito, that I'd have no trouble catching some z's.  I thought wrong. Still, I'm doing my best at taking it easy...
Because it's about to get a tad more serious and emotional (and possibly a bit crazy) in the coming weeks.


The days have been good to me...
Filled with laughter and the people I love.

Saturday, we took a little trip to Atlantic City for the day.  Months ago, Steve surprised me (okay, I kinda knew when I saw the charge to our checking account) with tickets to see comedian, Jim Gaffigan, at The Borgata. 
So, off we went, with our friends following close behind us.
I loaded up my purse with Target's finest dollar bin candy and my "lucky cat head" and got ready for a day of fun. 
The cackling and hilarious text exchanges with Jessica followed within the first half hour.  Our men were both driving.  And that, my friends, means entertainment.  Let's just say our guys can get a little fiesty behind the wheel.
Steve, or as I like to call him - "Road Rage Randy"
enjoyed putting some of his newly invented "phrases" to the test.  It was his lucky day.  "Triple R" didn't have any trouble finding subjects to let out his anger on.  There was the wacky lady on the bicycle in front of us at a red light...a woman too busy gabbing on her phone to go through green...and a sweet old couple driving slow as molasses.

Mini road trips are always fun...

I get to play the "Meow Meow Game."  For those of you who aren't familiar with it, basically, you meow your way through your favorite songs, and then your friends guess what song it is.  Sounds amazing, right?!  I invented it. (But I'm sure you guessed that already.)  Steve threatened to tape my mouth shut and throw me on the streets if I didn't stop singing meowing.  As did our friends
and their bleeding ears,
 when they came along with us for the ride over to the show.




Airheads and Mamba chews earned me some points.


Once we arrived, we went on a search for lunch.  Randy Steve spotted this ultra girly lounge that served $25 cheeseburgers and pink martinis.  Him and Ed put our name in.


And then, we turned around and left.
We found a more appropriate spot only a few steps ahead.




The boys talked sports.





And the girls talked. And talked. And talked.

Check out this teeny pickle.  It was on my sandwich.

Jessica and I love photo ops.
This was the perfect one.
Jessica's favorite picture.  Her response after seeing it -"UM, HIDEOUS!!!!"

I slid 5 bucks into what I thought was going to be my lucky slot machine.  With a name like "More Chilli" I thought I was destined to be a big winner. 
Nope. Nada. No mas 5 buckaroos.





We found an awesome throne to park our tushes on while we chatted and lost the rest of the crowd.
(yay! more photo ops!)








We found Ed waiting for us after our 30 minute throne break.

And then, we found ourselves at the beach bar.  Literally called, The Beach Bar.
Jessica and I sipped our diet cokes and did some serious people watching.







I want to crunch them.


And, the only stinkin' picture I got of the whole show.  They had a no photo policy, but I had to give my camera at least one sneaky snap. 

wow. it was so worth it! :/

He was hilarious!!  I don't think I stopped smiling or laughing the whole hour and a half.


A couple of my favorites...





The Mr. and I headed home after dinner with our friends.  Apologized to each other for the "high school fight" we had in The Borgata cafeteria.  Relaxed, with the much quieter nighttime road...
  And then, I smiled and laughed again while texting Jessica one more time...
As I had just caught Steve initiating the "Meow Meow Game" with Rhianna's "What's My Name"...

It was a good day. 

***

The weather has been gorgeous the past few days.  Sunny, breezy, and not so sticky icky. 
Days like these should come around more often.




I love walking and running with my mom.  It's been one of our summer routines for years.
Monday, we spent the afternoon at the track.
I taught her how to make a "doopee" - when you twist your hair into a messy, tight ball and secure it with an elastic.
And we rocked our headbands over our sweaty foreheads and snapped silly pictures.
***

We celebrated Monday night.

Happy Birthday to Kelly. <3

We rang in her 30 years over peanut butter bread pudding,
3 orders of parpadelle pasta in a pesto cream sauce,


and her sweet, sleepy, beautiful boy, 
Daxon.
He slept and held onto Jessica forever.  I had a precious view.


"Hey guys...just chillin' with the ladies."



Again - precious.







I love these chicas.
The celebrating isn't over.

***

Friday is fast approaching...our day 12 appointment.
 And I admit, part of me is pretending it's gonna be all easy and breezy. 
 But, I'm not afraid to let my feelings take over.  And, I'm sure they'll be in full effect very soon. 
I'm feeling super mega king kong activity on my right side.  I'm feeling ready...excited...full of emotions I can't deny.

But right now,
I'm takin' it easy.
<3


Tip of the day - Cook ramen noodles (meal of champions) in a pot.  Not the microwave.  And if you do use the microwave,
at least remember to add water, will ya?!
I've officially lost my mind, people.



I'll see ya in a few days.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends. <3



Easy n' Breezy Lovin',

28 comments:

Kerry said...

Hahaha on the noodles! Something I would do that's for sure :)
Oh my gosh, it has been like foreva (say that in a California type accent) since I have visited your blog!! A week feels like a month in blogland and I have missed you :(
You guys have the best friendships among you all, your playdates and get togethers always look so fun!! You have some very lucky friends that have you in their lives Maria, even if you do meow like a cat. Although, I'm with Steve, get outta the car woman!!!

Tina said...

I have to tell you...all your trips to AC have me jealous!!! It's only 4 hours away from here, but it's so hard to take time to get away. :) Anyway...I'm excited for your day 12 appointment. Praying very very very hard for this next cycle!

Jenny said...

Your trip looks like so much fun! Good luck at your appointment Friday. I hope this cycle is an easy, breezy one. Your food pics always look awesome, but seriously, those ramen look nasty ;)

Kelly @ Stay at Home Trader said...

You are HILARIOUS!!!! Omg I laughed through this entire post!!! I'm gonna have to try out the meow meow game on Alex. I bet he would have me strapped to te top of his car in two minutes! Hahahahhahahahahahahaha! Omg and road rage randy!!!! BAHAHAHAHAAHAAHAHA! Seriously, that is so funny!!! It looks like you guys had such a wonderful trip! I love the throne pix, and can't stop laughing at the photos you took. Hilarious! Happy birthday to Kelly!!!! Her little man is getting big already! He is just so cute!!! Nice work on the ramen noodles! Lmaooooooooooo! I freakin miss you! I hope you know you are in my thoughts and prayers always. Love u girl!!!! Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxox. Now....what song is this.... Meow meow meow meow meowwwww! Lollll

lovejoy_31 said...

I can only imagine John's expression if I started the Meow, Meow game. Although it is so totally something he would do to break my concentration if I am reading in the car. I literally thought our car was going to fall apart on our drive back home from Myrtle Beach (the trip he proposed on) because he was dancing so hard trying to make me pay attention to him. What he didn't realize was that there was a car load FULL of teenage girls driving past looking at him as if he had sprouted horns. LOL!!

Will continue to pray for you on Friday and this entire month. Sending you good thoughts and sticky dust. LOVE!!!

V said...

I think I need to keep notes when reading your posts lol I always think of comments as I read then I get to the end and forget everything I was going to say!
Love the pictures looks like a fun trip! I wondered about that pickle when I saw it on instagram lol
I'm also jealous of all these trips you take! Looks like so much fun always :)
My hubs has the road rage too lol it was nice that you got a warning about your game I probably would have found myself on the curb lol !!
I hope you have a nice week, just remember no matter what Friday is going to come so try to enjoy the next few days <3 <3 Thinking of you

Nicole said...

It sounds like things have been going well and I'm so happy that you and Steve had time out and fun with friends, it's so important with all the craziness of everything we go through to do those fun things and spend that time together :) Your relationship with your mom reminds me so much of the relationship I have with my mother, it's a treasure we both share.
Oh and the noodles...hilarious, it's so something I would do. Thinking of you always!

Kerstin@TheRealHousewivesofIdaho.blogspot.com said...

Girl, you crack me up with your photo ops!!!! The meow meow game sounds hilarious as well. You are more entertaining than a show! I'll be thinking of you Friday! Hugs, Kerstin

Cami said...

Jim makes me laugh..a lot! I'm glad that his humor isn't dirty!
I always love your photos..you are so playful and just so cute.
I wish I could hang out with you one day - I know it would be an absolute blast!!
I love you & your friends & your life.
Continuing to pray for you my sweet friend <3

E and R said...

Sounds like a perfect little trip! We have been making a point of taking little trips around the state and it has been great! Love the photos ops! Hope you are having a great week!!

Kiara Buechler said...

You eat the YUMMIEST food! (minus the ramen)

Atlantic City looks like so much fun, I hope to make it there someday.

Take care, I'll be thinking of you and that right ovary!

Brittany said...

1-this is one of my all time FAVORITE songs!! puts me in such a good mood!
2-the last picture of the ramen noodles had me cracking up...totally something I would do!
3-so jealous that you guys went to Atlantic City! Zach has been and I am dyyyying to go. He says it's awesome, and your pictures make me wanna go even more.
4-you always eat the BEST food!! air heads are always in our candy jar :)
5-love the picture of you and your momma...too cute. and love that you guys run/walk together...that's a special thing my mom and i enjoy together too! i know it's something you and i will share with our little girls someday too :)

hope you guys are having a fabulous week, miss maria!!!!!

Kim said...

Love the Ramen...I can totally relate! Your trip looks like it was so much fun and I love all of the pictures!

I am going to have to try the "Meow Meow Game" and see how my husband reacts to that!

Have a great rest of the week!

Ashley said...

How fun! I was just telling a friend today that I need a little weekend trip away with the hubby... even if it really is only one night. I love how much time you all make for each other.
All of the pics of food look delicious! Especially right now when I am starving and thinking of eating my third cookie!!

I hope your appointment goes well. You will be in my thoughts. :)

Oh, and the noodles.... totally something I would do!

LOVE MELISSA:) said...

You seriously have the best life surrounded by great friends and family. Your pictures always make me smile to the nth degree. I need a weekend get away badly. Looking at your pictures, I think I am going to do it now! Good luck hun at your appointment- big prayers. xoxo

Irish Carter of Dedicated 2 LIFE said...

Hey Maria,

I just love reading your fun posts. Too bad you didn't win at the casino but it sounds like you had a great time meowing. Love the triple R name you gave Steve. And oh my goodness....my daughter, Maddi and I laughed so hard when we seen the ramon noodles cuz we knew right away what happened. My son did the same thing a few months back and it took forever to get the burn smell out of the microwave. Have a great week. Talk to you soon.

Irish

waitingforarainbow said...

I cannot wait to try your meow meow game. It sounds like so much fun! I love silly car games haha, I'm sure ryan will just loooove that one. I'm so doing it on our way up north in a few weeks. Atlantic city looks like so much fun! and you look just as gorgeous as ever, us know, aside from the pickle smile haha.
Still jealous of all that exercise you get with super mom. Thats so funny that you call that "hairstyle" a "doopee" I've never known what to call it.
Happy birthday to kelly! That food looks so good. Daxon is adorable, and I couldn't help but notice those awesome bracelets you had on. I had a dream the other night that I borrowed some earrings from you lol!!!
Did the sleepy time tea work? Always wanted to try it!
Have a fabulous weekend, hope friday is full of good news, can't wait to hear all about it!
Love ya,
Heather

waitingforarainbow said...

Ya* know

Olivia said...

You had me laughing a lot during this post :)

And "Road Rage Randy" totally sounds like someone I know ;)

And that tiny pickle is freakishly tiny! lol...

And your "meow meow" game is hilarious. When my nieces last stayed with me I did this whole talking in cat language that consisted of mostly meowing... and Joel didn't really like it, ha! We are alike in the strangest ways :)

Hope you have an amazing weekend chicka!!

Leia Marie said...

Hi Maria, new follower here from blog hop! Lovin' the "meow meow" game. My hubs is gonna be ticked when I try that out out on him the next road trip! He is already sick of me doing "the license plate" game! Looking forward to reading more of your posts! Stop by if you have a chance :) http://scatterbrainedlife.blogspot.com/

Angela said...

I LOVE Jim Gaffigan!! Sounds like so much fun!
I found you on the blog hop, and have spent the last hour browsing your blog. I've laughed, cried, and have been inspired. Thanks for being so honest and open, and sharing your crazy awesome life with us!
~Angela
http://www.theharmonbabyfarm.blogspot.com/

M said...

You are hilarious, girl! The pickle picture...and the raman noodles..LOL!

And the meow meow game...I do that sometimes...with just random words...or sometimes with my dog's name (Sam) :) He loves it because he knows I'm talking about him!

Thinking of you so much today! Good luck at your appointment...hopefully your little follies are growing nice and big :-)

Michelle <3

Jessica White said...

You guys are awesome! lol Love it!

Heather said...

Can I go on a road trip with you? Sounds like it would be super fun and entertaining :). What a fun little road trip. Love Jim Gaffigan.

Thinking of you today and praying fora good report!!!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Looks like lots of fun times! Love that you and your mom take time to exercise together too. Love the bright curly-q glass light! And what a sweet little boy your friend has.

Stopping by through Blog Hop Til You Drop!
Would love for you to stop by, when you do, please let me know. I am following you and hope to see ya at my place :o)

Blessings & Aloha!
Our younger daughter just got married, so we've been in and out of town....and now getting some blog visiting caught up. You can see some of her wedding on this post: Details

Unknown said...

Wow! Such beautiful pictures Maria! I am glad you are able to have some good times and oh how I love your headlines. This one says "Take It Easy." I need to remember that when I allow myself to get worked up. My internet service has been giving me a lot of stress!:) You certainly made me laugh when I thought of your "Meow Meow Game!" Happy Belated Birthday to your friend Kelly. I wish you and Steve a wonderful weekend and of course my thoughts and prayers are with you always hoping that everything works out fine this time. Keep the faith and lots of love, friendship and best wishes to you always.
Judy

Stephanie said...

Ahh, I have TWO posts of yours to catch up on! -- WOW :)

Atlantic City looks like it was FUN. Can I just say that I love that you are a fellow candy-eater-in-the-care kind of girl? Jake always makes fun of me and tells me that I'm 5. I say he doesn't know what he's missing!

I'm glad you had a few fun filled days! I love all of the picture... and Kelly's baby boy -- you're right PRECIOUS!!!!! :)

...and the Ramen noodles. HI-larious! :)

Cami said...

I love Jim Gaffigan :) I think he's great..I love that he isn't "raunchy" and dirty!

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