In the Arms of an Angel

Day: Two Hundred and Seventy Two

Photo taken on Saturday, April 30, 2011 in our shared (with Mike and Jenn) Embassy Suites room in Linthicum, MD at 1136pm.

I never know what to say in these sort of situations. For someone who loves words, they seem to be lost on me when it is time to comfort others. I just don't know how to make it better so sometimes all I can do is sit with you and listen or rub your back and cry with you.

This has been a tough couple of weeks for the Reed family. Unfortunately, one of their liveliest and wittiest members had been in a coma since having a heart attack. Last night, I drive down to Baltimore with Steve, Jenn, and Mike so we can all say goodbye to Uncle Bill. I just want to be there for everyone and listen to stories and celebrate a life that still had so many good years left. The whole situation is unfair and I just don't get why it had to happen to someone like him. All I can do is be present and share in the love of this family. I wish I could take away the hurt and have answers but I don't have that kind of power.

What I can do is remember my conversations I had with him and the funny things he would leave underneath my Facebook status messages. I remember his smile the most because every time he talked to me, that's what he was doing, smiling. Steve has many Uncle Bill traits so I know his spirit will live on through his nephew and everyone else he touched throughout his life.

May he rest in peace.

Well Hello!

Day: Two Hundred and Seventy One

Photo taken on Friday, April 29, 2011 in my office at 202pm. (I'm pictured with royalty: Monica and Valerie)

Today we are celebrating a lot of things at The Surge: the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton, Administration Day, and seven April birthdays. It is very hard to concentrate knowing that the amazing Italian food is on the way from Mimi's Pizza Kitchen on Lexington. I am making an exception to my rule of not eating at work today and I think that is totally justified.

Not only are we getting a luncheon in for Admin Day, Bossdad gives each of us a beautiful orchid and a gift card to Bloomies! Not bad! Not bad at all!

And what are birthdays without a cake or two or three from the Two Little Red Hens? Happy birthday to all my coworkers this month!

You're probably wondering how I could ever complain about working here? After writing this, I'm wondering too.

"Water go down the hole."

Day: Two Hundred and Seventy

Photo taken on Thursday, April 28, 2011 in the downstairs bathroom at 705pm.

Hell yeah this is how you flush my toilet! How cool is this contraption?! So far anyone who has come for a visit to the new digs has reached in and flushed it just to flush it.

Poohing has never been so much fun!

Tazo Tea

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty Nine

Photo taken on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 in the medical records room at 825am.

Steve has turned me on to a "grown up" drink at Starbucks. Instead of the usual hot chocolate, I now like a tall soy chai. I am proud of myself for trying a different beverage though Bossdad doesn't feel very manly ordering my new drink of choice.

Back to the Grind

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty Eight

Photo taken on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at my desk in The Surge at 211pm.

In order to keep the bloating and pain at bay, I have been drinking my meals while at The Surge and just eating dinner once I am home. So far it has been working very nicely and normally I would feel like I am starving but I am so busy with my workload that I don't even notice that lunch time was two hours ago.

Though my stomach does not like this at all today. After four days of eating like a queen down in Virginia, it is growling at me. My stomach is like, "WTF?! Where's the awesome food?!"

Later Taters!

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty Seven

Photo taken on Monday, April 25, 2011 in front of the TDM mudroom door at 202pm. (Pictured hands from left: Steve, me, and Charlie. Pictured on the stoop from left: Moma, Grandma Z., Kimberly, Preston, and Daddio)

I hate saying goodbye.

It really is no fun at all. I don't like the finality of it; it creeps me out sometimes because I know I will be seeing everyone again so why do I have to say it? I usually settle for some version of "see you later" because it sounds better.

But then if someone wishes me a "safe flight" I HAVE to say, "Tell that to the pilot!" What started as a joke has turned into a compulsion and I will seriously freak out if I accidently say, "Have a safe flight!" and they don't return the punchline. One time I called Moma back in a panic right before she shut down her phone before boarding. I have chased Bossdad down the hallway to make sure he says it though he has come up with his own version of tell-that-to-the-pilot. Dad says, "Make sure he doesn't drop me in the Hudson." That sounds reasonable.

So don't take it personally if I drop you at the airport and I don't wish your flight to be safe. I really do want you to be safe but if you don't say the infamous line, I might end up chasing you through security. And then I'll get arrested.

We Gather Together

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty Six

Photo taken on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 in the dining room of the TDM right before dessert at 801pm. (Pictured from left: Kelly, Grandma Z., Daddio, John, Steve, Preston, Kimberly and her deisel arm, Moma, me, and Alec)

I find holidays are best when it is "the more the merrier". Back when we lived in Greenlawn, once the main course was cleared away our parents opened up their home to all of our friends for dessert. Moma has a habit of making two dishes per person so we have always needed the extra bodies to help us consume all of the delicious treats. Today we are blessed to have Kelly, John, and Alec join us for the whole day of food and great laughs. It has been a fantastic Easter and I look forward to more holidays spent like this with family and friends because it is important to celebrate with the ones you love. Plus they are the ones that will not judge you no matter how many desserts you put on your plate.

Also, when I help clean up at the end of the night I insist upon Sharking the floor only to end up breaking the Shark into two pieces. Luckily, I have made it Preston-sized and he loves his new vacuum very much.

The Egg and I

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty Five

Photo taken on Saturday, April 23, 2011 in the kitchen of the TDM at 235pm. (The dyers: Steve, Moma, Kimberly, Preston, Grandma Z., and I)

What is Easter without eggs? Or Jesus? Or a Jesus egg?

Pretty much Preston runs the show; we just make sure the eggs find their way back into the container so they don't drop dye all over the table or crack open. It's just interesting how when the task is all complete, he has to arrange them in color order. There are six colors-two eggs of each-and he lines them up in Roy G. Biv fashion, then decides to line them up in pairs after scrutinizing them for awhile. I observe Preston doing this and I proudly nod my head at his compulsive ordering.

He's definitely my nephew.

Mi Familia

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty Four

Photo taken on Friday, April 22, 2011 in the library of the TDM at 348pm. (Pictured left to right: Steve, Charlie, Preston, Moma, and I)

Preston is currently trying on part of his costume for the Q&U Wedding that his school puts on annually (I don't want you to think he normally wears light bulbs on his head). Kim claims she isn't very creative when it comes to crafting but I know for a fact she is: Kim used to write and draw her own children's books that she would then read to Pher and I. They were very cute and I hope she still has all of them. So don't believe her when she knocks herself because she also glued that heavy bulb to the hat and it stayed in place!

It is definitely fun to go to Michaels with the family in order to come up with an "L" themed costume for the Little Man. It is also fun when on the way out of the store he realizes he has put down his toy train but cannot remember where exactly. We all split up and luckily Preston reclaims his toy within a few minutes of searching. Once we head back, we work on the props together in the kitchen and I think the project turns out to be a success! If you would like to check out the cuteness of the union of Q&U, Kim has BLOGged about it here.

Chim-pan-zee

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty Three

Photo taken on Thursday, April 21, 2011 in LaGuardia Airport's US Airways terminal at 1028pm. (Pictured: Me, Charlie, and Steve. We are doing Charlie's infamous monkey face...as well as the accompanying sounds that monkeys make.)

Our flight down to Richmond keeps getting pushed back for unknown reasons but we make the best of it by grabbing dinner at the Blue Point Bar & Grill before coming here and parking in the wrong more expensive lot, moving to the less expensive (but still expensive) lot, and getting through security which only consists of us and two TSA agents. Charlie has not flown in awhile so he goes to just walk through the metal detector with shoes on and everything still lining his pockets. I call out to him, scold him, and tell him what to do which one of the agents finds hilarious and asks if they want me detained so they can travel without me. The boys then proceed to leave me with ALL the bags so they can joke around with the agent as I'm fumbling to get everything on the belt, then off it, then back in order. What chivalry.

Goodbye My Lover

Day: Two hundred and Sixty Two

Photo taken on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 right outside of the entrance to Avalon Commons at 945pm.

This is the last time we will ever be here. We have officially moved out of Apartment 311, scrubbing it top to bottom tonight, making sure the carpets are pristine and the countertops gleaming (very unlike how we received it when we moved in). Despite my sneer, I am going to miss this place; it's just that how Avalon went about kicking us out that's the problem here. We would have stayed even though our neighbors are crazy and the commute is reGoddamndiculous but $2587 for a two bedroom? That rent is just too damn high.

So as Sai makes his way out of the complex, we're sad. We had a lot of fun entertaining everyone in the spacious living room and we are definitely going to miss the Nerf gun wars from the loft Maeve always started when she came over. We are, however, looking forward to hosting in our new home...if we ever get a spare moment to unpack.

The Midnight Society

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty One

Photo taken on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 in my hotel room of Homewood Suites in Wallingford, CT at 11pm.

Not a fan of "the dark". Most of my childhood, night is pierced by a little light shining from the wall socket at the foot of my bed. My defense for undead intruders in the witching hour is pulling up my bed sheet so it covers my ear (also effective for keeping creepy crawlers from going in there). Closets are left open therefore nothing can materialize in there if it is empty before lights out. Squeezing my eyes shut is a great method for hiding from the night as well; if you can't see it then it's not really happening is it?

But I don't have to worry about these things anymore. I have Steve. He keeps the ghosts from haunting me, the spiders away from my ear, and the bloody man inside the closet inside the closet. Even though he's sleeping next to me like a rock, he's protecting me from my fears.

But tonight Steve is a state away and I have to face the darkness on my own. I have gotten used to sleeping next to him, feeling so unbelievably safe and comfortable, being able to reach out at any moment and feel him lying next to me that nights like this leave me edgy and restless. So to create the facade of Steve, I stack extra pillows to my right and cuddle up to them the minute I hit the lights. They're not grumpy in the morning and they definitely don't roll on top of me in the middle of the night but they do for now. And I'm sure back in our home, Steve has a barricade of extra pillows by him too. Whether he admits it or not, I bet he misses my nighttime verbal diarrhea and my Charley Horses that scare him out of a sound sleep and my pee breaks at 2 in the morning and one of my appendages touching him at all times and the dreams that make me jolt awake and my alarm that I forget to turn off when I get up at 5.

Yeah, there is no way Steve is getting a good night's sleep right now.

Born To Run

Day: Two Hundred and Sixty

Photo taken on Monday, April 18, 2011 on Clarendon Street in Boston, MA at 332pm. (Pictured: Me, Jamie, and Allan)

I HAVE COMPLETED MY FIRST MARATHON!

And I could not have done it without out the help and drive of the two I am pictured with.

When Allan and Robyn first toss out the idea of me running as Jamie's second coach, I figure, well why not? I don't have a race planned for that day. Besides, when could I ever qualify for the Boston Marathon? I think my age group has to run it in under lightening speed or something equal to that and everyone knows I'm a turtle compared to other women in my category. They ask if I am interested in doing half of it and I quickly agree but once I start training and make it through that first long run of 17 miles, I am hooked. I am in it for the long haul (that and Allan has taken advantage of the mileage to talk me into it, which honestly he had me at, "what's another 10k after these 19 miles, right?").

So once it is established, I make sure Maeve is going to be around for her birthday weekend and what psyches me up for the event even more is that she wants to take Patriot's Day off and be my cheering section! I am floored! I am so looking forward to having a mini fan club at the biggest race I will probably ever run. Steve even takes a day off without pay because he doesn't want to miss me crossing the line for my first 26.2 miler.

Though I almost don't cross...

Everything starts out wonderful but also very cold. I am glad I make the decision to wear my snowman pj bottoms as throw-away clothes (clothes that you discard before a big race that are then scooped up and donated) because it is windy when waiting for the busses to get us at 5 in the morning. The three of us, plus Alie and his three coaches (Randy, James, and Stephen) get on the slightly warmer bus for a ride that feels way more than 26.2 miles.

I am so stoked when we reach Athletes Village and as I clamber off the bus and see all these runners the nerves start to set in. I start wondering if I have enough body glide on and if I'll be able to hit the bathroom before we start in two hours and if I made a big mistake taking on this challenge.

On the trek to the starting line and the other smaller version of the Athlete's Village, I come across a family that has a whole station of first aid stuff set up for free. I am astounded at the generosity of giving out Band-Aids and what not to strangers you don't even know. They even let me crack open a jar of Vaseline and I thank them profusely as I run to catch up with my party. It is the one of the many many MANY fans that have tables like this set up for the runners and the amount of food and beverages that are passed out along the way is great. (But I don't know this yet when we line up with several other runners that get to start an hour before the first heat.)

We witness the great spirit of the Boston by ourselves for the first 8 miles. The only people to pass us so far are the wheelchair runners who are absolutely amazing so all the cheers have pretty much been directed at us as we pass. One particular bar is already half in the bag but call out to the three of us as we pass and Jamie is loving the attention. He's smiling and laughing and we're just cruising and enjoying the gorgeous day.

Then the elite women pass us and they are a sight of beauty. The lead runner has a stride three times the size of mine and the pack that passes right after her have seriously no fat on their bodies so I can see the muscles working and it's fascinating. Two miles later it's the elite men with Ryan Hall in the lead and then it hits us a little bit later...the massive wall of EVERYONE ELSE. It's definitely nerve wracking and I worry I'll lose sight of Jamie so I stick to him like glue. I'm thinking if I run another marathon as his guide I should definitely put a "guide" sign on my back as well to maybe ward of the people who have squeezed in between us already.

By Mile 15 I'm aching a bit. As Allan and Jamie take a bathroom break I shoot off a text to Steve and my dad that I'm in pain. They cheer me on and Maeve sends me a text telling me where they'll be at the end. By Mile 18 I start to cry. The excruciating pain radiating from my right hip is just wearing me down. I've tried to compensate by favoring my left leg but it's not working. My body is giving out but Allan is hearing none of that. He's pulling out all the stops to convince me to keep going and I feel so incredibly guilty that I'm slowing them down because Jamie has hit a good rhythm and I don't want to mess that up for him. Allan gives me an Advil and tells me to run another mile and then we'll discuss me quitting.

Keep in mind we're in Newton right now, the four mile stretch of straight hills, the hardest four miles I will ever run in my career. On my way to Mile 19 a girl hands me a homemade brownie and it's delicious and I am thankful for it since I haven't eaten a thing since 730. But when it comes to discuss my quitting at mile 19, I am nausceous on top of being in pain. Allan goes into his Spibelt which is doubling as a pharmacy at the moment because he pulls out two ginger candies to help. "Let's get through Heartbreak Hill then we'll figure out what to do."

But as I reach the top of Heartbreak Hill, there's nothing to figure out. I am feeling fantastic! Better than I have felt all day! My second wind carries me through the last 10k with ease and I am pain-free when I round the final corner and see the finish up ahead. I am overcome with emotion and think that when I spot my fan club that I will dissolve into a teary mess though when I reach Lord and Taylor I hear her and instead of tears I smile.

There's Maeve, blonde hair and big sunglasses waving enthusiastically at me, holding up her pink phone to snap my picture. I am so happy I end up going faster and I don't catch Steve but I see Robyn, Randy, and Alie in the stands, cheering for us as we cross at 6:01:45.

This is such a fantastic experience and I consider myself so lucky that I am asked to partake in Jamie's first Boston Marathon (I am sure the twins will do it again in the near future!).

Thank you to Robyn and Allan for including me in their training and for letting me be a part of something really awesome! Thank you everyone for all the well wishes and good lucks throughout my month of training and on the big day. And giant hugs to Maeve and Steve-O who help me celebrate with fatty food and good beer directly after being healthy for 6 hours. Much love to all!

^_\

True Story

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty Nine

Photo taken on Sunday, April 17, 2011 in front of the Christian Science building in Boston, MA at 901pm. (Pictured: Me, Maeve, and Steve)

Allan told me I should be in bed by 9 tonight to be fresh for the Boston Marathon in the morning but I just can't help squeezing in every last possible second with my BFF!!! I am totally bummed that I miss out on her birthday activities last night because my schedule with moving, work, and the Con interfere at the last minute so Steve and I make sure to take her out for some fun times tonight. We let her pick the restaurant but she chooses Cheesecake Factory so I can find something bland enough to eat (she's too thoughtful even when it comes to her birthday dinner!). As I longingly watch her marsala disappear I suck down what I thought was a bowl of white cheddar broccoli soup (which is very scrumptious) but is informed by the waitress halfway through that someone brought me a cup of soup. There is no way that's a cup! It is bigger than a "soup mug"! No wonder Americans struggle with their weight.

After being thoroughly fed, we exit happily with our cheesecake "to go" and make the trek back to Maeve's cool new digs (which is seriously down the block from her old place). It is such a nice night out and the walk calms my nerves, that is until I start stressing out before bed. I feel terrible that I'm getting anxious and that I'm complaining and worrying over my quickly expanding tummy. Steve and Maeve tell me everything is going to work out and I climb into the comfy air mattress and before I know it I'm out for the count. I must have been on the brink of sleep for days and just needed some peace of mind. I think the night walk and lots of laughs at dinner definitely do the trick. That and spending quality time with one of my favorite people ever!

^_\

Pirates vs. Ninjas

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty Eight

Photo taken on Saturday, April 16, 2011 on the Vendor Floor of ICon in Stonybrook, NY at 221pm.

Everybody, meet the genius behind the Fullmetal Alchemist paintings and the other artwork adorning our walls: Nigel Sade.

He. Is. Awesome.

We end up spending a lot of time in his booth today, chatting and chilling, we even watch over his spot as he takes a bathroom break. I am so excited to introduce Heather and Jon to him as we all continue talking about superheroes and manga. Steve then finds two new pieces as we converse, points to them, and tells me he wants them. I look over to find Nigel's interpretation of the Autobots and the Decepticons and a few minutes later we own these two as well. Steve thinks we should open our home as a Nigel Sade Museum which Nigel is totally cool with. We won't charge admission but you will have to pay homage by being barefoot and donning a bandana.

L Lawliet

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty Seven

Photo taken on Friday, April 15, 2011 in the new (but empty) Manga Dining Room at 1159pm.

I come so close today! I didn't even realize it when I throw on Steve's Yankee thermal and a pair of baggy Dickney jeans and then paired with the dark circles under my eyes...

I almost COSPLAY at a Con this evening!

I have been threatening Steve for years now but tonight after ripping this place apart trying to find his ticket to ICon we get to Stony Brook too late to get inside and he is saved from total embarrassment. Right now, I totally look like L from Death Note and he would have had to deal with people staring, most of them thinking, "She's not barefoot or emaciated enough."

But hell, I'm definitely smart enough...give or take a few points.

Home Entertainment

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty Six

Photo taken on Thursday, April 14, 2011 in the living room at 925pm.

Pher had done this in college and I thought it to be totally cool. Steve and I are doing it now, years later, and it is something real adults shouldn't be doing:

Makeshift stadium seating in your living room.

Where else can we put our counter stools now that we have no counter?

Mead

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty Five

Photo taken on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 inside The Good Life in Massapequa, NY at 811pm. (Pictured counterclockwise from myself: Mike, Jenn checking out Steve's antics, and Steve about to swat an unsuspecting Mike. Poor Mike. He's just trying to read the paper.)

I am not sure how I have never found myself seated at the bar here because they have a real beer selection. There is not a Budweiser or Miller product to be found! Now that's what I'm talking about! Jenn and Mike suggest this place so since I have never heard of it, Mike tells me to check out the website. I text him about two seconds later saying I'm sold. Any restaurant that shows a burger and an ice cold beer as the homepage picture has my vote!

And when your beer comes in its own special glass you know it's love at first sight.

We'll definitely be frequenting this establish on regular basis from now on.

The Groovy Smoothie

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty Four

Photo taken on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 on 86th and Madison in New York, NY at 1248pm.

I love Jamba Juice. I am first introduced to it out in Boulder (it is such a Boulder thing) and back then they had a Pina Colada smoothie which I always bought but now I have a new favorite: Bright-Eyed Blueberry.

Cassandra likes when I order this particular beverage because for some reason, whenever I say the name of this delicious smoothie both my eyebrows shoot up. I know when I get back inside the Surge she's going to make me say it and she'll laugh and I guess on a gloomy day like this, we could all use a little sunshine in a cup.

Accidents Happen

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty Three

Photo taken on Monday, April 11, 2011 at my desk in the Surge at 706am.

I can't get into the details on the internet but I am asking for your thoughts and prayers for one of Steve's friends, "H", who just moments ago was seriously injured. If it wasn't for the quick thinking of those surrounding him, he would be in critical condition. Luckily, he is in good hands but has a long road to recovery in front of him.

"H" I am praying that you will be feeling better as soon as possible!

Random Strangers with a Fork

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty Two

Photo taken on Sunday, April 10, 2011 inside Pancho Villa in Huntington Village, NY at 923pm. (Pictured: my big ass head that is blocking Steve, then Heather the stranger, and Justin)

Justin thinks it looks like just him and I are having dinner and then some strangers got in the picture in the background.

The move continues so being that we are on the north shore to grab another truck load, we accept a dinner invitation with this lovely couple. I like going to Mexican restaurants because you get a free app (obviously chips and salsa) and then they refill it too when you gobble it up quickly. While we are munching on free food, the conversation takes weird and hilarious turns which every dinner conversation should be required to do. Last night four of us came up with a new Olympic sport called Suds-Rolling and tonight we start thinking up how to do this strange new sport and what the rules should be. I have a feeling that in a few months you are going to see a selfer of us engaging in Suds-Rolling in my backyard. I am sure you will be waiting with bated breath for this epic picture.

Gracias!

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty One

Photo taken on Saturday, April 9, 2011 in the back of a now empty U Haul truck in front of our building at 534pm. (These are the Second Shifters: Me, Michelle, Jenn, Mike, and Steve)

You guys are awesome. We have no idea how we could have done this move without all of your help. Next time I promise we will get movers and still feed you because our furniture is too damn heavy to lift ourselves anymore. I think we own too many "grown up" pieces and holy moley we have a ton of crap!

I would like to individually thank you all so I'll start with the folks in the picture above:

Mike: I am so grateful that you kept pushing the time you were supposed to leave back until we got every last box inside the new place. I have never seen those leather couches move so efficiently through doorways EVER! You were so helpful and fast paced you were like a blur up those stairs. I cannot thank you enough for keeping such a strong grip on that damn armoire and not letting it fall on my head! Many thanks!

Jenn: Your endurance for the day amazes me. Even though you went through a rigorous kickboxing work out, you still came over to help! You powered through your ankle hurting and I appreciate everything you did for us. Thank you for getting all those drawers into the proper place for me! I know you guys moved as well last month so I am grateful you helped us today though you probably don't want to see another box for awhile. Thanks for letting me borrow those freezer bags too!

Michelle: I am glad you shot me texts throughout the day to offer help; that meant a lot to me. The fact that you were moving things in today at your own new place and still made time for the Reabs was awesome. Kabuto thanks you as well for safely getting him from the loft in Smithtown to the dining room in Copiague!

I totally dropped the ball on getting a picture with the First Shifters so I yanked some pics of them offline so I hope yall don't mind:

Jeanette: I have never seen anyone react to moving quite like you did and I absolutely loved that! You came in with such a go-getter and positive attitude it made the morning a lot of fun. I enjoyed the tunes you brought along (especially Justin Beiber) as we wrapped all the breakables still hanging around the house. You were an amazing help and the things you lifted by yourself!?! You are truly a master! Thank you so much for being there!

Paul: When I was freaking out about the time and the fact that the truck was hardly full you reached over and patted my back and told me it was going to be okay. In that moment, I felt so much better because it restored my positive energy and we forged ahead. You were just coming off a night shift of lifting heavy things and you still came out to help us move! I cannot even imagine how tired you were but being there for us means the world to me. And thanks a million for setting up the TV in the new digs because I had absolutely no clue what the hell to do.

Kristen: Thank you so much for everything you did for us today! The scavenger hunt to get everything off the walls was very helpful to us and your packing skills are exemplary. I enjoyed your company and having you there lifting heavy things down all those stairs was awesome! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Chris Reed: What can I say, without you today we would have been lost. Though you have to be the quietest mover on the planet, we're all grunting and groaning and you're just peacefully carrying a piece of furniture down the stairs. Thank you muchly for getting up early on a day you could sleep in before work to help us move an entire apartment. Chris Reed, you are the man!

Again, thank you all for putting aside all those hours on a weekend for us. You are the best friends and family a person could have! We owe you more than a meal and our gratitude so whenever you need us, no matter how big or small, we will be happy to help you out. And I promise once the weather gets warmer there will be BBQs. Lots and lots of BBQs and I expect you guys to come, relax, not move anything, eat, drink, and be merry. Love you all and thanks again!

^_\

Ernie Douglas

Day: Two Hundred and Fifty

Photo taken on Friday, April 8, 2011 in the bedroom at 1159pm.

You can't tell because my big ass head is in the way but we are pointing at the cable box. We have only one more minute before the cable switches to our new pad and leaves us with nothing to watch here tonight. We are supposed to be looking sad but Steve is choosing not to.

When I turn the camera around to check out how it came out, Steve busts out laughing at his expression, kind of like what Preston did when I tried to take a nice one with him too. I think everyone has reached their "partaking in Katie's self portrait project" limit and is rebelling.

^_\

We could have been standing on the Great Wall of China.

Day: Two Hundred and Forty Nine

Photo taken on Thursday, April 7, 2011 in our NEW living room in Copiague, NY at 722pm.

Steve and I are sharing our first meal in our new digs. We have chosen a local Chinese place which I'm sure has a name but all the awning says is CHINESE. We haven't brought over the utensils yet but something told me to put our leftover Tai Show chopsticks in a box just in case (but I have no napkins so toilet paper will have to do). We have so many extra chopsticks probably because when we eat sushi, the place thinks there are four of us eating even though it is only us two. I am happy to find that the Chinese place has given us only three fortune cookies. I guess my pick from the "diet" menu threw them off.

And Steve scoffed at my idea the other day about bringing the bean bag chairs over? I hope you like your seat there, Steve-O!

;-P

Movin' Out

Day: Two Hundred and Forty Eight

Photo taken on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 in the dining room area (or what should be the dining room area but is a hazardous waste zone at the moment instead) at 1015pm.

Upon moving from Farmingdale to Smithtown, Mike discovers this rather large bag full of smaller plastic bags taking up residence in one of our walk-in closets. He pulls it out and Steve groans about how much he hates that I save this kind of stuff and then Mike puts it over his head and shouts, "Mammoth Bag!" He also shouts it randomly during the move, holding it up high for everyone to see and we all throw up our hands and yell back, "Mammoth Bag!" (Steve groans instead.)

Though Steve isn't groaning now that Mammoth Bag is rapidly shrinking as I use these bags in lieu of bubble-wrap for our breakables. I wonder what Mike is going to call Mammoth Bag now that it's not really mammoth anymore?

Whoopsies!

Day: Two Hundred and Forty Seven

Photo taken on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 on the 7 platform in Long Island City, NY at 519pm.

I'm an idiot.

And as I'm trying to take this picture my hand is shaking because I'm giggling like an idiot too.

Steve and I have planned a trip down to our new digs this evening to drop off some stuff (namely the two tie-dyed bean bag chairs that I have insisted are important enough to move TODAY) so I have been instructed to get on the Farmingdale train. I love this train because A) It goes out of Hunters Point therefore I skip the Penn Station hassle (B) It has three seaters so no one sits next to me and (C) I rode it for three years and even had my own "assigned seat"*.

So today, as I'm heading to the 529 LIRR train, I get wrapped up in two songs on my iPod while the 7 subway speeds underneath the East River towards my destination. I'm changing the lyrics to two particular songs so they can be tailored to my voicemail. Some of you have been privy to my voicemail but others simply stick to texting me probably to avoid my voicemail because I sing it. It's been decided that I have had my own rendition of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" for way too long so right at this moment I'm stuck between two other hits to use instead. I'm so engrossed in this process that I don't even realize we hit my stop.

And then pass it.

I don't even realize something is amiss even when we start inching out of the underground tunnel and sunshine streams across my face because I'm staring intently at my iPod. When I switch the song I look up, just in time to see people filing along a platform, waiting for an incoming train.

My incoming train.

But I don't even realize it then either. I swear to Jesus I just look out at these people and think to myself, "huh. Look at all those people at Hunters Point."

A beat.

Another beat.

Wait for it...

"Oh shit! Hunters Point!"

And that's when I start laughing out loud. And that's also when other passengers slowly start to inch away from me. And that's also when I realize I have no idea when the next stop is so I quickly shoot off a text to Steve letting him know I just may end up on the usual Smithtown train. Though somehow, through some stroke of luck, I make it back to Hunters Point with time to spare and find my assigned seat vacant and waiting.

Life is good.



*"assigned seat"- Believe it or not, there are many LIRR commuters that have become accustomed to sitting in the same seats day in and day out. It's hard to do in Penn Station because they call the train before the train shows up so then everyone pushes in at the same time, thus making it hard to get the same seat twice. But at Hunters Point the 7 train drops us off in waves so it is easy to fall into a routine of getting in the same car with the same people in the same seats.

Thunder Thighs

Day: Two Hundred and Forty Six

Photo taken on Monday, April 4, 2011 in the Surge bathroom at 309pm.

Moma wanted me to come down this past weekend to run the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k and once I find out you are allowed to participate while wearing a costume I am so totally in. As I put my “Dark Angel” garb in my carry-on Thursday night, I search the apartment for my body glide but it appears the stick has disappeared during the slow-going process of packing up the apartment. I give up after awhile thinking, “it’s just a 10k, how bad can the chaffing between my thighs get?”

Bad actually. Very very bad.

By mile four my stride shortens considerably so the stinging lessens a bit but when I finish, I’m walking like I’ve ridden a horse (or a cowboy) for 15 hours straight. When I hit the showers I am momentarily breathless as the water runs over the raw flesh but luckily it has scabbed over two days later and I can wear jeans comfortably again.

I have to splice the pictures today because trying to get a shot of both my thighs at once looks very pornographic. Even though I am wearing underwear and everything is adequately covered, I still feel it looks like an amateur crotch shot. Plus my underwear selection for today is bordering on embarrassing with its stripes and little pink bows.

Food

Day: Two Hundred and Forty Five

Photo taken on Sunday, April 3, 2011 while checking up on Kim's progress with the peppers and onions in the TDM kitchen at 632pm.

I think my family is getting sick of taking me to Yamato so tonight we have decided to cook a meal though I'm not cooking because I have the "hard" task of keeping Preston occupied. It is so daunting to have to play while everyone else works so hard in the kitchen and also at the grill. What a horrible job I am delegated, racing cars back and forth along the patio out back. I would rather do anything else than spend time with the cutest, silliest, best nephew in the world.

Speaking of the Little Man, this weekend we have been attached at the hip but according to this video, the leg. Preston calls this game "Growth" and he thinks this is so much fun to do:

Beotch

Day: Two Hundred and Forty Four

Photo taken on Saturday, April 2, 2011 in the TDM living room at 922pm. (I am angrily pointing at Kim for "ruining" my night while Dad sits on the couch, probably not wanting to be in the picture but is anyway.)

Kim and I like Bradley Cooper. We agree he is nice to stare at though Kim finding him hot makes me wonder...

Back when I first see the Hangover, I turn to Steve and tell him he looks like Bradley Cooper. Steve probably enjoys the compliment but he shakes his head and denies the resemblance. I sense his uneasiness about being compared to a popular hottie and reassure him, "you don't look like him in the beginning. You look like him when he's hung-over and dirty." This probably doesn't make him feel any better either.

So Kim decides we are going to see his new movie Limitless tonight only when tonight roles around, she is making no move to look up show times. She finally demands that I get up and do it but even then she is hemming and hawing about going. She admits she's tired and quite frankly, I am too but I'm so used to dragging my ass I'll go see the movie anyway. The movie is at 950 and by 936 Dad decides that we're not going and in a nice way, tells us to stop the it's-up-to-you-if-you-want-to-go-I'll-go's and just watch the UConn game with them.

Before 11pm I pack it in.

I'm in bed before Moma. I'm in bed before Dad. But most of all, I'm in bed before the one who was "too tired" to go see the movie. ;P

No Laughing Matter

Day: Two Hundred and Forty Three

Photo taken on Friday, April 1, 2011 in front of the fish tank (minus the eel!) at Angelo's in Midlothian, VA at 826pm.

I heart Preston.

He is such a ham. I'd like to think he takes after his Aunt Tinka especially after I show him this picture and he laughs at the silly face he's making (it kind of reminds me of Popeye). If the fun we are having already is any indication of what's to come over the weekend, Pres and I are in for some really good times!