What's Goin' On? Check out below

6.25.2009

What a Sad Day

This morning as I got ready for Day 2 of Summer School, I flipped on the TV to hear of Farrah Fawcett's passing. I couldn't necessarily call myself a fan because I only know bits and pieces of her career. It seems, from the footage, I've seen this evening that she was a pretty classy lady who took life's stumbles in stride. Her fight to live her life to the fullest, even in the face of her illness, is inspiring.


Although I was not an uber-Farrah Fawcett fan, it's always sad to hear of the loss of someone so young. On the way to Summer School, I listened as Dave & Carole recounted her achievements. As I drove, the loss was compounded by another.

Now, you may be thinking...who? Since it was 6:30 in the morning, the King of Pop's death had not even happened. No, it was right in front of me. LITERALLY.


§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§


I hit, and am pretty sure killed, a chipmunk*. Now, keep in mind it was 6:30 a.m. The day hadn't started in the most ideal fashion. I spent about 45 minutes running to the porcelain god between 3-4:30 this morning, dry heaving. I hate, hate, hate (I realize it's a strong word...) the heat. I was focusing on the fact that Summer School is a way different dynamo than school and that there are some interesting personalities among the faculty.

AND then this.......... I took the life of an innocent little chipmunk. I know that many people think of them as pesky rodents, but I personally think they are sweet.

*This is not an actual picture

Sorry, little guy.

So, after a hot day with kiddos who would rather be situated in the wading pool than in an non-air-conditioned classroom, I headed home exhausted. My damage from the morning was still evident on the road...making me relive the whole incident. Sad.

Upon arriving home, I realized I had some Netflix movies that have been sitting on my TV stand for about a week. With the temperature reaching DISGUSTING ºF, I decided to chill in my room for a bit. I popped in the movie (subtitled, which can be a tad difficult to follow when you are delirious) and couldn't keep my eyes open for most of it. I finally turned it off and gave in to a little nap. It was much needed!

I finished the movie, after sending it back to the section in which I started to fall asleep. I finished that and then decided to hop on Facebook to check out what was new. As I scrolled through there were all of these updates with Michael Jackson references. I didn't understand until I landed on a status that said "RIP MJ".

WHAT?!?!? The King of Pop...gone? Wow. 50 years old. It's crazy. He's been entertaining for 41 of his 50-years. I always liked his music and definitely feel that the music world has lost a pioneer in the industry. So sad.

Photos courtesy of :

http://beattrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/michael_jackson.jpg
http://redriverautographs.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/farrah-fawcett-70s.jpg
http://messersmith.name/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/chipmunk_img_0220.jpg

6.24.2009

I'm Melting

Yes, please! I need one of those fountains!


܍܍܍܍܍܍܍

Dear Mother Nature,

I am not your biggest fan today. Not only is my hair able to go from flat to an afro within 2.2 seconds of leaving my house; but, the summer school has no air conditioning. Really? Do you think kids are ready to learn in that environment???
Please remedy this as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Melting Mandy

COME ON...this weather is disgusting. Am I right? This just reaffirms my love for Autumn. Ah, Fall. I can't wait!



Top picture courtesy: http://blog.silive.com/weather/2008/06/0802061402_M_080206_heat_wave21.jpg

6.21.2009

Happy Father's Day!

I ♥ you, Dad!

Happy Father's Day to all of the amazing dads out there!


6.20.2009

S.W.A.K.

So, I'm of course way behind on blogging...however, BIG NEWS. I just sealed the envelope that houses my LAST car payment! Ruby is officially mine.

*sigh*

6.14.2009

Lawrence Welk - Part Two

Earlier in my blogger lifetime I had posted a Lawrence Welk skit from SNL. Here is another one that has Will Ferrell thrown in the mix. Kristen Wiig is HILARIOUS!!! Enjoy!

6.09.2009

The Domes - Part 3

The final dome was the Tropical Dome. It was filled with colorful flowers and lush greenery. Next photo op will be at The Boerner Botanical Gardens. Enjoy these for now!!










6.08.2009

The Domes - Part 2

Welcome to the desert environment. It was amazing to see the many different cactus types. Some were enormous and others teeny. Some donned prickly needles and others were adorned with beautiful desert flowers.












Let me finish this up with one of the songs this environment reminded me of as I walked through it. Cactus Tree by Joni Mitchell. It's heartwrenching, a tad haunting, yet lovely. Close your eyes and listen. This is a live version. It's missing some of the harmonies that make this even more beautiful than this one. However, this will do for now! When you are done listening, repeat the process...


6.07.2009

The Domes - Part 1

Memorial Day weekend has obviously come and gone...I'm a little behind on my blogging, I admit. I met up with my friend Kate at The Domes to take in some gorgeous flowers while honing my newest hobby -- photography. There are three environments: the floral show, arid, and tropical. I can't really say that I was drawn more to one than another. They all had some amazing flowers. Anyhow, here is the first batch of pics for you from the Floral Show dome. Enjoy!