Embarrassing Moments

Remember the popularity of the water parks in the 80's? One sizzling hot day we drove our boys up to Federal Way to cool off at the water park. It was our first experience and we wanted to try everything. The guys talked me in to joining them on the Python Bonzai Giant Waterslide. Having issues with anything claustrophobic I timidly agreed. There were opportunities along the way to turn back ... but I wanted to share the experience with my family. At racing speeds I was hurled through tubes ... up, down, spiraled around and around. It was so disorienting and feelings of vertigo were surfacing in my brain. I was relieved when I finally hit the pool at the end of the ride. HOWEVER ... I could not determine if I was swimming up or down. I couldn't get my bearings and I was a bit panicked. Much to my surprise I heard a lifeguard saying, "Stand Up!" I was in four feet of water. A little EMBARRASSING! Oh, well ... one of those family memories that surfaces every so often around the dinner table. Every time I think about it I laugh ... and "laughter doeth good like medicine."

Memories In Music

Have you ever been out shopping and while contemplating a purchase, overhead music fills the room and your mind ... triggering a memory from the past? That is exactly what happened while shopping Saturday afternoon.
The song, "Stayin' Alive" (BeeGees) from Saturday Night Fever filled the air and I was instantly transported back to my 10-year class reunion. For many attending the "blast from the past" it was the first time our class had been together since graduation. I remember the live music was so loud you couldn't carry on a conversation. Many escaped to the hallways to catch up with old friends and classmates. I sat down at a table with some friends ... wearing heels was not a common practice and my feet were killing me. Walt was out in the hallway ... talking.
I wasn't paying too much attention because I didn't ever really know the guy ... but in walks a John Travolta clone a.k.a Jerry. Yes ... white pants, shirt unbuttoned ... classic 80's disco. He entered the room as if his presence made the party just begin. I had my back to him so I didn't see it coming ... he grabs my hand and whips me out on the dance floor ... those heels could hardly keep up. I was in shock and discovered we were the only ones on the dance floor. YIKES! I remember Chris Myers laughing hysterically and grabbing Walt from the hallway. Cameras were flashing ... one of life's embarrassing moments.
It's funny how one song can trigger so many memories. Have you ever listened to a song that brought you right back to a memory in your past? I would love to hear your stories!

Real Deals

What a beautiful day ... felt like spring. It was nice to be out and about in the sunshine.
Last October while vacationing in Sunriver the Groupon of the day was irresistible. I had experienced a shopping adventure at Real Deals with Donna last spring vacation so I knew buying a $12 Groupon worth $25 was truly a great deal.
With the beautiful weather today I ventured over to the Oregon City store. They are only open on Thursdays and Saturdays. I spent about an hour trying to take in everything. I think I circled the store a dozen times. Each time around I discovered something I hadn't noticed before. Not everything in the store is my style but I never leave empty-handed or disappointed.
The picture shows my Groupon purchase and I only added an extra $2.70. I was delighted because everything reminded me ... spring is coming! I am looking forward to bulbs shooting up, the smell of freshly mowed grass and setting up the deck for relaxing times outside.
Anybody else experience spring fever today?

Angry Birds

"The survival of the Angry Birds is at stake. Dish out revenge on the green pigs who stole the Birds’ eggs. Use the unique destructive powers of the Angry Birds to lay waste to the pigs’ fortified castles. Angry Birds features hours of gameplay, challenging physics-based castle demolition, and lots of replay value. Each of the 120 levels requires logic, skill, and brute force to crush the enemy." -from Rovio.com
Who would have thought?!?! Walt put this app on my iPhone last weekend and I am ADDICTED. Right now I am working at level 5-4. I usually prefer games like Rummikub, Scrabble etc. BUT this one has me hooked. I like having different levels to conquer and problem-solving a win. Another fun advantage -- Walt is playing on his phone too so we are having a little competitive fun!

Bellissimo

Ahhhh ... Venice ... How I miss thee! The walls in our recently updated bedroom are screaming for some artwork and what better resource than the 2,400 photo choices from our trip to Italy. Here's one I "tweaked" in Photoshop. Can't think of a better view to wake up to each morning. Bellissimo!

Windows and Doors of Italy

Windows and Doors of Italy ... they are real eye-catchers. There are so many different sizes, shapes, colors, flowers and greenery, shutters, etc. We wanted to capture the beauty in film and found ourselves clicking away, filling our camera's memory card with photos we could treasure when we returned home.
Even though this photo was bright and very colorful I wanted a little subdued version to hang in our bedroom "photo gallery." While exploring Effects in Photoshop Elements I found the following combination very pleasing: Colorful Center, turning down the brightness and selecting Greenery in the Hue and Saturation setting. Walt likes the "before" photo better but this is much more interesting side by side with the Venice photo in the next post.
I wish I had more time to work on photos, put an album together and blog about our trip but that will have to wait for spring break ... working full-time pretty much wipes out my creative energy!