Sunday, May 04, 2008

The ABC's of BBQ


Today it was warm out. We took the kids to JPL for an open house where Stink and Pip got run over by a robot. Literally, they sprawled down on the floor while a rover pummeled over their small frames and they just laughed and laughed, operated by two techs young enough to be my sons.

If only I could be so submissive when the so-called boulders of life come at me. Instead of running for cover, "Dear God! It's coming for me! Duck! Run for your life!" I should really just smush face down on the earth and let it pass right over.

And so, after JPL, I tried that. When Topanga T's boyfriend called out of the blue to ask, "Interested in some beer and hanging out" I didn't say my normal, "No, I have to food shop and clean the house." I said "Yes, come on over. With a 12 pack. And yes, bring your dogs."

And so they did. Rex cranked up the stereo, Pip blessedly slept, and Stink ran abandoned his movie for the much more pleasant option of writing in chalk on the back yard patio table, in between pilfering watermelon off my lap. I mean, it was so nice to relax, I didn't even other to put it in a bowl for others. "You want some? Here's my tub o'melon and a plastic fork. Come and get it." Classy, real classy.

Later on Cecelia and Finn stopped by. They left before a fabulous meal of heated up spinach, peas and veggie burgers, but they can read about it here.
In closing, this week it's going to be about taking a breath and chilling out. Less coffee, more beer. Less chores, and more laughter.

Though I do want to finish the windows in the house. They are driving me NUTS. I'm trying to chill. I am. But it will be easier to see the world with perspective if I don't have handprints and dog licks on the first four feet of every glass surface. So sue me.

Talk to you tommorrow!

14 comments:

Jenster said...

You ALWAYS have something to say. Even if it's about drinking beer instead of coffee. LOL

His Girl said...

Every time I say, "Yah! Let's hang out!" instead of my initial reaction of: HECK NO, we have STUFF to do, I'm always happy. You just reminded me to do that more often.

by the way, you do reach your goal every time you write... you make me laugh. out loud. every time. - which is exactly what I need, and why I come here....

well, ONE of the reasons anyway ;)

Roberta said...

Sometimes the world can be better enjoyed through clean windows. I am too going to focus on chilling out this week. Sometimes, we're seem to be on the same wavelength. After two weeks of hectic parties and ceremonies, I plan to just relax, straighten up the house (I can't relax without a bit of tidyness), and finish painting the nursery. Good luck with your relaxation.

Valerie said...

ohhhhhh maaaannnnnnn...i'm all a-flutter just thinking about enjoying beer, a backyard and friends WITH NO AGENDA!!!

not seeing it happen, but a nice dream nontheless!!

Gretchen said...

Taking a chill with clean windows is better than not taking one at all, right. :) Do what makes sense for you and yours. xxxooogretchen

TroyBoy said...

Enjoy your chill time.

Ashley said...

That sounds like such a wonderful day! I know I'm personally much better about relaxing during the summer. Maybe it's because if my home is messy during the winter months, I just have to stay inside and look at the mess while we hibernate. But if it's messy during the summer, we can just eat outside while I think about much more pleasant things!

Pam said...

The moments we take to really enjoy life are precious and what all the hard work is about. It's a cliché, I know, but it's always good to stop and smell the roses.

Anonymous said...

I'm not Topanga T's boyfriend, I'm her fiancé. And I have a name, its Drive Through B, your soon to be surrogate brother-in-law, I think that's twice removed.

And you are way too classy for melon in tupperware with a plastic fork. It was a metal fork, I remember that specifically....or do I....I would have had a few beers by then.

I'm glad you guys had a good time this weekend, it's always fun when we meet up. I hope we can get together on Mother's Day but only if you guys invite Rex's grandma and she hits on me again.

Christine said...

I'm almost afraid to comment here, because My Fair Lady is my second favorite movie of all time! I love it because while he is teaching her how to speak and behave, she is unwittingly teaching him how to feel and love.

Anyway, love all these posts! I had a few to catch up on! My windows sound worse than yours, by the way.

Travis Erwin said...

Just wanted to drop in and wish you a happy Mother's day.

Ashley said...

I feel better now because I also had good intentions of sending you something today and didn't make it to the post office. I promise I'll also return your e-mail soon!

Cheryl Wray said...

Hey! I haven't popped by here in forever, but happened to see that you had commented on my scrap blog. I hardly ever go there, but just happened to check my comments. I saw that you had mentioned about possibilities for writing for Babycenter, and also that you have contacts at Good Housekeeping. I DO write as a freelancer and am always looking for more contacts. Come see my at www.lifewithcherylwray.blogspot.com or email me at cherylwrit@aol.com. (Coincidentally, I am just sitting down to do a blog tied in directly with my freelance writing.)

Thanks!!

Sing4joy said...

You make ME laugh.