Day 364

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2011-07-01 22:11:48 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

I've never been so happy to see a shower and a bed...

So the day started out great! We woke up at 6:30am, drove to Philly airport with almost no traffic. We checked in with no trouble. We sat at the bar at 9:45am and ate breakfast complete with a bloody mary! We got on our flight. It left on time. Little to no turbulence. I met GREAT people on the plane that I sat with. Maureen from Philly, she has 3 kids and works in a cafe. She was on her way to New Orleans to visit her sister. And then there was Trina. Trina was a 75 yr old woman from Caracas, Venezuela, who spoke NO English and required me to translate almost the whole trip...

AND THEN...

The pilot comes over the loud speaker and says we can't land in Miami because the airport shut down due to inclement weather. And so our nightmare begins.

We start circling Miami and did so for about and hour until we were informed that the we were running out of fuel and that Miami was still closed. We were going to have to land in Palm Beach which is also bad due to the weather but it was better than Miami. I was dizzy and nauseous from circling and I just wanted to land. Meanwhile, Muareen and I are joking about crashing and making the most of our trip and I trying to translate to Trina, who has now earned the nickname Mamacita, what going on. I was hoping I wouldn't mess up and mistakenly tell her the plane was going to crash! lol

We finally landed in Palm Beach and every 5 min we were told something different. We could get off the plane and wait while we refueled. No, we couldn't get off the plane. Yes, we could get off and try to arrange other travel plans but only if we didn't have bags checked. Everyone with checked bags had to stay on. Oh, and it was gonna be 2.5 hours until they fueled up. Then we were told, after everyone complained about being hungry and feeling sick, that we WERE allowed off the plane to get something to eat but that we had to hand our boarding passes to the clerk. At this point we were on the plane for about 6.5 hours for a 3 hour flight. I WANTED OFF!!!!

We landed in Miami around 10:25pm and the next flight to Curacao was leaving at 10:40! We RAN to the next gate, including a trip on the Skytrain! We barely made it but was thankful we did. The flight went smoothly and we landed in Curacao around 1:30am, only to find...

Our luggage was MISSING!!!!!

At this point I just had to laugh...

Our shuttle was actually at the airport to pick us up and take us to the resort which was 40 mins away. So when all was said and done, we were checked in and walked into our room sometime around 3am!

Day 363

Manpan915">
2011-06-30 00:04:41 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Mama, where are you going?

Oh my, to say goodbye to my puppy for 5 days... WAY emotional!

I've never left her for this long! I know my roommate and neighbor will be taking good care of her but I still am sad...

But have no fear, the 2 pages of instructions I left should be enough! LOL

Day 362

2011-06-29 03:06:28 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Yes, the picture is blurry.

No, this isn't a mistake.

The past 3 days have been in a tailspin and a little bit of a blur...

48 hours from now we will be sipping margaritas oceanside and the craziness of the past 3 days will be well worth it! :0)

Day 361

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2011-06-29 02:32:04 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

When you work with children every single day for 180 days you really do become attached. And, let's be honest, you have your favorites.

It's been about time that I start really missing the kids. I start wondering what they are up to, if they are ok, etc...

I saw this puzzle and thought of one of my kiddos I worked with a lot this year. I used the story of the pigeon and the hot dog to help her learn to share. After reading the book once she could retell it almost word for word! She really is a neat little kindergartner! I miss her... I bought her this puzzle and can't wait to give it to her on the first day of school!

Day 360

Manpan915">
2011-06-27 02:38:36 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

What an appropriate number for today... 360. I've done a complete 360 from the time I started this blog to today. I have grown a lot this year...

Today I decided to take a chance on love. Curacao, here we come!

“The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them”

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

~ Mark Twain

Day 359

2011-06-27 02:37:17 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Update on the tattoo... Initials were added today!

RIP Nana and Pappy

I miss you so much!

Day 358

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2011-06-25 19:07:52 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

A festival. Friends. A thunderstorm. Fried food. Sounds like a dream right! HA! Picked up my girls and we headed downtown to Celebrate Lancaster. Once we decided on what we were going to eat for lunch the rain came hard an quick, we were soaked and laughed the whole time!

After we inhaled our pulled pork sandwiches we headed straight for the funnel cakes! Yes, you heard me, funnel cakes! Most of you know I DO NOT condone eating these scrumptious desserts but every now and then a treat is in order! These were like works of art! I never knew such masterpieces existed! Oh and we HAD to try the friend oreos! That's how we do!

I love my friends! We had a blast!

Day 357

Manpan915">
2011-06-24 03:38:53 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Prince St is a disaster!

Construction on the road and the sidewalks, which were closed, so people were walking in streets. Delivery trucks stopped in the middle of the roads, moron people that can't park 10 ft in a spot so they sit with their flashers on (cause that makes it ok) in the middle of the street! And to top it all off it goes to one lane of traffic practically every other block! Oh, and it's raining...

AHHHHHHHH... ROAD RAGE!!!!!

Day 356

2011-06-25 18:54:29 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

My favorite nap buddy! Is she not THE cutest thing alive!?!?!?

Please, just indulge me...

Day 355

Manpan915">
2011-06-25 18:53:33 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Trucker Bob left me borrow his hat for the day... Ha! Actually a friend of mine from high school came home for our reunion a few weeks ago and picked up one of these hats. People from where he lives down south are LOVING this hat. So when I told him I was making a southern tour and wanted to visit he asked that I pick up some more of these hats.

Man did the lady at market give me a silly look when I picked up 4 of them. However, it did give me a good idea. Maybe for my future sister-in-law's bachelorette party I could talk her into wearing this! lol

Day 354

Manpan915">
2011-06-24 03:37:39 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

1 month later and there's a small jungle on my porch!

All 4 plants have flowers and tiny tomatoes! The cherry tomato plant has over 20 tomatoes! I check them every day to see if they are red and ready to be picked!

The other plants have about 4-8 little buds!

I CAN'T WAIT!

Day 353

Manpan915">
2011-06-19 21:36:25 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

What do you get the dad that has everything?

FOOD!

Half a bushel of Maryland Blues and Clams on the half shell did the trick!

Happy Father's Day!

A father's love makes all the difference in a little girl's world... in a big girl's world as well! Thanks dad...

Day 352

Manpan915">
2011-06-19 21:34:41 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Juno and I decided to talk a walk into town this morning before it got too hot. First we stopped at the Lititz Farmer's Market and picked up a few goodies there. Then we made our way to downtown.

Who knew Lititz was such a dog friendly town!?!? A few businesses had dog bowls full of water on the sidewalk for dogs passing by. Even the ice cream shop had a sign in the window that read, "Doggie Cones Sold Here!"

With all the water, ice cream, and attention from people on the street, Juno was in heaven!

Day 351

Manpan915">
2011-06-19 15:12:43 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Damn you McDonald's... you sucked me in with that damn Rolo McFlurry! However... it wasn't THAT good that I have to go back!

I can't tell you the last I ate McDonald's food... but as I was sitting in the drive through I noticed the words "Wholesome Starts." How wholesome could it really be? So, I decided to take a look:

Egg McMuffin:
300 calories
12g fat
5g saturated fat
87% of your daily cholesterol

Fruit and Maple Oatmeal:
290 calories
4.5g fat
32g sugar

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait:
160 calories
2g fat
21g sugar

Fruit and Walnut Salad (snack size):
210 calories
8g fat
25g sugar

You can make your own choices when it comes to fast food but make informed decisions. Are these better choices then the rest of the menu? Absolutely, however there are much healthier options if you're on the road and in a pinch. Just pop into the nearest grocery store. It may take you 2-3 mins longer than the drive thru at McDonald's window but it's well worth the time!

Day 350

Manpan915">
2011-06-17 06:02:18 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

A letter I wrote to my first class at Warwick.

Dear Warwick Class of 2011,

When I think about the future, I think "hope." In each one of you glitters a brilliant opportunity to change the world. Sitting here, seeing you in your caps and gowns tonight I see doctors that will work ultimately for the satisfaction of healing rather than for the paycheck. I see politicians who will fight so that each day there are fewer people across the world who go hungry and who cannot afford to offer their children the opportunities you have been afforded. I see teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, etc who will strive to embody the ideals of morality, compassion, and tenacity.

Turn your wounds into wisdom. You will be wounded many times in your life. You'll make mistakes. Some people will call them failures but I have learned that failure is really God's way of saying, "Excuse me, you're moving in the wrong direction."

Maybe as individuals it is impossible to single-handedly revamp the world, however, within each of you is the power and the responsibility, to influence a community, a family, or even just one other person. Spend more time and effort in building people up rather than tearing them down. Because, when you are launched into the future and arrive at the end you’ll look back, and realize, in the words of Mickey Mouse, "It's not the candy, the presents, or the lights all aglow... It's about the lives that we touch, and the people we know."

Every moment of the last few years has been spent anticipating the next. I know that is true for me at least. You’ll spend your whole life anticipating what’s coming next. But remember to stop and smell the roses. Take time for yourself, your family, and your friends. You can start today, enjoy the moment, because as you look back on the past four years, thirteen years for that matter, it becomes clear that time has gone by far too quickly.

Congratulations!

Just a little advice...

Spend more effort/time building people up rather than tearing them down.
Be positive and use the value of humor.
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
When you say, ‘I love you,’ mean it.
When you say, ‘I’m sorry,’ look the person in the eye.
Believe in love at first sight.
Never laugh at anyone’s dreams. People who don’t have dreams don’t have much.
Talk slowly but think quickly.
Say ‘bless you’ when you hear someone sneeze.
When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
Spend some time alone.
Tell the truth, no matter how difficult it might seem at the time!
Have faith in yourself.
People won’t remember what you say; they will remember how you made them feel.
Once you set a goal, always take one step towards its attainment – immediately.
A good leader always takes responsibility – no matter what!
Speak your mind when you feel strongly about something.
You can command respect easily, simply by respecting others.
You can tell more about a person by what he says about others, than by what others say about him.
Give as much as you can, as often as you can, and in the best ways you can.

Day 349

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2011-06-17 06:01:13 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

When you think you hate your life or complain about having the worst day ever. Always remember...

...someone, somewhere, always has it worse than you!

Stay positive and try to look for the good or the lesson in every situation.

Day 348

2011-06-15 00:38:46 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Perspective... everyone has one!

Day 347

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2011-06-15 00:37:07 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

After a week of intense heat and storms, I rushed home so I could take Juno to the dog park. She hasn't gotten out much this week and when she starts to get angry, she starts to chew!

She ran long and hard, dunked her head in her cooler, and then dumped out all the ice. She's so smart!

Day 346

2011-06-15 00:47:28 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Sid (Jeffrey Tambor): "Remember what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That s***'ll come back with you."

Stu: "Am I missing a tooth?"

Phil: "Whose baby is that?"
Alan (Zach Galifianakis): "Check its collar or something."

Alan: “I shouldn’t be here. I’m not supposed to be within 200 feet of a school. Or a Chuck E. Cheese.”

Male Officer: Handsome your next (Talking about Phil) (Alan walks forward)
Male Officer: Not you fat Jesus

Phil Wenneck: To a night the four of us will never forget!

Stu: "We're not going to leave a baby in the room. There's a f***ing tiger in the bathroom."

Stu: "She is wearing my grandmother's Holocaust ring."
Alan: "I didn't know they gave out rings at the Holocaust."

Alan: "Next week's no good for me. The Jonas Brothers are in town."

Alan: "Tigers love pepper. They hate cinnamon."

Phil: The man purse. You actually gonna wear that, or you guys just fuckin’ with me?
Alan: It’s where I keep all my things. Get a lot of compliments on this. Plus it’s not a man purse. It’s called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one.
Phil: So does Joy Behar.

Day 345

2011-06-15 00:35:02 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

From my friend's wedding...

Why Marriage?
by Mari Nichols-Haining

Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person,
With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body...
Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me,
Who won't hold them against me,
Who loves me when I'm unlikable,
Who sees the small child in me, andWho looks for the divine potential of me...
Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night,
With someone who thanks God for me,
With someone I feel blessed to hold...
Because marriage means opportunity
To grow in love in friendship...
Because marriage is a discipline
To be added to a list of achievements...
Because marriages do not fail, people fail
When they enter into marriage
Expecting another to make them whole...
Because, knowing this,
I promise myself to take full responsibility
For my spiritual, mental and physical wholenessI create me,
I take half of the responsibility for my marriage
Together we create our marriage...
Because with this understanding
The possibilities are limitless.

Someday...

Day 344

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2011-06-10 22:57:51 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Pool Day!

A day that all the kids look forward to at the end of the year.

The harder they play, the harder they crash!

At dismissal this little one crashed where he landed... in the office, dead asleep, among all the noise and commotion.

No matter how they act or what they do, at the end of the day, they're just kids...

Day 343

Manpan915">
2011-06-10 22:56:49 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

5th Grade Graduation

Absolutely an amazing ceremony! The teachers did an amazing job putting this together. Very touching moment was when students read a poem to one of the teachers that is retiring. Not a dry eye in the place, including students!!! It was just... amazing!

The kids sang this song at the end...

Play On Lyrics

What you're gonna do when the show is over
What you're gonna sing when the song ends
How you're gonna cope when there is no closure
Where you're gonna reach when the goal gets higher
How you're gonna make it through
When you think you lost the chance

Play on
When you're losing the game
Play on
'Cause you're gonna make mistakes
It's always worth to sacrifice
Even when you think you're wrong
So play on
Play on

Even when the flood gates swing wide open
Never let the currents sink you down, no
Even when you're not sure where you're going
Swimming through the mess and you can't get out
Just going through the motions, and trying not to drown

Play on
When you're losing the game
Play on
'Cause you're gonna make mistakes
It's always worth to sacrifice
Even when you think you're wrong
So play on
Play on

Even though it's the storm on the darkest night
Don't you ever give up the fight
Even when you feel you're all alone
http://www.elyricsworld.com/play_on_lyrics_carrie_underwood.html
Play on
Play on

Play on
When you're losing the game
Play on
'Cause you're gonna make mistakes
It's always worth to sacrifice
Even when you think you're wrong
So play on
Play on
Play on

Day 342

Manpan915">
2011-06-10 22:54:01 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

My first cherry tomatoes!!!

I'm a proud mama!

Day 341

2011-06-10 22:52:59 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Oh the irony of this picture...

LOL

He sure does have someone that loves him a lot!

Day 340

Manpan915">
2011-06-10 22:51:05 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

I absolutely HATE riding the bike at the gym! (To tell you the truth I'm not too crazy about riding a bike period!) However, when you are nursing a bum knee you are VERY limited in activities!

A few weeks ago I wrote about riding the bike at the gym and how boring it was. A friend of mine recommended to try these bikes. It is kinda like a simulation video bike ride. You have to watch the screen and turn the handle bars to stay on the trail.

Something I learned tonight is that if 1 or more people are on the bikes, you can join in and race! I didn't have enough guts to ask anyone since I'm currently on super slow speed, but I can't wait to give it a try!

Day 339

2011-06-10 22:52:08 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

After all my traveling this weekend...

there's no place like home!

Good ole Lancaster County!

Day 338

Manpan915">
2011-06-06 01:11:58 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

15 yr High School Reunion Weekend...

Friendship isn't always easily described. The Eskimos, they say, have a hundred different words for snow. Unfortunately, the English language isn't quite as innovative, though it has vast opportunities to differentiate meaning. Certainly, Love is one of those opportunities. And so, too, is Friendship.

Instead of different words, however, we're stuck with simple adjectives. Close friend. Best friend. Childhood friend. Intimate friend. Trusted friend. Beloved friend. But whether you use adjectives or different words, few could deny the nearly infinite meaning in such a simple word.

Friends are special people. We can't pick our family, and we're sorely limited in the number of them at any rate. Society and mores (and often our own conscience) dictate we select a single mate. But our friends can be as diverse and infinite as the adjectives we choose. Our friends, in a very real sense, reflect the choices we make in life.

Although we aren't very close, we share a history that always brings us together.

Day 337

IMG_3550 by Manpan915">
IMG_3550, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Today was a day of moments that took my breath away...

Driving to Penn State is one of the most beautiful drives! I think I pulled over at least 3 times to take pictures!

Then, even though I've been to the cabin thousands of times the view still makes me stop in my tracks and just look and listen in amazement.

Later, I met up with friends and we went to a Rusted Root concert on Tussey Mountain. Taking a break from the dancing I look out and see the sun setting, showing off several mountain peaks.

Finally there was a moment during the last song Rusted Root played where Bagel and I were dancing and she kept saying, "I'm so happy!"

Best day from beginning to end in a VERY long time! :0)

Day 336

IMG_3483, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

Don’t be afraid to keep moving on,
For what was before, now has gone,
God wants to accomplish so much more,
But we need to move forward in the Lord.
© By M.S. Lowndes, Based on Isaiah 43:18-19

Day 335

Manpan915">
2011-06-02 22:42:22 +0000, a photo by Manpan915 on Flickr.

You can't read what it says under the "The Back Page" but it says, "Casual Dining and Good Cheer.

Tonight there was both! Laughter, stories, friendship, etc was in abundance as our staff said goodbye to 7 people who have made the difficult decision to retire.

It was a good night... bittersweet, but good!

*The Back Page is in Leola and WORTH checking out! Great food with a great atmosphere!