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It was so much harder than I ever imagined. But I wish I could remember everything. Every comment or story. Every glimpse into the past. So now while I try to gather up all those perfect and poignant memories, I'll leave you with these images...and the promise that the greatest images of this week could never have been captured on film...

1.

2.
3.
4.


The only thing you need to know so far: my grandparents had six children who then yielded many a grandchild. In total there's 30 of us (many with repeating names) so it gets confusing, but just in case you're curious:
1. the first night we got the slide projector rolling. most of the photos were of my father, the first born (sometimes that's how it works, isn't it)--he was an odd looking child, with an awfully big head; and you'll be glad to know the inability to take a straight-faced-photo had begun even then

2. my cousin mike (son of Stephen--child #2 of 6) and uncle bill (husband of Jean--child #5 of 6)

3. myself and my mother checking aunt mary beth's (wife of Stephen) head for her one gray hair; two cousin kevins (the older is the son of Patty (child #4 of 6) and the little one is son of kevin (child #6 0f 6)

4. my brother Connor, Popops and myself; and then John, son of Arlene (#3 of 6), Aunt Patty, and Connor

I'm in Connecticut...

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...with my family...reveling in the love of all those people that bear a certain resemblance and similarity in traits. My grandmother passed away suddenly following a stroke on Monday. I'm gathering my thoughts and will blog when I return. Tell everyone you love, just that...I love you, Meg

Mmmmmm.

in ,
When you're feeling low, there's nothing like a brunch with the girls to lift the spirits. 

Oh and the ushering in of a new president. That's okay too. 

But both together, at the same time. Hot diggity. 







PS: I so liked A Cup of Jo's New Year's resolution (to dress more like a French woman) that I wore my stripes with pride today (even if they aren't slimming)!

in

My room abuts the kitchen. And since my curtain of a door doesn't provide much of a noise barrier, I'm in bed listening the whirl and grrr and rattle of the dishwasher. And I must say it's enormously comforting. As if I'm seven all over again, sandwiched between my parents, and rolling in their blanket of safety.  

Sunday night is no longer girl's night.

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We had so much fun with Brian last week, we just had to have him back.

Angela made pasta and chocolate cake (with apple sauce instead of oil) and I just about ate myself into oblivion. Yes...it was that good. And then we watched American Idol, a show I've never seen. And so let me say this...I am a convert. Body and soul. That shit is funny. Okay? Seriously, I can't stop laughing. Two girls performed a rap that involved the line, "why to trying to stealing my cookie from me?" And I thought, yes girls, yes.


So the lovely Sheilia of Hawaii commented (and I quote) "I sometimes fantasize about being single again through your blog..." and so I sat back, sighed, and then patted myself on the back. Yes, yes, I'm such a good--such a model single gal. And then I flashed back on Christmas  break and my mom's loudly-voiced concern that I don't date enough. And let's be honest, part of being single (one of the best parts) is dating. And I just don't do it. Ever (besides the storied blind-date). 


So I pose the following question: Am I really, truly a single gal AND am I really, truly doing single gals justice if I don't shop around?

Let's look at the evidence:

1. Angela and I stayed in Saturday night watched Pride and Prejudice (love, love, love me the Mr. Darcy in the updated version) followed by Sense and Sensibility. 

2. I then  attempted to make oatmeal cookies using only splenda, real oats,organic puree pumpkin paste, and coffee-mate. I got sick about five minutes after my first bite (yes, Angela, you tried to warn me). 

3. As for Friday night... (a)I was something of a third wheel with Vic and Rob. (b) I cringed when Erin tried to introduce me to a boy (a very cute boy). (c) And I never got up the courage to introduce myself to the other cute boy I was crushin' on.

Okay, so that's a rhetorical question...of course I'm a single gal. But I'm tired of being the single gal who doesn't date. So ladies, hide your men because I'm hittin' the town. The good news is...I've gotten a job...at a restaurant...and it has a revolving door. A revolving door where men may enter perhaps? Oh boy, I sound a little raunchy. My point is...never too late to add an addendum to that New Year's resolution.