Oh what a day!

I had such an amazing day yesterday! The weather has been intoxicating. Spring has sprung here in the south. Spring time is my favorite time of year. My whole world comes back to life. The flowers are pushing through the ground and the trees are beginning to bud. The rebirth of nature rejuvinates my soul.

We went to a 7 year olds birthday party yesterday. Her parents made a big deal out of it too with a moon bounce and pony rides. Since the weather was warm I was able to dress Marley in a beautiful spring dress finished with cute sandals. She looked adorable! Being a 7 year olds party Marley was the youngest but it didn't stop her from trying to be a big kid! She did her best to climb into the moon bounce. She was determined! Hubby and I had to save her a few times from the rambunctious big kids. Then Marley's dream came true, the big kids cleared out and lined up for the pony rides and the moon bounce was empty! Marley and I took off our sandals and climbed in. I have never seen my daughter have so much fun! I'd forgotten how much fun a moon bounce can be! Marley and I had a blast jumping, laughing squeeling, you name it! It was great being a kid again myself.

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A few nights ago a neighbor and friend of mine stopped by and told me about a band that was going to be playing at a local restaurant. It was for a charity benefit so it started early and ended earlier than most bands normally would. Since I became a Mother, I don't go out as often as I used to. I jumped at the chance to see live music and have some adult fun.

The band is called The Screaming Orphans. I was a little afraid that they were going to be an angry chick band, thankfully they were not. The band consists of 4 sisters, Joanne, Grainne, Angela and Marie Therese Diver. Originally from Donegal, Ireland and unfortunately, to my understanding, orphans.

I almost forgot how much I love live music! This band evoked so much emotion, so much awe and envy of their talent. Their range of instruments, vocals and music repertoire. They played music from Dolly Parton, Hank, Jr, Johnny Cash, ABBA, their own songs and quit a few Irish jigs. The lead singer is also the drummer. I do not play a musical instrument, I learned at an early age that I inherited my Father's keen lack of rhythm. Watching her play made me feel like I need to practice rubbing my belly while patting my head. This band is a MUST see!

Yesterday was an amazing day. I came home at midnight and fell into bed. Thankfully Marley slept until 7:30 but I am on a third cup of coffee.....

Southernisms

Another Baptist Church:

The Big Bang Theory? God Spoke and bang it happened.

Up for a debate anyone?

Perspective

I have an addiction. It's called Yahoo Answers!. It's a fabulous community. It's been the answer to all my prayers. All you have to do is ask and you shall receive. I'm mostly in the Parenting section I also wander over to the Politics section and it's always a great debate. I recently bought a used Jeep and had a million questions, so I wandered over to the Jeep section. And then there is the Travel section. Having lived many different places in my life, I feel I have some expertise in the Colorado and Paris section.

I was looking over the travel section the other day and came across a question that I still think about. The question was "How can travel change the ideas of living". My response was:

Travelling opens your eyes and mind to other cultures. When you can see a different perspective you will be more open minded and start thinking about your choices in life differently.

It was voted as best answer. I got 10 points. Ok, I cheated, I saw that the question was put to vote so I voted for my own answer and was the only one that voted.

Anyway, it's hard to answer this question in just 3 sentences. It's hard to answer this question for someone who has never experienced travel or living in another country, there's just so much more that words can not tell.

I grew up overseas and didn't know any different. So my question is "How can growing up in one place change the ideas of living?". It's all about perspective, hence my title.

Southernisms Chinese Style

I haven't seen any good signs in the last couple of weeks but did run across this last night as hubby and I were ordering Chinese food. I can't believe I never noticed it before on our take out menu! By the way it's a great restaurant!

The short version:

CHINA KING: Chinese Restaurant To Take Out.
Next to Nations Merioaland Close to K-Mark-Welcome to Party Order & Banquet.

They are referring to The Wright Brother's National Memorial, which in fact is not located in Kitty Hawk but Kill Devil Hills ( now thar ya dun lurned somtin').

The the kicker was: We put pupu in your platter! (Ok I confess, it was not on the menu I made that one up as I was giggling).

Last weekend

On Thursday, Marley and I headed to Virginia with my sister to visit the Grandmothers and to pick up a new/used vehicle for me. It was an exhausting visit. Nana's house is NOT babyproof with the exposed outlets and valuable trinkets strategically placed all over the house. Besides the fact that Marley was wide eyed and to all the untouchables it was a good visit.

We were able to spend a few hours with hubby's Mom, aka Grandma, on Saturday. Grandma wanted to go toy shopping and spoil her Granddaughter. We found a Kmart and headed straight to the toy section. Grandma picked out an Elmo doll and handed it to Marley. Of course Marley fell in love with it and we knew it was going to be placed in the cart. This particular Elmo doll teaches children to dress and undress, which is Marley's favorite past time these days. Here's a link. (I'd make it pretty on my blog but I am not yet so computer savvy)http://www.kmart.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=175650&destName=null&Ntt=elmo&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&N=271&Nty=1

This doll got my approval until the next day.

The next morning, I took Elmo out of all of his packaging and handed him to my wide eyed toddler. She unzipped Elmo's jacket and Elmo says "Is it hot in here or is it just Elmo". Nana and I stopped and looked at this so seemingly innocent toy and burst out laughing. Seriously what is he trying to teach my daughter?!