Friday Fragments

I have to admit that I'm not usually one to participate in the various memes that float around. But last week, I jumped on board the Fragment Train. Not only did I do a Fragments post, but I went and visited several other blogs that linked up over on Half-Past Kissin' Time. And you know what? I found some new blogs that I really like and that I've really been enjoying this past week! So here I am again... fragmenting away.

** One thing I forgot to mention yesterday... I wanted to work it in but it just didn't fit (hence the beauty of Fragments, right). There is something all of the women in my family have in common. A realization I came to. A legacy that has been passed on to me. No- not the glasses of wine (but that is one, too, I admit). Look at the pictures... It's the lack of make up. My mom, her sisters, my grandma... I have minimal memories that revolve around appearance when it comes to these influential women who have been part of my upbringing. So I'm guessing that's part of where my self confidence comes from. There is care and concern about appearance. But not about looking a specific way, being a specific size, being fat or skinny, having a certain hairdo or style... I really love that.

** I've discovered Pandora internet radio. Soooo hooked. To be fair, I don't think I can use it at work on my work PC. I've been fortunate to have that little Verizon HP Netbook that I'm testing and I'm using it as my radio source. This won't work long term. I'm hoping that once I have to send this netbook back, I will have freedom on my work computer and maybe they won't notice if I'm using Pandora? Who knows- they change the rules all the time around here.

** Yesterday, I was totally hooked on Classic Hip-Hip. Took me straight back to high school. Dre, Snoop, EFX, Rob Base, and more. Then I linked in to a more 90's light alternative kind of channel. Cranberries, The Killers, REM. And today, my little folk music channel. Peter, Paul and Mary, Mamas and Papas, Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel. Love it!

** On our drive home from work on Weds, we saw a HILARIOUS little car. The four little teens inside it, obviously filled with much angst based on their chosen appearance of ratty clothes, knit caps, greasy hair, dour expressions, apparently thought they were pretty cool. Old ladies Liz and Christy, however, were very confused as to why they had written "VARCH" in yellow on the back windshield. Was it a band? Some new angst call? We get closer... the scribble at the front of the word, upon Christy's inspection, is actually an A with a circle. And the V has a little leg in front that was lost in that circle thing. And we notice at the end of the word is another little smudge... It was supposed to read "ANARCHY." Who knew that angst-ridden emo teens were so clever as to rise up against the actual appearance of the word they were clinging to?

** I'm going to the Indiana State Fair next week!! Christy and I are both taking time off work to go. We are going together Tuesday and Wednesday. I think she's going again Thursday. We are State Fair obsessed. This is a Big Deal. I have to find a day on the closing weekend to take the kids out, too. My mom's birthday present depends on it. There is a coppersmith in The Pioneer Village and we get copper cookie cutters of the kids hand prints made each year. My mom decorates the kitchen with copper so it's a perfect gift and a great tradition! Are you a Fair or carnival goer? What's your favorite thing?

** It is very challenging for someone like me to limit myself to fragments. Each little paragraph could easily become a full length post. This is harder than it looks!

** Teagan is still loving school. She had 1 rough day this week. Crying at the drop of a hat, acting out. This tends to happen when Jeff is gone for the week. She doesn't express it verbally but it happens every year. The director was very sweet with Teagan, talked her through some stuff. E-mailed us to let us know what was going on. This was just so not like what they've gotten used to seeing from her- but when I reminded her of Jeff's absence, it all clicked. And it was just one day and not even the full day (she was fine after naptime).

** One thing I adore about Teagan's school is how much communication there is. There are updated webpages, a blog, e-mails, phone calls... I would have to make an effort to NOT know what was going on at school. I love it!!

** Teagan is going fishing tomorrow with Jeff's dad. She's been asking to go fishing for about 6 months now. She is very excited- it will be special time for the 2 of them. Pop-pop has bought her a Cinderella fishing pole and is picking her up at 10 and taking her to his friend's pond. They apparently fish with marshmallows. I'm a little sad that I won't be there to see her reaction to everything... it's a first that doesn't "belong" to me. And that's ok.

Happy Friday!