The Brown's first Solo Sailing Expedition - Clearwater, FL

We went sailing today. The hubbie wanted Sailing lessons for Christmas. Being from KS, it seemed like a cool challenge. I never even considered sailing. Last weekend we got our ASA sailing certification. So naturally while planning a trip to Tampa's Gasparilla Festival, a mardi gras like celebration of the most famous Tampa Bay pirate, we took full advantage and rented a sailboat in Clearwater to round out the 'Sailors Weekend'.
As the high schooler rigged our boat I quickly realized I did not remember anything about how to sail. Although on paper we were ready to sail, I was not ready.
Oh well, now the 'tiller is in hand'! All was good, we were practicing our sailor lingo. I had the jibsheets, Chris's at the helm. It was exciting ... then I took the helm.  For the first five minutes we were good. On a tack something went wrong and the boat keeled like we've never experienced... I fell, lost control of the tiller and the mainsheet  was loose and wrapped on my lifevest. I hear Chris yell OH $#@&! He told me later, his first reaction was to jump ship! Glad he didn't because he quickly got control, unwound me and we decided since we were on course to dock, we were ready to call it a day.

Plus after that I really needed to go to the bathroom. We recorded a little video as a way to remember our emotions over a cup of Starbucks coffee. What an experience - I hope we never forget it!

I had a weird and horrible experience a couple hours ago. I've been on the couch for a while watching Julie & Julia, a great movie. It was so inspiring I had to get up and do something. What else would I do on Saturday at 3pm but my favorite household chore - weed pulling! It's instant gratification, exercise, vitamin D mixed into one hour. Plus there's that other thing - curb appeal!
I put on my New Balance kicks, shorts that should be worn when I'm 5 lbs lighter and my new Track Shack retro tech tank top. I grab my leather gloves, stained with last times mud, from the stair rail on the back porch. They are stiff as usual. I don't know why gloves are always so stiff but I that's always my experience.
I jam my right hand in the glove. Stiff. My index finger won't extend, it stops short. I try to work the end of my finger in the glove, but no give. I'm pushing and thinking that feels like a GRAPE! Chris, what did you do? Not funny. GROSS. I notice now that the tip of my finger is squishing into the GRAPE! Chris! That's not cool. He denies it, as usual.
It's probably a bug, he says. EEEWWW. It totally could be. I pull the glove off and peap in. I see... a TAIL?? What a Tail? GROSS! No way! It is...  A LIZARD!!!! Double EEEWWWW.
I broke his neck. I killed the lizard by poking it to death. Horrible.

I'm going to shower now.

Punta Gorda, FL is always a good time

Time with Mel.
Saturday I drove 3 hours from Orlando to Punta Gorda. Mel and I met 4 people at this new tiny bar called Shorty's. We met them by asking for instruction on the greatest bar game ever - Table Shuffleboard!!!
We spent 2 hours hanging out with a 50 year old couple and a 70 year old couple. They were so fun and felt bad about my judgemental conversation earlier with my mother, where I said old people tend to be out of touch. Fox News, trickle down effect... are you serious... Then I heard it. My old retired new buddy was a raging racist. I was so bummed. So we left.
We ended up at the Ice House playing darts. I hit so many bulls eyes. I was on fire. Then Mel's team beat mine in the first round. So we listened to Swamp Donkies... enjoy the video!

Our Wedding -
Wow... it's amazing how your wedding day is so absolutely perfect. I went to my friends wedding in Zion National Park, Utah last weekend. It was an unbelievable event. So perfect in every way. It made me think of mine. I am so thankful for my family and especially my hubby, Chris. I love you!