We Have Returned From Washington DC and New York City

Hello. I am back from the Washington DC and New York City trip. But I am leaving again on Wednesday. This time it's to London and Paris. I will be sharing our adventures on Instagram if you want to follow along. 

But for now, I will share some photos from our recent travels. 

We went to Washington DC first and went to the Smithsonian, which was beautiful:

Natalie briefly became President and couldn't take her speech seriously and was told she could no longer be President:

We visited her home before she was removed from office:

We visited a ton of monuments. The Washington Monument was glorious:

The Lincoln Memorial was majestic at dusk and after a rainfall. Natalie took this shot:

There was a Pro-Choice protest near the Capital and we wanted to join in but we had to stay with our group. We watched from a distance. 

We visited Eleanor Roosevelt at the FDR memorial:

Mount Vernon is technically in Virginia. It was George Washington's crib. I can see why he loved it.

Arlington was a beautiful spot. Thank you to all those who fought for our freedom. 

Going up on the Empire State Building was an adventure. I am afraid of heights. Natalie is not. I got a few shots and then went back inside.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island was a fun time. Thankfully we don't get seasick because the ferry that took us there rocked a bit.

The Charging Bull in the Financial District had a line so I took a photo of his butt and balls as I walked past:

The 9/11 Memorial was moving and brought tears to our eyes:

Times Square on a Saturday is chaotic and noisy. There was so much to see and do. 

Finally, we got to see Come From Away which I recommend. I believe it only runs until October 2nd and then it's gone, so be sure to get tickets. 

We did a ton of walking. My feet hurt. But it was worth it. I will share in more details the things that we did and saw. 

Have you ever been to Washington DC and NYC?

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

....to be leaving for a trip with Natalie to DC/NYC. I'm nervous. Airplanes can make me jittery. But I know we'll have a fabulous time. The trip is through her former middle school--we were supposed to 2 years ago but, you know, Covid. Tom and Tommy will be at home bonding. 

.....to have been to NYC once years ago but have never been to DC. I'm excited to see all the sites. I'm glad we're going with a tour group. Otherwise I'd get us lost. I am terrible with directions. 

.....to have seen Jurassic World Dominion over the weekend. It was entertaining. But you can't beat the original. 

.....to have enjoyed my birthday. It was on Father's Day. We saw Jurassic World, we picked up cake, we went to HTea0, and finally Tom took me out to dinner. It was a fun day but man was I stuffed with food.

.....to hope I didn't forget anything on the trip. It was requested carry on only and we're used to full sized luggage. I don't use all the accessories Natalie does at least. Her suitcase is packed more than mine. She'll have to stuff any souvenirs in corners or something. Or, let's be honest, they'll probably go in my suitcase. I will be posting Instagram Stories here if you want to follow our adventures! 

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Taking Photos Is Awkward

Okay, so I rarely take photos of myself. And I know I should because, you know, MEMORIES, but I always look so awkward in photos. Think Chandler in that episode of Friends where Monica wants a nice engagement photo and he's there looking incredibly....bizarre. That's basically me. 

Anyway, I turned 40 today, the 19th, and I thought I should get some photos. On Instagram women seem to effortlessly share photos of themselves looking amazing. Granted, yes, I know they probably picked that one out of 20 pics that were taken, but still. I wanted a nice Insta shot. I thought I could have a photo where I looked excited being 40. Even though I'm slightly terrified. But mostly excited because I hear the 40s are the best. But kind of scared because I don't have the money for Botox and if my face melts I can't afford a face lift. 

I had my daughter take the photos because when my son does it I look even more awkward because he doesn't understand angles. Neither does my husband. I'm like "move the camera around so you can catch other angles" and they're like "What?" 

Here's how the first photo came out:

I look like an over-excited pelican. Also, I said to take the photo from the knees UP because I still had on blue socks and my sneakers. I usually wear my sneakers when I have a dress on by the way because I can't do heels and I'm most comfortable in sneakers. 

I tried again.

"I feel like you should close your mouth," my daughter suggested.

So.

I mean. I sort of look like a NBA player has walked up beside me and I'm staring up at him.

Again. You see my sneakers. But I can crop those out. Also I thought it would be cute to grip my crown like "ooo I'm 40, lalala" but now I see it looks...well, awkward. (You can get your own crown from Amazon here)

Then I decided that I'd squat down and gaze up into the camera as models do and it's just...I just..well..and there I go gripping the crown again.

I decided squatting wasn't working so I stood up (and something made a CRACKING sound almost like my body was like "welcome to your 40s") and was in the middle of explaining what I wanted to do when Natalie snapped away. I look like a broken zombie from The Walking Dead. "AHHH, bring Rick back, the show makes no sense now, ahhhh"

WHY DO I KEEP GRIPPING THE EFFING CROWN?

I thought, okay, I'll leave the crown alone, and this one isn't half bad. Thank goodness you can't see my pits. 

Finally, I decided to do simple shots where I wasn't A) gripping my crown and B) acting like an overcaffeinated monkey. I thought I could do a sultry "i'm so sexy" shot but I ended up looking constipated:

This shot wasn't TOO bad:

And this one basically looks like the above one but I was pleased that I didn't look like a crazy street loon. One of these will be my Insta shot. Yay!

I'm 40 now. Send chocolate. Oh, and my newly 40 year old advice? Take the pictures. You might look deranged but still. They're memories. Even if you do resemble Nick Nolte's mugshot in some of them. (Google if confused.)

Potbelly Sandwich Shop Review

I always love a tasty sub. I had heard about Potbelly Sandwich Shop so I figured it would be a good place to visit. We have one located at a shopping area called The Rim. I believe that are several locations around the US. 

It's not a huge dining area, but I like how it's decorated.

Oh and yes, there are Coca-Cola products. Always a plus.

Here's the menu:

It is set up like most sandwich shops. You place your order. In this case, they have white or wheat bread so you pick which one you'd like.

Then you move further down for added toppings:

I ended up getting the veggie melt which is fresh sliced avocado, mushrooms, swiss, cheddar, and provolone. I added pickles, mayo, and lettuce.

Was it good? Yes. I thought they added a nice amount of avocado. I hate when places put a few slices on and call it a day.

Here is what Potbelly is named after:

Would I go back? Yes. The sub was delicious and the bread tasted fresh. There are other subs I'd like to try.

Have you ever been to a Potbelly Sandwich Shop? 

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

.....to share my birthday with Father's Day this year. We're going to see the new Jurassic World movie and probably pick up some food. 

.....to consider all the trips I'm taking this summer as my birthday gift. I have 2 school trips with Natalie that I'm going on that were delayed due to Covid. We finally get to go on our NYC/DC and London/Paris trips! Then in late July we're headed back to Walt Disney World. 

.....to currently be reading Out Of The Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins. It's about Lillie who is dreading being an empty nester after her son graduates high school. But at the same time she looks forward to spending more time with her husband--until he dumps her for a younger wealthy woman. Lillie is stunned because she thought they were happy. And then she's pissed. Through a series of hilarious hijinks, she makes sure to not make it easy for her husband and his new girlfriend. I haven't finished yet, but I am amused by Lillie. The husband deserves it. You'll see when you read. 

.....to love these Pride cookies from Bakery Lorraine. They're basically a shortbread with lots of sugar. Not only do they donate a portion of the sales to the Thrive Support Center which helps LGBTQ+ youth, but they're delicious as well. If you're in the area be sure to pick one up. You get a bundle of 3 for $6.95. The awesome sign is from Kohl's! 

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Responses To Anti-LGBTQ+ Comments

Honestly, I find these days people are more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community and it's a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, though, you do have those who are not. Who think it's okay to put people down and not think twice about it for being who they are. 

If people are cruel towards you, here are some responses to use. Will they help? I hope so. I can't promise it. But I truly hope they can because no one ever deserves to be questioned for being authentic.

I'd rather be who I am than the hateful person you clearly are. If someone ever mocks you for who you are, they probably aren't happy in their own lives. I have come across many angry people and when you take a look at your lives you'll see there is a reason for it. It doesn't give them an excuse to be cruel, but most of them come from unhappy childhoods or are currently living in miserable conditions so they feel as though everyone should be the same. Do not let these people win. 

Sorry you feel like I can't be myself. It's a shame when family members won't let someone be who they are. I will never understand why family wouldn't want someone to be their authentic selves. 

Kiss my ass. I mean. This could escalate a situation but a good snap and a kiss my ass before a stomp off does wonders sometimes. 

*Ignore the comments* Sometimes it's best to do this in certain situations. Continue to live your fabulous life! 

You seem to think this is a choice. Allow me to share with you why this isn't the case.  Sometimes just sitting a person down and explaining and educating them can do wonders. Some people are not willing to listen and learn. But some folks could surprise you and might be willing to learn a lesson or two. 

I do hope if you are in the LGBTQ+ community and are reading this that you have all the support in the world. If you do not and need someone, I am here. My daughter is pansexual and we have always been a love is love family. You are welcome and accepted here. 

Fun & Inexpensive Father's Day Gifts

Okay so normally on Father's Day the kids should take over and give something to Dad. It can be a drawing or a handmade card. Simple. But normally the mom steps in to help. I always want to give gifts as well because, you know, being a parent is tough. Our kids are older so the cutesy gifts are out, so I go for older options. 

Here's some ideas for Dad if you have no idea what to do:

Get him a Funko Pop of a favorite character! Amazon has a bunch of them. I found this Shrimp Morty from Rick & Morty that I know he'll enjoy.

A fun card. This one plays the Mario theme song. I imagine one of the kids might take it over as they keep playing it. Hopefully it'll still work on Father's Day!

Is your man traveling? This pillow would be perfect. You can find affordable gifts at Five Below if your child has a limited amount of funds. 

Skeletor rocks. My husband is a kid of the 80s so I knew he'd love this. Amazon has it here. 

If anything, a drawing from the kids will work. Or offer to bring him home his favorite food. Or cook it. In my home, people usually request outside food though as I am not the best in the kitchen. 

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

....to not be enjoying the 100 degree temps that Texas has been having. Too hot. And we don't have a pool. So it's not pleasant. 

.....to have finished the book Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I loved it! It's about Elizabeth Zott, who is a free thinking scientist in the 1960s when women are supposed to get married, pop out babies, and stay in the kitchen. She speaks her mind which gets her in trouble with the men who believe she should be in the kitchen and not the lab. However, Calvin Evans, a famous chemist knows that she is extraordinary and together they create true chemistry. Things don't always go to plan and Elizabeth finds herself a single mother and figuring out what she should do next (naturally she's fired from the lab for getting pregnant..) This book made me laugh and tear up a few times. Elizabeth is my kind of woman. I loved when she challenged her boss for firing her for getting pregnant by asking why men don't get fired as well since it's their sperm that creates the pregnancy. Naturally the boss is horrified. Read this!

.....to be amused by the clips of Prince Louis at the Queen's Jubilee events. Natalie was a spirited child as well but they tend to have amazing imaginations, so they turn out awesome. 

.....to be going on a date with Tom. We're trying out Potbelly sandwich shop and Andy's Frozen Custard. It' just opened here and I keep hearing how tasty it is. 

.....to feed a bunch of stray cats. A few even let us pick them up. We are cat people so we love seeing all the different kitties. This is one of them named Stubbs 2. He's Stubbs 2 because we used to have a neighbor's cat hang out on the porch and his name was Stubbs. He passed away due to old age and this cat has the same face so...Stubbs 2. 

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Lessons Learned The First Year Of High School

High school. I can hardly believe my last kid is in high school. Natalie finished her freshman year and learned many lessons. Here are a few of them:

People still don't fully grasp the importance of deodorant. She thought it was bad in Middle School but it's still pretty smelly in High School. She recommends having a deodorant in your backpack and re-apply when needed. 

Don't take things personally. There are some teens who will say some cruel things. For example, Natalie has been called fat before by fellow students. Clearly she is not fan but in high school, some think it's their duty to bring others down. Learn to let things slide. Sure the words might sting, but remember the folks uttering the mean things are probably miserable and want everyone else to be the same. 

Pay attention to teachers. They give instructions. Listen. Don't be like "I didn't hear that." That's because you were talking or on your phone. Teachers are unpaid and tired. Don't make them repeat themselves. Oh, and tell them thank you for all they do. It's not easy. 

Don't forget the other activities. It's not all about football. In Texas sometimes it feels like it is all about football. But you know, don't forget theatre. Go see a school play. It takes a lot of work to put on a production. Support your local thespians. 

Hurry to the lunch line because it gets long quickly. There are hundreds of students in Natalie's school. As soon as that lunch bell rings, don't get distracted: get in line or most of your lunch break will be spent in it. 

Don't jump to conclusions. Natalie had a friend being accused of being racist. She had posted some racist things on her page and Natalie kept insisting it wasn't her. It turns out she was correct: someone had hacked into that person's account and posted the racist things hoping to get people to turn against her. It's easy to join an attack group but think and know for sure what is going on before you accuse. Teens can be ruthless these days. So be a nice one. 

Be yourself. Always. I love Natalie's imagination. I love her fashion sense. I love how she'll go to school in a costume or a fabulous outfit knowing that another student might insult her. Most kids at her school toss on jeans or a hoodie. Jeans and a t-shirt. Pajamas. Natalie puts thought in what she wears. Most of time. Sometimes she does show up in pajamas. But she still has the matching eyeshadow. 

The year went fast. Too fast. Before I know it she'll be finished with high school. But before she graduates I hope she'll always remember these lessons: and learn some new ones.