I think I need to start a weekly/monthly "Quotes from John" post here because the man is funny. But, maybe it's only funny to me?
"Do you think my beard will ever be white so I can be Santa?" Love!
"Francis Ford Cooksey! (that's a plan on play on Coppola in case you don't know directors)" Nope, I had no clue about directors...
And then this happened:
Coworker: Where are you from?
John: Southern Maryland.
Coworker: *weird look* Hmm. I though I heard a slight Australian accent.
He's now on top of the world.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Outdoor Climbing - Carderock
So, the plan for climbing was to go to the gym all winter to build up strength and skill. That way, once Spring came I'd be more prepared for outdoor climbs. But it's been 65ish since Friday and we had to go outside and do something. We took advantage and went to Carderock to climb. Seeing as I'm not at all experienced at this point, I was pretty happy with the small amount of climbing I did.
It's the general rule of the group of John and his friends that everything at Carderock should have two added to it to compare to the gym. So a 5.6 is more like a 5.8, approximately. Of course, there's very little outside that's really super easy. So it was an interesting day.
I started with an easy climb but it was mostly mantling, which I'd never done (where were my footholds?!). But I made it. Then I did it again later and went a little to the right, which was more fun. But I did have to watch my head at one point so as not to bang it on an overhang.
The other climb I did was more complicated. There were almost no handholds. But everyone else did it, so I was willing to try (even if they have 2+ more years of experience than me!) It was only a 5.6 so it was worth a shot. The beginning was great, the middle was horrible. So I only made it about 3/4 of the way up. I think I could have gone the rest of the way, but the one section was super hard and I was just too tired.
The rest of what the group did was 5.8 and up so I didn't do anything else. We almost set up a new anchor to try an easy climb, but it was the end of the day and I was fine with not pushing myself on my first time out. So I just took pictures.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
John's 31st Birthday
For John's birthday we both took off on Friday and drove to Delaware to the Dogfish Head brewery. It's pretty much his favorite beer.
We went on the "Stashes and Lashes" brew tour which includes samples! First was Raison D'Etre, which is one of John's favorites, so we were happy about that. He used to drink that almost exclusively when we were first living together. Next, My Antonia, which was an ok beer, but nothing special. too hoppy for me. But John said if you're a hops person it was pretty darn great. I of course just love it for the literary reference (Hey Willa Cather!). Apparently the guy who started the brewery was an English major. John now has a new career goal in mind for me. Third was Immort Ale. Don't drink it. It tastes like band-aids. Eww. And I thought Dogfish head could do not wrong. I forget the last one, but it was alright. On the tour we were told about a bunch of beers I'd never heard of, including one with berries that I really want to try. Also, Pangea, which has a cool name.
Birthday dinner at a seafood place. Crabcakes and softshell crab.
Seeing as Dogfish Head is right by Rehoboth Beach that's where we stayed the night. So the next morning we went exploring. We found really big shells, which I made into seashell bras all along the beach. Because I'm a 10 year old boy. We also found a piece of a hourshoe crab shell and a bird leg/talons.
Then we were on our way to Atlantic City! We found the penguin game from Vancouver and did not do well. Penguins are better in Canada! But then we had a freakin awesome game of craps. It was a lot of fun. If only we'd put more money on that fucking 5!
Next we took a long stroll down the Boardwalk and listened to people and the ocean. We had some drinks at the House of Blues. My amaretto sour was way weak so I ended up confusing the waiter when I asked for a shot. But we had good talks. Like about how we're too old to make out in a bar. When did that happen?
More gambling. Half-naked girls dancing to a live cover band...We played roulette and won on 29 (our anniversary), 18 (John's birthday), and 4 (my birthday). Later in the night we would play more roulette. 18 hit like a total of 5 times that night. John was in heaven. Until a crazy dealer kept yelling at everyone and it wasn't fun anymore.
Between roulette games we had more drinks and listened to a different cover band. Who rocked. I don't think we've ever had that much fun in Atlantic City. Of course I say that and I remember 2 really fun times...but really, it was crazy. I think we got back to our hotel around 3am...but who really knows.
We went on the "Stashes and Lashes" brew tour which includes samples! First was Raison D'Etre, which is one of John's favorites, so we were happy about that. He used to drink that almost exclusively when we were first living together. Next, My Antonia, which was an ok beer, but nothing special. too hoppy for me. But John said if you're a hops person it was pretty darn great. I of course just love it for the literary reference (Hey Willa Cather!). Apparently the guy who started the brewery was an English major. John now has a new career goal in mind for me. Third was Immort Ale. Don't drink it. It tastes like band-aids. Eww. And I thought Dogfish head could do not wrong. I forget the last one, but it was alright. On the tour we were told about a bunch of beers I'd never heard of, including one with berries that I really want to try. Also, Pangea, which has a cool name.
Birthday dinner at a seafood place. Crabcakes and softshell crab.
Seeing as Dogfish Head is right by Rehoboth Beach that's where we stayed the night. So the next morning we went exploring. We found really big shells, which I made into seashell bras all along the beach. Because I'm a 10 year old boy. We also found a piece of a hourshoe crab shell and a bird leg/talons.
Then we were on our way to Atlantic City! We found the penguin game from Vancouver and did not do well. Penguins are better in Canada! But then we had a freakin awesome game of craps. It was a lot of fun. If only we'd put more money on that fucking 5!
Next we took a long stroll down the Boardwalk and listened to people and the ocean. We had some drinks at the House of Blues. My amaretto sour was way weak so I ended up confusing the waiter when I asked for a shot. But we had good talks. Like about how we're too old to make out in a bar. When did that happen?
More gambling. Half-naked girls dancing to a live cover band...We played roulette and won on 29 (our anniversary), 18 (John's birthday), and 4 (my birthday). Later in the night we would play more roulette. 18 hit like a total of 5 times that night. John was in heaven. Until a crazy dealer kept yelling at everyone and it wasn't fun anymore.
Between roulette games we had more drinks and listened to a different cover band. Who rocked. I don't think we've ever had that much fun in Atlantic City. Of course I say that and I remember 2 really fun times...but really, it was crazy. I think we got back to our hotel around 3am...but who really knows.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Hannibal Lecter vs Melissa
On Friday night I had a serious nightmare. John and I were walking down the street minding our own business when some cops fucking kidnapped us. They handcuffed/tied us both to two bucket seats in a van. Between us was a box. They stuck my elbow into a tiny hole in the box. At which point Hannibal Lecter started gnawing on my fucking elbow! As he gnawed and my arms became just bone, it would slowly slide further into the hole so that he could eat more. The cops, apparently, were tired of dealing with their whiny prisoners, so they fed us to him. Thanks honorable policemen. I don't know what would happen when he finished the arm, as they way we were set up that's about all that he could eat through that hole...but that's not the point.
The point is I was whining and moaning in my sleep. And I half woke up and was super scared, so I cuddled up to John. I think I was like "Nightmare, eating..." so John just kissed my forehead and told me to go back to sleep. I could have asked for a bit more comfort, but I did fall back to sleep so it wasn't really necessary. So I will consider this sweet and soothing.
Except now he keeps making whining sounds and laughing. Apparently my torture filled nightmare produced sounds that crack the boy up.
I just keep telling him he was the next course...and he laughs some more.
Sometimes boys are sweet. And they share the cherry Starburst you gave them for their birthday, even though it's like his favorite thing in the world. They could just give you all the strawberry but you get a few cherry. That's love.
And sometimes they laugh at you getting eaten.
Good with the bad, right?
The point is I was whining and moaning in my sleep. And I half woke up and was super scared, so I cuddled up to John. I think I was like "Nightmare, eating..." so John just kissed my forehead and told me to go back to sleep. I could have asked for a bit more comfort, but I did fall back to sleep so it wasn't really necessary. So I will consider this sweet and soothing.
Except now he keeps making whining sounds and laughing. Apparently my torture filled nightmare produced sounds that crack the boy up.
I just keep telling him he was the next course...and he laughs some more.
Sometimes boys are sweet. And they share the cherry Starburst you gave them for their birthday, even though it's like his favorite thing in the world. They could just give you all the strawberry but you get a few cherry. That's love.
And sometimes they laugh at you getting eaten.
Good with the bad, right?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Blackwater Falls West Virginia
Since we had a 3 day weekend due to Veterans Day, John and I headed to West Virginia for one last hiking trip before winter. Of course that doesn't mean we won't hike again, but just in case, this trip was made. We decided to stay in a hotel though. Even with nice sleeping bags, sometimes cold weather camping sucks.
We had a beautiful drive out west. A lot of the trees in Shenandoah were still colorful. But then the country music took over the radio, the trees lost their leaves, the temp dropped...and there was snow on the ground.
Our hotel was about 20 mins from the park, so after we checked in we went to do a quick look around before the sun set. The wind was pretty brutal seeing as we were still in fall mode, but I was pretty sure the weekend was supposed to be a bit warmer so I didn't cry.
That night we reverted to our college days and had PB&J, ramen, and various other random foods that were possible to cook in a hotel room. Actually oddly fun. We also watched way too many episodes of House-hunters International and pondered moving to Australia some more.
Our hike was not that long, maybe 6 miles. Hard to say since we did a combination of many trails. The park's longest trail was 1.5 mile so we just kept taking different pieces of them to make a loop. A lot of the time was spent in the woods. One trail seriously should have been about .2 miles, but was a full mile because it just zig-zagged around the trees.
Balanced Rock - milestone 1
We ran into these deer on the trail and they would not budge. No matter how much noise we made, they just looked at us with these "Dude, it's my grass, go away" looks. We would have just walked around them, but there was a baby so we didn't want the mom to flip out. So it took a few minutes, but eventually made it.
Lame stream crossing
Made it to the falls overlook! Realized there was another, better overlook on the otherside. So we hiked back to the car and drove there (No trail from where we were, across the river, to the other side)
On the way back to the car, we came across a rock in our way. So we had to do a little rock scramble.
View from the lodge, where we parked our car.
Good views of Blackwater Falls
We had a beautiful drive out west. A lot of the trees in Shenandoah were still colorful. But then the country music took over the radio, the trees lost their leaves, the temp dropped...and there was snow on the ground.
Our hotel was about 20 mins from the park, so after we checked in we went to do a quick look around before the sun set. The wind was pretty brutal seeing as we were still in fall mode, but I was pretty sure the weekend was supposed to be a bit warmer so I didn't cry.
That night we reverted to our college days and had PB&J, ramen, and various other random foods that were possible to cook in a hotel room. Actually oddly fun. We also watched way too many episodes of House-hunters International and pondered moving to Australia some more.
Our hike was not that long, maybe 6 miles. Hard to say since we did a combination of many trails. The park's longest trail was 1.5 mile so we just kept taking different pieces of them to make a loop. A lot of the time was spent in the woods. One trail seriously should have been about .2 miles, but was a full mile because it just zig-zagged around the trees.
Balanced Rock - milestone 1
We ran into these deer on the trail and they would not budge. No matter how much noise we made, they just looked at us with these "Dude, it's my grass, go away" looks. We would have just walked around them, but there was a baby so we didn't want the mom to flip out. So it took a few minutes, but eventually made it.
Lame stream crossing
Made it to the falls overlook! Realized there was another, better overlook on the otherside. So we hiked back to the car and drove there (No trail from where we were, across the river, to the other side)
On the way back to the car, we came across a rock in our way. So we had to do a little rock scramble.
View from the lodge, where we parked our car.
Good views of Blackwater Falls
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Mt. Vernon - Washington Did It Right
Rob, Jamie, and I went to Mt. Vernon over the weekend. Washington had a pretty nice place to hang out.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Notes on Rock Climbing
John finally got me to the rock climbing gym, with equipment! And I'm in love. Notes:
~It's pretty awesome!
~John said if I did a 5.6 clean by the end of the night he'd be proud. I did.
~I also did not panic when rappelling, as he expected. Because it's actually quite fun.
~Seeing as I didn't fall once (hey, I was proud), he's going to make me to 7s and 8s next time so that I learn to fall. Oh joy!
~5.10: still a ways off, but I tried it, for a good laugh.
~I am not allowed to belay yet. I'm uncoordinated and cannot be trusted. I request a month alone with the rope to work on my skills.
~Nothing hurts, exactly, but everything I pick up seems very heavy. Cause my arms kind of turned to jelly.
~Climbing shoes make me feel like a ballerina. Until my toes start to hurt.
~It's pretty awesome!
~John said if I did a 5.6 clean by the end of the night he'd be proud. I did.
~I also did not panic when rappelling, as he expected. Because it's actually quite fun.
~Seeing as I didn't fall once (hey, I was proud), he's going to make me to 7s and 8s next time so that I learn to fall. Oh joy!
~5.10: still a ways off, but I tried it, for a good laugh.
~I am not allowed to belay yet. I'm uncoordinated and cannot be trusted. I request a month alone with the rope to work on my skills.
~Nothing hurts, exactly, but everything I pick up seems very heavy. Cause my arms kind of turned to jelly.
~Climbing shoes make me feel like a ballerina. Until my toes start to hurt.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Miscellaneous Thursday
I have been in a funky mood all week. It's like I woke up Monday morning and the world just sucked. Is this hormonal? I never blamed hormones for my emotions. Never had bad PMS or anything. Hate that excuse. But the new BC is messing with me. Though it cannot be all to blame.
John was in trouble the other night. Things are happy again, but man, I was really mad for 3 hours.
I had a dream on Halloween that John was attacked by 100 zombie ladies all trying to make out with him. He had a lot of fun killing them. Ladies need to stop wanting my man. Even zombie ladies who just want brains. I know they're nice brains, but back off!
And no, our fight had nothing to do with those ladies. He appropriately fends off their advances. But I think I am going to make that "Get too close and my girlfriend will kill you" t-shirt for those times when he's out with the guys (many of whom are single...why aren't the girls flirting with them?!). I just have to have a scary photo shoot to get the appropriate imagine.
Also, John's coming home with me in December!! Happy times! Well, he's coming with me, but leaving before me. I took a lot of time off and he just couldn't get away from the new job and family. I am trying to think of how best to spend our time there. He's been to the Arch, and Busch Stadium. What other STL things must one experience? Oh, and Monday's activities must involve teenage boys.
I flipped the fuck out last weekend when I realized Evan was turning 17. SEVENTEEN! When the hell did that happen? He's starting to think about COLLEGE. Since Sunday I pretended that I did not have this revelation. Until it was brought up when I was talking to Mom last night.
My step-father's dickhead nature is back in full force. Not that it went away... Anyway, he basically told his son he was too stupid to get into SLU. The kid who one day was telling me some crazy physics something that went way over my head. Which he just googled for fun. Sure, he slacked off last year and his grades slipped. But he stepped it up when he picked the school, and just got honor roll this quarter. And yet, he was called stupid. Still not in the running for father of the year.
John's going out of town this weekend. I may do nothing but bake. Oh, and plan. The following 2 weekends we'll be out of town and I need to figure a few things out. Plus the St. Louis trip. And I need to Christmas shop. With no ideas!
John's going to go to Africa and fight the diamond lords. "I can buy a diamond any time but it's just a rock like every other woman has. If I fight for a diamond it means something. Isn't it more a symbol of eternal love if I killed someone for it?" Dude, you don't have to make up elaborate excuses not to buy me a diamond. I told you I didn't need one.
We're going on a "Stashes and Lashes" brewery tour...so I'm off to get some fake lashes. What's the appropriate outfit for such an event?
My roommates need to clean he kitchen before I lose it. I did it last and I'm not giving in. Or maybe I will when I want to cook this weekend. Man.
Not only did John's family have a fire, but my coworker's family did too. It's made me a little paranoid. I didn't even light candles during my bubble bath!
Oh, you know what else happened? CARDINALS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!! Amazing happy times.
I got sappy and told John it was meant to be because we won 5 years ago when we had just started dating. And this year we're back on track. And 5 years is a big milestone. So, the Cards are going to win the WS every 5 years, just so we can prolong our anniversary happiness. It's been declared! (hoping for too much? Maybe)
This was me 5 years ago, the day after we won.
John was in trouble the other night. Things are happy again, but man, I was really mad for 3 hours.
I had a dream on Halloween that John was attacked by 100 zombie ladies all trying to make out with him. He had a lot of fun killing them. Ladies need to stop wanting my man. Even zombie ladies who just want brains. I know they're nice brains, but back off!
And no, our fight had nothing to do with those ladies. He appropriately fends off their advances. But I think I am going to make that "Get too close and my girlfriend will kill you" t-shirt for those times when he's out with the guys (many of whom are single...why aren't the girls flirting with them?!). I just have to have a scary photo shoot to get the appropriate imagine.
Also, John's coming home with me in December!! Happy times! Well, he's coming with me, but leaving before me. I took a lot of time off and he just couldn't get away from the new job and family. I am trying to think of how best to spend our time there. He's been to the Arch, and Busch Stadium. What other STL things must one experience? Oh, and Monday's activities must involve teenage boys.
I flipped the fuck out last weekend when I realized Evan was turning 17. SEVENTEEN! When the hell did that happen? He's starting to think about COLLEGE. Since Sunday I pretended that I did not have this revelation. Until it was brought up when I was talking to Mom last night.
My step-father's dickhead nature is back in full force. Not that it went away... Anyway, he basically told his son he was too stupid to get into SLU. The kid who one day was telling me some crazy physics something that went way over my head. Which he just googled for fun. Sure, he slacked off last year and his grades slipped. But he stepped it up when he picked the school, and just got honor roll this quarter. And yet, he was called stupid. Still not in the running for father of the year.
John's going out of town this weekend. I may do nothing but bake. Oh, and plan. The following 2 weekends we'll be out of town and I need to figure a few things out. Plus the St. Louis trip. And I need to Christmas shop. With no ideas!
John's going to go to Africa and fight the diamond lords. "I can buy a diamond any time but it's just a rock like every other woman has. If I fight for a diamond it means something. Isn't it more a symbol of eternal love if I killed someone for it?" Dude, you don't have to make up elaborate excuses not to buy me a diamond. I told you I didn't need one.
We're going on a "Stashes and Lashes" brewery tour...so I'm off to get some fake lashes. What's the appropriate outfit for such an event?
My roommates need to clean he kitchen before I lose it. I did it last and I'm not giving in. Or maybe I will when I want to cook this weekend. Man.
Not only did John's family have a fire, but my coworker's family did too. It's made me a little paranoid. I didn't even light candles during my bubble bath!
Oh, you know what else happened? CARDINALS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!! Amazing happy times.
I got sappy and told John it was meant to be because we won 5 years ago when we had just started dating. And this year we're back on track. And 5 years is a big milestone. So, the Cards are going to win the WS every 5 years, just so we can prolong our anniversary happiness. It's been declared! (hoping for too much? Maybe)
This was me 5 years ago, the day after we won.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Autumn in Shenandoah
This past weekend we went on a group trip to Shenandoah with Mike and Marissa (OBX people), Dale, Mike's sister Erin, and some other people somehow associated with M&M. It was a perfect fall weekend, which means a lot of time was spent around the campfire drinking, chatting, and trying to stay warm. But that's pretty awesome in itself.
We hiked the Rose River Falls trail on Saturday. John and I started at the campground, hiked about 1.5 miles on the Appalachian trail, and then picked up the trailhead where it met the AT on Skyline Drive. Then we did the loop and hiked back the same part of the AT. So we had a total of 7 miles. Everyone else drove to the trailhead and just did the 4 mile loop.
We had some great views of the fall colors along the AT and at the overhead (before the real trail began). Although we had a small spat before starting the hike, the tension quickly died. I love that about us - we disagree and get back to happiness. Who doesn't disagree? Anyway...stupid sidenote. So, we sat on a rock not far into the hike and just looked out over the mountains. It was incredibly peaceful and the fall air was cleansing.
The falls were not the most impressive we've seen, but still a nice change of scenery from city life. I will always be happy with a waterfall, even small ones.
We met up with the crew about halfway through the real trail. Some were fighting injuries, so they were slower. John, as always, was happy to be around dogs. Dudley would later eat horse poop and rocks and end up at the emergency vet. Poor pup.
Back to the trail. We hiked with the group for awhile, but eventually got back to our real pace and passed them. Unfortunately, by the time we finished the loop, my back was sore. So the last 1.5 miles back to the campsite were not as enjoyable as the rest of the day. 7 miles shouldn't be too much for me, but I was tired. But I made it! And despite the rough end, was really glad we added the extra bit.
On our way back to the campsite, John stopped to use the facilities. I saw a chipmunk run into a kid's shoe and go flying. And I shouldn't have laughed, but I did. Especially when the kid ran to his dad, worried that he'd killed a mouse.
Back at camp, I ate way too much hummus and tostitoes (hint of lime!), and we all then proceeded to cook burgers and all kinds of other food, and ultimately smores. Dale and Erin got drunk and made out in front of everyone, even though they continue to maintain nothing is going on. Something about wanting different things. Really, as adults can't you just say "Hey, we're hanging out and making out, but it won't ever be serious because we want different things." Nothing wrong with that. Anyway, it was funny.
Also, Erin asked John and I to go hike Kilimanjaro next year. A trip she should be taking in a few months, but with her injured ankle she's thinking of postponing. Now if only I had 2 more weeks of vacation time...
John and I switched sleeping bags that night. Mine's a 20, his -20. I was cold Friday night because there's something wrong with me. He said he was chilly with my bag, but it was fine. He likes cold. In his bag I was all snug and warm and couldn't have been happier. So we'll probably switch for good. Until we go real backpacking, in which case I need something lighter.
Anyway...it was a pretty great trip. That's about all I can say. I hope we get in one more camp trip before winter, but it may be a cabin trip in November, if anything. Our weekends are filling up.
We hiked the Rose River Falls trail on Saturday. John and I started at the campground, hiked about 1.5 miles on the Appalachian trail, and then picked up the trailhead where it met the AT on Skyline Drive. Then we did the loop and hiked back the same part of the AT. So we had a total of 7 miles. Everyone else drove to the trailhead and just did the 4 mile loop.
We had some great views of the fall colors along the AT and at the overhead (before the real trail began). Although we had a small spat before starting the hike, the tension quickly died. I love that about us - we disagree and get back to happiness. Who doesn't disagree? Anyway...stupid sidenote. So, we sat on a rock not far into the hike and just looked out over the mountains. It was incredibly peaceful and the fall air was cleansing.
The falls were not the most impressive we've seen, but still a nice change of scenery from city life. I will always be happy with a waterfall, even small ones.
We met up with the crew about halfway through the real trail. Some were fighting injuries, so they were slower. John, as always, was happy to be around dogs. Dudley would later eat horse poop and rocks and end up at the emergency vet. Poor pup.
Back to the trail. We hiked with the group for awhile, but eventually got back to our real pace and passed them. Unfortunately, by the time we finished the loop, my back was sore. So the last 1.5 miles back to the campsite were not as enjoyable as the rest of the day. 7 miles shouldn't be too much for me, but I was tired. But I made it! And despite the rough end, was really glad we added the extra bit.
On our way back to the campsite, John stopped to use the facilities. I saw a chipmunk run into a kid's shoe and go flying. And I shouldn't have laughed, but I did. Especially when the kid ran to his dad, worried that he'd killed a mouse.
Back at camp, I ate way too much hummus and tostitoes (hint of lime!), and we all then proceeded to cook burgers and all kinds of other food, and ultimately smores. Dale and Erin got drunk and made out in front of everyone, even though they continue to maintain nothing is going on. Something about wanting different things. Really, as adults can't you just say "Hey, we're hanging out and making out, but it won't ever be serious because we want different things." Nothing wrong with that. Anyway, it was funny.
Also, Erin asked John and I to go hike Kilimanjaro next year. A trip she should be taking in a few months, but with her injured ankle she's thinking of postponing. Now if only I had 2 more weeks of vacation time...
John and I switched sleeping bags that night. Mine's a 20, his -20. I was cold Friday night because there's something wrong with me. He said he was chilly with my bag, but it was fine. He likes cold. In his bag I was all snug and warm and couldn't have been happier. So we'll probably switch for good. Until we go real backpacking, in which case I need something lighter.
Anyway...it was a pretty great trip. That's about all I can say. I hope we get in one more camp trip before winter, but it may be a cabin trip in November, if anything. Our weekends are filling up.
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