Cody’s Baptism! August 12, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Family, Lifestyle, Religion.2 comments
This past weekend was a total time warp for me. Even though I had just visited Virginia Beach during the 4th of July weekend, this past weekend was more emotional and memorable.
First, I stayed at Brenda’s parent’s house – a house I pretty much grew up in until I left for college. They had made some changes to the house, but for the most part everything was still the same. As I walked through different rooms, I would remember different memories from being a kid. HEAD TRIP!
Then, Brenda and I took Cody to see Brother Damian (Alex) and his mom at their house down the street. We lost Cody for about 10 minutes as he was being passed around a hoard of Filipinos! Too cute. We got a hot tip that Joy was in town this past weekend to help her parents pack up the house they just sold. We showed up in the middle of the chaos for a mini-reunion. Joy hadn’t seen Brenda or Damian in a long time, and hadn’t met Cody yet. It was great to chit chat and catch up.
The day of the baptism brought another trip down memory lane when we showed up at the church where I used to spend every Sunday. Of course, for Brenda’s sake I went through the motions of Baptism rituals. But I have to say that I was really weirded out. In the middle of the mass, it started to downpour outside and the lights started to flicker inside the church. I swear it was because I was in the house. hehe.
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Okay, my baby’s baptized. Now it’s time for mama to relax!
My last week of vacation in New Hampshire August 12, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Environment, Family, Lifestyle.add a comment
I’m back at my mom’s house in NOVA again. I’m detoxing and focusing. This blog has been suffering a bit, but now I’m ready to get back on track! I’ve got lots of pictures to show from my last week in NH, so ch-ch-check ‘em out!
Brenda chopping wood in her front yard while wearing flip flops.
Mike jumped in and was like, “okay, you’re done.”
We had a yard sale, and on the down times there was a lot of goofing off. Here’s Bren in a noodle battle with Mike’s brother, Buddy.
Trying to sell the exercise machine with his sexiness.
CODY!
I went to the Craftsman’s Fair with Mike’s cousins. It was at the Lake Sunapee Ski Resort. We took the ski lifts up the mountain to see some views. Here’s a foreboding rain cloud.
Beautiful or what?
Deer!
Feeding the kid 
Spur of the moment rain gear!
Cody post bath! Seriously, is there a cuter kid out there?
Road trip to Virginia Beach for the weekend! August 7, 2008
Posted by NettyD in From the blogger, Lifestyle, Travel.add a comment
Hey all! Just wanted to let you all know that I’ll be heading to Virginia Beach this weekend for Cody’s baptism. Seems strange to be going back there already! Mike, Brenda, Cody and I are driving 12 hours through the night from New Hampshire. Yay for road trips!!
Then on Monday, it’s back up to Northern VA for a week to organize my stuff, pack it in a car, and drive it all back up to NH! I love the idea of a solo road trip. Crankin’ the music and thinkin’ happy thoughts about what my new life will be like!
I have more pictures to post from my last week or so of vacation too, so stay tuned!
HAPPINESS!
Goofing off, chilling out and appreciating what you’ve got. August 1, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Environment, Family, Lifestyle, Sociology, Travel.2 comments
When I started my travel journey this summer, I knew that at the end of it I would have to eventually find a place to land for awhile. For the most part, I was going to let it be revealed to me by paying attention to signs and symbols. You know, not trying to control it. In the back of my mind though, I secretly knew that I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I decided to just re-plot myself in a place where I’d lived before. While I’ve been spending time in New Hampshire, I’ve discovered a place like none other I’ve lived, or maybe have even visited.
Most notable about my time here is the sense of community and family I’ve felt a part of, especially in just a few short weeks. I hadn’t consciously realized it, but suddenly I was a aware that what I’ve really been searching for is a community to belong in. I get that here. And it’s in abundance.
So, I’m going to ride this wave for awhile and see what happens. Yay!
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Fun Friday night house party. Brenda was in rare form!
She is going off about something here. Apparently really funny.
Reunited with her son at the end of the night. “Wait kid, I need me some brownies”
I spent the next day out on this boat. This is the Blackwater River. So beautiful!
CAUTION: The following is a random selection of photos taken among the not so sober.
We take no responsibility for the way we look or behave
Kelsey and Tyler – a pair of really good people.
Oh, boys and their wrestling. Here is Mike with his brother Matt. At first it looked like Matt, the younger brother, was going to win it.
But then, Mike ended it all in one swoop. haha!
This was the billiard room I woke up in the next morning. This view is from the couch I slept on.
It really was a beautiful room.
A couple of nights later, I went on a 2.25 mile hike and ended up at the base of a water tower. I climbed the water tower, and got some of these views of the Concord area at sunset.
76 very steep and narrow steps up the water tower. But totally worth it
The natural New Hampshire! July 25, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Environment, Family, Health and Well-Being, Travel.3 comments
Finding a more natural (and healthier) routine July 23, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Environment, Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Theories and Thoughts.2 comments
(image courtesy of crytalinks.com)
Even if my stay in one place is no more than four or five days, I’m finding that I will develop a routine in some way. What I’ve enjoyed most about being on vacation is not having to get up at a certain time every day. I feel like I can take my time getting up. No one is expecting me to do anything. It feels great.
During this freedom with my time, I’ve discovered my own natural biorhythm. I feel like I’m listening better to what my body is saying to me. I wake up late and go to sleep late. It’s natural.
I’ve diagnosed my problem with mainstream working America and it’s that I don’t fit into its schedule.
I let my body sleep as long as it needs. I stretch and walk, and have been doing a little hiking up here in New Hampshire too. When I want to write something, I write it. I don’t try to compartmentalize the things I want to do into time slots. I just do things when I think about it.
I think it would be better for me, and for the people around me, if my time wasn’t controlled by someone else. Now, I just have to figure out how to do that successfully. Suggestions?
Fun times in New Hampshire! July 20, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Family, Lifestyle, Travel.2 comments
Friday was an eventful day! Brenda, Cody and I strolled to downtown Concord for “Market Days.” Basically, Main St. is converted into a street market full of food, retail and activity booths. We decided to make a pit stop in an Italian bistro for some fruit salad. Afterwards, we roamed a couple of stores and I was happily surprised to find some really good metaphysical, hippie spots. New Hampshire definitely has its own California vibe for sure!
Concord’s “Market Days”
Concord’s capitol building
We found a baby snow hat and decked the little man out. He’s such a good, happy baby! What a ham!
After strolling Main St., we dropped off Cody with his grandmother and decided to meet Mike, Brenda’s husband, for drinks downtown. On the way back home, we were invited to a house party, so grandma agreed to take the kid for the night! We made a pit-stop at her house to fill her up on food and diapers. While we were there, Mike let the dogs out and a skunk decided to spray them (more like soak them) with its funk! When they came running back into the house, the smell was so intense, I had to leave and sit in the car.
Mama finally gets a night out for fun!
NettyD cruisin’!
A rare moment of rest for a working daddy.
A career-path or a just a hobby? July 18, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Millennials, Theories and Thoughts.4 comments
Growing up American, I’ve definitely felt the pressures to live “the dream.” From the age of about 19, however, I realized that this “dream” really is a crock of shiz. I began to notice early on that the people who worked ridiculously long hours, sacrificed their family ties, and who started to rack up clothes in their closets they didn’t even realize they had, not only seemed unhappy, but also really c-r-a-z-y!
And now, eight years later, my opinion about this hasn’t changed at all. And I’m glad.
Having said this, though, I am encountering hurdles when it comes to deciding exactly what I want to do as my contribution to the world. I have read many new-age books that stress the importance of the laws of attraction, and that life and its purpose will be revealed to me. Basically, I shouldn’t try to control my destiny. I believe all of this to a point, and feel that it explains why people who do try to control their destiny are so unhappy. But there are still parts about the concept I struggle with.
So far, what has been revealed to me in this life is that I’m very good at one thing: dancing. I’ve also discovered that I have a passion for writing and expressing myself. For me, these two activities have always been more about escape and release. But, if the universe has given me these skills does that mean I’ve been given an assignment of some sort?
My dilemma is that I’m afraid that if I turn my hobbies into my career, I will start to dislike them. By not doing what I’m good at, though, am I throwing away what I’m really supposed to contribute to the world?
Hmmmm.
I want to be a baby again. July 17, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Lifestyle, Theories and Thoughts.4 comments
CODY ALEXANDER TUCKER
Hanging out with a six month old has been really interesting and fun. I find myself watching him constantly, trying to figure out what he’s thinking. I’m interested in what excites him and what catches his attention. I’m jealous of the time he gets to sleep and how many times a day he eats. I’m also jealous of the things he doesn’t know because he doesn’t have any responsibility.
I don’t want the responsibility of figuring out my life right now. I’m still stumbling through the idea of reconciling the cynic and the optimist and how knowledge affects both. Today, I want a mind devoid of knowledge. I want to be a baby again. Hmmph!
New York Pics: Days Two and Three July 16, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Millennials, Travel.2 comments
Alright folks, it’s time to see loads of pictures from my weekend in NYC. (Scroll down for Day One pics). First off, I just want to thank my home skillets Joy and Jeff for hosting me and showing me a good time. Never a dull moment in the city that never sleeps…
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DAY TWO
Joy works in the advertising industry and it just so happened that Latina Magazine invited her to an event at the Westin Hotel in Times Square while I was visiting. It was a free day of beauty services open to the public and hosted by the magazine and other sponsors. Because of Joy’s hook-ups, we were able to cut in front of HUNDREDS of crazy latina women and be one of the first to get our pretty on! On our way out, we were given a bag of swag. Yeah, I know, I’m cool.
Publicity, Publicity, Publicity!!
The nail technicians were only allowed 10 minutes to do each woman’s nails!! Yikes!
The contents of the swag bag! I love that the hair products were all about “anti-frizz.” Ha!
After the Latina Magazine event, we hopped on the subway uptown to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). The top floor was a Dali exhibit, but they didn’t allow pictures, so I just took a picture of the entrance. After that, we worked our way down the six floors of years of art. This was the only thing I wanted to do while I was in NYC. I had the time of my life.
Dali and his ’stache – now that’s art people!
Magritte’s “The Menaced Assasin”
Jasper Johns’ “Target with Four Faces”
Monet! I couldn’t get the whole thing in the shot. It was divided into three panels and extended over an entire wall. AMAZING!
Joy and Picasso’s “Woman’s Head”
(Notice the “security guard” in the background. Is he working or people watching? You decide.)
More Picasso! I love how the teenage boy got in the shot. Art within art, no?
Yes, that’s Picasso’s “Three Musicians” LOVE IT!
What’s up, Warhol?
This piece was titled, “Little Girl.” It’s hanging on a barbed wire from the ceiling. Anyone care to interpret?
A piece by the feminist, Ree Morton.
A general view of one of the strangest rooms in the media gallery. Notice the mannequin standing in the left corner. That piece was titled, “Stand in the corner and be ashamed of yourself.” It doesn’t get more American than that folks!
I like big butts and I cannot lie…
This piece was titled, “Wrist Corsage.” It’s hard to see, but there is a picture of a little girl in the top left corner. It’s a juxtaposition between innocence and sexuality. This was my favorite piece. Many critical thoughts about my role as a woman came up while looking at this.
After getting all nerdy on art, we decided to meet Joy’s cousin Viviene and their friend Patrick for dinner and drinks at the “Boat Basin Cafe.” On the way there, we happened upon Bhangra dancing in Central Park!! The redhead in the green shorts and white top was waaaaaaay into it. I couldn’t believe she was barefoot in the Park. I hope she got a good foot scrubbing after this!
“The Boast Basin Cafe” is an outdoor restaurant located at the very end of 79th street with a view of the Hudson. The wait to be seated by the water was over an hour and a half! Because we were tired, and were in need of ice cold pina coladas, we decided to settle for the more interior seating. Everyone there was in the 25-35 age group. I observed the scene heavily and began to think about what it must be like as a wealthy, young urbanite. I won’t bore you here with my thoughts on the matter. Maybe another day.
NettyD and Joy oi oi !
Joy and her cousin Viviene, who is a dentist.
And now, DAY THREE
I woke up Sunday morning and after a quick chit-chat with Joy and her BF Jeff, I took the subway from Brooklyn to Times Square – again. This time I was meeting my aunt and my two cousins. It was great to catch up after so many years. They didn’t let me take pictures, so that’s all I have to say about that.
On my return to Brooklyn, Joy, Jeff, his cousin and I made it to the Brooklyn Museum of Art to see the last day of the Murakami exhibit. Murakami is an amazing Japanese artist. Some of his stuff impressed me more than exhibits at the MOMA the day before. Check out the madness!
This craziness greeted us in the lobby while we waited about a half hour to get tickets.
These two sculptures were facing each other. On the opposite walls were large pink and blue canvases with white splatter all over them. The room was titled, “Milk.”
The beauty of Murakami…
Jeff, Joy and Murakami
I stole these next three from Joy. (Thanks for that oi oi !)
Outside of the museum there was a really cool urban lawn. Sundays in New York
We headed back to Brooklyn Heights after that, and decided to enjoy the festivities of Bastille Day! Technically this French holiday is celebrated on the 14th (which was the day after), but I guess Sunday worked better for everyone since they didn’t have to work! Smith St. was turned into an outdoor festival full of French food stands and merchandise. A piece of the street was even sectioned off and covered in sand so that attendees could play petanque (sort of like Bocce Ball). Culture, Culture, Culture!
We happened upon a skateboarding competition. Really exciting!
Playing petanque!
Roof deck party overlooking the madness on the street!
Happy Bastille Day!
One last shot of the Brooklyn Bridge. (oh, and Joy looking very tired and hungry). I love New York. I can’t believe it took me so long to go back, but now I plan on spending many weekends up there over the next year or so. Happiness!
