Tag: trousdale school

I’m Melting

Posted on by Amy

The heat is killing me. I know it has to be killing everyone else as well. And I am completely grateful for air conditioning and working inside because I really don’t know how those who have to work outside manage it.

It is one thing for me to be dripping with sweat during and after a workout. I don’t particularly love it but I can deal with it. But walking to my car and dripping sweat because I happen to be outside heading to my car? Not a fan. . .

This weekend provided a lot of entertainment for me indoors. I went with Bird Friday night to see Magic Mike. Now this type of movie may not be everyone’s cup of tea but visually speaking, it was nice. A few minor hiccups went into the viewing of this movie.

I really enjoy seeing people who act as if this is there very first time out in public. A large group of women (and a token man) came into the theater at the last moment, celebrating a birthday. They all wanted to sit together but seeing as how they arrived so late in the game, they had to settle for several rows somewhat piecemealed together.

They then proceeded to chat, take pictures and upload them onto Facebook. In fact, they even used their flash on their phones while taking pictures during the previews. I would personally like to thank them for temporarily blinding me. Then I got to hear them as they all laughed about dinner and each others posts on FB about being together.

Seriously? You pay almost $10 to go see a movie, with friends and spend the majority of the time on social media instead of watching the movie? You must either have a money tree or crap out money because this was over the top. At one point, they had all finally settled down to watch the movie and the person right in front of Bird started checking her phone and sharing with her seatmate. Since I wasn’t in the mood to climb over half of the birthday party I started kicking the back of her seat. She turned to look and I just smiled.

We were also treated to commentary through part of the movie, a la Mystery Science Theater 2000. Apparently the commentators preferred the sex scenes and stripping scenes more than the plot. I get it but dude, you can be heard by the whole of the theater. We don’t care what your thoughts are, we care about getting our money’s worth. Someone from behind my row finally yelled, “Shut up” and they finally did.

Sure the plot was predictable, the acting wasn’t Oscar worthy but the visual. . . that was nice. And sometimes I just want to see some form of entertainment without having to use my brain. It is a fantasy not reality.

And for the record, if I were with a guy and he wanted a guys night out and was all excited to see something similar I wouldn’t mind. This could be my age talking, but if I am with someone, I trust them and never take issue with this. Plus, I understand there is a difference between fantasy and reality.

Last night I went to the other extreme and went to see The Trousdale School’s annual musical. It was wonderful, as usual. And my buddy K, who is my favorite bag boy at Publix, showcased his dancing skills once more. I was quite impressed with his number and after the program went to give him a hug. He said he had yelled my name twice while dancing. I love all the students at the school but K is my buddy and I am always thrilled to get a hug from him each time I am at the grocery.

Today I have been dealing with laundry and as Snug’s mama calls it, taking a nippy nap. Now I am going to look for a vat of ice to sleep in tonight. I did wash my car today, so I am hoping that brings some rain to us really soon.

 

Landscaping 101

Posted on by Amy

The company I work for provides grants annually that can be used for local non profit groups with the caveat that we work the project instead of just handing a check over. I like the work part of it since nine times out of ten I can’t donate money to every cause I adore.

This year I headed up a small group of volunteers to landscape The Trousdale School and while I know I probably bit off way more than I can chew, I think we got the bulk of the work done. I had originally scheduled it for this past Wednesday but the other week changed it to yesterday. I would personally like to thank the Big Guy upstairs for the somewhat cooler weather yesterday as well as the idea to change days!

I know nothing about landscaping, nor plants, trees or flowers. I have mistaken weeds as grass before. . .these are things I should never be near! With the help of some awesome coworkers and the best idea from yesterday courtesy of my dad (renting a post hole digger) we got it done. OF course my lower back is in agony at the moment but let’s ignore that for a second.

I have had a lot of experience with demolitions and remodeling. I am comfortable with that kind of heavy labor. I love using the power tools as well. My friends who have enlisted me on their endeavors taught me well and made sure that my happy little self did not harm them, their pets, their homes or myself. I think the reoccurring statement from me in the past has been. . .

How hard can it be? All you have to do is rip this out, lay this down, use this tool and there you go! No problem.

And I used that same thought process as I was working that stupid hole digger thing, while dad kept telling me I couldn’t do it. Well, I did it. Mind you, it wasn’t super easy and once some bigger muscle showed up, I passed it on to him but I did it. Let’s just say I am not a fan of the soil around the south end of town. Red clay and rocks is basically the makeup of this soil. How people get anything to grow there is a mystery to me.

I did manage to get overheated yesterday and the common response from me to dad or anyone else was, “I’M FINE!” Gee, I think I may have some of that K family blood in me after all! But today, the only thing that bothers me is my back. I am sure as I get further into the personal training, I will get a stronger core and this will not be an issue but I think I will stick to home renovations as opposed to landscaping.

When I think of landscaping, I think of digging a hole, dumping the plant and throwing the dirt back on it. But it is so much bigger than that, it is more like, measure out the site, get a map of what you want there, pick of the needed items, lay them out and then you can finally start digging. I think I will stick to raising my cat since I really don’t have a green thumb.

But the best part about yesterday was hanging out with the students, getting hugs and laughing with them. They are just too sweet and I have to say, out of all the volunteering I have done over the years, this is my favorite little project. And I happened to introduce a few coworkers to the school and they have all come away impressed and ready to check in on the school again.

But the next time I start talking about yard work, landscaping or anything that has to do with the outdoors, please tell me to stop. I am still itching just thinking about all the dirt, mud, grass and pollen on me yesterday. Ugh, I was so not made to do that stuff! Give me a sledgehammer and a wall and I am good to go!