Huge Horses!!

I saw the Budweiser Clydesdales for the first time years ago, back when I worked for the local Bud distributor. I remember it was amazing. Those horses were HUGE!  (I know I have pictures somewhere, but I can't find them right now. That was back when you needed film and had to take it in to be developed (which took days!) and then you had to stash the prints somewhere, too often never to be seen again. You know, back in the old days. If I can locate them, I'll post them.) It wasn't overly crowded back then, so it was really easy to get up close and see the horses. I was never a horse freak, like my niece, but it was an incredible experience.

I ran into them again at SeaWorld in '07, when Caleb was almost 2. It was unexpected. We were walking down a path, and suddenly we hear this "clopclopclopclop..." Turn around and see this fully-outfitted rig of horses, again HUGE, pulling a beer wagon. I did find a couple of the pics of them (we had stepped into the digital age by then).

Well, we got word a couple of weeks ago that the Clydes were to be in town for a weekend, this weekend, to be exact.  I actually almost forgot. Our weekends are kind of busy lately, what with t-ball and everything. But luckily, I did remember and we made our way down to the Budweiser brewery after church this afternoon. We got there early, in time to see them hitching up the team. That in itself is fascinating. It is like a ritual, and it is incredible to see these huge beasts so at ease while being loaded down with the equipment.  It was alot more crowded then I remember it being the first time I saw it, so we couldn't get close enough to see a whole lot. Plus, there was a fence in the way... boo. Once everyone was hitched up and ready to go, including the dalmation, they did a few rounds of the parking lot, then had a couple of hours of photo ops.  Caleb wasn't feel great (neither was I, actually) so we didn't stay long. But I did manage to get a few shots of the festivities.  Again, an amazing thing to see, from start to finish. The shear size of these animals is breathtaking. I don't think I'll ever tire of seeing the team in action.  From the Super Bowl commercials to the live appearances, it is quite a sight to see.

I wanted to get a better picture of Caleb in front of a horse, but I was lucky to get this one. People get so rude at things like this, stepping in from of people taking pictures to take their own. I was terrified of him getting sucked into the crowd.

See more about the Budweiser Clydesdales here. There is a schedule of events as well. If you have the opportunity, check them out!

Play Ball!!

Caleb started Spring T-Ball last month.  It was a rocky start. It seems that, in spite of my registering him (and paying!!) smack in the middle of the registration period, they forgot to place him on a team. Luckily, I happened to check the website for an update and emailed the commish. the evening of the first practice. So, we only ended up missing the first 2 practices (he got back to me the next day, after practice.)

So, anyways, practice is underway, and the first game is on the books.  He's doing a pretty good job, not the most spastic kid out there, but runs a pretty close second or third.  He's having fun, though, and getting better every practice.  And that is what really counts, isn't it?

Catching up, Part 2: Happy New Year!

How's the New Year going for you so far?  Pretty good here, and looking up!

I don't typically make "New Year's Resolutions," as they seem to be set to be broken. Part of it is because I think most of us come up with this list of thing we want to do, and seem to think it will just happen, like magic. No idea on how to make it happen, only that we want it.  All well and good, but then you break the resolution and give up, oh well.  Moving on..

This year, I looked around and noticed that all of my friends were either moving away or expanding their families.  And here I sit, in the same place I've been for the past 3 years.  There isn't even really a reason, either.  I'm not still hung up on my ex, hoping for any kind of reconciliation. God know, we work much better as friends.  Sure, I have a little personal work to do, but who says I can't move forward while I get myself back into mental and physical shape?  I might even find a little motivation along the way.

My mommy group is having a Biggest Loser Challenge, so I jumped into that (at the very last minute).  I'm not expecting to win, but it forces me to get on the scale weekly.  I'm not "dieting" per se, but I am being much more aware of what I'm putting in my face.  I cut out soft drinks all together, which has been easier that I anticipated.  My main plan right now is to leave something on the plate.  And try and avoid the snack machine at work.  And so far, it is paying off.  In the first 4 weeks of the Biggest Loser, I've lost 10 pounds.  WooHoo!

I'm trying to move forward in other ways, as well.  Trying to look a little more interested.  Some makeup here.  A little jewelry there.  Maybe wearing heals to work every once in a while.  And honestly, I feel better.  And I'm seeing some payoff there, too.  People, men and women, smile at me more when I pass them in a store, or at work.  Funny how that works.

And, saving the best for last, Imay have even met someone.  Is he "the one?"  I wouldn't even begin to speculate there.  But, he's nice, and smart, funny.  Not too bad looking, either.  I like him.  And. I'm absolutely looking forward to seeing what happens next!

So, here's to a great start to 2011!  I hope that it just gets better from here!

Catching up, Part 1: Road Trip!

I took Caleb to Busch Gardens last month, just for the hell of it.  They extended his free pass for this year, so I renewed my pass.  So we took a long weekend and had a little adventure.  I don't have any pictures from BG, unfortunately. I didn't want to take my Nikon in and risk it getting lost or broken, so I grabbed (what turned out the be the wrong) point & shoot digital camera. The card holds all of 8 pictures.  And I am not exagerating! Eight pictures!!  So, yeah, no BG pictures this time. Bummer.

We did, however, stop at Dinosuar World in Plant City on the way home. We passed the entry on I4 on the way to Tampa last summer, and Caleb has talked about wanting to go ever since.  So I surprised him. It was pretty cool.  Small.  A little campy.  But I think that may have added to the atmosphere of the joint.  I did  take my Nikon this time, so here are some of the awesome pics...

This is the face of a HAPPY kid!

Don't ask me to name all of these dinos, 'cause its not going to happen!

 

The kids get to dig for fossils, and take home their favorite 5 finds...

Caleb's haul

Dinosaur World was a great find!  If you ever find yourself out that way, I suggest you check it out.  Especially if you have a dino-nut in the family. 

More updates to come!! Stay tuned!