South Park Avatar Creations

My last two posts had some customized avatars. I made these through using the tool at South Park Studios.

It's fun and simple. Enjoy. There's a great Cartman t-shirt you can put on your likeness, but I preferred to keep both of the avatars I created relatively 'normal.'

My Lily Tootsabelle Experience!

Ooooo! I finally got up the nerve to hold my niece. And it was AWESOME!

Yes, I know this sounds ridiculous. She's almost six months old. But, I have a thing about babies. They look so fragile as infants. So breakable. And they are also so intuitive. They smell fear. I know that if I had held my niece in previous months, she would have known right away what a hack I am at holding children and would have cried her ever-lovin' head off.

When I entered my parents house and saw my sister holding Miss Lils, I knew I could hold her. She's gotten so big, and is just the cutest baby on the planet. So, my sister placed her in my arms, and she only fussed for a minute (she saw her bottle and wanted it, wanted it, wanted it!), and then I sang "The Wheels on the Bus" song to her. Off key. With made-up lyrics. Because I don't know any kiddie songs. (There. I've said it. I'm a mediocre aunt.)

Miss Lils was a trooper. She waited as patiently as she could for her dinner bottle, and tolerated my singing.

She's so beautiful! She's got these amazing cheeks, and the longest eyelashes. She totally adores my sister, which is so cool to see. And my parents are just eating up being grandparents. Tootsabella lights up a room when she's in it.

I can't wait to see her again!

Happy

Here's what my horoscope said for February 14, 2009:

Today is a great day to surround yourself with the most important people in your life. Don't dwell on all the jewelry and flowers exchanging hands. Instead, admire the gifts in your life -- your sanity, health and sometimes happiness. It'll only get better from here.

The astrology reading rang true today.

I have to say, this is the first Valentine's Day in a very long time where I was truly happy. It's also the first time I've failed miserably in the gift-giving department. I purchased a music box set for Manfriend - and he already had it! D'oh! I know now why it appealed to me when I saw it: he's had it sitting in his living room. As in right in front of me! Durrrr *smacks forehead*

(Well, the good news is at least I know his taste. The better news: I get a shopping challenge!)

Manfriend really made me feel special today. We went grocery shopping; then went to a place called Ray's Diner. We love it there, especially in the back, where it's well-lit, and a little on the intimate side, since there are less tables and booths there. We ate our standard fare, which consists of cheeseburgers (his with bacon and mine with extra pickles) and fries. Since Ray's isn't exactly a yuppie establishment, it's quieter. Which means Manfriend and I can enjoy a very satisfying meal, talk and not feel rushed. It's one of our great pleasures.

He spoiled me today, which was a little overwhelming. At first, I thought he was getting me flowers. Instead, I got a big fluffy red dog stuffed animal, a lovely card (which described our relationship to a 'T'), and a single red rose.

I totally admit, among the things he selected for me, the single rose equates to true romance. There's something beautiful about a single red rose. It's special. It's delicate. It's lovely.

Yeah, he totally made my heart melt.

We went back to his house and enjoyed a slice of Carvel ice cream cake. What Philly girl doesn't enjoy the black and white cake with the chocolate crunch in the center? Mmmm!

He really is such a caring soul. Part of the fun on my road to recovery has been nagging shoulder and neck pain. Since the fast-acting Tylenol did very little tonight, he took care of me to ease my discomfort. He took out this thing you put around your neck. It's cloth with some bean thingies in it. It heats up in the microwave and it smells like lavender. The warmth and the aromatherapy combines to be pure heaven.

He and I chatted away to each other throughout the night, and I thought, "Yeah. One of the best Valentine's Days ever - even if I'm having trouble moving my neck..." I just smiled throughout the night, as did he.

He dropped me off at my house; we kissed goodnight, and then he called me to let me know he had gotten home okay.

Today was a good day. A great day. And I am happy for it!