Definitely have the Cubs on my brain tonight….

A few years back, I was visiting my friends Jeni and Steve in Arizona (my friend Michael was there as well), and one of the places they took me was Ho Ho Kam Park, where the Cubs hold spring training. One of my future goals is to get out there to see some games. That was also when I saw my first major league baseball game. We saw the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Florida Marlins. A few years later, after my favorite first baseman, Mark Grace, had left the Cubs and joined Arizona, I cheered the Diamondbacks on to victory in the 2001 World Series.

I really hate the Yankees, so it wasn’t a stretch.

Were it not for the strange bugs I encountered in Steve’s backyard when I was there, I’d consider living in Phoenix. The heat would be a bit much, but with so little humidity, I think I could get used to it. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t get used to those bugs, though. Because I am a big chicken.

That was a really cool trip, though. It was the second time I’d flown and the first time by myself. So, it definitely ranks up there on the list of “Brave Things Val Has Done.” Even better, it was storming when we flew in… and the lightning against the mountains looked incredible.

I need to go visit them again soon…

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Kristen at Motherhood Uncensored frequently posts the entertaining things her daughter says. Today’s statement about getting “block sick” reminded me of something I used to say to charm my own parents when I was young.

“I can’t eat any more green beans. My green bean thingy is full. But my apple pie thingy is still empty!”

Substitute green beans for any food I didn’t want and apple pie for any food I did, of course. I’m not sure it ever worked. Maybe the first time I tried it.

I don’t remember much about things I actually said when I was little, but that’s one of them. I hope Kristen’s daughter will remember some of the gems she’s come up with.

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My former stepsister says she reads my blog. And yet, I’ve seen no comments from her posted here. Hmm…

Let’s see if she remembers this moment.

Surely I’m not the only one who has crossed the street at a busy intersection, feeling a slight sense of discomfort as I walked in front of cars waiting at the red light, made even worse when I tripped in the middle of the crosswalk. Right? Not the only one? Please?

Anyway, Kat and I were going somewhere one day and she was driving, because I had no license until I was 24 years old. Yes, you read that correctly. Shut up.

We were stopped at a traffic light. It was cold outside, because the windows were rolled up. Crossing in front of us was a young man, who was… well… rather funny-looking. I did something out of character for me. I quietly said, “Hi dork,” or something equally mean. He wasn’t looking at me and there was no way he could have heard me, but as soon as he finished crossing in front of us, he turned toward our car, looked directly at us and waved!

Kat and I looked at each other in disbelief. And then we busted out laughing.

But I’m pretty sure that moment is why I trip in crosswalks. That dude is getting back at me.

These days, the only comments I make to pedestrians go something like “That’s not the freaking crosswalk, moron. Get the HELL out of my way!” But that’s only because I’m genuinely concerned about their safety.

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Last night, while watching the fireworks in Toledo, I missed having kids to share them with. I was looking at my friend’s children, how in awe they were of the display, and it was a rare moment of wishing I could go backwards in time.

There were so many things that I wanted to do with my kids when they were younger and we just couldn’t afford it. I don’t think we even made it to Cedar Point, a mere hour away, let alone Disney World. I’ve always wanted to go to Universal Studios and I thought it would be a fun time for the boys as well. Maybe we’ll still do it, just out of sheer craziness. We’ll head south, rent a condo and go wild. I’ve been to Orlando once and it was a lovely place to visit.

After all, my kids absolutely loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures I put in their Easter baskets when they were 18. JL really got a kick out of the fact that I remembered who their favorites were. (Like I could forget!) So, I can totally see them going along on such a trip. It’s definitely something to keep in mind…

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