catching up

The last few weeks of summer just flew by ~ once band/soccer/cross country started it seemed like school was in session anyway!

A few things of note:

1 ~ way back at the beginning of August Katie and Megan joined us on a trip to Cedar Point.  It was hot and it was crowded, but we had a great time and rode everything we wanted to ride.  The Dragster and Millennium Force are still my favorite rides ~ I would be happy to ride just those 2 all day long.  After our trip there last summer I'd been trying to remember the warning on the signs in line for the Dragster.  So, while waiting in line, I emailed them to myself.  Here's the warning.  The "just in case" it happens possibility.  And I really never want it to happen to me:
Occasionally the train fails to clear the hill. Do not be concerned. The train will safely return to the launch position.

I especially like the "do not be concerned" ~ yeah ~ I'd be concerned...

2 ~ A longer time ago (I believe it was Thanksgiving 2010) Morgan told me about a comment a teacher put in the margins on one of her tests.  I would get fired for putting this message on a student's paper:
ATFQ
You may be asking, What is ATFQ?  and you would be right to wonder.  It stands for: answer the f-ing question.
things that make you go hummmmmmm

3 ~ Last Sunday (not so very long ago) we FINALLY went to the Ohio-Erie towpath and rode our bikes from Rocky River to Peninsula.  It's a 13.5 trip one way.  It's really a pretty ride.  Lots of turns and different terrain.  It was rather crowded which made it a little tricky (especially for Kimi who doesn't always pay attention).  When we got to Peninsula we were outside the train depot reading the train schedule to see when the train back to Rocky River would depart.  Out of the depot comes a park ranger in full park ranger gear ~ hat and all ~ and she walks up to me and says, "Becky, I would recognize that voice anywhere."  It was a girl I'd gone to Mount Union with.  While Mike doesn't let me forget that I'm loud and obnoxious, it was a treat to meet up with Kerry after all these years and it would never have happened if I were quiet and shy.

4 ~ Today we went to Newbury for a picnic dinner because Uncle Bob was visiting from Florida.  Mike brought a new game to the party ~ Beersbee.  It involved throwing a Frisbee at a beer bottle perched on a pole.  It was really fun and we LAUGHED as we played and I broke blood vessels in my right thumb trying to catch the stupid Frisbee.  Obviously I was not so good at this game!  Dad Barton, on the other hand, is REALLY good at catching a beer bottle knocked off the pole.  It was rather AMAZING how ninja-like his reflexes were. 

Headed into a week of soccer games, cross country practice and 5 full days of work.  I know, I know, teachers have it so good.  I did make an amazing career choice.