9th Grade Dance.....

Well, Brooke has her very first Dance in the 9th grade. It's some type of semi-formal event. She's very excited. I mean, considering. Tyler broke her heart, but there's a few boys that would love to take her.. and yesterday, her friend Shane asked her, and she accepted. I'm happy for her. I know she'll have a nice time. I also know that I'm happy that she's going with a friend. Someone who she can laugh with, and not take the whole thing so seriously. I suppose she's going to need a pretty dress. I look forward to taking her shopping for something pretty. Nice... Should be fun.

My 9th grade dance. It wasn't quite the same as Brooke's will be.
I did go out shopping for a beautiful dress. I can picture it as clear as day. It was perfect. I loved it. I actually felt really beautiful in it. I couldn't wait to go....
I'll never forget the day of the dance. I was beyond excited. I had everything all figured out. The shoes I'd wear, the make-up. I knew exactly how I'd wear my hair. I just couldn't wait.

I got ready. I came down to show my parents how I looked. I was beautiful! They smiled and were excited for me. I thought. However, even with all the anxious feelings going through me, I could sense trouble.

Then, it all came crashing down. My Mom and Dad sat me down to talk to me. It seemed they were having trouble in their marriage. They had decided, that very day, that my Dad was going to spend some time at my Grandfather's house in Huntington. I was completely heart broken. I couldn't believe what was happening to our "perfect" family... or so what I thought to be the "perfect" family....

Why made them think that telling me this before my dance was the right thing to do? They knew how long I had been looking forward to it. They knew how much time and effort I put in to the dress, the shoes... my hair, my make-up. It was my first dance... and, I was devastated. Not at all what I had in mind.

So, I remember going back upstairs, cleaning up my face. I wanted to make the best of it. I'd try to put my thoughts about my parents off, until after. It was hard, but I wanted to go, and have a great time. I waited so long for this night. It was like a dream.... why did they tell me this on such a special night.

I watched the clock. I tried so hard not to think about my parents. I had so many questions, but they would have to wait. Soon I realized that my date was about 30 minutes late. I remember pacing back and forth.. checking my face in the mirror to be sure that there was no sign of me crying...

An hour passed.. no date. I was now missing the beginning of the dance....

I called him. No answer. Soon, almost an hour and a half passed....

My Mom offered to take me. She said I shouldn't wait anymore. I didn't like the sound of it, but I couldn't imagine missing the dance.....

SO, off I went.. and Mom dropped me off, alone. It wasn't at all how I pictured it would be. I didn't dance. I didn't get flowers... I was one of the only girls there without a date.

I never did hear from him. Not a word, not even an apology....

The days following the dance, my Dad left. He was gone for the whole summer after I got out of the 9th grade... I never really knew why, until I was in my 20's.

Funny what we remember, and what we forget.

I hope Brooke's 9th grade dance is wonderful, and she laughs, dances, and feels as beautiful as she'll look.

Writers Block......
I've had a huge case of it lately. Usually, I can sit down and tons of thoughts race through my head. Things I want to get out of my head and on to my blog. Lately, I am at a loss. I don't know if it's that my head is too full, or my thoughts are just to complicated to share. Maybe I'm full of blanks.. doubt that!

So, here I sit... trying to think of what's on my mind......

Let's see.. some of the random things swishing around.

Nate. Sentencing day. I'm not going to lie...I count the days in my head for when he faces the music. I don't usually feel good when bad things happen to people, but I'm feeling that, with him. I can mention 100 reasons why he deserves to be put away for a very long time. But, I won't say a word about it. Instead, I will say that I'm sure the information that's been gathered on him will be enough to give him the time he deserves. Sometimes people do get what they deserve... both the good, and in his case, the bad. I bet he's counting the days too. I wonder if he's thinking about running.. I would, if I were him. It's going to be a scary future for him. I bet he didn't think about that while he was out there hurting innocent people... and even worse, people that thought they were his friends... Good luck with that. Enjoy your journey ahead.

The kids. They are okay... Brooke is going through so much lately. The best that I can do is try to be a good Mother to her. I was explaining to my Mom today that I've been trying to recall my life in 9th grade, so I can better understand her life as it is today. I remember the girls being mean. I hated when it was "my turn" to be the one that they turned on. I hated the pressure about boys. I thought I knew everything.. really, I knew almost nothing. I went along with things I didn't believe in. I remember being on Nichols road, in the back of a truck that a bunch of us were catching a ride in.. and we realized the truck was headed in the wrong direction. As it gained speed, my friends jumped off.. onto the highway. I was the only one still in the back of this strangers pick up... and I was scared to take the leap. I never even wanted to get in the truck to begin with. I think the guys were college age. We were at the University when we got in... I jumped.. I remember how it hurt when I landed on the highway. I was scared I would get run over by a car. Lucky for me, for us all.. it was late at night at there were few vehicles on the road. I was scratched and bruised.. but I was okay. Who knows what those guys would have done if I didn't jump. I'm still grateful that I did. I never took a ride with a stranger again. And, at that very point in my life, I began to disconnect from that group of friends. I think it was a wise choice. I hope Brooke makes better choices than that.
In 10th grade I started hanging around with the "dirtbag" crowd. Funny, I didn't fit in with them. Not physically.... I was maybe what people would consider as "prissy". Maybe "girly". I didn't wear jean jackets, black leather jackets, concert t-shirts. etc.. But, I liked these people. They were genuine and nice to me. Treated me like I was someone. The friends from the previous years were angry and upset with me. I didn't care. They called me names and made fun of me for my new choice of friends. I was proud to be away from them. Interesting.. I later found out that the old friends got involved in cocaine, and other drugs. I never touched the stuff.. I was happy with myself.
I hope Brooke steps up and takes enough pride in herself to be exactly who she is, and not allow herself to get pulled in to things that will hurt her, or make her ashamed of who she is. She's quite beautiful. I hope she doesn't let them bring her down. It's a rough world out there.. I have faith, but I'm also concerned, and have my eyes wide open.

The winter blues. I think I have them. I know my husband does. Do we all suffer from the winter blues? I often think on some level, we all do. I think a little light therapy would do us good.. but I know tanning beds cause cancer. So, that's out. I look forward to spring. I want my energy back. Inside, I'm full of life and energy... then when I get up and get going, I'm exhausted. LOL. God, give me strength!

Geico commercials. I love them. They are so creative and funny. I am so glad they put the cavemen and the lizard to rest. The new one's truly make me laugh out loud... Laughter, I love it. It's so good for the soul.
Thanks for making me laugh, Geico.

Ok, so maybe I'm cutting loose from writers block. I guess sometimes it just takes a little effort. I've been slacking. I want to get it all out.

Thursday feels like Monday

With Thursday feeling like Monday, tomorrow should be a treat!!! What a busy day. Two busy weeks in a row! I love my job, but this is crazy I tell ya!

356 day project. I'm doing well with it. I hope to get more focused and creative on the weekends, and when it's not so darn cold outside!!!!!

Here's some photo's from my travels today......

I think today was a great success. If you love one of the photo's you take, it's a great accomplishment... I love like 2 or 3! Woohooo! Yay me!!! Will blog more later. Just too tired right this second!

Wednesday = Snow Day!

Much success on my 356 day project today... Yes, my kids think I'm absolutely crazy. Maybe I even embarrassed Brandon a tiny little bit. Maybe not though.. he's used to me!

I love my son. He's one of the most unique human beings I have ever known. That, my friend.. is a good thing. Break the mold. Best to be our very own person. He is just that. And, It's fun because I "get" him.. and I know he "gets" me.



Bran asked me to take him on a little job hunt today.. so, I caught him in action coming out of Arby's.. (lol)



OH, taking Brandon with me to Giant.. I know he hates going, but he knows how much I love his company...


I sometimes wonder if he just goes with me so I'll buy him a Monster drink.....

Nah.... He loves me. I think that's really why he goes!!!!! In any event, I enjoyed his company!

The sky looks weird today. It would be really sunny... then it looked really unusual.... like this:

I wonder if someone up there is shining some sort of light down to me... I think about thigs like that a lot... I don't know if it's normal or not, I just do...

Oh, and before I forget... thank you my sweet kids for doing the snow removal for me. I would get out there and help, but you're both so young and strong. :)
I appreciate the help....

Spring.... where you hiding?

Please stop the madness of this snowy winter season. Enough is enough!

My Day

So, off to work I go!!!!!!!

And what a day it was! BUSY BUSY BUSY!!! Seems like it's more difficult than ever to catch a break this year! LOL Whew.. what did they do, hold all the work that needed to be done and give it to me at the start of 2011? Cut me a break my friends....

But, the nice break today was when Ed took us to K.C Prime. What a great group of people I work with. He took 9 of us to celebrate our partial completion of a major project we completed as a team, last week. It was nice. The project goes on for me, and for a few others, but we really pulled together and made it happen! Look, even Dorothy joined us! She was a great help, too! Although she's been a "temp" for a year, we adore her, and would love for her to stay on with our group. Unfortunately, she is happy being a temp, as she has her own project she's working on.. she's writing a book. You go girl!!!! When you go, we'll miss you!!!


Other than our fabulous lunch out, it was a busy day at the office. Mort did pull through and sent out the announcement that we'll be off from work tomorrow. I guess he's really looking out for us. I am glad I don't have to stress over trying to drive to work in messy weather. I hate that! And then, if I don't go in when we have work, I always feel guilty. I'm happy that I don't have to worry about it tomorrow.

So, it's time to go home!!!! Yeah, I'm outta here for the day!!!!

But, on to the school to pick Brooke up from Cheer, and then off to Pizza Hut where I'll whip up a quick hot meal for the family.. (lol)
There was no way I wanted Fred to have to think about what to cook up for dinner. I know he had a super duper busy day today, and he'll be on a terrible bad schedule for snow removal late tonight and into tomorrow. He's talking about leaving at midnight. I dread when he goes... I listen to the wind outside, I see the snow coming down.. and I feel horrible. I hate that he has to deal with stupid snow removal. I hate hate hate it!



But for now... everyone is home... safe and sound. Tummy's are full, and we're all doing our thing. Just keeping an eye on the weather...



356 day project... success!

Peace.

EA

If it's you leaving me dimes, you can rest now...

It's okay, I'll never forget you. :)

Monday's Thought Provoking Question...

Monday Monday.....

356 day project... today's pictures.

Aww... look at Little Miss Raccoon eyes today! Poor sleepy workin' girl...

What a day!!! Wow... it looks like another busy one at work this week. And, to top it off, it's looking like we're getting some more snow!!! Ut-oh... I can't imagine! I thought this was going to be a better winter, with less snow!!!!!

I couldn't get out of bed this morning. It was tough. I realized that it was probably because I overloaded on carbs over the weekend. They knock me right on my ass!!!!! Today I did much better! I made myself a great salad for lunch. And, I enjoyed an hour of good times and laughs with Meg and Mom. I was a little distracted by text messages coming in from Brooke, who was having some kind of drama at school... but other than that, it was a nice break for me today.

I'm enjoying the thought of HAVING to take pictures every day. lol.. I am on day 2, and I haven't failed yet! Wooooohooooo yeah me!!! Good girly girl!!!!!

I'm not sure many of the pictures will excite most people, BUT, they will always be taken by me, in my travels. You go girl. :)

Um, what happened to the weekend?
Is tomorrow seriously Monday?

Headache
from
Hell...

356 Day Project & Life...

In My Bedroom

My Gumball Machine

The Cars on this snowy day

Me in my XB

Roxy and my newest piggy bank

Today I begin the "356" day project. My own personal challenge to post at least one photo a day for the remainder of 2011. Had I started this on the 1st, it would have been my 365 day project. But, I'm a late starter! And so I begin.. starting with photo's taken today.

I am doing this in hopes that someday in the future I will have memories and stories for people to read and view.. especially for my family, close friends and loved ones. I intend on posting happy, sad, good, bad.. Nature shot, my pets, my travels.. you name it. If it's posted, I was there, and I lived it! The picture may, or may not need an explanation. (lol)

I'll do my usual blogging, but I'm going to post a picture along with, or without my usual daily blogs!

Ready, set... GO!

To view these photo's in full size, simply click on them! Each and every photo (unless it is of me sometimes) is taken by ME! Enjoy. This is going to be fun!

Late Night with Erin

SO, it's past 1:30 in the morning and I am wide eyed....
That will teach me for taking a nap and then drinking 2 really strong k-cups of coffee at 5:00 p.m.

I just finished watching "Chasing Amy"
Different than I expected....
A few people mentioned how Alyssa was a lesbian, and she couldn't be with Holdon because of her desire for women. I didn't see that at all. I saw her as a bi-sexual woman who had some bad experiences with men, so she took comfort in women, on both an emotional and sexual levels.
Holdon was an ass. I'm glad that a year later he was able to apologize for his bullshit, but the truth was... he didn't deserve her. She was madly in love with him. I felt so bad for her. And, all along, I thought it was going to be her that broke his heart! I would have done the same thing she did, minus the slap across the face.
The movie, to me.. was quite powerful. Totally and completely different than I expected!
It was a great movie. It really made me think.... And, I'm really glad I stayed up to watch it.

Now... how do I get some sleep? lol. I am not ever at a loss like I am tonight. I am usually struggling at 11 p.m to keep one eye open during a movie. Tonight, a different story.

Random Fact about Erin

Major Girl Crush
The Ideal Woman for me...
Kat Von D.
She would be my perfect match.

Having a hard time getting started today......

Happy Saturday!

I slept like a baby last night!!!! Ahhh... I needed that!

Today I have to do some grocery shopping. Seems we're out of food. I feel bad! Sometimes when it's hectic for me at work, I just come home and crash. Since hubby is the main cook, he usually notices when the food is gone. Me, well.. I suppose I should pay a little more attention. So, it's off the the grocery store today for me!!

Snow again? Awww come on. I am hating this weekend snow. It seems like over the past 2 years it always snows on the weekend. What's up with that? The timing really stinks!!!

I was on the fence about going to Wildwood for the weekend. I'm glad I thought better of it. As I understand, it's snowing a lot more there than it is here. I don't think Ilyn has been at the condo since we were there last.... and I think we were there in October. Wow... time is flying. S L O W down.... I don't wanna miss a thing.

Up early today. I might as well jump in the shower so I can make the best of the day!

Friday at last.

I can't say enough just how glad I am that this week is coming to a close. I mean that. This week at work has been so busy and crazy with so many different things going on all at once.

Tonight is a lazy, stay at home night with wine, my favorite scented candles, and some peace and quiet. It's a kid free home until Sunday. Usually we have at least 4 teenagers running around, listening to loud music, chatting on the phone, playing computer games, Wii or X-Box Live. Tonight... we'll have none of that! I sure do hope they have a nice weekend at their cousin's house!!!

No big plans yet for the rest of the weekend. I do want to go out somewhere and have a little fun. I have no idea what that will be yet.....

So, we're down to 3 cats. After these cats I am vowing to have no more pets. I cannot take it emotionally anymore. It completely wipes me out when something happens to them. We've lost 6 cats in less than 12 years due to illness. It's just crazy. I'm not sure I still believe in the whole theory that cats have 9 lives. If they do, they aren't living their extra lives over here. I am not doing it anymore!!!!!

A friend of mine gave me a fun toy to play with, but I left it at work!! UGH! I wanted to bring it home this weekend, especially since my girlfriend Ilyndove tried to snag it from me... lol, not happening. It was funny though. She's so silly.
I look forward to testing it out. Same toy my girlfriend Monica has. I'll have to see if she's used hers... woohoooooo!!!!!!

I am at a loss for blogging right now. I have nothing really to talk about right now. I think I really really need a good night's sleep!!!!

Well, time to relax. Gotta get the candle out. Bath & Body rules!


PEACE.

R.I.P Romeo ....

 

Going to 7-11 to grab hubby a couple packs of cigarettes - $10.50

Picking up some candy for the kids, even though they aren't little anymore - $3.00

Grabbing some milk - $2.50

Getting home and sitting in the driveway with my teenage daughter, talking about life, love and everything you can fit into 10 minutes while you listen to a song from the 80's - Priceless.



((photo of Brooke in Bermuda, compliments of me))

Erin Montgomery is having an ultra emotional day. I am definitely looking forward to the weekend.......

Work was very busy today. I finished the major project that was dropped into my lap at the very last minute. Fixed the issues and problems that needed to be fixed. I sure wish it was that easy to do with people. Like, how Brooke is struggling.. I wish I could just fix it for her. Or Fred... I wish I could sit down, make a few adjustments for him, and BOOM. But, it's not that easy. Nope.... it's not the same.

So, I came home from work and my Christmas tree was gone. All cleaned up and put away. Nice.. And, the house was clean... and the floors were vacuumed. The kids back room was looking nice! Slot machine all lit up and pretty... everything looked great. And, dinner in the oven. I wasn't hungry, but it was so nice, and so thoughtful. Thank you Mr. Montgomery. You really worked hard to make me happy and proud. I am, and I appreciate it soooo much.

Romeo is nowhere to be found. Here I go again with a broken heart over a cat. I hope he's just hiding out, and making a plan to come back soon. I have a love/hate thing with pets. They make us happy, they break our hearts. They mess the house up, then they come on over and start purring when I speak to them, or scratch them behind their sweet little ears. I tell myself every single time, no more pets. Then, there they are... I say I won't get attached. Boom, I fall for the little furry suckers in an instant.. Or, I don't - then suddenly they do something that's so endearing and sweet that I can't help myself. I hope he's okay. I hope he'll be home later. I am worried, I won't lie.

Tonight I'm going to watch "Pay it Forward", I think. Fred says that we saw this movie back in like 2001. I don't remember. Not a surprise. I have a hard time remembering things sometimes. Maybe once I see it I'll remember. I heard it's a good movie. I look forward to seeing it.

Random Fact About Erin .....

Monster Truck Shows on the beach in Wildwood New Jersey really turn me on. Yep... they get me excited. (lol)

There's a Monster truck show every year in Wildwood New Jersey. I think it's in late Sept, early October. I went in 2009. LOVED it. So exciting and arousing on some really strange level.

There ya go. A random fact about me.

Peace.

Wednesday

Oh Happy Hump Day!!! I am SO glad to be over the hump of this week! It had been nothing short of crazy busy at work this week. I've been making up for the weeks before Christmas that it was fun, easy, full of parties, etc... Insane!
This morning I was proud to speak up to one of my bosses. I was in the middle of a project yesterday when she came to me (all stressed out) and acted as though I was stupid for the way I was handling something. This morning I brought it in to her and she was very impressed. I told her... "See, I'm not stupid". Oops.. so I wasn't thinking really well before I said it, but she immediately told me she didn't feel that way at all! I know she did, but it cleared things up between us. I know she would absolutely fall apart if she didn't have me. She knows it TOO, and she does value me as an assistant. I'm grateful that she lets me know that most of the time.

Tomorrow I hope to finish up this darn mailing and be a little less stressed.

It's freezing out. I am already looking forward to spring.

So, Mom and Dad did their quick run to Stony Brook. They're not sure what to do. I think they have decided to submit their offer, with 1/2 down, but they won't be offering as much as they originally thought they would. I hope, what ever it is that happens, they learn something positive about this whole moving/ buying a house. I'd love to see them get a second residence so they don't have to move away from me. I'd hate that. Plus, I'm not sure Mom would want to live permanently in Stony Brook ever again. I know those weren't the best years of her life. Who would want to go back to a place with such dark memories.... I know I never want to go back to Missouri! ICK!!!! I know, it's not the same, I'm just sayin'.

Speaking of Stony Brook. Here's something that I've been realizing. I think that when I left, back in 1986, I was so deeply hurt. I know, I think I've mentioned this in a recent blog already.. but I've really been thinking about it. I loved it there. It was my home. I had some really nice, and really special friends there that I completely disconnected from ever since I left. That's no big deal until you actually sit down and think about it for awhile. It was almost like I threw away the first part of my life and never looked back. I was always proud of how I could do that... never look back.. but lately I feel like I just totally closed myself out of people's lives, and it ended up affecting me the most. Life is so strange and unusual. The older I get, the more I think about things..... *sigh I can't explain it..... and, that's okay....

An Absolute Must listen to Song!

This movie just moved into the top 10 of my favorite movies.
It made me laugh...
It made me cry.

I really enjoyed "50 First Dates"

Funny, I blog so that I can remember....
I thought I was crazy for doing that!

What a sweet movie.

My day.

I am trying to wind down. Had a busy day with a lot of high demands. I am going right back into it tomorrow morning too. Oh joy! I look forward to it. lol. When my boss is stressed out, and I'm not.. she gets annoyed. She's never satisfied until I become stressed right along with her. The one thing is, I function so much better when I take a deep breath and chill out about it. She doesn't understand that way... so in the end, I become stressed too!!!!!! UGH!!!! I always produce the best work, and she's always satisfied and grateful. That's the most important thing I guess.

I support a few different people within my office. Today it seemed like they all needed something right away. My desk was the popular place to be today. I had all sorts of people stopping by, asking me for this or that. It's all good. I like to be busy... but, I also like to be treated with respect. Only one person in my office forget's that with me sometimes. I usually do a good job reminding her. :P

I did come home to a beautiful meal, and the whole family sat and ate together. Brooke said her "regular" grace. I miss the simple things like that sometimes. I'm happy we all had a nice meal together, and thanks to the chef (Chef Fred) for a fantastic dinner. :)

50 First Dates tonight!!!! I'm looking forward to it.

I'll be happy to see Tuesday. Monday, not so much fun.

My movie from Netflix arrived today, but I'm thinking I won't be watching it until tomorrow. I wish I could just burn it so I could send it back tomorrow in the mail and get on with the next. That's what Monica does. She orders Netflix after Netflix and she burns and burns and burns. Then, when we go to E-Town to visit, we can choose from so many movies to watch! Of course, that's if we're not going to my favorite strip club in Pa! :) I am mad about one of the strippers there. Got my first lap dance there.. and my second... (lol)
See how fast I can fall off track? I love me some brain damage!

Anyway, it's a dreary night and I'm pretty tired. Fred has spent time working on his blog, and he's doing well with it. Our blogs are so different. I hope he enjoys it. I know it helps me get things out of my head, and lightens the load in my head.... I hope it's working well for him, too.....

I want to contact my old friend Bernard tomorrow if possible. I haven't talked to him in a couple of years, but he's like the kind of guy that once I speak to him it was like we never lost touch. I am nervous about contacting him only because it seems he's stayed with his psycho wife, and she hates me. Years and years and a lifetime later and she's still a mean, nasty person. Ugh. Anyway, if I do have the opportunity to speak with him, I'm hoping he can help a sister out. :) we'll see. Tomorrow is a new day.

I hope my parents get this house. I haven't seen them this worked up about a house since way back in the 80's when we were moving to Pa. Funny... seems they've almost come full circle....
I was so mad at them for making me move to Pa. I hated it here... Now, 24 years later, I'm still here (after moving all over for a bit). Married to a guy from Georgia, raising a couple of teenage kids, managing a career, and a house. Who would have ever thought? Strange... life is so strange....

Once again I find myself falling off topic. But hey, this is my place to go where I want with my thoughts...

Peace.

Monday's Thought Provoking Question...

Some Days...

Yep.... That's me. Sometimes there's no make-up that can cover up a set of tired and old eyes. This picture was taken of me, today after work. I climbed my silly ass into a tree and took this picture. I almost ate that berry... but remembered it's not part of my diet.

Peace.

Ahhh Monday... back to it. Exhausted!

Going back to work on a Monday after a nice long vacation is so difficult! I had such a hard time getting moving, but had no choice but to get some quick work done for Jonathan and Mort's visit to Florida. They're leaving Wednesday, so until then, I'll be a busy little bee! Nothing like jumping in head first! I'm exhausted!

I also started my new/old diet today. And, so far (it's 6:20 p.m.) I've done it 100% for the day!!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!! Day 1 is usually the hardest day... but today wasn't so bad. I am focused, baby! I joined a group with some of my girly friends in the Harrisburg area. We're going to support each other on getting in shape and losing these pounds! The group is on facebook, so it's easy to check in and everything. With that being said, I'm signing up for a 26 mile Marathon in Harrisburg for November, 2011. I can walk it, so I'm in! And, I have a partner that wants to walk it with me. Cat, one of my first girly love girls. Mwwwah! I can't wait to do this. I have to get in shape. I have to stop being so lazy. I can do this!!!!!

http://www.harrisburgmarathon.com/homeIE.asp - this is where I'll be doing my 26.2 mile marathon!!!!! I have 313 days to get ready for it!!! I need something like this to focus on. Healthy changes for 2011!!!!

My hubby is so depressed today. He's been depressed for awhile. I hate that for him. I want him to feel good and be happy. My Brooke is depressed. I want her to be happy and feel good. I wish it was something easy to change. It's not. It's life.... I hate it. I wish it was better than it is for him. And, for her... I wish she felt better.. *sigh.

Oops.. I have to run to the store so hubby can get beer. I'll be back to blog in just a bit.