The One with the Top [insert number here] Shows I'm Stoked About

And now, 

because I forgot it was Tuesday until it was already past my bedtime, 

because I haven't slept well in days, 

because I am a lover of quality (I use that term a bit loosely) television entertainment (I know, I know, not the best use of my time, but I love tv, I can't deny it.) 

and because I was really excited to watch the first episode of the new session of The Biggest Loser tonight, 

I give you, 

the top ten six tv shows I'm totally looking forward to this fall. 

1) Parenthood. 

I tried to watch an episode or two in session 1 but never got into it. Probably because it on past my bedtime. But then Britt starting talking to me about it during session 2 and I began watching to keep up with our conversations. I am now totally hooked. I was looking forward to last Wednesday's premier BIG TIME. Even if I did watch it on Hulu the next morning. 

2) The Office

I'm really not sure how I'm going to feel about this new guy--he totally creeps me out--but after watching the former seasons on dvd in rapid succession (some episodes multiple times), I'm a serious fan. Sorry I wrote you off in the beginning during the first 5 sessions.  

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3) The Biggest Loser. 

I have been quite a diehard fan of this show for the last three years (which is, what? 6 sessions?), but I'm not so sure how I'll feel with all of the changes. I don't do well with change. Except, of course, when it comes to people changing their lives by losing insane amounts of poundage. 

4) Criminal Minds. 

I have been a lover of crime shows for a long time. This began out of a desire to spend time with my dad. Dad loves crime shows. I watched crime shows with dad. Now I love crime shows too. I scare myself sometimes--bad dreams, and paranoia--but it's totally worth it.

Criminal Minds is BY FAR my favorite crime show of all time. It's SO well done. So gripping. So intense. And the character development is just awesome. I love me some Garcia and Reed and Shemar Moore (because I can't remember his character name at the moment and because he's my one celebrity crush. And yes, Kevin knows all about this.)

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5) Modern Family. 

It just doesn't get much funnier than this. Yet another show I didn't think I'd get into, but when Pastor Dale and the family was talking about how hilariously awesome it was, I couldn't help but watch. And I'm so glad I did. 

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6) How I Met Your Mother (or affectionately referred to as HIMYM) 

Kevin and I totally love this show. It's FRIENDS for the 21st century. We borrowed the first however many sessions from Sara and Kyle while we were at camp in 2010 and we were totally hooked. I can't wait for new episodes! (And I also can't wait to own the dvds. I could watch these guys over and over.) 

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What shows are YOU looking forward to this fall?

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The One with the Rainy Labor Day

Spending time with my mom and dad Labor Day weekend was lovely. They were able to come with us to our church picnic in which we experienced Chicken Barbecue. This was a local delicacy that we hadn't yet experienced. I said, "I've had barbecue chicken but not 'Chicken Barbecue'." We were in for a treat. The bone-in chicken is covered in the most delicious dry-rub and roasted to fall-off-the-bone-perfection. Yum! And besides that, we have a church full of talented cooks and bakers (and a dairy farmer who generously provided the soft serve ice cream machine!), so our bellies were full! I was happy my parents could meet our new friends and put faces to all of the names we've been throwing at them in our stories. :) 

The weather transformed from a hot and humid weekend to a chilly and rainy Labor Day. (Honestly, I welcomed the cool temperatures with open arms!) Mom and I had a great time meandering around our quaint historic downtown, admiring century old architecture and window shopping. We were especially intrigued by a co-op "browsery" and their great prices, so we went in to visit today since the store was closed on the holiday. We found lots of great items--antique and handmade. I look forward to giving them my business again soon! 

Dad spent some time on the golf course and we all enjoyed a few good episodes of LOST. Yahtzee was played, ice cream was made and enjoyed, sweet corn was devoured--enjoying company as always. 

And on top of all of the fun, mom and dad delivered my sister's modern-style black futon that we're buying from her to give us more usable space in our front bedroom. Kevin is already in the process of making it his music room! Thanks, Ash! And thanks, Mom, for the adorable handmade rug that brings such personality to the space!

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What did you do on your Labor Day weekend?

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The One with the Rain

Observations. 

Will it ever stop raining? 

My little Escort is not meant to navigate eroded roads. 

Or flooded roads. 

I like being able to see when I'm driving. 

Is that too much to ask? 

People really need to drive a consistent speed in bad weather. 

Vacillating between 55 and 70 is really dangerous.

And even more annoying. 

Will it ever stop raining? 

I have the best coworkers. 

Sara, Debbie, you girls are amazing. 

I have loved my time with you this summer. 

I didn't realize how much I missed sharing clothes. 

In college, everyone's wardrobe is at your disposal. 

Used respectfully, of course.

Debbie offered two of her dresses for my weekend occassions. 

A girls' "Little Black Dress" night out. 

And a wedding--in which I am singing. 

I loved both of the dresses.

And was thrilled with how perfectly they fit me. 

*squeal* 

In case you didn't know this, Deb, I think you're awesome. 

And I love you.

Not just for your dresses either. ;)

A night "in" was just what we needed.

Eating too much food. 

And snuggling on the couch. 

And watching too much How I Met Your Mother?

Ahhh.

Oh! And I musn't forget the bathroom runs. 

In the torrential rains. 

Believe me, we considered our options carefully before venturing out. 

But in the end, there was no choice.

So we hugged each other close and shielded (most of) ourselves with the umbrella.

And then we went to sleep. 

Listening to the rain. 

The One with the Golf Outing

Here is one memory I don't want to forget! 

Golfing.

For the first time. 

With my dad. 

But the story has to start back a day or so.

Well, a month really. 

I was struggling to come up with a good Father's day gift for my dad. 

Does anyone else have this problem?

Dads already have everything, it seems,

and whatever they want is waaaaaay out of my price range. 

At almost the same moment, my dad and I both thought of going golfing together.

This would not seem to be that big of a deal, at first glance. 

Other than the great time spent together, why was this idea so entertaining?

Well, I'm not all that coordinated.

Or sports oriented. 

And I'd never actually been golfing before. 

Unless you count the driving range.

Once. Seven years ago.

Or the awesome round of mini golf (puttputt) I just played a month ago with our teens. 

No? 

Those don't count?

Yeah, I didn't think so.

At the end of last summer, Kevin and I came up with the crazy idea that it could be fun to learn how to golf together.

Since we're both unexperienced, it'd be quite a sight to see.

So I found a great set of clubs and a beautiful new bag (complete with back pack straps and self-contained stand) at a rummage sale for TEN dollars.

Yesterday the temperature was through the roof, 

and the humidity made it even more stifling. 

But we both really wanted to go golfing. 

(I didn't want to put the first time on old any longer, you know!)

We waited until 7pm and it was perfect timing.

With the sun heading quickly toward the Lake Erie horizon,

the temperature was much more bearable. 

The 300 guys who had just finished their 5pm league tournaments were on their way out--

leaving the course almost empty.

Perfect for the self-conscious beginner. :)

We teed up at hole number one. 

And Dad asked if I had balls.

Or tees. 

Nope. 

I didn't know what I had to bring other than whatever was in the $10 garage sale bag of clubs. 

And besides, the putt putt course supplies the balls! 

It was a slow, slightly frustrating start for me. 

But a few strokes later, I was getting the hang of it. 

Unfortunately, my problem with any sport is consistency. 

I'll have one great move. 

And three terrible ones. 

Same here. 

But I tried not to overthink it. 

And I tried not to focus on the power of the shot but on the accuracy. 

It worked well--

whenever I actually adhered to those little guidelines of mine, that is.

But we had a blast together. 

I had a few really really fantastic swings. 

So much so that Dad shouted, "NICE job, Mel!!!"

That just made my day. 

Sure, I ripped up lots of grass. 

And shanked a couple balls.

I never actually completed a hole.

For time's sake, I would pick up the ball and skip a couple swings. 

I didn't keep track of my score. 

But those 2 hours were so enjoyable. 

I loved the time with Dad. 

And hearing his encouragement. 

And I really hope I get into this golf thing.

The One with the HOT 4th

Happy Independence Day, friends! 

For my thoughts on the subject, check out my Memorial Day post. 

It's tres poignant. 

I would love to have a moment to feel that way right now. 

But all I can think about is the sweat dripping down my back. 

Sure, this would be the usual pain experienced during a hot 4th of July celebration. 

Possibly followed up with a dip in a pool.

And ice cream. 

Mmmm, ice cream. 

But today, they needed me to work in the office. 

Normally, I really wouldn't mind working. 

And I really don't mind it. 

What I do mind is the 91.8 degree temperature in the office. 

Thanks to the crazy storms, our air conditioning has been out for 2 weeks.

It was no big deal this week. 

I loved the 60-70 degrees temps. 

But this?!

THIS I just cannot stand. 

I am not a lover of heat to begin with. 

But to sit in a teensy tiny building, 

that lacks any sort of air circulation 

(even with all of the windows and doors wide open and a fan blowing),

and is full of machines that let of heat 

Oh joy. 

Now, this really isn't that big of a crisis in the grand scheme of things. 

Not at all really. 

But heat makes me testy.

Crap. 

That's not an excuse for my attitude either. 

Ok, how about this, Mel. 

Let's focus on the plans for after work. 

Steak 'n Shake. 

Mmmmm, now that sounds amazing. 

And air conditioned. 

Perfect. 

Now, I just hope my husband was serious when he mentioned the idea this morning. :)

We were actually going to hit up Steak 'n Shake yesterday evening. 

Kevin and I took the camp van to Lansing to return paintball gear from the previous week's class. 

After that, we were going to get burgers and shakes. 

A date. 

While we were at our last stop of the early evening, though, 

I thought we should check our cell phones for missed calls. 

Sure enough, Kevin's parents had invited us to join them for grilled brats for dinner.

Sounded great!

A mini 4th of July party. 

We didn't leave till after 10pm, 

and I was sad because I was sure we had missed the fireworks. 

But as we neared the camp entrance, 

I saw the sky lighting up past the tree line.

At first I thought it was lightening. 

MORE lightening. 

But it wasn't! 

We pulled into a little restaurant and sat in our car and enjoyed a really nice fireworks display!

Perfect!

Ok, so now I'm in a better mood.

Happy Independence Day, everyone!

Go swimming for me!