Meet Me on Monday, 8/9/10

Last night my extended family had a mini-reunion and I finally got to see cousins and uncles I haven't seen in years.  I also got to see my cousins' children I hadn't met yet.  It's a shame we're not as close a family as we used to be - every holiday was spent together, sometimes we got together just because, and my cousin Debbie and I were as close as sisters and spent the night at each other's house every chance we got.  But since my beloved grandmother Mom-Mom (our "matriarch," I suppose) passed away eight years ago, it seems we have all scattered.  We've only gotten together for a wedding and a couple of funerals in the past seven years.  That's not how a family should be, but it seems common in this day and age.

Debbie and I shared a love of The Bay City Rollers when we were preteens (shut up, they were awesome) - now I couldn't even tell you her favorite genre of music.  We used to tell each other everything; now we only connect occasionally on Facebook.  My Uncle Tommy and I used to spend so much time together - now he lives in Florida and I never see him or talk to him.  Thankfully I got his email address last night, so hopefully we'll be in touch more often.

We all had fun reminiscing and meeting each other's kids last night, but I'd like to have another reunion in someone's back yard instead of a restaurant.  It was hard to just sit and talk about anything "real", for lack of a better word, due to the loud music, TVs blaring and restaurant patrons (us included) talking loudly.  Maybe someday...

In the spirit of wanting to get to know my family again, here is today's "Meet Me on Monday", where I answer a few questions about ME.



Questions:

1. Do you watch any Soap Operas?

I was an avid watcher back in '88/'89 of Santa Barbara, when I was home with Sarah after she was born.  But apparently I was the only one watching it, and it got canceled.  I still love Dallas, and could watch that anytime.



2. What appliance is used the most in your house?

I would have to say the dishwasher and oven/stove.  I've been lax lately, but when I'm at the top of my game, I make dinner almost every night.  I'm sure once we're back in school routine again (boo!), I'll be back to making dinner on a regular basis.





3. Do you wear make-up every day?

I NEVER wear make-up.  The only things I put on my face are sunblock and lip balm.  I just hate the feeling of make-up covering my face; it feels like I'm wearing a mask, and I get very claustrophobic and uncomfortable.


4. What is your worst pet-peeve?

Grammar and punctuation!  Net-speak drives me completely insane, and spelling and grammar mistakes in books, magazines and newspapers just put me over the edge.  Don't get me started on internet bulletin boards!


5. What is your favorite lunch meat?


Wegman's has the best deli counter - they have turkey that they cut right off the carcass that's too die for.  Right now I have to drive to Leesburg to get to a Wegman's, but we are getting one in Frederick next year!  Yes, I'm pathetically happy to be getting a particular grocery store nearby.

And finally, a few pictures from last night:

My cousins Debbie and Diana with me (aren't they GORGEOUS?):





My Uncle Tommy, Uncle Denny and my mom:





And Debbie's beautiful daughter Brittany (my daughter Sarah had to work; I would love to have gotten a picture of Sarah and Brittany together):