summer fun with monkey

Today we have a very special guest blogger back: Monkey! Today he brings us tales of his summer adventures.

First up, the State Fair!


I am an old pro at the State Fair. I have been two years in a row, so I know all about the pork tent, the baby animals and the funnel cake.

 
Did you know there are ELEPHANTS there? Auntie L carried me all around the park so I could ride on an ELEPHANT.

 
My fam was a bit wary at first, but I assured them that there was nothing to be frightened about. Elephant riding is so easy, a baby could do it!!

The next week, I took everyone on a canoe and kayak trip down the Sugar Creek river rapids.


This way to the boats!


Cousin R joined me in our boating excursion. 


I'm on a boat!
(photo courtesy of Aunt B via Facebook)


Our Class V rapids run concluded with a swim break in the creek. I am showing the adults how to properly tread water while wearing non-swimmy underoos that weigh more than I do. All in all, a most excellent boat trip vacation!

2009 recap and into 2010

Well, I think it's time for the obligatory 2009 recap.  I posted 50+ times, although I hope to post more in 2010. If only my work would unblock Blogger, my life would be so much simpler!

For me, 2009 was not a spectacular year. My company filed for bankruptcy, although I do still have a job. I think I only ran about 50 miles the entire year- a sharp drop off from running 15-20 a week in 2008. I am also still single, although I don't talk much about that on this blog.  On the upside, I paid down all of my debt to my dad and on my credit cards, got LASIK, went to China, and hung out with my sis in West Virginia. I also took a rock climbing class, which was very difficult, but fun.



In March, I adopted Nellie from Anderson Animal Care & Control. She is such a pistol! She constantly wails on Bristow and makes him play with her. She also needs attention every single minute of every single day. Briz is not cuddly at all, so it's nice to have a "lap" dog, even if she does weigh 40 pounds!



I also spent a lot of time with my best friend's son, A. Isn't he cute?

Looking forward to 2010, I only have a few goals:
-Lose 15 pounds. My doc gave me the go ahead to start running- SLOWLY- once or twice a week. I'm coupling that with giving up chocolate (for now, let's be serious people) to get back into shape.
-Go on a "big" trip for my 30th birthday
-Hang up some fricking artwork in my house. I have the art, just not suitable frames.
-Be more social- I joined a dodgeball team that starts next week. I want to meet some new people, maybe branch out with another group of friends
-Finish some of these unfinished craft projects. See these? Still not done.
-Go somewhere warm for New Year's Eve. Indiana sucks in the winter.

I think that's it! I hope your 2010 is a good one!

monkeying around at the fair

Hello, friends! It has been a while since I guest-posted on Auntie L's blog. Since then, I have been very busy- spending a great deal of my time dancing with zebras, walking pet dogs, and monitoring the construction crews on my street. It's a rough job, but someone has to do it!

A few weeks ago, I took the Zookeepers, Grandpa T and Auntie L to the State Fair. They were very excited to try out all kinds of food, like pizza cones and funnel cake. I cannot recommend the pork burger enough. Delicious! I even shared with Mom!



The Fair is not all fun and games, although there were some games, like running from storms, sliding down slides head first, and screaming loudly. Still, I was able to spend some time on important scientific research.


Observing giant rabbits- bigger than a Monkey!


I say, I say, look at these chicks!


Grandpa T and I observed this sheep...goat? from afar while it got a haircut. I don't know what that's like, as my blonde mane is always perfectly coiffed.

I also observed baby cows, large horses, and a giant smelly pig, but my photographer did not document those interactions. (Sad Trombone sound) I look forward to next year for more scientific research and pork burgers!!

birthday gift for a special monkey

Happy belated birthday to a special friend of mine- Monkey! You remember him, he guest blogged a few months ago? His birthday was last month, and I ordered him a very special gift from teh internets. It arrived last week, and I had to wait until he received it to share (and, uhh, remembered to upload the photos to Flickr and blog at home. My job has banned Blogger at work so it's much less convenient for me to post).


I ordered this adorable ABC Letter Print from Stephanie Fizer on Etsy.com (http://stephaniefizer.etsy.com). She also has each individual letter, too.



It sadly did not have an "M is for Monkey," but it did have an "N is for Narwhal."


And L is for Laura! Can you see the pattern detail on every little letter? How cute!

today's guest blogger

Please welcome today's guest blogger- Monkey! Monkey writes about thrilling daily activities on his own blog, but he has generously offered to share some of his musings here.


Greetings, dear readers! I am Monkey, and I enjoy long crawls on the beach, cuddling with large dogs, and toying with the minds of the so-called "zookeepers" who live in my home.


This new Zookeeper showed large amounts of patience, even in my carefully controlled "screaming and clinging" experiments. I rewarded her by eating yogurt drops, Cheerios, and most of my dinner. Mostly.


Tonight's dinner of Apple Oatmeal Yogurt was delicious, as evidenced by the large amount that got on my shirt (despite the use of two bibs on this occasion) and all over my face.


I must show this Zookeeper that I have most excellent photographic skills.


Whiffle balls are for babies. This camera case holds far more intrigue than a mere whiffle ball. Pfft.