Technology, Soccer, and BBQ

Well, I'm irritated at Google right now. I've uploaded a 7 second Gabby video to their site, and now you're supposed to be able to watch it right here on this very electronic journal page. But there's some problem that is too boring and complicated to explain here. Maybe it's not Google's fault. Maybe it's Blogger's fault. Have you considered lately how scary things are getting online? (Besides the whole identity theft thing...) The other day I purchased this music thingy online from Yahoo, and when I had a few problems, it occurred to me: I would be out 60 bucks if I couldn't get this to work, because there's no hotline to call and no online customer service that I'm aware of. Some "help yourself" advice, a good pat on the back, and you're on your own. Now that I have that out of the way, if you can't get this link to play for you, well, help yourself [pat pat] and good luck.

Click here: Gabby dances

The voice in the background is our friend Jay Webb, whom Gabby loves dearly. Notice her tongue hanging out as she dances to "Elmo playing the tambourine" in a fancy book from Maw Maw.

I thought this was going to be a super-special post with my fancy new video abilities, but instead I can only offer a few more pictures and frivolous commentary.

I mentioned that all three of us had a stomach virus that lasted about a week. We managed to pass it on to my dad, Jason's mom, Margaret (a familiy friend), Marianne (our babysitter), Marianne's husband, Marianne's son, and maybe Jason's stepdad. At this point, all of you who live far away aren't feeling so bad about that.

Jason played in a South Rown High alumni game this morning. One of the player's moms called our team the "Golden Agers" due to the fact that they were the older alums wearing yellow pennies. (Okay, Non-Athletes - a penny is like a jersey that designates what team you're on.) I thought the mom was pretty clever, especially because I like to take every opportunity to remind Jason that he's older than me. Like right now. See how I have even managed to call him a geezer on a public web space? Oops! Did I say "geezer"?! I meant "wise man." Another player's dad confirmed this attainment of wisdom after the game. "Man! If y'all had passed the ball like that in high school, nobody coulda beat ya! Funny how you'll get smarter so you don't have to run when you get older." Actually, Jason is probably faster now than he was in high school, and he did play very well.

After the game, we went to Gary's Barbecue in China Grove. Gary's is the kind of place that you can't get in New York City. Hello, BBQ sandwich with perfect coleslaw. Hello, sweeeeeeeeet tea. Hello, texture-balanced french fries served in a cardboard container. Hello, neon pigs hanging on the fake wood panelling. (Check it out above.) And hellooooooo, risque 1950s bathing beauty hanging next to the old Coca-Cola sign. No thanks, I don't need to join you in a cup of delicious Golden soda. I'm quite comfortable in my bright orange leather chair. Seriously, I really love Gary's. If you don't have a Gary's kinda place in your life, seek one out.

I'm done dispensing silly stories and awkward advice for today. If you're still checking this blog, how about leaving a little comment for me? I don't think I want to keep blogging if I lost all my readers in the month-long hiatus.

Much love to all, and to all a good night!