My son told me the other night that he thinks I am on the computer too much. He told me I need to get out and take a class or something. I was surprised he made that comment, and yet I know he is right. Between Face book, blogging, U-tube, full episodes to watch, and all the various stuff I find to read, I can be on it for hours. Half the time, I am rechecking blogs and Face book that are never even updated.

Penguins and sharks and whales, oh my!

We stopped off at the marine life aquarium on our little get away this week. I hadn't been there since my boys were little. The facility has grown so much! Now they have a huge outdoor area built around a marsh, where they have the Beluga whales, penguins, and sea lions.

Because it was school vacation week, there were many, many families and children. The pool were we stayed was packed full of kids from early morning until late at night. We did find one morning of down time and we were able to take a nice long swim.

I forgot many people go away with their kids on vacation. As a kid growing up we never really went anywhere, let alone during school vacation. I don't believe anyone did. A school vacation meant some time to go over a friend's house and maybe a sleepover, or go to a movie. Life was slower paced back then and parents didn't feel like they had to entertain the children for a week.

I don't remember taking my kids anywhere either. Maybe out to lunch and to the mall. Now I know families that go to Florida or cruises without fail every vacation. The world has become smaller now and people are so much on the go. I admire that in someways, but because of my fear of flying and no interest in cruises, here we stay. Maybe someday that will change for me.

Tuesday

I am enjoying Rosie O'Donnell on Sirius radio, Rosie Radio. I am on a free trial and considering getting the Internet radio subscription. She has had some very interesting guests on and her interviewing skills surpass anything she was able to accomplish on TV.

Rosie impresses me because she isn't afraid to speak to her mind, has a very compassionate heart, and she is so artistic. The media tried to beat her down after the controversy on The View. I was amazed at how much the media turned her into a villain and made up lies to get the public to go against her. She was mocked for her political opinions, yet bringing those opinions to The View completely changed the focus of the show, and brought in strong ratings. After she walked off the show, they continued with the format she started.

On another note, I organized my whole desk and went through all the piles that I let go sky high when we were running back and forth to the hospital. It feels so good to have a handle on it. Now I have room to do some fun stuff. Going to work on a collage right now!

Monday

Valentine's Day was spent with my mom. She invited all of us over for some baked lasagna and cake as we have 2 February birthdays in the family. It was a nice afternoon and I know my mom enjoyed the company.

I am on vacation this week. I needed the break so badly and I am so thankful to have it. I have the retiree husband home as well. We plan to do a few projects around the house and then take off for a couple of days. I am looking forward to it, even though it will be someplace not too fancy and not too far. Just a change of scenery is what I need.

One of the things I enjoy doing is coloring in a Mandala coloring book I have. I saw the book on Ruth's blog last year and promptly ordered one for myself. It is a relaxing and calming activity and brings back memories of when I was a kid and enjoyed coloring books. I love the colors and the feel of the pencils on the paper. I got through last winter coloring quite a few of them and remembered how much I liked doing so, and I brought it out again last night.

More snow is predicted for tomorrow, but not too much. We shall see, last time they weathermen all got it wrong.

Sunset

Frightening

I was wasting time playing Wii in my son's room when all of a sudden I heard the loudest explosion I have ever heard in my life! It made the house shake! For a second there I thought my house was exploding! I was so frightened. My husband and I looked outside and didn't see a thing, but a still and quiet neighborhood. No sirens to be heard.

I called the police and it took them a little while to answer the phone as they were so busy taking calls. The dispatcher said the explosion was under investigation and hung up very quickly. Later we learned that a power plant about 10 miles away from here had an explosion. It has been all over the national news today.

People have been killed, injured, and are trapped in the ruble. Houses near by to the plant came off of their foundations. Homeland Security is on the scene with many local emergency crews.

Prayers go out to all the workers at the plant and their families, as well as the emergency crews and neighbors.

I felt so frightened and I was so far away, I can't imagine how it was for those involved.