CAN IT BE?!

Just a bike week update- i took these pix two-miles from our house- i took a walk to town to check out all the shenanigans, and got some ice cream at sallys on the way, got some sun on my shoulders, and went to an IAM command circle at the Beachhouse Beanery. a perfect saturday.

The bikers are here... that means it's the infamous bike week here in Daytona Beach, which means... Zane and I have officially lived here in Florida for two-years. WOW. Time really does fly y'all! Anyway bike week definitely doesn't do anything for me. There are some 500,000 of them driving around in our community right now, so as far as i'm concerned, it's a GREAT time to be leaving town. I'll never forget when we first moved here, and Dad & Zane & I were driving around thinking that all these bikers and traffic were a norm for this area, wondering what we'd gotten ourselves into... it was such a relief to know it only happens twice a year, lol!

the road (not) less travelled

So I found a recent article in a Floridian magazine highlighting some songs that mention the road we live off of -A1A... tho it's not just 'our' road, we share about 329-miles of this road between Georgia and the Florida keys. Just found this entertaining.

Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice
"...Yo so I continued to A1A Beachfront Avenue
Girls were hot wearing less than bikinis
Rockman lovers driving Lamborghinis
Jealous 'cause I'm out getting mine..."

Outta Here by Kenny Chesney
"...There ain't no time like the present they say,
Lets cruise all the way down A1A,
Put the top down and catch a few rays
Baby we'll be outta here..."

Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season by Jimmy Buffet
"...There's somethin' about this Sunday
It's a most peculiar gray
Strollin' down the avenue that's known as A1A
Feelin' tired, then I got inspired
I knew that it wouldn't last long
So all alone I walked back home
Sat on my beach and then I made up this song..."

Currently Reading...

Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy by Carlos Eire. "My" coffee shop was doing a book club discussion on this book yesterday -sad to have missed it, but glad nevertheless to have been introduced to a good read I may not have thought twice about otherwise. Of course i'm drawn to all things pertaining to Latin/Hispanic/Spanish cultures so my arm didn't have to be too twisted. I've hardly begun, only on page 60 or so, but i'm so incredibly hooked. It's been a really long time since i've laughed out loud from something i've read -it's refreshing. Tho I have a feeling it will start to get serious soon... Trying to hold out so I can have a good plane book...I feel so uninformed about Fidel Castro and what has happened to Cuba since he took over... looking forward to being enlightened. Anyone read this?? Thoughts??

Did You Know?

This is the gondola that was to whisk us away to the other side of the lake...

This is the beautiful view from Shugrue's where we shared our first real date.

The was the location we reserved to be lawfully wedded. (In the gazebo!)

Some fun facts. We were originally to be married in Ocotber 2006 in Lake Havasu City. We had our room reserved (see above) at Agave Inn, now known as Heat Hotel & Bar. So of course we didn't go thru with all this as planned. We decided to get married in August and in Washington so that more of our immediate family from both sides could share in our special day, and we wouldn't have had it any other way. Sooo that said, maybe you can understand our excitement to first and foremost visit my Mom and Dad and my siblings, but also to be able to revisit a place that has deep meaning to our beginnings as Mr. & Mrs. We even took our wedding photos here in Lake Havasu because our photographer wouldn't give us our deposit back... so therefore we broke all the rules and saw each other weeks before our actual wedding date fully clothed as bride and groom, at five in the morning no less... as it's well above 100 degrees already in the middle of July in this desert oasis -yes even that early...lol, these memories are priceless! Only 13-days to go...

the little things

isn't it funny how a silly little moment can carry you thru your day. like holding hands with my husband during the morning commute to work, zane bringing my hand to his mouth for a kiss, me looking to my right to see a truck driver watching us, delivering us a wink and smile... hearing george strait singing the words, 'let's go rollin' on the river of love' in the background like it's a movie instead of just a typical tuesday morning... or driving up I-95 belting out 'i told you so' by carrie underwood like my life depended on it... 'fighting' over the radio buttons so zane can't change the station because he doesn't think i'm the next celine dion like i do...until he finally gives in and we do a truly terrible duet together... not even finishing because we're laughing so hard... or opening a piece of mail from the state of florida... seeing your brand new drivers license flipped horizontally... never to be vertical again... feeling probably the last rise of excitement caused by getting older. actually i hope thats not true. i hope that i continue to embrace getting older knowing in return i get to feel more comfortable with my true self. that got a little off topic but anyway, basically i appreciate these little things that remind me there is difference between just living and feeling alive.

meet my husband

found this- thought it'd be fun.

What is his name? Zane
How long did you date? 13-months
How long have you been married? 2.5 years
Who eats more sweets? me, hands down. i absolutely have to have my chocolate!
Who said I love you first? kind of at the same time, we were feeling each other out, and we were terrified!! everything happened so fast. it just didn't seem possible that this could be happening... and it still seems bananas to us. but here we are, almost 4-years of togetherness, crazy out of our minds in love.
Who is taller? he's got a good 8 or so inches on me.
Who is a better singer? we're both horrible. we had the hilarious experience of having to lead the singing one night at bible study. and it was just the two of us, and one other 90-year-old lady. it was really really bad.
Who is smarter? he is, definitely.
Who does the laundry? we both do. he carries it up/down our two-flights of stairs while i fold em and put it away.
Who pays the bills? i do.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? i do. i scare easy and sleeping by the door feels icky.
Who mows the lawn? we rent, therefore we don't mow!
Who cooks dinner? lately...whatever restuarant we decide to dine at... lol. zane does most of the cooking at home tho.
Who drives? whoever. we drive pretty equally.
Who is more stubborn? Zane for sure. i give in at the drop of a hat. and he knows it.
Who kissed who first? he kissed me. actually he kissed my hair first, lol -the wind decided to pick up right at that moment so he got a mouthfull of my hair. everyone should be kissed by the love of their life in the middle of no-where, on a farm, on a summer night.
Who asked who out? he did. after he kissed my hair.
Who is more sensitive? i am for sure. he is way level-headed while i am 'passionate' shall we call it. laughing, bawling, yelling, anything i'm feeling is out there for everyone to see! i have no ability to hide anything.
Who wears the pants? zane definitely has the final say. i put my two-cents in tho until he puts his foot down.

you spin my head right round...

just some clear-ups...Target made my cupcakes -i only wish i could take credit for em. seriously, who can walk away from hot pink frosting?! And tho my hubby went above and beyond, i also want to acknowledge Ash especially, and my kidlets and some of my customers at La Piazza for adding so much to my V-Day. thank you, thank you, thank you!

my happiest heart day!

i've never really gone "gaga bananas" over valentine's day, and this year was no exception. i had zero expectation for the day. anyway turns out i should be a believer because i was showered with love. it was probably the best heart day ever.

Bound for 33042??

love it when i start my day with the words, "so did you hear you're going to the Keys?!" from my boss no less. needless to say, i hadn't been informed of this sweet piece of information. apparently we're going to take 'several' trips throughout this summer to Summerland Key if everything goes as planned. very excited about the possibility of getting to check this off our Florida to-do list!

say what?!

this is so weird. zane and i have actually been to Goomba's. i'm equal parts amused and concerned. not exactly the reason you want your town to be in the news! apparently our town is full of these guys taking a 'break' from the business up in NY. lovely...

February 07, 2009

Calzone attack suspect faces gun charges

By HEATHER SCOFIELD
Staff Writer

PALM COAST -- A Palm Coast restaurant owner accused of attacking two customers -- and now linked to New York mob rat Joey Calco -- was arrested Friday by Flagler County sheriff's deputies.

The arrest of Joseph Milano, 40 -- on two charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon -- are "based on his identity as Joey Calco," the State Attorney's Office confirmed Friday.

The warrant signed by Circuit Judge Sharon Atack lists Milano as "aka Joseph Calco."

The latest charges came the same day a Daytona Beach News-Journal investigation pointed to stark similarities between Milano and Calco, a federally protected informant whose family members own property here.

Milano's problems in Palm Coast began last month when he was arrested in an attack on two customers who complained about a botched calzone order at Goomba's Pizzeria, a restaurant Milano owns on Belle Terre Parkway.

On Friday before 6 p.m., armed with a warrant issued by a Flagler County judge, deputies arrested Milano at 16 London Drive. Property records show the home is one of three owned by Guiseppina and Calogero Calco.

Milano's employees have said Guiseppina Calco is his mother and a New York lawman confirmed Thursday that Guiseppina and Calogero Calco are the parents of the infamous Joey Calco.

Joey Calco is a confessed killer whose testimony and cooperation with federal officials led to the conviction of several ranking members of New York's organized crime world, court records show. Calco also offered key information to international officials about the Sicilian Mafia, according to court records.

Milano, whose home is on Bud Hollow Drive, had been out of jail on $40,000 bail on charges of aggravated assault in the Jan. 23 fight with the customers. Milano is accused of hitting one of the customers in the head with a pistol. He posted bail and was released the next day. The 9 mm handgun deputies said Milano hit the customer with was taken as evidence, according to an incident report.

Court records show Joseph Milano has never been convicted of a felony. However, Joey Calco has been convicted of multiple felonies.

Milano was released later Friday night from the Flagler County Inmate Facility on $200,000 bail.

life is good y'all.

mm. mm. mmmm. sippin on some sugar-free red bull. just laid the baby down for a nap after a fun morning of shopping for his birthday presents together. yes. i let him pick out his own presents. got off the phone with 'Grammy' in Louisiana who was concerned about Evie's fever. uncle Rick is done with his surgery; feelin' no more pain. uncle Monty came thru his triple bypass with no problems! finally connected with Ash in Aussie-land on the phone last night -after months of not hearing her voice- i didn't even recognize her, hee hee. today is Grandpa Foster's 83rd birthday. it's 85-degrees in my town today!!! it's amazing how re-energizing it can feel to just be able to put on a short-sleeve dress and flip-flops. my best friend's phone loves me; i'm the only number her phone will let her dial, lol. leaving to see my family in 20-days... eeee!

thought-provoking

i saw a sign today that made me really stop and think. it said "that which angers you controls you" i really want to remember this.

i love flagler beach

just got this email (including article below) from my neighbor; makes me feel warm & fuzzy about my community. hating that i missed this...

"I just saw my first whales!
If you live in Flagler, they're out there right now (12:30PM Friday).
I saw 3 off the coast from N. 11th street. Reports of a group off by the pier.
Go look, and tell your friends!

If you don't live here, sorry for the interruption! You're missing something cool!"

The grand sight of a whale splashing in the ocean is usually associated with Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Baja or the Northeast. But not Florida. Despite the Florida peninsula -- with 1,200 miles of coastline -- stretching far across the water toward the Caribbean Sea, few people seem to think of Florida and whales together.
Yet Florida's coastal waters are frequented by several species of whales. And the eastern shore is a special place for northern right whales, which come here almost exclusively to give birth, right now during the winter.
That's extraordinary, but it's even more so knowing that there are only about 300 northern right whales left. They are the most endangered large mammal in the world, by some accounts.
"In the world of natural history, one of the great phenomena is that right whales are having their calves right there off the coast of Florida," said Dr. Jim Hain, a whale expert at Associated Scientists at Woods Hole in Massachusetts. "And in fact, there's this remarkable event that's taking place right in Florida for this small population of endangered whales. Florida's a remarkable place with the manatees, springs, the Everglades -- and the right whales are right there and one of the interesting aspects of what Florida is really all about."

Johnny & June

Thanks Ashlee, for inspiring me to do this froofy little activity and overanalyze myself! Hee hee

1. I'm drawn to the color red when it comes to accessories, especially shoes.
2. I feel my most comfortable self on grey rainy days.
3. I'm not exactly sure why, but we've always had a baby boy name established, and it's Tristan Noah.
4. I have a fantasy of raising free-spirited children in wild Alaska.
5. I also have a fantasy of living on a houseboat in Seattle for a few months.
6. I have an interest in writing, and plan to take creative writing classes someday. My wildest career dream would be to write for a travel magazine.
7. I rarely listen to a song for more than 30-seconds (when i'm driving) before I have to switch to another one. It's a terrible and annoying habit.
8. I tear up over the slightest thing. And if there is anything around me to do with a baby being born, or mentally handi-capped children, or U.S. troops or love stories, forget it, my cheeks are going to be wet.
9. We could easily part with just about anything in our house (except for photos of course), but the one thing we agree we just cannot part with is our mattress. It gives us the most beautiful sleep ever.
10. I have the opposite problem of a packrat. I can't keep stuff. I feel so satisfied and cleansed when I recycle, donate or just plain toss things out.
11. Eat. Pray. Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is easily my favorite book. And I am on cloud nine over the thought of possibly meeting her at the end of the month!
12. I think trains are awesome! I use to take the train from Seattle to Wenatchee all the time to visit Ash and Lace. And I took an unforgettable trip from Seattle to California by train with Laura once. And I took a trip from California to Oregon once with my Dad. And my Mom and I took trains all over Europe the summer I graduated. I love train trips! Zane has never been. Can't wait to change that.
13. Design-wise Zane and I disagree on everything. I love all things retro; old cars, old camper trailers, old telephones, old refrigerators. Zane loves all things new; and he loves white while I love color. He would prefer everything be clean, classy and minimal like a 5-star hotel. Lets just say i'm so proud of our compromising abilities, hee hee.
14. My Mom gave me this great book called: The Five Love Languauges. It's so insightful. I discovered I feel most loved when Z is spending quality time with me, not just being in the same room together, but engaging in quality conversation, and he feels most loved when he is being touched, especially thru massages. He is such a sucker for head rubs=) It's an easy read, and I would recommend it for all couples.
15. I'm really intrigued by Bikram Yoga, am looking into trying it...hearing lots of good things.
16. I can't seem to get enough of Thai food.
17. It's been fun to daydream with Jason and Dani lately about going into the cabinentry business together someday...maybe we could get Z to move to Seattle? Ha... wouldn't that be funny!
18. I'm in serious need of a 'girls' day. Hate that Florida is so far away on these days.
19. We want two dogs in the future. A weiner dog named Johnny and a big protective type dog named June.
20. Speaking of guilt... I wish I could get rid of it. I'm tired of it. It stops me from establishing healthy boundaries with people. It's something I have to work on everyday.
21. Zane is entertaining a new idea of going into firefighting. Honestly this idea makes me feel much better than him being a life-flight helicopter pilot. Flying makes me nervous. Obviously fighting fires has it's own real dangers so maybe it's weird that I feel 'better' about it than flying.
22. I can't wait to go back to school, I feel so ready to be a student again!
23. Today is my Dad's 49th birthday!=)
24. Laughing with my husband is my favorite thing.
25. I can't help but feel thankful and lucky to live the life I live. It may not be perfect but i'm more than o.k. with that.