Arrr Mateys!

Jeff and I went to Tampa for the weekend to see my parents and also to go to Gasparilla. If you're unfamiliar, the myth of Tampa was that it was invaded by a pirate named Jose Gaspar, in which he raped and pillaged and claimed Tampa for his own. This, of course, isn't true. But for over 100 years different "krewes", ie people with yachts, "invade" Tampa Bay and then have a parade and throw lots of beads. While everyone else gets "very intoxicated". (I know those last quotation marks weren't necessary, I was just on a role.)

This was my first Gasparilla since I was 15 that I was sober not shit faced. And also with my parents. And possibly my most fun Gasparilla. I didn't get arrested. I didn't get thrown up on. I didn't pass out on the middle of bayshore blvd. I didn't throw up on anyone else. Also, for my first time EVER I caught not one, but two strands of beads. (Have I mentioned that I've gone to more Gasparillas than I can count?) If that's not "fun", I don't want to know what "fun" is. (I know, I know, it doesn't make any sense. Just go with it.)

I took a lot of fun pictures but something happened between the camera and my parents computer so...just imagine me, with a totally awesome new, short hair cut, lots of beads, and dancing with little children.

Also, imagine several pictures of my parents little Maltese wearing about 30 beads around her neck in the most precious display of gasparillary ever experienced.

Aren't those pictures just great?

Update on The Great Parking lot War of Jacksonville: In a moment of extreme passive aggression, Jeff and I decided not to take his car to Tampa on Thursday, but instead, leave it in the same spot, where you'll still find it today.

I was half expecting the tires to be flat.