Five Star Resort VIII: All Good Things Must End.

Since yesterday was to be our last day together, I made special dinner plans and told Monkey not to fill up on snacks while I was at work. He stayed home alone, and appears none the worse, although he did mistakenly attack my s'more-snowman Christmas ornament. They look real, I know!

For our special dinner, I got an order of sushi for us to share. I put on some quiet music (Hoobastank) and we enjoyed tea while reflecting on our time together. We were going to play a game, but quality time seemed like a better option. Monkey feels that the high point of the trip, for him, was his time at my school. I don't see how much fun he could have had sitting in my bookbag, but he seems to have enjoyed himself.

Monkey became quite adept at eating with the chopsticks, and later practiced with his banana slices. For most of the time, I hand-fed him, a new delight of his that he is sure to miss when he returns home. he kept chuckling and petting me between bites. I believe he is rather smitten at this point, and who can blame him?

I think Monkey might like this as an alternate avatar.

This morning was heartbreaking. We had a long and sorrowful embrace. I've never had a little simian hold on to me quite so tightly!

Then I packed Monkey into his rocketship with all of his belongings and a few souvenirs, and wished him well. I sent him on his way in the early morning, and I hope that he has a safe journey home. I will never forget this time, sweet one. I had the time of my life!

Bon voyage, darling.

Five Star Resort VII: Take Your Monkey to Work Day

Today Monkey came to work with me at Quaintville Middle School! It was the most fun. We decided to ride the train, because Monkey informed me he liked trains, and he would love to ride. He was quite insistent actually. Persistent, even. Like a droning wind that will not stop and rattles your windows through the night. Which reminds me ... was there a disturbance in the night? I don't remember.

Here's how it all went! (& Listen to audio here.):

Monkey holds my Metro North ticket. Time: 5:55 AM, EST!

During Yearbook class, Monkey tries to crop digital photos of Boston monuments. He doesn't fully get the concept.

While I was teaching, I couldn't have Monkey in the classroom, because, well...

First of all, puberty does odd things to the human brain, and there is a LOT of puberty in my classroom. I didn't want Monkey to be harmed by any sort of impulses. Also, I would have to explain about him, and about the little things stuck to his fur, and we had important things like Shear Strength and Metal Fatigue to learn about today. So I put him safely in the little nest I made in my school bag, where I presume he stayed safely throughout the day.

Later, we snuck a photo of Quilting Girl teaching math.

Monkey liked the sounds my computer made as I edited cafeteria photos, and pretended the monitor was a pony.

On the way home, he wanted to stop for marshmallows, but I explained to him that it doesn't work that way. He wondered whether they sell marshmallows and/or pies on the platforms, and kept watch for that. He is still hoping and asking.

I hope the banana cream pie I am making isn't too big of a letdown, after that.

Five Star Resort VI: No Rest for the Weary

Monkey and I really partied last night! After our s'mores, we took a shower and got into our jammies. Then while I was setting up the Scrabble, Monkey got into the Red Bull and drank about 5 cans of it before I could stop him. This made for an enthusiastic Scrabble game, but not as conducive to sleeping! I dropped off quite quickly, but I don't know how long he was up. He woke me up in the night, something about marshmallows, and burglars, and dragons. From the looks of his groggy self, he didn't get many winks. We are off to catch the train for Bring Your Monkey to Work Day. More news later!

The latest photos:

After our shower, Monkey and I did a cleansing mud mask.

It invigorates and energizes the pores!

We got into a little bit of a fight during the Scrabble game

because we hadn't agreed that proper names are OK.

I adamantly believed that they are,

but now that I've been bitten over it, I concede.

Monkey and I settled into the Spinning Bed,

and tried to decide which armpit would be best.

We settled on the left one, initially at least.

I fell asleep right away, but Monkey was up for hours.

He sings when he is bored, I might add. Loudly.

Five Star Resort V: Sunday Afternoon

Monkey's belongings

It took Monkey a while to unpack, but when he felt like he had settled down, we began to acquaint ourselves with one another.

Monkey investigates the Keeping it Simple pictures

We have had the loveliest visit so far! Monkey made up a song for me during his 24 hours in Quarantine. Here it is. It brought tears to my eyes!

Monkey and I decided to make the most of our afternoon despite the rain. We headed out to the Spinning Wheels (my car) for an outing in town.



I thought the best vantage point for Monkey would be this bag on the rearview mirror. He filled it with pellets, but he could see out the window and talk to me, which I felt was important.

Since we missed Spa Day due to the mishap with Customs (Monkey was very glad to have missed the Brazilian bikini wax after I explained to him what it was), I decided that a trip to Starbucks and the toy store might be a nice way to start out.

While at the toy store, we saw one of Calzone's pallys.

I got a venti vanilla extra hot extra chai chai latte, while Monkey got a tall mochaccino with banana syrup. He dove right into it.

Our last stop was to swing by Mary on the Quicksand, Monkey's favorite shrine. He took his own pictures, which I have not yet seen.

When we got home Monkey started making demands; ever the hostess, I tried to meet his needs. Here he is enjoying some Tension Tamer and cheesecake with me.

I'm thinking tonight we will play Scrabble, make s'mores, watch a movie, and then go to sleep. Monkey is talking about coming to work with me tomorrow, so we both need a good night's rest!

Five Star Resort IV: Monkey Arrives!

After many toils and troubles with Customs and Border Protection, Monkey has arrived safely at my door! I've just extricated him from his traveling cubicle, and he is taking a small nap with Walter while I prepare for our outing. Later I will tell of all that has already transpired in the short time we have spent together.

upon arrival

groggy from his journey

taking a small recuperative nap with Walter

Five Star Resort III: Not Quite the Same

Since Monkey is arriving late, I decided to let Walter sleep in the little bed last night. He immediately aerated my entire bedroom with eau de beefaroni, and then kept me up half the night with his spontaneous trumpeting. It was vile betond measure. I hope Monkey gets here soon.

Five Star Resort II: I am Forlorn!

Typical male.

Monkey was waylaid in his travel plans for some reason; I don't know why. I received a hurried (and typo-laden -- lack of thumbs will do that) text message from him saying "delayd. sry. wil expalin l8r"

So here I sit.

I cleared my schedule for this Monkey.

I even made up a little bed for him, next to my bed, in case he wants his own.

It is empty.

So, he is coming tomorrow. I hope he at least stays an extra day!!! I'm trying really hard to be mature about this.

Five Star Resort I: The Festivities Begin!

This is going to be the best weekend ever. Monkey is flying all the way from Maine to visit me! He should arrive Friday afternoon, and is planning on spending the entire weekend. We've been planning it for weeks, from this invitation to Monkey's anticipatory post. Now the day is actually here!!!

Today, a package arrived from Monkey. I think it was meant as a precursor, an appetizer of sorts. I don't know, maybe it was meant as a snack for him when he arrives. Either way, it just sets the tone!

the package arrives.

ooh, Harry and David!

cheesecake!

ooh, pretty.

I sampled for quality, and it is fabu.

It is pumpkin.

Monkey must have been peeking at my wish list.

My Fears.

That Monkey will not think I am as beautiful in person.

That he will not like how I smell.

That we might not live up to each other's expectations.

That we will both try to sleep on the same side of the bed.

That he won't like s'mores, which I plan to make.

That he will be homesick.

That he will not have a comfortable trip.

That I will grow too attached.

My agenda (subject to change).

Friday afternoon:

• arrival
• snack
• icebreakers
• getting acquainted
• possible nap (together or, if not ready, in separate beds. I have made up a little bed for Monkey just in case)

Friday evening:

• dinner
• s'mores
• movie
• bed!

Saturday morning-afternoon

• Spa day! mani-pedi, highlights, scalp treatment, massage, bikini wax
• Shopping
• Visit with niece.

Saturday evening

• Dinner and Sleepover at Twirling Girl's
• Games
• Music, dancing

Sunday Morning-afternoon

• Fabulous brunch
• Sightseeing
• open (any suggestions?)

Monkey's plans are to depart on Monday, and at this point the rest of the schedule is open, depending upon what he might want to do. I am sure he has ideas of his own.

I'm so excited, I might need to poop.