CaliforniaBelle

4 Years Ago

2007-03-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Four years ago today, my son, age 20, marched across a desert for what he was not sure. There were no weapons found, some where found and tried, and yet we are still there.

My son did two tours of duty. He came home a different person. Less trusting, overly aggressive, so wary of all and only 24. He saw so many things, bad things and good things, although the bad things are the ones that have stuck. He had to do things that everyday he now struggles with - he understands he had to do what he had to do to protect himself and those in his group, but that does not lessen what he had to do.

I fully support the troops - but more than anything I want our troops to come home. So many lives have been lost forever. I mourn their loss. I too have lost because while I have my son back, he is not the same young man with great ideas that left four years ago today. I know I am not the only one with this issue, I have met several other parents who children are different since returning.

I wish and hope that they all come home soon. Pray for a soldier today... and pray for peace as well...

HEY

2007-03-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hey party people - been away for awhile trying to get better. Getting there slowly but surely. Just wanted to drop in and give a big shout out to all my blogger friends.

Have a good day - be good to each other - I will be back soon!!!

PEACE!!!

Great People

2006-10-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

There were some wonderful people who took care of me while I was in the hospital and after I got out and was home. While in the hospital I was fortunate to have some great nurses and PCA's. They would come in and be so nice and were never mean or rude - especially during the day when it is the most lonely. People work so hardly anyone visits during the day - you get to know the people taking care of you and I had some great ones.

After I got home for three weeks every Monday the team of people I work with (attorneys, secretaries, and other co-workers) would send me home via a co-worker that lives by me food for two to three days so that my husband would not have to worry about cooking and so that I would not have to be worried about and could just concentrate on getting better. They sent me cards and little things to remind me that they were thinking of me.

Care like this both at the hospital and at home was the best medicine in the world. My co-workers take care of me now that I am back at work too. I am lucky.

I am also lucky to have such great blogger friends. You make my life complete. Thank you for reading and for letting me read you. Have a great weekend!! Peace..

Feast One Hundred & Fourteen

2006-10-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

Interesting:

Feast One Hundred & Fourteen

Appetizer: Name a song you know by heart.
Faithfully by Journey

Soup: What will you absolutely not do in front of another person?
Fart. I know so childish but I won't. I will run out of a room first.

Salad: How often do you use mouthwash and what kind do you like?
Everyday - Listrine - The Green One

Main Course Finish this sentence: I am embarrassed when...
I can't say a word correctly or when I stumble while reading aloud.

Dessert What was the last food you craved?
CHOCOLATE - ALL THE TIME

Tomorrow

2006-09-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I go back to work after a two month absence. I have been in and out of the hospital for a month of those two months. First they thought it was pneumonia then bronchitis. Turned out to be a pulmonary embolism and a blood clot in my lower right leg. I spent a week receiving blood thinners by IV and then a week after coming home I went right back because they made my blood too thin. They thicken it (plasma transfusions - 6 units) and then put a small filter in a vein in my right lung to catch any blood clots that might make it up there. I will go back on blood thinners sometime this month and be on them for the rest of my life. Turns out through several different blood tests (I looked like a human pin cushion for a while - bruises are still healing) that I have a genetic factor that makes me more prone to get blood thinners and since I was on a hormone pill - well there you go.. I am glad this ordeal is over and my life is getting back to normal (whatever that is). The nurses in the hospital were great - there were a couple who weren't but the good ones more than made up for it. The food was awful and the days and nights were long. It is a very lonely place to be in the hospital. It is just you in your little room - especially if on bed rest (which I was part of the time) - during the day not very many visitors because well people work - the only people I saw during the day were the nurses and a nun and priest who came by. In the evening you have a lot of visitors but they have to go home and because you are on bed rest the middle of the night is just as lonely as the middle of the day. When I was allowed to get out of bed and walk I would walk by other rooms and wave to people and say hi just to make some of them smile. Made me feel better too. There is a lot more and I will tell some of it over the next few entries. But I am glad to be back. I have missed my blog and missed reading others. Thanks and Peace!!

Be Back Soon

2006-09-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have been away for a while now because I have been sick. Just wanted everyone to know that I am still out there and will return soon with full on details of my last few months. I am still not 100% which is why this post is so short. Let me just say I am getting better and stronger everyday. I miss all my blogging friends and can't wait to catch up with you all. Peace!!!

Fourth of July

2006-07-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be the fourth of July. While our leaders try to push certain things under the table and try to get us to focus on what the right hand is doing so we don't see the left, we will be setting off firecrackers and eating hotdogs. There is nothing wrong with that, but remember while you do that your freedom came at a cost, because freedom well it is not free.

Whether you believe in the war or not (I do not!), you should support our soldiers. Whether or not they want to be there (most do not) they are just doing their job. Trying to do it the best they can. So if you see a soldier this week or know a soldier - tell him/her thank you for doing the job you do. It is not an easy job and comes with a lot of sacrifice and crap on their side. The pay sucks, the benefits while good, take a lot of red tape to get to, but they have their pride and should have the pride of their country behind them as well.

If you don't know a soldier, a picture of mine is a the top. One of the few downtimes he had in Iraq, they played cards in the barracks. No longer full time, still puts in his one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer and could just as easily be called back to full time duty at anytime. He said if he is, well he goes, it is part of the job. A job that protects the rights of this country to speak and be free. So whether you stand on your box and yell for all the injustices or stick you head in the sand and ignore it all, remember those whose job it is to give it to you.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your blog world. Enjoy your day tomorrow and thank a soldier the next time you see one!! Remember if they are trying hard to get you to look at their right hand - their left hand is sneaking around doing something it should not be doing.

Peace!!! And have a great one!!!

time

2006-06-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

Time is just getting by me these days. It just seems like yesterday I wrote a post and it has been three weeks. So much going on. Let's see what: I celebrated 25 years of marriage on the 13th. We didn't do anything - we are taking a second honeymoon the end of July - nothing fancy just going to same place we went when we got married. I will look for a picture and post it one day. The camera is not my favorite thing. My daughter has gone back to school. The nine to five thing finally got to her and she realizes that she needs her education. She is taking summer classes here but will eventually leave to go back to her school for the spring 2007 semester.

The best news of all though is that my son got a job!! One that he likes as well. He is working for an oil company on a land based oil rig. It pays well and is actually a good job for him because it is at night. He spent so much time working at night while in Iraq that I think that was one of his bigger problems when he came back. He was not used to being out in the day and was not sure how to handle people during the day. Not that they are better in the day but when he patrolled at night he knew the people he dealt with were 9 times out of 10 up to no good. So it was an adjustment to come back here and deal with people in the daylight. This job is structured for him as well. He works three weeks on - 10 days off. He lives with one other person who works the shift opposite of him - kinda of like being back in the barracks and he works the night shift. So he has been working there for a week and the times he has called you can tell a difference in his voice. One of the best things of all though is he has a feeling of worth again.

You see when he came home everyone was so nice to have you back, thanks and so on but he could not find work anywhere. After a while rejection becomes a way of life. Walmart (I don't shop there anymore) has billboards up for their distribution center. He went through two interviews only to be told they didn't need him. A war vet - Walmart the we do everything for our country not hiring a war vet but still obviously hiring as new billboards just recently went up. After you apply and get turned down at so many places you start to think nobody wants you and how can that be after everything you just did for this country. So you get depressed (more so than when you first came home) and you get even more moody. Not good. So this job came along at just the right moment. It has given him of sense of someone needing him.

Other than this we have just been pluggin along with our lives. I read y'all out there everyday - I have to get to work so I will blog with y'all later. Peace and love!!!

Television fanatic

2006-06-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

For the past few months I have worked by someone who is an American Idol fan. Not just any kind of fan, an all out do whatever it takes, stalking kind of fan. When the show got down to the final 10 or 12 (I don't watch the show, except for once because I had to see what she was talking about), this is how a week at my job would go. Monday - she would be getting excited cause Tuesday the show was going to come on. She would search online to find out the theme for the night and to see who was singing what, then she would call and talk to everyone about who was going to be singing what and how she felt they were going to sound and who she felt was going to do well. Now you are probably asking yourself how do I know all of this, well this lady has a very loud voice and she uses several different types of voices but her main voice on quiet is about three times louder than normal and she sounds just like the lady on the Nanny (Fran I can't think of her last name), just awful and nasally (if that is a word). That is her main voice, she also has a baby voice and a whisper which you can hear down the hall. I sit probably 25-35 feet away from her and can hear her clear as a bell. Back to the week, on Tuesday, oh my God she is so happy because her show is on tonight. That is all she will talk about all day today. What she is making for dinner or where she is getting it; how she has to get home and get ready for the show. Mind you none of us (well 3 others) watch this show. Wednesday, we hear all about the show all day long, who sung the best, who sounded the worst, whose pitch was off, you name we hear about it.. and she is not talking to us she is on the phone talking to others. We also hear how many times she voted for singers, and who she thinks will be knocked off that night. Thursday, we hear all day long about who got knocked off, whether or not they should have been knocked off and who really should have been in the final three and oh my God if one of her picks is in the final three it is going to be a long day!!! Friday is the only real quiet day. Simply because everything has happened and it is too soon to know who is going to be singing what next week. We live for Fridays at my job for more than it just being the end of the work week....

Okay the show has ended, you think the drama would be over right, wrong!!! Her favorite won so now we get daily updates on what he is doing what she has read about him and of course there is the American Idol tour this summer!!! Will it ever end? Now don't get me wrong, I love my tv shows as well. I have my favorites (Lost, CSI (all of them), and a couple of reality shows (amazing race, project runway, big brother, road rules/real world), okay a lot of reality shows, but if you were to ask anyone at my job they would not know, not because I wouldn't tell them but because my whole life does not revolve around them.. There is nothing wrong with having a favorite show and with being a big fan but don't try and convert me. Don't try and tell me what I am missing out on.. which is what she does. She even offered bring in her tapes of the shows (yes she records them and has all five or six seasons) and watch them with us and tell us all about it. Crazy!!! The one time I watched was to see who she was talking about... and then I voted one time for the other person. How many times does she say she votes, well when they were down to 3 people, she voted 40 times for her favorite, 20 times for her second favorite and 10 times for her third favorite. Now that's a lot of voting on your text messaging at 10 cents a message not to mention the number of times she calls at 99 cents a call. Yup she is a true fan and we all know it!!! Now if you excuse me I have to go watch Road Rules/Real World Fresh Meat - Have a great day!!! Blog with you soon!!! PEACE!!

The Old Days

2006-06-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to have two posts so be sure to read the one after this.

Last night on television - VH1 Classic to be exact, I watched a classic concert by Journey. November 1981 was the date in Houston, Texas and I was there. It was the first concert MTV ever showed and yes I was there. Five months pregnant and so excited to see Steve Perry. As I watched the concert last night some 25 years later I realized that what I saw back then was true music. They had no gimics, just five guys playing and singing their hearts out. No fancy dancers, no back up singers for when Steve's voice was lacking, which by the way, it was not, just five guys playing and singing. I miss seeing bands that way. There are still a few out there but in the days of true bands they were all out there. The old bands still tour today, of course I won't go see Journey now because they replaced Steve Perry and to me Journey is not Journey with him. That's why today I love to go watch garage bands, bands that play just to play and sing for the love of the music and the sound. I have never seen my blogger friend Stringman play, but I would imagine that his band is one of these bands. Another reason I enjoyed seeing this band is as I said I was preggers with my boy and you know to this day, Journey still calms him. It was for me a time right before my life was totally going to change - I would have kids and truly have to become a grown up. Though even today when I have just recently had a birthday (I turned 20 and 24 thank you), I still like that music and always will. I used to think when I was younger that when you got older you had to stop listening to rock and start listening to other stuff but I can tell you that I am going to 80 and still jamming to Journey, my Journey with Steve Perry and I am still going to be enjoying the music of bands like Journey that play for the music and love of simply making the music. Bands like Journey, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Van Halen (Sammy not Dave sorry), and so on - I love these bands - I guess I am stuck in the 80's but it's all right!! Rock On!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's DAY!! Above is a picture of my Mother and my Grandmother. Two of the greatest women in my life. I am fortunate that they are both still with me and that they are near enough should I need them - they are there and should they need me I am there for them, but far enough away that we don't become crowded around each other.

They are the best and wanted to share a picture of them with you my friends. May you have a great day. I myself am being taken to a late lunch with all my in-laws, which for the most part would be fun. I will get to see my Mom and Grandma later this week. For now a phone call and flowers/candy I sent them will make them happy. I will blog again soon. Peace!!!

Busy Bee

2006-05-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry it has taken so long to post. Between not being able to post from work anymore, and fighting with my kids for time on the computer, I just gave up. In order to post now I have to get up before everyone here and come in and write in secret.

I have not done a whole or had a whole lot going on to write about. The war still goes on that we seem to hear less and less about everyday. My son still can't find work much less himself still trying to deal with all that he went through and still being stubborn about seeking help. The folks up at the big white house still don't have a clue. People up there quit and they replace them with folks from Fox News. It seems people are more interested in the Cruise baby, has Brangelia gotten married, Denise and Heather. I have to admit when I need a good get away from it all - I catch up with all them too. Until we can do something about the folks on capital hill - we seem to be stuck. I still voice my opinion, and I am getting ready to vote vote vote but until the time comes it seems like all we can do is wait and hope that we are still a people ready to make a change for the better.

While away - I went with my in-laws to the valley. My mother in law made a promise that if my son came home from the war she would take him to a certain church in the valley to give thanks. Well since my father in law can't see all that well anymore, we agreed to go with them with my husband doing most of the driving. Now let me tell you there is nothing like being in the car for 5-6 hours with my husband, my son and my father in law. My mother in law has it down - she nows how to tune them all out. My father in law can be for lack of a better expression a pain. We are driving he is back seat driving, asking all kinds of crazy questions, i.e. are you hungry (we are just down the block from the house), anyone need to stop (we aren't even out of Houston yet), are you sure you're not hungry, on and on and on. My son, so moody trying to be nice but I can see the strain puts on his headphones to which my father in law starts dancing to his music (no he can't hear it). Then he starts in on hubby and me. I pull out the Nano and put it on and start reading. I read two 400+ page books in those two days. We get there I say let's find a nice mexican place to eat (I want a drink!) and father in law says let's eat at Luby's!!! Hey we are in a new city I haven't been down here before and I am going to eat at Luby's - well you bet that is where I ate - by now anywhere that served us fast so I could go to my room would be great....

The next morning we got up and went to the church. It is a beautiful church - a little commercialized but pretty. You have to buy their candles to light and the holy water comes out of a faucet in the front of the church - an they sell pint, 1/2 gallon and gallon jugs to fill up - for real... We took my son in and had him blessed (I told him see you didn't catch on fire when they put holy water on you - you are still a good boy at heart - I hope he believed me). They blessed the people and then we went to the room a miracles which is where you go to leave something or pray for something. We left a picture of my son in his uniform. It is interesting to see so many people whose faith is that strong. They would not let us take pictures in there. A picture of the church is at the top. After the church we headed back home and I have never been so glad to be home after a trip. I love my in-laws but the trip my father in law wants to take to California in an RV - I DONT THINK SO....

I have to go now as the people in the house are waking up. I still keep up with you my cyber friends.... Take care and peace....

Here is a picture for Spring - - -

My husband grew these..... aren't they pretty???

Getting to Know Me A-Z

2006-04-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here is another getting to know me item: Please copy and place on your own blog so others can learn about you as well:

Getting to know you...getting to know all about you!

A - Accent: Pure Texas Drawl Y'all
B - Breakfast Item: Special K Breakfast Bar
C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom
D - Dad's Name: Pete
E - Essential everyday item: Music - especially 80's Hair Bands
F - Flavour of Ice cream: Rocky Road
G - Gold or Silver?: White Gold
H - Hometown: Houston
I - Insomnia: Every once in a while.
J - Job Title: Legal Secretary!!
K - Kids: One boy and one girl!
L - Living arrangements: Married 25 years
M - Mom's birthplace: Rhode Island
N - Number of significant others you’ve ever had: 3
O - Overnight hospital stays: Too many to count
P - Phobia: spiders.
Q - Quiet?: Sometimes - I am very shy in person
R - Religious Affiliation: I believe
S - Siblings: 2 half sisters; 1 step sister and 1 step brother.
T - Time you wake up: 4:15 a.m. weekdays; 7:30a.m. weekends
U - Unnatural hair colours you've worn: none.
V - Vegetable you refuse to eat: Brussel sprouts !!
W - Worst habit: picking at my cuticles.
X - X-rays you’ve had: kidneys, wrist, chest, knee
Y - Yummy: Seafood, Mexican, and Chocolate!!
Z - Zodiac Sign: Gemni -!

Hope some of you will take the time to copy and fill out - have a great day!!! Peace

70's Girl

2006-03-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy getting bosses ready for depos, trial, hearings, and then been so busy at home that I just have not had time to write anything. I feel real bad about that my cyber friends. I still try and read y'all as much as possible - but here lately I haven't been able to do that.... Will do better.... In meantime - someone sent me this and it fits me perfectly so I thought I would share: (ps - I added my own notes in purple)

YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL IN THE 70'S IF...
1.You made baby chocolate cakes in your Easy Bake Oven and washed them
down with snow cones from your Snoopy Snow Cone Machine. (I loved my Easy Bake Oven and my Snoopy Snow Cone Machine)
2.You had that Fisher Price Doctor's Kit with a stethoscope that actually worked.
3.You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on it.
4.You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had metal wheels. (I lived at the skating rink - it was the place to be!)
5.You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!) (nope not me-I was so hung up on Donny Osmond that no one else mattered)
6.You had nightmares after watching Fantasy Island.
7.You had rubber boots for rainy days and Moon boots for snowy days. (this is so true)
8.You had either a " bowl= cut"= or= "pixie,"= not= to= mention= the= "Dorothy Hamill" because your Mom was sick of braiding your hair. (my mom used to make pony tails so tight that I looked like I had an eye lift)
10.People sometimes thought you were a boy. (6th grade picture - if I ever figure out how to scan it - you will see)
11.Your Holly Hobbie sleeping bag was your most prized possession.
12.You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers. (Guilty)
13.You begged Santa for the electronic game, Simon.
14.You had the Donnie and Marie dolls with those pink and purple satiny shredded outfits. (also had Donny puzzels, purple socks and every poster of him all over my room)
15.You spent hours in your backyard on your metal swing set with the trapeze. The swing set tipped over at least once.
16.You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color.
17.You had a pair of Doctor Scholl's sandals (the ones with hard sole > & the buckle). You also had a pair of salt-water sandals. (Those scholl's hurt so bad but still wore them)
18.You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House on the Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least one school picture; and you despised Nellie Olson!
19.You wanted your first kiss to be at a roller rink. (IT WAS!!)
20.Your hairstyle was described as having "wings" or "feathers" and you kept it "pretty" with the comb you kept in your back pocket. (I had feathers and I kept a brush and hair spray in my purse to keep it that way)
21.You know who Strawberry Shortcake is, as well as her friends, Apple Dumpling and Huckleberry Pie.
22.You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic.
23.You and your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was your boyfriend.
24.Every now and then "It's a Hard Knock Life" from the movie, "Annie" will pop into your brain and you can't stop singing it the whole day.
25.YOU had Star Wars action figures, too! (nope didn't have those)
26.It was a big event in your household each year when the "Wizard of Oz" would come on TV. Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping bags! (this is true)
27.You often asked your Magic-8 ball the question: "Who will I marry? Shaun Cassidy, Donny Osmond, or Rick Springfield?"(I always asked mine until it answered yes for Donny)
28.You completely wore out your Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame soundtrack record album. (I still have the warped albums and I love them)
29.You tried to do lots of arts and crafts, like yarn and Popsicle-stick God's eyes, decoupage, or those weird potholders made on a plastic loom. Pot holders - I believe they were called loom loopers". (yep I was pretty good at making pot holders)
30.You made Shrinky-Dinks and put iron-on kittens on your t-shirts! (kitties on my shirt - you bet)
31.You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape player up to the speaker. (OMG - I was so lame)
32.You couldn't wait to get the free animal poster that came when you ordered books from the Weekly Reader book club. Double score if it was a teddy bear dressed in clothing. (yup - on my wall next to Donny)
33.You learned everything you needed to know about girl issues from Judy Blume books (Are you there God, It's me, Margaret.) (Great book - I still have a copy)
34.You thought Olivia Newton John's song "Physical" was about aerobics.
35.You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes, or shoelaces with heart or rainbow designs. ( I still do - I have hearts and rainbows everywhere)
36.You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer. (didn't everyone!!)
37.You had a Big Wheel with a brake on the side, and a Sit-n-Spin.
38.You had subscriptions to Dynamite and Tiger Beat. (I had to know what my husband Donny was up to)
39.You spent all your allowance on smurfs and stickers for your sticker album!

The 70's were a great time for me. I was still too young, then still too young (they changed the drinking age to 21 when I was 17), but I remember my first love, my first heartache and all the good times I had.

Does anyone else remember this time and these things?

Update on Tuesday Tuesday

2006-03-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

WOO HOO - the sick person took their doctor's advice and actually stayed away from the office today!!! (See post below) - Of course I cannot stop coughing or sneezing today - but unlike this person who took nothing, I am taking meds (not coughing anymore) and sucking on coughdrops, and have upped my Vitamin C. You can bet though if I am still coughing tomorrow morning - I won't be showing my butt here. I don't think the person sitting next to this person is doing good though - they sound worse than me but not as bad as the other one did!!! I hope we both make it through the week.

It is a beautiful day here today and I think it is suppose to be as nice tomorrow (upper 70's for daytime high) so I think my cough might be getting worse - "cough, cough, cough, cough"

See y'all - Have a good one!!!

Tuesday Tuesday

2006-02-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Monday Monday and I was so busy that I didn't have time to write. Mondays are the worst here - everyone on the other side (well we do it too) sends out their stuff on Friday afternoon after 5:00 p.m. therefore we don't get it until first thing Monday morning - discovery, pleadings, the caboodle - it is one big pain. I get here early so I usually have everything copied and given out and have started on it by the time others start arriving. Because I get here early, and because I try for the most part to keep most of my live outside the office mine, when others start coming in all I hear about on Monday is everything great they did over the weekend. What did I do - nothing. I did not go out and drink until I puked, I did not go out and bang everything with legs - I did not go to the game - I did not buy a new beamer, no I did nothing - I cooked, I cleaned - I went out to dinner - I took care of my son who was in a wreck - but you know after hearing the things some of this people did - I have no life to talk about - s0 I don't - and because this is a legal domain - you don't talk about things going on in the world, religion and politics are all big no no's here. So that leaves only talking about TV shows and sex - which gets done on a grand scale here.

However - worse than this is - a co-worker who sits close (not right next to me but close) - is sick - all day long yesterday they were coughing, sniffling, sneezing - the works. Some of us offered cough drops, drugs anything we could - did they stay home today - no they are back and the cough, etc. is worse than ever - what's worse is that they are coughing so hard they are making some of us cough as well - so we are taking our drugs and such so we don't get sick. Then they finally tell everyone they are going to the doctor today - but not until late this afternoon - which means plenty of time for them to continue to spill their germs everywhere - now - I do not have a germophobia - but when someone is coughing like they are fixing to spew out a lung - ya kinda get a little sick yourself. So I am washing my hands - and tomorrow when I get here all early before everyone else - the person in the space right next to sicker than a dog has a large can of lysol which I will be spraying over all our areas including theirs - just in case!!! Now I can understand not wanting to miss work but come on - you are sick - you have almost 30 years here which means you have like a ton of days - use one please!! Funniest thing of all - is while they are coughing everywhere - they keep saying I really don't feel bad - I actually feel pretty good - maybe it was all the liquor I had this weekend!!

Peace y'all - Have a good one!!

Hello

2006-02-21T05:44:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone? I know I have been away again, but it has been a very very busy couple of weeks, that I don't even know where to begin. My daughter got a job!!!! She started yesterday. My son may have a job by the end of the week. Life is good - they were driving us crazy. You know they say you can always go home but man they don't tell you that if they do come home they will drive you crazy!! Having them there has been nice and bad all at the same time. Because they weren't doing anything (learning to be bums) - they would sleep all day, get up around 2 and then by the time we got home, they were ready to talk and party when all we wanted to was wind down and go to bed. Have to laugh at my daughter - came home yesterday and I started talking her ear off - she tells me - Mom can you give me a few to settle in after working all day? I just laughed and said you sure can but remember about a week ago when I came home and asked you the same thing, you got mad - so shoe is on the other foot now.

We took a week off last week and went to see my Mom and Grandma - both are doing well - I worry about my Grandma - she is getting a little frail - but still just as feisty as ever. It was so nice to go up and see them and get away from the big city. On heart day (Valentine's) we took my in-laws to Galveston for a nice day - it was beautiful. We had a lovely time. We also took a little trip into Lake Charles for some gambling - didn't do good but didn't do bad. On the way there my husband showed me some of the devastation from Hurricane Rita in Beaumont where he worked for several months. It is still a mess there. Houses with tarps on roofs because there is such a shortage of workers. Places back in business and right next store places that will never recover. The trees all bending one way from the wind. It was something to see.

Even though I have not been here in a while - I have been keeping up with everyone and reading y'alls blogs. I am really going to try and blog at least once, if not twice a week. Okay, I have got to get back to the daily grind my friends - blog with you soon - take care and Peace!!!

Firsts

2006-01-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

I saw this on another blog and decided to add it on mine because the questions were great. Thanks Renee!!

4 jobs you have had:
1. Scobby at Fun Factory Pizza
2. Concession Stand at Movies (hated clean up at end of night)
3. Sales person at Lord & Taylor
4. Secretary at law firm (been here over 25 years)

4 movies you could watch over and over
1. Sixteen Candles
2. Dazed and Confused
3. Godspell
4. Say Anything

4 places you have lived
1. San Diego, California
2. Omaha, Nebraska
3. Orlando, Florida
4. Denver, Colorado

4 TV shows you love to watch
1. Lost
2. Fear Factor
3. Project Runway
4. CSI (CSI Maimi and CSI New York too)

4 favorite books
1. Hollywood Wives - Jackie Collins
2. Lucky - Jackie Collins
3. Hollywood Divorces - Jackie Collins
4. Chances - Jackie Collins

4 places you have been on Vacation
1. San Antonio, TX
2. New Orleans, LA
3. Austin, TX
4. Newkirk, OK

4 websites you visit Daily
1. Pink is the New Blog (Great star website - crazy pictures and stories)
2. My Bank
3. Yahoo
4. CNN

4 Favorite Foods (is this a trick question?)
1. Chicken Fried Steak
2. Fajitas/Enchiladas/Chips/Salsa
3. Anything with Chocolate
4. Seafood (Shrimp and Crab in particular)

4 places you would rather be right now
1. Home
2.Sightseeing in Italy
3. At my Mom and Grandma's house
4. La Mexicana - Yumm

Please feel free to copy and answer these questions on your blog. I would love to see some of my cyber friends responses. Have a great day - Peace!!!

2006-01-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys - been a while since I blogged - been super busy. Computer finally out of moody son's room and into a separate room so I will try and check in more often. I hope everyone's new year is going well. I have been checking in with some of you, STB in particular just keeps me motivated and keeps me thinking. He is one insightful person.

On Friday - I celebrated 25 years working at the same law firm. I started when I was 18 (you do the math) - how did they celebrate - with nada, nothing, zip, zero. Sure on the quarter they will put out an announcement on the intranet and my name will be there with everyone else who had a major five year anniversary, oh and we will get a check (amount depends on the number of years). Don't get me wrong, the check is nice (who couldn't use the extra money), but before they started doing things this way, you used to get flowers and the check on your 25th anniversary date. A recognition if you will, which is what I want. I want the flowers and for the firm to say hey we acknowledge that you have given us 25 years of loyal hard working service. I don't want a mention on the firm's intranet, that most don't read anyway. Sure I want the money but it would be nice to be reconized on the day you officially started and not on a quarterly basis not to mention no flowers or hey great job on that day anymore. Kinda made me sad.

Something else happened on Friday as well. For the fourth time my second assignment (I work for two, one major player and one minor player) decided that the fast track to partnership was taking too long and decided to go out on his own. Now I have no problem with that but why is it always the ones that I work for? I have to pack them up, help them move their cases to new players, get their time in, move them out. It is a big pain and a big joke in the firm. Are you looking to leave, go work for me because I know how to help you out. The day he announced he was leaving, I started getting calls, lost another one, what are you doing to these players, and well you get it. Now my new second assignment is worried about working with me, fear that I will make them want to leave. I just do my job. I do it well and I take care of my players. Maybe I am too good to them and they think they can make it out there without the prestige of working at a big firm. Who knows. They all sing my praises - two even asked me to go with them (unfortunately neither could offer what I have here which is why I stay). So I am too good at my job or not good enough at my job. The day the last one left I celebrated 25 years and tomorrow a new one will come to me. I hope they stay longer than the others have.

Well that's it for me for now. Got to go get ready and eat a late lunch with my in-laws (yeah my favorite sister in law is included). I love them all but I really just wanted to stay at home today and do nothing. Seeing fave sis in law is not my idea of how to spend a nice Sunday. We will see if I survive. Last three times one of these Sunday things have been set up (by her) we always end up picking up the check, well not today mister. I told my husband that we will pay for ourselves and no one else. I have had it, she sets these up, she is the one with all the money and takes all the credit, she can pick up the check. Let's see what happens. I told my daughter I am going to get sick and we are going to leave before the bill comes just giving enough to cover ourselves and our portion of tip to Ms. Look At Me and see how that goes over.

Love, smoochies and peace to y'all. Have a great week and I will blog with you soon. Thanks for letting me rant about my life here.

Happy New Year

2006-01-04T06:19:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great new year and that 2006 brings you everything you hope for - no real resolutions for me as when you set out to do it as a new year resolution most of the time you set yourself up for failure. We had a wonderful holiday - I hope to put up a couple of pictures soon.

Now I do need to have a little gripe session so WARNING - WARNING BF (bitch fit) about to happen: Doesn't it just test your last nerve to know full well that a gift given to you was at best a poor excuse for the holiday spirit in which it should have been given. I truly love to give gifts - and while I don't expect them in return but should you decide reciprocate please put a little meaning into it and if not at least take the price tag off. This person always gives lavish gifts to all in the family, sometimes purposely leaving price on so we will all know what she paid except for gifts she gives me and my daughter. To my daughter her gifts always appear to be the gift with purchase gift items you get but only the stuff you wouldn't want. No thought. This year she gave my daughter a spiral notebook (yes, a spiral notebook - price tag on it 1.59) . She gave me a cosmetic bag (with tag 4.99 with redline through it meaning it was half off). Now I know you should not look a gift horse in the mouth but after years of this - this horse just needs to gallop her bootie out of here!! It wouldn't be so bad and I would not think so badly of her, except all her other gifts are so obviously well thought out, well I guess mine is too as she must be trying to make some sort of point. Now I cannot bring myself to be as mean as her - so of course my gifts are always nice, or at least I think they are, but hey maybe they suck and that is why she is this way. But you tell me - I got her a hand cream gift set (she is always putting on lotion so I got some really good stuff in a portable and large size so she would have some at her home and could carry one with her) and I gave her and her hubby a certificate to a restaurant they always talk about going to that they love. She gave me a stained cosmetic bag. There I am done. I feel so much better having said all that - it has been bothering me for days now - now I can enjoy my new year and no longer carry the bad gift giver on my back. Whew..... Now for my life in 2006...

This year is already looking to be busy - work is crazy. Home life well, I miss being an empty nest mom. When I was an empty nest mom it meant my children were all grown up and living their lives. It meant was home was neat and clean all the time (only two people living there who are tidy folks), it meant nice meals for two - being in bed all day when we didn't feel like doing anything. Well both are back home not working and driving me nuts. Nothing like coming home after a long day at office to find two 20-somethings sitting in the house which was clean when I left but now looks like a party took place asking me what's for dinner. I have given them until the end of the month to find jobs, get back to school and generally get right before this Mom stomps some ass. Husband is still working out of town so I have no back up when it comes to them cause let's face it - yelling through the phone at them does no good - in one ear and out the other.

The best gift I got in 2005 which I know will carry on in 2006 is finding my way a little bit in this blog and hearing from so many great people. Who needs therapy when I have got y'all!!! Thanks for all the great wisdom!!! Gotta get back to work now!!! Peace!!!

What Song?

2005-12-27T06:38:00.000-08:00

Busy day ahead so I decided to just post a quiz. I hope everyone is doing well - one more week until the days will once again settled down. Here ya go -

Your 2005 Song Is

Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

"But since you've been gone
I can breathe for the first time
I'm so moving on"

In 2005, you moved on.

What Hit Song of 2005 Are You?

Happy Holidays

2005-12-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

As Christmas gets closer I thought I was going to pull all my hair out - so much going on, so much to do, too many people to try and make happy, you know. Then I decided in order to make others happy, I needed to make myself happy. So, I just gave up on everything - at work I do my job and try to let all the bad mood attorneys not so grumpy by trying to be as nice as possible. How do I achieve that - I started imagining them in their underwear!! Bunch of meanies sure do look funny in their boxers and tighty whities that it made it so easy to smile and say yes sir - they probably wonder what my problem is because I am not upset and angry like them. As far as friends and family - I am just about done present shopping and once done I don't intend to try and hit a store until February.... One less thing to worry about is the traffic into work and home in the evenings - seems a lot of people are on vacation so that is a small break for me. So am I happy sure now that I don't have to worry about the jerk who is not happy cutting me off this week. I have been going to look at the lights - it is one of my favorite things to do this time of year. Some people really get crazy and it is just fun to see. Plus on the radio there are a couple really funny songs that just make me laugh. Crappy Holidays and Walking round in Women's Underwear. I can't even hear the songs that they are taken after without hearing the funnier version.

To all my cyber friends - whatever you celebrate this time of year - may you have great moments and enjoy the days as they come. May the New Year bring you everything you hope for and my you find great joy and happiness in the New Year. I truly enjoy hearing from you my friends, and reading about you on your on blogs. You have made my year a most pleasant one. When I needed comfort you provided it, you have made me laugh and just been all around great!!! I cannot imagine my life without y'all in it. Thanks for everything.

Peace to you All - I will write again after the holidays. Smoochies and hugs to you all!!!

Can You Say Stress

2005-12-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Can you say stress? Cause I sure can. You know at this time of the year a defense law firm usually slows down. No hearings, no trials, just bare minimal stuff. The attorneys want to enjoy the holidays as do most of the courts. Well not this year. Between my two assignments, I am ready to pull my hair out. My newest one, well he does most of his own work but does not believe in using a legal assistant, thus I get to do it at a secretary's pay, Lovely.... First assignment is so stressed out by his work that a lot of it is on me, even more Lovely..... So stressed am I that I decided to take a quick break and write about it in here. Everyday I so look forward to going home turning on my little Christmas lights and sitting in the room not doing or thinking about anything work related. Although here lately while sitting quietly all I do is think about it all - did I send that to the right person, will these two please ever get in a better mood. Then I start thinking about everything I have to do for Christmas Eve which thanks to my hubby's great mind is at my house this year. Around 25-30 family members will converge upon my little home on the 24th. Only good thing is that I am not cooking - everyone to bring something and only snacky, finger type foods - nothing to big or that requires a lot. It is scheduled to start around 7:00 p.m. and I intend to be good and tipsy by 6:30 p.m. Only way to deal with this much family. Plus it will keep me calm and collective. I will spend the next two weeks making sure the house is in tip top shape cause you know there will be that one family member who will comment on any little spot of dirt or misplaced item she can. I look forward to Christmas because on that day I will relax and sleep and enjoy the day with myself - since this was my hubby's great idea - he gets to do all the cleaning that day - my present to him!!! Have a great week everyone - I will write again soon. Peace to you all.

World AIDS Day

2005-12-01T06:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been away for a little while - but back. Today is World AIDS Day. Take the time to remember someone lost, remember those still suffering with the disease today and most important take the time to educate yourself about the disease. A simple search will bring up plenty of sites in which you can find out information about how to protect yourself and those you love, how to help those in need and so much more.

And one more thing - let us all remember that we are all human beings and should treat each other as such regardless of color, sex, and any other thing which might cause one to discriminate against another.

To those who have lost someone to AIDS I share your sorrow and raise my glass and cheer those no longer with us and those still fighting today.

Remember - Knowledge is power - Educate yourself and get all the facts and knowledge you can to make sound choices.

Peace to you all. Will lighten up soon.

I'm Back

2005-12-01T06:04:00.000-08:00

I still don't have access to my computer at my house but hope to within the next couple of weeks. Thanks to those who have stopped in just to check on me. I have been busy dealing with good ole family stuff and trying to get into the spirit of the holidays. I love Christmas - I have since I was a child. Growing up all over this country and now living in Texas - I miss the Christmas with the snow like when I lived in Omaha or Michigan (mind you I don't miss the clearing of sidewalks) - but waking up to a cold white Christmas - I miss that. Which must be why I decorate in Snowmen every year. Snowmen and the Peanuts. I love the Peanuts gang. I watch their Christmas show every year and even during the year on DVD. Hearing the theme for them just makes me smile. And while some things about Christmas have become so commercialism, these things they keep it simple for me which is why I love this time of year. I still love to go and look at Christmas lights just like a little kids I hang out my vehicle window and take them all in. I love to give gifts just to see a person's face light up. I love to send cards. I don't give gifts/cards to get the same back I do it because I love it. The people I love to give a card or small gift to are the ones who seem to have a bad time during this time of the year. For whatever reason (lonely, just don't feel it, etc.) they are the ones I love to put a smile on with just a small simple gesture. Does it make me a good/bad person - I don't know and truthfully I don't care - it makes me happy. Should I try to be this way all year long - you bet and I do but just during this time does it seem more personal to me. Peace to you all and I will write again soon.

Hey There

2005-11-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

I bet you thought I got lost or something. I am still here just very busy. I still don't have access to my computer at home (my son lives in same room) so until I get it moved I have to blog from work which has not been easy as of late. Miss everyone - loving the cooler weather here in Houston (right STB?). For the moment here is a quiz for you:

Your Power Color Is Teal

At Your Highest:
You feel accomplished and optimistic about the future.
At Your Lowest:
You feel in a slump and lack creativity.
In Love:
You tend to be many people's ideal partner.
How You're Attractive:
You make people feel confident and accepted.
Your Eternal Question:
"What Impression Am I Giving?"

What's" Your Power Color?

Have a good one everyone!! Let me know how you are!!!

Well Well

2005-11-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

Am I blue? 17% of Texan voted yesterday or in early voting as I did. Kinda of sad but if you are a numbers person really great because you weren't even expecting that. Those Republicans got out there and put Prop 2 in force, which in my opinion is wrong. All people deserve equal and true rights. Not some for them and none for them - that is just wrong. If we don't start trying to turn things around (not just on issues like this one, but others as well) we are going to be looking at another four years with the next puppet Karl Rove picks. Yesterday someone sent me this link: http://www.afsc.org/iraq/movie.htm - it is all too sad and too familiar, especially for me. My son is still not right and probably never will be - still has bad dreams, bad days, the slightest thing can set him off, all because of what he saw and what he had to do over there. We need peace soon people. If you watch the video and sign the petition, thank you. If you don't, well that is what America is all about, your opinion and mine. If you don't like mine, you can tell me so or you can just ignore me. It up to you - because that is what being free and equal is all about.

To STB - Thanks for being such a great person!! You Rock!!!

That's all for now. Peace to you my blogger friends.

New quiz and other tidbits

2005-11-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much to say lately. Been in a bit of a funk. Not exactly sure why. Maybe because hubby is working out of town alot and I am spending a lot of time at home with just the dogs and they don't have a whole heck of a lot to say. I know this should be great can catch up on my reading, get up to date on world events but you know I just am not in the mood. Go home, clean, take dogs out, make something to eat and sit in front of tv. It is just awful. I need to pull myself up and do something - hopefully by the next time I write it will be better... and now for your testing pleasure - Can you pass the following because I failed.... But I was never good at math in school - English and writing I was A+++++

You Failed 8th Grade Math

Oh no, you only got 6/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

What Kind of Candy are You?

2005-10-31T05:45:00.000-08:00

Here is a quiz I got from a friend today and thought it would be fun for my blogger friends to play as well:

What Kind of Candy are You?

Gummy Bears

You may be smooshie and taste unnatural, but you're so darn cute.

What Kind of Candy Are You?

Random Thoughts

2005-10-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

I have been out of late. My son has moved back home (apparently his girlfriend's Dad found out he was living with her and threatened to cut her allowance off - he pays the bills) so they fought and he came home. The computer is in his room and wanting to give him his privacy - I haven't been in there to use it very much. I am going to have it moved to the other room so that we can use it without messing with him. It is nice to have him home, he was around so little when he was living with her. Whether it will last or not who is to say we will just have to wait and see.

I took two days vacation from work and then ended up taking two more because I got sick which is not a fun reason to miss work. So now I am back trying to sort through everything and listen to the boss complain about my not being here. I guess he wanted me here throwing up under my desk. Sometimes they have no clue.

So much news out there - does Janet Jackson have a secret daughter, are Jen and Vince engaged - will they or won't they on Capital Hill today - Enquiring minds want to know.

Want to say a big thanks to the Astros for giving Houston a great season!!! Only 5 months to a new season!!

To my blogger stranger friends - Have a great weekend - do something fun and have a good time!!! Peace!!!

I've got a secret

2005-10-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

And this blog is it. No one in my family knows about it. I don't want to share my blogger friends with them - they aren't as fun as y'all.

Houston Astros what a dream come true for some of them - well probably all of them but especially those that have been on the team for many many years (Bags and Bigi) - their honest emotion at the end of that game last night was something to see. Because we won the company I work for (can you say uptight law firm) is suppose to be allowing us to wear jeans and an Astros shirt on Friday - what good it does me - I am off that day as I was today.

Taking a couple of me days. Going to do a little shopping, meet my sister for lunch and drinks, get my nails done - fun all me stuff. I don't get to do this that often so I am very much looking forward to the day.

Because I was out today - I have not had a chance to see or read any news - but I am sure the people on capital hill are still being a-holes = I did see that they arrested Tom D. Can't wait to watch him get out of this - you know going to jail will totally mess up his golf game. Astros winning biggest news of them all in this City. Party on Houston!!!!

Better

2005-10-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

I am back and feeling better. I had to take some time and re-group, that and I had to get back in to my work routine. My Mom is doing good, her and my Grandma are getting used to living with each other again. They are looking to what different things they can do as a couple of hip older ladies.

I have been having to drive to and from work for a couple of weeks (my husband is working in Beaumont everyday trying to help re-build that city) - needless to say I hate it. Traffic in Houston while not as bad some other cities, just plain sucks. In the early morning (5;30 a.m.) you would think people would be a little nicer but no they are just as rude at that time as they are in afternoon. People cut you off almost hit you - it is scary. Now I am driving a big ole truck but still. I was in an accident several years ago where a trailer-truck side swiped me and my husband on my side of the truck. I was taken to the hospital and everything - so I am a little timid when I drive but I am learning how to be agressive (be agressive b-e agressive) and I always smile and wave at people who get pissed off at me - it makes them madder.

Can everyone say GO STROS - wouldn't it be nice if they could go all the way!!! We can only hope.

Good news - my son started a job!!! HOORAY - of course he is not happy with it but you know what it is a job and hopefully he will get used to it and start to get back into life. He has been so much (Iraq - enough said) and been so out of it since he came home that I hope this brings him around.

I'm off - gotta go buy a birthday present for my niece who turns 18 today. Also have to go comfort my sister who is not dealing very well with the fact that she has a daughter that old - going to go drinks some margaritas at La Mexicana!!!

Peace to y'all - have a good one!!!

Larry

2005-10-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

I wrote that great post about getting to know me and then I just up and left. My step father, Larry, passed away early last Tuesday morning. My sister and I left work and went straight to my Mom's where I have been for the past week helping her get through this and helping my grandmother move in with her. We had so much to do.

It is funny how death can bring out the best in some and the worst in others. I have three sisters, one older who is a step sister and two younger half-sisters (I have a very weird family tree). The older sister is not a part of this but the two younger ones are. One is great and was right there with me helping out in everyway, the other, the youngest - well let's just say she is the bad one. Example, we had an estate sale to sell a lot of the items my grandmother had accumlated over the years so that she would not have to take that much to move with my mom. Well the youngest she not only tried to take a lot of it but she tried to borrow the money we made (over $2,000) from my grandma and my mom and she would have gotten it had it not been for me and my other sister. Now I love her cause she is my sister but by the end of five days with her I was ready to take her out. Everything said somehow manages to revert back to her and her so sad life. It was awful - my mom would ask the simpliest question (how are you) and I would answer I am hanging in there how about you and there she goes - oh I can't believe he is gone, what are you going to do mom, what I am going to do - and on and on. thank goodness she is moving back to Kansas where she won't be able to suck my Grandma and my Mom dry.

Enough about her - sorry needed to vent a little. A week of that and believe me you would too. Everything went well for my Mother - we had a small memorial for Larry (he was not big on funerals and did not want one). Everyone has been great. Several people from my work - on my floor - sent a beautiful plant and my boss and his wife did as well. They are so nice - and my mother was so touched. She loves to grow things so these gestures meant alot. My good friends - they sent her a lovely bouquet of flowers and she loved them as well. My mother is a strong woman and with her close by we will always be checking on her and my grandma. Once they settled in to their new life - I am sure they will be two partying old ladies - living live to the fullest which is what Larry would want.

To all my blogger friends - if you read my blog you know about Larry and I appreciate more than I can ever say here how much your kind words mean to me. I will be back soon - take care all - remember to tell those you love and care about - that you do love and care about them - because you never know when you might lose them - peace to y'all.

Getting to Know Me

2005-09-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

Since we all could kinda of use a little break from all that has been going on I thought I would answer some questions about myself. Wanna play? Copy my questions into your blog and then answer the questions - but hey let me know so I can learn more about my cyber buds.

I have got some new cyber stranger friends lately (who by the way I think y'all are great), and I think these questions are a little bit different than those I have seen before and maybe you will like or hate me even more :-)

1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE WHERE WOULD IT BE?
I would love to have a home in Italy or Spain - if I have to stay in the states - then either in Colorado or California (What not Texas?).

2. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE(S) OF CLOTHING?
I have to dress professional at work all week long (dresses, etc.) so I love just a big ole t-shirt, jeans and flip flops.

3. IF YOU COULD HAVE CHOSEN YOUR NAME WHAT WOULD IT HAVE BEEN?
I like the name Amelia - which is my daughter's name. I get too many jokes about mine especially being from California and now living in Texas - I always here - Dixie, good ole southern name.

4. WHAT IS THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT?
Journey - Greatest Hits, Easy Rock (compilation CD of 70's soft rock), Green Day - American Idiot, and the newest Rascal Flatts (yeah I am all over the place music wise)

5. WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO BE?
Home - it's where the heart is. Next, walking on the beach or in the woods.

6. WHERE IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PLACE TO BE?
Anywhere stuck in traffic (after what some people went through this past week - I guess sitting in traffic for 45 minutes seems like nothing - but it is still a pain and don't like to be there)

7. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE IN THE MORNING?
The alarm goes off at 4:o5 a.m. I hit snooze twice and get up at 4:20 a.m.

8. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
My crock pot. I love being able to throw a bunch of stuff in it and come back later in the day and it is all cooked.

9. WHAT MAKES YOU REALLY ANGRY?
Mean people - and some really dumb politicians (you know who)

10. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT WHAT WOULD IT BE?
When I was younger I played flute - I would like to be able to still do that.

11. FAVORITE COLOURS?
Pink and purple - can't you tell :)

12. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?
Toss up between Green Eggs and Ham and Horton Hears a Who

13. FAVORITE SEASON?
Spring - everything is new in Spring

14. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
X-ray vision.

15. CAN YOU JUGGLE?
If juggle means throwing items in the air and catching them, no. If it means juggling my bank account, managing my life, making dinner, shopping and every other thing going on in my life - well hell yeah I can juggle.

16. THE ONE PERSON FROM THE PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
My father - he died when I was three months old. I just would like a big hug from him.

17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DAY?
Friday - cause it is time for a drink, time to kick back, you don't have to get up too early on Saturday.

18. WHAT IS IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR?
Don't have car - have truck and in back seat is a lot of junk and my blanket (I sleep in the truck on trips out of town).

19. SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
Hamburger with lots of cheese and pickles.

20. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CARTOON CHARACTER?
Scooby Doo - I used to wear a scooby costume - one of my first jobs was being him at a pizza place like chucky cheese - used to dance and entertain the kids.

21. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
Another toss up - enchiladas or lasanga - yummy.

22. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?
dogs, cats, bears, lions, tigers - i love them all - everything.

23. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF DAY?
early in the morning - no one is at work and I can get a lot done.

24. WHO IS YOUR HERO?
My mom - she has been through a lot in her life but she has always been a good person. i love her.

I hope that tells you a little more about me. Tell me about you.

All Is Well

2005-09-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

All is well here in Houston. We made it through the storm and I didn't kill my in-laws. We did not leave the city as many did - being where we are we decided we were safe. I spent Thursday and Friday cleaning the house (you know I wanted it clean in case it got dirty from the storm). My husband invited my his family to come and stay with us (I think he didn't want to be alone with me for that long - ha) - so I had to prepare for them as well. I had to clean my children's rooms. They were not with us - my daughter was celabrating her birthday in San Marcos (hurricane what hurricane - give me another corona) and my son decided to stay on his side of town with his girlfriend. Needless to say their rooms were a mess (you see once they became adults their rooms were their responsibility - bad mistake on my part), cleaning them took longer than anything else I have ever cleaned. I must have been a horrible child when it came to helping around the house because my kids have given it back to me three-fold. Anyway off subject there sorry. My in-laws came, my mother and father in law, my sister in-law, and my other sister in-law and her family of three teenagers, two large dogs and one husband. My mother and father in-law also brought their dog. So here we all are in my three bedroom home, five dogs, 4 teenagers (one of my sister in-laws is only 19) and 6 adults all stuck together. My mother in law was nervous and so she was cooking up a storm, you know in case the power went out - so that there would be plenty to eat - of course if the power went out we would have to eat it all pretty quick cause the fridge was not going to work. We all made camp all over the house Friday night - 1 a.m. the power went out. 10:00 a.m. the next morning my father in-law decides that the storm was not that bad and he was going home - so everyone packed up and left because my sister in-laws did not want them driving home by themselves. He gets antsy that way.

So now it is just me and hubby and our 2 dogs and no electricity. We open windows - play our little hand held video games, listen to radio, read books. Eat everything in site because we don't know how long we are going to be without power. Around 3 p.m. he gets a call from work - they want him in tomorrow. It is getting hotter in the house - my little dogs (who are very pampered) are starting to wilt as am I (I hate to sweat unless for something good - you know) - so we go for a small ride in the truck. Around 10:00 p.m. we realize the lights are not coming on anytime soon. Hubby going crazy cause he can't watch sports and me cause I can't see for shit in candle light and laterns. We finally decide to go to bed - naked (we looked like to beached whales floating on my bed) with our windows open (I hope that our neighbors across the bayou were not peeping) - around midnight the street lights came on and about 3:00 a.m. our lights came on - I was so happy - I sat up and read and watched tv until 5 a.m.

I can only imagine how people who were in Katrina, or in Rita for that matter, must have felt - I was only without power for a few hours - times that by 100 and you just feel lucky. I hope everyone who was here and possibly affected by our little Rita is all right - STB and Kimmy - I hope y'all are all right. I have to go back to work tomorrow - my downtown law firm well they just have to get back to billing clients - though I will probably be only one of a few that do make it back as a lot of my co-workers did evacuate.

It has been a ride - I am glad to get back to normal. Thanks to everyone who worried about me - it means a lot to know that people who just read my life care - I care about them as well. I will write again soon. Peace and love to y'all.

Where Have I Been

2005-09-20T04:57:00.000-07:00

Lost - I just got so stressed dealing with all my family stuff and with all the hurricane stuff. Not that things are better - not with Rita heading some of our ways. Trying to get things in order just because you never know. Insurance policies - check, water and supplies - check, food for us and dogs - check, gas in vehicle - check, candles, lamps, batteries, radio - check, extra cash - check - will we even get the storm - it remains to be seen. As of this morning - yes - though not in Galveston - I am close enough to get a lot of rain and a lot of wind, et al. Plus with a nice big bayou right behind the house, not too mention a river (San Jacinto) not too far away and a lake (Houston) - you can see why I am a little bit worried about flooding. I was in a different house when Allison hit and was one of the lucky ones whose home did not flood in the area I lived in - because people who lived right next store to me did flood. I was here when Alicia hit - I was 21 and had a 16 month old son and lived in a little bitty wood home. I remember the tree in the front yard was bending over so much from the wind that we decided to go to my in-laws - when the water finally receded - that tree was were my car had been. So yeah I guess I am a little worried. But you hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

My step father is not doing better - they moved him up to hospice, he is still refusing to see any of us although he did see my niece who is his daughter (explanation - my black sheep sister had a baby when she was young and my mom and my step dad adopted her - so she is my sister/niece) - he did tell her that she was not allowed to talk about any of us and if she did or if she got upset he would make her leave. He did sign the paperwork to let my mom do what she needs to do to prepare. She was not going to go to funeral (when the time comes) because she is so upset with him but she has since changed her mind and asked that we all be there with her which of course we will - where else would we be. He has been asking for his laptop but my mom has told him the only way he can have it is if she can bring it to him - so they are going around about that. I can understand where he is coming from - if he doesn't want us to remember him in the hospital then we shouldn't go see him but to not want to see my mom does not make sense to me. I hope that he will change his mind. I know he thinks he is making it easier for both him and my mom but - well I hope he changes his mind.

Any good news - well yes - today I am officially old - I no longer have any children - my daughter turned 21 today. My little girl is no longer little. Of course she really wasn't at 18 but no that she can "truly" drink without having to use her fake i.d. (little thing didn't think I knew about that) - well it kinda makes me feel old. I am only 20 and 23 years old but to have grown kids well that just seals it. So today she can drink and probably will - I will have a nice glass of wine tonight and toast her -

If you are in the storm's path - please take care - even if you are not sure - please take precautions. Mother nature as we have all seen here recently can be a real bitch when she wants. Thanks for stopping by. Peace to all. Take care and be careful. Will blog again soon.

Help for the animals

2005-09-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

If you can further help:

Thank you and have a good one!!

Hard

2005-09-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

It has been so hard to post lately. There is so much going on here in Texas and in life in general. I have been reading other blogs and posting there. STB's posts have been remarkable. He has put so much of himself out there. Volunteering and donating. I believe he walks the walk and talks the talk. Being that he has been down there in the thick of things I wanted to give him props on my blog. While I have donated money and given clothes, food and anything else I could, I have not had the chance to volunteer. Between my job and traveling every weekend to see my Mom and step Father (who as most of you know from my previous posts will not be with us much longer) I have not had the time. My husband is going to take two days off from his job and go and volunteer at the local food bank. I have had the chance to help two people on a personal level. One is staying with a friend and like me is large and since they are so short on bigger sizes I have given her about two weeks worth of outfits. And I have given several t-shirts and big size clothes to a friend whose company is helping out a family and the boys need larger size clothes for school. That has felt great. We have also donated dog food to the local animal shelters. It breaks my heart to see the animals. These people that had to leave their homes some of them had no idea that they would not only have to leave everything behind but they also had to leave behind four-legged family. It is just heartbreaking to see. I love my two little dogs and I think all the time what if something happened and I couldn't get to them, would someone come to their aide. I hope so. My step father is not doing well - they are not going to be able to let him come home - he will be staying in the hospital. They will be able to move him to the hospice floor by the end of the month. The doctor told him when he is moved up there he can have whatever he wants - if he wants a beer, they will get it for him, whatever food he wants, he can have. Whoopie fucking dooo, he can't have what he really wants though, to come home and be better. I understand they are trying to make his last days pleasant but come on... He is trying to disassociate himself from all of us - he has asked hospital not to let anyone see him and he doesn't want to talk to anyone. He has asked for his computer which we hope he will get and send emails on. I hope and pray that he will have a change of heart soon and want to see or talk to us.

All of the above and other things have really stressed me out so if I put some crazy comment on your blog please forgive me. My words are so jumbled lately - I know what I want to say but it does not seem to be coming out right. I am barely functioning properly at my job. I am not sleeping well and am just generally ill - depression. Please pray or send good thoughts to all the people and animals that have been through so much lately - from Katrina or just otherwise in their lives. Please pray or send good thoughts to my step father that he not suffer so much and that he while he can't have what he really wants (to be well, come home) he can find humor in what they will let him have (bring on the beer, wiskey, tequila and steak and lobster) and that he will want to see us all (or at least my mother) before his time with us for now comes to an end. Peace to all. Will blog again soon. Thanks to all my blogging friends who care so much..

Bloggin for Relief

2005-09-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

Blogging for relief. If we all do a little something we could make the day a little better for someone.

I've registered my blog (you can as well, but you don't have to in order to donate) and I've chosen The Humane Society as my charity.

Why animals instead of the people who so desperately need help? Because the animals cannot speak for themselves so we must speak and help them. When you domesticate an animal you make a promise to take care of it. But some, for whatever reason, are or were not able to take care of their animals in the wake of this event. This is where the Humane Society can help.

From the Humane Society:

"Some people were forced to leave their pets behind. Others were never able to evacuate at all. Now, in Katrina’s aftermath, The HSUS's Disaster Animal Response Teams are primed to help the pets and other animals left behind in the region’s most devastated areas.

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, The HSUS has begun a massive relief effort to rescue animals and assist their caregivers in the disaster areas. Our highly trained Disaster Animal Response Teams are in Mississippi and Texas coordinating a multi-state animal rescue and recovery effort. Our 38-foot Disaster Response Unit, and other rescue vehicles affiliated with our teams, are in Mississippi.

Your tax-deductible gift will be used exclusively for our disaster animal relief work."

I've made my $25.00 donation and I hope you will consider making a donation as well.

For a round up of participating blogs see Instapundit

Add your own blog at Truth Laid Bear

If you are unable to donate - which in these days and time it truly understandable. Please pray for or send good and healing thoughts to the victims. Everything small or large helps. Peace!!

Katrina

2005-09-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature - ya know she can be a real bitch!!! She showed us that this past week with Katrina. Now so many are without so much. If you can please donate to the Red Cross - or if you are so inclined the Houston Food Bank has an online grocery store where you can make a donation and with them for every $1 donated - they can purchase $25 worth of food and supplies, which I think is awesome. They will be working to help feed those that are now being put up in the Astrodome. You may find that your company is offering a matching program for your donation - an excellent way to go. While Mother Nature has had her way, we now how the opportunity to show our compassion for one another. Events like this bring out the best and worst in people. The looting is awful, not for those who are taking food, but for those who use this event to steal without thought or care (i.e. the ones stealing 10 pairs of shoes and televisions, etc. - hello you don't have electricity or a home for that matter what are you going to do with that TV?) - those taking to feed their family - you feel for them. Also don't forget those that can't speak for themselves - the animals. Many of them are without the families that once took care of them. I believe anything we do, whether donating, volunteering, or just praying or sending good thoughts helps. I know that there are many who want to help but just can't, and I believe that just a prayer or good thought is just as good when it is all you have to offer. The good in people is there and now is our time to shine, again. I wish peace and comfort to all.

5 Things I Miss About Being A Kid

2005-08-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

I saw this over at http://afloweredpurse.blogspot.com and thought I would play.

5 Things I Miss About Being a Kid/Child:

1. Summer Vacation (it sucks not being able to do that anymore)
2. Watching cartoons on Saturday morning (anyone remember H.R. Puff n Stuff, Josie & the Pussycats, Scooby, Land of the Lost or the Banana Splits??)
3. No worries, no bills (no house note, car note, my biggest worry was how was I going to get my homework done, clean my room, and play outside all at the same time, only the adults watched the news and they took care of everything) (Mom and Dad - they took care of you and I miss that - Now I have to take care of my children and somedays I just want to run home to my Mama)
4. Playing (just getting up during the summer and taking off for the day - not coming home until your mom or dad came looking for ya)
5. School (what the hell - but yeah I miss school, not the work mind you, but the socializing and hanging with all your buddies. I miss going to football games with the Drill Team on a Friday night; I miss learning for some of the best teachers - Ms. Surlock (drama) Mr. Stafford (History), Ms. Fiddler (English) )

While I can't do some of these things anymore (I have bills and worry about everything and no more Summer vacations for me) I do still try and get up and watch cartoons on Saturday morning although they are not the same. I do still play too, just not with the same toys as back then. Instead of barbies and easy bake oven - I play online games.

What do you miss about your childhood?

Messy

2005-08-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

Why are people at work so messy. I figure either they are neat freaks at home, and being messy at work it a way to break loose or else they really pigs at home. I would not say I am a neat freak (my house is not spotless, but it is fairly clean). I keep my desk at work in a neat workable order. We have two coffee bars on our floor with fridges, coffee machine, coke and ice machines. Also a copier and all that goes with that. I don't understand how one can take what is the last cup of coffee and instead of either starting a new pot or turning the burner off, they just put the pot back on the burner with just enough coffee for the bottom of a coffee cup. They must assume coffee is just magically made. Now because I sit close to one of the coffee bars, I am always the first to smell the pot burning. I go and remove and clean it up and start a new pot even though I only drink one cup of coffee in the morning. I just don't get it... Just like I don't get how some can put food in the fridge and then totally forget about it. I get here super early (645 a.m. when most don't arrive until 830 or later) so when I go to put my little lunch in the fridge - I spend a good 5-10 minutes trying to figure out what is going bad and get rid of it so that my food will not smell funny when I go to eat it at lunch. I just don't get it. Would it take too much people to start a new pot of coffee or turn the burner off and would it take too much to take your bad food out of the fridge?? It just makes me wonder what kind of home you keep. It's Monday and I am a whining but dang people come on. What set me off this morning - someone changed the ink in the copy machine and spilled it everywhere and didn't bother to clean it up so the letter I was making a copy got covered in the crap and I had to re-print, get re-signed (and explain to the boss why) and then get myself and the copy area and copier cleaned up. YUCK. THIS MONDAY SUCKS....... Okay I will get off my soapbox now and get back to the job at hand. Peace People!!!

Break

2005-08-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

I took a day off work today - to decompress. I have had so much stress in just the last few days that my body just could not hang anymore. My step father is doing the best he can as are we - they should have him stable enough to begin radiation treatment by the end of this week. The outlook however is very slim. But we continue to pray and hope. Our faith and our hope is kinda all we got right now that and each other. I have been very lucky to have many stranger friends (as Rosie calls them) who are praying and thinking of me and my family. The kindness of strangers is remarkable and so appreciated - words can't even say. Thank you so much - it means a lot to me.

I do have good news - this site can't just dwell on the bad. Josh passed his entrance exam and will begin school on September 2nd. He is suppose to go today to find out about getting his GI money to pay for it all. About time his service in this stupid war he fought paid him back. I just hope that this is the beginning of new things for him.

Today while I was cleaning - (something I have ignored since my life went to shit for little bit), I tripped and fell on my big butt. Did it hurt you bet, but while I was crying - I just started laughing. My dogs thought I was going crazy - I sat there on the floor in my hallway crying and laughing - why - crying cause it hurt - laughing? Who the hell knows why - because I can feel pain. Because despite all the shit it seems this world has to offer sometimes - I am still here. Falling on your ass - you would think it would be life affirming - but you know what for me it was. Peace to all my blogger friends - I hope you don't mind if I call you that - reading the different blogs I read - I have come to know some really great people - and that makes me happy. Have a great day - blog with you soon :)

Life

2005-08-22T05:49:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been very hard for me. My step father was diagnosed on Thursday with a large brain tumor. He is in the hospital and they are trying to stabilize his blood pressure and the swelling on the brain that the tumor has caused. They hope by the end of the week to begin chemo or radiation. I am very worried about my mother - the last time she had to deal with death this close to her (i.e. a husband) was when my father died when I was 3 months old (he had a massive heart attack in front of her) - my grandma says she did not deal well then and I am afraid she will not do well know. After my father died she married another who i have always considered my father because he raised me. they got divorced when I turned 18. She met Larry a few years later and has been with him ever since. He is a great man and he cares not only about her but about all of us. My kids call him grandpa and he is just the best. So we are praying that he will be all right - but we are also preparing for the worse. If you read my blog, please keep him in your prayers. I would appreciate it.

Next, I had to move my daughter up to school. Yes she got her shit together and got everything straighten out to go to school. The loan money is on its way and we keep our fingers crossed that she will do good this semester. Because if she doesn't she will be going to school from the house, which is not what she wants to do.

My son takes his entrance exam today - so keep your fingers crossed. If he does well - he will start school after Labor Day and in five months will be working for the fire department.

My husband and I are back at semi empty nest syndrome. Depending on the day our son may or may not be at home. It is kinda lonely, the kids buffered when we would get on each other's nerves. Thank goodness we have two dogs to do that - and a big enough house to go to opposite ends. I miss having kids in the house. Perhaps one day one of my kids will give me some grandkids. Have a great day bloggers. Peace!!

My Reality - Part 2

2005-08-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

My son (who is home from Iraq and out of the Army and dealing with returning to civilian life) - Has left her girlfriend and moved back home with us. This happened last Thursday. On Friday he went to see another girl and by Sunday he was back seeing the other girl. Yes, my boy is a horndog. Anyway - he is still not working and no longer has any money. Therefore in order to not have his credit shot, we will be paying for his car, insurance and cell phone - which is not going to be easy for us. The problem - he seems to be in no hurry whatsoever to get a job. He talked to us about going back to school and was suppose to go and meet with financial aid people about getting his GI money and then registering - but instead he went to his girlfriends Sunday and then decided to come back home late last night. This drives me nuts. The thing with him is he is so ready to fly off the handle for anything. He does not want us in his business and tells us that whenever we try to discuss things with him. But he needs to live with us, needs our money to keep him in his car (which is in my husband's name), it all just sucks. We just have to put our feet down and tell him and hope that instead of leaving again and then coming back like nothing happened he will get off his butt and start making a better life for himself. The war he went through I know it has truly affected his mind, but I can't make him go get the help he needs if he does not want to help himself. He has been home since March and has only attempted to go to the VA once. He doesn't want us to tell him what to do (he is a grown ass man in his words) but he wants us to speak for him, to find him a great job and let him live with us and for him to come and go as he pleases while we foot the bill - I just don't get it. He changes on a dime. There is no telling what we will come home to today - all we can do is stand by what we expect of him which is to either get in school and become a firefighter like he keeps saying he wants to do (which by going to school he will get his GI money and be able to pay his bills) or he needs to get a job and join the rest of us in the real world who have to work to enjoy our life - that or he needs to win the freaking lotto and take care of us all. I love him with all my heart but he just doesn't get that in the real world - great paying jobs don't fall out of the sky - you bills don't just get paid and money does not grow on trees. I did not raise him to be this way - but now I question myself everyday as to what I may have done wrong in both their lives (my daughter's too). By their age, I was working, married and had both of them. They have no idea how easy their lives are and could continue to be if they would just apply themselves a little. Maybe I ask to much of them? Maybe I gave them too much when they were little and so now they just expect it when they are older. It is just so stressful - no wonder I watch so much reality TV - because it is not REAL........ Thanks for reading - Peace :0

My Reality - Part 1

2005-08-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

My daughter who is suppose to start school next week in another city - she tells us on Monday morning that she cannot register until she has an academic meeting. Seems when she told us she got off academic probation at the end of last semester she was mistaken. This is it, if she can't get over a 2.5 this semester she will be coming home and going to community college. We have two loans ready and waiting to be processed but they can't until she registers. So we sent her up to the school to do her meeting and to check on the job she is suppose to be able to return to when school starts back up. She did not bother to keep up with them in the Summer so now she may no longer have the easy cush job. To be in her shoes. All she had to do all Summer was check in - register and get ready to go back. She waited until the last minute to do everything and if her meeting does not go well she may well be coming home. No apartment, no party life, just home and school and getting a job. She is so upset but we had no choice and had to put our feet down. If she is able to go back she has got to make the grade or else she will be home. That is my first reality - here comes my second.

Reality and My Reality

2005-08-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

Reality TV - you have just got to laugh at it. BB6 - those people locked in that beautiful house with no kids, no TV just a pool and hot tub - I could use a break like that - to me at this point the only one who deserves the money is Kaysar and it is so pretty sure that he is going home. Next would be Howie or Janelle - I just love how they are stirring up the other side. Rockstar - Jordis and Marty - they just kick butt. I still don't know what these guys see in Jessica except that she is pretty. My choice is Jordis with Marty right behind. JD - he needs to be his own band - he has too much ego to share. And then my favorite MTV's 70's House - the kids took another quiz and only one of them knew who Foghat was - what is up with that? Not to mention finish the title to this song - Stairway to ______ - who could not know that? The bit at the mall was great - but I loved watching these kids try and skate. I remember Friday and Saturday nights before I was allowed to drive, that is where I was. We were always dropped off by someone's parent and then there we would be until Midnight. We thought we were so cool. Watching this show just brings back such great memories. Now why do I need to escape....... stay tune....

Weekend Wrap

2005-08-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

A day late but Mondays always bite for me. Friday night we took a couple of friends to one of my favorite places, La Mexicana. Love the food, the drinks and the place in general. My husband and I go there all the time. It's a place where you can take your time to eat, drink and have good conversation without feeling like you are being pushed out the door after you finish your meal. We spent probably 2-3 hours there. Margaritas, nachos, chips & salsa, shared plates of fajitas, all good. Love it. Saturday we went to a birthday party for a family member. The party had a 60's theme and all were dressed for the same. It was a hoot to see some older women (70's and 80's) in bell bottoms and go go boots. Fun was had by all - they rented out some little bar/pub (Bubba's) and had it all decorated for the times. Now I was only a little girl in the 60's but we sure did have a fun time. Sunday we spent recouping from all the drinking done on Friday and Saturday. Also spent cleaning and cooking and other usual Sunday wind downs.

Tagging Myself

2005-08-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

I saw this at Jaded&Opinionated's blog, and since I hadn't been tagged, because no one knows I am out here - I tagged myself. So if you read this you will maybe know a little bit more about me.

5 years ago today: I was at the same job I have been at for almost 25 years. I was dealing with my son who had graduated in May and who did not know what he wanted to do with his life, except he did not want to go to school.

Yesterday: Got the big boss ready to go to out of the country. Had lunch with a friend and caught up on each other's life (are you bored with me yet?)

Today: Been up since 4A.m. (CST) because hubby had to be at work early, paid bills, got instructions for the day from Big boss and have drank two cups of coffee.

5 snacks I enjoy: Chocolate, chocolate, popcorn, raisins, and did I mention chocolate.

5 bands that I know the lyrics of MOST of their songs: Journey, Bon Jovi, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and Styx.

5 things I would do with $100,000,000: Pay off all debts. Pay for my entire families' kids' college educations. Charity. Then just enjoy my life.

5 bad habits I have: Bite my cuticles when upset; lazy when it comes to exercising; have a hard time just letting things go; always leaving glasses of water all over the house; and eating too much chocolate.

5 things I like doing: Reading, watching movies, going out to dinner with friends, hanging out with my family, and listening to musis (especially 80's big hair bands)

5 things I would never wear: spandex, tube tops, micro mini skirts, bikini, and super baggie pants

5 TV shows I like: Lost, BB6, Rockstar INXS, CSI, CSI Maimi, CSI NY

5 movies I like: Valley Girl, Sixteen Candles, Dazed & Confused, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Say Anything, Pretty in Pink.

5 famous people: Johnny Depp, Steve Perry (Journey), Colin Farrell, Eddie Veder, Sammy Hagar, Ricky Martin (hey where the hell did that come from?)

5 biggest joys at the moment: My hubby, my daughter, my son, my dogs,

5 people to tag: ???? So new to the world of blog that I am not sure I know 5 people to tag that would know who I am.

The 70's

2005-08-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

Has anyone seen the show on MTV called "The 70's House"? Well they took a bunch of kids and put them in a house like the Brady's house and everything they do has to be 70's - no computers, ipods, blackberries, cell phones, etc. Everything they eat, wear, say, watch and do has to be 70's. It is so funny. They eliminate one person every week via a competition. The two people acting the least 70's or losing a competition is who goes in the elimination round. The best thing is they have an intercom that comes on at anytime (day or night) and it plays the hustle - when that happens they have to stop whatever they are doing and do the hustle. I would so kick ass in this house. Of course I am too old for it - but I loved the 70's (not so much the clothes) - but I knew my Tiger Beat people, I had Donny, David, Shaun and Leif up on my walls. Puppy Love, I think I love you, oh I could go on and on about them. I loved Donny Osmond so much (still do) - I even owned purple socks and would dance around singing his songs to his poster. These kids would not stand a chance with me in the house. I guess that's why they picked kids that have never even heard of Saturday Night Fever or Midnight Special. Does anyone else remember wanting to join up with the Partridge Family and when you got mad at your parents to be a Brady? What about those Saturday morning cartoons - H.R. Puff n Stuff, Land of the Lost, Josie & the Pussycats, Scooby Doo. What else I remember - playing outside (well after dark) and not worrying or caring. I remember getting to wear make up for the first time - I knew how to work my green and blue eyeshadow (never wore them together) and my lip smackers. I remember putting on shows with my friends in my basement and as I got older and in high school thinking we were the coolest ever. I remember being in drill team and dancing at football games, my first car (a gremlin - can you imagine), my first love (Ronnie), going to the skating rink and hanging out was the thing to do. I went to my first concert in the 70's - Heart - As the decade got on I fell in love with Steve Perry and became a Journey freak. I never missed a concert, was a member of their fan club, still keep up with Steve Perry now (what can I say Steve and Donny - Love 'em). I met my husband in 1978 and I am still with him today. So the 70's were good to me. Anybody out there want to tell me what they remember - I would love to hear from ya!!

Summer Issues

2005-07-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone. I thought with two grown children my summer would be a little less hectic. I have been wrong. Between work, dealing with my son who is still so messed up from fighting in Iraq and my daughter who is getting ready to go back to school and moving her into a new apartment - well I am about to pull my hair out. I was able to take one week off but had so much to do around the house that we didn't really go anywhere other than to see my mother and grandmother who live in the country and to go to the beach and watch the surfers on the waves coming in from Emily. Big Whoop. Sometimes going on vacation is not worth it when you come back to work and the bosses didn't give anything to the person covering you - but instead hold all for you. Plus they are trying to go vacations - so there is like triple the work. Thank goodness they will be gone off and on the next three weeks so I can catch up here. My son is still not working, still suffering from bad dreams and rage from fighting in this dumb Iraq war. He does not want to do what he needs to do to get help (VA is such a red tape mess - you could grow old and die before you finally get to the right people there) - and he still doesn't think he is ready to go to work. I understand but he has real world shit to deal with - i.e. bills. Car note, insurance, credit card, cell phone. I can't pick up the slack on him so therein lies my conflict with him. I worry about him and worry if he will be all right, try and figure out where we can get the money to help him, the list goes on and on. My daughter who has been home all summer being a bum - is just now finding out that she may not be able to do what she wants at school this year - live off campus. Plus we have financial problems there as well. Getting the money for her to go to school and pay her apartment is going to be a big pain in the ass. I will be so happy when they both grow up and can take of themselves financially and then take care of us when we are old and grey. I guess I should have entitled this entry Summer Whining instead of issues. I know I am whining but hey it's my space to do just that!!! Thanks for reading!!!!

Karl Rove has got to go

2005-07-13T05:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you who believe Karl Rove has got to go there is a website you can go to and sign a petition. Being entitled to opinion if you think Karl Rove is doing a great job, well then good for you. Being that we are entitled to our opinions, mine is and always has been that we need to get Bush out of office. My opinions became stronger as my son went to Iraq twice and the things he saw and did and heard made me more mad. Seeing the documentary on Bush (Bush's Brain) also added fuel to my fire. Our soldiers die everyday in war and I know it is what they signed up to do (protect and serve their country) but they did not sign up to fight a war in a country that really doesn't want us there. And the ones who do come home are forever changed, my son is living proof of that. I support my soldiers and I even support parts of my government, but I do not support my president and his advisors. While this petition probably won't do anything, it still felt good to sign it and to know that there are others out there who share my opinions.

I hope you will join me right now in signing an open letter to the President urging him to thoroughly reject Karl Rove's purposeful attack on the patriotism of those who dare ask the tough questions that best protect American troops.

http://www.johnkerry.com/petition/rove.php

Thank you.

Interview Me

2005-07-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Nancy at http://wifebear.blogspot.com/ for this fun question/answer session. Here is how it works:

1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying "interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions -- each person's will be different.
3. You will update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Below are my questions/answers!

1. If your mother-in-law baked you something every holiday, that you didn't like, would you tell her? And would you eat it in front of her? I don't like it when she cooks with bell peppers (they don't agree with me), she puts them in her stuffing every year. No I would not eat it in front of her, I pick them out in front of her. She knows that I don't like them.
2. What is your favorite kind weather and why? Early/Late Spring and Fall. Because it is not too hot and not too cold yet.
3. Where was your favorite vacation and why? New Orleans. We had such a great time not only at night at the bars but during the day seeing the old homes.
4. What is your biggest pet peeve?Drivers who cut you off because they are in such a hurry - even when you are in the slow lane. Pain in the ass.
5. If you could do anything you wanted tomorrow, no holds barred, what would you do? Sleep! - boring I know but when you only get about 4 hours a night - sleep is something you never get enough of.

Thank you

2005-07-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

I need to say thank you to my good friend and computer goddess Joni, for setting me up with this great background on my blog. It looks so good. You can visit her at: http://www.babygotblog.com/

She rocks!!!! Now if I can just figure out how to do links because I am computer dummy!!

Thanks for all your help Joni!!

Famous

2005-07-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ever notice how famous people get free crap? Take this Live8 Concert that just took place, all kinds of companies were there giving away free crap to the stars! These are people who can afford to buy all this shit to begin with. Doesn't it make sense that instead of giving this stuff to them to make a donation to the cause. I don't understand the famous. They don't hesitate to stand up for a cause and say donate your hard earned money, but give me my free crap. Hell now they even get companies to sponsor their birthday parties and weddings. The only ones who deserve to be called truly famous are those who put their wallets where their mouths are. You make 350 million a year - spare a million for the cause you are asking me to support. Donate the money generated from one of your concerts or a percentage from the money you will make on your latest movie. Of course, there are those that are the exception. They freely give their money and time, no strings attached. I support what Live8 was trying to get across (awareness) - I signed the petition. I believe in what is trying to be done. What I don't think is right is to show us and talk to us about children dying in proverty every three seconds while you are backstage picking up your A-list goodie bag worth $1,000's when that money could have been put to the cause. I don't get it!!!

Kids

2005-06-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here they are - my kids. Well my little grown-ups now. Although they still fight like cats and dogs. This was a good day at a wedding of a friend and they decided to be nice and civil to one another. They have such different personalities - they are on opposite ends of everything. If one says white the other says black - there is no grey with them. Ever seen the commercial with the little kids and the one is almost but not quite touching the other and keeps saying "I'm not touching you", well that is these two. Has been for years. But for all that they are very protective of each other as well. Gotta love 'em - their my pride and joy - even when they are arguing!!

Comfort

2005-06-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine lost her brother this week. She is a great person and I know she is going through a tough time. I offer her this poem which I have read many times and always brings me a little comfort when I see it:

IMMORTALITY by Robert Hepburn
Do not stand on my grave and weep...
I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft starshine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry...
I am not there.
I did not die.

To my friend Joni, my thoughts are with you. Peace.

PTS

2005-06-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

PTS (Post-traumatic Syndrome) is the word they use for what is wrong with my son. Home from two separate tours of duty in Iraq (lasting over a 20 months combined) and out of the Army (but going into reserves to finish out his fulfillments)he now tries to adjust to the old way of life which seems to be forever eluding him. He can't sleep and when he does he has the same nightmares - he's there trying and doing his job, a job he freely signed up for before 9/11 but is in a country where he is not sure he should be, nonetheless doing his job - a bomb goes off - trying to take of himself and those around him - being ordered not to help the small children crying out in pain and death. You see he was there that day the bomb went off and killed all those innocent children. In all the things he did in Iraq - this is the one that lives with him daily. He could not have foreseen that these children's own people would set of a human bomb that would kill and hurt so many - and when it did go off there was nothing to be done - our own children were hurt as well - he did what he had to do - save his own brothers and sisters and secure them first - and he did the right thing.

But now those children - and mind you he was able to help some - but the ones that haunt him are the ones who never had a chance and he feels guilty and the weight of that guilt keeps him up at night. He is just a child himself. The lack of sleep has made him moody and irritable. He looks a mess and I am told by those who remember - he looks a lot like those who came back from Vietnam - another place that we really should not have been. He worries that people will hold against him that he did his best but just could not save those children on that day. I worry that he will be turned against by his own country - he worries as well - he thinks everyone knows his shame and is talking about him behind his back and he is paranoid because of the lack of sleep. I tell him that he did a lot of good over there, he said so himself as he was witness to election day. But those children - those poor beautiful children who had their whole life a head of them - they are forever embedded in his heart - because he could not help them because he did not know there would be a bomb that day. I tell him to live his life by remembering those children - mourn them and live everyday to make life better for those children still alive and all around him. I pray everyday that peace will take hold of my boy and allow him to sleep without these nightmares. I pray for all others who are going through the same thing and are looking for the same kind a peace. I pray for peace everywhere. But mostly, I pray for my son to become once again the happy young man he was before this war (that is no longer even considered a war) hurt his heart.

No Pain

2005-06-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

I went for my physical assessment yesterday. Had to meet with a sweet tiny little girl who showed me a couple of machines and several exercises. The exercise queen put me through the wringer. Today my body is crying wanting to know why we are no longer just going home, sitting on the couch after work, and eating everything we can get our hands on. Well I can no longer do that. I have just let myself go in the past two years. I do so well at work. Eat normal and exercise a little (up/down - find the boss - answer the phone - you know hard secretary work). Worrying about my son who was in Iraq, comfort food was the only thing that seemed to make me feel better. And feel better I did right up until I got so big that I had to go on blood pressure medicine. So now that my son is home and getting out of the Army, I need to fix what I have broken, myself. While the pain maybe bad today, the long term good feeling and weight loss had better feel a whole heck of lot better. Keep your fingers crossed.

Getting Fit

2005-05-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to get healthier, I have started trying to eat better and walking and riding my bike. I do so well at work, light breakfast, light lunch, up and down back and forth from office to office copy machine to bathroom. When I get home all I want to do is curl up with a bag of chips and the couch. I don't know how to break this bad habit but I am trying. When you get up at 430 go to work at 600 come home at 500 it just seems like your whole day is shot why bother doing anything else. So now I am walking when I first get to work in the morning, and instead of curling up on that couch with chips I am sitting on my exercise bike watching my recorded shows (Passions and BH 90210). I know cheesy but I love my soaps. I watch them now and ride my bike - which so far appears to be working. Then I try and figure out what to make for dinner that is quick and easy because cooking and cleaning the kitchen are the last things I want to be doing in the evenings. Got any quick recipes - tell me about them. It is just me, my husband and my dogs in the house - right now anyway. Wish me luck!!! I just hope I can keep up the good foundation I have started. Only time will tell.

Another day, another dollar

2005-04-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Paydays just suck. When you work with those who have more than you and they talk about how their check (which mind you is sometimes over $10,000 for 2wks) is not enough, and I think that check would take care of so many of my bills it is not even funny. Here comes my little check and it goes as fast as it came - daughter in college - son living at home again - husband who does not have a clue about what it takes to make ends meet - all wanting something - and me so wanting to make them happy - give them everything they ask for - will figure out how to pay for it later - well it is later now. I just hate when they ask and you have to say I just don't know if we can afford it right now and then there comes this face and I end up saying yes. I just would once like for them to know how it is to have to pay bills and know that you are cutting it so close to make ends meet. It sucks.

Overload

2005-04-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Taxes, work, home, some days there is just too much to do and not enough time to do it. Taxes, done. Payday and all bills are paid for this week. Work is endless. One boss here and one in trial out of town. More work from them than if they were here. Blackberries are bad, old school bosses (those that don't even like their computer) love these damn things because it keeps them in touch with us. I get messages all day, all night from the simple to the complicated. It's like everything they think of, they email you about it. I get more done when they are here. Home, well the boy/man/soldier is trying to adjust to being back in the states is not easy. He has great anger issues with everyone it seems. I know that comes from having to be so aggressive and on guard at all times while he was doing his job in Iraq, so I understand, but others do not. I worry all the time that he is going to get hurt or hurt someone because he still has to learn that if someone does something here (i.e. cutting him off in the road) that they did not do it on purpose and that they have some other goal and therefore need to be tracked down and attacked. Although some dumbasses do things on purposes most of us just don't think about others. Plus he is hot tempered to begin with and where he has been seems to have tapped in to that so much. So he has good days and bad days even with us. Wants our advice but only if we tell him what he wants to hear. If not, then we are talking to him as if he is a little kid who has not lived. We know he has lived but the life he has lived for the past two years has not been a very civil life. He also has problems sleeping (bad dreams)and while we wish he would talk with someone, he doesn't because he is afraid it will go in his "file" and hurt him when he gets out. I can understand that. So we are looking for outside help. My husband (I love him) likes to put his head in the sand a lot instead facing an issue head on which leaves me to deal. He has the mind that if you argue about something and it doesn't get resolved well the next day it will all just be forgotten. I guess he is laid back like that, although it drives me crazy. Thank goodness on this day, I am not having issues with my d

Birthday Boy

2005-04-01T04:59:00.000-08:00

Today is my son's birthday, 23 years old. I was a baby myself when I had him, only 19. We have grown up together and learned so much from each other. He will be home with us for a month of mandatory leave after serving in Iraq. We are a little nervous as is he about him living with us again. Him afraid that we will instill old rules on him and us afraid that he might have problems adjusting to normal life again after being military for so long. Regardless the problems if there should be any, we will work through them simply because he is my son and I love him. So happy birthday son, I love you.

Homecoming Part 2

2005-03-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Well my son is home. What a great feeling. To see him march in on that field and to know that he will soon be home for good. He is getting out. He has had enough. So good to have him back after he was gone for so long. So happy and yet sad at the same time for those who came back to find that no one was there for them. Such is the life of single soldier whose family is too far away to be there when they come home. I am sure they wanted to be there but circumstances did not let them. We gave hugs and handshakes to my son's friends and told them welcome home and thank you. But as we left the base to head home it was sad to see soldiers waiting or walking on the side of the road with no one. Broke my heart. Just as it breaks my heart for those men and women who come home in a casket. Their life cut short so I can live mine. The greatest sacrifice of all was made by them and their families and it is something I remember everyday and every time I have the luxury of speaking with my son, that someone else's boy did not get to come home to his family. It is a doubled edged sword. Happy/Sad - Happy for myself and sad for others. To feel otherwise would be wrong in my heart.

Good News

2005-03-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow - my son comes home from Iraq. We have been waiting for this day for a year. I am so excited I am about to bust. Even though he is 23 he is still my little boy and always will be. He has done his time in the Army and will finally get out in July. He should have gotten out in February 2004 but good ole Bush and his stop/loss kept him in there an extra year, with no pay raise because he did not re-enlist. What kind of bull is that? Why because he did not re-up he was still considered what he was when he should have gotten out. No promotion, no raise. It sucks for him. While others who were still doing their time were getting promoted and getting raises, he because they kept him on board didn't get anything. So why didn't he re-up? Well let's see this was his second time into Iraq and the government could not tell him whether or not they would send him back for a third time or send him to Afghanistan instead. So he said no thank you, I've served by country and I've seen enough hell holes for this lifetime. I am just glad he is coming back to the states. This has been a hard year and not anything I would ever want any mother, father, daughter, son, sister, etc. to go through. Everyday that you don't hear from them, you wonder are they all right. It is very stressful (I have gained over 25 pounds in the last year because of the stress). So happy days are here again, at least we hope because we can never be sure how our soldiers are going to return home to us. Most will be forever changed, either for the good or the bad depending on how they have dealt with what they had to do. Seeing the living conditions, trying to help people who don't want you there, including children who have so much hate instilled them they can't even see that you might be a kind person, to having to take someone out in order to save your own life or that of a comrade. The re-adjustment will not be easy, but he has his mama and you can bet I will do anything and everything I can for him. He served his country, I just hope his country will remember the sacrifice he made for them. For him and all the others like him, I will never forget what they have done and what they have given up. A lot of them their very life. Whether we belonged there or not, these men and women, they deserve our respect.

New

2005-03-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

I am not sure anyone will see this, or if they even care. I will be nice, but will be a bitch when necessary. Initial thoughts of day: Iraq - we should not be there; Family - they will always come first; Work - sucks - preparing for trial so boss is totally stressing me out; Live - too many questions, so just live it the best you can.