Saturday June 2nd: Messing with the Waitress (aka: Last Breakfast with the family)
We all got up and ready Saturday morning. Bro and his immediate clan had to get on the road by noon and hubby and I had a flight to catch at 2pm (which meant being at the airport by noon for check in *ugh*). So we all congrated in the hotel restaurant and wouldnt you know the waitress we got was the same as the day before (she also serviced the buffet on Friday). We all placed our orders and commensed to doing what we do best...talk (yeah Im long winded and it's my folks' fault) and cut up (my bro and daddy are the worst when it comes to this). The waitress came out with a bowl of syrup because a number of us had ordered either waffles or pancakes. When she left, bro suggested to daddy that they pour the syrup in a different cup and hide it and ask for a refill. When she came back through daddy held up the bowl ..said it was yummy and could he please have more? I thought she was going to lose it for sure she was laughing so hard. Somehow daddy managed to get the blame for the whole thing. Bro got up to take his daughter to the potty and the waitress came back with more syrup while he was gone at which point bro's wife squealed on him. The waitress took and hid his chair on him. He gets back, looks and says "Nice", then promptly grabs another chair to sit in. A bit later another prank was pulled on her, I cant remember what it was but she came out in retalliation with a to-go packet of syrup and a straw for daddy. This escallated to daddy pouring the rest of the syrup into a to-go cup so it looked like coffee and asking for it to be topped off and if she could bring some sweetener for it... LOL. It took her a half second because at first glance it looked like coffee but then she remembered...no one had coffee at the table. You'd be hard pressed to think that we were in town for a burial and not just a family reunion with the way we were acting.
After breakfast we all stood around in the lobby for a bit for that one last visit before heading our separate ways. This was probably the saddest part of the trip. Leaving and knowing we wont be seeing each other again for at least a year. My folks have no more vacation time and I doubt my brother does either...not to mention hubby. Money is going to be a restriction on all of us for a bit as well as this was rather expensive for all. Hubby and I took our leave, got the car topped off and returned. We made it in more then plenty of time. I had enough time to call my TxSis and let her know all was well. I figured I'd better because on CNN that morning was a huge story about this attempt or threat at JFK airport in NYC. Thankfully our first leg was bringing us to LaGuardia...a whole different airport. I just didnt want her to worry if she saw the news.
The first leg of the trip was...well just let's say interesting. I know for sure my mom would have hated it. We were on one of those prop planes. GAWD you can feel every damn bump and wiggle in it. I didnt like it for sure.Thankfully it was a short flight. The second leg from NYC to Charlotte was a better flight, sort of. We touch down in NYC and check the board...the flight's on time. This is good because this would give us only a short layover in Charlotte. Hubby had time to go out and pollute his lungs and I had a little time to grab a gift for my SCSis (she's a Yankees fan- bigtime). By the time we got to our gate...the damn flight got delayed for an hour. *sigh*. Hubby went to the podium to get our seat assignments for the delayed flight and see if we were going to make our connection to Dallas (I told him if there was less than a 15 minute time between flights we may end up stuck there or on a later flight). They told him that he should be able to, he'd have to because that flight from Charlotte to Dallas was the LAST one for the day. *UGH*!! We touchdown in Charlotte and damn if the flight out isnt running on time (loading at 7pm) and we have 12 minutes or so to get to the gate. Top things all off we're in early Zones on the ticket PLUS I gotta go to the bathroom (I refuse to use the airplane restrooms as Im too big to get in there comfy and I dunno how well the clean them between flights). We hit the gate running...I threw my stuff at hubby and bolted for the restroom. When I got out we ran (well ok waddled very very very fast) for our gate (which was at the opposite side of the airport mind you). You've never seen 270 pounds of woman move so fast. We got to the gate with a minute to spare. My legs HURT so bad (yeah Denise, I KNOW how you feel on that elliptical) and I thought my heart was going to burst right out of my chest. I didnt have time to call TxSis as I had promised...well I did but I was so winded I had trouble breathing fk talking to someone (she woulda just asked me where the hell I managed to have sex in the airport and not bought the running story anyhow)....God I gotta lose weight. The plane left at 730pm (damn you mean I coulda WALKED and STILL made it???). We arrived in Dallas shortly after 830pm (remember there's that 1 hour difference and a 2 hr flight coming from east to west looks shorter on paper than going the other direction). By this time hubby REALLY needed to pollute his lungs (fkn nicotine....I hate that stuff) so I stayed in the terminal to get our bag.
We got to the truck and headed home. On the way we stopped for a bite to eat at Applebees (and a spirited drink which we BOTH needed at this point). Got home after supper to a freaked out cat (she'd been alone for a few days and all of a sudden there are people in the house) and the realization we'd lost power sometime during the time we'd been gone (the stove clock was blinking). Made the bed and quick cleaned out the frige. Unpacked and sorted all into the laundry baskets then crashed for the night.
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While in NY daddy had sent bro and I home with care packets. One thing that was sent with us was a typed out version of Aunt D's (gramma's sister who passed a few years back) trip journal from when gramma moved her to Florida. Here's the first entry out of it:
9/12/1975 THE BEGINNING
Lousy, rainy cold day. We're off after stopping at 39 Holiday Inn. That is, after MH finally released the brake after telling the trailer to move. 11:45am on-2 bus tours and we left for the first lap of the trip. Foliage on 81 was beautiful, but too rainy to stop and take pictures and anyway I didnt have a camera. Saw sun at Harrisburg and was clear and sunny all the way to Chambersburg. Got our room (nice) and went to dinner. We both had very ravenous appetites. Already had our beds turned down at 9pm. Both pooped and I didnt drive one inch of the way. Going to send a couple of cards and go nite nite. We are in our Dr Denton's.
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translation for those who need it:
39 Holiday Inn= the Holiday Inn near exit 39 off the NYS Thruway (toll road that goes through New York). This is the same Holiday Inn was stayed at this last trip and also where gramma used to work when she lived up north.
MH= gramma
81= Interstate that goes north to south through the eastern states of the US
Dr Dentons= pajamas
Monday, August 18, 2008
Entry from June 11,2007
Friday June 1st: One Last Drink For the Road (aka Saying Goodbye to Gramma)
In a few short moments that title will become rather apparent, be patient.
Friday hubby and I got up around 9am or so. I had the alarm set for 930am so I'd have time to get ready so when I awoke at 9am I figured to just stay up. I keep forgetting how little time it takes to shower nowadays with this much shorter hair and as such was dressed and ready in less than half the time it normally takes. It's almost enough to make me want to keep my hair this short permenantly. We were ready to go early so we went down to the hotel's restaurant for breakfast and then headed back to our room to wait. Around 11am we got a call (or did someone knock on their way through?) to start heading down to the banquet room that dad had reserved for us. In the room were some of the family that live in Geneva that we dont get to see. Many I didnt even know. Oh how I hate situations where I hardly know people. My brother's godmother (gramma's niece) and her daughter were there already as were my godfather and his wife. The rest I had no clue who they were. I recognized a couple names so it was nice to put faces to the names. We spent a couple hours or so catching up with everyone and eating (daddy had arranged for a light sandwich buffet to be available for those that wanted to eat).
Around 1pm, we all gathered up and headed for the cemetary. On our way out, daddy told me how to get there and made me repeat it several times (I get lost easy but if I repeat the directions several times and am not distracted any Im fine). We followed daddy out of the parking lot and as we headed off my loving husband goes "Isnt he headed the wrong way?" Sure enough my DAD took the wrong turn out of the parkinglot and the new son-in-law who'd NEVER been to the state was able to discern this. *LAFFING* Once daddy realized this and got turned back around we started off. I should have known that first flub was only the beginning of it all. Hubby decided at one point that he needed to shift to the left and shortly after he did, dad exited. We had to get ourselves turned right the hell back around and yeah I was lost at this point. Why? Because I was looking for an exit that DADDY said to watch for and I hadnt seen it yet. Daddy hadnt seen it yet either and that's why he exited but because we were in the incorrect lane we couldnt follow them. *sigh* We spent the next 10 minutes or so playing cell phone tag with mom who was trying to tell us what daddy was saying and me trying to relay to hubby what was being said. I know the Western Union on both sides was getting pretty frustrated. Hubby and I managed to get ourselves to the State Fair sign (large enough landmark that it can be seen for miles around) and parked ourselves right under it. *whew* We were found and commenced to heading to the cemetary. I pretty much told hubby to duct tape our car to dad's ass and dont lose track of him (duct tape fixes everything you know). When we got there....my brother and his crew were already there (they'd started out after us....seems to be the theme for this trip...). Got a big hug from my godmother (godfather's sister)...no denying who she was as that clan all seems to look alike.
The ceremony was short and sweet. My godfather stood up and had some really nice things to say (gramma was like a mother to him). After him the preacher got up and had some nice things to say and led us in prayer. God help me, all I could see while he was praying was gramma sitting on her cloud saying "bah", laughing and knocking back on a bottle of scotch. *shakes head* I dont know if that vision was because she wanted me to see it or because I KNEW what was coming next. When all was said and done, daddy got up and had dixie cups passed out and either scotch (her drink....that and Diet Coke) or water was poured in each cup. He then said a toast to his mother and we all knocked one back in her honor. He then told us that all her friends in Florida were gathering in a favorite wateringhole at 530pm that night. All the redhats, the people she worked with, the workmates in the hospital and others were going to knock a shot of scotch back in her honor at that time. He then poured a cup of scotch and placed it on her urn for her to take with her. I have to admit...that's the way she'd want it. Actually...I'd think she'd have rather taken the whole bottle with her.
We went to visit a couple other gravesites while in the cemetary. Actually I should say one other site for two other friends. A dear friend of ours passed a couple of years back from throat cancer and his mother passed a couple years before him. While we were in the area we thought to pay our respects at the mausoleum that holds their remains. Our friend has a small floral garden there that was dedicated in his honor. The beautiful purple flowers there were exactly what he'd pick for his own garden. He always had the most beautiful yard on his block.
That evening we went to godfather's for a BBQ and got to spend some time with them before we all parted ways. We had a lovely evening chatting and the kids had fun playing. My niece spent most of the night playing dress up. She took a turn on the swing and found she didnt like it none. I guess she's more like me at that age than my bro cares to admit. My nephew, on the otherhand , is much like my brother and ADORED being on the swing. We could barely get him off it...even to have supper. Later that evening hubby and I took our leave. On our way out, dad said not to wait up because they'd be later back to the hotel (not that I'd wait up because they are adults but it DID open the door for me to mess with him the next day). My godfather's wife hugged me tight on our way out the door and said to not let it be another 15 years before we visit again. I guess this means a trip to NY in the next 5-7 years.
On our way back to the hotel, we passed the Friendly's that we'd been to the night before and I simply HAD to have one last fix of the place before heading back to Texas. I went in to get us a boothe and hubby stayed out to pollute his lungs (the good thing about this trip is that he really had to work hard to get smoke time). When he came in I heard a familiar voice and it wasnt my hubby's. Turns out my brother had had the same thought. His wonderful wife said she'd stay with the kids so long as he brought her back a scoop of sugarfree with almonds. It was nice to be able to sit and visit with just him for a few minutes. The lucky bugger is doing well...he'd managed to lose 31 pounds on the Atkins diet. I never could do that. The diet, that is. I am too in love with my pasta and sweets to pull off a diet like that. Unfortunately, until my love affair with carbs stops...I may just end up like I am for a while as genetically Im not built to handle carbs well. Ah well.
In a few short moments that title will become rather apparent, be patient.
Friday hubby and I got up around 9am or so. I had the alarm set for 930am so I'd have time to get ready so when I awoke at 9am I figured to just stay up. I keep forgetting how little time it takes to shower nowadays with this much shorter hair and as such was dressed and ready in less than half the time it normally takes. It's almost enough to make me want to keep my hair this short permenantly. We were ready to go early so we went down to the hotel's restaurant for breakfast and then headed back to our room to wait. Around 11am we got a call (or did someone knock on their way through?) to start heading down to the banquet room that dad had reserved for us. In the room were some of the family that live in Geneva that we dont get to see. Many I didnt even know. Oh how I hate situations where I hardly know people. My brother's godmother (gramma's niece) and her daughter were there already as were my godfather and his wife. The rest I had no clue who they were. I recognized a couple names so it was nice to put faces to the names. We spent a couple hours or so catching up with everyone and eating (daddy had arranged for a light sandwich buffet to be available for those that wanted to eat).
Around 1pm, we all gathered up and headed for the cemetary. On our way out, daddy told me how to get there and made me repeat it several times (I get lost easy but if I repeat the directions several times and am not distracted any Im fine). We followed daddy out of the parking lot and as we headed off my loving husband goes "Isnt he headed the wrong way?" Sure enough my DAD took the wrong turn out of the parkinglot and the new son-in-law who'd NEVER been to the state was able to discern this. *LAFFING* Once daddy realized this and got turned back around we started off. I should have known that first flub was only the beginning of it all. Hubby decided at one point that he needed to shift to the left and shortly after he did, dad exited. We had to get ourselves turned right the hell back around and yeah I was lost at this point. Why? Because I was looking for an exit that DADDY said to watch for and I hadnt seen it yet. Daddy hadnt seen it yet either and that's why he exited but because we were in the incorrect lane we couldnt follow them. *sigh* We spent the next 10 minutes or so playing cell phone tag with mom who was trying to tell us what daddy was saying and me trying to relay to hubby what was being said. I know the Western Union on both sides was getting pretty frustrated. Hubby and I managed to get ourselves to the State Fair sign (large enough landmark that it can be seen for miles around) and parked ourselves right under it. *whew* We were found and commenced to heading to the cemetary. I pretty much told hubby to duct tape our car to dad's ass and dont lose track of him (duct tape fixes everything you know). When we got there....my brother and his crew were already there (they'd started out after us....seems to be the theme for this trip...). Got a big hug from my godmother (godfather's sister)...no denying who she was as that clan all seems to look alike.
The ceremony was short and sweet. My godfather stood up and had some really nice things to say (gramma was like a mother to him). After him the preacher got up and had some nice things to say and led us in prayer. God help me, all I could see while he was praying was gramma sitting on her cloud saying "bah", laughing and knocking back on a bottle of scotch. *shakes head* I dont know if that vision was because she wanted me to see it or because I KNEW what was coming next. When all was said and done, daddy got up and had dixie cups passed out and either scotch (her drink....that and Diet Coke) or water was poured in each cup. He then said a toast to his mother and we all knocked one back in her honor. He then told us that all her friends in Florida were gathering in a favorite wateringhole at 530pm that night. All the redhats, the people she worked with, the workmates in the hospital and others were going to knock a shot of scotch back in her honor at that time. He then poured a cup of scotch and placed it on her urn for her to take with her. I have to admit...that's the way she'd want it. Actually...I'd think she'd have rather taken the whole bottle with her.
We went to visit a couple other gravesites while in the cemetary. Actually I should say one other site for two other friends. A dear friend of ours passed a couple of years back from throat cancer and his mother passed a couple years before him. While we were in the area we thought to pay our respects at the mausoleum that holds their remains. Our friend has a small floral garden there that was dedicated in his honor. The beautiful purple flowers there were exactly what he'd pick for his own garden. He always had the most beautiful yard on his block.
That evening we went to godfather's for a BBQ and got to spend some time with them before we all parted ways. We had a lovely evening chatting and the kids had fun playing. My niece spent most of the night playing dress up. She took a turn on the swing and found she didnt like it none. I guess she's more like me at that age than my bro cares to admit. My nephew, on the otherhand , is much like my brother and ADORED being on the swing. We could barely get him off it...even to have supper. Later that evening hubby and I took our leave. On our way out, dad said not to wait up because they'd be later back to the hotel (not that I'd wait up because they are adults but it DID open the door for me to mess with him the next day). My godfather's wife hugged me tight on our way out the door and said to not let it be another 15 years before we visit again. I guess this means a trip to NY in the next 5-7 years.
On our way back to the hotel, we passed the Friendly's that we'd been to the night before and I simply HAD to have one last fix of the place before heading back to Texas. I went in to get us a boothe and hubby stayed out to pollute his lungs (the good thing about this trip is that he really had to work hard to get smoke time). When he came in I heard a familiar voice and it wasnt my hubby's. Turns out my brother had had the same thought. His wonderful wife said she'd stay with the kids so long as he brought her back a scoop of sugarfree with almonds. It was nice to be able to sit and visit with just him for a few minutes. The lucky bugger is doing well...he'd managed to lose 31 pounds on the Atkins diet. I never could do that. The diet, that is. I am too in love with my pasta and sweets to pull off a diet like that. Unfortunately, until my love affair with carbs stops...I may just end up like I am for a while as genetically Im not built to handle carbs well. Ah well.
Entry from June 10,2007
Thursday May 31st: Trip to NY part 2: Reunion with old friends (aka revisiting past memories).
After a wonderful night's sleep (my God a hotel that puts REAL pillows on the bed and not that flat shit you find in most!!), we got ourselves up and going. I hadnt gotten to sleep much before 2am and we found out later we were one of the first awake. Hubby called my parents around 1030am or so to see what they had on the agenda. I had to laugh as the phone call woke them up. Here we'd planned on breakfast with everyone too. We all met in the hotel lobby and got an idea of where everyone was headed for the day. Dad said lunch at Heid's of Liverpool at 2pm. For those not from the NY area...Heid's is THE place to go for hotdogs. They use Houffman hotdogs and are the only place Im aware of that sell coneys (pronounced coon- ees), a white hot dog that most find irresistable. Right next door they have Sweet Treats which is an icecream parlor affiliated with Heidi's.
Since there was a few hours before that, I decided to take hubby up to the WalMart on 31 and see if an old friend of mine was working. We went in and to the fitting room area to see if they knew if she was in. They said yes, but she was more than likely out to lunch. Our best bet was to go around to the smokers area and see. Sure enough that's where she was...on the phone home with one of her daughters (who'd come home on vacation from college). So I yelled her name and she turned around and said "Oh my GOD it's..". I guess the daughter got all excited and my friend hung up on her. *laughs* I never realized how much of an impression I left on her and her family. From what she told me during our visit, her kids would get the mail and get all excited when a snail mail showed up from me. They'd beg her to be allowed to open the envelope and she'd tell them no they had to wait til she got home. I wish I'd been a fly on the wall when she got home THAT night! *laffs* She brought me back to her office and then we headed back to receiving to see another friend of mine. Again I was greeted with "Holy SHIT it's YOU!", at which point she hung up with whomever she was on the phone with. I get the impression I was missed....LOL. After spending about 15- 20 minutes with them, catching up with things, I took hubby over to the mall in the area. We mainly went to kill a few minutes and to get out of the heat (it was in the 90s and very humid that day- actually HOTTER than Texas by nearly 20 degrees!). We bought a couple items, but mainly just wandered to cool off. Around 115pm or so we decided to start back to Heid's. Thank goodness we did as shortly after we started out we got a call from my mom saying they were there already. Geez. Good thing I wasnt out in bumfux Egypt someplace with a 30 minute commute....I was just around the corner by about 10 minutes.
We got to Heid's and bought 2 specials ( 2 dogs, small fries and a drink). Shortly after we got there we were joined by my godfather and his wife (my godmother is my godfather's sister). There was alot of catching up while we were eating. My SIL's kids were acting like kids and she pretty much was out of earshot most of the time unfortunately. It was so good to see my godfather again and seemed to be enjoying playing with the kids more than he was the conversation. LOL. We got some great shots of him and my nephew. Around 3pm or so, seeing that hubby was getting bored (and frankly I was too), I decided it was time to take him to some of the other places I grew up. I asked daddy about supper and he told me since I missed out meeting up with Gary to go ahead and do that if I chose. Mom told me if plans changed to give them a jingle later and we could join them for supper.
During our drive around some of the places I grew up, I found many many changes. More so than I was expecting to be honest. The Kinne Street elementary (where I went during 5th and 6th grades) had been torn down (which I knew) and a big huge building put in its place (this I didnt know). It's now known as East Syracuse Elementary. The library I used to go to in the summer was also torn down and relocated closer to the elementary school (surprise). I brought him to see the house on Irving St (the green house above) where we lived for 9 months. The new people had taken really good care of the property as it looked nicer than I remembered it (it's painted white now and the foundation is still in good repair). I do have to admit while we were in it, it was a rental property and now it looks like whomever's in it actually owns it. Heman St elementary (where I went for 3rd and 4th grades) had become an admin / GED building and looks like they're doing some work on what used to be a playyard. The pool at Heman park was open but since school was still in session it wasnt in use yet. I took hubby down to Second Street on the other side of the bridge from East Syracuse proper and damn didnt it LOOK like the proverbial "other side of the tracks". I do NOT recall it looking quite so ...well rough. My mom would use the excuse of "well it's because you're looking at it through an adult's eyes and not a child's eyes any more" but this isnt the case as I lived there until I was in my early 20's and it didnt look that bad then. The house I'd lived in most my life had been resided in yellow (props for the residing , boo on the color) and the eagle that had been in the peak was removed and a sunburst put up there. The foundation and the driveway were another matter though. They'd definitely seen better days. I didnt even think to look at the roof. We drove around the corner so we could see the back yard and they'd fenced it off (making it look shorter), moved the shed to the back corner (it had been up against the house) and built a deck back there (making the yard look smaller still). Kudos on the removal of the huge tree in the middle of the yard though. As for the deck, it's a nice addition but unnecessary if there isnt a pool back there. While riding around I also noticed that the old park in the area had been ripped down to make room for other industry, the bar (which shouldnt have been allowed to operate in a family neighborhood was changed into a Thrift Store, the house that had been behind our house was no longer there (as well as the huge willow trees that had been in their yard), and there was a huge-assed garage in the yard where the neighbor who'd lived there used to practice his driving (he was an avid golfer). I figured to take a ride up to the second WalMart I'd worked at and it had been replaced with a Sam's Club so we headed to the other 2 schools I'd been at. I opted not to take him to the jr high as school was letting out (or at least the late bus run was going) and it's a bitch getting out of that parkinglot during that time so we headed straight up to the highschool (which looks larger...they must have remodelled the gymnasium). Hubby told me it was larger than his old school to which I replied we'd had over 300 in the graduating class alone. To think, mine wasnt even the largest graduating class either. At least we could hold ours on the football field. I know some schools so much larger they had to rent one of the Community buildings in Syracuse for their commencement ceremonies!
After the trip to the highschool, I took him to the one place I'd vowed I wasnt going but something inside told me to face it. We drove out to that one trailor I'd rented so many years ago. It was a little difficult to find, made harder by the fact it had been painted from a lovely colonial blue to a shit brown. It looked like a huge turd in the middle of that piece of property. I have to admit it looks like it held up really well all this time though as it was pretty old when we rented it in the first place. We didnt, however, drive down the road my ex's parents live on. Somehow at the time I couldnt face it. Now Im wishing I had faced that one bit of the past. *sigh* Ah well.
Once the rounds were made, we went back to the hotel to freshen up and wait on Gary to call after work. Around 530pm or so he called (Gary correct me if Im wrong) and we'd decided on 630pm for the get together. He picked us up right on the nose and we headed to his house for the 25 cent tour (another quarter coulda bought me the trip to the basement but I didnt think my knees could handle the trip down ...nevermind back up). He has a beautiful little house...perfect for two. Then we went to Friendly's for supper and dessert. For those not from the north east part of the United States, Friendly's is a restaurant that specializes in icecream for dessert. Many of their sundaes are simply not made anywhere else in the continental U.S.A. As a child who grew up in NY, this is the one place above all that I want to go when I hit the north east as this restaurant doesnt exist south of the Mason-Dixon line or anywhere to the west. While we were waiting on our suppers, he showed us the pix of his trip to Tennessee for our wedding in August. All of us had a wonderful time and I was sad to have such a short time to visit with my friends.
Hubby and I got back to the hotel and crashed for the night as Friday was going to be one long day for all of us.
After a wonderful night's sleep (my God a hotel that puts REAL pillows on the bed and not that flat shit you find in most!!), we got ourselves up and going. I hadnt gotten to sleep much before 2am and we found out later we were one of the first awake. Hubby called my parents around 1030am or so to see what they had on the agenda. I had to laugh as the phone call woke them up. Here we'd planned on breakfast with everyone too. We all met in the hotel lobby and got an idea of where everyone was headed for the day. Dad said lunch at Heid's of Liverpool at 2pm. For those not from the NY area...Heid's is THE place to go for hotdogs. They use Houffman hotdogs and are the only place Im aware of that sell coneys (pronounced coon- ees), a white hot dog that most find irresistable. Right next door they have Sweet Treats which is an icecream parlor affiliated with Heidi's.
Since there was a few hours before that, I decided to take hubby up to the WalMart on 31 and see if an old friend of mine was working. We went in and to the fitting room area to see if they knew if she was in. They said yes, but she was more than likely out to lunch. Our best bet was to go around to the smokers area and see. Sure enough that's where she was...on the phone home with one of her daughters (who'd come home on vacation from college). So I yelled her name and she turned around and said "Oh my GOD it's..". I guess the daughter got all excited and my friend hung up on her. *laughs* I never realized how much of an impression I left on her and her family. From what she told me during our visit, her kids would get the mail and get all excited when a snail mail showed up from me. They'd beg her to be allowed to open the envelope and she'd tell them no they had to wait til she got home. I wish I'd been a fly on the wall when she got home THAT night! *laffs* She brought me back to her office and then we headed back to receiving to see another friend of mine. Again I was greeted with "Holy SHIT it's YOU!", at which point she hung up with whomever she was on the phone with. I get the impression I was missed....LOL. After spending about 15- 20 minutes with them, catching up with things, I took hubby over to the mall in the area. We mainly went to kill a few minutes and to get out of the heat (it was in the 90s and very humid that day- actually HOTTER than Texas by nearly 20 degrees!). We bought a couple items, but mainly just wandered to cool off. Around 115pm or so we decided to start back to Heid's. Thank goodness we did as shortly after we started out we got a call from my mom saying they were there already. Geez. Good thing I wasnt out in bumfux Egypt someplace with a 30 minute commute....I was just around the corner by about 10 minutes.
We got to Heid's and bought 2 specials ( 2 dogs, small fries and a drink). Shortly after we got there we were joined by my godfather and his wife (my godmother is my godfather's sister). There was alot of catching up while we were eating. My SIL's kids were acting like kids and she pretty much was out of earshot most of the time unfortunately. It was so good to see my godfather again and seemed to be enjoying playing with the kids more than he was the conversation. LOL. We got some great shots of him and my nephew. Around 3pm or so, seeing that hubby was getting bored (and frankly I was too), I decided it was time to take him to some of the other places I grew up. I asked daddy about supper and he told me since I missed out meeting up with Gary to go ahead and do that if I chose. Mom told me if plans changed to give them a jingle later and we could join them for supper.
During our drive around some of the places I grew up, I found many many changes. More so than I was expecting to be honest. The Kinne Street elementary (where I went during 5th and 6th grades) had been torn down (which I knew) and a big huge building put in its place (this I didnt know). It's now known as East Syracuse Elementary. The library I used to go to in the summer was also torn down and relocated closer to the elementary school (surprise). I brought him to see the house on Irving St (the green house above) where we lived for 9 months. The new people had taken really good care of the property as it looked nicer than I remembered it (it's painted white now and the foundation is still in good repair). I do have to admit while we were in it, it was a rental property and now it looks like whomever's in it actually owns it. Heman St elementary (where I went for 3rd and 4th grades) had become an admin / GED building and looks like they're doing some work on what used to be a playyard. The pool at Heman park was open but since school was still in session it wasnt in use yet. I took hubby down to Second Street on the other side of the bridge from East Syracuse proper and damn didnt it LOOK like the proverbial "other side of the tracks". I do NOT recall it looking quite so ...well rough. My mom would use the excuse of "well it's because you're looking at it through an adult's eyes and not a child's eyes any more" but this isnt the case as I lived there until I was in my early 20's and it didnt look that bad then. The house I'd lived in most my life had been resided in yellow (props for the residing , boo on the color) and the eagle that had been in the peak was removed and a sunburst put up there. The foundation and the driveway were another matter though. They'd definitely seen better days. I didnt even think to look at the roof. We drove around the corner so we could see the back yard and they'd fenced it off (making it look shorter), moved the shed to the back corner (it had been up against the house) and built a deck back there (making the yard look smaller still). Kudos on the removal of the huge tree in the middle of the yard though. As for the deck, it's a nice addition but unnecessary if there isnt a pool back there. While riding around I also noticed that the old park in the area had been ripped down to make room for other industry, the bar (which shouldnt have been allowed to operate in a family neighborhood was changed into a Thrift Store, the house that had been behind our house was no longer there (as well as the huge willow trees that had been in their yard), and there was a huge-assed garage in the yard where the neighbor who'd lived there used to practice his driving (he was an avid golfer). I figured to take a ride up to the second WalMart I'd worked at and it had been replaced with a Sam's Club so we headed to the other 2 schools I'd been at. I opted not to take him to the jr high as school was letting out (or at least the late bus run was going) and it's a bitch getting out of that parkinglot during that time so we headed straight up to the highschool (which looks larger...they must have remodelled the gymnasium). Hubby told me it was larger than his old school to which I replied we'd had over 300 in the graduating class alone. To think, mine wasnt even the largest graduating class either. At least we could hold ours on the football field. I know some schools so much larger they had to rent one of the Community buildings in Syracuse for their commencement ceremonies!
After the trip to the highschool, I took him to the one place I'd vowed I wasnt going but something inside told me to face it. We drove out to that one trailor I'd rented so many years ago. It was a little difficult to find, made harder by the fact it had been painted from a lovely colonial blue to a shit brown. It looked like a huge turd in the middle of that piece of property. I have to admit it looks like it held up really well all this time though as it was pretty old when we rented it in the first place. We didnt, however, drive down the road my ex's parents live on. Somehow at the time I couldnt face it. Now Im wishing I had faced that one bit of the past. *sigh* Ah well.
Once the rounds were made, we went back to the hotel to freshen up and wait on Gary to call after work. Around 530pm or so he called (Gary correct me if Im wrong) and we'd decided on 630pm for the get together. He picked us up right on the nose and we headed to his house for the 25 cent tour (another quarter coulda bought me the trip to the basement but I didnt think my knees could handle the trip down ...nevermind back up). He has a beautiful little house...perfect for two. Then we went to Friendly's for supper and dessert. For those not from the north east part of the United States, Friendly's is a restaurant that specializes in icecream for dessert. Many of their sundaes are simply not made anywhere else in the continental U.S.A. As a child who grew up in NY, this is the one place above all that I want to go when I hit the north east as this restaurant doesnt exist south of the Mason-Dixon line or anywhere to the west. While we were waiting on our suppers, he showed us the pix of his trip to Tennessee for our wedding in August. All of us had a wonderful time and I was sad to have such a short time to visit with my friends.
Hubby and I got back to the hotel and crashed for the night as Friday was going to be one long day for all of us.
Entry for June 5,2007
Wednesday May 30th :Trip to NY part 1: Getting there's half the fun (aka How to make a 6 hr flight last 12 hrs).
We took the pooch to the vet for boarding on Tuesday the 29th so thankfully we didnt have much hurrying to do to get out the door. Just the usual stuff that needed to be packed at the last possible minute (medicines, brushes etc). We grabbed breakfast at McD's and read the paper. The sky was beautiful with not a lick of trouble. As we approached the airport, I remembered a conversation I was having with daddy on Tuesday night. Their layover was going to be in Dallas but they didnt think we'd make it to the airport in enough time so not to worry about seeing them off as their plane was due out about 950am or so (about the time we were scheduled to arrive and go through security). I looked up to the sky as we walked up to the terminal and saw those nasty black clouds starting to roll in. I remember telling hubby that my folks were probably just now leaving and wondering if we were going to make it out because of the nasty weather starting to head in. Man, I was hoping it would hold off at least until we took off. While waiting at our gate, it got darker and darker out there. We could see the wind whipping the rain down...it was coming down in buckets! Let's not even mention the lightning. Needless to say our flight got delayed so I fired up my cell phone to let everyone else know. We were supposed to meet Gary at the Syracuse airport, go see his house and then to supper Wednesday night. I called him to let him know there was going to be a delay, we may end up in a bit later. Then I called my cell phone to get my messages. I had to laugh at the first one...it was from my mom. The message was telling me that the Dallas news was reporting 1 hr 30 minute delays at the airport and not to believe it for a minute as the skies were beautiful and planes were taking off left and right. I take it back, I didnt just laugh...I ROARED in laughter. The next message was from my TxSis checking to see if I got out before the storms fired up. I called her back to let her know that nope I was still there in Dallas. Lord help me but I cant remember the rest of that conversation. While I was on with her I got a call from my SIL (bro's wife) to find out if we got out. Again I cant remember most of that conversation other than they were going to end up being the first ones in to Syracuse (and here we all thought they'd be last....reminds me of the tortoise and the hare story...). Called Gary again once I realized we wouldnt be in Syracuse until nearly 11pm and made arrangements for him to call us when he got out of work the next day. While on the phone with one of them my daddy called to tell me to check in at the desk and the key'd be there because my bro was going to get us all checked in with rooms. Hubby and I went to get some lunch as at this point we werent scheduled to leave until 2pm (and because of this delay we'd miss our original connection so they put us on the next flight giving us a 3 hr layover in Charlotte). I told him that if it got pushed later that we should grab the truck and just drive as we'd get there a whole lot faster. While we were eating, mom n daddy wandered down from their gate to visit with us. May as well as there wasnt anything else for them to do. They'd gotten delayed repeatedly and cancelled and rescheduled. At the end of it they were due to go out around 3 something and got routed through DC. *ugh* After a short visit mom n daddy went back to their gate. Our plane got out just after 2pm. Charlotte was a 3 hour layover and then the flight in to Syracuse. Getting our checked bag was a trip with all those damn black bags. At this point I swore when I got home I was going to paint ours with hot pink polka dots (and I hate polka dots!!). I had sent hubby ahead to get the rental car as Alamo closed at 11:59pm and he only had 10-15 minutes to get to their counter. We started off to the hotel when I got a call from my daddy asking where we were and I told him. He said to take Exit 38 off the thruway and he was waiting on the side for us. Go figure they left later than us and arrived before we did. SHEESH. Anyhow, on his way to the hotel he'd noticed construction and was afraid we'd get lost (does he know his daughter or what!) so he and mom came out to lead us in to the hotel. When we finally got to the hotel we were all beat to high heavens but by the time we got to bed in our respective rooms it was well after 1am...closer to 2am. Mom and dad had had a trip and a half with all the excitement and the airlines losing their luggage. At that point hubby was mighty greatful I'd had the presence of mind to pack a few extras in the carry-on just in case.
You know what the worst part of the trip was? Getting on one of the planes and discovering my engagement ring had broken to the point it's unwearable right now. Lord knows when or where I was when it broke, all I know is on the band (palm side) it's split to the point where it looks like one of those cheap adjustable costume rings. Man Im so upset! If hubby cant find the receipt Im going to have to get a new ring (this could be a benefit now I think of it...).
We took the pooch to the vet for boarding on Tuesday the 29th so thankfully we didnt have much hurrying to do to get out the door. Just the usual stuff that needed to be packed at the last possible minute (medicines, brushes etc). We grabbed breakfast at McD's and read the paper. The sky was beautiful with not a lick of trouble. As we approached the airport, I remembered a conversation I was having with daddy on Tuesday night. Their layover was going to be in Dallas but they didnt think we'd make it to the airport in enough time so not to worry about seeing them off as their plane was due out about 950am or so (about the time we were scheduled to arrive and go through security). I looked up to the sky as we walked up to the terminal and saw those nasty black clouds starting to roll in. I remember telling hubby that my folks were probably just now leaving and wondering if we were going to make it out because of the nasty weather starting to head in. Man, I was hoping it would hold off at least until we took off. While waiting at our gate, it got darker and darker out there. We could see the wind whipping the rain down...it was coming down in buckets! Let's not even mention the lightning. Needless to say our flight got delayed so I fired up my cell phone to let everyone else know. We were supposed to meet Gary at the Syracuse airport, go see his house and then to supper Wednesday night. I called him to let him know there was going to be a delay, we may end up in a bit later. Then I called my cell phone to get my messages. I had to laugh at the first one...it was from my mom. The message was telling me that the Dallas news was reporting 1 hr 30 minute delays at the airport and not to believe it for a minute as the skies were beautiful and planes were taking off left and right. I take it back, I didnt just laugh...I ROARED in laughter. The next message was from my TxSis checking to see if I got out before the storms fired up. I called her back to let her know that nope I was still there in Dallas. Lord help me but I cant remember the rest of that conversation. While I was on with her I got a call from my SIL (bro's wife) to find out if we got out. Again I cant remember most of that conversation other than they were going to end up being the first ones in to Syracuse (and here we all thought they'd be last....reminds me of the tortoise and the hare story...). Called Gary again once I realized we wouldnt be in Syracuse until nearly 11pm and made arrangements for him to call us when he got out of work the next day. While on the phone with one of them my daddy called to tell me to check in at the desk and the key'd be there because my bro was going to get us all checked in with rooms. Hubby and I went to get some lunch as at this point we werent scheduled to leave until 2pm (and because of this delay we'd miss our original connection so they put us on the next flight giving us a 3 hr layover in Charlotte). I told him that if it got pushed later that we should grab the truck and just drive as we'd get there a whole lot faster. While we were eating, mom n daddy wandered down from their gate to visit with us. May as well as there wasnt anything else for them to do. They'd gotten delayed repeatedly and cancelled and rescheduled. At the end of it they were due to go out around 3 something and got routed through DC. *ugh* After a short visit mom n daddy went back to their gate. Our plane got out just after 2pm. Charlotte was a 3 hour layover and then the flight in to Syracuse. Getting our checked bag was a trip with all those damn black bags. At this point I swore when I got home I was going to paint ours with hot pink polka dots (and I hate polka dots!!). I had sent hubby ahead to get the rental car as Alamo closed at 11:59pm and he only had 10-15 minutes to get to their counter. We started off to the hotel when I got a call from my daddy asking where we were and I told him. He said to take Exit 38 off the thruway and he was waiting on the side for us. Go figure they left later than us and arrived before we did. SHEESH. Anyhow, on his way to the hotel he'd noticed construction and was afraid we'd get lost (does he know his daughter or what!) so he and mom came out to lead us in to the hotel. When we finally got to the hotel we were all beat to high heavens but by the time we got to bed in our respective rooms it was well after 1am...closer to 2am. Mom and dad had had a trip and a half with all the excitement and the airlines losing their luggage. At that point hubby was mighty greatful I'd had the presence of mind to pack a few extras in the carry-on just in case.
You know what the worst part of the trip was? Getting on one of the planes and discovering my engagement ring had broken to the point it's unwearable right now. Lord knows when or where I was when it broke, all I know is on the band (palm side) it's split to the point where it looks like one of those cheap adjustable costume rings. Man Im so upset! If hubby cant find the receipt Im going to have to get a new ring (this could be a benefit now I think of it...).
Entry from May 27,2007
Sorry it's been a few days since I last wrote. I know I've promised to put something in here daily it's just I dont normally have a whole helluva lot going on in my life....well except during RockStar and Idol seasons but I blog those elsewhere. Surely you arent interested in the rantings of a rabid music fan....or are you? It can be arranged you know...my rabid rantings on how bad they all were *laffz*. I promise there will be more sometime in next week and a half or so when I get back from New York. I suspect it'll be a several entry blog much along the lines of my wedding...fair warning.
Well I've been back to the doctor AGAIN. I havent been feeling 100% lately...more like around a 97.5% or so. My throat started getting mildly sore as well as my ear..both on the left side. Top things all off I've been having headaches pretty much daily....again mostly on the left side. Yet again I got shuffled off to a different doctor instead of my regular which kinda makes me pissy. I suspect it's because Im on an HMO. I was really irritated after the appointment when I found out my usual dr WAS ON SITE and I could have very well seen her! I digress though. The dr I saw reviewed my file while I was telling her that normally I wouldnt bother with such a minor problem but since I was going to be flying on Wednesday and couldnt miss this trip I felt it was in the best interest to get myself in. She agreed especially since this seems to have become a chronic problem with me. I was told to think about it and where did it hurt most each time I came in in the other appointments. After thinking I realized that it was mostly a problem on my left side. Even thinking back to that one spring when I got that nasty virus...it was mostly my left side. She then asked if anyone thought to CT scan my head to see what the sinuses were doing and I said no. Im betting next time Im in, I'll get scheduled for one. This dr said my ears were both clogged (again), the left more than the right. Same went with my throat and nose. Most of the yuck is on the left. This dr suspects a deviated septum. Yeah, I know we've been hearing that term lately but I suspect that it's simply because they KNOW what it is now and it's more common than we suspect. It is something you can be born with (although it's not hereditary that they know of) or it's something you can get with blunt force trauma. Mine is more than likely due to blunt force trauma as I never had this problem as a child. Usually when I got sick I was affected on both sides equally. This seems to have developed recently within the last several years. This coincides with the accident I had while unloading a truck in Louisiana. I reached up for a small box that turned out to be a bit heavier than I thought it was and I lost my grip catching the box (Im thinking it was formula) square in the face right around the bridge to my nose. Thankfully it didnt break, nor swell. I just had a horrid headache the rest of the day. I wasnt bleeding or bruised so I did exactly what most stubborn people would do...I kept working. So now Im paying for my stupidity. Ive read that the surgery to correct it is a quick one, only an hour long. However, recovery is 6 WEEKS. *SIGH* Can you IMAGINE me trying to stream like that?? This is something I'll more than likely need in the future otherwise I'll be in the dr office every 3 months or so when the pollens get bad. Maybe I'll be lucky and this will be the reason for some of my allergies...kinda like the gall bladder and pancreas were the reason why milk products made me sick. Yep that's right...I can have dairy again provided I take bean-o with it as it tends to well...you know. Beans aint the ONLY musical fruit you know!
Anyhow, the dr said if I had come in and hadnt had any history of problems she would have just issued a decongestant and told me to see if it'd work. However, since I'd been having such a problem with it lately she decided an antibiotic and a decongestant would have to be the course of action, especially since I had to make this trip. On top of the suspected deviated septum she suspects that some bacteria have decided to colonize up there and this could be an everyday thing for me if they have. Ahwell. When my appointment was done I went downstairs to see if anyone was even IN the usual office and surprise...Maudi (the receptionist) was working. She was really surprised they didnt let me see my own dr and told me in the future to just ask for her and she'd get me to the right dr (my dr was surprised to see me there and with 'scripts in hand from another dr. I had to assure her it wasnt MY doing to go elsewhere.) I spoke to Maudi about getting a Well Woman appointment and set a "Well Man" appointment for hubby too while I was standing there. I told my dr and Maudi I was bringing a list in of everything we need to look at and we could prioritize the stuff then. I figure I'll be in every month til next year with all that needs doing. Oh and for those keeping track...I seemed to have gained a bit of weight again. Im fighting the same 7-10 pounds and have decided when I get back it'll be diets for BOTH of us. Im at 270 with a bp of 124/78 or so. Pretty good bp for one carrying nearly 130 pounds too damn much.
The picture up top is one of my last two projects that I completed. I think I promised a while back I was going to post at least this one. The other will be in a day or so. Ive got a bunch more started (horse plaques) that I want to finish up before my trip but I doubt that'll happen as a I have a few other things that take priority right now (like filling the flash drives with tunes for daddy and planning which areas I want to revisit while up in NY).
We've had a lot of rain lately and it doesnt look to be letting up much before Wednesday. It really kinda sucks because hubby wanted to mow our yard and stain the front deck before we left and I dont foresee that happening. Maybe I'll have TxSis send her daughter over with some friends and their horses to graze for a few hours. LOL That'd take care of it...AND the lawn would get some fertilizing too! Ummm maybe not. My luck the dog would get curious when she got home from the vets and track all that fertilizer around my house. *bleah*
Well I've been back to the doctor AGAIN. I havent been feeling 100% lately...more like around a 97.5% or so. My throat started getting mildly sore as well as my ear..both on the left side. Top things all off I've been having headaches pretty much daily....again mostly on the left side. Yet again I got shuffled off to a different doctor instead of my regular which kinda makes me pissy. I suspect it's because Im on an HMO. I was really irritated after the appointment when I found out my usual dr WAS ON SITE and I could have very well seen her! I digress though. The dr I saw reviewed my file while I was telling her that normally I wouldnt bother with such a minor problem but since I was going to be flying on Wednesday and couldnt miss this trip I felt it was in the best interest to get myself in. She agreed especially since this seems to have become a chronic problem with me. I was told to think about it and where did it hurt most each time I came in in the other appointments. After thinking I realized that it was mostly a problem on my left side. Even thinking back to that one spring when I got that nasty virus...it was mostly my left side. She then asked if anyone thought to CT scan my head to see what the sinuses were doing and I said no. Im betting next time Im in, I'll get scheduled for one. This dr said my ears were both clogged (again), the left more than the right. Same went with my throat and nose. Most of the yuck is on the left. This dr suspects a deviated septum. Yeah, I know we've been hearing that term lately but I suspect that it's simply because they KNOW what it is now and it's more common than we suspect. It is something you can be born with (although it's not hereditary that they know of) or it's something you can get with blunt force trauma. Mine is more than likely due to blunt force trauma as I never had this problem as a child. Usually when I got sick I was affected on both sides equally. This seems to have developed recently within the last several years. This coincides with the accident I had while unloading a truck in Louisiana. I reached up for a small box that turned out to be a bit heavier than I thought it was and I lost my grip catching the box (Im thinking it was formula) square in the face right around the bridge to my nose. Thankfully it didnt break, nor swell. I just had a horrid headache the rest of the day. I wasnt bleeding or bruised so I did exactly what most stubborn people would do...I kept working. So now Im paying for my stupidity. Ive read that the surgery to correct it is a quick one, only an hour long. However, recovery is 6 WEEKS. *SIGH* Can you IMAGINE me trying to stream like that?? This is something I'll more than likely need in the future otherwise I'll be in the dr office every 3 months or so when the pollens get bad. Maybe I'll be lucky and this will be the reason for some of my allergies...kinda like the gall bladder and pancreas were the reason why milk products made me sick. Yep that's right...I can have dairy again provided I take bean-o with it as it tends to well...you know. Beans aint the ONLY musical fruit you know!
Anyhow, the dr said if I had come in and hadnt had any history of problems she would have just issued a decongestant and told me to see if it'd work. However, since I'd been having such a problem with it lately she decided an antibiotic and a decongestant would have to be the course of action, especially since I had to make this trip. On top of the suspected deviated septum she suspects that some bacteria have decided to colonize up there and this could be an everyday thing for me if they have. Ahwell. When my appointment was done I went downstairs to see if anyone was even IN the usual office and surprise...Maudi (the receptionist) was working. She was really surprised they didnt let me see my own dr and told me in the future to just ask for her and she'd get me to the right dr (my dr was surprised to see me there and with 'scripts in hand from another dr. I had to assure her it wasnt MY doing to go elsewhere.) I spoke to Maudi about getting a Well Woman appointment and set a "Well Man" appointment for hubby too while I was standing there. I told my dr and Maudi I was bringing a list in of everything we need to look at and we could prioritize the stuff then. I figure I'll be in every month til next year with all that needs doing. Oh and for those keeping track...I seemed to have gained a bit of weight again. Im fighting the same 7-10 pounds and have decided when I get back it'll be diets for BOTH of us. Im at 270 with a bp of 124/78 or so. Pretty good bp for one carrying nearly 130 pounds too damn much.
The picture up top is one of my last two projects that I completed. I think I promised a while back I was going to post at least this one. The other will be in a day or so. Ive got a bunch more started (horse plaques) that I want to finish up before my trip but I doubt that'll happen as a I have a few other things that take priority right now (like filling the flash drives with tunes for daddy and planning which areas I want to revisit while up in NY).
We've had a lot of rain lately and it doesnt look to be letting up much before Wednesday. It really kinda sucks because hubby wanted to mow our yard and stain the front deck before we left and I dont foresee that happening. Maybe I'll have TxSis send her daughter over with some friends and their horses to graze for a few hours. LOL That'd take care of it...AND the lawn would get some fertilizing too! Ummm maybe not. My luck the dog would get curious when she got home from the vets and track all that fertilizer around my house. *bleah*
Entry from May 23,2007
From my MySpace blog. Only addition is the link at the bottom (damn MySpace is being a prick today).
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The anticlimatic 2
Before I get into my entry Im going to say a few things:
01) No matter how I feel about last night's show and this year's competition (yes I know Ive done nothing but bitch this season), I still say each one of them were very deserving of being on that stage (yes, even Sanjaya). It took bigger balls than I have to even attempt what they've done and to be honest...even if I was young enough I could NEVER have gotten as far as they all did. Period.
02) Due to the time constraints placed upon the contestants, we never see their full potential until well after the show. We know this is true IF we are the lucky few that manage to dig up the contestant's prior work (you know the stuff they had more than 24 hours to work on).
03) I was right from day one.
You're probably wondering why I said I was right. Well I was right on alot of things. Just go back and double check my blog entries. I called it that Sanjaya wouldnt get to the Top way back in February. Oh granted he made Top 10 but he didnt go all the way. I called it on Chris Sligh saying he'd make Top 10 in that very same blog entry (02/21/07 if you want to check). In the 02/22/07 entry (there's 2 entries that day so you have to scroll a little to get to where I said it), I called it as the year of the African-American female. Granted my pick wasnt the one who will be crowned tonight, but I did have gender AND race correct.
The competition *FINALLY* started!
Current mood: relaxed
Wednesday night the competition *FINALLY* started. I dont know WTF they showed on Tuesday but the real singers took the stage last night. I've been calling it an African American year and last night proved to me it's also going to be the year of the "sista"....unless something scandalous happens to every last one of them, which I very highly doubt.
That all said, here's what I thought of last night. *PBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBT* I could have not watched a lick of it, come in on the last 5 minutes when they reviewed the highlights and called the show. Most disappointing was they didnt include a number for Chris because that's where all the votes should have gone last night. Blake didnt even have a chance against Jordin last night. Simon said she wiped the stage with him but damn she did more than that. She mopped the stage, waxed it and then added an extra layer of polyurethane to make it all shiny. Even if he'd switched up the order of his songs he didnt have a chance. Not only did she outsing him, but that friggin coronation song was practically written for her anyhow. The only way last night would have been even the LEAST bit interesting (the voting would have been closer and more nail biting for the fans for sure) would have been if Melinda had been up there. The only reason he even made it to the final 2 is because Melinda and Jordin split votes and he slipped through (no hatin...this is my personal opinion). Top things all off, not only did he squeak by, but he couldnt even garner the winning vote in his homestate. Check out DialIdol.com geopredictions, predicted winner if you dont believe me.
3:26 PM
http://www.dialidol.com/asp/predictions/GeoPredictions.asp?week=2&sort=Winning
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The anticlimatic 2
Before I get into my entry Im going to say a few things:
01) No matter how I feel about last night's show and this year's competition (yes I know Ive done nothing but bitch this season), I still say each one of them were very deserving of being on that stage (yes, even Sanjaya). It took bigger balls than I have to even attempt what they've done and to be honest...even if I was young enough I could NEVER have gotten as far as they all did. Period.
02) Due to the time constraints placed upon the contestants, we never see their full potential until well after the show. We know this is true IF we are the lucky few that manage to dig up the contestant's prior work (you know the stuff they had more than 24 hours to work on).
03) I was right from day one.
You're probably wondering why I said I was right. Well I was right on alot of things. Just go back and double check my blog entries. I called it that Sanjaya wouldnt get to the Top way back in February. Oh granted he made Top 10 but he didnt go all the way. I called it on Chris Sligh saying he'd make Top 10 in that very same blog entry (02/21/07 if you want to check). In the 02/22/07 entry (there's 2 entries that day so you have to scroll a little to get to where I said it), I called it as the year of the African-American female. Granted my pick wasnt the one who will be crowned tonight, but I did have gender AND race correct.
The competition *FINALLY* started!
Current mood: relaxed
Wednesday night the competition *FINALLY* started. I dont know WTF they showed on Tuesday but the real singers took the stage last night. I've been calling it an African American year and last night proved to me it's also going to be the year of the "sista"....unless something scandalous happens to every last one of them, which I very highly doubt.
That all said, here's what I thought of last night. *PBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBT* I could have not watched a lick of it, come in on the last 5 minutes when they reviewed the highlights and called the show. Most disappointing was they didnt include a number for Chris because that's where all the votes should have gone last night. Blake didnt even have a chance against Jordin last night. Simon said she wiped the stage with him but damn she did more than that. She mopped the stage, waxed it and then added an extra layer of polyurethane to make it all shiny. Even if he'd switched up the order of his songs he didnt have a chance. Not only did she outsing him, but that friggin coronation song was practically written for her anyhow. The only way last night would have been even the LEAST bit interesting (the voting would have been closer and more nail biting for the fans for sure) would have been if Melinda had been up there. The only reason he even made it to the final 2 is because Melinda and Jordin split votes and he slipped through (no hatin...this is my personal opinion). Top things all off, not only did he squeak by, but he couldnt even garner the winning vote in his homestate. Check out DialIdol.com geopredictions, predicted winner if you dont believe me.
3:26 PM
http://www.dialidol.com/asp/predictions/GeoPredictions.asp?week=2&sort=Winning
Entry from May 17, 2007
Falling under the "a picture is worth 1000 words category". Need I say more? Yeah my absolute favorite, Melinda, got her pink slip last night and was sent packing. Im an unhappy camper right now because I was sure I picked the winner (although I never named her outright this is who I was meaning when I said an African-American girl was going to win). Several patterns (aka "curses" for us Idol-geeks) were broken this year and I have a hunch at least one more will get broken before we're done.
*Pic was a screen cap of the look on Simon Cowell's face when Melinda was sent packing.
*Pic was a screen cap of the look on Simon Cowell's face when Melinda was sent packing.
Entry for May 3,2007
Just a little catch up for some and and update for others. A few of my friends already got what Im going to post in their email box. Earlier this year, my dear hubby got notified at work that his company was going to close one of their older plants down and that about 500 people were going to be out of work in short order. The plant they chose to close is the one he's working in. The company was nice enough to give them plenty of notice and offer help finding a job if the staff stayed til their boot dates as well as a nice severance package for their trouble. Hubby's date is tentatively December 18th. It could be sooner but wont be any later than that point. It's bad enough he's being released that late because no one is really hiring at that time of year...they're usually cutting back. Then this week this showed up on his company's webpage. It is accessible by the public and Im including the link if you'd like to look. Someone pass me the KY. Close one plant just to open another IN ANOTHER DAMN COUNTRY!!!! Top things all off it doesnt look like the ones losing their jobs are going to be offered a friggin transfer.
http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/press/company/2007/c07025.shtml
NEWS RELEASESCOMPANY NEWS RELEASES• 2007 Releases• 2006 Releases• 2005 Releases• 2004 Releases• 2003 Releases• 2002 ReleasesNEWS RELEASES ANDPUBLICATION CATEGORIES• Show All• Semiconductor• Company• Education Technology• DLP® Products• TI-RFid™Texas Instruments to Expand Assembly / Test Operations in the PhilippinesBuilds on 28-Years of ExperienceMANILA, PHILIPPINES (May 3, 2007) – Texas Instruments announced today it will expand its assembly/test operations in the Philippines with a new site that aims to be the most environmentally efficient assembly/test site in the world. At 77,000 square meters in size, the site within the Clark Freeport Zone is expected to eventually employ about 3,000 workers and will double the capacity that TI has in the Philippines. The announcement was made at a ceremony with officials from the Philippines government and senior TI representatives.“This is an important site for TI because it will add capacity to support our growing business and serve our customers,” said Kevin Ritchie, senior vice president of TI’s technology and manufacturing group. “Once built, we expect to quickly ramp the site with the help of our experienced team in Baguio, where we’ve had assembly/test operations for almost three decades.” Construction is expected to start in the second half of 2007, with initial production in the second half of 2008.Bing Viera, managing director of TI Philippines added, “As we look toward our 30-year anniversary in the Philippines in 2009, we expect this new facility to be a flagship for the company in terms of quality and output. I thank our kind hosts from the government of the Philippines for working together with TI to make this expansion possible.”Speaking on behalf of the Philippines, President Gloria Arroyo welcomed the news that TI would grow its operations in the country.“Today TI is the leading exporter from the Philippines and this announcement demonstrates how successful the relationship has been with TI,” said President Arroyo. “I thank Bing and his management team for considering the Clark Freeport Zone and for making the decision to expand its facilities.”With an expected investment of $1 billion over ten years, the site will incorporate many of the environmental and energy design features that were first used by TI in the United States at its newest semiconductor facility. Reducing water, energy and waste will be given priority consideration from the start of building design and construction, and it will be the first ground-up facility to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) registered in the Philippines. The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary U.S. standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings that assigns a score based upon a variety of factors, including the construction materials used, water and energy efficiency, waste recycling and indoor environmental quality.TI first entered the Philippines in 1979 in Baguio City, today one of TI’s most sophisticated assembly/test sites. It conducts final assembly and testing of semiconductors for customers in the computer, aerospace, telecommunications, and automotive industries in the United States, Asia, and Europe. In addition to the contributions TI Philippines employees make to the company’s operations, they are a committed part of the local community, devoting money and volunteers to social organizations, cultural institutions and the educational infrastructure of the region.Assembly and test operations are the final step in semiconductor manufacturing before chips are shipped to customers. Starting with bare silicon chips called “die,” assembly/test sites perform precise packaging operations that serve as the interface between the integrated circuit and the system it supports. Final tests are run on highly sophisticated equipment to ensure the packaged product is operating across a full range of specifications and is ready for shipment.# # #About Texas Instruments:Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company includes the Education Technology business. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com.TrademarksAll registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
http://www.ti.com/corp/docs/press/company/2007/c07025.shtml
NEWS RELEASESCOMPANY NEWS RELEASES• 2007 Releases• 2006 Releases• 2005 Releases• 2004 Releases• 2003 Releases• 2002 ReleasesNEWS RELEASES ANDPUBLICATION CATEGORIES• Show All• Semiconductor• Company• Education Technology• DLP® Products• TI-RFid™Texas Instruments to Expand Assembly / Test Operations in the PhilippinesBuilds on 28-Years of ExperienceMANILA, PHILIPPINES (May 3, 2007) – Texas Instruments announced today it will expand its assembly/test operations in the Philippines with a new site that aims to be the most environmentally efficient assembly/test site in the world. At 77,000 square meters in size, the site within the Clark Freeport Zone is expected to eventually employ about 3,000 workers and will double the capacity that TI has in the Philippines. The announcement was made at a ceremony with officials from the Philippines government and senior TI representatives.“This is an important site for TI because it will add capacity to support our growing business and serve our customers,” said Kevin Ritchie, senior vice president of TI’s technology and manufacturing group. “Once built, we expect to quickly ramp the site with the help of our experienced team in Baguio, where we’ve had assembly/test operations for almost three decades.” Construction is expected to start in the second half of 2007, with initial production in the second half of 2008.Bing Viera, managing director of TI Philippines added, “As we look toward our 30-year anniversary in the Philippines in 2009, we expect this new facility to be a flagship for the company in terms of quality and output. I thank our kind hosts from the government of the Philippines for working together with TI to make this expansion possible.”Speaking on behalf of the Philippines, President Gloria Arroyo welcomed the news that TI would grow its operations in the country.“Today TI is the leading exporter from the Philippines and this announcement demonstrates how successful the relationship has been with TI,” said President Arroyo. “I thank Bing and his management team for considering the Clark Freeport Zone and for making the decision to expand its facilities.”With an expected investment of $1 billion over ten years, the site will incorporate many of the environmental and energy design features that were first used by TI in the United States at its newest semiconductor facility. Reducing water, energy and waste will be given priority consideration from the start of building design and construction, and it will be the first ground-up facility to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) registered in the Philippines. The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary U.S. standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings that assigns a score based upon a variety of factors, including the construction materials used, water and energy efficiency, waste recycling and indoor environmental quality.TI first entered the Philippines in 1979 in Baguio City, today one of TI’s most sophisticated assembly/test sites. It conducts final assembly and testing of semiconductors for customers in the computer, aerospace, telecommunications, and automotive industries in the United States, Asia, and Europe. In addition to the contributions TI Philippines employees make to the company’s operations, they are a committed part of the local community, devoting money and volunteers to social organizations, cultural institutions and the educational infrastructure of the region.Assembly and test operations are the final step in semiconductor manufacturing before chips are shipped to customers. Starting with bare silicon chips called “die,” assembly/test sites perform precise packaging operations that serve as the interface between the integrated circuit and the system it supports. Final tests are run on highly sophisticated equipment to ensure the packaged product is operating across a full range of specifications and is ready for shipment.# # #About Texas Instruments:Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company includes the Education Technology business. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com.TrademarksAll registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Entry from April 30,2007
Oh I had been doing so well for weeks...bouncing over the same damn 3-5 pounds weekly. What I'd gain while hubby was home I'd manage to lose again before he was off again. I really need to learn to stick with my eating schedule even while he's home. Anyhow this week Im feeling much like the lady in the pic because I not only gained the 2-3 I'd lost during the week but gained 4 more on top of it. *sigh*. I really had thought I'd behaved this week with him home too. We went to Furrs on Thursday or Friday and I was so good too....I didnt bother with dessert AND I didnt even finish my supper. Ahh well. Im keeping on keeping on though. Watching every calorie that goes in my mouth. Not really counting them per se but just being aware of how much everything is adding.
Im looking forward to Idol this week. After last week's non-results Im looking forward to twice the carnage. It's Bon Jovi this week WHOOT! I thought that it was supposed to be just rock week but I've seen rumors that it is strickly going to be Bon Jovi music. This isnt as limiting as one would think though if they allow the tunes he's covered as well. He's done some nice versions of Imagine (Lennon's song...although this was used already so they may not use this one), America the Beautiful (Phil probably put a lock on this one), Knocking on Heaven's Door, and You Had Me From Hello (Phil may have this one instead). Im hoping someone breaks out with Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen From Mars (Chris may be able to pull this one off...or maybe Blake) or Social Disease. No wait that last one would be too racy for a family show Im sure. The early rumors of selection are as follows:
Jordin- Always
Blake-Wildflower
Melinda-Without Love
Phil-In & Out Of Love
Lakisha- Bells Of Freedom
Chris-It's My Life
If this rumor holds true, it's going to be an ummm interesting night to say the least. Jordin, Melinda and even LaKisha should have a decent night (especially since Bells of Freedom will work well with LaKisha's big gospel voice). The guys, I dont think will do well. This doesnt bode well for Chris who was sitting at the bottom of DialIdol (yeah I know that isnt accurate) as well as at the bottom of the betting site Bookmaker.com (this IS more accurate). Two go this week...will we have a shocker...or maybe a double shocker? I cant wait.
Ok, so I live and breathe Idol this time of year. Yes Michelle, I do have a very Healthy appetite for the show...and RockStar (whatever band they use). You think this is bad...pop over to my MySpace...HAHAHAHA!
Not much else going on. We're getting into the warm weather so hubby's going to call the AC company and get them to check the unit out for us. He's going to try to get a half day at work today because the truck needs to go back in for repairs. I know it was just in there but there was another problem that hadnt gotten fixed and wasnt noticable until he brought the truck up to speed (front end needs alignment). I cant argue, that truck's an '86 or '88 and has been wonderful so far. *knocks on wood*
Just finished another project and will get the picture posted another day. Im starting another one today. Im making a matching seated fairy for the auburn butterfly fairy I painted 3 years ago. Finally doing one of these pieces for me. Well yeah, most of them end up being mine or given as gifts but this one is specifically being done for me and isnt going to be put up for sale. To get an idea of what it'll look like I think I have a picture in my photo album if you want to go look. It'll look like the sitting fairy but with the same colors as the one with auburn hair in the purple dress.
Im looking forward to Idol this week. After last week's non-results Im looking forward to twice the carnage. It's Bon Jovi this week WHOOT! I thought that it was supposed to be just rock week but I've seen rumors that it is strickly going to be Bon Jovi music. This isnt as limiting as one would think though if they allow the tunes he's covered as well. He's done some nice versions of Imagine (Lennon's song...although this was used already so they may not use this one), America the Beautiful (Phil probably put a lock on this one), Knocking on Heaven's Door, and You Had Me From Hello (Phil may have this one instead). Im hoping someone breaks out with Captain Crash and the Beauty Queen From Mars (Chris may be able to pull this one off...or maybe Blake) or Social Disease. No wait that last one would be too racy for a family show Im sure. The early rumors of selection are as follows:
Jordin- Always
Blake-Wildflower
Melinda-Without Love
Phil-In & Out Of Love
Lakisha- Bells Of Freedom
Chris-It's My Life
If this rumor holds true, it's going to be an ummm interesting night to say the least. Jordin, Melinda and even LaKisha should have a decent night (especially since Bells of Freedom will work well with LaKisha's big gospel voice). The guys, I dont think will do well. This doesnt bode well for Chris who was sitting at the bottom of DialIdol (yeah I know that isnt accurate) as well as at the bottom of the betting site Bookmaker.com (this IS more accurate). Two go this week...will we have a shocker...or maybe a double shocker? I cant wait.
Ok, so I live and breathe Idol this time of year. Yes Michelle, I do have a very Healthy appetite for the show...and RockStar (whatever band they use). You think this is bad...pop over to my MySpace...HAHAHAHA!
Not much else going on. We're getting into the warm weather so hubby's going to call the AC company and get them to check the unit out for us. He's going to try to get a half day at work today because the truck needs to go back in for repairs. I know it was just in there but there was another problem that hadnt gotten fixed and wasnt noticable until he brought the truck up to speed (front end needs alignment). I cant argue, that truck's an '86 or '88 and has been wonderful so far. *knocks on wood*
Just finished another project and will get the picture posted another day. Im starting another one today. Im making a matching seated fairy for the auburn butterfly fairy I painted 3 years ago. Finally doing one of these pieces for me. Well yeah, most of them end up being mine or given as gifts but this one is specifically being done for me and isnt going to be put up for sale. To get an idea of what it'll look like I think I have a picture in my photo album if you want to go look. It'll look like the sitting fairy but with the same colors as the one with auburn hair in the purple dress.
Entry from April 22,2007
I was checking out my friends blogs and found a few very interesting ones. Some were thought provoking (see my blast for the link), some were funny (Maureen's poem) and some were interactive. I want to thank Rev for putting that link in his blast. The link sent me to someone else's page and she had asked What's in a Name (she snagged it from someone else's page). It looks like she had so much fun I thought I'd try it out. Imagine my surprise when not only my name came up, but the last names as well. I figured, what the hell...I'll do some of the nicknames Ive been know in chat and in the blogs with to see what else comes up. Here are the results:
http://www.bostonuk.com/name_meanings.php
H (sorry I dont share my first name...those that need to know it, know it)
You are highly perceptive and intuitive with a wonderful imagination and the ability to manifest your dreams in reality. You are able to create joy, security and harmony for yourself and in the lives of others by the support and dedication which you give. Often the centre of influence people admire your fine qualities and follow your example. Much happiness is gained through your willingness to serve good causes.
Marie (this I will share, there's gotta be a bazillion of us out there anyhow)
Bitter "Hebrew"
You are both a visionary and a realist able to bring your dreams into a tangible form. Pioneering and ambitious you accept new challenges and the responsibilities which go with them willingly. Your sound judgement, resourcefulness and positive nature means that your progress in life is assured. Certainly your kindness and generosity to others and your inspirational manner attract success as well as many admirers.
Maiden Name (withheld to protect family)
Very intelligent, broadminded and a good listener. You are an ideas person, with a wonderful creative imagination who is always seeking practical applications to apply this to. Your intelligence means that you have great potential for business success if you can apply some discipline and caution. You enjoy sensual pleasures and with a natural restless nature and liking for adventure life is rarely dull with you around.
Edwards (first marriage, dont give a damn if anyone knows this one...LOL)
Very much the individual you have enormous energy and vision and must find a suitable use for your talents. You have great potential for success in business if you can guard against indecision and worry. Your generous nature means that you are never short of friends and with cooperation your relationships can be very rewarding. Perseverance and firm decision making will ensure you achieve your objectives.
Present married name (again withheld to protect family)
Charming, witty, original and idealistic you have a creative and inventive mind with great intuition. Your broad vision, perceptive powers and compassion gives you an instinctive understanding of peoples needs. You are a natural leader who has a talent for inspiring and teaching others and always display fairness, honesty and integrity. You are always seeking a new challenge for your vast creative potential.
********************************
The rest most of you already know anyhow....
LadyStyx
Energetic and courageous you stand up for your beliefs and for what you desire. You are independent, strong willed and fiercely competitive when needed although your ambition is tempered with patience. You maintain a positive attitude and with a more organised or practical approach to life material success is very likely. Your immensely loving and generous nature brings joy into peoples lives and ensures your happiness.
starshine (a nick I used to run, nickname my mom gave me when I was just a baby)
You are an inspirational individual and seem to lead a charmed existence. Material success is no more than your versatility, optimism and courage deserve. You are creative and resourceful and can develop your ideas into tangible form which brings you great satisfaction. You attract friends, love and happiness in abundance because of your warm and enthusiastic nature. Life is much better with you around.
DarkPhoenix (play nick for one site I belonged to. If I wore this nick it meant not to pester me with site stuff as I wasnt there to work)
With a strong intellect, organising ability and a thirst for knowledge you are a natural researcher or scientist. Anything which can stimulate your agile and analytical mind, including travel, will be of interest to you. With your efficient confident manner and willingness to accept responsibilities you are especially suited to directing group projects. You are admired for your honesty, integrity and fairness.
Gypsysbaby (a nick I had when I first started chatting...tip of the hat to my mom whose CB handle was gypsylady)
Sensitive, friendly and kind you look for peace and beauty in your environment and relationships. People like to be around you because of your charm and generosity and because you always generate a happy atmosphere. You have a fairly traditional approach to life and have a strong attachment to home, family and loved ones. With your creative imagination you have potential to be successful in the the arts.
I hope you have as much fun with this as I did!
*Im adding this one as it's a nick I've been running lately:
lorelei
Siren of the River Rhein "German"
Having confidence in yourself and integrity you have your emotions under control and are rarely ruffled. You have a quiet and reflective manner and are responsive to the needs of others giving you the ability to be a mediator. You are extremely successful in the material world being organised, financially astute and pursuing realistic goals. Your caring attitude and compassion certainly makes you a loved individual.
http://www.bostonuk.com/name_meanings.php
H (sorry I dont share my first name...those that need to know it, know it)
You are highly perceptive and intuitive with a wonderful imagination and the ability to manifest your dreams in reality. You are able to create joy, security and harmony for yourself and in the lives of others by the support and dedication which you give. Often the centre of influence people admire your fine qualities and follow your example. Much happiness is gained through your willingness to serve good causes.
Marie (this I will share, there's gotta be a bazillion of us out there anyhow)
Bitter "Hebrew"
You are both a visionary and a realist able to bring your dreams into a tangible form. Pioneering and ambitious you accept new challenges and the responsibilities which go with them willingly. Your sound judgement, resourcefulness and positive nature means that your progress in life is assured. Certainly your kindness and generosity to others and your inspirational manner attract success as well as many admirers.
Maiden Name (withheld to protect family)
Very intelligent, broadminded and a good listener. You are an ideas person, with a wonderful creative imagination who is always seeking practical applications to apply this to. Your intelligence means that you have great potential for business success if you can apply some discipline and caution. You enjoy sensual pleasures and with a natural restless nature and liking for adventure life is rarely dull with you around.
Edwards (first marriage, dont give a damn if anyone knows this one...LOL)
Very much the individual you have enormous energy and vision and must find a suitable use for your talents. You have great potential for success in business if you can guard against indecision and worry. Your generous nature means that you are never short of friends and with cooperation your relationships can be very rewarding. Perseverance and firm decision making will ensure you achieve your objectives.
Present married name (again withheld to protect family)
Charming, witty, original and idealistic you have a creative and inventive mind with great intuition. Your broad vision, perceptive powers and compassion gives you an instinctive understanding of peoples needs. You are a natural leader who has a talent for inspiring and teaching others and always display fairness, honesty and integrity. You are always seeking a new challenge for your vast creative potential.
********************************
The rest most of you already know anyhow....
LadyStyx
Energetic and courageous you stand up for your beliefs and for what you desire. You are independent, strong willed and fiercely competitive when needed although your ambition is tempered with patience. You maintain a positive attitude and with a more organised or practical approach to life material success is very likely. Your immensely loving and generous nature brings joy into peoples lives and ensures your happiness.
starshine (a nick I used to run, nickname my mom gave me when I was just a baby)
You are an inspirational individual and seem to lead a charmed existence. Material success is no more than your versatility, optimism and courage deserve. You are creative and resourceful and can develop your ideas into tangible form which brings you great satisfaction. You attract friends, love and happiness in abundance because of your warm and enthusiastic nature. Life is much better with you around.
DarkPhoenix (play nick for one site I belonged to. If I wore this nick it meant not to pester me with site stuff as I wasnt there to work)
With a strong intellect, organising ability and a thirst for knowledge you are a natural researcher or scientist. Anything which can stimulate your agile and analytical mind, including travel, will be of interest to you. With your efficient confident manner and willingness to accept responsibilities you are especially suited to directing group projects. You are admired for your honesty, integrity and fairness.
Gypsysbaby (a nick I had when I first started chatting...tip of the hat to my mom whose CB handle was gypsylady)
Sensitive, friendly and kind you look for peace and beauty in your environment and relationships. People like to be around you because of your charm and generosity and because you always generate a happy atmosphere. You have a fairly traditional approach to life and have a strong attachment to home, family and loved ones. With your creative imagination you have potential to be successful in the the arts.
I hope you have as much fun with this as I did!
*Im adding this one as it's a nick I've been running lately:
lorelei
Siren of the River Rhein "German"
Having confidence in yourself and integrity you have your emotions under control and are rarely ruffled. You have a quiet and reflective manner and are responsive to the needs of others giving you the ability to be a mediator. You are extremely successful in the material world being organised, financially astute and pursuing realistic goals. Your caring attitude and compassion certainly makes you a loved individual.
Entry from April 18,2007
HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY HOLY COW He's finally gone.!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!
I thought they'd NEVER get rid of Sanjaya. You know a performance is so bad when your most rabid fans cant save your ass. It's either that or the anti-Fanjayas came out in force and voted their fingers off. Either way, Im a happy camper tonight!
I thought they'd NEVER get rid of Sanjaya. You know a performance is so bad when your most rabid fans cant save your ass. It's either that or the anti-Fanjayas came out in force and voted their fingers off. Either way, Im a happy camper tonight!
Entry from April 15,2007
I cant believe how much the temperatures dropped after that storm Friday. We'd had 70's prior to it and yesterday didnt get out of the 40's. *UGH* I see some bright skies out there today but Im afraid to step out because it could still be chilly. I dont mind cool so much as long as it doesnt dip too much below 60....at least not this time of year.
Speaking of time of year...American friends you remembered it's tax season right?
Last night's stream was awesome, too bad nearly everyone missed it. I had music from the movies last night. We had music from Elizabethtown, Ice Princess, Armegeddon, Spiderman and several others spinning last night.
I see one of my friends finally loaded her picture into her Yahoo360. I hope this means she'll start writing in it soon. She's funny as all hell and I miss her bunches. It'll be so nice when things finally straighten out for her.
Oh that pic above? It's one of the lighthouses I mentioned I was painting in a previous entry. The green is felt that I've glued to the bottom. This reminds me I still have to trim all that excess yet. Maybe today. I painted 2 for Christmas gifts. One for hubby's Mom n Dad and one for his Aunt n Uncle. I think one of the lighthouses will actually go to someone else. Actually, Im thinking they'll both go to places other than blood family. We'll see.
Sent a package off to my SCSis on Friday. I returned the collapsing cooler that she was so nice enough to loan us for our trip home in August. Yeah, I know it's taken a while but I wanted to add a couple pressies in the cooler for her. I sent her a 3 pc knickknack set of monkeys (she loves monkeys). I also sent her a couple brushes from a set that had been given to me. I would never use them and I thought maybe she could make some use of them.
Havent decided what I feel like doing today. I know I have dishes and laundry that need doing, but I also have some more pieces that are nearly finished (2 butterflies, 2 fish, 2 bears and 2 birds). I also still have a needlework piece I started last year. It's supposed to be our wedding sampler...LOL. I really dont feel like doing much today though. I dont know what it is but the "I dont wannas" have been hitting alot lately. Maybe it's because of the limbo we're in around here regarding his job. I hate being in limbo. I dont know whether to head things off and pack or not. Knowing my luck, if I pack we wont move and if I dont we will. Of course if I pack it'd declutter this place a bit too (and then invaribly I'd need something I just packed...go figure). Oh I hate limbo. I know he applied for a position in NC (Stanfield? Not sure of the city, I'll have to check again) a few days back but Im not sure if he's heard back yet. He'd originally told me that they were looking for engineers and it'd mean another 2 years in school before he could even apply for a job like that. I told him it couldnt hurt, maybe they had another position they hadnt posted yet that he was qualified for. Keep your fingers crossed. This would put us closer to family (by like 8 hours...I can handle a 5 hour drive much better than a 12+ hr one).
Speaking of time of year...American friends you remembered it's tax season right?
Last night's stream was awesome, too bad nearly everyone missed it. I had music from the movies last night. We had music from Elizabethtown, Ice Princess, Armegeddon, Spiderman and several others spinning last night.
I see one of my friends finally loaded her picture into her Yahoo360. I hope this means she'll start writing in it soon. She's funny as all hell and I miss her bunches. It'll be so nice when things finally straighten out for her.
Oh that pic above? It's one of the lighthouses I mentioned I was painting in a previous entry. The green is felt that I've glued to the bottom. This reminds me I still have to trim all that excess yet. Maybe today. I painted 2 for Christmas gifts. One for hubby's Mom n Dad and one for his Aunt n Uncle. I think one of the lighthouses will actually go to someone else. Actually, Im thinking they'll both go to places other than blood family. We'll see.
Sent a package off to my SCSis on Friday. I returned the collapsing cooler that she was so nice enough to loan us for our trip home in August. Yeah, I know it's taken a while but I wanted to add a couple pressies in the cooler for her. I sent her a 3 pc knickknack set of monkeys (she loves monkeys). I also sent her a couple brushes from a set that had been given to me. I would never use them and I thought maybe she could make some use of them.
Havent decided what I feel like doing today. I know I have dishes and laundry that need doing, but I also have some more pieces that are nearly finished (2 butterflies, 2 fish, 2 bears and 2 birds). I also still have a needlework piece I started last year. It's supposed to be our wedding sampler...LOL. I really dont feel like doing much today though. I dont know what it is but the "I dont wannas" have been hitting alot lately. Maybe it's because of the limbo we're in around here regarding his job. I hate being in limbo. I dont know whether to head things off and pack or not. Knowing my luck, if I pack we wont move and if I dont we will. Of course if I pack it'd declutter this place a bit too (and then invaribly I'd need something I just packed...go figure). Oh I hate limbo. I know he applied for a position in NC (Stanfield? Not sure of the city, I'll have to check again) a few days back but Im not sure if he's heard back yet. He'd originally told me that they were looking for engineers and it'd mean another 2 years in school before he could even apply for a job like that. I told him it couldnt hurt, maybe they had another position they hadnt posted yet that he was qualified for. Keep your fingers crossed. This would put us closer to family (by like 8 hours...I can handle a 5 hour drive much better than a 12+ hr one).
Entry from April 14, 2007
WOW! Those storms we had last night. Im pretty sure it hit the national news as I saw the comment on my front page by LBR. Yes we got rain like you wouldnt believe. There was hail and high winds too. In our area the hail was only the size of peas but farther west and south they ended up with hail up to the size of tea cups (3" diameters). Im not sure what all my TxSis got. All I know is she had a bigger section of storm to sit through. There was indeed a rain cloaked tornado nearby our area. Rain cloaked tornadoes are pretty common in the area. They are hard to see to you never really know if it's there until it's hit. The tornado sirens were going off in our area off and on for about an hour or more. The picture above shows the approximate path it took. We're the yellow dot, the arrow approximates the path. The tornado's path took it a mere 10 miles to our south. Much too close for my comfort. We are both safe. The house and car are absolutely fine. We got lucky compared to many others. The devastation was horrendous. There were several buildings with their roofs blown off and 18 wheeler trucks knocked over on their sides...in some cases stacked like toys. The company with those Pods you can rent for storage had many of their units tossed around like building blocks. It definitely wasnt a good night for many.
Entry from April 12,2007
Im using the same picture as before because last night was Idol results. Wow. I didnt really see that coming. I was wrong not once but twice last night. Ahhh well. I cant be right all the time.
I decided that exercise program the Torino seat belt system developed was too aggravating to deal with so I took the adjuster off the belt. I've got to figure a better way of dealing with it. Granted the belt is easier to put on, but Im back to being uncomfortable in the car. Maybe a booster seat...
Im trying to decide what to do for my stream this week. Usually I try to gear it toward what Idol had on for the week, but Im not sure I could handle 3-4 hours of Latin music. Maybe I'll gear it towards next week and do all country....or maybe not because Im sure I personally couldnt handle that either. Maybe 80's groove music....I just got a 3 cd set from Frys yesterday and I have a ton of other 80's music on file in the computer already.
I guess that's about it for now. I cant wait until next week when my Amazon order comes in because I ordered the new Robert Randolph cd and MiG's on pre-order so they'll be coming in sometime this week or next. I hope they ship early like they did last time.
EDIT: Oh and it looks like they *FINALLY* fixed the avatars. Thank goodness!
*Picture referenced had been a political cartoon. A woman on the sofa watching tv and going nuts and the hubby just coming in the room.
Woman: OMIGOD...I can't believe this!!! What a shock!!!
Man: Gas prices? Iran?
Woman: No! Who got kicked off 'American Idol' !!
I decided that exercise program the Torino seat belt system developed was too aggravating to deal with so I took the adjuster off the belt. I've got to figure a better way of dealing with it. Granted the belt is easier to put on, but Im back to being uncomfortable in the car. Maybe a booster seat...
Im trying to decide what to do for my stream this week. Usually I try to gear it toward what Idol had on for the week, but Im not sure I could handle 3-4 hours of Latin music. Maybe I'll gear it towards next week and do all country....or maybe not because Im sure I personally couldnt handle that either. Maybe 80's groove music....I just got a 3 cd set from Frys yesterday and I have a ton of other 80's music on file in the computer already.
I guess that's about it for now. I cant wait until next week when my Amazon order comes in because I ordered the new Robert Randolph cd and MiG's on pre-order so they'll be coming in sometime this week or next. I hope they ship early like they did last time.
EDIT: Oh and it looks like they *FINALLY* fixed the avatars. Thank goodness!
*Picture referenced had been a political cartoon. A woman on the sofa watching tv and going nuts and the hubby just coming in the room.
Woman: OMIGOD...I can't believe this!!! What a shock!!!
Man: Gas prices? Iran?
Woman: No! Who got kicked off 'American Idol' !!
Entry from April 9,2007
Hey hi! Not much going on here. I was just adjusting my page to reflect spring and discovered a problem with my avatar. Oh dont get me wrong, she's lovely just as she is but I cant get her to change outfits. I've been here long enough to know how to change the look of my avatar correctly, but after I hit save...there she is ... still in her royal finery and not in the outfit that I took 30 minutes to get just right. Ive written Yahoo to see if they know what's going wrong with it. If anyone else has been having a problem with it ya'll may wanna give Yahoo a yell too. It'd be nice to find out it's not just me with this problem. Granted I like feeling special....but not this special.
Ohmygoodness did we all catch American Idol last week? Ok, Im not going to fake that Im shocked to be honest. I actually called it correctly in my MySpace blog. Did Gina deserve to go so soon? Actually yes a few weeks ago but last week...no. That was one of her best performances to date BUT it wasnt memorable nor edgy enough to keep her in. Before anyone harps on me for dissing Gina...yes there are at least 3 others that deserved to go before her. They actually should have gone before Chris Sligh as well, however I feel a couple more will go before that threesome. Why? Well let me tell you. First there's Phil Stacey who has the military background. He'll ride that wave much like Josh Gracin did in season 2 (he got all the way to 4th place). Yes, I do enjoy his singing....but from what Ive been reading there are many that said he shouldnt have made it that far. As I didnt watch the 1st two seasons, I cant pass judgement on that. All I know is that Phil has that military thing going for him right now. Second there's Antonella's replacement poptart Haley. They'll keep putting her in the bottom to piss people off...nevermind she doesnt have the voice for this competition anyhow. Im betting they keep her around another week or two just so they can flash her legs because we all know sex sells. Hey it worked for some of the past seasons' contestants (right McTatas? Oh wait...that one could at least sing!). The betting sites have Phil as low man on the totem pole this week and most likely to be gone....we'll see how this changes after the performances on Tuesday night.
Then there's Sanjaya....I keep seeing as many fans as haters out there in the forums. I have a bad feeling this one is going to be around for a while yet. Not only does he have the VFTW site backing his scrawny little ass AND any fans that Howard Stern has...BUT he has all those cute little tweeners who watch this show. They are more likely to vote their little fingers off than those that are closer to my age. Personally the voting system needs to be revamped. Then dont forget the Hawaiian effect. Did you forget so soon? Take it back to season 3 and Jasmine Trias....she whom many said shouldnt have gone as far as she did. She who was backed by not only VFTW but her home state of Hawaii. Has anyone remembered that Hawaii is 3 HOURS beyond the west coast? Has anyone remembered yet that Sanjaya said in his on air interview not a few weeks back that he lived in Hawaii for 6 years and learned how to hula (and then demonstrated it ON AIR). There's where your problem lies. When the west coast voting lines close....the Hawaiian lines are either still open or just opening for voting. This said you can guarantee he'll be around for a long time yet. It wouldnt surprise me (it will sicken me though) if he makes it to Top3 or 4. Personally, I vote we make this North American Idol and include the Canadians as well....maybe that would offset the Hawaiian votes.
While we were out the other week I purchased one of those seatbelt adjusters that you get for the kids so the cars belts fit properly. Why? Well because my body's built a bit strange and I got tired of being strangled weekly with the shoulder strap on the belt. Im 5'4.5"....a half inch too short to be average and an inch and a half too tall to be called a petite. This makes clothes shopping problematic to say the least because Im also long in the torso and short in the legs. Anyhow being built at this height and also being obese (I hear some of you...but yes I am...Im more than 100 pounds overweight and more than half of it is my BMI) doesnt make being strapped into the car comfortable so I bought an adjuster for the belt. It seems to work ok as Im comfy now BUT that minor addition has now turned the Torino ( which I had referred to as the car from hell in prior posts) into a newfangled exercise machine. I have to wrestle with the belt everytime I need to get in the car. It's almost not worth the comfort.....but on the other hand I seem to be building up some nice muscle on my right arm...hmmm.
Hubby is still on meds to help him quit smoking but it's not going so well. The meds have turned up a side effect...actually two. One effect happens if he takes the full dose of medicine and the other shows up if he only takes half. They're going to have to do a different medicine for him I guess or give him something to offset the side effects. God I hope he dont have to try this cold turkey because then Im afraid it'll never happen.
Saturday night I played hookie from my stream because hubby wanted to take me out to dinner. We had a wonderful time at the new steakhouse around the corner from us. It's one of those "throw your nuts on the floor" type places (ok all ya perverts...I meant PEANUTS...sheesh). The steak was very good and the ribs were as advertised (falling off the bone good). The meat actually did fall right off the bone. The steaks...not to say they were fresh.... were actually freshly cut on the butcher block in their kitchen. The rolls...so fresh that if they had been out too long got given to the waitstaff and fresh from the oven put out. There was enough food on that plate to feed me for 2 days...so of course I brought half home and had it for lunch yesterday. It was really busy there that night but service was excellent nonetheless...very prompt. I told hubby we go back in a month and see how good the service stays before I review it. Thank goodness I didnt review the new Cheddars restaurant after we first visited it because by the third visit...forget it. Granted it was busy that day but that doesnt give you an excuse to seat customers and then never serve them even a drink. We at least got that from the IHOP in Plano (yes I reviewed that one). After 30 minutes of watching waitstaff attend to every other table around us we decided that they didnt want our business and told the hostess that on the way out. To give her credit, she did ask if we wanted to talk to a manager. I told her no because nothing the boss would say would be good enough and the conversation would be mighty ugly. We've yet to go back there. I did write Cheddar's headquarters but they were rude enough to not bother answering. Maybe I should have printed the email off and mailed it to the restaurant chain.... ahh well.
EDITED: I got this answer from Yahoo today regarding the avatar problem..thought ya'll'd like to know. As such I'll be cutting and pasting my avatar into my pictures until they get it fixed.:
Date:
Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:48:57 -0700
To:
ladystyx
Subject:
Re: Feedback - Problem using the product (KMM92711178V55290L0KM)
From:
"Yahoo! 360" <360-problem@cc.yahoo-inc.com> Yahoo! DomainKeys has confirmed that this message was sent by cc.yahoo-inc.com. Learn more
Hello, Thank you for writing to Yahoo! 360. As you have noticed we are currently experiencing issues with your Y!avatar not displaying recent changes within your Yahoo! 360 account. We apologize for this and be assured that we are aware of this issue hope to have it resolved as soonas possible. We appreciate your reporting it to us -- your input helps us to identify ways to constantly maintain and improve our service. We are always striving to keep Yahoo! 360 the best place to keep in touch with friends and family on the planet! Thank you again for contacting Yahoo! Customer Care.
Regards, Oryan
Ohmygoodness did we all catch American Idol last week? Ok, Im not going to fake that Im shocked to be honest. I actually called it correctly in my MySpace blog. Did Gina deserve to go so soon? Actually yes a few weeks ago but last week...no. That was one of her best performances to date BUT it wasnt memorable nor edgy enough to keep her in. Before anyone harps on me for dissing Gina...yes there are at least 3 others that deserved to go before her. They actually should have gone before Chris Sligh as well, however I feel a couple more will go before that threesome. Why? Well let me tell you. First there's Phil Stacey who has the military background. He'll ride that wave much like Josh Gracin did in season 2 (he got all the way to 4th place). Yes, I do enjoy his singing....but from what Ive been reading there are many that said he shouldnt have made it that far. As I didnt watch the 1st two seasons, I cant pass judgement on that. All I know is that Phil has that military thing going for him right now. Second there's Antonella's replacement poptart Haley. They'll keep putting her in the bottom to piss people off...nevermind she doesnt have the voice for this competition anyhow. Im betting they keep her around another week or two just so they can flash her legs because we all know sex sells. Hey it worked for some of the past seasons' contestants (right McTatas? Oh wait...that one could at least sing!). The betting sites have Phil as low man on the totem pole this week and most likely to be gone....we'll see how this changes after the performances on Tuesday night.
Then there's Sanjaya....I keep seeing as many fans as haters out there in the forums. I have a bad feeling this one is going to be around for a while yet. Not only does he have the VFTW site backing his scrawny little ass AND any fans that Howard Stern has...BUT he has all those cute little tweeners who watch this show. They are more likely to vote their little fingers off than those that are closer to my age. Personally the voting system needs to be revamped. Then dont forget the Hawaiian effect. Did you forget so soon? Take it back to season 3 and Jasmine Trias....she whom many said shouldnt have gone as far as she did. She who was backed by not only VFTW but her home state of Hawaii. Has anyone remembered that Hawaii is 3 HOURS beyond the west coast? Has anyone remembered yet that Sanjaya said in his on air interview not a few weeks back that he lived in Hawaii for 6 years and learned how to hula (and then demonstrated it ON AIR). There's where your problem lies. When the west coast voting lines close....the Hawaiian lines are either still open or just opening for voting. This said you can guarantee he'll be around for a long time yet. It wouldnt surprise me (it will sicken me though) if he makes it to Top3 or 4. Personally, I vote we make this North American Idol and include the Canadians as well....maybe that would offset the Hawaiian votes.
While we were out the other week I purchased one of those seatbelt adjusters that you get for the kids so the cars belts fit properly. Why? Well because my body's built a bit strange and I got tired of being strangled weekly with the shoulder strap on the belt. Im 5'4.5"....a half inch too short to be average and an inch and a half too tall to be called a petite. This makes clothes shopping problematic to say the least because Im also long in the torso and short in the legs. Anyhow being built at this height and also being obese (I hear some of you...but yes I am...Im more than 100 pounds overweight and more than half of it is my BMI) doesnt make being strapped into the car comfortable so I bought an adjuster for the belt. It seems to work ok as Im comfy now BUT that minor addition has now turned the Torino ( which I had referred to as the car from hell in prior posts) into a newfangled exercise machine. I have to wrestle with the belt everytime I need to get in the car. It's almost not worth the comfort.....but on the other hand I seem to be building up some nice muscle on my right arm...hmmm.
Hubby is still on meds to help him quit smoking but it's not going so well. The meds have turned up a side effect...actually two. One effect happens if he takes the full dose of medicine and the other shows up if he only takes half. They're going to have to do a different medicine for him I guess or give him something to offset the side effects. God I hope he dont have to try this cold turkey because then Im afraid it'll never happen.
Saturday night I played hookie from my stream because hubby wanted to take me out to dinner. We had a wonderful time at the new steakhouse around the corner from us. It's one of those "throw your nuts on the floor" type places (ok all ya perverts...I meant PEANUTS...sheesh). The steak was very good and the ribs were as advertised (falling off the bone good). The meat actually did fall right off the bone. The steaks...not to say they were fresh.... were actually freshly cut on the butcher block in their kitchen. The rolls...so fresh that if they had been out too long got given to the waitstaff and fresh from the oven put out. There was enough food on that plate to feed me for 2 days...so of course I brought half home and had it for lunch yesterday. It was really busy there that night but service was excellent nonetheless...very prompt. I told hubby we go back in a month and see how good the service stays before I review it. Thank goodness I didnt review the new Cheddars restaurant after we first visited it because by the third visit...forget it. Granted it was busy that day but that doesnt give you an excuse to seat customers and then never serve them even a drink. We at least got that from the IHOP in Plano (yes I reviewed that one). After 30 minutes of watching waitstaff attend to every other table around us we decided that they didnt want our business and told the hostess that on the way out. To give her credit, she did ask if we wanted to talk to a manager. I told her no because nothing the boss would say would be good enough and the conversation would be mighty ugly. We've yet to go back there. I did write Cheddar's headquarters but they were rude enough to not bother answering. Maybe I should have printed the email off and mailed it to the restaurant chain.... ahh well.
EDITED: I got this answer from Yahoo today regarding the avatar problem..thought ya'll'd like to know. As such I'll be cutting and pasting my avatar into my pictures until they get it fixed.:
Date:
Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:48:57 -0700
To:
ladystyx
Subject:
Re: Feedback - Problem using the product (KMM92711178V55290L0KM)
From:
"Yahoo! 360" <360-problem@cc.yahoo-inc.com> Yahoo! DomainKeys has confirmed that this message was sent by cc.yahoo-inc.com. Learn more
Hello, Thank you for writing to Yahoo! 360. As you have noticed we are currently experiencing issues with your Y!avatar not displaying recent changes within your Yahoo! 360 account. We apologize for this and be assured that we are aware of this issue hope to have it resolved as soonas possible. We appreciate your reporting it to us -- your input helps us to identify ways to constantly maintain and improve our service. We are always striving to keep Yahoo! 360 the best place to keep in touch with friends and family on the planet! Thank you again for contacting Yahoo! Customer Care.
Regards, Oryan
Entry from March 30,2007
Holy cow did we get storms yesterday! They started roughly 430pm or so in my area and lasted until well after 1am. The thunder was so strong that it rattled the windows in my house (bear in mind my house is nearly as old if not older than me)!! Needless to say , I shut off my computer and refused to touch it again all night. We're supposed to get some more tonight and into tomorrow or Sunday. Well, at least we're getting the water we need for our lawns.
Anyhow, I was cleaning out my email inbox and came across something I'd sent myself a few days back. Actually it was something hubby sent from work to another account of mine and I simply forwarded it to myself. I really liked it and thought I'd share it. Tea drinkers feel free to substitute TEA for COFFEE in this as it works just the same.
**********************************************************************************
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee ... You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.
The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter.
When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? Think of this: Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you; to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life. If you don't send it, you will just miss out on the opportunity to brighten someone's day with this message! It's easier to build a child than repair an adult. This is so true. May we all be COFFEE...have a great day!
Anyhow, I was cleaning out my email inbox and came across something I'd sent myself a few days back. Actually it was something hubby sent from work to another account of mine and I simply forwarded it to myself. I really liked it and thought I'd share it. Tea drinkers feel free to substitute TEA for COFFEE in this as it works just the same.
**********************************************************************************
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee ... You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.
The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter.
When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? Think of this: Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you; to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life. If you don't send it, you will just miss out on the opportunity to brighten someone's day with this message! It's easier to build a child than repair an adult. This is so true. May we all be COFFEE...have a great day!
Entry from March 24, 2007
Sorry I havent written in a couple of days. I'm trying to get into the habit of putting something, anything down every day or two. Unfortunately, I know me real well and if something gets to feeling more like a chore than fun I stop. Im stubborn that way.
I know I just changed the look of this blog a day or two ago (and damn it looked nice too!) but Idol this week was the British Invasion and sixties. Anyone who follows my streams knows that when Idol season is around much of the music they had been performing that week will appear in my stream that Saturday (and filled with new stuff from VH1, MTV and CMT). This with the 60's tunes (and many that were older than me) I decided to do nothing but 60's tunes. As I was proofing the stream I got into a hippy groove and decided to update my blog too! I had so much fun listening to these tunes (who cares if most if not all are older than me) I just may play more 60's next week because I have this huge list of tunes that I have and they didnt make it on my playlist for the week.
We went to Wally World and Half Price Books and I managed to get 5 new cds (well new for me). I bought Elliott's new cd (WHOOT!), and Joss Stones new cd at Wally World. At the other store I got JT's Justified, Nickleback's All the Right Reasons, and Brian Littrell's Welcome Home. Brian's name sound familiar? If you were a Backstreet fan it should.
Hubby had a dr appointment this week. Either he or the dr said something about his smoking and he came out with a script for a medicine to help him kick that habit which makes me happy as can be. Things will get rough here, I know, but maybe not because the medicine is supposed to help with depression too so maybe it wont be so bad.
Oh...remember I was saying in an earlier blog that the dr said I could retry dairy in 3-4 months? Well I had a bit of parmasean cheese on my spaghetti last night and didnt take my Lactaid. Other than a small stomach ache, there were no ill effects. I didnt get the severe stomach pain and vomitting which is really good. Im going to weed a little dairy in every day and see how well it works. Im thinkin the tummyache may have been all in my mind because I was really nervous about eating dairy without the Lactaid...Ive been taking it nearly 10 years now.
I know I just changed the look of this blog a day or two ago (and damn it looked nice too!) but Idol this week was the British Invasion and sixties. Anyone who follows my streams knows that when Idol season is around much of the music they had been performing that week will appear in my stream that Saturday (and filled with new stuff from VH1, MTV and CMT). This with the 60's tunes (and many that were older than me) I decided to do nothing but 60's tunes. As I was proofing the stream I got into a hippy groove and decided to update my blog too! I had so much fun listening to these tunes (who cares if most if not all are older than me) I just may play more 60's next week because I have this huge list of tunes that I have and they didnt make it on my playlist for the week.
We went to Wally World and Half Price Books and I managed to get 5 new cds (well new for me). I bought Elliott's new cd (WHOOT!), and Joss Stones new cd at Wally World. At the other store I got JT's Justified, Nickleback's All the Right Reasons, and Brian Littrell's Welcome Home. Brian's name sound familiar? If you were a Backstreet fan it should.
Hubby had a dr appointment this week. Either he or the dr said something about his smoking and he came out with a script for a medicine to help him kick that habit which makes me happy as can be. Things will get rough here, I know, but maybe not because the medicine is supposed to help with depression too so maybe it wont be so bad.
Oh...remember I was saying in an earlier blog that the dr said I could retry dairy in 3-4 months? Well I had a bit of parmasean cheese on my spaghetti last night and didnt take my Lactaid. Other than a small stomach ache, there were no ill effects. I didnt get the severe stomach pain and vomitting which is really good. Im going to weed a little dairy in every day and see how well it works. Im thinkin the tummyache may have been all in my mind because I was really nervous about eating dairy without the Lactaid...Ive been taking it nearly 10 years now.
Entry from March 20,2007
OK ok....I know it's excessive to get this damn excited for a day of the week. My friends are probably sitting there thinking..."Oh God she's gonna go on about Idol already and they havent even SUNG yet!!"
Well ! You'd be wrong. I get this excited on Tuesdays whether or not it's Idol or Rockstar season. Why?? Because Tuesday is new music day at the local retaillers. This week there are 2 cds out that Im so damn excited about and cant wait to get my hands on for sure. You've all heard the music off of them already over the course of the last couple weeks here in myspace.
The first one is Introducing Joss Stone. I love, Love, LOVE that single she has out now. I've found I cant get enough of that song and Im looking forward to the rest of the album as well.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=7642725
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2015393180
http://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Joss-Stone/dp/B000MTPAGI/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-3278847-1944157?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1174413755&sr=8-1
The second cd Im really looking forward to since I heard the first track is Elliott Yamin's. WHOOT! Yet another song I cant get enough of. Yes...it's the song Im promoing this week. I found a fan made video for the song. The quality isnt the best and it's simply just the same clips over and over but you gotta LOVE that butt shimmy he does:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=61700104
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeS7rIFGjSo
http://www.amazon.com/Elliott-Yamin/dp/B000N60HD6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-3278847-1944157?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1174414945&sr=1-1
Im leaving their respective Amazon links you you can check them out!
Well ! You'd be wrong. I get this excited on Tuesdays whether or not it's Idol or Rockstar season. Why?? Because Tuesday is new music day at the local retaillers. This week there are 2 cds out that Im so damn excited about and cant wait to get my hands on for sure. You've all heard the music off of them already over the course of the last couple weeks here in myspace.
The first one is Introducing Joss Stone. I love, Love, LOVE that single she has out now. I've found I cant get enough of that song and Im looking forward to the rest of the album as well.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=7642725
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2015393180
http://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Joss-Stone/dp/B000MTPAGI/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-3278847-1944157?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1174413755&sr=8-1
The second cd Im really looking forward to since I heard the first track is Elliott Yamin's. WHOOT! Yet another song I cant get enough of. Yes...it's the song Im promoing this week. I found a fan made video for the song. The quality isnt the best and it's simply just the same clips over and over but you gotta LOVE that butt shimmy he does:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=61700104
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeS7rIFGjSo
http://www.amazon.com/Elliott-Yamin/dp/B000N60HD6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-3278847-1944157?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1174414945&sr=1-1
Im leaving their respective Amazon links you you can check them out!
Entry from March 19,2007
As promised, here's a picture of those projects I was working on. Mind you, this is a first attempt at this type of project so they're not nearly as good as they could be with practice. I didnt like how the pink on turned out as they had a dark red as the outlining color (which turned out to be an awful shade of brown in reality) ...it had no "POP" to the picture like the purple did so I took some black left over from another project and re-outlined the pink butterflies. I think it looks better. I was going to put them in the guest room, but that room's a wreck right now and if I put them there they wont get showed off so I think I'll have hubby put them up in the office in my corner. Sometime today I plan on starting a new project. I have a couple lighthouses I need to paint for Christmas gifts, so I think I'll get them done and out of the way.
Got the strangest email from a friend the other day. I noticed that she'd mentioned the kids, herself and an ex but not the hubby. This of course threw huge red flags up so I asked her to drop a line so I knew when was best to call. She wrote back with a time and told me of all the people she knew, I'd understand best what was going on. Yet another red flag went up and I had a hunch I knew what would be discussed. God I hate when Im right. Anyone who knows my whole story knows what Im talking about. Those that dont, ask me in email and I'll send you a link so you can get most of my background (I still gotta finish that blog too...maybe I should do that instead today). It saddens me because I'd thought things were so damn perfect in her life but as I look back I see all the signs....the same ones I faced for over 10 years. Signs I didnt see because I was facing my own troubles at the time and then when my troubles mostly left, I was so far away and never noticed. I sit here looking at this photo of her and the kids and her spouse and I see the unhappiness there. Man I wish Id called her when I got that photo. Maybe some of what's gone on could have been prevented.
Well I better scoot...I really need to get up from this chair and walk some before my hips lock up again.
*Picture mentioned is the one of those 2 butterfly crafts I did. One was in pink and the other in purple..the ones presently hanging in the hall downstairs.
Got the strangest email from a friend the other day. I noticed that she'd mentioned the kids, herself and an ex but not the hubby. This of course threw huge red flags up so I asked her to drop a line so I knew when was best to call. She wrote back with a time and told me of all the people she knew, I'd understand best what was going on. Yet another red flag went up and I had a hunch I knew what would be discussed. God I hate when Im right. Anyone who knows my whole story knows what Im talking about. Those that dont, ask me in email and I'll send you a link so you can get most of my background (I still gotta finish that blog too...maybe I should do that instead today). It saddens me because I'd thought things were so damn perfect in her life but as I look back I see all the signs....the same ones I faced for over 10 years. Signs I didnt see because I was facing my own troubles at the time and then when my troubles mostly left, I was so far away and never noticed. I sit here looking at this photo of her and the kids and her spouse and I see the unhappiness there. Man I wish Id called her when I got that photo. Maybe some of what's gone on could have been prevented.
Well I better scoot...I really need to get up from this chair and walk some before my hips lock up again.
*Picture mentioned is the one of those 2 butterfly crafts I did. One was in pink and the other in purple..the ones presently hanging in the hall downstairs.
Entry from March 18,2007
Entry for March 18, 2007
I saw this* while I was out and about looking for things for my other site and absolutely loved it. It's been sitting in my "work" folder for awhile now and I thought I'd share it with those that read my blog. No, I didnt use the term friends for a reason. If you're my friend you know why I didnt and will understand. Those that dont understand may write me privately and I'll explain it to you there.
Ive re-opened my comment box temporarily. I'll see how things go before I make a final decision on whether to leave it available or not. If you cant say anything nice, please dont leave the message is all I ask. Thanks.
*This being a Bitchology graphic.
I saw this* while I was out and about looking for things for my other site and absolutely loved it. It's been sitting in my "work" folder for awhile now and I thought I'd share it with those that read my blog. No, I didnt use the term friends for a reason. If you're my friend you know why I didnt and will understand. Those that dont understand may write me privately and I'll explain it to you there.
Ive re-opened my comment box temporarily. I'll see how things go before I make a final decision on whether to leave it available or not. If you cant say anything nice, please dont leave the message is all I ask. Thanks.
*This being a Bitchology graphic.
Entry from March 16,2007
Well, yesterday we had the pest control people in to take care of our carpenter ant problem. I kept trying to get them to take the Chihuahua too, but they kept insisting she was too big of a pest for them to deal with. j/k. We were told where our infestation more than likely originated from. Seems the big ole tree in our front yard is the culprit. I knew we had a fire ant problem bear it, but carpenter ants too? Damn. They hosed that puppy (the tree, not the Chihauhua) down real well and went through all the rooms of the house putting stuff down to take care of the other critters (they used stuff that was safe in a home with pets). Come to find out, the carpenter ants like to fly up high on windows towards the light because that's their preferred location for sex. I told the pest control people that aint nothing having sex in my kitchen 'cept me dammit! They placed monitoring stations around the perimeter of the house to keep an eye out for termites. I dont see what good this does considering the distance between the stations. You'd think they'd dig a small trench around the house and place the stations side by side to assure they get traffic, but who am I to speak ? I aint the professional.
Im feeling much better today. I think I've lost a total of 5 pounds this week due to that nasty little bug I'd gotten. Unfortunately, my appetite still hasnt completely returned. Maybe this is a good thing as I really DO need to lose a bunch more weight yet. We were out shopping yesterday and I saw a couple cute tops that I almost bought but the colors I liked werent in the right size for me. Seems that even though I have been losing weight, I need to go up a size in some things. It really kind of pissed me off until I realized for the most part I'd been buying knit items that tend to stretch a bit and maybe I'd been buying sizes too small for the last year or more. The shirts I was looking at were more of a cotton blend with no stretch (this would explain the huge problem I was having with the WDFH (wedding dress from hell) because the sizing was just too small and why I had to go up a size over at Catherine's for that suit.... Ahhh well. I think I'll look on WalMart's site and see if I can get them through there. I was pleasantly surprised to see that some of the stuff I was looking at was 2 sizes larger than they normally carry. I wonder if they're going to start with the expanded sizes because they were losing customers to higher end stores due to the sizes that were available.
Speaking of WalMart...have you noticed that they're remodelling? They are in our area at least. I like the fact the fuller figure stuff is right up front and not hidden around back. I also like the fact they took those nasty-assed carpets out. They're doing something similar to what the higher end stores do, hardwoods in the department and tiles in the walkway. This divides up the departments and makes it easier on the cleaning crew. I think it's going to look very nice when they're done.
I guess I'd better go. I have to get my stream ready for this week, rip a couple cds I bought, fold laundry, do dishes, get something to eat for breakfast and maybe paint today....not necessarily in that order.
Im feeling much better today. I think I've lost a total of 5 pounds this week due to that nasty little bug I'd gotten. Unfortunately, my appetite still hasnt completely returned. Maybe this is a good thing as I really DO need to lose a bunch more weight yet. We were out shopping yesterday and I saw a couple cute tops that I almost bought but the colors I liked werent in the right size for me. Seems that even though I have been losing weight, I need to go up a size in some things. It really kind of pissed me off until I realized for the most part I'd been buying knit items that tend to stretch a bit and maybe I'd been buying sizes too small for the last year or more. The shirts I was looking at were more of a cotton blend with no stretch (this would explain the huge problem I was having with the WDFH (wedding dress from hell) because the sizing was just too small and why I had to go up a size over at Catherine's for that suit.... Ahhh well. I think I'll look on WalMart's site and see if I can get them through there. I was pleasantly surprised to see that some of the stuff I was looking at was 2 sizes larger than they normally carry. I wonder if they're going to start with the expanded sizes because they were losing customers to higher end stores due to the sizes that were available.
Speaking of WalMart...have you noticed that they're remodelling? They are in our area at least. I like the fact the fuller figure stuff is right up front and not hidden around back. I also like the fact they took those nasty-assed carpets out. They're doing something similar to what the higher end stores do, hardwoods in the department and tiles in the walkway. This divides up the departments and makes it easier on the cleaning crew. I think it's going to look very nice when they're done.
I guess I'd better go. I have to get my stream ready for this week, rip a couple cds I bought, fold laundry, do dishes, get something to eat for breakfast and maybe paint today....not necessarily in that order.
Entry from March 12,2007
*UGH*!! Im so tired of this. Friday night after we got home from shopping, I started not feeling well again. This time it's not my upper respiratory though. I had such stomach cramps and nausea it wasnt funny. I figured it was something I ate. I stayed up a bit later than is per usual nowadays because I thought for sure I'd need to go running for the bathroom and the sofa is a straighter path to said location than the bedroom is. By 2am I gave up, I'd been passing out off and on for over an hour due to exhaustion. I managed to get about 2 hours of sleep before I was up sprinting for the loo. Ok maybe not sprinting but I think I set the waddling pretty damn fast record..Skipping the gory details...after frequent trips for 2 hours I finally passed out again from exhaustion and didnt wake until nearly noon I guess. I planted myself on the sofa for the day....trying to fight off the nausea and headache (which the ibuprophen never could relieve). I slept off and on all day until stream time. Man I should have just called the site boss and told him I wasnt gonna stream but I didnt decide not to until too late so I hauled my ass up and moved to the office...praying the whole time I wouldnt have a problem. Man I had a headache and various aches and pains though. I heard from a couple friends online that people in their work place were pretty much in the same boat I was in. Oh now that news wasnt good...it tells me it isnt a food problem but the flu...AGAIN. Sunday I spent all day in bed, I didnt even use the laptop computer for my email. Slept off and on all day...worse part of the day was the damn headache all day long. Hubby came home and told me that our friend's wife was down with about the same thing and that another co-worker called off for the night because he too was ill. Then this morning I read in Maureen's blog she's sick too.....
Im on day three of this. Somethings are starting to shape up some, but others not so much. My stomach has taken to growling in hunger but when I think of what I want to eat I get nauseaus and decide against eating....which then promotes another headache from the glucose levels falling. I cant help it though, I simply have no appetite. If Im not better tomorrow I'll call for a dr appt on Wednesday. Cant do it today for tomorrow cuz hubby has jury duty. He got the letter just last week. Damn nimrods sent it to the wrong address so it doesnt have a place where you can call like mine did last year. Stupid igmos (ignorant morons). With any luck the dr will simply say "Ive had alot of cases like that this week...here let me call you in a script..." Yeah that would be nice.
Im on day three of this. Somethings are starting to shape up some, but others not so much. My stomach has taken to growling in hunger but when I think of what I want to eat I get nauseaus and decide against eating....which then promotes another headache from the glucose levels falling. I cant help it though, I simply have no appetite. If Im not better tomorrow I'll call for a dr appt on Wednesday. Cant do it today for tomorrow cuz hubby has jury duty. He got the letter just last week. Damn nimrods sent it to the wrong address so it doesnt have a place where you can call like mine did last year. Stupid igmos (ignorant morons). With any luck the dr will simply say "Ive had alot of cases like that this week...here let me call you in a script..." Yeah that would be nice.
Entry from March 9, 2007
Wow....a couple slow days. Really helps to turn that comment box off completely. Man, I hated to have to do that though because that's how Maureen and I got to be friends ...and how I got that nice comment from that dude in Nepal (which I still need to respond to...I think I'll check on him after this). All this time and I ended up with 3 ignores in 2 days...go figure. Anyhow flyingstar came into chat last night and has apologized for her part in this mess on my site this week. I ~think~ she see my side and why I got so pissed off. As for the other two I dont know...I guess it dont matter because I have them on ignore and everyone's blocked so there aint much they can do but complain to Yahoo but I havent done anything they really can complain about. I guess according to that pic up there this all makes me the shit then, right?*
Babe n I had to get up early today because we had ABC pest control in to check a problem we've been having with ants. Thankfully I saved the last wave of corpses and he confirmed what I already knew...carpenter ants. *UGH* He also found another type of ant that will cause us problems with our insulation so after evaluating the home and size, he set us an appointment for next Thursday. Only a few more days of battling these critters...thank God. They're even going to treat the whole yard which means the red fire ants near the tree out front and the flea problem will be gone soon too. Gotta love that.
Did our shopping at Target this week. Usually we go to WalMart but WalMart doesnt sell those salads I like anymore and their selection of Naked juices is really the pits (ok...I hear ya'll laffing...not my fault that's the brand's name!!). We had cards to buy for the month (2 anniversaries and 3 birthdays) so we got all those set. Just got to get them addressed and sent on time. While there we got a digital scale to replace the dial one we have currently. Im so glad it aint a talker though. I can see it now, I get on one of those and it'd say "One at a time please". LOL. I drug babe through the full figure department to see if they had any sales this week. Boy they had a good variety in the clearance area. I ended up buying 2 shirts for next winter....for less than $6. We bought a plastic lidded tub too so I can store the winter clothes away for the season. I dont think we'll be needing them any further this year and this will get them ready incase we have to move.
We've been keeping an eye on airline prices lately as we have a trip to make at the end of May. Boy the prices have been like a yo-yo this week! Daddy wrote earlier this week to say they were at $299 per...then I got a note last nite to say they went up to $402 per and then while we were out shopping daddy called to say they dropped to $276. I just wish hubby would get them purchased so I dont need to worry about it anymore.
Ive been painting alot this week. Decided to try a new craft. The first one turned out pretty good and Im starting another of the same type in another color. Ive decided that the pictures Im doing will go into the guest room and *IF* a little girl comes along the stuff will go in her room. *IF* a boy shows up I guess I'll have to do two more in more masculine type colors. I'll post a picture when I get the pink one done.
Not much else is going on here except keeping up with American Idol. I've posted my favorites on my MySpace and am also posting their weekly performance videos up. I take notes and then blog a review the next day so I can relisten to the performances back to back with the originals. Damn Im so lame...LOL. Got no life at all .. Ahh well.
Well I guess I better get off here and get something done....the dryer buzzer just went off....plus there's painting to do...I could just say *pbbbbt* to everything and crawl back into bed.
*The picture referred to is actually a graphic that says "When people you dont even know hate on you, then you know you're the shit!
Babe n I had to get up early today because we had ABC pest control in to check a problem we've been having with ants. Thankfully I saved the last wave of corpses and he confirmed what I already knew...carpenter ants. *UGH* He also found another type of ant that will cause us problems with our insulation so after evaluating the home and size, he set us an appointment for next Thursday. Only a few more days of battling these critters...thank God. They're even going to treat the whole yard which means the red fire ants near the tree out front and the flea problem will be gone soon too. Gotta love that.
Did our shopping at Target this week. Usually we go to WalMart but WalMart doesnt sell those salads I like anymore and their selection of Naked juices is really the pits (ok...I hear ya'll laffing...not my fault that's the brand's name!!). We had cards to buy for the month (2 anniversaries and 3 birthdays) so we got all those set. Just got to get them addressed and sent on time. While there we got a digital scale to replace the dial one we have currently. Im so glad it aint a talker though. I can see it now, I get on one of those and it'd say "One at a time please". LOL. I drug babe through the full figure department to see if they had any sales this week. Boy they had a good variety in the clearance area. I ended up buying 2 shirts for next winter....for less than $6. We bought a plastic lidded tub too so I can store the winter clothes away for the season. I dont think we'll be needing them any further this year and this will get them ready incase we have to move.
We've been keeping an eye on airline prices lately as we have a trip to make at the end of May. Boy the prices have been like a yo-yo this week! Daddy wrote earlier this week to say they were at $299 per...then I got a note last nite to say they went up to $402 per and then while we were out shopping daddy called to say they dropped to $276. I just wish hubby would get them purchased so I dont need to worry about it anymore.
Ive been painting alot this week. Decided to try a new craft. The first one turned out pretty good and Im starting another of the same type in another color. Ive decided that the pictures Im doing will go into the guest room and *IF* a little girl comes along the stuff will go in her room. *IF* a boy shows up I guess I'll have to do two more in more masculine type colors. I'll post a picture when I get the pink one done.
Not much else is going on here except keeping up with American Idol. I've posted my favorites on my MySpace and am also posting their weekly performance videos up. I take notes and then blog a review the next day so I can relisten to the performances back to back with the originals. Damn Im so lame...LOL. Got no life at all .. Ahh well.
Well I guess I better get off here and get something done....the dryer buzzer just went off....plus there's painting to do...I could just say *pbbbbt* to everything and crawl back into bed.
*The picture referred to is actually a graphic that says "When people you dont even know hate on you, then you know you're the shit!
Entry from March 7, 2007
Geeez I come back in today and found a bag of garbage in my entry as well. *sigh* So after saving the comment to my harddrive (incase I need to report.. as it has the alias, date and time sent) I went to the person's site and placed them on ignore. No worries bile-spewer...that's all I did. Then after I placed them on ignore I placed a comment in my entry and deleted their comment. When will these people learn that typing all in caps and placing a comment like that in my own blog space is just going to piss me the hell off? While they're at it they need to subscribe to Hooked on Phonics and learn to spell. I mean if you are going to send a veiled threat (and that's just what it was..Ive gotten enough from my ex to know it for what it is...) you may as well word it properly.
Anyhow, due to jerks like this, the general public is going to realize you cant leave a comment on my blog NOR in the comments box any longer. These spaces are reserved for those that are on my friends list only now. You know, the people that dont give me hassles and leave their rubbish around.
Anyhow, due to jerks like this, the general public is going to realize you cant leave a comment on my blog NOR in the comments box any longer. These spaces are reserved for those that are on my friends list only now. You know, the people that dont give me hassles and leave their rubbish around.
Entry from March 6, 2007
It was just a matter of time I guess before someone else's trash came along and mucked up my site. I'd like to apologize to anyone who managed to see that nasty comment left by flyingstar. If anyone has anything to discuss with me about anyone on my friends list, all I ask is that you use the email button over there. Comments such as those that were left should have been left in private , not drug out for all to see. I understand people are going to have tiffs with others but damn dont drag them into someone else's area! I especially am pissed that it was left in my comments box!
For everyone's info...Ive never had a problem with LBR. All she's asked for is friendship and never anything more. So long as she keeps it like that, she'll remain on my friends list. However, flyingstar darling...you couldnt be bothered to contact me before or become friends....then you drag this bile in and mess up my site. This wont be tolerated. You'll notice your comment has been deleted and you wont be allowed to leave them anymore as I've gone to your site and hit ignore. Keep it up and you'll end up being my first report.
For everyone's info...Ive never had a problem with LBR. All she's asked for is friendship and never anything more. So long as she keeps it like that, she'll remain on my friends list. However, flyingstar darling...you couldnt be bothered to contact me before or become friends....then you drag this bile in and mess up my site. This wont be tolerated. You'll notice your comment has been deleted and you wont be allowed to leave them anymore as I've gone to your site and hit ignore. Keep it up and you'll end up being my first report.
Entry from Feb 25, 2007
Damn...What a night we had here! The news had been calling for this huge storm in my area all week. It was supposed to rain a bit on Friday night and get really bad by Saturday lasting til midafternoon. Thankfully it was supposed to move through before my streamtime. This wasnt the case. We planned our shopping for early afternoon just incase the morning was bad. Well it was fairly nice all morning and so mid- morning (around 10am or so) hubby and I went out shopping so I could get a dress to wear to gramma's internment in May up in NY. As we were on our way home, the winds whipped up bad enough to rock the car a bit. For those who dont know, we have a 1976 Gran Torino we've been driving in. This car is as big width and length as a fullsize pickup truck. It's lower to the ground and very heavy....yet the winds were enough to rock it while we were driving. We pulled in and I got out so he could pull it up into the garage (no room for me to get out in the garage so I get out as he's opening the garage up) and I swore the wind was going to rip the awning off my back porch. No sooner I get in the house than the phone's ringing and my TxSis is asking if I have power. She was telling me how they lost their power and only way to call anyone was to use her cell (thank God we have a corded phone plugged in in case of emergency!). This told me I needed to get the candles ready and the emergency radio because it was going to be a long night. Last thing I heard last night is that around 90,000 people had lost their power, trees were down and powerlines were down in several areas. The visibility on the roads was down to a half-mile at best. The skies...looked browner and yellower than that pic up there. Turns out it was nothing but highwinds (between 50-60 mph in most areas) and a helluva lotta dirt n dust kicked up. Nothing more. And that rain? Just blew right over us...not a drop hit. Thankfully we still have a roof. I wish I could say the same for the dude down the road....his shingles were barely hanging on when we went by to get home and the winds got stronger after that so I can imagine the mess HE has.
Friday night hubby took me out to supper. I think he kinda felt bad that I was so damn sick on Valentines Day. We went to Applebees as we hadnt been there in a long time. Afterwards, I drug his butt to Khols to take a better look at that dress I saw when I was out with TxSis that Sunday. I liked the fact it was a little stretchy and if I gained a little weight, it'd still fit. What I wasnt so fond of was the cut. I thought it made me look like a Warren Street Executive (yeah...I see Gary laughing because he KNOWS what Im talkin about!!). The only way I could forsee me wearing that dress is with a lacy cami underneath. *sigh* I did manage to walk out of Khols with a pair of pants (which is also what I went in for) and a nice top.
So when we got home that night I went online and found a few I liked at JCPenneys. This is where we'd gone out to on Saturday before the weather got hellacious on us. Saturday at Penneys I couldnt find the dress I was wanting and I didnt like any that they had on the racks (what the hell...these peeps got a thing against sleeves?? It's a conspiracy Im tellin ya!). Of course there was no sales help to be found either so I walked out. I figure they dont need my dollars and I'll take my business elsewhere. Since we were in the area we hit Catherine's. I tried on a few outfits and would like one part but not others. Man I was so discouraged so I told hubby that I liked the one skirt but hated the shirt I picked out and I liked the jacket on the suit but it was too small and it was likely I'd never wear the pants that went with it. What did my sweetie say? If they have the suit in the next size up, buy the suit and get the skirt (which was sold separately) too. What a sweetheart! Well the suit didnt come in the size I wanted but it came in one size larger than that (2 sizes more than I tried on). I tried the jacket on as that's the piece that was most important and it was ok....so we bought it. I got home and tried them all on again. The jacket is a bit large but a couple small darts in the back will fix that and it looks great with the skirt as I suspected. While I was in a trying on mood I tried on the suit pants too. Damned if they dont fit as well, just need a little hemming up (man I hate my bottom being bigger than my top!).
Gramma has been shipped up to NY and is being held in the Funeral Home until the ground thaws and we can get her buried. My dad's said it cant be any later than May. Now it's just a matter of getting the whole family together. It's hard because mom n daddy have limited vacation time left and my bro has to arrange for time off so we gotta see what's best for all. I am going to have to remind them of hubby's schedule and let them know they need to decide amongst themselves and just let me know when as Im the most flexible in schedule of the bunch. Right now Im at the hurry up and wait stage...I hate waiting.
Friday night hubby took me out to supper. I think he kinda felt bad that I was so damn sick on Valentines Day. We went to Applebees as we hadnt been there in a long time. Afterwards, I drug his butt to Khols to take a better look at that dress I saw when I was out with TxSis that Sunday. I liked the fact it was a little stretchy and if I gained a little weight, it'd still fit. What I wasnt so fond of was the cut. I thought it made me look like a Warren Street Executive (yeah...I see Gary laughing because he KNOWS what Im talkin about!!). The only way I could forsee me wearing that dress is with a lacy cami underneath. *sigh* I did manage to walk out of Khols with a pair of pants (which is also what I went in for) and a nice top.
So when we got home that night I went online and found a few I liked at JCPenneys. This is where we'd gone out to on Saturday before the weather got hellacious on us. Saturday at Penneys I couldnt find the dress I was wanting and I didnt like any that they had on the racks (what the hell...these peeps got a thing against sleeves?? It's a conspiracy Im tellin ya!). Of course there was no sales help to be found either so I walked out. I figure they dont need my dollars and I'll take my business elsewhere. Since we were in the area we hit Catherine's. I tried on a few outfits and would like one part but not others. Man I was so discouraged so I told hubby that I liked the one skirt but hated the shirt I picked out and I liked the jacket on the suit but it was too small and it was likely I'd never wear the pants that went with it. What did my sweetie say? If they have the suit in the next size up, buy the suit and get the skirt (which was sold separately) too. What a sweetheart! Well the suit didnt come in the size I wanted but it came in one size larger than that (2 sizes more than I tried on). I tried the jacket on as that's the piece that was most important and it was ok....so we bought it. I got home and tried them all on again. The jacket is a bit large but a couple small darts in the back will fix that and it looks great with the skirt as I suspected. While I was in a trying on mood I tried on the suit pants too. Damned if they dont fit as well, just need a little hemming up (man I hate my bottom being bigger than my top!).
Gramma has been shipped up to NY and is being held in the Funeral Home until the ground thaws and we can get her buried. My dad's said it cant be any later than May. Now it's just a matter of getting the whole family together. It's hard because mom n daddy have limited vacation time left and my bro has to arrange for time off so we gotta see what's best for all. I am going to have to remind them of hubby's schedule and let them know they need to decide amongst themselves and just let me know when as Im the most flexible in schedule of the bunch. Right now Im at the hurry up and wait stage...I hate waiting.
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