More Catch Up

I took off the Monday after San Antonio - and so glad that I did. LK came over and we made the traditional goodies to take to our parties on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Spinach Dip; Tortilla Roll-Ups; Broccoli Salad; and cheese balls to pass out to my nephews. Rested up I returned to work for one day - nothing much to do but a little work - and went home a half hour early. Wednesday was Christmas Eve - so I finished wrapping a few little gifts and prepared to get to church early for the Children's Program. Even though I don't have any children in the program (yet) - I always go to watch my Sunday School kids & previous year's Sunday School kids. They really did a good job, especially my great nieces and nephews. They all sang and some had speaking parts which they did with great ease. And of course, all of them, a fashion plate!!

After a little chat with the kids, off to my former MIL's home and all the family. What a crowd! After eating, drinking, singing Happy Birthday to Jesus, and listening to Matt's CD, the kids opened gifts first. Chaos!! Most were very sweet and gave hugs all around. The adults opened gifts next, which the kids so nicely distributed. L & J received a few little "baby" things and I got a script "family" and "grand kids" wall hanging on which to attach photos. Too too late we headed home about midnight.

I was up the next morning as L & J planned to be there between 8:30 & 9, so I preheated the oven and got the breakfast casseroles ready to go in. Just as L & J arrived, the casserole was ready - complete with J's request of tater-tots on top. It was pretty good if I do say so myself. After we opened gifts, we had a little time to rest before heading to Mom & Dad's. The kids gave me the traditional fluffy house shoes, my ME calendar, candles and B&B stuff. We surprised R with his car air intake. He was pretty excited.

We got to Mom & Dad's about 11 where everyone arrived slowly, ate a little, and settled in to have the kids open gifts first. My sister's boyfriend's two girls came along, making for a quite noisy time - but that was to be expected. Mom's tree and presents were beautiful, as usual, and Mom passed out bags for the girls to collect her famous bows in, including rules of the game: no stealing; keep your and your family's bows only. L & J had to hurry off to J's Mom's house, so they didn't make it back for dinner @ 5 - turkey with all the trimmings. A nap would have been nice in between, but that didn't happen. R & I left after dinner clean-up, and I stayed on the couch for an evening of Christmas movies, then bed.

I think this was the first time that all the kids and families were at Mom & Dad's in a while - so that makes 6 kids, 4 spouses, 1 boyfriend & 2 kids, and 10 grand kids.

Catch-Up

Our choir Christmas party was held the Friday before our San Antonio trip, at the home of one of our sopranos and her bass hubby. Their house is so beautiful with about 8 Christmas trees. There was singing - of course - of Steve's songs about the choir and of my song about Steve the Director, set to the tune of Frosty the Snowman. There was also lots of food and plenty to drink and laugh about - plus a rousting game of "Swap". It was relatively new to me and many others, but made for quite a loud game which enticed many to join in.

Saturday morning K came by to pick me up. It was a warm day - about 75 degrees - but we packed our coats and toboggans in plan with the forecast of a cold front coming through. We stopped at the Dell Children's Hospital to see K's niece for an hour or so - wearing our pink fluffy halos and bringing bags of goodies. We arrived at the hotel about 4:30 and met up with Jim and Paula - then got ready to head to the river walk. We were to meet at 6:15 at St. Joseph's landing to load the first boat. K parked at the Mercado and we rode the trolley back to the river walk, where our driver did not let us out exactly where we wanted, and we ended up searching for the landing - which no one really could direct us to - making it there just in time, out of breath and sweating from the warm weather. We carried our coats, just in case.

There was some drama about who was to ride the first boat - evidently Steve didn't know the current status of some sweetie-pies who wanted to ride together - so they were scheduled on separate boats - que lastima!! After a delay, we were set to go, sitting on our coats, wearing our flashing necklaces and glow-in-the-dark earrings and hair pins. According to our driver, Rachel, the river walk was the most crowded ever - as we could tell - and she has been driving for 9 years. We enjoyed singing and waving to the crowd, pulling up next to folks enjoying their dinner, a wedding, and an outdoor scene from "Wonderful Life". There were lots of smiles and hand waving, cheering, and good wishes. During one portion of the ride where there was no one around, Steve wanted us to sing the Hallelujah Chorus - just to see if we could. We did, and from then on, about every 3rd or 4th song was the Hallelujah Chorus. I must admit we sounded pretty good with the acoustics of the bridges over the river!

Round two found less drama - except for the fact that I dropped my coat in the river - but before we got started, the local visitors convention group came to video tape us performing in the boat and are going to use it for a promotional video. Our driver just had time to down a bite of supper, then off we went. We passed other boats that were singing, too - but not near as loudly as us. It seemed they sung into their song books and not to the crowds. Our driver said we were the best boat EVER! David retrieved my coat and I wrapped it in a WalMart sack for the rest of the trip.

We trekked back to the Marriot to use the facilities and find the trolley stop to catch a ride back to the Mercado. What a crazy driver he was. As we gathered at the corner to walk across the street to "Mi Tierra", our group of 7 decided not to go along, and we headed to K's car. A quieter dinner was in order - and we found that at Chili's at the Quarry. Still laughing, sharing drinks and dinner, we were sort of glad the season was 'over' for the choir - then we headed to the hotel to sleep.

I got up the next morning about 8 to shower and get ready, allowing the others to sleep in, or so I thought. Seems the sound of the hair dryer woke them up. We found out that the cold front came in while we slept - and it was a windy 32 degrees. No coat - but thank goodness for the toboggan and scarf and gloves! We went back to the Mercado, so La could shop for something for her Mom, then headed out. A few miles down the road, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for lunch - where I took off my hat at the table - a big mistake - as my hair was ridiculously shaped into the hat hair I loathes. I actually didn't see it til I went to the restroom - OMG! What a mess, but what a laugh I had. Toboggan all the way home.

Cantata 2008

This weekend was our home church performance of the 2008 Cantata "Why Christmas". After having practiced since July, I think the audience and our choir (kwar) director was pleased. Prior to this performance, we had already done so in Shreveport on Thanksgiving weekend, then "down under" in the caves at Burnet, (pictured above) not to mention still practicing in between.
Then after the home performance, we traveled to Clifton to sing once more at the Lutheran church there. Whew! What a few busy weekends we've had!

This weekend we head to San Antonio for what our group has dubbed the Saturday San Antonio Solstice Singing Celebration on the Riverboats. Its a wonderful time with the river walk decorated in lights and most folks in the Christmas Spirit of it all. One of our church members - who's daughter sings in the choir - rents two boats so that we all have an opportunity to sing - and the boat drivers love it almost as much as the folks walking or eating dinner along the way. We wear 'flashy' jewelry and fun hats and shirts, then go out to eat with our group after singing. We won't have much of a voice left by that time. Its a perfect way to round out the season.

Random thoughts...

Everyone seems happy to... sing Christmas Carols; dress in festive clothes; bring good wishes to all they meet; shop for the perfect gift; attend church; keep secrets until Christmas morning; decorate the tree, the house and even the car!

Do cranky people seem less cranky this time of year? Or is it that we just choose to ignore the cranky part and look for the good?

Its easy to get overwhelmed at the thought of the "To Do" list. It seems to get longer every day.

And what about the "Christmas Music"? Sometimes its a little much, especially when blaring from every radio and store speaker system! An occasional drive to and from in silence is actually quite nice.

Cold sunny days are my favorite. Bundling up and putting on the sun glasses...even adding a scarf and riding without the heater turned on in the car. Sipping hot chocolate or hot tea or coffee...yum.

Great News!

I am happy to announce that come next July - I'll officially become a Grand Mother. Whether I am Gramma, Granny, GiGi, Nanna, or Grandma - you can bet I'll love that little one like crazy!! This makes my folks 'great' grandparents for the first time - and of course all the aunts and uncles 'great' as well. We are praying that God blesses my daughter with an easy pregnancy and delivery - just like her Mom had!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Here's hoping your Thanksgiving is a memory-making, picture-taking, plate-cleaning, hug-getting kind of Day!!

Another Fall...

Rack up another fall for me! While taking the dog out to do his business last night, the dog ran amok and across the street. I walked calmly down the sidewalk with the light of the porch behind me, barely managing to see where the dog went, whistling and calling his name. As soon as I got across the street - in the dark, now - the dog of course darted back across the street to the dark area of the front yard. I turned and crossed the street, disgusted, and muttering his name...when I went to step up on the curb and into the yard, I misjudged the distance and fell to the ground kicking off my left house shoe in the process, landing on both palms and knees first, then close enough to smell the grass (weeds). Oh, didn't I mention I was in my pajamas? Yep, in my pink and blue 'fairy cakes' pjs and pink comfy flip-flop house shoes...there I was in the yard and on the curb, my bum in the air and then on the grass. I was so thankful that the neighbors who usually sit and smoke and cuss and discuss the day's events had already gone in for the evening, except for one who was walking around the corner, away from the house, thank goodness. So I get my bearings - or so I think - and attempt to get up - but stumble like a drunk at first. And where is the dog?? He is barking and sitting in front of the door - not coming over to inspect what happened - nope, just sitting and barking, seeming quite perturbed that I am not there to open the door. It was as if he said, "Hey! My master has fallen and can't get up! Somebody bring over a crane!" So, a free puppy he is no more...its leashed visits to the yard from now on! And me? No visual scrapes or bruises yet...but I feel like I could use a nice massage. And on subsequent trips out with the dog? I'll probably still wear my pajamas...with the darkness of night to hide my embarrassment.

Where is Emily Post when you need her???

I went to vote early Tuesday morning and was about number thirty or so in line outside the church where it was pleasantly cool for the wait. I heard someone walk up behind me then answer his cell phone - no big deal - he was giving his daughter or wife the directions to the church. Next he popped open a can of soda, providing the back of my sweater with a light spray. Then he took a big old slurp of the soda - sounding like he was sucking it off the top of the can - followed by a muffled "aahh". I took a step forward. Then, again, another slurp/aahh. I thought 'what is wrong with this guy?...is he some punk kid who doesn't know any better? Surely he will stop when he realizes the noise can be so easily heard.' I took a step forward and looked back over my shoulder - no punk kid - but a mature (though rude) man stood there. He stepped up behind me - seriously - I think he was trying to get as close as possible to share the grossness that was his.

People were not 'packed' together in line...we all had a reasonable amount of space between us...except for slurpy-man and me. I tried moving to one side, then ahead...and he followed. I was actually hoping he'd get another call to stop the slurp. No such luck. One of the poll workers stepped outside the door and tried to address the crowd but I could not quite hear her - imagine that! The lady ahead of me said she just wanted to be sure that everyone double checked to see if they were at the correct place - and I was so hoping slurpy-man was NOT and would soon leave to infest another polling place. Again, no such luck...more slurp/aahh action followed. As the line advanced into the church, down the hall, around the corner and towards a set of double doors, I tried to distance myself from slurpy-man, but he quickly came along. Down the hallway from the voting area people stood generally two-across, as I suppose some folks brought their friends or spouses or neighbors....again, all with a reasonable amount of space between and around them. I saw what might be a possibility for escape, as they divided the line into smaller lines - alphabetically. "Please!" I thought to myself, "Let his last name begin with H-N or O-Z...then he will have to leave the spot directly behind me!"

A few more steps - a few more slurp/aahhs - and NO! Say it ain't so!! His last name is in the first part of the alphabet as is mine!! Now a loud toddler has taken the opportunity to have a fit and somewhat quell the slurp/aahhs - never did I think I would welcome that sound - but yes, it was a relief for a minute. Show my card, sign the book, step to the left. Wait....wait...slurp/aahh. Then I get my 'code' and wait for an empty booth. Soon I would bid slurpy-man a fond farewell. Yes! Two booths open up and the lady ahead of me and I head down the aisle to our little canopy. Although not quite totally 'private'...its a welcome ambiance compared to what I have endured in the last 30 minutes. I manage to cast my vote in record time...just as slurpy-man finds his way to his booth - depositing his empty can along the way. (At least he was not a litter bug!)

All that to say - HEY! I voted! - its great to live in America!

Score!

I'll admit I am a little bit of a word-geek. I love to play word games and am most recently addicted to "Lexulous" - the new version of "Scrabulous" - played online. Today I received my highest score thus far - a whopping 92 points for the word 'befuddle'. I only play the solitaire version, thus I don't have to pit myself against more professional players, but I try to beat myself by scoring at least a total of 500 points - and try to make 600. Yep, its geeky!

Speaking of words...when you here someone mis-prounounce a word - do you correct them or just laugh...either to yourself or outloud?? I remember a time when my Mom was modeling an outfit for a hospital auxiliary show...and the emcee said she was the "epitomy of elegance"...but pronounced it is "EP-i-TOME". Too funny! (well, at least to me!)

I have difficulty pronouncing (and spelling) the word ' entrepreneurship'. I have practiced and practiced....but freeze up when I actually have to say it or should I say - attempt to say it. I try to put an 'm' in there somewhere.

I had a boss who ALWAYS pronounced the word 'public' as "PLUB-LICK "- and another boss who would say "STROLL" down to the bottom of the screen...instead of 'scroll'.

My brother used to say "STOY STORE" for 'toy store'...and of course there are favorites from my kids such a "MAGICH" for 'magic'....and "NOAST and ROODLES" for 'roast and noodles' (or was that MY misteak??) "SU-SKETTIE" is, I believe, international!!

Update

A week after my wallet was stolen - no progress in catching the individual - but I really didn't think there would be. It took a week, but I think I have finally received and re- activated all the credit cards, waited an hour to get a new license - which I won't receive for 3-4 weeks and found my SS card at home - whew! I am actually enjoying carrying a lighter purse...so maybe I don't need to replenish a new wallet with all that stuff. Good news is that the thief did NOT try to use my company purchasing card - the activity that showed up that day was actually for a reservation for someone in our office I had made weeks ago - in Ft. Worth! So, it looks like the thief just needed money - so hope he had a good time on $3 in change, a McAlister's gift card, Linens&Things gift card and book of stamps. Whoo-hoo! Sounds like a party huh? What a pain this experience has been - but like I said before - it could have been a lot worse. God is good.

Robbed!

My wallet was stolen yesterday...from my office...while I was down the hall for about 10 minutes. If my son had not come in to ask for a check, I would not have known it was gone until hours later. As it worked out, I gave a police report and while doing so, I contacted our purchasing card administrator and reported it to her, and she immediately pulled up that someone attempted to use my card at the hotel across the street - just minutes prior. The police dispatched two officers over and I don't know what information they obtained, but then they made a traffic stop, possibly after quizzing the hotel staff about someone presenting my card and them attempting to run it three different times - only to be declined - because our purchasing card is restricted from purchasing hotel rooms! The driver did not quite match the description provided, so they let him go. Get this - I ate lunch in my office yesterday from one until two, then opened my door and stepped across our inner-office hallway to the break room to wash dishes. When I came out of the break room, there was a man standing in the center of the hall, writing something down, I said 'excuse me' so I could pass and go to the restroom down the hall. I noticed he was black, wearing a baby-blue shirt and jeans, but nothing else. So, it appears I actually bumped into the guy who could have taken my wallet. Our office was sparsely staffed, with only one person at the reception area, and no one in the reception office of our adjoining office - which is where we think he entered....made his way to my office and took my wallet...then headed back the same way...no one seeing him. I called and cancelled all my cards and looks like nothing has been charged; my debit card and checks have not been used at this point either...and all he got was about $3 in change, plus a couple of gift cards - no other cash, thank goodness. It could have been alot worse - but it still sucks.

Fall

Fall is one of my favorite times of year - with Spring at a close second. Leaves turning from green to red/orange/yellow/brown - then falling like confetti - make me smile. Kids jumping into piles of leaves and throwing handfuls as if they were snowballs - brings giggles. A roaring fire on a cool night when my clothes soak up that wonderful "fire smell" - mmmm.

Giving credit...

I cannot take credit for the post below, as it was forwarded to me in an e-mail. Feel free to leave your comments! Thanks!

143 DAYS

You couldn't get a job at McDonald's and become district manage rafter 143 days of experience.
You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon. You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.
You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after a 143 days of experience.
You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.
BUT....
From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate. That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.
After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World, and fill the shoes of Abraham Lincoln, FDR, JFK and Ronald Reagan.
143 days.
We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is - a start! AND, strangely, a large sector of the American public is okay with this and are campaigning for him.
We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are okay with this for the President of the United States of America?
Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol!

Random thought...or two

Friday! yahoo! Wearing jeans at work is always nice.
Speaking of work, do you ever feel unappreciated? I know I have lately - and it brings me down. I try to work as hard as I can to complete the daily tasks - and I guess that's all I can do - because I can't control other people's actions towards work. I suppose because I get here 30 minutes early, sometimes to start work (like for this week with a co-worker out) and sometimes to get myself caught up on bill paying, etc. before the day begins - so that I am ready for the day - I expect others to at least get here on time and start work. Nope. Not gonna happen. What I fail to understand is how some people can actually work LESS and be paid MORE - but I guess it happens everywhere. All I can do is worry about myself and my expectations for myself - but sometimes its difficult not to be negative when no one else seems to care. I used to think that I was the queen of procrastination - not so. There is a new head to be crowned. Why work harder when someone else will pick up the slack? OK, I am off of my soap box now.

So much for NaBloPoMo

I missed posting for two days - so much for keeping up with the daily grind!

Hot Stuff

irons - coals - branding irons - frying pans - stove tops - ovens - microwaved foods and beverages - curling irons - electric fences - light bulbs - flames - summer - campfires - exhaust pipes - car seats on a 100 degree + day - clothes dryers - sidewalks - metal slides on the playground - flannel shirts on a spring day - most playground equipment - flat irons - crock pots - lit matches - seat belt buckles - steering wheels - Christmas tree lights (when plugged end to end to end..) - attics - parking lots with no trees - theme parks - scalding water - dishwashers - unventilated rooms - dungeons - basements - pantyhose - wool socks - fajitas - heavy sweaters - the beach - summer - saunas - water out of a garden hose in the yard - boiling water - parking garages - bakeries - hell - deserts - middle eastern countries - the middle of nowhere with no electricity - engines - soup - dinner plates - fondue - hot chocolate - popcorn - collars - sleeves - shoes - suits - neckties - down comforters - turtle necks - glue guns - soldering irons - blow torches - woks - cayenne pepper - jalapenos - serranos - salsa - hot wings - bar-be-que sauce - spicy fries - potatoes - gas grills - tents - car races - heating pads - hot water bottles - mowing the grass (weeds) - summer - summer - SUMMER

From one extreme....

Sub-zero
Zero
Below freezing
Above Freezing
Artic
Icy
Really cold
Cold
Cool
Pleasant
Tepid
Lukewarm
Warm
Tropical
Balmy
Temperate
Humid
Really Warm
Steamy
Hot
Boiling
Burning
Searing
Volcanic

All this...and more....in just a few hours....in Texas

Hot - What's Not

People who think they are hot....are not necessarily hot.

People who are rude to store cashiers, fast food workers, waitresses....not so hot!

Winners who believe they did it all on their own....and did not....not hot.

The price of gas....definitely not hot.

When the price of milk is more than the price of gas....not hot.

When summer vacation turns into stay-cation....not hot.

The price of tickets to athletic events....not hot.

The amount of money paid to 'pro' athletes...not hot at all.

People who lie..again and again...not hot.

People who say one thing and mean another....not hot.

NaBloPoMo

National Blog Post Month - Theme: HOT

Here in Texas its HOT most any time of year. You can't count on the seasons to be 'true to form'...but if you don't like the weather...just wait...it will change with the wind. We're staring at triple-digit temperatures in our forecast for the next week, which means in a car with no windshield shade, your car can probably cook at least an egg - on the car seat! I know that HOT is the THEME for this month, but its NOT all about the weather, so future subjects will center on alternate topics around the theme.

A few parting thoughts:

1. We reserve the right to slap anyone who asks "Is it hot enough for ya?".
2. What exactly is the purpose of an 'extreme heat' watch as published by our local TV weathermen???
3. Why bother to put any percent of a chance of rain until you see the clouds directly overhead and the thunder booming? Seriously - a 20% chance of rain? Actually the clouds directly above could only be a result of a grass-fire caused by instantaneous combustion!
4. We would gladly welcome random tests of super-duper anti-perspirants anywhere in our vicinity ~ for men or women.
5. Take a chance and try to drink IN as much water as you sweat OUT. (I really don't want to actually measure that output, though!)

Thought for the day...

I would like to live my life in such a way that when my feet hit the floor, the devil shudders and says "Oh crap, she's awake!!"

Travels

I recently made a few trips...first to Dallas to board the plane to Tulsa where my friend Margaret picked me up..and thanks to Karen I had a ride to and from the Dallas airport!! She was heading to LasVegas with her family as I headed to Tulsa and we ended up on the same plane! Seems her flight had one stop in Tulsa. I stayed with Margaret and her husband Kenny, plus her granddaughter Chrissy was in town for a few days. She was a lot of fun, just learning to drive and getting ready for her 'sweet 16'...bought a hot pink dress and went to a photo shoot. They came out great.

Margaret went with me to my nephew Christopher's wedding to Kristen in Monett, Missouri. Margaret drove us there and back and the wedding was very nice. During the reception I read a poem I had written for the two of them, to more or less chronicle their lives from then to now and how they came to be paired. We got back late on Saturday, slept in on Sunday and my flight left that afternoon. When I arrived back in Dallas, I checked on Karen's flight, which was delayed, but as soon as I walked to her gate, they walked off the plane. Could not have planned it better. I am blessed to have such good friends to share their time, their vehicles and their friendship!!

...and we all fall down..

After reading about slugger's trip down the stairs...thought I'd make mention of a few falls I have endured:

Childhood: fell down the basement steps of my great aunt's home in Sedalia, Missouri, even though there was a railing. I still remember the musty smell of the basement and the dirt on my upper lip.

Junior high: backed up and fell into a manhole, but thank goodness, one arm and one leg remained above ground and my friends helped me up and out!

High School: took a tumble down the marble (?) stairs about once a week it seemed after English class. These were the days of 'platform' shoes/heels with dresses and knee socks - oh my!

Played "Lady Stumble" in my high school's rendition of "The Canterbury Tales from the Wife of Bath" and guess what?? I had to stumble/fall and generally bounce around in a full length 'princess' dress with two left shoes.

Adulthood: While camping in what seemed to be the middle of a monsoon one Labor Day - in a pop-up trailer near a lake at my sister-in-law's farm, just the other side of a dam...we thought we would float away. The next morning brought tons of mud, and of course, the need to make a trip to the bathroom. Not wanting to bother my sister-in-law and family in her trailer, my daughter and I decided to walk up to the house, just the other side of the dam. Yes, it was muddy, and as the alternative restroom facilities were considerably wet, bushy and prickly, the trek to the house seemed a minor inconvenience. Off we went, avoiding puddles and ruts of water, up one side of the dam which seemed to be drying off in the morning sun. Down the other side and through the gate, past the cows and cow patties, and to the house where we shook the mud from our tennis shoes and utilized the facilities. Heading back we followed our previously trekked path, but when we topped the dam, my foot slipped a little. My daughter was just about to the bottom when she heard me yell out "Help me, Lindsey! Help me!" I fell into the mud and slid down the dam towards the barbed wire fence on my side, landing about 6-inches from the wire. I was covered in mud - to say the least - as were my clothes, shoes, hair and all. Lindsey was laughing so hard and I was laughing too, trying to gain a footing to stand - though I really don't know why considering the condition I was in. We made it back to camp and gave everyone a great start to their day. I showered in my sister-in-law's trailer, while my mother in law rinsed out my clothes...but my shoes...my shoes were a loss and will be forever called - "My Dam Shoes". My brother-in-law claims the local college sent out its museum studies group in a helicopter for what appeared to be an imprint from a wooly mammoth on the side of the dam.

I have taken a fall: on freshly waxed floors - in a dress and heels - with no one around thank goodness; on a tile floor in a restroom at a retail store; on a linoleum floor at my son's daycare, with the kids all laughing and wanting me to "do it again"; near a dock when my sister urged me to get into her boat (from a little bit above on the land) - so I just sat/fell back - and she yelled out loudly - 'that's enough beer for you' so the guys on the other boat would laugh; in my parent's front yard, just stepping off the porch; in the parking lot of a store, tripping over the bold red cement markers put there so you won't trip!! That's all I can remember at the moment...but enough, don't you think??? No wonder I bruise easily - in anticipation of a fall, no doubt. I can proudly say, though, that I have had no broken bones. Guess I bounce.

Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives - But No Dribbles??

I love the food network! Have you ever watched Guy Fieri in "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" ? Its a great show and he is such a likeable person. I had to ask him a question, though - so I sent him an email - and I hope he gets a chance to read it.

If you've watched the show, you know that Guy is taking a "BIG BITE" out of whatever is served up and what I want to know....is HOW in the world does he keep from spilling anything down the front of those cool shirts he wears??? There is no bib or apron in sight - hardly a napkin either - but yet, there is never that tell-tale sign of even so much as a dribble of gravy or a dropping of cheese - on his shirt!! It makes me wonder if he socks away duplicates of all his shirts for each shoot - or if he carries a gross of Tide Stain Sticks.

All this to say that Guy does use a fork when necessary - and the occasional spoon - but I think he prefers the 'grab it with your hands' style so he can lick his fingers! So, come clean, Guy - as clean as your shirts - and pass along your tips for abstaining from stains!!!

Happy Anniversary

to my parents ~

53 Years together today!!

Congratulations,

Mom & Dad!

You are an inspiration!

Prom 2008 for my Senior Son

My proud Senior...before leaving for his Prom 2008. Looking sharp in his tux - and maybe I'll get lucky enough to get a picture of him with his date, too!

Hard to believe my "baby" will be graduating in two weeks!!

Time to Think about Relay!!

Here is a picture of our last year's Relay for Life Team - Cancer A-Go-Go. Ain't we cute?? We are raising money to fight cancer...and have hope for a cure from this disease that touches everyone.

Below is the link to my personal page - where you can learn more about Relay - and make a donation if you'd like! Thank you for your support!!

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeHighPlainsDivision?pg=personal&fr_id=5040&fr_id=5040&px=6132578

Two weeks gone by - no blog - but lots going on:
Nephew got married in southern Texas...long trip!
Son turned 18 and is now driving!!
I have a new job assignment - though in the same office for the same pay - but with a little bit different responsibilities.
Thats about it!

I've been TAGGED!!

Slugger(Conspiracy of Happiness ) has deigned to tag me with a considerably difficult meme especially given that it’s taken me this long to simply introduce the thing. So here’s the rules for those of you wanting to play along…and those of you who have no choice because YOU’VE BEEN TAGGED!
1) Write your own six word memoir
2) Post it on your blog; include a visual illustration if you’d like
3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible
4) Tag at least five more blogs with links
5) Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

Here's my attempt: Curly-haired girl, destined for humidty.

And now to tag: The Braunstein Family ; BuckUpCupcake ; Mrs. Mollie ;Driving with the Brakes On ; Yocum Family

Fiction 55 Friday!!

Fiction: “novels and stories that describe imaginary people and events”.
If that is the definition, I’m not so sure my Fiction 55 Friday entries are entirely accurate, as I tend to draw from personal experiences - or sometimes dreams – to write these little novelettes. I suppose fiction – real fiction – might be more interesting. Ya think?

Fiction 55 Friday!!

The pleading, cajoling, and frantic sighs of aggravation had to stop! Kit tried to contain her frustrations, but felt helpless. What will this morning’s interactions bring…a blank stare? Tenderly she began in silence. Biting her lower lip in anticipation, longing for success, she waited. After what seemed forever, a familiar reply: “Welcome, you’ve got mail!”

Fiction 55 Friday!!

Staring out the window at the snow-covered grass and northern exposed surfaces across the city, she smiles. Bright sunshine bounces off white crystals; the world looks crisp and clean. Black streets – wet and slushy - sharply contrast with flurry-filled medians. Turning back to the desktop, eyes adjusting from the glare – is it 5 o’clock yet?


~~Not entirely fictional today ~ it snowed!!

Happy Leap Day - 55

Leap for joy! Look before you leap! Leap Frog! “One giant leap for mankind….”; Quantum Leap; Leap of Faith; Lover’s Leap; Leap in!

From Mother Goose:
Thirty days hath September,April, June, and November;
February has twenty-eight alone,
All the rest have thirty-one,
Excepting leap-year, that's the time
When February's days are twenty-nine.

Jump!

Fiction 55 Friday!!

There it was…that all too familiar feeling that urged her to action.
“Again?” she thought. “Why does this keep happening? Just as I get comfortable, that sensation returns…and off I go! I can’t seem to concentrate at work, at home or even at the movie. Invading my mind and body 24/7…its those damn fluid pills! “

Fiction 55 Friday!!

Her heart was light. She grinned like a schoolgirl, blushing at the thought of her first crush. She felt she could dance on air, as her heart soared and seemed on the edge of bursting open to expose fireworks and shooting stars. Thanks, kids, for bringing Mom a Valentine balloon!!

Singing with Lutherans...by Garrison Keillor

I have made fun of Lutherans for years - who wouldn't, if you lived inMinnesota ? But I have also sung with Lutherans and that is one of the main joys of life, along with hot baths and fresh sweet corn. We make fun ofLutherans for their blandness, their excessive calm, their fear of giving offense, their lack of speed and also for their secret fondness for macaroni and cheese. But nobody sings like them.

If you ask an audience in New York City, a relatively Lutheranless place, to sing along on the chorus of 'Michael Row the Boat Ashore', they will look daggers at you as if you had asked them to strip to their underwear. But if you do this among Lutherans they'll smile and row that boat ashore and up on the beach! And down the road!

Lutherans are bred from childhood to sing in four-part harmony. (maybe thats why I just can't get it ~ but I make a joyful noise! ~M) It's a talent that comes from sitting on the lap of someone singing alto or tenor or bass and hearing the harmonic intervals by putting your little head against that person's rib cage. It's natural for Lutherans to sing in harmony. We're too modest to be soloists, too worldly to sing in unison.When you're singing in the key of C and you slide into the A7th and D7th chords, all two hundred of you, it's an emotionally fulfilling moment.

I once sang the bass line of Children of the Heavenly Father in a room with about three thousand Lutherans in it; and when we finished, we all had tears in our eyes, partly from the promise that God will not forsake us, partly from the proximity of all those lovely voices. By our joining in harmony, we somehow promise that we will not forsake each other.

I do believe this: These Lutherans are the sort of people you could call up when you're in deep distress. If you're dying, they'll comfort you. If you're lonely, they'll talk to you. And if you're hungry, they'll give you tuna salad!

The following list was compiled by a 20th century Lutheran who, observing other Lutherans, wrote down exactly what he saw or heard:

1. Lutherans believe in prayer, but would practically die if asked to pray out loud
2. Lutherans like to sing, except when confronted with a new hymn or a hymn with more than four stanzas.
3. Lutherans believe their pastors will visit them in the hospital, even if they don't notify them that they are there..
4. Lutherans usually follow the official liturgy and will feel it is their way of suffering for their sins.
5. Lutherans believe in miracles and even expect miracles, especially during their stewardship visitation programs or when passing theplate.
6. Lutherans feel that applauding for their children's choirs would make the kids too proud and conceited.
7. Lutherans think that the Bible forbids them from crossing the aisle while passing the peace.
8. Lutherans drink coffee as if it were the Third Sacrament.
9. Some Lutherans still believe that an ELCA bride and an LCMS groom make for a mixed marriage.
10. Lutherans feel guilty for not staying to clean up after their own wedding reception in the Fellowship Hall.
11. Lutherans are willing to pay up to one dollar for a meal at church.
12. Lutherans think that Garrison Keillor stories are totally factual.
13. Lutherans still serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color of the season and think that peas in a tuna noodle casserole add too much color.
14. Lutherans believe that it is OK to poke fun at themselves and never take themselves too seriously.
15. And finally, you know you're a Lutheran when:

*It's 100 degrees, with 90% humidity, and you still have coffee after the service.
*You hear something really funny during the sermon and smile as loudly as you can;
*Donuts are a line item in the church budget, just like coffee;
*The communion cabinet is open to all, but the coffee cabinet is locked up tight;
*When you watch a 'Star Wars' movie and they say, 'May the Force be with you',
you respond, 'and also with you';
*And lastly, it takes 15 minutes to say, 'Good-bye'.

May you wake each day with His blessings, Sleep each night in His keeping, And always walk in His tender care.

Note: ELCA = Evangelical Lutheran Church of America LCMS = Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod

Fiction 55 Friday!! - Double Dose!!

She was overcome by the sheer multitude of dots swirling in an endless maze before her. “What Happened?” she wondered. “Is it just my eyes?” She blinked hard, reached forward and steadied herself to focus on a singular spot. She was determined NOT to loose this round of “Chicken Foot”.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph. Is this true love or what?

55 Fiction Friday!

Since I met you in 7th grade speech class, you’ve always been there for me. Its almost like you know me inside out…and can pick out a song that speaks to my heart & thoughts. You can change my mood - or commiserate right along with me! Oh, how I love you, my radio friend.

Surprise!!

My daughter, son-in-law and son - plus my game night group - pulled one over on me!! They gave me a surprise birthday party last night...at my house, no less! LK had me over for dinner with J & R, then I was taken - blindfolded - to my house where I was told, my gift was in the back yard - and another in the house. When they lead me to the door and told me to step up, I was confused because there is no step in my garage. Little did I know they took me in the patio door...and when I took off the blindfold, there were about 30 people there to surprise me! I was stunned! Then a tiara and two sashes were bestowed upon me...yes, two sashes....one that said "Queen" in glitter, and one that said "Fabulous at 50" in gold letters. Then came the blinking button for me to wear on my sweater...and all the wonderful cards, hugs and gifts, to remind me of my birthday...! The game night group wrote several songs for me...that told stories about my life...to the tune of "Gilligan's Island", "Friends" and "The Adams Family"...hilarious!! Nate was missing...but little did I know he was in the bedroom, working on a DVD file to show everyone that included pictures from childhood forward...so funny!! By the time A, KK and K finished singing, the cake was lit and sliced, then out came the DVD. LK & R were 'freaked out' to see how much they looked like me when I was younger...and believe me, there were pics from most every 'stage' of life!! The theme of the party was 'Hollywood'...and I received an "Oscar" from LK..and a 'star' for the "Hollywood Walk of Fame"...the cake had a 'film' theme...and KK outdid herself. The little number on the top played a sad version of "Happy Birthday", then the group sang to me in the traditional SPLC Choir version of the birthday song...perfect! Lots of choir members were there, along with my parents, one of my sisters, dear friends from the old days at Sears...friends from work...and many more. Two nieces, a nephew and special friend from church made the party fun, too...and from what N & K tell me, they were most helpful. So many nice gifts...too many to mention...but LK, J & R outdid themselves with the planning...and getting me a new vacuum! Such cute decorations with a movie theme...and a pinata too...and sneaky LK...inviting all these people and not letting it slip at all! The house got really warm - even though it was SOOO cold outside...so we opened the doors. I laughed so much my mouth hurt...and boy was I thirsty! Several books on the "Big 5-Oh" to read...and laugh some more. The DVD video was so cute...and embarrassing...but what can you expect??? My best friend from high school was there...and brought me stuff to induct me into the 'red hat society'...and a bottle of "Crab-er-net Sauvignion" wine...complete with my picture...(a YOUNG one!)...and aged for 50 years...how appropriate. Gee, I need to sort everything out to write Thank You notes! The game night group stayed around to play a game til about 11 - fun writing headlines with cards - I think it was called "Man Bites Dog". I was so hyper I couldn't get to sleep til probably midnight...then was bright-eyed at 5AM - don't you just HATE that?!?!?!?! When you can sleep a little longer, and you wake up???

EOM

Gee, where has this month gone - and yes, I know its not quite the 31st...but looking forward to payday makes me think the month is over.

And with payday comes the bills...nothing like a little water leak in the yard to make that paycheck disappear a little more quickly....and how about that credit card bill I thought I took care of for two months....NOT! Yipes! I got more month to go and less pay to do it with!!

For Fiction 55 Friday...even though its just Thursday afternoon!

She licked her lips repeatedly. Was she just nervous or just anticipating total dryness on contact? Just as she thought…dry, bitter, and somewhat sharp. She tried again, holding her head at a tilt and her elbows bent in attempt to obtain improved results. Her wet tongue slipped slowly along the side. Oh those damned envelopes!!

To Wordy - on Fictional 55 Friday

Thank you much my wordy friend
For your Friday offering of rhyme
With admiration I look ahead
To your site’s new “look” sublime.

I enjoy the Friday challenge, though
And join you in fictional prose
To succinctly tell a quirky story
You know you’ve read some of those!

I’ll have to stop now. No more words…

New Year

Kicking off the new year - a new year for blogging - and reading other people's blogs!! Lets see, howsabout a recap of last year's stuff:
In no particular order:
* anxiety over threat of job loss - twice
* heart stomped on - my fault for thinking?
* still thinking
* lots and lots of laughs with game night group
* family drama
* work drama
* drama for drama's sake
* great, supportive friends & family
* c-pap to help sleep - still no extra energy
* dreams and nightmares still rampant
* fiction 55 fridays - fun!
* wishful thinking