The End of the Year

Wow. Its hard to believe. I've been wishing for months now that this year would be OVER and now, in just a few more days, it will be. FINALLY! 2007 has just not been a very good year, so 2008 has got to be better. There have been one or maybe two good things this year, but for the most part, nothing good has come of this year.

As of about a week ago, my kitty, Sebastian, has been missing. So please keep him in your thoughts to either bring him home safely, or hope that whatever family has taken him in, are treating him well. We sure miss the little guy. :-(

Anyway......here's to a fantastic 2008! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and has a FANTASTIC New year!

Love you all!

December, Christmas.....Really??

How can it be December, almost Chirstmas for that matter, and be 80 something degrees outside? How can this possibly be Christmas?? Now, I know that I live in Houston, and I know that it never really snows, except for a few special occassions that it was somewhat "white" in Houston, but come on. 80 degrees for Christmas??? Oh well. I know, I know.....if I don't like it, I could always move! Not gonna happen, so I guess I will just adjust. One of my very favorite sayings........."So, it ain't home sweet home, ADJUST"! hehehehee And now, its actually cold outside! Only in Texas can you use the A/C and the heater all in one day. I love the Christmas season though. I love to go look at all the festive lights! This house we saw was HUGE! there was not a place on it that didnt have lights. it was simply BEAUTIFUL:
Whats sad is one thing that goes through my mind when I see stuff like this is: OMG! Cud you just imagine their electric bill?!??! hehehehe It was gorgeous though. Several people in this ritzy neighborhood were having parties. You could tell from the catering vans in their driveways! Must be nice. We thought about crashing but kinda figured we weren't dressed appropriately and they would notice. Considering they were all formal and we were shorts or jeans and t-shirts. They'd prolly think we were the help!

Even Sebastian got in the Christmas lighting spirit:

Not that you can tell too much in this picture, but I love the way the purple lights look against his black fur. He's such a beautiful cat. Of course he's getting fat just like the rest of his family! hehehehee He's up to 15 lbs now the little heffer!

I had a friend of mine from Bermuda come to town and stayed a week and a half. It was nice, but dang! We ran, and ran and ran! I only got to take off three days from work to spend with her, but man, I was ready to come back to work just for a break after that! :-) and my GOD that woman can EAT! And I have no idea where she puts it all. Even after big meals she has desserts. Amazing really. Here she is actually enjoying what was left of her desert.......

She really cracks me up. I love it that it always surprises her that things really are bigger in Texas! We took her out to her very first country bar to see real live cowboys! (okay, so most of you know that most of the guys at the bar aren't really "cowboys" but they at least had hats on!!!)She had a ball! I think that Katey and Momma T actually got her on the dance floor a time or two as well. (I got sick and had to cut the evening short!) I think a good time was had by all. Makes me miss those days I would go dancing almost every night. I love to country dance! She must have been exhausted cause she didn't get up until very late the next day! I'm glad she had a good time. She got to meet Cam for the first time. They hit it off immediately!

They had more fun clowning around and playing! I think they wore each other out.

So now she's back in Bermuda and time for me to catch up on my relaxing. Now, if Mike would only go away I'd be much happier. I missed two, count them, I said TWO Christmas parties yesterday thanks to dear ole Mike. I'm still not sure if it was the alcohol I drank the night before or not. A friend of mine that had her gallbladder removed told me that she has problems with alcohol since she had hers removed. She said it makes her feel like she has a horrible hangover the next day even though she only had one drink. So, maybe.............but lets hope not!!!

I hope everyone is having a beautiful holiday season and I wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!!

This Week in Review

What a week. It seems like there was something everyday, but I'll only tell about the interesting parts! :-)

Saturday came with a horrendous rain storm. Gorgeous light storm though. After walking the length of two, yes I said two malls, and doing more shoping then I ever cared to do, we decided it would be a good time to just relax and watch a good movie. Momma T, Cam and I curl up in her bed and get comfy and ready for the movie. We are all comfy and in to the movie when we hear this little drip, drip, drip sound. So not a good sound to hear as its pouring down rain. Momma and quickly look up, and there coming from her ceiling straight onto the bed, is the source of noise. Fantastic! We stick bowls under it to catch the water as we call to the dh to come quick! He rushes in, sees the problem and promptly heads to the attic. He finds the source and decides he needs to go out on the roof to fix it. GREAT! Nothing like a mixture of rain, lightening, roof and the dh! He tells me to head to the attic as he heads to the roof to see if we can figure out where the rain is getting in. Of course, I make Momma stand on the ladder to at least be in the attic with me!!! Up on the roof, the dh starts pouring even more water on the roof so I can tell where it really starts leaking. Finally, source is located and the dh promptly goes to work fixing the problem. Meanwhile, I see this flashbulb moment go off in Momma's head when she realizes, um, that water that the dh was pouring into the attic was probably leaking through the ceiling onto the bed. OOOPPPS! She goes down to take care of that as I sit there in the attic all by my little self. As I am watching the roof above me start looking like its going to cave in with the dh walking around up there, I start to freak. So he finally finishes fixing the problem and comes to the attic to see what I was trying to explain to him about the "caving" in comments. Finally, problems all fixed. Thank GOD! Meanwhile, Momma comes back up the ladder to check out the progress and brings Sebastian up with her to take a look. Well, Sebastian had other ideas and lept from her arms and had a hayday running around the attic. Great. Note to self, never bring the cat to the attic!!! Thank goodness THATS over with!!!

Work was crazy this week. You would have thought it wasn't a holiday coming up with the way my bosses were working! We were short staffed so there was extra work to be done. After a few come aparts, I finally made it through the days and made it the days off! WHEW! Of course on my way home, I had to make that fateful stop at Randalls to get my ingredients for what I was bringing to the family dinner the next day. This consisted of the ever famous green bean caserole and sweet potatoe caserole. Evidently I am an expert at the sweet potatoes. Mom requests it every year.

I got home that night and set up in the kitchen to make my dishes and luckily I had the best little helper ever. Cameron came and just whipped up those sweet potatoes. He did a fantastic job. Meanwhile, Momma set up the green bean caserole since I had only made it one time before and lets just say, it wasn't my best work! More like green been soup! OOPS. Oh well. Momma was in charge so no worries. Everything gets prepared and all we have to do Thanksgiving morning is put it all in the oven for just a bit and we are good to go.

Thanksgiving morning comes and the dh puts the food in the oven and we start to get ready to go. All of a sudden, the dh remembers that the food is actually in the oven and we had taken it straight from the fridge to the oven so the outside of the dishhes was like WAY hot whereas the centers were ice cold. Its okay, its fixable. Stir it all up and try again. No problem. Crises averted. I throw some more marshmellows on the top of the taters and back in the oven it goes. Well, the dh had this grand idea of putting both dishes in the broiler for a few mins to toast the marshmellows and the french fried onions. Look how pretty the dishes turned out:

Dont they just look wonderful???? Okay, good idea in theory only. Note to self, dont put them in the broiler!!! There were flames and everything! The fire dept was darn near involved! Nothing like "blackened" green bean caserole and sweet potatoe caserole!!! Needless to say, we were late for lunch! All in all though, after the "blackened" parts were scrapped off, it wasn't so bad. Nobody seemed to complain. Of course they were prolly all silently laughing hysterically!!!

So after lunch, we sat down on the floor and played Swipe with the kiddos. We had a ball. I'm not sure who had more fun, us, or the kids!

Aren't they cute??? The dh, my niece, Amanda, and nephew Jack all laying on the floor playing the dice game Swipe. What a blast. Of course my niece decided that she was going to steal my husband. She promptly marched right over to me and informed me that SHE was his girlfriend!!! Now, I always figured he would get a girlfriend, but I was kinda hoping for someone a little older than 3!!! hehehe It was the cutest thing ever!

Finally it was time to go home. Cameron decided to drive us:

Pretty darn good driver for a six year old!!! Isn't he adorable???? The rest of the evening was simply spent relaxing and recovering from a HUGE meal. Boy was I stuffed.

We went to bed early as we knew we had to pick up a friend of mine at the airport the following morning at 8:45am!! For pete's sake! I dont have to work that day but I still had to be up!!! Oh well, it was well worth it. I haven't seen her in over a year and just love the fact that she is visiting. Originally is from Germany and is now living in Bermuda and working as a dive instructor. One of these days I'm going to make it out there to Bermuda to learn to dive. That would just be awesome! We pick her up from the airport and its home for her to rest a bit and then off to a late lunch for sushi. Yuck. Good thing THEY like it! Of course, our plan now for tomorrow is to decorate for Christmas!! yeah!!! my favorite time of yeart! I love all the decorations. I just think its all wonderful. So, Gee, do you think she's getting in the holiday spirit???



Isn't she adorable?!?!?! I will keep you posted on what transpires becasue I'm sure with her here there will be lots of adventures! In the meantime, I'm going to bed to prepare myself for tomorrow!!!

Hectic Days and Sleepless Nights

I just looked at the calender and realized that Thanksgiving is NEXT week! How did that happen? It just snuck up on me. The passed few weeks have just been absolutely CRAZY and have flown by.

I'm finally getting back to somewhat normal after surgery. Still finding foods I can't eat, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the side effects suck. But every day gets better, the pain less and less, and the incisions are healing and fading out. So, all and all, its good. Surgery on the other hand, is NOT so good. No matter how you have it done, it sucks. This has been a bad year for surgeries. Me, Andie, Cas, all right in a row, and now Cam had his tonsils out today (he's doing GREAT by the way) and then I found out yesterday that my dad will be having surgery before the end of the year also. GEEZ. Thats enough already! This year just has to be over. Between surgeries and deaths this year, I've had about enough of 2007!

We also had a little scare this week. My kitty, Sebastian, got out and decided to take a tour of the neighborhood. He was missing all night and all day. I just had this horrible feeling we'd never see him again. I hate that! Luckily, he had gotten over to the street behind us and ran in one of the neighbor's garages, who happens to be a cat person thankfully, and was scared to death. He had gotten lost I think. So, I went and retrieved him and brought him home. We were all constantly petting the poor little guy. No more outside priviledges for him. From now on, he will be strickly an indoor kitty. I did not sleep at all the night he was gone and then the night he came home, I actually thought I had slept pretty good, but my dh informed me that everytime he woke up, I was petting Sebastian. He told me that once I was even sitting straight up and petting him. Hmmm......think I missed him?!?!! I've never done that before. The most I do when I sleep is snore, so that was new one on me!!!

Surgery

No matter how you slice it, surgery sucks. I went into this whole experience with the idea that all was going to be 100% better as soon as the surgery was over. That is what I had been told also. Well, I'm not real sure why I actually believed that. Surgery is after all, surgery. They cut you open and it hurts. I'm sorry that I am not super woman and up running marathons on this third day after surgery. Nor am I milking it trying to get attention or trying to get sympathy. I'm simply trying to recover from my very first surgery ever as best as I can. This is all new to me so I had no idea what to expect.

So, let me start at the beginning. They wheel you off to the OR and tell you that they are going to give you a cocktail that makes it seems like you've had a few margaritas. Cool by me! I asked if they could throw in some amaratto with margarita, but evidently not. They throw that into my IV and wheel me into the OR. About all I had time to say was, Oh, so this is an OR? and i was out. In the meantime, the surgeron cuts three holes. One is a one inch deep incision into my belly button, one to the right of my belly button and one above it. Into one slit goes a camera so the surgeon can see where he's going and the other hole is filled with cutting equipment. They also filled my stomach cavity with gas to expand it so they could see what they were doing and where they were going. Gotta make sure they get the right organ you know? They go up and cut the gallbladder away from the liver and the other organs its is attached to and then pull it out along with the golf ball sized stone, out through my belly button. Hence the reason that incision is larger. Has to make room for the entire organ and the stone. Then they have to go back up and re-route the bile ducts to go a different direction then what it was originally set up for. Now, I was also told that this whole transaction was going to take about 20 to 30 mins. Well, it actually took about an hour and a half. The next thing I remembered was waking up in the recovery room. And not by my choice either. They were adamant that I wake up and I was not ready!!

Back to my room I go to finish waking up. The nurses were fantastic. Of course, I have to pass certain criteria before they will release me from the hospital. Those are, i have to get up and walk up and down the hall and I have to twinkle, twice. Now, this sounds all easy and stuff, but eh, not so much! however, the good part is, you are still on pretty good drugs so its not as bad as it could be. My biggest goal was to get out of there before 5p cause I didn't want to sit in Houston traffic. Pretty sad that that was the only thing I was concerned about huh?? So I pushed the gammet a bit and the nurse actually let me slide a bit and I finally got out there.

Now, the ride home.........OMG! That was horrible. All the starting and stopping and bumps on the roads and what not! I so thought I was going to die. The pain was awhful! I couldnt lay on my back because it was killing me and I for sure couldnt lay on my stomach and my sides were out of the question as well, so now what??? The other thing I wasnt quite so prepared for was the gas pain. They had told me that they were filling my stomach full of gas and that I would probably feel the pain in my shoulder. Which I thought was weird, but i figured okay they knew what they were talking about. Well, that pain stretched across my entire back. We finally make it home and I crawl in bed just bawling like a big ole baby. That was not happiness. My dh got me settled and gave me drugs and I tried to get some sleep. I cant tell you how many drugs I took that night, but not a single thing touched the pain. Then of course, once I finally did get to sleep, I was awake and having to move every two hours. They had also given me at least 2,000 cc's of fluid so of course, it was all making its way back out. Poor dh. I couldnt make it by myself so he got to get up every two hours also to help me. The more I moved the more it hurt. I know I needed to move around but dang, it sure did hurt.

Every day it gets a little easier. But I can honestly tell you, this is not what I expected. I dont understand how some people have been up running marathons and stuff the next day after this kind of surgery. Evidently some people seem to think its a very minor surgery and no big deal. Well, I hope they have to go through it and see the full extent of it. They really do cut your stomach muscles and it really does hurt. Again, I'm sorry I'm not super woman and can just jump up and run. And I'm sorry that my dh was nice enough to take off the week to help me when I needed help. But, this is how I have to deal with it, and it hurts, and if its not good enough, then I'm sorry. I dont need your help nor your sympathy anyway.

FINALLY!!!!

Woo Hoo! I finally know the due date of my bouncing baby gallstone! This Tuesday, the 30th, I will be getting rid of this little bugger and donating it to its momma (after the appropriate DNA tests, of course). I'm done with it. Its definitely going to be a soccer player cause it kicks up a storm!!! Of course, it took me all day to get the due date changed. They originally had it set for November 9th. It took a call from my internist to get them to change it.

One thing, OMG! My internist, Dr. Radoff, ROCKS! His nurse and he really went above and beyond for me and helped me out so much I can't even express all that they did. If any of you need an internist in Houston, I would highly recommend Dr. Radoff.

So ya'll be sure and send me warm fuzzy thoughts on the 30th. This will be my very first surgery EVER. And although its not a big deal, its all kinda weirding me out. But, I wont be alone cause Andie, my friend that is on my blog here with us, will also be in surgery on the 30th. She is having a hystarectomy, so please send her warm fuzzy thoughts also. Plus, Beth will be in my head so I really wont be alone!!! Hmmmm....wonder if the knock out gas will knock her out too???? hehehehee

Anyway. Off to take my good drugs that my favorite Doctor EVER prescribed me and go nitey nite!!!!

Surgies and Frustrations

Lasik surgey for Beth was a huge success!! She came through with flying colors from what I understand from her oldest. Who, I found out, loves me! Yeah!! She really made my night the other night, her oldest did. I won't go in to details, but its nice to know that they like me. I never knew how kids will perceive me, so its good to know that I can be a hit with a teenager. That rocks! So now Beth will be relaxing and recooperating until she can see again. it will be nice to have her back in commission again. Kinda weird not talking to her every day! :)

So, my appt........I went to meet with the surgeon on Thursday and guess what?? I have a gallstone! Can you believe that??? I would have never known had I not gone that day!!! hehehehe Now I'm just wating until they get around to calling me to find out when my surgery will be. Good thing is that he said they will start in the morning and I will prolly go home that same night. I'll be "uncomfortable" for three or four days, but other than that it should be all good. I know I'm just ready to get this little bugger out. And as soon as it comes out, its getting sent over to whoever is its momma! I think its going through its terrible twos or someting!

Then, I get home from my doc appt and talk to my parents to update them on whats up, and guess what?!?!?! My sis in law did it again! yet another attempt to "kill herself". Oh, but according to my brother she is NOT incapacitated. She is fully competent to handle herself. Yeah, okay! I swear. it just all makes me CRAZY! yes, I know, I'm already crazy that just adds to it!! heheheheehe

Anyway. I hope everyone is out enjoying this BEAUTIFUL weather we are having. I'm having a hot date with my heating pad on my couch while the hubby is playing a game. Woo hoo! we are SUCH the party animals!!! heheheehe

oh, and PS......prayer request........please keep my friend Andrea (not the Andi that is on my blog here, but another one) in your thoughts and prayers. She just found out her dad has cancer and will be having surgery on the 24th to try and get some of it out. Its in his eyes, arms and hands I believe she said. It just doesnt sound very good. I feel for her. Cancer is SUCH an ugly word!!!!!

MEN!!!

AAARRRGGGGHHH!!!! MEN! You know what, nevermind. Sometimes its just not even worth the effort.

Bouncing Baby Gallstone

Well, since Andi went and outed me, I now have to get a DNA test to see who is my gallstone's baby's momma is. All I know is that whoever is the lucky momma, YOU GET CUSTODY! This little thing is already a little terror! I go on Thursday, the 18th to my new surgeon, so wish me luck. Funny though, my surgeon I found out, even has his own myspace page. Kinda weird!

Is it too late to say, but its NOT mine?!?! heheheehe

Well....

Its official!!! I get to have surgery! Woo Hoo! My very first surgery in my entire life. My bouncing baby gallstone is 2 and 1/2 centimeters big. I'm so proud!

Wish me luck!! :-)

I am just the luckiest one!!!!!!

Now I don't want all ya'll be jealous or nothing, but, I had my little doctor visit this morning and had my abdominal ultrasound and my upper GI, and guess what?!?!? I am the proud momma of a 1 inch round gallstone!! Yeah me! I know ya'll are all jealous right now, but try not to be okay? :-)

It was actually pretty interesting. I got to see the inside of my body. All kinds of different organs. It helps to smooze the techs!!! Hence the reason I actually already know that I have a gallstone because the tech showed it to me. shhhhh!!! don't tell anyone! hehehe It was very interesting looking. No wonder I've been in pain. Little bugger! Now, I have to say, drinking the whole barium thing was NOT happiness. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but still not something I'd like to rush out and do again. The first time wasn't so bad, but the second and third times, I was pretty much done with it!!! and of course, they evidently angered the little bugger by taking its picture cause now he is causing me much pain!

So now I get to sit and wait for the doc to call and tell me the results of my test and what the next step is. From what I am reading on it, it appears to me that it will probably be surgery and they will go on and remove the whole gallbladder. Luckily its not a bad surgery or anything so no worries there. Maybe one overnight stay at the hospital. Hmmmm.....wonder if while they are in there sucking out the gallbladder if they could suck some fat out too? Think I'll ask! hehehee

I got really tickled at a story that the tech told me about. She told me that this 16 year old girl and her mom came in and the tech was asking if there was anyway the girl could be pregnant and the girl was very adamant that there wasn't any way possible that she could be pregnant. So, they proceed with the ultrasound and momma is standing there looking at the screen, watching as the tech is exploring. Well, low and behold, guess what they found?!?! Yep, a baby. And a pretty far along baby at that! Of course mom went ape and started yelling at the 16 year old and I kid you not, the girl looked at her momma and said, "ITS NOT MINE!!!"

Seriously, you can't make this stuff up!! hehehehee

I'm Tired

What a weekend. All I have to say is thank God its Sunday, and its raining so its a very good excuse to do nothing but relax and not feel guilty about doing nothing. Plus there is a Law & Order CI marathon on today, so I would sure hate to miss it. hehehee

So, my date on Friday night........Huge success! We had such a good time. We were such the party animals that we actually closed three places down! First the Woodlands Mall, then Barnes and Noble and then the Cheesecake Factory. I had so much fun shopping with the girls. I even got to play a joke on mom! I had her youngest get the skimpiest formal dress we could find and sneak it to try it on. When she came out of the dressing room, I thought Beth was going to fall on the floor she was laughing so hard!!! Then we set off for Barnes and Nobel. We sat on the floor at Barnes and Noble for the longest time looking at books. I could stay in there forever!!! Then we went over to Cheesecake Factory and had five, yes, I said FIVE pieces of cheesecake. But, to our defense, there were four of us and we did get an extra for her to take back to the hubby. They were soooo good. We got five different types so we could all try them. The girls were hillarious and so beautiful! I had so much fun with them. They tried on cloths and just had a ball. They are so outgoing. After all the running around we did, we finally ended up standing out in the rain in the parking lot still chatting. Its funny cause I felt like I've known her forever and we just had no problems chatting. And I have to say, I was proud of her hubby. He only called one time the whole night. Of course I didn't make it home until almost 2am!! That woman keeps me out past my bedtime!! hehehehee All and all I really had a good time, and hopefully she did too. We'll just see if my "date" calls me or not for a second date! heheheehe Oh and sorry, I didn't have my picture phone so I couldn't take any pics that night to post. but next time (if there is a next time) :-) Of course, by the time I got home, I couldn't fall asleep so I laid down on the couch to watch Forensic Files and finally fell asleep about 3a only to wake up again at 5a and finally crawled in bed. Of course then I was awaken at 8a to go eat breakfast!!

Then Saturday. We start off by going to eat breakfast at one of our favorite breakfast spot. It was nice to just sit and relax and Momma T had brought coloring books for her little one, so the four of us sat there and colored for awhile also. Finally we decide, hey, lets go to Dewberry Farms. I have no idea what this is, so I figure, hey, what the heck.

We pile back in the car and off we go. Of course, we had to make a pit stop to the phone store and I finally got a new phone. YEAH!!!!! I love it! it Rocks!! After that, we are off to the Farm.There is soo much to do at this place! We couldn't do everything and we were there for four hours! Cam had a blast. Running from activity to activity. He wore me out just watching him!! This place had a corn maze on it that we went through. it was amazing! I would love to know how they did that! Here is a picture of Cam at the entrance to the maze:

Isn't he just adorable!?!? It was soo much fun watching him.






Then we have the two giant hamsters......





They were racing until the hubby lost control of his wheel and went ass over apple cart. Opps.







We had a ball. There is just soo much to do there. Cam did his best to do all of it though I'll tell ya. Oh well. I guess next time.

Here is our tractor ride riding in little corn cars (cam with me in front of him, and then the dh off to the left:

and to end our evening, we had the most gorgeous sunset......





We finally made it home prolly around 8p. After the night before, I was exhausted and just couldn't fall asleep cause I was so wound up.



Thank goodness I have today to catch up!!!!

My Big Date

Okay, I'm scared. I feel like a nervous little school girl on her first "real" date. Anon's (now known as: Beth (she didn't like the anon name, so we gave her a new name!!)) hubby, my EX, actually consented to she and I meeting for dinner. He's not fully comfortable with it mind you, but has consented nevertheless. Of course, she promised him we weren't going to sit around and compare notes or anything, so maybe that made him feel better. But GEEZ, that was 20 years ago, so I hardly even remember any notes to tell her about! I'm getting old you know?? hehehe Or maybe he's worried I'm going to convert her. I am after all, physco as we all well know. :-) But they say physco like its a bad thing!!!

So anyway. We are meeting at the Cheesecake Factory tonight. She is bringing their two beautiful daughters, so I'm already gonna be outnumbered.

Of course with any big date, I got up this morning and made sure I washed my hair and tried to make it all look nice. I have to make an impression you know!?? And of course, wouldn't you know, I'm having a very bad hair day. It never seems to work when you want it too! Then you try and find cloths and of course, I couldn't find a thing I wanted to wear. That whole being FAT thing has really limited my clothing options! :-) Oh well. Good thing she got to know before she saw me right?? And of course, SHE is going early so she can get her hair cut, so HER hair is gonna look all good. Now THAT's not fair!

Now the funny thing though, I wonder just how nervous her hubby is gonna be all night.......Wanna bet he calls her 100 times or so? As Andi said, paybacks a bitch!! Shouldn't have done what you did to US all those years ago! heheheehe j/k

Wish me luck!! Hopefully she won't hate me after she actually meets me!! hehehehee I'll keep ya posted!

Ahhh.....Life.....

Life is finally beginning to have a simblence (sp) of normalicy. I got over strep throat only to give it to my housewife and her kiddo. Couldn't help it. You know how I like to share and misery LOVES company! hehehehe But now they are on the mend and hopefully things will now get back to what is supposed to be normal.

Saturday night I got to have dinner with two old friends that I have not seen in forever. It was so nice to catch up. I can't even remember the last time I saw them. Obviously WAY too long ago. We sat and had margaritas and mexican food. What better way to spend the evening?!?!? Of course, as we all parted, we all vowed to not let such a long time pass before we got together again. Don't we always tend to do that though and then before you know it, years have gone by. Maybe I'll make that one of my new year's resolutions this year. Maintain closer contact with friends. Sounds good right? Wonder if I can keep it?!?!?!?! Of course, now that also applies to the friends. I can't do it without their help! (hint hint hint) :-) Or hmmm...maybe I'm the one that should take the hint and figure it out that they don't want to hang around me!! Nah, that can't be it. You can't help but love me!!! hehheheehe (man, I sure crack me up! hehehee)

Sunday was spent most of the day chatting online to my newest online BFF. Of course, I have yet to talk to her other than via instant message. I feel like we are online dating or something! Kinda cute actually. But man, that girl can sure get in my head. Scares me sometimes. I do wish however, while she's in my head, it would be nice if she'd clean some of those cobwebs out of there! :-) One day though, we'll have a real "date". I'll keep ya posted on that! I hear the Cheesecake Factory at the Woodlands Mall calling our names!!

After logging out of my online romance, we all loaded up (the housewife, her kiddo, my dh and I) and went to my new favorite restaurant. The Carriage House Cafe. OMG! Its such good food! and soooo much of it for GREAT prices. Its basically home cooking with some BBQ thrown in for good measure. It is wonderful. From time to time, we get a group of people together to go on a road trip for food. Normally its to Brenham. But, this next time, I think I'm going to suggest going to the Carriage House. Its just soooo good!!!

Then came Monday. Have I mentioned lately that I'm just not fond of Mondays? Seems like everything just goes haywire on Mondays. I popped off yet ANOTHER crown and got to go back to the dentist Tuesday to have it put back on. Another day of not eating. I know, not like I couldn't use to miss a few meals! But hey, Conan like food! heheheehe So, now that is fixed and all is right again.

Next week, keep me in your thoughts. I get to go have an abdominal ultrasound and an upper GI to see what is the cause of my ailments. The doc seems to think its my gallbladder considering I have the four "f" factors that make me at a higher risk for gallbladder disease. You will all be happy to know that I didn't punch out the doc after he told me what those four factors were!!! For those of you that don't know, they are: FEMALE, FORTY, FERTILE and my personal favorite - FAT!!!! Nice. Geez. I lost 14 lbs what else does the man want!?!? Dam men. Never satisfied. Of course, what do you expect.......all men have that genetic defeact called a "Y" chromosome!!! heheheehe Thats okay. I started giving him such a hard time that he couldn't take my blood pressure correctly from laughing so hard. That'll teach him! Of course, he then told me my BP was high to which I promptly responded that it was his fault for telling me I was FAT! :-)

Oh well. Just another day in my world!! hehehe

Manic Mondays

Have I mentioned that I hate Mondays?!?!? AAARRRRGGHH! Today has definitely been a crazy day and its only half over!

I start my wonderful Monday out by getting up late. As I start my morning ritual, I listen to the news and of course, my freeway is at a stand still because of a wreck. Now, of course the accident is outbound and I am going inbound, but everyone has to stop and stare at all the pretty flashing lights. So, I think great, I'm already late and now I'm really going to be late!

I jump in my truck ready to tackle the traffic and as I sit at a light not far from my subdivision, my truck dies. Fantastic! I'm sitting there in the middle of the road at what is now a green light, and all I can think is I have to get to work today!! I have a million deadlines that have to be done today! GREAT. Now what. Luckily my truck decides to start and I call the dh and tell him about it so he tells me to turn around and come back and get his truck. I head back to the house, and he has evidently had time to think about all this and has decided that it would be easier to just change my battery out for his. Not sure who's world that would be eaiser in, but okay. We get the batteries changed and I am once again on my way to work.

Just then, my phone rings and its my friend Michelle. She tells me that they took my godson to the ER last night because he got hit in the eye with a baseball. Well, that's special! Luckily he is okay, but he does have a concussion. Poor guy, but isn't he cute!?!?!?!

At least he is okay even if his little eye is swollen shut! I told her he should tell people, "well if you think I look bad, you should see the other guy!!!" heheheheehee

So I finally arrive at work only to find a lovely email awaiting my arrival. One of my fellow fire fighters from Cypress Creek VFD has passed away. He went to the ER last night with a shortness of breath and they found numerous clots in his heart. Unfortuantely they were not able to do anything for him and he passed away. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thats enough for one Monday, so hopefully the rest of the day will go better!!!! :-)

New Friends in Unusual Places

Have you ever spent almost half your life disliking someone only to find out that you actually really like them once you get to know them? Its quite an interesting feeling really. Something I never would have expected.

I have known who this person was for probably 20 years. But she was always the one "who stole my man!" so of course, I didn't much care for her. And you know how it is when you are young and dumb, its always easier to blame other people for things not working out. So, that is what I did. Its funny though, things always have a way of working out though.

I recently joined a website for my old high school. You can hook up with all your old friends from school on it. Kinda neat actually. No, its not classmates.com. I actually joined kleinforestalumni.com. Well, it also shows alumni from other schools as well. So of course, I came across this particular person. Took a peek at her site to see what "they" were up to. Oh, I failed to mention that she married this man of mine that she stole! hehehee Anyway....we spent some time peeking at each other's profiles, so I finally decided you know what, I'm just going to say hello. What do I have to lose right? Other than she could have just seriously gone off on me so I actually was a bit concerned about what I was going to get back! Oh well. No pain no gain! So, I popped her an email and just said hello and commented on how beautiful their two girls were. How could anyone get mad at that right??? :-)

Well, she sent a nice reply back, and we actually spent time emailing back and forth and you know what, I actually like her! We have a lot of things in common. Its interesting really. We don't spend hardly any time discussing the past, other than to take a few stroles down memory lane. But never in a negative way. Its always been positive. We've really had some great laughs over the whole thing. And it has really brought back some great memories and things I have long forgotten. Of course sometimes she keeps me up way past my bedtime chatting though!!! hehehehehee I just can't help it! She cracks me up! Oh, and did I mention that she cracks herself up also?!?!? hehehehee

I love hearing about her two beautiful daughters. They are amazing. Its funny to hear about how different they are. I get almost as excited as she does listening to her talk about her youngest's volley ball games! I love it!

Who would have ever thought she and I would end up talking. I'd sure like to see the looks on a few people's faces if they only knew!!!!

This is interesting.....

I was playing on the internet, yes of course, when I should have been working (shut up Anon!) and found this little quiz thing. This is what it said about my "life path".

Your Life Path Number is 6

Your purpose in life is to help others You are very compassionate, and you offer comfort to those around you. It pains you to see other people hurting, and you do all in your power to help them. You take on responsibility, and don't mind personal sacrifice. You are the ultimate giver. In love, you offer warmth and protection to your partner. You often give too much of yourself, and you rarely put your own needs first. Emotions tend to rule your decisions too much, especially when it comes to love. And while taking care of people is great, make sure to give them room to grow on their own.

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatisyourlifepathnumberquiz/">What Is Your Life Path Number?

Opps!

Okay, My bad. I've been corrected. "Its" is not spelled correctly. It is actually spelled "Itz". Sorry. My bad!! :-)

Its

Have you ever heard of a place called "Its"? What is an Its?? Well, I found out on Saturday. It is something like an Incredible Pizza or a Dave and Buster for kids. SOOO much better than the Chuck E. Cheese days. Man I hated and still do hate, Chuck E. Cheese!!! That annoying little Mouse!!

Cameron decided that he wanted to go to Its on Saturday so we all packed up and away we went. He was soo good on Friday that we decided he deserved a nice day of family fun. I just wish I had half of that boy's energy! First order of business once we got there was food. Of course, they have the standard pizza buffet, very similar to CeCes Pizza. And of course, you get salads, pastas, spuds, etc. The best part, FREE ICE CREAM for desert. Now, thats what I'm talking about!!! After we had our fill of the buffet, it was off to the game room.

That boy ran from one thing to another like there was no tomorrow. He was having a ball! He rode the bumber cars and the little train and played more and more and more games. I swear by the end of it all he had over a thousand tickets that he won! It was incredible. And it was awesome to see him smile from ear to ear and just laugh and laugh. He needed a good time. He was sooo exhausted by the time we left, but he sure fought off sleeping.

We all piled up in Momma's bed and watched Firehouse Dog. OMG! What a cute movie! We had soo much fun. But man was I exhausted!!! I just loved watching him have such a great time!

Question...

How many times do you have to "try" and commit suicide before you get the help you are evidently asking for?

My sister-in-law ("SIL") must be now on her 100th time of trying to kill herself and still her phychaitrist won't commit her. Every time she does this, she takes pills and then tells someone hey, I took pills! So she is taken to the ER where she is given charcoal or has her stomach pumped. This last time she did it twice in one day except the first time she took her pills, went to the ER, had some charcoal and went home. So, evidently she got bored around midnight or so got up and called 911 and told them that she had drank a whole bottle of 409. My brother was awaken by an officer telling him they were taking the SIL to the hospital yet again. The first time the ambulance picked her up she told them that she just wanted to go to sleep and that is why she took all the pills. Not real sure what taking the 409 would have done for her. However, after all the tests were performed, it turns out, she never actually drank the 409. Now this was just last week!

Now, why after all the trips to the hospital and all the "suicide" attempts does someone not step in and give her some help? We can't commit her becuase she is free white and over 21. She commits herself and then gets frustrated after three days of things not helping and checks herself out again. So, now what? My poor mother goes over there almost every single day to take care of the two kids who have to live in this unstable environment.

I just dont understand why it is that she is still allowed to live in this home with these two children putting them at risk when she is obviously asking for help and her doctors wont give it to her.

Now what??????

Life

One of my favorite quotes has to be:

"...life was like a box a chocolates, never know what you're gonna get."

Isn't that the truth? Do you ever look back at your life and think, dang, that's not what I thought it would be at all. This is definitely not where I thought I would be at this age. I think I must have missed something along the way. Maybe I zigged when I should have zagged. Not sure, but this is definitely not where or how I thought I would end up. Not that I had a great plan or anything. I just know that if I did have a plan back then, it wasn't this.

Yes, I'm having a pitty party, and yes, everyone is invited! You know what they say, misery loves company. :-)

I just hate when you look back at things and wonder, where did I go wrong? Why me? or Why not me? Somebody told me once, well, she never gave me a reason NOT to love her. Okay well, I never did either so why am I not loved anymore? What do all these women that are desired by so many and sought after by so many have that I dont have? Other than of course the obvious, the whole looks thing. Of course, looking at some of the people that I am refering to, its not like they are drop dead goregous either, so what gives? And of course, this was all after they made me believe that they missed me and that they really did still love me and that they felt like they made a mistake letting me go. Don't all women want to feel that way? Don't we all want to feel like there is that one someone out there that just feels like they can't live without you and they can't wait to be with you again and would move heaven and earth to be there? Of course, bottom line is, its all BS. They dont care. At least that is how its always worked out for me. I've made alot of mistakes in my life just wanting to be desired and loved. Guess some of us are just destined not to have that. It sucks grasping at straws that aren't really there but that are being dangled out there in front of you just for fun. Kinda messes with the whole self esteem thing. which of course, I never had much to start with.

Things you don't.....

Expect to hear on the Food Network:

1 = Anyone eating an artichoke, oughtachoke!

2 = I'm sweating like a fat girl writing her first love letter!!

3 = I have a camera.......Its called Food Porn!!!

4 = Butter my bun baby!

And things you dont expect to see:

Six well-built attractive men carrying in a buttload of butter! OMG! what could be better?!?!?!

And last but not least, Paula Dean eating butter out of the hand of one of those well-built attractivve men and then eating down his arm! DAM! Lucky woman!

July 29th

Today is both good and bad. Bad because its my friend, Cheryl's birthday. It will be the first time in six years or so that I haven't spoken to her and told her happy birthday. Of course, I did tell her, and I know she heard me, but its just not the same. I miss her so much. Every day it gets a little more bearable, but the pain and the whole in my heart will always be there. I had a little moment yesterday when I looked over and saw Keisha's picture and started thinking of her and of Cheryl and the dam just burst. Of course I then also realized Ihadn't taken my meds that day!!!!

On a good note however, its also my dads birthday. So I can think of that as well. My grandmother decided to throw a "surprise" party for him this year which will be the first time in FOREVER. Of course we just got done dropping off the dh at the airport for a week so I wont be bringing the husband to the party. He always seems to be gone when these little get togethers happen. I think he does it on purpose!!! But hey, I have my other half, my housewife, to go with me instead!!! Should be interesting!!!

After today, its back to work after being off for awhile. Now, that sucks! :-)

Vacation

Ahhhh.......vacation! I have not had a real vacation in I can't tell you how long. Finally, we all decided its time. So the house note won't get paid on time, or hey, the electricity may get cut off, but dammit, I'm taking a vacation! Of course the one thing about vacations is that it sure is nice to come home!

Day One:

We are all excited. Get off work early and head home to pack up and hit the road to Orlando, Florida. Four adults, and three children in one vehicle. Finally we are on our way. not to far down the road, up comes one of the tops on the totes we are using for suitcases and out flys the dh's brand new astros' cap. Dang. We stop and redo everything and out on the road once again. Few more miles down the road, and the top on the other tote pops up and out comes ONE croc shoes for the youngest child. Well dang again! Well, now its even. We've lost one thing out of each tote. Next stop, Walmart for duct tape. Duct tape fixes everything you know! We taped them bad boys up so tight there was NO getting in them. Finally, off we go again. Then, WHAM! pot hole..............and flat tire. Fantastic. Off to a beautiful start and we aren't even out of Texas yet! We pull over onto the shoulder a little ways behind a police officer who was obviously in the middle of a speed trap. We flashed our lights at him and everything and that bastard just drove off. nice way to help out the community! Nothing like standing out on the side of an extremely busy highway trying to change a flat tire. Finally, tire changed and we all load back up. At this point we are all thinking, maybe we should call it off and go home!

We finally arrived in Mobile, Alabama at 5 a.m. and visit Michelle's grandmother for a little bit and all take naps. Off again to our finally destination. Finally arriving in Orlando. Thank GOD. We unpack and relax. Monday its off to Sea World. It rained on us the entire day but OMG did we have fun. I have not ridden a rollar coaster in I can't tell you how long and some how got talked into riding one CRAZY coaster! It was fantastic! We went upside down and round and round in circles and straight down! Holly cow! They took the picture below as we were in one of the turns. the force had pushed my head down and I couldn't pull it back up. it was awesome!

We picked the best time to ride it since it was somewhat rainey and everyone else had ridden it earlier so we didn't have much of a wait at all.

Next day it was off to the beach. Luckily again it was overcast so it wasn't too unbearable. We had so much fun playing in the surf. It was Andrew, my god son's, first time ever at a beach and we had so much fun watching him! I also learned a valuable lesson. One which I already knew but was WAY too stupid to remember. you can STILL get sunburned when its overcast! Beautiful! I got soooo burned! It was well worth it though. We had a ball. We also went to Ron Jons which is supposed to be a very well known surf shop. Never heard of it personally, but OMG! that place was HUGE! It was two stories and had just about everything in it you could imagine.

Our last day was spent relaxing by the pool at the house we rented and getting everything in order to come home. We packed everything up and headed home, deciding to drive straight through. We finally arrived by midnight. OMG was it ever good to be home. I missed Momma and Cam and all the animals more than I realized I would. God it was nice to see everyone. We stayed up until after 2a just chit chatting and catching up on everything that had happended during the week. It was fantastic.

On a different note, I was catching up on everything on the computer since I was computerless for over a week, and was checking on some myspace sights. Its interesting to me how some people can talk about "finding out who your friends are" thinking that they got screwed by their friends when in fact, they were the ones that have screwed people. I guess that is what karma is all about right? This person that I am speaking of, now lives in Arizona (yes, some of you I am sure know how this person is) and has the nerve to put one of my very favorite songs on her myspace page, "Find out how your Friends Are" by Tracy Lawrenece. I sure hope that she got screwed as bad as she screwed me. What comes around goes around.

Another side note.....I also found out today, that what I spoke of earlier in a different post, has now happened. At work, they have fired the other secretary and it looks like one of the big boss's daughters will now be the other secretary. Fantastic. That should be loads of fun. I will keep you all posted, but in the meantime, please please please wish me luck.

Lesson Learned the Hard Way

Cat (a/k/a ME), plus naked, plus bath tub full of water, plus Stormy (my cat), plus Sebastian (my other cat) = disaster. Human vs. two cats ........ the cats win!!

I was taking a bath the other day and Stormy decided to jump up on the side of the tub to say hello. She was facing me with her butt hanging over the side of the tub. Well, Sebastian, being the joker that he is, decided he was going to play. So, he jumped up and goosed her scaring the ever loving daylights out of her. She falls in the tub, in my lap, with claws just a wailing. All I could do was close my eyes and in one fail swoop I reached out to grab the cat and throw her out. Everything in our path went flying across the bathroom. I surveyed the damage and looked at all the blood pouring down my fingers and on my feet. Other than fileting my fingers and feet, I got off pretty lucky!!

And I know that little snot Sebastian was over there dying laughing at the whole thing. Especially after I promptly got out, fixed my wounds and scooped up Stormy and cut them darn claws!!!

You know, they should really make knives out of cat's claws. Them little bastards are SHARP!

Stop the world, I wanna get off!!!

Ever feel like you've pissed off all the Gods at one time? I guess if I'm gonna do it, I may as well do it right, right?? So, once you've successfully pissed them off, how exactly do you make them happy again?

It all started going south yesterday when I finally gave in and let my grumpy old man (a/k/a my 15 yr old cat, Bear) be taken to the vet. He has been sick, and I've known this, but I always hate taking him in cause they always give me bad news. But I decided to do what was right for a change and we made an appt for him, Momma T's grumpy old man, Tommy, and my black lab Tawne. Poor Tawne has always had issues. She pees when she sleeps so that definitely needed to be taken care of. I knew it was going to be somewhat expensive and was not looking forward to that. But, I was blown away when I found out the total! OMG! It was more than I pay for my own office visits for pete's sake! I had obviously angered the pet Gods somehow!

As I am on the phone getting financially raped by the vet, I get an email from one of my bosses saying, I need to talk to you after five. Beautiful! You just gotta love getting that message. Of course I promptly respond back and say, um, ok, but if your going to fire me, do it now cause I aint staying late to get fired!!! And all I wanted to do was go home. I was exhausted. I had only slept a couple of hours the night before and I really reallly wanted to just go home and crawl into bed. But NOOOO!!!! Guess the Sleep God was angered! I promptly walk over to the boss's office at 5p only to find the big boss siting in there chatting away. I got to wait til almost 5:45p to talk. Time God evidently pissed! Of course she promptly tells me news that makes me oh so not happy. Of course I can't repeat it here yet cause its not public knowledge yet and not 100% confirmed. All I know is it will not be happiness. Obviously angered the Work God.

Finally I am on the way home and decided to crank up the music and just jam. I was rocking and rolling and just a swinging to the music. You should have seen the looks I was getting. And you know what, I didnt' even care. I was jamming to the song Crazy Bitch by Buckcherry. If you haven't heard it, OMG, its hillarious. There is no way you can sit still while listening to it. Definitely my theme song. I guarantee you there are several people that think I'm definitely a Crazy Bitch!! I make it home where I get asked a question befitting the whole day. Do you want a margarita, Momma asks!!! Well hell yeah I reply. Thank God she understands me. Off to my favorite mexican food joint for my favorite amaretto margarita. Man are they stout! Fantastic. Starting to feel better. I make it home to crawl into bed, but of course, I have to stop and check email first. Stupid me. Nothing like drunking emailing. Never seems to work out well. That must be the email Gods now.

This morning I get up thinking surely today will be better right? Its a fresh new day. A brand new start. WRONG! It was cute that I thought that though huh??? Along comes the angry Traffic God. During my lovely hour drive to work, I got into three, count them, three, altercations. And seriously, only one was my fault. Michelle as my witness. She was on the phone with me the entire drive in listening to me explain all the beautiful things that transpired the day before. My pet peeve, slow drivers in the fast lane. AAARRGGHHH! I got behind this guy that was just putting along in the fast lane, the cars in front of him miles ahead. So, I put my blinker on and got in the middle lane and started to go around. Well, that obviously made him mad so he started to speed up. But, Chevy Tahoe versus POS. Which do you thnk won? hehehe I was approaching a dump truck so I popped over in front of the guy. Now he was mad. He finally came up next to me again, and just glared at me. I laughed and promptly started smiling and waiving and telling him that I hoped he had a great day. Michelle is laughing now telling me I've lost my mind. This guy must have driven past me and glared at least three times. and all three times, I smiled and waved and wished him a nice day which seemed to make him glare harder. So now I decide okay, time to move from the fast lane into the middle lane. I put my little blinker on, and move on over. I'm minding my own business, ranting away on the phone, when this lovely little hispanic guy decides he wants my lane, and he wants it NOW. Nevermind the fact that um, I'm using it!!! He almost side swiped me. Full side impact. So, I honk cause surely he didn't mean to come over right? He promptely starts cussing me and telling me to get off the phone. I'm sorry, but what did me being on the phone have to do with him being a dumbass? Maybe he has a phone phobia. Really not sure. So of course I start cussing back and he pulls in behind me and tries to see if his little car would fit up my tahoe's ass. So hey, being the accomodating person that I am, I proceed to stop quickly to help him find out. I mean really, he obviously needs this information for some reason right? Of course, Michelle is getting a play by play of the action and thinking great, I get to hear a murder. Well, at least she could say that I didn't start it. I had my witness dangit! I might be dead, but dammit I was right. Make sure that's on my tomb stone okay? :-)

He finally goes away. I am pulling into my building area and think, OMG, its almost over, I'm almost to the parking garage. I turn onto the street in front of my building and coming straight at me, in my lane, is yet another car. Oh for pete's sake. I just stopped in the middle of the road and started laughing. Surely this could not be happening right? Finally the genius realizes, oh, hey, I'm on the wrong side of the road!!! Dee ta dee! ya think? Good lord.

Finally Im safe and sound and work. Of course with all the info I got the night before, work is just giong so well. So lunch comes around and the other secretary says, lets get out of here. So I of course say, okay, but YOU drive. She decides she wants Whataburger so off we go. Whatever. at this point I dont care. We get in her car, and her a/c doesn't work. Great. Off to a good start. We proceed to the nearest whataburger and turn down this road that ends up being a dead end. Beautiful. We turn around to get to another road, and guess what.......a Train!!! woo hoo! Welcome to my day. I just had to laugh.

Finally it gets to be the end of the day and dang it, I'm going home. I get in my truck and think hopefully it will start! Oh, did I mention that my truck was not running right this morning either??? I really thought it was giong to die sitting in traffic. Now that would be fun huh? Anyway. I left work at 6:15p and though well, at least traffic will be gone. WRONG again! go figure. Dam Traffic God must really be pissed. Almost an hour and a half later, i finally make it home. So here I sit, already in my jammies, curled up in my bed and about to pull the covers up over my head.

There are so many other little things that went wrong the last couple of days that I just have to sit here and laugh. Its so sad its comical. Of course, maybe I'm laughing cause I've finally lost it. Oh well. Its funny anyway.

So heres to tomorrow being a better day. Maybe some of the Gods have gone fishing and will be in a better mood. If nothing else, you just have to laugh and say okay, NEXT!!

Road Trip!!!

Sitting quietly on the couch on a lazy Saturday, watching the food network.........all of a sudden, an idea you saw on TV hits you. The dh saw this show that was featuring an authentic New York style diner here in our little home state. And surprisingly enough, its only about an hour or two away! Being from New York originally, (he got here as fast as he could!!!) this sounded like a fantastic idea for lunch. So we grab Momma T and out the door we go.

Evidently on the way to the fire field in College Station, we've all passed this place, but never really thought twice about it. Just a little whole-in-the-wall joint. Of course now it proudly displays a neon flashing sign that says "As seen on the Food Network". We pull into the parking lot and go inside. It is so cute!!! Just like an old street side diner you might actually find on the streets of New York.

We each got something different so we could test out a few items, and OMG! It was wonderful. We started off with some chedder cheese fries, which is fries and cheddar cheese layerd and topped with bacon with a side of ranch. Wow. that was fantastic! The dh was in hog heaven. For anyone interested, the link for this place is: http://www.hullabaloodiner.com/ Everything was really good.

With full bellies, we got back in the car to head back home. We took the senic drive back and drove through Washington on the Brazos State Park and a few other places. It was so nice and so relaxing and peaceful. The weather even held out and didn't rain until after we got home. Of course once we got home, we realized we needed a few things from Walmart so back in the car me and Momma go. Think we wore the poor dh out.

Three hours later we finally make it back home. I still have no idea how we spent that long at Walmart!! After watching Carlos Mincia, I finally decided it was time to take my tired butt to bed. it was WAY passed my bedtime.

but what a fantastic way to spend the day. I LOVE road trips and trying new places. I suggest if anyone gets the chance, check this place out. Its really very good.

Dentist

So I got the priviledge of getting to go to a brand new dentist today. I've been living with a broken crown for oh, about a year and a half now and decided it was definitely time to go get it fixed. Especially before I leave for vacation to Orlando at the end of the month!!! Procrastination is a beautfiul thing and a skill I have mastered to perfection. I got the name of a dentist from my boss and proceeded to set up my appointment for today. Luckily its in the building right next to where I work.

I walk across the street to the doctor's office and sit in the waiting room waiting to be called. As i am sitting there, I saw this young boy come out who had evidently gotten a crown himself and I think hmmmm...this shouldn't be too bad. If he can afford this dentist, it should be okay right? so he meets up with who I thought might be his father. Well, was I mistaken. The older gentleman that was sitting in there was this kid's driver!!!! Holy cow I think! Maybe I should run while I could still afford what i was wearing!!! Wow was that a bad sign. That kid could not have been half my age and he is there with a driver. Amazing.

And did you know they longer have to give you the injections to numb you now? They can now do it via a computer!!! Dang! Has it been that long since I've been to the dentist??? Three hours later, I am the proud owner of a brand new temporary crown and a much lighter checkbook.

Did I mention that I hate dentists?? I just got through paying for the last round of dental work GEEZ. Thank God I live with a good druggie!!!!! she's got me all doped up now and I dont have a care in the world!!! That rocks. Now I can just go to sleep and dream of fishing.................

Hope everyone has a fantastic fourth of july!!!!

Memories

Have you ever noticed how memories always have a way of sneaking in when you really aren't thinking about it? Even ones that you didn't even remember you had. Like a certain smell that may bring back a thought of something that happened or of something that was said, or of a certain event. I've been finding that alot lately for some reason. I'll be doing something and then all of a sudden, a memory that had been supressed in the back of my mind, comes rushing forward. Its amazing how much information is stored in our little pea brains. Alot of Cheryl memories have been coming to mind lately. Maybe that is her way of saying that she is still here with me. I guess if that is the only way I can have her with me, I'll take it. Makes me happy to think of her even though it also makes me sad because I miss her.

I've learned though.........everything happens for a reason. And sometimes we find out why things happen, but then sometimes we don't. I sure wish I knew why she had to leave us and what I'm supposed to learn though. But in time, I suppose I will learn.

I would also like to ask for your prayers for my uncle who was put in the hospital on Friday. He's had a series of ailments, the last of which was cancer. He has been cancer free for awhile now, but his heart is now giving him troubles. Please keep him and my aunt in your thoughts and prayers. They fought so hard through the cancer to get where they are now.

Cancer.........its such an ugly word.

Reality

Have you ever noticed how reality has a way of sneaking up on you and slapping you in the face with brutal force before you are aware of what is about to happen?? You go through time with blinders on and then, all of sudden, reality is standing right there laughing at you. Amazing really. Cause once you look back, all the signs were there, you just didn't see it. Or you just chose to ignore it. Of course, once reality slaps you, all you can do is stand there and go DOH! Oh well. End that chapter and move on right? Think I'll just take up fishing.



Things have finally started calming down a bit after Cheryl's death. The whole thing still seems so surreal. I still want to pick up the phone and call her. At least I know I can still talk to her and I am still in contact with my extended family, so I guess that will have to suffice. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her though.

We've also been getting Momma T moved in to her new home which she now shares with ME!! YEAH! Its so great having her and Cam there. She is the best housewife ever. She cooks, she cleans, everything. Its wonderful. If she ever decides to leave, I'm just gonna have to pack up and go with her. I get Tina tea anytime I want it!! What more can a girl ask for??? They have really made it hard though to shrink into my little cocoon and feel sorry for myself and sit around and think about Cheryl. That's been such a blessing. Life is never dull with them around. It was amazing how quiet, quiet was when Cam was gone. Too quiet really.

All the animals have finally begun to mesh together and realize that not a dang one of them are going anywhere. As much as they would probably like it if some of them left, they have come to the realization that that is just not going to happen. Looks like we've switched dogs though. Jake sleeps with me and the dh and Tawne and Bailey sleep with Tina and Cam. Which works out great for us considering Jake prefers to sleep on the floor whereas T and B like the bed! I think we got the better end of that deal!!!

Everything is starting to level out now so lets hope that the rest of 2007 is ALOT better than the first half!!!

9:35 p.m. Monday, June 11, 2007

Well, just upon completion of my last entry, I got the phone call that I have been dreading. Cheryl is gone. Her long hard struggling battle is now complete. She passed away at 9:35 p.m. this evening. I knew this was coming, I expected it, and as soon as my phone rang at 10:45 p.m., I knew what was coming............but it still came as a shock. I'm in the middle of having a complete breakdown, so I will have to finish this later. I just wanted everyone to know.

RIP -- Cheryl Ree Tomaski

July 29, 1947 - June 11, 2007

I love you big as heaven and I will miss you every day of the rest of my life. You took a big piece of my heart with you. I will hopefully see you on the other side.

Cheryl

For those of you that don't know, this is my Cheryl. My second Mom, and one of the most dearest, sincerest people I have ever known. She has been a huge influence and an even greater inspiration in my life. We worked together for what seemed like an eternity and formed a very deep bond. The first week she was at our office, my old boss, Ray, asked her, Cheryl, why do you always wear those long shirts? And without missing a beat, Cheryl said, Ray, its called camouflage.....to hide my ass. I knew I loved her from that moment on. You should have seen the look on Ray's face as we all laughed hysterically. She was always there to give me advice, hold my hand, make me laugh, or just plain listen. She never met a stranger. You could put her in a room by herself and I swear she could get the wall to talk to her. And you can bet that within five minutes, she'd be showing that wall all of her beautiful grandchildren's pictures. You could tell her anything and everything and nothing at all would surprise her. I think she had probably heard it all and seen it all. And what is even more impressive is that she never judged you. She'd make you laugh and cry all in a matter of five minutes. Her laughter was so contagious. She'd get to laughing like crazy and out came a snort and you couldn't help but bust a gut laughing. That would make her laugh even harder and snort even louder. Our office was just not the same when she decided to retire and spend more time with the love of her life and her loving family. In hindsight, that was the best thing she ever did. I'll never forget the time I heard this loud crash in her office followed by this loud snorting laughter with an "I'm okay" coming out in between. Cheryl had fallen out of her chair and some how the chair had ended up on top of her. Nobody was more amused than Cheryl.

As most of you know, she has been fighting a long hard downhill battle with cancer. She fought bavely and valiantly. She is now nearing the end of her battle. Unfortunatly, the cancer is going to win. I had the hardest phone call today. Her daughter called me and told me this was the end, but that Cheryl was holding on possibly to say goodbye to the people she didn't really get a chance to. Natalie asked me to tell her goodbye and let her know that it was okay for her to go. How do you say that when its not okay? I don't want her to go. But that is extremely selfish of me, so I sucked it up and said the hardest words I have ever had to say. I told her I loved her and that it was time for her to go. That we would all be okay and she could let go and be with God. Do you know how hard that was to get out without letting your voice crack and quiver? She could not respond, but I did hear her moan a little and Natalie said she heard me, so I know my message got through. I hope it gave her some peace. I hope it made a difference. I hope it will make her journey a little easier. I feel so guilty for praying daily that God will take her out of this misery knowing that what I really want is for her to be here with us. But you know, she is the lucky one. She gets to go and see what is on the other side. She gets to meet God and be in his presence. I told her while I had her on the phone today, to please put in a good word for me when she gets there cause I sure know I need all the help I can get and could sure use someone like her on my side up there! It wont be long now. I'm scared of the phone ringing. I dread that call but I almost wish it would come so she can be out of misery. Thank God Tina and the dh are here to get me through it. And so many of my friends that have sent emails and instant messages and what not. I want you all to know, I could NOT make it through this without each and every one of you.

I just wish I knew what was worse. Having to watch the one you love die slowly and painfully or having them torn out of your life suddenly? None of it is any good. There just isn't a good way. I also have to say that my thoughts and prayers go out to Cas. I can't even fathom what she is going through. For those of you that don't know, Cas' 20 yr old son passed away last Thursday. There are no words that can make that any easier and it makes you hurt that you can't take away that hurt or make it any easier. Cas, just know that there are alot of people out here that love you and we are all here for you at any time. We all ache for you and wish we could take away your pain.

We all need to be sure to appreciate our lives and the wonderful beautiful people that are sharing it with us. I have to say that I am extremely thankful to have my Tina back in my life. And to have her and Cameron under my roof has been a joy you cannot even imagine. I love seeing both of them smile and listen to them laugh. Tina has been my rock through this and I can't thank her or love her enough. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. Andrea has been there for me as well and I can't thank her enough. She's gotten me through some very hard times. And she's a great "myspace webmaster". :-) She has pimped my myspace page on so many occasions. I absolutely love it. And her of course. And Roger..........I can't say enough about Roger. He always, always makes me smile. However, I think I may lose him to Tina if they get together for shoe shopping. I'll never see either of them, the little shoe freaks!!! j/k

I love you guys and I am truly and unimagainbly blessed to have each and every one of you in my life.

What a Week!!!

Between last weekend, last week and this weekend, I am almost, now I said ALMOST, thankful to go back to work just to get some rest! Its been crazy. An emotional roller coaster, and somewhat physically draining.

Started out by saying Yes to help a friend out by watching her THREE dogs for what started out as one day and ending up being four days. Which isnt' bad, but OMG. That ment, FIVE big dogs, three pissed off cats and a hamster that could care less. The best part was picking up the three dogs. Unfortunately, we had no leshes, no kennels, no nothing but the scruffs of their necks. Now, we were watching the puppies cause my friend was putting tile in her house so her house was full of workers. I thought my dh was handling the pickup of the animals but of course, once again I was incorrect. Finally it was getting too late and I went ahead and ran over there to get them. Of course, I was thinking everyone was gone by this time, so I was dressed in my pajama best. you know, the capri pants that dont match the nasty t-shirt I was wearing (you know, the "Beaver Brand Fire trucks. Connect your hose to a beaver" shirt that didn't match the pants, with no bra, no panties, and my house shoes. I was looking sharp. Only to pull up at her house and everyone was still there. great. oh well. Im here now so I walk up to get the darling dogs and had to tramp through the wet yard to the backyard to get them. Fianlly the dh arrives and I hand him my phone and the key to the house cause I have no pockets in my beautiful ensamble and grab one dog by the scruff of her neck and start leading her to the truck. About this time, the other dog who will listen to no one, goes storming by me with the dh in tow calling his name to stop. Nope. Thunder was having no part of that. He was having a ball. Finally the dh gets him round up and in the truck and goes after the next one. Luckily this one at least has a choker chain on. Now, I asked the dh to hand me the key so we can lock the house and be on our way. He says he doesn't have the key so now I think, oh great. we've dropped it in the back yard. Now, neither of us have a flash light and its pitch dark. Talk about looking for a needle in a haystack! The best we have are the lights on our cell phones. What a sight that was. Trapsing through the grass looking for a key with cell phone lights. Finally, i walk out to the truck and there sitting pretty as she pleases is that darn key. You know, I hate having to admit to the dh that he was right and I obviously never did hand him the key. Oh well. Finally everyone is ready to go and we get everyone home and everyone but the cats are happy.

Then my friend Roger and I started walking. We found this great little walking path not far from the house. But wow am I out of shape. Hey, I've lost 12lbs though, so I can't complain. Although my body sure was complaining after all that walking. Now, if we can only keep it up. We are trying to do it three times a week, so wish us luck!

Wednesday. Wednesday was emotional for a couple of reasons. One, I talked to an old friend of mine, albiet briefly, at least communication was opened. I miss her. You never really realize how much someone impacts your life until they are not in it. Hopefully we will talk more, but I guess that really depends on how she feels as well. I have to respect her feelings on it all. and Second, I went to visit and basically say goodbye, to my second mom, Cheryl. I'm sure I overstayed my welcome, cause I know she was getting very tired, but I so did not want to leave. Its hard to think it may be the last time I ever see her or spend time with her. I have to give her credit though. She is a fighter. She said she is going to fight this cancer til her last breath. She is still praying for a miracle. She is on hospice now and her church is taking turns bringing her and her family food. I hate seeing her like that. And I hate that she is also struggling with her dh. He's is taking it all so hard. People handle grief in their own way, but he is trying the whole "tough love" approach and for her right now, that is not the way to go. She needs help. And she needs his help. I know its hard for her too because she not only worrys about her future, but she worrys about his as well. He's started drinking again. And she worrys about that as well. Please keep her and the rest of her family in your thoughts and prayers. I know they are going to need it. Maybe miracles really do happen.

Then I caught back up with an old very good friend of mine that I have not spoken to in forever!!! I think one of the last times we really talked, her daughter was 2 yrs old. That daughter is fixing to be 21 yrs old!! Where did the time go? That simply amazes me. We hung out through high school and into college and had a ball. It was really nice to catch up with her and of course, we promised we wont let so long of a time pass this time.

Saturday, I actually went to see an actual movie at an actual movie theater. I have not done that in a very very long time. But I really like this theater. its the one that you can sit in nice comfy chairs and actually order food and drinks. its great. of course, we went to see Shrek 3! I am happy to report, however, that we, the dh and I, were not the only couple there without little ones!!! It was actually a very good movie.

Sunday was spent at moms. They cooked, we ate. I love a home cooked meal at mom's!! We also decided this time to bring one of their fur grandchildren. Sebastian. Our new male cat we've had since December. he is NOT a car riding kitty!! but once he got to grandmas, he settled in and actually had a good time. Not as good of a time as grandma and grandpa had though. I sure wish they would let me get them another cat. I know they would love it.

So anyway. Back to work and back to realtiy. Reality sucks ya know????

Hope everyone had a great weekend even though it was very very rainey!!