I Have A Cold and She's In "Love"

Well, the title about sums it up. I caught a horrendous cold on Christmas Day... a special gift for me :-)

The awful coughing part hasn't started yet, but it's coming... I feel it. I sound like I am wearing one of those doggy cones. You know what I mean.

Who is in love? Oh, yeah, Miss Priss. But, this time, she's "taking it slow." This might mean she'll wait 48 hours before being truly, madly, deeply sunk in love.

Sunshine and flowers follow her every footstep. But they don't pick up her dirty clothes or dirty dishes. The wicked mommy has to remind Cinderella to do her chores.

Sigh. Cough. Sneeze!

The Day After

Ah, Christmas... still pretty magical, isn't it?

We had a really nice Christmas this year. On Christmas Eve, my dad, his wife, and my brother and his family came over for a gift exchange and a small feast. And when I say "feast" that is exactly what I mean. It was supposed to be snacky stuff, but one thing led to another. Jerry made a huge pot of chicken and sausage gumbo, dad brought a homemade honey-glazed ham, there was a yule log (Mmmmm), fudge, peppermint bark, chips, dips, a huge salad, chicken salad, an assortment of cookies....I forget what else.

After everyone left, Jerry, Nicole and I opened our gifts to one another - lovely, thoughtful items to and from each.

THEN...over to my brother's the following day. This one had my mom and her husband, my sister and her family, and a friend + child of my brother and his wife. More food (multiply the above X 20) including some family favorites courtesy of Mom. After the feast, more gifts!

That I can actually sit upright at this point is amazing to me. And, to top it off, I am a WORK. Nobody ELSE is at work, but I am.

I don't care. I am away from feasty foods and if the Colonel doesn't come in, I am taking a nap on the couch in his office.

Life is good.

Christmas Day is Almost Here & I Am Still Sick of Teenagers

I guess the title about sums it up for me.

This kid is wearing us out. Jerry has her at the doctor's office right now - they are doing an ultrasound to see if she has a gallbladder issue or not. She seems to have an upset stomach (in the gallbladder area) that won't go away. In my opinion, she's way too young for that, but what do I know?

Then, yesterday, she woke up with tonsil issues again. Made another appointment at 11:45am (different doctor, of course). She informed me this morning that she didn't need to go to the second doctor - she just has a cold.

It's the attitude. The superior intellect - she knows EVERYTHING about everything and is the ultimate determiner of what is right or wrong.

Ugh.

Merry Christmas.

Good Morning!

I am up and supposed to be getting ready for work, but I am just dilly-dallying around right now.

School is out which means traffic is GREATLY improved, so the 12 miles to work might just take 20 minutes rather than an hour.

Ah, the joys of a big city.

Will probably write more when I get to the office and (hopefully) have some free time. It's so at the end of the year, but you never know what the day may bring.

So, for now, good morning, friends!

SSS Photos

I found my camera (miracle!) and though I am late posting, I wanted to share what my Secret Santa sent me:






Now, the secret isn't a secret anymore... I know who my SSS buddy is - Wheezer! Didn't she do a nice job? Look at that glass. Did you paint this, Wheezer? I haven't heard yet.

Thank you again for being so thoughtful. It was big fun receiving this wonderful gift in the mail.

Happy Holidays, friends!

Feeds?

What is Blogger doing? I go to click on my regular reads and I am getting "feeds" rather than the plain, old blog.

Is it me?

Is it Blogger?

A bad elf?

Wonder and Tell

There are some things I have been wondering about. I'd like your input:

First of all, when did all wedding dresses become sleeveless? Most are strapless as well. Now, I know most women get married at that perfect time of life when arms can be seen without being encased in fabric, but some don't. And some, even at those ages, shouldn't. I like sleeves on a wedding dress. They don't have to be long sleeves, just sleeves. Some people should never, ever, ever wear a strapless, sleeveless dress.

Secondly, have you ever reached a point where there really is NOTHING you want for a gift? My family keeps asking me, "What would you like for Christmas?" and I just don't have an answer other than some calendars which I replace each year. I just want my kid to go to school, my husband to do some honey-do chores around the house, etc... but that's not a good answer for them. I can't think of a darned thing. I think it might be that I don't want to think it up - surprise me!

And finally, this is just for fun... what is your all-time favorite song and why? I mean that song that you know was written for you - the one that is so woven into the fabric of who you are, you can't imagine it not being a part of your life?

He's Smokin'

Yep. The Colonel. You know the Colonel - the bane of my work existence. The one who makes coffee from bathroom water and can't sell to save his life, but is the "senior" sales rep for our company.

He recently had a series of strokes and was in ICU. By the grace of God, he survived without paralysis, and even made it back to work.

Well, Mr. Smarty Pants told us he was required by the doctors to quit smoking. He did okay for a while, but yesterday he was back to old ways.

I busted him and he confessed. Said he would talk to the cardiologist he was seeing yesterday to prescribe him that patch. We informed him he didn't need a prescription - he needed to walk into Walgreen's.

Well, we don't know the status yet. He called in sick today.

More as we learn it.

Where's My Camera?

I took the thing to work a while ago and now I can't find it.

I know it's here. I put it somewhere "safe."

I am starting to feel like my dad. It's been a running joke in our family that Dad can never find his keys. Back in the "olden days" when having words put on t-shirts was unusual, we had a shirt made for Dad that said, "Where are my keys?" And he wore it.

That was over 30 years ago. He still can't find his keys.

And his daughter can't find her camera.

Sorry SSS angel... I am still looking and promise to show everyone how wonderful your gifts are as soon as it turns up.

Secret Santa Struck!

Today, my gift from the Secret Santa Soiree arrived. People, let me tell you... I have one clever secret Santa. Don't worry - I will take a photo as soon as I can find the camera, but I wanted to share right away.

My SS (that's code for Secret Santa) must be a very talented artist or has a good friend who is - I have a beautiful hand-painted wine glass that says, "Fabulous 50" - because as SS, I have aged well.

She also included a Livestrong bracelet and a military angel pin.

Now, that's plenty right there, but that's not all - she also incuded a nice set of shiny Burt's Bees. Very nice! I love the Burt's Bees products!

Now, calm down people. I know you're all jealous. Unfortunately, you didn't get MY secret Santa. Oh, but don't let me forget this further item... the card! My SS attached a cute little card that explained each item and why she chose it - and it was in a poem!

Sorry, friends, I got the best SS. I hope you guys get next-best!

Thank you SS - I will post photos as soon as that camera surfaces.

Fifty Things

I opened this over at Lizzy's and now I am obligated... as are you!

50 random things about you! If you opened this, FILL IT OUT! Learn 50 things about your friends, and let them learn 50 things about you!

1. Do you like cheese? Yes

2. Have you ever smoked? Yes

3. Do you own a gun? No, but my husband does.

4. Do you like listening to Christmas music? Love it!

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? No

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I love them. I don't want to read ingredients. Hebrew National may be the fav.

7. Favorite Christmas song for all time? Yikes! Either, "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," or "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." But there are too many more.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee

9. Can you do push ups? From Dairy Queen? Or in a gym? - in that order: yes/no

10. Who is your favorite Grey's Anatomy Character? George.

11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My James Avery anchor bracelet.

12. Favorite hobby? Drawing or Painting

13. Do you eat "exotic" foods? I am not sure what "exotic" means to the questioner, but if it containes eyeballs or feet, my answer would have to be NO.

14. Do you have A.D.D.? Nooooooooooooooooooooooo

15. What one trait do you hate about yourself? Procrastination

16. Middle Name? Gay (never would know I was from the south, would ya?)

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? It's chilly in here, I need stamps, and why won't The Colonel be quiet?

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Turkey cutlets, veggies, watermelon water

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Diet Big Red, Diet Pepsi, Watermelon Water

20. Current worry right now? Keeping my daughter motivated to go to school (see below)

21. Current hate? Thieves

22. Favorite place to be? Grand Cayman Island

23. How did you bring in the New Year? Stayed home/watched fireworks

24. Where would you like to go? Iceland

25. Name three people who will complete this? You, you and you

26. Do you own flip flops? No - there is a teenager in my house...ugh! Glad that fad is fading.

27. What shirt are you wearing? A grey hoodie

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Too slippery

29. Can you whistle? Yes indeedy

30. Favorite color? Blue & Green together (or yellow)

31. Would you be a pirate? No

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? Ticket to Ride/Sleigh Ride/Can't Find My Way Home

33. Favorite girl's name? Mary

34. Favorite boy's name? Tim

35. What's in your pocket right now? A paperclip and a dime

36. Last thing that made you laugh? My daughter - a silly joke

37. Best bed sheets as a child? Wow - don't remember any in particular

38. Worst injury you've ever had? A fall - I hurt my knee fairly badly

39. Do you love where you live? Are you kidding? I live in Texas, I am a native Texan, let's see....um, YES!

40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3

41. Who is your loudest friend? Janette

42. How many dogs do you have? Two

43. Does someone have a crush on you? I hope Jerry does ;-).

44. Do you get embarrassed easily? Not really

45. What is your favorite book? This is so difficult - I love, love, love books...I think "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens may be the perfect story. I also love, "To Kill A Mockingbird," and so many, many more.

46. What is your favorite candy? Regular, old-fashioned Reese's.

47. Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince theme song? It has a theme song? I've never seen one episode of this show.

48. What song do you want played at your funeral? I'd like some James Taylor - maybe, "The Secret of Life," and "Something In The Way She Moves," along with Mercy Me's, "I Can Only Imagine."

49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Turning off lights and crawling in bed

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Hope my daughter gets up and goes to school!

Parent/Teacher Meeting

Well, it went great. Quite frankly, we were surprised to find out EVERY SINGLE ONE of our daughter's teachers thought she was kind, polite, respectful, engaging, participatory, and, well, delightful. Her only problem is not showing up.

They all call her a leader in the class, helpful to other students, and an all-around good kid.

So, now we work on getting her lazy rear in gear.

Yesterday was probably pure torture - she didn't go ANYWHERE and no one came over. She was having major car-withdrawals, so she got right up and went to school today.

I'm praying that this becomes the routine now.

One day at a time. It's more than twelve steps, that's for sure.

Get A Fork

I'm done. Today my child informed me she was "too tired" to go to school.

Jerry and I are scheduled for a parent/teacher meeting today after school to address getting her back on track, which is where she is SUPPOSED to be.

I had to contact her counselor this morning and tell her that Nicole chose to skip school and we cannot make her go. Doesn't this look good?

So, we told her EARLY this morning that she had to get up and go to first period. If she couldn't make it to first period, she was not going to school at all - no waiting till halfway through the school day and amazingly feel better, hoping this will allow her to have driving privileges. If she didn't get to school by first period, no going anywhere, no one coming over, no driving. She just mumbled, "Okay," and rolled over.

We are seriously considering wilderness camp. Friends, we are both at our wits' ends. I'm exhausted and lost.

Hope the teachers, counselor, or principal can give us some productive guidance.

I Woke Up In Love

Oh yeah, I had pictures of David Cassidy ALL over my room....sigh

Napping time

I want a nap.

I want to be by myself.

I want to take deep breaths that aren't worry-filled.

I never want to see another teenager again. I mean it.

Me. Books. Maybe my doggies. It would be okay if Jerry was there, too, but he'd have to be quiet.

It's one of those days. My mom didn't tell me about these.

Taking a Breather Today

Well, I have completed some chores over the weekend. The tree is up and decorated. Quite a bit of purchasing has been done. I mailed my "Secret Santa" gift today - good thing, too, because those gals start collecting before you're past due! As someone who used to work in collections (and even repo'd cars), I know a "strong arm" when I see one.

Okay, girls, if you're reading this, know I am just joking! The cut-off to ship your secret gift is December 10th, so I was waiting as long as possible so it would be closer to Christmas. But, no worries, it's in the mail!

Let's see what else...beats me. The tree thing always wears me out, but I love doing it. I love having it up and how it looks.

There's still more shopping to do, but I am going to take a breather today.

breathhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhe

whew! I feel better now.

On The Limb For A While

Yep, it's Art On A Limb... I don't have anything new. Since we adopted Nicole, life has slowed me down a bit, but I thought I'd share a couple of my works "just because" and I rarely do. No reason, really. So, here you go:

REM

Maggie
(I had just read The DaVinci Code when I did this one... A little Holy Grail moment)

She Began to Rise
(the Talking Heads part II)

And She Was
(the Talking Heads part I)

Approval

(Seal Of, of course)

And there it is :-)

Colonel Returns

Well, friends, the Colonel came back today.

Not much to say except he's really not "right" yet and somebody should've made sure he wasn't driving a car. Hopefully he'll get home before school lets out.

My daughter is still in love. They only see each other about an hour or so a day. I like that part of the relationship. So far, no school-skipping or other drama going on.

Miss Priss wants a Touch iPod and a new bed for Christmas. Of course, she picked out a bed from Pottery Barn Teens. She won't be getting $1200.00 double bed. She IS getting the iPod and, due to a short comment she made the other night, a guitar and all the "fixins" that come with it - pick, tuner, gig bag (what the heck is that?), a strap and a stand.

She mentioned she's always wanted to take guitar or piano lessons. We went for the guitar. I hope it's a surprise.

Her uncle (my sister's husband) is going to make her that Pottery Barn bed she wanted, but she'll get it for her birthday in March.

Now, I just have to figure out what to get Jerry. I'm stumped.

Pop'rs Rule!

It's the busy time at my office again. The phone is going bonkers, but I guess we should be grateful - we're busy in the midst of s recession and that's good for us.

Oh, Veggie Mom sent me my Pop'rs! They arrived yesterday. We haven't had a chance to use them yet as we ate dinner before going to the mailbox, but we'll be trying those out soon. I love the idea of this product. Go on over and check out her site!

The Colonel was supposed to come back to work today, but his wife called and said he was still apprehensive about driving. I think that's wise.

We haven't had any bathroom water coffee in about a month now, so that's a good thing.

I plan on trying to be a little more "connected" to my blog tomorrow. I see now it should be the FIRST thing I do when I get here.

Happy Wedsnesday, friends!

Oh, Joy!

My child is in "love" again with a boy that broke her heart one year ago. In her words, she "loves him and never stopped loving him." You know, you "never stop loving someone." And, she made him promise to "never hurt her," because she "always gets hurt."

I asked her what fits into the category of "hurts" and she didn't have an exact answer. I tried telling her that when you hold people to a vague expectation, they can never meet it. Any time her feelings get hurt, he'll have "hurt" her and there you go. She's conjuring up her own disappointments.

The boy? Strictly a ne'er-do-well. Not a bad kid, but no real ambition. He graduated last year. College? Uh, no. He's working in a warehouse at his dad's company. He said he is saving up to go to trade school to be a mechanic or, get this, an auto "detailist." Wow, apply stick-on pin-striping? Every parent's dream.

Good points? No driver's license. We like that. Plus, his work keeps him busy all day and sleepy at night.

This kid is wearing me out. If I point out anything that is not sunshine and flowers, she gets angry.

So, my daughter is "in love" with Mr. Wonderful (who just happened to have broken her heart previously, but he'll never hurt her or leave her again... and we know this because he "said so.")

Life is an adventure.

Over The Hill

Yep, I went right over the hill on Saturday and didn't feel a thing.

My "surprise" party was so nice - friends from high school came along with our current-day friends. My parents were both there (I am so fortunate to still have them both!) and my siblings, nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins.

I didn't get a bunch of joke gifts and teasing about turning 50, so that was nice, too. I could've taken it - even expected it - but it didn't happen and I am good with that!

The Colonel called in to work this morning to let us know he drove for the first time since his stroke today. He had to take his wife for cataract surgery. For those of you who know about the Colonel, you might recall that his mission in life has been to smoke cigarettes and drink coffee. Seems those days are over. Doctor's orders. Being a colonel and all, he has to obey.

He wants to come back to work this week because he's bored. I think he should stay out for the rest of the month.

I'm not in charge of that.

The Unfolding of the Day

Ah...our very first stay-at-home Thanksgiving. That's right. Jerry is 51 and I'll be the big 5-0 in a very short while and today was the first time we have ever just stayed home and had our own Thanksgiving dinner. Just me, Jerry, Nicole, and the two dogs, Gordy and Georgi.



Gordy and Georgi didn't get any of the "good stuff." They had to make do with their regular fare, but they did get an "Oinkie" rawhide and sure did seem to enjoy that!



We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and it was delicious. We used the good china. My mom gave me the china she and dad got when they got married a long time ago. Of course, we rarely use it because it requires handwashing, but for only 3 people, it's not a big chore.



You should see this china - it used to be so ugly to me and now I love it. Let me see, maybe there is a photo online I can grab. Yep, yep... this isn't photographed as good as it could be, but you get the idea:

So, we enjoyed our delicious dinner, and afterwards, Nicole and I decided it would be fun to go see the Twilight movie.... so we did! And it was good. I just hope my daughter doesn't fall in love with a vampire, but that really isn't fit conversation for Thanksgiving Day, now is it?

We also heard on the radio that the mall is opening at midnight. Guess who is going shopping? Oh yeah. Me and the kid. Jerry has to work tomorrow. We're going to my dad's for ANOTHER dinner that we don't have to cook - wooohooo! Two Turkey Days and then....oh yeah.... my surprise party!

Jerry has been watching some never-ending Pink Floyd concert on cable. No kidding it was on while the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was on the morning. It's almost 7pm and the darn thing is STILL ON.

This may require kidnapping of the remote or some kind of intervention.

Maybe I'll pop in a Sound of Music DVD - that should do it.

"I've got confidence in sunshine...."

Thanks!

So, the Brazil nuts will have to wait for bit. Here it is a kind of work Friday since we're closed the rest of the week...

and then we're off for a couple of days of family time.

I might not post for a couple of days because I have to actually COOK for my own little family tomorrow. Then, we're getting together with the rest of the family on Friday for another T-Day dinner. THEN...surprise! I have my super-secret surprise party on Saturday. Woohooo!

Did you read that up there... I am cooking. Somehow, I have always escaped hosting Thanksgiving dinners, but this year everyone is scattered off in different directions for Thanksgiving Day. Luckily, it's just Jerry, Nicole, and me, so cooking is really no big deal, but it sounded dramatic. Jerry is a much better cook than I am, but I decided to take this adventure on and am going to embrace it.

I am truly thankful for all the blessings bestowed upon my family and even the trials as I know they are really blessings yet to be. Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving things:

Thanksgiving

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, For love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

by Samuel F. Pugh

"O God, when I have food,

help me to remember the hungry;

When I have work,

help me to remember the jobless;

When I have a home,

help me to remember those who have no home at all;

When I am without pain,

help me to remember those who suffer,

And remembering,

help me to destroy my complacency;

bestir my compassion,

and be concerned enough to help;

By word and deed,

those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Amen."

...and just in case I don't make it back here this weekend, know that I love you guys and wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings - filled with joy, laughter, family, and friends.

Blessings!

Whirling Dervishes and Nuts

People... how does life spin so quickly at times? I feel like a whirling dervish.

I could go on and on about the details, but they're not too exciting and I could be typing about something much more interesting.

Like real whirling dervishes. Is "dervishes" a word?

Ever actually ever seen a dervish whirl? You can do that here. (Now, there are other whirling videos on YouTube, but I picked a quick one.)

According to something I read online, here are the basics:

The ritual whirling of the dervishes is an act of love and a drama of faith. It possesses a highly structured form within which the gentle turns become increasingly dynamic as the individual dervishes strive to achieve a state of trans. The music that accompanies the whirling from beginning to end ranges from somber to rhapsodical; its effect is intended to be mesmerizing. Chanting of poetry, rhythmic rotation, and incessant music create a synthesis which, according to the faithful, induces a feeling of soaring, of ecstasy, of mystical flight.

Really rather beautiful, isn't it?

I love learning stuff. Maybe tomorrow, I'll tell you what I learned about Brazil nuts not too long ago.

Brazil nuts?? Yeah. I started wondering how they grew, did they really come from Brazil? etc...

Now don't get me started on the poisonous cashew...

So, when you feel like your life is in a whirl, just spin, spin, spin!

Colonel Update and More

The Colonel's wife called yesterday and said he had been released and was at home. Seems he is obsessed with work, but I can assure you, according to the phone in his office, there hasn't been even one message left in his absence. This will probably tear him up when he gets back, so I hope someone calls over the weekend.

And other sad news... my sister-in-law, Jana, lost her dad yesterday. This is the sis-in-law who is throwing my surprise party next Saturday. Jana's dad was a real character - he had his Masters in music and was once a really good jazz pianist. Arthritis set in and he gave up that gig and became a teacher. He was, however, kind of crochety, but funny. And could the man cuss! Always, of course, choosing a most unopportune time to do so.

Jana and my brother are 43. They have been a couple since the 7th grade. So, Jana's family has been our family for a long, long time.

We'll miss you, Joe Walker.

Uh Oh

The Colonel had a stroke.

Really.

He's in intensive care today, but seems to be improving.

Um...I'm feeling pretty bad for making fun of the man. Of course, it was all true, but right now I'll pray for him and his wife.

He needs to get back or it will be pretty boring around here.

Surprise!

I can't believe it... I am going to have a surprise party. So, why do I know? Because my family is goofy, that's why!

My brother and sister-in-law decided I needed a surprise party for my 50th birthday. Now, I am not a big party fan. They know this and don't care. I love them.

Actually, I haven't had a real party since I turned 18. See, my birthday always falls right around Thanksgiving, plus my dad's birthday is the day before mine, so we've always kind of shared all of it at once - Thanksgiving and the birthdays.

But, my party-planning sis-in-law (Jana) can't control herself. Do you have one of those in your family? The one that decides all holidays will be at her house, decides the menu, and organizes every detail? That's Jana. At first, it used to bug us, but now it's so easy to let her run with it. She LIKES it. So, we all bring things, help her clean up, but we don't have the stress of, "is my house clean," "where will we find extra chairs at the last minute, " "who's getting stuck at the kiddie table," and all those nerve-wracking items.

Okay, Lynda... you still haven't said how you found out. Alright already. My stepmom called and asked if we wanted to do Thanksgiving at the ranch on Friday instead of Thursday because my brother was picking up my mom at the airport on Thursday. Mom? She never comes for Thanksgiving and always comes for Christmas. We do Thanksgiving with Dad (birthdays, etc...).

So, I ask Jerry if he knew my mom was coming for Thanksgiving...he squirmed and pretended like I was speaking Chinese. Like I could just wake up and order fried eggs in Beijing. This meant I had only one option. Call my sister.

Now, my sis, Susan, can't not tell. I say, "Why is Mom coming for Thanksgiving and why didn't I know?" She says, "Okay, but you can't tell Jana I am telling you....blah blah blah." And there you have it.

They were good, though. They got the email addresses of all my friends and sent them Evites for the Saturday after Thanksgiving (my actual 50th birthday). It's going to be an open house, so people can come and go as they like. Quite frankly, I didn't think anyone would come during the holiday weekend (understandably so), but Susan assures me more than I think are coming.

For the first time, I am really looking forward to a party.... I think some of my friends that came to my 18th birthday party will be there. I can't believe I am going to tell you this, but on that cake, this was written: She's a woman now! (18 was the legal age in Texas way back in that other century)

So, I guess this one will say, "She's an old woman now!"

I can take it... why? because I embrace it. I am happy to be 50. I feel really blessed to have such a loving family and caring friends. Life really is good!

One of THOSE Days!

I haven't stopped hopping since I got into work, so I'll just have to do a better post tomorrow.

Boy, are my legs tired!

hop*hop*hop*hop*hop

Friday-itis

My kid...yes, the pretty one in the picture on the right....is SICK again! Ugh.

She is wearing me out. She threw up right before first period (amazingly!). Because she got busted skipping last week and is scared to death to get her car towed (thank you Mr. Assistant Principal [aka Mr. AP] - you have no idea how much I value you!), she decided to check out with the attendance office.

Well, the attendance office said she had to have a note from her A.P. They called the Mr. AP and he brought her right into his office and called me. Lo and behold, he believes she really is sick - she was sweating like crazy, so we agreed to let her go home. Of course, Mr. AP and I had lots of discussion. We made her go turn in her math homework and finish the in-class project, then she went home.

I told her she wasn't going to work or running around tonight when she miraculously gets better. She was very agitated by that bit of information. If you're too sick to stay in school, you're too sick to work or play.

No fun Friday for me, now is it?

God bless my daughter. I need to find a way to get in her head to see what she's thinking.

Shock and Denial

So, the Colonel had his final this morning (see previous post) and, I can't believe this, was voted the one who attained the most benefit from the whole shabang.

*faint*

I heard his presentation and I have one word: smarmy. No lie. It was the epitome of smarminess.

I am digging that word, smarmy, right now. Let's see what it really means:

smarm·y
adj. smarm·i·er, smarm·i·est
1. Hypocritically, complacently, or effusively earnest; unctuous.

Now, for a dip in the Thesaurus:


Adj.
1. smarmy - unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech; "buttery praise"; "gave him a fulsome introduction"; "an oily sycophantic press agent"; "oleaginous hypocrisy"; "smarmy self-importance"; "the unctuous Uriah Heep"; "soapy compliments"

Friends, if you just could've heard this. AND, and, and....the Exec. VP was on the line and spewed out how "proud" he was of the Colonel's progress. I am telling you, one of the "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" kids could've come up with a better presentation.

Who put the bar down on the floor with the rugs??

The Final

Greetings, all!

The Colonel is taking his sales "final" today. Yep, as you may recall, he went to a coaching seminar back in September and has had weekly conference call follow-ups since that date. It seems there was various forms of "homework" as well.

Today, he is to make a small presentation via conference call with our BIG boss listening in to the whole thing. Needless to say, he's a nervous wreck. He's not saying he is, but you can tell.

Unfortunately for the Colonel, he got snappy with our Executive VP on the phone yesterday. Subsequently, the Big Cheese (owner & president of our company) informed him that he might not be able to attend the conference call final and the Exec VP might do it in his stead.

The Colonel is fit to be tied!

If he doesn't shut his office door, I plan on making my own personal evaluation.

Updates to follow.

I think he might be missing the bathroom water coffee. The spring water is missing something.

Hmmmm......

Everyone Is Writing Letters

It appears in this grand place known as Bloggy World, letter-writing is the new "thing."

For a while, it looked like give-aways were taking over Blog Land, but that craze seems to be waning. The thing now seems to be to write. Write to whomever we have an issue. This could be our spouses, our bosses, our higher power, our political leaders, our teachers, our coaches, our merchants, or even our fairy godmothers. My favorite part of all these blog letters is when people emphasize a point by typing. like. this. That's when you know it's serious business.

So, to whom will I be writing today? My phone. That's right. The phone at work, so here we go:

Dear Work Phone,

You are brand new here and I want you to know how much you were wanted and wished for.

There's just one thing... you ring too much!

Really, phone, you've got to stop. Your predecessor was old. In phone years, he was probably 137, so he didn't have all your bling. No mute, no redial, no fancy voice mail system, no paging capabilities, and (gasp!), no Caller ID. I wish you knew how much we longed for Caller ID. In fact, we were paying for it all along, but couldn't utilize it.

But now, well, now it's almost a curse. That's right. I see that 770 number and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our Las Vegas rep is calling, and, by picking up the line, I will be trapped on the phone for at least 15 minutes of my actual life. And this 15 minutes will be spent listening to another old coot spout his theories of life and how things should be.

770 is just one of my fears. There's 859 (yep - Kentucky), the whiney baby, and 615 (Nashville), the slow-talker. Don't forget 727 (Florida), the begger, 504 (New Orleans) who, while extremely nice, rambles, and 832 (Houston), the cusser (funny, but a cusser nonetheless).

Phone, your manual doesn't tell me how to make MY calls go straight to voice mail. You two should communicate because I know you know how to do this. Couldn't you leave me a message with detailed instructions?

Please do me a favor and keep those area codes in a special queue and when you see them coming in, send them straight. to. the. colonel.

Welcome aboard, phone. Hope you make it to 137, too!

Sincerely,

Lynda

I Have...

Thanks to Betty for this one:

To participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. Happy discoveries!

I HAVE….

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

And…

100. Ridden an elephant

Wow - I still have a lot to do!

What Do You Want?

The holidays are rapidly approaching and I want to start shopping. But, (another BIG "but")I am stumped. Now, have no fear when it comes to the 16 year old - I have thousands of ideas - all provided from the source, so that's not an issue.

How about for parents that have whatever they need and want?

How about for the husband who doesn't really have a specific hobby, so there's no buying golf stuff or fishing stuff, etc...?

How about for sisters? brothers?

I can't spend a ton of money, but I would like to get these people nice things or things that mean something more than, "here's a gift because it's Christmas" gift.

So, I'm not asking you for ideas for my peeps in particular, but what have you received that you treasure or what have you given that was a big hit? Or what do YOU want this year??

Help a gal out, won't you?

Giving It Up

Monday morning and a storm is approaching. I guess it's another front heading our way. That's okay... anything that brings more "coolness" is a good thing. I can just hear The Fonz making his "Ayyyyyyyyyyy" noise right now.

I was visiting someone's blog the other day and she was letting people post their secret confessions - anonymously, of course. I was amazed at all the hurt and pain people have been carrying all alone for so long. Why do we do that?

Why are we so scared that people know we have problems or issues? What makes us think people will think less of us if we're not all "together?" And, who really is? Of course, why are we so shocked when people we think ARE all together aren't?

Or is it just me?

Then again, there are people that ALWAYS want to tell their problems and issues. I mean, to excess...that's a whole other post.

Now that I am about to be 50, I realize I have learned a few things along the way:

I don't have to be perfect.
I don't have to do everything perfectly.
It's okay to ask people for help - people will surprise you more often than not - they WANT to help.
God does love us and is always good.
Laugh a lot.
Share.
Most of those old sayings are true... you know which ones I mean.
You never regret telling your loved ones that you do. Love them.

And now, it's time for me to begin my work day. What is your, "One thing I know for sure" thing? (thanks to Oprah for the wording of that question)

Friday Wrap-Up

The week has gone so quickly for me. We've had drama (read: daughter has been skipping school), resolution (read: got caught by the assistant principal), consequences (read: in-school suspension today along with some grounding and removal of privileges by mom and dad), and hopefully we're on our way to a peaceful weekend.

On top of all that, I've been training a new employee, Wendy, all week. She has had to sit right next to me - that doesn't bother me at all - but, with the school calling, etc... it has been a bit uncomfortable. Wendy doesn't work Fridays so I feel a bit more free. I sure am grateful to have her as our business has tripled in the last three months.

When I first started here in May, I thought I would go bonkers because it was so slow, but they kept telling me to just wait - it would get busier. They were right! But, none of us knew we would be THIS busy.

Fortunately for us, when the economy is bad, we're doing great! Unfortunately, that means many others aren't doing well. I hope we come to a healthy balance soon.

So far, we have no plans for the weekend. It's supposed to be absolutely gorgeous weather. See?

It's hard to get used how early darkness falls, but I like it...it feels like Christmas is coming!

What one word describes how you feel right this moment?

Diverticulitis

Oh yes, that's what I said.

No, not me. The Colonel. He couldn't come to work yesterday because he has diverticulitis.

Now, let me ask you...if you had it, would you TELL people. I mean, really, he sent an email to me, the owner of the company, and our VP saying it was flaring up and he just needed to stay home.

The visuals I got were not conducive to good health.

Now we both have a pain in the rear.

Still Alive!

I have a little dilemna... I always do my posting at work and I am training someone this week. So, she is sitting right next to me! Of course, I couldn't possibly show her everything I do. After all, she was hired to help ME.

Of course, I guess I could use a ghost writer.

Don't give up on me. I'll be back on track soon.

Nineteen Years Today

November 1st.

19 years ago on Grand Cayman Island, Jerry and I got married in a church that my great-great grandfather help found.

We spent a wonderful week there doing, well, just what newlyweds do. And we also enjoyed the Caribbean more than I could ever express here. When I close my eyes, I can imagine hearing the constancy of the surf. It was so relaxing and peaceful.

We snorkled and swam and did a lot of lounging.

Today, we had a really nice lunch together and wondered where 19 years went. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were standing in that VERY hot church waiting for the minister to be ready. Later that night, we went to an extremely nice restaurant built over the sea and once the dock light came on, tarpon would swim up to be fed.

Afterwards, we went back to the hotel, changed into our casual clothes and went to Pirate's Week festivities at West Bay, which is where my grandfather was born and grew up. We ran into a lot of cousins and had big fun.

We're happy to say we love each other more now than then.

Here's hoping a lasting love for all who read this post.

Boo!

When did Halloween sneak up on me? It seems like October just started.

I'm sounding like my grandmother now. That's not a bad thing.

Do you remember your Halloween costumes? I had some beautifully handmade ones - tiger, devil, princess, ballerina, and a cat. And then there were the store-bought costumes. I remember being Caspar the Ghost. That mask got SO hot! I don't guess those are legal to sell anymore, are they? I was also a witch and Wonder Woman with those masks. I can still smell that plastic right up next to my face and how it felt trying to breathe out of that little mouth hole.

Then, we got older...and we're hippies, hobos, and kooky things like One-A-Day Vitamins.

I'm kind of glad that now I just get to pass the candy out to all the cute little ones. The teens? Sure seems like older and older kids are trick-or-treating. Ugh.

It's A Busy Day

It's going to be a busy day in the office today - just listen:

The water people are bringing a cooler and spring water (woohooo!).

The phone people are coming to install our new phone system. The old one could almost be the one your grandma had on a "telephone table" in the hall. Seriously, we're paying for caller ID, but our phones don't have it. They will after 11:00am today. Amen!

My new coworker, Wendy, will be coming by to see the space. She's bringing her little grandson - he's about 2 and doll.

Plus, I have to DO WORK. Sheesh! Wonder why the end of the month is always so frenetic?

And now, for your viewing pleasure, I did something really, really wrong. I scanned a photo off someone's desk........ guess who?

Enjoying the Peace and Waiting for Material

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

It's so peaceful in my office. The Colonel is at a conference. Sounds boring, doesn't it? But, wait...it's in Palm Springs, California. So tell me...why in the world are they sending the world's worst salesman to PALM SPRINGS? Go figure. (for some reason, Palm Springs always reminds me of I Love Lucy...yes, I know there was an episode or two there, but should it always be the first thing I think of when I hear of the place??)

As I've explained before, these conferences afford him the opportunity to gather a nice stack of business cards. It's these business cards he'll use to make his "little package" phone calls from when he gets back until another conference is convened.

There is no way I can express my gratitude in getting a new coworker starting Monday. Finally, another woman to talk to and it's someone I already know and respect.

Really, this is all good. The Colonel will come back with more fodder for my blog and I'll have another twisted perspective to share as my new coworker is an old coworker and I know that she will find him as amusing as I do. Since she'll be sitting closer to him, I might get even more goods to communicate to you.

I am trying to find a way to get a photo of him to show you. It will all become more clear once you see him. I will, of course, draw a black line over his eyes. That's a sure-fire way to remain anonymous.

More as it develops!

Hey, Baby, I'm Your Telephone Man

I went to my apartment on a Monday at one
A-singin' do lolly, lolly shicky bum, shicky bum
Started movin' in it on a Tuesday at two
A-singin' do lolly, lolly shicky do, shicky do
Wednesday at three I called the phone company, singin':
"Hey baby, put a phone in for me"
Thursday at four he came a-knockin' at my door, singin':

"Hey, baby, I'm your telephone man
You just show me where you want it and I'll put it where I can
I can put it in the bedroom, I can put it in the hall
I can put it in the bathroom, I can hang it on the wall
You can have it with a buzz, you can have it with a ring
And if you really want it you can have a ding-a-ling
Because-a hey baby, I'm your telephone man"

Can you believe that? And then he says:

"Now when other fellas call ya tell 'em how it all began"

Well...can you imagine?

My heart began a-thumpin' and my mind began to fly
And I knew I wasn't dealin' with no ordinary guy
So while he was a-talking I was thinkin' up my plan
Then my fingers did the walkin' on the telephone man

Singin' hey lolly, lolly
Hey lolly, lolly
Hey lolly, lolly
Get it any way you can
Right? Ha ha ha, so...

I got it in the bedroom, and I got it in the hall
And I got it in the bathroom, and he hung it on the wall
I got it with a buzz, and I got it with a ring
And when he told me what my number was I got a ding-a-ling

A-singin' hey lolly, lolly
Hey lolly, lolly
Hey lolly, lolly
Just-a doin' my thing

Ha, ha...I've never done anything like this before!

Now, Lynda, why did you post this? The telephone man is in my office - DUH! And, this was a "hit" my senior year of high school. We were a bit twisted back in 1977 - enjoy!

Rearranged, Old Friends, and Dog Parks

I rearranged my office. Oh, I already told you guys that, didn't I? Sheesh. Well, I am back to work (which is when I have time to post - lol) and the Colonel hasn't arrived yet.

Good news! I am going to have another coworker and she starts on Monday, November 3rd. This is SO good because it will let there be another personality other than mine and the Colonel's in here. Plus, we worked together in the past. For about 10 years or more.

This will interesting, though. She was always my boss. Now I am hers. It's not too freaky, though, because we always just worked as a team, but when push came to shove, I deferred to her "rank." I guess it's my turn now.

Jerry and I took our dogs to the dog park yesterday and they had big, big fun! It was rather warm, but they loved it. Georgi took off swimming in the pond. Gordy just drank out of it. There were lots of people there and even more dogs of every sort. It's a very nice park - about 900+ acres and divided into a section for large dogs and small dogs. Each has a pond and agility equipment. Our little Georgi loves agility and is amazingly good at it.

Oh, oh, the Colonel just arrived - he overslept. Crazy, huh? Not.

Guess I better actually DO something.

Happy and Kreativ

Well, well...thanks to my friends Kerrie and Wep, I have received this award twice! I am just awful about paying these forward, so please forgive me for being slow.

Kerrie would like to know a few things that make me happy, so here are a few:

Hearing a lawn being mowed early, early on a Saturday morning.
The smell of newly mown grass.
Laughing until you hurt.
When the weather is cool enough for a sweatshirt, but warm enough for shorts.
When the last decoration is on the Christmas tree and you step back and it's just perfect.
My grandma's house.
Puppies, puppies, and more puppies.
Little puppy bites.
The way a baby feels in your arms and smells.
Catching a glimpse of my daughter and finding her to be the prettiest girl on earth.
My husband's laugh.
The beach.
The sound of the surf when you're drifting off to sleep and waking in the morning.
Finding beautiful seashells.
And the telling and retelling of family stories.

These things make me happy. And if you want to share what makes you happy, too, then feel free to take this award and share your list!

Thanks, Peace, and Clean Water

You know, I never intended my blog to be more than a place for me to record my days and thought, etc... but, as I am sure happened to you, too, it changed.

Oh, I still do that. Post what I am thinking about, what's going on in my life and the such, but now I feel like I have so many connections to people that truly matter to me. Even though we haven't met formally, I value the opinions of you. You know who you are.**

And to new people who happen by... I've met most of you this way - by following a link on someone else's blog or you following one to mine.

What I am getting to is... Thank You! Your opinions, suggestions, and comments help change my perspective, let me look at my own situation through a different filter, and I can't tell you how helpful it really is.

Sometimes, you're just plain hilarious. Hilarious works really well for me, too.

For now, there is peace in our house and Jerry & I have begun a plan for our family and Nicole. We think it has a good chance of working and I'll tell you more about that later. For today, she's being an angel and we're enjoying life.

Okay. I have a change of subject midstream. I know that is a big shock to you! I talked to the VP of my company Friday and asked if we could get a small microwave for our office. He said we could AND to order a water service. Do you realize the ramifications of this??? This means no more bathroom water coffee!

I can't tell you how much I love knowing I won't have to buy coffee every morning and that we will be drinking clean spring water coffee?? Life is good.

So, Jerry and I went and bought a microwave today and took it to my office. We then took a gazillion motivational framed posters OFF the walls and left one tastefully framed photo of the city of Houston over the main reception area and one (only ONE) motivational print hanging in the main area.

There are no motivational posters in my office, but the Colonel?? Oh the Colonel has about eight, plus two ship paintings. Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love nautical things. Really, I do. But these painting...well, they leave much to be desired.

I am wondering if the Colonel is going to freak out Monday? I'll let you know then.

**just in case you don't know who you are, let me share some names: gary, kris, melissa, wep, katie, kerrie, and so many more (sorry, I got tired of linking).

Nothing. Just Nothing.

I've got nothing.

I feel sleepy, but here I am at work. Miss Priss is playing sick again and I have to call the school.

This is getting out of hand and I have to surrender. Something, clearly, is (has) changed my kid. I think it's time to call in the "village."

Updates later if something new pops up.

There are days when I wish nothing would pop. Up or down.

Cosmic Truckin' Child Of The Universe

It's been a while since we had a Colonel update. It's only 8:30am while I am typing this and he's been here a grand total of 12 minutes, but it's begun.

What?? Well, he has turned on his computer and radio. Whined about how it rained last night. And crept down the hall to get some bathroom water for coffee.

Today is another sales on-the-phone conference with his trainer and fellow students. As I mentioned before, he was a week to 2 weeks behind everyone. Yesterday he said he had caught up in the materials (reading, writing, etc...) but that he was just SO FAR behind everyone else. Two weeks??

This is all rehash. Sorry. I still just can't believe he has this job and has had it for so long.

Then, I feel bad for posting all this here. After all, he's ...

"...a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."

Wow! Now, if you're in my age range, does that quote ring a bell?? I remember when Desiderata by Max Ehrman was on a poster in every bedroom. And they were sooooooooooooo cool, groovy, hipster, and far out.

And, this little gem was frequently seen:

This Peter Max was on my notebook...

Holy cow, the Colonel has sent me into the nether regions of memory. For the love of Pete! Or maybe that's the love of Peter Max. He's still cool in my book.

And here we come full circle...back to our Kentucky Colonel (bestowed honorarily) who is about to begin another seminar. I'll do some eavesdropping and see what kind of excuse-making ensues today.

Keep on truckin' people!

Who Will It Be?

As you may have noticed, I don't "go there" when it comes to politics. In fact, I don't think I'm even going to go there now. Why bring it up? Beats me.

I know that some of you are very passionate about your choices and I love that! I am, too, however, I'm not telling. No, I am not ashamed or afraid...I'm just not telling.

Here we go with a Seinfeld post again, but it is what it is. I am not even sure I was "raised this way" or not, but I have a strong belief that my vote is extremely private. Just as I believe my salary is my business - not my family's or my child's business. To me, this is a decision I am making from my research, my perspectives, what matters to me for our country and my family, and all other aspects that are important to me as a person and an American.

What I can't quite "get" is how others believe you can coax someone to your "side" by confrontation, intimidation, or even signage. From what I've seen, it just encourages disengagement.

As a proud American, I relish the privilege of voting and believe this right is sacred.

Well, I didn't think I'd do it, but I went there without giving it up.

So tell me...is it important to you that others know your election choices? And why?

Oh, and if (now this is out of left field and just for fun) these were the choices, which would you choose?

The Drama Queen Lives In My House

Here it is Tuesday morning and it seems like it was Saturday just yesterday. Beats me how it all flies so quickly.

My child is in big, fat trouble right now. I won't go into details, because I promised her I wouldn't "tell her business" - of course, she doesn't even know about this blog, but you never know. Suffice it to say, she confessed to doing something she shouldn't and knew would get her in that big, fat trouble, so I have to give SOME credit for coming clean.

We're discovering that she has to have a HUGE circle of drama around her at all times, and quite frankly, we're not sure how to handle this. In fact, we're wondering if what she confessed to doing might just be a story to create drama with us and her friends - especially the friends.

Maybe we could invest in a quality lie detector.

Superior Scribbler, Who, Me??

Awww shucks! I was one of the first recipients of the award posted above. A "Superior Scribbler" for me?? A great big THANK YOU to The Scholastic Scribe.

Of course, as with every Bloggy Award, there are A Few Rules. They are, forthwith:

Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.

Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award. (Since I received one of the first ones, my grantor is the originator - woohoo!)

Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.

Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!

Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

So, without further ado, I hereby bestow the Superior Scribbler award to the following:

1. Stretch Marks - One of the blogs I must read daily, hence, the writing brings me back - I've cried and laughed reading the same post - so well-deserved!

2. Minnesota Matron - Speak of writing! I am entrenched in the Matron's family, work, and writing. She has me thinking one day, laughing out loud another, and then wondering what it would be like to be the mother of her amazing kids.

3. WepRuminations - Oh yes, Wep has a style that is easy to read and engaging with a great sense of humor - a fine recipient!

4. A Shelter From The Storm - She just lays it out there. Challenges and triumphs are documented and I want to follow along.

5. Ritch In Love - As I have mentioned before, this blog is, well, sweet. I like the writing very much and find myself wanting the very best for her!


Congrats, all! And the best part is...scribbling means we don't have to stay in the lines. Isn't that great??

Happy Day, Peeps!

Bowling Like Golf

I went bowling yesterday with three of my best friends from high school. High school, people, high school!

We graduated in 1977, so they are probably my oldest pals. We've decided to get together every other month or so and stay connected. So, what does that have to do with golf?

Well, we all bowled like we were trying to obtain a great golf score. I won the first game with 109 points. I completely lost the second one with a score of 65. 109 was the high score of the day.

Afterwards, we went for lunch and adult beverages.

I'll tell you about my friends later - for now, I am off and running!

We're going to the theatre in December. No scoring involved.

I'm It!

Well, what do you know? Wep tagged me! Seven random or weird facts about me (yikes!). I will probably go with random - you can decide if they're weird or not:

1. I lived with an Amish family for 2 weeks.

2. I worked in a haunted house as a witch.

3. My friends and I had a private meeting with Dr. Phil.

4. I like tacky retro-kitsch - things like dashboard hula dancers.

5. I worked (and got paid) to be a chatroom moderator (The Reflecting Pool, spirituality room) on TalkCity "back in the day."

6. I'm going bowling with my best friends from high school tomorrow (we graduated in 1977).

7. I got married on Grand Cayman Island in a church my great-great-grandfather founded.

You read the rules above...I am required by law and all that is holy in the land of blogs to tag seven others. Yes, that's right, it must be done. So it is written, so it shall be done:

Gary Rith Pottery Blog

Eat Your Veggies!

The Scholastic Scribe

A Shelter From The Storm

Life At Number 14

Decisionally Challenged

Ritch In Love

Now, if you don't choose to do this, I fully understand... or if I didn't list you and you WANT to get after it, feel free!

I may post again later. The colonel just arrived and there's always good material there.

Happy, happy Friday!

Jerry, George, Elaine, or Kramer?

So, I figured if I just started typing something would come to me.

I'm discovering I might just be a "Seinfeld Blogger," if you know what I mean - a blog about nothing. In fact, I have no doubt I could go on and on without having said one substantial thing. Never, ever did I have a problem meeting the word requirements on any writing assignment.

Oh! Guess what I just remembered? We might hire a part-time worker in my office. Do you have any idea what the ramifications of that might be??? I would NOT be alone with the colonel all day. I would have someone else who could commiserate with me and, (I know the next part of this sentence is really mean) could make fun of him with me. Behind his back, of course.

Here's the best part, though....this potential employee is an old supervisor of mine and I love her! She might be one of the most knowledgeable people (in this field) I have ever met. She retired from our former company and I have missed her so much! I can't tell you how I hope this deal goes through.

We need new phones in this office. I think the ones we have now were manufactured sometime in the late 70s or early 80s. No caller ID. If you dial too fast, the number doesn't "catch" and you have to do it all over again. Quite frankly, I can't believe I can dial that fast. It makes me feel like a teenager. I can't, however, text 3 paragraphs using only my thumbs in 20 seconds or less like my child can.

So, my goal today is verify the new phone order is processed.

I think the colonel is geared up to give us lots of humor before the day is out - all of which I will share with you. He went to a sales seminar/training class about a month ago and it has required homework. He has materials to read and things to practice. On Thursdays, there is a two hour conference call with his instructor and the other students. As he was a week behind everyone else, this continues to be his refrain, "I just haven't caught up with the rest of you yet," and "I am still in the 'recognition phase' of the process."

Dude, you can't sell. Quit making excuses and play the game with your classmates and teacher.

See? Seinfeld.

Even When She's Driving Me Crazy

I still love my teenager. Oh, and God knows that's hard to say some days.

So, after a day filled with bloggy love courtesy of the SITS gals, I thought I'd share some momma love. As you may know, Jerry and I adopted Nicole on her 14th birthday. She was in foster care for about 7 years. Her life has been a hard one and she's endured things some of us can't even imagine.


Adjustment has gone very well for our girl. Don't get me wrong. There are still issues. Lots of issues, but because the transition has gone so wonderfully, we find ourselves forgetting to remember her background and filtering her responses to things through that light. We eventually lose amnesia.


So, indulge me as I share some photos of my kiddo:

Friday night football in Texas...a tradition embraced by our girl and a friend

Nicole loves her friends - they are like air and water to her - I love how much she values them
(l-r: Sam, Courtney, Nicole)

There is this "face" that Nicole wants to make in every photo...it's hard to get one where she isn't doing this. Oh, and she'd probably kill me if she knew I was posting her photo in her glasses - I think they're cute.

Oops! It's me trying to make that face, but I don't quite have it down.

Saucy SITS Blogathon!

Happy SITS Blogathon Day, everyone!

Is this fun or what? Today, one of my favorite sites, The Secret Is In The Sauce (SITS - see the cute button to the right!) is holding a blogathon for its myriad of members.

Part of today's task is to share with five sites I have found through SITS and have come to love.
Here you go!

1. The Scholastic Scribe - what an interesting site by a journalism teacher - so you know the writing is good!

2. I Know Where You Can Find It - Mrs. Who has the most amazing finds - check her out!

3. Eat Your Veggies - our amazing Pop'rs queen! No one ever had a better salesperson :-)

4. WepRuminations - I love Wep - her outlook and sense of humor are intelligent and witty!

5. Ritch In Love - what a lovely spirit and couple - Katie's posts are always so heartfelt and "real."

So, visit SITS and take a moment to discover my SITSa's! Oh, and how has SITS enhanced my blogging....sit down, and grab a cup of coffe - we gotta' talk.... seriously, it has directed me to new and wonderful blogs I wouldn't have found just "surfing" online. Check out the five I listed - each unique and interesting. And that's just scratching the surface of hundreds and hundreds of people linked to this fabulous site. Kevin Bacon has nothing on SITS... except maybe six degrees of separation, but I bet someone closer than that to him is linked to SITS somewhere along the way **wink wink**.

Gifts and Bonus Gifts

Although my flash was too bright and I had no zooming options using my daughter's little camera, I think you can see how great my little sugar bowls from Gary are.

Now, the longhorn sugar bowl has been packed up as it will be a gift, but I couldn't resist putting them together for the shot. And, the little yellow vase in front was a bonus gift!

We do bonus gifts in our family. We decided it was fun to get a gift at Christmas or your birthday, but it was even more fun getting two (or more). So, we give each other gifts, and bonus gifts. Bonus gifts are not expensive, but thoughtful or fun little items - a desk calendar, a key chain, a CD, a handmade item, etc...

Our favorite potter, Gary, has this idea down, don't you think?

Now, to veer off-track, the colonel (we all know and love him) is already bugging me and we haven't even spoken more than two sentences to each other this morning. I'll keep you posted if any weirdness happens today.

Happy Monday!

The Meme Of Last Resort

As you know, yesterday I was blank and was thinking about doing a meme found from one of you, but, quite frankly, I didn't feel like linking. That's so bad.

Instead, we created our own and here it is. Feel free to use it. No linking required. And feel free to leave your answers without doing this meme at your site, too. Who knows? Someone might be so curious about someone who answers the way you did, they'll just HAVE to come visit you.

I do, however, recommend all my bloggy pals to visit each other - you all have your own special coolness :-)

Here we go:

1. What word do you wish would disappear forever?

2. If you could be king or queen of a European country, which one and why?

3. Would you rather be deaf or blind?

4. What's something you collect?

5. What is your favorite TV show or movie you would never admit to anyone?

6. What is your favourite comfort food?

My Answers:

1. Frickin' (freakin', friggin').... okay, we know what you're meaning...choose again.

2. I would like to be Queen of Denmark. Anywhere that has a little mermaid for a symbol is okay by me.

3. Deaf. God forbid either, but I would much rather be able to still drive and read (and draw).

4. I collect copies of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - only unusual, older printings, etc... I just know that one day I will come across a first edition.

5. I have to go down the same path as Gary on this one - I love Leave It To Beaver reruns (along with The Brady Bunch, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and more)

6. My favorite comfort food would be my grandmother's chicken and noodles...grandma is gone now, but my mom has taken over making them and they are still fabulous.

Thanks for helping me out y'all...I look forward to reading your answers!

The Last Resort

Today, I am rearranging my office to become a bit better organized.

The colonel called in sick. Can you imagine? On a Friday of all things. I am truly shocked.

Do you ever have one of those days when you want to post something brilliant or funny or insightful and all you can think of is maybe someone has some new meme you can try? That's me today.

Hey! There's an idea... let's create a new meme together. I will give you one question, leave a comment with your answer and a question you would like to see on a meme, and at the end of the day, I will post them all as one meme. If you want, come back and get it and use it for that day when you can't think of a darn thing either. No linking required. It's too much effort (can you tell I am being lazy?).

The Last Resort Meme

1. What word do you wish would disappear forever?

(my answer to THAT question is "frickin")

Okay... off to actually do some work.

Colonel and The Flute

FYI, I am hearing, "I'd Rather Be A Hammer Than A Nail" wafting from the colonel's office...

it sounds like it's being played by a Native American flutist.

He cranked it up. I think he wants me to know how cool he is.

The Colonel Sells

I know I shouldn't post so much about my kookie coworker, the "colonel," but he gives me so much material, I can't help myself.

Now, the colonel is our sales supervisor. He is basically our only sales person, designated to drum up business. Other personnel in corporate are also sales-driven, but have various other duties while the colonel's only job is sales. So, you get the picture.

You're probably thinking, given his position, he should be very apt in the sales arena. Oh, my friends, let me assure you that cannot possibly be more false. Here is his sales plan:

1. Go to conferences and conventions of potential (and existing) customers.
2. Gather business cards and email addresses at venues listed above.
3. Spend the next 3 months (or so) before the next venue calling all the people listed on the business cards collected.
4. Using this spiel: "John Doe, this is the Colonel, with ABC123, I had the great pleasure of meeting you at the YouNameIt conference in September. How are you? blah blah blah I was calling you regarding our __________ service. Oh, you do? Are you happy with the service you are receiving? I see. I was wondering if you received the little package I sent you regarding our services? May I send you another? Sir/Ma'am, would you mind if I made a follow-up call to you in about a month? Most assuredly. Thank you.

Now, I am not a sales person, but I do know this....If I was THE sales person, I would be getting out of my chair and hitting the streets to make personal contacts with some of these people.

Once a potential customer told me they were satisfied with someone else's work, I would use that opportunity to jump in and ask to compare rates, quality, service, etc.... I would offer one free time, etc... something to open that door and get my foot in it.

And lastly, if I were "the" salesman, I would never, ever call my package little.