Getting To Know You

Got this as an email and changed it around a bit to use here on my blog. Thought it was a bit of an interesting way to give out some facts about myself that people might not know. Cut and paste the questions to your blog and change the answers to apply to you. (Leave me a comment and let me know if you posted this to your blog--would like to get to know my readers a bit more!)


1. What time did you get up this morning? Morning? There's a morning?

2. Diamonds or pearls? DIAMONDS! (Got wonderful ones for Christmas.)

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Could it possibly be "Christmas With The Kranks" last year? Oh, my. (We have HBO, etc. and have the tendency to buy DVDs.)

4. What is your favorite TV show? Lots of shows I like. I love House, Boston Legal, Gilmore Girls, 24, The Shield, Everwood, Monk...I need a life!

5. What did you have for breakfast? COFFEE...the most important food of the day.

6. What is your middle name? Marie--has gotten to be a tradition: my mother, me, my first daughter, and my first grand-daughter all have the same middle name.

7. What is your favorite cuisine? American

8. What foods do you dislike? OOOOHHHHHHHH...too numerous to mention. I am a very picky and unadventurous eater. (Though you would never know by looking at me.)

9. What is your favorite Potato chip? Probably Lay's...don't eat that much potato chips cause there are too many other snack foods that I like better. Cheetos, Doritos, Fritos, yummmm.

10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Still enjoying Rob Thomas' "Something To Be" and, as always, I'm loving Eric Clapton. His newest and at-the-moment fav is "Back Home."

11. What kind of car do you drive? A GMC Jimmy--and can't believe it took us this long to finally get a 4WD!

12. What is your favorite sandwich? I'm really enjoying the bacon-chicken ranch at Subway, these days.

13. What characteristics do you despise? Manipulation, condescension, and being a drama queen. (I am the drama queen--no one else can be!)

14. Favorite item of clothing? My daily uniform: yoga pants and t-shirt.

15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, it would be: Australia and New Zealand, without a doubt!

16. What color is your bathroom? White with blue accessories.

17. Favorite brand of clothing? Anything that fits and looks decent. (Unfortunately, those are few and far between. It's hell being this short!)

18. Where would you want to retire to? Don't know if I particularly want to leave where we are.

19. Favorite time of day? NIGHT! (I would do so well working the night-shift.)

20. Where were you born? Michigan

21. Favorite sport to watch? Hockey

23. What type of detergent do you use? Whatever fragrance-free detergent I can find a Sam's Club. Right now it is All.

24. Coke or Pepsi? DEFINITELY Coke.

25. Are you a morning person or night owl? If you have read this far, and if you know me AT ALL, you know I am a night owl.

26. What size shoe do you wear? 6-6 1/2

27. Do you have pets? My fat-cat (15+ pounds!)

28. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everybody: I actually kind of enjoyed Christmas this year.

29. What did you want to be when you were little? When I was real little: a telephone operator. (Remember those?) Then when I was older: a doctor or a medical researcher.

30. Favorite Candy Bar? Right now, probably Hershey with almonds. I overdosed on Snickers, finally.

31. What is your best childhood memory? Nothing really pops into my head.

32. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? Other than full-time wife and mother, dental assistant and teacher aide. My volunteer jobs are WAY too numerous to mention.

33. What color underwear are you wearing? Underwear? Going commando mean anything?

34. Nicknames: Sis is the closest I ever got to a nickname.

35. Piercing? 5 holes in my ears.

36. Eye color? Green.

37. Ever been to Africa? No, but would love to go. Anyone want to offer to take me?

38. Ever been toilet papered? NO--I've lead a very boring life!

39. Ever Loved someone so much it made you cry? Of course--hasn't everyone?

40. Been in a car accident? Twice--once when I was very young, about 5 years old, and once when I was driving--and it WASN'T my fault!

41. Croutons or bacon bits? Maybe croutons--doesn't matter either way.

42. Favorite day of the week? At this point in time, with me not working and K doing the ever-changing shifts, it really doesn't matter. One day is pretty much like another.

43. Favorite restaurant? No favorite.

44. Favorite flower? Alstromeria--the longest-lasting florist flower I have ever seen.

45. Favorite ice cream? Vanilla--I know, very boring.

46. Disney or Warner Brothers? Warner Brothers--can't get enough of Bugs Bunny and I love Gossamer.

47. Favorite fast food restaurant? McDonalds? Really, I eat from all of them except Wendy's.

48. What color is your bedroom carpet? Gold.

49. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Passed the first time.

50. Whom did you get your last e-mail from? The last personal one I got was from my friend C--other than that, it was something I subscribe to; comics, newsletter, etc.

51. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Probably Dell--it would have most of the gadgets I could be happy getting.

52. Last person you went to dinner with? C? I would say K, but we bring food in more than go out.

53. Ford or Chevy? Would have to go with Chevy--but actually I would choose GMC first. (I know, GMC and Chevy are really the same company.)

54. What are you listening to right now? Best of B.B. King. I usually listen to a mix of whatever I have on the computer.

55. What person have you learned the most about life from? Myself--it has been a lot of learn-as-you-go in my life.

56. How many tattoos do you have? One--for now.

Leaving 2005 With A Smile

It doesn't matter how cynical and crusty I get year after year, this website is going to make me go "awwwwww" every time I visit it. If you want to feel sappy and get all kinds of warm-fuzzy feelings, go to CuteOverload.com. It is worth it to put a smile on your face. :)

Have a fun time celebrating tomorrow night and, please, do it safely. I want all of my (few) readers to be back here in 2006. Happy New Year, all!

Post-Christmas

It has been a few days and I thought I would give a bit of an update. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas--great gifts, good food, and fun times with loved ones.

The grandkids really liked what they got from us. I was so glad to hear that everything was a great hit. I also got an unexpected bonus: one of the gifts managed to FINALLY drive C out of her mind. We got the baby a Hide-n-Seek Eeyore and C had to disable it by the time it was unwrapped: it drove her crazy! I had to chuckle cause I was beginning to think there wasn't anything I could do to annoy her. Terrible to be happy about being able to annoy a person, hey? :)

On Christmas Eve we spent time with some very good friends. The visit was so enjoyable. I really love that that visit has become such a tradition for us. Long may the tradition go on!

We got a very unexpected--and pleasant--surprise on Christmas day: A and her fiance came to visit. They got here just in time to have dinner with and they spent the entire evening with us. She went through a lot of the stuff she still has here and managed to take quite a bit out of this house--YEAH!!! The visit went well and not much was said about The Parents, which kept me from having a meltdown. She did mention a few things that I chose to ignore until I could ponder them at a later time. And once I pondered them, I cancelled them from my mind.

While Christmas is the season of giving--and I LOVE to give gifts--I have always had a particular fondness for receiving. And I am very lucky that I have a husband who likes to give me gifts. And he likes to give jewelry. This year was no exception as he gave me two wonderfully beautiful pieces of diamond jewelry: an 'o' necklace and an eternity ring. He sure knew how to put a big smile on my face this year!

So, after the last paragraph, now I will do a little rant against the hubby. I love him dearly and he is so very good, but sometimes he drives me crazy by being TOO good. Case in point: today we received a thank you card from The Parents. I couldn't figure out why, so I mentioned it to K. He said it must be for the card "we" sent--I NEVER sent them a card. I said that it was a little bit of overkill to send a thank you for a plain card, to which he said that he put money in the card as a Christmas gift to them. I quit giving them gifts of any kind several years ago--don't need to reward their behavior toward me. This, of course, caused me to have a meltdown and I asked if there was anything else I should know. Of course, he also gave a card and money to our godchild. Now, that completely sent me over the edge. I spent the month before Christmas busting my ass looking for all of the ingredients needed to make a special bracelet for her--this in addition to the Christmas ornament we always give and another little bracelet I had purchased. I'm sorry, but I figured that was more than enough for a child we see once every year or two--a child whose parents have disowned us. (This is The Brother's child and he no longer considers me his sister.)

Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows I have hated Christmas for as far back as I can remember and this year I actually, almost, kind of didn't hate the thoughts of living through the holiday. And this Christmas was by far the best I have had in a long time. This is why the events of today have me so bummed out. But, I will get over it--hopefully sooner rather than later. I am trying my hardest to get past this and I'm sure all will be well again in a few days. So, on that note, I will sign off. Have a good rest of the week!

Counting Down The Hours

It is around 60 hours and Christmas will be over again for another year. I really don't count Christmas Day as part of the holiday, as we always do our celebrating/gift opening, etc on Christmas Eve. While this hasn't been one of my "Scrinchiest" years, I still will be happy to get back to the usual routine of life.

K has just left to go up north to deliver the gifts for C and her family. Without knowing if he was planning on stopping at The Parent's house, I decided to stay home--don't need to have an argument with him at this time of year. The house is feeling a little empty with all the gifts gone, but it is also a nice feeling. I will put K's gifts under the tree today, so there will be something there.

We don't have much planned for Christmas. On Christmas Eve we will be with some friends--something that has gotten to be a nice tradition over the years. On our way back home from their house, we usually drive around and look at light displays. And when we get home, we open our gifts and that is the end of our celebrating. A nice, relaxing way to spend a holiday. K will be home on Christmas Day, so I will make dinner and that will be it for what we do. Maybe we will go and see a movie--that's a thought. I know he wants to see The Chronicles of Narnia, so that would be a good choice. Hmmm, just might have to do it.

The last time I heard from A, she said they would be up for the holidays. Of course, she meant they would be at The Parent's! It would be nice if she decided to quit treating them as if they were HER parents and not mine. Oh, well, I'm sure The Mother is absolutely delighted that she can have both of my daughters with her for the holidays--serves me right for the way I am, I'm sure she feels. A DID say that her and the fiance were going to stop here, so we'll see.

While this hasn't been the very merriest post, I will close with all the seasonal greetings I can. To all of my readers: have the merriest Christmas. I wish you and yours joy, peace, and love. May you be with those you love and care for and may you get everything you want. Have a joyous Christmas!

She Makes Me Chuckle

Just talked with C and she was complaining about being tired. (DUH!! Do you think?) Anyway, one of her problems was that Marcus woke her up "at the butt-crack of dawn." She sure can come up with fun ways to say things. :) Other than that, things are going well in her house--all are healthy and fine--at least till the cold season starts in earnest!

So, Who Said Lawyers Suck The Fun Out Of Everything?

Got all of my Christmas decorating done this week--YAYYYYYY!!!!! It feels good. Now if I only can stand to keep the decorations up past December 26th, I'll feel as if I did very well this year. :)

We are going out of town for the weekend and I hope we will be able to finish up most, if not all, of the Christmas shopping. It would be nice to come home and not have to think about buying anything else. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Hope you all have a nice weekend. Here is a little something to make you smile:


THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS in Legalese (author unknown):

Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to a mouse.
A variety of foot apparel, e.g., stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick a/k/a/ St. Nicholas a/k/a/ Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus") would arrive at sometime thereafter. The minor residents, i.e. the children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e. dreams, wherein vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.
Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as ("I"), being the joint-owner in fee simple of the House with the party of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep. At such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g., kerchief and cap.
Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e., the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance.
At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus.
Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"). (Upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co- conspirator named "Rudolph" may have been involved.)
The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, and Claus entered said House via the chimney.
Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items.
He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations.
Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minor pursuant to the applicable provisions of the U.S. Tax Code.)
Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately departed for an unknown destination.
However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that effect.

Forget "Happy Holidays," It's "Merry Christmas"

I understand, to a certain extent, political correctness, but it drives me insane when people say you can't wish someone a Merry Christmas--it might make them uncomfortable! Is that the biggest bunch of BS, or what? Just give me a frickin' break! Why is it so intolerable to mention, or display, anything that might be looked on as coming from a Christian perspective? The more politically correct we get in this country, when it comes to minorities of ANY kind, the less tolerance is shown to Christians--I don't get it. It is okay to dress as a Nazi and scream "Heil Hitler," to have parades while wearing white sheets, to give speeches about "death to the infidels," and on and on, but a Nativity scene can't be set up in a town square--I JUST DON'T GET IT!!! Maybe this world IS going to hell in a handbasket.

And Life Goes On

It is surprising how quite busy life has been for the past few days. At least compared to how my life usually is. Nothing very important, just a lot of busy-ness.

Had a couple of doctor appointments this week. Again, nothing very important. I had my yearly with my GYN and if it wasn't for the fact that my boobs get mauled and things get put in awkward places, that visit would be my favorite of the year. See, my GYN has been my doctor for about 22 years--he delivered my last kid. He has seen me through surgeries and many awful things going on with my life and has made me leave his office in a better mood than I got there with. We ALWAYS begin my appointment with a technology talk--we discuss our latest tech gadgets and what we hope to have by next year. I don't have many people to "talk tech" with, so I'm always happy when I can find another geek to converse with. He is someone who "gets me"--I always judge my doctors by that criteria. I actually have not gone back to someone who hasn't understood my warped, dry sense of humor, so when a doc "gets me," I am his patient for life. It always is good to visit and laugh with someone--even if he is doing medical things to you. (That sounds terrible, doesn't it!)

I am actually, almost, kind of, not having a bad time thinking about the Christmas holidays this year. Can't for the life of me understand what is going on--nothing in my life has changed so much that this Christmas should be any different than any other year. But, I have been doing my annual before Christmas cleaning--something I really haven't done in the last four or so years--and can't wait to get started on the decorating. C told me I really need to have a very thorough medical exam because this just isn't like me--I must be REALLY sick! Or the end is at hand. :) But, anyway, here I am, NOT feeling like a total Scrinch. (A cross between "Scrooge" and the "Grinch.") And I think I like feeling like this! :)

C called the other day to tell of her latest trip to the emergency room. This time it was with Marcus, the one-year-old. His older sister had been doing homework and got up for a second--leaving her paper and pencil on the couch. Sure enough, before anyone could get to him, off he went running with the pencil in his mouth--lead-side in. Just as C was getting up to run after him, he fell and the pencil got lodged in his cheek. At least it didn't come straight through, but it bled like crazy. When they realized the tip of the pencil couldn't be found, they had to take him to be x-rayed to make sure it wasn't still in his cheek. She said the doctor showed her the hole the pencil made and it was unbelievable how big it was. Thankfully the x-rays showed there was nothing in his cheek, so they were sent home with some antibiotics and told he will be fine. She told the x-ray techs to remember Marcus' name, because they will be seeing him A LOT in the next 18 years--the kid is fearless and can get into trouble in a matter of seconds. He will definitely cause C to get a few grey hairs. :)

Last night I finally did something I have been putting off for almost a year--I cleaned up our old computer and got it out of this room. My desk is, barely, big enough for the two computers to be on and I have been living with the old one digging in my side for all this time and I decided enough was enough. It took me about eight hours to re-format, reinstall XP, download all of the updates, reinstall the software I wanted on it, and do all the necessary stuff. I really wasn't all that happy with the time spent--after all, I don't know if the damn thing will ever be used by either K or myself. He claims he wants it for himself, that he doesn't need anything too good for what he does on the computer, but we'll see if he actually uses it. I really have my doubts. Compared to this computer, the old one is as slow as a 90-year-old-man driving down the highway--nothing that is too fun to be near. I hope it doesn't become a very heavy doorstop.

I wish all of my readers a good weekend. I am planning on getting all of my decorating done before next week, so I'll let you know if I succeeded. Have a good one.

Back To Cooking

This year I will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in four years--and I'm kind of looking forward to it. After our youngest left home, I just didn't feel the need or desire to put on a big production for just the two of us, so we bought our dinner from a local grocery store. The food was very good and I only had to heat everything up, so we did this for three years. I suppose we could have gone to a restaurant to eat, but then we wouldn't have had any leftovers--and isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about? :)

Anyway, for around $50 this is what we got for our dinner: a 10-13 pound turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, a broccoli salad, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, rolls, pumpkin pie, and Cool Whip. (I think that was it.) I only had to make mashed rutabaga and the meal was complete. Everything was 'homemade'--real potatoes and gravy, etc. We always thought this was an excellent value and soooooo much easier than doing everything myself!

I never found Thanksgiving dinner to be a very difficult meal to prepare--it just is a lot of work. And, actually, it isn't so much the amount of work but the fact that so much has to be done last-minute that got to me. The 30 minutes to an hour before mealtime is so hectic. Oh, well, I will try it again and see how it goes!

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you will be surrounded by people you love and will have a pleasant day.

Something I Want

I keep thinking about getting myself a laptop. While our desktop isn't quite a year old, I have wanted to, also, have a laptop for a long time. The trouble with this whole thing is this: I can't afford the kind I would want. Because this would be MINE (and not OURS like the desktop is), I would want to have a Voodoo, Alienware, or Falcon Northwest brand. I'm talking a fully tricked out gaming machine. Now, I don't NEED a gaming computer because I don't play games. BUT, if I got a gaming computer, it would take several years for it to become obsolete for the things I would do with it. The only way this would possibly happen is if someone decided to, nicely, give me $3000, $4000, or $5000+. Ain't gonna happen. I am sad. :(

Feeling Dumb

While I ALWAYS have fun taking the Quiz of the Day over at mental_floss, there just are some days I feel soooooo dumb. Today is one of those days: I only got one question right and THAT one I guessed at! Oh, well, they always have an interesting Fact of the Day to read.

Retouched Photos

Here is another site that shows how a PhotoShop professional can make a picture better. Amazing work.

Little Bit of Nothingness

Our typical weather: a couple of days ago the temp was 14 degrees with a wind-chill temp of 7. Today, it is in the upper 30s! I just hope this doesn't continue all winter--it is so hard to try and adjust to such widely varying temps.

Grace was weighed again yesterday and she gained around 4 ounces--the doctor was so very pleased. She was expected to only gain 1-2 ounces--I guess she is eating okay now. :)

I was talking to C last night when Noelle--the 2 year old--announced that her diaper was "gross." AND she wanted her mother to change it. Now, describing the dirty diaper as "gross" is A LOT better than what she could say--and a lot funnier! C isn't quite sure why she started saying "gross," but we figured the babe heard "That is so gross" too many times when someone changed her. It always amazes me to hear little kids say the exact things they have heard adults say--and adults never quite realize how closely kids are actually listening! A lesson to be learned. :)

Yesterday Lawn Mowers, Today Snowblowers

Yep, we, once again, got winter in less than 24 hours. Everything turned to crap outside around 10:00 last night and the entire world turned white. K is out snowblowing right now--when he got home this morning, he couldn't even make it into the driveway. He managed to get the truck off of the road and had to leave it. But, then, this isn't all that unusual for those of us living by the big lake.

Now, the snow that came is that wet, heavy stuff. The temp didn't go down all that much--actually, it still is about 33 degrees out there. This, of course, caused all kinds of nasty problems.

First, a little background. K works at a power plant in our city--for a company that doesn't supply the power for this city. (It's complicated and not that interesting.) Suffice it to say, MOST of the time if something happens where he works, it doesn't affect us, and if something happens at the city power plant, it doesn't affect anyone but this city. (Not very clear, but it'll do.) Well, last night was one of those rare occasions when we WERE affected. Anyway, around 12:45 AM, the heavy snow broke a static line at K's plant. This in turn touched one of the power lines. Then all hell broke loose. I guess it looked like a lightning storm with all the flashing, etc. And I guess it was pretty loud at the same time. (Thankfully, no one was hurt during this.) When all this happened, the power went out all over the city. And I was left in the dark, by myself, for (what I thought was going to be) the entire night. Now, being without power in the summer brings a whole set of problems, but not having power during the winter is another story. My first concern was heat--obviously, without power there was none. Just KNOWING the furnace wasn't working made me cold--and the temp didn't really go down more than a degree or two the whole while the power was off! Talk about mind over matter! Then, because I wasn't tired, I couldn't figure out what I could do. I found a radio that works on batteries so that I could have some noise going on. Then I found my little book light so that I could read till I got tired. Before I got a chance to go to bed, the power came back on and all was well. The lights were out for less than two hours.

All in all, things could have been a lot worse. If the temp doesn't go down a lot today, we could lose a lot of the snow that is on the ground. I just hope this isn't a (bad) sign as to how things will go this winter. Yuck!

Winter?

We are under a winter snow warning for tonight and tomorrow. They are calling for up to 16" of snow by the time it is all said and done. Fortunately, for this type of storm, we are too close to the lake for most of it to bother us, but 5 miles away it will be pretty darn nasty.

Yesterday, K put up the new stormdoor on the front of the house and I covered the windows with plastic. We are trying to do all we can this year to save on fuel costs. (Of course, we didn't want to do this in a timely manner, so we waited until the first storm was almost here! :) ) Living in an old house like this, there just is only so much one can do, though. At least we are doing something. I don't even want to think about how much we will be spending to heat this place this year.

Today I went to the grocery store to stock up--as I do every time they call for a winter storm. I act as if we live way out in the sticks and won't be able to get out for weeks at a time! Just another one of my quirks! Today was a bit quieter in the stores than has been the case for the past several days. Today is the first day of the firearm deer season, so the stores have been packed with hunters getting their supplies for deer camp. I stay far away if I possibly can. Most of these men--yes, there are women hunters, too, but I am only talking about the men, now--go to the grocery store only once a year: in time for hunting camp. You will find groups of men--sometimes wearing their camouflage outfits--wandering around the store like lost little puppies. To say they have no idea what they are doing is an understatement. I truly believe some of them get to their destination and find out they have only purchased beer, steaks, and toilet paper. But then, to some people, those things are all you need to have a party!

A Bunch Of Stuff

Some things going on in my life:

Grace had a doctor's appointment last week and she only gained one ounce. C has to give her supplemental formula so that she can gain a bit faster. Other than that, she is doing well.

C had to see the doctor again last week because she had a bad reaction to one of the blood thinners she was taking. Because of this and the fact that all of the tests they did for a blood-clotting disorder came back negative (just as they did a few years ago when they ran them the last time), she is going to have to see the hematologist sooner than she thought. Maybe this doctor will be able to come up with some answers as to what is going on with her. At least, thankfully, she is feeling fine and whatever might be wrong probably won't affect her life other than during/after pregnancies--hopefully.

I have officially declared myself a pretty cool grandma! I received our oldest granddaughter's Christmas gift the other day and it is quite neat. I ordered her an mp3 player and I think it is going to be a big hit with her. I love being able to actually know what is going on with modern technology and to be able to buy gifts that the kids might actually want.

We took one of our road trips last week and managed to get some shopping done. I think we did rather well, but we still have more to go. I only have to get one more of the 'bigger' gifts for one of the grandkids--I have all of the rest of the kids taken care of. Other than the kids, we really don't do a whole lot of gift-giving. I stopped doing that when my family started to treat me like something they wanted to scrape off the bottom of their shoes!

We were going to go shopping again this week, but the weather doesn't look as if it will co-operate, so it might not happen. I really like to get my Christmas shopping done in the stores before Thanksgiving--it just is way too crazy afterwards. And I don't particularly care for the season, so it is doubly bad for me to be in the stores during the month of December.

While we haven't really gotten snow--just a few flurries--we have had several days of high wind warnings this past week (and today.) I found this to be a bit spooky--after all, last week was the 30th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. (Here is a website dedicated to the tragedy.) True, the winds haven't been quite as strong as they were then, they still are whipping around pretty good. I even had to call our neighbors and let them know that their house was 'falling apart'--I think they lost a soffit or part of the eave.

And, finally, I'm still trying to reprogram my sleep habits. I have had limited success, but I still am doing a bit better than I was. I actually manage to get to bed at night, so that is good! I just have to work at it some more.

My Visitors

Most of the people who visit my blog happen to just stumble onto it. I figure they click on the button that says 'next blog' and then move on. I do have several people that come back again, and there are some who are regular readers. To those who keep coming back, THANKS.

One thing I am amazed at in regards to the people who visit my blog is the fact that so many of them are at work while they are surfing the net. The last time I worked outside the home, we didn't have computers, so I can't imagine how that would have worked. I find it very interesting.

I also am amazed at how many people from different countries happen to stop by--again I know it is that 'next blog' button, but it still is neat to see the many countries of the world represented. I also have people from all across the US, but my repeat visitors seem to be from the Midwest. Hmmm, we must have SOME sort of connection--maybe the fact I'm here in the Midwest? :)

To all my readers, have a wonderful day and an even better week! Stop by anytime--hopefully I will have something here to make you want to come back.

To Save A Life

(There STILL are good reasons we use the internet--not just for gossip and trivia! Read on.)

REMEMBING THREE SIMPLE TESTS COULD BE A LIFE SAVER !!

Is It a Stroke?

This was published in a monthly newsletter where a friend of mine lives and he sent it on. I had never heard this advice before and hadn't a clue. Perhaps you hadn't either and would like to file it away in the back of your head.

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say any bystander can recognize a stroke asking three simple questions:

* ask the individual to smile.
* ask him or her to raise both arms.
* ask the person to speak a simple sentence.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of nonmedical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions.

They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage."

PASS IT ON...............

Just Waiting

I was going to wait till there was some definitive answer before posting about what is going on with C, but heaven only knows when THAT will happen. I guess I just kind of left things up in the air, so I will tell the latest.

I posted how C had to go to the ER because of blood clots in her arms. Well, she went to see her own doc later last week and he doesn't feel as if she should have gotten so many blood clots from having the IVs in the hospital--this just isn't "normal." He feels as if she may have some sort of congenital blood clotting disorder and is having tests done--then she will have to see a hemotologist to decide where to go with the info. The thing is, she went through all of this testing after Noelle was born--they wanted to know why she had lousy pregnancies--and they didn't find out anything. I don't know how they think this time will show anything different, but we will wait and see. Right now the doc is trying to regulate her meds--blood thinners--so she has to have blood drawn every day till her "numbers" are where they should be. (I have no idea WHAT the numbers indicate, but this is what is going on.) So, we wait, again! Story of my life. :) Of course, I am not the one who needs comforting or anything---after all, it is C who has the problems--but I am a mother and I do worry. And, to a lesser degree, they might find a genetic disorder and it might indicate the need for testing, etc. for me, K, and our other daughter, A. I'm not that concerned about myself as I haven't had any indication of anything serious, but I do worry about A and what will happen when she starts having kids. Time will tell, I guess.

Rock My World

Well, there are changes going on in my life and I'm not too sure how I feel about it. First, my posting might be a bit sporatic, at best, as my time is being used very differently these days. My doctor is trying to reprogram my sleep habits and I am having a hell of a time trying to get in the groove. For some reason or other, the time seems to go by so much faster during the day than it does at night. I don't know if I find so much more to do during daylight hours, but it seems as if I just don't have the time I'm used to having. I have been so busy trying to get things done before I have to go to bed, that I don't have time for the things I WANT to do. I have to, grudgingly, admit that I MIGHT be feeling a bit better by keeping "normal" hours, but it might be a struggle for me to keep this up long-term. The hardest part is living a "normal" schedule while K is doing shift work--very hard to get anything done around the house while he is sleeping all day. Oh, well, I guess if I feel really good living like this, I will keep it up--we'll see.

Good News

Just a short post: Baby Grace went home today! Yeah! She is doing well and is healthy. Thank God.

New York, New York

This blog is quite fascinating. While I don't live in and have never been to NYC, there is enough to it that is universally understood. However, I don't know if this same blog could be written about any place other than NYC. Check it out--you might find yourself wasting too much time there. :)

Of Dentists and Vaccinations

I was 4 years old when I started school. I am a dental phobic. Needles scare the hell out of me. And all of these statements go together.

Before I began school, I had to go to the dentist to have some work done. I had been seeing the dentist for several years and never had any problem going there, but unfortunately, the town where I lived didn't have fluoride in the water, so I needed to have a cavity filled. This wouldn't have been a big problem except for the fact that the dentist decided to fill the tooth without giving a shot of Novocain. As he drilled into the tooth, he hit a nerve. My 4-year-old little body didn't like the feeling, so I began to cry. The dentist got very angry and came close to hitting me before my mother had a chance to step in. "Don't you DARE hit my child," she said. And he answered, "Don't bring a baby to the dentist!" I don't really know what happened after that, except he finished the filling and I was left with a terrible fear of the dentist.

That same day I had an appointment with the doctor to get my shots brought up to date in order to start school. I don't remember how many I was to have or which ones they were, just that I needed some shots. This, too, wasn't a problem for me--until that day. First of all, they tried to inject me with a bent needle. (This is from the days of non-disposable needles. I know, I'm old.) After they attempted to inject me several times, they realized the problem. Fine, but then they came at me again with a new needle. Well, by this time, I wasn't having any of it, so I pulled away as the needle went into my arm. You guessed it, the needle broke off in my arm. So now, the doctor had to do a minor surgery in order to remove the broken needle. AND I STILL HADN'T HAD THE INJECTION! Somehow or another, they managed to give me the shot(s) and we left the office.

Believe it or not, I managed to raise my girls without a fear of the dentist or needles. I still don't know how I did it. I am doing much better these days when it comes to needles and dentists. I have had to learn to accept having frequent blood work done because of my hypothyroidism and I have been very lucky that it is very infrequently that I need dental work done. So, I am able to do what has to be done, but I am never very happy about it.

Just A Post

Hi all--just a short post to update. Not all that much has been going on. I have been feeling all week as if I am coming down with a cold and it just isn't happening. This has kept me from being able to go see the baby--I would feel so bad if I came down with a full blown cold the day after seeing her! Oh, well, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Talked to C today and she was back in the ER earlier this week. Before that story, I have to say that she DIDN'T have a staph infection like the ER doc said--turns out it was possibly the world's worse yeast infection! That seems to be better now. Anyway, she had to go to the ER because she had so much pain in her arms--the diagnosis: she has blood clots in both. One arm has 4 and the other has 6. They said it isn't enough to keep her in the hospital as they are not in the deep veins, so they aren't as dangerous. They did put her on blood thinners and she has to see her doc on Friday. I don't know how much more that poor girl can take!

Found out that Grace is now almost 5 pounds! She is eating from a bottle and tolerating the breast milk very well. Don't know yet when she can go home, but I would imagine it can't be too long now.

Wires, Wires, And More Wires

Last night definitely was different, to say the least: I spent the night in a sleep lab. This all came to be because I told my doctor I think my thyroid is off again and asked for another med. He didn't like the idea of what I asked for, so he said my symptoms could also be caused by sleep-deprivation. (My get-up-and-go has got-up-and-went.) So, off to the sleep-lab. Well, this experience isn't as bad as a colonoscopy (goooooood drugs are given for a colonoscopy!) and not nearly as good as having a massage, but it was not a whole lot of fun.

First, I had to be at the hospital at 8:45 PM. The tech came and got us--there was another woman, too--and brought us to the lab. (And I could be given a million dollars and NOT be able to find my way there again!) Anyway, I was shown to my room and told to leave my things so that we could watch a film in the next room. So much fun that film was: lots of snoring and watching people sleep. Then the tech answered questions and my main one was: "How am I supposed to sleep? I sleep on my stomach!" Of course he answered, "No problem--you can still move around while hooked up." Yeah right!

Another tech brought me back to my room and I was told to "do what I do before going to bed" and then open the door to let him know when I am ready to go on. (I'm still wondering what he was referring to other than putting on my nightgown and brushing my teeth!?) When I was done, he came back and then the fun began.

I was put in a chair and the tech began taking measurements of my head. When he got the measurement he wanted, he used a pencil or something to mark the position--it wasn't just a felt-tip marker because it felt as if he was trying to CARVE the markings into my skull. When he was done with the measuring, he began to GLUE the patches to my skull. And he glued patches to my temples, my chin, and under my nose. There were 17 patches in all. Then he attached all of the electrode wires--it was like an electronic ponytail!

When that part of the prep was done, I had to lie down on the bed. There he strapped two different belts on me--one high on the chest and one low on the abdomen. EKG patches were then placed, a patch was placed on my throat, the oxygen monitor was put on my finger, and two straps were put on my heels. All of these had wires attached. In total, there were 29 different wires running from my body. Then he explained about the intercom--which was voice activated--and the camera and microphone which would be on all night. And he told me that if I needed anything just to talk in a normal voice and the tech who would be observing me the entire time would get what I needed. Then he said good night and have a pleasant sleep. RIIIIGHT!

All of the prep took about an hour, so the lights went off in the room a little after 11:00 PM. First of all, there was NO WAY I was going to be able to get completely comfortable in order to get to sleep. I laid on my side and drifted in and out for about an hour and realized I had to make a trip to the potty. Well, that was no walk in the park! The tech had to come and take off my foot straps, unplug the oxygen monitor, unplug the panel the electrodes were plugged into, and hang the panel around my neck so I could get out of bed and move around. Fun. If the bladder wouldn't have been screaming, I would have said , "Screw this." and tried to go back to sleep. Of course, when I was done he had to come back and hook me up again.

For the next 5 hours I actually slept a bit. I kept drifting in and out, but I guess I actually managed to get some deep sleep. Then a little after 5:00 AM the bladder needed attending to, so I had to be unattached, etc. again. When I got back into bed, I was sure I wouldn't sleep and was going to ask if I could go home, but I actually did drift off for about an hour when the tech came and woke me up to leave.

Taking all of the patches off took another 30 minutes--the ones that were glued on had to be removed with nail polish remover (okay, technically acetone, but it's the same difference) so it was a bit of a process. Now, I have sensitive skin, so everywhere there was glue or another adhesive there is a red mark--in some cases there is actual welts from the damn things! It is going to take several days for all of this to go away. And it will also take days for all of the glue to wash out of my hair--I don't care if it is "water soluble" as he said. So, then I put my clothes on and came home at 7:00 AM.

Next week I see my internist and he will have the results of this sleep-study, but the tech did tell my a few things. First, I don't have sleep apnea like you always hear about. I did snore very quietly and I had a few instances of my oxygen dropping, but nothing in the life-threatening area. I also exhibited a little bit of restless leg syndrome, but I think that was because of the position I had to sleep in. Anything he observed could probably be taken care of with a lose of excess weight--exactly what I thought before I went. So, this was a complete waste of time, in my opinion, but I guess I will wait to see what the doc has to say next week.

NOT Just Baby News

Things just keep happening to C! She had to go to the ER because of a 101 fever and she now has a staph infection! She is already on antibiotics--and has been for over 3 weeks--so what more can they do for her? Also, several of the veins in her arms have calcification--I suppose the next time she needs an IV they will have to go into the neck. I sure hope not.

Went to see the baby and she is doing well. They fed her from a bottle and she took it fine. They think she is done under the ultraviolet light and her antibiotics should be done in the next couple of days. She sure is a cutie--I held her for awhile and just stared at her while she made faces. I swear she actually smiled! OK, I know that it wasn't a true smile, but it was cute nonetheless.

Now, on to other things. This is just so creepy I can't stand it! Yuck. I really don't like snakes and I would just have a heart attack!

Doesn't this just seem wrong? I know companies are in business to make money, but to make money because of fears just doesn't seem right.

And finally, WHY isn't this a reality show? Please save us from this crap!

NICU

There are many people who have never been in a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and I have been in one many times. I will attempt to explain what it is like.

Before you can even get into the room where the babies are, there is a sink. Everyone, before going into the next room, must scrub for three minutes. It is just like you see on TV when the doctor gets ready for surgery—you must scrub your hands and arms all the way to the elbows for a period of three minutes. This has changed from nine years ago—at that time we had to scrub for five minutes and had to remove all rings and jewelry on the wrists and arms. Now you are allowed to keep rings on. Once you have scrubbed, you must put a gown over your street clothes and then you can go into the room where the babies are.

The first thing you notice when you walk into the room is how dark it is. I’m not talking dark as night, just very subdued lighting. And this is understandable—all of the babies SHOULD still be in a very dark place, their mother’s womb! The next thing you notice are all of the machines. Every isolette has its own station with machines and monitors—everything needed to keep a premature infant alive and well. If the station is occupied, you notice the lights and the tracings on the monitors—these are to track heart rates, breathing, oxygen, etc. As you get closer to a baby, you notice how everything being used is in miniature form. All of the leads, tubes, needles, and other medical supplies are tiny to the point of being laughable. But then, you see how tiny the babies are and you know why everything is so small. It is not unusual to see a baby so tiny that a man’s wedding ring will fit on its upper arm—with room to spare!

The isolettes are clear plastic “boxes” with portholes on the sides. The top can be raised so the baby can be cared for and the portholes can be used to do minor procedures. These isolettes are on raised stands so that the baby is at a comfortable height for the nurses to care for her. If the baby doesn’t need to be under the ultraviolet light, you will often see the top of the isolette covered with a quilt so the baby won’t be disturbed.

Depending on the size of the baby, she could just be wearing a diaper (if she’s big enough to fit into a preemie size), or she will be lying there naked. Sometimes the baby will be wrapped in a blanket, but it is easier for them to do procedures if the baby is unclothed—if it is a matter of saving a life, the quicker you can get to the baby, the better. Often, the baby will be wearing a knit ski-cap. Once you are over your amazement at how small she is (which you never REALLY are), you see all of the wires and tubes. There is a feeding tube, either in the nose or the mouth, you can have an IV, there are leads on the chest for heart monitoring, etc., the foot has a lead to measure oxygen levels, and she could have an oxygen tube. Plus there could be various other things attached depending on how sick the baby is. Some babies look very sick—you really wonder if they will make it—and some just look like miniature versions of full-term babes. You really don’t want to see the sick-looking ones—they’ll break your heart.

It is very hard to spend a lot of time in the NICU. There really isn’t much to do other than sit and watch your baby. If the baby is well enough, it can be held for periods of time, but that is limited. It is unnerving to sit and watch the warning lights and hear all of the warning signals coming from your baby as well as all of the others. However, the more time you spend there the more you begin to recognize what is a very serious emergency and what isn’t. Sometimes a baby will move the wrong way and a lead will detach and that will start an alarm—those are welcome problems. Of course, there are times when an alarm will go off for a very serious reason and those are the times you, selfishly, pray it isn’t your baby setting off the alarm. Day after day you just sit and wait—wait for the baby to begin feeding normally, wait for the oxygen tube to go, wait for the IV to go, wait for the doctor to come and talk to you, wait for the baby to gain another ounce, wait, and wait, and wait. And secretly you are ashamed when you are relieved to see your baby is so much healthier than the rest in the NICU. And you wait and you pray for the day she will be able to go home with you.

For the most part, a stay in the NICU is for a long length of time. Most babies will be there for WEEKS, not days. It is truly amazing the way they are able to take care of the very littlest of the little ones and how very often they are perfectly healthy when they are discharged. I have seen two of my grandchildren make it through the NICU—with the third one there now—and I ask God to bless the nurses and doctors, and I thank Him, daily, for all they do. They are truly gifted and wonderful people. They are heroes. And I hope and I pray this is the last time I will have to watch a baby in the NICU.

And Life Goes On

C was discharged from the hospital on Sunday. Even though she is very sad at having to leave the baby here, she is very glad to be home and with her other kids. I talked with her earlier and she said she is doing fine. She is having a bit of difficulty walking, but that is understandable. Not only is there the pain from her incision, but she has that abdominal infection that has to completely go away. She also has a vein in her right arm that is infected now, along with the one in her left arm. I don't know, this just is one real bad time she has had.

Baby Grace is doing well. She has gained some weight and is a couple of ounces heavier than she was when she was born--this, of course, after her initial weight loss which happens to all newborns. She is now up to 8cc of food at every feeding and is able to suck on a pacifier. Of course, she doesn't know how to swallow food as she is still be fed through a feeding tube. She still hasn't needed any supplemental oxygen, so that is one very good sign. When I was there the other day, I was able to touch her through the isolette portholes--such soft skin! I lightly ran my fingers down her spine and she arched her back like a cat--so funny to see such a little one do that.

Grace has developed jaundice, which is quite common in newborns. They have her under the ultraviolet light and have to cover her eyes with a grey sleepmask to protect them. Not only does it look funny to see a 3 pound baby with a mask on, but the way it is attached is amusing. The mask is not held in place with a headband. Velcro "hooks" have been taped to her temples and the corresponding "loops" are on the mask, so the mask is Velcroed to her head! To say she is not amused is putting it mildly--she tries to pull the mask off every chance she gets.

All in all, things are going quite well. Thank God, cause things could be so much worse.

Quick Update

C was all set and ready to go home today and then she spiked a 102 fever last night. They figure she has some sort of infection and she won't be able to see the baby until late tonight--as long as her fever stays normal. Of course, she is BACK on antibiotics and will stay that way till they figure the infection is gone. NOW, they are saying she will be going home on Sunday--I hope so, cause she is going completely stir-crazy! They moved her into another room today--this is the third one she has been in. This one is even FURTHER from the nurses' station--out in no-man's (or woman's) land, for sure. The babe has a little bit of congestion in her lungs, but other than that, she is remarkably healthy. Don't think she will have to stay here for all that long before they send her home. It will be nice for all of us to get back to normal around here. :)

It's A Girl!

At 12:48 PM Grace came into this world. She is 3 pounds, 11 ounces and 17 inches long. So far everything seems to be going fine for her--no oxygen and they are thinking only a couple of weeks in the NICU. C, on the other hand, seems to have had a bit of a harder time. They had to give her a general anesthetic for the c-section--not the spinal she usually gets. She is on morphine for pain and will be for 24 hours. I didn't get to talk to her, of course, so I have only what her husband told me to go on--I'll see her this evening and maybe find out a bit more. But, for now, the waiting is over! Yippee!

A Child Is Born...Almost

I am sitting here waiting for C to call and say the baby has been born. She called this morning and said they were getting her prepped for surgery and that it will all be done this afternoon. We were pretty sure the babe would be born today--C started labor already yesterday and it continued to progress. This morning they gave her magnesium to try and stop the labor, but it didn't. She is happy it all will be over with, but she also knows the chances of the baby going home with her are very slim. I don't think the babe will have to be here in the NICU for very long--at least I hope not. I will post updates as they become available.

STILL Watching For Baby

I can't believe it is almost two weeks and C just doesn't seem any closer to delivering. Last night we had hope, though. Late in the evening she started having contractions--every 3 to 5 minutes! And they were getting quite strong. Well, she was positive the baby would be delivered by noon today, and the doctor was convinced it would happen soon, also. Around midnight she called her husband to come down to be with her and everything was moving along nicely and then the doctor did an exam--she was only dilated 1 cm. That fact made the doctor reconsider the decision to go forward with the c-section and gave C a muscle relaxant to see if the contractions would slow down. The contractions slowed down so much that they actually stopped! And so, C is still in the hospital, still getting bigger, and still as bored as a human can get.

Baby Watch Update and More

The only thing I can report about the baby watch is there is nothing to report. C is still in the hospital and it looks as if she will be here through the month--or until just before Halloween. Not a thing is changing from day to day--she said the doctors MAYBE spend about 30 seconds with her when they make their morning rounds. There just is nothing more they can say to her or ask her. I guess this baby is going to do things her own way and there is nothing that can be done about it.

Just got off the phone with the cable company--I have been having way too many problems lately with connecting to the internet. I am NOT pleased with any of the answers they gave me. First of all, they blamed the fact that the modem is plugged into a power strip--can't be the problem because I just transferred the plug from the wall to the power strip two days ago and the problems have been on-going for over a month. Then she blamed my router--never had these many problems before and I have had the router since I had my last computer. So, basically, I got nowhere with them. I would change from this company in a heartbeat if there was another option, but there isn't. No, that is wrong, there IS another option but I WILL NOT go back to dial-up!

I got the shock of my life on Saturday--my other daughter, A, stopped in. She hasn't been here for over a year, maybe closer to 2 years! The visit was fine--she came to pick up some more of the stuff she left here when she moved out. Maybe this is the first step to our getting back to getting along--I hope so.

More Baby Watch

C was feeling a bit happier today: she will only have to be here for (up to) four more weeks. After she gets to 36 weeks, she can go back home (or to the hospital there) because there will be no more need for the neonatal unit. She was able to shower today, which made her feel good. However, they have put her in support hose because of the swelling--something she isn't too delighted with. She has an IV going and antibiotics dripping all the time, just to keep infection away. She is allowed to get up to go to the bathroom, but she mostly is confined to bed. Tonight they moved her into a new room--she had been in one of the birthing suites and now she is in a small room. Thankfully she isn't caustrophobic, because it would have kicked in! This new room is only about half the size of the suite and with all the stuff they have jammed in there (monitors, IV stands, etc.) it seems even smaller. Well, I guess she doesn't really need a lot of space when she just stays in bed!

Baby Watch

Talked to C for a short time and not much to report. She is beginning to have contractions--a bit stronger than last night--but no pain and nothing regular. She will be having an ultrasound later today/this evening and she was having a non-stress test while we were talking, so they are keeping a close eye on her. I will be seeing her later, so there might be more to report tonight.

A non-stress test is to monitor the baby's heart rate. While on the fetal monitor, C has to press a button every time she feels the baby move so they can determine if the heart rate went up or not. During the test, the baby developed hiccups, so C was pressing that button with regularity. She said that, hopefully, the baby will move during the test--DUH!--and they have certain ways to make sure it happens. For instance, she drinks a glass of ice water before the test begins--this is supposed to get the baby moving. If that doesn't seem to help, they have a buzzer they place on the mother's stomach and press it to wake the baby up--sort of like a doorbell for the womb! I guess C has "seen" the baby practically jump out of her skin when they "buzz" her--of, course, this was while having an ultrasound. She said it is kind of funny to see--I guess in a slightly sadistic sort of way. :)

Here We Go Again

We received the call that we were hoping and praying wouldn't come: C was brought here by ambulance because her water broke. She is only 32 weeks along, and they want to do all they can to keep her from delivering for a while yet. I went to see her and she seems to be doing okay--of course, she would rather be home than in the hospital. There really is no more news than that--it is wait-and-see time. The doctor said she very likely will deliver sometime in the next 72 hours, but she could also be in the hospital for 8 weeks before delivering--nothing like getting definitive answers to questions, hey? I will post any news when it comes.

The Goddess Body

I have the body of a fertility goddess. That should make me happy, other women jealous, and men lust after me. Unfortunately, my body is NOT like the body of the goddess Brigit, but rather like the Venus of Willendorf. And as I get older, my body looks more and more like the Venus of Willendorf. Now I don't really know WHEN I began to look like this and I don't know when I actually admitted to myself that I was looking rather fertile-like, but I am not a happy camper! I know a lot of what I look like comes from genetics--my great-grandmother, for instance, had NO lap. She would rock me and instead of me being able to sit on her lap, she would hold me up against her massive belly, with my feet dangling. Of course, part of the reason she was so "stout" was the fact that she was only 4 feet 10 inches tall! Not very much area there to hide even ONE extra pound. Another reason for my looking like I do is the fact I have had some medical issues for years. I had a hysterectomy--which caused immediate menopause--and I have a screwed-up thyroid. Combine that with the achy joints and my drug of choice, food, and you have a Venus of Willendorf waiting to happen! And to top it all off, my doctor doesn't think I'm that far overweight! The man either is a chubby-chaser or he hasn't looked at the amount of weight I have gained since I have been going to him, but he isn't making me feel any better by denying what I already know: I NEED TO LOSE A GREAT DEAL OF WEIGHT FOR MY HEALTH! Oh, well, this is something that we have to figure out soon and I'm NOT looking forward to it. Why can't I be 5 foot 10 and have the metabolism of a race horse? Short is not fun.

ONLY $1 Billion?

Forbes recently published their list of the 400 richest people in America. Of course, I had to look through all 400 names just to see if I could find someone I could try and convince that I was a relative--no such luck! :) Anyway, as I was getting down the list, I found myself thinking, at one point, "Oh, only worth $1 billion!" Excuse me! ONLY worth $1 billion? I remember when $1 million was an enormous deal--and now $1 billion is an ONLY! I can't imagine, even today, what it would be like to have $1 million and $1 billion is completely beyond my understanding. Must be interesting to be rich enough to make the Forbes 400. And in a way, I'm glad I'm not there. Really. (I am trying to convince myself that this is true.) :)

More "What Is This World Coming To?" News

I still can't believe this story. Do some people just not think, or do they just crave sensationalism? Words fail.

Just Some Things

Last Friday C was granted full legal and physical custody of the girls from her first marriage. She had petitioned the court a couple of months ago and the case went to mediation--which her ex didn't attend--and then it went to court--which her ex didn't attend. It actually was pretty much a no-brainer all the way--the ex hasn't had any contact with the girls for about 6 months, so the judge didn't have much to think about before making his decision. Even though the girls say they don't feel bad about it, at some point they will feel hurt because he isn't a part of their lives.

C really blew me away yesterday. We were talking and we got around to the topic of the baby. She will have a c-section in two months--providing she can hang on that long. Anyway, I asked her what they will name the baby, and she said Grace. A pretty name and then I asked about the middle name and IT WILL BE THE MOTHER'S! I couldn't say a word. (When I told K, he just gave a little sarcastic chuckle.) So then C back-peddled and said the reason for the name ISN'T to name the baby after The Mother--she wanted one name, her husband wanted another name and they put them together and came up with The Mother's name. Her husband told The Mother the baby will be named after her--and C said she didn't correct the statement. Then C gave a sheepish giggle and that was the end of that. If C only knew the things The Mother has said about her, they would NEVER speak again. (If I told the things The Mother has said about most everyone she knows, she would be mighty lonely, cause she loves to "slice-and-dice" people.) However, I just don't care enough to make The Mother's life miserable--she'll get hers in the end--so I will keep my mouth shut.

And Just WHY Is The Country Going To Hell In A Handbasket?

OK, I might know a little too much about celebrities and what is going on in their world, but I really do have the time to read all the gossip. After all, there is only K and myself in this house, I don't work outside the home, and I definitely am not trying to run the country. That is why this just makes me shake my head--no wonder the country is in the state it is! Even our elected officials--during Supreme Court confirmation hearings!--remind everyone how important Paris Hilton is. Good grief.

The Federfetus Lives

US magazine has announced--as well as other mags, blogs, etc.--that Britney Spears had her baby today. If you don't want to see or hear about it over and over again, ad nauseam, stay away from all entertainment news programs and mags. This may all blow over in a few months--maybe when Angelina Jolie adopts another trophy kid.

It Just Doesn't Seem Right

(I am going to be commenting on something that might be old news. Please don't nail me to the wall--this is, after all, MY opinion!)

I was just reading the newest issue of People magazine and I read something that really upset me quite a bit. They did a short piece on the celebrities helping with the hurricane relief and in one place they listed the money that certain celebrities have donated. Here is what gets me mad: John Grishom has donated $5 million--PERSONALLY-- and Oprah's ANGEL NETWORK (not her PERSONALLY) has donated $1 million. Now, isn't she one of--if not THE--richest women in the US? All I saw her do personally was go to the disaster area--WITH CAMERAS!--and bitch about how this whole thing has racism attached to it. I just don't get how she gets away with the things she does and everyone thinks she is God's gift to the world! SHE doesn't give things away, the corporate sponsors do! Don't people see that? Now she is going to be the most wonderful person because her Angel Network will be giving to the disaster relief--and people such as John Grishom will be overlooked when it comes to thanking those who have helped. (Although, what I have read about him, he probably doesn't want any recognition for his donation.) Oh, well, some people think it is all about themselves.

Get Thee To The Batcave!

Wednesday night, all night, I sat in my car, in the driveway. Here's the story:

It was some time after 1:30 AM (technically, Thursday morning) and K was working the night shift. I was sitting at the counter in the kitchen and the cat was sleeping several feet away. Out of the corner of my eye I seemed to see something move. Sure enough, flying around the light was a bat. Actually, it was more of a BAT! I know it took less than a second to register as to what I was seeing, but I still didn't move--that is until it left the kitchen and came back. By now, I was screaming. Don't exactly know what the cat was doing--it was every woman for herself. I ran from the kitchen, through the dining room, into the living room, and finally into the bedroom. I peeked out the door and saw the damn thing swoop through the living room and knew I had to get out of the house. Quickly I pulled on a pair of jeans, grabbed the cordless phone, and left out the front door. Just for a fleeting moment did I think I was going to get my purse and cell phone--it was NEVER going to happen. My cell phone was in the kitchen and my purse--with my keys--was in the dining room, so I wasn't EVER going to go back in that direction until the BAT was gone. I didn't worry too much about being stranded outside because I had my cordless phone--STUPID ME! Of course, the phone didn't work outside. I had planned on calling K to see if he could come home, but now I had no way of doing that. I couldn't even go to one of the neighbors, as it was so late and everyone else was sleeping. So I sat in my car.

Shortly after 6:00 AM, K came home. He searched the entire house from the upstairs through the basement, and found nothing. He figured the BAT had left the way it got in, or had found a place to sleep for the day. So, with that in my mind, I finally got some sleep. That afternoon, after we had gotten up, we decided to go to C's house and bring Noelle's birthday gift--her birthday had been on Wednesday. We visited with the kids for a short while--they had to get to sleep--and went to visit K's sister, and then we came home. About this time, it was after midnight. K thought that if the BAT was still in the house, it would have come out to feed and he might be able to find it. Sure enough, there was the BAT, just clinging to the wall in the breakfast nook. K managed to get the thing out of the house and all was well, again. No, nothing will ever be completely well--we have no idea how the thing got into the house in the first place, so we can't be sure another one won't find it's way it! Pleasant thoughts.

On that note, I hope you all have a good weekend!

A Chuckle

A college student at a recent football game challenged a senior citizen sitting next to him, saying it was impossible for their generation to understand his.

"You grew up in a different world," the student said ... loud enough for the whole crowd to hear. "Today we have television, jet planes, space travel, man has walked on the Moon, our spaceships have visited Mars, we even have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with light-speed processing, and, uh ..."

Taking advantage of a pause in the student's litany, the geezer said, "You're right. We didn't have those things when we were young; so we invented them, you little shit! Now what the hell are you doing for the next generation?"



Just wanted to leave you with something to read--hope you got a chuckle. We've had some excitement here the last 24 hours, but I'll have to wait till tomorrow to write about it. Stay tuned! :)

A Horse of a Different Color

The particular "horse" I am talking about is the orange 1965 Mustang that has been sitting in my yard for over 3 and a half years. K always wanted an old Mustang, so he bought this one to "fix up." Frankly, I thought the thing was an eye-sore and not worth the money he spent on it. I think what really made me be against the damn thing was this: he informed me one evening that the car would be delivered the following morning while he was at work! He NEVER even mentioned that he was thinking about buying it--probably because he knew I would have vetoed the decision. Now, don't get me wrong, I have no problem if he wants to get himself a "toy." I just want him to have a toy that he can actually play with! This car was driven ONCE--to the garage where an oil change was done. I can't believe it ran well enough to get it there and back, but that was the last time it left our yard. There was NO WAY K was ever going to restore it, because we don't even have a garage for him to do the work in. So, the reason I'm even mentioning this: K has decided to sell the car! Yippee!! The one who will be buying it came to look at it today and if all goes well, I will not have to look at the orange horse after the end of this month. Hopefully K will have learned his lesson and the next Mustang he buys will already have been restored--a plan I could really get behind!

Just Links

With not a whole lot of interesting stuff going on in my life the past few days, I thought I would just post some links to websites I find very interesting, for one reason or another. I hope you find one or two sites that you want to go back to over again.

Surprise.com
This site is very good for helping you find that unique gift. You can search for gifts by recipient, occasion, type, hobbies, and much, much more. I always seem to find a very good idea whenever I look here.

KissThisGuy.com
We all have been embarrassed by singing the wrong lyrics to songs, and getting caught! Here is a site that lists the lyrics people THOUGHT were being sung. (The title refers to the lyric in the Jimi Hendrix song Purple Haze. The words are "'Scuse me while I kiss the sky." and someone heard it as "'Scuse me while I kiss this guy.") A fun site.

Abebooks.com
Do you ever remember a book you read years ago and wish you had a copy to read again? Well, you can find just about any book--new and used-- on this site. If you aren't looking for a first edition, signed-by-the-famous-author sort of thing, the prices are phenomenally great. The few times I have ordered from here, I have been well pleased.

AnnualCreditReport.com
A law was passed that everyone can get, free of charge, once a year, their credit report from each of the three big credit reporting companies. This is the site where you can get these reports--FOR FREE. There are other sites that want you to pay for your report, but this is the legitimate site.

Classic-novels.com
I enjoy this site because it lets me read those "should have" books that I never got around to. You know what I'm talking about: those classic books that all your high school English teachers said you needed to read to become a well-read individual! Of course, if we aren't teaching English ourselves, the chances are we never got around to reading the classics. Well, this site makes it easy to do! Once you sign up and choose your book, you receive an installment of the novel in your emailbox every day (which takes about 5 minutes to read) until you are done. Easy! (I wish there was a bigger selection, but what is offered is quite good)

Lyrics World
So you don't have to worry about singing "'Scuse me while I kiss this guy.," here is a site that has lyrics from most every song you can think of--at least almost every song I can think of! Fun to look through.

AbbreviationZ.com
What does RSVP stand for? What about HTTP? Or VoIP? This site has the answers to your questions about acronyms and abbreviations. This is one site that should be in everybody's favorites.

Urbandictionary.com
If the last "hip" thing you said was "groovy" or even "the bee's knees," this is another site you need to have in your favorites. This site defines all of the words you don't know the meanings of because you aren't 17 anymore! Just LET your niece, nephew, son, daughter, or grandchild TRY to get away with saying those things to you!

Truthorfiction.com
Are you tired of all of those emails telling you about the "curse" you need to avoid, or the one about having to pay to send emails, or about the money you can get from Microsoft, The Gap, etc., just by sending a bunch of emails to others? This is where you can go whenever you get an email that "just doesn't sound right." Can you imagine how much junk email we could avoid getting if everyone quit sending the bogus mail?

Deathclock.com
Finally, for those who would like to be a little bit morbid, I offer you The Death Clock. All you have to do is type in a few numbers and you can find out the day you will die! Of course, this is just based on your birthdate, BMI, and the average lifespan, but when you see the "date you will die," it does make an impact. (Most of the rest of the site hasn't been updated in forever, but the death clock still works.)

Have fun surfing!

I Don't Know About This...

Okay, it has been 16 years since my hysterectomy, so this doesn't apply. I'm wondering: is this really icky or is it just me?

(I have turned on word verification in order to stop comment spam--it was getting a bit out of hand. I hope this isn't too much of an inconvenience for those leaving legitimate comments.)

My Rant

I spent quite a bit of time this evening reading comments people have about the hurricane. Everyone is just as horrified as I am over the destruction and loss of human life, but one thing that has me angry is the finger-pointing that is going on. Accusations are being made about every aspect of this tragedy--from why and how it happened to how it is being handled. While reading some of the comments I can actually "read" the looks of absolute happiness on the faces of the writers because they are able to blame someone or something they hate. Why are people so petty that they have to use a tragedy such as this to further their hatred and political agendas? I read horrid comments from people on the far-left, on the far-right, and everyone in between, and I want to say, "SHAME ON YOU!" Whatever has happened up to this moment, whether criticism is justified or not, this is not the way to get this situation fixed. If you don't like the way the government is handling the relief efforts, find a private organization and offer your help. If you don't like the way a large organization is taking care of things, find a small, grass-roots group you can support. Sitting around bitching and moaning is NOT going to help those people that need help. Finger pointing and name calling just makes those that are suffering feel worse and it certainly doesn't do a damn thing towards getting food to a hungry child! If you aren't going to be part of the solution in a substantial way, then you are a big part of the problem! Find some way to help and leave the hatred for others by the wayside until this is over.

Here is a forum started by an individual wanting to help. Everyone can do something constructive. Let's all quit bitching and start doing.

More of My Trivial Life

Today C. sounded more like herself than she has in many days--we're hoping she has completely turned the corner with this virus. She was out and about today, so she hopes she won't pay for it tomorrow.

A good friend and I went to a local Italian restaurant to celebrate her birthday. Good food and good company, what more can you ask for? We try to get together for dinner once every four weeks or so--you have to MAKE time to be with friends, or they fall by the wayside.

What I am listening to: Back Home by Eric Clapton. I'm enjoying it very much, but if EC sang the alphabet, I would be thrilled!

What I am reading: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I have had the book sitting around here for several months and I decided it was time to read it. I'm about halfway through and am enjoying the read. However, I don't feel it is as great as the reviews made me think it was going to be--maybe I'll feel differently after I'm done. I'm finding that everything is happening too quickly and too neatly--there could have been much more tension built into the plot. But, as I said, maybe it will change as I get further along.

What I am watching (movies): Just watched The Forgotten last night and it should be put in the FORGOTTEN pile. NOW I realize why it didn't stay in the theaters for very long: it was just bad. There is so much that could have been done with this story to make it much better--I am left with more questions than answers after seeing it, but I really don't care. I'm sorry I wasted my time.

What I am watching (television): The premier episode of Prison Break was on the other night and I think we have a winner. In a lot of ways it is like 24, you have to just go along with the plot and not think too much. There are quite a few very improbable happenings, but what goes on is also very fascinating. I liked the way you could see how the plan was coming together--kind of a window into the main character's mind. If the rest of the episodes are as good as this one, then I will gladly watch for the rest of the season. (There is some gore in the show and I wound up peaking at the screen through my fingers for the last 5 minutes of the episode--I SO did not want to see what was going to happen!)

Just Keeping In Touch

I talked to C. today and she is feeling a bit better. Yesterday--despite what she thought was going to happen--she was feeling like she was relapsing. The two older girls have been such a big help to her. I don't know how she would have managed otherwise. I know she is worried about different things: her life is so busy and she can't just stop and let things be. She has four kids--two school aged--and there are other things going on that can't be put on the back burner. Unfortunately, the world and time don't stop just because someone doesn't feel well. I do have to say, though, she DID sound better than she has--thank goodness!

I want to thank those of you who read these meanderings of mine. I am always happy to read your comments--they are most welcome. I wanted to tell y-vonne that C. has had 5 high-risk pregnancies and is on her 6th one now. Of course, it wasn't until pregnancy number 3 ended in a stillborn boy that they actually decided something might be wrong. After number 4 they finally sent her to see a specialist in high-risk pregnancies and number 5 was her first one to go full-term. She still has almost three months to go before she gives birth (hopefully), so we are always concerned about her.

Well, cantellya, the construction goes on and on. Part of the reason I don't want to drive myself anywhere IS the construction, but it is much, much worse now that the students are back in town. I don't know what the problem is--maybe students are perpetually late--but DROVES of kids are using our "under-construction" road as a short-cut. Now, why they think it is shorter to go through a construction zone, is beyond me. There are workers, piles of sand and gravel, very large equipment, and even larger holes in the ground to be avoided, so they can't be saving much time. And it STILL is posted as CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC! I thought you had to be able to read before you could attend college. Oh, well, this too shall pass--just not fast enough for me. :)

Now on to something on everyone's mind: the hurricane. There is no way I can imagine what the people in the disaster areas are going through. My heart just breaks every time I see a news story and wish with all my might that I could do something to help. We have never had such a devastating natural catastrophe to get through. We DID have a flood a few years back, but that was almost a joke compared to what Katrina did. The flood here did millions of dollars worth of damage--and no lives were lost--whereas this is going to cost BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars to fix. I am ashamed when I think about how pissy I got when we were without electricity for about 36 hours, three years ago. At least I was able to use my bathroom and go to a restaurant to eat! Our disasters here are usually snow or ice related. Granted, things can get pretty hairy when we get 2 feet or more of snow dumped on us or when we have an ice storm, but these things are usually pretty short lived. We usually just have to wait for Mother Nature and a little bit of time to take care of things and we get back to normal. The way I am feeling about things right now is this: if I EVER hear ANYONE who lives here complain about how much they hate the snow, I will bitch-slap them into the next year! Snow is NOTHING compared to what the people down south are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of them.

Bring Back MST3K

I really miss Mystery Science Theater 3000. Won't someone, please, bring it back?!

A Little Bit of Excitement

Well, it has definitely been awhile since I posted. The last couple of weeks have been busy and/or exciting at times, but mostly just the same old, same old.

Two weeks ago tomorrow, we went for one of our out-of-town shopping trips. Now, it might sound (to some people) as if these trips are really grand--nothing could be further from the truth. First off, most of the shopping we do is in discount stores. I go out of town to shop at DSW shoe store, Gordman's, Burlington Coat Factory, and Sam's Club. Not to say that I don't go to some full-priced retail stores, just that they are not my main destination. Of course, I can't pass a Barnes & Nobles without going in--I think there is a law prohibiting me from passing one by. :) Victoria's Secret, Build-A-Bear, World Market, and Old Navy are all places I go to almost every time we go shopping--although I don't always buy from them. As a matter of fact, we seem to be spending more and more money buying for others than we do for ourselves. We really like shopping for the grandkids and usually get some clothes for each of them and a bunch of stuff from Sam's. Our main reason for leaving town is just that: leaving town. Being away from home--even for only one night--helps K. and me connect with each other a little better. We talk more and are "forced" to be with each other in the same space and not in separate rooms. Also, we get to visit with our oldest friends on our trips, since they live about 30 miles from where we stay. My friend since fourth grade married K.'s best friend from the Navy and we have stayed friends for all these years. Now that we all are "empty-nesters," we are able to spend time together and renew our friendship.

So, we came home on Tuesday and were back on the road on Friday bringing C. to see the high-risk pregnancy specialist that has her office about 3 hours away from us. C. got a good report and doesn't have to go back as long as everything stays as is. After the appointment we hit a few stores, ate at Olive Garden, and came home. It was a long day--not my favorite way to do a trip.

It was so great to have the doctor tell C. that all is well. That is why yesterday's events were so frightening. C. wound up in the emergency room yesterday morning with an excruciating headache and a fever of 104. I guess the emergency room was really jumping trying to figure out what was going on with her. After doing all kinds of tests, etc., they came up with the conclusion that she has viral meningitis. And because it is a virus, they couldn't really do any more for her, so she was sent home. By the time she got home and I talked with her, she said she was feeling a bit better (the fever had come down) and was looking forward to getting some sleep. However, when I spoke with her last night she had been experiencing some contractions, but they weren't regular. The doctor said that was something for her to expect and to keep track of them and if they started coming regularly, she was to return to the hospital. Considering she still has two more weeks to go before she is at the point where she had her first baby, I was really worried. Today when I talked to her she said she was feeling the best she has felt for days--and she would be feeling perfectly well tomorrow. (Knowing her, she will absolutely make herself be well tomorrow--that's the way she is.) She has got to stop getting pregnant--I don't know how much more of this I can handle! (As if it is harder for me than it is for her!)

Other than our trips, I really haven't been out and about that much--at least not by myself. And the reason is the same one I have every year at this time: the students are back in town! It is going to take at least a month till things settle down to almost normal here and then I'll feel a bit more comfortable driving around. Until then, K. can do all the driving. And then once everything has settled, the snow will come and we will start all over again! Such is life. :)

If you have read this far, I thank you and commend you for your perseverance. I really wish I had a more exciting life to write about, but I guess you have to take what is handed to you! I will close now and wish you a good week. Come back again. :)

The Donald Not Humble? Say It Ain't So!

I love this quote from PC Magazine, the August 23, 2005 issue:

"The notion of bug-free software seems a lot like...a humble Donald Trump: something we'd all like to see, but won't."

Phone Service

ARRGGHH!!!! I just spent 2 hours on the phone trying to figure out my phone service. Up till now I've been okay with what we have, but there are more long distance calls being made, so I had to change our plan. What a bunch of stuff and nonsense! Now, I will be telling my age by this statement, but, I WISH WE WERE BACK IN THE DAYS OF MA BELL! We had NO choices, we took what there was and used the services (long distance) and bitched about the costs, or didn't use them. It was that simple. I was trying to decide between my present provider (AT&T) and another one, which I previously had (SBC). Well, they sure don't make it easy to compare plans. It's like comparing apples and oranges--okay, that is a cliche, but it is the best I can come up with. :) I decided to switch back to SBC because I think the plan I'm getting will be cheaper than a similar one from AT&T, but I'm not 100% sure. You would think I was making a life-or-death decision when I made the switch--I got this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach and I'm second-guessing myself all over the place. I don't do well with too many choices--I always think I'm going to screw up, big time. Oh, well, time will tell. At least I won't have to watch how long I'm on a long-distance call anymore--at least I don't THINK I will.

Unrealistic Perfection

There seem to be more and more people with eating disorders and going to plastic surgeons so they can look like the people in magazines or in movies. I remember thinking, as a young girl, "Why can't I look like that?" when I saw a model or actress I admired. We are so "beauty" and "youth" crazy in this country that some people go to extremes to obtain "perfection." Unfortunately, we are idolizing false images. Go here to see how photos are fixed to make a model appear perfect. Scary.

Couldn't Help But Laugh

Just found this site and had to share--these are some of the most hysterical cat pictures I've seen. Enjoy! StuffOnMyCat.com

Another Year Down

Six years ago, today, I had my last cigarette. It still amazes me that I can write a sentence like that--I was a very prolific smoker. I still miss it. Actually, I miss the act of smoking--I no longer am addicted to the nicotine. If I could smoke without the health risks or smell, I would go back to it in a heartbeat. A good friend of mine--an ex-smoker, too--told me that we will begin smoking again when we turn 80. Good plan--my doctor wants in on that plan, too! :)

When I was approaching my one-year anniversary, I figured I needed to do something to mark the occasion--something just for me. I bought a 35mm camera. I figured the price of the camera came NO WHERE close to the amount of money I had saved by not smoking. I enjoyed rewarding myself so much that I have continued to give myself a gift every year. This year I believe I will be buying myself a flat-panel TV for the kitchen. Yeah!

I hope you all have a great weekend. Take care.

100 Things About Me...

1. I am barely 5'1".
2. I am married and have two children--both girls.
3. I have been in love three times.
4. My husband is the only man I have ever slept with.
5. I still wonder what my first love is doing and what he looks like.
6. I stayed with my second boyfriend as long as I did because I needed to not feel lonely in high school.
7. I still love my husband.
8. I don't suffer from empty nest syndrome...AT ALL.
9. I have always been a stay-at-home mom.
10. And I love not having to leave the house if I don't want to.
11. My IQ is around 140.
12. Sometimes I feel intellectually superior to some people.
13. I love my children, but there have been times I wished I never had kids.
14. Many times I wished my husband and I were both sibling-less orphans.
15. I can't think of a single family member of mine that I would want as a friend.
16. I have a mental list of people I can never forgive...and it is much too long.
17. I don't tell my doctor everything because I don't want him to find anything seriously wrong with me.
18. Every time I have worried about a symptom I have had, it has turned out to be nothing serious.
19. I have had a hysterectomy.
20. My ovaries have been removed.
21. My gall bladder is gone.
22. I still have my tonsils.
23. I still have my appendix.
24. I have worn glasses since fourth grade.
25. I should have gotten them in third grade, but my mother thought I was faking.
26. I have one brother.
27. At this point in time, I think he is a real jackass.
28. He once told me that I should give my younger daughter up for adoption so that I wouldn't screw her up as much as I did my older daughter.
29. My father once told me that if I would have ever done ANYTHING for my older daughter, she would never have become incorrigible.
30. I haven't had a real conversation or visit with my parents or brother (and his family) in more than a year.
31. I don't miss them at all.
32. I have suffered from depression.
33. I have taken antidepressants.
34. I have seen three different counselors...and only one has ever helped me.
35. I was molested as a child...by my favorite great-uncle.
36. He also molested females in the generation before me and maybe the generation before that.
37. He was an alcoholic.
38. My parents never drank because of the rampant alcoholism on both sides of my family.
39. I probably can go many years without speaking to my family because I had a good teacher...my father didn't speak to his older brother for over twenty years.
40. I allowed my mother to manipulate me until a few years ago.
41. I used to be a perfectionist.
42. I would never leave my house until I had done the daily cleaning and vacuuming.
43. Because of trying to be perfect in all that I did, I intimidated a lot of people.
44. I wanted to do everything perfectly to make my parents proud of me.
45. I don't think they ever were REALLY proud of me.
46. I have smoked marijuana.
47. I never used any other recreational drugs.
48. My drug of choice is food.
49. I always wished I could have been at Woodstock...but I know I could never have survived that long without a shower and indoor bathroom.
50. I am quite an accomplished seamstress.
51. I don't sew in the summer because I have had wasps in my sewing room in years past.
52. I have tried too many crafts to mention.
53. All of the decorations on my Christmas tree were made by me.
54. I think I have arthritis starting in my right thumb.
55. That makes it difficult for me to crochet.
56. It saddens me to not be able to crochet.
57. I have taken a floral arranging class at least 5 times.
58. I planned and put on my oldest daughter's first wedding...basically all by myself.
59. I made all the bouquets and other arrangements.
60. I made around 50% of the food for the reception...good friends helped with the rest.
61. I made the invitations.
62. I made the wedding programs.
63. I did a great deal of the decorating.
64. And I did this for around $2500. And everything turned out very nice. This took place in 1996.
65. The first time I sat in front of a computer was in 1992.
66. I sat so long without touching the keyboard, the screensaver came on.
67. I thought I broke it.
68. Today I KNOW I could build a computer on my own.
69. I won't do it, though, because I would drop-kick the thing out the front window if it didn't work perfectly the first time I turned it on.
70. I can be terribly impatient.
71. I worry about the way my husband drives...he gets more impatient every year and it scares me.
72. I love to read...EVERYTHING.
73. I love to read in the bathroom.
74. One time I read the back of the Comet can when there wasn't any other reading material in the bathroom.
75. I love staying up at night...I could work a night-shift job easily.
76. I have no trouble sleeping during the day.
77. I like staying home, but still feel as if I want to travel around the world.
78. Before I die I want to see Australia and New Zealand.
79. I don't think it will ever happen.
80. Bungee-jumping would be such a rush...I am just too scared to try it.
81. Within the next couple of years I hope we will have this house torn down and a new one built in its place.
82. And I will not invite my family to come and visit.
83. I feel badly that I let my mother guilt me out of being closer to my in-laws than I was.
84. Even though my father- and mother-in-law are dead, I'm trying to make up lost time with the rest of my in-laws.
85. I never walk around my house in bare feet because I'm afraid of stepping on one of my cat's hacked-up hairballs.
86. I once had a spider in my bed while I was in it. Freaked me out for a long time.
87. Thinking about being in a roomful of bees, hornets, or wasps makes me have a panic attack.
88. Thinking of being on a cruiseship on the ocean causes a panic attack, too.
89. I got seasick on my husband's Navy ship while it was in dry dock.
90. The quartermaster got scared because I turned every shade of green and ended up white as a ghost.
91. I started school at the age of 4.
92. I graduated high school at 17 and didn't turn 18 till 6 months later.
93. The school wanted me to go straight from kindergarten to second grade.
94. My mother said no.
95. The only class I ever struggled with was physics and I still got an "A" because the teacher graded on a curve.
96. I am a very insecure person and I don't have a great amount of self-esteem.
97. I don't think I have ever really been vain about anything.
98. It embarrasses me to think about the times I have been loud and obnoxious.
99. I hope I have helped someone at some point in my life. I don't want my life to have been a waste.
AND FINALLY...100. I sincerely believe there is a God.