tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14189894596658682242024-03-13T01:17:42.889-05:00In A Perfect World...NOT!my life as it is...one breath at a time.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-9744543129579926912010-03-04T15:30:00.002-06:002010-03-04T16:32:24.508-06:00OMG...What Happened to YOU?????WOW! It's been a long, long time! I'm sorry, I've been beyond <em>G O N E...</em><br /><br />Well, let's see...everything's been running, just <em>not</em> smoothly. Since my last update, way back when, I've been doing the usual, <em><strong>NOT</strong></em>!<br /><br />After my brother left, Drew and I started the remodel of our upstairs bathroom. Just a quickie, nothing major. <strong>YEAH, RIGHT</strong>!<br /><br />We removed all the wallboard, linoleum and misc debris, only to realize that it was going to be <em>A LOT MORE COMPLICATED </em>than we had originally planned.<br /><br />We gutted the entire bathroom; ceilings, flooring/sub-flooring, window, walls, sink, toilet, and bathtub of which I might add weighed over 500 lbs! The danged thing is cast iron with porcelein overlay, H E A V Y! And, not to mention, still located in the spare room upstairs. And of course, Drew moved all the water lines around to accommodate the new layout! He also had to lay out new drainage for the shower which was set in the old closet space.<br /><br />We, <em>and I'm using that term loosely</em>, ended up removing a small closet in the master bedroom and taking it in as part of the bathroom. The master bedroom had a "dressing room and closet area" located on the wall with the bathtub. Since we wanted to get rid of the bathtub and put in a walk-in shower, we decided to take in this small closet area for that purpose. Besides, the closet had a 4 inch cast iron vent pipe located on the right side, which would remain.<br /><br />The fun part, taking 8+ weeks. Yes, you read that correctly. 8+ weeks it took to remove all the walls! Now the bathroom started out as a 5' x 7' space, but the walls were over a foot thick! Not to mention that the bathtub/shower combo had been leaking for a long time, therefore the inner wall (between the bathroom and small closet area) was completely rotten.<br /><br />This house was built in the late 30's early 40's, no less, by a Hydraulic Engineer and family. So, the walls consisted of 2x4 studs; 1x6 vertical runners; 1x6 tong & groove horizontal wallboard; 1/4" sheetrock; and two (2) layers of shower/wallboard. <br /><br />Right in the beginning of it all, Drew gets a promotion at work and starts working six (6) days a week, 12 hours a day! He managed to demo the floor and ceiling and I took over from there, which explains why it took 8+ weeks! LOL!!<br /><br />After a while, my days just consisted of going to work, getting off work, picking up T-man (and sometimes dinner as well) and going home to work on the demo. Filling the trailer parked at my front door with wood, moving trailer to the fire pit, unloading wood onto fire pit, setting fire, moving trailer back to front door. Did this about 5 times before I completed the demo!<br /><br />Luckily, as soon as I finished the demo work, Drew was back to a regular shift and we (again, using that term loosely because this time he did most of the work) started to re-build the bathroom.<br /><br />Needless to say, I am very proud of the work Drew did. It looks G R E A T! <br /><br />Since this house was built so long ago, we are having to insulate as we renovate and replace weighted windows with energy-efficient windows!<br /><br />But the biggest surprise we got in all of this, was finding studs which had fire damage! We never knew that the house had fire damage, LOL!! And of course, the house was already on the land and the land (100+ acres) was what we wanted when we bought it!<br /><br />This weekend, Drew will finish the last of the molding. I get to finish the construction of the built-in medicine cabinet! The last thing, building the linen closet. Since I have been unable to find the type I want, I have decided to build it, myself!<br /><br /><em><strong>Next up</strong></em>, renovations on the exterior back wall (both floors), replacing the remaining windows with energy-efficient windows, replacing the heating/cooling systems (both floors), renovating the downstairs bathroom, and renovating the kitchen/sunroom.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-13416319609310025592009-08-17T16:09:00.004-05:002009-08-17T17:09:02.660-05:00Back to normal...almost!Well, my brother has returned home. After two weeks of visiting, he was ready to leave! Ready to return to his own family and start the process of getting his health on track.<br /><br />I think he got the answers he was looking for while he was here. At least, I hope so.<br /><br />He also left, upset. Upset about how things have changed, how family can inflict pain and hurt and yet, how some things just never change.<br /><br />This weekend, he went in to visit our mother before he left town. So, I asked him to take care of our older sister, the one who lived off my mother. The one who is now homeless. She'd moved into the apartment with our uncle, when my mother was placed in the nursing home. My uncle had her removed this weekend and sent to the local women's shelter. The local women's shelter turned her out during the night, said they didn't know how they could help her. She's bi-polar(my guess) and not on medication. She's a danger to herself and could possibly become a danger to others.<br /><br />I've tried to get her help. She refuses help. These professionals(doctors, police,etc) tell me, that as long as she's "unwilling" to accept it, they can't do anything for her.<br /><br />This weekend, she was placed in the Psychology ward because she has started to inflict wounds on herself. The people at the Womens' shelter talked with the local Police Dept and told them that they turned her out because she was "talking to people who weren't there" and making threats to harm herself and those at the home. Instead of calling the Police for assistance, they threw her in the street. Instead of alerting authorities, they turned her out onto the public. <br /><br />She slept under buildings for several nights. She hadn't eaten in several days. The day she called my house, I asked my brother to pick her up, gave him money to get her a hot meal, and take her back to the Women's shelter where she asked to go. That's when we found out what had happened at the Women's shelter several nights before. <br /><br />How can you help someone, who doesn't want to change their life? How do you make sense of it all? Part of me is angry about how things were handled, yet, part of me has walked this path so many times before that it knows that sometimes, you just can't do anything to help someone who doesn't want help. <br /><br />I've offered help, help in finding a place to live, getting the things she'd need to get started, to help her find a job, get on her feet. She doesn't want it. She tells me that I "owe" her. So I've asked "what I owe her" and her never ending reply is "supporting her". <br /><br />I'm afraid to let her around my chilren, because, she's tried to hurt them before. My husband, God bless him, was on board with me when her daughter came to live with us. Her daughter was so far gone, we tried everything to help her, and she didn't want it, just wanted our money. <br /><br />Now she has a daughter in the system, with another on the way, which will end up in the system as soon as it's born. My niece is a drug addict. Her first born was addicted at birth. I'm sure this next one is also. We've all tried to talk with her, we've all tried to extract her from this nightmare. She doesn't care. She just sets there with this <em>stupid little grin </em>on her face. The social worker was mortified! To say the least, he informed us that short of having her committed (as her mother has just been) there's nothing that we can do, she is 24 years old!<br /><br />Part of me wants to run, as far and fast as possible, from this nightmare.<br /><br />Part of me wants so very much to help them both. To not give up, to show them that someone does think they matter, that someone does care that they are in the place they are in, that someone does love them! Everytime I have tried to help them, to pull them from this place they are in, they bare the claws and attack!<br /><br />Maybe it's not my help they want, maybe that's been the problem all along.<br /><br />How can you help someone who is not willing to help themselves?Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-31343421661397694462009-08-07T12:17:00.003-05:002009-08-07T12:39:19.005-05:00VisitingMy brother arrived on Sunday...<br /><br />He had a stroke in June. His doctor wasn't concerned about the loss of vision, or the tingling sensations in his right arm and hand, or his inability to completely pick up his right foot. She said that those were the things he'd have to "learn to live with". She said "your able to return to work"..."you don't require physical theraphy"...more or less, she's the <em>suck it up and deal</em> kinda personality.<br /><br />So, with assistance from my sisters, we brought him home...home to doctor's who would tell him how much damage he's body has suffered, and hopefully, doctor's who would prescribe physical theraphy or whatever else his body needs to recover.<br /><br />My eye doctor was more than happy to examine him. His eyes are damaged, the stroke was pretty bad. Surgical intervention is not an option, physical theraphy and glasses are an option. <br /><br />The cardiologist appointment is next Tuesday. Good news would be wonderful, physical theraphy options would be a blessing! So, now we will have to just wait and pray for the best. <br /><br />At least he's got a great take on his health. He's making changes, doing things differently, learning to sacrifice bad habits for good habits. He's slowing down, enjoying things, and has decided that there are things he has always wanted to do but never took the time, now is the time.<br /><br />His family will arrive next weekend, to take him home. I am going to miss him then, but for now, I will spend all the time I can with him.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-15777326726016360402009-08-04T08:11:00.002-05:002009-08-04T08:15:34.731-05:00The First Day of School 2009-2010...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/Sng0LpcsptI/AAAAAAAAADM/yczPrie5_CM/s1600-h/Timothy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/Sng0LpcsptI/AAAAAAAAADM/yczPrie5_CM/s320/Timothy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366096330721371858" /></a><br />Today marks the beginning of the school year...<br /><br />Today T-Man enters 7th grade...<br /><br />Today, he's no longer my baby...<br /><br />Where'd the time go?Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-5898419213141499942009-07-14T16:13:00.005-05:002009-07-14T16:42:30.669-05:00In support of Holy Crapper's Tantelizing Tuesdays, I bring you...Going back through the pictures of a lifetime, there is still one or two which can cause the perverbial "Remember when..." train of thought.<br /><br />Today, it was seeing this person's likeness on the t-shirt of a small child, who, let's face it, will never <em>"know"</em> his name.<br /><br />For me, well, he will always be the "First Cowboy to wear a thong". Let's face it, if you set and watch a few episodes of Bonanza, you can't help but notice that Little Joe doesn't have an underwear line, ever. And if you do find one, let me know and I will retract this thought/statement. <br /><br /><br />I give you....<br /><br /><br />Michael Landon<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/Slz55-ZKQbI/AAAAAAAAADE/5IYnuJY_e1M/s1600-h/Michael+Landon2.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/Slz55-ZKQbI/AAAAAAAAADE/5IYnuJY_e1M/s320/Michael+Landon2.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358432431060435378" /></a><br /><br /><br />Still, even after all these years, you've gotta admit, Little Joe Cartwright was/is the "BOMB"!<br /><br />Later,Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-19092078088131095372009-07-13T16:02:00.003-05:002009-07-13T17:00:35.216-05:00It's Been Awhile...I know...just one of those things...Sorry. I know it's been a while...things have been busy.<br /><br />Well, let's see...yes, I am still NOT SMOKING! YEAH!!! Wow, it just seems surreal to me that it's been this long, without a smoke! But, alas, it's over. No more cravings, no more chewing fingernails, no more - no more. I feel great!<br /><br />Now, if I could just take off the 20 (or more) pounds I put on! That's another story for another day.<br /><br />Since my last update, things have just been all over the place!<br /><br />My mother has become a permanent resident in the Nursing Home (aka Prison) and has been moved into a room with someone new. She opted to share a room, instead of having a private room. She likes the companionship and her new roommate is very friendly and outgoing. Mom was involved in a motor vehicle accident not long after my last posting and was very badly banged around. She has dialysis three times a week and the Nursing Home contracts out a service to transport the patients to and from the Home to the Center for their treatments. And as it goes, sometimes, things are beyond anyone's control, especially when it involves a 16 year old kid with his mom's brand new SUV and stupidity running rampant! The 16 year old driver decided he could cut infront of the transport bus, never mind that he not only CUT IN FRONT, but HE CUT SHORT, almost causing a rollover. My mom's wheelchair broke free from the locking system and overturned, throwing her across the bus and into the stairwell area. She spent the night in the local hospital under observation, and then was sent back to the Nursing Home. They were really great in taking care of all her medical needs, as well as making sure that this kid was dealt with in a fashion he will not soon forget. <br /><br />My uncle has relocated to an apartment complex for the Elderly, "Assisted Living". He seems to like his new surroundings, especially all the single ladies! I don't think he's cooked a meal since he arrived on the "scene". Although, he wants to "act" like he doesn't like being there, he has been enjoying the ladies attention!<br /><br />The City has started proceedings to demo the house they condemned. Of course, now they have decided, that they want ME to pay for the demolision! And like I explained to them, that's between the City and the owners, my mother and her sister in law. Until the sister in law signed over the ownership into my name, I would NOT pay anything, PERIOD.<br /><br />My little brother (2 yrs my junior) had a stroke. He has a long road to recovery, but, God willing, he'll make it. He lost vision in his right eye, use of his right arm and leg, he has speach problems along with cognetive issues, so we'll just have to see what he is able to regain over time. My brother lives outside of Tampa, and that's a little to far away for me, but he's in good hands and he's improving a little everyday.<br /><br />My daughter is getting things ready to leave home, on a more permanent level. She's decided to transfer to another college, this fall. When she makes this move, she'll be staying to complete her BS degree in Dental Hygiene. She has one more year at the Community College in Oxford, then transfers over to Ole Miss to complete her degree. She's already looked at an apartment, and is planning on staying and working full time during the summer there. Then she'll be able to work, while she awaits acceptance into the Dental Program at LSU. We'll see!<br /><br />My son will start 7th grade this fall! Man, how time flies! This summer he has really calmed down and mellowed out! He's no longer bouncing around the house, he seems more at ease and just more "grown" up. I like that alot! It's easier to discuss things with him, because he's able to comprehend things on a new level. He's a very competitive person, and before now, we couldn't "play" a game without him getting upset. If he didn't WIN, then he was mad. Now, it's like he plays for the fun of playing, not for just winning! Growing up, man, I LIKE that!<br /><br />Well, as for Drew and I...we are moving up on our wedding anniversary soon. Twenty Six years of marriage! I think we have been married longer than ANY of our friends. Truth being, most have been married and divorced at least ONCE, a few, more than that. Our kids wanted to know <em><strong>HOW</strong></em> we pulled it off! Truth is, I don't know. I don't know HOW the hell he's put up with me! And, I think he'd say the same for me. It's not been an "easy" twenty six years, but then, I don't remember thinking it was gonna be <strong>a walk in the park</strong>. It takes work, <strong>a lot of work</strong>, and it takes a lot of <strong>love and devotion</strong>, something I thought for a while there, we no longer possessed. But, we'll just take it one day at a time, if that's what it takes. Whatever it takes...Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-78749360015300523052009-04-23T15:38:00.003-05:002009-04-23T16:11:32.970-05:00Several Weeks Later.....Still No Smoking!Well, it's been several weeks now...the urge hits, <strong>A LOT</strong>! That's <strong>OK</strong> though!<br /><br />I can handle it...sometimes. Other times, I have to <em>find something, anything</em> to get my mind off of it!<br /><br />The roller-coaster...continues! At least I'm still on the ride, I haven't fallen off!<br /><br />In other news...took my son camping this past week. Let me re-phrase that, my <em>husband</em> to <em>our</em> son camping this past week. I join them for a couple of days. N.I.C.E...<br /><br />I think I enjoyed it <em><strong>WAY</strong></em> more than they did! Just getting away from things for a few days was a blessing!<br /><br />My mom is still in the Retirement/Nursing Home. She still calls it the prison. She's starting to adjust to it, she just doesn't want me to know it.<br /><br />My uncle, refuses to move from the home the City has condemned...that's another battle. One, I'm afraid, no one can win! The end result will be, that the court will appoint an "independent" liaison officer to over see his living arrangements, finances, etc. Since he never married and had a family, I think that this is in his best interest. He has developed quite a gambling problem which coincides with his drinking problem, something I can't handle, for sure! <br /><br />I have "no patience" for someone who cannot grasp hold of their problems and deal with them. My short coming, I know and I recognize this for what it is and accept it. I try to make them understand that I just do not possess the capability to emphasize. They <em><strong>still</strong></em> do not comprehend! Go figure...<br /><br />But, now I'm trying to look toward the future more optimistically. One day at a time....Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-64216308049989771922009-04-07T14:59:00.003-05:002009-04-07T15:23:09.565-05:00Week One...No Smoking!Well, it's been a roller coaster of a week, let me tell you!<br /><br />But, it's worth it. No smoking. After day 3, things just seemed to "chill out"!<br /><br />I had really thought that I wouldn't make it. <strong>Seriously!</strong><br /><br />Now, it's been a week and I <em>FEEL</em> great! I can actually "<em>taste</em>" things. Not like before I quit smoking. Before I quit, things really kinda tasted the same, ya know?<br /><br />Now, it's like, when I eat, I <strong><em>taste</em></strong> all the different spices used in the meal. The difference is un-real!<br /><br />Not to mention that since I quit, I don't get up every morning coughing! I have more energy than I have had in a <em><strong>long, long time</strong></em>. And my skin doesn't look as bad as before. <br /><br />And, to date, I have saved $42 bucks! Of course, my baby tells me not to think about the money, just what a difference it's made in my health, <em>already</em>. <br /><br />Along with no smoking, I have replaced my main meals, with Lean Cuisine! Instead of chips, I bought apples, oranges, grapes and salad mixers. I've replaced sodas with Sugar Free flavored water and tea. (I still drink 1 soda a day, at lunch). I've replaced the sugar with Splenda and I use more pepper on regular foods, keeps me from eating all of it that way! <br /><br />One week ago I could barely walk around the yard without loosing my breath, now, I can. I am sleeping better at night, and I don't feel so depressed. Depressed, yes, I no longer feel depressed! Amazing the side effects smoking has on someone!<br /><br />Now, on to Week two!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-11528058472316270932009-04-03T16:52:00.002-05:002009-04-03T17:04:57.818-05:00The New Me....I quit smoking. Cold turkey. A pack a day. <br /><br />State tax increases moved prices upward toward $6.00 per pack.<br /><br />$6.00 per day to smoke. Who needs this crap! <br /><br />So, now I put $6.00 each morning in a cookie jar on my countertop.<br /><br />Within the next year, I'll be able to:<br /><br /> remodel my kitchen<br /> take my children to DW for va-cay<br /> buy new clothes<br /><br />possibilities are endless....looking forward to the new me!<br /><br />(instead of stuffing my face with food, whenever I feel the urge to smoke or eat, I clean something. Nothing to clean, then I make a mess and clean it!)<br /><br />Time to take my life back, and get down to enjoying some things before it's gone!<br /><br />Maybe dealing with my aging mother these past few months, I have finally accepted <br />that I am not getting younger, just older.<br /><br />My mother is now in a full time care facility, some call it a nursing home, she refers to it as the prison ward.<br /><br />Her roommate is her cell mate, the other patients, inmates.<br /><br />Her health has declined, she requires dialysis 3 times a week, suffers congestive heart failure, what else could I do? Her live-in daughter wasn't taking care of her, feeding her, cleaning the home, etc. I love her too much to let her life end that way.<br /><br />I did what needed to be done, for her. Maybe one day she will see that, I hope.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-84003466115655471182009-02-25T09:56:00.003-06:002009-02-25T10:03:30.376-06:00In keeping with Holy Crapper's Tantelizing Tuesday's...Here's Whip It Up Wednesday...I'd like to introduce to you, one <em>hot</em> little number.<br /><br />One I'd do in a nan-o-second...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SaVqw9x2aPI/AAAAAAAAAC4/9iPzRFyLkac/s1600-h/mark_harmon_240.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SaVqw9x2aPI/AAAAAAAAAC4/9iPzRFyLkac/s320/mark_harmon_240.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306765125375912178" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Mark Harmon</strong>!<br /><br /><strong></strong>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-75719466955240319442009-02-10T15:09:00.003-06:002009-02-10T15:55:48.736-06:00The meet...Well...<br /><br />We set out early that Saturday morning...the meeting time and place had been arranged.<br /><br />My truck, loaded with all the "extra" christmas decorations I had "collected" over the years. Ladies, let me just say one thing....<br /><br />If you haven't used it in 12 months, it's ready for disposal, for sure. Most of these things I had purchased over the years, or they had been given to me and I just didn't have the need for them, so, instead of giving it away, I had stored it...<em>F.O.R.E.V.E.R</em>.<br /><br />We arrived at the meeting place, all but one family had shown up. This one family left word with the contact person that if I could deliver it she would greatly appreciate it because she was unable to meet with us. <br /><br />So, the kids and I delivered the final load to this family of 6, mom and 5 kids under the age of 10. They were living in a 3 bedroom home with tattered furnishings. The youngest, around the age of 2, just able to speak clear sentences.<br /><br />One of the boxes contained a lighted snowman. When the child laid eyes on the snowman her face lit up like she'd just seen Santa! She asked my son if he really was giving it to her. <br /><br />She ended up taking him by the hand and down the small hallway to the bedroom she shared with her two sisters. Tucked in one corner of the room, was the small toddler bed she slept on and beside it a small table. My son plugged the little snowman in and showed her how to turn the little button on the cord so that it would turn on/off. <br /><br />A few moments later, as we were leaving this small home the little girl stops my son at the door and hugs him and thanks him for bringing her a snowman for Christmas.<br /><br />I think at that moment...my son finally understood what it's like...for a child of circumstance...<br /><br />For the first few moments after we departed that home, it was "drop dead" silent in that truck. <br /><br />I hope that my kids never forget that day, and that they are always looking at life in "real-time 3-D" instead of "through a tunnel". <br /><br />And as my daughter and son always hear: <br /><br />"Life is a road filled with many decisions, and the only person who can decide the kind of person you are to be, is you. Never make a decision without weighing all the rewards, as well as the consequences."Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-81808632593093642982008-12-10T15:15:00.003-06:002008-12-10T16:17:36.714-06:00Tis the season...I've been avoiding the "Christmas" shopping push...<br /><br />I've been avoiding it because I just can't <em>"seem"</em> to get into the <strong><em>"spirit"</em></strong> of the season...<br /><br />I haven't even put up the tree this year...<br /><br />But, in my defense, I <em>"did"</em> manage to put lights up outside the house!<br /><br />I think it's because, as my kiddos have gotten older, the "requests" have just become MORE expensive! Thus, the reason (to some degree) for my "FUNK" with getting into the <strong><em>"Holiday Spirit"</em></strong>.<br /><br />That, and the fact that the <em>commercial advertising</em> seems to have drifted away from the "true" meaning of the <strong>SEASON</strong>! <br /><br />I've noticed that more and more, children just don't even <em>KNOW</em> we celebrate the birth of Jesus! They don't <em>know</em> that Jesus received only 3(three) gifts upon his birth! It's really saddened me, especially this year, to see that it's all about "how much" they received, not "How Much" they have put into giving, not just at this time, but, all year long!<br /><br />Last year, my son had developed a "questionable" opinion as to "EXACTLY" what Christmas meant to him. He figured that the season was just a time to spend money for things that you normally wouldn't buy. And sadly, he's probably correct with that thought. <br /><br />I decided that I wanted them to understand and more importantly to experience the "JOY" of doing something for someone else, something unexpected!<br /><br />So, one Friday afternoon I cleared the carport and dragged out all, and I do mean ALL, of the storage containers of Christmas decorations.<br /><br />Next, I dragged out those two kids of mine! Set about first, collecting all the "ornaments" that meant something to us. Those went to the side, along with things of importance. Then we seperated all the different artifical trees, each in it's OWN little area. This continued for several days.<br /><br />At last, we had completed the task and had divided things evenly. I moved all the decorations we decided to keep into the house. <br /><br />The other 4 sets...well...<em>we</em> decided that we wanted to give them to families in <strong>need</strong> of them...so...<br /><br />I contacted the Local Sheriff's office. They put me into contact with the Local Shelter for Women and Children of Domestic Violence. Once I <em><strong>explained</strong></em>what we had and how I <em>wanted</em> my children to<em><strong> learn</strong></em> from this...they were happy to make the necessary arrangements with 4 different families. <br /><br />To be continued....Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-33343143756327908682008-12-04T16:38:00.003-06:002008-12-04T16:57:58.065-06:00WOW...Time Flies!Well, sorry, I know it's been awhile....things are always buzzzy for me around the holidays!<br /><br />My in-laws 50th wedding anniversary was the 19th! Since, they married in the 50's my 3 sisters-in-laws and I decided to throw a Sock Hop style bash! We had great fun decorating and getting all the good foods done and I might add, it was a HUGE success! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SThdCu_RgaI/AAAAAAAAACk/HQUCKFbQG2o/s1600-h/Brenda+%26+Billy.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SThdCu_RgaI/AAAAAAAAACk/HQUCKFbQG2o/s320/Brenda+%26+Billy.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276069265019077026" /></a> Aren't they just the cutest???<br /><br />My s-i-l, K-woman (not to be confused with K-girl) created a wonderful "Memories" book and had been working on it for a while now. She had been "sneaking" into town whenever my in-laws were out of town and we spent the time foraging through my m-i-laws keepsake boxes. I worked on the pages for Andy, K-girl, and T-man which went into the book by birthdates. I even managed to find the very first Valentine's card (with envelope) Andy sent to his dad while he was stationed on a battleship in WWII. I then found lots of great pics of he and his dad and he and his mom. I think the pages turned out really nice. But, I will have to include pics as soon as I can get copies of them up. Of course, my s-i-l, K-woman has been providing CDs of them growing up for the past few Christmas', which really helped in getting pics for the book!<br /><br />Then, Thanksgiving hit! Wow, it's been a whilrwind of activity for the past few weeks and I still can't slow down! Christmas is coming and so far, I haven't managed to buy hardly anything! See, I've also been sick for the past month with this sinus/throat/lung thingy that I just can't seem to shake! I even went so far as going to the Dr. for shots (and anyone who knows me knows I HATE shots!!!) of antibiotics and steriods to assist with getting it gone, but, alas no such luck! This bug is holding on tight!<br /><br />I will try to get some of these cool pics of the party up over the next few days.<br /><br />Till then.....Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-35652744139877618052008-10-24T16:16:00.002-05:002008-10-24T16:36:34.818-05:00TGIF....can't wait for the weekend.Well, it's Friday! Thank God.<br /><br />K-girl managed to make it home for her b-day (mostly to gather loot!). Her dad did a wonderful job of buying her present this year! She managed to get a flat screen tv! for her dorm room. It's only a 19", but then "how much tv" is required in a 6.5 x 10' dorm room? At least it's HD with the digital tuner and will also connect to her laptop for DVD viewing! <br /><br />The J-man (that's her guy) gave her some very nice perfume. She loved it! Even brought it home for me to smell (how sweet is that?). <br /><br />Then the bub (T-man) is awaiting his most prized "jacket" arrival. He found this jacket last year, Browning 506 Carpenter's jacket, which he absolutely loves, and unfortunately, has decided he "can't live without". Problem is, he outgrew it! Of course, he <em>swears</em> that his grandmother <em><strong>"purposely shrunk it"</strong></em> when she washed it last week for him. So, I went back to the store where he found it and needless to say, they no longer carry it! So, off to the <strong>'trusty internet I go' </strong>to find it. Searched the Browning home page, and of all the 'vendors' I found only <em>ONE</em> who had it in inventory any longer! So, I ordered it! Hopefully it will arrive on schedule today!!!<br /><br />Course, then that brings me to the weekend. And since I still have not mustered the '<em>strength</em>' to tackle things around the house lately, I will do it this weekend! I have got to get back into the swing of things soon! My house looks like a pack of <strong>wild monkeys</strong> went crazy and threw crap <strong>EVERYWHERE</strong>! I'm beginning to wonder it I will ever be able to get things back into order any more! Some days I look at it and wish I could just 'close a door', I swear!<br /><br />until next time....Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-29885130266083247632008-10-23T09:41:00.006-05:002008-10-23T09:52:50.066-05:00Happy Birthday to the koolest kid I know! K-girl!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SQCOI-pthwI/AAAAAAAAACM/l7frKMS500M/s1600-h/Kristen_edited.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 147px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SQCOI-pthwI/AAAAAAAAACM/l7frKMS500M/s320/Kristen_edited.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260360649676785410" /></a><br /><br />Happy Birthday baby girl! This was K-girl in 9th grade! Her first year Marching!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SQCOZIE2nOI/AAAAAAAAACU/jg0YIcGrI5w/s1600-h/Kristenflags.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SQCOZIE2nOI/AAAAAAAAACU/jg0YIcGrI5w/s320/Kristenflags.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260360927084453090" /></a><br /><br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SQCN5QuzRhI/AAAAAAAAACE/Jq3QA_ZRKLM/s1600-h/Kristen+2005.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SQCN5QuzRhI/AAAAAAAAACE/Jq3QA_ZRKLM/s320/Kristen+2005.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260360379652064786" /></a><br /><br />This was K-girl her 10th grade year, working the Flags!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SQCO4g4SxKI/AAAAAAAAACc/vZEHq10f3Ds/s1600-h/Kristen%27s+1st+Deer_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t_zp594b7CU/SQCO4g4SxKI/AAAAAAAAACc/vZEHq10f3Ds/s320/Kristen%27s+1st+Deer_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260361466318603426" /></a><br /><br />This was her first deer hunting with her dad!<br /><br />Now she's all "grown" up and living on her own, away at college!<br /><br />Life will never be the same! <br /><br />We love you baby girl and miss you to the moon and back!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-30497503133333896202008-09-17T15:58:00.003-05:002008-09-17T16:31:51.521-05:00Things are finally looking UP!Well, after months of struggles, maybe sometimes soon things will become "normal" again. MAYBE. The pessimist in me is struggling with my ability to see something possitive, yet.<br /><br />My K-girl has gotten a job, so she has her own spending funds.<br /><br />My mother has finally found an apratment with in her budget and one which will meet her needs. She still has paperwork to complete in the morning, but, it "appears" to be going in a positive direction and yes, I am holding my breath, per say.<br /><br />My son, T-man, is still having issues in the "all boy" classroom. It's kinda hard for a kid, who being the smallest in his classroom, all the bigger, older, kids just have to bully. But, he's trying to hang in with it, even though he HATES it. But, we'll take it, one day at a time.<br /><br />I am starting a new project soon, I have decided to re-furnish some old furniture I had in my storage shed. One piece is an old wardrobe cabinet made from cedar and I have been waiting along time to convert this to an entertainment center. So, I have decided that this weekend, I will make the 2 bottom drawers and place the insert for the center console area. I have been looking for some recessing hinges, and I finally found the type I wanted. I am going to recess the doors on the exterior so that the TV will be visible from around the room. Also, I will be placing some additional shelving so that it will accomodate a dvd player and satellite box. Once I have completed the redo, this will be taken to my mother's apartment for her use. This cabinet was originally her mother's wardrobe cabinet and over the years, my brother and sister in Florida had tried like ever to get it from her. They had moved her several times since my father's death and each time, I went to their home and retrieved her cabinet. Since the City decided to condemn her home, I asked her to let me redo this cabinet so she would have a nice piece of furniture for use in her new apartment. (I really 'love' doing this kinda thing anyway) I have also been shopping around the thrift stores lately looking for some old pieces to redo for her bedroom furniture and such. I have an old desk I had redone years ago and I have been looking for another one or two more. I really enjoy redoing older furniture. Sometimes it's absolutely amazing what you discover under layers of paint!<br /><br />Well, I'm off for now. Another projects awaits at home.<br />SusanSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-34965298591938087972008-09-12T14:22:00.002-05:002008-09-12T14:56:35.925-05:00OMG! She did it! She got a JOB! WOW!K-girl has sought out employment! WOW!<br />When she left for school, all we wanted was for her to concentrate on school, studies, her grades. Now, she has decided to work and go to school. She has decided to work, because her grandmother's affairs are in crisis and it's fallen upon her Mom to bail grandmother out. <br />My parent's raised 6 kids of their own, and 19 children who found their way into our home, from the streets. My dad had grown up an orphan, back in a time when folks didn't take in orphan's, family did. His mother's family, well, what can one say. They lived in a time when there was no such thing as Dept of Human Services, Child Welfare, etc. He had it rough, and had the scars to prove it.<br /><br />Now my mom is almost 80 yrs old, blind, and her health is steadily declining. Not to mention her home. I have an older sister who lives with my mom and is supposedly there to "take care of her and her home". Not happening. This daughter living with her doesn't clean house, cooks only what she wants, not what a diabetic should eat, and takes mom's money. This month I took off a day, against my boss' wish cause after all it is the time of year we balance the books and close out the yearly business. I took off to take my Mother to pay her bills, buy groceries, pick up medications and anything else she wanted or needed.<br /><br />I ended up paying her bills for her because she was two (2) months behind on everything! WOW! I ended up in a bind myself for it, but, I did what I had to do. I've been looking for a place she could afford to rent on her monthly income of a thousand dollars and it's impossible! Rent for an apartment is almost that! WOW! I had not realized that rent had escalated to such an amount! It's been 20+ years since I last paid rent, and, I had no idea that people would or could charge so much for such a small place! My mom has this thing about Nursing Homes, Senior Centers, etc. She refuses to live in one, mainly because she doesn't want them to take her social security check. But, then she turns around and gives her money away to her "live" in daughter and granddaughter. Now, her live in granddaughter has a daughter of her own and she refuses to get a job! My uncle was living with them, now he's in a Rehabilitation Center, under doctor's care. Seems he had one to many "little" drinks and when the City attorney went by to talk to my mother, he was incoherent and couldn't walk or sit up so she called an ambulance and sent him to the hospital. He had mixed alcohol with heart and blood pressure meds, not a good combo. Now he's screaming to "get out of this place". I think it's because "this place" wont allow him to drink and they make him eat vegetables!, but mostly it's because he doesn't want to turn over his social security/retirement pension.<br /><br />Right now, there just isn't enough CALGON to take away all the stress!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-7581444234121757392008-09-11T16:43:00.002-05:002008-09-11T17:19:34.242-05:00Where were you when the world stopped turning....(Alan Jackson)Where were you when the world stopped turning?<br /><br />I had just walked into the office that morning, Sep. 11, 2001. My boss, boarding a plane to Washington DC for a meeting at the Pentagon. I had opened my web browser that morning and there on the screen, a replay of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. At first, total disbelief, then shock, then a knee-jerk reaction to go and retrieve my children from their schools! Then, watching the second plane strike the next tower, then the Pentagon, then PANIC! Running for the phone, calling my boss' cell phone, NO ANSWER! HOLY CRAP!<br />Re-dialing his number, carefully checking to make sure I didn't miss-dial, BUSY SIGNAL! Dialing his wife's office, talking to her secretary, trying to find out if his was en-route or still on the ground! News reports, whirling scenes of the planes hitting Tower One, then Tower Two, then the Pentagon, then the ground in Pennsylvania. Calling offices at the Pentagon, where my boss was to be that day, NO ANSWER. It was the next day that we learned their fate, several of those people, people I spoke with almost daily, people I worked with almost daily and had never met, those people... gone! My boss' plane had been delayed at the airport that morning, never found out why, but...HE was safe! Within an hour reports coming out of Washington, all flights canceled, air space locked down, what the hell is going on here! Terrorists! ON.AMERICAN.SOIL! Rough estimates surfacing, over 3 thousand dead! NO WAY! Replay of a voice from Flight 93, "Let's roll"... "LET's ROLL" became the New ARMY motto! I work for the ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINES, and COAST GUARD and I am damned proud of what I do! We provide Joint support in Test and Evaluation. I.love.my.job. It's a job I moved to after the attacks of 11 Sep 2001, my previous being an administrative assistant. I wanted to do more, to put more into supporting the troops being called to duty, sent to war...a war that they did not wager, a war that began on 11 Sep 2001.<br />So many people want to forget that. They want to blame the President. WHY? Our President did not manuveur 4 planes into attack format! Our President did not do that! That takes insanity, that takes someone full of HATE.VENGENCE.ARROGANCE.STUPIDITY! That takes someone who BELIEVES that HE and HE ALONE has the right to choose the fate of mankind. <br />I will never forget that day, seven years ago today, when the AMERICAN PEOPLE CRIED OUT, for vengence.<br /><br />Now, they WHINE about the price being to heavy to pay!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-89245153721523966022008-08-18T12:58:00.003-05:002008-08-18T13:35:02.763-05:00Just a Quickie!School started on Aug 4th for T-man. He was not happy to say the least. 6th grade, all boy classroom, with a teacher (math, science, social studies) who wants to teach at the 8th grade level (in which she received her degree) is needless to say, very trying on the nerves! But, we are managing, very slowly to set things into a fine tuned groove. He has a new teacher (to the school district) for language, spelling, vocabulary. She seems to be nice, just still working towards her teaching certificate. These two ladies, well, they seem to be in a pissing contest to see which one can assign the most homework on a daily basis. Poor guy, boards the bus at 7:00am and arrives at his grandparents at 4:15pm, then has enough homework to last until 9:00pm each night! I have tried to discuss this with the principal to no avail! So, I guess the next step will be to take it to the school board. When the school contact me about this all boy classroom, I told them I was not into this segregation by sex. Needless to say, they assured me that if I felt it was not working, then they would put him into a regular classroom. Well, it's not working and they now refuse to move him to a regular classroom. <br /><br />K-girl left for school on Aug 13th (which is also my wedding anniversary). Took the day off from work to move her into the dorm. She and her roommate also attended high school together! K-girl set her class schedule so she only has a couple of classes each day, and has the evenings off! Her roommate has mostly evening classes! So, looks like she should have plenty of quite time to complete her assignments! (yea, riiiiight!) <br />So, it's finding the groove of things that I have been trying to accomplish over the past few weeks, and still, nothing has fallen into place.<br /><br />My mom's house has been condemned, she has to relocate to another home, which she can't afford, living on a fixed income. And I am <em>constantly</em> being called (by the City's attorney) to complain that she isn't complying. Ok, she's almost 80 years old, almost completely blind, and you expect that she will move herself? <strong>Are you nuts</strong>? Do you people really think she is capable of packing her belongs, finding a new place to live which is within her budget, and move herself? No, wait, that's where I come in, right? I am suppose to DROP my entire life, job, kids, schooling, etc., to accommodate you, right? Well, here in the real world, I simply do not have the time! Hey, here's a thought, why not send over some of those big, strapping young bucks you pay a city salary (who I see driving around town burning fuel paid for by the taxpayer's, not to mention hanging out at every gas station in town) and let them actually work for their paycheck! By golly, sounds like a jolly good idea! I have spent the past three plus years trying like hell to get doctors' to sign papers to place her in a nursing home because she can no longer clean, cook, etc. She is diabetic and cannot see well enough to prepare a meal, much less clean her house and the person who lives with her and should be taking care of these things isn't! Then you call me, to <strong><em>whine</em></strong> about them not preparing to move after you condemn the house, and that you <strong><em>feel</em></strong> I should resolve this matter. Well, why don't <strong>you</strong>, talk to her doctor, after all, he <em>thinks she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, her finances, and her home</em>. Good luck with that too! My mother is hostile towards me, because I am <strong><em>trying</em></strong> to get copies of birth certificates, social security info, etc. for she and her live in daughter/caretaker. They refuse to release the required paperwork, and then I have this pesky little woman from the City calling me 30 times a <em>fricking</em> day to <em>whine</em> because she wants them out NOW! Well, after a month of trying to deal with this crapola, all I can say is <strong>GOOD FRICKING LUCK, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN!</strong>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-79171540371140002632008-07-25T08:43:00.003-05:002008-08-20T11:38:33.072-05:00He's Home!Well, my son has finally returned home! Two weeks of vacationing with his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. He had a blast though, so it was worth letting him go that long.<br /><br />He talked <strong><em>non-stop</em></strong> about his trip and how much he really enjoyed it. He said he had a choice between <strong>deep-sea fishing</strong> or going <strong>parasailing</strong>, he chose to fish! (Surprise, surprise). Sometimes, you'd think the boy was born with a fishing rod in his hand! But he had a great time and alot of fun and that's what matters!<br /><br />Now, it's time to start getting ready for <strong><em>"back to school"</em></strong> events. School begins on August 4th! Still have alot to do to get ready for the stress! He has his dental appt next week, and vision exam, along with getting his uniforms ready. Already have the majority of school supplies, so all we have left is the book bag.<br /><br />K-girl leaves on the 13th for college. So, have to get her stuff ready to go as well. She ended up getting into a really nice dorm, so she was excited about that! She'll be rooming with one of her buds from high school. She's getting more excited each day and ready to make that final move. We were hoping to take a few days for her and a few friends to take a short "mini vacation", but it doesn't look like that will be happening. Couldn't find a place that would rent to 19 year olds!<br /><br />BBFN<br />SusanSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-76261175125293126932008-07-11T15:46:00.003-05:002008-07-11T16:03:06.149-05:00Thank GOD it's FRIDAY!!!Thank God this week is finally over.<br /><br />I still have so much to do this weekend. It seems working on my "this old house" is a never ending thing.<br /><br />Last night, I found myself setting at the breakfast table in the kitchen, looking at the Redhead catalog, or what my son refers to as "His Bible". About half-way through this book I found the section advertising their "pre cut cabins". All the stuff is pre-cut and ready for assembly, all you do is pay and it's delivered ready to build. (I wonder if they provide this service for replacing a husband?) (Could I pre-order one who likes to construct stuff, tinker on things, enjoy a lazy evening by a fire, cook, clean house, won't pick at things, doesn't talk loud, doesn't watch TV all evening, ) Holy crap!! I just realized, I was ordering a WOMAN! Anyhoo...<br /><br />I was looking at these cabins, and I would really like some additional choices (is what I caught myself thinking). They had one that almost met my needs, but still not quite!<br /><br />I would really love to build one down by the new lake because it is really beautfiul there,but, mainly because it's over a mile from the highway (which our current home over looks).<br /><br />I swear, soon as I get a digital camera, I will post pics of my delimma.<br /><br />Hope everyone has a great weekend. My project this weekend, to paint my husband's new "hunting"/bedroom in camouflauge!<br /><br />BBFN<br />SusanSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-40051130179773587022008-07-10T14:04:00.005-05:002008-08-20T11:49:09.565-05:00Oh No She Didn't!Well, She did it! She really, really, did it! <em>I can't believe it</em>. After <em>over $50k</em> spent in sinus surgery after sinus surgery, she had some <span style="color:#ff0000;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dumbass</span></span> drill a hole through her nose!!!<br /><br />Wow! How crazy ass stupid can this whole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">freakin</span>' world get? Why would she let some <span style="color:#ff0000;">dumbass</span> drill a hole in her face? "Cause her friends do it." I swear, I could absolutely just go <strong><em>slap-ass crazy</em></strong>! Well, now I know she is trying to "find herself" and has totally lost her sense of self! And here I am thinking "Why follow when you can lead?" And then she wonders WHY I can't be "cool" about it!<br /><br />HELLO, it's pacing hospitals floors waiting for her to come out of surgery, after surgery, after surgery, after surgery. Four total, four different times of not being able to sleep one wink the night before, or the night after, or the night after that! Four different times of being worried about what was being done, who was doing the surgery, what might happen, what could happen! HELLO! And not once, not once, did she ever think that I, or her dad, might have a problem with her defiling her face! Not once, did she consider why we fought Doctor's who decided she required having 100's of stitches and a mile long scar because they wanted to perform "exploratory" surgery! Not once did she consider, after the last surgery in December 2007, why they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">biopsied</span> tissue and why she's still being seen by the surgeon for the next two years.<br /><br />Well, I <em>must</em> know, because maybe <em>I'm old-fashioned</em>, maybe <em>I'm out-dated</em>, maybe <em>I just don't give a damn what others think</em> about my opinion(s), if her <em>buddies</em> decided to <strong><em>leap off a cliff</em></strong>, would she follow??? <em>(Probably, I think she would.)<br /></em><em></em>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-27307168150373863422008-07-08T15:08:00.002-05:002008-07-08T15:11:56.766-05:00Back to the daily grindWell, the holiday weekend is over and it's time to pick up the daily workload again.<br /><br />I hope everyone enjoyed a great weekend! I sure did. One day, I'll get a digital camera and then I can start to include some picks for everyone to see.<br /><br />This week will be busy, as we are having visitors in the office for budget meetings all week! UUUGH!<br /><br />But I will try to update later...until then...<br /><br />Tootles!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-37611923893917525322008-07-03T11:01:00.005-05:002008-07-03T12:19:35.595-05:00Preparing for the 4th of July....Well, getting in the <strong>last day of work</strong>! Man, what a glorious feeling! An extra day off, can't wait!<br /><br />The hubby and I have a lot of things to do this weekend, cause we have finally managed to get a few days off from work, at the same time.<br /><br />See, about 3 months ago, everyone in my house decided to play "musical rooms"! My daughter moved from her room (upstairs) to the guest room (upstairs), my son moved from his room (downstairs) to his sister's abandoned room (upstairs), my husband moved from the master bedroom (upstairs) to the son's abandoned room (downstairs), and I have been the only one to manage staying PUT!<br /><br />Now, when I say the hubby moved from the master bedroom, I mean, he sleeps in the room downstairs during the day, when he works nightshift. Why, you might ask, because the old house we live in will 'heat up' during the daytime hours, and the little room downstairs gets very little sunlight and stays relatively cold during the daytime hours. Also, the master bedroom over looks the highway and is very noisy during the day (from heavy traffic) and the 1st floor room is on the opposite side of the house and is quite during the day!<br /><br />Plus, this room is also what I have termed "the hunting room". This room contains one wall of locking gun cabinets, which we will be installing this weekend. Along with all the other 'essentials' required for the sport (i.e., camo clothing, boots, lighting, etc). All these things are currently located upstairs in the 'sitting room' of the master suite. So, I finally get to move these things out of this area and back to a location where I can lock them away, out of site!!<br /><br />And this long weekend affords me the time, and available muscles, to accomplish putting the final touches on reclaiming my house and putting things in order. Not to mention the 'spring' cleaning which is long overdue! So, along with the 4th of July celebration, comes the 'cleaning out' finally. I will be glad to accomplish this so that I can turn my attention to some very much needed repainting/window cleaning/window caulking/renovations.<br /><br />So, I hope everyone has a great, joyous, holiday weekend. And please don't forget to <span style="color:#ff0000;">THANK A SOLDIER</span> when you see them out this weekend. After all, they lay their lives on the line so that we, as Americans, can enjoy the simple pleasures of our daily lives!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1418989459665868224.post-77009011117965774572008-07-02T15:39:00.005-05:002008-07-02T16:52:52.016-05:00On the brighter side of life...or is it?Someday's are filled with anticipation, most days are filled with dread.<br /><br />Like, telling my 11 year old, cat-loving, son that in one single, rushed-filled morning, I managed to carry off, not one, but both of his beloved, <em>flea-loving kittens</em>! In my hast (or rather, in my defense), I forgot to check underneath my truck (yep, that's right, I drive a truck!) and apparently the <em>flea-loving kittens</em> had decided to catch a ride! Now what! How can I possibly tell him what I have done? Maybe, just maybe, I can convience him that they left of their on volution! (After all, didn't they?)<br /><br />I know, just time to face the music, right? Oh God, I hate this part of motherhood!<br /><br />My daughter has graduated high school (May 24th) and preparing for her freshman year in college, or junior college, that is...cause her daddy is not the least bit happy about letting his "<em>little princess</em>" leave! (Irony, sometimes it's just so, so wonderful!)<br /><br />When Andy and I first began the "courtship" which eventually became our marriage, he decided that I really needed to "<em>grow up and get away from being</em> (what he 'thought') <em>a daddy's girl</em>".<br /><br />I was 18, just a few weeks from graduating high school, and hadn't decided what I <strong>really</strong> wanted to do with my life. We met through my brother-in-law (they worked together) at a little watering hole across the Mississippi River just inside Louisiana. At the time, this little watering hole was also the "local" teenager/young crowd hang-out, known as PJ's Last Chance. PJ's was where everyone went on a Friday/Saturday night and was probably in the prime of it's life! The place consisted of what had one-time, long ago, been just a small package liquor store, then expanded to include a bar and a few pool tables. Then expanded again for additional pool tables, and yet again for additional pool tables, bar and stage/live band area. Anyhoo...<br /><br />Kristen will be leaving home in a few weeks to being her "new" life, sans mom, dad, and "Bubba" as she so affectionately refers to her brother. She's always been a <em>daddy's girl</em>, her entire life, (and somehow I think all girls are to some point) and now she's all grown up and leaving home. This has really put her daddy into a '<em>state</em>', to say the least. <strong><em>I find it somewhat, really very amusing!<br /></em></strong><br />Oh yea, without a doubt, I am very <strong>anxious</strong>, not to mention, maybe <strong>a little excited</strong> for her! At the same time, <strong>scared to death</strong>! <em><strong>Here in the real world</strong></em> (God she hates it when I use that term), life is very unpredictable. People are not always what they appear to be, and life can get the best of anyone. So, I'm trying to swallow all the fear, keep it all under the surface, and put on the happy face. As much as I fear for her safety, I really know it's time for her to take the next step to adulthood! That's where the excited part come in!!<br /><br />Her first step, so far, has been coming home to '<strong>announce'</strong> her decision to <em><strong>"pierce"</strong></em> <em>her nose</em>! This is a child who has endured <strong>4 major sinus surgeries</strong>! Her first at age 2, second at age 5, third at age 11, and 4th at age 18 (just 5 days before Christmas!). Each one more intense than the one before, each one more painful. The last surgery, the doctor tells us that upon removing her tonsils he finds "tumorous" growths, nothing to really be alarmed about. Byopsy results were inconclusive for cancers, so not to worry. (Yea, right!:) Have you ever known a parent who wouldn't worry, just a little! Then he says: "Her sinus passages contained numerous polups and therfore, I have removed the lower tubador's and performed an aggresive burn-back of the sinus passages, almost down to the cartiledge". Now she returns on a six month rotation for him to check her progress. <br /><br />Now, now she wants to <strong>'pierce'</strong> her sinus'! Go figure...Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14031702615382139875noreply@blogger.com0