WHO EXACTLY IS DEBBIE WILLIAMS???
I was bored this evening and was checking out MySpace pages and blogs of some friends, googling, etc. So I decided to google Debbie Williams. Who is she you ask??
Well, Debbie's a....
*Painter of portraits.
*Certified hypnotist.
*Teacher of belly dancing.
*Realtor in O'Fallon, MO.
*Author, speaker, and organizing strategist who offers tools to help put your life in order in Houston, TX.
*TV Reporter in Pensacola, FL.
*Accounts Payable Specialist at the University of New England.
*Vice-President of an advertising company in Macon, GA.
*Teacher of pottery/clay in Phildelphia, PA.
*Playwright in NY.
*School counselor in North Carolina.
*Principal at an elementary school in Texas.
She's also someone who is suing the state of Kentucky over flood zones.
She's married...
*Jeff.
*Brandon.
*Clark.
*Bob.
*Jim.
*Miles.
*and, oh yeah...Darren.
How fun would it be to be a different Debbie Williams every day?! Although belly dancer...I'm thinking a big fat NO!!! But I would like to be a TV reporter, an author, a public speaker, and paint. Maybe I could make that a reality show - switching lives with a person who has your name. Hmmmmm.................
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
THE LITTLE THINGS....
Darren is still out of town so today, Saturday, was spent me cleaning the house from top to bottom. I like Darren to come home to a clean house. Not just clean - but deep down clean and in order.
This morning I started cleaning our plantation shutters. We didn't close our windows for a day or two after the fires started and I didn't realize how much gunk had crept in the house and stuck to them. I couldn't just just do a dust over, I had to clean them with a degreaser type cleaner. They look beautiful again - white and clean, but boy was I cursing those fires this morning. I had to do more than dust, which slowed me down in my day. But then I got hit in the head and heart with a HUGE knock, that I'm sure came from the Lord. I immediately thought of all the people whose clean up is not dusting, but picking up the pieces of their lives. I had dust over my table that sits close to the windows where others no longer have a table to sit at, a dining room, or a window to bother cleaning. After my initial punch in the gut feeling, as I worked throughout the day around the house I couldn't get the fires and the people out of my head. I was really burdened for these people I did not know, so all day long I prayed for them.
Then as I was moving about my house things that I have looked at a thousand times I looked at as though it was the first time today and thanked the Lord for 'the little things.' Those little things that cannot be replaced. I went through a cookbook and found a soup recipe my mom had handwritten for me. I know the recipe by heart, and I even have it on a recipe card in my recipe box, but I will never throw that handwritten one away. I have a little bear that is about three inches tall that held a small charm Darren got me for Valentine's Day four years ago. That bear probably cost him $2, but it held my gold gift and I still display the little stuffed bear. I used one of my favorite spoons tonight while making dinner. I sat on the couch and read, covered in my favorite blue throw that a friend got us as a wedding gift 12 years ago this month. As I sit here at the desk, I'm looking at a softball that Darren got hit with a couple years ago while playing - fractured his left orbital rim; the guys on the team all signed it - Darrenn Platt signed it "Eye Nose you'll feel better soon." A painful, but good memory now. On the same shelf is our Academy Award that we won at the Platt's Oscar party last year. When I go to bed tonight I will be sleeping in sheets and under a comforter that Darren picked out for our newly remodeled bedroom. I just kept thinking, if I lost my home to fire, I could not replace those items, those memories.
So today I am very thankful that God let me see my house and my 'stuff' in a way that made me appreciate my life and my home even more. I didn't spend my day complaining any more about cleaning it...I was thankful for every room I walked in, every piece of clothing and towel I folded, every dish I washed.
I still feel heavy hearted and I will continue to pray for those people who were affected by the fire. Now, go walk through your house and look at all your 'little things,' for the first time...again!
Darren is still out of town so today, Saturday, was spent me cleaning the house from top to bottom. I like Darren to come home to a clean house. Not just clean - but deep down clean and in order.
This morning I started cleaning our plantation shutters. We didn't close our windows for a day or two after the fires started and I didn't realize how much gunk had crept in the house and stuck to them. I couldn't just just do a dust over, I had to clean them with a degreaser type cleaner. They look beautiful again - white and clean, but boy was I cursing those fires this morning. I had to do more than dust, which slowed me down in my day. But then I got hit in the head and heart with a HUGE knock, that I'm sure came from the Lord. I immediately thought of all the people whose clean up is not dusting, but picking up the pieces of their lives. I had dust over my table that sits close to the windows where others no longer have a table to sit at, a dining room, or a window to bother cleaning. After my initial punch in the gut feeling, as I worked throughout the day around the house I couldn't get the fires and the people out of my head. I was really burdened for these people I did not know, so all day long I prayed for them.
Then as I was moving about my house things that I have looked at a thousand times I looked at as though it was the first time today and thanked the Lord for 'the little things.' Those little things that cannot be replaced. I went through a cookbook and found a soup recipe my mom had handwritten for me. I know the recipe by heart, and I even have it on a recipe card in my recipe box, but I will never throw that handwritten one away. I have a little bear that is about three inches tall that held a small charm Darren got me for Valentine's Day four years ago. That bear probably cost him $2, but it held my gold gift and I still display the little stuffed bear. I used one of my favorite spoons tonight while making dinner. I sat on the couch and read, covered in my favorite blue throw that a friend got us as a wedding gift 12 years ago this month. As I sit here at the desk, I'm looking at a softball that Darren got hit with a couple years ago while playing - fractured his left orbital rim; the guys on the team all signed it - Darrenn Platt signed it "Eye Nose you'll feel better soon." A painful, but good memory now. On the same shelf is our Academy Award that we won at the Platt's Oscar party last year. When I go to bed tonight I will be sleeping in sheets and under a comforter that Darren picked out for our newly remodeled bedroom. I just kept thinking, if I lost my home to fire, I could not replace those items, those memories.
So today I am very thankful that God let me see my house and my 'stuff' in a way that made me appreciate my life and my home even more. I didn't spend my day complaining any more about cleaning it...I was thankful for every room I walked in, every piece of clothing and towel I folded, every dish I washed.
I still feel heavy hearted and I will continue to pray for those people who were affected by the fire. Now, go walk through your house and look at all your 'little things,' for the first time...again!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
MY HUBBY IS COLD!!!
Darren left very early yesterday morning for Detroit. I'm so jealous - it's getting down in the low 40's with rain...and it may even get down to the 30s. I love love love cold weather. We packed his long sleeve shirts - something he doesn't wear much out here. And he took his really great black leather jacket that he looks SOOOOOOOOOOOO good in - another item he rarely wears out here. I should totally be there - enjoying the cold weather and looking at my handsome hubby in his black jacket.....ahhhhhhh Heaven!! :o)
Although I must say I was feeling a little guilty leading up to his trip - I was actually looking forward to some down time alone. The past couple months have been so stinkin' busy that I was looking forward to not worrying about laundry, ironing his shirts, sleeping through a peaceful night (without the snoring and teeth grinding!), and being able to eat a bowl of cereal for dinner!!! I was talking to my friend Teena Sunday night at our church's fall festival and she said she understood what I was talking about and she too has had those same feelings - so I felt less guilty!!! It's so funny how we can love our spouses sooooooooooo much, but have those moments where we just want some peace and quiet!! But I do miss him and by Wednesday I will really miss him. He's not coming home until 10pm Sunday - the weekends are the worst - I will REALLY MISS HIM then. The Bee Movie opens Friday, anybody want to loan me their kids that night and I'll take them to the movies?!
For now I'm enjoying my down time. Last night I didn't turn on the TV, the radio - nothing. It was totally peaceful and wonderful! I cleaned out the pantry! Tonight after youth I'm cleaning out the magazine racks which is a huge job since I re-read all the mags and go through them!! For some reason I just can't pitch magazines!
Anyway, tonight I think I'll have a can of soup in a plastic bowl!! Easy to fix, easy to clean!! :o)
Darren left very early yesterday morning for Detroit. I'm so jealous - it's getting down in the low 40's with rain...and it may even get down to the 30s. I love love love cold weather. We packed his long sleeve shirts - something he doesn't wear much out here. And he took his really great black leather jacket that he looks SOOOOOOOOOOOO good in - another item he rarely wears out here. I should totally be there - enjoying the cold weather and looking at my handsome hubby in his black jacket.....ahhhhhhh Heaven!! :o)
Although I must say I was feeling a little guilty leading up to his trip - I was actually looking forward to some down time alone. The past couple months have been so stinkin' busy that I was looking forward to not worrying about laundry, ironing his shirts, sleeping through a peaceful night (without the snoring and teeth grinding!), and being able to eat a bowl of cereal for dinner!!! I was talking to my friend Teena Sunday night at our church's fall festival and she said she understood what I was talking about and she too has had those same feelings - so I felt less guilty!!! It's so funny how we can love our spouses sooooooooooo much, but have those moments where we just want some peace and quiet!! But I do miss him and by Wednesday I will really miss him. He's not coming home until 10pm Sunday - the weekends are the worst - I will REALLY MISS HIM then. The Bee Movie opens Friday, anybody want to loan me their kids that night and I'll take them to the movies?!
For now I'm enjoying my down time. Last night I didn't turn on the TV, the radio - nothing. It was totally peaceful and wonderful! I cleaned out the pantry! Tonight after youth I'm cleaning out the magazine racks which is a huge job since I re-read all the mags and go through them!! For some reason I just can't pitch magazines!
Anyway, tonight I think I'll have a can of soup in a plastic bowl!! Easy to fix, easy to clean!! :o)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
OUR DANCING LESSONS....
Darren and I are going to Mexico in a few weeks and thought that we would take some dance lessons. We videotapes ourselves to see what we need to do to improve. Let me know what you think. Are we ready for Mexico???
Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!
Darren and I are going to Mexico in a few weeks and thought that we would take some dance lessons. We videotapes ourselves to see what we need to do to improve. Let me know what you think. Are we ready for Mexico???
Thursday, October 04, 2007
MEOW AND MY SHADOW!!!
Okay, so not much to report right now - busy at work, been busy doing lots of work for Disney transcribing - but that's about it. But I figured I needed to update my blog so here I am! I was reading this newspaper from Britain on line and saw this article about babies that look like cats - so I thought I'd post some of the pics. How fun are these??!!
Okay, so not much to report right now - busy at work, been busy doing lots of work for Disney transcribing - but that's about it. But I figured I needed to update my blog so here I am! I was reading this newspaper from Britain on line and saw this article about babies that look like cats - so I thought I'd post some of the pics. How fun are these??!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
WANNA SEE MY NEW STUFF??
When we were on vacation last month we were shopping and I told Darren I wanted a little china tea pot and sugar/creamer set to put in my little curio. I don't have much in there now, so I just wanted a little something. As we were looking around he asked me how many people were in my bunko group. I tell him 12. The next thing I know he's up at the register asking the sales clerk if they have 12 saucer/dessert plates. They didn't, but they found them at other stores and shipped them to us. So my wonderful husband bought me not only the tea pot, sugar, and creamer, but 12 sets of dessert dishes. According to Royal Dutton, this pattern is THE most popular, so you may recognize it.
Last weekend it was my turn to host bunko, so instead of the usual three games, we played two games and then we had tea and dessert!! Here's a picture of the group enjoying my gift! It was really fun. This was the first bunko I hosted since our remodel, so the theme was kitchen. I had everybody bring a recipe and while we enjoyed tea and dessert we exchanged recipes. I can't wait to try them all!
Here's a close up - the plate is pretty small, not even big enough for a piece of pie, but I guess when you are drinking from a tea cup - holding up your pinky of course - you are to eat lemon scones in small bite sizes! You could go hungry being all proper!! :o)
Then last night Darren bought me a new car!! I didn't ask for it - in fact, it was tough giving up my Mazda. I loved my little blue Mazda. But Darren got a deal he just couldn't pass up. Now that he works for Polk, we don't have to only drive Nissan, Suzuki is a client of his, so that's what we got! Since they are a client, Polk employees get a discount on their vehicles on top of whatever sale they may be having. So we took advantage of it. It had 10 miles on it when we drove it out of the lot. And it has that yummy new car smell!! No McDonald's french fries in this baby!! It seats seven, so now I can tote lots of peeps around!
It has a sun/moon roof - I've never had that before, kind of fun! Let me know if you know where a drive in theater is - perfect for a drive-in!! It has a navigation system already built in and a year of free satellite radio. So now I can drive anywhere without getting lost - I have a horrible sense of direction. In St. Louis I always just looked up until I saw the arch, then I knew where I was. Unfortunately, L.A. has yet to build me a big monument to help guide me!! But now they don't have to!
Isn't it pretty?
Darren took it to work today. I have to drive over to Burbank this morning and I didn't want to drive it in traffic just yet. I'd like to have a better feel of it first. Plus, Darren is learning all the bells and whistles, where things are and I need an orientation before I start driving it!!
I love new stuff!! :o)
When we were on vacation last month we were shopping and I told Darren I wanted a little china tea pot and sugar/creamer set to put in my little curio. I don't have much in there now, so I just wanted a little something. As we were looking around he asked me how many people were in my bunko group. I tell him 12. The next thing I know he's up at the register asking the sales clerk if they have 12 saucer/dessert plates. They didn't, but they found them at other stores and shipped them to us. So my wonderful husband bought me not only the tea pot, sugar, and creamer, but 12 sets of dessert dishes. According to Royal Dutton, this pattern is THE most popular, so you may recognize it.
Last weekend it was my turn to host bunko, so instead of the usual three games, we played two games and then we had tea and dessert!! Here's a picture of the group enjoying my gift! It was really fun. This was the first bunko I hosted since our remodel, so the theme was kitchen. I had everybody bring a recipe and while we enjoyed tea and dessert we exchanged recipes. I can't wait to try them all!
Here's a close up - the plate is pretty small, not even big enough for a piece of pie, but I guess when you are drinking from a tea cup - holding up your pinky of course - you are to eat lemon scones in small bite sizes! You could go hungry being all proper!! :o)
Then last night Darren bought me a new car!! I didn't ask for it - in fact, it was tough giving up my Mazda. I loved my little blue Mazda. But Darren got a deal he just couldn't pass up. Now that he works for Polk, we don't have to only drive Nissan, Suzuki is a client of his, so that's what we got! Since they are a client, Polk employees get a discount on their vehicles on top of whatever sale they may be having. So we took advantage of it. It had 10 miles on it when we drove it out of the lot. And it has that yummy new car smell!! No McDonald's french fries in this baby!! It seats seven, so now I can tote lots of peeps around!
It has a sun/moon roof - I've never had that before, kind of fun! Let me know if you know where a drive in theater is - perfect for a drive-in!! It has a navigation system already built in and a year of free satellite radio. So now I can drive anywhere without getting lost - I have a horrible sense of direction. In St. Louis I always just looked up until I saw the arch, then I knew where I was. Unfortunately, L.A. has yet to build me a big monument to help guide me!! But now they don't have to!
Isn't it pretty?
Darren took it to work today. I have to drive over to Burbank this morning and I didn't want to drive it in traffic just yet. I'd like to have a better feel of it first. Plus, Darren is learning all the bells and whistles, where things are and I need an orientation before I start driving it!!
I love new stuff!! :o)
Monday, September 24, 2007
HOW CUTE ARE MY NIECES???
It was homecoming this past weekend in my little town of DuQuoin, Illinois. I used to love homecoming in high school. The week leading up to homecoming was filled with building our big floats, parties, cruising from the Dairy Queen to Food Park about 100 times, TP'ing, bon fires, and just hanging out with friends!! So fun! Back then teachers wouldn't give homework so we could enjoy Spirit Week and be out every night! I can't remember if it was my junior or senior year but my bestest friend Margaret and I sang "Oh Mickey You're So Fine," until we were practically hoarse!! I'm pretty sure we were obnoxious about it, but at the time we probably thought we were just so cool!!
This is my niece Kayla - she is 16 and my sister's daughter. She has a lot of my characteristics - poor girl! She has my laugh, my smart mouth, and sense of humor. My sister's always telling me things she says and does that are me! I think the dress is a bit short and a bit low cut, but she does look pretty.
This is my brother's second - the middle child!! Sophie is so quick witted that it's hard to keep up with her. Her and I just badger each other when we are together, but we have so much fun. Even with me and my dad together trying to out wit her - we just can't do it!! How cute is she?!
This is MacKenzie, my brother's oldest. She's also 16 and very much a girl's girl!! Her myspace is filled with lots of pictures of herself posing and being all cute!!
Here are the two sisters together!!
Sophie is a freshman and MacKenzie (and Kayla) is a junior. Man how time flies. I remember when each of them were born. It's amazing how fast they've grown up. It was strange the first time I had an 'adult' conversation with them. I can't wait to see them when I'm home next!!
It was homecoming this past weekend in my little town of DuQuoin, Illinois. I used to love homecoming in high school. The week leading up to homecoming was filled with building our big floats, parties, cruising from the Dairy Queen to Food Park about 100 times, TP'ing, bon fires, and just hanging out with friends!! So fun! Back then teachers wouldn't give homework so we could enjoy Spirit Week and be out every night! I can't remember if it was my junior or senior year but my bestest friend Margaret and I sang "Oh Mickey You're So Fine," until we were practically hoarse!! I'm pretty sure we were obnoxious about it, but at the time we probably thought we were just so cool!!
This is my niece Kayla - she is 16 and my sister's daughter. She has a lot of my characteristics - poor girl! She has my laugh, my smart mouth, and sense of humor. My sister's always telling me things she says and does that are me! I think the dress is a bit short and a bit low cut, but she does look pretty.
This is my brother's second - the middle child!! Sophie is so quick witted that it's hard to keep up with her. Her and I just badger each other when we are together, but we have so much fun. Even with me and my dad together trying to out wit her - we just can't do it!! How cute is she?!
This is MacKenzie, my brother's oldest. She's also 16 and very much a girl's girl!! Her myspace is filled with lots of pictures of herself posing and being all cute!!
Here are the two sisters together!!
Sophie is a freshman and MacKenzie (and Kayla) is a junior. Man how time flies. I remember when each of them were born. It's amazing how fast they've grown up. It was strange the first time I had an 'adult' conversation with them. I can't wait to see them when I'm home next!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
AIN'T WE FANCY??!!
Last weekend our friends, the Cherryholmes, hosted an engagement party at our house for their daughter Rhonda and her fiance Daniel. I love doing these kinds of things - in fact, if you took my 'get to know me quiz' you learned that as an adult I would love to be a chef and cater fancy parties for rich people (because they have the big houses and cool kitchens)!!! Unfortunately I can't cook like a chef and I don't have the creativity, but I like to try!! Pam let me get pretty involved in planning and I even convinced them to cater only part of the food and let met cook up the rest. Our friend Wendy helped, and Pam and me we outcooked the caterers! We got more compliments on our items!! Yes, it was fun going, "oh, that one was me!!" :o) How snotty am I?! Pretty snotty!!
Anyway, the pictures below are some highlights - they are out of order and I got frustrated trying to maneuver them around, so excuse the poor display!
Okay, so the picture is of Rhonda and Daniel, but we had a dessert spread laid out on our coffee table in the family room - check out the baby bundts. Pam and I searched the world over for baby bundt pans, because we wanted pretty little bundts! We could only do four or six at a time, then we decorated them, I shaved carrots to line the platter for the carrot cake ones, we decorated with raspberries and would you believe only about three or four were eaten. Cheesecake - everybody wanted cheesecake. We kept having to clean the platters, reload more cheesecake and decorate again and again (Greg Cherryholmes is quite the artist!!). It was fun, but darn it, I wanted someone to eat a bundt cake!!
Here is one of the pictures of our back yard. We hung white lights and it looked great with the Tiffany colored tableclothes and white roses!
This is the front food table. We put some of our appetizers on this one. I don't know if you can see the frames, but I put in the frames what meal Rhonda and Daniel shared on their first date and the night they got engaged. Kind of fun food facts about them!
The two above pictures were taken aftewards. That's me in the kitchen, I'm working on something there - or I'm crying from exhaustion!!! :o) The table with all the left over items - what belongs to who?! I was hoping one of the crystal vases would get 'accidentally' left behind, but no such luck!
Since the party wasn't really about me I should include a picture of the happy couple!! This is the end of the evening and they are opening up their gifts and cards. By the smile on their faces I'd say they liked the cash!!
Okay, this one is for fun! I know that Dave looks at my blog every once in a while and so do his girls, Lori and Michelle - but look at his plate - apparently the dessert/salad sized plates just weren't big enough!!!
Another view of outside - wish we had better pictures - it really was a romantic feeling evening!!
Last weekend our friends, the Cherryholmes, hosted an engagement party at our house for their daughter Rhonda and her fiance Daniel. I love doing these kinds of things - in fact, if you took my 'get to know me quiz' you learned that as an adult I would love to be a chef and cater fancy parties for rich people (because they have the big houses and cool kitchens)!!! Unfortunately I can't cook like a chef and I don't have the creativity, but I like to try!! Pam let me get pretty involved in planning and I even convinced them to cater only part of the food and let met cook up the rest. Our friend Wendy helped, and Pam and me we outcooked the caterers! We got more compliments on our items!! Yes, it was fun going, "oh, that one was me!!" :o) How snotty am I?! Pretty snotty!!
Anyway, the pictures below are some highlights - they are out of order and I got frustrated trying to maneuver them around, so excuse the poor display!
Okay, so the picture is of Rhonda and Daniel, but we had a dessert spread laid out on our coffee table in the family room - check out the baby bundts. Pam and I searched the world over for baby bundt pans, because we wanted pretty little bundts! We could only do four or six at a time, then we decorated them, I shaved carrots to line the platter for the carrot cake ones, we decorated with raspberries and would you believe only about three or four were eaten. Cheesecake - everybody wanted cheesecake. We kept having to clean the platters, reload more cheesecake and decorate again and again (Greg Cherryholmes is quite the artist!!). It was fun, but darn it, I wanted someone to eat a bundt cake!!
Here is one of the pictures of our back yard. We hung white lights and it looked great with the Tiffany colored tableclothes and white roses!
This is the front food table. We put some of our appetizers on this one. I don't know if you can see the frames, but I put in the frames what meal Rhonda and Daniel shared on their first date and the night they got engaged. Kind of fun food facts about them!
The two above pictures were taken aftewards. That's me in the kitchen, I'm working on something there - or I'm crying from exhaustion!!! :o) The table with all the left over items - what belongs to who?! I was hoping one of the crystal vases would get 'accidentally' left behind, but no such luck!
Since the party wasn't really about me I should include a picture of the happy couple!! This is the end of the evening and they are opening up their gifts and cards. By the smile on their faces I'd say they liked the cash!!
Okay, this one is for fun! I know that Dave looks at my blog every once in a while and so do his girls, Lori and Michelle - but look at his plate - apparently the dessert/salad sized plates just weren't big enough!!!
Another view of outside - wish we had better pictures - it really was a romantic feeling evening!!
Monday, September 10, 2007
My Lucy is in Kitty Heaven now.
This is Simon's mommy Lucy. I just wrote about Lucy and Simon a couple of posts ago. For the last few weeks Lucy hadn't been eating and became very lethargic. Lucy lives with Darren's parents back home in Missouri. So Grandpa Williams took her to the vet and there was nothing they could do for her. She was put down this morning. She used to follow Grandpa around all the time and liked hanging out with him at his shop - which is a big garage that Darren's dad piddles in - see my birdhouse in a previous post!! So Lucy was taken home and buried next to the shop. She turned ten in May, so being an outdoor cat who had a huge yard - acres - to roam, she actually lived a long time.
Lucy was a petite little cat who is just beautiful with cool markings. I'm surprised at how I have reacted to her death. Darren told me this morning before he left for work - as I was putting on my make up - and I burst into tears. I've been weepy all day. Even though Lucy has not lived with us for several years now, I'm still incredibly sad.
To some of you, I'm sure you are thinking I have a strange and abnormal attachment to my pets - maybe I do. But I blame that on Darren and I not having children - my mothering/nurturing side has to go somewhere and the only place is my pets. So yes, today I mourn for Lucy, my cat that Darren let me bring home with me while visiting his parents on Father's Day, 1997.
I would like to ask you cat haters out there to please leave your anti-cat comments to yourself this time. :(
A close up shot - isn't she just so pretty with her white mustache!!
This is Simon's mommy Lucy. I just wrote about Lucy and Simon a couple of posts ago. For the last few weeks Lucy hadn't been eating and became very lethargic. Lucy lives with Darren's parents back home in Missouri. So Grandpa Williams took her to the vet and there was nothing they could do for her. She was put down this morning. She used to follow Grandpa around all the time and liked hanging out with him at his shop - which is a big garage that Darren's dad piddles in - see my birdhouse in a previous post!! So Lucy was taken home and buried next to the shop. She turned ten in May, so being an outdoor cat who had a huge yard - acres - to roam, she actually lived a long time.
Lucy was a petite little cat who is just beautiful with cool markings. I'm surprised at how I have reacted to her death. Darren told me this morning before he left for work - as I was putting on my make up - and I burst into tears. I've been weepy all day. Even though Lucy has not lived with us for several years now, I'm still incredibly sad.
To some of you, I'm sure you are thinking I have a strange and abnormal attachment to my pets - maybe I do. But I blame that on Darren and I not having children - my mothering/nurturing side has to go somewhere and the only place is my pets. So yes, today I mourn for Lucy, my cat that Darren let me bring home with me while visiting his parents on Father's Day, 1997.
I would like to ask you cat haters out there to please leave your anti-cat comments to yourself this time. :(
A close up shot - isn't she just so pretty with her white mustache!!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
GIVE ME A MOMENT TO COMPLAIN.....
Take a look at this picture of the brain - see the little colored area, that's the pituitary gland. If you read a previous post, you know I have a lesion on it which has caused havoc on my body.
Here's where I'm complaining - Can you believe something so little can cause so much trouble!!! I'm sick of it and I'm wondering if I could just make a small incision in my head and laser the lesion/growth off!! I've been taking Parlodel for four months now and I've had some side affects - not sleeping as much, a crazy appetite, I can't get full. I'm hungry all the time. If I don't eat, I get headaches and shakes - it's like I haven't eaten in a week which is why I've gained like 100 pounds in three months! Everything seems to be in overdrive....and I do mean EVERYTHING!! (My husband hasn't complained yet!!) haha!!! Too much info??
Anyway...I went to the doctor a couple weeks ago and he put me on another med to try to counter some of these side affects. I took them together last night and today I've been soooooo dizzy, major headache, throwing up, sweating like crazy - even though today is our first wonderfully cool day in a while, and I'm so stinkin' sleepy. I called my doctor and the pharmacist. I'm not supposed to take them together - in fact the pharmacist said, "Oh my gosh - you should NEVER do that," in this frantic tone. I'm supposed to take them at least four hours apart if not more.
So I'm just a little grumpy because I'm tired - I'm tired of dealing with it, I'm tired of taking one med to try and shrink the mass, bring prolactin levels down, and make certain organs/systems work appropriately. Then I take another pill to try to keep side affects from happening so extreme from the first pill.
I will probably be on Parlodel the rest of my life. The lesion/mass could eventually become dormant in my head, but that can take three to ten years. If that ever happens then I can go off the meds. But for now, it looks like I'm in for the long haul of med taking. YUCK!!!!! If I take the Parlodel too late at night and get up early, I'm dizzy and weird feeling all day. I hate this medication - it's running and ruining my life!! Yes, I'm a little dramatic right now - I know, but that's what I'm feeling now. Plus, it makes the blog entry much more interesting, don't you think?!
I know I shouldn't complain. There are people out there who suffer a lot more than I do from things much more serious and life threatening - I'm just having a pity party tonight and thought I'd invite you all in with me!!!
Thanks for coming!!
Take a look at this picture of the brain - see the little colored area, that's the pituitary gland. If you read a previous post, you know I have a lesion on it which has caused havoc on my body.
Here's where I'm complaining - Can you believe something so little can cause so much trouble!!! I'm sick of it and I'm wondering if I could just make a small incision in my head and laser the lesion/growth off!! I've been taking Parlodel for four months now and I've had some side affects - not sleeping as much, a crazy appetite, I can't get full. I'm hungry all the time. If I don't eat, I get headaches and shakes - it's like I haven't eaten in a week which is why I've gained like 100 pounds in three months! Everything seems to be in overdrive....and I do mean EVERYTHING!! (My husband hasn't complained yet!!) haha!!! Too much info??
Anyway...I went to the doctor a couple weeks ago and he put me on another med to try to counter some of these side affects. I took them together last night and today I've been soooooo dizzy, major headache, throwing up, sweating like crazy - even though today is our first wonderfully cool day in a while, and I'm so stinkin' sleepy. I called my doctor and the pharmacist. I'm not supposed to take them together - in fact the pharmacist said, "Oh my gosh - you should NEVER do that," in this frantic tone. I'm supposed to take them at least four hours apart if not more.
So I'm just a little grumpy because I'm tired - I'm tired of dealing with it, I'm tired of taking one med to try and shrink the mass, bring prolactin levels down, and make certain organs/systems work appropriately. Then I take another pill to try to keep side affects from happening so extreme from the first pill.
I will probably be on Parlodel the rest of my life. The lesion/mass could eventually become dormant in my head, but that can take three to ten years. If that ever happens then I can go off the meds. But for now, it looks like I'm in for the long haul of med taking. YUCK!!!!! If I take the Parlodel too late at night and get up early, I'm dizzy and weird feeling all day. I hate this medication - it's running and ruining my life!! Yes, I'm a little dramatic right now - I know, but that's what I'm feeling now. Plus, it makes the blog entry much more interesting, don't you think?!
I know I shouldn't complain. There are people out there who suffer a lot more than I do from things much more serious and life threatening - I'm just having a pity party tonight and thought I'd invite you all in with me!!!
Thanks for coming!!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
HOT HOT HOT NIGHT AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
We went to the Hollywood Bowl Sunday night to Movie Night. Every year they host a movie night with a different theme. This year it was the history of Paramount Pictures. The orchestra played theme songs and original music from several of Paramount's biggest movies. While that was going on we were seeing clips of the movies on huge screens. Leonard Nimoy was the host for the evening and since my husband is a geek boy who likes Star Trek, he was very excited about this!!
It was a really fun night, but sooooooooooo hot. At intermission we all stood up to stretch and relax and it was actually pretty gross - we all stunk!!! :-) Thank goodness some people behind us left and we spread out - that actually helped a lot. But it was still an enjoyable evening. I love going to the Bowl - and I love sitting right in the middle and seeing the Hollywood sign right above it on the mountain side!
If you squint, you can see the Hollywood sign at a distance!!
This is us doing the picnic thing before the concert. Lots of people had the same idea, so we found a spot behind one of the buildings on the grounds. We all brought something and contributed to the meal - we had a hodge podge of food - the only way to have a meal!!! :-)
The best (and only way to me) to get to the Bowl is via the shuttles they offer. We made it home in less than an hour - that includes the trip back to the parking long, and the drive home! No traffic, no waiting for the parking lot to empty, etc. We were saying next year we are going to invite as many people as we can and fill a shuttle!! How fun would that be??!!
We went to the Hollywood Bowl Sunday night to Movie Night. Every year they host a movie night with a different theme. This year it was the history of Paramount Pictures. The orchestra played theme songs and original music from several of Paramount's biggest movies. While that was going on we were seeing clips of the movies on huge screens. Leonard Nimoy was the host for the evening and since my husband is a geek boy who likes Star Trek, he was very excited about this!!
It was a really fun night, but sooooooooooo hot. At intermission we all stood up to stretch and relax and it was actually pretty gross - we all stunk!!! :-) Thank goodness some people behind us left and we spread out - that actually helped a lot. But it was still an enjoyable evening. I love going to the Bowl - and I love sitting right in the middle and seeing the Hollywood sign right above it on the mountain side!
If you squint, you can see the Hollywood sign at a distance!!
This is us doing the picnic thing before the concert. Lots of people had the same idea, so we found a spot behind one of the buildings on the grounds. We all brought something and contributed to the meal - we had a hodge podge of food - the only way to have a meal!!! :-)
The best (and only way to me) to get to the Bowl is via the shuttles they offer. We made it home in less than an hour - that includes the trip back to the parking long, and the drive home! No traffic, no waiting for the parking lot to empty, etc. We were saying next year we are going to invite as many people as we can and fill a shuttle!! How fun would that be??!!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
TAKE THIS QUIZ - HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ME!!
I'm not sure what the rule is for copying other blogs - but I'm doing just that. This quiz is floating around and I've taken it a few times on some of my friends. Now let's see how you score!!
http://www.quizyourfriends.com/quizpage.php?quizname=070830171610-810360&
I'm not sure what the rule is for copying other blogs - but I'm doing just that. This quiz is floating around and I've taken it a few times on some of my friends. Now let's see how you score!!
http://www.quizyourfriends.com/quizpage.php?quizname=070830171610-810360&
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
My Sleeping Simon
How cute is my cat?! He has never been one to jump on the furniture, but in the last couple of weeks he's decided he likes our sofa table. He sits on the bottom and watches TV with us or as you see here, naps!
August is also Simon's birthday - but I knew if I did a special Birthday Blog for Simon like I did my parents I'd probably get razzed (DonnaG) because some of my friends don't like cats (DonnaG)!!!
When we moved to California in 2000 we had a cat, Lucy and a dog, Gracie, but had to leave them behind since we were moving from a house in MO with a big back yard to an apartment in CA. Wasn't sure where we'd end up. So Gracie went with my sister and Lucy is with Grandma and Grandpa Williams (aka Darren's parents). We hadn't taken away Lucy's woman power yet and she gave birth to a couple litters. When we were home in October of 2001 Darren surprised me by letting me bring Simon home. Simon had to have papers to fly and enter California, so Darren took care of all that. How sweet was that!! Simon was such a little fluff ball and traveled really well - except for the small bout of diarrhea on the plane coming home that Daddy took care because I was too busy laughing hysterically and gagging!! Why didn't we bring Lucy you ask?? She liked being outdoors and had adjusted to the MO weather and was very happy where she was. She's still with Grandma and Grandpa and I get to see her everytime we go home.
Simon is a cat - through and through!! Stubborn, demanding, stuck up one minute, loves me the next!! Yes, I respond to his every meow!!
This afternoon I had Simon's friend Gwenivier (sp??) over - the cat next door - and they shared an expensive can of fancy cat food in celebration of Simon's birthday!
How cute is my cat?! He has never been one to jump on the furniture, but in the last couple of weeks he's decided he likes our sofa table. He sits on the bottom and watches TV with us or as you see here, naps!
August is also Simon's birthday - but I knew if I did a special Birthday Blog for Simon like I did my parents I'd probably get razzed (DonnaG) because some of my friends don't like cats (DonnaG)!!!
When we moved to California in 2000 we had a cat, Lucy and a dog, Gracie, but had to leave them behind since we were moving from a house in MO with a big back yard to an apartment in CA. Wasn't sure where we'd end up. So Gracie went with my sister and Lucy is with Grandma and Grandpa Williams (aka Darren's parents). We hadn't taken away Lucy's woman power yet and she gave birth to a couple litters. When we were home in October of 2001 Darren surprised me by letting me bring Simon home. Simon had to have papers to fly and enter California, so Darren took care of all that. How sweet was that!! Simon was such a little fluff ball and traveled really well - except for the small bout of diarrhea on the plane coming home that Daddy took care because I was too busy laughing hysterically and gagging!! Why didn't we bring Lucy you ask?? She liked being outdoors and had adjusted to the MO weather and was very happy where she was. She's still with Grandma and Grandpa and I get to see her everytime we go home.
Simon is a cat - through and through!! Stubborn, demanding, stuck up one minute, loves me the next!! Yes, I respond to his every meow!!
This afternoon I had Simon's friend Gwenivier (sp??) over - the cat next door - and they shared an expensive can of fancy cat food in celebration of Simon's birthday!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
LIFE CENTER CHURCH FAMILY CAMPOUT
We headed up to Big Bear this past weekend for our annual church campout. We were really blessed with great weather - nice cool days and even cooler nights!! It was high alert for fires, but they did let us have them, so everybody got to sit around the campfire and have their smores in the evening! We did have a little rain yesterday and it was soooo cool! It was getting darker and darker, a little windier, thunder rolling. It rained a short time and then it was over, the sun came back out and it was wonderful!
I love the campouts because people come together - it's more than us passing each other in the foyer of church for a quick 'hi' on Sunday morning. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to camp at the site because they didn't have electricity (can't sleep without my CPAP!) - so we rented a house on the other side of the lake from the camp grounds. But we did spend time at the campground during the day and evening and watched people help set up camps for the others - people sharing food - people making themselves at home at others sites - kids playing with each other - parents taking a break and going for a walk/bike ride leaving their kids with other adults and not having to worry about them. While we were all having our picnic lunches around noon on Saturday Dan and Terri got a call from Dan's mom that his dad had passed out and was on the way to the ER, his blood pressure was 60-something over nothing - the bottom number of his BP bottomed out. It was pretty serious. He asked that we pray and we all stopped what we were doing and gathered around to do just that. Then the 'family' kicked in. Pam and I told them we'd take the girls while they drove to Riverside to see his dad (who was helping family move in the Riverside area), Darren handed over our GPS, and Ron, Darren, and several others went to work on their camper, zipping it up, etc., preparing for the rain and Dan and Terri headed down the mountain. It was so awesome to see the family pull together like that. We took the girls into town and spoiled them as best we could, arcade, shopping, and junk food!! We got a call that his Dad was conscious and alert - praise the Lord. Then we get another call - he may need to stay a day or two for observation, but he's fine. Praise the Lord again. And then came another call - He's going home!! A HUGE Praise the Lord!!!!! We were so thrilled to get that call. We were in K-Mart and we stopped right there and we thanked the Lord for healing Brittany and Brooke's grandpa.
So that's why I love the campouts - our family comes together in so many ways!! Below are some fun pictures!!
This is all of us being spiritual - some of us are raising our hands in praise and some of us have our heads bowed in prayer!! Are you convinced?? :-)
Group picture of the campers!!
Here we are this morning - Sunday morning - at 'church.' Pastor George did a quick devotion - it was short and sweet, but really good! He had people share about what they were thankful for, for the weekend - it was great to hear the blessings - "laughter," "more bonding," "renewed friendships" "prayer in time of need" "helping first time RV campers set up." Very cool!
We rented a pontoon boat and spent part of the day on the lake - here's one of our sailors at the end of the day!
Captain Brooke guiding us through the waters!!
Have you ever seen a floating outhouse?? We were joking as we were coming up on it that that's what it was, then we pulled up next to it and oh my gosh - a floating outhouse!!! How fun is that??!!
Here's a group just hanging out!!
A great time had by all!!!
We headed up to Big Bear this past weekend for our annual church campout. We were really blessed with great weather - nice cool days and even cooler nights!! It was high alert for fires, but they did let us have them, so everybody got to sit around the campfire and have their smores in the evening! We did have a little rain yesterday and it was soooo cool! It was getting darker and darker, a little windier, thunder rolling. It rained a short time and then it was over, the sun came back out and it was wonderful!
I love the campouts because people come together - it's more than us passing each other in the foyer of church for a quick 'hi' on Sunday morning. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to camp at the site because they didn't have electricity (can't sleep without my CPAP!) - so we rented a house on the other side of the lake from the camp grounds. But we did spend time at the campground during the day and evening and watched people help set up camps for the others - people sharing food - people making themselves at home at others sites - kids playing with each other - parents taking a break and going for a walk/bike ride leaving their kids with other adults and not having to worry about them. While we were all having our picnic lunches around noon on Saturday Dan and Terri got a call from Dan's mom that his dad had passed out and was on the way to the ER, his blood pressure was 60-something over nothing - the bottom number of his BP bottomed out. It was pretty serious. He asked that we pray and we all stopped what we were doing and gathered around to do just that. Then the 'family' kicked in. Pam and I told them we'd take the girls while they drove to Riverside to see his dad (who was helping family move in the Riverside area), Darren handed over our GPS, and Ron, Darren, and several others went to work on their camper, zipping it up, etc., preparing for the rain and Dan and Terri headed down the mountain. It was so awesome to see the family pull together like that. We took the girls into town and spoiled them as best we could, arcade, shopping, and junk food!! We got a call that his Dad was conscious and alert - praise the Lord. Then we get another call - he may need to stay a day or two for observation, but he's fine. Praise the Lord again. And then came another call - He's going home!! A HUGE Praise the Lord!!!!! We were so thrilled to get that call. We were in K-Mart and we stopped right there and we thanked the Lord for healing Brittany and Brooke's grandpa.
So that's why I love the campouts - our family comes together in so many ways!! Below are some fun pictures!!
This is all of us being spiritual - some of us are raising our hands in praise and some of us have our heads bowed in prayer!! Are you convinced?? :-)
Group picture of the campers!!
Here we are this morning - Sunday morning - at 'church.' Pastor George did a quick devotion - it was short and sweet, but really good! He had people share about what they were thankful for, for the weekend - it was great to hear the blessings - "laughter," "more bonding," "renewed friendships" "prayer in time of need" "helping first time RV campers set up." Very cool!
We rented a pontoon boat and spent part of the day on the lake - here's one of our sailors at the end of the day!
Captain Brooke guiding us through the waters!!
Have you ever seen a floating outhouse?? We were joking as we were coming up on it that that's what it was, then we pulled up next to it and oh my gosh - a floating outhouse!!! How fun is that??!!
Here's a group just hanging out!!
A great time had by all!!!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Happy Birthday to my Mother!!
A couple weeks ago I blogged about my dad since it was his birthday, Friday, the 24th is my mom's, so now it's her turn to be loved via the internet!!
While my dad contributed to my humor, silly side, I've definitely got my mom's emotions. I also inherited from her side my bra size!! You should see some of my aunts - holy cow!! :-) Too much information?? Maybe, but it's true!!
My mom was the 'song leader' at our church for years and years. We didn't grow up with music ministers or music pastors - but I guess if we did, my mom would have been one. Even at 69 her voice is still strong when she sings. People always requested her to sing. Her song of choice - as well as that of the congregation's - was a song about meeting her Master. Every time she sang that song she herself was moved. My mom has always been very passionate about her Lord Jesus. Of course I do remember a time when I was pretty young that she walked off the platform and started a "Jerico March," and over half the church joined her, singing and praying around the church. I remember sitting in my pew thinking she was a crazy woman - what the heck is she doing!!! haha!!
Mom always loved me, my brother and sister and hardly a day went by when she didn't tell us. She always let us know when she was proud of us. Now she's that way with her seven grandkids. My 22-year-old nephew always pops over for grandma to iron his shirts before he goes out. My younger nieces and and another nephew like to go spend the night and play dominos with her all night! She makes sure there's something to drink in the fridge and popsicles in the freezer and usually a candy dish full of something!
I love going home because even at 41 she still treats me like the little kid I once was - and yes, I totally take advantage of it!! I LOVE it!!! :-)
So have a great day mom! I hope when you read this you have received your gift I sent!! I Love you MUCH!!
A couple weeks ago I blogged about my dad since it was his birthday, Friday, the 24th is my mom's, so now it's her turn to be loved via the internet!!
While my dad contributed to my humor, silly side, I've definitely got my mom's emotions. I also inherited from her side my bra size!! You should see some of my aunts - holy cow!! :-) Too much information?? Maybe, but it's true!!
My mom was the 'song leader' at our church for years and years. We didn't grow up with music ministers or music pastors - but I guess if we did, my mom would have been one. Even at 69 her voice is still strong when she sings. People always requested her to sing. Her song of choice - as well as that of the congregation's - was a song about meeting her Master. Every time she sang that song she herself was moved. My mom has always been very passionate about her Lord Jesus. Of course I do remember a time when I was pretty young that she walked off the platform and started a "Jerico March," and over half the church joined her, singing and praying around the church. I remember sitting in my pew thinking she was a crazy woman - what the heck is she doing!!! haha!!
Mom always loved me, my brother and sister and hardly a day went by when she didn't tell us. She always let us know when she was proud of us. Now she's that way with her seven grandkids. My 22-year-old nephew always pops over for grandma to iron his shirts before he goes out. My younger nieces and and another nephew like to go spend the night and play dominos with her all night! She makes sure there's something to drink in the fridge and popsicles in the freezer and usually a candy dish full of something!
I love going home because even at 41 she still treats me like the little kid I once was - and yes, I totally take advantage of it!! I LOVE it!!! :-)
So have a great day mom! I hope when you read this you have received your gift I sent!! I Love you MUCH!!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
MY SUPER FUN NIGHT WITH SOME OF MY GIRLFRIENDS!!
<
Tonight I went and saw Mama Mia at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with six of my friends - Pam, Carol, Renee, Missy, Teresa, and Robin - I'm sure most of you know who they are without last names and know they are a fun bunch of gals!
We started out the night complimenting each other about our great hair, great blouse, great shoes, you know, those things our husbands don't always do!! We had a GREAT time being girls. Before the show we giggled, laughed way too loud, talked inappropriately at times (that only you can do with friends!), and ate too much at dinner WITHOUT talking about how many calories or fat grams we just consumed! And Missy was taking pictures throughout the night capturing all the craziness!
On the way home Pam's Sequoia was blaring with more laughter and more inappropriate conversations!! Good thing tomorrow is Sunday - we can get our religion back!! I felt like a goofy teen again. It was great just being with girlfriends for a night of fun, food, and theater! We don't drink, so we didn't have any alcoholic beverages, but we were joking that if we did can you imagine how much more loud and obnoxious we would have been!!
Some highlights - that the girls didn't believe I would post!!
*As I was fluffing my hair in the restraunt bathroom, a girl said to me she really liked my curls and hair and then winked at me. I think she was flirting! I grabbed Robin's shoulders and followed her out and said, "I'm with her." I probably should have flashed my wedding ring - but no, I said I was with another girl!! What was I thinking??
*Robin sat next to a guy who "copped a feel" on a body part located in the upper region as she sat down. But from the looks of the guy, we think she's safe!!! :-)
*We were taking pictures of us on the elevator - not wanting other people to get on -in the mirrors. We then pushed the "open door" button so long that it started buzzing and security was heading our way - so we ran away laughing hysterically!!
*There were mirrors all over the bathroom, so we took pictures in the bathroom - weird, huh??
*The big finale was awesome and we were on our feet dancing and swaying to the music!!! In fact, for about three songs, the seven of us (and the three questionable gentlemen next to Robin!) were the only ones in the upper levels standing.
*But the best part of the evening - we all went home and . . . ("dot, dot, dot")
(if you saw the show, you'd get the dots and probably smiling about now!!)
<
Tonight I went and saw Mama Mia at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with six of my friends - Pam, Carol, Renee, Missy, Teresa, and Robin - I'm sure most of you know who they are without last names and know they are a fun bunch of gals!
We started out the night complimenting each other about our great hair, great blouse, great shoes, you know, those things our husbands don't always do!! We had a GREAT time being girls. Before the show we giggled, laughed way too loud, talked inappropriately at times (that only you can do with friends!), and ate too much at dinner WITHOUT talking about how many calories or fat grams we just consumed! And Missy was taking pictures throughout the night capturing all the craziness!
On the way home Pam's Sequoia was blaring with more laughter and more inappropriate conversations!! Good thing tomorrow is Sunday - we can get our religion back!! I felt like a goofy teen again. It was great just being with girlfriends for a night of fun, food, and theater! We don't drink, so we didn't have any alcoholic beverages, but we were joking that if we did can you imagine how much more loud and obnoxious we would have been!!
Some highlights - that the girls didn't believe I would post!!
*As I was fluffing my hair in the restraunt bathroom, a girl said to me she really liked my curls and hair and then winked at me. I think she was flirting! I grabbed Robin's shoulders and followed her out and said, "I'm with her." I probably should have flashed my wedding ring - but no, I said I was with another girl!! What was I thinking??
*Robin sat next to a guy who "copped a feel" on a body part located in the upper region as she sat down. But from the looks of the guy, we think she's safe!!! :-)
*We were taking pictures of us on the elevator - not wanting other people to get on -in the mirrors. We then pushed the "open door" button so long that it started buzzing and security was heading our way - so we ran away laughing hysterically!!
*There were mirrors all over the bathroom, so we took pictures in the bathroom - weird, huh??
*The big finale was awesome and we were on our feet dancing and swaying to the music!!! In fact, for about three songs, the seven of us (and the three questionable gentlemen next to Robin!) were the only ones in the upper levels standing.
*But the best part of the evening - we all went home and . . . ("dot, dot, dot")
(if you saw the show, you'd get the dots and probably smiling about now!!)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE????
Yesterday I went to my local grocery store and I bought about $67 worth of groceries. After all my items have passed the scanner I hand the check out girl my $10 off a $30 purchase that I got in a mailer. Great. Then I hand her an $11 off coupon that I earned there...one of those that's attached to your receipt. She says very sternly, "You can't use two coupons like this." I showed her that neither one of them stated "cannot be combined..." She kept standing there arguing with me about it. Again, I take the coupons and show her there's nothing that says I can't. Then she hits the big button for my total. I then said, wait I have one more. It was a 5% off coupon. She literally threw her hands up, looked at the screen and said, "You saved over $26 with the club savings, had $21 in coupons and now this. You are going to get over $65 worth of groceries for about $20." I go, yeah, I love when that happens. I actually got $67 worth for a mere $18!! Very exciting. When her drawer opened she slammed it shut, ripped of the receipt in such a way that it was pretty obvious she was mad. I even looked at her and said - as they do at Seattle Grace - "SERIOUSLY?" You would have thought I was taking the money directly from her pocket. Maybe I am, I don't know - maybe the more coupons used the less employees make. I'll have to check with my friend Greg who is in the grocery business. This same lady does not like me anyway. I crossed the picket lines a few years back when the grocers were on strike and she called me names and even stood in front of my basket so I couldn't get to my car. Then when they went back to work she told people who were standing in her line about me - and how that long time customer (me) forced them to get back to work. I try to stay out of her line, but unfortunately that was the only one open at that hour.
Then today I'm going for another MRI scan. I have new insurance because of Darren's job change. I don't have my new card so I hand them a piece of paper with all the pertinent info that Darren got from HR. Again, the attitude. I explained the situation and when I handed her the paper she goes, "now I'll have to re-enter all your information." Then kept looking at me. I guess she was waiting for me to say, "Oh, sorry, nevermind, I'll just write you a check for $2000, I won't bother you with my insurance." Isn't that her job?? She collects the info and enters it? I mean "SERIOUSLY."
Maybe it's the new computer age we live in, we just don't have as much people contact as we used to and it's affecting how we are with human beings. I'm just asking for a little common courtesy!! Is that too much to ask for??
Yesterday I went to my local grocery store and I bought about $67 worth of groceries. After all my items have passed the scanner I hand the check out girl my $10 off a $30 purchase that I got in a mailer. Great. Then I hand her an $11 off coupon that I earned there...one of those that's attached to your receipt. She says very sternly, "You can't use two coupons like this." I showed her that neither one of them stated "cannot be combined..." She kept standing there arguing with me about it. Again, I take the coupons and show her there's nothing that says I can't. Then she hits the big button for my total. I then said, wait I have one more. It was a 5% off coupon. She literally threw her hands up, looked at the screen and said, "You saved over $26 with the club savings, had $21 in coupons and now this. You are going to get over $65 worth of groceries for about $20." I go, yeah, I love when that happens. I actually got $67 worth for a mere $18!! Very exciting. When her drawer opened she slammed it shut, ripped of the receipt in such a way that it was pretty obvious she was mad. I even looked at her and said - as they do at Seattle Grace - "SERIOUSLY?" You would have thought I was taking the money directly from her pocket. Maybe I am, I don't know - maybe the more coupons used the less employees make. I'll have to check with my friend Greg who is in the grocery business. This same lady does not like me anyway. I crossed the picket lines a few years back when the grocers were on strike and she called me names and even stood in front of my basket so I couldn't get to my car. Then when they went back to work she told people who were standing in her line about me - and how that long time customer (me) forced them to get back to work. I try to stay out of her line, but unfortunately that was the only one open at that hour.
Then today I'm going for another MRI scan. I have new insurance because of Darren's job change. I don't have my new card so I hand them a piece of paper with all the pertinent info that Darren got from HR. Again, the attitude. I explained the situation and when I handed her the paper she goes, "now I'll have to re-enter all your information." Then kept looking at me. I guess she was waiting for me to say, "Oh, sorry, nevermind, I'll just write you a check for $2000, I won't bother you with my insurance." Isn't that her job?? She collects the info and enters it? I mean "SERIOUSLY."
Maybe it's the new computer age we live in, we just don't have as much people contact as we used to and it's affecting how we are with human beings. I'm just asking for a little common courtesy!! Is that too much to ask for??
Monday, August 13, 2007
REMEMBER WHEN THINGS WERE SIMPLER??!!
As many of you know I'm married to a computer freak/geek!! He's constantly upgrading us to the latest and greatest things - always reading about things, and for fun he likes to take a computer apart and put it back together again!! I guess that is his adult version of Legos!
Well, I wanted to listen to my Hairspray CD the other day - I just got it, was so excited to start singing "Good Morning Baltimore" and I had to put the CD in a box, d/load it, burn, export it...something like that. I couldn't figure it out and of course I was getting mad. You see those little black boxes in the above picture - that's where it's supposed to be stored...I don't want to store it I WANT TO LISTEN TO IT RIGHT NOW!!! You are supposed to put the CD in the little white box - which I did - tap around on the keyboard and then it somewho gets to the little black boxes! Darren comes home and I told him I wanted a CD player. Needless to say this techno crazed husband of mine was flabbergasted. Why on earth would I want a CD player when we are surrounded by computers with music capabilities, etc. Whatever, I just want to hit the play button and be done. Like I said, it was a 10 step process that I have yet to understand on the computer.
This is what I want - place the CD on top, hit the play button and begin my song and dance around the house!! :-)
This is the hub of our house. It's where everything comes together. He was installing a new phone the other night so I had to take a picture while the front was off. Good thing I couldn't get to all those wires the other day - I'm thinking I might have cut a few of them!!! Do you see why I want my battery operated CD player!!!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
IT'S MY DADDY'S BIRTHDAY!!
Wednesday, August 8th is my Dad's 74th birthday! It's days like this that I wish I lived back in the midwest. I miss being home to do the birthday cake thing, hug and kiss him and tell him I love him. I always try to beat my two siblings and call both my parents on their birthdays first - you know, so I'll be the favorite for that day!! But it's not the same as being there.
I have a lot of my dad in me - I have his sense of humor for sure! He's quite the troublemaker and I do love causing trouble!! When he was working, he would walk into the office full of women secretaries and say a very simple statement, "Did you hear about Bob?" Then he'd walk out. By the end of the day some rumor had developed about Bob and it would come back to dad. He would say, "I didn't say anything, all I asked was did you hear about Bob?" That drove the office girls crazy. My dad worked at that place for like 30 years and he was so believable that even after all that time, he could still stir the pot! I like fibbing like that too! Dad and I both feel the same way about doing that to people - if you are that gullible, time after time after time, then you deserve to be taunted and messed with!! :-) Dad and I would walk down the mall with him holding on to my arm as if he was blind - then if someone walked up close to him and looked at him he'd 'boo' them. Then we'd crack up. Yes, we are terrible, aren't we??!! But so much fun!!!! He's a bit twisted, but that's why I love him so much!
The thing I remember most about my dad growing up was every morning before he went to work he sat on the edge of the bed and read the Bible. I can still remember what the bed spread looked like when I was a teenager and walking past the room seeing him reading. Dad, and of course my mom, made sure we were in church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night and a lot of times in between!! Both of my parents were raised in Christian homes and they made sure they raised their kids the same way - I'm very thankful for my Christian heritage. I'm thankful for my Dad's mom, my Grandma who I miss very much, but I am very thankful I spent so many summers with her, going to church and watching her read her Bible too!!
I love watching my dad interact with his seven grandkids - he loves being a grandpa. My heart aches that I have been unable to give him an eighth grand child - as I would so love to see my dad cradle my baby and draw on his tummy with a marker!! (He did that to my sister's four kids and it drove her nuts!)
My Dad is a cool dad. He's a White Castle hamburger lover, bread and cheese sandwich eater, amazing grandma, great father, and twisted old man!!!
Happy Birthday Daddy - I love you very much!!
P.S. To all of you out there who live close to your parents - go visit them often. Don't take the short distance for granted, you are so lucky!
Wednesday, August 8th is my Dad's 74th birthday! It's days like this that I wish I lived back in the midwest. I miss being home to do the birthday cake thing, hug and kiss him and tell him I love him. I always try to beat my two siblings and call both my parents on their birthdays first - you know, so I'll be the favorite for that day!! But it's not the same as being there.
I have a lot of my dad in me - I have his sense of humor for sure! He's quite the troublemaker and I do love causing trouble!! When he was working, he would walk into the office full of women secretaries and say a very simple statement, "Did you hear about Bob?" Then he'd walk out. By the end of the day some rumor had developed about Bob and it would come back to dad. He would say, "I didn't say anything, all I asked was did you hear about Bob?" That drove the office girls crazy. My dad worked at that place for like 30 years and he was so believable that even after all that time, he could still stir the pot! I like fibbing like that too! Dad and I both feel the same way about doing that to people - if you are that gullible, time after time after time, then you deserve to be taunted and messed with!! :-) Dad and I would walk down the mall with him holding on to my arm as if he was blind - then if someone walked up close to him and looked at him he'd 'boo' them. Then we'd crack up. Yes, we are terrible, aren't we??!! But so much fun!!!! He's a bit twisted, but that's why I love him so much!
The thing I remember most about my dad growing up was every morning before he went to work he sat on the edge of the bed and read the Bible. I can still remember what the bed spread looked like when I was a teenager and walking past the room seeing him reading. Dad, and of course my mom, made sure we were in church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night and a lot of times in between!! Both of my parents were raised in Christian homes and they made sure they raised their kids the same way - I'm very thankful for my Christian heritage. I'm thankful for my Dad's mom, my Grandma who I miss very much, but I am very thankful I spent so many summers with her, going to church and watching her read her Bible too!!
I love watching my dad interact with his seven grandkids - he loves being a grandpa. My heart aches that I have been unable to give him an eighth grand child - as I would so love to see my dad cradle my baby and draw on his tummy with a marker!! (He did that to my sister's four kids and it drove her nuts!)
My Dad is a cool dad. He's a White Castle hamburger lover, bread and cheese sandwich eater, amazing grandma, great father, and twisted old man!!!
Happy Birthday Daddy - I love you very much!!
P.S. To all of you out there who live close to your parents - go visit them often. Don't take the short distance for granted, you are so lucky!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Not much going on at the Williams....so here are some pretties!!
This is one of my favorite 'bushes.' It's so bright and purple. It's been blooming nicely all summer!
My father-in-law made this beautiful bird feeder for my birthday and sent it to me! It's quite fancy and looks great in my backyard. To the right of the picture is my kitchen window so I can see the birds eat in the morning and evenings. Plus, the roof matches in the kitchen cabinets - so it flows nicely!!! Darren's dad is quite the creator/builder - show him a picture and he can build it!
Here's a picture of one of my favorite flowers in the back yard - so pretty and bright. These blog sites just don't do the colors justice.
Wider view of my pretty pink flowers!
Again - the blog doesn't show how truly beautiful this small tree is. Really pretty purple/pink flowers blooming. I can't wait until it's in full bloom!! Holly and Mark Deojay got this for me last year for my 40th birthday and guess what - it's still alive!!! :-) Unfortunately I can't say that about all the other plants I got. :-(
So when I said nothing much going on - I meant nothing is going on! Here is Simon lounging in the back. He just couldn't muster the strength to open his eyes!!
While Simon is relaxing outside, Darren is relaxing on the inside!! Can you tell by the look on his face he's wondering what the heck I'm doing taking his picture right now?!
This is one of my favorite 'bushes.' It's so bright and purple. It's been blooming nicely all summer!
My father-in-law made this beautiful bird feeder for my birthday and sent it to me! It's quite fancy and looks great in my backyard. To the right of the picture is my kitchen window so I can see the birds eat in the morning and evenings. Plus, the roof matches in the kitchen cabinets - so it flows nicely!!! Darren's dad is quite the creator/builder - show him a picture and he can build it! 
Here's a picture of one of my favorite flowers in the back yard - so pretty and bright. These blog sites just don't do the colors justice.
Wider view of my pretty pink flowers!
Again - the blog doesn't show how truly beautiful this small tree is. Really pretty purple/pink flowers blooming. I can't wait until it's in full bloom!! Holly and Mark Deojay got this for me last year for my 40th birthday and guess what - it's still alive!!! :-) Unfortunately I can't say that about all the other plants I got. :-(
So when I said nothing much going on - I meant nothing is going on! Here is Simon lounging in the back. He just couldn't muster the strength to open his eyes!!
While Simon is relaxing outside, Darren is relaxing on the inside!! Can you tell by the look on his face he's wondering what the heck I'm doing taking his picture right now?! It's been a few days so I thought I'd better throw something up on my blog, so now you see what's going on at 6:15pm on a Monday evening at our house. What am I doing you ask? Not relaxing - just threw some laundry in the washer, flipped the mattress, cooking supper, going through the mail, separating bills, etc.; getting my hair cut/colored later this evening - maybe tomorrow Darren can take a picture of me relaxing on the couch!!!
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