Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008

Where has the time gone? So much has happened this past year, yet it only seems that the year just started a few months ago. Reflecting back....I thought I would just post some memorable pictures.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Merry Christmas

Yesterday was by far the BEST EVER Christmas Eve that I have had in over 5 years. The reason? My daughter and her family spent the day with us. To some of you, that may not be a big deal, but when your relationship has been strained to the point where you haven't spoken in 5 years, this it IS a big deal.

I love my daughter so much, more than words can convey. I've missed her, and I'm glad we are mending our relationship.

Today, my son and his family, and my brother and his new bride and her brother come over. That will make it a total of 9 people today.

I love my family. They are the world to me. Oh, and shhhh, but the word has been put out that there will be another grandchild before November. It's a wonderful season indeed.

Merry Christmas everyone.

I still believe in Santa Claus...

A friend posted this and it's too good not to share.

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma...I was just a kid.

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her 'world-famous' cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true!!!!!!

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" She snorted..."Ridiculous!
Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me
mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second 'world-famous' cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors,
Grandma handed me ten dollars.

That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old.

I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but NEVER had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.

Bobby Decker didn't have a coat.

I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he just didn't have a good warm coat.

I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."
The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good warm winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again and
wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa ALWAYS insisted on secrecy!

Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered,"get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down
on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open!!!! Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Well...

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: 'ridiculous'! Santa WAS alive and well, and WE were on HIS team!!!

I STILL have Grandma's Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $29.95.

May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

Author Unknown

The Day Santa Came...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Who is in my living room?

You're young, you have kids. What do you do when you can't afford to take the kids to go see Santa? You make a new plan. You improvise. That is exactly what the kids did...they improvised, with the help of Grandpa of course.

I go to Walgreen's and buy this Santa outfit for $14.99, hoping that it will do the trick. Ok, so it's a bit cheezy, but what the heck. We're improving here, remember?

We go to the kids house yesterday for the BIG VISIT, and Duane decides it's time to go to Walgreen's to pick up my pictures, (wink). He makes his departure, and Sheena calls Vincent into the bathroom to 'do his hair'. Duane sneeks back in, and goes into one of the bedrooms to do his 'magical transformation'. Next thing I hear is him calling out with a touch of panic to his voice. I go into the bedroom, and there he stands, with knickers. LOL I guess the makers of the costume had 5'6" guys in mind when they designed these things, not 6'3" guys. So, once again, we make a new plan, and we improvised. Thank goodness the top was long. He runs out to the living room, and quickly sits, candy canes in hand, and waits. Vincent makes his way out to the living room, and just couldn't beleive his eyes.

SANTA WAS SITTING IN HIS LIVING ROOM.

Santa calls him up to his lap, and the pictures begin. Lighting isn't good, but what the heck. I guess every photographer has an off day. I know I sure did. The pictures turn out ok, with a little adjusting here and there....they are passible.

Kaydence had a GREAT time with Santa. At one point, she reached up and did the unthinkable....yep...the beard almost came off.

Below is a GREAT shot of all the kids by their tree...it was a GREAT day afterall.

The Grandkids...

I have a couple new pictures of the grandkids and thought that I would share.

I took this one of Alixandra when she was here last week. We had a great time scrapping and making Christmas cards. I feel that in time, she will be published as her work is really cute for a 14 year old. I'm going to have to take a few photo's and post them. She's turning into a very beautiful young woman. My daughter has done a wonderful job in raising her.

Here are a few of my son's kids. Vincent and Kaydence are truly brother/sister. She adores her big brother as he adores his little sister. She's only 7 months here, and look at her...don't you just want to reach out and pinch them cheeks? LOL

He's got the most cutest dimples ever.

I love all three grandkids.....

Thank you Rusty Pickle..

The mail came yesterday, and boy did I ever get a surprise!! Look at what I got from Rusty Pickle. I had taken some pictures of Lance when he was here at my LSS, Once Upon A Time, and sent them to Casey, (who happens to be a Rusty Pickle Chef) and look what they sent me. Could these papers get any yummier? Yes...wait until you see their Valentine line. OMG...it just keeps getting better and better. Now you know why I think Rusty Pickle is the BEST EVER line of paper out there. Their stuff is amazing!!

Thank you Casey and the rest of the crew at Rusty Pickle!!

The applause dies....

I saw this on a friend of mine's blog, and just loved it and wanted to share with y'all.

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the paragraphs straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.

That ain't a store bought one...

Sorry that I haven't posted in awhile, but I have been a tad too busy to even get on the internet.

Let's see...we got new tile for the floor, and installed it through-out the house except for the bedrooms, his gun room, and my scraproom. Looks pretty good, now all I have to do is run a quick damp mop over it, and instant clean.

The dog, aptly named Rikoshay, is living up to her God-given name, as she just can't get traction anymore to go chasing the cat. Which, by the way, is only here temporarily as we are cat-sitting for Alixandra. Those two animals love each other, but at times, I wonder. Always something going on between them.

This year for Thanksgiving, my son and his family went to his grandmothers and my daughter and her family went down to San Diego. So Duane and I, being the nomads of the family, decided to go up to my bestest ever friend, Hollye, and stay at the ranch for the Thanksgiving weekend. We are always so used to having LOTS of family around, but this year, it's just friends. Nice. Only 4 plates to wash, 4 bowls, 4 forks, you get the picture. It made it even better since both husbands did all the dishes.

Duane prides himself in being the provider of the family, and this year, which is his first year of retirement, he thought he would be the one to supply the turkey. Now, I'm not one to question Duane as to where that turkey came from, but I can tell you this....it was no store bought bird. As you can see by the picture, I thought he was just calling the bird over so that he could maybe feed from his hand...but I'm thinking, as I looked at what he had behind his back, Duane had other thoughts.

We had a GREAT Thanksgiving, GREAT food, and most importantly GREAT friends to spend it with.

Then early this morning, with our lists in one hand, a plethora of charge cards in the other......Hollye and I venture out for the Black Friday sales. We get in the truck, making sure that nothing else is in it, as to make room for our DEALS, and head off to the Big City, Santa Maria. Our first stop, Michaels, as they had a Cricut on sale that I needed to get for a friend, and their Cricut cartridges were all marked to $49.00, we run inside, only to find the area that held all the Cricut stuff empty. Not wanting to walk out of Michaels empty handed, I did manage to buy a black Stayz-On stamp pad, and Hollye found a few Christmas bells. So much for our big coupon use. We didn't even hit the minimum purchase. So being the nice people that we are, we gave it to a senior citizen lady behind us in line. She was most grateful.

Now we head on over to Target, knowing that we will find a oodles and oodles of bargains there, we literally had to fight for a parking spot. We had all this planned. When we spot a most coveted parking lot space, Hollye would jump out of the truck, and position herself in the spot so that all who tried to park there couldn't while I made the parking lot rounds in order to zero in on our space. WE gather up our purse, lists, and charge cards, find a shopping cart, because those women just can't seem to put the cart back in the cart corrals, and head off into the store. First mistake. Sign on the door said OPEN AT 6:00am, and here it was 9:30am. We look at each other, and think, like who in their right minds would actually get up that early just to shop at Target? Now come one, I ask you....would you? We run to the electronics department, well, ok, maybe not run, but we did briskly walk...only to see bare shelving where our much researched items would have laid. Holly did find some Christmas candy that she had been wanting for a few years now, and went ahead and bought some. We left there, a bit discouraged, but determined.

We head on off now to our next destination.....Best Buy. There, again, we found the PERFECT parking spot, so once again, Hollye jumps out of the truck, and claimed it as ours. The look on her face told others that they had better not dare enter our spot. Needless to say, they didn't know she had stepped in a HUGE wad of gum and was stuck. We push our way through Best Buy, and head on over to the Digital Camera and Camcorder department. After dang near throwing Hollye threw the throngs of people, we found that they had sold out long before we even woke this morning. Hollye did however, walk out with Faith Hill's Greatest Hits CD. I guess she is having a bit of luck with her list....cuz I haven't gotten a dang thing yet.

A bit of discouragement now sets in. I feel a tad bit panicked as I haven't been able to cross out anything on my list. I haven't even broke out a charge card. Hollye assures me that I will find everything at our next destination, Circuit City.

We pull into the parking lot, but this time we had to make a few trips around before coming into a shoppers dream - the first spot. I had somewhat passed it up, and Hollye once again, had to jump out and save it. So as I was able to back up, and jockey into it, Hollye went around the back of the truck trying to get out of my way when some friggin Prima Dona comes out of the store, not watching where she was going, and almost runs her cart into my truck. I had to put the brakes on quickly, only to have Duane's rifle dang near decapitate me as it falls from the Easy Rider Rifle Rack, when I hear Hollye let out a God-awful scream as she quickly disappears from my rear view mirror. I jump from the truck, only to realize that Hollye had run into the trailer hitch. Boy was she in pain. I managed to pull her up to a shopping cart so that she could balance herself on her one good remaining leg (the other leg had the residual gum wad still intact) as she help me locate my gifts that I needed. We quickly find a store clerk to help us, only to be disappointed once again as I showed him the sales paper with the items that I needed to purchase circled, and he telling us that they had sold out, again, very early in the morning. He told us that people were lined up in front of the store since 1:00am. I laughed, because that is when we had finally called it a night. Don't these people have lives beyond shopping? They must not have cable or the internet. Hollye did manage to find Reba McEntire's Duets CD.

Panicked, discouraged, and a feeling of Bah Humbug, mixed with gloom and despair, and did I mention some depression, we head on home. As we are heading back to the ranch, enjoying the ever changing leaves of the vines from the recent wine harvests, when all of a sudden......

BEEP

BEEP

BEEP

the alarm goes off....and I awake from my turkey induced slumber, I realize that the turmoils of Black Friday, was only a dream. Duane was nice enough to set the alarm for 5:00am for me, knowing I had things to accomplish. I flew from the bed, put on a nightie, and sit at my computer, and within 15 minutes, I had purchased all that I needed to get. With confirmations from all purchases securely in my email....I pour myself a cup of hot tea, and go sit out in the courtyard with my bestest ever friend, and we plan our Thanksgiving layouts. Our hubbies come by in the truck, and tell us that they are headed out to the Big City, yes, Santa Maria, to go shopping at some mystical store that is having a HUMONGOUS Black Friday sale on Makita. Makita? Hmmmmmm is that a new scrapping item?

I hope y'all had a GREAT Thanksgiving and all your shopping adventures were memorable.

The Little Princess

Just a short, little post about Kaydence.

Check out her first halloween costume.

Tinkerbelle

She's about the cutest little fairy a grandparent could have.

Duane and I love our grandchildren, especially now, in our 'gold years', as Alix says, LOL.

She's a handful too...almost 15 now. Time sure flies while they grown.

Cherish it all.....

I totally love cropping. I love being with my scrapping friends till wee hours of the night, talking about whatever comes to mind, watching their pages come to life. That's what I get to do tonight. I hate leaving hubby home, but sometimes, I just need to be with the girls.

I also find that it is so therapeutic being that it 'cleanses my mind' from all stuff that happened during the week. This week, in particular, was a rough one. There are the fires, all the evacuations going on, the people returning to what was their home, a few returning to find a loved one just didn't make it out in time. One tends to take things for granted sometimes. Like the key that opens your front door. Now there are literally thousands that don't have that front door to open. Like that old rag that your loved one wears that you wish one day would burn. Now there are hundreds who wish they even had an old rag to put on while sifting through the remains of once was their closet. Little things, everyday things, things that one tends to take for granted, lost. My heart goes out to them.

The other night, I make Duane drag out the boxes of pictures...and start to go through them. I look at them differently now. Even the ones that bring up bad memories. I look for the good things connected with those pictures. It's all that we have of our past....memories, and pictures for the most part. I hold one picture in particular. One of my mom, my dad, and my middle sister, Vicki. It's her senior prom. Tears run down my face as I sit there and listen to them discuss what time she should be home that night with her date. I pick up another one of Vicki, and this one is like 20 years later. She's sitting on her motorcycle (actually a '69 Meter Maid, totally refurbished) with her first grandson as an infant. Little did I know that a year later she would not be with us anymore. I pick up a funny one of my mom playing Nitendo, two years later, she also would be gone.

This one of my dad is the most precious one of all to me.


Journaling says: This happens to be the last picture of my dad before he passed away 2 days later. The starfish is the last thing that my dad ever caught. I have the actual starfish, which sits in a huge brandy snifter full of sand from Hawaii.

As we fished, we spoke about his recent heart attack, the past, the future, which he knew wasn't going to be a long one for him. Then I looked up at him, and asked him, "Dad, do you believe in Jesus"? He smiled and said yes, and started to tell me about his religious beliefs and stuff. It was an AWESOME conversation. For the first time, I got to pray with my Dad. We finished praying, and he looked at me, and told me that he had a great day, and that this would probably be the last time fishing for him. I didn't question that statement, and I just let it be. He was right...it was. Little did I know, it was the last time I was to see him alive.

I miss my dad...so very much

Happy Father's Day, Dad...I love you!!

People tend to take things for granted. Once you have lost something...you can't ever get it back. So during our crop tonight, I need to finish up on the layouts that I have started, the albums that need to be finished, because I need to start a whole new batch of layouts. My Family, Our Times Together.

Life is short. so cherish what you have now...for you never know.

When Pigs Fly....

With all the fires and stuff going around, I forgot to let y'all know what our granddaughter bet us. She knows that Grandpa and I are ones of our word. We give it, and that's that.



Well, as we were sitting at lunch Saturday, she was talking about the fact that she will need a car in less than 2 years, (my, how time flies). After a much heated debate, Grandpa told her that he would buy her a BRAND NEW car when pigs fly. Without missing a beat, she says, "do you give me your word"? "Of course I do."



She lets that particular conversation die down. I thought that something might be up, but shrugged it off. After all, he did say when pigs fly. We finish up lunch, go get into the truck. We no sooner drive around the parking lot, when she yells to stop. We come to a quick stop, she jumps out........



Need I say more???

God Bless Our Firemen...

What a day in California. Seems the entire Southern California is on fire. People are losing their homes, which is really sad. I haven't heard of any loss of life, so that's a good thing. There were 12 firemen who had to take cover under the fire blankets as they got caught up in a fire storm. I'm so glad that they walked out of there alive.

I got to work this morning, which was a feat in itself with all the wind blowing, only to see this. I am so glad this happened while I wasn't at work or my truck would have gotten it for sure. It was everything that we could do just to walk in the building. I was afraid more of the tree was going to come down.

This is one looking from inside the office to the outside.

There was a few fires also just a few miles from where I work. A lot of dairy land went up in flames too. I got this while driving by on my way home. You need to click on the picture in order to see the firemen there.

God Bless Our Firemen. You know, their job IS really dangerous. They put their lives on the line everyday for us....and many of us just take it for granted. Thank goodness my Dad taught us kids at a young age to respect the Police and Fire Department.

Aunty Em, Aunty Em...

Went to bed at a decent hour last night, but that wind is about to keep anyone awake. My windows shook so hard at one point, that I thought they were going to bust. I'm watching the news, and all I can say is WOW. The fires are a mess. Everything is out of control. That Malibu fire I think is the worse of all. The freeway closures are bad, all because of the wind. Thank goodness I have about 4-5 routes I can take to work. I'm staying away from the freeway, so it's off through dairyland. I just hope I don't get pelted by cow patties. They say only a few more days of this wind. I hope so, as my allergies can't take anymore.

OK, I'm off as I think it's going to be awful on any route that I happen to take to work.

Wind, Lobster, A Good Book....

As we were taking my granddaughter home this afternoon, we thought we had better feed the scrawny thing, so off to Red Lobster we went. As we go down the 15 freeway, we encounter winds like never before. I had the gas peddle floored, and we were only moving not even 10 miles per hour. That is how strong the winds were blowing today. Over the news it was stated that the winds were about 80-100mph. Look at what we drove through. I'm sorry that the pictures aren't any clearer, but my granddaughter was scared as she took the pictures because my truck was literally going all over the place. It was harder than heck to control it. At one point, the visibility as zero. You can see in the first picture, as the dust/dirt just started...and within 20 minutes, my windshield was being pelted with gravel, rocks, paper, and anything else that could be air born.

It was a strange feeling, knowing that you are in this heavy duty truck, and you can't keep it on the road. The little cars in from of me were going from one lane to another. The dust bowl effect lasted from about the Santa Ana River all the way where I got off the freeway at 4th, just one exit north of the 10 freeway. I imagine it was worse as you got closer to the Cajon Pass, which by the way, has a HUGE fire. Then we got to noticing, the sky was particularly quiet. No airplanes in/out of Ontario Airport. WOW. For some reason, I immediately thought of Sept. 11, when all planes were grounded. It was just surreal.

We made it to drop her off after we dined on lobster, shrimp and crab legs without incident. I'm so glad to be home. Now, as I sit here, I can hear the wind whip through the trees outside, and I am thankful I have my cozy blankie to curl up in.

I'm off...to make me some nice hot tea, gather my glasses and my book, and then to curl up on the sofa, while hubby rubs my feet. Awww, life is grand indeed.

He's the BEST....

How do you like the 'new look'? It still needs a bit of tweaking, but for now, this will do.


Dan is here tonight, moving the last of his stuff out. It's sad to see him leave, yet I'm so very happy for him. He and his new wife are so very happy...and that's a good thing. He deserves it. He's a good brother....one that I wouldn't change for anything.


I often think of my sister, Vicki. I miss her. She was so young when God called her home. She was only 42. She was in the prime of her life. Because of her death, and because of my dad's, I have been obsessed with my heart. I feel every little beat, every palpitation, every skipped beat. It's scary. One just never knows when their time is up.


My granddaughter is coming for the weekend. I'm always eager to have her. She's a handful, but then what 14 year old isn't? LOL I can hardly wait for Duane and I to get our RV and take all 3 grandkids traveling. You know, like grandparents should. Take them to see the sights and wonders of the United States. I love the way our grandkids love Duane. They call him grandpa and always seem to want to be around him. Look at the way Kaydence looks up at grandpa. I love that. He's the best ever grandpa around too. Just ask the grandkids, they will you.


We're going to take Alix to Oak Glen this weekend so that I can get some more pictures of her. She's so photogenic....and loves to have her picture taken. She knows that I will use them on a layout, and she gets really excited when I have entered the layout(s) in a contest. She tells me that if I win (and I have won my share) that I have to split all the winnings. LOL I usually do.

Work was rather slow today. When it's slow like this, I actually have the time to write all the 'HOW TO' manuals for the department.

It's a bit late for me....and the only reason why I am up so late is because I took a nice, long nap earlier. Sucks getting old, I guess. LOL

Take This Job.....

PARENT - Job Description

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way, I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on r ain y weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homewo rk projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must hand le assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately. On-the- j ob training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially inde pendent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.


Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do... or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job.


** AND A FOOTNOTE THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!! **

Sad day indeed

All I can say is "WOW". Lot going on over on that message board. I sit and read it with my mouth hanging open in total disbelief. I mean, I have heard rumors of this happening, but to actually SEE IT in print. WOW. Someone has a lot of explaining to do.

It is just totally sad. Will it change my view on them? Yes. Will it change my buying habits when I go to buy products? Yes. I just don't have time in my life for liars, cheats, or other negative crap like this.

Check out what I am referring to. http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/mb/viewtopic.php?t=73414 Just a sad day on the old MB.

Personal Training Session

Dear Diary,

For my fiftieth birthday this year, my daughter Nichole(the dear)purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY :
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blonde hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today.

Very inspiring! Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!

TUESDAY :
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air - then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY :
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning; and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair 'monster'. Why the h*** would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators?

Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other s*** too.

THURSDAY :
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late, it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny b**** to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

FRIDAY :
I hate that b**** Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the D*** barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY :
Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY :
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter Nichole(the little s***) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds.

Jammies on a honeymoon???

WOW, I am glad that this weekend is over. Well, not quite, but for the most part.

Friday, we went to the courthouse with my brother and 'fiancee'. When we walked out, they were husband and wife. I just never thought I would see the day that he got married. It was totally awesome. She is so tiny and shy...and my brother is a bit heavy,(not much tho) and also shy. It was just awesome seeing them together. They were so happy, so full of smiles, so excited, so in love.

Funny story...I was at our Scrap For Pink crop, and he called Friday night to ask where a KMart or a WalMart was up in Big Bear. I told him, and when he called back, I asked why. They were cold and had to go buy some flannel pajamas. LOL It's the FIRST night of their honeymoon, and they go buy flannel pajamas. LOL I told him, Dan, if you're cold, you need to cuddle to canoodle. I just thought that was the funniest thing....jammies on your honeymoon. They will learn I guess.

I had the grandest time at our Scrap for Pink crop this weekend. We cropped Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I made my brother and sister-in-law a wedding album with pictures that I taken. It turned out quite nice...I am very pleased with it. I did a few page layouts, including a 2-page layout for the store's contest. I'm happy with it...so here's to hoping that I win!!

I'm tired...as it was a long weekend. I'm off to bed.

24 hours left....

Sorry...the rest of my stuff is in my laptop. I have the rest of my trip all on there. Something is wrong with it...and I had to put it in the 'shop' for repairs. I get it out tho in a few days. Then I will be able to post pictures and everything else. Woohooo!!!!

He has only 24 hours of 'freedom' left. LOL We are on the count-down for my brother. HE'S GETTING MARRIED FRIDAY MORNING!! That's tomorrow. WOW. I never thought that I would see this day. He's only 42...and the last with the our family name, and trust me, we all thought it would end with him. He assures me tho, that it won't. They want to start a family soon...say in about a year. I love to hear the words, Aunty Carol. I can hardly wait!!

My puppy is so terribly sick. She has no energy, just lays there. Duane took her to the vet yesterday....and said that it was something she ate. So now he has to take a syringe to get some pedialyte down her. The vet said to also feed her baby food...that is strained meats only. She won't eat...so we don't force her. He tries to see if she will eat every other hour, and gives her pedialyte every half hour or so. It's just so sad to see the very energetic puppy just lay there. So please just say a prayer for her... I would appreciate it.

Well, I'm off to work, just thought that I would post something here. Have a grand day y'all!!

He stepped in what????

Here we are in Juneau. This time, when we got off the ship, we were able to walk down the gangplanks to shore. We sat in the cold waiting for the shuttle for our tour, The Mendenhal Glacier and Gold Coast Salmon Bake. I have never been so cold in my life….well, a few times, but that’s another story.

Seems like everyone was going to the glacier, as there were about 20 buses. We arrive, and of course, it’s drizzling. We didn’t mind tho…knowing that when we returned home, there would be no rain.

Biggest dang chunk of ice I ever laid eyes upon. We are told that you can look at it, walk on it, walk under it, fly over it, you just can’t chip at it. We opted to look at it from a safe distance, only because I’m not walking on anything that could at any moment, melt or break up. So I kept my feet planted firmly on the cement.

As many of you know…the one thing that I want to see while in Alaska, is a bear. Well, guess what? When you get to the site of Mendenhal, there are signs EVERYWHERE warning about bear. Do not run if approached by a bear. Do not feed the bears. Do not touch the bear. Just leave the bear alone. Well, guess what walks into the parking lot? Yep, not one but three bear. A mama bear and her two cubs. Women panicked and ran, men started to through food at them, and a few others wanted to pet them. Where was I? I was up in the observatory, looking at the big chunk of ice….oblivious to what is happening outside about 50 yards from me. I didn’t find this out until we got back on the bus, and most of the other people were talking about it. If it’s any consolation, I did see a pile of bear dung, and from the looks of it…it was pretty fresh.

Next stop was the Salmon Bake and BBQ. Duane loves salmon, so he feasted like a king….while I nibbled on a few ribs. We had to eat under canopy’s, as it was pouring. We had to hurry and eat…as we had something else that needed more of our time……S H O P P I NG.

By the time we got downtown Juneau, it had stopped raining….and the sun was trying to come out. Duane bought me a most gorgeous Tanzanite ring. Gems are one of Alaska’s hot commodities, and being that this is almost the end of their season, all prices were marked down. We also shopped for the kids, and were able to get them all something. I was also able to pick something up for the girls back in the office.

We really weren’t able to spend a lot of time in Juneau, as we had to be back on board by 1:00 to go to yet another glacier. As we sailed into one of the fjords, I noticed that we were passing by chunks of ice and icebergs. It was rather unsettling as they kept playing the theme song from The Titanic movie. Some of these chunks were larger than my house. The blue ice just glistened in the water. The blue was so blue. We also saw lots of seals sitting on the ice. At first we didn’t know what they were…until they started to move and slide off the iceberg and into the water. The ship went into the middle of the fjord, and did what they call a spin on their axis. This way, it would give the whole ship a chance to view everything.

We were watching the glacier as it calved…and what a noise that made. Impressive. Seeing tons of ice falling off, and hitting the ocean, and since it was so quiet….the noise made the huge rumbling sound, much like an earthquake when it hits. These fjords and the most calmest waters around, and the most beautiful lest also. The water looks an emerald green. I’m told that the fjords are like a hundred feet deep, and hundreds of feet high. As we traveled out of the fjord, the wake of the ship caused some of the chunks of ice to roll. Now that is a sight to see.

We dined this evening in lobster and steak. We had some wine, which by the way we are not used to. If it doesn’t come with a screw cap or in a six-pack, then we’re lost. LOL. We just are not the connoisseurs of the vino like others we know, LOL

Onto Skagway….

Ketchikan....

First stop of the cruise was Ketchikan. From all weather reports that I looked at, the weather was to be horrid..raining, cloudy, and very cold. We did sail into Ketchikan under drizzly, cloudy skies, but it didn’t seem all that bad.

We woke up to the ships engine not running, and a bit of commotion outside. So Duane goes out onto the balcony in his all togethers and notice that all the lifeboats were being lowered into the water. After he frantically called the front desk, he was informed that the lifeboats were being used to ferry the people to shore as I guess NCL forgot to pay dock fees for the week. After a bit of investigative questioning, and after he found someone that spoke understandable English, it seems that the different cruise lines trade off weeks for dock space. It wasn’t our week…so we had to get into the lifeboats in order to go to shore, and let me tell you..THAT was an experience. A word to all future cruise participants…TAKE HIKING SHOES in case this happens to you. Duane got a bit excited again…thinking we were going to have to don those dang life jackets with the nipple beacon and whistle. I can tell you this…they sure do pack you into those things like sardines.

We make it to shore…and we have a few hours to kill before our excursion begins. Off we go shopping…and what is Alaska known for? Yep…diamonds, gold, and tanzanite. All of these stores offer all kinds of freebies just to get you in, and once in…they start to haggle for prices. Who can offer the best price for what gem….that depends on how bad you want it. So I look around and find the pieces that I kinda want, haggle the price, which was pretty darn good, look around for Duane, because he has the money on him…and where is he? He’s in the t-shirt shop eyeing the most hideous t-shirt you ever laid eyes on. It was of a moose and when I say it was ugly, well, that is an understatement. He ain’t gonna buy it, let alone wear it, and me admitting to knowing him if he did. After persuading him to go back to the jewelry store, we find out that plastic won’t do…they want cash. We are in Alaska. It’s Labor Day. The banks are closed, and they want cash for a $5 trinket. So Duane runs the 3 blocks to the bank, pulls out some cash, hurries back, and buys me this stupid trinket that I want, just so that I can get the free gold chain. What a man!!! LOL

We now hurry to out excursion pick up point, and after waiting for Duane again, because he found it necessary to back to the ship to drop off our purchases, we almost miss our tour, because he has the tickets. We board our bus, and head off to the Lighthouse and Eagle Excursion. In order to get on the boat that will take you on the tour, the bus has to do a bit of 4-wheeling down this dirt path through rainforest. After passing by some pretty run down boats, we came to our boat. Once on the water, we had the time of our lives.

We saw the pulp mills that are now closed, the lumberjacks homes, and then to the much awaited…eagles and their nests. What spectacular sights there were. Some of the nests were 25 feet across. We even saw eagles in flight. One young eaglet was out drying its wings…which I heard was a rare sighting. Some of the homes on the shore line were awesome. There was one house in particular, where the wife saw an article in Better Homes and Gardens about garage doors, so she had one built that was quite huge. Needless to say. The family couldn’t park any of the vehicles in it as there was no way to drive to the front of house…so instead…they have their helicopters housed in there.

We were able to cruise by Guard Island and Gravina Island. The Guard Island Lighthouse was much smaller than I thought, but it was nice none-the-less. We didn’t see any seals, but there was a spotting of an orca, which of course, I missed.

We got to see The Northern Lights last night. It was so spectacular, that words can’t even begin to describe it. I got a few pictures of the moon with its lights on the ocean, (which I will post once I get home).

Ok…off I go to play a few rounds of shuffleboard…chat later….

Out for a Cruise

The plane trip was most interesting to say the least. While we went through security to board our plane, for some stupid reason, Duane and I were singled out and brought into a special area where we were told to stand on painted footprints on the floor. We were then physically searched, a wand swept over our bodies, and our carry-ons gone through. Finding nothing, they told us we could put our shoes back on and hurry and catch our plane. As we left the area, the one dude tells us to have a nice flight. (eye roll) Of course I wanted a window seat as I like to look at what we are flying over. Needless to say..the view that I got was the engine itself Every rivet, chipped pieces of paint, and a lot of grease stains you can imagine on an engine. If you tilted your head just right…you would catch a glimpse of the sky. That is the fist and last time I will sit in the tail section.

We get to Sea-Tac airport, and if you haven’t ever walked it…wear comfy shoes. It’s long. After gathering our luggage, and getting it to cruise line’s area, we are set to go. We board the bus that will take us to the ship, and believe me, I have seen better vehicles than that. We make it safely…and we embark the ship.

Ok…so far so good. Well, with one exception. We are standing on the side deck of the ship, when we notice 3 Washington Deputy Sheriffs board. Ut oh…What did Duane do now, I thought. We have only been in the state for about an hour, I didn’t think he could do anything THAT BAD, THAT QUICK. We stood there watching the ships security escort an individual with all of his possessions to the boarding ramp where the deputies promptly read him his rights, cuffed him, patted him down, handcuffed him to a deputy on each side of him, and escort him off. I guess he did something wrong.

We have a great view of the Space Needle, the dock front, and the Edgewater Hotel, where by the way, The Beatles stayed when they played back then in Washington. Did you know that they were at one time considering tearing down the Space Needle after the World’s Fair? Glad they didn’t…it sure is interesting to look at.

Before the ship can set sail….they do a life boat drill…where everyone is REQUIRED to attend. You even had to bring your life vest from your room and wear it. I’m telling you…they are not flattering to any figure. But they do come with a nipple beacon and a whistle. Duane was highly amused.

We now set sail…and that feeling is just awesome. The view alone of Seattle’s skyline was breathtaking. The weather, the temperature, everything…was just what God had recommended for us. PERFECTION. There we were, on deck, Duane adorned with 2 camera bags and the laptop, waiting for our room which wouldn’t be ready until 5:00pm. Those things sure do get heavy fast when toting them around all day.

We went ahead and made the time count, as we traveled around the ship not once, but twice. Did you know that if you start out at one end…and go completely around the ship…you have traveled apprx. 1.3 miles? And that was just to find out room. We kinda got lost, well, not we, Duane did. But then again….he wouldn’t stop for directions. Does this sound like a typical man? So after 2.6 miles, 8 trips in an elevator, 2 flights of steps, a trip to the bar, we finally found out that our room was 50 feet from the elevator, and the 10th level, which was 6 elevator trips ago. Last time I let him have the ships map. He couldn’t find his port from his starboard if it bit him in the aft.

We get to our room…and it’s nice. We have a balcony off our room, so we can sit out there and just enjoy while listening to the sounds of the ocean. There was a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us. Duane had ordered them when he booked our cruise…as an early anniversary gift to me. And for everyone that knows him…he does enjoy spoiling me, like I love to spoil him. (He’s so awesome, I just love that man.)

Since we both like the fresh air at night, we left the door open just a tad, and let me tell you…IT GOT COLD!!!

Below are some more pictures that I hope all will enjoy. UPDATE..couldn't upload pics, will later.)

Today is now Sunday, and not much happening as we are at sea all day again. We will be arriving in Ketchican, Alaska. We are going on the Lighthouse, Eagles & Totems Excursion. I’m hoping to get a few great pictures of eagles for my brother.

Awesome sunset just over British Columbia.

What has Big Brown done for you???

So I order a really nice coat, specifically for Alaska. I pay to have it shipped UPS NEXT DAY AIR. I order it on Tuesday...so it should be here no later than Thursday, right? Wrong! Seems that my coat is a bit lost, and is in need of a map.

I call UPS to find out the status. Not that I trust the tracking system they have online...but I need to 'hear' it. I give them my tracking #, and Tanya tells me that it is out for delivery. I breathe a sigh of relief. I call hubby, who has sat patiently at home awaiting the BIG ARRIVAL, and relay this message.

Three hours go by...no delivery. I call UPS again, speak to a different person by the name of Edweena. She tells me that my coat hasn't gotten to the Ontario Hub, that it is still 'in transit' from the airport. The airport? For goodness sake...the airport and the 'hub' share the same runways and tarmac. It takes gawd knows how many hours to make it across a space of what...a half a block? ((insert eyeroll here)) She states that my coat won't be delivered until Tuesday. She does add tho, that I should call back...that maybe they hadn't updated the system on its' status. Not a problem.

I call two hours later...speak to Kemeka, who proceeds to tell me that my coat is ON THE TRUCK and out for delivery. Hallelujah!!! I am ecstatic!!

Two more hours go by...I get a bit nervous, and call UPS back to maybe see if they have another update. They do. My coat is 'in transit'. It is still on the way from the airport to the hub. I darn near blew a gasket. I speak to a supervisor, Jeremiah. Ok, Jeremiah now tells me the same thing that Edweena told me. He also adds that if I had called earlier, I could have maybe stopped it and I could have picked it up at the hub. Now I really blow a gasket because I work not even 10 minutes away. I'm home now...a good 45 minutes (with no traffic) away, and their WILL CALL section is now closed. This does NOT set well with me at all. NOT AT ALL!

I sit and stew about this..knowing full well, that there is nothing I can do. I decide to call UPS and now I want to talk to a manager, not a supervisor. I give Jamall (yep, another person) my tracking #, and he tells me that it is on the truck, and that I should get the coat tonight. What time do they stop delivering, I ask. Jamall tells me that they will stop when they deliver the last package...and has been known to deliver around 10pm. I question this dude like like a detective questioning an inmate under hot lights. Finally, I ask him if he was willing to bet his paycheck. He laughs, and says sure...you will have your package tonight.

Well, guess what. It's now after 9pm...and you guessed it. NO UPS NO PACKAGE

I call back. I now speak to Willard (eyeroll)..who tells me that who ever I spoke to that told me that I would be getting it tonight was mistaken. The package is still 'in transit'.

Thank goodness Ginny at work lent me her coat to take. Not that she will be needing it in this weather...where it has been over 100* during the day...and about 80* at night. THANK YOU GINNY!!!

Looks like Jamall owes me a paycheck.

Catch Up Time.....

It has been a few since I blogged last. I need to develop the habit of blogging everyday. Some of my best friends blog 1-3 times a day...so I need to try at least to 1 a day.

Anyway...I have been quite busy. I'm packing, making final preparations for our big trip. I am so excited...and yet I really haven't mentioned it here online. For a good reason too...but that we can go into later.

My granddaughter is at church camp. I miss her...and I know that she is having the time of her life. I made her a prayer journal so that she can write in daily. She loved the fact that hers was unique and no one would have anything like it. LOL

We went up north to visit my bestest ever friend, Hollye. It was her grandson's 8th birthday. I haven't seen Vincent since he moved to North Carolina. He is growing into a fine young man. He's very well mannered...and is very polite. He's an awesome kid. Allister is adorable and a little hell-on-wheels. LOL Definitely has his own agenda. He sure looks up to Vincent. Two great boys they are.

It's been a long time too since I have seen Selena. We had a great visit...and of course...sadly, we had to go. I miss having Hollye down here. Duane and I love making that trip tho. Nice drive - nice scenery - nice friends.

I got a few pictures of the lunar eclipse. I didn't have the camera on a tripod, so of course they didn't turn out as I would like...but oh well. I totally forgot about it too. I was standing in the shower and happened to look out the window when I thought I saw the moon disappearing. I yelled to Duane..and he says, Oh yeah, the eclipse. Needless to say..I hurried, and dressed and stuff...and went outside to view this. AWESOME. I stood there trying to imagine what it would like to see the Northern Lights. Only 48 more hours...and I can say I saw those too.

Nothing much else is happening. OH yeah... my 42 year old brother asked his girlfriend to marry him. Dang...didn't think they were THAT serious. I am going to have to start paying closer attention.

Well, I'm off to finish packing. Keep checking back, as I plan to blog the entire trip. WoooHoooo!!!!

Night in the Cemetery

We took my granddaughter home the other night. WOW, it's so quiet here. I do miss her. She's a 'hoot' to be with. Before we took her home tho, there were a few things that we needed to do. She has never seen a shooting star, so being the grandparents that we are, we 'arranged' for her to see some. We took her up to the cemetery at about 10:30pm Monday night, laid in the back of the truck and watched the skies. She saw TONS of them. What she didn't know at the time, was that she was watching a meteor shower. How convenient, huh? She didn't mind....she oooo'ed and aaaaa'ed just the same.

We are going up to see my BESTEST EVER friend, Hollye, this weekend. It's her grandson's 8th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY VINCENT! I love going up there. I miss the days when she lived just a few miles away. I'm also excited because Selena is here also. Now we all need to gather our 'stuff', and have a weekend of nothing but scrapping. That won't happen tho until the end of September. We leave in 15 days on our cruise, then it's the SoCalShopHop, the Scrapping Pink Weekend, the Spook-TourDeCrop, and a few other exciting events that I can't even remember. I have them all written on my calendar tho.

My brother is watching my puppy while we are gone. I really need to do something for him, LOL. That puppy is ALL PUPPY too. All over the place...but that's another post at another time.

Ok...I'm off. Y'all have a GREAT weekend!!

Got the feeds....

My granddaughter finally talked me into it. I now have the LIVE FEEDS for Big Brother 8. We literally sat all day yesterday, glue to the computer to watch a whole lot of boring. Evel Dick must have taken his meds, as he was quite civil to be around. I think all the other houseguests just hibernated and stayed out of his way. We got to watch Zack continually pick his nose. Now THAT was exciting. (eyeroll) I hope that Dustin gets his up and comings - he needs to leave. I'm telling you...that was the BEST $14.95 investment I have ever done, LOL

We got a lot of scrapping done. Actually, Alix did. I watched her. She's becoming quite the scrapper too. I am now going to have to show her how to incorporate more fiber/ribbons on her layouts. I'm also going to have to show her how to pick up all the papers once she is done. Typical teenager - messy, LOL.

Today, we're taking her school shopping. She needs all kinds of stuff. Her notebooks tho, are all altered. I'm going to have to take a few pictures of those. I did this for her last year, and she said that all her friends we so jealous. LOL

She goes home tomorrow...so I better get all the snuggles I can get. I miss her being so close to me. The place next door is vacant...that would be ideal. I love her so much.

I won some goodies over at Lickety Splits Scrapbooks . I was one of the first to sign up for their newsletter. I love doing board books....and they have some of the GREATEST and CUTEST around. I can hardly wait to see what I get. I'm sure that whatever it is...I will enjoy it.

Ok... it's about that time again.

LADIES BEWARE! NEW MEDICAL SCARE

Most of you have read the scare-mail about the person whose kidneys were stolen while he was passed out. Well, read on. While the kidney story was an urban legend, this one is not. It's happening every day.

My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. It was just that quick. I went to sleep in my body and woke up with someone else's thighs. The new ones had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Who would have done such a cruel thing to legs that had been mine for years? Whose thighs were these and what happened to mine? Hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans and Sheer Energy pantyhose. Then, just when my guard was down, the thieves struck again.

My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear end to the thighs they stuck me with earlier. I couldn't believe that my new butt was attached at least three inches lower than my original. Now, my rear complemented my legs, lump for lump. Frantic, I prayed that long skirts would stay in fashion.

It was two years ago when I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing my hair and I watched horrified but fascinated as the flesh of my upper arms swung to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting scary. My body was being replaced one section at a time. How clever and fiendish.

Age? Age had nothing to do with it. Age is supposed to creep up, unnoticed, something like maturity. NO, I was being attacked repeatedly and without warning. In despair, I gave up my T-shirts.

What could they do to me next?

My poor neck suddenly disappeared faster than the Thanksgiving turkey it now resembled. That's why I decided to tell my story. I can't take on the medical profession by myself. Women of the world, wake up and smell the coffee. That really isn't plastic that those surgeons are using.

You KNOW where they are getting those replacement parts, don't you? The next time you suspect someone has had a face "lifted," look again. Was it lifted from you? I think I finally found my thighs - and I hope that Cindy Crawford paid a really good price for them!

This is not a hoax. This is happening to women in every town every night. WARN YOUR FRIENDS!

P.S. I must say that last year I thought someone had stolen my breasts. I was lying in bed and they were gone! As I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept.

Now I keep them hidden in my waistband.

Sticky Stuff......

Sometimes I just hate 'new'. You have to buy all new things just to go with your 'new' purchase. Well, I had to buy a 'new' adhesive. But this time, I think that I will just love it. I have heard so much about this...I just had to make the plunge. I bought the 3M ATG Tape Gun and 10 rolls of of adhesive. I was impressed with what I have heard over at 2-Peas and at CKMB. We will see if the ATG lives up to all the hype.

Picked up my granddaughter last night.....what a week this is going to be. Will post more on this later...as I need to run.

Ahoy 'Matey....

Ahoy, I had a blast in Lance's class. Ye'll ne'er get me buried booty! Arrr, he is an excellent teacher, and loads o' fun too. Aye. Aye, Rusty Pickle is one o' my fa'orite lines, and I can hardly wait t' see what is next in comin' out. Gar.

Ok Lance...that was just for you, LOL

He told pirate jokes all night, and just simply had us laughing all night. This line, Cap't Jack is simply FANTASTIC!! I got a preview of their Pirate Princess, OMG, I can hardly wait to get my hands on some. My granddaughter will fall in love with it. I just know that I am going to have to buy a lot of it, because she is coming for another visit, and I'm sure that most will, ummmm, 'disappear'.

Everyone enjoyed the class, had lots of questions for him, and of course, lot of pirate jokes, LOL. If you needed help on a technique, he was right there to help. Of course, most of the them had him cut the window out...cutting through thick chipboard is kinda tough, especially for the young ones.

He gave us the history behind the name, RUSTY PICKLE...which I found quite interesting. If you ever take a class from him...be sure to ask him, I don't want to spoil it.

Before he left, I had the opportunity to buy his Travel Book, and his "Island Summer Slim Jim" books. Both are awesome, and sooo Rusty Pickle!!

Look at my almost finished album. I had pictures to put in it, but only temporary. I want to add some 'booty' through-out, as well as more fibers and strips of material. My grandson made a nice pirate. We had gone to the Pirate Dinner House last October for his 4th birthday, one that he will remember for a long time.

Boring......

Not much really happening around here. I am just waiting for class on Saturday....as it is with Lance Anderson from Rusty Pickle. He will be teaching his Pirate Book, and I just love it. I want his Travel book also. I'm going to have to ask him if I can buy that one from him, since there is no class nearby for it.

I got a promotion at work, so I am quite jazzed about that. I'm now going to handle all new accounts. Cool.

Duane threw his back out the other day, so he has been 'gingerly' walking about, when he can.

It's still HOT around here. I am so NOT a heat person. Give me a nice spring day or snow, and I'm happy.

Ok...as you can tell, not much happening. Gotta get ready to scoot.......

Ouch, the pain......

It was so hard to get out of bed this morning. I'm not sleeping all that well lately. I wake up in the middle of the night, and for some reason, I can't go back to sleep, so I just lay there, hoping sleep will come. Maybe I should go to the doctor about it, but I'm just not that crazy about going, but I know that I must just so that I can get something for the pain from my knee. I fell about 5 years ago, and it just hasn't been the same. It hurts when I am sitting and try to get up. Sometimes the pain is just to great, that I have to sit there, and muster up the strength to get up. I can be laying down, and the pain will start to shoot up my thigh or down my calf.

Oh well...I'm off to work, tired.

Eating, Planning, Scrapping....

Last night at crop....we had the GREATEST time. We ate, we planned, we ate some more, and planned a lot more, then we scrapped a bit, and ate yet some more. Those women sure do cook some great dishes.


Reta won a private crop, so in because Joan is now out of the hospital, and able to come to crop with us again, Reta gave the crop in honor of Joan's return. It was AWESOME! It's so good to see Joan again...as she had a lot of problems early in the year...she is on her way to a fantastic recovery.


It was announced last night that Lance Anderson from Rusty Pickle will be here Saturday, August 4th and till be teaching his FAMOUS Pirate Book. I am so excited. I just love the Rusty Pickle line, and I am REALLY looking forward getting the Pirate Princess papers so that I can do an album of my granddaughters, Alixandra and Kaydence. I am thinking that the Pirate Book that Lance is going to teach, I will use my pictures from Vincent's 5th birthday we had at the Pirate Dinner House. Who could forget Andre? ::::: swoon :::::


Then we talked about how we were all going to do So Cal Shop Hop and win the GRAND Prize. I love prizes....so of course I entered. We are all going to caravan...which will make this so much fun. Duane and I get back from Alaska on the 8th....so I am hoping that I will still have time that day to 'shop hop'. If not, there is always Sunday and through-out the week. You basically have 9 days to to visit at least 12 stores to qualify for the drawing. If you happen to visit all 30 stores, the you will be entered into the GRAND Prize Drawing. 30 stores in 9 days?? Not a problem!!


After we talked about the Lance coming and the So Cal Shop Hop, we talked about a bunch more stuff that Once Upon A Time is doing. Tammy will sure be busy....but it's all good. You need to check her blog to see all the stuff. What a remainder last 5 months it's going to be. What more could a scrapper want? Heheheh....LOTS.

Grandpa's FIRST OFFICIAL Duty

Grandpa gets his FIRST Grandpa duty, and he's online brushing up.

Sheena called the other day to ask us a HUGE favor. Seems that Vincent is quite the 'talker' now in school. ((hmmmm, reminds me of a certain boy 21 years ago.)) The teacher asked if she could come to school with him, and just sit and observe him for the 4 1/2 hours that he is there. Not a problem, provided she can find a babysitter for Kaydence, who by the way is now 2.5 months old.

She kinda giggles and asks if I am doing anything Monday or Tuesday. Well, I'm working...but Duane is retired now, so he is free....what an we do for you? Then she blurts it out. I need a babysitter for Kaydence. I laugh, and tell her that I will ask Grandpa and will get back with her.

So, I call Duane. Honey? Wanna do a HUGE favor for Sheena? His reply, sure, how much? I tell him it's not $$...but ummmm time. Then I proceed to tell him the situation. He is drawn back a bit....and says, "for 4 hours huh"? Then he proceeds to talk out loud to himself, "4 hours, 3 diapers....hmmmm......pull, pull, wipe, wipe, look, wipe, powder, powder, tape, tape". "Well, I guess I remember how to put a diaper on...but it's been over 20 years." I bust up.....the pull, pull, wipe, wipe, look, wipe, powder, powder, tape, tape is him visualizing doing a diaper.

I love that man..........and yes....he will do his Grandpa duty, and babysit....but she better have a few bottles ready, 'cuz he's NOT equipped the way Kaydence is used to.

Happy Birthday Nichole.....

Tuesday was my daughter's 30th birthday. She has grown and matured into a fine, remarkable woman. I cannot tell you just how proud of her that I am. She has been a single mom for the last 14 years, and has never let that fact get the best of her.

She has always put her daughter before her...making sure that she had a roof over her head, clothes to wear, and food on the table WITHOUT assistance. When she moved out and onto her own, I was devastated. I couldn't bear it, knowing that she wasn't under my wing anymore so to speak.

She is currently looking to move - to San Diego. It's a little over an hours drive from here...but still, it's far. She's changing jobs, and has got to move closer, I understand that. Leave my granddaughter with me tho. Ok..I just had second thoughts on that one, LOL. For a weekend ... yeah, leave her hear on weekends.

I'm just so proud of my daughter. So very proud.

A Great Weekend....

I did not sleep well at all last night. I think it's because it is extremely humid outside. All day yesterday, too...the humidity was almost unbearable. The weathermen don't predict rain all that much, but they are predicting fantastic lightning displays. So now I'm thinking this would be great because I want to try out some setting with my camera. I bought a remote thingy for it, so now I can put it on a tripod, step away, and get some pictures of lightning without camera shake. You get a lot of that when you have to open the shutter for as long as it is set to capture the lightning. I hope to be able to share some pictures later.

I think that Duane is going to go back to the Bass Pro Shop today, again, just to look around. Saturday when we went, we walked almost every inch of the place, upstairs and downstairs. Thank goodness I wore comfy shoes...my feet were killing me. He knows how much I hate to walk a mall, which is why we don't go, and this place seems MUCH larger than a mall. I did take a bunch of pictures for his album that I am making, so I will have to post the album later. This is one of my favorites of him. There was only one other lady in there taking pictures, and when she saw me taking pictures, she asked if I scrapbooked. When I said yes, we both started to laugh. Men and their toys stores. Gotta love 'em.

Other than the BIG OUTTING at the Bass Pro Shop, we went to Costco, and found a few good buys there. I did buy me more albums to put my layouts in. I need to start organizing them too by theme. We also found the Kitchen Aid blender my daughter wanted...so we bought that for her birthday tomorrow.

Oh sheeeeesh, she's going to be 30. Time sure flies tho. Doesn't seem that long since she was just a baby. We are going to take her out to dinner this week. My granddaughter wants us to take her to The Roadhouse so that she can tell them it's her moms birthday and they will make her wear the 'official' Roadhouse Birthday attire like my granddaughter had to. LOL

Ok..I'm off...work is calling my name.