Only in L.A....Hunky St. Nick at Beverly Center

Only in Los Angeles can one go and sit on "hunky" Santa's lap and share your Christmas wishes or ask for fitness and nutrition tips! Huh? Regardless of how crazy it may seem, I must say the picture of hunky Santa clearly caught my eye enough to read the story. Actually I wasn't as interested in the story as I was in seeing if there were anymore pictures...ha ha ha or should I say HO HO HO!

Here's the link to the story: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28202674/?gt1=43001
Here's a link to a video of the show they put on throughout the day: http://www.beverlycenter.com/

I'm posting the picture in case like me, you're interested in what a hunky Santa actually looks like! Like they say, "A picture is worth 1000 words."

Snow Day Photos

If any of you are familiar with California, you know it doesn't snow in the high deserts very often. This is the second time I've seen snow here since I've been here. I've been here 16 years. Before 12/17/08, the last time I saw snow here was in the late 90's. Here are some pics from my snow day this week.

Just the beginning...

My dogs grew up in Bakersfield, CA before coming here and this is probably their first experience with snow. Karina, the silver girl is somewhat of a DIVA and I couldn't get her to go out at first but once she got out in it her roots came back to her and I could barely get her to come back in. Young Jesse, Karina's daughter loved it!

Wow, this wasn't here before!



















Mom, wanna play? --------------------------^^^^^^












































Jack enjoyed himself, too!
<<<<<------- My friend and neighbor, Cindy.














Unfortunately, I didn't learn how to use zoom on my camera until later that night. Live and learn..that's my motto. However, if you click on the pics in this blog you can see them in a larger format.

Update on Vacation Plans (see 12/12/08 blog)

Well, here's the update:

1-4 Accomplished
5. Christmas shopping completed early...ha, ha not even!
6. Missed my Christmas lunch on Wednesday, due to snow...darn it!
9. Didn't call the chimney sweep but still lit a fire on Wednesday night. Good thing I didn't cause I had to call a tree service Thursday due to tree damage in my front yard (due to storm). And the unexpected bill was anything but CHEAP!
10. Snow on Monday? Try Wednesday and so much Wednesday and Thursday I didn't get much done at all.
11. Housework? Ha...not even! On days off from work who really WANTS to do housework?
13. Canceled due to snow.
14-15 Accomplished.

Bottom line: Native California girls are pretty useless when it snows in California. I'm glad I don't live in the North or Utah or someplace where it snows cause I'd be out of a job and pretty much not get anything done. Oh yeah and I had to cancel my haircut appointment on Thursday. Wednesday was great cause of the freshly falling snow, I took a lot of pictures and hung out with neighbors but the aftermath of snow...isn't a whole lot of fun.

Side story regarding number 9. When I went to pay an exorbitant amount to the tree guys (they came during my lunch, doesn't that always happen?), I pushed in my chair with a sigh, and set my 1/2 eaten Avocado cheeseburger and fries away from the edge of the table. After inspecting the work and paying the guys I came back in to finish my lunch. Suddenly I realized the empty burger and fry wrappings on the floor. My two huskies were out of sight...but when I did find them? Well all I can say is: "Have you ever seen a husky SMILE?"

P.S. MOMMA (THAT'S ME) WASN'T HAPPY! They've never done this before...its okay I LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES.

By the Light of the Moon...

By the Light of the Moon by Dean Koontz is definitely worth a read! As almost all of his stories do, this one captured my attention from the first chapter. I started reading it on Saturday and had it finished by 5 p.m. today. Interesting characters and a great plot. If you like mystery and adventure and don't mind a little science fiction then you should pick up this book! Heck, a year ago I would've said I wouldn't read anything sci-fi but, the way Dean Koontz carefully threads it into the everyday life of his characters, it makes science fiction seem believable.

Front cover quote: Life has no meaning except in terms of responsibility --Faith and History, Reinhold Niebuhr.

First sentence: "Shortly before being knocked unconscious and bound to a chair, before being injected with an unknown substance against his will, and before discovering that the world was deeply mysterious in ways he'd never before imagined, Dylan O'Conner left his motel room and walked across the highway to a brightly lighted fast-food restaurant to buy cheeseburgers, French fires, pocket pies with apple filling, and a vanilla milkshake."

A Thought About Christmas and Reindeer...

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME .... According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl. We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

The Start of a Blissful Vacation...

Well my last day of work for 3 weeks was today and I've been looking forward to it for a long time and finally its here!!

Here are my Friday 15 listing some things that I'm looking forward to:

1. No ALARM CLOCK, waking up when I'm ready to wake up!
2. Spending extra time with my beloved pets...my two Huskies and Australian shepherd. As well as my cat Sneakers!
3. Flannel sheets and cozy comforter.
4. Reading Odd Hours by Dean Koontz
5. Finishing my Christmas shopping earlier than usual this year.
6. Meeting my boss and co-workers for a Christmas lunch without having to work that day.
7. Having more time for my blog.
8. Spending Christmas with my family (although I'll miss my pet crew and T).
9. A warm cozy fire if I get a chimney sweep to come over this weekend.
10. The possibility of a snow storm on Monday in Southern California.
11. Taking care of some long awaited chores around the house.
12. Doing some Christmas baking.
13. Picking up my order for Partilite candles.
14. Staying up late if I want to.
15. Relaxing for the first and third week with no pressing need to have to be some place other than my home. Home is where my HEART is...I have everything I need to be happy when I'm home.

Happy Holidays to my friends that read this blog. Let me know what your plans are!

An Unusual Day in New Orleans...

Received this most unusual picture from my niece today from The Big Easy...I think its better than the pictures posted by Reuters...let me know what you think! She'll be leaving her beloved N.O. soon for new job prospects so its kind of cool she got to see a wintry wonderland before she bids her farewell. I rode one of these trolleys during my visit in May, humid, hot weather and most the windows were down...what a difference...I think it would be cool to ride the trolley in N.O. today.
Four more hours of work until I'm off work for 3 weeks....yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeaaaah!

Friday Fill-ins

1. Snow is best enjoyed by looking out a window while sitting by a roaring fire.

2. I’m looking forward to visiting my family at Christmas and being off work for 3 weeks after next Friday.

3. Love is the best thing ever!

4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Dennis the Menace and Miami Vice.

5. I’m done with feeling guilty when I don't keep my blog posts up.

6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is spending time with the ones I love and having time off from work.

7. As for tonight I'm reading a book and watching Ghostwhisperer, Saturday I'll be sending for a tire rebate, playing with my dogs, cleaning up the yard, going to the library and doing laundry and on Sunday relaxing and getting ready for another week of work

Weekend Wrap-up

Friday I got home at a relatively decent hour, still working 1/2 day Fridays which is great! No big plans just happy for the WEEKEND! Decided it was past time to have my Escape worked on..so dropped it off for what I thought would be two new tires and new struts. Came home and finished "The Lovely Bones", by Alice Sebold. Good book and had me thinking about it after I finished. Had a salad for dinner and watched a taped "Ghostwhisperer" and went to bed early.

Saturday, woke about 9 and shortly after heard from my good friend R. Love to hear from him, we're both Gemini's and he is just such a vibrant character. Sadly, I don't get to see him often cause he moved up to Northern Cal. Unfortunately, he had bad news, he got laid off due to his seniority at a trucking company and the fact that there are drivers that will drive for virtually no pay. He didn't seem too upset and is already lining up work ---so I'm hoping for the best. On next Saturday he's happy to be going to see "Transiberian Orchestra". I had never heard of them so I looked them up on the Internet ...seem to be a cool rock orchestra that plays Christmas type music and some other Beethoven type music played in a rock style. Kind of surprised didn't seem like his style although I think it looks great. R is like the tough guy, tattoos, classic rock type. Once we went to Magic Mtn and at the time for the fun of it he had his head shaved; there was a kid there that swore he was "Stone Cold Austin" and followed us around the park all day. It was funny, I think it was the shaved head, big guy thing that had that kid all mesmerized! Then again, R and his personality are kind of mesmerizing.

Later I started reading "Tigress" by Jennifer Blake set in New Orleans and South America...I finished it today. I enjoyed it; it was a mystery/romance. (Finished it on Sunday). Also picked up my Escape and hated every minute of paying for it ...$886 (whaaaaaaaaaaat) = 4 tires and struts but I must say it drives like a dream now...
S M O O T H !

Did some internet surfing, called my parents and then decided to get the heck out of the house. T & I went to Lemon Leaf Cafe and enjoyed a good meal (a bit overpriced maybe) but still worth it. I had Mascarpone and Sundried Tomato Ravioli (Striped egg pasta stuffed with mascarpone cheese and sundried tomotoes served in a light cream sauce with parmesan and artichokes), (I LOVE ARTICHOKES), he had Italian Sausage Peperonata (Spicy Italian sausage, tri-colored bellpeppers, onion, basic and garlic in a pesto sauce). It was served with french bread and we both had ice tea. We split a piece of Orange cake with coffee icing on a plate with caramel swirls. I never have dessert when I'm out but I just felt like splurging. Only live once, right? Funny we paid for the cake seperately from dinner cause we had already paid for dinner and asked for some dollar bills with the change, instead they gave us the full $20 in full without accounting for the amount of dessert. We called them back and told them to take the money for the cake...otherwise the cash register gal woud've ended up $6 short. Mistakes happen to all of us. I like the Lemon Leaf, good food, laid back atmosphere and good music.

Came home and continued to read til about 2 a.m. and slept only til 8 then dozed lightly til 9:30. The dogs love the weekends too cause they also sleep in. I think they hate Mondays as much as I do.

Today, didn't do much, finished "Tigress", did some laundry, played some with the dogs and started reading "Cry No More". Later looking forward to Desperate Housewifes and some homemade chicken soup with a slice of rosemary bread!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Its hard to imagine, its been a little over a year since I started blogging here. Yes I know I wasn't around 100% of the time but I enjoyed the times I did keep up with it.

I fell short on the my monthly quotes but I made some cool friends (Janet, Alison, L^2 and Desi) that come to read now and then! I posted some photos since I got my new digital camera and my new husky.

I also kept up my book list, which is kinda cool and I was also lucky to have a nice blogger friend send me a red Poppet.

All in all, that year went by so fast and all in all, it seemed "all good" to me!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Dogs...just capture my heart...

This says it all...

Thanks to Lynn Johnston for her wonderful comic strip!

New Pictures!

Got some new pics of the crew I realized I haven't posted...some unfortunate mishaps but, in the end "its all good"!




Might have been a good photo (Hellooooooo?) if he had focused and not chopped off my head!!







There's "My Crew"! Looking all happy and smiling.
Note: Ms Sneakers the cat chose not to participate. Although, she actually rules "The Crew"

Financial Crisis...

I've been watching the financial crisis, the bailout and I've been worried along with others...but I knew we were all really in trouble when I received this e-mail this morning....LOL!

Due to the state of the economy, the Treasury Department has redesigned the dollar bill:

Why oh Why?

Why does the weekend have to be over so soon? In January we're going to get Friday off every other week...I think I can definitely get used to that. Three day weekends every other week....oh yeah!

In Case You Missed It...

I don't usually watch Saturday Night Live, I preferred the old Saturday Night Live (years ago) but, I was up and watched the beginning last night and this skit just made me laugh!!!!

Stop the Cruelty, Insanity...

This just ticks me off...I hate animals being hurt. It just hurts my heart that humans can be so inhumane. If I came across these two I'd want to be inhumane to them and I'm not usually like that. Cruelty to animals has to be STOPPED.

What do you think?

Thu Sep 11, 8:18 AM ET

Australian animal welfare authorities launched a nationwide hunt on Thursday for a man filmed punching and kicking a kangaroo unconscious.

The video, which shows the man using kickboxing-style attacks on the kangaroo as his friend laughs while filming, was sent to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in Western Australia state.

In one scene the man pulls the kangaroo towards him and uses his knee to hit the animal's chest and the man punches the kangaroo's face as the animal struggles to remain standing.

A final punch knocks the kangaroo to the ground where it appears to lay unconscious. It is unclear whether the attack resulted in the death of the animal, which authorities believe was injured, possibly in a car accident.

The RSPCA said it had launched a nationwide appeal to catch the men responsible for the attack and video.

"We are appealing to every media outlet in Australia to help us track down the cowards behind the vicious attack on this kangaroo," RSPCA spokesman Richard Barry told reporters.

"Thankfully this sickening footage has now been removed from the website where it was first seen. The next stage is to ensure that those responsible for this film are brought to justice," said Barry.

"Only a coward would attack an injured and obviously terrified young animal much smaller than himself. We want these cowards to be caught, charged and prosecuted," he said.

(Reporting by Michael Perry; Editing by David Fogarty)

Lost in the Twilight Zone

Er...or rather the Twilight saga....this post explains why I've been MIA for so long. Between Stephanie Plum and Twilight I've kinda been spending all summer reading.


Oh my gosh, if someone had told me that I would be so wrapped up in these young adult fiction vampire stories I would've told them they had my reading personality all WRONG! Yet before I really knew the books were young adult fiction and before I knew the stories included vampires I kept seeing the book covers all over the place. The dark black book covers with the stark red picture ...somehow I was drawn to the books. Yes, I'm super prone to judging books by their covers. Also my blogging buddy Alison suggested I read them. So what the heck I gave it a try.

The first book Twilight, I borrowed from my boss' daughter. That was on a Thursday, by Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. I had searched the nearby Target and they were completely sold out. I went to the Barnes and Noble and they had a whole table dedicated to the Twilight saga! Yippee! I had New Moon and Eclipse in my hot little hands ready to fork over my hard cash as long as I could run for the door to continue reading! When I wasn't reading, Bella, Edward, Jacob, Charlie, Alice, Jasper, Sam and Emmett were racing through my dreams at night. This is crazy!

So I'm done with the third book and I've already been again to the nearby Target that is SOLD OUT of BREAKING DAWN! THE HORROR!!!!! Urrrrgh! Target needs new inventory control clerks! So, I opted for Stephenie Meyer's THE HOST. I've read through the first chapter and it hasn't grasped my attention yet. How could it? I still have the Twilight gang on my mind.

So looks like another late night trek across the city to B&N....I just gotta get it...Breaking Dawn I expect will be in my hands in the next hour or so. I'm not saying that Stephenie Meyer's is an awesome writer or that she's not I'm just saying these books really pulled me in and kept me entertained. This is the last in the series I heard...I don't know what I'll do when I finish the series.

Any suggestions?

Its gonna be soooo funny when I'm sitting in a theater on Nov. 21st to see Twilight the movie with no young teens of my own. Hmmm...maybe I can borrow my boss' kids. LOL

I Believe...

I believe in the power of love...I believe in the bond between man or woman and animals. I know that it doesn't always turn out well there have been attacks in the news...but I believe that if a man or woman truly befriends an animal and treats the animal with love, respect, dignity and care, that they are never forgotten, that they become a part of the animals pack, pride, etc.

An example of this is in the link:

Video URL: http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=&vid=25766a49-5936-47cb-bea1-b71c17de65fb

The comment provided at the end by the male newscaster is cynical and narrow-minded and tells me that he's never had a true bond with an animal, dog, cat or otherwise.

Gotta Check Out This Pie!

I was reading Slice of Pink's blog recently and she was talking about this awesome pie - Banana Carmel Chocolate Spice Pie! I made it a couple of weeks ago and it is delish! I didn't get a picture it was gone so fast...but she posted a picture and the recipe on her site. Here's the link... http://sliceofpink.typepad.com/blog/2007/07/banana-caramel-.html

When I read the recipe I thought, "that sure is a bunch of different flavors" but, I tried it and all my friends really enjoyed it! Its a cinch to whip up, too -- which I like. If you try this sweet treat, let me know what ya think!

I'm going to go to Slice of Pink's blog and tell her what a hit it was!

Hot and Surly in the High Desert, CA

When will this heat end? I usually enjoy summer cause its lighter later and better than the bitter cold...but jeez I've had enough of this. I get off of work and can hardly wait to get home to air conditioning. I don't want to even get in the car! Its been over 100 for weeks and its getting on my nerves. I'm tired of eating salads and sandwiches and whatever I can cook without heating up the kitchen!

Does anyone have any ideas for dinners that don't heat up the kitchen? What do you do when its 110 degrees every day on the weekend? I don't have a pool so that's not an option. I had a dough boy but it was too much up keep and couldn't find a pool boy (they don't do dough boys). Here's the pool and view I'd love to have...

U N F O R T U N A T E L Y, THAT VIEW IS NOT POSSIBLE WHEN ONE LIVES IN THE HIGH DESERT. MORE LIKE JOSHUA TREES AND MAYBE I MIGHT SEE THAT VIEW IN A MIRAGE!!!

Moving on...what's the best read for this summer? I need to take a break from Stephanie Plum. Janet Evanovich's books are great light reads but I need a break...any ideas?

Hope to get some suggestions!

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!

Not much to say...

Friday Fill Ins

Courtesy of Fond of Snape (see my sidebar) and Friday Fill-ins on her page!

1. Birthdays are so special and should always be acknowledged and celebrated!

2. Spring is my favorite season because its not cold or too terribly hot and the world is beautiful.

3. I feel my best when the ones I love and my animals are around me.

4. Mexican food and veggies are my favorite food!

5. First impressions are very important.

6. The best piece of advice I ever received was given to me by my parents.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include reading Harlan Coben’s, Hold Tight and playing with my dogs and Sunday, I want to look forward to a three day work week and then four days off enjoying life!

I've had my hands full...there's a new gal in town!

Yep..."there's a new gal in town"...my newest pack member....she's such a blessing and so full of energy! She's a morning dog, for sure, I'm not but she helps me get up for work. She's my Karina's daughter. And by chance and blessing she came into my life! Let me know what ya all think! Now I have a six pack in the HOUSE! Me, T, Jack, Karina, Sneaks (the cat) and JESSIE our newest member!More pictures to come of the 3 dog pack! One of my neighbors joked, Now you have a Three Dog Night! The first night especially was definitely a 3 Dog Night! Everyone is adjusting and adapting nicely...even with my Super Cat...Sneaks! Thank goodness.

I Just Love This Song!

I always knew Lifehouse was awesome...but this song is one of their greatest.

Re-arranging my Reading List -Filing Read in 2007

I received a comment at one point asking me if I had read all the books in the sidebar in 2008. I went back through my blogs so I could discern exactly what I have read in 2008. I discovered I was close to finishing "Pigs in Heaven" in January 2008 and I was reading "From Baghdad With Love, The War, A Marine and a Dog named Lava" in November 2007.

With that said I'm going to straight up my reading list.

Here's Read in 2007:

• From Bagdad With Love, The War, A Marine and a Dog Named Lava
• Tomorrow, Graham Swift
• Tales of a Female Nomad
• Subterranean, James Rollins
• Runaway Jury, John Grisham
• The Road, Cormac McCarthy
• A Map of the World, Jane Hamilton
• A Clash of Kings, George R.R. Martin
• A Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin

Finally!!!!!!!!!

I finally broke down and got myself a digital camera...its MY BIRTHDAY AND I CAN IF I WANT TO!!!!!!!!! WELL ITS TOMORROW BUT CLOSE ENOUGH.

HERE'S MY BEAUTIFUL GIRL! HEY MAYBE I CAN JOIN PHOTOHUNT NOW! WWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO WHOOOOOO! DOING A HAPPY DANCE OF JOY!


AND I CAN'T FORGET MY BEAUTIFUL BOY, JACK!

SERIOUSLY, DOGS ARE A GAL'S BEST FRIEND, THIS GAL FOR SURE!

My Horoscope...

said I should make a list...that the bad things going on right now won't outweigh the GOOD. So, here it goes... (bad to great)....
1. Bad times at work, one particular person is making it bad. (she has it in for me and I don't understand why)
2. The rest of the people at work are great! They understand I want this thing at work to be better.
3. I got home recently from a nice vacation in NO
4. I have great blog friends.
5. I have one more day til Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday off. The occasion is for my b-day on Sunday.
6. I have great books to read and great music to listen to.
7. My pets make me soooooooooo happy and centered!
8. I'm, as far as I know healthy and I want that to last.
9. I'm so happy to have my wonderful family and friends that love and care for me!
10. I love life and trust that God has a plan for me no matter what happens!

Yep, the list helped and I feel blessed and I see how all the GOOD really OUTWEIGHS the one thing that was getting me down. Maybe we should all make a list to see that things are GREAT in the grand scheme of things! I'm glad I did.

New Orleans

I've been horrible about keeping up my blog, Alison Wonderland asked about my trip but I haven't written anything yet, darn it! I will but for now here are some pictures. Oh yeah another bit of news, my hair was long to the middle of my back, I cut it all off the day before my trip! One other thing I must say...New Orleans French Quarter is like visiting another country. When I returned home, I thought that would be a great place to live (in the French Quarter), lots of fun, good music, art and great shopping! All and all, very charming!

Friday Fill -Ins #73

Courtesy of: http://fondofsnape.com/

1. On my laziest day I like to sleep in, stay in my p.j's all day, play with my dogs, listen to music, surf the Net and read!

2. Working a full time job makes me feel like I'm being productive.

3. I love little animals and big smiles!

4. This summer I want to read a lot and try not to melt in the heat.

5. Slice of Pink and Alison Wonderland made me re-start my blog. I loved both blogs and decided to start mine!

6. Red is one of my favorite colors and orange is not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include going to the library, and Sunday, I want to do a happy dance of joy cause I don't have to work on Monday!

Sweet, sweet Vacation!

I'm sooooooooooo glad vacation time has finally come!

Two days off then off to New Orleans for my niece's college graduation! I've never been to N.O. so it will be totally new to me. Staying on Bourbon Street so it should be pretty fun right in the midst of where Mardi Gra takes place, even though Mardi Gra is long past finished for the year! Then another day off to relax before returning to the work week!

I don't have a laptop so I'll be catching up with blogs when I return!

New May quote and Recently Read list updates on the right ------------> Yep right over there!

1. Two of my favorite ingredients in a drink are hops and lime!
2. Life often amazes me.
3. You can keep doing that forever, the dog is perplexed.
4.Love, friendship, family and animals, mix it all together and voila! You have a blessed life!
5. If I had a yard with a garden, I would love to grow flowers.
6. _____ is best au naturel. Stumped...there's only one thing I like to do au naturel and I'm not mentioning that here!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing my book, tomorrow my plans include getting ready for my trip and Sunday, I want to relax!

Check out my Recently Read List...

It explains why I haven't been blogging recently...most been reading and working... guess this means I'm slightly bookish, huh? Notice I've been losing my regular blogging friends too cause I haven't had anything interesting to say, that sucks! Darn it! Miss you all and you all know who you are! =)

Only didn't enjoy one of the books I've recently read...my problem is once I start reading I feel like I've invested my time in a book and want to give it a chance so I can't just stop reading it...I stick to it thinking its going to get better and I don't stop until I'm done.

1. The last time I lost my temper I can't remember?
2. Politics is what I'm fed up with!
3. The next book I'd like to read is the book Janet is sending me...lol.
4. Time off from work is what I'm looking forward to.
5. If you can't get rid of the skeleton[s] in your closet, worry, cause that's when your guest will insist on hanging their coat in the closet!
6. The best thing I got in the mail recently was ...$money.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include gardening and Sunday, I want to read, do laundry, have a nice Sunday meal and get ready for my first day in a new position at work which includes hopefully being able to sleep at a decent hour (Sundays...I'm always up 1/2 the night trying to fall asleep)!

Been Lost in the Twilight Zone

I haven't been blogging much lately, I've been working, reading, stained and varnished my porch bench a couple of weekends ago...just haven't had a whole lot of time. I think its called Spring Fever! Plus I've been spending time with my furry friends...Karina the dog and Sneakers the cat!

Here's a furry friend someone sent me! Makes me smile! If you click on him you'll see him give ya a wink!

I'm Back with lots on my Mind!

First off....everything went very well with my parents visit. I tend to stress til they get here and then have a wonderful time. We visited, my Dad puttered working on a few odd jobs I hadn't finished before their arrival. My Mom and I went shopping...although I hate shopping, I do enjoy it with her. I got some new kitchen curtains, now I have to change the whole decor in there which is okay, it needs it.

Since they left I've been doing some reading...a Debbie Macomber book from the Cedar Cove series, which is basically feel good reading and a suspense mystery from Dean Koontz. The heroine, Amy Redwing runs a golden retriever rescue, which as you know how I love dogs, really drew me in. I really enjoyed the story and the twists and turns, I started it Friday afternoon and finished it by dusk Saturday. Mystery, dog lovers should check it out!

I ran across one of my favorite pieces of art today...the magnificent art of Jim Warren. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Let me know what you think?

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh Lord....Give Me Strength!

I used to be more of a Martha Stewart type, NOW? NOT SOOOOOOOO MUCH.... AT ALL....got a breezy e-mail from my parents saying they are coming for a visit. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??????????????? Thursday they will arrive on my doorstep (white gloves and all). Don't get me wrong I love 'em both...JUST NOT STAYING AT MY HOUSE! They don't mean to be judgemental but Lord save me they are! I only have a weekend and a few weeknights (after work) to prepare.

I should know better...it doesn't matter how much I prepare they'll say something judgemental and condescending...I'd enjoy their visits a lot more if I didn't feel like I was 10 again every time.

Does anyone else go through this, is it just me? I just feel like crawling in a hole! I was just there at Christmas to visit! UUUUUUUUUUUUUUrrrrgh! And I'm gonna see my Mom and Sis at a graduation in May! Hellooooooo that was the whole point, I'll visit ...you all just stay where you're at. Weird how I feel more comfortable on their turf than having them visit mine.

I'm so stressed right now...I don't think I'll be around very much...I'm trying to call Martha now...I hope she's giving a discount after all she was just in jail a short rime ago, right?

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things I Love About My Job..
1. My paycheck every week!
2. Results Sharing..7.5 days payout this year!
3, The fact that they've kept me employed there the last 21 yrs. (gotten through many layoffs)...I started there young.
4. The people I work with and the friends we've become!
5. Christmas shutdown
6. My recent boss, he's really cool, lighthearted and funny!
7. 401K
9. Pension after retirement
10. Healthcare (although I have to pay for some it...it wasn't like that in the beginning).
11. Merit increases
12. My opportunity to have a mentor (he's great)
13. College tuition re-imbursement.

I've been blessed, even though I complain about actually going to work I do love it when I get there, I enjoy the work and I'm so happy to be a part of such a great job for such a long time! When I applied I was thinking what am I doing here, what was I thinking? I was young and all these people were older, more experienced, I saw all these people with briefcases and the Wall Street Journal under their arm...I was overwhelmed..I look back on how lucky I am that I was hired and its worked out in so many good ways for me...I do count my blessings...

Why is it so hard for people to SMILE?

OKAY...Maybe I'm strange...I'm a smiler! I smile at people whether I know them or not...its not like I'm just totally so HAPPY with every aspect of my life, not everything is all good all the time, maybe there are things that trouble me but, I'm just optimistic and like to try to see the best in every moment of life, I guess. When I smile I just think it should put a little light in another's life and maybe they should maybe smile back or at least make eye contact? I was at Barnes and Noble tonight and it just makes me smile, just being in there with all the books and knowledge and neat stuff to look at and possibly buy. It always kind of overwhelms me. All the choices...I usually have scoped out what I want ahead of time on the internet so I do have a plan which makes it easier.

I'm in line , there was a little girl 6 or 7 yrs old with her Mom...they're in line ahead of me and the little girl is asking her Mom, can't I get something and her Mom tells her I took you to the kid books you took too long, the little girl said, "But I couldn't decide, I didn't know but I've decided nooooow. Even if its a coloring book, yes, that's okay a coloring book?!" Meanwhile there's a guy in back of me that avoids eye contact, I smile he acts like no one else exists around him. What's up with that...I feel sorry for the guy with the invisible cloak around himself that won't let anything pentetrate his outer shell, I feel bad for the little girl that didn't make a decision quick enough for her Mom, I wonder if the Mom told her in the children's book area that if she didn't choose soon she wouldn't get anything. Like I said B&N is overwhelming for a "big ol kid" like me...I can imagine what its like for a young little girl! Believe me, I believe in telling your kids ahead of time if they shouldn't be expecting to get something (BEFORE you get in the store) but to tell a little girl she can get something and then not have the patience to let her choose that's just not right. I wanted to go grab some books/coloring books, buy them for her and hand them to her in the parking lot! There is no kid that ever should have a sad time in B&N, any bookstore, or library. Little girl...with the loose blonde, french braid, I'm sorry it turned out that way for you tonight. Books, even coloring books are something to love and appreciate...embrace them, surround your life with them and you will always be learning and having fun doing it!

Back to the man in his shell, SMILE, life's too short..accept a smile from a stranger there aren't any ties that come along with it. Make the world a happy more accepting place...SMILE back maybe...or just acknowledge other's existence...it isn't that hard and believe me...you'll feel better, I do.

Rant complete. And all still with a smile on my face, perhaps a little sorrow in my heart...but an optimistic smile...STILL ON MY FACE!

This is for you Fond of Snape...

I saw this at Overhead At the Office...and immediately laughed and thought of one of my special blogger friends! Had to post it...I hope to get a giggle from her!

5PM Would You Settle for Nutter Butters?

Cube rat exiting front door: I'm going out. Can I bring back anything for anybody?
Voice from back of room: Johnny Depp.
Cube rat, disgustedly: Oh, nice, but I meant bring back anything to eat.
Different voice from back of room: Johnny Depp on a cracker.

4th Street
Louisville, Kentucky

Sunday Self-Inflicted Insomnia....

Oh boy, I can tell I'll be up all night...I was reading Nineteen Minutes this afternoon, like at 2 p.m. and for some dumb reason I made coffee...now I'll be up all night. I'll be paying for it tomorrow for sure! I don't even usually drink coffee, maybe a cup every other day in the morning at work. I guess its no biggie...I usually don't sleep well on Sunday night anyway...I don't know if it is cause I sleep in more on the weekend or cause I get bummed about going back to work on Monday!

Here's hoping to some sleep tonight...I'm not giving up yet! Have a great week all!

My Rating (its My Parents Fault)...lol

I found this on Alison's blog....she's a quirky character! =) The explanation for my quirkiness rating is due to my parent's need for us to be "all normal":

Your Quirk Factor: 43%

You're a pretty quirky person, but you're just normal enough to hide it. Congratulations - you've fooled other people into thinking you're just like them!

How Quirky Are You?

Friday Fill-In

You can find the Friday Fill-Ins at Fond of Snape's blog (see my Cool links)!

1. Coming home is the best thing about traveling.
2. I love a good cup of hot chocolate or coffee and a warm blanket when I’m cold.
3. I often use the internet to entertain myself .
4. I’m reading Nineteen Minutes right now; I have no idea how it will end.
5. Anything confrontational/controversial are things I dislike talking about.
6. When I visited the Bahamas I most looked forward to seeing the beach and the ocean.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include going to Barnes and Noble and sleeping in, watching a Netflix DVD "Gone, Baby Gone and Sunday, I want to have French toast with warm maple syrup and fresh strawberries!

Caught up on my Blogging This Weekend!

Back to the week on Monday...no I didn't have the day off today...it feels like my job was the only place working...I was so jealous when I pulled away from my street this morning, neighbor out exercising in no hurry for work since he had the day off and his wife probably just waking up contemplating her day or sipping coffee in front of her computer cause she had the day off too! I did take last Monday off (vacation day) and sadly I didn't know it was Washington's Birthday...when I looked out thinking I had taken the day off when no one else had the day off was quickly abolished. Is it just me or is it somewhat more satisfying when you think that you are the only one with the day off? LOL.

At my place of business there are no holidays from New Year's until Memorial Day in May...how sick is that! They claim to give off us all the days between Christmas and New Years in return. As the days off changes from year to year between Christmas and New Year's I'm always suspicious that we're getting cheated some way or another!

I think I'm going through mid-life "work-weary" syndrome? Ever heard of it? I think it exists well at least in my own work weary mind...guess it comes with 21 years at the same company. Love that I've been there that long just need a break!

Wooooooooooo....venting complete...back to work tomorrow!

Have a great week!

Can you guess where I'll be Going?

My niece is graduating this year from college. My Mom, Sis and I are going to travel to be at her graduation! I can't believe she's already graduating college...she's all grown up!

Here's a picture of her when she was just a wee one! She's on the left...her lil sis claims that her sister hit her in the face right before this picture was taken...she does have a little "I've been naughty" grin, doesn't she? Er...maybe she told Lainey that Tonto wasn't coming to the Halloween parade?
Here's a current picture.
See I told you all grown up! She wants to be a broadcast journalist! She sure has the personality for it! She is "ON" all the time and always has that beautiful smile on!
























She's grown up to be quite the young lady...oh and she hardly ever tortures her little sister anymore! LOL


But, I digress...Where In the World do You Think we are going for this grand occasion?

Here are some hints....can you guess? Shouldn't be too difficult to guess! I'll tell you where in a future blog or through comments!

Went to Bored.com and All I Got was this Mediocre Painting...

Well, here's my masterpiece based on my likes/dislikes and characteristics...(drum roll, please). LOL...feeling a bit silly today, YES I AM! Hey but it says I'm IT! Is that good or bad...hmmm?


Click here to create your own painting.

Well it is in a funky shade of pink so that's "all good".

Here's a Thought...

Life can be seen through your eyes, but it is not fully
appreciated until it is seen through your heart.
-- Mary Xavier

This Book Will Be in my Heart Forever!

My blogger friends may know by now...I'm a dog lover through and through...so it may come as no surprise when I say... Marley and Me...Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog just captured my heart! =)

I read this book in one day, last Sunday! I couldn't put it down...Marley is a beautiful golden Lab owned by a journalist and his wife. He is a handful and a lover of LIFE!

This sweet boy is mischievous, playful, loving and a joy...never a dull moment with this big guy! I grinned, I laughed out loud, I loved him, I cried.

This a book you shouldn't miss! I thought long and hard, I found the last three paragraphs of Chapter 28 especially touching and almost quoted them here...BUT I DECIDED YOU HAVE TO READ IT ALL FOR YOURSELF.

Hope you take the time to read it and leave your comments here...hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and I hope to hear how much you enjoyed it!