Life...It's All Good

Posting soon, Portraits by Liz

2011-01-19T22:35:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note..will be posting soon a great artist, Liz Read who captures the heart and soul of your cat, dog or other furry friends..she's been drawing my pack and wow so impressed and happy with the portraits..check out her site in my Cool Links section and check back soon as I will be sharing her wonderful portraits!

Five, now four days of Rest and Relaxation

2010-09-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

Days of bliss ahead..I don't really have plans but it is blissful not to have to go to work...read and relaxed all day yesterday and all the dogs got groomed today. Read another book today, "Bury the Lead" by David Rosenfelt. His Andy Carpenter series has been entertaining and fun summer reads.

Trying out a recipe today for Thai Pork Chops (in the crockpot)..hoping it turns out good, I'll see in couple of hours. Served with brown rice and a light summer salad sounds good to me!

Wish it would cool off for the weekend..I've had enough of this blistering heat; my electric bill is evident of that. My vet bill for wellness and blood work for the two huskies well exceeded my electric bill! What's up with that? I need some dog health insurance...sheesh! I overlook the cost because of the great joy they bring to my life...its well worth it in that respect!

Picture courtesy of Rick Z.

When Everything Can Go Wrong ...It Will

2010-08-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Geez...one thing after another and I'm soooo frustrated at this point..its not anything huge but, still blood pressure rising....

1. This week I was harrassed by a librarian..she wanted me to pay for a book because she claims it was damaged...it had some dirt in the inside cover which she said was mold (it wasn't) but, 2 pages did look like water had spilled on them which I knew that I hadn't done!!! $30 later (and they didn't even give me the book)...I went home and discovered that T's son had borrowed it and while going home he tripped and it slid into the gutter....I was LIVID!

2. Waited all week for new curtains to arrive...they still didn't come so I checked on-line..it showed that they would arrive tomorrow (Monday) but then as I scrolled down it showed that they had cancelled 2 of the 3 valances but they were shipping one valance and 2 panels...on a 120" window what am I supposed to do with one valance???? Start a new fashion trend??? WTF??? So I call them and they said it showed in stock but after trying to replace the order they said they wouldn't be in until Oct 21st. Urrrrrrrrrrrgh! So now cause I don't want to wait I'll have to return the shipment and back to square one on finding curtains.

3. My computer is running like crud; its on its last legs which equates to point, click and wait, wait, wait.

4. I get on line and try to pay the cable bill and it keeps saying enable cookies...I've taken every step to do that, called the cable help line spent over an hour on the phone and it still doesn't work!!!!!!!!!!!!! And the bill still isn't PAID???!!!

5. Had a visitor over today visiting T (who was at my house) that announced I don't really like dogs (as my dog pack listened) and then proceeded to sit and throw a leg over the arm of the recliner that I just got...I got the recliner and recliner's in the sofa and love seat to prevent this type of seating arrangement!!

So I've come to the conclusion that sometimes Life ISN'T ALL GOOD...somedays are just not good at all. Hoping for a much better day tomorrow and in days to come! Sigh.

2010 Project Almost Complete...

2010-08-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

Well, every year before my parents come to visit I start a large project..it's always a tight squeeze to get it all done and this year I was only partially done when they came to visit. I finally picked colors for the entry and halls and that part was finished when they arrived except for some wall hangings that my Mom and I went shopping for but after they left I decided to pursue and finish the project. With the help of my "crew" the living room got painted all the pictures and hangings were hung with care. Well, after that was done I couldn't continue to live with the old, worn furniture so I splurged and bought a new couch, recliner, love seat, end tables and coffee table ...yaaaaaaaaaay! Wow what a difference all the hard work was well worth it and the outcome is thoroughly enjoyable! The title says almost finished because I still have to order a valance and drapes. I'm actually glad my parents come to visit so much gets done in anticipation of their arrival. Next summer I hope to get the exterior of the house painted...I'm going to hire that out as that is waaaaaaaaaaay more than I want to undertake. I'll stick to the inside! I'll post pictures later...

Re-decorating ideas..

2010-06-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

Just want to keep this for when I'm ready to re-do my bedroom..

http://glo.msn.com/featured/moneywise-makeovers-3856.gallery?Gt1=49006

IdeaPaint...great new product to try out!

2010-05-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

What a fun product...I'm thinking of trying this out! I wish I had wall space in my kitchen but I may have to try it out in my bedroom; not a whole wall just a little idea bubble is enough for me. What a great thing for kids rooms or over a desk. If you put on a wall in your kid's room you'd be the first parent to be able to tell your kids they CAN write on the wall! =)

Jessie has something to say...

2010-05-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

Here's my husky girl trying to have a conversation.."its all good!"

Love you Jessie girl!

Profile Playlist by bungeegal23

2010-05-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

Profile Playlist by bungeegal23

Operation Rescue Max

2009-09-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Max is a dog that needs a home...so many dogs do these days...but Max is special...watch his video I think you will think so too!

Major Spring/Summer Cleaning Ahead...

2009-06-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad coming for a visit in two weeks...so my bike riding adventure will probably take a back seat...darn it! Major projects to undertake...yard work, gazebo work, housework, painting the outdoor structure, housework (repeated on purpose), cleaning some indoor walls (why do dogs lean against walls?)....sigh...so much to do, I'm stressed. How will I get it all done and work too? Luckily I have some help for the outdoor stuff.

I hope it all comes together!

My Newest Adventure is Coming Soon..

2009-06-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

In the 80's and into the mid 90's I was an avid bicyclist...riding about 8-10 miles daily and 20 to 30 mile rides on Saturdays or Sundays...I got myself a Trek 1400 Road bike and really enjoyed it except for my sore backside and being hunched over the bars.

Lately I've been thinking I want to ride again so I went to check out the local bike shop and test drove several bikes; comfort and mountain bikes. It felt great to ride AGAIN! I found a more comfortable ride I liked but wanted a step up. I ordered a Trek Navigator 3.0 today and discovered once I got home that it doesn't have the Grip Shift I liked...darn it. Well I'll call on Monday and if they can change the order to the bike (Navigator 2.0) with the shifter I like then awesome...if not I'll learn and settle for the Shimano EF-60 8 speed shifter that I'm clueless about. Oh well I can learn...what ticks me off is I specifically asked if it had the same shifter as the 2.0.

Meanwhile...here's a pic of the beauty I have on the way! I'm calling it a late birthday present "to myself" and a good way to get some exercise! Click on it to check it out close up! What old past time do you want to take up?

Important to think about...open up your heart...

2009-04-27T21:49:00.001-07:00

Open up your heart and home to animals that have been abandoned in these tough economic times or really anytime. Also think about all the animals left behind simply because they've grown old...they still have a life to live and hearts of gold just as they did when they were young at heart! Please help animals that need us all to love and care for them! They deserve a long life, love and comfort!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Something to look forward to...

2009-02-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

Fast and Furious 4 with the original cast back in action! Fast and Furious 1 was great, 2 was okay and 3 wasn't that great. I'm looking forward to the April 3rd opening of 4 with Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Michelle Rodriguez back in their original roles! Looks like a thril and spill fun packed ride to me!

Fast & Furious

Chicken Soup for the Soul and the Tummy!

2009-01-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

Awoke last night at 2 a.m. with a churning tummy and a headache and unable to sleep until about 4:30 a.m. Woke up to the alarm at 6:20 still with the same feelings going on. Made the phone call to the boss, who was nice about my request for a sick day and commented that another employee was also sick.

Tonight homemade chicken soup is simmering on the stove and the smell itself is already making me feel better. There isn't anything better or more soothing than homemade chicken noodle soup, I can hardly wait. I hope I'll feel better tomorrow so I can return to work which will make "the boss" happy! I want to make a change when it comes to being sick, I vow to enjoy and appreciate each day I feel good!

Here is what I envision, not my picture cause mine isn't done yet:
On a scary note I'm worried about the economy, heard on the news about 50,000 jobs lost today alone. I'm hoping things start to improve but I'm worried that my previous blog on the state of the economy and the redesign of the dollar bill isn't far off. But, I'm still hoping for the best in our economy and our world.

Good Weekend...good day!

2009-01-11T00:08:00.000-08:00

First three day weekend...new schedule at work...three day weekends every other week. I'm loving it this week but I'm sure next week, not so much! Enjoyed my first Friday off lounging about, reading, surfing the net, etc.

Saturday, even better, went shopping and to see a movie with a good friend. Saw Twilight for the first time although it may not be as good as the book I'm still giving it 4 stars cause I really like the actor/actress playing Bella and Edward. I really like Alice and Charlie in the movie too. And I loved the books!

Who knows what I'll do today but either way it will be a good day cause I'm just happy to have TIME OFF! Happy weekend to you!

Back to Work Blues...

2009-01-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

Well, three weeks off work and I'm getting the blues about going back tomorrow. Early cold mornings, nine to 10 hour days, problems to solve, meetings...blah!
The time off was nice while it lasted. Guess I'll just count my blessings. I am lucky to have a good job, good pay and a cool boss. Still I wish I had a rewind button for the time I had off!

And as my friend Cindy said yesterday on the subject: "Well, at least I won't be alone in the misery. People all over the U.S. will be grumbling, getting up early and getting back to the work grind, just like me!"

Ohhhhhhhhhh so true, so true dear Cindy!

One Book Shy of 100...Books Read in 2008

2009-01-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

Darn...one book shy of 100...I regretfully must report that I almost made 100 books this year, which would've been a first for me. I had three weeks off and should've easily reached my goal but instead I was too tied up with Christmas preparations, a visit up to Northern California to see my family, getting a water main fixed at the house and basically no inclination to read. Well, 99 isn't a bad amount and it wasn't like I set the goal for 100; it just became my goal when I was sooooo close.

I really enjoyed the books I read this year there were only a few I didn't enjoy. I enjoyed several of the books involving animals that I read this year. Such as Marley and Me, God of Animals, The Plague Dogs, The Labrador Pact, Water for Elephants, and The Darkest Evening of the Year. I obviously enjoyed several Dean Koontz books and Greg Iles became an author that will definitely be on my reading list in 2009. Of course, I, like many got caught up in the Twilight saga but, I still haven't seen the movie. Lovely Bones was also a book I enjoyed more than I thought I would. What books did you particularly enjoy in 2008?

Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year's!

Books Read in 2008

By the Light of the Moon, Dean Koontz
Odd Hours, Dean Koontz
Echo Park, Michael Connelly (good book)
Stars, Kathryn Harvey
Don't Scream, Wendy Corsi Staub
True Evil, Greg Iles (great thriller)
Outer Banks, Anne River Siddons
Deja Dead, Kathy Reichs
O is for Outlaw, Susan Grafton
Hearts in Atlantis, Stephen King
Butterfly, Kathryn Harvey
Cry No More, Linda Howard
I Don't Know How She Does It, Allison Pearson
Body Surfing, Anita Shreve
The Host, Stephanie Meyer
Tigress, Jennifer Blake
The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold
The Opposite of Love, Julie Buxbaum
Vanish, Tess Gerritsen
Northern Lights, Nora Roberts
Prior Bad Acts, Tami Hoag
Wild Fire, Nelson DeMille
Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Bergdorf Blondes, Plum Sykes
Killer Dreams, Iris Johansen
Third Degree, Greg Iles
Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden (good read)
The Honk and Holler Opening Soon, Billie Letts
Where the Heart Is, Billie Letts
Summer Sisters, Judy Blume
Back When We Were Grown-ups, Anne Tyler
The Beach House, James Patterson
True Betrayals, Nora Roberts
Brother Odd, Dean Koontz
Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen
You've Been Warned, James Patterson
Blood Test, Jonathan Kellerman (blah)
The Quickie, James Patterson (twists & turns)
Forever Odd, Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas, Dean Koontz
74 Seaside Avenue, Debbie Macomber
Key of Light, Nora Roberts (mediocre)
Breaking Dawn, Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse, Stephenie Meyer
New Moon, Stephenie Meyer
Twilight, Stephenie Meyer
Lost and Found, Jacqueline Sheenan
Fearsome Fourteen, Janet Evanovich
Lean Mean Thirteen, Janet Evanovich
Twelve Sharp, Janet Evanovich
Eleven on Top, Janet Evanovich
Ten Big Ones, Janet Evanovich
Sleep No More, Greg Iles
To the Nines, Janet Evanovich
Hard Eight, Janet Evanovich
Seven Up, Janet Evanovich
Hot Six, Janet Evanovich
High Five, Janet Evanovich
Four to Score, Janet Evanovich
Hold Tight, Harlan Coben
Three to Get Deadly, Janet Evanovich
Two for the Dough, Janet Evanovich
One for the Money, Janet Evanovich
Life Expectancy, Dean Koontz
Twenty Wishes, Debbie Macomber
Gone for Good, Harlan Coben (good mystery)
6 Ranier Drive, Debbie Macomber
Seize the Night, Dean Koontz
The Good Guy, Dean Koontz (great book--thanks Janet!)
50 Harbor Street, Debbie Macomber
Fear Nothing, Dean Koontz
44 Cranberry Point, Debbie Macomber
The Husband, Dean Koontz
The Labrador Pact, Matt Haig (hated the ending!)
Beginner's Greek, James Collins
No! I Don't Want to Join a Bookclub!, Virginia Ironside (humorous)
The Secret of Lost Things, Sheridan Hay (didn't like it)
Change of Heart, Jodi Piccoult
God of Animals, Aryn Kyle
One Door Away from Heaven, Dean Koontz
The Plague Dogs, Richard Adams
The Breathtaker, Alice Blanchard
The Finishing School, Michele Martinez
Velocity, Dean Koontz
311 Pelican Road, Debbie Macomber
Good Grief, Lolly Winston
Obedience, Will Lavendar
The Darkest Evening of the Year, Dean Koontz
204 Rosewood Lane, Debbie Macomber
Nineteen Minutes, Jodi Piccoult
16 Lighthouse Road, Debbie Macomber
Back on Blossom Street, Debbie Macomber
Marley and Me, John Grogan
18 Seconds, James Collins
A Good Yarn, Debbie Macomber
Walking in Circles, Before Lying Down, Merrill Markoe
The Daring Book for Girls, Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz
Pigs in Heaven, Barbara Kingsolver
Wouldn't Trade Nothing for My Journey Now, Maya Angelou

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

2008-12-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

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)

2008-12-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-10-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

This says it all...

Thanks to Lynn Johnston for her wonderful comic strip!

New Pictures!

2008-10-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-09-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-09-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-07-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Not much to say...

2008-06-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Friday Fill Ins

2008-06-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

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

Re-arranging my Reading List -Filing Read in 2007

2008-06-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-24T00:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-05-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-05-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-04-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-04-18T17:55:00.001-07:00

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

2008-04-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-28T22:42:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-02-25T22:25:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

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....

2008-02-24T22:48:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-22T18:16:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-02-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-02-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-02-16T23:40:00.002-08:00

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!

Saw this fun Meme at Fond of Snape's (she's in my Cool Links)

2008-02-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

Fond of Snape has ...Johnny Depp and the Pirates on her desktop...HUGE SURPRISE...LOL JANET!

Here’s how to play this meme:

Capture a picture of your computer’s desktop.*
Post it on your blog along with a link to who tagged you.
Tag some people.

*Here’s how you can do a screen capture:

1- View desktop and press the Print Scrn key (located in the upper right corner of your keyboard on the same row as the F12 key).
2- Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V).
3 - If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it, but it is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.

Ooops, I forgot to tag. You, you and you, consider yourselves tagged. Yes, I mean YOU!

Come along and play, it'll be FUN!

Here's mine:

Lots more to say this weekend...its still culminating in my mind!! But, I have to get to the library before they close...I have some books on hold, finished the three I had...can't wait to dig into some new reads! Happy Weekend, wish mine was three days like most of you! I don't get Monday off, DARN IT!

So Much to Say...

2008-02-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

Too tired to write it...Night... I will catch up, just not tonight!

I Want to Know About You!

2008-02-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

I saw this over at Alison Wonderland's...I decided to play along. It is a good way to get to know your fellow blogger friends!

What you are supposed to do is copy this entire post and paste it in a post that you'll write. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and then let me know that you've played along. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends that you might not have known!

What time did you get up this morning? 9 a.m. Usually would've been 6:15 but I called in to take a vacation day. Yeah!
(what happened to #2?)
What was the last film you saw at the theater? Spiderman 2...its been a long, long time!
What is your favorite TV show? Lost, Brothers and Sisters, Ghost Whisperer, Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
What do you eat for breakfast? Slim Fast, don't have time for real food during the week.
What is your middle name? Ann
What food do you dislike? Fish (except for lobster and shrimp)
What is your favorite CD at the moment? Joshua Radin
What kind of car do you drive? 2002 Ford Escape (silver)
Favorite sandwich? Roast beef or chicken salad. I'd like a Monte Cristo but haven't had one since I was a kid.
What characteristic do you despise? disrespect, arrogance, mean people.
Favorite item of clothing? Sweats, t-shirt and my Ugg-like boots. If I could work from home that's what I'd be wearing!
Favorite piece of jewelry? A slim silver ring my sister gave me-its engraved on the outside with..HOPE, WISH, DREAM, BELIEVE.
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? In the U.S. - Astoria, Oregon; Overseas -Australia.
What color is your bathroom? beige and mauve
Favorite brand of clothing? none
Where would you retire to? Astoria, OR (maybe?)
What was your most recent memorable birthday? Probably one that John had for me with all our neighbor friends.
Favorite sport to watch? I'm not a sports fan. Funny, my parents are but I'm not. If I'd watch anything it would probably be The X Games, especially the motorcycle freestyle.
Favorite saying? "Its all Good"
When is your birthday? June 8th
Are you a morning person or a night person? Definitely a night person. If I could I would go to work at about 10 then, I would be happy!
What is your shoe size? 8 1/2-9.
Pets? Siberian Husky, cat. An Australian shepherd when my friend comes over.
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? Nope.
What did you want to be when you were little? A cop
What are you today? Contract Administrator
What is your favorite candy? Almond Joy.
What is your favorite flower? Roses
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Any day I have off work!
What are you listening to right now? TV in the background for noise.
What was the last thing you ate? Steak, mashed potatoes and broccoli for dinner last night (comfort food)!
Do you wish on stars? Sometimes.
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? pink or maroon.
How is the weather right now? Warmer than its been, its probably in the low 70's
Favorite soft drink? Diet Pepsi
Favorite restaurant Tough one...I eat at home a lot. Speedy Joe's mexican restaurant, Lemon Leaf Cafe, Panera, Black Angus.
Hair color? blonde.
Siblings? One older sis
Favorite day of the year? Christmas because my work shuts down for a week then...are you getting the idea that I'd rather be home than working? Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful and happy that I have a job to pay for home but I never got a maternity leave and never got a chance to stay home with kids...so I'd like to try out not working at some point!
What was your favorite toy as a child? Winnie the Pooh when I was little and a skateboard or a bicycle after that.
Summer or winter? Ha! Fall and Spring. Summer and Winter are too extreme where I live, really cold and really hot.
Hugs or kisses? Both
Coffee or tea? Coffee but I only have one cup a day during the work week.
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
Do you want your friends to email you back ? Sure, sounds great to me.
When was the last time you cried? When I was reading a book.
What is under your bed? Probably some dust bunnies and shoes.
Who is the friend you have had the longest? Debbie
What did you do last night? Watched The Brave One and Brothers and Sisters.
Favorite smell? Eternity perfume, good food, Bed and Bath cotton scent.
What are you afraid of? Big changes, Death or losing those I love. I know Heaven is great but I fear the unknown and going through death to get there. Anyone know what I mean or is it just me?
Salty or sweet? Sweet
How many keys on your key ring? No idea. More than five.
Favorite day of the week? Saturday
How many towns have you lived in? Four.
Do you make friends easily? Yes, I think so. Maybe not people I hang out with all the time but we are friends, (i.e. work friends, neighbor friends, other friends, etc.)

Love to see what others have to say...leave a comment so I can check out your answers on your blog! =)

Been Out of the Loop Lately...

2008-02-09T17:26:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it been over a week since I've posted. I've been keeping an eye on my fave bloggers just haven't had the time to write much ...I've been busy at work and worrying about maybe taking a new lead position. I don't know what the HECK I want to come out of it!

Went to Target yesterday to pick up some things, mostly things I didn't need but looked good at the time! Today T and I went to a small Japanese restaurant in the Antelope Valley--it was very tasty. I've been craving tempura so I had miso soup/salad (came with the meal)..teriyaki beef with rice and assorted tempura (shrimp and veggies...YUUUUUUUUUM! T had salad, assorted sushi and tempura! I'm not one to eat raw fish myself...but whatever floats your boat!

Finished 18 Seconds today...good book...crime/suspense drama written by an ex-detective. Worth a read! Next up: Stormy Weather or Marley and Me...decisions, decisions!

Have a great weekend!

Friday Fill-ins

2008-02-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

1. Once I was so full of love for J and thought it was forever (then he broke my heart) ...now I know life holds new beginnings.
2. I’m sick of work!
3. Today at work I am hoping not to work late.
4. What are all the Indian propositions all about?
5. If I make a mistake I usually own up to it and try to fix it. (me too, Janet)!
6. When I woke up this morning, I thought I'm soooo tired, TGIF.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to finishing my book, tomorrow my plans include going to the library, banana pancakes and watching Living with Wolves and Sunday, sleeping in and enjoying the day!

Sorry for all the work references, although I have a strong work ethic, long ago I adopted a saying from Australia, "Work to Live, don't Live to work!"

Oh my Gosh...Amazing...Uh....I MEAN PRICELESS!

2008-01-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

Planet Earth HD DVD (Set of four disks) $64.00

New Toshiba HD DVD player after I found out my other newest player didn't work? $149.00

Planet Earth HD DVD on new Toshiba player on already owned HDTV? ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!

Oh my gosh, I've only viewed the first disk but this is something everyone should see! Despite my setback in having to buy a new player (the old new one will be placed in my room) this is a MUST SEE you won't regret it. Nature, animals, the Earth at its absolute finest!

The player practically paid for itself! I got two HD DVDs in the box with the player, 300 and Bourne Identity. Plus a rebate to order five more HD DVDs for free. Good choices too!

Believe me I was ticked when I found out my old new player wouldn't play the DVD but, once I decided to go ahead and buy the new player and saw how truly beautiful the resolution was and found out about getting DVDs that were almost equal to the purchase price, I'M MORE THAN HAPPY NOW! Life....it IS ALL GOOD!

I'm sure I'll be writing more about the other disks soon. I'm savoring the DVD at this point...mmm..mmm...good!

The Silence is Deafening!!

2008-01-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

I turned on the radio in my car to static...come home-- turn on the tunes to static again. This has been going on since Thursday!! I have everything tuned into one station, 100.1 The Edge, based in Palmdale, California. This is the only good station in the area--did they shut down, what's the deal? By today, I'm thinking my world will have to be shroud in silence or the horror...I'll have to find another station. So instead of facing the alternatives I go directly to the source, I go to my myspace and one of the DJ's is on my friend list so I ask him what's up??? He answers back quite promptly. Turns out the recent storm took out the transmitter that is situated high atop a Tehachapi mountain; they're waiting for Edison to go up there and fix it. I'm thinking..waiting on Edison? Are you kidding, we'll be waiting til spring! So, for now the silence is deafening.

I check the station website and it too says what the problem is. Right next to it, it says ON THE RADIO NOW: Justin Zane. So, even though nobody can hear the station broadcast, seriously does this guy have to go into work and continue the broadcast???!!! LOL Shouldn't he get a TRANSMITTER DOWN day, kinda like a snow day? Poor guy...no requests, no phone calls, just him wasting his time.

Funny isn't it...that whenever something is not available you want it more? I mean I know I can find ways around the silence. I have, according to Itunes records, 3.5 days of music downloaded on my Itunes menu! 3.5 days worth...that just blows my mind! For some reason even though those Itunes are all my favorites and I obviously have so many to choose from, I'm still ticked I can't simply turn on my radio station.

I'll break down and turn on my Itunes and enjoy them but all the while I'll be hoping for quick, safe travel to the poor Edison guy that has to make his way up the mountain to shovel snow, freezing his bum off while fixing the transmitter. The Edison guy they send probably doesn't even listen to the station!

On a different note: I got Planet Earth in HD DVD this week. I'm going to watch it tonight with the surround sound going...I've heard its awesome!
I hope I'm feeling better by tonight though I doubt it...I feel like someone hit me in the neck with a baseball bat. I can barely hold my head up, kinda worried about what it could be. I did do alot of computer input at work this week, I'm hoping that's all it is.

Thursday Thirteen - Places I'd Like to Visit

2008-01-24T21:50:00.000-08:00

I'm not much into traveling but if I do these are the places I'd like to go:

Australia
Greece
Wolf Mountain Sanctuary
Astoria, OR
The Smithsonian
Canada
Alaska
Ireland
Italy
England
Paris, France
Maine
Cape Cod

And yes, they are in a particular order. In the late 80's I thought real hard about moving to Australia..years later my next thought was moving to Astoria. Both sight unseen except through Discovery or the Travel Channel. I'm still in California as I've lived here all of my life. Those places live in my heart still though and maybe someday I will travel to all the places I've thought of and dreamed of...

I have a lot of blog reading to do...I see. I've been out of sight lately due to too much time at work. I'm looking forward to catching up with my blogger friends and writing! Hopefully this weekend!

Side note: They've been talking about snow where I live overnight tonight! Here's to hoping for a SNOW DAY!!

Friday Fill-ins -- Happy happy Friday to Everyone!

2008-01-18T18:48:00.000-08:00

1. The last compliment I got was from my boss, Ed; he said “Thanks for all your effort and sacrifice, Jim (his boss) and I really appreciate it!" (about recent overtime and stress)!

2. I'm reading Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver (I’m close to the end!).
3. I woke up today and thought “Is it morning already? That darn alarm clock!”
4. Why do I have to have those crazy, scary dreams?
5. The last thing I ate was chili and a bit of cheese on top from the crappy cafeteria at work”.
6. January... is too cold and windy.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing and watching the Ghost Whisperer, tomorrow my plans include maybe going to see The Bucket List? and Sunday, I want to de-clutter my home office!

Thursday Thirteen and Other Stuff...

2008-01-17T22:04:00.000-08:00

THIRTEEN THINGS I LOVE:

1. My family
2. My life
3. My friends
4. My dogs and cat
5. Music
6. Books and reading
7. Every day living on this earth
8. Wolves
9. Animals
10. Mint n' chip ice cream
11. Pink
12. My wonderful blogger friends
13. Weekends

I haven't been around much lately, (I've been working a lot of OT lately not that I wanted to there has just been a lot to do at work!). Although my blogger friends have been leaving some wonderful comments --thank you! I'll have more to write on the weekend and a lot more time then ( I hope) Please forgive my absence!

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by. ---Douglas Adams

2008-01-11T18:48:00.001-08:00

Borrowed the quote from "Overread"...I had to...I'm always a day late and a dollar short.

Wrote my Thursday 13, forgot to post it and then Thursday went whooshing by...hope T13 will still accept me in their fold!

THINGS I DIDN’T MISS WHEN I WAS OFF WORK:

The alarm clock.
Getting ready for work
Walking in from the parking lot in the cold (seriously it’s at least a mile in from the parking lot).
My co-worker (when he acts grumpy)
Meetings
The cafeteria (ugh, its not very good and way overpriced)
Work
The people who always think what they want is the most important thing to be tended to that day.
Deadlines (refer to headline)
The fact that no matter what you do the work isn’t ever finished. If you do finish, its not like you can leave for the day. (For example, the opposite would be if I delivered packages for UPS…you deliver until your truck is empty then you get to go home).
Being in an office without windows
Being stuck in a cubicle (the horror)
~~The alarm clock~~ (did I say that already?) Having to go to bed early on the weeknights

A Special Thank you to My Blogger Friends

2008-01-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

Heartfelt thank yous to:

1, Holly - You are so generous and thoughtful to send your cherished red poppet! She arrived safely and is enjoying her new home! When I get a digital camera I promise to share photos! Thanks for starting out my 2008 in such a wonderful light!

2. A thank you to Dog's Eye View - L^2 for the fabulous Willow Christmas card! I got it this week, I'm very bad about checking the mail when I'm off work so this thank you is a bit late! I really appreciate you sending it to me. Hugs from Karina and I to You, Willow and Stella!

3. Thanks to all who leave comments -- YOU know who you are -- Alisonwonderland, Fond of Snape, L^2 and Dorky Dad! The comments on my weight loss plan really made me LAUGH!

Best to you in 2008 and always,
Life...its all good!

Everyone seems to be going on a diet...

2008-01-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

I need to go on a diet,too. I'm sure there is an e-mail waiting at work for a Weight Watchers at work program and I need to sign up but first...I have to see if there is any lose weight fast scheme I might come up with. No, not Slim Fast, Alli or any other shed the pounds substance.

I look first for a role model. Well body to height ratio I look for the slimmest creature in my immediate household. T is over 6'3" but its not him (not that he is fat but, he's gained some too), Sneakers the cat is a bit pudgy, Karina is a husky and she is husky, as she should be. Which leaves me with Jack, the Australian Shepherd, awwwwwww lean as could be. He eats well and gratefully accepts any dog snackie or tidbit offered. How does he do it?

If you've ever had an Australian Shepherd you know they herd like crazy. Jack herds me all around the house, he herds Sneakers until her head spins. He checks fence lines whenever he's out. He's like the Energizer bunny! This dog never stops, if you get up he's right on your heels, then suddenly he's in front of you and then behind the other way. If you say you're leaving he starts this outright run throughout the house, barking and running and jumping 2' off the floor. This dog has never seen a sheep in his life but he knows what he was bred to do. He burns calories all day and night until its time for bed and then he drifts off quickly into a deep sleep for the rest of the night. Of course, unless he hears a strange noise then he has to check the house, all of the house with a few woofs, for good measure. The amazing thing about Jack is he partially blind. I really believe he could continue his antics at full sprint in his sleep.

So, my only way out of Weight Watchers is trying the herding method. I'm sure it would drive Jack nuts if I tried to herd him about and check his fence lines at a full run every hour. I guess I can't do that the "men in funny white coats" might take me away, besides it would take away Jack's joy or at the very least give him a complex. So, I'll open up the e-mail that is invariably in my inbox and write the wretched check to have someone tell me how to lose weight. Who knows it may be grand fun to line up with my co-workers to check my weight every week! NOT! =(

Sigh, I still think Jack's method must be a lot more fun!

Poppet Update

2008-01-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

A poppet, a poppet, a poppet is on the way!!! Wonderful Holly has offered to send one of her red poppets to me! What a nice gesture to share her poppet with me! I'm excited! I'm not sure if Holly just stumbled on my post or how it all came about but I'm really thrilled and I know good karma will be coming to her for her thoughtful kind deed!

Thanks so much Holly! I'll be camping near my mailbox awaiting my new friend's arrival! I'll let you know when she arrives safely!

In Search of a..........Poppet

2008-01-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm searching for a poppet. Poppet...its even a fun word to utter....Poppet...Poppet....Poppet! Okay, I haven't gone mad..I saw one on Fond of Snapes, Fond of Photography page and also on her Friday Fill-ins. I wasn't so intrigued until I saw her lil poppet popping up in other pictures. A poppet here, there and everywhere! Then I thought, that's what I need, what I need is a little poppet friend. And perhaps a Poppet pony! They could keep me company next to my computer at work or home! When you see one they just kind of make you SMILE! The poppets even have a You Tube video involving their journey perusing books! Unfortunately poppets don't appear to be available right now, sad, sad! But, I will lie in wait and continue my quest for my very own poppet and poppet pony! I hope they become available real soon! I like the red and black ones and the night and day ones. Maybe the creator of the poppets will visit my page and discover my need for poppet pals?!
On a different note...I'm back from visiting family over the holiday! I had a great time! I have five glorious days left until my return to that nasty thing we call WORK!

Last Christmas!

2007-12-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

Last year I was able to spend with my family as I will again this year. I'm looking forward to it. Here's a pic of me and my sweet beautiful niece from last year. Not the greatest picture I've ever taken but, hey I was laughing!!! I'm sure we'll have a great time this year too!

Merry Christmas to all! Cherish all the times you have with your family and friends, they are precious!

Update for Anyone that May Actually Read My Blog

2007-12-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

Well, here's the update:

Update one: I did get the little two year old girl I adopted for Christmas all the things I wanted to. I picked her from a group of children that needed help this Christmas:

One little, little kid Red Ryder scooter, yep it's red and wide enough for two feet side by side!
A Barbie helmet with pink and turquoise knew pads and helmet.
A cute embroidered long sleeve white shirt and purple pants.
A fuzzy on the inside, pink on the outside hooded warm winter jacket
Two Magic Kingdom small Barbies.

I hope she has a wonderful Christmas!

Update two: I finally was granted my wish for Christmas, some time off from work! I don't have to go back for over two weeks! That is just so awesome! Although I've already got calls at home asking for help! Geez, maybe they do need me! Luckily I was able to handle the issues from HOME SWEET HOME!

Something to Remember...

2007-12-18T22:12:00.000-08:00

Something to remember in hard times or anytime! This touched me so much I had to post it. This young boy knows where to turn in troubled times and wanted to share a special message. In good and bad times God is with each of us!

Can't wait to see it!

2007-12-16T15:45:00.000-08:00

Hope its as good as the first!

Sicko, a Michael Moore Movie

2007-12-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

I saw the movie Sicko this weekend. I'm not what you would call a Michael Moore fan cause I've never seen any of his other films, yet. I know there is a lot of drama around about him but, I don't get involved with that cause I don't know much about him to speculate one way or the other.

I saw Michael Moore on a late night talk show, he seems like a down to earth guy trying to spark attention to the things that we should be concerned about!

When I saw this show, I thought, "Oh sh*t, that's my insurance agency!" I really started worrying about insurance when I saw my ex bf go through extraordinary bill trouble after a totally unexpected medical catastrophe. Bill collectors are still hounding him and he had a good insurance plan with a Fortune 500 company.

The movie discussed health care in America or rather the lack thereof. The uninsured and the insured in America are in deep water where health coverage is concerned. He then went to other countries, Britain, Canada and even Cuba, which all had free medical coverage. Well not free, but paid for by taxes. A good point that was made that when you're very ill you shouldn't have to be worrying about the money, health comes first but seriously a lot of these Americans were faced with making serious decisions based on the money factor. One guy chose to save one of two severed fingers cause he could only afford to have one (the $12,000 one vs. $60,000 for the other one) reattached. How sick and sad is that. Others lost their life cause insurance companies wouldn't pay for medical care.

The people in the other countries were astonished when they heard these stories as they walked out with no bills, no payment at the cashier's office. Literally, no bills! In fact, one window marked Cashier's office was so the hospital could pay the patients money to get safe rides home from the hospital!!! Pharmaceuticals? Free or next to nothing in these other countries that vow to take care of their own.

Don't get me wrong I love America but when hospitals are pushing people out of hospitals or dumping them on Skid Row based on lack of ability to pay, that's just sick!

Each one of us could find ourselves in that situation here in America. Not many of us could pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills and still pay a mortgage, rent, car loan, food, etc.

Its time we all take a look at where our tax dollars are going, stop paying for the jet setting politicians and start taking care of our own!

One should definitely take time to see the movie, it will open your eyes and make you think for yourself, something politicians in America are deathly afraid of.

I Just want a stinkin Vacation!

2007-12-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

Last time I took a full week of vacation was about a year ago Monday...I wanted to take this coming week off. What's the big deal? I ask and they laugh at me!? We are sooo darn busy at work so they just laugh! Seriously at a white elephant (short) Christmas party at work today...I went to pick up my white elephant gift and my boss says..."all she wants is a vacation! ha, ha!" I said, "Yes that is all I want, is it granted?" And he laughed.

I'M NOT KIDDING, I WANT A VACATION WEEK! MY GOODNESS, I HAVE 191 HRS OF VACATION TIME ON THE BOOKS..! THAT'S OVER FOUR WEEKS OF VACATION!! NINE HOURS SHORT OF FIVE WEEKS!!! (no, I didn't say it but, I thought it!).

This SHOULD be the time of year for spending with family, shopping and fun! Not being stuck in an office for over 40 hrs a week! Its really starting to get to me and messing up my feelings of Christmas joy and cheer! I'm going to keep suggesting it next week! I shouldn't be penalized for not taking my vacation in the summer, I WAAAAAAAAAAAAANT IT NOW! THE WORK WILL STILL BE THERE WHEN I RETURN, it isn't going anywhere!

I wish I was a kid again 2 weeks off at Christmas and the whole summer off! For all those kids that want to grow up quickly, you'll look back like the rest of us adults remembering how grand life was, to be a KID!

Anyone have any suggestions for promoting my one week of vacation? We work too much in America and LIFE IS JUST TOO SHORT NOT TO BE ABLE TO TAKE IT!

Sorry, had to vent!

For those Cold Winter Nights - Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

2007-12-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

Hardest part - opening all the cans and shredding/cutting up the chicken once its cooked enough in the crockpot- enjoy!

2 Big cans (14 – 16oz) of black beans
1 big can tomato sauce
2 big cans tomatoes
1 cup salsa
6 or 8 big green chilis cut up into nice size pieces or small can Ortega diced green chilis or about ½ of a big can of peeled green chilis if you get the big cans
6 to 8 pieces of chicken tenders or four boneless chicken breasts (I prefer the breasts to tenders)
1 can of corn or preferably a frozen bag of sweet corn.

Pour the beans with juice into a crock pot; add chicken tenders (can be frozen; or boneless chicken breasts) add everything else except for the corn and cook for 7 hrs. Take out the chicken and cut into chunks then put back in. Add 1 can of corn and cook another hour. Serve over tortilla chips, with grated cheese and dollop of sour cream on top. Cornbread or a leafy salad is good if you need a side dish with it!

Leftovers heated up on stove or microwave are yummy, too!

If I had a digital camera I could show pictures...note to self: gotta get a digital camera!

Rescue a Pet in Need...

2007-12-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

I found my beautiful sweet husky through Petfinder.com. The owner was moving and had too many dogs. She was six years old and I was told she had an incontinence problem. It turned out after I took her to the vet, the vet said the medication that she was on probably was a greater risk and that he saw no reason why she would have that sort of problem. He had me take her off the medication and she's never had a problem at all.

T's dog is a three year old Australian shepherd. He was rescued from the Milo Foundation near Berkley, CA. T traveled from Southern California to pick him up. We found him through Pet Finder which links to Milo. Jack the dog is partially blind. My friend was afraid that they wouldn't ever find a home for him and wanted to give him a great home, with fun, attentiveness and loving care. This is Jack!

Both dogs get along well together and they both love my cat. They chase her a bit sometimes for fun but if she's in no mood for their kind of fun she lets them know to back off. Sometimes she looks for them to play with.

I'm so blessed to have all of these animals in my life..they bring me joy and laughter every day. The thing that everyone should keep in mind is these were both older dogs, not the cute puppies that everyone seems to choose first. Think about the mature dogs and cats, the special needs dogs and cats, not just puppies. Puppies and kittens will usually find a home. The others need homes and love of a family, too.

The rescues, Humane Society, ASCPA and SCPA are all great places to look...

Also make sure your pets are spayed and micro chipped. There is abundance of animals being euthanized every year because there aren't enough homes! If you can't adopt an animal send a donation to a local rescue or no kill facility. If you don't want to do that..one can always give old quilts, blankets, a couple of bags or dog or cat food...most of them list things they are in need of. Please help these animals, humans with a heart are their only hope!

I Adopted a Two Year Old...

2007-12-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

For Christmas! A girl at work was showing me handouts from the local Social Services. One can adopt a needy child for Christmas, the handout provides their name, age, favorite colors and what they'd like for Christmas!

Well no lil one should go without (not at all ever) but during Christmas? No they should not go without! So, Friday I get to go on a shopping spree for the little gal and I hope I bring a smile to her face!

She likes pink and lavender which means an outfit maybe with cute tennis shoes or a warm winter jacket. She'd like a castle, doll or a three wheel scooter (is that a stand up scooter or like a Big Wheel, not sure).. She likes Backyardigins? (I have to brush up on what that is) and Dora (I know about her). If any moms know about Backyardigins please fill me in! lol.

I raised my ex's kids from 3, 5 and 10 for ten years but now they are 15, 18 and 22 so I know about kids but a lot of the stuff they like changes so quickly. Any help on what kids like today would be appreciated!

Anyway, I didn't adopt a child for life although I'm kinda thinking maybe I should, I hope to bring joy in this little one's life this Christmas even though I won't ever meet her. I'll sign the tags as: Merry Christmas sweet Jasmine, Love, Santa. I wish I could be there to see her open her presents! I'll let ya all know what I get for her in a future blog!

Just a smackrel of Chocolate!

2007-12-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

I grew up with Pooh Bear, yes, that lil stuffed Bear and Christopher Robin were childhood pals, so knowing that and if you've read about them you'd have to know a smackrel of anything is pretty darn GOOD! Although Pooh's favorite is honey, I'd say mine would be CHOCOLATE or MINT AND CHIP ICE CREAM!

A few weeks back a co-worker of mine, a young guy who is pretty much high on life everyday (he's really an inspiration always a kind word to say and when you ask him how he is he always answers I'm FABULOUS or FANTASTIC!) asked me if I liked chocolate. My answer was "Sure, doesn't everyone?" while thinking in my head how I've sworn off chocolate bars cause they are just to full of calories and fat. And he walked up and placed a small tin in my hand. He then smiled and said I think you'll like this then, have a WONDERFUL weekend. And off he went to his weekend endeavors!

The picture on the tin was rather nostalgic it looked interesting! I popped off the top and lo and behold, small wedges of chocolate in two layers in a tin. And I must say they are delicious! Only one little smackrel of chocolate a day or every other day. Just enough to enjoy for a treat now and then! I discovered since then they come in different flavors in different tins!

Lots of fun, just wanted to share the find with others that just need a smackrel or would like to stuff a tin or two in a Christmas stocking!

Thanks J for your wonderful disposition around the office and for sharing your treasure trove of chocolate with me! Oh I almost forgot, you can find them at Trader Joe's Albertson's, Vons and Ralph's. They are called The Chocolate Traveler.

If you try them or have tried them, let me know what you think about them!

Answering a Thursday Thirteen Meme on a Friday!

2007-11-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

Do you have a tattoo, and if so what is it? No, I wanted to get a wolf or a sun/moon combo or a tribal armband at one point but I chickened out! Besides my parents would've had a fit! lol. Seriously, I don't think I've found one that I would want to live with for the rest of my life yet.
What do you dream about? Like sleep dreams? All sorts of things...I hate the ones when I'm trying to save myself, like I'm in a disaster movie and I have to figure out how to get to safety. I'm scared and don't know if I'm going to make it. I wake up tired the next morning.
How old are you and/or how old do you feel? 42, I feel about 35, I wish I was 23 again!
What is one of your favorite things to do? Read, surf the net, relax, listen to music.
Anything you just wanna get of your chest? Nope.
What's your philosophy on life and death? I don't know that it is a philosophy but I have feelings about both. I think life is very fragile. When I was growing up real young I thought I was invincible and didn't think of the opposite of life, death. For a short time in junior high I thought I'd be lucky to make it to 35. I think as you make it through every day as you grow older you realize how fragile life really is and begin to embrace each moment, every day. I'm thankful for every day that I have and I try not to take it for granted cause I know that life can be taken away in a blink of an eye. On death...I'm not ready for it, I don't know if I ever will be. Although I have an individual relationship with God (meaning I don't go to church, but I speak to God almost every day and thank him for his presence and guidance in life), death still scares me, I don't want to be without my family, friends, animals. Also it puzzles me how quickly people get on with life. Not that they shouldn't they should, but in some instances people pack up your things, say good-bye and although you exist in memories its almost like you didn't exist. That makes me sad. When my ex-boyfriend came near death and had a 20 percent to live I was at the hospital for a week and sometimes his family and I would go to get something to eat --there were people laughing, talking on their cell phones, etc. and I stared at them thinking how is life just going on, don't you know what's going on??? It just seemed like a dream, life rushing by.... Having that in mind the fragility of life.. I seize each day and I'm thankful for each day, and try to leave the footprint of my being on other's hearts, give them my love and friendship. When my day comes, I really will look forward to the time when we are all together in Heaven again.
If you could do anything with me, what would it be? I would take a walk with you and your guide dog and see the world through your eyes.
Do you sing in the shower? No, but I hum a bit! lol
Would you hide evidence for me if I ever asked you to? Probably not, I'm pretty law-abiding.
What's your favorite color? Pink or shades of red (red, burgundy, maroon) and teal.
If you could bring back anyone who has passed away, who would it be and why? Thank goodness my immediate family is well, if they had passed it would be them. But since I've blessed at this point that they are still with me. I'd say my good friend and neighbor, Bob. I still miss him. We talked a lot and he had a bright, sweet disposition. I think of him often.
What is one interesting/odd fact about yourself? I bungee jumped 220 feet headfirst over the water near the Queen Mary.
If you could change anything about yourself what would it be? I would stop procrastinating and do all the things I think about but don't do. I'd become more organized again. I used to be a lot more productive at home.

The meme came from Dog's Eye View (see my cool links) to get there!

From Overheard at the Office...lol

2007-11-27T22:29:00.000-08:00

4PM Call Me "*itch" or Nothing at All

Timid 20-year-old: Excuse me, ma'am...
Sassy 30-year-old: I know you didn't just 'Ma'am' me!

Navy Yard
Washington, DC

via Overheard in the Office, Nov 27, 2007

And don't call me the name in the 4pm title either that would really get me mad, the title came with the quote, I don't approve of that name at all. The point is even as a 40 something, I HATE WHEN SOMEONE CALLS ME MA'AM. I know its a sign of respect or courtesy but, I'm not a ma'am...it makes me feel old! Maybe just call me Miss. How's that!?

Curious as a Cat #93 - Monday Meme

2007-11-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

Week Number 93

http://curiousasacat.blogspot.com/

1) Name an event where the power of the crowd was inspiring.
The volunteers on Extreme Makeover - Home Edition.
2) What is your oldest article of clothing that you still wear?
A long coat my parents bought for me probably over 10 years ago.
3) If you were to describe your first "real" kiss, what would you say?
Memorable, there was definitely chemistry.
4) When were you most moved by a ceremony?
At my step daughter's sixth grade graduation and my niece's performance as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
The end of another successful Thanksgiving, its obvious the whole family enjoyed it, a day of being thankful to be with each other and for all the wonderful aspects of life.

Spidey in Spiderman 3 and other Comic Book Movie Musings

2007-11-25T14:15:00.000-08:00

Well, in the true tradition of Spiderman...I must change my font color scheme for this post. So forgive me if it gets on your nerves...

I finally saw Spiderman 3 this weekend on DVD. I was impressed as usual with the great effects the Sandman was better than Doc Och and the Green Goblin but, the story line didn't grab me like Spiderman and Spiderman 2. I didn't enjoy Spidey's dark side of Peter Parker or Tobey Maguire's portrayal of him that side of him. I know he's supposed to be a dork gone ultra cool but, it was a little over the top. I know that's supposed to be the comedy in it, for some reason it just irked me to make him that silly. I must put it in perspective, if I was 10 again I'd be laughing my socks off I suppose.

Spiderman 2 is still my favorite. The fight on the top of the subway and how the crowd protected him were my favorite scenes in that one.

All in all Spiderman 3 was really good just not fantastic! An entertaining movie I'd watch again, after Spiderman 1 and 2! Hope you enjoy it with your own family.
(Picture from N.Y.)

Shaking the Spiderman color scheme now....I used to think I didn't like comic book movies but, I discovered I was wrong when I finally watched a few. Here's some that I've enjoyed. (Some of them may not be about actual comic book heroes so bear with me).

Daredevil
Spiderman 1, 2 and 3
Batman Begins
Batman and Robin
X-Men 1 and 2
Van Helsing (a real favorite)
Unbreakable (not a real comic book character)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (another fave)

One that I didn't enjoy all that much was Ghostrider.

Where'd All the Bloggers Go?

2007-11-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

I've been looking around and no one is posting this weekend? Did they all eat too much turkey? Are they sitting in traffic, trying to get home? Are they too busy ALREADY putting up Christmas decorations? Maybe they all are still standing in line since Black Friday??? What's the deal? Where'd they all go? Boy am I glad that I didn't eat too much turkey, I stayed in town for the holiday, didn't attempt to go out in that Black Friday mess and didn't haul out any Christmas decorations (heck, its still November people!) If anyone gets back to blogging and ever checks this site...let me know when you get back! Its been kinda lonely without new blogs to check out, lol!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Friday Five

2007-11-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

1. What's the last thing you threw away? An empty can of Diet Pepsi (in the recycling can)

2. Have you ever been to Paris? No, but I'd like to at least once. But, not as much as a trip to Australia

3. What do you stare at? Stare at, huh? Maybe a hidden picture puzzle or an awesome looking guy!

4. What do you hurry for? I hurry to get to work, that's about all I hurry for.

5. Friday fill-in:
I could have been ___. A millionaire! I wish...ha, ha.

A Wonderful Thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my friends! Yummy food and fantastic company! I must thank my wonderful friend Cindy, her husband Gene and their girls for the great time! They all just treat me like I'm one of the family which is one of the most comfortable things that I could ask for! I'm so thankful that I am blessed with such a great family of friends!

Unconcious Mutterings

2007-11-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

http://subliminal.lunanina.com

I say ... and you think ... ?

Toasty :: bread
Allegations :: court
Herb :: butter
Bacon :: eggs
Neck to neck:: intimacy
Simon :: says
Heels :: achy toes
Fundamentals :: The 3 R's
Middle :: second
Seasonings :: tasty

Added A New Book to My To Read List..

2007-11-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

Okay...first things first...I don't have a hoarding problem like the couple I saw on Oprah on Friday. But, I do need to get organized again. I used to have an extremely organized home when I had J's kids here, when he left with my stepchildren, I kind of became disinterested in the whole organization thing...cause there was no sense of accomplishment or appreciation from the family.

So, I have to become more interested in the subject and it has been bugging me for months. I need to get in every nook and cranny and get rid of the useless, the dumb stuff I save thinking its attached to a memory --like I'll forget the memory if a tangible thing isn't still here in my house to remind me...just stuff weighing me down. I know I'll be a lot more happy when I take a conscious effort to dispose of stuff that isn't really needed! So, I added the book to my list, I'm going to read it and set upon the task...perhaps I'll be regaling with joy in six months as to the progress I've made! Fingers crossed! Before I get to B&N this week for the book ...I'll try to start with the common sense stuff.

Here's the book for anyone else that wants to look into conquering clutter!

My Friends...

2007-11-17T21:46:00.000-08:00

My friends...the ones I spend/spent a lot of time with over the past 10 years, I'm not talking about my friends in the blogosphere or friends I don't see as often.

The reason I say spend/spent is cause actually my circle of friends have diminished over the past two years.

Bob and Christina...they both passed away within a year of each other, way too young. I miss them both every day....both were different --I miss them both but Bob he was very close to me, watched over me and always was there to talk and laugh and be my coach in life. He'd give advice and praise and love. He was a very special man/friend to many of us that knew him.

Christina was special too but always somewhat searching for happiness...how I wish we could've given her the happiness she sought. She was sweet and loving, always trying to please and feed the whole neighborhood. She loved music as I do and she cherished family as I do as well. She loved music, dancing, reading and children. She would've loved Jesse Cook's music, I wish I had had the opportunity to share his music with her!

There are others we've lost as well John (he was with me) and Oliver (he was with Christina) but they are alive just not with us on the block anymore (they are missed and remembered when our neighborhood reminiscing begins).

My dear sweet friends that are still with me...

Wonderful, fun Cindy...she is so sweet and kind and loving. A woman that knows how to love and be kind and caring. She brightens my days with her smile and attentiveness. She is a very special friend that I love so much! I spend the most time with Cindy. Either leaving messages or on Saturday nights.

Gene...the overseer of the neighborhood, the brave one, the hero, always willing to help when called upon...such a big smile and a strength in our neighborhood. He really helped me along with Bob when my life was really in the pits, when John left. In the neighborhood, he can have a complaint about a neighbor and go and make friends instead! I think Gene kinda stays away now cause he misses all the guys. I wish he wouldn't. He has become a father figure to some in our neighborhood that need one, talking, fixing bicycles...really just making sure he is available to them. I don't think he knows how much it means.

Our neighborhood used to be the best of all neighborhoods..those of us that are left still love and care for each other in so many ways but there is always a sense of loss or longing for what had been. We partied on Fridays because the weekend had finally come, we barbecued on Saturdays and shared lazy Sunday afternoons.

I'd like to think that our neighborhood hasn't changed (although I know it has) all the memories are still so present in my mind. The laughing, the singing, the dancing...it never really leaves me...the old memories and the new ones that we make.

My goal isn't to be somber just to remember important people in my life and to cherish every day I'm given in this sweet, wonderful life.