New Orleans

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

Friday Fill -Ins #73

Courtesy of: http://fondofsnape.com/

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

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

3. I love little animals and big smiles!

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

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

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

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

Sweet, sweet Vacation!

I'm sooooooooooo glad vacation time has finally come!

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

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

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

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

Check out my Recently Read List...

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

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

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

Been Lost in the Twilight Zone

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

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

I'm Back with lots on my Mind!

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

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

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

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh Lord....Give Me Strength!

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

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

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

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

Thursday Thirteen

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

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

Why is it so hard for people to SMILE?

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

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

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

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

This is for you Fond of Snape...

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

5PM Would You Settle for Nutter Butters?

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

4th Street
Louisville, Kentucky

Sunday Self-Inflicted Insomnia....

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

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

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

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

Your Quirk Factor: 43%

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

How Quirky Are You?

Friday Fill-In

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

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

Caught up on my Blogging This Weekend!

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

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

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

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

Have a great week!

Can you guess where I'll be Going?

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

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
























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


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

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

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

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


Click here to create your own painting.

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

Here's a Thought...

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

This Book Will Be in my Heart Forever!

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

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

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

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

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