It's not goodbye....just see ya later

On the 23rd, my great aunt passed away at the grand age of 88. She had been quite ill for some time now and was receiving care from Hospice for a few weeks. She probably only weighed 70lb if not less....she was nothing but skin and bones.

All those things aside, she was still just as strong willed as she had ever been. She would ask for her cigarettes and ashtray, and had her coffee pot right beside her bed. She was surrounded by her children when she passed, and I would like to think that her passing was a blessing. Her suffering has ended, and she is in a better place.

Her favorite activity (besides smoking and drinking coffee) was to play poker. So, I would imagine that that is what she is doing right now. Her funeral was yesterday.....and the overall feeling of calm and peacefulness was kind of weird, but everyone was just glad that her struggle had ended.

So, this is my way of saying....I'll see you later....we don't know when our time here is up, when it is our time to be called home, but we all know that it will happen. My intent today was not to depress everyone, so sorry if this is depressing. I should have something more upbeat later. Happy Friday.

Thank goodness that is over....

Well, I am certainly glad that Christmas is over. I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I did, but I am still glad that it is over. I can finally put away all of the decorations and all of the gift wrapping goodies.

I got my dishwasher for Christmas, so I am totally excited about that. Believe it or not, I have never had a dishwasher. Well, there was one in my apartment in college, but I had a bit of a problem with it, and that is for another post.

Our gift hunt for the kids went really well. We wrote out cute little cards and hid their gifts all over the house. Each one of the kids had an adult help them, and we had made it so that each clue was staggered between upstairs and downstairs, so after it was all said and done everyone was quite tired. The kids loved every minute of it, and that was all that mattered.

Surprisingly, I didn't gain 15lbs as I had imagined would happen after being forced to eat four meals (maybe forced isn't the correct word to use as I was not force fed, but you get the point). So, all in all everyone had a nice time and all drama/chaos was avoided. So, how was your Christmas? What did Santa leave under your tree? ;0)

Merry Christmas....a little early

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holiday of your belief. I now have one gift certificate left to buy which will be promptly purchased after our office Christmas party this afternoon. Then, I am completely finished shopping. Tomorrow I will finish my wrapping, then I may take a nap, just as a reward for not killing anyone during the holiday preparations.

I really didn't ask Santa for anything in particular this year, but I am kinda hoping for a dishwasher...that would be great. I got sort of an early Christmas present from my sis and bro in law....they have been in the process of trying to adopt, and have signed papers to adopt a baby girl from Guatemala!!!! I am soooooo excited!! I don't want to post any pics or anything yet, because it will be about 4-5 months until everything is final. So, that is the most awesome gift that I could receive...;0)

We are having our office party this afternoon...nothing special, just some lunch and a chance to bullshit with each other, but it is still nice. So, I hope that everyone is all ready for the big day, and if not, be careful shopping with the rest of the last minute shoppers....they can be nasty. So, everyone have themselves a safe, happy, and (try) fun holiday. I hope Santa brings everyone what they wished for!!!!

Merry Christmas

It's almost here ;0)

I just can't believe how fast this year has flown by. It seems like it was just a few months ago that we were planting flowers outside. When older people tell you how fast the time starts to go as you age, you never have a full appreciation for that fact until it happens to you.

I can't say that I've had any major events happen this year, so I guess that is a good thing. This time of year is very stressful for most people due to holiday festivities, and I am no exception. I also must deal with year end stress at my job. At the end of each year, I must box all accounting and customer files for the year, make any necessary inventory adjustments, make sure everything for taxes are in order, and then do the tax forms for the subcontractors and employees. Those things give me a headache just thinking about it.

Not only do I need to organize all that fun stuff, but it always seems that by the end of the year, my office looks like all the filing cabinets vomited on my desk....there is just stuff everywhere. So, there is all that to put away as well. So, these next couple of weeks are always kinda crappy for me.

Tonight I plan on going and getting the last few little things I need to complete my Christmas shopping. I probably won't finish my wrapping until Saturday, but that's OK. My boss is planning on having a small Christmas lunch tomorrow, so that will be nice to only have to work half of the day.

I felt quite sick last night, and don't feel that great this morning, so I am going to try to go home early, but I am not optimistic. I hope everyone has a good Thursday....four days to go!!!! ;0)

You want to move to where?

For the past five years or so my parents have been saying that they would like to sell their house and move. Just to give you a little bit of background, my parents built their current house about 16 years ago on land that they purchased from my grandmother. The land was adjacent to her property and was actually part of the original plot that my grandparents had bought when they were married. My mom and her brothers and sisters were raised there. They have 2+ acres that is wooded with no close neighbors. But they want to move.....3 hours away. :0(

The logic (to them) is that they can sell the house and property, and move upstate and buy a house and some prop, and have money to put in the bank. I get that, but why in the hell can't they stay local....all of the family is here.

I am a very sentimental person, so if it were me, I don't think I could sell because of what the property represents, but it isn't my decision. I grew up there as well, so maybe that is why I feel that way.

Anyway, the point is why move that far away when you could accomplish the same thing locally. If they wanted to downsize, they don't have to move far away. Oh well, what ever they want to do is their decision, and they don't come to visit me that much anyway, and only live 20min. away.

So...six days to go till Christmas...is anyone in panic mode yet? ;0)

Seven days and countin'

Well, for once I had a pretty productive weekend. I am usually very lazy and unmotivated on the weekends, but I actually got something done this time around. I went shopping on Saturday because I had an assload of Christmas gifts to buy, and said shopping trip went surprisingly well. I was so ready to have to shoulder block someone or run over someone with my cart, but all catastrophes were avoided.....and I spent less money than I thought I would...YAY!!!!

All that being said, I am about 95% finished with all of the shopping (I still have a few gift cards to get, but that isn't a big deal) and I am in a pretty good mood. This is a major improvement from me wanting to punch Santa in his fat jolly ass..*Ahem* sorry ;0) We are still trying to plan the kids' gift hunt for Christmas with little luck, but oh well.

I also need to decide what kinds of cookies I am going to bake.....If I bake any at all. I am going to TRY to finish my wrapping tonight, but I am not optimistic. Hey, at least I'm honest!

Ok, I'm all better now....

Well, apparently I was far from a happy camper last night when I posted. I was reading it this morning and sweet jeebus woman...relax. To put it mildly I was a bit out of sorts, so sorry about that.

I am still on new guy babysitting duty, but he isn't that bad. It could be worse, but he cannot sit still. I am fairly laid back and I am not much for a rush rush mentality. Newbie on the other hand does everything at warp speed. We get it, you are motivated. Anyway, I had forgotten how nice it was to be able to push off some of the "bitch work" on someone else.

I have lots of shopping yet to do and I have no idea when I will be able to do it, but I am sure I will manage somehow. We are putting together a scavenger hunt for the kids for Christmas to find their gifts, so I will have to get my ass in gear for that.

I also need to decide if I want to do any baking. I was hoping to bake cookies, but we shall see. I am off to try to get some work done, so happy Thursday!

My Christmas spirit has left the building.

Well, I was trying really hard to be happy about and excited for Christmas. As of right now...Christmas can suck it. I am broke and have lots of shit that I need to buy, I still haven't put my Christmas lights up on the front of my house, and I am just generally pissed off. If I only had to buy gifts for my family I would be OK, but I have to buy for Tony's family, and there are like a gazillion of them. They don't pull names or have a grab bag, and I really don't know why. I would have to start buying now just to be caught up next year. So I say to hell with it all. I am seriously considering not leaving my house on Christmas and either sleeping all day, or drinking myself stupid.

I don't think that the family would appreciate that very much, but oh well. I am quite sure that I don't have the heart to do that, but it sounds good and tough...doesn't it? Well, I am sure that no one really wants to listen to my cranky self anymore so I will go take my cranky self somewhere else until tomorrow!

My dog is grumpy in the morning too!!

When my alarm clock went off this morning, I did the same thing I do every morning....I hit the snooze button. When it was really time to get up, I turned my alarm clock off and proceeded to get out of bed. I sat up and stretched, and this is usually where I have a fat brown dog come over to get some morning snuggles. Not this morning thankyouverymuch! At this point Buddy was still laying on his bed.....growling like no body's business. He was obviously dreaming, and it was hilarious. I mean he was really giving it hell....he was totally pissed.

I got up and went to the bathroom and when I came back he was up in my spot on the bed...OK, that's normal. I gathered my clothes and sat down to get dressed and boy was someone bitchy. I was trying to hug him (the dog) ;0p and he wanted no part of it....he may have even snipped at me a bit.

I am not the biggest morning person either, so I can relate to morning crankypants, but holy hell. That must have been some dream he was having. He didn't start acting like himself until after we had made our trip outside and treats were given...then he loved me again.

I hope everyone else's mornings were much better than Buddy's morning was...sheesh! ;0) Oh, I almost forgot....today is my sister's birthday!!!!! Happy Birthday Sis!!

I know I'm strange...so what?

This evening Tony and I babysat for his niece and nephew...or should I say, we went to their house and watched TV. The kids basically entertained themselves (they are 11 and 4). So, we were in the living room and I asked G if she wanted to watch a movie. She went upstairs and came back with Mary Poppins. Tony and her little brother were not thrilled with her choice, but that is what we were going to watch.
I haven't watched Mary Poppins in like....a really long time, but I had forgot how much I really liked it. I know that really makes me sound....odd, but I do not care. When I was younger, my favorite movies were the musical movies.

So, while we were watching the movie, I got to thinking about some of the movies that I used to love to watch. I will list some if you promise not to laugh at me......promise? You didn't promise....OK, well I will do it anyway. Some of these movies are even older than "my time" but my mom used to rent them for me:

• Disney's Babes in Toyland
• Alice in Wonderland
• The Apple Dumpling Gang
• The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again
• Mary Poppins
• Calamity Jane
• Robin Hood
• Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (not the cartoon version)
• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
• Singin' in the Rain
• The Wizard of Oz

I know there are plenty more, but I have embarrassed myself enough for one post. I have nothing against the movies that are made today, but man there is just something about the old classics. Any of these movies could put me in a good mood just by watching them, and I think that is pretty awesome. So, does anyone have any favorite childhood movies that they remember? I am trying to make a list of the oldies but goodies that way I can update my DVD collection.

But I don't wanna....

I think that I have totally overextended myself this weekend. Instead
of typing this I should be finishing my Christmas window swags, being
that I only have one completely done. They won't take long as I have
already made all of the bows. All I need to do is hot glue the
Christmas picks on and fasten the bows and voila...beauty-ful ;0)Anyhoo,
I really don't feel like doing them, but I won't have time on Saturday
or Sunday. Saturday morning will be chock full of laundry, cleaning,
and other various housework in the morning. At lunch I will need to
take T something to eat while he's working, then drive an hour down to
my sister's house to bake cookies. I love to bake cookies, and I love
hanging out with my sis...but she lives too far away ;0( I don't want
to bail on her, but I know I won't feel like going.

Sunday won't be as hectic as Saturday hopefully, but it won't be as relaxing as usual. A typical Sunday is going to church, I come home and change into comfy clothes, break out the Sunday paper, and veg. out. Sometimes
I go over to Tony's mom's house and visit, but I like to just be lazy!
This Sunday we will be babysitting for a few hours in the evening, but
the kids are really good, and will probably be more interested in
playing with Uncle Tony than me, but I'mOK with that. I also need to
try to fit some grocery and Christmas shopping in there somewhere if
possible, so we shall see. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

I've been tagged!

So I've been tagged by Laundry Broad to do this thing.....You gotta take a pic of yourself right now as you are and post it on your blog. Then tag a few others.

So, here it is:



You will notice that I do have a scarf around my neck...inside. Yes, I am a freak. I actually just made it...so that is why I am rocking it!

So, I guess I will tag Mama Jen, Beanie's Mama, and anyone else who wants to do it ;0)

I should've stayed in bed

When my alarm clock went off this morning I hit the snooze button. I hit the snooze button twice every morning and have my alarm set to accommodate my lazy ass. This morning however, I was much more tired and grumpy than usual. I really wanted to lay there any snuggle up to the dog and go back to sleep, but sleep doesn't pay the bills now does it.

So, I start to get out of bed, and find that the dog had me pinned. He weighs 117lbs people and that is more than I weigh, but anyway, I tell him to move and he rolls right off the bed. With a loud thud. That was funny, but I felt bad for him...dumb ass. I get dressed and start down the stairs...Buddy usually is hot on my heels, so I always stay to the right so he can run passed me. What does he do this morning in all his morning glee to run down the steps like a madman...he plows me over. Seriously...he knocked me the fuck down the steps.

As I lay at the bottom of my steps trying to figure out if I had really injured myself, Buddy pounces on me to give me lots of kisses, because you don't lay on the floor unless you want to play right? So, I get up...no major injuries except some bruises so that was good.

I get to work this morning and find out that newbie is starting on Monday....fantastic *grumbles*. I guess I won't be getting anything accomplished. Last but not least...I have a meeting with my boss and the accountant this afternoon so, I will basically be forced to sit through a bazillion stupid questions from my boss that the accountant will probably not answer to his liking and he'll ask me the same things over again tomorrow when I am trying to get some work done. I hope everyone is having a better day than me...and watch out for big dumb dogs coming down the steps....I will be sore tomorrow!

My computer is what?

This post will probably be a mish-mash of a few things, so bear with me ;0)

Well,
last Friday was a day from hell for me. I got to work at 8am. I
unlocked the door and went in like I do every other morning. I went
into my office and put all my shit down, took my coat off, turned the
heater on, and sat down at my desk. Now, up to this point my morning
had been perfectly fine, what was about to happen next was going to
change that for sure. I reached down to turn my computer on and when I
push the button...I hear a clicking sound and have a black screen
up...this is obviously not a good sign. I call the computer guy and
tell him what is going on and he proceeds to tell me that it sounds
like my hard drive has crashed...........WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN MY
HARD DRIVE CRASHED???? oh, sorry ahem. Fortunately for me, I had a
backup of my Quickbooks accounting software. If I didn't have that
backed up...I would've seriously considered suicide. On the flip side
of that, nothing else on my computer was backed up. Mycomputer had
numerous spreadsheets that I used as templates and I also had every
customer proposal on that computer.....gone, all of it. So, after the
hard drive was replaced I spent the rest of the day trying to reinstall
everything back onto my computer.

Being that I am not the one
who originally made the excel templates, I guess that I am going to
have to try to figure out how to make new ones. I know how to use
excel, but I'm not sure I have the patience right now to do it. Also,
my boss has decided to hire someone to do our commercial estimates.
That is fine and dandy, but guess who will have to train this
person....me. Not only will I need to do the accounts payable andreceivable
, scheduling jobs and estimates, answering the phone, waiting on any
customers that come into the store, and any other task that may come
up, but I will also have to babysit the newbie....GAH! Son of a Bitch.
I need a clone to help me, that's all there is to it. So, just to sum
it all up....work is totally sucking ass right now (so classy, I know).
Well that is all for now, I will let you go read something with
substance! ;0)

customer service......my ass

I work as an office manager for a flooring company. Yes, I sit behind a desk all day...yay! I take care of all of the accounting, ordering materials, scheduling jobs, and fixing my bosses screw ups. When my boss is not here, I am also required to be a salesperson in the showroom. I HATE being a salesperson! I am good at it, but I still hate it. I have no problem striking up conversations with customers and I usually get complimented on my pleasant attitude. Now, anyone who must deal with the public knows that you will always run into the three basic types: the ones who are totally easygoing and great to do business with, the incredibly stupid, and the extremely rude.

I was force to deal with the latter. A couple came into the store with some measurements so that I could give them an estimate, which I did. They apparently didn't think that my calculations were correct and told me in no uncertain terms that they basically though I was retarded. I proceeded to show them exactly how I got said calculations, but that wasn't good enough either. My boss came out and looked everything over and came up with the same thing, so being the wonderful salesperson that I am, I asked "So, do you believe me now, or do I need to show you a third time?" well, that didn't go over very well and they left. My boss was not upset with me and probably would've done the same thing, and it was especially funny when they came back in because they had shopped around and we had a lower price ;0).

Being rude like that always comes back to bite you. So, I would rather deal with either of the first two types of customers. I am surprised that anyone would want to have me dealing with people because I obviously don't do well with rude people and I tend to just say what I think. So, look out if you ever want to buy flooring and watch out for the snappy little woman in the showroom ;0p (I'm really not that bad...it just sounds funny!) Happy Hump Day!

I'm supposed to act like a girl??

It has been brought to my attention on several occasions (read: alot) that I am quite tomboyish. I don't deny that and am actually quite proud. I have my girlie tendencies, but I enjoy things that are typically associated with guys.

I was chatting online last night with a friend from high school and that is actually what prompted this topic. In high school I was a cheerleader.....that's girlie right?, right, but I was also into agriculture, wood shop, metal shop, etc. So you can see what I'm getting at. I have always been into things that were like that. I grew up with mostly boys, and my mom is kinda like that too. Mom used to ride motorcycle and dirt bike, and I remember asking her once if she ever played any sports in school...her response was hallway wrestling..;) So I get it honest. I don't think any of this is bad in any way, just something to talk about, ya know. I have come a long way from the awful days of shit-kickers (boots, for all non-hicks), jeans and flannel shirts. Now I embrace my tomboy in a different way. I also embrace my girlie side way more than what I ever used to....getting older I guess.

For example, I wear makeup, I wear dresses/skirts, and I generally try to look cute. Those things used to never be part of my vocabulary. I was always that girl that would be into anything that involved being or getting dirty, fixing things, or just hanging out with the guys. I didn't care about my hair, or looking cute....I mean, come on, what the hell did I care. I was by no means butchy....I just wasn't interested in looking pretty. This point was also brought up at Thanksgiving dinner where my cousin was astounded at the fact that yes, I do cook, and yes I was wearing a dress and heels....I thought he was going to faint. I have changed a lot since high school people....I get no credit. But anyway, I just thought that was funny. It is amazing how people change as they get older. So, if you will excuse me I have beer to drink and porn to watch....just kidding...relax ;0)

Shoot me now....No, seriously....do it!!

First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving! I am lucky enough to not have to cook a Thanksgiving meal, but I will be forced to eat two of them. I am not complaining. My mother and Tony's mother are both wonderful cooks.

One reason that I am not cooking, is due to the fact that my house is very much under renovation. VERY MUCH!! Truth be told people, I don't have a living room. We live out of our kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, office, and well, that is it. I have no furniture downstairs except a dining table and chairs, so as you can guess, my house is not a prime spot for entertaining. That being said, Tony invited his niece and her family over to see our house (only a handful of people have been to my house so far) before going to his mother's house for Thanksgiving (we live two minutes away from his parents....tops). Now, I don't have a problem with them coming over, but now I will have to clean my entire house. I realize that they know it is being renovated, but I can't fathom someone coming in and seeing it like it is. So, I will be cleaning everything tonight and tomorrow morning, just so that they can come in, look around and leave....brilliant, I know. I don't want to come off as having a dirty house, but when you have to clean up drywall dust or some other sort of dirt all of the time....things don't exactly look sparkly.

I am going to keep a running total during dinner as to how many times I will be asked as to the state of my left hand ring finger and/or my womb. That is one thing that gets old in a hot second. I am the "last one" so I guess they feel like it is funny to tease me about getting married and having a baby. I am not opposed to either one, but do we really need to discuss it over dinner...come on people. So anyway...I hope everyone get a full belly tomorrow. I was going to post about some things that I am thankful for, but I won't bore you anymore.


HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

One down, two to go....

Well, my pre-Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving family function went off without a hitch. We had a smaller group this year due to illness and hunting trips to the mountains. All of the food was delicious as usual, so I feel about 20lbs heavier than I was on Sunday morning, but oh well.

Speaking of food....I decided to make the scalloped potatoes for the meal. My oven hates me for this decision however. I didn't think of putting anything under my casserole dish, so everything cooked out all over the bottom of my oven. I have a self cleaning oven, but I hate the smell the oven emits while running the self-clean cycle...ACK!

Tony and I got quite a history lesson on the way to the grove. We picked up my grandfather, and the whole ride he took the utmost joy in looking around and telling us what had been here and there 50 years ago. I was really glad that he was feeling up to going along. He seemed to really enjoy himself, and was especially happy to hold the newest member of our family, 6wk old Lauren. We took some really nice pictures of Pap and the family, so when my dad emails them, I will post them.

Every year we take a group photo for posterity, and usually my uncle is the photographer. My dad was going to take the picture (I'm not sure why my uncle wasn't, but oh well) and had the camera set up. Now, my dad is not the most electronically inclined human on the face of this earth *cough cough* so he took one shot minus himself, and we were going to take one minus my cousin to take that shot. I ran over to see if I could set the self timer, which I did, and we got a nice family shot with everyone in it (even though I slid across the floor to be dramatic) ;0)

Everyone was happy and healthy, which is always wonderful to hear. It is unfortunate that most of the family only sees one another once a year, but I guess that's better than never. So, one down and two more to go....my mom's dinner, and Tony's mom's dinner....I can feel myself getting fat already! ;0)

How would you like it?

As I was driving to work this morning, singing at the top of my lungs, and not giving a shit that the lady beside me clearly thought I was more than a little bit crazy, I saw something that I always hate to see. I got behind one of those trucks that carry the live chickens...yeah, you know, the ones with all of the small ass cages, with the birds just stuffed in there....yeah, that kind. Look, I am not a vegitarian or a vegan, but I really can't stand to see how those chickens are treated. Yes, I am quite aware that they were probably going to be taken somewhere to be processed for my chicken cordon bleu....but I digress.

Ok, now I feel a little better....This Sunday is our big Thanksgiving dinner with my dad's family. We were supposed to be doing an Iron Chef type dinner, but everyone punked out. Nobody wanted the hassel, so everyone is just bringing a dish. I am sure it will still be fun, as this is the only time of year that I see certain family members. I have yet to decide exactly what I am making....I am thinking either homemade scalloped potatoes or mashed sweet potato caserole....yes, I dig potatoes! I will be picking up my grandfather and taking him with us to the dinner, so that should be intersting...talk about your backseat driver!! But, that's Ok, at least he will be there. So, for now I must go get some work done....I know....shocking!! So thank goodness it's one day closer to the weekend!!

I'm not ready for Christmas yet......

Well, as Thanksgiving is only a little more than a week away, that mean that Christmas is well on it's way...like it or not. I really love Christmas. The decorations, the songs, and all the other crazy things that go with it. One thing that I am not so enthusiastic about....the cost of Christmas!

I enjoy the idea of buying gifts for my friends and family, if I know what to buy them that is. I have been known to spend too much money, and buy people gifts that maybe I wouldn't have had to buy gifts for, but I'm OK with that. This year however, money is tight, so I am feeling stressed because I don't have the money that I wish I did for gifts.

My side of the family isn't too bad. We buy for my parents, my sister, my brother in law, my grandfather,a mens gift, and a ladies gift. The mens/ladies gifts are for a game we play. Instead of pulling names, we play a game called now you have it, now you don't. Everyone get a gift, so it is just a little more fun than a standard exchange of gifts. Tony's family on the other hand are out of their minds...in a good way. His family is large and close knit, so they all get gifts for everyone. Look, as I said I love buying presents for other people, but we are talking a lot of people...I won't even attempt to list everyone. Buying even somthing small for everyone is expensive...I think there is around 15 people. Why in the hell can't they just pull names or play a game, it would be so much eaiser.

Each year, Tony and I have tried to think of something fun for his nieces and nephews to do for their gifts. Last year, we got four refrigerator boxes, and bought each (4) a bunch of little things from the dollar store and one big gift and crumpled up enough newspaper to fill our living room and hid all of their goodies in these boxes, so they would have to dump them out and dig for their gifts.....that was great. This year we are trying to plan a scavenger hunt of some sort, so wish me luck with that.

I just can't believe the holidays are here already....didn't we just do this, oh well. Does anyone have any nifty Christmas/holiday traditions or games, or anything like that, that they do with family or friends?

Getting Older

I don't know what prompted me to want to write about this today. Maybe I am grumpy or maybe just a bit sad. Either way, I don't feel very chipper. I am borrowing this from a poem that Adam wrote about his grandmother.

My paternal grandfather is the only grandparent that is still living. My mom's father passed away when she was only 12 years old, so I never knew him. My grandmothers both passed in 2000 (exactly 2 months apart to the day!), so Pappy is all that I have left.

Pap had had a few strokes, his memory was not good, and he had the normal health issues of an 89 year old man. It had gotten so that he would leave things in the fridge for way too long and eat bad food, because he forgot that it was bad. He still drove, and would get disoriented and forget where he was going or where he was. Having to watch someone you love go through that was devastating, but having to watch them be forced to give up their freedom is worse IMO.

In July the family decided that it would be in his best interest to go to an assisted living facility. He could come and go as he pleased (if someone took him) and it was supposed to be a pretty nice place. He had been in the hospital, so they decided he would need to go when he was released.

My grandfather can be very emotional, and when they (when I say they, I am referring to various family members) told him what was going to happen, he got very upset. What was going to happen to his little dog? What was going to happen to his belongings? He was just very very upset. Now, Pap lived in an apartment in my Uncle Harry's house, so having his things disturbed wasn't an issue. My parents took Tinkerbell, so that wasn't a problem either....except to him it was. This place could've been the Ritz-Carlton...not good enough, because it wasn't his home. Pappy was used to being independent, and couldn't fathom why he couldn't be now. My uncle had taken his car keys (he was a danger on the road), and he knew that he could come and go and wanted his car. The deal was, that he had to take an evaluation to see if he was fit. He took the evaluation a few weeks ago, and failed. Unfortunately, he doesn't know that yet. My uncle has not told him, for fear that he will become depressed. He had just started to socialize with the other residents, and we don't want to hinder that, but all he talks about is getting his car back.

I love to spend time with him...he tells me stories from when he was young, and when my dad was little...oh the blackmail...but spending time there also breaks my heart. Every time I leave, I want to cry. He had worked his ass off his entire life and now he has to spend his time in a home.

The point of all my blabbering is that it is terrible getting older....not only does your body betray you, but sometimes your mind does too. When you have a loved one who is going through it, it just tears your heart to pieces. I don't really know what else to say. This was just kind of a rant/ramble post, so hopefully I will think of something good for the next one.

You know you are from Lancaster County PA if....

Now, I wouldn't normally post something like this, as this is something that I would usually email, but I thought that it would be funny to post it, and see what everyone else thinks, and answer any questions anyone may have. I live in Lancaster county, so here goes:

You know you are from Lancaster County PA if.....


Your idea of Chicken Pot Pie has nothing to do with a pie and you can't figure out why people might think it would.

Your driving lessons involved learning to avoid horse droppings.

You know at least 5 euphemisms for animal manure and at least 4 of them involve food.

You know how to cook, but not without butter.

You've ever missed school for the first day of deer season... but didn't get in trouble.

The following words mean something to you: Fire Hall Wedding, Chicken and Waffle Dinner, Fire-police, Wooly Bear, Whoopie Pie

You spend at least 30 minutes every summer day complaining about New Jersey drivers.

You don't understand why people would ever want to see the Amish.

The local Post Office used to be a single-family home and they close between noon and 1 for lunch.

You have ever ended a sentence with "a while".

You do not giggle when you see the following signs: Lititz, Intercourse, Blue Ball, Bird-in-Hand

You've heard of 7-11 but you've never seen one.

You cannot buy beer and wine from the same store.

Park City has nothing to do with skiing for you.

Agnes 1972 means something to you and you can tell stories about it.

You pronounce Lancaster in "Burt Lancaster" differently from Lancaster in "Lancaster, PA".

You personally know many people with the name: Lapp Lantz Stoltzfus (or Stoltzfoos) Zimmerman Zook

Iced Tea for you is sweeter than Pepsi.

You know someone who repairs gasoline-powered lawn mowers, but is forbidden to own one.

You think Fasnacht Day and Groundhog day are national holidays.

You know that eggs are either white or brown... and you have a preference.

You think the Mississippi is just a tad wider than the Susquehanna.

You know who James Buchanan was.

You can pronounce "Ephrata."

You don't have to be told what Shoo Fly Pie is.

You go to the store when the milk is "all".

You think orange traffic cones are the natural foliage surrounding Route 30.

You have an uncontrollable urge to buy bread and milk when you hear the word, "snow."

You know the only way to make good fastnachts is to cook them in LARD.

You live within two miles of a plant that makes potato chips, corn chips, pretzels, candy or ice cream or that packages turkeys, beans or bologna.

You do things "once," as in, "I'll go check in the back room once."

You can stop along the road to buy fruit, vegetables or crafts on the "honor system."

YOUR turkey has "filling," not "stuffing" and most certainly NOT "dressing."

You know that chicken corn soup from a firehouse is the most perfect food on earth.

You say things like, "Outen the lights," "I'm calling off today" and "They're calling for snow."

You've heard of distelfinks and hex signs.

Red Beet Eggs makes your list of top ten favorite foods.

You pronounce "Suite" as SUIT, not SWEET.

You say you're going out to the shed "AWHILE," instead of "FOR AWHILE."

You only buy your beer and soda by the case.

You think the roads in any other state are smooth.

You know the Penn State cheer. (WE ARE...PENN STATE!)

Hearing horses clopping down a paved street doesn't bring you to the window to see what's going on outside.

You never see any Confederate flags except on the Gettysburg battlefield.

You prefer Hershey's chocolate to Godiva.

You consider Pittsburgh to be "out west," and you know the fastest way to Philly is the Turnpike.

School closings due to snow take the radio stations half an hour to finish because just about every town has its own school district.

When someone says 1972, you think, "Agnes," and when someone says 1979, you think, "TMI."

You call sloppy joes "barbecue."

You think Medium Rare equals Well Done.

When it snows, they put cinders on the roads instead of sand.

You only own three spices: salt, pepper and ketchup.

You have ten favorite recipes for venison.

Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

The local paper covers National and International headlines on one page, but requires six pages for local sports.

You think the start of deer hunting is a national holiday.

You remember fondly days of youth known as, "Snow Days."

Words like: gumband, buggie, hoagie, chipped beef, scrapple, actually mean something to you.

You think Fasnacht Day and Groundhog Day are national holidays.

The verb "to be" is useless: "Does Fido need out?"

You know what a Turkey Hill is . . .
. . . and you've ditched school to hang out there.
. . . and they're the only place that sells your favorite beverage.


You've corrected all the errors while watching Witness.

"Dinner" and "supper" are different concepts entirely.

You reocognize "Twin Kiss" and "Freez and Frizz," knowing that Dairy Queen is a pale imitation.

Dutch Wonderland is neither Dutch nor much of a Wonderland.

WGAL is the source of all local celebrities and they create quite a stir when they shop in the supermarket.

The Green Dragon ain't no Chinese restaurant.

Three words: Red Beet Eggs.

You actually get these jokes and forward them to all your Lancaster County friends.


I know a lot of these don't make sense to non-Lancaster living people, so any guesses about some of these things? or questions? ;0)

Buddy Boy......Wonderdog...or something

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Buddy:




Buddy is my 2 1/2 year old Chocolate Lab. I thought it would be fun today to share some funny stories about my faithful companion. First, let me start with how I came to become Buddy's "mommy".

Tony's niece and her hubby used to breed chocolates. While at their house for one of their children's birthdays, there was still a litter of the cutest puppies running around (they weren't quite old enough to leave mom yet). Of course, I proceeded to lay on the ground and play with the pups, and so did Tony. One little guy in particular caught my fancy, due to his laziness ;0). He was the only pup that was content just to lay in my lap and sleep. Brian came over and was telling me that this pooch was his fav. too, and did I mention he was the biggest one...by a long shot;). Brian also told me that he had a perspective family for all the pups, but this little guy. They had found out from their vet that he had an issue with his lower eyelids (sorry, I don't know what it was called), in that they rolled in towards his eyeballs...I know, lovely. Tony and I had told them, that if they couldn't find anyone who wanted him, that we would think about it. It was up in the air as to what the cost would be to have surgery on his eyes at this point. So, low and behold, we got a phone call on father's day weekend saying that if we didn't want him, they were gonna take him to the humane league......guess what, we took him. We had his eyes fixed, and now he is a happy and healthy ball of energy that I couldn't see my life without.

OK, now that everyone is falling asleep, let me show you how he sleeps:





I do not know how that could be comfy, but hey. I would be here all day telling you all of the funny shit that goes on in my house because of boobie (my nickname for him), but I will just share a couple.

Fist up is the time that the dog thought it would be a fantastic idea to eat....yes EAT....one of Tony's router bits....for anyone who doesn't know what that is click here and yes, he ate one of those, and yes, they are sharp. Of course, my dog had an iron stomach, but I was still worried about his safety. When it was discovered what had happened, Tony informs me that he needs said router bit, and so begins "bit watch 2005". Yes, I was on dookie duty to get the router bit back, and when it finally "arrived" *ahem*, I gave the goodie bag to Tony, and told him to get the bit he needed so badly....and he did.

Buddy was crate trained when he was little, and didn't seem to mind it much. He was never really left crated for a long period of time, so it just worked out. When we moved into our new house, we felt we didn't need to crate him. (We needed to crate before, due to Tarzan the evil dog, who wanted to eat Buddy) So, that wasn't the best decision I ever made, but hey, live and learn. He was very out of sorts, with the new house and such, and now he was home alone alot more. He started getting in the trash, chewing things, peeing on the floor, and so on. Well, I had had enough of all of that, so I decided to go back to the crate. I even bought him an extra large kennel. Said kennel lasted two days people.....two got-damned days, before he tore the metal bars from the frame with his teeth, in an escaped attempt to rival Houdini. He even broke a tooth...needless to say, he doesn't go in the crate now, unless he's bad, or we have company (he's a jumper).

Buddy has been known to clear a room with his horrible gas, he's fallen down our steps countless times trying to go to fast, fallen up the steps, taken up the entire bed, gotten into the shower with me for no apparent reason, and just generally makes me laugh. So, while I hope these things were amusing, I am sorry if this was entirely too long, as I have a tendency to be long winded. I leave you with these:










I hope everyone has a good Thursday....one day closer to the weekend!!

What is in a nickname?

Well, that entirely depends on the person. While perusing the blogosphere you will come across a plethora of nicknames, screen names,
or titles. Whatever you call them, there is almost always some type of
story behind the name. It could be part of your given name, or some
version of your name. Most times it has something to do with a hobby,
the type of car you drive/like, your personality, your size (like me),
or maybe a funny story or event from your life.

I actually have a few nicknames. Littlemissy555
comes from a nickname my best friend gave me. When we first became
friends, she had another friend named Missy, so she had to
differentiate between us. I am only 4'10" so she started calling me
little Miss (her other friend Missy was "pain in the ass Missy" ). When
I got my excite account back in the day, I tried to use little miss,
butlittlemissy555 is what they gave me, so I have just kept using it.

My family nickname, is bird. Of course some call me birdie or birdie Ann
(my middle name). This is the one that was completely out of my
control. When I was born, I was 2 1/2 months early, and I only weighed
2lb 7oz. My cousin visited me in the hospital and said that I looked
like a baby bird....and it stuck. It doesn't bother me...I can think of
worse nicknames (I had an ex, whose grandmother called himshitbird??? I don't know why), and everyone still calls me by that name.

Missy
is a nickname too, seeing as my "given" name is Melissa. Minnie is yet
another one that came from a cousin. We are only three months apart in
age and he couldn't say Melissa when we were little, so he just called
me Minnie, and still does. I've been called shorty so many times that I
want to gag...I've been calledlil' bit, blondie, and various other common names, but I like my own unique ones better.

So,
what's in your nickname? Is there a story, or was it something someone
just stuck you with? Do you like it or hate it? The ones that come from
parents are always the "best", so if you are brave enough...I kid, I
kid...;0) Let's hear it!!!

I don't need your attitude, I've got one of my own!

I really can't stand how some parents can treat you like less of a person than they would treat someone else, just because you are their child and they feel entitled to do so. That being said, I would like to talk about the fabulous Friday evening that I had.

I called my mom after work to say hi, like I normally do, and my dad answered the phone. It was obvious that he was drunk, but he is usually upbeat and funny. This time though, he was being pissy. He proceeded to get loud with me on topics ranging from my lack of an engagement/wedding ring, the fact that I don't have and kids yet, the fact that I've been "playing house" for four years, and so on. I couldn't figure out why he was pissed about any of this all of a sudden, but I sure as hell wasn't going to argue about it. Hey, if you want to have a discussion with me, then do so without yelling, and preferrably sober.

My dad and I have a history, so to speak of things such as this, but that was quite a long time ago. He used to have a drinking problem, and would become verbally abusive with me and/or my mom, but we have always been very close...go figure. Just to clarify, this is not meant as a pity party for me, just need to vent a little bit.

Because of those things, it doesn't take much to upset me. I can't take being yelled at...at all, so after him yelling at me for the 10th time when I was going to get married....and I told him that it wasn't up to me, I got an additude. I am 27 years old....not 14 anymore, and I told him that I was not going to keep answering the same damn question, to which he replied, we will talk about it if I want to talk about it. Then.....I hung up on him.

I have never (I don't think) hung up on him, but I couldn't stand it anymore. I was even ok at first, just disgusted. When Tony came into the kitchen, I lost it. I proceeded to bawl because I was upset at the things that he said, and the fact that he didn't respect me.

This brings me to my point (sorry for the long post). I would never speak to anyone like he spoke to me, and normally he would not address anyone else in such a way, so why does he think it's ok to treat me like that....It's not. So now he's moping because he knows that he was in the wrong and I don't think he wants to apologize. He can have whatever opinion he wants to in regards to my situation, but just because you think that way, doesn't mean that I have to. Anyone ever been in this type of dynamic/situation? I hope not....I really hope not ;0)

Bring on the turkey!!

Well, now that Halloween is done and over with, it's time to think about Thanksgiving. My family's thanksgiving tradition was always very simple....eat dinner with the parents and then the parents of your boyfriend, or whatever. My immediate family is small, just my parents, sister, brother in law, and my boyfriend......not a big deal right? You wouldn't think so. My sis started to want to cook dinner too (my mom is her stepmom, so that might be why) and so now I had to try to swing three dinners.....*groan*. I don't know about anyone else, but that is just too much food for me. I am all about those Thanksgiving goodies, but I prefer to be able to walk at the end of the day.

My extended family on both parent's sides of the family are large, so it is impossible to see everyone. My dad's side though used to always get everyone together for a huge meal, but that was before I was born I guess, cause I sure as hell don't remember that. Three years ago, my cousin Jeff put together a Thanksgiving for the whole family to rekindle the tradition. The dinner was great and everyone enjoyed getting to see people they hadn't seen in years. What I am getting at is this...each year he has tried to come up with a creative idea to get everyone involved with the meal/celebration. This year his bright idea was to make it like an iron chef competition. When I got the letter about time/date/place/theme, I stood there and stared at the damn paper thinking "he's fucking nuts". You don't understand how big the fam. is here people, but anyway, it should prove interesting. My question in all of this rambling is does anyone have any off the wall, funny, or interesting Thanksgiving tradidions?

What a rip off

I was so totally excited to hand out candy this year, as I am every year. I don't know, I just love seeing all of the cute kids and costumes. I got ripped off people. I swear, we may have had 20 kids, and that's pathetic! I wanted to cry....I did get to see my niece and nephew which were adorable as usual, but seriously....what the fuck? I bought all that candy and didn't get to get rid of it (on damn, more for me to eat). Each year there are less kids that come around and it bums me out. I think I will stick to going out with the kids next year, cause this is bullshit! So today I am pouting and stuffing my face with leftover candy....hooray!

Happy Halloween!!

I really don't have anything of substance today but I wanted to say Happy Halloween!!! This is one of my favorite holidays. I just love seeing all the little cuties in their costumes. But as RSM posted things just aren't the same as they used to be. I don't have kids, so I am not exactly in the same boat....I just got more lame as I've gotten older.

I have not decided weather I am going to dress up to hand out candy. I guess that will depend on my mood at about 5:45 ;0). So anyway, good luck to anyone with kiddies going trick-or-treating, and to anyone else, be safe and have fun!

Happy Halloween !!!!!!!

It's the little things....

On a visit to my parents' house on Saturday, my mom gave me a couple of boxes that she had come across while cleaning up the basement. She was laughing about all of the dumb little things that I had packed away. She chuckled and said "you are a pack rat just like dad." I disagree. I don't keep things for the sake of having them, I keep things because they have a meaning or a memory attached to them. Apparently, I have quite a lot of "memories".


Ok, I'll admit it....I am one of THOSE people, yeah, you know one of those people who is overly sentimental, but hey, I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I don't think enough people take the time to enjoy the little things.

I have a beautiful wooden box that my grandfather made for me. The box itself is special to me because it was a gift for no reason whatsoever, just an "I was thinking of you" type gift. In this particular box is a collection of little trinkets, pictures, my graduation tassel, a handmade doll, and some other little things that remind me of things that give me the warm and fuzzies. Most times, when I feel down or sad, I can go and get the box down and look through it to cheer myself up. Yes, I already know what is in there, but those little things make me smile, make me feel better. That being said, I think everyone should have something like my box. Something that has the ability to make you smile if you are having a bad day, or just to sit and reminisce about a better time. So, if you had a box, what would you put in it?

Happy Monday!!! ;)

TGIFF

Thank goodness that it is finally Friday!! This particular Friday is especially well,...special for me. I have recently got in touch with a friend of mine (thru myspace) that I haven't seen since high school, so about 8 years or so *groan*. We are getting together for dinner this evening and I cannot wait!! JB and I had been friends for as long as I can remember, and had so many good times when we were younger, but went our separate ways half way through high school. We never had any type of falling out or anything, we just hung out in different crowds....she hung out with the popular people and me...well, lets just say I embraced my inner redneck..*ahem*. I was friendly with everyone as far as I can remember, but just a little different, more of a tomboy. So in this post I would like to reminisce about some of the crazy things that we did when we were younger. Like the time we:

• ...were riding my four wheeler, went down over a bank, onto the road and hit a pickup truck that was driving down the road!!...(no one was seriously injured thank GOD!!)
• ....I ran over her brand new school shoes with the four wheeler (seeing a pattern here?)
• ....went to the beach with each other's families every summer
• ....pestered the shit out of her little brother

• ....went sledding and she pissed her pants laughing.....4 times!!!

Those are only some of the funny things that I can remember for right now. If I tried to list each one, this would be the longest post ever. But here is to rekindling an wonderful friendship!! JB is now a newlywed (since March) and is expecting her first child. I am so very excited for her and her hubby. I hope that this evening is the beginning of many more funny memories to post about. Happy Friday!!!

Marbles

Here is something that a friend sent me. For some reason, it just really got me so I thought I would share. Please read it and think about what it may mean to you.

Marbles

Mrs. Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me when I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature,ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

As I paid for my potatoes I was drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged little boy next to me.

"Hello Barry, how are you today?"

"H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. Sure
look good. "

"They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?"

"Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time."

"Good. Anything I can help you with?"

"No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."

"Would you like to take some home?"

"No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with."

"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?"

"All I got's my prize marble here."

"Is that right? Let me se e it."

"Here 'tis. She's a dandy."

"I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" !

"Not zackley. but almost."

"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble."

"Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller."

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an
orange one, perhaps."

I left the stand smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A
short time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering.

Several years went by, each more rapid that the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learn ed that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.

Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts ... all very professional looking.

They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and
smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket.

Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and
mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.

"Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt."

"We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho "

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her
deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles....A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself. An unexpected phone call from an old friend. Green stoplights on your way to work. The fastest line at the grocery store. A good sing-along song on the radio. Your keys right where you left them.

Love and marriage.....and babies!!!!

That title makes me think of the theme song from married with children...oh, right where was I.. Well, due to recent badgering (did I say that out loud) from certain family members and friends, I thought I would write about my non-married, childless state of affairs.

My poor parents....I think my mom's head will explode if she doesn't get a wedding or a grandchild sometime in the near future, so watch out, this could get messy!! I am so damn tired of hearing.."When are you getting married?" or "When are you going to have children?". Look, I get the feeling that at 27 because I'm not married they think of me as an old maid, so to speak....gimme a break people. I do not think 27 is freakin old.....at all. So back off....gah. Besides, I can't marry myself, or have a baby by myself so my parents and I are at the mercy of the bf. If the bf has his way, we'll be waiting awhile....that is all for now, just wanted to vent....humf.

Hump Day....

Thank God it is one day closer to the weekend. Damn, this week is dragging. I officially have not one interresting thing to write about, so I won't bore you half to death. I am excited that the trick-or-treaters will be doing their thing soon, as I can not wait to hand out candy. I am debating weather or not I want to dress up or not. If I do, I have a choice of the following: policewoman, pirate, belly dancer (that won't happen), or just wing it and do something goofy. I don't need a costume to be goofy looking, but that is beside the point. I think I am going to attempt to "dress" my dog and see how he reacts, hilarity should ensue. If I can get him to keep his outfit on I will definately post pics. The best is getting to see my niece all dressed up. She is growing so fast and it's nice to see her enjoy these things. Oh well, that's all for now kiddies. I need to actually do some WORK....;)

Love/Hate relationship with the computer

I have been trying for the last two hours to figure out how to transfer all of my music files from one computer to the other one, to no avail. Now I know I could burn all of the files and transfer them that way, but my drive won't let me. This is one of the reasons that I wanted to put my music on my other computer so that I could actually burn CDs. I love my ipods but they don't do to well at work. So now I am taking a break before I say to hell with it and break both computers. If anyone has any suggestions (not that anyone will ever read this) please let me know. ;)

Weekend rundown

Well, this weekend seemed to go by in a blur. I know I did a lot, but then again I don't feel like I got much accomplished. Tony was busy hanging drywall in our upstairs guest bath and upstairs hallway. Our house by the way is a work in progress, but that is for another post. I slept way too late on Saturday, but oh well. I got some laundry done and proceeded to start cleaning out my craft room. This is the room that colletcts everything that you don't know what to do with. Don't act like you don't have one too, cause we all do. That was most of Saturday's activities, so I won't bore you with stupid details. Sunday was spent rearranging kitchen cabinets to make room for some things I bought at an auction, then I helped Tony tear down some ceramic tile in the bathroom....weee! After all of that excitement I had to clean up the drywall mess. So all in all, I was the maid/house bitch this weekend. Hopefully today won't be too bad.

Just starting out

Well, being as this is the very first post, I don't have the slightest thing to write about. I will need to give it a little thought. Bear with me while I collect myself ;0)