Auld Lang Syne....

The traditional song of the New Year....remembering days gone by. It has been a year full of excitement, happiness, illness, and sadness, just like any other year. Some years are more memorable than others. This year of course having an election, a poor economy, storms, and other events will make it stand out in history. I think the most impacting week this year for me was this past week, with many sad events that occurred. Sometimes I wonder why it was that I wanted to be a nurse, and then the challenges that come up with my patients and the fact that I can make even the smallest of differences in their lives to make the excitement more exciting, the painful more tolerable, and the sadness less devastating. Tears are shed, hugs are given, hands are held, sometimes there is just silence, other times words of encouragement are shared. It has only served to strengthen me more than my patients, deepening my faith, renewing my spirit. So, as 2008 departs leaving behind its memories....2009 comes in new, fresh, sparkling with all the fun, excitement, challenges, sadness, laughter, and GRADUATION!!! May we all be blessed with the comfort and love of family and friends to share in the brand new year! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The days roll on and all the preparation for Christmas seems to take forever and yet it takes a short time for it to be over. The most wonderful part is to have family to share the day with. The kids were all home and we had a terrific day together. There were many surprises and a few glitches where "Santa" seemed to have miss tagged a couple of items, but it worked out well. Natalie opened up a Wii game, yet she doesn't have a Wii. Well, after to trying to figure out where things went wrong (sort of) I realized I had forgotten a present that was put in a "safe place", the Wii! So, she was even more surprised. I got wonderful gifts. I have the adobe photoshop elements 7 to play with and it came with a scrapbooking disk!!! I got a small computer, it is so cute, and will be wonderful to travel with, perfume, and other wonderful things. I most loved the handmade card and heartfelt note written by Callie....it was so special and tears welled in my eyes. Caitlin got a much needed camera and it will be great for taking pictures on her trip to Colorado, although I think she prefers the diamond necklace that her boyfriend, Adam gave her! ;-)

Callie got everything on her list, and Paul got lots of stuff and much needed money. Manuel got an array of things. We woke up late, took naps, ate a wonderful meal, watched movies and had a peaceful day. Tomorrow will be back to the normal rat race, so to speak. Having a day all together is what life is about, a real blessing.

Ahhhhh.....

Last night it was such a delight to finish my last school assignment for 2008. Hitting the send button was such an act of freedom. Today, Candy and I went shopping all day. It was such a treat to be able to go out and not have to worry and fret over what assignment was due when. I did get a final grade of 100% in the Budget class!! We got quite a bit of shopping accomplished. I did well at the Coach store, bought a purse and wallet with my birthday money (which was months ago). I finished up some Christmas Cards tonight, and have only a little bit of wrapping of presents to do! I have been busy sending Smilebox Christmas Greetings as it has been difficult to get time to write cards. Now, I did make a Christmas card....here it is:

The issue is it needs to be printed out in a 4x8 size, however, my printer doesn't do this, and CVS and Walgreen's have 4x8, but only print their own cards! They could have charged me the same, I put the darn thing on a disk....but NO! ;-)I had the same issue last year except I didn't try CVS or Walgreen's! This is the Smilebox version:

Make a Smilebox greeting

Anyway, I went through my bedside drawer and found some email addresses from different parts of the world for Manuel's cousins, and I have them all entered and sent out the Smilebox to them as well. Maybe, just maybe, we'll get a bit more connected.

Callie is watching movies with her friend Emily, the cats are all curled up and sleeping. Life is so peaceful and the best part...No Homework!!!!

PARTY FUN!

I have to give it to Candy,she puts on a really good party. I even was up and dancing, though I'm paying for it with sore knees now. How could I not participate in the Cha-Cha Slide?? There was a lot of laughter and of course the Karaoke....we had a couple of good singers, Evan and John. The rest of us just mangle the songs, but have fun doing so. Some of the girls got a bit wild, but we won't let any secrets out, what happened at the party stays at the party, though, I have proof! And I just want to ask, Liz, what were you thinking drawing a tramp stamp on by back with as Sharpie????

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

On another bright note, only two papers to go, and I'll officially be on Christmas break and my shopping is nearing and end! Whoohooo!!!

Christmas Party!!!

Today is Candy's annual Christmas party! I've done some baking for it. My knee is doing pretty well today, it is osteoarthritis and for now, no surgery! :-) The weather has been cooler which I quite enjoy, I have more energy, although in New England they are having ice storms and many have lost power. The Christmas shopping is getting close to being done! Then comes the wrapping of the gifts. I still haven't gotten things together for Christmas card. I have finished on paper and a powerpoint, three papers to go!

Diagnosis....

I have been limping and hobbling around like a crotchety old goat for weeks. It has been rather painful to be honest, but I keep on going. I was coaxed into getting a knee brace to quite my husband and some of the docs I work with, it really didn't help much, but maybe it did I don't know for sure. I start of moving slow and stiff and the get momentum, however the pain and clicking and popping are most annoying. Today was my appointment with the orthopedic doctor. I med him a few weeks ago on my unit, we talked, and I caved in! :-) It was a good appointment, I even with the x-rays! Yipee. The meeting with the doctor was painless for the most part and he wanted to hear about my knees. Basically, all my life I've had trouble, but kept on going, etc. I explained about my experience with the Wii fit and the unforgettable spin class, and the fall on the tarmac several weeks later, but "I was fine" I say. Diagnosis: I most likely have a meniscus tear on the lateral part of me knee and I have arthritis! I was shocked. It is pretty extensive I guess a 6 out of 10! Who would have known??? Not me, that is for sure. Really? I said, and then he x-rays were explained. I'm still in a bit of disbelief, he said he wasn't expecting this from someone my age...(sure make me out to be young now....Hahahahahaha). So, the next step is an MRI on Tuesday and an appointment with the results next Thursday. Actually, the knee feels a bit better...I did go to Candy's and met up with her and Liz to help put out Christmas decorations. Then I went to Kohl's, shopping always makes me feel better, then I got Callie from school, went to the grocery store, made a salad, and watched a little t.v. The HDTV is now working, this will surely make the husband happy with his new monstrosity of a t.v.! Whatever works. Then it was some homework for several hours and this is my escape...I'm off for some rest. Have to meet up with Candy for more school work in the morning....this too shall pass!

December....

It's here! The month of December....Peace on Earth, Goodwill and all the excitement for Christmas. The month that ends our calendar year. It has been hard for me to write "12" for the month, where did November go???? It's been a rapid passing year. The tree is up, it is very pretty tree, full and even, not decrorated, but it is up. Manuel and the girls bought new lights, I can't wait to see them on the tree. Some of my Christmas shopping is done. I have ideas, I just need get with it! I've been a bit slow moving these days. Since Caitlin had her kidney stone, I've had issues with my left knee. It doesn't want to bend, it hurts, its somewhat swollen, so my co-workers tell me, and did I say it hurts, because, it does from the knee up to the hip and the knee down to the sole of my foot! I did see an orthopedic surgeon in passing a few weeks ago...the words "it could be scoped" scared me...something about "age" was also mentioned, all I remember saying was...."I'm not going down with out a fight, kicking and screaming all the way"...okay, I may be kicking and screaming but because the knee is getting worse. So, I've diagnosed it, a torn meniscus. It's a "c" shaped ligament in my knee. Looking up the information, I have the 5 signs. I think it may have been from the fall I took after Callie's recital...you know, after the traumatic spin class left me for dead!!! It's left me hobbling and occasionally with a yelp because of the snapping an crunching that makes a sharp electrical type pain up my leg. I have made and appointment to have it checked out, I'm not happy about it, but I sure can't go on like this. My co-workers are thinking that it's a ploy to get the holidays off! After all, last year it was the gallbladder...geesh, I'm falling apart!

Thanksgiving....

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. I loved spending Thanksgiving as a child at my Grandparents house and getting together with my cousins. We weren't a big family, and we didn't live particularly close, so it was nice to be together laughing and having a good time. We'd annoy my mother with our "cackling and heehawing"! My cousin, Susan and I can still sit at a table together and out of the clear blue start laughing at the same time!! It was also a time for making a Christmas wish list out for my grandparents. There was a lot of love, and always plenty of delicious food. I think I miss family gatherings the most, and stores being closed on holidays so that families had to spend the time together, I've tried to keep that tradition with my children. I think that commerce has been particularly greedy in wanting to get a every dollar they can so feel that we need to shop every single day. Ridiculous!!!

Today we were all together to visit and share in the big meal. It was quite delicious and it didn't take long to get full. Naps are always an asset for Thanksgiving as well. Love naps! I had to get the camera out and irritate the family for lots of pictures. It's all about the good times and the memories...they'll appreciate that one day. Even with the toughening economic times...there is so much to be THANKFUL for, we are truly blessed.

a time of reflection....

The other day I received a call from a co-worker to inform me of an acquaintances loss of their beloved child. These circumstances are always so heartbreaking and tend to leave us not really knowing what to say without fumbling. The struggles in life affect us all, financial status has no bearing, nor do the jobs we hold, the cars we drive, or the house we live in. Tough decisions were made by these brave and heartbroken parents, the loss of their son has gone to save many other lives, so even though he has pasted to be with the Lord, he lives here on earth in other people. John 12:24 "Truly, I tell all of you with certainty, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces a lot of grain". The Memorial Service was to not mourn the loss of a young man, but to celebrate his precious life. May God Bless them.

Yesterday was our Anniversary. It has been a looooong time that we've been married. There have been joyful times, sad times, times full of laughter, some with sickness,others with challenges, but never has it been dull. Anniversaries like birthdays give us time to look back and reflect and remember the very best of times and to think about the future.

This week I got sad news about an acquaintances child that passed away tragically. Just observing this couple there was much love and joy that I can only imagine was magnified when they with their children, I can't imagine the deep anguish that they are experiencing at this time, especially so close to the holidays.I can only pray that the dear Lord gives them the strength to move forward and to soften the pain in their hearts.

There are no perfect lives, like on t.v. We must work hard each day at living,to take joy in the simplicity of little joys, and cherish the very best days, since these will be the memories that we'll look back on. So, in celebrating our anniversary we look back on the night when we met, I the graceful one who tripped and fell going up the purple shag carpeted stairs of a night club in Bermuda, and my husband who stood at the top of the stairs with a row full of his buddies all holding a Heineken, asked me if I was okay when I finally reached the top of the stairs. Mortified, I said yes, and there were snickers of laughter from his friends.....We married six weeks later, in an old New England Church on a hill, with a small group of family and friends. I'm still graceful, he's still kind, and we still laugh a lot, and love each other.

ELECTION DAY!

Today was election day! The lines in some places where quite long yet quite short in others. Go figure! Some of us voted by absentee ballot, some took advantage of early voting, and some, waited in line on the traditional voting day. I'm just glad that it wasn't hot and humid. Paul and I went and voted this morning. As we were signing our names Natalie called to say she voted, Manuel is voting now. Caitlin did absentee balloting. Friends from across the country went out and voted as well. It is our civic duty. Callie voted in school. I got caught up on a few things today, I can't believe how behind I've gotten. Two classes this semester....ugh! Class tonight, must study.

Halloween....

Ghosts and goblins and all costumed children going house to house for trick or treat. I have to confess that I didn't decorate much at all. I thought about it, since I have at least 3 big plastic boxes in the attic for "Fall" items....I just couldn't face taking it all down and putting it away. So, there were a few things out. Paul did the candy this year. Callie went to a friends house, and Manuel and I had date night. We had dinner at Outback and then went to the movies to see Fireproof. It was a very good movie, one that makes you laugh and cry. The theatre was full of couples, mostly older couples. The movie has a message and is entertaining.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5lSu6GkC2k). Caitlin and Adam are dressed up like Leprechauns!! That ought to be a cute sight!! LOL Happy All Saints Day! OH! Tomorrow is National Scrapbooking Day! and an extra hour of sleep!!! Don't forget to set the clocks back one hour.....more pillow bonding time!!! Yes!!!

There is no place like home.....

Natalie Waving Goodbye!

I'm back home. It took an hour longer to get home that it did to get to Gainesville. There was Friday afternoon traffic and there was rain that slowed things down. Plus, I wasn't feeling well so I let Paul drive home, and he uses the cruise-control. Caitlin felt well enough to go work today. She slept in late, we had plans to go to the Mall, but she kept on sleeping - something she needed. I did 8 loads of laundry, grocery shopping, made a dinner, bought some plants for the girls front entry, some died, Caitlin swears that Natalie failed to water them, but they may have been annuals at any rate, there are new colorful ones to brighten the walkway. I went to Books-a-million....I got several books to read...when I get free time :-) and books on CD. I just love listening to books on CD when I'm driving long distances. Unfortunately, Paul didn't agree, he'd rather listen to music...well, they're saved for next time. Got Lisa a little something for her travels to NC for a new travel assignment. Natalie met us for lunch at Cracker Barrel, love the roast turkey salad with the biscuits and blackberry jam. Yum! It's Gator Growl tonight so Natalie is off to that. Caitlin couldn't go because it started before she got off from work. We watched the parade on t.v. today, it was raining, better to watch it on t.v. in that kind of weather. We passed one of the floats on the way home near Tampa! It's homecoming weekend!!! Gators play Kentucky tomorrow. I work! (If it isn't one thing, it's another!!!) I started working on my two new classes something with safety and the other to do with budgeting! And so it begins, no rest for the weary....and the antibiotics aren't helping my sore throat!!!

Gainesville

Some days are better than others, and when it comes to one's children the pain they endure is something that makes a parent feel totally helpless. Caitlin has been have an issue with kidney stones and at Easter she was so ill until she passed the stones. This week the pain started again in the other kidney, this time there are two in the ureter! By the time she got to her doctor's for a CT scan she was in quite a bit of pain and he admitted her directly to the hospital. When I talked to her at lunch her little voice on the phone and the tears upset me and I had to go be with her. Paul went up for the ride, he was concerned as we all are. The ride was pleasant, no traffic accept in one small area which is rare at rush hour. I made it as the sun was setting to go and spend time with her. The nausea and vomiting were very difficult for her. The medication really wasn't helping much. During the night her IV infiltrated and she needed another one. She was stuck 7 times that day to get two IV's in! She had an x-ray this morning and was medicated gain for nausea and pain and slept for just over 45 minutes and woke up and passed a stone. She was then released, the other should pass soon. It was a much better day this afternoon. What a relief. She was able to eat a little dinner, first food in days. While that little brown dot looks small, it is quite big and caused quite a lot of pain, now she has to get rid of its twin!!!

Good friends, good times....

Today was a gorgeous day! Candy and I took Liz out to celebrate her birthday. We got her a beautiful Brighton necklace and earrings. She loved them! We ate breakfast at the new First Watch and then walked downtown along the river. It's been ages since I've even been down town, let along walk. It was the perfect day to go. Next week may be kayaking! Liz wore the necklace and the matching earrings to class tonight at school. We had to give our presentation on Medical Errors. It went well, and I'm so glad that it's over. The instructor was great, but I'm really tired of homework and not being able to do fun stuff. I would love to sit and sew for a while and be able to see my accomplishments. I'd like to be able to read for fun, etc. I guess the end is in sight, and I can be proud to have gotten this far. Maybe while I'm lying around I can absorb some knowledge from Mr. Edison, Mr. Ford, and Mr. Firestone!!!

Pumpkins!!!!

I just love Autumn, and all it's colorful splendor! I love pumpkins. Their shapes, sizes, originality!!! It was a beautiful Autumn day. It has been so hot and humid here, we didn't think that we would be able to open the doors and windows and enjoy the fresh air, but we did! Finally!!! It is still in the 80's but there is a nice breeze and the humidity was low. Callie was with her dance group to preform at a local church fair.
Then it was off to Lowe's to get new lights for the house. Manuel already picked the outside lights and the electrician was there. The fan in the master bedroom got changed since weeks ago on of the paddles flew off!!! Manuel in his infinite wisdom brought home a light for the entryway that he just thought was beautiful! Not my words, and I got the lights I wanted. He calls them "flying saucers"! Okay, so we don't agree, but now that they are up they look very nice and give a nice warm glow!
The evening was topped off by celebrating Candy's birthday. She was down in the dumps because she thought people forgot, especially her husband, but what she didn't know was, a surprise birthday party was being planned. As always, the party was loud, full of karaoke, lots of food, and friends. It was a good time for sure!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

busy weekend....

It was a busy weekend. Natalie came home for a couple of days. It was good to see her, though the time is far to short. We did get in some shopping, that is always fun. She got to spend time with friends, which was a much need diversion from school work. I was invited to two weddings on the same day. Manuel's cousin's daughter and a friend from work. Of course, family is first. It was a lovely wedding, the bride, beautiful, it was a fun evening. Today was church, and assembling the pictures to make a smilebox, of course, and Natalie attended a friends baby shower, and I did a smilebox for that. I've tried to get through my email, been a bit behind on that. I have homework to do, and two papers to work on.....Gunnhild has some wonderful pictures of Croatia on her blog.

Some days are so exciting.....

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

My Grandma K was a woman before her time. She worked, questioned the world, and I think she was political. Perhaps this is where I got my spark for following politics, maybe it's because on my mother's side of the family, my roots go back to two Presidents (the first father and son pair). Maybe it was because I grew up in an era where woman where questioning why men can do things and women can't. I tend to think it's a combination of things. I remember voting in my first presidential election and my friend at work voted for the other candidate because she met him, and shook his hand and she said "he had warm hands". I thought that was the most ridiculous reason to vote for someone! I am still baffled by that.


I want to know my candidate, what they stand for, their convictions, their principles,their record and if they live the way they speak. Many years ago I watched CSPAN I think it was, and there was a Senator from Arizona that they were following for the day. He was a busy man and at home there was much activity taking place for setting up for a birthday party. The same chaos that was at that house, has occurred in my house. I was amazed by the amount of knowledge that this man had, and in how many directions he could go all at the same time. I later learned of his days as a prisoner of war. This touched me, since one of my classmates' dad had been a POW and it was joyful when he was finally released (I often wonder how that family is - as they moved away). As the years have passed I continued to follow Senator John McCain, not always agreeing with his stand on things, but admired his tenacity for crossing the isle and showing his human side of frustration with politics, which I think we can all relate to with this "bailout fiasco". So, when Senator McCain ran for President, I paid close attention to who was running and what the issues are and then came Sarah! Out of the blue Senator McCain chose her for his VP running mate. Sarah's from Alaska,I've been to Alaska, I've been to Wasilla (the restart point for the iditarod races) and Juneau. She worked her way to being Governor, she is married with children, she is educated, attends church; she is imperfect,she takes a stand and follows through, she is fun, and has issues ... she is like me and my friends, oh yes, she buys school supplies at Walmart, her income - middle class - like the rest of us! Then she spoke! She lit up the interest in those sitting on the political sidelines. I really like her. My friends like her. I'm dismayed that the majority of the news media is so biased, I'm not sure why they are, they should be fair but the interview with Charlie Gibson....it showed his true colors, and they weren't pretty. I was surprised he didn't break the arms on the chair he was sitting in! Then it was disclosed that Sarah Palin would being coming to my neighborhood! I worked and couldn't get tickets, by God Bless my friend, Judi, was able to get me a ticket. A co-worker, Betsy, was kind enough to switch days with me...and off we went.

We stood in line for 1 1/2 hours, it was hot and we were sweaty. The line was long and very long after us. There were all kinds of pins, shirts, etc. for sale. We got in and took our seats, and listen to other politicians including the Governor of Florida. And then it happened, the lights dimmed and out she came waving and smiling. Her speech was just as dynamic as it is on television. She captured the hearts and attention of everyone in the room. Aside from a few nasty hecklers that were escorted out, it was perfect. She stated points, facts, and what McCain-Palin hope to accomplish if elected. She even went down and signed autographs!!! I enjoyed her speech. It gives me much food for thought as I make my way to the voting booth.

Travel plans....

There is always an adventure just steps away. I'm always asked "where's your next big trip"? Honestly, I really didn't know. Each place I go, I don't think there is anywhere else that can beat it, but it does! I went to Greece and Israel early in the year an my roommate was my co-worker Jean. Well, she came across this trip to Croatia at her church and signed up and asked if I'd consider going and being her roommate again and without a second thought I said "yes, sure"! So, I filled out my paperwork and put in my down payment and I now have received my confirmation. This trip is a faith trip and we will be going to Dubrovnik and Medjugorje. This is a spiritual pilgrimage which relates to the following story:

On June 24th 1981 a young woman bearing a child on her arm appeared on a hill outside Medjugorje. With her free hand she urged six young people to come closer but they did not dare to do so as they sensed something extraordinary. However urged by a will they could not describe all of them came back the next day individually and she revealed herself to be The Holy Virgin.

The Holy Virgin also appeared the third day and appealed for peace. All in all she has shown herself 10 times in front of countless people and every day services in different languages are held in the church. Since 1981 more than 20 million pilgrims have visited Medjugorje making it one of the biggest Catholic pilgrim places along side Lourdes in France.




I have not done a pilgrimage before, but I have no doubt what so ever that I will have a renewed spirit and a stronger faith. This is similar to Fatima in Portugal which I have seen. The interesting thing is, another co-worker, Gunnhild went home to spend a year in her home country of Norway. She was a bit nervous and uncertain about her adventure, but following her blog, she is having a grand time. Where is she this week????? In Croatia!!! I couldn't e-mail her fast enough to have her tell me all about her travels there! Other exciting news is that Liz's daughter, Jessica, got engaged,a March wedding is planned! Liz has been flying around getting things organized (just a tad OCD, shhhhh don't tell her that). Can you believe it's just hours from October....already!!!!

Gift certificate and bobbles....

I got off to a slow start today. I didn't really do much of anything, accept to get caught up with email and some school work. Then it was off to the gym, then talked with Caitlin on my way to get Callie. Then it was off to Rustic Peddler to get my gift certificate...some how I passed Lisa and we never got together. After friendly conversation and laughter, I had the gift certificate and a new necklace. Debbie makes the most wonderful bracelets and necklaces out of old buttons, charms, beads, etc. They are wonderful. I really liked one necklace with a moon on it. I thought for sure it would be gone, but it wasn't. It was put away by the shopkeeper, however, she was kind enough to part with it! So I have it and can't wait to wear it tomorrow!!! Okay, so it'll only be with my study buddies, but they'll like it. The necklace is far more gorgeous in person than in a picture!

Lucky....

(memories of Dresden, Ohio - worlds largest woven basket)
Today was a quiet day. I think Sunday's should be quiet, relaxing, and restful. Today was just that. I work up, got ready for Church and got there early. One of my pew buddies had been in the hospital this week with pneumonia! She is better, though tired. There was a blessing for the ill and those facing surgery and she went up. I went to Joann's, I haven't been in there in forever and got some storage containers for my digital CD's and DVD's. Trying to get a bit more organized to keep things together, I keep on collecting. I napped, I love naps. Callie made cookies, just what I need is cookies to be added to my hips! LOL Then I went to Judi's she is selling of excess Longaberger items. There were a few pottery pieces I needed to finish my set and a couple of wrought iron pieces. What was funny, was when I went into her house, she said, guess who won a prize at Rustic Peddler and before I could say anything she said she had!!! She not only won at Linda's she won a bag at the shop!! She did give it to her mother (before she opened it), and her mother was tickled. Judi played the lottery to see how her luck was running and she got a free ticket! So, all in all, she had a LUCKY Saturday. I then told her that I also won! She was ecstatic! I explained what I wrote on my entries...wait til Debbie hears. Poor Debbie was ill yesterday and under the weather today...I'll keep her in my prayers. The rain came at about 5:00pm and it hasn't really stopped, it is pouring as I type, a soothing sound.

What a fun day!

There are days that drag on and then there are days that are bright, cheerful and fun! It is exhilarating and you just hate for it to end. Today was one of those days. My friend Lisa, is a lot of fun. She is sweet, kind, intelligent, thoughtful, hardworking and has the biggest smile with dimples, she loves to laugh and she is quite crafty. I've missed her company. She went on a travel assignment to South Carolina, and then she was on assignment in Missouri for 13 weeks. We got together briefly when she came down to see her family, and she is back now for a bit until another travel assignment comes along. We have planned this day for a couple of weeks. We were just going to go to the Rustic Peddler which is a country/primitive shop. Then I got an invitation from another crafty friend, Linda so we planned to start there.

The day actually started with me picking up Lisa (she just got home from driving two days to get here) and we went to Panera to celebrate a belated birthday for her. We then went to Linda's she always has her house decorated so cute for the holidays. The food she made, a pumpkin type bread was out of this world. I think the recipe was from Willams and Sanoma. There was cider and pumpkin spice coffee! Of course, we bumped into several other friends while we were there. I made out quite well with autumn decorations. I can do a lot of damage to my wallet in 5 minutes. My friends expect this of me! Judi won the give away!!! She hadn't been there 10 minutes! Then Lisa and I went to Quilt Lovers Hangout, we haven't been there in quite a while, and I bought a couple of things there, not that I have the time to do them, but I have them, for a rainy day!!! ;-)

Off we went to Rustic Peddler. Donna is a cheerful soul and always has a story or two to tell, and she just tells it so, that my sides ache from laughter. Once again it was like old home week seeing friends we haven't seen in ages and then bumping into friends that were at Linda's. I got several cute things there also. From there it was off to Kohl's, Dress Barn and Michael's. Who's worried about the economy when I'm out shopping???? I got a couple of dresses for church, and a cute top. I did get some Christmas shopping done....it's not that far away. I also bought some surprises for my college girls, but don't want them to know just in case they read this entry :-) The day had to come to an end and I had to part with my friend. We got caught up on our lives. I'm so glad that Lisa is back, I look forward to working with her again and doing crafty stuff too!

Now that the house is a bit cleaned up and the decorations put out, it's time to enjoy the family for dinner out....perfect, no cooking and no clean up!!!

Now can you believe this? We just got home and there is a message on the answering machine from Donna at Rustic Peddler, I won a prize. I called her back and sure enough I won the $50.00 gift certificate!! The funny thing is - my friends always win and I don't. So I figured for the fun of it I would write on each entry (there were two drawings) on one entry I put my name, phone number and a note that said "I am Debbie M's friend - she always wins" (she really does!), and on the other drawing I wrote my name, phone number and a note that said "I am Lisa M's friend, she always wins too"(and she has!). Low and behold the one with the note about Lisa was picked! Donna said that her staff picked my entry, unfolded it and read my name then read the note, a bit baffled they handed it to Donna. She read the note and started laughing! Knowing my group of friends - it really was funny. I've called Lisa and we've made plans to go Monday to the Rustic Peddler so we can spend the money!!! I'm sure there are candles or potpourri we could use, or maybe jewelry or some other decorative pieces.....wait until Debbie and Judi hear about this!!! It truly was a fun day!!!

A New Look....

Just like going out and buying a new outfit and having your hair done along with a makeover can make you feel like a million bucks, so does having a new blog design. It may seem strange to say that, but it is after all part of me, my thoughts, my work, and creativity. I always want to look my best, and why not when I'm journaling??? So, tonight, Amanda (thank you, thank you, thank you...) once again came to my rescue. I have to say, she is speedy and knows just what to put where! I hope to one day be able to figure out how she gets the numbers for the colors and how to effectively get the numbers in the right place to do the spacing, etc. I'm pleased with the results though there is a bit of "tweaking" that remains. It's a fresh clean look.

BLS as is ACLS and NRP are requirements for work and I have to take the refresher for the BLS. I did the ACLS a few months back, that ones hard, rhythm strips and medications....not fun! However, it is necessary.

Other than homework, I went grocery shopping. That is always exciting...it's better than homework!!! I also went to Target. Caitlin may be coming home for a funeral. She's to young for that, but one of her former classmates met with an untimely death. Out thoughts and prayers go out to her family and may Ashley now be at peace in the arms of the Lord. So, I have been keeping extra food and household items aside for the girls to take up to them, but now if Caitlin comes home she'll be able to take them back. I always worry they won't have enough food, soap, toilet paper....I guess it's a mom thing ;-)

It continues to be hot and there are early evening rains and lightning and thunderstorms. Tonight there were funnel clouds. The storm was just starting when I left the gym. It got rather windy too. I really could use some cool crisp Autumn air.....

May We Never Forget.....

(I made this on www.scrablogs.com) This is a neat place that I just found today!

Today is 9/11. Seven years ago I took my younger girls to school came home and was making coffee and my husband and I were watching a morning show with Diane Sawyer. I remember pouring coffee and hearing my husband utter the sound "ughhhhhh!" and I looked up to see a plane flying in to the second tower of the World Trade Center in New York. We had just been watching and talking about the first hit at the other tower and I said it had to be terrorists, there was no way it was an accident, a little plane is one thing but a commercial jet...and coming out of Boston??? Most of that day ran in slow motion and we were glued as the rest of the country if not the world to the t.v. Then there was the plane that hit Pentagon, and the forth that crashed into field in Pennsylvania, by brave Americans standing up for what was right.

I think that in any time of great tragedy people know exactly where they where and what they were doing. It is hard to believe that seven years has passed, and rather quickly, thought the wounds of that day are fresh as we remember. In December I did see the area where the World Trade Center was, it was on a dark and rainy day, I was so amazed at seeing the buildings that survived and how scorched their facades still are. So today, I did put out my flags, took time for a moment(s) of silence to remember those that perished that day, for those that survived, for the first responders, and for our President (who despite what people think in hindsight not only got us through a difficult time, and we have remained free of any other attacks, and for our country (the land of the free and the home of the brave). May - God Bless America!

What a cutie....

Okay...so I'm a little proud. My niece, Ava, is just so adorable. The sad fact is that she lives a long way away from me. Look at her...I just want to hug and squeeze her and kiss those sweet cheeks and button nose. She's getting so grown up. I think one of the best things of being and Aunt is that I can be over indulgent if I choose, shhhhh don't let her parents know this. It is fun, it is hard to go to the store and not find something that she might need.....

I'm still baffled about the blog thing. I don't know, maybe it's the template, maybe it's me. And I don't get how to make a background transparent around the pictures so that they blend in so I don't get the white band. I bought a book after class tonight, maybe that will help. Being in school one of the last things I want to see is a book, but this is rather fun stuff (it would be more fun if I knew what I was doing), but I do feel a sense of accomplishment when I get things done.

It is week two of Nursing Leadership and Management....okay, it's interesting, and the instructor makes it interactive and I've learned somethings, and I had to go in front of the class and speak in front of everyone. It isn't may favorite thing to do but I actually can do that a bit better than answering question from my seat. I think that my apprehension comes in because I am terrified to get the wrong answer. I revert back to first grade in my reading book (Dick and Jane) and not remembering the word "but" and breaking out in a sweat and panic. It's kind of followed me through life, funny how dumb things like that can follow you like a shadow. I did okay, I think. Every time I wanted to sit down, the professor made me go back and then asked more questions. So now it's back to reading and answering questions, at some point I'll have to interview someone.....I'm not to sure about that! But just like everything else, it's a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and just keep moving.

Ike gave us bands of clouds, a bit of wind and torrential downpours.

Thank you.....

Some people are just so kind and thoughtful. You don't have to know them well, but you know that they have a kind spirit! I've been struggling for hours to get my left side bar not to be bright yellow. How it got that way, I can't say, it was a shock when it happened, all I wanted was my Shabby Miss Jenn papers to come up. I'll work on that later. Then out of the blue there was a comment, one lone comment from Amanda with the answer, in less that 20 seconds, POOF, I have my background all the same color! It's is simply amazing. My paper is done for school and my blog looks so much better! Thank you Amanda!!! I truly appreciate your kindness in helping me solve my dilemma (for this week....), you're an angel!!! For those of you that would like to know more about this generous person, click down on the right side bar listed as Kevin and Amanda.com - she has an awesome site and great recipes!

Progress.....

Well, after several hours this afternoon, spent on the blog...rather than my paper, I have come up with this. I can't get my background papers to show up and as cute as the new header and things I've altered turned out, I have that horrible yellow on the left side bar. I've taken out the URL's for this but still I get this....anyone out there that has suggestions, I'm willing to listen! I'm stubborn and I will get it done right...eventually. So, for now, I must accept that my blog is not perfect. The new blog are from different kits from Shabby Miss Jenn Designs - she has some really cute things and she's really nice.

Patience.....

Patience is a virtue...keeping one's cool in the face of frustrating circumstances is truly a gift. I tend to get my self in the stickiest of messes. Today is no exception. Now, I'm know to goof off in order to avoid homework, but I've been good, I've been doing my homework, actually I only have a two page paper left. Okay, so last night I decided that I really wanted my blog to have three columns. I just think that it looks really cool. Amazingly enough I was able to accomplish this. My issue now is that I can't get the papers that I had on my blog back. Now how does this happen. I went back to the same tutorials, I've searched the web, I just can't get it....and now I have a bright lollipop yellow on the left side bar!!!! GRRRRRrrrr. I over came other technical obstacles like the new blackberry cell phone, but I just can't figure out where I've gone wrong. I have to say, I haven't thrown a temper tantrum or anything. I think I'll go to the gym and workout. Maybe just getting away will make a difference. I also purchased some stuff from Shabby Miss Jenn's shop, I actually thought if I got good I could change my blog colors for the fall...hmmmmmm I guess I had confidence that I could actually do that, now I full of doubt!

sick days.....

Today, like yesterday, I sit at home, isolated from the world. More so today. I don't like being sick, though I don't feel too bad, I look bad. Quasimoto! I need a mask or a be like an ostrich and bury my head!! I hate being sick, it's a waste of time; it's been 2 1/2 years since I've been sick.... I did organize things yesterday, I hate clutter and not being able to find things, paid bills, and cleaned out Callie's room and found fourteen plus water bottles most empty the rest half empty. How could she invite a friend over with her room looking like such a disaster? I think I should get that yellow caution tape to block off her room. How can she find things? Even at night I went in to re-instruct (like it just didn't go in one ear and out the other)her on the importance of keeping her phone things together, her calculator things together, etc. I have no hope that it will stay organized. Even though she has a closet, she has a tendency to hang things on the floor. Her floor is a dumping ground for everything. The lovely floor can be seen now, and there is an overflowing basket of clothes that could be clean, could be dirty, my guess is its half of each.

I stayed up late and watched Sarah Palin speak, twice. I was impressed. And once again escaping doing homework, I found this neat site called Wordle - www.wordle.net, where you can make word clouds. I of course had to try and it used words from my last several blog postings and came up with this:The cool part is that you can change colors and fonts....
this is so fun...you must try it. I didn't post mine on their site, I did print them out and scanned them into my computer.

I have also been trying to get a grasp on using the new phone. Everyone that was transferred in, now have ringtones and birthdays entered. I did have a bit of scare when I couldn't find my contacts and under personal contacts it came up empty!!! It's okay now it's all back as it should be. I also had a problem downloading ringtones I bought, but that has now been solved also. Sigh....technology!!! I just have to get pictures now so I can put them with their numbers how had do you think that'll be?

The cloudy day that started has turned sunny with a light breeze, so much better than yesterdays 95 degree scorching heat. I must now go and do homework.....

another day, another obstacle...

With each dawning comes the chirping of birds outside the window. For quite a number of years we didn't really hear them because our tress were small and limited. Now we are graced by the happy tunes from our fine feathered creatures. I was up early, I really would like to sleep in, but it was CLEP day. Another test. I'm over it. I had to have Humanities prior to graduation, and one of the options was to CLEP it, and so it was, off we went, ate breakfast, my stomach ever churning. I feel nauseated, my head hurts and the bump on my nose is back, I just hate that. Needless to say we arrived for the test and had to have out ID's checked, and purses, etc. locked. It was one of the longest tests I think I've ever had. There was a tutorial followed by promising not to divulge information about the test and THEN the TEST. OMGOSH it was horrible. I thought for sure that once the machine was off that I failed. Apparently, I passed. What a relief. Only two (2) of the 140 questions were remotely similar to the study guides I used, the rest, who knew! So, another step closer to the degree. I went to see why the phone didn't download the ring tones I ordered...I'm getting used to the new phone...sort of. It is school night so I printed all the assignments etc. The new school is open, it is spacious and clean and there is no plastic smell, that is how the old building smelled. The instructor is nice and likes the class to be interactive which is nice. I think this will be a good class...I sure hope it will be.

September....

September is a wonderful month. It is the start of the Autumn season which is my favorite time of year. The weather starts to cool, and the colors change, life's routines are more apparent, and it signifies the rest that is needed for winter to rejuvenate with Spring...Pumpkins and autumn leaves will be all around...well all of this is true except for except if you live in a warm tropical climate, but those of us that enjoy Fall, make due. It has been a quiet Labor Day. School restarts on Tuesday. I start another new class. One more closer to graduation.

Stormy weather....

It is official, Callie is now fourteen. She celebrated yesterday with a couple of her friends, Maria and Chantae. The Chuck-e-cheese opened recently and the girls wanted to go there. They had a good time. Then they went to a movie. Manuel and I attended another movie, which was okay, but I didn't care for the violence and language. It was hard to find a movie at the same time as the the one the girls were seeing. They were natually pleased that we weren't going to see the same movie that they were seeing. It ended up being rather late by the time we were out of there.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Today, was church, and after I did a bit of shopping. I came home to the teenage greeting of "where were you?" Not, Hey mom, how are you? This was a ploy to go to her friends house, so off we went to drop her off. We had lunch and went to Lowe's. Early this morning we heard a loud crash, not sure of what it was we laid in bed without saying a word for a few minutes then we independently began looking around to find that a fan blade broke from the metal bracket (actually the bracket broke in half)! Lucky we weren't up moving around when the this happened. So, while we were out we bought a new fan. The economy was helped by my wallet today!

Hurricane Gustav is barreling up the gulf and we are feeling the winds. We just got rain with big gusts of wind a few minutes ago. I hope the people in Louisiana heed the warnings and get the heck out of there. Now we're glued to the t.v. watching Gustav.

one can never have enough friends....

Sometimes in our life we find ourselves alone, at other times we find that we are surrounded by an abundance of friends. Friend: noun. a person known well to another and regarded with liking, affection, and loyalty. Today was a day were there were an abundance of friends. It was a good day. One with lasting memories to cherish and of course pictures to document and reminisce. First was the surprise gathering at Joe's Crab Shack for Leslie's Birthday (21 again). She really was surprised. It isn't often that you can catch her off guard because she is ALWAYS doing something nice for someone else. She is the glue that binds family, friends, our unit at work, etc. She is the first to volunteer, give whole heartedly, and unify. She exhausts me. I can't keep up with all she does. She is a ray of sunshine and never asks for anything in return. So today, Candy got her good, and Leslie was surprised!!! Lunch was yummy, she got some really nice gifts, and she had the cutest cake, and there were an abundance of friends to help celebrate this special occasion.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Senator John McCain picked Gov. Sarah Palin from Alaska to run of vice president, that is a first! Marcie kitty needed medication from the vet, she took the pill well, though I always second guess if the pill actually went down, the cat can spit them out so fast. We have two hurricanes, Gustav and Hanna are working their way toward the Gulf of Mexico.

The GLF's met again. This time to do some shopping with big savings on primitive folk art and candles. I did well, didn't spend much and that is just fine. I did find a piece of furniture I liked, but we'll see. It would be a nice to have, definitely not a need to have. There was a denim couch that was so comfy. We then ventured over to Panera, this is a different one than our usual spot, food was good as always, and the company was extraordinary. We of course, as always have to talk shop and solve the problems of the world, and give support to each other whatever the issues may be. That is what friends are for, keeping you sane and on the right tract, telling you like it is and not what you "want" to hear and seeing you through. There were of course the funny stories of life, Debbie's granddaughter cut her hair at school, she was ratted out by a child named Jordan....Jordan cut his hair but Lauren didn't tell on him, she'll learn :-)

Callie turns fourteen tomorrow. Gee where did the time go. I can remember clearly when she promised to stay four......her day is planned with friends. She got her new LG slide phone, since her old phone was held together with tape! I got a new phone also and can't seem to figure out how to get my ring tones I downloaded to work. I figured I'd be in trouble when I saw that there was a computer disk to use in order to figure out the phone. More work to do, does the list ever get shorter? Maybe I can delegate this task to a friend!

midweek blahs.....

I'm enjoying this break from school. It is so nice not have to do homework, read, study, things other than what I like to do, not that I've had a chance to do anything fun and exciting. Take today, it's heading toward the middle of the week, I worked the weekend and Monday. Today I got up early and drove Callie to school and then I went to the Gym for and hour and a half. I felt better once I was done, went to the health food store, went home cleaned, vacuumed, showered and I had the best of intentions to sit and get some work done on my photobook and I ended up taking a nap for almost two hours! I never do that! When I woke up, it was time to pick up Callie from school, and take her to the orthodontist (braces come off next month - whhoooohooo), talked to Lisa in Missouri, went to the mall with Callie to get a few more things for school, stopped to pay bills, went the the grocery store, stopped and voted in the local primaries and then went home, made dinner, cleaned up and finally got to read my email and here I am staring at the computer and typing. I'm tired and ready for bed!!! Where's the FUN???? I'll have to plan better and put some time aside. It's was just another midweek day of blahhh.... ;-) (I wouldn't have it any other way!) This new keyboard is so nice and quiet and it types...... I think I like blah!

Up and running!!!!

Some things in life just require a great deal of patience, something that I don't really have a lot of, yet at other times have much of. The ongoing computer drama continued on today. The tech. was here and put in the new mother board, the machine booted and up and I was able to log in and then the keyboard went "beep, beep, beep". GRRRRRrrrrRRRR!!! Well, at this point I ran the operating system disk, then a virus scan, and still no luck, I made sure things were backed up and made yet again another phone call to Dell. They really could be more efficient in the way that calls are handled since I had to repeat my numbers, info, story, etc. three times. After going through many tests and and searches all seemed to check out fine, so the last resort was to "restore to factory fresh", yes that means bye-bye to all the info in the computer. I took it well, since I know what a pain in the neck it is to download and get things running again. The good news is, the keyboard is silent. Yes, it is truly music to my ears, no noise, and it types. It works!!! It's only been 9 days. So, I'm back in business. Now just to keep dry.....
(noaa)

Fay is still around, I'm telling you I haven't seen a girl get around as much as Fay and she has left so much water behind that flooding is an issue! She has given us more rain here than she did when she was a hurricane. Again today the downpours continued off and on. She is now heading back out to the Gulf of Mexico. The girls will have a wet weekend. Callie survived her first week at school. I'm proud of her, it hasn't been an easy adjustment and last nights homework assignment had to do with a required reading book over the summer The Lord of the Flies. I can't say as I liked that book much when I read it way back when and I'm still not fond of it, but that's how it goes. Now for the fundraisers! It's on to a weekend of work, may it be calm and peaceful!