T'was Lovely

It was truly a lovely Christmas. I think it was probably the most peaceful and least stressful I've had as long as I can remember. I was surrounded by the people I love the most, I had a warm roof and plenty of nourishment. Not a cross word was spoken by anyone. Gifts of love were given. The bad weather was a small glitch, but it was overcome. I have so much love in my life--I am undeservedly lucky...... The trick is to keep this feeling all year. Of course, we never succeed--we can but try.

I will be relieved to say goodbye to 2008. It has been a challenging year for me, but all of those challenges taught me such grand lessons. I'm sure 2009 will have its challenges, too. But I am hopeful that the best is yet to come.

I am now looking forward to four glorious days of "not working." I'm not sure what I'll be doing, but I'm sure puzzles will figure into the mix somewhere. They always do. I haven't even considered taking down the tree yet. That's what long, boring January is for.......

I hope all of you have a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Christmas Tag

I've been tagged--so I guess I have to post, huh? Thanks, Clodhopper, for "reminding" me to do this:

!. WRAPPING PAPER OR GIFT BAGS?
Like my dear sister, I love wrapping paper!!!! And there are degrees of wrapping paper. Some is wonderful, some is crummy. I love it when Katie comes to help me wrap here brothers presents. She's an amazing gift-wrapper (thanks ZCMI). I must say, though, that gift bags are wonderful in a pinch. And they solve some of the more difficult wrapping problems.

2. REAL TREE OR ARTIFICIAL?
I never thought I'd see the day that I would have an artificial tree. But I've learned "never to say never." I finally caved in to the convenience and practicality of the artificial tree. I was VERY particular about said artificial tree, though. I do miss the "real" tree, but I don't mess shopping for it, nor the mess it makes.

3. WHEN DO YOU PUT UP THE TREE?
I try to put it up the weekend after Thanksgiving. I'm happy to say that I was successful this year, thanks to the help of Katie, Troy and Carla. They came to the house to help. :o)

4. WHEN DO YOU TAKE THE TREE DOWN?
I hate to take the tree down. It's not the work. I just love having it up so much. It adds a warmth to the living room. When I take it down, every looks so cold and bare. I generally put it off for a couple of weeks. It usually comes down when the boys start complaining. One year it was Valentines.

5. DO YOU LIKE EGGNOG?
Actually, yes I do. I can't remember the last time I had any--it is SO INCREDIBLY BAD for you! I like eggnogg flavored salt water taffy, too.

6. FAVORITE GIFT RECEIVED AS A CHILD?
One gift stands out in my mind. I was in high school. I saw this beautiful camel colored coat with a fur collar at ZCMI. I really wanted it, but it was so expensive. I knew that it was unrealistic to think that I might get that coat for Christmas. But lo and behold, on Christmas morning there it was. Grandma and Grandpa got it for me and what a surprise it was. I still have that coat, and I believe it still fits.

7. HARDEST PERSON TO BUY FOR?
I think my sons might qualify. I have to BEG, CAJOLE AND PLEAD for ideas from them. They were actually pretty good about it this year, though. I haven't had to resort to cash or gift cards this year.

8. EASIEST PERSON TO BUY FOR?
Katie, of course. She puts her list right on her blog. I could shop for her until the cows come home.

9. DO YOU HAVE A NATIVITY SCENE?
Yes! Several, in fact. The nicest one is Katie's. It is on loan until she has a place to put it. I might have to invest in one after she claims permanent custody.

10. MAIL OR EMAIL CHRISTMAS CARDS?
I love receiving them in the mail. I must sadly admit that I haven't really sent cards in a long time. I never seem to be "together" enough to get it done. I think Easter cards would be easier. I did receive a darling email card from a friend of mine yesterday--and that was a nice surprise, too.

11. WORST CHRISTMAS GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Good grief! What a question? I don't think there is such a thing!!!!! All gifts are given with love. What more could one ask? The most amazing and memorable gift I ever received was my daughter, Katie! She was born early Christmas morning. She is definitely the gift that keeps on giving. :o)

12. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE?
Hmmmmm, I don't really have one. However, I have very fond memories of the little Muppet Christmas movie that was made for TV many, many years ago. Grandma and Grandpa recorded it and we must have watched it 100 times. The tape disappeared -- but Katie ordered a copy this year. I definitely MUST watch it over the holidays....

13. WHEN DO YOU START SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS?
I usually try to start in November. I always set a goal of being finished by December 10. I have only reached that goal once--about 10 years ago. I plan to finish everything today.

14. HAVE YOU EVER RECYCLED A CHRISTMAS PRESENT?
I'm ashamed to admit that I have, sort of. I had a gift card for Bath and Body Works. There is a long, dramatic story about where the card came from, so I felt funny about spending it. I was making some Christmas purchases at the store one day and remembered the card--so I used it. Does that count?

15. FAVORITE THING TO EAT AT CHRISTMAS?
Oh my goodness, how can I choose? EVERYTHING!!! I especially love those little butter cookies that grandma makes in her cookie press. You can pop them in your mouth--they're as easy to eat as popcorn. I also love to make ROLO cookies and soft caramel popcorn. And then there's the sweet Vidalia onion salsa from Pirate O's. Oh my, the list is endless.......

16. LIGHTS ON THE TREE?
YES! Lots of white ones, permanently affixed. Did I mention that's another reason I love an artificial tree? I don't have to put lights on it.

17. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG?
It's Christmas Through Your Eyes by Gloria Estefan. I've had some real humbug years, and that song really hit home. I am happy to say that this has been a wonderful Christmas season and I'm enjoying it immensely.

18. TRAVEL AT CHRISTMAS OR STAY HOME?
Well, silly question. You know me and travelling. Given the opportunity, I would love to travel ANYTIME. However, I like being home at Christmas enjoying my dear family and friends. I can't imagine being away.....

19. CAN YOU NAME ALL OF SANTA'S REINDEER?
Of course I can.

20. ANGEL ON THE TREE TOP OR A STAR?
Funny you'd ask. I have a gold star on the top of the tree, but with a "twist." Superman is riding the star. I'll have to take a picture and figure out how to post it. Superman always shows up in interesting places on my tree. I also have a cute little metal biplane with a Star Wars creature wingwalking. Guess you just have to be there.............

21. OPEN THE PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE OR MORNING?
In the morning as soon as we can pry the boys out of bed. I never thought I'd see the day......

22. MOST ANNOYING THING ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR?
Two things, actually. The cold weather puts a damper on it. I'm jealous of my Arizona family. I'd love to be shopping without a heavy coat and sliding all over the road. The other thing is that people are so grumpy. It makes me very sad. So, I try to be cheerful enough to make up for them. And that probably shows up on THEIR list of annoying things....... hahahaha

23. FAVORITE ORNAMENT THEME OR COLOR?
No theme tree for me! We have an amazing variety of ornaments, and nearly every one of them has a story, face or memory attached to it. I love to look for unique, off-beat ornaments. We have a lot of jungle animals, ethnic baubles, a pickle, and of course Superman......

24. FAVORITE TIME FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER?
Anytime it's ready!!!! :o) Usually early afternoon. That gives you plenty of time to work it off, sleeping or working a puzzle.

25. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR?
Just peace--in the world, in my family, in my life. That's all.......

All the people I would tag have already been tagged..........

Your computer works just fine. Now post something!

Oh, alright already!! I'm writing.

Thank you, Dylan, for fixing my computer. I'm sure you'll be relieved that I'm not bothering yours! And I won't have to work through my lunch hours to use my computer at work. :o)

As I told Katie, I really don't have a whole lot to write. It's pretty sad that you can go nearly six months without posting and have nothing to say. But I think "excitement" is overrated. Life is really very calm and peaceful right now. And I'd be happy to keep it that way!

I am happy to report that my divorce was final on October 3. It is good to close that chapter in my life. On to better things...... As you all know, Katie and I went on a wonderful trip--a cruise to Mexico. I have yet to do anything with my pictures, but they're coming sometime. I'm ready to go on another trip already.

I'm really not very fond of "winter." My #1 priority (even before eating or sleeping) is staying warm. It hasn't been too bad thus far, but I'm dreading the next 5 or 6 months. I always feel like hibernating (eating, sleeping and nothing else). Does anyone out there have a cattle prod I can borrow? It's a perfect time to be working on "house" projects, but you need motivation for that, and I seem to have lost it somewhere. I have committed to myself that I'm not going to be doing 3/4 of my Christmas shopping after December 20 this year. I'm going to hit it early. I have actually already started. I think this is going to be one of the best holiday seasons I've had in many years. I'm actually looking forward to it--something I haven't done in a long time.

Hmmm, I guess I did have a little bit to say, after all. I'll be darned! I need to go get ready for another day of working with society's best. Take care, y'all.

Let's hear it for the Jo...

So, my momma is working around about seven days a week, and her computer is dopey. Thus, it has been a magnificent FIVE weeks since she posted anything here. I felt like her blog needed some Ireland-izing, so I've taken the liberty of messing with her background and posting a nice hello to all the people she loves! Hello from Jo.
In case you were wondering, Jo may also be called:
Josephiclesiostamus
Jonocerous
Jo-Momma
Jonas (not Brothers-- that would be rude.)
Jonah (in the whale, whale, whale, whale)
Joeeeey
Joda
Mommy-pants

There, now you know something you probably didn't know before. :)

Something's fishy.....

Something's fishy--and I think it's me. I have always had this love of the water (swimming pools--not natural bodies of water). When I was a girl, they built the Wild Wave swimming pool (which later turned into Raging Waters). I spent a good deal of time there as a teen. But once I grew up, married and had children, my days in the water ended. There was an occasional trip to the pool with the kids, but that's it.

Then in about 2001, my friend introduced me to water aerobics. I became a fanatic. I went almost every day. I lost about 30 pounds and moved onto things such as kickboxing, etc. Little by little, I wandered away from the water--and oh how I missed it. Well, I have once again found my gills and have returned to it and am enjoying it immensely. I have discovered a class that offers a very good aerobic workout (not all water aerobics classes offer that). Our instructor wears one of those devices that looks like a watch. It counts the calories she burns. She is quite the drill sergeant. We are burning between 600 and 700 calories per class. It is mostly a deep water workout, except for the stretching at the end of class. During this part, she turns off all the lights except the underwater pool lights. It's SO relaxing.

I think I love the water so much because it is the only time in my life that I feel somewhat flexible and graceful. On the land, I am pretty much a klutz. When I have a sore back, the water is so soothing. It helps me stretch the muscles that have become so tight and cramped during the course of the week. I can move in ways that I cannot on the land. It is low impact, so it's easier on my feet, knees, hips and back.

I realize that water aerobics immediately brings to mind a bunch of white-haired old ladies. Well, I guess I have arrived in that place. Even the white hair part would be true if I didn't hide it.

I'm just feeling so deliciously relaxed after a very long and difficult week at work, I just had to share it. If anyone would like to join me sometime, the class is taught on Tues and Thurs nights at West Jordan Middle School swimming pool at 8:30 pm. The regular attendees range from teens to elderly, every shape, size and walk of life. It's a great time! Come join me sometime....

Free Rice

I noticed that I have not posted in quite some time. So why do I feel guilty about it? It's silly, isn't it? Nonetheless, I feel a little sheepish when I don't write SOMETHING.

Because my life is pretty darn ordinary, I don't have a lot to share right now......

BUT................

If you don't already know about it, go to a website called www.freerice.com. It has been verified by Snopes as being authentic. Basically, you take a vocabulary test. For every word you define correctly, you donate 20 (I think it's 20) grains of rice to the poor of the world. I was amazed at the words. I would say that I had never even heard at least half of them. If you miss one, they tell you the correct definition and then it comes up again later on in the test. In just a few minutes, you will have accumulated hundreds or even thousands of grains of rice (and increased your vocabulary). It's pretty addicting. It will test your skill of dissecting words and defining parts so you might choose the correct answer.

Anyway, give it a try. It's educational and you benefit the poor while you learn. Can't beat that!!!

Larsen Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free family history - Family history

Tag Along..........

I decided to post this on my blog, too, to see what people might remember about me. What a fun idea. Heidi's comment to Katie brought back a rush of memories. I'm the one that made her write those apology notes.

Here's a fun little tag-type thingy. Enjoy!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, repost these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Lucky Duck

I am one lucky duck! Last night, I got into one of my closets (the one with the newly hung doors). I got something out and moved over to the other closet. I had been away from the first closet not even 30 seconds when one of the doors from the first closet came out of the track and went crashing to the floor. I was stunned!!! And frustrated. And amazed that I had not been struck and hurt!!!!

Another truly amazing thing about it is that it fell at an angle and did not hit my new dresser, or the other closet door, or a newly painted wall. It fell straight onto the floor. The one bad thing is that it landed on the side with the new knob. The knob went straight through the door and jammed the screw into the back side of other door in the set. So there's a big hole in the door. I received a suggestion that I get a washer that matches the knob (and put one on the back, too). Hopefully, if I do them all the same, it won't look too bad. The only other solution (I think) would be to replace the door. And what do you think the chances are that I could find a door that is the right size and style? Not great, I would bet.

Anyway, I'm not too upset because it could have been much worse, on many levels.

It's Sunday night, and I'm pooped. I've worked about 68 hours this week. I'm so looking forward to this Saturday when I don't have to work at all. :o) I'm also looking forward to seeing my sister Claudia and her family this week. That will be the highlight!!!! I'm so excited to seem them all.

Surprisingly, I have actually accomplished a few things this last week regardless of my work schedule. One of the biggest things is ridding my driveway of Daniel's old Corolla. I found a buyer AND cleaned the thing out (which was one of the most disgusting experiences of my life). Don't even ask.............. But it has a new home with someone who will fix it up and get a little more life out of it.

This coming week is going to be very busy, but I hope to finish painting my closet doors and get them hung by the weekend; finish up filling out the papers for my benefits at work (I have a couple of changes to make, and they make it SO complicated); register at least 50 students at work; give my house a good cleaning; clean up the laundry side of the basement. That may be a bit ambitious, but if I don't have at least a loose plan, I'll accomplish nothing.

Have a good week everyone.....

Is It Just Me?????

Is it just me, or do little, doable projects ALWAYS become huge, expensive projects???? Must simple things ALWAYS become difficult???

Case in point: I am in the process of painting my closet doors. I have two large closets. Each closet has two folding doors. Each of those folding doors has two panels. That means I have 8 separate, beveled doors (on both sides) to paint. Now that's a doable project, right? So I took all the hardware off and set it carefully aside. I have begun painting. I have completely finished three panels and am halfway through a fourth.

Yesterday I was going to put the hardware back on the first set of folding doors. I started to put the knob back on and realized, "Wait, this is gold. All the other hardware in my room is black." So, another trip to Home Depot to get new knobs and hinges. Simple, right? That's what I thought, too.

I get to Home Depot. I find plenty of knobs I like, but I can't find the right hinges in black. In fact, they don't even make these particular hinges at all, let alone in black. So I'm thinking I'll have to drill new holes in the door for different hinges. Then I have a brainstorm. Why don't I just paint the silly things black? So I go to the paint department and talk to the guru there. He says I need to sand them a little, then prime them, then paint them. And he's talking multiple coats. And there are 12 hinges!!! So, I bought spray paint. Then talking to someone here, I learned that you don't paint the screws until after you screw them back into the door. Then you get an itty bitty paint brush and paint them black. That way you don't scratch the new paint off.

Oh, and the screws for the new knobs aren't long enough. I have to go back to Home Depot to get longer screws.......

ARRGGGHHHH!!! I won't have my doors back up for another two months at this rate! It's so ridiculous, it's hilarious.

Does anyone else ever have these experiences?

Happy Independence Day

Happy Indedpendence Day, everyone!!! This truly is a great country and I'm glad to be a citizen. It's true that we have some very serious issues these days, but it is still a land of freedom and opportunity. It is full of wonderful, good people. And it is BEAUTIFUL!!! If it was a terrible place, we would not hear near as many accents as we do. I fly our flag proudly today!!!

I have been enjoying my time off immensely. I have accomplished some big tasks but have also done some enjoyable and spontaneous things. On Wednesday, I spent hours pulling weeds and dragging the hose around. In addition, I cleaned up a disaster of a kitchen and did nearly all of the laundry. I had a lovely, yet hilarious, conversation with my sister, Claudia. (We discussed our common aversion to pets.) I was finally able to complete the legal paperwork that has been hanging over my head. Yesterday, I officially filed it. (My "almost" Indepence Day came a day early.) The die is cast. The clock is ticking. It's just a waiting game now for at least three months........ Last of all, Nadia and I went to the gym and flailed around in the water.

Yesterday, I did housework, finished laundry, filed paperwork, went downtown to the courthouse, went to lunch with Mom, Dad, Katie and Doug, went to Western Gardens with Katie and got some plants, went to the parade with all three of my kids, rushed home and picked up my friend Nadia for another water aerobics class, and slept like a baby!! The class we went to was at the West Jordan Middle School pool. I've never been there before. The facility itself is old, and doesn't seem particularly sanitary, but the pool itself is very nice. The instructor (Teresa) does such a great job--probably the best class I've ever attended. At the end of class she turned out all of the lights, except for the reflective pool lights, and we did our stretching to very relaxing music. It was so great!!!!

Today I am going to weed and plant for a while in the morning before it gets too hot. Then I will head to the Equestrian Center to deliver a package to someone. When I get home, I plan to start painting closet doors. I have just GOT to get this done. Tonight, Nadia and I will go see a movie--don't know what yet. All in all, I feel good about what I've been able to do the last two days. I haven't missed working AT ALL!!! :o) I desperately needed this time to be on my own clock and do the things that I wanted and needed to do--things that have been weighing on me heavily in recent weeks. I feel great!!!!!

Well, it's 7:30. I had better get out there before the sun hits the patch I'm working on. Go enjoy your holiday!!!

Three Days

Woohoo!!! I see stretching before me three whole, entire days without having to report to either job!!! I am totally psyched about it. I have such plans--so many things I want to accomplish. I realize, of course, that I won't get nearly as much done as I would like, but I AM going to be a busy girl! There's always room for spontaneous interruptions, though.

Some of the chores I plan to complete (or at least get started) are:
1. Legal paperwork.
2. Weeds, weeds, weeds. And deadheading the roses.
3. Painting closet doors.
4. Get our living quarters in order.
5. Plenty of SLEEP.
6. Organize the basement a little.
7. Laundry, as usual.
8. Some reading.
9. A trip to D.I.
10. Go to the Water Conservancy District demonstration gardens to get ideas.
11. Go to Costco.
12. Get my camera out and start taking pictures again. Perhaps Bug can teach me to post them????

This list is a little ambitious, I think. But if I can accomplish just a few of them, I'll feel great about it.

20-year tag

20 Years Tag

20 years ago I was:
1. Thirty-one years old.
2. Thinking about having another baby.
3. Working nights, weekends and holidays as a pharmacy technician.
4. Still getting perms.
5. Gardening up a storm
6. Teaching Katie to read and chasing a toddler.

10 years ago I was:
1. Forty-one years old.
2. Changing jobs from pharmacy to sales rep for a wholesaler.
3. So depressed I could hardly breathe.
4. Worried about Dylan being off track alone.
5. Running carpools and going to the kids' ball games and school activities.
6. Very involved as a volunteer at the elementary school.

5 years ago I was:
1. Forty-six years old.
2. Newly divorced and petrified of not being able to survive financially.
3. Working two jobs--one at the prison and the other at the rec center.
4. Starting to date.
5. Working out a lot and losing weight.
6. Breaking up fights between my two boys.

3 years ago I was:
1. Forty-nine years old.
2. Beginning and ending relationships.
3. Still working two jobs.
4. Traveling to New York and Washington D.C.
5. Really enjoying my children.
6. Discovering the joys of hiking.

1 year ago I was:
1. Fifty years old.
2. Engaged to be married.
3. Taking moonlight hikes at Bryce Canyon.
4. Still working two jobs.
5. Trying to get rid of junk.
6. Making a lot of car trips to the Ogden area.

So far this year I have:
1. Been dreadfully unhappy for a time, but am greatly improved!
2. Started ending my marriage.
3. Started working more hours at the gym again and overtime at the prison.
4. Painted my bedroom and purchased new furniture.
5. Started online banking, using an Ipod and blogging in earnest.
6. Dyed my hair at home for the first time ever (thanks to Bug).

Yesterday I:
1. Went to work as always. Worked extremely hard to get things ready for the new quarter and school year which begins Tuesday.
2. Left work early to meet my friend, Shirley, for lunch.
3. Made Rice Krispy treats for Dylan and his friends.
4. Did laundry.
5. Pulled mountains of weeds.
6. Played catch with a mitt for the firt time in my life (thanks to Dylan). It was fun!

Today I:
1. Showered twice because I couldn't get my hair right. I tried to rinse it in the sink, but it got all over my face and ruined my makeup.
2. Worked at the gym.
3. Talked to a couple of people about do-it-yourself divorces.
4. Went to WalMart and Home Depot.
5. Got online to register for credit reporting. My U of U Healthcare records were among those stolen.
6. Pulled another mountain of weeds.

Tomorrow I:
1. Will work at the gym from 7 am to noon.
2. Will meet Nadia for lunch.
3. Plan to go to Target and Barnes & Noble.
4. Want to start painting my closet doors.
5. Want to mow the back lawn and pull another mountain of weeds.
6. Plan to go to the Water Conservancy District demo gardens to get ideas. I would love to start xeriscaping portions of my yard.

In the Next Year I:
1. Hope to be divorced and have a new life.
2. Plan to work very hard toward paying off the house.
3. Will drive as little as possible.
4. Will try to be a good mom to my wonderful children.
5. Would like to take a simple trip somewhere.
6. Would like to have a small garden.

Wow!!! That was hard!!!!

I will tag my sister Claudia.

The Mystery of the Missing Soap

A few months ago I bought some dishwashing soap to keep at work. It was very fragrant and actually had an air freshener at the bottom of the container. Everyone enjoyed having it in the rest room. I always eat breakfast at work and often lunch. I keep a few basic dishes and utensils there for my use. Keep in mind that we do not have a break room. I almost always eat at my desk and wash my dishes in the staff rest room. I put the soap in the rest room so that others could use it, too. Well, I went to use it today and voila, it's gone. Disappeared. No where to be found. Immediately you would think a thieving inmate took it. But we keep the staff restroom locked. That means an employee took it. One of our officers went looking for it in areas where known thieving officers reside, but to no avail. We think someone took a fancy to it and took it home. Brother!!!!!! If you can't trust corrections officers, who can you trust???? It was not a huge loss and can be easily replaced, but it puts a damper on your good feelings about your fellow man. :o( And I place my life and safety in their hands every day. hahaha Other things that have come up missing are a toaster, a large jug of Mt. Olympus water for our cooler, many food items, radio batteries, entire computers and printers, etc. Amazing isn't it?

Here's another amazing phenomenon. Have you ever noticed that if you ever lose anything, the best way to find it is to buy a replacement? My sunglasses have been missing for weeks. I had looked everywhere. I finally caved in and bought some on Saturday. Well, lo and behold, guess what I found today? My sunglasses. I was vacuuming my car. They were under the front passenger seat. They were just far enough under that they could not be easily reached or seen. I was happy to find them--having a second pair is always good. But it's still a little bit annoying. Does anyone else experience this as often as I do???

I'm happy to say that I was able to repair my broken disposal. It was all jammed up on Sunday, and I couldn't get it unjammed, even by using the little allen wrench. I found the owner's manual and was going to read up on how to take the thing apart. I was not looking forward to the prospect because I knew it was going to be stinky and slimy! GAG!!! I had not yet had time to read up on it yesterday. I was cleaning up the kitchen and that side of the sink was draining so slowly. I figured someone had put food down there so I reached inside once again to clear out any food that might be sitting in there. Disgusting job. Low and behold, I felt something long and skinny poking out of one of the edges. I wiggled it around and it broke free. It was a two-inch screw! What was a two-inch screw doing wedged in my disposal???? It's a mystery to me. But all's well that ends well. I hit the reset button on the bottom of the appliance and it runs like a charm!!! What a relief!!!

Tonight I edged the front lawn and also got the weed wacker running. I was able to trim around the sprinklers. Hopefully they will be a little more efficient now. Now I need to really start tackling my weed problem. I just can't seem to find enough hours in the week to get everything done. My closet doors are STILL waiting to be painted. And it's driving me crazy. I am planning to take a couple of days off before the 4th of July. Perhaps I'll get to it then, unless I get called in to work at the gym. I volunteered my services on those two days.

Work is insane and I have aready put in about 4.5 hours of overtime this week. Our clearance process has changed and I can no longer generate a clearance from our database. It has to be manually entered into an Excel spreadsheet. Most of our students will have to be entered on this spreadsheet at least 12 times, some of them up to 26 times. Multiply that by about 150 students and you can see what a job it's going to be. Thank goodness we are running a small program during July. Maybe I'll figure out some things to make it a little easier.

Well, I've bored you with enough of the mundane things that make up my life. Maybe the next few days will bring more exciting entries.

Spontaneous Adventures Rock

I can't say enough about spontaneous adventures. I had one today that I wouldn't trade for anything! So much for all the "chores" I wanted to do today! Ehhh, they'll be waiting for me another day.......

I got a phone call from Bug (Katie) this morning. She asked if I wanted to go get some breakfast. I said sure, and we hooked up at Kneaders for a croissant breakfast sandwich. Afterward we went to Target where I needed to shop for a couple of items. We also went to Ross and tried on about 30 different things. If you ever want to really enjoy shopping, go with Katie. She's a scream! On our way back to the car, Katie noticed the halo of gray hair emanating from my scalp. She suggested that we go back into Target and get a box of hair dye. I have always had it done by a professional, so I kind of recoiled. But next thing you know, we were in my bathroom dying each other's hair (we were actually highlighting her hair). I was petrified!!! But you know, it actually turned out alright! After we were finished, she styled it too. Man, I was in heaven!!!!

We ended up spending nearly the entire day together--and what a treat that was for me!!!

I did get a few things on my list accomplished today. I filled up my car and the gas cans, did most of the laundry, dragged the hose around, paid bills and did paperwork, and visited with my friend Elisabeth who has been so sick.

It has been a lovely day. Thanks, Bug, for sharing it with me! :o)

Oh, and by the way, Katie decided she had to know what famous people I looked like. So take a gander at the little clip on the right. The picture of me morphs into someone very famous. I would never have guessed we looked anything alike. You be the judge. But just so you know, the website that sponsors that little "morph" also thought I looked like Heather Locklear, Emma Thompson, and even ALEC BALDWIN!!! YIKES!!!!! Shoot me now!!! hahaha

Let me know what you think.....

Cool Adventures

I've been having such grand adventures!!! You will laugh when you hear them and wonder that I am so easily entertained.

First of all, with the onset of much warmer weather, we found it necessary to get the old swamper up and running. We had a few VERY warm nights in the house when we found it difficult to sleep. So, up onto the shed roof I went to get started. I was able (with Dan's help) to get the panels off, the pads pulled and and replaced and things put back together. I must say that I always put this chore off because there is ALWAYS something that has to be replaced or repaired. This year was no different. This time it was the drain. I worked on it for a good half hour before my neighbor took pity on me and came to see if he could help. He had trouble with it, too. But we finally got it fixed. We filled it and it was running beautifully. Later, after it was dark, I heard water POURING from the drain. My other neighbor heard it too and called me. I shut the water supply off and left it for another day. I knew that it was a "float" problem.

This evening I got back up there and immediately discovered the problem. The float is very close to the front panel of the cooler. When I put the panel on last night, it caused the float to get stuck and not rise and turn off the water supply. So, the silly thing overflowed. I was able to bend the float the other direction. And Hallelujah!!! We have it running. In fact, I just had to close my bedroom doors because I'm FREEZING!!!! And we did it all with only ONE trip to Home Depot!

So now, you know a whole lot more than you ever wanted to know about swamp coolers!!! I figured if I have to know, so do you!

I went to a cooking class this week (a Mother's Day gift from Dylan.) It was a Summer Salads class, and I really enjoyed it. I learned a few new things and left absolutely stuffed with delicious salads. First of all I learned that if you have arthritis or gout, you should not eat lentils. They cause those diseases to flare up. I guess this applies to all legumes, but lentils are the worst offenders. I also learned that when you're grilling steak, if you try to turn it over and it sticks to the grill, that means "leave me alone." It's just not ready to turn. Don't turn it over until it pulls away from the grill easily. One of the garnishes they used on the steak salad was little tiny julienned pieces of fresh ginger. I mean tiny--smaller than toothpicks. You fry them in a little olive oil then drain them on a paper towel. And my favorite thing was a garnish he prepared for a Ceasar Salad. He grated some Asiago cheese and covered the bottom of a saute pan--maybe 8 inches. He cooked the cheese until it started to turn golden brown around the edges and was dry. He then slid the cheese out of the pan and put it on top of an inverted bowl. When the cheese cooled, it was like a little bowl. You serve these "bowls" with the salad. You crumble the cheese and put it on top. Yummy stuff!!!!!

I have the day off tomorrow. YIPPPEEEE!!!! I have SO many things I'd like to accomplish. I need to clean up some big tool and paint supplies messes in the kitchen, do laundry, do paperwork, go to Sears, visit my ailing friend Elizabeth, do yard work, paint my closet doors, go to Barnes and Noble, wash and vacuum my car, clean the bathroom, drag the hose around, rob a bank so I can fill my gas tank and the gas cans, get my sweaters back on my shelves, shampoo carpet, and more. Do you think I can get it all done?????? Probably not. But it will all be waiting for me on another day. I will certainly not be in danger of being bored. I am taking a couple of vacation days in early July, so I hope to make some real progress in the coming weeks.

Wow, where does the time go? It's nearly midnight. I am so happy to be able to turn off the alarm clock and sleep until my body wants to wake up. Of course, that will probably be 5 am! Argh.

G'night all.

I know -- it's about time I posted

It's about time for another post, I suppose. Katie has posted at least my last two blogs. I don't know why I don't do this more often, other than the fact that I am truly the most boring person on the planet and have nothing to say that would be of interest to anyone else!

So I'll catch you up on a bunch of not much that's been happening in my life:

1. More hours of work. I have picked up more hours at my second job to help me pay for gas and other things affected by the price of gas. I am now working every Sunday and the 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings of the month. I am still working the Friday shift every week. This means I have two Saturdays off during the month. It's kind of a rough schedule, but it won't be forever, I hope. The upside is that it is an easy, brainless job; and I have met so many nice people that I get to visit with every week! :o)

2. Prison graduation. We had our graduation ceremony at the prison. We topped our record and awarded 270 high school diplomas this year. This is really amazing because we had so many changes in requirements this year. The ceremony was great; however, I nearly froze to death.

3. Bedroom progress. I continue to make a little progress on my bedroom every week. I am trying to find some time to paint my closet doors and hang pictures, etc., on the walls. Otherwise, it is mostly completed. I'm really enjoying it and love having my clothes out of boxes and into drawers and closets again. :o)

4. Green grass. My lawn looks better than it ever has before. I think part of it is the cool, damp spring we've had. The other part is having a lawn care company come to apply fertilizer and weed killer on a regular basis. It has been a challenge keeping it mowed--it grows so fast. And it doesn't help when someone vandalizes your mower. I'm happy to say that the mischievious trick was easily reversed and it's running better than ever.

5. I LOVE SPRING!!!!!

6. Tomato plants. Mom gave me three tomato plants this year. One of them actually has blossoms on it, and I'm so thrilled. It's been several years since I grew anything in the garden. I truly love puttering in the soil, but my time has just been so limited in recent years. It is my dream to get back to it before too many years pass.

7. Goodbye big red purse. The red minivan that Dylan has been driving finally gave up the ghost. The transmission finally blew up. I was able to find a buyer that gave me $200 for it and towed it away. I drove a lot of carpools in that van, and both Katie and Dylan depended on it for years. I realize it was kind of embarrassing for them, but it was "wheels." So farewell, good friend. Sniff.

8. Car shopping. I spent some time car shopping with Dylan. We needed to get him into something quickly. It took about a week, but we finally found a cute little 2005 Suzuki Forenza. He's really enjoying it and it's a relief not to be worrying about him getting stranded somewhere.

9. Baseball game. I finally got to go to a baseball game!!!!! I went with Katie and Troy. It turns out a good friend of mine was there, and I ended up sitting with him while K & T sought out her friends and coworkers. The Bees lost that night, but it was delightful anyway. I so love baseball.

10. The Scottish Festival. I went with a couple of friends to the annual Scottish Festival at Thanksgiving Point. We watched the Highland Games, ate junk food, got sunburned even with sunblock, wandered among the booths and listened to a lot of good music. If you want a sample of the band we heard, go to You Tube and type in Wicked Tinkers. They are what you might call the hard rock of traditional Scottish music with bagpipes, drums and even a digeridoo. There's actually one of their numbers on my playlist. You'll love em, I promise.

11. Father's Day. I truly have the best dad in the whole universe. He is truly the one man in my life that I have always been able to count on. He is ALWAYS there for me, cheering me on, whether I deserved it or not. I was not having a good day yesterday (Father's Day). His big hug brought me so much comfort. Add to that the fact that he and mom drove clear out here last night to help me figure out my lawn mower situation. He helped me drain the mower of its tainted gas, and it fired right up. I was in a near panic because the mower was broken and my lawn was halfway to my knees. Thanks, dad, for rescuing me once again. I love you bunches.

Well, I think I had better sign off. Tomorrow is trash pickup and I need to go fill up those cans and then get to bed. I truly do intend to get better about this. I'll try to find some things to make my life a little more exciting so I have something to write about. haha

I love you all.......

Purty.

Joey's amazing plant.

Nerd Alert.

KC, Daniel, Dylan
KC, Dylan
KC, Bejamin (the groom), and Daniel

Mom, sorry I didn't use the pics you sent me, these looked better, because cellyphone pictures are fuzzy. Anyway, you all get the idea. :)

The line at the wedding was the longest I have ever seen. Troy counted 20 people. Daniel says he will never stand in line again, not even when he gets married and if his future-fiance ever asked him to stand in a line he would dump her on the spot. Precious little ones.

Belated Post

Just a quick update:

The photo of my new bed was to have been accompanied by a little information, but alas my computer was not cooperating at the time. My dear daughter came to my rescue once again and fixed up my computer. So here's the story of the bed:

I had planned to purchase a fairly similar bed at Ikea. It just so happens that my dear neighbor, Ted, was here fixing a problem with my sprinklers. I mentioned I had been painting, etc. He wanted to see what I had done, so I brought him in the house to show him. I showed him a picture of the bed I was going to purchase and he said he had something he needed to show me. So off we went to Ted's shed. Up in the rafters, in many pieces, was a lovely black wrought iron bed similar to the one I was going to purchase. He said it belonged to his daughter but he would check to see what her plans were. She called me later in the evening and offered to GIVE it to me. About two weeks later, Ted dropped it over the fence and came over to put it together. And I LOVE it. It has the pieces necessary to turn it into a canopy, but I've opted not to use them at this time.

I have yet to paint my closet doors and get them hung. I also need to get the big, unwieldy desk out of my room so I can put together my new dresser. Once those things are finished, I can put all my things away and live a normal life again!!! I can't wait. But it seems that my patience needs to be tried. So many other things have come up to prevent me from accomplishing these things. I'm hoping I can start painting the doors on Monday--we shall see.

There's not much else new on this front. I work, I come home, I sometimes go to the gym, I go to bed and get up in the morning and start the same routine all over again. Day in and day out. But the consistency makes me happy in a strange and wonderful way!

Oh, I did take some pictures of my darling sons in tuxedos at their friend's wedding reception. I've sent them to Katie, and I'm hoping she'll post them for me. One of these days I'll learn to do it myself. Thanks to my dear daughter, I am now paying all of my bills online and blogging. I may be slow, but eventually I catch on........ She's even taught me how to load music on my IPod. Will wonders never cease?

Sleep well all. I intend to.........

Jo's new bed!

Sunday Night Exhaustion Can Be Good

It's Sunday night and I'm exhausted. I thought weekends were supposed to be restful and recreational! Ha!!!

It's been a busy weekend, and I have actually accomplished more than I anticipated, AND I worked a shift I wasn't planning on working. So although I'm tired, I feel "accomplished!"

As soon as I was off work on Friday, I started painting. It was time to apply the COLOR. Whoa Green!!!! Why is it that once you are committed (you have purchased the paint and have started slapping it on the walls), it's not quite what you expected. It was a little more limey than I expected. But you know, it's growing on me!!! I had a real struggle with the edges where the green met the cream (and they are FAR from perfect), but they'll do for now. I am SO anxious to get my bedroom back together. The green paint is on and the trim is done. Tonight I cleaned up the mess, moved what furniture I have to one side of my room and vacuumed. I am ready to clean half of my carpet. Perhaps tomorrow or Tuesday will be the day.

I ended up trading a shift at the gym and working today. Instead of having today off, I will have Mother's Day.

This evening, the kids and I hooked up with Grandma and Grandpa for dinner. What a delight they are. I am so lucky to have had them in my life for so long. I have so many friends who do not share such wonderful relationships with their parents. Many of them lost their parents many years ago. I treasure every minute I get to spend with them--even if it's just talking on the phone. They are so kind, generous and wise. I appreciate their generosity and wisdom.

Another week ahead. No big, wonderful plans. We'll just see what it brings.

So, although I'm exhausted, it's a good feeling. Once I throw my alarm clock against my newly painted wall in the morning, I'll be ready for anything.

Fifty-oneth

Yes, sure enough. I survived another year to celebrate number 51!!!! And what a great birthday it was. I was SOOO sick last year on my birthday. I had that horrible gomboo that leaves you with an eternal cough. I was coughing with every breath for my birthday last year. So, I really appreciated being well and strong for this one!

Yesterday morning, Dylan and I got up early and went to the new Harmons store Grand Opening. And what a "grand" place it is. It is certainly not your ordinary grocery store. One of the officials actually told us that there are only 4 other stores like it in the U.S. and they are all back east. I won't go into a lot of detail, but I will tell you that you MUST try their grapefruit gelato. It is to die for.

After our trip, we ran home and I grubbed down and started applying primer to the few things that needed it. Katie (who took the day off with me) showed up. I finished what I was doing, changed clothes again, then the three of us took off. By this time, Daniel (who was working at IKEA) was grumbling that he was hungry and would we please bring him food. We went to IKEA to deliver a box of mints to tide him over. (I don't think he was terribly pleased.) Then we went to Harmons and had lunch. We took a nice "rubber" tri-tip steak lunch back to him. (They misspelled "rubbed.") If you look at Katie's post, you will see a picture of Katie and myself wearing some very funny "hats." We're not sure what they really are, but they served as hats yesterday.

Once we got back home, Katie and I both grubbed down and started painting. We started with the closet. Oh how I hate painting closets. I'm so glad she was there. She really made an otherwise dreadful chore a lot of fun!!! We kept going at it until it got dark, and then some. I was just finishing the last of the day's painting when the power went out, several times. Luckily it came on so I could finish what I was doing. I am now ready to roll the ceiling, which I may attempt tonight. I need to start taking pictures and have Katie show me how to post them so everyone can see. Maybe not for this project, but someday........ :o)

In the meantime, Dylan and Daniel had made a trip to Harmons after Dan got off work. When they got home, the kids presented me with my birthday present. They purchased the very first piece of my new bedroom furniture--a chest. I am thrilled. I can't wait until my painting and carpet cleaning projects are finished so I can put it together. I'm TIRED of living out of boxes. Dylan also purchased some delicious Italian sausage which he grilled. Someone left the back door open and all sorts of delightful pests started flying into the house. HUGE moths and who knows what else. But we had a good laugh when Katie referred to one of them as a bird, which reminded me so much of my dad's humor!!!

All in all, it was a delightful day. Not only was it my birthday (and the best ever), but it was also a payday. I have such great kids!!!!! I know I am a very imperfect mother, but somehow my children survived my mistakes and became wonderful human beings. I love them all so very much. They are truly the light of my life!!!

Thanks to all three of you for making my day so wonderful!!! Also, thank you to my incredible parents, sisters and friends who took the time to call and wish me a good birthday. I felt so loved, even covered with all my warts!!! I love you all right back!!!

New Beginnings

As those of you who are close to me know, I am once again living life single. The last few months have been so very challenging and difficult--the last month the hardest of all. But I am actually feeling a peace I haven't known in some time. I don't dread coming home anymore, I'm enjoying my sons as never before, and I have managed to recapture much of the motivation I have lacked in recent months.

It truly is a new beginning for me. Sometimes I am petrified, but mostly I am feeling very hopeful and positive. I have begun to spend more time with great friends again. I am feeling closer to my children (whom I love more than my very life). I have experienced the incredible love my dear parents have for me. I am starting projects at home that have needed doing for a number of years. I am enjoying the peace I feel at home--something that is so important for rejuvenation at the end of a busy day. There has been so much turbulence here in recent months, so it is such a welcome and surprising change. It is absolutely amazing to me how one person can have such an affect on the aura of your home. I have learned through all of this how important it is to have a peaceful place to call home.

I have no bedroom furniture right now. I have plans to buy new furniture, but first I decided I would clean and paint my room. It is a disaster area. I have been washing walls, then repairing them and sanding. I have less than one wall to go before I can wash everything down one more time and paint. Then I'll get the furniture I've picked out. I'm hoping that this renewal in the room where I spend the most time will purge more of the toxicity from my life. I am trying very hard not to let fear, bitterness, anger and resentment gain control over my mind and spirit!

There are many more projects waiting for me. But I had to put everything on hold to do this one thing for myself. The work has been therapeutic. The sanding dust has settled on every inch of my house (UGH), but that is a small price to pay. I can clean it up and throw it out with the bad memories and feelings that still plague me just a little. I'm so very excited!

And, of course, it helps that it is spring--a perfect time for a new beginning.

Thanks to all of you who have been so loving, kind and supportive throughout this ordeal. I will never be able to repay all you have done.

Purse Tag

I can't resist being tagged. It will be an adventure diving into my purse--it's been a while. Who knows what I might find!

. My checkbook
. A calculator because my real brain doesn't like math
. A small bottle of B & BW Cherry Blossom lotion. YUM!
. Some Airborne to ward off evil bugs.
. A little package of tissues
. My wallet that contains gazillions of cards, but no money save some small change.
. A little container of ibuprofen and tylenol.
. Two Bliss dark chocolates (I forgot about them.) Glad I found them before summer.
. Some reading glasses.
. Three pens.
. Oh! Another Bliss.
. Various receipts.
. Girl supplies.
. One tube of lipstick.
. One tiny tube of Mary Kay lotion--dunno where that came from. Hmmmm.

Wow! Is that boring enough for you? How about if I tag Clodhopper? If she hasn't already been tagged, that is. I haven't read it for a while. I really need to get back into the swing of things.

OK, now I have to go cook some dinner for the Dylmeister!

Heidi's Tag

Heidi's tag intrigued me. It's just what I needed to spark enough interest in blogging to do this!

OK, so you choose a book, go to page 123. Find the fifth sentence. Then record the next three sentences. Here goes:

"I too had that moment of thinking this was the first truly authentic man I'd ever met, the kind of person I'd traveled to Wyoming as a twenty-two-year-old to find (indeed, to BECOME)--a genuine soul uncontaminated by modern rust. What makes Eustace seem, on first encounter, like the last of some noble species is that there is nothing "virtual" about his reality. This is a guy who lives, quite literally, the life that, for the rest of the country, has largely become a metaphor."

I can't think of 5 people to tag. But I will tag Hollyoak!