Bizzymissliz

Sundays in My City - Ruff!

2011-05-22T08:39:00.006-05:00

"Bark in the Park" is a fundraising event sponsored by our local Humane Society. The 19th annual Bark in the Park dog festival was held yesterday in Forest Park. Sponsored by the Humane Society of Missouri and Purina, it is a benefit for the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Fund, dedicated to the investigation and prevention of animal abuse. Dog lovers from all over show up in costume, with props or in their birthday suits! (The dogs show up in their birthday suits, not the owners!)

It's a day of exercise and fun for both owners and dogs and is a win-win situation for everyone. There are exhibits, talent shows, and some "impromptu" dancing.

We don't take Tootsie to this one... She just can't "get along" with others.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope your Sunday is great!

Please stop by Unknown Mami's Sundays in My City and see some fascinating places to visit! Just click on the logo below!

Saturday Centus - Scared to Change

2011-03-27T11:06:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Saturday Centus, the "assignment on a whim" by Jenny Matlock Off on My Tangent. I shouldn't tease. Ms. Jenny graciously gives writers ideas and formats through weekly writing challenges, and it's always interesting to see how we respond! We must write no more than 100 words (not including the prompt or idea) and link back to Ms. Jenny to share with others our hard work and sweat. My sweat follows, the prompt is in bold.

Bring it on baby, dear
That attitude of yours
It’s a cover for your fear
Of breaking down doors

You want to be me
Go ahead and try
Open your eyes and see
It’s not a good time to fly

You’re full of yourself, hon
Step back and to the side
Let others bask in the sun
Be humble with your pride

Close your eyes; breathe a sigh
How can you change?
Start climbing; aim for high
You might feel scared or strange

When it’s the end of day
And the wind is a wickin’
Say, “I’m not afraid,” say
“I’m not a chicken!”

Thanks for the visit! Please hop on over to Jenny's and enjoy other gift poets like myself (NOT). Just click on the logo below.

My Little Miss Sunshine

2011-03-22T20:56:00.009-05:00

I work at a middle school. A week or so ago, it snowed on a Monday. The Sunday night prior, the transportation department said that since we were only expecting a dusting, they were going to watch before salting the streets. It started snowing Sunday night. The next morning, snow was a very messy, slushy snow...four inches of messy slushy snow. The bus drivers couldn't get to work, so there were no buses to pick up the kids. Still, parents sent their little cherubims out to the bus stops. Some of those parents went on to work; others acted surprised when their children returned home one-half hour later as Popsicles. I made it into work, but only one other out of six office staff made it in. I took the front desk. From 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., we received around 300 telephone calls (many of which went to voicemail). By the fifth call, I had the spiel down.

I said in my most pleasant voice, "I'm very sorry that your bus did not show up. Unfortunately, the drivers couldn't make it out of their neighborhoods to go to work. If you have an alternate method of transportation for your child, we would very much appreciate your use of it. No, I am very sorry, there are no buses running this morning. Please don't worry about the tardy. Everyone who is tardy will be excused today because of the transportation problem. I understand...if you have no other means to get your child here, then I guess you should keep them home."

During the first 15 minutes of telephone calls, our intruder alarm went off. All of the students who had made it in to school were directed to the cafeteria and gymnasium for lockdown. The local police were called and all halls and classrooms were swept. It was determined that a malfunction set off the alarm. The next 30 calls were from parents who just received a text from their child that there was an intruder at the school.

My response was "I do appreciate your concern, sir/madam, but the alarm went off as a result of an electrical malfunction. The school has been swept by our administrators and the local police, and no intruder was found. Please be assured that everyone here at the school is safe." I became an expert at this spiel, as well, and could recite it within 25 seconds. This gave me time to answer more telephone calls. The phone lines finally ceased ringing all at once, and we all heaved a sigh of relief!

About an hour later, I received a call from Ed. She was very excited and began speaking as soon as she knew I was on the other end of the line. She said,

"So, this is the stuff that went down today! Katya and Tabitha started driving to school, but since the Ghia is so low to the ground, it got stuck in the snow. So they turned around and came back home. They were crying because they were going to be late. I told them you would let them stay home since there was no bus and Katya's car couldn't get through the snow. That's okay, isn't it? Then, Katya made a doctor's appointment and needed a ride to the office. So, the three of us got into the VW Bus and I started it up. When Katya went to close the side door, it fell off! It was hanging by a single bolt! Man, Dad is going to be so p..... mad! Anyway, we closed it as much as we could and both Tabitha and Katya rolled down the windows and put their arms through so they could hold the door shut. They kept crying and complained that it was cold. Then when I turned left to go into the doctor's parking lot, the door started to fall again and they both screamed! After the longest time at the doctor's, we finally came home and are going to stay in the house for the rest of the day. Can I stay home from school, too?"

Welcome to my world! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Charlie Sheen - The Bad Boy We Love!

2011-02-01T11:51:00.009-06:00

Welcome to this always fascinating meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, Janera Jepson posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme posts quotes from a guy we both love and love to hate, Charlie Sheen. He has had an incredible movie and television career, and is now walking a fine line to losing more than just his career. Charlie's quotes are numbered, the questions that follow are in italic, and my feeble attempt at answers are in bold.

1. As kids we're not taught how to deal with success; we're taught how to deal with failure. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. If at first you succeed, then what? What is something in which that you did not expect to succeed, but ultimately you were successful?

Charlie, I can't imagine how stressful it is to be successful in the entertainment business. But I think that you need to find another way to work out the stress!

A successful endeavor - editing College Physics Textbooks....no, not really! Actually, writing is something I never thought much about, until a teacher asked me to write a letter of recommendation for her. The positive feedback I received was so encouraging. I don't know if I could consider myself a successful writer as I have never had anything published...yet. I feel successful if my writing touches another and they take the time to let me know. Their responses make my day!

2. Dad kept us out of school, but school comes and goes. Family is forever.
What do you think about home schooling?

Working at a public school and watching home school children come into our school, I don't think the education is any better, or worse. What makes me sad is the social experience on which home schooled kids miss out. They are not as equipped to handle conflict, relationships, and in some cases, authority figures, as well as the students who have been in classrooms, either public or private. This is just my opinion.

Yes, Charlie, I agree with you that Family is forever. However, family cannot provide you with many of the experiences that occur outside of the family unit.

3. I just didn't believe I was like everybody else. I thought I was unique.
What makes you unique?

Unfortunately, I do not think I am that unique. I am a 30-something woman living inside the body of a 50-something woman. I love most of the music that my teens listen to, and I sometimes dance with them (after which I soak in a very hot bath!) Aren't most women my age like this?

4. I just don't want to live like I used to. And at some point, I'm going to put a gag order on myself in terms of talking about the past. I've got to slam the door and deal with the present and the future. When you meet someone, how much of your past do you reveal?

I reveal nothing of my past until I have lassoed them in and tied them to the hitching post. Then, I only reveal bits and pieces at a time. If they knew all of the real me, they would ride off into the sunset immediately! Sorry, Charlie, but you are in a position where you cannot hide your past. They know all about your life before you even say "hello!"

5. I saw 28 Days. I don't remember rehab being like a day camp or being that funny. Rehab is a dumping ground. It's a big landfill. Has rehab helped either you or a member of your family?

I couldn't say. None of my family has been in rehab...mental institutions, yes; rehab, no.

6. I still don't have all the answers. I'm more interested in what I can do next than what I did last. Do you dwell on your past?

Only the really fun stuff! Dwelling on anything is not that healthy. We learn from our mistakes/successes what works and what doesn't work. We need to take that experience and boldly go into the light.

7. I think what drove me insane for a long time is feeling like I hadn't earned most of what I achieved because it came so fast. Have you ever profited from something that at the time you felt that you did not earn?

Fast or slow, ones achievements (if they really belong to the achiever) are well-earned. I've never profited from anything that wasn't honestly earned...except maybe that one time....

8. I've got volumes on how not to behave. I've got more information now than a guy should have at my age. Have you ever behaved in a way that you should not have?

I usually do or say something that I shouldn't almost every day of my life. It's part of who I am. Sometimes it is totally humiliating for both me and my family, but...well...stuff happens.

9. The paramedic called the press and sold me like a loaf of bread. This was news, and he wanted to be the one to report it. Have you ever been in an ambulance? If not, have you ever been present when an ambulance was used?

No to both questions, however, I would love to give it a try. Charlie, you know why people sell you out...they either want some extra money, or, you have really ticked them off!

10. Uncertainty is a sign of humility, and humility is just the ability or the willingness to learn. Is there any uncertainty in your life at the present time? In the past?

As many moms may know, once their offspring have spread their wings, we sometimes stress over the uncertainty of them being happy and healthy when we no longer hold the reigns. I also think that most of us live every day with uncertainty about something...like...is today the day that I will meet George Clooney...or, will my numbers win the lottery...or, am I going to figure out what's for dinner before 5:00?

I really appreciate you reading this far in my post! Please click on the Wednesday Wickedness logo below and see how others have joined in the fun!

Writer's Workshop - Blue Eyes

2010-08-11T19:22:00.014-05:00

She fidgeted anxiously as the elevator slowly descended to the ground floor. It seemed to take forever to get to the main lobby.

“Where should I go for lunch? How much money do I have? Do I have to stop at the bank? Is my skirt on straight?” she asked herself. “Ugh! Why is this elevator taking so long?”

“Finally” she sighed, as the doors began to open. On the other side of the elevator doors stood a tall, perfectly chiseled young man in a business suit. She looked up at his steel blue eyes and at the same time he looked at hers. The color of his eyes was like nothing she had ever seen. His eyes were piercing, but his body was relaxed, and almost welcoming. They were both locked in a tracking beam and were focused so intently on each other that not even a bomb would have broken their mutual trances. Everything became dreamlike and in slow-motion.

As she began to exit the elevator, she felt a force pushing her back. She did not want this euphoric feeling to stop. She finally gave it her all and began to exit the elevator. She passed him with her eyes still locked onto his. He was still fixed on hers, and then he began to smile. She returned the smile immediately with a shy, girlish grin. As they passed each other, their hands brushed lightly. She could hear her heart pounding and feel the electricity all the way down to her toes. Turning toward the double glass exit doors, she made her way to the only place that would break this spell, even though it was not what she really wanted.

“Ten more steps” she said to herself, “and I will be free of this tracking beam.” She turned back to see if the elevator had closed yet, and saw that it had, but he was still standing just outside of the doors. He was watching her which caused her knees to turn to jelly. She grabbed on to the door handle to keep from falling to the floor in a puddle of jam.

“Get out right now!” she screamed to herself. With every ounce of energy, she pushed the doors open and stepped out into the warm, bright sun. She felt the sun’s rays wrap around her body from head to toe. She pulled out a pair of sunglasses from her purse and put them on. As she pushed the bridge into place, a quick flash of light was seen out of the corner of her left eye. She adjusted her wedding band and sighed.

“My, my” she laughed. “This is one lunch hour I will never forget!”

Thanks for stopping by! This story is brought to you by the Writer's Workshop with the hostess extraordinaire, Mama Kat. Click on the Writer's Workshop logo and enjoy the great stories of her followers!

Friday Fragments, #106 - School Countdown!

2010-08-05T20:42:00.012-05:00

As the week began, I calculated the exact amount of days and hours left before I join the ranks of the local middle school! My feelings are mixed; I'm ready to be on a schedule again (it's not like I could have made my own schedule while I was off) and to see some familiar faces. Last year's most obnoxious class was the 7th grade. Guess who will be the trend setters, role models and leaders of the pack? Yup, this year's 8th graders! It should be a non-stop, action-packed and thoroughly fascinating year!

I've been making lists of all the things I didn't get done this summer, and thought if I really busted my butt, I just might get to half of them by the time school starts. NOT! My wonderful temp agency called and offered me a job for next week! Hmmm....clean or make some money....that's a no-brainer, right? So much for my "To Do" list!

Ed has started a new job as a hostess at Olive Garden. I'm very excited for her as it is a considerable step up from the ice cream place where she used to work. She is still in training, but loving every minute of it! The college freshman begins her new journey on August 19th. Katya is looking forward to being a hot-shot high school senior, driving her VW Ghia, and smacking down the incoming freshmen!

Rock (who is really no longer Rock, as the band broke up) has not had much luck finding a job...anywhere...either in his major or otherwise. Welcome to the real world, boy! He has a job waiting for him at our local AMC theater. That really won't be too horrible as family gets in to the movies for free!

Speaking of movies, Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell stopped by yesterday for the St. Louis Premiere of "The Other Guys." I tried to get there early so I could tell Mark that I wanted to have his baby, but of course my chauffeur duties got in the way and I never made it to the show! Oh, well!

Thanks for stopping by to read this week's post, hosted by the incredibly awesome Mrs.4444. Click on her name to get to this week's post. Let her know you were by and do enjoy reading some of the other posts that are listed.

Have a wonderful weekend!

This is a blog hop! You're next!

Weekend Reflections #45 - China's Water City

2010-07-30T05:55:00.003-05:00

This is another great shot that my amateur photographer daughter took while on her ambassador trip to China.

Every Friday through Sunday, Newtown Area Photo sponsors a meme where a gazillion photographers, amateur through pro, can showcase their work using a "Reflection" theme. I love to see the different points of view that people have, and the truly amazing pictures that they take.

Thank you Newtown Area Photo for sponsoring this meme every weekend, and allowing me to participate. Please visit James at Newtown Area Photo and be prepared to be "wowed!"

Have a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday Wickedness - No Satisfaction!

2010-07-27T22:49:00.004-05:00

I've been having a little fun with this great meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, Janera posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme offers quotes from Mick Jagger, of the "undead" Rolling Stones. I'm surprised he can still make coherent statements! Maybe he received a little help from our hostess, Janera!

Here we go!

1. "A good thing never ends," Have you ever had a good thing in your life that never ended?

Mick...isn't the quote, "all good things must come to an end?" Sheesh! What time did you start the IV this morning?

2. "I got nasty habits, I take tea at three." Do you have any nasty habits?

Well, one of them is not attempting to massacre the King's English! If I told you my nasty habits, I would probably lose the bulk of my readers (at least three of the four!)

3. "I'd rather be dead than to be singing "Satisfaction" at 45. He obviously changed his mind. What is something you still do that you thought you'd outgrow?

Yeah, Mick, someones gotta pay the piper! I still dream about becoming famous... or growing up...or something like that.

4. "Lose your dream and lose your mind." Have you lost any of your dreams as time went by?

Yes, I've lost a few, but then I found them, and lost them again. The one that eludes me the most is the one where I'm wearing a size 10.

5. "I haven't had time to return to the scene because I never left it." As you've grown older, in what ways do you still act and think the way you did when you were younger?

I still act like I'm 35 years old...I think that's when my brain started to move south.

6. Patriotism is something that fades when the war starts." How do you react to this quote?

Too many drugs, Mick!

7. "The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either." Is there someone in your life who still treats you as the same person to when you were younger? Do you like it?

Yes, I am treated by some in the same way they treated me when I was younger... like lecturing, etc., and I don't like it. It has, however, made me a stronger person and I can assert myself so that I am taken seriously...sometimes.

8. "It's all right letting yourself go, as long as you pull yourself back." Have you let yourself go in any aspect of your life?

Yes, I let myself go once. The bungee cord broke and I just kept going and going and going... Only a miracle, or a hot fudge sundae could bring me back now!

9. "My mother has always been unhappy with what I do. She would rather I do something nicer, like being a brick layer." How do your parents feel about what you do?

If my parents knew what I was doing, they would roll over in their watery graves! Actually, they would be okay with it, as long as I made the payments on the beach house!

10. "Anarchy is the only slight glimmer of hope." How would you categorize your political point of view?

Now, Mick...how can you say this? Anarchy could only succeed in my country if I were Queen. However, there are those who are trying to make it work without my help!

Thanks for stopping by today! Please pop over to Wicked and say hello! Just click on the logo for Wednesday Wickedness below!

Wedesday Wickedness - Yankee Style

2010-07-13T21:38:00.005-05:00

I recently found this great meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, Janera posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme posts quotes from George Steinbrenner, the former owner of the New York Yankees. Mr. Steinbrenner passed away this week and this is my tribute to a very special icon. Please pop over to Wicked and say hello! Just click on the logo for Wednesday Wickedness below!

Here we go!!!!

1. "But why shouldn't I speak out? Don't you speak out in this country?" Do you speak out as often as you should?

Well, George, I think "speaking out" was one of your most well known attributes! I don't speak out as much as I should, because every time I start to say what's on my mind, God puts his loving hand over my mouth!

2. "I am tough. Sometimes I'm unreasonable. I have to catch myself every once in a while." Are you ever tough and unreasonable?

Of course I am tough and unreasonable! Just ask my kids! I'm so tough that I won't allow fireworks in the house, dance parties with the football team in their bedrooms, or let them take turns wearing the electric fence collar!

3. "I haven't always done a good job, and I haven't always been successful - but I know that I have tried." Do you believe that sometimes you learn more from a failure than a success?

I don't try to fail, but I am very successful at failure! I could write a book on what I've learned from all of my failures!

4. "Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next." Do you feel that you always have to win?

Breathing first, Brad Pitt next. I don't feel that I always have to win, but once or twice would be nice!

5. "It is unbelievable to me that the highest-paid team in baseball would start the season in such a deep funk." Do you think money always buys greatness?

Now George, you know that your boys will always rise to the occasion and come from behind to win! Money buys beauty, not greatness. A lot of money buys greatness!

6. "I take my last phone call at home at about 11pm." What time is too late to call you?

Well, it depends on what you want to call me...(ba dump bump). If I've won the Publisher's Clearinghouse $5,000 for life, you can call me anytime. Otherwise, 8pm is my limit. I am rendered unconscious after that!

7. "Don't talk to me about aesthetics or tradition. Talk to me about what sells and what's good right now." Do you think tradition matters?

I think you should ask Zero Mostel that question!

8. "And what the American people like is to think the underdog still has a chance." Do you tend to root for the underdog?

Always, unless the other guy is better-looking!

9. "I don't think I ever could exceed my father's successes. He was a completely satisfied man, he knew what he wanted to accomplish and he accomplished it. I did a lot, though, to try to please him." Do you ever feel that you want to exceed your parents successes?

I feel lucky if I exceed their failures! I personally would not want to, but there are many greedy, selfish, power mongers with low self-esteem, who would love it if they exceeded their parents' successes.

10. "I'm really 95 percent Mr. Rogers, and only 5 percent Oscar the Grouch." In terms of cartoon characters, who are you like?

Come on, George... if you really are 95 percent Mr. Rogers, than I am 95 percent Jessica Rabbit - I can't help it, I'm just drawn that way!

I hope you leave with a chuckle or two! Thanks so much for stopping by. Please check out the answers given by other bloggers like me. Just click on the logo above and you will be magically taken to Wednesday Wickedness! Happy Hump Day!

Weekend Reflections - Hong Kong Skyline

2010-07-09T18:29:00.004-05:00

Every Friday through Sunday, Newtown Area Photo sponsors a meme where a gazillion photographers, amateur through pro, can showcase their work using a "Reflection" theme. I love to see the different points of view that people have, and the truly amazing pictures that they take.

My darling daughter, Princess Katya, recently returned from her trip to China with the People to People Ambassador program. I am shamelessly posting her pictures on as many posts as I can!

This photo was taken while Katya was on the last leg of her trip which ended in Hong Kong. She was attracted to the colorful lights and (like me) got lucky and captured some beautiful reflections, as well!

Thank you, Newtown Area Photo for sponsoring this meme every weekend, and allowing me to participate. Please visit Newtown Daily Photo and prepare to be wowed by some truly incredible artists!

Have a great weekend!

Writer's Workshop: You May Be Surprised to Learn that......

2010-06-30T13:28:00.013-05:00

Thank you Lord for Kat over at Mama's Losin It! She hosts a workshop on Wednesdays and challenges bloggers to write about one of her suggested prompts. Since I'm still brain-dead from most weekends, this is a great motivation for me to write without having to come up with my own topic...just free flowing mumbling about the prompt that grabs me the most. Here's the prompt that I chose:

You May Be Surprised to Learn that.....

This topic makes me think of the “get to know you” exercise where someone lists truths and falsehoods and everyone has to guess either the true or false one. Like most of us, I’m slowly peeling off the layers as I travel through my blogging journey, and so I hereby shed yet another layer! Below is a truth that I always include in the exercise, and many people don’t guess it.

Thirty or so years ago, when I lived in Los Angeles, I attended exercise classes at a club called “Anatomy Asylum”. I was attracted to the word “Asylum” and figured this place should be a lot of fun. This club was (and still is, I believe) operated by the well-known celebrity, Richard Simmons. The classes were a riot! I worked my butt off, but there were always laughs and great music with every class. The instructors were wonderful, and, on occasion, I would attend a class taught by Richard, himself. His classes were always crazy and fun!

The business grew and clubs started appearing in outlying areas. Shortly after I had my first child, and still carrying a lot of “baby weight,” I started attending classes at a club close to where I was living at the time. They were looking for instructors and announced that auditions would be held. I tried out, and to my amazement, I was hired!

I loved teaching the classes! As an instructor, I was allowed to choose the music I wanted to play, as well as choreograph the exercise routines. I almost felt as though I was living my long lost dream of becoming a dancer except for the athletic shoes I wore during class. Of course, let’s not forget about the plethora of endorphins associated with exercise! Needless to say, I was rarely cranky in those days!

I’m really chubby, so most people are taken aback when I tell them I used to teach aerobics. One of the things for which I will always be grateful to Richard Simmons, was that he hired overweight instructors to teach his classes. Sometimes heavier people are put off by “thin” instructors because the example they set seems beyond their reach. Richard’s philosophy was to show that overweight individuals could work out safely and be happy while doing so. Hey, it worked for me!

Writing this has inspired me to go work out! I think I’ll head down to the basement and turn on Wii’s “Just Dance!”

Thanks for stopping by! Please visit Mama Kat over at Mama Kat's Losin' It and get some great reads!

Friday Fragments - Episode #99

2010-06-18T16:10:00.006-05:00

I started my week out great! I met a girlfriend Monday morning at a coffee shop called "The Grind." We both had things to do, so we said we could only meet for an hour. So we talked, talked, laughed, talked some more, and when we looked up two hours had gone by! Wowser! She had to be someplace, and I had my own set of "honey dos" to do! We both scurried out of there like two little squirrels being chased by a bear!

That afternoon, I saw the doctor about my (pain in the butt) right glut. She couldn't figure it out, so she gave me some stretching exercises and told me to take four Advil every eight hours. Then she said I should go to a podiatrist and get all my calluses removed. Well! Thankyouverymuch!!!!

Tuesday, I worked at a temp job answering seven phone calls in eight hours. The rest of the time, I checked my email, read blogs, made a honey-do list for Wednesday and read some more emails. Katya, who is in China right now, emailed me and said she couldn't get her cell phone to work and would I contact the phone company.

"Oh, brother!" I said to myself...here's another one of those 45 minute phone calls where I will probably speak to every single employee in that office! I decided to try to avoid that situation and stopped off at one of the stores of the phone company. The guy at the store made a phone call, and ended up handing it off to me. They got me anyway! We set up the international plan and I was given instructions on how to implement it and get into voicemail. I wrote Katya back that night with all of the instructions. It didn't work. I guess it was just too many steps for her to go through. "I JUST WANT TO TURN ON THE WATER AND HAVE IT COME OUT. I DON'T CARE WHERE IT COMES FROM, I JUST WANT IT TO COME OUT OF THE SPOUT!" Dian Keaton from "Baby Boom."

Katya said she would just email me as often as possible. I'm getting updates on all the drama of the "South Beach" girls. I can't repeat what Katya said, but I was rolling on the floor laughing. I can see a new Reality show brewing!

The best thing that happend this week was when I found out I WON A CONTEST!! I so very rarely win contests. On my other blog (No Excuses), I wrote about a Tooth Fairy incident that happend to my son Rock when he was around 10. Click here to read the story, and click here to visit Supah who was hosting the contest. My story won first place and I am going to receive some wonderful dental items: Tooth Soap (it is not what you think) Tooth Swish and Tooth Brightner. Click on the logo below to find out more about the products from the company that makes them.

To go along with my story, let me show you a picture of Rock around the time he was ten. A real buster, isn't he?? It's the freckles that make him bad! (Notice the clenched fists - he had dirt under his nails!)

Well, there you have it! My second contribution to Fragmented Fridays, hosted by the incredibly awesome Mrs.4444. Click on her name to get to the main page of her blog, and click on the logo, below to get to her post for Friday Fragments #99!

Have a great weekend!

Sundays in My City - Race For The Cure

2010-06-13T15:50:00.011-05:00

This was on the front page of today's St. Louis Post Dispatch. Here are some ladies who really know how to party! These lovelies are Breast Cancer Survivors, and they are dancing in the streets to celebrate!

I will be honest and tell you that I did not take these fabulous pictures of our Komen Race for the Cure held yesterday in downtown St. Louis. I wasn't even there, but my spys were. So, if you want to know if anybody famous was there, you can just look for yourself.

My friend, FACS Lady, not only took these pictures, but she ran/walked/shuffled and crawled the race. I'm not much for crowds these days.... especially if they are 71,000 plus!!!! Please enjoy some of the creative apparel that was in attendance.

We had a great morning for the race. It was a little steamy, and probably contributed to a few temper tantrums, crankiness, and super-soaker fights! Then, the participants who were still walking in the afternoon, were treated to Mother Nature's all purpose shower... thunder, lightning, and golf ball size hail!

This was what it looked like at the Finish Line!

Have you heard of Unknown Mami? She has a delightful blog where she shares photos of her city on Sundays. She invites the rest of us to link up with her and share some of our own city's photos. Click on the logo to visit Sundays in My City!

I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Welcome to my city!

Wednesday Wickedness - Sinatra Style

2010-06-08T21:34:00.006-05:00

I just found this great new meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Since Lid is taking a break from Random Dozen, I was invited to join in with Wicked. This week's meme is about quotes from Frank Sinatra, followed by a question. Pop over to Wicked and say hello! Just click on Wednesday Wickedness above!

Here we go!

1. “I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day.” How often do you drink alcohol?

I don't drink alcohol, unless there is chocolate in it. I probably drink maybe three to four times a year, and all of those times are on New Year's Eve.

2. “The best revenge is massive success.” Have you ever gloated or wanted to over success?

Oh, how I've wanted to gloat, but I don't think I've ever had a massive success story to tell... other than giving birth four times! Never thought that would happen!

3. “You gotta love livin', baby, 'cause dyin' is a pain in the [butt].” What do enjoy most about your life?

What I enjoy most about my life are my kids. They provide endless hours of entertainment for me! It is, for me, like watching a movie that takes you through every...single... emotion you could ever experience! I feel joy, happiness, humility, disgust, embarrassment and finally remorse for bringing them into this world.

4. “I'm not one of those complicated, mixed-up cats. I'm not looking for the secret to life.... I just go on from day to day, taking what comes.” Do you ever overthink a situation in your life?

I'm a mom. What do you think? Always be prepared!

5. “I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who had good friends, fine family - and I don't think I could ask for anything more than that, actually.” Tell us about your best friend.

I have to be honest when I say that I don't really have one best friend. I am blessed to have four or five best friends who would drop everything in a heartbeat if I needed them. Just knowing that makes me feel very special.

6. “I like intelligent women. When you go out, it shouldn't be a staring contest.” How important is intelligence when picking (or having picked) a s/o to you?

Come on, Frank! You know that you don't really care about intelligence. The only intelligence you care about is body intelligence! Really, I would like to be challenged since I'm not the brightest crayon in the box, but there are other qualities that I might consider over intelligence: height, hair & eye color, muscle tone, ability to give massages at the drop of a hat, a gorgeous, drop-dead face and filthy rich...then maybe intelligence.

7. “I drink to the confusion of our enemies.” What's the closest situation that you've had to dealing with an enemy?

Waking up in the same bed with my H. No, really, I guess the devil would be my enemy as he encourages me to lust after male movie stars. I dreamt once that I was having an affair with a famous movie star, and he asked me to choose between him and my H. God won that one because I chose my H. (Silly me - I could just kick myself!)

8. “Orange is the happiest color.” What's your favorite color?

I used to think Blue was my favorite color. I have several favorites now: black, navy, charcoal grey, burnt-tree brown. They all make me look fabulas!

9. “Dare to wear the foolish clown face.” Are you ever a clown?

Every freaking day of my life! I've lost many a job because of it, but it is just so much darn fun. It keeps me smiling because I know how ridiculous I look!

10. “Don't get even, get mad.” Have you ever tried getting even?

What's the point? They will just try to better your even, then you have to get even with that, and so on and so on... I just keep reminding myself the old saying "what goes around, comes around." If someone has made me mad, I know that they will be in my position some day. I just hope I'm around when it happens!

Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to be a little silly. Please check out Wednesday Wickedness and let them know what you think!

Have a great Wednesday!

Random Dozen - School's Out For Summer!

2010-05-26T23:11:00.012-05:00

MY HERO!! He still has most of "it!"

My blogger buddy, Lid, at 2nd Cup of Coffee posts Random Dozen on Tuesdays and invites us to join in by answering 12 random questions and then posting them on our blogs and sites the next day. Just click on the logo and you will be magically transported to a very happy place (one of those happy places that we all try to get to now and then!)

This week's Q & As:

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party? I would rather host a party so I could boss everyone around. Also, I would be the center of attention during the party. After, I would make my guests clean up their messes. Actually, I would rather attend a party and people watch while I chill.

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to. A long, long time ago, in a far away place called Buena Park, California, I worked for an amusement park with many wild and crazy individuals. We would have parties with themes and skits. One party’s skit had young employees playing the parts of their managers. Nothing was held back, not even the smallest secret. We laughed our butts off!

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life? I hope for my natural hair color to return; I hope for a body weight of 110 pounds and a D-cup; I hope to be reunited with friends and family who have gone on before me;and I hope to be fortunate enough to be in His presence, or the presence of someone close to him.

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine? The light. It gives me a happy feeling, as if all is well in my little world. I feel motivated to accomplish my “to do” list when the sun is shining. I can usually get one or two items marked off my list: make bed, eat breakfast.

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift? I prefer to go in on a gift so that a larger item may be purchased that the bride or mother-to-be might not get on her own. I also like to bring my own gift so that I can revel in the “oohs and ahhs” upon opening it. It sort of makes me feel like the center of attention.

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family? May I have both? I hate to clean, and I hate to cook! I suppose having someone cook for the family would be absolutely dee-vine, as long as they did the dishes while I languish in the TV room.

7. What song describes your mood today? My mood today is best described by Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out for Summer.” However, tomorrow’s mood would be best described by “Mr. Sandman” as I have a date with the anesthesiologist in the morning.

8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.) I received and still use a crock pot. I also still use many linens I received. I had to hock the silver and china to pay for the kid’s college tuition, but I’m hoping to buy it back when one of them gets a job!

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is? My favorite flavor of ice cream is Vanilla because you can add so many things to it, like fudge, whipped cream, cookies, candy, did I say fudge, peanuts, fruit, coffee, root beer and, don’t forget fudge!

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?" The last time I felt tested was about 20 minutes ago. I usually feel tested within minutes of the 18 year old waking up. I am also tested on a daily basis at work by juggling phone, deliveries and humans.

11. "[Fill in the blank] is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop." [Anything made with sugar]

12. "-----" is the best motivation. “Money” “Food” “Being the Center of Attention”

Thanks for stopping by! School is out! :( Only 75 more days until it starts! :)

Oops! Tootsie Did It Again!

2010-05-08T18:57:00.010-05:00

I have been MIA for a while. I have been nursing a fracture of the bone in my right middle finger. You know, the one that expresses your feelings in one quick gesture? I was walking Tootsie a few weeks ago when she saw one of her imaginary friends and lunged to show off her "alpha female" side. The leash was over, under and through the fingers on my right hand. My middle finger was bent in a most unnatural way, but I didn't hear anything crack, so I thought it must just be a sprain. Well, two weeks later, it still hurt like heck, so I went to my doctor and had some x-rays taken. They discovered a hairline fracture at the joint (you know, the joints that hurt real bad in rainy weather?) and it was suggested that I wear a splint to help heal the finger.

Have you ever considered how much you use that finger outside of emotional expressions? I type, answer phones, and write for my job. And sometimes I clean my house. Personal hygiene has been a real adventure! I crack myself up every time I have to sign something, because it looks like my first attempt at cursive writing.

Since the injury is in my finger, and I do not use my fingers to walk, I'm participating in a Komen race tomorrow. Our big Komen race is held in June, but I'm not real fond of large crowds so I heard about this short walk/race very close to my house. This is good in case I have to crawl home after crossing the finish line.

I want to honor both the women who are no longer with us, and the women who have survived this ugly beast! I have two surviving women in my family. Then, there is my friend,the prayer warrior survivor who lives in Chicago, and who single handedly brought all of her doctors and nurses closer to God than they had ever been. Rock's preschool teacher, Mrs. Robinson, has gone home to our Lord. I'm sure she knows that I'm walking for her!

I'll post a picture on Unknown Mami's "Sundays in My City" tomorrow after the race...unless I'm in the hospital with my legs and middle finger in traction.

Happy Mothers Day to blogher Moms, everywhere!

A Bittersweet Event

2010-04-05T22:32:00.005-05:00

You are cordially invited to attend the union of two extraordinary people. The wedding will occur at a place where any die-hard baseball fan would hold the party of his life! Please join us at the home of a most beloved baseball team – Dodger Stadium!

This crazy-in-love couple has one minor difference. The groom is about 15 years older than the bride. “No big deal” you say? No, it isn’t a big deal. Love has no boundaries. We don’t question how or why people fall in love, but only that they love each other with all of their hearts.

The groom was a close friend of the bride’s father. They worked together for a company that makes parts for motorcycles. When the bride graduated from college, she began working for the same company as her father, and in doing so, became close with the future groom. Her parents disapproved of the relationship because of the age difference. As time passed, and the parents saw how happy their little girl was with this gentle, honest and loving man, they fell more in love with him than ever and welcomed him into the family.

As love grew stronger, the groom-to-be discovered that his kidneys didn’t work right. After surgery and learning how to function with one kidney, spirits were lifted high and the couple began to make plans to join their lives. Fate, however, was not on their side, as his one remaining kidney began to fail. Frequent dialysis and medication helped get his life back to a semi-normal state. A search for a transplant began immediately.

Many of the co-workers volunteered to get tested. Even the father of the bride-to-be was tested to see if he was a match. Oddly enough, he was a match! So there you have it, a done deal. The date was set and all parties were very excited about the impending miracle, both the receiving and the giving. During the final testing two days before the surgery, the father of the bride received some devastating news. A large tumor was located in the lower part of his colon. He would not be having any surgery soon…not even his own. In order to safely remove the tumor, the doctors ordered radiation treatments to shrink the mass, as well as chemotherapy to combat the cancer cells which surrounded it. A great doctor, an incredibly strong faith in God, and the combined support of work, family and friends helped to get the dad through the next nine months. At the post-op check-up, the father of the bride was given a clean bill of health! Life was good!

“Come back in three months” said the doctor, “and we’ll make it official!” Three months later, the official news was that a few spots had reappeared close to other organs.

“No problem” said the father, “we beat this once; we will do it again!” This time it was just the chemo used to wipe out the intruder cells. It took the father a little longer to recover from treatments. Things were compounded by pain and nausea. Happy pills were prescribed which helped the father’s disposition. Life was okay! The wedding plans were coming along and everyone was excited about the very special day!

Soon after, the father experienced difficulty breathing. After being taken to the hospital and put on a ventilator, he seemed to settle down. He was sedated most of the time. He started to regain his color, and blood counts were coming back to normal. Then, for no reason, it all turned the other way. Within a week, God took him home.

The family was devastated and in shock. It took a few days for reality to set in. The family all agreed that the father of the bride would want the wedding to go on as planned. He wanted it to be the happiest and most amazing day for his daughter.

So, the wedding day arrived and the crowds (guests) cheered as the couple was pronounced husband and wife. After the wedding party stopped to pose at home plate, they joined the guests in one of the stadium banquet rooms. They all ate, drank and danced the night away! I can visualize my brother proudly watching this blessed event from above, along with my parents, and sporting his trademark smile that extended from his brows down to his chin! She knew he was there…they all knew!

A Shower for Grandma-To-Be!

2010-03-27T21:50:00.006-05:00

I was part of a wonderful celebration today! The daughter of one of the fabulous preschool ladies with whom I used to work is having her first baby! We gave a shower for the grandma-to-be! Not to take away any of the well-deserved attention owed to the mother-to-be, today we showered our attention on my friend, Jaylo, or Senorita Lopez, as she is affectionately called. (Please click here for movie star name background.)

Hayworth and I (Taylor) started out at a table for two at Bread Co. We knew that we were going to need a bigger table, as there were a dozen rsvps to this surprise shower. We started eyeballing people who were seated at a table for six. Once we shamed them into leaving, we moved all of our stuff and started staring at the people seated close by, so we could add their table to ours. It worked! By the time everyone started arriving, we had room for twelve. A few of the stars in attendance, were Patty Lupone, Debbie Reynolds, Sally Field, Ann Baxter, and Lesley Gore!

What do you get for a “Grandma-to-be?” Well, we put together a basket of goodies that included “Grandma’s” favorite books, a handprint kit, tooth fairy kit, handcrafted onesies, handcrafted cloth diapers, (why didn’t I think of this idea – I could be living on an island right now!) gift cards for Grandma’s projects (fabric and craft stores) and gift cards for Grandma’s love of reading.

We told Hayworth that she should be in the “event planning” business as she puts on the most amazing showers, parties, receptions and intimate get-togethers! Hayworth is our garage sale connection and party-panner. She hits about 20-30 garage sales a week and finds the best deals on nearly new items ranging from home décor to inspirational books. Then, she gives them as gifts to friends and family. For the shower, she decorated a Burger King crown with little babies, bows and cutie-patootie sayings. Betty Grable, brought a “grandma-to-be” sash. We made Jaylo wear both! The party favors were chocolates inside of miniature Chinese take out boxes. Of course, everything matched the table cloth of brown, blue and green polka dots.

I guess I should get used to the fact that this chapter of my life will include invites to weddings, showers and college graduation parties for children of my friends! That will be okay...as long as chocolate is served!

Weekend Reflection #24

2010-03-05T11:52:00.007-06:00

Every Friday through Sunday, Newtown Area Photo sponsors a meme where a gazillion photographers, amateur to pro, can showcase their work using a "Reflection" theme. I love to see the different points of view that people have, and the truly beautiful pictures that they take.

I ran out of reflection pictures, so I've been on a mission to find some new ideas. This is a picture of the windows on my van. My house is reflected off of the windows. I thought it was a cool for an amateur like me! I always take a second picture in case the first one is a dud. Here is the second picture, with a slight variation. I hope you enjoy it. I don't know what I did to make it happen, but the side mirror on the other side of the car came through and there is a reflection of a tree from the yard in the side mirror. Would someone like to explain this to me?

I just want to thank Newtown Area Photo for sponsoring this meme every weekend, and allowing me to participate. Please visit here and prepare to be entertained by some truly amazing artists!

Sundays in My City - March of the Penguins

2010-02-07T08:04:00.012-06:00

An Eerie Coincidence?

2009-12-25T21:38:00.009-06:00

So, my bff Hayworth and I were having coffee the other day, while exchanging our Christmas gifts. I love getting gifts from Hayworth...anytime...for any reason. She is the Queen of garage sales! She's a very serious shopper, and a very experienced bargain hunter! The wonderful gifts she gives away are usually some of the most perfect garage sale finds that one has ever seen!

In her bag of goodies, there were two small bejeweled picture frames, an aromatic cinnamon candle, a Michael's gift card, and a very smart looking journal. She knows how much I love to write, and her gifts of journals are a way she shows her support for my writing.

As I was flipping through the clean white pages of the journal, I noticed that a page toward the front had some words written on it. I thought this was a little note to me from her encouraging me to keep up with my stories. She also saw the words, and together we said "what is that?" Well, there goes the theory of her "go get 'em Taylor" cheer!

We read the entry together and almost immediately began to cry. The words had been written by a young man about 12 years ago and he spoke about his sadness of losing his mother and how very much he missed her. We both just wanted to give this kiddo a big hug and tell him how lucky his mother was to have spent time with such a wonderful boy.

Since both of us had recently lost someone close to us, this journal posting meant more to us than just words. We knew how he felt...the love he had for his mother...and the heart wrenching pain he was going through at the time. Hayworth looked at me, and I at her. Why was this happening to us? Was this divine intervention, or was this just a mere coincidence?

Later that evening, I received an email from Hayworth where she mentioned the eerie timing and how she wished she could find this young man so she could tell him what a great kid he was. She didn't know how it would be possible since she is slightly more technologically challenged than me, having yet to figure out Facebook. Emails are challenging enough! I have to agree. (I only know how to get on Facebook, but not how to navigate once I am there!)

As I perused through my other emails, I came across a notification from Classmates that someone from my high school had signed my "guestbook." While I was there, I thought I would try a little investigative work. The young man referred to above, had mentioned his elementary school, which is actually located about 15 miles from where I live. I guessed at where the kids from that elementary school might be going to high school, and looked up the name. To my surprise, I found a student with the same name who had graduated some years ago, but fit the timeline closely. Hey, what are the chances that this is the guy?

On a whim, as I do often, I sent an email through Classmates asking this person whether or not they attended the elementary school that was listed in the journal entry. I was careful to word the email so as not to appear like a stalker, or creepy person, as my girls sometimes refer to me. I didn't mention the journal or any of its contents. I sort of felt like I just sent a fan email to Brad Pitt. I check my email at least a dozen times a day for a response. Chances are, he won't even read my email; however, I do have a glimmer of hope that maybe he will and actually respond to me. What will I do if he does respond? How will I explain the reason for my email? I thought about asking him if he wanted the journal back. What do you think? Should I just let the whole thing go?

I'll keep you posted!

Happy 50th Girlfriend!!!

2009-11-17T11:46:00.019-06:00

Since I'm such a procrastinator, I am writing this birthday greeting one day before a very good friend turns 50! (I know it's the day before, but I really should have written this five days ago!) Happy Birthday Dahling!! I hope your big day is filled with lots of smiles, lots of hugs, and a ton of chocolate! You simply must make this celebration last at least seven days. This event only happens once in your life, so you must make it the biggest and the best!

For the sake of anonymity, let's call my friend, Miss Fairy. Fairies are something she and I both have in common, among other things like "drama queen teens", special places in our hearts for animals, and the importance of keeping in touch. Miss Fairy and her family moved to a very cold place in the northern United States some five or six years ago. My heart was broken the day she left. (It has since mended.) Miss Fairy is one of those friends who will drop anything to give you a ride to pick up your car at the shop, will gladly give you the biggest hug because she just knows you need it, and who not only will take you to out-patient surgery, but when she picks you up, she brings you a chocolate milkshake. Now, tell me the name of one man you know who would do all of that!

Miss Fairy and I both worked at the same preschool as teacher aids. She was wonderful with the little ones. She had so much patience; something that I am a little short on at times. The kids loved her! Miss Fairy was part of the group I have written about in a previous post (Age of Aquarius 2/14/09). She even has a Ya Ya hat very similar to mine (Hat Day, Noexcuses 10/2/09). I will always remember the days at the preschool not only because of the fun we had, or the free hugs we gave and received, but for the priceless friendships that developed while we worked in this very extraordinary little world!

When Miss Fairy comes to town, we try to get together for coffee. She doesn't always have time to meet, as she comes from a very large family who all want to see her. Just knowing she is around makes me feel good, even if we can't get together. Miss Fairy has a sister, who is also known as Miss Fairy #2, who keeps me updated with pictures and wall posts on her face_book page. I would love it if Miss Fairy #1 would JUST GET A FACE_BOOK ACCOUNT so we could talk more frequently!

Well, my dear friend, I wish for you the best of birthdays tomorrow, with only the best of life's adventures waiting for you in the future! Welcome to the club!!!

All my love....

Sundays in My City #6

2009-11-01T07:10:00.011-06:00

This Is It!

2009-10-28T06:05:00.005-05:00

A mere three words to describe what might have been an historical musical comeback for one of the most talented singers of all time. If his private life, along with human errors, is put aside, you simply must agree that his status as King of Pop is well-deserved.

I regret never attending a concert of his, even though I desperately wanted to be a part of the magic. I hope this event will leave us all with thoughts of who Michael Jackson was as an entertainer and how hard he worked to bring us the best that he had to give.

Rest in peace.

Sundays in My City #4 - Fall Leaves

2009-10-24T19:59:00.015-05:00

Have you heard of Unknown Mami? She has a delightful blog where she shares photos of her city on Sundays. She invites the rest of us to link up with her and share some of our own city's photos. Click on the logo to visit Sundays in My City!

I live in St. Louis, MO. Welcome to my city!

For most of the past week, we have had more rain. This is the "bowl" in our backyard common area, which is usually just grass. When it rains fast and hard, we get the "bowl pond" which sometimes attracts ducks and geese and other fun critters! (To give you an idea of the size of the bowl, from the fence on the left side to the top of the hill beyond one could place a football field, with end zones!)

Yesterday was sunny and gorgeous! I took a picture of the trees in my front yard.

I'm originally from Southern California where the leaves are either green or brown. I am in awe of the colors here during fall! Everywhere I walk or drive in my town, I see nothing but bright orange, red, yellow and green! (and a little brown) This is a good reminder to me of just how lucky I am to have my sight.

Home Depot was on my list of errands yesterday. Once there, it took me about 10 minutes before I realized that I had chosen a cart with a wobbly wheel. I felt like a dork. People heard me coming, they stared, they laughed, "what a dork!" You would think I could have checked out the cart before I started on my hunt for storage tubs. But, noooooo! I had seen a customer in the parking lot who had just purchased a neon green storage tub. Neon green just happens to be Ed's favorite color! I HAD TO HAVE THESE TUBS! I searched and searched, with a very loud and obvious wobbly wheel, and I finally found them on the end of one of the aisles.

I still had to find new area rugs for the kitchen. They had rubber; they had cushy foam; they had "soft on your toes" plush. None of these were in Forest Green! I really wanted Forest Green! I found a small burgundy rug that I thought I could take home and try out. I didn't really like it, but I thought I wouldn't find anything else, so I bought it. Have you ever done that?

Then, as I was leaving, I saw a Kohl's and flew into their parking lot. "At least they won't have wobbly wheels on their carts" I thought. As it turns out, Kohl's had the style of rug that I wanted. They did not have it in Forest Green, but in Burgandy only. Once again, I said to myself, "I bet I won't find anything else," so I bought it. Well, I didn't find anything else, and the rugs look terrific in my kitchen!

Here's a picture of one of the sculptures from our Laumeier Sculpture Park!

Thanks for stopping by Sundays in My City!

Sundays in My City #2

2009-10-11T12:02:00.006-05:00

Brad, We're Not Related!

2009-08-06T08:38:00.010-05:00

I am so bummed! I've been doing a little genealogy research and have come to the unhappy conclusion that even though I am a descendant of the Pitt family, and bear the name as well, I am not a relative of Brad Pitt. I was hoping that maybe I could have been at least a 12th generation, thrice removed relative, but it doesn't look likely. We both do have a possible common relative, about four generations back, but there is no way to know for sure as the information stops at the name and there is no way to dig any deeper with this particular individual.

Man, I am so discouraged! I've prided myself on having the name for many years. I took a lot of teasing as a child, but once Brad made the name well-known, I would refer to him when anyone would ask about it.

As much as I would love to be included in family picnics with Brad, I can be content knowing that there were a lot of gorgeous men and women from whom I am descended. Not only were my ancestors hot, they had adventurous personalities, too! There were career professionals, cattle ranchers, treasure hunters, war veterans, jailed criminals, drunks...you know, the usual family stuff. It was fascinating to read the same stories on the net that my grandmother had told me when I was young.

Some of these stories are very colorful. The little light bulbs are going off inside my head. I hope to get them into Word documents, before I forget about them...like my keys and my phone.

For those of you (and me) who have no life, but a lot of time to roam around the net, I think you would enjoy learning about the who, what, where, when and why of our ancestors. Good luck!

Military Forts and Beauty Parlors, of Course!

2009-06-26T19:10:00.013-05:00

I’ve been working this week as a temp. I've had some free time and decided to do a little net surfing. I find myself getting so engrossed in my favorite blogs, as well as, the blogs of commenter’s on my favorite blogs. It’s a little like ADD, when you enter a room for one thing, and end up getting sidetracked with something else, and then when that can of worms is opened, there are three more interesting things to do!

One blog I always enjoy visiting is Tutu’s Bliss. She has the most precious little girls, who are always dressed in the most colorful and flowing outfits. Even her little one’s Binky is decorated with a flower! Check out this blog!

When I read about little ones and their adventures, it takes me back to when my cutie pies were little and I recall all the fun things we did. I was very lucky back then to be able to stay home for a few years.

When it was just the boys, Hero & Rock, we would throw sheets or blankets over coffee tables and chairs. We would connect everything so that it was one giant fort. No adults were allowed in, except for moms with snacks. I loved to listen to the dialogue exchanges between the two.

“Where is all our stuff?”

“I no know, I tot you had 'em?”

“No I don habe 'em. Maybe Mommy habs 'em. Let’s go peek her. Cover me, kay?"

“kay, I cover you. But don’t go by duh bad-guy’s fort. If they peek you, they will yell and chase us to the river!”

“kay, I stay away from bad-guy fort! Stay by me, kay?”

“Kay. Let’s get some bug juice and spidey gummies. I haben’t had those since foreber!” The little soldiers managed to get to the rations tent (kitchen)without alerting the bad guys, and wouldn’t you know it…in the tent were some boxes of bug juice and a few bags of Spidey gums! My little grunts were in heaven!

Another fun thing we would do so as not to get bored while in the car was to scream “Dinosaurs” whenever we went under a bridge or pass. Simply screaming bloody murder was a little too shrill for my delicate ears, but screaming Dinosaurs would add just a touch of giggles to the yelling.

Once the girls were in charge, it was “Land of Beauty and Fairies.” We would all go to the beauty parlor together (in the living room) and we would take turns doing each others hair, makeup, nails and toes. Add to that the most marvelous tutus and wings, and we were the talk of the Fairy Realm. Of course, I was the Fairy Queen and the girls were my Princesses in waiting…until the U.S. Army arrived! Then we would have to quickly pack up our makeup cases and fly away to the Fairy tower (in mom & dad’s bedroom). There we would be safe because dad put a lock on the door to keep out uninvited guests, or in this case, grunts!

I really miss those days…every now and then.

I Love My Girlfriends!

2009-04-13T22:40:00.009-05:00

"Oh darn!" Lisa yelled as she glanced at the digital clock in the car. "Why can't I ever be on time!" Her good friend, Sara, was visiting from DesMoine and had invited her to a soiree (Margarita-fest) at a relatives home. The party was to end at 5:00 and it was now 5:10 p.m. She was 20 minutes away from the party house.

Lisa grumbled as she sat in her car at the red light. To add insult, it was beginning to drizzle. She so wanted to see Sara and get one of her fantastic hugs! Sara and Lisa had been friends for many years. Their daughters had gone to school with each other. Their friendship blossomed because of their girls, and grew even deeper when they later worked at the same preschool.

Sara's husband had been transferred to DesMoine some years earlier. It was a very difficult move, not only for Sara, but for all the girlfriends she left behind. Oh, sure, they spoke on the phone, and even emailed each other, but nothing could beat the "real thing" of face-to-face girlfriend love.

The weekend passed and Lisa felt bad about missing the party. She meant to call, but time got away from her until Monday.

"I'll give her a call, or send off an email tonight" Lisa promised herself. She had several errands to run after work, and then needed to stop off at the house to pick up something. As she walked into the kitchen, the phone rang. Lisa checked the caller ID, as she always does, and saw that it was a friend who also knew Sara.

"Hello" Lisa said, thinking she would be speaking to the Caller ID owner.

"Hello, Lisa?" said a most warm and familiar voice.

"Sara...how are you? I'm so glad you called! Listen, I feel horrible about missing the party last week! How long will you be here? Can I see you before you leave? How are you? How are the girls?" rambled Lisa.

"Oh, that's okay" replied Sara, "I'm great. Three more days. Yes. Fine. Fine. Say, a few of us are going to meet for drinks at Mi Casa in about 10 minutes. Do you think you can join us? I know it's last minute, but I would love to see you!"

"Are you kidding me?" shrieked Lisa. "I'll be right over!"

Oddly enough, two cars full of girlfriends pulled up to Mi Casa at the same time. They all screamed with delight and they group hugged each other. When they were inside the restaurant, Lisa gave Sara her warmest hug, and got back the best "I'm glad to see you" hug ever!

The waiter brought chips and salsa and the girls toasted each other with their fancy umbrella drinks. Then, as everyone began talking at once, Sara & Lisa looked at each other and began to laugh.

"Oh, how I've missed you" smiled Lisa. "Where do I begin? You look marvelous!" joked Lisa. The two went on and on laughing loudly as they reminisced. They had both become quite fond of one of the elementary school teachers, who was a prankster with a wicked sense of humor. He became Monsignor to them, and they became Sister Sara and Sister Lisa to him. Over the years they each would sign birthday cards to each other with their religious names. The whole idea was really quite hilarious since the three were well-seasoned sinners, and had already made their reservations to fry in hell.

By now the umbrella drinks were beginning to take effect, and everyone was quite giddy. They all took pictures of each other acting as if they were at a high school prom. The waiter just smiled as he brought more chips. It was getting late and no one really wanted to leave.

"I've got to go," Lisa said. "I need to get dinner started so it will look like I did something today!" They all chuckled because they were all thinking the same thing!

After another big group hug, the girlfriends blew kisses to each other and made their way to their cars. Lisa smiled and waved as the others drove away.

"It's a good day," she thought "when the merry-go-round stops and life takes over for a little while!"

Happy Birthday, Katya!

2009-03-21T22:25:00.008-05:00

So, it's 10:00pm on a Saturday night. The hubs has called it a night and I'm sitting at the computer in the family room...my whole body vibrating to the sound of "All the Single Ladies" emanating from the basement. Katya, who turned 16 in January, wasn't officially "Sweet Sixteened" then, so tonight is her right of passage! There are black lights, a disco ball, streamers, and lots of plastic covering for all the spills that will take place. A special request was made for ten pounds of M&Ms and Skittles!

Our basement is right out of "That 70's Show" with the exception of no bathroom. Everyone has to come up to the main level to relieve themselves of all the soda and fruit punch. There is a very nice boy here, Seamus, who is directing traffic to the loo and while it is in use, we are chatting about Lacrosse, carpentry, plumbing and the five dates that he brought with him.

Ed has decided to keep Katya smiling all night, so she has dressed and made up herself to look like Lady Gaga (Just Dance...). Every ten minutes or so, Ed pops her head up and asks "are we too loud?" I love Katie Perry, but paaleeezzzee!!! I can only take so many repetitions of "I don't Want To Lose Your Love Tonight."

"Too loud? Pfft..not your friends, oh no...never!" In about 17 minutes (around 11:00pm) everything comes down three decibels, and by midnight any bodies left in or out of the basement are fair game for Tootsie and her neighborhood night critter friends! I hope the hubs doesn't wake up!

Lady Gaga just came on again! I hear karaoke! I hear dancing...I don't know where they are dancing...there are three couches, two easy chairs, a Futon, tables, shelving and an armoire down there! It's now 11:01pm......there must be 30 people down there. I hope the Fire Marshall doesn't show up for an inspection!

Thank you, Lord, for giving me only two girls...

Baby's Lullaby

2009-03-11T22:31:00.009-05:00

As she made her way into the large choir room to deliver a message to the teacher, her heart skipped a beat and a feeling of euphoria came over her. The young girls were singing "All The Pretty Little Horses." This is an old southern song, which, if I am correct, was sung to the babies of the plantation owners by their African American nannies. It goes something like this:

Hush a bye
Don't you cry
Go to sleepy little baby

When you wake
We'll have sweet cake
And all the pretty little horses

Blacks and Bays
Dapples and Greys
Six and twenty little horses

Blacks and Bays
Dapples and Greys
Six and twenty little horses

When she was in college, she took a voice class to help ease her fear of singing in front of an audience. You see, she wanted to be an actress...a real actress...who could act, sing and dance. She was comfortable with the acting and dancing, but had no experience singing. "All the Pretty Little Horses" was the song she learned in class, and sang for her final project. She didn't know why she picked that song; something in her gut told her to learn the song.

She stopped pursuing her acting career and decided to take a different path in her great journey of life. On that path, she and her husband of eight years decided to start a family. During the next eight years of her journey, she had four children. She sang this song to each of her babies during the first years of their lives. She would wrap her arms around them and hold them close. Each one of them knew that when mommy sang this song, they were the center of the universe and nothing else mattered but them. The song was especially soothing to her fourth child, who was so sensitive, she would have a meltdown if someone looked at her with raised eyebrows. The melody and words would calm the little girl and turn her tears into smiles.

On her way out of the choir room, one could see a single tear falling from her eye. But the corner of her smiling mouth stopped the tear, and for a moment, she felt the bliss of knowing how very lucky and blessed she was to have babies who loved hearing her sing this song...now she knew why her gut had told her to learn it.

Tribute to My "Rock"

2009-02-19T14:55:00.025-06:00

Rock is the fictitious name I've given to #2 child. He plays in an alternative rock band (hence the name "Rock"). His big brother, Hero, successfully trained Rock in the busy way For example, he he couldn't sit, or do anything that didn't involve running or thrashing both arms all over as he ran. He managed a few scuffs along the way, and has the scars to show for them. I once had a pediatrician hold up his 100 page medical file and say "S'up with this?" After I fantasized about shoving my fist down his throat, I said sweetly, "I bring him to the doctor when he's sick or broken! He's just a little accident-prone and gets a few ear infections!"

Rock spoke Klingon when he was two years old. Only Hero could translate. After a while, I could understand through hand motions and using 50,000 suggestions as to what it was he wanted to say. We had his hearing tested, which resulted in good news, but when the doctor had him do a few tongue "gestures" he was unable to pass the test. The diagnosis was an under-developed tongue muscle that was completely normal after a year of speech therapy. Once he was speaking English, he wouldn't shut up!

He went to a preschool that had classes surrounding an open atrium. Once, while we were walking to his class, he was smacking the leaves of atrium plants along the way. He was walking directly behind me and forgot about the eyes in the back of my head. I said calmly, "Rock please stop smacking those plants." He replied in his ever-so-nanny-nanny voice, "Can't see me!" I laughed so hard I almost wet myself!

He's always loved sports and outdoor games. The preschool had little two-wheel bikes with wheels that were at least six inches wide. He mastered the two wheeler at school and then blew his dad away when he hopped on a "real" bicycle and took off. Dad was prepared to run up and down the street for a few hours until Rock felt confident enough to ride alone. Dad was beside himself with relief to have dodged this one!

Hero, Rock's big brother, crashed and burned on a bicycle when he was about five years old. He wouldn't get back on a bike to save his life. When the boys were a little older, Rock had to teach a skill to someone for a scout badge. He was able to get his big brother back on a bicycle and loved it! Whew! I was glad he was working on that badge! Have you ever tried to get a kid to take cough syrup once they've tasted the worst kind?

They both enjoyed playing soccer and baseball....until they were hit by wild pitches! I don't know what it is with getting hit by a fast moving ball, but neither one ever played it again. Rock tried gymnastics, volleyball and football. He fell in love with the latter two sports, and was very successful at them. He would bring on the "bad boy mean" when it was needed, but he normally was a bit more reserved. He has, however, more heart in his little finger than do many entire teams of athletes!

He has accomplished much in his young life, and he has done his momma proud! He's more than half-way through his college education and actually has an idea of what he'd like to be when he grows up. I didn't know what I wanted to be until I was 50, and I'm still changing my mind to this day!

So, here's to you Rock! Because you could sing the entire soundtrack of Disney's "Little Mermaid" when you were three; because you wouldn't let the doctors hurt your big brother when they tried to stitch up his eye; because you busted your butt to finish your Eagle project within 24 hours of turning 18; and because you never hesitate to say you love me in public, I am so incredibly proud of you and grateful that God gave you to me!

I love you.

Age of Aquarius

2009-02-14T21:35:00.008-06:00

Remember this Fifth Dimension song? "When the moon is in the seventh house, and Jupiter aligns with Mars..." Everything is perfect! Have you ever had a day, a week, a year, or a job that was everything you needed to be completely satisfied? I'd like to tell you about a time in my life where I felt that I was aligned with something very special.

Prior to my thrilling job as a school secretary, I worked at a church pre-school as a Teacher's Aid. I had been coerced to apply for this job by a friend. It helped a little that my girls had been students at the school, so I was familiar with how it was run and I knew some of the teachers. I really love the kids at this age. They are still so very innocent and loving. Every new experience is an exciting adventure for them.

My day began by assisting the teachers prepare for the day. The other Aids and I would help set up paints and easels, fill up water pitchers, set out supplies for the day's activities and anything else that the teachers needed. Once the children began arriving, we would go through their tote bags to pull out notes, lunch bags or returned items from the prior class time. Throughout the morning, we would help with activities, art projects, snack time, potty breaks, outside time and clean up. Occasionally, I would substitute for one of the teachers. This really did wonders for my ego, because the little tykes always loved the teacher!

One of the the best things about this job, (in addition to the children) was the fact that I loved every single woman with whom I worked. I loved the director, the teachers and the other aids. We all seemed to blend well together. All of us were moms, so we had that in common. The fact that we were all Christian women was another common thread. I think that we all had a decent sense of humor, which on some days, was the only way we survived! After working for a few months, I became comfortable with my work and my relationship with my co-workers. Everyone was called "Miss" Susan, "Miss" Betty, etc. I would get a chuckle when I would hear, "Miss Liz, will you please wipe my butt?" coming from the bathroom!

In November, we drew names for a Secret Santa event. We would begin leaving gifts for our secret person once a week starting with December 1st. We would get together at a restaurant after the school finished classes for winter break. It would be at this luncheon that our Secret Santa would be revealed. It was always so much fun to sneak around with our little secret stuff and bring a smile to someones face. Of course, I would absolutely love receiving my surprises, too!

One year, to add a little something different, we all took names of a famous actress. There was Anna Nicole Smith, Amy Irving, Mae West, Susan Hayward, Melanie Griffith, Carol Lombard and I was Elizabeth Taylor. It was a lot of fun pretending to be a famous person, and it often kept us laughing throughout the day. To this day, we still email each other with our "Movie Star" names.

The boys and girls were always cracking us up with the funniest stories and their explanations for whatever was happening on any given day. We had a tablet in one of the classrooms where we would write down the funny sayings. At the end of the school year, the director would make a little booklet with these precious articulations, as well as, samples of their master artworks throughout the year. I still have these booklets.

This dream job lasted for two to three years. I will always remember the fun, laughter and comradery I experienced when the planets were guided by peace and love steered the stars.

Eleven Days and Counting....

2009-01-28T09:33:00.001-06:00

I thought I'd update you with my progress of revolutionizing my health plan. I'm still chubs, but I've gone 11 days with no refined sugar or white flour (the biggest culprits in MY body). Thank you, no really, thank you...no applause needed. It's only been a week and a half! Six pounds gone...thank you God!

I no longer rearrange furniture, attempt to enter and/or clean the teenagers' rooms, walk the dog a gazillion times a day, or growl and snap at every little noise. There is a peaceful ambiance about the house these days! My husband has actually spoken a few words to me without fear of great balls of fire spewing from my mouth.

But work is where I will need to make some amends. Some of the 12-14 year olds can be forgetful at times. Their loving parents don't want them to get any red checks for not having the assignments, books, PE clothes, bookbags, lunches (yes...food! I can't imagine how anyone could forget to bring their nutritional sustenance to school! You know, the cakesters, cookies, chips, snickers bars, candy and cafeinne drinks - oh, stop...will somebody shoot me?) Last week I drop kicked a child's lunch over to the counter to be delivered later. I sent one parent packing, telling them to "get a life and stop babying your child!" (I still delivered the pair of glasses to the student.) I need to apologize to these parents, buy a lunch for little Johnny because his chocolate pudding leaked all over his entire lunchbag, and convince the principal why I should be able to keep my job!

Then it occurred to me that...duh...I did the same thing when my kids were this age. I thought it was my job as a mom, and I couldn't say no to a remorseful sobbing child calling from the classroom for the assignment that was sitting on the kitchen table. It did make it from the bedroom to the kitchen, so there was some attempt to bring it to school. It didn't matter that there was no identification of the writer on it and it had pictures of potato people with names like "crabby mom" or "booger-eating-moron brother" under them.

In all, I think I'm having a good three day week (two snow days), and look forward to being a family again...until I decide to give up coffee!

Born in the Wrong Decade

2009-01-17T23:08:00.000-06:00

My sweet, little Edwina. She thinks she may have had a previous life during the 60's or 70's. All the logos, styles, colors and attitudes are coming around again...at least here in "middle earth." No, she doesn't sleep around or take drugs. I told her if she did, we would take away her license, her phone, her computer time, TV time, and she'd have to quit her job (which is very dear to her as it is her only form of income right now). She knows that one of the most severe consequences would be that she would cease to "have a life." So far, so good!

To give you some background, when she was 15, she struck up a conversation with a friend's dad who buys old VW cars, gets them running and looking spiffy, and then resells them. He was currently working on a '77 VW Bus that immensely peaked her interest. It was all she could talk about for six months.

"When I get my bus...and all my friends will be with me...and I'll have tie-dye curtains, and speakers everywhere!" she would chatter. We managed to keep a lid on things and put off any kind of "sign" that she was going to get the car. Her dad and I felt that, for her first car...you know...the one that she would learn to drive in....have fender benders in...write "welcome to my party" on, we wanted a little more protection around her, and something that was a bit more generic when it came to replacing parts, or finding paint that matched.

A year ago, we were talking with a very good friend who actually drove one of these buses back in the 60's, telling him the story and our feelings about the car. He looked us straight in the eye and said "Just buy the damn car!" So, we did...because our friend was very persuasive and I was afraid of him!

Here is a picture of her seeing the bus for the first time. I called her downstairs by yelling and acting mad about something. As soon as she hit the bottom of the stairs, I gave her a loving shove out the front door. She couldn't believe that her "dream car" was sitting in the driveway!

Since that day, there have been no accidents, only one incident of someone leaving their mark with a key...along the entire side...and only one ticket. I've heard that red cars are very attractive to our men in blue. She first received a warning for a non-moving type violation, but this particular man in blue kept an eye out for her (she's not hard to miss). When she had turned on to a main street with traffic, the rear of the bus was left slightly inside the intersection space. Well, he jumped on this one. He and a friend in blue were standing on the side of the street about 50 feet away and immediately motioned for her to pull over. The ticket read "obstruction of intersection."

She plead "not guilty" and was "bound" over for trial. On her own, this (now 16 year old) returned to the scene of the crime and took pictures from several different angles. She went into court, prepared to battle with the ticketing officer, and waited for her name to be called. She was led into a private room with a District Attorney. There was no sign of the officer. She showed the DA the pictures of the intersection, as well as, the diagram that she made depicting the exact location of her car and where the officer had been standing. The DA was impressed, and began asking her questions about the car...how long had she been driving it...how well does it run...does she get a lot of guys with it, etc. She smiled and then added that the car goes from 0 to 60 in 15 minutes! He laughed and she relaxed. She was told that if she did not get any more tickets for three months, this infraction would be dismissed.

She made it to Thanksgiving, which was the three month period, and to this day...that we know...she has not said "howdy" to any more men in blue!

It's a Miracle!

2008-12-29T07:44:00.000-06:00

There are a lot of articles and books, written about miracles that happen every day. Many call it “karma.” (That sounds like such a 60’s term, but I think it is making a comeback!) Others just chalk it up as being a “God Thing.” It seems to me that as I get older, and grow in my spirituality, I see events in a different light than before. I believe that much of what happens to me is part of a larger master plan. Even though I don’t always make the best decisions, those decisions were supposed be made either as a step forward or as an unpleasant learning experience. Events that I look back on with regret are no longer thought of as mistakes.

We all know that sometimes, things happen with absolutely no logical explanation for them. They can be good for us, or, they can be bad for us…but good for someone else. Those of us who have been lucky enough to witness such events have been touched by what I believe is a power greater than anything we could ever comprehend...God. I have a friend who has witnessed a few such events that may be considered miracles. With her permission, I would like to share them with you.

When Lydia was in high school, she was involved in a car accident while crossing a street between two neighborhoods in her parents’ Impala (oh, so 60’s). She was broadsided on the driver’s side by a Corvette travelling way over the speed limit. Upon impact, the seat belt snapped open and she could feel her body being thrown to the passenger side of the car. Her hands, however, never left the steering wheel until the car came to a stop. Lydia ended up sitting on the passenger side of the front seat. She sat there dazed and motionless until a policeman appeared at the window. He asked her where the driver of the vehicle was. She told him that she was the driver. He gave her a funny look and then went to check on the other car.

The front end of the Vet was buckled and there was a crack in the windshield caused by the passenger. He had one heck of a headache. The driver was unhurt. The car Lydia was driving was totaled, but she did not have a scratch on her. If the seatbelt had not snapped open, Lydia would have sustained major injuries. She didn’t know why she held on to the steering wheel, but by doing so, it kept her from being thrown against (or even through) the passenger window. She thanked God for keeping her safe.

On another occasion, while Lydia was driving about 40 miles per hour down a two lane street, she looked away from the road for a second to pick up something from the car floor. When she looked up, she was about 50 feet behind a stopped school bus. There was not enough time to see if there was a lane next to her. She believed she was going to run into the bus so she slammed on the brakes to try to ease the impact. She felt the steering wheel turning to the right, but she was not making it happen! The car ended up on the shoulder next to the bus. Lydia knew that she had not turned the steering wheel, but there she was…unscathed. The bus and the car were untouched. Once again, she was spared from what could have been a very messy accident. She felt strongly that this was another case of divine intervention.

These experiences are very small events in a world of daily miracles. They happen to us, or someone we know, and then begin a chain of events that affect others. If you have had an experience that you believe to be a miracle, you may affect a life simply by sharing it. Your story is welcome here.

The Ring (no, not that ring)

2008-12-01T17:13:00.000-06:00

“Are you sitting down?” her mother asked.

“Well, I am now!” replied Lisa, excited as a child on Christmas morning.

“It’s real, and it’s worth Four Thousand Dollars! The center stone is 1¾ carats surrounded by 18 diamond chips. Can you believe it?” asked her mom.

“Oh…my…goodness! No, I cannot believe it!” screamed Lisa. She fell back in the chair and gazed at the ceiling. “I’m the luckiest girl in the world right now!” she shouted. Several days earlier, Lisa had found a sparkly-kind-of-brooch-thing on the ground, and figured it was just junk jewelry. Never in a million years did she think this could be the real thing!

Whenever Lisa would walk anywhere outside, she always kept one eye on the ground in case there were rocks, holes, or something slippery. Years earlier, when she was on her honeymoon, she fell flat on her face while crossing the street. Normally, that wouldn’t have been a problem, but it was downtown San Francisco, and there were witnesses everywhere. She was walking a few feet behind her husband, Jack, and as she fell, she made a sound similar to that of a professional football player who had just received an unexpected helmet thrust to his mid-section.

Jack, being the concerned and loving husband that he was, continued walking as though nothing had happened. Lisa picked herself up, brushed the concrete bits from her face, and finished crossing the street. From that day on, Lisa was always aware of her surroundings, especially on the ground. So, when something sparkly caught her eye, she gave it her full attention so as not to trip on it. She scooped it up and put it in her pocket.

“I’ll ask mom if she thinks it’s worth anything,” she said to herself. Her mother’s neighbor was a jeweler who worked out of the house. If her mom didn’t know, she could ask her neighbor. Lisa dropped off the brooch the next weekend when she went to visit her parents. She forgot about it until her mother called her a week later.

Now, something that expensive made Lisa very uncomfortable. When she was three years old, Lisa was playing with her mother’s wedding ring (a family heirloom) in the front yard. She came into the house later without the ring and her mother asked her about it. Being only three, Lisa, had no idea where the ring was. Mom walked outside and began to scour the front yard. She found nothing, but did notice some workers cementing a fence between the houses.

“No, she couldn’t have dropped it over there…” her mother thought and then sighed in despair. The ring was gone, never to be seen again. Lisa had been reminded of this event many times as she was growing up. She felt horrible about it, but reminded herself that she was only three years old at the time and shouldn’t be held responsible for the loss.

On another occasion, Lisa had accidently thrown out the anniversary ring given to her by Jack. After the two of them climbed into the apartment dumpster and looked in every nook and cranny, between every piece of paper, and inside anything that could open and close, they sadly agreed that it was gone, never to be seen again.

Lisa thought that she might be able to finally redeem herself for her childhood mistake, by giving this gem to her mom. She secretly spoke to her dad about having something made using the stones. The next door neighbor, the jeweler, could make the piece. Dad and Lisa decided on a custom gold band ring, with the big stone in it. The jeweler shaped the top of the ring into a “V” and the stone was placed at the bottom of the “V”. It was a very unique design and Lisa hoped that her mom would like it. Her mom loved it! Lisa felt relieved that her mother liked the ring, and for the first time in her life, she felt that she had made up, in a sense, for the loss of the family ring so many years ago.

Today, the ring sits in a bank deposit box and is safe from anyone, three years to 63 years old, who could accidently throw it out, or drop it into a cement fence being built between houses.

This is a true story. The names have been changed to protect the stupid and the innocent.

The Morning After....

2008-11-28T08:13:00.000-06:00

We all survived! I kept the commitment I made on my other blog about smaller portions. I only walked the dog once, however! I'll try to get that one in today.

BLACK FRIDAY - So, the 17 and 15 year old were trying to convince me that they should be allowed to camp out overnight with their posse at the mall. You betcha! Ed thinks that just because she played contact football with a bunch of boys at the age of 14, she can kick anybody's butt and she should be allowed to roam free. After heavy discussion (minus the tears and slamming doors) I stood my ground and said "no." Who camps out at the mall, anyway? If I were to camp out, I'd be at Best Buy, Target, Kohls, Walmart, etc., not the mall. There are too many entrances to count at the mall. There ARE NO LINES!

We agreed they would leave the house at 4:30am, drive to pick up the posse by 5:30am (because they won't be up yet, anyway!) and get to the mall by 6:00am. They are more than likely trolling (I mean strolling) the walkways, dreaming of clothes, shoes and boys. Ed wanted to find something new to wear to the rave (I mean party) that she is hosting tonight (I must be completely out of my mind!). Nevermind the fact that 99% of everyone else at the mall is shopping for gifts for others (well, okay, maybe 95%).

The scariest thing is...she has my debit card.

Hockey Mom Wannabe

2008-11-20T18:52:00.000-06:00

So, a hockey mom wannabe, her hockey son wannabe, Jack, and his little sisters, Molly (hockey wannabe) and Alison (beautician wannabe) jumped into the car for a ride to the hockey store. Jack was going to learn to play roller hockey and needed some equipment. Before entering the store, the kids had to listen to the lecture about proper "shopping with mom" etiquette. The lecture was mostly for Jack and Molly. Alison always followed the rules and very rarely got into trouble. She had her thumb, blanket and stuffed kitty; life was good for Alison.

"You will NOT touch anything. You WILL walk behind me at all times. We are shopping for your BROTHER, and your brother alone," announced mom.

As they walked down the aisle with helmets and shin guards, mom began to pick out equipment for Jack to try on. Jack saw the skate display at the end of the aisle and ran over to check it out.

"Mom, look at these cool skates," he said with kid-in-a-candy-store enthusiasm.

Mom followed saying, "We already have skates, honey, and we are not buying new ones today."

Jack lowered his head and sadly replied, "okay...but these are really sweet skates!"

From a short distance behind mom, she heard the words, "Mommy, look at me!" Mom swung around to see Molly dressed in full hockey gear from helmet to skates.

"Oh, sweetie," mom said, trying to contain both her laughter and the urge to release the dragon fire building up inside. "Remember what mommy said? We are shopping for Jack today. There is nothing in here that you need right now. Please go and put away the equipment." Mom turned back around to Jack and they both began to snicker.

"Okay, mommy" said Molly smiling as she and Alison walked back down the aisle. "Don't you think these are pretty, Alison?" Molly asked. Alison had her thumb comfortably in her mouth, so she replied by moving her head up and down. Jack tried on a helmet. It fit perfectly. Mom then picked out some gloves and shin guards. Jack and mom began to make their way to the cash register when they heard a scuffle behind them.

"Mommy, look at me now!" squealed Molly. Mom turned around to see that Molly was still in full gear, but she now had a hockey stick in her hand!

"That’s it!" exclaimed mom in her most I’m really, really mad now voice. "You are to take every single piece of equipment off, put it away and go sit down by THAT wall over there," pointing to the wall close to the register.

"Okay mommy!" Molly said as she skated down the aisle. She was very pleased with herself as she put away the equipment she had been wearing. Alison took her thumb out of her mouth so she could help her sister. They put the items in any open places they could find. As Molly was attempting to return the hockey stick next to the other sticks...all in a row...all 50 of them, she tripped and fell on the end stick. Like dancers in a chorus line, one by one, all of the sticks came crashing down. “Uh-oh,” murmured Molly. Alison gave her blanket to Molly thinking she was really going to need it.

Mom then fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. The young salesman was an absolute angel. He quickly rang the sale, bagged the items and escorted the family to the door. They power-walked to the car, jumped in and clicked on their seatbelts. Mom turned around and said tenderly to the kids, “I love you” in a voice that only a mother could understand.

True story...names were changed to protect the innocent.

Tribute to Hero

2008-11-14T20:09:00.000-06:00

HERO is my firstborn child. From day one, he was the most amazing creation we had ever witnessed and we knew we had been blessed with a most beautiful gift from God. His arrival was a little rocky, but he hung in there and proved himself a real trooper!

Our little Hero was a very busy guy. He was always on the go and always wanting to know everything about anything. He was "all boy!" This term can mean different things for different boys. Sometimes his busy-ness would get him into trouble. He would run everywhere...with no regard for anything in his way. We had to replace a few lamps, some dishes and some small pieces of furniture.

He would act impulsively, which made us always on our guard. Once, we were at a backyard party when he thought it would be cool to jump into the middle of a jacuzzi. He was two years old. There were adults all around, even in the jacuzzi. It happend so fast, that no one realized he was even in the water. I watched in horror as the whole event took place in slow motion. My cousin, who was standing next to the jacuzzi, saw him go in and immediately jumped in after him. She pulled him to the surface and lifted him over the side. It took me a few minutes to get my very pregnant body over to him. I just held him tight and thanked God for allowing me this second chance.

When his little brother, Rock, came along, he became the best big brother anyone could ever want. He showed Rock the ropes, trained him in the "busy" way, and played interpreter for Rock, who only spoke Klingon. (Rock had a little speech problem...an underdeveloped muscle in his tongue...which made his words come out sounding nothing remotely close to what he was trying to say.) But, Hero knew what was up and he made sure that we knew, too!

Hero has always been a happy guy, even when times weren't so happy for him. When his first case of poison oak hit, he suffered for a whole week before we had a handle on it. His smile and happy disposition never left him. Croup was another visitor, who came often, but Hero stood fast and fought back. He wasn't going to let anything keep him down! Of course, there were the bicycle and skate disasters, the T-ball wild pitches that found their way to his upper body, and the brutal soccer collisions. We dodged so many bullets with this kid!

He grew into a handsome teenager and found that sports offered him a good outlet for stress and taught him a great lesson about teamwork. In high school, he played football and ran track. He went to every dance that the school held. (I should have just bought him a tux, but he was still growing!) He started working at a local pizza parlor, the aroma of which he wore home each night. We nicknamed him "Cheeseboy" since we could smell him coming up the driveway after work.

He met the first love of his life through the youth group at church. When he left for college, she still had two more years of high school. They decided it would be best to stay friends, and leave the door open for other opportunities. This was so very difficult for Hero to do. My heart broke into pieces as he agonized over what he knew was inevitable. After six months or so, he was fine and back playing video games with other vidiots from around the country. He took a job at a local pizza parlor (sound familiar?) in the town where his college is located. He has now met the last love of his life. He still smells like cheese when he comes home!

He graduated from college this year with an interdisciplinary degree that includes Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science. He has learned to work with many different types of people...dead or alive...plumbers or politicians. I'm so very proud of this guy, I could scream!

My Hero is my pride and joy! I get goosebumps thinking of the adventures that await him as he paves his way to adulthood. I'm so grateful that I was picked to be his mom, and blessed to have shared so many unforgettable moments with him.

God bless you HERO!

What's Your 15 Minutes of Fame?

2008-11-11T21:23:00.000-06:00

Many of us yearn for the day when we will have our "15 Minutes of Fame." Some of us have been fortunate enough to already have had the experience. I believe that it may not be the same for everyone.

Sometimes I feel like I am "Queen of the World" when I have been complimented on a job where I worked very hard. When I have been recognized for an accomplishment in front of co-workers or other groups, and the endorphines kick in, I sometimes feel like someone from People Magazine should come take my picture! Then I return to reality. If I may, I'd like to share with you, one time where I felt like it was "my time to shine."

Years (decades) ago, I pursued an acting career. I studied for about two years in a few local acting schools. One of the schools sent a bunch of us on a commercial shoot for a local grocery store. We had wardrobe, make-up and hair done for all of us. (That, in itself, was exciting for me!) I was very lucky to be chosen to say a line and have a close-up shot. The non-union commercial was shot over two days and started showing up during the morning and early evening newscasts.

Seeing myself on television was weird at first, but then the novelty wore off and it was no big deal. The commercial only ran for about two weeks. The highlight of the whole experience, and my "15 minutes of fame" came a few weeks after the commercial ended when I got into the elevator at my work. I saw a familiar face in the back. It belonged to a girl from the acting school.

She said, "Hey, I saw your commercial. Nice job." She had me at "I saw your commercial..." I thanked her and turned around, trying so very hard not to giggle. I was somebody special in front of all those strangers. That elevator ride was the best ride of my life! This girl had made my day, my month, and my year!

The only events that could top my elevator ride, were the births of each of my children. Talk about wild rides and feelings of euphoria....the moms out there know what I mean!

I would love to hear about your "Fame" stories. Please leave a few words about a time when you felt on top of the world!

Childhood Memories

2008-11-05T21:34:00.000-06:00

After reading "My Semblance of Sanity" post dated today, I thought I would respond by sharing a special memory of mine. If you haven't read Michelle's post, you must close me out and go read it. She is an amazing writer and has an uncanny talent for bringing you into her world and experiencing things along side of her!

My childhood club houses were made out of leftover moving boxes for large appliances. My backyard was a cement postage stamp...not a lot of "woodsy" opportunities. It did make for easy clean up, however, of dog stuff, punch spills, and washing sand out of my bathing suit after returning from the beach.

I grew up in Southern California about 45 minutes from the ocean. During the summer months, we would drive to the beach once or twice during the week and occasionally on weekends when Dad wasn't working. There is nothing to compare with the smell of the ocean and beach. For me, it was a combination of sweet and salty. The seaweed provided the salty smell. An accidental gulp of the water reminded you that this was no backyard pool! The sweet smells from the other sun worshipers would come and go with the breezes.

Then, there was the smell of suntan lotion. To this day, when I apply sunblock, my mind is immediately transported back to the 60's at my favorite summer hangout, Huntington Beach. When our feet hit the sand, each sinking step would be slow and deliberate. We always tried to get a spot close to Lifeguard Station #16.

My mom would pack lunches for us that consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Koolaid and bananas or green grapes. Once in a while we could buy something from the snackstand. Even today, eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich takes me to a place of comfort.

Jumping the waves was my favorite beach game. As the waves approached, I would jump over the top, not allowing the wave to break on me. I would only go into the water up to my knees because jumping anything deeper would have caused great distress to my body...I've never been much of an athlete...and would have provided gut-busting entertainment for anyone within 50 feet of me.

My most vivid memory is that of jumping the waves with my dad when I was about eight. Okay, so we didn't really jump, but I would sit on his shoulders and he would take me beyond where the waves were breaking. The water would be up to his shoulders. I would squeal with delight as the waves began to swell, hoping that Dad and I would be able to jump up before they broke. Once in a while, the waves broke on us, but my dad stood fast and held me tight. I was never washed away!

We would always return to our towels (which had been shaken to remove the sand we kicked on them earlier). Mom would wrap me up in my towel, and let me sit next to her while I dried off. Sometimes, I would slowly sink to a prone position and sneak a little nap in while she happily read her spy novel. We would usually start the trip home around 4:00p.m. in our lovely Chevy stationwagon. Once home, it was straight to the backyard and everyone was hosed down to get the sand off of us. The water from the hose was always freezing cold! After a warm bath and hairwash, we dressed and played until dinner!

I go back to the beach...in my mind...as often as possible.

Welcome!

2008-11-02T10:14:00.000-06:00

Welcome! My second blog here. I found that "noexcuses" typed as is in a url is a guy-blog having nothing to do with kids, motivation, self-improvement, or random musings, sarcasm and rantings of a procrastinator. So, please rant on all that you wish!

The Halloween decorations have come down, and "appropriate" fall-ish type decs will stay. I say, "will stay" because the fall-ish decorations were backdrops for the Halloween decs. This way I don't have to put anything else up until December 1 or Thanksgiving weekend, whichever comes sooner!! Yeah, I'm lazy!

Hope you all survived this weekend. Hope all of your teams won! Hope all of you are able to get out and vote on Tuesday - no matter how you vote. You don't have the right to complain if you don't make the effort to vote!

Thanks for stopping by...