Dust Bunny Protector

I know I still have not heard it all

2010-09-26T19:02:00.003-05:00

I manage a 24 hour call center and it never ceases to amaze me the reasons/excuses I get for why people cannot come into work or why they are late. Here are just a few from this past week...

2 PM on Saturday "I am taking my husband to the emergency room but I am going to try to come in later." 11:59 PM that same day, "We are still here at the emergency room but they have not seen him yet." When I reminded her that she needs to bring a doctor's note any time she misses her shift and has had to go to the doctor for herself or a family member, "Well the time may be off a little." Ya think? The date and time on the note was from AFTER our last conversation. And, her husband still did not see the doctor so they do not know what is wrong with him. Hmmm.
"I fell asleep in my car."
"It's raining too hard."
"My throat is scratchy and I think there are germs on my keyboard."
"I have to study for my tests."

And the #1 excuse I heard this week (and I may never be able to top this one),

"I have to leave (after being at work 30 mins.) because my girlfriend fell off the pole at work and they think she may have broken her leg." Fell off the pole?? "Yeah, she is an entertainer ... stripper and she had probably been drinking."

What's new?

2010-05-04T01:27:00.003-05:00

I think one of the reasons I had not tried to get back into this old blog in so long was I did not feel I had anything interesting to say. That may be true but I'm still gonna say it.

So, if I had been writing over the last year or so I might have mentioned

Tidbits about what the granddaughters were doing

Stuff about my kids - even if they would prefer I didn't.

I have lost 115 lbs. Wow! Looking at that I realize it is the equivalent of a whole small framed person.

I also lost a lot of my hair along the way but most of it has come back. For those of you who have experienced it, it is a scary proposition.

My job absolutely stinks but I keep saying I should be glad, in this economy, to be employed. Some days, yes. Many days, No!

My friend and coworker, Karen, has colon cancer. She just found out a few weeks ago and it is stage 3-4. I think about this a lot and scold myself for whining over my little aches and pains.

I think I have forgotten how to share my life with a man. I've enjoyed 'em when I had 'em but now I am way too independent. Or is that another way of saying "selfish"?

I'm totally into photography these days. I love taking pictures of nature. I have taken some shots I really love, blown them up, matted and framed them. Maybe I can figure out how to share them here soon.

In trying to "get a life" beyond the walls of work, I have recently seen a few movies, gone to a professional baseball game, been to a bluebonnet festival, enjoyed some azalea trails and joined an online dating service. What a hoot when my own doctor was one of the very first "matches" I was sent.

I love Facebook and have reconnected with friends from long ago and far away.

That's a good start and the thing I need to remember the most is that I must start this little venture earlier in the evening from now on.

Blowing the dust off the old blog

2010-05-04T00:58:00.003-05:00

I think of you, old friend, so often, and plan to come visit but I forgot the path. But here I am. I stumbled back, quite by accident while visiting the home of another. I was not sure I could even remember how to get in here. I am excited.

Of course, now that I have remembered how to unlock the access, I cannot recall all of the things I wanted to share. They will come to me. I just need to make it a habit. It has been so long since I posted I no longer remember how to pimp my space. Or even change my font. I will get it back. I love getting the ol' creative juices flowing again.

And, now that I have gotten back in here, I need to go through and delete all those spam comments on old posts.

I see something new. Must check out "Monetize." My guess, before looking at that tab is it has something to do with making money off your blog by advertising.

Something to blog about

2009-09-07T07:49:00.002-05:00

I kept waiting for something good to post about and then more time passed and my priorities shifted and then so much time had passed I almost decided to start from scratch with a new blog. This morning I actually saw my little blog on a friend's post and decided I needed to get back ... so here I am.

So much has happened since I was here last. I am super busy at work but I am thrilled to be employed in this economy so I will keep my grousing to a minimum. I have a new grandaughter. I have lost 96 pounds since Christmas. I attended a family reunion and really should have written about that! I went to Florida and Sea World and got lots of great pictures. Yes, I can see that I had plenty I could have shared.

I find I have a limited amount of time to spend on the computer so I shall reprioritize and set aside Facebook and refocus on my little piece of cyberspace. Thanks to those of you who inquired as to my where abouts during my hiatus. It was nice to know I was missed and I will try to do better.

Yes, I am Irish.

2009-03-09T00:45:00.005-05:00

Every spring when the weather starts to warm up and I put on shorts I am shocked by my very white legs. Now, they are not just a little pale. They are so white they actually have a glare and people around me require sunglasses.

Years ago when I had more money than sense I would go to a tanning salon. I would start out at a slow, low level and lay there for just a few minutes. My intent was to put just a little color in my otherwise pasty skin. At one point I complained to the technician (what do you call the person who assigns you to a room?) that nothing seemed to be happening so maybe we needed to turn it up a notch. She told me that one of the beds had just had the bulbs changed so that might speed things up. And, she was going to set the timer for a longer period of time.

Huge mistake! The combination of the intense bulbs and the longer duration caused me to end up at the emergency clinic with what they called "solar poisoning." I was in horrific pain and looked like a cooked lobster. That was the last time I subjected myself to a tanning booth.

Spray on tan seemed like a good idea. No risk of pain. I had no idea what I was doing when I used a coupon to get the "look like you have been to the islands." I had a date that evening and as the evening progressed I noticed my arms were getting darker and darker. A little while later I went to the restroom and I laughed when I saw how white my teeth were. My skin continued to get darker and my teeth kept looking brighter and brighter. Again, the need for sunglasses for those around me to cut the glare my smile was emitting. My date and I had a good laugh as we made bets on what would be my final ethnicity.

Then there are the do it yourself self tanning lotions. I tried that, too, but you have to purchase just the right lotion and be very careful how you apply it. It was too much trouble to try and keep things even. I would end up with extra lotion in the crease of my elbow or at the wrist or behind my knees which gave the appearance I needed a bath. How many times did I have to wear long pants in the summer to avoid the inevitable stares?

I have a coworker that must be using a self tanning lotion because he keeps showing up with rusty looking hands. No thanks. I will keep telling myself that my very white skin complements my very white hair. Whatever!

Summer Camp

2009-03-03T23:32:00.004-06:00

Did you ever get to go to summer camp? I was very fortunate that each summer from 5th grade through the 9th grade, I was shipped off for two weeks to a very rustic camp in Arkansas. I loved Camp Wyldewood. It lies at the foothills of the Ozarks and it is beautiful! Of course, as an adult I found it to be much more attractive in the spring and the fall when the temperatures do not require ingesting a daily salt tablet. I can remember how hot we campers were during those summer months. There was no electricity in the cabins which meant the only air conditioning was from the random breeze that blew through the screened-in windows on three sides. At the front of the cabin was the only door and on each side of the door were built in closets. With fourteen girls per cabin there was very little room for hanging many clothes. We kept everything else in footlockers that slid under the bunks.

If you hurried through lunch you had a little time to grab a somewhat private shower which was my goal. I was a skinny, flat-chested 11 year old who absolutely dreaded the communal showers even worse than the cold-water-only plumbing. I assume the boys had the same accommodations although their daily swims more than likely constituted the extent of their concern for personal hygiene. As hot as we were you would think we would have been happy for the cold water. Not!

But it was fun and in spite of some mild homesickness each year, those two weeks were the high point of my summers. My family always took vacations as well but those were typically spent in a car with my younger brother and sister arguing over who got to sit next to the window. My time at Wyldewood was a close as I got to freedom and independence until I went off to college. I made some great friends in Session V and each year we left with full autograph books and addresses for pen pals that usually lasted until Christmas.

In addition to daily devotionals and Bible study, there was softball, hiking in some of God's most beautiful country, swimming, canteen and crafts. We had Sadie Hawkins Day, lots of singing and a big night out where we dressed up, paired up and were given a tour of the nearby university which was the alma mater of all the counselors. Years later I would see many of those same campers when I chose to attend that same college.

Those were the days. Before curling irons and blow dryers. Before cell phones and texting. Before the internet and emails. Before Tivo and 500 channel choices. It was a simpler time and brings back a lot of happy memories.

A sense of accomplishment

2009-02-21T20:49:00.003-06:00

So many things I have been putting off. I can always come up with very legitimate excuses to not do anything I want to avoid. Mop? No, I need to water my plants. Vacuum? Can't now. I must mail a birthday card. Clean out the refrigerator? I better get gas before it rains. See the pattern? I do things that I actually need to do and procrastinate over the less appealing tasks.

But today I had no plans, no appointments and no company so I got serious about cleaning. Some were routine tasks and others have been waiting patiently for me to address them. I cleaned the kitchen, cleaned my bathroom, changed the sheets, did four loads of laundry, vacuumed, rearranged my pantry to squeeze in the latest groceries, cleaned out the refrigerator and ironed clothes for the coming week. Now I am going to sit a while and pay bills, finish a book, and maybe watch a movie. I feel good but still feel guilty because I have yet to put away my snowman collection. What's up with that??

Six more weeks of this? No problem.

2009-02-18T22:55:00.003-06:00

Here in Central Texas we do not have the ongoing winter weather that so many others deal with for months. This year we have had a couple of "ice days" that brought traffic to a halt but overall it has been pleasant. The problem is, once we get past the days when a coat is required, I never know how to dress. It starts out cold or windy or rainy so I end up wearing layers of clothing that are removed through the early part of the day and later replaced, layer by layer, as the sun sets. Lunch time around my place is pretty busy these days. (rim shot)

I have one sister who lives outside Minneapolis and a John Deere horse-powered snow shovel is a necessity for her family. The pile of ice and snow shoveled to one end of her long drive may not melt until July. My other sister lives in southern Florida. I still cannot relate to her blooming citrus trees around Christmas but she loves it there.

So for me, I am pleased to be in the moderate middle. But only when it comes to the weather.

I didn't die but I thought I might

2009-02-14T16:51:00.005-06:00

Happy Valentines Day!

The last two months have been challenging to say the least but I am back and, hopefully, my humor is intact. There have been moments - no hours - where there was no humor and I sat on my couch with a vacant expression and no interest in life. What caused the funk? All I did was have gastric bypass surgery but it almost killed me and I am still struggling with life after GP. That's not to say I would not recommend this surgery to anyone. I would. Misery loves company. No, seriously, I had an unfortunate set back with my surgery but I have had several friends over the last ten years that have had RNY and lapband surgery and no one else had complications. It is just the way the cards fell. And everyone of us is glad we had the surgery. The positive aspects far outweigh the negative. But enough of that. I am happily crawling from the abyss and feel human again.

I see that in my absence I lost some readers. I understand. When cleaning out my blog I, too, have eliminated journalers who seemed to have dropped off the map. I hope they will see that I have returned and they will as well. And, thanks to those of you who sent me notes or left messages asking of my whereabouts. I sincerely appreciated it but did not have the energy at the end of the day to respond. That has been my biggest challenge. I should have taken off more time from work after the surgery but I jumped back into the fray after two weeks and that has slowed my recovery.

The company where I worked was sold and the doors closed. The corporation that purchased our little giant hired me as their new call center manager. In these tough economic times I am thrilled to be employed. We are building the Client Service Center from the ground up - policies and procedures, schedules, training materials, scripting, etc. and I am loving the challenge. I still wear the hat of the old company so I have been closing out the billing from there in addition to my new duties. It has been a while since I was responsible for a start-up operation and forgot how much energy is needed. But, with my new attitude, I am sure I can make it all happen.

Now, I am off to read your journals and catch up with you, my friends.

HoHoHo What a Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T16:05:00.004-06:00

Santa came to my house last weekend. I got to enjoy spending time with my parents, my kids and Miss L. My son deep fried a turkey for us and I actually ate solid food for the first time in three weeks. That was a big deal. I gave Miss L the Kissing Elmo among other things and he was a big hit. It did not take her long to figure out how to squeeze one hand for him to talk and put the other hand up to his mouth for kissing sounds. She was so cute hugging him the whole weekend.

Monday I went back to work which was probably too soon but I did it and since it was just a three day work week it was not too bad. The end of the month and end of the year is always a crazy time in a Billing office. And, I have quite a few things to catch up with after taking two weeks off.

My daughter, son in law and the baby have so much family to try and squeeze into the few days they have for the holidays (four additional groups) so I was surprised they wanted to see me again today. They were headed from breakfast with her dad and on their way to East Texas to visit the SIL's side of the family but TenderHeart had to give me one more gift. I decided it was bothering her that I had no specific plans today but I was actually looking forward to sleeping late and not having a schedule to follow. Some friends had even invited me to join them for Christmas dinner but I begged off.

But, I sacrificed and got up and drove out to meet them on the road. I was very pleasantly surprised that my son came out to meet us as well. (He was flying back to Colorado this afternoon and I did not expect to get to see him again.) Sure enough, they had another gift for me. They announced they are having another baby!! It was so funny, all of us standing around and I am hugging the baby and then realized she was wearing a shirt that said "Big Sister". Talk about excited!! Lots of squealing and dancing around in the parking lot.

Yes, it was a very, merry Christmas!

How I know I was in the hospital ...

2008-12-18T13:20:00.004-06:00

The following are the Top Ten ways I know I have been in the hospital.

10. I have flower arrangements in various stages of disintegration.

9. My nightstand looks like a full service pharmacy.

8. My bed pillows have become decorative items throughout my home. Wherever I sit, there is at least one extra pillow within arm's reach.

7. I can play connect the dot with the holes left behind when the hospital staff mistook my arms for pincushions.

6. I recognize showers are not for sissies.

5. Velcro is my friend.

4. I do not care what my hair looks like yet.

3. My daily activities revolve around the next pill, elixir, shot, blood test, breathing treatment, walk, liquid intake, liquid output and documentation of the previously mentioned. Yawn!

2. Just when I think I am finally through with the alcohol and cotton balls, I find more adhesive residue in unexpected places. Like spots on the carpet after you have had it cleaned, they just keep rising to the surface.

And, the #1 way I know I have been in the hospital. . .

I did not touch my computer from 12/7 until 12/17.

Yes, I went into the hospital on 12/8 for a relatively simple procedure but my resistance was down and my subsequent symptoms (high fever and low blood pressure) gave everyone a scare. The doctors had to go back in, on 12/9 to make certain everything was okay. It was but instead of getting out on Wednesday, 12/10, I did not get to come home until Saturday and I am just now getting my strength back. I won't dwell on the details in this journal but I am tracking my progress here.

I am glad the rest is behind me and if I can just get the remainder of my Christmas purchases wrapped, I can relax.

A strange twist

2008-12-04T22:53:00.006-06:00

The company that bought our pharmacy only wanted three pharmacists and eight technicians to come on board with their new organization. That left quite a few of us updating our resumes and waiting for the doors to close. I was totally okay with this because we were offered a nice severance package and I looked at this as a perfect chance to seek employment closer to my daughter and her family.

Then another opportunity presented itself. The corporation had decided to consolidate its client services and they are starting a new call center several miles closer to my daughter than my current job. I have call center management experience and decided to throw my hat in the ring. At the last minute, my boss, Sheriff decided to interview for the job as well. Her interview lasted over an hour and then it was my turn. The way it went I was very certain I was not being seriously considered for the position. Imagine my shock when the VP returned today and offered me the Manager position. It was a wonderful surprise and I was then able to offer CCR positions to several of the remaining pharmacy staff.

I am thrilled. And, I was able to make several other people happy, including Assistant. Yes, I am taking her with me. Sheriff? She will need to continue to interview.

Can you say, "Karma, boys and girls?"

Starting a new chapter

2008-12-04T01:49:00.003-06:00

I feel very energized right now and it is almost 2 AM. I get this way every year when I put up my Christmas decorations. I get so excited and do not want to stop. Last year I had a car accident on November 12 and spent the next six weeks confined to a recliner at my parent's home which had a huge impact on my plans, shopping, decorating, etc. This year I had every intention of starting early and being ready by December 1st. Well, I am close. I am actually enjoying getting out in the middle of things (traffice, malls, etc.) this year and am so grateful for my ability to drive myself, get in and out of the car unaided and walk everywhere I want to go. I took those abilities for granted before and, even now, I have to remind myself how far I have come since last year. I am truly blessed.

I am also taking a huge personal step by adjusting my eating habits and have already lost 16 pounds. I am a grazer and since I am single and live alone I feel little to no pressure to cook anymore. I had an older friend years ago who told me that after her kids were married, she and her husband went out to eat most of the time and she "dusted her stove." Back then I could not imagine that lifestyle but now I can relate.

Life is good and is getting better.

Well, this bundle of energy better call it a night!

What century is this??

2008-12-03T20:51:00.006-06:00

If I had not been a witness, I would think someone was making this up. This is unfortunately a very true story. I was in the restroom at work today and was in the handicap stall since the other was occupied when I arrived. (Who am I kidding? I always go for the handicap stall at work if it is available. The other one is so small you practically have to stand on the bowl to open the door to get back out.) A third person came in and when they hit the locked door to the handicap stall I recognized the shoes belonging to my boss. You may remember Sheriff if you follow this journal. Well, she then went into the other stall since it was now vacant but I heard her leave immediately after.

A few seconds later I heard Assistant come in, mumbling under her breath. She went into the other stall and I called out, "Assistant, is that you? Tell me you are not cleaning the toilet for Sheriff?!" Oh, but she was! Sheriff was unhappy with the condition of the stall after the other person had left but she had sent Assistant in to take care of things. I was flabbergasted and strongly expressed my feelings to Assistant!!

Assistant left and as I stepped out of the larger stall Sheriff came in wearing latex surgeon's gloves and began grabbing several paper towels out of the dispenser. She proceeded to tell me how disgusted she had been by the condition of the toilet. I have to assume she was wiping down the commode and I offered her the trash can to dispose of the paper towels. Too late. She had put them in the toilet. I told her I was surprised that she would put all those towels in the toilet, that we were probably going to have plumbing problems now. Sheriff feigned innocence and said she did not realize that. Come on! By the time you are well into your forties you have had enough life experiences to know better, or so I thought. As I turned to leave Sheriff said, "Send Assistant back in here."

I should have ignored the request but I did stop and tell Assistant her presence was once again requested in the ladies room. She had a few choice words regarding actions she was contemplating but she dutifully got up and headed to the bathroom. I have no idea what happened next since I returned to my office.

Shortly, one of the staff came to me to let me know the first stall in the ladies room was not flushing properly. Ya think?? I thanked them and went straight to Sheriff's office. I told her "They just came to me to let me know the toilet is not flushing." (I am the office manager and used to be the facilities point person but remember, Sheriff took over those responsibilities. I no longer have to call the plumber. If there is a potential expense involved, Sheriff is going to handle it. And, certainly this was her issue to resolve!))

When I told her the toilet was stopped up, her response? "Can you get a plunger?"

I said "I don't do plungers. I am just letting you know the toilet is clogged." I turned and left. I heard later she had Assistant use the plunger and unstop the clog. Unbelievable!!

I'm still in a state of shock that (1) she would take advantage of her assistant like that and (2) that the assistant would actually do it!! Does this woman's narcissistic arrogance know no bounds??

Visiting Santa

2008-11-30T12:45:00.007-06:00

My daughter, son in law and Miss L.

Waiting to visit with Santa.

After standing in line for over an hour, the camera broke. Santa "worked" the line while they tried to get things going again. You can tell Miss L was a little hesitant but not frightened.

I was able to take my own pictures since the "official" camera was on the fritz. I was so glad to have come prepared!

This is the best shot I got before Miss L decided she did not need to discuss what she wanted for Christmas after all. This was such a great Santa, very authentic.

Little miss was worn out by this time but we still got some good shots.

A tired little angel..

Thanksgiving and then some

2008-11-28T20:20:00.006-06:00

I knew this Thanksgiving was going to be quiet. It turned out to be just me and my parents but we still cooked the bird and set out the good dishes, the kind that can't be put in the dishwasher. I did not think that would be a big deal since it was just three of us but we still managed to dirty just about every dish in sight and you would have thought we were expecting a dozen people there was so much food.

One sister and her family were all gathered in Florida. The other sister and her family are in Minnesota and their Turkey Day was postponed because sister and hubby are suffering from Whooping Cough. Yikes! I read on the Internet it was going around but I did not expect it to hit anyone I knew. Of course, you may remember my brother passed away this summer so that left me to do the family thing.

I always tell my kids they can be anywhere they choose at Thanksgiving but at Christmas we all better be gathered in Texas. With all the branches of the family it is difficult to be every where at once so I try to be gracious about sharing. Since Sport was just here last month he stayed in Colorado and actually deep fried a turkey for a group of friends. I'm impressed. TenderHeart was with her husband's father's family. With so many at that gathering all she had to cook was a broccoli rice casserole. Lucky girl.

After we ate, cleaned up and watched the Cowboys win, my folks and I sat down for a game of Phase Ten. Don't know if you have ever played it but it is a lot of fun and you can actually play with several people so it is a great group game. I can't believe it but my "elderly" parents whipped the socks off me. I kept cheering for myself that I had the highest score. Just wish that had been the aim of the game.

In the middle of the night I got a call from Sheriff, my boss. It seems the police called and our office had been broken into and she wanted me to go and assess the situation. Normally that would have worked since I am two miles from home to work but this time I was two hours away so she had to do the honors. In the last three years we have had maybe half a dozen false alarms but this time it was the real thing. And I missed it!!

Two huge glass walls were shattered. One into my office and the other into my boss' office. We work at a closed door pharmacy and naturally you would think they were after the drugs but nope. We have no signage and I do not think these guys even knew what kind of business they broke into or what was in the back. They never walked into the view of the security cameras and all they took was Sheriff's laptop. But what a mess they left behind. Sheriff was there from 2:30 AM until 11:30 AM waiting to get someone out to clean up the mess and secure the place. I learned that the police said the official "method of entry" was BFR. Big F***ing Rock Seriously, that was what was in the report!!

And me? I was diligently avoiding all sales and traffic.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!

How can I think about Christmas already?

2008-11-22T22:30:00.002-06:00

I better start thinking about Christmas! It will be here before I know it. November is just flying by and I do not want to be out in the middle of the traffic next month, at the last minute, making rash, illogical purchases.

This morning I went with my daughter, son in law and the baby to have her picture made with Santa at the mall. We went into Macy's just to buy a hair bow and I ended up buying two Christmas dresses for Miss L that I thought were just adorable. Her mother and I have very different taste when it comes to dressing the baby. I always want to go with the classic styles with the cutesy, girlie dresses with smocking, tiny pleats, etc. Daughter wants to go with clothes like trendy jeans or blue jean skirts and bedazzled shirts that read "Born to Shop." But, of the dozen Christmas dress choices we did find a few on which we could agree. If I had had the money I would have bought at least two more. They were just tooo cute.

This particular mall has a really great Santa who looks very authentic and a huge Polar Express set up. After the kids have their pictures made with Santa, you can move over to a porch set where the whole family can pose.

I brought my own camera with me so I positioned myself beyond the picture taking venue and put on the telephoto lens. I was in excellent view of everything going on and I had a lot of fun watching the little ones react. It was probably an hour wait and by the time my kiddos were at the front of the line Miss L was bored, cranky and done with the hair bow! There was one family ahead of them and you would not believe what happened! The camera broke and stopped printing out pictures!!! They waited and waited and waited while the little mall workers tried to troubleshoot the problem.

After a while Santa got up and started walking around talking to the kids in line. This was great for some and terrifying for others. He was very kindly and you could tell he was not trying to cause any drama. He just moved on down the line. Miss L was happy to see him and let him hold her hand and said "Hi, Tanta Claw." By now I had moved up to the perimeter fence and Santa suggested I go ahead and take pictures which I did of daughter, SIL and Miss L with Santa standing there. Great shots.

Then Santa told the mall workers, all gathered around the broken kiosk, he was going to sit down and let everyone take their own pictures. I was so thrilled that I had brought my camera and almost started to take orders from those in line! Tee Hee. But wouldn't you know, the minute Daughter placed Miss L in Santa's lap she began to squawk! She wanted no part of it and I got a very funny shot of her all straight-legged trying to get down.

A few minutes later the camera was fixed but by then there was no line left. Out of some sense of obligation we ended up buying the disk with the rights to the official picture. I just really think we should have gotten a discount for all the hassle but Daughter was too reserved to ask or allow me to do it.

Wished that reserved style applied to baby clothes! Just kidding!

Missing the compassion gene

2008-11-22T20:03:00.004-06:00

Last week we had a trainer in our office from out of town. She was conducting several two day sessions with the staff to help us all prepare for the close of our office and the demise of our jobs. She was from a placement service and I participated in the first two-day session.

On day one of the second session she got a call that a close friend had died unexpectedly. She left the conference room and was quite upset in the ladies' room. I heard the crying but actually thought it was someone being silly at the other end of the office. A few minutes later one of the staff came to me and told me I was needed, that the trainer was crying in the bathroom. I went immediately to see how I might help.

Trainer was hysterical and had difficulty getting the words out but enough for me to know there had been a death. When Supervisor (I have told you about her before - see Tissuegate post) came in to see what was going on I instructed her to tell the employees in the training session to go on back to their regular duties, that training was canceled for the day. I then guided Trainer into the conference room for some privacy and to make arrangements for a flight home. For about 20 minutes she was unable to function and I ended up having to take the phone to talk to her boss. I say all that to give you an idea of how dramatic things were for a while and disconcerting for the entire office.

Well, my boss (remember Sheriff?) had gone to the dry cleaner and when she came back it was in the big middle of the drama. One of the employees approached her to tell her what was happening and as she headed for her office the employee said, "They are in the conference room." (in the opposite direction) She did not turn but went straight to her office. In less than five minutes she came out and told her assistant to notify the five employees that were in the training that they were on their own for lunch. She had canceled the boxed sandwich lunches! Can you believe it??? No concern for the distraught guest. No empathy for the staff that had been shaken up by the drama. Nope. Her primary thought was, "If they are not having training then we don't have to provide the lunch." You can imagine how this attitude went over with the entire office.

I ended up driving the trainer back to her hotel and she had a local friend who came to be with her and to take her to the airport. When I got back to the office my boss said, "I am glad you handled that. I just don't have that compassion thing ... I'm missing that gene." Ya think??? My response, "Well, I'm glad I have it."

A little bit later one of the trainees came to me and told me that since she always brought her lunch and she knew lunch was going to be provided for the two days of training she had nothing to eat that day. That is when I learned about the canceled lunches. This employee is in a very tight financial situation and had no money to purchase lunch. I told her that I really did not think it was my place to challenge the decision but that she should go to Sheriff and ask what she suggested. Sheriff's response? "I can give you the $6 to get your lunch but when you go back to training you will not get a lunch provided." Unbelievable!!!!!! The employee declined and went back to her station. I offered to get her lunch when I went out but she declined that as well. I brought back a lunch for her anyway. Glad I have that compassion gene.

I feel special!

2008-11-22T01:08:00.001-06:00

It has been a long week and this evening I wearily plopped myself down for a cruise around the internet. Being a creature of habit I have a set computer routine and the first thing I do is read personal emails, then a jog around Facebook, look at the latest pictures of my granddaughter that have been posted, check out the newest tags in my tag group and, last but not least, stop at Blogger to catch up on some overdue reading and maybe, just maybe find time for a post. I was pleasantly surprised to find I have been given the Marie Antoinette Award by Lori at Dusty Pages. It is for real people who blog about real things. I truly am honored that my little piece of cyberspace has been deemed award worthy. Thank you, Lori!! That really perked me up!

I am now supposed to pass this on to seven more bloggers whom I believe are "real" bloggers who write about "real" everyday life. That describes so many of the journals I read, so I'm just going to have to pick a few of the many I could name. Many of those on my reading list have already been honored by someone else, so I'll try not to duplicate. (By the time I finished getting this all together I realize I have a duplicate after all but I don't care. They deserve another shout out!)

Here are the rules and my list of recipients.

The Rules

1. Please put the logo in your blog

2. Place a link from the person, from whom you received the award

3. Nominate at least 7 or more

4. Put the links of those on your blog

5. Leave a message on their blog to let them know

Robin at The Yellow Brick Road

Jody at Dust Bunny Club of North America
Rose at Roses Are Read

Donna at D's Designs and Other Things

Rachel at The Cooke Family

Veronica at Buffalo Squirrels

Jon at Lone Star Concerto

Organ-ization

2008-11-22T00:26:00.000-06:00

I named 15 organs in 4 minutes!

Rocket Science at the telephone company

2008-11-19T21:05:00.003-06:00

I have been "bonding" with the AT&T call center agents about my screwed up account. I decided to bundle all my services when I added their high speed internet. This means that my television service, my internet and my land line should all be coming on one bill. And, at one point they sent me a check for the over payment on my previous internet service. But now my land line was cut off and in spite of repeated phone calls to get this resolved I still do not have a home phone. This is not a BIG deal to me since I only had that number added to make my family feel better that they have another way to reach me. I have been paying the bill but they cannot seem to wrap their head around getting it all on one statement as they promised six weeks ago.

The kicker was when I called again this evening and because I did not have my latest paperwork with me, I needed to answer a security question. The question: Who was your childhood hero? I could not remember giving an answer before but I responded with what I knew would have been my answer >>> Captain Kangaroo. Wrong. I told the agent, if that is not the answer then I have no idea who I would have listed. The agent then told me that there was no answer but because I had provided a response, it did not match and he could not discuss my account. I laughed out loud at the absurdity of the situation.

"So basically you are telling me that I had not ever picked that security question or given an answer and because I answered your question you cannot discuss my account with me??" Yep, that was it in a nutshell. Crazy, huh? But he did say he would update my answer for future reference.

The agent eventually did ask me for information I could provide which verified my identity and we went from there. And, before I hung up I asked for a new security question. The question: "Who has lame security measures?" Answer: AT&T.

He did not let me use that one.

I wonder when I will get my land line fixed??

Oh, yeah. In case anyone who knows me thinks it would be funny to mess with my AT&T account, Captain Kangaroo was not my childhood hero.

Tissuegate

2008-11-17T22:01:00.004-06:00

Since our office is closing in a matter of weeks, I do not think it will hurt to tell some of the more benign stories of what happens at work. There are days when things occur which are so bizarre all I can think about is, "I wish I could post about this!" Such is the story of the Kleenex.

I got a new boss last year and shortly after she came on board I had a car accident. My lengthy absence caused a necessary shift of duties. When I returned, the ordering of supplies was no longer my responsibility. Worked for me but it did not take long to realize there was a new sheriff in town and she was tight, tight, tight!

We are not a big office and I had been very careful to watch the budget, have companies submit bids for our business and keep a tight reign on expenses. Or so I thought. It seems that Sheriff started ordering the cheapest paper towels that tore into pieces as you pulled them from the dispenser, a sub par grade of toilet paper that disintegrated upon contact and she openly requested post it notes be cut into strips to conserve. I kid you not!! She did several other things that will have to wait for the telling since they are worthy of their own post.

But the tissue fiasco was the latest straw. I used to make a bulk purchase of tissues and kept the boxes under lock and key in the closet with the coffee, creamer and other staples. The boxes were placed throughout the office since not everyone had the luxury of a permanent station/office and it was not a big expense. No one took advantage. They were an off brand tissue and some folks, like myself, bought our own boxes if we wanted to express our personal style.

Well, when the last bulk box was gone Sheriff would not order any more. This caused a stir in the office as people came to request a new box. They were particularly peeved when Sheriff said, "I will order more during cold and flu season." What the heck?? One of the pharmacists came to me, asking for a new box since he was suffering from an allergy attack. When I had to tell him he was out of luck and why, he suggested he might just use his sleeve or, better yet, use Sheriff's sleeve. As funny as that sounded I offered my Kleenex to him instead.

Fast forward to last week. Sheriff's assistant, who has been delegated to do the actual ordering, placed a supply order and included a case of 20 boxes of tissue. We had recently had our flu shots and many of the office were suffering from various ailments which seemed to be a good indicator that it was cold and flu season. Not so!!

When the order came in and Sheriff saw the packing slip she was furious and royally reamed her assistant for taking it upon herself to order tissues. The assistant tried to explain her reasoning but Sheriff announced, "I am not paying for them! You are sending them back!!" This all happened in our front office and everyone in the department could hear the fallout. You would have thought this $20 item was the tipping point of our financial success or failure so great was the reaction.

But it gets worse.

The assistant put the case of tissues on her desk in her cubicle to be returned the next day and went off to deliver the rest of the supplies to the various departments. Sheriff went home for the day.

Turns out the lead supervisor came through the front office shortly after this, and seeing the much coveted tissues, opened the case and took three boxes for her staff. Assistant comes back and seeing the opened case had a bit of a meltdown. I heard the commotion and stepped out to see what was causing the latest uproar. It seems my staff was offering suggestions to Assistant on how to undo the deed.

Stuff the case with used tissues? Eewww. Wad up toilet paper to fill the void? Naw. It was too thin and would take too much, thus creating a toilet paper shortfall. There was nothing Assistant could do except face the wrath of Sheriff in the morning.

Sure enough, the next morning Sheriff saw the opened case and pounced on Assistant the minute she walked through the door demanding to know why she had not been obeyed. Sheriff was actually yelling and causing such a commotion we all came out of our offices/cubicles to see what calamity had befallen us. It was absolutely the most bizarre scene with a row of heads sticking out of cubicles all looking in the same direction like drivers on the highway straining to see the accident scene. And I, realizing there was no need to call 9-1-1, returned to my desk.

A few minutes later Sheriff flew into my office and essentially demanded that I help her get to the bottom of this inexcusable breach of security. "I want to know who did this!!! I want you to find whoever did this." She was so enraged I actually thought her next words might be, "Off with their head!!" As the kids would say, she was off the chain.

It was so hard for me to keep a straight face. I had taken a walk through the pharmacy the night before and saw where the kleenex had been placed and had learned from the supervisor that she was the "culprit." It was a harmless deed and we laughed that perhaps we were not far enough into the cold and flu season after all.

I announced to Sheriff, "I know who took them." Who?! The look of elation on her face caused me to think I was well on my way to a Detective of the Year nomination. "It was Supervisor and it was an innocent mistake. She saw them, knew they were needed in the back and helped by passing them out."

Well, I have never seen someone shift gears so quickly in my life and I believe Sheriff may have left skid marks on my carpet. The reason? The lead supervisor reports directly to the Big Boss and I knew there was no way Sheriff was going to take this to Big Boss. Even in her state of frenzy Sheriff knew she was out of options. She had to pay for the tissues.

Last I heard there will be a fund raiser to cover the non-budgeted expense. Anyone want to sign up to sponsor me?

Mmm mmm good

2008-11-16T17:04:00.008-06:00

I enjoyed going out to lunch with my daughter, son in law and grandbaby, Miss L, this afternoon. Miss L was in rare form and kept turning around in her high chair to flirt with the other diners. She is 16 months old and does not really understand what she is doing but she was so funny, overtly blinking her big blue eyes and smiling when people looked at her. Then she started staring at the ceiling fan above us. It was bright red and I think she made herself dizzy trying to follow the blades. We just have so much fun with her, she's like a toy and will mimic most anything you ask her to say. When she first saw me today she immediately said, "Hi, Nana!" which melted my heart.

The lunch was at my favorite rib place, Red, Hot, and Blue. I had signed up online for their email notifications thinking that I would get discounts, special offers, coupons, etc. but nothing! It got to where every time they sent out a notification I was getting more ticked at them because it was never about the customer. When they emailed about their 20th Anniversary celebration, once again their were no coupons, no discounts. But, they did ask their customers to send them pictures of when they had enjoyed their dining experience at RHNB.

I ended up sending an email expressing my frustration with their marketing strategy and heard back from them the very next day. A Regional VP sent me a personal reply and expressed his appreciation for my comments and his agreement with my thoughts. The marketing is handled out of a national office and the various franchises, including the Texas RHNB region was at their mercy. He said he was glad to have my email to forward to Corporate in the hope they would make it worthwhile for the customer to be a part of their email campaigns. Then he offered to send me some "Baby, I Done You Wrong" coupons.

So, I hope to see offers on line in the future but I was thrilled to save $20 today. Woo Hoo!!

The writing on the wall

2008-11-15T12:52:00.007-06:00

Yesterday was probably one of our last "normal" days before the office closes its doors permanently. This Monday, 25% of the business will be gone and the inevitable cutbacks will begin.

We decided to have a company luncheon on Friday so I got up early and made a huge green bean casserole. You know the one with the Durkee Onions and cream of mushroom soup. Mmmmm. My schedule got off track and I realized I was going to be running late so I called to give my boss a heads up. I am salaried and a few minutes is no big deal but I feel it is the professional thing to do, so I called.

Typically, when we have luncheons my boss will give me money to apply toward the purchase of meat or something because she never wants to be bothered with doing anything herself. But this time she never mentioned it so I did my shopping Thursday night and all I had to actually prepare was the casserole. So now she wanted me to stop somewhere and buy something for her for the luncheon. I walked right into this by calling the office before I arrived. I knew we would probably need more desserts but that would require more effort here at the last minute so I never mentioned it. I wanted to make it easy on myself so we agreed on a gallon of sweet tea since I had only bought one and I was not sure if anyone else was bringing any. I had to drive past the office to get to the tea but she is better at delegating than actually doing anything herself and I want to keep the peace so I did it.

There are a lot of mixed emotions at the office these days. The company that bought us was the previous employer of several of our current pharmacy technicians. Some left that company on good terms but others did not and they now know this will prevent them from filling any of the limited available positions being offered. You just cannot burn your bridges, no matter what your reasons. It will come back to bite you!!!

One of the techs lied when she left the corporate company, saying she had a family emergency. She then started working with us and never went back. No notice, much less working out her notice. Another tech gave notice but only worked two more days and quit. No one at our company knew about this at the time and these employees have never had any issues in the time they have worked for us. I am certain, like all of us, we never dreamed this new company that was new and so successful would ever close its doors. A couple more of the techs did some serious pot stirring at their old office after they started with us so they will probably prevent them from being rehired as well. I guess people have to learn the hard way to do the right thing.

I have mixed feelings about job hunting right now. I want to work through the end of when they will need me in order to get the severance package but I have no idea how long they will need the billing department. If I start to look for something now they may want me sooner than I want to go. Next week they will have an outsourcing firm there to help us so I plan to take advantage of their expertise as well.

It is no wonder I can't even think about Christmas preparations. So much is in limbo.

Embarrassing Moment - Part VI

2008-11-14T01:38:00.011-06:00

Something happened at dinner this evening that caused a repressed embarrassing moment to pop into my head. I have to share.

A few years ago, while living in NC, I dated a gentleman who enjoyed singing. Since I do, too, we frequently hit the karaoke clubs/bars. It seems that most people need to knock back a few drinks before they have the nerve to take the mike. But for others, they will embarrass themselves in front of a room of strangers with little to no encouragement. That would be me. A Patsy Cline wannabe.

My friend, whom I will call RJ, would bring the house down every time he did his excellent rendition of James Brown's "I Feel Good." It was always a crowd pleaser. We had a lot of fun and found one DJ in particular we loved to follow. Freddy and his wife were retired and they were booked several nights a week at various locations to bring in business. Freddy, a little wizard of a man, worked the crowd and his wife played the music. They were a great team and had a very appreciative audience including RJ and me.

For a time, Freddy was booked as a regular on a week night at an authentic Mexican restaurant. It was not a fancy place but the food was excellent and with the karaoke, the crowds were steadily increasing. RJ and I liked to go to the places where the karaoke was new because it meant the wait time was shorter between when we could sing. And, I always said, after the other diners heard me sing, they were less inhibited about trying it. I think it is a gift I have to make others feel better about themselves. Tee Hee

On this particular evening, RJ was once again in the queue to sing and I had to find the little girls' room. The restaurant was not large and the door was in close proximity to the counter. I made my way over and upon entering I determined it was a unisex bathroom. I stepped back out to check the door. Yep, I was in the right place. I then found the latch on the door would not work. I was not about to run the risk of someone opening the door and any bypassing customers having an unobstructed view.

I stepped back out and found the nearest table where four men sat drinking their beers. I asked if one of them could come guard the door since the latch was broken and quickly realized they did not speak English. With my broken Espanol and sign language I explained my need and this dude stood up. He must have been 6' 3" and he came over, turned his back to the bathroom door and crossed his arms. I went in with every confidence that I would be uninterrupted.

As I came back out, I thanked my new hero. RJ was singing and he shot me a quizzical look. I found it funny that he was jealous of my body guard. I made my way back to the table with our friends and when RJ returned he was full of questions. Why did I need to get some guy to stand by the door? And, why did I choose to use the men's restroom?

It turns out the women's restroom was across the room.

Good grief. I do not remember the Spanish word on the door but I obviously misinterpreted. Can you imagine what those guys must have thought when I was insisting on using their men's room and was motioning one of them to come with me??!! RJ, who did not speak Spanish any better than me, went over to try and explain. Not sure if anyone was able to translate but they kept grinning at me the rest of the evening.

Glad I was in the dark

2008-11-12T20:15:00.013-06:00

As the end of the year approaches, I am trying to make certain I get in all my standard annual doctor's visits. Since I have passed that magical 40th year, I get a mammogram each October. For that not-so-fun procedure, I like to go in October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, because they always give you pink ribbon goodies. I am a sucker for freebies. This year I got a jar gripper, some power bars, and a nail buffer. Woo Hoo!

I think there should always be giveaways at the doctor's office. "In exchange for your copay, here is a lovely Prozac pen as a parting gift." And, if I get free medication samples, I am as happy as a kid with a full Trick or Treat bag!

But, a week after my initial appointment, I got a call from my primary care physician's office. I needed to go back for additional tests ... someone was supposed to have called me already but they had not ... please make an appointment for an ultrasound ... the doctor will fax over the orders. I called the Women's Health office and arranged the appointment for today. No one seemed to be in a rush so I did not give it much thought. When I asked the reason for the new test the explanation did not sound too ominous. I try to take a low key approach to these things. No reason to add drama before there is a need.

When I got to the office I changed clothes and was put in the waiting room with the other ladies, all of us wearing the latest in pink, open-down-the-front tops. After a few minutes a nurse came and got me and quietly explained I was being taken to another part of the office. She was too nice ... too caring ... too attentive. I started to get unnerved. After a few more minutes a technician came and got me and explained that she would be "escorting" me to the procedure. Since when did I need an announced escort? Typically it is business as usual and you know to follow the businesslike nurse to wherever she goes. No explanations needed.

The technician was also very attentive and kind, explaining the process to me as though I was a nursing home resident suffering from dementia. By that point I felt as though I had stepped into a scene from the Twilight Zone. Nothing seemed normal.

The doctor arrived and explained why I had been asked to return. He had reviewed my xrays. There was a concern that I had lymphoma, cancer of the lymph nodes. He was quick to assure me about the success rate with early detection. I was stunned. But, less than five minutes later Dr. H assured me that everything looked fine. He showed me the original xrays and what had caused the concern and then an anatomy lesson of what nodes should look like. Mine were perfect.

Wow! Those few minutes seemed like an eternity. I can't imagine how I would have felt if I had known for several days about the possible prognosis. Just think - I missed all that opportunity to worry. So, just for the fun of it, I have been shopping online for Guatemalan Worry Dolls.

Random Thoughts

2008-11-12T00:34:00.011-06:00

It was a year ago today I had my car accident. I am grateful to be alive but I am still p-o'd at the gal who was in such a big rush she had to turn in front of me. Silver lining: I got a new car with all the bells and whistles. And, now my ankle and knee let me know when the weather is going to change.

I should blog about that.

I am always thinking of things to write about but they leave my head when I sit in front of the computer. I used to carry a little tablet to jot down ideas but I can't find it.

I will blog about that as soon as I find my notes.

Facebook has been a great way for me to connect with old friends. My best friend from junior high found me on there. So did two old boyfriends ... and an ex husband. Okay. It is not a perfect system.

I should blog about that.

My land line is not working and I think I am okay with that. I am considering becoming a recluse.

I should blog about that.

AT&T frustrates the heck out of me.

No one wants to read a post about poor customer service and those who call themselves "supervisors."

In this economy are there really companies that will pay millions of dollars for a Super Bowl ad?

Do compulsive/chronic liars not realize we are on to them but we are sometimes just too polite to bust them?

If your company is closing your office and they offer you a job you do not want, can it prevent you from getting the severance package if you turn it down?

Do you know anyone who has had Botox injections? Were you surprised? Do they look surprised?

I've got nothing to blog about. I think I will call it a night.

We have South America! Do I hear Africa?

2008-11-10T22:48:00.009-06:00

Since I have been on Blogger, I feel I have several readers that are new to my journal, some who leave comments and others that don't. In my sidebar you may have noticed my ClustrMap. It is so cool. I added it just out of curiosity to get an idea of whether the DBP was getting many hits. I seem to have gone international. In addition to my USA readership, I see I have repeat visitors from the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Pakistan, Australia, and someone floating around the Tropic of Cancer in the Pacific Ocean. This past week I had a visitor stop by from South America. There are a couple of hits where I cannot be certain of their origination so it is causing me to study my world geography.

In this time of global crisis, it is comforting to think that the world is actual smaller thanks to the technology that ties us together. And, if someone in Korea gets a chuckle from my cotton ball story (see Embarrassing Moments from college) it makes me feel good. Or, maybe they just think I am weird. Either way, I promise, I am no threat. Unless, of course I am in need of Dr Pepper. You've been warned.

It is a real addiction

2008-11-10T00:15:00.005-06:00

In the spirit of full disclosure: I recognized my addiction to carbonated drinks some time ago, particularly Dr. Pepper and had quit cold turkey seven days ago. I know it is not good for me and it is a significant factor in my battle to lose weight. I had half of a two liter bottle of DP left and hoped, when I twisted the cap today that it would be dead. Nope. There was the "skoosh" sound of active carbonation. Oh, joy! Forget the appropriate set up with a glass and ice. I swigged it hot from the bottle like a woman possessed. I might as well have been crouched behind some dumpster with a brown paper bag wrapped around my vice, so great was my desire. I immediately was ashamed but once the day was ruined, I hit the bottle a few more times. Since this actually happened on Sunday, I will start the count over on Monday.

I should go into the kitchen and pour the remaining ..... okay. It is done. I poured the rest down the sink. Wish I felt better about it but I don't. Now, if I can just get past Sonic tomorrow on my way to work.

I missed the welcome from Blogger to all of us that journaled on AOL. If you missed it too, check it out. http://buzz.blogger.com/2008/10/welcome-aol-journals-users.html

I think this was a very classy thing to do.

Still getting the lay of the land

2008-11-03T23:50:00.004-06:00

I felt a certain sense of loss this weekend as I realized my alerts from AOL were no more. Oh, they had already been dwindling as JLanders bid their final farewells, locked their virtual doors and walked away. I did not realize just how much I had come to rely on those daily greetings that connected me with people hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles away. It made the world seem so much smaller and friendlier.

But I know you are still out there. I have a mental image of the Clampetts, in the past few weeks, packing up entries, comments, graphics and more, on to their overburdened Model T truck and clickety clacking down the road to Blogger. I have been working on putting together a list of Journals I followed (I did not realize how many) and finding the best way for me to be notified when you post something. The neighborhood looks somewhat familiar as many have transitioned to Blogger with the same journal name they used at AOL. So far I have listed over 200 journals that I have come in contact with through comments, sidebars or my personal interest. Slowly but surely I am loading my favorites. I am still a little overwhelmed by the cement pond but I am certain I will learn to adjust in my new surroundings and soon it will feel like home.

How are you feeling about the transition? Do you feel like the proverbial transfer student? What tips do you have for getting settled in?

Embarrassing Moments - Part V

2008-11-03T02:46:00.006-06:00

Originally posted on my AOL journal.
Some years ago I worked in a high rise building. I happened to have an assigned parking place in the basement which had many advantages. It gave me quick and easy access to the underground elevator.

In the winter, the wind whipped through the parking garage with a vengeance and we found ourselves hurrying to the elevator bay to get out of the cold. Because of the pressure of the interior of the building against the outdoor suction of the wind, the door leading to the elevators did not always close properly. A notice was sent out to all the tenants of the building to take extra care to close the door and not allow the building's heat to escape into the garage.

One morning I found myself rushing into the building, trying not to be late. My arms were full of folders and pages of the current project assigned to me and my purse was hanging precariously on my shoulder. I entered the elevator bay by myself and realized I did not hear the heavy outside door close behind me. Without turning to look, I reached back with my free hand and gave the door handle a good pull. No, wait! I did not feel the metal of the door handle. I realized I was feeling material. Kind of a wool blend - like a suit.

I turned back and, to my horror, I saw the stricken look on the face of a very tall, handsomely dressed black man. I had grabbed him below the belt and all I could do was blurt out "Oh, I am so sorry. I was reaching for the door handle! I am sooo sorry." He didn't (or, more likely, couldn't) respond.

Awkward silence followed as we stood in the elevator bay waiting for what seemed like an eternity. I could feel my face was hot and I just prayed he would say something to break the tension. Nothing. We got on the elevator, just the two of us, and he no doubt moved to the furthermost part of the elevator from me. Silence.

I prayed he would exit the elevator on one of the first floors ahead of me but instead we continued our ride together. Oh, please, Lord. Don't let him be a co-worker. I eventually got off at my designated stop and he continued on, never to be seen by me again.

Naturally, I had to share my story with my girlfriends in the office and as politically incorrect as it may have been, I reinforced a stereotype that day. He had made quite an impression on me, as I am sure I did on him as well.

Still in shock

2008-11-01T20:19:00.005-05:00

In 2005, when I moved back to Texas, I was hired as part of the start up operations of a long term care pharmacy that serviced 37 nursing homes in Texas. For the first few weeks I literally used my own card table and chair to conduct business. At that time it was just a huge, empty facility and I watched as it built up around me. I helped pick out the furniture, cubicles, equipment, and as the Business Office Manager I also did all the background checks on each new employee as well as new hire orientation. I have been here every step of the way as people have come and gone; shared good times and sad. I know these folks. We are like family.

We filled our first prescriptions in January 2006 and I was there when we worked out all the bugs of the new software and refined our processes. I have written policies and procedures, conducted training, been the Compliance Officer as well as the Billing Manager. We have been very successful and profitable. So profitable I guess that a large corporation made our owners an offer they could not refuse. We have been bought and the pharmacy's doors will be closing.

We are all in shock since they only wanted our customer base and are absorbing our nursing home residents into their existing infrastructure. They need a few pharmacists and technicians locally to handle the growth. Their billing is handled out of another state so they do not need my staff. And, yours truly will be looking for a new job.

I have never been part of a corporate takeover and I think this is the absolute worst time to be seeking new employment with the economy in its current condition. Just a week ago I was counting my blessings that I had a steady job with a decent salary and benefits. Wahhhhh! You just never know.

They have hired a firm to assist us in our job search which I see as a plus and in my position I am going to be needed through the transition to close the books after the doors close. How sad to watch all my friends as they will be phased out in the coming weeks. This will certainly make the holiday season dismal but I am trying to look for the silver lining.

Blogger better not close me down. I need some consistency in my life at this point, right?

It can only get better from here

2008-10-30T01:34:00.006-05:00

I opened one blurry eye this morning and almost had a stroke. The clock read 9:38 and I was supposed to already be at work. I tried to convince myself it was Saturday but I knew better. All I could do was call my boss to tell her what had happened and promise to hustle. She was very nice about it and told me to not rush and have an accident.

I cannot fathom what happened. The alarm was set right (AM vs PM), it was on and the power had not flickered. Evidently the alarm went off and buzzed for its entire cycle but I never heard it and it eventually stopped. This has never happened to me before and I was baffled and more than a little frazzled. Seems I had slept especially hard since one side of my body was a mass of bed wrinkles and my hair had taken on a Halloween-like personality - frightening.

So here I am turning on the lights, the shower, curling iron and clothes iron all at once. Grabbed the bedspread and pulled it up as far as possible and slung the decorator pillows at the headboard. Why did I worry about making the bed?? In and out of the shower in under five minutes. Decided against clothes that required ironing. Attacked my hair with a vengeance and brushed my teeth at the same time, trying to avoid crossing liquid with electricity.

Quickly pulled on my clothes and started turning everything off again. As I approached the front door with keys and purse in hand, something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. I had actually put my blouse on inside out and the built in shoulder pads were flapping in the breeze. Swish off - swish on.

Fortunately there are a few traffic lights on my route where I tried to apply some makeup and fill in the bed wrinkle crevices. Including my travel time I made it into the office in less than an hour from my rude awakening.

I think I better head to bed now and avoid a replay.

Quality Time

2008-10-25T02:01:00.014-05:00

My son, Sport, is winding down his two week trip to Texas. He actually drove to my office today and took me to lunch which was a wonderful treat. We have gotten to spend a lot of great time together but, as he tells me, I am geographically inconvenient. I am 45 minutes away from everyone else in the family so I sometimes feel I am getting the short end of the stick. Not this time.

Tomorrow Sport is best man in a wedding and he will then head back to Denver. Tenderheart and I will attend the wedding and then head in the opposite direction to take the baby to see relatives visiting from Georgia. I have a feeling I will be exhausted by Sunday night.

Here are the shots from visiting the pumpkin patch. What fun! Miss L picked an "apple" and carried it with her the rest of the time.

Hands full. Now what??

That sun sure is bright!

Now I need some advice from those of you who are more savvy with adding pictures on Blogger. What application do you use to be able to manipulate your images? I have some great shots on the photo disc but they are in landscape layout and cannot figure out how to rotate them to portrait to add them to the post. In other words, I turned the camera sideways to take the shot and the picture is laying sideways in the thumbnail.

I spend so much time trying to learn what to do that I end up getting very little done but I refuse to give up. Grrrrrrr...

Off to bed. Big day tomorrow.

Feeling Patriotic

2008-10-23T23:50:00.007-05:00

I am feeling really good right now because I was able to find the right place to do early voting today and the line went quickly. I took a late lunch and was able to get in and out in under 40 minutes, including travel time. Woo Hoo! What a relief to know I do not have to fight what I expect to be long lines on November 4.

Things are so much easier these days to google voting information and, at least in Texas, you have a two week window to cast your ballot before the actual election.

And, I do not want to hear one word of complaint from anyone in the next four years if they did not do their part now to choose the next leader of our great country!

The Apple Patch, Techno Toys and The Promise

2008-10-21T01:23:00.015-05:00

Wow! How quickly time gets away from me! I feel like I just sat down a few minutes ago and now it is the middle of the night. This past weekend flew by, too, and I had the best time I had experienced in ages.

Spent time with Miss L. My daughter dressed her up in a little denim jumper with fall flowers on it and we took her to a pumpkin patch, or as Miss L would say, The "Apple" Patch. Too cute! The first thing she did was pick up a tiny pumpkin and carried it around by the stem the entire time. I still have not mastered the art of downloading pictures from my camera to this computer so I must go to Walgreens first and get everything on disk. I know - I am technologically challenged!

Speaking of technology. Sport is still in town and this evening we went out to eat and then he spent some time hooking up better speakers to my computer, adding closed caption to my tv (so I am ready for my dad's next visit) and then hooked up my DVD player to my new television. He refused to hook up the webcam on the computer and told me I just need to upgrade. With the economy the way it is, I will have to stay satisfied with what I have.

I could not bring myself to say this previously but when I mentioned in another post that I had "inherited" a newer computer from my brother, I did not say that it was because he had passed away. It happened this summer and was such a shock to my entire family. He was struggling with so many issues and took his own life. Carbon monoxide poisoning. The family had not heard from him for about two years and were not even sure where he was living. Turns out he was living about an hour from me. We had lost touch when I moved to North Carolina and then back to Texas. I found a sticky note with my old email address in his journal and it haunts me that he may have tried to reach me at that address and I only looked at it about twice a year. Over the years he had gone through so many stages of his life and even when he cut off the rest of the family in years past, he and I stayed in touch. I searched for him on the Internet many ways and kept telling my mom, "When R has something positive to share with us, we will hear from him again." It is difficult to realize that door is closed forever.

R was single and I ended up with many of his belongings - all of which were nicer than mine. I guess I feel closer to him now than I had for some time. Everywhere I turn in my home now there is something of his. I have even kept his screen saver on the computer - a beautiful picture of his beloved Bengal cat, Lily. So tonight Sport hooked up all the electronic "toys" that had been R's. I just have to figure out how to use them now.

On a more positive note, I went with several friends this past Saturday night to see "The Promise" which is a outdoor passion play about the life of Christ. I had been to see it with my kids and the church youth group 19 years ago and it was even more impressive now. There was a cast of over 100, live animals (donkeys, horses, a camel, doves, pigeons, sheep, goats, etc), a "river" which I hope for the sake of the actors was heated, wonderful costumes and beautiful sets. This is a limited engagement each year - only on Friday and Saturday evenings for a couple of months in the fall. It was great to get out, enjoy the company of good friends and the weather was perfect. This outdoor amphitheater is up on a hill and when the lights were out at various times, you could enjoy a sky full of stars. For an old city girl, that was a rare treat.

Well, I am finally sleepy - make it a great week!!

It finally feels like Fall

2008-10-16T23:26:00.006-05:00

I am so happy that the summer heat has passed and we are finally enjoying temperatures in the 70s during the day here. I love Fall and the high school football games and winter rye grass. Since we do not get to enjoy the bright fall foliage in this part of Texas, I enjoy the contrast of scalped yards and newly planted pansies. If the weather stays relatively stable this winter, those pansies will be around well into next year.

Sport has come home for a visit. The volatile stock market has been a roller coaster for him (and everyone one else, I know) but since he has the ability to do his work from any "port in a storm" he is spending time here while still connecting with his clients coast to coast. As I have often said, "Ain't technology grand?!" I believe when times get tough, even the most independent child will seek the familiarity of home. Of course, if he reads this I will never hear the end of it!! His business, while not on Wall Street, is directly tied to the market, stocks, bonds and portfolios so I pray for him daily that he does not have a stroke before "we see where the bottom is."

The State Fair of Texas is in full swing and, except for a little rain yesterday, the weather could not be more perfect. I will probably not make it this year since I still have some trouble walking and do not want to slow others by my pace. But, I have heard all about it from one of my coworkers. She has spent a good bit of time online researching what foods she would eat when she got there. It seems that they will fry anything that will stick to a stick. Fried jelly beans. Chicken fried bacon. (Just close my veins down now!!) Deep fried, batter dipped cookie dough. Ugh. While it may cause some to salivate in appreciation, it just makes my stomach churn. Now, whip me up a big pink paper cone of cotton candy and I'm right there with you. When I was growing up, the State Fair was the one time a year I got cotton candy. These days you can get it almost anywhere including in deflated plastic bags at WalMart. I wonder if it would feel like the fair if I bought a bag, sat on a bench at Wally World and just watched the people? Maybe on a Saturday!

What is your favorite part of a fair? The food, the booths, the new cars, watching the people?

Lots of fun things planned for the weekend. Dinner with the kids and Miss L tomorrow. "Day of Repair" Saturday with a manicure and haircut, and then an evening out with friends going to see the live passion play "The Promise." More about that next week.

Embarrassing Moments Part IV - with my sister

2008-10-16T22:40:00.007-05:00

This is a repeat of an entry from my AOL journal. I am trying to get all my Embarrassing Moments in one place so I hope you enjoy the rerun. This is another opportunity for me to share a memory with my sister. Enjoy it, Laurie Green! (my pet name for her).

For most of the last 30 years, I have lived in Texas and my sister has lived in Florida. About 12 years ago, while I was single again, LG came to spend a week with me in Texas. I did not have the funds to travel much but we decided we would enjoy antiquing in a community not far from me, in Jefferson, Texas. It is a beautiful area and has many old homes refurbished into bed and breakfast inns.

LG and I decided to spend the 4th of July weekend in Jefferson and I made reservations for us to stay at the Azalea Inn. I spoke with Jo, the proprietor, about what kind of arrangements they had and how the rooms were styled. LG and I wanted to make sure we were going to be in an appropriate, antique setting and what Jo described sounded perfect. Since the rooms were typically used for romantic getaways I understood that we would be sharing a queen size bed. We would make due and I would try not to kick LG too much in my sleep.

On the way to Jefferson, LG and I stopped at an outlet mall and, among other purchases, we bought matching red, white and blue flag shoes and straw hats with patriotic scarves tied to them. Oh, yes, we were stylin'!!

By the time we arrived at the Inn, it was after dark. There was a note on the front door from Jo telling us she and her husband had gone to a Chamber of Commerce meeting in town and to make ourselves at home. Breakfast was to be served at 8:30 AM and we were in Room 1, the Victorian Room.

The room was lovely, with a brass four poster bed, delicate floral prints and lace curtains. LG and I brought in our suitcases and began to settle in. We were looking forward to a good night's sleep and a big day of sight-seeing and shopping the next day.

This was shortly after my sister had been diagnosed with MS and she was taking an experimental medication. That meant she had to receive an injection every five days and it was significantly more trouble than the daily insulin shots she already required. The MS shot had to be administered deep into the muscle and the medication, while painful, also had to go in slowly. This meant these injections were in that muscular part on the backside of her hip, too far back for LG to inject herself. Since her husband was not with us it was Big Sister to the rescue! I knew I could give her the shot and it was really not that big a deal for us. LG and I had been around syringes most of our lives, first with her Juvenile Diabetes and later with allergy shots that my parents gave to us at home. Of course, the syringe with this medicine was significantly larger than an insulin or allergy syringe but that would not stop me.

We got the shot ready and while I sat on the bed, she backed up to me and lowered her shorts. She asked me to find the mark from where her husband had given her the last injection. "Look for the red dot. That's where you need to give it to me. Do you see it?"

I believe she might have been a bit nervous, too. Ya, think??

I had to tell her, as I swabbed her backside with alcohol, "I don't see any red dot, Laurie Green. Just your very white hienie!" And, I patted her butt. I started to give her the shot and heard some noise on the front porch outside our window.

A few seconds later there was a knock on our door. I was still administering the medication, slowly, slowly .... so we called out, "Just a minute."

I finished the shot, LG pulled up her pants and we answered the door. There was sweet little Jo, who introduced herself and then suggested, "You girls need to close your curtains." We turned around and realized that since we had arrived after dark, we thought the lace curtains were the window coverings. But no, there were additional blinds that needed to be pulled down, BEHIND the lace drapes.

LG and I looked at each other and then at Jo and realized what had just happened. She said something about coming back from the Chamber meeting and our bedroom windows are on the front of the house ..... We started to try and tell her that I was giving my sister a shot but she stopped us. "That's okay, you don't have to explain anything."

No, really. This is my sister and I was just giving her a shot!!

I will never forget the pained look on her face. By now LG and I are laughing, thinking back to what had been witnessed through the lace curtains in the seconds before the knock on our door. Jo was really trying to back away but we were laughing so hard and insisting we had to explain.

As it turns out, just as I was patting my sister's rear end, Jo, her husband and the couple that owned the B&B next door were coming up the front walk and onto the porch. The couple next door decided to go on home.

As we got ready for bed we could not stop laughing. For hours, just as we would wind down from our conversations in the dark, one of us would start to giggle and then we could not calm down. The next morning at breakfast we learned that Jo had already shared the story with the other guests. Her husband, she said, was so embarrassed he was hiding out. We never did meet him the whole weekend!

As we shopped at the various stores in town, in our matching shoes and hats, everyone was in a festive holiday mood. They were so friendly and people would talk to us and often ask where we were staying. When we said, The Azalea Inn, they would smile, nod, pause and then say, with a knowing look "Ooohhhhh ... you're at Jo's place."

We're sisters! We did not know the blinds were up!

It turns out Jo had been on the phone to friends in town, sharing the story. She told everyone it was the first time she had ever been mooned by a guest!

Embarrassing Moments Part III - It's funny now.

2008-10-12T18:04:00.005-05:00

Sitting in church next to FH (First Husband). The children were spending the weekend with their grandparents so it was just hubby and me. Where we attended church, communion trays are passed down each row, like you may have seen in the movie "Places in the Heart." FH had his arm around my shoulders and when we were passing the wine, from one person to the next, I thought he had a hold of the tray.... and he thought I had a hold of the tray. And, about the time we realized the tray was suspended in mid-air, we both lunged for it.

BLAM! We slammed the tray into the back of the pew in front of us. Little cups of grape juice popped out and flew everywhere! In the hair of the woman in front of me, on the seat, in our laps ... streams of grape juice ran down my leg.

We repositioned what was left of the communion cups and passed the sticky tray on to the next person. Was there any left? Not likely. The usher carried the tray on out.

FH and I were frozen. Maybe if we sat rrrrreal still, no one would notice. A few minutes later an usher came back to our row and passed over a handful of paper towels.

Just so you know, Folks. Yes, in case you missed it. The mess is over here. Right in the middle of the auditorium. Remain calm. Everything is under control.

I remember two things very clearly. The woman sitting next to us was the most immaculate woman at church and she was the one who handed me the paper towels.

And, I remember feeling that I would burst into giggles like Mary Tyler Moore in that classic funeral scene, if I moved a muscle.

Too bad the kids were not with us. We could have blamed them!

Embarrassing Moments Part II - in my twenties

2008-10-12T17:47:00.006-05:00

When our children were young, FH (First Husband) and I lived on a very tight budget. FH took a second job as the cashier, one night a week, at a large, local auction. This auction house specialized in costly antiques, primarily shipped from England. FH would tell me, week after week, of all the interesting and beautiful pieces that passed through the doors and the high prices people were willing to pay for quality items. He encouraged me to come by some evening and see what it was like.

So one night, I arranged with a friend to watch the little ones and I headed to the auction. I was thrilled at the prospect of being around other adults for a bit and, even though I knew I would not buy anything, it was going to be fun to watch.

When I arrived, FH was seated at the cashier's station in the foyer. There was already a line of people paying for the items they had just purchased so I just waved and went into the main auction area. I sat close to the back and observed for a few minutes. I longingly eyed the large pieces of furniture that lined the walls.

About three items after my arrival, the auctioneer began to describe a lovely leaded-glass window composed of 9 panes and a weathered frame. I thought of how it might look decorating my country-styled home. $3... $3.50 .... $4 ... The auctioneer was talking so fast, describing the worth. I perked up. $5 .... now that was an item I could afford!! The bidding slowed down at $6.50.... my hand shot up - $7

SOLD! It was mine!

"What's your number?" asked the auctioneer.

Number? I didn't have a number -

"Your paddle number."

Oops.

"Go to the back of the room and register. They will give you a number to claim your purchase."
What was that other thing he just said to me? Something about 7 and 9 panes ... I headed to the registration table. Funny I had not seen it in my haste when I arrived.

The gentleman carrying the window followed me and so did the owner of the auction. The big man himself. The guy the auction was named after ... my husband's boss. He and I had never met and as he approached me, I did not feel this was the appropriate time for introductions.

"What's going on here?" he asked. (It seemed more like a bellow to me.)

"She's not registered, Sir. It is not a problem. We are getting her registered right now."

Okay. I had my number and was then directed to the table where I could claim my recent purchase. The Big Boss followed me.

"Alright. That will be $7 times nine panes ... $63.00." GULP!

I felt my stomach doing somersaults. The clerk might as well have said, $63,000. I could not afford an old window for $63 no matter what cute decorating ideas had filled my head. My husband was sitting out there working a second job! I had gone out on a limb with even the $7 purchase. I mumbled something to the effect that I thought the total purchase price was $7. I could not afford it. I did not have $63. By now I was whispering and could feel my face turning scarlet.

Big Boss exploded. "Then why were you bidding? ... People come in here and don't know what they are doing ... now we will have to put it back up again!"

All I could do was apologize over and over. As he escorted me toward the foyer, he made himself clear.

"I want you to leave!"

Yes, Sir.

"I do not want you to come back here. You've got no business being here."

No, Sir ... I won't. I promise.

We were now in the lobby and FH looked up to see me, red-faced, being guided toward the door.

He started to get up but I motioned to him in a short-hand as if to say, "Don't. You don't know me." He froze. I'm pretty sure I also saw a look of relief.

I apologized again and headed to the parking lot. About a minute later FH joined me, standing next to the car. I explained what had happened. Big Boss did not know who I was.

"Please don't tell him I'm your wife."

"Don't worry. I won't."

FH then assured me that his boss had a reputation for his outbursts. He consoled me as the floodgates opened and the tears came.

I lived through that night but for over 10 years, my hands would sweat and my heart would race if I even saw an auction on television. When I finally did attend another auction, as a fund raiser for a civic event, I literally sat on my hands. Who knew what I might buy otherwise??

Exhausted from the move

2008-10-11T12:50:00.004-05:00

I have spent so much time trying to move my AOL journals over to Blogger that I had just stopped posting altogether. It seems I moved the journals over to one gmail account while this journal is on Blogger under an AOL email account. Now what?? For now I give up. The journals are not lost, just a bit confusing. And, I have Comment alerts coming at me from all directions to more than one email account. LOL Too much of a good thing.

This is going to be a fun weekend. Sport decided to drive in from Colorado yesterday and will probably be staying with me for a few days. His business is such that as long as he has access to his phone and computer, he can work from anywhere. He is also going to be in his friends wedding next week so we will get to spend some time together before he has to go back to Denver. I just wish I could convince him to move back to Big D.

Tonight I am babysitting Miss L while TenderHeart and her husband have a night on the town celebrating her birthday. Miss L had tubes put in her ears again this past week and this time they also removed her adenoids. She was given some pain meds and had a horrible reaction over the next two days. In spite of the Benadryl the pediatrician had recommended she had red, hot, itchy welts all over her body which just got worse. When her knees swelled and were hot they ended up in the emergency room. Miss L was treated with steroids and seems to be fine now. I will try to get the pictures transferred from TenderHeart's account to mine. You would not believe what she looked like!

I am trying not to be too reactionary but the economy scares me. The only thing that seems to be going well right now is that gas prices are dropping. There was even a gas war here between a couple of stations and it got as low as $1.85 a gallon. I missed it but saw it on television. Wouldn't you know?! I guess I will be content with $3.15.

So, how are things going with you??

Sometimes things just creep up on you

2008-10-07T01:23:00.003-05:00

The diet starts today!!

Me? Idiosyncrasies? Nah!

2008-10-06T00:06:00.012-05:00

- id·i·o·syn·cra·sy – a personal peculiarity, mannerism; structural or behavioral characteristic peculiar to an individual or group

This is a meme I did on 9/21/05. Not sure who all is reading my journal these days or who enjoys memes so I hope you will play along.

Write down five of your own personal idiosyncrasies and then, if you wish, tag five people. Include your list in the comments here or, if you have a journal, come back and add a link in the comments section, so we can check out your personal quirks. It’s only fair!!

1. I do not talk when I first wake up. I am so not a morning person and for at least thirty minutes my Greta Garbo attitude, "I vant to be alone!" is in full swing. I don't smoke or drink coffee so I just have to wait for something to kick-start my day. Any suggestions?

2. I have a thing about soup broth with anything floating in it. I can eat a thick beef stew but I just cannot stomach a vegetable soup. If it is a thin liquid with floaty things, I'm outta there.

3. Don't ask me to work up a sweat! I do not care if it is an activity I love or not, I do not ever want to feel drops of moisture forming on my body, much less rolling off of me.

4. I cannot sleep unless a fan is blowing directly on me. Ceiling fans are not enough - they are too far away.

5. I may not always remember a name but I NEVER seem to forget a face. Best example of this: I saw a distinguished man at church and realized he was the son of friends of my parents, in another city, when I was in Junior High and he was in college. And, it had been 25 years since I had last seen him or his family. I just had to approach him and verify that he was the guy I remembered. Yes, it was and he was married and a father of three teenagers by then. Freaky!

Okay. That is enough about me. Now about you.

Embarrassing Moments Part I - the college years

2008-10-04T15:21:00.005-05:00

Something triggered my memory this week of an embarrassing moment and even though it happened over 30 years ago, it still made me laugh. Unfortunately, I have now been mentally rehashing ALL of my most embarrassing moments.

When I was a freshman in college, I was invited to go to a fraternity banquet with someone I did not know very well. He was a member of the university’s award winning track team and many of the other members of his club were as well. I knew some of the upperclassmen and their dates and was very excited to be included in this group’s inner circle, even if it was just for one night.

This was in the late 70s and I chose to wear a long dress with a gathered white bodice with a scooped neck, a tightly fitted waist and a flowing black skirt. I was grateful for the gathers through the bust line since I felt woefully inadequate in that area. From the looks of the upper-class girls, I just knew the next couple of years were going to be times of significant physical change for me. A girl could dream, right?

On this evening I decided to give nature a little help so I took a couple of handfuls of cotton balls and stuffed them into the bottom of each side of my bra to give me the extra oomph I so desired. Perfecto! (Keep in mind this was decades before the water-filled Wonder Bra so I thought I had been rather ingenious.) With a big smile I was off to the ball.

Imagine my horror, when half way through the evening I went to the restroom and saw myself in the mirror under the unforgiving florescent lights. Beneath the white gathers, were numerous round lumps creating a subtle polka dot effect next to my skin. The cotton balls had worked their way out of my bra and were headed north. Why not? There was nothing holding them back!!

I can still see my shocked reflection in the mirror and feel my cheeks getting hot. A couple of the upper-class girls were in the restroom and were so sweet, reassuring me that probably no one had even noticed between the dimmed lighting in the banquet, my shawl wrap and the gathers. God bless them!

To be honest, I cannot remember another thing about that evening. My brain has protected me. I daresay, I was so traumatized I probably split personalities at that moment and “Penelope” enjoyed the rest of the night!

originally posted on AOL 9/17/05

Seven Things

2008-10-03T21:58:00.002-05:00

Originally posted on AOL 9/6/05 Updated today to be relevant

7 Things I Plan To Do Before I Die :
1. Be a grandmother. HEY, I HAVE DONE THIS. NEW ITEM > See my son marry.
2. Take an Alaskan cruise.
3. Take a photography class.
4. Ride in a hot air balloon.
5. Be in Vermont in the fall when the leaves turn.
6. Get my passport stamped at least one more time.
7. Find true love.

7 Things I Can Do:
1. Speak in front of a large crowd.
2. Carry a tune.
3. Make people laugh.
4. Be diplomatic in the most difficult situations.
5. Spot a typo or grammatical error even when I am not looking or listening for it. It is a curse and drives me crazy, especially if I cannot do anything about it.
6. Be creative (not artsy but craftsy/creative).
7. Cook.

7 Things I Can't Do:
1. Converse in a language other than English.
2. Sing well enough that people want to hear more.
3. Ride on a roller coaster.
4. Get into a size 10.
5. Keep from getting lost.
6. Eat with chopsticks.
7. Keep from crying when I am really mad.

7 Things That Attract Me to the Opposite Sex:
1. Sense of humor.
2. Intelligence.
3. Muscular legs.
4. Hairy chest but not hairy shoulders.
5. Eyes like Kurt Russell or Patrick Swayze (before his plastic surgery).
6. Tough but tender.
7. Spiritual depth.

7 Things I Say Most Often:
1. Oh, my word!!
2. Anyway ...
3. I'm lost.
4. Help me understand why you .... (believe that, say that, want that, think that, etc.)
5. Please/thank you
6. Excellent!
7. Awwwww...

7 Celebrity Crushes:
1. John Travolta (no matter what he weighs)
2. Kurt Russell
3. Shemar Moore (the gorgeous guy with the cornrows in "Diary of an Angry Black Woman")
4. George Clooney
5. David Keith (An Officer and a Gentleman)
6. John Denver (He will always hold a special place in my heart.)
7. Craig Ferguson (Late Night with ...)

7 People I Want to Do This:
Any seven people that followed me to Blogspot! Last time this list included the following
1. Jodi http://journals.aol.com/dornbrau/ThroughtheEyesoftheBeholder/
2. Anna http://journals.aol.com/mombzbe/LivinlavidaMommy/
3. Suzy http://journals.aol.com/suzypwr/Idonotrecallhavingamemoryproblem/
4. Sonya http://journals.aol.com/bookncoffee/MySouthernHome/
5. Betty http://journals.aol.com/lv2trnscrb/Ofmini-pawsandmenopause/
6. Robin http://journals.aol.com/RobinNGabster/Thesearethedaysofourlives/
7. Meg http://journals.aol.com/megzie212

Sneaking out of the house

2008-10-03T21:30:00.003-05:00

originally posted on AOL 8/27/05

A question was posed to me recently, asking if I had ever snuck out of the house as a teenager. While I was in the minority, I truthfully answered that I had not. What I failed to admit (but am choosing to disclose here in all its glory) is that I did sneak out of the house as a grown woman – married and the mother of two children.

What possessed me?? My close friend at the time, whom I shall fictitiously call Pam, was in a very unhappy marriage. We were both in our early thirties and she frequently confided in me about the concerns she had regarding her husband’s behavior. For someone on the outside looking in, it seemed obvious to me that her husband was running around on her. I knew, too, that he had already had one affair and had even made a pass at me one time. She would describe his unusual schedule and ask me if it sounded reasonable to me. An auditor (fictitious but similar occupation) that had to leave the house at 2 AM to “go to the office”?! Yeah, right!! But, on the occasions she had called his office to check on him, he either answered or called back later with a semi-acceptable explanation (he had gone to use the copier and did not see his message light on the phone, etc.) Keep in mind that this was in the days before carrying a cell phone was the norm. Cell phones at this time were expensive and the size and weight of a cheap brick.

After many weeks of conversations about her unhappiness and fears, I could not stand it any more. I offered to follow him and try to get to the bottom of the truth. The Best Friend Private Eye Company at your service, ma’am. After we went back and forth about it for a couple more weeks, we finally decided that the next time he said he was going into the office in the middle of the night, she would let me know and I was going to follow him. One evening the call came. Perfect timing! My husband’s car was in the shop and he was driving a rental. I could drive that car and Mr. Scummy Husband would never recognize it!

At my house no one knew my plans. Everyone went to bed as usual but I lay there, wide-awake, knowing I had a mission to perform. Mr. SH had told his wife he was leaving at 2 AM. So, I slid out of bed, dressed and headed to my friend’s neighborhood. I drove to their street around 1:30AM and parked my car, facing their house. Sitting there, with the car lights turned off, I could hear the pounding of my heart in the darkness. Sure enough, at 2 AM he opened the garage door and I swear I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest. He rolled the trash containers down to the curb. (Okay. He had a redeeming quality.) I scrunched down below the steering wheel, fearful that I would be seen. Holding my breath. After a few minutes, he backed his car out of the driveway and headed out of the neighborhood.

There was no other activity on their street at that time of the morning and, not wanting to raise suspicion, I waited until he turned out of the neighborhood before I turned on my lights and followed. I knew the path he would have to take – one that led to the highway which then connected to any other direction he would need to go.

As I pulled on to the main road that led to the highway I saw his taillights in the distance. Pace yourself. Pace yourself. Breathe. Don’t let him see you. Stay back. As we approached the entrance to the highway, the lights overhead illuminated his car. But it wasn’t his car!!! Where was he?? I panicked. How had I lost him that easily? Had he seen me? Was he aware of my presence and now he was following me?? Yes!! There he was! A few cars back on the interstate – in the next lane over. I knew I was busted!

What would he tell my husband?? What would he say to his wife? What if we were wrong in our suspicions?? Oh, why was I doing this?? I picked up my “for emergency use only” cell/brick and called my friend. Oh, no! She could not believe I had actually done it. But then, she was the one who gave me the heads up on his schedule that evening, right? She suddenly felt that it was not a good idea to begin with! Duh! Little late for hindsight now.

At this point I am driving down the highway, scrunched down behind the wheel, talking on the cell phone at 2:15 AM and feeling like I am going to be sick. I told Pam I would keep her posted. Heck! My cover was already blown. I sat up straight and took a deep breath. Mr. SH was coming up on my right side. He passed me without so much as a glance toward my car. Yipee! He had not recognized the car. He did not know it was me! PTL

I quickly called Pam back and told her of our good fortune. Now what? She left it up to me. Safer that way. She could later claim ignorance. Of course, if caught, that was going to be my defense. I was ignorant! Stupid! Crazy! Who would challenge that?

I realized that the way I had missed him earlier had to have been because he pulled into the gas station we passed. Maybe he had been suspicious. Perhaps he thought he might be followed. Regardless. I was in full-blown Mission Impossible mode. “Your mission, should you decide to accept it …” Of course, I was going for it now! Mr. SH was picking up speed as he headed toward town. I had to quickly catch up and yet stay far enough behind to not be caught.

On through the night we drove. Where was he headed? To his office downtown? No… we exited off the highway. Best Friend following Scummy Husband. It was tougher to keep up now. I saw where we were headed. The part of town where the nightlife never slept. The hookers, the drug deals, the street lights shot out. I lost him on a back street, with my friend on the line. Where he was going or what he was doing was merely speculation at that point. I had failed in my mission. And, now I was lost at 2:45 in the morning!! Pam tried to help guide me out of my mess but neither of us was that familiar with the downtown area. Finally, I told her to go on to bed. I would figure it out.

Thirty minutes later, in tears and still lost, I had to admit defeat once again. Only one thing left to do. I called my husband. Woken from a dead sleep he could not figure out why I was calling him from the other side of our bed. But when I explained where I was and confirmed the time of day/night, he was suddenly wide-awake. I told him I would explain my behavior when I got home. (If I had told him at that moment he might not have led me back home!!) The tears started to flow. Once I was safely home there was never a more contrite spouse than me. I promised to never again play detective. I promised to stay out of our friend’s problems no matter how helpful I thought I could be.

And, whatever became of Mr. Scummy Husband and Pam? A few months later he left her for another woman in his office building. Evidently he was having to work those crazy hours so he could "take care of business" during regular hours.

Mr. Picassohead

2008-10-03T21:20:00.002-05:00

originally posted on AOL 8/21/2005

I have not felt this artsy since I learned how to use an Etch-A-Sketch. If you have never been to this website you must check it out. The intent is to enable you to create your very own Picasso-like portrait. I got carried away and created three works of art (using that term verrry loosely) in the last two days and learned something about myself in the process. My desire for perfection is in conflict with my inner-Picasso. Each time I would start off great ... adding misshapen forms and oversized features but I could not stop. I wanted my art to resemble reality so I painstakenly reworked each feature. Not that the end result was reminiscent of Michanagelo or DaVinci but I felt better. My palms weren't sweaty, my heart was back to a normal rhythm, my facial tic had subsided but then, we all suffer for our art, right?

I was thrilled when I had company last evening and they commented on the pictures taped on my refrigerator. (wink) I think I'll go to Home Depot today and check on some track lighting for the kitchen.

http://www.mrpicassohead.com/canvas.html?id=a2b3e18

My three masterpieces are #407466 (My Bad Hair Day), 407485 (Presenting: Successful Surgery), and 407517 (Surprised!)

Directionally challenged - even on Memory Lane

2008-10-01T23:59:00.007-05:00

This entry was originally posted on AOL, 8/5/2005. I have moved since that time and no longer have easy access to Josey Lane. More's the pity when gas is $3.50 a gallon and I spend too much time wandering around!

Why is it, when I have a 50 - 50 chance of getting it right, I consistently turn the wrong way? Was I born with an internal compass chip missing? Before I started to drive I never noticed, but from the first time I sat behind the wheel, I have never been certain - left or right? Don't even try to tell me something is North or South, East or West!

My dad still shakes his head when we talk about how confused I would get backing out of the driveway. During the time I had my learner's permit, I was allowed to drive the family to church. Now, I had been to the same church multiple times a week ever since we had moved to this town, but as I put the car in reverse and slowly backed out the driveway, I had to step on the brake, turn to my dad and ask, "Which way?" For a man who traveled for a living, he was not amused.

Luckily, I did not move often after I started to drive so eventually I paid enough attention to be able to get myself back home after a trip to the store. And, since I have lived in larger communities all of my adult life, I can eventually find anything I want in every direction. Yes, I meant to go this way!!

There is a major street near me and, if I can find my way to Josey Lane, I can survive! I have checked and in addition to the police station, the post office, a fire station, a public library, a hospital, dentists, eyecare and every imaginable type of medical doctor, I have access to multiple pharmacies, banks, gas stations, dry cleaners, department stores, and 17 varieties of drive through fast food all on this very special street. It gives me a peaceful feeling that I will not have to make any turns until I have reached my destination.

Everyone who is directionally challenged should have a Josey Lane nearby! Within a seven mile strip there is also a bakery, tailor, florist, locksmith, travel agent, humidor, and vet. I can get my shoes repaired, shop antiques, put my old clothes on consignment, arrange for insurance, get financial counseling, receive check cashing assistance, or put things in storage.

I can shop for groceries in at least three different languages. I can enjoy multiple buffets or sit down dining. To meet my personal needs, I can have my hair done, get a manicure, pedicure, facial, tan, exercise, or be tattooed. I can be tutored, take karate lessons, learn to dance, indulge my hobbies or find all my party supplies.

Without turning a corner I can hire a maid or temporarily staff my office, get my vacuum cleaner repaired, upgrade my computer, play pool, sing karaoke, rent videos, or receive physical therapy. I can go to rehab or buy discount shoes, cigarettes, tires and beauty supplies. My car will not lack for attention on Josey Lane since there I can purchase it gas, auto parts, have the oil changed, the brakes checked, as well as have it lubed or inspected. If I am ready for a change I can even replace it with a used car.

Yes, I have found nirvana and her name is Josey. But one thing is missing. There is no funeral home on Josey. But then, I do not have to worry about getting lost while trying to find it - someone else will be driving.

Introducing Miss L

2008-10-01T23:41:00.002-05:00

This past Friday was a red letter day for me. My granddaughter, Miss L, actually spent the night at my house. This was a first. She is 14 months old and up until now, I have done all my babysitting at her place. I had agreed to watch her while her parents went out and they were planning to pick her up before they headed home. Logistically it was just going to be too many miles going in too many directions so I asked if we could make it a sleep over. I picked her up and then drove her to my place.

What fun we had! I had placed two stuffed animals on one of my chairs and maybe it was because they were at eye-level, or maybe because she is just so smart, Miss L made a beeline for the toys. She recognized the fun stuff right away.

Miss L is getting to the stage where she says a lot of things but mostly jabbers and you listen for any word you can pick out. You can tell she is telling you something because she will say the same "words" over and over and I just wish I could translate. She will repeat most of the words you ask her to say (which has put me on my best behavior when she rides in the car with me!) and gives a good effort to multiple syllables like "butterfly." My son in law is a big Cowboys fan and has taught Miss L to say, "Go, Romo!" I have been working with her on "Trick or Treat" and hope to surprise her mommy and daddy by the end of October. It is like having your own Mina bird that hugs and kisses.

Saturday morning when she finally woke up, I stood around the corner, out of view for a few seconds. Jabber, jabber, jabber, Nana, jabber. When she looked up and saw me she started to grin and melted my heart with a big, "Nana!" Whata sweetie!

I have started the "anything you want" fund. I think it will come in handy.

I feel like a scene out of Fiddler on the Roof!

2008-09-30T22:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new home,or rather my old new home. This is actually where I came when I got upset with AOL in 2005 for the banner debacle but I could never quite get the feel of it so I returned. I am determined to stay in touch with as many of my journal friends from AOL as possible. Please leave your link here.

Remember the scene in Fiddler on the Roof when the townspeople were driven out? That is much the way I feel at the moment. But, looking on the bright side, if we all come over here, and learn to add alerts, and learn to leave comments, and learn to add graphics and pictures, then I am certain we will be much happier!

I am just still in shock!

So, please leave a comment with your link to your new home. I will come visit as soon as I unpack!!

Donna

It's a matter of attitude

2007-09-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

For some time now I have been making a conscious effort to improve my quality of life and focus on the positive things that happen around me. I can see and feel the difference. I look each day for at least three things that made me feel good, enhanced my life or benefited my personal growth. At the end of the day I write down the top three items that made my list. What this has done is help me continually look for things to put on my list throughout the day, trying to knock out one of the previous top three.

Not every day's list is earth shattering but even the subtle, seemingly insignificant things I have noticed make a positive difference. Here are just a few things that have been on my recent lists (1) New pictures of Layla. (2) I love the way my sheets feel against my skin. (3) Hit a great sale at Garden Ridge (4) The temperature dropped 10 degrees. Beautiful day. (5) My feather pillow is the best!!! (6) Started a new book. It's a fast read - love it. (7) Extra money today. (8) Tried a new recipe for spinach salad - love it!! (9) Found my lost butterfly earring. (10) Received two big compliments from Jeff and Marty. (11) The real cherry in my Sonic drink. (12) Sudoku

Rather than focus on the length and time it takes me to make a certain trip I have to drive frequently, I have started to purposely looked for the positive aspects of the drive . The construction on that entrance ramp is finally complete and I don't have to hold my breath as I maneuver through concrete barriers. I can see the Dallas skyline 20 miles away. I have learned which lane to be in for the fastest, smoothest travel. My toll tag keeps me from having to fish for change. My MPG improves. I have time to listen to the music on my ipod, starting with a different letter of the alphabet each time. Thank heaven for cell phones and open stretches of highway. NPR has some great programs! Bumper stickers. A glimpse of the string of red cars on the Six Flags roller coaster. A beautiful crimson and orange sunset. Yes, this change in attitude has made the trips go faster.

Now, we can't always avoid negative things from time to time but we do have a choice as to whether or not we let those negative people or actions influence us. Where it is possible, I avoid interacting with people that take pleasure in another's misfortune or who build themselves up by putting others down. Who needs that kind of negative energy? No one.

Making it a point to recognize the good things can change us positively. It can improve our quality of life and give us more energy. I know this is not original with me but it has dawned on me that I am working on my gratitude attitude. Excellent!!

In Memory of Dennis Thompson

2007-08-12T22:19:00.000-05:00

Quite unexpectedly this past Thursday, a friend of mine passed away. He was 49. There was a memorial service held yesterday morning at the church where Dennis and his family attend. It is where I met Dennis over 20 years ago. I was not surprised that the auditorium, which I believe holds 600, was packed to overflowing. Dennis had touched so many lives.

Upon entering the service the music being played was a recording of Dennis singing. I learned later that he had made the CD of Christian hymns for his mother and had actually laid tracks for each musical part, singing them himself. Yes, he was very talented in that way. He wrote music, sang as part of various musical groups, arranged music and led our congregation's worship singing. He had a true gift.

Singing was just one of Dennis' many talents. He became a pilot before he was old enough to get his driver's license. He held a 4.0 GPA while earning a degree in Quantum Physics. He played several musical instruments. He was a professional computer programmer. He knew Greek and often researched scriptures for the Bible classes he taught. He was a consummate teacher. As someone shared at the service yesterday, he could explain the most complex problem to children and adults in a way that they would both understand. He had a scientific mind and a spiritual heart.

Dennis had a killer sense of humor and a dry wit I truly appreciated. He could be rather soft spoken but if you were within earshot, you could catch subtle nuggets that might otherwise go unnoticed. The last time I was around Dennis in a social setting was when he and his wife, Annette, included me in their "poker parties." We had run into each other at a local Texas Hold 'Em tournament and once they knew I shared the same interest they graciously invited me to join the fun at their house. Even though there was never any money involved, sitting at the table with Dennis was intimidating. I always preferred to watch him rather than go up against him and the only reason I ever beat him on a hand was because I was a novice and my logic was hard to figure. "You raised with just that? Well, well."

Dennis sang lead in a quartet and I loved to hear their barbershop arrangements. I wished I had made the effort to go to their last public performance.

Dennis taught deep, complicated topics at church. I wished I had chosen his classes more often.

Dennis was firm in his beliefs and understanding of how science fits into the Bible and creation. I wished I had discussed that with him more. I am sure I could have learned so much from his vast study.

Dennis helped mentor many people in their musical endeavors. I am sorry I did not have the talent to participate in any of those.

Dennis was a loving and faithful husband to Annette for 29 years. I am happy for her, mixed with a twinge of jealousy that I never experienced the same.

I remember the church talent shows, the couple's retreats, LTC, and youth activities where our paths crossed. I remember his bouts with serious medical conditions through the years but I never heard him complain. I remember teaching his daughter, Amy, and the Father-Daughter Day Olympics we had and how Amy stuffed his mouth with marshmallows and they raced around on tricycles and carried eggs on spoons. He was a serious participant and a good sport.

I recall the Fall Festivals where his entire family went all out in their costumes. They were a close-knit family and you could tell they enjoyed each other's company. From the slides I saw in the service yesterday I realized just how far that sense of humor went! How many fathers do you know will join their son in a public display of "hero worship" (Superman) just for the laughs? Yes, he was making memories and his children are enriched for his efforts.

As I heard Dennis' close friends and relatives share their thoughts with us yesterday I was struck with what a full and varied life he had led. And, in spite of his full time work and serious passtimes, he had obviously stayed in touch with friends and spent time involved with others. While his life was far too short, Dennis left a legacy that inspired me. I made a resolution to myself that, while I do not possess near the talents or intelligence of Dennis, I need to look beyond myself and live a more fulfilling life. And I will.

I am grateful to Dennis for what he gave, what he shared and what I learned from being his friend.

Where do I start - again?

2007-08-12T22:00:00.001-05:00

Stretching some out-of-practice blogging muscles here tonight. Every week I think of different things I want to write about but it had been so long since I even logged into my AOL Journal or Blogspot I had to do a little digging this evening to get reconnected. I will probably stay under the radar for a while so I can clear out the cobwebs and get back into a regular habit of posting.

I checked to see if anyone still had my AOL Journal listed but I found I have been cleaned from most Recommended Journals columns. Who can blame them? It has been a year and a half since I consistently wrote anything. And, I suspect, I am still listed only on those journals where no one has bothered to update. I wonder how my old "friends" are? Maybe our paths will cross again.

Reading and writing have always been creative outlets for me and I have just not taken the time to do either for some time. After a memorial service yesterday morning in honor of a friend who passed too soon, and a lengthy conversation with my son last night, I gave myself a mental butt-kicking and decided to get back to some of the things I enjoy.

Yes, I enjoy my job but I have dedicated far too many hours with little more than self-satisfaction to show for it. Corporate America will let you run yourself into the ground and you will still only be rewarded with the standard annual increase and a few verbal kudos. Not to say the verbal kudos aren't appreciated but I must reconnect with the world beyond my office.

Wish me luck.

Catching up on Patrick's Saturday Six

2006-02-18T09:04:00.000-06:00

I have seen several great "Saturday Six" entries over at Patrick's place so I am going to take the liberty of picking and choosing which ones I want to include in my journal. This is Episode 89, from December. Enjoy!

1. Which of the following generally costs you more: a normal trip to your barber/hairstylist, your usual lunch at your favorite restaurant, the most recent amount you paid to fill up your gas tank, or your biggest single contribution to a single charity in 2005?

It would have to be the amount of money I spent at the hairstylist. While my cumulative contributions are more, a single visit to maintain my low-maintenance hairstyle ranks higher than a single contribution.

2. What drink -- alcoholic or not -- do you drink entirely too much of?

If you know me, there is no doubt. I'll take a straight Dr Pepper any time!

3. Did you receive a Christmas card from anyone you didn't send one to? Did you send them a belated card in return?

Since I was moving right before Christmas, I never sent any Christmas cards. I had good intentions so now I am stuck with a ton of Christmas stamps that require a 2 cent stamp companion.

4. Take this quiz (if you haven't already!): What is most important in your life?

Career is most important in your life.

Having a high focus on career indicates that you are extremely focused on furthering you career right now. You don't mind working late at the office or sucking up to your boss because you know it will pay off soon.

Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

5. Before taking the quiz, which of its categories (career, love, money, health, family or fun) would you have said would be your answer?

Since my kids are grown and on their own, it does not surprise me that my emphasis is on Career. I know in my heart that my family comes first.

6. Do you believe in soulmates? Do you think that there are at least one out there for every person, that there is a single "true" soulmate for every person, or that there aren't soulmates for everyone?

Yes, I believe there are soulmates and I believe there is one out there for everyone. It is a wonderful thing if you are fortunate enough to find yours.

Memories floating back...

2006-01-27T21:55:00.000-06:00

I lost a friend this week and her passing caused me to stop and reflect over the many ways our lives had woven a tapestry in the last 25 years. We attended the same church while we were raising our children and K often commented that she wished her son would marry my daughter. In later years she just wished her son would marry anyone's daughter! We often tried to fix him up with first one and then another but he was shy and it never worked out. (Looks like he does have a serious girlfriend now. 'bout time!) When I returned to Texas last year K was one of the first to greet me and welcome me home.

There's a group of old friends that go out to eat every Sunday night after church and K and her husband were always there when she felt physically able. We often laughed and talked about events from our past and she was an appreciative audience of my silly side.

Driving home from visiting with K's family the other night I remembered something that made me laugh out loud. Another of my embarrassing moments I had not thought of in years!

Shortly after my ex and I divorced, the kids and I were invited to join several other families that were camping over the Labor Day weekend. These other families had trailers, campers, RVs, etc and were very experienced. K's daughter and new son in law came out for a day and brought their ski boat that could easily hold 8 adults or a dozen kids! Throughout the day, everyone was in and out of the water, having fun skiing and Mike patiently took a group out, brought them back and headed out with another load.

When the big innertube was tied to the back, I decided to take some pictures of my kids being bounced across the lake. Soon it looked like too much fun to pass up and the teens reluctantly let me take a turn. I had gone on that run as the only adult supervising the young ones while Mike drove the boat and had not intended to get wet again. I had changed into clothes that were the mode of the day, jean shorts and a big shouldered tshirt. (It was the early 90s and it was the days of bangs that defied gravity and designer tshirts in every color with coordinating earrings the size of half dollars. Anyone remember those?)

My young teen took pictures that preserved his mother making a fool of herself and after a few batterings from the wake, I had raccoon eyes from my mascara running and I looked like a drowning cat. But I was having a blast and laughing so hard at my feeble attempts to stay on and "ride the waves." Finally, I lost my grip and Mike dutifully came back around to pull me from the lake.

As he trolled up slowly so that I could swim over and climb aboard he tried to say something but he was a bit tongue-tied and stammered that he thought I had "lost something." Mike pointed next to me in the water and there, a few feet away, were two massive shoulder pads that had worked their way out of my oh-so-chic shirt and past the lifejacket. They were the flesh colored foam ones that were large and rounded on one end and tapered to flat on the other end. I could tell he was embarrassed, not certain of what he was witnessing from this friend of his mother in law. I scooped them up laughing, tried to squeeze out the water and show him, "They are just my shoulderpads!!" With a beet-red face, he just nodded his head, "Yeah, okay." and turned away.

After Mike and his new bride headed home that evening I shared the story with K and the other adults around the campfire. No one enjoyed my tale more than K. She would be pleased that I remembered and shared it here.

Old Habits Die Hard

2006-01-22T12:15:00.000-06:00

“Hellooooo!” she said in her best Mrs. Doubtfire imitation. Yes, I am back after more than a month without access to the computer in my new home. I have missed reading your journal entries on a regular basis and I have really missed adding my own journal posts!

So often, in the last few weeks, something would happen and I would think of adding to my journal. Getting everything to work again, after the move, has been a technological nightmare but I have to credit my daughter with finally reconnecting me to the outside world.

I love to keep things light and funny in this little piece of cyberspace so let me recap some of the events that would have been part or all of a journal post in the last five weeks:

1. Chasing my prescription from the dentist across two parking lots, a street and a field during a recent windstorm.
2. Five visits to the dentist. My random thoughts while under the gas were certainly blog worthy!
3. Losing a temporary crown just as visitors from Corporate came to see our new office operations. That post would have been titled “Fixodent: A Little Dab Will Do Ya”
4. Having a cricket jump up my pants leg while I was on the phone at work.
5. Right after I moved, I unexpectedly found myself with no electricity in the middle of the night. I almost broke my neck stumbling over boxes as I tried to find candles and matches using the only available light … the glow from my dying cell phone.
6. “Fun with Duct Tape” (I had no idea it came in camouflage!)
7. Casino Night at the company Christmas party. I could do no wrong that night playing Texas Hold ‘Em poker and wound up going head to head against my boss.

Things are very busy at work and I am still trying to dig out from under the schtuff I felt compelled to move but I will make a concerted effort to get back in the habit of adding to my blog. I have missed journaling and am soooo glad to be back.

Make it a great day!

Donna

Moving: A Reason to Clean House!

2005-12-18T19:33:00.000-06:00

I moved last Sunday and foolishly thought my home would be in order by today. Silly me! I am a sentimental grandma-wanna-be and continue to move things from pillar to post waiting to share with future generations. I am beginning to realize that everything is getting older, less attractive and sometimes, downright dirty so why am I keeping it?

When I moved, I saw boxes marked with "Children's Toys" and "Stuffed Animals." Keeping in mind that my own "baby" is 25, do I really think I will want to let a grandchild of mine actually touch one of their parent's old toys and potentially put it in their mouth? Of course not! But I cannot bear to part with these pieces of my/their past. I still have a box of "Donna's Old Doll Clothes" which holds precious items made by my grandmother for my little doll Barbara. Barbara bit the dust long ago. There is nothing more pathetic than an old rubber doll that sat in an attic too many years. She got sticky, brittle and even her little eyes looked as though they were afflicted with cataracts!

I helped my grandmother break up housekeeping almost 20 years ago and since that time I have continued to move my grandfather's old garden tools with me. Did I really think I might decorate my home with a scythe or dandelion picker? I also have his old metal hoe and an antique rake. Was I thinking I would turn my den into a Cracker Barrel motif?? I have found a place to hang my grandparent's Chinese Checker board and my uncle's small wooden bat is an heirloom I love.

There are just too many boxes to be sorted and yet I must stay the course! I have to make decisions. How many is ENOUGH candles? Do I think I will ever want to load those old computer programs again?? Why do I need How To manuals on programs that I used at jobs a decade ago? I did not keep the ex so why did I choose to keep that ceramic owl wedding gift?!

Worse yet is my fading optimism that I should keep those smaller sized clothes on the chance I will fit back into them while they are still in style. As I sorted through things this afternoon I recognized I have enough outgrown clothes to start my own thrift store, complete with coordinating shoes, purses and lingerie! Calgon, take me away!!!

There are so many things I had in storage that would have been helpful to the victims of Katrina and Rita. But I realize it is not too late to replenish the stock at any number of benevolent establishments. I am definitely in the mood to lighten my load and if I can just keep that attitude, I may soon be able to stop running the obstacle course each time to the front door. Wish me luck!! Better yet ... does anyone have a blowtorch??

Christmas Stockings are Serious Business

2005-12-13T18:39:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned in my last entry, one of the things that makes me happy is filling the Christmas stockings for my kids each year. I have been very fortunate that I have always been with my parents and my children at Christmas every year but one. Sometimes it has been a quick turn around trip but we always seem to be able to work things out. (It helps that the kids' dad's family do their big celebrating on Christmas Eve.)

And now, when my children are 25 and 28, I still make certain they get a specially filled stocking from Santa. In the toe of the stocking is an orange followed by a handful of nuts (in their shells of course). This is a tradition that has continued for four generations. Next I add Hershey's Kisses in the green, red and silver wrappers which have been a tradition for three generations. Absolutely nothing tastes better on Christmas morning when you are opening gifts than that simple bit of chocolate!

After the traditions, I am challenged to be as creative as possible and get as much as I can stuffed into the remaining space. My daughter typically gets a piece of jewelry and my son gets something with an Aggie theme (Texas A&M). There are giftcards from their favorite fast food places, a small book (usually with a religious theme), some form of music, the latest cleaning gadget (the Mr Clean Eraser is this years' pick), something different they would not buy themselves (like citrus flavored toothpaste), a Chick Fil A calendar and a funny stuffed critter coming out the top. I have been known to throw in staples they could use when they were in college, like makeup, contact solution, stamps and vitamins. If I go down the aisles of WalMart in the two weeks prior to Christmas, you can bet I will save my purchases for gifts. That is why I gave the kids batteries one year for their portable CD players. (I don't think they have recovered from that bit of creativity!!)

I have also given them talking picture frames, freeze dried food for camping and disposable cameras. They complained about the calendar so that's history and I have promised my son I will no longer buy Aggie crafts. Not sure why but he did not appreciate the Aggie flashlight I bought one year that was a stick with a match glued on the end. It even had spare batteries (box of matches) glued to the side. He did like the special pen I purchased made from the wood of a tree cut the year the Aggie bonfire fell. That was his sophomore year and it was an especially sentimental gift since he lost two friends in the accident. I am so pleased when I find something special like that!!

The Christmas stocking is also the place where I can place an heirloom being handed down. Like the pair of special scissors I gave my daughter that belonged to her great-grandmother.

You might think these are very large stockings but they aren't. I made them myself and they are 8" wide at the top and about 12 - 15" deep to the heel. My parents have no fireplace so the stockings always "sit" in a chair next to the tree. The calendar use to be what I used to give the stocking some body and keep it from flopping over. Hmmm ... not sure what I'll use this year. Maybe just more nuts!!

Ten Things That Make Me Happy

2005-12-10T23:06:00.000-06:00

List ten things that make you happy and then tag five people to do the same.

Jackie, aka upseted, aka http://notweirdeccentric.blogspot.com has tagged me. I'm in the middle of moving this weekend, but while the computer is still hooked up, I cannot pass up a good meme!

1. Rainbows. I will almost wreck the car if I see one when I am driving.
2. Massage therapy. I do not care what kind... Shiatsu, Swedish, Reflexology ... I love it all.
3. Filling my kids' Christmas stockings. Yes, I know they are grown but Santa still finds us and leaves goodies for Christmas morning.
4. A cold Dr. Pepper.
5. Looking at the stars on a clear night out in the country.
6. Someone playing the piano for me. (This is the one reason I miss the ex. Okay, there is also #2. LOL)
7. Holding hands.
8. Listening to water. A waterfall, crashing ocean waves, a rushing brook, a rainstorm, or even the shower.
9. My crafts. I am really happy when I actually finish a project!
10. The feel of a soft, fleece blanket on a cold night.

Now I am tagging Vivian, Robin (AOL's Guest Editor this week), Jody/dornbrau, Judith and one guy for good measure ... Jon.

Do I hear $1 million? Anyone? Anyone?

2005-12-07T15:47:00.000-06:00

The weather is nasty here in the Dallas area so when ice formed on the cars in the parking lot, our boss decided to close the office and we all headed home. Nice to have a little journal time. I was visiting moltenhalo's The Corner and found he had been able to get a personal value on himself showing he was worth over $2.2 million.

I had once been able to determine the value of my old journal but when the bids were finalized on eBay, I found I could not bear to part with it. Little did I know my journal would soon be vandalized and then the property values in my neighborhood went down dramatically. In the end, I had to take the loss and ulitmately I moved to my new "home."

So, running the risk of a repeat devaluation, I still looked into it and learned I am worth $1,964,780 on HumanForSale.com I guess that is not too bad for this old gal. It is not too late for me to post myself on eBay. I would be a great stocking stuffer, exchange gift at a company party or a Secret Santa goodie . Wadda ya think?? Is there a market for an imitation Mrs. Claus?

Saturday Six - Episode 86

2005-12-06T23:20:00.000-06:00

From Patrick's Weekender

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! Enjoy!

1. Is it a "Christmas Tree" or a "Holiday Tree?"

It is a Christmas tree! It's decorated with Christmas ornaments, Christmas lights, and hugged by Christmas gifts.

2. When you purchase a DVD, what of the following are you most interested in watching first: the movie itself, the director's commentary, the deleted scenes, the bloopers or the behind-the-scenes documentary, and why?

The behind-the-scenes documentary is what piques my curiosity first. Why? Because it is so much fun to feel you like you have the "inside track" on what was happening during the filming. A close second is the director's commentary. One of the best was for The Sixth Sense. The director pointed out so many little things I would never have caught myself.

3. What would you most like to accomplish before the year is over?

To move. It happens next week - wheeeee!

4. Take this quiz: After you enter your birthday, you'll be given a lot of facts about your age and astrology: How old are you in dog years?

I took this quiz and learned, among other things, that I am a little over 7 years old in dog years. One thing I learned which I would rather not have known was the on/or about date of my conception. LOL!!! Did I really need to know that? I don't think so.

5. From the same quiz, what does it say your "Life Path Number" is, and do you agree with its description?

My Life Path Number is 9. Much like astrology readings, some fits, some does not.

6. Do you have a piece of jewelry with your birthstone in it? If so, how often do you wear it?

Yes, I have a pair of aquamarine and diamond earrings that I usually only wear in the spring.

First Annual Dallas Bloggers Holiday Extravaganza!

2005-12-04T23:26:00.000-06:00

For the second month in a row the Dallas Bloggers (formerly known as J-landers) got together for fun, food and festivities. This time we gathered at the home of Vivian, Nwanyioma's Journal. Even though our little AOL community has been dealt a blow, we did not let it deter us from coming together and having a wonderful time. I'd say six hours for brunch is more than sufficient, wouldn't you?!

The last time we were gathered Julie, twin sister of Judith at Mirror, Mirror on the wall, was out of town and unable to join us. This time, Julie was present but Judi, emmapeeldallas, was under the weather and did not make it. We missed you, Judi! It was great to meet you, Julie!!

The food we enjoyed was as eclectic as the participants. Everything was delicious! To avoid indigestion, we kept our grumblings of the AOL ad dibacle to a minimum but all agreed, it was poorly handled and has damaged what was a peaceful, happy little community. We each have handled the situation in our own way and were pleased to know we shall remain friends regardless of where we blog! I suspect we will learn of more bloggers in the Dallas area in our new and various journal homes and our numbers may grow. Vivian was the only one who took pictures this time and, even though she has shared, I'll let her post those on her journal. She has a lovely home which reflects her warm and friendly personality.

I can tell V has been very busy since we were all together yesterday. Check out her latest journal entry. I am a bit behind but have every intention of catching up soon.

I'm in love!!

2005-11-28T22:53:00.000-06:00

It has been a long time since I felt this way! It is difficult to put into words the emotions I have been experiencing in the last 24 hours. My legs are weak ... I can't concentrate ... my eyes flutter open and then close again ... coherent thoughts will not form ... a brief smile floats across my face and then I drift into a peaceful reverie. Ahhh .. yes Christmas has come early to my house.

I am not one normally given to such abandon. Typically, I would remain more discreet and reserved but you are my Internet family and I know I can share this with you. I trust you will respect my feelings, share my happiness and wish me well.

******

*****

****

***

I bought the Homedics, Shiatsu Massaging Cushion from WalMart. I may never get up from this chair.

Isn't he adorable??

Leftovers - Just as good reheated?

2005-11-28T00:48:00.000-06:00

How appropriate, after Thanksgiving, to be thinking of re-heating leftovers. (Is that redundant?) So much is happening right now and the best I can do on most days is keep my head above the fray. I am going to focus on adding my old AOL posts to this journal starting back in August so I hope you will enjoy the re-heated entries. Check for “new” August posts.

I enjoyed a nice weekend with my parents and my aunt and uncle in East Texas. My kids had other family members they needed to be with but everyone is coming together at Christmas so we will all be celebrating together then.

I am preparing to move out of my son's house into my own home in just a few short days so decorating for Christmas is a bit hit and miss this year. Christmas is always my most favorite time of year and I have enough decorations to fill a house and three full-size trees. I do not like to over do it so I carefully pick and choose what I set out each year and rotate items to keep from becoming too cluttered. It has been three years since I set up my Christmas Village but it isn't going to see the light of day in 2005 either. And, since I will not be entertaining this year, that means the Christmas dishes, platters, bowls, chip N dip snowmen, etc. will stay packed away. Of course, the outside lights can stay packed as well.

So, what does that leave? Well, for one thing, there is my Santa collection including almost 200 miniature Santas. I promise to post a picture of the little guys as soon as I set them out. I am so silly about my Santas. To be part of my collection they must be full-bodied. Just a Santa head will not do. They cannot be over four inches tall. And, I am partial to the Santas that are unique. I have one little guy who is riding a dolphin, given to me by a friend at work in North Carolina. Another one is Santa taking a bubble bath in a lion claw tub. I must assume he is full-bodied but cannot prove it. LOL Then there is the Santa that is 1/4" tall, the one that is from Russia, and the marzipan Santa. Each one holds a special memory and it just makes me feel good to get them out each year.

Quite by accident I realized one year that I had a large assortment of angel ornaments. I gathered them all together and have enough to decorate a full-size tree. My mother just added two to that collection over the weekend.

I have one large Rubbermaid tub filled with what I have labeled Christmas Critters. In addition to several full-sized Christmas bears, I have a collection of small critters that I perch on each rung of a little ladder leaning on the tree. There is Rodney and Rhonda Reindeer, a polar bear, a fluffy, fat lamb, a donkey, and a teddy bear, just to name a few. They look like they are invading the tree and then a few sit on the branches. Rodney has a half chewed ear from the year of the puppy but he doesn’t mind!

Among my other Christmas goodies are throws, decorative pillows, chair covers, books, pillowcases, games, puzzles, wreaths, CDs, sleighs, baskets, flower arrangements, hat boxes, candles, wall hangings, pictures, Smores, table runners, snow globes, music boxes, frames, a Christmas lamp, stationary, tote bags and the kids’ childhood crafts. The memories!!

Oh, yes. There is also a tree and a few hundred lights and ornaments. It will be interesting to see what gets done this year

The Sunday Seven - Episode 12

2005-11-20T22:52:00.000-06:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Name the top seven stores where you are most likely to do the majority of your Christmas shopping this year. If you can't name seven, name as many up to seven as you can. You can also include online retailers, too.Either answer the question in a comment or answer it in your journal and include the link in a comment.

1. Dillards
2. Barnes and Noble
3. WalMart
4. Bath & Body Works
5. The Cracker Barrel
6. The Big and Tall Men's Shop
7. Hallmark

Saturday Six - Episode 84

2005-11-20T21:00:00.000-06:00

Patrick is continuing this from his new journal home.

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! If you don't have a journal, you can still play, but of course you'll at least need a screen name to be able to leave a comment here. Enjoy!

1. What was the last movie you watched at a theater completely alone? Would you have enjoyed it more or less if you had gone with someone to see it?
I cannot remember the last time I saw a movie alone.

2. What was the last non-sexual thing you did around the house completely naked?
Cleaned my bathroom

3. How well do you know your neighbors? Would you like to know them better or not know them?
The neighbors on one side are very nice and I have enjoyed getting to know them. On the other side, I do not know them as well but from what I see and hear, that is just fine by me. It is never a good sign when you live in a house and can still hear what is happening next door.

4. Take this quiz: How much of a conspiracy nut are you?
You are 25% Conspiracy Nut You are a little bit of a conspiracy nut. You know about the big conspiracies - but it doesn't take up too much of your time. You have accepted that people lie, and get away with everything - so you don't dwell on the loch ness monster too often.

Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

5. Of the following "conspiracies" mentioned in that quiz, which single one would you most like the "truth" about and why?

Countries developing deadly diseases to attack others. Why? To have a better understanding of the potential global threats.

6. If you had to create a slogan that defined your life, what would it be?
Bloom where you are planted and always face toward the Son.
(oooo ... I just made this up and I like it!!)

Horton Hears a What?

2005-10-03T07:19:00.000-05:00

Fantasia, of “American Idol” fame, has recently revealed she is a functional illiterate who could not even read the lyrics of songs presented to her. She lived with the fear her secret would be discovered and struggled in a world that assumed she could read the contracts placed in front of her. She is currently working with a tutor to help her overcome this obstacle and looks forward to the time when she can read to her young daughter.

I really admire Fantasia’s courage to come forward and tackle what has to be a huge challenge. I cannot imagine a life without the ability to read or write. I take this gift for granted since it has been part of my life for as long as I can recall. My mother read to us children when we were small and I remember being taught Phonics, which unlocked the doors to the quirky English language. No longer did I have to be content with “Fun with Dick and Jane.” I was able to enjoy Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who.” And, soon I was introduced to the world of “The Bobbsey Twins” and “Nancy Drew Mysteries.” There was no stopping me. Until now.

I have recently had a small taste of trying to “fake” my way through words that had no meaning. To look at characters and symbols that lay on the page and did not translate into anything meaningful. To blindly stumble my way through a dense jungle I felt ill equipped to transverse. What dark path has challenged me at every turn? Mastering a blog.

While those around me link and illustrate and enhance their journals, I have lagged behind, trying to figure out how to join the race and not reveal my lack of adequate preparation. I have not remained totally quiet in my ignorance. I have sent emails asking for assistance. I have engaged in IM sessions trying to walk through a task, step by step. But each time I have frustrated myself and at times frustrated the “teacher” as well. They have had to resort to broadcast emails asking for back up. Yikes! They did not know how to help me break through the fog that had so completely surround my brain.

But, I was eventually able to absorb the “Dick and Jane” complexities. I might even give myself enough credit to say I have grasped some of the journal intricacies equivalent to Dr. Seuss’ works. I am learning Blog Phonetics. I feel so good about what I have mastered so far that I am going to do what I can to help others overcome their fears.

So watch this place for future lessons, intended for the novice blogger. I will count on those of you who are far more qualified than me, to catch my mistakes and perfect my “pronunciations.” I want to try and assist others who see the words of instruction but don’t recognize it is a form of English.

2037 does not seem that far away!

2005-08-25T20:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.okcupid.com/death

I took this test and, based on my answers, I will probably die of cancer at the age of 84 in 2037. Age 84 seems reasonable to me but funny how 2037 seems too soon. Maybe it is because we are already into the 21st century and I recognize how quickly the days of my life are passing.

I am mentally taking stock of all the things I still want to accomplish and I better get on the stick! (Where did that phrase come from??) I still want to write my script for a Movie of the Week although they do not have Movies of the Week anymore so I guess it will be on the cable channel Lifetime Movie Network. Or, perhaps because of the theme it might be picked up by WE - Women's Entertainment. Who knows? There may be a bidding war over who gets the rights to bring my-life-so-far to the screen with all its wit and pathos and delightfully interesting characters! I certainly know one or two people that would pay to keep it out of public viewing!

In addition to the Movie of the Week, my list is long of things I still want to accomplish.

1. Learn to program the clock on the VCR before it becomes completely obsolete.
2. Visit the remaining United States I have not yet seen. There are only 8 more to go but that includes Alaska and Hawaii.
3. Take an Alaskan cruise.
4. Stay in a chalet overlooking the Swiss Alps.
5. Visit Branson, MO and meet at least three headliners.
6. Kiss John Travolta.
7. Attend the air ballon festival in Albuquerque, NM
8. Plant a garden that does not burn up before it produces.
9. Be able to afford fresh flowers in my house every day.
10. Meet Meryl Streep.
11. Learn to scuba dive.
12. See the fall leaves at their best in Vermont.
13. Take a photography class.
14. Find a hair style I actually like on myself.
15. Get my masters degree in Psychology.
16. Plant an English garden.
17. Get back to my weight in 1992.
18. Learn to design web pages.
19. Take a gondola ride in Venice.
20. See the Sutherland Falls on the Milford Track in New Zealand.
21. See an active volcano.
22. Go to a Yo-Yo Ma concert.
23. Buy another house.
24. Own a Maltese.
25. Ride in a horse-drawn sleigh in the snow. (It is the Currier Ives in me.)
26. Finish all my craft projects.
27. Learn to sculpt.
28. Own a convertible.
29. Take a road trip on a motorcycle.
30. Spoil my grandchildren - when I get some.
31. Win a poker tournament.
32. Follow the Monarch butterfly migration and/or visit El Rosario the Monarch sanctuary in Mexico.
33. Make salt water taffy.
34. Learn to play the harp.
35. Attend a movie premier.

I better get busy!

Mr. Picassohead

2005-08-21T23:55:00.000-05:00

I have not felt this artsy since I learned how to use an Etch-A-Sketch. If you have never been to this website you must check it out. The intent is to enable you to create your very own Picasso-like portrait. I got carried away and created three works of art (using that term verrry loosely) in the last two days and learned something about myself in the process. My desire for perfection is in conflict with my inner-Picasso. Each time I would start off great ... adding misshapen forms and oversized features but I could not stop. I wanted my art to resemble reality so I painstakenly reworked each feature. Not that the end result was reminiscent of Michanagelo or DaVinci but I felt better. My palms weren't sweaty, my heart was back to a normal rhythm, my facial tic had subsided but then, we all suffer for our art, right?

I was thrilled when I had company last evening and they commented on the pictures taped on my refrigerator. (wink) I think I'll go to Home Depot today and check on some track lighting for the kitchen.

http://www.mrpicassohead.com/canvas.html?id=a2b3e18

My three masterpieces are #407466 (My Bad Hair Day), 407485 (Presenting: Successful Surgery), and 407517 (Surprised!)

[Original entry 8/21/05)

Crazy Drivers!!

2005-08-15T11:20:00.000-05:00

I live in a large, metropolitan city and the drivers here are crazy at times! I was driving to the store earlier today and somebody in a white sports vehicle was right on my bumper. This always frustrates me and I typically tap on my brake to give the driver the idea to back off but today I didn't because it had recently rained and I was afraid the street might be wet. I was the third car back when we stopped at a traffic light and the very second the light turned green, this jerk behind me tapped on his horn. I couldn't believe it!

I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw the guy's hand on the steering wheel kind of flip up as if to say, "Go!" I flipped my hand in the air in reply with my palm open as if to reply, "What do you want me to do, Butthead? There are cars in front of me!!" As we proceeded down the road, he was still riding way too close on my bumper and I was getting ticked off! But, I behaved myself and did not give him a single digit wave even though I felt he deserved one. The traffic was too heavy to speed up and get out of his way and my turn was coming up anyway. I just muttered under my breath how people were just too impatient and that I was not going to let this single incident get to me.

As I pulled into the turning lane, I looked over my shoulder to try and get a good look at the idiot, and, yes, do some profiling. You know how you have certain mental perceptions of certain drivers? Well, I wanted to see what this guy looked like but I could not get a good view. I was just glad I was turning and he was moving on.

Just then my cell phone rang and as I flipped it open, still steamed by the inconsiderate driver, I hear a voice ask, "Don't you know when you are being followed by your son?!" Aargh! I couldn't believe it! The idiot driver was my own 25 year old! He thought he was just too funny and I had to admit it really was. He said, "I saw you talking to me with your hands!" I told him that I was just glad I had not "said" what I was thinking!!

And, I have got to learn to recognize his new car.

Remembering the power of one cent

2005-08-12T19:30:00.000-05:00

Gas was 35 cents a gallon when I started driving. It just does not seem possible that it is now averaging $2.50 a gallon and still on the rise. I won't mention the "I" word but I have been reminiscing about what a single penny could purchase when I was a kid. Today, if a penny is spotted on the ground, many feel it is hardly worth the effort to bend over and retrieve it. I still get excited when I find any amount of money!

I can remember when I could buy three Tootsie Rolls for 1 cent. Or I could get five sugar coated lemon drops, not that I wanted those but that was a lot for one penny. Licorice came in red or black rolls for a penny. There was also the Pixy Stix straw filled with tart flavored sugar for a single cent. (I read somewhere that many of us are probably suffering from Pixy Stix lung because it was so easy to accidently inhale the contents of those straws!) There were little wax bottles filled with a sweet liquid, barrel shaped hard candies that tasted like root beer, or the Atomic Fire Ball - each for only one cent!

But the best bargain of all, for me, was Bazooka Bubble Gum.

For one penny, I could enjoy a piece of delicious gum (scored in the middle in the event I wanted to share or save half til later) wrapped in a comic and my very own fortune! Talk about your market bundling! And, the little tiny print told you how to send off for prizes when you had saved enough comics. Wow!

I never did save enough comics to be worth while but it would have been fun to send off for the prize catalog. Of course, for that, I would have had to justify the use of a five cent stamp.

The Penny

2005-08-12T19:24:00.000-05:00

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. I'm not sure who wrote this originally but it gives you something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says."

She read the words "United States of America."

"No, not that; read further."

"One cent?"

"No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?"

"Yes!"

"And?"

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!"

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful!

And, God is patient...Have a blessed day!!

Wish I'd Said That

2005-08-12T19:08:00.000-05:00

GREAT QUOTES BY GREAT LADIES

The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy.
-Helen Hayes (at 73)-

I refuse to think of them as chin hairs. I think of them as stray eyebrows.
-Janette Barber-

Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse.
-Lily Tomlin-

A male gynecologist is like an auto mechanic who never owned a car.
-Carrie Snow-

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends.
-Laurie Kuslansky-

My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being, hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.
-Erma Bombeck-

Old age ain't no place for sissies.
-Bette Davis-

Inside every older lady is a younger lady wondering what the hell happened.
-Cora Harvey Armstrong-

A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't.
-Rhonda Hansome-

The phrase "working mother" is redundant.
-Jane Sellman-

Every time I close the door on reality, it comes in through the windows.
-Jennifer Unlimited-

Whatever women must do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.
-Charlotte Whitton-

Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.
-Caryn Leschen-

I try to take one day at a time -- but sometimes several days attack me at once.
-Jennifer Unlimited-

If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
-Catherine-

When I was young, I was put in a school for retarded kids for two years before they realized I actually had a hearing loss. And they called ME slow!
-Kathy Buckley-

I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb -- and I'm also not blonde.
-Dolly Parton-

If high heels were so wonderful, men would still be wearing them.
-Sue Grafton-

I'm not going to vacuum 'til Sears makes one you can ride on.
-Roseanne Barr-

When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country. -Elayne Boosler-

Behind every successful man is a surprised woman.
-Maryon Pearson-

In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.
-Margaret Thatcher-

I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine marriageand a career.
-Gloria Steinem-

I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house.
-Zsa Gabor-

Nobody can make you feel inferior withoutyour permission.
-Eleanor Roosevelt-

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
-Anais Nin-

Remember test patterns in the middle of the night?

2005-08-08T20:33:00.000-05:00

After reading a recent email that took me down Memory Lane, I couldn’t help but recall other bits of nostalgia from my own childhood. My earliest memories are from the black and white television era of the late 50s. Our first television was housed in a large wooden console and, in those days, when you wanted to change to any of the five channels that were offered at the time you had to actually get out of your chair and manually turn the channel selector knob. But our television was more high tech. The channel changer was a rotary dial and you pressed the button of the desired channel and it started to automatically change to each channel until it reached the one you had depressed. Ooo – ahhhh. We kids almost wore it out, pressing buttons and enjoying the wonders of automation. You still had to get off your duff to go press the button but it was worth the effort!
There wasn’t as much programmed viewing in those days and each evening the stations eventually signed off with the recital of the Television Code, the playing of the national anthem and the screen went to an Indian head test pattern with an annoying test tone. I’ve read up a little on this (I love Google!) and learned that the purpose of the test pattern design was to help you adjust your vertical and horizontal linearity. Duh! Who knew? We always did that in the middle of a program.

Survived!

2005-08-08T19:19:00.000-05:00

I am not sure who should get the credit for this wonderful walk down memory lane, but I thank my friend Benny for sharing it with me.

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!! First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because we were always outside playing! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cellphones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chatrooms.......... WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS! You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good and while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the housewith scissors, doesn't it?!?

Because I will never be a standup comedian - that's why!

2005-08-08T19:04:00.000-05:00

My daughter came by this evening and I shared both of my new blogs with her. She doesn't get it. She read some of my entries .... put her hands over her face and said something to the effect of , "You have got to get a life!" I have a life and journaling in a blog is now part of it! I may not be very good and I may not be as humorous as I think I am but it is one way of expressing myself that I enjoy. I wish I had kept up with the blog I started 8 months ago. Oh, the stories I would have told! But, having no time for regret, I will move forward with this public blog and the other blog in private. She is too busy with her career and new marriage to have time to stop and read. I enjoy reading - always have. As a child I read the back AND sides of the cereal boxes. I read the instructions that come with appliances. I pause the TIVO and read the vanity card that Chuck Lorrie adds at the end of every episode of Two and A Half Men. (Looks like a Blog entry to me!!) I read the little tiny print of the labels slapped on prescription bottles. (Of course, I have to look over the top of my glasses to read anything that small!) I read the acknowledgements on CD dust covers. (When they were albums they were dust covers. What are they called now when a disc comes in a plastic shell?) I subscribe to several magazines and read them all. I read the news on the internet. And, of course, I read books. I have five bookcases full and am considering cataloging them like the library. [wink] I have loaned too many books that were never returned - usually to former co-workers. By now the book has sat on their shelf long enough they think of it as their own. But one day, when they dust it off and open the cover, they will see my address label and tada! I will be rejoined with my long lost friend. And, it will be nice to hear from the co-worker, too!

I am directionally challenged - even on Memory Lane

2005-08-07T16:26:00.000-05:00

Why is it, when I have a 50 - 50 chance of getting it right, I consistently turn the wrong way? Was I born with an internal compass chip missing? Before I started to drive I never noticed but from the first time I sat behind the wheel, I have never been certain - left or right? Don't even try to tell me something is North or South, East or West!
My dad still shakes his head when we talk about how confused I would get backing out of the driveway. During the time I had my learner's permit, I was allowed to drive the family to church. Now, I had been to the same church building multiple times a week ever since we had moved to this town, but as I put the car in reverse and slowly backed out the driveway, I had to step on the brake, turn to my dad and ask, "Which way?" For a man who traveled for a living, he was not amused.
Luckily, I did not move often after I started to drive so eventually I paid enough attention to be able to get myself back home after a trip to the store. And, since I have lived in larger communities all of my adult life, I can eventually find anything I want in every direction. Yes, I meant to go this way!!
There is a major street near me and, if I can find my way to Josey Lane, I can survive! I have checked and in addition to the police station, the post office, a fire station, a public library, a hospital, dentists, eyecare and every imaginable type of medical doctor, I have access to multiple pharmacies, banks, gas stations, dry cleaners, department stores, and 17 varieties of drive through fast food all on this very special street. It gives me a peaceful feeling that I will not have to make any turns until I have reached my destination.
On Josey, you have your choice of places to live - houses, condos and plenty of apartment complexes. There are several real estate agents to sell you a house, or if you already have one, there are plenty of specialty stores to help you with paint, wallpaper, interior decorating or pool supplies.
Within a seven mile strip there is also a bakery, tailor, florist, locksmith, travel agent, humidor, and vet. I can get my shoes repaired, shop antiques, put my old clothes on consignment, arrange for insurance, get financial counseling, receive check cashing assistance, or put things in storage. I can shop for groceries in at least three different languages. I can enjoy multiple buffets or sit down dining. To meet my personal needs, I can have my hair done, get a manicure, pedicure, facial, tan, exercise, or be tattooed. I can be tutored, take karate lessons, learn to dance, indulge my hobbies or find all my party supplies.
Without turning a corner I can hire a maid or temporarily staff my office, get my vacuum cleaner repaired, upgrade my computer, play pool, sing karaoke, rent videos, or receive physical therapy. I can go to rehab or buy discount shoes, cigarettes, tires and beauty supplies. My car will not lack for attention on Josey Lane since there I can purchase it gas, auto parts, have the oil changed, the brakes checked, as well as have it lubed or inspected. If I am ready for a change I can even replace it with a used car. Yes, I have found nirvana and her name is Josey. But one thing is missing. There is no funeral home on Josey. But then, I do not have to worry about getting lost while trying to find it - someone else will be driving.

I have to write it down before I forget

2005-08-07T16:18:00.000-05:00

Blogs are still an internet novelty but from the time I was introduced to my first one (Thank you, Mike Cope), I have been intrigued with the possibilities. I started my own blog several months ago and wrote a couple of test journal entries. Before I got the courage to share the site name with anyone, I was side-tracked and, much to my chagrin, realized later I could not "find myself." How lame is that? This time I am more resolved to stick with it. I keep a spiral notebook handy now and wrote down the name of this Blog. So, if I can just keep track of the spiral, I am all set!