Old Jews telling Jokes

So my sweet hubby for Christmas bought me a series of books on MP3. I totally love my books on MP3 and was excited. However the surprise was slightly ruined when he came out of the house to meet me in the driveway on Christmas Eve. He looked so upset.

He told me he was disappointed and was worried I would be too. He told me that one of my gifts had not shipped with the others and that when he got it, it was wrong. I asked him what happened and he showed it to me.  It was a DVD of Old Jews telling Jokes. It was kind of funny because apparently it was a gift for someones family and it came to us instead.  Dan said, "Now someone isn't getting their Christmas gift."  I couldn't help it. I started laughing. I said: "You mean they didn't get their Hanukkah gift."

He called Amazon and spoke with a nice woman. She was very impressed that he was more worried about this person's gift not getting to the right place than he was about his own package not being here for his wife. She actually re-ordered both gifts and gave Dan a $20.00 credit. Merry Christmas to him!

We put the DVD back in the box but had to re-tape it. We only had scotch tape and painters tape. So it's taped with blue tape. UPS should pick it up today.

LOL   so somewhere someone is waiting patiently for a DVD of Old Jews telling Jokes.

Project Christmas Craft in progress

I talked my husband into buying me a belt sander.  I have this great idea "Thanks Beth for the inspiration", and decided to do a wood project as gifts for my co-workers.  The project includes a scroll saw, table saw (not mine), and a sander due to issues w/said scroll saw.

I bought the wood I needed and went to cut it with my New used Scroll saw. Oops. Can't cut wood wider than 2 inches. (please hold the perverted snickers to a minimum.)

So I cut the smaller pieces and had to drag my wood to Bill's house. He has a table saw and set it up to cut stuff for Beth and me. He even cut those pieces for me. Bless his heart!  

But now I have a new problem. My scroll saw bought specifically because it had the disk sander attachment, did not have the attachment with it. No problem, right? It's a Craftsman. Sears has a parts departments.  except you have to "order" the part. But I didn't know the name of the part and the stupid guide is unreadable.  So I broke down and actually *shudders* instant messaged someone at Sears. I got someone named Aaron who typed more like Mohamed.  He was very nice and very kind but had a hard time finding what I needed. finally he told me someone else would have to call me in a  few days while they did some research. WHAT? 

Didn't they know I needed the part now?  I mean I know I procrastinated, and now it's only an emergency on my part, but sheesh!  (Yes I totally know it's my own damn fault and sadly enough to say, I will probably do it again.)

So I talked to Dan and begged for a belt sander. We tried to find a used one, but KSL was not very fruitful. So I got him to buy me one on our Sears card.  And I still had to wait like 3 days for it because they were out of stock at the store. 

(Side note. The Sears Grand on 5600 West  should be renamed: Sears not so Grand! They didn't even have it on a display. Had to truck down to another Sears).

Finally got my sander and still couldn't use it until this weekend. It sure gets dark early these days. lol
So I set it up today. I'm pretty sure I didn't do it properly, but it worked and that's all I really wanted.

So, I was able to sand all the wood, and it only took and hour as apposed to the 4-5 hours it would have taken if I had tried to do it by hand.  I even got the pieces spray painted so I can put the acrylic paint on and get them done. Yay me! I will post a picture when they are completed. I just don't want to now because my co-workers read my blog.

So projext has gotten started. Let's hope I can finish before Friday.

The Halls are decked. Now they are suing for assult.

Got the tree up, got the decorations up and even convince Lance to put the orniments on my tree. They are clustered together, but I didn't have to do it, so I'm pretty happy about it.

Done with shopping. I go all out every year. I can't help it. It's my Christmas treat to myself. I love buying stuff for others and I really love it when I get something on sale that I know someone will just LOVE.

Got my blessings this holiday season too. Spent so much money I broke the bank. Literally. We supported the Candy Cane Corner at work, and I went a bit over board buying stuff to donate. Realized I over spent and was kind of panicky at the idea of telling Dan that we had no money.  I mean No Money! There was like $4.00 in one account and $3.00 in another.  I knew my credit card was MAXED out, but on a whim I checked on it anyway, just to see if there was a few bucks just sitting there, when what wonderful to my eyes appear? A credit increase my dears. 

Yep. I guess that's what happens when you help others, someone helps you. Now I can at least buy grocery's and put gas in our cars. Now if I could just find someone who is willing to wrap all the stuff I bought, and takes MasterCard.......

Tail of the poop that wouldn't flush

** Warning, what you are about to read is graphic. However I feel the tail must be told. Read on at your own amusement, awe, and shock. Be sure to click LOL at the end. **
P.S. No animals were harmed in the typing of this story. However Dan's eyes did water for a bit.


So on Saturday night after everyone went home from a fabulous Thanksgiving Feast, I needed to use the Restroom. It's a usual occurrence for pretty much everyone.  I used the room downstairs, because, well... that's where I was at.  I did my business and stood up, pulling up my britches, and turned to flush. Because our house is old, and for some reason this is a habit of mine anyway, I watched as my waste went down. Except that it looked like it wasn't going to go down.  YIKES!!!

I hollered for Dan to go upstairs and get the plunger from that restroom. Thinking to myself: " Why oh why did I not buy one for this restroom????"   

Now I know you all are thinking.... "Oh dear, the toilet overflowed....." and *shudder* in sympathy for me.

BUT, no it didn't. However it did get very close to the top.  I plunged a little and whoosh. Down everything went.

EXCEPT,  a lump of poop.  I raised my eyebrows, and thought "O.K. I will give the toilet a moment to fill back up and flush again."  I waited anxiously for the tank to finish filling, and I flushed again.

It didn't move. It still sat on the bottom of the bowl. I gave a deep sigh, and said to myself. "Alright, I will let it soak a few minutes and then flush."  I left the restroom and went about my business.

Dan did walk into the restroom to put something on the sink, and made sure to let me know that my sh*t does stink. His eyes watered a bit and he waived his hand in front of his nose. Jerk, LOL. 

OK now don't get sick. And please do not blame me as you aren't perfect either.

I forgot to go back and flush. I know, ewww.  But it could happen to anyone.

Sunday afternoon we went out to brunch with our good friends Andy & Stefanie. As we went outside through the basement, I stepped into the restroom, and remembered.  I lifted the lid and sure enough it hadn't gone anywhere.  I flushed again and walked away.  (No this time I didn't stay to watch. I was hungry and in a hurry.) 

A couple hours later we came back home and I needed to use the restroom again.  I went in, closed the door and lifted the lid.  What do I find?  The POOP THAT WOULDN'T FLUSH!

Honestly. It was STILL there.


I stood and stared. Finally nature pushed and I decided, well I will just go and my TP will push it down. (I only needed to pee. and thank goodness.  I think I would have gone upstairs to poop).

So I finished that business, stoop up, and flushed. I watched in fretful silence as the water swirled. When it finally settled, there was the poop. A little smaller than before, but still there.  I am frustrated. I don't want to touch it.  I mean what would I use? yuck!


I left it there thinking, OK it's wearing down. It will be gone tomorrow.

Monday evening I came home from work, and decided to investigate. Sure enough there it was. Just a lump on the bottom of the bowl.   I started thinking of South Park and contemplated naming it.

I poured some bowl cleaner in and shut the lid. 

Today is Tuesday. Yep, Tuesday. Guess what?  It is STILL there. I think I must have pooped out glue.

It's grown very small now, just a tiny lump. But I want him gone, or he is going to have to start paying rent.

Hopefully late tonight or early tomorrow the Bleach I am pouring in will kill it off.  Die poop! Die!

To Spider or Not to Spider... that is the question

So Dan and I looked on the Internet and decided that the sore on my head is a spider bite. It looked very much like a Hobo Spider bite.  I made an appointment the next day to see my Doctor. He took a look, squeezed it a little and out came some puss. He prescribed me an antibiotic and said he didn't know if it was a spider bite or not.

I didn't fill the prescription. I figured, what the heck, I've had it for over a week already and it's actually healing up. Why waste the money?  Today will be about 2 weeks since the bite. It's crusted over and I actually pulled the scab off last night. (ouch and it pulled out some of my precious hair with it.)

Today it has scabbed over again and no infection. So I feel good about not getting the antibiotics. Tonight I have plans w/my husband to go out. We've been planning for over a week to use my Red Robin Gift card. It was the one I got for Halloween.  The Freddy Kruger Pumpkin. (pictures on Facebook.)

We also need to get a freezer. I have been wanting a small one for a while, but now it's really needed. With Ben and Tiff living with us, we actually need a small chest freezer and a small refrigerator. We are a group of people who need a lot of stuff in the Fridge apparently. I'm tempted to buy a cheap little mini fridge from KSL for $20.00 and put it in my bedroom. I could use it as a night stand. Except if it made bad noise. Then to the basement or Craft room it would go. LOL. I would buy the freezer there too, but I can't find any. So we are going to make a stop at Sears to shop. We're hoping they will offer 12 months no interest if we apply for a sears card, then we'll put it on there and pay it off before the 12 months. (And Dan will close the card, OR, he will at least have control of it. )

I have been working on a few Christmas projects. Why is it that money always seems tightest around the Holidays? Honestly it's insane.  I know that I'm spending to buy gifts, but it seems no matter how I juggle the budget, the dollars just aren't there. I have a good start on Dan's gifts, and I have a pretty good portion of gifts for others. One benefit of Ben and Tiff living with us is the rent. They are paying us $200.00 a month, and this months rent will be what Dan uses for his Christmas shopping. That puts less pressure on me to stretch the budget. I'm not above letting a utility slide for a month, but I don't like doing it if I can avoid it.

I really want to get started on my Christmas projects for people I work with. I have a fabulous idea, and I even got an EARLY present of a scroll saw, so I can make them. BUT......  I have to shell out some money for the materials. (there's that stretching again).

Well Ta-Ta for now. I'm back to Cross Stitching my gift for Beth......

Strange Cats and Head Zits

Tiffany and Ben's cats do not know how to poop in the litter box.  I seriously think that they climb in the box, scoot their butts right up to the edge of the box, make sure their hind end is on the ledge, and then poop, making sure the item is laying right in front of the box.

When they do figure out how to go in the box, they don't cover their poop. I think we have some seriously, although cute, R-Tarded kitties.

They are sweet, but meow over everything, don't want to be picked up but really want to be petted, and demand to be let into Tiff's room when the door is closed.

I have also had for a few days a bump on the back of my head. Dan at first thought it was a psoriasis patch, but then it grew some more and has been slightly painful. When I went to the doctor last Tuesday I asked him to look at it. He said it looked like I had just scratched myself, that it wasn't too bad, and I didn't need antibiotics.

It has really been bugging me. And I'm a player. If I have a zit, or bump or something out of the ordinary on my body, and I can reach it, I will play with it.  This bump has felt like it has scabbed over, but it's a really hard scab. Finally I got fed up and actually stuck a needle in it. It was hurting like a underground Zit usually does. I was thinking that maybe it just needed some help to "pop" and that it would relieve the pain. I was so hard to even get the needle in, but I did it. It bled a little but not much. Was hard to tell if there was puss in it, and so I let it go.

But today I was really irritated with the bump and I hate to admit this, but I dug at it. All the way home from work. I finally got it somewhat open, and I could feel wetness on it. I pulled my hand away from my head and had a little bit of what looked like puss on it. When I got home I made Dan look at it again. He did and said that it was definitely draining. He squeezed the bump really hard, and got some of the puss out, but it hurt like heck!  He says now that he's looking at it this way, it could be a spider bite. He wants me to go to the instacare tomorrow and have it checked out. But I HATE those places. Every time I go in, I have to give them my "history", then they say because of my "history" I need to have all these aggressive measure taken. The I see my real doctor, and he says: "oh here, we just have to do this."  Which is usually very simple and less terrifying.

So I think I just may go see Dr. T again if I can and have him look at it again.

Getting my stuff done a little at a time

I have been obsessed. Really.  Since Ben and Tiffany came to stay w/us, they have been cleaning the house. It has given me the opportunity to do things that have been waiting in the wings for over 4 years.

Yep. Getting my decorations up.

The big problem now, is that some of my decorations are hiding in the Garage and I have been shopping the DI and Craft Stores to make more decorations. 

But I am excited to get this going. I have gotten my snowman painted, sealed, and lights in. But I discovered to my dismay that the lights don't fit tight. So I still have to glue them into the holes. I do a little at a time each day, so it will be done by X-Mas.

I have also gotten my shot glass holders up. I bought 3 thinking I had way more, but this is all we have found. I guess Dan and I will need to travel more.

These are my sconces. Aren't they beautiful? I bought these just after Dan and I bought our house with the sole purpose of hanging them right here.  4.5 years later they have finally made it to where they belong. I am STOKED about it.

I still have to do the shelf in my kitchen and have also gotten up the shelves in the Dragon's Den. I am working on a few other projects and Dang it! I'm so excited to get my house decorated.

Halloween treasure hunt

I'm going on a Halloween treasure hunt today.  I am way behind in my Halloween decorating this year. Usually I have everything up by the end of the first week of October. But between getting other things done, getting the living room clean (which it still is not) and getting out the decorations, I am just totally out of luck.

Today I am treasure hunting because the garage, where my decorations are stored, is a mess. The boxes of Halloween and Christmas are in the corner and all of Elaine's stuff is piled in front of it. Dan is being a bit of a wuss and is complaining that he's not in the mood to move stuff.  I understand. I wouldn't be either if it wasn't very important to me to get them up. The holidays are upon us. I need to enjoy them. It's really imperative that things be normal as I have lost so many loved ones this last year.

So I will be digging through the garage today. I have so many other things to get done. I need to finish staining the kitchen shelf. (sorry I didn't take progressive pictures. I thought about it after my hands were covered in stain). I want to get the kitchen cleaned up. and I need to just get things going.....

I will make a trailing maze in the garage to the holiday decorations. Then I can pull them out and Dan will carry them upstairs.  I need to move my Goldminc collection somewhere though.... I guess the craft room will be the catch all this year. I really love the idea of my shelves in there. They are going to be Very handy.

I'm getting very excited for Halloween and for Fall.  It's kind of odd because the cold spring lasted so long last year and I couldn't wait for it to be warm, and now I'm happy for the cool air and the changing of the leaves. I'm nesting like no other. I have made hamburger soup and put it in freezer bags. I plan on doing the same with chili, and spaghetti sauce. I have plans to make more zucchini bread and Banana bread, and cookies. I found Lorie's mom's recipe for the sugar cookies. I am way excited to make those. I'm sure they won't be a good as moms, but with her recipe I'm sure they will still taste good.

I'm getting stocked up for T.G. and for Christmas. Some shopping has been done and some lists have been given. We are having the Yeates Family over for Thursdays T.G. It will be very nice. I'll cook a big Turkey and maybe even ham.  I think I will make Turkey noodle soup if there are any left overs. I've never attempted that before, but hey, what can it hurt?  Brandy says that Pecan Pie is her favorite, and Dan loves it too, so I'm thinking I may even attempt that. (of just buy one. LOL)

And then Christmas. I need some Christmas cheer. Some reason to believe that everything happens for a reason and I need to feel a family spirit around me. It's awful how effected I am. I'm not sure I have realized how sad and blah feeling I am.

So I am looking forward to my treasure hunt. Halloween, here I come!

Shiny new toys

We finally got the second set of shelves up in the craft room. It took long enough. They look really good. After Dan was able to get them up and ready he decided to play XBox w/Ben and Tiffany in their room. I guess I had a funny look on my face because Dan came downstairs while I was on the computer and gave me a hug.  He said to me: "you know I love you more than anything and I always will."  It was really sweet. I said; " I know." and then he told me: " I'm not ignoring you just because Ben and Tiffany are like shiny new toys."  I had to smile and looked confused at the same time. I guess I gave him the impression that I was irritated because he wanted to play games with them instead of being with me. It wasn't that. I just didn't want him to put the XBox in their room. LOL

Last night we got the games on the shelves. It looks great. I have big plans for that room. Especially with Ben there. He's been really awesome cleaning my house. I really appreciate it. They have some of their stuff in the living room, but Tiff said that they will try to get it out today. I hope so. It's October now and it's time for HALLOWEEN decorations to go up. YEA! Plus I have so many plans. I want to get some Halloween material, (in all my material, I have no Halloween. It's so strange) to make table clothes for my end tables. Although I was thinking maybe I would just get some Fall kind and then I can leave them up through November. 

I want to get all my sconces and such out and hung on my walls. I bought some spray paint and plan on painting my bakers rack black. Brandy's husband Matt cut out my kitchen shelf for me. I need to stain it, seal it, and get it on over the sink.  I need to buy more wood and stain it and get it on the walls in the kitchen.

Ohhhh I'm excited.

Darn money doesn't grow on my trees

So I really want a shredder attachment for my Kitchen aid Mixer. Really really badly want this thing. I have been searching Ebay for a good deal, but even the used ones seem to be highly priced. I finally decided that I would just break down and buy a new one. But they are $50.00.  However I have a hard time justifying that amount. My sales person soul just won't let me. 

So I got brilliant and decided to get a 20% off coupon from Bed Bath & Beyond. I would use my coupon and get my shredder attachment for $40.00.  That would work. So I looked in the bank account and sure enough I had just the amount for the attachment w/tax.  So I went to work Monday and found a coupon. (I had to sign up for emails from BB&B to get it.)  

I took myself to the store and found that they only had 2 on the shelf. I grabbed one but the box was all torn up, so I grabbed the other and walked around the store a bit to see what's there. I never go there as I can't afford most of what they offer.  I found a couple of other things I could use that were in my price range and thought to myself  that I would go back on payday.

I went to the counter and handed over my earned coupon and went to pay. My card was declined. huh.... I asked her to run it again. Still declined. I knew I didn't have enough on any of my other cards to pay for it, because it's almost pay day. (3 days away).  So I said I would have to come back. The girl said she would hold it for me. I asked if she could hold it until Wednesday as one of my banks post my paychecks a day early. She said she would.

I wasn't upset because I have "opted" to not have the bank pay it anyway and charge me an over limit fee. I would rather not pay for it that way. I went home and looked online at the bank account and found that . Oops! I had a check out that just happened to go through. Grrrr.

So now I have to wait until payday which is sort of OK. because I can still get my item and use the coupon and now buy the other couple of things too. But I really wish Money grew on my trees. however just my luck it would have been the dead tree we pulled upon Saturday.

I didn't scream, but I did almost dial 911

As you know my niece Tiffany and her boyfriend Ben have been living with us. It's been nice because they are slowly cleaning my house and although I feel guilty, I am trying to get over it. lol

Last night they went out and bought some brandy and got back after I went to bed. I'm OK with this as they are both well over drinking age. They are usually asleep when I get up to get ready for work and since they leave their door closed, I feel OK to do a mad dash to the bathroom or basement in my undies. This morning I got up and got mostly dressed when I remembered that my shirts were in the laundry room downstairs. So I traipsed down the stairs in my pants and bra, and walked into the laundry room to get a shirt.

Then I went into the downstairs bathroom to pee and brush my hair. The door never stays closed unless you pull it tight, so it swung open when the cats came in. I was talking to them and to myself. Silly things like reminding myself of stuff that needed to be done, and teasing the cats.

I went to my desk and got on Facebook and left a few comments on status that were posted after I went to bed. I was still talking and I think I was singing to myself too. I decided that I couldn't wear my slippers to work because the sole isn't hard enough.  I was telling myself I needed to find my black socks which were in a bag on our computer table. So I got up, turned the light on, and went to the table to look for my socks. I found the bag and in it was also a package of underwear that I had bought. I even said out loud: "ah, there's the underwear I bought."  I grabbed the socks and walked back to my desk and sat down to put my socks on when I heard someone talking. I stopped and stared into the rest of the family room because I thought maybe the cats had hit one of the kids toys that makes noise. I even had a moment when I thought the evil Dora kitchen was talking again. But it was upstairs.

Suddenly I looked at the couch and laying there petting a kitty was some random guy who was quietly talking to the cat. I paused and things running through my head was 1: to scream and 2: to grab the phone and call 911.   But my silly calm caused me to get up, shut the light off, and walk up the stairs. Dan happened to be in the shower so I went into the bathroom and calmly said: "Do you know who that guy is downstairs on our couch?"  Dan said: "Oh, I didn't know he was still here. He's a friend of Ben and Tiff's."  I took a deep breath and was glad I hadn't freaked out. I thought maybe they had drank too much and that's why he stayed. I'm actually OK with that. I mean I truly would not want someone who's been drinking to drive anywhere. I'd rather they stay.   But I was upset that SOMEONE didn't warn me. A note, lipstick on the mirror, wake me up! something.

I guess we will have to have a talk with my roommates. 

cocka-doodle-who?

OK someone in my neighborhood brought home a Rooster.  Yep, you read it right, a rooster.  I know this because said rooster likes to crow at 6:00 AM. Every morning apparently. It started I think Thursday. I didn't pay too much attention on Friday. (I suppose I was just too tired).  But Saturday morning at 6 am, I hear:  Cocka-doodle-doo!   Over and over. I think he stopped about 8. This was a wash, rinse, repeat on Sunday and again this morning. 

I was so annoyed, that I actually thought about sic-ing Princess on the Rooster. Except just my luck, Fog Horn's owner has a BB Gun and would shoot my cat.  Dan says he's gonna call someone. It wouldn't be so bad if he only crowed a couple of times. I can live with that. But constantly from 6 to 8? 

I tried to look up on line if it was legal.  Nothing for Kearns, but it is for illegal in West Valley and Taylorsville to own a Rooster. You can have Hens, but no Males allowed!

Now I just need to find where that guy is and have roast chicken for dinner.

Oh what a night.......

OK. So first I was not really wanting to go out last night. I mean I was so down and tired and everything.....  but it was Beth's birthday and she was determined to go out and have some fun!  I got home and Tiff and I got ready to go out. We were supposed to be at the restaurant, Olive Garden, at 6:30. But Beth is always late. Oops! She was actually on time and we were late. About 30 minutes late. We got sat and I was introduced to some of Beth's co-workers and her friend Mary. April was there as was Josie. We laughed and enjoyed our dinner. As usual I got Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. YUMMY!!!!  I've tried other stuff, but honestly?  I go there for that.

We then decided that we were going to go to Club Allure.  We got there at 9 and it was DEAD. They said it would pick up in about an hour. But the whole time we were there all they played was hip hop. Now I like a little hip hop, but Honestly?  I don't like it enough to get my ears blasted for hours, and drink awful diet coke.

We left at about 10 because the DJ told us that if we didn't like the music we were in the wrong place. NICE! So we took ourselves off and went to the Westerner because Beth wanted to karaoke. We got to the Westerner and thank goodness Friday is ladies night. So we got in and Beth climbed on the mechanical bull.  She was funny. Fell off a few times.

Then we were trying to get to the other side of the dance floor but couldn't carry our drinks over. I didn't realize I could walk to the front, and I saw a little walk way between the dance floor and the bar. I asked our waitress if I could walk through there, and she told me yes. I don't know if she didn't hear me, didn't understand me, or really was too new to know better, but she told me yes. So I walked through and the security stopped me at the other side. He told me I couldn't walk back there. I told him the waitress said I could, or I wouldn't have. He asked who she was, and I said, I didn't know her name. I still have my credit card receipt in my hand so I said to him: " would her name be on here?" He just continued to say he couldn't have me walk behind the bar. I finally said: I'm sorry, do you want me to go back?" I was so exasperated. I realized that I shouldn't and I had already apologized a couple of times. He was sort of beating a dead horse. He gestured for me to go ahead and then continued to stare at me every time he walked by our table.

So we watched the dancers as I have decided that Country music is not meant to be danced to w/out a partner. Unless you know how to line dance. Which I don't.  Beth's friend Mary apparently had started the party really early as she was drunk as a skunk. She had a bottle of something in her purse I guess. I don't know how much she drank, but she was three sheets to the wind by the time we were at the Westerner. She doesn't hold her liquor well either.  She could barely stand up. I felt bad because only Beth, Mary and the girls went out to dance. I just couldn't do it. lol

Then we took off to the Karaoke room. Way too small and the music was way too loud. I think the appeal of Karaoke is if the music itself is loud enough, then the singers feel good about singing. There were a couple of girls who sang really well. The only table available at the time was right in front of the damn speakers. Why the hell do I always get the speakers?  Josie and Tiff got up to sing Voodoo. It was kinda funny because they were not dressed for a western place. But it was cute. Beth and the girls got up to sing and Mary stumbled her way up there too. Then Beth got a chance to sing by herself. It was really good. She sang Better Things to Do, and change the lyrics to Better Men to Do. LOL,

There was a guy there who's friends were teasing him because he looks a bit like Toby Keith. He sang a couple of songs and one what I like this Bar. Which is a fav of mine. He sang it really well. He also sang  Little Whiskey Girl. Which is another good one. He was cute!  I guess he realized I really liked both songs because I swear he was singing to me. He kept staring over at me and gesturing. When he was done and I was cheering he smiled at me and nodded his head.

Finally the night was wrapping up. Last song was sung and everyone was leaving. But suddenly Mary decided she wanted to get up and sing. April and I walked out the door while Beth was trying to get Mary to leave. Somehow she convinced the DJ to let her sing. We weren't in the room but April said the lyrics on the screen were to Casper the Friendly Ghost. We watched as Mary walked to the stage and was going up the ramp when she lost her balance and fell over. It was really embarrassing.  And then Beth said when she was standing on the stage, she didn't even sing.

LOL

Best Freaking Bread ever!!!

So I made the bread. Oh that recipe is awesome! I have made zucchini bread a lot over the years since I worked at Mac's Hobbies and Crafts and the owners wife of the restaurant next door would sometimes make it. I remember trying my first piece and was in heaven. She would only make it sometimes because she got busy doing other things, and I would be so disappointed on those off days.  I researched (before Internet) for a zucchini bread recipe and could never find one that was exact. It's always been too moist. The kind that falls apart when you pick it up. It  was tasty good, but not what I wanted.

Now I have found it. The recipe that matches. It's so dense and yummy. Totally perfect for that awesome bit of butter. I practically ate one whole loaf by my self. (Please note that it is not an actual bread loaf size. I use mini loafs which is half a regular bread pan.)

Of course I should not have eaten so much. But DARN IT! I loved it. I put in an order for 6 more zucchinis. I am going to shred and freeze and everyone will get a fresh loaf for the Holidays. (again small loaf).

I also failed on my lunch today. :(   *feeling some shame*   After the weekend of getting Tiff and Ben's room done, and trying to clean my kitchen up enough I could make the bread, I had to go back to the store for more chicken so I could grill it and put it on my salad. I'm sorry to say by the time I went and came back I didn't have the energy to do more than shove it in the fridge. So I had to buy lunch at Arctic Circle today. Luckily Brandy didn't bring lunch either. So this is our one-off day, and we will eat at work the rest of the week. 

Tonight will also be a eat out night. We have to run to a Viewing for Nate, and I just don't have the time to throw a dinner together. *bad planning on my part for sure! *   So we will stop and grab.  Tomorrow I leave work early for the funeral and I'm sure there will be food, but just in case I will eat my Wal-Mart salad before I leave work.  Once I get home I will grill my chicken for the rest of the week and such.

Rachelle, I will take you up on your menu planning, I promise. I am just waiting to get my act and finances together.  I would like to be able to have the ingredients on hand after we plan. I want to make sure that I can afford to buy stuff to make some different things.

Well Dan should be here soon so I must go. I need to at least brush my hair. It's going to be a very casual viewing and funeral as Nate would have wanted us to be comfortable. Please no more death, pain, hurt, or sickness. I just don't think we can take it.

Moving In

So my niece Tiffany and her man Ben are moving in with us for a bit. Normally I would have said no way. I enjoy my privacy way too much. But they need some help and Dan and I are in a position to help, so it seems the logical thing to do. They have two kittens with them. The kittens are not fixed nor have they had their shots. I'm torn, because it's cheaper to have them take the kittens to the spay and neuter clinic for both to be done, but at the same time, they don't have the money, and I don't have the cash. I can have them take the kittens to the vet that takes care credit, but then it's more expensive. I need the kittens to be fixed. I worry about the female going  into heat and the other is a male, so hum..... bad.....

It's going to be an adjustment too. Having two other people in the house. I don't want to be picky and such and I don't want them to feel uncomfortable. But I worry about things changing.

We got the spare room cleaned out though. Wow what a pain. But Ben and Tiff were tons of help and now the carpet in there has been cleaned. They will use my bed, and the entertainment center and cherry wood desk will stay in there. I am assuming all the games will be in there too. I'm very pleased with that as I feel that the room should be theirs and should be off limits to me and Dan. We'll see what happens. I just know that I would not want them going into my room. (except I think next weekend we're moving my room around so the carpet can be cleaned there. I hope they are OK to help us with that.

It's good about the spare room. It really needed it in more ways than I can count. Hopefully all kitty smell is gone and it will be a good room again. After my room I would like to do the craft room. I've really got to get it done. I need to go through the boxes in the living room. (moved from the spare room) and get them somewhere. I'm thinking probably the garage, but who knows. I should spend a little of the spare money and buy some more totes. Put stuff in the totes I need to keep but not worry about, and put them in the shed instead.

I'll be taking my salads next week to lunch so I need to get my chicken grilled today. I need to grill it up, and then cut it up. After my past experience putting chicken on my salad, I think it might be easier for me to grill a piece for each day of the week today, and the cut it up individually.  I was taking a piece and cutting it up at work. It took so long and was such a pain, that I would only use half the chicken.  I don't think I was getting enough protein, and I know it wasn't as filling as it should have been. So lesson learned. I need to find some Wendy's/ Dee's sized containers for salads. That way I can make them on Sunday for the whole week. I think too that will help me.  Dan has been awesome about getting up and doing breakfast for us. I'm so proud of him. Now if I can just get him to not get on the computer before work, he won't run out the door w/out his lunch. lol.   

Well I'm off to make my zucchini bread. It has to be made as I think my Zuc's are getting beyond ripe. I'm also gonna try for some Banana Bread as Brandy says she likes it. I want to bring her a small loaf.
And if my zucchini bread recipe works out, I will need lots more zuc's from Meredith.

kinda proud

So for the most part Brandy and I have been very good about bringing lunch to work. Today was a treat day and we went to Arctic Circle for lunch. It wasn't hard for me to do it as I have been eating Chicken Tacos for like 3 days.  Next week we will try for the whole week. I know it's saving money, but funny enough I'm not really seeing the savings. It's there I just can't see it.

I'm also very proud of Dan. He has gotten up every morning this week and made us breakfast. Tuesday through Thursday it was cereal and a carton of Fiber One yogurt, but it's nice to not have to try to figure out what I am going to eat, let alone be able to skip McDonald's. This morning (Friday) He made me scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon. He made too much potato, but it was so yummy. 

We have also been really good about eating at home. We made it 3 out of 4 days. Tonight neither of us was up for cooking. (we were going to have chicken and well frankly I got tired of chicken. lol)  I ran to Ab's drive thru. It was pricey, $15.00 for both of us, but it was nice to just grab it and eat at home. Tomorrow we will eat at home. We might have to go grocery shopping, but we will eat at home.  Chicken for dinner tomorrow. :(

I also want to make my breads tomorrow. Zucchini and Banana bread. I want to test my recipes and see if they taste good. If so, then I will make them for X-mas and freeze them. Or at least freeze the Zuc's. Then I can make them fresh in December. I was going to make Cherry Jelly for presents, but since I waited too long to pick the cherries, I don't think I will have enough to make more than a couple of jars.  But there is always next year!

I got Cantaloupe from Meredith. They must be pretty ripe because I can smell them so well.  They made me fruit high while I was at work. and of course because I bought two, jokes were around aplenty. When I was leaving I had to carry them out. One of the guys I work with said something about needing help carrying my Melons. I couldn't help it. I looked at him and said: "I've been waiting all my life for someone to say that to me."  It was great.

Well it's late. 9/11 is here.  Crazy how time dulls the pain. I will never forget where I was or what I was doing when I first heard the news, but now it's become more of a past thing. I don't want to down play it all. I'm just saying that I've started to become a bit numb.  However once I wake up I will hold my own respectful silence and say a prayer for the Victims and Survivors.  I will hope for peace and pray for our troops.
God Bless America!

My heart is broken. This is the worst year ever!

Nothing wakes you up more than hopping on Facebook to find out that your (adopted) Brother-in-law is dead. Lorie has been my family for ever. She has shared her brothers and sisters and parents with me for so long. I have been so lucky. But now I have to wonder how lucky that is when it causes so much pain.

This year has been awful for so many things.  In January I have a heat attack and finds out that practically every artery in my body is clogged. I am a walking death waiting to happen. I spend 3 months off work and dealing with issues I don't want to.

Not long after returning to work a Friend whom I have never met in person but who I have developed a good friendship with through work dies. My heart is bruised. 

My sweet friend Charlotte goes to have a simple gall bladder surgery only to have it turn into a nightmare from hell. She ends up going to a month of issues, almost dies but does pull through. 

Then as I am just getting back to dealing with life, my husband is forced to take a decrease in pay and a demotion. This of course happens right after my student loan payments goes up by $200.00 a month.

Then My beloved Aunt goes into the hospital and care centers and is miserable.

Then my (adopted) brother Brian dies an accidental death.  My heart is cracked almost beyond repair.

My Aunt dies not long after and my heart is crushed to almost nothing. But I am trying to repair it.

My niece is addicted to drugs and can't seem to shake it. I'm so sad and scared for her and just want to take her away to make her better. 

I just spent the weekend consoling a good friend over the death of her beloved dog. He lived 16 good years but it's still hard. I cried for her, for him, and for myself.

I find out that Charlotte has to be in the hospital because of the screwed up gall bladder surgery and now has an infection that is life threatening because of the screw up. 

And now Nate, Jo's husband dies.  My heart is completely broke. I don't know if I will be able to put it back together. I can only wish to get us the hell out of this year. Who next?  I'm terrified.

First Day back.

This morning I did not want to get up. Really. I tossed and turned all night long. It was to say very annoying. But I made myself get up and go. I am glad I did. I have really missed my office wives. What a great group of Women I work with. How fortunate for me that I get to work with people I like?

I was kind of tired though, so it made the first part of my morning hard to get a handle on. After that though it was smooth sailing. I did however forget to take Jill her packages, and a lunch for me, but I feel pretty good since I made it there.


I will bring my lunch tomorrow, and then again next week. It's really important that I do that now, because I am broke. well, OK not down to scrounging for Pennies broke, but I'm close enough.

I need to get on the ball w/my meal planning. Rachelle I'm planning on taking you up on your offer, just let me get my head in the game.  You just get ready to throw those 1800 calorie diets meals my way......

I will get there soon.  Ahhhhh now I'm going to relax a bit before Dan gets home and then I am BBQ-ing chicken and making steamed potatoes. Yummmy!

Waste of my time

So I went to the doctors office today. I saw the physician's assistant instead of the actual Doctor. Listened to my lungs, took my blood pressure, and asked how I was doing.  Spent more time in the waiting room than I did with him. Suddenly the nurse the assistant and everyone was concerned that I hadn't had the ABI done. Huh?

Didn't I tell them that he wanted me to have one? Why, yes. Yes I did. After explaining for the 3rd time that I tried, they decided that I would have one. So I got to schedule it again. Then the PA decided that I needed to see the actual Doctor. Really? How special for me. So they tried to set up an appointment. I'm not sure weather to be annoyed, or feel special, because the Doctor doesn't have a fee appointment time until..... Wait for it.....

OCTOBER 29, 2010.  Yep. The man is booked solid until then. The scheduler tried to set me up to have the appointment with the PA on a day the Swanky Raccoon is in, but Alas, they called me back after I left the office to advise that I really need to spend time with the Doctor. This of course worries me as if I need another procedure I want them done before the end of the year, and I would really like to not have to have TG while recuperating.


I was really kinda pissed by the time I left the Doctor's office. Honestly...... $30.00 for that?  I wish I had a b*tchier attitude. Because I would start refusing to make an appointment. or at least start refusing to pay for them!

Very confused.

According to my work policy having my last surgery 60 days after I came back from the one before should have put me at full pay again. I wonder now if I misread.  I looked at my pay stub for today and I was deducted 40% of my pay.

I'm not sure what is going on, and it will of course have to wait until I get back to work, but I'm a bit upset. On one hand I am OK with this as it should mean I get to keep my vacation that I would have had to use. On the other hand I needed a full paycheck.  From what I can tell they only took 30 hours worth, but then that would mean that my next check will be just as small if not smaller. I'm not sure Dan and I can afford that.

I have a bit stashed away, but I don't know that it will last long. Sigh, I'm sure that we will get through it. I have been doing some research and have concluded that after September we will go with Dish. I wish that we could be strong enough to cancel our TV portion of cable all together, but I am not big into series watching. I have channels I watch and they do have series, but It's not like mainstream TV. When I did the math, I figure for the first year (2 year contract) we'll save roughly $50.00.  After that it will be like $25.00 a month savings. If it wasn't for the particular channels Dan and I like it would be even less.  But we like Military channel, History International,  The Science channel and DIY Network. Of course all of these are in the highest package. *sigh*

But that still doesn't mean that we'll still be OK with a small paycheck from me.  I have my doctor's appointment too. Funny how the Doctor's office never got back with me on the ABI.....  Whatever!

It's one of THOSE days

We had such a storm last night. I don't think I have ever witnessed such a storm so close to me in a very long time. The thunder actually woke me up. Once awake Dan and I wondered at the lightening. I think Argo was a bit scared because as soon as the rain started pelting the house he jumped from the window sill and meowed really loudly until Dan snuggled him.  Amazingly the power did not go out. This years weather has been very odd. I can't really remember a year where the snow stayed until May, the summer ended in August and the Wind has blown so hard that it's broken so many things. The days are still too warm for comfort, and the nights so cold I am tempted to turn on my electric blanket.

I slept very late. I actually enjoyed it. But I did have plans. I was going to try a zucchini recipe, but I couldn't get up the gumption to go to the store. I crawled in to the tub and got immersed into a book. A few hours later Dan came home with dinner and movies. Those RedBox free ones. We watched the Terminator Salvation, (OK) and The Vampire's Assistant, (Was pretty good). It was really nice to sit with Dan again and just enjoy. I'm so weird about movies these days. I used to love to watch any movie, Chick Flick, action, drama, horror, suspense, Pretty much anything. I can't tell you how many movies I went to my teenage years. A few summers that Lorie and I practically watched a movie a night in the theater or rented.

Now I'm weird about them. I don't want to watch Chick Flicks, and I HATE horror. Some suspense is OK. and I prefer action. No Sci-Fi at all! It's gotta be a really interesting if it's a comedy, because there are some that are just too silly!  I tend to buy movies that I liked in the theater and then for some reason I don't ever want to see it again. HUH?

Anyway, I was in the shower when Dan got home. I was trying to finish up my bath before he made it home, but I didn't make it. However I didn't tell Dan I was in the tub when he called, so when I heard him banging, I decided to hop out of the shower and get the door. Except that he wasn't upstairs, he was in the garage. So blind because I didn't grab my glasses, and wet because I only grabbed the towel for my body, and in my favorite slippers so I wouldn't pick up anything on the floor on my wet feet, I ran downstairs to open the door. Then I ran back up to finish washing my hair. I was suddenly very weak. I got back in but could barely stand. I got the conditioner in and then immediately washed it as I was pretty sure if I didn't sit down I was going to fall. Dan helped me out of the shower and I sat on the toilet seat for about 5 minutes. I guess I pushed my body too much by running back up the stairs.

I'm feeling better now, but my body is so exhausted. My mind is going 10 miles a minute. But the old body is going so slow it's almost going backwards. I have so many plans and no energy to do them. I'm still trying to decide if we're going to do a BBQ for Labor day. We have done one for the last 3 years. The ladies assured me it would be OK if we didn't, but I want to get together. I just don't want to do the work. LOL. Cleaning, cooking, cleaning up.  Sigh, I've got to decide soon though. It's now under a week away.

Sigh, anyone got a bottle of children's energy to give me? I'm feeling so drained.

The truth behind faithful blogging

I have decided that faithful blogging is not for people with kids. LOL.  Or a life.  I have managed to blog pretty much everyday for over a week. This is sort of unusual as I shouldn't really have anything to blog about. but hey, words on a page.

I bring this up because I only have about 10 blogs I follow, and I am always jumping up eager to read them. I then find myself disappointed when they aren't updated. I'm not an overly nosey person. I wait for you to tell me what is going on in your life, but I loves a blog of update. Stefanie and Stacie have been the most faithful of bloggers. I love it because the only reason Stacie really blogs is because she has to tell us all the cute stuff Becca does. (I have come think that she's the exception to the kid rule as stated above), and Stef because she's got a fun and interesting life. 

I know Brandy has plenty to say, but I think she really just hates typing. Jill updates every so often and Rachelle reads them but doesn't post much. (It's OK though,  She's got 3 little ones at home. She has no time either).

I enjoy putting down my thoughts and feelings. I felt a bit better about it when I did it on Open Diary.com. There I was pretty anonymous, and so it was easier. I didn't have to worry so much about hurting someones feelings. Not that I have issues with anyone who reads this blog, but I don't want to put someone on the spot if I complain about someone they know and/or are friends with them. I created a private blog just for my complaining. It's closed so no one but me can read it and I can bitch about anything. (usually Dan).

Blogs are great. I've been semi bored this last few days as I've watched a ton of TV and such. but I've avoided reading blogs not on my fav's list.  I'm saving them for work. But I might be desperate before too long. Anyway I have to go and get away. Dan is obsessed with watching his downloads of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and frankly I couldn't stand them when they were new........  Time to blog on the other one....

What a day

Yesterday I had company. The girls came over for some old lady time. It was awesome. I was so tired that I didn't take a shower, so I tried to keep my distance. lol. 

Dan got home before the ladies showed up and I handed him the toilet handle. I said: " could you put this on? I didn't have enough strength."  He looked me straight in the eye, and said: "now?" in a whiny voice. I just looked at him and glared. I said: "Yes now. I would really like it if I didn't have to tell the ladies to stick their hand in the tank to flush. " It took it less than 5 minutes. Really! lol

Then Beth arrived. She had brought cup cakes. " Note:  I adore cup cakes! Cake of any kind!"  She said it was a recipe she found. I don't know if it was Weight Watchers but it was chocolate cake mix with Diet Coke. That's it. No oil, water or eggs. I have to say as a cake consumer it was very YUMMY!  I don't remember the recipe for the frosting but it was low fat something. I'm wondering if I can do it with a Yellow cake and diet sprite. or maybe lemon and diet sprite. Maybe I'll try.

I had to laugh too because I sent Lorie a text that just said: " don't forget the plates".  Remember a couple weeks ago we went to Color me Mine and decorated plates. She picked them up for us, so I haven't seen mine since it was first done. I was excited to look at it. And Lorie has a lousy memory so I just wanted to remind her to bring them so I could see them finished and get  mine.  When she arrived she was carrying a package of paper plates.  I laughed and said, oh look. Lorie brought plates. She looked at me funny and then said, "you sent me a text and said don't forget the plates." Suddenly it hit me and I started Laughing my ass off. I rolled my eyes at her and Beth when they were staring at me and said: " I meant the other plates." She still looked at me confused until I said: "What did we do two weeks ago that involved plates?"  She then smiled and laughed and said "I wondered why you wanted me to bring plates." She forgot to bring them ones we did. Sigh, maybe I'll go out tomorrow to get mine. lol

Today I slept until 2. I needed it as I cheated the night before and had a few cookies as well as the "diet" cup cake.  When I got up, Dan said he wanted to do something with me. A movie, bowling, something. I wasn't up to a bowling session. I suggested renting a movie. I got some free Red Box rental slips when I was Smith's, so we got on the Internet and started looking at rentals at Red Box. We settled on Push and Gabriel and Dan wanted Red Baron. He had to got to two different boxes but they were close. When he got there though the coupons wouldn't work. Found out they are only good at the Red Box at the Smith's.  None of the movies we wanted were there. So we'll try again. I'm pissed about it now, and they have to be used by Tuesday. LOL

We sat back, had stuff Dan picked up at Ab's Drive-in. We watched Push first. It was alright. Annoying, and confusing at times. Probably will not buy it unless it's like less than $5.00.  The next was Gabriel. I had seen it at Wal-Mart on the $13.50 rack and thought it looked like it could be good. But I resisted as buying it. I read about it on Wikipedia and thought the plot was interesting, but then forgot that I would buy it the next time I seen it. So this time Dan rented it. I'm very happy about not impulse buying it. It was not worth it. Slow in some parts, confusing in others. The quiet moments had to be turned up way loud, and the loud moments pushed us through the wall. It was very anti-climatic too.  Overall I'm glad we watched because we spent time together, but ugh on the actual movie.

I keep yawning even though I've only been up 8 hours. I'm sure that if I tried to sleep now I would be wide awake. Crazy.....  Anyway, Desktop Defender is awaiting me.....

Stopped to jot down a few things.

So first I have to talk about last night. I was laying in bed, listening to the TV and suddenly I hear a child's voice. It was really creepy and I couldn't hear it well enough to understand it. At first I thought it was the TV. So I ignored it and continued drifting off to sleep. Suddenly I hear it again. I mute the TV and catch just the tail end of whatever it was. I wasn't sure then... but I shut the TV off and layed back down. I sort of started daydreaming to get myself to go to sleep, when there it was. I sat right up and almost hit the ceiling. I started thinking psychotic children killers where in my house, but then I could sort of understand the voice this time.  I tried to breath normal and listen to it. Then I realized that for Some Dumb Ass Reason the Dora Kitchen that is still at my house had gone off. LOL OMG! I couldn't stop laughing for like 5 minutes. I got up and looked. Sure enough it was on. I don't know if it's always been on and the battery is going, or I have a ghost. Whew.

Then later that night, early this morning I needed to get up to pee. I stumbled into the bathroom in the dark and tried not to wake up more than needed. I finish my business and push the handle to flush. huh? no pressure on the handle. nothing..... Damn!  I turn on the light and pull apart the tank and sure enough. The stupid plastic arm that attaches to the chain and plug was broken. Seriously, it looks like someone snapped it right off the handle. GRRRR. This only happens when I'm having company over. I reached in and pulled the plug so it would flush, and then looked at the clock. It was 6:00 am. So I shrugged my shoulder and put the tank back together and shut the light off. (yes I did take time to wash my hands. lol)

I don't know what Dan did when he noticed as I was still asleep and he didn't wake me up. When I did get up, exactly 4 minutes before 10, I started on the kitchen. Got the dishes unloaded and reloaded. Vacuumed the living room and put the X-mas gifts in the spare room. Then I took myself to Wal-Mart to get some food stuff and a new handle. As easy as all this seems, I spent an hour and a half at Wal-mart just trying to get around. I'm so beat. But it was good for me to 1: get out, and 2: get some exercise. Now I just hope I'm up to having my company. I'm excited for them to come, but  I'm so tired now. *there goes that damn yawn* and I still need to shower.

It's Thursday!

So for 3 days in a row I have failed to get up before noon. Today was at 11. oh well. Get it while you can I say. It must mean something when I go to bed at 10 and don't get up until 11. My body needs some sleep?

I'm a little torked. I called the doctors office to make my appointments yesterday. (OK they called me first) and I found out that they aren't going to schedule the ABI until Monday because they couldn't find my discharge papers and Dr. S. won't be back until then. But they scheduled my follow up for Wednesday the first. Whatever! I'm kind of irritated but then it saves $30.00.

I got my shipment of stuff from ABC yesterday. Today I opened it. They didn't include an invoice or labeled the boxes, so I had to open a few things.  We got everything. I'm a bit disappointed as the gifts I bought for my neighbors are pretty tiny. They look so much bigger in the catalog. They are cute though. But I'm a bit torked that they didn't include a candle for the votive holder. Not that I can't afford them (heck I'm sure I've got some in my candle box), but still. What's adding an additional $0.05 bit of wax going to hurt them?

The towels are looking interesting. My next goal is to take two of the wash clothes, one of each color and see if I can find matching rugs and toilet cover. It's odd but I feel that if I can make one room in my house all matchy and coordinated, then maybe I can be happy. LOL  not true I know. But for a while when the craft room looked good I would actually stand in the door and sigh a happy sigh.

My love Charlotte has said that once she is feeling better, she will come to my house and do a Charlotte clean. I have to tell her not to tease me. Damn how much would I love a true Charlotte Cleaning? Instead of selling my soul to Satan, I would sell it to Charlotte. The woman is fantastic. Especially if she could do it before Christmas. Oh how I would love that!

Speaking of cleaning, I am feeling a little stronger today. I hope that after a small rest I can get the dishwasher cleaned out. Then I will rest just a little more, and put dirty dishes back in and wash them. Dan has been an awesome trooper. I've tried really hard not to make him feel like he has to do the dishes as well as cook. Last night when he got home, he was so just tired and just wanted to relax. So I told him that I would be fine if he just made beans and franks for dinner. Couple minutes in the microwave and done.

Poor guy. He does so much for me. And he's good for me. Because I feel so guilty about him working all day and taking care of me and the house (as best he can), I will start to push myself a bit to get myself moving. I need to as I only have  a week before it's back to work. If I don't gain strength now it will suck when I go back.

My friends youngest brother has to have surgery tomorrow to remove a brain tumor. It's cancerous.I feel so bad because it's an awful thing for someone so young to go through. He's only just graduated from High School.  My heart and prayers go out to him and his family.  It just once again provides me a look at my own mortality.

Well I'm off to rest before attempting my chores. Wish me luck.

It's Wednesday!

OK so day two has failed in getting up before 10. It's been more like get up before noon. But in my defense, I didn't go to bed until 3 am. I found a unopened box of books tucked away in our downstairs bathroom. Why in the bathroom you say? I think when we were moving in, we were looking to put things anywhere a shelf was. And that bathroom has plenty of shelving. 

I have read and reread all my books several times. After a while I can't get back into them. So finding this box was like a gift. It's been there for 4.5 years. There are some books in it I would never read again. So they will go in the DI pile, but there are books I don't even remember reading. So I got sucked into one last night and just could not stop until it was done.

I need to remember to call the doctor today. I hope if I put this here I will do it. I'm supposed to set up another ABI and a visit. The ABI is to do a blood pressure on my leg. It shows how well the blood is flowing now that they got all the plaque out.  I don't mind this as it's really easy, but I HATE it because it's considered and office visit and will cost me $30.00 in co-pay. Then I have to go back a week after and that's another $30.00 co-pay. Our Tax guy says that I have spend out of pocket about $7000.00 to claim it on my taxes. I'm beginning to think I just might get there. Sheesh!

Anyway, I am gonna end now. I'm still yawning which tells me either I'm bored of this blog, or not fully awake yet.  HAHA

It's Tuesday!

So I failed my getting up before 10 today. I can only say it's my hubby's fault. I say this with a smile of chagrin, as I had about 1 scoop of ice cream last night, and I'm pretty sure that's what caused my sleep. When my sugars go up, my body goes into sleep mode.  It was the doorbell that actually woke me up for good at 11. Some idiot going door to door pawning off free family DVDs. Of course I didn't answer the door.

If I don't know you are coming, you will not get an answer at the door. Every time I have answered the door to find some annoying  anonymous person at the door, it has ended rather badly for me. IE: Missionaries, Dan's Home Teachers, the Ward Missionary, some jerk selling something, you get the idea. I would rather ignore you at the door than be rude and say go away. Since I have a hard time being rude, I get stuck in some stupid conversation I never wanted to have.

I had some seriously whacked out dreams. One involved me going back to work today. I told everyone I was bored at home and decided I needed to come back. It was funny because in my dream, my boss was pissed I came back because it ruined my Short Term Disability and caused her extra paperwork.  I think I was subconsciously telling myself that I really should wait the 2 weeks.

It's weird because I will be laying in bed thinking that I feel great. So then I get up to go to the kitchen or downstairs, and I feel as weak as a New born kitten. Right now as I type this blog, my arms feel heavy and my brain feels fuzzy and I want to stop to go lay down. I can't stop yawning and every yawn makes me feel weaker. So I will try to blog later. I'm gonna take a nap.

A day in the life of Princess Zelda Shower Guard Boe, aka The PAW

One of my many napping spots

My human Denise has nicely decided to accommodate me by typing up my me memories. Since it is too hard for me to type, and I'm a princess so I shouldn't have to do my own work, this works well for me.

Today I woke up about 4:30 am. My human Dan snores horribly. It's really loud. But worse was my human Denise who keeps kicking me with her feet. If they would just get a bigger bed I would be happy to share with them.  I finally was able to go back to sleep.

I woke again at 6 am. Denise kicked me again as she was getting out of bed. We really must work on this problem as this is disturbing me.  However it is time for my daily rubbing. I hate when I have to remind her. She gets so snippy with me when I gently set my paw on her arm. I mean really.....  It's not my fault that I keep my nails sharp. 

Denise is heading into that water room. I must get there before her. But wait.... there is an intruder. That crazy cat Meela. GRRRR.  I can't get her to understand that she is the servant and I am the Princess. She is running to my human and demanding to be petted. This cannot happen. I run and meow at her and swat her on the butt. She runs away and I rub all over my humans legs to get rid of the other smell.

The human gets into the water thingy. She won't let me sit on the edge and drink. *huff* I will get on the counter then.  I wait while she gets wet. Why does she take so long?  I guard her from the other peasant cats. They can't be with her! She's mine!

After she gets out she puts on her type of fur and leaves. She gives me a final pat, but doesn't do it justice. I will just wait until she gets back.

The male human gets up and runs around the house. He pays me no attention, which is a not acceptable, and I will punish him later for his mistake.

Suddenly the house is quiet and I can rest. But first I must go outside to enjoy the sunlight and air. Ahhhh. Now back in doors for a nice nap.

My Second favorite Napping spot. The Female humans warm thingy

I need to eat. Hum.... Peasant food, or Princess food?  Today I will have the peasant food. It's so yummy, nom, nom, nom.  Back to the water room for a drink out of my special cup. HEY!  What's that large orange fool doing up there?  I have to jump up and hiss at him. He looks at me and stares, but finally he leaves. He tainted my water, but I'm thirsty so I will drink it anyway.

Soon my human comes home. She comes to her room and sits. I climb up on the bed and place my paw on her arm. She rubs me again, but then walks away. She goes into the dark cave and I follow. She needs to pay attention to me. The other cats follow too. But she's mine!!!

She sits at that desk thing and starts paying attention to that. I jump up in front and rub on her face. She pushes me aside. I come back and demand to be petted. Don't you know who I am?

The male human comes home. He tries to lure me to his lap, but I remember that he doesn't give me my due in the mornings and I ignore him. He picks me up, the audacity! I pretend to like it until I find a weakness in his stance and then use my claws to let him know how displeased I am. He puts me down again.

I jump back on my humans desk and get in her face again. Finally she pays attention to me and I am happy. Now to go nap again......

It's Monday!

It's Monday and I was up before 10. I loves my sleeping in, but I really do need to start getting up so it's not so hard when I do go back to work. It was hard having Dan leave. I mean on Thursday I slept the whole day, but on Friday he stayed home and was at my beck and call. Saturday and Sunday were the same, but today he wasn't there to get me fresh water or rub my back or anything. Bummer!

Plus I need a shower. I really should have taken it yesterday as.... well.... I STINK.  I'm supposed to wait 3 days to get my incision wet, and then I can shower and I have to wait 5 days before a bath.  But I was so weak yesterday that I just couldn't do it. However I have motivation today as I sprayed myself with some body splash until Dan can get home and help me in the shower.  Pear berry and BO. What a combo. LOL. I really hope no one plans on dropping by. I'll have to make them stand outside so I don't kill them.

We found a home for Blacky yesterday. I was really happy about this. He is such a sweet cat but he's disrupted our Clowder and we needed to get the Hierarchy back in order. Two Dominate Males is more than enough. Hahaha.  KSL is really an awesome place. I was pretty sure it would take forever to get both Angel and Blacky gone. I mean I couldn't imagine anyone wanting older cats. But sure enough. Stefanie is a genius. Bless her for helping us with this. I don't know that I would have done it myself.

This morning I have been playing Desktop Defender on Facebook. I have to admit I cheated and actually payed $15.00 for coins to upgrade my stuff. After I spent it, I hung my head in shame. Technically since I'm not working or going anywhere, I have it to spend. (buying lunch at $8 - $10 a pop saves alot when you aren't working).   But what a silly thing to spend it on. Then I got to thinking..... I would probably justify that amount if I was buying the game to play.... so now I'm OK with it.

I really should have saved that money though for Christmas. I have 28 people to buy for not including Dan. Plus I want to do something really cute for my co-workers. Something to say thanks for all their help. I've got 6 out of the 28 done. (whew). but there is still more to go. Lorie's parents are pretty easy. I always get them either Red Lobster or Texas Road House Gift Certs. Basically the Koford Grand Kids are done. Except for Jordan. I can't find a fire truck or construction trucks that are w/in my budget. So I will continue looking.  Destiny and Autumn are getting Pillow Pets. They are done. I average about $20.00 per person (except Koford Grand Kids, they are only $10.00 as we usually draw names for age groups. Since I don't have any kids, I really don't have to get them gifts so I keep it simple.)

I think I want a Kindle for Christmas. I have been checking them out, but we'll have to see. I'm trying to get Dan to throw me a bone and put together a list so I can pick stuff up now. I find it's easier to buy as I go rather then try to save and buy last minute. That's where I always over spend.

I've been trying to find a diet I can get behind. When Beth picked me up from the hospital on Wednesday, she looked really good.  She said she's lost about 25 pounds. I think that is fantastic. I'm seriously wondering if I can do it. I can't do the expense right now. $40.00 a month is just more than we really have to spare. But I need to find something. Brandy if you are reading this, be prepared. We are bringing lunch to work every day. We can't afford to eat out any more. Really.  You need your house money and I need my X-mas money. Just Think, if we can go 5 whole days w/out eating out, we will save an average of $40.00. That's two of my people off my X-mas list. 8D

I was looking up 1800 calorie ADA diets. I just need someone to plan my meals. If I have a goal meal planned and have all the ingredients in the house then Dan and I can get it together. It's the deciding and such that makes us eat out.  So if anyone has some suggestions for meal planners for the above diet, let me know.

it's Saturday now it's Sunday

Hum, There must be something wrong with Blogspot and my laptop. I tried to do this entry yesterday, but all it would let me do was enter the title. I will have to make sure all my stuff is up to date on it.

Saturday was kinda boring. I played on the laptop and watched TV all day. Sometimes at the same time.

This morning I got up feeling kind of sick. I took my morning meds but didn't eat anything. After a while of playing on the Laptop while Dan slept, I was feeling more off. I went to the kitchen to make some toast. I got it in the toaster and just knew I was in trouble. I was able to stumble from the kitchen to the chair in my living room. I crashed down on it hard and just sat for a moment.

I suddenly felt very sick to my tummy and started yelling for Dan. He came running and when I told him how I felt, he got me a bowl to be sick in. I told him I thought it was because I'd taken some diabetic medicine w/out eating and that I was trying to make toast.  He went to check on it and come to find out the toaster was unplugged. He got it going, got me a cold drink of soda, and then preceded to make me a ham sandwich with tomato. It was the BEST thing I'd ever eaten. LOL

That seemed to do the trick but I still felt very very weak. Dan helped me back to our room and I layed down to rest.  About 30 minutes later I was up and playing Desktop Defender on Facebook. "curse you Andy!"

I finally decided I wanted to be with Dan, so I grabbed my soda and started down the stairs. Dan met me half way and made sure I got down OK. He refreshed my drink and made me comfy on the couch.

I had to pee, which is why this blog got posted. HAHA. I decided before going back to the TV I would see if I could blog.  So girls, forgive me for not doing a blog a day, but I tried.

Friday so far

I spent almost all day in bed yesterday. the drugs were making me sleep. It was good but then I was up all night. Which sort of sucked because I wanted to keep sleeping.

I tossed and turned because i was hot and cold and then hot again. The cats wanted to sleep with me, on me. It too was very annoying. then when Dan finally came to bed, He snored, and moved and annoyed me even more. I listened to my mp3 player and the books sort of helped, but I would only sleep for about an hour and then I'd be awake.

Right now I'm yawning up a storm, but I'm awake. LOL.

My incision hurts a little. Not bad, but sore. I bled more than I have before. It was weird to look up in the CT room and see red stuff splashed on this shield thing. i think the Dr. knew i was looking at it, because he told me I had lost some blood. I know they put a blood thinner in me, so I'm thinking that's why I bled so much.

Dan stayed home today to take care of me. So of course I've made him wait on me hand and foot.  He's been really sweet. We got a call for Blacky today, but not what we were hoping. The lady was looking for her lost cat and thought Blacky looked just like her cat. I felt bad for her. So we still have him. I hope Angel is doing well. I worry somewhat. but I have to focus on the fact that I just had too many cats. i don't want to be known as the cat hoarder lady.

Surgery Day

Yesterday I was up at 6. I was supposed to be at the hospital by 6:30, but i know from previous experience that i can show up at 7 and still be good. I got myself all prettied up, LOL and off we went. Dan dropped me off at the door and went to park the car. I checked in and for the first time ever, there was no one else in the lobby. They called me back and just as I got around the corner, Dan called my name. The poor nurse at the desk had seen me coming and then turn around and walk back out. I think she thought I was making a run for it.

Dan had bumped into a man with a puppy in his hands. It was a Yorkie/pug mix. very cute but already bigger than a normal Yorkie.  the puppy was sweet and liked my hands. Even the receptionist had to play with the puppy.

We got in the room and once again they made me pee in a cup. I do it because I must, but I have to say: "YUCK".  Those cups are not nearly big enough.

They stuck the IV in my wrist rather than my choice of my elbow. I hate it in my hand or wrist. no one seems to understand that it doesn't hurt in my elbow. Sigh

finally it was off to the CT room. I had on my blue socks that have goldfish on them.  The techs loved them.

Then it started and I got my drugs.  I am feeling really torn. I don't want to have the surgery, but I LOVE the drugs.

They didn't put in a stint, but they did scrape the leg out again. Since July, my leg had completely re-clogged. He won't do the other leg until we can determine how quickly the leg will clog again. He had a really hard time getting the vein catheter in my leg because of all the scar tissue. next step would be a bypass. :(

Beth came to get me after a very long sleep. Love those drugs.
Spent the evening chatting w/her and Stef.  Stef and Andy came over to make dinner and to put Blacky and Angel on KSL. Crazily enough, we got a hit on Angel about an hour later. She went to a good home, and I'm not sure how i feel about it. But I'm kind of glad. I hope she's really happy.

now to hope that Blacky will get a good home. Then I can feel better. It will be just the 5 again.

well that's all for now. I am going to go back to sleep. Love those drugs.......

Denise and Lorie Day

Yesterday was a Denise and Lorie day. We haven't hung out for a very long time. It was WAY overdue. I went to Lorie's house to pick her up, and we had to first take Lance to the dollar store. He had $5.00 burning a hole in his pocket.  Afterwards we dropped him back home and went to eat. I don't get to eat at El Matador very often, so I didn't even give Lorie a choice.

We enjoyed lunch and I told Lorie I was thinking we should go to the movies. She said she would rather go home and watch a movie. I told her no, because the whole point was for us to get out and do stuff. Not sit at home with the boys and just stare at the TV.

She told me that she wanted to shave her head. I mean buzz it down to nothing. Her hair has been so dyed that it's completely fried. I mean it was actually a tinge of green.   I told her I would take her to get her hair cut, but that I would not let her shave it. We went to Great Clips in Centerville, and shocked the poor hair dresser lady.

The conversation went like this:
HD: How do you want it cut?
L: Just shave it. Shave it all.
HD: What?
L: Just shave it.
D: no. don't shave it. We want it cut short. Really short. but not shaved.
L: Just shave it.
HD: What?

The Hair Dresser was in shock.  I swear she thought Lorie was gonna go all Brittney Spears on her butt.  I told the HD to just cut it really short. Like down to maybe an inch. So she did. She shaved the back to about a half inch, left the top a bit longer and left Lorie's bangs. (she's got a huge forehead, LOL)

It looks pretty good, and Lorie seems very happy with it. 

After that I decided I was taking Lorie to do something. We were not going back to her place! So we drove into Salt Lake and I took us to Color Me Mine.  It's this little ceramics shop where you can paint and they will fire the ceramics for you.

We needed drinks when we got there, so before going in to the shop, we went to Starbucks.  I hate coffee, but luckily they had bottled water.  Lorie ended up getting a coffee too.  As we were leaving Lorie said: Well Denise, we've done. We are now the ultimate Lesbian couple. I'm the butch.
I had to giggle, because over the years people have wondered if we were a couple. I guess that's what comes from being such close friends for so long.

I said that we just couldn't tell my husband or her boyfriend. It would freak them out.
We went into the store and started to look around. I was a bit disappointed in their selection. It was pretty small. So Lorie and I decided on doing plates. I have a plate holder in my living room that came with 3 Christmas plates. I liked it so much I never took it down. But everyone made fun of me for leaving Christmas up all year. Last year I found some cute fall/autumn type plates and put them up instead. But then I got to feeling sick, and never switched them out for the X-mas ones. So I have now had Fall up all year long.

Lorie working hard on her plate

Since it's heading into Fall, I will leave them up until December, but I wanted some plates I can put up for everyday.  I have some valentines ones I could throw up in February, but nothing for the Spring and Summer months.  I totally love butterfly's, so I have been thinking of finding some butterfly plates. I picked out a couple of butterfly stencils and stamps and went to town on my plate.

Lorie putting our names and the date on the back

Lorie was going to display her plate for this picture. At the last second she stuck her hand on the back where we put our names and the date. LOL

Her plate finally. It took forever to get it done. The letter shadowing was a happy mistake.

Lorie is a Denver Broncos fan. So we asked the girls at the shop if they had any Broncos stuff. She printed out a small picture of the Broncos horse logo.  Lorie then found a letters stencil and put her plate together. She claims to not be crafty, but she's got some talent.  We had so much fun. Laughing at each other and just relaxing. This place is a little on the expensive side. It is $10.00 for the studio fee. (The use of all their stuff like paint, brushes, etc.)  and the plates were $10.00.  So I pretty much paid $20.00 for my plate. On one hand I was like "Holy Shoot" that's a expensive plate. But then I think: But I got it done my way, and I did it myself, and I spent a couple of hours with my friend. It was worth it.

My plate in mid-painting

My plate finished painting. The rim was a little rugged.

Me and my finished product. I can't wait to see it glazed. The colors will be brighter then.

Our plates look really good, and I have the pictures to prove it. LOL. Lorie will have to pick them up next week because I will down for my surgery.  I cannot wait to see how cool they look fired.

We decided that this would be an awesome Girls Night activity as we can gossip and such while painting. I just have to get the girls excited.  Color Me Mine used to allow you to bring in other ceramics. They don't recommend it, but I'm hoping they still do, as I have a couple of ceramics I need to paint. I like the glossy glazed finish so much better than using acrylic and just spay finishing them.

After that I took Lorie home and we watched TV for a little while and then I came home and went to bed.
It was a Great Day!