Little Heart Desires

Life, Catching Up...

2011-11-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

I'd like to say that I have a great story to tell. But, the reality is that life has just been odd. Too busy, too slow, unfocused, too focused. And it all manages to take you on an unplanned path. Crazy, isn't it?

I last wrote almost a year ago. I think I will go backwards on the highlights. I will start with the last couple of months. One thing has dominated this time frame and it is that I was diagnosed with diabetes. Fun little ailment that diabetes is. I have had to re-learn how to eat food. I guess that I took for granted the ability to shove food in my mouth and not really care in what combination it went down the hatch. After a VERY stressing year of working through a workplace remodel, my lack of attention to my nutrition caught up with me. I was talking with another coworker and as we discussed how I had been feeling lately, she asked if she could check my blood glucose. I think we both sensed that the symptoms I had been having could somehow be related to diabetes. She took a small sample of my blood. No big deal, right? My sugar was so high that there wasn't a numerical reading. Being oblivious to what that meant probably kept me from losing my mind over it. My dear friend grabbed my hands and sternly, yet sincerely begged me to stop at that urgent care on the way home from work. You know...just to get that possible bladder infection checked out. Oh, and maybe mention that I might be diabetic. She didn't want to alarm me.

I walked into urgent care thinking that first and foremost, I had a bladder infection. I had lost 20 lbs in about a month which I attributed to my recent desire to eat less. YAY...it was working, or so I thought. I had also increased my water intake. Not a big deal since I have always made myself stay hydrated with water. So, silly ol' me walks into urgent care and tells them my symptoms. I also toss in that I think I might be diabetic. Luckily, there wasn't a long wait. They called me back and took my initial vitals. They escorted me to a room where a very nice nurse came in and asked me to give a urine sample. Sure, no problem. I disappeared to the restroom and returned quickly with the specimen. She then said she was going to check my blood. Great! She got the same reading my friend did...The nurse politely stepped out of the room, closed the door, and I overheard her say, "I need the doctor, STAT!"

I was sent to another room where they promptly hooked me up to i.v. fluids. The faces on the employees let me know that I was a wee bit sicker than I could have imagined. I was trying to be my usual joking self, but I was scared. Really scared. I hate being ill-informed. Anyone that knows me can attest to how much I hate not knowing the whole story. So, I sat there...alone...not sure of what was really going on. The only relief I had was that the so-called bladder infection sensation was disappearing quickly. AWESOME! The staff kept coming in to check on me. Oh, and there was the first shot of insulin. And then the young nurse who would not make a very good poker player. She kept looking at me like I was dying. I didn't know much about diabetes, but I was beginning to understand the seriousness just by the facial expressions. They tested me again, and gave me more fluids and more insulin. And after nearly 3 hours of sitting there, taking in fluids & getting shots, they got my BG "down" to the high 400's. And when all was said and done, I was told that I probably was in the 600-700 range when I walked in. And they finally let on that I could have/should have been in a coma.

COMA...wow. And here I was just trying to get through my extremely hectic days at work. Yes, so what that we were going to have a grand re-opening of our station in 2 days. I was now out of commission. Won't be going to work. Won't be doing anything until things normal up. Hmmm, how could this of happened? I think the worst part was walking out of urgent care with very little information. I was basically told to avoid carbs. They didn't tell me how to do it either. Just avoid carbs. Okay, so is that like not have any? I'm confused. Then the urgent care doctor told me to stay away from fruit, especially grapes. Hmmm, okay. Heavy sigh. Then he says to eat lots of veggies. Okay, but I'm still not sure I understand. Like "no carbs"...at all? Can you give me a number. Something...anything...to work with? And then he was totally vague and said for me to follow-up with my personal doctor after I go to the lab in the morning to get more blood work done. And off he went...I was released.

I walked to the car in a daze carrying a new blood glucose meter and a few medications. I'm still surprised that they sent me home. Gosh, I can only imagine what will happen in the future if Obamacare takes hold. The medical services are probably going to diminish from there which just makes me super nervous. Anyhow, funny thing about leaving urgent care out of the side door because they are now closed AND after taking two bags if i.v. fluids. It is something that you don't realize until you are outside in a dark parking lot and the chill of the air hits ya. Yep, the bladder is full. WAAAAAAY too full. Suddenly, I went from being overwhelmed with my new condition, to scrambling for car keys to try to make it to the nearest fast food joint to utilize a restroom. Holy cow! All I can say, that I'm willing to admit to, is that I was grateful for the oversized beach towel in my car. I didn't even make it through the first signal light to get to the restaurant. It wasn't alot. But, it was just enough for me to do the walk of shame to my front door. Poor old bladder. I don't blame you. You have had a helluva workout lately. And, I was never so happy to be home.

So, after a long weekend of waiting until I could see my own doctor, many Internet searches, contacting a cousin who also has diabetes, I finally got some answers. Not all of the info that I required, but enough to put my mind at ease. Turns out, I was probably doomed for diabetes based on genetics. My lifestyle hasn't helped either. I have implemented some changes with many more still to do. The medication and my mindful ways of eating, such as pairing carbs with protein so that my body can process the sugar is helping. Three weeks to the day of getting diagnosed, my BG was down to 95. I did a victory dance. Nutrition classes are helpful. For me, they were a refresher on many things I already knew. But, I picked up some fantastic things that I didn't know too. I think the biggest lesson I learned is that I don't have to eat sugar-free foods. I can eat normal food. I just watch the fat and carb intake. I still will indulge in a piece of chocolate. I eat it with a small handful of almonds. The funny thing is that I find myself eating more food than before. It is different food, but there are days when I can't get all of the veggies, fruits, and healthy stuff in me. I get tired of eating. Never though I would say that...

I am having vision issues related to diabetes which have concerned me. But, I will have to write about that next time. I think it is time for me to eat...AGAIN! :-)So, there ya have it. So far...

What A Year!

2010-11-29T17:40:00.000-08:00

Soooo, just sittin' here watching more tv. BLECK. Oh wait, Cash Cab is on. Not so BLECK!!

I have been off of work yet again, due to an injury. WHAT THE HECK! This time, I sprained an ankle. But, like most things I do, I threw my whole self into it...and it shows! It has been eleven days and although the swelling has gone down dramatically, the pain has increased. It feels like I tore something which of course won't show up in an X-ray. So, here I sit, waiting for enough time to pass before they feel an MRI is in order. I just know that I will end up needing one. Can we do it now and get it over with???

So that is what it used to look like...and here is where we are as of today:

Sexy, right??? Actually, it looks so much better. Just the ugly shades of bruising up my leg and down my foot. It was feeling better until I went to the doctor today. I know that he had to examine it, but he put too much pressure on it. Instead of having the intermittent burning sensation, I am now sporting it all the time. YAY! As a funny side note, on the way to the appointment, I was trying to think of how to describe the pain that I am feeling and the best description I had was an Indian burn...you know, the ones like my brother and I would lovingly give each other as kids? Um yeah, so I thought "that's it". I will tell him that. Except today I got a different doctor. And guess what? He was Indian...as in from India. I could not bring myself to say it. But I laughed, on the inside, because it was funny and so typical of my luck!

Although the year isn't quite over, I am ready for it to be. Between the industrial accident induced asthma, the sinus surgery I had in May, the Plantar Fasciitis I started experiencing this summer, and then the crazy ankle incident, I am done. I am ready for this year to be over. Let's move on to healthier times already!!!

Nothing Really To Say...

2010-10-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

...and only about a million ways to say it!

I was just browsing around on Facebook and then I clicked on my own link to my blog. I kind of miss visiting my blog and sharing my views with the world. Not that the world really cares. I guess it is more therapy for me more than anything else. I like having a chance to rant or write and no one in particular to read it.

Today was gloomy, gray, and drizzly. AND I LOVED IT! I got up with the intention of walking one of my dogs. Instead, I grabbed the fluffy blanket from my bed and parked myself on the couch. That led to a day filled with naps. First, I had some cereal...then I slept. Then, I awoke to a hungry tummy. Hmmm, a bbq pulled pork sandwich and a sliced green apple sounded delish. Yep, I scarfed that down and turned on a football game. With McKenna curled on my belly on top of the fluffy blanket, we soon were both asleep. I think I came to only a few times as I shifted positions. I usually enjoy watching football on Sundays. Today though, I enjoyed my eyelids more. I woke up again around 2pm, after dreaming about some lemon pepper wings from Wing Stop. Yes, I literally was dreaming about having some. I still might grab them for dinner. Ohhhh YUM! Anyhow, I got up and made Mexican style (instant of course- 'cause I'm having a lazy day) hot chocolate with whipped cream and then a huge bowl of popcorn. I ate every last kernel. It wasn't yummy wings. But, it tasted rather good.

I keep looking outside as I sit in my workout attire I donned first thing this morning. I adore this kind of weather and I REALLY need to go for a walk at the very least, but I am so enjoying my lazy day. I only wish I had someone of the male persuasion to share in this perfect cuddle time type of weather. Most days, I'm perfectly content being single/alone. Days like today make me miss that kind of company. Oh well...My McKenna, all 8 lbs. of her, will have to do. Hey, at least she is always happy to see me! Especially, if I have our favorite fluffy blanket.

Heavy sigh! I really need to get my uniforms and work boots in my car for tomorrow. I truly don't want to be bothered. Aw heck, I will do it anyhow.

And then...maybe I will go get some silly lemon pepper wings?

Sinus Surgery...COMPLETE

2010-05-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

WOW! So, yep...I survived sinus surgery. When I consciously made the decision to give it a go, I guess I figured I would just get through it one way or another. I didn't read too much about it. I scheduled the appointment instead. When people would tell me how they knew someone who had it done & it didn't work, I focused on the success stories that I also heard. And up until this morning at 1130 hrs., I knew I had done the right thing. That is until...

THE PACKING WAS REMOVED FROM MY NOSE!

I can only describe it as the sensation that one's brain, ears, and teeth are being ripped through the sinus cavity deep within one's head and out through their nose. The packing/sponges that have so quickly grown attached to the interior of one's head as the flesh heals, are now using every tentacle to remain secured. And as if that isn't enough, the sound...the feeling...of suction and a vacuum effect as these items are removed will leave me with nightmares for the rest of my life. I may be exaggerating slightly about the nightmares, but GOOD GAWD ALMIGHTY, what was that?!?!

I had my surgery done on May 20th. After a couple healthy vomiting sessions in post-op, mostly blood and lots of it and enough to make them quickly grasp the curtain so others didn't have to watch the free show (or to prevent a domino effect of yaking), I was groggy and ready to go home. I live less than a block away from the hospital and yet, I walked in, felt nauseous again, and promptly vomited once more in the comfort of my my own restroom. I cannot stress how important a clean toilet is after surgery of any sort! Anesthesia always is tough on me and this was no different. I sat in my mom's recliner with an ice visor over my forehead, for the rest of the afternoon. Sleep for the next few days was spotty at best and yet, I felt okay. I endured the pain of it all without taking any of the medications for the first two days. I was mostly concerned with avoiding anymore purging through my mouth since the entire nose area was closed off. There was lost of blood draining into my throat, but as the days have progressed, the ratio of blood to mucous has transitioned into a more manageable side effect. Finally, on Saturday, two days after surgery, I took some Tylenol to help ease the headache and general lousy feeling. It helped.

The minutes dragged...literally dragged! Never since I was a kid waiting for summer vacation to start, have I felt so aware of time and its lack of movement. For the last 20 yrs of my life, I have spent every minute trying to stay on top of all things important and yet keep the balance between the fun things too. AND ALWAYS, the clock gets the best of me, kicking me in the backside as if its ultimate goal was to win the race every single time...until this week. I recall dozing off and coming to several times within a minute and wondering what was wrong with the clock. I even got up to check to see if it was still functioning, which says a whole bunch considering the uncomfy state of being I was in. And during this obvious manipulation of time, I was unable to take advantage of my new found slowing of the Earth's rotation. Dammit...just my luck.

So, here I sit, six days after surgery...extremely upset that I could handle 2 days after surgery without pain medication and the other days only on Tylenol. But, be brought to tears (with a few cuss words thown in...the doctor said he has heard worse!) instantly when the packing was removed. I compared it to childbearing. People just don't tell you about the hideous part. And for this surgery, the hideous part was that removal, without the option of ANY drugs/epidural. And though my doctor was right when he said I would feel so much better after they got that stuff out, I'm still kinda ticked off that there wasn't more of warning of how yucky it would be. At least with childbirth, you usually get a screaming/needy being to take home as a parting gift. For me, I get the prospect of less sinus infections with no guarantee that it will actually work. Oh well, after living on antibiotics for all these years, and even after the HELLISH sensation, I'm glad...at this very moment...that I did it. I have one more week of recovery time which seemed meaningless by dinnertime tonight. I was back to drinking (ooooh, how the slightest sips were making me choke before) and tasting and having an appetite. I even got dressed to go to Pasadena for a transfer party for co-workers. I felt pretty damn good, I must say. And then, without any warning...I was exhausted. So off the clothes went, and back into my lounge wear I flew. I settled on a dish of ice cream and being semi-reclined. Glad I didn't make the drive after all. I would have been completely wiped out. Gotta pace myself. There is a reason for the recommended 2 weeks off of work.

Oh, and ah..."I pity da fool" who ever tries to break my nose. I do not want to EVER deal with it again like this in any capacity...so, just throwing that warning out there. I may go down, but not without a HUGE fight! As far as I'm concerned, my nose gets a crown and shall be protected like royalty...no matter how crooked it really is! And there will be no elective body modification surgeries for this girl either. I suddenly think I look just good enough. Or good enough until they come out with the meds that carry one through the ENTIRE process!

So, let's see what happens...Hopefully, less in the way of infections and more in the way of enjoying life again!

Time, time, time...see what's become of me...

2010-05-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know how time gets so far away from me. I try to divide my time evenly amongst so many projects, and yet, only one or two manage to get done.

Soooo, since the last time I wrote, I have transferred to a new unit of assignment. I am happily now working at Altadena. I am tasked with trying to keep our fleet of vehicles moving, inventory EVERYTHING, ordering supplies, and pretty much anything else that can be delegated my way.

I have been to Stagecoach in Indio and to a fantastic scrapbook weekend in Escondido.

I haven't answered about a million emails. I have not returned phone calls to people I probably should call.

But, I have kept my head above water, turned in projects close to on-time, and am finally feeling like I'm more on a ride along than at work. And that is such a great feeling.

My next update will probably come at the end of the month after I have sinus surgery. OUCH!

Scrapbooking Layout Kits

2010-02-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

In the 7 or so years that I have been dabbling in scrapbooking, I rarely would buy scrapbook kits, layout kits, mini album kits, or even card kits. For some crazy reason, I thought that it was somehow cheating if I didn't create it all myself. Which got me to thinking about other things in life...

I seem to have no problem using a fully cooked rotisserie chicken to make my "homemade" chicken salad. For Thanksgiving this last year, I bought (GASP) a precooked smoked turkey breast (not even a whole bird) from the local butcher shop...EGADS. And don't get me started on something so silly as cake mixes. So why does it bother me so much to use prepared kits for scrapping?

Needless to say, I am over my need to create from scratch everything I put in my books. I can put my own twists on things just as I do with my chicken salad and still call it my own. Aren't my pictures what make it unique anyhow? I think so!

And with that, I bring the latest releases from my favorite preparers of all things scrappy:

Isn't that just the cutest layout? I love that it doesn't stick solely to the traditional colors for snow pictures. This layout kit will take any pictures and make them POP!

And this St. Patrick's Day card kit is just perfect...almost too perfect to send. Yep, I already bought this kit, but I am not sure if I know anyone that will appreciate it nearly as much as I do. I may just make it and set it out in my house. HEHEHEHEHE...

Please check out the Die Cut Divas on Facebook with the link at the very bottom of my page and add yourself as a friend. Tell them Donna sent ya. OR, click here to see the very latest: http://diecutdivasonthego.blogspot.com/

~ENJOY!

***UPDATE***

I stand corrected. Those kits, though still available, came out last week. There are 2 new kits (the latest 2 page scrapbook layout and card kits) if you go to their blog! The 2 page layout is titled "Family" and the card is "Thinking of You". Unbelievably AWESOME! So gooooo...check them out and order so you can have some fantastic layouts!!!

Die Cut Divas!

2010-02-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

For all of my scrappy friends, please check out the Die Cut Divas' AWESOME scrapbook kits! Every month they offer new kits and their work is simply amazing. Comprised of some of the most talented women in the industry, I guarantee that you will enjoy the simplicity of assembly and the polished finished product.

Also, be sure to sign up for their e-mail list so you can be first to learn of their new releases! Oh wait...maybe I shouldn't say that? If they become too popular, then I might not be able to get my own kits?!?!? Aw heck...do it. We can all scramble to place our orders and hope for the best.

I'm not a kit kind of girl, but I have learned to love them for a last minute crop or for those fun-filled scrapbook retreats. They pack easily and all I need is my basic tools to complete them. It gives me the freedom of being able to grab and go...I get the joy of hanging out with the girls, without the stress of packing my car with everything I "might" need (and rarely use!).

You will LOVE them as I do. I promise. And I don't promise things lightly!!! :-)

http://diecutdivasonthego.blogspot.com/

New Toys

2010-01-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

So, Christmas isn't what it used to be. I typically spend the holiday alone (with my two loving pooches) and not surrounded by family. We no longer set-up a tree...for a couple of reasons. I get sinus infections easily around the yummy smell of a fresh tree in the house. Getting the artificial one out of the attic proves to be more than challenging. Oh, and then there is the fact that the responsibility to decorate and take it down falls completely on me. It has become a huge chore and quite honestly, my dogs don't care if I do all of that extra work. Once I buy my own house (hopefully this year), I will finally be able to enjoy doing it and not have someone hounding me about when am I going to get everything back in the attic.

The good in all of this kind of depressing holiday stuff is that I now get to buy myself the gifts I really want...You know, the big ticket items. I can pay cash and it doesn't negatively impact my credit like my irresponsible spending habits of my youth. On this year's list were two major purchases. The best part is that they weren't really on any list. They were splurges. They just happened. I made a decision, kind of last-minute, and went with it. Talk about an impulse shopper!

The first was a new cell phone. I allowed myself to get the latest, top-of,the-line, all-the-rage, cell phone! I have never done that. I grabbed myself a Droid at the beginning of November. I didn't wait to hear if it was going to have technological "issues". I just did it. I got the accessories. I got the Jawbone headset. I didn't bat an eye. It felt good. Now, if I could just master all of the things it can do ~ I would feel better. I have used the maps application to navigate me to a destination when I left my Garmin at home. It worked great! I can get on Facebook directly which helps me kill my "extra" time during any given day. I don't think it will help me manage my time more efficiently. But, it is fun.

The second toy I indulged in was a Cricut Expression. I originally attempted to buy a bundle on ebay. The auction wasn't going well. My gut feeling was telling me that I should back out of it. As it approached the 4 week mark, and I still didn't have my machine, I contacted the seller expressing my concerns. After accusing me of attacking his character (I only stated the facts of how the auction had progressed), he canceled the sale. I was sad...I was really sad...and then happy that he made the decision and I didn't have to ask for it. I had literally bought about 20 cartridges for the soon-to-arrive baby. And then nothing. But this, like many other things in life, falls into the "it happens for a reason" category. My dear friend Trish has the most savvy husband. Gilbert told me that he saw some sort of preview of the Black Friday specials for 2009. He was rather certain that he saw that Walmart was going to have them for $188. WHAT??? A bargain price?? That had Donna ALL over it. And when the advertisement finally was released I was even happier to see that they would have a choice of different colors. I opted for the black since all of my scrapbook bags are black, even though my favorite color is red. I saw on their website that it would be available online, but nowhere could I find a time. So, even though it was a work night (much like a school night), I set my alarm for 9 pm (I get up super early for work). It went off. I logged on. And nothing. I was guessing that maybe it would start at midnight East coast time. WRONG. So I set my alarm for midnight here thinking that it would somehow coincide with Pacific Standard Time. NOPE...Grrrrr... My final attempt was set for 2am since their ad in-store began at 5am. I logged on and VOILA!!! There she was. I rapidly went through the motions and checked out. I was in shock. I knew that I wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell if I went in person. This HAD to work. So, still in denial I completed the check out. I just knew that I would later get an email stating how I wasn't getting my machine. Just call me cynical! And, I'm super happy to report...I was wrong. I received my machine at the beginning of December. And although I felt like I went through so much just to get my bargain machine, I still haven't used it. I have come close, real close. But, I think I will finally get to play with it in the middle of January when I go for my scrapbooking weekend.

Soooo, yes, my holidays aren't as much fun as they used to be. I'd adore watching my little kids tear through their gifts that Santa brought. But, that isn't part of the plan for me. So now I make my own Christmas memories, with my critters and the toys I buy for myself.

Merry Christmas to me!

My Review of Merrell San Remo Sandals - Women's

2009-11-20T07:47:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at REI

The Merrell San Remo sandals feature beautiful, crisscross leather straps and supportive, board-lasted construction to bring you style and comfort for fun in the sun.

Great Sandal!

By Camper-Girl, latest in super heroes from Covina, CA on 11/20/2009

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels true to width

Pros: Breathable, Durable, Comfortable

Best Uses: Barbecues, Walking, Everyday, Beach, Travel

Describe Yourself: Conservative, Casual

I purchased these sandals before a trip to San Francisco 1 1/2 yrs ago. Just prior to that trip, I was on Catalina Island enjoying the day at Pebbly Beach. It was a more than a little bit rocky, and since I had no alternative, I wore my brand new (argh) sandals into the water. They held up surprisingly well though not intended for that type of use. I gave them a good rinse that night and let them air dry. I then took them to S.F., and walked EVERYWHERE in them. They were so comfortable that at times I would forget that I had shoes on at all. Actually, I felt like it was better than being barefoot because I had some arch support which kept my back and feet very content!

I was so impressed that when I returned home, I ordered them in a brown. I highly recommend these sandals, especially for traveling. They adapt well to many situations, pack easily enough, and you never have to worry about sore feet for those walking adventures.

Love my Merrells!

(legalese)

My Review of Born Blanche Leather Loafers (For Women)

2009-11-08T10:40:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at Sierra Trading Post

Closeouts . A braided instep strap is the star of Born's heeled leather Blanche loafers with adjustable leather buckles. Cushioned insole and raised arch Leather lining Rubber outsole Heel: 1-¾” Closeouts . China. Width: M (medium)

Cute shoes, Buckle area painful

By Camper Girl- the latest in super heroes! from Covina, CA on 11/8/2009

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels true to width

Pros: Classic, Attractive Design, Flattering

Cons: Poor design

Describe Yourself: Career, Comfort-oriented, Practical, Classic

Shoes get stars based on appearance only. The poor design creates too much bulk where buckle nears foot. I REALLY tried to give them a shot. I even loosened the buckle thinking that maybe they were too tight across the widest part of my foot. Nope. It seems that there is too much stitching or leather that comes together right at the point of the buckle. I loved the look of these shoes though and if you are considering them and are willing to pay the return shipping, give them a try. They are cute. Just didn't work for my otherwise easy-to-fit size 8 foot!

(legalese)

Heavy Sigh...

2009-09-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I haven't written in SOOSOO long. What is wrong with me? Oh wait...do not answer that. We could be here indefinitely!

I have so many loose ends that really need tending to. I did take care of two things today that I was dreading. One had to do with contacting my union to address my recent work evaluation. Bleck. Apparently, I have gone from being "outstanding", bypassed "very good", and swiftly landed at "competent". The best part is that there was absolutely no justification for the much lower rating. The body of the evaluation reads much like my 2 previous outstanding ones. Hmmmm...?!?! I also sent an email to my attorney who is handling my worker's comp case. To say that I am thoroughly confused by the paperwork that I got regarding how I will be paid from here on out is a major understatement. Hopefully, my attorney will get it all sorted out and be able to 'splain it to me. I cannot wait to return to my regular existence which will now involve daily medication and inhalers. I have so much more to say, but since it falls under the griping category, I will hold off until I need to blow off steam one of these days.

Wow...I need to log on to my distance education statistics class. I need to put in 5 hours before tomorrow morning. I got 3 weeks ahead during the first week that I had to slack off for a bit. Now, I have to remind myself to spend more time on the site. Even so, I have 2 weeks until my next lessons are due. I'm grateful that I am grasping the concepts quickly, but it kinda works against me because of the time I need to put in "killing time" doing a bunch of nothing. I just hope that I continue to do well and I don't hit a wall somewhere along the way.

My last heavy sigh is that I can feel my job promotion slipping away...all because I helped out at a train wreck and got sick as a result. It makes me question the bigger plan for me. I want to say why me? And yet, I feel so blessed that I wasn't on the train. But the fallout is making me feel such animosity and I can't even determine who is to blame. I throw my hands up in the air and pray and just hope for the best. Some days I want to cry and other days I feel like I want to fight back. But most days, I just give a heavy sigh and try to go about my normal business and get through it all.

Simply Red

2009-08-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

I love the color red. I don't mean that I like it. I. LOVE. RED!

My first car was red. If I ever own my own home, I will be fighting the urge to have red in every single room. When I shop for clothes, I swerve each time to the red option. My most recent hair color...guess...go ahead...YEP, I have gone red. Or at least, a very reddish-brown.

Don't get me wrong. I like the other colors. I think the world would be a hideous place without them. But, I think they were placed here just to highlight the reds in the world.

I recently was surfing some artsy craftsy website which sparked this rant. The picture that got me to thinking about my love affair with red was the cutest 20-something girl in a rather simple photograph, sporting red nail polish and really red lip color. And that is when I decided this:

I will paint my fingers and toes my favorite color. I may even wear that color lipstick even though all the experts say that someone my age should NEVER sport such a hue. I won't even care if it seeps into the fine wrinkles that now line my lips. I won't care about the people who think red is the color prostitutes sport or the negative connotation of a "red light district".

I LOVE MY RED...it is as simple as that!

Gripers Anonymous

2009-08-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

I'm a griper...kinda always been a griper. I don't mean in the "I'm a totally negative person, all the time" way. I just complain. I mostly complain about things which I think can change. Like at work for instance, I try to address problems that can be corrected and leave the things that don't have potential for change alone. I complain about my parents...They both overly use sayings such as "the thing about it is..." or "anyways"-which isn't even a word. I like to think that I come by it honestly.

The best part is that I realize what it is like to be on the receiving end of it. On a trip with my now deceased paternal grandmother, Juanita, I pulled over to the side of the road in Texas where the only thing I could find was a puddle of mud in the desert dirt. I told her to get out of the car. She looked at me SHOCKED. I said, "Go on...get out of the car and into the mud!" She looked outside and back at me and we both started laughing. I figured I'd truly give her something about which to complain! I told her I was tired of her seeing only the negative in things. Don't get me wrong, my grandma was tons of fun even well into her 70's. But her way of relating to others was often through negativity. She had complained so much on the trip that I had my fill. If the sky was blue, but had one white cloud...she griped. If the little hole in the wall restaurant we stopped at, literally in the middle of nowhere, had chili not as good as the last time she had some, she had something to say about that. I put my foot down, and told her to stop it. We were on a vacation and dammit, we were supposed to be having FUN!

So why do I do it? Why does anyone do it? Some people vent, and then move on. Some people continually harp on the same ol' problem even though it will never change. Some people gripe instead of focusing on what they could do to make it better.

I do try to focus on the positive...I really do. Sometimes though, we get caught in a routine and surround ourselves with people who feed off of that same stuff. Sometimes our lives are just chocked full of crap that it is hard not to take notice. And sometimes, we realize that we come from a long line of gripers, whiners, complainers, and we just don't know how to make it better. Whatever the reason, I go through stages where I am so good at seeing every glass as half full. And there are times like right now, where I am doing well just to see the glass is half...neither full nor empty. What changes it for me, no matter how much crap I am dealt in my silly life, is my own attitude. I have the power to let things bother me. I have the power in whether I share the negative side of life. AND, I have the control to put the positive spin on things too. So that is what I'm going to keep trying to do. Otherwise, life will keep driving me up to my own puddle of mud.

BTW, one of my grandmother's favorite stories was about how I told her to get out in the mud puddle in Texas. She never looked at it as something mean I was trying to do to her. She saw the humor in it. But, I bet as she relayed the story to her friends and family upon our return, she thought, "...and you think your granddaughter is bad?" Something else she could laughingly complain about.

Hmm, this must also be where I get my warped sense of humor? A funny rant for another day!

One More Thing...Or Is It Two?

2009-08-07T21:25:00.001-07:00

I read somewhere that how we place things in our homes dictates how things will flow in and out of our lives. Was it something about Feng Shui? I dunno...probably.

As I sit in my tiny bedroom, reading a friend's blog (everydayheartbeats.com), I remembered about "my two hearts". I bought them in San Francisco last summer at a store called Timeless Treasures. They are heavy, made of stone, and I just fell in love with them. As a strange bonus for me, Miss Frugal, they were all the way in the back of the store on some discount rack. I brought them home and have had each one sitting separately on top of a pile of scrappy books. One on the delivered monthly Scrapbook Trends and one on the stack of Cards publications.

I read on Chris' blog how she almost lost her son last year and of course, weepy willow eyes Donna cries. How scared she must have been. I can only begin to imagine. So I keep reading her posts and seeing her red glass heart (BTW, Chris...so jealous...I loves me the red color!) "posing" with many different people and things in so many ways. She talks about how much she loves hearts and right about then, it happens. KABOOM...

My brain pictures my two hearts and how they have spent the last year apart and the symbolism that could represent and how Feng Shui or whatever says we need to place certain things in our homes in special ways...

So here are my two hearts now...TOGETHER. Maybe this will help me in my own life? Or, maybe not. Either way, it really can't hurt to keep them together!

Respect The Blade...

2009-08-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

I got the bug this morning to cook dinner for the familia. I'm a baker, so wanting to cook anything but goodies is a huge deal for me. I started out making a basic broccoli salad. I blanched the florettes (boiling water, 1-2 mins max) and then put them in their chilly ice bath. I fried up some maple bacon (Costco~ of course) and then chopped it up. I chopped some sweet onion and then went looking for tomatoes. WE HAD NONE. What??? We always have tomatoes...'cept today! So, into the fridge my partially made broc salad went. Tomorrow, I will pick up some tomatoes, chop them up, and had mayo so that can be had with dinner. It is such a basic salad and yet so good. That recipe came courtesy of my childhood friend, Lisa...well, really it was her mom. But, had we not been friends, it would not still be a staple in our house.

So my next dish was just your average comfort food. I roughly chopped carrots and quartered potatoes and onions and tossed them into a roasting pan with olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper. I then placed four boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top. The chicken had salt, pepper, and thyme sprinkled on top. Into the oven that went and part way through, I drizzled a little bit of melted butter on the chicken. It wasn't too shabby paired with a quickie mandarin orange and pineapple salad. TA-DA...dinner is served!!! Not very fancy, but roasted chicken and veggies, and the complimentary fruit kept my tummy content.

I think the whole reason I even felt like doing anything is because today we had a DRAMATIC cool down in our weather. My windchimes were a'singing. The birds were a' singing. Heck, I would have been singing too if no one was around. I love when the weather feels like fall. I know it will probably only last a day or so before we return to 100 degree weather. I won't complain...I will just try to enjoy.

Oh, and I feel obligated to share my latest review of a product. Yes, this one is another infomercial type gadget. It is the Titan Peeler. My mom apparently tried it out last night, and though I warned her repeatedly about being careful BECAUSE IT IS SOOOO SHARP, she managed to take a chunk out of her pointer finger while peeling potatoes. She tells me this morning all about her adventure and readily admitted that it peels well and is sharp like everything that I had read stated. I, being the sarcastic/obnoxious know-it-all daughter, immediately wondered how she could have possibly sliced a chunk out of her finger...BECAUSE I WARNED HER! So, Miss Know-It-All grabbed the new toy and used it for the potatoes in tonight's roasted chicken dish. I think I made it to potato number four before it happened...YUP, I ran that serrated edged blade across the palm of my left hand leaving a 3/4 inch long by 1/4 inch wide ladder pattern. The best part is that I had no idea...until I started cutting the onions. A lil' onion juice hit that slight wound and made me almost see stars. I only mention this because I care and want anyone considering a purchase of the Titan Peeler to be fully aware. Oh, and because my hand still stings and throbs six hours after the blade incident. That said, I did peel some carrots for my test peel yesterday morning and I didn't cut any body parts. So, moral of this product is to only use it on long items that you can hold at one end and safely peel away without nearing any fleshy human parts. I'm thinking carrots, or julienned squash and such. And as far as the review, I liked both the peeler and the julienne tool, but the mandoline accessory just didn't work well on carrots. I may try it on something else in the future, but I wouldn't go buying the tool just for this purpose. I may have to stick to the America's Test Kitchen recommended tools. They seem to get it right every single time. No sense cluttering up my cabinets with unnecessary items!

And one final thought...when reaching for the plastic wrap, always be cautious. My hand was still throbbing as I grabbed for the wrap to place over some pudding I was prepping to store in the fridge. Did you know that it has a fully exposed, serrated blade too? I'm just saying...

My Boring Life...HAHAHA

2009-07-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

I really have next to nothing about which to rant these days. I keep hoping something fun & exciting will come my way. But, alas...nada!

I did have to laugh the other day when my friend, Donna, relayed a story about a trip to Knott's Berry Farm she made. She said that she decided to ride a rollercoaster that is known for being fast. We both agreed that it seems to scramble your brain, and I normally like fast rides. I end up with whiplash after riding it, so now I just avoid it altogether. Anyhow, she decided to get on it. And about halfway through the ride, she hears the man behind her yell out, "WHAT THE HELL?!?!?!" She said she was able to turn her head just far enough to see that the cute hairpiece that was previously attached to her head, was now spread across his face! She said that they take two photos during the ride and upon exiting, you get to view them. Her pictures showed two different hair-dos. The first had her hair nicely styled and the second showed her rollercoaster induced, messy look. I laughed so hard at that story. The more I tried to control the laughter, the closer to tears I was. Thanks for that story, Donna!!!

I have managed to attend a few small concerts at the OC Fair. I have seen Heart, Duran Duran,and The B-52s. It was so nice to get out, if onky for an evening or three. Hanging out with Rebecca, Sherry, and Donna was just what I needed.

I also squeezed in a very short trip out of state over one weekend. Just when I thought I was back to normal breathing operations, that quick trip proved that I will probably never be back to what was my old normal state of being. My inhaler and I were very close friends. That said, it was good for my mental health to get out of the house. I am trying to figure out how I can gracefully ask for some time off when I return to work after being off of work so long. I know it doesn't make sense, but I haven't been able to go too many places while off of work. I need to travel like I used to...no really, I NEED IT!

Well, it is dinner time, then off to yoga. I guess I better get cracking on more of my boring life...HA!

One Month

2009-07-07T04:54:00.000-07:00

Wow! Where have I been? Has it really been a full month since I last had anything silly to say? Naw, I have just been lazy...I always have something to say.

It is almost 0500 and I have been awake for 2 1/2 hours. Scary, huh? I had a nap that started at 2300 and ended abruptly. Don't really know why. Guess I have a lot on my mind. My allergies were also acting up horribly, so that added to my insomnia.

I love this time of morning before the world wakes up. It is quiet and cool outside and all I hear are cars and those (damn Metrolink-lmao) trains occasionally. Many people scurrying off to work. That will be me again, soon enough.

I have a return to work date of August 1. I also may have a new job waiting for me when I go. Can't get a definite answer, but it would be nice to promote and learn something new. Fingers are crossed. Lord knows I worked hard to get through the process and I even rallied the troops when we originally got disqualified. They may have hired others before me, but I bet none of them worked as hard gathering information and contacting people just for the opportunity to test for the job. Fingers are SO VERY crossed.

My crazy dogs are peacefully sleeping right now. Sierra endured another year of terrifying fireworks. I slept three nights with her in the living room just to keep her sanity and prevent the French doors from being clawed. I feel so bad that the doggie Prozac seems to have no effect on her. Next year we may have to opt for tranquilizers. The anxiety is really tough on her. McKenna on the other hand didn't even notice, or if she did, she probably thought there was a party every night being held in her honor. She is just so funny like that.

I have been busy the last few days trying to help dad organize some things for an "injured veterans day out" BBQ. He is on the outside loop of the communication. So tough to ask people for help and have it be so very last minute. BUT, that is how men organize things. If it were me, I would have lists and have specific duties assigned so that everyone knew their responsibilities. There definitely wouldn't be this feeling of not knowing what was going on the day before the event. I just hope it turns out well for the honorable veterans! I got his truck washed and fueled. I also got his Camry gassed up too. That should help him even though he probably won't notice. LOL...

I think I should try to nap before the family wakes up. I have a yoga class tonight that I cannot miss, sleepy or not. My 3 1/2 hour nap last night isn't going to hold me 'til then. And I really need to go for a walk today. Heavy sigh...why does insomnia hit when I can't be lazy and catch up on that missed shut eye????? I'm so tired that I have been watching tv in Spanish for the past hour...I just now realized it. Either my second language skills are improving or I am BEAT. I'm gonna go with the latter.

Hope everyone has a restful, peaceful day! And hopefully, I will have something more exciting about which to write before the next month passes!

Sweet Angel Poopy Paws, aka McKenna

2009-06-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

I have an angel sent directly from Heaven above. Okay, so it was kind of a bumpy road to finding her (or her finding me...), but in retrospect, I know it was part of some larger plan. I looked at many dogs, some in person (heartbreaking for me to walk away) and literally hundreds online. And then Sookie...renamed McKenna, found me. I even waited a couple of days before going to see her. OMGosh, when I think of how someone else could have snagged her before I got there, it makes me nauseous. She was destined (doomed?) to live with me.

And so the story started over 6 months ago. If anyone would have told me then how much I would come to love this blond mongrel, I would have told them they were crazy! I had my Minna put to sleep just a month and a half BM (before McKenna). I knew I would wallow in sadness if I didn't get another little dog. On top of all that, I was off of work injured...Nothing worse being at home than being at home missing your "baby". And so it came to be that McKenna needed a home and I needed something little to love and cuddle. A perfect match...

Fast forward to this week. I was driving home from an errand, and my best pal for errand running was in the passenger seat. The weather was cool and breezy. I had my driver's side window down just trying to take in all of the coolness like a mellow beach day. I announced, "McKennnnnna, we're hOOOOOOOme!" She always gets a little bit excited when I say that which typically involves some small barks and a quick jump in the back seat and back to the front seat. Not this time though.

My sweet angel poopy paws leaped from the passenger seat and out of my driver's side window as I drove down my street. I was going about 10 mph. She rolled easily 3 times before hopping up from the gutter and stepping up on the sidewalk. I stopped immediately, called to her as she did three circles as if she was chasing her tail...she was obviously stunned. She stopped and looked at me shocked as I walked over to pick her up. Luckily, it had been so chilly that day that she had been sporting a chenille sweater. I'm certain having that extra bit of padding helped break her fall.

I scooped her up and drove to my house. She seemed okay. No apparent broken bones. Just very shaken. I held her close, still running a gamut of emotions (bad dog mommy...bad dog!) wanting to bonk her on her head once I knew she was alright. As I held her close, I noticed blood on my shirt...her little chin had been scraped and she was missing some hair. She also had a couple of minor scrapes on her rear leg. ARGH...It was 8:30 pm, and I had a homework assignment due by 9 pm. I quickly cleaned her up, comforted her on my bed and typed away rapidly on my laptop. There...done...submitted homework at 8:59 pm! Whew...

And there was my angel, curled up in her bed.

I slept horribly that night thinking that I should have taken her to the emergency vet just to be safe. Instead, I woke up numerous times during the night to make sure she didn't have a concussion and worrying the whole time that she could have internal bleeding. She made it just fine and the next morning was running around like nothing even happened. What a goofball!

Tonight, as she sneakily "escaped" the confines of her fluffy bed and made her way to my comforter, I told her repeatedly to get in her bed. She curled up, back to me, and then glanced over her shoulder as if to say,"Who me?" Each time I mentioned her bed, she would look out of the corner of her eyes at the bed and then back at me..."That ol' thing? Remember I'm the one that had a rough week, right?" And the more I talked to her, the cuter she was with her expressions.

Aw, heck...what will it hurt? She brings me mostly joy with a few moments of panic. And she has to be the sweetest angel poopy paws ever placed on Earth. Okay, okay, sleep on my bed...but just tonight! Tomorrow, you go back to being a dog.

Relay For Life~I Survived!

2009-06-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

YUP. I didn't think I would make it. The night was long, cold (CA version of cold), and drizzly at times. I napped in my car for 45 minutes during the 24 hrs I was at the soccer field of Cerritos College. But I made it! I think I might have walked 12 miles which is no where near the 20 miles I wanted to do. BUT, I did it without training for the event and after several months of being off of work with little physical activity...AND, I only needed my rescue inhaler once!!! There was a person in the parking lot burning Duraflame logs and the fumes were HORRIBLE to me! I seriously thought about giving up every time I caught a whiff halfway around the course. I raised $525 for the American Cancer Society and walked 12 miles. I'm proud of myself.

I'm also very proud of the team's efforts. Cancer Crushers won for Best Spirit Stick (decorated relay baton) which I partially attribute to my "moving speech" interpreting its meaning. LOL...my cousin's husband said he thought I made the stick by how I described it and another cousin said I brought tears to her eyes. After I started to laugh at her, she told me she was being serious! Woops!!! I just stepped in to speak because my Aunt Connie didn't want to. Our team also won an award for most donations raised at the event. Our booth sold sodas, cookies, bracelets, water bottle holders, scarfs, and lap counters. The least expensive item was the lap counter, but many were sold and everyone seemed to enjoy adding a bead each time they completed a lap.

I think if we do it again next year, we will be better prepared. We now know how many EZ-ups we should have and how important hot coffee/hot chocolate is at 0230.

Most important to me was the fact that the weather was not HOT. I was dreading participating if it was going to be toasty. Thank goodness, it was tolerable. It was very cool, and windy, but I am in no way complaining. It was perfect for me even though I only had a hooded sweatshirt, t-shirt, and Capri workout pants to keep me warm.

It was a fun time. I hope Aunt Connie is proud of all her hard work and I hope she got some much needed sleep afterwards. She did a great job!!! And as a cancer survivor, I think it is pretty darn amazing that she has the strength to organize a team. She is in her 70's afterall.

Considering all that she has been through, it seems rather silly to mention that I survived a walk. It just doesn't seem to compare now that I think about it!

Operation Save SGT

2009-05-29T23:42:00.000-07:00

My local and absolutely favorite scrapbook store has begun a program to help battle the crazy economy we all seem to be enduring!

Operation Save SGT!!!

In a time when scrapbook stores seem to be disappearing almost every day, my pals at Scrappin' Good Times have decided to combat this phenomenon by not surrendering to the war that is being waged on our wallets. Trish and the girls have come up with many WONDERFUL ideas how to keep the recovery campaign fully engaged.

The ultimate goal is a Mission Accomplished by the beginning of Fall. Look for more scrap kits to make your scrappy life easier and more organized. BOLO (be on the look out) for ways to use new tools and ideas on how to use those things you never thought to ask about when they first came out. And cards, loads of cards, could be available soon.

They will not go down without a fight!!! And if you are committed to the cause, you can help out by visiting SGT (or your favorite LSS) and make a purchase today. If you think about it, just $5 a week (less than what you spend on a drive-thru lunch) adds up to $20 a month. Your $20 could mean the difference of survival or a wounded warrior. Every little bit helps.

As they say, rally the troops!!!

Wet Ones OUTDOORS!

2009-05-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, every once in a while I feel the need to give some product a raving endorsement. Having recently returned from a grimy field trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon, I feel the need to sing the praises of Wet Ones Outdoors Portable Washcloths. They are like a baby wipe on steroids, but without all the fragrance. LOVE THESE THINGS! I bought a package of 35 Big Moist Wipes last October for my 3 day field trip. They were fabulous, but I was still really sick, so I thought my judgement might have been off. No sir...I was spot on! I used the same package that I bought last October for this trip. Still super moist and very effective. I was even handing them out to other students like I was Momma Bear tending to her cubs. I STILL HAVE SOME LEFT. They work so well that to wipe down my legs and arms only required one. Seriously, some good stuff here. I just wish the company would send me a whole case of them so I could pass them out and convert other outdoor enthusiasts to my new Wet Ones religion!!!

They come in a resealable package, are fragrance free and antibacterial. Big~Thick~Strong is what it says on the outside of the orange package and they aren't kidding. I bought mine in the outdoors section of my local Walmart last Fall. Not sure if they are still carrying them (Walmart can be so weird about maintaining certain products). BUT, if you see these, pick up a package and test them for yourself. I bet you will love them just as much as I do. Camper-girl, OUT!

How I Ended Up In Jeans and Flip Flops

2009-05-13T01:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I was getting ready to go meet friends for dinner. I haven't been out of the house much lately and it has put me into a kind of "funk"! So I masterfully decided that I would dress nicer than I usually do. Everyone that knows me knows that I typically dress casual...very casual. On top of that I have difficulties making myself wear make-up or doing my hair. Anyhow, I thought dressing nicer would make me feel better. Nice thought...in theory!

I pulled five shirts out of the closet, trying each on and then moving to the next. Red one, too snug. Yellow one, too summery and bright, Black and tan, hmmm...reminds me of drinking black and tan ale and my black capris aren't clean so maybe a pass on that. Some black shirts...NO. I always wear black. A-ha...this new medium brown camp shirt. YES, not too dressy, but cute enough. I strutted around in it for a few minutes looking at the pile of clothes on my bed. Yep, this feels right. Now on to pants.

Hmm, I have some new light brown capris. No, that looks funky together, I know what I will wear. Up on the second bar in the top part of my closet I reach for some super groovy light tan, almost bell-bottomed, cuffed pants. I love these things! The pant legs sway as I shuffle around in them. I love that about these pants. The only problem is that they are just a tad bit long so I have to wear a heeled shoe to make them work. No worries. I can manage that.

I dig under my bed and slide out my nicer shoes that are stored in a clear plastic box. I pull out the first pair of brown leather shoes that have a wider, thicker heel. Yep, nice match. The heel is big enough that I won't break my neck trying to keep my balance. I could drink 3 glasses of wine and still stay upright in these things. But, as I walk around in them, I realize that the toe box is narrow. Really narrow. Who the hell used to wear these shoes? It obviously wasn't me! The widest part of my feet are starting to scream at me. Oh no, not going through the pain. Those days are gone. Off they go, gently tossed into a corner of my room reserved for Salvation Army donations. Too bad. They were kinda cute, kinda business-y...and from a time when everything about me was thinner I reckon. Oh well. I grab a pair of brown leather heels that have an almost spiked heel and a peep toe. Cute...toe cleavage looks great. But~ what the heck is that? My two big toes that have been cleverly decorated at my last pedicure have a pink cast on them. I pull my feet out of the shoes and see what looks like dried blood on a few more toes and the side of my foot. Crap...running short on time here people. In my less-flexible state of being, I run to the bathroom for a closer inspection. Still not sure, I determine that it must be the sueded inside from the previous pair of shoes that has rubbed onto my feet. I prop one foot on the vanity in the bathroom (easier said than done these days-not sure when that happened) and begin wiping my feet down with rubbing alcohol. Yay! Big pink toenails disappear. Dried blood looking stuff-GONE! Pedicure still looks great!!! Okay, ugly/dirty toe/foot disaster averted.

I promptly go into my room, put on a second pair of shoes and grab my purse to put in living room as I wipe the sweat from my brow. I hate when there is a wrench thrown into things. I'm okay now. Back on track. Just enough time to go down the hall, put on some make-up, contain my hair, and feel better about me. That was the plan, right?

I don't know how it happened...I think there was a swish in my step, or perhaps the Earth shook a little bit, but on my way back to the bathroom, my ensemble that took several minutes to assemble unraveled! Grace, as I am now calling myself, managed to get the left spikey heel caught in the front cuff of the right pant leg. Without falling, I managed to stumble slightly...and then I heard it. Riiiiiiiiiiiip! As I untangled my legs, I glanced down and realized that I just tore my pants in the big fluffy cuff. There would be no disguising it. It happened right where the cuff is tacked up so that it stays put. OMGosh...I love these pants. I have only worn them maybe 4 times. They actually fit. And now...they will have to become shorts or added to the donation pile for the Salvation Army. DANG IT!

Okay, okay...what to do now...I detour from the bathroom to the bedroom. I look through the pants sadly hanging way up high. No...those won't match. I look at the folded jeans stacked neatly in my closet. Yuck...too dark, too light, too tight... I dig through the pile of shirts I just unloaded onto my bed and there they are. The most comfortable jeans in the world. They are the wrong shade of denim if you watch "What Not To Wear", but I don't care. It is apparent that my attempts at getting dressed in something acceptable by their standards isn't working out. Stick to what you know. I grab them and magically, they seem to work nicely with my brown camp shirt. I spin around because now I am running late, and I look for shoes. Woo-hoo...brand new brown sandals are a welcome sight. Who likes wearing heels anyhow?!?!

And that my friends, is how I ended up in jeans and flip flops. No one can ever claim that I don't try!

Good Morning...

2009-05-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

Buenos dias or bom dia, or you pick. Fact is: it is morning! I have been awake for over an hour now which means I awoke somewhere in the 0400 time frame. My eyes are still goopy and I am drinking coffee! Whaaaat? Yes, much out of character for me ~ I am drinking coffee...and sneezing...and blowing my runny nose...and "thinking about" trying to get better organized. But, so far, I have taken vitamins and meds, drinking toasty coffee prepped with creamer, I straightened up the bathroom, and am thinking about organizing. Isn't that just like getting it done? Sure feels like it, without all the joy of tidiness or accomplishment.

My sweet angel dog is snoozing peacefully next to me. I am convinced that she is an angel sent directly from Heaven to save my sorry, sad self, after losing Minna. She is so sweet and cuddly and so much more lovable than any of my other dogs have been. I ADORE HER. My mom calls her Angel Paws. Come to think of it, I have a few names for her now that she has been part of the family for over 5 months now. McKenna McKoo which becomes Kenna Koo is probably my favorite. I sing a new version of Scooby Doo which goes "Kenna Kenna Koo, full of poo, you've got some work to do now!" I also sing to her "ohhhh yes you're myyyyyy, angel baby!" I ask her "quieres a-go bye-bye conmigo" or "quieres a-go potty". She understands (which is kinda funny in itself). She even understands Minna's old routine of "two three" which kinda means "let's go". It stems from when I was trying to build excitement as one does with a child by counting, "one, two, three!" With Minna, it became our signature way of communicating. Now, if McKenna is on my lap and I say the magic words, she is immediately jumping down. She really saved me from being down in the dumps for too long over Minna. I was able to channel that love to her and I thank her every single day for it!

Been spending money on non-essential things lately. Bought myself a Garmin which will be really handy when I'm finally off of house arrest and can go somewhere fun again. I bought two new outdoor chaise lounge chairs yesterday from Costco that are super nice. Oh, and I also bought two large square pots ('cause I'm a square...duh) to re-plant a sago palm and some callas in the back yard. Once I get those re-planted, my pot replacement project will officially be over for the big stuff. I think I have easily spent $300-$400 just in pots, and I was buying most of them at Big Lots. Crazy, huh? But, it is much nicer to have the matchy-matchy thing going on. I hope that when I buy a place of my own, I will inherit some of those plants since I will probably be too broke to buy any of my own!!! LOL.

Soooo, my birthday came and went without much fanfare. My parents and I went to dinner at Red Lobster. I was craving seafood and after chowing down on three different types of shrimp, I was happily full. I think my parents enjoyed having a reason to go too. The next night I got to slip away to a Dodger game with my pal Rebecca, and her mom and sister. We totally had fun! Lots and lots of laughs A~N~D the Dodgers won. Woo-hoo. BTW, the city of LA looked gorgeous that night. I tried to snap a picture from my car, but I think it came out a little blurry. I was too lazy to get out of line in the parking lot to get a pro shot. Just saying, if you ever catch a night game on the hill, be sure to take your camera.

Okay, so to get me motivated, I'm gonna go online and read a few articles on organizing things. That typically helps me feel a little umph. Then, the game plan is to tackle small things like the mess of magazines, pens/pencils, candles, trinkets, etc., on my dresser. Once that micro-area is done, I will move on to the nightstand...which btw, is different than a one night stand! (Okay~ so I was talking to my pal Rebecca about how I went to my neighbors house where they were giving away some furniture. I have an old maple set from my great-gma and there was a nightstand there that matched...not perfectly, but the style/wood type/drawer pulls were a match. Soooo, I tells my pal Rebecca "I got me one nightstand...and as the words left my lips, I realized what it sounded like. We both started laughing. So, it is one nightstand, not a one night stand!)

Time to wake Angel Paws up so she can go potty. Of course, this will involve at least 5 minutes of stretching/belly rubs (on her, not me!) as she flutters those long eyelashes and looks at me as if to say, "are ya crazy...it is waaaaaay too early for me to get up!"

And she is right, it is waaaaaaay to early to get up...but a good morning just the same!

Relay For Life, American Cancer Society and Love 4 Laiken

2009-04-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

I signed up to be on a team with my family for the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life. We have lost several family members to cancer, including most recently, my youngest cousin Christopher just last December. I'm not quite sure how well I will do since I am still suffering from the effects of the Chatsworth Metrolink train accident, but I will give it my best. I figure that the cumulative setbacks of what I am going through is much less than anything that someone with cancer faces. I can do this...inhalers and all! It is such a great cause, how can I not?

Anyhow, I had to try and do something creative for our booth that we will set up on race day in Norwalk, CA, May 30 and 31. I wanted it to be nice, but not devote too much time or precious scrap supplies to the banner. I went through my stash and grabbed some papers I already had before going to my LSS to pick out more. I mostly was looking for something that matched the colors of the donation cup for the event. I wasn't too concerned about patterns. Luckily, Scrappin' Good Times had some pre-cut chipboard letters at the register so instead of manually cutting those at their die cut station, I cheated and bought some ready-made. I slapped some Making Memories paint on those and let dry. Thank goodness that paint has no odor...at least none I could detect with my new hyper-sensitive respiratory system! The embellishments came from either things I already had or chipboard cut at their die cut center. I then used the scraps of background papers to cover those flourishes and such that I had made out of chipboard. It was more time consuming than I imagined, but that may have been because I have never tackled a project like this before. If there ever was a next time, I think I would be more organized. My pics of the end result are lousy because I was in a rush just to get photos before family came home and traipsed through the house. I'm sure I will get better ones on race day! Oh, and I am now trying to figure out how I will construct a baton for our relay for us to pass off. My brain is chugging away since this is another new-to-me project.

If you would like to make a donation to this worthy cause, please follow my link:

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/donnavaldez

You may make small (or large-for that matter) recurring monthly payments online, pay by credit card, or mail a check. All donations of any amount are extremely appreciated. I would truly like to make my $500 goal, or even surpass it. That would be fantastic!

My inspiration:

The first part of the banner:

And the second half:

Yes, our team name is Cancer Crushers! Click on the pictures to see the letters up close.

Kinda cool, dontcha think?

And, sadfully...along the same lines is the fact that we are approaching the one year anniversary of Miss Laiken's passing. Just last year so many of us were either working on the scrapbook pages for the two books her mom, Stacey, would eventually receive, or we were working hard on the work fundraiser. I still clearly picture the Love 4 Laiken banner, friends, family, and coworkers who helped and attended. Such a somber time of year. I'm just happy that Jim and Stacey have not only each other, but little Miss Abigail Laiken to love!

This brings to light why it is so important for us to donate to cancer research! I'm hoping you will all aid me in making a difference!!!

Monsters vs. Aliens

2009-04-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

Yup...so I took the nephews to see a movie the other day. I truly needed to get out of the house because this being stuck at home between 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri has worn on my last nerve. We saw Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D! It was kinda cute and both the 13 yr old and 6 yr old gave decent reviews. YAY! A win-win!!! Money well spent.

I feel like I am an alien when I am around these monsters. I run out of fun things to do rather quickly, so I usually give them minor tasks just to keep them busy. We planted some flowers "for grandma". We bought a new beta fish at Walmart and had a drawing to name the family fish. His name is Clyde! They have swam except when the days were cold this week. Gma was in charge of keeping an eye on them. Tomorrow, I think they are heading to Dave and Buster's. I'm staying home. Gotta try to save myself for when kids return in a couple of months. I'm sure that will involve a D-land trip or some other crazy adventure.

Jake is sensitive about being teased. He is officially a teenager! Pleasssssse, whatever you do, do NOT taunt him about his girlfriend or kissing or holding hands. He flips out! It is kinda fun to pester him, but then I recall how much it bugged me, so I stopped.

Oh, and Ethan had to correct Gma when she said the scratch on his knee was a "boo boo". He immediately said, "NO GRANDMA, that is an owie!" Oh, well...excuuuuuuuse me. The even funnier part came later in the day when she pointed to a cut on his hand and asked him what it was. He said it was a scratch! I dunno what the difference is, but apparently there is some characteristic that changes the descriptor. WHEW...

So, this alien that used to get along with nephews is finding that she doesn't speak the same language or always know the fun activities, but she keeps trying to accept them for the monsters that they are!

STUCK!

2009-04-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

I seem to be stuck in a holding pattern. It is neither good, nor bad. It just is. I feel all blah as a result. I really want to feel all shiny, happy, goofy, like I do every Spring. But this year...just stuck. Nothing fun on the agenda anytime soon. Just school and tasks and maybe return to work.

My life may be mostly drama free, but I am starting to wonder if that is what is making it kinda boring these days. I don't want any drama...I just want a smidge o'excitement, something good...purdy puhlease!

Status of the States

2009-03-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

I was trying to think of the names of all of the states to which I have been. Here is my list:

California
Oregon
Washington
Nevada
Arizona
Utah
Montana
Colorado
New Mexico
Texas
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Mississippi
Tennessee
Illinois
Florida

I am looking forward to seeing ALL of them before I croak. I guess I better get cracking since that is approximately 1/3 of them and I am more than 1/3 of the way to becoming deceased. Geeesh, so much to do!!!

Day Late...

2009-03-21T17:52:00.001-07:00

and truly at least a dollar short!

Soooo, I logged on today to check out my fave, free download site: Spiral Frog. And alas, it was toast, history, ashes to ashes. Apparently, they shut down just this week. What are the chances that I would log on...repeatedly try to load the site...think something was so obviously wrong on my end...and then finally find the news on Wikipedia? OMGosh...what a bummer!

Turns out they were more than a dollar short.

Scatterbrained...

2009-03-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

Feeling really funny, strange, and just plain old scattered! I have so many things that I need to do, and no focus to get them done. I am usually the organized girl but I seem to have lost my mojo. Has anyone seen it? Can you tell me where it is?

McKenna is laying in her bed, staring at me and doing the doggie heavy sigh thing. I think she is feeling my loss of go-go juice.

I grabbed my Bodum press and made some Starbucks coffee. It seems to be kicking in. YAY! Now, I just need to hit the shower and maybe I will begin to feel a little more motivated? I don't have time to be wasting. I need to get caught up. My taxes are not going to do themselves. Neither is my education reimbursement or my healthcare spending account paperwork. Oh, and there is tons of filing that absolutely needs to be done.

Okay, okay...sip that coffee and get moving, Donna.

Take Time...

2009-03-04T21:24:00.001-08:00

...to watch and listen to the rain!

I ran around this evening to do some much needed banking, p/u a schoolbook and parking permit, and finally ended with a trip to Costco. It must have been almost 8:30 pm when I walked out to the truck to unload the cart. The ground was shiny and wet from the showers we had all day. Although I felt like I got a ton of things accomplished, I found this to be the most rewarding moment in my day when I unlocked the truck, and little miss sweet angel dog McKenna popped her cutie pie face into the window. I could see the front of her pink/cream/brown striped sweater and the tip of her tail wagging. Suddenly, all of the problems that I thought I had disappeared ~ and I actually felt happy ~ just to see that buttercup! I could not help but smile...

I unloaded my cart and hopped into the driver's seat. As I sat there, I noticed the rain starting to fall again. Wow! During all of my errands, I was lucky because it would cease when I had to get out of the truck. Now that I was back in the comfort of a dry vehicle, it started back up. (It may not be a million dollars, but I will take luck in whatever form I can get it!)...I paused as I saw the drops bouncing off of the windshield...and then, it happened...I reached over and turned off the radio and just sat and watched and listened.

I may not have days full of exciting mini stories, but these are the kinds of moments I absolutely adore. They just make me smile and feel connected to a world that may often be crazy...but in these rare slides in the movie of my life, it feels so peaceful and right!

Obsessed With:

2009-02-22T12:32:00.000-08:00

While I was cleaning the bathroom this morning, I had to clear off the counter. I realized that I have some sort of strange obsession with lint rollers! I removed four of them from the counter and when I took them into my bedroom, I found five more. When did this happen? I'm sure part of it stems from the black cloth interior in my vehicle. My little McKenna has fine blond hair that sheds ever-so-slightly. Oh, and I have more black clothes than any other (non-) color. But why do I keep buying them when there are obviously plenty!

From the bathroom, I decided to clean out one of my catch-all drawers. It holds mostly nail polish, multiple pairs of sunglasses, and sweater shavers. I must have at least 10 bottles of OPI nail polish which I would totally understand if they were absolute favorite colors that I take to the nail place. I don't. I almost always pick one of their colors. So, I will probably take at least half of the bottles the next time I go and donate them. Oh, and I think I found 5 different types of nail oil. Let's just say I'm down to 2 now.

The sunglasses are pairs I don't even wear any longer. I just can't bear to part with my old REVO or Oakley or Ray Ban sunglasses. I keep them for when I layout by the pool (yeah- like I do that often!) so I won't ruin my new ones with sunscreen.

Don't ask me why I have multiple sweater shavers. I even own a pumice for cleaning sweaters. Ask me when I last wore a sweater. I couldn't begin to guess. I know that all of my sweaters smell like the cedar lined chest in which they are stored.

Well, there are many other obsessions that I'm sure I could ramble on about. BUT, since I just started school this last week and I have 80 pages to read before next Friday, I reckon I ought to get off this rant and do something productive!

My Review of Giro Skyla Bike Helmet - Women's

2009-02-14T14:03:00.001-08:00

REI

Skyla's sure fit, sleek form and smooth function are tailor-made for women on the move.

Girly Giro- Pour Some Sugar On Me!

Camper-Girl, latest in super heroes Covina, CA 2/14/2009

Gift: No

Sizing: Feels true to size

Pros: Lightweight, Convenient back-of-head adjustment, Good ventilation, Nice fit system/pads, Durable

Best Uses: Road cycling, Everyday riding, Warm Weather

Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational

Absolutely this helmet. Yes, it is soooo girly. It fits well, even with my "big" naturally curly hair. I loved my previous Giro helmet that was a pearl white and I thought I wouldn't find a helmet that I liked as well. I was wrong. So lightweight and comfortable. Can't recommend it enough. I think the vibrant colors also help me to be seen which is a huge advantage!

()

iSlice

2009-02-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

I figured it had been a long while since I posted a tidbit about some product I like which got me to thinking about my iSlice. It is the makings of a cheesy infomercial, but I honestly can say that I love this gadget. It has turned out to be my go-to tool when I need to get into yucky hard plastic packaging or for coupon clipping or even opening cardboard boxes when I receive a shipment.

It has a ceramic blade and is safe enough that a child could probably use it. It also has a built in magnet so popping it on/off the side of the refrigerator makes perfectly good sense to me.

Be careful though...the blade is surprisingly sharp. Just when I think it hasn't cut through something, I realize it has and then some.

I got mine at the Container Store for $4.99. Yup, it is a little pricey for such a tiny tool, but you won't regret spending the money. I gave my mom one and she adores it. She says that every single day she seems to run to it for some purpose.

Cool...finally I got her something she can use!

Quickutz Silhouette Software...

2009-02-11T04:59:00.000-08:00

OOOOOH, I am so happy about the updated software from Quickutz for the Silhouette. Welding words is finally EASY!!! I am so jazzed. Can't wait to remove Inkscape from my computer. Just trying to get that program to work gave me a headache each time.

Okay, so QK came out with a new version of the Silhouette. Yeah, yeah...what-ev! Mine will work just fine with this new upgrade.

Now, I just need to get back into the scrappin' mood. Been burned out. Hmmm, maybe I need to make some cards or mini books for a little bit and Donna will get into the groove again?

Or, maybe once I start school and am too busy to do anything fun, I will want to scrap again? That is more like it, I'm certain...

***Update***
20 April 2009

Still loving the software update for the Silhouette. And the zillions of designs that are available have sent me over the top! I may have been hesitant in the beginning about my QK machine, but now I do not regret anything about my purchase. I think QK has finally provided the "zing" for which we Silhouette owners were hoping. YAY! BTW, if you have this handy dandy machine, QK wants to know about any designs you would like to see them offer. Here's your chance to have some say on future images! Super cool!!!

Happy, Happy...

2009-02-10T02:56:00.000-08:00

Joy, Joy...

But what I am really feeling is: Crappy, Crappy, Oy, Oy!!!

So I was able to disappear for one week to Mexico. I had a super-fabulous time! I truly mean that. Did some really fun things. Brought home some unneeded "treasures" that I decided I could not live without.

Oh...and did that zip line through the canopy 90 feet above the forest floor! Um, yeah...so afraid of heights and so proud that I survived it. I actually enjoyed it, once all was said and done. Kinda wish I could do that on a more regular basis. Already trying to figure out when I can return to Puerto Vallarta. Soooooo relaxing and so not fancy. Love it!

Anyhow, I went from 80+ degree weather to 50 degree weather. And promptly started having my breathing problems all over again. It is 3am and I am awake, huffing and puffing. I actually have both inhalers on the bed next to me for fear they be too far during the night when I sleep...that is, if I was sleeping. I keep rubbing my head out of frustration to the point that I think I might get a bald spot.

So, as they say in The Secret and the like...I'm just gonna put this positive energy out into the universe. I am healthy! I am happy! I love my job! I love my boyfriend (yeah-working on finding him first! LOL)! And, I absolutely adore the life I am leading!!! Please, please, please...maybe in a month this will all be true?!?!?!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

A Bold Fresh Piece Of...

2009-01-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

Canine-ity!

McKenna and I tackled 4 miles this morning which seems like no major feat. However, my sweet angel is 6 lbs 12 ozs and it was raining. She trekked those short, stubby legs hard and fast...I have blood soaked heels in my white socks to prove my shoes were rubbing. But this dog momma is so proud! She is bold and fresh, just like the book I'm listening to when I walk.

Can't wait to tackle Mt. Whitney! I just know we can do it ~ even with my new toxic exposure induced asthma. Once I set my mind to something, ain't nothin' gonna stop me.

Got some decent hikes lined up for the Sequoias in June. Oh, and I almost have a friend persuaded to go whitewater rafting with me (Rebecca, are ya reading this??? Hint hint!). I just know she would love it as much as I do. Gosh, I have so many adventures to tackle this year. I look so forward to making them all happen!

Talk about bold and fresh...my life, FINALLY is on the right track!!!!!!!

And When You're Not...

2009-01-24T07:52:00.000-08:00

You're soooo not!

Why is it that everytime I think things are going well, really well, they seem to just blow up in my face? Why is it that when I think I have found someone with whom we share so many common interests, beliefs, and preferences, he turns out to be tormented by his past?? When will it EVER be my turn to be with someone balanced and "normal"???

The wind is out of my sails again. Mr. Wonderful, who told me he was ready for dating, claimed he had the BEST first date ever with me, and told me all sorts of incredible stories about how he was finally ready to date after ending a 25 yr relationship...turned out to be telling me what I wanted to hear, but was not being true to himself. As a result, Donna the truster, believed in him. I wanted to help him and make him see that not all women are evil. I was the sweet, caring, "let's go have a good time" girl or call me whenever you just need to chat girl...I supported him in his rollercoaster of emotions. I tried to make him see that everything would be alright. If he wanted to be in contact, I was there...if he wanted to pull back, I let him loose. I did everything in my power to let him be himself and deal and figure things out. I tried to make him feel good about who he is.

And the end result...the same ol' b.s. The very best part is not only did he vanish, he did it by email and then blocked me from being able to contact him. Weird, huh?!?!? Maybe those girls that are princesses or total biatches or demanding or you pick the ugly characteristics, have got it right? Maybe I am the dumb one for just being me!

And maybe, just maybe, when he gets done with his psych services or meds or divorce issues or whatever it takes, he will look back and think about how he really let the last GREAT girl go...Maybe, but I doubt it!

I am so extremely grateful that he revealed his insanity early. He has freed me so I can find that exceptional person that he turned out to not be. I know it will happen...I can feel it. That is such a great sensation!!!

When You're Hot...

2009-01-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

You're en fuego!!!

I go in spurts where my life is almost (I said ALMOST) dreary. It seems so routine, no excitement, no nada. And then there are times like right now, where my dance card is full, and I can barely keep up with all that is happening.

Last night, was a very fun night with a friend (yes, a "boy" ~ no, not the one from last Sunday! ROFL...). Tonight, I will dine on the yummiest sushi with another "friend" (which always means "boy"!) in Los Angeles. He won't tell me even the name of the place...and as much as I get eager to find out about surprises, I'm looking forward to this treat. Tomorrow, plans with yet another. How did this happen? Is it fate? Is it the reward for all the craziness I've had in my unsuccessful attempts to live a drama free life? I dunno... I'm just enjoying finally feeling like men find me attractive again. Reminds me of the good old days. Makes me wonder which one I will choose to really spend my time with eventually. YAY for me.

Okay, so I need to hit the shower right now. Gonna be a long night.

Or so I hope!!!

New Adventures...

2009-01-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

So far, this year has been good. Amazing to say after a whole two weeks into it!

I had a really nice first date the other night. I say first, because I'm hoping there will be a second!!! I think there will be a second?!?! Oh crap! Who knows? Why is it always left up to the guy to determine if/when there will be a second date? Damn, I really dig on this guy which is soooo very scary to me. And, I'm quite certain that I am looking for the exact opposite type of relationship that he is...GREAT! Just my luck...

Oh...and I'm S-T-I-L-L off of work. Yep, you heard me. After all my ranting about how I was done staying at home, the doctor put me off work for 2 more weeks. My lungs still sound raspy. Don't get me wrong. I feel it. I walked the dogs this morning and really felt it. Will it ever end? I dunno. I sure hope so. I get tired of looking like a fish as I gasp for air. My silly little mouth pops open and I'm sure it looks funny. So, I just keep swimming.

McKenna did surprisingly well on our walk about this morning, although, even while walking at a pretty fast pace, she still has a need to pick up things into her mouth. Small branches, berries, gravel, those round pod-like seeds off of palm trees...anything and everything. The funny thing is that she picks them up and then immediately spits them out on the go. That girl is crazy, but so darn cute. It was the first walk I have taken her on since getting her in November. Gonna take her again later today since the doctor said I can finally do some physical activity. YAY! I don't have to be stuck in the house ALL DAY LONG!!!

My pal, Rebecca, and I are well into our mapping out plans for Mexico. As a matter of fact, in 3 weeks, we will be halfway through our vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Ain't nothin' gonna stop us, even my silly breathing issues. We have had this trip planned since August! Oh, and speaking of "halfway", I found a bar in PV called "Dick's Halfway Inn"!!! OMGawd, I was rolling. So, of course we have to go there and at least take a picture. I have a friend who is a detective that just HAS TO have a t-shirt from this place. He is so gonna laugh! I know...it is crude and yet so funny. I can't help it. I'm warped.

I have a bunch of paperwork to do today. Being that just one set is worth probably over $4000 to my bank account should motivate me to get it done. Funny though...I have no desire to get it done. Oh well...maybe I will just start it and it will magically finish itself? Heck, that's enough money to pay for more new adventures. Maybe that trip to Scotland and such is closer than I thought?

10 Things That Make Me Happy...

2009-01-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Leslie at eddienalexa.blogspot.com, I decided to also list a few things that make me happy. I could easily agree with several items off of her list, but I'm going out on a limb and create my own.

1. A stable, healthy relationship. Oh, it has been soooo long since I have had that! I mean, other than that one I share with my parents...that is so very different.

2. My nephews and my dog children. Both give me the craziest, cutest entertainment. They make me smile from the inside out!!!

3. A clear, crisp day in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Just the thought makes me feel like taking a deep breath.

4. A bargain...but not just any bargain. I truly love when I get something that I REALLY wanted, but at a super discount.

5. Vacations~ to just about any place, except maybe hanging out in a poverty stricken country.

6. A home cooked meal...I get so tired of eating on the run.

7. SUSHI!

8. A reliable vehicle. Nothing worse than anticipating a break down.

9. Deep tissue massage!

10. Ghirardelli or Guittard, dark.

Okay, so I can think of lots of things that make me happy. I think that is a great thing. Too many people focus on the bad stuff. Life is waaaaaaaaay too short for that.

Wha' Happen?

2009-01-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I haven't taken the time to blog about anything since last year! Okay, so it has only been about 1 1/2 wks ago, but it sounds soooo much more dramatic when I say last year. I don't know where the time has gone. For a girl that has "no life", I seem to stay rather busy with nothingness.

Speaking of nothingness, there is nothing new to report here other than I had a job interview today, blah blah blah... I have a date on Sunday, blah blah... I take off to Mexico in a few weeks, blah di blah blah blah... and I have a quick Vegas trip planned after that to go see Elton John, whoop-deedo!!! Actually, so many fun and interesting things have been going on for me lately. Okay, so I have been forcing them into being, but it feels good to be trying to get out of the slump of 2008. It really had so many down moments that I am relieved to be facing the clean slate again.

Every New Year's Eve, I get a giddy feeling that the next year is going to be bigger and better than the previous one. Not that it ever has panned out for me, but I just adore that awesome feeling that it is a possibility!!! It is the hope that things will get better that makes me feel good from the inside out. Oh, how I wish I could bottle up that feeling and take a swig every now and then throughout the year.

I, like so many this time of year, have started dieting. I did really well yesterday, although I did sneak a meatball from that spaghetti and meatballs my mom made. It was deeee-lish! Today, I was mostly good...sticking to my plan until I determined that Mike & Ike's candies, just a few, should be part of a healthy food regime. There is something about the Tangy Twister flavors that make me go crazy. Luv 'em! Seriously though, I do need to lose so much weight and that whole prednisone thing has made me larger than large Marge. YUCK. I was looking at some old pics of me from about 15 yrs ago. I wanted to cry. I want to be "fat like that" again. Depressssssing. So, on I trudge hoping to lose 20 lbs...at a time...until I get back to a healthier version of me. In the meanwhile, I have to eat not so fun foods. I sure wish I was picky about food. That would make this much easier.

Thank goodness I have friends and family that love me no matter what I look like...although, I'm sure some of them will see me in my current state and say wha' happen just like I do every morning when I look in the mirror. ROFL...

Here's hoping that my determination and stubborness lead me to a thinner version by my 41st birthday. That would be ideal!!! Oh, and a new job wouldn't hurt either... ;-)

Let It Rain, Let It Rain, Let It Rain...

2008-12-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

Wow! It rained nearly all day long on Christmas. I loved it. It was cold and almost dreary, but we had a fire in the fireplace all day long and we (my parents and I) stayed in our lazy clothes watching movies.

I gave my parents each a couple of different little presents. Dad ended up with a new flyswatter and some instant Mexican hot chocolate. Silly, huh? Mom got these little sponge things that are supposed to remove deodorant smears on dark clothing and some new magnetic measuring spoons. But the best part came when mom opened the laptop computer. She cried...she cried hard...and the more I laughed at her crying, the more she did it. It was so funny when dad hopped up, grabbed a tissue, and acted like he was wiping his eyes. He then went outside and wiped Sierra's eyes. It was hilarious! By the time all was done, I was in tears from laughing so hard.

We had an easy dinner of leftover ham that mom made earlier in the week, her special mashed potatoes, and some other goodies. It was so low stress.

They took off this morning to go to my brother's house in NV. I finally have the house to myself. Woo-hoo. So, I slowly started cleaning my room. I have no energy today though so I didn't make much progress. I'm hoping that tomorrow will prove more productive. I wanted to drink one of those energy drinks or make some strong coffee this afternoon, but I know that since I take in very little caffeine normally, that would have kept me up all night. I had very little sleep last night. I think that would be a bad combo. Tomorrow is another day!

Oh, and the rain...it went away. I hope it comes back another day!!!

Last Week...

2008-12-22T17:35:00.000-08:00

So, this WILL BE my last week off of work. The doctor has me off until next Tuesday (which makes it into the LAST WEEK of this year!) and regardless of how I feel next week, I will be going back to work. I am done, fini, finito, with this staying at home business. I have missed out on so much during this time off of work being a good girl and following the rules. That isn't to say that I won't continue to be a good girl and follow the rules, but dang it, I don't want to miss out on all the fun stuff with my friends. Since we never know how much time we have, we must spend it wisely!!!

My attempts at getting awesome gifts for my parents without them finding out about them has failed yet again. UPS showed up today and since dad saw them coming up to the porch, he managed to get to the door just in time to collect the Dell box and signed for it before I could cut him off at the pass. I played dumb and asked if the box was for me to which he replied, "Well, it sure as hell isn't for me!" I thought to myself "Wrong! It is SOOOO for you!!!" Now, I'm trying to think of a way to package it to go with him to NV so he may unwrap it when they do the Christmas gift session at my brother's house. I think I may have to go buy a laptop bag and wrap it up in that. I give up...the Bose 3-2-1 system was a bust too. Maybe I will go buy my parents a new tv and when they get home from their trip, they will be surprised?!?!?! Screw it...I'm gonna buy me a tv since after all of this splurging I won't be able to afford to go anywhere. J/K!

Miss McKenna has a nasty cough so I ran her cute little doggie butt to the vet...in Simi Valley. Hey, if it was good enough for Minna it is good enough for McKenna too. So what if it takes an hour to get there if traffic is moving. The dr. didn't seem to concerned about the coughing as her temperature was good, her lungs sounded clear, and he said she looks very healthy. We will just keep an eye on her over the next month and hope that it goes away. Other than kennel cough she could have a collapsed trachea. Oh joy!

I think I am going to try and sneak my vehicle in and get it aligned and tires rotated this week. I know I'm way overdue with this stuff. Maybe once it is done I will change the oil and check the brakes? Come to think of it, it is supposed to rain all week. I think I will postpone my oil and brakes so I don't get so wet. No sense in getting all soggy even if I would really like to start the new year off with my chores all caught up.

What is another week??? Unless, like me, you have to stay at home! Bleck.

My Review of Rick Steves by Kiva Designs Avanti Flight Bag

2008-12-20T23:37:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at Sierra Trading Post

Closeouts . In the running to become your favorite travel companion, Rick Steves by Kiva Designs Avanti Flight bag easily slides over the handle of other rolling bags and is sized perfectly for overnight trips. Quick-access, easy-opening compartments Side and front pockets Two front compartments ...

Just right!

By Camper-girl, the latest in superheroes! from Covina, CA on 12/20/2008

Pros: Easy To Identify, High Quality, Good Capacity, Easy To Carry, Easy To Access Items

Best Uses: Long Vacations, Weekend Trips, Family Trips

Describe Yourself: Classic, Career, Comfort-Oriented, Practical

Primary use: Personal

Bought this bag for upcoming trip to Mexico. I couldn't be happier with this purchase. It isn't too big or too small. I can fit a change of clothes and other carry-on needs without worrying if it can handle the load. I now have 6 Rick Steves bags, including rolling suitcases and the backpack convertible bag. I am rough on my bags (as is the airport I'm certain) and they all have held up well!!! The only reason I have so many is that I have bought different colors to match my travel apparel and/or destination needs.

(legalese)

Midnight...

2008-12-16T00:02:00.001-08:00

...it's raining outside, you must be soaking wet...

Okay, so that is the start of a song that I just love by Alison Moyet. And, if you were anywhere in So Cal today...you probably were soaking wet. And yes, it is midnight as I type this!

Did I mention that I love the rain? I love it even more if I don't have to be driving in it. I don't get scared driving on slick roads. I just don't like how everyone else drives when it is slippery. Now that I'm getting old, I'm getting more and more cautious.

Well, I'm off of work one more week. And, suddenly, out of the blue, I am having anxiety over all of the paperwork I should have done or should be doing. I hate when my mind reacts like this. Once I get something in my head, no matter how insignificant, I just can't let it go! ARGH!!! So I laid in bed for 1 1/2 hours just "thinking". And then I got up and started checking e-mail. And have I tried to start the paperwork so my crazy brain will let go of the notion that the paperwork MUST be completed right this second? Heck no. Looks like Benadryl and I will be pals again tonight. Or, I will stay up until 2 a.m. again like I have done all this week. YUCK.

I do feel rather accomplished in a funny way though. I completed 2, 2-page layouts over the weekend for my friend's project. My good pal, Trish, at Scrappin' Good Times has a 32 yr old cousin who has been diagnosed with cervical cancer. She has two very small children and since the prognosis is not good, she is desperately wanting to complete scrapbooks for her kids. So, the call went out for scrapbook layouts. I'm a sloooow scrapper. And my pages are not works of art. Because of this, I felt super getting those 4 pages created and in the file for Crystal's books. It just feels good to give back. If I can get myself squared away this week, I will attempt to do more. I tried to imagine what I would want to tell my children if I knew my life was going to end abruptly. I got so emotional thinking about it and I don't even have kids! My heart just aches for my pal Trish and even more for her dear cousin Crystal!

Perhaps this resonates with me because of the recent loss of my 29 yr old cousin, Chris? We laid him to rest at Rose Hills on Saturday during a brisk and blustery day on the hill. It seemed so strange to be there for that. I could see the images relating to his life for which I was there to experience zooming through my head like some fast forwarded slide presentation you might see in a movie. We were so much closer when he was young so most of the pictures in my head were of a really young boy...that made it even harder. After the quick service, an impromptu gathering at my parents' house was planned. And by impromptu, I mean it was decided upon while at the cemetery! So, I asked mom if maybe we should get some food. She kinda had this panicked look on her face as we tried to rapidly throw together a game plan.

We took off in a hurry, I dropped her off at home and then I went to Costco and Stater Bros for the FASTEST shopping I have ever done. I didn't even pay attention to what I was charged. I got through the checkout and slid my debit card and ran to the truck to toss the food in. In less than 30 minutes I had grabbed sandwiches, salads, dessert, fried chicken, etc. to feed an army. It was insane, go-speed-racer style! By the time I got home, the house was FILLED with people. I managed to drop off the kibble and then scoot back to the scrapbook store to finish my pages. Thank goodness I had a reason to leave. Our little house busting at the seams with people makes me uncomfortable... really uncomfortable. I think I would be okay with all of those people if we just had more room. Talk about feeling like I cannot breath? That is exactly how I get when crammed into our small house with numerous folks...

Snack time...I think a leftover brownie bite and some milk sounds good right now. Oh, and my Benadryl so maybe I can sleep. Hopefully I can make my mind chill out about the papers until tomorrow morning...oh wait, that would be TODAY...later today. HEAVY SIGH! Ni-night everyone!!!
(fingers crossed!)

Rough Track...

2008-12-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

The youngest of my cousins (in my generation) passed away early this morning after an incredibly difficult battle with cancer. Chris was 29 years old. He is survived by his wife and 2 month old daughter, Faith. His 76 year old father has now experienced the loss of his first born, a son, in the 50's when he was maybe 6 years old. Now, he has lost his youngest son. Waaaay too much for any one person to take.

I have always felt like Chris was given a rotten deal. His mother passed away from breast cancer when he was 4 years old. His father remarried shortly thereafter and that addition placed 3 new children into the mix. Chris seemed to be lost in the shuffle...at least, that is how I saw it.

Chris was a freight train engineer. His life seemed to finally be coming together. That was, until they found a football sized (he was a large "kid at 6'3") tumor attached to one of his kidneys. The tumor was removed and although he received multiple rounds of chemo, the tumors kept coming. How horrific the pain must have been for him.

It seemed like his life was filled with many episodes of pain...I still do not understand how one person can be deserving of all of that. The only thing that makes me feel good about his early death is that in his last days and even over the course of the last year or so, he was completely surrounded by family and friends and lots of love. It was like it was all crammed in, making up for lost time.

I hope he felt it. I hope it wasn't too late...

Things For Which I'm Thankful...

2008-11-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt, the most important one is Freedom! Without it, none of the other things would matter much to me.

My new sweet angel, McKenna.

Sierra, On the beach in Cayucos, Summer 2008

And ALL of the memories of the great times I had with Minna!!! This was our trip to Cambria. Oh how I miss you little punkin head!

Of course, I am also grateful for my friends, a decent job, a reliable car, my version of health, my family~ although they drive me nuts, and that roof over my head. Then there is the air I breath, the clothes on my back, travel, the great outdoors, and the variety in food~ fresh and foreign that all rank high too. Really, when I think about it, we are all so very lucky to have so many things, especially living in the United States of America!

I probably won't have much time to type over the next couple of days...And, while I'm running around trying to get the last minute things done before family arrives, I needed to remind myself of the reasons I am thankful...so I don't cuss when I get cut-off in the parking lot or freak out when the last pie that I wanted was sold to the person ahead of me!

Remember to appreciate all that you have this Thanksgiving!!!

$184.9

2008-11-22T21:19:00.000-08:00

Never ever again did I think I would get to say that I paid $184.9 for regular gasoline! Today, I topped off my tank for $19. AND, I put in over 10 gallons.

Happy happy, joy joy!!!

New Fur Baby!!!

2008-11-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, I gave in. I ran to a local shelter after missing the Minna dog too dang much. I fell in love with a little scrap that is kinda tan and white and maybe 7 lbs. They guess that she is about 2 yrs old. She gets spayed tomorrow morning and I get to pick her up after 4pm. I'm super excited!!!

Mom and I both like the name McKenna or Makenna. Not sure how I am going to spell it. Maybe Kenna for short? It means ascend and is both Scottish and Gaelic in origin. It also honors my previous baby in that it starts with an "M" and ends in "nna", just like Minna. Perfect for this little terrier I think.

I just hope her surgery goes well and she doesn't have any major health issues. Pray for her!!!

Oh, and I will post a better picture once she gets home. This is her doggy jail shot.

Catching Up

2008-11-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

I woke up today with a huge bit of relief. No, I'm not over this toxic exposure induced asthma/bronchitis stuff yet. BUT, I am done with my minimum 25 page journal for my natural history class. Normally, that project would not have seemed like such a big deal. Normally, I'm not taking massive amounts of meds either!

I am finally off of the Prednisone and getting back to my "I'm not paranoid or pissed off or extremely amp'd" self. That stuff was wild for me. I always seem to have strange reactions to medications and this stuff proved worthy of a "bad acid trip" for me. I had one helluva time focusing and getting anything done. Then there was the whole wanting to kill people when they did some stupid driving maneuver. Once I discovered this little gem, I stayed close to home, only venturing out for necessities! I had to make myself go to bed because I wasn't tired...definitely sick, but not tired. I felt like I could have stayed awake for at least a week. So I would sleep maybe 4 hrs and then POOF, I was up again for the whole day. The fun part was feeling like I could see that I was "freaking out" and yet, not feeling like I could control it. So happy to be done with that part! Oh, and it did help. My breathing is much better and my lungs seem to be almost all clear. Just a little bit of wheezing last night. Woo-hoo! Almost normal...that's all this girl wants. Heck, that's all I have EVER wanted!!!

So I finished my project and literally ran to the school to get there by 7 pm for the final exam. Yes, I was printing the table of contents at 6:30 pm! Part meds/part procrastinator. I think I am so used to doing things last minute and having it work out. I also think that all of those A's I used to get back in h.s. after doing my assignments the night before it was due, conditioned me for this bad way of handling things now. I also think that is why I was so good at being a dispatcher!!! I work well under pressure. It forces me to get the job done and to focus...only this time, the meds wouldn't let me focus. It was crazy. I took the exam and although I didn't ace it like I am accustomed to, I think I passed it. Good enough. Been a rocky few months being sick and all.

Okay, for all of you shoppers out there who didn't see Oprah (I'm not a fan, but the show was about messy houses!), did ya know that through next week you can access a coupon via www.oprah.com (john walsh and a free gift link) that gives you 20% off The Container Store? Seriously, I love this place. Gadgets and goodies and things to make my cluttered life less cluttery. I think they are over-priced and if I can do better elsewhere, then I go elsewhere. But, 20% off definitely helps and they now have the pick up at store feature which saves on shipping. Yeah, you could say I'm frugal. But, this is a great deal so hop on over and see if there is anything you need. Remember though~ need versus want! Maybe do some Christmas shopping and get a deal? Just a thought.

Oh, and another thought...register at www.disneyland.com with your birthday so that you can get in free ON YOUR BIRTHDAY! Yep, only on your big day, but that's a great thing. You can even register your kids! You need a gov't issued id or kid's need a birth certificate to get in, but heck, that's a kewl dealio. I may register my nephews as my kids 'cause I know their parents won't do it. And, I'm like the coolest aunt because I take them there. So, just in case they happen to be in So Cal on their birthdays, we will be set with at least one free admission. Money saved...more woo-hoo!

My last little rant is about a product that I love and just discovered that I am almost out of. It is made by Bar Keeper's Friend and it is their lime and rust remover. We get mineral deposit build up around our faucets from our fab water. This stuff takes it away and it doesn't destroy the counter tops. It is liquid and non-abrasive and just seems to do the trick. Okay, for all you greenies out there, I don't know how "green" it is, but I only use a little bit. So, clean the counter with vinegar because it won't hurt the environment, and then clean the hard water stuff with this product. Balance...life is all about balance! Oh, and being clean!!!

Alrighty then, I'm off to donate some clothes to the Salvation Army and maybe hit Costco or Sam's for a few things. Just trying to get caught up on everything. My car needs a bath...desperately...so I may cheat and take it in for a quickie. Ahhhh, it is so good to be getting back to myself.

Can't wait to take my big dog, Sierra, for a walk. It has been ages...maybe later today once it cools down from the mid 90's? ARGH, I'm so ready for some cooler weather to settle in!!!

"4MYMINA"

2008-11-07T21:58:00.000-08:00

Crazy day for me. I went to the credit union and then the chiropractor first thing this morning. My next errand was set for me to go pick up my cremated dog. Yes, I am officially the crazy dog lady! I had been putting it off forever...or so it seemed. Not ready for it emotionally and yet feeling guilty for leaving her for a whole month.

Anyhow, as I left the chiropractor's office, there was a bunch of traffic on the street so I waited until it cleared before I made my turn.

Imagine my surprise when, from my prednisone induced lightheaded anxiety striken stupor, I looked up and saw the personalized license plate on the black Lexus in front of me:

"4MYMINA"

Okay, so sure...the spelling was off slightly...my baby was named Minna. But, I literally cried when I read and re-read the plate. What are the freakin' odds of that? Really!!! I called my mom slightly freaked out about it. She kept saying things like, "you know Donna, she's still here!"

I know my baby dog is watching over me, but when she sends me a message, could she possibly be a little more subtle? Still wondering about it. But~ in a really bizarre way it is almost comforting!

I'm glad she's finally home with me and I hope some day I get to be with her again where we play and go bye bye and flop on the couch together in Heaven...

Scared, Even More Frightened, and SAD!

2008-11-04T22:02:00.000-08:00

Wow! My doctor's appointment was enlightening. I don't feel so crazy for taking so much time off of work. He stated that he was surprised that I lasted as long as I did with all I have been fighting. He says most people in my condition last about 3 days before throwing in the towel and getting in to see a specialist. Now, I'm scared about the prospects of my future. The prognosis is that I had some sort of toxic exposure related to the train wreck...and what I have been dealing with could last months, a couple of years, or the rest of my life! Great...Don't get me wrong. If I had to choose whether to help people in a bad situation ever again, I would do it. But, all of this suffering that I get to do as a result does kinda make me question "why me"? I guess that is just my trade off for not actually having been on the train?!?!?!?

Even more frightening to me though is the prospect of our future as a country. Needless to say...but I found it very depressing to learn of our newly elected president. I don't believe in his ideology. I seriously question his "fundamental changes". And even bigger than anything else, I am completely mystified how anyone can honestly vote for a man who has acquaintances or better yet "friends" in the likes of his dear reverend or Ayers. When I was a kid, my dad said people judge you by your friends. Now that I am older, I know he was right. I have NUMEROUS reservations about the people with whom he associates and I cannot believe that our country has been brainwashed into thinking that he has OUR best interests at heart. At least with the other candidates, I felt a sense of relief in knowing that they would try to make rational decisions that benefit the hard working people of this fine country. Our president elect has confirmed my suspicions though. We have officially filled ourselves to the rim with citizens (perhaps, uneducated?) who vote solely based on color (oh, but God forbid that we call that racism...if only he took after his mother and appeared white, I wonder if they would still call him our first black president?), or feel that the government should be so heavily in the pockets of the working people so as to provide for those who do not/will not/cannot work. I'm okay with "welfare" for the true few who need/deserve it, but this idea of socialism pisses me off to no end. Where is my reward for working for the same company for 20+ years? Oh yeah, I get to continue to pay the way for others only now I will have less money in my pocket. Great, so I get to take a pay cut in the form of taxes. Can't wait for the interest rates to skyrocket. Can't wait for all of the other changes he proposes. Tonight, I'm even more frightened about the future because I finally feel like we will have a so-called leader that will reward the lazy and punish the rest of us. And, don't even get me started on his views for our military and how the rest of the world will now view us as weak. Don't think for one second that we won't become victims of this. Anyone who wants to reduce our military presence is begging for disaster. We must always appear strong, and unwilling to give up the battle. This man, with his questionable friends and past, desires to throw us into a hole we may not ever crawl out of. I only hope that in a few years I will not be forced to say things like "I told you so" or "I wasn't one of the people who voted for HIM!" I truly hope that my gut feeling is wrong...but I'm a pretty good judge of character these days. So, buckle your seat belts. Okay, enough ranting. Oh, btw...with his sort of tax reform, I already have heard my coworkers discussing the fact that they will not be working overtime next year because of that darn slamming in the paycheck. See, a great man elected as our leader, is already encouraging us not to work harder. Soon, we can all be Spongetta Welfare. Maybe I can find a passenger or two to teach me how to work the system? That sounds like a fine idea...

My last comment is just to note that it has been exactly one month since letting my Minna go. They say time heals all wounds. This wound isn't healing. The days have yet to become easier. And, instead of feeling better with each passing moment, I only feel like I miss her more and more. She was my child. We did almost everything together. Not sure how people who lose a real child endure. I imagine this is why I have so much compassion and empathy for them. I just know that this void, even though I still have my big Sierra dog, doesn't feel like it will ever mend. She may have had tiny paws, but some little dog down the road is gonna have some big shoes to fill. I'm just so sad...I truly ache for the companionship of that little punk ass dog. She was so special and this world seems so empty now that she is gone!

Two Months...

2008-11-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

...and counting!

I'm so very ready for a new year, a fresh start, and a clean slate. I love that it always feels like this after January 1st! It has been a bumpy few months and I'm still not fully recovered from all that has been happening.

I think the thing I have missed most over the last 3 months has been my health. I'm still coughing, crackling, and wheezing. I still wake up by 3 am almost every single morning needing more AIR. I cough and cough and cough and then finally hit the inhaler. It helps, but I can never go back to sleep. Pulmonologist on Monday. I hope he can fix me or at least figure out what is wrong. I hope it isn't something really bad.

It hasn't even been a month since I put Minna to sleep. Still extremely sad and missing her horribly. Does petting the picture on my laptop's screen qualify me for officially nuts? I actually went to a dog rescue to check on a little cutie pie to adopt. I backed out though when my mom expressed her true feelings by saying this, "First, I have to say it has been nice not having dog food bowls in the kitchen!" Seriously? That was FIRST? Okay, your desire to have no dog food bowls will be granted. Funny how she always points out the negative before the positive. My "first" would be something like, "Wow! The house seems so empty without a little critter!" So, should anyone ever say I'm just like my mother, they would be completely wrong. Looks like I will be waiting until I buy a house (hopefully this next year) to get another little house mouse.

Today I am planning on working on my minimum 25 page journal for the class I am taking. I have no problem rambling about silly things, but for some crazy reason, I am having a difficult time focusing on getting this thing done. Better hurry...it is due on the 13th. Hopefully, I will make great progress today.

Not looking forward to the holidays in any way this year. Already feel like I am just going through the motions. How can this be? I'm the one in my family who always has loved the baking and decorating, etc. I think I've lost my mojo with all that has happened. I feel beat down and not wanting to be around anyone this year. Looks like it will be Sierra and I alone this year. My parents will probably go see my brother and his family as they seem to do every year. That's okay though. It isn't like they are super happy when they are home anyhow. Almost would rather them be gone the whole time. Oh, then there are the sympathetic invites to spend Christmas with friends. Don't get me wrong...I think it is very sweet of them to ask, but it just reiterates how sad my existence is this time of year. I'm really learning to dislike this homestretch...Hmmm, maybe I need to work lost of overtime and just go somewhere/anywhere away from home for the holiday? Not sure if that will make it better or WORSE! HA!

Seriously...only two more months...hurry up already!!!

Perpetual Ills and Injuries

2008-10-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, pinus longaeva, White Mountains, California. Photo taken October 17, 2008

I had a very fun, exhausting, learning adventure this last weekend. Ya see, I signed up for a Natural History class at my local community college. The funny part is that I decided to sign up at midnight the night before registration. My original goal was to complete two classes (Statistics and Philosophy) to complete my second Associate's, but as I mentioned previously, I ended up dropping both of the classes that mattered as a result of the train wreck. Just got too far behind. I was left with my little "last minute" class. I'm so glad I still am enrolled in it.

We left at o' dark thirty Friday morning. We trekked to some of my favorite areas in the world (so far) in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and in the Owens Valley. Absolutely AWESOME! I learned bunches about the plants and animals and glaciers, etc., yet I feel like I barely grasped half of what was discussed. I have even more respect for my favorite escape destination. It definitely sparked my interest and I think I may have found my new calling...to learn more and more about the outdoors. Maybe someday I can teach it to others?

When I look back on my crazy life, I guess I have always had an interest in this stuff. I think I started reading Stephen Jay Gould books some 20 years ago. Don't ask me how I happened upon his works, 'cause I don't know. I recall reading "The Mismeasure of Man" and "The Flamingo's Smile" and just eating it up! I think I need to return and read more of his books. I always found the books interesting, informative, and almost comical at times. Imagine my sadness when I decided recently to read more about the author, and found out he had passed away. Gosh, and he taught at Harvard University. Maybe I could have gone to visit one of my two cousin's that attended Harvard and then accidentally I could have run into the man...missed opportunities...add this one to the list!

So we traipsed about the wilderness, with me snapping photos at every turn. Okay, I will admit that for as much as I was loving it, I did have some moments of total meltdown. Just didn't want to take any more notes or photos. My brain would be fully engaged and then suddenly, all I heard was "blah blah blah". So, yes, there can be too much of a good thing. I think I would have liked it more if the pace could have been just a tad slower. It just felt a little bit rushed and I didn't get enough downtime to soak it all in. As one of my classmates said, it was more like a teaser. You get a taste and then have to move on.

And then there was the MOMENT...the one I dreaded the entire time I was gone. As you may have read, I have had 3 months of "one thing after another". As the end of the trip neared, I kept thinking that maybe the tables had finally turned. Hmmm, no flat tire (a true concern after some of the rough roads we traveled) or major dying illness like pneumonia (also a concern since I still have that nasty cough from the bronchitis). But, as we hiked around Fossil Falls across all sorts of rock, it happened. I twisted my ankle! DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT!!! Being the glass is half full kind of girl, I was able to appreciate that at least it happened toward the end of the trip and not at the beginning. WHEW! I sucked it up and counted my blessings. I would have literally been one unhappy camper if that had occured at the beginning of our trip.

Oh, I also split open my finger on some unknown thing. Dunno if it was the helping others set up their tents or the football that I was catching that caused it to burst open ~ spewing blood, but it was kinda deep. BTW, discovered that I can no longer throw a football. I hadn't tried in probably 10-15 years and sweet jeezus, it showed! At least I could catch it still. Note to self, once you heal from all of your injuries and ailments, go play catch with Jake. I mean seriously, I'm only 40...I should still be able to toss the pigskin around! ALLLLLLLLLLLL of those years as a kid playing football in the street with the boys, and suddenly, I totally throw like a girl. What's next? Run like a girl too? Time to stop the perpetual cycle ... NOW!

Really? REALLY!

2008-10-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

It has been exactly one week since putting Minna to sleep. It feels like a lifetime. The house seems so empty. It isn't fun to come home like it used to be. No "Walmart" greeter in the front yard to welcome me home. No jump around for her nightly pheno medicine~and~a~treat routine. No super soft fluff to pet. It is just plain sad...even my mom who said "NO MORE DOGS" is starting to reconsider. I think if I found a small dog that was slightly housetrained, she would be all for it. I figured that I would buy a house of my own so I could get another fur baby, but with the market slamming my investment money, my down payment seems to be slipping away. Gosh, if I had only known that I could be irresponsible and get a subprime loan and the government would save my butt, I could have bought a house. Dammit! Next time maybe?

I'm STILL battling bronchitis. This must be the neverending illness. REALLY! I found some stashed antibiotic and started taking that since I already did my 2 weeks on the Doxycycline. I'm still coughing. Yesterday, I started back up with the body aches. Not sure if that is because I cough with such force that my back has had enough? Anyhow, I feel a little bit better today. I HAVE to get better by next weekend. I have a camping trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains for a natural history class I'm taking. Right now, the temps are hitting 60 degrees for a high and the lows in the 20 degree range. And that is good...if a storm rolls in, we are gonna freeze our bums off. Also, I have some hikes I have to do for this class. So, praying for the cough to go away. If I miss this, I fail the class...failure is not an option. I probably need to see the doctor but don't want to hear how I should not go on this trip. Perhaps pneumonia when I return will be treatable???

Wow, so much to do since all of this drama in my life. Room is a disaster. Need to pull out camping gear to prep for trip. Want to set up tents in front yard to make sure they are still in decent shape. Then there are the little things like getting the inverter out of the boat and buying rechargeable batteries for my camera since the old ones aren't holding a charge. Finding appropriate camping clothes...that fit...and getting them packed with a parka and a towel and a pair of binoculars. Crap...so many little things to do and that isn't counting getting my uniforms lined up for the week. May I request to be two people please?

Guess I am feeling better. Or, maybe it is the fact that I love Fall. The air has cooled and I just love this time of year. I got up and promptly made some banana nut bread. It is cooling in the kitchen and smells HEAVENLY. I also threw together some chicken stew type stuff in the crock pot. I added smokey paprika to the pot and some mesquite bbq seasoning. This ought to be interesting. I think I will add some brown rice to the pot later and see what happens. Anyhow, this cooler weather makes me want to fix food and prep the cave for hibernation.

It just won't be the same without my snuggly warm dog, Minna. I'm going to have to adjust and not let it get me depressed.

Really...

This Is It...

2008-10-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that I will have my sweet angel, Minna, euthanized. I can hardly see the computer keyboard as I type because my eyes won't stop with the tears. My heart literally feels as if there is a dagger in it, and no matter what I do, that pain is still there. My eyes are so swollen that it will surely look like I have been crying for a week straight.

Kinda weird the things that I am trying to do this morning. I awoke very early this morning with Minna. She was having difficulty breathing through her nose and wanted to go outside to go "potty". (What a good girl even when so sick. She wakes me up to go outside!)We came back in the house and were up for a few more hours until about 6 a.m. She finally fell back asleep. I've learned over the last week to treat the situation as if I had a newborn baby. When she is up, I am up, and when she sleeps, I try to sleep. So, I flopped on the couch after she found a good spot on the living room floor...and we slept...until about 9 a.m.!

She laid on my belly/chest and slept for a little bit while I was on the couch. It reminded me of all the fall/winter nights that she would curl up with me while we watched a hockey game or the evening t.v. programs. She used to get so excited when I would grab the fluffy blanket for myself. It was like some sort of conditioned response for her. She would jump up on the couch before I could even cover my body (in the early days) or start bouncing around the edge of the couch as she got older whenever I pulled out our favorite blanket! Ohhhhh, how I will miss that...

We also spent the part of the morning in my room. She fell asleep in my arms and then at some point in between my Indian style crossed legs. I let her sleep until the breathing problems would wake her up. Funny how each moment becomes so very important. Even stranger is my need to write this stuff down. It is like I am so afraid I will forget how we spent our last minutes together.

Right now, she is asleep in her bed in the living room. I went to the garage to do some laundry. Then I saw her food and water bowls. I started to wash out the food bowl since she hasn't touched anything in it for over a day. She has some cut up treats by her water bowl in case she should get hungry. I know she won't though. Guess I will leave those for when I get home. That way I can sob as I clean up after her.

Her pile of toys is still in the living room. I haven't had the heart to bag them up even though she has not played with them in a long while. My mind says to do it now so I won't have to see them when I walk back in the house this afternoon. My heart wants to leave them there forever as if that will make everything all better.

I'm sure at some point I will put together a slide show of my girl. I cannot bring myself to do it right now. I already feel guilty for wasting my time typing when I should be sitting with her.

So, this is it...

My Review of REI Orbita Wheeled Pack - 20'' - '07 Closeout

2008-10-02T10:10:00.001-07:00

Originally submitted at REI

Whether it's a new semester or new job, roll in ready with this REI Orbita pack—room for a laptop, electronic gadgets, books, folders and more.

Hike or Roll

By Camper-Girl, latest in super heroes from Covina, CA on 10/2/2008

Gift: No

Pros: Easy To Identify, High Quality, Easy To Carry, Easy To Access Items, Good Capacity

Cons: Short Telescoping Handle

Best Uses: Carrying School Stuff

Describe Yourself: Comfort-Oriented, Practical, Career, Classic

Primary use: Personal

Overall, I love my new rolling backpack. I purchased it for school because parking lots are torn up and I wasn't sure if I would have to carry my stuff on my back. Since I have back "issues", I wanted something that I could also roll if needed. This pack works well for both. My one and ONLY complaint is that the handle seems just a hair too short for my 5'8" frame. Anyone taller should probably opt for a different bag.

Oh, and I think it could be improved by having exterior mesh pockets for my Klean Kanteens. That would eliminate the space I waste by carrying them inside.

(legalese)

Never Ever Say...

2008-10-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

...what next? Because, just as soon as the words leave your lips, you find out.

I learned this lesson about 8 years ago.

Anyhow, I have had a really bad run of things lately. It started with my back acting up. But, I came to realize as I told my chiropractor the other day, that I "needed" it to act up so that I would go in repeatedly and get it as straightened out as possible. I think it was God's way of preparing me for the physical demands the train accident would require of me. There is no way in HE!! that I would have been able to lift that woman on the backboard had I not had my issues resolved.

Then there was the sinus infection. And, since I'm a firm believer in not sharing illnesses with everyone via work, I stayed home. Burning time on the books that didn't exist...thanks to that bout with my back pain.

Oh, and then that slight rebound with a cold that seemed to get better just in time for me to return to work with that AWFUL feeling that something bad was going to happen.

Yeah...I got one of my famous "feelings" Friday morning, before the big accident. I called a friend of mine and told him. He thought I was crazy and asked me what I thought was going to happen. I told him "something"...like I was going to blow a tire and crash or at least get pulled over and get a ticket (Broke-remember? Off work w/o pay! That would be very bad!!!)...I just knew it. I wanted to stay home that day because the feeling was so strong, but since I had already been off work so much, I knew I couldn't. I even told the deputy with whom I was riding about my "feeling". Being that we were scheduled to ride a line notorious for having "issues", I mentioned it to him just in case. Like saying that would somehow prepare us. No matter how nuts he thought I was for telling him, he gave me that funky look however, while we were rolling code to the accident scene. I just stared at him and said, "I told you!"

So, as if I haven't had enough drama in my meager existence, I am now facing the day I have dreaded since the day I picked up my little punkin' head from the pet store. Minna is sick...very sick...probably cancer. And, although on an antibiotic that seemed to help initially, she has taken a horrible turn. She doesn't want to eat. She has terrible sinus congestion that must just hurt her so badly. Her tiny body that weighed less than 8 lbs. to start, has shrunken. I can feel every vertebrae of her spine. Her eyes are sad. The worst part is knowing that there is nothing that I can do to ease her pain. Oh, except make that God-like decision to end her life.

Saturday we have an appointment at the veterinary clinic. I actually cried today when I called to make the appointment. I called it a follow-up, but in my heart, I knew what it will turn out to be.

My heart completely aches for my baby dog who has gone EVERYWHERE with me since the day I brought her home. And yet, all I want to do is make the pain stop for her. I know I will eventually get over the loss, or so I hope. But, when I look into her now cloudy eyes, I just hope that I have done right by her. I hope she had a great doggie life. I hope she knows how much joy she brought into my life and how many smiles she caused even the toughest of men to show. Many critters come and go, but this little one is special. And, no matter how many others I may have in my life, there will only be one Minna.

I am cherishing every moment I have with her right now, even as I suction the bloody snot from her tiny nose. Tears do run down my face without warning. That started today. I keep hoping that between now and Saturday, she will just slip away peacefully. I am dreading that drive to the vet in Simi Valley. Even more so, I can't imagine what the drive home will be like.

With all that has happened in the last couple of months, I never ever asked "what next". Gosh, how much worse could it have all been had I?

"Not all those who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien

2008-09-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Wow...this struck a chord with me today. Funny how society, family, friends, etc., have a certain notion about a person if one doesn't find their perfect mate a "traditional" way. Even funnier still is the idea that ALL of us need to be with someone, sometimes ALL of the time. Don't get me wrong. I would love nothing more than to find that person who really makes me laugh and just makes life even more exciting than it is already. I would love to have someone with whom to spend my time and who likes to share life's ups and downs. But, since I tend to find men who have some sort of issue (don't we all have 'em? HA!) whether it be ultra-sensitive emotions, no emotion, very little sense of humor, too much of a sense of humor, etc., I just have given up on the supposed "search" for Mr. Right.

I have resolved to do the best that I can, by myself or with my friends who seem to carry me through life providing the fun and laughs and support that I need. AND, I have decided that since "he" hasn't come knocking on my front door, I should spend every spare moment traveling as much as my wallet will allow. No sense in waiting until I can truly afford it. We all know that the day that one can afford anything, is the day one cannot manage to do it. In my case, I'm certain my health and wellness will deteriorate at much faster pace than my savings will increase. So, I just have to find the balance and remember:

"Not all those who wander are lost."

I'm looking so forward to wandering all the days of my life!

Just Call Me Wheezy!

2008-09-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

Wow...just when I thought I was getting back on track (so to speak), I get broadsided with a really bad case of bronchitis! Seems that the dust and diesel fire fumes may have aggravated the cold I was getting over. I actually am having a really tough time breathing. I ran to urgent care this morning where I was checked out and then hooked up to a breathing machine for 15 minutes to see if they could get my bronchial tubes to open up more. It gave me some relief, thank goodness. Now, on top of the brown-gold phlegm and runny nose and acheing chest, I WHEEZE! So, I down cough syrup and antibiotic (again...) and use my inhaler. OMG, if this is how getting old feels, I'm done!

Oh and I have my first statistics exam this coming Saturday. I'm only down 4 assignments. I'm sure I will do well...NOT! I need a miracle to patch me up and get all of that homework done. I know I'm smart enough to get an A in this class, but life surely has dealt me some lousy cards over the last 6 weeks.

Metrolink Accident 09-12-08

2008-09-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

To all of you who thought of me, who called me personally, called my parents or friends, and sent text messages:

The most sincere THANK YOU for being so concerned!

I'm sorry I could not answer each of you. When I had a spare moment, I tried to change my greeting on my phone. The gloves and perspiration made it impossible to know if I had been successful in selecting the correct buttons. My fingers were sliding inside the gloves and combined with adrenaline, getting my fingers to do what my mind was telling them was a difficult task.

I was NOT on the train at the time of the incident. I was, however, one of the first people on scene as I rolled with the north end Metrolink deputies from our saturation patrol on the Antelope Valley line. We were about to board a train as the call went out. Luckily, we did not board as that would have left us stranded on a train heading to Lancaster, and unable to respond.

Although I consider my vocabulary almost immense, there are truly no words to describe exactly what I experienced.

Many of you saw me on the news in still pictures or on the many videos that were taken. My undefined position in this mess left me as a catch-all sort of person. I handed out heavy duty gloves, comforted the injured, moved bodies, escorted the priest to at least 5 dead as he offered last rites, attempted to keep relentless media personnel at bay, ran for radio batteries, ran to commanders/chiefs/etc. to deliver messages (up and down a hill...I may be ready for Mt. Whitney!), escorted people out of the crime scene, and eventually was one of the voices over the radio at the command post. I did many other things but truly, so much is a blur. And my job paled in comparison to all of what the others were doing!!! It was organized pandemonium at its best.

The news is reporting less than 20 deceased. The last numbers I heard before I left were more in the area of approx. 25. The injured were many. From what I saw, it will take quite a while to determine exactly how many were killed. Guaranteed that number will rise. My best guestimate from what I saw would be a much higher number. For those of you who do not ride trains, the count of passengers is always fluctuating with each station stop. The first car (next to the locomotive) was crushed beyond recognition. For those of us that were at the Glendale wreck, I can say that this was definitely much worse. In a horrible way, I am grateful to have seen that wreck...it prepared me to handle this one.

On a more positive note, I am extremely happy to report that the conductor, Bob Heldenbrand, was okay. Although I never got to see him personally (I tried desperately to find him!), I heard from several early on that he was up and moving around. I spoke with another conductor last night who had talked to him via phone. Very good news!!!

I did however see the engineer, Rob Sanchez. From my perspective, it appeared that he may have tried to exit through the window just prior to the impact.

I have heard conflicting reports on the crew from the freight train. Up to the point that I left the command post last night, the deputies were telling me that they had been removed from the locomotive injured but still alive. I have received other information that they may have passed.

As with most incidents of this magnitude, it will take a long time before they know exactly what happened. Also, I must commend those folks that were first responders that came down from the school or their homes to help ~ proving yet again that most people are good and willing to do what they can! Companies such as Ralphs and Costco IMMEDIATELY sent food and water wherever they could. Best Buy sent internet connected laptops. Other companies also sprang into action...I just don't know their names.

Many of you offered me things like a ride or place to sleep, at whatever time I would be done. Many of you offered words of encouragement or just let me know you would be there for me. You are all so very kind.

I truly am blessed with the best support system! If any of you have questions that you think I might be able to answer, please ask. I will do my best to tell what I know.

Those of you that know me well, you know that I am not a super religious sort. That said, I ask that you pray for all of the families and friends of those involved in this accident. This will undoubtedly be the worst thing they/we will ever experience in their lives...or so we hope.

Much love and gratitude,

Donna V.

P.S.

If you can help, blood donations are needed. Please contact your local Red Cross. The hospitals that were being utilized initially last night were Holy Cross and Simi Valley. They may also be good places to contact if you are in the area.

Ready For Round TWO!

2008-09-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Wow...life can be really exasperating at times. I was talking with a "boy" who seemed so pleasant and fun. It appeared that we had SO MUCH in common. It was almost scary how many things were similar between us. I thought I could joke around with him, but apparently not. Turns out, he was very sensitive and got his feelings hurt when I joked that I thought he might be gay. SO VERY MUCH a joke, and he took it to heart I guess. So, back to the ring I go for round two...BTW, when did I become the boy? I'm not that sensitive and don't take too many things seriously. I just don't get it. Most guys would die to have a girl that isn't so sensitive...what-ev!

Miss D Minner, aka Minna La Rowena, is doing her own version of round two...with antibiotics. The veterinarian said she thought Minna might have an untreatable form of nose cancer, but she gave me some meds to try. When I noticed that the bleeding stopped, and the congestion lessened, it gave me hope that maybe what she has is treatable. We went back to the vet on Saturday where I picked up a new antibiotic. She still gets congested at night, but I haven't seen ANY blood in a few days. Maybe just allergies? I sure hope so!!!

I recently had a bout with a sinus infection. I got over it just in time for school to start. YAY! And then...last night...when no one was paying any attention...it snuck up on me! A summer freakin' cold!!! Sore froat, sneezing, runny nose, ears all mucky. I had to shove tissue up my nose just to go to sleep. Today I feel less congested, just a little drippy and my throat is still sore. The bad part is that I left today open so I could get my homework done for school. AND ALL I WANNA DO IS LAY IN BED! I'm not tired. I just feel yucky. Why me? Why now?

Speaking of school, I think I'm gonna go nuts. I had to back out of my scrapbooking weekend this month because my 4 hour class on Saturdays is overwhelming. The work itself doesn't seem so bad, but the note-taking is over the top!!! I had 10 pages of notes from our first class. I even had a mini meltdown toward the end of the 4 hours. We had to graph our work (did I mention I HATE graphing?)before we left to go home for the day and show the teacher, and my brain just shut down, right on the spot! The girl sitting next to me could tell I just hit the wall. She was so sweet to help me finish. Now, my only concern is missing this class and my Logic class in October for the field trip in my natural history class. I may have to take some time off work and see if I can sit in on the classes during the week before that trip. Yes, I feel a major meltdown brewing. Not sure how I'm going to make all of this work. But, if I can make it happen, by the end of December, I will have finished my second Associate's degree. I think I can, I think I can!!! So much for round two in school...I liked round one much better. It was at an easier pace!!!!!!!!

Beginning Back At The Beginning...

2008-09-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

I totally was eating so healthy (mostly) while I was off work for over 3 weeks. And then, I returned to work not eating at my new scheduled times and definitely not eating the good things that I had learned to shove down my throat. The 6 lbs. that I lost while laying around, doing nuthin', has surely returned. I just know it. I'm so sad about this and yet, it is my own damn fault.

Why was the guacamole or the nacho style queso so dang good yesterday? And then again today?? And why did I need to fry up my own corn chips this morning to dip into these fine gourmet dips this afternoon??? Did I mention that I munched on a hot link and nothing else for dinner???? If there is an exact opposite of health food, I think I had it all today. I should mention that I started my day out right with oatmeal, a small glass of nonfat milk, and a small bunch of grapes.

So, back to the beginning for me tomorrow. I was feeling rather proud of myself for losing a few pounds just by changing what and when I ate. My screwy shift hours that vary day to day will be my biggest obstacle most definitely. But, I'm gonna try to get back on track first thing in the morning. Maybe I will only be able to make it work for me 2 out of the three main meals I have in a day? But doggone it, I'm going to try. Want to see what I can accomplish in the next few months while tackling those three college classes.

Talk about beginning back at the beginning!!! School...again...YUCK! HAHAHAHAHA...

In Four Months...

2008-08-31T07:49:00.001-07:00

...we will be celebrating New Year's Eve! Just wanted to throw that out there. Difficult to imagine how much things will have changed by then, but ya know what??? They will change!!!

Sleepyhead Fred...

2008-08-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

My cutie-pie dog, Minna, has so many names. I know everyone gives their critters maybe 1 or 2 nicknames, but my dog is special. She has so many names that I cannot remember them all. Gonna try to show how the downward spiral took place.

Minna
Minna Winna
Minna La Rowena (also with the added "punky pie eatah" at the end)
Ficus Benjaminna
Minner
Minner Winner
Winifred
Fred
Fredarina Vitt (like Katarina, only fluffier!)
Freddie (a fave used by my brother, then my nephews started calling her ONLY that one!)
Sleepyhead Fred
Pumpkinhead Fred
Punkin'
Punky Monkey, and the offshoot of Funky Monkey
Punky Pie, Punky Pie Girl full o' poo!
Bubba Punk (like Bubba Gump)
Pie Girl
Pie Dog
Go Bye Bye Dog
Go Bye Bye Queen

I'm sure there are more, but that is all I can think of right now. She has always answered to all of them (when she could still hear that is) and people would often laugh at her silly names.

I woke up this morning after I went to bed at 4 p.m. yesterday. Actually, I slept until 6 p.m., got up and gave the dog her meds, then back down 'til midnight, got up and made guacamole for my BBQ today, did dishes and two loads of laundry, and then went back to bed at 2:30 a.m. I was up by 6:30 a.m. I worked a 17 hour shift on Friday and drove all over kingdom come yesterday. After getting very little sleep Friday night, I was BEAT DOWN by Saturday afternoon.

I went and got my hair done yesterday and then my friend, Estela, and I went to lunch about 45 miles away from where we live. Traffic was horrific trying to get home though and by the time I did, I wanted to just sleep. I slept so dang hard. And I feel so great now. All I have to do is finish throwing some ingredients into the Sangria that I made, and I am ready to roll for the BBQ I am having this afternoon. Woo-hoo.

Instead of typing about how I was the Sleepyhead Fred, tomorrow I may be typing about being the Hungover Fred. Let's hope not!

En Fuego...

2008-08-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

So I have likened my back pain issues to that of a fire! When small, it is completely manageable, contained, and under control. No one even notices (including myself). But, when I have a flare up, man, does it take over everything!!!

I'm in the middle (or hopefully, the end) of a flare up. Yes, I already took 3 weeks (THREE WHOLE FLIPPIN" WEEKS!) off of work. And today, I'm signed up to take off two more days. ARGH ARGH ARGH. I really am trying to see the glass half~full side of this. REALLY! So far, I have some up with:

"This is happening right now so that I may get it out of the way before school starts next week! Making use of a less busy time in my crazy life."

Yeah, that's the notion I'm rolling with... That "slight burning sensation" is natural. It does not require antibiotics. It isn't contagious. It is just ON FIRE.

...Burn, baby burn...Light my fire...Ring of fire...I have so many theme songs from which to choose...

I'm gonna go with a version of a line from Wayne's World. Instead of "game on", my phrase shall be "FLAME ON!"

Just When Ya Think...

2008-08-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

you've got life all figured out, you realize you're not even close!

I worked a 16 hour shift today. It wasn't too bad for a long day. I started out the day with having to testify in court over a citation that I wrote. It was dismissed and I was completely okay with that! The 18 yr old young lady got cited because she bought a discounted ticket, but even more so, because I had just finished citing another person a few feet away from her. Sometimes I gotta do things I don't wanna do, just because I have an audience. She was very cute after we left the courtroom. She actually thanked me for what I said in front of the judge. Most people who write tickets would think it was somehow bad to "lose" in court, but the way I see it, she learned her lesson, she learned about the judicial system, and she handled it all in a very grown up way.

After court, I drove 100 miles to go work trains way on the other side of town. Ultimately, it was an easy day. I only rode three trains and wrote maybe 6 cites. I had lots of help from coworkers while doing this saturation patrol. I think what surprised me was how many "previous clients" I encountered tonight. One guy readily admitted that I had cited him only 1 month ago. Looks like he learned his lesson, don't ya think?!?!?! Anyhow, even more surprising were the compliments that two different female blacks gave to us for doing our jobs. It was really so very sweet. They were obviously appreciative! Those few words just pleased me so much to hear. When one does a thankless job that rarely gets acknowledgement not only from society but even from your supervisors, nothing seems more rewarding than to finally hear the words "thank you" or "I am so grateful that you're here". Not all people are bad...not all people are scandalous...not all people let the job go unnoticed. Those are the people that motivate me to keep doing my work and hopefully, thanks to their kindness, doing it well.

And, just when I thought I had everything figured out...maybe I don't need to transfer to another unit after all? I think I got my batteries recharged and it only took a few words from a couple of caring strangers...SWEET!

Thankful

2008-08-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

As I have previously written, my youngest cousin on the Valdez side is battling stage 4 cancer. He is currently on his second round of the strongest chemo treatment available. He has been doing well...or as well as can be expected in this type of situation. Today a baby shower was scheduled for his wife Barbara but had to be canceled. Chris was running a temperature and had to be taken to the hospital. Barbara's water broke though she wasn't due until September. Barbara delivered their daughter today and Chris is still alive. This was something all of us were hoping for...we just wanted him to make it long enough to see his daughter. Now, as far as I know, he hasn't seen her in person yet...But I'm so very thankful that although today was rather eventful, the baby and Chris are both here on Earth together. Thankful...very thankful!

No More Pictures PLEEEEEASE!

2008-08-14T10:54:00.001-07:00

I wasn't sure what to title this photo. It cracks me up. How can a baby be feeling this way?? He looks like he had such a rough day. I haven't met him yet but I'm guessing he is a little old man in a baby's body. Just look at that pose. Way to go Lucas!!!

I'm In Love...

2008-08-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

...with my new inversion table!!! Okay, now it isn't exactly new. I bought it months ago from Big 5 while on sale. It sat in the enormous box for something close to forever in our side yard under our Ponderosa (my nickname for it since it wraps around the house) patio. So, with all of the back pain I have been experiencing, and the fact that I was finally feeling good enough to lift the very heavy box, I decided it was time to dig out the tools and get crackin'...so to speak!

With some minor confusion on my part and the fact that I do better if I can actually see a photo of the completed project, I was able to get it together rather quickly. See, and y'all thought I wasn't so bright...hehehe. Anyhow, the box had a nice big photo on the front, with some girl demonstrating how to use it. Her body blocked all of the parts I wanted to see. No worries. I figured it out anyhow. In about 15 minutes it was together.

I ran (hmmm~slight exaggeration) into the house to grab my athletic shoes so my little feet wouldn't slip out and I would bonk my head on the concrete. On the shoes went, on the table I went, and flipsy...I was inverted. I went slowly actually, as is recommended. At first, I only allowed myself to tip maybe halfway between full horizontal and full vertical. Then I got all brave and allowed myself to go into full flipsy mode. BTW, I just have to mention that I have the greatest abs once on this thing...everything disappeared. Oh, and my chest returned to that teenage position, somewhere around my neck. It was fantastic if only for a few minutes.

My back feels better. This is going to be my new addiction I can tell already. All I can think about is getting on that tall, dark and handsome table of mine. And you though I was in love with a person! HA!!!

Que Paso?

2008-08-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

So, as is evident by my many entries recently, I have been off of work due to some back problems. Yeah, I know...what's new! Between, bicycle accident, old age, 16 years of dispatching in horrible chairs, and rough riding choo-choos, I'm shocked that I'm not suffering more often. I actually almost went an entire year without visiting my chiropractor. That has to be a record for me at least since the year 2000!!!

A friend of mine was sending me messages yesterday about wanting to go on a trip. She just got back from NY and has decided that she wants to go to Mexico now...namely, Puerto Vallarta. I got to thinking that I might be up for such an adventure. Heck, I could use my timeshare and make it a little cheaper too. Okay, why not? Sure, sign me up.

I started looking online to see if anything was available in the next 6 months. Surprisingly there were a few openings. Maybe it has something to do with a little bit of that civil unrest/drug cartel/people getting murdered?!?!? I'm just guessing. Luckily, so far as I can tell, Puerto Vallarta doesn't seem to be experiencing that type of thing so far. (Thank GAWD Rebecca is one tough cookie. If I were to ever be in a fight, I would want her as my partner. She isn't Amazon woman like me but I bet she would not give up. So, I think we are as safe as any two lone girls traveling to another country can possibly be).

By the end of our exchange, most of which was via text messaging, we had decided on a date. I booked a room in Nuevo Vallarta and she booked the flights.

Looks like I know where I will be the first week in February 2009. I'm just wondering, "how do I allow these things to happen?"...

What happened to the part where I said I wanted to buy a house by the end of this year?

No estamos en el carcel, estamos en la playa! At least, that is the plan!!! (How does one translate "woo-hoo" into espanol?)!!!!!!!!

I'm sure there will be at least one palapa con mi nombre on it!

OCD...

2008-08-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

Why does the term OCD just crack me up? I used to think it was funny because I could recognize this behavior in others. An old work partner of mine, now a train conductor, was my favorite example. Her need to sort chips according to size and shape before eating was simply amazing! Now that I recognize some of the same symptoms in me, I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry.

While sorting papers for filing, I came across my latest example of OCD. About a month ago, I found some 16" fiberglass pots for plants at a Big Lots (used to be Pic N Save). They weren't some great bargain, but I just loved the design and the fact that they were exceptionally lightweight. I bought two and took them home. After a couple of days, I got to thinking of other plants that would look nice in newer pots. Hmmm! I headed to my local Big Lots and found none. I went to another Big Lots a couple of cities over...nuthin'! I tried the store near my hairdresser's place and still no score. Dammit.

It became a challenge to me. So I printed a list of the stores down Orange County way. I knew I was going to be staying overnight at the Westin after the Pat Benatar concert two weeks ago. After Sherry headed for her boat back to Catalina, I would go on my hunt. Sure...sounded like a plan. I was certain that after a couple of stops, I would have all that I needed. WRONG!!!

Sherry and I got up after our rest in each of our full-size Heavenly Beds at the Westin. This was about two weeks ago and I was at the beginning of my yucky back pain. I knew it was bad when I didn't sleep soundly in the most comfortable bed ever made!!! Not a good start to my adventurous day...Anyhow, I went to the store in Santa Ana, not too far from Costa Mesa. I then hit two stores in Fountain Valley, two stores in Huntington Beach (I found a similar pot with a grape pattern-close enough-I took it!), another in Westminster, and then Garden Grove. Apparently, everyone now has a pot to piss in because I couldn't find any of those cute things ANYWHERE. My last stop was the store in Brea where I bought my first two a month ago. Yep, all gone.

I went to eight (8) stores in one morning! Now, I love my Big Lots when I find something really cool like my Good Earth tea for $1.50 a box, or for a cheapo greeting card. BUT, I hate that they have driven me to an obsession for trying to find more of a good thing. I have given up on the pots. We don't have to be all matchy-matchy after all. Oh, and I don't care if I see the inside of another Big Lots store for at least a few months. I know I won't last that long, but right now...BLECK!

First Loves

2008-08-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

I got all melancholy today thinking about first loves.

I remember my teddy bear that my great grandma B gave me. I loved on that thing so much that her 3 dimensional nose become flattened into her face. I still have her packed away (probably baking in the summer heat) in the attic probably wearing a doll's dress that I got from grandma V.

There was my first dog, Chatty, who was a Yorkshire Terrier that was beyond feisty. She once tried to bite my dad while backed under our dining room table. I thought he was going to shoot her. She ran away, 6 miles in one night, after chewing through our fence. I cried for weeks after my mom removed her collar and let her run away for the last time. I hated my mom for at least a year!

I remember a Mickey Mouse watch that I got as a gift that had a green leather wristband. I felt so grown up wearing a big girl's watch! There was also a locket that I adored from my Aunt Linda and she had placed a picture of my brother and I in it. I managed to misplace both of those items somewhere in the growing up years.

There was the boy on our street named Brian Saunders that I used to go with on his paper route on the weekends. He was older than me and never had a problem letting me play football with the boys on our street, even if my brother pitched a fit. That was huge in my book. He was my first kiss. I remember thinking not only "FINALLY ~ a kiss" but that I wanted to always remember how good it made me feel.

And then...there was my first car. It was a 1972 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe. No one for miles around had a car like mine. It was an ugly brown-gold and underneath was the original bright blue color much like what is on the FJ Cruisers these days. I know because I sanded on that buggy of mine for hours. Dad and I worked and worked and worked on it before I ever drove it. I would sit in the driveway and practice shifting and using the clutch. It had such a stiff clutch pedal that I developed a rather nice calf muscle in my left leg! We repaired the torn black interior, carefully sewing by hand the new replacement vinyl to the old stuff and then placing it back over the original foam. We spray painted the faded carpet with a black fabric spray and made it look new again. It got more modern side view mirrors, new chrome wheels and tires, new speakers and a new radio. The only modifications that we really did to it were the electronic telescoping antenna that I would turn on after I started the car (it was mounted adjacent to the trunk and at an angle...much cooler than on the roof!) and a kill switch under the driver's seat in case someone tried to steal it. I polished the chrome and waxed that car like no other after we got it painted. Dad let me pick the color. I went for months saying it would be silver or charcoal gray. MONTHS! Then I chose Fiat Red at the very last minute...which, in case you don't know, is actually ORANGE!!! I cried when I looked into the painting booth and saw my orange car with one coat of paint. Dad couldn't bear the tears and luckily there was a paint store on site. We walked in and chose the best true red ever made. He coughed up even more money (although I started working when I was 15, that being a frozen yogurt queen didn't pay for much). So my car had a custom paint job. Orange underneath and red on top. It was beautiful even if we didn't get all of the bodywork perfect. It was mine. We did all of the engine work. We did all of the bodywork. We did all of the interior. I missed more football games and dances because Friday nights my dad was off work and I was out of school. We worked so hard on it...I learned so much about cars thanks to that buggy of mine. I remember being slightly angry about missing out on the social activities while my friends got to go. They never learned the stuff I did though. Who really lost out? I miss the stock air horn and the gauges that said "olio" and "benzina" on them. I miss having to manually adjust the throttle and the choke. Heavy sigh...My car made it to Nevada when my brother moved. He drove it for a while up there. After sitting in his side yard for years, it eventually made it to the local junkyard. I literally cried! I couldn't keep it, I had no room for it or the time/money to get it back where it needed to be...but I didn't want to see it go. It represented so much to me...my engine education, weighing priorities, the way I got to work those first years, going to college upon graduating h.s., and my first car accident. All the usual teenager stuff. The only thing that made me feel better was hearing that it didn't last a week in that yard. It was visible from the highway my brother drove to work and he said one day it was there, and the next day it was gone. I know they didn't crush it because the yard never did that...it was acres of old cars. I often hope that someone who could treat it right would end up with it. Maybe another teenager used it as a "first"?

I only know of a black and white photo that I took back in high school when it was all pretty. The other photos I have of it are after the car accident and those pics still make me sad. I found a photo online...imagine it in red and you will have a great idea of my first love! BTW, it would have looked good in silver or gray too, don't ya think?

Picture This...

2008-08-07T12:27:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the day of the big arrival at my house. Big, in that I haven't had much to do since being off work, so when the mail was delivered and there was a box for me, I got rather jazzed. My Shutterfly order had arrived! I think I ordered something like 500 pictures. No, seriously. What am I gonna do with all of these photos? Guess I won't have a shortage of things to scrap on my next scrapbook weekend getaway?

Almost every time that I have gone to one of my scrapbook weekends, I am scrambling to order photos so I can take them with me. Almost always, I take pics that just don't scream out to me. This time, if I go and say I have nothing to scrap, y'all have permission to shoot me. I won't have my gun with me, but you may go into my purse, grab my pepper spray, and let loose!!!

I glanced at one envelope yesterday. The photo paper seems kinda thin but otherwise I was happy with what I saw. It isn't like this is going to a museum for Heaven's sake! If I was smart (which I rarely claim) I would start prepping for my trip in September. I have so many other things happening before that. I surely need to devote my time to those efforts first...but they aren't going to be fun like my scrap habit. So, I think I will just sit here and work on a timeline of when to do all of my chores and still organize for my next mini trip to scrap bliss! Can you picture it? I totally can!!!

BITTER bummin happy SWEET

2008-08-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Super heavy sigh! I have been off work for 1 1/2 weeks. Don't get me wrong...I dream of a day when I don't HAVE to go to work. I wish I could stay home and do just the things I want to do (hmm, bake cookies and scrap all day for starters). But, this staying-home-because-my-back-is-acting-up thing is for the birds! Can't do too much, but shouldn't do absolutely nothing either. ARGH! Oh how I wish I could clobber that fool that caused a van to plow into me 8 years ago. I wonder where he is? I wonder if karma has caught up with him? As I lay on 3 ice packs, I wish him nothing but the best...hehehehe. No, I'm not bitter...not at all.

With all of this being semi-bitter I have kinda been bummin' too. My poor bicycle is all rearing to go...sitting in the side yard ~ just waiting. I was literally all geared up, mentally and physically, before my back pain returned. How the heck am I supposed to get back on track if I can't even ride my bike, I asks yas? Okay, okay...soon enough. I know. It just sucks getting old. My mind says 20, but my bod is definitely screamin' 40 right now.

I'm happy that I get to stay home and hang out with my pumpkin head dog though. She is almost exactly 15 1/2 yrs old. Every day I wake up and look to see if she is still breathing. I'm not morbid, just realistic. I mean, she is OLD. She has had a fabulously full life. She has stayed in nicer hotels than most people have. She has been to the mountains, to the beaches, & to the deserts. She likes boating and has her own vest. She can out camp the best of 'em. She can also be the frou-frouest dog in town, bouncing around with her rhinestone collar and bows in her hair. She used to sleep under my ball camp when I played softball 15+ yrs ago. She is just my everything dog. So, I am enjoying the limited time we have remaining. Sure, I'm gonna miss her when she goes, but we have had one helluva a good run! Maybe this time away from work is just so that I can have a few more silly moments with her?

Okay, so I officially have the sweetest, nicest pen-pal in the world. I feel very blessed to finally have someone with whom I can exchange mindless e-mails and bother at any ol' time of the day. Anyone who can tolerate reading my blurbs must have the patience of a saint! Plus, to have the desire to even write back makes him a keeper. Good thing he arrived in time for me to be off of work. I think I would have gone bonkers without him. He represents some sanity in my crazy world right now. I guess things do happen for a reason?!?!?!?!

Finally...A Picture

2008-08-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Apparently my father received this picture. I don't know how old the baby was when it was taken as I got this as part of the group e-mail my mom sent out to other friends and relatives. See how I rate. If I were part of a totem pole, guaranteed I'd be on the bottom!

Not nearly as big as Jake or Jason were at birth which in comparison makes him seem kinda small. Anyhow, he is kinda cute for a fresh out-of-the-oven baby!

Season's Greetings...

2008-07-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Yup, I did it! I officially began my Christmas shopping today. I didn't buy anything super exciting, but I am kinda jazzed about my "practical" gifts. I would love to even share what I bought. If you're like me, when you find something you love, you think,"Hey, that would make a neat gift" and before you know it, you have bought that gift for everyone on your list including yourself. So, that is exactly what happened today which is why I cannot post a picture of what I got. But, I can post a glimpse...

I alternate between the years of how I do my Christmas shopping. One year I buy the actual gift and then the next year I go the gift card route. Being that the economy is in such a sorry state, I'm not sure that the gift card route is going to be so great. I think the nephews will get cash to spend on themselves. I'm sticking to small gifts for friends (nothing over $40). Family is gonna just have to suffer I think, not sure about them yet. Anyhow, I knew I had to share the official start of the holiday season with you. Just like Christmas, I feel broke right now (haven't had any overtime in a while) so I guess I better pace myself.

Happy Holidays!!!

He's Here...Lucas Joseph Valdez

2008-07-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

My newest nephew arrived Friday, July 26, 2008, at 1:15 p.m. He was 7 lbs 1 1/2 ozs. and 19 1/2 inches long. Initially, he didn't have a name, but on Saturday my parents were informed that he will be called Lucas Joseph Valdez. I'm really trying to be excited about his arrival (everyone knows I'm a sucker for kids, especially babies), but the events leading up to this baby make it difficult for me to be enthusiastic. If maybe my brother had told me a little bit sooner (he told me 3 months before the baby was born-come to think of it-that was the last time we spoke to each other) or even acted like he was happy when he told me, maybe I could be part of the happy crowd?!?!?! Oh well...I will do my best. Hopefully, this current wife/gf/whatever she is, will stick around longer than the last one. I think it would be sad if this baby disappeared from our family before we got to know him.

What is a staycation? Supposedly, it is when one stays at home or close to home but does (touristy) things while there. So, I have decided to do that. Was scheduled to visit Las Vegas today for a couple of nights. Wasn't feeling the groove though. Didn't feel like driving (a first for me!). I think I will bake some cookies, maybe go to the Reagan Museum in Simi Valley, check out the Huntington Library and do a couple of other things I haven't done/seen in all the years I have lived here. Gotta see if one of my pals is off work Monday or Tuesday and can join me.

I finally washed my OLD trusty bicycle today. Surprisingly enough, under that layer of dirt/grease, it is still a pearl white. It looks so sad and worn out as it should. I probably bought it 15 yrs ago now! But, the tires seem to be holding air and once I lube that slightly rusty ol' thing up, it will probably work just fine. It was the only thing that separated me from that nasty white Ford van that hit me 8 yrs ago. I have a strange love for that bike which is why I can't seem to get rid of it. Sure it is faded and chipped up and looks slightly obsolete, but it survived the accident just as I did. With a few lingering issues, we both seem to pedal on. It symbolizes me in so many ways. Maybe I will take it for a short ride soon?

I started cleaning up the freezer in the garage this morning. Funny how one little task leads to another. I went out for the chocolate chips, and started wiping down the door. Then, in the big freezer, I noticed that a bunch of ice had accumulated in the bottom (it is an old freezer!). I dug out a chisel and hammer and got to work. I think about an hour later, the ice was gone and the bottom looked the way it should again. I then wanted to rearrange how everything was being stored (yes, totally ocd!) because my mom has a tendency to "mess up" my organizing. I put all of the meats together and the frozen veggies in another spot. Before I know it, everything is mixed up and I can't find a thing. Oh well, her freezer...if she wants it that way, that is on her. At least my little freezer in my fridge is okay. Nuts on one shelf, frozen fruit on another, etc. YUP, I'm totally and completely and insanely OCD!

Okay, well I think I will make a broccoli salad to go with dinner tonight. There is some fresh mango and pineapple in the fridge and I found a can of yummy baked beans in the pantry. I think a barbecued steak or something like that will make for a nice meal. Nothing fancy, but it will sure taste good. I have to go to the store to pick up some tomatoes for the salad and we need butter so I can bake those dang cookies (trying to use up some of my chocolate chip stash). Ahhhhh, what a nice way to spend a semi-lazy day.

Overachiever?

2008-07-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Okay. I did it. I registered for school. Now, I don't really know what came over me. Maybe I'm trying to prove that I can hang with those young people or maybe I just think it will be challenging, but I signed up for not 1, not 2, but THREE classes! What da he;; do I think I am doing???

I did have a little speed bump in the process, but after a quick call to the counselor, I was able to get the math class that I needed. I also signed up for Philosophy-Logic. This is one of those classes that I think I will LUV because I'm so very logical, but the reality will probably be that I despise it. Oh well...The final class that I discovered last night should be interesting. It is a natural history class which includes a field trip to an area that I typically visit when I go camping & fishing. We get to learn about the topography, ecology, geography, etc. of the desert area. I'm kinda jazzed about this class. I have no idea what to expect. Hopefully, I did the right thing!

For some strange reason, I think I shall have no problem working my 40+ hours a week and pulling off these classes with nothing less than A+'s. NOOOOOOOOOOOO, I'm not an overachiever...

Vamos A La Escuela, Oh Oh Oh Oh OH!

2008-07-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

I think I would much rather Vamos A La Playa, pero, yo necesito a return to escuela. How's that for Spanglish?!?!?! I can hear Grandma Valdez laughing her a** off at me right about now.

I get to register for school in the morning. No, I'm not nervous, anxious, worried, etc...I'm being a total FREAK about it. I checked the current standing on the 2 classes I wish to take. One only has 14 spots available out of 45. The other has about 25. I'm hoping I can at least get into that darn ol' Statistics class. Sure will be glad when I'm done with that. Taking the class that is...not the registration so much.

Oh my, but did I get one of those fun, grown-up calls today. The fraud center for my credit card called and asked about a purchase that seemed a bit out of character for me. Turns out, someone tried to use my card to obtain about $200 worth of shoes from an online company based in Manhattan. LUCKY ME! Tomorrow I get to look more into that. Identity fraud people should be given life in prison w/o parole. They rank high in my book...I think those "artists" that spray paint walls or etch into glass or vandalize other types of property that isn't theirs should be shot on sight. I bet that would practically eliminate that type of crime. ROFL!

Time to go make mimis...Wish me fabulous, get-those-classes, luck, por fave! I need it about as much as I need a trip a la playa!!!

Blah, Blah, Blah...

2008-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm guessing I'm not the only one that feels like sometimes people aren't listening to what is being said. It reminds me of the Larson cartoon I absolutely love of what a dog hears...

Whether it is my parents asking me to repeat something I just said (they claim that I mumble or talk too softly at times-and for years they kept telling me to be quiet!?!?!?!), or someone at work, it bugs me. I used to swear that I was speaking some foreign language, especially when it came to talking to my (very ex-) boyfriend. Oh well. At least I can see the humor in it all now.

Today I sat on my computer writing what was assuredly the most incredible e-mail ever written...only to find that I had taken so much time to compose the darn thing, the computer logged me out and it was forever lost in the land of the Internet. Heavy sigh...I think when/if I ever make it to a university to finish up my Bachelor's, I must make communication my major. It intrigues and frustrates me to no end.

On an unrelated note of blah blah blah, I am currently listening to The Count of Monte Cristo on my mp3. I am feeling rather proud of myself for finally figuring out how to load a book on that beast. I'm one of those people that finds it challenging to figure things out on my own. I don't always get it right the first time, but eventually I get it. I have yet to take a class on computers unless that Department training on using Excel counts-can't remember half of what they taught. Don't use it, so I lose it! I bought my first computer and bought a book for dummies waaaaaaay back just to learn the basics. If I really applied myself, I think I could totally become a computer nerd. Like addicted to the stuff, which is why I just dabble. I have enough on my plate right now. So anyhow, I have listened to the first 10 chapters this weekend. I really am enjoying it. I have never made the time to read the classic, so I thought I would approach it this way. (BTW< great for road trips!). Over the course of this weekend I have discoveered that I should only listen when doing mindless activities like folding laundry or the dishes. Once I turn on my computer, I have to switch gears to read and within a few seconds I have lost my place in the story. So, the big plan is to take my mp3 to work this week and when I am done with checking tickets, I can kick back and listen to the story. Much easier on my back than carrying a book too. WIN-WIN! Woo-hoo!!!

I haven't loaded the pics of the boys and I at Disneyland. I know...I'm a bad person. No one really needs to see them but me, so I guess they can just hang out on the computer until I scrap them.

I'm rather stoked because this week I'm going to see a concert with a girl I've known since elementary school. We will be heading to the Orange County Fairgrounds and seeing the Psych Furs and YAZ play. Kinda cool to be all grown up and finally able to afford those concert tickets to bands I wanted to see some 20+ years ago. Even funnier to realize that the performers have aged too. Jodi and I will have fun. I tried to invite my pal Luis, but he totally cheesed out (that's for you Luis in case you read this...love ya, mean it! HAHAHAHA!!!). Anyhow, I'm looking forward to hearing Alison Moyet sing in person. She has one of those deep girly voices that sounds so very cool. I will undoubtedly butcher every song that she will perform. I sure hope Jodi brings earplugs!

I could continue rambling on, but since y'all are probably like Ginger, you probably only read BLAH BLAH BLAH amongst these typed words! ;-)

Fun-Filled Weekend

2008-07-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm just too lazy to edit these photos just yet. Oh, and I didn't add the pics from Sunday which was our trip from Roaring Camp to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk via train through the redwoods... but you can still see that we were some rather busy girls. I had an absolute BLAST! Poor Melissa~ she was completely wiped out as tour director. Hopefully next time we get together, she will be more relaxed!?!?!?

C'mon-Get Happy...

2008-07-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm like so totally excited!!! My little cousin Chris, was released from the hospital. No, he isn't cured of his cancer (yet!), but they sent him home with lots of meds and the hope that he will get stronger out of the hospital. Hopefully he will be able to keep some food down. No matter what, this is good news!

As if that wasn't enough, tomorrow, bright and early, I'm getting up and taking my nephews to:

I have never been to California Adventure. Jake has only been to Disneyland when he was little...and he doesn't remember the trip. Jason just turned 9 and is going for the first time.

If my back and knees hold out, this is going to be a FANTASTIC time! Go to sleep, Donna. Relax...pretend you don't feel like a little kid. Just go to sleep. Think of happy thoughts, like Mickey Mouse and Disneyland. Oh crap! Now I'm awake again!!!

Insightfully Yours...

2008-06-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't been feeling very communicative lately. Just been muddling through this thing called life. Oh, and then there has been all of that overtime for which I keep volunteering. Seventeen and nineteen hour days are becoming more the norm in between my regular 10 hour shifts. Yes, I'm crazy!

I did see a beautiful tree today. I have no idea the name, but it has small leaves, almost fern-like, and yellow blooms. The thing that struck me as funny was that it was almost perfectly shaped...all except for a branch that was shooting out of the middle about 6 feet high, heading straight for the stars. It made think that no matter how perfect things appear to us ~ whether it is a family or someone else's life or whatever ~ there is always something that may be slightly hidden or obscured because of your vantage point. From underneath, this tree appears perfect. From even just a few feet out from the trunk, still gorgeous. But get far enough away, and that "crazy family member" sticks out! It made me chuckle. Maybe because I'm that branch that doesn't conform?

Today's Theme...Fried Chicken!

2008-06-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

I always joke that my days/weeks have themes. Usually, they are work-related themes. For instance, one day the theme was, "I don't have my fare for the train because my (fill-in-the blank ~ grandma, mom, brother, friend) is in the hospital!"

Today's theme was fried chicken. It all started when my work partner said she went to our local favorite fried chicken establishment yesterday. She said it was so good that she could eat it again today. I agreed that it is sinfully yummy, but when it is so hot outside, I tend to not want much in the way of food and especially not fried anything. But, we went on and on about this dang chicken until by this afternoon, my mouth was drooling for it. We managed to fit in a quick trip after placing our order by phone.

Just prior to retrieving our order, I ran into a deputy with I used to work. He wanted to chat, but I got involved with a LLPOF (which is my coined acronym for "Liar Liar ~ Pants On Fire!"). I didn't have time to say much more than hello before we exited the train. While driving to go get tonight's chicken, my partner and I chatted about who he was. I explained that he was married to a girl with whom I also worked and then, out of the blue, my partner remembers that we drove by their house at Christmastime a year and half ago. They had done some crazy wild light show synchronized to music so we just had to go check it out. And, guess what we had for dinner that night...yup, it was Donahoo's fried chicken! It was the first time I had tried it. We drove licking our fingers and checking out all of the Christmas lights. Kinda a cool way to end a work day.

So, this evening we drove, got our chicken, yummy steak fries (too many to ever eat the whole amount) and those HUGE (like two rolls in one!) buttery dinner rolls. As we drove back to catch our train, I was talking about how I just turned in some paperwork for my supervisor to review for my current evaluation. I was laughing because the very first documented incident on that paperwork was for a day that I decided we needed to help an elderly couple in an old 60's Cadillac that was disabled in traffic lanes. I had literally just returned to work after an injury to my back and knees, and not yet feeling 100%. But, I wanted to push them out of traffic and get them out of the blazing heat that day. we helped them get situated and called AAA for them.

The best part:

The only reason we were even on that street in the first place was because we were heading to Donahoo's for a fried chicken lunch! My partner realized suddenly blurted out, "Hey, that was a chicken day too!" as we drove back to the train station to catch our last trains. We enjoyed a good laugh and I announced that we finally had our theme for today. Hmmmm, chicken...the reason for having seasonal fun and helping others. Who knew?!?!?!?!

Now, if only they could make it be healthy for us, all would be right in the world!

Time For A Quickie...

2008-06-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

Just had to share a quick glimpse of photos from my weekend. I normally hate having "my" picture taken, but I kinda wished someone was around to take it. The fur kids and I were having such a blast frolicking (yes, I even frolicked!) on the beach. We shared a moment...seeing the dogs so happy just made it all worthwhile!

One More Thing...

2008-06-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'm taking Minna and Sierra on an adventure. We are heading to the coast to a town called Cayucos for a couple of nights. Sure, it would be a fun road trip if I was dating someone...but since I'm not, I decided I would take the fur-children!

I have a motel lined up that allows critters. I think I will pack hiking boots, flip flops, and maybe a pair of athletic shoes. I'm hoping to find a trail we can trek on. I hear the weather is mild and sunny. I can hardly wait.

I don't know what I love more...mild or sunny or coast or hiking or the dog children?!?!?!? Okay, I love those silly animals more, but don't tell them. They are almost impossible to live with already!

Wish us good road trip luck!

Fifteen Cents In Ten Minutes...

2008-06-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is how my day started...

Got up this morning at 7 am. I know! I never sleep in that late. Thing is I had a bad sinus headache through the night. I would turn over to my left side and the right side of my head would POUND, so I kept waking up just enough to realize that I had a headache. Fearing I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep if I got up and took something, I would just flip back to my right side where it hurt less. By the time I finally crawled out of bed, I had a raging headache. Two ibuprofen and later two aspirin finally took the edge off. Whew. I only wasted about 4 hours wandering around the house in a cloud doing tiny tasks.

Once I got to feeling better, I made some cookies. Not just any cookies, but a recipe I found at the back a Nancy Atherton book called Aunt Dimity Goes West. Cute book. I finished the book this week and I thought what better way to thank the girl who loaned it to me than to make the cookie recipe at the back of the book. Those darn calico cookies came out rather tasty. I put in white chocolate chips, milk choc/caramel chips, sliced almonds, and Craisins. I justify them as being healthy because they have lots of oats and almonds and dried cranberries. So I had a few...which meant really that I taste-tested about 6 of them. What? They're small. Aw heck, leave me alone...the dieting starts next week, right?!?!?! Plus, I "needed" them to help my headache. Sustenance to help keep those pills down.

I then took my dad's truck to fill it up. It was nearly empty when I used it the other day and it was in desperate need of a bath. I rushed around trying to get it done while dad was gone. BTW, diesel was $5.04 a gallon and sad to say, but I was actually happy about that. I had recently seen it as much as $5.25. One hundred and twenty dollars later, I drove it to the car wash for a quickie $5 wash. I remember a time when I paid more for the car wash than it cost to fill up a car. Do you?!?!?!? It was worth it. He changed my brake pads and had my rotors turned for me yesterday while I was at work. The way I see it, I would have paid someone at least that much to get it done even though it only costs about $60 in parts & labor for turning the rotors.

While at Sam's Club getting that "cheap" fuel, I saw that regular unleaded was only $4.09 a gallon. I rushed home after the car wash to grab my car that was so low on fuel-the nasty yellow light was screaming at me. Back to Sam's Club I raced...and guess what? In the matter of the 10 minutes or so that it took me to swap vehicles, yep...you guessed it...the price went up $.15 a gallon! The diesel also went up $.02 more a gallon. OMGAWD...here I thought I was getting a deal since the Arco down the street was $4.24. I should have saved my gas and just filled up there. It would have been the same price. Dang it.

If only I didn't have a headache today, everything would have been done sooner. I wouldn't have had to pay $.15 more a gallon to fill my lovely little Honda. That's just my two cents though.

Do I Have A Sign Taped To My Backside???

2008-05-31T22:16:00.000-07:00

I think I do...I think it says, "Please walk all over me!"

I'm feeling SUPER frustrated with work issues. Still don't have a schedule for this next month, let alone this next week. I finally sent my immediate supervisor a text message (yes, a TEXT message-how unprofessional that I have to hound him to get basic info-I hope he never promotes and I'm normally not someone to wish anything like that. I just know he is a bad supervisor type) to see when I had to report for work. Seems he won't give me Monday as a day off as I requested. Seems like I have to battle with him for anything. Seems that my request for a phone call during my current days off to tell me when I would be working again was beyond any one's grasp. Seems no one gives a shi* about communication at the office. Guess he will figure out that one of the other people (all of which I HAD to train/help train) will be training the next new hire...BECAUSE, if he dare asks me to do ANY of it, I'm gonna flip out!

Normally, we receive our next month's schedules at least a week before they are due. We arrange them in whatever order, and assign dates to them. I never received any schedules. The person with whom I am supposed to be paired up claims she only got 8 schedules for the dates that we wouldn't be paired up. Hmmm, that is 8 more than I received!

All that I wanted was to have Monday as my regular day off instead of Friday. I wanted to work early on Tuesday, late Weds and Thurs, and early on Friday. All of this in an attempt to take some MUCH needed classes and still get some sleep around my 10-hour shifts. Apparently, I requested far too much. Isn't that just like me...asking for the WORLD. Egad.

God help 'em should they ever need anything else from me. I'm done...toast...history. If I stick around, it is only because the commute is so short.

No more "going the extra mile".

No more being the girl who gets it all done and in a timely manner.

It appears that everyone else's private life is somehow so much more important than mine. How is this possible?

ARGH!

So, on a happier note, I got up this morning and baked some raspberry chocolate chip cookies with chopped pecans. YUM...ooey-gooey, buttery...delicious! I also baked a blueberry pie. I think stress makes me crave sweets. I think I have been stressed for several years straight!!! I think my being overweight is ALL stress related. I think the sign on my back should read, "Back away, don't open your mouth, and leave the tasty treats...and maybe, just maybe, no one will get hurt!"

HAHAHAHAHA...I like my new sign!!!!!!!!!!!

Love/Hate Vegas...

2008-05-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

I'm back from yet another trip to Vegas. One would think I'm some sort of party animal based on the number of times I go. The reality is that I just need to get away from home (parents...love 'em, but they make me NUTS! And work...makes me even nuttier!!!) and since Harrah's always seems willing to put me up in a comped room, I try to take them up on their offers. It is beginning to feel like my second home. I spend more time shopping for my famous bargains, than I do gambling or drinking or doing any of that "fun stuff".

This trip, I would have benefited from shopping more and gambling less. I lost, lost, lost money like I had it to throw away. I really don't want to talk about it...it just makes me mad. I mean really...I could have bought MORE bargains if I just had given up on trying to win money. AHAHAHAHAHA. I had fun though. I slept when I wanted and lazed about and watched tv and just had 'me' time.

Some funny things...

Last night, I heard a comedienne (not-so large breasted, like myself) on tv say something to the effect of:

"I read somewhere that women with breast implants have a higher rate of suicide...I don't have a joke for that, but that's GOOD NEWS!"

I actually laughed out loud at that one.

While sitting in a cafe having breakfast, I heard a man with a gruff voice say, "Ladies first..."

The next thing I heard was someone with a voice even rougher and tougher say, " Why, thank you!"

My head spun around so quick because I was just certain that I would see two men standing there. Hmmm, someone needs to lay off the cigarettes!!!

BTW, this is how my crazy mind works. I was driving home thinking about how EVERYONE in LA is an actor. If they aren't, they usually know someone who is or they are studying "the art" or they used to act (that's me-if school counts). I think the same concept holds true for Vegas except that the profession is chef. They either work with food, or are aspiring chefs, or heading to culinary school. Think about it...all of those numerous fine restaurants, food establishments, etc. Someone has to be practicing "the art" of making those meals.

Speaking of food, I'm feeling more and more like a local in that crazy town. When I head to Arizona Charlies to have steak & eggs for $3.50 (available 24 hours a day!) because it reminds me of how cheap the meals used to be, and then I notice that most of the people in the coffee shop know each other's names, it forces me to re-think my visitor status. If I'm not careful, they may know my name soon.

Call me Norm...or Donna!
CHEERS!!!

I FINALLY DID IT!

2008-05-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so most of you may know me as the girl with big hair, or by the nickname BH. Guess I will have to go by another name now since I went from this:

to this:

I got choked up as 12" was cut from my hair yesterday. It was donated which kept me from feeling too sad.

How many years did it take for it to get that long? How many LARGE bottles of shampoo and conditioner did I use on that mop?? Will I ever again possess the patience to deal with the detangling and heavy conditioning that my super thick, curly hair required??? I have no idea. BUT, I have to say that after 24 hours of getting used to it, I feel like my neck doesn't hurt as much and it seems to be a good length.

I'm no sexy and seventeen, but feeling kinda 40 and fantastic! I didn't magically lose several lbs when my hair was cut as I had previously hoped. Now, to tackle my weight... :-)

Spending Money...

2008-05-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

...like I got it!!!

I have decided that eBay should be banned from my laptop. I went on a shopping spree today and I never left the comfort of my bedroom. That is scary. Obviously, I was in a serious mood to spend. Now, I understand why so many people are in such debt. They make it waaaaaaaaaaay too easy.

I bought some plants from Spring Hill first. Mostly bulbs and other bright and cheery plants for our backyard. I'm into beautifying things right now. My bedroom is next...it is a disaster area at this very moment.

I also bought some costume jewelry from Lia Sophia and Cookie Lee. I got some serious bargains. The HI-larious part is that I'm so baaaad about putting on jewelry. I love it, but I just don't wear it much. Maybe I will have more of a reason to wear it more often...and hopefully that comes soon! Oh, and this jewelry spree comes right after I ordered some other stuff through my aunt...like $75 worth from my aunt. What da hell am I thinking?

So ~ one would think that I stopped there, but ohhhhhh no! I then ordered a Silhouette download card also via eBay since my LSS is closed after 4pm on Sundays. I truly just finished downloading $50 worth of digital designs. Did I need them right this minute...NOPE. But did I get them anyway...Heck YES!

Just because I worked about 36 hrs of overtime last week doesn't give me the right to blow all my money in a matter of a few hours. OR DOES IT???

The weather needs to cool off so I can stand to spend more time outside. This trying to avoid the heat is going to make me go broke.

Yesterday's Funny

2008-05-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

I worked a fifteen hour shift yesterday as part of a saturation patrol on one of our problem train lines. We had 8 deputies, a K-9, and 2 fare enforcement officers.

Apparently, earlier in the day, two of the deputies contacted a subject who did not have a ticket to ride the train. They issued a cite and went on about their business.

Later on, we came through one of the stations and standing outside is a male Hispanic with a bike. I overhear one of the two deputies from the earlier incident say,"Hey, isn't that our friend?" All of us from the saturation patrol are seated in the lower level of this car, scattered among the seats. The male Hispanic gets on, and as he is securing his bicycle, one of the 2 deputies asks the young man if he has a ticket this time.

The male Hispanic says he does and then states clearly...for all of us to hear..."and your partner was an ass!"

Seated, directly behind this young man's back is the deputy to whom he is referring. The deputy stands well over six feet tall and is what I would call a "big boy"! He stands up, taps the man on his shoulder, and says, "Excuse me?"

OMGAWD...we all fall out laughing as the young man attempts to remove his foot from his mouth and still get his current ticket out. Luckily for him, he bought one, because I have a feeling, he would have received a cite for every possible thing! We continued to laugh on and off for about an hour!!!

You just can't make this stuff up! People...not so bright sometimes.

Motivating...

2008-05-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

So, as you have read, I have been feeling really down lately. Nothing major like you need to hide the belts and bed sheets from me ~ but just kinda sad. And surprisingly enough, turning 40 had nothing to do with it!

Yesterday, instead of going to the hospital to see my cousin Chris, I took my dogs to Huntington Dog Beach. While thinking of my plan for the day, I began to feel an enormous amount of guilt for deciding to not go to the hospital. It was like I couldn't figure out what was the right thing to do...and that isn't usually something I have a difficult time determining!

I awoke to find my little baby, Minna, unable to walk. Her back legs could not support her and she was shaking like she was cold. I thought, "oh great...the world is falling apart with people I know sick or dying, and now this!" I kept thinking "right now is just not a good time for me". I mean, if my little 15 1/4 yr old dog needs to die, we need to schedule it for a later date because quite honestly, I'm not equipped to handle multiple losses at a time!!! I didn't seem to care that she might be tired or worn out or ready to "go". It was all about me at that moment. Talk about selfish!

The pool re-plaster-ers were here making LOADS of noise trying to remove the old stuff from the pool. My big baby, Sierra, was out front, but the noise was seriously making her freak. Although, I adjusted my day off this week from Friday to yesterday just so I could go spend some time with Chris, I couldn't leave my girls in their very different suffering states of being. Gosh, and I have been so weepy lately that I wasn't sure I could visit him without being super Donna Downer...So my decision was made. Into my car we went. Down the road I drove.

My first stop was Portillo's in Buena Park. I grabbed an Italian Beef sammy (dipped of course), lg fries, and a sm Coke. During my meal, I figured out that I am done with fries. I ate a few and tossed more to the dogs...I know...I'm a BAAAAD dog mom. Hmmm, I think I can say that I don't want french fries with my orders from here on out. Bleck. Talk about burned out. My sandwich, soda, and girls stayed in the car while I ran into Walmart across the parking lot. There I picked up some Gold Bond foot cream (it is the BEST) in the blue packaging. They have some new "ultimate" stuff that works ok, but I don't like as much and it costs more! So, when I found 3 tubes, I grabbed 'em. (I'm one of those crazy girls that walks around barefoot all the time...I need this stuff!). I got Minna some Pupperoni dog treats because she has to take phenobarbital every night and the rewarding promise of a treat afterwards has always motivated her. Now, we just place the medicine in a soft treat and she takes it without any struggle.

When all my shopping was done at that Walmart, I decided to drive Beach Blvd all the way to Huntington. I almost passed another Walmart on the way, but thought about how I cannot find that blue bottle of foot cream locally, so I turned around and ran in to grab their 2 remaining tubes. I should be set for Summer!!! Woo-hoo! I went to Big Lots near the beach and picked up some bargain sauces and other miscellaneous goodies. It was kinda fun spending some money. It was so nice and cool outside that I knew my babies were doing okay in the car. I love when the weather is so mild.

We got to the beach and "we" finished my lunch. I think the dogs like Italian Beef sandwiches too. After loading the meter ($1.50 for an hour!), we got out and traipsed to the sand. Sierra is almost 8 yrs old and had never been. She has always been so skittish that I was too afraid to take her. Minna used to be a regular and would get way out in the waves...people were amazed at her 9 lbs of fearlessness. I used to let her off the leash, but now that she has lost her hearing and is getting a lil' senile, I can't do that. She would be lost at sea or running down the sand, never to be seen again. My big plan for her was to take her somewhere that makes her happy. Maybe that would help her walk again? She got out of the car slowly and stiffly and within minutes seemed to be improving. I love when a plan works! If nothing else, it gives me hope that she isn't leaving me soon. Sierra did okay, but got a little bit scared/aggressive a couple of times when other dogs came to greet. I think a few more times to the beach, and she might get over that. Who knows.

There was a really cute guy there with his REALLY CUTE dogs. After my girls and I walked a little bit, we all just sat in the sand and watched them play ball. His 2 dogs were also diggers. At one point they had dug a hole so deep that all I could see were a couple of wagging tails and sand flying. It was hilarious.

I realized that this guy was in such good shape, as were his dogs. This will have to be my new workout program maybe once a week. I can bring my pooches to walk/run the beach. Hmmm, they will enjoy it probably as much as I will. And, watching the other dogs have so much fun puts a smile on my face. They can be so entertaining. It was definitely a motivating moment for me.

While sitting in the sand, I finally felt like I had some time to myself to just think. I have come to accept that I cannot change the outcome of all these things occurring in my life. I cannot set the pace at which they occur. All I can do is go with it. I felt a huge relief after my motivating mental health day. The water, the air, the happy dogs, all seemed to make everything much better. Even Sierra seemed to be smiling. My big girl has gotten even bigger lately. Since her momma doesn't do anything too physical lately and has gotten so out of shape, so has she. She literally HOPPED up 2' embankment of sand leaving me and Minna below. I think she was motivated by our day too. Very cool!

My days for the past year or so have been spent going to work, coming home to my little bedroom, and visiting with the dogs briefly. I feel like I've been locked up for so long that I just don't know how to make myself venture out into the world. Even when I feel like going for a walk with my critters, I manage to talk myself out of it. I think I'm just tired of the scenery. Maybe if I make some changes to that, my whole way of thinking will change too?!?!?!

It is amazing how some clean air and a different view can clear one's head. I feel like I may not quite have a complete game plan, but I feel so much more motivated and on the right track to one. Next beach trip, I'm taking my notebook to scribble random ideas and thoughts.

Oh, and today...I got up and visited some websites I hadn't been to in a while. I just have to say there are some funny and inspirational blogs out there in this crazy world. I love one of the Effer Dares blogs. Her name is Jamie and her titles always mention Chuck Norris. Too funny. Makes me laugh every time. I need to visit her blog more often.

So, my goal for today is to REALLY focus on the positive...it can be so damn motivating!!! Just ask Minna...she is up and walking as well as a 15 yr old dog can this morning. If she isn't giving up on life, I guess I can't either!

Reminiscing...

2008-05-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

I used to love to watch Popeye with Tom Hatten on channel 5 (KTLA). I swear I ate more cold cereal or instant oatmeal watching cartoons than I might have with my family on the weekends as a kid. In case you miss Popeye, here's a clip...

As you can see, I got to reminiscing today.

My youngest cousin (in my generation) has cancer. He is only 28 years old...and the latest that I've heard (through an aunt because of course, my parents still don't talk with me) is that Chris has 2 weeks to 2 months to live. I am having such a difficult time imagining how this can be true. He is married and he and his wife, Barbara, are expecting their first child. I remember his mom joking that Chris was more my child than hers because I actually used to carry him everywhere when he was a baby. I would change his diapers at the house in Quartz Hill. I can still picture him running around on the grass in the front yard in a diaper and nothing else! He was such a cute baby!!!

He has always reminded me of the little boy who played Oliver Twist in the musical Oliver! I think it was the tousled blond hair and sweet eyes. Okay, so Chris grew up and doesn't look so much like that little boy anymore...but still, whenever I see Oliver-it is Christopher, the little tot all over again.

Sometimes I think I am going crazy. I cannot make sense of why little kids like Laiken die so young. I do not understand why Chris is battling cancer when it seemed like his life was finally getting started on the right path after such a rough childhood (his mother passed away from breast cancer when he was maybe 5...his father remarried and I always thought Chris got lost in the shuffle).

I'd still like to believe that there is something larger than us, looking out for us...but, with all the negative things happening in the world, or even just in my little world, I revert back to my doubts just like when I was a small girl in Catechism class. I recall asking questions and never getting answers that made any sense. Was I too dang logical even as a child?

So, through all of this everyday muck of my existence, I feel even more confused and without answers...completely reminiscent of my childhood.

Another Scrappin' Good Time

2008-05-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

This afternoon/evening I was lucky enough to spend with my friends at Scrappin' Good Times. I "worked" (slightly helped) at the store while they were having a sale. During these events, my pal Trish usually has raffles and other giveaways which the customers just LUV!

My favorite giveaway is the one where her employee, Valeree, blows a whistle...and customers frantically run to hop on one of the numbers taped on the floor throughout the store. They always put #2 on the bathroom floor and I swear that if 30 or so numbers are placed in that store..."#2" gets called at least once.

Tonight, a little girl maybe 8 or 9 yrs old went into the bathroom to use it for which it was intended. Valeree blew her whistle, withdrew a number from her bucket, and yelled out, "NUMBER TWO!" Thinking the restroom was unoccupied, a male customer opened the unlocked door to find this young girl finishing up. He propmptly closed the door and announced that there was someone in there.

Out pops this young lady, and as she realizes that she just won a scrapbook item in the drawing, she begins her celebratory dance as she makes her way back to the table at which her Grandma was seated. This little cutie pie says loudly and proudly to her Gma, "They called number two, and I was going NUMBER TWO!"

I fell out with laughter...that was the funniest thing I heard or saw all day! Gotta just love kids!!!

2008-04-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pictures from the BBQ Fundraiser we had for Laiken and her family on April 16, 2008. It was so much work, but I have to say that many people stepped up and did far more than their fair share. We raised about $7000. Not bad for our first attempt at fundraising!

Rant Time...

2008-04-28T10:50:00.001-07:00

So, while driving back from Vegas a couple of days ago, my brother calls. I figured something horrible must have happened because for the last few years, my brother NEVER calls. We went from talking a few times a week...to nuthin'.

The big news wasn't horrible, but if you had heard his tone you might have thought it was. I guess his girlfriend/wife (not really sure...he doesn't divulge these things. She was sporting a large rock at Christmas like his previous gf who he married briefly) is expecting a son. I'd like to say I was happy for him or jazzed to hear there would be a new baby...but mostly I felt...indifferent! I'm thinking my reaction was completely justified when I finally asked when the critter was due for his debut. He told me July 31st!!! Yeah...see where I'm heading with this. It is the end of April and he is just now getting around to sharing this tidbit. She is finishing her 2nd trimester. This means that they probably knew at Christmas when I met the live-in gf, Nichole. She had to have gotten prego the first week of November or thereabouts. Hmmm...

My brother went on to say that he told our parents to tell me and the "only reason" he was calling was because he found out that neither had. This is why I OVER COMMUNICATE! Who needs a therapist to explain my screwy grown-up behavior. I have the ability to self-analyze!!! GAWD...just think of the money I'm saving.

I think the only other reason Joe bothered to interrupt his busy schedule and call was because he knew I would be invited to a baby shower. Sure enough, the invite arrived today. The funniest part is I had to ask who the shower was for because I didn't recognize her last name...and ya wanna know why I didn't recognize it? Because I never knew it in the first place!

I feel absolutely no need to be involved in this shower. I am not going and I doubt that I will send a gift. Maybe I will wait 5 or so months to send something? That seems like a logical amount of time. I think I'm being generous here, but I'm guessing that they knew they were expecting for at least that long.

Between my brother and my parents, I don't know who I dislike more at the moment. Nothing like being left in the dark...

SOOOO, when a dear friend asked me again (for the millionth time! I love her tenacity) if I wanted to go to NY with her and her sis, I finally said "eff it"...I will go! Too bad I will be out of town when that baby is due. Guess I won't be able to make it to the big event. Oh well...

I'm not jealous or angry. I'm just so tired of being treated this way. I think I've earned the right to boycott.

Did I mention the time my grandfather (with whom I lived until I was 13 months old...we were very close) passed away and no one told me until the next day?

Yes, I think I've earned the right to rant too!!!

Chicken Salad

2008-04-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have never been much of a fan of chicken salad. It was always too goopy with mayonnaise or didn't have the right amount of crunch.

But, for as long as I can remember, I have always liked that savory & sweet or sweet & salty combo when it comes to foods. My fave ~ hot buttered & salted popcorn with M&M's mixed in...the chocolate gets melted on the inside of that candy coated shell. It has to be quite honestly the most perfect PMS food! YUM!!!

Anyhow, I decided to try the Barefoot Contessa's chicken salad, but like most recipes, I couldn't make it just the same. Much like scraplifting, I HAVE to put my own twist on anything I am attempting to copy. That said, I still feel the need to give her credit for inspiring me. I love her use of sour cream and mayo...it seems just right.

So ~ here's my version of the Barefoot Contessa's chicken salad, with a Donna V twist. (And yes, I used my chopper-posting from March 2nd-for celery/water chestnuts & onions. Won't work on Craisins...trust me on this.)...Let's call it:

Donna Bella Donna's chicken salad

1 large can of cooked chicken breast, drained (like the kind you find at Costco/Sam's Club) or use 2 leftover cooked chicken breasts or pulled meat from store-bought roasted chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces...whatever you have on hand
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup walnuts halves
1/2 cup good mayonnaise (aka Hellman's/Best Foods-I use reduced fat)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/8-1/4 teaspoon ground curry (I love curry...some don't though. Omit if ya just plain dislike the stuff!)
1/4 cup Craisins, roughly chopped
2-3 stalks green onions or part of a sweet onion like Vidalia, finely chopped
1-5 ounce can water chestnuts or 2-3 stalks celery, finely chopped (use what you like best...we were out of celery so I substituted the water chestnuts...gotta have some crunch)
Romaine lettuce leaves, for serving

Toast chopped nuts in 350 degree oven for 5-7 minutes. Watch closely...they tend to go from delicious to burned rather quickly. Set aside to cool.

For the dressing, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, curry, salt and pepper to taste. Fold in diced chicken, nuts, onions, water chestnuts/celery and Craisins. Mix well. Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves or your favorite bread/crackers.

I prefer it after it has been stored in the fridge overnight. The flavors tend to blend better. The only downside is that it may get a little dry or need more seasoning. Just had a small but equal amount of sour cream and mayo and season additionally to taste. I swear it has changed my way of viewing chicken salad. I actually crave the stuff now!!!

Laiken's Services...

2008-04-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

This was posted today on the www.caringbridge.org website. I'm re-posting on my blog to help spread the word...I'm certain Jim and Stacey would love to see everyone there! Donna V

Dear Family and Friends,

First we would like to thank you all for your wonderful thoughts and prayers that you have sent our way. We appreciate the messages that you have posted on Laiken’s website and the cards that have been received. Today Jim and I went to make arrangements to celebrate Laiken’s life and journey.

We will be holding a viewing on Sunday, April 27th from 4 pm to 8 pm at Forest Lawn in Covina Hills in The Church Of Our Heritage (this chapel is behind the main building).

On Wednesday, April 30th we will be holding a memorial service at CrossPoint Church in Chino at 1 pm. Lunch will be served immediately following with an internment at Forest Lawn in Covina Hills.

I know many of you have followed Laiken’s journey over the years and we want to invite all who loved her and even though you may have never met her, we would be blessed with your presence if you wish to attend the services.

Forest Lawn - 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, Ca. 91724 626/732-2340

CrossPoint Church – 6950 Edison Avenue, Chino, Ca. 91710 909/606-9833

With so much love and thanks, Jim and Stacey

Also posted (but not in its entirety):

I also wanted to let you know that there is a fund set up for Laiken for anyone who would like to share in blessing Jim and Stacey as they prepare for funeral arrangements for their angel. All donations may be sent to:
Washington Mutual
13011 Peyton Drive
Chino Hills, CA 91709

Checks may be made out to Donna Walker FBO Laiken Kenwood. (FBO means For Benefit Of)