Wooo Hoooo I’m back

Wow I really missed ya’ll. It is flat weird not having my lifeline working and not to mention my phone being out. The internet is such a part of my every day life, and I felt like I had lost a body part while it was down. Every morning I grab my coffee cup, have a chat with my friend in Jawja, and read all my favorite blogs. I also missed being able to run in set down and look up something quickly and easily. I mean this internet thing that old Al Gore invented is so useful and entertaining. I am back for now and I am praying everything is ok and I don’t have any more outages. So far so good.. I sure have a lot of catching up to do.

5 on Friday:

1. Do you think 2012 will be better for you or worse?

I am just thankful it will be, if you know what I mean.

2. This Christmas season did you anything to help others?

Yes I did but I would rather not share it on here.

3. What was your worst Christmas ever?

I have had some really bad Christmas’s but not anymore. My worst involved my ex, drinking and the river. Very bad.

4. Do you snoop at Christmas?

Nope, I love a surprise.

5. Are you a big party person on New Years Eve?

Who me? I am an in bed early sort of person, after all the amateur drinkers are all out on that night.

(my internet and home phone was down for 3 days)

Thoughts for today

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them!'

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle.' An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9 Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

Day Off

I'm taking the day off blogging to play with my Kindle Fire. Santa was very very good to me this year.

Christmas Is Over

So, Christmas is over, and everyone goes back to hating one another, treating one another like dirt and generally crushing the spirits of any who happen to get into their way. Right?
No. Not really. Do you know what I honestly believe? I believe only a few people actually change over the Christmas Holiday. I think most of us act the same all year. It's just that few people pay attention until this time of year. The people who helped me did not do it because Christmas was coming. They did it because that is what they do. And they do it all year. The media likes to perpetuate the stereotype that people are only nice at Christmas - which means all the generosity and kindness is phony. I say that's the lie. The truth is, people who are nice are nice all year. Kind people are kind all year. Helpful people help all year. Giving people give all year. The list goes on. (It also includes the crap behaviors, such lying, cheating, stealing and what have you.) We don't change for a day and then change back. Not really.
But how was your Christmas? I hope it was at least as much as you desired. Since I cannot hear your answer now, I will tell you how my day went.
For me, Christmas began on Christmas Eve. I watch my all-time favorite Christmas Movie: A Christmas Story starring Darren Mcgavin. When it originally was released in theatres I did not go see it. It sounded dumb. Then, I caught it on television and fell in love with it. Then I did something which has become a tradition for two years now: I watched logs burn in a fireplace on television. The entire concept is stupid, and yet I watch with great fascination. It's about thirty minutes long, and Christmas music plays. I didn't stay up to midnight this year. I was crabby and I shut down early.
I got up early. The kids came by with Chinese food, we ate and then the packages were handed out, Everyone seemed happy with everything they got. We all watched A Christmas Story marathon on TV. After that the day was over, everyone left, and I shuffled off to bed.
I hope your day was good. I know not everyone had a good one, and if that includes you I am sorry. Maybe things will begin to improve for you now. I hope so.
Have a great day today! God bless you!

Merry Christmas

5 on Friday

1. What is your very favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story. I love the people and the story, one of my favorite scenes is Ralphie in the bunny suit, and when he went blind from soap poisoning. Just a fun family show.

2. Do you serve any special food that you must have for Christmas? It would not be Christmas without my Daughter in laws Stuffed Mushrooms. This year we will NOT have our usual traditional dinner and they all will come to my house this year and we will have Chinese Take out.

3. Are you hard to buy for? Not at all although I would rather give than receive. Receiving makes me uncomfortable.. Yeah I know.. I hope to work thru it sooner rather than later.

4. What was your all time favorite Christmas Gift? Wow I have so many but I think I would have to say my Mother’s Ring and/or my Grandmothers necklace, or my pistol with the pink pearl handle.

5. Fill in the blank; I hope ____________ for Christmas. We have snow. I know sort of hokey but I do love a White Christmas.

Good/Bad

When I was a little girl, and I might have done something "bad", my mother always used to tell me I was naughty. If I heard that word once, I heard it a million gazillion times. I think all children are born innocent and are not inherently naughty, but they do manage to get themselves into trouble by being overly curious, or perhaps imitating what other children are doing. Or perhaps they haven't been taught the difference between right and wrong yet. I don't think my mother meant any harm by saying what she did, but as a child, it was imbedded in my brain. The word "naughty" rang in my ears for many years, and I grew up thinking I was a bad person. I have always felt that I did not deserve all the good things that other people have, and I often describe the feeling as being "outside the candy store, looking inside at everyone else". Inside my heart, I know I am not a bad person, but perhaps rather to the contrary, I might actually be a good person.
I wish I could make me feel better about myself -- for a while, anyway. But it has always been a struggle for me, because I know I don't treat people badly, and in my heart I am not "naughty" and I always have good intentions.
Over the past few years, I have observed some behaviors by other people -- good people -- that have laid me flat with their selfishness and insensitivity. I know they meant no harm, but I have seen people do and say things that I would never do -- things that would be incomprehensible to me. It has made me realize as well, that we are all only human. Sometimes people's behaviors are based on lack of knowledge, or misinformation, or perhaps a misunderstanding of how other people will be affected.
I was having a conversation today with my friend about the theory of "six degrees of separation". It is an interesting theory, and it made me realize how closely we are all connected, and how much everyone's behavior can have repercussions on others. The smallest thing can have a huge effect, and I always try to consider how my behavior, my actions or my speech will affect the people around me. I'm not perfect, but I try very hard not to hurt other people. I think sometimes we have a tendency to be overly critical of ourselves, and maybe sometimes we can realize we're not so bad after all.

SPECIAL POEM FOR OLDER FOLKS

A row of bottles on my shelf

Caused me to analyze myself.

One yellow pill I have to pop

Goes to my heart so it won't stop.

A little white one that I take

Goes to my hands so they don't shake.

The blue ones that I use a lot

Tell me I'm happy when I'm not.

The purple pill goes to my brain

And tells me that I have no pain.

The capsules tell me not to wheeze

Or cough or shake or even sneeze

The red ones, smallest ones of all

Go to my blood so I won't fall.

The orange one, very big and bright

Prevent my leg cramps in the night.

Such an array of brilliant pills
Helping to cure all kinds of ills.
But what I'd really like to know...
Is what tells each one where to go!

There's always a lot to be thankful for if
you take time to look for it.

For example I am sitting here thinking

how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt...

Important stuff I think about:

• Diamonds are a girl's best friend. And I always have room for more friends. Always.
• This holiday season, in lieu of gifts, I've decided to give everyone my opinion.
• It's beginning to cost a lot like Christmas.
• All I want for Christmas is you. Just kidding! I want a garage.
• I’m definitely older. Not sure about wiser.
• I think the road to hell looks just like a Walmart parking lot.
• Procrastination is exhausting.
• I have heard that people who talk to themselves tend to be extremely smart. Did you know that? Yes, I did know that.
• Never trust anyone who says, "I'm not supposed to tell anyone but...."
• It's interesting that the first half of your life, people tell you what to do. For the second half, they tell you what you should have done.

Monday with Morgan

Christmas LIght Show

This is one of the most beautiful displays of lights I have seen. Just lovely.

Senior Citizen Flash Mob

5 on Friday

1. If you could change one thing in your past what would it be and why. I would not change a single thing, if I changed anything at all I would not be at this place and I am loving my life now.

2. IF you could do any profession in the world what would it be. I would be an advocate for battered women.

3. What special super power would you want if you could have one. The ability to lead by example? The ability to make money appear out of thin air? Not sure that would be a super power.

4. You just found $100 and can only spend it on something frivolous for yourself, what would it be? I would save it and put it toward a new Kindle fire or a new computer.

5. Name the last thing you've done that you knew was wrong, but did it anyway...Spoke unkind things about a friend. Yeah I know and I feel guilty very guilty..

I’m cranky today

So today I'm just going to do a little review of some random things that annoy me:

-Kidnapping vans (vans with no windows other than the windshield and the driver and passenger door windows). I understand how these might be useful to some people--you know...those carrying crap that nobody really wants to look at, and those hauling a gaggle of Vietnamese slaves...but I hate driving behind them because I can't see anything.

-the dirtiness of my house, which I'm going to work on when I finish this post

-crappy weather

-fast food places that serve you cold fries--like, cold before they even put them in your bag, not like they got cold on your drive home.

-little yappy dogs

That's all for now. I'm trying not to dwell on the annoying.

If Some People Had Their Way...

we would be sending the following Christmas/New Years greetings out:

A Politically Correct Holiday Greeting

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your particular choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion, as well as those who choose not to practice any religion at all. Additionally, a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2012, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures, whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to race, creed, color, religion or sexual orientation.

(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.)

O screw it!...

From my house to yours..

Merry Christmas !!

Memories

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME …

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.
Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.
We should've known…...
ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

Reindeer

If the reindeer were on face book it might look something like this.

5 on Friday

1. Do you already have your Christmas tree up? If so when did you put it up? If not when will you put it up?

I am not putting one up this year.

2. Do you have any particular theme when it comes to decorating your tree? Maybe you do all Disney ornaments? Only blue lights?

I used to do a new theme every year. One year I used all Red lights, put a Santa face on the top, a black felt hand made belt around the middle, red felt mittens, one on each side and black boots under the tree. It was so cute.

3. What is your all time favorite ornament? Only one.

They are all favorites to me!!

4. How many stockings do you hang and are any of them for pets? And...where do you hang them? (Not everyone has a fireplace)

I no longer do this but used to hang them on the open stairway.

5. Tell us about one of your Christmas traditions.

Watch The Christmas Story marathon on TV. A group of us used to get together and bake tons of Christmas cookies. We had fun and had cookies to give to everyone.

Open Letter to Spammers.

I'm currently working on technology that will intercept
spam, bounce it to the originating server, and electrocute the spammer using his keyboard and mouse. Until my work is finished, I have a couple simple requests.
Before I go any further, let me make one comment. A penis cannot be enlarged by three inches. Can't we make a more believable claim? Let's say a half inch, or an inch max. Thanks - a little reality goes a long way here.
Clearly, spam cannot be eliminated. (This is why I'm
working on my invention.) But there's clearly an unnecessary amount of redundancy in the e-mail.
I really feel that lot of the clutter could be eliminated
with some simple consolidation. Look at industry. As
start-ups become successful in their niche, they are bought by larger companies. These larger companies incorporate the technology and services into their product line. Everybody wins. The users can now get everything they need from one source, and sales and support are given by the same company.
I think that's an excellent model for the spam industry as well. Instead of the scores of spam that clutter my inbox each morning, I envision a single spam which reads something like this:
-----------
Refinance with us! We've been in the mortgage business for six months and guarantee you the lowest rates (unless someone else's are lower). Call our toll-free number and speak with one of our friendly, professional loan officers today.
When you refinance with us, you'll receive the following benefits:
* A year's supply of Viagra
* Penis growth kit/pill/device - grow your member an inch!
* Norton SystemWorks - includes AntiVirus!
But wait. That's not all. You also get a free pass to
porn sites! View all the hot XXX action you can stand.
Now how much would you pay?
----------
Now isn't that a better idea? You spammers don't have to send a different e-mail for every product, and we victims don't need to wade through all those useless e-mails. Once again, everybody wins. I'd put this into action right away. Because I'm *this* close to perfecting my Spammer Electrocution technology.
You may not have another chance.

(ironically this is from an email)

Pearl Harbor Day

On Dec. 7, 1941, while negotiations were going on with Japanese representatives in Washington, Japanese carrier-based planes swept in without warning over Oahu and attacked (7:55 AM local time) the bulk of the U.S. Pacific fleet, moored in Pearl Harbor. Nineteen naval vessels, including eight battleships, were sunk or severely damaged; 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed. Military casualties were 2,280 killed and 1,109 wounded; 68 civilians also died. On Dec. 8, the United States declared war on Japan.

Soon there will be no more survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It is up to all of us to remember that day. We have to remember the horrors of war in hopes that someday the wars will be gone.

I wonder

Do kids write thank you notes anymore or was there a law passed that outlaws them?

Why does only one side of my nose get stuffy and I have to turn on my other side to clear it and then the other..well you know what I’m talking about right?

What would Princess Diana look like today?

Does everyone wear clean underwear when they travel?

Bluetooth? why why why? I kept seeing all these people walking around with tagged ears, I though aliens had banded them, then I found out they are blue tooth devices.. again why why why?

If my gut tells me something isn’t right why don’t i listen?

Why do I flip my pillow over when I wake up in the middle of the night? Do you?

Why I ended up alone.

Is there anything you wonder about?

“Tis the Season

The holidays are upon us--or perhaps I should say that we are currently knee deep in mistletoe, dreidels, and with all of the eggnog-inspired haze, it's probably a good time to remember the true reason for the season.
But don't expect me to define that reason here.
While some traditionalists (myself included) will most certainly point to the obvious--that this is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ--mercantilism will undoubtedly pursue a more commercial vision. I won't bother venturing my own opinion, which is as valuable as the morals espoused in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Frosty The Snowman, and It's a Wonderful Life. I will, however, offer this one suggestion. During this season of commerce, worship, and celebration, one would be well served to at least take at least a little time to reflect on the dichotomy of the idea of the western Christmas season versus the spirit of the celebration of Christ's birth as taught in most other Christian traditions. And don't get me started on Black Friday, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Boxing Day. Once they get their own stop-action animated holiday specials, they'll be eligible for consideration as legitimate.

Awkward

This is a preview of a new series on TLC. Bottom of the Barrel? A new low? Or interesting topic? I know what I think. What do you think?

Five on Friday

1. Where is the furthest you have traveled for Christmas and will you be traveling this year? I am a homebody for the holidays.

2. Do you celebrate any other holiday this month? Kwanza? Chanukah? Festivus? Does New Year's Eve count!?

3. Who is the hardest person to shop for on your Christmas list and why do you think they are so hard to buy for? I no longer shop I give money let them shop they know what they like and want.

4. How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa? Extra credit if you have a picture of you with Santa! Stop believing? Never. I will always believe in the magic!

5. Fill in the blank; For me Christmas just wouldn't be the same without _______? Family

Happy Birthday Joe

Happy Birthday to my favorite brother!

More annoying things

1. When people don't RSVP to an event.
2. People who will write something borderline mean, but then follow it up with a smiley face :)
3. People who refer to themselves in the third person.
4. People who leave their children in their cars while they run into the store.
5. People who snap their gum.
6. Caps Lock in text or in email, when PEOPLE SHOUT.
7. Girls who wear way too much make up.

8. People who spell "you're" as "your."
9. People who don't cash checks you give them in a timely manner.

10. When you first meet someone and can't remember the person's name by the end of the conversation.

11. Guys who wear wifebeaters (and nothing else for a shirt) in public.

12. When the toilet paper roll is backwards.

13. When the cashier gives you the change with the coins on top of the bills and for a moment you look twist your arm around trying to get a large wad of cash into your car window with out dropping it. (McDonald’s are you listening?)

14. How commercials are so much louder than the TV shows.
15. People who don't want to learn anything new because they know it all.

LEG CRAMPS

The worst way to be awakened is by the excruciating pain of a leg cramp. Actually, I suppose that the absolute worst way to be awakened is by someone yelling “Fire!” Yep, that would be worse than a cramp!!!Last night as I was laying in bed sound asleep I was suddenly awake at 2:00 by the worst leg cramp ever!!! To stop the cramp, I tried to flex my foot toward my knee, stretching the calf muscle, thereby stopping the cramp with very little soreness afterward at least for a moment. Then it was back again so I flexed my foot toward my knee again, nothing happened, the painful cramp continued. I increased the pressure to stretch the muscle. The excruciating pain in my calf moved to the front of my leg. I actually felt it move. The pain extended from just below my knee to the tips of my toes. My toes were bent backwards at an unnatural angle. When I tried to ease the pressure, I found my leg, ankle and toes were locked! Oh, the pain! As I lay in bed groaning and massaging my poor leg, a thought crossed my mind. “My gosh! What if my leg and foot remains locked in this position!!! I will have to buy elf shoes!!” Finally, after about 15 minutes of groaning and in pain, my leg relaxed, and I am now able to hobble around.

Pictures on Monday

It seems my Christmas Cactus is mixed up. It is early by about a month. It is loaded with blooms and is a very pretty salmon pink color. And a picture of our girl Morgan, it was taken with my phone and is sorta fuzzy but she is still cute.

Gift Cards

• Walmart gift cards: when you want to show you care, but not enough to buy a real present.
• Walmart gift cards: just as good as cash, but not.
• Walmart gift cards: what better way to show someone you love like think about know they exist.
• Walmart gift cards: when you don't know someone enough to get them a gift card for a store you know that they like, get them one for a store you know they'll end up in.
• Walmart gift cards: it's like getting cash that can only be used in one place until it expires.
• Walmart gift cards: because unlike real money, you'll keep forgetting this in a drawer when you go to the store.
• Walmart gift cards: when only the best is too expensive.

My 3 favorite girls

Morgan, Becca and Kate Thanksgiving Day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE

To my grown up Sweet baby girl Katie, it has been fun watching you grow into such a beautiful woman. I am so proud of you. ( You are my favorite shhhh don’t tell the others it is our secret. ) Happy 22nd birthday Katherine Elizabeth!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Kids say the darnest things

I got this in an email today and I thought it was cute enough to share.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
(written by kids)
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan , age 10
No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen , age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille , age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, b ased on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick , age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori , age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette , age 8 (isn't she a treasure)
On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that Usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin , age 10

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THATWAS TURNING SOUR?
I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
-- Craig , age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.
-- Pam , age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt , age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard , age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita , age 9 (bless you child)

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8 ( just LOVE this one)

And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
-- Ricky , age 10

Things I thought about while my internet was down

• I don’t know what a ponzi scheme really is.
• And along those lines, am I the only one who sees the sick irony in the name Madoff?
• Every time I see a Smart Car, I smile.
• It's never too late to get in the swing of things.
• I don't sift flour. Ever. And I'm not sorry.
• While we're at it, what is "figgie pudding" and do I really want someone to bring it to me?
• I love the Christmas music on the radio.
• What exactly is the swing of things?
  
• I just noticed that my vitamins are for people over 50. But I'm going to keep taking them because my mother always told me I was advanced.

If everything has a purpose, then what purpose does dust have?
I don't like the word stimulus.
I wish the AARP would leave me alone.
I am going to try to spend less time on Facebook.

Guilty Pleasures

My new favorite show is A & E’s Storage Wars. The concept of the show is that the person renting the storage locker fails to pay their fees and then the storage facility sells the locker to the highest bidder. Very dramatically they cut the padlock and open the door. The bidders then have 5 minutes, with out entering the locker, to look inside, and with out touching or opening anything they make the decision to bid or not bid.

This show follows four basic bidders, Dave Hester (Yuuuup), Darrel Sheets (wearing his usual wife beater), Jerrod Schultz ( and his cute wife Brandi ) and lastly my favorite Barry Weiss. Along with the auctioneer Dan Dotson and his wife Laura.

As crazy as it sounds, a San Jose man looked through the contents of a storage locker he bought from Dan and Laura Dotson, he was shocked to discover a chest filled with 1,700 gold doubloons valued at $500,000.

The unit's previous lessee was an elderly woman who passed away earlier this year. Payments lapsed after her death and the storage facility turned to the Dotson's company, American Auctioneers, to handle the sale of the items left inside.

The lucky treasure hunter has declined to identify himself publicly. "I called the buyer, and the buyer wanted nothing to do with [publicity]," Dan Dotson said. "I talked with the manager of the storage unit and asked, 'Can I mention you,' and he said no. So I would like to share, but it would absolutely cost me an account."

According to some reports the buyer got the unit for $1100. He also bought another unit owned by the same person for $600. So since he got both units I am thinking it was Dave. (I hope it was Barry.) Unfortunately, this one wasn't caught on tape. This show is on A & E on Tuesday nights. If you like Antiques Roadshow you just might get hooked on this show too.

Sunday Sugar with Morgan

Cranky

As a rule, I am not a cranky person, I don’t even like cranky people, but some rules are made to be broken and today I am cranky. I’m having one of those days where nothing is going right, and I’m sure you have them too.

My ‘cranks’ started when I got up Monday morning to no internet!

My internet has decided that it no longer wants to connect. It’s one of those dsl connections. Well it hasn’t worked since late Sunday night. It is something to do with what they call “an issue.” You would think that Frontier could fix the problem in a reasonable time. HA! Now I get a message that my computer and modem are not communicating! No kidding.

The service tech tells me I could try in order to resolve the problem; unplug USB from PC, unplug power cord from modem, unplug from power to the router, turn modem on, reboot PC, stand on one foot and whistle Dixie! And of course, it didn’t work! Today is Friday day 5 of no dsl connection. They promised to have it fixed on Wednesday, and then they said Thursday for sure. Now they said I am scheduled for Friday. I am here to tell you tomorrow it best be repaired or heads may roll.

Contributing to my irritable frame of mind is when I reached for something in the kitchen cupboard and noticed that the skin on my hand looks like crepe paper…what’s up with that?

Spending the past hour on the phone punching one for English, and two for non-existent customer service representatives, holding for eternity all while garbled music blasted my eardrums, certainly has not helped my mood.

I’m up to my ears in paperwork, computer woes and skin crinkling before my eyes!

Today I am cranky

Randomness

You’d think Donald Trump could afford a better barber

Doddering and fool are in my thoughts a lot lately.

Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Kisses still do it for me.

I love being alone.

I don’t want to make any one jealous but I can still fit into the earrings I wore in high school.

Don’t hate me.

I have several friends and family members facing real health issues.

I also know quite a few people who have no real regard for their own health.

Lastly, my dsl internet connection has been down since late Sunday night. It is now Wednesday evening and I am on here using a dial up connection. It is frustrating but so far I have not really came unglued….. yet…after all, tomorrow is another day and I make no promises after 3 full days with no dsl.

Old Habits

Old habits do die hard. By choice I am lazy. I hate cleaning. I enjoy sitting here in front of my computer.

I am going to add another habit to do. I am going to have my sink cleaned out every night before bed. I just don't understand HOW it can get so messy when I do not cook every day! I swear there are ghosts in this house.

My problem is, that I don’t see the mess until it becomes overwhelming. When that happens I do not want to touch it because it IS overwhelming. I wasn’t always this way. My room was clean when I was younger because I kept it that way. When I was married to my first husband I used to keep the house clean. That might be why I am the way I am now, or at least part of it. I HAD to iron the sheets on the bed, even t shirts and underwear had to be ironed! He would do a dust test. We lived in the country. There was dust! Glad I am not in that relationship anymore, in more ways than one.

I have to break old habits and create new ones for my sake. I clean but I just move it around. I have to clean it up for good not just move it to another room or another pile. I keep hauling stuff out and yet it does not get smaller. Paper is a biggie for me. I need to go straight to the paper shredder with the mail. I also need to keep vigilant on shredding all the piles of paper I have created. Ok so I will add 2 new habits.

New habits: write blog, clean sink out every night, shred mail daily.

It's getting closer

The nights are definitely getting colder........more frost........a little lower temps for day time highs......and some snow falling from the sky........all signs that winter is getting a little closer.

11-11-11

It’s Veteran’s Day and I wish to add my tribute to all who have fought for our country. These soldiers and sailors and marines and air force men and women have earned our respect and gratitude.

As I said before, I never repeat myself.

People grow and change, over time they become different people. Some habits stay the same, some change. In older people this is most visible just after retirement. They don't know what to do with themselves, they lose their drive. Some lose their self-worth. If everything is wrapped up in a job for 40+ years and then it is gone, change is inevitable. Sudden change is even acceptable.

Accepting where I am right now.
Accepting to me used to mean - giving up, giving in, or saying, "What's the use?"
Accepting means to me today, I am happy and satisfied with what I am, what I have and living now in the present. What a change. A word that had such a negative connotation to being a word that is positive and fulfilling.
If I can accept - and not crave or desire for what ought to be, I am a much happier person. I don't compare, judge, evaluate, or wish for something different.

Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror on the Wall
I guess I am my mother, after all!!!
I came to that realization last evening as I found my self storing things under the guest room bed!! In my defense, it was not yarn (yet), clothes, or shoes. Just some miscellaneous items

Things that make me happy:

1. Sleeping in.
2. Making home made bread.
3. A great cup of coffee.
4. Reading a really good book.
5. Being smoke free.
6. Friends calling.
7. A clean house.
8. Fresh sheets.
9. New socks
10. That I am still alive, nothing is broken, and I am not in jail. :)

Trust

Trust me.
Yeah, right. Whenever anyone says that to me I want run the other way. And I bet most of you do too. It is a fact of life that trust is something precious to all of us and affects us in almost all aspects of our lives.

Trust is a big topic because it is so universal. Whom do you trust? I trusted my husband implicitly and was betrayed.

We trust the dentist to make sure we are numb before he fixes our cavities, we trust the doctor to make a diagnosis to make us well. We trust that our food is safe, we trust the mechanic who works on our car.

We have to trust whether we want to or not. I can’t go thru my life worrying about getting screwed over all the time. It is also important that we are trust worthy. and that we teach our children the value and meaning of trust.

Sunday Sugar

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Oh.... Yes there is!
It is time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Give the kids gift certificates to the movies, the local laser tag facility, the roller rink, fast food joints, THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!
Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we could not imagine.
Think like an AMERICAN,,,,or a CANADIAN,,,,or an AUSSIE this year! We're all in the same boat!

I think this makes so much sense. (from an email)

Kim

The latest antics of the Kardashian clan is being passed off as “news” Well, once again, they are in the '”news.”

They are making headlines over Kim’s failed “marriage.” I say, anyone who thought this farce of a marriage between Kim and her latest boy toy would last forever, all I can say, either you are either a hopeless romantic or really stupid.

Exactly why is this “news?” I think the only remotely surprising thing about this is that it lasted a full 72 days.

Kim is being paid big bucks to make a spectacle of her self in public. According to some reports that this wedding costs around $20 million USD. Not one cent came from either them or their families. And indeed they may have even made a few bucks out of it for themselves. I guess it beats working at a real job since she has no real talent. She gets to travel, party, remove her clothes and money magically appears in her checking account.

My problem is the supposedly smart people who are making these decisions to pay for this insanity. Can any one explain to me how anyone can flush down $20 million USD for a fake wedding? How much money is wasted each year by our trash TV CEO’s on this garbage?

I know, I know, there are CEO’s out there drawing huge salaries while 9% of population is looking for work. But they are at least doing productive work for the money and that work benefits many many people. We are getting value for their salaries. From this trash TV family we are getting nothing.

Anyone agree with me?

My 1-Day Employment

So after landing my new job as a Wal*Mart greeter, a good find for many retirees, I lasted less than one day.

About two hours into my first day on the job, A very loud, unattractive, mean acting woman walked into the store with here two kids, yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance.

I said pleasantly. “Good Morning and welcome to Wal*Mart. Nice children you have are they twins?”

The ugly woman stopped yelling at the children long enough to say “ Hell no, they ain’t twins. The oldest is 9, and the other one is 7. Why the hell would you think they are twins? Are you blind or stupid?”

So I replied, “ I’m neither blind nor stupid. Ma’am I just couldn’t believe someone slept with you twice. Have a good day and thank you for shopping at Wal*Mart.”

My Supervisor said I probably wasn’t cut out for the is line of work.

(from an email) I love Maxine!

I wonder

There are those great issues of global warming and poverty but then again I have questions on things that are simple...that are possibly easier to answer. Here are some of the things I wonder about....
1. When someone falls down, why do people ask, "Did you hurt yourself?" Of course, they hurt themselves. They FELL down!
2. In the phrase "To be or not to be, that is the question"....to be what? A frog? A cookie? A human being?
3. Why is a salt shaker called a shaker and not a sprinkler?
4. Who thought of the name, "hot dog"? It bears no resemblance to a dog.
5. Why do waiters and waitresses come to your table every 5 minutes to ask if everything is okay? I think it's a bit overkill if you ask me. If they are that curious, they may as well pull up a chair and join me. I'll give them the play by play detail.
6. Why do dogs lick themselves?
7. Why DO they call those hot wings, buffalo wings?
8. Why do the NFL players get paid so much money to throw a ball around?
9. When I was a kid, my mom used to warn me to stop being hardheaded. What exactly is the difference between a hard head and a soft head?
10. Why do people complain that sloppy joes are so messy?
11. Why does Walmart hire non-English speaking employees? If I get asked one more time if I speak English and where the sugar is, I'm going to ask to be put on their payroll.
12. Why do older people wear such loud smelling perfume?

You are too old to trick or treat when…..

10. You keep knocking on your own door.

9. You remove your false teeth to change your appearance.

8. You ask for soft high fiber candy only.

7. When someone drops candy in your bag you lose your balance and fall over.

6. When people say “Great Mask” and you are not wearing one.

5. When the door opens and you yell “Trick or ???” and can’t remember the rest.

4. At the end of the evening you have a bag full of restraining orders.

3. You have to choose a costume that does not dislodge your hair piece.

2. You’re the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a walker.

And the number one reason Seniors should not go out Trick or Treating

1. You keep having to go home to pee.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE

Corbin's team wins the Championship!!

WAY to GO Chargers!

And his biggest little fan

At Corbins Football game

Things to do when hard times hit.

1. Keep your spirits up.
2. Things will change they always do.
3. Count your blessings.
4. Be gentle with your self.
5. Pray, meditate, relax.
6. Stay in touch with family and friends.
7. Make your needs known.
8. Ask for help.
9. Never ever give up.

Things that bother me today.

1. Walking into a spider web.
2. People who don’t vote and then do nothing but complain about the results.
3. Drivers who don’t use their turn signals.
4. Web sites with horizontal scrolling.
5. Web sites with music, I leave immediately.
6. Telemarketers
7. People who let their dogs use my yard as their toilet.
8. People who can’t wait to file a lawsuit to get rich quick.
9. When you bite into a jelly bean and it's a different flavor than what you thought it was.
10. People who love to point out how wrong everyone else is while they are a walking train wreck
11. When someone blows their nose in your presence and then proceeds to look at what just filled their tissue/handkerchief.
12. Cashiers that want to bundle the receipt with my change. Hand me the money separately so I can put it in my pocket, and then hand me the receipt or place it in the bag.
13. People who give their kids weird names
14. People who have no idea what "personal space" is.
15. Speed bumps

A Great Campaign

These are actual billboards in Detroit , Michigan put up by GM. They start off the Chrysler Freeway by the GMHQ - and branch out through Pontiac , Livonia and Plymouth ; west to Grand Rapids , and north as far as Sault Ste. Marie. This is without a doubt the greatest campaign in automotive history. Build American - Buy American!

Click on the pictures to see them full sized