The perfect evening

It's been almost two years since my dad passed away, and since then I realize the importance of family. It used to be a perfect evening would be to go out with my friends dancing and partying, but now the perfect evening is to be spent with family. Our day started with Little Jack coming over at 7:15 in the morning and we just hung out in bed and talked and smiled and laughed until around 11:00. Then Jack told me it was time to get up so we did and we had a photo shoot appointment at Kiddie Kandids, (he did perfect, with huge smiles in all the pictures). Afterwards Jay took Stevi, Jayson and me to The Nugget Rotisserie with a gift card he got for Christmas (can't beat a free meal with your family) I ate so much I think I probably consumed around 3000 calories (not kidding), and then Jay and Jayson brought $20 ea. to the blackjack tables and Stevi and I went up to the arcade to play. We were there longer than the boys, between the two of us we won 201 tickets and Stevi cashed it in for candy and junk. Oh well, we all left with a smile on our face and enjoyed the evening. The last time we went to the Rotisserie to eat was with my dad, I thought of the many times we went there with him and it made me smile instead of feel sad. Thanks dad for giving us the gift of realizing what is important in life and what really matters on a Saturday night. The following is from Chapter 100 in "DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF WITH YOUR FAMILY" Please read it and embrace its meaning........
TREAT YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS AS IF THIS WERE THE LAST TIME YOU WERE GOING TO SEE THEM
I suggest that you treat your family members (and those you love most) as if this were the last time you were going to see them.
How often do we run out the door without saying good-bye- or say something less than kind or something critical under our breath as a parting shot as we go our separate ways? How often do we take for granted those we love and count on most, assuming we will always be together? Most of us seem to operate under the assumption that we can always be kind later, that there's always tomorrow. But is that a wise way to live?
A few years ago, my grandmother Emily passed away. I remember visiting her, knowing that each visit might very well be the last time I ever saw her. Each visit counted and was treated as special. Each good-bye was filled with genuine love, appreciation, and reflection. Looking back, it was a particularly loving time because each moment was precious.
Our daily lives can be this precious. A powerful exercise to practice on a regular basis is to imagine that this is your final good-bye. Imagine that, for one reason or another, you won't see your family member ever again after this meeting. If this were true (and it's always a possibility), would you think and act in the same way? Would you remind your parent, child, sibling, spouse, or other loved one of yet another shortcoming, flaw, or imperfection in his or hr behavior or personality? Would your last words be complaints or pessimistic comments that suggest that you wish your life were different than it is?
Probably not.
Perhaps, if you thought there was always the possibility that this were the last time you were going to see someone you love, you'd take an extra minute to give a loving hug and say good-bye. Or maybe you'd say something kind and gentle, an affirmation of your love, instead of your business-as-usual "See you Later." If you thought this were the last time you were going to see your teenager, sister, parent, in-law, or spouse, you might treat that person differently, with more kindness, and more compassionately. Rather than rushing away, you'd probably smile and tell the person how much you care. Your heart would be open.
I make this suggestion not to create a fearful environment but to encourage you to remember how precious your family is and how much you'd miss them if they (or you) weren't around to share your life with. The implementation of this strategy into my life has added additional perspective to what's most important. I believe it can help you to become more patient and loving-and perhaps most of all, to remember to not sweat the small stuff with your family.

Christmas is done for another 362 days......

It's over once again. Why do we let ourselves get so over whelmed? I know we all do, but this year we went light, I mean lighter, but I am getting better.....I learned from my mother(not the going light part). I got a sewing machine this year and I have and am still learning to knit, so my goal for this year is to really put some thought into my gift giving and actually make my gifts, (as I am not a very crafty and talented person, know that this is an extremely heartfelt gesture). I am done, yes done with my niece Sages' gift, and am currently knitting a scarf for a dear boy named Daniel who needs one and will actually use it, I had to rip it out and am on my second try with this gift, but he needs it now so I WILL finish this within the week. This year, our first, we had Jack and he is such a good baby, he stayed with us for two nights, (Thanks Chrissi!!) and I just fell in love with him even more than I already am. I encourage all of you to try to make homemade gifts for your loved ones this year, you may be surprised at what you come up with. If I can do it, anyone can!! Thanks for inspiring me once again my beautiful baby sister! I love you.

My Angel is 11!!

As I watch her sleep like an Angel, I realize, she is. I never carried around a brag book, I am just not that kind of momma. But let me take a moment to brag just a little bit. My daughter is 11 today, and she is so sweet and thoughtful. She always thinks of everyone elses feelings first and makes sure that everyone is ok and happy in every situation. I have always taught her that beauty is what is on the inside and it has paid off. Her party she had last Friday proved it, they came in all shapes and sizes and all different nationalities, nobody was favored and everyone was the most important one in the room to her. She had one boy show up who has been at every party she has had since kindergarten and he was just one of her friends as well, all the other girls invited were just as sweet. No arguments, no favoritism, no complaints. In the morning (Roger went home the night before!!) I came downstairs and they were all in a group of tangled arms, legs and hair. It was so sweet and cute to still be able to smile at the innocece, I know this won't last but for now..I love it. She makes me smile everyday and when I am having a bad day, just one hug from her is better than any anti-depressant on the market. For those of you who have daughters, I am sure you understand. So Happy Birthday Stevi, you are turning into a truly beautiful young lady!!

Exercise is good for the heart and friendship too!!

So I am officially back in the game. I always feel better when I am exercising, but in the past, I have gotten bored. I was always at home in the gym, dirty gym's, gym's with ex-felons were always most comfortable for me because they are serious about lifting weights as I am. I just started to lose that loving feeling so decided it was time to cross-train. I am keeping my 3 day split schedule, it works best for me and I can be flexible. (3 days on, 1 rest day) It gives you different days off per week and every once in awhile you get 2 days off a week. So now I am still lifting weights but have started hiking, running, and taking a variety of classes at Achieve Fitness with everything from Pump (with weights) to Yoga and Body by Ballet. Tonight I am doing Turbo Kickboxing and I can't wait to work out, I also have talked 3 of my friends into joining my quest for fitness.....I thought one of them was going to pass out last night after the Pump plus class, but she seemed ok. My other friend was so excited she was trying to schedule something in for everyday!!!(I think she was on a runners high after class) So if you feel the need and want to join me, I would love to see your face, with sweat glistening and a grin that resembles a grimace on it at any class or outdoor venture I am doing. Let me know...I have found out that you can enjoy fitness for free if you play your cards right (Achieve offers a different free class every month and if you place a gym box in your place of business, you automatically get two free memberships for as long as you display the box!!) The outdoors is always wonderful as well, I am going to try snowshoeing this winter and possibly cross country skiing if anyone is game!!!!

Saving $$$$$$$$$$$$$

When is the last time you called all your creditors and asked them to lower your monthly fees? You do know you can do that I hope. I did that on Monday and it took me around 3 hours total, but I am now going to save $690 per months and I just thought of 2 more which will add another $108 to that to make it a whopping $798 in savings, all it takes is some emails and some phone calls. I think that is something in my monthly living expenses I will not miss. We just lost 340 channels on our Direct TV.......nobody has noticed yet, our phone is to that basics, I guess if I need to know who is calling, I should answer the phone, and if they get a busy signal, they know I am on the phone. Did you know if you have AT &T and do combined billing you will save 20% off your phone, cell phone and internet, which by the way I was paying 49.99 for and told them I was cancelling and miraculously they can give me the same exact service for 19.99 if I stay. I no longer need the paper, not only am I saving trees, but I can read on line for free everyday and print the coupons right off on my computer. Most of our creditors have competitors and don't want to lose thier clients, I know I don't. If you just take the time to write them down and just start making calls, you may be surprised, oh and buy the way.....if you bring your own bags to Raley's they give you 5 cents off your bill per bag....if you clip coupons the saving just keep coming, as a matter of fact, I just went to the store and used a free coupon for thier weekly dinner (10.00 savings) and they gave me a baggy with free bottled water, m-n-m's, koolaide, a bag clip and a shopping list pad, don't know why but hey, I'll take it!!!! You may be surprised at how much money you are just blowing in the wind try it and write down your savings per month (coupon's too) It may just put a smile on your face.

FOUR

FOUR.......................

JOBS I'VE HAD IN MY LIFE.
1. Hairdresser
2. waitress
3. shoe salesperson
4. office manager

PLACES I'VE BEEN ON VACATION
1. Maui
2. Mexico
3. Alaska
4. Carribean

MY FAVORITE MOVIES
1. Benny and Joon
2. Edward Scizzorhands
3. When a Man Loves a Woman
4. The Bear

PLACES I'VE LIVED
1. Reno
2. Sparks
3. Golden Valley
4. Stead

FAVORITE FOODS
1. Ice Cream
2. Chocolate
3. Sushi
4. Salmon

PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW
1. In bed with a book
2. Watching my daughter dance
3. Working out
4. On my Harley

WHO WILL RESPOND (you are now tagged, create a blog!!)
1. My Mom
2. Carol
3. Charlotte
4. Stevi

Book Smart.......

I wasn't tagged, but I am going to follow my sisters lead anyways..........
1.HARDCOVER OR PAPERBACK AND WHY? Paperback because I like to be able to throw books into my purse when I need to and I don't feel guilty if I bend the cover.
2.IF I WERE A BOOKSHOP I WOULD CALL IT...... "Nose N A Book"
3.MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM A BOOK(MENTION TITLE ALSO) IS......"I love you forever, I like you for always as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be" from I Love you Forever.
4. THE AUTHOR,(ALIVE OR DECEASED) I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE LUNCH WITH......hmmm probably Anne Rice, just because she is so weird.
5.IF I WERE ON A DESERTED ISLAND AND COULD ONLY BRING ONE BOOK TO READ IT WOULD BE......Thorne Birds for sure.
6.I WOULD LOVE TO INVENT A BOOKISH GADGET THAT.....Has a light and holds the book and also turns the page while I am cuddled under the blankets.
7.THE SMELL OF AN OLD BOOK REMINDS ME OF....My moms closet box
8.IF I COULD BE A CHARACTER IN A BOOK (MENTION TITLE) IT WOULD BE.......Scarlett O'Hara, and I'll worry about it tommorrow.
9.THE MOST OVERESTIMATED BOOK OF ALL TIME.......I read one that was so bad I can't even remember what it was called.....
10.I HATE IT WHEN A BOOK........Ends just when it is getting good.....Anne Rice always does that!!!

vacation

I love being on vacation, I hate not getting paid for it, but that is the price we pay for being in business for yourself. This year with so much going on, we traded our timeshare for one up at The Ridge in Stateline. We only had it for a week, but had a wonderful time bonding. Stevi and I had it to ourselves most of the time because Jay had to work that week and traveled to and from work. We did some sight seeing and got to go on our friends boat on the lake and where totally pampered by Cat and Jerry for the day, Stevi and I played Raquetball for exercise, (whoa) almost everyday, and went hiking. We hit the gym once but Stevi took advantage of the swimming pool 3 or 4 times and we all enjoyed the hot tub. I got a facial one day and we took our friend Cat horseback riding, which was wonderful......haven't been on a horse in about 18 years. Cat and Jerry invited us over for dinner one night and treated us again, this time to Tri-tip, mashed potatoes and brocoli and cheese, with ice cream and fresh berries for dessert..mmmmmmm. They are such amazing people. Oh and I finished a book I have reading for the last 6 months. Eye of the Dragon by Stephen King. I got to sleep in till 8 or 9 everyday and now I am paying for it by trying to play catch up at work, todays schedule was 6am - 5pm and the rest of the week is as crazy, I am there till 9pm tomorrow, but at least I don't have to go to work until 9am. Well, I am back and oh yeah, the picture is of Stevi, uh , after I beat her at checkers, the stand off was an hour and a half long, our rematch I didn't do so well....Such is life.

I'm officially a Grandma

Well he is finally here, actually he is 2 weeks early...Jack. I am now at age 39 a grandmother. Everyone asks me how I feel and then wince as if I am about to hit them, but there is nothing more amazing than seeing your child have a child. Only a grandparent can truly understand that I suppose. Christina was made for having babies (even though she doesn't think so). Her water broke at 11:40 am on the 16th of August, but she said she only felt what she thought was one contraction. An hour later she had one more and it hurt a little more. So I picked up Jayson and we went to lunch..waiting. Right as we finish, she text messaged me that she had 8 in the last 40 mins. and they really hurt. Well, she thought they did. She was admitted and dialated to a 5 by the time we paid our check and arrived at Renown. Now they were so close they couldn't keep track. It was now approaching 2 o'clock, by 4 she was at an 8 and going pretty good, 4:20 they called Dr. Klaich and told him she was ready. She could have had that baby by 5 but it was terrifying to her so she was a little resistant but finally she got down to business and Jack Sparrow (yes Sparrow) Reese-Lynch was born at 5:40, looking just like his father. The only difference is....he got Jay Sr's and Chrissi's side of the families dimples!!! Of course I think he is adorable and handsome. Last night was thier first night home alone with Jack and he gave them a run for thier money......with 4 phone calls to Grandma (it was gas) after discovering the importance of burping him after feeding, they actually got a little sleep, I am available to stay over night for relief duty, but it looks like Jayson and Christina have it handled, so I may get to charge over thier and take Jack off thier hands for a little while, (my fingers are crossed) or I will just visit when am invited over, (I told them to bond and let me know when I can come back over). So for now.......Grandma Beautiful out.

Sober.......

Well, my husband is finally going to AA. This picture you see above you, I hope will not ever be taken again unless he has an O'Douls in his hand. He is an alcohalic and it has been a very rough and emotional road for our whole family. He was sober once for 6 years ( the best 6 years of our lives together) but then one day he had that one drink and never stopped. Those of you who read this are probably wondering if his accident was alcohal related, hmm, umm yeah. Amazing that he survived, amazing we are still married, amazing how one person can hide so much and the other person gets so good at covering up and putting on a happy face. Well guess what, I am not covering for him anymore, he decided he didn't want a divorce so the other option for him is to get sober, He started AA and is now going to church with us again. Please pray for him so he gets better. I love him when he is sober, can't stand him when he is drunk, but underneath that drunk jerk is a wonderful, loving , caring husband and father who has a good heart and is a great provider. I decided I will not cover for him anymore, I will not cry anymore , nor will I let him abuse me and my heart. I hope he loves himself enough to stay sober, I have loved him enough to stand by him for 21 years......the ice is starting to melt around my heart, but I am scared to let down my guard.......I just want to be happy again, truly happy without hiding behind my mask, it has been awhile, but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully it involves him, but that is a choice he needs to make for himself, I can't make it for him. I will be there for him, whether we stay married or not, but I hope this nightmare is over for us......it hasn't been easy.

almost died today........

I have been trying so hard to live a healthy lifestyle, I try to fit in 3 days of 45 mins. of cardio a week so today I decided I would ride my bicycle with Stevi to school then ride back to pick her up after school. Great idea right? Well piece of cake on the way, it was all down hill. The way back was another story. I did not stop, I was determined to keep going even if it killed me? I don't remember it being this hard when I was a kid. Let's just say, by the time I got back home, I was wheezing like a HEAVY smoked who had emphyzema. I couldn't talk, pet my dogs or even stop pacing to sit down for at least 15 minutes. That was this morning at 8:30 and 70 degrees out, can't wait till this afternoon when it is supposed to reach 99 at the hottest part of the day, which is usually around 3- 3:30 which is the EXACT time I need to leave to go back and get her. Well, if I do die from this, I guess I won't have to worry about the other 90 minutes for the week right?

When do you love too much?

When is too much, too much? When is it, I've done everything for you, you've done nothing for me? How many pieces can a heart break into before it is broken beyond repair? When do you give up hope and just come to the realization that it is what it is and people will never change no matter what consequences may arrive? Does anyone really know the answer to this? I sure don't. When is someone beyond help? Are we really equipped to handle the heartache we are dealt in life? And can we survive and still be the same person we always were or do we just become empty and a hollow shell of what we once were? Hmmmm, I hope someday I know this answer.

Rough Weekend for us.........

I had to work on Saturday to do a wedding, so Jay went on the H.O.G. ride with our group by himself. I got a call around 3:30 from our friend Doug that he had an accident in Mammoth and was on his way to the hospital. When I am under pressure I automatically go into calm mode. So I made some phone calls and went to pick up Stevi and started out towards Mammoth. Of course there is no phone service from Reno to Mammoth in a lot of areas so the ride there was very worrisome and quiet. All I knew was that his bike was completely wrecked and so was Jay, they brought him in and nobody had seen him since. It took me 3 hours to get to Mammoth and right as I pulled in Jay walked out, slowly, with our friends Doug, Bill, Dave and Patty who were all concerned and kind enough to stay in Mammoth until I got there. We stayed the night and had a nice dinner at Perry's Italian Cafe and Restaurant, I am so thankful he is alive, he flipped his Fat Boy four times and bounced and skid at around 65 to 80 mph. Yes he was going too fast trying to catch up to the group. He has bruised and fractured ribs, stitches and multiple cuts and road rash all over his body, even his face, somehow he slid on his butt and face at the same time and completely took the seat of his pants off as well as half his rear. He is moving very slow and swollen, bruised, cut and his ego is bruised as well. I was told that nobody thought he was alive after they saw what they saw, so I am thankful I missed the ride. I saw his bike......I think that was when it really hit me......he probably shouldn't be here, thank God he is and I am so relieved, sad, scared and happy all at the same time. Tough lesson to learn, let's pray he did.

HA!!!

Notice the scores....................Hmmmm, who is the greatest of them all? Me.

Birthdays Birthdays

So now I am 39. But hey, it has been a great week, not only did I get to go to Disneyland, but yesterday my baby sister took me to lunch and today my son, Christina and my future Grandson Jack brought me to lunch. Came home to a lazy afternoon and then my mom and sister and nieces stopped by with presents. I am getting older though, I now notice that I go to bed when I am tired, (even if it is only 7) I enjoy getting out of bed early to seize the day and suddenly I don't care what my legs look like in shorts if it's hot outside.....(when I did care, I probably didn't need to.) It is just another day and now I only have one year to go until I am 40. How will that be? I guess we will see. I just changed my cosmetology license in the salon which I have to renew every 2 years and Stevi says I look younger ever new picture. I must admit that I do, but I think it is just because the hairstyles have gotten better and I fell in love with my flat iron. Maybe not.

The Beauty that takes time......

As I watch my sister with her two daughters, I realize how beautiful she really is..I remember the days when she was HOT, and SEXY and just downright drop dead gorgeous, but I don't think she was ever truly beautiful, until now. I am in awe. Amazed at how different she is and how at peace she is. Day to day things that used to be such an issue, you know, what to wear when you go out with the girls or how to do your hair and make-up, not important anymore. She now is measuring me and Stevi to sew us a skirt and top and I find that I admire and almost envy her for that. We are both so different, but alike in so many ways. Now she has a very beautiful family of her own and I am proud to be her sister. Her grace and beauty is both calming and wonderful in so many ways, Liz if you read this.....I love you.

DISNEYLAND!!

Yes, I know, I know, I have been in hiding.....one place I have been hiding is Disneyland. I actually brought my mom, who has never been, she was so excited to go she almost threw up!! We had a 3 day marathon and accomplished all we set out to do, including blowing our diets, I never want junk food again! My mom was a trouper and went on every ride including "California Screamin'" and "Tower of Terror". While we were waiting for "talking to Crush" Stevi thought she recognized Jason Earls from "Hannah Montana". I asked him if it was in fact him and he said yes and was very nice and took a picture with Stevi and also shook her hand and talked to her. Being her first celebrity encounter, she was over-whelmed and started to cry when she came back over to us...we have all been there, myself with Barbara Fairchild and my sister with Wayne Newton. It was sweet and so was he and now I am a big fan of his just because of how generous he was with his time and treated her very graciously. So if you ever watch Hannah Montana, know that the goofy kid who plays her brother is a very kind person, you never know and it is very refreshing when something like that happens to your daughter. Well I will try very hard to be more dilligent in my blogging and hope you all have a great day!

Waxing can be no fun..........

So I try to wax everything.....on me that is, I decided to wax my hairline...I umm don't recommend it. Once wax is on, it has to come off. I started one side, ended up with a mouth like a sailor has never even heard and had to finish the other side. Let me tell you, after recruiting two friends in the Salon to help hold me down, I am pretty sure that they ( how do I put this delicately?) pulled my butthole thru my bellybutton, those neck hairs are rooted very deep, very deep, anyways, my neck is now as smooth as a baby's bottom and I have an outie.

Rode my ass off.....................

All weekend we rode, I must admit it was great, the first day was a pre-ride, and Stevi came along, I had my IPOD on and a smile on my face as I watched her pink hair peek out from under the helmet. She always turns around to blow me a kiss or send me a smile as we are riding. Someday I fear that will change. Then Sunday back at it but with a deadline, Willows 3rd birthday party, at 4:00, we rolled up to my sisters house at exactly 4 and as Auntie Beautiful rushed inside to give Willow a hug, she looked at me as if I were an alien, then I realized how crazy I must look with all the dead bugs stuck to me, no make-up and road grime from head to toe, not to mention helmet hair with a skull cap on with a skull and crossbones and black leather from head to toe. Uh....did someone call for Auntie Beautiful? I think I left her at home, after a few minutes she did recognize me and give me a shy hug....not sure if I stunk or was so hideous she was just being polite. As we got home, I got to finish as many chores as I could as I hobble around, (I think my Tylenol Arthritis wore off a long time ago). Only 8 loads of laundry to go and many many more household chores.....I hope I finish in this lifetime, Oh well I got to enjoy the beautiful weather with my wonderful family this weekend, something I don't always get to do, as a very wise and wonderful woman once told me, "The housework will always be there Dear", and so it is.......

Blemishes, Blemishes

I am going to be 39 on July 1st yet I still break out. We all we went to a Hairshow this weekend so I brought spackle for my new friend that is hanging out on my chin. I must not have done to well because by the end of the weekend, I had people talking to it like it was a microphone and I was a news reporter. As if I am not self conscious enough about it, oh well, so I named it Madeline and she at least could hold our place in line while I went to go buy Madeline a ticket so she could get into the Hairshow also. Kind of like a large person who is forced to buy another seat on an airplane I suppose. She enjoyed herself I think she may still hang around with me for awhile, I've been trying to get rid of her, but she can't really take a hint I guess. Oh well............

When?

This is my 10 year old Stevi at Halloween. She also has to wear make-up when she does a dance recital and I will admit, I have put a little on her for picture day, very subtle of course. But when is it time? When I was growing up, alot of girls wore make-up in 6th grade (average age 11) I didn't until I was 12, but I do remember being unpopular and a bit jealous of those "cool" girls. My daughter will be 11 in November and she has been asking me when she can wear a little and how to apply it. At first I said "No, not till 7th grade!" Then I went to her program at school and I would say 40% of the 5th graders had on make-up, including eyeliner and mascara! So I polled my clients today and they say that is normal now-a-days. Am I old fashioned or ucool? I always swore I would keep up with the times, I would say out of all my clients with girls about 80% today said a little lip gloss and eyeshadow is fine for 5th grade, 6th is normal for mascara and eyeliner! Help, is that right?! I don't want Stevi to feel uncool but I am so confused.........This picture has ALOT of make-up on of course for costume purposes.. do you think subtle glitter and lipgloss is ok?

In Three Words (stolen from Shelf)

WHERE IS YOUR CELL PHONE: ironing board upstairs
BOYFRIEND: I married him
HAIR: dresser and styler
MOTHER: Is my mentor
FATHER: waiting in heaven
FAVORITE ITEM: harley davidson deluxe
YOUR DREAM LAST NIGHT: bought new house
FAVORITE DRINK: cinnamon dolce latte
DREAM GUY: helps with housework
THE ROOM YOU ARE IN: the kitchen downstairs
YOUR FEAR: losing loved one
WHERE YOU WANT TO BE IN 10 YEARS: simplifying my life
WHO DID YOU HANG OUT WITH LAST NIGHT: my bunco girls
WHAT ARE YOU NOT: young, lazy, rich
ARE YOU IN LOVE: I'm still married
ONE OF YOUR WISHLIST ITEMS: glass doll case
WHAT TIME IS IT: 1:31 pm Sunday
LAST THING YOU DID: Argued with Stevi
WHAT ARE YOU WEARING: pajamas and Bathrobe
FAVORITE BOOK: still "Watership Down"
LAST THING YOU ATE: Veggie Pita, Fries
YOUR LIFE: is too busy
YOUR MOOD: mellow and somber
YOUR FRIENDS: are wonderful people
WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW:my friend's loss
YOUR CAR: 2006 BMW X5
WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS MOMENT: eating and this
YOUR SUMMER: timeshare in Tahoe
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS: married with kids
WHATS ON YOUR TV SCREEN: ha ha, nascar
LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED: two seconds ago
LAST TIME YOU CRIED: just cried yesterday
SCHOOL: of hard knocks

Tag your it...................................

Death and Taxes

"Nothing is as sure as death and taxes". That is the saying anyways, sometimes death comes before we expect it and sometimes we owe alot more than we expect. But we go on, as depressing as it may be, always pay your taxes and compliments to those you love. You never know when you may get a refund! I believe that if you always tell the people in your life what is in your heart, you will live without regret and know that if, God forbid, when it is time for them to go, they will always know that you loved them unconditionally, as we should. I always told my Dad I loved him and when it was time, he knew and said he had no regrets in life. I hope that when it is my time to go, all my loved ones will think of me with a smile on thier faces and remember me for my kind words as well as some of the crazy things that have happened to me in my life. (Those who know me, know what I am talking about). Well unfortunately Tax day is upon us, so I need to go......But in closing, I love you all, and for those of you going through a hard time, whether you have lost a loved one recently or owe way more money than expected.....just pay your taxes and call the ones you love, and tell them why you love them, it may make you or them smile!! Smooches

Time flies when you're having fun.....

So I am getting hounded about not posting, I didn't realize that my blog was so interesting. The only thing I can say right now is......I am better, I was down and out with the flu for two days, and for me to cancell work I have to be really sick. I guess the only fun thing about being sick is you have crazy dreams. You know, those dreams you wake up from and go "Huh, where did that come from?" I dreamt about my cousin Greg, whom I haven't seen since I was 16 and a guy I went to school with who I think I never even said Hi to.......hmmm, I also bought a condo in New York and the only stipulation was that I survive the night alone then I could purchase it, uh why would anyone even try? Oh but on real news, I am expecting my first grandSON in August of this year...am I happy? of course, but I think I may still be in shock. The name being tossed around at this time is Jack, and as soon as I finish knitting my son his scarf, I am going to start to attempt to knit Jack a baby blanket, wish me luck! I am also tossing around the idea of posing for a calendar for a custom bike shop here in town, now be honest with me....Is that appropriate for a mother my age or a grandmother for that matter? Of course I will only pose if it will be beautiful and tasteful, let me know what you think?

Recycling and surviving

So I survived paperless!!!! One day at a time, that will save me alot of paper. My beautiful lil' sister, Lizard-Breath, decided it was time to make a difference and save the Earth and money, (I am convinced she is from Mars, of course I am from Venus) and she is right, Step 1. Do not buy anything new, only staples for day to day living (example foundation or wrinkle cream) Step 2. Recycle, if you can go to Starbucks, you can bring your own cup not get a paper one.( I did that today and was fine) Step 3.If you can make it, it's ok, (thank God I am learning to knit, I need a new sweatsuit) Step 4. Why not buy used toys? (the kids will drool on them, break them, leave them all over the house and then forget they even got it in the first place). Did you know that most used and consignment shops will let you bring clothes in and trade them for in-store credit?( Same with used book stores)With the over abundance of hormones we are shoving into our children daily with meat and dairy they just grow up so fast, you know? So try with us and see how long you can go without any new unnecessary purchases....and bring your own coffee cup to starbucks, or try not to go at all.......babysteps, babysteps...Don't forget to recycle your paper as well as your cans, glass and plastic as well.

getting with the 21st century

P.S. for those who asked, didn't go snowboard, part chicken, part lack of funding......Anyways......So my friend Greg Newman, who I might add is with it, told me I should go paperless and use my computer and laptop for my business as well......after I got done hyperventilating, I thought about it, he was right, why have all this technology and not use it, not to mention, if I ever get sick or have an emergency, I have all my appointments and phone numbers at my fingertips. So after 12 non-stop hours of input, I am ready to go. I think. We will see how well this works for me, I remember when I first got my palm pilot how I still kept paper notes, then I got used to it, well, I am going to quit cold turkey. Ha , we will see if I end up crying, in an insane asylum or losing half my clients. Got to love this world we live in today. I feel bad for our children (and grandchildren). They will never see the advancements of ours and prior generations, I wonder though, will the say the same thing someday?

So, I have never been snowboarding or skiing in my life. I have a friend who I am very close to who is on her second bout of breast cancer and she has a list of things to do before she dies, and she has accomplished quite alot of them, well, she has never snowboarded either. We are going Saturday. Now, I am not known for my grace, and I have never been one for cold weather or slippery surfaces, but if she can do it, I can too. Even though I am generally fearless, I am a little nervous. There are 8 of us going and none of us have ever tried, anyone want to watch? Hopefully there are no broken bones on saturday. If you have any suggestions other than tying a pillow to my a$$, let me know........wish us luck........

So......apparently, I have been tagged so here are 6 weird things about me............

1. I like the feeling of physical pain.

2. Random men love to show me thier penis' (this has happened at least 10 times in my life)

3. I always cry while watching any movies involving sports.

4. I ride my own Harley, but am also taking a knitting class because I am going to be a Grandmother in August.

5. I have never lost a physical fight (hense the name Bubba) but you will never cry alone when I am around.

6. I am a magnet for weirdo's ask anyone who knows me............

Good Karma P.S.

OOPS.... my 7 month old, by the way, is a puppy.!!

Give yourself good karma.....

I live my life thinking of others first, that is just who I am, I think I get it from my Mother. Everyday I try to do something for somebody just to make thier life a little bit easier, nicer, brighter. That sometimes comes back to you when you least expect it. Yesterday my cute 7 month old chewed up my new eyeglasses that I have had to put new lenses into 3 times since October ( I am having problems with my eyes stabilizing) not to mention the frames I bought were designer frames and cost a pretty penny. Needless to say, I was pretty upset, so I left work to go buy a couple of gift cards for someone very dear to me that could really use them right now and to step back and look at the situation. 1. My fault for leaving them out. 2. They are just a pair of glasses 3. I have my health and family (more important) 4. It is just money and you can't take it with you when you go. Ok, I calmed down and got over it and felt pretty good with my gift card purchase, anyways, my wonderful husband had 15 minutes to get an old pair of frames of mine to the eye doctor across town in 5:00 traffic. He got there 1 minute before they closed, ( I am driving to LA at 6 am Saturday morning and need to see where I am going). My wonderful eye doctor made a special trip to the lab for me so I could get them before I left. Next day, I start my day off by delivering my gift cards with a hug and a smile on my face, brought my son to breakfast, then picked my daughter and her friend up to bring them to the library so they had books to read while they are off track, my eye doctor called and I went to get my glasses.......they didn't charge me for my new lenses (saved me more that a couple of hundred dollars), then when I went to Starbucks to get a bag of coffee so my husband had coffee while I am gone, the guys working the counter gave me a free latte because they said it was a nice day outside so they wanted me to have a nice day as well......and I did. Hope you all have a blessed and Karma filled day as well (hope your karma is good!)

A WOMANS WORK IS NEVER DONE.......

Today is my day off.......I got up at 6 am and am now just sitting down to relax. Why is it when a man has a day off he can sit on the couch all day and watch football or nap or both? My day started with making waffles for the family, then cleaning up after that, starting laundry, doing dishes, get ready for church, come home, clip coupons, start more laundry, make shopping list, make lunch, laundry, empty dishwasher and reload with lunch dishes, laundry, take dogs for a walk (with my mom so I guess that is a nice break even though it was a hike) laundry, start dinner, eat, laundry, clean up after dinner, put away left overs, laundry, hand wash clothes , scrub the bathtubs with bleach, hang up hand wash, laundry, bring movies back to Blockbuster, get my clothes ironed for tommorrow and make a lunch, oh yeah, and more laundry. Did I mention Jay is still on the couch watching football? I am so happy I only have 4 loads of laundry left, then I am done. Tommorrow I get to get up at 4 to do dishes before work......I love my days off......don't you?

I've gone blind!!!.........

If you are visually challenged as am I you may want to read this. I have recently became a regular at the Eye Doctors office because my vision keeps changing. So I just picked up my new BIFOCALS (fun word huh?) and am waiting for my new contacts, apparently you can now wear one to see up close and one to see far away...interesting. Anyways, I have only been wearing one contact until I receive my new pair and they have also changed my cleansing solution from the normal No Rub I usually use. Now, I was going to put my contact in and of course I can't see to get the darn thing in , so I dropped it on the counter. Of course I had to rinse it off, so I grab the solution I THOUGHT I was supposed to use to rinse it then promply put the contact in my eye. Not the right solution, ummmm I think that was the enzyme cleaner they gave me to try. Now my eye is on fire, swelling up and I am trying to rip it open as I am bumping into everything and saying some not very nice words, (apparently this means it's time to play to my two dogs, fun times) So, dogs are barking, I am screaming obscenities and I am blind. Not a great way to start your morning. It's amazing your bodies ability to fight you back when it wants to. As I am digging at my eye with my artificial nails (adding to the redness I am sure) I almost pop my eye out trying to get my contact out, so much for vanity, now I look like a four eyed Popeye. Cute. Oh and leave it to my wonderful mother to point out the beautiful shade of red IN ONE EYE. I can always count on her, I'm sure my husband will let me know as well. At least when I take my glasses off to look at it....I can't see anyways, looks good to me!

Ouch!!

As I am bringing my daughter to her new Dance studio last night to start her body conditioning I, decide, I can take this class too, it will be good for me. Now mind you, even the instructor is at least 16 years my junior. That's ok, I am tough. Ok , half way thru the class, I hate this Nazi drill sargeant. Could she just slow down! Then I look around and realize that my friend (who also has a daughter this studio) are THE ONLY old people in there. I remember being young and looking around the exercise class and thinking it was cute when an older lady tried it to never see her again, now I am that older lady. So as I am leaving, one of the young limber ones says to me " At least you tried came and tried it." HUH, what does that mean? So as my wobbely legs barely take me up the stairs, my grimace appears to be a smile.......I think, I'll show you! I will return for more punishment next week only this time, I will come armed with Advil and oh yeah, I better purchase some Ben Gay before next week also. Was it worth it? Not yet, but to see that shock on the limber one's face next week, and probably the rest of the class, mabe. Toodles, I need to go take some more advil.

Things that make you go hmmmmmmm.............

For those of you who go to or have gone to church you will understand what I mean when I tell you that when you sit and listen to the sermon they always seem to be talking to YOU and only YOU. Well, we went to church this morning, and did bible study the whole bit then went to worship and when the Preacher started the sermon with. "You all need to live like you were dying" my daughter Stevi and I just looked at eachother, (she sat here with me last night as I started my first Blog). Then he proceeded to tell us how important it is to take the time our of our busy schedules to cherish each day with our family because we never know when it will be our last. Now, is it just me, or did we just go over this? Ok, I have been asking for a sign from God to help me renew my faith and follow a path that I had stumbled off of for quite some time. Hmmmmmm. Not sure how to react to this but the chills I got down my spine and my Daughter hitting my leg and whispering "Mommy, you said that, and that and that" I know we all have our own Gods, some Buddha, some on a different spiritual plane, so you tell me, what would you think?

I can't believe I am doing this........

Hmmm. Never thought I would give in to modern technology, but after reading my Baby Sisters Blogging and actually enjoying it I thought, what the heck, I will give it a try. This last year has been very trying, sad and sometimes confusing, but we all survived. With the loss of my Dad in March after a lengthy illness we all had to adjust and try to discover what life is really all about. Fortunately we all had precious time with my Dad before he passed which I understand alot of people are not blessed with as we were. My sister also gave birth to another beautiful girl and that is such a wonderful blessing. I think enlight of the trying year we had, it gave Thanksgiving and Christmas a calm and peacefulness that wasn't really there before, you know how chaotic family gatherings can be, I have to say it was very mellow and I loved just being with family, that seemed to be all that mattered to me this year, brings it back to reality and makes you realize just what the holidays should be about. This year, my resolution is to love myself enough to give myself time to not work so much and spend that precious time with what is important, FAMILY, I will value and cherish every moment I am blessed to spend with my loved ones and true friends because as we all know, life is way too short. God Bless