Monday had hit us in the face once again, hasn't it?! I actually slept like a rock last night. I went to bed early, and fell asleep between 5:30 and 6:00pm and woke up about 3am, still propped up on 2 pillows, still wearing my glasses. I hadn't moved all night long! LOL!! I didn't even have to get up and pee which is really unusual. Anyhoo... Feeling pretty sore today still but haven't had to take any pain pills yet. I imagine if I do have to take a pain pill, I'll just take a half. I got a lot of rest yesterday, and was just a bum... got caught up on some shows I taped (Monk, Wild Card, and 1-800-Missing). I was also able to talk to Connie on Yahoo yesterday morning for a while - its been ages since we've been able to chat. My bud Colin had to go to Dayton, OH for work and won't be back until Thursday - miss him already!! Did anyone notice that beautiful full moon?! I saw it as I was driving to work this morning and it was incredible! OK... time to get to work! Have a great day!

I had such a GREAT time last night!!!! Dinner was a lot of fun, there were about 11 of us and the food was really good. The play was absolutely fantasitc!!! My cousin Kelsey did such a fab job as Annie. Her character was just a riot, her accent was a hoot and her singing was excellent. She looked like she was just having the time of her life up there on the statge. We're all so proud of her!!! Its so cool to see someone you know up on the stage, it makes the play all that more fun to watch. My asshole BIL Ellis decided to come home this morning after being gone a week. He just turns this house upside down when he's here - brings so horrible vibes with him. Mom and Dad aren't happy he's back, they've actually started to admit they like him being gone. But Kathy has to be the one who tells him to get lost once and for all. My Aunt Lou Jean was going to stay until tomorrow, but she told Mom this morning that she felt like she needed to go home a day early. Mom felt really bad, and after Mom went upstairs, Lou Jean talked to me about why she felt like she needed to go home. She thought my Mom had too many things going on with Kathy, Ellis, and the baby. I told her that having her here has been such good medicine for Mom and asked her to reconsider staying until tomorrow. I changed her mind, and she's going to stay. She just came back downstairs from telling Mom she decided to stay - and Mom was really happy and Lou Jean said that she almost started to cry because she was so happy. Makes me feel good too. I'm not going to do much of anything today, I'm really exhausted and have a sore throat. My shoulder and wrist are feeling better (haven't had to take pain pills today). So... rest for me! I hope everyone has a great Sunday!

Got this link from Ulrika
You are an angel.
What legend are you?. Take the Legendary Being Quiz by Paradox Got this one from Brian
Pirates of the Caribbean!

What movie Do you Belong in?(many different outcomes!)
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My SIL Patti was in a car accident yesterday! She was going through an intersection on a yellow caution light when she colided with a guy coming from the other direction. She is certain the light was yellow and even had a guy behind her but he fled the scene, and the guy that she colided with wasn't even stopped at the light (his red light) when he claims it had just turned green as he was driving. Patti got the ticket though, for "running a red light" sounds awful fishy to me... Anyway, she wouldn't go in the ambulance (stubborn!!!) so my bro J Dee took her into a clinic to get checked out. She broke her ankle, and it sounds pretty serious. They have to see a specialist on Monday. She's really sore across her chest and also bit her tongue. The airbag didn't deploy either, and it should have so J Dee is checking into that! She's so mad about the whole thing, but also so grateful that she wasn't hurt worse, as we all are! Anyhoo... I just sent her some balloons and with some M&Ms and hopefully that will cheer her up a bit. Not sure what she's got against ambulances, I'm going to have to get the story there. She told my Mom one time that she would have to be "out" or dead before she'd get in an ambulance. LOL!

Last night I watched part of the Piglet movie (finished it this morning!). Its soooo cute! There's something about Winnie the Pooh and the gang that just soothes me. Makes me feel good. The relatives decided to invade again last night. Even though I felt like shit, I decided that I really wanted to be upstairs with them. The pain pills were doing a pretty good job and its not like visiting was physically straining! LOL!! Mom and I threw together some hoagie sandwiches, chips, fruit, etc., and we all ate together. There always has to be food at family gatherings... its part of the enjoyment of life I think! LOL!! People: my aunts Jan, Linda and her hubby Dale, Lou Jean, cousins Dana, Teria and her hubby Jeremy, my nephew Travis, my parents, niece Elyssa and my sister Kathy (she was actually decent to me and everyone else - shocker). After we ate, we decided to have a rousing game of Dominos, a game called chicken scratch. Its a riot! We were all crowded around the table and we laughed and played until about 11pm. Travis had me in tears a couple of times making jokes, he's so funny. He knew I was in a lot of pain, and on pain pills so he really took advantage of the situation - he was getting quite a kick out of making me laugh - I even snorted a couple of times (which made everyone laugh). I even got a few quips in, and cracked Travis up. Our sense of humors are a lot a like. We just all had such a great time! I'm so glad that I joined in the fun and didn't stay down here and suffer - being with all of them really took my mind of my pain. I had a rough night, as far as my stupid shoulder. Every time I moved I woke up UGH. Its feeling slightly better now... I'm staying on top of the pain and taking things easy. I don't want to miss dinner and the play tonight so I'm staying home and resting all day. Mom and Lou Jean are going shopping and wanted me to go too, but I'm staying home. They can go and have some quality time together. In the meantime, I'm going to come around and visit all of you... I may not comment (typing still hurts a bit) then I'm going to eat lunch and take a nap so I'm well rested for tonight. Have a great Saturday everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know what the hell happened, but I've been attacked by RA today, big time. I started hurting so bad and feeling so shitty that I had to come home from the galavanting before the galavanting was done. More details on my Health Log. I didn't feel totally guilty though because my Aunt Lou Jean was really tired too... in fact she's snorning on the couch right now as I'm typing this! LOL! She's quite the snorer. My Mom and Lou Jean may go back to galavant some more later on with my Aunt Jan and her friend, but for me... its rest, ice, and pain pills. Oh! I can watch The Big PIGLET movie!!! I'm set!

I took my car in to Midas to have the exhaust leak fixed (the one the mechanic told me I had last week). They didn't find one! I'm confused... there is a possibility that the mechanic thought a hole where the moisture escapes could be the exhaust leak? That's how the muffler/exhaust was designed. I dunno... anyway... nothing was found so I went on my way. Got the lube job *snicker*. I took it to the place where my nephew works, although he was off today, they gave me a family discount which I thought was cool! Saving money today! I've got just a few mins before heading off to galavanting with the Aunts and Mom. My Aunt Lou Jean wants to go to my fav Mexican restaurant for lunch - twist my arm. She loves the restaurant too. So hopefully it will be agreeable to everyone else cuz it sounds *really* good to me... cha, cha, cha!!

Today's Remacade treatment went well, and the details are on my Health Log. I ran my errands, came home, and then...Holy shit! Relatives invaded for dinner! 7 cousins, 3 Aunts, 1 Uncle, 3 friends, 1 sister (Susie - my fav came over!), and two parents and me (I almost feel like bursting out it song here, the 12 days of Christmas). We had pizza and salad. It was a lot of fun, but man it was crowded! Fantastic to see all of them. Tomorrow will be some galavanting with 2 of the aunts, possibly 3, my Mom, and one friend. I've got to get up early and take my car in to get the exhaust leak looked at, and if I have time before the galavanting, it needs a lube job too. If I don't get around to it tomorrow, I'll do it Saturday, when everyone else wants to do it too - (that is get their CAR lubed) tee hee I thought that sounded kinda naughty. OK... inside joke or I'm so damn tired that I find myself very amusing. It was probably the "lube job" that got me giggling... yes, I need a lube job. Everyone needs a lube job from time to time. I just finished dusting and cleaning my bathroom. The rest is just gonna have to wait until tomorrow night or Saturday morning because I'm just too tired to do any more. I'm going to bed! I hope everyone has a great Friday!!!

Here I am... working away on some database stuff. Actually what I'm doing is deleting people and updating addresses of returned brochures we got in the mail. My question is, why do some postal workers and/or mailroom people find it necessary to black out the person's name or put a sticker over the person's name? Do they not realize I can't delete them without seeing the person's name? DUH people!! Come on! Gimme a break. I have to really do some work on some of them to get the names. There's been about 10/100 that even the entire address is blacked out and I can't see shit. See, "common sense" isn't all that common, is it? tee hee I e-mailed a lady in our corporate credit card dept about the problem I had with my corporate card paying for my tuition. It seems I've got one of the two types of cards - the travel expenses only cards. She said that I'll need my division manager to fill out a form saying its OK for me to have the second type of card, in which other expenses will be approved. So, I've sent an e-mail off to him asking him to do it for me, so next term I won't have to have Tim put it on his credit card. So... it should be sorted soon! Well, I'm outta here! Going to go relax in a nice comfy reclining chair, pillow under my arm (where they put the IV), blanket on my legs and my book. I'll be set. I may even take a snooze! TTFN!!

YAAAWN! Another rather sleepless night... woke up at 1am to muscle cramps in my feet and legs then my mind wouldn't shut up again. Took muscle relaxants so I'm feeling nice and goofy. Weeee... Today is my Friday - YAY! I will only have one more entire Friday off (next week) while I'm in school so I gotta enjoy these last two Fridays. I'll have class and I will probably have to work a couple of hours before class on Fridays to make up for travel time to my class, etc., I'll survive though... LOL!!! I've been spoiled for quite some time. I haven't taken any lunches this week, (worked 11 hr days) so I'll be off at 12 today... then I've got a 1pm doc appt for my Remacade treatment. So it will work out good. I've got a book with me, and should finish it today while sitting there with the IV. Then I'll run a couple of errands and head for home. Can't think of anything else to say right now... hope everyone has a great day... and go play 3 for Thursday.

Found this quizzie via Alexia
You are Peace. You are at peace with your self and the world around you. You have balance in your life and exude tranquility from every pore of your body. People are constantly asking you "what is your secret?"
What Emotion Are You?
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Thanks to everyone who commented about me going back to school! YAY! I still haven't come down from my cloud quite yet... such a huge thing for me. Geez, I'm tired! I didn't sleep much past 2am because I woke up and my mind was racing about everything you could imagine. I hate that! Anyhoo... I'd hoped to get some extra sleep last night by going to bed early but it didn't work out that way. Oh well... my weekend is almost here. Its going to be a crazy weekend though, lots to do, and relatives (Aunts) will be in town. My Aunt Lou Jean will be coming tomorrow from Idaho for the entire weekend, and she always likes to stay downstairs with me. Having her there is always great, but its really going to cut into my early morning schedule since I get up early and get my cleaning, etc., done... not to mention reading my blogs Saturday mornings. *sigh* But she doesn't come often and she's fun. It will also be good for my Mom to have Lou Jean there with the bad week she's having. We've got tickets to a play that my cousin is in Saturday Night (Annie Get Your Gun, musical) that she has the leading role in. Looking forward to that. My other Aunt Jan will be in town for the play as well, and we're supposed to all get together sometime Friday. There will be lots of fun, but I'm already stressing about how I'm going to get all the shit done that I need to (cleaning, having my exhaust leak on my car checked and fixed, errands, pay bills, etc.) ARRRGGHHHH here comes my OCD rearing its ugly head a bit! LOL!! The errands I could run after my doc appt tomorrow afternoon and will probably have to clean tomorrow night since I have to take my car in Friday morning). OK, I'll quit rambling... Have a great hump day!!!

I DID IT. I registered for two classes today. I?m now officially a college student at a university here on Hill AFB, where I work. Close, convenient, and within my training budget at work. AARRGGHHH can you believe it?!! LOL!! It all started last week when I was talking to my boss about what training I could attend this year. He said I had a registration, travel and a 40-hour budget. I searched the internet and couldn?t find any courses that really fit my current position that would be worth while, and others were beyond the scope of my duties. I could have continued taking the one-day courses down in Salt Lake, and get my MS Office Professional Certification, which would certainly look good on a resume and be helpful in my job, but I wanted more. I want something that I could use in life and use to grow. Then it hit me. I?ve been wanting to go back to school, and my boss has supported my goal and has wanted me to go back. There was so many reasons that I felt I couldn?t go back before, health issues and financial. The financial was once approved (by our previous division manager) but I would have to come up with the money first, then be reimbursed which was not possible for me, and then all my health problems hit. There were also personal issues for a long time before all of that though? the bottom line was I just wasn?t ready. For the past few months I?ve felt quite restless and not really knowing why. When the idea of using my ?training bugdet? for school tuition hit me last Thursday night, all the pieces just started falling into place. Things started making sense. Its time for me to do this. I know my health issues are far from over, but they shouldn?t stop me from living life and getting my education. There will be more stress, but a different kind of stress. I?m going to be learning and using this knowledge for my future. I talked to my boss, Timster yesterday and he was so excited! He immediately called our division manager and got his approval for me to attend two terms this year. There?s a possibility that I can continue with school after that, still company sponsored. The other terms will come out of a different ?pot? of money. Tim and I need to talk more to the DM about it later. When I went to pay for the fees today with my corporate credit card, the charge didn?t go through. I about died! I called the customer service line and they said that ?tuition isn?t one of the covered expenses on the card?. Shit? I called Timster and told him what had happened and he offered to put the charges on his personal card and I?ll pay him back when I get reimbursed. I?d come too far to back out ? and he knew it. I was so relieved and am so grateful. He?s such an incredible man! I ended up having to do the same thing with the books that I ordered too ? so silly that these things aren?t covered since its CORPORATE SPONSORED! Registration fees, etc., would have been covered! Sheesh! Anyway, I?m going to send an e-mail to the corporate card people at my company and see if they can fix my card so I can use it for tuition next time. There?s got to be a way around it. So, anyway? I?m going for a BS in Management/Accounting. I?m starting off with Principles of Accounting I, which is 11:30a ? 12:30p M-F, and then Organizational Behavior T & TH 4:30p ? 7:15p (perfect class for ME if I do say so myself, but it sounds interesting and will go towards my human resources part). Classes start August 18 and will go through October 12. Weeee!!! I am so excited yet so a little scared and nervous. Getting back into studying will be tough, but I know I can do it. Just a matter of self-discipline. Right? While I was out, I decided to stop by my old building to see Linda, my buddy Brian, and Sandi!! (Sandi is still over there on temp assignment) I first stopped by Brian and Linda?s office and saw Brian first. He was sitting at his computer, looked up at me and then did a ?double take?. Then he said my name and I went over and gave him a side-ways squeeze and he of course moved his head right into the side of my boob and smooshed it, then grabbed me and put his face right between my boobs! ROFL! I think he was happy to see me! Then he stood up and gave me a proper hug, but with more boob shooshing. I can?t say that I didn?t enjoy it too? tee hee? I?ve missed his harrassment/teasing. He couldn?t get over how good I looked, which really made me feel great! Despite my chipmunk face. Linda was in her cubical and I called over to her and she came running over? she didn?t recognize me from behind (even though I saw her just 2 weeks ago!) She made some comment about my skinny butt. LOL! Not really? not quite but skinner than it used to be! We visited for a few minutes, then I wanted to go see Sandi. Brian gave me another good boob smooshing before I left, and Linda and I went to see Sandi. I almost gave Sandi a heart attack, she was so surprised to see me there! She couldn?t stop grinning and was to tickled to see me. I?ve REALLY missed seeing her every day. We talked for a while, then Linda had to get back to work and so did I. Sandi walked me out, and we kept chatting? and then I ran into my friend Nancy! It was so great to see her too! I need to go visit them more often, its so hard being away from my good friends there. So, its been a really great day!! I?m really pumped about starting school and know I?m up for the challenge! The only draw back is that its going to cut into my internet/blogging/crocheting, reading, watching tv, etc time! Withdrawls!! BUT I can juggle and who knows organize my time better than ever and get more out of it. Oh, another challenge!

Cindy has stopped blogging, I'm terribly sad about that!!! I always looked forward to reading her site... Good luck Cindy, I'll miss you! If you read this, I'd love it if you kept in touch! Lights are back on now - how many software engineers does it take to turn the lights on? 3. The main breaker was switched off for some odd reason... what really took the longest was for them to find a flashlight and then the right breaker box. Before they found the right breaker box, the let me use the flashlight to use the restroom - I had to pee BAD. My heroes.

There are some people in our lives that are so special, so incredibly generous and thoughtful that we can never express our gratitude for all they do for us, nor express just how special they are. There is one friend of mine who I'm talking about. His name is Colin. I came home yesterday to a big box that came in the mail. This box contained some CDs he'd burned for me, as well as a t-shirt and a mug. I'd mentioned to Colin last week that while I was in Boston, I'd heard of a t-shirt that said "I got scrod in Boston" (scrod is a fish, and although I didn't have scrod, I had to have the t-shirt because I thought it was really funny) but alas, we could never find one. Well, this man went out and had the t-shirt and the mug (also personalized with my name on it!) made for me. Colin and his lovely wife D totally spoil me! Not just with presents like this, but especially their friendship, warm hearts and generosity. Thanks, Colin and D! I can't tell you how much you both mean to me! I got sort of a strange call from my Dad yesterday. He called and asked if I had eaten some of a coolwhip/jello salad that my Mom had made on Sunday. I hadn't, although I wish I could have because I LOVE the stuff but can't eat it anymore because of my diet restrictions. I asked him why and he said "I'm just doing some detective work..." OK... well, later I found out why he'd called. I was talking to my Mom last night and she'd had a really bad day. My heart just broke for her, she had such a hurt look on her face. I guess that Kathy had eaten two big helpings of this salad on Sunday (she shouldn't for one thing, she's diabetic!) then Mom had just a little of it. Yesterday morning, when Mom got up, she found the empty bowl in the sink, unwashed with a eating bowl and spoons in the sink. Later on in the day, Kathy asked if there was any more salad left. Mom said no, and that she'd found the emty bowl in the sink. Kathy said, "Well, did Karen eat it?" (Like that would have been a crime!) and Mom said, "I doubt it, she can't eat it and she wouldn't have left the dirty dishes in the sink." That set Kathy off big time and she verbally attacked Mom like she's never been attacked. Kathy yelled and yelled. Mom remained calm for a few minutes, then she yelled back. All my Mom does for her and Kathy treats her like that. What an ungrateful bitch. Anyway... Mom handled herself well from the sounds of it and told Kathy off. Kathy is just plain ill. Mentally and physically. I think she needs to be put away. She's the only one that could have eaten that salad. The only one who would have or could have (her husband was out partying with friends so wasn't even home.) I really thing the "Karen wouldn't have left the dirty dishes in the sink" is what set her off though, because it really bothers Kathy that I know how to clean up after myself (she thinks I score points with Mom and always have or looks at it as I'm kissing ass) and am considerate enough not to make any extra work for anyone. I just take after Mom that way... I hate leaving things messy and like to have things clean. Susie is the same way - and actually so are my two brothers. The only pig in the family is Kathy. Anyway... enough about Kathy... after Mom and I talked for a while and I gave her lots of hugs (which made her cry and me cry a bit too) I headed for bed and started watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding until I fell asleep. Then my brother J Dee and his wife Patti stopped in! YAY! J Dee came downstairs and installed a new water filter system for our drinking water, and then Patti came downstairs too and we visited. I didn't even get into bed until 9! Which is pretty late for me, but it was worth it. I'm not too sleepy today... or at least not yet. When I came in this morning, the building was totally dark, no lights on at all, not even the outside lights (I'm the first one here) but all the computers work... maybe the lights breaker switched off... so I'm sitting here in the dark with just the "under counter lights" and the light from my monitors on. Ooohhh... now if I only had a really cute guy in here with me we could have some fun! *snicker* Here's the pic of the doily I made - and will be making several of (its pinned and drying). Well, I best get to work! I've got some reasearch to do on my "secret" and hopefully this morning I can go do my "secret" thing and tell you all about it. Have a great day!!!!

YAY, Monday is over... well, the work part anyway!! Busy day, but ended up to be a good day because a proposal I made to my boss has been approved. Not an indecent proposal or anything like that but something I've been thinking about doing for quite a while now. Its a secret until I get all the details sorted because I don't want to jinx anything. I'm really excited about it, but also nervous and scared. This is a huge step for me... OK... I better shut up before I give it away or jinx it. This project/proposal may be settled tomorrow, and I'll do my best to see that it is. The sooner I do this, the better. Lets see... what else happened today... hmmm... had a good phone chat with my bud Linda while I was doing some of the database work. We giggled and chatted about what's been going on the past week or so. She's going to England on Friday for a couple of weeks with her hubby to visit their friends. I wish I could go with them! Do you think I could sneak in one of their bags and no one would notice? We'll have to have a girls' night when she comes back, its been waaaay too long. I feel so good being able to put all the stuff that happened between Linda and I in the past and behind us. Although we may never be as close friends as we once were, it feels good to have her back in my life. She's is being so compassionate and understanding - even more than I've ever seen her be. Its funny how such bad things can happen in life, yet so much good comes out of it. Life is too short and we need to cherish the people in our lives before we lose them. That's about it really... me thinks I'll take a nice soothing shower before heading to bed. G'Night!

Monday came whether I wanted it to or not! I've got a load of e-mail to go through this morning, and a lot of database work to do today and over the next few days. I don't really mind though, it will keep me busy, it's just repeticious. The RA in my wrist decided to flare, so I've got to baby it and wear my wrist brace. I better get to work... Have a great Monday... I know it's gonna be tough, but I think we can get through it! LOL!!

We had one big storm move through here, for about 30 mins it was a major downpour, with lightening and some pea-sized hail. Its been sprinkling off and on the rest of the day and its been so great! It can just keep on coming, I don't even mind... even though I'm a hell of a lot achier than I was earlier! I'm hurting so much that I'm actually going to take a pain pill and head for bed. I also think I over did the crocheting today, or was at a weird angle or something because my lower part of my hand and wrist started bothering me. But I finished the doily... I took a pic and will post it later after its up on Colin's server. I finished watching Gangs of New York - good, good movie. The Emporer's Club was a pretty good movie too. I taped two new shows from Lifetime last night, and watched them today too. Wild Card and 1-800 Missing. Both really good shows! Its about time they had some decent shows on Saturday nights. There's another show on Friday nights that I discovered on the USA network, called Monk. If you haven't seen it, check it out! Its funny and a good detective show. I really don't want this day to end... because that means it will be Monday. Don't want Monday to come. Don't want to face Monday... yes, I'm being a whiny assed boob.

I'm having a nice day so far, despite feeling really achy and tired. I watched the first half of Gangs of New York this morning (its 2-DVDs and about 167 minutes long!!! ) so I took a break and got on line. I chatted with Colin for a little while, then Glovefoxon Yahoo!! Its overcast outside so I'm hoping it will rain... ohhh... that could be one of the reasons I'm achy... a storm is moving in... anyhoo... I watched another movie last night. Phone Booth with Colin Ferrell... he is one fine man. It was a pretty good movie, not quite as "good" as I thought it would be, but it really makes you think about life and what you put out there. RAIN IS FALLING! Keep coming, rain, keep coming!! I want a downpoor! Anyway... I've also rented the Emperor's Club so I'll watch that after I finish Gangs of New York. Its a good movie so far, but very violent and bloody. Soo... I'm off! Hope everyone has a great day! Still raining! YAY! Its just not teasing me! Ohhhh, love that smell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good morning everyone! I'm in a pretty good mood today, despite being achy from yesterday's fabric closet cleaning ;-) I'm looking forward to a relaxing day and am going to come around and visit all of you this morning. I do have to run to the bank and to the grocery store a bit later - I forgot one thing yesterday (hate it when I do that). Other than that, I'm free to do whatever I feel like. I found a doily pattern last night that I think will work for my Xmas gifts. The pattern looks easy and shouldn't take long to make each one. I started the doily last night, and perhaps will finish it today. If I like it, then I'll start making them in mass ;-). Update on that "Ellis" story... no one believes he was hit by a car. We believe that he got the shit beat of him, and someone either stole my Dad's bike, took it for money Ellis owed them, OR Ellis just out right sold the bike for his own profit. Kathy doesn't even believe he was hit by a car. He's such a dip shit. I really wish my Dad would take him by the ear, drag him outside and kick his ass to the curb. Or if he'd let me do that, it would be even better. tee hee TTFN!!!!

I got all my cleaning done, and my fabric closet cleaned out. Wow - its really amazing how much fabric I have. I found quite a lot of smaller pieces of fabric that I can't see a use for (for me) but my Mom could make some shorts and t-shirts for my niece Elyssa. Mom was really thrilled about it, and she said that Kathy would be really grateful as well. After Mom and I got our stuff done, we went to lunch, we decided to do Mexican and had cheese enchiladas (cha, cha, cha!). I had a coupon (yes, I love coupons!!!) to buy one dinner and get the second one free. So, we ordered dinner sized portions and brought half of it home. Worked for us! Not bad - basically 4 meals for under 10 bucks, and that included tip! LOL!! Then after lunch we did the usual errands to the grocery store and then to Wal-Mart. As soon as I got home, the mechanic called and told me my car was ready. I about SHIT when the mechanic (Kyle) told me what he found wrong (its been running rough and miss firing). It was a cracked spark plug that was put in when I had it tuned up by the first place (Big O-Tires - who my Dad trusted so I took it there) back in April. I was furious! All the worry, all the stress, all the work my friend Robin's husband Jerry put all that work into it, trying to find the problem, and changing modules, etc., cost me about $125 then it was $80 labor to diagnose the problem at Kyle's today. So... I took my spark plug, and went and had a chat with Big O owner Mike. (He is a friend of my Dads so I was polite.) I took my receipts in, and explained what went on. Mike said "Well, you know that when you first brought it in, that I told you and your Dad that we may not be able to fix your car." I said, "I understand and remember that. You thought that a tune up would fix the problem so I had you do one. You were right, the tune up would have fixed the problem if the spark plug that you put in wasn't cracked. " He had an "oh yeah..." look on his face. "Then when I came to pick my car up and it was still running rough, you told me that you couldn't do any more for me and sent me on my merry way." Then I told him that I didn't want to make trouble, but it wasn't right that one of his staff's incompetence - or mistake caused me to pay nearly $200 and all the trouble Jerry went to. So we struck a bargain. He gave me a refund of $80, which paid for today's labor. I thought that was fair. I thanked him and was on my way. My car isn't totally fixed though... there are other things going on, one knew about (the digital display is going out again) and then there's an exhaust leak. I was expecting around $400 for the digital display (I had to have one 5 years ago) so that wasn't a surprise. Kyle has ordered the new display but it will take about 2 weeks to get it in so I'll take it back when its in. The exhaust leak I will take to Midas since I've got a warranty on my muffler that I bought 2 years ago. Its not a 100% coverage warranty, that only lasts 12 months so I'll have to pay for labor, but the muffler itself is covered. THEN after all that stuff is done, it should pass both safety and emissions tests (fingers crossed!) that are due in Sept. And fingers crossed again - my car will last me at least another year... If it lasts me another year, I'll hopefully be in a position position to get a new car. Its a 1987 Chevy Cavelier Z-24 but only 151,000 on it. Its been a good car really and I've done my best to keep it in good shape... and its still fun to drive. Even if I have to shell out about $1000 in repairs each year, its less than a car payment every month! Now I'm going to eat some dinner and relax!

I had a good night last night! I got to talk to Annie!!! on Yahoo! She's so fun and such an incredible person... so positive about life no matter what she's faced with. Fastly coming one of my top heroine of all time!! HUGS Annie!!! You can't tell me there's not a bit of justice in the universe. My Mom told me a story of what happened to my asshold BIL Ellis. He "claims" he was hit by a car while riding my Dad's bicycle, left on the side of the road for dead. He's got a split lip, large bump on the head (which he claims rendered him unconcious, and no one came to help him), large gash on his leg and hand, road rash on one side of his arm and other leg. He said that my Dad's bike was trashed, but yet Ellis failed to bring it home. He doesn't remember where he left it. There are "holes" in his story and of course things don't add up. Even Mom even picked up on this. Sounds to me like perhaps he was knocked off the bike, got in a fight and someone either stole the bike or Ellis sold the bike. Dad told Ellis he want his bike back no matter the condition its in, but he'll never see it. The bike is probably long gone. Ellis never called the police to report the incident... wouldn't you call the police if you were hit by a car? I honestly think he was NOT hit by a car. I know I should be sympathetic to his injuries but I find myself not giving a shit. In fact, I'd actually like to see him, take a picture so I can have a good giggle. Most of the giggling is coming from his creativity in making up such lies, and we've all caught on. I better stop now though, because I could be creating bad Karma for me ;-) I'm feeling stronger today, and am getting my postitive energy and fighting spirit back. I'm still working through things, but I'm gonna be fine. Getting rid of all the pent-up stress is really helping. I did half my cleaning yesterday and will finish it this morning... then I'm going to tackle my fabric closet and clean it out and reorganize it. Therapy... OCD and stress therapy. I just love the vaccum sealed storage bags, I'll be able to make lots of room in that closet. I've got so much fabric its not even funny. I worked at a fabric store for 4 years and stocked up big time. I think I've got enough fabric for about 10 quilts plus a buch of odds and ends. I really should get back into sewing, but haven't been in the mood for a long, long time. I have one pieced quilt that has the blocks done, I just have to put the blocks together with the borders between the blocks, then the main border. I have 2 quilt tops totally done (one I made for my Mom, the other for my sister) that need to be quilted. We don't have the room to quilt them so they've been sitting for years - at least 11 years. I'm thinking of seeing how much it would cost to have them machine done at a quilting place. That would be excellent Xmas presents if I could afford to have it done. I dropped my car off at the mechanics yesterday afternoon, so I should hear something from him today if he can figure out what's wrong with it. I'm hoping its simple (so he can fix it today) and not too much moola. I think my Mom and I are heading to lunch and to run a couple of errands this afternoon, but am not sure. Happy Friday!

One of the guys here has this beautiful Hibiscus plant in his yard. Every morning, he goes out, pics the flowers and brings one to each of us. Beautiful, isn't it? Always makes our day...

I feel like I've been hit by a big emotional truck this morning, but am feeling better than last night. All this stress and turmoil just isn't worth risking my health over. I need to draw the line and not cross it. I am human though, and I go along dealing with things pretty well on a daily basis then all of the sudden BOOM it explodes. I wish so much I felt strong enough to work out again, that sure helped get my stresses out before and I know it will do it again. So frustrating. I'm also so tired of being tired. I still haven't heard from my RA doc about my hematocrit blood levels so I'll call today - we've got to find out what's causing my anemia. I won't let any of this beat me... I may have had a bad day yesterday and will probably still have a bad day today, but its getting better and it WILL get better, one way or the other. I need to keep my fighting spirit (its still there, I can feel it, its just taking a beating right now) up. I sound brave, don't I?! I'm also trying to convince myself even as I'm writing this that I'm so brave and can handle anything. Really though - I've been through so much in my life, I'm not giving in now. Just having some set backs this year. *Concentrate on the good things, concentrate on the good things*. I have such incredible friends and family to help me through things and am never alone. I'm so fortunate to have all of you in my life. No matter how much I bitch you're always there, sending hugs and leaving supportive comments. I have 7 hours to work today, will be off at Noon, then will take my car in to the mechanic. Dad is meeting me there and will take me home. If I'm feeling up to it, I've decided I'm going to clean the hell out of my room. It needs it and I need the therapy ;-). Have a good day everyone and thanks so much for listening and your support... and if you want to play 3 for Thursday the questions are up!

I thought my day and emotional state were improving... then I got home. The long awaited decision on Kathy's disability claim has been extended another 6 months. I could look on the bright side - at least it wasn't denied - yet, but I'm just too upset that it wasn't settled today. Its just prolonged for another 6 fucking months. I don't know how much more of her and her situation I can stand. I don't know how much longer I can see my parents being dragged down financially, emotionally and physically. I don't know how much more I can stand of her so-called-husband not getting a job to support HIS family before I am going to beat the living shit out of him. I just really don't know how much more our family can take. I'm at a loss. I'm going to go have myself one hell of a good cry and take a Xanax or two (its allowed).

I hate waiting... I'm waiting for my RA doc to call me back with my blood test results and he hasn't yet. Usually when I have blood drawn on Fridays, they call me Tuesday evening to tell me the results. No phone call last night. So, this could mean two things: he didn't get the results or he is deciding what to do with me. Hopefully I'll hear something this evening. As I got in this morning, another guy, Kasey came in right after me. He's in the next cubical over the wall, and said, "Karen?? is that you?" I said, "yes..." Then he said that he and other people are starting to wonder if I've started living here - sleeping on a cot. LOL!! Ummm... nooo... I told him I'd just gotten here and was just a few mins early. He's in here about 1.5 hours early himself. He and his wife have a new baby and he was up anyway so decided to come in and get caught up on some work. But no, I definitely don't live here ;-) In fact this week, I'll have my 40 hours in by noon tomorrow since I haven't been taking any lunches. Today is the day for my sister Kathy's disability hearing. I am praying to God and anyone else who will listen that she will get it. The house will come tumbling down if she doesn't. Her lawyer (at her meeting last week) didn't sound as optimistic as he has in the past, but we're hoping he's just being 'realistic' and trying to prepare for her for the possibiblity of not getting it. Since her first go-around, she's developed other physical disabilities (her main claim now is mental as if anyone couldn't guess that) so we're hoping those will help. Not much else to say right now... feeling kinda grumpy today since I didn't sleep well, and I'm really worried about a lot of things. Car, my test results, etc., I really wish I could have just stayed in bed today and hide from the world, but I won't do that. I need to keep going... but I am going to let myself be grumpy that's the only way to get rid of the grumps and get back to myself. Hope everyone has a great Hump Day though!! *hugs*

I've run out of the creativity and motivation that I had this morning about my financials... I started to plan out my idea, then I asked myself if it was really necessary. No, can't say that it is. I can still extract the data I need in another way - a couple different ways actually. So, there ya go, I've talked myself out of doing it. I've worked on the database all day long but I'm finally caught up on everything! YAY! Its nice to have the time to do this stuff so I'm not complaining. There will be some more stuff coming in on Thursday that I'll have to do for sure, but I think tomorrow is going to be one of those "gimme something to do before I die of bordom" days after I get my regular/daily stuff done. I hope not, I hate those kind of days. I've made and appt with a mechanic for my car on Thursday afternoon. Its been running rough for quite a while, and its due for inspection in September. My friend Robin's hubby Jerry fixed what he could figure out on it back in May and he recommended a mechanic that he trusts (which is a very good thing). So, I'm going to bite the bullet and get an estimate, and hopefully its nothing *major* and can get it fixed and tested for safety and emissions. I can't afford any repairs, but then again I can't afford not to have my car! What do ya do?! This car really needs to last me at least another year. One hour before I get to go home... YAY. Its hot in here yet again... the air con is partially working and it stays kinda good until 1pm then it becomes an oven in here. UGH. A nice cool shower will be in order when I get home. Have a great night!

I had to do it... I just had to do it. I had to order this today. I just love Piglet, Pooh and the gang!!

I don't know where yesterday went! It just flew right on by... I had a break yesterday afternoon and was able to blog-hop for a little while which was nice. I had a ton of database stuff to do yesterday, and still have some to do today but I've got all day to do it, unless something else more important comes up. I also had an idea as I was waking up this morning on one more way I could sort my financials to make things a bit easier. So I may work on that this afternoon... when these brain storms hit, which I might add isn't very often, I better take action. tee hee I heard from a guy on that match thing I'm doing, and he sounds really nice. His name is Robert and he's from Idaho (about 70 miles away) and we've started e-mailing. We've exchanged messenger IDs but haven't chatted yet. Its worth a shot... I'm not expecting to be swept off my feet (by what I've seen so far), he may just be a good friend, but we'll see what happens. I've got to quit jumping ahead of myself and just let things flow! LOL!! I think and analyze things too much at times... got to quit that. Fun pic of the day:

I just found the BEST thing in my Inbox today. It was my annoying cubemate Greg's timecard (which isn't due until the end of this week). Its all filled out for this week with LEAVE HOURS! He's going to be out of the office and I didn't even know it! Oohhh... this is looking to be a good week already!

Well, its Monday... how did it come so soon again?! Time just goes by too quickly on the weekends. I've just gotten to work and am settling in. I see all the e-mail in my inbox and want to cringe, but I'll take one at a time. This week shouldn't be too crazy, unless something comes up that I don't know about. I forgot to write about the excitement in my neighborhood (well, this IS exciting for my neighborhood) over the weekend. When I got home on Thursday, there was a policeman sitting in front of my neighbor's house across the street. I thought it was odd, thinking maybe something was really wrong. So I told my Dad and he went over to see what was going on. Apparently my neighbor had seen a bobcat in her garage. The policeman couldn't find it, so he sat in her driveway for a while and kept watch while filling out some reports. After a couple of hours, he gave up and left. He thought my neighbor had lost her mind and was seeing a stray, wild cat. She asked him if stray cats have pointed ears, spots on their back and brilliant yellow eyes... Ummm... no. Saturday rolls around and the bobcat decided to show up again (or he could have just stayed and hid in their garage). It was indeed a bobcat. They had animal control come out and get him, tranquilize him, etc. Luckily no one got hurt. We live close to the mountains - probably about a mile or so from the base of the mountain range but we've never seen so much as a deer in my neighborhood, so this was really strange. Well, I better get to my e-mail! Have a great day everyone! Chant for today "We love Mondays... we love Mondays."

Do I have the word "fuckwit" stamped to my forehead?! I was online, checking my e-mail and had Yahoo Messenger running. This guy contacts me, he's 36/single/white/male says his name is Bruce and is from Missouri. Asked if I wanted to chat... sure, what the hell. He tells me he's a hypnotherapist which is cool... then he asks me if I have a webcam... yes... then he tells me he "helps people online" and says "its safe" Ummm yeah... then he asks me if I'd like a "demo" No thanks, I'll pass on that one. Wonder what he wanted to demonstrate... Can we say IGNORE LIST?! LOL!!

I was up really early this morning. I didn't sleep well at all, woke up at 1:30 and couldn't really ever go back to sleep. My leg was bothering me, so I took a pain pill and still couldn't go back to sleep... so I was up and showered by 6:30! LOL! Crazy... I know. I was contemplating a pajama day but decided to put shorts and a t-shirt on instead. I'm contemplating doing some cooking today. Not sure what I'm in the mood to make and who knows, by the time lunch time rolls around I may have changed my mind about the whole cooking thing anyway. I seem to be losing the motivation of doing anything really quickly, even as as I'm writing this... I think its the pain pill... hmmmm... maybe... I'm obviously babbling (more than usual)... la la la I'm going now. Have a great Sunday!

I know you all are hanging on the edge of your computer chair awaiting the news of how my company picnic went. tee hee So here it goes... It was OK, not as horrid as I thought... but if it hadn't been for Gordon being there I wouldn't have had anyone to talk to. Gordon was my boss a few years back (he works in a different location now). He brought his wife and daughter and we sat under a shady tree in our lawn chairs and visited. I stayed for about 1.5 hours then was outta there. I finally met the division manager Mike, and he seems nice. He was the chef and was all excited about it, kinda made me laugh. I came home, put my leg up, watched TV and finished a small doily. Nothing exciting at all, but relaxing. TTFN!

Cheers Roo for this link!

You Are a Like Eyes!

Sly, mysterious, and very sexy.You have a deep stare and lure people in with your gaze. Anyone would be lucky to get with you. Why? Because your big on doing things all the way... And making sure the pleasure is distributed evenly. And if not fifty/ fifty, your lover will get even more. You're sweet, kind, and love to be a tease at times. Congrats! You've got it all. What Body Part Are You Most Like?
More Great Quizzes from Quiz Diva

I just got this in my e-mail and thought it very puzzling. For the record, I'm not a dating service or pimping mamma (tee hee). I did reply and suggest he go through an online dating service such as Match Doctor. "Yes Karen hope your having wonderful day.Thanks for the massage your giving to the world.Well am XXXX XXXX from Uganda east Africa.am 28 years old.Am requesting you to get me a female friend from there.I really need one but I don't know how I can get one.So it my request to get one." Sorry dude! But hey - I'll keep the e-mail if anyone is interested in contacting him, let me know! Hey... maybe I'm turning into a pimping mamma... what do ya think? *Update* I just got another e-mail from this dude apologizing for contacting me... he's looking for friendships with females of common interests. Nice of him to write back and apologize...

I had a good time out with Mom yesterday afternoon. We practically shopped until I dropped! Compared to how I used to be able to shop, it wasn't that much but sure felt like a lot. We got the things we needed to and a couple things we didn't... but that's what makes shopping fun. I had a nice relaxing night, just watched movies and did a bit of research on the internet about my health stuff. Today is my company picnic. Yipee. I'm so excited to go. This isn't with the gov't organization people I work with, but the corporate people who I: 1) hardly ever see, 2) haven't met 90% of (since a merge of offices 6 months ago!), and 3) may never see again. It starts at 11 and they're having food I can't have, games I can't play, and is going to be hot. Yes, I'm being a boob. I'm taking a lawn chair to prop up under a shady tree and perhaps a book... or would that be too anti-social?! LOL!!! I don't have to stay all day, just as long as I can/want to. I will make an appearance and at least meet the division manager. I've e-mailed him and talked to him once on the phone but never met him. I don't even know if my boss, the Timster will be there, he acted like he wasn't going to go. Greg said heand his wife (she's cool) will be there, and there's probably 3 other peope that I hope will be there. That's all for now... I'll be sure to write again this afternoon with all the fun details of the picnic. tee hee I know you're as excited as I am and will come back and read my post! *snicker* Have a great Saturday!

Snagged this from Egypt *snicker* what do ya think... fits me doesn't it? LOL!!!
Innocent

What's your sexual appeal?
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Health Log updated...

Happy FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wooohooo! I was dreaming that I was hearing thunder, could smell the small hint of rain in the air... then it dawned on me, I wasn't dreaming! There actually was a bit of thunder and a few drops of rain in the middle of the night. Its all gone now of course but they say there is a "chance" of more. I'll believe it when I see it. We need the rain desperately so I hope it hits big time. I had a great afternoon yesterday. Lunch with Robin is always so fun and we got caught up on things... we are so connected that we finish each others sentences, its scary. I came home after lunch (she had to go back to work) and got half my cleaning done and paid my bills. Then I made dinner for my parents and I then just relaxed the rest of the night. I was really exhausted! I started watching Mr Deeds and fell asleep before it was even half over I think! LOL!!! I didn't even hear fireworks in the neighborhood (for the Pioneer Day Celebration) so either I was too dead to the world, or the city outlawed them this year because of how dry its been. I'm guessing they were outlawed because my cat freaks out when there are fireworks and she definitely would have woken me up. I better get my ass in gear and get the rest of my cleaning done. I've got a doc appt this morning with my general doc to check my blood thinner levels, then will take Mom to lunch and run errands. I also have to run to the hospital to get some blood tests done for my RA doc to see what's going on with my anemia. Fun, fun. I'll post about that later in my health log.

This was an e-mail I just got - I don't know if its really true, but its so damn funny I had to share it! This is even funnier when you realize it's real! Next time you have a bad day at work, think of this guy. Rob is a commercial saturation diver for Global Divers in Louisiana. He performs underwater repairs on offshore drilling rigs. Below is an E-mail he sent to his sister. She then sent it to radio station 103.2 on FM dial in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, who was sponsoring a worst job experience contest. Needless to say, she won. Hi Sue, Just another note from your bottom-dwelling brother. Last week I had a bad day at the office. I know you've been feeling down lately at work, so I thought I would share my dilemma with you to make you realize it's not so bad after all. Before I can tell you what happened to me, I first must bore you with a few technicalities of my job. As you know, my office lies at the bottom of the sea. I wear a suit to the office. It's a wet suit. This time of year the water is quite cool. So what we do to keep warm is this: We have a diesel powered industrial water heater. This $20,000 piece of equipment sucks the water out of the sea. It heats it to a delightful temperature. It then pumps it down to the diver through a garden hose, which is taped to the air hose. Now this sounds like a darn good plan, and I've used it several times with no complaints. What I do, when I get to the bottom and start working, is take the hose and stuff it down the back of my wet suit. This floods whole suit with warm water. It's like working in a Jacuzzi. Everything was going well until all of a sudden, my butt started to itch. So, of course, I scratched it. This only made things worse. Within a few seconds my butt started to burn. I pulled the hose out from my back, but the damage was done. In agony I realized what had happened. The hot water machine had sucked up a jellyfish and pumped it into my suit. Now, since I don't have any hair on my back, the jellyfish couldn't stick to it. However, the crack of my butt was not as fortunate. When I scratched what I thought was an itch, I was actually grinding the jellyfish into the crack of my butt. I informed the dive supervisor of my dilemma over the communicator. His instructions were unclear due to the fact that he, along with five other divers, were all laughing hysterically. Needless to say I aborted the dive. I was instructed to make three agonizing in-water decompression stops totaling thirty-five minutes before I could reach the surface to begin my chamber dry decompression. When I arrived at the surface, I was wearing nothing but my brass helmet. As I climbed out of the water, the medic, with tears of laughter running down his face, handed me a tube of cream and told me to rub it on my butt as soon as I got in the chamber. The cream put the fire out, but I couldn't poop for two days because my butt was swollen shut. So, next time you're having a bad day at work, think about how much worse it would be if you had a jellyfish shoved up your butt. Now repeat to yourself, "I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.”

I slept the best I have all week last night, despite the heat! We broke some record hight for the day in history. My car said it was 106 on the way home... UGH - enough already. Today is Pioneer Day here in Utah. Happy Pioneer Day! Its a state holiday so of course I don't get paid for it, and there's really nothing that I wanted to "do" as far as seeing the parade, etc., so I'm working. BUT only until 11 when I'll have my hours in for the week. I'm going to meet my good friend and twin sister (from different mothers) Robin for lunch. Then home I'll go. I need to pay my bills and I'll get part of my cleaning done so I don't have so much to do tomorrow. I don't think we're doing anything to celebrate Pioneer Day for dinner, and that's OK. Its not a huge holiday, but I know it gives the kiddies and the adult kiddies in the neighborhood a good excuse to do fireworks again. They should outlaw them this year since we've had no rain in so long and the high temps. Too much of a fire hazzard. I'm still not motivated to do anything this morning... *sigh* I've got some database work to do but I'll work into it slowly ;-). 3 for Thursday questions are up if you want to go play.

I can't believe it. Its 2:15 on a Wednesday afternoon of "Financial" week and I am DONE with my financials. Totally and completely done. All balanced. All printing done. All filed. Everything. What I thought was going to be the week from hell has turned out not to be. Gotta love that. I'm feeling a bit perkier now, but had such a hard time getting motivated to do anything this morning at all. I guess you can even say I *could* have gotten things done even earlier today if my motivation had been there, but I wasn't stressed about getting stuff done and its done now. So who really cares?! LOL! Now I'm going to relax some and do some blog hopping. YAY! One of my fav things to do!

Happy Hump Day! It seems like Wednesday should have been a long time ago, but at least we made it! Not a lot to say this morning, I'm feeling OK, just having a quiet morning I suppose... I had a pretty good night after I took a shower (and had fantasies about the rain tee hee). I went to bed and watched Grease (on of my fav movies) until I fell asleep. I woke up once in the night and had a bit of trouble falling back asleep, so I put a tape of the Brady Bunch in the VCR and that did the trick. tee hee I really love the show but it does put me to sleep - I guess its a comfort TV show. I'm not quite in the mood to do actual work quite yet... but I need to get in the mood. Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday! Here is the pic of the doily I made - it measures about 36" across. Its the biggest doily I've made. (image is clickable)

PHEW! What a day!!! I kicked ass on my financials. I got my files by 9am and started right away on getting them sorted and balanced. I even got my invoice to balance today (which usually I have to bug a lady back East for it) too! They went really smooth, all the items that cleared the system I accounted for and then I started on my financial report. One hour before I left, I gave the written and financial report to the Timster (my boss), he reviewed it, gave his stamp of approval 10 minutes before I was going to go home... so I sent it off to our division manager so he can have a looksee and if everything is OK (I have to give him 24 hrs to do it) then I can deliver it on Thursday and I'll be done! I still have to do my internal balancing "double check" tomorrow, but I've got the big stuff done today. It was a nice and toasty 107 when I came home today... Oh yeah... gotta love this heat. At one point on the freeway my car said it was 110. Too damn hot. We really need rain. I find myself having fantasies about a nice big, long, heavy, wet.... rain storm that lasts for days... *snicker* We're on our way for another record year for days in a row hitting over 100. Can't remember what it was last year, but we broke the record. I hear that Idaho is having the same problem we are. Rain, please... rain!!! Gimme some rain! I'm off for my nightly ritual... a nice cool shower... and maybe to have myself another rain fantasy. Sorry... I've been on one all day... and am even more goofy tonight since my brain is fried from doing all the financials. I'll give you an example before I go. Colin and I were chatting today via e-mail, and he gave me some code for a pic and with the width and height included. He said innocently "so you don't have to dick around with the width and height." Well, of course I had to take it the way I had to take it... it can be a very good thing to dick around with width and height, right? Surely I am! Good night! tee hee

I got into work 30 minutes early. I got up at the usual time, but got ready quicker than normal and don't know how I managed it. I guess sometimes your butt is dragging and other times it flies. I didn't have anything constructive to do at home (especially at 4am) so I just decided to come into work, and that makes less time I'll have to work on Thursday afternoon. I think I made it here in 15 minutes too, I cruised! It usually takes me 20-25. No one got in my way today, maybe that's why. tee hee My financials weren't in my e-mail this morning so I'll have to wait until about 8am to call Bart and bug him. I have other things to do (my regular duties) until then, but I'm anxious to get started on my financials and get them out of my hair. There were a lot of corrections that had to be made and I need to make sure they were done. Cute pic of the day: New meme Blog Candy by Annie. Go play! If you haven't read Annie you should, she's one of the kindest and sweetest souls in the world! She's so creative and has a beautiful blog. *hugs* Annie!

OOOHHHH 104 outside! TOO DAMN HOT! At least the air con was working half way today. It stayed under 80 degrees inside. They're still working on it trying to get it to work right, we knew it would be an "all summer" job. Figures. Today was a pretty good day, I got my written portion of my report done and tomorrow - if I get my files from the Bart dude as requested - I can start on my financials. I hadn't gotten them by the time I left, but hopefully they'll be there waiting for me in the morning? Too much to ask for? Hmmm... we'll see. He's usually pretty good at getting them to me when I ask or at least telling me when he'll get them to me. OK - I'm outta here, gonna get in a nice cool shower before I hit the hay! Have a great night!

Well, here we are... MONDAY again. I sure wasn't ready for it to come around again, was anyone else?! I wanted another Sunday, it was so nice and peaceful. I finally finished that huge doily I'd been putting off. It took me 3 hours to do the last two rows. Mom saw it when it was finished and she said, "That's so big, I don't think I have a place for it." I LAUGHED heartily and said "Sorry to break it to you, but I'm keeping this baby." I don't have a place for it right now either, but I'm putting it up for when I do. Its MINE. I don't keep many of my doilies but this one, is definitely a keeper. I watched the Minority Report and it was a pretty good show. Tom looking as nice and yummy as ever... Then I watched a cute little movie that was on TNT a couple of weeks ago called Prince Charming. I watched a few other shows - as I've always got the TV going. That was about it really... just a nice relaxing day. My boss will be back in the office today, and this week is my monthly report and financials week so it will be a busy one. Thursday is the Utah holiday (I don't get paid for it though) Pioneer Day and I'm having a hard time deciding whether I want to take it off or not. I guess it would depend on how the week goes. If I get all my financials, etc., done, maybe I will. Try and have a good Monday!!! I know its hard... but try...

Thanks so much for everyone's support about my "sister" situation. It means so much, more than I can express... really about everyone's support with my life period! Its just does my heart good to know what incredible people are out there! Love ya all! I had a pretty good afternoon and evening. I heard from a guy (on that online dating match thing) that is 31 and lives in Salt Lake! I replied, and after a couple of days we finally hooked up on MSN Messenger last night! His name is Ed and he's really nice and funny. We chatted for over 2 hours I think! We do have a lot in common, (sense of humor, etc.) but there are some life goals, beliefs, and other things that would definitely stand in the way of a "relationship" so I think we'll just be friends. (He's just looking for "friends" right now anyway) He asked if I thought "friends" could be intimate. I think they can, yes but I told him that I wanted more. I want it all and am not settling. We'll continue on as friends and keep getting to know each other, but I'm going to keep looking for someone and something more. Colin has posted the buttons I made at CoolText.com (via Meg's site) on the server so now I have new buttons. YAY. It was a snap to make the buttons. There is a button for the link to my Health Log for anyone interested. Nothing much to report now, but I'll let you know when there is. On the daily basis I'm using it as a journal but feel free to read it. I've got to behave today, my foot and leg are really swollen so I won't be around too much. I need to keep my leg propped up and at as much of a flat angle as possible. I am planning on watching the Minority Report that I taped last weekend, and perhaps get the doily done that I've been putting off! Have a great day everyone!

OMG - Thanks Cindy for this quizzie link! I've been found out!!! ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are a complete FUCKTARD!!!!! 100% Pure
Stupidity. People are always laughing at you
and you don't even know why. Then you start to
cry..You're a complete idiot, why don't you
just kill yourself!!!!!!!!

How much of a FUCKTARD are you?
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Why do I never learn? I should have known that what I said to Kathy would be turned around and put on me. Me being the bad guy. She told Mom and Dad that I raked her over the coals and yelled at her yesterday. She is just utterly and completely sick. I know I probably did hurt her feelings but they were things she needed to hear. There are two sides to every story so I told Mom my side. Mom said, "I thought things sounded a bit "off". Why would Kathy lie about the things you said?" I replied, "Because she's sick. Because she needs to take the negative attention away from her and put it on someone else to make herself feel better and look better in other people's eyes." That's why. Then I told Mom "See why I don't talk to her?" Point well taken. Another lesson learned. I WAS having a good afternoon until that happened. BUT its over now and I'm not going to let it spoil my day. I'm working on a new blog - not a new template, but a health log. I often feel like I'm whining here about my health problems, so I want a seperate place that the people who do want to read about my test results, etc., can without having to read it on my regular blog. I'm also making it out to be journal as well. Just for my own benefit of how I'm progressing. I've tried to have a normal journal (actual hand written) but I'm not very faithful about it, and I think I will be more faithful with a blog. I'm addicted to blogging if you haven't noticed! LOL!! Anyway, I was having problems with the template and asked my wonderful friend Connie fixed everything and even found me a better template. Thank you Connie - you're the best! Its up and running now and I will link to it when there is something of interest there. I'm going attempt to make a button for my sidebar via Meg's resources. If you haven't checked out her site, you should, she's got a lot of fun things.

Well, I've been up since before the crack of dawn (3AM)! I'm used to waking up at 3:30 anyway and today wasn't any different. I watched Goonies then got up at 5AM, took my meds and ate breakfast. I felt an anxiety attack coming on, and needed to do some organizing... my OCD was cropping its ugly head... I couldn't believe what I accomplished in 2 hrs. I put some some quilts in the vacuum storage bags, got rid of a bunch of sweaters (going to see if my nieces want them, if not I'll give them to a charity shop), re-arranged some of my closet, and the wardrobe that the sweaters were in, and then some shelves that are outside my bedroom in my hallway. After all that, I feel calm and satisfied. I'm breathing easy and anxiety is gone. I put up a new pic under mine on the sidebar. This is my cat Ashley (a.k.a pook-a-bear, Ash, Asher, monkey butt, baby, cooter pie - no jokes about the "cooter" tee hee it just fits her at times). She was sprawled out on the top of MY recliner (we always have a fight over just "who's" recliner it is) and she looked so cute I couldn't resist taking the pic and decided I wanted it on my blog all the time because after all, she's my baby! Snagged this quizzie from Dyane.
LOVE is your chinese symbol!

What Chinese Symbol Are You?
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Pirates of the Caribbean was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best movie I've seen in a loooong time. Full of adventure, laughs and oh, Johnny Depp ;-). If you haven't seen it already - GO SEE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Definitely going to have to have that one on DVD when it comes out. Linda and I had a good time, visited at lunch and got caught up on some things. It felt good to be out with her again. OK... big ass long story ahead. I had to get some groceries on the way home. When was unloading the groceries when I got home and my sister Kathy was in the kitchen. I set a couple of bags down and went out for the second load. She poked her head out the door and asked if I needed help! I was shocked. Me thinking WTF are you talking to me for and WTF are you even asking if I need help! I really don't even want to talk to her AT ALL, don't want to look at her, be in the same room let alone the same house... anyway, I just said "no thanks, I've got it." Then she said, "Ellis (her ^$%$& husband) would be more than happy to carry the heavy things for you, especially down the stairs." Me thinking WTF again. Right. This man would do anything for me. Anyway, I put the second load down on the counter and started unloading the things that needed to stay upstairs. Then Kathy starts talking to me again. Saying that she really hates it "when we fight". You all would have been so proud of me. I kept my cool. I said "Kathy, I am so tired of what you and Ellis have done and are doing to our family. I'm tired of what you've not done and what you are not doing. You are killing Mom and Dad." Then she had the NERVE to say "We're not killing Mom and Dad, we're not doing anything to Mom and Dad." I still kept my cool. She's so delusional its not even funny. I said "You don't see it when Dad is pacing the floor when you and Ellis have either disappeared or are late coming back. Giving him chest pains from the stress. You're constantly dumping the care of your child onto them has got to stop. She's your daughter and you should be caring for her." She started whining about her problems and I just put my hand up and said "I don't want to hear it, it is gettng OLD and I cannot deal with it any more. I'm fed up and so is the rest of the family. We all bust our asses every day to make a living and we're tired of supporting you two sitting on your asses." She couldn't say anything to that. Quick - change subject... take negative attention away from herself. Then she started saying that Ellis would have helped me a few months ago with my car - saying that he didn't even know something was wrong with it. I came right and said that I don't want anything from that man. I told her I've had nightmares and fore-warnings about him and he's going to cause more problems and major ones for our family if she didn't get rid of him. She got a very strange look on her face on that one (she knows I've got a strong sixth sense). THEN I decided to go further. I told her that I hated what he has done to HER. He's beat her down so much that she is actually party to them being dishonest and pulling the shit they have (not all on the up-and-up as we found out last weekend) and taking advantage of my entire family. I told her it broke my heart to see what she's become. I still remained calm and was really sincere in the last statement. The look on her face told me that it stung but KNEW it was the truth - she needs to get rid of Ellis somehow. I know Elyssa deserves a Dad, but ya know what? She deserves the BEST Dad not one that won't support her, not one that disappears all the time, puts partying with his friends ahead of her. Even when Ellis was working, and they had their own apartment (when Elyssa was under a year old) Ellis would kick Kathy and Elyssa out of the apartment to come stay here in the bedroom upstairs because he wanted to "party" with his friends. What a good dad, huh? All the time saying "I'm the man, I have the job, its my apartment." Yup, he's a man all right. I have one wish for him - that he can become the man he *thinks* he is. 4 years ago Kathy was living in Ohio, working for P&G (PhD in pharamacology pulling about $80,000 a year - very successful). She lost her job due to downsizing. Somewhere along the line she got involved with Ellis' uncle and that is how she met Ellis (who lived with her but didn't work)... anyway... Kathy blew $40,000 in sev. pay in less than 4 months, and was on the verge of losing her house (she eventually lost it). It took over 6 months to get another job and when she did, it was in California so they got married and moved. Within 3 months she lost that job, then 3 months later was evicted and about living on the streets. This was January of 2001. The parents had to go down to Cali and move them here. Then Kathy finds out she's pregnant, and the rest is history. She's been on her ass since. He worked at Walmart for about a year but then lost his job for beating the shit out of a customer. He's been on his ass since. Kathy does have a lot of of problems, I'll give her that. She has been trying to get mental disability for almost 2 years now. Sometimes I think she really deserves it, and then others I wonder if she doesn't. Anyway, she's been turned down once but was approached by a lawyer who said he could rebuild her case. After months of waiting, she's finally got her hearing at the end of this month. Now besides her mental problems, she's got knee problems, a cyst on her spine, and is now diabetic. The plan is if she gets the disabiltiy, she will use the money to get back on her feet again (and make a home for Elyssa), go back to school and get another sort of job because she doesn't feel that she can use work in the stressful field she was in before... waste of a good Ph D! Ellis *thinks* that he's going to be in charge of the money (which is probably the ONLY reason he is still around actually!)... he's wrong. Mom will be in charge of it. Will be soooo sweet to see the look on his face when he finds this out. tee hee I really pray that she gets the disability because if she doesn't, I don't know what will happen. My parents have helped her out so much financially that they're going in the hole constantly and struggling to make ends meet. My parents cannot afford to have them continue to live here both financially and for their health. I wish I could help out more, pay more rent, but I can't. I struggle to make ends meet and that is one of the main reasons I live in the basement here. I'm proud of myself. I said things I needed to say without causing World War III. I also think I showed her that I still cared about her - because I do - I love her... I just can't stand her. LOL! Does that make sense? I really used to look up to her. She was ambitious enough to get her Ph D and did it on her own. Now I see what she's become and it sickens me. I curse the day she ever got involved with Ellis. I was going to come around and visit everyone tonight, but I wrote this story instead... and my butt has fallen asleep. Speaking of getting off asses ;-) tee hee I need to get off mine now. *snicker* I'll be around tomorrow to say hi! I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!!!!!!

I was just dusting and discovered a copy of a certificate near a home copier that belongs to my asshole brother-in-law. Its a certificate that proves he passed some sort of mechanics test... ohhh... dare I hope that he's actually looking for a job?! Is this my imagination?? Someone pinch me, please. Actually, after the blow-up last weekend, he did tell my Dad that he was "willing" to get a decent job now that his unemployment ran out. He's now "willing" to get a job and take care of is wife and daughter... isn't that great news?! What a loser. I'll believe it when I see it.

Woohoo for Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm looking forward to today. I've already got half my cleaning done (did it yesterday afternoon) and then I'm off to meet my friend Linda for lunch and a movie. We've been estranged for quite some time, but are starting to work through things again. We've talked a few times on the phone, but haven't "seen" each other since March. We're going to meet at the diner where my sis Susie works, then off to see Pirates of the Caribbean. Ohhh Johnny! YES! Here's a cute little movie clip Cat Slap The look on the kids face breaks your heart but I can't help but giggle. Friends... what would we do without them?? Well... I better get the other half of my cleaning done before it gets too hot and I run out of time! Have a great day everyone!!!

Another one... snagged from Kate

What Is Your True Aura Colour?
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Snagged this from Kane
I'm Marge, who are you? by Lexi

Some days are just great... I was just filling out my timecard and discovered that I'll have my 40 hrs in at 1:30 instead of 2:30! Woohoo!

I got the nicest surprise last night! Kat called me! It was so great to talk to you, Kat! You're just as cool as I thought you'd be! I'm here at work, and I got both fans/swamp coolers up and running. They've been going for about 20 minutes and so far its tolerable. I've dressed for the heat today (and since it is my "Friday"), I wore shorts. I'm sure I look scary but I really don't care ;-). I'll be done working about 2:30 so hopefully it won't get too hot before I go home. It would be really great if the base people would get their asses over here and do something with the air con. Anyhoo... this is the gov't we're talking about here, they only do things when they're good and ready. I got a comment on my previous post - from someone at socoool@hotmail.com asking me if I was for real... ummm... yeah! This is me... I'm real. I wonder what seems so unreal about me? I know I'm a goof... I best busy - hopefully I'll have some time to visit ya'll a little later! Meanwhile, have a great Thursday and go play 3 for Thursday if you so desire... Cute pic of the day:

Did I say it probably wouldn't reach 100 degrees? I was wrong! UGH! 103. Match score: 2 possible friends (one from England (25) and one from Mali (36)), and the other 4 of were over 50. What is the deal with that!? I put that I wasn't interested in anyone over 42 - I guess they still gotta try. Takes courage so I guess I shouldn't judge... unless they're just dirty old men. I gave the 2 guys my "anonymous" e-mail addy - both just mentioned friendship but I feel better about using it for now. That's all for now... I'm BEAT!

Well, its 2:30 and still really hot in here. Its really muggy outside and cloud covered so its keeping the temps down out there and we haven't hit 100's. I am starting to get a little sick now, but am going to try and stick it out for another 90 mins. The longer I stay today, the less I have to work tomorrow and I'm ready for the weekend! I'll just keep drinking my ice water and stay by my fans. Randy, my bud and the facility mgr here is really trying to get the base maintenance guys here to get the air fixed again. They *thought* they had it fixed yesterday late afternoon, but it broke again, obviously. Anyway, Randy just took me around and showed me how to start up the back-up huge fans/swamp coolers so I can start them first thing in the morning, since I'm here first and won't have to wait until Larry gets here. Oh, the power ;-) he teased me and said he hoped it doesn't go to my head. tee hee I had a great lunch today with Sheri. Barb ended up not coming because she wasn't feeling well. The cheese enchiladas were heaven of course, and I was a good girl and left the salsa completely alone, although it nearly killed me because they've got the best salsa. I got all the things done today that I needed to now, so I can relax a bit and do some visiting ! I'm enjoying it while I can, next week will be back to crazy with all the financials, etc., and my boss will be back.

I just had my day made... Larry just told me I was "one hot woman". *snicker* Do you think he meant because of the temperature in here?? One second thought... maybe I am just a hot woman... just checked my e-mail! I've got 6 new e-mails from that match thing! Now... here's the question, do I get all excited, rush home again, check the messages again then be hugely bummed again? I hope not... I'm hoping there's a guy around my age that is nice?! Do I dare hope?!!! ;-) Yes... I'm very hopeful. I may not rush home quite as fast but I am excited to check!

Yesterday afternoon we got the news that the air con was pretty much fixed, there were compressor and switch problems. It actually felt pretty good in here when I left yesterday despite being 105 outside!! Then I come in this morning (85 outside) and get blasted with hot air blowing from the air con ducts that feels about 90 degrees (not exaggerating!). This is the shits. I'm dying. I've got some windows open and my fans under my desk running (cheap thrill *snicker*) and its not doing much good. My bud Larry will be here momentarily though and he knows how to get the huge back up fans/swamp coolers running. UGH. This better not be like this all day or I'm going home and charging them for the day to sit on my ass and do nothing ;-) Sound tough, don't I?! tee hee Our monthly software journal arrived a week early again so I've got about 300 issues to mail out to our new subscribers. I love it when it arrives early so it doesn't interfere next week with my financials and reports. And seeing that this is such a slow week, it will give me something to do today. Today is cha-cha-cha cheese enchiladas day! I'm going to lunch with my friends Sheri (Happy Birthday Sheri!), and Barb. At least I should be cool for an hour while in the restaurant and in Sheri's car... other positives. Well, I best get busy! I've got database work to do before I start mailing all those journals. Happy Hump Day!!

Quote of the day (my Aunt sent it to me) "Life isn't like a box of chocolates... it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow." Isn't it so true?! LOL!! I had a very strange and unsettling dream last night. It woke me up about midnight and although I don't remember all the details, I think it was a warning that there is more trouble ahead with my lovely pain-in-the-ass sister and her asshole husband. There were things that happened over the weekend, that I really didn't feel like blogging about because I'm sick of the whole situation... anyway, I can't shake this feeling of impending doom. I really hope its just left over from what happened on the weekend, but I don't know. Maybe its the full moon too?? I couldn't get back to sleep for pretty much the rest of the night - I get up and 3:30 anyway and of course I feel back to sleep about 2:45. LOL!! Figures. Work wasn't quite as boring as I thought it would be yesterday, I'm keeping busy but at a slow pace and a couple of things came up to do so I was grateful for that. I have even had time blog hop a bit and that's been fun and I got to chat with Connie and Cin for a little while yesterday. Its been ages since I've even turned Yahoo on at work, but since my boss is out of the office this week and not in the cubical here with me, I've got a bit more privacy... but then again Greggy pooh is still here but he seems to be minding his own business for a change - at least he did yesterday. I've decided to go through my file drawer today and re-organize it. There are a lot of hanging files that don't have labels, etc., and some things are just thrown in and not in order. Sounds fun, huh? Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Got home, hurridly checked my match e-mail and these are the guys who e-mailed me today: Woodflyer was 55 - EWWWW. Muffeater was 47 and MARRIED - sounds like his wife isn't a good cook and he's obviously an asshole... or I could go the other way and maybe say he and wifey pooh are into some swapping?? Riley was 48 and HELP HIM!!! OK... 3 strikes but not out. Where are the YOUNGER men????? I got a call this AM that said my contacts and glasses were in! YAY! So I stopped off on my way home to pick them up. I can see (with my glasses)! I can see! The contacts "look" like my old ones so let's hope they are the same type. I'll find out in the morning! Good night all!

OMG - I just checked my hotmail again and I have two more e-mails from that dating thing... damn internet filters here at work! One of the e-mails is from a guy who's handle is "muffeater" something Message said "let's talk" I can't stop laughing... hmmm... I know I gotta weed out the weirdos... but on second thought... maybe this guy isn't a weirdo! *snicker* At least I know one things he likes to eat! He can't be all bad, right?

I had such a great day yesterday! Just what I needed - relaxation, peace and quiet. I watched fav movies all day long, and crocheted a bit. I am working on a HUGE doily, one I started in the hospital but haven't finished yet. I'm on the second to last row which is taking up a lot of time, a lot of detail. The very last row will be easy. This doily is probably the largest I've made. It will make a gorgeous center piece for a large table... And I think I'm keeping it for ME. I didn't get the nap, but that's OK because I would have had trouble sleeping last night if I had. I think this is going to be another slow work week. My boss is gone on a trip and didn't leave anything extra for me to do. My financials, etc., aren't until next week. So... Unless a something comes up I'm gonna start getting bored... Which leads me into getting into some mischief. tee hee It has been FAR too long since I've caused some trouble around here. I joined another singles thing - matchdoctor.com yesterday. I don't know what will happen, but I've already got a reply from someone. I can't access it here from work though, they've got filters on it so I'll have to wait until I get home to see. Part of me feels like I'm nuts for doing stuff like this, but then again, its hard meeting people in my area. I don't date guys at work (and there's no single guys in here anyway), and I don't do "church" things, I hate the bar scenes... There's really not a lot of choices here. My friends don't know anyone they'd set me up with either. *sigh* I'm really ready to move on now after Jeff and need to start getting out there again. Here's something that I got in one of my mailings that I thought I'd share. On the serious side, but I thought it was good. " Taking Risk " To laugh... is to risk appearing the fool. To weep... is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another... is to risk involvement. To expose feelings... is to risk exposing our true self. To place your ideas and dreams before the crowd... is to risk loss. To love... is to risk not being loved in return. To live... is to risk dying. To hope... is to risk despair. To try at all... is to risk failure. But, to risk, we must, because the greatest hazard in life... is to risk nothing...

I'm declaring today a do-virtually-nothing pajama day. I'm not feeling 100% so I need to rest and take care of myself so I can face the week ahead. I have a shower to take, movies to watch, a doily to crochet, and a perhaps a nap to take. Enjoy your Sunday!!!