Flying Out

9:10am B flew out to Chicago then to New York then on to Budapest. She is on her 10 excursion for school. I am worried about her for many reasons. First she is flying alone to Chicago and New York and will meet up with her instructor and fellow students in New York. Second is that she is terrified of rain and storms and flying is not her favorite sport either, so put the two together I know she is white-knuckling it. The way she can overcome these fears is that she absolutely LOVES to travel, especially outside the country. She is driven in that way. Both of my girls have been to Germany, France, England, Austria but B has also been to India. I'm not comfortable traveling but will do it if I really have too. I also know it is hard for her to leave B2. They are newlyweds you know and really have not been apart since they met. She will be fine and I await for her call when she arrives in NY and meets up with her people.

Yesterday would have been Momma and Daddy's 53rd wedding anniversary. Sis and I decided we would take him out for dinner (Bro couldn't make it). We took him to a place in BA called Belini's...YUM. We had a fillet and lobster...YUM. I think he had a really good time. We laughed and talked a bit. It's good for him. He's still having a little trouble being alone yet again he seems to be doing fine. He gets lonely. This weekend will be tough on me too as Mom is gone and both of my girls will not be here for Momma's Day. I'm actually feeling pretty sad about that, very sad.

I actually have to work.

Today, and for the next 20 days or so I actually have to be in the office everyday. I am already spoiled with B working here but she leaves on Wednesday for Budapest. Yes, I said Budapest. She is going there to observe an EFL class (English as a Foreign Language). It is an intern class for her masters in ESL (English as a Second Language). She is so very excited but sad to leave the new hubby home. They just couldn't afford for him to go too. The other problems is no passport for him and he would have to sit in his hotel room in a foreign country, as he has never been out of the country, while she was in class all day. So maybe next time he can go. This girl LOVES to travel but she is also extremely nervous when she does.

I am so, so, SO sore this morning. This weekend I cleaned and scrubbed the screened porch at the cabin which entailed the removal of all the furniture, then I walked and lightly jogged 3.32 miles on Saturday and 2.49 miles on Sunday. Today was upper body stuff at the Personal Trainer - Wade and I am having a hard time even typing this entry. My GOD my arms are limp noodles hanging off my shoulders. The bad thing is that I'm supposed to do a make-up bowling thing this afternoon. That means another 3 games fast and hot in about an hour. I'm supposed to walk with the walking group but I DON'T THINK SO. I certainly don't want to do overkill to my body or I won't want to continue. Tomorrow are the legs! I do it Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and each time we also do 100 crunches. My body had better start dropping more weight and inches SOON!

A New Addition

Check out the new addition to the family. His name is Neo and he already trills.

A Weekend Away

I was able to get away yesterday (Friday) with my top down on the little red Miata to escape to the cabin. What a wonderful drive I had and when I arrived I was able to see the beauty of the area and our yard. I came up her on Wednesday and make the flowerbed I've been wanting to around the dead stump of a tree out front. I hoisted that top soil and planted the clematis plants and it looked beautiful. I came ready to enjoy the weekend reading books, magazines, walking, and lounging in the hammock. The only downside of the place in the woods is the terrible pollen from all the wonderful trees. A few weeks ago I spent 2 hours cleaning off the screened porch and so when I arrived yesterday and saw the nasty porch again I was let down and knew what I had to do.The floor was absolutely yellowish-green from all the pollen. So I began the process of moving all the furniture out and sweeping and sneezing and hosing it out.


After all the pollen dust had been swept and washed off I was ready for my reward which was an afternoon in the hammock.

As I lay reading some of my magazines I dozed off and was awakened by a light thumping on the hammock. I opened my eyes and there was a tiny goldfinch on the strings of the hammock pecking at them and hopping up and down which was making the disturbance on the hammock. He would peck and then look at me to see if I was a threat. He soon flew off into the trees. Very cool.

And now I sit at the neighbors outside table and pirate the other neighbors Internet and enjoy the beauty of the day. The air is cool but the sun is warm. The trees are filled with the wonderous songs of all kinds of birds. The neighbor of who I am pirating his Internet connection just came over here and brought me a beautiful stalk of white iris that is from his yard. I told him I was using his connection and he said, "I know what you are doing. I thought a lady deserved to have flowers." He is a very sweet man and dear friend. I love this place and the people.

My poor trees

Several months ago we received a letter from AEP/PSO telling us that their "tree trimmers" would be in our neighborhood to trim up the trees, some more, from the ice storm. This morning after I got back from the personal trainer they were on my street. I'm afraid of what I might find when I get home tonight. My poor oak tree has been hit so very hard from the ice storm that I don't know if it can take anymore and I'm going to have no shade in my west facing backyard.
At the same time the tree guys were there, here comes the trash truck. It was a busy street at 9 in the morning.

Last night I insisted that we start using the alarm system at night. The neighbor on the street behind us had their pickup stolen out of their driveway on Wednesday night and just a few miles away was the couple who were tied up and robbed in their house. Just a little scary.

Why can't I remember

Last night since I was ravenously hungry we went to my favorite restaurant, In The Raw. We split an ITR salad and then had the Taz sushi combo and a Dunwell roll (my favorite) on top. YUMMMMMMMYYYYY!!! I was so very satisfied.

This morning I hit the ground running. I was up as usual for Jazzercise and then rushed home to shower, eat and fly to the office to catch up from being going for a couple of days. B had done a lot of cleaning off the desk and filing tons of piles of stuff I had just given up on. It was nice to see a clean desk. I had a lot stuff to do today and one of them was to take the truck from the shop, buy tons of top soil and drive to the cabin. I had purchased 8 different clematis plants to plant at the cabin almost 2 weeks ago and they NEEDED to put in the ground. I knew I would never get 400 pounds of top soil to the cabin in my little car so today I loaded up and off I went in the middle of the day. I was successful to get the flowerbed planted but neglected to take a camera. I can't seem to remember to put the damn thing in my purse to capture those special moments. I'll try to remember to take a picture this weekend as I will get to go up there and relax.

I also ordered a new hammock for the house in town and was enjoying a relaxing moment in it tonight until the wind nearly blew me out of it. I took it down but, again, forgot to snap a pic of the pretty thing. My mind just doesn't think of those things which is why there are less pics of the kids than there should be. I'm bad at that kind of thing.

Right now it is 7:15 and I'm still waiting for The Hubby to come home from his mother's so we can cook dinner. I will have to explain all about what is going on there in another blog. Things have certainly changed there. Later all...

Done

First I have to preface this log to say that there may errors in typing but that I because the valium and morphine is still in my system and affecting things.

It is done. I have done my duty and had the colonoscopy. I probably won't have to have it done again for 10 years. It came out fine, no polyps, nothing but a little hemmeroid. YEAH. The actual test was a breeze but the leading up to it sucked. That crap you drink, and there is a lot of it, and the living in the bathroom for hours on end and the fasting SUCKS big time. But, I'm done and glad of it. On the way home I went completely off of my eating and had a burger street burger with curly fries and they never tasted better. Now I'm off to my nice comfortable to sleep the grogeness away. Toddles all and when you turn 50 it is your turn and don't be afraid to do it you MUST have it done.

It has started

First was no food after midnight. Then I attempted to work out with the personal trainer, whew, not a good idea with no food/fuel. Then it was home to await for noon and:
This is the first step in my colonoscopy tomorrow. It didn't taste too bad but I have acid reflux pretty bad and here it is 4pm and I'm still tasting that nasty stuff. ICK! Since about 1pm I have making the "runs" to the little girls room and now I wait for:
This is the last step in my journey to the unknown. Nice label don't you think. I have to drink it twice at 6pm then 9pm at 8oz each 15 minutes apart. The only food I'm allowed is ginger ale, coke, water, tea

and Jello and chicken broth. Yummy.

One of several posts today

6am: Today will be a very long day. I was up at 5am to drive to Jazzercise and open up and once here decided that it would not be wise to workout because I'm fasting today. I will go to the personal trainer but will INSIST that they take it easy and may leave early. I'm afraid because I get so very, very hungry after workout that I won't be able to handle the shakiness that I get. It will be Jello or chicken broth for me today. It's playing a mind game on me this morning. I'm thinking about food, food, food. I don't know what is wrong with me with this. It is very weird. It's like I'm never going to eat again and my mind is playing strange tricks on me. I will stay at Jazz until it is time to go, blog and play solitaire as the paper was not in the drive this morning. I will go home, have some Jello, read the paper and then go to the personal trainer and then go home to wait for the clock to tick to noon. Noon...that is the time to drink the laxative!!! EGADS...I'm very afraid. Then will be the run to the bathroom, all day long. 6pm rolls around and then I begin some stuff called "MoviPrep", that name along explains a lot. EGADS...

Ever since I got my new laptop I have had to redo my ITunes. I had put tons of my CD's in it but lost it all. My IPOD was loaded with tons of stuff but I wasn't able to add more and was afraid to hook it up so I began all over again. Yesterday I finally had enough of my many, many CD's uploaded that I could hook-up my IPOD. There were 4000 songs on my ITunes and so I plugged the IPOD and clicked to erase and reado!!! It worked and now I even have a couple of books that I enjoy listening to when I walk. I'm still adding CD's as I have many, many, many CD's, I LOVE music. I feel better that I have accomplished a project. I still have like 8GB on my IPOD to fill up.

Saturday in Town

We stayed in town this weekend for various reasons. Yesterday was a most beautiful day and I spent it doing lots of stuff. First, B came over to bring the granddog for us to watch while they were gone overnight.While he ran around in the backyard I pulled the little red Miata out to give it a good scrub. It was filthy with dirt and bird poop. I also discovered three slight dents on the passenger side door like another car door had dinged it and then there was what looked like white overspray on the front of the car, little white paint specks. I can't seem to win with this poor little car. I finally got the crap washed off and then readied myself for the rest of the day.

The next event of the day was a birthday party for the great nephew's 4th birthday. It was complete with a Jupiter Jump, pinata, Tommy the Train birthday cake and lots of screaming little kids. The Hubby was late for the event but made it for the cake cutting. We then rushed home to let the overnight guest out and feed him dinner. I was concerned because he kept crying and didn't eat his treat that I left him. When I put him in the garage to leave he DID NOT want to go in there. I had to pick him up and drag him in there so I was really worried about his crying.

We then took off for the 2nd event of the day, a couples bridal shower Mexican fiesta at the church which we were co-hosts. The Hubby was so very confused by it being a couples shower and really didn't want to go. He just kept shaking his head and didn't understand the rules of the event. I told him to just go and trust me. In the end he had a great time. We co-hosts got off pretty clean too as the caterer that we hired messed up the order and didn't bring the chaffing dishes or enough chips and so comped the whole meal, so no charge! Nice.

The day done we came home to again let the wuppy-dog out. This time he was limping really bad and kept holding his paw up. Oh my goodness, I've damaged the dog. I was worried that B would never let me keep him again (not a bad thing) and might equate this to when they finally, if ever, have children. Would she trust me to take care of their little ones. I was so concerned and then I remembered that when I was throwing the frisbie with him in the backyard earlier that he turned sharply and he kind of fell and twisted his foot, a sprained doggy ankle, that's it. I didn't sleep well as I worried about him most of the night, which is one reason why we have not replaced the dog or cats. I am a worrier to the max. Well, this morning when I awoke and took him out to do his job not a limp was seen. He is protecting it a bit as I know it is hurt but it didn't stop him for going lightening speed after a squirrel this morning. Whew!

I'm a little anxious as tomorrow I begin the "cleansing" in preparation for the first colonoscopy. I will eat a big ole' T-bone steak tonight, YUM. Oh, and I forgot...yesterday in the mail I received a notice, Jury Duty. The last time I was called was 22 years ago and A was a few days old so I got out of it but this time I will do my duty. I'm nervous though because I have only been in the court house twice in my life, once for the marriage license 32 years ago and for a passport about 6 years ago so it is out of my comfort zone. I will have to do a trial run to find the place. The notice said it would only be for one day or one trial depending. I have to call before and if I'm not needed then I don't have to go. Super. I kind of hope I get a little one so I can have the experience but I don't want a long drawn out thing as I do have to do payroll during the thing I think and I'm the ONLY one that does that. We'll figure it out.

A Beautiful Saturday Morning

We finally got to sleep in today and woke up to the sun streaming into the bedroom. Now I'm sitting in my chair in my "own" room and squinting as the sun filters through the birch leaves. We are in town this weekend and I'm already missing the lake. We have our 4 year old nephew's birthday party today complete with a Jupiter Jump. I'm not sure I'm ready for that but we'll see. Then right after that is a couples bridal shower we are co-hosting with two other couples for a friends son. It should be fun as I have had to do NOTHING to plan this thing. The other two ladies have a caterer all set up and all I have to do is write a check. My kind of party.

OH MY GOD!!! The Hubby is getting on my last nerve today. When he is rushed he is a pain in the ass. First of all his hearing is SHOT so when I am telling him something he repeats back what he thinks he has heard which is not at all what I said then he gets mad. Yesterday he told me that he was going to have to run up to the lake for a safety meeting and then back for all the weekends festivities here in town. I told him that he needed to take this thing to my friend Harri and she would give him $25 that I paid for it that she asked me to do. It is for another friend there. I told him this last night. He totally did not listen to what I told him and this morning I'm glad I clarified that whole situation because he had it ALL wrong. What a mess, then he told me I DIDN'T tell him that and I specifically did. I told him that it was Friday night and he already had a cocktail down his throat and that was why he didn't remember what I said. Unfortunately, MOST of the time he has an iron clad memory which sucks for me but I KNOW what I said last night because I stood by him and he looked me in the eye as I told him of his mission today. ARGHHHHHH!!!!!

On top of the weekend in town we are granddog sitting for Mondo. I really don't mind too much but I don't have an animal for a reason, I don't want to get up let him out, feed him, worry about him, get up in the middle of the night to let him out or listen to him smack his lips and or lick in the middle of the night KEEPING ME UP!

I have a very important test on Tuesday and it all begins on Monday. I workout at Jazzercise and the personal trainer and then go home to shower and then begin the yucky drink stuff. Yes, I'm having a colonoscopy on Tuesday so I will not be moving very far from the little girls room on Monday. I am nearly 52 years old and my doctor finally got around to the referral to have this procedure done. It's not that I'm looking forward to it but I know it needs to be done so bottom's up...uh...that was bad.

Massage

Today I had a very nice massage to ease those very tired muscles from all the exercise I have done this week. I am telling you my quads and biceps are absolutely tender to the touch. I opted not to do Jazzercise this morning or the walk (3.3 miles) tonight. I am going to a frame shop/art gallery opening tonight. It is the husband (and his father) of B's best friend. There are to be finger foods (sushi) there so I don't have to cook!

The awful rain last night had a unintended catastrophe for us. We do generators as I have mentioned before, and yesterday the guys spent the day digging a huge trench for the gas line for a customer and the trench was toward the house, in particular the basement. Well, the water rushed in from the handy-dandy little trench and flooded the basement. Big OOPS, but sometimes you just can't help the happenstance of a situation. It is all fixed already and moving on but what a day.

My New Wheels

Well, after the window was broken we knew that it would be Wednesday before my car could possibly be fixed and with rain in the forecast off and on I get to drive a special car. The Hubby's prized 1971 El Camino that was his step-dad's. Oh joy, what fun...I am kidding you know. Actually it drives pretty nice except it is deteriating inside pretty bad, makes me sneeze every time I get into it. Oh well, at least I have wheels.

I walked my little tooshie off last night. The walking program set a walk for 3.63 miles between St. Francis Hospital and Lauraette which is full of hills. Oh my goodness my feet and legs are killing me. It doesn't help that I was pretty abused at my personal trainer on my quads in particular and Jazzercise in the morning and bowling 3 games in a hour the hour before the walk (we were making up last weeks). I was so sore I could hardly walk in the house last night. It's not as bad today. Today we worked the upper body so I expect that tomorrow I won't be able to lift a cup of coffee to my lips. It's all good. You know when you wash your jeans and they get tight and they loosen up after you wear them a few days, well, my size 16 jeans were in the dryer yesterday and I took them out, slid them over my very sore legs and buttoned and zipped and lo and behold they are still loose. YEEEEEAAAAAA! I'm on my way to a size 14. I'm so very excited.

Spring has sprung!

Here are some beautiful pictures of spring at the lake.

Paid the Price

I was so lucky to get away from it all on Thursday and enjoy the solitude and beauty of the cabin but yesterday I paid the price. The Hubby had hired a local guy to weed-eat and mow and general outside activities around the cabin. I was off on the golf cart enjoying a glass of wine with a friend. I finished the visit and glass of wine and hoppped on the golf cart and as I rounded the corner and approached my driveway there I saw my car. I started crying, "OH NO, OH NO, OH NOOOOO." My drivers side window was smashed. The weed-eating guy had hit a rock while mowing and it smashed out my window. I'm was so mad and so sad that my pretty little car was damaged. I quickly looked at the doors and sides to make sure they weren't damaged either but was lucky. The Hubby wasn't here yet but my neighbor Jimbo, the other half of "Harri", was here and I ran to his cabin and was distraught. I was really more angry at the whole thing. My major complaint was that I just don't have time on Monday to have it fixed and I flashed to my very full schedule on Monday, boogers!!!!! I didn't sleep well as I was thinking of the window all night long. It just makes me so very mad but not much you can do with it. And then The Hubby reminded me that when I drive home tomorrow I can't put the top down on a beautiful 80 degree day because the windows automatically ratchet down and there may be glass in the mechanisms. So I will drive with the top up and the window down all the way. Crap!!!

I think I'll get my IPOD now and take a very long walk this morning and enjoy the sounds of the birds and breathe the fresh air and get it out of my system. ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Imagine

Here I am at the cabin on a Friday morning and I'm loving it. I didn't have to do payroll today so yesterday I took off for an extra day of privacy and beauty. Luckily the neighbor has an Internet connection that I can latch onto here. Yesterday afternoon I got up here before the storms started but about 7 pm the deluge hit. My neighbor and good friend "Harry" was undecided whether she should chance it and in between storms started here. I knew when she was halfway here and that she was being hammered by the torrential rains that hit. She finally arrived a little after 8 pm and I helped her get her two little dogs inside and then she helped me dry out my drenched clothes while we sipped a glass of wine and waited for the rain to stop so we could we could unload her car. At about 9:30 there was a lull and we unloaded and then it started again. I told her I was going back to my cabin before it hit again...good thing too. Our cabins have connecting back doors so it's not far but there is usually a lake in between.

Today as I was looking at my emails I got one from Classmates.com and this past few months there have been 13 looksees at my page and low and behold they are all from guys in the class before me. Hmmm...I must have been hot or something...I will have to download a pic sometime and let you judge. Imagine my surprise. I was so shy back then but so wanted to be liked and I think I was pretty hot, maybe I was. OH wait I found one. It's a little dorky but underneath the robes is a size one.

Sore this morning

Wow, I'm pretty sore this morning after my personal trainer episode. I go again this morning and then not until Monday.

So here is my workout schedule:

Monday - Friday 5:45 am * Jazzercise (cardio)
Monday, Friday, Saturday 6pm * walking (2.5-3 miles each time)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8am * personal trainer
Wednesday 4:30 pm * bowling

Think I've bit off more than I can handle? Probably so but I'm pretty excited to finally get this weight to moving and it seems to be doing it. The Hubby is so excited and really behind it but I have to be careful that he's not too happy because he needs to know I'm not doing this for him it is totally for ME. This is the era for Jill. I'm going to be very self-centered for awhile to take care of myself.

The passing of a sweet friend

Today I mourn the passing of a sweet friend. No it is not human but my sweet canary Barnum. He was 7 years old and I will truly miss him. He had long ago quit singing for me but he loved to see me come to his cage, hopping all around on his perches and twittering at me. I will so miss him peeping at me when he was hungry. Bye my little friend.

...I'm peeved

I'm peeved at The Hubby. I'm really looking forward to my personal trainer meeting tomorrow and then I have to rush off to a doctor's appointment but The Hubby has made me sad about it. I forgot he has his stupid dance lessons on Wednesday and sometimes he likes to have me join him. I really don't like to go but he wants me to be there to learn the steps so we can practice. I don't like it AT ALL. It's so hard for me to dance with him with his two left feet although he is doing really well. I want to do my thing tomorrow and have looked forward to it and then he puts a guilt trip on me. I HATE it when he does that. It's just not fair. I didn't sign up for dance lessons, he did. I'm sorry The Hubby. I'm sorry. I'm trying to be into me for now in my life. It's time for ME!!!

Yesterday

Yesterday I walked 3.21 miles and Saturday about 3 miles at the lake. Today I made an appointment with a personal trainer for tomorrow. I'm very excited to get some muscle work in.

Weight Loss

I'm pretty excited today. I had to go to the doctor just to make sure I was doing good. I had not been since November, about 2 months before I started really working on the weight loss. I forgot what I weighed when I saw him and now I'm down even farther that I thought...18 pounds. YEA!!! I am pretty stoked but the amount and vow to continue with it. Tonight I found out our walking group is doing the same trek which means another 5K tonight. My poor aching feet. I'm not sure I'm going if it rains but I will if it is clear.

Walking Girl

Tonight was another chance to walk with my walking group. Now that I'm finally feeling better I was up for it. I walked on Saturday at the lake which was about 2 miles but tonight it was a 5K (3.1 miles). That is what we are supposed to be working up to in May so now that it is done I know I can do it. My feet are killing me though. I was so afraid I was not going to make it back to base but as I kept walking I kept telling myself "I think I can, I think I can, I know I can." I felt like a little kid but I DID it. I go to the doctor for a physical on Thursday and I can't wait to see what he says by my weight loss. So far I have kept track and it is about 13 pounds. Yee Haw!!!!!

Rest and Relaxation

This week has just flown by after all the rushing around from last week. I haven't accomplished much as I have been sick most of the week but as of today I'm finally, Finally, feeling better. I took off for the cabin early Friday to get a head start on the beautiful weekend. When I arrived it was very quiet and I laid down for a nice nap. I wanted the weekend to be a time for me to heal and energize my body again. We had a quiet night Friday and had a quiet dinner of grilled rib eyes for dinner then bed about 9 pm. I awoke at 8am and knew by looking out the window at the blue sky with white puffy clouds and bright sunshine that it was going to be an awesome day. A quick cup of coffee to encourage the body mechanics and a Slim-Fast down the hatch I prepared for a long walk. I had been on the exercise wagon for most of the week as I was just not well. I took off about 9 am walking fast with my IPOD on towards the wigwam. I couldn't go very far as the creek was up over the roads so I had to change my normal pattern of walking. I ended up walking up two HUGE hills and when on the flay asphalt part of the walk I jogged a little. I spent about 90 ". I made my famous bacon wrapped dates and we hopped into my little red car to the wigwam. The food was all heavy appetizers and the wine flowed abundantly. Two bottles down The Hubby and myself. Whew. The DJ was family member of the birthday girl and the music was not country but mostly disco!!! My favorite. I danced and danced and danced in my borrowed too small boots. The Hubby and I danced some of the swing we had been practicing and I really got into the disco dancing. My hair was dripping with sweat by the time the evening ended. It was over about 10 and we made our way back to the cabin and bed. I woke about 2:30 am and couldn't go back to sleep, tossing and turning for a good hour. Finally I dozed off about 3:30 and slept till 8 am. I rested this weekend and partied this weekend. It was a perfect time.

More pic's

Beautiful Cake


Me and my sister

Dancing with brother



Beautiful back

Some pictures of the Wedding

Here are a few pic's from the wedding that my 15 year old niece took. They're not very good but they will do for now. Enjoy.

B & B2


B and her Daddy

Sister, Daddy, me and my brother.

Recap

(Pictures will come later)

Saturday, March 29...Not much to do for the day except wait for time to pass. Shower, hair poofed, lunch, wait...Finally, 3pm and I'm dressed and waiting for The Hubby to decide on which pants he wants to wear and to tie his tie. We load the Avalanche with bridesmaid dresses, the wedding dress, rings, marriage license, cameras and film, guest books and stuff and make our way to Five Oaks Lodge for the party of the year. We arrive and I fast realize that my shoes are not going to stay on for long. I had to order them to match my dress and I always wear a 7-1/2 but they are too big and there was not another size left in my color. The girls arrive and they look beautiful all done up with their hair and makeup and when they get their dresses on WOW! I must say I produced some beautiful babies. The bridesmaid is an honorary daughter and couldn't be more proud of her but pour girl is three months pregnant and very nauseous. The wedding is not until 6:30 and we are waiting as the photographer takes a million pictures of us all. Unfortunately the weather was not cooperating much for an outdoor wedding but at least there was no rain. We all stood out on the deck overlooking the lake and B and B2 exchanged very sweet vows. Short and sweet. Everyone hurridly rushed in to the reception and the biggest party I've ever thrown. The cake was BEAUTIFUL. Four tiers of green icing that matched the bridesmaids dresses and with cream Mehndi design all over. Beautiful. The food was AWESOME, Catering by Orr and the staff was fabulous. We served Grape Ranch Wine as they met in Okemah at the Woody Guthrie Festival and that is where Grape Ranch Wine is made. The flowers were white spider mums and Bells of Ireland. The centerpieces were very tall vases with one spider mum and a tall sprig of the Bells of Ireland. The boutineres and corsages were Bells of Ireland too. The bridesmaid, maid of honor and brides bouquets were a mix of the mum and bells and B's had a loop that she carried like a purse and underneath was a horseshoe (another tradition). The Hubby was totally right in hiring the DJ as the music was perfect thanks to B. She picked out great dance stuff and everyone had a great time out on the dance floor. We had a guest book table to sign in during the reception and instead of a photo booth that is so very expensive we bought a $159 poloroid camera and lots of film and took pictures and put them by where they signed in a special book. It worked out fabulously. I took a spin on the dance floor with my newly trained husband but that was all he was going to get out of me as my head and feet were killing me and trying to talk to people made my voice non-existent. The couple danced and danced and I was impressed as to their ability. The Hubby danced with both of the girls as they had practice and then he got his very agile and classy 80 year old mother out there and they did the swing and then he dipped her backwards. She just laughed and giggled. It was great. I was so glad to see our family and old friends enjoying themselves. When I was escorted to my seat, as I looked out at my Daddy he started crying and so I started crying and when I sat next to him he started sobbing and saying "my baby". I could hardly contain myself and really didn't. He cried that it was too hard for him and I put my arm around him. He was so missing Momma. He didn't stay too long and didn't drink or eat anything. When he went back to the brides room to see B he hugged and sobbed again crying my baby. She is the first grandchild and the first to get married to it was overwhelming for him. When my Daddy cries I cry. Oh I forgot...when it was time for the newly married couple to leave the vintage Bently arrived and The Hubby got the gargatuan sparklers (over a yard long) ready for everyone to light as they came out and were whisked away for a very short, cheap honeymoon at Price Tower in Bartlesville. It was beautiful and now we can get back to life, get well, and carry on.

It's Done

It's done. I'm a mother-in-law!

UpDo

2:25pm
Okay, I'm feeling a little better but still no voice. I had my hair done and the make up is done, now all I have to do is wait and get dressed. Good news though...I had to buy two different sizes of the same dress as I knew I could wear the 18 and not sure about the 16 because I was losing weight. This morning I put the 16 on for the umteenth time and lo and behold it slid down over my hips and fit. The 18 now is huge on me! I'm very excited and thank God for spanx.

Here is a pic of my french twist. The Hubby calls it a beehive but I gave him the evil eye. He's really grating on my nerves. He keeps asking if we have done this and that and who's doing this and that. I keep telling him we have everything covered and he needs to BUTT OUT! He's being very emotional and is now writing his toast. He's having a little bit of a hard time that it is his little girl. He so loves his girls. (I hear him in the den practicing his dance moves.)

The Big Day

Here it is, The Big Day, and I'm SICK!!!!! I absolutely have no voice, well I have a voice but it is a squeak. I guess last night at the rehearsal dinner I talked too much on a voice that was only half there as it was. I don't really feel bad but I'm a mouth breather today and that is so sexy, my voice is squeaky and I am "sucking" as The Hubby calls it (trying not too.) This is what I looked like at 5 am as that is when my stupid eyes opened this morning. My hair appointment was at 10 and the wedding at 6:30 so I really didn't need to be up but of course I was. Dadgummit!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big day. Tonight was the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner, the dinner at our house. I'm pooped. It doesn't help that I am SICK! I feel terrible an absolutely have no voice. I can't believe it is almost here. Tonight was fun. I loved seeing all of B's friends and visiting them. My kiddos bring such special people into their lives and share them with us. It is very nice.

(To J - enjoyed visiting with you.)

Mehndi Party

Here are my feet and the bride AKA B, A - maid of honor and Rachel - bridesmaid...

2 days!

2 days until the big day. I can't believe it and on top of it all A and I are sick. I think mine is allergies but crap! Tonight the wedding party girls are having Mehndi done one our feet for the wedding. Mehndi is:
If you are confused, no my daughter is not from India but her wedding in incorporating worldly wedding traditions. Mehndi on our feet, a horseshoe in her bridal bouquet, a Cherokee blessing, the Methodist blessing that she said after all her youth groups, people surrounding the couple's first dance in the shape of a heart, and some more that my clogged head can't seem to remember. Things are moving fast. I've had my nails done, my hair today (color and cut) and the house is getting cleaned today for the rehersal dinner tomorrow night. Thank goodness I'm not cooking...potluck!

I can't breathe!

1:30 am I can't breathe. It is allergies but is morphing into a sinus infection which I have not had for years. I am going to have to call my doctor in the morning and either get in or have something called. The stress of all the wedding stuff and this yuck I called and rescheduled the colonoscopy to the end of the month. I'm starving right now, absolutely starving! May have to eat something...a cup of hot tea, maybe that will curb it. A is up too as she has been sick since she hit the ground at Tulsa International, damn flowers and pollen. I'm not working out tomorrow and I know The Hubby will look crossways at me but I don't care, I CAN'T BREATHE!

My Aching Body

Here it is the final week before the wedding and I think I'm getting sick. My head is stuffy my sinuses are draining and I'm starting a small headache signaling a possible head cold. I don't have time in my life for this. I hope that it is nothing but allergies. The problem if I am getting sick is that April 1 I am having my first ever colonoscopy and I can't take ibuprofen or med's for the headache. Not good. This morning at workout I could hardly finish. Last night I walked 2.2 miles with my walking group and I think my body has had it. Maybe last night with the wind that was blowing so very hard it just kicked up my allergies on the walk.

I've been trying to get hold of my "best" friend for a couple of days now because she wanted to have lunch with me this week, today, because it is my only free day because of the wedding stuff. Well, I have called and left several messages with no response. I called her home phone and was surprised to find out it was disconnected. I called her husbands office and asked one of their office people and they said, "Oh yeah they disconnected it a few weeks ago because no called on it and no one ever answered it." I call on it and have been for a bit. So I sit and wait today to hear if I will have my usual Slim Fast or eat at Wild Fork for lunch. Again, I'm left hanging in the wind but I'm prepared with the Slim Fast at least.

I'm a walker!

Yes it is true I am now a walker. I just got back from walking at LaFortune Park with a friend the full 3 miles. I can't believe it and I feel great. I'm really doin' this thing and enjoying it although I will be a fairweather walker. I hate the cold and won't be doing that during the snow or rain but this is great.

Thinking of Momma

I've been missing Momma as the wedding fast approaches. So wish she could have been here for it. She was with me for my first breath and I was with her for her last. Love you Momma!

Beautiful Day

It is a beautiful day and I have been tooling around in my cute little red car with the top down. What a glorious day. I have the day off and I'm totally enjoying it. The bird feeders are full of birds and I'm enjoying watching and listening to them.

I got on the scale this morning and I'm down another 2 pounds so that makes the total so far 12 pounds. YEE HAW! I'm so very stoked but I realized I'm not eating enough food. I really already knew that but I'm on a tear to make a dent in it before the wedding then I'll get a little more sensible. I have joined a website called Spark People and it allows me to track my exercise and my food. Great website and has lots of help. Check it out at www.sparkpeople.com .

Ouch!!!

Oh my goodness...my feet, my aching feet and my shins, and my quads, and my everything. Today is the end of the third week of my walking program and I'm still in it. The walk today was a different route and the coach said it was 1.85 miles but my little ole' pedometer clicked off 2.9 miles. Most of the walk was up 61st to the West which driving it doesn't seem like a hill but IT IS, trust me. We turned into the neighborhood behind Kirk of the Hills church and the last part of the name there is an indication of the rest of the walk...HILLS! Yup, I hurt. Last week I told The Hubby that from now on Monday and Thursday he is in charge of the dinner as I'm not coming home from the walk and try to cook. Tonight he had blackened steaks, oven fried potatoes, spinach and tomatoes. Yum and I didn't have to even clean up.

Today I put the wedding announcement in the mail for the paper so it Should come out in the Sunday paper March 30. Everyone watch out for it.

Oh gosh I'm so tired I can't even put words down here. I have to at least stay awake till 9 pm to catch who gets voted off the Supermodel show.

Wedding stuff!

For some reason I'm at a loss for words to put into "print". It must be the anticipation of the wedding a week from Friday. I can't believe it is almost here. We are now down to the final crunch. I paid for the cake yesterday. Tomorrow we pay for the DJ. The caterer and the place we pay after the fact. The dress is hanging in our guest bedroom waiting to be official. I just can't believe it is here so soon. I am uploading a few of the engagement pictures they took. They are so very cute together and they are both so in love with each othere. A comes home on Saturday evening and it will be very busy after that. Enjoy...

More walking, walking, walking

Tonight I officially walked in the St. Patrick's Day Dash. Woo Hoo. 2 miles down. My feet hurt, hurt, hurt. Another good thing is one the ladies that joined our group tonight I KNOW! Yeah. I have a friend to pass the time as I plod along on the asphalt trying to walk off some more fat. Thursday we do it all over again. My feet hurt.

Sunday oh Sunday

I am here sitting in my big comfy chair totally enjoying the quiet of my home. The Hubby has gone to his big toy box (the auto mechanic's garage he bought) to do some more clean up and ready to sell more stuff. We we went to the lake on Friday and had a nice quiet evening in front of the television but quickly hit the pillows about 9 pm. We were beat. About 10:30 I was awakened by tremendous thunder and lightening and lots of blowing rain. The Hubby had opened a window above my head which was fine till the blowing rain came in on my head. I shut it but later reopened it when the clang and clatter had stopped. I did another run/walk Saturday morning and boy was it chilly for a bit. This week I have successfully walked and ran around 5 miles. I'm going to pat myself on my back because for me that is something. Now don't get me wrong I have been doing Jazzercise for over 11 years 5 days a week, but to actually walk and RUN is a biggie.

We had to come back yesterday afternoon to attend an impromptu dinner of burgers at B & B2's. B2's father, brother and sister (her kiddo's and hubby) were all in attendance. We' only met the bro and father once so since the wedding is in two weeks it was time. This wedding is going to be very hard on Richard (B2's father) and all as his wife passed a year ago. They were ALL drinking a lot of beer and so the emotions were on the surface last night. Richard turned to B and told her that this was going to be very hard on him and that he was proud of her and that "Sandra" would be too and really liked B. The tears started welling up in his eyes and I saw B's and B2's and the brother too. Oh No... please no not tears. We had fun last night with a lot of stories and laughs but home we headed about 10pm. We just can't seem to stay up late anymore since we rise at 5 am.

I've been sitting here listening to some World music and it puts me into a thoughtful frame of mind. I want to type or write or something but my thoughts are so scrambled that I have a hard time putting one particular one down because it causes me to go off in a totally different direction. Sometimes I find myself saying out loud the end of a thought in my head to B or The Hubby and the look at me like I'm crazy. I have a whole conversation or thought process going on internally and then finish it verbally. Sometimes I wish I would plug my computer directly into my mind and let my mind type out my thoughts. I think it would be pretty scary what whirls around up there in my noggin. So for those few who do read this blog you will be blessed to read these random thoughts and I hope they can make some sense to someone. Just enjoy and go with the flow!!!!!!

A Busy Week Past and Future!

The last I blogged here I was at 9 pounds lost, well, I'm glad to announce that as of Friday it was 10 pounds. I have not been this weight in over 20+ years. I'm very stoked by my desire to continue on my quest this time. To top off the 10 pounds I broke a small zero, not the big one but that will come in time. I walked with my walking group Monday 1.5 miles, then again on Thursday. Yesterday I again walked and ran at the lake about 2 miles. Tomorrow I am supposed to walk for a St. Patrick's walk, 2 miles, but the forecast is 90% chance of rain and I'm sort of a fair weather walker. We'll just have to see. I know that if I choose to not walk The Hubby will give me grief and looks. He is so afraid I am going to stop and is kind of watching me out of the corner of his eye. Makes me very angry. Lately I've been very perturbed at him with his little comments. I made the statement about being at the back of the pack of my walking group but I'm working as fast as my legs can work and at a very steady pace. He said, "Well, when you lose more weight you'll move faster." That is not the point my dear. My legs are very, very short and so my stride is very short, hence the back of the pack and probably will always be at the back of the pack. I have to face the fact that he is coming at this whole thing with a skinny person brain and I come into it with a fat person brain. They are so very different in their preception of weight, food, exercise, trust me I live it I know. Enough of him. I will proceed the way I want too!

The wedding is two weeks away and we are plodding along nicely. I think we have to pay for the cake and part of the caterer this week and get the announcement in the paper too. She won't let me put the picture in the paper, Rats! Next weekend A comes into town and I can't wait to see her. She seems to be doing very well in California now. She's teaching music to various students, piano, voice and guitar and Loves it. I'm proud of her on sticking to what she wants in life and trying to attain it. Good girl!

Tomorrow The Hubby and I meet with a financial planner. YUCK! The Hubby has decided we need to make more money on our money, make sure we are where we need to be so when we retire or sell the business we will be comfortable. I totally agree but I hate to talk money with him because then he might question "any" of my spending and I draw the line. I do not go shopping and just blow wads of cash contrary to what his perception of my handling of the money goes. He trusts me to manage the money at the office and I do quite well with that and I manage all our money at home and do well with that. I just hate to be put under the microscope. It has taken me a month to gather up all the stuff I needed: 3 years of tax returns, business and personal; monies in the bank in various accounts; properties and the taxes paid; wills, trusts, life insurance, health insurance, etc. I have a HUGE stack of stuff to take there on Monday. I am kind of dreading it but kind of excited to know where we are. One of the things I had to do though was...shhhh...I have been playing at the stock market a little for about 4 or 5 years and since we had to bring all financial records I decided I had better cash out, rats. It was okay as I was losing money at the moment and it couldn't hurt having a little loss right now. It wasn't much, only about $2300 but I was having fun with it but had gotten bored. When I first started it one of the stocks I bought went up from $50 to 1850. I sold that one very quick and it was a good thing because it went down again and has not been up like that again. Very nice return.

I broke "a" zero

So far I'm down 9 pounds and have broken a zero. It's not the all important zero yet it is a zero. After years of not moving the scale I'm thrilled by my progress. Last night I went out with a few of my girlfriends at Kilkenny's and after a day of Slim Fast I was HUNGRYYYYY. I arrived first and ordered a beer (planned on that) then read the menu making my mouth salivate. I was 10 minutes early so I had a lot of time to sit in the booth and read and read all the delicious food. Whew, I was on the verge of being a very bad girl. In the end I was good. I ordered charbroiled salmon and vegetables with rice pilaf. I did have another beer and did partake in a little of the appetizers but all in all I was a good girl.

A Beautiful Sunny Day

It's a beautiful sunny day outside as I sit here in my room. The rays of the sun are warming my body as I relax in my awesome chair listening to a Pottery Barn CD called "Music to Soothe the Soul" but I know that it is only the illusion of warmth as I have ventured out to get the paper and feed the birds and was shocked by the cold. I had the brief thought of taking a walk but thought better of it. Yikes! I so hate the cold. I know I need to get out there and walk but I don't want my joints to get cold and sore. I think tomorrow will be a better day or even later this evening.

Today is the shower. My house is clean and I am just waiting. I need to take a shower and get spiffed up for the occassion. The Hubby has left to visit the flea market and then to the office for work, work, work. That means my desk will be piled high with invoices to type on Monday morning. Good, I'll have something to do.

I'm a little apprehensive today as my best friend will be at the shower and I have only seen her twice since November! I've spoken to her probably four times since then too. I know it is a very wierd relationship to call it best friends but when we do get together we have a pretty good time for the most part. I'm lonely. I miss my other best friend Gail. This week she has been gone from this earthly plane for two years now. I miss her still and will for a good long time.

Dance Lessons

Yesterday I took a dance lesson with The Hubby. I found out by accident that he had been taking private lessons for a few weeks. He wants to dance really well at his daughters wedding. I found out when he called me into the den where his computer is and there on the screen was an email with a very familiar name. It was a girls name that I recognized of a little girl I used to babysit. I immediately asked about it and he very quickly told me that I wasn't supposed to see that and put his hand up. Excuse me! I was halted in place right there. He then told me that he found her on the Internet and all about the private lessons. Okay that is fine and it was wonderful to see her after 35+ years, yes I said 35+ years. Yesterday he wanted me to go with him and dance. I did. Let me explain that The Hubby LOVES to dance and LOVES music but the poor guy has 5 left feet and his no sense of rhythm. I've been doing Jazzercise for 11 years now and that is basically dance so the lesson was very easy for me. He wants SO very badly to get it down but inside I wanted to burst out giggling. We did okay and we go back next week.

Now on to the wedding plans. The RSVP's are coming in pretty steadily and we are up to about 130 acceptances. She sent out over 200 and was freaked out that all of them would come but I think we will be alright. Actually B2's family has not even sent the RSVP's back except one so that could be where we pick up people. We're fine on it all though. Oh and the kink that has been thrown into the wedding plans was where the dance thing came in. B did not want a DJ mostly because she was trying so very hard to stay within the budget we gave her and the space constraints and because she has some really different music she wants played, and she was making her own CD's to be played. Now mind you the wedding is March 29 and we are at crunch time. The Hubby came into the office on Monday and pointed a finger at her and told her he wanted to have a DJ there and don't worry about the cost and then left the office. She sat there with her mouth hanging open and tears in her eyes. I tried to talk to The Hubby to let him know that we might not be able to pull that off but he was pretty insistent. Today B was able to get it together and find a DJ and you know I think she is a little relieved as she was having no time to get all the music together. She has been so very stressed and then a couple of weeks ago the judge that was to perform the ceremony (my friend) had to beg off but promised that she would make it right as we were at the end. Finally, TODAY she came through and set it up for us. Whew! Tomorrow is the last bridal shower and her friend asked if they could have it here so tomorrow we will have a house full of giggling young ladies. It's fine though because I don't have to do anything but have the house clean and it is done already.

A little bugged

I'm just a little bugged by The Hubby. You see with this new energy I have to add the extra workout to my life has given The Hubby another chance to butt into "my life." I know he is my husband but give me a break. We live together and work together I need my own space and my own body is my own body. Today is the first time my walking program is going to meet. They told us that we will walk no matter what except ice and lightening. That's okay with me, even though I HATE the winter and snow and cold and guess what today is like here, YUCKY weather, cold and snow. The Hubby is concerned that I won't go to the walking gig and I looked at him like he was nuts. Of course I am going to. He thinks that because it is icky outside that I'm not going to follow through but I am and he needs to but out! He's so very excited that I'm upping my workout plan and not eating that he can hardly control his excitement. It's kind of pissing me off, not kind of it is! I know he wants to help but back off!

I feel better now...now some more news and I'm not sure how I'm dealing with it. I have written about my dear, dear friend Gail that passed away very suddenly at the age of 49 years old. Tomorrow will be 2 years since she has left the world as we know it. It has been very difficult on me and I am just now getting to the point of not crying when talking about her. I miss her tremendously. Anyway, her husband Kelly and The Hubby have been best friends since they were toddlers and The Hubby got the bright idea of fixing him up with one of their high school classmates. I have fought it for awhile as "I" was not ready for Kelly to move on in that regard even though I know he must. A few weeks ago we all went out to dinner and had a great time and ever since then their relationship has exploded. The Hubby is so happy he is grinning ear-to-ear most of the time. He thinks his buddy Kelly's thingy is going to fall off if he doesn't get "happy" soon so he is on a mission. (Men and what they think with, I mean.) Last night who should show up at our door but Kelly and Bev. I was glad to see them. They bounded into the house and she was absolutely giggling. They plopped down on the couch and were wrapped around each other like high school kids. I was very uncomfortable, very uncomfortable. We decided to go out to a quick dinner and after dinner they were holding hands under the table. After dinner we got into our car and I noticed they were in Kelly's car KISSING! OH MY GOD! I'm not ready for this. I am very happy for them but it is a little creepy for me. I'll get over it but ugh (shiver).

One other quick note...does anyone read this blog. Please let me know with a quick comment like "yes". I would like to know someone besides me reads this thing. I feel alone out in the world sometimes, just typing in thin air here. Pardon me I must be PMSing...I hope not though.

News, News, News

I have a lot of exciting news and updates. First of all I'm down 7-1/2 pounds as of Friday morning. To go along with that is I've joined a 12 week walking program that starts tomorrow (Monday). I will walk two times a week with this group and then am supposed to add one on the weekend, so three times a week I am to walk. The goal is to walk the Maple Ridge Walk on Memorial Day which is a 5K (3.1 mile). I am really pumped. I have new running shoes and a lot of excitement on my new endeavor. Last weekend I walked at the lake but Saturday I really put some foot time in. It was such a beautiful day and I couldn't wait to get out. I made sure I packed my workout clothes, my new running shoes and my I-Pod and so was ready! It was tempting to just say no and relax in the hammock but I didn't. I walked from our cabin to the boat docks, and back, then up a very steep road and to the front gate then back to the cabin. In fact, not only did I walk but I ran a good part of the excursion and am today very sore. When I left today I got into my car and drove the route so I could know how far I walked and ran and amazingly it was a tad over 2 miles! WHAT, me run, well yes I certainly did and it was beautiful. I have never been much of an exercise person until I started Jazzercise 11 years ago and now I will be a walker and possibly a partial runner plus I bowl once a week! It was a moving experience for me to realize what I had accomplished. I'm very happy. Of course last night I may have blown it a bit as we had a fondu dinner at the neighbors house with a few people in attendance. It was great fun and I enjoyed a few glasses of wine, a shot of tequila and to top off the evening three glasses of chocolate martini's. Yeah, I made my offerings to the porcelain gods last night but really don't feel too bad today. No headache, just a little queasy this morning. Tomorrow night I have to feel better for the first walking class.

Here are a few pictures I took of Spring trying to make an appearance and my time in the hammock!

Spa Day

Today was my Spa Day! My favorite spa place is in Tulsa and is The Skin Care Institute. My package today was the Pamper package: Super Hydradermie Facial, Citrus Body Polish, and a 90-Minute La Stone Massage. Oh My Goodness it was fantastic and took 3 hours of my day but was well worth it. Then I had to run off to Coldwater Creek as I think I found my Mother-of-the-Bride dress in their catalog. Unfortunately, when I got there the girl informed me that it was an online item only. So because I'm rapidly losing weight I ordered two sizes just in case and will have to take the one back that I don't wear. What a dilemma but can't be helped. Then I was flying to the shoe store for some running shoes for my walking club. Back into the car and run to the office to cut a couple of early paychecks. WHEW! What a day, I'm tired and I should be glowing...hey wait, I am!

What a Wednesday!

What a Wednesday I've had. This morning was the usual stuff; Jazzercise, work, then we had a lunch meeting with our insurance guy. This luncheon was the third time he had scheduled with us. He kept messing up his calendar and canceling on us, but finally we met the occasion. I'm not saying we were looking forward to the meeting as this guy is long winded. This is company insurance so we talked umbrella, workman comp, general liability and auto. YUCK! The most boring stuff and the most expensive stuff. We pay over $19000. a year in insurance total for all of the above. He came to our office at 11:30, 30 minutes late mind you, picked us up and drove us to The Brassiere. We have not been there before so yummy. This guy, every year he takes us out he orders dessert for an appetizer so that he can tell his wife he didn't have dessert. We finally wrapped up the lunch at 2:30! OH MY GOSH! I was so very bored.

Finally, done with the lunch it was back to the office and wait to leave to go bowling. Last week I killed it and now my average is 139. Today I bowled a 168, 165 and 137. I even had 4 strikes in a row. I was HOT! It was so very exciting! I rushed out of the bowling alley because I had a meeting to go to and get this...it was a walking orientation meeting at Fleet Feet. Yes, I'm adding a new regimen to my weekly workout schedule. I will start walking three times a week starting Monday. So then I will do Jazzercise 5 days a week (1 is Personal Touch-intense 1 hour muscle work), bowling once a week and starting Monday walking 3 times a week! The goal of the program is a 5K walk Memorial Day! We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck everybody. Oh and I've lost 6 pounds so far on my DIET!

A quiet weekend

Friday The Hubby and I soared off the the cabin for a little R&R. It was very quiet and chilly. A roaring fire in the fireplace and I was cozy with a good book and my journal. Saturday night we had the neighbors over for dinner and they tried to teach us bridge. That was funny for The Hubby. It brought back a lot of memories of my parents playing bridge with friends and Mom's bridge club. I liked it. We cooked T-bone steaks, salad, steamed broccoli and I made AWESOME sweet potates. I cubed sweet potates and tossed them lightly in olive oil, jalapeno salt and a touch of sugar and roasted them on a cookie sheet in a 400 degree oven till done and a little brown, which was carmelization of the jalapeno salt and sugar. YUM! Very good with the steak and broccoli. During the day I took a long walk to the boat ramp and even jogged a little ways back. I took a few pic's of our heaven on earth. Enjoy!

Yee Haw

Here I am sitting at our lake home and I'm on the Internet. I went into one of the extra bedrooms and took my new laptop and tried to get a connection. Lo and Behold I'm connected with the neighbors connection. Yee Haw! I knew he had it unsecured as others here use it occasionally and now I can too. I will always bring my laptop from now own so in the mornings when I want to write or blog I can. I'm very happy. I'm connected with the world. Just kidding. I really like not having the outside interference when I am here as I like being left to my books and my journal, but this is cool.

Reality TV

Well, I am a definite addict to reality TV and truly the season has started. My DVR is absolutly programmed to the hilt. My life is not my own as I try to find the time catch up on all of my programs I've lined up to watch:

Big Brother (3 nights a week)
Survivor
American Idol (3 nights a week...come on)
The Celebrity Apprentice
Make Me A Supermodel
Project Runway
Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew
Biggest Loser, Couples
America's Next Top Model (when I can watch it, probably online)
My Fair Brady: Baby Maybe
Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant
Rock of Love 2
and I have to admit I sometimes catch the Flavor of Love 3 show


AND when it starts:
Top Chef
Celebrity Fit Club


So as you can plainly see my life is not my own!

Lawyers

The past few years I have been battling our lawyer. He is a nice guy and has been a casual friend of ours for over 20 years but I've just about had it with him. In 2005 we had him develop a LLC partnership for our real estate workings but he has been disagreeing with us on how we deal with it and our trust. I have done my own research, my cousin is a tax attorney (now our attorney) and our CPA and our financial advisor have agreed with me. This previous attorney has just been acting like if he ignores me then I'll forget about it but I haven't. I sent a letter 3 weeks ago requesting all of our files and no response. Last week, Monday, I called, told his secretary I wanted to leave him a message, I didn't need to speak to him, just leave a message. I left this message: "I want our files messenged to our office as soon as possible." That was all I said but no response until Tuesday morning at 9 am when in walked the guy. He had two small file folders in his hands and handed them to me. First of all I didn't know he smoked, yuck, the files and himself stunk. Second he started lecturing me again that I needed to rethink what I was about to do. Third he said that the two files were all he found, that he would keep his eye out for more files. Now we have clients of his for about 20 years you would think there would be more than that. Fast forward to today when I went to the bank to AGAIN open a checking account in the LLC name and was told that the file I had was missing the operating agreement. The file consisted of partial paperwork, a photocopy of the certificate, nothing original. I'm am ticked off royally with this guy. He has made more work for me and I really don't appreciate it. I am so angry with this guy and really am stuck trying to make it right.

California Here I Come!

Valentine's Day The Hubby and I boarded a plane and headed to the supposed to be warm sunny state of California. My greatest fear in traveling, in particular flying, came upon arrival to the security gates at the Tulsa International Airport. I breezed through the scanner thingy and the alarm went off. I was so flustered I could hardly make words come out of my mouth and make sense. I have long feared this day. I stepped back and the tough looking security lady with her very tight bun told me to step back and to make sure my pockets were empty and that it would be my "last pass". What did that mean, "last pass". I reached in my pocket and there was my stupid cell phone. I forgot I put it in my pocket. So out it went and I stood looking at her afraid to proceed through the gate thingy again. I stepped forward and WHEW, breezed through without an alarm going off. The next step is that I forgot to put my toothpaste in my checked luggage and in the trash it went. No problem. I asked the friendlier and nicer looking security lady what "last pass" meant and she didn't know but guessed it meant that if I beeped again then I would have gone to the area to be wanded! No problem, I would have stripped naked if they wanted me too. Now I have lived one of my greatest fears.

We arrived in Ontario, CA at about dinner time and sweet A met us at the airport before she had to go to a choir practice for their performance on Sunday. She was glad to see us but dreading the one-on-one she was going to have with her Dad later. Dinner was at the hotel as it was late and I didn't want to try to navigate California on a Thursday night in a rental car with The Hubby at the wheel. It was quite yummy and expensive, Valentine's Day and all.

The next morning A met us at the hotel to be our driver for the day. She wanted to drive the rental which was quite alright with me as she has been living there for over a year now and knows the way of California driving. I was quite comfortable with her jetting around on the freeways but The Hubby was about to have a stroke in the front seat. It was funny seeing him very agitated. I thought A did a superb job of driving us around and was very proud of her. We went to Long Beach where she interned at a recording studio last year then we went to Huntington Beach where a friend of mine and her husband moved to a year ago. We spent a good part of the day walking along the pier, eating and shopping. It was a beautiful but quite chilly day. Then we drove to Tustin to have dinner with friends of The Hubby. It was a very long day but a good way to see part of California.

The next day, Saturday, were to go to A's boyfriends father and step-mother for dinner and meet his siblings. They were the nicest people and had a gorgeous home. Dinner was delicious and the conversation was very nice. It is nice to see how much her boyfriends family supports and loves A. It is a comfort. The next day was A's performance with the Pasadena Pro Muscia Choir after going to church with her at a Unitarian church in Pasadena. I asked her how she found the church as it was 45 minutes away and she said the Internet. I asked her again how she literally found the church, did she drive there by herself and she said yes. She totally amazes me by her courage and bravery to travel the areas she lives in and finds her way. She just strikes out and does it. I would never, could never now be that kind of adventurous person. She is my idol in that respect.

Before the concert we had lunch in Pasadena and before the meal arrived The Hubby had launch into her not going to college, what is she doing with her life, he's afraid that she has no health coverage, no retirement, no this, no that. I wanted to kick him under the table. I don't know why he can't get off the college thing with her. She is just not college material and may never be. She is almost 23 years old, he needs to let it go. The college thing is his own inadequacies that he doesn't have a college education. He/we took the hard road to be successful and he just doesn't want that for her but it may just have to be. He can't push her down a road that she doesn't want to take. She is finding her own way, which is what we did. I think in the end he feels better about her situation but not great. He just has to quit harping on her. It's not helping her at all. Cut the apron string for God sake!

It's Tuesday

It's Tuesday and I'm sitting at the office cursing at my STUPID computer! It is making me crazy. I don't want is wrong with it but it is slower than molasses. I've been having problems with it for awhile and I can remedy part of the problem when I run Adaware but today it is doing it again and I'm gonna SCREAM! I can't even get my Quickbooks open to do invoicing or make a deposit. Good thing I backed up yesterday huh. I just want to make a deposit and then play Club Pogo since I've done everything else and all I have to do is answer the phone if it rings.

The wedding invitations are going out today! Yeah. I still have the problem with a friend planning on coming to the wedding when she is not getting an invitation. What do you do in a situation like this. I just don't know how to deal with her and then B won't even see fit to add her to the list of invitees and I know it is because the list is full right now till we start receiving the "I can't come" cards. I'm just in a pickle right now.

No Country for Old Men

The Hubby and I went to see "No Country for Old Men" yesterday, a movie he has wanted to see for quite some time. It stars Tommie Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and a short stint for Woody Harrelson. Let me just say that if you have a weak stomach for blood DON'T go see it. I woke up this morning and Bardem's character was fully implanted on my mind, scary. It was a good movie, creepy but good till you get to the end of it and the whole theater went "What, that's it." It ended pretty crappy and very confusing. Josh Brolin was great and Tommie Lee was funny much of the time with his dry one-liners. Bardem was disturbing, very disturbing.

HOLD ON...The morning news just reported a shooting at the AMC 20 Southroads where we were last night...OK...an hour after we left a person was shot in the parking lot. I may not go to a movie again...uh no that won't happen.

A Whole New Can of Worms-"Relative" Size

Yesterday The Hubby's sister-in-law (mine too) emailed a huge thing about "The Mark of the Beast" and I guess The Hubby had enough. The SIL is a huge religious person and The Hubby's brother has fallen in line with it even though in 32 years that I have been in the family he has only been to church the past 4 or 5 years. The Hubby email back to ALL that he didn't believe in it, that it already happened and that was his story and he was sticking to it! Now the rebuttal emails are coming in. He has opened a huge "relative" size can of worms.

My story:

When I was about 10 years old, my brother 8, we were at a girls house that was in my class just playing. She started in on us that we were going to hell because we didn't go to her church and we weren't baptized yet. Then the mother started in on us and the mark of the beast stuff. We started crying and ran home and then my mother got in on the act. She went off on that lady big time and then started damage control with us. We were terrified and I had nightmares for awhile about it. It definitely affected me most of my life.

I guess we will wait for all of the fallout from The Hubby's email. You never know. The BIL may start preaching at us and I will have to come down on him. This is why I keep my own personal beliefs mostly to myself as I believe or don't believe.

Oh for a hot shower

This morning I rolled into the house after Jazzercise and all hot and sweaty ready for breakfast and a hot shower. I had my Slimfast, finished the crossword and headed for the healing warmth of the shower. The water normally gets hot very fast as we have a circulating pump so I turned on the water and got in expecting hot. Nope, the water was tepid. I waited and waited but no hot water was gushing forth. Since I HAD to go to work and do payroll this morning I had to wash the sweat and oils off so...That was the fastest shower I have ever had. Brrrrrrr. A long story short The Hubby met the plumber here shortly after and re-lit the pilot light on the water heater and pronounced that the thermal coupler was probably going bad, on a new hot water tank mind you, probably defective. Hopefully tomorrow I will have a hot shower till the new part comes in.