Me and My Imaginary Entourage

Review

2012-02-11T21:14:00.002-05:00

Before I completely review the John Adams series from HBO, I should admit that I am only five episodes into it and there are a few more that I probably won't watch until next week. But I am so impressed with it, I have to do a premature blogging.

I thought the first two episodes were good, but I didn't even realize how good they were until I realized that I kept thinking about them over and over, after I sent the cd back to netflix. I wish I hadn't put it in the mail so soon because now I want to watch them again.

I have talked to quite a few people who have watched the series and they all say the same thing, that they want to watch it again as well. I may add it to my list again so it comes up in a few months and I can watch it over. Dork! I will let you know how I feel once it's over, but I am sure I will continue to love it.

Laura Linney is one of my new favorite women. As well as Abagail Adams.

Guardian Angel

2012-02-01T10:14:00.002-05:00

I have a guardian angel for my 2004 Chrysler Sebring. I did not know that until Monday morning when I tried to go to work and had a flat tire. A flat tire in January sucks. It just sucks, here is how I know I have a guardian Sebring angel.

1. Monday was a professional development day, no kids at school. My bosses response to me being late "no biggie, do what you need to do, no rush, if you need the day take it".

2. My tire was completely flat before I got on I94, I could have easily had a big blow out (there was a hole in the side of the tire) but it happened before I even passed Goodyear so I just pulled in and waited about an hour and a half for them to open.

3. Goodyear didn't have my tires in stock and I do need two new tires for the front of my car. The store manager put a used tire on my car to hold me over until Thursday when my tires come in (and I can afford to have them changed) and he will give me the $30 I paid for the tire back to pay for my new tires, which are way more than $30.

4. This happened before my big trip to Grand Rapids for training. I don't know what I would have done if I had to deal with all of this on the other side of the state.

Thank you Guardian Angel!

American Idiot

2012-01-28T12:15:00.000-05:00

There have been so many thing I've wanted to blog about lately, but no time to sit at the computer and do it! Or no energy to do it, when I could be sitting downstairs in front of my radiant heater with a cat on my feet. Gracie seems to really enjoy that time with me and I am trying to make her happy, since she seems to miss Dexter more than me, which is something else I've wanted to blog about, but haven't the time or energy.

But I did want to get in a blog about how awesome American Idiot was. It was a bummer that Tito couldn't go with me, but that is another story for a longer time period.

I've never been to the Detroit Opera House before... whew... that place was beautiful. It felt so intimate. And it was so pretty. It was almost strange to be in such a magnificent room and then see the stage when the show started.

I didn't know much about Green Day's American Idiot cd. The only song I have heard before was Holiday. And that is one of my favorite songs in the whole of music. I don't know why I love it so much but I do. It makes me want to dance and protest at the same time. That might be why I love it. I had heard American Idiot on the radio a few times, but it wasn't a favorite song of mine.

I did ask for tickets because I knew Tito would like to go. And I thought it would be something fun for us to do. A co-worker's husband works at the DOH so I asked about getting free tickets and they came through for us for a Sunday matinee. Tito couldn't make it so I asked Yve. I was pretty excited to spend some qt with her and I know she loves music and free as much as I do!

We had lunch at the Detroit Brewing Company, delish. Tuscan chicken ravioli, top notch. Two glasses of Cabernet, top notch. We made our way over to the DOH with about 30 seconds to spare to get to our seats.

As soon as the stage opened up I was blown away. It was almost too much visually. Too much to look at, the stark warehouse look was so clashing in the beautiful room but I quickly lost interest in the rooms decor.

I am not much of a musical fan, I don't get how or why you would sing so much instead of acting out a movie or scene, but I didn't have time to think about what was happening. This show went so quickly through the music that I was just carried along with it. When I hear the songs now (and yes, I have downloaded the whole AI cd and am listening over and over again) I am amazed that they were put together so well to tell a story of three young men. The dialogue was so simple, just diary entries and yet I followed along perfectly. Even me, a silly boring school secretary, was able to follow along with the show.

I loved it. Loved, loved, loved it. I am so glad I went. It was incredible.

My work buddy said her sons desperately want to see this, I was torn for her. Knowing the two teenage boys would get so much out of a great story, watching three different stories play out, I thought her sons would love it... but they are young for the language and the content. But when do we stop limiting their exposure to what is really out there and talk to them about how to handle what exists in this world? I am glad I don't have to be that decider. And that is a discussion for another day, probably one I am never ready to handle.

Can I get another amen?

Oil of Olay

2012-01-13T13:28:00.001-05:00

Yes, I have reached that age. When I begin using Oil of Olay. I am a huge fan of Total Effects undereye concealer and line minimizer.

I have severe dark circles under my eyes. I'd fight it, but when you look at old pictures of my mom's family, they all have similar circles. So I give in to my genetics and put up with the circles. I tried to cover them with concealer, but that just settles in my lines and make me look old with concealer filled lines under my eyes, and the dark circles.

So I tried Total Effects because my mom suggested it. Somehow it does lighten enough to make a difference without being a heavy concealer that settles in the lines. Not sure how it does it and I don't care how it does it. It just does. Yeah!

More blessings.

2012-01-06T07:28:00.000-05:00

I love my mom. I love love love my mom. I am so glad that I have moved closer to her and have been able to spend so much time with her in the last few years.

I love that we can talk about just about everything to each other with complete honesty, even when it makes us look bad, because we trust and love each other.

We are well aware that we both have faults and seem to still be able to have a non-hurtful way of coming to each other without being pains to each others egos. I love that I know what in this world will get my mom worked up (our new favorite phrase is "getting your Leroy up", an ode to her Uncle Leroy, who was the master grumpy old man). I love hearing her tell me how she is affected by these things that annoy her and then recognizing the same feelings in myself when I get irritated.

My mom and her good health are a blessing to me. A huge blessing. I love you mom.

I am also glad that my mom is not a huge bitch! Some peoples moms are horrible, full of attitude and nastiness. I am really glad that I have a great mom that other people love.

2012

2012-01-05T09:46:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's just because I recently finished a book about time travel, maybe it's because it just turned 2012. But I think someone was on to something, the Mayans might be right. I think someone time travelled to New Years Eve (Rockin Eve) and saw the ridiculousness of us. The music that doesn't sound anything like music, Ryan Seacrest, Lady Gaga coming onstage in a ball sac? and I hate to even say it but Dick Clark still being on television. I think they decided this must be the end of the world. And that is where the rumor started.

2012

2012-01-02T12:10:00.000-05:00

Well, it's 2012, time to update my blog look and I realized that I haven't blogged much since 2010. Even then, it wasn't that much. It's funny that I've blogged less since that year, since so much had happened and I've changed so much since then. I feel like I know so much more and my life has become more intentional, but I've spent less time writing about it. I have to be honest, I've been doing this since 2006 and I think I've realized that I am tired of myself. And analyzing everything that is happening to me. At least in my blog. I decided that this year, I would try to blog more, but it wouldn't be so much about me. I have ridiculous blessings in my life. I know it may not look like that to those who base life's blessings on health wealth and prosperity. But I do, and I would like to share some of those blessings in my life this year.I have spent quite a bit of time with my brothers this holiday season. It's been a great blessing that my dad and step-mom have moved closer to us. I really like hanging out at my dads with my family. My dad has a great hang out place. Much different from hanging out in his backyard, hearing the traffic on 8 Mile zooming by at all hours of the day and night. Now we have acres, a giant party barn, a pond and a great kitchen to hang out in. It's incredible. So far, they have been great at allowing us to hang out there too. We did sibling Christmas there, each year we hang out for a Christmas dinner instead of buying each other presents. This year we did an Irish Christmas theme, played cards and played the superfun iPod game. It was an awesome late night for us. My brother I obviously love, everybody loves Matt. But it's my half brothers I want to focus on today. Danny and Cody. They are quite a bit younger than me and it was strange and fun to have such little brothers when I was at an age, when I could have had my own kids. I love that we have stayed close as adults. My brothers are very fun to hang out with and I have grown to love their personalities as they are finding themselves in this world. I can't wait to see what the future holds for them, I know it will be great. Yesterday we had so much fun just playing cards with each other for nickels and dimes. I love the time I get to spend with them and I am so looking forward to this year and the time we get to spend out at my dad's house in the future.

From flowers to crazy

2011-12-10T13:43:00.001-05:00

I need to post about my latest match.com experience. Mostly so I can get it out into the universe and out of me. Before I go into detail, you should know a few things. He will not read this, as we don't have any mutual friends, so I feel very safe in letting it all hang out. Plus, I did try to be as honest as I could with him, so only a few things in here would be a suprise to him. I did recently sign up for match.com again, vowing to really try this time. It is hard work and you do have to work at it, I am at a very comfortable place with myself now, so it isn't as hard as it has been in the past. I'm honest and I say what I mean, that way there can be no confusion or maybe he won't like me. So after Thanksgiving, someone had winked at me. Normally I kind of ignore those winks, without notes. Because anyone can wink and there is no putting yourself out there to wink, I never even know if those people are real members, but I had vowed to really try this time. So I sent a "hello, how are you?" to the winker. Who shall be called Sandusky Sam from here on out. A cute nickname my boss gave him. This led to some pretty good conversation with him. I have a slight problem with communicating with men via email or texts. I have a lot of things that I like to know about men. And they are hard to communicate with via match. I want to know what they like, what their lives are like, what they love about life, what they don't like. Yet email is such a strange way to get to know that. But I was enjoying communicating with Sandusky Sam. He is recently divorced dad with a few kids. We made plans to meet before we were talking for a full week, but I felt pretty comfortable that he wasn't a serial killer with the kids and all. I did google him and didn't see anything scary about him. I had a few twinges that bothered me about him, but I didn't want to think about those because I was giving him a try. I only admitted to a few people that his texts saying "miss u, do u miss me?" and when I didn't answer soon enough, I'd get an "u ok?" Yes, even when I was at work, I would get these, from someone I had not even met yet. But I was perservering. Giving him a chance. He made arrangements for us to meet before our first scheduled date, which he tried to get me to come over to his house for dinner, which I didn't like. I told him I wanted to meet at a public place first. So he made arrangements for his kids to be picked up early and we were going to meet on Sunday, for dinner. Our first date was nice. I thought he was nice, he brought flowers, there wasn't much of a spark, but I was willing to see what he was like. I wanted to know more. We talked all about ourselves and it was nice to get to know him. I had a really good feeling after our first date.He started calling me sweetie on our first date, which was kind of sweet. But in the texts afterwards, he called me "sweaty", which didn't make me feel so special, but I realize everyone isn't a words with friends fan like me, so I moved on, giving him a chance.He asked me out again, on Tuesday night for dinner because he didn't want to wait until Saturday to see me.This date started out awkward and got worse. The first thing he wanted to do was take my picture to send to him mom and kids. Which I was a little bothered by, I told him, I needed a litte more than florescent lights at a diner for a picture to send to his family. He was arguing with me because his mom was expecting it, which was really awkward. And then the awkward grew and grew. He tried to hold both of my hands at the same time, only I wasn't ready for it. So I was kind of awkwardly sitting with my hands on the menu, which the waitress was trying to take at the same time. AWKWARD. I am sure people were watching us with growing laughter at this time. So the night went on with him asking me to spend the weekend with him and his kids. I kind of laughed, looked at my watch and said "we've known each other for 2.5 hours and we are going to spend the weekend with your kids". I thought he might have gotten the hint. But then later he had told me about the vacation he planned for us this summer to meet his mom and sisters. But by that time, I had checked out. I was gone. I was already figuring out how to leave the restaurant, while he was still holding my hand. IHe had sent me a text on the way home, I responded when I got home that I needed to have some time and a little space. I mentioned that he was moving a little too fast for me. So that led to a bunch of texts and emails from him. Not necessarily the time and space I needed. I was honest, telling him I'd have been a little more comfortable knowing him better before meeting his family. But it was too late, I could tell he was ready for all of this but I wasn't. I didn't want to lead him on and I was bothered by the fact he didn't seem to be listening to what I was saying. If there had been any spark, I might have been able to overlook this stuff, but there wasn't much on my end. So I am not communicating with him any longer. End of Sandusky Sam.

What to do, what to do

2011-09-10T21:58:00.001-04:00

So, I have had a long draining day. It started normally for a Saturday morning, except for that I had to go to my moms to do laundry. Kt had some issues with Home Depot ordering a new washer and dryer. Instead of being able to do laundry and catching up on True Blood episodes, I was upstairs setting up Toms new iPod. Which he better use more than once! I finally asked my mom the question that had been on my mind for a few weeks."do you know if vets will put cats to sleep if they aren't sick?"Which is the exact moment I broke down, weeping uncontrollably. Dexter hasn't been himself and I have been beginning to wonder.I don't want to do it, there isn't anything really wrong with him, it's a few minor issues that are adding up on him and on me. He is 15 or 16. He seems crabby sometimes, lets face it, cats shouldn't be crabby. They sleep and eat and then sleep some more. That's the life they are meant to live! I wish he could tell me it's okay to do it, I feel like his days aren't so bad so I should let him live, but if he is in pain at all, I'd rather he just go to sleep. This sucks!

Wt?

2011-07-29T10:21:00.000-04:00

I have been a terrible blogger. Terrible. It's been a great summer, full of fun and good reads and good movies and I haven't blogged about crap.

Oh well.

Hope your summer is going well.

Watch what you say!

2011-07-18T09:18:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, we were enjoying the end of a 4 year olds birthday celebration at John and Pam's house. Iz was sitting between Matt and I on a step on the patio enjoying a "hucker" (sucker for those that don't speak 2 year old). John was working on drying out the giant water slide and Iz decided she wanted to go see what he was doing so she stood up and walked right out to the yard, not remembering that she was on a step, so she stumbled and hit the patio pretty hard. (Kinda reminded me of the time I tried to walk right off the porch at Aunt Sharon's the night of my college graduation party, I fell on the concrete a few feet below and didn't even realize I was bleeding until I made it back to the campfire. Where I proceeded to ask for some antibiseptic, I was a little drunk).

Anyway, everyone was teasing me saying that I pushed my sweet Izzy off the porch and made her fall, even though I was sitting quietly holding her "hucker" for her so she could explore.

This morning as KT was changing her Iz said "OW!" When KT asked her about it she said "My leg hurts from Aunt Keddy (Kelly in 2 year old speak) pushing me off the porch".

Great, now the kid thinks I pushed her. We better quit making the CPS jokes!

Reviews

2011-06-14T17:27:00.003-04:00

Well, I haven't been a good blogger, but life has been good, so not really complaining. But I did want to get a few reviews out there....

I finally finished watching all seasons of 24. What a great show. Loved it.

My TOMS wedges? AWESOME! I wore them around NYC one day and didn't complain at all. They are cute and super comfortable and every time I wear them, someone compliments them or asks me about them. And a child in Afghanistan got a pair of shoes because I bought them. What could be better?

Books:

Anything by Emily Giffin. Something Borrowed, Something Blue and so on. These two are my favorites, but I have now read everything she has out so far.

The Help, Oh my Gosh. Can I just say, I am embarrassed that I haven't read this sooner. What an incredible story. I can't wait until the movie comes out.

And movies? Bridesmaids is ridiculously funny. Ridiculous. I almost peed in my pants laughing. And then I cried. And then laughed again. And then sang Wilson Phillips. And then I went to see it again with different friends. And I would go again. Chicks that were genuinely funny. What a great movie.

Two and a half days of school left. YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE.

I'm Already There

2011-05-18T07:16:00.002-04:00

So, I don't usually write my blog at work but early this morning I wanted to get some thoughts down before I move on with the day and forget how special it felt.

I was getting ready for today as usual listening to my iPod and Already There came on by Lonestar. If you don't know, my favorite aunt loved Lonestar, quite possibly more than I love the Barenaked Ladies. One time, during a BNL concert I leaned over to KT and said "is it possible that your mom and Aunt Janet have more fun at Lonestar shows than you and I do at BNL shows?" We agreed that they couldn't possible have more fun than we did but it would have been up for argument. But then again, at that moment, dancing to BNL live with several Labatt Blue Lime beers in me on a hot August night, I don't think anyone in the world was having more fun than me.

Anyway, this morning I was listening to a song about being separated from your family. And I started thinking about a friend who is away from her husband and spending her life as a single mom because her husband is in the military. I was wondering if it's possible to miss someone so much and be able to see and feel them in things like the sunlight, shadows and whispers in the wind. Suddenly I found myself on a different train of thought.

I had started thinking of how much closer I am to Aunt Ginny and Aunt Janet now. I feel a very special relationship growing with them. I enjoy spending time with them and we are able to do some pretty fun stuff together. I was really feeling some love thinking of my favorite aunts sisters. I realized that it is possible to feel closer to someone you aren't with anymore with simple things in life. I do feel closer to Aunt Sharon through her sisters. I feel like she is with us still loving us through these relationships.

Sleeping

2011-04-06T19:26:00.002-04:00

I just want to take some time out to brag about sleeping. I feel so blessed that I am sleeping again that some mornings, I wake up happy and filled with joy, just because I slept. I remember that it was not that long ago when my sleepless nights were so hard to deal with. I have no idea how I lived through that madness that was my life. I wake up once in a while every night, but I know that I can roll over and go back to sleep and it's wonderful. I sleep so good that my wild and adventure-filled dreams are back. I dream about zombies, tornadoes, dinosaurs, running from bad guys, every night I have a crazy dream. But it is so cool, BECAUSE I AM ASLEEP.

I cringe when I hear about people not being able to sleep. I don't know that I've ever experienced something so crazy. I look back at that time of my life with some joy though. My body and mind were so distraught at my Favorite Aunts illness that it wouldn't function like it was supposed to. Even though I was saying "I'm okay, I can handle whatever comes along with this cancer", my body was saying "No freakin way". I feel like the love I had for her was overtaking my physical self. And I am so glad that I can see that now. It feels like a very special time to me, that I shared with her.

Oh how I miss her, everyday I miss her. It doesn't get better with time, it just gets different. I do the silliest things sometimes.... I love to sit in her closet when I am visiting Uncle Tim. I feel very close to her there. It's strange, but it makes me feel better.

So does sleeping!

Shoes shoes shoes

2011-03-30T11:35:00.002-04:00

Well, you know how much I love shoes. It's a slight obsession with me. Just slight.

The middle school citizenship class is doing a service project that involves shoes.... so I need to help, right? It's for the kids. Right? I almost have to, just so our middle school kids feel like they did something worthwhile?

If you aren't familiar with TOMS, you should check it out. For every pair that you purchase, a needy child receives a pair of shoes. The shoes seem a bit pricey for slip on shoes to wear around, but if you think that you are getting a pair and a child is getting a pair, that is pretty sweet. I am going to do it. If you enter in REACHACADEMY on the order form you do get $5 off. I am doing it for the kids, I swear.

Not "Winning"

2011-03-21T19:05:00.002-04:00

I hate to complain, I really do. I don't like to listen to complainers or be a complainer, but dang it. I am so tired of being tired. I am so tired of cold. I am so ready for spring. Why does it feel like the last few days of winter are the longest? Now that the time has changed we have very little left of winter in Michigan, but it's hanging on for dear life. We had a slight warm up and now a few days of chill again, before spring really comes and it feels like FOREVER.

I want to sleep with my window open. I want to go for walks after work and enjoy the extra sunlight. I want to grill things for dinner. I want to read on the back porch. I want to pull out my spring/summer wardrobe.

I don't want to come home from work and be so tired that I could sleep at 7 pm. COME ON!

Sick

2011-03-13T19:25:00.003-04:00

I am sick to my stomach. The news from Japan makes me cringe and hurt. I wish I wasn't so powerless to help. I wish my unease was more intense, I watch horrified and then change the channel to House Hunters and watch some person complain that their three person family really needs four bedrooms and four bathrooms to survive. It's so easy for me to watch the suffering and then change the channel.

You only live once.

2011-02-16T17:05:00.002-05:00

Seize the day. Carpe diem. Take a chance on me. Get out. Don't waste a moment. Think outside the box. No fear.

Yeah, I didn't have a whole week to prepare my mind and closet for a trip to NYC, but I can do it anyway. Right? Right?

Woo-hoo!!! Roadtrip. Here I come concrete jungle where dreams are made.....

All apologies

2011-02-12T10:13:00.002-05:00

I need to offer a few apologies. First to my poor stomach, I am so sorry that I poured massive amounts of red wine into you last night. Sorry.

Second, to my mother. See, my mother is in Texas and I have been staying at her house to make sure the cats are fed and clean and happy. It's a pretty easy job and it helps me get purses from Mexico, which you know I love!

Anyway, this week was the first night I stayed there and as I was getting ready for work in the morning.... I realized, pretty mad at the time, that my mom took the one hair dryer in her house with her. I didn't bring my hair dryer over and I was a little stressed out that I wasn't going to have normal looking hair that day. I am not one of those wash and go people in the office, I can pull it off on a weekend, but not so much at work.

So I am freaking out and wondering if I should just go home quickly, dry my hair and then head to work. And then I spot it.....

I don't know if you know this about my mom, but she will try ANYTHING that she sees on tv. Some good comes from this, like my Bare Esencials makeup. But mostly, it's strange products that get left behind and don't work.

So I see the combination hair dryer and curling brush iron under the bathroom sink. I am slightly scared but I don't have time to run home so I think.... "well, I will do the best with what I have" and would you believe it? I loved it!

My hair was so shiny and pretty as soon as I started drying it. I love that dang thing, so easy. So easy. I loved my hair all day long and even got compliments on it at the end of the day.... the end of the day! What? Who's hair does that at the end of the day, certainly not mine.

So, I'm sorry mom. I'm sorry for not believing that something you found on an infomercial would be so useful. I am also sorry that I am stealing this product and taking it home with me. Sorry.

Movie review

2011-02-09T20:40:00.003-05:00

I watched a really good movie on netflix last night. I was very bored! I tried to watch I love Huckabees but that is a very stupid movie that was way over my head. So I watched about 45 minutes and then stopped and slipped it back into the netflix envelope and said "See Ya!".

So I found a watch instantly to entertain me. It's called Frozen. It's a thriller. And oh, was it thrilling. At first I thought it was a little slow but then the good stuff started. Imagine being stuck on a ski lift with two other people all night (and week) long. It's Sunday and they close the lift down at night due to weather while you are still riding up the mountain, for the week. Too high to jump, too cold to survive? It was very intense. Not the most action but the intensity and uncomfortableness of the movie was enjoyable. Good stuff.

The Passage

2011-02-07T18:43:00.001-05:00

I am about halfway through The Passage by Justin Cronin. I added this book to my list for the library when I read Stephen King's review of it in Entertainment Weekly. Yeah, I am only halfway through the book and now I am afraid of the dark again. I've reverted to my childhood fear because of a book... how awesome is that? I love when books are that dang good.

January

2011-01-31T12:50:00.002-05:00

Well, it's the last day of January and I've decided to judge this year based on a calendar I received for Christmas from my very dear sister-friend, co-worker Shelly. Shelly and I have grown very close these last two years. She bought me a beautiful and inspirational calendar for 2011, knowing that 2010 was a little sad for me. January's said "It is wonderful to wake up every morning knowing you are doing the best you can do".

I have to be honest, waking up at 5 am every workday in January in Michigan is not wonderful. It's not, it's cold and dark and a little depressing. But I understand what my calendar is trying to say. Just this week we had a meeting with a parent at the school and even though this parent believed her and her children weren't getting everything they should. Just between us, she was crazy! But in all honesty, we all sat at the meeting knowing we were doing the best we could, in fact, we had gone above and beyond knowing her dissatisfaction with certain things. There was a calm and strong peaceful feeling in myself and my team members knowing that each of us had done the best we could. I am not used to that in a corporate setting, I am used to backstabbing or trying to blame someone else. I've never felt so backed by my leadership team or so proud of how the meeting was handled. It was wonderful.

Another good one

2011-01-22T12:08:00.001-05:00

Bottle Shock is a great movie for wine fans. Or if you are a fan of the underdog, or the 70s, or the Doobie Brothers, or California, or America.

More things I like

2011-01-21T19:18:00.002-05:00

I watched another great movie with netflix, which is a good thing, because I made it through every season available of 24, so I am a little bored.

The Other Boylen Girl was interesting, dark and very dramatic. I was thinking about that movie quite a bit after it was over, it stayed with me for a while.

Girls weekends, spent last weekend with aunts and cousins at Aunt Janets up north. Wine, pjs, Wii, good food and laughs, how awesome!

Grand Traverse Sweet Red wine, yum! Leelanau Cellars Great Lakes Red, double yum! I am trying to try lots of Michigan wines and have been very happy so far.

My new workout schedule yoga one night, jogging the next.

Working at a school, still awesome!

2011 Reviews

2011-01-07T19:38:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged much about my reading or movie viewing. I think it is just because I am lazy. No other reason.

Reading:

Obviously loved Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. It was awesome. But I love P&P and love zombies too, as long as they are the movie kind and not real. I am sure that if I lived in Zombieland (great movie!) I would be killed and eaten first. I am not fast or clever. Emma Stone was awesome in Zombieland.

Never made it through Eat Pray Love. Funny thing is I made it through Eat Pray but could not get through the love. I realize that is a significant Freudian insight into my soul but it doesn't take a shrink to figure that out.

I haven't read as much as I should have over my break but that dang Ickness left me feeling disoriented and dizzy. It was too hard to read.

Movies:

Did not like Hot Tub Time Machine. Some parts were funny, but mostly pretty lowbrow gutter humor (this said from someone who thinks farts are hilarious).

Liked Shutter Island quite a bit. Was very pleased with the ending of the movie. Very pleased.

Liked Time Travelers Wife, I didn't think I would. I added it to my netflix thinking I would get it and be not happy with it but I liked it. It was a neat movie.

Liked Little Fockers. Yeah, I know, how can I think HTTM was lowbrow humor that I didn't like and yet like Little Fockers? I don't know, that is just how I am.

As far as my netflix instant viewing I am almost through with Season 7 of 24. I am still thrilled by this show. I liked Season 1 a lot. Season's 2 -5 were hit or miss with me. I watched them but I think it was Season 4 and 5 I would zoom through some of the scenes because it seemed a little drawn out to me. I got tired of the story lines taking to long to unfold and netflix makes it so easy to zoom through and find scenes I wanted to watch that I did do that a few times. Season's 6 and 7 are ON FIRE. I love it. Can't miss a minute.

My tv viewing habits are not as exciting. I only like a few shows and Survivor isn't even on right now. Modern Family makes me laugh out loud, several times. My Strange Addiction makes me feel like a normal human being.

Good times.

How many?

2011-01-02T14:34:00.002-05:00

How many days into 2011 can one person live on 7-Up and saltines? I'll tell you... later, as soon as my stomach can handle real food. Which does not appear to be very soon.

My version of the Ickness. Started early morning, the day after Christmas. I was woken up with the idea that I was going to puke. That hasn't happened in so very long. So very long. Except the minor Oberon incident. I was spending the night at the Kelly Family B&B after celebrating Christmas dinner there with the Walsh's. I woke up on the couch, sure I was going to vomit. ICK! My stomach hurt pretty bad and I was very dizzy and nauseous. While I never technically puked that night (I'll quote Liv, who came down with the Ickness a day after me - I just spit up a lot of salvia, gross, I know) I was very ill the next day and had to hang out home alone sleeping most of the day and night away. Fever and chills aside, it wasn't too bad.

I perked up after that day, heading back out to the B&B to see the family again, Char had also had the ickness the same day as me and now, poor Liv was suffering. KT and I went to the movies that night and had plans on Wednesday.

Wednesday dawned bright, a day with the Walsh sisters, taking a tour of Pewabic Pottery and lunch in Mexicantown! Yippee!!!! As the rest of the family started to fall prey to the ickness (Alli, Uncle Tim and T$) KT and headed to meet the girls. I was feeling a little ill that morning, I thought it was leftovers, so I ate a few crackers and had a vernors thinking it would go away.

It did not, I did not make the tour through Pewabic. I had to sit outside on a bench watching the traffic go by on Jefferson. I felt okay out in the fresh air, but I knew something was wrong. Unfortunately, the ickness came back with a vengence, at Mexican Village. I was severely sick there. Severely. ICK!

So KT took me home and home is where I have been ever since, one quick trip to get my car and hit Rite Aid for more gatorade and crackers. But so far, I haven't been up to eating real food yet, 7-Up and Saltines. A little toast or soup. But that is good, the weight I would have gained from eating millions of KT's Christmas cookies is averted. Happy Holidays, way to enjoy the last week of vacation!

Although, I am very glad that my ickness time included much time for rest and relaxing on the awesome new couch in the basement (compliments of an upgrade at the B&B). I probably would be at work every day if school was in session and then I'd be sick and tired. Now I am just sick.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a bright new day where I can stomach a few cups of coffee and school being back in session.

Last post of the year

2010-12-30T21:13:00.002-05:00

I know, it's time to change the layout on my blog. I don't know why I choose to do that at the end of every year, but I do.

This year, well, what do you say. I can't even begin to point to how this year affected my life. I blogged much less. I can't blog at work, which is a good thing. It's because I am working all day long and liking what I do, not thinking about what else I could be doing, like updating a blog. I wasn't sleeping for several months this year, so I was a lot off my game. A lot. Plus, the stress and worry about someone I loved being sick was a lot. I still don't think I know how much I was affected by losing Aunt Sharon this year. Christmas was hard, like a whole new set of memories coming to light and missing her again, as much hurt as I felt sitting on the side of her bed watching her struggle the last few days.

I felt sick this week, a few different times. Nausea, vomiting, cold, achy, feverish. When I was in the worst of this flu bug that went around the family, I thought of what Aunt Sharon must have felt for her illness. Hers must have been 20 times worse than my little 12 hour suffering was. I am thankful again that her suffering and struggle did not last as long as it could have. I know I would have begged for more time with her, but to know that she felt bad or ill is too much to think about.

My Person of the Year:

Really, it's the whole Kelly family. Aunt Sharon for the life that she gave to all of us. Uncle Tim for the love and strength he showed us taking care of his wife. The kids for taking care of her and him and each other. The boys were so sweet taking care of their mom in the end. KT was incredible working, raising Izzy and taking care of mom and dad as they went through the months and doctors and illness. Char and Debbie as they took care as though it was one of their parents. The girlies, all hanging in there in a strange new situation, each loving grandma and grandpa as only doting grandchildren can.

One of my favorite co-workers (that has since moved to a different school) used to ask the kids if it was their "best day ever". They would just look at him like he was crazy, but he believed everyday could be the best day ever. Was last year my best year ever?

My first though is, no it sucked. Big time. But I look at my relationship with my family, my health, my relationship with my God, the friends I have grown even closer to and how much I value a day and I have to wonder if this year wasn't just one of the best years ever....

What to do when NASCAR season is over

2010-12-06T19:08:00.003-05:00

you go to the Sandusky Farm Implement Christmas parade with your family. It was a little bit FREEZING COLD. But we were all prepared and layered and the kids loved it. Poor Izzy couldn't even sit in her lawn chair her snowsuit had her so puffed out she couldn't bend. She was so dang cute, she looked like a star waddling down the street.

A little late

2010-12-06T18:55:00.004-05:00

Izzy, just hold on for one more picture, Aunt Kelly was late coming into the room with her camera.

I know Thanksgiving pics should have been posted a while ago, but I am slow!

and may the odds....

2010-12-03T20:29:00.002-05:00

be ever in your favor....

So, I had a friend tell me once that she was so into Young Adult literature it was like a whole new world opened up for her. I thought, whatever crazy lady, just because you have kids now and work as an elementary school librarian doesn't make YA lit readable. Sure, I loved Sweet Valley High books when I was in school but by high school, I was reading Stephen King... so get over yourself and your Twilight books (still haven't read those, so I am not judging).

Then KT ordered The Hunger Games series for her classroom. And that is when I realized, I might have to eat my words. Again, I should shut up my judgmental self once in a while but I can't so I probably won't ever. Whatever. I will live with my annoying self.

Anyway, on to the future in Suzanne Collins very interesting America. There is a Capital district surrounded by other districts (1-12) that exist to keep the Capital residents entertained, fed, warm and wearing ridiculous clothes. The districts are basically slaves to the Capital and just in case the districts get riled up about their rights The Hunger Games take place. Two "tributes" from each district are chosen to take part in this crazy arena-reality tv-to the death contest. The winner is celebrated for the rest of their lives, but that means they have avoided the traps set to kill them and the other tributes that are trying to be the last one standing as well, so kind of a messed up life, unless you enjoy killing others and then... ah well.

Along comes Katniss Everdeen... the second female character in a book that I believe could kick any one's butt (I don't think Lisbeth Salander is worried, they would totally be friends, if the Dragon Tattoo world connected with the future Hunger Games world). Katniss flips the script on the Capital and in her own way, brings about a revolution.

It's a great story. I kept thinking, "geez this is strange" as I read the first book. The second book had me gasping out loud (at the hair salon, no one seemed to notice that I did that, although they should have) and the third book did bring me to tears and I was on edge at what would happen.

I might just have to read the Twilight series sometime and eat those words too!

One of my favorites.

2010-11-30T10:44:00.002-05:00

So, I blogged back a while ago about how I didn't really like the new BNL album without Steve. Well, after listening to it and seeing them in concert twice, I have decided that I do really like some of their new stuff. The songs have grown on my in a strange way I didn't think they would. One of my favorites that I heard a lot on my walks strikes a chord every time I listen. Because I started walking in June and spent some dang hot days walking and now have spent some dang cold days walking. I prefer hot to be honest, (my cell phone doesn't - but that is a different blog post) but I don't mind the brisk cold walks either. I do enjoy the times that you can be outside, no matter what season. I first liked this song because of it's early 80s sound, but now I like it a lot because of the hope it brings me and reminding me that if I don't like this season, hang on and the next will be soon:

Summertime

Saving it up
Savoring every ounce of sunlight
What comes to be, gradually
Feels like overnight

So bundle up
And hunker down
See you on the other side
Mercury falls

So how, how do we make it through the days?
How do we not cave in and bottom out?
Well you have to understand that
Soon enough we'll wake up from such a daze
Thanks to all the many ways
We're all pushing through for Summertime

We cover it up, we bottle it in
But that won't make it feel right
Topping it off, rubbing it in
There's always a big mess of white

So bundle up
And hunker down
See you on the other side
Mercury falls

So how, how do we make it through the days?
How do we not cave in and bottom out?
Well you have to understand that
Soon enough we'll wake up from such a daze
Thanks to all the many ways
We're all pushing through for Summertime

So much to say

2010-10-24T09:49:00.002-04:00

So much to say. I can't even begin to relate the funeral service yesterday for my Aunt Sharon. Way to go T$, turning just the name Aunt Sharon into something to cry about. I knew the service would be good. I don't believe I had ever heard Craig Mayes preach, other than at the girlies baptism service in the backyard, but I knew I would like him. If T$ and Charisma did, then I would, it was just a given. But what I didn't know was that the Kelly Family would be the stars of the show, remembering their mom and wife with such beauty and grace. I know that your momma would have loved that. I did want to share the poem that the Dobleski put together for Friday night, it was a perfect example of what Aunt Sharon would have done.

Have you ever had extra kids visiting for the summer-

Have you ever leg wrestled and beat all the boys-

Have you ever watched kids, watching fireworks-

Have you ever just watched kids having fun-

Have you ever danced on the Boblo boat-

Aunt Sharon did...

Have you ever been called "Grandma"-

Have you ever been called the "Favorite Aunt"-

Have you ever driven a school bus, loaded with kids-

Have you ever almost won "homecoming queen"- I said almost -

Have you ever bowled "REALLY GOOD" in a tournament -

Aunt Sharon did...

Have you ever been confused as a Karen when you are really a Sharon-

Have you ever treated your sister's grandchildren as your own-

Have you ever convinced a kid to eat veggies, when the kids was panicking and saying

"What are veggies, I don't want no veggies"-

Have you ever found the good in everyone you met-

Have you ever written a poem for a loved one-

Aunt Sharon did...

Have you ever found yourself searching among a million people for your foreign exchange

student at the Thanksgiving Day parade- (He just wanted to see the BIG city)

Have you ever ridden in a white convertible up to Sault St. Marie with your sister-

Have you ever been the "pineapple princess" every year for your birthday weekend-

Have you ever accepted someone for who they are-

Aunt Sharon did...

Have you ever been camping with multiple families at Metamora State Park-

Have you ever been in a canoe and cast your fishing pole, RIGHT INTO THE LAKE-

Have you ever almost flipped the canoe that you and your sister were in,

because you caught a fish-

Aunt Sharon did...

Have you ever been one of 14 brothers and sisters-

Have you ever been LOVED by your family-

Have you ever been overcome by cancer-

Aunt Sharon was...

Aunt Sharon, You Will Be Missed...

We Love you Aunt Sharon, rest peacefully now.

What's it all mean?

2010-10-18T19:00:00.002-04:00

Well, we have come to a point. All things come to the end. Everything winds up somewhere. Recently, I came to the conclusion on my whole summer of sleeplessness. People have given me lots and lots of advice and ideas from caffeine to hormones to getting older (screw you people who suggested the last one). I know what it is and I knew what it was and not acknowledging it was my way of being in denial.

I couldn't handle my Aunt Sharon being sick. Not stress-wise, I hardly felt stress or worry that would keep me awake at night. It was God (it always is, isn't it? even if we won't admit it?). My battle with God (what was I thinking?). I didn't want my family to be affected by life or illness. NOT FAIR. Although, if you asked me, I would deny the whole American preaching of Health Wealth and Prosperity in the church today. "That isn't real life" I'd say. "God never promises us a rose garden while on this earth" is what I would have said. Or worse, "that is freaking ridiculous".

And yet, when my family, my loved one was hit hard with an illness that is so dark and evil and scary, my first response is to hide from God. I didn't talk to Him at all when it first happened. Wasn't until about August, when I finally started praying my true feelings. I was hidden in a shell of denial and blaming the lack of sleep on something else. I was really hiding in some deep and dark thoughts. Bottom line, I wondered if I truly believed in God. How can I claim to truly believe and love God if I can't handle what He allows into my life. Isn't that not trusting a sign of unbelief? I didn't want to entrust my favorite aunt, the anchor of the Kelly-Walsh family, someone I have spent hours and hours and hours of my life with to this God, so how can I say I believe in Him? What does that say about me as a Christian?

Well, let me tell you, it says nothing. Of course I believe, of course God can handle my thoughts and anger at Him. Of course He is real live and in control. Of course He is good. Cancer sucks and this world isn't all there is. Bottom line is none of us are promised a minute longer. Not one minute.

We can scramble around bickering about truth and issues and choices and life but none of that matters. Bottom line is He loves us and wants us to be His. Am I His? Is Aunt Sharon His? Yes, we are. Her suffering is a heartbreak to Him as much as it is to me. But I don't even think He sees it. It all depends on how you look at it.

Because He sees the husband taking care of the wife in such a loving way that the whole family is in awe of a marriage that started 42 years ago based in God. He sees the children lovingly taking care of their mother in a way they never imagined they might have to, but are doing with full hearts and smiles on their faces. He sees the daughter-in-laws hard at work taking care of their husbands and children and mother-in-law with love. He probably can't even stand the love that the grandchildren are showing their grandparents, I know when I saw Alli get up out of the recliner sitting at the end of grandmas sickbed and offer a hug to her sad grandpa, I could barely imagine what that might feel like.

That doesn't even begin to include the sisters and brothers and the poor mother watching her daughter decline. We all suffer and mourn right now, but that isn't God's focal point. He shows me that all that sadness wouldn't be if we hadn't loved so much. We might not be so sad if she hadn't lived a life of love with us. She loved us and she loved us well. That is what God wants us to see. Love. She loved me because God loved her.

Love, that is the bottom line. Love love love, the greatest of these is love. Love.

The Girl......

2010-10-02T17:15:00.002-04:00

and continued. I finished The Girl series. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and finally the The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest.

I loved them. The second book was my favorite and the most exciting. The thing about the series is that they are set in Sweden and the author (Larssen) is an over explainer. I would be reading about how Mickel sets up his office and thinking... wtheck do I need to know his furniture is from Ikea for. But the books paint a picture that is very real. I know because I watched the Swedish movie for the first book and was shocked at how what I pictured when I was reading was portrayed in the movie.

The series is upsetting, crimewise and what happens to people in the story. It did not gross me out at all, although it should have, it was pretty graphic.... but I was buying it. I believed I needed to know most of that stuff to understand the story, the whole story as all three books ties together the life of Lisbeth Salander. Who I do love, even though she does things that make it hard to love her. I can't wait to see the second movie, I've ordered it on netflix but it won't be out for a while.

I also finished reading The Book Thief. It was very good. A story of a young German girl during the Holocaust, as told by the Grim Reaper. I was, of course, riveted and horrified as I usually am with Holocaust stories, but this one had me feeling for the German citizens who were just trying to live their lives at that particular time.

Now on to something a little lighter. Off to read One Day, which is already been optioned into a chick flick so I should be okay reading this stuff.

Got a new do!

2010-09-27T08:47:00.001-04:00

What do you think? I love it!

Some new faves

2010-09-17T22:12:00.003-04:00

I know it's been touch and go with the blogging, but since I get tired of talking about not sleeping and all I am doing is not sleeping, you must get tired of hearing about it.

On to bigger and better topics. Things that I have actually loved this summer:

My new walking shoes. Ecco. Awesome. Since I've been having trouble sleeping, I have a lot of energy during the day. I've been able to get up to walking about a 5K each day. I miss maybe two days a week. I got tired of being in the gym in June. It was too nice outside, so I started walking. I figured if I could walk, I didn't need to feel bad about skipping the gym. So I set goals and found a 3.1 mile path around the neighborhood that I've been doing consistently. But I wore right out of my New Balance workout shoes in July. After some research and a visit to The Walking Company at Partridge Creek, I found my favorite feeling walking shoes. My Ecco's are great! I love them.

Sure, I started using Clinique even better skin clearing lotion because it was in a bonus day gift, but I have noticed clearer skin. I don't usually get too excited about moisturizers because I have such oily skin, usually nothing works for me but acne cleansers. So I thought I would try this moisturizer during the day in the summer, just because I hate to waste things and it was free!!! Sure enough, I started to notice that my skin was clearer, definitely clearer. I've never even worried about the damage to my skin because I've always been worried about acne. So when I started to notice a clear look to my skin, I was shocked! I didn't think I could get away with using something like this, but I can! My skin is clearer and it doesn't cause breakouts. Bonus bonus. You are supposed to use it during the day only, so while it seems expensive, I use a little and it lasts for a long time!

I am loving having a school full of kids and staff. I love being reminded of how a school should look, sound and feel. The empty school in the summer is nice to get work done, but feels like a wasted building until the kiddies voices come barreling in everyday. How dang cute is the Young Fives class everyday???? I love it.

I am not sure if I am loving season 4 of 24. I've only watched the first episode so it's hard to judge after one hour of 24 hours, but come on..... Jack works for the Department of Defense? I can see being a protector of our country against terrorists, but to be a department of defense employee? Isn't that kind of being part of the US war machine? I don't like it, I don't like it one bit. God Bless the Troops every day and every minute and every second, but I don't have to love the decisions my government makes. I probably shouldn't have watched Avatar.

Summer's Almost Over

2010-09-03T09:46:00.002-04:00

I wonder if that means insomnia might go away too? Maybe the constant waking at five am will kick me back into some sort of normal sleep pattern. Since I am getting about 2.5 hours a night now, I'd be happy with a 5 hour sleep. Pretty darn happy actually. How I miss those nights when I'd immediately fall asleep at ten during the week and wake up well rested at 5. That was bliss.

Yep, my doctor is still unconcerned. He hates sleeping pills and does not want me to be addicted to them. He said it's like borrowing money to pay for your credit card bill. He's happy my blood pressure and cholesterol are good and I've lost weight this summer. Those things are wonderful, but please.

I must also admit, I've tried some silly things to sleep. My mom heard that putting a bar of soap under your fitted sheet will keep you from having restless legs when you are having trouble sleeping. FAIL. All I did was kick it out of the way so my legs could move. It's still there though, I like the smell of the soap when my covers move.

Next stop, health food store looking for Valerian root. That stuff stinks to high heaven, but I will try anything now.

Doctor also suggested I relax from 6 pm on. No exciting tv or books (he said as I am holding The Girl Who Played With Fire in my hands at the appointment) in the evening. So I guess watching a few episodes of 24 on Netflix all summer long in the evening might not be my best bet. Or reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series. I'll stop, I swear as soon as I am done with The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest. Because that is the last one in the series. I can't stop watching 24. I just can't. I have a crush on Jack Bauer.

BNL and Big Red

2010-08-20T17:40:00.003-04:00

You may ask yourself.... did they like BNL without Steve Page? Well, take a look at how much fun we were having and I guess you should know.

A lot happened that night. We traveled to Pine Knob in a style others would be jealous of! Sure, I got a little dizzy from sitting sideways and the back roads into PK were a little scary with BR cruising around the corners, but I also flew down the freeway in West Virginia mountains once in BR and lived, so.... whatever Clarkston Rd.

I did wonder what BNL would be like, I've seen them probably over 20 times as a five man band. I was a little afraid that some of the fun would be gone, but even sitting up on the hill instead of in geeky fan club seats, I was having a ball and they were the same fun group I had grown to love. The energy was still there, the only thing missing was Steve's random high kicks, but KT and I were trying to add those in on the hill (very dangerous, I wouldn't suggest you try). Maybe it was the amount of Labatt Blue with Lime but I loved the show.

It was nice to be able to hang out in BR after the show (use the bathroom!) without having to wait in the line trying to leave the concert. But the rest of the ride home was a bit of an experience.

See, BR has a few issues, one of them being a slowly draining battery for some reason. So the lights were getting dimmer and dimmer and it was getting foggier and foggier as we headed home. We took the back way through Romeo and Armada so luckily, we didn't hit much traffic. Matt pulled over at Blakes in Armada to see if he could do anything to make it better. But we just needed to get home because he could sense we were losing power to the fuel pump as well (he did not tell us this). So we trudged in, in a house on wheels, in the dark foggy backroads with little lights to guide us. Matt pulled into the factory in Memphis because he was still concerned. We sat there for a few minutes hoping for a charge up to get us back to Marysville. It seemed like we would make it because they came on brighter once he restarted the beast. If you've ever left Memphis towards Marysville, you know that you have to get through a set of hills before getting out to Shirkey's corner and then Aunt Sharon and Uncle Tim's homestead on to Marysville. Well in the set of hills we went dark... the house on wheels was unlit from any lights, Matt could feel that he was also losing fuel power so he wanted to quickly get to Aunt Sharons so we would be safe and off the road. Of course, KT and I thought he was driving way too fast in the dark on the hills and we were freaking out.... trying to shine a flashlight out the rather large windows (see above) onto the road. Tracy was yelling "pray pray pray" and KT and I were telling him to slow the &^%$ down. Then we hit Shirkey's corner (2 quick curves, between a barn and house).

Matt maneuvered BR through this corner with speed. We are lucky we did not topple, but he could feel no power left at all in the monster house on wheels. At this point, someone had passed us going the other way, I really want to know what they thought they saw as they passed the dark house at 1:30 in the morning with flashlights peering out the windows! We were so close to Aunt Sharon's and still so close to getting smashed on the road because we were pitch black. Matt was trying to maneuver this monster house into a small and relatively angled driveway in the dark. And he had barely any steering power at this point, the engine was gone and we were coasting. At this point, I was sitting in the side chair gripping the seat so hard my hands were bruised the next day. I was waiting to feel the crash of us going into the ditch or worse, sideways off the road or driveway and flipping. KT was saying "we didn't make it" she saw the driveway reflector and thought we were off the driveway. But Sully has nothing on Matt, he had broad daylight and buildings on either side of his water runway, Matt landed BR perfectly at the end of the driveway with inches on either side of the house.

It wouldn't move any farther than the end but we just kept her there, walked up the drive and found sleeping room at our favorite summer time hangout. I am sure Aunt Sharon and Uncle Tim were thrilled to get that phone call as we were leaving Memphis and hear our story at 2 in the morning. Matt got her going the next day and she has been fine since. But I don't think KT and I will use BR for the BNL concert in October, we might just stay at a hotel. No offense, BR.

Summer of No Sleep.

2010-08-17T08:06:00.002-04:00

Continues.

Unisom - fail.
Melatonin - so far a fail.

Insomnia (chronic - I diagnosed myself on web MD) sucks.

What doesn't suck this summer? I finally started watching 24 on Netflix. Sweet Holy Moly, I love Jack Bauer. That might be the reason my blood pressure went up this summer. I am only in season 2 but man oh man. I can barely take watching a few episodes in a row. Too much excitement.

You talk too much....

2010-08-04T09:52:00.002-04:00

you never shut up!

I've heard something a few times and each time, my blood pressure gets a little higher. And since the last three books I've read have been Holocaust related, I am really going to crack!

You know me, you know I try not to be too political. I have a few soapboxes, but I try not to be annoying-ly on one side or the other because I believe what I believe and you should believe what you believe. I may think you are wrong, but you can believe what you believe. I am sure that I have no idea what is the exact balance of laws vs freedoms in the state of Arizona. But I can tell you one thing, Arizona police officers who have been complaining loudly on the news channels:

You should shut up about "feeling like a Nazi" when you are asked to determine if a suspect (which you are dealing with because they have done something wrong) is in this country legally. I am not pro or con Arizona immigration law, I do not have enough information to make that judgement. But I do know that once you know the suspect is an illegal person, you are not sending them to a concentration camp, work camp, death camp or ghetto. You are not starving them, taking their heirlooms or killing them in a ditch. They are not going to be gassed or sent to an oven.

If you are unsure of yourself still. You should watch the chaotic last few minutes of the movie The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. You can see then what the result of the Nazi's was for people because of their nationality.

You can be upset at what you are being asked to do but you should not compare yourself to a Nazi. Please, for my blood pressure sake, come up with a better comparison.

About Last Night

2010-07-29T10:10:00.002-04:00

I wonder how long one could go on in their blog if all the titles were 80's movies or songs? I might have to see about that.

Last night was incredible. Incredible. Why you ask? Did George Clooney finally come and sweep me away? No. Not that incredible. I slept.

I fell asleep before 11 pm with no drugs... I lay down in my bed and fell asleep. That is all. I went to sleep. On my own, my body shut down and rested.

Granted, I woke up at 3:30 am. But I went back to sleep. And when I woke up, I felt like a million zillion dollars. Like a moon beam was shining directly on me soothing me to sleep. Like angels were singing me a lullaby. Like I woke up in a warm sunny meadow that smelled like lilacs. Like I was being rocked on a sailboat sleeping next to Desmond Hume. Like I was lounging on a beach hammock in the shade of a perfect 87 degree day. I could not ask for anything more.

BSC

2010-07-23T09:06:00.002-04:00

While I wait until Monday to meet with my doctor and get my actual diagnosis, I am diagnosing myself. I learned a term from a friend I spent time with on girls weekend. Her husband had diagnosed her with this disease a while ago, when she had trouble sleeping and turned into a freak, which I am admitting boldly that I have become. I love sleep and a normal routine, call me a cranky toddler, but dang it. I need a good schedule and I don't have that now, so I have become, as Susan's husband had labeled her... Bat S*&^ Crazy. That is my disease, BSC for short.

Since the middle of June, lack of sleep has made me edgy and nervous during the day. My stomach feels like I am about to walk on the high ropes course again, most of the time. I repeat, I am not stressed about anything right now, but my body is reacting like it is. I do not lay awake worrying about money, illness, losing my job, what the future holds or how to make the coffee business fair for everyone. And I know that I am not doing this because I have done it before, I know what that looks like in my life and that isn't what I am going through now. Life isn't perfect by any means, but I know what it's like to worry a night away and that isn't what is happening.

It freaks me out a little that my body can be responding to stress that my mind doesn't realize is there, that alone might be keeping me up! I had a few nights of sleep, thanks to Unisom, but the last two nights, Unisom has not been working and my sleep wouldn't come until one am. I am doing everything I can: no caffeine after 11 am, working out for an hour after work (early in the afternoon), reading to tire my brain, I washed all my sheets and pillowcases so my bed would be comforting and yet I still can't sleep. I find myself drowsy around 5-7 pm and then when I lay down around 10 I am agitated and unable to rest, but if I try to do something to keep me up I will be so sleepy.

I am going crazy... BSC. I agree with Susan's hubby. It's a good term to describe how I have been. I am hoping my doctor has a more concise diagnosis and some drugs to help, until then I will remain, BSC.

Girlfriend Time

2010-07-20T16:19:00.005-04:00

We had our 3rd Annual Girls Weekend together last weekend. This year we hit the farmhouse that Diva's grandmother had lived in. This place was beautiful. The Rifle River borders the millions of acres they own.

For the first time ever, we had a boy involved in our girls weekend. For some reason (I am sure he is regretting it now) Divas husband wanted to be our cabana boy for the weekend. He did his job superbly. He took us for golf cart rides, shopped for groceries, cooked and cleaned up after us and provided us with a fireworks display. In return he got to listen to us sing badly, tell silly stories and discuss important life events, like how Susan would crap her pants and pass out if she ever met John Taylor from Duran Duran. You know, important stuff.

Saturday night Chris made us delicous flank steak that just about melted in your mouth with it's incredible marinade, shrimp friend rice that was divine and a cucumber salad that we could not get enough of.

Of course, we had to get our feet on vacation, because that is how we do it.

Last but not least, this is me threatening the furby that had me jumpy and on edge all weekend (certainly not helping was the lowly 2 hours of sleep I got). I did not like that creature one bit. I am still certain he is haunting me.

Movie review

2010-07-20T11:14:00.002-04:00

I watched Sherlock Holmes yesterday afternoon. I did enjoy the movie but it isn't one that I passed on to make sure everyone got to see it. I don't know if others would like it as much as I did, I had just heard a fairly bad review from someone right before I watched it and while I could see why they might say the things they did, I enjoyed it.

Robert Downey Jr did a great job playing crazy and Jude Law was also a great sidekick. I enjoyed how they showed the flashback scenes when Sherlock showed us how he figured stuff out.... it reminds me of how on Leverage they always go through the process that they take to get their desired results. I am never smart enough to catch the things that the characters catch, but I am also not a character in a movie or tv show, so I don't need to worry about that.

Of course, my new favorite phrase will be "no s&^% Sherlock" because I have a new found appreciation for Sherlock Holmes.

Reviews, etc.

2010-07-13T10:00:00.004-04:00

To whom it may concern.... stay too lazy to read my book reviews. But next time you complain that you need some good books to read I may punch you! (just kidding - I am nonviolent).

Here is a disclaimer before I update what I've been reading and watching. I haven't been sleeping consistently since about the middle of June. I love sleep. I need sleep. I am a seven to eight hour girl. I function so much better with sleep. I had a great sleep routine going for the last year. I knew I had to go to bed early in order to do the 5 am alarm that would get me up to be to work by 7 am. I was usually asleep by 10:30 and felt great!

I don't know what is going on with me. Could have been end of the year stress and the constant issues the last few weeks of school. It could be my favorite aunt's illness (I swear, one night my knees hurt so bad I know I was having sympathy pains for her aching joints after chemo). It could be that the late sunlight keeps my body up later. I have no idea, all I know is I am tired and I lay in my bed looking up at the ceiling not sleeping. Wishing I was asleep. I tried sleepytime tea, PM painkillers, hitting the gym after work so my body was tired, wine, beer, no caffeine after noon, even Nyquil. I either can't fall asleep or I wake up at 3. It sucks. A few nights are sprinkled in with a good 8 hours so I am not completely psycho yet, but I am getting there. I am about ready to visit a doctor. I need something.

Due to this lack of solid sleep schedule, I am a little loopy a lot of the time. Forgetful, daydreamy, prone to giggle fits and sometimes downright stupid. So take my reviews with this in mind and please pray that I can sleep or if sleep is not going to be my friend, that I can function during the day.

Reads:

The Count of Monte Cristo. Dumas. Yeah, I read it so I could watch the movie. This book took me a long time to get through, it's huge! But I did love the story. I was impatient for the Count's revenge, he moved to slow for me, but I tried to savor the plan and how the story line unfolded.

The Heights. My first Hedges book and I will read more. I liked the beginning and middle of the story. The end got a little to much for me. I didn't like a few turns but I did enjoy the story. I did like how the main character used a fart reference in explaining getting older. I also liked reading about New York City and Brooklyn. I picked out the book because it was about Brooklyn Heights, have been on a reading/watching stuff about NYC ever since I visited in April.

The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Chabon. I am not done yet with this book. I am over halfway through. It is a good read. I have been wondering what the big deal was about because I found the book on the list of Entertainment Weekly's (great place to learn stuff, I know, highbrow reading, but I LOVE it) top 100 Characters (Homer Simpson was #1, yeah, I can't disagree with that). At first, my thoughts were "what is going on with this story, if you don't love comic books, how can you be interested?" I know one fellow reader who couldn't get into it. But the character development is so dang good. Kavalier and Clay are growing in my head. I am so interested in what they are going to do. Plus, I do love the time in history they are covering, before, during and after World War 2. I will let you know if I am disappointed in the ending.

Good in Bed. Weiner. Great chick lit.

Plus, I just have to reiterate. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is my favorite book ever. Read it. I want to read it again, if I could just remember who has it.

Watches:

The Count of Monte Cristo. I liked the movie. I had to give up on worrying about the differences from the book and just enjoy the story and scenery of the movie. It was worth the weeks of reading to compare the two, but it was such a fun movie to watch, I didn't even mind the Hollywood shortcuts.

Persepolis. I saw a preview for this movie with one of my other Netflix pics. I had no idea who Marjane (I now love that name) Satrapi was but I do now! This animated biography was so good. I loved watching, even though it was animated.

Leverage. I started watching this on Netflix. I seriously love being able to watch a tv series on my computer, no commercials, no weeks wait time to see what will happen next. I like the stories told..... of course I did, someone is going up against the rich and powerful for the not rich and not powerful. I do that everyday with my partner in crime at school. Every soapbox we stand on starts that way. Of course, we aren't tv heroes so we usually get the soapbox kicked out from under us, but we keep trying.

Now it's not just the storyline that has drawn me in, it's the characters. They are a fun group to watch every week, every episode I fall a little more in love with each of them. Funny and ridiculous at the same time. Just like me.

Summer summer summertime, time to sit back and unwind

2010-07-04T21:36:00.004-04:00

I had an incredible time with the Kelly girls again this year as they visited. What an incredible blessing that I am allowed to take vacation time while they are here and have days like you see pictured. Sure Lexington was a chilly 73 degrees that day, but we didn't care. It was fun to walk and shop and eat with the girlies and Aunt KT and Lizzie.

It was a great week to hang out, read, eat, sleep, swim, laugh, make new jokes and stories to relive over the campfire next year. I enjoyed every second with my cousins families. I know I am more sentimental this year and very emotional about our visit. It's hard to think of how My Favorite Aunt is suffering with her cancer treatment as we were all having fun. My heart aches still for her. I hope she was able to enjoy what she could from the visit.

Great Read

2010-06-12T12:42:00.002-04:00

I thought I had read all of Wally Lamb's fiction but I saw a new little book at the library. When I say little I mean little, his stories, all of which I have loved are giant enormous and epic books. This was a short story compared to them. Entitled, Wishin and Hopin, it was labeled a Christmas story. It was such a fun read, usually reading Lamb, I end up wondering about the future of humaity but this was a fun story.

Set in the 60s at a Catholic School it was based around a fifth grader who is related to Annette Funicello. I really enjoyed this story. It was cute and sweet and a little crude. I loved it.

Good or bad

2010-06-06T19:20:00.002-04:00

My days are a little stressful now, I haven't blogged much lately. It's strange because working at a school at the end of the year I have noticed something. It goes from being really good to being really bad and quickly.

A few weeks ago, I noticed a trend that I had noticed the year before as well. Our spring testing brings about joy to most kids and teachers. Kids are given goals and a majority of them in our school reach them. They have confidence, they have made really good friends in class and the teachers are very happy to see how the testing comes out. For a week or two everyone was enjoying life.

Then the crash comes. I don't know that the kids feel it because they seem to enjoy each other more and more as we get closer and closer to vacation. But we definitely get crushed in the front office.... field trips, field day, field day t-shirts, yearbook money, family night money, class lists for next year, new teacher hires, move up day.... it goes on and on. Everyday I have question upon questions at the office and people shoving money at me for something or other. Most of the answers I don't even have. I can handle the abuse. It might sound terrible to say, but if a parent is going to yell at me for not having change for a $7 field trip permission slip that says "Please return to the teacher", I am going to shrug my shoulders and say "sorry" and go back to my work. Last year, the constant pestering for change drove me crazy. Yes, I have change, probably sitting in the drawer right next to my left hand. Yes, I could give it to you. But I work in an office as a Registrar, not in a bank as a teller.

As my favorite lunch lady says several times a day "You need to get your mind right". I am facing each day with the knowledge that I can only do what I can do. I can't be stressed out about what someone else has forgotten about or needs RIGHT THIS SECOND. I feel a lot better about my days not stressing out so much about other people. We have even more kids (and parents) next school year. I need to get better and better and handling the pressure. I love seeing the fun the kids are having. I love seeing the staff coming through a long school year and what they have accomplished during the year. I need to focus on that instead of the few bumps and bruises that not nice people can bring to the table. Remember, it's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

Last LOST

2010-05-26T19:52:00.001-04:00

So I liked the last LOST episode. I laughed, I cried (mostly I cried) and still was confused but was happy about the way it ended. I am not such a huge geek that I am going to find major inconsistencies with the show. It kept me entertained since 2004, what else can you ask from a tv show?

I do however love this link.

whew.... (review)

2010-05-16T11:54:00.002-04:00

It's a beautiful Sunday morning, back from church, ate lunch, finished watching Brothers. I tried to watch the whole movie last night but I fell asleep. Really, fell asleep while watching the movie. So you think I am going to give it a bad review, right? Not right.

The last half an hour I watched eating lunch blew me away. I can't stop crying. And it's not what I thought would happen. It wasn't a sad ending it all, just intense and emotional.

If I haven't said it enough (wearing red to school on Friday's isn't enough!).... THANK YOU MEN AND WOMEN SERVING OUR COUNTRY. I pray that your work, even if I don't agree with what you are called to do, will not destroy you and your families.

Dang Mama....

2010-05-10T20:56:00.002-04:00

I look good.

A little rant.

2010-05-08T11:58:00.002-04:00

I was listening to (let's be honest, not with dry eyes either) some of the memories this week on the radio stations about Ernie Harwell. By a whole city, even baseball nation, this man was an entity all on his own. He seems to have touched, in a great way, anyone who has known him. God Bless you Ernie. Way to take what you have been given and make your world a better place. I know you have heard the words "well done, My good and faithful one".

But I have to say, I am a little bugged by something one of the callers had said. He was going on and on about how Ernie always put others ahead of himself, which is awesome! But the caller said, "and they don't make them like that anymore". Who the heck are they anyway?

You decide your day! You make decisions that either are in your best interest or someone else's best interest. Granted, putting anyone other than yourself first, is not natural or easy for anyone. And if you are looking at someone as selfish as me? Don't think that it will happen gracefully in any situation.

But it's not impossible. In the faith/grace realm, I've only ever understood it in a yielding manner. God puts an idea in your head, usually in a soft voice that isn't trying to fight with what you hear and see all day. Your choice? Go ahead with what you usually do or want to do at that second, or wait. And see if a way is made for you. What's my choice? Usually to satisfy a need or hunger I think I have. I am not good at waiting. I don't even have a spouse or children that are fighting for my attention. I am 100% focused on me, all the time, all day long. I can be soooo good at making sure I am happy and satisfied.

What kind of memories would be said of me if that is the way I lived? How about all of us? What kind of lives would we be creating? me me me me me me me me me me or better yet, the seagulls from Finding Nemo mine mine mine mine mine mine mine mine. How annoying is that? We even have a family mentality where we want the best for our family so we hear ours ours ours ours.

It's not impossible to slow down and wonder what you could do for someone else. It doesn't have to be a huge move, like allowing a homeless family to move in. It could be recognizing someone else's hard work. A hug when someone is feeling weak. A phone call. Slowing down in your workday to show a co-worker you have time for them. My biggest sticking point, being gracious to other drivers. A few little moments of yielding to someone else can make a difference in a day.

I know, you can give me the doormat speech if you want. I didn't hear anyone call and say Ernie Harwell sure was a doormat for others. Respect was earned by his actions. If anyone ever took advantage of him, who looks bad?

Reviews

2010-05-04T22:16:00.003-04:00

Granted, I have been very weepy lately. Not, I want to cry every second of the day, but when something happens I've been close to tears easily. Not wanting to go into much detail, because I've been in a very good mood and am not depressed at all, just weepy.

So when I cried through Up In The Air last night, I thought something might be wrong with me. I was a little cautious as I heard that movie was post 9/11 and corporate culture pop culture, I was a little concerned. But I loved it! I thought it was really good. The character George played was great, but the people he interacted with were also outstanding. It was too real, too much like the friends and family that I have that are trying to find their place. Too scary. But so good!

Then I finished my Sophie Kinsella book in my car today on my lunch break. I couldn't wait to get to the end of this book. I was sucked in completely, even though the "ghost story chick flick" didn't seem like it could be any good.... I really liked it. I was so moved by the ending. In the beginning I could hardly stand either of the main characters, but they grew on me and in the end their relationship was great! I loved them both.

Now Ernie Harwell and Sun and Jin...... too much! I may cry myself to sleep tonight. The sad LOST music is stuck in my head. Stupid beautiful piano music, making me cry again.

Wacky Walsh Women Weekend.

2010-04-25T19:08:00.002-04:00

I have been fighting to stay awake for the last few hours. I am tired. I didn't sleep much last night for a few different reasons. We had a Walsh women weekend in Lansing at a "mansion in the woods" as the website said. Well, the mansion in the woods wasn't everything we were led to believe it would be, but it was a lovely home with lots of rooms and space for the Walsh women to spread out in.

My dad has a lot of sisters. The whole sister concept is strange to me as I have none and let's be honest, never really wanted one. I like having siblings, I love my brothers, but I am glad that I don't need to compete with them in any way. But my dad's sisters, my aunts, show me how great it is to be a sister. What that relationship should look like, they aren't always perfect these sisters, but they sure do have loads of fun together and support each other in ways men can't even begin to understand.

The sisters were invited. And the brothers wives were invited. And their daughters or wives of the sons. We had a large group, probably 40 all together, even though a few only stayed Friday and like us, came up Saturday morning and stayed that night. My mom was invited. I know she isn't married to my dad anymore, strange. But the sisters always include her and my step mom in a lot of the activities. My mom tells them she feels like their mom is her mom too. It might not make sense to everyone and I am sure it's talked about! But it is nice to feel like my mom is welcomed.

I can't really explain what it felt like to be hanging out with that group of people. Playing games, eating, drinking Aunt Janet's sangria, laughing, sharing and learning so much about relatives. I began to think about all the lives held in that one large game room. All related through blood, all part of the same family. So many moms, daughters, wives. So many decisions made by these women that affect their lives, their husbands and kids lives. So much history, friendship, arguments, making up or leaving behind. So much love and pain. I am in awe of what these women have done and will continue to do because Walsh women should always gather and love each other. The youngest girls there should carry on and teach the granddaughters what it means to be an extended Walsh "sister".

Yeah, I am so tired that I can't stand myself any longer, I am mad at myself for being awake at 7:24 pm. Yet, I am thrilled to have been a part of the weekend. I hope I can always find a way to spend time with this amazing group of Walsh women.

Buddies

2010-04-21T10:27:00.001-04:00

Reviews

2010-04-20T22:10:00.002-04:00

Book.
Under the Dome. Stephen King.
I was very curious to see what this book was about. The title had me a little confused. An event at the Silverdome? Something under the sky? Nope, it's all under the dome. The dome that makes no sense whatsoever, but was a great read.

I love Stephen King. I read Carrie at eleven. I've just about read everything. I missed a few. I hate to say it, but some of his later stuff didn't do it for me. After I finished The Dark Tower series, I was a little... maybe overwhelmed? I don't know, I stopped reading everything as soon as it came out. Which is why I just now got to Duma Key and this gem. Under the Dome reminded me so much of his older stuff, I was thinking It as I read this book. His characters were so dark and scary that I thought "there is no way the good guys will get out of this situation". And that made me happy and scared all at the same time, because a little uncertainty goes well in a horror novel.

I even liked the end. Sometimes the final scene isn't enough to wrap up a good story for me. (My biggest fear with LOST ending). But I liked it, just enough to keep scaring me (the dome will be back, but where and when?) and yet mostly happy endings for the characters I loved.

Movie.
The Hurt Locker.
Again, let me say that while I am a peace loving hippie that does not believe in war, I understand the need for the US military. I am forever grateful that young men are willing to fight for this country. I don't ever want to have to cover my whole body in drapes and hold girls club in secret because women can't gather without men or it's a subversive meeting. I want my nieces to go to college and learn and do what they want without having to marry at 11. Anyway, besides all that.

I loved watching The Hurt Locker, even though it messed with my head (and my stomach a little, besides a bit of gore, it was one of those movies they shoot while running.... ick). I was immediately drawn in to the movie, the scenes and the characters. Great story telling and awesome acting. Definitely one of the best netflix deliveries in a while.

2010-04-14T19:38:00.002-04:00

I know.

I already posted my pics on facebook, but I wanted to blog too. Nothing new to see here, just wanted to finish up my thoughts before I forget about my trip! Nothing like using technology to remember what you were thinking!

I LOVED NY. I really didn't think I would love it so much. I thought I'd be tired of the constant noise, I wasn't. I thought I'd be sick of the subway, I wasn't. I thought I would feel even more of an outsider, I didn't. I loved every moment I was there. Well, the subway rats were a little creepy and you could almost always smell garbage. That was kind of gross. But besides those two little minor annoyances, I loved it.

My favorite part was hanging with the Kelly family, obviously! But I loved my visit to Manhattan with Char-isma. Loved the library. Loved walking on the Brooklyn Bridge, which was strange since I don't normally do bridges. Loved shopping in Chinatown "handbag handbag handbag, CHA-nel". Loved Central Park. I also loved seeing what Brooklyn looked like. Really loved the Irish Pub just off of Time Square.

I don't know for sure if I could handle it all the time. If I lived close to a job, or at least close to the subway stations, I think I could do it. Maybe. I don't know, I thought for sure I'd come home saying "nice, but not for me" but I didn't. I loved it.

I will not remember

2010-04-07T15:00:00.003-04:00

every moment of this trip... I've already forgotten what happened yesterday!

We did get into NYC at a good time (around 1) to navigate through the city without too much traffic, yes there was a lot of traffic for a Monday night at that time! We never would have found the Brooklyn Tunnel if it wasn't for Timm guiding us through the end of the island... plus, I was immediately distracted by the WTC site that is next to the tunnel entrance. That was an eerie sight with the cranes and empty site. Carrie and I would not have seen the few barrels that guide you underneath the water. We had a day at home yesterday in order to catch up on some rest. Besides the few hours we spent with Alli's dance rehearsal, I thought it would be able to watch her in her costume since I won't be here for it on Sunday, but we couldn't watch the dancers practice. We spent the two hours sitting out on Long Island University's lawn reading and people watching. While we were doing that our car was being towed! Timm had parked illegally! We didn't see the sign as it was hidden by a light post. We had to walk a mile or so to the tow yard and wait for the paperwork to be processed. He had to pay the ticket and towing fee and get the car back. We saw about 10 or 12 cars being towed in as we sat for an hour or so. Brooklyn knows how to make some extra money!

Today we had to send the girls to school, which was hard to do, not being able to spend time with them, but it was fun to see where they go to school. Then Char and I spent the morning and early afternoon exploring the city. We did a picture perfect part of Central Park. Spring is here in full force! We then went to Bryant Park and the NY Public Library. I had a hot dog for lunch sitting on the steps! Awesome! Plus, we found the cupcake place and I had a carrot cake cupcake for dessert. We walked around the library which was amazing inside. It smelled like books in a lot of the rooms and I could have browsed the stacks for hours, but it was too pretty outside. After that we walked down to the Empire State Building and the shopping area. I went into the Bare Escentials store for a consult before buying the stuff I need for summer. That was pretty fun for me. Char and I walked around Macy's which was having a flower show! It was amazing, any empty space was filled with flower arrangements and aisles were filled with giant arrangements. I've never seen anything like that, all real!

Then we headed back to Brooklyn and got off the subway early and walked through Prospect Park and home for a rest.

We got NY Mets tickets for tonight! Char, Alli and I are going and I am very excited about that!

This is not good

2010-03-30T22:05:00.002-04:00

Finally, I get a glimpse of my boy Desmond on LOST tonight and he is accompanied by bagpipes playing Amazing Grace. It seems as though I will need to find a quiet place in Brooklyn to watch LOST on Spring Break. And I should probably have Kleenex available.

TV has been good to me!

2010-03-24T21:21:00.002-04:00

I hate to say it. I have been seeing some really good tv lately. I know it makes me sound lazy and I will be judged but whatever! It's been a long time since tv has left me on the edge of my seat.

First LOST this week. I was impressed. I hate for story-telling to disappoint me at the end. Take the movie series IT for example. That book "scared the &*^%$*( +_*& out of me" (yes, I am quoting a Kindergarten student when I say that, how come he was suspended for saying that and Joe Biden can get away with it?) when I read it. The tv miniseries was very scary, until they tried to visualize the giant spider at the end. The clown form of the alien was worse than the big bad ending. I hate that!

So for LOST to wrap up the details I fear I will be let down. But no, an island of good vs evil? Dark Tower-like sideways worlds? This Stephen King fan is very happy with the way the series is going. This blogger is also very impressed at how much the LOST writers at www.ew.com know about Old and New Testament stories. Every episode of LOST this season has been compared biblically. Talk about right up my alley, a little CS Lewis thrown in every week? Geez Louise, and I thought I was into LOST because of Desmond, Sawyer, Richard and sometimes Jack.

My newest obsession takes place on my computer, but it is a tv show. I can watch old seasons of Dexter with Netflix. I've made it through the first season so far and am into the second. A serial killer who only kills killers? Dexter is creepy and again, points out the good and evil in people. The cop background stories are also top notch. The characters are well played and thought out. I am enjoying the second season as well.

Gotta go, I can get an epi of Dexter in before bed!

Reprint of something I loved.

2010-03-17T21:57:00.002-04:00

Aunt misbehavin' is part of the job
By Tish Durkin, O, The Oprah Magazine

March 17, 2010 9:38 a.m. EDT

(OPRAH.com) -- "These fish," I say slowly, "are from Sweden." I am unloading a packet of those sugary pastel gummy fish in front of a very small girl with a very big sweet tooth.

"Sweden is part of Scandinavia," I add ominously, "where it is freezing cold."

The very small girl has very big eyes, and they get bigger.

"So the split second after you swallow each fish, you must drink a big glass of lukewarm water with one-eighth of a teaspoonful of salt in it," I instruct solemnly. "This will re-create the conditions of the Swedish ocean. So the fish will unfreeze, and within eight minutes you will feel it, swimming around in your tummy."

Hours from now, of course, this legend of salt water and sugar will have the small girl with the big eyes bouncing off the walls and running to the bathroom. I will be back in New York City, constructing stories that are a great deal more conventionally true.

But right now we are having a moment -- the kind of moment that can, perhaps, be had only by those who have exactly our relationship with each other. For the small girl is my niece, and I am her aunt. Her childless, maiden aunt.

In 19th-century literature, maiden aunts were often portrayed as gray, dank, sensibly shod figures. They were creatures to be pitied -- greatly or slightly, depending on the poignancy of their long-dead chances for happiness and the plainness of their looks, but pitied in any event.
Thank God that's over. Today's old maid has salary and style to burn. And she is an increasingly rare commodity: We live in an age when all sorts of people previously denied parenthood -- single women, older couples, gay men, and lesbians -- have become increasingly able and eager to conceive or adopt their own children.

The result is a heightened demand for and declining supply of devoted babysitters and pinch hitters. That is to say, people who really love kids -- not in the gauzy children-are-our-future way, but in the real down-on-all-fours, oh-what's-a-little-Smucker's-on-my-cashmere way -- yet, for one reason or another, don't have them.

As a maiden aunt to eight nieces and seven nephews, ranging in age from 2 to 22, I am not to be pitied. I am to be worshiped.

Who knows? God could give in to my mother. I could still turn out to be a just-under-the-deadline mom, and if so, I'll see you at Gymboree. In the meantime, though, I shall aunt. I mean that as a verb, because it's active. I shall aunt not by default, but with aplomb.

Theoretically, of course, aunting is all about giving. And I do try to give my brothers' children -- especially the girls -- any nuggets of wisdom I can, such as:

Never learn a skill you don't want to be stuck with.

When in doubt, go with the high heels, the tight skirt, and the bright red lipstick (you know you want to).

Lying and cheating are sins. A hot fudge sundae is not.

Shrinking violets die virgins. (Note to moms and dads: This is not a reference to sex, protosex, or even dating, but a snappy way of saying that those who are afraid to admit and pursue what they want condemn themselves to never, ever getting it.)

Most of the time, however, aunting is much more about taking.

When the children in question are very young, aunting broadens my social life as nothing else can. None of my friends has a healthy relationship with anyone imaginary.
I, on the other hand, have shared all my apartments with a finicky, illusory British boa constrictor by the name of Cornelius. I named him after my nephew Neil, a connoisseur of all creatures scaly and crawly. He -- the boa, not the boy -- subsists entirely on peanut butter and marmalade sandwiches, bears a skin of fluorescent puce that makes him a very convenient night-light, and for sheer entertainment value, far outstrips the average real-life dog, cat, or hamster.

When the children in question get a bit older, aunting supplies great nourishment for the ego. You would be shocked, in fact, at the mileage I have gotten out of a few magazine bylines and occasional talking-head appearances on cable news channels.

"Are you rich?" asked my niece Mary Jane out of the blue when she was about 8.

Quick cost-benefit analysis: Did I want to enhance her delusions of my grandeur or avoid being begged to buy her a yacht?

"No," I said.

What came next was not a question.

"Well, you're really famous."

That's right: Madonna, the late Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, Tiger Woods, and me. Really famous.

When the children cease to be children, aunting, like parenting, offers something that is more like a jolt of reality, and that therefore can feel more good-for-you than simply good.
Last year, when my nephew Edward picked me up from an airport in his recently purchased SUV, it struck me that I have never owned a vehicle or a home or...well, anything, really. You do not feel old until someone you used to push in a twin stroller has more equity than you do. Alas, it is usually long before they learn to drive that they become more likely to correct my French than to ask my opinion, or to wonder why I don't own my own place than to marvel at the fact that I get to rent my own place.

If this is the strangest sensation that aunting provides, it is also the sweetest. For it reminds me that I have been privileged to see all these children up close as they came into the world, and all through their growing up in it. And yet I have never felt obliged to grow up myself.

I have always been a single working woman, and I embody every cliché of domestic underdevelopment that status can possibly imply. I spend all my money on things like Spanish-language cassettes, Champagne by the glass, and pink mesh trenchcoats. On one last-minute impulse, I went to Australia for the weekend; on another I went to South Africa for nearly three months. I have never sewn a button, hung a curtain, or touched a glue gun. I use my kitchen cabinets as bookshelves.

I am, in short, a very old undergraduate, with less idealism and (slightly) more money.
But I am also an aunt, and that means there are many other things I have never experienced: I have never had that hollow, workaholic feeling that I have nothing to come home to but a Lean Cuisine and a plant.

At my house, there is likely to be at least one urgent personal message on the answering machine. "Hello, Tish? It's me, Kerry." (She is 6, going on 42.) "You have to come to my birthday party."

I've also never stuck with a dead relationship for fear that if I didn't, my old age would be a matter of splitting tuna dinners with the cat. (Clearly, my twilight years will involve being treated to sumptuous, lively repasts, once all my little darlings have become wage earners.)
I have never covered a political campaign or traveled to an exotic land that didn't later come in handy for somebody's show-and-tell. I have never encountered a stay-at-home mom at a cocktail party and felt that we had absolutely nothing to say to each other. And in all of my 33 years, I have never had a Christmas without Santa, an Easter without an egg hunt, a Halloween without an invitation to at least one haunted house. I have often lost my mind, but never my imagination.

You would think that all this aunting would sharpen my eagerness to have my own children. If anything, though, it has only deepened my sense of relaxation about that whole issue.

This is in part because even the least active form of aunting cannot help but serve as a flashing neon sign spotlighting the difficulty of actual parenting. There are nonparents who have not spent any time with children since they last babysat in 1980, and then there are nonparents like me, who have fresh memories of reading the same story 12 times in one night and watching the same video over and over again. I have seen my nieces reenact the long forgotten winter-bitter fights between me and my sister, over who took what from whose closet. I have heard their small, cold voices say, "I hate you." (Not to me, of course. They love me.)

I am also relatively unworried about my own chances of becoming a parent, because although aunting will never give me anything like the full course of motherhood, it does give me a wonderful, powerful -- and possibly sufficient -- taste of it. While I will never be the children's mother, I will always be their family, with all the history, complexity, and fidelity that entails. I couldn't drop them like a yoga class, a book club, or a waning friendship, even if I wanted to. I have known them forever, and they have known me.

That's it, really: We just know each other and know, as one so rarely can these days, that we will always know each other.

Plus, they are among the most interesting people I know.

The other day I came across my 11-year-old niece, Fiona, as she emerged, looking zippily reptilian in her pink bathing suit and purple goggles, from a swimming pool.

"Hey, Fiona Bologna, what's big and exciting?" I called out to her.

For some reason, that's how I always greet people. And the answers are usually what you would expect:

"Nothing."

"Not much."

"Same old, same old."

My gal, however, replied without a thought, or any particular drama: "My oriental fire-belly frogs."

Now, that's an answer.

Misc.

2010-03-06T10:18:00.002-05:00

Well, we are through February! Yeah! I have to admit, I know it's not a good way to do life, but since January started I have put my head down and tried to power through to spring. I decided to try and work out every night it was possible after work and just get by. I went to work, worked out, ran a few errands if necessary and made it home, usually late and tired, sleep, start over. While that doesn't sound like the funnest way to live, it was what I needed at the time. If I had looked up from my task list to see how long until I'd be warm outside, I would have gotten depressed and February depression sucks!

I made it! I made great strides in what I can do in a half an hour at the gym too. My workout was kicked up a notch by the routine. I can handle 20 minutes on the stair climber, which used to be only five. I can do the elliptical machine for a half an hour without crying. I have a love affair with my iPod, so I have hardly noticed the ice, cold, and darkness!

Now, I feel pretty dang good about spring being right around the corner, and I feel like working out is needed instead of dreading it!

Other items:

Collin and I are back swimming on Wednesdays. "Aunt Kelly (pronounced K-E) swim" and "Aunt K-E, bubbles" (for hot tub) are some of my favorite things to hear.

My mom comes home soon. Her and Tom went to Texas again for warmth.

We have to do a lottery at work. We had more kids apply for next year is most grades than seats available. Yeah us! Too bad a lottery scares me because we have never done one! I am a little frightened. Oh well, once the lottery is over it will be time for my NYC trip! Yeah, no sleep til Alli and Liv's house!

Good books: Is Anybody out there? Marian Keyes, another Walsh sister book, this one is Anna who lives in NYC. She might be my favorite sister. Duma Key, Stephen King, good scary story.

Good movies: The Jane Austen Book Club, never thought I'd say this, but way better than the book. There Will Be Blood, Daniel Day Lewis was amazing in this movie that was too long and quiet for me, until the last 20 minutes! Then I was blown away by the intensity. I still cringe to think what might happen if I was asked to do what he asks of his nemesis in the movie. He really knows how to become a freaky character. I loved him in Gangs of New York, even though he was a creep there too. Lost in Austen was pretty good too. Even though the ending irritated me, Darcy ends up with Elizabeth. Not some customer service bank teller from the future. Please.

Good dinner: Matt may have made his best ribs ever at the Daytona 500 party. They were delicious and we made old school french fries. It was great!

Gotta motor... getting a facial at the High Maintenance Spa today. I am spending a little income tax refund. I figured I'd do two things, get a necessity (glasses, which were not as much as I thought they would be because my insurance is even better than last year) and get a fun item (facial). I thought I'd save the rest for a rainy day, but now that I have a toothache and appointment on Tuesday, looks like I will be paying for a root canal! SUCKS!

New favorite

2010-02-25T21:56:00.002-05:00

Normally, I am not too worried about lotion. My skin is still so oily that often, even in the winter I don't need to use lotion everyday. Now that I am getting older, this is changing. Not only do I need lotion everyday, I can't take lotion with dyes or perfumes. I used to love Victoria Secret lotion or Bath and Body Shop smelly lotions. Now all I want is Aveeno. My skin feels too icky with anything else. I love this stuff. The thought of anything else makes me feel greasy! I used to have lotions lined up on the counter and now it's a lonely bottle of Aveeno. I wonder if I can get a gallon jug somewhere?

Answers

2010-02-23T20:20:00.002-05:00

So, a few days ago, I asked some questions in my blog. Things that I had been pondering about. Today in My Utmost for His Highest, I found some answers.

These things are taken from most of Paul's letters from the New Testament. Paul is kind of a New Testament hero of mine, he did have the original Prison Break. I wonder if he looked anything like Wentworth Miller?

"Paul's' idea of service was to pour his life out to the last drop for others. And whether he received praise or blame made no difference."

"But the chief motivation behind Paul's service was not love for others but love for his Lord. If our devotion is to the cause of humanity, we will be quickly defeated and broken hearted, since we will often be confronted with a great deal of ingratitude from other people. But if we are motivated by our love for God, no amount of ingratitude will be able to hinder us from serving one another."

My chief motivation is often satisfying myself or looking good in front of others. I think that is why my outcome is way different than the joy and peace I am looking for.

I am old.

2010-02-19T07:02:00.002-05:00

Old old old old.

I am going to start having to hang out at the 4 Star Restaurant around 3:30 for the $5.99 dinner special. I can't even argue with myself about this one. I can't talk myself out of it. I am old.

I was shopping at Meijer yesterday after I went to the gym. I got behind a mother and daughter team shopping. The daughter must have been at some sort of practice because she was wearing shorts. She had on her winter coat and shorts. Short shorts, that were very cute, pink with white piping, but they were almost booty shorts. Her bum was barely covered. Cute for cheerleading practice, but at a store full of people dressed for winter, she stood out. Then I noticed a disturbing trend. The men in the store were checking her out. I saw a few men, who probably could have had daughters her age, watching her everywhere she went. Even men shopping with their families. That was when I aged. The moment I thought, "her mom should have made her put some pants on".

That point on, I was walking around the store, sounding like Hank Hill, thinking "for God's sake, put some pants on".

And believe me, I was trying to be reasonable with myself saying things like "she should be able to wear what she wants without worrying about men leering" but she is too young to know that. In my mind, her mom should have made her wear something more. And I can't talk myself out of it. So I am old. Old old old.

Pondering, without the Poi Dog

2010-02-17T21:25:00.002-05:00

You may wonder, where I have been? You may be thinking, gosh it's been a while since my favorite blogger has posted. What is so exciting that she can't even be bothered to update us? Well, nothing really, just busy busy days and then cold and tired nights. Still working, working out and coming home. That explains most of my days. With a few trips to Meijer in between. My President's Day break was a welcome few days but they went by way too fast. I didn't sleep enough under a heating blanket, so I wasn't happy. Especially since now, I am having trouble falling asleep at bedtime, although I am almost sleeping through any tv show on from 7-8, not sure what that is about, but whatever.

I have had heavy weights in my mind lately. Questions that may not have answers and I am not talking about LOST, although it definitely applies to that mess in my head as well! Maybe you can help me sort out my load?

What if I had been on that flight? Would I be a welcome resident of New Otherton? or killed by the MIB/SmokeMonster? (Just kidding!)

If someone in your life breaks something of yours that is expensive and then doesn't offer to replace it and appears to forget that they are responsible for the breaking, can you bring it up? Or do you have to let it go because relationships are worth more than items? Even though it may cost a few hundred to replace the item?

How does Richard keep that eyeliner on in the tropics? kidding again, although a valid question, I can't even keep mine from smudging in Michigan and that isn't tropical at all

How do you deal with people constantly watching out for moments of weakness? You may do something right in their eyes 99 out of 100 times, but watch that one time you slip because they will roast you over the coals and damage your reputation as soon as they can.

Can you worry about your reputation? Really, it's all in how others see you, so shouldn't you just do what allows you to sleep at night and keeps your conscious clear?

Did Kwame really think his wife's plastic surgery was worth more than a possible second trip to jail? Or was his wife saying "I'm getting this done instead of paying restitution, he can rot in Detroit while I am sporting my new _______ in Texas"? I am still not sure what the procedure was, but I know it was money he could have used to pay back Detroit.

My last thought isn't a question at all. It's a statement. I can not believe how long I have been working out without an iPod. Seriously people, I realize I am 10 years behind everyone, but these things are the greatest invention ever. I walked a half mile more than usual at the gym yesterday because I was jamming with Green Day. I couldn' t help but kick it up a notch I had to keep up with the music. Any suggestion songs that help you kick a$$ and take names later?

I have a cold

2010-02-02T18:12:00.000-05:00

even tubby time isn't as fun.

I am still L O S T

2010-01-30T21:28:00.003-05:00

Well, I have successfully caught up on all five seasons of LOST. Thanks to Netflix and being able to watch instantly on my computer. Also thanks to a cold that has slowed me down the last few days! Before you believe that I have sat and watched nothing but LOST, that isn't true. Netflix is awesome and very easy to fastforward through scenes I have seen a million times. The only episodes I actually watched through were the last few and anything having to do with my favorite characters.

I realize that the last few weeks of watching LOST will do nothing for me when the final season starts on Tuesday night. It will not help me be able to figure out what this show is about at all. But it did remind me of a few things I have forgotten about at the end of last season.

I realize that this show can never give me an answer I will be happy with and feel like I learned something, but folks, that is not why I watch TV. TV needs to be entertaining. And LOST has entertained on almost every episode (except maybe the Exposed episode with those two fools I cared nothing about). Maybe it won't wrap up every thread to my contentedness.... but I did love watching!

Favorite character is definitely Desmond. He's half nuts and I love it brutha. I also love Hurley, Myles, Sawyer (although, I don't care about the love triangle, I think he should go home to Cassidy) and Jin. I do hope that the Good Jacob vs Evil whoever he was is resolved. I liked Jacob, but I wonder why he let Nadia get hit by the car when he seemed to help everyone else? Or was he leading them to the island? I would like to know who Jack's dad really is. Desmond seems to be a big part of things, even his monk leader had a pic on his desk with Daniel Farraday's mum. Plus, the monk leader also played someone else, I just can't remember who it was right now.

I can't wait to see how it will play out. I did scope out the first four minutes online, but that wasn't anything exciting. Plus, I love the TMZ guys recaps! Let the final season begin!

How I spent my weekend.

2010-01-25T18:40:00.001-05:00

I spent my weekend hating the Nazis. I know, Tracy reminded me that we aren't supposed to hate, but I get kind of fired up whenever I read about Nazi Germany. I know this isn't the only episode in humans history that is terrible and disgusting. It's just the one I am most confused by.

If you decided to watch these two movies in one weekend, might I suggest you reverse the order that I watched them in. The revenge film would have been better second. Not first. Get good and fired up and then watch the revenge film.

Saturday night Tito and I watched my first Netflix movie. Inglorious Basterds. I liked it, I liked it a lot! I expected to be grossed out watching, after all it is a Tarintino film, but I didn't mind it. Even though Tito even visibly cringed a few times, I still enjoyed the movie. Over the blood and machine gun fire, the acting was great. Brad Pitt was awesome and I was smiling or laughing every time he was on the screen. The lesser known actors and actresses were also incredible. I can see why this Christopher guy is winning all the awards so far. He was great in his terrible terrible role. I tried to overcome the violence in the movie by remembering that these guys were avenging 6 million Jewish lives. When I did that, the few scenes that made me cringe were not so bad.

Sunday I watched The Boy in The Striped Pajamas. Normally, I would have read the book first, I know our 6th grade class has it, but I didn't know a movie was out already. I found out that through netflix I can watch movies instantly on my computer so I decided to watch this movie. This was an upsetting movie although it had great scenery, beautiful set and costumes. The acting was incredible too. The story is so heartbreaking. I hate to think about the choices that were made at that time and in that place. I can't get this movie out of my head or the emotions that go along with the story. I am mad at you Julie, for telling me about it. Yet, I am very glad that I watched it.

I love Enzo.

2010-01-21T18:01:00.003-05:00

How do I even begin? This book is so good, when I finished it I was weeping tears of happiness and joy that I was allowed to spend time with this story. I was giggling and crying at the same time. If I tried to describe this book (a dog tells the story) you would probably say I was crazy. Maybe I am, but this is a great story. Enzo is a smart, loving and loyal dog. And he handles life better than most humans. Way better, I learned a thing or 876 things from him.

I hope you read this book. I really do.

Movie Night

2010-01-18T09:33:00.002-05:00

Watching the awards show last night, I always do the same thing... say to myself, "I sure would like to see more movies". Then nothing happens, I am not going to go to the movies. Let's face it. It's too much money, unless I am splurging on my favorite kiddies, it seems ridiculous to pay that much money for a few hours entertainment, I mean, $10 could feed a family! There are movies that I really want to see, but never do, like The Lovely Bones. I would love to see what they did to one of my favorite books, but it probably won't happen. Even if I had the money available, what are the chances that I'd have time to go to the movies. I thought about going on Saturday afternoon, but by the time I was done catching up on laundry, I realized, why leave the house in this cold if I don't have to?

So, instead, I am taking advantage of a netflix offer and giving that a try. Problem is, I can't remember all those movies I thought I wanted to watch. Once I put a few in my list, I drew a blank. Any suggestions people? How about TV series? Anything?

Flippie floppies

2010-01-15T21:11:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I am a little late to join the fun. Yeah, there are bleeped out swearwords.... but dang, no wonder everyone at works sings this over and over again. It's my new favorite song. I'm on a Boat.

Just because

2010-01-12T19:55:00.002-05:00

Gggrrr... I hate

2010-01-10T21:35:00.002-05:00

being a grown up.

I had to make a tough decision this week. While I know I made the correct one, it still is a party downer.

I decided I could not afford to make the Vegas trip and New York City trip happen. Not in the first few months of the year. Maybe if they were spread out more, but that is not how my vacations fall. So I decided I would rather focus my time and energy (yeah, if either of these two actually mattered in this equation) but most importantly my finances to the New York trip. I would hate to go to Vegas and shortchange my trip to New York. I don't believe my savings would have covered both, so I know I made the smart decision. I would also hate to be in Vegas and feel like I had to save money, that doesn't sound fun at all. And no, I have no fantasies that I would win money in Vegas.

Now my major question is to fly or take the train. I would love to do the drive again. I did it once before and enjoyed it, when Yve and I drove to Connecticut to see Best Friend. But my car can't take that kind of trip. Flying is an easy option, just pricier than the train. The train is my romantic idea, something I've always wanted to do. Like Meg Ryan in French Kiss, watching the country side fly by. Only instead of eating cheese and flirting with Kevin Kline, I would probably drink coffee and read... although if Kevin Kline is on the train to NYC... who knows?

So Kt has made other plans for a Vegas trip sans me. I know she is sad about it, even though she seems excited and can't stop talking about how much fun it will be, and how warm and how awesome to see The Lion King, when she knows the giraffe. Wait a minute, I don't think she cares at all????

Gift Review

2010-01-07T23:23:00.002-05:00

Santa bought me an Oral B Braun electric toothbrush. I've had electric toothbrushes before, but none as kick a$$ as this one. I love it! I love brushing and flossing my teeth anyway, I don't know why, but that is one of my favorite parts of the end of my night. This toothbrush has the option to use a full toothbrush head instead of the small tooth sized circle. I think that is a huge reason why I love it. It also has the 30 second warning so you know how long to brush the four segments of your teeth to get the whole 2 minutes in every time. My OCD loves that. A routine! How awesome!

I am a freak but my teeth are so very clean.

Book Reviews 1.10

2010-01-05T07:12:00.003-05:00

I read two awesome books on my Tennessee trip! Both of these books I immediately went back to the beginning and started re-reading.

I picked Marian Keyes up on purpose, I have read a few of her other books and loved them. She writes about Irish families, even a few books about some Walsh sisters. Most of her books seem like good light chick lit but she adds an issue that is a little more in depth than a regular fun read. One book was about rehab another about single motherhood. Anyway, This Charming Man was not a charming man at all! The way the book was written, I wasn't entirely sure who was doing what to whom! It's not until the end and you figure out the whole entire story that it hits you. So I had to go back and re-read sections because it was such a good story. Plus there is a little cross-dressing, politics, alcoholism, fashion and journalism tied together! I was a little annoyed that Lola, the stylist, was written diary style, it was okay for Bridget Jones, but for some reason, I grew more and more annoyed with her shorthand.

Me & Emma I picked up solely based on the title and picture on the front. I was not prepared for the storyline or the reveal at the end of the book. It was also a great story. I had to go to the beginning of this book for an entirely different reason!

Both stories deal with physical abuse, which is a little hard to read. I forced myself to read some passages and try to understand the intensity of a relationship being in an abusive situation. I don't understand though, I might be looking for a guy, but if someone pushes or punches me, I don't care about a relationship. I am out the door!

Tennessee Trip

2009-12-31T18:27:00.003-05:00

Blah, blah, blah... too tired for annual post about resolutions, weight loss, waking up early, paying bills on time... blah, blah, blah.

Had a fun time in Tennessee with the family. Lots of laughing. Lots of fun meals. Lots of sadness at end of trip.

Got to visit Gatlinberg again, have not been since middle school. Very pretty drive. Very cheesy shopping area. Had loads of fun walking through with cousins. Grandma took Izzy, Emily and Brooke to aquarium, I think because she was worried about the cold. They loved it.

Am slightly worried about carbon footprint of Pigeon Forge on the Smokey Mountains. Am also slightly worried about the intense amount of gaudy lights and colors in one area... so much natural beauty marred by huge buildings in shape of pirate ships and bright colors everywhere so much that my eyes hurt... and I've been to a NASCAR race. This was 100X worse. Like a 10 year old girls diary vomited everywhere.

Our condo in Crossville was great, everyone had a place to sleep. Granted, the decor was very early 80s retro, but still. It was nice with a view of the golf course and some crazy nuts golfing in the heatwave of 45 degrees.

Chick-fila, check! Yuengling purchase, check! No Waffle House visit, but still, tons of outlet shopping and some amazing Smokey Mountain homemade candies. Very fun indeed.

Have a safe night all!

Christmas is the Best!

2009-12-25T23:01:00.001-05:00

My favorite Christmas present for Collin, from Izzy.

So many people, so much food, too many presents, he didn't even know what to do, but he looked good doing it.

Next year, the fun will be even greater!!!!

Reprint of My Favorite Christmas Story

2009-12-24T11:13:00.000-05:00

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the scepticism of a sceptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Updates

2009-12-20T23:45:00.003-05:00

Okay, #1, we didn't flip the Detroit Princess. Even though a staff full of teachers doing the cupid shuffle almost could!

#2. Maybe God didn't answer her "feast in a village" prayer call on Survivor Thursday night, but Natalie did win a million dollars tonight. Maybe she was on to something?

#3. It's only my third night and I am already staying up way too late! I could get used to this, but it will make January 4th awfully hard to deal with.

I like Parties.

2009-12-19T15:47:00.003-05:00

So this is where I will be tonight. As Diva likes to warn us of her huge airplane fear. I also have a dark cold water fear. If our night was to end as the Poseidon Adventure does, know that I will not be a happy camper. I hope that if that does happen, I have enough time to drink myself into oblivion. Merry Christmas to my favorite co-workers!

Survivor

2009-12-18T09:12:00.002-05:00

I don't know how many of my blogging friends watch Survivor but I got a kick out of last night. I was slightly annoyed at Natalie last night. But I am a huge Mick and Brett fan so I did feel bad for them. As much as this Survivor season has been interesting, even better is the EW.com recap by Dalton Ross. I pulled out my favorite section of his recap:

"'Survivor: Samoa' recap: Heaven Help Her
Natalie seeks divine intervention at the reward challenge, while Russell gets even cockier at Tribal Council
By Dalton Ross

Done, yet? Great. Okay, now let's get to last night's episode. And I want to start with the reward challenge. Here's the set-up: Russell, Jaison, and Shambo are taking on Natalie, Mick, and Brett in a challenge where they are pulling strings out of a maze of other strings holding up coconuts. The team who causes the least amount of coconuts to fall wins a feast at a local village. Apparently, Natalie felt her team was a little outmatched, so she sought out a new alliance partner: the Big Fella Upstairs! She asked God to guide Brett's hands and told Mick not to worry about dropping 19 coconuts because "You have two Prayer Warriors on your team" — as if that guaranteed them victory.

Look, contrary to popular belief, I'm no heathen. I actually go to church every Sunday. I take my kids to Sunday school every week. And are you ready to have your socks completely knocked off? I sometimes even help teach Sunday School! (Poor kids, I know.) So this is by no means an anti-religion rant. I just think there should be limits on what sort of things you can bug the Big Guy in the Sky about. Food for the homeless? Check. Extra whipped cream on your ice cream sundae? Not so fast. Clothing for the needy? You betcha. A Gucci mink coat? Sorry, that's a no go (on so many levels). Shelter for the destitute? You're in! A mansion with a swimming pool shaped like the character Dig Dug from the 1980s hit arcade game Dig Dug? Pass (even as cool as that sounds).

But nothing cracks me up more than when athletes insinuate that God has a rooting interest in a sporting event. Dude, this is God we're talking about? Do you think he's chillaxing in his La-Z Boy recliner with his face painted, a six-pack of Bud, and an oversized foam #1 finger? Sorry to break it to you, but the Man has BIGGER FISH TO FRY! So let's get back to the challenge. If I'm God — and let's all count our blessings right here and right now that I am not — and Natalie starts putting out the prayers to me in this instance, here's exactly how I'm responding: "Are you freakin' kidding me? All the things I have to deal with — disease, famine, genocide, MTV's Jersey Shore — and you're bugging me with this? I mean, it's not even an immunity challenge, for crying out loud! If you were playing for immunity maybe, just maybe, I could understand you asking me to deliver you up a little' somethin-somethin. But a reward challenge? C'mon, now. And just for that, I'm going to cause you to drop 58 coconuts on your next pull. That's right, you heard me! And not only that, but because you hit me on my lunch break, I'm also gonna send Shambo another one of those clairvoyant dreams I have so much fun with and give her the exact number that Jaison is gonna drop. Heck, I may even cause Jeff Probst to inadvertently start breakdancing just to rub it in! I haven't decided yet. But bother me with more of this trivial stuff and you can be sure I will. Oh, and P.S.: Tell everyone you know to take the Saints this weekend against the Cowboys. I love that Drew Brees. What moxie on that guy!""

My brother hates when athletes win and go on and on about thanking God and it used to bug me when he would complain about that, because I understand wanting to praise God when things go well for you. Yet, there is always someone on the losing team who believes and prays just as diligently and has prepared just as much for the big game. And from someone watching the game, who doesn't understand praise and worship, it looks like you are crapping on the losers. It just does. And I know to an athlete the superbowl game may be the ultimate day for you, it does pale in terms of genocide, murder, sexual crimes against children, hunger, greed starvation....

So Natalie, I understand your prayer warrier idea in Survivor.... I must agree with Dalton and state that coconut prayers do sort of pale in comparison.

My Soapbox

2009-12-17T13:07:00.002-05:00

My blog isn't my only soapbox I stand on. I also have a good friend and soapbox partner that I work with every day, this morning one of the Dean's at school overheard our world peace plea and decided to poke a little fun at us in an e-mail:

Inspired by front office talk of world peace and socialism:

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that Shelly and Kelly are dreamers
But they’re not the only ones They hope someday you'll join them
The day in the office must be very long.

OMG... get the kleenex.

2009-12-07T20:34:00.003-05:00

I don't like Channel 955. I am too old. I especially can't stand Mojo in the morning. But this morning, they suprised a family I know, two twin girls in 5th grade at my school. It was incredible. Our family liason is awesome!

My buddy.

2009-12-04T07:17:00.002-05:00

Last night when M&T were putting my buddy to bed they said "Aunt Kelly is coming over tomorrow". He went out from his bedroom saying "Aunt Kelly Aunt Kelly Aunt Kelly" over and over again and crying that I wasn't there. So the kid doesn't know what tomorrow means yet... he knows who is Aunt Kelly is and missed me!

I will be helping them move into their new 4 bedroom, 2 car garage, swimming pool and patio house in Marysville this weekend!

My buddy will be a few minutes away from me and his "Izzy" which is pronounced "hizzzzyyy'. He takes all her toys away from her, but as soon as she is smart enough, she will be fighting back.

AAAAAAAahhhhhhhhhhhhh.....

2009-11-29T12:16:00.002-05:00

I walked into Aunt Sharon and Uncle Tim's house Wednesday afternoon and haven't left until today. The world seems bright and cold to me! I am a lot out of sorts and will be trying to catch up today as back to reality (for only 3 weeks!) hits. I was surrounded by warmth, comfort, family, southern accents, Alabama fans, turkey smells, delicious dinners and leftovers, pecan pie from Georgia with love, Brooklyn stories, girl drama, Izzy's baby smell, Collin's boy playing, Christmas presents and joy, big family breakfasts, coffee, cozy clothes, surprise party preparation and culmination!, Timm moments, margaritas and sangria, good appetizers for dinner, sleep, snoring, fighting over the toys, hours of SuperMario brothers playing and most important, peace love and happiness. What a great holiday.

Kelly girls are back in Georgia or on the road to Brooklyn. Collin is napping in the other room. Matt and Tracy are painting their new house in Marysville. Izzy is unfortunately at Urgent Care with a fever and cough. I am going to take a shower and hope Collin sleeps for a while, so I can catch up on chores around the house.

Life is good.

Boring (insert Homer Simpson voice here)

2009-11-22T19:14:00.002-05:00

I am not a sports blogger. I do like some sports, but I am not even close to an expert. If I start talking about sports, you should just tell me to shut up, because I have no clue. But I do know one thing... I like racing. For most of the year, racing is very exciting to watch. Daytona is a great race in February. Going to a race is incredibly fun. Seeing the action up close and smelling the rubber on the track in the sun is an experience. Even up to the last 10 races of the season is exciting. But then the last ten races come and the excitement fades race by race. Like I said, I don't know much about sports, but I know that is no way to end a season.

This fall, going into baseball playoffs, I watched a Tigers/Twins game that had me out of my seat, pacing the floor. And that was going into the playoffs. Hockey playoff's last year came down to game seven. The Superbowl is a huge international spectacle. Even college basketball has everyone interested, even if it is just to follow their brackets.

Nascar's final races are so boring. Slowly mathematically eliminating contenders so that the few left know exactly how they need to finish to win is not very exciting from this fans perspective. Today was the same as it had been the last few years, if the earth opened up and swallowed every other driver, Jimmie Johnson may have lost, but it didn't so he won, again, and again, and again and again. He does have a good team and a great crew chief, but up to the chase starting he wasn't as competitive as some other drivers. His team has mastered how to get the most points during the chase, so they win, but that isn't the most exciting way to end a season.

I certainly don't have the answer to how to be more exciting. I am just saying, I think it's boring. A few races ago, I was already looking past this season to Daytona and the excitement that is involved there. I never though I'd say this, but I am glad it's over. I am happy for a break! So sad.

My buddy.

2009-11-18T21:05:00.002-05:00

S N O W D A Y !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-17T16:43:00.002-05:00

Not really, but it is a few days off, where I get paid and don't need to take a vacation day.

Our regular attendance at school averages way above 95% normally. We slowly began to dip the last few weeks. No one in a school wants to get below 75% because then that school day does not count as an instructional day. We are happy with the dip because most parents are paying attention to the H1N1 nonsense that is gripping the nation and not sending kids to school with fevers and coughs... what a novel idea, but we see a lot of kids that are sick and at school, for whatever reason. I am not judging if you can't pay for daycare, but it is not fair to the kids who will get sick after your kids cough over everything.

So this week we dipped into the 80's percent wise and unfortunately, our staff started getting sick as well. We now have a few days off to hopefully kill all the germs living in our school furniture and touch points. And for our staff to catch up on rest and stay healthy! I am relieved myself, sitting in the office was more like an infirmary every day last week. Granted, kids were faking, some have read into their parents H1N1 mania claim all types of symptoms. Either way, I would just let them call home. The usual suspects didn't even get the eye roll and "did anyone see you throw up?". Just dialed for them.

I do hope we don't have to use too many snow days for this illness, I am looking forward to the 3 am phone call telling me to stay in bed as a snow storm blankets the area!

I am ready

2009-11-13T11:20:00.002-05:00

bring on St Patrick's Day! I am ready to celebrate with my cousin Izzy on her birthday.

Real, live Community

2009-11-09T19:40:00.002-05:00

Well, those of you who know me well, know that I have been searching for a church home since I moved back to M-ville. I hate to admit it, but I have yet to find a place to call home. I've been all over, but the feeling of "ahhh... this is it, this is home" hasn't hit me yet. I felt it for a while at my mom's church, but then the interim pastors left and took that feeling with them. I have been to two other churches as well, but that feeling hasn't struck me yet. I have such a strong desire to feel a connection of community with a church family here! I have been worrying and wondering if it would ever happen to me, if I'd ever feel as home as I did at Oak Pointe Church. The strange thing is, that all the time I've been searching for this feeling of community, it's been close enough to touch.

As strange as it may sound, my workplace has it. The sense of love and connectedness I've been seeking has been developed right at work, a place I spend 8 hours at a day, as opposed to one hour on a Sunday.

This summer, my principal hired a Family Liaison for our school. Her job is to be a go between for the parents and our school. I pictured her as the person who would listen to the parents complain about after school programs. But she has taken a whole different level to her job. So far this year we have: made pink ribbons for the many women at our school affected with breast cancer, we are making these women meals as they go through chemo, we have raised money for a family in our very school that needed a handicap ramp built on their condo and did not have enough money to do so, we are collecting food and money for Thanksgiving dinners for students in our school. We have sent cards to kids sick at home. We have bought uniforms for families who can't afford them. We have parents active in carpooling that have otherwise been walking because of a lack of transportation. We have built a community at our school that cares for those in need. We are going to build up a base of food for parents who fall behind on kids lunch accounts. All the while, remaining a elementary/middle school. Plus, we are teaching the next generation that kindness and looking out for your neighbors are important.

I am still looking for a place to call home on Sunday's (and more). I would love to find a church that follows the community based living my school has found. I realize I need to open my eyes more and do some active searching. But I can't be blind to the blessing of my school's spirit of community. It's an amazing thing to see in action!

Captain Trips

2009-11-04T19:58:00.002-05:00

Things fall apart, the center will not hold.

Okay, I'm being a little dramatic, or I have read The Stand too often.... yeah, I should read that again, it's been a few years.

I've become an expert. An H1N1 expert. Somehow, at school, I have become the go between with our corporate office, the county and my students and staff. I don't know how or why, but that is what I have become. I am not sure I am the right person, it seems like people are either obsessively worried about every detail or not the least bit concerned. While I am concerned about the health of my school and my loved ones, I can't say I've been too worried. I am almost to the point of, okay, let's get it already and get it over with.

What I do know and am not surprised at, is that no one really seems to know what is going on. Doctors are saying conflicting things to a lot of our parents. It's hard to know if a student actually has H1N1 because of the wording and phrases the doctors are giving out to parents. If I was a parent with a sick child, I would be very upset. Some doctors are testing and some are saying no testing is necessary. The county wanted us to inoculate all our kids and then cancelled because no shots are available.

The nice thing that I have learned is that my school does want even staff to stay home with an illness. A lot of places I have worked would not be so willing to be short staffed, but my boss is making plans to have subs and has given permission to employees who do feel ill. That is a nice feeling!

The best advice I have seen anywhere is that a high temperature (over 100) with aches probably is the H1N1 strain of flu. The throwing up vs respiratory issues have been different by person, but the temperature has been the same. Most people say it hits fast too. I can usually feel my usual sinus troubles coming on for days with breathing issues or aches in my body, but the H1N1 hits fast and furious.

I hope no one I know and love gets this illness but I don't believe that will be true. I think we all will at some level. Stay home and have a good book on hand, just in case! Also, red Faygo pop. For some reason, I love that with saltines when I have the flu!

Happy Birthday Gram!

2009-10-25T21:27:00.003-04:00

It has been a long and fun weekend. Cards, Gram's birthday and all the Kelly's that live in Michigan were over, cider mill, more cards, kids naps, racing, dinner and a little shopping. What a wonderful weekend.

Treat! Treat!

2009-10-21T21:11:00.002-04:00

Not quite the same

2009-10-21T09:51:00.002-04:00

Charles Pugh on how he can relate to what Detroiters are going through:

"I'm currently going through what thousands of Detroiters are experiencing. My home is now in foreclosure. This is something I've been working for months to avoid, but, unfortunately, was not able to. Because it is a conflict of interest for a broadcast journalist to run for office, I had to leave both my careers. I tried on multiple occasions to have the mortgage modified, but because I wasn't able to guarantee a steady income, I was not allowed to. I am currently working to determine the options available to me that will allow me to stay in my home. I am not proud of this development but, like many families here in Detroit, I will get through this. I do not regret my decision to run for Detroit City Council, although it has required a great personal sacrifice. I'm committed to Detroiters and the future of our city."

Not quite the same Charles, you GAVE UP two jobs to pursue a career in politics. You weren't downsized, outsourced, outbid or under or over educated. You gave up two careers. Just walked away. Not the same as what most people in Detroit, Michigan or the United States are experiencing.

Thank you Aunt Char & Uncle Timm

2009-10-15T16:53:00.001-04:00

I still fit into my warm and cozy jacket and hat! Lucky for me, because I LOVE OUTSIDE!

My Mom Would Never Have Driven My Getaway Car

2009-10-09T13:25:00.000-04:00

Teen Arrested, Mother Questioned Following Shooting

A 15-year-old has been arrested after allegedly shooting another teenager on the city's east side yesterday afternoon. According to police, the shooter's mother had dropped him off at the Considine Center, near Holbrook and Woodward, when he got into a confrontation with several other teenagers there. Investigators say the teen returned to his mother's van, retrieved a handgun and began firing shots into the crowd, striking a 19-year-old Highland Park man in the head. The 19-year-old was taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. No other injuries were reported.The 15-year-old's mother was being questioned by police.

I'm comfortable enough

2009-10-04T23:09:00.006-04:00

with my studliness to be seen driving a pink convertible. I know it's supposed to be Izzy's, I just want to test drive it for her.

Captivating

2009-09-30T21:05:00.004-04:00

My used to be every Monday night bible study, that went to every other Monday that now is going to every few months is turning into a book club. We will read books and then get together every few months to discuss. While I miss these girls so much, life is too much to meet like we used to. There have been marriages, babies and then I moved out of town. So this weekend we are getting together in the Canadian Lakes at Sonya's parents for a great girls weekend and book review, oh and Sonya's pancakes!

I have read Captivating by John and Staci Eldridge before and did enjoy the book. Now that I am reading it with a more critical eye I am seeing some things stand out. I can't wait to see what the others are noticing about the ideas. The book was written as an answer to Wild At Heart, which was a wildly successful (in the Christian book-realm) with men. It broke down why men are the way they are.... I didn't read the book, but I imagine there were a lot of quotes from Braveheart! So Captivating was a chance for the women to get into the action. I don't agree with everything in the book, but I did connect with a lot.

The basic premise is that women have a longing for three things: to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to unveil beauty. I agree with that. We all want to fall in love. Most of us love a good movie or book where the storyline takes us on an adventure and outside of our lives. We all want to look good. No contradictions there, in my own mind anyway.

I was reading about how the authors believe that even as young girls, we love to twirl in skirts and pretty sparkly clothes. I don't remember that, I don't know if I did that. I do know that my nieces loved it, a few more than others. I remember wanting to wear my roller disco leotard with the sateen skirt around the house and my mom didn't want me to! That might count! The authors suggest that we still have that heart in us, to be twirling and pretty and the center of someone's attention. I don't disagree with that. I just wonder if it's possible?

We all probably start with that heart as baby girls. Then in the immortal words of Sugarland "shhh..... it happens!" Words, action, abandonment, divorce, violence and even our own bad decisions happen and we lose that tender hearted girl when we have to mature in this world. Is it possible to even feel that way again? As I was reading this book on my lunch break, I had a coffee spill on my left boob and chicken noodle soup from Panera spilled on my pants! I felt a lot less than captivating. I certainly wasn't unveiling beauty in my clothing! I have to question myself, if I can ever connect with that little girl who was so precious. I think I am too far gone to ever be back there again. Is that sad or just real life?

Make a Difference!

2009-09-25T09:04:00.002-04:00

I was forwarded a very cool way to help out kids! If you want to make a difference in a tangible way for high poverty school kids then think about this.