Unfussy

Journals closing Oct. 30

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:18:45 GMT

We're Closing Our Doors 09-30-2008

Dear AOL Hometown and Journal's users,

Soon you will be receiving an e-mail providing additional information about Hometown/FTP and Journals. Both of these experiences are closing their doors. Please bookmark the The People Connection Blog to receive more specific information in the coming days.

Thank you for your cooperation,

The AOL Team

First thing this morning I find this on the Journals page. They are going to close our journals down. What the hell??? I'm so mad and I am going to try and figure out more. But once the "powers that be" make their stupid decisions without considering how many people LOVE JLand, there is no going back.

So as my buddy Rosemary says from Inspiration, I'm going to try and do this the best I can. Here is the address of my journal over at Blogger: http://unfussy.blogspot.com/ There is no entries in it yet or real pictures or anything. I will work on it. Today is the last day of the Fab Shop Hop and I only have until 9 PM to get all my Internet visits in.

Enjoy the day, even though this sad news sucks.

Tags: AOL journals closing, Blogger

Paul Newman Picture Dedication

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:04:29 GMT

I was so sad to hear of the passing of Paul Newman, quite sad. I instantly starting going through my pictures of him and finding a few new ones. This was and is by far one of my favorite actors and men to ever grace this earth.

You rest in peace.

I'm so relieved to know that his lovely wife, another of my all time favorite actors, is surrounded by family and friends. I hope everyone enjoys the little scrapbook of pictures I've put together below :)

Fall is coming.......

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:30:20 GMT

Happy, happy Saturday to you all! :) Today I'v certainly had time to sit down and type out an entry, in between my "chores". But you know me: always getting sidetracked! At least when I get sidetracked, it's usually a good thing. I'm either researching something I just heard on CNN, MSNBC, DISC, Planet Green, CSPAN channels and their live coverages and ect. Or I have to pick up and start reading one of the 2 books I'm reading or it's time to fill out a couple of applications---so far useless. I've also been working my modules for my Red Cross training (my start to volunteering for hopefully disaster and Habitat for Humanity). All this is done in between giving 110% truing to get back to work: find a job! And trust me, I'm not being picky...LOL. I'm also trying my damdest to not sit around feeling sorry for myself about getting layed off and/or my "home" life. Everyday I get up and try to make the best of everyday. They're are days I will admit that I'm not successful. And on those days I just want to a cup of coffee, set my laptop and my book my the side of my big bed and doze off an on. Once those things are in place: I would love to stay in bed all day!! But I won't do that. To me, it's unacceptable. I do the right thing or at least I'm pretty successful at doing the right thing. To have to think this way or feel this way does make me angry. But hey, I'm only human right? LOL You get back what you put in.

Plus, right now there is so much going on in our country and others' that being in the know and keeping up to date with the facts--as much as possible in anyway is so important to me. Guess it always has been. So with all that said this entry may have some political things that some of you may NOT agree with and that's ok. So please I beg that I don't offend anyone. I love all my readers and you mean the world to me. This entire entry is not going to be full of political "stuff"; I think all of us have had our fill of the commercials, the news, the constant back and forth responses and on and on. So for that I don't want to go too far with my opinions and again I would not ever want to insult anyone in J-Land or elsewhere.

One thing that is nice and relieving some of my stress is the heat is going down, a little. Instead of having 115' days we're having mid to low 90's and the nights are finally getting down to the mid 70's. By about the third week in October we will so much more comfortable. The only thing bad about right now is the influx of black widows in and around our yard. My gosh, I've never seen them so bad, so many, so close to the front and back doors and BIG. This black widow thing will go on for about another few weeks or so. Then their eggs will hatch (Ewwwwwww), they will die off, make into my house (one of the first places they will try), or die to a predator. I'm not totally sure that they hibernate. I know others do such as all species of scorpions, cicada nimps (a cicada egg that grows and emerges in mid-spring. They stay underground until then, burrowing down about 1" to 3" inches to grow and feed). Most cicadas do not survive after the summer season is over. Now, one thing is for certain: a black widow or recluse and maybe other species of spiders can get into your house and stay the entire winter with and you don't even know it. The only way you find out is if you disturb them where they are.

Best thing to do now: get your home exterminated and they come out from hiding to die and the exterminator will kill all the eggs too. If little old me knows where to look, they do. A recluse is a little different and more aggressive. Reason? The majority of bites happen at night because they get can into your bed--both species are nocturnal. This is where getting your home professionaly exterminated is the best thing. This also stops them from coming in from outside, gives you a barrier. This is their busy time of year and "their" season. Make dam sure that the exterminator you hire is familiar with recluses and widows or other dangerous spiders (and their habits), if you have ANY kind of box (s) stored under your bed with whatever get rid of it and put everything in it in a sealable plastic container--large or small. Same for your personal closet, spare bedrooms and pretty much everywhere. This was hard for me because I love to keep all of my shoes in the original boxes they were bought in to keep them nice and like new. Do I did get one of those things that hang from the back of my closet sliding door that keeps my shoes covered and dust free and also made of an Eco material that even helps more against intruders. Moth balls aren't a bad idea either. Oh and before I forget, another GREAT tool is strategic placing of the large glue traps. Why? Not just for catching mice, they are great for catching insects of any species! Place them up against the wall on either side of your bed. So whatever side of your bed they would happen to come in their going to get trapped with on glue trap and not get out. They're going to walk around the corner and step right on a glue trap! And then their stuck....heee heeee!!! I know this from personal experience that it works! This is where I have all of mine: On on the left and right side of my sliding back (inside the house) door (dogs can't get to them), both sides of my bed, right below my window, by the front door and I placed a pretty pot so nobody can see it and/or the dogs can't get to it, entry on both sides into our office/sewing & quilting room and any places that I know have been a past or could be a present entry point. I think I have a total of about 8. And they will last for 1 month and if you purchase them at Wal-Mart or Home Depot you will save money. As of last night, I went out and killed a total of 7 black widows in my back yard. Today, I tipped the dog houses upside down and killed 1 black widow with 3 egg sacs and another spider that I couldn't identify and she also had 2 large egg sacs. Well, there gone now. (YIPPPPEEEEE) The dogs right now aren't using there houses so I was glad. OK, enough about this, I'm creeping myself out.

Lets talk about some happy stuff...LOL. I'm reading a really great book by Karen Rose called "Scream for Me". Good story that grabs you from the first page of the prologue. It's a murder mystery, at times a love story/attraction, strong characters, some violence but not too bad. I guess in a way it's thriller. And that isn't normally the books of my choice. Some are, but not many. I'm also reading "Nights in Rodanthe" by Nicholas Sparks. This actually has become a major motion picture starring Diane Lane and Richard Geere that will be opening this week. I'd actually really like to go see it. I'm also not much for the romance books or novels but some have been proven to be quite good like this one I enjoyed. I really love to read political biographies and/or informative books by some of my favorite people in office or retired from office, books on theory, lots of quilting books (LOL) and crafting, history books about some of my favorite states (Maine, Michigan, upstate New York, Vermont and more), history books in general I love and others. And there truly is nothing like a good, gripping mystery novel.

One for example is the "Emperor of Ocean Park". FANTASTIC book! One of my top 5 of all time. It's a large book and I strongly advise you to have a dictionary handy if you decide to read it, but the trouble is well worth this masterpiece. Stephen L. Carter, the author, is an extremely gifted writer and I haven't looked but I hope that he has come out with a new novel. I would grab it in a second from the library. Some of my books I own but lately I get them from the library. Today I will probably walk down and have a looksie to see if any new ones come in, plus it's nice to visit with everone.

Can you beleive what the hell is going on in congress? And this 7 billion dollar buy out on Wall Street?? I am still shock that this happened again! Dam idiots. Hey I have a great idea: take all the 8th great kids that are good in math and have THEM run these dam countries and Wall Street!!! My nephew was picking up things and numbers and I was like wow! I asked are all your friends like this. He said "No, all the kids are. It's normal." So I said "Why don't you run for office then?" And he was already shaking his head in NO....LOL Well I sit here anxious like most Americans to see just what is going to happen and what/how it will be decided. Very scary time right now.

I think last nights debate went very well and I was so proud of Barack Obama. He scored even higher in the polls now and it's well deserved. I fell asleep during the debate but did have a chance to watch it this morning. This close to the election, that debate was so crucial.

Well, enough of my blabbing about nothing.

Have a great Saturday!!!

Life goes on...............

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:24:16 GMT

Well a happy Wednesday to you all. It's only taken me three days to get this entry written...LOL. Every time I sit down to write an entry either the phone rings, the dogs want out, my laptop freaks out and I have to deal with that (lol) and a host of other things that spring up. Plus, since it's sunrise right now here in Vegas 6 AM, (but by the time I get this posted, who knows what time it will be!) I have to make my outside rounds to check for "creatures"....Ewwwwwww. But it must be done. This is black widow and recluse season and the more I am pro-active in destroying (and most times catching them and killing them this time of day) all the better for us. Because if you have spiders in your yard or trees, you can pretty much guarantee that their comin' in your house. And I don't kill them all, because widows are good for the environment and they do eat things. But a recluse? I will smash to pieces!!!!! Very, very dangerous insect. This is information from the experts and not just exterminators. So far I have had no problems with them and my involvement tactics have worked with no exterminators coming for over 2 months now. And I did find a little recipe to spray where they and other insects live. Once sprayed, they don't come back! And, I spray it around the front and back doors, outside of windows, sheds and other areas where I KNOW the little stinkers are. OK, enough talk about spiders---I'm creeping myself out.

I was reading about the Particle Collider (NY Times----GREAT!)that was activated at 4:28 AM EST this morning. And here is more detailed information on the large Hadron ColliderI (NY Times) have been reading about this off and on all day and I still don't quite grasp the concept of it ALL. But my smart hubby comes home a few minutes ago and to my surprise he is really up on all this. He was explaining to me about the "Big Bang Theory" which made me even more curious. I found a great website about this theory, with facts. Please check it out. There are many videos on the site that are easy to follow and understand, intriguing articles and many other thing related to this. I was fascinated. Funny how I don't remember any of this from school. When I return to college I am for sure taking a class on this, maybe more than one! Sorry if I'm boring you all but I just find this so interesting and fascinating. Possibly because I don't understand it 100% and God does play a part in this---a BIG part. So I'm looking at facts from both sides. Here is the website: All About Science (this is where they talk a lot about the Big Bang Theory). There are other very interesting articles and videos and such on the main page. I could spend weeks and weeks on this website....LOL! I wish CNN or other news channels would talk more about this. ARGHHHH. And here is one last website that is the LHC Machine Outreach. This is the official website for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). I really learned a lot about the experiment, the road and building of this and the many people involved.

I have been watching the movie "What Dreams May Come". I can remember the critics weren't too kind with their reviews on this film, but I loved it. One reason is it was the first movie that Bobby and I saw together with his sons. And it was my first "date" with the boys and we had the greatest time. The boys at the time were 11 and 14, now they are 22 and 26. The oldest happily married and a father of a 4 year old and the youngest will be a father in October. Wow, how time does fly. I remember while we were watching the movie I was sitting with Bobby on one side and "J" (the youngest) on the other. All three were sound asleep within the first 30 minutes of the movie....LMBO! The oldest, like his Dad snoring away. "J" on my right tried so hard to stay awake but kept nodding off...lol. Out of the whole movie I think they watched maybe the last 45 minutes of it. We all had such a good time that night and it was great getting to know the boys for the first time. From then on we all became so close and both boys welcomed me as their future stepmom with open arms. I've always found that so admirable in both of them. So in a nut shell, I think this movie is great and it always brings back good memories for me.

In closing, tonight I'm going to try a new product by Google called Google Crome (<<<click). They have videos, step-by-step instructions, articles and reviews if you click on the link. Personally, I think it's one of the best programs they have come out with. I really can't wait to try it out. But you know me----I love Google's products and programs. I will let you know how it works and if I liked it.

I have some political things to say, but will save that for another day. :)

Missed you all..............SORRY

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 23:30:52 GMT

Being away from my journal and not adding entries like I used to is really bugging me. But that is not what is bugging me the most. What's bothering me the most is: I feel so bad, VERY BAD that I have fallen out of the loop of friends I have here on AOL. Such a special group of people. It's my fault, I did it. I could give you the reasons and there legit, but the bottom line is that I have blown it by not keeping up with my journal AND keeping up with all of your journals. I can do so much better. And I will do my best to do so :)

Many of you know what's going on in my life and it's tough. It feels like I go to work, working myself to the bone and come home. I started out with such enthusiasm, and hard work but now things are oh so different. (lol) WMs true colors are starting to show. I worked hard, got a promotion to a dept. that would be better for me personally (and my body)...a future. But my ex-dept manager had made my life hell. Do I care of they read this? NOOOOO. Not all are bad and they do offer to consumers a fair price, value and many lowered prices on just about everything, especially on WM.com. What they don't offer is enough staff for "customer service". I work/worked (not sure yet) in the biggest WM in the US with the highest revenue. Yah, it about blew me over. I don't know the exact dimension of the store, but it's just huge! Imagine your local grocery store and times that by 20! That's they size of my store.I go out of my way for each and every customer that comes to WM. I don't care what department there shopping in (it's common to get question on items that are NOT in your area), what question they ask because in my heart the right thing to do is treat them just as I would a member of my family: with kindness and compassion. That's customer service! But the whole store must do it, not just a few of us. I really think that's why I'm so exhausted. I run around that store like mad woman helping people. I just wish that more of my co-workers had better work ethics. But it's not going to happen, not at THIS WM. Sad, but I know that now. When I do get off work and get home, I'm so exhausted and in a lot of pain that all I can stand to do is take something for the pain and rest. And do it all over again the next day :) Parts of me love WM and what they stand for, it really can be a great job. I just think I may have picked the wrong store...:( Oh well, lots of other opportunities out there for me, I just have to find them.

I do have some strong applications out and hope to be out of there soon. And I've had some great interviews. YIPEEEE. My job at WM was exciting and I worked so hard. My evaluation was top-notch- Just a few points shy of 100, plus I got a great raise. But I know that "I" can do better and get closer to my goals with someone else. This is the hopefully the last I will talk about this. Not everybody at WM is bad, including management. But boy do they have some real doozies! I was shocked. On the other hand I've met some incredibly fantastic people, including supervisors and managers. Some of these people are really special. They are going to be very shocked to see me go. At least I will be walking away with some great skills on merchandising, PLUs, P/Ls and other business things.

Hershey and Yager are doing OK. I know they both are getting so dam tired of this heat and having to inside so much. I FEEL awful. But up until this week, we have consistently been in the 110' to 119' every single day. With the night only cooling off to about 96'. So sick of this! LOL But normally September is our last month for high bills. My next worry of course is black widow season and its on in full force. They're every where! So I am keeping a good eye out (can't afford an exterminator right now-going to call my sweet landlady and see if she could just pick up this one, if anything to rid of the spiders.) The other bugs: roaches, flies, and other things have NOT been bad at all. A lot of it is monthly or bi-monthly sprays and being pro-active on your house and property. Which is what I do.

I did find a "recipe" thatyou can make from home and spray in spots where spiders typically get in and where they like to hide. They do not like this small and will NOT make your home their winter "home" lol. But it does smell nice. It smells like mint, lavender and clean, but not overpowering at all. That's what I liked about it. My exterminator agreed that it would work. So Bob and I are going to go today (I hope) and get the stuff today. UPDATE: Bob has decided that he is "a mood" (hey what's new) so didn't get my spray stuff. You pretty much spray around your windows, all around your door-inside and out. Don't spray the whole door, just where creatures can get in, corners-especially the ones up high, behind and along baseboards if you have them behind furniture and underneath ALL furniture including beds. Just things like that. The main point is to keep them OUT but if they do get in, they will not stay for long and back outside they will go! :) I have the article with mixture if anyone would like it. Just send me off an email OK? It's safe, ECO friendly and won't hurt yours mall pet or big pets. And it works! They only thing I would be cautious of is birds, of any kind that you keep in your home. They can be so sensitive to so many things. Ok, enough talking about bugs.UgHHHH.

I haven't really doing much at home. I've been reading, going through 450 emails (my group---so time consuming), trying to stay on top of the Obama/Biden ticket. Such exciting news! For the first time I think we really, really have a shot at winning and getting Obama and his administration in the White House. Still playing around with my quilt, but can't make up my mine.I have a bunch of new magazines that I got for steal (75% and high off news stand price) and I enjoy each and every single one of them. Some are quilting and crafting and some are Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Down East (Maine), Domino and All You. I'm sure there are a few that I've missed...LOL

I'm so glad that fall is here! Well it's not officially here in Vegas. We still have another month or so of high temps. I look forward to the cool mornings and chilly nights. These are the nights that I can get out and walk the dogs. I just can't wait!!!

I love you all and want to say that you're NOT EVER forgotten. I'm just having a hard time putting thought to paper, among other things. :)

Take good care!

HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

A very quick update :)

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 16:24:54 GMT

Hello everyone!!! I just wanted to drop a very, very quick note and say everything is fine and I'm doing GREAT! Things at home are still go-by-go day--but I'm hanging in there. :) So much more to tell and write about but I'm running so late that I just can't make this entry as long as I would like to. Tomorrow not will be a different story....PROMISE!

Thanks to all who have continued to stop by and say hello and wish me well. Your are all the greatest and I love ya'! Things will start to settle down beginning this week at work and at home. So I can dedicate more time to things I love: my journal, quilting, the yard, reading and other fun stuff!

The air did get fixed the very next morning by the way. And it works better now than ever AND our power bill has gone way down. YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Have a wonderful Sunday and I miss you all LOTS :)

AOL..............ERR: Bernie Mac

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:42:22 GMT

This is one of my favorite pictures of Bernie Mac. We have lost a very funny, compassionate, endearing and an all-around great man. Mr. Mac died on Aug. 9th due to complications of pneumonia in Chicago. I have to tell you all that this was/is one of my top 3 actors/comedians of all time. Mr. Mac never, ever failed to make my day and make me laugh. What a talent!!!! My sympathies and my heart breaks for his passing. You can read more about Bernie Mac at NY Times and I'm sure many other places. I LOVE YOU BERNIE-GOD REST IN PEACE.

I'm not really sure what happened to my other entry of two days ago, but it seemed to have disappeared off the Internet highway and AOL...LOL. Oh well, that's the way it goes and no big deal. It's my own darn fault for not using my very faithful Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Here lately, I've been much more likely and fonder of using Google Docs. If you haven't checked into it, try it if you like. It's great! Not only does if have video step-by-step instructions, but great information on how to get started. All you have to do is sign up for a Google Gmail account----EASY! There are also benefits of Google Docs; Spreadsheets, Presentations and PDFs (FREE!). Give it try and see how you like it. You can even add ALL of your graphics from Photobucket, your computer and other online graphic and photo keepers.

Not too much to report at home. Work is tough, real tough. But I did receive a promotion and will be moving to the electronics department beginning on the 16 th of this month. YIPEEEE. It comes with level raise and a raise. I am so happy! I really thought I would like the shoe dept., but NO. I am so sick of cleaning up after people, the constant changes and other things I won't mention. The many managers and other alike are impressed with my hard work and dedication to WM and have rewarded me with this promotion, this early promotion. I am so very grateful to them all, two in particular. Over the last 3 weeks, I have helped out at least 5 different departments. They like that...LOL. Plus it's given me the opportunity to learn about WM and how other departments work. I LOVE it! I am exhausted when I come home and as we all know my home like just stinks---with you know who. But I just do my best here at home, sometimes freaking out but trying to quickly get over it. I even have my own by telephone counselor who is fantastic. I may not get him specifically everytime, but they are available 24 hours and 7 days a week. And I have a regular appt. with "my" counselor 2 days a week. He has been terrific, almost like a great listener and life coach. I'm so grateful for him. And I'm not a gal who goes to counselors or shrinks for help. But under my current circumstances and imminent home changes (possible big move) it's been a God-Send.

I have been watching the olympics with such enthusiasm as I do everytime. There website is great, but a little confusing until you read it a bit. So if you didn't get up at 2 AM this morning or TiVo it (like I did), you really missed out on some great medal makers. Gymnastics was fantastic! Here are the websites for the olympics:

;http://www.nbcolympics.com/teamusa/index.html (Team USA)

http://www.nbcolympics.com/index.html (Home page for Beijing Olympics)

ENJOY!!!!!!

Air conditioner went out...............

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:28:56 GMT

I wish I could say that it's a "happy" Tuesday morning, but it's NOT...LOL. We have been without air conditioning for going on our 2nd day. I'm absolutely dying of heat---no kidding. Having NO air in Las Vegas is the worst nightmare you could ever have in my opinion. Personally I can take a lot of things, except certain bugs, but the heat I can't. Right now it's 6 AM and parts of my home are well over 90' degrees. We did have a wonderful company come out and figure out what the problem is (mother & housing----expensive, but we don't' have to pay---our sweet landlord does) He gave her a fair, low estimate and will be here at 8 AM today to fix it. He could have got it fixed yesterday, but when he arrived to make the repairs a thunderstorm with lighting started which made it very unsafe for the tech. We are on the top priority for today. I also want to mention that Bob and I got so desperate and so hot that we went to Home Depot and bought ($327.00) an air conditioner on wheels. Works great. right now I have it blowing in my room and it's tolerable. Shhhh, but we plan to return the unit back to Home Depot today!!!! It's in excellent shape, we took good care of it and it's going back! We have no need for this once our air is fixed, plus we can't afford it. My awesome landlord even offered to put not only hubby and I up in a nice Inn until this was repaired, but also offered to put both Yager and Hershey in a nice kennel-----air conditioned :). Isn't that the sweetest thing? Not to many landlords would do this. She is wonderful!!! We totally lucked out when we got this house. I'm glad that we decided not to buy this home with the market the way it is. Not to say that won't happen because it just might. Ya' never know. So, that is my dilemma for today. Until the repair men show up, I plan to stay in my room where it's cool and I'm NOT leaving! LOL This is oh so true!!! many species of ants, roaches, scorpions, wind scorpions and other icky bugs in Las Vegas :(.

I can't wait to open my blinds and let the sun in for my plants. I miss looking outside and enjoying looking at the trees and watching my birdhouses with the birds. But no way am I opening my blinds until this air is fixed.

UPDATE: It is now 9:15 and I have not heard word one from this company. And, it's also getting VERY cloudy out and could start to rain any minute now. So if that happens, it will be another miserable day without air. I am on the phone right now to my landlord to get this taken care of ASAP!!! They were suppose to be here dam near 2 hours ago! Also, no phone call from them to let me know if something may have happened. ERRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

Right now while I'm trying to reach my landlord, I'm going to have me a nice cup of java and chocolate ice cream pie!!!!

Happy Sunday...........

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:01:50 GMT

Sometimes long absences from writing in my "public" journal is a good thing. But other times it's not so good. In this case it was a good thing. Not to sound selfish or say that I haven't missed you all because I have---very much. But after my revealing entry of a week or so ago I have been totally consumed by depression, anxiety, worry and my very own pity party. Pity party's that go on for long periods are a waste of precious time, energy and on a personal level I think they're just a defeat of my goals and happiness. Make sense? LOL It does to me but it's hard to put into words. I'm just not a gal that has pity parties ya' know? Yes, I'm sad about my situation and other things too. And I'm sure that on some level I'm depressed, but I have no intention of letting it overcome me...ever. Even if that means asking for help professionally I will do it in a heartbeat without hesitation. Right now I'm OK and I just take one day, one moment at a time. And it's working so far. So just a little low-down for you all as to why I have not been online very much in the last week or so. I keep a personal journal that I write in everyday and sometimes more than just once. Microsoft Word 2007 is a great program and I have not only a pretty journal to write in but easy to use as well. During the time I've been absent I have actually kept myself busy. Staying busy and keeping your mind and body active can really be the best medicine for the blues. Although I did have a three days where I only got out of bed to care for the dogs, get myself coffee or a Mountain Dew, shower, play with the boys and that's about it. Pretty pathetic wasn't it? I think so anyway (lol). While in bed I read my great book that I'm almost finished with "Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff. I found myself going back many times and re-reading several of the chapters because of the emotions in Sheff's writing or the detailed medical facts he wrote about meth. addiction and his son's struggle to beat this demon. By far this is the hardest drug to beat and be successful and stay clean by far. Something I didn't know. I always thought that heroine was #1 to eat and be successful but I was way wrong. Meth. addiction goes way furtherSo many details I discovered about the long-term effects of this drug that scientist are now discovering important details of helping all meth. users to be blameless. This book touched my heart in so many ways, even though I've never touched the drug I can certainly understand now after reading this book and doing some research on my own that this drug is not what I thought. It goes much, much deeper than that.. You can find this book at almost all libraries and don't need to buy it. You may have to go on a waiting list, but it's worth it. But keep a dictionary handy--I got an education in words that I had NO idea of their meaning...LOL . I had to use mine quite a few times, but hey I learned a lot during this great read. And of course I read my Friday, Saturday and Sunday delivery of the NY Times. Every single page and just about every single article this week. and I loved it of course :) Another audio book that I'm reading that is quite good (audio book from the library) is called "On Chesil Beach" by Ian Mcewan and read by Mr. Mcewan. I just love listening to his British accent. Call me silly but I have a"likeness" for British men :). Great book and a surprise to me becauseI didn't think it was going to be the book I thought it was.

I have also discovered (again) Podcasts (<<Click here for all info for iTunes podcasting) from iTunes. Did I mention that is completely FREE and works great. So many really great podcast to listen to. I was pleasantly surprised. If you get a chance, check it out and see what interests you. I'm sure you will find something that you would love to listen to.

What finally brought me out of bed was when I picked up my two favorite quilting books and all those beautiful 5" squares of fabric given to me by my MIL. I have decided on which quilt I will make and it's called Polka-Dot Party from the book "Creative Scraps: Quilting With Bits & Pieces" by the publisher House of White Birches. They are many quilting designers who contributed to this fantastic collection of quilts in this book. And of course there is my "quilt bible" as I call it "Quilting: The Complete Guide" by Darlene Zimmerman. Every quilter should have this book whether you are a new to quilting like me or a seasoned quilter. It's spiraled bound and just packed full of 255 pages of quilting info. It's small, easy to carry around and I am constantly reading it. :) I really think this quilt is going to turn out great and I can't wait to get started. But before I do, my MIL is going to come over and help me with a few questions I have about color and my ideas that I have about it. Plus, I want to purchase my backing color before and some of the border colors I will need before I begin.

Yesterday in Motegi, Japan, history was made by the USs' own Danica Patrick. She has won her first Indy car race. Congratulations to you Danica and a job very well done :). I'm so extremely proud of her and her win and many accomplishments in this sport. Some of you already know but for those who don't I am a huge racing fan--even Indy cars. But I must say that NASCAR is my personal favorite with Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhart Jr. being two of my favorites drivers. I am devout fans of these two. Oh, and lest we forget my love for the NHRA: National Hot Rod Association or "funny cars" or "drag racing". I love it!! The loudness, the smell, the speed, the parachutes at the end of their run and just ALL of it. Last year I got to see my very first hot rod racing live at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I've lived here since early 2003 and it was my first time there. One of the best day's of my life, even though I had a cast on for my broken foot....LOL. I was highly upset that the "jerk" didn't even let me know that last weekend was the funny car (NHRA) races, but that as always his brother "B" had invited us. I was so pissed-off. But who knows? Maybe wherever I go when I leave I will have another chance to see NASCAR (I've never seen a "live"race), hot rods again and my first Indy car race. :) But back to Danica and what she's accomplished with Indy cars. It's a dangerous and exciting sport. She is one brave little gal.And a gal that just made history for women, yes WOMEN!

Well I think I will close for now. Nobody worry about me ok? I'm hanging in there and doing the very best I can, which is pretty dam good. I have a great sister, her love and my Pop who are supporting me in a reflective and encouraging way. Just what I need and like .There is nothing like family in times like these. My sis especially has been my rock-day and night. I love her so very much :) So enough of blah, blah and blah! (lol) Things will be fine, I know this. Not easy of course but OK.

Have a wonderful, peaceful and enjoy this awesome Sunday. I know I am! :) Peace.

PS: Thank and Thank You for all the warm birthday wishes I received. And also for the support from ALL of you I means more to me than I could ever express. You all are the best and I do not ever, ever forget it :)

Happy Mother's Day-2008

Sun, 11 May 2008 09:39:23 GMT

Happy Sunday to you all. I want to wish each and every one of you Mother's out there a very, very special Mother's Day. So many of you here in J-Land I consider not only my friend, but my family. You ALL mean so much to me. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the special Mom's out there, and in no particular order: Linda, Sonya, Joyce, Lyn, Sandra, Donna (Texas), Kelly (chicken lady...lol), Brandy, "J", Karen, Nelishia, Donna (Kansas City), life-on-a-bison-farm wwfbison journals.aol.com>Jeanette, Derasta, Donna (Hockey!), Brenda, Pauline, Rosemary, Monica. I am sure there are some people I missed and for that I am sorry. I've kind of wrote this in a rush, but I love each and every one of you and wish you and very, very Happy Mother's Day!

Today is a bittersweet day for me. It's been three years since I lost my loving, kind and supportive and oh so very beautiful Mother to lung cancer. Not a second goes by that I don't miss her. I think of her and feel her with me ALWAYS. It may sound nuts, but I feel Mom watching over me and guiding me through this difficult time in my life or anytime in my life. She may be gone but she is "with me". Without her I wouldn't be as strong as I am now. Sound crazy? Not to me and I love her for that. She was special when living and special when gone :). To me this all makes sense. I love you Mom! I saw this passage and thought of you:

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer

Tags: Mom, Mother's Day, friends