A day in the life of jrtnutt

Letting go......

2010-05-05T20:17:00.002-04:00

I just let go of things in my life that I have no control over. It feels good. They are still there...hanging around...I know it...but I also know I have no control over them...so I just let them go. I know what I can fix or have control over now....What I can't fix or control.....is in someone else's hands...
I have no control over cancer.
I have no control over my son's decisions.
I have no control over whatever does or doesn't happen with my job.
I have no control over the oil spill.
I have no control over world peace.
I have no control over the critters in the attic.
I DO have control over my reactions to things....
I DO have control over my eating.
I DO have control over my happiness.
I DO have control over my home life.
I DO have control over myself.

Therapy is empowering

2010-03-06T22:21:00.004-05:00

I have been to several therapy sessions now and it's doing a world of good for me.

Thursday night I met my husband at Ocean Prime in Tampa for drinks. There was a networking function hosted by a temp agency my husband's company uses. It was near the International Mall. I usually would have passed on the invite if I had to drive so far...but my therapist thought it was a good idea I go. I am glad I did. I had a good time. Was very tired afterwards and the drive home was a little stressful. I was tired, it was dark...I hate that combo when driving. Made it home safely and enjoyed the time with my husband and his friends from work.

Last night I lit a fire. Bob and I spent the evening sitting by the fire and listening to classic R&B.

Today I felt better than I have in years. It was a beautiful sunny day today. I was up early. Made my husband and I some eggs for breakfast. I ate two eggs, corn bread and coffee. I spent a short of amount of time on my laptop checking email and catching up on Facebook. I haven't been on much lately.

I had some errands to run so I jumped in the shower and got ready as I finished my coffee.

I went to the Vet and picked up Maddie's allergy meds. Then I went to Walmart and shopped a bit. The trip to Walmart didn't bother me so much today. I picked up some groceries and other things I needed. My sister, niece, nephew and his girlfriend will arrive from Virginia tomorrow evening for about 5 or 6 days to visit.

Once I returned home, I put away the groceries. I stripped all the beds and put on new sheets I had just purchased and washed the day before. The beds have nice crisp new linens. I love that. After doing that I cleaned the bathrooms, washed and vacuumed my car and conditioned my leather seats. I worked on my car for a good 2 hours. I had the radio blasting and sang and even danced while cleaning my car. The neighbors must have thought I finally lost it.

Bob came home after running some errands. We were both in sync with each other today. He picked up most of the things I forgot at the grocery store. How he knew I'll never know. He also picked up the phone and ordered a pizza. Just an hour or so before, as I was working on my car..... I was thinking of how much I would enjoy a slice of pizza.

When he returned from picking up the pizza, he and I chatted over a slice. We were both so tired. My body was starting to hurt after all the physical activity I had. Yesterday I worked out so my muscles were a little sore...but it felt good.

I jumped in the shower...again....and settled in for the evening. Bob and I watched a comedy show on HBO and our son Des came in with Oscar, his roomate from college. They are off for Spring Break.

I am feeling better about myself and my life than I think I ever have. I don't know if its a temporary high...but I enjoyed every second of today.

Facing your demons.

2010-02-11T17:58:00.003-05:00

I've starteding counceling. My second session is tomorrow. The first one was gut wrenching and a sense of release at the same time. Its hard to face your demons. It's the only way though. Keeping them locked away for safe keeping just allows them to continue killing you from the inside.
I honestly am not looking forward to tomorrow's session. It's too painful. It's like knowing you have to have surgery to make yourself well, but you know the surgery is going to hurt like hell.
Give me a pillow to hold when I cough.

My bubble

2010-01-17T08:22:00.002-05:00

I have this bubble I go into when I feel stressed. It protects me from the rest of the world out there. I guess I have been in my bubble for a couple months. I make an appearance on a rare occasion. But most of the time, I am still mentally in my bubble, though I could be in a room full of people.

I am having some weight issues. No appetite. I weigh 104 pounds soaking wet. I try to eat but am never hungry.

I'm trying really hard to keep the weight on....but it's difficult when you are a nervous wreck and have no appetite.
Maybe I need a hobby.
Anyhow....for now......back in my bubble I go.

Vacation, allergies,Thankgiving

2009-11-29T19:02:00.006-05:00

It's been a while...I know....
I have been on vacation for 2 weeks. It's been heaven. Staying up late, sleeping past 5 a.m. No screaming kids (unless you count the two times I forced myself to enter Walmart's doors). And no bitching parents. I ate better also. Gained a pound then lost it. Whatever.

Bob and I went to Clearwater for a few days. I watched the sunset (my only real reason to go) enjoyed the beach, the spa. It was only for a few days but it was nice to get away.

The mulch is all gone and the rock is in....Maddie is still itching....All that work for nothing...but hey, no more mulch to replace year after year. Took her back to the vet the day after Thanksgiving (more on Thanksgiving later). Vet put her on another round of antibiotics and some stronger antihistamines. The Vet said I can up the dosage to one whole pill if its not too "sedating" Surely you jest.....Too sedating? for Maddie? NEVER. So far, not sure if I see a difference or not. Have to give it another couple days. She likes the fact I put her pills in vienna sausages. She doesn't like "the helmet" she has to wear.

Thanksgiving was nice...went to Bob's brothers. Spent the day with family and some really great friends, one of whom has cancer also and is fighting it with everything ounce of his soul. He looked exhausted and the treatment has taken it's toll on him, but he has such a positive attitude. He's an inspiration to anyone with cancer. Brain and Ureter Cancer. Enough said I guess. The doctors did say his tumors had shrunk and he may be able to return to work in January.

It's back to work tomorrow for me. Other than the screaming kids...I look forward to getting back on schedule. I have my lunch packed and in the fridge, ready to go. Hopefully at 5 a.m when that alarm goes off, I will still feel like going back.
Wish me luck.

A new car

2009-10-16T15:17:00.003-04:00

I bought a new car. We were looking for a good used car for our son...and I thought, "I have a good used car"...excellent condition, 3 years old. No marks on it anywhere..Perfect condition and I have every service record on it.
So, Des bought my car and I bought a new one.
Got a great deal on it. Love the color etc. It's a 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited. It's loaded. I have never owned a car this nice. I guess the good stuff is worth waiting for.

Maddie, cars and stuff.

2009-10-11T07:38:00.004-04:00

I figured out what is causing Maddie's allergies. Well, at least I think I know what it is. Mulch. Red. Died. Mulch. It's horrible. She breaks out..comes in itching, red..scratching, biting. I have to bath her and wipe her when she comes in.

We are going to get all the mulch out of the yard this week and replace it with rock. She won't like it..but hopefully,no more itching.

Looking for another car for Des. The one he has just isn't working out. I hate buying cars.

Bob bought a new truck last weekend. Went in, looked at one truck. Said this is the one I want, sat down, made a deal, it was done.
He makes it look to so easy.

We found a car for Des yesterday with low miles, good price. Bringing our mechanic to look at it.

I am still trudging along at work. The doctor thinks she has a buyer for her house. So that is step one in the process of getting to Dallas. Now she has to keep on finding a buyer for the practice.
Wherever it leaves me...with or without a Job, I will stay until the locks are changed and they ask me to leave. Just depends on if the new doctor already has a staff.

Otherwise, life is good...still.
Oh and one more thing...I discovered John Legend....I'm in love.... :)

Dad and other stuff

2009-09-11T15:19:00.004-04:00

Dad is back in the hospital. Retaining fluid from the congestive heart failure. He seems to always bounce back from these things. I am hoping he does this time too.
His 79th birthday is next month, October 4th.
Other than Dad's relapse, life has been good.

Work is busy.

Bob is great, coaching 4 girls now in softball. He is hosting a golf tournament for the United Way thru Citigroup, next Friday. It's his third year organizing it and hosting it.

Des is in his second year of college and likes his new roomies. Gets his cast off the 7th of October. (hopefully)

Maddie has some sort of allergy that is driving me nuts. Itching, scratching. Tried benedryl. Short of allergy tests and shots....there is nothing else I can do.
Otherwise....life is good.

Life is good....but why?

2009-09-05T16:06:00.002-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. Just not in the mood. I have been thinking about my life....It's good. I don't have a million dollars or a maid...or a cook...but overall, life is good. I have been thinking about why my life is good. There are others out there less fortunate than I am. I am thankful for all I have but think sometimes I am not thankful enough or don't deserve it. I wonder why I was chosen to have a good life. My life hasn't been perfect. There were rough times. But overall it's been good. I think I think too much.....

The week ahead and update on Des....

2009-08-14T21:18:00.012-04:00

Desmond had his surgery. Anyone who sees me on facebook should already know. I was so bored at the hospital, I was updating facebook every 5 minutes it seems. Hope I didn't bore anyone.

I have to be at the MOSI tomorrow for a Back To School Thingy. Representing the pedatric dental office where I work.......I volunteered.....must have had a bad day that day or someone drugged my coffee. It's like waking up after you have slept with someone and realizing "OMG this was a mistake". Kids get on my nerves and I hate crowds. There's supposed to be thousands of visitors there tomorrow.
So if anyone happens to be at the MOSI, stop by booth #7. Third floor of the Main Building. I will bore you to death with "don't put your baby to bed with a bottle, Start flossing at age 3 blah blah blah. It's like reciting the abc's to me. I just say it and not think about it.

I leave Thursday for N.J. Spending a few days with friends from my high school graduating class of 1982. Looking forward to getting away with Bob, and spending time with people I havn't seen since June of 1982. I got married and moved to Spain. Most of my friends went on to College or working. I lost contact with quite a few.

I will post some pictures of the event. We are meeting for drinks with a few classmates at DiPaolo's Italian Restaurant the night before the big bash, in Penns Grove, New Jersey.

http://dipaolos.wordpress.com

http://www.dipaolosrestaurant.com

It was a little Italian Deli where they made the pizza's right in front of you. You could get pizza, cheesestakes and subs. For dessert, Pizzelles, Italian cookies, Cannoli. My dad worked with the owner when he was working at Dupont. It was family owned and run. I have bought sandwiches there so many times, I can't even begin to count. It was the only place we got our pizza and cheesestakes. Most of the time we bought our subs there, sometimes Pheffers in Carneys Point, New Jersey. They both used Prioli's rolls.

Prioli's was a small Italian bakery in Penns Grove, NJ that sold round rolls, long italian loaves and smaller sandwich rolls. You could also get sub sandwich rolls. I tried and tried to get my dad to buy the place when it was for sale but he said he didn't like the business part of running a business. He would just go in and bake or cook and be happy. So I suggested he just buy the recipe and open a place in Virginia when they moved there in 1983. He could have someone to manage the business end and he could bake. He said no.....years later I heard him say, "I should have bought that recipe for Prioli's. We can't get a decent sandwich roll down here." I reminded him of what had said.

We went to our favorite little Italian place for dinner tonight. Pizza Mania in Wesley Chapel, FL. It has the best pizza, subs, steak sandwichs. The owner is from NJ. I was thinking about how much I missed my dad's cooking. He was a great cook and would spend hours in the kitchen stirring, mixing, baking. He would make his own sauce for Spaghetti every Sunday. He would start it at 8:00 a.m. and let it simmer all day. He would fry or bake some pork chops and put in the sauce. By the time the sauce finished the pork chops were so soft and soaked in the sauce. His Spaghetti and Meatballs was the best.

Dad is doing much better. Eating better, walking better. Just so much better. We moved him from Kentucky to Virginia the last weekend in July. We hired an ambulance service to transport him so they could moniter him. He did well during the trip. My sister was there when he got there to get him settled in. She's been there almost every day since. I wish I lived closer. I am planning on driving up for Thanksgiving so I can spend it with my dad. I havn't spent one with him in years. I think the last one was 1982. They were still living in New Jersey.

I love reminising about my life in Penns Grove. There are some great memories there.

Just another day in my life....

2009-08-05T03:16:00.002-04:00

My son has been complaining of wrist pain...so I took him to an orthopaedist. Diagnosis: Fractured wrist. Three years ago...we had no idea. He just thought it was sprained. Surgery is August 12th. A Bone graft is necessary. And they have to remove scar tissue.
The fun in my life continues.......
I have a bacteria in my stomach that requires me to take 8 pills a day for the next 2 weeks. The pills make a nasty metalic taste in my mouth....
I am up to 17 pills a day including my vitamins and other RX's.
Work is crazy with all the parents wanting to get their kids in before school starts.Its really stressful right now.
When is it going to end?

The lost art of writing

2009-07-31T18:50:00.002-04:00

Now what?

2009-07-22T19:08:00.003-04:00

I started not feeling well last week Wednesday. Gnawing knot in my stomach, nauseous. Left work early.....Thursday: Returned to work, gnawing still in stomach, nauseous. Came home, ate and had severe stomach pain all night. Friday: Worked half day, no patients. Was tired but felt ok. Still nauseous though. Saturday 3 p.m.: Severe stomach pains, so severe I ended up at the Drs. Walk In Clinic and then the emergency room. Diagnosis: Ulcer. Taking some meds for it.

Followed up with my Doc today and I have to have some testing done for some bacteria. She thinks I could have picked it up in the Dominican Republic.....yeah, that place from hell I vacationed at back in October. Great...
So, I have to do some tests and if it is positive, I have to take massive doses of antibiotics and then take massive doses of ulcer meds.
I am taking it in stride as I am so relieved to be out of pain.

Long time no post

2009-07-13T21:36:00.002-04:00

Sorry, I went out of town to see my dad. I had posted earlier that he had fallen and was injured.

He is frail and can not feed himself very well. He falls asleep very easily and needs the help of two people to walk. He fell asleep while my sister cut his hair.
His head injury is healing nicely on the outside. The injury to his brain, well....hopefully..... that will get better.

He has trouble swallowing and is on a diet of thickened liquids to prevent him from getting choked. He is also on a soft diet. The speech therapist that helps him with the swallowing said she is upgrading his diet this week to nectar thick liquids and a more solid food diet.
I hope he starts eating more. He only takes tablespoons of food. Not very much.

Not much in the mood to post but wanted to update.

Just Shut the Fuck Up

2009-07-03T20:02:00.006-04:00

And this is just part one.

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I have never heard such a mess of the English language in all my life. Well, Mike Tyson is pretty bad too :)

Anyhow...I know Kate will have to drink heavily to get through all that.

It just keeps getting better

dropping like flies

2009-06-29T22:24:00.003-04:00

It seems we are surrounded by death lately. Ed McMann, Farrah, Michael, Fred Travalena and Billy Mays..... also some actress from the 50's. She was like 87 so that wasn't so bad.

Farrah had cancer, Ed McMann was old. Fred Travalena also had cancer....
But Michael and Billy?

Billy wasn't anyone I grew up listening to. (Thank God because he did get on my nerves a bit.)
Michael on the other hand.....he will be missed. I loved the Jackson Five as a kid and as a teenager listened to Off The Wall and Thriller about a million times.

The discos in Madrid were filled with his music. The dance floors were full whenever his or Maddona's music started to play. Even though he started getting weird by 1987, I still loved his music. Most of all, I loved watching him perform as a kid. He was so smooth. Sung with his heart and never missed a step.

Living in Spain, there wasn't much on TV we as Americans could watch. We depended on VCR and video taped movies or shows from the U.S.
We had some friends who's family had taped the Motown 25th Anniversary show where Michael performed that famous moon walk. They mailed it to them and it was passed around and around. Everyone I knew wanted to watch that video.

Though I already knew about his death, when NPR officially announced it on WUSF 89.7 I felt sick to my stomach and cried. I still was in shock and couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was like a very bad dream.

I did not know of his addiction to painkillers. I don't even recall him to going to Rehab as I read in the news following his death. I guess I wasn't paying attention.

I always told my son, "Michael was the man when I was a teenager". My son loved playing the guitar solo in Beat It. There were many times I would come down the hall to hear him rocking out in his room playing that song.

I am disappointed we will never find out if his "comeback" would have truly been a comeback. I hope if there is a heaven Michael, John and George are up there comparing notes and making music together.

My Dad

2009-06-22T21:47:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted pics and info about my trip. My dad fell and hit his head. He has 15 stitches and a fractured C6 vertebra. Not to mention Pneumonia and has no idea where he is or why. He's in the hospital.
But my trip was great and I have a great story to tell with nice pics. I will post my story and pics soon.
Until then, see you facebook.

All work and no play

2009-06-18T16:57:00.002-04:00

Leaving tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m. for a dental convention in Orlando. Not really looking forward to the work part. Mostly seminars. But...looking forward to a weekend away, eating, drinking and not having to pay for it. Oh yeah, and all the freebies. Post more later.

Endorphins

2009-06-11T22:06:00.003-04:00

Recently my husband added me to his gym membership. Today was the first day I went. I did 40 minutes on the treatmill at 3.5 mph at a #3 incline.
When I finished, I felt so great. It was like I had slept 20 hours none stop. I felt refreshed. I felt invigorated. I felt "high". It was very strange.
I know exercise can do that, but it's the first time I have ever felt that way.
It was a great feeling and I can't wait to go back. The people there were friendly and helpful. They have everything there you could possibly need. Its a great facility.

Speechless

2009-06-07T14:40:00.000-04:00

I haven't had much to say lately. Work starts getting busy this week as school has let out and all the kiddies are available to come in for treatment or a cleaning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penns_Grove
(I couldn't get this wiki page to embed. Don't know why. Copy and paste I guess.)

I booked tickets to fly up to my hometown of Penns Grove New Jersey (Home of Bruce Willis, he went to my high school), for a reunion barbecue type get together with some classmates. It's in August. It's going to be so freaking hot. August in Jersey can be as bad as it is in Tampa.

I hired a housekeeper but my dog would do a better job of cleaning, so I won't be having her back. My son claims he will do it so we'll see how that goes. He is supposed to be starting a job in the next week or two at a local pizza place.

My dog went to the vet yesterday for her shots, check up etc. She passed all the tests. She has been itching a lot lately so the vet told me to give her benedryl. So she takes benedryl 3 times a day. It hasn't helped much yet. I just started it yesterday. She is also getting Omega 3 oil once a day. It helps keep their skin and coat healthy. She is much calmer with the benedryl though. Which is a good thing. :)

My husband bought me a gym membership. My doctor cleared me so I can start any time I want. I may go with my husband after work this week. I haven't worked out in a long time. (weights) I have no upper body strength. I want Michelle Obama arms. That's my goal.

I don't have her good genes so we'll see how this goes.

The Boro

2009-05-27T17:12:00.000-04:00

We went right past Dave's stomping grounds. I beeped and waved.

My sister's yard and the pups

2009-05-27T17:01:00.000-04:00

Virginia trip

2009-05-27T16:54:00.000-04:00

Well I promised some photos from my trip to Virginia. I assume you already saw my nephew and his smashed Mustang.
Here are some from the reunion.

From left to right: My sister Sherrie, some guy I just found out I was related to, my nephew DJ, his girlfriend Brandy, and my husband Bob.

Des and DJ entertaining the crowd

2009-05-25T20:52:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of my nephew Jesus, I mean D.J.

5 minutes after this picture was taken, he left for work. He called about 5 minutes after he left to say someone had rear ended him, going 55 mph. DJ was sitting still.

He was hit by a lady driving a pick-up truck who didn't see him sitting with his blinker on to make a left turn.

There were no skid marks, indicating she never hit the breaks.
D.J. is a very lucky young man.

Lysol? I thought that was for my floor

2009-05-19T01:08:00.000-04:00

I came across this vintage ad for Lysol. I was totally shocked on how and what it was used for in the past. (click on picture to make it larger and read ad.)

All in the family

2009-05-19T00:29:00.002-04:00

Heading North to Virginia to visit my sister for a few days. Attending a family reunion. I will be armed with the camera and will try to post some pics.
This should be interesting.

All in the family

2009-05-19T00:29:00.001-04:00

Heading North to Virginia to visit my sister for a few days. Attending a family reunion. I will be armed with the camera and will try to post some pics.
This should be interesting.

Flower Power

2009-05-11T20:29:00.000-04:00

As I have mentioned before, I work for a Pediatric Dentist. She is nice enough to supply our scrubs for us. Recently she bought the office manager and myself a new top. She was excited about it and told us over lunch, "it's got big flowers on it." She sounded so excited about it. The office manager and I just looked at each other...like "OMG what has she done now?" She tends to order us scrubs that don't fit properly and are usually 10 sizes too big. I thought "well, I will give her the benefit of the doubt, maybe this time it's not so bad"...until I opened the box and saw THIS.....

It looks like really bad 70's wallpaper. We have decided to tell her we will pay for shipping to send it back.

Some Good News

2009-05-04T21:08:00.000-04:00

Ruben was scoped today and the doctors said they can not see any cancer. We have to wait until the PET scan to find out if it is completely gone (no longer in the lymph nodes) and then he is considered cancer free.
Keeping our fingers crossed until then but very happy with today's news. Thanks to all who prayed for him.

What a difference a day makes

2009-05-04T07:25:00.000-04:00

It was just a cold and not the flu. (@@) )~ That's supposed to be a pig. Anyhow.....I took an Ambien last night late and slept a little better than I had. I feel about 50% better than I did yesterday. I am still not going into work today, just in case I am still contagious. I have a pattern of waking up and feeling better but by 9:00 or 10:00 a.m., I am feeling bad again.

I am glad I feel better. I have only eaten twice in the last 2 days. I have no appetite. I am drinking hot tea, orange juice and water. My mom always gave me tea and toast when I was sick. I will have to try that as soon as my stomach tells me it's hungry.

I'm not oinking yet....

2009-05-03T18:45:00.001-04:00

I have the flu. I know, I know....
Kate said it's nothing to worry about...so I am not going to worry. But I am not going to work tomorrow. I am in direct contact with children and their parents and I don't think the parents would want me there spreading my "pig" germs. People tend to panic.
I am not running a fever, but have body aches, muscle and joint aches, headache, sore throat, stuffed up nose, no appetite whatsoever. I just feel overall crappy.
I am thinking its a bad cold. I want to think positive.
I was just at the doctor Friday. If I am not better by Wednesday I will call. No point in alarming anyone.

Still Alive

2009-05-01T11:09:00.000-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. Sorry. Just didn't have anything to say. My Blood pressure is a little high so the doctor changed my meds....again.... Can we say "sick of this shit"?

I am not feeling too hot today. Not sure why. I need to eat something but I am stuck at work and there is nothing healthy in the fridge. I will grab a bite when I get home.

Bob's other brother (Norberto) from NY is down visiting the brother who has cancer (Ruben). We may meet him for dinner tonight or just go to Ruben's house. Norberto leaves tomorrow.

My son finishes college next week and will be home for the summer. My house will be so depressed. :)

That's all for now. Hope everyone has a great weekend. I sure will try.

Back to my old self?

2009-04-21T20:55:00.001-04:00

Well the headache is gone and I sleep with the help of Ambien. Still coughing. But hey, I am alive.

The weather has been good. Tonight the hubby went to a girl's high school softball game. He has been coaching a co-worker's daughter in pitching. The hubby has played softball on and off for about 40 years. Fast style windmill. Anyhow...he went to one of her games tonight to see her play. He says she's pretty good.
Soooo.... Maddie and I were home alone. I had some energy and decided to do some stuff around the house. Straightened up the kitchen, cleaned off the clutter on the counters etc. I hate clutter. Vacuumed and swept. Got to do it while I feel like.
Then Maddie and I walked 2 1/2 miles very briskly. It was great. It was a nice breezy evening. People were out running, walking their dogs, just enjoying the evening. I love this weather and know it won't last too much longer.
Summers here suck.
When we returned I let Maddie out in the back yard. Lord knows she can't stay inside for more than 5 minutes.
The sun was shining on my fence and something was casting a weird rainbow shaped shadow. I could not figure out what it was...but took a picture to share. After viewing the picture, I realized it was the Palm tree. Still like it though.

Threw one in of Maddie after the squirrels.

Sleeping is for babies

2009-04-14T05:17:00.000-04:00

I am back to not sleeping and the sinus headaches are back in full force.....oh...and that nagging cough is back also. Would somebody just shoot me please and put me out of my misery?

Today I get a long extended lunch hour because the doc will be at a school function for one of her daughters.
Not looking forward to it though because she wants us to run an errand for her that is 20 miles away and she won't offer me gas money. Personally, I would rather just come home and sleep for the two hours.
If the head doesn't stop hurting, that is probably what I will do.
These headaches are horrible. Its so bad I feel nauseous. ( I spelled nauseous correctly at a guess, unless it's spelled so wrong spell check didn't catch it. LOL)

Did get some good news....my brother in law can swallow again and has his voice back! I was so happy to hear that last night, for a second my head stopped hurting and I forgot about the cough.
But then reality set back in.
I do hope he continues to do well and beats this cancer.

Sleeping like a baby

2009-04-09T22:25:00.000-04:00

It was a long week of screaming children and bitching parents...(what else is new) Never in my life have I met so many parents who don't want to spend a dime on their children's teeth. They slam their Coach bags up on the counter and then complain when they take out their matching wallets that they have to pay for fluoride (that is only $25.00) because THEY picked a sucky dental plan. (One mom actually had to call her husband to ask if she she could pay for fluoride that day. Shoot me if I ever get to that point in my life.)
NOT MY FUCKING PROBLEM. If you don't want to take care of your kids, you shouldn't have had so many! (I am quite the bitch lately huh?)

Ok i feel better now....

I came home from work yesterday and went to bed at 6:30 pm. I slept like a baby. I haven't done that in a long while. I don't know why I am sleeping so well all of a sudden. I think it may be that when I am breathing, I am concentrating on not coughing, so I am thinking about taking short slow breaths and not thinking about anything else. And the dreams I have had while I am asleep have been very vivid. I can remember every detail of them when I wake up. I usually remember my dreams anyway but these dreams have been more memorable for some reason.

My sinus headaches are back with a vengeance. I was hoping they were gone for good, but no such luck.
I didn't eat well today...went all day without eating and then ate KFC. I know...its full of sodium and fat.
I did have some cantaloupe as a snack later on though.
Tomorrow I am off and having lunch with a friend. I can't wait to sleep past 5 a.m. It will be delightful.

Not China?

2009-04-07T16:21:00.000-04:00

I was sleeping the other night and I heard this crash. I jumped up and couldn't figure out what it was. It sounded like it came from my son's bathroom so I went in and turned on the light. There lay the shower curtain and the rod. It had fallen off the wall. It was the orginal rod and the house is 18 years old. So I think I got my money's worth when we bought the house (used and all)
Anyhow, off to Walmart (yeah I know..I hate that place too) I go to pick up a new rod. When I got home I started taking off the plastic wrap and what did I see but "Made in the U.S.A."

So at least we are making shower curtain rods here. I doubt there is a great demand for them though.

Ack!!!!!

2009-04-07T16:17:00.000-04:00

I am still coughing...FUCK!!! (i feel better now)
And my dad is in the hospital. And it's Spring Break week so work is brutal.
Just wanted to let you know.

On a roll...

2009-04-01T22:03:00.000-04:00

Well, I have been exercising and lifting weights. I am determined to get myself in shape. I use free weights every other day and walk every day. I am trying really hard to eat right, but still enjoy my sweets every now and then. I have been cooking and eating mostly at home.
It's so hard to control sodium. Everything is so full of it. You don't realize how much is in so many things.
I feel like I am doing well and want to continue this so I can see a difference in how I look and feel.
I am thin, weight isn't an issue. I need to tone up and I need to build upper body strength, as I have none,..... seriously.

I still have the dry cough. My doctor changed my meds and hopefully that will work. I am still waiting for the cough to subside. I hope it's soon because I get out of breath when I walk or talk a lot.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement SuperDave and JerseyGirl.

Long time no post

2009-03-27T16:30:00.001-04:00

Sorry I havn't posted in a bit. I have been feeling crappy on and off for a couple weeks. Had this nasty dry cough and I couldn't get rid of it. I finally went to the doctor and she said it was my blood pressure medicine. So she changed the meds. After I bought a 90 day supply. Ugh. She gave me some samples of the new one to use and I see her back in a month.
I hate this.
I just want to be healthy, no meds. I know I need to eat right...and I try...but I hate cooking so I eat out a lot and that's not good. I bought a low sodium cookbook. It's behind my knives next to my stove. The recipes looked good. I just havn't tried any of them.
I get bursts of energy and will feel like doing things. But most of the time, I am tired...and beat...mentally and physically.
I just don't know what to do anymore.
I know I need to exercise but after listening to screaming kids, bitching parents, and a doctor who is never satisfied no matter how perfect you are all day, I just want to come home and veg out in front of the lap top and listen to 70's music.
Any words of inspiration would be appreciated.

Natasha Richardson

2009-03-19T16:11:00.001-04:00

I was very saddened to hear that Natasha Richardson had died from her head injury she sustained skiing. It is the same exact injury my son had in 2004. He survived. It makes you think..........

Reading the story here brought back memories and tears to my eyes. She could have been saved had she gone directly to the hospital and had a CAT scan. Head injuries are nothing to ignore. My son made it to the hospital with 15 minutes of life left in him. I only wish Ms. Richardson would have also.

What's beneath me...

2009-03-17T18:07:00.000-04:00

OK here's what is beneath me (thanks Dave). My new floors.

Whew!

2009-03-12T20:11:00.000-04:00

For the past week, we have been preparing, and moving furniture so we could get laminate wood floors put in our bedrooms. We had to move each bedroom, everything it, out in to the formal living areas. Then we had to rip out the old carpet and clean up all the mess. Each bedroom has a walk in closet, so we had to clean that out and strip that carpet out too.

A friend of ours who is a licensed contractor came and installed them. He did one room at a time so that we could get the furniture moved back in and have room to put the next rooms furnture in the formal areas.

We, myself, my husband Bob, Desmond and his friend Scott moved everything out of the rooms. Bob cut and pulled up the carpet. Bob removed the tack strips, Des swept, Scott pulled the nails of the cement floor. I am in the equation somewhere. LOL
We worked as a team and got it all done in 4 days. Three bedrooms of furniture In, out in four days.

Ray did a great job and I am so glad we went with him and not that place called HD. I won't mentioned names but the store is big and orange.

Ray saved us a ton of money and I am sure did a much better job. He's a great guy.

Needless to say, I am very pleased with my floors and will post some pics soon. I bought a new camera. I think my other one was stolen out of my own house by someone who came in to work on my house. Not Ray of course. That was over a month ago. Pics will follow.

Just like old times...

2009-03-05T21:21:00.000-05:00

I grew up listening to all different types of music. I sometimes didn't realize what the words to the song were really saying. That happens a lot to me when I hear a song from my childhood, I'll say to myself..."Ohhh that's what they were saying?"
Anyhow, I had that moment tonight. I had downloaded some music and threw in some Chicago. One of the songs was "Dialogue". I really never paid attention to what the song was saying. I didn't even know who sung that song. Actually as a child, thought it was a couple different songs thrown in together.
Anyhow....
I listened to it tonight. I listened to it about three times before it hit me as to what they were talking about.
This song, the words, the meaning.....could pass for the current state of the world.
Its a rough copy but enjoy:

Food glorious food

2009-03-05T06:48:00.000-05:00

Since my last post I have been exercising and eating right. The only bad thing is I am losing weight. I weigh about 118 right now and don't want to get too thin. I guess losing some body fat would be good. My husband bought me some hand weights so I could keep my arms toned.
Food is an issue with me. I eat to survive and don't really care what it is I eat. I eat until I am no longer hungry and stop. I just have to chose the right things to eat now.
I took the day off from walking yesterday as I was extremely tired when I returned home from work. Today's schedule is a little better and I should feel ok.
I have a family reunion in May and my nephew's graduation in June. Don't want family to look at me and say "omg she's wasting away".

Waving the white flag

2009-02-28T18:51:00.001-05:00

My job is stressfull at times. I mentioned in my last post the screaming kids, I forgot to mention the parents who bitch at me because the they have to spend thousands of dollars because they gave their kids candy to shut them up, or lets them go to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, again to shut them up and now their teeth are rotten. Not my problem is my new motto.

Anyhow, Boss tells me my hours are being cut back and I am actually glad. I get up at 5 am. I am at work by 6:30 most days and work until 3:30 pm with very little break time.

Our schedule is slow but it seems I am still just as busy.
The office manager won't be happy about my cut hours as she hates running the front desk. Again, Not my problem.

I went to the doctor yesterday. She didn't like my numbers so she is increasing my blood pressure medication. I haven't been eating the way I should or exercising the way I should. I get home from work and am tired, physically and mentally. I told her about my boss cutting back my hours and she said she was going to suggest that. I guess the boss beat her to it.

My blood pressure is my problem and I intend to take care of it.
I intend to eat right, exercise and try not to stress out as much.
I'll keep ya posted.

The nose knows

2009-02-24T18:33:00.000-05:00

I saw a can of kidney beans in my pantry yesterday and immediately thought of chili. That would be our dinner for the next day.

I had a hectic day at work. Lots of new patients, kids fighting with their siblings, parents ignoring their children, phone ringing, children screaming. All I could think of was eating that chilli in peace and quiet. So, after work today I stopped at Super Target to pick up some canned tomatoes and chilli seasoning. I don't grocery shop much, the husband does that for me. When I do shop it's Publix because is closer. Anyhow, I found everything I needed except the chili seasoning. I walked up and down every food isle looking. I know right where it is in Publix but I could not find it in Target. I was just about to go and find an employee, when my nose picked up the scent of chilli spice. I turned around there it was, right behind me, the little envelopes of seasoning.
It's funny how our senses work.

Oh Thank Heaven

2009-02-21T14:05:00.000-05:00

Our son Desmond was born on July 11th 1990. Ever since he was born, it seems whenever we look at a clock it reads 7:11. It happens all the time and has been happening ever since he was born. Well now the car is starting with it. I was at a redlight on my way to work and what do you know?

A fashion statement

2009-02-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

I had to go to Publix to pick up some prescriptions for my son Des who was home from college with the flu. The doctor on campus told him not to go to class until Monday, this was Wednesday night, so I told him to just come home so mom can take care of him. I made him my famous chicken noodle soup and he rested in his own bed in his own room. So much better than a noisey dorm room.

Anyhow, while I was at publix, a gentleman walked in to pick up his prescription also. I couldn't resist taking his picture for your enjoyment and a good laugh. OMG did he look in the mirror before he left the house? And if he is married, how could his wife let him leave the house like this?

NPR

2009-02-10T18:09:00.000-05:00

I have been listening to NPR for a few years now. I worked for a very left wing attorney and he used to listen to it every day. Thanks Steele.
Now when I wake up at 5 am and come out for my cup of Tea after my shower, I turn on NPR 89.7 WUSF.
I love the news in the morning. The interviews, the wonderful and sometimes sad stories it tells.

The shows are Morning Edition with Carson Cooper in the morning from 5 am til 9 am. And in the afternoon, All Things Considered with Susan Giles Wantuck runs from 4 pm til 6:00 pm. Florida Matters at 6:00 pm and then Marketplace at 6:30. The shows are great and I learn so much listening to all the stories.
It's almost comforting to hear their voices in the morning and evening. Its the first thing I do in the morning as I walk in to the kitchen, I turn the knob on the radio before I even let the dog out. Sorry Maddie.

Chicken Soup

2009-02-08T08:28:00.000-05:00

I was talking about my mother-in-law the other day. She passed away in 1999. My husband, son and I went to see her in Puerto Rico when our son was 3 years old. (1993). She was such a sweet woman. There are plenty of people out there who don't get along with their in laws, but she was just wonderful. I just regret she lived so far from us that I could not spend more time with her. She adored my husband as she did all her children.
She lived on a farm in the mountains with multiple chickens, goats and other animals. One day while we were at the beach, she killed a chicken and prepared fresh Chicken soup. It was the best soup I ever tasted. (Sorry Kate).

Anyhow, I have been sick with a cold all weekend and I don't know why it didn't occur to me to make chicken soup. So this morning, knowing I had to get better before tomorrow so I could return to work, I put on a pot of chicken to boil. I have rested, drank fluids etc. etc....
I am hoping this will finish the job. It's not Emelia's chicken soup but I think making it in her memory will do the trick.
BTW, its one of the few things I make that we fight over who's going to get the last bowl.

Fun with Signs

2009-02-06T20:10:00.000-05:00

Tile, sick and Michael Phelps

2009-02-06T19:42:00.001-05:00

I havn't posted in a while. We are tearing out our shower and having it retiled. We had all new plumbing and faucets installed in our three showers. Only one is usable as they went thru the closet to get to the pipes. The others had to have the tile ripped out. Fun.....
Now I have a cold or something going on. Its mostly my nose but now the body aches are starting and I feel miserable...literally miserable...like pissed at the world...and speaking of pissed...

Kate had posted something on Michael Phelps "caught" smoking marijuana. She beat me to the post but I share her feelings. Now Kellogs has dropped him and he was suspended.
I really think this is rediculous. Our so called former "president" starts an illegal war, supports and even orders torture and god knows what else, and nothing happens to him. Micheal Phelps hits the bong and all hell breaks loose. All the idiots who called Kelloggs to complain probably do the same thing at home. If they would just legalize it, it would create jobs, and produce taxes which could fund education etc.
OMG People in general piss me off.

Ruben, carpet and other things

2009-01-30T12:49:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Ruben's first chemo treatment. He said he feels just like he does on anything other day. I hope the treatments are kind to him, but we know they won't be after a few days.

We decided we wanted laminate wood flooring throuhout our house, however, we have a large area that is ceramic tile. I had read you can put laminate wood over tile, however finding an installer willing to do this isn't easy. So.....we have decided that instead of paying close to 10K to put in laminate flooring, we will just replace the areas that are carpeted with new carpet and leave it at that. With the economy the way it is....and job loss happening every day, it's probably not a good idea to spend that much money right now anyway.
Though I hate carpet....I am happy to have a wonderful home, so I am ok with it.

My Obamapalooza/birthday party is tomorrow night. I have been dreading it for weeks. Even though I want to have the party, I was dreading it....Don't ask me why. Anyhow, today I finally felt excited about it. I will have about 30 good friends here for some good music, great food and Bob's sangria. Most Everyone coming has had bob's sangria..... well lets say they are probably coming just for the sangria.
Hope you all have a wonderful superball (I could care less about football) weekend. Tampa Bay is excited about it. We are having crappy, rainy, cold weather right now though. I hope the visitors aren't too disappointed.
Go Steelers! (That's from Bob)

My son and my dog

2009-01-25T16:53:00.000-05:00

I was just telling my son that as much as Maddie is a pain in the ass, I am glad I have her. Des says " Yeah, she's not bad, she just not good either".

House cleaning

2009-01-25T14:13:00.000-05:00

We finished painting our family room and I just completed putting back the curtains, pictures etc on the wall. Painting is such a job.
I want to hire a housekeeper. Someone who comes every other week and just keeps things clean for me. I love cleaning but by the time I get home from work, I don't feel like it and I hate spending my weekends cleaning the house. I am very particular in the way my house is cleaned. Faucets have to be shiny and no water spots anywhere. Floors have to be clean, no hair anywhere. (My son has long hair so when he comes home on the weekend he leaves a trail)

My dilemma is I don't want someone in my house. I like my privacy and don't want anyone touching my things etc...
So....it looks like I am just going to have to do one or two things an evening and then it won't be so bad on the weekend.
Ugh!

Stage 4

2009-01-17T13:06:00.000-05:00

My brother-in-law's cancer is stage 4, almost stage 5. I guess it was worse than the doctors first thought. He gets the PET scan on Monday. He starts Chemo on Thursday. Its going to be a rough couple months for him, for his wife, his grown kids...for everyone who loves him.

Run for your lives!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-15T17:54:00.000-05:00

Feces-throwing monkey on the loose in Tampa Bay

Jan 14, 8:33 PM (ET)

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - Wildlife officials said a rhesus monkey known to throw feces when mad is on the loose in Tampa Bay. Authorities have been trying to capture the primate since Tuesday afternoon, but it managed to evade a bucket truck and tranquilizer dart.

Gary Morse with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the adult male is thought to have escaped from an unlicensed source. It was last seen in Clearwater.

The monkey is not considered dangerous.

Ok, no he's not dangerous, he just hurls crap at you. Great..just what I needed...

Unbelievable

2009-01-08T20:32:00.000-05:00

I read this article online and couldn't believe what I was reading. And then the whole Jesus comment was just weird. I can't figure out how to embed the link so here, you can copy and paste it. I tried to find intructions online but couldn't find embedding an article or website, just photo's which I know how to do already. Anyway, here goes:
http://apnews.myway.com//article/20090108/D95IVKRG0.html

I feel like crap and other things....

2009-01-07T14:11:00.000-05:00

My tummy is upset, I am lacking sleep, my son is writing some weird scary sounding music on his computer, my dog is jumping up the pine tree after a squirrel. I did hear from my attorney today with good news. Settlement is just a short 30 days away. So, I guess life isn't too bad. I feel better already. But I still worry....
Now I know why I like Chuck so much...

Ruben update: The teeth have to go....

2009-01-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

My brother in law Ruben has to have some teeth extracted before he can start receiving the radiation therapy. (Five weeks, every day). They won't do the PET scan to see if the cancer spread to the lymph nodes until the teeth are removed. The oncologist said he now thinks it may have spread to the lymph nodes so he wants him to start chemo also.
So it will be extractions, PET scan, radiation and hopefully no chemo.
He is holding up pretty good but his voice is pretty much gone. The next 6-8 weeks will be tough for him. I'll keep you posted.

Good News

2008-12-31T16:16:00.001-05:00

Well it's stage 2 cancer. Caught early. That's good because its highly treatable. They don't think it has spread. We will have to wait for tests to tell for sure. He sees the radiation oncologist on Friday. Those prayers may have worked Dave, thanks. I am looking forward to hearing about his visit on Friday and will update.

Cancer Sucks

2008-12-30T21:13:00.001-05:00

I had posted here a few weeks ago how I found The Hudson Brothers online and the youngest one has throat cancer. I was following his blog online about his treatment and what he is going through. It was heart wrenching reading about his painful treatments. He was saying he couldn't swallow, he was in so much pain. I felt guilty even eating after reading that post. My heart broke for him.

Yesterday my sister in law called me to tell me my husband's brother has throat cancer. Coincidence? I am not sure. But for the last 3 weeks I have been reading about throat cancer, the optional treatments (some not available in the U.S.) I have read about the best foods to eat when having cancer treatment. I have been basically following this man's treatment every day that he posts. And now here we are with a very close family member with the same horrific, painful disease. The treatments for this disease are really painful and can be disfiguring. (surgery)

I don't know if finding this gentleman a few weeks ago will help my brother in law, but I like to think it happened for a reason.
Please please, if you have a religious bone in your body, say a prayer for my brother in law Ruben. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He would do anything for anyone. If I could, I would take the cancer for him. The next few months are going to be tough on my family. I had given up on religion since 2001. And even after my son's near death, I wasn't sure about it. But I feel like praying is all I can do. I can't do anything except pray and be there for him and his family.

Much too young to die..

2008-12-23T16:41:00.000-05:00

My 43 year old cousin died Sunday night from a brain stem stroke. It was his second stroke in the last couple of years. He had the stroke around Thanksgiving time. The doctor said he wasn't taking his meds. He is just a little younger than I am. I still can't believe he is gone. And though it's been years since I have seen him...I still feel the loss of him. I am glad he came to visit me a few years back. I don't have a picture of him..but he is almost a twin to the actor Randy Harrison...

WTF??

2008-12-19T05:45:00.000-05:00

Don't these people have jobs or anything else they can be doing with their time and talent?

I give up...

2008-12-17T18:13:00.000-05:00

Ok, I gave up and decided to take the meds for the high blood pressure. It was going up to 156/108. My doctor said I can't wait and she called something in. I waited 2 days and then today took my first one just a little while ago. My sister tells me they make her really tired, so I took it in the evening. I took my blood pressure about 30 minutes after taking it and it was 123/80.
Today at work it was 150/97. It seems to spike at work. I can't imagine why?

Rose colored glasses

2008-12-12T16:56:00.000-05:00

Well I have decided I need a new outlook on life. I am a worrier. I worry about worrying. It is causing stress.... which is causing my high blood pressure which could end up shortening my life. So, I have decided that worrying isn't going to change anything. I am going to stop worrying about things and just enjoy every day.

If Citigroup folds, no worry, my husband is very smart, bilingual and can find another job.

My boss is moving to Texas next year, no worry, there are other dentists out there who would love to have me run their front desk.

My son has his own car and is out there driving with the maniacs...well...there are some things I still have to have concerns about. But I will try not to lose sleep and stress about it. I lived in a bubble before and I can do it again. For a while anyhow, until reality bites me in the butt.

Under pressure

2008-12-12T11:46:00.000-05:00

Ok now I have high blood pressure. My doc says that from the sounds of it, its stress and not necessarily my diet. I eat pretty healthy but need to cut back on red meats (Kate will be happy to hear that) and exercise, (she will be happy to hear that also). I also need to stay stress free. Well that won't be happening. My husband works for Citibank. Need I say more.....
I have to take my blood pressure daily and report back to the doctor in 2 weeks. If it hasn't gotten better, I have to take meds. I don't want to do that but HBP runs in my family and even though I eat right and am not over weight, it could just be bad genes. So I am including Queen/David Bowie's Under Pressure for your viewing and listening pleasure.

2008-12-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

Laptop is now dead. Well it turns on but that's it. My husband says he can save everything. I havn't missed it as much as I thought I would. I have watched some television which other than a few shows don't watch anymore. I will keep you posted on the "old girl" and her virus.

Viruses...... human and otherwise

2008-12-11T13:23:00.000-05:00

My computer has a virus. It is streaming audio even when I am not logged on to the net. Fun. Now I can't even listen to my Hudson Brother's song I rediscovered after 35 years. I hate this. And I feel like I am coming down with something. I am not sure if I am or not. It could be that I am almost 45, tired from getting up at 5 am every day and just don't feel like doing crap anymore.
I am off for the next few days and look forward to doing nothing. I do wish I could listen to my music but instead I get movie trailers, golf ads, and foreign languages I have never heard of. Nice......If I had hair, I would be pulling it out.

2008-12-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

I was listening to my Verizon Fios 70's music station and a song came on I hadn't heard in years. I mean so many years I don't even know the last time I heard it. It was by the Hudson Brothers.

And after googling them and youtubing them, I found out the youngest, and my favorite brother, Brett has cancer. He is making a movie about his treatment and the place called The Klinik in Germany where he is getting treatment unavailable in the United States. Check out his website and read his blog on www.theklinikmovie.com

Elfyourself Vega Version

2008-12-06T23:05:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Follow up to Uncle Bear

2008-12-01T21:34:00.001-05:00

Kate replied back to my last post about the death of my Uncle. She commented that the names of my uncles, aunts and my mom were great. Well there's more.....Here is my reply to her.

Kate, thanks. There are so many weird names in my family. The one named Everette, my mom's brother. His nick name was "Hump". Don't ask....His son, also named "Everette" is called "Teenie". Hazel's son is named "William", but everyone called him "Wimpy". And Hazel's other son, Forrest, yes like Gump...anyway, Forrest was called "Bootsie". And Everette Sr., "Hump" also has a son named "Cary", but we all call him "Dootsie"

The last of the siblings....

2008-11-28T14:27:00.000-05:00

My mother was the youngest of 9 brothers and sisters. The last sibling passed away this morning. I don't even know how old he was.

My mother grew up poor. Very poor. Her father who was a Baptist minister, died when she was just 7 years old. They had no running water, dirt floors, no electricity. She had to quit school in 8th grade to go to work to help support herself and her mother.

Her brothers all married and went off to war, all except for one I believe. Her sisters married and had started families of their own. It was just my mother and her mother.

My uncle was named Clement, although they called him "Bear". From what I understand it was becaused he loved bananas. But I always thought monkeys loved bananas. I guess it would have been harder having an "Uncle Monkey" than an Uncle Bear.

He was in the Korean war and my mom told me that left him with a lot of mental scars. He had a nervous breakdown a few years ago and hasn't been the same since. I remember taking my son to see him one halloween for trick or treat. He used to smoke cigars. Des was dressed as Babe Ruth. So my Uncle, with my permission, gave Des a Cigar,still wrapped in plastic to use as a prop for his costume. Des was thrilled (even though he said smoking was "gross").

My uncle used to tell me stories of his childhood. He was one of those "slow talkers". It would take him forever to tell a story that could be told in 2 minutes. But I always listened to him. And though I can't recall any of the stories at this time, I can still remember sitting across from him, and him leaning in and telling us the stories...I can still remember the smell of the cigar.

He was a sweet man who had one of the nicest yards in town. He did all his own yard work for many many years. Up until he could no longer do it under doctors orders.

He will me be missed in my family. We are heading up to New Jersey for my son's injury case next week, and I hope the services coincide with our trip. If not,I will stop in and see my aunt and cousin and give my condolences. He was the last one and at least now I know they are all together....somewhere...sitting and chatting, William, Walter, Everett, Joe, Hazel, Myrtle, Doris, Clement and Peachie.

Today I give thanks for so much

2008-11-27T09:27:00.000-05:00

This year I have so much for which to be thankful.

1. My son is alive, graduated high school and is attending a great college and is doing so well.

2. My son is driving (finally), has his own car and so far is acting responsible. :)

3. We are healthy and happy

4. The government bailed out Citibank. I have mixed feelings on this but since Citi feeds us....I am thankful.

5. I have a wonderful, caring, loving husband who takes such great care of us.

6. I have a great job and like what I do.

7. I finally found two very special people I have been searching for for more than 20 years. I hope they allow us into their lives. I am thankful for finding them.

8. I am thankful for my warm comfortable home and all the things that come with it.

9. I am thankful for my family. Even though they live far away, they are in my heart.

10. And last but not least, I am thankful for my life. It's a good life and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Update on the driving..

2008-11-23T09:28:00.000-05:00

My son passed his test with flying colors. We were both excited about it. The gentleman helping us with paperwork when we approached the desk was a very sweet quiet gentleman who was soft spoken and patient. He asked Desmond if he was registered to vote. We both said yes. I commented that it was very exciting to vote this year and we were happy with the outcome. The gentleman said he was also and was still walking on clouds himself.

He asked Desmond if he wanted the best and Des said "yes of course". So the gentleman finished Des's paperwork and then proceeded to come around the desk to take Des out for his test. :) Sometimes people leave a lasting impression on you and this gentleman did. Desmond was wearing a tee shirt from his Model United Nations Club in High school. It was a dove carrying the letter A from the word WAR to the word PEACE. He asked Desmond about the shirt, so Des explained where it was from and it's meaning. The man said he liked the shirt and wouldn't mind having one for himself. Desmond said during the test, the man never wrote anything down. He asked Desmond if he knew anything about Dogs. Of course having a JRT, we do, so the man asked Desmond if he knew what kind of dog would be best for his special needs grandson. Des said they chatted about life in general and it was a very pleasant experience.
Once the test was over, Desmond said the gentleman told him he passed with flying colors and they came inside.
Desmond said it was a bit surreal. I won't forget this man. He didn't pressure Des, he didn't appear to be an authoritarian, he treated Des with respect and kindness.
(This was Desmond's third driving test, the man could have been a butthead about it).
We are still car shopping and looked at a promising one yesterday that just needed a new paint job. Nothing Maaco could'n't fix. Today we will go again and look at two more. The right car is out there, just waiting for our checkbook.

Planes, trains and automobiles....

2008-11-15T10:12:00.001-05:00

Well, its come to that time folks. Time to buy the son a car. He still doesn't have his drivers liscense but I don't want him driving my car. We paid for professional driving lessons and he takes his test next week. He has failed twice. (Hence the professional lessons). So, today I will start my search for a decent car for him. I just don't want him coming home on the weekends and wanting to drive my lovely Hyundai. I just know something will happen to it. If he dings, or scrapes his car, thats on him.

He was a late bloomer with the whole driving thing. Said he wasn't ready at 15 to get his permit. He said driving is "an awesome responsibility" and he didn't think he was ready. Finally at 17 we told him it was time for the permit. He was 18 in July and still no liscense. We are hoping this time he passes. He failed the first time because a pregnant lady crossed the parking lot ahead of him, he was going over a speed bump, slowed down, proceeded over the bump. By the time he got across the bump, she was on the sidewalk. He didn't stop. He failed. Those damn pregnant women! When he told me why he failed, at first I thought he was kidding. Sounded like something he would make up as a joke. But then the look on his face told me he was serious. Poor kid, what a way to spend your 18th birthday, failing your driving test.

So, wish us luck on finding a decent car we can afford, and....wish him luck passing his test. Oh and wish me luck on getting any sleep after he starts driving. I worry constantly about everything and this is just another thing I have to worry about. Him driving, in Florida. We all know how that can be.

So Proud

2008-11-04T23:49:00.000-05:00

I am so proud to be an American tonight. So glad I was able to see this in my lifetime and share this with my son!

Vermont in Autumn? NOT!

2008-11-02T10:16:00.000-05:00

I wanted to go see the leaves change up north for vacation. I figured we would stay at a nice bed and breakfast and just enjoy the change of season we don't get here in Tampa. My husband comes up with the brilliant idea of going to the Dominican Republic. He works with some people from Santo Domingo and they told him how "beautiful" it was.
They lied.

We arrived at the airport in Santo Domingo and the taxi driver picked us up. Loaded our things into the van, and I use that term "van" loosely, and starts it up. Smokes starts coming out of the dashboard. That should have been a sign to get back on the plane and get the hell out of there.

We told the driver it was no problem and do whatever he needed to do to fix it or get another van. He cut two wires under the hood, started her up again and off we went.

Taxi rides there are an adventure, literally. The drivers there don't follow any rules of the road. Red light? Nah...they don't have to stop. Stop Sign? Nope, that sign means nothing to them. It's whoever has bigger conjones. And the person with the nice car always backs down as they don't want to risk an accident. There is no car insurance there either.

I have never quite seen so much poverty in person in my life. I have seen it on television and in National Geographic magazine but not in person. There were also homeless, malnourished dogs roaming around which broke my heart as an animal lover. They look at animals there as just animals. There is no affection for them. I saw few people with pets. Maybe five people and one was the hotel owner, who was German.

Trash was strewn all over the streets and sidewalks. It was like there was no trash pick up. I knew there had to have been...but I never saw a trash truck the whole time I was there. Never saw anyone picking up trash or cleaning up.

We attempted to go the beach one day. We took a bus ride there. That was an experience. We catch the bus at this bus station in "bad" part of town. I don't know what part of town wasn't bad...but this part of town was worse if it could get any worse. Trash was piled as high as I am tall. (5'1") There were beggars on the street, kids trying to shine my flips flops for money. Don't ask. Women carrying babies wearing nothing but diapers. The women and the babies were dirty. Their skin, and hair were filthy. But...we were looking forward to the beach...so we all piled into the air conditioned bus.

After a 30 minute drive, the bus stops and drops us off on the side of the highway. We had googled a very nice place to visit on the beach. It was a hotel with restaurant. There were beds you could lie on and food and drinks. The pictures were beautiful. Anyway, we get off the bus and start walking....and walking....All of a sudden a large group of people start running down this side street screaming and yelling. My husband who is fluent in Spanish said they were screaming that this lady had a bomb in her purse. The lady was screaming she did not have a bomb and to give her the purse back and to leave her alone. I am clinging to my husband like a two year old clings to it's mom. We have to walk past this group to get the "beach resort" we oh so craved.

After walking past the group and being chased by a few chickens, we made it to the resort. Along the way we saw more trash, more poverty, broken down abandoned cars and homes. It was lovely :)

We enter the resort and was immediately told that we would need to spend $100.00 American dollars on food and drinks before we could use the lounge chairs and beds on the beach. We hate and drank but it didn't hit the magic $100.00 so we walked along the beach for a minute. There was no where to lay a towel and just sit. No chairs to sit on. Just the lounge chairs and beds which cost $100.00.

The beach where the resort property was located was in good condition. But as soon as you walked past the property line, there was trash and broken down buildings on each side. It was like placing a nice hotel in the middle of the slums and pretending there was no slums around it.

We lasted there about an hour and left. Back to the bus stop to wait for another bus. This bus stop was a little better. It was just a gas station. No air-conditioning, though so it was cooler to be outside in the breeze and in the shade.

Once we were back at the other bus station, it was time to call for the taxi to take us back to the hotel. While there, I was approached by a man, trying to speak to me in Spanish and I had no idea what he was saying. I just said I didn't speak Spanish, (in Spanish) and figured he would leave me alone....well that didn't happen. He continued to bother me. My husband approached me ( he was inside calling for the taxi) and told him I was his wife and to leave me alone. He didn't seem to care that I was his wife and continued to try to speak to me. The couple that we were traveling with, the husband, approached also and said something to him in English. But with a tone that he realized, whatever it was, he was pissed. My husband told them him he had 1 second to get out of my face, so he turned around and left. I don't know if our friend's appearance is what made him realized they weren't dealing with just one but two Americans or what, but he left.

When I got back to the hotel, I was hot, tired, hungry and in tears.

The food there was really good and the historic section was beautiful. I only took pictures of mostly the good parts.

We lived in Spain in the 1980's for a few years and my husband had found this nice restaurant on the other side of town that specialized in authentic Spanish food. We took a taxi there and realized this side of town was where we should have stayed.

We enter the restaurant and the host immediately stopped us. We traveled with some good friends and neighbors who happen to be African American. Not that that matters, it doesn't to me, but to the Dominicans it did. They said something to us and my husband took over. He asked for a table and they looked at us like, "you are kidding, right? It was kind of a Joe Biden/Barbara West moment. Like they couldn't believe we wanted a table there. We were dressed very nice and were used to dining at restaurants like that in Tampa, Spain and elsewhere.

My husband then explained that in The Dominican Republic, if your skin is dark, you are most likely Haitian. And that means you are poor, lower class. The lighter your skin, the more respect you received. Everyone in the restaurant had very light skin and you could have dropped them in the middle of Madrid and they would have blended in perfectly. My husband also explained that white women, like myself, were looked upon as something the Dominican men strived for. Their goal to was to snag them a white woman. Not his white woman of course. The waiters and host were very gracious and treated us with respect, but we received looks of death from the other patrons.

After the second night there, my husband confesses that he is very disappointed in the trip and what we had experienced in just 2 days. The rest of us had not said a word to him as he had planned the whole trip and didn't want to hurt his feelings. But once he spoke up and said something, we all agreed....it sucked big donkey dicks.

After many more bad experiences....along the way....we did meet some great people whom I will actually miss. One was a young man who's father is a diplomat in Germany. He looked so much like someone you would see at my son's college, UT. My husband called him, "Mike from Boston" He was really Mikhail from Germanuy. He was here for 16 weeks to do an internship to become a diplomat. He wanted to do it all on is own without his father's help. He shared with us his experiences and perception of the country and we all had some laughs and good times. A new bar opened across the street from the hotel. My husband who talks to anyone and everyone....set up a party with food and drinks for us and the hotel staff for the last night we were there. There was good music, great sangria, compliments of my husband, delicious food and really nice company. It was the most fun I had during the whole trip. I am including some pictures from that night.

My husband and myself in the middle and our friends Brad and Cheryl on the ends.

The whole group of us.

Bar owner (far right), his brother and uncle.

And as a great end to the the trip from hell, my husband comes home, sick with what we thought was the flu...We spend 6 hours in the emergency room last night to find out it was only a virus. We were worried he had picked up something deadly while on vacation.
He will survive.

If anything good came out of this vacation it was that I looked forward to returning to the U.S. To my modest but lovely home. To my 9 year old couch that I won't complain about again. To my life here, which after seeing all that I saw there, is a really wonderful life.

A republican even I would vote for...

2008-10-19T12:39:00.000-04:00

One very very smart man!

Just showing some love.....

2008-10-15T20:58:00.000-04:00

An attorney friend of mine dropped off an Obama For President sign for me.

Of course, I stuck it out in my front yard. Makes my house look so much.....smarter?

Dave do you mean like this?

2008-10-10T12:39:00.001-04:00

Amazing video

2008-10-09T18:36:00.000-04:00

My son skateboards and he likes to watch video's of other skateboarders. I found this piece of footage on sidesalad.net. It is the most amazing skating I have ever seen. Hope the salad man doesn't mind me borrwing it. I will return it when I am finished. Thanks :)

I don't yet know how to make the video appear in my blog. If someone wishes to educate me I am open to learning. Enjoy the video and try not to move in your seat. Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4b9DAwMA08

Catching some Z's

2008-10-03T01:54:00.000-04:00

I am one of many unfortunate people who have trouble sleeping. It usually takes me forever to get to sleep and then once I am asleep, it's not that quality sleep that we need. The sleep where you are dreaming some weird dream. I usually toss and turn and never really get any. It's killing me.
I get bad sinus headaches and the only thing that works is Advil Sinus and Cold. It happens to be the stuff you can't buy over the counter any longer. You have to show your drivers licence, give your name and address etc.....because some wacko in Kentucky or Alaska has decided to turn it into Meth.

Anyway....so it's take the Advil, which makes my mind race with the same thoughts over and over....or....suffer as my head pounds. I don't know which is worse, my mind racing or the head pounding.

I wish I could take something that would make me sleep for about 12 hours straight. I know when I do get a good night's sleep, which is about once every month or so....I feel so much better. I can think straight, I can perform better at my job and I am not tired during the day. I have suffered with these headaches for 10 years now. And the sleep issue is going on about the same amount of time. Its going to cause an early death I just know it. I get up at 5 am every day and get to work about 6:30 til about 4pm. At my job it's none stop multi-tasking. My mind is in 3 or 4 places at once. I do enjoy what I do though.

So here I sit at 2:02 a.m. wanting sleep, needing sleep....but sleep won't come.
Wishing I was.....

Nothing new....

2008-10-01T20:17:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted lately. Nothing new to say. Obama is up in the polls, that's good. McCain and Palin still get on my nerves. Looking forward to tomorrow's debate. Should be interesting. I know Joe likes run on and on so I hope he is on his best behavior.

What I miss.......

Colorblind

2008-09-20T18:46:00.000-04:00

Yahoo featured a story stating some Democrats will vote for McCain because they don't want to vote for Obama because he is black. I just don't get it.

To me, skin is just a covering. I know it's the body's largest organ, yadda yadda yadda....but it really is just a protective covering. No one has any control over what color skin they were born with. Some white people want to be more tan. I myself wouldn't mind having olive colored skin. I would love to look like the Italian girl that I am. But I wasn't blessed with the olive skin. I was given peachies and cream and am happy with that.

I don't understand how someone can vote for someone who goes against most of the principal beliefs they hold because their skin color is white. Barack Obama has the same basic beliefs and principles I have. That is why I will vote for him in November to be our next president. If this man does not win because there are people out there so bigoted, narrow minded, ignorant as to not vote for someone because their skin is brown, then these people deserve everything that has happened in the last 8 years and every negative thing that WILL happen in the next 4 years.

It breaks my heart, physically makes me ill, knowing there are people like this. I married a man of color. He is Spanish. He is college educated, provides a wonderful home and life for me and our son. He is loving and kind.

My father did not and does not like him because his skin is not white like mine and his own. No matter how hard my husband tried to please my father and be respectful to him, he could not get past the fact that his skin is dark. I have come to the conclusion that it is HIS problem and not ours. He lost out on a great relationship with a great son-in-law.

I was raised believing people of different races don't mix and that people of color are "beneath white people". Once I became an adult and could think for myself, I realized what my parents were teaching me was wrong. I refused to raise my son in that manner. My son has had friends of every race, religion and sexual preference.

I trully hope that these people who are saying they won't vote for Obama because he is black, will see the error of their ways and realize that he is the man this country needs. I wish for one day, November 4th 2008, every American was colorblind.

Driving Miss Tam?

2008-09-18T17:53:00.000-04:00

My son who is now 18, was a little late getting his driving permit. He just wasn't interested. He said driving is an "awesome" responsibility and at 15, he wasn't ready.

So we waited until he was 16. My husband took him to get his permit. He has had it for 2 years. He just hasn't driven much. It is mostly my fault...a little of Dad's too. When I get home from work I am tired. I settle in and and hate to go out anywhere during the week.

Just about the time he wanted to start driving more, the price of gas skyrocketed. Go figure.

Well I started making him drive when we went out on weekends and if I had to run errands in the evening. He took his driving test on his birthday in July and failed. He said he was driving in the parking lot of the DMV and as he was "very slowly" going over a speed bump, a pregnant woman was up ahead in the distance. He did not come to a complete stop because he was on the speed bump. By the time the lady crossed the parking lot, he was over the speed bump and she was up on the side walk. They failed him for not stopping for a pregnant woman. When he told me I didn't believe him. It sounds like something he would make up as a joke. But ...he was serious. What a crappy thing to happen on your 18th birthday.

So a couple weeks later he went back and took the driving test again....and again...failed. This time worse than before....

My last resort, other than telling my son to just let the non-driving, starving artist hippie come out......I decided on professional driving lessons.

He starts tomorrow at 2 pm. I will keep you all posted. I can't wait to hear this guys opinion of his driving.

Ahhh sleep

2008-09-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

Wish I could get some. At least some quality sleep. My son slept til 3:00 pm yesterday and I had to wake him. Today it was 12:30 pm. I toss and turn and take an hour to get to sleep. Or...I obsess over something in my head and I never really get to sleep or if I do it's an hour before the friggin alarm clock goes off.
Lately its a shot I received Friday that has my arm swollen, red and sore that is preventing a decent nights sleep. And now tonight is Sunday, I never sleep good on Sundays, knowing I have to return to work in the morning.

The Boys back in town again

2008-09-12T22:22:00.000-04:00

My son is home from UT for the weekend. Nice to have him around again. I miss that guitar squealing.

2008-09-12T16:36:00.000-04:00

2008-09-10T19:17:00.000-04:00

OK, Dave wants me to post something. Well lets see....
Last night I came home and wasn't in the house 30 seconds and grabbed a Bacardi wine cooler thingy. I don't usually do that. Must have been a rough day.

Dad was released from the hospital today (supposedly). I have to call and check on him.

We did $4,000 worth of dental work today, pro bono, for a child who's dad serves in the military. Makes me feel good about my job.

I can't wait for the Biden/Palin debate. Joe is going to send Sarah home crying with her tampon string between her legs. ;)
Oh and Dave, I don't think anyone reads this but you and me.

Like Mother, like Daughter?

2008-09-01T18:33:00.000-04:00

I didn't know much about Sarah Palin when John McCain announced she was his pick for VP. I started reading about her though and couldn't believe what I was reading. She home schools her children, which I see nothing wrong with that, but how does she find the time? She teaches abstinence only as Birth Control, (which I find ironic considering her announcement today). Claims she will overturn Roe vs Wade if she becomes VP. (which she has stated in an interview she has no idea what that job consists of).
The thing that bothered me the most is that at the age of 44 and while holding a very demanding job as governor, she gets pregnant. She doesn't believe in birth control so I guess it was bound to happen. But this child is a special needs child. He has down syndrome. I work for a pediatric dentist and we see most of the special needs children that the other pediatric dentists in the area won't see.

I can tell you, the job of a parent of a special needs child has to be the hardest job out there. You have to give constant attention, 24/7 to this child. It is not too hard when they are infants, but as they get older, it is extremely difficult as they are not only toddlers, but toddlers with special emotional/physical needs.

I thought Governor Palin was being extremely selfish in accepting this VP nomination. Who would raise her son? Her husband? A nanny? As the VP, she would not have very much time to spend with her child/children.

Then today I learn her 17 year old daughter is pregnant. Well...that happens. I am not holding anything against the daughter, she's a normal teenager with normal feelings....but....if Governor Palin knew her daughter was pregnant, why would she accept McCain's offer of VP, knowing her family would be drug through the mud? Why would she put her daughter through that humiliation? Selfishness? I just don't understand it.

Hard to say goodbye...

2008-08-28T15:17:00.000-04:00

I went to visit my father. I tried to prepare myself and thought I did a good job. When I walked into his room at the hospital, the once strong burly man I knew as my father was a frail, weak man. He looked more like my grandfather than my father.
He had a black eye from falling earlier in the week. He had tests and there were no serious injuries. More just bruising than anything.

He did not remember who I was. That was difficult. After being reminded he said he remembered but I wasn't sure. The second day we asked him again and he did remember and even said my name.

He was eating very well and even asked for more food after eating everything...and I mean everything, right down the the last piece of lettuce off his sandwich. We bought him some apple cobbler and ice cream from the cafeteria. Sugar free of course. He's diabetic. We took turns feeding him. I fed him dinner and my sister fed him dessert. He was growing tired and sleepy so we told him goodnight and that we would see him in the morning.

The second day we were there the nurses got him up to walk after breakfast, which he ate on his own. He had on his hospital gown and my sister, niece and I waited out in the hall behind a glass door so that he could take his walk without worrying about us, worrying about him. He used a walker and walked very slowly.
As he passed us, I could see the back of his gown..yes it was closed.....His legs were almost as skinny as mine. I am thin and petite. 5'1" 120 pounds. He has no muscle tone left. My dad was always a big hefty Italian man. He loved to eat and usually had a weight problem because of it. I think maybe the eating could have contributed to his heart problems. I have never seen my father so thin.

We left him with the nurse to take his walk and said our goodbyes until that evening. We received a call that they were releasing him to a nursing home as he can no longer be in assisted living. The hospital transported him to the nursing home and we met them there after they got him settled in. This would be my last time seeing him and it very difficult. I didn't want to leave him. I wanted to put him on a plane and bring him back to Tampa with me. I think I would have if he could travel. He cannot so I had to leave my dad there in the care of others. We said our goodbyes. It wasn't like in the movies where you tell the person all things you want them to know. We had to tell him goodbye like we would see him again sometime. I think he knew we probably wouldn't though. I kissed him on the head and told him I loved him. Walking out of that room was one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life.
I know he is in good hands there...... until he is in the hands of someone else...above.

Dreams from MY Father

2008-08-24T18:55:00.000-04:00

My father is in the hospital suffering from congestive heart failure. I am leaving to go see him for a few days. I am afraid if I don't, I won't get that chance.

He will be 78 in October. He worked more overtime at Dupont than anyone in the company's history the year he retired. He was just 52 when he retired. He retired with a house that was paid for, and no debt. The average American can't do that anymore.

He was a frugal man and spent his money wisely. My mother was ill for many years and died in 1996, leaving him alone since then. He never remarried, dated or really did very much with his life.

He did not travel. Never vacationed or even treated himself to dinner. He didn't have any friends he went out with. He basically lived day to day in his house with the dog and the cat.

He did enjoy cooking and would cook anything I requested when I came to visit. His father owned a restaurant/store. He learned to cook at an early age. I wish I had learned all that he knows about cooking, maybe I wouldn't hate it so much. As a child, there were many a Sunday I woke to the smell of his home made spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. I may not have learned much about cooking from him, but he did teach me to be honest and that if I work hard, I will be rewarded.

Although he retired young and had money to pretty much do whatever he wanted....he didn't really do much. Piddled around in the garden, chopped wood for the woodstove he used to heat his house. (He had a brand new heating system put in, but said he refused to pay all that money for oil and watch it go into George W.'s pocket. LOL

Life for my dad seems to be coming to a slow end, and I want to be able to tell him goodbye. I am dreading this trip but I know I have to go.

The Empty Nest

2008-08-21T21:41:00.000-04:00

Well the big day has come and gone. Our only child has gone off the college. My husband got him moved into his dorm and all settled. Dad spent the whole day there sitting through orientation.

Des has some nice room mates and I hope he will enjoy his time there.

He isn't far from home. University of Tampa is about 25 minutes away from us. Its far enough but not too far that I can't jump in the car and be there in a flash if he needs me....which I don't think he will.

I have been preparing myself for this day for a long time. I thought it would be different. I thought I would enjoy the peace and quiet. No more electric guitar squealing from the bedroom. No more music playing in the office. No more getting up in the middle of the night for water....and hearing him writing his music late into the morning....

I miss him. I miss the noise....I miss the music. I think what I miss the most is him coming out to the lanai to tell me some random piece of history or scientific theory of which I have never heard. He is a bright, funny, witty young man. A young man who I have enjoyed raising...enjoyed being his mom.

I do for the first time in my life, feel a sense of accomplishment. I skipped college to get married, move to a foreign country and then meet the man of my dreams.( long story)...Anyhow....I didn't think I was college material back then. It scared me. I decided to marry (again) and have a family. Raising my son was my priority. It is something I have done well and with pride.

It's hard to believe he is all grown up, on his own and not needing his mom. Dad said when he unpacked...they all laughed at the first aid kit I packed, the tylenol and nose spray. The zip lock bags I packed for him. I tried to think of the things he wouldn't think to pack. But I bet when he needs those things...he will be glad I was there to remember it.

And even if he doesn't appreciate it now....he will later in life.....when he sends his own son or daughter off to college.

Well...until the weekend when, he runs out of clean laundry...and catches a ride home with my neighbor and best friend who works around the corner from UT...it will be just me, Dad and Maddie. At least I can still be a mom....even if its just to a JRT.

I'm Hungry

2008-08-19T15:57:00.001-04:00

I'm hungry. I hate cooking. I would rather have a root canal than to cook a meal. A nice frozen prepared meal is a my kinda meal. As long as it's healthy. My mother didn't teach me how to cook and I married and at 19 and moved to Spain. I had to learn on my own. I ruined many a meal. My husband doesn't mind cooking too much and what he prepares is rather tasty.

My son leaves for college tomorrow so I won't feel so guilty about not cooking every night. At least he will have a hot meal. University of Tampa has a nice cafeteria.
Some people love to eat. I however find it a chore. I would eat PB&J or cereal every night. A grilled cheese is another of my fav's. It's just food...something to put in my stomach so I don't waste away to nothing.
I am still hungry. The guys are waiting for me to prepare something...I can hear the frosted mini-wheats calling my name......

Fay...one word

2008-08-19T15:34:00.001-04:00

Dud! But I am sure there are many people who are relieved including myself.

The Day for Fay

2008-08-19T05:58:00.000-04:00

The day has arrived. Fay makes her grand entrance to Florida today. We have surgery today where I work but we cut the day short and should be finished by 1pm. Let's hope everyone gets home safely and Fay doesn't cause too much trouble during her visit. Everyone stay safe.

Waiting for Fay

2008-08-18T22:24:00.000-04:00

It was almost 4 years ago that we were getting hurricanes every weekend. Tampa Bay has been lucky and it looks like we might sqeak by again.
I work for a dentist so we may have to close our office if it gets too bad, but I doubt that will happen.
We didn't put up the storm shudders nor did we get gas for the generator. If we lose power, I told my husband I will be a very unhappy camper. He insists we won't lose power. We better not.
So here we are, waiting for Fay. I hope she comes and goes quickly, and stays away from New Tampa.