Happy Birthday Debbie!

The fabulous Deborino turned 46 yesterday!

I love this girl! She is one of my Lifers, My Bestie, my Sister. She was even my Roommate many moons ago (and we are still friends after living together!) She is also my Hero.

Deb is the quieter, more private of our circle of three. She doesn't do blogs. She doesn't go crazy. She has it very together.

I don't know what I would do without her. She is always there for me and always sees the bright side of life. She doesn't live near me but I know she would be here in a nano second if I needed her.

To my classy sassy Debbie, Cheers, my dear! I hope that your day was as wonderful as you. I love you forever!

The Sheri Dance

My dear friend, Sheri, has this little dance she does when she is happy. She isn't even aware of it, she just does it. Songs will come on, usually on her ipod, and she just kindof does this little sway, moving the hips, and snapping her fingers as she sings.

She is a music freak and knows the words to every song (okay, maybe not all, just the ones that are important to us). Music makes her happy and it is always playing around her. At home, in the car, she will even start singing if no song is present. That is just Sheri.

Sometimes I find myself doing the Sheri Dance.

Usually, I am by myself and a good song will pop on and there I am, swaying and snapping! I seem to pick up habits that I like.

I love seeing Sheri do this. It lets me know there is a song in her heart and it makes her happy.

Pow! Ow!

As much as I love our pets I either need to become quicker or smarter when playing with them. I know better, but I always get hurt!

Riley is a BIG dog! With big paws and big teeth.

Bandit is a medium sized dog but still a healthy 50-60 pounds of dog madness.

Speaking of madness.. Dakota is tiny but crazy. Very fast, loud and sharp little razor teeth.

Then there are the cats.

Mischa is a little she-devil that will turn on you and scratch your eyes out for no reason.

Rocky, well, Rocky is just a sweet old cat and doesn't play any more so he is excused.

I currently have cat scratch fever (if you have ever been scratched by a cat you know what that itchy burn feels like) Mischa gave me when she changed her mind about letting me pet her tummy last night. She got my hand in that pull & kick position that reminds me that she is in charge not me. I may have a fat lip and bruise cheek from playing with Bandit a little while ago. He is faster than me, and I had it coming. We were totally playing and he was concerned when he"got me". I also have some little tiny bruises on my calves from Dakota the piranha gave me when he chases me and quickly jumps at me from behind when I am walking down the stairs.

Riley is outside. She is barking though. I think she thinks it's her turn.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Gosh, here it is already. Tonight will be our first Halloween at the new house. I am use to at least 100 "Trick or Treaters" and my neighbor tells me I will be lucky to get 7. I love sitting on the porch as the little ones come. We use to let Bruno sit on the porch with us in his pussycat costume. He was our 120 pound gentle giant. The kids loved him. Prior to that I loved taking the girls trick or treating. I would get a coffee travel mug and walk with them and their friends.

Tonight, Annie is in Muncie with Emily. They will be celebrating the holiday together at parties. I am sure they will have fun. I can't wait to see pictures.

As for me & Sergio, we will just sit here with our bowl of candy, watching Law & Order or CSI, passing out candy to our half dozen or so Trick or Treaters.

Annie's Senior Pictures

Okay..
I know I went over board with sharing these. But, look how cute she is! I couldn't resist! Besides I have a small following and you all love my Annie too.

She had a high school friend, now at BSU take these in Broad Ripple. Her name is Kaitlyn Meeks and this young women is very talented and reasonable! I highly recommend her to anyone in Indy looking for pictures. She is a doll!

Emily and I had fun helping Annie & Kaitlyn. It was so cool and we found great places to get the shots in Broad Ripple. Annie loves it here (me too!). We could not have been more pleased. Kaitlyn, thank you dear! You did a beautiful job!

She's 18!!!

My baby turns 18 today. The baby! My Pooh Girl!
How did 18 years fly by so quickly?
She is amazing. I could not be more proud if I wanted. She is intelligent, sweet, sensitive, fun and swanky!

I have written about her here before and don't want to brag, but gosh darn, I am so proud of her!

She has accomplished so much and yet she is just starting to live. She will be graduating before I know it and off to college fulfilling her dreams.

Happy Birthday to our Amazing Annie!

Loving A Manic Depressive

Manic Depressive: affected by or relating to a mental disorder with alternating periods of elation and depression.

When you love someone that is a manic depressed person your world gets turned upside down, and inside out. Emotions get raw and nerves exposed. Things can be wonderful one minute and a nightmare the next. You can feel loved and hated at the same time.

I have lived with this my entire life. One of the most important persons in my life suffers from this disorder. It is up and down all the time. You never know what to expect.

I have grown up admiring her, amazed by her and loving her with all my heart.

I have also had moments of pain, sorrow and guilt beyond belief.

She has the gift of being superwoman. She can be giving, sensitive and the kindest of all.

But she can also misinterpreted things resulting in saying things that I am sure she would never if she just thought about the consequence. As well as turning things around and into unnecessary crisis.

She means well. But she flourishes on crisis' and situations that she can "rescue" or control.

Many would think the best way to handle these kind of people is to remove them from your lives. Keep a safe distance. And keep the drama at bay.

Easier said than done. Especially when you love the person.

I know she doesn't mean the hurtful things. I know she doesn't mean to make me feel responsible for her pain. I know that she loves me and would never hurt me on purpose.

I also know that I can not make her well. I can't make her take her medicine. I can not make her calm down and be rational.

I can only love her.

Playing Catch Up

How has time flown by so quickly?

I have been too busy this week! I can not believe the end of October is here! The week has been pretty good. Ups and downs. Same ole' stuff. I have alot on my mind and stories to tell. I will try to sort my thoughts and get something interesting posted. I have pictures too, but need to get them developed.

Emily came home last weekend and we had fun in Broad Ripple with Annie getting her Senior Pictures.

Annie is running like crazy with senior year. I can't believe she is going to be 18 in just a few days. We had a great time in Chicago. Look for a post coming soon on it.

The Pasadena Gang

Sergio and I had a wonderful time with my old neighborhood picnic this weekend. I got to see many folks that I haven't seen in years.

The many parents that helped raise me. I am forever grateful for them, especially Sandy. They weren't afraid to keep me in line (Thank God). Back then, everyone looked out for each others children and were not afraid to correct you when needed.

My gang along with spouses and several of their children. Although some friends were missing, they were with us in thought & laughs, (especially with the remember when's..). We did have fun looking through old pictures and reminiscing about some crazy times.

I reconnected and had a run down memory lane. Funny how easy it is to pick up where we left off. We haven't changed that much. Well, we told each other that we hadn't.

Seeing the old neighborhood is always bittersweet. I wish my folks had stayed here. They would have been happier. Many new families come and go, but that core of Golden Oldies will always hold that neighborhood together. I have some of the best memories at these homes and the famous back strip, where the party was held.

I took pictures. Promise to post a couple as soon as I get them developed (remember: I prefer film over digital so it takes me a while).

The afternoon was truly wonderful. I do wish my folks could have joined us. They really would have had fun. Maybe next year I can figure out a way to get them out here for it.

It is rare to maintain such a close bond between neighbors. I would love to have a piece of that today. We have met some fine folks in this new neighborhood we live in, perhaps we will establish that kind of friendships.

Why I am Terrified of Short Hair

Need I say more?

I am about 6 or 7 years old.

My Mom said I would love a "Pixie".
She lied.
She said it would be so cute. That I would look like Twiggy.
She lied.

Notice the little boy looking around fearful someone would see him sitting with me? I looked like a boy. And many people thought I was for a while.

I have been scarred for life.

Many woman can pull off super short hair. I think that women with short hair have a certain confidence about them. I on the other hand, have been hiding behind my hair ever since that dreadful, "Are you a boy?" phase.

As my friend says, "I have to have it long enough to pull back in a pony tail". I will never have one of those chic styles.

Season's In The Sun

Do you remember Terry Jack's "Season's in the Sun" song? From 1974.
I heard it today for the first time in many years.

Goodbye to you my trusted friend
We've known each other since we were nine or ten
Together climbed hills and trees
Learned of love and A B C's
Skinned our hearts and skinned our knees.

Goodbye my friend it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
Pretty girls are everywhere
Think of me and I'll be there.

We had joy we had fun
We had season's in the sun
But the hills that we climbed were just seasons
Out of time...

Loved that song.

My bestie and I swore we would have it played at our funerals when we died. We were a little morose. We planned our entire funerals at the age of 14ish. To this day, I know what she wants and where information for her funeral is. She knows mine as well.

Some little girls planned weddings, we thought further ahead. Little weirdos!

Dangerous Tweezers!

Last Thursday I went to the Indianapolis City County Building. I never get through their security without some kind of problem. The metal detectors always beep with me.

It's always something.

*my belt will set it off
*my earrings will set it off
*my shoes will set it off
*my under wire bra
*letter opener in my purse, (big no no!)

This time, I sat in my parking spot making sure nothing on me or in my purse would set it off. As I walked up the sidewalk, I realized that I still had pepper spray in the side pocket in my purse. Dang it! I don't want to give that up to them. I thought about sticking it in a nearby bush, but, just went with it as there were many people around and because I look like a terrorist, I don't want to scare people as I am stashing something in a hiding place.

As I went through my screening, first I set off the detector when I walked through. I am being searched as the second wanta-be cop, has a hissy fit with my purse, telling me I have tweezers in my bag! Okay, do you seriously have a problem with that? Apparently so. They confiscated them as soon as I could retrieve them out of my purse. I asked her if she needed my name so I could pick them up on my way out. She said, no, they now belong to them. Okay, knock yourselves out, looks like she could use them.

We all know that tweezers are way more dangerous than that pepper spray I had.

Of course, my plan to hold up unibrow people and tweeze away has been foiled!

Feelin' Groovy

I am feeling kindof groovy today. It started yesterday. Nothing particular made it that way. Same ole stuff going on that brings me down. BUT, somehow the good overwhelmed the bad. I love it when that happens.

I am proud of Annie, she has been nominated for a scholarship.

Emily had talked to me recently and sounded upbeat.

Sergio is finally home after a week of on the road.

My dogs & cats always bring me a smile.

I spent some time with Sheri, and I always laugh with her.

Today we have a neighborhood reunion of sorts. Several of the folks the lived in the neighborhood I grew up in still live there. They have put together a picnic and I am excited to go and see so many of the people that helped shape who I am today. All us "kids", (yeah, okay, we are 40+ year old's now, but we are still the kids!) are giddy with excitement to get together. This time we can drink in front of the parents unlike the neighborhood parties of years gone by where we snuck it. Several of us are bringing old photographs to laugh over. It will feel like something out of "That '70's Show".

I am making Green Bean Casserole (how original) and I am looking forward to this event. I wish my folks could join us but are unable to because of schedule conflict.

There will be good food, good company and good laughs.

Today, it's a good day.

Eating Disorders

I don't look like this anymore. These photo's were taken 12 years ago. I have put on a few pounds since. At the time, my weight was about 102. I am 5'8" tall. It was a difficult task keeping myself above 100 pounds.

I never choose to look this thin. My dream weight was 120-130.

I have always been thin. It is in my genes. At my cousin's wedding, a comment was made that we all looked remarkably alike, at least in our physique. Tall skinny girls.

My "eating problem" was something that was always there. It was not one of those things where I wanted to look thin. I was not Anorexic, Bulimic,or a Binger. I just did not eat.

Ten years ago, I went for my yearly Pap and exam. I asked my doctor to take a look at a patch of skin at my tailbone area. It had a rough texture and was a darken color. I will never forget the look on his face. He looked me straight in the face and said, "I thought that you loved your daughters." I said, "Of course I do! Why would you ask me that?". He said, "Then why on earth are you starving yourself? That patch is where your tailbone is rubbing the inside of your flesh, you have zero body fat, and if you do not change your eating habits, you will soon have a hole in your back. How will you be able to care for them when you are not caring for yourself?"

He gave me the name of a Dietitian and sent me on my way.

She was my angel. I credit her with helping me become healthy.

She never belittled me. She had a gift of making me understand. She helped me condition myself and learn to eat.

She once said it so clearly: A commercial is on, there is a woman enjoying a bowl of ice cream. 98% of the people watching that commercial think about food, how good it looks or makes them think of something they would rather eat. I fall into the category of the 2% people that watch that same commercial & wonder; How would I look with that hair style? She nailed it! That is so me.

I had to learn to schedule eating. And eat a minimum of 2000 calories a day. (Did you know a Taco Salad, shell and all, from Taco Bell is 1000 calories?). I also ate alot of shakes with Ensure added.

I had to get past my food issues.
*stop thinking about this meat was once an animal!
*DON'T watch the fast food people! Don't even look at them.
*don't watch ANYONE eat
*stop getting so grossed out!
etc...

My Dietitian gave me a goal. Baby steps are good. Training myself at a slow pace was working. Before I knew it, I was there. I then had to weigh in daily to make sure I stayed within my range.

I am not perfect. I am healthier today, with my weight anyway. I still have to stop sometimes and remind myself to eat. I am fine with the family routine, but with my daughter away or Sergio out of town, I slip.

I am not alone. One of my Besties struggles as well. We share many food issues. We would both be content eating appetizers for the rest of our lives.

For the record, I now weigh 130 pounds. I like this new weight. Although I really need a new wardrobe. Toning would be smart too. At least I know to eat now.

Quote for the Day

"I've learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou

Secrets To A Sucessful Marriage

I have gotten alot of advice on how to have a good marriage. From people who have never been married to people that have had more than 50 years of matrimony. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has advice. I believe there are no secrets just common sense and understanding.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Never Settle. Do not get married to someone that you can not see yourself with forever. Marrying someone because you don't want to be lonely, do not think someone better will come along, or out of convenience is a very bad ideal. Don't Do It!

2. Give 110%. It is not 50/50. That is only putting half of what you have into something. You have to give 100%, preferable more.

3. Be Nice. You must treat your spouse as you would want to be treated. Being mean never solves anything, it breaks things.

4. Be Respectful. The person you chose to marry should have your utmost respect.

5. Be Playful. Don't get into a routine and get boring. Do silly things, romantic things. And don't forget to smile!

6. Compromise. Learn to "enjoy" what your spouse enjoys. Or at least, support it.

7. Compliment each other. Hearing it from your spouse is way better than the stranger.

8. Be Faithful. Trust is everything in a marriage. Once broken, it's very difficult to get it back.

9. Never go to bed mad at each other. Settle things, talk about it, after cooling off. If you shut down, it won't go away.

10. Pray for your marriage. Without God, you don't have a "prayer"!

11. Have sex, ALOT! You gotta use it so you don't lose it. Making love with the one you love will keep you connected. Again, save this only for each other.

12. Say, "I Love You", and mean it. Say it everyday, as often as possible.

The Toilet

Recently while visiting with my Golden Friends, someone brought up a funny memory I want to share with you.

Once upon a time, around 30 years ago, my friends Lynn, Deb & I were riding around in my big old Ford Fairlane. Somehow, Lynn saw & convinced us to stop and pick up a toilet sitting on a curb (Trash day). We were looking for something to make our friend Sheri smile. I think Sheri was in trouble or something. Otherwise she would have been with us.

So, we hauled this thing over to her house, sat it on her porch, rang the bell & RAN LIKE HELL!

We thought it was a riot. We laughed sooo hard! I seem to recall Sheri's parents not finding the humor. We had to come back and pick it up the next morning.

It would go from porch to porch whenever we felt one of us needed that laugh. It lived in my humongous trunk when not "in transit".

When we replaced the toilet at my new house, I was so tempted to take the old one over to Sheri's porch. I know she would have laughed, but Dan would not have gotten it.

Mean People

I hate mean people! I hate them! I hate them! I hate them!

I hate the peole that have mean jobs and seem to enjoy them. You know who I am talking about.

That's all I can say now.

I am really hateful right now & need to calm down. I don't want to write something I will later regret.

Just needed to get that off my chest!

I will return after a dose of Bing Crosby's Ant Song (thank you Sheri!).

Reunited

...and it feels so good!

These are some Golden Oldies that I love forever!

I am not sure how we lost touch. We were able to pick up like we never had a separation. There were no awkward moments of silence. Just a lot of gab, laughs and no tears.

Last week when I went to that Howe Block party I was able to run into Lynn & Rich. Sheri had another obligation so was unable to go. Lynn called me this week about lunch over the weekend. We got Sheri & Rich to join us Sunday afternoon, and it was just like old times.

Lynn. Few people can make me laugh like Lynn. She tells wonderful stories and very much "this is how it is" kindof person. Lynn was the fourth wheel of Sheri, Deb, & Jan. She went a separate road, started a family at a young age and basically just grew in a different direction than Sheri, Deb & I. I am so regretful that I missed 25 years of her life.

Rich. I have already blogged about my dear Rich (see "Everyone needs a Richie"). I will love this guy forever. He is intelligent, hilarious and full of love. Funny how he retained his good looks way better than us girls. He is the one that has changed the least in our before & after pictures. Handsome devil! I am so glad he joined us and vow to never lose touch with him again.

Sheri. What can I say? She is in at least half my blogs. At least the upbeat ones. I truly do not know what I would do without her. She is my rock. She helps me keep it together. I know that she is always there to catch me and will never let me down. I am forever grateful we have maintained this forever friendship.

I called Deb on Friday & tried to convince her to jump a plane and join us for this lunch. I wish she could have as she would have completed this circle.

The five of us were into much mischief back in the day. I have the best memories because of these five wonderful friends. The fun, the silliness and the happy times we shared. They kept me sane, kept me laughing and saved my life. I don't know if they will ever truly know how much they did for me.

I love you guys.

Hilarious

I hope you can read this.

I have been snickering about it all evening. This is hilarious to me because I can relate.

I love Baby Blues.

Ready? Okay!

What is more hilarious than more than a dozen women between 25 - 60 years old learning Cheers in a backyard at night?

Apparently not much! Sheri & I are STILL laughing!

I talked Sheri into joining me at a party hosted by my Sister-In-Law titled "Girl Party". She hesitantly agreed. I promised good food, good wine, net-working, and if nothing else, time for us to get together and laugh.

And laugh we did!

My sister-in-law had us go outside and learn a cheer! There we were 18 women various ages and backgrounds, trying to learn a cheer from a former college cheerleader. Sheri, my other sister-in-law and I stayed in the back, bumping into each other (which brought back memories of trying to do Aerobics w/ that other sister-in-law), and laughing our butts off. Now I remember why I never cheered in school, I am STILL not coordinated!

I do not know or understand what that cheer leading thing in her back yard was about or why. I do know that it was funny. Sheri & I will laugh for years about this one.

Gross

I just scarfed down leftover Pasta Salad. I added olives, cheese, and of course, salt. I sat here cramming it down while typing away.

I looked down at my bowl as I was taking the last bite.

Was that a little mold I see? Nice. Just what I need.

I have food issues. Hopefully I am not going to get sick.

May be awhile before I go for Pasta Salad again!

Cottage Cheese Thighs Payback

I admit it. I was one of those cruel people that noticed women with their pants tight enough to see the dreaded "cottage cheese thighs". I would think to myself, "Gross! Buy larger pants!". I would snicker and swear IF I ever became a woman that had this condition, no one would ever know, as I would ALWAYS conceal it.

Wrong.

I am now a member of the Cottage Cheese Thighs Club.

I know I need to buy a new wardrobe. This unattractive texture just appeared one day. I don't know where the Hell it came from. I do know that it is tougher to hide than I thought. Who can go buy a new wardrobe? Especially, when you have teen daughters that always need something. They come first with clothes.

I promise to get some "bigger" pants asap.

I just pray I don't start showing a "camel toe"!

The Face Of A Criminal

I must look like a criminal. Or have a vehicle that screams "suspicious!". In the past year, I have been tailed by so many police officers.

Yesterday, a police officer followed me to the gas station, waited, then followed me onto the interstate, then my exit, and stayed with me for about 15 minutes before literally turning around in the street. Sergio said it's my truck. He ran my plates and checked me for a stolen vehicle because these little s10's are stolen all the time for parts.

Several months ago, I got the scare of a lifetime. I was traveling North on Keystone and noticed I was being followed by a squad car. Shortly after I was pretty much surrounded ( I counted 4 police cars)and pulled over. As I reached for my drivers license, an officer was at my side requesting me to keep my hands on the wheel. I had officers surrounding me (5 Officers!). They were looking my car over chatting with each other & their radios. I asked what was going on & was told to be quiet & they would explain momentarily. Now mind you, I have two officers with their hands on pistols watching my every move. Finally, I am told my vehicle matched a description of a vehicle in pursuit. (my Impala). No, "Sorry we scared the shit out of you." Just, "You may go now."

No wonder i am a Nervous Nelly! Don't be surprised if one day you see me on "COPS".