The Sock Monkey

Meet my Sock Monkey. He doesn't have a name. I think he did at one time, I kindof remember it being Jimmy.

Now, I just call him

SOCK MONKEY!
I got him as a Christmas gift from my Great-Grandmother, Beulah Rahmann, 40 some years ago. She made him as well as dozens of these little monkeys, from yes, red socks, plastic sandwich bags (his stuffing), and a couple of beads for his eyes. My sister, Julie, also had one. Hers looked like Jimmy's older brother. A little taller and different bead eyes. I don't know if she still has him. I imagine not.

Somehow, over the years I have let things go, but he has always remained with me. He is missing some stuffing and his tail. But he is still cute. He wasn't a favorite toy. He mostly sat on a shelf in my room, and I rarely played with him.

I do more now than I did then.

You see, I find him really funny. Especially, because my oldest daughter HATES him. Yes, Emily is afraid of "Sock Monkeys". Over the years, I have taken some warp pleasure in scaring my daughters with him. He would appear in their bed, in dresser drawers. sneaking up their bed (with me hiding behind him).

Recently, I sent Emily a text with his picture. She is going to be pissed at me for this blog entry too. Especially because she will notice that he is on her bed.

Seriously, what is wrong with me? I am giggling as I write. Sergio gets mad at me when I tease her but I just cant stop. Annie never let it bother her, she just laughed it off and tried to scare me with one of her little stuffed animals.

I think Emily isn't really scared. More like she thinks it is creepy. She couldn't believe they got popular a few years ago. Everyone thought they were cute, except Emily. She was the only one of her friends that had even seen a sock monkey before let alone had a crazy Mom with one.

I think he is so cute! He makes me smile. He gives me laugh lines.

Evil little sock monkey? Nah.. he is so cute! Maybe if I get one for Emily, she will grow to love them.

Sock Monkey Loves You Emily!

What's This?

Here we go again!

I really was trying to grasp this whole aging thing. I am starting to accept certain changes my body has been making. Embrace it... almost.

• Lines on the face? laugh lines, I have had many smiles!
• Little extra weight? healthy, smooths the wrinkles!
• Menopause? kindof look forward to the end of periods!
• Hot Flashes? finally, I am not freezing!

See? I am making some good out of some bad.

Embracing... yeah, trying.

BUT... now I noticed my hands are turning old! Yes, it's true. Yucko Old Lady Hands! I am pissed. Also, my arms! They lost that elasticity. I swear, I did not recognize my own arm!

I am not looking forward to what is next!!!

The Flamingo Lounge

The Flamingo Lounge is an exclusive members only "club". It has five members. Four middle-aged women, and a Female Black Labrador, named Gabby.

It was formed a few years back, but the actual members only, is something of recent management decision. It is located at the founding member's home, in her Family Room. The membership consist of four life-long friends, and the guarding puppy of one of the members.

These are the membership passes. I had my membership card for less than 24 hours when I lost it. Causing me to go on probation. Lost my rights to chose the television channel, the movie to watch. Any executive decisions were provoked from me. (The dog had more rights than me).

Luckily I found my pass the other day. It now sits with the remaining passes, as seen in the photo above. I am officially off that dang probation!

{The bullets? Private joke. Something about biting the bullet.}

Hanging at The Flamingo is heaven. Just me and my girlfriends. No drama, no expenses. We can speak our minds, ask any questions. We can vent, cry, or be silly. I can be educated or stimulated by the conversations between two of my girlfriends. The food is great, (whatever we want! usually appetizers). Great conversation, great laughs, and great memories in the making.

The only thing that would make this better, is if the MIA member, (she lives in another state), was able to be be here with us. She is in spirit, and by phone, but I really wish we had her here by our side all the time.

I am the most blessed person there is when it comes to friendships.

Friends come and go mostly in a lifetime.

Not my lifetime.

I got the keepers!

Fortune Cookies

We had fortune cookies at Annie's graduation party. I thought this was a fun idea. All seem to enjoy them.

I have always liked fortune cookies. I remember when I was a little girl, my parents went to a Chinese Restaurant and Mom brought Julie & I home the fortune cookies. I was hooked from that point on. Disappointed the first time went to a Chinese restaurant, thinking I would love the food like the cookies. I was wrong! Asian Cuisine is not my cup of tea!

Fortune Cookies are interesting. I don't "believe" in them. However, I do read them and I make them apply. Sometimes I will get surprised by one that is right on target. It's like, "hmmm. This is so true!"

A couple of very interesting ones I received recently are the following:

"Friends long absent are coming back to you."

I recently reconnected with Lynn. I could not be happier about that reconnection.

another one was:

"You will get your hearts desire."

We are in the process of getting a house that I am in love with and can see myself living there for the rest of our lives happily ever after.

I also got one saying I was "going to have a new love affair"

Then I met Tinka the bunny that has melted my heart. (not always quite what you think). It is a love affair in a sense. Tinka certainly has captured my heart.

Coincidence? I wonder.

I find it all interesting.

Do we manipulate things when we have a idea put into our thoughts?

Is it what it is, or is it all by chance?

Either way, I will continue to have fun with these silly little fortunes. I will make what I want of them and I will continue to eat the yummy cookies!

chapters...

I have been rather blue lately. Downright melancholy. I don’t have any true reasons.

Actually, things are looking brighter.

Much like a book, I am ending a chapter, and the upcoming chapter looks inviting and exciting. Good things to come, while harder things are getting ..umm easier?

Looming in the very near future is Changes. This new chapter has several changes that I will have to adapt to. I look forward and anticipate the excitement of the fall. We will have some clarity. We also will have some confusion. Things will be different, yet some things will remain.

Annie will soon be leaving the nest for her new college life. That is a very good thing and I am excited for her. I am anxious for her to spread her wings. I know she will be happy and I look forward to her stories and visits home.

Emily will be starting her 3rd year at Ball State University. She has grown so much in these past couple of years. I want her to continue to be the strong loving woman she has become. I look forward to seeing what this year has in store for her.

Sergio & I are in a good place. He has been my rock, and I like to think I have for him.

My job is enjoyable, and I like my co-workers. The uncertainly of being a Temp makes me crazy. Although I am told the work I am doing will continue until the fall of 2010. Hopefully, the job freeze will be lifted, and I will have "permanent" status.

I want to get a grasp on my life. I want to be in a place that Sergio and the girls will be proud of me. I want to like me again. I want to be proud of myself. I want to see the good, not the bad.

Art Love Treasures

This is an awkward shot of my kitchen wall. (Sorry about the glare, this is the best I could get.) In this photo you can see a ceramic cross, a plaque that says, "You are the Best Mother in the Universe!"
a drawing Emily did of our family when she was 4 years old. And a Eric Carle, project Annie made for Fathers Day when she was 5 years old. Emily's original Artwork has been replaced by this piece as the first one faded (watercolors). Annie's Artwork has always been in this frame.


My girls are now 20 and 18.




I also have several art pieces such as clay objects, baby food jar art and such, gathered around the house.
At Christmas, alot come out and are proudly displayed on the tree or around the home.


These are my favorite kinds of artwork. Stuff made from the heart. Full of love. They bring me incredible joy.

I also am big on home-made cards.

My home screams, I love my kids. From the photos, to the Art Treasures. My home feels and speaks of Love.

I feel pretty Blessed.

Grand Traverse Pie Company

YUMMY: tasty; delicious; mouthwatering; luscious; appetizing; savory; scrumptious;

Traverse Pie Company!

This is my current favorite eatery. Annie & I stumbled upon it one day shortly after they opened. OH MY GOODNESS!

Not only do they have fabulous home made pies, but wonderful quiches, sandwiches, baked potatoes, Pot Pies, salads, soups, muffins, turnovers, cinnamon rolls, cookies and cakes!

And let me tell you, they are darn good.

We ate lunch there one day. Then later this month I bought a Apple Dumpling with Carmel Topping pie to take to a family gathering. Needless to say that was a huge hit.

I had no problem talking Annie into running up there with me this afternoon. These are the items we indulged in today!

Annie tried the Sausage Pepper Breakfast Quiche on a flaky Crust. She also chose the Banana Cream Pie!

Me, I settled for the Coconut Cream Pie with some of their great coffee. (The coffee alone is superb!)

Forget Starbucks, this Java is way cheaper and way better. They actually give you about six flavors to choose from (I am a basic Breakfast Blend, although I enjoy the Mountain Cherry also).

And did I mention the prices? Today's purchase came to $8.20. The fabulous Apple Dumpling Pie I brought to dinner, cost me $15.00. Slice of pie, (I think, just a couple of bucks) and my coffee $1.25 The quiches $3.39, sandwiches, soups, salads, all comparable to Panara Bread. This place is comfy cozy clean and great staff.

Okay, I am getting hungry again! If you are Blessed enough to have one of these franchises near you, I suggest you go! They are wonderful. FYI~ I go to the one in Greenwood Indiana, we also have one in Terre Haute and one in Evansville. Outside Indiana? Good Luck!

Tinka Follow Up

I was worried about Tinka. Didn't see her for a little over 24 hours. We figured she moved next door as they have wonderful yard fit for a bunch of bunnies.

This evening, I spied her eating a leaf, back in our front yard.

She did not like me taking pictures.

Hiding again.

But at least I know she is okay.

=D

Tinka The Little Bunny

No, this is not a children's book.

It is the name Annie gave the little bunny that is living in our front bushes. He/She is adorable! I have no idea how young Tinka is. A tiny bunny, but self-efficient. Loves to eat the clovers and leaves. We put a cat dish of water under one of the low bushes.

This little bunny seems pretty smart. The bush it has chosen to call home is a Mugo. It is big, low to the ground, and the best hiding safe space for Tinka.

I love watching Tinka. Seeing the Bunny eat, explore and hanging out makes me smile. It is so darn cute! I want to catch it and cuddle it! Don't worry, I will leave it alone and just enjoy watching it. It makes me think about how quickly my girls grew up. It makes me think of how clever yet vulnerable everything and one is.

It is hot outside today. I am waiting for Tinka to come out and munch. I expect him when it gets a little later and cooler. Hopefully I can snap a picture to add.

Dr. Mac? Please!

At my office we are allowed to plug into ipods, CDs, and radios. That way, everyone hears what they want and does not distract neighbors. I chose to listen to the local radio. (Well, actually, I would prefer Pandora Internet radio, but that is denied on our computers, and I do not have a portable Internet device.) Anyway, I listen to local stations here in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Today, twice I have heard a commercial for a local "Doctor".
It starts like this:

"Ladies, where do you turn to discuss women's issues such as menstruation, infertility and menopause?"

Then it tells us about the wonderful Dr. Mac. HE understands these things.

"Why endure menopause when you can enjoy it?"

Say what?
Did they really say that? Yep! I heard it twice this morning.

"If it is a female thing, call Dr. Mac."

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!

I am still laughing at this ridiculous commercial!

What's Up?

So, I haven't been writing, but I have been trying to catch up on reading my favorite blogs. I still have much to say, just not wanting to put it down. Trying to just get caught up with life.

Annie is recovering so well. Her incisions are small and healing. Still some discomfort but doing amazingly well. I am in awe of how far medical technology and methods have come. Again, I can not say enough about the hospital and staff. Which reminds me I need to send some thank yous!

Still loving the job. Yesterday, was my 90 day anniversary. I wish that it was permanent. In my state we have a job freeze for state employees, therefore, they contract out workers. Saves them money (no benefits), but no job security for me. I pretty much go month to month now. Interesting to watch people come and go. Temps that find regular full time jobs leave. New people fill the spots. I am just waiting for this to turn into a permanent job.

Sergio is overworking & over stressing. With the current economy crisis, he does what he can to negotiate contracts and help find ways to save plants from going under. He is aging from the stress and I am worried about him.

My niece got back from Germany this weekend and I look forward to seeing her this coming weekend! A welcome back party is planned for Saturday.

I am not going to touch on my stress stuff. Not in the mood. So that can wait for another Blog.

So, that is it for now. Have a Blessed day!

Life Is Too Short

Life is too Short,
Break the Rules,
Forgive Quickly,
Kiss Slowly,
Love Truly,
Laugh Uncontrollably,
And Never Regret Anything
That Made You Smile.
Life May Not Be the Party
We Hoped For,
But, While we are Here,
We Should Dance.

My Sister's Keeper

Friday, I got to go catch a movie with my sister, Julie. We chose "My Sister's Keeper".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdZZLdjBfCI

We both have read the book. I am a big Jodi Picoult fan. Love her books. Her stories are nail biting to me. Never knowing which way she will take you. You can not predict her books. You won't always love the characters, or the direction of the stories. You won't love every ending. (I threw the book "Handle With Care", when I finished it. So mad about the ending.) But, that is part of what I love about her books. You just don't know how it will end.

My Sisters Keeper, is a wonderful story. With a sad ending. Both the Book and the Movie.

I won't tell you what happens, I hope you choose to read or watch. Let me tell you, they are different.

Show me a movie that is carbon-copy of the book. It just never happens that way. The movie would be too long. You must go with an open mind when watching a movie that has been a favorite book. And vise-versa when you read the book of a movie you adored. Remember it is about being entertained.

My Sister's Keeper, will entertain. It is good. I know most are giving it bad reviews, but I loved it. I felt the actors did it justice. I enjoyed how it is told through more than one perspective. I will watch it again. Bring your tissues, you will cry. Sometimes we need a good cry movie. Two thumbs up from me.

I haven't been to a show for a while. It was lovely. So was the time spent with Julie. I must add that to my New Year's Resolutions.

I Miss Bliss

I know I am complaining, but darn if I don't just really miss BLISS.

I use to one of those that always was happy. Saw the glass half full instead of half empty. Smiled at strangers. Had a song in my heart.

Now I am just so sad. I keep seeing what I wish or hoped and not what I have that is good. Every time I start to get up, something drags me back down.

Don't get me wrong, I am truly grateful, and love my blessings. My family is everything to me. I just feel inadequate. I feel like I am lacking in making things happy.

I am so tired. I am losing my desire.

I want my Bliss back.

I want my Rose-colored glasses.

I want to see the good, not the bad. The positive not the negative.

Give me smiles not frowns.

Laughs not tears.

Someone tell me how do I get it back? And hang on to it tighter this time?

Independence Day ~ Appendix Night

This is Annie, when she was seven. She always loved the 4th of July. Loves the fireworks. Loves the cookouts. Being with family and friends. This year she didn't have huge plans. Just some simple plans with Nathan and friends. She was looking forward to them, but they did not pan out.

She did spend the day with family and Nathan, but in the hospital instead of a cookout.

Friday night she complained of a stomach ache. We all thought it was from her sandwich. By the morning she was clutching her stomach & sides. Crying and trying to make herself throw up. Something just did not feel right. So we headed to the Emergency Room. Got there at 10:00am on the Fourth of July.

From her symptoms, they did not think it was food poisoning, rather her Appendix or Ovarian Cyst. So, Annie had blood work done, then a pelvic exam. Then we moved on to a CAT Scan. Finally an Ultra-Sound. The Doctors were a little baffled. She had an enlarged appendix, but they also had difficulty finding her right ovary and concerns about the size. She also have fluid in her pelvis. So, it could have been an ovarian cyst that burst, or could be a small ovary and an appendix about to burst. A surgeon was called in. The decision was agreed that they would do a scope through her belly button, evaluate and then remove the appendix unless that was not the culprit.

At 9:30pm, they removed Annie's enlarged, hardened appendix.

She is recovering very well. She is in some pain and discomfort, but doing very well. She was released a couple of hours ago (4:30pm).

I am so grateful we had the good sense to take her to the ER. I am so grateful for the dedicated, kind and loving staff at St Francis Hospital (South Campus). They cared for Annie as if she were family. They treated us wonderfully as well.
Not exactly the plans for the 4th of July. Sergio, Emily, Nathan, and I gathered around her, hung out, laughed and waited. Nathan, is a sweetie. He left friends on what could have been a fun night to stay by her side. He is with her now, hanging out, by her side.