A Ticking Clock

I know we usually take this time to reflect back and take a good look at the past year.  It's New Year's Eve... that is what we do. 
These are the highlights & low points of the year...
Here is what I plan to do to improve the coming year, my New Years Resolutions...
Well, forget that.
I typically do my "New Year's Resolutions" on my Birthday in June.  I also prefer to keep it private.
Yes.. I do look back at 2011... the high's and low's, but the past is the past.  Can't change what has happened.  Had some really sad moments and some really glad ones too.

Today, I look forward to the future.  2012. What will we see? What will we do? What changes will we endure that are miniscule only effecting us personally.  And what huge changes that will make modifications for us all?

I have big plans for the coming year.

• I will be starting college classes... something I haven't done since the eighties.

• I will have a daughter graduating from college. And another that will be going abroad.

• I am turning 50... 50 years old... how odd is that in my head? I have plans for this old body to start being treated better so that it will serve me better. I will not take aging lightly. I will embrace it only if we cooperate.

• I plan on having a better financial year.  After the beating and change of the past couple years, we are facing the ole financial struggle and we will not let it get the best of us. We are stronger, we are smarter.

• I am going to have fun.  That's right, damn it, I am going to enjoy this year.  I am going to have belly laughs and turn frowns into smiles.

Life is full of surprises.
No one really knows what will happen.
The clock is ticking...
I need to start enjoying this life that God has chosen for me and stop trying to change the plan.  I do believe that my life was planned before I was even born. So I must trust, and appreciate what it is.  Only then can I truly get it.

Sour Patch 21 yr Old Kids

My daughters and I love PINTEREST.  I got addicted first and then introduced my girls to this wonderful world of pining on social bulletin boards. It is a grand waste of time, but also a wonderful resource to crafts, DIYs, ideals, recipes, clothing, party planning, websites, photography, the list goes on and on.
A few of the "gifts" I gave my daughters, came from Pinterest ideals. The Baby, {mind you she just turned 21 recently}, used a pinterest ideal with a twist this evening.
And these items together...

Citrus Vodka & Sour Patch Candy

And you get this....

She let them soak in... drained them... and they are Sour Patch Candies for the over 21 crowd.

Currently being munched on as she and friends watch the Indiana University basketball team get killed by Michigan State in a big Ten game.  I am about to be a DD, and take them to Broad Ripple (the fun place to be late at night if you are between 21-31. {Okay, even the 50 yr olds love Broad Ripple but we don't hang with the younger crowd there}.

So strange... I knew these kids when they first loved Sour Patch candies. BUT without the alcohol.  I have known these particular friends of hers since they were in Elementary school.  Now, with Christmas Break, and they are all back together from their different colleges, they are catching up and still enjoying friendships.

Well, I think they are ready for me to chauffeur them. 

I'm REALLY a Writer!

I have been writing my whole life.
From a little girl with Diaries, to my dear Blog.  I have written newsletters, proof for marketing writers, and have always loved writing letters.
For me the words flow better on paper than through my lips.  I can't always say what I mean unless I am writing it.  On print, the thoughts come out, uninterrupted and more how I mean to say what I mean.

I am a reader.  I escaped to storybooks as soon as I could read.  The library was my friend.  Everything about the massive old buildings with the hundreds of books enticed me. I loved every minute spent in the library.  I still do.

I know a few real writers.
I have blogged recently about one of them.  My High School Club Sister, Sherri Wood Emmons  and her two wonderful novels ("Prayers & Lies", and "The Sometimes Daughter"). Her second one is about to be release to the general public and I do not doubt that it will be just as successful if  not more so.

A few months back, Sherri asked me to send her a review of some favorite books.  I gladly did, and to my surprise, she connected me with "Just Women", magazine, and submitted my reviews.  They wanted to use them and printed in their Fall issue a full page!  I can not tell you how honored and thrilled I am!  And I actually got paid for it!!!

 So totally cool!  I feel very proud and validated. I know it's something small to many, but it is HUGE to me.  Sherri truly has made me feel wonderful and I am so grateful.
To my dear Bloggland friend Linda (over at Over The Fence) is it this wonderful every time you write in your column? How exhilarating!

Have a Blessed Christmas

May you all be Blessed with good health, good friends, good love, and happiness.
xoxo

POKER FACE

I have always been a very expressional person.  My face is very much a window into what I am thinking.  If I try to tell a lie... You will know it.  If I do not approve of something, oh you so can tell by my expression.

Working with Deaf people I am becoming aware of the need for a Poker Face.  When I am talking to my "kids"... sometimes they can play me and read me too well.  If only I could put a Poker Face on... 

Had a little confrontation the other day.  What started as a chat between two of my teens that were not getting along turned into a tense situation...  They saw FEAR in my Face. If only I could have showed "no fear" perhaps I could have gotten a handle on things better.  {BTW~ It wasn't that bad, just the first time I saw such negativity between a couple of Dears.  I was a bit afraid one of them was going to get physical, which they did not.}

So anyway... I am trying to learn how to control my facial expressions.  It is so important in conversation.
My Deaf friends can read me like a well known book.  They can tell when I am not feeling well, when I am sensitive,  when I am confused, and when I am pissed.  My Deaf friends are way more in-tune with my emotions than my Hearing friends.
Another thing... I notice little things that we do so differently that are rather crucial.  They can be taken the wrong way if not understood that we have these differences.  Such as, looking away... the next time you are talking to someone that is hearing, pay attention to how often you or the person you are speaking to looks away..  we do it all the time, and think nothing of it.
I will be talking & explaining something, and I am not looking at the person I am talking to but rather the space just beyond them. 
When speaking to someone that is Deaf, it is proper to look them directly in the face. I use to watch their hands, to see what they are saying.  But I have been corrected and now know that looking at them directly into their face, you still see what they are saying with their hands .
My immerse into the Deaf Culture has been so wonderful.  I am learning so much, not only about this Culture, but about myself.

So excited to start my ASL classes (thanks to our partnership with Vincennes University).  They will begin in January.  I do believe that this will help me not just with my signing but with expressions, my understanding and maybe, just maybe, I will learn to use a Poker Face!

Sliver

December 20th 1986

Grow Old along with Me... the Best is yet to Be...

Robert Downing

So, Twenty-five years ago today, Sergio and I made the big commitment. 

25 years... that is half my life! I have been with him longer than without him.  I have legally been a Gonzalez longer than a Meyer.

I have been wanting to share "the story" for quite a while, as to how we "meet".  It is an interesting one that isn't one many could imagine for me.  But, that will have to wait.. (tee hee~ sorry, but to do it justice I need more than a few minutes to tell and today I just do not have the time). I promise with the coming of two weeks off for Christmas break, I will make the time and post it soon.

For today, there is no big celebration.  Hubby is just outside of town in meetings. I am getting ready myself to hustle into work. We barely saw each other this morning and I will be leaving before he arrives. We knew getting married around Christmas may be difficult to "celebrate" as most do for Anniversaries, however we are not like most people. I don't need a party to show our love. Showing our love by gifts and parties isn't our style.  Rather, showing it to those closest to us, in how we have survived the storms, how we stand by each other, and in how we live day by day.

I admit, sometimes when I see friends made a big fuss... I may feel a tug..maybe even some jealousy. But, then again, if I wanted to be fussed over, I would have picked a different man to marry!  My Hubby is not a showy person. I know he loves me, I know he believes in our marriage.  We took it seriously 25 years ago and still hold those vows close to our hearts.

I look around, and see many marriages that have failed.  I think it takes so much to keep a marriage strong.  I may seem lucky, but it has been a lot of hard work.  It hasn't exactly been a bed of roses every day.  There have been moments where Sergio or myself thought about throwing in the towel.  But we didn't.  We worked through the tough times. 

I have been Blessed.  But because of a lot of work, love and prayers.

and by the way... I still get GIDDY when I see my Hubby♥

she is grown up

My first born daughter has turned 23 today.

Time has flown. 
Wasn't she just entering college, nervous yet giddy with excitement yesterday?
Wasn't she a cheerleader full of high school drama needing my advice yesterday?
Wasn't she full of enthusiasm as she was entering Middle School, which was such a big deal because this was NOT a Catholic school which meant no more uniforms?
Wasn't she that Smiley girl that everyone loved (and she loved each and everyone back) in Catholic Elementary school? Where she and Michelle had silly adventures underneath blanketed forts, and made their edible "creations" and performed at the talent shows, just yesterday?
Wasn't she that precious Pre-schooler that refused to give up her binkie...until she trader it for her Little Minnie Mouse training wheeled bike.. yesterday?
...and wasn't it just yesterday when I gave birth to this precious perfect daughter, that showed me I had so much love to give and to receive?

Today, she lives in a nice condo with two friends (from high school).  She is finished with her classes at Ball State. She is about to start her Student Teaching in a busy 1st grade class.  She will graduate following this assignment and hopefully be hired in a school she will love. She has a tall handsome boyfriend that makes her smile.

I could not be more proud of the young woman she has become.  She is strong, smart, beautiful, kind, creative and loving.

Happy Birthday Emily♥
I love you to the moon and back.

I love her.  She is pretty darn awesome.

Rest My Dear Rocky

My Sweet Rocky has passed away.
He Blessed us with 18 of his 19-20 years. Back in 1995 I had rescued a frail kitten, named Mario, and nursing it back to health, while also tending our two older cats, Baby and Eastwood. We also had a couple of dogs and my girls were in grade school.  Add the 2 kids I baby-sat, and a Hubby... I had a houseful!
On Halloween night, Rocky, whom had been a stray for a while in the neighborhood, was a target for some naughty boys that lived next door. My Hubby, decided he'd let Rocky stay...just for Halloween in our garage for safe keeping.  Rocky was very grateful. His muscular build with large scarred jaws, curled up on a blanket, purring loudly, showing his thanks for the bowl of kitty chow & water.
I really did not think we would keep him.  He was a big ole Tom Cat! Nothing like my "housecats". He had a little "cat house" shelter on the porch. We did not let him in. I had just sold our home and didn't need the ciaos of cats becoming territorial.  However, during the home inspection, the new buyers let him in... where my dogs & existing cats had a hay-day destoring the house in an hours time!
Even so, the day we moved, I dropped Rocky & Mario off to be neutered and "spend the night" at the Vet while we got settled into the new home. The next day they joined us and found their niche and the peaking order fell into place.

The Boys sharing a snooze

He and Mario became known as, "The Boys".  They slept together, played and pretty much were always found together. 

Rocky was laid back.  He was a sweet cat. He stayed out of sight, out of the way often.  Only as he got older did he prefer to be around people more.
He had a very protective side.  When Hubby worked long hours, Rocky would perch himself by a window... growing (like a dog) at people that walked too close to our home. He was my Watch Cat. Always alerting the dogs BEFORE someone actually approached the door.

He never complained. Never tore anything up or missed the liter box.  Even on his last days, he manage to find the liter box.
His vision failed almost a year ago, followed by loss of hearing and arthritis. He always just adapted... never fusing or complaining.

The past couple of weeks have been touchy. He started a strange cry that we have never heard. But as soon as we touched him, he'd give his sweet, "Murr".  It was as if he got confused...lost. And as soon as we would get him, he'd murr and purr.  He slept a lot. He ate a lot (spoiled with canned kitten chow as it was rich in protein and easy to eat). Yesterday, he had trouble eating... then couldn't get comfortable and rest. He throw up, hard. This either twisted his tummy, intestines, or my Veterinarian, suggest it may have triggered another stroke. Rocks struggled... He couldn't straighten or walk. He quickly grew labored, and showed pain or stress. We made that difficult drive to our Vet, holding and loving him to the end. My Dear Vet, is truly a man that loves animals. He spoke so softly to my old Kitty, reminding him of funner times and spoke of his dear Buddy Mario (whom past several years ago).

It is so awful to lose a pet. They are so generous and love us so unconditionally. They live such short but impacted lives. They touch us and can teach us so much.
Even my Lovies that are with me for the shortest time, I wouldn't trade those moments and memories for anything♥

♪Don't Give Up on Me Baby♫

Gosh it has almost been 2 weeks since I last posted.  I actually have a couple of incomplete drafts but so much is going on and my mood has been iffy.

Since I last wrote:

• I went on a wonderful trip with my Deaf School Students; 
• had a grand surprise of publication; 
• visited my Mom; 
• got together with my Sis; 
• had some work drama;
• talked to my Dad; 
• taught one of my ISD Girls to write a blog; 
• daughter came home for holidays; 
• precious Cat passed away; 

and a bunch of other STUFF. So I have a lot to tell you... I am just very behind.

I am going to try to work on these drafts and post them today.

AT LEAST ONE!
Love you all and hope you don't give up on me.
I'll Be Back!

Christmas Cards

Today is December 3rd. We have received 4 Christmas cards.
FOUR...
I remember not so long ago, December 1st was the date many of my friends as well as myself, sent out our cards.  So, in many past years, by the third, I would have received at least a dozen.  I run a bit behind myself. For most years past, we took a picture of the girls on Thanksgiving that would be made into our cards. It became our sweet little tradition that we enjoyed as much as my family & friends that appreciated seeing the girls grow up.

Some of my favorites...

...and last years...

my Goodness, they have grown up!

But, this year... was the one I have been dreading, as far as "the picture time".

E~ "Mom... we don't want to do a picture this year."

my head~ whatttttttttttttt?

me~ ohh, well, uhm okay, but why?

E~ "It's just, well, we grew up, it's weird now."

my head~ noooooooooooooo! It's not about you guys...its's about the family & friends that love you & never see you. It's bout Dad & I being so proud about you, and want to show you off!!!

me~ "ohh, okay, are you sure?  You know these pictures mean so much to alot of folks".

E~ laughing..." no, Mom, it's you that they mean alot to. How about you let me take a picture of the Dogs to send. Everyone loves seeing the Dogs just as much."

my head~ YES! It means alot to me! Do it for ME!!!

Me~ "Okay Sweetie. I guess so"

Here is this years winning picture cards.

She did a great job with Riley's picture.  Riley looks just as excited about the picture taking as the girls.

I am sad that so many people stopped doing cards.  I too have made cuts.  I now send about a forth of what I use to send, but I still send a lot.
Especially to those I love but just haven't had the opportunity to see or even contact.  I love my family and friends.
I love getting the cards. Especially the ones with the pictures and the silly letters.  I LIKE that too much info that some complain about.
I must be signing off now.  I need to address my cards (yes I do that by hand too).

Feel free to send me your Christmas cards! I will appreciate them♥

The Sometimes Daughter

You may have remembered me reviewing a book back in March, from my friend, Author, Sherri Wood Emmons.  The book was Prayers and Lies, and was absolutely wonderful. I was so intrigued with the story and Sherri has such a gift of writing.
Well, she has done it again!
While anxiously waiting for January's release of Sherri's new novel, she surprised me with an advance copy. I was THRILLED!
Sherri Wood Emmons has not disappointed readers with this new novel, The Sometimes Daughter.
Oh my Gosh...
Ms. Emmons, you have done it again!
The Sometimes Daughter, had me riveted in my chair, relishing every page.  Over the next 48 hours, I spent every available minute glued to the book. I carried it with me everywhere, trying to get a page in when I could.I ignored everything else and was swept away into the main character, Sweet Judy Blue Eyes, world.
Ms. Emmons has a true gift with words.  She can capture you and quickly transform you into a place and time. I felt I could see, smell and feel everything Sweet Judy was going through.
For myself, part of this splendor, was the fact that Ms Emmons used her setting for the book, a place called Irvington, tucked into Indianapolis, back between August of 1969 through the early 1980's. I know this place well.  It is where and when I grew up. Therefore, I had an extra bonus of revisiting this time and place.
From Sweet Judy's birth at Woodstock to her Hippie parents, through many interesting twist and turns, you will find this to be a wonderful page-turner.  As Judy grows to understand her differences in life, the dysfunctions of her Mother, as well as the triumphs of her Father always being there for her, we watch her struggle to find herself and what is most important to her.
There are a couple of times in the book I found myself getting mad over the choices she makes. The art of a really good story, the characters, are exactly that, finding their own way, not "my way". Which intrigued me more and made me want more.  Judy is not always predictable.  She learns through the choices and consequences made. She is a very likeable character, easy to identify with.
As I neared the end of the book, I found myself not wanting the story to end... there is so much more I want to know. However, I must say, I was pleased with its ending.  I am known to "Throw a book across the room", if the ending doesn't agree with me.  I am happy to report, this book ended with me holding it tightly and sighing with a tear or two.

Oh my Ms Sherri!  You are a talented writer.  I absolutely, can not wait for your third book!

You can find The Sometimes Daughter coming soon to a bookstore near you or please go HERE to order now.  Release date is January 31, 2012

stronger than you know...

As Thanksgiving arrived I had that nervous feeling.  I knew I could handle the day, and what God had in store.  I had Hubby, and both daughters to spend the day with so, feeling rather ready to face the day and start my cooking frenzy.

Emily & Annie

After much thinking and missing of my parents... I picked up the phone and spoke to them both. Not as easy as it sounds, and no I will not go into it. Let's just say I wanted to tell them I love them and let them know they are in my thoughts & prayers.

I was able to reach my Sis, which always brings me love. I am saddened that we were unable to meet up for Thanksgiving. She & Hubby were going to stop by later but were unable to. Sis was able to update me on some family developments but I stopped her, as I really wasn't ready to discuss too much of these details.. not now. Not today.

As I hung up the phone, I noticed Dakota chomping on something. DAKOTA!!! That's my new Mouth guard! ugh. I already know insurance will not allow me another one, & frankly I don't have another $400 sitting around.  Maybe I can "alter" it, cutting the chewed ends off and still utilize the purpose as the center seems unaffected.

My Husband's Sister, Nora, & her handsome guys joined Hubby, the girls & I for a nice Thanksgiving meal. That was good.  To have their company as well as breaking bread together. I can make a mean Thanksgiving dinner and all was tasty.

Nora & Sergio

Cousins~ Emily Annie Chris & John

As the evening arrived, Emily's boyfriend had to skidadal to his family dinner. The in-laws also headed out.  We visited and grazed with our girls for a while longer.
For the most part... it was pretty good.  We are Blessed.

Right before hitting the sack, I opened my Laptop to check mail.  That's when I saw it. A message from a ghost. A molester. Someone that I grew up believing I was to trust, that in turn, molested me.

The message was short. He had found me through a mutual person on Facebook. He said something about despite what happened, he had a lot of photographs of me and my family that he would like to pass to me.
Now, as much as I love photos, and he was an amateur photographer that took tons of us, I don't want a thing from this person.
He stirred up some painful memories. Thirty-five years later, and the pain is just as fresh when surfaced.

Just when my plate is so full of peas and they are starting to overflow off my plate, I have tripped, and they are flying off. 
I felt so overwhelmed with the problems I had.  I really don't think it's fair to get this thrown on top of the lot.
BUT, apparently, God knows I can handle this.  He knows what He is giving me & He knows that I can handle it.  I just keep telling myself to BELIEVE & to TRUST.  I do realize how fortunate I am, and I am very grateful.  It's just sometimes I feel... well, dang it like, OKAY! I think Ive had enough... please give me a break.  God knows me better than anyone.  He knows that I am Stronger than I know. 
I do believe. I do trust.

Me & the Hubby

Thankfulness and Tears

As Thanksgiving approaches, I reflect on all I am grateful for.
I am Blessed.
I have the most wonderful daughters, whom I am so proud of. A loving Husband that tries to understand and protect me. A Sister that I don't know what I would do without.  My job, has brought me much joy and opened a new culture to me. And many family and friends that have Blessed my life along the way.
But...
It is also a time where I reflect on those things in my life that are not going so well.
I try so hard to remember not to dwell on things that I can not change, but it is difficult.
I find myself in prayer asking that God will provide me the comfort in knowing this is all part of His plan & that I need to trust in Him. However, I  can't seem to be able to accept certain things that have brought such sadness.  I find myself wondering why? Why God, must I endure this and if I must, please help me to accept and move forward.
When you have depression issues, the Holidays can be difficult instead of joyous.  I am trying so hard.
I want to make everything perfect for my loved ones. But I also have this unbearable pain that some of whom I love so dearly can't join us and celebrate all we are Blessed with.
Life is so short...
I just want...
to be happy
to make others happy
and to learn to accept and move on.

twenty-one...

My Baby turned twenty~one.

21

Annie in her "Handmade Duct-Tape" Dress

The big "I can legally have a glass of wine, beer, or mixed drink", whoot whoot!
21
Her Birthday falls on Halloween Weekend. So, on the Eve of her Birthday, dressed in her Duct-Tape Dress ( I think she was a birthday gift  or a candle she made a flame hair piece), she had a little get-to-gether at her apartment with roommates & friends. Then at the stroke of mid-night they ventured into the bars of Muncie. Her first impression of Bars could not have been grand in a college town! But, it was her first.  Determined not to spoil it, she refused going to the bars till she was "legal". Now, this is not to say she is perfect and I am sure this was not her first drink... but, I do appreciate that she never used a fake ID and that she was a smart girl.
The next day, Friday October 29th (her actual birthday), she came home to Indianapolis, enjoyed dinner with Hubby, her Sister and me at Charlestons, and ventured on with her Sister taking her out to the Indy Broad Ripple Village night scene.  With the Halloween season in full spirits, the town was a hoping.  Sergio & I volunteered to be the DD's (designated drivers).

Emily, Annie, Haley & Brittany

Birthday Annie in costume w Hubby & I

First stop was a friends parents Halloween Party... Where Annie got initiated into their bar. Here she is with her Dad, singing & dancing to "My Humps" on a little platform. I love this picture. They are both CRACKING UP!

Annie & her Dad

She had a wonderful evening with her Sis and friends. She did not overdo it, she behaved, she had a harmless fun time.


I could not be more proud of the young woman she has become.  She is focused, she is motivated, she is amazing.
Happy Birthday Pooh!

November 11th, 1918

In 1918 on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany was signed in Compiegne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I.
We honor those that sacrificed during this war. Those that died in order to protect and defend our great country and our allies. On this day we particularly try to show our gratefulness and appreciation.  
We have since added all our Veteran's of war's post of World War I.

I have many loved ones that have served or are currently serving this great country in the military.  I love our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force & National Guard.  I am forever indebted for their protection and feel I can sleep under their watchful eyes.

Thank you my dear Heroes. I so appreciate you and all you have done.

Hey There!

Hey There old Friends!  Remember me?  I know, I know. I have been away too long.  But, as you all know, life gets busy & we disappear sometimes from Blog World which is a good thing, except for when our Blog friends don't know where we go & worry.
So fret no more... I'm back!
Whats Up? 
Do you remember when everyone was saying "Whatzzzzzz up?"  wasn't that annoying? Glad that passed.

So... here is one of the main reasons I was ...MIA

Yes... this is my precious ASUS laptop that I am oddly very attached to.  A few weeks ago, as I reached for my fresh cup of coffee (with cream & sugar), my wrist gave out right as I was reaching with it across the laptop, causing me to pour the entire cup into this ole laptop. Seriously. I tried to rescue it, but well, it went into a coma.  Luckily, one of my heroes is related to me and knows a boatload of computer geek stuff as he works for HP.  My dear BIL , Brent, took ASUS to his home hospital where, he performed a miracle.
heavy exhale!
I can not tell you how happy I am to not only have this baby home, but... I didn't lose data! That is huge!  I am a photography whore and have way too many unprotected/un-back up-saved photos.

I am so relieved.

Second, the reason that I have been writing less in the past three months, is I am very happily busy with my job.  This job is such a Blessing.  It is the perfect fit, and I truly can say, I am one of those people that love their jobs & look forward to coming in every day.

And third.... there has been family drama.  Not within Hubby, Daughters, & myself. But outside those safe arms... on both sides of our family, separate craziness is brewing.  I found myself in a place where I knew I couldn't write my true feelings as the censorship "family" police would be up in arms and things would be taken wrong, feelings would surely be hurt (although the pain some have caused me seem to not be an issue for them). I feel so helpless when I can't "fix" things.  It really stinks.  The hurt cuts deep and sometimes you wonder if things can ever mend when it gets this crazy.  I won't go into it right now, maybe never.  There is no healing in writing about some things at this point. We will just have to see what time and prayers bring.

My beautiful youngest Daughter turned 21. I promise to do a post on her with pictures.

Also, today is Veteran's Day & I must post about it as well.

Gonna get some house work done & will return to do another post soon.

Love you all~
It's great to be back♥

It's a Beautiful Day In Indiana

my backyard

Ahhh Autumn!
Cool Crisp Days, the trees are full of reds, yellows, greens, and browns. The lovely sound of leaves crunching under your steps. The blue skies with the swirls of white clouds. Even the gray days are simply beautiful here this time of year.

Despite my ickies, this day is bringing me an overwhelming smile.

My beloved ASUS, Laptop computer had a, uhm mishap with a full cup of coffee last Sunday. I have desperately tried to save it... It now is in a coma state, resting in the hands of my dear Brother-In-Law, aka~ ComputerMan! I am hoping he can breathe life back into it... If I lose all my data, including tons of photos, (and yes I know, should have backed up.... but I didn't okay! I live dangerously!), anyway, if I lose it all but still have a working Laptop... I will be thrilled!  I can't stand being stuck back in Hubby's office on the old dinosaur PC (although again, GRATEFUL!). I am so uninspired back her in this windowless room with guy stuff. Work stuff, and all alone. Currently ASUS can't even power up... :( Poor thing, not even two years old yet. I love ASUS. this is true. Best Laptop ever! I want it back.

I also have some icky drama going on. I am amazed at how I have been holding up, using my coping skills, and staying strong. Last night was especially painful, but my darling Hubby stood by my side and well, we got through it together. Amazing the strength you can have with love ones by your side. I am so glad I am able to give this to God, and trust in Him to guide me through. I can't even imagine not having Him through this all.

I really want to do a post about my Annie! My precious BABY GIRL turns 21 tomorrow! ASUS has all the pictures & scanning capacity so, seriously? How can I do a post justice without posting a bunch of photos of her.   Although I will post this one! I took a picture with my iphone of the proofs that came in the other day.

Andrea 2011

Ironically, they stuck the Greek letters up on the corner to give us an ideal, but they used Chi Omega letters, which are her Sister's sorority, Annie is a Delta Zeta Girl. Isn't she a pretty young lady?  I am so proud of her!
I will do a post about her later. When I can access the photos.

Tonight I am going to a Lifer's 50th Birthday Party.   I will take pictures & try to figure out how to post on this computer. I have known Mary for 43 of those 50 years! How Blessed I am to be able to still call her friend.

Oh my goodness! Look at the time!  I must rush off. Things to do, places to go!

Sorry I have been so MIA. Thank you to all that has kept me in Prayer, and thank you for positive energy sent my way.  I am such a lucky person, and so very grateful for all the love I do get.

just breathe j...

I haven't been able to write lately.
I've been incredible Blessed to be busy with my girls at work...
A house calling me to cleannnnnn...
I've been working on the Baby Clothes Project...
Dogs that are demanding...
Daughters to keep tabs on...
...and I've had some family crisis to deal with.
Frankly, while writing about this would help me to breathe and clear my head, it is not an appropriate thing to write about and I must leave the sharing to those that care most about me and keep things private. In due time perhaps, but, not today.
I have actually toyed with the idea of pinning a novel. If I write this life story as a novel, perhaps it would be more accepted and I can blend some fiction into it to make it a better read. And protect the many innocent as well. If someone that knew me or family read this as "fiction", it can't hurt so much. And hopefully some would think some truths were actually the fictional parts, and not become upset.
I don't know.
The chapters are swimming in my brain. Begging to flow onto paper.

However, I know someone, lets just say this person has been trying to pin a book for many years....not only her perception of what happened is inaccurate, she is using false data, and dragging her family into a slippery slope of ugliness. Not pretty at all.  And the saddest part is how it is written. Portions have been shared and I think she is spending far too much for a dead end story. She believes this book will make her millions.
I am not looking to make millions. I certainly am not looking to become well known. To be published, and for me not to loose money...now that would be an achievement that I would be honored to hold.

The words are all here... I lie in bed retelling it and tweaking it.

I think it's better to leave the good & happy in my blog. A whole lot of laughs & fun is better than sorrow and tears.

Anyway....
Having a lovely afternoon. Enjoying a pretty day and trying to get caught up on EVERYTHING!!!
I wanna go "play" in Pinterest Land.  that is such a lovely place.  So inspiring.  I have so many blogs to play catch up. I fear I have lost touch with many and need to check up on my Blogettes.  Hopefully all is good.

Dang... how can it be 6pm already?  I guess I should fix dinner.  Im only home for dinner a couple of nights a week so I really should be a dear wifey & go put some magic together on the stove.

Love to you all~

Fluff

Still not in a good place, but I am extremely strong and loved. Thinking some Warm & Fuzzy is about due so I hope you enjoy.

 

These gave me a smile & I hope they do you too.  For more click my pinterest buttom & go to the Precious Pets board.