I have made a change. I had my blog set to private so I could write what I wanted/needed to write. I have decided to change it back to public, but have taken a bunch of posts and set them as drafts so they will be mine and mine alone. This way I can still write what I want to write, and keep them private. So, here I am with a lot to catch up on...
We put Sammie down this fall. She was 13 years old and life was getting hard for her. There was no way that I was going to wait until she was unable to get around and in a lot of pain. I held her after her sedative for a while, smelling her fur, feeling her soft ears, creating memories. Then she was gone. It was a sad day. Very sad. After a few days of being a dog empty house, I began the search for another canine friend. It was needed. Our house was empty. Then I found Jenny. She is a Blue Heeler mixed with maybe some rottie, not sure though. She is 6 years old, and in the few months we have had her, she has become our friend, protector, jester, and companion. She stays with us without having to be on a lead, she listens, she plays with all her toys, she is perfect. I couldn't ask for a better dog.
We are still working on the whole house addition for my mom. Right now the kitchen is being out together. Which is a good thing since Dion's family is coming for the faux Christmas on Thursday. As of right now, we have cabinets. By Wednesday we will have counters, a floor, and appliances. Hopefully. It has been very stressful trying to figure out if this is all going to come together in time. Keeping in mind that all of our previous kitchen stuff is located in our living room. All of it. We have a chest freezer underneath our picture window. we have our old cabinets holding up our microwave which is located right next our recliner. Convenient, really. The fridge is next to the computer, which makes for easy drinking accessibility. Wait, maybe we should keep our kitchen in our living room....
Work is going well. It is exhausting at times, but is going well. I have ten 4-5 year olds which offer entertainment daily. I have them from 7:45-3:45pm. I guess there's a reason I am so tired at night. My boss has given me many compliments, which is nice to hear, and the kids seems to have fun in class.
We got dumped on in the last couple days. About 18 inches of snow. It was so pretty to watch and I was glad we didn't have to go anywhere. Today, on the other hand, feel like we live at the South Pole. The wind chill may get to -30 today. -30!! That's not humane at all! And now the girls can't play outside in all of the fantastic snow!
My mom has been up and down with her health. A few weeks ago I had to call an ambulance for her. I got to her house and she was in so much pain that the home health care nurse suggested I take her in. I didn't feel like I could get her down the stairs by myself so I had to call for help. They gave her morphine during the ride and that helped her a lot. She now has some pain patches and those help too. I am really looking forward to her being here so I can get to her quick and help her fast if needed. I can't count how many times I have gone over to her house because I couldn't get a hold of her. Now I will just go up some stairs.
Ok, I think I have bombarded enough. More to come, at some point.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Summer is Coming to an End
Today was a reminder of the fact that summer will be over soon. The weather was so wonderful, a nice break from the horrible humidity we have been having over the last 2 weeks or so. We actually opened up the windows and filled the house with fresh air. Complete sweetness.
Today was my first paid photo shoot of a little girl named Claire. If you look at the top of my page you will see my Flickr pictures, and that is her. She is such a little doll! She was adopted by my friends, and they are anxiously awaiting bringing home Ian next month. He is 8 months younger than Claire. They will be busy busy people. But it was awesome to catch up with Vicki, it's been years since we have seen each other. Well, minus talking on Facebook. She is one of my camp friends, and there's nothing like camp friends!
School is starting next month, and all the supplies are purchased. However, I have to go back to work in 2 weeks, so unbeknownst to my kids, they will have to go back to daycare in 2 weeks as well. I'm keeping that on the down low for now. I know how that is going to play out and it is not going to be pretty. I have enjoyed most of the summer with them, but I am looking forward to having more adult time once I am back in the work force.
Next weekend is my mom's estate sale. All this week is going to be devoted to getting ready for that, starting with getting an ad in the paper tomorrow. My mom asked me to write that up, so I will do it tonight and call in the morning. These sales are a lot of work, and I hope it pays off for her.
We had the cancer walk on Friday. Our team raised $4115 for the event and the rain stayed away, and I am still waiting on the grand total, but I know it is over $140,000. What an event! Our town is one of the highest per capita money raisers for Relay for Life. We are proud. Again, thank you to those who donated to me for this wonderful event. It couldn't happen without you.
I'm thinking of my dad this week as it marks the 2nd anniversary of his death. It's a challenging time of the year as I fight back the thoughts of watching him die. I find myself looking to him for advise, missing what he would offer. We will be going up to the cemetery on Tuesday. The last time we were there the girls had colored pictures for him and we slipped them into his niche. They miss him a lot, and we often talk about death and God and heaven. But mostly we talk about the memories we have of him, and think about ways that we can remember him. It's going to be a rough week. But we will get by. We always do.
Today was my first paid photo shoot of a little girl named Claire. If you look at the top of my page you will see my Flickr pictures, and that is her. She is such a little doll! She was adopted by my friends, and they are anxiously awaiting bringing home Ian next month. He is 8 months younger than Claire. They will be busy busy people. But it was awesome to catch up with Vicki, it's been years since we have seen each other. Well, minus talking on Facebook. She is one of my camp friends, and there's nothing like camp friends!
School is starting next month, and all the supplies are purchased. However, I have to go back to work in 2 weeks, so unbeknownst to my kids, they will have to go back to daycare in 2 weeks as well. I'm keeping that on the down low for now. I know how that is going to play out and it is not going to be pretty. I have enjoyed most of the summer with them, but I am looking forward to having more adult time once I am back in the work force.
Next weekend is my mom's estate sale. All this week is going to be devoted to getting ready for that, starting with getting an ad in the paper tomorrow. My mom asked me to write that up, so I will do it tonight and call in the morning. These sales are a lot of work, and I hope it pays off for her.
We had the cancer walk on Friday. Our team raised $4115 for the event and the rain stayed away, and I am still waiting on the grand total, but I know it is over $140,000. What an event! Our town is one of the highest per capita money raisers for Relay for Life. We are proud. Again, thank you to those who donated to me for this wonderful event. It couldn't happen without you.
I'm thinking of my dad this week as it marks the 2nd anniversary of his death. It's a challenging time of the year as I fight back the thoughts of watching him die. I find myself looking to him for advise, missing what he would offer. We will be going up to the cemetery on Tuesday. The last time we were there the girls had colored pictures for him and we slipped them into his niche. They miss him a lot, and we often talk about death and God and heaven. But mostly we talk about the memories we have of him, and think about ways that we can remember him. It's going to be a rough week. But we will get by. We always do.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Heat! Oh My God, the HEAT!
Do you remember that episode from Seinfeld when Elaine is talking about hell and how hot it is there? That is how it is here. It is unbearable outside, even for a few minutes. I am not sure how Kay works on the addition in this heat, but day after day, he is here, working, sweating, drinking water and sweating some more. Today he is getting the wrap around the outside with the goal of getting the windows put in this week. That man is a machine and we are so very lucky to have him. I know I say it all of the time, but it is true. I have never met someone like Kay, and most likely never will. Lucky. That's what we are.
We have the cancer walk this Friday. I'm not sure where our team is at as far as total money raised, but I think we are over $3000. I have another $60 to take in that I have gotten since bank night, and I think Dion has another $250. Sweet. Of course this year they are saying that we are going to get rain (for the 3rd straight year in a row!!), possibly some strong storms. I don't mind walking or hanging out in the rain. What bothers me is the fact that the bags with all the names on them get ruined. That is almost a heartbreak to see. But, we have to remember the goal of the night. And I am looking forward to it, rain, or no rain.
We are refinancing our house to take advantage of the lower interest rate. We had an appraiser come through yesterday, so the days prior to were spent cleaning and organizing, and dang, the house was spot on! It actually echos a little bit in the living room. And now the goal....to keep it this way. However, I can hear four kids upstairs who might make it a little bit of a challenge.
After the appraisal was over yesterday we went out on the river with our friends and docked at a beach about a half hour away, and relaxed. It was wonderful! Just wading in and out of the water, watching the kids play in the sand. It was just what I needed after a couple of stressful weeks. Next week will not be much better as we get ready for my mom's estate sale. Way too much to do.
But, on an exciting note, I am going to the cities on Sunday to take some pictures of a friend's daughter. I hope it goes ok as I am not 100% confident of my abilities. I will see if I can get permission to put them on Flickr so if you would like to see them you can.
Speaking of, I have a few that I need to add to the site while I am thinking of it.
We have the cancer walk this Friday. I'm not sure where our team is at as far as total money raised, but I think we are over $3000. I have another $60 to take in that I have gotten since bank night, and I think Dion has another $250. Sweet. Of course this year they are saying that we are going to get rain (for the 3rd straight year in a row!!), possibly some strong storms. I don't mind walking or hanging out in the rain. What bothers me is the fact that the bags with all the names on them get ruined. That is almost a heartbreak to see. But, we have to remember the goal of the night. And I am looking forward to it, rain, or no rain.
We are refinancing our house to take advantage of the lower interest rate. We had an appraiser come through yesterday, so the days prior to were spent cleaning and organizing, and dang, the house was spot on! It actually echos a little bit in the living room. And now the goal....to keep it this way. However, I can hear four kids upstairs who might make it a little bit of a challenge.
After the appraisal was over yesterday we went out on the river with our friends and docked at a beach about a half hour away, and relaxed. It was wonderful! Just wading in and out of the water, watching the kids play in the sand. It was just what I needed after a couple of stressful weeks. Next week will not be much better as we get ready for my mom's estate sale. Way too much to do.
But, on an exciting note, I am going to the cities on Sunday to take some pictures of a friend's daughter. I hope it goes ok as I am not 100% confident of my abilities. I will see if I can get permission to put them on Flickr so if you would like to see them you can.
Speaking of, I have a few that I need to add to the site while I am thinking of it.
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Shuffle...Please Help
It's that time again folks. Actually, I am running a bit behind, so you must forgive my urgency. The cancer walk is just around the corner, and like previous years, we are walking it. However, I am in need of some donations to keep our team going. It's a flat donation, nothing by the mile or hour, just whatever you may feel comfortable giving. $5, $10, $20, $100. I do have to say though, that if you are interested in purchasing a luminaria, they are $10, but that can be included in your donation. So say you wanted to honor/remember 3 people and you are donating $50. Then $30 of the donation would come out of the $50. Get it? It's kind of a tricky thing to explain at times, so I hope I did it justice.
Anyway, most of us have been touched by cancer one way or another. You have, simply by reading this blog and knowing that I was diagnosed 6 years ago with breast cancer, and 2 years ago my dad died of Lymphoma. But I am sure you could count on your hands many times over other that have been fighting the cancer battle. And how is it possible for the battle to be fought? By the American Cancer Society. AKA: The Shuffle. We have been walking The Shuffle for the past 9 years, raising money for a good cause that at the time we didn't know we would need.
Please help us help others.....write me at flaskafive@yahoo.com if you are interested in donating. I will email you my home address and together we can help those who really really need it. You guys are the best!
Anyway, most of us have been touched by cancer one way or another. You have, simply by reading this blog and knowing that I was diagnosed 6 years ago with breast cancer, and 2 years ago my dad died of Lymphoma. But I am sure you could count on your hands many times over other that have been fighting the cancer battle. And how is it possible for the battle to be fought? By the American Cancer Society. AKA: The Shuffle. We have been walking The Shuffle for the past 9 years, raising money for a good cause that at the time we didn't know we would need.
Please help us help others.....write me at flaskafive@yahoo.com if you are interested in donating. I will email you my home address and together we can help those who really really need it. You guys are the best!
The Deadliest Catch
I'm not sure why I have such an obsession about the death of Phil. I watch these tough men weep at the lost of their friend, and I weep with them. I can't get enough of the show. The one we watched last night had to do with a documentary of the men who document the crabbers. Ironic sort of. But it was good. To watch Phil write when he couldn't talk that there has to be an end....ugh.....he was such a decent guy. I know that I am acting like I knew him personally, which I didn't, but I just really liked him. He worked side by side with his kids, and demanded that they worked to their highest capability. They didn't get breaks because they were his kids. But you could see how much he loved them, and they him. I wonder what the show is going to be like next season.
We miss you Phil. A lot.
We miss you Phil. A lot.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I Never Could Juggle
I am finding myself getting more and more stressed as time goes on. I sat on the couch a few days ago, wondering how I was going to get everything done that needs to get done. Ironically, on my Laundry List, was laundry. It never ends. Never. It just grows and grows, until one day the laundry room explodes and I have no choice but to do 500 loads of laundry. And that's not even the worst part. Putting it away is another story. But, after tonight, I am happy to say that once again I can see the floor of the laundry room. For now.
I am feeling the pressure of getting stuff done around here and at my mom's house. My sister and I have been the ones packing things up and moving them to storage. My mom gets emotional because she is unable to help. I keep telling her that I can't do what I am doing without her there to direct me on what stays and what goes. And there's a lot of stuff. I spent time in the garage, finding all of the things my dad had stored away.....like 6 of the same screw driver set. And tools I have never seen before. And holiday decorations. Many of them. My dad loved the holidays for the simple reason that he loved to decorate. Halloween was his favorite.
Most of the plywood on the addition is on the addition. unfortunately, there is a section over the existing house that needed a tarp on it. We had strong rain today, and part of the tarp was blown off. That area is located in the laundry room. Hence the laundry getting done today. It got a little wet.
Yesterday I got the dumpster loaded with old siding and other junk ripped off of the house. It was dirty work, but here's how I feel about that. I was sweating. A lot. But I loved it. I love the feel of sweat rolling down my face. It is the sign of a honest, hard day of work. If I could have a job where I did stuff like that all day, not only would I be skinny from sweating all day, but the pain would feel so good. Odd, I know. I need to get back to the gym.
Tomorrow is the last day of the basketball camp the girls are attending. Day one was a challenge. Claire wanted to quit. I wouldn't let her. She wants to take gymnastics (again...she quit that about 2 years ago), but I told her that if she couldn't finish the commitment of basketball, she could not sign up for gymnastics (again...reminder, she quit the first time). It was a rough first day, but she stuck with it, and is actually having a good time. Today she made 8 shots in one minute. Nadia made 3....she is pretty short so the distance to the basket is so high for her. She was happy though, since she only got one yesterday. I originally thought I would take those 2 hours they were at basketball for myself. To do whatever I wanted. Go where ever I wanted. Just me. Alone. Except for the fact that I love to watch them play. I sit in the gym for the 2 hours they are there, and watch, and beam with pride. I can't help myself. It's just that I enjoy watching them play, more than having time to myself.
So that is that. I am getting tired, and to be honest, Wipeout is playing on DVR and well, that show is awesome. Good night, and big balls (if you watch Wipeout, you had to see that coming, right?).
I am feeling the pressure of getting stuff done around here and at my mom's house. My sister and I have been the ones packing things up and moving them to storage. My mom gets emotional because she is unable to help. I keep telling her that I can't do what I am doing without her there to direct me on what stays and what goes. And there's a lot of stuff. I spent time in the garage, finding all of the things my dad had stored away.....like 6 of the same screw driver set. And tools I have never seen before. And holiday decorations. Many of them. My dad loved the holidays for the simple reason that he loved to decorate. Halloween was his favorite.
Most of the plywood on the addition is on the addition. unfortunately, there is a section over the existing house that needed a tarp on it. We had strong rain today, and part of the tarp was blown off. That area is located in the laundry room. Hence the laundry getting done today. It got a little wet.
Yesterday I got the dumpster loaded with old siding and other junk ripped off of the house. It was dirty work, but here's how I feel about that. I was sweating. A lot. But I loved it. I love the feel of sweat rolling down my face. It is the sign of a honest, hard day of work. If I could have a job where I did stuff like that all day, not only would I be skinny from sweating all day, but the pain would feel so good. Odd, I know. I need to get back to the gym.
Tomorrow is the last day of the basketball camp the girls are attending. Day one was a challenge. Claire wanted to quit. I wouldn't let her. She wants to take gymnastics (again...she quit that about 2 years ago), but I told her that if she couldn't finish the commitment of basketball, she could not sign up for gymnastics (again...reminder, she quit the first time). It was a rough first day, but she stuck with it, and is actually having a good time. Today she made 8 shots in one minute. Nadia made 3....she is pretty short so the distance to the basket is so high for her. She was happy though, since she only got one yesterday. I originally thought I would take those 2 hours they were at basketball for myself. To do whatever I wanted. Go where ever I wanted. Just me. Alone. Except for the fact that I love to watch them play. I sit in the gym for the 2 hours they are there, and watch, and beam with pride. I can't help myself. It's just that I enjoy watching them play, more than having time to myself.
So that is that. I am getting tired, and to be honest, Wipeout is playing on DVR and well, that show is awesome. Good night, and big balls (if you watch Wipeout, you had to see that coming, right?).
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Fran
It had been a while since I had been to Fran's blog, I am embarrassed to say. Fran was called to heaven last month. Please keep her friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.
She was a fellow breast cancer kid, and it's wrong in so many ways.
So many.
She was a fellow breast cancer kid, and it's wrong in so many ways.
So many.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Volcanos!
Yesterday we went to a wedding of a friend of ours who works at the same company as Dion. It was beautiful. I was talking to another friend there and we discussed that after getting married, going to weddings has a whole new meaning. And it does.
We also talked about the coveted Vegas trip. When we went on our honeymoon, we stayed at the Treasure Island hotel, which was awesome, but next door to us was the Vegas Mirage Hotel. If you have never seen the volcano erupt, you certainly must, and can do so here. The way they were able to set up the lighting and water is so cool! I am so pumped to see it again, but this time take my super awesome camera to take super awesome pictures. They also play music and the water shoots in the sir to the beat. It's so neat! I can hardly wait to see it again. It's pure magic.
The Mirage is a pretty cool place to hang out and hopefully we will be able to. There's so much that I want to see and do, but have to remember that we will only be there for a few days. Being that it is a work trip, we have some things that we have to attend for Dion's work, but who could complain about that? MAN! I wish it were sooner! I have never been good at waiting.
So, while we are there, does anyone have any other suggestions of things we have to see? I know I want to go to the pawn store from Pawn Stars.....I HAVE to meet Old Man and Chumly. HAVE to!! Dion said he won't stand in line with me, so looks like I'm flying solo for that, but dude....totally worth it!
We also talked about the coveted Vegas trip. When we went on our honeymoon, we stayed at the Treasure Island hotel, which was awesome, but next door to us was the Vegas Mirage Hotel. If you have never seen the volcano erupt, you certainly must, and can do so here. The way they were able to set up the lighting and water is so cool! I am so pumped to see it again, but this time take my super awesome camera to take super awesome pictures. They also play music and the water shoots in the sir to the beat. It's so neat! I can hardly wait to see it again. It's pure magic.
The Mirage is a pretty cool place to hang out and hopefully we will be able to. There's so much that I want to see and do, but have to remember that we will only be there for a few days. Being that it is a work trip, we have some things that we have to attend for Dion's work, but who could complain about that? MAN! I wish it were sooner! I have never been good at waiting.
So, while we are there, does anyone have any other suggestions of things we have to see? I know I want to go to the pawn store from Pawn Stars.....I HAVE to meet Old Man and Chumly. HAVE to!! Dion said he won't stand in line with me, so looks like I'm flying solo for that, but dude....totally worth it!
Friday, July 09, 2010
It Makes Me Giggle....
....that my mom has a Facebook account. Not sure why, but it does. So find her and ask to be her friend! She will get a kick out of it.
So on the agenda today was moving ceiling tresses from the top of our driveway to the bottom. Ugh. I am a tad sore, but we got the job done. The addition is looking pretty awesome. If you're friends with me on Facebook, go take a look in the mobile uploads.
The past few weeks have been about friends and family. I took the girls to my brother and sister-in-laws house. That was about a 6 hour endeavour, including a stop to eat. From there we went to a college friend's house and hung out for the night. It was fun to watch our kids play together for the first time. They all got along really well, which was cool. From there we went to my college roommate's house for the night. Again, a good time. We got back on a Thursday, and were supposed to head to Hayward WI for a little R & R at the company cabins. Claire had a 105 temp in the early early morning. Dion took her in. They tested for strep and mono, negative for both. It was a virus. We didn't go. We held off for a day to see if she got better, and she did enough to go. It was great. The girls went inner tubing for the first time. I sat in the back of the boat, clenching onto one child, watching the other in the water like a hawk. Nadia's saying the whole time?
"FASTER!"
She loved it. Claire liked it, but Nadia loved it. But, at 4 in the morning, the day we were to leave, Nadia was up with a 104 temp. Same thing. A virus. We went home, and shortly there after, Dion had the same thing. I have survived...so far. Fingers are crossed.
Ok, I am watching After the Catch our of the corner of my eye. I have seen this one already, but Phil dying this year has really affected me. It's almost an obsession. I love Catch, and it will never be the same again. So, instead of watching out of the corner of my eye, I will give in and turn off the puter and watch. RIP Phil.
So on the agenda today was moving ceiling tresses from the top of our driveway to the bottom. Ugh. I am a tad sore, but we got the job done. The addition is looking pretty awesome. If you're friends with me on Facebook, go take a look in the mobile uploads.
The past few weeks have been about friends and family. I took the girls to my brother and sister-in-laws house. That was about a 6 hour endeavour, including a stop to eat. From there we went to a college friend's house and hung out for the night. It was fun to watch our kids play together for the first time. They all got along really well, which was cool. From there we went to my college roommate's house for the night. Again, a good time. We got back on a Thursday, and were supposed to head to Hayward WI for a little R & R at the company cabins. Claire had a 105 temp in the early early morning. Dion took her in. They tested for strep and mono, negative for both. It was a virus. We didn't go. We held off for a day to see if she got better, and she did enough to go. It was great. The girls went inner tubing for the first time. I sat in the back of the boat, clenching onto one child, watching the other in the water like a hawk. Nadia's saying the whole time?
"FASTER!"
She loved it. Claire liked it, but Nadia loved it. But, at 4 in the morning, the day we were to leave, Nadia was up with a 104 temp. Same thing. A virus. We went home, and shortly there after, Dion had the same thing. I have survived...so far. Fingers are crossed.
Ok, I am watching After the Catch our of the corner of my eye. I have seen this one already, but Phil dying this year has really affected me. It's almost an obsession. I love Catch, and it will never be the same again. So, instead of watching out of the corner of my eye, I will give in and turn off the puter and watch. RIP Phil.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Some Fun Changes
Did you see? Did you see? I found a little time to mess around with my blog and make some changes! Unfortunately, I somehow managed to lose the tickers for the girls and my marriage. Might have to work on that to get them back. But I do like the design, and the fact that there is a link to my Flickr page. Sweet.
One more thing, a while back I wrote about how stem cells are able to be harvested from adults. One of my high school friends who has the type of cancer my dad had, recently was given a stem cell transplant from her brother. Thank God for technology....prayers that the transplant worked.
Ok, off to make more changes to the blog.
One more thing, a while back I wrote about how stem cells are able to be harvested from adults. One of my high school friends who has the type of cancer my dad had, recently was given a stem cell transplant from her brother. Thank God for technology....prayers that the transplant worked.
Ok, off to make more changes to the blog.
And Then it Was July
Wow....hey June.....where did you go? I can't believe that it's July already! Of course, the weather feels like July. It is hot today! My in-laws have been doing a road trip of sorts, and sent Dion a text saying that it was over 100 degrees in Vegas while they were there. Now THAT is hot. Speaking of Vegas, it will be in a mere 9 months or so that Dion and I will be going. I told him I want to take a trinket to the pawn shop featured in Pawn Stars. How awesome would that be?!?
When Dion and I were in Vegas for our honeymoon, we had a lone $10 bill after winning a little and we decided to put it in a $5 machine. We spun once...lost. We spun again, won $10. We spun again....lost. Hmmm. We spun for a last time.....won $100. Cash out. Thank you very much Vegas. Of course they are coming up with more and more online casinos if you prefer them. From what I have seen you can go to Online Casino Pedia which has all there is to know about online casinos. So if you're into that, then you may want to read up on the Top 10 online casinos just as an FYI. Always good to do some research on things before you do them.
A popular place to visit on the Online Casino Pedia is at the Casino King. I peaked around on there, but also found this video that shows some of the games available. It was pretty cool to see how the games work, and if nothing else, enjoy the music that accompanies it. I felt like I should have been in a spa, the music was so relaxing.
Anyway, I am pretty pumped about going to Vegas. I am sure it has changed a lot since we were there...it always is changing. Dion doesn't like to play the games like I do, but maybe I can talk him into slipping a $10 bill into a $5 machine again. Maybe we will cash out another $100. Or maybe not. It is called gambling after all.....
When Dion and I were in Vegas for our honeymoon, we had a lone $10 bill after winning a little and we decided to put it in a $5 machine. We spun once...lost. We spun again, won $10. We spun again....lost. Hmmm. We spun for a last time.....won $100. Cash out. Thank you very much Vegas. Of course they are coming up with more and more online casinos if you prefer them. From what I have seen you can go to Online Casino Pedia which has all there is to know about online casinos. So if you're into that, then you may want to read up on the Top 10 online casinos just as an FYI. Always good to do some research on things before you do them.
A popular place to visit on the Online Casino Pedia is at the Casino King. I peaked around on there, but also found this video that shows some of the games available. It was pretty cool to see how the games work, and if nothing else, enjoy the music that accompanies it. I felt like I should have been in a spa, the music was so relaxing.
Anyway, I am pretty pumped about going to Vegas. I am sure it has changed a lot since we were there...it always is changing. Dion doesn't like to play the games like I do, but maybe I can talk him into slipping a $10 bill into a $5 machine again. Maybe we will cash out another $100. Or maybe not. It is called gambling after all.....
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Is This Heaven?
That is what Nadia asked me when we got to the top of the hill of the cemetery that my dad is in. She is such a thinker. What led up to us going to the cemetery was last night. I spent about an hour or so at bed time (well, past bed time) trying to comfort my crying daughters who miss my dad. The conversation went up, down, and all around. At one point, Nadia had a complete look of confusion while crying asking,
"How can there be people who do not believe in God? He made them! How can they not love Him?
She was so confused and sad. Claire asked me if after grandpa got to heaven, could he die again? They both pulled the 8 X 10 pictures they have of them and their grandpa off of the dressers and put them in bed with them. It was pretty much a heartbreaking night.
It's hard to believe that he died almost 2 years ago. I have very little memories of that summer. And the memories I have are mostly of him and how his body began to fail him. One night I drove to Rochester to hang out with him in the hospital. He acted mad that I drove an hour to sit in the room with him, but we talked more that night than probably our whole relationship. I asked questions and listened to his answers, not wanting to leave, but knowing I had a family at home who needed me too. I stayed there about 2 hours.
I remember the feeling of when he was cancer free and the horrible feeling shortly there after when the cancer was back in full force taking over his body. And as Forrest Gump would say,
"And that's all I got to say about that."
Damn it cancer! Get out of my life!
"How can there be people who do not believe in God? He made them! How can they not love Him?
She was so confused and sad. Claire asked me if after grandpa got to heaven, could he die again? They both pulled the 8 X 10 pictures they have of them and their grandpa off of the dressers and put them in bed with them. It was pretty much a heartbreaking night.
It's hard to believe that he died almost 2 years ago. I have very little memories of that summer. And the memories I have are mostly of him and how his body began to fail him. One night I drove to Rochester to hang out with him in the hospital. He acted mad that I drove an hour to sit in the room with him, but we talked more that night than probably our whole relationship. I asked questions and listened to his answers, not wanting to leave, but knowing I had a family at home who needed me too. I stayed there about 2 hours.
I remember the feeling of when he was cancer free and the horrible feeling shortly there after when the cancer was back in full force taking over his body. And as Forrest Gump would say,
"And that's all I got to say about that."
Damn it cancer! Get out of my life!
Monday, June 07, 2010
Day One? Survived.
The first official day of summer with the girls is about over and we all have survived. Yay! Today was packed full of not much of anything. I did make a hair wrap for each of the girls, which they seem to like for now. We played outside, went swimming in our friends pool, watched some quality movies like Winnie the Pooh, and played outside some more. I was going to go to my mom's, but I decided that the first day home would be just that.
I am noticing that the summer is rapidly filling up with things to do and places to go. That seems to happen every year. It's not a bad thing, it just is what it is.
I say the day is almost done because as I type this, out of the corner of my eye I see a little 6 year old girl who is trying to take a stand against going to bed. They are having trouble understanding that while they don't have school in the morning, they can't stay up all night. I think she just made her way over to the stairs. She has been a handful as of late, getting that little kindergartner attitude. And just ask either of my girls....I know nothing. They will ask me a question, to which I answer, and then they proceed to tell me that I am wrong. Oh how I don't long for the teen age years.
And now to go give kisses and hugs good night.....
I am noticing that the summer is rapidly filling up with things to do and places to go. That seems to happen every year. It's not a bad thing, it just is what it is.
I say the day is almost done because as I type this, out of the corner of my eye I see a little 6 year old girl who is trying to take a stand against going to bed. They are having trouble understanding that while they don't have school in the morning, they can't stay up all night. I think she just made her way over to the stairs. She has been a handful as of late, getting that little kindergartner attitude. And just ask either of my girls....I know nothing. They will ask me a question, to which I answer, and then they proceed to tell me that I am wrong. Oh how I don't long for the teen age years.
And now to go give kisses and hugs good night.....
Sunday, June 06, 2010
The Office
Every time that show comes on, I never ever go past the theme song on our DVR. Never. I figured out why. It makes me happy. You see, I started watching The Office when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew for those 30 minutes, that I wouldn't have to think of cancer. All I had to do was wonder what prank Jim would pull on Dwight, what dumb thing Michael would say, and why the heck was Pam with Roy? 30 minutes. Not a long time. Unless of course you're afraid you're going to die.
To this day, that theme song means the world to me.
Just thought you'd like to know......
To this day, that theme song means the world to me.
Just thought you'd like to know......
Not a Good Sign
I find it kind of scary that I am tired after this weekend. It's not like we did anything spectacular, it was pretty quiet actually. I am however, feeling like I could go to bed right now. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out things that I can do with the girls this summer that cost little to no money. It's a challenge I tell you. There are low cost things to do, but you have to drive to get there, which costs money. I am not too sure this whole new job without working in the summer is going to work out for us. But I will try to be positive, try to think of things to keep the girls busy, and try not to buy anything but food and toilet paper. Sounds like a fun summer, huh?
This upcoming week I will be taking the girls to my mom's so I can continue with packing her house up. It is rather overwhelming, trying to get all of this done. She wants it ready by the middle of the month. Yikes. Lots to do. Let alone things that have to get done around here.
But on the home front, the garage is starting to come to life. It is framed and you can actually start seeing what the finished product will be. It's exciting. But at the same time stressful. Well, that and other things going on. But that's for another time. Maybe. I actually think the added stress is why I am tired.
I haven't been able to take many pictures as of late, but when we went to Illinois I was able to take some. You might be able to find me on Flickr and see some of the new ones. I need to get out more though. It's good for my soul.
And I need some good things for my soul lately.
This upcoming week I will be taking the girls to my mom's so I can continue with packing her house up. It is rather overwhelming, trying to get all of this done. She wants it ready by the middle of the month. Yikes. Lots to do. Let alone things that have to get done around here.
But on the home front, the garage is starting to come to life. It is framed and you can actually start seeing what the finished product will be. It's exciting. But at the same time stressful. Well, that and other things going on. But that's for another time. Maybe. I actually think the added stress is why I am tired.
I haven't been able to take many pictures as of late, but when we went to Illinois I was able to take some. You might be able to find me on Flickr and see some of the new ones. I need to get out more though. It's good for my soul.
And I need some good things for my soul lately.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
A New Era
Can you believe it? Tomorrow is Nadia's last day of kindergarten. I'm not quite sure where time went, but it didn't even have the courtesy to let me know. What the heck? My baby doll is no longer a baby. How sad. As a side note though, this little baby doll of mine had two, count them, two head injuries at school this year. She is going to be our broken bone/stitches child. The first head bump was from being pushed outside by a classmate. It was quite the bump. About an inch and a half long, by maybe an inch across. But it was nothing compared to the second one which happened last week. The school called to have me pick her up because she got pale and sweaty after getting into the nurses office. This was was about as big in size, but stuck much further out than the first one. Oh, and it was in the same exact spot as the first one. I talked to the playground supervisor, and she said that Nadia was trying to jump over backpacks and didn't make it. But then she stood up and was holding her head while looking at the scrape on her knee. No tears, not until it was made known to her that she had a good bump. I took her in for this one as it was worse than the first and in the same spot. Everything was ok though. Her big concern, as was with the first one, was if her bangs would cover the bump. They did. Problem solved.
So since I am not working this summer, I am trying to find cheap things to do since I will not have a paycheck as well. I guess we will find out if we sink or swim this summer financially. Not really looking forward to that at all. We'll see......
It seems like this will be a replay of last summer as far as famous people deaths. We are not off to a good start so far with Gary Coleman and Dennis Hopper on the list so far. Sad. But in an odd way, intriguing. Is that odd?
Tonight our local theater (play theater, not movie theater) showed The Wizard of Oz. It. Was. Awesome. The girls really liked it and I caught Nadia singing a few times. So cute.There were quite a few people there which was pretty awesome.
Ok, we are watching Deadliest Catch (speaking of stars who passed away). It is almost surreal watching Phil at the helm, knowing that he has died since the filming took place. I wonder how future seasons are going to go. I wonder how everyone is dealing with his death. I don't want this season to end because then the reality of his death is right there in front of you.
Before I close, I have to say a big thank you to Fox for not killing off Jack Bauer. I know that was a couple weeks ago, but sad as it is, I still think about it. I was so worried that they were going to kill him, but they didn't! They didn't! Maybe Jack will be back. I hope so. I love him.
Off I go.....
So since I am not working this summer, I am trying to find cheap things to do since I will not have a paycheck as well. I guess we will find out if we sink or swim this summer financially. Not really looking forward to that at all. We'll see......
It seems like this will be a replay of last summer as far as famous people deaths. We are not off to a good start so far with Gary Coleman and Dennis Hopper on the list so far. Sad. But in an odd way, intriguing. Is that odd?
Tonight our local theater (play theater, not movie theater) showed The Wizard of Oz. It. Was. Awesome. The girls really liked it and I caught Nadia singing a few times. So cute.There were quite a few people there which was pretty awesome.
Ok, we are watching Deadliest Catch (speaking of stars who passed away). It is almost surreal watching Phil at the helm, knowing that he has died since the filming took place. I wonder how future seasons are going to go. I wonder how everyone is dealing with his death. I don't want this season to end because then the reality of his death is right there in front of you.
Before I close, I have to say a big thank you to Fox for not killing off Jack Bauer. I know that was a couple weeks ago, but sad as it is, I still think about it. I was so worried that they were going to kill him, but they didn't! They didn't! Maybe Jack will be back. I hope so. I love him.
Off I go.....
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A Writer Writes About....Everything
It has been an interesting week. Kind of a long one. And today, at this hour, the humidity is so heavy that I am sure when Nadia gets up her hair will hold curls that some people only wished they had. Since Friday, Claire has been announcing that Sunday (today) will be 90 degrees. Not just announcing, but telling everyone she can, repeatedly. I bet I could go wake her up and ask her what the weather will be like today, and she would say "90 degrees". But the hell if I am going to wake her. Both girls are sleeping, and this is my first alone time in a while. Although I have to say that last night, Nadia was my cleaning helper. She even vacuumed.....keep in mind she is 6. She helped with laundry, cleaning the living and family room, and if Claire hadn't been asleep, I bet she would have put clothes away too. So I can't complain too much about not getting much time alone the past few days.
Dion is coming home from a fishing trip he went on with his college room mate. They have been gone since Wednesday. I am tired. I have kept the girls going non-stop, and here are a few highlights.
I took them to see Shrek in 3D. It took a little bit for Claire to get used to the 3D-ness, but after she did, every once in a while out of the corner of my eye I would see her reaching out trying to touch something. Too cute. Nadia, on the other hand, sat there laughing almost embarrassing loud. Except one time she just expelled a large amount of air through her mouth sounding like a mini machine gun. They liked the movie. We got treats at the theater, Claire got nachos, Nadia got Dots, they shared a fruit punch and I got a soda and popcorn. As it turned out, Claire drank most of the fruit punch, ate most of her nachos and polished off Nadia's dots when Nadia decided to move and eat popcorn with me. Something I should have monitored a little better since about 2 hours after we got home all that junk food made a second appearance in our bathroom sink. Oops. My punishment was having to fish out the chunks that wouldn't go down the drain. Lesson learned.
Prior to going to the movie, we made a stop at Target. Thankfully not in our town as I think it was the most embarrassing purchase I think I have ever made. I will list the items.
1 box of Compound W wart remover
1 bottle of lotion for cracked and dry feet
1 tube of Preparation H
1 box of witch hazel towelettes
1 dog toy
The only things more I needed were condoms, a pregnancy test, and anti-diarrhea medication to make it the ultimate embarrassing experience. Thankfully, I have no need for any of those items. But as far as the other things, sheesh, could it be a more disgusting purchase? I had to throw in the dog toy to add a little "awwww" factor. And because I bought some cat toys the other day and Sammie just looked at me as to say "Where the hell is my toy??" I felt bad. She just kept looking at me people! What was I supposed to do??
So Claire has a wart on the bottom of her swear toe. We have been working and working on that thing, and it has been stubborn I tell you. Slowly, but surely, it has been dissolving. Kinda gross.
It's no secret that I have digestive issues and have dealt with fissures and such, but this new event is, well, not one that I would wish on others. Hmmm....well, actually, I could think of a couple here and there that I would hex with this, but not many. So that's why I had to buy the Prep H and witch hazel towelettes. I am trying everything possible before I go in to the doctor. So hopefully I can home medicate this alien that is trying to escape my body and avoid going in. But, you know, when you have breast cancer, you have to check your dignity at the door. For example, when I had reconstruction, the nipples were added later. The doctor took me in to the bathroom before surgery and handed me those monitors they stick on your chest for your heart and said, "Ok, place these where you want your nipples to be." I looked at him and said, "Ummm...as a male, where do you think they should be?" He stuck them on, and that's where the nipples are to this very day. See? No dignity. Plus also, give birth once and that's the end of that. You can't give birth without your whooha making an appearance. And lord help you if you poop while giving birth (I didn't, I prayed really really hard that I wouldn't. It worked.).
And I have really dry feet all of a sudden for some reason. I hate dry feet. I hate how they feel in my Crocs, and when I put on socks, and it's just yuck. So that's that.
Well, Claire has been sleeping for almost 12 hours, so I imagine she will be up soon, which means Nadia will be up soon, which means free time is almost over. Today we are going to go see a dog that might be of interest to us and take the shelter blankets to donate to them. As part of my Mother's Day gift, Dion gave the green light to add a canine buddy to our mix. I have been searching and searching and it seems like I find one just in time to wave goodbye to it as a new owner picks it up. A day late and a dollar short every time. Well, this one, they called me. So I'm pretty sure no one else has seen the dog yet. We'll see if he is a match. I know he is a border collie mix, like Sammie is, and his name is Cody. We'll see......
Dion is coming home from a fishing trip he went on with his college room mate. They have been gone since Wednesday. I am tired. I have kept the girls going non-stop, and here are a few highlights.
I took them to see Shrek in 3D. It took a little bit for Claire to get used to the 3D-ness, but after she did, every once in a while out of the corner of my eye I would see her reaching out trying to touch something. Too cute. Nadia, on the other hand, sat there laughing almost embarrassing loud. Except one time she just expelled a large amount of air through her mouth sounding like a mini machine gun. They liked the movie. We got treats at the theater, Claire got nachos, Nadia got Dots, they shared a fruit punch and I got a soda and popcorn. As it turned out, Claire drank most of the fruit punch, ate most of her nachos and polished off Nadia's dots when Nadia decided to move and eat popcorn with me. Something I should have monitored a little better since about 2 hours after we got home all that junk food made a second appearance in our bathroom sink. Oops. My punishment was having to fish out the chunks that wouldn't go down the drain. Lesson learned.
Prior to going to the movie, we made a stop at Target. Thankfully not in our town as I think it was the most embarrassing purchase I think I have ever made. I will list the items.
1 box of Compound W wart remover
1 bottle of lotion for cracked and dry feet
1 tube of Preparation H
1 box of witch hazel towelettes
1 dog toy
The only things more I needed were condoms, a pregnancy test, and anti-diarrhea medication to make it the ultimate embarrassing experience. Thankfully, I have no need for any of those items. But as far as the other things, sheesh, could it be a more disgusting purchase? I had to throw in the dog toy to add a little "awwww" factor. And because I bought some cat toys the other day and Sammie just looked at me as to say "Where the hell is my toy??" I felt bad. She just kept looking at me people! What was I supposed to do??
So Claire has a wart on the bottom of her swear toe. We have been working and working on that thing, and it has been stubborn I tell you. Slowly, but surely, it has been dissolving. Kinda gross.
It's no secret that I have digestive issues and have dealt with fissures and such, but this new event is, well, not one that I would wish on others. Hmmm....well, actually, I could think of a couple here and there that I would hex with this, but not many. So that's why I had to buy the Prep H and witch hazel towelettes. I am trying everything possible before I go in to the doctor. So hopefully I can home medicate this alien that is trying to escape my body and avoid going in. But, you know, when you have breast cancer, you have to check your dignity at the door. For example, when I had reconstruction, the nipples were added later. The doctor took me in to the bathroom before surgery and handed me those monitors they stick on your chest for your heart and said, "Ok, place these where you want your nipples to be." I looked at him and said, "Ummm...as a male, where do you think they should be?" He stuck them on, and that's where the nipples are to this very day. See? No dignity. Plus also, give birth once and that's the end of that. You can't give birth without your whooha making an appearance. And lord help you if you poop while giving birth (I didn't, I prayed really really hard that I wouldn't. It worked.).
And I have really dry feet all of a sudden for some reason. I hate dry feet. I hate how they feel in my Crocs, and when I put on socks, and it's just yuck. So that's that.
Well, Claire has been sleeping for almost 12 hours, so I imagine she will be up soon, which means Nadia will be up soon, which means free time is almost over. Today we are going to go see a dog that might be of interest to us and take the shelter blankets to donate to them. As part of my Mother's Day gift, Dion gave the green light to add a canine buddy to our mix. I have been searching and searching and it seems like I find one just in time to wave goodbye to it as a new owner picks it up. A day late and a dollar short every time. Well, this one, they called me. So I'm pretty sure no one else has seen the dog yet. We'll see if he is a match. I know he is a border collie mix, like Sammie is, and his name is Cody. We'll see......
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Catching Up
I hate when I can't find the time to do things I love. Writing, taking pictures, sleeping...it all would be so nice. What is even more crazy is that I only work 15 hours a week. How can I not find time? Oh, well, I guess I should take that back. My first job is 15 hours a week, my second one, which is at night, would run another 6-10 hours depending on the week. But, that is over until the fall.
I will say though that things have been busy around here. We have started the process of the addition for my mom to move in. In the past 3 weeks, we have torn down the garage, and watched with awe as they came in with large motorized things and tore up the cement from the garage and dug and dug and dug, then poured footings, the cement wall, and finished up with 19 truck loads of sand to back fill. 19. I kind of feel like we live at the beach with all of the sand that's around. Well, without a body of water. Or shells. Oh hell.....it's nothing like being at the beach. It's pretty much like having an extra large sandbox. Or litter box. Either one.
So along with construction, I have been spending time getting stuff at my mom's house packed up. No small task. I put my foot down when it came to all of the bedsheets she had. I asked her how many sheets she wanted to keep for the spare bed. She said 6 sets. I said she could keep 2. And so on and so on. We are so lucky to have the relationship that we have. I think for many this would be something that would put a big strain on a relationship. We are blessed.
I took my mom to her second infusion of Remicade this past Monday. It's a long process. We got there at 10 and the infusion started at about 11:00am. It takes about an hour and a half. We stayed in the private infusion room. From the moment we walked in the door, I had a sinking feeling. The infusion room we were in was the room where I had my first chemo. It was a horrible experience. My port wasn't working well, it hurt, and just it being the first treatment made it a very nerve racking experience. As the day progressed and actually into the night, I just got crabbier and crabbier. I didn't really know why, until it came to me late that night. I sat in that room facing the office of my first oncologist, looking at the back of her head for most of the time we were there. As it turns out, I still harbor some unpleasant feelings towards that doctor. In my mind I thought about what I would say to her if she talked to me (which she didn't), I thought about all the feelings I had when she told me that I probably wouldn't make it more than 5 years. I thought about my girls not growing up with a mom. Ugh. I just boiled even more when I finally figured out why I was so crabby that night. Why is it so hard to just set myself free from all of that hatred? Why can't I just say it was what it was, and move on? Maybe I will never be at that point. Is that ok? I have no idea. I want to tell myself to just let it go, but then I think about all the people that were affected by what I was told by this doctor. I think about the phone calls I had to make to tell friends and family that the cancer had returned, and it didn't look good. I think about telling Dion that he could re-marry, just not anyone too high maintenance. I think about digging frantically in our safe for my life insurance policy, so financially he would have a little something extra to raise our kids. Ok, I have to stop. I guess it will be quite some time before it does not make my blood boil. And maybe that's ok. In the long run, because of that doctor, I ended up with an oncologist that I love who does the research and gives me honest opinions and who, unlike my other one, can laugh. That is important to me. I met amazing cancer survivors and remained friends with some of them. So, I guess I owe that doctor a thanks. Thanks for telling me that I was dying so I could go get a second opinion which led me to my current oncologist with whom I wouldn't trade for anything.
So there. That's what has been going on around here. Oh, and also, I have 3 more days of work and then I am off for the summer. The first time in about 20 years. I'm not sure what the heck I am going to do. That is territory I haven't covered in many many years. I'm think the girls and I will be hitting the pool many times. Sweet. Plus the whole remodel and such. It will be a summer to remember.
I will say though that things have been busy around here. We have started the process of the addition for my mom to move in. In the past 3 weeks, we have torn down the garage, and watched with awe as they came in with large motorized things and tore up the cement from the garage and dug and dug and dug, then poured footings, the cement wall, and finished up with 19 truck loads of sand to back fill. 19. I kind of feel like we live at the beach with all of the sand that's around. Well, without a body of water. Or shells. Oh hell.....it's nothing like being at the beach. It's pretty much like having an extra large sandbox. Or litter box. Either one.
So along with construction, I have been spending time getting stuff at my mom's house packed up. No small task. I put my foot down when it came to all of the bedsheets she had. I asked her how many sheets she wanted to keep for the spare bed. She said 6 sets. I said she could keep 2. And so on and so on. We are so lucky to have the relationship that we have. I think for many this would be something that would put a big strain on a relationship. We are blessed.
I took my mom to her second infusion of Remicade this past Monday. It's a long process. We got there at 10 and the infusion started at about 11:00am. It takes about an hour and a half. We stayed in the private infusion room. From the moment we walked in the door, I had a sinking feeling. The infusion room we were in was the room where I had my first chemo. It was a horrible experience. My port wasn't working well, it hurt, and just it being the first treatment made it a very nerve racking experience. As the day progressed and actually into the night, I just got crabbier and crabbier. I didn't really know why, until it came to me late that night. I sat in that room facing the office of my first oncologist, looking at the back of her head for most of the time we were there. As it turns out, I still harbor some unpleasant feelings towards that doctor. In my mind I thought about what I would say to her if she talked to me (which she didn't), I thought about all the feelings I had when she told me that I probably wouldn't make it more than 5 years. I thought about my girls not growing up with a mom. Ugh. I just boiled even more when I finally figured out why I was so crabby that night. Why is it so hard to just set myself free from all of that hatred? Why can't I just say it was what it was, and move on? Maybe I will never be at that point. Is that ok? I have no idea. I want to tell myself to just let it go, but then I think about all the people that were affected by what I was told by this doctor. I think about the phone calls I had to make to tell friends and family that the cancer had returned, and it didn't look good. I think about telling Dion that he could re-marry, just not anyone too high maintenance. I think about digging frantically in our safe for my life insurance policy, so financially he would have a little something extra to raise our kids. Ok, I have to stop. I guess it will be quite some time before it does not make my blood boil. And maybe that's ok. In the long run, because of that doctor, I ended up with an oncologist that I love who does the research and gives me honest opinions and who, unlike my other one, can laugh. That is important to me. I met amazing cancer survivors and remained friends with some of them. So, I guess I owe that doctor a thanks. Thanks for telling me that I was dying so I could go get a second opinion which led me to my current oncologist with whom I wouldn't trade for anything.
So there. That's what has been going on around here. Oh, and also, I have 3 more days of work and then I am off for the summer. The first time in about 20 years. I'm not sure what the heck I am going to do. That is territory I haven't covered in many many years. I'm think the girls and I will be hitting the pool many times. Sweet. Plus the whole remodel and such. It will be a summer to remember.
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