When is the right time for chocolate?For me it's any time! I have chocolate coffee in the morning, a couple of Raspberry filled dark chocolate Ghirardelli squares with my mid morning tea and on special occasions when I'm really treating myself I'll have some Lindor chocolate truffles. Since I'm feeling a bit under the weather, chocolate is just the medicine I need to help me to feel better (okay so some more sudafed wouldn't hurt either).
So here it is about 1½ hours before the Wing Christmas party (cocktails starts at 6pm). I'm ready, head to toe ready. I dislike waiting until the last minute to get ready for anything so here I am. My husband on the other hand will be racing the devil to be there on time. The new job has him working longer hours (who knew that he could work even longer hours then he did before?). So here I am with a hot mug of Chai tea and some raspberry filled dark chocolate squares (oh they certainly are delightful). I broke out one of my Christmas presents- that lovely Dooney and Bourke handbag from the auction. It looks great with my outfit :-) Now for me to wait for my husband and son to get home....
Friday, November 30, 2007
Quote of the Day
"Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but
what we ought. Let us have faith that right makes might
and in that faith let us; to the end, dare to do our duty
as we understand it."
~ Abraham Lincoln
what we ought. Let us have faith that right makes might
and in that faith let us; to the end, dare to do our duty
as we understand it."
~ Abraham Lincoln
day #3 of being sick...
I'm going to say it, feel miserable!!! We have a military function to attend this evening and I feel miserable. I'm expected to be there with my husband, so I'm going to be there regardless of how crummy I feel. How much tissue can one person go through? You would be surprised! In the few days that I've officially acknowledged that I'm sick I've been through 3 (going on 4) boxes of tissues. I'm not sure how much longer my nose can take it before turning bright red and it resembling Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. It makes me think of my Grammy Lola and how she would always have some sort of cold during the month of December and how her nose would always be as red as a cherry.
I started looking up vacation destinations yesterday. I want to go someplace warm and tropical. I also don't want to spend my life savings on a week long vacation package, LOL!
I started looking up vacation destinations yesterday. I want to go someplace warm and tropical. I also don't want to spend my life savings on a week long vacation package, LOL!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Christmas stuff
The Wing Christmas party is tomorrow evening and I am determined to go! It's $30 per person and we've already paid...so I'm going! Did I mention that I have an outfit for it too? I'm determined to get better. I took the Sudafed medication and it made me so darn sleepy (and this was the regular stuff) that I went to bed and slept for another 4 hours. I never do that, yikes! I must really be sick if I slept like that during the day.
I couldn't stand being in bed any longer so I started going through the armoire to find some Christmas stuff. Nothing is ever a small chore with me, I've always got to drag everything out and reorganize it while putting it back. At least I have my Christmas dishes out and ready to use. Now for me to clear up the little mess I made.
I want to clear out all of the "stuff" that my son has gathered in our storage area. I had these great organizing plans for my seasonal decorations, so what's in there? Oh about 1500 articles of clothing for his clothing drive that doesn't take place for over another month, ugh! I think that we need to cull the herd and get some of this stuff out of here and down to the Salvation Army.
I need to relax with a steamy cup of mint tea and to think about what I'm going to do with that storage area.
I couldn't stand being in bed any longer so I started going through the armoire to find some Christmas stuff. Nothing is ever a small chore with me, I've always got to drag everything out and reorganize it while putting it back. At least I have my Christmas dishes out and ready to use. Now for me to clear up the little mess I made.
I want to clear out all of the "stuff" that my son has gathered in our storage area. I had these great organizing plans for my seasonal decorations, so what's in there? Oh about 1500 articles of clothing for his clothing drive that doesn't take place for over another month, ugh! I think that we need to cull the herd and get some of this stuff out of here and down to the Salvation Army.
I need to relax with a steamy cup of mint tea and to think about what I'm going to do with that storage area.
day #2 of being sick...
Wow is this head cold kicking my bum! My head is stuffed up my ears are popping and now I've got a funky kind of cough. There will be no volunteering at the Thrift Shop for me today. Call me odd but I prefer to keep my germs to myself. I shudder at the thought of being a kind of Typhoid Mary and spreading sickness around to unsuspecting souls. No one needs to be sick during this time of year (myself included).
Medication- OHHHHHHHHHH do I have to tell you all about what I took yesterday! Sudafed PM- oh yeah! Does it help you to get a good nights sleep? one word...YES!!! Aside from being sick, I was actually able to get to sleep and stay asleep all night long! I might be sick but I refuse to be unhappy about it! It's making me look up vacation packages to tropical places, LOL!
Medication- OHHHHHHHHHH do I have to tell you all about what I took yesterday! Sudafed PM- oh yeah! Does it help you to get a good nights sleep? one word...YES!!! Aside from being sick, I was actually able to get to sleep and stay asleep all night long! I might be sick but I refuse to be unhappy about it! It's making me look up vacation packages to tropical places, LOL!
Perspective...a story
This little story came form my friend Lizzie in Florida...she sends me some of the coolest stories!
When things in your life seem almost too much too handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full they agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar . Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed."Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided," I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things-your faith , family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions--things that if everything else was lost and only they remained your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued,"there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
When things in your life seem almost too much too handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full they agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar . Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed."Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided," I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things-your faith , family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions--things that if everything else was lost and only they remained your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued,"there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
It's official...I've got a head cold
I've been attempting to fight off a head cold for days. It's official, it's starting to kick my bum! My eyes feel as if they are bulging out of my head, my nose keeps running like a faucet that won't shut off (no matter how much medication I pump into myself. When I bent over to tie my shoes I thought my brain was going to explode... my nose sealed shut my eyes felt as if they would pop out and I felt rather nauseous and dizzy. This is just a little something left over from Thanksgiving. So much for me getting out to the gym today. I prefer to keep my germs to myself and not make everyone else feel as miserable as I do today. The dull headache behind my eyes is yet another tell tale sign that I indeed do have a head cold that is not to go away any time soon.
I think that some hot tea, scones with honey butter and maybe even some pop overs would help me to feel better :) There's nothing like pampering ones self while feeling poorly. My family will enjoy the leftover treats and I will enjoy piping hot scones and tea for lunch!
I think that some hot tea, scones with honey butter and maybe even some pop overs would help me to feel better :) There's nothing like pampering ones self while feeling poorly. My family will enjoy the leftover treats and I will enjoy piping hot scones and tea for lunch!
Hats, Scarves and Gloves...
Being that it's currently 23º outside but yet it feels like 7º yes I'd think it was safe to say that it IS rather nippy outside! It's the perfect sweater weather! Unlike most of my girlfriends, I like to wear several layers of clothing...camisole, t-shirt, turtleneck and then the sweater. Nothing keeps you warm like layers and you can also peel them off when you get too warm. Same goes for pants. Did you know that you can get flannel lined jeans? They are great for winter weather! LL Bean has these and they are sweet!
Being in South Dakota for a while now, I've noticed something...people here don't wear hats like they do in New England. A lot of women here are pretty darn vain when it comes to their hair. I have to laugh when I think about that one, it's windy here ALL of the time- trust me your hair is never going to look really good unless you stick your head in a bubble when you go out of doors, LOL! Myself, I love hats! If it's cold outside you can be pretty sure that I'm going to have on some sort of hat that covers my ears.
Scarves- yet another item not seen being worn out here in the Midwest. Yes this is another essential piece of winter wear, it keeps the wind from blasting through the teeth of the zipper in your coat! It also adds a bit of flare to what ever you happen to be wearing that day :)
Gloves-I've always worn gloves when it's cold outside. I've seen how dried out and weather beaten some women's and men's hands look- eeew! Dried, scaly, blotchy, red and even cracked and bleeding. Nope, that is not what I want for my hands, it just looks awfully painful! When it's exceptionally cold I wear thinsulate lined mittens. It's actually better for you to have all of your fingers together when it's really cold outside.
Sunscreen/Sunglasses- I wear sunscreen all year round. Just because it's winter time doesn't mean that the sun is less effective at giving you a sunburn when the conditions are right. When the sunlight reflects off of the snow it can wreck havoc on your skin. There's nothing worse than a winter sunburn. Sunglasses are another year round essential item. I always have a spare pair or two of inexpensive sunglasses tucked into my glove compartment. Squinting because of the suns glare is dangerous while driving, not to mention it'll make you have crows feet! Protect your eyes! Wear sunglasses!
So with all of that in mind...the question is this-
Do you dress properly when you go out of doors? Are you wearing the right kind of winter wear for your area?
Being in South Dakota for a while now, I've noticed something...people here don't wear hats like they do in New England. A lot of women here are pretty darn vain when it comes to their hair. I have to laugh when I think about that one, it's windy here ALL of the time- trust me your hair is never going to look really good unless you stick your head in a bubble when you go out of doors, LOL! Myself, I love hats! If it's cold outside you can be pretty sure that I'm going to have on some sort of hat that covers my ears.
Scarves- yet another item not seen being worn out here in the Midwest. Yes this is another essential piece of winter wear, it keeps the wind from blasting through the teeth of the zipper in your coat! It also adds a bit of flare to what ever you happen to be wearing that day :)
Gloves-I've always worn gloves when it's cold outside. I've seen how dried out and weather beaten some women's and men's hands look- eeew! Dried, scaly, blotchy, red and even cracked and bleeding. Nope, that is not what I want for my hands, it just looks awfully painful! When it's exceptionally cold I wear thinsulate lined mittens. It's actually better for you to have all of your fingers together when it's really cold outside.
Sunscreen/Sunglasses- I wear sunscreen all year round. Just because it's winter time doesn't mean that the sun is less effective at giving you a sunburn when the conditions are right. When the sunlight reflects off of the snow it can wreck havoc on your skin. There's nothing worse than a winter sunburn. Sunglasses are another year round essential item. I always have a spare pair or two of inexpensive sunglasses tucked into my glove compartment. Squinting because of the suns glare is dangerous while driving, not to mention it'll make you have crows feet! Protect your eyes! Wear sunglasses!
So with all of that in mind...the question is this-
Do you dress properly when you go out of doors? Are you wearing the right kind of winter wear for your area?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Holiday Brunch
What a wonderful time I had at the Holiday Brunch. This was a Senior Spouse event hosted by the wife of our base commander (in their home no less). The food was perfect and her children were the most charming helpers one could ask for. We had a gift exchange I have to say that I LOVE my ornament! One of the most precious things in my home at this time of year is my small but growing collection of Nativity scene items. Be it ornaments of the Holy Family or figurines. I found out that my friend Jennifer was the one who brought it and it make it all that much more special to me.
Quote of the Day
"There is no personal charm so great as the charm
of a cheerful temperament."
~Henry Van Dyke
of a cheerful temperament."
~Henry Van Dyke
Depth Perception
It's more than actual vision acuity, it's also about being able to see into a person, to figure out what is going on with them. As the saying goes - "There's always more than meets the eye" with anyone. How well do you really know your friends? Heck how well do you know your siblings, parents or any other close relative?I've always been one for having to figure out or make reason out of someones bizarre behaviour.
It's a common fact that "the holidays" tend to put an extra exertion on the stress levels of some but not all people. I find it interesting that for some (again not for all people) that it's easier to be mean to a sales clerk than to stand there and be patient. As I'm in Hobby Lobby yesterday purchasing a Christmas Tree (and a few other treasures) the register locked up (yes I seem to have developed a habit of that happening to me lately). My first sale transaction was rather slow going through the system, but hey it's the holiday shopping season, it'll be slow every where. So I'm waiting and cracking jokes with the salesperson who is trying desperately to figure out what is wrong with her computer terminal. After a few minutes the transaction goes through but the young woman is obviously stressed out- I look at her and say "relax, you've got an entire day ahead of you, if you let something so small and insignificant like this bother you then your entire day will be ruined and you'll be feeling miserable all day long. Let it go and smile, it's not your fault, it's something that is out of your control". I see this look of relief instantly wash over her face and the salesperson smiles and thanks me and lets me know that she wishes that there were more customers like me. Sure her complement made me feel good but I also wondered what else is going on for this woman to say that to me. I feel that our sales people are being abused by us, the holiday shopper. No wonder why there's such poor customer service is most places these days, it's because we (it's a general statement and does not truly mean all of us) go into shop and come with such a huge chip on our shoulder daring anyone to knock it off. Heaven forbid if the item is sold out, or we have to wait in longer than usual lines or worse, the computer terminal locks up during our sales transaction. We (again a general statement) are impatient and rude when it comes to waiting. Myself, I prefer to make light of having to wait in line...think of it this way- I'd rather be in line here than in line for a root canal. When in doubt, use your manners- be polite and treat others as you yourself would want to be treated- with kindness and respect.
It's a common fact that "the holidays" tend to put an extra exertion on the stress levels of some but not all people. I find it interesting that for some (again not for all people) that it's easier to be mean to a sales clerk than to stand there and be patient. As I'm in Hobby Lobby yesterday purchasing a Christmas Tree (and a few other treasures) the register locked up (yes I seem to have developed a habit of that happening to me lately). My first sale transaction was rather slow going through the system, but hey it's the holiday shopping season, it'll be slow every where. So I'm waiting and cracking jokes with the salesperson who is trying desperately to figure out what is wrong with her computer terminal. After a few minutes the transaction goes through but the young woman is obviously stressed out- I look at her and say "relax, you've got an entire day ahead of you, if you let something so small and insignificant like this bother you then your entire day will be ruined and you'll be feeling miserable all day long. Let it go and smile, it's not your fault, it's something that is out of your control". I see this look of relief instantly wash over her face and the salesperson smiles and thanks me and lets me know that she wishes that there were more customers like me. Sure her complement made me feel good but I also wondered what else is going on for this woman to say that to me. I feel that our sales people are being abused by us, the holiday shopper. No wonder why there's such poor customer service is most places these days, it's because we (it's a general statement and does not truly mean all of us) go into shop and come with such a huge chip on our shoulder daring anyone to knock it off. Heaven forbid if the item is sold out, or we have to wait in longer than usual lines or worse, the computer terminal locks up during our sales transaction. We (again a general statement) are impatient and rude when it comes to waiting. Myself, I prefer to make light of having to wait in line...think of it this way- I'd rather be in line here than in line for a root canal. When in doubt, use your manners- be polite and treat others as you yourself would want to be treated- with kindness and respect.
Monday, November 26, 2007
To find the perfect Christmas Tree...
Yup, that's my mission today- to find the perfect Christmas Tree for our home. We tossed out our tree last year as our kitty had torn out many branches; which we strung back together with fishing line. We knew in our hearts that last year was the last year for that tree. So today I will be off in search of a new one- one with clear instead of colored lights. I've been wanting a tree with clear lights for oh...7 years now. I have the idea of the perfect tree in my head and once I see it, I'll know it!
With only 28 more shopping days until Christmas I feel that I better get a move on. I know what items I'm going to buy for my guys...it's all car related stuff. I started ordering presents on line over the weekend and I'm almost done. Christmas shopping has never been easier for me! Now for me to get with it and finish up my Christmas Cards.
With only 28 more shopping days until Christmas I feel that I better get a move on. I know what items I'm going to buy for my guys...it's all car related stuff. I started ordering presents on line over the weekend and I'm almost done. Christmas shopping has never been easier for me! Now for me to get with it and finish up my Christmas Cards.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Braving the crowds
I did it...I braved the crowds this morning all in order to take part of a sale at our local Base Exchange. I thought that the store opened at 7am but alas I was wrong and it opened at 8am. I thought that I had timed myself just right, to walk in and grab what I wanted on sale, stand in line to pay for it then go back home. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a $20 for my time waiting in line to get into the store. I was able to get everything I had on my list and a couple of extra goodies at an additional savings.
Now I did see some people getting ugly with the sales help- in my honest opinion there's no cause for that at all! They are there doing there job and sometimes the computers do lock up. I was patient and told the sales clerk that it was okay, that I could wait for her manager to fix the register and for her to go ahead and help other customers. She smiled at me and said "really?" I replied "yes of course, it's not your fault the register is acting up", there was a look of relief that washed across her face and she thanked me. A few short minutes later the computer issues were resolved and I was able to make my purchase. I was thanked again by the floor manager for being so nice to her and the sales clerk and being patient while waiting. Life's too short to be mean when things that are out of your control go wrong, plus I figure that good karma will come back to me. Little did I know that the good karma would come back to me sooner than I thought :-) While the store was packed with shoppers I had in the back of my mind thought about the little alarm clock that I wanted to buy for my husband and kids. Their little i-pods sit in them, it plays tunes AND is an alarm clock. I thought that this would be a nice item for my husband to have when he's on a deployment. My kids...well, it's just nice to have in general. The price was fantastic! I was able to get the early bird special plus an additional $20 off! The clerk at that register also thanked me for being so patient and being so nice to her while in line. Wow they were only open for an hour and people were being mean and crabby already, sheesh! Pushing and shoving went on over in the electronic department over the sale TVs and others were trying to cheat at get more gift cards then they were entitled to (one per family, period). I guess that Christmas brings out the nasty in some and the very best in others...I like to think that Christmas brings out the best in me.
I'm home now, doing some on line shopping, taking care of my sick child. Our house guests left more than some nice thank you gifts, they also happened to leave us with some icky tummy bug germs, LOL!
Now I did see some people getting ugly with the sales help- in my honest opinion there's no cause for that at all! They are there doing there job and sometimes the computers do lock up. I was patient and told the sales clerk that it was okay, that I could wait for her manager to fix the register and for her to go ahead and help other customers. She smiled at me and said "really?" I replied "yes of course, it's not your fault the register is acting up", there was a look of relief that washed across her face and she thanked me. A few short minutes later the computer issues were resolved and I was able to make my purchase. I was thanked again by the floor manager for being so nice to her and the sales clerk and being patient while waiting. Life's too short to be mean when things that are out of your control go wrong, plus I figure that good karma will come back to me. Little did I know that the good karma would come back to me sooner than I thought :-) While the store was packed with shoppers I had in the back of my mind thought about the little alarm clock that I wanted to buy for my husband and kids. Their little i-pods sit in them, it plays tunes AND is an alarm clock. I thought that this would be a nice item for my husband to have when he's on a deployment. My kids...well, it's just nice to have in general. The price was fantastic! I was able to get the early bird special plus an additional $20 off! The clerk at that register also thanked me for being so patient and being so nice to her while in line. Wow they were only open for an hour and people were being mean and crabby already, sheesh! Pushing and shoving went on over in the electronic department over the sale TVs and others were trying to cheat at get more gift cards then they were entitled to (one per family, period). I guess that Christmas brings out the nasty in some and the very best in others...I like to think that Christmas brings out the best in me.
I'm home now, doing some on line shopping, taking care of my sick child. Our house guests left more than some nice thank you gifts, they also happened to leave us with some icky tummy bug germs, LOL!
Quote of the Day
Friendships are precious, not only in the shade of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part is sunshine.
~Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Surviving Thanksgiving
If there was anything I gained from this holiday it's of having what I have known for quite some time reaffirmed through the action of watching others interact ...that I do indeed have a very good life. I have such a true appreciation for my husband and children, our relationship with one another and the home life we have together. For these and all things I am truly thankful. Amen.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Going to the Grocery Store...
I know this was how I had planned it for weeks...to go to the grocery store today to pick up things like salad in a bag, potatoes, and dairy products. The parking lot wasn't very crowded when I went in but dang if it wasn't packed when I got out! Holy Catfish Batman it was NUTS! Fresh turkeys are now 50% off...what a savings! Lots of grocery items were seriously picked over, dairy products especially. Cream cheese (which I buy tons of) was at an all time low low price of 89¢ each -I think that I spent nearly $20 on cream cheese. I'm thinking ahead...thinking of my Christmas cheesecake baking ritual.
My word of advice...if you HAVE to grocery shop today, get what you need and get out fast!
If you're driving somewhere today please be careful. Lots of folks on the road, many of which are tired and stressed out. So be careful and pull over to rest if you feel tired!
My word of advice...if you HAVE to grocery shop today, get what you need and get out fast!
If you're driving somewhere today please be careful. Lots of folks on the road, many of which are tired and stressed out. So be careful and pull over to rest if you feel tired!
Thinking about those we've lost
When it comes to Thanksgiving and thinking about those we love and being thankful for them it's also a time to reflect on those that have left the earth and are off in heaven.
We haven't had guests, real honest to goodness dinner guests for Thanksgiving since we were stationed at Dyess AFB, TX. At the time, my husband was going through B-1 training ( his previous plane was the B-52 ) and we had some of the guys (who were also going through B-1 training) over for Thanksgiving dinner. I remember having each of the guys add in a prayer as to what they were thankful for at that time. I know if I scrounge around I'll find pictures somewhere of that day together. There is a sad part that goes along with remembering that particular holiday- it's that 2 of those dear friends are now deceased. One died in a B-1 crash up here at Ellsworth AFB and the other (while deployed) when a fellow US serviceman tossed a hand grenade into his tent. I make sure to say a special prayer for each of them and for all servicemen that are apart from their families at this time of year.
We haven't had guests, real honest to goodness dinner guests for Thanksgiving since we were stationed at Dyess AFB, TX. At the time, my husband was going through B-1 training ( his previous plane was the B-52 ) and we had some of the guys (who were also going through B-1 training) over for Thanksgiving dinner. I remember having each of the guys add in a prayer as to what they were thankful for at that time. I know if I scrounge around I'll find pictures somewhere of that day together. There is a sad part that goes along with remembering that particular holiday- it's that 2 of those dear friends are now deceased. One died in a B-1 crash up here at Ellsworth AFB and the other (while deployed) when a fellow US serviceman tossed a hand grenade into his tent. I make sure to say a special prayer for each of them and for all servicemen that are apart from their families at this time of year.
Wednesday's big push
My girlfriend Susan and her family will be here this evening...Eeek! Half of the desserts are done, the other half are going to be cooked this today. Hannah wants to make the lattice work for the apple pie so I will hold off on making it until this afternoon. The sweet potatoes are about to go into the oven to bake for an hour or so. The garlic mashed potatoes will also be made this after noon, it's all coming together.
Now about the sewing machine...it's a goner folks! My husband took it apart and checked it out and it's the drive shaft. It'll cost me more to have it fixed than it will to buy a new one. I do not have time to go out and get a new sewing machine. And personally speaking did I want a new sewing machine for Christmas? NO! If I do this (shop for a new machine), I'll do it when I have a bit more time. Now for me to hand sew the valance-ugh! You know what though...I have some scrapbooking adhesive that just might to the trick. I'm going to look into that right after the kids go off to school.
Yup it's now the big push to make it all come together. I have to make a last minute run to the grocery store (it opens at 9am). So I'm going to run run run as fast as I can today.
Now about the sewing machine...it's a goner folks! My husband took it apart and checked it out and it's the drive shaft. It'll cost me more to have it fixed than it will to buy a new one. I do not have time to go out and get a new sewing machine. And personally speaking did I want a new sewing machine for Christmas? NO! If I do this (shop for a new machine), I'll do it when I have a bit more time. Now for me to hand sew the valance-ugh! You know what though...I have some scrapbooking adhesive that just might to the trick. I'm going to look into that right after the kids go off to school.
Yup it's now the big push to make it all come together. I have to make a last minute run to the grocery store (it opens at 9am). So I'm going to run run run as fast as I can today.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Sad news....
Alas my faithful little sewing machine of 16 plus years has died in the line of duty. As I was putting the finishing touches to my valance it seized up and died. I sent an e-mail to my husband requesting his assistance in seeing if he could look at it and see if he could repair it. It was a simple little thing, a White 1510, nothing fancy to be sure but it got the job done. If it is indeed truly dead, I will hold a little funeral for it for is has given me many years of excellent service and has helped me to create everything from bed linens, to custom draperies to clothing, Halloween costumes and the occasional scrapbook layout.
My Tuesday to do list...
Here I am having coffee chatting with the family this morning as they are getting ready to go to work and school. I look out the window and guess what...it's SNOWING! Of course it's just a "dusting" of the white stuff and the Black Hills area will have a lot more of it than we'll get down here in the valley. But it looks pretty none the less. It's the first snow of the season and I'm marking it on the calender.
Now for my Tuesday to do list...
*finish delivering the news letter (didn't get it all done yesterday)
*make desserts (there are 8 in total)
*change sheets and wash bedding in guest room
*finish the valance (it's got only 1 more part that needs to be sewn)
*family room- dust and vacuum clean glass french doors
*decorate formal dining table
Now for my Tuesday to do list...
*finish delivering the news letter (didn't get it all done yesterday)
*make desserts (there are 8 in total)
*change sheets and wash bedding in guest room
*finish the valance (it's got only 1 more part that needs to be sewn)
*family room- dust and vacuum clean glass french doors
*decorate formal dining table
Monday, November 19, 2007
Lets end world hunger
For those that know me, I'm into trivia and other interesting things that make us all smarter. Here's a way you can get smarter (or test your knowledge) and donate rice through the United Nations end world hunger program. http://www.freerice.com/ try it and have fun!
a sense of calm
As my girlfriends look at me like I'm insane...here I am calm as can be thinking of what lies ahead of me in the way of cooking our holiday dinner. I've got garlic roasting in the oven, my cranberry chutney done and is now cooling on the stove top and I'm looking ahead at what else I can have ready ahead of time. What I wouldn't give to have a really big refrigerator right now, maybe in the next house. Wouldn't my mother in law be surprised to see me pulling off a big holiday dinner all by myself, HA! The big surprise would be not being swamped in a hot kitchen with a million and one dirty pots and pans to wash. Planning ahead and being organized is the key to my success.
Tomorrow I'll make another part of this holiday feast...which one, well I'm not sure yet but it makes me hungry just thinking about it. Maybe I should have eaten lunch today.
Tomorrow I'll make another part of this holiday feast...which one, well I'm not sure yet but it makes me hungry just thinking about it. Maybe I should have eaten lunch today.
Quote of the Day
I burst out laughing while reading this qoute and just HAD to share it!
After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say "I want to see the manager."
~William S. Burroughs
After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say "I want to see the manager."
~William S. Burroughs
Scheduling and using my time wisely
I think that if I had to tell my #1 worst fault it would be that I don't do enough of that things called "scheduling and using my time wisely". I'm trying hard to do it and stick to doing it but there are times when it all goes out the window. So starting this week...I'm going to give myself blocks of time in which things are to be done then to move on to something else when the time says to go on to something else- no exceptions. Lets see how long I last...
Things on my list for today:
*print and deliver 55 or so HOA newsletters
*cut and sew a valance for the foyer
*go to gym-ride life cycle for 1 hour
*go to club and get contract for December function
*finish arranging items on 3rd cabinet area
*go to mall-have rings/earrings checked
*finish office/guest room ready for house guests
*finish up getting formal dining room ready for family and friends.
*Call my girlfriends (the ones that I'm baking desserts for) and see if they need or would like to borrow a cake plate for Thanksgiving. Who doesn't like to set a pretty table during this time of year :-)
Yup I think that's plenty for me to do for today. If I don't get the valance done today there's always tomorrow while the desserts are baking in the oven. And if I don't get all of the news letter out...there's always paying my kids to do it for me after they get home from school.
Things on my list for today:
*print and deliver 55 or so HOA newsletters
*cut and sew a valance for the foyer
*go to gym-ride life cycle for 1 hour
*go to club and get contract for December function
*finish arranging items on 3rd cabinet area
*go to mall-have rings/earrings checked
*finish office/guest room ready for house guests
*finish up getting formal dining room ready for family and friends.
*Call my girlfriends (the ones that I'm baking desserts for) and see if they need or would like to borrow a cake plate for Thanksgiving. Who doesn't like to set a pretty table during this time of year :-)
Yup I think that's plenty for me to do for today. If I don't get the valance done today there's always tomorrow while the desserts are baking in the oven. And if I don't get all of the news letter out...there's always paying my kids to do it for me after they get home from school.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Giving Thanks for my family
I can't give thanks enough for the people in my life, the most important ones being my husband, our children, my parents and my in-laws.
My husband Lucien- who works tirelessly and then comes home to work some more with his children and help them with their advanced math homework. Helps me put up curtain rods, paint walls and do home improvement projects and doesn't complain about it. He's come with me to fabric stores and gives me an honest opinion on colors and patterns when it comes to picking out fabric for window treatments. He works on our cars and makes sure that they are in tip top shape. He watches out for us and is there to give us encouragement.
Andrew- our son is 15 and driving (he started driving 14). He has shown such a mature attitude with that responsibility. He takes driving seriously. He knows my views on it- that it's a privilege not a right. He's grown so much in maturity since being involved in the AFJROTC program at his high school. He's involved in many after school programs with AFJROTC, color guard, drill team, Kitty Hawk Society, Rocket Club, and is active in the Staff. He has maintained got a solid A-B average in school for the past 2 years and is taking advanced classes! I'm so proud of the work he has done and his ever growing self confidence and of his community involvement.
Hannah-our daughter might look a great deal like her mother but trust me when I say she's her Daddy's girl!. She has the advanced skills in mathematics like her father (that's a good thing) the love of science like her mother and the creativity of both of her parents. Her head is always in books, be it math related, crossword puzzles or other kinds of brain teasers. She's very gifted with computer stuff but she also is always wanting to create something with her hands-be it a scrapbook layout, sewing project or paper crafts of some sort. She's wanting to be in the kitchen more, creating yummy things with her own hands. Some of her favorite things to make are smoothies (she loves to use the blender) and to bake brownies.
My Mom Maria- who has always given of herself, sacrificed things to give us (my sisters and myself) what we needed. It's through her selflessness and dedication to family that I am who I am today. She has been through so much in her lifetime and now to have to deal with her life partner having Parkinson's and Alzheimer's is heart breaking.
My Pop Bill- his honesty, devotion to friends and family and his work ethics are the basis of who I am. His character is beyond reproach. Any time anyone was in need he was there for them. It's a shame that he is now so ill. The Parkinson's and Alzheimer's has taken it's toll on him physically and well as mentally. I prefer to remember his when he was younger and so full of life-climbing big fir trees and cutting out the top of the tree for us to have a Christmas Tree. He would tell us that doing this doesn't kill the tree, unlike when you cut down a small tree. I can't begin to tell you how many times we had Christmas Trees that had old birds nests in them, LOL!
My Father-in-law Dave- in his retirement he has this garden that rivals a small farm. He grows fruits and vegetables, donates the bulk of the garden delights to family, friends and the local food bank. He's very active in his parish and still teaches religious eduction to young adults.
My Mother-in-law Bette- They say that there's a special place in heaven for the mothers of boys. She has 4 sons and from that she also has 2 daughters-in-law and 4 grandchildren. She and her husband has come to visit us at every place we have lived. She retired back in August and we took advantage of her new status in September. She was able to help us out when Lucien has his eye surgery and needed to be in Colorado for 10 days (pre-surgery and post surgery appointments). She loves her boys with all her heart and took great pride in being able to help out her eldest son. I know that it's because of her that her son's have such giving hearts.
I've been graced by the Lord with all of these people and I am ever thankful!
My husband Lucien- who works tirelessly and then comes home to work some more with his children and help them with their advanced math homework. Helps me put up curtain rods, paint walls and do home improvement projects and doesn't complain about it. He's come with me to fabric stores and gives me an honest opinion on colors and patterns when it comes to picking out fabric for window treatments. He works on our cars and makes sure that they are in tip top shape. He watches out for us and is there to give us encouragement.
Andrew- our son is 15 and driving (he started driving 14). He has shown such a mature attitude with that responsibility. He takes driving seriously. He knows my views on it- that it's a privilege not a right. He's grown so much in maturity since being involved in the AFJROTC program at his high school. He's involved in many after school programs with AFJROTC, color guard, drill team, Kitty Hawk Society, Rocket Club, and is active in the Staff. He has maintained got a solid A-B average in school for the past 2 years and is taking advanced classes! I'm so proud of the work he has done and his ever growing self confidence and of his community involvement.
Hannah-our daughter might look a great deal like her mother but trust me when I say she's her Daddy's girl!. She has the advanced skills in mathematics like her father (that's a good thing) the love of science like her mother and the creativity of both of her parents. Her head is always in books, be it math related, crossword puzzles or other kinds of brain teasers. She's very gifted with computer stuff but she also is always wanting to create something with her hands-be it a scrapbook layout, sewing project or paper crafts of some sort. She's wanting to be in the kitchen more, creating yummy things with her own hands. Some of her favorite things to make are smoothies (she loves to use the blender) and to bake brownies.
My Mom Maria- who has always given of herself, sacrificed things to give us (my sisters and myself) what we needed. It's through her selflessness and dedication to family that I am who I am today. She has been through so much in her lifetime and now to have to deal with her life partner having Parkinson's and Alzheimer's is heart breaking.
My Pop Bill- his honesty, devotion to friends and family and his work ethics are the basis of who I am. His character is beyond reproach. Any time anyone was in need he was there for them. It's a shame that he is now so ill. The Parkinson's and Alzheimer's has taken it's toll on him physically and well as mentally. I prefer to remember his when he was younger and so full of life-climbing big fir trees and cutting out the top of the tree for us to have a Christmas Tree. He would tell us that doing this doesn't kill the tree, unlike when you cut down a small tree. I can't begin to tell you how many times we had Christmas Trees that had old birds nests in them, LOL!
My Father-in-law Dave- in his retirement he has this garden that rivals a small farm. He grows fruits and vegetables, donates the bulk of the garden delights to family, friends and the local food bank. He's very active in his parish and still teaches religious eduction to young adults.
My Mother-in-law Bette- They say that there's a special place in heaven for the mothers of boys. She has 4 sons and from that she also has 2 daughters-in-law and 4 grandchildren. She and her husband has come to visit us at every place we have lived. She retired back in August and we took advantage of her new status in September. She was able to help us out when Lucien has his eye surgery and needed to be in Colorado for 10 days (pre-surgery and post surgery appointments). She loves her boys with all her heart and took great pride in being able to help out her eldest son. I know that it's because of her that her son's have such giving hearts.
I've been graced by the Lord with all of these people and I am ever thankful!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Feeling overwhelmed...but not
So here I am...getting ready for a major holiday dinner, I'm going to have my girlfriend Susan and her family out here for a few days, and a dessert open house-eek!!!! Parts of me feel overwhelmed and parts of me don't. The Cooking part doesn't bother me, that's a snap! It's the people in my house part. I always worry that people are scrutinizing me, saying things like "oh I thought she was more talented than that" or "I thought that she had better taste than that". I never go into any ones home and pick it apart. To me and maybe I'm the only one with this kind of an opinion...decorating is a sense of personal expression. This house posed some serious challenges for me, I swear every house we have ever lived in has windows of different sizes and shapes that the previous one and this house is no exception to that rule. Then there's the archway from the front room aka the formal dining area to the dine in kitchen area. Then there's those two skinny windows off to each side of the sliding glass door. Okay so I finally got window treatments done up for then, whew! And I got the window treatments done for the family room as well. I'm not about to kill myself trying to slam out something for the office/guest room or Hannah's bedroom window right now. I'm going to concentrate on getting some other things taken care of. The hard part is that only I can get this done, I only know what I want to do with the house...the sad part is that I'm so worried about resale of this home that I'm being rather stiff in my decorating. I did this before with our house in Virginia.
So I'm going to work on the kitchen today...get something going on with it. I have two items hanging up in the kitchen beside the valance, it's a plate and a framed apple crate label from the 1930's. I need to step it up and get a move on with decorating my kitchen. Usually it's the first place to get decorated and done up and here it seems to be one of the last. The rather high slanted ceiling is part of what is throwing me off. Alright now more dilly dallying, it's time for me to get out the ladder and get to work!
So I'm going to work on the kitchen today...get something going on with it. I have two items hanging up in the kitchen beside the valance, it's a plate and a framed apple crate label from the 1930's. I need to step it up and get a move on with decorating my kitchen. Usually it's the first place to get decorated and done up and here it seems to be one of the last. The rather high slanted ceiling is part of what is throwing me off. Alright now more dilly dallying, it's time for me to get out the ladder and get to work!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Getting ready
Here I am trying to get some things done for next week. My fresh turkey arrived today. Hey if I have to cook turkey, then it's got to be a fresh one, none of that frozen like a block stuff for me. The last time I bought a frozen turkey well after 2 ½ days in the refrigerator "defrosting" it was still FROZEN!!! So now it has to be fresh or forget it.
The drywall folks finally came by- took a couple of hours but they got things looking good. Now for the painter to come and touch up the repairs.
In between I've been reading cook books like a crazy woman. Looking for a cranberry apple chutney recipe. I think that I've nailed one and now for me to make my grocery list.
The drywall folks finally came by- took a couple of hours but they got things looking good. Now for the painter to come and touch up the repairs.
In between I've been reading cook books like a crazy woman. Looking for a cranberry apple chutney recipe. I think that I've nailed one and now for me to make my grocery list.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Having Faith
We pray that our children are born healthy and will have happy and productive lives. But sometimes God has other plans for them and for us. It becomes a question of faith...will he heal them? Will he heal us? You've got to believe deep down in your soul that he will.
When your husband/wife/daughter/son is deployed do you pray? Is that the only time you pray? Or do you always say a prayer for their continued safety while there and their safe return home?
Next month is the 1 year anniversary of our Daughters reconstructive surgery on her ears. It took me nearly a year to finally get it approved from our insurance, to prove that she had a congenital birth defect. This is something that is hard for me to write about- as we as mothers want our children to be born perfect. Sometimes we have to fight for our children and trust me it was a fight! Sometimes it's about their self esteem and that to me is important enough to fight for. Hannah exudes so much more self confidence. She's no longer afraid that children (and they can be cruel) would point at her ears and secretly giggle or worse laugh in front of her.
I say prayers every day for the health and well being of my friends and family. For myself I pray for grace, guidance and patience, to be able to lend a helping hand where I can. I pray that I can be a guiding light to those that have lost their way, that I can be a beacon of hope to those that are feeling hopeless or are in despair. My job description changes on a daily basis, and I'm fine with that. I pray that I am able to comfort those that are having a difficult time during a deployment, that they are able to get up and take care of themselves...but are also not afraid to ask for help when they need it.
So...do you have it? Do you have Faith? Faith in God? Faith in yourself?
When your husband/wife/daughter/son is deployed do you pray? Is that the only time you pray? Or do you always say a prayer for their continued safety while there and their safe return home?
Next month is the 1 year anniversary of our Daughters reconstructive surgery on her ears. It took me nearly a year to finally get it approved from our insurance, to prove that she had a congenital birth defect. This is something that is hard for me to write about- as we as mothers want our children to be born perfect. Sometimes we have to fight for our children and trust me it was a fight! Sometimes it's about their self esteem and that to me is important enough to fight for. Hannah exudes so much more self confidence. She's no longer afraid that children (and they can be cruel) would point at her ears and secretly giggle or worse laugh in front of her.
I say prayers every day for the health and well being of my friends and family. For myself I pray for grace, guidance and patience, to be able to lend a helping hand where I can. I pray that I can be a guiding light to those that have lost their way, that I can be a beacon of hope to those that are feeling hopeless or are in despair. My job description changes on a daily basis, and I'm fine with that. I pray that I am able to comfort those that are having a difficult time during a deployment, that they are able to get up and take care of themselves...but are also not afraid to ask for help when they need it.
So...do you have it? Do you have Faith? Faith in God? Faith in yourself?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Being Thankful
" At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." ~ Albert Schweitzer
Monday, November 12, 2007
Lets do Lunch!
Once a month I schedule a lunch bunch get together. That's where a group of us meet up and have lunch out in town. Our rule is simple - No chain restaurants, just small local establishments. I picked out Curry Masala, an Indian restaurant. Ever since having Indian cuisine while in England I can't get it out of my head! The food was so delicious. Then my girlfriend Rohini made Butter Chicken and Curried Chickpeas for a get together at her home this summer...talk about Heaven on Earth!
So we (Hannah and me) get to Curry Masala and I meet up with my girlfriend Irene. Apparently no one else can make it today (school was out today and most of our spouses were off from work). So Irene and I spent out time talking about....FOOD and cooking! I can't tell you how excited I was to be talking with another "foodie". We talked about cheeses, the woman makes me want to have a cheese tasting party! I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been to have 2 back to back European assignments...just for the food and wine! We had the best laughs at comparing stories of what foods we think are simple to whip up but tend to WOW our friends. I found out that even though our up bringing was a bit different (she has a Filipino Mom and my mom is German) we still experienced some of the same things...Americanized dishes. Irene's story about spaghetti with the sauce served mixed together with the pasta and sometimes with bits of hot dog almost made me pee myself from laughing! I had no idea that other people on the planet did that- I just thought my mom was being weird. Even Hannah had a good time, laughing right along with us. I think that she now knows that she's got it pretty darn good in the food department here at home.
My recommendation for this week...have lunch with a friend. She doesn't have to be an old friend, a new friend will do very well and with time...they turn into old friends :-) What a wonderful thought indeed!
So we (Hannah and me) get to Curry Masala and I meet up with my girlfriend Irene. Apparently no one else can make it today (school was out today and most of our spouses were off from work). So Irene and I spent out time talking about....FOOD and cooking! I can't tell you how excited I was to be talking with another "foodie". We talked about cheeses, the woman makes me want to have a cheese tasting party! I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been to have 2 back to back European assignments...just for the food and wine! We had the best laughs at comparing stories of what foods we think are simple to whip up but tend to WOW our friends. I found out that even though our up bringing was a bit different (she has a Filipino Mom and my mom is German) we still experienced some of the same things...Americanized dishes. Irene's story about spaghetti with the sauce served mixed together with the pasta and sometimes with bits of hot dog almost made me pee myself from laughing! I had no idea that other people on the planet did that- I just thought my mom was being weird. Even Hannah had a good time, laughing right along with us. I think that she now knows that she's got it pretty darn good in the food department here at home.
My recommendation for this week...have lunch with a friend. She doesn't have to be an old friend, a new friend will do very well and with time...they turn into old friends :-) What a wonderful thought indeed!
I'm thankful everyday for my girlfriends!
I'm thankful to the Lord for bringing all of these women into my life
* Cindy...who when she found out we were looking for a house told me about the house she and her husband Allen bought. She invited me over and gave me a tour of her lovely home. It's mainly due to her that we have the beautiful and peaceful place that we now call home. "Home is where you hang your heart". Cindy is a huge promoter of women starting and running their own businesses. She sees the good and positive things that can come out of hard work. Shes a devoted friend and is always there to lend a helping hand.
*Kim- The genuine smile she greets you with is just that...genuine. She's the kind of friend that always uplifts you and leaves you with this feeling of pure joy. She's an Angel on earth placed here to let us know that we can work out our problems and nothing is as bad as we first thought it was. The best part is...she likes my cooking :-)
*Liz - Through her I learned that there's more to being an Officers wife than meets the eye. That there are things that you have to forfeit to have this life and that you can not be bitter about it. That you need to make your own happiness and your own identity, separate from his. It wasn't that I didn't know these things, it was that she brought them into focus for me. She was a good military spouse role model. Her husband is now retired from the Air Force and they are living it up as civilians now :-)
*Robin-what a wonderful wife/mother/daughter/sister and friend she is! She's a one year Breast Cancer survivor. She gets diagnosed with cancer and what does she do? She starts a Yoga business! Go Robin! She's one of my first military spouse friends and we found out that we grew up in the same area. I talked about Robin in front of some 40 some spouses who came to the October OSC function how we met and became friends at our husbands first assignment, and how friendships like that last for forever. I spoke of how I was so proud of her and how breast cancer can and does affect people we know. That this devastating disease can have a positive effect of those not stricken with the disease. Get a Mammogram!!!
*René- Another wonderful person whom I met at out first assignment up in Maine. I think that she's a very strong woman (even when she thinks she isn't), able to do things that I think are brave. She's got a beautiful southern accent- not that sticky sweet almost fake sounding kind, but a genuine one that is filled with warmth. A wizard with finances and all levels of Mathematics! If I were to go into business, this is the women who would keep me grounded :-) She has this huge heart and is always there for everyone!
*Susan- I met her after the loss of her 2 year old son Gareth. I was introduced to her by a mutual friend who thought that I would be "good" for Susan to get to know. Our mutual friend didn't know how to be friends with someone like Susan... who was so full of anger and grief after losing a child. Angry with the military and civilian health care systems and angry with God. Susan is straight forward, she tells it like it is. To be honest, I admire that. One day while we were at lunch (this is many years ago and it still brings tears to my eyes when thinking about it) she asks me "Sandie, why are you my friend?", I look up and say "hmm? what do you mean?" Susan replies "when all I do is complain about things, I'm an awful friend, I push people away because I yell at them- why are you still here?" my reply was simple "Because God told me that I needed you as much as you needed me. That no matter where we are in the world we all need compassion" We both broke down in tears and have been as thick as thieves ever since. Susan might not have the kind of patience that some of us have for dealing with certain situations or people and that's okay. She has a talent worth far more... She does the most beautiful and exquisite needlework I've ever seen! She has the patience to sit down and create these beautiful works of art when total chaos is going on around her. It doesn't frustrate her to look at the finely woven linen and get to work on it. Oh how I envy that (working on linen scares me). She got me back into working counted cross and fancy needlework stitching projects, this time with specialty hand dyed threads and I got her further into the realm of scrapbooking. Together we started a tribute album for her son Gareth.
*Barbara- She's my best friend from childhood. We met in the 3rd grade, we were both new kids at school, both shy too. We used to talk about how our lives would be when we grew up...she a mom with a half a dozen kids and me the explorer going all over the world and telling her in detail about where I've been and what I've done. Barbara never married, she lives in Santa Barbara with her elderly parents taking care of them. In 2001 (she'll correct me if I'm wrong on the year) She became very ill it started out being the flu and one morning she woke up to discover that she was paralyzed on one side of her body. Many tests were run on her during her time spent in the hospital only to discover that she has MS. It was then that she found out that she had this disease for many years only that it was dormant. It was a huge blow to her and to me. But she has been strong in her convictions in life sticking to those things that she believes in, I admire that. She rides a motorcycle and has more cats than I have kids.
I did become the explorer, just not in the context that I had planned for myself (hey-we were 12 at the time, LOL) and I make sure to tell her all about the places I've been and people I've met. I also became a wife and mother and that is an adventure of it's own :-)
* Cindy...who when she found out we were looking for a house told me about the house she and her husband Allen bought. She invited me over and gave me a tour of her lovely home. It's mainly due to her that we have the beautiful and peaceful place that we now call home. "Home is where you hang your heart". Cindy is a huge promoter of women starting and running their own businesses. She sees the good and positive things that can come out of hard work. Shes a devoted friend and is always there to lend a helping hand.
*Kim- The genuine smile she greets you with is just that...genuine. She's the kind of friend that always uplifts you and leaves you with this feeling of pure joy. She's an Angel on earth placed here to let us know that we can work out our problems and nothing is as bad as we first thought it was. The best part is...she likes my cooking :-)
*Liz - Through her I learned that there's more to being an Officers wife than meets the eye. That there are things that you have to forfeit to have this life and that you can not be bitter about it. That you need to make your own happiness and your own identity, separate from his. It wasn't that I didn't know these things, it was that she brought them into focus for me. She was a good military spouse role model. Her husband is now retired from the Air Force and they are living it up as civilians now :-)
*Robin-what a wonderful wife/mother/daughter/sister and friend she is! She's a one year Breast Cancer survivor. She gets diagnosed with cancer and what does she do? She starts a Yoga business! Go Robin! She's one of my first military spouse friends and we found out that we grew up in the same area. I talked about Robin in front of some 40 some spouses who came to the October OSC function how we met and became friends at our husbands first assignment, and how friendships like that last for forever. I spoke of how I was so proud of her and how breast cancer can and does affect people we know. That this devastating disease can have a positive effect of those not stricken with the disease. Get a Mammogram!!!
*René- Another wonderful person whom I met at out first assignment up in Maine. I think that she's a very strong woman (even when she thinks she isn't), able to do things that I think are brave. She's got a beautiful southern accent- not that sticky sweet almost fake sounding kind, but a genuine one that is filled with warmth. A wizard with finances and all levels of Mathematics! If I were to go into business, this is the women who would keep me grounded :-) She has this huge heart and is always there for everyone!
*Susan- I met her after the loss of her 2 year old son Gareth. I was introduced to her by a mutual friend who thought that I would be "good" for Susan to get to know. Our mutual friend didn't know how to be friends with someone like Susan... who was so full of anger and grief after losing a child. Angry with the military and civilian health care systems and angry with God. Susan is straight forward, she tells it like it is. To be honest, I admire that. One day while we were at lunch (this is many years ago and it still brings tears to my eyes when thinking about it) she asks me "Sandie, why are you my friend?", I look up and say "hmm? what do you mean?" Susan replies "when all I do is complain about things, I'm an awful friend, I push people away because I yell at them- why are you still here?" my reply was simple "Because God told me that I needed you as much as you needed me. That no matter where we are in the world we all need compassion" We both broke down in tears and have been as thick as thieves ever since. Susan might not have the kind of patience that some of us have for dealing with certain situations or people and that's okay. She has a talent worth far more... She does the most beautiful and exquisite needlework I've ever seen! She has the patience to sit down and create these beautiful works of art when total chaos is going on around her. It doesn't frustrate her to look at the finely woven linen and get to work on it. Oh how I envy that (working on linen scares me). She got me back into working counted cross and fancy needlework stitching projects, this time with specialty hand dyed threads and I got her further into the realm of scrapbooking. Together we started a tribute album for her son Gareth.
*Barbara- She's my best friend from childhood. We met in the 3rd grade, we were both new kids at school, both shy too. We used to talk about how our lives would be when we grew up...she a mom with a half a dozen kids and me the explorer going all over the world and telling her in detail about where I've been and what I've done. Barbara never married, she lives in Santa Barbara with her elderly parents taking care of them. In 2001 (she'll correct me if I'm wrong on the year) She became very ill it started out being the flu and one morning she woke up to discover that she was paralyzed on one side of her body. Many tests were run on her during her time spent in the hospital only to discover that she has MS. It was then that she found out that she had this disease for many years only that it was dormant. It was a huge blow to her and to me. But she has been strong in her convictions in life sticking to those things that she believes in, I admire that. She rides a motorcycle and has more cats than I have kids.
I did become the explorer, just not in the context that I had planned for myself (hey-we were 12 at the time, LOL) and I make sure to tell her all about the places I've been and people I've met. I also became a wife and mother and that is an adventure of it's own :-)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Military Acronyms
I've been dealing with the military and those insane acronyms they use. AFPC, AMC, ACC, ORE, and ORI. There are so many of these that I have a hard time keeping them straight and most days I mess them up entirely. And to add to the confusion, there's the call signs. The guys/gals don't pick them, those are chosen by their peers. Over the years I've met aviators (men and women) with call signs like- Curtains (one of the first female B-1 aviators), Brains (which was a shortened version of his call sign actual call sign Shit for Brains), there's names like Cod, Flipper, Crusty, Sea Bass and Powder. Names that leave the mothers of these people wondering what on earth did my son or daughter do to get a call sign like that? And I'm hear to tell you that you just don't want to know- most times, it's like some sort of inside joke with the military members.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Can I laugh yet?
I admit it, I'm an information junkie. My nightstand has no less than 5 novels, all half read. Then there's the 20 different magazines, most of those have been read cover to cover and lie in a heap on the floor in front of my nightstand. So here I am every morning reading news stories for no less than 4 different sources. So when I come across and article that leaves me with a smirk on my face I do have to ask...Can I laugh yet?
Over on the MSNBC website I came across an article about some person who started a website devoted to complaining about ones neighbors. I'm sorry but I have to roll my eyes with this one. So I grab another cup of coffee and head out to read this article. Now I do see where this could have started off as being something with good intentions - a website to locate information on a neighborhood or area in which you are interested into buying a home. And as we all know...buying a home is a major investment and those buying homes want to be moving into a nice neighborhood. But I also can see this as being some sort of mean and vindictive way of posting fabricated crap about your neighbors and the goings on in your particular neighborhood. Then again you could post lies about people and not even live in the neighborhood. My advice is to look at the houses next door, down the street and around the corner to the house that you want to buy. If there are 4 cars up on blocks in the drive way or front yard... that's a pretty good indication that you just might not want to buy in that neighborhood, unless you too plan on having cars on blocks then it would be a perfect location for you. Make your own assessments, bring in others, be it friends or professional people those of which will tell you the truth and have them do an evaluation of the property and the surrounding area. And best of all, don't judge the neighbors until YOU actually meet them!
Over on the MSNBC website I came across an article about some person who started a website devoted to complaining about ones neighbors. I'm sorry but I have to roll my eyes with this one. So I grab another cup of coffee and head out to read this article. Now I do see where this could have started off as being something with good intentions - a website to locate information on a neighborhood or area in which you are interested into buying a home. And as we all know...buying a home is a major investment and those buying homes want to be moving into a nice neighborhood. But I also can see this as being some sort of mean and vindictive way of posting fabricated crap about your neighbors and the goings on in your particular neighborhood. Then again you could post lies about people and not even live in the neighborhood. My advice is to look at the houses next door, down the street and around the corner to the house that you want to buy. If there are 4 cars up on blocks in the drive way or front yard... that's a pretty good indication that you just might not want to buy in that neighborhood, unless you too plan on having cars on blocks then it would be a perfect location for you. Make your own assessments, bring in others, be it friends or professional people those of which will tell you the truth and have them do an evaluation of the property and the surrounding area. And best of all, don't judge the neighbors until YOU actually meet them!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Dolphins rescue surfer from shark
Why can't we have more "interesting" news versus such negative news? So with that thought I'm going to have a link to what I think is a true human interest story...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21689083/ this is a story about a pod of dolphins saving a man from what could have been a fatal attack by a great white shark.
No school today...
So if there's no school why on earth am I up so darn early? It bugs me to no end when I wake up at the crack of dawn and everyone else is sleeping so soundly. As usual, my kitty is here next to me-sleeping. Why is it that cats like babies can sleep just about any where and at any time during the day or night?
My foot (heel/ankle area actually) has been getting more and more painful to walk upon. I've got take time out and call the doctor and get an x-ray. There are times that the pain is just excruciating! Torn tendon, bone spurs or a broken bone...whatever it is, it hurts a great deal! Just another story to put in my book of not taking time out for myself.
My foot (heel/ankle area actually) has been getting more and more painful to walk upon. I've got take time out and call the doctor and get an x-ray. There are times that the pain is just excruciating! Torn tendon, bone spurs or a broken bone...whatever it is, it hurts a great deal! Just another story to put in my book of not taking time out for myself.
Recalls
Here we go again with another recall of something made in China. This recall really has me freaked out. By simply ingesting one of more of the toy beads to this game a chemical change occurs and turns the coating of these beads into the chemical compound known as the Date Rape drug - gamma hydroxy butyrate. Now how many freaks out there were running to buy the game once that announcement had been made? That's a real scary thought now isn't it? No one's mentioned that side of this recall.
From items like pet food that killed hundreds of pets here in the USA and Canada to the toothpaste with antifreeze in it and frozen fish with excessively high levels of lead and other toxins (again effecting the same 2 countries). I don't know about you, but my family is worth me taking a couple of minutes to read the label and find the country of origin. If it's food or personal hygiene items and they're made in China...I'm not buying it period! We get so tied up in buying from the big discount chains that we look at only one thing...Price. When we should be looking at other factors like where it's made and reading what is exactly in those products. I take the time to see that everything I buy is made in the US but there are many other personal items and food items out there that are made in other countries. Saving a buck or two is not worth the health risk of any one of my family members...is it of yours?
From items like pet food that killed hundreds of pets here in the USA and Canada to the toothpaste with antifreeze in it and frozen fish with excessively high levels of lead and other toxins (again effecting the same 2 countries). I don't know about you, but my family is worth me taking a couple of minutes to read the label and find the country of origin. If it's food or personal hygiene items and they're made in China...I'm not buying it period! We get so tied up in buying from the big discount chains that we look at only one thing...Price. When we should be looking at other factors like where it's made and reading what is exactly in those products. I take the time to see that everything I buy is made in the US but there are many other personal items and food items out there that are made in other countries. Saving a buck or two is not worth the health risk of any one of my family members...is it of yours?
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Making time for yourself...
That's one of those things that's easier said than done. I know, I've been experiencing a lot of putting myself last these past couple of weeks. I need to get back to the gym and the pool...the OSC Auction and the Thrift Shop took up a great deal of my time last week. I hate it when my time is divided between all sorts of things that I have no control over. I also dislike the fact that one most days we get maybe one or two people that can volunteer at the Thrift Shop other than myself. I feel as if I'm letting Heidi down if I don't come in and work. I feel so torn some days.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Ozzy in Rapid City
My husband and I found out about a month ago that Ozzy Osborne was going to preform at the Civic Center in Rapid City...we toyed with the idea of buying tickets and going to see him live. Then after looking at the price of the tickets we decided to skip it as they were rather pricey and we are new homeowners...for the 3rd time and Christmas is just around the corner.Then we heard that the base was giving out free tickets on Monday...first come first serve and there were 300 of those tickets. My DH was able to get 4 tickets, one for each of us. Being the "good parents" that we are, we took our kids to the concert. Needless to say Hannah and I had enough with the warm up band, then there was Rob Zombie (insert major eye rolling here). Yup, we could sum him up with one word-FREAK. I'm sorry but I just don't get why there has to be naked breasts being flashed on a huge screen for thousands of people to see...what is with that? I'm serious I really don't get it. Then Ozzy comes on, Hannah and I waited until he preformed 2 songs and we were outta there. That's it, it's official- I'm old, LOL! I saw women my age and older trying to act like they were 20, worse yet...dressing like they still had the body of a 20 year old when they didn't (I had to hold myself back from laughing). Unless it's a classical music concert, count me out!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Laughter every day keeps the gloomies away
I laugh every day...do you? There is truth to the quote from Bill Nye if you stop and really think about it...you'll see the humor.
Last night I felt as if yesterday was a wasted day...spent waiting for a phone call that never happened and waiting for the drywall contractor that never showed up. I did manage to finally finish a layout, pulled paper cardstock and some photo's to start on a few more layouts. Although for one layout I want to use fall colors and haven't a clue as to what pictures I'm going to use on it...I'll find one today :-) I was able to get a couple of loads of laundry done, got the house picked up and took a nap...as I look back and reflect on what I accomplished, that it really wasn't a wasted day after all.
Last night I felt as if yesterday was a wasted day...spent waiting for a phone call that never happened and waiting for the drywall contractor that never showed up. I did manage to finally finish a layout, pulled paper cardstock and some photo's to start on a few more layouts. Although for one layout I want to use fall colors and haven't a clue as to what pictures I'm going to use on it...I'll find one today :-) I was able to get a couple of loads of laundry done, got the house picked up and took a nap...as I look back and reflect on what I accomplished, that it really wasn't a wasted day after all.
I found a picture of myself with dark hair...there's a story behind it. I had made my hair dark for a function where I dressed up as Audrey Hepburn's' character Holly Golightly from the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's". I decided that I liked it and kept it that way for a year. I'd have to go to the hair dresser every few weeks and have highlights/low lights and roots & such touched up as my hair grew. Then I went to a "new" hair dresser as mine had moved out of state. She took it upon herself to "update my do". Next thing I know, my hair was ultra dark with the ends tipped in BLACK. Needless to say I was horrified, but there wasn't enough time for me to have anything done to it before I flew out to Boston for CKU-Masters. I had my husband cut off the black ends (it was about 3 inches of hair that had to be cut off). So there I was with really dark hair, feeling as if I was in the witness protection program and having a cow every time I saw myself in the mirror because I didn't recognize myself. I had not scrapped a single picture from that event because I didn't like the pictures of myself. But today I decided that I'm going to scrap the picture that Becky Higgins took of me, I like the picture, it's a good picture it's just my hair color that I don't like, and how some of the shadows fell upon my face. So with that in mind I'm going to journal about the updated do and go from there. And after I returned from my trip it was within the week that I was back to being a blonde and feeling like myself again.
quote of the week
"Humor is everywhere, in that there's irony
in just about anything a human does."
~ Bill Nye
in just about anything a human does."
~ Bill Nye
Monday, November 05, 2007
10 reasons...
Here it is...that layout I've been attempting to put together for almost a week!
Green cardstock-DCWV (this stuff is white core)
Yellow cardstock-Bazzill
Patterned paper- Chatter Box scrapbook walls Mantle Stripe
Letters Ellison Design "Block Party" font and the Number 10- Sizzix
Scallop Punch-Stampin Up
My inspiration for this was something I spotted on the web the designers name is Hillary Heidelberg http://hillaryheidelberg.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/06/celeste.jpg- I put my own spin on it and here I am!
Monday Monday Monday
Yup, it's Monday oh so glorious Monday. So to start my week off let me tell you about something that started last week...I've got a rash on my wrist, what it's from I haven't a clue but it's getting progressively worse. Last night it was so horribly itchy that I had to cover my wrist with a rather large gauze pad and tape it down over it. I suppose that's what happens when you're allergic to all kinds of things like I am-oh well just another day in my life. Or should I say just another rash in my life. I'm not supposed to wear cashmere or angora because of my allergic reactions to the "hairs" but from time to time I do wear them (they're so soft and cuddly- sometimes I can't help myself). But to my knowledge I didn't wear either kind of sweater this past week- only cotton. My husband thinks that it's some kind of insect bite, I need to make a phone call and get myself an appointment and have this rash looked at-while I'm there I should get my heel looked at too. Damn, sounds as if I'm falling apart ...one little piece at a time.
The kids will be off to school shortly and I'm going to be off to my scrapbook nook to finally get that layout stuck down. Maybe if I didn't clean my house, cook or do laundry I'd get more scrapbooking done.
And I added a picture to my post about the OSC auction- I included a picture of what I got from the auction, you can click on the photo to enlarge it.
The kids will be off to school shortly and I'm going to be off to my scrapbook nook to finally get that layout stuck down. Maybe if I didn't clean my house, cook or do laundry I'd get more scrapbooking done.
And I added a picture to my post about the OSC auction- I included a picture of what I got from the auction, you can click on the photo to enlarge it.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
what ever happened to...
Steve Fossett the avaiator? I've included a link to a website with information about the avaiator http://www.stevefossett.com/
Now what I find disturbing is the fact that people not even worthy of our notice are getting all sorts of media attention due to the fact that once upon a time they were famous for posing in a nudie magazine or dating some rich old geezer or having graphic pictures of themselves having sex with thier boyfriend published on the internet. Three words...GET A LIFE! I've been looking and waiting for information on this man for weeks and NOTHING has been said. So what gives? Maybe if he had some secret gay lover on the side it would be news worthy (I have little to no respect for any news source that plays on that kind of media hype)...who knows. But seriously, here is someone worth reading about, I encourage you to read about his accomplishments.
Some weekend blogging...
Why is it that everyone in my family can sleep like there is no tomorrow and I can't? So I've been productive in my waking hours...setting the clocks back an hour (there I go...giving more sleep time to the rest of my family), tidying up the kitchen and dining room. I've even written a letter to my sister Angie. I like the quiet of the early morning, to me it's the most peaceful time of day.
I received an e-mail from Cindy...our Auction netted over $15,760 plus $1,500 from the jail. Did I mention that I got put into jail 3 times? What was with that? I suppose that's what happens when people get to know you, they want to put you in the poky! :-) All of the funds generated from the auction (and jail) go towards such a great cause...our OSC scholarship fund.
As I'm pouring over my latest issue of Cooks Illustrated I'm finding out all sorts of things! The baking sheet article was fantastic! For years I've blame the stove for the burnt cookies but now knowing what I do about baking sheets, cookie sheets and jelly roll pans...well those over priced thin pans are out the door! It's the heavy duty commercial grade food service pans for me from now on! Currently I'm reading up on a taste test comparison that CI did on Turkeys. All I have to say is that it's Very Interesting! I knew some of the stuff that they talk about in this cooking comparison and there's even more that I didn't know about. For anyone who really wants to know/learn more about food, cooking tools and techniques...this magazine is the one to read! There are NO advertisements, just very well written and researched articles.
The weather is fluctuating...some days are very warm and other days are down right bitterly cold. We had the warmest Halloween in 5 years, so why not some more weird weather? Today's high is supposed to get to 66º, um yes I'd say that it's unseasonably warm for this time of year. Time to get some extra mulch down on the plants before the first snow- which will probably happen some time this month.
I received an e-mail from Cindy...our Auction netted over $15,760 plus $1,500 from the jail. Did I mention that I got put into jail 3 times? What was with that? I suppose that's what happens when people get to know you, they want to put you in the poky! :-) All of the funds generated from the auction (and jail) go towards such a great cause...our OSC scholarship fund.
As I'm pouring over my latest issue of Cooks Illustrated I'm finding out all sorts of things! The baking sheet article was fantastic! For years I've blame the stove for the burnt cookies but now knowing what I do about baking sheets, cookie sheets and jelly roll pans...well those over priced thin pans are out the door! It's the heavy duty commercial grade food service pans for me from now on! Currently I'm reading up on a taste test comparison that CI did on Turkeys. All I have to say is that it's Very Interesting! I knew some of the stuff that they talk about in this cooking comparison and there's even more that I didn't know about. For anyone who really wants to know/learn more about food, cooking tools and techniques...this magazine is the one to read! There are NO advertisements, just very well written and researched articles.
The weather is fluctuating...some days are very warm and other days are down right bitterly cold. We had the warmest Halloween in 5 years, so why not some more weird weather? Today's high is supposed to get to 66º, um yes I'd say that it's unseasonably warm for this time of year. Time to get some extra mulch down on the plants before the first snow- which will probably happen some time this month.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Our 2007 OSC Charity Auction...
The theme was Lights, Camera, Auction. It was a HUGE success! The place was beautiful! Dannie did a lovely job in getting the place decorated and Cindy...oh Cindy was able to pull the entire theme together and make the place come alive! The items were displayed beautifully, making each and every one eye catching! I've saved a couple of the programs to have for my scrapbook :-) I can tell that everyone who was on auction committee worked very hard. I won't go through and name them all, but every single person involved did and outstanding job! The table center pieces had reels of film with small Oscar statues in the middle, the gold fabric that seems to like like it was waving in the wind looked like a bit of Hollywood. We even had the Hollywood sign on a hillside back drop...one words sums it up "Brilliant"!
The bidding was crazy! The live auction was fast paced and it was amazing!You really did have to be paying attention to what the auctioneer was saying because before you knew it something that you had thought was $80 was suddenly $180- yikes! These auctioneers knew their stuff and they were awesome! They kept us excited and ready to bid!
So many wonderful items were donated from residents and businesses here in the Black Hills community. Without their continued support we could not have pulled off our charity auction off. For this I say Thank You!
Many squadrons from around the base put together gift baskets. The 34th Bomb Squadrons' wine tasting party netted $750 for the auction. The 26" flat panel TV donated by Sound Pro netted $925- WOW! There was a progressive dinner for 10 on the auction block that is being hosted by the Group Commanders...that went for $350! I'm happy to say that my husband and I are part of that party of 10 folks who won the dinner!
My girlfriend Kristi makes these phenomenally yummy gourmet liquor brownies- they are the BEST!!! Her brownies sold for $100... bought by our good friend Gail who shared them with our table :-)
Speaking of desserts...my desserts were placed on live auction, my 3 layer chocolate torte sold for $120 and my Classic New York Cheesecake sold for $70- I'm speechless! To think that we can raise money like that from baking yummy things that makes your mouth smile- WOW!
There were many items donated by military and non-military families...
Our good friends the Greenlee's donated a travel cooler and it generated $100 for the auction, my friend Peggy donated a basket of goodies from Stampin Up... it went for well over $100! My friend Irene donated some Polish Pottery-I was out bid numerous times on it, LOL! Did I end up with it? No, LOL! The oak coin case that my husband and I donated sold for $120. I'm glad that these items made as much as they did...all of the proceeds go towards collage scholarships for the dependents (children & spouses) of active duty and retired military members.
Now you're probably wondering...did Sandie get anything from this auction? Why yes, yes I did! I did manage to get an item from the fast moving silent auction, it was a metal sign #S28 Jurassic Park (I love it) donated by Inspire Me Card Kits Co., it has a dinosaur on it and a cute saying... Think Big, instinct is natural...follow your heart. And I also have my future Christmas Present...item #L45 "As Good as it Gets" (everything is listed as movie titles). I won't tell you how much we paid but I will list what was in the package....a Dooney and Burke black leather handbag (a big one too), a Guess silver ladies Watch, RayBan Sunglasses, and an I-Pod Nano, wooohooo!!!! Merry Christmas to me!
I'm not sure on how much money was generated from the auction, I'm sure that I'll get the numbers in the next few days and let you all know :-)
Everyone I came across told me what a lovely evening it was. I wish that you all could have been there, for it truly was a night to remember!
The bidding was crazy! The live auction was fast paced and it was amazing!You really did have to be paying attention to what the auctioneer was saying because before you knew it something that you had thought was $80 was suddenly $180- yikes! These auctioneers knew their stuff and they were awesome! They kept us excited and ready to bid!
So many wonderful items were donated from residents and businesses here in the Black Hills community. Without their continued support we could not have pulled off our charity auction off. For this I say Thank You!
Many squadrons from around the base put together gift baskets. The 34th Bomb Squadrons' wine tasting party netted $750 for the auction. The 26" flat panel TV donated by Sound Pro netted $925- WOW! There was a progressive dinner for 10 on the auction block that is being hosted by the Group Commanders...that went for $350! I'm happy to say that my husband and I are part of that party of 10 folks who won the dinner!
My girlfriend Kristi makes these phenomenally yummy gourmet liquor brownies- they are the BEST!!! Her brownies sold for $100... bought by our good friend Gail who shared them with our table :-)
Speaking of desserts...my desserts were placed on live auction, my 3 layer chocolate torte sold for $120 and my Classic New York Cheesecake sold for $70- I'm speechless! To think that we can raise money like that from baking yummy things that makes your mouth smile- WOW!
There were many items donated by military and non-military families...
Our good friends the Greenlee's donated a travel cooler and it generated $100 for the auction, my friend Peggy donated a basket of goodies from Stampin Up... it went for well over $100! My friend Irene donated some Polish Pottery-I was out bid numerous times on it, LOL! Did I end up with it? No, LOL! The oak coin case that my husband and I donated sold for $120. I'm glad that these items made as much as they did...all of the proceeds go towards collage scholarships for the dependents (children & spouses) of active duty and retired military members.
Now you're probably wondering...did Sandie get anything from this auction? Why yes, yes I did! I did manage to get an item from the fast moving silent auction, it was a metal sign #S28 Jurassic Park (I love it) donated by Inspire Me Card Kits Co., it has a dinosaur on it and a cute saying... Think Big, instinct is natural...follow your heart. And I also have my future Christmas Present...item #L45 "As Good as it Gets" (everything is listed as movie titles). I won't tell you how much we paid but I will list what was in the package....a Dooney and Burke black leather handbag (a big one too), a Guess silver ladies Watch, RayBan Sunglasses, and an I-Pod Nano, wooohooo!!!! Merry Christmas to me!
I'm not sure on how much money was generated from the auction, I'm sure that I'll get the numbers in the next few days and let you all know :-)
Everyone I came across told me what a lovely evening it was. I wish that you all could have been there, for it truly was a night to remember!
Friday, November 02, 2007
a day in my life...
I want to do nothing more than to scrapbook but other things are pulling me away from doing what I want to do. For instance...there's that heap of laundry that needs washing, tidying up the house, cleaning bathrooms and the many other domestic chores that go hand in hand with maintaining a household.
Currently (like as of this very moment) I'm waiting for a plumber to come over and make sure that my guest bathroom shower is not leaking. Then I can go on and mop the kitchen and bathroom floors.
I've got my sewing machine out and I'm ready to get to work on sewing paper on a scrapbook layout. I also need to get the journaling done for the page- so it too can be sewed on to the page. I love the paper and colors of cardstock that I chose for this layout (you know...the one I keep talking about but haven't showed you what it looks like).
Well I better get on it...
Currently (like as of this very moment) I'm waiting for a plumber to come over and make sure that my guest bathroom shower is not leaking. Then I can go on and mop the kitchen and bathroom floors.
I've got my sewing machine out and I'm ready to get to work on sewing paper on a scrapbook layout. I also need to get the journaling done for the page- so it too can be sewed on to the page. I love the paper and colors of cardstock that I chose for this layout (you know...the one I keep talking about but haven't showed you what it looks like).
Well I better get on it...
Thursday, November 01, 2007
53 Days until Christmas...
There I said it...there are 53 shopping days to go until Christmas. I've got some of my Christmas Shopping already done (and it's ready to be shipped), now to work on my own immediate family.
Today I'm working on finishing up my desserts for the OSC Charity Auction (the auction is tomorrow). The cheesecake is made and is getting thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator. The Chocolate Torte needs to be put together and then into the refrigerator to get chilled and the chocolate to "set up".
Other than that I've been up to some house stuff...changing out shower curtain liners (I do that every 6 months whether they need it or not), I also bought some fancy schmancy shower curtain rings. I'm so tired of these cheapo plastic rings, they always become separated and the liner part falls off...so now I have these metal ones that have these rolling parts on the top that glide over the rod and it's got hooks on the front and hooks on the back where the shower curtain hangs on one part and the liner hangs on a separate part (these are seriously deluxe). Towels... Since we're actually going to have some house guests for the Thanksgiving holiday...I've decided to break down and buy towels specifically for that bathroom. Now only if the drywall guys would call and set up an appointment to replace the wall board where the water leak damage occurred, maybe then I could paint the bathroom walls.
Today I'm working on finishing up my desserts for the OSC Charity Auction (the auction is tomorrow). The cheesecake is made and is getting thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator. The Chocolate Torte needs to be put together and then into the refrigerator to get chilled and the chocolate to "set up".
Other than that I've been up to some house stuff...changing out shower curtain liners (I do that every 6 months whether they need it or not), I also bought some fancy schmancy shower curtain rings. I'm so tired of these cheapo plastic rings, they always become separated and the liner part falls off...so now I have these metal ones that have these rolling parts on the top that glide over the rod and it's got hooks on the front and hooks on the back where the shower curtain hangs on one part and the liner hangs on a separate part (these are seriously deluxe). Towels... Since we're actually going to have some house guests for the Thanksgiving holiday...I've decided to break down and buy towels specifically for that bathroom. Now only if the drywall guys would call and set up an appointment to replace the wall board where the water leak damage occurred, maybe then I could paint the bathroom walls.
more pictures from Halloween
I love my rat ...I named him Templeton, next you see Hannah setting up her strobe light and the little luminary bags that Hannah made.
Pictures from Halloween
Are you ready to laugh? Here's our house ready for Halloween...
Picture 1-
Halloween window with a groovy pumpkin sheer and of course orange candles in the candle sticks
picture 2- one of the trees in our front yard, I have to say that I like the background of the sun setting low in the night sky.
picture 3-our front porch...what can I say, my husband really likes Halloween!
Picture 4-This is our front porch with the smoke machine going-yes that's me at the front door blocking my face from the paparazzi, LOL!
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