New Years Day

New Year's Meme Stolen from Nurseexec at Driven to Distraction
1. Will you be looking for a new job? Nope. I want to stay with the job that I have until I retire in just 4 more years.
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship? Heavens No. The one I have is enough. We have been together over 30 years and married for almost 13 now.
3. New house? Nope. Have been in this house for almost 21 years now and plans are for this to be the last house ever.
4. What will you do differently in 2009? Well, as always, I have lots of plans. Top of the list is to lose 50 pounds and get healthier. Next, would love to get the budget in shape. And last but not least I want to organize my house and clear out some clutter.
5. New Years resolution? I guess I just made them in number 4.
6. What will you not be doing in 2009? I hope that I will not be raising someones kids for them.
7. Any trips planned? Nope. Since my friend Nanne died last year I just cannot seem to get into the mood to want to travel anywhere. When we traveled we almost always went to see her.
8. Wedding plans? Not ever again...
9. Major thing on your calendar? First and foremost is to get Darian and Harley taken care of and settled into whatever is going to happen with their lives. If they stay here, I've got to figure out how to make bedrooms for the two of them.
11. What would you like to see happen differently? I'd like to see son and his woman settle down and stop this BS and raise their kids
12. What about yourself will you be changing? I really, really want to lose 50 pounds
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about?Yes, I do want to be nice to those I love.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 2008? Only if I lose 50 pounds
16. Will you start or quit drinking? Nothing there that needs changing. I drink socially only
17. Will you better your relationship with your family? That would be nice....but it takes both side working together'
18. Will you do charity work?Probably not. Right now my charity is my grandkids
19. Will you go to bars? I never go to bars now so I doubt that I will start anything like that.

20. Will you be nice to people you don’t know? I already do this.
21. Do you expect 2009 to be a good year for you? I pray that it is
22. How much did you change from this time last year till now? I lost my two best friends in 2008 so I think I have gotten more into taking one day at a time and each day to it's fullest because you never know when it will be your last
23. Do you plan on having a child? No. No Way!
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now? Probably
25. Major lifestyle changes? Eat Healthy
26. Will you move?Nope never
27. What will you make sure doesn’t happen in 2009 that happened in 2008? I hope no more grandkids come to live with me
28. What are your New Years Eve plans?It just ended. I worked, came home at 10:30, made up some party food for Papa and the kiddos, held ones hair back as she puked into the toilet. Toasted the New Year and kissed everyone good night and here I am in front of the computer.
30. One wish for 2009? My son pulls his head out of his ass.

It's all about the Ice Cream

From a teacher in the Nashville area
W e are worried about "the cow" when it is all about the "Ice Cream"
The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade this year. The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote. To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot. The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia's mother. The day arrived when they were to make their speeches Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Every one applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the podium. Her speech was concise. She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream." She sat down. The class went wild.

"Yes! Yes! We want ice cream".

She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn't sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn't know. The class really didn't care. All they were thinking about was ice cream. Jamie was forgotten.

Olivia won by a landslide.

Every time Barack Obama opens his mouth he offers ice cream,
Seventy five percent of the people react like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The other twenty five percent know they're going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess.

There were many, many times this year when I may have disturbed you, troubled you, pestered you, irritated you, bugged you, or got on your nerves with all the e-mails I send out. So today I just wanted to tell you.....

Tough Poop!
There are no changes scheduled for 2009 either!

Saturday Nine

Saturday 9: Crazy Sam's Last Meme of 2008

1. What was the best thing that happened to you personally in 2008?

Wow....let me see....2008 wasn't a good year for me but the best thing is to

have my two grands with me now that I have been so worried about!

2. What was the worst thing that happened to you personally in 2008?

Now this should be easier....gad! to think the worst is easier! My best

friend Nanne died on January 7, 2008.

3. What was the best thing to happen to all of us in 2008?

This is hard....maybe the stimulus payments was the best even if I

didn't get one thanks to some back tax issues!

4. What was the worst thing to happen to all of us in 2008?

I am sure hoping that it wasn't electing Obama as President!

5. What was the best gift you receive during the ’08 holidays?

My super-duper new vacuum cleaner!

6. What was the best gift (most appropriate or best received) you gave during the ’08 holidays?

I have opened my home to two of my grands ages 8 and 10 and it is so good

to see them here: healthy, happy, well fed and clothed!

7. Do you have any regrets about what you did in 2008?

Things happen for a reason and regrets are just a waste of time.

8. Do you have any regrets about what you didn’t do in 2008?

See the above answer

9. Did you meet anyone that became important to you in 2008?

I have met new friends on-line and they have all become important new friends

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all who stop by in the days ahead.......

Saturday 9: Holiday Cheer My 8th Edition

1. Does the holiday season stress you out? If yes, how do you cope?

Yes the holidays stress me out....too much hubbub and way too much

fakeness....I cope by just focusing on one day at a time.

2. Are you ever so busy in December that you have to force yourself to chill?

Every December!!!!

3. Do you sleep well at this time of year?

I always sleep well.....Tylenol pm and Lunesta every night

4. Have you ever taken a sleigh ride? If yes, tell us about it.

Nope never taken one..

5. Do you live close to the parts of your family you spend the holidays with?

All my kids and my grand kids live within 50 miles of me....and so do my brothers

and sister

6. What will you have for Christmas dinner?

The menu includes spiral ham, mashed taters and gravy, cornbread stuffing

candied yams, cream cheese corn and pie

7. Do you diet after the holidays?

Are you kidding me?????

8. What’s the best part of the season for you?

The best part for me is when it is over, the stuff all put away and life is back

to normal

9. How many generations of your family get together during the holidays?

Three.....me, my kids, and their kids....no fourth generations alive any longer

Big Snow and a Big Blow

Here in Kansas....this week at my house
we had 4 inches of snow..and very cold
weather...from 6F to 14F

My grand daughter Paige making a snow
angel for me



Papa at the front door handing out the ice
melter




Pampass grass out back





My little snow angel in my front
flower bed


Paige at the bend in the road



And now for the Big Blow:......my oldest
granddaughter called me with bad news about
my two youngest grandkids...she didn't know who
was taking care of them as mom has hit the road (again)
and dad is on a binge. That is my oldest son who is a
drug addict and has fallen off the wagon (again)
She was very worried about her little brother and
sister so grandma has them at my house (again)
I wish I could keep them forever....And here are a
couple of pictures of them.....

My #6 Simple Woman's Day Book

For Today, December 15, 2008

Please visit Peggy if you want to do this with me

Outside my window...

It is a very cold, grey day. The wind gusts are 25 mph and fallen leaves will still

ocasionally dance through the yard. Our tempeture here today is only 6F and it

is already noon.

I am thinking...

How many things need done and I relaxed I feel about it right now. Not like the

past years when panic is starting to hit. I decided this year I will just let go of all

that. We did not even put up the tree this year..and the shopping is going to be

mostly gift cards....so I feel pretty good right now.

I am thankful for...

My youngest son...he is such a good man and I am happy that he has become the

man that he is.

From the kitchen...

there is nothing going on today. I ate a toasted cheese sandwhich from Schwan's

(have you ever tasted them?) I have to work today so I will plan a good dinner

for tomorrow

I am wearing...what else?

my scrubs.....I always work on Mondays

I am creating...

Nothing right now....

I am going...

to get a box of apples and oranges to take to the nursing home for my co-

workers and the elders to share

I am reading...

The Tenth Circle by Jodi Piccoult

I am hoping...

It gets warmer here in Kansas soon

I am hearing...

All My Children in the background

Around the house...

things are peaceful

One of my favorite things..

sending Santa Letters to my grandkids

.A few plans for the rest of the week:

More of the same...

I am off Tuesday, work Wednesday, off Thursday, work Friday and off

the weekend.

Here is my picture thought I am sharing:

(May you all find peace)

Tag, I'm It!

I have been tagged!...... I have been tagged by my friend Carol at Charlie and Me to do a post listing five addictions I have..... So the name of the game is ADDICTION......The rules of the tag are as follows:Name five things you are addicted to.Write a post.Next invite five other bloggers to participate in the tag.Then notify each of the bloggers you picked that they have been tagged.

1. I am addicted to CSI....I have been since it started...I am off on Thursday and this is the one show that I do not want to miss. No one is to call or come over at 8-9 p.m. on Thursday's. If I could do something else, career wise, I want to be a CSI!

2. The sun...I love the sun! I worship the sun! Summer is

my favorite time of the year....Yeah bring on the sun

3. Everyone who knows me know that I am addicted to my grandkids.
I used to snicker at those women who would talk on and on and on
about their grandkids....my gosh they need to get a life. And then mine
started coming and talk, talk, talk is what I do. Or I just happen to have
a few hundred pictures is you want to see how cute they are..And there
is always a cute story to tell...so to my sweeties...Katie, Kelsi, Darian, Paige,
Harley, Piper, Willow, and Tucker...granny loves you!

4. Yep like most of you I am addicted to coffee...have to have a cup as soon
as I get up in the morning. Sometime back I discovered french vanilla coffee
mate and can't get along without it. I am going to attempt to lose some
weight this next year so I might have to go back to black coffee and only
have this as a treat but right now it is in every cup of coffee I drink. I love it!

5. And last but not least is books....I have lots. I never read them more than
once. I try to pass them on to others. But I love to read. Every night before
I go to sleep I read. I cannot just sit and watch TV: I have to sit and watch
and read. I also love magazines. Even though I know I can read them on-line
it is not the same as sitting and flipping through a magazine...

Now for the five that I am going to tag...I sure hope none of you get tired of me doing this to you but if you want to
play along feel free....it you don't that is okay with me too
1. Heather.....just because I love her

2. Joy...to get her mind off her knee!
3 Nurseexec....cause I know she likes to do these
4. Sweetcops wife...just because!

5. Mindy cause I know she will play along.

Santa was very busy at this house tonight...You see there are 6 little ones that still "believe" and every year they get a special letter from Santa....so he had to carefully check the list and look at it again and make sure all the letters were ready to go so that Papa Claus can take them off to the post office to be mailed tomorrow....oh how happy they are when their special letters arrive........Santa's watching you Paige, Darian, Harley, Piper, Willow, and Tucker....

Saturday 9: 'Tis the Season

1. Do you enjoy receiving or giving presents more?

I really enjoy getting more....does that sound awful? I just hate shopping and trying to figure out what everyone wants.....bah humbug!

2. What is you favorite holiday film?

I don't have one

3. Have you started or finished your gift shopping?

Started and going to finish with gift cards....makes it easier and they would really rather buy what they want anyway

4. What does this time of year mean to you?

I have dreamed my whole life of having a Norman Rockwell Christmas but it never happens. It is too commercialized and I don't even like it anymore

5. What is your favorite holiday song?

Silent Night is my favorite and my oldest grandson has always wanted me to sing that to him when he is falling asleep at night....all year round! And he is getting ready to turn 11 and still likes me to sing to him...(shh don't tell him I said that here..he'd die of embarrassment)

6. What do you love about the holiday season?

When it is over....I told you I am a bah humbug kind of gal

7. What do you hate about the holiday season?

The greedy, commercialism, retail stores,....everything

8. Do religious ceremonies play a part in your holiday traditions? If yes, how? sometimes If I don't have to work we will go to church on Christmas Eve....not very often

9. Who will you spend the holidays with?

I am not yet sure of that....probably my youngest son and his daughter

From a Proud Mama

Today my youngest son graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy. He was #1 in his class....and won a physical fitness award also...we are very proud of him.

Today I was surprised to receive this award from my wonderful "adopted" daughter Heather over at Heathers Heavinly Stampations.....and here are the rules:

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY- nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement . Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to 8 bloggers who may then pass it on.

I do not consider myself creative at all but I have found quite a few blogs that I think deserve this award and here they are:
1. Charlie and Me
Charlie and Me was one of the first blogs that I found when I started to blog. She was taking us on a tour of apple orchards and her writing made me feel as if I was actually on the trip with her.
2. Driven to Distraction
I love this blog! Nurseexec is so honest and really blogs about things that are happening to her in her life with such honesty and humor.
3. Ladybug Farm
This blog is just so "natural, simple, plain, and honest" That's why I like it
4. The Road Less Traveled
This beautiful young woman has a story to tell....her young marriage has really faced a challenge from it's very beginning...go read her story.
5. Keeper of the Cheerios
Here is another young lady who fascinates me...she is so young in years but so grown up. I love her blog. And she has some fantastic reviews and give-aways!
6. The Tubb Family
I found this blog by finding Simply Joy Catering and got acquainted with a neat lady named Joy....I like reading about her life and her family at The Tubb Family.
7. 4:53
It is from Dawn at 4:53 that I discovered The Simple Woman's Daybook and I love to participate on Mondays
8. A Haven for Vee
Vee has an awesome blog with some real inspirations to me in the way that she decorates...love her ideas.
Now enjoy your award ladies....I have no idea what it says so if anyone can interpret let me know...and I'll come check out your posts if you decide to play along

I received this from a friend today and want to share

Getting older:

lf for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.


Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?


I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ......... I will.


I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.


They, too, will get old.


I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.


Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.


I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver


As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.


So, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I! am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it)


MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART! MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER!

Always Remember to forget
The things that made you sad.

But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.

Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.

But don't forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.

Always remember to forget
The troubles that have passed away.

But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.

Tonight I am so sad......

Oh I feel so sad. So sad and so emotionally wiped out. And on top of that it is the Christmas season and it is always sad for me at this time of the year. When I got to work today I discovered that one of my residents had passed away over the weekend. She was only 58 years old. 58 YEARS OLD! That is only a few months older than I am right now. Too young to die. And too senseless! She had been in our nursing home for almost two years now....she was an MS patient that could not be taken care of any longer in her home by her husband and children....too busy! Anyway, she had become part of our family and her death at such a young age just seems so senseless to me. What is the point in all of it, I ask? She has left a huge void on my unit and I grieve for her......

My 6th Entry

The Simple Woman's Day Book...Join us here

FOR TODAY December 8, 2008
Outside my window...the sky is a bright blue and it is 60F Hard to believe we are two weeks away from Christmas...guess this is global warming
I am thinking...about my youngest son who was here over the weekend. Something was bothering him and he didn't want to talk about it. Do we ever quit worrying about them?
I am thankful for...the life that I have.

From the kitchen...leftover ham and beans from the weekend
I am wearing...my scrubs...it is a working day
I am creating...Christmas Cards for my older granddaughters.
I am going...to work soon
I am reading...Into Thin Air....not all that great of a book. Things about child abuse are always hard for me.
I am hoping...that everything is all right with Justin.
I am hearing...All My Children
Around the house...things are not very festive yet...we have decided to not put up a tree this year...maybe that is a mistake
One of my favorite things...is my son when he is smiling
A few plans for the rest of the week:work today, off Tuesday and have Paige, work Wednesday, off Thursday and Paige will spend the night, Friday is Justin's graduation from the Law Enforcement Academy.
Here is picture thought I am sharing

The boy who is on my mind today....

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Today we hung the Christmas lights at our house and put up the snowmen and the penguin that our grandchildren love so much...here are a few shots of the day. Justin(our youngest son) and Paige, his daughter were here to help. Afterwards we built a fire in the fire pit and roasted a few marshmallows.....It was a beautiful day outside. Snow and ice are coming.

Cheers to all us thieves!

If you inclilned to play along go here


1. When you buy a greetings card are the words or the picture more important to you?

Hmmmm....I usually like the message but I am a realist and I am sure most don't read them.


2. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?

I am not at all crative so I do not make them....I don't even like buying them.


3. Are you going on holiday this year? If so, where?

I am working.....I have only Christmas Day off so can't go far.


4. What was the best party you've ever been to?

The one we had after we got married....big outdoor blast in the back yard.



5. If you are married, describe your wedding. If not, what would your ideal wedding be like?

My current Mr. and I snuck off to Colorado and got married outdoors by the lake with just my best friend, her husband, and their kids.....couldn't have been better


6. What's the most romantic thing that's ever been said to you?

Egads....I have no idea...."I'll take care of you and your kids!"



7. What's your favorite romantic song?

Kenny Rogers.....Through the Years


8. Favorite heartbreak song?

Don't really have a favorite one : there are many


9. Which celebrity would you like a dream date with?

I like the mobster type...like the guy who plays Sonny on General Hospital


10. Which female celebrity do you find beautiful??

Wow these questions are too hard for this early in the morning....can't think of names


11. Which male celebrity do you think is attractive?

Oh come on haven't I already answered this


12. Describe the kind of underwear you normally wear.

Oh for God's sake....cotton granny pants (hate silk and what goes with that and I am not wearing anything that ends up in the crack Ewwwwwww)


13. If you could be in a television sit-com, which would you choose?

Rozanne


14. Which character would you like to be?

Rozanne


15. What are your favorite boy and girl names?

I am so way past this....


16. What's your supermarket of choice?

WalMart....I hate to shop so I like to get everything at the same place


17. What is your best character trait?

Honesty


18. What is your worst habit?

Bitching


19. Elaborate on your default icon.

I am an old lady (but really not a swinger)


20. What is your current relationship status?

married


21. Ever have a near death experience?

not yet


22. Name an obvious quality about you?

Obvious....I am tall!


23. What’s the name of a song stuck in your head right now?

there isn't one


24. Name a celebrity you would marry.

none of them for goodness sake....we are hung up on celebrities today!


25. Do you like pain?

I must...I completed this meme....

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: How Do You Sleep

1. How long do you sleep each night? Usually about 8 hours, if I am lucky

2. Do you fall asleep easily? Nope...I read for about a half hours first and let my Lunesta kick in

3. Do you fall asleep at times not in your bed? Once in a great while but not very often

4. Do you listen to music or use “white noise” to sleep? I keep my TV on all night...cannot sleep to silence

5. Do you sleep through the night or get up a couple of times? Unfortunately at my age I have to get up a couple times

6. Do you have trouble sleeping away from your own bed? Yes I sleep best at home

7. Do you need an alarm clock to get you up? Nope....I always set it but I always wake up first

8. Do you ever take medication to help you sleep? Yes Lunesta....I took Ambien for years but I ate in my sleep and that is just not a good thing...woke up with cookies under my pillow and ice cream bars dripping on the floor.

9. Do you/have you slept with pets? There are no pets here and my goldfish would not like sleeping with me...

Did you witness this site Monday December 2, 2008

This picture above was taken at my house on Monday December 2, 2008


Taken in Manilla, Phillippines


December 2, 2008—The heavens smiled down on Earth Monday in a rare celestial trifecta of Venus, Jupiter, and the moon.
The planets aligned—an event known as a conjunction—Sunday night, and were joined by a thin sliver of moon on Monday.
(Related: "Sky Show December 1: Jupiter, Venus, Moon Make 'Frown'" [December 1, 2008].)
The rare planetary meeting was visible from all parts of the world, even from light-polluted cities such as Hong Kong and New York.
People in Asia witnessed a smiley face (above, photographed from Manila, Philippines), while skywatchers in the United States saw a frown.
The three brightest objects in the sky were so tightly gathered that one could eclipse them with a thumb, according to NASA's Web site.
The next visible Venus-Jupiter conjunction will be on the evening of March 14, 2012, but the two planets will appear farther apart in the sky.

Meme for the Season

I stole this from Nurseexec at Driven to Distraction
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?


I like wrapping them...


2. Real tree or Artificial?


For many years we had a real tree...it was a family tradition to load up and lots of us went so there was always a caravan..we travelled to a little town about 60 miles away to a Christmas tree farm got the old saws out and went home with 6-8 trees tied to the top of the truck...we then gathered at someones house for supper...but the year my husband was going in for his 5 vessel bypass heart surgery I said "enough of this crap" and we bought ourselves a prelit artificial tree and it is beautiful and I am not picking needles out of the carpet all year long.

3. When do you put up the tree?


Usually the first weekend after Thanksgiving but I worked this one so we will get started this coming weekend


4. When do you take the tree down?


After New Year's (or when the mood hits me)

5. Do you like eggnog?



love it...so do both my sons. And I especially loved it spiked with Bourbon
6. Favorite gift received as a child?


Hmmmm.....I don't remember. We were very poor and I can't (or don't want to) remember Christmas time

7. Hardest person to buy for?


Everyone...they all have everything they need and they buy what they want.


8. Easiest person to buy for?


My littlest grandchild...he's only one and too young to care yet


9. Do you have a nativity scene?


Yes and I love it!


10. Mail or email Christmas cards?


Mail


11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?


LOL...I got an electric skillet one year..better than just a plain frying pan but it still pissed me off!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?


Don't have one...I am not a big movie person


13. When do you start shopping?


The week before Christmas...I choose a day and hubby and I go out and don't come home till it's all done...

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?


Yep a few times


15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?


Fudge


16. Lights on the tree?


Yes ours is prelit...the only way to go!


17. Favorite Christmas song?


Blue Christmas


18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?


Home.....I am not leaving! But I would like to take a cruise some year at Christmas just so I don't have to deal with the family crap


20. Angel on the tree top or a star?


neither....Santa's hat is my topper


21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning?


Christmas morning was always our time when the boys were little..now I don't care


23. Favorite ornament?


A glass Santa that belonged to my hubby when he was a little boy


24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?


We have the same darn food that I just made for Thanksgiving. Don't know why. It's what they want. But I am not planning on anyone coming this year for Christmas so maybe we will grill a steak outside


25. What do you want for Christmas this year?


Same thing I ask for every year and never get...all my immediate family in the same room at the same time

Wordle

I found a new place to play and it is so much fun....Go check out Wordle

This is the word cloud that I made....you can make something too