WingsAway

A New Tradition?

2009-12-30T00:01:00.001-07:00

Ok...so I’ve never been one to really celebrate New Year’s. I’d even go so far to admit to you all that I’ve only been awake at the stroke of midnight maybe 10 or 12 times in my life and none of those times have actually occurred in the recent past. I did actually go to a party last year but I was home and in bed snoring by 10. Now that I am building a new life for myself I thought it might be fun to see how other people celebrate the new year and maybe find a new tradition of my own. I did a quick search on Google (have I mentioned I totally heart Google?) and this is what I found according to www.gadlings.com:

South America - in countries like Brazil and Bolivia, it's what's inside that counts. Residents in cities such as Sao Paulo and La Paz ring in the New Year by donning brightly colored underpants. Those who choose red are hoping for an amorous year ahead, those with yellow wish for money. I guess this begs the question of how you tell who is wearing what color underwear. Perhaps that is best left unanswered...

So what do you think it means if I wear these?

Denmark - as if the effects of plentiful New Year's alcohol were not disorienting enough, many Danish revelers leap off chairs at the stroke of midnight, hoping to banish bad spirits in the year ahead.

Nope...no way...nada...we know what happens when I stand on chairs: http://wingsaway.blogspot.com/2008/05/dont-shake-wobbly-chair.html

Philippines - New Year's celebrations in places like Manila tend to be circular; Filipinos focus on all things round, consuming "round" fruits such as grapes and wearing clothing with round shapes like polka dots. The spherical theme is meant to remind celebrants of the "round" shape of coins and prosperity.

These are round, right?

Spain - at the stroke of 12, Spaniards begin to consume 12 grapes, attempting to eat the whole bunch by the time the clock stops chiming.

I could so do that! Having a big mouth is good for something I always say!!

(Nope..that's not me..I just thought that was a hilarious picture. How much you wanna bet this poor girl is wishing she would have never taken that trip to the vineyard?)

Belarus - the new year in Belarus is all about getting hitched. Unmarried women compete at games of skill and chance to determine who will tie the knot in the coming months. One game involves setting piles of corn and a rooster before the potential brides-to-be whichever pile the bird chooses apparently picks the lucky lady.

Uh, I think I'll pass on letting some crazed rooster peck stuff in front of me.

(Yes...I did meet this rooster and take his picture. He was nuts!! Scared the feathers right off me - well...if I would have been wearing feathers, that totally would have happened.)

Once I really think things through I think I’ll stick with my old stand-by of trying to stay up to see the ball drop in NYC while attempting to figure out how old Dick Clark really is. He’s still on, right? I told you it’s been a while.

Tiny Theater Thursday - Saturday Edition

2009-12-19T16:50:00.001-07:00

I heard this group on the radio today. They are amazing and I just had to post this for you all. Enjoy and Merry Christmas everyone!

What a difference!

2009-10-29T12:05:00.001-06:00

So...remember the backyard from the video of Peanut? Well....this is what it looks like today! Ugh!!!

SwimBoy has the 4WD pickup truck so he's ventured out to work but I'm staying home and working at the kitchen table. Luckily I have more than enough work with me to keep me busy!!

I also have some sewing projects to work on when my office work is done so I doubt I'll get bored being stuck inside. But...this better not last much longer or I will have to bundle up like the kid in The Christmas Story and find my way to the coffee shop - I am missing my chai something awful!

Peanut and the Big Stick

2009-10-20T18:27:00.002-06:00

While cleaning up the leaves before the snow starts to fly, Peanut found a big stick and he and SwimBoy had a good time!

A Sad Goodbye

2009-10-01T06:48:00.002-06:00

At 12:45 pm yesterday CarGuy lost his battle with Leukemia. SwimBoy and I were right there with him and he was in his own home as he wished. He fought a hard battle against this insidious disease suffering through many rounds of chemo, a bone marrow transplant, and additional chemo when the cancer returned. He will be missed but never forgotten.

He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us,
more potent, nay, more present than the living man.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-09-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

This is an awesome video! This guy is really talented and it's amazing how he filmed the video. This must have taken a lot of time!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gTqc5U8lx4

Unfortunately I am having issues with youtube lately and the embed codes are not working so you'll have to click the link to go see the video. It's worth it though...I promise!!

Tiny Theater Thursdays

2009-08-20T00:01:00.001-06:00

SwimBoy turned me on to this - it's pretty cool!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-08-13T07:40:00.002-06:00

A friend shared this with me -- this would be so humiliating!!

A funny thing happened on the way to the art show...

2009-08-11T07:26:00.002-06:00

This weekend I went to this big sculpture show. Amazing pieces and really nice people (well, mostly). Ok…I gotta deviate and tell you about the mean lady. I have a friend who is totally into art but he couldn’t come to the show so I planned to take lots of pictures of the pieces and e-mail them to him. So, I’m walking around with my so professional looking Kodak Easyshare Point and Shoot camera from Wal-mart. I’m snapping pictures and the artists seem so pleased that someone likes their stuff enough to take a picture of it. I came to this one display of these strange little figurines doing yoga poses. I actually thought it was kind of creepy but intriguing at the same time. I snapped a quick picture and the artist said to me, “you should ask before you take a picture.” I apologized and asked her if she would like me to delete the picture. She said she did and that she is tired of people stealing her ideas. I thought to myself not only am I not stealing your ideas but I can’t imagine who would want to. And…if I had money to spend here, it would not be on your creepy little lumps. My girlfriend, Bee, was with me and she was appalled at how the woman acted. But don’t worry we verbally berated her to each other the rest of the afternoon – I’m sure her life will be deeply saddened that she can’t count us as fans of her work! ;-)

So back to the subject of this post…if I were normal, I would be showing you my favorite pieces but come on, admit it, we all know I am not exactly normal. I could show you art that inspires you and makes you want to be a better person. I could even show you works that bring back memories of a special time. But, instead, here is what you get…

Yep…that is a tooth whitening stand. I know, I said the same thing. Exactly who goes to an art show to get their teeth whitened? And this wasn’t just your run of the mill put this nasty gel stuff on your teeth for 20 minutes kind of place. This place had the chairs and the lights and everything. Maybe I’m just weird but sitting in a chair with my lips stretched in an unnatural way and a bright blue light shining in my face is not something I plan to do in full view of the public. I’m just sayin’….

Flying Birds

2009-08-07T10:45:00.000-06:00

Well…one of the times a mother hates to see has come my way. SwimBoy has now moved out on his own. He rented a small 2 bedroom apartment in a 1939 home that has been converted into a tri-plex. He applied last week and needed me to co-sign for him. He was a nervous wreck the whole weekend but I kept reassuring him that there would not be a problem. He started packing his things over the weekend and moving them into the garage. It was so sad to see the little gifts he would leave in front of my bedroom door as he was cleaning things out. Just a few of the treasures he left me were certificates he received in swimming in middle school, a painting he did in 5th grade, and his cub scout shirts. I told him I would hang on to those things for him and that when he wanted them back just to let me know. All that is left in his room now is a tub of legos which I’m actually surprised he didn’t take with him. Everyone needs a tub of legos…right?

The call came on Monday that he got the apartment and that he could get his keys on Tuesday afternoon. See…I told him so but don’t worry I didn’t say it. By the time I made it over to his apartment on Tuesday evening around 6 he had all his things moved in and was putting them away. I remember when I first moved away from home. Everything I owned fit in my little 1972 Toyota Corolla with some room to spare even! Sometimes it seems like that was just yesterday and other times (like today) it feels like it was hundreds of years ago. I can still remember the excitement I felt at flexing my wings and going off on my great adventure.

But back to SwimBoy….it’s a cute little apartment with arched doorways and curved ceilings. The appliances are a little dated but given his propensity to cook that won’t be much of a problem. Although…he showed me his wish list last night and it included a cook book on it! All you other moms out there know which cook book he needs and I’m going to go pick up that little red and white checked gem at Barnes & Noble for him. He has blinds on all his windows but he’s asked me to help him put some curtains up. I’m so glad that he’s asking me for my help. I think it will be fun to watch his style emerge. I’ve already noticed that he seems to like black furniture. He painted his dresser and bookcase black before he moved and purchased a black futon for his living room from his new neighbor.

So far the hardest part has been seeing his room empty. This is the first time in over 19 years there hasn’t been a bed for him in my home. He was always pretty quiet in the house so sometimes it was hard to tell if he was there so it’s not noise I am missing. I have to admit I am looking forward to the decrease in dirty dishes and not finding his stinky socks all over the place. I figure my grocery bill will go down a bit too and that will definitely be a welcome side effect! But overall I will miss him more than I will welcome these little perks.

You spend so much of your life nurturing your small child and trying to give him what he needs in order to be a fully functioning member of society. It’s sort of hard to turn that off when your job is done. However, I refuse to become that mother who continues to meddle in their child’s life after they set out on their own. I will not be just stopping by (he only lives about 2 miles away now) and I will not be calling him everyday to see what he’s doing. It will be a struggle to cut those strings but cut I must. Does anyone have some handy-dandy, non-painful, ever-sharp, user-friendly apron string scissors just lying around that I could borrow? I’d be ever so appreciative and would remain your best friend forever!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-07-30T00:01:00.001-06:00

Yet another reason not to kayak on the ocean...as if I needed another one. Aren't boats supposed to come with a karaoke bar, 3 pools, and a casino?

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-07-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

Ok...now don't have a heart attack on me but yes, this is truly a Tiny Theater Thursday! Enjoy!

Long time no blog

2009-07-17T06:19:00.003-06:00

Hi all! I'm so sorry I've been MIA. Things have been crazy and like I said before I've been writing but just not anything that is fit for human consumption. Hopefully I will soon emerge from this place and begin doing stupid things that I come and tell you all about or find fun little videos for you to watch or tell you about a product that you just can't live without or maybe just come over to tell you how much I love you all -- which I do by the way!! In the meantime, thanks for all your well wishes and prayers. I really do cherish them. Please be praying for me today as I file the legal papers with the court to begin my new life. I know without a doubt that I am doing the right thing but that doesn't make it any easier.

Big hugs to you all!!

Times they are a-changing

2009-06-16T20:20:00.000-06:00

I’m sure you all thought I fell off the face of the earth. Well…not exactly but my world has changed a bit. I’m not sure how to put this so I’m just going to say it simply – CarGuy and I are separated. It’s been a long time coming and I think it will be best for both of us. I’ll admit the timing was pretty horrible but when things like this happen you cannot control much about it. We are still in the same house but as soon as he doesn’t require my help with his health care then we will work on other arrangements. Until then, it is what it is – that’s my new mantra. We are living pretty separately right now but I’m there to help him with the few things he still needs help with and I take him down to Denver for his appointments twice a week. He’s doing really well – at his last bone marrow biopsy he was showing 100% donor cells and no cancer is present. They are starting to wean him off some of his medications and he’s doing well at every phase of that. He hits that magic day 100 on July 12th so hopefully by the end of the summer he will be able to be totally on his own.

I have been writing quite a bit of stuff during this time but none of it has been fit for public consumption. Maybe someday I can walk back down that road but for now I’d rather live in today and just post about things that I find make me happy. Like…my garden! I know, you all live for my annual garden posts. This year it will be a little less crazy since I only put in cherry tomatoes, cukes, cantaloupes, watermelon, and pumpkins. That means that there won’t be much activity in the garden until a little later this summer. I do need to get out there and take some pictures for you though and I’ll do that this weekend. I will also get my hiney out on the net and dig up some fun videos for you for Tiny Theater Thursday. I’ve really been a slacker! Forgive me?

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-05-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

I don’t think I even need to introduce this commercial – I’d love to hear your thoughts on who you think will be buying this product.

Still...

2009-05-15T17:36:00.002-06:00

CarGuy is still in the hospital and getting extremely grouchy about it. I'm doing my best at biting my tongue but sometimes it's too hard and emotions come spilling out. I think I've been in tears a couple times today due to his outbursts at me. I know he wants out of the hospital -- he's not really in any pain so I can't even blame it on that. I try to keep that in mind but being the overly sensitive type I can be makes it hard to hold it together. I think we need to have some basic niceties met even when we aren't where we want to be.

So...my plan tonight after I get back to the apartment? I'm gonna crack open a fuzzy navel wine cooler and then kick some Wii boxing butt!!! Nothing better than beating the heck out of cyber opponents who have no actual arms. Does anyone else find it disturbing that those folks at Nintendo couldn't find it in their programming skills to give these creatures some arms? The WiiFit is even creepier because the trainers never move their lips. Sort of like having a ventriloquist on the screen. Yep...they can give my little Mii an eerily similar curvy shape like mine while they tell me I'm obese but they can't let my trainer actually open his mouth. And I think I heard the little "measuring" person giggle at me when I stepped on the board -- how rude! Anyone have the address where I can file a harassment complaint against my video game?

So...in closing...I don't think I want much! My husband to try and treat me like a person, my boxing opponents to have arms, and my trainer to move his lips. Common courtesy people, common courtesy! Now...where is that drink I ordered?!? Nurse!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-05-14T00:01:00.001-06:00

Horribly bad puns...please forgive me!

Scenes from a Hospital Bathroom

2009-05-09T15:07:00.006-06:00

As you know CarGuy is back in the hospital and while I'm not having to sleep on the floor in his room this time around (thank goodness!!) I do have to use the community bathroom. While I have an aversion to public restrooms in general, I am glad that the bathroom is right across from his room rather than out 2 doors and down the hall and around the corner like the last time we were here. I'm sure I was 12 degrees of entertaining to the staff around here before with my sprinting at Olympic speed to the bathroom all the time. I can move pretty darn fast sometimes!

Why am I telling you all this about a bathroom? Well...something struck me as funny in there today. Oh, come on now, stop looking at me like that, those who either know me IRL or have been reading this blog for any length of time know that I see the world a little oddly and have no trouble sharing my musings with anyone who will listen (or read). So...come along with me...if I go into TMI territory, see that little red x up in the top right hand corner of your monitor? Just click it, go take a cold shower with lye soap, get yourself some hypnosis therapy, and you will soon forget what I shared with you (or maybe you won't). ;-)

I should probably tell you first and foremost that I am a voracious reader. I read a lot and I will read anything and everything that crosses my path! When I was a kid I drove my parents crazy because I had to read, out loud mind you, every sign, bumper sticker, reader board, etc. that I saw. Yes...I HAD to do it, not I WANTED to do it, I HAD to do it. It's an illness - I need therapy - I know this. TMI warning ahead -- when I am in the bathroom I have to read stuff. I will look for things to read even if it's the naughties that are written on the bathroom walls -- although sometimes those are pretty darn engaging! Well anyway...in this particular bathroom there's really not much to look at but there is a can of disinfecting spray. So...I grab the can and am happily going along reading everything on the can -- yes, I did say happily -- it does make me happy to read stuff like this.

While I'm reading I'm thinking to myself that it really does amaze me that you have to tell people they should not spray this kind of stuff in their eyes and that it's not meant for internal human consumption. Who are these morons anyway? Oh, wait, I think they are the same ones who sue McDonald's when they spill their coffee on themselves and it burns them -- uh, clue one, it's coffee!! Carry on...

But...this particular can was even funnier than that. This one told you that you must don goggles or a face shield when using this product. Huh?!?!? We are talking about a household product that is supposed to make your life more pleasant by dissipating obnoxious smells and killing germs in order to keep you healthy...right? In fact, this product actually touts that it should be in nurseries -- it's been a while but I think that's where you store your babies. Those little wiggly creatures who are entirely dependent on adults to ensure their safety. Now...I am supposed to spray this spray in their living environment but I better put on a face shield first?

Oh, but, wait...that's not all!! The can also directs you that you must clean up any "gross filth" before using this product. *snicker* In my mind I see filth that has grown to the 144th power, has sprouted arms and legs, and is crawling toward this little June Cleaverish woman trying to spray it into submission -- wearing her face shield of course! Yes...you could say I've been watching way too much SciFi Channel!

I want to know what team of lawyers or industrial hygienists were involved in drafting up that packaging. I bet they are just loads of fun at parties!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-05-07T00:01:00.001-06:00

This weeks video was brought to my attention by Happy Hour Sue -- you don't know her? OMG -- you have to go visit her!! She is irreverent, funny, and the girl seriously changed my life. No, really, if you only knew -- she changed my life!

Late Line Special Report - Snuggies: Warm, Comfortable, Deadly? - watch more funny videos

CarGuy Update

2009-05-06T23:55:00.000-06:00

Can you guess what this picture means? It means that CarGuy is back in the hospital. They told us that was a distinct possibility when he was discharged and they were right. We went to clinic this morning for a regular visit and his chemistry panel, that tells them how his internal organs are doing, showed some abnormalities in his kidney function and that coupled with his increased tummy issues over the last few days made the doctors mind up. He wanted to be better safe than sorry and he was going to be out of town so he wanted CarGuy closely monitored while he was gone. Have I mentioned that I totally *heart* his doctor!! And it's more than the accent but I still love hearing him talk! I know, I know, there's something seriously wrong with me but it's still entertaining to watch me make a fool of myself just to get him talking! I sure hope he never stumbles across my blog and figures out that I lust after his voice -- not good!! And if any of my IRL friends that I trust enough to give them my blog info tell him I WILL hunt you down and do something awful to you -- like make you sit and look at all my pictures from my childhood or something just as painful. Believe me...I will do it...don't push me...I'm a woman on the edge, man!!

CarGuy will have an endoscopy (ugh, ick, choke) tomorrow to see if he is developing some graft versus host disease in his gut. I spent several hours tonight helping him get the humungo jug of required liquid down his gullet so he would be ready for the test tomorrow. And what do you think he did to me (yes, of course it's all about me -- that's a given) after about 1/2 of it was in? He deposited it all in the lovely porcelain appliance in the bathroom -- oh, well, good intentions and all that jazz. The nurse said not to worry about it too much -- he tried.

His mouth sores are still causing him some real discomfort and now that he's in the hospital they can give him some strong painkillers. He will welcome the relief and maybe he can actually get some good meals in (and he's really fun to watch when he's all drugged up). He really hasn't been able to eat very well with those darn things in residence! Besides they make him really grouchy and I just don't have the angelic patience for that kind of behavior -- I know, gasp, can you believe it? I know you all thought I was superwoman but, guess what? Nope...no superpowers here!

CarGuy will be in the hospital for 2-3 days but thankfully I can return to the apartment each evening to sleep in a real bed rather than an air mattress on the floor complete with gloves and gown PJs! It's the small things in life that get me excited anymore!! So, you won't have to hear me bitching about it this time around. Aren't you relieved?!?

On another subject...when I got back to the apartment this afternoon to grab some stuff for CarGuy to take back to the hospital I walked in with one of the non-profit administrators for the apartments. She told me to come in to the office because someone dropped off some protein shake thingys she wanted me to take and what should I spy in fridge along with those nutritious cans? Beer!!! OMG!!!! Alcohol!!!! Just what Nurse Rene ordered!! It was Coors but beggars can't be choosers and it was heavenly to get back to the apartment tonight and pour that cold beverage in a tall glass. I sat back and enjoyed it immensely!! I may have to stop by that office more often! Here's to the wonderful person who put that in the fridge!!

CarGuy is storing nuts!!

2009-05-01T16:49:00.004-06:00

Well...today was a little exciting. CarGuy's cheeks and lymph nodes in his neck are swelling a bit -- he looks sort of like a chipmunk storing nuts. He has the doctors stumped a little but they think it might be some kind of infection since his blood counts have dropped which would indicate his body is trying to fight something. He was also running a fever this afternoon which is pretty indicative (ooooo....those are those big nursey type words I'm learning) of an infection. They put him back on one of his anti-virals, took a bunch of blood and tissue samples, and he had a CT scan of the area today. We are waiting to hear back from the cancer center on the results of all these tests. I'm expecting they will add a new antibiotic to his drug cocktail. Understandably he's really tired today and not feeling too chipper -- as you can imagine he is not laughing 1/2 as much as I am at my nut references -- I think he actually rolled his eyes at me when I showed him the picture above. I know, I know, I should be caring and sensitive to his plight -- but, really, if you saw it for yourself, I dare you not to make nut references! You won't be able to do it!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-04-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

Ok...this is mesmerizing and creepy at the same time. I actually cringed during part of it but I couldn't stop watching it!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-04-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

Too cool!!!

Update on CarGuy and a new do!

2009-04-22T20:43:00.004-06:00

Day +19 - 81 to go until we can go home!!! Woohoo!!!! (but who's really counting?) Well...CarGuy for one and me for two and maybe SwimBoy since he might be starting to get pretty hungry without mom home to cook for him.

Things have been going well. CarGuy's counts continue to be very low so he's pretty isolated and quite fatigued. At the clinic visit today his platelets came up from 15 on Monday to 29 today so that's a good move. The rest of his counts are continuing to bottom out which is to be expected. For those keeping track here are the other numbers:

WBC - .7
HgB - 10.7
HCT - 30.7
ANC - 400

These are his lowest numbers yet but they said the fact that the platelets came back up the way they have is an indication that the donor cells are starting to get down to business. That's a good thing too because they don't want me on their case!!

I had a fun afternoon this week! A local cosmetology college donated an afternoon of pampering for all the caregivers at the apartments where we are staying. We had a ball and I really got to bond with the other caregivers which was really nice. There's nothing like connecting with other women who are going through the same things. My stylist was more than AWESOME!! She gave me my first ever professional color and my first ever highlight. She gave me an amazing haircut that is gorgeous and then I had a very relaxing mani and pedi. We were all treated like queens and it was such a wonderful diversion. I can't imagine a better way to relieve the stress of what we are all going through. CarGuy took this picture of my new do -- I've really gotta teach him how to make sure the camera takes off 20 pounds and gives me that fresh from the beach glow -- he really doesn't have that down yet. Oh, well, the hair looks awesome...right? See that white kitchen behind me? You can safely eat off any surface in that kitchen and I'm darned proud of that accomplishment!!
Really not much else to report -- mouth sores are getting better and he still gets his mag infusion everyday. Nurse Rene is continuing to earn her pay -- oh, wait, Nurse Rene is not getting paid -- can I see the manager please? Really...what is this? Some modern day legal slavery? How can the authorities allow this to continue?!? Oh, what's that you say? Oh, yeah, riiight, that's marriage. I thought I recognized this state I'm in!! Ok...never mind the crazy woman with the syringes...back to work all...

Motorus Interruptus

2009-04-16T10:49:00.004-06:00

So the story of where I’ve lived is pretty varied but I’ve never really lived in a city. I’ve lived in suburbs of big cities and little cities, in apartments big and small, houses of all kinds of conditions, and even spent my teen years living in the country outside a town of about 800 people. Well…now that we are in the transplant house we are in the city.

Before we got here I thought a lot about what living in the city, albeit for only 3 months, would be like. I thought about parking and safety. I thought about the noise – and believe me, it’s constant noise; cars, people, sirens, and helicopters. The apartment is very well insulated so it really doesn’t cause a problem with sleeping but if you open the windows or balcony door you can no longer hear the radio or TV.

But one thing I’d never really thought about was how people who live in the city do their grocery shopping. Not only am I thinking about it now but I’m doing it. From what I can tell about 75% of the people who shop at the Kroger here walk to the store, another 15% take the city bus (which will drop you off and pick you up right at the front door – too cool – yep, I’m easily entertained), and then the remaining 10% drive. I’m in the remaining 10% since I’m normally a suburb dweller and we can’t possibly walk anywhere except to that stupid community mail cube since the postman not only does not ring twice in our neighborhood but he will not even come to your door. Oh, my, I think I’m repressing some rage here so I better get back to my original point.

Anyway…here are some other things I’ve noticed about city grocery shopping. There are 16 of those self-check kiosks because rarely is anyone buying more than they can carry. I counted 8 regular check out lines but I’ve never seen more than 2 of them open at any one time. The store is also really compacted – just like the people around here all the goods are on top of each other. I’ve also noticed that they don’t carry the variety of items like there are at my normal suburbia store. But here’s the biggest challenge I’ve had to get used to:
Yep…shopping cart wheels. You’d think something so small couldn’t cause you such problems. Well…you’d be wrong there! These are evil wheels and purposely so. If you get too close to the perimeter of the parking lot, the wheels lock. The first (and only) time this happened to me I had no idea what was going on. I pushed and pulled and looked to see if I was stuck in a pothole. Finally the cart guy saw me and came by with this little handheld remote control thingy, pushed a button, and I was on my way to my car. Can you just imagine the pride this guy takes in his job – saving women through the use of a remote control! He explained to me that their shopping carts kept going missing so the company installed these special locks on the carts so they can’t leave the lot and I got a little too close to the invisible line.

That got my little sick and twisted mind thinking about other uses for this technology. The first thing that came to my mind is that I could attach something similar to CarGuy’s ankles and whenever he got too close to the speed shop it would disable his walking ability and he’d be unable to enter this den of iniquity and spend our life savings on another 3,000 horsepower, 5,000 cubic inch, flashy piece of mechanized bling. I’ve been working through how this would work and I’m thinking something along the lines of the Petrificus Totalus curse used in the Harry Potter world. Anyone wanna’ be my financial backer? I’m gonna’ make a fortune with this idea...right Nevell?

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-04-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

Tiny Theater Thursday - Easter Edition

2009-04-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

A bit long but definitely worth it! The last 2 1/2 minutes are credits. I love this song by Nicole Nordeman. I picked up the accompaniment music a couple years ago and hope to be able to perform it at my church some year.

Easter is very special in our family this year. CarGuy has been given a new beginning thanks to a total stranger. It gives the whole concept of renewal a whole new meaning! Thanks for all your good wishes and prayers -- they mean the world to us!!

The transplant is happening!!

2009-04-03T22:05:00.005-06:00

The cells are finally being infused!! It's pretty anti-climatic as we expected. Hopefully we won't have any excitement during the 3-4 hours this may take. They gave CarGuy some pre-meds that will make him sleepy so I'm expecting he will sleep through the process. The cells are in an IV bag that looks like the bag from a blood transfusion. The doctor brought them in a beer cooler which was hilarious.

The hubby's blood type will change (eventually) from A+ to O+ since his donor is O+. Now he and I will have the same blood type!! He really will be perfect now!! ;-) Again...there will be no living with him! I did ask the doctor if this was the cleaning and cooking DNA that I ordered and he said it was. I'm going to hold him to that -- I hope he knows that!!

On a serious note...this has been a long road and we feel so blessed that we have had so many people praying for us and caring for us through these past 8 months. We are especially grateful to our donor and we sincerely hope we will have a chance to meet him when the 2 year waiting period is over. He has given us a gift that none will ever exceed. His generosity to do this for a stranger is overwhelming us!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-04-02T00:01:00.000-06:00

How NOT to use a car wash

2009-03-31T17:44:00.004-06:00

You knew it was only a matter of time before I provided you with another life lesson. Today I will demonstrate the absolutely incorrect way to use a car wash.

First you run around like crazy picking up specialty magazines for your husband while he's in the hospital, drive around an unfamiliar area looking for a Wallyworld, fill your car with gas, and then go on the hunt for an automatic car wash. Oh, yea, could you do all of that in about an hour please?

Ok...so now that you have your assignment let me show you how not to do it. I had everything planned perfectly so that I used my time efficiently. No backtracking for this girl! My plans were going great until I got to the car wash part. I put my money in the cash thingy and pull in when the light turns green. I made sure the windows and the sunroof were completely closed and put the car in neutral when the red light came on. While the car wash is doing it's gyrations I decided it would be a good use of my time to reorganize the bags from Wallyworld so I didn't take anything unnecessary into the hospital. You have to multi-task in order to live my life lately! I pulled everything up into the passenger seat and moved my purse to the console. I soon noticed the car wash was louder than it was when I originally pulled in. I looked up just in time to notice that my purse had put the passenger window all the way down!! OMG!! Guess what? The harder you push the button does not correlate into the faster the window goes up. This is what I looked like a few seconds later:
Luckily I had towels in the trunk and I was able to get everything fairly dried off. CarGuy's magazines had an enjoyable ride back to the hospital on the heated seat and I cranked up the heater in the car to try and blowdry my hair. I ended up pulling the front part up with a clip which I'm sure was awfully attractive. Thank goodness I wasn't wearing a white shirt!! That's a look that most 40-something women just shouldn't take part in.

And that is how NOT to use a car wash!

A funny thing happened on the way to the hospital...

2009-03-30T17:06:00.004-06:00

Well...today CarGuy went into the hospital to get ready for his transplant. The weather for the drive did not cooperate in the least but that's another post for another day. What I saw when we stopped to get a bottle of water (which in no way came close to sating CarGuy's mega-addiction to the Diet Coke he was not allowed to have this morning) really caused me to question the redneck status of my little town and thus has proven to be sufficient blog fodder. On our way otu of town we stopped at a local Conoco that I normally don't go to and I was thoroughly suprised by this specialty vending machine sitting just outside the front door. I asked CarGuy to snap a pic for me just knowing I would have to share this with you all. Unfortunately it's not the greatest pic but I think you'll get the idea of what this lovely piece of machinery dispenses.
Huh? Is it just too much work to go inside this 24 hour gas station and pluck your container of bait out of a nasty cooler? How redneck is your town if you have one of these? Have you ever used one of these?

BTW...CarGuy is doing fine. He has a bit of a headache from the lack of Diet Coke and his magnesium is a little low so he's getting an infusion now. The room is really nice but the only complaint I have is that until this certain test comes back negative I have to wear a gown and rubber gloves while I'm in his room. Typing with rubber gloves is interesting.

Quick Baby Fix!

2009-03-28T09:00:00.002-06:00

Of babies, bone marrow, and slacking

2009-03-25T19:08:00.000-06:00

I am such a slacker around here!! I have so many updates that I don’t even know where to start but let’s start with the most fun one. My new niece was born on March 3rd and we got a chance to take a quick trip to see her before CarGuy’s transplant. She is an absolute doll and it was so hard to leave her when we left for home. I’ve decided to call her Darling on my blog because it sort of relates to her name and she is so definitely a darling child!! She doesn’t like to be contained and her arms and legs are in near constant movement when she’s not sleeping. I can’t really figure out if she looks more like BeeGee or Pepper so I’m going to take the easy way out and say she’s a good mix of both. Poor BeeGee has had nothing but problems since Darling was born. She came down with a nasty infection in her abdomen from the c-section which required another stay in the hospital and then a few days before we got there for a visit she passed a gallstone so she was in the hospital again. Once this infection gets taken care of she will need to go in and have her gallbladder removed. I feel so bad for her – this is not how your first baby is supposed to go!!

Now…on to CarGuy – his transplant was delayed yet again but we have a date set in stone, aka - don’t change this date or you will face the wrath of the insane caregiver kind of date. He goes in the hospital on March 30th with his transplant occurring on April 3rd. The trip to see Darling was a great diversion but now that we are back home he is getting nervous. I don’t blame him but really don’t know how to help his situation much more. I could wisk him away again for another short trip but I need to get some things done at home before we leave and wisking tends to interfere with those chores. I think this is maybe one thing I need to let go of and just let him deal with it. I’m a meddler, uh, I mean fixer so that’s really hard for me.

I’m looking forward to having more time to blog about all the crazy and bizarre things I’ve noticed. My family used to warn me not to blog about something stupid they did but I’ve been such a blog-slacker lately that they haven’t even felt the need to give me those warnings they know I won’t listen to. I’ve had lots of fodder to choose from but just haven’t had the time or motivation to get them down in print. Gosh…I need to get my priorities straight!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-03-19T00:01:00.002-06:00

Ok...honey this is for you!!

Thanks for finding this Jim!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-03-12T00:01:00.000-06:00

I love stupid criminals!!

Bone Marrow Donors Needed!

2009-03-05T17:33:00.005-07:00

I read an article today about this little 6 year old girl in New York (http://oneforjasmina.com/) who needs a bone marrow transplant.

Read the full article at: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/03/03/2009-03-03_little_girl_fighting_rare_and_deadly_leu.html.

AOL had a poll on their site about this story and they were asking if you were a registered bone marrow donor and of the nearly 70,000 people who had taken the poll only 15% of the folks answered yes. That breaks my heart more than you can even imagine! It is such a simple thing to do and the actual donation does not require any surgery or cost the donor anything. I know that I’m probably way too close to this situation since my husband will be getting his bone marrow transplant in just a couple weeks, to even be able to look at this girl’s situation in a neutral way but it’s my blog and I’ll be as biased as I want to be here!!

This story really brought home the fact that there are so many people out there who will never be able to find a marrow match. It is estimated that only 2 of every 10 people who search the registry will find a suitable donor. That means that out of every 100 people with these hideous illnesses that 80 of them will die before given another chance at life. That is so unacceptable to me! Go to http://www.marrow.org/ and learn how easy it is to get signed up…please. The matching is very dependent on your racial and ethnic background so this sweet little girl is going to have a hard time finding a donor. The African-American community is not very well represented on the registry. It looks like several prominent celebrities are helping out with this little girl and I hope it causes a huge swell of sign ups among among all backgrounds!

Before I leave this topic I just have to share this one last thing. I was reading some of the discussions going on below the article and I was appalled at the responses some of these people had to this story. This one in particular made my blood boil:

I would help her being an African American male, but the government screws you so much with the high taxes they make me pay and the bills. I just don't feel like helping anyone but myself right now. If I was rich like Paul Pierce. I would do something like help people like this little girl. I feel like this; let the government help her, that's where our hard earn money goes anyway.

What is happening to our country when people will put their anger with the government ahead of saving the life of a precious child?!? This is not about money and all the money in the world will not find a marrow match when the people are not on the registry! There is some controversy over who originally said, "If not you, then who, and if not now, then when." I don't really care who said it first but I am saying it now -- people are dying everyday because they need a bone marrow transplant and cannot find a donor. You could be the one that could save someone else's life so get out there today and get on the registry!

Can someone help me get off this soapbox now? I would hate to fall and crack my head open.

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-03-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

This one starts out a little slow but definitely makes up for it later!

I live with a model!

2009-02-28T15:04:00.002-07:00

Ok...so we have a date for CarGuy's transplant...he goes in to the hospital on March 16th and will get his transplant around the 20th. But that's not why I'm here blogging. To get ready for the transplant he had to get another bone marrow biopsy. For those of you not familiar with that process it is H.I.D.E.O.U.S!!! You have to lay on your stomach on a table and then they expose your hiney for all the world to see. They then numb up the area and proceed to drill into the hipbone and take a piece of the bone and about 6cc's of fluid out of the bone. It nearly kills me everytime I witness it. Poor CarGuy had to have it done on both sides this time and he chose not to have any sedation! I think his mother dropped him on his head one too many times as a child!! I would not only have full sedation but they better have a margarita ready for me when I come to.

So...anyway...while the PA is doing the procedure she is talking to him and asking him nebulous little questions. I think she's just trying to keep his mind off things. She asks him the basic "so what do you do for a living" question. Leave it to CarGuy to come up with the most hilarious answer it appears she has ever heard. He calmly says "I'm a butt model." She had to stop the procedure so she could compose herself. Sometimes the guy absolutely kills me!

BTW...he just came in while I was writing this so I told him that this was totally anonymous and that no one would know who he is. So...if you know me IRL, please don't ask for him to demo his modeling abilities. First he would break all my fingers so I could never blog again but then he would probably give you exactly what you asked for and, believe me, you would not like it and would most likely have nightmares for weeks on end!!! Oh, gosh, definitely do NOT tell him I just said that.

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-02-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is the coolest thing ever! I so want a car like this!!!

Transplant-a-go-go

2009-02-19T11:30:00.001-07:00

Great news!! We have a perfect 10/10 bone marrow donor for CarGuy!! The donor is international so that means the cells will get couriered to Denver and CarGuy will have them infused within 72 hours of their collection. I’m hoping this international connection will not only give him the cooking DNA I am so hoping for but maybe he’ll start talking with a really cool accent too! (CarGuy thinks I’m a total crack up too so go ahead and laugh at my lame sense of humor -- besides...it's not all my doing...Hannah is the one who mentioned the accent and I thought it was really funny...but then again maybe that was because she said it in this really weird Russian/British/Irish/Unknown accent of her own making..ok, so maybe you had to be there...moving on...)

The donor has been given 3 dates to pick from – March 4, 6, or 9 – to make his donation and then CarGuy will need to go into the hospital 5 days before that for his pre-treatment conditioning which consists of high dose chemo and full body radiation. That would put us inpatient starting sometime between February 27th and March 3rd. We have to go to Denver early next week for our consent meeting and some last minute blood work and then the real fun begins!

So…everyone gather their slates and chalk because starting next week we will begin our Transplant 101 classes! I plan to walk everyone through the process as we go along and hopefully by the end you will all be ready to get your doctorates and begin your new careers! ;-)

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-02-19T00:01:00.001-07:00

I won't tell anyone you laughed at this if you promise not to tell anyone I did either...

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-02-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

This guy is too funny! I would suggest going potty before you watch this video!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-02-05T00:01:00.001-07:00

My youth pastor turned me on to this video. He said it left him speechless. Me..well..it made me spew milk out my nose! Enjoy..but I recommend you stop drinking before you watch.

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-01-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

We saw this movie on Friday and it was AWESOME!! (and I'm not just saying that because Brendan Fraser is in it but that sure didn't hurt any!)

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-01-22T00:01:00.001-07:00

We've really been getting into Superstars of Dance at our house - which is kind of weird since none of us can really dance all that well and dancing really isn't something any of us aspire to. I can't even really tell you how we started watching it but this duet from Russia absolutely amazed me this week and I'm dying to know how they did it...enjoy! (sorry the video isn't a better quality but it's the only one I could find)

My freakin' awesome trip!!

2009-01-13T18:15:00.001-07:00

I should be sharing these kinds of pictures with you this week: (Do I have some awesome Photoshop skills or what?!?!?)

In case you can't tell that's me at an archeological dig in the Honduras,

cave tubing in Belize, peeking out at you from a Mayan Ruin in Mexico,

and lounging on a hammock on the beach in Cozumel

But, alas, cancer had another idea for us. I’m telling you though that as soon as CarGuy is better he will be making up this trip! I joke that I’m going to haul him to every Amish quilt shop and tea house between here and New York! But, really, he most assuredly will have to endure a few things that I’ve really wanted to do. I’m not above using guilt to get my way...let me assure you of that! So…in the future be prepared to hear about the wonderful weekend we spent at that adorable bed and breakfast in the Swiss Alps, the absolutely priceless time we had backpacking with Llamas in Tibet (do they have Llamas in Tibet?), our latest archeological find (and subsequent run from the authorities) in Egypt, how I nearly drowned while snorkeling off the coast of Belize (please, there’s no way I could do all these things without causing some sort of self injury or destruction along the way!), and our search for a summer home in Monaco. (hehehe…wait until I tell CarGuy about this stuff I’m planning – that’ll make him agree to the Amish field trip even faster and will also ensure that he will pretend to actually enjoy himself!!)

Ok…so back in the real world we are getting closer and closer to the hubster’s transplant and things are starting to get exciting! He has lots of procedures this week. We will be at the hospital and the cancer center nearly all day on Thursday and Friday. They will be testing all his bodily functions so they can tell him how absolutely healthy he is. They need to get baseline functioning on all his organs so if anything starts to act up during transplant, they will know if it’s being caused by some part of the treatment or was a pre-existing condition. I just know that once they tell him how perfect he is there will be no living with him! I’ll have to remind him that he’s not quite so perfect – that little bone marrow issue, you know? Oh, but wait, they are going to kill that off and put new in. Oh, man, he really is going to be hard to live with! ;-) Nothing like having medical evidence that you are a pristine example of God’s handiwork – ugh!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-01-08T00:01:00.001-07:00

Something about this is just kind of creepy but intriguing at the same time! I'm not exactly sure that's how our bodies are supposed to move. I sure know mine doesn't even come close!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2009-01-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Special new year's edition -- everyone have a great 2009! We are hoping for a cure this year and if I happen to lose 20 or 60 pounds, well...I'll take that too!!

Tiny Theater Thursday --- Special Christmas Edition!

2008-12-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a special Christmas Edition of TTT!!

Another Hubby Update

2008-12-22T17:07:00.002-07:00

Hi all! Well things on the cancer front are going pretty well. They started CarGuy on a new chemo and he's done great on it. We are still waiting for the final donor to be identified but it shouldn't be too much longer until we have a date set for the transplant. I think it will really be a stress reliever to have everything set up to go. Isn't there a song about the waiting is the hardest part? I'm pretty sure they weren't talking about the cancer road but it still fits.

Yesterday CarGuy had a temp of 101.0 so I had to call the doc. He didn't feel icky just feverish. So....we got to entertain the ER folks for a few hours yesterday. He has what they are calling an "unknown origin fever". I wonder if it bugs them that they spent all those years in school just to end up calling something "unknown"? Anyway...while he was waiting for this earth shattering diagnosis, CarGuy was getting kind of ancy so he nearly escaped the ER before they could release him. It took all my strength to strap him to that bed and keep him in place! I can only imagine what it's going to be like once we are down at the transplant hospital...eek!

So...now he's on a mega antibiotic until the "unknown" grows into something "known" and they decide the best way to treat it. In the meantime he has permission to take tylenol if the fever bothers him. He didn't take any tylenol last night other than what they gave him at the ER. He had chemo this morning so he had to take tylenol as one of his pre-meds for the chemo but knowing him he wouldn't have taken it willingly. He did however ensure that I needed to wash sheets tonight...ugh! I probably shouldn't complain since sweating all night is probably way worse than me having to break a little sweat stripping the bed and throwing them down the stairs and pushing them into the washer and transferring them into the dryer and lugging them back upstairs and wrestling them back on the bed -- oh, wait, that really does sound like a lot of work! I think I need one more cherry cordial for strength!! ;-) Ahhhh...much better now! I'm off to tackle the bed...anyone want to come over and do it for me?

Comfortable?

2008-12-14T20:24:00.004-07:00

I was able to snap this picture of Perdy laying on the stairs (her head popped up the second she heard the camera power up but originally her head was hanging over the stair with her nose crunched into the carpet) -- she looks absolutely uncomfortable:
I figured Peanut must be more comfortable than she is so I went on the search for him and this is what I found:
Now I'm just not sure who is the more uncomfortable! Although CarGuy looks very comfortable!!

What a slacker!!

2008-12-12T08:26:00.003-07:00

I've really been slacking on this blog lately! I think I've just gotten so busy that I haven't taken the time to sit down and write about all the stuff making me so busy. Ever felt that way? So here ya go....

I've been trying to get the decorations up around the house. Half of the Christmas village is done and so far Peanut hasn't massacred anyone yet. I'm fully expecting at least one massacre within just a few days of the final touches being placed. I'll be sure to photograph the evidence for all to see. Peanut is now 2 years old so he's supposed to be out of that puppy stage but I think he's holding on to his childhood as long as he can. I don't think we are going to put up our outside lights. We will have enough going on in January without having to deal with taking those down.

Speaking of January...we are getting closer and closer to CarGuy's transplant. Next week he will be getting a new chemo regimen to try and get those nasty leukemia cells to vacate those premises. Steve the spleen is still causing problems but the docs haven't been able to agree amongst themselves what to do about it. I think the local onc is getting exasperated with everything. We saw a little of his temper flare at our appt last week. Can you can uncomfortable? I think I'll be glad when we are under the care of just one doc. CarGuy is doing pretty good and still working part time. With the new chemo next week he will have to take the whole week off. We're hoping that he does great on it but there are some side effects that might happen. He will have to go in everyday next week for IV fluids and the new drug which will be administered in his tummy with a shot. He's really not too hot about the needle in the stomach but they assure us that it's a really small shot.

SwimBoy's new job is going well. It's at a GMC/Buick/Pontiac dealership so we're watching the whole money from the government thing really close. I try not to discuss political stuff since I really don't feel like I know as much as I should but I will say there are a lot of jobs at stake so I sure hope something can be worked out.

I also realize I've missed a few Tiny Theater Thursdays so here's a make up one. Our church is taking part in this wonderful mission to provide a clean water well in Africa.

Twilight the Movie Review

2008-11-22T20:39:00.004-07:00

Today I went to see Twilight with 3 of my girlfriends. We are all huge fans and we were not disappointed. One of my friends, we'll call her Hannah (and she knows why), really didn't like Rob Pattinson being cast as Edward but even she was convinced by the end of the movie that he was perfect for the roll. The cinematography was breathtaking and the music fit perfectly. I really thought they cast it great -- I even ended up liking Jasper who I thought was a little too weird. I left the theater feeling so wonderful after it was over even though the last scene gave you a peek at a possible problem. They changed very little from the book and the stuff they did change didn't really seem to make a big difference. There is one thing they did that might cause a problem in the next movie if they stick exactly to the book -- which they never do. I won't elaborate since I don't want to ruin anyone's experience. There were a couple things that seemed a little goofy - Edward's running was one of those but the glittering effect in the sun more than made up for that. Stephenie Meyer even had a cameo appearance at the cafe! I even think the few men in the audience enjoyed it too -- the scene in the ballet studio and the baseball game were awesome and action packed so I'm sure that helped their enjoyment.

My favorite scene was the first kiss and I think my favorite character (besides Edward of course) is Charlie. He was perfect and there's this one scene where he's getting ready to meet Edward for the first time (well, formally anyway) and he's cleaning a gun. He clicks it back together and tells Bella to go ahead and introduce him. That just cracks me up! Carlise caused some shuddering in a seat near me too! My favorite line was "you are my life now" -- gosh that tingled me all the way to my toes!!

You must go see this movie! I might even go see it again and you can bet I'm buying this DVD the day it's released. This one might even get more playtime than any of my HPs!! And that's saying something!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-11-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Sorry I've been MIA the last few Thursdays. Life has been crazy and I didn't realize until last Friday that I didn't have any TTT's set up!! So....just so you know what I'm doing this weekend I'm bringing this very special TTT to you today! I'm mega-excited and if you aren't, you should be!!

Twilight Trailer

100th Post!!

2008-11-19T19:47:00.002-07:00

For my 100^th post I was searching for something fun to do. I came across an idea to post 100 things about yourself and thought that could be interesting – well at least interesting to me. And…since it’s my blog I’m going to do it! So here it goes, in no certain order, 100 things about me!

My favorite color is green.

I was a cheerleader in high school.

My favorite holiday is Christmas.

4. My second favorite holiday is Halloween.

5. I love playing Sims on the computer.

6. I always wanted 6 kids.

7. I only have one child.

8. My first job was as a lifeguard at a KOA.

9. I hate to talk on the phone.

10. I’m the oldest child.

11. If I were a crayon, I would be a purple one (go to http://www.blogthings.com/ to find out what color you are)

12. I hate wearing shoes.

13. I like watching shows on TLC about physical differences.

14. I love going antiquing.

15. My favorite scent is roses followed very closely by cheapo musk perfume from the drug store.

16. I am a Harry Potter fanatic.

17. I hate, hate, hate whistling.

18. I love how coffee smells but I can’t stand the taste of it.

19. I met my husband at a bar.

20. I almost failed typing in high school.

21. My most wanted super hero ability is flying.

22. My favorite scripture is Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

23. I love to read and would do it all day long if left to my own devices.

24. I’ve used the TV as a babysitter.

25. I’ve dressed my dog in a Halloween costume.

26. Growing up I wanted to be a famous singer.

27. I prefer silver over gold.

28. I’m addicted to Pogo.com games.

29. I tend to procrastinate.

30. I used to teach needlecrafts through a home party business.

31. I once sold magazines over the phone – yes, I was one of “those people” – I quit after one weekend.

32. I watch a DVD nearly every night.

33. I’m addicted to chocolate chip cookies dunked in milk.

34. I have an aunt with Alzheimer’s.

35. I could sleep for 10 hours straight if left alone in a dark and quiet room.

36. I used to drink 10-12 Mountain Dews a day – I quit cold turkey in April 1998.

37. I can barely draw stick people.

38. I must use hand lotion several times a day – preferably Breathe Romance from Bath and Body Works (even though they have discontinued it now…grrrr).

39. I’ve lived in over 20 different homes.

40. I’ve owned a Pinto Station Wagon…with wood grain siding even!

41. I passed my driving test on the first try.

42. I waitressed for over 14 years.

43. I’m extremely forgetful.

44. I long to live in the country.

45. I can eat pizza hot or cold for any meal.

46. I’m afraid of heights and snakes.

47. My favorite song (right now anyway) is Give Me Eyes by Brandon Heath.

48. My greatest prayer is that my husband will be cured of leukemia.

49. I’m a sucker for puppies.

50. I love all things Disney.

51. I had a Partridge Family lunch box in school.

52. I can’t remember my first kiss.

53. I detest using public restrooms.

54. I cry easily.

55. I love buttered popcorn Jelly Bellies.

56. I’m very impatient.

57. I love Panda Express Orange Chicken.

58. I’m really good at Yahtzee.

59. I hate green beans with a passion rarely reserved for vegetables.

60. I’m a spelling whiz.

61. I made all the curtains in my house.

62. I’m a recovering perfectionist.

63. I’m not a very contemporary decorator – more country casual I guess.

64. I wish I wouldn’t have decided to do this because it’s really hard to think of 100 things!!

65. I’ve worked for the same organization for over 18 years.

66. I’m a verbal driver but the other drivers don’t listen very well.

67. I take a multi-vitamin every day (and so should you!).

68. I can drive both a standard stick shift car.

69. I can also drive a column shift vehicle.

70. I dream in color.

71. I am a scrapbooker.

72. I love to sew.

73. I’m horrible about folding laundry and will let it sit on the guest bed for days (or weeks!).

74. I sang at BeeGee and Pepper’s wedding.

75. I got married in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day.

76. I hate pantyhose.

77. I’ve personally changed the oil in my car at least once in my life.

78. I have over 25 pairs of shoes – please don’t tell CarGuy!!

79. It took me over 20 years to finish my college degree.

80. I collect porcelain thimbles.

81. I also collect welcome signs.

82. I haven’t personally mowed a lawn in more years than I can remember.

83. I’m a professional singer.

84. I love candles.

85. I haven’t used my WiiFit in weeks – I promise to rectify that situation soon!

86. I’ve never traveled anywhere outside of the US except to Mexico.

87. I hate cold weather.

88. I love summer rain storms.

89. I don’t like to swim in water when I can’t see what else is swimming with me, i.e., lakes, ocean, etc.

90. I have driven in excess of 100 mph on several occasions.

91. I have artificial nails.

92. I do color my hair – gasp..choke..shock!

93. I sunburn easily.

94. My purse weighs 12 pounds.

95. I’m easily distracted.

96. I’m bad about remembering to pick up my mail.

97. I hate cleaning the house!

98. I will have a new niece soon….did I mention that already?

99. I nearly always forget the punch lines to jokes.

100. I LOVE MY BLOGGY FRIENDS!!

99 Things List!

2008-11-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the latest thing in the bloggy world it seems is this 99 things list. It’s pretty simple, you take this list and then bold all the stuff you have done. So here goes my list!
As usual I couldn’t leave this list alone so I’ve added some commentary.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars – not willingly I must say!
3. Played in a band – and still do.
4. Visited Hawaii – 2 times now and I can’t wait to go back
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain – oh, please, they are to look at not climb!
9. Held a praying mantis – and I won’t!!!
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped – another thing I will not be doing!
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch – does drawing stick people count?
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty – I saw it from an airplane once
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked – not a good thing to do by the way!
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill – who me?!?!
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping -- oh, no, way to self conscious for that!
27. Run a Marathon – HAHAHAHA!!!!
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run -- nope but I did break my PE teacher's hand with a bat trying to just simply hit the ball! Note to self -- don't let go of the bat mid swing.
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language – not very well though but I can surely find a bathroom in any Spanish speaking country if I need one. I can also tell people I love them in about 5 languages -- very useful skill I must say!
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing – this I have done but again not willingly!
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant – in a drive through but I’m still gonna count it!
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance – same day as I hitch hiked…see, I told you it’s not a good thing to do!
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason – but it was a from a creepy stalker like guy I worked with so it’s not as great as it sounds!
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving – again, one of those things I will NEVER do!!
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check – eeek!
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy – I still have Googles, you squeezed his tummy and his eyes rolled around!
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar – gross!
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades – and I had over 100 skeeter bites to prove it!
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible – still working on this one
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox – when I was 14..ugh!
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury – I’ve testified before a jury though
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

If you want to play along, let me know in my comments section so I can come check out your list!

It's a girl!!!

2008-11-15T17:36:00.002-07:00

Woohoo!! BeeGee and Pepper's baby is a girl! Not that I don't love my nephews to death but I've definitely got a bunch of them and it will be really nice to have a new niece. I'm pretty sure this will be my last one (unless BeeGee forgets what a pain in the patootie it was to bring this one into the world) so I'm glad to add another girl to the mix. That will bring my total to 6 nephews and 3 nieces once the newcomer makes her appearance at the end of February. The only bummer is that CarGuy will be going through his bone marrow transplant in late January or early February so I won't get to see the new little bundle until she's a few months old. Unless of course CarGuy recovers from his transplant in record time -- he's says he's going to be the "anomoly" -- I've really got to stop letting him read all those big words if he's going to throw them at me like this!

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T12:09:00.001-06:00

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-10-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

When I was a kid we would get so excited when Charlie Brown's Halloween would come on TV so I just had to use one of my favorite scenes as my final TTT for Halloween. Enjoy and I hope you get full candy bars in your trick or treat bag!!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-10-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

Continuing on our Halloween tribute -- this one is really good - I can only imagine how long it took this person to find all these clips and match up the mouth motions with the music:

Just a little rant....

2008-10-17T21:02:00.003-06:00

Ok...so we now know that CarGuy's middle brother and sister are not marrow matches. So his mom calls the younger brother to tell him the news so he can go get tested. His response...you just will not believe this...he'll think about it! WHAT?!?!?! I'm still in shock at his callousness and downright meaness. I'm trying to keep a Christian attitude about this situation but I'm really having a hard time with it. I just can't believe he would stand by knowing that he might be the difference between life and death for CarGuy and he can say he'll think about it?!?!

I've prayed and prayed that God would take this malice that I am feeling out of my heart but I still feel just as ugly about the situation as I did before. I want to yell and scream at him and ask him how he can be so horrible. How can he live with himself for treating his own flesh and blood this way? I'm trying to give him the benefit of the doubt that maybe he doesn't understand the ramifications of his actions on us. But I know logically that the middle brother has explained it all to him and I'm sure the mom cried her ever-lovin' eyes out while she was talking to him. The stress of the unknown is enough to pull you into a deep crevasse of depression that you can never get out of. I'm hoping that as soon as we know we have a donor that some of this blackness will lift. Whether it's him or an unrelated donor - just to have someone lined up. We need some peace about this.

Between these issues and CarGuy being a bit of a snot today I'm at the end of my rope. I'll probably regret writing this tomorrow but when I started this blog I promised myself that it would be a real and open place for me and not somewhere else in my life that I have to pretend to be someone else. This is not a place for the mask of having it all together with little birdies singing sweetly at my shoulder while I put a pretty dress on. It's ugly, it's real, and it's me!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-10-16T00:01:00.001-06:00

Another Halloween fav of mine!

I continue to amaze myself...

2008-10-14T09:29:00.004-06:00

Yep...my clumsiness reigns supreme!! I have now sprained my ankle and scraped up my knee. You wonder how this happened? Well...let me tell you - I was just walking and boom down I went. I have a theory...wanna hear it? Ok...well it goes something like this:

For months now I've been developing a love/hate relationship with WallyWorld (you know who I'm talking about right?). They love my money and hate to give it to them. Unfortunately when your money belt is being tightened sometimes you have to let go of your high and mighty ideals and walk in the door. Besides...my vanity got in the way and I really needed some of this:
I know, I know, but it's the greatest stuff ever and doesn't require me to take out a home equity loan to keep my skin soft and supple - well, as soft and supple as 40 something skin can be when it's been abused for the first 25 years with excessive tanning, mega make up, and little to no cleansing regimen.

So, anyways...I am walking along minding my own business when this stupid curb decides I must step down and my ankle says it prefers not to do so. The one good thing is that it happened between 2 cars with no witnesses so I was able to wrench myself back up without people asking me if I'm ok. The pain of the injury I can take but the embarrassment is the killer! I hobbled back to my car with blood pouring down my leg (well really it was just a little bit of seepage but this is my story so I'll embellish wherever I like...thank you!) and drove myself home. Yes, without my beloved face cream!!

I got the ankle x-rayed and it's not broken and I've doctored my knee through a little bit of an infection this weekend. I'm actually doing really well now and decided to try my soiree to the dreaded mega-store again. I did go to a different location though -- no need to rile up the curbs again! I finished my shopping in record time and without nary a scratch but....can you see this coming? I forgot this!!!!!!!
So my theory is that Wal-Mart is the source of all my clumsiness!!! I don't think that logic is flawed at all!!

Update on the Hubster

2008-10-09T19:42:00.003-06:00

I just realized that I haven't updated you all on CarGuy's continuing battle with leukemia. I'm feeling a little pooped so this probably won't be too witty or entertaining but here's the scoop. He's doing pretty good. He finished up his 3rd chemo this week bringing him 1/2 way through his planned treatments before his bone marrow transplant. We're still waiting to find out if his brother or sister were a match. He has one more brother but he refuses to get tested until the others are ruled out. In a way I sort of hope he doesn't match. He holds a grudge against CarGuy and I would be terrified that he would be the match and then change his mind at the last minute. It makes me really sad that someone could hate someone else so much that they are willing to let them die. I try not to think about it too much or else I get really depressed....so...moving on...

CarGuy had a blood transfusion today -- I was with him and it was kinda creepy. It was amazing though that I could see the color returning to his face as the transfusion happened. The transfusion center was great. The rooms were pretty much private and you had a TV in your room. I wish the cancer center had that. Although I'm getting a lot of reading and cross stitch done during chemo since I'm not being hypnotized by the TV.

I'm still trying to get CarGuy to let me take a pic of him -- he's got this cute little headful of chicken fur. I love to run my hand over it! I don't think he likes it as much as I do.

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-10-09T00:01:00.001-06:00

Carrying on with the October theme I started last week...

Moving Music

2008-10-06T13:53:00.001-06:00

I’m singing a solo with our church choir on Sunday and while I always love the opportunity to sing with a great choir and an awesome band, this particular song has gripped me more than most and believe me that’s saying something!! I’m deeply moved by music and nearly everything in my life has a soundtrack to go along with it. In order to explain why this particular song means so much I need to take you back in time….

Over 15 years ago I heard a sermon on the hole we have in our hearts. That sermon has always stayed in my memory (I bet it takes up the space that was supposed to be for my PIN number to my credit union ATM card!!). Anyway…the gist of the sermon is that we all have a hole in our heart and we spend our lives trying to fill it up. Most things we try to fill it up with only last a short while and we end up feeling emptier in the end. This song talks about all those things we try to use as a filler and that we really aren’t that different from each other. Some of us use drugs, relationships, money, food, etc. but in the end they are all just things that really don’t satisfy. I think this song talks to me so much because I’ve been there. I’ve tried all those other things only to be left either with an addiction or huge disappointment or other trouble to show for it! I’m not saying I have it all figured out and that sometimes I don’t try to fill my life with stuff that doesn’t matter – oh, believe me, I still do that!! What I am saying is that if we stay cognizant of those things trying to weasel their way into our lives that maybe, just maybe, we might be better at keeping them out.

So….that brings us back to today and why I even started this post. I know I ramble but sometimes I really need that in order to get where I really need to be. Anyways…I like to type up my words for Sunday mornings because it helps me memorize them and I can set them like a little security blanket on a music stand “just in case”. I’ve learned that most lyrics can be found on the internet which saves my little fingers from having to type every single word – yes, I’m lazy, you are too so just admit it and stop looking at me that way! ;-) While I was searching for this song I found that Mandisa (of America Idol fame) recorded this song. I really like her version and I was able to find a video to go with it! Have I mentioned before that I just love Youtube? How in the world did I exist before the internet?!? I listened to some of the other snippets from her album and they are great! I will definitely be adding her CD to my Christmas list! Enjoy this video even though it's not Tiny Theater Thursday -- think of it as a bonus!! See how much I love you all?!?

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-10-02T00:01:00.000-06:00

You just have to start October this way!

This is from one of my favorite Halloween movies - Hocus Pocus with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimi, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-09-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

If you missed the Emmy's on TV the other night, you've got to see this!! I love Josh Groban and his performance is amazing!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-09-22T16:46:00.005-06:00

A blog I absolutely love Farm Fresh Jessica takes part in this meme. I think it's wonderful! If you want to take part too, just surf on over to The Simple Woman and she'll tell you all about it! Here's my Daybook for today:

Outside My Window...the sun is shining and my dogs are romping around
I am thinking...about our appointment at the bone marrow transplant center tomorrow
I am thankful for...my family!!
From the kitchen...I keep looking for the cooking fairy but she's not there so I guess I'm gonna have to go figure out something for dinner
I am wearing...black pants and a multicolor comfy top but I'm getting ready to go put on some sweats
I am creating...ideas for my scrapbooking bible study page that I need to work on during our Friday night meeting
I am reading...Twilight...again
I am hoping...that the news tomorrow is amazing and that we are able to attack this cancer and put it way behind us!!
I am hearing...SwimBoy watching TV, CarGuy puttering around the porch, and Peanut & Perdy playing
Around the house...laundry to fold, mail to sort, vacuuming to do, dishwasher to unload, garden to tend, and family to love on
One of my favorite things...garlic macadamias!! (Thanks for bringing those in Ms. T!)
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Finish up the uniform order for the restaurant, shred and freeze zucchini, jar up some pickles, attend choir practice, go to my scrapbooking bible study, and shop for fabric for the halloween costumes at work.

Here is my "picture thought" I am sharing...

I still can't understand how those cute little baby feet turned into these size 13 flippers that SwimBoy walks around on!! Don't worry, I've apologized for giving him the DNA for finger-toes although they do come in handy when you drop stuff!

If you decide to participate, leave me a comment so I can come check out your Daybook!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-09-18T00:01:00.001-06:00

I have no idea if this is true or not but it's hilarious all the same!! Thanks to my sis BeeGee for the video!!

Another day hanging out with nurses!!

2008-09-16T22:04:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone! Today was chemo and while we hoped it would get done in one day, that was not to be. CarGuy had the very same reaction to the first drug as he did the last time but it was not even as close to as severe as it was before. I guess he's getting that mouse protein built up although I haven't heard him squeak yet!! ;-) We were there at 9:15 this morning for both an appointment with his doctor and for the chemo. We finally made it home around 5:00. Quite a long day for both of us! His reaction started about 2 hours into the infusion (nearly exactly like before) and once they were able to start it back up he went along great with no problems. He actually kept laughing because he couldn't stop shivering -- I'm sort of surprised we didn't get kicked out for all the commotion we were causing! His laughing started my giggling and as the ladies who went to retreat last year know once I start it's hard to stop me! But, really, that was all the girl in the bunk above mine's fault last year not mine and today was all CarGuy's fault so really I'm not as disruptive as everyone thinks I am!! ;-)~ I just hang out with the wrong crowds!

We get to hang out with nurses again tomorrow morning!! Actually, they are the greatest people and stay so upbeat and nice. I really love them!!!

He has another appointment to see how his levels are doing in 2 weeks. His WBC levels did not improve but they didn't get any worse either. His platelets are doing better and his hemoglobin is better as well. They are considering removing his spleen and will make that decision when they see how he does after this treatment. Our insurance has approved the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center for the bone marrow transplant assessment so we are going to make an appointment with them sooner rather than later.

Speaking of our insurance....I do have some icky news on that front and that also leads me to a big prayer request. Our co-pay for each chemo treatment is over $4,000 -- yes, that is a 4 with 3 zeros! We have awesome insurance so I have no idea how people without that luxury handle this. Our maximum out of pocket is $5,000 so after we've spent that, everything else (chemo, hospitalizations, surgery, doctors for all of us, prescriptions for all of us, anything) is paid 100% for the rest of the year. We are already at about $900 this year so the hospital and chemo have brought us to that maximum. We are applying for some co-pay assistance money from the Leukemia Society to help. They have $5,000 in co-pay assistance they can award so that will take care of our expenses for this year. Our local chapter also has $500 a year they can award that you can use for anything you need. That will come in handy for all the gatoraid I've been having to buy! ;-) CarGuy has to drink about 2 gallons of fluid a day for the first 5 days after chemo to flush the chemo and dead cancer cells out of his system. The doc wants us to try and make 1/2 of that fluid in gatoraid. So if you could pray that we are awarded that assistance money, we would so appreciate it.

We really want to thank everyone again for all your care and concern and most especially for your prayers. We serve an awesome God who is using this challenge in our lives to bring us closer to Him and to enable us to show His grace and mercy to those around us. We both are holding tightly to Paul's words in Romans 8:28 - All things work for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

God bless you all!

Back by popular demand......

2008-09-13T08:53:00.004-06:00

Garden Update!!!

Well...maybe not by popular demand exactly but I do like doing it. So without any further interruption....

The zukes continue to take over the world. I think people are starting to avoid me for fear I will put a zucchini in their hands! Here's a baby just itching to be made into some yummy bread! Knock, knock...is anywhere there...
The green peppers are coming along nicely. I don't think they are going to get big enough to make stuffed peppers but maybe some nice fajitas will be on the menu here shortly.
The cucumbers are just about done so I'll be making some pickles soon.
My tomatoes have really been a disappointment this year but so have nearly all my neighbors so I'm gonna blame it on the weather. Here's one that's red and I'll pick that one today for lunch. I tried picking some that were just starting to turn and then ripening them on the counter but I wasn't real pleased with the results. Darn Mother Nature!
I'm really excited for the acorns to finish up. This is the biggest one so far.
The corn is ready and I picked one this morning and cooked it in the microwave in a zip and steam bag. It was pretty tasty! I'll pick more later today and cook them on the grill. SwimBoy is mowing the grass at church so don't tell him that CarGuy and I shared the first corn -- I think he wanted the first one...shhhh.
Oh, yea, and we have some corndogs too -- hehehehe -- I just crack myself up!
And for the finale of this update...here is the newest member of the flower garden. I won this beautiful mum at the ladies luncheon last week for having the most unique item in my purse at my table -- Peanut's harness! Don't ask me why I have been carrying the darn thing around for nearly a month but it paid off in the end now, didn't it?

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-09-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

This is an oldie but a goodie and never fails to entertain me...or maybe I'm just easily entertained lately!!

Human Trafficking

2008-09-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

I interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you something disturbing...

On Saturday I went to a women's luncheon with the ladies from my church. Part of our activities included watching a short video put out by our denomination regarding human trafficking. I was quite shocked when the video opened with the story of a an American woman abducted in Chicago while she was being interviewed for a nanny position. I knew this kind of thing happened in other countries but right here in the US? That really did bring it home and opened my eyes to the bigger problem overseas. The statistics were pretty staggering. It is estimated that each year 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders. 80% of the number are female and 50% of those are minors! The majority are enslaved in the sex trade. A notorious center of this trade is in India. You can view this video for yourself at www.covchurch.org/humantrafficking
as well as learn more about this issue and what you can do.

I'm not writing this to get you to donate to my denominations work in this area but rather just to get you thinking. Also to encourage you to let the women in your life know not to go to private homes for interviews but to stay out in the public areas.

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-09-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

I love Japanese game shows and this one is hilarious!!!

Updates and Creepy Habits

2008-09-02T20:18:00.004-06:00

CarGuy's appointment went great today! His levels are getting where the doc wants to see them and he even released him to go back to work. CarGuy is really excited about that! I went back to work today and actually found it comforting to think about something other than mutant cells invading my husband's body. I know, I know, couldn't I possibly find something more comforting than work? Give me a bit and I'm sure I'll find other diversions but for now it will have to do. I'm blaming this temporary deviance in my brain on all the cleaning products in the hospital. That place is waaaayyyy clean! I guess that's a good thing for the patients but for a homey person like myself it was a bit unnerving. I kinda sorta wanted to track mud in and leave some dust bunnies in the corners. But...don't worry, I didn't -- CarGuy would have been mortified! I'm being especially nice to him right now, you know, due to the cancer thingy, so I restrained myself!

So that got my little deviant mind to thinking...I wonder if the ladies that did all the cleaning while we were there actually clean their own houses like that. I used to work at a restaurant and we had to clean the ketchup bottles outside and inside the neck down to the label as well. One day I found myself cleaning our ketchup bottle at home like that. I had to break myself of that creepy habit real quick like! CarGuy said he doesn't think they clean their house like that. I'm not so sure -- creepy habits can sneak up on you without you even realizing it! My creepiest is probably my habit of running my hands over the tops of things to dust them. I will run my hand over the top of the fire extinquisher box at work several times a day even though I know dust has not had a chance to form on top of it yet. I just can't help myself....I think I need some professional help! So that made me curious what kind of creepy cleaning habits you all have. Share so I don't feel so, well, creepy!

He's Home!!!

2008-08-30T09:16:00.002-06:00

What a wonderful morning!! CarGuy is home and I was able to finally get a good nights sleep! Peanut is still jumping and woofing at every little noise but I'm sure he'll get back to his "I just can't be bothered" attitude very soon. Perdy's already back to her old self and snoring away on the floor. It's nice not to spend all day at the hospital on an uncomfortable plastic chair and bundled up like a Russian peasant in the middle of winter -- I think I forgot to mention that the room was equivalent to the arctic!

CarGuy's blood levels are ok in some respects but leave something to be desired in others. His WBC is really something the docs are happy about but his platelets and red blood cells (RBC) are lower than they want them to be. Not unexpected they say but still lower. That means I have to be very diligent about disinfecting stuff and chasing off stray visitors (sorry -- I'm not really this mean normally). I'm sure CarGuy and SwimBoy are sick of the "sanitizer Nazi" squirting them with the smelly stuff every time they move and wish they could go visit someone else for a while. Speaking of, I need to go to Sam's and buy the industrial size barrel of the stuff today.

Also, now that I am home I can start shredding and freezing some the 3,000 zukes that showed up in my garden this week! My tomatoes are really leaving something to be desired. By the time they are ripening up they split open and get all gross. I might start picking them while they are green and seeing if they can ripen on the counter without growing any larger. Any advice anyone? The peppers are looking great and the acorn squash is putting out fruit that look reconizable. I'll try to bring you all a full blown garden update tomorrow.

But, for now...I need to go disinfect something and force CarGuy to drink another gallon of water. He needs to flush those icky dead cancer cells out of his body -- I'm on a mission!!!

Thank you and Update

2008-08-28T20:55:00.002-06:00

Wow...you really know how to make a girl feel great!! This has been my largest day by far and it's so fun to read where everyone is from. Give me a few days and I'll come repay the love!

I also wanted to update everyone on CarGuy's continuing evil plan to get out of gathering with large crowds and cleaning up dog poo! Yesterday he had a really long day! It started with his first step of the chemo (Rituxin). He had a bit of a reaction during the infusion so they had to stop and then start back up again at a slower rate. They started the infusion at 9:30 am and finished it at 4:00 pm so it did take longer than we thought it would. They think it will go faster the next time. This particular drug has a mouse protein base so that was probably why his body flipped out a little -- the nurse told him he might start squeeking too, which with my sense of humor I thought was hilarious and I may just have to start squeeking everywhere I go! I love that nurse!!!

Then at 5:00 pm they took him down to surgery to have his port put in -- we've started calling it the teleport. He hasn't started using his Scotty impression but I'm sure it's not too far away. He's kind of doped up so you have to give him a little bit of a break -- he's kind of slow right now. He did great in that surgery and was even ready to eat shortly afterward. All the nurses say the port is going to be his best friend. Hey, wait, I thought I was his best friend!! ;-) I'm sure Peanut and Perdy thought they were his best friends -- I don't think I'll tell them what the nurses said.

This morning he had the rest of his chemo cocktail (Adriamycin, Cytoxin, Vincristine, and a mix of anti-nausea and steroidal drugs). It went really easy and there were no reactions in the house! Woot-woot!! He wasn't feeling much like dinner tonight but I made him get a dinner anyway. I told him to get what he wanted off the menu (if you haven't eaten in a hospital lately, it's definitely improved!) and not to worry about it being a normal meal. So...he had chicken noodle soup, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, and chocolate milk. The nausea hasn't hit yet from the chemo but the doc said it would probably start up over the next couple days so I'm sure that's when I'm really going to have problems getting him to eat.

Tomorrow he gets the last little bit of the drugs that go with the chemo (Benadryl injection to help with side effects of the chemo and Neulasta which will help him make more good white blood cells (WBC) so he can fight infection.) His WBC count on Sunday was 151,000 (normal is around 10,000) and this morning it was 51,000 so that is really encouraging!! His platelets are very low due to the chemo so we have to be really careful that he doesn't get cut or injured - I told him he will have to give up his dream of becoming a world class cage fighter for the time being! He also bruises really easily right now so I've got to lay off the beatings he usually deserves. ;-) He's very susceptible to germs right now too so we've got to be really careful to disinfect everything and stay away from lots of people. I know he's just heartbroken that he can't go to the mall since he just looooves the mall! If you believe that, I've got some swampland in Florida to sell to you!

Thanks again for coming to visit and I promise that soon I will get back to more garden updates and funny dog stories! I'm missing normal life!!

2008-08-28T00:02:00.000-06:00

WELCOME TO COLORFUL COLORADO!!!

If you read my post from a couple of days ago, I think you'll understand why I wasn't able to clean the place up or bake anything yummy for you. But come back after we get this cancer thing down to a routine and I'll be sure and spend lots more time with you. However....I do have some time right now in my "less-than-8-hours-of-sleep-over-the-last-50+-hours" state of mind to give you a taste of my Colorado!

I grew up on the Eastern Plains of Colorado in a tiny farming town (pop. 847 on a good day). It was pretty flat and we had an inkling there were some mountains out there in the West. On a clear day we could see an indication that the ground did not stay flat forever! I love the plains - you can see forever and the fields really do wave at you when the wind blows. It's one of the most beautiful sights I know except maybe a buffalo grazing in that grass. Yes, we have buffalo there -- not wild, mind you, but they do exist and remind you of days gone by. The baby ones are especially precious.

When I graduated high school I thought I wanted more than this little town could offer and off I went to the big city of Denver. Denver really is an amazing place. You will find all kinds of areas in town that range from pretty hoity-toity to down home suburban America. I hear tell there is this big convention going on downtown right now but since I now live way north I'm really not sure.

About 8 years ago we had had enough of the big city and longed for something smaller -- not 847 type smaller but something around 50,000 might be good. We moved about 1 1/2 hours north of Denver and we are deliriously happy here. It's a wonderful place within just minutes of all kinds of outdoor activities. You can whitewater raft, hike, waterski, tube, mountain bike, or just enjoy the serenity of the crickets during the summer. Of course in the winter you have your skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, ice fishing, and my personal favorite, sitting in the lodge drinking "hot chocolate" (wink, wink). Sometimes it's hard to believe that I live where people save to take a vacation to.

It is truly God's Country around here!!

I hope you enjoy your stay and will come back real soon!!

Tiny Theater Thursday - Double Feature!!

2008-08-28T00:01:00.001-06:00

Today you get a double feature in honor of the Olympics!!

This one is compliments of the one I let get away.

My sis BeeGee sent me this one.

The day our lives changed

2008-08-26T19:35:00.003-06:00

On Sunday night I took CarGuy to the emergency room for abdominal pain he had been having for a couple weeks. He's a guy so of course it took some time to convince him he needed to do this. Well...long story short...he has Chronic Prolymphocytic Leukemia. This is a very rare form of leukemia and is even rarer in someone his age - almost 47. It's normally seen in 60 or 70 year olds. For this reason we might be looking at a bone marrow transplant in the next few years. Since it's so rare samples are being sent to the Mayo Clinic so we might hear more from them in the coming weeks.

It's an aggressive form of the less aggressive leukemia. Make sense? I know, it didn't to me either when it was explained about 2 hours ago. I'll try to put down in writing what I figured out. You either have acute or chronic leukemia. Acute is the kind that is usually quickly fatal and chronic is much more manageable and doesn't require quick treatment; acute is more aggressive and chronic is not. With me so far? Now within the chronic area there are types that are so non-aggressive that all you have to do is take a pill a day and you are good for the rest of your life and then on the other end of the scale there is the lovely little bugger that has taken hold of my husband's blood. He will definitely be sorry he's messing with my family!!

So...tomorrow we start the first step of chemo, Thursday it looks like a port will be put in, and then on Friday the rest of the chemo cocktail will be served. Hopefully he will get to come home from the hospital either Sunday or Monday. Speaking of....I need to get back over there. He needs some diet coke, his own pillow, and I'm taking Peanut to go see his dad. Peanut's really been lost without him around so I think it will be good for both of them.

I'm going to try to not let this blog become a downer so I'm going to try and find the funny parts of cancer but just in case I slip into some morose areas, just pat my hand and tell me everything is going to be ok. M'kay?

Diary of a Dog Sitter

2008-08-23T12:54:00.005-06:00

I am watching a friend's dog this weekend while she has a romantic getaway with her boy toy. Her dog is a sweetheart and I don't mind at all. But...you knew there was going to be a "but", didn't you? Why would I blog about it if there wasn't a "but" in the story? Ok...so this morning I go over to take care of sweetie-pie; feed her breakfast, play with her, and take her for a walk. It took her forever to eat and she is crazy with her toys so that was an adventure. Then I put my tennies on and decided we would walk as far as we could get in 20 minutes and then turn around and come back. She doesn't play well with others so I didn't use the path that snakes through our town but instead I took her down some dirt roads that are not frequented by anyone.

She's having a ball and I'm enjoying the nice cool weather we had this morning. I let her leash out as far as it will go and she bounding all over the place obviously totally in her element. Then it happens...there are some creatures in this world that I just can't abide. Snakes would be one of them but don't worry she didn't scare up a snake for me to deal with. She scared up thousands, well really like 5, of the bane of my teenage years. GRASSHOPPERS!!!

Gosh, I really hate those things and I am definitely going to ask God what was he was thinking when he put those on the same earth with me! When I was a teenager we lived on a ranchette in an area that was nicknamed Grasshopper Corner and for good reason. I would come out to my car in the morning for school and there would be dozens of the nasty creatures plastered on my car. I would literally be in tears by the time I was done getting them off so I could drive away and hope that when I returned that a grasshopper disease had hit and they were all gone.

So I have to ask why an intelligent person like myself cannot get over her aversion to something that will not hurt her. Snakes...I'm ok with that fear because truly they could hurt me and given that we have rattlers here they could even kill me. But, a grasshopper? What's the worst that could happen? But, no matter how much I tell myself that there is nothing to be afraid of I just can't come to grips with myself. I think I need aversion therapy!! Maybe I should go get myself a furry stuffed grasshopper toy and sleep with it for a few nights. Yea...that's the ticket...I'm sure that will work!!!

The One I Let Get Away

2008-08-22T16:30:00.001-06:00

I promised some time back to tell the story about the guy in high school who was the sweetest most wonderful friend and I did not treat him like I should have and I still regret that today. I'm sure I'm not the only one so feel free to share your stories too -- it'll make me feel better. I beg you don't think too harshly of me after you read this -- I was after all a stupid teenage girl!!

I started a new school when I was a Sophomore in high school. I moved from Los Angeles to a small farming community in rural Eastern Colorado. A bit of culture shock to be sure. One of the people who accepted me (weird clothes and all) was R.J. He treated me so good right from the start. It was an extremely small school -- only 39 kids in my entire class! When you go to such a small school it's really hard. Most of these kids had been in school together since kindergarten so there were definite cliques going on. I did not meet any of the criteria for any of them. I was alone in the surfer girl clique!! I was angry that my parents moved us and I'm sure I wasn't very nice to be around.

R.J. spent a lot of time with me and when we both reached that age where you can date he began asking me out. I would always turn him down -- it was such a widely known thing that there is an unfortunate picture of us in the yearbook with the caption "trying his luck, again" -- I was having an especially bad hair day or else I'd share the pic. (Vanity is one of my most endearing qualities, right?) As time went by I started making friends and even made the cheerleading squad. I really thought I was something else. I continued to turn R.J. down and treat him like dirt.

During our senior year I finally said yes to "meeting" R.J. at a dance after a football game. I was cheering at the game so I had to go home and change and then run back over to the dance. By the time I got there the dance was well under way. I walked in and didn't see him anywhere so I went to sit with some friends. A short while later R.J. was at my side apologizing -- for what I had no idea. I guess it turns out he found someone else because I was such a witch (my word, not his) to him -- I totally deserved for that to happen. When I walked in he was kissing her on the dance floor and I didn't even see it happen. He thought I did and rather than ignore the issue he came right to me to make sure my feelings weren't too horribly hurt.

I didn't have any claims on him and he was free to date anyone he wanted. I could tell he was devasted that he might have hurt me. I should have immediately begged that he ditch her and that he never allow his lips to kiss any other girl than me. That would have saved me from the too numerous to mention mistakes that I would make through the next couple of decades of my life!! He ended up taking this girl to prom and when my own date ditched me (long sordid story there -- another blog for another day!) they gave me a ride home.

Fast forward and he ends up marrying this girl and having a bushel of kids. I guess she turned kind of nutsy and they ended up divorcing. He is now married to a wonderful woman who seems to make him very happy. I'll probably be meeting her in person soon and I'm kind of nervous. Over the years I have become very protective of those that I wronged in my life. Almost like I've decided that I need to be their guardian angel to make up for my snotty past. I've also not seen R.J. in person in probably 15 years or more so I'm a little nervous about that too. We've talked on the phone and e-mailed over the years so it's not like we've lost track completely. I hope he knows how much I regret my past actions and that if I had it all to do over again, it would have definitely gone differently. R.J. is still better to me than I deserve -- I hope he knows how much I love and appreciate his friendship over the years.

Ok...that's my confession for today -- do you all still like me?

2008-08-22T08:07:00.003-06:00

This is what awaits me. Am I the only one who absolutely hates to do laundry? It's not so much the moving it from one machine to the next but the folding and putting away that I really want to run screaming from. It never fails I run into one or two articles of clothing that CarGuy or SwimBoy put in the laundry that I know for a certainty they did not wear! I'm working at home today so at least I can change the loads during breaks today and get some of the easy part done. But tomorrow....eeek...anyone want to come over for a folding party?

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-08-21T00:01:00.001-06:00

This needs no introduction…just enjoy!

Gardens, Twilight, and Rain

2008-08-16T11:07:00.004-06:00

Well...here is the only garden update you are getting today!! (Grrrr....I hate that stupid tent thing my neighbor insists on leaving up constantly -- it messes with my pictures!)
It is pouring rain and has been since Thursday night. It's raining so much that Perdy won't leave the porch. She just looks around and then looks at me like I could make all this ickiness stop so she can go play. I would, Piddygirl, if I could...I love you that much!
And Peanut won't even get within 10 feet of the door that leads to the porch that leads to the rain. (Yes, those are socks and a baseball hat and stinky running shoes and overflowing diet coke cans by the recycle bin but they are not my things and I refuse to pick them up anymore. The house can become overrun with socks and hats and other miscellaneous stuff that is not mine and I will do nothing about it. That's my story and I'm sticking with it!! Mom's on strike!! Now those muddy paw paths on the floor, I might mop those up because my furry darlings don't have opposable thumbs and can't hold the mop. They get a break that way!)
Now me...I just finished this book about 10 minutes ago...there are no words.....
And I absolutely must go buy this book...even if it means going out in the rain because being the sugary being that I am I just might melt....because....
I cannot go on living another day until I know what happens...please, please, please, don't let the author leave me hanging at the end. Gosh I'm so glad I didn't hear about this series until it was finished...I never could have survived having to wait for the next book. You've got to read this series -- this gripped me more than HP...sorry J.K. but I think this is now my favorite series. But...you were always my first...that should mean something to you!

See you all when I've emerged from my fantasy!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-08-14T00:01:00.002-06:00

This guy’s bit on cake is just too funny to pass up. I know it’s a little long but I think you’ll find it worth it.

2008-08-10T12:00:00.005-06:00

Gosh, I'm so far behind on blogging! Sort of like my housework and projects at work too. I haven't given you a garden update in forever and I haven't posted a new recipe to my recipe blog in over a week. Our pastors have given awesome messages the last few weeks and I took loads of notes but haven't put them into a coherent set of sentences for you yet either. I haven't given you the latest Peanut & Perdy stories (Peanut ate my fabulous lunch bag with my monogram on it and he also ate my favorite work shoes -- that dog is definitely in trouble today and he knows it!) Sheesh, what is up with me anyway?!? So...here's a garden update and then I'll go over and post a new recipe for you too! I hope that giving you 2 posts in one day will help me start to win my way back into your hearts!

Up first is the big proliferator in our garden.....Zucchini!! What you are looking at here are more big greens getting started. Did you know there are girl blossoms and boy blossoms? The slender stalks are the boys which don't produce the fruit but are needed in order for the fruit to happen (that's all I'm saying there cuz I'm all G-rated up in here you know) and the more rounded stalks are the girls and will turn out the zukes once they have lost their beautiful blossom and expanded to nearly bursting -- sort of like in real life, huh? I know, I know, girls, it's just not fair.
Here's a basket of what I've picked just in the last few days:
In that basket are some of the first cukes of the season. I can't wait for more to follow so I can get to putting up some pickles. Here's one still a-growing - isn't he too cute?
And finally we have some little peppers showing up and boy do we have a bunch of them!!
Those tomatoes are still growing and I'm getting really impatient! On my walk yesterday I peeked at some of the neighbors tomatoes and they are all ripe and ready to eat. No, I didn't steal any but I am not guilt free of the envy I felt. Hurry up tomatoes!!!
The corn is really starting to come along -- yummmm!!!
Here are some acorn squash blossoms -- I have a great recipe for these little darlings so stay tuned for that!
I haven't given up completely yet on that poor little yellow squash plant and I think I'm starting to see some blossom buds showing up:

And last but not least...the bane of my existence today:
I know he looks all sweet and innocent but don't let that adorable little face and cute little pink tongue fool you! It's all an act and he's just biding his time until he figures out how to unlock the locking trash can!! OK...I'm off to go find some shoes to replace the ones he chewed up!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-08-07T08:08:00.001-06:00

I know I shouldn’t laugh at other people’s misfortunes but I just can’t help it. Gosh it feels so good to laugh this hard!

County Fair Time

2008-08-02T12:00:00.004-06:00

Well...we did indeed make it over to the county fair this morning before CarGuy's aunt had to leave. We had great fun in the short amount of time we were there. We got there just in time to see one of SwimBoy's good friends showing one of her sheep. She placed 2nd. Here are some pics from our fun today. I didn't get pics of the draft horses, cows, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas, or bunnies but here's a bunch of the entries from the poultry division -- some were kind of weird (like the Turken) but most were just really beautiful. We might go back over there later when it cools off -- it's unbearably hot around here lately. The draft horses were amazing but my phone just will not take pictures that far away and *gasp* I forgot my camera!!

Friday's Feast

2008-08-01T16:15:00.001-06:00

Well...the regular chef over at Friday's Feast has been having computer problems so Jodi over at Beacon of Hope created one that I just had to take part in. Her first question is really hard and in some ways disturbing but I'll get over that one as soon as I ingest the 3 pounds of peanut butter kisses upstairs in the freezer! Not really Jodi, it was a good question but I think I need some paxil now. ;-)

If you want to join us, go check out Jodi's page and also leave me a comment with your link so I can see what your answer is to #1.

Appetizer
If you learned today you were going to die tomorrow, name three things you would do.

Wow…what a horrible thought. I would definitely spend the entire day with my family first and foremost. I would eat all the stuff I never dare touch because I’m always on a diet and I would go get a full spa treatment.

Soup
What is your very first memory?

It’s really weird but it’s sitting in my bedroom at my grandmother’s house looking up at these felt pictures depicting nursery rhymes. I figure I had to be under the age of 4 because we moved out of her house when I was 4 and ended up in Los Angeles. I have those pictures to this day and sometimes I just look at them and wonder why there were so special that I would remember them in this way.

Salad
Name one service you are willing to pay for and one you are not.

I am so willing to pay someone to clean my house but CarGuy would have a conniption!! I’ve never had anyone clean my house for me but I just know it would be awesome! I am not willing to pay someone to color my hair. I’ve been coloring my hair (gasp..choke…that’s not your natural haircolor?!?) for years and I can’t see paying someone a hundred dollars or more when I can spend less than $10 for a box that takes me less than 45 minutes start to finish to use.

Main Course
Do you make your bed every day?

Most of the time I do but lately I’ve been just pulling up the sheets since we haven’t really been using the comforter and I have it all nicely folded at the foot of the bed. I did make it today though because CarGuy’s aunt is coming to visit and she hasn’t seen our new fancy-dancy bedroom furniture so I wanted it to look nice.

Dessert
Name the most significant thing you learned this week.

Don’t shake a sealed container!! Obviously!!

Now wasn't that fun? I think we are going to the County Fair this weekend so maybe I'll have exciting stories of pigs, cows, cowboys, and quilts to share! Yeehaw!!

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-07-31T00:01:00.000-06:00

This little girl is just too adorable!!

Harry Potter!

2008-07-30T16:30:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, I’m such a dork but I think we’ve already established that fact so I’ll move on. One of the dorkiest things about me is that I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I always see the movies the day they come out and I always read the book the day it was released (except of course for the 1st one – which, by the way, my aunt gave to me to read shortly after it became so popular because she wanted me to agree with her that it was dark and dangerous and should be burned. Oh, man, did that plan backfire on her!!). I also buy the DVD the day it comes out too and watch it at least 100 times – I told you I am a HUGE fan!

Well…the trailer for the new movie is so great that I just have to share it with you. Anyone else want to go wait in line with me on opening day? I know CarGuy is totally sick of doing it. Now, since he doesn’t read my blog I feel safe to tell you that my evil little brain has been devising exceptionally snotty ways of messing with him in connection with HP. One of my early ideas is to make him think I am planning this big elaborate trip to London in May 2011 for the premier of the last ½ of the last movie. I think this will be better than the time I made him think I got my belly button pierced! Good times, good times!

I tried to embed the trailer but it wouldn't work so just click on this link:

HP Half-Blood Prince Trailer

Don't Shake a Sealed Container

2008-07-29T16:35:00.001-06:00

I’m nothing if not educational here on this blog so I have another lesson for you today. If you’re not sure you can agree with my educational statement just check out my posting, Don’t Shake a Wobbly Chair. Yesterday I created another learning opportunity for you…I’ll wait while you fawn over me for my wonderful generosity toward you…all done? Ok. So…back to the learning moment…

Each morning when I get in the office I first groan over the state of my desk (you know those little elves that came and made all the shoes for that guy in the fairy tale? I pray every night that they will visit me and do all my work for me! But, alas, I’m on my own!), lose my mind over the amount of e-mails that procreated over night, and then go fill up my big Tupperware color changing cup with some sort of refreshing beverage. Yesterday I decided to have Crystal Light Raspberry Ice – yummm! So off I trot to our fabulous lunch room (it really is fabulous, I’m not being sarcastic here – just thought I better straighten that out because I’m normally extensively sarcastic) to prepare my yummy drink. I use the powdered stuff and I have found that if I start out with hot water it mixes much better. We have this awesome instant hot water spigot (man, that’s a weird word!) at work – I so need one of these at home! I filled my cup about an inch or so with hot water and dumped in the powder. I sealed the lid tightly (Tupperware burp…it’s the best!) and proceeded to shake the container to get everything all nice and mixed up before adding the ice and the rest of the water. Wow...this stuff smells great!!

Ok…so here comes the lesson! Listen carefully because this may save you from life altering embarrassment in the future…DO NOT shake a container of hot liquid unless you are absolutely certain the lid cannot pop off!! Tupperware lids can, and most assuredly will, pop off under this kind of pressure!!!

So here’s my public apology to all those fine folks that I work with for the beautiful hot pink sticky spray all over the kitchen. I tried to clean it all up but I’m sure I missed something – like the 10 ft. ceiling. Luckily for me I had a black dress on yesterday because I was wearing a large majority of the spray. I think I was attracting every mosquito in town with the smell!

Ok…class dismissed!

New Recipe Blog

2008-07-28T19:39:00.003-06:00

Hi all! Recently I've been frequenting Kay's Blog and she has inspired me to create my own blog featuring some of my favorite recipes. Check it out and let me know what you think...k?

Another Garden Update!!

2008-07-27T00:01:00.001-06:00

Wow...things are hopping in the garden!! We even were able to consume some of our produce this week!! We had fried zucchini and it was yummy! (I'm trying to ignore how many WW points I consumed that evening!!) I'm working on a separate recipe blog and will certainly post that recipe for you shortly. In the meantime here are some pics to get you completed updated:

Here are some zukes that will soon be some yummy dish but I'm not quite sure what to make...any suggestions?

And look at one of their many cousins soon to be gracing my table!!
The cukes are doing great too -- I planted the kind made for pickling so I'm sure I'll post all about the pickling process soon.
I don't have any peppers yet but I've got lots of blossoms -- won't those peppers hurry up!?!The tomatoes are doing great too -- I can't wait to pick some of these!!

Look....corn tassles!!!!
And you know what comes next!!!
The boys are waiting for this part of the garden more than anything else. And speaking of boys, look what CarGuy has been nursing along....
Yep....those are little sprouts off the jalapeno that Peanut destroyed!! I told him that he might have some peppers for Secret Squirrel come Christmas time!!

Thanks for coming along with us -- I hope watching my plants grow isn't horribly boring! BTW...I love watching plants grow so if you have some garden updates of your own, post a link in the comments section and I'll come check it out!

Want to win some books?

2008-07-26T09:21:00.004-06:00

I know I do! One of the blogs that I read turned me on to this book giveaway. I'm a big reader so I'm always looking for ways to get books in my hands! Check it out:

http://bookroomreviews.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/win-a-set-of-fourteen-books/#comment-1133

They are giving away a collection of 14 books of all different genres. I'm suprised that I haven't read any of these books yet. I've read books by some of the authors though so it looks like a collection of good reads.

Another Contest Over at SITS

2008-07-26T08:05:00.004-06:00

I think maybe I need to start directing you guys to the wrong URL or something because I keep telling you about these contests and then I never win them! But...I'm just too nice to do that so....check out the latest contest over at SITS:

Apple 4G iPod Nano in Silver!

Plays up to 1,000 songs, 4 hours of video or 3,500 pictures!

I soooooo need this!! I have an RCA Opal that just doesn't cut it.

Tiny Theater Thursday

2008-07-24T00:01:00.000-06:00

What old people do for fun! I so want to be this kind of old lady!! Oh, wait, I already am!!!

Help a mother of 6 get a stroller

2008-07-22T10:08:00.003-06:00

Hi all my bloggy friends! You guys are so awesome that I know you can help this girl out. I work with her dad and this poor thing has 4 kids already (including a set of identical twins) and is pregnant with another set of identical twins now. She has entered a contest to win a double stroller. Here is her message:

There is a contest giving away a free double stroller. I entered because it'd be nice to have a double to take the babies out if I ever have a chance to go out without the other 4 kids. I'm actually close to winning! If you have a chance, click on the link and you can vote for me on the left hand side of the page. I'm the third name on the list.
Heather
Doula & Mom of 4 + 2 more on the way

Here's the link so you can vote for her and help her win that stroller.
http://amazingtrips.blogspot.com/
Look on the left hand side and click Heather's radio button.

To learn more about Heather and her amazing brood you can check out her website too:
http://www.abirthtoremember.com/

Thanks everyone!!