It Is What It Is

The Next Chapter

2011-03-28T22:10:00.000-04:00

On February 17th I had my annual and Dr. Nguyen (ob/gyn) said again that she thought I had PCOS and that she wanted me to go for bloodwork and a trans-vaginal ultrasound. This time I listened to her and went for the tests. During the appointment she focused primarily on the fact that I needed to lose weight and that I should start a mini-pill to regulate my cycles and to come back in 6 months - "hopefully around 40 pounds lighter and with regular periods thanks to the pill". I could swear that every other "thing" out of her mouth was that I needed to lose weight. At one point I had had enough and I told her that I got it. After that, she dropped the weight subject and I left.

Something just didn't sit right with me after the appointment. She didn't take time to explain to me what PCOS was, why it was effecting my cycles or even why she thought I had it. I just didn't understand what was going on.

I had been on some form of birth-control since I was 16 and had regular periods because of it. When I went off bcp about 1 1/2 years ago I thought that my cycle would even out; I didn't really worry about it when it didn't. Looking back, I wish I would have done the testing back then when Dr. Nguyen first mentioned it. I just didn't understand and part of me was too scare to look into it further. Ignorance is bliss, right?

After some suggestions from some ladies I know, I made my first appointment with Dr. Sanfilippo, who is a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE), or, "fertility doctor". I like the name of RE much better than the latter. I guess I'm in denial but I don't want to be "infertile". I don't want that classification because I feel like I've/we've somehow failed before I/we even began really trying to have a baby. I mean, we just started to not-prevent in November! How did we go from that excitement to this?

Dr. S is really great. I was there for over an hour talking to him and his assistant while they explained the whole diagnosis to me. I honestly didn't retain much of what they said but I seem to understand it more somehow. They are also concerned about Jeremy and want to make sure everything is working properly on his end. I can't wait for the sperm analysis! :)

I left there feeling better but with a bunch of different tests that I needed to get done which included a 2 hour glucose tolerance test, loads of blood vials, a sonohysterogram (which was last Monday) and a hysterosalpingogram (last Wednesday). I have completed all of the tests and am trying to patiently wait until April 25th for my results appointment.

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-01T21:36:00.000-05:00

Today, we welcomed in the new year. We spent the day enjoying dinner with family - I cooked too much and we all ate too much. I brought up the traditional question asking if anyone made any resolutions and I was a little surprised that no one had any. Zip. Zero. Zilch. I don't like to make New Year resolutions because I feel like there is too much pressure but I have set some goals for the new year -

1. Read 15 books
2. Follow our new budget plan
3. Find a church
4. Be easier on myself when I make mistakes
5. Make more memories
6. Forgive quicker
7. Start this beautiful project as either a cardigan or blanket - Posy
8. Get healthier
9. Step out of my comfort zone more often
10. Host more dinners for family and friends

I think that all of these goals are attainable and I look forward to reaching them throughout the year!

Previously on "This is Our Crazy Life".....

2010-12-27T22:09:00.002-05:00

This post was started in February and is a recount of Snowmageddon - I finally finished it!

I don't like watching the weather reports 'cause they are almost always wrong. So when everyone was in an uproar over a big snow storm that was coming I, naturally, laughed at them all and said that the weather people would be wrong. I was right about them being wrong, but not in the way I thought since we got a ton more snow than anticipated.

My bosses called and said that we were allowed to leave at 3pm on Friday due to the storm that was starting. I went home and then Jeremy and I left at around 5:30 to go plow the country club (he had to plow at 6 and again at 9). In that short time, we got a few inches of snow/sleet but we didn't have any major problems making it to the club. We were done plowing about 1 1/2 hours later and had watched many people sliding down the hilly road and having trouble getting up. We made it down and grabbed some dinner and then headed back up around 8:30 to plow again. We thought about just saying that we weren't able to make it up there and go home but decided to not lie and go do the job. We were also thinking that Tobin (Jeremy's boss) would call and say to not do the 9pm plow but he didn't.

While we were plowing, one of the owners was driving through and stopped us to say "Thanks" for plowing... I wanted to throat punch him. The club wasn't even open and the last of the employees left around 6pm (we watched them leave). So, we hurried as much as we could and when we tried to leave we got stuck in the maintenance parking lot. Jeremy pushed while I drove and I was able to get to the end of the parking lot where I stopped. Unfortunately, I stopped in the sink hole that has been there for as long as I can remember. We were screwed. Jeremy went into the garage to get his towing cable and found that it was missing. I went back out and tried to dig the tires out with a metal dust pan while Jeremy tried to figure out what to do. It took him a little while but he was finally able to find something strong enough to use as a tow line and we hooked the car up to the dump truck and he was able to pull it out. We then began our journey home with me behind the wheel.

We slowly made our way down the long hill and only slid sideways two times. There were only 3 ways to get home from there. We made it to our first option and I decided that we weren't going to be able to make it up the hill because it was too steep and we wouldn't have had enough momentum because it is a goofy turn. I pulled into a parking lot and we switched because I had had enough of driving - I got us down the hill and I needed Jeremy to get us home. We proceeded to the second option. We figured that if we made it up the first hill we would ditch the car and walk the rest of the way home (about 3/4 of a mile). We started up the hill while transformers were exploding around us - I was very scared! We made it about half way up the hill but had to slow down and move over because someone was coming down the hill. We lost our traction and had to back down the hill - on to our third option....Lincoln Way. Driving wasn't too bad but got stopped about 1 mile away because of a tree in the middle of the road and were told to turn around by the fireman that had the road blocked off. That was when we realized we weren't going to be able to get home.

I began to freak out at this point. I called a co-worker to see if she could get in touch with two other co-workers that live in White Oak to see if we could go there for the night. She couldn't reach the one and the other said that he lived on top of the highest point and there was no way we would be able to make it to his house. While I was on the phone, Jeremy decided that we were going to try and get to his dad's house. I was too overwhelmed and knew that Jeremy hadn't thought it through and asked him to pull over. The fire department was just ahead so we pulled in there. I saw some men looking at us through the garage doors so I jumped out of the car and walked over to the doors. I explained that we were unable to get home and we didn't have anywhere else to go and asked if we would be able to stay there. I was crying at that point and they said we should park the car the best we could in the side parking lot and that they would open up the hall for us.

They had started a pot of coffee and took us over to the hall that was connected to the garage. It was set up and decorated for someone's 50th birthday party the next day. I was able to get a rescue blanket (pink!) and started to warm up. For some reason, Jeremy didn't want one too :) They told us that they had a call in to the disaster response team and that they would be coming soon with some supplies to make us more comfortable. Other stranded people started to make their way to the hall and we had a little party going. The head of the response team and his girlfriend showed up (she was stranded too) and brought blankets, pillows, cots, and toiletry kits. We helped get everything set up and people finally started to relax a little bit. We didn't know what was going on but we were all safe and were warming up and that's what really mattered at that point.

One of the guys from the response team was a supplier at the country club so Jeremy knew him. He mentioned that we had gotten married the year before so we were then dubbed as the newlyweds. He set up our cots touching each other in the corner of the hall and made a little sign that said "Newlywed Suite". It was very cute! I tried to go to sleep while a few people made their way to Eat n Park for food for all of us. There is some type of contract set up that they supply food to the Disaster Response Team so we got to order whatever we wanted.

Morning came and Jeremy got in touch with his boss. Tobin ended up picking us up and taking us to his Dad's because it was still impossible for us to get to our apartment. We stayed there until the next day and then Frank took us back to our apartment with a kerosene heater since we were still without power. We loved up the cats and went outside to un-bury my car and helped our neighbors with theirs. While we were outside, our property manager was up there trying to plow the parking lot and the firemen were there but we weren't sure why. After about two hours the firemen started to go door-to-door to let everyone know that we had to evacuate, and it was mandatory, because they weren't able to get emergency vehicles up to us in the event of anyone needing them. We put the cats in the cat carrier, got their litter box and food, packed a bag for us and went back to Frank's house. We called a few times the next day and were able to go back home in the afternoon. We got home and then left again to clear Jeremy's car off and bring it back.

Jeremy went to work that Tuesday but I was allowed to work from home again so I took advantage of that. The whole ordeal was scary and I would prefer to never have to go through that again but I am glad that we were together.

2010 - a Year in Review

2010-12-27T21:39:00.002-05:00

The boys taking a nap (well, one of them napping anyway)

It's been almost a year since I last posted anything. I think I was trying too hard to be whitty and proper when my original purpose was to write what was on my mind and about our activities. It got too hard trying to force myself to be something. Isn't that what we all do sometimes?

So, here's our year in review:

Our 2nd anniversary was hardly celebrated (we can't figure out why, though)

We survived "Snowmageddon"

We adopted another kitty

Went to a ton of car shows

Went to a couple of truck pulls

Enjoyed lots of fireworks

Vacation in Ocean City with the family

Moved to a new apartment

I got a promotion

I moved to our Northside office because of said promotion

I learned to crochet

Endured more-than-normal family drama

Endured more-than-normal work drama

Endured more-than-normal friend drama and tragedy

I began to see a therapist (probably because of all of the drama - ha ha!)

Assisted in what turned out to be a huge fundraiser

Pumpkin Patch Day!

2009-10-11T15:41:00.008-04:00

I have been looking forward to going to an actual pumpkin farm for a long time and we finally went today. We walked through a corn maze. I was thinking that it was pretty easy until I realize that it was the children's maze. (No wonder parents were looking at us a little funny... oh well!)

Then we had some fresh cut fries with cheese and played pumpkin checkers while we ate them. Had a fresh baked soft pretzel, stood in line at the bakery for a gob, and then hit the market for a spaghetti squash, apples, and cider. Their honeycrisps (my favorite apple) didn't look very good but I did get some other kind.

After all of that we went to the pumpkin patch. I loved seeing all of the little kids getting their pictures taken with the pumpkins. It was also really fun watching the parents trying to get the perfect shots.

Schramm's also had pony rides, hay rides, and then the adult sized corn maze. We didn't go through it but it looked cool.

On our way home we stopped at Johnston's and picked up 2 mums to go along with the decorating. Such a fun day!

This little one was so cute!

I'm holding the 3 pumpkins we got

Protest for Peace

2009-09-22T13:45:00.002-04:00

A friend shared this video with me today. Watch it and make sure you have your volume turned on.

Goodbye Zoe

2009-08-21T07:25:00.005-04:00

About 3 weeks ago I came home and noticed a very large lump on Zoe. I called the vet and they told me to bring her in that night. She stayed the night and the next evening we talked to Dr. Martin about what was going on.

At first, Dr. Martin thought that it was just something little that could be removed relatively easily. Because of Zoe's temperament, we all decided that it would be best for her and everyone involved if her exam and clipping was done under anesthesia. The clipping served two purposes: Dr. Martin could examine the lump more closely and to remove the mats that developed behind Zoe's tail because of how long and thick her hair was. Long story short, Dr. Martin didn't know exactly what the lump was unless she did surgery. Surgery would be very risky because of Zoe's age and because the tumor was attached to her chest. But, Dr. Martin was willing to do the surgery if we wanted to go through with it. After a long and emotional discussion, Jeremy and I went to the vets with the thought that we were going to have to have her euthanized that night. Dr. Martin assured me that she wasn't in any kind of pain and that we could certainly bring her home to spend some more time with her; it could be days, weeks, months, or years - who knows!

Extra time turned into about 3 weeks. The other day I noticed that she was getting a raw area on her lump. I kept my eye on it and cleaned it with wound spray. Tuesday night when I went to put her in her crate for the night I noticed 2 little puddles of something. I looked for Zoe and saw that she was laying by the bathroom (which is normal). There were two small puddles there too. I saw that her lump was draining.

I waited until about 7:30 yesterday morning and called Dr. Martin on her cell phone. She told me to bring her in and drop her off at the hospital and between surgeries she would look at it. After work I called to see what was going on and Dr. Martin gave me the news. She said that surgery was still a risky option and that she could do it that night... or it was time to let her go. Within 3 to 5 days Zoe would develop a severe infection and maggots would develop on her open tumor due to the time of year. Since Jeremy and I had already ruled out surgery there was only one thing left to do.

When I got to there, they showed me to our room and they brought Zoe in. We had about 15 to 20 minutes together. Then they took her in the back to give her the tranquilizer shot and brought her back to me. When the tech opened the carrier Zoe shot out and jumped in my arms where she stayed for a little while. I kept stroking her and telling her that I loved her. 20 minutes later I rang the bell, the tech came in and carried Zoe in the back where Dr. Martin would give her her final shot.

So, Zoe - I will always love you and remember you. Thank you for finding me that day years ago. We were together through a lot. Until we meet again and cross over the Rainbow Bridge together...

Baby Pictures

2009-08-08T13:44:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, Dominic will be 5 weeks old. Here are some recent pictures that Jess has sent. She send some about once a week.

The Proud Mama

Pittsburgh Zoo

2009-08-08T13:11:00.003-04:00

Last night we got to enjoy the zoo for the 1st time, well, at night. Pressley Ridge was having their annual Ice Cream Fundae at the Zoo. My boss-boss gave me 2 tickets to go since TTM is a corporate sponsor.

There were about 13 different ice cream stations located all around the zoo. Each sponsor picked their flavor of ice cream, named it, and then served it to everyone. We enjoyed flavors called: Cherry Potter - Children's Theatre Group - vanilla ice cream with cherries
Rocky Road to Recover - Financial Adviser group - Rocky Road ice cream
Supercaligrailistic.... - Advertising company - vanilla ice cream with chunks of oreo's
Trib's Morning Buzz - my company - Coffee ice cream with chocolate chunks
Limited Tort-le Carmel Fudge Cheesecake - Insurance agency - name says it all!
Highmark's Rainbow Blast - health insurance company - rainbow sherbet
Chocolate Peanut Butter Whip - radio station - name says it all
Polar Bear Paws - vanilla ice cream with chunks of peanut butter cups
Then there were a couple other tables set up that weren't in the program - candy bar ice cream, birthday cake ice cream, and then something else that I can't remember.

I ate my way throughout the zoo with all of the good ice cream. Unfortunately, most of them contained peanuts or nuts of some kind so poor Jeremy didn't get to eat much. Poor him :(

Here are our photos and below are some of the videos I took.

At the 6 second mark you can hear Jeremy say, "It gives you a nice appreciation for a shark attack" Hmm... He has been addicted to Shark Week on Discover Channel.

Awesome!

2009-07-21T20:18:00.001-04:00

The Yinzers - Growing Up in Pittsburgh

Snake!

2009-07-19T18:46:00.004-04:00

Jeremy and I had a fun day today. We drove to Robinson so we could go to IKEA. I have been on the hunt for inexpensive candle lanterns for the balcony and found a few different styles on the website so we went today to get them. We went to Cracker Barrel for Linner (Lunch / Dinner) and then Lowe's to get some hooks for the lanterns.

When we got home I started to get the lanterns ready to go outside with my citronella candles. I went outside to scope out where we should hang them and I saw it.....

Something very strange in the space between our apartment and Roseanne's......

Jeremy:
"Hon, why do you look terrified? Hon! What is wrong with you?!"

Me: "SNAKE! BIG ASS SNAKE!!!!!"

We saw that it was only the snake skin but it was really long. I decided to be brave and removed the snake skin from between the walls. I laid it out on the balcony and put a tomato stake beside it.

Jeremy thought we should measure it.
5.5 FEET LONG!

I started to freak out again because of how long it was (huge snake, huge snake close to our apartment, huge snake practically living in our apartment, huge snake hiding so that it can eat me, huge snake!) and Jeremy's brilliant response was, "Well, it is actually longer now because that is why they shed their skin."
WRONG ANSWER!

Dominick Anthony

2009-07-06T07:38:00.002-04:00

Congratulations Jessica & Anthony!

2009-07-05T20:54:00.003-04:00

Dominick Anthony Rocco came into the world this morning, sometime before 7am, at 7lbs, 14 oz, and 20.5".

(I had to steal her pics because all of mine stunk. Doesn't she look beautiful?!?!)

CONGRATULATIONS!

4th of July in Pittsburgh

2009-07-05T20:52:00.001-04:00

Babywatching

2009-07-05T20:46:00.004-04:00

I got to watch David while my neighbor helped set up our wireless router. I was given a toy car to ammuse a 1 year old with. Yeah... thankfully Abby, the tree, and the fish tank came to my rescue!

Playing Catch-up

2009-06-12T06:53:00.005-04:00

I have a lot to catch up on!

Ella's Birthday Party - May 2nd

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Ella's Birthday cake - a planter of pansies!

Mom made a ton of these little pansies and dried them to put on the top of the cake. Check out the worms and the ladybug (to the right of the candles).

Beth's Birthday Party Weekend - May 8 - 10

Yep, my sister had a whole weekend dedicated to her and she loved every minute of it. I took a half day on Friday and drove to Altoona to surprise her with Mom and Dad at the train station. Mom accidentally spilled the beans earlier that day, but it was still a surprise.

Happy Day of your party Sister! Time to rise and shine :)

The Queen with her tiara, necklace and button. (Oh, and the mami dress)

Beth's Birthday cake - a List! (because we all know she makes lists of her lists)

Beth's 2nd Birthday cake - a knitting basket! How cool is that? And how cool is it that Mom made these - she is quite talented in the baking and decorating area!

Mom is also quite talented in her crocheting - she made Aunt Bon a walrus!

For my final surprise, I hid 2 cans of silly string in the mailbox. I talked Mom and Aunt Bon into spraying her down with it because she won't kill them :) It was so much fun!

The Queen is covered! Check out Mom and Aunt Bon in the background... they went over to the neighbor's to cover the girls too!

Mom is so happy - she got to cover kids in silly string!

Happy 40th Sis!

Norwin Car Show - Memorial Day Weekend, May 23rd.

The organizers of the show had quite a show for Memorial Day Weekend. There was a dance contest held on a "stage", a bunch of food vendors, and they showed Grease around 9pm in the parking lot. More cars and trucks showed up than they, or I, expected as they ran out of room in the area of the parking lot they roped off. They even had police directing traffic from the road and workers directing traffic in the parking lot. It was a great!

Over the winter, Jeremy installed an LED light kit in addition to the lights he already had on the truck. My camera did not do it justice at all. He has lights in the interior but I couldn't get a picture to turn out.

A Baby Shower for Jess! - Saturday, June 6

Doesn't she look good? Baby Rocco will be coming into the world sometime around July 19th. We had a really good time at the shower - plenty of good food, good games and time spent with good friends.

This is a photo of 1 of the centerpieces - how cute!

As part of her gift, Mom crocheted a beautiful green and white baby blanket. I was sure that Jess would have received some handmade blankets, hats, etc but she didn't. Jess seemed to really love the blanket. There may be more handmade goodies on on their way but need to keep that a surprise because I think you-know-who reads my blog sometimes.

Happy Day

2009-05-07T07:24:00.002-04:00

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, SIS!

Help!

2009-05-07T07:13:00.002-04:00

Preserve Funding for

Main Street & Elm Street

Your Action is Needed!

It is imperative that all members, communities, businesses, volunteers, and residents immediately contact their state senator, by fax of phone, in his/her Harrisburg office. The current Pennsylvania Senate version of the 2009 - 2010 budget has been voted out of the appropriations committee. The current version proposes to zero out (i.e. CEASE FUNDING) the Main Street and Elm Street programs. Be sure to tell your senator of the importance of these programs in your respective community, particularly for job creation, investment and business development, and neighborhood improvements. Be prepared to share your quarterly reports as a means of illustrating the improvements your program has made to the community.

PDC will continue to contact Members of the Senate and serve as an unwavering advocate on behalf of Main Street and Elm Street. Updates will be sent to you as we get additional information.

We implore you to take action now! Ask your senator to advocate on behalf of the following:

1. Support funding of New Communities programs (through which Main Street and Elm Street are funded).

• Again, be prepared to tell the story of how Main Street and Elm Street have helped your specific community.

2. Forward Geoff Brace (geoffbrace@padowntown.org) your communication with your state senator, so that PDC is kept abreast with which senators need additional follow up.

3. And again, ask to preserve funding for Main Street and Elm Street.

To obtain contact information for your senator, visit the link below and use the box in the top, right hand corner of the screen, once you arrive at this URL: CLICK HERE!

To review Senate Bill 850, which includes the proposed elimination of New Communities funding, visit http://www.pasen.gov/index.cfm and use the ‘Find Legislation By’ box in the top, right hand corner of the screen. Click the ‘Bill #’ button and type in ‘SB850.’ CLICK HERE!

This email was sent out to all members / communities affiliated with Pennsylvania Downtown Center, which is where my sister works. She put it in plain terms for me:

"You can say goodbye to community events and many social services that team with the community to share funding....like the senior center, downtown improvement projects, streetscapes, lighting, new banners, welcome and way finding signage, neighborhood murals and litter clean up programs......and much more........As the economy worsens, more people turn to their community for support whether it is emotional, financial, job assistance, child/elder care, after school programs, food and shelter."

Thank you all for sending out emails to your Senators!

Allergies suck!

2009-04-29T07:17:00.004-04:00

Allergies are just so wonderful. Jeremy finally went to see an allergist yesterday. Dr. R kept saying over and over again how Jeremy is a trainwreck. They took blood, did a skin test, did a pulmonary test, saw that his lung capacity was only 82%, gave him a shot of steroids in his butt, and gave him a script for even more steroids to take over the next 6 days. We don't know if there is damage to his lungs but it is possible that that they have fluid in them and probably scar tissue. I guess when he goes back in 2 weeks we will know more.

Ever since I have known him, Jeremy has had a problem with clearing his throat a lot. He talked to Dr. P about it several times and he kept prescribing different meds and they never seemed to help. The night we went to the Pirates game everything seemed to change. He had severe chest congestion, was constantly coughing, and was barely sleeping. We went to MedExpress last week and they gave him some medicine but it didn't help. On Monday, I finally called the allergist and got him an appointment.

I actually feel guilty for not doing it sooner. I am not his parent and he is a grown man, but I still feel it was my responsibility as his wife to get his ass there and I should have done it sooner.

But, like Mom said last night, he is seeing an allergist now, is in good hands and will get some relief.

2009-04-23T07:25:00.001-04:00

Can you see it?

2009-04-23T07:19:00.003-04:00

My crew greeted me yesterday morning with a balloon, card and some bagels. Yum! Oh, and I got lots of hugs too. Happy "Your the one that keeps this office running" Day!

Too bad I was too exhausted (see previous post) to really appreciate it. I only went it to do a report and then I went home.

Jeremy worked a half day so when I got home we went to MedExpress to find out why he has been coughing so much - just his allergies apparently. Dropped off his new prescriptions at the pharmacy, went to Arby's for a quick bite, back to Giant Eagle to pick his prescriptions up, and then went home to sleep. Ahhhh....sleep :)

We watched way too many episodes of NCIS, had some grilled cheese sandwiches, and then went back to sleep.

2009-04-23T07:01:00.002-04:00

Self portrait time!

On Tuesday night, Jeremy and I spend our first night apart since the night before our wedding. Why? Because I was at the sleep study lab to find out if I have sleep apnea, which I do.

I arrived at 7:45 and was shown to my bedroom. It was nice - full size bed, recliner and a flat screen tv. After another consultation, Jim started to wire me up. I had wires "glued" to my scalp, chin, close to my eyes, chest, and legs. Then I had a monitor strapped to my chest and one strapped to my stomach. This whole process took us to about 10:30 where I was then allowed to go to sleep. (Jim also had to do this to the guy in the room beside me which is why it all took so long)

Sleep. It was so hard to do. I had anxiety about being there, I had anxiety about being in an office at night with 2 other guys, I had anxiety about my electrodes coming off and I had anxiety about trying to make myself go to sleep.

At 4:30 Jim woke me up, took my electrodes off, and sent me home.... at 4:45AM! After sleeping for maybe 3 hours total, he woke me up and sent me home. I was terrified the whole way home because I was so tired, didn't really know where I was and it was still dark outside (obviously).

I made it home safely with just enough time to go to the bathroom and wake Jeremy up to go to work.

Buddy + Pansy = almost death

2009-04-18T08:02:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago, my sister was cleaning her betta's tank and he jumped out and went down the drain in the sink. Poor Blue. I laughed because it was funny but felt bad since Blue met his untimely death and Beth was upset.

Well, my revenge(?) for laughing was this morning. I put Pansy (our betta) in his little cup with lid and had him on top of the dresser. I was cleaning his tank in the kitchen when I heard it.....

THUD!

I headed towards the bedroom, looked on top of the dresser....no Pansy.

I looked on the floor....no Pansy.

I looked at Buddy, who was sitting on the window sill....not eating Pansy.

Then I wondered, did I put him on top of the dresser?

Looked again on the floor....no Pansy.

Tried to look behind the dresser...not possible.

Something made me look in the laundry basket....Pansy! And still in his little cup!

Friday 4.17.09 - Pirates vs. Braves

2009-04-18T06:51:00.006-04:00

We scored 2 luxury suite tickets for last night's game thanks to my awesome boss. We have been to quite a few games but never in the box..... I could get used to this!

Here is a shot of the hallway. Each door goes to a suite.

The inside of our suite. Dean and awesome boss Jenn discussing the food.

The outside of the suite. The blue rolling chairs are on the top level and then there were oversized stadium seats below them.

The view. Jeremy first noticed the field - he knows how to make lines in the grass too.

No Pirates game is complete without the pierogi race!

In true Pittsburgh style, we were watching the Pens kill the Flyers on the multiple flat screen tv's that were everywhere.

And, we were listening to the Pens game on my Zune.

Jenn and I later discussed that we were both in the wrong business. 8 hot dogs and 8 hamburgers = $156! Holy shit!

Saturday, 4.11.09

2009-04-18T06:45:00.004-04:00

Beth was visiting Mom and Dad for Easter so on Saturday they came out here for a visit. Beth was really hungry for grilled Greek chicken so I made kabobs. Looking at the pictures is making me hungry!

Mom brought dessert - chocolate-covered marshmallow peeps, cupcakes, brownies, and chocolate-covered brownies. They were so good and yet so very wrong.

Rent

2009-04-14T07:28:00.003-04:00

Tonight, Jeremy and I are going to the Benedum for the opening night of Rent. I am so excited! Original Broadway cast members Anthony Rapp (Mark) and Adam Pascal (Roger) will be performing (hopefully) so that makes it even more special in my opinion.

More Proof

2009-03-31T07:19:00.002-04:00

Here is more proof that Abby prefers to play with unconventional cat toys.

No used qtips were used in the making of this video

The meowing / talking that you hear and the occasional black you see is Zoe trying to get my attention. Or, she was simply telling Abby that she is a weirdo in cat speak.

I called the cops...

2009-03-29T18:32:00.002-04:00

I called the cops today. I was sitting in the laundromat and a young couple in a Cadillac pulled into the handicap spot right outside the door. The driver, the guy, gets out and walks over to the bank. After about 10 minutes, he comes back, hands the passenger, the woman, a drink and then proceeds to the tobacco store for about 25 minutes. The whole time the woman is just sitting there.... alone....in the handicap spot....

Guy finally comes back to the car, and guy and girl get their laundry basket and come in to the laundromat. By this time I am done and heading to the car but am fuming because they showed no intention of moving their car. So, I called the police and reported them.

Within a matter of minutes, not 1 but 2 cops show up. I'm not sure if they gave him a ticket or not but he at least moved his car. (I was hiding in a near by parking lot :) )

Say what you will, but those spots are reserved for a reason. Under no circumstances would I EVER park in a handicap spot if I weren't legally entitled to it. I don't even park in the pregnant or mother with small children spots. It just isn't right!

I have growth!

2009-03-26T14:41:00.005-04:00

the shade foliage seeds

the catnip

After 1 week and 1 day, I actually have some growth! Nothing from the tomatoes or shade flowers, but I'm sure they will start sometime soon.

Random Picture Post

2009-03-26T14:32:00.003-04:00

I keep forgetting that I was tagged to do this, so here ya go Denise! Everyone - consider yourselves tagged.

Here are the rules:
1. Choose the 4th folder where you store pictures on your computer.
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder, and post it on your blog.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag four people to do the same.
5. No cheating (cropping, editing, etc.)

This picture, of a wind turbine, was taken about 2 years ago in the Somerset area. Jeremy and I are fascinated by them.

So proud

2009-03-24T19:05:00.000-04:00

I am so proud of my sort-of hometown. This story has made national news!

Movie Review - Knowing

2009-03-23T15:15:00.003-04:00

Knowing

"Synopsis: Nicolas Cage stars in Knowing, a gripping action-thriller of global proportions about a professor who stumbles on terrifying predictions about the future—and sets out to prevent them from coming true.

In 1958, as part of the dedication ceremony for a new elementary school, a group of students is asked to draw pictures to be stored in a time capsule. But one mysterious girl fills her sheet of paper with rows of apparently random numbers instead.

Fifty years later, a new generation of students examines the capsule’s contents and the girl’s cryptic message ends up in the hands of young CALEB KOESTLER. But it is Caleb’s father, professor JOHN KOESTLER (Nicolas Cage), who makes the startling discovery that the encoded message predicts with pinpoint accuracy the dates, death tolls and coordinates of every major disaster of the past 50 years. As John further unravels the document’s chilling secrets, he realizes the document foretells three additional events—the last of which hints at destruction on a global scale and seems to somehow involve John and his son. When John’s attempts to alert the authorities fall on deaf ears, he takes it upon himself to try to prevent more destruction from taking place.

With the reluctant help of DIANA WAYLAND (Rose Byrne) and ABBY WAYLAND, the daughter and granddaughter of the now-deceased author of the prophecies, John’s increasingly desperate efforts take him on a heart-pounding race against time until he finds himself facing the ultimate disaster—and the ultimate sacrifice. --© Summit Entertainment"

Some of the graphics were very disturbing - people/animals burning to death - but they were really well done. We didn't know a whole lot about the moving going into it except that we figured it was going to be some type of "the world is coming to an end" movie. Was it doomsday? The Rapture? Aliens? Who know!

I wouldn't recommend paying movie theatre prices to see it, but paying $1 at Redbox would be ok. It's typical Nicolas Cage - think "Ghost Rider", not "National Treasure".

A lovely conversation....

2009-03-23T15:13:00.003-04:00

Back story - Jeremy and I had just gotten our hair cut. I didn't see him because he was sitting right behind me in a chair. I'm done and am being turned around.
Bonnie - "Wow! You look handsome!"
Jeremy - "Thanks...so do you!"
Slam! against my short hair.
Jerk.

Movie Review - The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

2009-03-23T14:53:00.003-04:00

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
"When his family moves from their home in Berlin to a strange new house in Poland, young Bruno (Asa Butterfield) befriends Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), a boy who lives on the other side of the fence where everyone wears striped pajamas. Unaware of the fate of those Jewish prisoners or the role his own Nazi father plays in it, Bruno embarks on a dangerous journey inside the camp. Mark Herman directs this gripping adaptation of the novel by John Boyne."

A friend of mine lent me this to watch last week. The movie was excellent as was the soundtrack. As long as I stayed in the mind frame that the movie was fictional I was ok watching it, but the actuality of it all kept creeping in.

I honestly think that this movie could find it's place in the classroom. I remember reading about the Holocaust, and while it was sad, it was incredibly hard to fathom. This movie brings an understanding and an incredible amount of truth to the Holocaust.

For some reason, I always pictured in my mind that everyone in Nazi Germany knew what was going on and that they all agreed with it. This movie ended that idea for me. They all didn't know and they all certainly didn't agree.

I would recommend watching this movie.

Progress

2009-03-19T18:54:00.002-04:00

As of this morning, I am officially done with occupational therapy. Woo hoo! No more getting up at 5am two times a week, driving for an hour, being worked on for 1-1/2 hours and then rushing to work. I am not pain free but that should come with some more time. Next round begins in July with my left hand. Let's hope and pray that this one ends up being typical.

Garden

2009-03-19T18:48:00.003-04:00

I started my garden tonight. Beth mailed me 2 of those hanging plant things -1 for tomatoes and 1 that came with 2 saddlebags for shade flowers and plants. I saved the plastic things from last year and planted the seeds. In about 8 weeks they should be ready to plant. Yay! I only hope that Abby doesn't start digging in the dirt because the plants are on our bedroom window ledge until it gets nice outside.

Our catnip survived the winter and is looking good. I already snipped some off and gave it to the gang about a month ago.

2009-03-15T08:03:00.003-04:00

Seriously, I spend actual money on toys for the cats and they get the most enjoyment out of playing with a roll of bandage tape.

See the little white thing on the floor? That is the tape.

Completely ignoring the "paid for" mouse and going after the bandage tape.

Pens

2009-03-15T07:40:00.003-04:00

On Friday, I was given tickets to the Pens game yesterday. I've never been to an actual game before so I was pretty excited. I won tickets last year from the company but gave them to Jeremy for a boy's night out. Anyway, we had lots of fun. I screamed almost the entire time and clapped so hard my hands still hurt.

AI Follow-up

2009-03-12T09:10:00.000-04:00

So I guessed one right. I wonder what next week's theme is....

Also, this new rule about having a judges save is a good idea. However, it is going to do nothing for the self-esteem of those booted of that weren't saved. Bummer.

Crime Scene Drive-by

2009-03-12T09:08:00.001-04:00

I drove past this this morning on my way to Physical Therapy. I thought that it was a little strange that there would be so many news vans at a car accident and then I heard on the radio that it was a crime scene. Great!

WPXI Story

KDKA Story

My AI Thoughts

2009-03-11T18:52:00.003-04:00

Not that my opinion matters much, but here are my thoughts on the Top 13 from last night.

My top picks are:
Adam - boy can sing!
Danny - love him!
Lil - holy powerhouse Batman!
Allison - edgy, can't believe she is only 16

My "I hope they stay in for as long as they can" picks are:
Scott - I really like him
Matt - great singer
Alexis - great!

My "They can go home whenever" picks are:
Anoop - just not getting him
Jorge - why is he in the top 13?
Jasmine - she can sing, for sure, but I just don't like her
Meghan - she is different, perhaps too much
Michael - really liked him at first but he just keeps playing it too safe
Kris - didn't like him from the beginning

My guess is that Adam, Danny and Lil will be in the Top 3. Who is getting kicked off tonight? I think Michael and Jorge.

Another great commercial...

2009-03-10T20:33:00.000-04:00

A Great Commercial - Remix version

2009-03-10T20:31:00.000-04:00

2009-03-08T13:44:00.005-04:00

The bathroom has become Buddy and Abby's bedroom. They love sleeping on the nice fuzzy rug.

When using our bathroom, don't be too surprised if you pull back the shower curtain and find this:

Finally, some Spring redecorating -

Another month almost goes by...

2009-03-08T12:52:00.018-04:00

I do have good intentions of keeping my blog updated, but it just hasn't been possible.

#1 - I, of course, am in the 2% of people that have difficulties after carpal tunnel surgery. This means going to physical therapy 2 times a week, being strapped to a stim unit 4 times a day, and rubbing smelly pain reliever cream on my hand and wrist as needed. Good times! Ron, my therapist, has talked me into waiting until July when my new benefit year starts to have my left hand done. This way, if I am again the 2% group, I will have a fresh set of physical therapy allotments.

#2 - Jeremy is progressing nicely with his ankle. He still walks a little funny but other than that he is almost perfectly normal. He goes back for another check up next month. I am guessing that if everything continues to look good he will have the screws and pins removed in the winter.

#3 - My birthday was fun. Mom, Dad, and Beth all came out here to go to the 5th Annual Knit and Crochet Festival up in Cranberry. Emily came out too and on Saturday we went to the Andy Warhol Museum and walked around the Southside. Dad, Jeremy, and Marty went to the Carnegie Science Center and then we all met up for dinner at Quaker Steak & Lube. The amount of people that were there for dinner, on Valentine's Day, amazed me.

#4 - The following weekend was our annual shared birthday party. I chose swiss steak with buttered noodles which tasted great. We had an awesome cake that Mom and Beth made:

and awesome chocolate covered strawberries:

And Mom made Aunt Bon a crocheted hippo wearing a bikini. Too cute!

Some random shots I was able to take before my life was threatened...

#5 - Dad's paintings just keep getting better and better. Here are just a few:

#6 - On the 2nd, I seriously saw about 40-50 robins all at 1 time. They have taken up residence on a few of the trees in the woods where I work. I was so excited!

#7 - Even though I would consider myself an avid griller, I haven't grilled one darn thing in a LONG time. So, to celebrate the beautiful weather, I stopped and got some steak for Friday night's dinner and fired up the BBQ.

#8 - Yesterday, Mom and Dad came for a visit and to drop off the latest creation:

Yes, a booby pillow! It is great :)

#9 - While typing all of this, I kept hearing a strange sound and began to think it was a dog crying. I checked it out and discovered that it was a lone turkey outside of our window "talking" up a storm. Interesting....

And finally, #10 because you just need a good even number -
GO PENS!

2009-02-08T17:54:00.003-05:00

I went out on the porch this afternoon to do a little cleaning up since it was covered in bird seed and pine. The cats were watching me the whole time and got really excited when I discovered that their planters of catnip had some new growth. I grabbed my little scissors and started to prune the dead off (left-handed!) and Buddy, Zoe, and Abby started going crazy. I picked off some nice pieces for them and brought it inside.... yay for the kitty crack!

Carpal Tunnel Release - Round #1

2009-02-08T17:39:00.003-05:00

On Friday, I had the fastest surgical procedure known to man - laproscopic carpal tunnel release. Mom still can't believe how fast it went. It wasn't pleasant and I honestly don't know if I am going to have my left hand done or not. I have about a week to decide since it is scheduled for Feb. 20th.

Here I am recovering on Saturday, with help from Abby:

Under that band-aid is my incision - only about 1/4" in length and with only 2 stitches.

My hand and wrist are still swollen, but that should go away in a few days. I have to keep the incision sealed for the first 3 days and then I can get it wet and keep a band aid on it.

2009-02-08T17:38:00.001-05:00

How precious!

2009-02-02T18:06:00.000-05:00

Super, Super, Super Bowl...

Three quarterbacks, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger go to Heaven to visit God and watch a Celtics game. God decides who will sit next to him by asking the boys a question.

God asks Peyton Manning first: "What do you believe?" Manning thinks long and hard, looks God in the eye, and says "I believe in hard work, and in staying true to family and friends. I believe in giving. I was lucky, but I've always tried to do right by my fans." God can't help but see the essential goodness of Manning, and offers him a seat to his left.

Then God turns to Tom Brady and says "What do you believe?" Tom says "I believe passion, discipline, goodness and honor are the fundamentals of life. I too have been lucky, but win or lose, I have always tried to be a true sportsman, both on and off the playing fields. God is moved by Tom's sincere eloquence, and offers him a seat to his right.

Finally God turns to Big Ben Roethlisberger, "And you, Ben, what do you believe?"

Ben replies "I believe you're in my seat."

Here We Go!

2009-01-31T18:28:00.004-05:00

2009-01-31T18:21:00.007-05:00

We celebrated Frank's 60th birthday last Sunday at The Cheesecake Factory. YUM!

Me, Jeremy, Frank

Anna, Pam, Shawn (and no, they didn't plan to coordinate)

It wouldn't be a party if we didn't have the servers sing!

They really decorated his dessert. Too bad they actually decorated Jeremy's plate instead of Franks....oops! The thought was there though!

I got this one - it is there special 30th anniversary cheesecake. Yummy!!!

Oh yeah, and our actual food was good too :)

2009-01-31T18:03:00.009-05:00

Frank officially retired from Westinghouse yesterday, after over 35 years. His party was last Friday night and was pretty fun. Jeremy and I were asked to raid the old pictures at the house and find the good ones so they could make a poster with them.

During his fighting days while he was in Korea

Here are just a few from the collage:

"Would you buy a used car from this man?"

"Auditioning for 'Dances with Wolves'" (Jeremy is the little baby Frank is holding in the picture to the right)

The speech!

His big retirement gift!

Frank & Anna

Happy Retirement, Dad!

Our 1st Anniversary

2009-01-31T17:39:00.002-05:00

We celebrated our first wedding anniversary on January 12. I still can't believe that a year has past. Jeremy and I didn't plan a big get-a-way or anything like that; we just enjoyed dinner together at the wonderful Olive Garden :)

Jeremy surprised me when I came home from work the Friday before our anniversary with an aquarium stand. I didn't realize the change at first but when I scanned the living room I noticed the table that it had been sitting on was now behind the couch. Only then did I realize that something was different. He did a great job picking it out! He then also made a pretty funny comment - "I really liked this one because it has the glass door on the one side and then the shelves on the other side so you can put your pretty sit around things on it. Not that I care about things like that, but they do look nice."

Jeremy's present from me is a fuel line for his truck. Awwww - the romance!

2009-01-29T14:30:00.001-05:00

I really need to sit down and update but I want to get this out there. A good friend of mine, Amanda, and her mother published their first book not too long ago. Amanda did the illustrations and her Mom wrote it. The main characters are Amanda's little brother and sister and they are really cute!

I finally got a chance to see it and read it this past weekend and it was great. They are still working on getting it in stores, but if you are interested in purchasing any they are available. CLICK HERE FOR THE WEBSITE The book is only $6.50 and will make a great gift. Let me know if you are intersted.

Thanks!

1 year ago today

2009-01-06T21:09:00.003-05:00

One year ago today, was the last Tuesday night as a Gordon. I am sure I was sitting in front of this very computer getting some final things ready for the wedding. Going over our to-do lists, checking the out-of-town packets one more time, and anxiously awaiting our family and friends to arrive to start the final wedding details.

I always thought that I would remember every exact detail, but thinking back, things are running together for me. Memory and time are funny things. They seem to keep the happy moments bright and cheery and let the bad things fade away. Thank God for the fading moments!

Cold Beauty

2009-01-06T21:02:00.007-05:00

This picture was taken on Saturday. No snow, no ice, sun brightly shining, yet there was an ice formation on one of the bushes outside of our apartment.

Somewhere along Rt. 22

Outside of the back entrance where I work, is this little waterfall. These were taken a few weeks ago.

Christmas Lights

2009-01-06T20:50:00.006-05:00

Jeremy and I love Christmas decorations. Our little apartment looks like Christmas just came in and threw up all over the place...nice thought, huh? We found 2 houses that really got us excited.

I can't remember exactly where this house is, but it is close to West Mifflin. Jeremy's physical therapist gave us the address. This family has their lights programmed to a radio station. I can't imagine how long it takes them to orchestrate all of this.

There is another house close to our apartment that has an awesome display too. It isn't flashy, but check out their huge decorated trees!

You can see the top peak of this house in the bottom right of the below picture.

Amazing!

Ahhh...the Holidays

2009-01-06T20:16:00.015-05:00

So I have been a huge slacker by not updating my blog for a while. So here goes...

Jeremy is doing very well. He still isn't back to work yet, but will hopefully get clearance soon.

I decided to do some Christmas baking for the first time this year. Mom and Dad came out to help and things went pretty well. I baked some breads....

And a whole bunch of cookies...

Yum!

Christmas celebrations were nice. We celebrated with Jeremy's side of the family on the 21st, which also happened to be the first day of Hanukkah. Since I am a total dork, I put their presents in Hanukkah gift bags as a joke but I don't think anyone picked up on it. Oh well. The Steelers played that day and sadly lost...

Then we went to Mom & Dad's on Wednesday and stayed through Friday.

I had fun "torturing" Rusty by putting a pretty bow on him. I thought he looked very handsome! Then the poor guy drank too many tumbleweeds...(adult "chocolate milk")

just kidding!
The "torture" continued with Aunt Bon's and Emma epic battle. (no animals or humans were injured in the filming of this lovely relationship)

I just love Christmas!

2008-12-16T14:18:00.003-05:00

I took this past Friday and Monday off work to do some holiday baking. Mom and Dad came out on Saturday and Sunday to help which I am thankful for. Mom and I made blueberry bread, banana nut bread, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, chocolate-covered shortbread logs, peanut blossoms, chocolate-covered oreos and chocolate-covered pretzel sticks. Plus, Mom made some pizzelle for me to include in our cookie trays. Yummy! The apartment smelled great!

Jeremy will be starting some physical therapy soon. His ankle is looking good but is obviously weak so hopefully therapy will get him going full speed soon. Dr. Broudy said that whenever he feels comfortable he can start walking around in sneakers. When that starts, he will then be able to drive again. Yay!!! Everything keeps looking up for him!

Me, on the other hand... not so much. We had a piggy-back appointment with Broudy yesterday-
Left ankle - arthritis - treament: Naproxen
Right foot - not sure - treatment: Naproxen
Left elbow - mild tennis elbow - treament: Naproxen
Right elbow - tennis elbow - treatment: Naproxen and brace
Right hand thumb - not sure - treatment: Naproxen and a brace during the night
Right wrist and hand - maybe carpal tunnel - treatment: ENG / nerve conductor test next week, Naproxen, and probably braces during the night if the tests come back as carpal tunnel

A Little Fun

2008-12-10T13:33:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Jeremy Update

2008-12-10T13:13:00.002-05:00

Yay! Jeremy had another check up on Monday and they removed his cast for good! He now has to wear a cam boot and can start to increase his weight bearing. The doctor was probably thinking that the increase would occur over a few days, but Jeremy ditched the crutches yesterday. He is also doing some range of motion exercises and is doing rather well with those. He goes back this Monday to determine if he will need physical therapy or not. Thank God!

Every. Single. Morning

2008-12-04T20:53:00.003-05:00

Every morning, as I try to stay asleep for just a few more minutes, Abby starts trying to wake us up. She is almost as reliable as our alarm clock.

2008-11-27T22:10:00.000-05:00

Poor Buddy

2008-11-22T18:49:00.003-05:00

Poor, poor Buddy! We finally got to bring Buddy home from the surgery center this morning. He has to wear a cone for the next 2 weeks and he isn't very happy about it. When we got home he investigated the apartment while Zoe and Abby kept their distance. I guess I shouldn't be surprised about it, but Abby is really not happy with him. I guess because he looks and smells funny. Hopefully in a few days she will warm back up to him.

We are supposed to keep him calm and quiet but that has been pretty impossible. I set up the crate for him with his special kitty litter, his favorite bed and some food and water but he destroyed it in a matter of a few minutes. I let him out and he went into our bedroom and fell asleep on our bed. Poor boy!

Below is the video I took of him banging his cone off of everything. Ignore Jeremy talking in the background please. :)

Rite Aid Celebration of Lights at Hartwood Acres

2008-11-22T18:01:00.018-05:00

Last night we went to Hartwood Acres for the opening night of the Rite Aid Celebration of Lights. They have a special radio station to listen to during the 3-mile drive that plays Christmas songs, featuring a commercial with Joe Denardo that plays practically every 3 minutes. We have to laugh because it seems that each time we started to record our videos the commercial came on.

This is at the beginning.

Manger scene.

Could you imagine wrapping all of these trees? They have several other areas just like this one but with different colors.

The mansion from a distance

This video is from Bear Land.

This video is from my favorite display

This video is of the tree near the end that lights up in segments.

2008-11-20T14:04:00.000-05:00

2008-11-12T13:45:00.003-05:00

Looking for a cute kitty? I have an orange and white boy looking for a good home. He has been stalking me on a daily basis and managed to get into the building the other day. Anyone?

2008-11-12T13:29:00.003-05:00

On Monday, Jeremy got his stitches out and a new cast put on. We were hoping for a black and gold cast but they said that they aren't making yellow anymore...grrr! The doctor and nurses all said that his ankle is looking great considering what it looked like at the first visit. He still has bruising on the top part of his ankle but other than that it looks almost normal! He goes back on Dec. 8 for another check. We asked the nurse what could happen then and she said that it could be possible that he would get a brace and start to walk again. As for now, he is only only 30% weight bearing....hmmm 30%.....why not say 37 3/15%?

We go back today to either get his cast fixed or have a new one put on because the one from Monday is starting to fall apart already. Once again, I had to do a duct tape fix until we could get an appointment.

I am grateful!

2008-10-28T15:05:00.004-04:00

I could say that I am a little upset that I wasn't invited to participate in the building's pot-luck luncheon today but I'm really not. Two of us were excluded so at least I wasn't alone.

I am grateful because I didn't have to bring in food, which involves time and money. I am also grateful because that meant that I didn't have to socialize with a bunch of people that I don't know.

Thanks again! (Seriously!)

Gratitude

2008-10-27T15:07:00.004-04:00

Things haven't been very smooth lately. I seem to be dropping just about anything and everything that could make a mess usually right before I need to be walking out the door. Things are breaking (husbands included) that cost more that just a couple of bucks. I am reminded on a daily basis that I am no longer "in the know" when it comes to technology and youth. (I just found out what Rock Band was and said, "Oh, they were playing with that on Good Morning America the other day"). My best friend, for over 16 years, just had her cervix scraped and biopsied because of abnormal cells and Mother Nature's gift has been knocking at my door for the past 2 weeks thanks to several changes in my birth control. Eeyore is making a daily appearance in my life; we have coffee together every morning in the car.

Things really need to change, beginning with my attitude. Jeremy and I had a long discussion yesterday on having a positive outlook and attitude. It is something we both need to work on, especially during these tough times.

I was reading a favorite magazine this afternoon and came across an article on gratitude. I am typing some parts word for word and skipping other parts. For the full article, pick up this month's Real Simple.

"4 Benefits of Giving Thanks" by Nykia Spradley and Lesley Aiderman
1. IT HELPS YOU FEEL IN CONTROL - In a recent study, people who wrote a letter acknowledging their gratitude once a week felt more autonomous than did those who did not....Why? It suggests they started to take credit for the good things in their own lives.
2. IT IMPROVES YOUR HEALTH - People who keep gratitude journals tend to exercise an average of 33% more each week and sleep a half hour more each night. These people also report more energy and vitality.
3. IT HELPS YOU COPE BETTER WITH TRAUMA - Painful memories are less likely to surface - and are less intense when they do - in those who are regularly grateful. If you're focused on what's good in your life at present, you're better able to neutralize negative emotions from the past.
4. IT BOLSTERS SELF-WORTH AND SELF-ESTEEM - If you count your blessings, then instead of becoming negative at the first sign of difficulty, you can concentrate on the things you value most.

Numbers 3 and 4 are the ones that hit home for me the most. I really have been trying to find the positive, but with recent events it has become harder.

What am I grateful for today?
- I am grateful that my father-in-law put new brakes on my car, paid for said brakes, and
cleaned the tree sap off of my windshield.
- I am grateful that my car passed inspection.
- I am grateful that my husband successfully bathed today without much help from me.
- I am grateful that dinner turned out as planned.
- I am grateful that I had the courage to stand up to my boss and tell him that I was upset
with him and what needed to be done to fix it.

Sunday Drives

2008-10-27T14:14:00.009-04:00

Yesterday was beautiful Fall day. So beautiful, that we had to get out of the apartment and go for a little Sunday drive.

One week already?!?!?

2008-10-24T09:59:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that it has been a week since I last posted about what has been going on!

On Monday we went to see Dr. Broudy. They took his splint off, Dr. Broudy looked at it for about a second and said that his surgery would be the next day. Great!

Tuesday was his surgery at Forbes. It was a long, exhausting day but he did really well so that is all that matters. He started to have a lot of bleeding once we got home and the tape on his splint didn't hold very well. So, I used all of our bandage tape and then switched to DUCT tape in my attempt to cover the bleeding areas with bandages and to tape his splint back on.

Wednesday, Mom and Dad came out so I could go to work. Since I didn't have any room in my freezer Mom couldn't cook to relieve her stress so she cleaned and did our laundry again. I can't begin to say how grateful I am for her doing all of that! However, she ripped apart our one air purifier and then couldn't get it back together again, broke the vacuum cleaner, and somehow ordered a movie from On Demand. I really don't care because dinner was made when I got home and I knew that Jeremy was in great hands.

Thursday, Mom fixed the vacuum cleaner somehow and Dad decorated our tree for us for Fall. It is beautiful!

Mom also made a pot of potato corn soup for dinner. It was really good. Jeremy had another appointment with Dr. Broudy in the afternoon. We were in his office for over 2 hours! Grrr.... You would think that they would have some type of provisions for their patients as far as elevating is concerned when they know you are going to be sitting there for a long period of time. They didn't, so Mom grabbed one of the garbage cans and Jeremy was able to elevate using that. Dr. Broudy said that the cankle is looking good and it was time for a cast. Getting it on was an adventure but Jeremy now has a pretty blue cast.

He will have that on until Nov. 10 when he will get his stitches out and then another cast put on. We are hoping that they can do sometype of Black and Gold casting...we will see! I think it will all depend on the mood of our nurse that day :) Before his next appointment, Jeremy wants to get his picture taken with his truck since the cast and truck are so close in color. It is sick and I just love it!

Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers!

Friday, 10/17

2008-10-19T15:54:00.003-04:00

Mom and Dad came out for support and to help me get things in order as far as the apartment is concerned. Mom brought some food, cooked, did our laundry (the best gift ever!) and even cleaned.

I was able to get Jeremy an appointment at 2:15 with Dr. Broudy, a surgeon with Orthopedic Associates of Pittsburgh. The staff was super nice and they were fast too. They pulled up his x-rays and decided that we need to go back on Monday to get more films done. Most likely, he will need surgery, which will take place on Tuesday at Forbes Regional. They put another temporary cast on him and instructed us to elevate practically non-stop and to ice as directed so that the swelling will be down by Monday.

Mom went to Giant Eagle with me to get some groceries and to get Jeremy's new prescription. That was such a fiasco! I have to keep remembering to pray when I get frustrated with these things....

"Lord, keep one hand on my shoulder and the other hand over my mouth.
Amen!"

Thursday, 10/16

2008-10-19T15:21:00.004-04:00

I have taken over a big role in the company by tracking the covers for our weekly papers...4 positions each in 75 publications. Except for Jenn, our big big manager, no one knew how to do this part of my job. So, Jenn decided that it was time for me to train a few back-ups just in case anything should happen and so that I would be able to take days off of work from time to time. After about 4 weeks, I finally trained 3 colleagues on Thursday.

After the training, Becky (fellow assistant) and my boss, Curt, decided to go to one of the local restaurants for some lunch. We ordered and were sitting there discussing some ways to improve our department when my phone rang. I grabbed it and noticed that it was Jeremy. I ignored him since I figured he was just calling to see how my day was and because I didn't want to take a personal call in front of my boss, even if it was during my lunch break. A second later, my phone rang again. This time I answered it only to hear Jeremy breathing hard. He told me that he was in an accident at work. My heart dropped. I said to Curt that he needed to take me back to the office because Jeremy was in an accident, but Curt said that he wanted to wait until our food came out and we would get it to go. I didn't know what to say so I just walked out of the restaurant and talked to Jeremy on the phone until the ambulance arrived and he had to get off.

Apparently, Jeremy was changing the attachment on a machine like this.

His right leg was kicking out the pin that held the attachment on and his left leg was still inside where the seat is. His left leg accidentally kicked a lever that caused the boom arms to come down on top of his right ankle. He was positive that his ankle was crushed. Somehow, he was able to get the arm off of his leg and sit in the sit while screaming for help.

The paramedics weren't sure which hospital they were going to take him to so his boss said that he would call me when they told him. Curt and Becky finally came out of the restaurant and we left. When we got back to work I jumped in my car, programmed UPMC McKeesport into the GPS, and was on my way. I was 5 minutes away from the hospital when Tobin called to say that they still weren't sure which hospital they were taking him to. I went to McKeesport anyway, because I had a feeling, and got him pre-registered and waited for the ambulance to come. Thankfully, they didn't take him to Presby like they thought!

I was allowed to go straight back to the exam room with him. They got him switched over to the other bed and then I was able to get a look at his ankle. The nurses came, the doctor came, the x-ray techs came, and then the doctor came back to give us the news that his ankle was broken in 2 places. Technically, he has a fracture in both his tibia and fibula, not his "ankle" (pretty much where the arrows are pointing in this picture)

Thanks to the fact that this is a workman's compensation case, they were not able to give Jeremy ANY pain meds because he still had to take a drug test. A drug test which, by the way, was not able to be administered at the hospital due to the fact that Valley Crest's insurance wanted it sent to a specific lab. The wonderful nurses applied a temporary cast and sent us on our way.

We went and got the drug test done, dropped off his prescription at the store, got home and put him in bed, threw dinner in the oven, went back to the store for his pain meds, and finally got home around 6:30.

The day's events were sort of ironic. I trained people how to be me at work and 2 hours later, our lives turn upside down a bit. Great timing!

2008-10-09T10:24:00.004-04:00

Lori (Drake) Gilbert (right)
10/11/69 - 10/09/08

We will miss you Lori!

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
-Mary Frye

16 Blessed Minutes

2008-10-07T09:50:00.000-04:00

From Stacy's Blog -

Family and Friends
I sit with a lack of words...
Isaac Timothy Delisle was born and was with his precious mom and dad for 16 minutes and then Jesus welcomed him home.
Stacy and Spencer are able to be with him and hold him.The doctor said he was beautiful!!Stacy went through the surgery well. The doctor said that they both are full of great courage and strength.
More details will come when we get them.
Details about a memorial service will be coming soon. I will try to give updates as we get them.
Kirsten for Stacy and Spencer

He Will Carry Me - Prayer Request

2008-10-06T13:30:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow, October 7, Stacy and Spencer will finally meet their son for the first time. They will, almost certainly, say goodbye to him just a short time later. You can read their full story here if you are interested. To put it simply, Isaac (their unborn son) will be born with Turner's or Down's syndrome (best case) or Trisomy 13 or 18 (worst case). With all of the testing that was done, the doctors are only giving Isaac a 10% chance of living after birth. I can't even imagine what they are going through. Here is a list that Stacy put together of their specific requests.
1. For a miracle... we know that it's not too late, and that God had the power to heal Isaac should that be His will. Please don't stop asking.
2. For His peace that surpasses understanding... there's a lot we don't understand about all of this; but we desire to rest in the peace of the truth of who God is.
3. For strength... just getting through our days at work has become a pretty laborious task.
4. For my body to continue to cooperate with this medicine and not go into labor prior to Oct 7.
5. For my fears to be calmed about having a c-section.
6. For the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff that will be working with us... that they may see Christ through our choices, through our love for Isaac, and through our love for each other.
7. For the doctors performing the c-section... that they would be able to navigate this more "complicated" procedure in a way that would be as pain-free as possible for Isaac and that wouldn't put my body or health in jeopardy in any way.
8. For Spencer... that God would strength and uphold him as he continues to comfort and support me.
9. For our parents and sibblings... they, too, are experiencing a loss.
10. For the details we're trying to work on regarding a burial service and a memorial service for Isaac... that the details would come together and they would both honor Isaac and bring glory to God.
11. For the details we're working on with our church regarding having a playground built in Isaac's honor.
12. For a good night's sleep each night, and particularly the night of October 6.
13. For God to carry us and make His presence very real to us in the weeks and months to come. 14. Please pray for peace today, tonight, and tomorrow; please pray that we'd be able to have joy in meeting Isaac even though we know that time will also be filled with sorrow.
Stacy also mentioned wanting to be able to fully be with Isaac while he is alive but she is afraid that it won't be possible because of the c-section.
We need to pray for this family. We need to pray for peace. We need to pray for understanding. We need to pray for the thousand of others going through this.

Vice-Presidential Debate

2008-10-06T13:18:00.003-04:00

This is simply brilliant. Tina Fey was excellent! Queen Latifah was excellent!

Attagirl

2008-09-26T12:44:00.003-04:00

Urban Dictionary
definition -
1. An expression of congratulations or praise directed at a female.
Comes from the expression "that's a good girl" which became "that a girl" and finally "attagirl."
"Attagirl! I knew you could do it.

2. A girl that is awesome, meaning "that-a-girl" or "what-a-girl", also see shiznit.
Bonnie is such an attagirl. (My personal favorite definition)

3. this definition is too vulgar... and I honestly have no idea why it would be considered a definition of this word

Anyway, I got an "Attagirl" today. Very nice considering I was in the boss-man's office yesterday crying so hard that I made the Niagra Falls seem like a puddle streaming downhill.

"Dear Bonnie,
Thank you for taking the time to explain the new I/O to Ralph (and me). You demonstrated remarkable patience and skill. I know something about training and coaching so I can see you have outstanding skills in these areas (in addition to your outstanding technical skills).
Thanks again,
Jim

Jim is one of our "Corporate Trainers" and is highly respected in our company. He is one of those guys that has been around forever, knows the ins and outs better than anyone, and is highly respected. I am very excited that of all people, he is recognizing me and my abilities. With everything that is going on in this company, my "Attagirl" really couldn't have come at a better time.

Vacation! - Monday

2008-09-24T07:13:00.011-04:00

Cracked in the rears yet again for dolphin sightings. The funny thing about this sighting was that the dolphins were going in the opposite direction than the day before. I didn't try to get any pictures because I focused on the video. I actually caught a dolphin flipping! Watch Video.
I got some AMAZING sunrise pictures...

We went to Assateague Island for the day.

Since I hadn't been there in years I sort of forgot about the importance of having gas in your car... needless to say we desperately needed to leave and get gas.

When we were leaving, Ella suggested that we meet at this BBQ place called Smoker's BBQ Pit which was close by for lunch. We went to the closest gas station and used one of those really old (ha, ha, ha) gas pumps that didn't have a digital screen or a place to swipe your credit card. We went to Smoker's and had very good lunch. Then, back to Assateague!

That night Jeremy and I decided that we were going to go play our traditional game of miniature golf. After the game (I won! I won! I won!) we went to a sub shop called Tommy's Subs. (blah) It was another great day at the beach!

Vacation! - Sunday

2008-09-19T18:50:00.012-04:00

I can't remember who, but someone cracked us in the butt to wake up because they saw dolphins. I, of course, did not mind this one bit! Here is a picture - look for the fin.

Watch the video here.

We really didn't do much because we were all pretty tired so we sat around and read all of those wonderful free publications and coupon books. Ella, Jeremy and I decided that we were going to go ride the OC Screamer. We hopped in the car and made our way down to where they dock and came across hundreds of motorcycles. (It was Delmarva Bike Week) We drove around trying to find somewhere to park and then we finally got the idea to check to see if the boat was still running and to see if our seats were still reserved. Dad hopped out and checked and was told that the boat had encountered some problems and to try again tomorrow. Crap!

We went back to the condo and I started to cook dinner for Jeremy's birthday party. His birthday isn't until the 26th, but he wanted to celebrate down at the beach. Dinner was pretty good but let me just paint a picture in your head for a minute - a soup pot and a frying pan were basically all I had to pull off a pierogie dinner. During the day, Mom was sort of sneaking around while making Jeremy his birthday cake. Last year, she made him a hot dog cake. This year, she made him a hamburger with all of the fixings and steak fries.

It was so much fun! How cute is this?!?!?

VACATION! - Saturday

2008-09-19T18:50:00.005-04:00

Early Saturday morning we set off for our 7-hour'ish journey to Ocean City, Md. The drive down was fairly uneventful (I slept half of the way). Just before crossing the Bay Bridge, Jeremy pointed out a very interesting cloud formation...

I am so not making this up! In the 2nd picture, look above the truck and you will see it again.

We arrived safely, got the keys to the condo, and unloaded the car. The rest of the family joined a little while later.

We went to Captain's Pizza for dinner. It was pretty good! Mom, Aunt Bon and I then went to the grocery store after we dropped everyone else off at the condo. I suddenly remembered where I get my marathon run from while shopping; I could hardly keep up with Mom as she zipped up and down the aisles tossing things in the cart.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

2008-08-29T14:13:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine told me about this with a warning to have a box of tissues close by. Now I know what she meant. I cannot even imagine what this is like for either the family or the photographer.

The story of how this organization started is incredible. If you can, make sure that you read the founder's letter to her son, Maddux. http://www.nowisleep.com/showthread.php?t=6&highlight=maddux (There are 3 parts to the letter that are accessed above the letter)

The Gallery http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/pageDisplay.php?page=20 shows just some of the photographs. If you click on the picture you also read the story about that family.

May God continue to bless the photographers who donate their time and services to these families.
http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/start.php

Dogs in the car

2008-07-31T11:43:00.003-04:00

I took a break this morning outside with a co-worker. We heard a dog barking and looked to see where it was coming from. We saw it in a car directly in front of us barking frantically with all of the windows of the car closed. Completely closed! We waited about 5 minutes and I decided to call the local police (yes, I used the non-emergency number). We waited another 10 minutes and before the cops showed up, the guy came out of the salon right next to us and got in the car and left. I still can't grasp that this man actually did this. There have been tons of psa's done by tons of different animal welfare groups regarding leaving animals in cars. You just DON'T do it!

Here are some facts from 2 articles I quickly found on www.humanesociety.org :

on an 85 degree day, the temp in a car can increase to 102 degrees in just 10 minutes
after 30 minutes on said day it can increase to 120 degrees
on hot & humid days in direct sunlight, temperatures can increase 30 degrees PER MINUTE!
on mild days, at 72 degrees the temp can increase more than 40 degrees per hour with 80% of that increase occurring within the first 30 minutes
110 degrees poses a danger of heatstroke in dogs
cracked windows provide a minuscule benefit

Interestingly enough, some auto manufacturers are understanding the fact that some people are just stupid and need some type of alarm system in their vehicles for purposes such as this. General Motors has been working on a low-energy radar system since 2001 that will be able to detect motion as subtle as a baby breathing. The sensor will then trigger a unique horn alarm if the temp inside the vehicle registers at a dangerous level. The article from 2003 mentioned that GM hoped to introduce this mid-decade but I couldn't find any mention of it on GM's website. Perhaps they have turned their focus more to fuel efficiency and other forms of safety alarms.

To all of my friends, family, aquantances, and such - please do not leave your pets in your cars!

Who has been reading this?

2008-07-29T16:39:00.001-04:00

I figured that Denise was the one reading my blog, but as her comment states below, she only just discovered it. So, who has been reading it? Please comment! I would love to know!

Seriously?

2008-07-28T13:29:00.005-04:00

I admit that I have been on the crew of the green patrol for a few months now and have made a few simple, yet environmentally friendly, changes in our household. I have been getting better at remembering my cloth shopping bags when going to the store, have been diligent in using the mounds of plastic bags that we had under the sink for other purposes, have switched laundry and household cleaners, and have been trying to purchase less packaged foods to reduce our garbage (and wastelines!). However, this is where I absolutely, 100%, draw the line...

No, these are not cat toys, but are crocheted and/or knitted tampons! There was an article in the PG regarding a woman who has taken steps to reduce paper waste in the home. This lovely woman sews their own menstrual pads, paper towels, tissues, etc. Yes, even toilet paper!

http://http//www.post-gazette.com/pg/08197/897011-113.stm

http://http//www.eapoos.com/

Sorry, but no amount of environmental thinking is going to make me think about going this route.

Dear Fellow Chip Chewers and other crunchy things,

2008-07-28T13:16:00.002-04:00

I am writing today to beg you to please close your mouth when eating chips or other crunchy items. It is pretty easy - all you have to do is close your lips after placing the crunchiness in your mouth and THEN start chewing. It isn't necessary to start the chewing process immediately. If it is, then you are shoving too much into your gaping hole!

Sincerely yours,
Bonnie

Fireworks Festival

2008-07-14T15:49:00.002-04:00

On Saturday we went up to New Castle to partake in their annual Fireworks Festival. The day was beautiful and the weatherman said to enjoy the sun and lack of rain. He was wrong because it started to pour when we were trying to find our perfect sitting place from last year. It stopped so we took a walk to get some food and enjoy the festivities. When we got back to the car we got our chairs set up and started to eat. About 10 minutes after that it started to rain again. The show was to begin at 9:30.... then it got pushed back to 10.... and then pushed back again to 10:30. The downpours kept ending as quickly as they started. Thank God for umbrella's! We ended up keeping the chairs in the trunk while we stood with the umbrella and enjoyed the fireworks. I don't have any pictures to share because I forgot our camera but believe me when I say they were awesome. http://www.ncnewsonline.com/local/local_story_185093518.html

Some quick history on the "Fireworks Capital of the World". http://activerain.com/blogsview/577022/How-did-New-Castle (why re-write something that someone already took the time to do?)

Anyway, the festival is the weekend after 4th of July weekend, so if you are ever looking for some great fireworks, head on up to New Castle!

Update on Buddy

2008-07-06T19:36:00.003-04:00

Buddy is doing much better. He ended up having a blockage caused by struvite crystals and with the help of some meds he will make a full recovery. We have noticed a steady improvement in him as he is starting to get back into trouble and seems to be eating constantly. As I am posting this, he is sleeping in his kitty bed with Abby close by. Thank you for the prayers!

A "Happy 4th of July" it was!

2008-07-06T19:10:00.012-04:00

We headed down for Pittsburgh's fireworks on Friday night. Trying to find the best ever parking space was actually much easier than anticipated. Thanks to my eagle eyes we parked at Station Square and literally had a front row view of the magnificant display. We got there around 6:15 and encountered a lovely parking attendant who informed us of the parking charge.

We found an ATM close by (cash, cash, cash), got our parking pass, and then proceeded back to our original location.

Here is the gigantic hill that we had to climb in order to get our eagle-eye view.

Here is a picture of the folks beside us under the exit ramp for West Carson Street. They have obviously been doing this for years because they had all of the right beer, drinks, and most importantly... food! We were starving! We had every intention of finding a vendor or something, but since we were on the other side of the river that didn't happen. Some nice guy offered us a cold beer though and I took him up on that offer. :)

These kind people were also the ones that warned of us a very harsh reality that was close to us:

To the right of us and up was the entrance to the Fort Pitt tunnel.

Across the river are all of the people sitting on the grass on the North Shore. If you look behind the orange balls in the water you will see the barge that was being positioned with the fireworks on it.

And here is a video of the last 3 minutes of the fireworks display. Oh, you may want to tilt your head to the right for better viewing :)

We had a great time! This is going to become a regular tradition in the "D" household for sure.

Our poor little guy...

2008-07-03T15:10:00.011-04:00

Buddy is in the hospital. He has a UTI and he is having a very difficult time urinating. The doctors are afraid that he is going to develop a complete blockage (he has a partial blockage now) so he is spending a few days with them. So far, everyone at the vet hospital has been very nice and has taken the time to explain everything that is going on with him.

Please do us a favor and pray for our little guy. To some he is "just a cat" but not to me or Jeremy.

Buddy's Buffet

2008-06-21T18:54:00.005-04:00

Couldn't pass up taking this picture. This is the big container that we keep the cat food in. While I was filling up the dishes in the kitchen, Buddy was filling up his tummy at the buffet.

Welcome to the Family!

2008-06-21T18:51:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the family, Pansy! Yes, I have name our pink / burgandy MALE betta fish, Pansy. I think it is fitting! He isn't the typical Japanese Fighting Fish! Don't you just love how I color coordinated his little flower and castle? :)

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2008-06-21T18:42:00.008-04:00

I started out the season with hopes of only "a few" potted plants. However, those plans quickly changed as I discovered that I wanted more and more and that I really enjoyed seeing the plants grow and flourish. Below are just a few of the gorgeous plants and their colors that are on our balcony right now.

Calibrichoa (might not be the correct spelling!) Chocolate Mint - quickly turning into a bush!

Not quite sure what this is, but it is pretty! Gerbera Daisy

Jon & Kate Plus 8

2008-06-18T15:50:00.008-04:00

I love this show. (Jeremy is not a big fan) If you haven't seen it yet, I would highly recommend it. (Monday nights on TLC)

The show is about Jon & Kate Gosselin, who have 2 sets of multiples, and their everyday life. First came the twins, Cara and Maddy, and then the sextuplets, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, and Joel.

Reader's Digest version of their story - they got married and wanted to have children. Kate found out that she had some baby-making problems, so they chose to attempt IUI. Success #1 - the twins. A year or so later they BOTH decided to try again for just "1 more". Adoption was out of the question, for various reasons, so they decided to go the IUI route again, and Success #2 - the sextuplets.

If you are going to look into the family, or show, on the internet consider this a warning. There a million people out there who either love the show or hate it and are not afraid to share their opinions (just like I am now!). I find it amazing that so many people offer up their little tidbits of advice (ahem - judgements) on Kate, Jon, their marriage, their parenting techniques, and their lifestyle.

My judgements - Jon & Kate seem to have a very strong marriage. They instill the teachings of the bible and God in their children and practice those teachings in their lives. (Though this is not often seen, due to editing, you can often catch glimpses of it. Plus, you can read all about it on their website http://www.sixgosselins.com/Home.html) They want the very best for their children. They get stressed out. They argue. They love each other. They love their children. They try to create some type of normalcy for their children because they know how difficult it is because their family is far from our society's idea of what a normal family is.

Kate's tummy-tuck. If someone offered to do it for me, after my stomach grew beyond my reach, darn right I would be standing in line to have it done.

Kate's OCD. Ummm, yeah.... She is a control-freak and even though I have no clue what it must be like, I would probably have the same attitude.

Her phobia of germs... so what? There is nothing wrong with a clean house. I do find myself thinking that she is taking some of the fun from her kids by not wanting them to get crazy-dirty, but I also understand that she doesn't want to battle 8 grass/mud/food, etc. stains at a time. Who in their right mind would? I can't ever remember my mother saying to go ahead and get all srunged up because she doesn't mind doing the laundry and stain-fighting.

Her snapping at Jon. If he has repeatedly said on the show that it doesn't bother him, that that is how they communicate, that he does the same thing, then why in the world does it bother so many people? I can honestly say, again, that I would probably do the same thing.

Their vacations. Come on people! You know that they are either free (for PR purposes) or extremely discounted. Why can't they go on vacation? Don't they deserve it too?

High-horse over.

Movie Review - Hot Fuzz

2008-06-10T15:26:00.005-04:00

Synopsis: Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is the finest cop London has to offer, with an arrest record 400% higher than any other officer on the force. He’s so good, he makes everyone else look bad. As a result, Angel’s superiors send him to a place where his talents won’t be quite so embarrassing -- the sleepy and seemingly crime-free village of Sandford. Once there, he is partnered with the well-meaning but overeager police officer Danny Butterman (Nick Frost). However, as a series of grisly accidents rocks the village, Angel is convinced that Sandford is not what it seems. It's time for these small-town cops to break out some big-city justice. --© Rogue Pictures

Jeremy picked this movie for us last night. I was skeptic at first, but have to admit that it was funny. If you can get past the gory parts (only a few scenes, but definitely some blood splatter!) it is worth watching. YARP!!!

3.75 Stars! (out of 5)

Hat Pictures as Promised

2008-06-10T15:20:00.009-04:00

Emma

Patches (Barb & Gerald's cat)

Cats with Hats

2008-06-09T14:49:00.004-04:00

My Mom's dearest friend is concerned with Mom's new amount of "free time" since she retired. With that in mind, Barb came across a wonderful website with instructions on how to make a cat hat. Emails started flying in the family about how this would be a great idea (sarcastically, of course). A few days later, I received an email from my father with pictures of Mom's latest endeavor. I must have deleted the pictures from my email, but I will get them again and post. I also managed to take 1, yes only 1, picture of Buddy in the hat that my Mother took the time to mail to us. She made a purple one for Zoe, a pink one for Abby and a green one for Buddy. I will somehow get pictures of all of them in their hats. It is only a matter of time....

http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Cat-Hat

Goodbye my boys

2008-06-04T12:01:00.004-04:00

Bettis with me and Max with Jeremy

Jeremy and I made the difficult decision to give the boys back to the rescue we originally rescued them from. There were several reasons why, but mostly due to his allergies. We were unable to give them the care that they needed since some of it I was unable to do myself.

When we took them to Julene on Sunday, she said that is was remarkable the progress that Bettis made in his behavior and how much they both grew. She did the normal mommy once-over and said that we took exceptional care of them.

We had a blast with them since we had them. They each had their own personalities. Bettis was very shy and Max was his protector. They knew when it was dinner time and would let us know that they were ready to eat by squeeking up a storm. If they heard the refrigerator door, no matter what time it was, they would start to squeek. If they wanted attention they would start to squeek. They squeeked a lot! I also enjoyed making them their beds. The favorite in the house, without question, was their Steelers bed.

We definitely miss them. There is a void in the apartment where they used to be. I could have sworn that I heard Max sqeek last night for his dinner, but then realized that it was a bird outside. Even though it was hard, we both know that this was the right decision to make.

Life without A/C

2008-06-03T14:13:00.002-04:00

It's really only been a few days, but we are not happy. We have been spoiled. I believe that every dwelling should have a/c - no question about it. Just think of all of the medical benefits having it would bring. It would be easier to breathe, you would sweat less which means less acne, it would lower your core body temperature thus lowering your blood pressure... the bullshitter has come out now. Either way, I love air conditioning.

On Saturday, while Jeremy and I sat on the couch vegetating, I heard this horrible sound only to discover that it was our a/c unit. It sounded as if a chunk of metal and a mouse were in a battle because of the clanging and squealing we heard. We decided to shut her down for the weekend until we could call our property manager on Monday morning. Thankfully the heat cooperated a bit so we weren't totally miserable.

Yesterday I called our property manager and when Jeremy came home from work the a/c was jacked up (I guess it would be down?), blowing full force, and it still wasn't cold. I don't know how long it was on like that, but I really want to thank the maintenance man for doing that since he isn't the one paying the electric bill. I still haven't heard what is wrong or when it will be fixed. Last night was great though because Jeremy and I ate dinner outside on the patio and just enjoyed the flowers and the quiet.