Sunday Stuff

1. Out of place ::
uncomfortable, suspicious

2. Helicopter ::
ride, heliskiing

3. Francis ::
of Assissi

4. Ryan ::
's Hope

5. Wedding ::
cake

6. appalled ::
shocked

7. Historian ::
bones

8. Powerful ::
words

9. Sex symbol ::
Marilyn, Mamie Vandorn, me *smirk*

10. Uncomfortable ::
silences

Yummy

So, I have a funny schedule. I am off Sat, Sun and Mon's. I work ten hour days Tue-Fri. Those ten hour days seem to always creep up to twelve hour days. Bill goes to work before I get home on Wed-Fri's. Consequently, we both have been eating horribly. Once before, I spent many hours organizing and then 2 eight hour days preparing, 24 recipes and then freezing them. Lots of chopping, cutting and of course, cooking. Two of the longest days I ever spent! But, we had 48 meals in the freezer. It was FABULOUS. There is nothing like coming home to a home-cooked meal, especially when you didn't have to do it.

Not really wanting to spend any more marathon days in the kitchen, but having already done most of the prep work in terms of shopping lists and recipes, I have tried, unsuccessfully, to garner some interest in my neighbors and friends to attempt a similar undertaking. I think I had one person say she was interested. It would have been so easy to make 5 or 6 duplicate dishes and then swap with your friends...but, no takers. Okay.

But my brain is tired when I come home from work and Bill is already gone. So I resort to crap. He doesn't want to cook for himself, it's uninspiring and easier to eat crap. Not good for our health. Or our budget. Eating take out and delivery gets pricey after awhile.
Then I saw this place.
Well, that is just what I wanted to do. How convenient! I signed up and went this morning.
Here I am, not looking my best but we didn't get home from the Sock Hop until very late. (Yes a good time was had and pictures with story at another time)



This is the menu I did today:
Aztec Steak
Baja Blackened Salmon
Chicken Noodle Florentine
Ginger Plum Chicken
Italian Beef with Mashed Potatoes
Italian Meatball Subs
New England Scallop Bake
Orange Walnut Chicken
Queso Peppers & Rice
Rosemary Mustard Pork
Swedish Meatballs
Thai Peanut Pork Roast

Yes, I am as tired as I look. Seven am came early today and I almost missed my session. It was a great deal of fun. It took me one hour forty-five mins and I would've been done sooner had I not had to wait for a station. Here is what I brought home.

Then I laid them all out for hubby's inspection: We had the swedish meatballs for supper tonight. Pretty darn good. And a whole 'nother meal set aside after we were done. All the recipes feed 4-6 people.

It cost about $205 dollars but I selected the 'natural meats'. So, 24 meals for $205 equals out to...what $4.27 a person. (;0] thanks Michael)

It was fun, you should try it. I am going to another place next month to compare.

Saturday's Photo Scavenger Hunt

OLD

This 1930's era radio actually works. But we put a wireless speaker inside which plays our 'real' stereo music. It's 95% hollow inside and weighs next to nothing.

Hey

Teaching can be a struggle. I don't know how professional school teachers do it.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough only helps so much.

A massage would be stupendous right about now. Have to wait though.

How about you? How was your week?

Hap tip to Pilot Mom....

You Are Midnight

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits. Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle. Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it. You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Nuttin' to do

Okay, I wasn't planning on doing this one...but, got nothing to post so am stealing this from Michael.
Accent – No, not really. I grew up in Connecticut and we don't have a New England accent, but I can do a Georgia peach, a bit Australian, a pretty good Irish, some English (unless you asked a native that is) Long Island 60 something Jewess, New Hampshire, French Canadian.
Booze of choice – On the rare occasion I drink socially, 'Rita on the rocks, no salt. Like 3 or 4 times a year. If we go to Jose Muldoons they have the best Sangria!! In a pinch, Capn' Morgan & coke with a lime.
Chore I hate – Dusting
Dog or Cat – both of course. Abby, Sazi and Gretta are my doggies and Koko, Yum Yum and Mouse are my kitties.
Essential electronics – computer
Favorite perfume - Of course they don't make it anymore but it was called Fila Sport Spray for Women. It smelled clean and fresh. I have one bottle left. If I want to go with a scent? I choose a musk or patchouli.
Gold or Silver? Silver
Hometown – born in Plattsburgh NY and spent many a summer there but grew up in Enfield CT. I consider my home now to be in Colorado.
Insomnia? – Only if I forget my Menopause Balancing tablet or drink any caffiene.
Job Title – Director of Staff Development and Patient Education
Kids? – Six....four legged of course.
Living Arrangement – Live in my home with my husband and six children.
Most-admired trait – Depends on who you ask *snort*! Of myself...I am a big picture kinda gal. I am good at pattern recognition. What I admire in others, graciousness.
Number Of Penguins In Your Bathtub – Depends on the bubble bath used!
Overnight Hospital Stays – Fall of 1992 for 2 days for my tonsils? And yes, getting them out in my 30's was VERY painful. But it was the best thing I ever did.
Phobia – Don't much care for insects. Someday I tell ya the story if you remind me.
Quote – “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that will insure a successful outcome.” — William James
Religion – I gave up religion for Lent.
Siblings – I have one younger sister, Kathy who lives in a group home for the mentally retarded in CT and a step sister and brother Vicki and John who live in Massachusettes.
Time I wake up – Varies 530 am up till 7 am. Hate, despise, abhor an alarm clock.
Unusual talent/skill – unusual...none that I can think of. Oh wait....I can recognize voices on commercials really quickly...yeah well, I said none at first!
Vegetable I refuse to eat – beets, lima beans
Worst habit – onychophagia.
X-rays – Chest, to rule out TB, part of my professional exposure thing, several of my toes cause I have broken the little one about 6 times. Yeah...I never learn.
Yummy foods I make – Banana Nut Bread, Golden Chicken and Autumn Veggies, Sweet Potato Puff, Chocolate Pecan Pie, Apple Pie.
Zodiac sign – Cancer

The Twelfth of Never

Well, I have tried to post this eleven times since Sunday am. I was able to finally get something thru a bit a go so here goes the 12th time. Just a bunch of stuff...I had done Sunday Mutter but..no real point in posting it now.

Your Linguistic Profile:

50% General American English

35% Yankee

10% Upper Midwestern

5% Dixie

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

I guess that makes a bunch of sense since I have lived mostly in New England but am now approaching the point where I will have spent an equal amount of time living outside New England.

We had beautiful weather here all weekend. However, today was an entirely different story altogether. Literally, it was shorts and tank weather yesterday and coat and glove weather today.

Anyway, I wanted to share pictures of some of my flowers. I know lots of people have special blogs for photos...I just don't want to make the effort. Sorry.

So here are some photos.

It's a tulip. I cannot locate my garden journal to tell you what the name is. I know the journal is around here ssomewhere. * makes half hearted attempt at searching towering piles of papers and books.* Nope, can find it anywhere.

These are giant tulips. The are about three feet tall.

Our black walnut is leafing out. The only thing I don't like about this tree is ... it sheds these one foot sticks every fall. Which then means I have to pull them out of my garden beneath it. Otherwise it has grown tremendously in eleven years and provides delightful shade.

Claire, these came from your old house. The bush is looking great!

I've never cut these and brought them inside before so I was totally unaware that they had a scent. Reminiscent of lilies.

Hmmm.

This Friday, Bill and I are going to my work's Annual Awards Banquet. Not that I've won any awards or anything but my boss firmly believes in honoring the employees. So, all employee meals are free. The theme is a 1950's Sock Hop. I have a Peter Pan collared shirt and I'm having it monogramed. I will be wearing jeans because I just don't want to make a skirt but I will later this spring for another Sock Hop we are going to in San Francisco. I have authentic brown and white saddle oxfords. I loved mine when I was in junior high school. No, I am not THAT old. It was the cool thing to wear because of course, the cheer leaders wore them. I also have a pair of vintage cat eye shaped glasses that I will wear. What I wanted to do was put my prescription in them and get clip on sunglasses. But, they don't make clip on's for this shape. Humpf. Go figure. I can't get Transitions either, because they won't work in the car. RATS.

So, I will wear them like this and have regular polarized lens put in after next Saturday. The next Sock Hop will take place out side...I think. Eh, doesn't matter. I still want 'em as shades. I will put my hair in pin curls and wear an Alice band. Bill is going as a beatnik. Think..."The Many Loves of Doby Gillis" and Maynard G. Krebs. Wait till you see the photos. Oh dear god you will bust a gut I'm sure. So we spent most of today trotting across town getting props and such. Bill's going to have a Jack Kerouac book in his back pocket and typical Maynard clothes.

I am looking forward to this event. I like to get into costume. It's ever so much fun to be something or someone else.

I made banana nut bread and brownies from scratch. Mostly to heat up the house today. Just kidding. Reminder-don't make brownies with semi-sweet chocolate, use the unsweetened like the dag gum recipe calls for. Reminder number two-don't try to un pop the loaf from the loaf pan too fast or your bread will split in half. *big sigh*

Well, I better sign off so I can get some sleep. Another big week ahead. I love my three day weekends cause I get to be with Bill but...that sure scrunches up the work week. Gripe, gripe, gripe.

BTW, has anyone seen the TV show with W. Shatner called, How Star Trek changed the World? It's pretty funny if you have ever watched any of the series or spin off's.

Toodles. Pam

I think blogger is on it's period.

I have been trying for almost two solid days to post...lets see if this works. If so, I will be putting up something for tomorrow...pictures, this and that. If not...noone will ever see this.
Pam

Big Blue Marble + PSH

Just do it!!

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Do it for your kids. For your grandkids.

For the birds and animals.

Do it because Mother Nature is a wonderful soul and she deserves it.

Happy Earth Day

The REAL Patch Adams.

TGIF..like that's never been used *smirk*

Holy Mackanoli!! This was intense.

Pam took the free ColorQuiz.com personality test! "Feels too much is being asked of her and is tired ..." Click here to read the rest of the results.

You know I can't fix something if I don't know it's broke. Yesterday I went to lunch with one of the gals in my office. She and I had so much fun. I like her because she reminds me of my mum. And, I had chocolate cake. Yum! But then, I found out I offended someone in the downstairs office last week, inadvertently. She was kind enough to tell me. She has such a wonderful way about her. I had to think hard about the situation she was talking about because it was last week. Then I remembered. I was being sarcastically funny or so I thought. Everyone else or most everyone I think, laughed when I made my comment. Except for this one gal. See, that's why I gave up being sarcastic. Well, one of the reasons.
And without going on about it, it seems like I may have done something similar in the blog world. *very big sigh* But I really don't know and I am only guessing.

I could go on about how big an idiot I feel like, and how can I fix something if I don't know I've done something, or how I should have a pity party for myself and be Eeyore(sp?). I could get all tough and say well, 'not my problem'. You don't like it, make sure that back door don't hit ya. (my dad used to say that all the time...I have never liked that phrase) I could be all, "they are struggling too, just like me. I'm sure they didn't mean it and would've come to me if I appeared more approachable."

All those things that help us try to right our sense of equilibrium.

I just can't do any of it today. I have to get showered and dressed and go to work and deal with the host of problems that will pop up today. I am going to let it go. Let the universe help me figure it out. Nothing else I can do, really. Ooo, it's hard sometimes for me to give up control.

And, Shephard said it in his blog the other day, something I need to consider as well. Go take a peek. Excellent words of wisdom.

I had fun this morning over at Stacy's blog. You just can't help but smile and giggle when this song is playing.

Meme Madness Continues...

Meme #4

If you had one last chance to…

Grab one thing out of your burning house, what would it be? Besides my pets…it would be my scrapbooks.

Visit someplace you’ve never been, where would you go? Antarctica

Tell someone that you love them, who would it be? My Dad

Try a new hobby, what would it be and why? Skydiving or base jumping because I like to fly.

Leave something for future generations, what would it be? Clean water and the ability to maintain it.

Eat, what would you choose? My last meal would be lobster (Maine) and drawn butter, steak (med rare), steamed corn on the cob (butter-n-sugar) with real butter, pickling cukes and garden tomatoes marinated with balsamic vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, side of whole belly fried clams, Margarita on the rocks, no salt, and finally, strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream.

Sing, what would you sing? “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” by Blood Sweat and Tears. For Bill

Make something right, what would it be? Apologize to Mark DuPont.

Have lunch with someone, who would it be and why? My Nanan, Anne Marie McCooey Parkinson Genac. Because I only knew her when I was a child and I want to know her now that I am an adult.

Call someone, who would it be? My mom.

I didn’t include Bill in these because he is here with me. So there would be no need to do any of the things above.

Now, I made up this meme. I, of course, borrowed the idea from an email that’s been around for a long time, added my some of my own things and just basically put it all together. If you have any suggestions or changes to it, let me know!

So I am tagging you, yes YOU. If you are reading this, consider yourself tagged! Post a note in my comments pretty please and I will come visit! Michael has graciously agreed to do it, bless his heart! Gotta love that man. :0] Wasn't his ride FUN!

One last question. What is one thing you couldn't live without?
This was a tough one and I really don't have a good answer or rather...I have too many answers. I can't narrow it down. How about you?

Say Howdy!

I would like to introduce you all, my bloggy friends to a new blogger! She is a talented writer, gifted story teller and joke teller. She's an actor, singer (barbershop), golfer and most recently...
BALD!
That's right folks. It's Joan. Me dear old Mum has joined our ranks. You can see her over here! She has 3 entries so scroll down to see her first! I didn't mention that she is my mentor and my friend and basically all anyone could ask for in a mum!
This is her years ago!

So, don't be shy! Go say Hi!

Meme Madness

Shephard has an open tag on two meme's

Meme #1
Go write weird facts/things/etc. about yourself on your blog, tell me you did it in a comment on my blog then tag six more people!

1. I hate being called Pammy.
2. I don't like to meet people for the first time in their home. (yeah, I know, I am home health nurse)
3. I don't like beer. Never have. But I can put me away some tequila!!
4. I really dislike being anywhere without my own transportation. It didn't bother me in Ireland though.
5. If you are going to fold my laundry, you must fold it...my way.
6. I can't hear people if I can't see their mouth or if I don't have my glasses on.

Meme #2
Four nicknames I’ve been given: Sporto, Chicken Little, Giselle and Pammie Sue but I don't answer to anything that resembles my given name with an 'ie' or a 'y' on the end. Do I look like a Pammy? Yeah, I thought not.

Four movies I would watch over and over: 1. 5th Element "Mmmm, chicken" 2. Goonies "Hey you guys" 3. It's a Wonderful Life "Buffalo gals won't ya come out tonite" 4. Wizard of Oz "there's no place like home"

Four jobs that I have had in my life: 1. Ag-transplanting seedlings in a nursery 2. Nurses Aid 3. Soldier Medic 4. Customer Service Rep

Four places I have lived: Georgia, Florida, Connecticut and Colorado

Four TV shows I like to watch: CSI, Good Eats, ah...that's it, sorry :0[

Four places I have been on vacation: California, Ireland, Mexico, Cayman Islands

Four of my favorite foods: My husbands whipped potatoes, my great Aunt Deet's strawberry shortcake, a Michigan from Clare-n-Carl's and Pizza from the Rinaldi Bros in Enfield, CT.

Four places I would rather be right now: Playa del Carmen with Bill and my Mom and my dogs, anywhere with my Mom and my husband, with my sisters Kathy and Vicki, anywhere where I didn't have to work, clean or cook. Oh, and standing in front of a large audience talking about Shaklee/health. I know that's five, oh well.

Meme #3 A simple meme....Name ten of life's simple pleasures.....(tagged from Pilot Mom)
1. The smell of warm earth and pine trees
2. Snow and Christmas Carolls
3. My dogs and cats, love and affection
4. Popcorn with lots of real butter
5. Warm sand, 85 degree water and a 'Rita on the rocks, no salt
6. A clean house
7. Lilacs, fresh cut, in a vase
8. Chocolate...cadbury or belgian
9. Catching all green traffic lights
10. Back rubs...getting one that is!

I'm not tagging anyone specifically but since Michael (A Boy and His Bike Mike) is kinda new I would like to see his answers and PQ Stacey's, if you haven't done these already that is. ;0]

Spring

It was a beautiful day, a bit windy but lovely just the same. I worked on my gardens. So now I will have less time each day for other things (blogging inparticular) because I will need to be outside working every day. This is a good thing. Getting outside. As a matter of fact I am a bit stiff in some of the more cushy areas because they have been getting some use of late. ;0]

I gave Abby Phipperdoodles a bath yesterday. Let me tell you that is an all day ordeal. She is quite nasty when it comes to getting her coat brushed...brushing her teeth, trimming her nails. I still have to do the last chore but I was really tired of dealing with her yesterday. She really bites hard. She doesn't break the skin but just barely doesn't. Poor baby. I could muzzle her but I don't really need to. I just have to keep speaking to her softly and gently and breaking periodically to soothe her and give her lovin's. Since she gets so worked up about it I try to only do it 2-3 times a year. She's so cute after she has her bath. I swear her ears shrink. They are so perky and youthful after a bath. And she prances more too. I don't think she minds the bath but it's the stuff that goes with it. Good heavens it's a trial. After I trim her nails I will tidy her feet. But here is a photo of her basking in the sun.

I was playing around with the software that came with my camera. Kinda looks cool.




I also played around with some photos of the tulips in my front garden. I liked how some of them came out. Tell me what you think!
This is 'oil painting' and the next is supposed to be 'wind'. Ah, just something to pass the time. I am inspired by Leesa's photos. I just wish I had her camera ;0]
This last one is embossed. I like this one but I like the oil painting one too.


Click on the photos for a MUCH better version of the artistic additions.

Sunday Reminiscing

This is less about my history and family history then about how I remember being a teen and my experiences with teens today.

Am I old fashioned?
I don't think a 16 year old 'deserves' a car. I don't think they 'deserve' a college education. I don't think they 'deserve' so many presents that you have to go into debt to give it to them. You have to earn them. That's my take on it.
I think the thing I will or I may, regret is never having had children. It's not like we didn't try. But some things were not meant to be. That's just life. I am not one for going into massive debt and painful treatments to succeed at becoming a parent either. If it doesn't happen 'naturally' or with the behavioral changes then, so be it.
I dunno. Maybe I would've sucked. Maybe I would've been great or maybe just mediocre. I'll never know.
Today, while shopping at Cracker Barrel after breakfast, this nicely dressed young man, around 14-16 years old, and I almost collided. I was looking at something and he was coming around me from the back, so when I turned we were in each others face. I said, "Oh, I'm sorry, excuse me." His response was "That's okay." Uh...Bill and I looked at each other and we just shook our heads. Now, most of you are probably wondering what in the world I am blathering about. It's this: I was brought up to always apologize in those kinds of situations whether I was at fault or not. It's just the polite thing to do. It could've been worse, he could've been nasty I suppose.

Bill and I are constantly amazed when we hold the door open for people our age or younger and they don't even frickin' acknowledge that you are there, much less thank you. I mean, we don't do those things for acknowledgment, really, we don't. But a polite nod would be nice. Or how about when you are walking two abreast down the sidewalk. And you are shortly about to pass another group of two, also walking abreast. I move behind the person I am walking with. Does the other group even miss a beat? Hell no. Occasionally I get a bit brazen and I will just keep walking. The response is amazing. It's almost like they don't know what to do. To them it's inconceivable to give way I guess. Usually I have to stop short or I run into them. Lately, when I am full of P and V, I just bump right into them. They look at me as if they cannot fathom how that happened.

Or how about when you have a teen in the service industry. Yeah, I been there. I've worked McD's, convience stores, dry cleaners, department stores... It's not what I planned on doing for the rest of my life either, but I ALWAYS greeted customers and looked 'em in the eye. I tell ya, I just want to reach across the counter and smack 'em.
What I realize is that these teens that I am talking about...their parents are my age. My peers and cohorts are responsible for this horrendous shift in societal behavior. Unfrickin'believable.

And another thing, I am no Pulitzer prize winning author, but these teens have no concept of proper language use and spelling. Will they ever? Were my parents cohorts and peers saying the same thing about my generation when we were teens? I bet they were.
So does that mean that when today's 17 year old is in their 40's they will care about the changes to society? I guess that remains to be seen.

Another question I have is, would I have done any better at raising children then what my peers have demonstrated? Would my children be polite, kind, courteous, compassionate people who are articulate and interested in the world? Or would they be just as self-involved as today's teens present themselves. (I was shy but I was polite and respectful)I guess I will never know, much to my sadness.

I will say this. My dogs are well behaved. A bit spoiled, but they mind. They can be off leash with either of us present and they are on voice command. They understand their boundries in the house and outside. They know what is acceptable behavior. I don't believe in violence when raising animals. I had a friend that would throw a can full of pebbles at her dog when it misbehaved. To me, that's unnecessary. My dogs respond to my voice. That's they way I trained them. It's simple behavioral training. I had to learn first and then I taught my husband and then, when the dogs started to come (sounds like kids...teeehehe) after the first one..the rest just followed suit. Now, I have friends with dogs and neighbors with dogs. Only one of whom I would consider as well trained as our dogs. Meaning they are friendly but not aggressive. On voice command. Etc.

Ah well. I am sure there is an excellent reason as to why I didn't have children. Only time will tell, as the old adage goes. I'm kinda excited to find out why.

Here endeth the reminiscing, rambling and ranting.

Mutterings & Designs

1. Ambition :: Driving


2. Meatloaf :: mashed potatoes and gravy


3. Celebrity :: Star Search


4. Coach :: Carter


5. Slacker :: Loser


6. Reflection :: Pond in D.C.


7. Original :: Masterpiece


8. Risk :: Assessment


9. Saved :: by the bell


10. June :: my birthday

Anthropomorphism

This word has gotten a lot of airplay on a friends blog. For those of you that may not know, according to Wikipedia, it means:
Anthropomorphism-a form of personification (applying human or animal qualities to inanimate objects) and similar to prosopopoeia (adopting the persona of another person), is the attribution of human characteristics and qualities to non-human beings, objects, natural, or supernatural phenomena. Animals, forces of nature, and unseen or unknown authors of chance are frequent subjects of anthropomorphosis.

There's no blame or judgment in this definition. Anthropomorphism isn't wrong. What is wrong is the associated definitions that go undefined. The popular use of the word or rather it's misuse.
The statement I would like to clarify and 'go on record' as saying is that- I don't dispute, disagree, or in any way challenge the belief that animals have emotions. As a matter of fact, I am not even going to discuss it any further. If you have read my blog, know me in person or spent any time with me in any way, you will know how I feel about animals.

All of the animal kingdom, including man and especially man, has behavior that is motivated out of illogic, fear and defense. When someone states that animals don't kill or destroy their surroundings to become 'the best' or 'king of it all', I am compelled to respond. If animals can possess the characteristics of/demonstrate- compassion, grieving, love etc. than they can, in fact they must, possess the characteristics of/demonstrate- anger, jealousy, violence etc.. It is folly to believe that they only possess the 'best' of human emotions and are exempt from the 'worst' of our emotions.

Whenever you analyze any given property, or behavior if you will, you can ONLY apply theories, definitions, explanations etc. based on your experience. Our experience, as humans. It is not possible to do it any other way.

I'm pretty sure I am going to be unpopular here because I have singled out someone's comments. At this point, I have tried to explain myself in a calm, rational and honorable way. But I felt and still feel, obviously, that I was misunderstood and in an ever-so-subtle way so that I can hear folks now, saying that I am overreacting. Ah, well then, that is okay. I have said my piece and my peace. I'm okay with that.

My children, past & present

Yum Yum
Anasazi 'Sazi'
Abby and Max
Abby
KoKo
Mouse
Gretta and I
Cooper and Corki
Cooper
Lady and I

I have more pictures of animals that have been a part of my life, my family, but I don't have them at hand. My first cat, Elsa, my first dog, Puppy, my second cat Shelly, my third cat Bucky, JR and Sissy are two of KoKo's litter that went to friends. My rabbit Rooti and then Bill's rabbit Rupert , and our Dwarf hamster Bocephus.

Cooper- I rescued and then my girlfriend adopted him and that is her Corki pictured with Cooper.

My Brain

BLUE:

At work or in school: I like to be with

people, sharing with them, inspiring them,

and helping them. I work and learn best when

I can take into consideration people and the

human element. I flourish in an atmosphere

of cooperation.

With friends: I always look for perfect

love. I am very romantic, and I enjoy doing

thoughtful things for others. I am

affectionate, supportive and a good

listener.

With family: I like to be happy and loving.

I am very sensitive to rejection from my

family and to family conflicts. I really

like to be well thought of and need frequent

reassurance. I love intimate talks and warm

feelings.


What Color is Your Brain?
brought to you by Quizilla

Sunday Stuff

I say ... and you think ... ?

Buck:: Naked...of course! Or knife, or doe or dollar
Harry:: Potter, yeah typical. I could've chosen..baboon, or Prince of Wales
Play:: mate or boy. How about playdough?
Monstrosity:: truck as in Big Foot
Nightclub:: 21
Missing:: in action
Sprout:: bean
Flavor:: enhancer or savor
Identity:: theft
Saucy:: and spicey

I cannot find the picture I was going to post for Sunday Reminiscing. Aarrggghhh. I will have to dig up the neg and have it reprinted. So...the story isn't as good without the photo. You'll just have to hold your horses, hehehe, until next Sunday. ;0]

Round-Updated with a link

Mom poses at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum in Ireland

Scrumptious

Friday Feast

Appetizer
Name a trait you share with your parents or your children.
I looked up the word trait just to be sure I understood the proper meaning, which is this: In biology, traits refer to genetically inherited features of organisms. So this question became a lot easier to answer. My father's crooked teeth and his early loss of hair color.
Soup
List 3 qualities of a good leader, in your opinion.
Having spent so many years in the military, leadership is a crucial topic.

1. A leader will not hesitate to roll up their sleeves and "do". The other part of this is that as a leader you need to be ABLE to perform the job of the people you lead. While it's not a necessity, it is essential to gaining trust, respect and to understand what others must sometimes endure in order to accomplish their mission.
2. Be Humble
3. Be a Visionary

Salad Who is your favorite television chef? This was easy. Alton Brown from the Food Networks, Good Eats program.

Main Course
Share a story about a gift you received from someone you love.
Believe it or not, the first thing my then boyfriend, now husband, ever gave me was one of my hearts desire at the time. A professional grade Kitchen Aide mixer. :0]

Dessert
How do you react under pressure?
Hmmmm. Get very focused on the task at hand. I had to learn to be more social when I would hostess parties here at the house because I would get so focused that guests, who so often take their cue from the hostess, would not have a good time because I was intent on making sure everything was perfect. I learned to plan and prepare in advance and be more social thus ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable time for our guests.


SLEEP! I had a delicious night of sleep. Wednesday I sat in the second day of software demos and could not stay awake which is highly unusual. I think it's because after one hour of looking at this vendor's program I knew it was not what we need, but I wasn't making the decision so... I drank a Pepsi. I can't have caffeine. It gives me palpatations. I haven't had a soda in...a long time. Very silly rabbit. We had a dinner presentation after work for our referral sources and then I was awake until 1 am. So, it was a looooong day. And 6 am Thursday morning came awfully quick. I was dragging my carcass around all day yesterday. No matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise, I was a hurting unit on five hours of sleep. To bed last night at 9 blessed 30. Yesssss. That was deeevine.

So now you know why there is no video. Tonight, I have a seminar after work and all day tomorrow, for Shaklee. Yeah! This should be loads of fun! I am looking forward to it. Then Bill and I have plans for Sunday and Monday so no opportunity to do one then either. Unless something falls thru. We'll have to see what happens though. I need to get working on my costume for our Annual Awards Banquet at the end of this month. It's a 50's Sock Hop. Which is good because at our Shaklee convention, which is also our 50th Anniversary, one of the nights is also a 50's Sock Hop. How fortuitous is that?

Have a great day ALL. Pam Sunset from our backyard

Yes

"The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results."

~Anthony Robbins~

Wednesday

Orrs Island, Maine, Summer 2004

Check out the link from this blog. The thing is amazing!

Your Thought for the Day Plus Plus

While one thought will not make a happy person of you, anymore than one tree will make a forest, it will attract other thoughts of like nature.

Forrest C. Shaklee - Ten Rules for Happiness and Contentment.

FIRSTS:

Hat tip to Sandra!

1. Who was your first prom date? I think it was Mark. My mom set it up. I went to his and he to mine. I remember he gave me a charm for my charm bracelet. I was clueless and I don't know where it is now, but I think that was very sweet of him.

2. Who was your first roommate(s)? Shelly Havas, Carol and Rochelle. I shared a trailer with Shelly for a few months in Tampa Florida. Then, I had an whole bunch of women as roomates the first time, because I lived in an open barracks for several months but the next opportunity for roomates came when I was permanently stationed in Georgia. I had an Army cook for about 3 months. Dear God they get up early. Then Carol and Rochelle.

3. What alcoholic beverage did you drink the first time you got drunk? Hmm, Mr. Screwdriver which is vodka and OJ in a large bottle.

4. What was your first job? Well, I babysat alot. I worked in agriculture at 14, but my first job paying taxes and all that was at a dry cleaners. Henry Charles Cleaners on Enfield St in Enfield CT.

5. What was your first car? A yellow...Matador that I bought from my roomate Shelly which she had won at a MS or MD Dance Marathon.

6. When did you go to your first funeral? I think I went to one when I was fairly young but I have no recollection and my folks wouldn't let me go to my cousin Maria's because she died so young. I do remember my grandmother's and that was intense. Not bad, just intense. I was 14.

7. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown? 18. I moved to Florida to follow my summer boyfriend.

8. Who was your first grade teacher? Ahhh, that I don't have a handle on but my second grade teacher, Mrs. Gary made me wear a construction paper tail for being a tattletale. She used to clap her hands together all the time to get us to settle down.

9. Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane? I moved to Florida see number 7.

10. When did you sneak out of your house for the first time, who was it with? It was by myself but I did meet the neighborhood kids in the farmers field and hang out with them.

11. Who was your first Best Friend and are you still friends with them? Lynn Luger, which I know I have spelled her name wrong. She lived behind me in West Hartford and we moved when I was almost 6 and I think I saw her one more time after that and then never again.

12. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents house? See number 7, I stayed in the college dorm apartment with my boyfriend for a month and then shared a trailer.

13. Who's the first person you call when you have a bad day? My mom or my husband Bill.

14. Whose wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid/groomsman? My Aunt Barbara and Uncle Mo's. You can see the picture here.

15. What is the first thing you do in the morning? Stretch, pet the cats and do my V2R or Vision to Reality exercise.

16. What was the first concert you ever went to? The Doobie Brothers with Randy Levesque at the Springfield Civic Center. I wore this cool ecru top and a yellow bandana around my neck along with jeans. Very fun time.

17. First tattoo or piercing? I went and got my ears done at the mall when I was 16. Didn't have to ask for permission, just had to have the 12 bucks. Don't even recall my parents saying anything. I've never had nor ever will have tattoo's.

18. First celebrity crush? Donny Osmund

19. Age of first kiss? Sixth grade. Friend's older brother, Eddie Langan. I didn't know what he was doing and ran away. Then I figured it out but he wanted nothing to do with me.

20. First crush? Jerry Brown, sixth grade. But at 5'8" I was a head taller than anyone so...

21. First time you did drugs? Never did any until ah, well, I was employed by Uncle Sam and had to destroy some thorazine so I ah...got rid of it! I was 19. Never done any since except alcohol.

Now, the theme was...'Firsts' and there were 21 questions. Which is the current 'coming of age' age, but for me it was 18!

Who to tag. Well, anyone who wants to. But specifically I want to draw out John and Stacy and Colin. Surprise! [Unless you've done a similar one in the last six months.]

Shephard posted a similar picture of one of his furry beasts and it reminded me of this pic. Yum Yum in his usual spot of repose. Caught him in mid yawn.

Have a great day everyone, it's back to work for me. I'll try to sneak in during the day and visit if not, I'll see ya tonight.

Happy Monday

Okay, don't forget to scroll down and visit my Sunday Reminiscing. And while you are at it, just check out my whole blog!

Got a question for you. If I go to my settings and allow 'anyone' to comment, that means that people without a blog can leave a comment. Does this increase or allow spam? 'Cause I aint having that! Just wondering.

Monday MeMe.

Take something from your list of 100 Things About Me and elaborate on it.

75. I love my iPAQ even though I still haven't set it up with my office laptop which would make it useful.
I did it. I set it up on my laptop at work last week and didn't have to call IT for help. :0P
Yeah. Now I can synch my schedules from work and home. Hopefully this will make me more efficient and productive. I love my iPAQ. Basically, it is a handheld computer. It took me awhile to 'get it' and I had to buy the book, "iPAQ for Dummies" to understand what I was working with. My mom gave me this to me for a combo birthday and christmas present last year. She is the best and not because she bought me my heart's desire either! Now, I just have to figure out how to get internet access without paying an arm and a leg for it and then...I will RULE the world!!!








I have been thinking about the video I promised the other day. I must admit I am scared. What if I look dumb? What if I'm not what you expected? What if I disappoint?
I know, I KNOW. You don't have to say it. But these are my worries, my fears. Suddenly, I am a scared, skinny, tall teen again.

So, I will set it up and do it. And see how it looks. Can't promise anything. :0]

Muttering and Reminiscing

1. Desire :: Lost


2. Sleep :: Deprived


3. Lost :: and Found


4. 2006 :: now


5. Pump :: handle


6. Space :: the Final Frontier


7. Stuck :: on you


8. Reference:: Catalog


9. Birth:: day


10. Hand:: out

Not creative but they are the FIRST things that came to my mind. Maybe next week I will elaborate instead of just putting the first thing.

Sunday Reminiscing

This is my sister Kathy (I am on the left). She's about 5 yrs old here. I remember the nightgowns but not much else. Mum says my Aunt Claire (not to be confused with AC/Pilot Mom) made those nightgowns for us. This picture was taken just as my parents were becoming aware of Kathy's deficits. She had been to kindergarten and when we moved and they told my mom she wasn't ready for first grade and to put her in daycare, which they did. Kathy was slow to talk, a bit slow to walk, but all children are different. No big deal.

It wasn't until later that they tested Kathy and found she was mentally retarded. I know that is not the name that is acceptable at the present. But it was then. The highest level of functioning that Kathy got to is that of a 5-7 year old. She wrote her name and I have some letters from her with a few words that she was able to remember on her own. She always signs things, Kathy Love, instead of the other way around! :0]

She learned to ride a regular bicycle, hook rugs, make her bed, get herself dressed, swim, and other things that any 5-6 year old would do. When puberty hit and her menses began, was the beginning of the decline. I think she was smart enough to know that she was different. Since I suffer from a profound clinical depression, which is a chemical imbalance, it is likely that Kathy too had similar problems. However, she was unable to comprehend these changes her body was making and combined with some inherent emotional problems, made for some very, very bad times in our family. She has had many psychotic breaks with reality. Been hospitalized on very heavy hypnotics and tranq's. Later, after she became a ward of the state to qualify for group home living, her doctors put her on antipsychotic meds which she has been on for over 20 years. These meds have long term side effects so that she can no longer- dress, feed herself, walk, talk, remain awake. Well, that's the present and I want to reminisce.

My favorite story about Kathy is one that our family loves to tell. My dad had a habit of announcing that he was done with his meal and ready for desert by saying something about smelling whatever it was we had baked that day. So, dinner would be winding down. Conversation was still lively and my dad would sniff and say "I smell brownies". Just a little joke. Mom would get up and bring desert over to the table and we would continue sharing and eating. Another thing you need to know is that my sister almost always went grocery shopping with her. Kathy was real good at remembering one or two things if you told her to remember it on the way over in the car. You might say, "Kathy, don't let me forget that we need peanut butter" She was very literal. If you were headed out the grocery store door, without peanut butter, she would tell you. Course we have already gone thru the checkout. But she remembered. One week, she didn't go with my mother, but she helped her put groceries away that day. At dinner, conversation was winding down. Dad knew there wasn't any desert made, so he wasn't going to ask or make his usual joke. He knew Mom had gone shopping and that we probably had cookies for later. (wonder where I got my sweet tooth) But in a momentary lull in the conversation, suddenly, Kathy makes a loud sniffing noise and declares...

"I smell ice cream!"

Well, we laughed forever over that one. That was pretty damn smart of her. We laughed so much that the next day, our neighbors across the street wanted to know what had been so funny.

Here I am, marching in some parade as a Brownie. I loved being in the Brownies. Course, I love brownies. What's not to love with all that fudgy, nutty chocolatey goodne...oh, yeah, we are not talking about food here. It was drizzling that day. But not enough to say so. I couldn't stay in Brownies for long. Times were tough for my family and money was tight. And that's the official story I am using, although the real reason is, that I had done something wrong and my dad wanted to punish me, so he banned me from Brownies. I loved that uniform. Now that I think about it, for a majority of my life (unitl the last 10 years) I have worn a uniform of one kind or another. Brownies, Catholic school, Army. Hmm. I have never minded a uniform. Meant I didn't have to think about what to wear. Also, leveled the playing field. Ah, well.
I have looked on ebay a few times for uniforms from that era. I never won the auction. I do have some fun camping stuff from Boy and Girl scouts. I still have the mess kit that the Hartley's (the neighbors across the street) gave to me when I was 8 or 9. Yes, I am a recovering pack rat. :0/

I have got a free trial of a program that allows you to load video. I trialed it yesterday. So either today or tomorrow I will post a video. Kinda nervous (silly me) and kinda excited.

Thanks for strolling down the memory walk with me today. Hope your Sunday is mahvelous.

Welcome to the World

Anna Claire and family!

Say Hello to my girlfriend Claire's latest miracle! She was born on Tuesday, March 28. Here she is with her mom and dad and four brothers. They're not related are they? And Anna Claire's aunt, for whom she is named, is a frequent visitor here, you may know her as Pilot Mom or AC (for Aunt Claire). I am so excited to have a girl to buy for. Don't get me wrong, the boys are a blast and I can't wait for the day I get to meet Nathan's bride and tell her about the time he bit me in the....butt!! Oh, he is sooo gonna get me for that!

You can see a close up picture of Anna Claire on her mom's site or her great Aunt's site. Happy Birthday Anna Claire. Big kiss!

WET

Bill shaved his head last night for the fourth year in a row for St. Baldrick's Day. (If you click on the link, you get a great shot of him in HS for a great WBW photo!) Just like my mom did. Only he likes to drum up business for the charity by dying his hair a week before and getting people to ask about it. (besides, it's cheaper than a sports car, and not comparable to an affair...so what's a bit of hair dye between husband and wife!!)
So, this is my first photos safari posting. 'Wet'.