THIS Is A Hailstom!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ohnq5T1amI

Stall

Slept a whopping 9 hours yesterday. Would like to say I feel rested and fresh, but with all the fun yesterday I feel a little beat up today. Plus there's other factors that I won't go into because you really don't wanna hear about it. Trust me.

I got disappointment in the light department. One strand of the four that I bought only half worked. Changing the fuses did not help. Figured out it was a wire thing. Didn't do more than put the other three strands of lights on the tree and got sidelined with that because I didn't feel like going back up to Target to return them at that time and I didn't want to add any more decorations before I finished the lights. Got a few hours before Target opens this morning and I'm going to try to get some of this stuff that is covering my living room put in it's Christmas place.

Looking at my fake tree, I'm kind of sad that I was lazy and didn't get a real one. It will probably look better once I get all the decorations on it, but for now... it's just looking sad. One positive thing about these LED lights is that you can hook up a zillion strands one after the other. Unlike the usual two or three I am used to. The colors are also very intense.

Hardest Chore Is Done

Just got back from Target and I have finished my holiday grocery shopping. Check. Until I decide I need something else or that I forgot something. What's up with everyone being out of red and green decorator's sugar? Same thing happened last year. You would think they would learn to stock more.

I also purchased a fake tree for this year. And colored lights. I've been doing the same gold, silver, and white theme for many years now. I've decided I want something new. And to go completely LED in the light department. Check.

Listening to Christmas music. Check.

Decorating will now commence. After I rest. Worked all night and haven't been to bed yet. Sooooo sleeeeepy.

Shmells Like Christmas In Here-a

My daughter and I went-a-shopping on Thursday. Working on getting her graduation announcements made up and mailed out. We happened into Michael's (a craft store on crack, for those that might not know) and as I always do whilst shopping with my daughter, I impulse bought. Two Christmas scent-ish candles. And they officially smell like the holidays.

Yesterday I traveled to Lowe's (I think everyone knows what that is) looking for some multi-colored LED lights to intertwine with my blue and white LED lights that I had up last year. I only got two boxes of 50 lights each, so I'll see where that gets me. I also took a look see at their Christmas trees and all they had were really big ones, and really small ones. So no tree here, yet. Going to have to travel to the tree lot. I always feel sorry for all the sad lonely trees that never get taken home. I almost bought a Charlie Brown tree from Lowe's just because it was SO awful. Oh, and I also got a cool door hanger that has these huge bells on it. And lots of glitter.

Can you see I'm trying to get into the spirit?

For the first time in 20 years, I own a coat. Not a jacket, not a sweater, but a real coat. It was my Christmas present to myself this year. By the feel of things and the look at the weather forecast, it was probably just in time. The last time I owned a coat was when I was married. I got divorced in 1990. So 20 years ago. I've never really needed one until I turned 40. When I turned 40 I got cold... I'm still cold.

December

Thanksgiving came and went in a blur. We ate our usual fare from Luby's minus my children this year. Not that they are on the menu each year. They ended up eating at their Dad's at the same time my parents and brother and sister in law and niece were eating at Luby's and the day passed into the next. I'm hoping to get to see my son before the new year. My daughter and I hung out about three weeks ago.

I dug out my electric heater today. I'm not sure why I waited so long to bring it out. It warms me well.

I have a family of something large living in my attic. I say family only because of the noises, not that I've seen things running around in here. It's loud and at times I'm afraid whatever it is, or whatever they are, will come crashing down through my ceiling. They hang out right above my fire. I had the same thing last year go on when it got cold. Don't hear it any other time.

I've contemplated hauling out the Christmas decor. Still contemplating as I type this and will probably still be contemplating tomorrow. Tried listening to holiday music the other day, but I couldn't get through the first song. Just seems like I put all the Christmas crap up week before last. And today passes into tomorrow.

A Thankful Post

I thought I would take advantage of the day and list some things that I am thankful for in my life. You should too.

I am thankful, first and foremost, for my wonderful children. They never cease to amaze me with their undying energy, dedication for enjoying life, and their success. No Mom could be prouder of those two.

I am thankful and so blessed to have all of my family still with me in this life.

I am thankful for the friends I have in my life.

I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food on my plate that keeps me fat.

I am thankful for the job I have when too many have none.

I am thankful for my kitties who love me and allow me to love them back.

I am thankful for my life and where I am in it, even though it was not what I had imagined my life to be.

I am thankful for being awake when the cold front came through this morning and the temperature went from 75 to about 55 in approximately 10 minutes as I'm finishing this post.

I will be thankful for warm clothes later today and a warm fire to keep me and my fur babies cozy.

I am thankful for all the wonderful blessings in my life, big and small, and that I live in a country where I am free (for the time being, at least).

And as always... I'm thankful to you, reader, who still ventures here even when I'm terrible at updating things.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving Day.

Hard To Blog Time Of Year

When it starts to get cold, it's that time of year where even if I want to blog, it becomes difficult. I can type one handed, but it would take me four hours to type one blog post and I don't have the patience for that. The problem: Libby is cold and wants to be held constantly. She doesn't care if I'm up trying to clean or cook, or if I'm sitting and wanting to type or play a game. She's on me. At times I can deter her by utilizing my Dearborn. I've had to incorporate a foot stool in front of the fire since it has become so popular and all the kitties seem to be kind of pissy lately and not wanting to share space. This way everyone gets their own space in front of the warm fire... until the time when it gets REALLY cold and I start using the Dearborn in my bedroom as well.

No return of the ants! But I did get an infestation of bees last week. I still can't figure out how. They were getting in through the bathroom window and there's nothing worse than REALLY HAVING TO GO and sitting on the toilet with a towel covering my head trying to hurry was no fun. Thankfully, a friend came to my rescue and as I sat in another room safely away from the bees, I listened to what can only be described as a cartoon soundtrack coming out of my bathroom, minus the music. 'WHACK! WHACK! BANG! CLANG!' You know that sound that we humans sometimes make when we are faced with something really disturbing and gross at the same time... we get that shiver that runs through our bodies and we make that noise that's part groan and part freaked out? That was the background music to the noises. I've never before wished to record something more then I did at that moment.

I truly can't believe that 2010 has flown by as fast as it has. It feels like I'm still getting used to putting 2010 on things at work and not only is Thanksgiving next week, but Christmas will be following soon after and then I'm going to have to get used to 2011 and before I know it, 2012 will be coming just as fast. I don't so much long to be young again, as I'd like to have time slow down like it was when we were young and seemed to have more time to enjoy stuff.

I Love Maru!

I've posted videos of this kitty before. He LOVES to get in boxes and this video proves, through scientific experiment, how much.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XID_W4neJo

Just A Couple Of Days

Took a couple of days off this week. Friday and Saturday to be exact. No plans for Friday but Saturday I'm venturing out to a friend's party. Haven't been to a party in a very long time and I've a mixture of being excited for some new fun and a tiny bit of panic because I haven't been in an environment with multiple strangers in a very long time.

This morning greeted me with crisp and very cool weather and the cleaning bug has hit me hard. I'm taking a break between mopping floors, waiting on the bathroom floor to dry now, and other miscellaneous cleaning out. I was going to go visit mom and dad this morning, but it's so rare that this bug hits, I'm taking advantage of it while it's here. My background music is my wonderfully programmed Pandora station.

I go back to work Sunday for a 12 hour shift and possibly a trainee. Yes, we are doing THAT again. She's green which means she'll be in for the next 8 weeks or so. I sure hope she works out. She has a great work history and is bi-lingual but I have not met her yet.

Ants are finally gone. Not sure if it was the crappy poison I bought or the rain. After 7 days with minimum improvement, it rained and they disappeared right after. Either way, they are gone for now.

Dad was diagnosed with three broken ribs and one cracked. As of today, the only pain comes from sneezing. He tries not to.

Off to vacuum!

Ants

I dislike ants. They don't bother me so much when they are outside, but I get angry at them when they are inside. During certain times of the year, though, they will make their way into my home and always before I've been able to dissuade them with spraying bleach around areas they are wanting to get to. The last four days have been a tough battle, though, and they are scoffing at my attempts to keep them out. I'm thinking they are coming in for water since they seem to be hanging around my kitchen sink area. Hasn't rained here in a while and things are pretty dry.

This morning I made my way to Lowe's and bought some Amdro Ant and Roach bait. It's this gel type stuff that you place around their entry areas. If it's anything like the stuff the exterminators use, it should work pretty good. My previous home was infested BAD with ants and we finally called a professional and he dabbed this stuff around the house and in two days those things were gone and to my knowledge, still have not returned. It was clear, though, and this stuff is brown. It was recommended by a friend at work and he swears by it. Crossing my fingers! I haven't been sure where they were making entry and I had to stand there and watch the little buggers meander along while fighting the urge to KILL KILL KILL!

For about 9 dollars you get quite a lot compared to the amount you need to use. I only used three very small pea sized spots. If it works and if I placed it right, this bottle will last me for years to come.

Sympathy Pain

Wednesday before last, while my father was launching his boat to go fishing, he slipped and fell. Mossy launch ramp plus Crocks don't mix well. Like any man would do, he went ahead and did his fishing. He felt fine Wednesday, Thursday he was a little sore and by Monday, he couldn't even get into bed and was sleeping in his computer chair. Even his recliner was not working for him. After my mom insisted he go see someone about his pain, he's had x-rays and been checked by the doctor. Nothing was broken. Today he goes in for a bone scan just to be on the safe side. Because there is Valium involved, I'll be the designated driver.

I started having this pain in my upper left side of my back, just under the shoulder blade. I've had this pain before and it's obviously some kind of pulled muscle. I hope. It's just never been this bad before. I took some Aleeve last night around 11pm and I was expecting to wake up this morning with minimal pain. WRONG. It's even worse this morning then it was last night. Google was not my friend when I looked. I'd kill for a back rub right now.

It's supposed to be almost 90 degrees today, which will make for a hot ride home from the hospital with my Dad. No air conditioning in my car. Have I mentioned that before? I know I mentioned my big air conditioner inside my home going out the other day. I sure was hoping we were done with these hot temps. Thankfully, though, this time of year our humidity level is low and although 90 degrees is high, without the humidity it's not as bad as it could be. Right now I'm enjoying our 57 degree morning... without moving too much because it hurts.

Tis The Season That...

...my house is open to the beautiful weather.
...the marching bands wake me up with evening practice and marching festivals.
...coffee tastes the best.
...I've already spoken the words, "I'm SO cold".
...I've already purchased my first Christmas gift.
...my cats start tearing through the house.
...my cats cling to me like their own personal warmer.
...all I want to do is cook and bake.

Last Day Of The Month

Well, we are heading into October tomorrow. This month sure has gone by fast, but so has the whole year. The heat is hopefully winding down because my main air conditioner has pretty much all but expired. I can't complain, though. It was born in 1972 and has preformed above and beyond my expectations for the last few years that I have lived here. If I am here next summer, and it looks like I probably will be, a new one will be purchased.

Here are some end of the month photos for your viewing pleasure:

THE MOUNDS

ODDBALL ORANGE LANTANA

RED FLOWER THINGS BY THE WELL HOUSE

WHAT USED TO BE MY DRIVEWAY

LOOKING DOWN INTO THE HOLE BY THE DRIVEWAY
THE SMALL WIRE DOWN THERE IS MY REPAIRED LINE
NOT SURE WHAT THAT STEERING WHEEL THING IS

LOOKING AT MY FRONT DOOR FROM THE DRIVEWAY

COOL HOLE IN MY OLD OAK TREE

IVY THAT HAS GROWN INTO MY BEDROOM WINDOW

SOME LANTANA LOOKING ONTO MY FRONT PORCH

TEENY LANTANA FLOWERS LOOKING LARGE

VERY SMALL BUG ON SOME IVY

UNKNOWN TYPE PURPLE FLOWERS THAT GROW
WITHOUT EVER BEING WATERED

It's Too Big!

Got home this morning and turned on my computer and realized quickly that my monitor had gone out. Sigh... withdrawals... sobs...

So as soon as Best Buy opened, I was in the store and in a matter of mere seconds I was out the door with a shiny, new, WAY too expensive, monitor. Told the guy checking receipts at the door that this was the most money I've spent in such a short amount of time. But boy is it purdy! I'm going to have to get my neck muscles used to swinging back and forth as I sit here. I bought the biggest one they had.

Now I'm off to see how my Wizard101 looks on it. Then a movie. I'm SO excited!

Skewed Vision

20 years ago, had someone told me that I would one day live alone with four cats and have intense rage and hatred towards most people (internally, not externally), I wouldn't have believed them. The words hate and rage were not part of my life back then. 20 years ago, I started my law enforcement career.

It has become increasingly obvious over the last several years that my desire to interact with other human beings is all but gone. Where once I could find something good in the worst person, now even the good people are seen as inherently bad.

As the days, weeks, months and years fly by, this social "problem" I'm having is only getting worse. To the point that I am starting to question myself. If I was sad about being alone and being friends with only the people I work with, I think the solution would be easier found. But I'm not at all sad. I have told you here, more than once, that I LIKE my solitary life. A LOT. The less I have to interact with people, the happier I feel.

For a while, and on very rare occasions even now, I blamed this closed off version of myself on the bad break up I experienced in... 2003? HA, I can't even remember the year any more. The rational part of myself realizes that too many years have passed for this to be a real cause of my horrible outlook on life. And it's got absolutely nothing to do with my aversion to going to the grocery store, driving anywhere, going outside to get my mail, taking my trash to the curb.

I've never been a big fan of self help books. Like the psychologist I once went to, I feel silly paying somebody to tell me things I already know and it's frustrating when they (books or psychologists) can't give me an answer to any of the questions I actually had.

A friend recently lent me a book after a conversation we had about my unsociable behavior. Not only did this book clearly define my life now, but it answered a question I had long ago accepted as unanswerable. That question was: Why did he leave me? It was an answer that even the man who left couldn't give me.

This friend of mine, tying to help my people hating skills, inadvertently answered the BIG unanswerable question and with it, gave me some tools to help curb this anger towards people in general. The book is called, 'Emotional Survival For Law Enforcement / A Guide For Officers And Their Families', by Kevin M. Gilmartin, Ph.D. This book was written with police officers and their families in mind, but worked well, obviously, for this dispatcher... who was once PART of an officer's family and who deals with a lot of the psychology of working in law enforcement on a nightly basis as well.

I am not, by any means, miraculously healed. But my mind now understands that "it" was not my fault and that in itself has released a burden that I have been carrying around for many years. The culprit was ignorance on both of our parts... not so much about the end of the relationship, but why we got together in the first place and why it ended the way it did. I'm still working on the hating people part. That's going to take some work.

The Internet Is My Crack

So I got up yesterday evening before work and alas, my internet connection was gone. Next to my driveway are several large phone boxes. I have DSL. For the last two weeks I have had large machinery and Spanish speaking folk digging in and around my driveway by those boxes. Luckily, they asked if the gravel roadway they had planted their back-hoe on was my driveway and they were told, yes this is the only way I can get my car out, so they were kind enough not to pile the dirt they had planned on piling there, there. The more days they have been here, the smaller the area I have had to get out. Right now, I'm having to drive around their gigantic hole and not hit the huge dirt mounds now sitting in my yard opposite the hole. My driveway sits between the hole and the mounds.

This morning I was excited to see the AT&T guy out working early. Around 11:30, after having severe withdrawal symptoms by not being able to immediately get online when I got home from work, I finally went out to ask how long the phone lines were going to be down. He made a weird face and told me they weren't supposed to BE down. I replied, "great".

Obviously I'm up and working now or I wouldn't be blogging. And that's only because that sweet AT&T man went out of his way and got all sweaty and dirty and fixed the cut line that those stupid contractors cut. In my experience with cable lines and such, any time contractors are digging they end up cutting a line. Every. Freaking. Time.

When he was done with the repair, he came to the door to make sure I was up and running and sure enough I was. I ended up standing out on the front porch and talking with him for about 45 minutes. SUPER sweet guy, about my age, VERY handsome... and very gay, which is probably why I stayed out there and talked to him for so long. I felt safe. Not like that creepy dude that came up the one time where I gripped my garden tool in a defensive manner because he made me feel so uncomfortable. In my list of attributes of the perfect man, I've now added gay. In my 42 years of living, the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting have been gay. It's just a shame that I'll never get to date one.

He admired my Lantana that is in full bloom right now and he thinks it's an antique type because he's never seen anything like them in any of the nurseries he's gone to. I told him it's been here forever because I can remember as a small child pulling off the little flowers and collecting them. I told him I wasn't sure how well a stem cutting from a Lantana would propagate but he was welcome to take a cutting if he wanted to. He declined because he had a long drive home and it was so hot outside.

And then I tried to get on FaceBook and it was down.

So thank you AT&T guy. I wish I would have gotten your name. You went out of your way to provide me my internet crack, and I had a very nice visit from a complete stranger which is SO rare for me. You made this old lady's day.

World Travelers

My daughter boarded a plane yesterday, headed to Germany. For Octoberfest. I'm beyond ecstatic that she's getting to do this. I always kind of sensed that she would be a world traveler some day when she was younger, and I'm grateful that she did not inherit my homebody skills.

My son will soon be going to Washington to visit his best friend and his wife. It's strange to say that because I think back to the years when his best friend would come over and they would jam on their guitars and be typical teenagers and these children, as well as my own, have grown up so fast. As wonderful as it was to be blessed by these children of mine when they were growing up, knowing that they are out in the world doing things that make them happy, being happy, brings a sense of peace to me now.

I believe what most parents want for their children is for them to have happiness in their lives. Sure, heartache and pain is part of life and my children have had their share. As much as we, as parents, wish we could keep them from that, it's inevitable. Our hearts break right along with their's. I've shed tears with them, and for them. But the best part is sharing life's joys with them. Getting to hear about their adventures and the places they have gotten to go and the places that they want to go. That, in itself, is probably the best part of being a parent. The end result of all the worry over fevers, grades, boyfriends, girlfriends. Don't get me wrong. I think I'll always worry. But that's a big part of being a parent, too. Because I know mine still worry about me, too.

Seven And A Half Minutes Of Hell No!

If I Won The Lottery...

I posted another video of a lady that was doing this in California a while back and I was going to link to it for you, but alas... I can't find crap on here.

One Day On Earth

One Day on Earth Participant Trailer from One Day On Earth on Vimeo.

Link:http://vimeo.com/11214910