BWAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAHAA!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We too watch A Christmas Story like crazy!!!



Alex's letter to Santa.



ALEX SHOT HIS EYE OUT!!!



Coolest toy ever! Air Hogs anti-gravity car driving on the wall!!

Christmas at the Gorr's

Every time I spend time with you all, I'm reminded of why I just adore each of you. Yes Chris, even you...in spite of your attempt to shake my hand good bye!!!

I have no idea why I was lucky enough to find each of you, but I was! It's been years since I've felt like I had a true group of friends. You all make life a little lighter. A LOT funner. And completely survivable.

I cannot thank you enough.

When are we going to Oglebay??? Soon...please. :D

MIA

Sorry I've been MIA this week. I wound up at Dr. Soccio's office on Monday morning for an abscessed tooth. YIPPIE! Had a root canal done Tuesday and another filling fixed Wednesday.

Needless to say, my jaw is sore and I've been numb and/or on pain pills most of the week.

At least Dr. S is AWESOME and SOOOOOO kind. I'd never gone to him before. I'm glad I did.

The parade is going to make my Saturday at work really boring again. I miss when you all aren't there. :(

YAY for no WORK!

I am SO happy to not have to work this weekend. It's not exactly fun having to waste every Friday night and Saturday morning behind that desk. The only bright spots are getting to see you all and BSing! My work hours suck when none of you show up.

We went out to dinner tonight to celebrate testing and Caleb's achievement of "Distinguished Honor Roll". I am SO proud of my kids.

I am also looking SO forward to going out with the girls tomorrow. We will have a blast, I'm sure of it! No kids, no hubbies, girly stuffs...it's a setup for a great time if you ask me! Of course, no one is asking me, but I'm offering my opinion since I want to.

Lastly, pizza at the Gorr's on Sunday, especially after tomorrow's outing, should be SO FUN!

I'm bringing desserts and salsa/cream cheese dip. Just so you all know. HEY! Maybe if I feel REALLY creative, I'll make some preacher cookies!!!

"The cake" scares me to make when the kids will be around. Anyone desiring a pic of one I've made, in the past, can ask me to email it. Then again, it might wind up like my pics of "hairless" that I've been supposed to send to SC for months...

Sorry Kim...

SUNSHINE!

I'm pretty sure I'm going to gather up the kiddies and go to a park today. This may be one of the last beautiful weekends of the year. They can ride bikes and I can walk. I think the week is supposed to be this kind of weather. Precisely the weather I CRAVE!

I'm officially down 36lbs. I'm over half way to my goal now. YAY!

On a completely different note, I am ready to unpack my sister's carousel horses and display them. I've looked at curios for a while and they are SSOOOOOOoooo expensive. I want to protect them but I can't afford to be financially raped by furniture stores.

So, there is this little alcove in our living room. I think it will be safe because it is a little out of the way. I need shelves there. ES has graciously agreed to help NGM build some and put them in for me. I told SB that I'd treat them to dinner. Maybe my dad's famous chicken and rice recipe. Hell, if I'm going to be thinking about my sister that day, I may as well think about dad too! ;)

So, here is the future spot of my wonderful shelves. I'm not sure I've ever been so emotionally attached to a project since decorating baby rooms.

Thank you ES for being so willing to help. Thank you SB for being excited that he was willing. The two of you amaze me. ♥

Halloween

Halloween was SOooooo busy this year. Between the grade school parade, volunteering for Alex's room party, walking (with a respite to swing at the park), taking Zack & Alex for eye exams, and trick or treating, there was barely time to eat the McDonalds dinner we had.

Caleb was a Zombie. Zack was an old man. Alex was Dracula. It was the first year we didn't waste a ton of money on costumes and just used clothes, a few accessories, and make up.

The kids were pretty proud of the ideas they had. I was too. :D

Blood!!!!

Yeah, Princess and I went for our blood work yesterday AM. We both had to fast. ICK! She did a GREAT job and it only took me and one nurse to hold her down this time.

We went to Denny's afterward. We ate like people who'd been intentionally starved for over a week. It was delish!

We lamented the fact that ES couldn't come with us. He was in Scranton. (ask Princess what SHE calls it!) I heard he was at some paper factory called Dunder-Mifflin or something. I dunno.

Anywhoo, it is DONE and that is what matters. ;)

A forum friend's dad died yesterday. He'd been on hospice. It was sort of dejavu-ish. Threw me into a sleepless night...but at least I have a date with my girls tonight!!!

Speaking of which, lets make a list of reasons that Kim is lame for scrapbooking instead of drinking/eating/laughing/etc with her REAL friends.

Talked with ES and SB last night. SB had 1 glass of wine. Apparently, the size of the glass was equivalent to the size of the bottle! She was REALLY relaxed. Jimmy, on the other hand, wants to get into any number of pieces of my husband's uniform. It's a little scary, but hubby said it's ok with him...so WHAT EVER!

Also, Jimmy Eaglescout Richert for president.

That is all.

bla

I wanted to walk today. It rained off and on. I didn't get out. NGM is using the elliptical right now...and it's all kinds of sweaty! Thank GOD for Clorox wipes!!!

We are having chicken and rice for dinner. Remind me to make it for you all sometime. It's my dad's recipe.

Yesterday was my dad's birthday. I always thought it was cool that he and I shared the "20th" as our birthdays...only a month apart.

It's a blechy day.

Not bad. Not good. Just blech.
Maybe I'll make rice pudding.

h E Lp

NE ed

cH OC oL aT e ! ! ! ! !


H el P !!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


m U st R ES i St!

yeah...I went

And I clocked a new personal best for a mile at 16.40!!!

I didn't think I was hitting a good pace today either! YIPPIE! Feels good to sweat a bit and burn off a few Oreos.

The kids survived too! Believe it or not, nothing was on fire, there were no injuries, and no one even tried to break in!

☺

Today

I need to walk. I only walked 2x last week. I've eaten a bit too many sweets over the last couple of days. (Oreos be damned!!!)

NGM is on a 4 night stretch so he's sleeping. If I thought I could leave my angels alone for 40 minutes, I might consider going. It's not like an adult isn't here. He's just in bed.

Caleb is almost 12.

I know I'll get in big trouble from the master though. Jeeze...I NEED to walk...

I need some sunshine on my skin. I want to feel the cool breeze as I step up the pace. I want to look around and watch the leaves fall off of the colorful trees! There is nothing better than walking under a tree and feeling a leaf hit you. Gives me a wicked case of the smiles!!

I know I'll get in trouble. I know it's not ideal.

Ya know what? I need to walk!!!!!!

work, kids, and computers

Work the last few weeks has sucked. I didn't have all my favorite peeps there. It was boring and I had to pretend to enjoy Cha Cha's stories...over...and over...and over again!!

Last week, I got some comedy relief from Kim...but I was SOOOOoooooo bored when she wasn't there.

Between seeing Princess yesterday, and the Richert family today, I'm feeling WAY ready for the 8th!

It's funny how life seems to stand still in the absence of you all.
♥♥♥



My kids are driving me crazy a lot lately. You know, fighting, being stinky, not behaving. Don't they understand how much easier life would be for all involved if they just stopped it? Sigh.

I've put aside the whole "up for adoption" thing for now, but I may reconsider if they get into a battle again tomorrow! Trust me, I know how to find an agency that would make Annie feel blessed!
♠♠♠



I have very great friends who live inside my laptop. They talk with me when no one else is around. They play games with me and poke me on Facebook. I don't see these people any differently than the friends I have that live close. The main difference is that I can't hug them...except cyberly! This is an odd concept to many. I understand that. I know that it's hard to trust that people can become real friends over a machine. I assure you, they can.

When you take a group of people with common interests and time to feel lonely, they can connect in spite of the venue. Some of these friends, I've had for years now.

I truly love some of my internet friends. They are no less real to me than my TKD peeps. I am not a desperately insane freak because I trust some people I've never seen face to face.

Not everyone on a forum is out to kidnap my kids. Not all of them are stalkers who are lying about their identity. Not all of them are looking to have cyber sex with strangers.

Just like in real life, you can pick out the freaks from the trustworthy.

It's hard to talk about my web friends. I care about them tremendously. They have supported me through a TON of crap. They are not pretend friends. They are, at times, the most real friends I have.
♦♦♦

New list of questions.

Where is your cell phone? my purse with lots of other crap.
Where is your significant other? in bed
Your hair color? It's "chocolate cherry" according to Julie the hairdresser!
Your mother? Carol
Your father? Albert
Your favorite thing? memories
Your dream last night? being forced to eat at my crazy sister's house.
Your dream/goal? a peaceful mind
The room you’re in? livingroom
Your hobby? playing on the computer
Your fear? losing it completely
Where do you want to be in 6 years? I have no clue
Where were you last night? sleeping
What you’re not? sane
One of your wish-list items? happiness
Where you grew up? Plum Boro
The last thing you did? went for a walk
What are you wearing? tshirt and workout pants
Your TV? OFF!
Your pet? Kiya
Your computer? Compaq laptop
Your mood? numb
Missing someone? too many to list
Your car? Town & Country
Something you’re not wearing but that you love to wear? my new smaller pants!
Favorite store? WalMart???
Your summer? underwhelming
Love someone? Lots of people
Your favorite color? purple
When is the last time you laughed? last Saturday with my sister.
Last time you cried? yesterday

GREAT NEWS FOR A CHANGE!

My friend, who was told by her liver specialist, that she had liver cancer, doesn't.

She has benign tumors in her liver, but the preliminary biopsy was incorrect. They had also sent her biopsy to some weird US government facility to be checked...because it was a really rare type of tumor.

They said that it's not cancer! Now, I'm not exactly sure what all that means for her yet. She's still meeting with the transplant team on the 30th. She still has to figure out what needs to happen next, but FINALLY some GREAT NEWS!!!

Autumn

I was thinking as I walked the other day, about Autumn. It's been my favorite season as long as I can remember. It was my dad's too. I started wondering why.

Well, my birthday is officially in Summer...but we all know that by Sept. 20th, it legally should be Fall. There's the pretty colors. The crisp air. The anticipation of the holidays.

Then, I began thinking about how the leaves fall from the trees. Beautiful as they are, it makes the trees barren and gloomy. I really dislike Halloween too. So, I started thinking again, "Why Fall?".

It hit me as I walked along Bruston Avenue.

It's the beginning of new things.

Spring really isn't.

FALL IS!

There couldn't be any new leaves, any new growth if the trees didn't release the old ones! There could not be any new grass if the old grass didn't die.

Sorta like Jesus.

He's Autumn.

I feel like dropping my old leaves and lying dormant for my rebirth in Spring. I need to make room for the new leaves.

The old leaves no longer work...they are dead...

Hopefully, I've used them to the tips of their worth.

Now, is a time for change.

Much like those trees that stand frozen in Winter, I'll await the new buds of life to pop up and make me colorful again.

And just like those trees, it always takes time. I have no REAL control over the process. I need to allow God to do it in His time. I just have to be open to, and embrace the changes as they happen.

Ya know what???

I'm awfully tired if icky news. I just am. I know it's part of life. I get it. Adam and Eve be damned! There are just times you wish it would ease for a little longer than it does.

I talked with my mom today after a call from my dramatic sister. She said that I needed to come and see mom soon because she's sick and basically won't go to the hospital and has her mind set on dying.

After several frantic calls and text messages to my normal sister, and my mom, I got the truth.

She has a "wicked UTI" and the doctor suspects that she's septic. She refused to go to the hospital for IV antibiotics when her doctor suggested it. He put her on oral meds and she's feeling really icky. She had an "episode" that she says felt like she was dying, this morning. She said she wasn't afraid or scared and she's ready. She couldn't breathe well and said she just didn't feel "right". But, we talked for a while and she told me that she's been ready to die since my dad did. I knew that.

UTIs can make you a bit loopy. Strong antibiotics and possible sepsis can make you feel weird.

I don't know what to expect. I do know that she has no desire to ever be treated at a hospital. At least not at this point. I understand that and I don't blame her. Ever since her strokes, she's not been able to be the person she's wanted to be.

Tonight, I found out the results of a good friend's liver biopsy, as well. She has cancer. She's 38. It's so involved that there is no chemo or radiation that can be done. It's too extensive to even remove, and you can remove up to 80% of a person's liver!!! She has to have a transplant or die. Some of her family, friends, and coworkers are going to be tested to see if they are a match to donate a portion of their liver. I pray they find a match.

My heart just breaks for her.

I'm ready for some happy news. For someone to say that things are truly ok. That there is a silver lining. That the sun still hides behind those heavy, dark clouds. I know I'm not the only one. I know there are several of us who could use a boost. I really wish I could provide it. I wish there was something great to say, or some HUGE positive story to pass along. I just don't have one. I want one, dammit!

I'm gonna start playing the damn lottery!!! Nothing wrong with benefiting older Pennsylvanians, and I could use a million or two!

Who's with me???!!!

Well...

I was walking down the street today and just GUESS WHO I SAW!!!

Welcome home Eaglescout! Please excuse my ignorant waves while I tried to keep my pace. Had I even paused, I'd have had a hell of a time regaining my stride.

Hell, it was hard enough after being totally surprised by someone waving out of their van window!!! HAHAHA

Thanks Princess, for bringing my tired boy home from TKD tonight so hubby could keep teaching. That was sweet of you.

And last but not least, YO STATE CHAMP! What did you get for your birthday??? Do tell!!

walking

I've tried to recommit myself to walking 3x/week again.

So far this week, I've already walked twice.

Today, I tried to look for beautiful and fun things since I've been feeling so icky.

Here are some things I noticed.

Leaves falling from trees. (yay)
No less than 8 squirrels. (I love when they look at you like "crap...she's comin' my way!!!")
A BLUE JAY! He was gorgeous!!
Countless flowers and berries on bushes.
The sunshine peeking through the clouds.
A chill to the air.
Monkey balls. (yeah...go ahead...)
Drops of rain falling from the trees as you walk under them...even though the rain stopped an hour ago.

One foot in front of the other...

oops...

I'm a horrible friend.

I completely neglected to tell you all, that Wendi baked me a chocolate cheesecake!!!

Hubby and I (after tucking in the kids) dug into it last night! YUUUUUUUUMMMMM!!!!

Thank you Wendi! It was DELISH!!!!!!!

Happy Birthdays

Today we had Wendi and the boys over for dinner and cake. I made homemade lasagna and NGN made cheesy garlic bread and salad.

After dinner, we tried to yell over the throngs of children who were infesting the house. Poor Wendi kept trying to do things. I tried and tried to tell her to STOP helping. Jeeze, the woman wanted to clean the table after dinner! NO WAY!!!

It was nice to have them here.

I made her a cake and she neglected to bring her wonderful new camera to take a pic, so I told her that I'd post one here.

So...here's a couple of Wendi's bday cake.








Hubby and I celebrated our bdays last weekend. I'd made him a homemade apple pie. We went to the Georgetowne Inn and ate so much food that I thought I'd die! Then, when the waitress was serving dessert, the fireworks started over PNC park. It was a really nice time. Next day, he made me chicken cacciatore from scratch and we had ice cream cake for dessert.










I also got to go and see Wicked on the 14th. CL took me for my birthday. IT WAS BEYOND AMAZING! I have seen MANY musicals in my life, both movies, and in theaters. This was my VERY favorite BY FAR! If I was given the option of picking ANY role in ANY musical for me to play, I'd choose Elphaba from Wicked. JUST AMAZING! The story exceeded every expectation I had. It cannot be easy to take such a well known and loved story, and create a prequel to it. I do not even have the words to express how impressive it was. I've NEVER left a theater thinking "I'd watch that again...RIGHT NOW!", but I did with Wicked.

If it comes back to PGH, GO!!!!!!!!

2 years

Two years ago today, I watched a nurse take down the medications that helped my dad live, and put up a bag of Morphine to help him die. He wasn't aware. We made the decision for him. That was his wish though. We all knew it was time.

So many people huddled in the ICU room. The priest reading scripture. Everyone just waiting. He laid motionless...but breathing.

It was the most excruciating thing I've ever experienced.

Next morning, he was up eating breakfast. We all were thinking we had been wrong to take him off his meds and start the Morphine. The doctors talked with my dad, who was now fully aware, and he said he was ready. That this was what he wanted. He was done being in constant pain. He was done.

My sister Lynn would call every morning with the "Morning report" to let me know what the status was. Every morning that passed that she said "He's still here" we laughed harder. It was crazy.

We all got to talk with dad. He lived for 13 days on hospice.

I cannot tell you how many times I left his side believing it would be my last time. Saying "goodbye, I love you daddy" and thinking I'd never have the chance again.

It was one hell of a two week period for everyone as he slowly dwindled into death.

How hard it was to request the Morphine be bumped up again.
How hard it was to watch the nurses believe we wanted to kill him faster. Not believing he was in pain.

We knew my daddy.

It wasn't until he forced the words "ALWAYS IN PAIN" out, that they even believed us.

Bastards.

He was finally moved to a hospice facility a couple days before he died. The hospital nurses just didn't understand.

Hospice was amazing.

I never saw him there. I'd said one too many "goodbyes" and I just couldn't go anymore. I know he understood. It was only two days.

I sent messages through my sister. I know he got them.

My daddy never gave up. That was important to him. I believe he suffered SO long because he believed that we weren't ready.

Hell, I'm still not ready for him to be gone. But, I wouldn't trade one more minute with him here, for the pain he endured for me.


Daddy,

I miss you everyday. I can hear your laugh. I can see your smile. I am still your babydoll.
You are my heart.

I miss you terribly, today and every day.

I love you,

Bess

Lame

I've been lame. I know. Truth is, this time of year is crazy weird for me. New schedules, new stresses, old memories.

I'm trying to focus on the bests. On the kids doing well. On the positive things around me. There are many positives.

Some days it's just harder than others.

With the anniversary of Lori's death just a couple weeks ago, the anniversary of my dad's death now looms over me.

My birthday is hard.

I dreamed the other night that my dad couldn't come to my birthday and I was so sad.

He's connected SO strongly with it for me.

He was put on hospice only a few days prior to my 38th birthday. I was sure he wouldn't allow himself to die on my birthday. I was right. So, on that day, lacking the energy to bake, I went to Giant Eagle and bought myself a cake.

I took it to the hospital with plates and forks to celebrate, what I knew would be, my last birthday with my daddy.

He was weak but 100% aware and was able to celebrate with me.

I got to feed him cake.

It was an honor to share that day with him. I can't even tell you who else was in the room. I know my mom was there.

It really didn't matter. I just knew that I had an opportunity to hate my birthday forever, or make the day as special as possible by letting it be good, in spite of the knowledge that he'd be gone soon.

He died on the 30th. Two years ago.

I miss him more than I can even describe.

I know he's with me. There are days, like today, that I'd almost do anything to hear his voice or hear him call me "Bess" or "toots" again.

Daddys are something so incredibly special. But, anyone who knew him would have no problem telling you, he was beyond special. He was amazing.

I'll miss him forever.

♥

walking

So, about 18 months ago, I started taking "walks". I seem to go through ruts where I skip out for a while. I've been in one of those ruts. Today, I walked. 50 minutes of just me and Daughtry! It's my favorite CD for my walks. I feel energized and healthier. I remember how good it feels to stretch and MOVE!

I still want to swim. It feels the least like "exercising" to me. I'll get there in time. But, in light of my now, 25lb weight loss, I feel I should move more again.

So, I am recommitting to walking or using the elliptical 3/week.

See, if I have to go on vacation with you skinny ladies next summer, I gotta WORK IT NOW!!! ;)

hahaha!!!

No Bake Cookies (AKA Preacher Cookies)

2C sugar
1/4 lb margarine
2/3 C milk
6 TBS cocoa

Mix together in large saucepan. Bring to a boil, and allow to boil for 5 full minutes. Whisk constantly.

Remove from heat.

Add in 3/4 C peanut butter (or coconut)
3 C oats
1 tsp vanilla

Drop onto waxed paper by the TBS and allow to cool so Jimmy doesn't burn his mouth.

Enjoy! :)

Oh yeah...

This is him. Ewwwww, didn't I tell you. G R O S S !!!!!

And ES, average??? Really??? Uh, ok...if you say so. ;)

Idlewild

I will post pics later. We have a picnic to go to at my out-laws today. But, I wanted to say, that we had the BEST time yesterday. I'm so glad we actually have people that we ENJOY being around! NGM was thankful that, when he had to spend hours cooking, that he knew I had people to be with. I was thankful too! Kim and Wendi were a HOOT. (Sorry about my "pissy" time)
It was nice to be attacked by Princess later too. Riding the train with Benji was DEFIANTLY a high point. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that little man...like he was my own...just don't tell Alex.
I am SOOOOooooo looking forward to tomorrow with all of you again. I can't believe how NOT sick of you all, that I am. HAHAHA!
You all make my world SO much brighter!!! And funnier. And knockerier. ;)

bla

Not even two more days now. I'm crying at the drop of a hat. It takes nothing at all to create that place of sadness. I've got so many damned questions. None that can be answered. It's not something I really want to go through this week. I'd like to erase Wednesday from the calendar.

I'm in that state of mind, where everything is overwhelming. Nothing feels calm or easy. I don't have the strength to accomplish anything different right at the moment. Maybe soon. I feel like my boat is precariously tipping and I'm about to be submerged. I'm not sure it would be worth seeking the surface again.

I know I sound stupid.

It's just where I'm at right now. A bit confused. A lot lonely (mostly of my own making). Unable to change things. Easily scared.

I miss them both. Very much. I just don't know how to grieve right, I guess.

This is my sister. Not the best photo, I know. She'd had a stroke, so she had that look. She looked beautiful in her casket though. That sounds crazy, but it was true. She looked peaceful, and painless. She held a sign that said "Return to Sender". What a sense of humor. She knew. I didn't believe her.

The horses are still in their boxes. I can't bring myself to open them. I feel like maybe I can do it, then I chicken out. I wish I was stronger. I'm scared my blue dish will be in one of those boxes. I don't want it back. I was supposed to visit to get it.

This is just stupid. So stupid. I can still hear him telling me. I just kept saying "What?". It doesn't feel anymore real today than it did then.

Excuse my random thought process. It's pretty much how my brain is working right now.

5 on the NON list

Carrottop. He may have a nice body, but I just can't get past the personality and hair.



Gilbert Gottfried. Nuff said.



Don King. I have an issue with hair, don't I?



Bob Saget. I also have an issue with people who think they are funny but aren't.



There is a tie for 5th. That is between "Sloth" from The Goonies and "Rocky" from Mask. *shivers*

YIPPIE!

Today, Caleb will FINALLY take a class as a black belt. Awe, I'm just SO excited that he's coming back to TKD. He thinks it's pretty darn cool that he's going to be in the "Master's Club" AND he'll be getting a new uniform with his name on the back. I think he's going to start helping with Tigers. It's where his heart is. He is amazing with the little kids. If he doesn't grow up and become a teacher, I'll be shocked.

I'm proud of my boy. He's getting SO big.

Testing 8/20/08

choices

What is it about choices that bothers me so? Why can't I make decisions for myself? I hate deciding what's for dinner, let alone BIG things. I feel I've allowed myself to get to a place where I forget how to choose for me. I mean, I don't even understand what that means! I go to the hairdresser, and say "Do whatever you want". I say "Let's eat out...where do you want to go?" I hate decision making! Perhaps it's an extension of the "I hate to call anyone" thing. I dunno. What I'm sure of, is that I HATE making choices. I always feel I'm wrong. No matter what I choose. That I should have made a better decision. That I should have tried this or that. How do you make big choices in life when you can't decide what cereal to buy? Maybe it's just my personality. I need a seat on Jimmy's bus.

53 years ago today...

My mom and dad were married.

They met in Jr. High. My dad wore a leather jacket and stole people's lunch money. My mom was voted "Betty Crocker Future Homemaker of Tomorrow" and was an excellent student.

Dad saw her in the cafeteria as she worked at the candy counter. He told his friend, "I'm going to marry that girl."
He proceeded to purchase Ju Ju Bees from her and then throw them at her to get her attention.

They were married 5 years later.

When my dad was dying, he took his last breath with her by his side. She stood up and cried over him "PLEASE NOT YET!" He breathed again. When my sister went to take my mom home for the night, she whispered to my dad, "Daddy, I'm taking mom home now, you know she'll be back here by 8 in the morning. If you want to go, do it before then."

He died at 7:50. Suffering as long as he could, to ensure he lived as long as he could for her. Then, let himself go before she got there.

My sister Lisa was there. I was on the room phone with her. My sister Lynn was on a cell phone. My niece Noelle was on the Nurse's desk phone. It was all coincidence.

My mom and dad had one of "those" loves. They saw MANY tragedies, and MANY joys. They were an amazing couple.

when life surrounds me
and time goes faster
I feel in a stand still
an epic black hole

inescapable

insecure

spinning

inside the darkness
within this chasm
both peace and pain

Things I've learned.

In honor of my big 40 approaching, I decided to list some lessons I've learned.

1) Sisters are forever...like it or not.
2) There will never be enough ice cream when PMS is involved.
3) Mental health is more important than physical health. I mean, think about it, no one kills anyone because they have scabies.
4) I become attached quickly to some people. NOT most.
5) I will always be proud of my country and the people brave enough to serve it.
6) My sons are my heart.
7) Tragedy doesn't come in threes. It comes in dump trucks.
8) I am too blunt for most people but I don't really care.
9) When I grow up, I want to stop menstruating.
10) I don't care who you are, it sucks when you begin telling your children what DIDN'T exist when you were a kid.
11) People who didn't like giving up their 80's hair all moved to Texas.
12) Yinz is a word.
13) Once you use your boobs to get your man and breastfeed your children, they should reabsorb.
14) I don't care what the men think of #13.
15) Rice pudding has a voice. I've heard it calling me.
16) When life gives you lemons, squirt someone in the eye and run like hell.
17) God loves me, but He has a funny way of showing it sometimes.
18) Kink is in the eye of the beholder.
19) Hair color should change like chameleon skin in accordance with your mood.
20) Indeed, some people CAN lick their elbow!

That is all...for now.

Michael Phelps's tats

Looks like an "M" for Michigan??? and the Olympic rings.

Rain Rain Go Away!!!

Tami, I can't help but wonder how you are tolerating this torrential rain we are getting. I'd call you, but you may be moving things from the basement. Oh, I hope not.

I'm thinking about you though...


{{{{{HUGS}}}}

An open letter

Dear PMS,

I hate you. I no longer need you. You make me feel like I'm about to sproing at any second. It's not a happy thing.

You give me pain. You bloat me. You make me crave baked goods and spicy food. You make me cry. You are stupid.

Truthfully, you've done your part in my life. Please consult my uterus and stop the madness. I am 40, for God's sake! Give it UP already!!!

With Deepest Disdain,

Leslie

My 5 women.

Ok, here goes.

1. Kat Von D



2. Keeley Hazell



3. Rachelle Leah




4. Natalie Portman



5. Shakira

My 5. Guys now...ladies later. ;)

Oh, this is difficult. Ok. Here we go.

#1 Rob Thomas.



#2 Wentworth Miller.



#3 Cub Swanson.



#4 Matthew Broderick.



#5 Matthew McConaughey.

Sigh....

Where have all the cowboys gone???

This is YUMMY!

Well, the final word. Yummy. I'm rather stuck on the subject of ice cream when it comes to things that make me drool. So, it had to be another trip to The Meadows. If you have not been there yet, let me explain the experience. First, it's custard, not ice cream. So, you lick FOREVER to finish the cone. It's thick and creamy and delicious beyond compare. Secondly, the medium cone is HUGE. No reason to go large at this place. Medium is almost too much to eat. Finally, every time you get a cone, you get one step closer to a FREE small cone! For every ten cone wrappers you collect, you get a free cone. It takes us only 2 visits to get a freebie! No one else does that. It's delicious! It's calcium! It's fattening! It's comfort!