Thursday, December 31, 2009

Finally, Kameron's Christmas!


Since the weather poo'd on our Christmas plans last week, we didn't get to see Kameron. That means, we missed her birthday AND Christmas. We hadn't seen her in 2 weeks. Today, we picked her up and we get to spend the whole weekend with her! WooHoo!

We got her some clothes and jammies for here, and two bigger things: One for her birthday and one for Christmas. One is a toy that she can walk behind to help her learn to walk, or you can convert it into a ride-on toy. She likes it both ways. She's walking ALL over the house behind that thing.

The other is a toy that shoots balls out the top, and they then go down a chute and around a ramp until they shoot up again. She figured out how to turn it on (it goes for about 30 seconds each time) within the first two rounds. She's having fun with it, too.

Now, she's had her bath, is lounging in warm jammies, and is just hanging out with us. She's talking more and more, and sometimes she surprises us by talking, rather than jabbering. Natalie reached her arms out toward her and said, "Wanna come here?" Kameron reached up to her and said, "OK!" We laughed so hard. Her vocabulary has probably doubled in the last couple of weeks, although there is plenty of jabbering still going on.

OK, back to the festivities!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

December 29, 2009

Well this year is almost gone. I say, "Good Riddance."

So much illness and death at work. So much financial turmoil. So much heartache for friends.

I try not to wish my life away, but it's only 2 days, so I'll say it:

Come on, 2010. Let's do it!

I need a change.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Raising the Flags

Since I've moved to the front counter, I've assumed responsibility for the flags. We have an American flag and an H&H flag. We put them up as long as there is no precipitation. We don't leave them up all night, since we don't have a light on them, and one was stolen once.

I take the flag responsibility quite seriously. When no ONE person was responsible for the front counter (we spent over a year with rotating schedules for coverage) the flags didn't make it up as often as they should have. They were forgotten, or left up in the rain (only once) or something, but most people thought it a hassle to deal with them.

Not I. I love the fact that I can show the respect that my company has for the US flag. I've subscribed to an email service that tells when it should be half-mast. I check the forecast daily before raising them, and I make sure they are raised before the doors are opened each day, weather permitting. I love it, and I've had comments from coworkers, appreciating seeing them when they drive in.

I am reliable enough that, if I warn Dan (the boss) that I may be late, he says, "I'll know if you're here by looking for the flags." Yeah, I know. I just love making sure they're up, no matter the temperature.

This morning, I had heard that the sun would shine today, despite the temps. WooHoo! I headed out at 8:00 this morning with the flags in hand. This is when I had the thought, "You can't get there from here." The drift around the flag pole was higher than my knees, and I only had the one pair of shoes!


I told the maintenance supervisor, Scott, that I had a low-priority request. (Low priority because they were working on a paper processor, which would stop production.) I asked if he could make a path, even if it was only the width of the shovel.

I felt bad about him having to walk out there and do this, after that's ALL they'd done all morning to prepare the parking lots and walkways for employees, but I appreciated it, too. Before long, I had my path. He's so good to me.



I used that path to raise those flags, and it made me happy and proud. They flew all day. SO worth it.


Well, it was worth it to me. I hope it was worth it to Scott.

THANK YOU SCOTT!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

The Long Weekend is Over

We survived, but barely.

Thursday, the girls and I shopped. Friday, we lazed around, ate to much, and found out our guests couldn't make it, due to the roads. It snowed a lot and the wind blew like crazy and the roads weren't being cleared very quickly.

Saturday, we lazed some more and ate too much again. Mom and Dad came by for a bit, and then it was back to just the 4 of us, eating and reclining.

Today, I woke up early, took a shower, and climbed back into bed to watch CBS Sunday Morning. After that, I ventured into the living room and sat. It was shaping up to be another day like the past 2 had been.

I made potato soup (my best effort ever) and we ate that. Finally, we decided we'd seen enough of these walls (and each other) and got into the Smokin' Hot Neon to hit the streets. We went to Wal Mart, stopped to say "Hi" to Brett, and he loaned us a movie. I'd been wanting to see The Hangover for a long time, and it finally came out on DVD.

Back home, we ate again (I know...*sigh*) and Kevin and I watched the movie. SO good. I laughed so hard. I'm glad I didn't anticipate that movie since it's theater release, just to be disappointed. We never see movies until they're released on DVD, and this one was VERY worth the wait.

Tomorrow will find me back at work, and I'm ready. I know, crazy, huh? I can only take so much of being at home. So much lazy. So much food.

*Burp*

Friday, December 25, 2009

Cancelled Plans

The plans were: Brett would pick up Kameron and come out tonight, both of them spending the night. Early in the morning, Kevin's sister's family, plus his Mom, would head up from Carthage and be here mid-morning. It was a good, solid plan. Much junk food was purchased/made.

Then, my wish for a White Christmas came true. Kami's mom doesn't want her out on the roads, Brett could barely get a couple blocks from his house earlier today, and we just got the call that Kevin's family is staying off the roads. No visitors.

We were all mighty bummed. Then, I made the announcement that with nobody coming, we may as well eat some of this food. Moose Munch Crunch was opened, bread sliced, chili heated, and cookies consumed. We're feeling a bit better, now.

I wonder why we're overweight?

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve 2009

Well, we did it. The girls and I left home around 7:15, stopped at Mom's for the $$$ she was giving the girls for Christmas, and headed to the mayhem. Gordman's was our first stop, and the girls got some clothes. From there, we headed to work. Yeah, that's right.

I called to confirm my suspicions that there were only about 10 folks working. 3 of them were working for customer service, so that I wouldn't have to. The girls and I stopped at QT to pick up winter treats for everyone. 4 mochas, 4 french vanilla cappuccinos, and 2 fat free vanilla cappuccinos. Yup, we walked into the lab with 10 hot drinks.

It was so fun to pass them around and wish our friends a Merry Christmas. It alleviated the guilt that I had for playing while they worked. LOL The best part, though, was seeing my friends and coworkers smile that big. I work with some cool people.

After that was WalMart, which was chaotic, and we stood in line for 45 days. From there, we went to lunch at Red Lobster, and I married a cheddar bay biscuit. Sorry Kevin, but I LOVE those things.

After that was Target in Blue Springs. We hadn't been there yet (they opened recently,) so we gave it a shot. Shopping wasn't bad, but the lines were long. I was there for 34 days. After we got in the car, I realized that I didn't know how to get out of the parking lot. I drove in circles for a few minutes, and Natalie suggested calling Fox 4 Problem Solvers. Fortunately, we didn't need to.

After we collected some Sonic "happy hour" sodas, we came home. Kevin promptly left to get groceries. Yes, another store trip. He took my car "just in case" and it was a good thing. By the time he headed home from Richmond, it was freezing rain instead of rain. He got groceries, a few necessities, and gifts for the girls to give to me.

Yes, he's worse than me about not being able to wait...they gave them to me tonight. I have a CAMERA BAG! Sweet! Also, I have some kick-butt head phones like his, that I kept borrowing. I suspect that I received those so he could get his own set back, but that's just a guess. Thank you girls, and thank you Kevin!

Now the wind is howling, the ice is flying, and snow is already in KC, almost to arrive here. It WILL be a white Christmas! YEAH! Unfortunately, if it does as they say it will, Kameron's momma doesn't want her traveling, so we may not get her. I just hope the roads are clear, so she can come. I'm not upset at her mom for this: I'd rather her be over-protective than to be neglectful.

OK, I'm rambling. The girls got their hair dyed tonight, we're all snuggled in and waiting for the snow, and I'm listening to music with some AWESOME headphones. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Attention: Kevin Conway!


Busy season is over. I have 4 long days off. I'll see family, eat too much, and relax. Life is good, my friends.

There is this guy. His name is Kevin. He worked at H&H for 147 years. He stops by from time to time to see this person or that person. Now that I'm at the front counter, I see him when he comes in. He's an awesome Teddy Bear of a guy, and I like it when he stops by.

He came by today, and we made some small talk while he waited for the person that he came to see. He said that he loves my mom's blog, and he reads it all the time. Then, he mentioned that he also reads my blog, but my mom's is better.

Yes, Kevin. That's for you.

It's weird how he found Mom's blog. He saw her comment on Pioneer Woman's blog, way back when, and checked her out. While on mom's blog, he saw a picture of me and made the connection! Weird.

At 4 today, I took my computer and a bunch of other stuff out to my car which was parked on the street, so I wouldn't have to carry everything out at 5. I heard a car running (Kim, from work) and knew she was soon to leave. I put everything in my car and locked it up, as I heard her car pull away and pass behind me.

Knowing I was safe, I shut the door, turned around and started across the street...right in front of Kevin's car. He could have run over me, but instead, he rolled his window down and told me that with 4 days off, he'd better see 4 blog posts.

OK, Kevin. Here's the first one!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Last Day of Fall

Yes, Winter begins tomorrow. I'm cold from October until March, so it makes no never-mind to me, but the days will start getting L-O-N-G-E-R! I'm all for sunshine.

Natalie spent the night with a friend on Friday night, while Monica slept over at grandma's. Natalie called Saturday morning to ask if she could stay another night. Both girls know the rules: If you want to stay a second night, you come home for a few hours, shower and get more clothes, and then you can go back.

Natalie came home to fulfill this obligation and Monica got an invite via a phone call. What? 2 nights with no kids? Weird. Natalie's hosts were taking her with them to a Christmas party, and she had a ball. She ate a ton of junk food.

7ish this morning, Kevin got a text from Natalie, asking him to come get her. She didn't feel well. Apparently, she texted me, too. I was too deep in slumberland to answer. (sorry, Nat.) Anyway, Kevin got her, brought her home, put her on the couch with a quilt, and placed a trash can near her.

It wasn't much later that she went into the bathroom and threw up. Oh boy. Here we go. She slept most of the day. Kevin and I went grocery shopping and I made sure to throw some 7-up into the cart. All she's held down all day is 7-up and a few crackers. She tried to eat a hot pocket, but that didn't last long. *sigh*

Monica's hosts invited her to stay another night (since there is no school, and her hosts are moving in 3 days,) but you know the drill. She must come home to get supplies and shower. She did, and Kevin took her back over there around 5.

Survivor was good. The season is over, and I lost a bit of respect for Russell, the way he was pouting. Whatever. He's a millionaire anyway. We listened to much of the Chiefs game on the radio, and it was as annoying as a puking kid, a whining reality-show guy, or a mountain of laundry that I can't overcome.

This week has been a long time coming. I'm looking forward to some slow-down, and looking forward to my grandbaby turning 1, my in-laws coming for Christmas, and having a 4-day weekend. I'm looking forward to sleep.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

The End of Busy Season

Hello, Blog. How've ya been? I've been either working or sleeping lately, and haven't been around. By Tuesday, the craziness at work will come to an abrupt halt. The phones will quiet down as customers take time off during the holidays. We will go from absolute insanity to spare time to clean our desks, all in the matter of 24 hours.

The best part of all this is that I can go back to working only 8 hours per day. It is going to feel like I'm there no time at all! Then, conventions start up and we'll all be covering for those who are gone. I don't have any trips for January, but I go to South Carolina the first weekend in February.

OK, Edna, there's your update. LOL I'll be around more often again, now. Before long, you'll be seeing pictures of hotel room carpet. Excited? Me too!

Monday, December 14, 2009

The School's Winter Concert

Tonight was the school's winter concert. I knew about this. I've known about it since...oh...about 9:00 this morning. That's right, if it weren't for those texts from the school, I still wouldn't know. Apparently, the girls told Kevin. From know on, they are to tell ME.

Anyway, so after waking at 4:15, leaving home at 5 and working until 5 pm, I had to get home by 6 to get Natalie to the school by 6:05. No problem, if traffic would cooperate. It didn't. There was a wreck. *sigh* I got past the wreck and drove like an idiot, but by Oak Grove, I was back on schedule.

All this time, I'm doing "phone parenting." I do a lot of this. I do it before school, and I do it after school. Give her the remote back. Your shoe is in the dining room. Did you finish your science? (not today, she didn't.) Quit lecturing your sister. etc. Tonight, it wasn't so easy to parent via phone.

Natalie couldn't find the purple shirt. I can't help her from the car, so I advise her to find a different shirt. 15 minutes later, she'd found the shirt, but she didn't have the proper undergarments that wouldn't show. Find a different shirt, says I. *sigh*

I got home to find that there was weather I wasn't expecting. Apparently, an after-school tornadic storm tore through my living room. I flipped out, but I had to flip out quickly. We had 6 minutes to get to the school, so I completed my ranting on the way. We were 2 minutes early.

Soon after arrival, Natalie informs me that her clarinet is at home. *sigh* Back home I go, ready to cry. I notice that my gas gauge is flirting with E. I skipped that stop tonight in order to get to the school.

Kevin arrives and joins me in the CafeGymaTorium, and we're ready. I quickly tell him of my troubles, and his pea-pickin' heart leaves to go fill my tank at the next town over. That saves me a stop that I do NOT have time for tomorrow. Thanks, honey. I stay and watch a bunch of kids I don't know.

The kids I don't know get done, and half the place empties out. I don't blame them. Their kids are done, and they probably haven't had dinner, either. It's Natalie's turn. Her group goes up and gets started, and Kevin gets back.

The elementary is done, and it's time for Jr. High choir. Monica's turn. Next is High School choir. No kids of mine in there, but they were GOOD. Then comes Jr. High band. Monica's turn again. They're better than last year. They finish and we RUN! We didn't stay for the High School band. Sorry, guys. I'm HUNGRY and I haven't seen my home in over 13 hours.

Back home, we start dinner at the ludicrous hour of 8:30. It's 9:00 and we're finally eating. I have to get up in 7 hours, and I'm just now eating. I'd blame this for my weight problem, but it's probably has more to do with burgers and Doritos. I'm just sayin'.

All of that being said, I'd like to add this: I truly admire and appreciate the teachers and staff at the school for putting these things together. It's got to be a ton of work. I enjoy it, but it's so hard on the evening schedule. Working an hour away doesn't help, but most people in this town who work have a long commute.

I guess I just feel like less of a mom on days when I parent by phone. I want to HELP them get ready, not try to problem-solve via T-Mobile. I want to drop them off and pick them up when it's bitter cold, yet they walk and call to let me know they've made it. I want to have dinner on the table at a reasonable hour, yet we are eating at bed time.

Maybe we can do next years concert on Saturday? In my living room? A pot luck Christmas program! SCORE! I'll bring the Doritos.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Playing with the blog

So, I played around with some blog backgrounds, and this is what I landed on. I'm not sure if I like it, but it's staying for now. If I rearrange furniture in the house, it usually takes 2 or 3 days before I like it, so I guess this is the same.

I'm trying to get rid of my signature, and I can't! I mean, I can delete it when I start a post, like I did with this one, but I want it to stop showing up for now. I even went to the live signature site and deleted it, and it still shows up.

Too bad I can't speak HTML.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Freaking Fabulous Friday

I did it. I made it through another week of VERY long days. I cannot complain, though, knowing that my friend Melodie is working 13 hours a day or more, and my friend Lee is working 16 hours or more. I will cherish the fact that I'm only doing 11-12, and I see my kids when they're awake.

I'm just sayin'.

We have one more real tough week coming. After that will be a decline into 4-day weekend bliss. Company coming from Carthage. Life is good.

One.More.Week.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

A post about the weather.

I would tell you all how cold it is, but I won't. I could tell you about the snow-packed roads this morning, but I won't. I could tell you about the incidents that almost happened in this mess, but I won't.

Actually, if I hear "cold enough for ya?" one more time, I may shoot myself in the knee cap for distraction and something to talk about. "Wow! Look at all that blood. That was good shot, huh?"

I don't mind reading other's takes on the weather trends, I just don't want to post my own. I pumped gas after work and started thinking about how I could do a blog post about frozen body parts. Then, as I went in to pay for the gas, I heard 7,304 conversations about the weather, and changed my mind.

And then I shot myself in the knee cap.

Ever seen a shot as clean as that one? Straight through. Neat little exit wound, huh?

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The blizzard is here! Board up your homes! Stock up on batteries, water, and tube socks! We're all gonna be snowed in.

Or not.

This always happens, and I didn't expect much, but I *did* expect a flake or two. Nothing. All day. It rained. Yes, it was a COLD rain, but rain, nonetheless. It rained on me most of the trip home. The roads were fine, and speeds were normal.

When I was about 10 miles from home, it turned to sleet. I got home fine, but now it is sleet and snow. Quite pretty, actually. I tried to take a video, because the sleet sounded so pretty. By the time I replaced the batteries that someone (Monica) ran down, it was more snow than sleet and snow isn't very loud.

I had lunch with SIL Susan and Niece Beth today. It was nice to see them, and had been too long. Lunch was only OK, but the company made up for it. Work was crazy busy, and 11 hours wasn't quite enough to get it all done. That means that, at 6 in the morning (if roads allow,) I'll be behind. *sigh*

Job security ROCKS!

I was messing with the dish, via remote control, when both TVs lost signal. Charlie Brown Christmas was on, so this was a MAJOR foul. Monica yelled out, "You've ruined Christmas!" LOL That was pretty good. Turns out, there was snow on the receiver. Whatever.

I want Pringles. (oops, did I say that out loud? Hmmm, gotta work on that.)

Oh, and the BS has started at K's work. He was sent home at 1:00 due to no business. So much for guaranteed 40 hours. Maybe they'll make it up to him, but bear with me if I don't hold my breath.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Oh. So. Tired.

I can remember my Grandma Wood telling me that I could walk to her house after school any time I wanted. Any time at all. Any day. Except Monday.

I thought that was odd, but Mom explained that work wore Grandma out, and Monday's were just harder. I accepted that and enjoyed going over there on other days. I could wear her perfume (Taboo) and wear her shoes (they fit for about 3 months of my life. Size 6. Sheesh,) and bake a cake if I felt like it. Any day but Monday.

It doesn't seem weird to me any more. I am only up until 10 on 2 work nights per week. Sunday ends after Brothers and Sisters. Thursday ends after Private Practice. Other than that, I go to bed at 9. That's EARLY, compared to what most folks tell me about their schedule. I need my sleep!

Monday is always tough. Gotta get back into the routine; gotta make sure things are set for the week; gotta make sure things are flowing to make life easier for the rest of the family. Monday is rough.

Add to it that my job is in the middle of "busy season." It is crazy busy, and I have a gazillion projects going. I am keeping up, but barely. I arrived at 6:30 this morning, but couldn't even start working until 7, so I only had 1 1/2 hours of "phone free" work. I plan to get there earlier tomorrow.

*sigh*

I better go to bed. LOL I am so thankful to have a job. I love my job. I never dreamed of this job, but if I'd known, this would be the one I dreamed of. I get paid to talk. I get paid to be social. I get paid to post to a blog, facebook, and twitter. I love it. ZZZZzzzzzzz

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Shopping, Fierro style

I am sitting in the recliner, in a warm home, while the cold wind blows outside. I'm happy. Kameron is asleep in my room, Kevin is snoring peacefully, and Natalie is on the computer and singing. Peaceful stuff. After the crazy week I had, it was nice to have some "me" time.

Today, we picked Kami up around 10 and headed to the Independence Center. Don't get me wrong, I STILL hate to shop, and we didn't plan to shop. We went to enjoy watching Kameron look at the lights and sights. The typical rude people were out and about, but it was OK. We took our time and strolled around.

We shared a pretzel from Auntie Anne's, walked through the pet store, rode the elevator, and blew some money on the kids. Unfortunately, Monica was at a friend's house, but this particular friend is moving from the area soon, and they want to spend time together. I'm OK with that.

Brett came over tonight to see Kami, and was here to feed her dinner AND change a messy diaper. SCORE! He's out of food, so we loaded him up with some bachelor goodies before he left. Ramen noodles RULE! LOL

We wanted to get a picture of Kameron with Santa, but it was a scam, I tell you! You were not allowed to take your own pictures unless you bought something from them. The line was long, and as we waited, Kevin asked about prices. $20 was the minimum! To pay that and find out that she cried or something would have been disappointing, so we didn't do it.

Stopping at WalMart for groceries, Kameron promptly fell asleep, sitting in the cart, with her head on her hoodie on the handle. Good thing we had the hoodie! Even when she's tired, she's so good. It's fun to have her around.

OK, now for some pictures from the mall:

Natalie found a hurricane simulator. You don't understand the concept? Let me help. You stand in a booth and let the wind blow on you...for $2 of your Dad's money. The end.


Later, she had the chance to spend more of her Daddy's money on the bungee bounce thing. It turns out that it's fun, but it hurt her thighs quite a bit, so she was ready for it to be over.


We took Kameron on the carrousel, too. I stood by her while Natalie rode the tea cups. I'm surprised that Nattie didn't puke, as fast as she was spinning. Kami had a ball, though, and each time we passed her grandpa, she laughed and laughed.


It was so hard to get a picture with it moving, but Kevin nabbed a few as it slowed to a stop. You can see Natalie in the background of these.


OH, and while she bungee bounced, a guy approached and asked if I'd take a shot or two of his (tiny) son, and email to him. Apparently, they didn't realize they would have a photo op, and didn't have a camera with them. I agreed, but the pics sucked. I'm sending them, anyway, with a note apologizing for the bad exposures.

They were a nice family, and that boy was cute as a bug, and half as big. It was a Christmas miracle! OK, not really, but it was fun to bump into someone nice.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

December 1, 2009

So, it's December 1. That's right, boys and girls, it's not November any more. No more Mr. Nice Weather. Those cold mornings we've been having? They'll continue. Those warm afternoons we've been having? NO SOUP FOR YOU!

It's fixing to get cold. I hate wearing a coat. I especially hate wearing a coat when I drive. This is quite inconvenient, since I'm VERY cold blooded by nature. So, I freeze for the first 5 miles of my commute (each way,) until my car warms up. Thank goodness it warms up fast!

By the time I get to work, I've fiddled with the heater vents 500,203 times. Defrost until there is no fog on any window, panel until the chill is gone from me, floor for about 3.5 seconds, until my feet get hot (I HATE hot feet) and back to defrost. Half defrost and half feet for a while, and then panel/feet. Yeah, I have a problem.

Still, if my biggest problem is what setting to use on my car's heater, I think I win. Seriously! I've driven cars with no blower motor, cars with no a/c, a conversion van that took the entire hour commute to heat up, etc. I'm good.

The Smokin' Hot Neon and I will be JUST fine, thankyouverymuch.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Goodbye, NaBloPoMo


Well, I (almost) did it. I had neglected my blog something fierce, and then I heard about this. I think I officially missed only one day (maybe two?) and had to pre-date a couple to cheat. Whatever! I did it!

I won't swear that I'll post every day. In fact, I guarantee that I won't. However, I'll try not to neglect it to the point that I did before.

Kevin went to work today. Yeah, I know. We didn't see it coming, either. We got the letter in the mail on Saturday, and he was to be there at 6 this morning. Whatever. He went. There is so much that I could "word vomit" about this, but I shan't. We'll see what happens next.

He *IS* working with the doctor's restrictions. He put in 11 hours today. If they keep the hours coming, he'll be exhausted, but we'll have more money for Christmas, too. Let's be honest: It's not Christmas. It's bills. Still, what better Christmas present than having the bills paid?

Anywho, It's cold outside, and toasty in here. Dinner is over, dishes done, and things ready for tomorrow. I was a WIFE today! It's been a while since I got home before Kevin. I've been spoiled.


Sunday, November 29, 2009

Thanksgiving Day


Finally, I got my Thanksgiving dinner. Boy oh boy, was it worth the wait. Mom has outdone herself again.
Kevin and the girls got home today, and it's about time. It was so quiet and lonely around here. Now we're back to 3 TVs being on in various rooms, and sounds coming from the computers (other than mine.) Yup, all is right with the world. Just ask Hawkeye. He's content for the first time in 5 days.

Most of the leftovers came home with us, so I'll be all set for lunch tomorrow...and then some. I had stuffing and green rice for dinner just now. It takes a while for me to get sick of this stuff. Happy belly.

OK, off to get ready for my Sunday night shows. I'm a happy girl.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

5 Years of Mindless Drivel

Today is my fifth anniversary as a blogger. I started over on AOL Journals. Mom had been doing it for a while, and I wanted to give it a whirl. If I ever had any secrets before, they ended with that journal. By coincidence (not,) my first post was about Kevin and the girls being gone on Thanksgiving weekend, and me being bored and lonely.

I think it's important to use such a big milestone for the greater good. This is my chance to help mankind, and that's just what I plan to do.

I don't have a dishwasher, and I don't have an ice maker, and I don't have many other things that most of you think necessities. I'm OK with that. No ice maker, though, means we have to fill ice cube trays and empty them into the ice bin. An easy task, really.

I needed new ice cube trays, so last weekend, we bought some new ones. Total. Pieces. Of. Crap.

I already broke one. Sorry. I was being silly. Yup, I applied a twisted motion to try to get the FREAKING ice out. Back to the ice cube tray store. I wonder if they still make those metal ones with the handle thingie that we had when I was a kid?

So, for the fifth anniversary of this informative jewel on the net that is my blog, I'd like to caution all (both) of my readers to NOT buy an ice cube tray that looks like the image above.

The End.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Ox Tale Soup

My long-time friends, Kim and Rick, have a pair of oxen that they have raised and now take to historic events around Missouri and Kansas. I didn't know they had a website, and now they have a BLOG! You'll see that I've linked to it on the blog list on the left.

I didn't blog yesterday, and hadn't planned to today, either. Frankly, it's been pretty boring with Kevin and the girls gone. Still, I had to introduce you to my friends.

Have a good weekend.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Blown away

Sure, yesterday's post was quite the downer. I am an optimist, so I don't usually blog the bad stuff. I know that things will look up soon enough, so why bother. I was quite down yesterday, though, and just needed to purge.

The comments (on facebook, where this blog is mirrored) blew me away. I know that my friends, both irl and online, are caring people, but I couldn't believe it. Also, I got many facebook messages.

Then, there were the conversations that I had at work today. I work with some AMAZING people. That's all I'm going to say about that. So many well-wishes and offers of help. I declined all help offers, though. Partly because I'm on the "proud" side, but mostly because I am seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.

(Kevin always says that the light at the end of the tunnel is a gorilla holding a flashlight. Kevin's the pessimist.)

I cried several times today, but they were tears of gratitude. You guys are awesome. I know that you're awesome, but days like today just solidify it for me. You rock.

Kevin's attorney called again today. I can't say a lot about things, because we're afraid that "they" will stumble upon this little piece of the internet and if I word something wrong, well, who knows what could happen? If you want details, email or message me and I'll fill you in. It's looking up, though. People find this blog, remember?

Another thing that happened today was a TON of invitations to Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, my family is gone until Sunday. Yes, I am home alone. No, I am not depressed about it. If I want to be with other folks, I'll go to Mom and Dad's tomorrow. Also, I WILL get my Thanksgiving dinner, it will be on Sunday at Mom's.

If I choose to hang out and enjoy a quiet day, I can do that. If I need company, I will go to Mom's. I can do whatever I want tomorrow, and that is groovy. Thank you, though. It's just one more thing that I have to be thankful for. I have friends who would invite me to a holiday dinner with their FAMILY. Wow.

I don't want to take ANYTHING away from what my friends and coworkers have said and done today. It was amazing. However, I have to mention that I have CUSTOMERS who are praying for us. This isn't just a job.

No, there is NO way I can say "it's just a job." I have an awesome job, that I love, and I love who I work for. The absolutely amazing customers? That's a bonus. A wonderful and perfect bonus.

Thanks to all for the prayers. Thanks to all for the invitations. Thanks to all for the offers of help.

Thanks. We'll be fine. And I love you.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Crabby

Sure, the traffic tip post was short. It's all I had. Here's why:

Kevin's been informed today that he would no longer be paid. He's only been receiving 3/4 pay anyway, while on workman's comp, but we've been hanging on to our house. Today, with no notice, we're told "no more." Huh?

Apparently, if I understand it right, their independent Dr. admits that there is a problem, but is a work related injury the reason that surgery is needed? He can't be sure. Is it?

Umm, yeah? Sure, there is some other stuff going on in there, but it's due to OTHER work related injuries. GAH!

Attorney was called, and said "they can't do that." Umm, dude? They ARE doing that. He's working on it. Meanwhile, Happy Holidays! Your income just got cut in half! WooHoo!

*sigh* I'm so tired.

Who knows what will happen? I may be a renter again by the first of the year. I love my house, but I gotta feed the family, right? I keep telling myself not to get depressed. I keep telling myself that I have an awesome job and we can make it. I'm just sick of being kicked while we're down.

Every. Time.

I'm sick of the stress and sick of juggling things to make it work. He has a job that forced him to do the job of 2-3 people BY HIMSELF. It hurt him. They won't let him work with restrictions. He must stay home. Now, they won't pay him, either. When does it end? When do I get a trash bag full of money dropped off on the step?

I'm tired.

Traffic Tip Tuesday

If you're going to change lanes, USE YOUR SIGNAL! It's the ONLY way I'll know not to bash into you with a vengeance.

I'm just sayin'.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Monday Mourning

RIP, Victor the Plecostomus. We won't miss you much, but we'll try to think of you from time to time.

Busy season has hit me HARD this week. It's time to rock and roll! Let's get those orders moving! I hope that it calms down on Friday...just so we can catch up a bit in customer service.

I will leave you with this thought: On November 28, I will have been blogging for 5 years. Sorry to all of you.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Goodbye, NASCAR

The NASCAR season is over. Jimmy Johnson won the championship for the 4th season in a row, making history. Carl barely missed a top 10 finish for the season. *sigh* At least you guys don't have to hear about it any more for 83 days. That's when the 2010 season starts.

We had a great weekend, and I even got a nap. It was a short one, but it counts! Kevin cooked a big breakfast for everybody, and he's in there making dinner now. He has gotten to be a progressively better cook over the past 6 months.

On Wednesday, Kevin and the girls will head South to his mom's for the holiday weekend. I always work the Friday after Thanksgiving, and often on the Saturday, so they go down and have fun and food. Why should they be stuck at home because I work? I'll probably hang out at Mom and Dad's part of Thursday, if they're home.

I'll end the post by saying: Mark Martin is a class act.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Just to post

I didn't post yesterday. I went straight from work to Whiskey Tango for a Jake Owen concert. It was awesome. Lots of good friends and fun. Stood right in front of the stage for long enough that my left ear didn't start working again until this evening.

Brian and Heather came from Carthage, 150 miles away, for this concert. We hung out all day today, taking it easy. Tomorrow will be even better, since we won't all be so tired from a concert.

It's been fun so far, that's for sure.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thursday's Thug

So, how do you get your mail? In this little town, we must pick it up at the post office. There is no delivery in town. In the country, however, you have a real postman deliver your mail. Ask Mom. It's true!

In Marion, IA, the postal worker was making her rounds, and due to her blood-alcohol content, decided it was time for a snack. According to this article, she entered the home of an elderly lady, sat down on the floor, and started chowing down on leftover noodles from the fridge.

WTH? I'll leave you some cookies for Christmas...IN THE MAILBOX! Don't DARE come into my house, uninvited, for a snack. Dry up, goof ball. I'd shoot you if you walked into my home. Seriously. Shoot. You.

I'm just sayin'.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Wandering Wednesday

I'm doing pretty good with NaBloPoMo, but I wonder if it'll continue after this month? We shall see. I hope, for your sake, that it doesn't. Heh heh. I crack me up. I would have posted "LOL" or "ROFL" but Mom thinks it's lame, and who could be more hip that Mom? Nobody, that's who!

Anywho (another thing that drives certain people crazy, but I don't care,) here is tonights Wandering Wednesday post:

I had to cancel a bonfire for Saturday, due to the weather. Not Saturday's weather, but the weather earlier in the week. Why? Well, why don't YOU figure it out, by figuring out where I've wandered.

36 03 20.02N 112 08 23.43W

Bonus points for telling me what made me think of this location.



Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Traffic Tip Tuesday

It's a flurry, and a bit of drizzle. Heck, it's just a bit of moisture. It's a weather thing. No biggie. Nothing major is going to fall from the sky with the moisture. It's just water, OK?

DRIVE!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday's Musings

Do NOT hit "enter" after typing in a title. I'm just sayin'.

Anyway, now that I can put some actual content here, I had to make a hard decision today. I had a bonfire planned for Saturday evening, and several folks had planned to come. Cold doesn't matter. That's what the fire is for, right? However, the current weather conditions predict that Dad's pasture will be a mud hole by Saturday.

I can't have a bunch of cars driving through a mud hole, and I can't be creating a mud hole at Dad's. He'll shoot my face off. Or, maybe something less dramatic, but he wouldn't like it. I wouldn't like my guests being all covered in mud, either.

So, I called it off. That stinks, but disappointment builds character, right?

Friday, I'm going to a Jake Owen concert in GV. I can't WAIT! Q104 has the best concerts, and the free ones ROCK MY WORLD! I love Jake Owen. I'll get to see my cousin Jeremy there, too. I didn't know he worked there until I found him on facebook. Now, I know I'll see him on Friday. Coolio.

It's cold and wet outside. Thank goodness it's warm and dry in here. I came home to dinner ready and am now in my bed, watching TV and playing around on here. My life could be worse. I'm just sayin'.

OK, now to focus on the future. Maybe we'll make it to the tailgate for the Well-Nap game on Saturday, since I had to cancel the bonfire. That would be fun!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Suddenly Sunday...Night

The W-N Tigers won their game Saturday.

The Chiefs won.

Carl Edwards didn't.

Cargo Largo annoyed me.

My daughter turned 14.

My granddaughter brightened our weekend with a visit.

We had cake.

Toothpicks won't burn long enough to replace candles.

Spiked QT mocha is good.

Homemade pizza is better.

A husband who cleans and cooks is irreplaceable.

And he loves me, in spite of my many, many faults.

My room is clean, and my blankets are warm.

Life is good.

My job rocks.

Good Night.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Saturday football

This little town is kicking butt in football this year! We just beat an undefeated team, 29-0 in the quarter finals! Next weekend is the semi-finals against another undefeated team. Our boys look SO good.

Some friends met us in the parking lot and we tailgated a bit. We didn't spend a ton of time out there, since the stands were filling fast, but it was fun to tailgate at a high-school game. I've never done that. I'm not sure any of us had, but it was fun.

Mom went with us, too, and joined in the tailgating for a bit. She headed in before us, to relieve her knees a bit and get a seat before it was too late. It was cold out there, but not miserable. Mom looked at the roster and announced that the last names hadn't changed since I was in school 22 years ago! LOL She's right. People tend to not leave, or to come back like I did. Funny stuff.

Now, I'm home and warm, and watching Carl Edwards lead the Nationwide race. Yeah, life is just fine. Kevin's on his way home from taking Kameron back home. We had a good day with her, and she was SO good at the game. I couldn't believe that a 10 month old could sit still for so long, bundled in blankets and just being content. She even napped a bit, while cheering went on around her.

It was great to see so many friends from school. Rhonda, Tina, Missy, Lisa, Chris, Kandra, Karla, Jimmy, Tracy, Lori...I know I'm forgetting a ton of folks, and I'm sorry, but it was awesome! Next week, I'll be prepping the bonfire, so I won't make the game. I hope the game is early enough in the day that some of the attendees can get out to Mom's for the party.

Speaking of which, we're going to Melodie's tomorrow (work friend) to pick up some fire wood. Dad has some, but I don't know how much he has that is seasoned, and I don't want to rob mom of all her fire-pit wood. We'll use some of dad's, but not a ton. Melodie is going to BYOB to this party....Bring Your Own Bonfire! LOL

OK, I'm rambling, so I'm out. Gotta finish thawing my buns. That's the only thing that's still cold. Metal bleachers, you know. TMI? Sorry.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Freaky Friday, and an Award!



Rhianna was kind enough to give me the Kreativ Blogger award. Thanks, Rhi. That takes care of the first task. I don't get "tagged" a lot, since I seldom (never) follow all the rules, but it's still nice to be tagged. Here are the rules:
1. Thank the person who gave this to you.
2. Copy the logo and place it on the blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know that you nominated them.

OK, 1-3? No problem. I covered this in the first few lines.
4? OK, I'll give it a shot:
  1. Although I seem to tell ALL on my blog, there are things that I don't mention. Seriously. It DOES get weirder than what you read.
  2. I would assault you for coming after me with a banana peel. Gross. Bananas are from satan.
  3. I hate donuts.
  4. I love liver and onions. (if Mom fixes it, that is. I ruin it every time.)
  5. I would love to sky dive some time.
  6. I love "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
  7. My Daddy is my hero. He knows how to fix ANYTHING.
I can't nominate people for this. I love many blogs, but if I nominate some, I feel like I've insulted others. I can't do it. I just can't. DON'T MAKE ME! If you know I read your blog, you're nominated. Yeah, it's breaking the rules, but that's what I do.

Yup, breaking that fifth rule blew it for the 6th and 7th. Sorry. I've probably pissed Rhianna off something fierce, but I've never been good at conforming to rules. I blame my mother.


Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thursday's Thug

This week's Thursday Thug is someone with no name. Oh sure, I'm sure he HAS a name, but I don't know it.

I was in Quik Trip on the way to work, and MT (Mr. Thug) appeared from nowhere. MT had a zipper-type sweatshirt on, with the hood up. He also wore either midget jeans, or VERY long shorts. It was hard to tell. The waist band was just below his butt, and the bottom of the legs was below the calf. Orange boxers were visible by 6".

It's not just the clothing. I work in RAYTOWN, for heaven's sake. I'm used to the clothing. This thug, though, came in using one hand for his cell phone, and the other to hold up his pants. He held his pants up by a hand full of denim in the CROTCH region. Nice, asshat.

MT pushed passed an elderly lady to get in the door. He spent 3-5 minutes more than necessary at the coffee machines because he was distracted by his phone conversation. He spilled his first cup, trying to put a lid on it with one hand, while his pants slipped lower. He refilled without cleaning up his mess, and sat the phone down to put a lid on it...while it sat in a puddle of coffee from the first attempt.

Heading toward the cashier, with coffee dripping from the bottom of his cup (from the previous spill,) MT cut in front of a pregnant lady, and was $.13 short. The cashier said, "It's OK, buddy. I got it." Thug just shrugged, grabbed his drippy coffee cup (leaving a smear across the counter) and walked out, bumping into a beautiful little girl who appeared to be around 3.

Yo, Dawg? Yo white ass need a be kicked, yo! Useless waste of oxygen. Also, a typical Raytown QT customer. I love that store, and I love where they're located, and I love the employees. The customers, though? *sigh* Questionable at best.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Wandering Wednesday

It's time for another edition of Wandering Wednesday. Today's location is in honor of an event that happened last night. I haven't told anyone (well, one person, but she doesn't have internet right now...Melodie? No answering from your blackberry,) so you'll have to use the GPS coordinates as a clue.

Confused? Me too!

Tell me where I am tonight. The coordinates are:

33 48 39.59N 117 55 08.41W

For bonus points, what happened last night to inspire this location? It was resolution for a problem from a couple nights ago. That's all I'm sayin'.

Now, off to watch the CMA awards!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Traffic Tip Tuesday

Dear fellow commuters,

I need to let you know that you are not, I repeat NOT the only person on the road. I know that you are VERY important, and you have VERY important things to do. This could lead you to believe that you are the only person that matters.

I assure you, my friend, you are not.

I won't mention hanging in the left lane, since I covered that last week. Let's talk cell phones. Sure, I talk on my phone while I'm driving. I have a bluetooth headset, though, so my hands and eyes are not involved in the conversation.

Most phones now come with a headset, use it. It doesn't have to be wireless. Don't have one? Let me know what type phone you have, I can probably hook you up. Seriously.

When backing out of a parking space, you need to understand that there are at least 20 other cars in the lot, all wanting to get somewhere. If you are slowly backing out, while still buckling your seatbelt and checking your makeup in the mirror, you're keeping us from our destination. Do NOT back out until you're ready to DRIVE.

In closing, please keep in mind that there are thousands of us out there. We are paying attention and driving carefully and trying to get to work/home/the store. Please give us the courtesy of WAKING UP and PAYING ATTENTION.

Warmest regards,

Monday, November 9, 2009

Monday's Musings

You may remember (or not) this entry from last Thursday. I have only one thing to say:

Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!
Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead.
Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead. He's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked Witch is dead!

Larry Johnson, the no-good, useless, waste of oxygen THUG is GONE!

Gone like a freight-train, gone like yesterday
Gone like a soldier in the civil war, bang bang
Gone like a '59 Cadillac
Like all the good things that ain't never coming back
He's gone (gone) gone (gone) gone (gone) gone, He's gone

Thanks to the Wizard of Oz and Montgomery Gentry for the lyrics above. I'm so happy, I can't even describe it.

My face nearly hurts from smiling today. Goodbye, asshat. It's been crappy, knowing you.



Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sunshine Sunday

This weekend has ben absolutely unbelievable. We had a great time yesterday at Mom and Dad's. The weather is freaking me out. It was close to 80 and going to be in the 70s again today. It is just perfect.

The last two posts have been "back dated" to cheat NaBloPoMo, so I thought I'd get today's done early. Yeah, I'm not even remorseful.

There is a dog on my bed, looking out the open windows. The dog isn't allowed on my bed, but there he is, taking the other half of the bed that I'm sitting in. He's spoiled rotten, that's for sure. I'll gripe later, when I see the dog hair on my comforter, but I need to wash it today, anyway.

First, I need to conquer laundry mountain. I'm on the third load, so we're getting there. I won't be out enjoying the weather as much today. Oh sure, I'll be out some, but I plan to see a lot of the race, too. The closer I stay to the house, the more likely I am to stay on the laundry.

Speaking of which, I should be folding!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Where I'm from

I spent all day at Mom and Dad's yesterday. Dad and Uncle Don were working on a tractor. I watched. Sounds riveting, huh?

Seriously, though, it was so funny to watch them and listen to them. Uncle Don has a VERY colorful vocabulary, and I occasionally send the girls away until a particular tirade is over.

I wanted to shoot a video for Jim when Dad started the Oliver, since it was rumored Jim was impressed with their speedy progress. This videography masterpiece has a great ending, which demonstrates Uncle Don's vocabulary, as well as leaving you hanging at the end, with the possibility for a sequel:





Friday, November 6, 2009

Friday's Fun

I had so much fun, I forgot to post. Sorry, NaBloPoMo. I wonder if I can back date this and make it look like I did it yesterday evening....

***It worked! (evil laugh)

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Thursday's Thug

Unless you live in Kansas City, or follow the NFL, you may be tempted to skip this entry. Please don't. Thursday's Thug is Larry Johnson.

This useless, thug, no-good, POS thug is close to breaking a team record. The problem is, he's a thug. We pay these NFL players untold millions, mostly from the fan's limited incomes, to do what they do best. What does LJ do? He goes out and throws drinks in women's faces, breaks the law, and does something even worse than that.

He got on Twitter and blasted his team, and his coach. He hates Kansas City, he hates the Kansas City fans, and he hates being a Chief. Kansas City is a DAMN loyal town. We pay for tickets, go to games, watch on TV and generally stick it out, even when they are losing every dang game. However, we cannot cheer for this thug.

Larry Johnson is nothing more than a piece of crap thug. He has no respect of women, authority, or anyone other than himself. There is even a petition to keep him from breaking a record held by a MUCH better man than him. If you'd like to sign, you will find it here. I don't think it will work, but maybe someone will stop to read it and think about how much he has disappointed this city, and the league.

I signed it. I signed it so that I can say that I did something. I can't think of anything else that I can do. If he breaks this record, I can assure you that he will hear "BOOOO" quite loudly from Kansas City fans. This man is wasting oxygen that you and I could be breathing.

I'm just sayin'.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wandering Wednesday

In the spirit of Nablopomo, I've started Wandering Wednesday. If you dig GPS coordinates or if you geocache (something that I intend to start doing) then you'll like this one. I'll post some coordinates, and you tell me where I am wandering.

My wandering will sometimes be near home, and sometimes far away. I may have been there before, or I may only WANT to go there. For today's Wandering Wednesday, I wish I had taken bananas.

N 39.00584
W 94.181891

Where am I?

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Traffic Tip Tuesday

In the spirit of nablopomo, I shall make up themes when other things aren't noteworthy. Today, I launch Traffic Tip Tuesday. If you commute, please share your traffic tips in comments, or on your own blog (and leave the link in comments.)

Today's traffic tip involves loitering in the left lane. If there are three lanes available, which do you choose? I usually choose the left, since I'll travel 20 miles between entering the interstate, and exiting. The left tends to move a bit more quickly, and I'm not slowed down by those exiting earlier.

Sometimes, however, an apparent newbie joins my lane. Often on their cell phone, they lag back behind traffic, oblivious to those that pass them on the right, using the center lane. Not all of us can accomplish this, though, due to other traffic already in the center lane.

This is for you, blue Ford F-150. Mr. Ford F-150, license plate number 3CD 064. Yeah, you. You allowed about 20 car lengths between you and the car in front of you, even though you were driving 55 in a 65. 20 car lengths is appropriate if you're driving 200 mph, but even NASCAR drivers going that fast don't leave that kind of space.

When I try to get around you on the right, you speed up. What's up with THAT, asshat? You jacked with me for 15 minutes or more, always dangling that carrot JUST out of reach. I was road-raging on you, just so you know. When you finally exited on Adams Dairy Parkway in Blue Springs, Missouri, I gave you "the look." I know you saw me. You looked over.

"The Look" may not be very intimidating to you, but if you knew me better, you'd straighten up, Mister. Just ask my kids. I could have done something aggressive, but the smokin' hot Neon needs to get me through a lot longer, so you were spared my wrath. Next time, dude, I may be in Kevin's truck. I've got NO reason to be so kind to it. (sorry, Kevin.)

OK, that ends this week's installment of Traffic Tip Tuesday. Please, people, pick the appropriate lane for your speed/attention level. I'm begging, here.

Monday, November 2, 2009

My daily post

I've been so neglectful of my poor little blog. As I was thinking about the fact that I should blog more, I saw several references to Nablopomo. I'm in. I can't promise that I'll blog daily, but I plan to try. Heck, I'm almost up to my 5 year blogiversary!

It was awesome to drive to work with a beautiful sunrise to my left, and a huge moon setting to my right. The pictures didn't do it justice (I can NOT get a good shot of the moon...EVER) so I shan't post them. At least it made ME happy, right?

I kicked BUTT today. Kicked butt and took names. Yeah, I love it when a day feels like that. It wasn't fun to leave work in the dark, but at least I could drive home remembering that beautiful sunrise that I would have missed, if it hadn't been for the time change.

Oh yeah, the trip home? Every light was green, and the traffic was "Monday light." Traffic is always better on Monday. I got home 10 minutes early! Yes, I still drove for 50 minutes, but 10.Minutes.Early. SCORE!

OK, there's my Monday entry. I'm off to do VERY important things like squash my husband's FARKLE score. It's why I strive for daily. Now, you understand why I walk through life disappointed. LOL He gets me EVERY week!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Wow. A week without a post

It's been busy...or something. Facebook is just so much easier to keep up-to-date. I can update from my cell phone, pictures and all!

Anyway, we had some neighbors who moved out next door, and the city bought the property. They had some very healthy and nice yew bushes over there, and I kept saying I wanted them. We didn't know who to ask, but our all-knowing neighbors Jimmy and Tracy knew. Turns out, they didn't care if we took them, just so we dug them up ourselves.

Yesterday was the day. We borrowed Dad's tractor with the bucket on the front and got to work. It took over 4 hours to get the 4 bushes, but they are now here at our house. Looks like it's going to be nice for a while, so I hope they settle in OK before the ground freezes. They're pretty hardy bushes, so I think they'll be OK.

We have a hibiscus that takes over our front porch every year. It's been here for years before we ever moved in, and if you don't tie it back, you can't get to our front door. Since we were moving the bushes over here, we dug up the hibiscus. It was so huge that it came up in 4 sections of roots, so we planted it around the propane tank.

We had more trick-or-treaters this year than we've had since we moved here. It was fun. Then, Brett and Lacie brought Kami over and she spent the night. Kevin just took her home a bit ago. Now, it's chillin' out and watching my Sunday night shows. Tomorrow, it's back to work.

They weekends go by WAY too fast.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Monica's follow up

Today was the day of Monica's appointment with the specialist. She went to Centerpoint for this event.


I won't show all of her pictures here, since they're on FB, but today was the appointment. I sent her with the camera, but she didn't take any of the Xray process. Kevin filled out paperwork and got her there, and they did Xrays of the right knee.

Then, up to the Dr's office for the appointment. When he saw her and the Xray, he wanted to see an Xray of her left (good) knee for reference. (What? Does he not know what a GOOD knee looks like? LOL j/k) They went back down for more Xrays, then back up to Dr's office.

Something in there is NOT right. He doesn't want to operate on someone her age, so he wants to try therapy. She is to do PT in a nearby town (thank goodness it's only 6 miles away) for 3 weeks, 3 days a week. She starts tomorrow.

I really hope it's not a copay each visit. If it is, they said they'd instruct us and let us do most at home. $20 a visit, at 9 visits, would kill us. They sound like they're going to be easy to get along with.

Meanwhile, the knee is still swollen, the knee still hurts, and the Dr says that something is torn in there. They can't know anything for sure without cutting, and we're avoiding that. We'll wait until the follow-up next month.

*sigh* Pass the the Pringles. This is stressful.