New Beginnings

                  

I'm not sure if I'll have time later so I decided to update my poor little old journal that I tend to ignore.

I think that New Year's Eve is a bridge for each and every one of us.  We reflect upon the old year and have many hopes and dreams for the new year approaching.

This past year has brought many, many blessings my way.  I got a promotion after years of frustration.  I met a JLand friend, my dear friend, Penny, and attended an inspirational concert with her.  I met many new JLand friends (--->waving to Jackie) with whom I have soooooo much in common with.  I also have met even more wonderful friends through my graphics journal.  Each and every one of you mean the world to me.  I hate to single any one of you out. 

To ALL my JLand friends, may you bring the new year in safely.  May your dreams come true in 2007.  May we each hear the music that plays in our hearts and souls and dance to it.  And...may we never give up our hopes, desires and dreams.  Every morning that we wake up brings the promise of a new day......

LOL...off topic but yesterday was a good day.  My oldest daughter, Becky, came for a visit.  We had some wonderful mother/daughter bonding and picture taking.  Thought I would share some pictures of my "other" princess.

          

                  

                  

 ROFL...can ya tell I love my new car and, no, I'm  not drunk although what a face I'm making.

           

My Dreamsicle collection is below.  They aren't expensive or anything special.  The one at the very bottom on the left that is off white is the original which started my collection.  My beloved father bought it three weeks before he died in Sept. 1994 and actually wrapped it and made sure my mom knew where he put it.  He had no idea that on 9-24-94 he was going to suffer a massive heart attack.  He did know that he was the only one who ever bought me a Christmas present at that time.  Love you, Daddy!  You've made me the person I am today with your unconditional love.

 

Love & Hugs to All!  CHRIS

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2006

         

Merry Christmas!  I did stay home last night; well, not exactly...my BF picked me up.  We had a nice quiet night with each other.

Today it was off to my mother's.  I took pictures.  My memory card was full.  I didn't realize it because I was still able to take pictures.  They wouldn't download so I deleted some and that did the trick.  Now, I sort of wish they hadn't.  Sheesh, I have gotten f-a-t.  I know what one of my New Year's resolutions will definitely be.  Joey and I are planning to quit smoking for the New Year.  I sure hope I don't gain any more weight :(

         My brother and Megan.  I'll be nice because it's Christmas.

                      Joey and the Bah Humbug shirt.

Becky, Megan, my SIL, who Joey says took my cute little stuffed snowmen ornament the kids got me and stuffed it in her bag.  LOL...I'll give her the benefit of the doubt because she also got one so maybe I'll get it back on New Year's Day.  Something smells fishy, though.

                        My mom, who is soon turning 88 and sharp as a tack.  I took her by surprise with this one. 

                        And...moi...I hate pictures of myself...totally...

             Megan being cheesy.  She is always willing to have her picture taken.  Dang, I would be also.  She is so photogenic.

                               ROFL...this is the picture that is going to force me to send myself to fat camp.  Megan said my outfit looks like a pirate outfit.  She was also supposed to be posing me so that my triple chin and jowls were disguised...

I'm getting up early tomorrow and actually going Christmas shopping.  Yep, you heard it correctly!  I was so short on funds before Christmas.  God Bless my mom as she was super duper duper generous this year.  I plan to go and get the kids a few things tomorrow that I just couldn't cut before Christmas.  I also should be able to pay off most of Grizzly's surgery with it.

I forgot my coat at my mom's.  Now, how in the world I did that I'll never know but I only have a raincoat here with a thin lining.  I may just buy another one on sale tomorrow.  My mom lives 45 minutes from here and it's getting cold again by the time I go back to work on Wednesday. 

All in all, it was a wonderful day today for the most part.  My SIL loved the wooden Santa I got her half price after Christmas last year.  Cracks me up because I always buy her stuff after Christmas.  Now, I'm hoping she didn't pilfer my little snow guys. I might just have to "lift" them at Thanksgiving next year.

My kids bought me two Dreamsicles again which I collect.  Becky got me a neat pewter angel and some Christmas decorations and a couple of snowmen.  None of them have any money.  I really didn't want them to waste it on me but they did anyway. 

I'd take more pictures but I'm still hating mycamera.  I should have asked my BF for a better one last year but didn't know squat about digital cameras and still don't know much more.

Another Christmas is almost over with.  This one was a hard one to get into this year.  I hate not to cherish each day because life is so fleeting.  I hope each and every one of you were able to find some peace and joy today!

Chris

Christmas Eve

               

It's not the holy night yet but it is approaching.  The best laid plans of mice and men seem to always intervene each year.  I need to focus on just what Christmas means to me.

I was supposed to spend today with my BF, his mother and brother.  Both he and his mother are suffering flu symptoms so it will be next Sunday.  My children are off to Pittsburgh to spend the evening with the in-laws and the longstanding tradition that I have sorely missed over the years since a couple of years after my separation.  They will have a magical time with their cousins and extended family which is very important to me that they continue.  Megan is at Heinz Field as we speak attending the Steeler game.

Yesterday was a rough day for reasons which I won't go into here or now.  I had a bit of a meltdown and will focus on steps to take after the holidays for remedy, if possible.

Many in JLand are dealing with first Christmas' without a dear loved one, injuries, fires in their homes, etc.  Nothing that severe is going on here.

I still need to make a trip to the stores today...I need the good old gift bags which have saved this one here from the need of wrapping.  I am also planning to scout the stores for my annual day after Christmas shopping extravaganza to plot my course of which store to attack first.  I'm thinking it will be Target first, as usual.

               

Tonight is the night little ones goes to sleep with thoughts of sugarplums dancing in their heads.  LOL..we always had to incorporate Santa into the religious aspect.  Santa was a Christian and delivered gifts as a way to honor baby Jesus.  Ok...that's stretching it a bit but that was my way of dealing with my church's teachings at that time that Santa shouldn't be a part of Christmas.  I still think fantasy is a wonderful part of childhood (even us "big" children).

Some have been asking what my BF is getting me.  In fact, he was lamenting the fact the he is a bit short of cash and wasn't going to be able to get me much.  I needed to remind him that he bought me the 32" JVC flat screen tv and spent hundreds on a new tv stand also in April.  That was my early Christmas gift.

I still haven't heard from my mother about Christmas dinner tomorrow.  She is cooking but it's always when my SIL can make it in accordance to her family's plans.  I need to call and find out what is going on.

I am supposed to go to my mom's this evening.  She lives 45 minutes away.  My problem is the cataract in my right eye has progressed to the point that I can only drive short distances at night.  I can't spend the night there because of Grizzly needing his meds.  I'm really dreading this.  My instincts tell me I may need to cancel this trip for safety's sake.

What I think I miss the most is the huge Christmas celebration that was always held at my old house with both sides of the family.  This continued until my ex bought the old house off of me and I bought this one.  There was a huge feast and tons of Christmas cheer. 

Enough of my laments.....May all find the peace and blessings that surround this evening and Christmas Day no matter what the circumstanes are at this time!

Faith is what has brought me this far and will continue to travel with me into 2007.

Chris  (Thank you, again, Lisa Jo, for sending me this lovely tag!)

 

Ending with a Laugh

               

Today was just one of those days where I felt like I was, at best, tapping my foot in aggravation.  I didn't realize it but it started last evening with my picking up my medication for high blood pressure.

I'm not sure about the UK but here in the states the pharmacies change generic drugs like tomorrow's clean underwear.  I hate it because sometimes the new generic does not work as well as the last.  Of course, I got a new generic last night and told myself this is all in my head.

Of course, I was lightheaded this morning after taking two doses of the new medicine.  The nurse at work confirmed that my blood pressure was far too high for someone on meds.  After a few phone calls to the pharmacy, I found out that the pharmaceutical co. quit manufacturing the medicine.  Grr.....but they did have 100 left at the warehouse so I'm trading it in tomorrow and have to discuss this with the doc in the next three months.

I took my car to get the tires checked.  This is my old car, by the way.  I couldn't find the receipt for the life of me.  Well, as it turns out I never took advantage of the free tire rotation.  But...lol...good news, the rear ones are perfect and the front ones aren't that awful.  I got a free rotation and got the oil changed but nothing is ever totally smooth.  My radiator is gunked and needs to be flushed.  Their machine was broken so now that has to be done soon.

I get home and my son says he could have told me that because the low coolant light has been going off and on even though it doesn't need antifreeze.  Megan echoed this.  Sheesh...why don't they say something?  So, this is my next week's chore because I simply won't be able to get it done before Christmas.

I got home...finally...and saw Jeannette's two doggies wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  Of course, poor old Griz had to get an elf hat put on his head; very grudgingly  and with a good many doggy treats to bribe him.  Megan was very willing to help with the cause.  (ROFL...I seem obsessed with turning my family and pets into elves.)  Thank you, Jeannette, for the idea.  It brought laughter back into the household once again. 

              

My poor old pooch has cataracts which is why his eyes glisten in most of the pictures taken.  And I got some Christmas cards today; Jan/Serendipity; Penny/Bits and Pieces of Ohio; and one from Millie in the UK who sent me a card she had made from one of my tags.  Thank you all!  I promise next year I will get cards sent out to all my JLand friends.

One more day of work, and then the crunch begins.  I must say I do well under last minute pressure; not that I have a whole lot to do.  I have a couple of last minutes gifts to get and a few more gift bags.  No wrapping for me anymore.

             Chris  (Thanks, LJ, again.  I think this is one you sent me.)

A "Tornado" is Coming

      

Thank you, Terry Ann a girlnexdoor creation for the tag.  Yep, my tornado is coming home tonight.  Joey just left to pick Megan up.  Life will just be one storm after another or maybe just a few.  I just never know.  We will be shuffling cars again.  Lord have mercy but I don't want her driving the new one.

Joey said I need new tires on the old car.  Grrr...they are BF Goodrich Control Plus and weren't cheap.  I got them last summer so on Saturday I have to go and complain about them.  There's only about 20,000 miles on them and they are generally just wearing out.  Sounds like I may need to take my BF as he "smoozes" with they guys at the tire place all the time.

LOL...you get to be bored by a bigger, better picture of my Christmas tree.  I spent two days super cleaning the diningroom and found my book for my camera.  I suppose it pays to read about the settings.  No shopping today for me as I really want this house organized.  I still had things from the closet in my family room shoved in a corner of the diningroom.  No more.  I threw three more bags of stuff out for the trash today.

So this is my pre-lit, skinny, Martha Stewart tree with white lights.  It's sort of growing on me, especially the part with no needles dropping.  Maybe I can adjust to these new-fangled artificial things.  I pine sol'd the basement today.  ROFL...there's that pine smell for Ms. Megan.  My prediction for her first words when she sees the tree are "Ewwww."  I'll let you know if I'm right but I think I will be.

Two more days of work.  I wish I had taken the rest of the week off but the phone has been ringing off the hook there, and it's only ringing right now in my area.  I'm just so impatient because I think of all the things I could be doing at home.

I have a new journal I'm reading.  I met her through my graphics journal.  Indigo is Cherokee and became deaf later in life.  She has a gentle spirit and has just acquired Pickles, a hearing dog for the deaf.  If you have a minute, stop by and welcome her to JLand.  Clicky----> Raven's Lament  And that is a day in my life in a nutshell.  Pushing into full gear for last minute preparations, which is the way I seem to work best.

Blessings to all and big hugs and smiles :)

  Chris  (Thanks, LJ for the dancing elf!)

          

I'm thinking that this year it will be a total mystical Christmas for our family considering the miracle of Megan's tests.  I still have a hard time believing that there wasn't a mistake made.

I also can't believe I haven't made an entry for a week.  Life is so hectic.  It's hard to believe that next week is Christmas.  Where has the time gone?  It certainly seemed to sneak up way too quickly this year.

The weather here is unbelievably mild...in the 60's.  I'm not complaining a bit.  LOL...I'm finally getting some outside lights up today.  Joey is putting my spiral trees together that I got at Walmart.  (Yes, Lisa Jo, our SuperCenter is super freezing cold.  It was terrible in there today.  Do they have the AC on?)

I'm kicking myself for throwing out the tree I always put on my sunporch.  It was super dusty but I should have held on one more year so I could get a new one after Christmas this year.  Live and learn.  My sunporch just looks so drab without it.

And my bonus had a couple of hundred extra in it.  I still won't have much left but it will pay for the car repairs and insurance.

I am taking Wednesday off to finish cleaning and shopping.  I do a one sweep day of Christmas shopping.  Thankfully, I don't have a whole lot to buy.  My kids want money.....lots of luck.  They will have to split what's left from the bonus which won't be a whole lot.  This new car is draining the budget more than I thought.

But we've had many a meager Christmas since separation and divorce hit.  My kids are the best.  They are truly happy with what they get and work for what they want.  Many Easters, we celebrated the day after.  They would wait for me eagerly to get home from work that Monday and off to the store we'd go.  50% off; double the pleasure.  I felt bad but they loved it.  We still laugh about it.  Thankfully, the extended family has provided enough at Christmas for what I lacked.  One thing that is never lacking in this house is love and laughter.

Off I go to put some lights outside.  Better late than never.  I will be around later today and catch up on my journal reading, as I know I'm close to a week behind.

Love you all.  I can't thank you enough for your prayers for Megan.  Sheesh....such a miracle I'm still in awe.

             

The Tree

Wow, I'm popping out the entries.  I got my tree up and took a picture or 20...lol.  My camera sucks or else it's the picture taker (moi) who doesn't know how to read directions.  Not surprising because Joey had to give me a lesson with my new car today.  I still didn't know how to use half the stuff on it.  Anyway, the tree is up and lit.  I put these stick things of berries in it because Mocha is fascinated with shiny beads and shiny garland and would drag the tree to kingdom come if I put anything shiny on it.

                      

 

I got my collection of snowmen out and put them out in the living room and bought a small fibre optic tree to stick on the end table in there.  My son likes that one because it's colorful and the lights flash like crazy.  I also had to get a new tree skirt because Grizzly thinks they are his blankies and nestles in them every year.

So, it's beginning to look a little bit like Christmas here finally although I'm still not used to a small, not live tree.

Uh oh, I see a kitty under the tree who looks like she's up to no good.  Later......

         Thanks, Angela, Dazzling Designs, and owner of my PSP group for the tag above.

Thrilling Phil...lol

Thanks Missie  Missie's Magical Creations for the tag.

Rofl...since Ms. Scrooge is climbing out of the Bah Humbug box, I got this from Jackie's journal and decided I would play along.  (My tree is up thanks to Joey getting home early tonight.  I was ready to pitch it to the curb because I couldn't get the darned thing together.  I must admit sometimes smaller is better...lol.  This tree is much smaller than previous years but really does look nice.  I have a homespun theme on it so I need a few more things for it but overall I'm amazed that I actually like it a lot.)  My answers to the quiz are in red.

Phil the Thrill over at IT IS WHAT IT IS, gave all us FEmales a little quiz over at his journal and ask us to answer the questions and then he would supply us with the answers later.  So.. if all my awesome female readers want to play along.. go ahead and copy and paste the questions and then your answers, in your journal.  Phil will supply what your answers mean, later! :)

 

1. You have $150 to spend on holiday gifts for family and friends.  Suddently, you spot the party.  You:

 

a.  Resist and put every cent toward other people's presents

 

b. Spend most of your loot on gifts first, then put the frock on lawaway.

 

c. Drop it all on the dress and send people cards instead of packages.

 

2.  You've been totally stressed on the job.  you deal by:

 

a. Treating yourself to a soothing massage or bubble bath.

 

b. Cutting out early all week--your coworkers cover for you.

 

c. Working even harder . . .This is just a rough patch.

 

3.  You're heading to yoga class when a friend calls, begging you todrive her to the airport tonight.  You:

 

a. Say you're sorry but no can do the chauffer thing.

 

b.  Drive her and silently get pissy because you missed your class.

 

c. Agree to take her but tell her that you'll need to drop her off right now because you want to make the last half of the class.

 

4. My guy is most likely to say ______________to me in bed.

 

a.  "Okay, now it's time for me to please you . . ."

 

b.  "C'mon, tell me:  What do you want?"

 

c.  "Hey, I ned some lovin' over here!"

 

5.  When you need something, from advice about work problem to man support, you turn to:

 

a.  Whoever is in your immediate orbit at that moment.  You.  Need.  Help!

 

b.  The top person for the job, who has the time and right frame of mind.  Note everyone can give you what you need, so you don't waste your time or theirs.

 

c.  Yourself--burdening other people makes you look like a drag.

 

Have fun with this.  I can hardly wait to see what all my answers mean; probably psychotherpy.

 

CHRIS

Tis the Season

      

I love this tag but didn't make it.  I have no idea who did.  It came through my PSP group so thanks to whoever created it.

I'm really trying to shake the "Bah Humbug" syndrome I've fallen into this year.  I've always gone all out with decorating, etc.  This year I'm just not motivated.  I can't put my finger on the reason.  I alway have at least one tree up by Thanksgiving.  Well, I got rid of my artificial trees this past summer and have the one new one.  I'm still so procrastinating about the familyroom and my carpet.  I'm just not in the mood to go buy a live tree, drag it in and string lights on it.  Tonight, I will see how the tree I bought after Christmas last year looks in here.  The whole thing is I know I'm not going to like it.  It was bought for my tiny livingroom.  Sheesh, why can't I just make a decision this year?

Megan will find out the results on Monday.  They got them Friday but the doctor wasn't in to read them.  She doesn't start her break until Dec. 21st.  I know she has to be pushing zero in the money department.  I suppose finances are also weighing heavy on my mind as I just made my first car payment.  Thanks to the good Lord for my bonus which will just cover the repairs to my old car plus the car insurance.  I finally was able to take Joey's Mustang off insurance this week for the winter months, which will help some.

I am noticing that so many in JLand are struggling with health issues and have plates so full right now.  My prayer lists just keeps growing but the comforting thing to know is that the Lord does answer prayers.

I'm hoping to go to church with Becky tomorrow.  I would love to have Megan go and then take the girls out for lunch.  That just might revive my motor and lift my spirits.

Boy, this is turning into a downer entry; not what I intended.  I'm sure once I get some of my decorations out and up I'll start to feel the spirit move me. 

I've had some more duties added at work...an answer to my prayers as I was starting to have to pace things.  I hate not having tons of work to do.  The day goes so much faster when I have priorities to set.  It motivates me to be there everyday because I don't want to get behind.  If I can keep up too easily then it's far too easy to be tempted to blow off a day.  Weird, but that's me.  And, whoo hoo, I'm able to take off the day after Christmas.  I absolutely love my division chief and Rose, who does the same thing I do and trained me so well.  Yes, I am super duper thankful for my new position. 

So, my JLand friends, I am just tired today.  I'm behind again on what alerts I have gotten and behind on visiting.  I will be around to visit this evening.  And just maybe there will be a tree in my familyroom.....

            Thanks to Missie, Missie's Magical Creations, for the adorable siggy!

 

ADDENDUM LOL

Please do not feel that you have to remove any of my stuff that any of you have resized in your journals.  I'm not offended.  I create them for fun and because I'm addicted to PSP.  What you do with them is your own choice.

Like, I said, I have no rules or restrictions set in my graphics journal.

It's for fun and your pleasure.  If you are happy with it, then I'm happy.  That's all that counts.  I'm sorry I made it sound like it bothers me because actually that is very low on the scale of life's stresses for me.

So, continue to snag away, and have fun doing it.  That's what it's all about for me.

Sorry, I came off differently than intended.

This and That

I've been meaning to share this with you.  As you can see, the picture was taken in October and sent to me soon after.  It came in an e-mail from Millie Millie'sMessings.  She was very worried because she makes her own cards, and she had used one of my tags for it.  Honestly, I was quite touched that she had used a tag of mine and made such a beautiful creation.  Isn't it lovely? 

Now, just a small comment about the tagging controversy going on.  Everybody who has a tag journal sets up certain rules, restrictions, whatever.  Some are stricter than others.  That is each person's right who makes graphics to do so.  Really, those who snag should respect the personal preferences of the creator. They are putting much time and effort into creating things, the least that should be done is to follow their rules.  I, myself, don't particularly care for setting rules and regulations with my tags.  I make them to be used and for fun.  LOL...ok, the resizing.  Yes, some resize them far better than others but really I and most others know what my tag looked like originally.  So, some may butcher it.  JMO, I make tags for the fun and pleasure of others.  Life is too short to get myself in an uproar over something that I created from the work of the talented artists who actually make the tubes we use.  All we who make tags do is use artists' work and put it together.

Nuff of that....I found out on Friday that my division was #1 in the country and was getting a pretty good sized bonus from our central office for it.  Naturally, I was only there for three months of the fiscal year so I was expecting it to be pro-rated.  Nope, I'm getting the full amount.  I was stunned and blessed...totally.  So, I had plans of what to do with the money; like maybe some neat gifts this year.  Well, Murphy's law applies to me always.  Joey took the Oldsmobile to get a hose replaced in the coolant system.  That's where the tranny fluid was leaking from.  $52 :)  I was doing a happy dance until the next phone call came from Joey.  LOL...my whole brakeline is rusted out totally and has to be replaced :(  So, there goes probably most of my bonus because the line is rusted into the calipers.  Joey is taking it Tues and helping at the old place he worked at which will save a tiny bit on labor.

My plumbing cost a total of $20 to fix.  It was a couple of washers that needed replaced on the whatevers going into the tub plus the labor for Randy to shop vac and clean most of the drain out for me.

I'm still on pins and needles with Megan.  She should find out the biopsy results on Tues although I sort of know the answers already.  I can't thank you enough for your continued prayers.

I haven't been to the basement since last night.  I would like to shut the door and never go down there again.  OCD but it's something I need to get over.  The basement needs a serious clean up.  I think I need to enlist the BF with this issue.  I've unloaded so much out of there but I really need to just get rid of way more.

So, I'm off to pay my Target bill, grocery shop; yuck, and buy some storage containers so I can get my summer clothes out of the cellar.  No more storing my clothes down there now.  I'm using my old bedroom as a huge walk-in closet for now.

Have a blessed Sunday!

             CHRIS

Wind and more Wind

If that girl were standing in Pittsburgh right now, she would be airborne.  The wind gusts are simply awful.  Joey said the DISH went out a couple of times for a minute or two this morning.  Grizzly has settled down but was very nervous around the time the satellite went out.  It is still extremely gusty and starting to get cold.  The wind just blows through this old house of mine.

My fuss tonight....a critter in my basement.  Some of you may not know but I'm totally creeped out by mice, moles, etc.  Joey came up from the shower and said he saw what he thought was a mole scurrying into the coal cellar.  Now, where in the world my killer cat has been all day I don't know.  She perches herself on the basement steps constantly since she caught a mouse last fall.

I dug out some sticky strips and put it where I caught the last mole a couple of years ago.  Caught that sucker within minutes but didn't want to pick the strip up while it was still squirming coz I was kind of queezy.  I read a couple of journals and went back down.  The darned thing is gone; got off of the sticky tape stuff.  Sheesh, now my dilemma is where the heck did it go to?  I'm hoping it isn't half dead somewhere in my basement.  A lesson to be learned...I should have gotten when I had it.  So, tonight I'm on mouse patrol or whatever it is.  I know Mocha doesn't have it because I closed the basement door.  I didn't want her or the dog getting stuck to that stuff.  Grrr....I'd rather plunge sludge out of my bathtub.

I'm staying home tonight.  The power is out just about everywhere around me (including Day's Inn) but my house is still on; keeping my fingers crossed. 

Please continue to keep Jackie in your thoughts and prayers as it appears the lesions her sister has in her liver are cancerous and have spread from another area.

Have a good evening!

 

            

Babe in Control

                     

 

LOL...that's me...a babe in total control.  Not that I want to be.  I just have to be.  (Thanks to Maria, who I always make tags for, for sending me this one.)

The insurance adjuster came today.  The valves to the supply lines to the bathtub are leaking so no ceiling cutting into is necessary.  I do need to have about a 12 inch area replastered and repaired from water damage but the wood underneath is fine.  Thank the Lord.  After my $250 deductible, I have about $200 left to do it with not counting the plumbing.

Speaking of plumbing....I finally got ahold of Randy last night.  He wanted me to run water into the tub to see if the drain was unclogged.  It appears he knew the drain wasn't clogged but thought some pipes were leaking.  So, I put some water in the bathtub.  Zilcho draining.  Well, you guessed it...out came one of my many plungers.  Ewwwww....the depths of hellish sludge came back up into the tub.  And no it wouldn't go down all the way.  I was sopping up sludge with old towels since I don't have a shop vac.  I would have strangled Randy if I had seen him last night.

My BF said just keep plunging because I needed to loosen the sludge.  Bwah hah...no way.  I went to bed.  I woke up with renewed zest this morning.  No drain will get the best of me.  I unclogged a hopelessly clogged drain in my old house which was a plumbing nightmare.  I knew I could get this one.  I plunged like some crazy woman.  The water would only go down so far.  I just kept at it and then switched plungers and gave it one last whack with the plunger.....voila, the water is draining.

Now, I just have to get Mr. Randy up here to replace the spigoty/valvy things which shouldn't cost much at all then start to search for a contractor...oh joy.

I just started putting some lights out on the deck this afternoon and darned if it didn't start to rain.  It's still in the 60's but will be cold this weekend so I suppose once again I will be stringing lights in the cold.

Thanks to all for your prayers for Megan.  She is feeling pretty good today.  I need to discuss her finances with her but didn't want to do it when she wasn't feeling up to par.  She bounced a couple of checks before Thanksgiving and over Thanksgiving break.  I checked her balances and am worried she won't have enough for rent/utilities for the next three weeks.  She should just make it if she watches closely.  Ok, I'm laughing at this one.  She did make over $400 in tips over Thanksgiving.  Thank the Lord for that.  I'm just not sure if she deposited it although it appears she has.  Maybe it's time to call daddy...hehe...like that will do any good.

Well, I'm off to soak myself.  Hopefully, the bathtub will still continue to drain, and get ready to go to work.  Hopefully, I still have a darned job left.

MWAH

                   

Dang, is that girl's butt hanging out?  Sheesh, I got all the way done with this tag and noticed it.  Ooops, hope I'm not offending anyone because I'm so indecisive today I couldn't figure out which tag to use so I made one.

Thanksgiving was annoying.  I'm not dwelling on it as it was not any more or less than I expected.  We were to be there around 3:30 to eat at 4:00.  In reality, we ate at close to 7:00.  I was more than grouchy because I had to get up for work at 4:30 the next morning and still had a 45 min. drive home.  Becky was also grouchy as she had tons of studying to do and had an hr. ride home.

I've spent the rest of the weekend fussing over decorations and trees.  I still have no idea what I'm going to do.  I always have a huge live tree in my familyroom.  I don't want to do that this year because I now have close to $1,000 invested in carpeting in this room now.  It always seems that sap ends up on the carpeting, I couldn't believe the needles stuck under the old carpet when it was removed.

I bought a Martha Stewart pre-lit tree after Christmas last year at K-Mart.  It is a beautiful tree and was $200.  I got it for $60.  The only thing is that it's a tall thin tree.  I bought it with the intention of using it in the living room which is a very small room.  I have a feeling it will look lost and spindly in the family room. 

I had a small tree on my sunporch also that I tossed because it was old and dusty.  I was going to take the tree out of the box today and see what it looked like but it was confusing the daylights out of me.  LOL...that doesn't take much.  I'm not the least bit inclined when it comes to putting things together.  So, the tree is still in the box.  Once it's out, then I have to decide on ornaments for it.  Do I use my old standard or buy new ones?  All this over a tree.  I just can't seem to dig up that Christmas spirit yet, as I'm sure you noticed from my graphics journal...hehe, which is loaded with Christmas stuff.

I did get a 27" flat screen tv today at good old Wally World. They still had some left over from Black Friday, and the price was right.  I was going to put it in Megan's bedroom which I use but Joey needs all the jacks and plugs for his DVD player and Playstation so I moved the ancient 25" magnavox into Megan's room, and he got the new one.

Megan went back to school this evening.  She made tons of money waitressing over break.  She worked also today.  Tues is her appt. so my nerves are a bit shot.  Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

I had to buy some toys today for the Toys for Tots program at work.  I had no idea what is popular now.  It's been ages since I bought toys so I got some Dora stuff and a couple of My Little Ponys, as I've heard they are still popular.  I've been fussing for a week over that.

Oh, and my windshield on my new car got stone chipped on Thanksgiving day.  They repaired it so it cost me nothing but they plug the chips, and it's bugging me because I can notice it.  I can always get the windshield replaced for the $50 comprehensive fee but I'll wait until I have the money to do that.  But that did rattle me.

LOL...and sheesh, what is up with those Steelers?  Talk about a painful team to watch this year.

Well, I didn't intend to turn this into more whining but it looks like it sort of went that way.  I'm just really tired.  I best get moving.  I need to take a shower in the good old basement.  I'm missing my soaking in the bathtub.  One good thing, though, it's been 65 and sunny since Friday.  Is this November in western Pa.?  Actually, I love it.  I'm hoping this lasts until Tues.  I'll be off to go with Megan so I would like to get some outside lights up but then again I'm so afraid of putting too much up because of the electrical problems I had. 

HUGS to all...I'm definitely done this time.

Thanks to Shelly Roxy's Links and Graphics for the siggy.  Shelly is always surprising me with tags.  I also have another with a cute floating daisy on it.

Sending Christmas Greeting & Thanks to our Troops

             

 

I got this link from Jackie who got it from Missy.  Xerox is sending post cards from us to the troops serving our country.  Click on the link and pick a postcard and message and submit.  The postcards appear to have been drawn by school children and are adorable.

Let's Say Thanks

You can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.

Please spread the word as it has to be so difficult to be in Iraq at Christmas away from loved ones. 

It only takes a minute to send one.  Let's all band together and spread some JLand love, cheer, and support to those serving our country.  That's the least we can do.

HUGS to all....CHRIS

Happy Thanksgiving

                

Happy Thanksgiving! (Thanks, Shelly, for the tag above.) Today I am reflecting on all the things I am thankful for and the many blessings in my life.  The biggest blessing is threefold....that would be Becky, Joey and Megan; my children.  There isn't a moment that goes by that I do not thank the Lord for blessing me with three of the most beautiful, smartest, kindest children in the world.

I am also thankful for my father, even though he is no longer with us.  My father bestowed unconditional love upon me and also my children.  All little girls should have a daddy like mine.  He loved and respected my mom; while "spoiling" the daylights out of me.  Because of my father, I am basically a loving, trusting person; content with my imperfections.  My dad thought I was the most beautiful person to walk the earth and told me so all the time.

I am so thankful that my mother and I have reached a common plateau with each other.  For many years, it was my mother and brother vs. my father and me.  My mother and I have nothing in common.  We are as different as night and day.  My mom tried her best to turn me into a mini-me of herself.  It didn't happen.  She was bitter for a long time.  She was hospitalized a few years ago with the MRSA infection.  The tide turned more so in my direction.  We have both become more mellow.  My mother is 88 years old.  I no longer feel the need to disagree with her opinions constantly.  Without my mom, I would be homeless; seriously.  My mother cannot display her feelings.  I know that she adores the ground Joey walks on .  I now know that she is constantly praising my girls.  I have heard from others that she praises my family quite frequently.  We are her life; even though she can't express it directly. 

I am also thankful for my BF.  I got it right this time.  He is so much like my father as opposed to my ex, who couldn't be more different than my father.  He also thinks I'm the most beautiful female to walk this earth.  (LOL..he needs glasses.)

Now, I am thankful for my flimsy, dingy shower in the basement from hell.  I have a plumbing nightmare on my hands.  Yes, my plumber's name is Randy.  I call him handy, dandy, Randy because he is "retired" but is busier now than ever.  He can't turn anyone down who needs help.  My drain is not only clogged but is leaking under the bathroom floor along with God only knows how many other pipes.  He was here off and on for two days and left.  He will be back.  He told my son I'm going to have a heart attack when I hear what has to be done.  I already know he has to cut through the ceiling, which leads me to another area.  I am thankful that my homeowner's insurance will pay for the repairs from the water damage.  I pay Randy for the plumbing.  Insurance will pick up the amount to repair the ceiling, etc. which is going to be quite extensive.  So, back to the shower....thankfully, we are able to stay clean while the repairs are being done.  A bottle of Tilex goes a long way.  Megan and I never use it.  I'm surprised my son isn't diseased because the only time I go to the basement is to do laundry.

My bird is in the oven.  I am "accomodating" Megan's gluten-free diet.  I will take her Butterball (the only frozen turkey she can eat) with the stuffing made from the gluten-free bread (grrr...$4.50 for half a loaf so I needed two) to my brother's.  Ok, I am thankful that I will get to spend the afternoon with all three of my children and my mother.

And...since I tend to ramble on....lastly, I am thankful that the house is slowly getting cleaned thoroughly once again and looks like it. 

I wish all of you continued blessings!  I am more than thankful for JLand; my home away from home and my escape from daily stress.  You are all the best!

Thanks, Donna,This and that, andhockey! for this adorable turkey!

Fixed?

             

LOL...yep that looks just like me.  Keeping my fingers double crossed that my DSL woes are gone and forgotten.  My guy from Embarq was here by 8:00.  He installed the splitter and put a phone jack right beside my computer and hooked it straight into the line outside.  If this doesn't work, the PC line techs need to come and do a complete wire investigation.  It's definitely not my PC.  My gift from Embarq is the installation of the jack by the computer, which is not part of the line protection.  I knew this because the guy last winter was going to give me a "bargain" and do it for $90 instead of $150.  It was done for nothing today and all further work will be done for nothing if this fix isn't a lasting one.  The last guy also told me my basement was "ripe" which did me in.  I was prepared today to tell whomever to do their jobs and keep their mouths shut.  Of course, my basement is 90 years old and damp.  But I'm feeling feisty today.  The house is a bit cluttered but clean so leave the judgments at the door.  The guy today was very nice and very thorough, and Grizzly loved him which is a very good sign.  Anybody that Grizzly loves immediately usually does very good work for me.

Megan is home for the week for Thanksgiving.  We are doing lunch today, which may end up being an early dinner before she goes to work.  She is ill with some infection again.  I know her thyroid is off because she is exhausted.  She says her one roommate will not allow them to keep the furnace above 50 degrees.  She said the last gas bill was only 40 some dollars.  Lord, have mercy, this child is going to wither away and die in those temps.  A natural gas bill that low is unheard of this time of year.

She is in good spirits, otherwise.  She said for once I actually picked out a decent car.  Coming from Megan, that is a huge compliment.  Uh oh....I really would prefer she didn't drive it much because she racks on the miles.

My SIL called about Thanksgiving today which will have to be a whole other entry.  We are going because of my mother....period.  Big brother will be in for the shock of his life if I pull up in that car.  ROFL...I might just have my camera ready and waiting to snap the look on his face.

Well, I'm off to enjoy my Saturday.  I might try one last ditch effort to unclog my bathtub and then give my handy dandy Randy, the plumber, a call.

  CHRIS

Beautiful Dreamer

            

It's been one of those aggravating days, and I'm beginning to wonder just why I'm so fussed about it.  Me, fuss...lol...yes, I vent but I'm really so out of sorts about so many things which are really aggravations but nothing major.  (The tag at the top is snaggable, if you want, as always.)

I just had a zillion things to get done today plus I have Embarq coming Saturday to replace my phone lines in my house and install a splitter.  My new modem arrived yesterday and was far worse than the old one.  Embarq was able to pinpoint exactly which jacks are malfunctioning; one of them my PC is connected to.  Why, in God's name, the guy in March didn't care to address that or even acknowledge it, who knows.  Probably wanted to get home.  Anyway, I've had over 13,000 disconnections since Jan. when it was installed.  It was running well all summer but started acting up again a month ago.  For some reason, today hasn't been awful DSL wise.

Anyway, my house has gotten so messy since the Dish was installed.  I simply cannot bear someone entering this house when it looks like this.  I knew I would never get everything I needed to get done on Friday evening because I would be whooped so once again I used another vacation day.  I always feel so guilty but I don't take vacations.  Today was just an example of  my "vacations."

My bathtub is clogged.  The plunger queen gives up.  I had to buy some enzyme crap because I have a fiberglass bath fitter, and Drano would eat it away.  Lord, how do I function without my Drano...lol?  The local hardware store guy doesn't think the enzymes will eat through hair which is what is clogging the drain.  What to do?  I could always call my handy dandy plumber, Randy, which I might do because he will give me suggestions and pay a visit as a last resort.

I spent a couple of hours on the phone fussing with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the doctor's office and lab because of being billed forlab tests that should have been coded differently plus fussing big time because Megan is still considered as "pediatric" under my Blue Cross plan because she is a dependent child. The AMA does not approve pap smears for pediatrics. Puhlease, she was kicked out of the pediatrician's office when she turned 18 and may be a child on my insurance but is an adult.  What a bunch of BS.  I got a bill for $474 yesterday for the gyne visit and lab tests.  Another hr on the phone with me getting totally out of control but in the end, it was an adjuster's error and payment was made. 

So, I'm feeling so fragile right now which I hate because I've gone through so much and am much stronger than this.  Dang, I miss my dad again.  My daddy could always makes things right.  I know I'm learning lessons in humility and being humble because my dad kind of spoiled me.  Today, I'm feeling like little Chrissy again who wants to go crying to daddy to fix everything.  I don't want to be grown up today and have to be responsible for so much.  I want to wave a magic wand and make my baby all better.  Actually, I lost it when I was talking to Blue Cross because how dare they deny my daughter the right to something which will save her life.  Much as I tried, I burst into tears.  I used to do that all the time during confrontations but it's been years.  I hate when I blubber. 

My brother's wife is supposed to call about Thanksgiving tonight.  That's a whole new entry which I don't want to think about right now.

I'm not pressing my luck.  I want to save this and try to get around and visit.  I fell asleep during Dancing with the Stars right after Mario and Emmitt's first dance...grrr.  I best stay awake tonight.

Thank you all for your prayers and listening to my sad sack entry.  I know I will rebound as always.

CHRIS

         

 

I want to say congratulations to all the Vivi award winners!  I've been MIA this past week due to PC problems and connection issues.  Thankfully, unloading a couple of thousand graphics and tags that I hadn't even seen in ages cured my PC.  The connection problems are a nightmare.  I'm hoping to stay connected long enough to make this entry.

I apologize for not getting around to visit journals much this past week although when I was able to stay connected, the darned journals were unavailable.  I called Embarq today.  LOL...I'm not nuts.  They had me sign online and could tell that my modem or my phone line is not holding a connection at all.  Whoo hoo, they are finally sending me a whole new modem kit.  I asked if the fact that Fed-Ex delivered it last January, and it sat on my front porch with no roof in freezing snow and rain for two days would have damaged the modem.  No doubt about, he said, and was quite shocked that Sprint told me to dry it out and install it.  I've had slight connection problems from the first day.  It is being sent UPS this time so if I'm not at home, I will pick it up at the drop off center.

So, the Vivi's are over and a sigh of relief is being breathed for the most part.  Jackie had no choice but to post the results in the journal.  I haven't been able to stay online long enough to send e-mails let alone host a chatroom.  I think Jackie has borne the brunt of the complaints and fussing.  Actually, I know she has.  Jackie is such a sweetie and feels so bad when feelings get hurt.  She has worked endlessly and tirelessly to try and make things right for everyone.  Some can't be assauged.  Of course, mistakes did happen.  We both made decisions to try and correct the mistakes fairly to everyone.  And, of course, some were not happy with the results.  Pleasing everyone is an impossibility.  Doing your best to correct oversights is all we can do.

The tags are just about done.  Please be patient as I'm not sure how many I'll be able to send with my connection the way it is.  I'm hoping to get them out tomorrow but any mail I send with pictures causes my modem to fail.

I also want to thank each and everyone of you for making my birthday such a great experience this year.  LOL...I finally got around to reading all my cards today, at least I think I did.  I hope I didn't miss thanking any of you.  Your comments made the day all the more special.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  It's been a rough couple of weeks in our household but Megan is thriving and feeling at peace.  Prayers are working.

I think I shall try and save this or else I will be pulling my hair out.  I will be around to visit as much as I can. 

Oops, if you have a tag request in my graphics journal, I have them done; I just can't get them sent at the moment.  Yikes, this is just driving me crazy and upsetting my whole routine.

Keeping my fingers crossed that by the middle of next week all will be back to normal.

 

      

                             CHRIS              

Happy Birthday to Me

LOL...before you rush out at the last minute to get me a birthday gift, today is not my birthday; tomorrow is.  I'll finally catch up in age with someone else in JLand (you know who you are..hehe).

Now, if this entry doesn't save this time, I'm done.  AOL has been a total nightmare for me since Sunday.  I can't send mail, can't make comments in journals, lose my connection continuously...on and on.

I bought myself a car....whoo hoo.  Not the car of my dreams but a car less than 3 yrs old with less than 20,000 miles on it and a bumper to bumper warranty until 80,000 miles.  I'm like a pig in doo-doo.  Doesn't take much to please me.

I've been surfing the web at work on breaks looking for a Hundyai but the more I looked at them, the less I really wanted one.  The thing that was bothering me was the engine size and the terrain of western Pa.  The moutains around here kill cars with undersized engines.  I couldn't find any standards which is what I would need to compensate for the terrain.

Anyway, my BF's tranny went on Sunday in his truck with 60,000 miles on it.  It will be gone for at least a week to be fixed.  I "generously" offered to loan him his Gran Prix that I have had for the past four years.

I clicked on the link for the mom and pop Pontiac dealership in my neighborhood and saw a Grand Am with less than 20,000 miles on it.  Out of curiosity, I clicked on it and did a double take at the price.  Too low to pass up.  I called my BF and sent him on an errand.  He happened to have bought my/his Grand Prix from this same dealership.  They know him coz he smoozes with everyone.  I got a $1,500 trade in on my Oldsmobile but they didn't want it.  They said keep it, and they'd just take the  $1,500 more off.  I got it for way below Blue Book value....yay.

        

          

It's got some cute stripes on it and is fully loaded...no leather interior but I can live without it.

I'm trying to hit as many journals as I can but half the time, I can't leave comments.  Keeping my fingers crossed that this will save.

  Thanks, Shelly for the cute blinkie siggy tags!  You rock!!!!