The House

I finally got to see Megan's living quarters for the coming two years.  The sun was shining so brightly that I couldn't see my resolution screen.  LOL...who in the world cuts the top off with a digital camera?  Moi...  This house is very typical to the turn of the century architecture that dots the hillsides of Pittsburgh.  Megan is living on a bluff called Mt Washington right across the river from downtown Pittsburgh.  It is a sightseers paradise for the views.  There is a century old incline that still runs up and down the mount.  Unfortunately, my batteries died plus we were short on time but next week I plan to show off some of the lovely sides of Pittsburgh.  

        This is the incline, not my pic, that has the neatest cars that people still use to commute to the city.  Of course, the cars were running today.  We have to go back again next week.  I'm hoping the weather holds up.  There's the neatest little turn of the century station at the top (Megan lives on top of that hill).

The house, you enter into a foyer with the beautiful curved stairway...no pictures because there were too many boxes in the way, straight into the kitchen with a lovely patio off of the breakfast nook.

            

 

          Pictures never seem to do justice.  This house is so pretty and all newly renovated.  Becky was saying it's far too nice for Megan.  We had to laugh.  I think what she meant was that she paid a fortune to live in places about a tenth as nice as this when she was in college.   

             

               The diningroom is right off of the living room with the old fashioned doors between them.  There is a lovely fireplace in the living room.  By next week, it will be furnished.  The roommates parents are providing some very nice things.  I did donate my old 27" Magnavox, some lamps, and the coffee and end tables and bagless vac.  They don't seem to mind at all that my funds are limited.  There are three bedrooms upstairs and a finished loft in the attic.  They drew straws.  Megan got the shortest and ended up with the smallest room.  She had her tape measure out today and is already making drawings with Becky for furniture arrangement.

 I guess I did get the fireplace in one.  The two sis's are hamming it for the camera.  Neither were in full make-up so it took some convincing to get them to pose.

 LOL..and what would a brother be if he wasn't carrying on?  He is helicopter spinning Megan.

  My BF on the porch with Meg and Joey.

 And Mom on the porch with Megan and Joey.  Poor Becky was the picture taker.  She also had her camera and was exploring the upper floors.  Having such a love of art, she was checking every nook and cranny and all the woodwork out.

I took the kids and went to TGIF's to celebrate Becky's acceptance into the Ph.d. program and a new beginning for Megan.

And that was a Sunday in the day of the life of this mom, and I must say a good one...........

CHRIS

 

Whoo-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!

 Way to Go, Rebecca Sue!!!!!!!!!!!!  She just got the word that she has been accepted into Pitt's stipend Ph.D. program.  Is there a Dr. in the house?  Hopefully, in five years there will be.

It's been a long and tedious application process.  87 applicants; 5 spots.  She is majoring (lol..is that what they call it in grad school) in microbiology with the focus on infectious disease.  It has been touch and go right up until the end.  Praise the Lord!  Congratulations, Becky....you have worked so very hard to get where you are today and overcome so many obstacles.

Love you,

Mom

No Work Today for Me

I've solved the mystery of my overall blah/tired feeling this past week.  Yep, the crud is back full force.  I'm sort of relieved in a way because I was seriously thinking of checking myself in to a psych ward.  I decided no way to OT this morning.  It's an hour commute each way and no bus on Sat. so I would have to drive.  I'm crying over the loss of wages but seriously need some time off.  Wednesday we had to go to Joey's doctor's appt. in Pittsburgh (PGH is the abbreviation that I always use and I realize now that it's not a well known abbreviation.)  I never seem to have any time for anything anymore.  When I am home, I don't feel like doing what I have to.

My house looks like its ready to explode/implode or both.  And tomorrow is the first stage of moving Megan.  I'm hoping to get at least a few things done around here today because I noticed that there's some major weed whacking to be done.  My son hates the electric weed whacker and fusses continuously about it.  Once in a while, they let him bring the gas one home from his job which he will use.  Otherwise, I end up whacking away while he cuts the north forty.

Tomorrow is supposed to be lovely here again so I'm hoping to get some pictures of Megan's campus and house.  Keeping my fingers crossed that this is a 24 hr bug I have.  

Have a great weekend!!!!!  (Sick tatty tag created by Jenn for me in my PSP group...bottom tatty's creator watermarked Barbie; snagged by me through my group.)

                      CHRIS

Retirement Day

Actually my BF's official retirement day is tomorrow.  He will process out (that cracks me up; we never processed out before) and probably only work half a day tomorrow.  The office actually came through and had a lovely retirement continental breakfast for him.  It was very nice.  Of course I have some pictures.  I won't bore you with many since you don't know the people any way.

                My BF is in the middle between our two managers formerly referred to as Division Chief and Asst.

                 And, of course, I had to get in a shot...and, of course, I had a bad hair day.  Seems like I always have bad hair days at work but my BF is looking so much more relaxed than he has in so long that I didn't care that I wasn't looking up to snuff.  My head was still pounding a bit but the headache is slowly going away.  As long as I keep my eyes off those spastic tinks up there...yikes, they are enough to give me a major headache watching them.

We went to lunch with five close friends at a place called August Henry's.  I had one of the best steak salads I've ever had.  The food and company were just the best ending for a long and wonderful career for my BF.

I had to use bad girl tink tonight because I was feeling a tad bit like a naughty girl today but behaved.  Ate like a total hog.  Even after the big lunch, I was still picking at danishes and brownies....grrrrr

I am trying to get some journal reading done but have to get to bed.  I'm really tiring myself out with all the OT plus moving Megan's stuff this weekend.  Nite to all....I'll be playing catch up once again.

            CHRIS    

 

Another graphic from Lisa Jo.  I always refer to myself as an old crow or old bat.  Cracked me up.  Whoa, I just noticed I haven't made an entry since Sunday.  I've been so tired this week and have had a sinus headache since yesterday that doesn't want to go away.  Well, I may just have a short entry.

I found some pictures on Becky's blog and snagged some older ones.  LOL....three years is the oldest but since I have no scanner, that's as far back as it's going.  Since my gift of gab is escaping me, I'm putting up a couple of pics tonight.

                 This is from Becky's college graduation in 2003.  I'm laughing because Joey is at least two inches taller than I am now.  And my hair, my, my....it was colored but so dark.  That was my pre-highlight era.  Becky's ex BF was the picture taker.  Now, who could be missing from that picture?  Ok....I'm being sarcastic.

 

                              Here we are 3 years older but aging like fine wine....hehehehehehe....

                  This was last summer.  Another picture of Becky and Megan at the Pirate game on Megan's birthday.  They ended up on TV, since the game was televised, and that was the sign Becky had made for Megan.

Speaking of Megan, she is coming home for the summer next weekend.  I'm working OT again Saturday.  This OT is tiring me out totally.  Sunday we are moving some things into the house she will be living in next year.  Mostly, furniture I haven't gotten rid of that the girls need.  Then next weekend, she will be moving home to work for the summer.  She finally came to her own conclusion that she would save far more money living at home for the summer.  Her roommates are moving straight into the house they are renting.  Megan will pay her share of rent but the other parents decided she shouldn't pay utilities until she actually moves in.  Bless them...  I'm hoping it will be a nice day Sunday.  Megan's college campus is absolutely lovely.  The house they are renting is in the Mt. Washington section of Pgh.  It's on a bluff overlooking the Golden Triangle (downtown Pgh) and is known for the view.  Her house is on the main drag.  One of her roommates' father is an accountant.  One of his clients practically donated this absolutely gorgeous 4 bedroom victorian home in a very "posh" locale to the girls.  I'm definitely taking some pictures of the house and view on Sunday.

Off to bed I am going.  I will visit all of you tomorrow.  (How about American Idol.....Kellie is gone....finally.  I vary from week to week on my favorite.  This week, in my opinion, Chris took it all.  Taylor, was so-so.  Elliott hanging in there.  I still like Katharine's voice.  Paris needs to tone it down.  All subject to change.)  

                   Chris

 

A Bug's Life

             

ROFL at myself.  I just made two of the most spastic animations known to man.  I wanted to have bumble bees flying around...crack me up.  It looked like spastic bumblebees on drugs.  I got the above tag from Lisa Jo.  I wish I could give credit to the person who made it but I don't know.

My goal one day is to make a small entry.  LOL...it's never gonna happen.  At least you folks are lucky...you can speed read, skip half of it, etc.  My BF is always asking me if I have a shorter version.  Hmmmm....nope.  I definitely was not standing behind the door when God was doling out the gift of gab.  (Quoting my mother who often says I was standing behind the door when God handed out organizational skills, etc. etc.)

Why did I want bumblebees?  Because a bee tried to enter not one of my ears but both yesterday morning as I was getting ready for work.  Flipped me out because all I could hear was buzzing by my ear and then the other.  I finally spotted the bee on my shoulder so I wasn't imagining this.

This is not the first time I've had a bug enter my ear canal.  Years ago, we had returned from the Outer Banks.  My kids were all very young and wanted to get ice cream at the dairy a block or two away.  I put them in the car and took them to shut them up.  It was extremely hot and humid.  Megan and Joey had these Ninja turtle sherbet things that melted all over them before they could eat it.  Of course, Becky continuously wiped herself so she was cleaner than clean.  I made them sit on the sidewalk curb to eat them and had my wipies handy to clean them before they got in the car.  Megan's clothes, face, everything were green and sticky and dirt was sticking to it. 

I would love to make a long story short but I can't.  I was sitting there chowing down also under a huge spotlight with moths flying all around.  Yeah...you guessed it.  A moth flew right in my ear and deep into the canal where it was wedged.  You cannot believe how loud the noise is when it flaps thosewings in there.  I flipped my lid.

I threw all 3 kids in the car as is and drove myself to the local hospital.  This was before cell phones were in existence.  The hospital was near my MIL's house so I called her from there to come and get the kids and had her call the old man  who by then was well on his way to drinking himself into oblivion since the absolute rule of vacation was no drinking at all until we were home safe and sound.  The nurses watched the kids til she got there.  She had no idea what was wrong with me but was sure I was half dead because my kids looked like street urchins; one thing I did keep immaculate were my kids and never took them anywhere without a full change of clothes and cleaned up body parts.  I could hear Becky, who was about 8 and so mature, trying to explain the situation over and over that "Mommy has a bug in her ear."

They probed the crap out of my ear.  Put some fluid in it to kill the creature.  Told me it was probably a cockroach and would try to crawl out. (This flipped me out more.)  Then they said I would need to be transferred to the Eye & Ear Hosp. in Pgh. and have it surgically removed the next day.  Dayum, the moth was still flipping away in there; driving me insane.  A call was made to Eye & Ear and instructions were given to the local docs on removal.  A simple flushing of an enormous amount of water and out it came......the hugest moth I've ever seen.

So, yesterday morning brought back some deja vu.  And it was a huge bee.  Think I would much rather have a moth in my ear than the bee.  What are the odds of having this happen again?  In my case, I'm wondering.

I have some wild flowers and spring bulbs I need to get planted today.  I'm half tempted to put a hat over my ears.  I've had some near misses in my yard before with bugs and my ears.

Enjoy your Sunday.  I hope your weather is better than it is in Pa.  It's warm but monsoon type rain has been falling off and on.  There is a small break right now before the next rain moves in.  TTYL.....

                          

                          

                            

LOL...Some Fun

It's been ages since I've done a question or quiz thingy.  Saw this in Terri's journal You think you know, but you have no idea... and decided since my mind is fried today to just post a "fun" thing.  (If you like the tag above, I didn't make it...it was sent to me in my PSP group as a Snag & Tag.  I don't know who to thank for making it.  If you would like it, I can tag it for you.)

You are-
[ ] short, under 5'0
[ ] 5'0 - 5'3
[ ] 5'4 - 5'5
[X] 5'6 -5'8"
[ ] 5'8" - 6'1
[ ] 6'2 and up

NATURALLY-
[ ] blonde
[] redhead
[ ] auburn
[X] brunette..lol..probably gray now..couldn't tell you, Ms. Clairol is wonderful!!!!!!
[ ] dirty blonde
[ ] light brown
[ ] dark brown
[ ] black
[ ] dont remember

[ ] blue-eyed
[ ] brown-eyed
[X] green-eyed
[ ] hazel eyed
[ ] gold/gray-eyed
[ ] silver/gray- eyed
[ ] blue/green-eyed
[ ] blue/grey-eyed
[ ] green/grey-eyed
[ ] they change colors

[X] glasses
[ ] contacts
[ ] neither

Hair Length-
[X] short hair
[ ] medium
[ ]long hair
[ ] mohawk, foxtop, shaggy, etc.

You've been:
[ ] rafting
[X] water skiing
[X] camping
[X] horseback riding
[ ] surfing and skim/wake boarding
[ ] water polo
[ ] snowboarding
[ ] skiing
[ ] street luging
[ ] cheerleading
[ ] lacrosse
[ ] street hockey
[ ] gymnastics
[ ] martial arts
[ ] bmx
[ ] tubing
[X] dancing

You listen to?
[ ] country
[ ] classical
[ ] techno
[X] oldies
[ ] opera
[X] reggae
[ ] emo
[ ] 80's
[X] disco
[ ] metal
[ ] hardcore
[ ] rock
[X] rap/hip-hop
[X] r&b
[ ] classic rock
[X] pop
[X] i listen to a variety of different genres

The pets you have HAD or have?
[X] cat
[X] dog
[ ] lizard
[ ] rat
[ ] ferret
[X] bunny
[X] fish
[ ] duck
[ ] horse
[ ] bird
[ ] frog
[X] hermit crab
[ ] prairie dog
[ ] none
[X] turtle
[X] hamster
[ ] snake
[ ] gerbil
[ ] guinea pig
[ ] pig
[] goat
[ ] chinchilla
[ ] tarantula
[ ] geese
[ ] chicken
[ ] sugar glider
[ ] mouse

Clothing Brands you like?
[ ] American Eagle
[ ] Hollister
[ ] The Buckle
[ ] Abercrombie & Fitch
[ ] Wet Seal
[ ] O'neill
[ ] PacSun
[ ] Aeropostale
[ ] Dickies
[ ] Roxy
[ ] Anchor Blue
[ ] Guess
[ ] Hot Topic
[ ] Lucky
[ ] Champs
[ ] Salvation army/goodwill
[ ] other thrift stores
[X] if i like it i'll wear it
[ ] Old navy
[ ] nude
[ ] Volcom
[ ] other
[ ] Forever 21
[ ] Victorias Secret
[ ] Sean John

 

States I have been to.
[X] Alabama
[ ] Alaska
[ ] Arizona
[ ] Arkansas
[ ] California
[ ] Colorado
[X] Connecticut
[X] Delaware
[X] Florida
[X] Georgia
[ ] Hawaii
[ ] Idaho
[X] Illinois
[X] Indiana
[ ] Iowa
[ ] Kansas
[X] Kentucky
[ ] Louisiana
[ ] Maine
[X] Maryland
[X] Massachusetts
[X] Michigan
[ ] Minnesota
[ ] Mississippi
[ ] Missouri
[ ] Montana
[ ] Nebraska
[ ] Nevada
[X] New Hampshire
[X] New Jersey
[ ] New Mexico
[X] New York
[X] North Carolina
[ ] North Dakota
[X] Ohio
[ ] Oklahoma
[ ] Oregon
[X] Pennsylvania
[X] Rhode Island
[X] South Carolina
[ ] South Dakota
[X] Tennessee
[ ] Texas
[ ] Utah
[X] Vermont
[X] Virginia
[ ] Washington
[X] Washington DC
[X] West Virginia
[ ] Wisconsin
[ ] Wyoming

Have you ever...
[X] stolen a sign...yeah, a road sign along the side of the road years ago
[X] danced in the rain
[X] seen a shooting star
[ ] proposed to anyone
[X] gotten stitches
[X] eaten Sushi
[X] gotten the chicken pox
[X] ridden in a taxi
[ ] went on a cruise ship
[X] driven over 400 miles in one day
[X] been on a plane by yourself
[X] had surgery
[X] seen a movie more than 3 times
[X] been on stage
[ ] gotten a black eye
[ ] memorized all the dialogue in a movie
[X] watched an entire baseball game on tv

Do you like...
[X] old movies
[ ] musicals
[X] blasting music in the car
[X] donuts
[X] animals
[X] coffee

In 2006 You...
[ ] broke a promise
[X] made a new friend
[ ] did something you swore never to do.
[ ] lied to my mom and/or dad
[ ] stole
[X] disappointed someone close
[ ] hidden a secret
[X] pretended to be happy
[ ] got arrested
[ ] walked around in the rain
[ ] slept under the stars
[ ] kept your new years resolution..didn't make any
[ ] forgot your new years resolution...lol..above
[ ] met someone who changed your life
[ ] met one of your idols
[X] changed your outlook on life
[X] sat home all day doing nothing...does the puter count?
[X] pretended to be sick...oh yeah..played hookie
[ ] left the country
[ ] almost died
[ ] given up something important to you
[ ] lost something expensive
[X] learned something new about yourself
[ ] tried something you normally wouldn't try and liked it
[ ] made a change in your life
[X] find out who your true friends were.
[X] made a total fool of yourself...lol...quite frequenly
[X] met great people..in J-land...always
[X] went to a concert....going to one in June with Penny...does this count...I can't wait!!!!!!  Ohio beware...Ms. Chris & Penny will be on the loose.....

So these were my answers.  I would love to hit all 50 states.  Looks like I'm about halfway through my goal.  Hope you all have a great Saturday and wonderful weekend.  HUGS to all... (I didn't make the tag below...it's also a snaggable, if you want it.)

        Chris

 

A Mystery Solved

LOL...if I don't quit using Miss Penny as my PSP tag model, I think she's gonna start charging me.

I've gotten the mystery of the spots in my digital pics solved.  Of course, this was after I had performed a whole house exorcism carrying a cross and telling the spirits to depart to the other side.

Actually, Becky solved the mystery for me.  She wanted me to send her the pics I took on Easter.  I sent her the edited versions.  She wanted me to transfer the unedited versions so she could put them through her own program.  One pic, in particular, was totally filled with those little orbs.  Everywhere...all over her black sweater, my mom's walls, etc.  I sent her that one also.  She sent me a link to Olympus cameras that addressed this problem....they say it looks like water spots.  What is it?  Dust spots...you know like when you have sun shining in a window and you see those little specks of dust floating around.  Well, the flash picks up dust particles and magnifies them at certain angles.  No cure for the problem at this time.  It doesn't happen all the time either.  The best thing to do is take a pic from many angles.  It doesn't show up on the camera resolution screen.  It shows up when transferred to the computer.  They even had a picture of one of the orby things.

  This is the small version.  I enlarged the whole picture.  It looked just like what I'm experiencing.  No ghosts in my house.  But I did crack up because my mom is a total clean freak.  She would croak if she saw how many dust specks were floating around her place.  Way more than mine, which she is always white gloving.

Gas prices...grrrrr....$3.09 a gallon.  Another grrr for me was I was wanted to send a greeting card from 123Greetings.  I use this website all the time.  Not tonight.  Every time I tried to preview a card....freeze....and I had to get out of AOL. 

Work....yuck...and I'm working OT tomorrow; not because I love the place but do need the time and a half. 

So, I'm bouncing back.  Just so many changes this month.  My BF signed his retirement papers again.  It's official.  Our personnel actions come out of Baltimore.  They called him today and said he is officially retired.  He can use the remainder of his sick leave if he desires to do so.  He is coming to work on Thurs for a small retirement celebration; very small, by choice.  Now, I'm really wishing I was out of there.  Of course, I was snapping pics on my camera phone today of my BF and all his friends.  I just have to figure out how the heck to get them on here.  I'm hoping to get to Verizon on Sunday.  I'm thinking I'll take my real camera on Thursday.  He's been there 33 years so there are some long time friends to take pictures of.

I've been reading journals tonight.  Now I must get myself ready for bed.  Have a good evening all!

             (Thanks, Penny!   You sold of picture of me to glitterkiss, now didn't you?)

Funny how things can change in a day.  Easter was such a beautiful and blessed day.  Megan got a ride back with her old BF, Mike.  They have remained best of friends.  He goes to the same college.   He IM'd her Sunday night.  She was so afraid to ask him.  I'm not sure why but she didn't have to.  She just mentioned she had no way back, and he offered.  I knew he would.  Now, I am smiling....Mike was her first love and dumped her when he went off to college for another girl.  He has since gone through a few girlfriends.  Yet, they always hang out with each other platonically and cry on each other's shoulders.  There are some real feelings there.  Her friends at school are always asking why they aren't back together.  They crack me up...both her and Mike say it's just too "complicated."

I've been avoiding my journal for a couple of days hoping I would snap out of my unhappiness.  I am so unhappy with work.  I've been bomarded with more folders to review than I can begin to keep up with and have had more duties added.  All I am going to say about this right now is an old saying my mother drilled into my head...."Why buy the cow when you get the milk for free?."  I have a far more graphic phrase that I use for this situation but won't in my journal.  The paw is getting very close to begin raised but I have to think this out carefully and pray about it.  I'm am very tired of having my vast array of knowledge tapped into continuously without a hint of recognition.  There is a survey team visiting this week from DC.  Of course, I was picked for one of the focus groups to meet with them because of my knowledge and use of these systems.  Nuff said.  I need this job because of my the continuation of Joey on my health insurance.

The weather is lovely here.  The bus ride home last night was awful.  I spent over an hour on that darned bus.  It was like being baked alive. The heat was stuck in the "on" position.  Everybody was drained by the time we got off.  I came home and just died on the couch.  Not the best ending for two days of hellacious work.  I'm trying not to think of what my area will look like after a day off today.

My BF is off using sick leave.  He hadn't intended on doing this but......one word...ugly.  I'm scratching my head here wondering how things have gotten so ugly these past few months.  I have to keep reminding myself continuously that behind every folder is a face who needs the benefits of the agency.

On a brighter note, I love my new phone.  I still haven't been able to transfer the pics because I haven't had time to go back to the store.  It's only a couple of miles away.  The guy who changed the phones for me has the same one.  I'm not sure if I'll have time today or not.  I'm getting my hair cut this evening and looking for some art to put on the wall above my tv. 

My friend at work, Donna, has worked with me for years.  She is one of my closest friends.  She only works two days a week.  On our afternoon break yesterday, we were goofing around with my phone taking pics of each other.  A little spot of brightness.  We were cracking up and just snapping away.  LOL..the only thing is we forgot to save them.  I'll have to do some next week again.

So, my final conclusion today is that I have to throw this to the Lord.  I keep throwing it up and waiting for an answer that seems to be wait.  What I'm waiting for, I have no idea.  I do know that I played a hand in where I'm at today because of my lack of focus years ago.  And then, I look at the smiling faces of my three children and know that it was well worth the sacrifice.  I have no career but I do consider myself a great success in raising my three beautiful, loving children.  In the total scheme of my life, that was my goal......

(I did watch American Idol last night.  I have to say that Miss Kat blew my socks off.)

                 CHRIS

                  

I thought I'd share my blessings, well one is missing.  Megan was working but she did get to go to sunrise service so she was super happy.  I met Becky and Joey at my mom's.  These pics were taken with my digital camera.  For some reason, my pics on my camera aren't being transmitted to my e-mail.  Becky couldn't figure out if I had access to texting; I do.  I'll call Verizon.

                      Here's Becky in her Easter outfit.  I said it looked like a flower child but really pretty.  She said her dad's relative said the "B" looked like Laverne from Laverne and Shirley.  My pics were giving me trouble transferring tonite...grrr...so I didn't get to edit them or transfer them all.

                 

          Moi and Becky...have to get my old mug in some pics also. 

                  

                

Becky and Joey...he hates getting his picture taken and kept trying to cover his face.

 

                

LOL...Joey and my brother's wife.....looks quite happy, as usual, now doesn't she?

My ex SIL, my ex's sister is getting married in Sept for the first time.  I'm sooooo happy for her.  She has herself a wonderful guy and is just a bit younger than me.  The most exciting news is that Becky is going to be Maid of Honor.  Joey and my ex MIL are walking down the aisle with Aunt Lynn.  Megan is going to be a bridesmaid.  The groom's son, who's 25 like Becky is best man.  LOL...does someone seem to be missing...My Ex.  Poor guy just isn't even popular with his own family but honestly my kids are so excited and honored that they are playing such a big role in their aunt's marriage.

So, all in all the food was great at my mom's.  I missed having Megan around (lol...I really did).  She has been very well behaved after the first outburst.  Tomorrow she goes back to school.  She's not sure how she's getting there because Joey and I both work.  I sure hope I don't end up having to go back into Pittsburgh at 7 pm when I've just gotten home from there. She's waiting to hear from a guy she knows that going back....keeping my fingers crossed.

Nite all....        CHRIS

Our God is an Awesome God!

Happy and Blessed Easter!

14 

The above is a link to a version of a song that moves me beyond words, Awesome God.  I'm not sure who is singing it.

I want to thank Donna This and that, and hockey! for the snag of the lovely tag above.  She has conveyed something that I was struggling with and just couldn't quite do it.

This will be a little different of an entry for me than usual.  Without the blessing that God bestowed upon us long ago on Easter, I would be but a small, withered person.  Many of you know of my struggle years ago with depression.  I am the prodigal son, so to speak, that needs to be reminded who is in charge.

A little story on this beautiful Easter morning on how I became acquainted with the Awesome God song.  My children attended a bible-based Lutheran parochial school in grade school.  Megan was my music whiz.  She was probably about 7 when she was invited to attend a Children's Festival Choir and presentation.  The guest was a person named Paul Hill (no relationship to the Paul Hill in Fla.).  He is an African American songwriter.  He wrote Bad, Bad Leroy Brown and many other songs.  He was raised by a very Christian mom who didn't approve of his LA lifestyle.  He threw the LA lifestyle to the side because he realized he was out of control.  He became a teacher in a parochial school and started travelling around the country doing festival concerts for children; of which my children attended one. 

They came home so excited.  Amazing how a vibrant person can lead children to excitement about the Savior.  There was a huge festival concert the next week.  Megan was selected to sing along with Paul.  Of course, she was begging me to attend.  The only problem it was on a night after work and on the other side of Pgh.  Sheesh...I tried in every way, shape and form to worm out of that concert.  I came home from work, ate, changed, grabbed Becky and Joey and off we went with me moaning and groaning about a silly Christian concert the whole way there and how I would never be able to get up the next morning.  And then....the concert began.  I can't even find the words to explain how moved I was.  Moved beyond words.  The final song was Awesome God.  Megan was up on stage beaming and waving her hands and doing the motions to the song.  The audience was on their feet, me included, following the motions, tears streaming down everyone's face; even my stoic Becky. 

This will always stand out in my mind as one of the most memorable events I've ever attended.  Paul Hill has stuttered since he was a child which is why he chose to write instead of perform.  He had some control over it during the concert.  He doesn't stutter when he sings.  He took no money; just sold his tapes (no cd's at that time) if you so desired.  Of course, we did buy both tapes and the tape with Awesome God was played continuously.  Funny thing is I have no idea whatever happened to it.  Actually, my ex was in the throes of alcoholism by that time and didn't go to the concert but amazingly always played the tape when we had to go in the car.

What an awesome man who conveyed an awesome lesson to me through the power of words and songs speaking and singing the Lord's words.

So, on this beautiful Easter morning, I sit here with Awesome God playing in the background with tears streaming.  Music does that to me.

 Thanks to Shelly for the snag of this beautiful tag also....

Blessed Easter and Peace to all.....CHRIS

Awesome God
Rich Mullins

When He rolls up His sleeves
He ain't just putting on the ritz
(Our God is an awesome God)
There's thunder in His footsteps
And lightning in His fists
(Our God is an awesome God)
And the Lord wasn't joking
When He kicked 'em out of Eden
It wasn't for no reason
That He shed His blood
His return is very close
And so you better be believing that
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

And when the sky was starless
In the void of the night
(Our God is an awesome God)
He spoke into the darkness
And created the light
(Our God is an awesome God)
Judgement and wrath He poured out on Sodom
Mercy and grace He gave us at the cross
I hope that we have not
Too quickly forgotten that
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God (Our God is an awesome God)
He reigns from heaven above (He reigns from heaven above)
With wisdom, power, and love (With wisdom, power, and love)
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
Our God is an awesome God

YEAH

I swear, it doesn't take much to please and entertain me.  I got my new phone.....YEAH!  My poor son regrets that he decided to go to Verizon with me.  I had every camera phone out testing picture quality.  Once I got done with that, then I had to call my BF from each phone to check the sound quality.  I give my hats off to the Verizon employees.  They are super patient and always very helpful and probably were pulling their hair out after I left.  I did find out that my last phone had no pixels; just some sad resolution.  This phone has 1.3; not the best but it's a novelty thing.  The pics aren't bad though.  I took a couple of Megan in the house without the flash.  Pretty good.  The next step up is 3 megapixs which is pretty darned good and pretty darned expensive....close to $300 for all the ones that had 3 megapixs and definitely way out of my price range.  This one was $139 with a $50 rebate.  My first one was $79 with a $50 rebate. The old lesson is you only get what you pay for.

Now, I just need my Ms. Penny to teach me to text...lol...no I have never sent a text message. And I haven't installed the pix disc yet although they said I can probably just install into my Kodak program.  That's another night of messing around.  Can't do it tonight coz I have to do the FASFA renewals. 

I'm off to buy my kids their Easter goodies and then I'm stopping at JoAnn fabrics to check out some things for new decor in the family room.  I love JoAnn Fabrics.

We are having a super lovely day today in western Pa.  75 & sunny.  The rain rolls back in tomorrow just in time for sunrise service at 6 am.

 

           Chris  (Thanks to Lisa Jo who is sending me tons of really neat graphis.  This was one.)

Good Friday

Those who are Christians are entering the holiest time of the religious year.  Of course, Christmas is the birth of the savior but would mean nothing if the lamb wasn't sacrificed for our sins.  Many would see Good Friday as a sad, somber day, which, it could be, except those that believe know the outcome will be the resurrection on Easter Sunday.

I thank the Lord for my religion; not all believe.  I just do.  I don't always live the way I should.  If I get too far off, I'm reeled back in.  I'm probably a wayward child and have God shaking his head many times.

I won't dwell on this day as those that believe know the significance of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.

I will mention that my cell phone is going back tomorrow.  The pictures are so terrible.  I'm not happy with the ring tones or the sound...it squeaks occasionally.  I didn't want a picture phone but since I got one, now I would like to have a good one.  Want and need...don't need it; want it so I will get it since I do have the money to upgrade a bit.  I'm not talking extravagant but I will test them in the store and find one that fits my budget and needs.  I took it to work today and took some pics of my friends on our way to Chinese for lunch.  LOL...were they terrible.  We couldn't even tell which person was which.  So, Lisa Jo, since you asked, there will be no pics from my phone on here.  I haven't even opened the disc to download them.

Work actually went fast today.  I had a run in with the female assistant who didn't promote me.  I usually avoid her but it was impossible today.   It was leading toward me not being particularly efficient at what I do and losing track of a certain folder.  I stood my ground and made my point very effectively.  She probably didn't like it but, hey, she has no intention of promoting me anyway.  Besides, I knew what I was talking about.  I felt like the old song "Harper Valley PTA."  Sock it to em, Chrissy.......enough is enough.

Have a great evening...I am going out tonight; not tomorrow night.  I guess you can do that on Good Friday.  I grew up with Good Friday being a day of somberness and reflection.  Some things sort of stick in the back of this old mind.

 

           Chris

Testing....LOL...be patient.  I had to make sure this bunny didn't knock my journal out of whack.  I didn't make this one; I wish  I could get my glitter that neat and the bunnies eyes to blink but I'm not that far along with animation yet so I snagged this one.

My perception of the fine details (or lack of it) always seems to amaze me.  It sort of appeared to me that everyone's side bars were expanding....duh...AOL increased the spaced.  Finally but you would think that would have been the first thing I thought of.

Today I played hookie again.  Well, not really...I was stiff as a board from overexerting myself yesterday.  Age will do that to you.  I have to work tomorrow because Good Friday is not a federal holiday.  Nobody will be at work.  Everyone will be using their vacation time.  Drats...I should have taken tomorrow off.  Most people like the days when no one is in.  I think they drag.

Megan, my little sunshine..lol, apologized for her outburst last night.  Of course, I also apologized for my adding to it.  We are far too much alike and never know when to stop.  We went to Walmart and Verizon.  I'm always so indecisive when I have to get a new phone.  First of all, I'm super cheap/tight/frugal when it comes to cell phones.  I don't want a million and one gadgets that I have to learn how to use.  I need one that sounds good when I talk on it.  I've been known to return several phones within the 15 day period if I don't get wonderful "pick-up".  I'm glad they have some new employees now at our local store.  The old ones used to shudder when I stepped into the store.

I had no intentions of getting a picture phone.  I ended up getting one because it had an enormous rebate and was super cheap in the end.  I hadn't even intended on taking pics with it.  Of course, Megan took a few of herself immediately and deleted them.  My assessment is that it takes "chitty" pictures.  Outside fine; inside yuck.  So, it's a cheap picture phone.  What did I expect and why do I care?  I have no idea but it's bothering me.  I want to return it for a nice picture phone.  Maybe I should listen to my lecture I gave Megan yesterday.  I have a digital camera.  Ifeverything  else works on the phone but it takes crappy pics...who cares?  LOL...me.  But then again..it was $129 and after all the rebates 29.99.  OK...so I can live with a crappy picture phone as long as the sound is great.  So far, it's good but I haven't hit the low reception spots yet so I'm still in a state of OCD about this new phone, as always.  I've learned that it's not always the most expensive phone that is the best.  Joey's was an expensive phone but always has an echo in it that bugs me.  Megan's old one that I adopted was wonderful and very inexpensive.

Now, onto the the direction book.  I'm sure you all must know I was dazed and confused.  But I did figure out how to find many things including the lack of nice ringtones.  Strike #2 against this phone.  But I can pay $1.49 and download a cool one or two.  Mine has rings and annoying beeps; one default song and the other song is "When the Saints go Marching In."  Catchy but I don't think it's gonna cut it on the bus. 

I did see something but adjusting the camera resolution and adjustments for indoors and outdoors.  I tried a couple of adjustments.  If I like the sound, I'll keep it...maybe...but dayum, I can put pics in there of my kids to pop up when the call me.  Now, how cool is that.  I think I want a nice camera to go with my phone.  I am going to have it for two years.  I'll keep you posted.  Too many decisions for a procrastinator like me.  Take me back to the "old" days of a plain old cell phone with incoming and outgoing calls.

Megan and I go to eat at our favorite little authentic Mexican restaurant....yum.  So, alls well with my little Megan.  I knew it would be.  Like mother; like daughter.

Smiles to all....we are going to my Mom's for Easter dinner.  Megan will miss it.  She is working 5 pm to 1 am and making double time.  She couldn't pass that up.  She is happy because she can go to the sunrise service at our old church.

I still have to buy them the typical Sarris Chocolate peanut butter eggs for the girls and Joey the double chocolate egg.  Sarris is a  hometown Pgh chocolate and melts in your mouth.  I have to stop on the way home tomorrow after work to pick them up.  They don't wants lots of candy anymore.  Becky likes little cutesy Easter decorations.  Megan wants some money, of course.  Joey is happy with anything he gets.  Gotta love that boy of mine.

Peace and Smiles to all tonight.  It's been another busy day for me but a good one.  I'll be visiting tomorrow.  Somber Good Friday for all my Christian friends in preparation for the Glory of Easter Sunday.

                            Chris 

 

 

ROFL

Two entries within a couple of hours....I'm on a roll.  Things have calmed down considerably.  Of course, that is always subject to change.  My BF came up and put the doors back on my closet and powder room.  My tv is all set up...Joey did that.  LOL...Penny, I can barely figure out the remote...tooo many buttons.  Give me off, on, volume and the channels.  I have no idea what the other ones do and have been warned explicitly not to touch them.

The new blinds are up but I want to do a valance above them.    I'm working on the powder room also.  There will be before and afters of that.  I have some things moved back into the room from the diningroom.  Moving along.

We had a huge thunderstorm move through....my #1 phobia next to mice.  I cringe and want to run around and unplug everything before I go and hide.  I'm a real spazzo with thunder and lightening.  I could just envision my new t.v. blowing up.

Calgon, puhlease take me away....ok...I'm showing my age.  And now off to work tomorrow.  I'm stopping at Verizon tomorrow evening.  I was way too messed up and dirty to go tonight.  But I did go all slummy to the local convenience store for a bag of dog food.  Didn't run into anybody I knew either.  Amazing!  Couldn't let my poor doggy go hungry.

Now, the only problem is while the family room is improving by the day, it's making the rest of the house look like it needs a heavy dose of TLC.  I know what I'll be doing for my summer vacation.

  Here is the latest installment...still not done. (The tv actually has a picture.)  I need to move and change the pictures around. Actually, I'm scouting out new stuff but this will have to do for a while. Poor Becky above the tv is way out of whack because I used to have a much larger tv unit there before.  And, of course, I had to put Grizzly's blankie back on the sofa.  He's a lost soul without it.  He also has an old red sleeping bag that he has to have on the floor.  I moved it for the picture.  I have a coffee table that my BF has at his house.  He's refinishing it for me.

Nite all.....calgon is taking me away........CHRIS

Grrrr....Cherry made the lovely tag above.  How fitting.  My paw is definitely going up today.  Can we say I'm fed up?  At least, the tv was exchanged, and the new one is working.  Can I work it?  ROFL...the remote control totally confuses me....totally, let alone all the other crap.  My BF says just read the book.  Hell' bell's, I can't even program my cell phone or clock radio for that matter.  Boo haha....

Megan came rolling in moaning and groaning about the mess in the rest of the house.  Boo haha again.  She informed me she doesn't live here so she's exempt from cleaning.  Lord have mercy.  She's getting a job in Pgh and moving into her house after school is out.  One problem...no vehicle.  She doesn't want the Oldsmobile.  Tough bananas.  She's going to ask her dad for a car on Easter...lol...rots of ruck on that one, Megan. How she thinks she can pay rent plus the upkeep on a car is beyond me.  She seems to miss the point about this family's lack of funds.

How many times can you drop a cell phone before it stops working?  Well, I dropped mine one time too many last week.  It's Megan's old one, which I loved, but she had dropped it several times last year down 12 flights of steps. She got a new one last summer, and I took over the one I'm using now. So...she wants me to take over her new one (I like that one, too) and wants a pink skinnny moto phone.  Uh, $129 she doesn't have.  I have to go to Verizon and get myself a new cell phone tonight.  Sorry, Megan, big difference between wanting and needing....a lesson you are definitely learning the hard way and making it super hard on me.

Ok....Joey is the only one who isn't bothering me today, at least not a lot.  My BF and Megan...here's the PAW...lol...talk to it.

Whooooo, I'm done ranting for now.  There's not enough time in one day to completely get anything done.  It's driving me crazy.  In between cooking dinner, dishes, and some clutter removal, I've accomplished about 1/10 of what I hoped to.  And, the dishes are piled back up again.  Yikes....

Poor Grizzly is famished and out of dog food so I have to get cleaned up and go shopping.  I'll be back later when things settle down, as if.  At least, Megan doesn't work tomorrow so we won't be juggling vehicles.  LOL...anybody know a rich old man looking for a crazy old lady???????

HUGSSSSS   CHRIS

Sheesh, I don't know if it's AOL acting up, my DSL, or my computer.  Everything is creeping super slow and driving me crazy.  I deleted a ton of crap from my hard drive and ran my clean up program...9,600 files.  Then restarted the computer.  Usually, that does the trick....grrrr...not tonight.  LOL...I swear I'm going to need more than a gig of memory if I don't stop this PSP stuff or slow down.  I moved a bunch of stuff to my external drive this past weekend to store it and free up space.  Of course, then I went and downloaded more than I got rid of.  PSP is far too addictive.

It's hard to believe that Easter is right around the bend.  I have nothing up this year.  Megan will be home tomorrow.  The house is still in disarray.  I can't move things back in the family room until the tv is exchanged tomorrow.  Keeping my fingers crossed that this all works out.  I've been shopping around for new things to put in here.  Haven't bought anything yet but have some ideas of what I want to do.  I would like to get it all done tomorrow but I don't think it's going to happen that fast.

This house has absolutely no storage space.  I really need to just toss things out.  I do quite frequently but seem to accumulate that much more.

The weather has been lovely for days now.  It was cold the past few nights but warm tonight.  Finally, it feels like spring.  Gas has also topped 2.85 a gallon.  It was 2.79 for about 2 days.  I feel $3.00 coming right around the bend.  Sheesh...what's up with that again?

I'm thinking of a nice warm bath and an early bedtime tonight.  I have tons of things to get done tomorrow.  I really need to do laundry, as I have absolutely nothing clean to wear and Megan will be using the washer and dryer as soon as she arrives tomorrow afternoon.  LOL...I need some motivation pills.

Take care all.....pleasant dreams.....

 

                                        

Last night was a winner on the scale of dates my BF and I have had over the years.  My BF is a control freak, well, not exactly...let's say he likes to take control of his life and command the way it runs.  It has made for a very successful career and so forth.  He believes that we sort of commandeer and steer the course of our lives.  In essence, this is pretty much true.  I was suffering from depression when I was younger.  It took all my effort just to go to work every day and not suffer a panic attack.  There was no energy left to promote a career.  In effect, I did stymie myself at work.  When I went back to work 8 years later, the promotions were pretty much over and done with.  I was a very different person.  The school of hard knocks had made me tough and resilient.  LOL...I am in no way in command of my life.  Things happen; I deal with it.  As my dear Penny said, I have become an expert at making lemonade out of lemons.  My BF is not dealing well with sort of falling from grace at work.  It isn't fair and it certainly isn't appropriate after all the expertise he had lended to management.  In particular, his supervisor's actions are hurting him to the core.  We talked about this before we went out last night.  I told him he needed to just move on and get over it.  We cannot control the actions of others.  Most at work are so supportive and loving....dismiss those that aren't.  They simply aren't worth the time and effort.  I've learned that art quite well.  I believe he has 10 more work days, excluding any sick days he uses up. 

So, we went out and totally kicked up our heels at the Days Inn.  There was a wedding party.  It's always a blast when there are weddings there because the lounge is packed with happy people.  We danced the night away.  Yes, I love to shake my bootay.  I probably look like a fool but I don't care.  And, we can walk there.  LOL...his new apt. is a bit longer of a walk.

He went to his mom's today.  She was cranky yesterday because she is not feeling well at all.  She has congestive heart disease, and her legs are so swollen.  He's taking her to the doc's this week.  They changed her diuretic (water pill) for some reason.  It doesn't appear to be working.

Sharing some pics....my batteries were dying so I'm not sure how clear they will be.

 

 Now, you all know I just love pictures of myself...

My BF lighting the fire...there's that circle on the wall again...I do think I'm having some lens problems with my camera...grrrrr  He wouldn't let me get a shot of his face until we got home....boo hoo...the batteries were dead.

This was in my journal before from Christmas...

I went to Target today to scout out some furnishings for the family room.  I saw so many things I would love to get but have to figure out how much I want to spend.  I was so tempted but was a good girl.  Then it was off to Wally World for groceries.  LOL...I was even tempted at Walmart also.

Have a good Palm Sunday all....4 days and counting until the tornado (Megan) arrives home for Easter break.....

                        CHRIS

Before and Almost After~Part I

Be prepared.....I don't like showing pictures of a train wreck of a house.  There will be a before and after at the same angle.  Of course, the old orbs showed up again.  I cleaned my lens because they don't show up on Joey's Canon and weren't in pics at Christmas in the family room.  LOL...for safe measure, I told the orbs that they didn't belong there and to pass to the other side.  I'll explain why my old tv is on the floor in front of the new one.  I still haven't put any decorations up.  I've thrown most of my old ones away.  My BF is taking down the ugly blinds.  He has linen blinds from his old apt. that he didn't need.  He has mini blinds of some sort built into the panes of his patio door.  I'm also putting up some type of window treatment above it.  I have a beautiful wrought iron rod that I had stuff draped over (well, Becky redid it because she thought mine was less than perfect.)

 This was the total mess I was living in from Sunday to Thursday.  You can't really see the true ugliness of the lineoleum...well, yes you can..... Ooops, I missed it the first time around.  You can see a piece of the old carpet to the left of Grizzly.  We didn't pull that up until the sofa was removed.  We had to take the sofa and recliner outside because they don't clear the door or cabinets into the kitchen.  Thursday was a beautiful day here, thank goodness!

 

 

 Same shot; different day.  I have a pic of Grizzly on my old rug which was a brick/rust shade but I don't feel like digging for it in my file manager.

  This is the other angle as you enter the door.  There's that vacuum again.

This is the same shot after.  Now, my new 32 inch tv is sitting on a beautiful brushed cherry stand.  Can't see it?  LOL...that's coz my old tv is still there.  Joey and my BF and the next door neighbor got it in the house around 9:00 Thurs night.  My BF plugged it in, there was a white flash and no picture.  He ended up buying me a 32" JVC flat screen...had the most beautiful picture in the store.  Just crapped out from the beginning.  We got it at a furniture store that's been in Butler for ages.  They sell furniture and appliances.  I've gotten lots of my furniture from there.  So....on Wed. they are sending out a new tv on their delivery truck, picking this one up and setting up the new one to make sure it's ok.  Thank the Lord because the tv is a beast.  I couldn't even imagine how Joey and my BF were going to get it back on his truck and bring a new one back in here.  He was flipping because he never has had any problems with anything that he buys, car, appliances, etc.  I, on the other hand, as I've stated before, seem to end up with the lemons so this was just another situation that I'm very used to.

My BF is starting to get very edgy.  I think all the changes he's going through are catching up with him...new apt...the retirement which is rocking his socks.  Things were ok the first day back.  What's killing him is that long time friends who are managers now are being nasty and turning on him.  I'll be glad when he finally gets out of there.  He told his mother today.  She got a little nasty about it which is so unusual for her.  He usually has her and his brother there for Easter.  She said good when he told her he wasn't having Easter.  Not like her at all.  But she has battled lymphoma, got a total clean bill of health a month ago.  Now, congestive heart failure is setting in and her legs are swelling.  I do think she must have been having a very bad day today because she is the sweetest woman.  Nonetheless, it really hurt his feelings.  We are going out tonight but I think I may end up at home again.  He seems to be struggling right now and likes to be alone.  I'll respect that.  He'll be up tomorrow anyway to help me get some things straightened out.  My diningroom is half cleaned out.  I threw most everything away.  I still need the louvered doors put up to the powder room down here and the closet.  Just the finishing touches.  To be continued....Part II and hopefully the final installment will be sometime Wed.

I'm on a roll.  I worked OT today.  I was so whooped yesterday that I barely made it through work.  I could barely drive myself into Pgh this morning and dreaded the drive home.  I made 6 hrs  which is good.  I was so tired driving home.  I prayed I would stay awake.  I should have just skipped it but the money is so needed.  I'm up from my nap now.  I had to reinstall my Kodak program.  It wouldn't load the pics.  Actually, I just had to run a repair which fixed the problem.

My final picture is one of Megan and Becky at her bash.  I pulled it off of Becky's blog. 

Not my favorite.  Becky looks a wee bit tuned but it was her birthday. And, of course, Megan was in every picture.  That child is photogenic if I must say so myself.

A week in my life in a nutshell.  It's been hectic, tiring, frustrating, and it's still not quite done but we're moving along.  I'm hoping if all goes well, I can get some pics at my BF's tonight.  If not, I will later.

Love to all (Penny, I am getting super excited about that concert!!!)  A new sidebar is a coming........

                                    

Another tag from Dianna.  That girl has so much talent and puts so much feeling into her creations.  This tag is just sort of fitting today.  I sort of feel like I'm a bit split in pieces; more like being torn in several different directions.  It does seem like another mini-funk is spreading through J-Land again.  I suppose that is just part of life and it's frustrations.

My problem is motivation or lack of it.  I just don't seem to care if I get anything done.  I would say it's probably a mildly depressed state that should go away when the weather becomes nice.  I was getting my energy back on the sunny and 70 days but alas it's snowing again in western Pa. and cold.  That dreaded wind is returning.

Tomorrow is carpet day.  LOL...I just want to clarify that the "jailbird" is still in jail.  Another guy is coming who has his own business and is helping out which is why he's coming in the evening.  Thank the Lord the nice weather is returning tomorrow because my sofa and recliner have to go out on the deck.  There is no clearance to get them through the kitchen.  Back up plan is to bring them through the patio door into the diningroom if the weather doesn't cooperate.

I have gotten rid of and moved so much junk.  It has me shaking my head.  I just did this a year or so ago.  I still can't figure out where it comes from.

Becky read my journal entry about her birthday and would like me to clarify that she is not an environmental activist....she is an environmental realist (I probably have this worded wrong, once again.)  She insists that she is not an extremist who would tie herself to a tree or anything like that.  LOL...bet she would but don't tell her.  (Only teasing, Becky.)

I still haven't gotten Joey to download the pics from her bash yet.  I do have good intentions; just a little lack of time.

Off I go to eat stuffed peppers which have been in my crockpot all day....Joey's favorite or one of them.  He had a GI appointment today and has gained 10 lbs in the past year which is a very good thing.  He was very underweight.  He's up to 142, still a bit short of the 150 they want him to be but the most he has weighed ever.  Boy, I wish I had that problem.

Take care all.....I'll post some pics of the carpet probably on Friday.

 

              CHRIS

Busy, Busy

Another quickie.....I just want to apologize to all that I haven't been around to visit.  Tonight I am going out...haven't been out with my BF for a week.  His place is beautiful.  Sprint has never shown up after numerous calls to activate his phone.  It's been so weird not being able to talk to him.  He hasn't had phone service since last Thurs.  So, he's getting a cell phone and using his landline number....YEAH!

Joey has a routine doctor's appt. tomorrow morning that I need to go with him to.  Then it's back to the familyroom to continue the prep for the carpet.  I am taking off Thursday to finish.  I'll be glad when this is done.  There will definitely be before and after picks.  You just won't believe the God awful ancient linoleum that was under the carpet.

LOL... Dianna's birthday is tomorrow.  Now, I didn't screw this up.  Birthday Alarm.com did.  I recheck the two reminders.  They definitely said her birthday was Tues. April 4th (Sorry Dianna for making you age 27 one day early).  I'm really crying that Dianna is aging so fast....hehehe...  If anybody who reads this would like your birthday celebrated in J-Land, let me know and I'll send you the link for my account at Birthday Alarm.  They were accurate with Penny and D.  I'll admit, I screwed Penny's birthday up myself.

Thanks, Dianna, for the absolutely lovely tag above.  See she does have the sweetest of hearts, especially since I'm pushing her closer to 30.

Anyway, I promise to make my visits tomorrow evening.  I miss reading all your journals.  I have been making sporadic visits here and there.  I know I'm missing lots of you and feel bad.

But Debbie's birthday is really today.  Her Kaylee IM'd me this morning to let me know it was her mama's big day.  How sweet is that?

My BF went back to work Monday.  He was nervous and anxious but really showed his true character and strength.  Things are absolutely going great for him.  He has been put  on a special project of teaching his knowledge of the financial aspects of VA claims, holding classes so that others may be able to carry on the vast experience he has in this area.  Many veterans will be extremely appreciative of this as checks get lost, overpayments are made, their compensation gets totally screwed up.  My BF can just pull up a couple of screens and instantly audit and find the errors.  The couple of people behind the trickery in his case have been dealt with.  He has found peace finally.

So, my dear friends, I will be back to my normal visiting in a day or so and play catch up.

HUGS & LOVE to you all.....   Isn't this just too cool.  I was member of the week in my PSP group last week and has this made for me.  LOL..I do have a gift for gab...for a quickie, this is rather long.

Another Birthday

LOL..I think I'm the official birthday manager of J-land.  This is going to be short and sweet because it's way past my bedtime.  I've been cleaning my computer of useless files and emptying my ever filling mailbox and almost missed the birthday alert.

Tomorrow (April 4th, so it's really today) is Dianna's birthday.  Many of you know and love sazzylilsmartazz Just Taggin' Along And Back Talkin' her graphics journal and  Dianna's Mindless Musings her personal journal.  Dianna is a college student, poet, artist, bride to be and a sweetheart.  So, drop her an e-mail or visit her journals and wish her a great one!

UH OH...a little birdie just IM'd me and told me that it's also Debbie's The Life & Times of an Essex Girl birthday.  Debbie lives in Essex in the UK.  I just love her.  LOL...a lot of times she translates her words for me and I translate our "yankee" terms for her.  If you haven't visited her yet, take a peek at her journal.  You'll love her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to two splendid ladies!!!!!!! 

I'll be back tomorrow to visit and chat........

                       CHRIS