It's All About Life

Lisa Is Coming!

2007-09-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

My friend, Lisa, is coming in from Minnesota Saturday afternoon to spend a couple of days with me before we have to do "work stuff" Monday-Wednesday. I'm not exactly sure what we'll do - Art Museum? Short North Galleries? - We'll definitely eat! Maybe scrapbook a little...

I'll have to be sure to bring along the digital camera so I can snap some pictures of our adventures.

San Diego

2007-08-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've blogged. I've been super busy since I've been back from San Diego. What a WONDERFUL time. The traffic wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Even during rush hour, people were patient and polite. They expected to wait a while to get somewhere, so nobody was weaving in-and-out of traffic or being rude. I was 20 minutes away from several small beach communities - my favorite being La Jolla. Chris and I watched the sunset in La Jolla almost every evening he was there.

Here's a nice picture of my honey watching the sunset at La Jolla. There were seals that would come up on a particular stretch of the beach. I have pictures of them too, but the blogger would only let me load so many pictures. :>) I'll have to blog again tomorrow and put some more up. We went to Seaport Village and snapped a picture of a naval ship as it went by. We also went to Imperial Beach for the sandcastle building tournament. It's absolutely unbelieveable what people can make with water and sand. I particularly liked the hog on his "hog". :>)

I dined like a queen every night I was there - I went to fancy restaurants and had lamb, chocolate cake, wine, baked brie with apricots, GENUINE hispanic food that was to die for.....and I only came back a little more than a pound heavier. :>) (Which I took off, by the way) The trip was just what I needed professionally and personally. I hope they send me back for some follow-up training!

Oh - I also met a wonderful woman at the office while I was out there. Her name is Terry. She was born in Mexico and came to San Diego as a child. She is retired from the armed forces. Part of her duties while she was on base was to take guests on sight-seeing tours of the city. She and I went out several evenings. If it wasn't for Terry, I wouldn't have seen the real San Diego. I am forever in her debt for showing me such a wonderful time and for allowing me in to her life briefly to learn about real Hispanic culture.

More pictures tomorrow.....

Sunny California

2007-07-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well - In less than 24 hours, I'll be headed off to San Diego for a business / vacation trip. I'll be there for two weeks. The only part that has me nervous is the driving...It shouldn't be too bad. I just get nervous any time I have to drive in unfamiliar territory. The good part is - I'll be 15 minutes away from the coast!! I'm such a beach chick. I would spend an entire vacation on the beach if Chris would let me. Unfortunately, Chris can't sit still for more than 10 minutes. He usually plays in the ocean while I sit on the beach. :>)

I'll be arriving early tomorrow. My intention is to get to the hotel, get settled, and then head out to La Jolla (la hoy-ah) beach with the other Aetna girl that's coming in from Connecticut. Chris is coming out Friday and staying until Tuesday. :>)

I'll try to post from my Blackjack while I'm there...I don't know how well it will work.

Getting Ahead

2007-07-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

What a horrible day at work....I won't bore you with all of the details. Basically: I didn't get hired for ANY of the quality project management jobs I posted for and I found out that someone I thought to truly be a mentor, friend and team-player is just like everyone else. The above sign is an absolutely appropriate representation of how I feel about my office right now. The caption under the sign should say "Shoveling All the Bullshit Out of the Way So we Can Actually Get Some Work Done". (Yes, I said bullshit - I can't think of a nicer way to say it)

Dave & Christy

2007-07-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

Chris and I have been friends with Dave and Christy for a few years now. They are absolutely wonderful people. They're fun to be around and are very generous. Chris and I love to travel with them because we always have a good time. We laugh a lot when we're together - I think that's why I like them so much. :>)

I was looking through some old photos today and came across our trip to Niagara Falls in 2005. I was inspired to show you the hat fashion show Chris and Dave put on for us:

Work it, Dave!!!

Look at Chris being all sexy...

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-06-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged for a while. Getting ready to go to Steak and Shake with Dave, Christy and their girls. I was at a conference for work most of last week. I trained a class this week and prepped for two interviews in the midst of trying to get some of my "regular" work done this week. My pastor called the church to fast sometime before the end of July - I decided to fast coffee and cocktails this week!! What a week to fast coffee!!! I've stuck to my guns and have drawn closer to God - all is good. :>)

I really liked the verse of the day today. I loved the statement that said "The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me" I needed that today on every level of my life. So here's Psalm 138 in it's entirety:

1 I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and
your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.

3 When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.

4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.

5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.

6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against
the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not
abandon the works of your hands.

My Own Roses

2007-06-13T16:02:00.001-07:00

I was excited to see my favorite roses blooming today. These are climbers called Joseph's Coat. When they first begin to bud, there are shades of white, yellow and pink. As the blooms mature, they turn red. A progressive rose - which is good for me because I get bored easily. I don't get tired of looking at these because they're always changing. :>)

Continuing my thoughts on God's blessings in my life -

I used to have "panic" or anxiety attacks when I was a teenager. I had to be put on medicine for a while. I only had to stay on the medicine for a year or so. I would still have trouble from time-to-time. After I was baptized, my attacks became much less frequent. I still have one once in a great while, but I can put my faith into action to overcome it.

The bible says that God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and a SOUND MIND. The Amplified version says "a calm and a well-balanced mind".

Jesus also told his disciples that he bequeathed his own peace unto them. We can claim everything that Jesus told to his disciples, so that same peace - HIS peace is ours to claim.

The Bible also says that the peace of God will fill our hearts and minds when we lift up our requests to Him.

What terrific promises!!

This Weekend

2007-06-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

Chris and I went to the Rose Festival Saturday. It was such a great day. Sunny and the perfect temperature. Tried out the new camera.

I was reminded today that the Bible says we are overcomers by the word of our testimony. So - I thought I would start sharing some of the great things God has done for me. I know that He will continue to do great things, because He is the great I AM.

When I was a young Christian, I was working part-time at a car dealership while going to college. I was really thankful that I didn't have to flip burgers - you know - I had a nice part-time desk job. I remember just thinking to myself that it would be nice if I could have a little more money so I could have some extra after paying for books, etc. A couple of weeks later, my boss called me into his office and said that the owner of the dealership approved a $.75 raise / hour for me. The Bible says that God will give us the desires of our heart. I experienced that verse through this situation. I didn't even ask for anything. :>)

I've been reminded several times over the last few weeks that I can't carry everything on my own shoulders.

If you want a good study for encouragement, check out Psalm 46

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&chapter=46&version=31

How I Feel

2007-06-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Got some news I didn't want today. I can only quote the lyrics from Paul's new album. Song is Mr. Bellamy:

Im not coming down
No matter what you do
I like it up here
Without you

All right Mr Bellamy
Well have you down soon

No one to tell me what to do
No one to hold my hand
Bellamys got a lot to do
And I hope that youll understand
Nobody here to spoil the view
Interfere with my plans
Bellamys got a job to do
And hes hoping youll understand

Steady lads
Easy does it
Dont frighten him
Here we go

Im not coming down
No matter what you say
I like it up here
Anyway

Sit tight Mr Bellamy
This shouldnt take long

In a delusionary state
No wonder hes been feeling strange of late

Nobody here to spoil the view
Interfere with my plans
Bellamys got a job to do
And hes hoping youll understand

Steady lads
Easy does it
Dont frighten him
Here we go
Here we go

Im not coming down
No matter what you do
I like it up here
Without you

Come down
Come down
Come back to me

It's Here!

2007-06-05T19:15:00.001-07:00

Paul's New Album is Terrific! I've been so busy today I've only had a chance to listen through once. I was so excited that I dreamed about going to Starbuck's and getting it last night! Paul has a spot on YouTube. He has a place for fans to upload video footage of them banging their heads to his new song "Nod Your Head". You know darn well I'm gonna do it!! I'm just too tired tonight. By the end of the day tomorrow - you should be able to go to Paul's YouTube site http://email.parlophone.co.uk/a/hBGZW-1AQUBzFBLubVkA-8VyDaU/link13 and see me (and probably only me. I don't think I could get Chris or any of my friends to do it with me :>)

Help Us, Bob Vila!!

2007-06-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Look at the dust!

Remember the flooring I purchased last weekend? Um - it isn't installed yet....Took the carpet up....there was tile underneath...no biggie - we'll just lay it on top....um....looks like the tile is raised up in several places....yep....probably just from the house settling......hmmmm.......looks like the floor is REALLY uneven actually........(sigh).

Let me just say that I am so unbelievably thankful that Chris is well versed in home building. The ONLY option he had was to go to Home Depot and rent an industrial-grade sander to even things out. I don't think the floor was poured with much care when the house was originally built.

I had fun pulling up the carpet bars and tack strips and busting some of the tile. Chris has the lovely job of sanding. We have a sheet hung between the levels of the house, but my eyes are starting to get itchy up here.... There's a TON of dust......that's better. I put some weights on the bottom of the sheet.

Ringo (the naughty kitty) loves to get in the way any time we try to do something. However, we found that he doesn't enjoy the sound of the sander. :>) He knows dad's downstairs doing something, but he won't go any farther than the sheet.

Hopefully, in a couple of days, I can report back and show you some pictures of our new floor.

My Auzzie Friend

2007-05-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

I just felt like sharing a little about my friend Gabby. She's lived in the U.S. for several years, but is from Australia. She runs a house with FOUR (did I mention FOUR) children - who are all absolutely fabulous. Thomas is the newest (and final) addition to the family. He's going on five months. I visit almost every Saturday to get my baby fix. Thomas is such a sweetie. He's getting long enough that I can give him a good love squeeze when I put him over my shoulder. :>)

Gabby does a great job of keeping up on scrapbooks for all four kids while keeping a tidy house and tidy children. I don't know how she does it. If I ever need to chat (by the way - Gabby's name suits her well), she's always willing to talk - even if it's in the middle of the day when things are the most hectic for her.

Through my friendship with Gabby, I've learned how to use some Australian phrases, learned about Australian culture and have come to appreciate Vegemite. She's a terrific gal who's friendship I will always treasure.

I snapped this picture of Gabby and Thomas about a month ago. Don't you just want to snuggle up with Tommy?

Gabby's parents are in from Australia this week for Tommy's dedication at church this coming Sunday. I can't wait to meet them!

Three-Day Weekend

2007-05-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Chris and I went out to eat at some great restaraunts and went to the art museum. It had been a while since we've been. I mainly wanted to see the Optic Nerve collection - perceptual art from the 1960's. BUT I stumbled across something so much more intriguing. A gentleman by the name Evan Penny makes giant, lifelike human busts. I was so freaked out!! It literally felt like I was staring at a giant human. The detail is phenominal. I found a link to some of his sculptures if you want to take a peek. The pictures don't give you the same experience, but you can get an idea.

http://www.gallerydomingo.com/artbasel2004/pages/evan%20perry%202.htm

I also used some of my slot machine winnings to purchase some great laminate flooring for the family room. I told Chris I would pay for the materials, but I wasn't going to pay for the labor. :>)

Need A Breather

2007-05-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

Work just keeps getting more and more frustrating. I'm about to my boiling point. This, however, makes the day absolutely wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=xTNXrkBSp_o

And The Winner Is....

2007-05-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Me! Here's the story - I had lost all of my money. My mom did very well all evening. She had several tickets to cash in. Towards the end of the evening, she had turned a small amount of money into about $300.00 on a penny slot. I sat down beside her and watched for a while. Then - she got into her purse and gave me $30.00. Why not? - I went up to the play bar, had a drink and lost $20.00 of it playing blackjack and video poker. I put the last $10.00 in and won about $35.00 playing Keno. I went back over to where mom was - she was still doing pretty good. I went around the corner and saw the same penny slot she was playing. I put my ticket in and played for a long time...I turned the $35.00 into about $135.00. Mom came over and started to play beside me. I asked her to play my machine for a minute. When I came back, it had hit for........are you ready for this?.........ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!

Does anybody really need to ask if I had a good time? :>)

My mom absolutely refused to take any of the money. Ain't she sweet?

Oh - remember my post about the Divas Day Out from last weekend? Kathy and I made the local paper!
http://www.thisweeknews.com/?sec=johnstown

Viva Las - Victoria?

2007-05-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

My mom and grandma have been after me for a while to go gambling with them. I'm getting ready to be booked at work for almost two solid months. I checked my calendar for the end of the week....looks okay........ SO - it's off to Grand Victoria casino in Indiana for a couple of days. Yes, I'll gamble some money. Yes, I'll have a drink. It's all about moderation. I'll report back in a few days....

Mother's Day

2007-05-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

I had a nice day with my mom. I offered to either take her out to dinner or pick dinner up on the way in. She ended up going to the grocery store and buying food for a cook-out. We grilled burgers and dogs. My mom made mac and cheese, jello and cake!! I can't believe she cooked on Mother's Day! Oh well - it was definitely fine by me. The food was good AND my mom remembered my favorite part - roasting marshmallows over the coals after dinner. :>)

Divas Day Out

2007-05-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Saturday! I needed to clean my house. Instead - I chose to spend the day with my friend Cathy. We drove to a small farm town called Johnstown for Divas Day Out. We started off at a beautifully quaint antique shop. I bought Chris a wooden Harley Davidson. Then, it was off to Woodhaven Farm for a delicious lunch. Tami Cecil is a Wallstreet stockbroker turned chef. She converted a farm into a beautiful escape. There are large ponds and gardens with seats and a huge indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining area. Tami's a trip. Definitely an East-Coaster. :>) After lunch, we drove to an interior decor shop. The decorations were nice, but I preferred the "Delicious Diva Desserts" they were serving. The last stop of the day was for afternoon coffee at a local coffee house. They were running a diva special on their Pink Mocha - a raspberry and white chocolate latte. YUM!

Work, Work, Work

2007-05-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

You know, I have to say I've been very unhappy with "upper management" in my office for quite some time. I try to motivate myself and do my best every day, but it's difficult at times. A co-worker expressed some of her dissatisfaction very similar to mine the other day. I just know that I have in me what it takes to be a tremendous help for my office / company.......but does anyone else know it?...........I told my boss I posted for another job in a different part of the company. She didn't seem too thrilled. My friends asked if I wanted to take a risk to be hired for an "expendable" job. My answer is #1 - I don't care what you hear, we're all expendable and #2 - I would rather have the beautiful luxury of enjoying almost every part of my job on a daily basis for a short period of time than continue to be forced to do many things that I dislike every day. I know several people that have always had "a job". For the most part, I like what I do, but as my department continues to change, I feel more and more forced to do less of what I love. I'm not budging - so maybe it's time for me to go where I can always do what I love......Improve the knowledge of the folks that actually do the work every day and support them with the tools they need.

My Fuzzy Buddy

2007-05-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

This is Jasper. He's about 6 years old. Chris found him as a tiny kitten in the bushes at a gas station down the road from our house. He's been hanging out ever since. He's a great pal. Follows me wherever I go. Definitely a momma's boy. :>) He and Ringo (the naughty kitty) like to wrestle on my nice white carpet - see the hair?

Friends Make Life Fantastic

2007-05-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to have four fabulous friends - Dave, Christy, Gabby and Clayton (from left to right in the picture) I can totally be myself with them without judgement. They love me for who I am and who I am becomming. Chris and I don't yet have children, so their kids are our kids - we love them! Chris, Clayton and Dave hunt, play paintball and ride motorcycles together. Clayton recently turned one of his downstairs rooms into the "Man Cave". The boys watch hunting videos, clean their various guns and grunt. :>) Christy, Gabby and I hang out with the kids and scrapbook. We get an occasional shopping trip in (mostly to Joanne's for scrapbooking supplies). I snapped this picture around Memorial Day of 2006. We were eating breakfast at an old diner before heading into the Rolling Thunder biker rally in Washington DC.