Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Karma... The Good, the Bad and the Kids

Here's the thing... 

Even though the Hubby was totally against me cancelling my IV infusion appointment, he was noticeably relieved tonight.  :-D

That makes me happy.  He thinks I will regret it this weekend while I am sore...but I won't. 

Tomorrow morning we are taking the kids out to breakfast at one of our local 'townie' luncheonettes.  The kids love to do this, and Hubby started the tradition last year.  I have tagged along a few times, but it is more a Daddy and kids thing.  Tomorrow I will tag along again, because it was the plan with me going to NYC.  The kids were very worried that I was going to back out, but I won't!

Pumpkin has somehow endeared herself to the Scoutmaster of my boys troop!  Last week, remembering a conversation with her about rocks (he is an amateur geologist/rock collector), he sent home a variety of wonderful rock, gem, and fossil specimens for her as a gift!

All in a special box, numbered with corresponding labels.

Pumpkin was THRILLED beyond belief!  She took them to school and showed them off.  And, she wrote Mr. T the most wonderful little thank you letter, all in her own words, all with pictures of really cool rock formations on it. 

Tonight, her brothers and dad came home with another surprise for her from Mr. T,  a wire sculpture, built on a beautiful crystalline rock, and with individual natural turquoise leaves!

Just gorgeous! 

And, since her birthday is on next Wednesday, meeting night, he is allowing Pumpkin to attend the meeting as a special guest!!!   Needless to say, she was over the moon about it all! 

Mr. T is a wonderful Scoutmaster, and a sweet, generous man, and has taken to both Hammer and Fuzzy with as much delight if not more, but, I didn't expect Pumpkin to somehow become a part of it all, too.

The funny thing is that we knew Mr. T's wife really well for years, but until the boys started Scouts, we didn't put the two of them together!  My kids all attended a local Lutheran nursery school, and Mrs. T was the secretary there!  Small world!

be well,
Dawn

A Postponement

Hello!  I have postponed my appointment tomorrow of my rheumatoid arthritis IV medicine, Orencia.

My husband has a big work issue that is interfering with the day.  He was still going to take me to the appointment and then bring me home, but then he was going to rush back into NYC to work.  This work thing involves letting go some of his men and restructuring and phasing out his division.  This is not a surprise, it has been coming for a while, but on Monday, his bosses chose Thursday to be the day.

Although Hubby is not losing his job, many are, and it is not going to be an easy day. 

I chose to postpone the IV even though Hubby told me not to do so.

The bottom line is that I did if for me, as much as for him.  He will be distracted, getting lots of calls, and totally stressed out about having to deal with me and then rushing back into NYC after. 

I don't want him to be that stressed, but I also don't want all that stress and tenseness around me either.  I have my own issues and worries on IV day, (will they get my blood easily?  will the IV go in okay? etc) and selfishly, I want his focus on me, as my support system. 

So, I will wait until Tuesday morning for the IV.  I will be sore a few days longer, but it will be worth it.  For us both, in the long run.

My Hubby doesn't get why I feel this was necessary... but, just like Einstein above... he probably never will!  ;-D

                                                  

We had more snow, a nice blanket of white, but it disappeared quickly, as it was just about an inch again.

Tomorrow night the rumor is 4 inches of snow.  Wouldn't that be great?  I think so, and so do the kids!

be well,
Dawn

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

A New Day

As the graphic above says... I have too many blessings to be depressed, so a new day, and moving on.

Not to say I am feeling less sore, because I am not.  Still sore and swollen.  Not much to do about it though!  Rheumatoid Arthritis sucks.  Period.  Thank goodness my Lupus is quiet.

I have mentioned that I am working on a fiction novel.  Last night, as I lay in bed trying in vain to fall asleep, I was able to brainstorm some plot planning!  I had brought my notebook into the bedroom to make some notes before shutting the light off, but after my epiphany (of sorts) I turned it back on and wrote everything down! 

Sure, I wish I wasn't in pain and could just lay down and sleep like a normal person, but this was a positive outcome from the negative! 

When life gives you lemons... make lemonade!

Many of you have asked about my novel.  I don't want to say too much, but it is a mystery set in NYC and involves a magical world that exists that 'everyday humans' don't know exists.  My heroine is very sassy, but has a big supportive family, entwined in her life and work.  Think Janet Evanovich meets Kim Harrison, for those of you familiar with these authors. 

Well, off to relax a bit before Fuzzy and Pumpkin get in from school!

be well,
Dawn

 

Monday, January 29, 2007

What a difference a day makes...

Yep, that's me. 

Thank you for all your sweet comments on last nights entry. 

The snow came to be nothing.  Big bummer, but it did look pretty while it lasted.

I didn't sleep good last night. 

My hands and wrists hurt like hell.  My elbows worse.

Hammer went to hug me and grabbed my right elbow by mistake and made me squeal and jump in pain. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis sucks.  It can even make hugs hurt. 

So, I am cranky today.  My infusion of my IV Orencia is on Thursday.  That feels like a forever away. 

I am going to go and take a 1/2 of a vicodin right now.  It won't help my mood, but it will take the edge off the aches and pains.  I was in pain yesterday too, but just not as bad.  Today, it really has hit me like a ton of bricks.  I don't know why...

Sorry for my mood...

be well,
Dawn

 

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Full House - Ahhhh....

If you think you are hearing my heart sing... it is because...

It is snowing! 

And, my boys are home!!!

It is so pretty, so quiet, big fluffy beautiful flakes!  Only about 2 inches total expected, but I am enjoying the look of it right now! 

Upstairs asleep are three dreamy kids all hoping for a weather person brain fart, and for at least a foot of snow to fall, insuring school being cancelled for a day of play!

Also upstairs, in another part of the house, are my parents, hoping that there is hardly any snow, and therefore, no mucking up of their morning commutes, respectively. 

My Hubby?  He is asleep down the hall, and could care less, either way.  He will go in via mass transit which will run unless the snow fairies really slam us badly, which there is absolutely no indication of happening.

And, me?  I am okay either way.  I don't think this evening will bring a lot of snow, but I do hope that the kids get at least one good snow storm, this month or next.  All we can do is wait and see.

The boys came in from camping today, tired and smelly.  Outdoor showers only, and with weather below 30 degrees, no one was doing that!  Hubby was also very scruffy! 

After everyone showered up, Fuzzy and Pumpkin went off with Grandpa bowling.  Hammer headed straight to the computer to go onto his favorite Transformers website.  Hubby and I lay down in bed for a nap.  Hubby needed it far more than I, and didn't get up until 4pm, just in time to discuss dinner plans, and we ordered in pizza.

All in all, it was a nice day, I needed to catch up with the boys, and daddy needed to catch up with his girl, and everyone did what they needed to do. 

Tomorrow, (which since it is after midnight is already here), I plan on tackling my daughter's scary room.  I don't know how she does it, but she keeps accumulating clutter!  Ugh.  Her 10th birthday is coming in two weeks and she will, no doubt, be getting more things that need a place to go!  Yikes!

I tried to convince Hubby he should stay home and play with me tomorrow <<<waggly eyebrows>>>, but he doesn't seem to be biting.  <sigh>   I guess I scared him off with all the talk of the attacking the clutter issue!  I should have kept that quiet and sprung it on him after the fun! 

Sleep well, night owls...

be well,
Dawn

It was a very good year...

In 1965 (the year you were born)
Lyndon B. Johnson is president of the US

Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara calls for a nationwide network of bomb shelters

Former leader of the Black Muslims, Malcolm X, is shot and killed in New York City

To protest voting rights discrimination, civil rights demonstrators begin a march for Selma to Montgomery with federal troop protection

The first commercial satellite, Early Bird, is launched into space by Nasa to transmit telephone and television signals

Voting Rights Act is signed into law

Riots by young blacks in the Watts area of Los Angeles begin, causing $200 million in damage

Hurricane Betsy claims 75 lives in southern Florida and Louisiana

United States President Lyndon Johnson proclaims his "Great Society" during his State of the Union address

Dr. Dre, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert Downey Jr., Shania Twain, Moby, and Ben Stiller are born

Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series

Green Bay Packers win the NFL championship

Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup

The Sound of Music, starring Julie Andrews, is the top grossing film

Dune by Frank Herbert is published

The Beatles' Rubber Soul is released

"Satisfaction" by Rolling Stones is a top hit

The Beatles appear on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing songs from their new album Help!

Sony introduces the Betamax, a home video tape recorder

Nearly all of NBC's programs are now broadcast in color

I Dream of Jeannie premieres
 

Of the events mentioned, which would you most liked to have witnessed in person? 

I suppose I would have to say the Super Bowl!  Bart Starr baby!!!

Of the people mentioned, who would you most like to meet in person?

The Beatles, I guess.

Of the people mentioned, who would you least like to meet in person?

Probably, Ed Sullivan, I have read that he was not really that nice.

Which of the events do you think had the most profound effect on history?

The Civil Rights movement.

Which of the events do you think contributed the most to our culture?

Wow, that is a good question, I suppose the Beatles and the whole 'mania' that happened around them.  It has continued, year after year, just with new subjects to be 'maniacal' about, I suppose.

But, color tv has certainly become an entrenched part of our culture as well! lol


From Patrick's Weekender, answer these questions after finding out what happened on the year of your birth (see the above link). 

Friday, January 26, 2007

Dawn's ABC Meme - And, you all are HARD TAGGED!

I decided to create my own ABC meme.  I know... rather cheeky of me, huh?  I wasn't all that thrilled with the one I saw going around.  

So, necessity being the mother of invention, and the fact that I am bored out of my skull and missing my hubby...

Here it is...

A     Apple or PC?

In this house... Only pc, no Apples

B     Banking... online or in person, and if in person, drive thru or inside the bank?

We do check our balance online in the account we use our debit card against.  Otherwise, we do all the banking in person at the drive thru.  Except for some of our co-banking with my parents, and then my dad does it the old fashioned way, in person and inside the bank.

C     Coffee and Chocolate!  The two most important 'C's  Favorites please.

I like all kinds of coffee, but right now I am totally addicted to the Gingerbread flavored Green Mountain Roasters.  It is so yummy and cinnamon-ish!!!  My favorite chocolate is dark chocolate and Godiva, yes, I am a diva.  LOL

D     Dogs.  Do you have one?  If yes, what kind and it's name and why you named it that.  If no, then if you had one what kind would you choose?

Yes, we have Libby, the yellow labrador retriever.  Her full name is Liberty, and it was a patriotic pick by the kids, after 9/11.  She is also called other names that I cannot put in my pg blog, the obscenity of which is directly proportional to her stupidity.

E     Elvis.  There was only one.  Favorite song, and if you ever or your parents ever, saw him live.

My favorite is 'Love Me Tender', simple and romantic.  I never saw him live.  My parents had tickets for the last tour but he died. :(

F     Flowers.  Do you have a favorite to receive and/or a favorite to give?

I love white roses from my hubby.  I also like sunflowers and calla lillies.  I like to give mixture bouquets if I don't know what someone specifically likes. 

G     Grandparents, do you have any left and if you are one, to how many?

No, mine have all crossed over.  I do have my Aunt Deb's dad, George, who is the only one left at that generation level now in my family or extended family, that I am close to.  Bless him... he is a dynamo!

H     Handy or call for help?

I am actually pretty handy!  I give all credit to being an only child and always helping my dad do whatever he was doing around the house!  I was the assistant, handing tools and what not to daddy!  I learned how to do all kinds of useful things, around the house and with cars (the older variety, new ball game now).  I am often better than my Hubby, especially when it comes to figuring out those no word schematics.  And, he is a carpenter in origins!  lol

I     IOU's any out there to a person, a friend or family?

Hubby and I owe $20 to Hammer's Tootsie Roll bank.  The kids keep all their allowance money in their individual Tootsie Roll banks in the kitchen.  Sometimes Hubby or myself are caught short and we borrow until the end of the week from one of the kids.  It was me this week, for Pumpkin's piano lesson on Monday!

J     Jello.  Love it?  Hate it?  Favorite flavor?  With whipped cream or cool whip or neither?

I like Jello!  My favorite is Black Cherry!  Yummy!  I don't like whipped cream or cool whip on it though, to me they don't go together in consistency. Plain is good.

K     Kiss.  Do you remember your first real kiss?  Where, who?

Mine was with Russ Hunt, in the eighth grade, behind his house, just as my mom honked the horn to pick me up!

L     Language.  Do you speak any others?  Fluently or a little?

I can speak pretty fluent Spanish, a little Italian and French, and a good amount of Latin, which does me little good at all, but I loooooooveeeeeee Latin!

M     Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck?

Donald Duck ruled in my house!  My dad has him tatooed on his arm from back in his Navy days, and after all, Donald was a sailor, too!

N     Neighbors.  Do you know their names?  Occupations?  Phone numbers?  Or not?

We are on a corner.  My neighbors to my right I know their names, occupations, and may have their number around somewhere.  My neighbors behind me, my thin backyard runs along the side of theirs, we are actually quite close to and I would consider them friends. 

O     Olympics.  Do you watch?  Which is your favorite winter or summer?

We always watch and cheer on the USA!  Unless the USA isn't in it, then Canada, UK, Australia and so on... lol.  We are bigger fans of the winter olympics!  Love it all though!

P     Pluto.  What is your take on the planet being downgraded? 

We are totally pro-Pluto in this house!  We signed petitions, sent emails, etc,all to no avail, but Pluto will forever remain an equal to the others in our house and hearts!  Pfffft to you, you prejudiced scientific big whigs!

Q     Quiche.  Have you ever had it?  Do you like it and what is your favorite?

I love quiche!  My mom used to make really yummy ones, I should really try that one day!  Our local gourmet market has great ones already made up.  I love the traditional Quiche Lorraine, with Lorraine swiss cheese and bacon/ham.  Yummy!  I will do a Florentine, if I know it has a lot of cheese mixed with the spinach. 

R     Refrigerator.  Name three things in your refridgerator that you think are unusual.

A pneumovax vial with Fuzzy's pneumonia vaccine that has to be given to the pediatrician to inject, Aloe Vera gel for sunburns, and Mallowmars because they are yummy when chilled a little.

S     Safari.  Have you ever been to Africa on one?  A theme park version?

I have done the Six Flags Safari in NJ many times.  I love it.  One time I even got to see the lions running around and playing like giant kittens with a big ball, it was so cool.  We also used to have a place nearby in NY state called Jungle Habitat when I was a kid that was great.  And, in April 2001 I went to Disney's Animal Kingdom.  But, never the real thing in Africa, yet.

T     Telescope.  Have you ever looked thru a telescope? 

On the way into the museum for a science lecture in NYC, there was an amatuer astronomer set up with a really big telescope letting people look at Saturns rings and the moon.  It was the coolest view of either, I have ever had!

U     Umbrella.  Do you have one and what is its design?

None right now.  My last one was hot pink and it is missing.  I hate rain, but I don't like umbrellas either.  I know, makes no sense...

V     Vintage.  Do you have a favorite wine to share?  Or drink?

We found a gem in Wildwood Crest this year.  Tomaiolo Chianti Classico Riserva 1999.  The 2000 is pretty good, too.  I usually hate chianti because it can be sharp, but this is a smooth, fruity, dry wine, but not too dry.  Really worth it.  Around $15-20 a bottle.  I am also a fan of Silverado Cabernet Savignon.

W     Willies.  What gives you the willies?  You know, that shudder you can't stop?

For me it is spiders... I hate them.  For my Hubby, it is women with hair where it shouldn't be especially armpits.  Cracks me up to watch him get the shivers.  lol

X     X-ray.  Last one?  What body part and why?

I had to have my chest x-rayed last year to check for pneumonia.

Y     Yolk.  How do you like your eggs?

Mostly, I like them fried over easy, but my favorite is Eggs Benedict, extra holandaise, please!!!

Z     Zodiac.  What's your sign and does it fit your personality, in your opinion?

I am a Scorpio, born on the cusp of Sagittarius.  Yes, I think it fits for the most part!

 

I have hard tagged you all, and according to Paul, that means you have to do it or....... or else!

be well,
Dawn

Friday Five

I found this over at Cin's journal Bad Altitude but her journal is private, so you need to ask her to let you read it first!  

So, this is the 'official' link Friday 5 to the meme!

1. What is the name of the strip mall nearest your residence, and is it the strip mall you frequent most?

It is called Essex Plaza, because of the street it is on.

2. At your preferred strip mall, what is the name of one store you’ve never entered?

I've never been in the check cashing place because I have a bank for that!

3. Which store at your preferred strip mall would you most like to work in?

None of them, honestly, but forcing me to choose, I guess the bagel shop to get free bagels and sandwiches.  lol

4. Which store(s) at your preferred strip mall would you like to see disappear?

The check cashing store as I have heard that there have been robberies there.

5. How often do you go to your preferred strip mall?

Not that often really.  It is one of our favorite bagel shops, but there other's we go to more.  There is a Supercuts that we occasionally go to.  There is a Subway, too.  Otherwise, we don't go to the Chinese take out, the Boston Market, the cell phone place or the check cashing store.

                                    

That was fun... now you do it! 

Slow start for me today.  Apparently, I am fighting off a bit of a cold.  Ick.  Never a dull moment around here!

The boys will all be off by 6pm for their scouting weekend.  NJ is having some of the coldest temps ever, thankfully, they will be in nice warm cabins.  On Saturday they are going to visit a commercial fishery.  I believe it is the same one that Hubby and I were both on class trips to as kids!  Small world!

Pumpkin is having her best buddy tonight for a sleepover.  She wanted to take advantage of no brothers in the house.  Makes sense, I guess, and it is easier on me.  I think.  We will see.

Last night, Pumpkin started her usual melt down over her dad not being home for the weekend.  She cried and cried and told him she loved him and would miss him.  Usually, she saves this for me on the nights that he is gone, but she can't do it while her friend is here, so she decided to start early.  UGH.

Saturday night will be a nightmare for me I am sure.  She will be overtired from her sleepover and missing daddy.  Oh boy.

This is the same child that doesn't bat an eye at her sleeping out anywhere, mind you.  And, she admits it.  She says, 'It is okay if I go, but I don't like if any one else goes away.'  Yup, that's my girl!  As Hubby likes to tease, a big one way high maintenance gal!  lol

I will probably be back later tonight with another entry...

be well,
Dawn

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Hate the New Welcome Screen? Want to change it?

Go to settings click on  "welcome settings"

Then click the button " welcome screen and this AOL keyword or URL"

Copy and paste this into the white box -   aol://4344:851.wslite73.28204337.767732010

The next time you start AOL you get a cheap knock off version of the Regular, nice sized, not too cluttered Welcome Screen.

Apparently, that is the only option.

I got this from someone in my graphics group who went on with AOL Help live.

I like this one better...definitely more like the old one. 

be well,
Dawn
 

 


Thankful Thursday

It is that time again!  My dear J-Land friend Gretchen has hers up for your perusal, so here is mine! 

My Thankful Thursday Five:

1)     My son, Hammer.  I am truly blessed.  He is the most caring, considerate and helpful boy that one could ever want.  He just made me a cup of coffee and brought it to me at the computer before I started this entry.  :-D

2)     Snow!  We finally got it!  Not enough mind you, and it is mostly gone already, but when I got up with Fuzzy this morning the world was a pretty blanket of white.  Hoping for more soon.

3)     The internet and all its wonderful information!  I have been doing research for my book, and I cannot imagine what it was like before everything was a click away!

4)    My Hubby, who kissed my goodbye this morning as I lay sleeping, and told me that he was so blessed and thankful to have me in his life. (I went back to bed, and he took the kids)

5)     My yellow lab, Libby.  I am thankful for all her puppy kisses, laying on my feet at night and keeping them warm, and all the unconditional love she gives me all day and night.

                                  

Okay.... your turn!

be well,
Dawn

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Snow may be coming! Yay!

Yes, supposedly, some snow is heading, finally, to NJ!  Either way the temps are going real low, teens tonight, and twenties tomorrow, then to single digits overnight Thursday.

Brrrr..... Good thing for coffee!!!

So, some updates in my life.

My cousin, Kim just got engaged to her boyfriend, Justin!  Her dad is my mom's brother, Eddie.  They set the date for the wedding as 9/2/2007.  It will be just outside Indianapolis, where they all live. 

We are all going to go out, my parents and my crew, and make a family vacation of it.  We will leave about a week early, and spend two nights at Canton, OH, seeing the National Football Hall of Fame.   We will also do some sightseeing around Indy.  My dad's navy ship was named after a river in Indiana and there is a museum there dedicated to the ship and its crew that my dad has never seen.  It will be a really neat place to visit, and my dad will be in his glory sharing that with his grandkids.

My Uncle Jimmy who lives in Minnesota and his family should also be going to Indy for Kim's wedding!  This should be a wonderful family reunion of sorts!

My mom has two sisters but one is in a nursing home here in NJ and has limited mobility, with health issues, and the other also is partially handicapped and living in Georgia.  Neither will be at the wedding.

My cousin, Karol, that I am very close with and grew up with, will be making the trip with her hubby and two boys.  Her boys are the same ages as my Fuzzy and Pumpkin, and the kids are all very close.   :-D

My Aunt Deb, Kim's mom, is actually here in my town right now.  Her dad, George, lives here in my town, and today George had his right hip replaced.  She did leave a message that all went well, but if you all could keep George in your prayers, that would be great!

George is 83 and is still an active member of two fire departments, one in our town!  He also works at a camp site for 6 months each year doing maintenance from early May until October!  George has been like a grandpa to me my whole life.  He is a little dynamo of a man!!!  He is looking forward to his granddaughter's wedding, too!

My Aunt Deb will be staying with George for a few weeks until he is able to drive again.  Even though she will be busy helping her dad, I am sure we will get to see her during her visit.  I really enjoy that... my Aunt and I have a great friendship.  It is one of my wishes that she and my Uncle Eddie retire closer to NJ!!!

Well, Boy Scouts tonight for all the boys in the house, just Pumpkin and I will be relaxing and watching tv together.  The boys get home at 9ish, then off to bed with all the kiddies and hubby and I will try to catch up on some tivo!

I hope you all have a great night!

be well,
Dawn

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

CarnivAOL #31 is Ready!

Hey you... yes, I mean you...

Dan, Cin, Bill, Susan, Luanne, Deb, Raven, Julie, Gretchen, Chris, David, Gem, Guido...

You didn't send in an entry to CarnivAOL did you???

Now, I know I told you all earlier this month to do it.

I know you all would like more readers of your blog!  

So, please go check out the newest entries.

Then, go back to your blog and pick an entry you like.  Send the link to Paul - plittle@aol.com.  

This is simple and you can do it, I know you can!!!!

Oh and if I didn't mention your name it is because your journal is private or because my RA fog ridden brain missed it and I will be kicking myself later... so just go do it and make me happy!

be well,
Dawn

 

A Sibling Scene

To set the scene, we have Fuzzy and Pumpkin both in the family room while Mom is making lunches in the kitchen.

Pumpkin:    I am not watching ESPN!

Fuzzy:    Too bad, I got up first, I pick.

Pumpkin:    MOM!  Fuzzy has on ESPN and is making me watch it!

Mom:    Fuzzy, change it to your choice of 'kid' morning programs.

Fuzzy:    It isn't fair, I got heeeerrreee fiiiiirrrrrsssst!

Mom:    Pick something neutral...

Pumpkin:    MOOOOOMMMMM, he isn't changing it!!!!!!

Mom:    Fuzzy, I DO NOT need this in the morning!

Fuzzy:    (to Pumpkin)  Fine, I am putting on the Teletubbies then!

Pumpkin:    Fine.  YOU will have to watch it, too.

(silence for a few beats...)

Fuzzy:    Okay, I will put on 'Suite Life'.  ( with all the dejection one can muster)

Pumpkin:    Oh good!  You can watch ESPN from 7:30 to 7:45!!!

(scene)

Now, why couldn't they do this from the start... I'll never know.

be well,
Dawn

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Monday, January 22, 2007

Monday Morning Question

Hello again!

Charley over at Courage has a query...

Here's your Monday Morning Question!:

What movie have you seen recently that you consider to be one of the greatest of all time?

Huh.  The 'recently' has really had me thinking.

I would say 'Gladiator', which I know that some would say is not that recent.   However, when I think 'greatest of all time' it is the only film that comes to mind.  It is such a sweeping period epic, with such fabulous acting, and yet , there is a sense of timelessness to the emotion and message throughout the film.

So, there is my humble opinion.

What's yours?

be well,
Dawn
  

A big ol' Meme (questionnaire)

My dear buddy Julie over at Coelha Thoughts has this huge 62 question meme on her blog.  I just had to do it!  LOL

I hope you all decide to read it.... I actually deleted about 3 questions that had to do with Myspace, because, like Julie, I don't go there.

                

1. Where were you when the ball dropped for 2007? In my living room with my Hubby, kids, my parents, and 2 other couples and their kids!  

3. What are you listening to right now? The sounds of my fingers clicking on the keys.

4. Has the death of a celebrity ever made you cry? Yes, Princess Diana and JFK, Jr.  

5. What color underwear are you wearing? Turquoise

6. Do you live in a zoo? Yes-- 3 kids, one Hubby, two parents, 4 pets... oh yeah, zoo about covers it! 

7. What did you do this morning? Slept in while Hubby drove kids.  

8. What does your mom do for a living? My mom is a Municipal Tax Coordinator for a Service Bureau that provides a billing service to NJ municipalities.  

9. Where do you work? Right here, with my kids, teacher to my homeschooler, housewife and mom. 

10. What are your favorite smells? Coffee in the morning, vanilla, and cinnamon.

11. What are the last two digits of your phone number? 35

12. What was the last concert you attended? I went to NSYNC with my boys and another family in the summer of 2001.  As for a concert of my choice, it was The Eagles, with Sheryl Crow opening, with my hubby, back in 1994.  Yikes, I am old. 

13. Who was with you? see above 

14. What was the last movie you watched? It was 'Brokeback Mountain' 

What do you dislike at the moment? Jealousy and hate--they go hand in hand.   - I like Julie's answer... works for me, but I will add, Intolerance.

16. What do you crave right now? A vacation alone with hubby!  Yes!

17. Did you dream last night? Yes... don't remember it

18. What was the last TV show you watched? Brothers and Sisters, last night

19. What is your favorite piece of jewelry? Besides my wedding rings, it would be a diamond and emerald heart that Hubby gave me for my bday that was on my honeymoon.

 21. Who is your best friend of the opposite sex? My Hubby

22. Who last IM’d you? My daughter, from the living room while I was in the kitchen

23. Are you on any medication? Oh, yes, all prescribed.   

24. What side of the bed do you sleep on? Facing the bed it is the right side

25. What color shirt are you wearing?  Red!

 26. What color is your razor? Black

27. What is your favorite frozen treat? Godiva Ice Cream

28. How many tattoos/piercings do you have? My ears are pierced, two on each side.  No tatoos.

29. What are your favorite stores?  Borders and Barnes and Noble! 

30. Are you thirsty right now? No, but I am drinking Gingerbread Green Mountain coffee.  Yum.

31. Can you imagine yourself ever getting married? Since I am, yes. 

32. Who’s someone you haven’t seen in awhile and miss? Just one someone, is hard but I will say my friend, Fred, in Arizona. 

33. What did you do last night? Watched tv with Hubby, then watched alone, then did a journal entry, wrote some of my book and hit the sack.

34. Do you care what people think about you? No, not really, after all, I am the crazy lady in town who 'homeschools' one of her kids!  LOL 

35. Have you ever done something to instigate trouble? Never, ha ha.

36. Do you like your nose? Yes.

37. What color is your room?Sage Green

38.  When was the last time you worked out? Um... what is this thing 'worked out'???   

39. Do you like pedicures? Love them!

40. Where do you live? New Jersey, baby!

41. Are you an aggressive driver?   No, not at all, becoming a mom totally changed me with regard to that.

 42. Who is your cell phone carrier? Cingular, and no, I never, ever, have dropped calls!

43. Do you like the person who posted this last? Yes, absolutely!!!!!   

44. Do you know their birthday? Dang, no!

45. What is the thing you’d most want to change about yourself?

This is such a hard question for me, do I get rid of the Rheumatoid Arthritis, or the extra weight I am carrying mostly due to the disease and prednisone.  Hmmm.

46. What color is your car? Burgundy

47. What do you smell like right now? Cinnamonish (is that a word?) coffee smell...

48. What is your favorite color? Green

49. Do you like mustard? Yes.

50. What do you tell yourself when times get hard?When life gives you lemons... make lemonade.

51. Would you ever sky dive? NO!

52. What do you sleep on? My bed!  It is so great...it is a pillow top king size...

53. Have you ever bid for something on eBay? Yes, many times!

54. What do you think of Angelina Jolie being pregnant? Good for her, and it is her business!

55. Do you enjoy giving hugs? Yes, especially to my kids and hubby!

56. Would you consider yourself to be fashionable? Not at all, I strive for comfort.  Living with RA, demands that.

57. Do you own a digital camera? Yes, I do.   

58. What celebrities have you been compared to? No one. 

 59. What does your 19th test message say? I don't text much, I am sure never 19 in total over 2 years!!!

60. How ’bout your 30th? Nada .

61. Who did you hang out with last night? Hubby, kids, parents, my bf/sister Kathy and her son, J. (until they left at 7pm)

62. What are you doing this Saturday? Well, the Hubby and boys will be away at a Boy Scout camp, so daughter and I will probably go out to dinner with my parents!   

              

If you made it to the bottom, I am totally impressed!  Give this a try!  It was fun, let me know in the comments so I can read it!

be well,
Dawn 

 

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Weekend Assignment #148 - Cats or Cheese?

Truly the silliest one to date, Blogfather John Scalzi has come up with this question for us to contemplate and comment on this weekend Cats or Cheese? 

Yes, choose one, your domestic kitty or cheese, one to have and to hold and to worship, the other to disappear off the face of the earth forever.

Silly as it is, here I am throwing in my two cents.  

Obviously, I love cats.  I have two cat related graphics on this page and I own two kitties myself.  So the cats stay and cheese goes.

 This is Pumpkin.  She is the 11 1/2 year old grand dame of the household.  The first pet that we welcomed into our home, about 2 months after we moved in!

She is my baby and sleeps with me all the time.  She tolerates the other pets and kids, but just barely, and she lets them know that.  LOL

 This is Tina.  She just turned four and is the last pet we welcomed into our house, about one year after our dog, Libby, the crazy yellow lab.  And, we are slowly breaking down this feral adoptees hatred of all things human!   Tina does love Libby tremendously, and enjoys rubbing all over her and sleeping with her.  Tina also loves my Hubby who would have chosen cheese and banished cats off the face of the earth without a moments hesitation.  Go figure. 

However, I have to say that I truly don't see living without cheese either in any world I would want to live in.  As Dan, from The Wisdom of a Distracted Mind, who lives in Wisconsin often points out, if you take poop on a shoe and cover it in cheese, it will be edible!  (paraphrasing here...)

So, there ya have it!    I would choose the cats over cheese, but it wouldn't be a world I would really want to live in.  LOL

be well,
Dawn

 

 

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Thankful Saturday, because it is never too late to be Thankful

I have missed you all so much and have so much to share!

Since I missed Gretchen's Thankful Thursday, I am here today with Thankful Saturday.

1)    I am thankful that the kids are no longer sick. <<knocking wood furiously>>


2)    I am thankful that although I got sick with the stomach virus, it could have been much worse.


3)    I am very thankful for all the babying that my Hubby did for me while I was sick.  He went out to get ginger ale and stirred all the bubbles out, made me pastina and broth when nothing else would stay down, and just generally tried to make me comfy while the virus ran its course.


4)    I am thankful for
Paul and his friendship and his compassion.  Please read his entry that featured me a bit - Brother, can you spare a spoon? Thank you again, Paul.  You rock! 


5)    I am thankful that I am blessed in so many other ways that it lightens the load of having a chronic illness.

There you have it... this weeks thankful list.

I will be back to give you all a bigger update later.

be well,
Dawn

ps... link to the Spoons Theory on my lowest sidebar!     


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Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Time for CarnivAOL Submissions!!!

The cat is out of the bag!!!  Time for all of my readers to send in a journal entry to CarnivAOL!!

It is very easy to do! 

1)    Look at your journal.

2)   Pick an entry you like.

3)   Send a link to that entry to Paul at this link, plittle !!! 

That's it! 

Then, Paul will send you an email when it is published!  Your journal entry will go out to more readers and maybe you will gain some new ones! 

And, who doesn't want more readers?  I mean, come on... we blog... we WANT readers!  The more the merrier!

Go... now... do it...

be well,
Dawn     


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My Portrait...

This is me today.

Fuzzy came home from school yesterday with a sore stomach and started throwing up.  

He is home today still throwing up.

He was up last night, with a sore stomach, needing Mommy.

Ugh.

Can't seem to catch a break from illness in this house.

Hammer says that the picture is NOT me, because I am not ugly.  lol   So sweet!

be well,
Dawn

ps... send prayers, happy thoughts and Purell!  lol ;-D 

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

A little cheese with my whine...

If you kept reading after the above warning... bless your heart.  I promise I will try not to be too whiny!

So, tonight I went out to coffee with two friends.  One also has Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus.  The other 'officially' only Fibromyalgia, but they are now thinking RA will be added to her diagnosis soon, also.

The reason we went out is another issue that I may or may not blog about..., but eventually the talk got around to our chronic crap.

The joint pain, swollen hands and feet, and the fatigue. 

Just to review....

Tired = go to sleep, get up, and feel refreshed, better, recuperated.

Fatigue = go to sleep, get up, and feel still tired, crappy, achey, sore, and flu-ish like. 

Chronic diseases of the immune system (such as RA, Lupus, MS, AS, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Polymyalgia, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Myositis etc etc etc)  =  FATIGUE, day after day after day after day after day............

No one truly really 'gets' it unless they too, have it. 

It was refreshing to talk about that with my friends.  They are newer 'friends' in my life.  They were just acquaintances, mom friends, and now, so much more.

We talked about how our diseases are such an integral part of who we are now.  And, how that is sometimes good, and sometimes bad. 

Each of us has problems with confrontations in our lives now.  I think it has do with being in pain all the time.  Your emotions are always just simmering below the surface.  Each of us, feels that.  You can't have a meaningful discussion about something that hurts you without the tears coming, and that makes you shy away from any confrontation that may do that.  You don't want to seem unprofessional or a little nutty and too emotional in certain circumstances.  It was nice to be able to talk about that issue with two grown women, two other moms, who have to deal with that issue, too.

We talked about the frustration of dealing with your family that even though they 'see' it all the time, they don't really 'get' it.  It is hard.  And, we talked about all the other friends, and coworkers who totally don't get it at all.  Everyone knows someone with some miracle cure, everyone knows someone who can do more than you. 

We talked about the people who say, 'but you look so good', or 'you are too young to have arthritis' and all the interesting things you hear on the days you have to use your cane, or stay home to rest, or bow out of a committment. 

Ours is an invisible disability.  An invisible chronic illness.  Our immune system has turned against itself, attacking our internal gears and works, causing pain and swelling that can't always be seen.  The immune system working in overdrive causes the fatigue.  The tiredness, the fuzzy headness, that rarely leaves.

It was a nice night out. 

It sucks to have a chronic illness.

Here is a website for you to check out if you would like:

But you don't look sick

be well,
Dawn


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Sunday, January 14, 2007

Weekend Assignment #147

Blogfather, John Scalzi  assigned a sign generator for the weekend assignment. 

Mine is above.  

It is a 'caution' only.  I adore my kids.  Wouldn't trade them for the world, but some weeks... they really do wear me and Hubby down!

In my update from yesterday, I forgot to mention that Fuzzy fell down three stairs Thursday night, onto the metal bar of the dog gate and had to get x-rayed on Friday at the pediatric orhtopedist.  

Thankfully, no break, but he couldn't go up the ladder to his bed that night, and he slept with me and kept me awake with each moan as he rolled over. 

Of course, I did get lots of hugs and being told 'I love you, Mommy' this week.  So, it all works out in the end!

And, last night after Hubby and I left for dinner, my three kids instantly descended into a major brawl that their Grandma had to break up, with the youngest, sweet Pumpkin, being the most difficult of all.  Yeah, their guest friend was smart enough to leave the room and let Grandma sort it all out and then allow the dust to settle before he re-engaged in the play date.  Ugh.

So, again, it is just a caution... I am sure I did the same sometimes to my parents.  Actually, I know I did, but there was only one of me... and there are three of them!  LOL

Thanks John, always fun...

be well,
Dawn
 


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Saturday, January 13, 2007

Good Fortune

Last night we had Chinese food that we brought home.  We always make a big deal out of choosing and reading your fortune cookie with the kids.

I was so thrilled with my fortune that I have to share it with you!

It read, "You are a lover of words.  Someday you will write and publish a book."

For those of you who don't know, I LOVE to read and write! 

And, I have started writing a novel!  I spent about the last 3 months outlining characters, developing plot, and accumulating research in a notebook, and just last week I started typing the first chapter.

I taped the fortune to the mirror over my dresser in my bedroom, so every day it will inspire me to continue!  Wish me luck!

                       

Today has been an productive day!  Hubby worked on the basement that we have begun to finish.  He really worked hard and did a great job!  It is ready for him to finish the last bit of framing and then start electrical. 

Hubby and I also ran to the mall to return a gift and then to have dinner alone.  It was very nice.  We had a wonderful appetizer of roasted garlic with crisp cheese foccacia crackers that the restaurant makes homemade.  Yummy! 

It was also nice for us to talk without being interrupted, for a change!  And, we had quite a few things to discuss about the kids, upcoming camping and vacation issues. 

It has been lightly misting on and off all day.  Not quite raining, not even a drizzle, but enough to be wet and yucky.  And, to make my joints creak and scream.  Dang, rheumatoid arthritis.  <sigh>

                         

Oh yeah, I also colored my hair yesterday.  I am lucky that I am a medium to light blonde to begin with, and my hair takes color real well, without needing 2 steps or anything complicated.  However, it was starting to look a little too light, and brassy, so I had to add some neutral ash color back in to it.  It is better but almost a little too ashy now.  I guess nothing is ever 'just right', but it is close enough!  ;-D

be well,
Dawn

 

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Thankful Thursday

Every week I read the Thankful Thursday over at Gretchen's blog Living in Savannah 2 and I say to myself that I am going to do an entry, too.  Well, this week I am! 

Thankful Things

1)    My Hubby and his patience and help while I have been struggling with my RA of late.
2)    My kids for being silly, wonderful, bickering, funny kids, as they should be, and bringing me much joy.
3)    My mom for all her Friday cleaning help. 
4)    My dad for picking up the kids at school, so when Hubby has the car, like today, I never have to worry.
5)     Coffee.  You knew it had to be here somewhere didn't you?

Hammer just asked me to look at his throat a little while ago and it was really red and spotty looking.  I think we are off to the pediatrician either later or tomorrow am.  Gotta love this time of year!  I feel like sometimes we go from one sickness to another in a round robin, just passing it around the house.

My cats are a bit nutty today.  We have one of those gravity style feeders.  If the cats realize that there is only food left in the bottom they start to get antsy.  It doesn't matter that there is about 2 cups of food, and plenty for them, until my dad or I gets the new bag later.  They actually panic and start to overeat.  And, they posture at each other constantly as to who is going to jump onto their area where they eat.  It is very silly and funny to watch. 

Hubby took the car today, which usually means that I sleep in and he does the kids, but today he had to wake me as he and the kids were getting ready because our plumber had to come.  Our plumber is a great guy and also an assistant scoutmaster in the boy's troop.  My parent's toilet was all wonky, now it is fine.  After he left, I laid back down to continue sleeping. 

I forgot to mention earlier in the week that both the NY Jets and the NY Giants lost their wildcard playoff games and are now out of the playoffs.  It is a sad time to be a NY/NJ football fan.  I think I am going to root for the Seahawks and the Patriots for a bit.  There are 4 more games this weekend I think! 

Well, that's all for now... I hope your day is good and maybe you all could do a Thankful Thursday entry, too!  Leave me a comment if you do, so I can come and read it!

be well,
Dawn

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Cold, but no snow yet

That kitty makes me want to lounge about on the floor of a porch in the sun!  Thanks, Donna!

Now, I hope everyone has started to scour their journals for an entry to submit to CarnivAOL  !  I am looking forward to seeing you all there next month!

Thank you for all the kind comments on the entry about my Hubby!  I wasn't sure he was going to be very happy about my entry, but he liked it!  He thanked me for taking the time to do it, and for putting so much thought into the things I wrote.  He said it really touched him, so that was great!

Things are pretty good here.  Finally, we are getting some cold temperatures, as it should be in January.  Unfortunately, no snow yet.  I know there are a whole bunch of folks in Colorado who want to send me their snow, and I wish you could! 

I really wish the tv would get back to normal.  I am so sick of repeats, I could scream! 

I did want to mention that there is going to be a new show starting 1/21, on SciFi Network called The Dresden Files.  It is based on a great series of books that I love by Jim Butcher.  Harry Dresden is a man who also happens to be a wizard.  He works along side a Chicago policewoman (who 'believes') and helps keep the 'magical' world in check and behaved so 'normal' humans don't get hurt.  I wanted to give a shout out because I know often I don't try new shows unless someone gives me a recommendation.  This one should be good!

Well,  that is about it for me for now... catch you all tomorrow!

be well,
Dawn

 
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CarnivAOL and Coffee Break

It is that time again.  I want you all to go to CarnivAOL and check it out.

Do you want more people to read your blog?  Unless you are private... you know you do!!!

So, here is what you do... 

Pick an entry in your blog.  It could be recent, it could be older, just pick one that you want people to come and read.

Send the link to that entry to PLittle@aol.com .  Very simple.

Now, get a cup of coffee and do it.  I will be happy.  You will be happy.  Others will be happy, because they will get to enjoy your blog.  

Go...

be well,
Dawn 

 

Monday, January 8, 2007

42 Things about Hubby (one for each year & one for luck)

Hubby has been great lately and I truly appreciate it.  Since my IV medicine, I have returned to about 75% of where I normally am at.  Not bad, but, I am looking forward to next month and getting back to normal, or at least what 'normal' is for me with Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

Nothing like the reality check of not having a medicine to be sure it is working for you!  ;-D

I am not sure that Hubby will be thrilled with the way I have chosen to thank him, but I saw someone else do this on a journal a while back, not sure where, and thought I would give it a try!

I also found the KoolAid graphic above just for Hubby!  He has always wanted to dress as him for Halloween.  lol

Without further ado, here are 42 things about my fabulous Hubby!

1.     He is big and tall.  6'3" and about 300 lbs.
2.     He wears a size 54 athletic cut suit jacket, and I love his big shoulders.
3.     He is a great father.
4.     He is my best friend.
5.     He rocks my world.  (imagine my waggling eyebrows here!)
6.     He is exactly 2 months and 2 days older than me.
7.     He always makes me laugh, and I love that.
8.     He isn't as funny as he thinks he is all the time.
9.     He is very smart and loves to read and watch educational shows all the time. (good thing, so do I!)
10.   He loves Mythbusters and thinks he totally missed his calling in life!
11.   He likes Batman because he doesn't have super powers, just money, guts and brains.
12.   He also likes Wolverine and the Hulk.  (can u say anger issues? lol)
13.   He was the 5th child out of 7, the second and only other boy.
14.   He had an invisible friend named #5.  (yes, I think it speaks volumes too!)
15.   He had German Shepherds growing up.
16.   He had a swimming pool in his backyard.
17.   He had an empty lot adjacent to the pool in his backyard.
18.   Hubby's friend tried to pull a donut in the mud in the lot adjacent to the pool, lost control of the car and slid into the pool, knocking said pool down, flooding the yard.
19.   He majored in biology in college.
20.   He never went into sports medicine, as was his plan.
21.   The first time Hubby ate lobster was our 2nd date.
22.   He is very romantic and sweet, and buys flowers, candy, cards, leaves notes, poems, and never forgets an important date.
23.   He has amazing hazel eyes that have green, light brown, and dark brown all swirled together.
24.   He never drove a stick shift until we dated, and unfortunately, it was my car that he learned on.
25.   Hubby's home town used to be in the Guiness World Book of Records in the 1970's because it had the most bars in a square mile area.
26.   He has not drank since June 1991, 5 months prior to our wedding.
27.   Hubby likes to slow dance with me at home with no music.
28.   He loves Elvis and Sinatra as much as he loves Ozzie, Zeppelin and U2.
29.   He is an Assistant Scoutmaster for the Boys Scouts of America.
30.   He is a head coach for baseball for our middle son's team.
31.   He likes to go to batting cages and hit baseballs for fun.
32.   He likes to play golf and go to the driving range for fun.
33.   He doesn't bowl very well at all, but he can ski!
34.   He ice skated for the very first time while on our honeymoon in Lake Placid.
35.   He used to scuba dive.
36.   He loves ice hockey and used to be a NY Ranger fan, but now is a NJ Devils fan. (which pisses off my best friend/sister Kathy like there is no tomorrow!)
37.   He is a huge football fan and loves the NY Giants, and whoever is playing the Dallas Cowboys. tee hee
38.   He is a big NY Yankee fan, too, and has gone to games in the luxury box for work! (I am quite jealous of this!)
39.   His favorite catcher of all time is Johnny Bench from the Cincinnati Reds, and has an autographed baseball of Bench's. (a gift from me a few years ago)
40.   His favorite Yankee and player of all time is Lou Gehrig, but no autograph yet. :(
41.   He loves to play Madden '07 on Xbox. (and '06, 05, '04...you get the idea)
42.   Last but not least... Hubby loves white chocolate, medium ribeye or porterhouse steaks, jumbo shrimp cocktail, Godiva Cheesecake and most of all, me, the kids, and my mom and dad, 'a ton and a ton and a ton'! (to quote my Hubby as he says good night to the kids each night)

be well,
Dawn

update:  It isn't his birthday... just did this now as a 'thank you'!