Jenn's Own Little World

New Changes for an Old Me

2010-04-23T19:09:00.002-04:00

Well, a lot has happened since my last post and I don't want to say that it's good or bad. Jeff and I have split but are going to try to remain friends. He has things he needs to figure out and I support him but neither of us see a point in me hanging on. He's met someone who gives him the feelings he gives to me. The feelings of completion and love and of being alive. Part of loving someone is letting them go and seeing if they come back...... always wishing them the best. I do wish him the best.

I've done some pretty amazing things so far this year. I've toured the local GM plant, driven a 2010 Camaro and most recently I went to Parris Island, SC with the USMC. I was part of an Educator's Workshop and have really gained a greater understanding of the Marine Corps and can better identify kids when the come to my office.."Miss, I wanna join the military." Hmmm.... let's talk over goals, see where you fit, and then give you some info to take home to your parents.

During my trip I also go some news. See a friend who's in a miserable marriage and has filed for divorce finds herself pregnant by a co-worker. I understand why she went looking for love and comfort in another mans arms, but I don't agree with what she did. She's very early into her pregnancy and though there are problems she's decided to keep the baby. I want to support her but I just don't agree. The chances of something going wrong are too great, the quality of life that she and the baby will have is not what she's dreaming of. See, she's got 2 kids already and her future-ex-husband isn't going to make anything easy on her once he gets served. In fact he'll use this new baby to hurt her in court and paint her as a bad mother. The current children will be torn in so many directions their poor little heads will spin. I wish I could help, I wish I knew what to say or that I could support her unconditionally but in truth I can't. She's making more bad decisions and deep down only thinking of herself. What do you do?

Totally Blown Away at Tops

2010-02-24T21:37:00.002-05:00

I was doing some running around and swung into Tops for a few items - I was dangerously low on toilet paper and peanut butter! LOL I swung into a line and was cashed out by a young man named Sal.

Sal noticed my ACU purse and the conversation went as follows:

Sal: "Are you in the military?"

Me: "No but my boyfriend is."

Sal: "Oh, what unit's he in?"

Me (sightly perplexed he asked what unit and not what branch) : "He's in the 1-64 in Mosul in Northern Iraq."

Sal: "Oh, has he been over there a year?"

Me: "No, he won't be back until the end of October."

Sal: "I've got two brother's going to Afghanistan in July. They're both really anxious to go."

Me: "Hasn't hit 'em yet." (laugh) "It will about a month before but they gotta keep their heads in the game.."

Sal: "Yeah, they just want to get going, they know they're trained and they want to get to work."

I finished cashing out at this point.

Sal: "Tell your boyfriend I said thanks. I'll pray for him."

I was so stunned I don't know how I kept walking to be honest. In a world where you can't say Merry Christmas, where you tell a kid he's grounded and he threatens to call CPS on you, this young man said he'd pray for a stranger. He didn't try to preach, he didn't try to argue the war was wrong or how upset he was about his brothers going off to an uncertain danger. He very calmly and comfortably said he'd pray for a stranger. I was so happy I smiled the whole way home, like I'd just gotten a hug from Jeff.

2010 Installation

2010-02-21T03:56:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone, it's just before 4:00am so this will be rather brief. Tonight was our 2010 Installation of Officers Ceremony for the hall. I was installed as President of the Ladies Auxiliary and Donald was installed as Captain and Vice President on the Hall side. Here are a couple of pix. Will try to write more later..... must sleep for now.

Night

PS - Lest I forget, my awesomest baby bro also won Fireman of the Year!! I'm so proud!!

January Marches On

2010-01-18T04:41:00.002-05:00

January continues to march toward December and the new year feels much like the old one. I got to talk to Jeff (instant message really) this past Wednesday. He's miserable, hates his unit and just wants to come home. Well, that makes 2 of us babe. He wants to switch units when he gets back but that looks to mean a year's deployment to Korea.
Right now he's still working 24/7 and he's been all over northern Iraq. So much for being bored and never leaving the base! He's sharing a room with 3 other guys which also doesn't help the situation. It kills me that I can't help him but I've met a great group of gals who are in the same boat and assure me I'm doing the right thing and the only thing we can do.
Keep him and all our troops in your thoughts (positive only please) and prayers.

A Bit Whirly

2010-01-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

I can and I can't say that a lot has been going on. I'm back to work from winter break - also known as Christmas vacation for those who aren't afraid to use the "C" word. LOL
I continue to move forward with the plans that Jeff and I made before he deployed. I've found what looks to be a great apartment just outside Savannah and am still looking for a job - a major must for paying pesky things like bills. LOL
I've also started my next session in school, Business 115. I'm worried about how I'll do in this class because my 6yrs in the non-profit world have made me think more with my heart and my conscience than with my wallet. Oh don't get me wrong, I still want to stay ahead of the game and at least keep my head above water, but I worry more now about the people around me and less about the sources. I am concerned less with people research that no matter what is skewed. We can do all the research we want but now we present ath research skews the data even if we don't indend to.
More to follow!

2009 in review... 2010 in daydreams

2009-12-27T06:50:00.010-05:00

It was about this time last year that a friend asked what my new years resolution was going to be. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves in regards to resolutions. To get a better job, better apartment, quit smoking or the ever popular, lose weight. When we don't achieve these goals we feel like a failure. Normally I'd have been in the "lose weight" group but the gastric bypass surgery a few months prior kinda took care of that. LOL No, instead, without thinking I said "to do more." When she asked what it means, I said it's simply to do something each month I'd never done before. So that's what I did and I'm here to share the highlights.

January - made Do More resolution, got notebook to keep track

February - installed as VP & Secretary of River Road VFC Ladies Aux

March - went to new Burchfield-Penney; met famous artist Simon Griffis and toured his studio; started UW Board Governance class; drove to the gym on the thruway (those who know me know why this made the list. lol)

April - attended Lew-Port AFJROTC military ball; drove the Grand Island bridge; bought first set at Fredericks; had date with Joel (we're rockin it as friends which is much better. lol)

May -became Jeff's "official" girlfriend lol; drove to Orchard Park alone via the skyway (a two time first!)

June - ran an aux meeting; joined Town of Tonawanda & Erie County Aux; took part in memorial service with the fire co.

July - went to GA alone to see Jeff - sailed the Savannah river, saw a dragonfly, toured Savannah, went to the beach, swam in the ocean, Jeff said he was In Love with me, drove to Alabama (mistake but I did it! lol), toured Ft. Stewart, saw famous Saddam statue, ended 11yr dry spell. also celebrated 1yr since surgery with a weight loss of 134lbs!!!

August - had lunch at Panos with Tony M to celebrate my 29th birthday.

September - took 400 high school students up to tour NFARB.

October - flew in a C-130H piloted by 2 full bird col's to Baltimore where I toured the Maryland Air National Guard base and the US Secret Service Training Center; also got to see Ravens Stadium! Rode on the USSS test track at about 90mph!!! Got accepted to DeVry University.

November - bought my 1st lap top; got my 1st call from Mosul, Iraq - Jeff 11/20

December - made all my own Christmas cards; attended a Pentacostal church; completed my 1st college course.

With all that's happened in 2009..... I can hardly wait for 2010!!!

A more recent update

2009-11-24T23:52:00.002-05:00

It's been quite a while since my last update and for those of you who actually follow my blog (both of you lol) I'm sorry.

I'm back to work at the school and things are sort of settling into a routine. We're getting ready for an extended weekend and before we know it Christmas will be here. Hard to believe, I feel like I was just walking the beach and celebrating the 4th of July.

Jeff and I hit a rough patch in September and while we still love each other, I wasn't there for his deployment. No, we haven't broken up but some well-meaning family & friends didn't help. Now he's in Iraq and I KNOW he'll be ok, I still worry. He's settling in and was able to make the first phone call to me on Friday morning. Unfortunately I was in a meeting and missed it, damn it. He said he'd call back and I know he will. He is truly the love of my life and while the first 2 months of his deployment are over, the next 10 months will be so many things. We got to a very important point in our relationship very quickly and we both got scared. Now we've got 10 months to slow things down again, get to relearn things about each other and learn new things.

On a good note, Katrina's boyfriend Shay (also in Mosul) will be home in less than a month! YAY!! We're all really excited and she's already making plans to meet him at Ft. Campbell when he gets home on the 19th. I can't wait to meet him. :-)

Just so you don't think anything's wrong - or that I'm cheating lol - the picture is of me and my friend Kevin during the Celebration of Reading at work. I'm just showing off my new haircut & figure folks. Jeff's still my guy.

Jeff

2009-08-25T20:10:00.003-04:00

(Tybee Island Pier July 2, 2009)

So you might wonder - or maybe not - why I've got a post up on my blog about a base in Georgia. You might not wonder because if you've followed my blog at all you know I'm a huge supporter of our troops. Well, I'm especially proud to follow one troop.

Of all the great things that have happened to me since surgery this troop is without a doubt the best thing to come into my life. I've lost 130lbs and it's been just over a year (13mos to be exact). I can now fit into a booth at a restaurant, am wearing a size 12 pair of pants (formerly a size 28). I've got my own office at a job that, well it pays the bills and I'm grateful to be working in this economy. I still have my Lincoln and having my own car is amazing. LOL I can't say I miss mass transit and unless I move to NYC I won't go back.

No, as great as all those things are Jeff is by far the icing on my cake. We've been together about 5 months and I got to visit him at Ft. Stewart over the July 4th holiday. Since I'd never been to the beach or seen the ocean, we spent 2 great mornings on Tybee Island, toured Savannah on 2 hot afternoons, he showed me all over the post, and I met some of his friends. For 4 nights my pillow had a heartbeat and my blanket made me feel safe. For the first time in my life I was just Jenn. I wasn't "Bob & Marlene's granddaughter the dancer." "Debi's twin", "Don and Kari's older sister." Nope, I was just me and it felt AMAZING. It was a feeling I can't put into words. When he asked if this was the best weekend I told him it was the best weekend of my life and that I wished it could go on forever. I was worried how he'd react to my scar or the extra me that's still there. We were floating in the pool when he looked down at me and said "I'm in love with you Jennifer (last name)". I saw fireworks and my heart flipped like it was in the Olympics! I wanted him to say it over and over again. Instead I fell back on my old habits and joked "It's abut time you came around to my way of thinking" LOL I can't wait for him to get here. I know it means he's that much closer to deployment but I miss him in my arms and his heartbeat under my head. Is there a better lullaby to fall asleep to?

Ladies & gentlemen............. I am IN love!!

3rd ID getting ready to come home

2009-08-25T20:00:00.002-04:00

(Tanks lined up at Ft. Irwin - Jeff maintains these)

FORT IRWIN, Calif. - It isn't easy moving a brigade, and all its stuff, from one place to another.
In the case of the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and a handful of units attached to the brigade, there were 4,695 soldiers at Fort Irwin's National Training Center.
The unit's first main body personnel flights began Monday morning and will continue every day until the last flight out on Sunday.
But it isn't just about moving people.
There are Abrams tanks and Bradley armored vehicles and big cargo trucks; cases of meals-ready-to-eat and other food supplies; and all kinds of weaponry.
Then there's the matter of cleaning and returning hundreds of Humvees and other vehicles the brigade borrowed from the training center while deployed "in the box."
It's a massive production.
And it's all done inside a large, unpaved parking lot at Fort Irwin that the soldiers call "the dustbowl."
Car wash: Army-style
Under gloomy skies on Saturday, hundreds of vehicles underwent power-washing in an attempt to remove layers of sand and dust from a month inside NTC's "box," a nickname for the 1,200-square-mile training facility located in the Mojave Desert.
"It's really best to take the time and do it right the first time than to have to do it over again," said Spc. Rafael Ornelas, a 2nd HBCT soldier with Echo Co., 1st Battalion, 64th Armor.
Ornelas should know. He's been to the box before.
And when it comes to inspecting the equipment, the soldier said the slightest speck of dust on the undercarriage will result in a "do over."
So this time, he and 1st Lt. Erik Rastello were laboring over every crevice of their Humvee.
With pressure washers in hand, the two attacked dirty bumpers, headlights, taillights and tire wells.
Brownish water sprayed everywhere.
A thick sediment of sand clung to the cement cleaning bay's floor.
A yard away, Pvt. Travis Weyant of HHC, 2-3rd Brigade Troops Battalion was a little more cavalier about scrubbing his heavy expanded-mobility tactical truck.
"Ah, this should take about 10 minutes," he said confidently, as he attacked dirt on the large vehicle with a power-wash wand.
But Staff Sgt. Mark Samuel said it was unlikely.
"You can do it in 10 minutes if you want, but nine out of 10 times, you'll end up going back through the line," Samuel said, as he observed his men at work.
He estimated some 250 vehicles from the 1-64th Forward Support Company alone would have to be cleaned, checked for any mechanical issues and then handed over to either NTC or for transport via railroad back to Fort Stewart.
"We have to make sure everything is ... fully mission capable," Samuel said. "It has to be spotless. No dust. No problems. If there are, we fix it."
A big job
A day later, Sgt. Juan Hidalgo watched closely as three of his soldiers worked to secure a blown engine.
A few feet away, a large Army-green cargo box contained a shiny new engine block.
Behind the soldiers' work station was a greasy, gaping hole in the front of a mammoth Abrams tank.
"It blew the engine out there," Hidalgo said. "With the terrain up and down the trails so rough it causes a lot of wear and tear on the vehicles."
The non-commissioned officer said his crew went into NTC with the expectation of having to replace as many as five tank engines during the month-long training. They hauled new engines to NTC just in case.
This was the only tank engine to blow during their time in the box.
And it's a 24-hour job to replace.
It's also something the crew has to complete before they can ship the tank back to Fort Stewart - and before they, themselves, can go home.
"As soon as the sun goes down, there's no other option but to stop," Hidalgo said.
That's when the soldiers start daydreaming and planning what they will do once they get back home.
"I'm just ready to get home and sleep good the first few days," he said. "And we're talking about having a platoon barbecue to celebrate."

Fun & Friends

2009-05-30T17:54:00.002-04:00

I love hanging out with my friends. Aside from the fact that it's always fun, I always walk away from our gatherings with new ideas.

While planning my upcoming roadtrip to Georgia, I came across a site that is tailor made for organized nuts like me! LOL www.independenttraveler.com. It's so great because you just select your type of trip, click on all of the things you'll need (broken down by category) then you can print or email your list! I made 2 copies (one for me & one for Cheryl) then highlighted what we'll each take care of, what we both need to do and left blank the things we can figure out for ourselves! It's taken a lot of worry off missing anything. :-)

Another site I came across was http://citybration.com/buff which gives a list of all the things going on during Old Home Week here in Buffalo. There's a few things I didn't even know about and am going to try and make a real effort to see.

I'm supposed to be taking a multivitamin since surgery. The problem is that they are all high in iron and well, lets just say that it's not such a good thing. So my friend April's pointed me to www.freedavitamin.com which I plan to check out soon. You can get low iron multivitamins! Yeah!! My belly will really thank her. LOL

Now that our friend Chris has welcomed baby Myra into the world, our attention is turned to April who's due in September. We're all starting to be pretty earth conscience so April was telling us about this eco-friendly diapers she heard about. You can check them out on www.gdiapers.com which I've currently got up on the next tab. Blogging & research.... so multitasking! lol

Today was some friend time with Cherrie & her kids. We have 2 major things in common - well, in our present day lives - baking & scrapbooking. We're TOTALLY hooked! She showed me a great site with lots of baking ideas that everyone will love. Check them out at www.bakearella.blogspot.com. She even shows you HOW to do things!!

Since we're both doing our best in the currently sucky economy, she's been great at finding deals. Scrapbooking can be really expensive but leave it to Cheryl to find bargains even there. Check out www.buffalostamps.com or www.dollarscrapbooking.net for some neat, cheap ideas! I left her house totally in the mood to scrapbook so I think that's what I'll do. Or maybe I'll organize things more............ hmmm........ what's a girl to do?? LOL

ENJOY!!

Celebrating Baby Nelson

2009-04-26T20:25:00.003-04:00

This Saturday I got to spend time with some of my best friends and celebrate a future neice. Chris had her baby shower and there were about 30 of us on hand to help her celebrate the upcoming birth of her daughter...........who I've already named Babette, despite whatever her parents name her. LOL Mom Nancy & Sister Theresa made a wonderful salad, put out a lovely buffet and I was honored to be asked to make the dessert. Laughter rang out as stories flowed like strawberry punch and old friends were reunited. We had such a great time celebrating the baby now, I can hardly wait for her to get here!! LOL

Congrats Chris & Steve!!

Bariatric Update

2009-04-16T17:42:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone! I know it's been ages but I wanted to let you all know of my latest accomplishment on my gastric bypass journey. Today I met with a doctor for my 8 month post op visit and got some great news. I'm officially down 103lbs!! Yeah!!

I'm going to the gym and have even hired a trainer. I'm hoping to be in a bathing suit this summer. Wow! Can't believe I'm even thinking that. LOL

Thank you all for the love and support you've given me over these last months. It's sure made all of this easier to get through. :-)

Tea Party 2009... now this looks interesting!

2009-04-13T23:14:00.000-04:00

Voluminous Laws
February 20, 2009 by Agrippa
“It will be of little avail to the people, that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood; if they be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes that no man, who knows what the law is to-day, can guess what it will be to-morrow. Law is defined to be a rule of action; but how can that be a rule, which is little known, and less fixed?”
Publius wrote this in Federalist #62 on Wednesday, February 27, 1788. This time James Madison, Father of the Constitution and the fourth President of the United States was taking Publius. At this time in our history, it is vital that we lean on the wisdom of the Founding Fathers.
President Obama’s stimulus bill stands at over 1,000 pages. In fact, politicians admitted to that nobody read the entire bill before voting on it.
This is not what our Republic is about. We live in a representative democracy. We elect our officials with an unspoken pact that they will act in our best interests. With no chance to even read a bill, there is no time to act with any interests. The only honorable vote is “no.” Even if you are pro-stimulus package, the only honorable vote is “no” to uphold their end of the bargain.
We urge you to let your Senators and Representative know that they did not live up to their end of the unwritten contract. In closing, we leave you with more words of wisdom from President Madison:
“In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority”
Just because the Democrats are in the majority in the Executive and Legislative Branches, does not mean democracy goes out the window.
As always, go to our ABOUT section to learn what action you can take. Thanks to AmusedCynic for the inspired quote.
-Agrippa

New things, new adventures

2009-03-27T20:51:00.003-04:00

So many things are still going on and cropping up in my world. Uncle Billy's still living with us, I've lost nearly 100 lbs, work is crazy busy. I've helped to start Dale Carnegie for our students, we're working on to get driver's ed, and I'm pushing really hard to have an Air Force JROTC program started for next year. Today we had the 914th in and made all the right connections. Now it's a matter of getting it started. Oh! And I'm going to the Lew-Port JROTC's first military ball next weekend. Folks this is hardly anything, I just can't type it all.

Exploring a new me

2009-03-27T20:48:00.002-04:00

I've been blessed that I haven't had trouble with my gastric bypass. The new found freedom I have from losing almost 100lbs over these past 8mos is that I can explore me. I'm taking a stand in and for myself. One love I'm learning to embrace and explore is art and all things arty. I've been fortunate enough to meet Simon Griffis of the Essex St Studio and can't wait to go to his Sculpture Park.

Last Saturday, my most arty friend and I took a trip to the new Burchfield Penney Art Gallery. What a total treat. We got to see the art, bounce off ideas on what we liked / didn't like and why. Basically we got to catch up. It's so great to see her blossoming and embracing her future as a mom. She looks so cute preggers to!! LOL

So Sad

2009-01-31T11:37:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was an emotional roller coaster. I found out a friend was being falsely accused of something and sent home. Only to find out that afternoon that they were fired. I hope this friend fights back, I hope those around him who know the truth step forward. I hope I find a job with a company who has morals.

I cheated

2009-01-31T11:36:00.001-05:00

I know I said I would only get on the scale at the doctor's office but everyone's been asking lately how much I'm down. I went shopping last night and got to buy pants in a size 18 and shirts in an XL (notice the lack of a number before that XL). So just now I cheated. I got on the scale and have discovered a milestone. I'm down 88 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doing More

2009-01-19T23:39:00.002-05:00

In an effort to clean up at home and get more organized, I cut out coupons from the phone book I knew we'd use and then recycled the book. Like I ever use it anyway. I came across a list of Things to Do and See. Well, now doesn't that just fit into my new year's resolution to do more?!?!? Yup!! So I'll be crossing off each thing on the list (some are seasonal so will have to wait) and will chronicle it here on my blog. I'll also be tracking my adventures in my family newsletter that last year was monthly but due to budge will become quarterly in 2009. Hopefully it'll be even better this way!
Off we go!!!!!

RIP Todd's Youth

2009-01-19T23:36:00.001-05:00

Todd, beloved principal at mom's school turned 40 today. As we had off from school we'll be celebrating the demise of his youth tomorrow. Above is the celebration cake. Damn cute if I do say so myself. hehehe

Bandits 2009

2009-01-10T16:55:00.002-05:00

(Kari & Denise)

The Bandits are off to a GREAT start winning the season opener this past weekend. We all got together at Pearl Street for the pre-game party then headed over. Since we'd stuffed ourselves on the buffet, we didn't need to get anything at the arena and saved ourselves a ton of money. I can't wait for the next game!!

So long!

2009-01-10T16:52:00.002-05:00

I hate to see anyone lose their job, but from experience, she wasn't the right person for this job.

Kaukus steps down as United Way chief
Board names an interim president as national search for leader begins
By Jay Tokasz
NEWS STAFF REPORTER

Arlene F. Kaukus, who steered the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County through dramatic changes and worked to overcome waning donor interest in its annual campaign, is leaving the organization she has headed since 2001.
Kaukus will be succeeded by an interim chief executive officer until a search for a new president is completed.
James Tilley, former president of Evans Bank, will begin Friday as interim United Way president. A national search is expected to take three to six months.
“It was Arlene’s decision to step down, and the board respects it,” said Robert Zak, chairman-elect of the United Way board. “We’re going to miss her.”
The board has been discussing the transition with Kaukus for several weeks, and Zak added that it was “probably as good a time as any for change in the organization.”
Kaukus, 55, started with United Way 29 years ago and was promoted to president following the retirement of Robert M. Bennett, who now serves as chancellor of the state Board of Regents.
Her tenure was marked by major shifts in the way the United Way operates and the launching of several initiatives, including 211 Western New York, a regional call center for questions about human services, and the Family Justice Center, a one-stop shop for legal, financial and counseling aid for victims of domestic violence and their families.
“She’s the one who got the Family Justice Center going, and she was the push behind 211. It wouldn’t have happened without Arlene,” said Trudy Mollenberg, current chairwoman of the board.
The United Way moved ahead with those efforts despite disappointing returns for its annual campaign, which peaked in Kaukus’ first year as president, with $19.7 million in donations.
Campaign tallies fell each year after that, to $14.78 million last year. The current campaign is still short of its $14.8 million goal with three months remaining in the organization’s fiscal year.
Donor participation has fallen even more dramatically, from about 100,000 in 2002 to fewer than 50,000 so far in the current campaign.
As fewer campaign gifts come in, the United Way had to cut back on its grants for area human service programs, and, in 2008, the organization laid off eight employees.
Kaukus, who was paid $160,417 in 2007, according to United Way tax returns, was known for her optimism and for her responsiveness to donors and social service providers. She also was lauded for pursuing collaborative opportunities with other organizations in pushing projects to fruition.
In an interview Wednesday, she said she had accomplished what she could and was ready to move on.
“I’m proud of my 29-year career and my eight years as CEO. I believe the organization is well positioned to be even more successful now than ever before,” she said. “I believe this organization has the right people doing the right things in the right ways. So Jim’s going to have great support.”
Tilley, 66, is a former United Way board member and was president of Evans Bank from 2001 to 2007. He will not be a candidate for the permanent job but plans to stay in an interim capacity “as long as it takes,” he said. “The projection right now is five to six months.”
Kaukus’ departure was viewed as a surprise among local nonprofit agency leaders.
“She has demonstrated really thoughtful leadership in turbulent times,” said Bonnie Glazer, executive director of Child & Adolescent Treatment Services, which receives about $260,000 in United Way funding.
Sylvia Nadler, executive director of Compass House, a home for runaway teens, said Kaukus “did a good job with what she had.”
“When you hit times like these, the job is unbelievable,” Nadler said. “Arlene deserves a break. She’s worked hard, and she’s had to make very difficult decisions.”

2009, A YEAR OF HOPE

2009-01-01T14:20:00.002-05:00

So we're about 14hrs into the new year and I've already got my hopes and dream. Normally I'd say I want to lose weight but I think I got that covered in 2008. LOL
No, in 2009 I want to travel more, spend more time with family & friends in FUN settings and I want my bakery to become a reality. I know someone who's agreed to do my books, I know someone to head my cake division, I have a location, I just need to do it. So when asked my new year's resolution, here's what it is:

I resove to do more and be happier, whatever form that takes.

HAPPY 2009!!!!!!!!!

2008, a year in review

2009-01-01T14:02:00.002-05:00

Well, 2008 was quite a year my fellow bloggers. I worked at United Way and loved my job. I went through all of the rigermoral and finally got approved for gastric bypass surgery which took place on July 30th. Yeah!! I had some serious troubles as far as I was concerned because you see I couldn't have anything cold. Yup, it was hot tea for me in the hot August air and we don't have central a/c. I also couldn't tolerate sweet things which I still can't really do now. Mom was also approved for surgery and it was during her nutrition class that I had a follow up with Dr. Caruana.... this is also when I got a call saying I'd been laid off. No, I hadn't been back to work yet and the only words I heard from my HR director was "We don't have anything for you." No 'I'm sorry, I wish there was more I could do.' just "We don't have anything for you." Oh well, I did the 7 stages or however many there are and thought F-you. When one door closes another opens and that's how it worked. Mom had surgery the middle of September and followed me when it comes to hot vs cold. She went back to work and not long after I was offered a job on her campus high school as the Business Relations Manager. Since COBRA was going to cost me $400 a month I took the job knowing I would be replacing someone but also under the assumption that this person knew. I also thought this was more of a special events / fundraising position. Wrong.
The Saturday after I started there was a fire at my uncle Billy's house. Jess - my ex-aunt - told him that he needed to find a place to live for now and so he came home with us. Like it was really a question. He's still here. I love my uncle Billy but he's mentally challenged and has a gas problem. We have to drive him to work in N.T. and then pick him up again which is killing us in gas - of the petrol variety. He also eats like crazy and goes through groceries faster than any of us. We love him though and he's still here.
Through all the ups and downs the best thing happened and that's Travis coming back into my life. He disappeared for a while but that was thanks to the military. He's safely resurfaced in Germany and hasn't changed a bit.
Thanksgiving was at my aunt & uncle's house and we got to meet my cousin Rob's new girlfriend. This has happened before but as it turns out, they're living together!! Now THIS is news. We love Wendy because she's so not like the past girlfriends. When he gets smart she gives it right back to him.
December came and gramps turned 77. Donald stopped to check out an accident one more and ended up getting hit twice. Once bya woman who didn't know to slow down in freezing rain and the other who couldn't swirve fast enough. His truck is going to be totaled and he is just waiting for the adjusters from lady #1's insurance company. Her little plastic Saturn no longer has a front end after raming into my brothers steel truck. She took out both of his back lights and ruined the panel which costs $1,000 each. Oh, did I mention she took out his electrica system? We didn't have snow so it wasn't feeling like Christmas yet. The job hasn't gotten better and the holiday spirit just wasn't there. We had Christmas dinner at our house and my grandparents joined us this year. Wendy also stopped by after dinner with her family. We had our secret santa exchange and I got 1/2 sheet cake pans which totally excited me.
New Year's Eve finally came and I was happy for more than one reason. First 2008 was coming to a close (thank God), my friend Jen was coming home to get married on NYE and her birthday was new year's day AND I was going to hang out with some friends I hadn't seen in a while. It was the first time in ages I'd worn a dress to. The ceremony was beautiful, the reception rocked and everyone had a blast. Jen looked amazing to in her antique lace dress. I'm waiting for Smithy to upload the pix she took as my camera took a crapper.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Insanity is.... Buffalo Winter.

2008-12-22T12:05:00.005-05:00

(Just a bit of snow from the first storm, not the one that buried us on Sunday)
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Well, that's living in Buffalo really. My brother had the snowblower out yesterday trying to keep a path clear for walkers and then to try and dig out our cars. 20 minutes after he finished it looked like he'd hardly been out there.

Because we have alternate parking, every Wednesday & Sunday we have to switch which side of hte street we're parked on. It took 37 minutes to dig out my brother's truck. That doesn't count trying to put mom's car on the street so dad could have the driveway when he got home at midnight. It also doesn't count getting my car out. It took about 30 minutes to get my car out and that was with 6 people working on it. Thanks to my brother, my neighbors Mr. C, Matt & Lauren and the mystery man who stopped just to lend a hand. My uncle and sister lent a hand where they could as well.

God I love living here!! :)

Fun New Site to Shop At

2008-12-21T11:21:00.002-05:00

If you love all things vintage like I do and you love a great deal then this is a great site for you. I was a bit disturbed to see things from my childhood on here and have them called vintage. Hell, I'm still under 30!!! LOL

www.modcloth.com

Christmas Party 2008

2008-12-16T18:11:00.002-05:00

(above: my girls)

Had the Annual Abbott Christmas Soiree over the weekend and had a BLAST!!!

(below: our guys)

Plastic PJ's

2008-12-15T23:00:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited right now I can hardly keep my fingers on the keyboard. I'm wearing my first pair of plastic pj's!! No, it's not something kinky. Coke has made pj's out of recycled 20 oz bottles. My shirt is made of 6 of them and the pants, 8. They are so soft I can hardly stand it!!! Coke might want to buy the world a bottle of their beverage but I want to but it a pair of these!

Life is hard, harder still when you're stupid!

2008-12-15T20:19:00.001-05:00

1.) Recently, when I went to McDonald's I saw on the menu that you could have an order of 6, 9 or 12 Chicken McNuggets. I asked for a half dozen nuggets. "We don't have half dozen nuggets," said the teenager atthe counter . "You don't?" I replied. "We only have six, nine, or twelve," was the reply. "So I can't order a half dozen nuggets, but Ican order six?" "That's right." So I shook my head and ordered six McNuggets

2.) I was checking out at the local Wal-Mart with just a few items and the lady behind me put her things on the belt close to mine. I picked upone of those "dividers" that they keep by the cash register and placed it between our things so they wouldn't get mixed. After the girl had scanned all of my items, she picked up the "divider", looking it all over for the bar code so she could scan it. Not finding the bar code she said to me, "Do you know how much this is?" I said to her "I've changed my mind, I don't think I'll buy that today." She said "OK," and I paid her for the things and left. She had no clue to what had just happened.

3.) A lady at work was seen putting a credit card into her floppy drive and pulling it out very quickly. When I inquired as to what she was doing, she said she was shopping on the Internet and they kept asking for a credit card number, so she was using the ATM "thingy."

4.) I recently saw a distraught young lady weeping beside her car. "Do you need some help?" I asked. She replied, "I knew I should have replaced the battery to this remote door unlocked. Now I can't get into my car. Do you think they (pointing to a distant convenience store) would have a battery to fit this?" "Hmmm, I dunno. Do you have an alarm,too?" I asked. "No, just this remote thingy," she answered, handing it and the car keys to me. As I took the key and manually unlocked the door, I replied, "Why don't! you drive over there and check about the batteries. It's a long walk."

5.) Several years ago, we had an Intern who was none too swift. One day she was typing and turned to a secretary and said, "I'm almost outof typing paper. What do I do?" "Just use copier machine paper," the secretary told her. With that, the intern took her last remaining blank piece of paper, put it on the photocopier and proceeded to make five"blank" copies.

6.) A mother calls 911 very worried asking the dispatcher if she needs to take her kid to the emergency room, the kid was eating ants. The dispatcher tells her to give the kid some Benadryl and should be fine,the mother says, I just gave him some ant killer..... Dispatcher: Rush him in to emergency!

Life is tough... it's tougher if you're stupid.

Hockey is Great....... and I'll continue to worship it.

2008-12-15T20:14:00.001-05:00

In the middle of a grueling six game road trip where a very young professional hockey team is away from home, the third game of the trip ends late on a cold Canadian Saturday night. This is the only break on the trip and the three days between games allow them the only break to get back home in their own beds for a couple of days before going back on the road. A scheduled commercial flight waits for them at Toronto 's International Airport for the short flight home; they could be home by midnight . This plane departs on schedule, but without a single member of the hockey team.
Back in the locker room a vote is taken after the game was complete, and a unanimous decision is made by this young team to skip this flight and stay one more day. They make arrangements to check back in the hotel and on a frozen Sunday morning charter two buses that have no heat and begin a journey two hours straight north into a sparsely inhabited Canada , but where hockey is its passion.
They arrive at their destination to the surprise of the teams general manager who is there attending his fathers wake. After a few emotional hours, this team boards the buses and head back for a two-hour trip back to Toronto . On the way they ask the drivers to stop in a tiny Canadian town because they are hungry. To the shock of the patrons and workers at this small hockey town McDonald's, a professional team walks out of two rickety buses and into the restaurant, which just happens to have pictures of two members of this team on its wall. The patrons know every single one of these players by sight being fanatic fans of hockey in these parts. One can only imagine their amazement of the locals seeing an entire professional hockey team sit down and have a meal in their tiny little town in the middle of a hockey season.
After a while they board the buses and catch their same flight, 24 hours later, giving one day to their general manager.
Have I made this up? Is this an excerpt from some fictional book? No this a true story of the Blackhawk’s last Saturday night and they decided to attend Dale Talon’s fathers funeral. Its amazing that such a good storycan be found nowhere on the internet, and not even mentioned in the Chicago papers. Had one of the Blackhawk’s got into a fight and punched some drunken loser in a Toronto bar it would be plastered all over papers and the television. This being said, its hard to imagine any professional football, basketball or baseball team doing this, but the members of the Blackhawk’s claim any "hockey" team would have done this. This is one reason I continue to be a big hockey fan, and another reason I am excited about this Chicago team. I thought I would share as this story appears to have gone unnoticed.

Perfect Eyesight

2008-12-15T20:13:00.000-05:00

A woman is standing nude looking in the bedroom mirror.
She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband,
'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'
The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect!'

RIP Bettie Page

2008-12-12T10:26:00.001-05:00

Bettie Page died yesterday at the age of 85. She'd been sick and in the hospital for 3 weeks, had a heart attack and was then removed form life support. I think we should all have a bit of Bettie Page in us............... if for nothing else, to keep life interesting.

Sack Lunch

2008-11-28T17:46:00.002-05:00

If ever I get the chance, I'm so going to do this.
J

The Sack Lunches
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assignedseat.
It was going to be a long flight.
'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start aconversation.
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest tome.
'Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq '
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch.
'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago ' His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill.
'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me.
'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked.
She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.
'This is your thanks.' After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me.
'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand.
With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.'
I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers. Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm. When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars.
'Itwill take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check Made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
That is Honor, and there are why too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'

An Angel

2008-11-18T12:53:00.001-05:00

I wanted to let you all know that this weekend, Jon Jon passed away. You may remember me putting a post up over the summer about dad shaving his head for St. Baldrick's. The money raised was for Jon Jon. If you'd like to learn more, please visit the site and read his mother's blog at
www.jonjonsjourney.com

May you rest in peace sweet little boy.

Surgical Update

2008-11-10T23:48:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been a while since my last update and I went to the dr. last week so here goes.
I've specifically stayed away from the scale because I didn't want to know. They tell you not to obsess with numbers so I'm not. Well I've had some troubles lately so they were more in the forefront of my mind then my actual weight loss. When I eat / drink I get queasy. The P.A. I saw thinks the "opening" where the intestines now attach is just swollen. She gave me a script and as soon as IHA gets their hiney in gear and gets me my insurance card I can fill it. I'm experiencing the typical hair loss and am assured I won't go bald. That it's an all over loss. If I need a wig at least I can call Rose! LOL
The best news of all, I'm 70lbs down!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've always wanted to be this nurse

2008-11-10T23:21:00.002-05:00

NEW YORK (AP) -- A 90-year-old who says she's the woman being kissed by a sailor in Times Square in one of World War II's most famous photographs reunited in town with the Navy on Sunday -- days before she is to serve as grand marshal of the city's Veterans Day parade.

Edith Shain of Los Angeles, donning a white nurse's uniform like the one she wore back in 1945, went to see the musical revival of "South Pacific" and posed for pictures, being hoisted off her feet on stage by five of the actors in their Navy whites.
On Tuesday, she'll ride in the parade at the head of a contingent of World War II veterans.
The "South Pacific" event was a touching reminder of history, but very different from August 15, 1945, the day Shain recalls that she joined thousands of people whooping it up after Japan surrendered. Right there on Broadway and 45th Street, a sailor suddenly grabbed and kissed her -- and the moment was caught by Alfred Eisenstaedt, a Life magazine photographer.
His picture from V-J Day became one of the 20th century's most iconic images. But Eisenstaedt didn't get the names of either party, and efforts years later by Life to identify them produced a number of claimants, says Bobbi Baker Burrows, a Life editor with deep knowledge of the subject.
About 1980, Shain recalls, she wrote a letter to Life, identifying herself as the woman in the nurse's uniform. Eisenstaedt wrote back and later visited her in California and gave her a copy of the photo. But Eisenstaedt, who died in 1995, was never sure that Shain was the woman in the photo, Burrows said.
Because of renewed interest in the subject, she recalled, "Life decided to run an article saying, `If you are the sailor or the nurse in the picture, please step forward."'
"We received claims from a few nurses and dozens of sailors, but we could never prove that any of them were the actual people, and Eisenstaedt himself just said he didn't know," she said.
Even the fact that Shain stands only 4 feet 9 isn't helpful in analyzing the photo, in which the sailor has her in what looks more like a death grip than an embrace, with both of their faces obscured.
By her own account, Shain said she could not identify the bussing boy in blue.
"I went from Doctors Hospital to Times Square that day because the war was over, and where else does a New Yorker go?" she said. "And this guy grabbed me and we kissed, and then I turned one way and he turned the other. There was no way to know who he was, but I didn't mind because he was someone who had fought for me."At least three veterans still lay claim to being the kissing sailor, and at least one other woman has claimed to be the nurse. But Shain, who left nursing to become a kindergarten teacher in Los Angeles for 30 years, appears to hold the edge -- by virtue of persistence, an effervescent charm and unabashed patriotism.
"As for the picture," she says, "it says so many things -- hope, love, peace and tomorrow. The end of the war was a wonderful experience, and that photo represents all those feelings."

I love these stories

2008-11-10T23:15:00.002-05:00

BANGOR, Maine (CNN) -- Karen Walker has shaken half a million hands in the last few years -- at least that's her best guess.

Korean War veteran Don Guptill greets a returning soldier at Bangor International Airport in Maine.

She and the other 40 or so members of the Maine Troop Greeters have made it their mission to welcome every incoming and outbound flight of soldiers and Marines who use Bangor International Airport as a refueling stop.
No matter what time of day or night, there will always be applause, handshakes and hugs to make the troops feel appreciated.
The goal is clear: "Greet the troops, and thank them for what they do," says Korean War veteran Don Guptill.
Guptill says he remembers coming home from that conflict and receiving no welcome at all.
Guptill and other veterans, including those who served in Vietnam and World War II, were determined not to let that happen again.
For those heading to Iraq or Afghanistan, the recognition is noticed and greatly appreciated, troops say.
"It makes me feel good," said one soldier headed out on his first deployment. "I'm a little nervous," he continued, adding that the warm greeting helped ease his nerves.
Another soldier, firmly shaking the hands in line, said, "This is fantastic. These people are wonderful for coming down."
The group of volunteers first started during the Persian Gulf War in 1991 and continued following the invasion of Iraq in 2003. As of October, the group has seen off 3,598 flights, 727,292 troops and 135 military dogs, according to the greeters.
Besides the support of the receiving line, troops also are offered snacks and the use of a cell phone to call their loved ones, free of charge.
"All they do is put an ID card down and pick up a phone," says Bill Knight, who stands behind a counter giving out the phones. Cell phone carriers donate the minutes.
The airport donates the room where Knight works. Once a duty-free shop, it's now decorated with flags, unit patches, pins, photos and other items given to the Maine Troop Greeters as a show of appreciation from the many units that have passed through the airport.
While the firm grips of so many soldiers sometimes can make the greeters' hands a little sore, the volunteers get used to the strong handshakes.
"They used to [cause tenderness]," Walker says, "but not anymore."
When a handshake won't do, some military men and women will reach out and just hug the person who came by to welcome them home.
Meeting the troops also tugs at the emotions of the greeters. "It's a good feeling," Guptill says. "Some days it's a tear-jerker."
After about an hour and a half on the ground, it's time for an outbound flight to take off and head to a war zone.
The greeters line up again to wish the soldiers well as they head up the ramp to the plane, thanking them for their service.
Guptill says if the war ended tomorrow it would be fine with them, but adds, "We'll do this until this thing ends."

Polish Sausage

2008-11-04T21:14:00.002-05:00

Everyone is in a hurry to scream 'racism' these days!

In what aisle could I find the Polish sausage?'
The clerk looks at him and says, 'Are you Polish?'
The guy (clearly offended) says, 'Well, yes I am. But let me ask you something. If I had asked for Italian sausage, would you ask me if I was Italian? Or if I had asked for German Bratwurst, would you ask me if I was German? Or if I asked for a kosher hot dog, would you ask me if I was Jewish? Or if I had asked for a Taco, would you ask if I was Mexican?' 'If I asked for some Irish whiskey, would you ask if I was Irish?'
The clerk says, 'Well, no, I probably wouldn't!'
With deep self-righteous indignation, the guy says, 'Well then, why did you ask me if I'm Polish because I asked for Polish sausage?'
The clerk replied, 'Because you're in Home Depot.'*

Night Deposit at the Sperm Bank

2008-10-24T22:15:00.000-04:00

Only a Mother Would Know

2008-10-24T22:09:00.000-04:00

One day my Mom was out and my Dad was in charge of me. I was maybe 3 years old and had just recovered from an accident. Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my favorite toys. Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought him a little cup of 'tea', which was really just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home. My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was "just the cutest thing!" My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy. She watches him drink it up. Then she says, (as only a mother would know... :) "Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?"

Amen to the Job!!!

2008-10-23T15:24:00.001-04:00

I got hired today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Better yet I start on Monday!

Sad Santa

2008-10-22T15:53:00.001-04:00

I just read this article about a guy who plays Santa at a mall in Washington. What a bunch of Scrooges!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/21/AR2008102102621.html?g=1&sid=ST2008102200816&s_pos=

I want this car!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-22T11:27:00.001-04:00

www.smartusa.com

It's all recyclable!!!! Can you believe how cute they are? And if you get the basic it is $11,990!!!

New Me

2008-10-17T19:39:00.002-04:00

So, some people have been asking for pictures of me now that I'm 10 weeks out from surgery. I have only had one picture taken and that's the one that is currently my profile picture. Well, here's the new me, 10 weeks post op and 51lbs lighter. It's not the most flattering picture but hey, at least I was willing this time. LOL

From Erin

2008-10-16T07:54:00.003-04:00

I haven't heard from my grade school friend Erin in years. Yesterday I got a friends request / comment from her on Myspace! It is so cool to hear from her again. She hasn't changed a bit and to prove it, I got these 2 "posters" from her page.

Random Post

2008-10-15T18:11:00.002-04:00

Well folks, it's been a while so I figured I'd put up one big post to cover it all.

Surgery:
I'm down 51lsbs and 3 dress sizes. Yeah!! Having some trouble with things here and there but otherwise and doing great. Mom's already back to work from her operation and is down 27lbs!

Job:
I'm happy to report that I have a job interview - f inally- tomorrow at CSAT working for the superintendent. I'm really excited because I'd be in mom's building and working the same hours with the same days off. It's close enough that if I feel ambitious I can walk to work. No more bus pass! Now that's a step toward going green! LOL
Oh, and today I got a call from Lawley wanting to set up an interview!

Grey's:
Last weeks episode of Grey's was much better than the season opener and I'm actually looking forward to this weeks. Tonight's Lipstick Jungle and I love that show because I loved the book. I'm a bit confused as to what's gonna happen to Wendy but hey, that's what happens when you go from print to TV.

Grinchy:
He's doing great in Germany and likes it a lot better than Korea. His mom has beaten cancer for the 2nd time and her hair is already coming back in.

River Road:
Finally got the account opened today so we can start collecting dues. Our next meeting will be nominations for officers and I can see only 1 office being a hot button but elections aren't until December. Lord help us, what have I gotten into?

Friends:
I'm happy to announce that my bestest friend Chris is expecting her first little one. She and her husband are going to have 1 of the 4 cutest kids born in the last 5 years. Of course I'm partial to the other 3 as they're my neices to! LOL Now I don't know that Chris is having a girl but here's hoping!
Last Saturday April & Dan hosted their annual chowder party and I finally made it! Got to see Chris & Steve, Caron & Andy were there with CC who I just adore. I also got to see my friend Richard & his wife Welthea who used to be a clown! No kidding, I couldn't make it up! LOL

UW:
I saw that they are only at 10% of their goal in this year's campaign. Part of me is very sad at this. To be so far behind this late in the year is not good. The money goes to agencies who do their best to make our community better.
Then again, there's the other view of, serves you right. Make rash & stupid judgments and this is what happens. Of course it's only my opinion and shouldn't be taken as anything but.

Kari:
Kari's running track and each week is improving. Last night's meet was longer but she still managed to shave a minute off her time and didn't come in last. Small victories make big changes and I'm so proud of her.

Um, I think that's it for now! LOL

Bob, Tom & Debbie

2008-10-06T23:54:00.002-04:00

A cruise on the Pacific goes all wrong, the ship sinks, and there are only 3 survivors; Bob, Tom and Debbie.
They manage to swim to a small island and they live there for a couple of years doing what's natural for men and women to do.
After several years of casual sex, all the time, Debbie felt absolutely horrible about what she was doing. She felt having sex with both Bob and Tom was so immoral and bad that she killed herself.
It was tragic, but Bob and Tom managed to get through it.
After a while, Bob and Tom's resistance to nature's urgings waned, and the inevitable happened.
Well, a couple more years went by and Bob and Tom began to feel absolutely horrible about what they were doing.
So they buried Debbie.

Drunk Pumpkins

2008-10-06T23:52:00.001-04:00

How's Norma???

2008-10-06T23:50:00.001-04:00

For anyone who's been in the hospital, this rings true!
~J

A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph's Hospital. She timidly asked,'Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?
The operator said, 'I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number?'
The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, 'Norma Findlay, Room 302.'
The operator replied, 'Let me place you on hold while I check with her nurse.'
After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, 'Oh, Ihave good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing very well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back as normal, and her physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday.'
The grandmother said, 'Thank you. That's wonderful! I was so worried! God bless you for the good news.'
The operator replied, 'You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?'
The grandmother said, 'No, I'm Norma Findlay in 302. No one tells me shit.'
True Story.

Ceramic Tiles - Free!!!

2008-10-04T11:48:00.002-04:00

We had a leak in our bathroom that required the removal of our lovely, creamy sand colored tiles from the floor. Now it's time to start putting everything back to gether and I wanted to recycle the broken tiles but can't find a place here in Buffalo that takes them. Hmm.... they're broken into different sizes & shapes but would be great for a mosiac project someone was working on. If you or someone you know could use them. Let me know!!!

Food For Thought

2008-10-02T18:14:00.003-04:00

I love this! I'd be able to pay off my debt, buy a car and buy my house with a few upgrades and still have money left over to invest!
~J

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.
Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000.00 to America in a "We Deserve It Dividend."
To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bbonafide US Citizens 18+.
Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 & up.
So, divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.
My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a "We Deserve it Dividend."
Of course it would NOT be tax-free.
So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.
Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500 in taxes.
Taht sends $25,500,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500 in their pocket.
A usband and wife has $595,000.
What would you do with $297,500 to $595,000 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads.
Put away money for college - it'll be there.
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs.
Invest in the market - capital drives growth.
Pay for your parents medical insurance - health care improves
Remember this is for every adult US citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. (I can think of another)
And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it... instead of trickling out a puny $1,000 ("vote buy") economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.
If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, lets bail out every adult US citizen 18+.
As for AIG - liquidate it, sell of it's parts.
Let American General go back to being American General.
Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.
Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't. Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work" but can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast block party!!! How do you spell Economic Boom?! I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 billion "We Deserve It Dividend" more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington, DC.
And remember, The Family plan only really costs $59.5 billion because $25.5 billin is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

What makes a gentleman?

2008-09-29T14:30:00.002-04:00

This morning my alarm went off and I've got it set to Kiss 98.5. It's not a station I like so it makes me move faster so I can turn if off faster. Anyway, today's topic was what makes a guy a gentleman? Lots of people called in with things from "My boyfriend doesn't far in front of me anymore." to "After our first baby my husband carried the diaper bag, the car seat, opened doors, cooked..' yada yada yada.

I went to Wegmans about lunch time to get some grapefruit juice and chicken for lunch. I drooled a bit over these 2 guys I saw in uniform to! LOL As I was leaving this car stopped so I could pull out into the driveway and as I went passed I noticed it was an old man of about 90. As I drove past he took his cap off and did a little head bob. Like if he'd been standing he'd have bowed. Wow, to me, that makes a guy a gentleman.

I am White!

2008-09-29T12:48:00.002-04:00

My parents have always taught me that it's wrong to be racist. If I was racist then I'd be a racist against my Mexican aunt or my black uncle and they're not differnt, they're family. I have to agree that I'm tired of being called a racist just because of my color.......... which I didn't pick by the way................ I think the most racist ones are the ones who scream "Racist!" every chance they get. That being said, Kudos to Kramer.

This is great. I have been wondering about why Whites are racists, and no
other race is.
Proud to be White Michael Richards makes his point...
Michael Richards better known as Kramer from TVs Seinfeld does make a good
point.
This was his defense speech in court after making racial comments in his
comedy act. He makes some very interesting points...
Someone finally said it... How many are actually paying attention to this?
There are African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Arab
Americans, etc. And then there are just Ameri- cans. You pass me on the
street and sneer in my direction. You call me 'White boy,' 'Cracker,'
'Honkey,' 'Whitey,' 'Caveman' ... and that's OK.
But when I call you, Nigger, Kike, Towel head, Sand- nigger, Camel Jockey,
Beaner, Gook, or Chink ... You call me a racist. You say that whi tes commit
a lot of violence against you... so why are the ghettos the most dangerous
places to live?
You have the United Negro College Fund. You have Martin Luther King Day. You
have Black History Month. You have Cesar Chavez Day. You have Yom Hashoah.
You have Ma'uled Al-Nabi. You have the NAACP. You have BET... If we had WET
(White Entertainment Television), we'd be racists. If we had a White Pride
Day, you would call us racists. If we had White History Month, we'd be
racists.
If we had any organization for only whites to 'advance' OUR, lives we'd be
racists.
We have a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a Black Chamber of Commerce, and
then we just have the plain Chamber of Commerce.
Wonder who pays for that??
A white woman could not be in the Miss Black American pageant, but any color
can be in the Miss America pageant.
If we had a college fund that only gave white students scholarships ...You know we'd be racists.
There are over 60 openly proclaimed Black Colleges in the US .
Yet if there were 'White colleges' That would be a racist college.
In the Million Man March, you believed that you were marching for your race
and rights.
If we marched for our race and rights, you would call us racists.
You are proud to be black, brown, yellow and orange, and you're not afraid
to announce it.
But when we announce our white pride, you call us racists.
You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us. But, when a white police officer
shoots a black gang member or beats up a black drug- dealer running from the
law and posing a threat to society, you call him a racist.
I am proud... But you call me a racist.
Why is it that only whites can be racists??
There is nothing improper about this e-mail. Let's see which of you are
proud enough to send it on. I sadly don't think many will. That's why we
have lost most of OUR RIGHTS in this country. We won't stand up for
ourselves!
BE PROUD TO BE WHITE!
It's not a crime yet . but getting really close

Happy Happy Joy Joy

2008-09-28T19:34:00.001-04:00

I'm stoked!!! The Bills just beat the Rams to become 4-0 .....AND...... I got an email from Travis. My Grinchy is alive, well and stationed in Germany. YEAH!!!!

Grey's Gone Bad

2008-09-26T19:49:00.002-04:00

Last night I anxiously awaited the start of Grey's Anatomy's new season. To say it was lacking would be a bit of an understatement. There were weird flashback and flash-forwards. Christina meets Major Hunky after getting impaled by an icicle and then there's Rose. Remember her? The OR nurse that McDreamy had a brief fling with between him and Meredith's 50th break up? She goes a bit psycho then transfers to peds. Hmm..... Chief goes crazy because he's not #1 anymore and promises a shake up. Hahn and Cali persue a lesbian relationship but both are nervous. Maybe I need to re-watch the end of last season but wasn't Hahn already a lesbian? Either way it was a bit confusing and had me reaching for my crochet. If this is what the season's gonna be like, I see an E.R. coming. When they started having "major disasters" and the main characters started disappearing. We all know what happened to E.R., it's being cancelled.
To the writers...... please don't screw with this. In a world where just about everything sucks, how about some happiness and peace. In an episode or two?

Made of Honor

2008-09-26T19:46:00.003-04:00

This weekend I rented the movie Made of Honor and it was GREAT! There's love and comedy and a man becoming...well... a man. Tom finds out he is more than best friends with Hannah but that she's actually the girl for him. When he is asked to be her "Maid of Honor" his friends convince him this is the perfect way to win the girl. Does he do it? How does he do it? Well, the answer to both are in the movie. My suggestion, go to Tops or Wegmans and rent it from the Redbox for $1. If you love it as much as I did, buy it for yourself or an upcoming girls night. Also makes a great Christmas gift! LOL "HINT HINT!!"

Power to the Boobies!

2008-09-25T11:51:00.002-04:00

I've been driving the van quite a bit lately and it needed new wipers so I went up to the AutoParts Plus near the house and bought one for each side. I leaned on the counter in my scoop neck shirt and asked if they were hard to install. After about a 30 second delay, he said he'd install them for me. :-) Power to the boobies! LOL

It'll be 2 months this Wednesday and I'm......

2008-09-22T15:07:00.001-04:00

..... 44lbs lighter. Yup, I'm excited about that but I'm doubting my decision still. I'm having some troubles with solids in the last week which is rough but I'm hopeful for the future! More updates to come!

Economy

2008-09-18T11:23:00.003-04:00

So, the federal government is gonna bail out the big financial industries and the CEO's are walking away with seriously golden parachutes while the worker bee's get screwed. I won't go into my own feelings on that. While I really don't think that's right, I want to know what is going to be done for the little guy? And what are these boards thinking? Shouldn't CEO's be held accountable if the company goes down to? I heard an interesting fact on the news though. The Dems love to blame this all on Bush and his administration. Turns out this all started with deals made by ......... you guessed it, Bill Clinton back in the late 90's. Hmm..... Rome wasn't built in a day and neither were these problems. Let's stop pointing fingers, tossing blame and being children. Sit down, shut up and figure out a solution!!

Trying to be Kermit........sorta

2008-09-18T11:12:00.002-04:00

I've been really interested over the past year in becoming more Earth Friendly. This past weekend I even bought a biodegradible (sp?) toothbrush by Dr. Du-More. It looks & works like a regular toothbrush but it's made from recycled plastics!

One of my FAVORITE t.v. channels is the Discovery Channel. They've got a show called Wa$ted that tells you your earth "footprint" and gives you tips to be more eco-friendly and save money. They give you tips / tools and 3 weeks to make changes. They then calculate the savings from that 3 week time period and multiplies that to equal a year and then gives you the cash. Today's episode the couple got over $2,000!!!! I know I could sure use that.

Well, I went onto their website and took the test. I was pretty nervous but optimistic at the same time. I mean, we do make an effort but would it be enough? Turns out that to sustain our type of lifestyle for everyone, it would take 4.8 planet earths. YIKES!!! I was araid it would be something like 8 like today's couple but 4.8 isn't exactly great either. One thing I noticed was that this couple didn't recycle and when they got them the bins to do so from their town, they were HUGE compared to the ones we get from the city. So, I called our new 3-1-1 number - surprised it actually worked - and asked about larger bins. Turns out, there's no limit to the number of recycle bins you can put out or you can put them in bigger bins of your own or even clear plastic bags! This is great news! Recycling faster means I can clean faster - always a good thing.

I read once that out in California they give you 4 bins of different colors. Plastic / glass, paper, cans and a black one for trash. I think you get a discount on your taxes the less trash you throw away. It might have only been one city and I'll have to find the article again (I'll post as soon as I do) but wouldn't that be cool?!?!?!? Just think, the Green Industry coming to Buffalo AND a rockin', tax savin', earth savin' program! Ahhh...... to dream............or take action!

Fun Football Birthday

2008-09-12T14:18:00.001-04:00

I don't have kids, I have cakes! Here's my latest. It's a variation on one I've done before and it's for a friend's birthday. Actually he's the boyfriend of a friend of my mother. Whew! Talk about 6 Degree's of Separation!!! LOL

Fire At Will

2008-09-11T14:21:00.002-04:00

So, if you've read my blog then you know I've been downsized. I've been assured that it has nothing to do with my work or performance but it doesn't take the sting out. I checked with the NYS Department of Labor to see if they could lay me off while I'm out on disability. Turns out that NY is an "employ at will" state and that you can be let go at any time for any reason. Take too many days off.... you're gone. Do something illegal... you're gone. Ok, even I'd let someone go for those 2 reasons but say a boss gets jealous... you're still gone. According to the DOL, you don't have to be given a reason. Thanks guys, thanks a lot.

Go Baby Joe!!

2008-09-10T09:26:00.003-04:00

I was so happy to see last night that Joe Mesi won his primary. My brother met him when he was working with the Mayor's Summer Youth Program years ago and had been assigned to the Northwest Buffalo Community Center. He even got to spar with Joe a couple of times. Did I mention he's wicked hot!!! LOL

Way to go Joe! Next stop Washington!!!

38lbs Down and Groovy!

2008-09-09T14:32:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone, wanted to let you all know that I am 32lbs down since the day of surgery and 38lbs down from my highest weight. Medically I'm feeling pretty great and enjoying the compliments. Dad was right, the best is when you run into someone you haven't seen in a while.

Looking forward to seeing my girls this Friday for Senorita's with Margarita's!!!

A group I could fit in with..

2008-09-09T00:11:00.000-04:00

From CNN 9/8/08

Although he wasn't the neighborhood Lothario, and he didn't have a significant other, Jason Eskridge opted to have a vasectomy when he was 27.
"I did not want to raise children or be a parent due to some sort of mistaken encounter," explains the video engineer from San Jose, California, who is now 34 and lives with his girlfriend of three years.
It's not that Eskridge doesn't like kids; he has eight nieces and nephews whom he adores. He just likes his freedom more, especially the ability to travel throughout the U.S. and Europe, honing his photography chops.
"I've quit steady, solid jobs to work for next to nothing to live somewhere else in the country," Eskridge says. "Not having kids and not having to worry about finding a good city with a good school system certainly does free me to do that."
Eskridge isn't alone in downplaying the act of reproduction. In a 2007 Pew Research Center telephone survey of 2,000 U.S. men and women, only 41 percent said children are "very important to a successful marriage." In 1990, that figure was 65 percent.
Better sterile than sorry
According to the National Institutes of Health, by 2006 one in six U.S. men over age 35 has had a vasectomy, with about half a million getting snipped each year. And while men in their late 30s or 40s are often the ones who opt for the surgery, Dr. Dale McClure, director of Male Infertility at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, says he sees "a fair number of people under 35" who have undergone the procedure.
Don't Miss
MayoClinic.com: Right form of birth control for you?
"I'm actually seeing more people than I have in the past that are younger that had a vasectomy at age 21 or 22," says McClure.
That doesn't mean doctors are doling out vasectomies like condoms at a free health clinic.
"I jokingly tell patients it's like buying a gun in Chicago," says Dr. Lawrence Ross, professor of urology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "You can go look at the gun but you can't buy it right away."
That's because, Ross says, "there's no 100 percent guarantee in any case that we can reverse it." Within 10 years of having a vasectomy, there's a 90 to 95 percent success rate for reversal surgery. Beyond that, the success rate drops to 75 to 80 percent.
Given those stats, it's best to consider a vasectomy "a permanent form of sterilization," Ross says. "I will always tell young men that in my 38 years of practice, I've seen many men change their minds."
Second -- and third -- thoughts
McClure says he spends most of his time "putting vasectomies back together," performing more than 2,000 reversals since 1975.
"Over the last several years, it appears that more males under the age of 25 who've never had children and who had a vasectomy are coming in [for a reversal] because they've found a new partner and they want to have children," says McClure.
And sometimes there's more than one change of heart.
"Probably several times per year," the doctor says, "I have people come in who've done the reversal and had a couple kids and want the vasectomy again."
That can end up being an expensive form of birth control: Fees for a vasectomy range from several hundred dollars to $1,000, although it's often covered in part by insurance. Not so for reversals -- McClure charges $6,000, and the cost can run as high as $15,000.
Saving money was one incentive for Eskridge, whose insurance covered $800 of the cost of the procedure. The decision to have a vasectomy was drama-free. "It was something that I'd thought about for years," he says. "It wasn't like the idea came to me three months beforehand."
'So what does your girlfriend think?'
Eskridge's vasectomy wasn't a surprise to girlfriend Sonya Carr, 27, a sales accounts manager. The two were friends for several years before dating, so she knew all about his decision.
"I plan to spend the rest of my life with him, so before I moved in, I did have to consider that I was basically giving up the option of having children," Carr says. "I was already on the fence about having kids, and since realizing I either had to find a new guy or live without them, I've only become more convinced it was the right choice for me, too."
Gloria Mashayekhi, 29, from Houston, can relate. She and husband Dan Mitten, a security supervisor, weren't interested in raising children. But Mashayekhi's birth control pills were sending her blood pressure through the roof.
"I had to go off the birth control in January and he got the vasectomy in February," says Mashayekhi, an executive assistant. "I think the month of no sex was enough of an initiative to quickly find an alternative."
Mitten spent his 30th birthday getting a vasectomy.
Staying snipped
Chuck Rathmann, 42, had a vasectomy during his first marriage at age 33 and then warmed up to the idea of starting a family when he remarried at 38. But rather than undergo reversal surgery, he and his current wife adopted a daughter.
"Frankly, I don't think there is anything really special about my genetic material," says the marketing analyst from Delafield, Wisconsin.
Seven years after his decision, Eskridge admits to only one regret:
"My [best friend] from high school, she's going to get inseminated," he says. "She's a lesbian and she wants to have kids and she hasn't found a partner. I certainly would have liked to have donated [sperm] for her."

When Downsizing Hits Home

2008-09-05T09:50:00.003-04:00

We all know that the economy has been going through a tough time lately. It's pretty hard to ignore in fact. I have to say that it's all about leadership and being prepared but I'm guilty of not being prepared myself. I know I certainly wasn't prepared yesterday when I got a phone call from my HR Director telling me that not only did I not get either of the 2 jobs I interviewed for, but that I as being laid off. The fact that I was in a doctor's office at the time might have been a blessing. If I'd stroked out I'd have been in good hands. I knew we were reorganizing at work and had even - as a precaution - sent out a couple resume's to play it safe. I honestly never thought that I'd find myself in the job market again though. I've been at this job for 6years and can't imagine working somewhere else. With my leaving, this takes my "group" from 5 down to 2 left. Chris left to work somewhere else. Caron got laid off not once but twice and now it's my turn. I won't give them the chance to do it twice, no offense Caron.

I've heard before, many times lately, and firmly believe that when God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window. Now that I'm 27lbs lighter I can get through that window. I can't help feeling that I've let my family down though. I was assured it had nothing to do with my work and that they'd be happy to write a letter of recommendation / make any phone calls needed. I harbor no ill-will toward our HR Director. She's got probably the worst job in the place and takes the brunt when insurance goes up, people get laid off or basically anything unpleasant. I guess it's how the Hangman in the old west felt. LOL

While I cherish the memories and the friends I've made over the years I know this for sure. I'll never set foot in that building again and I'll never donate to any United Way ever again.

A victim and frustrated

2008-09-04T12:33:00.001-04:00

I've been fighting identity theft for about 8 years now and have more than reached my boiling point. The the collection agencies who type in a name and just go through the list until the find the right person and to the credit agencies who don't update their records like their supposed to - yup, a lady from the FTC told me your dirty little secret - I have only one thing to say:

GET YOUR FUCKING HEADS OUT OF YOUR ASSES!!!!!!!!!

Sarah Palin Debut

2008-09-03T23:25:00.003-04:00

I did something tonight that I don't usually do. I got into politics. As a right wing, conservative Republican, I prefer to let actions speak vs arguing. Tonight I watched the lead up to and speech from Sarah Palin. The woman's got my vote. She's down to earth, wasn't slinging mud, addressed what her plans are and mader herself real. She's a hockey mom, more importantly she's a mom. Her kids are adorable and that baby!! What a cutie! Ok, so that has nothing to do with her politics but I hope people remember that when they talk about her unmarried pregnant daughter. Does anyone really think that is going to make me blink? There are girls that age in my own neighborhood with 2 and 3 kids. I'm talking individual births here folks so let's just let that sit to the side.

Like Mrs. Palin said, no one is perfect. She came across as a real person who has real goals. I hope you take a second to sit back, take a good look and make the right choice. My personal choice is McCain / Palin.

1 month down, a million more to go!

2008-09-02T10:05:00.001-04:00

Saturday I officially marked the one month point for my sugery. I'm down 27 lbs and couldn't be happier. Well I could be but I'm just impatient. LOL

A great night with the girls

2008-09-02T10:03:00.002-04:00

Sunday's were meant for gatherings and relaxed fun and that's just what we had this past Sunday at Nicole's. About 30 people - half kids! - got together for a Birthday / Labor Day party and it was so nice. There was tons of food, millions of laughs and priceless memories. Thanks again for hosting yet another FAB-YOU-LUSS party!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-08-30T01:29:00.002-04:00

Today I turned 28 and kept it blissfully low-key. Had an appointment with my friend Jeanne for some beautification, went to the casino with dad then had a Happy Meal for lunch. Watched TV and did the dishes after cleaning out my email. Kari gave me this adorable little jeweled box to keep a pair of earrings in. Donald gave me this laughing Buddah holding a glass ball. When you turn him on it's one of those fiber optic ones that if you touch it, the lights follow your finger. I just love it!! Can't wait to see what my devious girlfriends have up their sleeves for Sunday. LOL

Sometimes you just gotta laugh...

2008-08-28T21:47:00.000-04:00

SOMETIMES YOU JUST GOTTA LAUGH!!!!!

Aunt Mildred was a 93-year-old woman who was particularly despondent over the recent death of her husband. She decided that s he would just kill herself and join him in death.

Thinking that it would be best to get it over with quickly, she took out his old Army pistol and made the decision to shoot herself in the heart, since it was badly broken in the first place. Not wanting to miss the vital organ and become a vegetable and a burden to someone, she called her doctor's office to inquire as to just exactly where the heart would be on a woman. The doctor said,'Your heart would be just below your left breast.'

Later that night........ Mildred was admitted to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the knee.

And they find yet a lower level to sink to....

2008-08-27T00:10:00.001-04:00

Wow, just when you think the democrats have sunk to the lowest possible level, like many idiots they sink even further. I'm not talking about anything they did politically but what about the sense of "family" that comes with being in politics?

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/26/elizabeth.edwards.ap/index.html

End of week 4, a bit closer but still a bit disappointed

2008-08-26T14:54:00.001-04:00

Well, it's Tuesday and that means weigh in day. I only lost 2lbs this week but I know I haven't been walking everyday like I'm supposed to. In fact, I think I only walked twice and that includes today so I really can't complain. I do need to get my butt moving because I am now 27 lbs down and want to be 30 for my birthday at the end of the week. Easy enough as long as I get my butt in gear.
Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers. Keep them coming!

Pizza, Pizza, Pizza if you please!

2008-08-22T14:31:00.004-04:00

Mom's boss Todd is a pizza junkie. You'd think he was a college kid instead of a principal. Well in honor of him I made this yummy pizza cake. It looks real!!! The sauce looks pink here but it's actually darker in person. Some Ghiradelli for "cheese" and don't forget the "pepperoni"!! It was such a smash hit my brother wants it for his friends birthday in May!

I must be losing weight....... a classic me moment!

2008-08-20T20:49:00.003-04:00

So, I'm disappointed about only losing 3lbs this week and not really seeing the results everyone else does. But I must be losing weight and here's why. I just went to Home Depot to get something for my mother after returning movies. As I was walking through I thought I felt something odd. Yup, I knew the feeling but if I said to myself over and over again "It's not real" then it wasn't..... until suddenly it was. My underwear had slid right off my hips!! Thank God I'm wearing capri's otherwise they'd have been down around my ankles! LMAO

Ok, overdid it a bit today and I'm a little light headed so it's off to the couch for me. Got safety pins??? LOL

End of Week 3 and a bit disappointed..

2008-08-19T11:13:00.002-04:00

Today is weigh in day and I've been a bit disappointed. I only lost 3 lbs but the doctor said that this could happen once I started on solid foods again. For the most part I'm feeling pretty good but am still struggling to get in my 40g of protein each day. I had been trying to drink it through a shake of 2c milk (16g), 1 scoop of Unjury (20g) and 2pks of Carnation Instant Breakfast (10g) but I was starting to have trouble finishing it. Dad says I should only do that for 1/2 of my protein and eat the other half. My stomach's not so big so it's tough! I also have been very lax this week with my walking and need to get back to it. Being active, getting in my 40g, taking my vitamins and drinking lots of fluids are the 4 main points after having this kind of surgery. Better get back to it!!! This is not something that can be reversed or ignored. After all, that's the reason I had this particular operation, right?

Cell Phone Self Portrait

2008-08-14T01:28:00.002-04:00

Ever get those "He clicked YES to you!" or "Someone in your area wants to meet you!" emails? Why are they all accompanied with pix of guys in their bathroom that they took with their cell phone. LOSER!!! If you don't have pix taken by family or friends, work on yourself first and don't try to start a relationship with someone else. At least crop our the cell phone or try a different room. Oh, and to the guy with the stuffed teddy bear on his toilet........... CLEAN YOUR BATHROOM!!!! ICK!

Jenn's Bariatric Journey - End of Week 2

2008-08-13T12:22:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone and welcome to the end of Week 2 of my newest adventure. There have been some rough times this week but there's been some pretty great ones to.

I went last Thursday to have my staples pulled only to find out that I didn't have any! YEAH!!! At that point I was down 17lbs and doing well enough that I could start experimenting with solid foods. Over this past week I have learned that I can eat (slowly) 3/4 of a hot dog as long as there is no skin, chicken and turkey - again without the skin - watermelon which has become a favorite. I can do creamy mashed potatoes and am building a better tolerance for cold things. It might take me forever to drink it but hey, you can only have so much hot tea in August!

I have been good about only weighing myself once a week and was happy to see yesterday that I have lost 23lbs total so far. Not bad for 2 weeks! 5lbs was a bit of a let down after a 17lb loss but dad reminded me that women will no only lose slower than men but that I'm not taking in solids. That means I need to add an extra walk to my daily routine which I am late on already.

I still can't lift, push, pull or carry and can't exercise for 6 weeks but with the help of my family & friends I'm still baking a bit. My business cards even came in!

Now, last Saturday was a rough day for me. I was hungry and jello just wasn't gonna do it. I wanted a turkey sub but haven't ventured into bread products yet. Not to mention that anything I tried just didn't sit well so I was frustrated and really doubted my decision. Too late. Being me I went to the extreme and picked the procedure that can't be undone.

Today I went into Tim Horton's and ordered an iced tea and a capp (gotta cover the hot & cold basis) and was happy when they started picking on me about being a toothpick. It's times like that when I'm happy with my decision. It's also cool that today I'm wearing an outfit that 3 weeks ago I'd have only been able to look at.

So ends my 2nd week as a post-op patient. The next few weeks will be pretty telling and I'm excited at to what they'll hold. Sitting up on your own and being able to sleep in a bed were big steps so far and I can only imagine what's to come. Thanks for coming along with me on this new journey.

Love to all,

~Jenn

Sad News

2008-08-11T13:48:00.002-04:00

I just heard the sad news that my friend and boss, KAC will not be there when I get back and it's not because she'll be on vacay either. She's taken quite a professional beating in the last few months so I can't fault her decision only express my sadness. I hope that this becomes a blessing in disguise for this very talented woman and that she finds something even better for her. Job hunting after 22yrs won't be easy but it's not easy after 22 weeks either.

KAC -
I've admired your professionalism, your bright outlook and your no-nonsense approach to everything. You are what I hope to grow up to be professionally. May you find endless happiness in your new venture, whatever they may be.

24hr Wedding Cake

2008-08-09T01:18:00.003-04:00

Even bariatric surgery can't keep me out of the kitchen......... for baking that is. With the great help of my mother I created the above cake. Dad & I went to the dr's office to drop off some papers, got our vitamins and, since the city roads suck so much, I was ready to go home after that simply from being sore. Pull into Tim Horton's for dad to get himself a coffee, Kari a bagel and me some chili (yes folks, you read it right. The doc gave me the green light to jump to the "experiment" stage!). We pulled into a spot next to one of the girls who works there and who happened to be out on break. She quick needed a 1 layer, big round cake with white frosting, white cake and lavendar "thingy's" on the top & bottom. No writing. Can I have it ready for tomorrow? Ummm...... sure? Mom's been recruited to do my lifting and carrying and she doesn't even know it yet. Then the girl swings by the house to look at my book and says she wants writing on it, what's the extra charge? Now, this poor girl is needing a cake for a wedding reception at 1:00 the next day and is trying to get to her little one's summer camp graduation. No extra charge. Oh, and at the last minute she wants me to make sugar roses to. Lord!! Thank God you can buy them. I told her it wasn't possible so I think the fact I found them and put them on will be a nice surprise. Well, it's 1:22 a.m., I've gone through 4 cakes because they kept sticking to the pan. Hope she likes it!

Jenn's Bariatric Journey - End of Week 1

2008-08-06T10:22:00.002-04:00

Well folks, today is officially the end of week 1. I had what I call some major accomplishments this week that normal people wouldn't think of. Moving your bowels after digestive surgery is a big deal. Today is the day that I also agreed to weigh myself. The day before surgery I weighed in at 288lbs and today I weigh 272.6lbs. Yup! Thats 16lbs lighter. This morning I also sat up on my own without the aide of another person or piece of furniture. Like I said folks, most people wouldn't consider these milestones but in my view it's like climbing Mt Everest.

I still have my limitations though. I walked from my house to Tonawanda St. then down to Niagara Street - basically the length of my street - and was pretty whipped by the time I got down there. I also can't lean over to pick stuff up, can't carry, push or pull. I'm fighting the head hunger which is mostly that I can't eat something and not so much that I'm hungry. I'm on liquids still so no-name mac & cheese looks like a fine filet right now! LOL I guess you could say that my disappointment is that, even though the scale says I am 16lbs lighter, I haven't seen a change yet. My clothes still feel the same and I can only say "I'm still swollen" for just so long. I go tomorrow to have my staples pulled so I'll ask about it then. I must still be because I'm a bit deformed with the right side of my stomach sticking out further than the left. Oh well. It's all a process and I'm just grateful for my family. They've been terrific and have taken such great care of me.

Can't wait to see my girlfriends though...................... *tappin' foot* LOL
Love to all
~Jenn

Beautiful Flowers

2008-08-05T07:46:00.005-04:00

I got some really beautiful flowers delivered from friends at work. It's mostly green plants and I'm going to call the florist today to have them send me instructions on what's in there and how to take care of them. Aren't they great!

These are from my new friends at the River Road Volunteer Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary where I'm the secretary. Daisies are my favorite!!!

Jenn's Journey down the Bariatric Bypass Highway

2008-08-02T09:18:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone! I am home from the hospital and feeling terribly sore but the great news is that last night I got in 8 hrs of sleep. It wasn't 8 in a row but compared to the last two nights, I didn't get 8 total. LOL

Above is a picture of my incesion that I took this morning. I want everyone to know that my choice to have this procedure wasn't easy and here's an example of why. I can't say that I thought of all the things I'd be going through. I mean, when dad had his procedure, I was at work all day and he seemed to sail through it all. Call it ignorance on my part if you will but that's the truth of it. Now I'm the one who's been sliced and moving slow.

I have a new found respect for pregnant women which I've gained over the last few days. Getting up without the aide of your stomach muscles, sitting down without them, trying to lay on your side without feeling like you body is ripping in 2. Not fun folks.

"Why is she putting this up here?" you migh be asking. Well it's simple. I want people to understand how important it is to take care of yourself so every Wednesday I'll be updating my blog with a new entry as to how my recovery is going. If something big happens before a Wednesday I'll probably put that up early but I hope you can swing in and check up.

Well, it's most important in the first 10 days post surgical to move every 30 minutes and to drink 50 oz of fluid so I'd better get going. I've been sitting here long enough.

Love to all,
~Jenn

P.S. I love you

2008-07-29T01:42:00.003-04:00

Thanks to the wonders of Wegmans and that Red Box movie rental thing in their lobby, I've been able to see some great movies. The movie I saw today was P.S. I Love You. It's all about a woman whose husband passes away - can't yell at me for saying it, it's right in the trailer! - and how he helps her from the grave to move on. I won't say much more than it involves more than one Irish Hottie except to watch it with a box of tissue.

More great movies I've seen thanks to Weggies:

Fool's Gold

Becoming Jane (Austen)

The Jane Austen Book Club

Love In the Time of Cholera - long and a bit strange

Seriously Great Art

2008-07-29T01:39:00.003-04:00

If I had to look up at this, I'd totally quit smoking..... of course if I went to the bathroom in the middle of the night I'd probably crap myself looking down to! LOL

Loving Your Job

2008-07-27T22:42:00.000-04:00

CRYSTAL LAKE, Illinois (AP) --

Jeff Hornagold loved being a UPS driver. So when the suburban Chicago man died this week of lung cancer, longtime co-worker Michael McGowan agreed to take him on one last delivery.
McGowan transported Hornagold's body from Davenport Family Funeral Home to Saturday's funeral services in his UPS truck.

McGowan says he plans to keep a picture of Hornagold in his truck until he retires so that they can keep riding together. Hornagold was a UPS driver for 20 years, and his wife Judy Hornagold described him as "just the happiest UPS man alive."
She says the special delivery was the perfect tribute.

Andy Visits Buffalo

2008-07-27T19:37:00.003-04:00

Andy was in town last week for work so I got to give him the 5cent tour of Buffalo. I tried to explain that it really is much nicer when it's not raining and you can actually walk around. Andy's cousin Nikki on his mom's side is my cousin on my dad's side. Confused?? LOL

I drove Andy around trying to show him the highlights, grabbed a hamburger at the Hatch, spent a few hours at the Falls and rounded out the night at home with pizza, wings and beer. The perfect end to any day. Here's Andy enjoying his first chicken wing and an ice cold Labatt's.

El Paso meets Dolly....... Hurricane Dolly

2008-07-27T00:06:00.000-04:00

EL PASO, Texas - Heavy rain from the remnants of Hurricane Dolly is closing streets and flooding homes in El Paso, and is blamed for causing the death of one person in New Mexico.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that a passenger in a sport utility vehicle was killed when the vehicle hit a large puddle and rolled over. The driver and two children were hospitalized.
National Weather Service meteorologist says some areas of El Paso have gotten as much as 3 inches of rain.
The city says it has received 17 reports of flooding in homes. There are 10 reports of street flooding.
The Texas Transportation Department says the Trans Mountain Highway is closed due to rock slides caused by the rain and is expected to reopen Saturday night.

Saying it all at once...

2008-07-26T23:50:00.003-04:00

I wanted to write personalized letters to everyone telling you all how much you mean to me, how you've t0uched my life and how I hope that in some way, I've touched your life as well. Here's the problem, I started to get teary-eyed just thinking about it!! Even sticking to family & close friends I'd never have made it through. So, I'm using an eco-friendly way and hopefully I'll keep the tears to a minimum.

Each and every one of you you reading this and some who aren't (please point them here) have impacted my life in some way that has made me a better person. You've made me laugh when I wanted to cry, kicked me in the butt when all I wanted to do was hide under the covers, let me cry on your shoulder and just as often let me be the shoulder you've leaned on in times of need.

I won't say that what I'm going to do is easy and that I'm not scared. I don't think I wouldn't be human. I'm not even a religious person but I am spiritual. I have no reason to believe that things won't go right, that I won't look fierce in the end and that most of all I have no reason to believe I won't be a healthier me. I'm not having this surgery because of my weight - though it is a GREAT benefit to lose these extra pounds. I'm doing this to head off family un-friendlies I'll call them like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and more. In the end I hope to be a better version of me. It's taken me a long time and a lot of tears to say that but you've all helped me get there at one point in time. Saying Thank You just doesn't seem enough. Should anything happen I just want to put this out there: keep black to a minimum, my favorite flowers are daisies and in lieu of a funeral, I want everyone to make a donation to a charity listed below:

United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

Huntington's Research Center (Rochester, NY)

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Daughter's of the American Revolution

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

River Road Volunteer Fire Company

(feel free to just choose one... and again, this is a just in case - though donations are always great)

I'll be sore and bitchy for a while because of the operation but hopefully not too long. Or at least not too bitchy. LOL Try not to forget me while I'm out of the office; I've already had one text message.

Bariatric Blip

2008-07-24T13:11:00.002-04:00

Well, my secret isn't secret anymore so I guess I can put it up here. Next week I'm having gastric bypass surgery. I had planned to work up until Monday and have surgery on Wednesday. Thanks to a summer cold I caught at work, I'm out effective yesterday. Ugh! I'm not done getting ready. There's a ton of things I have left to do! Nope, couldn't even check my email. Just set my out of message office and I'm gone.

Wish me luck!!!

Oh yeah, that's me and Donte Whitner and James Hardy... wooooo hoooo!!!

Out of office replies

2008-07-19T08:30:00.002-04:00

Best 'Out of Office' Automatic Email Replies:

1. I am currently out of the office at a job interview and will reply to you if I fail to get the position. Please be prepared for my mood.

2. You are receiving this automatic notification because I am out of the office. If I was in, chances are you wouldn't have received anything at all.

3. Sorry to have missed you, but I'm at the doctor's having my brain and heart removed so I can be promoted to our management team.

4. I will be unable to delete all the emails you send me until I return from vacation. Please be patient, and your mail will be deleted in the order it was received.

5. Thank you for your email. Your credit card has been charged ¤5.99 for the first 10 words and ¤1.99 for each additional word in your message.

6. The email server is unable to verify your server connection. Your message has not been delivered. Please restart your computer and try sending again. (The beauty of this is that when you return, you cansee who did this over and over and over...)

7. Thank you for your message, which has been added to a queuing system. You are currently in 352nd place, and can expect to receive a replyin approximately 19 weeks.

8. Hi, I'm thinking about what you've just sent me. Please wait by your PC for my response.

9. I've run away to join a different circus.10. I will be out of the office for the next two weeks for medical reasons. When I return, please refer to me as 'Lucille' instead of Steve.

The Wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy

2008-07-18T14:31:00.001-04:00

1. A day without sunshine is like night.

2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.

3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.

4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.

5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.

6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.

9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.

10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.

12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.

13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.

14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?

15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?

18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?

20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?

21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'

22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.

23. Light travels faster than sound.. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates; it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

Dear Kids

2008-07-18T14:30:00.000-04:00

Dear Kids,
Don't be alarmed, the world isn't coming to an end. I am simply taking a bath. It will take about thirty minutes and will involve soap and water. Yes, I know how to swim. Even if I didn't, forcing myself to drown in a half-inch of lukewarm water is more work than I've got energy for. (Which reminds me, I'm all for science projects, but the next time you want to see if Play-Doh floats, use cold water.)
Don't panic if I'm not out right on time. I've heard that people don't dissolve in water and I'd like to test the theory. While I'm in the tub, I'd like you to remember a few things. The large slab of wood between us is called a door. Do not bang to hear my voice. I promise that even though you can't see me, I *am* on the other side. I'm not digging an escape tunnel and running for the border, no matter what I said a while ago. I didn't mean it. Honest. There will be plenty of time later to tell me about your day.
"Later" means at a time when I am no longer naked, wet, and contemplating bubble gum in the blow dryer. I know you have important things to tell me. Please let one of them be that you have invented a new way to blow bubbles, not a new way to add gum to your hair.
Believe it or not, shouting, "TELEPHONE!" through the closed bathroom door will *not* make the phone stop ringing. Answer it and take a message. Since Amazing Mind-Reading Mom has the day off, you'll need to write that message down. Use paper and a pencil. Do not use your brother and the laundry marker. We can't send him to school with telephone number tattoos.
Water makes me wet, not deaf. I can still tell the difference between the sound of "nothing" and the sound of a child playing the piano with a basketball. I can also hear you tattling at the top of your lungs. I'm *choosing* NOT to answer you.
Don't call your dad at work and tell him I am unconscious in the bathroom. He didn't appreciate it last time. He won't appreciate it more this time. Trust me.
No matter how much I would like it, water does not make me forgetful. I remember who you are and why you are grounded. No, you can't go to Shelby's house to play. No, you can't go to Shelby's house to use the bathroom. If someone is in our other bathroom, you will just have to think dry thoughts and wait. Unless you have four feet and a tail, do not think of going outside to "water" the lawn. I know the dog does it. The neighbors don't feel the need to call me when the dog does it.
Unless the house catches on fire, stay inside and keep the doors locked. Do not go outside and throw rocks at the bathroom window to get my attention. I know it works in the movies. This is reality, the place where people don't like to sit in a tub while rocks and broken glass rain in on them. Do not set the house on fire. Call me if there is an emergency.
Emergencies ARE:1. Dad has fallen off the roof.2. Your brother and/or sister is bleeding.3. There's a red fire truck in front of our house.Emergencies are NOT:1. Dad has fallen asleep.2. Someone on TV is bleeding.3. There's a red pickup truck in front of our house.
One other thing: Being forced to use the last roll of toilet paper for a towel does not make me happy. It makes me sticky with little white polka dots. In the future, when the tub overflows, use a mop to clean up the water instead of every towel in the house. For my sanity's sake, let's pretend it was the tub, Okay? No, I don't want to hear the real story. Ever. Especially not while I'm standing in the pool of water you missed.
By the way, all Play-Doh experiments are hereby canceled.
Be good. Entertain yourselves. Yes, you can do both at the same time. Try coloring, playing a game, or paying that stack of bills on the coffee table.
I'll be out soon. Maybe.
Love,Your Mom

Live United!!!

2008-07-17T06:54:00.003-04:00

At work we're all about the new message... LIVE UNITED!!!! It's all about connecting people who need help with people who want to help and giving a voice to those who can't speak for themselves. Here's me and part of my Internal Campaign Crew.

Tick Warning!!!

2008-07-16T00:05:00.002-04:00

*TICK WARNING!*
I hate it when people forward bogus warnings, and I have even done it myself a couple times unintentionally...but this one is real, and it's important. So please send this warning to everyone on your e- mail list.
If someone comes to your front door saying they are checking for ticks due to the warm weather and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around with your arms up,

DO NOT DO IT!! THIS IS A SCAM!!

They only want to see you naked. I wish I'd gotten this email yesterday. I feel so stupid.

Oh come on, ya gotta laugh at that one!! LOL
~J

Oil Prices

2008-07-12T09:44:00.002-04:00

wow, I think I would have liked to have been at this guy's speech.
~J

Send to your Congressman, Senator and Presidential Candidate and everyone you know! This is the ANSWER!!!!! PLEASE watch this video and forward it on!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UOpcPfAarjY

A new view to ponder...

2008-07-11T19:47:00.000-04:00

Here is something to think about. I recently read about a guy named Lindsey Williams who wrote a book called 'The Energy Non-Crisis' in which he talks about how the current gasoline and oil prices are artificially created by an international conspiracy designed to keep the United States buying oil from certain middle-eastern countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. He claims that the largest oil field in the world was discovered about twenty years ago just off the northern coast of Alaska. Enough oil, potentially, to supply all of North America's energy needs for the next two hundred years. This discovery was hushed up by the federal government, according to Williams, in order to keep us buying our oil from the middle-east. But why? The theory is that forty years ago Henry Kissinger, acting as Secretary of State for the United States, worked out deals with certain oil-producing countries, to buy as much oil as they could produce and make then wildly rich provided that they 1) conduct all oil transactions in U.S. dollars, practically guaranteeing that the dollar will be the accepted international currency, and 2) that these countries will spend a portion of the money WE send them to buy U.S. debt. Of course, in the last forty years the U.S national debt has gone from $390 billion in 1970 to a ridiculous nine and a half trillion dollars today. What does that mean to you and me? It means that if Williams is right, and the U.S. started producing the majority of its energy at home, the middle-east would stop financing our debt (with our own money) causing a collapse of the dollar and a recession that would make the 1930s look like a tea party. But is it true? Interestingly enough...the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), where all of this oil supposedly is, first became a federal protected area in 1960, and in 1980 an expansion of the refuge included 1.5 million acres of the coastal plain where Williams claims the discovery was made, requiring congressional authorization before oil drilling may proceed. It makes you think about who is really responsible for $4.25 gas.

Work from Home in Your Jammies!!

2008-07-11T19:45:00.000-04:00

Freelance work has quickly become a booming industry in its own right. Workers who don't want to belong to the daily grind and who want more control of their careers often opt to work for themselves. Consultants, writers, IT specialists and experts in pretty much any field you can imagine are freelancing these days.A recent MSN-CareerBuilder Zogby poll found many workers are eager to explore freelancing if the right situation presents itself. Thirty percent of respondents would freelance if they could make as much money as they currently do. An additional 17 percent want to freelance in order to be their own boss.What exactly do they do? These professionals do contract work with clients, either on a project-by-project basis or for a certain time period. They can take as many or as few clients as they want or have time for.In a tightening economy, many companies don't have the budgets to hire full-time personnel, but they do have the funds to hire a freelancer for short-term projects. For this reason, many people start their freelance careers during sluggish economic conditions. Others use freelancing as a way to make ends meet until they can find a permanent position.
Freedom and flexibilityAlthough freelancing means you don't have traditional employer-provided benefits, such as a 401(k), you do have plenty of other perks -- some that might be hard to leave.Kay Paumier, for example, didn't intend to make a career of freelancing. The PR agency she was working for closed in 1987 and, while looking for a full-time position, she found work. Twenty years later she still freelances in public relations and writing for her company, Communications Plus."Many people freelance to have the flexibility to raise their families or to take care of aging parents, for example," she says. "Others love the opportunity to set their hours -- within reason, work in their pajamas, avoid corporate politics and have more control over their time."Kelly Dinoff, a marketing consultant at Sonance Communications, had a similar experience. She started freelancing after the September 11 attacks helped burst the technology bubble and decided to stay due to the flexible hours."As a mother of two, I'm able to pursue my professional aspirations while having the flexibility to take time off for family obligations and to be an active participant in my children's lives."Discipline and driveAs anyone who has worked from home for even one day can tell you, the ability to do business in your pajamas is pure bliss. It's also dangerous for your inner slacker. No one's standing over your shoulder to make sure you're doing your job. When you're freelancing, you've got to be the one looking over your own shoulder making sure everything is on track.Of course, that doesn't mean you don't work hard, either. You might end up working harder because you are the face of your business. While you get all the kudos for a job well done, you get all the blame when someone's not happy.In a business where word-of-mouth brings you clients and keeps them away, you can't afford to have a reputation as anything but a hard worker.One way to maintain high-quality work is to set goals for yourself as if you were still being reviewed by a manager every quarter. Like Dinoff, you'll soon realize that freelancing still allows you to form a professional network and grow in the field. You're not completely alone in the industry."In the course of my freelance career, I've worked with other female professionals who have made the same move to freelancing for flexibility," she says. "Despite our less than 40-hour workweeks, we'll still able to collaborate on complex projects, produce great work and maintain successful customer relationships."How to get startedIf freelancing sounds like the path you want to take, here are some suggestions for getting started:â€¢ Check sites, such as Sologig.com, that cater to freelancers by listing only freelancing and contract jobs. â€¢ Talk to other professionals in the industry who either use independent contractors or are freelancers themselves to see how they are finding one another and what works for them. â€¢ Contacts you've made over the years can also be valuable resources for finding business. (Just don't steal any of your employer's current clients and violate any rules of your contract.)

I believe...

2008-07-10T11:03:00.001-04:00

A birth certificate shows that we were born; a death certificate shows that we died; pictures show that we lived! Have a seat . . . Relax. And read this slowly.

I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with lov ing words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

Blonde Humor

2008-07-10T11:01:00.000-04:00

Two blondes living in Oklahoma were sitting on a bench talking, and one blonde says to the other, 'Which do you think is farther away... Florida or the moon?' The other blonde turns and says 'Helloooooooooo, can you see Florida ?????'

CAR TROUBLE
A blonde pushes her BMW into a gas station. She tells the mechanic it died. After he works on it for a few minutes, it is idling smoothly. She says, 'What's the story?'
He replies, 'Just crap in the carburetor' She asks, 'How often do I have to do that?'

SPEEDING TICKET
A police officer stops a blonde for speeding and asks her very nicely if he could see her license.
She replied in a huff, 'I wish you guys would get your act together. Just yesterday you take away my license and then today you expect me to show it to you!'

RIVER WALK
There's this blonde out for a walk. She comes to a river and sees another blonde on the opposite bank.
'Yoo-hoo!' she shouts, 'How can I get to the other side?' The second blonde looks up the river then down the river and shouts back,
'You ARE on the other side.'

AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE
A gorgeous young redhead goes into the doctor's office and said that her body hurt wherever she touched it.
'Impossible!' says the doctor. 'Show me.'
The redhead took her finger, pushed on her left shoulder and screamed, then she pushed her elbow and screamed even more. She pushed her knee and screamed; likewise she pushed her ankle and screamed. Everywhere she touched made her scream.
The doctor said, 'You're not really a redhead, are you?'
'Well, no' she said, 'I'm actually a blonde.'
'I thought so,' the doctor said. 'Your finger is broken'

KNITTING
A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behind the wheel was knitting! Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, 'PULL OVER!'
'NO!' the blonde yelled back, 'IT'S A SCARF!'

BLONDE ON THE SUN
A Russian, an American, and a Blonde were talking one day.
The Russian said, 'We were the first in space!'
The American said, 'We were the first on the moon!'
The Blonde said, 'So what? We're going to be the first on the sun!'
The Russian and the American looked at each other and shook their heads.
'You can't land on the sun, you idiot! You'll burn up!' said the Russian.
To which the Blonde replied, 'We're not stupid, you know. We're going at night!'

IN A VACUUM
A blonde was playing Trivial Pursuit one night.. It was her turn. She rolled the dice and she landed on Science & Nature. Her question was,
'If you are in a vacuum and someone calls your name, can you hear it?'
She thought for a time and then asked, 'Is the vacuum on or off?'

FINALLY, THE BLONDE JOKE TO END ALL BLONDE JOKES!
A girl was visiting her blonde friend, who had a acquired two new dogs, and asked her what their names were.
The blonde responded by saying that one was named Rolex and one was named Timex.
Her friend said, 'Whoever heard of someone naming dogs like that?'
'HELLLOOOOOOO......,' answered the blonde. 'They're watch dogs!'