Due to the climate of political correctness now pervading America, Kentuckians, Tennesseans and West Virginians will no longer be referred to as "HILLBILLIES."
You must now refer to them as APPALACHIAN-AMERICANS.And furthermore ...
HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT WOMEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:
1 She is not a "BABE" or a "CHICK" - She is a "BREASTED AMERICAN."
2. She is not "EASY" - She is "HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE."
3. She is not a "DUMB BLONDE" - She is a "LIGHT-HAIRED DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY."
4. She has not "BEEN AROUND" - She is a "PREVIOUSLY-ENJOYED COMPANION."
5 . She does not "NAG" you - She becomes "VERBALLY REPETITIVE."
6. She is not a "TWO-BIT HOOKER" - She is a "LOW COST PROVIDER.
"HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT MEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:
1. He does not have a "BEER GUT" - He has developed a "LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY."
2. He is not a "BAD DANCER" - He is "OVERLY CAUCASIAN."
3. He does not "GET LOST ALL THE TIME" - He "INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS."
4. He is not "BALDING" - He is in "FOLLICLE REGRESSION."
5. He does not act like a "TOTAL ASS" - He develops a case of RECTAL-CRANIAL INVERSION."
6. It's not his "CRACK" you see hanging out of his pants - It's "REAR CLEAVAGE."
January 31, 2007
January 30, 2007
Sick as a dog
Right now, I am sick as a dog. I was feeling great all day long. I got a lot done & even spent some time on the floor with my kids. We were playing with toys & i even read them both a couple of books. They each spent time in my lap individually & together. It was a great day!
Then I deceided to make french toast for dinner. The girls don't like that so I made them scrambled eggs with a little pepper, vanilla & shredded cheese. They gobbbled it right up, as always. I ate my french toast & about an hour after doing so it hit me hard.
Without going into detail, I rear got acquainted with my toilet seat very well tonight. I made more than 10 trips in less than 2 1/2 hours. I probably lost 5 pounds, but that is NOT the way to do so. Gee, think I was feeling very well? I was hot & then cold & then hot again. I really hope it's not food poisoning, but I think it might be. I've never had it before to my knowledge. I do know that I won't be eating or making french toast anytime soon. I am glad that the kids didn't have any. My husband either for that matter.
I also got news Friday morning that my Grandfather (88) fell in the bathroom & broke his hip. My Aunt called & told me that the ball popped out of it's socket. Due to his age they replaced the socket & reset the ball. The Dr. said that if they replaced the hip, it would never heal. He already is at risk of serious complications due to his age & his weakened heart (a stroke in 2005). Today I got an e-mail saying that the Dr's are having trouble keeping his blood pressure stable & they are really concerned with fluid building in his lungs. They also told my Aunt that there is a high probability that he may suffer another heart attack or stroke. If that happens, I pray that he passes & doesn't suffer any longer. Since Grandma is basically willing herself to stay alive long enough to care for Grandpa, I expect that she will follow him to heaven not longer after his passing.
I told my husband what is happening & he asked if I was wanting to go see them. I told I didn't need to becasue we just saw them in November. He said that is good because we could not afford to go. I told him the truth. I told him that I was glad we went in November because I would rather have seen him one last time in life than to see his lifeless body in a coffin. I also told him that I fully expected that the trip home in November would probably be the last time I saw at least ONE of my Grandparents, probably all three of them actually. They are aged 88, 84 & 84 after all & all are in poor health. The T's live in an assisted living home full of Seinors. Grandma G. lives alone, but I'm not sure how much longer that will be the case. She gets a lot of help from her neighbor David & her 92 year old sister Margaret. My Uncle also drives down from the Peoria area everytime she needs to go see a Dr. in Saint Louis. We would go & help but we live over 1000 miles away. That makes it impossible for us to help out with things.
I am headed to bed. I will fix typos when I feel better.
Then I deceided to make french toast for dinner. The girls don't like that so I made them scrambled eggs with a little pepper, vanilla & shredded cheese. They gobbbled it right up, as always. I ate my french toast & about an hour after doing so it hit me hard.
Without going into detail, I rear got acquainted with my toilet seat very well tonight. I made more than 10 trips in less than 2 1/2 hours. I probably lost 5 pounds, but that is NOT the way to do so. Gee, think I was feeling very well? I was hot & then cold & then hot again. I really hope it's not food poisoning, but I think it might be. I've never had it before to my knowledge. I do know that I won't be eating or making french toast anytime soon. I am glad that the kids didn't have any. My husband either for that matter.
I also got news Friday morning that my Grandfather (88) fell in the bathroom & broke his hip. My Aunt called & told me that the ball popped out of it's socket. Due to his age they replaced the socket & reset the ball. The Dr. said that if they replaced the hip, it would never heal. He already is at risk of serious complications due to his age & his weakened heart (a stroke in 2005). Today I got an e-mail saying that the Dr's are having trouble keeping his blood pressure stable & they are really concerned with fluid building in his lungs. They also told my Aunt that there is a high probability that he may suffer another heart attack or stroke. If that happens, I pray that he passes & doesn't suffer any longer. Since Grandma is basically willing herself to stay alive long enough to care for Grandpa, I expect that she will follow him to heaven not longer after his passing.
I told my husband what is happening & he asked if I was wanting to go see them. I told I didn't need to becasue we just saw them in November. He said that is good because we could not afford to go. I told him the truth. I told him that I was glad we went in November because I would rather have seen him one last time in life than to see his lifeless body in a coffin. I also told him that I fully expected that the trip home in November would probably be the last time I saw at least ONE of my Grandparents, probably all three of them actually. They are aged 88, 84 & 84 after all & all are in poor health. The T's live in an assisted living home full of Seinors. Grandma G. lives alone, but I'm not sure how much longer that will be the case. She gets a lot of help from her neighbor David & her 92 year old sister Margaret. My Uncle also drives down from the Peoria area everytime she needs to go see a Dr. in Saint Louis. We would go & help but we live over 1000 miles away. That makes it impossible for us to help out with things.
I am headed to bed. I will fix typos when I feel better.
January 24, 2007
Thursday Thirteen Week #4
Thirteen Things about This week
1. My husband went to Illinois to help his mom move across the country.
2. They thankfully avoided being involved in any of the crashes near Amarillo, Texas due to the severe
3. My Mom kept my oldest daughter for a sleep over to give me a mini-break.
4. All I did was worry about my husband's safety & take care of the little one.
5. My daughter had a blast at Grandma's house.
6. The little one & I had some fun as well.
7. Missed my husband so much it hurt.
8. My oldest one is acting up & testing her limits with me.
9. She has a little sassy mouth on her & it needs to stop.
10. I have not written any Haikus this week, even though they are all pretty bad.
11. I completed my 40 day Fast Food Fast this week.
12. It felt REALLY good to acomplish the fast successfully.
13. I am writing this on Wednesday while I have time to do so.
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
January 23, 2007
Why does this have to be so hard?
I LOVE both of my children SO much. WHY disciplining them have to be so hard sometimes.
My oldest is at the age where she is testing the boundries & asserting herself. She seems to forget that I am the Mommy & I am the one that makes the rules around here. She flat out ignores me! When I tell my hubby about it he generally rolls his eyes & gives me the impression he could care less about what happens when he isn't here.
Today she was mouthy & rude all day long. At 4 pm I had had enough. Daddy has been home all day & he finally got to witness what I deal with more often than not. She deceided that she wasn't going to eat the Chicken noodle Soup I made for dinner. Here comes the battle royal. After an hour of her refusing to eat & sent her to her room. She continued to ignore me. I don't know how it got to the point of me removing all of the toys, TV & movies from her room but I did. Daddy finally stepped in & HELPED me with her. She throws this BIG hissy fit, screaming & crying & stomping all through the house. This happens often. I stood my ground even when I felt horrible about removing all the fun things from her bedroom. I even tried to talk to her in a calm manner. She begged for her TV back & I told her again she could have her TV & movies back tommorrow if she was good all day tommorrow. Then she begged to her Daddy & he told her the same thing. He told her that he was tired of her talking to me that way & it needed to stop.
I don't know what to do. It doesn't matter how much time I spend with her alone or what we do. She is not happy unless she has ALL of my individual attention. I have TWO kids & I really do my best to spend individual time with both of them as well as together.
When I actually did get to TALK to her tonight she told me that she doesn't know how to pick up her toys. I KNOW she does because she can pick them up & put them away properly when she wants something.
I am at a total loss of how to deal with her. She is good to her sister & good to her Daddy but she seems to have a real problem with me for some reason. Maybe it is because I am the one that stays at home with the kids. Maybe it is because I am the one that handles the discipline. Maybe it is just because...I don't even know anymore. All I know is that I am completely exhausted by the constant power struggle with an almost 5 year old. I THOUGHT I was good Mom but many days I have my doubts. She behaves when we are out places, puts things that she gets out away without me even asking, she says please, thank you & excuse me. I KNOW I am doing something right. WHY am I her constant target of frustration. She doesn't even talk to me, she YELLS everything to me. She stands right in front of me & YELLS intead of talking to me. I nicely remind her to use her indoor voice & it works....until the next sentence.
I just don't know what to do anymore. I told her, once she calmed down, she was going to have to earn her toys back by being good & listening to me. She seemed to understand that. I hope it works because I am flat out of ideas on how to deal with this.
My oldest is at the age where she is testing the boundries & asserting herself. She seems to forget that I am the Mommy & I am the one that makes the rules around here. She flat out ignores me! When I tell my hubby about it he generally rolls his eyes & gives me the impression he could care less about what happens when he isn't here.
Today she was mouthy & rude all day long. At 4 pm I had had enough. Daddy has been home all day & he finally got to witness what I deal with more often than not. She deceided that she wasn't going to eat the Chicken noodle Soup I made for dinner. Here comes the battle royal. After an hour of her refusing to eat & sent her to her room. She continued to ignore me. I don't know how it got to the point of me removing all of the toys, TV & movies from her room but I did. Daddy finally stepped in & HELPED me with her. She throws this BIG hissy fit, screaming & crying & stomping all through the house. This happens often. I stood my ground even when I felt horrible about removing all the fun things from her bedroom. I even tried to talk to her in a calm manner. She begged for her TV back & I told her again she could have her TV & movies back tommorrow if she was good all day tommorrow. Then she begged to her Daddy & he told her the same thing. He told her that he was tired of her talking to me that way & it needed to stop.
I don't know what to do. It doesn't matter how much time I spend with her alone or what we do. She is not happy unless she has ALL of my individual attention. I have TWO kids & I really do my best to spend individual time with both of them as well as together.
When I actually did get to TALK to her tonight she told me that she doesn't know how to pick up her toys. I KNOW she does because she can pick them up & put them away properly when she wants something.
I am at a total loss of how to deal with her. She is good to her sister & good to her Daddy but she seems to have a real problem with me for some reason. Maybe it is because I am the one that stays at home with the kids. Maybe it is because I am the one that handles the discipline. Maybe it is just because...I don't even know anymore. All I know is that I am completely exhausted by the constant power struggle with an almost 5 year old. I THOUGHT I was good Mom but many days I have my doubts. She behaves when we are out places, puts things that she gets out away without me even asking, she says please, thank you & excuse me. I KNOW I am doing something right. WHY am I her constant target of frustration. She doesn't even talk to me, she YELLS everything to me. She stands right in front of me & YELLS intead of talking to me. I nicely remind her to use her indoor voice & it works....until the next sentence.
I just don't know what to do anymore. I told her, once she calmed down, she was going to have to earn her toys back by being good & listening to me. She seemed to understand that. I hope it works because I am flat out of ideas on how to deal with this.
January 08, 2007
SA Blog Challenge for week of 1/8
1. I've come to realize that my life is...on hold right now because I choose to be a stay at home mom Life as I envisioned it at least. I am happy for the most part.
.2. I am listening to...my kids playing in the playroom, which is something we didn't have 18 months ago.
3. I talk...about losing weight & this year I am taking steps to reach that goal...25 pounds at a time.
4. I love...my family.
5. My best friends...friend actually lives 70 miles away & I don't get to see her often but i cherish the times we do get to see each other.
6.Love is... something that takes dedication & hardwork. It doesn't stay around if you neglect it.
7. Somewhere, someone is thinking...why in the he!! can't he put the toilet seat down when he's finished his business! LOL!
8. I'll always...love my husbad & my children. They come first..no matter what.
9. The last time I cried was because...my husband & I had a fight. We don't fight to the point of tears often, but ti is part of the course of our relationship.
10. My cell phone...lets me call my Grandparents every Saturday without long distance charges.
11. Before I go to bed...I have no routine. I need to establish one for a better nights rest.
12. Right now I am thinking about...how I don't feel like cooking dinner. Since we are broke & we have stopped buying those prepackaged meals..I have no choice so I'd better learn to enjoy it!
13. Today I... played Dance Dance Revolution for 2 hours with one child while the other took a nap. Good sweaty cardio fun!
14. Tonite I will...read more of "Lisey's Story" by Stephen King...a Christmas gift from my husband.
15. Tomorrow I will be...sore from playing the dance game, but I at least take a 30 minute walk with the kids.
1. I've come to realize that my life is...on hold right now because I choose to be a stay at home mom Life as I envisioned it at least. I am happy for the most part.
.2. I am listening to...my kids playing in the playroom, which is something we didn't have 18 months ago.
3. I talk...about losing weight & this year I am taking steps to reach that goal...25 pounds at a time.
4. I love...my family.
5. My best friends...friend actually lives 70 miles away & I don't get to see her often but i cherish the times we do get to see each other.
6.Love is... something that takes dedication & hardwork. It doesn't stay around if you neglect it.
7. Somewhere, someone is thinking...why in the he!! can't he put the toilet seat down when he's finished his business! LOL!
8. I'll always...love my husbad & my children. They come first..no matter what.
9. The last time I cried was because...my husband & I had a fight. We don't fight to the point of tears often, but ti is part of the course of our relationship.
10. My cell phone...lets me call my Grandparents every Saturday without long distance charges.
11. Before I go to bed...I have no routine. I need to establish one for a better nights rest.
12. Right now I am thinking about...how I don't feel like cooking dinner. Since we are broke & we have stopped buying those prepackaged meals..I have no choice so I'd better learn to enjoy it!
13. Today I... played Dance Dance Revolution for 2 hours with one child while the other took a nap. Good sweaty cardio fun!
14. Tonite I will...read more of "Lisey's Story" by Stephen King...a Christmas gift from my husband.
15. Tomorrow I will be...sore from playing the dance game, but I at least take a 30 minute walk with the kids.
January 02, 2007
In these wee early morning hours I found myself mindlessly websurfing. I went to You Tube. I had never been to You Tube so I was curious.
I looked up the videos of Saddam & hesitated. I asked myself....did I REALLY want or need to see video of man dying? The answer was no. No I did not want or need to see this mans execution. Regardless of what many people may think, Saddam was a human even if his actions were less than honorable in the views of many. I don't agree that it is right to dance in the streets due to the death of ANYONE....not even for the death of the Butcher of Bagdad.
Now as for our former President Gerald Ford, many in the country are in mourning. I was VERY small when he took office. I can't remember him being sworn in as President of the United States of America. I only have glimmers of memories of President Ford from watching the news. It's ashamed that more politicans aren't more like President Ford. He wasn't perfect, nobody is. I think that honesty & a level head is a much needed change in Washington. I don't just mean in the oval office either.
I find myself now living in country where many of it's BORN citizens feel it necessary to censor themselves on the web & in public. Heaven forbid an AMERICAN actually feels comfortable enough to speak their mind. I know that I certainly don't! I feel as if some of us have had enough of the government spoon feeding us their crap & want to do something about it. Some of us are tired of the government spoon feeding us their crap & are afraid to try to do anything about it. Then there are a few that believe whatever the government tells them to believe.
I find myself somewhere between being afraid to do anything about it & wanting to do something about it. I honestly don't KNOW what I can do about it other than try to educate myself about the issues, the canidates & try to make the best educated decesion I can in the next election. Of course, one must actually vote to make his or her voice heard.
Big issues for me are the same many other Americans. Immigration is among the most important to me. Education & healthcare are probably the two MOST important issues to me. Not only do I have children & also have 2 parents that are approaching retirement age & have no assests, no healthcare, no pension & are living on borrowed time.They will have no choice but to work until they die. I don't have room for them here & I will never be able to afford to place them in any type of care facility.
I think it's time to stop rambling & go grab a nap before everyone in my house wakes up. Being a MOM I don't have the luxury of sleeping in.
I looked up the videos of Saddam & hesitated. I asked myself....did I REALLY want or need to see video of man dying? The answer was no. No I did not want or need to see this mans execution. Regardless of what many people may think, Saddam was a human even if his actions were less than honorable in the views of many. I don't agree that it is right to dance in the streets due to the death of ANYONE....not even for the death of the Butcher of Bagdad.
Now as for our former President Gerald Ford, many in the country are in mourning. I was VERY small when he took office. I can't remember him being sworn in as President of the United States of America. I only have glimmers of memories of President Ford from watching the news. It's ashamed that more politicans aren't more like President Ford. He wasn't perfect, nobody is. I think that honesty & a level head is a much needed change in Washington. I don't just mean in the oval office either.
I find myself now living in country where many of it's BORN citizens feel it necessary to censor themselves on the web & in public. Heaven forbid an AMERICAN actually feels comfortable enough to speak their mind. I know that I certainly don't! I feel as if some of us have had enough of the government spoon feeding us their crap & want to do something about it. Some of us are tired of the government spoon feeding us their crap & are afraid to try to do anything about it. Then there are a few that believe whatever the government tells them to believe.
I find myself somewhere between being afraid to do anything about it & wanting to do something about it. I honestly don't KNOW what I can do about it other than try to educate myself about the issues, the canidates & try to make the best educated decesion I can in the next election. Of course, one must actually vote to make his or her voice heard.
Big issues for me are the same many other Americans. Immigration is among the most important to me. Education & healthcare are probably the two MOST important issues to me. Not only do I have children & also have 2 parents that are approaching retirement age & have no assests, no healthcare, no pension & are living on borrowed time.They will have no choice but to work until they die. I don't have room for them here & I will never be able to afford to place them in any type of care facility.
I think it's time to stop rambling & go grab a nap before everyone in my house wakes up. Being a MOM I don't have the luxury of sleeping in.
December 31, 2006
What are you doing New year's Eve?
We have elected to stay at home, as we do most years.
It is much safer to stay home...not to mention less expensive! The last time we went out on New Year's Eve was on the eve of 2001. It was an expensive celebration for my husband. We went down to Tempe for the Fiesta Bowl Block Party & we left right after the battle of the bands (marching bands that is). Before we left my husband got down on one knee & asked me to marry him with the little purple stone ring & chose from Wal-Mart. I was thrilled & called my best friend immediately after I said "YES!". It was getting crowded & the crowd was getting rough, so we went home to our little apartment. We got home about 11:30 pm so I could turn my dog Scooter out before midnight. We didn't live in the best area & we didn't know if we would hear gunfire or not at midnight.
I walked back into our little apartment, looked at the time (11:55) & saw my new fiance down on one knee! He said " You mean so much to me & I wanted to do this right." Then he opened the little box as he asked me to marry him for the second time in less than 2 hours. I cried tears of joy & of course I surprised. See, I wasn't expecting to get a diamond & I would have been happy with the first ring. I was unable to find a diamond I liked that didn't look like the diamond I had from my first marriage without going over my fiances budget. It wasn't his budget that was the problem, it was finding a diamond that wasn't a marque cut like the first one I had.
The ring he presented me with was a set of three round diamonds, the largest one in the center with a smaller one on each side. It was white gold (like I wanted) with a small veritcal band of yellow gold on each side of the diamonds. It was perfect! I loved it from the moment I saw it. I was touched that he even gave me a diamond & doubly touched that he picked it out with no help from me. He gave me the opportunity to pick a different diamond out when we went to have it sized, but I declined. I told him I loved it because he picked it out. I do still to this day.
About three months after we got engaged, we got married. No we weren't pregnant. We became parents to be 3 months or so after we tied the knot.
Nearly 6 years later we have a mortage, a car payment & I stay at home with our children. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I am very happy not going out for New Years every year. See why I said staying home is cheaper?
So, what are YOU doing on New Year's Eve?
Happy New Year Year, Best wishes & stay safe in 2007!
It is much safer to stay home...not to mention less expensive! The last time we went out on New Year's Eve was on the eve of 2001. It was an expensive celebration for my husband. We went down to Tempe for the Fiesta Bowl Block Party & we left right after the battle of the bands (marching bands that is). Before we left my husband got down on one knee & asked me to marry him with the little purple stone ring & chose from Wal-Mart. I was thrilled & called my best friend immediately after I said "YES!". It was getting crowded & the crowd was getting rough, so we went home to our little apartment. We got home about 11:30 pm so I could turn my dog Scooter out before midnight. We didn't live in the best area & we didn't know if we would hear gunfire or not at midnight.
I walked back into our little apartment, looked at the time (11:55) & saw my new fiance down on one knee! He said " You mean so much to me & I wanted to do this right." Then he opened the little box as he asked me to marry him for the second time in less than 2 hours. I cried tears of joy & of course I surprised. See, I wasn't expecting to get a diamond & I would have been happy with the first ring. I was unable to find a diamond I liked that didn't look like the diamond I had from my first marriage without going over my fiances budget. It wasn't his budget that was the problem, it was finding a diamond that wasn't a marque cut like the first one I had.
The ring he presented me with was a set of three round diamonds, the largest one in the center with a smaller one on each side. It was white gold (like I wanted) with a small veritcal band of yellow gold on each side of the diamonds. It was perfect! I loved it from the moment I saw it. I was touched that he even gave me a diamond & doubly touched that he picked it out with no help from me. He gave me the opportunity to pick a different diamond out when we went to have it sized, but I declined. I told him I loved it because he picked it out. I do still to this day.
About three months after we got engaged, we got married. No we weren't pregnant. We became parents to be 3 months or so after we tied the knot.
Nearly 6 years later we have a mortage, a car payment & I stay at home with our children. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I am very happy not going out for New Years every year. See why I said staying home is cheaper?
So, what are YOU doing on New Year's Eve?
Happy New Year Year, Best wishes & stay safe in 2007!
Touching AND funny
I received this via e-mail recently. I THINK it was from my friend Burke...honestly I can't remember at the moment though.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Post Office
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job it was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses.
One day, a letter came addressed in shaky handwriting to God, with no actual address. He thought he should open it to see what it was about.
The letter read:
"Dear God,
I am an 83 year old widow, living on a very small pension.
Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had $100 in it, which was all the money I had until my next pension check.
Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope.
Can you please help me?
Sincerely,
Edna
The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and came up with a few dollars. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected $96, which
they put into an envelope and sent to the woman. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Edna and the dinner she would be able to share with her friends.
Christmas came and went.
A few days later, another letter came from the same old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened.
It read ;
"Dear God,
How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift.
By the way, there was $4 missing. I think it must have been those bastards at the Post Office.
Sincerely yours,
Edna"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
See? It's both touching AND funny!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Post Office
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job it was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses.
One day, a letter came addressed in shaky handwriting to God, with no actual address. He thought he should open it to see what it was about.
The letter read:
"Dear God,
I am an 83 year old widow, living on a very small pension.
Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had $100 in it, which was all the money I had until my next pension check.
Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope.
Can you please help me?
Sincerely,
Edna
The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and came up with a few dollars. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected $96, which
they put into an envelope and sent to the woman. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Edna and the dinner she would be able to share with her friends.
Christmas came and went.
A few days later, another letter came from the same old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened.
It read ;
"Dear God,
How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift.
By the way, there was $4 missing. I think it must have been those bastards at the Post Office.
Sincerely yours,
Edna"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
See? It's both touching AND funny!
December 28, 2006
Let's see here, December was a busy month for me.
It started by putting up our Christmas tree. This year we had to place it on & secure it to an end table because the youngest would try to climb up it! The oldest never was a climber but the youngest is. I fully expect to find her one morning running around her bedroom playing with her toys because she has discovered that she can climb out of her crib. To be clear, she has YET to discover that, but is still too young for a toddler bed.
Next my parents had the girls for a sleepover while my Husband & I went to the company Christmas Party at the Dog track. He had never been & I had been once nearly 10 years ago. We didn't lose money, but we didn't win either. We just broke even. That is okay we because we had dinner on the company & had fun. We enjoyed our evening without the kids. It is a rare thing that we get time alone, so we cherish it. The kids have fun & Grandpa & Grandpa's house too & I don't have to worry about them being safe.
Next, we finished shopping for presents for my Husband & I. We didn't go overboard on gifts for each other & the kids this year. It was a nice change too. There was less to wrap, less to put away & less wrapping paper to toss in the trash. The garbage can wasn't overflowing with big boxes & we didn't get tired of waiting for the kids to finish opening their gifts.
The 20th I had a gift exchange with my best friend of 15 years & our children. The kids play very well together & we get to have a little girl talk. We both stay at home with our kids so our adult contact is very limited.
I baked cut out sugar cookies on three occasions. I made some to give to my best friend, some to keep & most to give away. The last batch my husband & I had an assembly line of 6 cookie sheets going in & out of the fridge & oven. For this my husband gave me an early gift of a nice rolling pin. It saved a lot of time & hassle. For about 4 hours straight we would be rolling, cutting & baking cookies. Most of the time we would both be at work while the kids were in the play room or in their bedrooms down for a nap. I would keep baking while he fed the kids lunch, put them down for a nap & he was baking while I ate my lunch. Literally it was non-stop for 4+ hours. Then he gave them a bath & got them ready for bed while I made eleven differant colors of powedered sugar icing for the cookies. The littlest went to bed while my oldest, my husband & I stood around the kitchen island "painting" & decorating cookies. I also made Peppermint Bark to give to the mail carrier, my parents & the girls Godparents.
When I wasn't baking I finishing up Christmas presents. My daughter made vases out of a bottle, pieces of masking tape & paint for my mom & her Godmother. She also made 6 large drink coasters out of popsicle sticks & paint for her Grandpa as well as painted a rock for her Uncle with his name on it. I added a wire ribbon with a handmade bow to the two vases & felt to the back of each coaster. I also had to spray sealant on the gifts. While I was outside spaying my husband was inside feeding the kids dinner. We were up until 2 am preparing for Christmas Eve. That is when we went to see the Godparents & Grandparents.
On Christmas Eve we were up wrapping presents, arranging the gifts from Santa & had to remember to put the cookies & milk out for Santa. I took a photo so the oldest would know we did that. I wrote the girls a letter from "Santa" with special stationary, envelope & sticker I picked up at Dollar Tree last year. The oldest was thrilled to get a letter from the him & the reindeer. It will be a treasured addition to the scrapbook.
Somewhere in December I addressed & mailed nearly 40 Christmas cards to family & friends.
We also had to locate a purple bunny of all things for Santa to leave the oldest one. I asked her if she would take a purple bear if Santa could not find a purple bunny. Her response was "No Mom, because his elves will make a purple bunny!" All I can say is that "Santa" was thankfull for E-bay this year. LOL! Try finding a purple bunny anywhere in stores in the month of December. It is nearly impossible.
I am glad December is nearly over. On Sunday the Chrsitmas tree will be comming down & I get the rest of the livingroom back...until Thaksgiving Day of 2007.
Stay safe on New Years, best wishes for 2007 & remember to pray for our troops in the Middle East.
The Race Has Begun
Edwards Shoots for White House Again
By NEDRA PICKLER (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated PressDecember 28, 2006 11:51 AM EST
NEW ORLEANS - Former vice presidential nominee John Edwards said Thursday that he is a candidate for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, promising "a grass roots, ground-up campaign where we ask people to take action."
Clad in blue jeans, an open-necked shirt and with his sleeves rolled up, Edwards chose the backyard of a victim of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans' devastated 9th Ward for his unorthodox announcement.
"We want people in this campaign to actually take action now, not later, not after the next election," the former North Carolina senator said, sounding as much like a recruiter as a presidential campaigner.
"Instead of staying home and complaining, we're asking Americans to help," Edwards said. "Most of the good that has been done in New Orleans has been done by faith-based groups, charitable groups and volunteers."
Edwards - who is calling for cuts in poverty, global warming and troops in Iraq - chose the site to highlight his signature concern of the economic disparity that divides America.
"I'm here to announce I'm a candidate for president of the United States," Edwards told NBC's "Today Show" earlier Thursday, one of three back-to-back interviews by the candidate on morning news shows. "I've reached my own conclusion this is the best way to serve my country."
Edwards, 53, said the difference between his message to voters in 2004 and his 2008 presidential bid is that, "I've learned since the last campaign that it's great to identify a problem ... but the way you change things is by taking action."
And Iraq is one of the biggest issues facing the country.
"It would be a huge mistake to put a surge of troops into Iraq," Edwards said on ABC's "Good Morning America. "It sends exactly the wrong signal. We can maximize our chances for success by making clear we are going to leave Iraq and not stay there forever."
And the next president must restore America's leadership in the world, he said.
"It's absolutely crucial that America re-establish its moral authority and leadership role in the world," Edward said on CBS "Early Show."
Edwards' campaign got a little ahead of itself Wednesday and announced his intentions online a day early. His Web site briefly featured the logo "John Edwards '08" and its slogan, "Tomorrow begins today" - literally, in this case - before aides quickly removed them.
In his message to supporters, Edwards listed five priorities to change America. Among them: "Guaranteeing health care for every single American," "Strengthening our middle class and ending the shame of poverty," "Leading the fight against global warming," and "Getting America and the world to break our addiction to oil."
Edwards has been working to build his campaign ever since he and John Kerry lost a close race to the Bush-Cheney ticket in 2004.
The campaign could pit Edwards against his former partner on the Democratic ticket. Kerry has not said yet whether he will run, nor have other big names like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, but Edwards did not wait to find out who will be his competition.
He has positioned himself as a serious contender. He's been strengthening his ties to labor and other Democratic activists behind the scenes, rebuilding a top-notch campaign staff and honing his skills. The efforts have made him the leading candidate in early polls of Iowa Democrats who will get the first say in the nomination fight.
Edwards' advisers scheduled a six-state announcement tour between Christmas and New Year's Day with the hopes that news would be slow and he could dominate media coverage. Over three days, Edwards also planned to travel to Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina and his home state of North Carolina.
Edwards was kicking off his campaign at one of the few homes in the neighborhood that appears close to being habitable. It belongs to Orelia Tyler, 54, who has been living in a Federal Emergency Management Agency trailer in her yard while her home was rebuilt.
Edwards' challenge over the next year will be to show that he can keep up with front-runners Clinton and Obama, should they get in the race, in terms of fundraising and support. Unlike officeholders who may run, Edwards does not have a federal campaign account and will have to start raising money from scratch.
He also has hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt from his 2004 campaign.
The son of a textile mill worker, Edwards has been on a fast track most of his life despite his up-by-the-bootstraps roots.
A standout law student who became a stunningly successful trial lawyer and millionaire, Edwards vaulted from nowhere politically into the U.S. Senate and then onto the 2004 Democratic presidential ticket - all in less than six years.
In 1998, in his first bid for public office, Edwards defeated incumbent Sen. Lauch Faircloth, R-N.C., a leading advocate for impeachment of President Clinton.
Edwards began building support for his first presidential bid shortly after arriving in the Senate. He quickly made a name for himself in Congress, using his legal background to help Democratic colleagues navigate the impeachment hearings.
Edwards launched a bid for the Democratic nomination in 2003 and quickly caught the eye of Democratic strategists. Although he won only the South Carolina primary, his skills on the trail, his cheerful demeanor, and his message of "two Americas" - one composed of the wealthy and privileged, and the other of the hardworking common man - excited voters, especially independents and moderate-leaning Democrats.
Edwards' handsome, youthful appearance also gave him a measure of star quality, one of the reasons Kerry selected Edwards as his running mate.
---
On the Net:
http://www.oneamericacommittee.com
By NEDRA PICKLER (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated PressDecember 28, 2006 11:51 AM EST
NEW ORLEANS - Former vice presidential nominee John Edwards said Thursday that he is a candidate for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, promising "a grass roots, ground-up campaign where we ask people to take action."
Clad in blue jeans, an open-necked shirt and with his sleeves rolled up, Edwards chose the backyard of a victim of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans' devastated 9th Ward for his unorthodox announcement.
"We want people in this campaign to actually take action now, not later, not after the next election," the former North Carolina senator said, sounding as much like a recruiter as a presidential campaigner.
"Instead of staying home and complaining, we're asking Americans to help," Edwards said. "Most of the good that has been done in New Orleans has been done by faith-based groups, charitable groups and volunteers."
Edwards - who is calling for cuts in poverty, global warming and troops in Iraq - chose the site to highlight his signature concern of the economic disparity that divides America.
"I'm here to announce I'm a candidate for president of the United States," Edwards told NBC's "Today Show" earlier Thursday, one of three back-to-back interviews by the candidate on morning news shows. "I've reached my own conclusion this is the best way to serve my country."
Edwards, 53, said the difference between his message to voters in 2004 and his 2008 presidential bid is that, "I've learned since the last campaign that it's great to identify a problem ... but the way you change things is by taking action."
And Iraq is one of the biggest issues facing the country.
"It would be a huge mistake to put a surge of troops into Iraq," Edwards said on ABC's "Good Morning America. "It sends exactly the wrong signal. We can maximize our chances for success by making clear we are going to leave Iraq and not stay there forever."
And the next president must restore America's leadership in the world, he said.
"It's absolutely crucial that America re-establish its moral authority and leadership role in the world," Edward said on CBS "Early Show."
Edwards' campaign got a little ahead of itself Wednesday and announced his intentions online a day early. His Web site briefly featured the logo "John Edwards '08" and its slogan, "Tomorrow begins today" - literally, in this case - before aides quickly removed them.
In his message to supporters, Edwards listed five priorities to change America. Among them: "Guaranteeing health care for every single American," "Strengthening our middle class and ending the shame of poverty," "Leading the fight against global warming," and "Getting America and the world to break our addiction to oil."
Edwards has been working to build his campaign ever since he and John Kerry lost a close race to the Bush-Cheney ticket in 2004.
The campaign could pit Edwards against his former partner on the Democratic ticket. Kerry has not said yet whether he will run, nor have other big names like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, but Edwards did not wait to find out who will be his competition.
He has positioned himself as a serious contender. He's been strengthening his ties to labor and other Democratic activists behind the scenes, rebuilding a top-notch campaign staff and honing his skills. The efforts have made him the leading candidate in early polls of Iowa Democrats who will get the first say in the nomination fight.
Edwards' advisers scheduled a six-state announcement tour between Christmas and New Year's Day with the hopes that news would be slow and he could dominate media coverage. Over three days, Edwards also planned to travel to Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina and his home state of North Carolina.
Edwards was kicking off his campaign at one of the few homes in the neighborhood that appears close to being habitable. It belongs to Orelia Tyler, 54, who has been living in a Federal Emergency Management Agency trailer in her yard while her home was rebuilt.
Edwards' challenge over the next year will be to show that he can keep up with front-runners Clinton and Obama, should they get in the race, in terms of fundraising and support. Unlike officeholders who may run, Edwards does not have a federal campaign account and will have to start raising money from scratch.
He also has hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt from his 2004 campaign.
The son of a textile mill worker, Edwards has been on a fast track most of his life despite his up-by-the-bootstraps roots.
A standout law student who became a stunningly successful trial lawyer and millionaire, Edwards vaulted from nowhere politically into the U.S. Senate and then onto the 2004 Democratic presidential ticket - all in less than six years.
In 1998, in his first bid for public office, Edwards defeated incumbent Sen. Lauch Faircloth, R-N.C., a leading advocate for impeachment of President Clinton.
Edwards began building support for his first presidential bid shortly after arriving in the Senate. He quickly made a name for himself in Congress, using his legal background to help Democratic colleagues navigate the impeachment hearings.
Edwards launched a bid for the Democratic nomination in 2003 and quickly caught the eye of Democratic strategists. Although he won only the South Carolina primary, his skills on the trail, his cheerful demeanor, and his message of "two Americas" - one composed of the wealthy and privileged, and the other of the hardworking common man - excited voters, especially independents and moderate-leaning Democrats.
Edwards' handsome, youthful appearance also gave him a measure of star quality, one of the reasons Kerry selected Edwards as his running mate.
---
On the Net:
http://www.oneamericacommittee.com
December 01, 2006
“I’ve come too far to take orders from a cookie”
of a french fry, or a soda or anything else that falls under the food & beverage catagories.
I am currently in the midst of a 40 day long Fast Food Fast! I figure if I can live without Fast Food for 40 days then I can live without it for good.
I am currently in the midst of a 40 day long Fast Food Fast! I figure if I can live without Fast Food for 40 days then I can live without it for good.
October 22, 2006
It's been awhile!
Since the end of September I have been busy.
I have been decluttering my home...somewhat anyway.
I have been planning for our up comming trip to Illinois to visit family.
I have had 2 meetings with the contracted fire service for the area in which I live. We have to subscribe to a contracted non-profit fire department because we live in a rural area. It is something that most "City Folk" don't have to concern themselves with. It also covers emergency response for medical emergencies, snake removal, bee removal & when we are away, they will come out a few times each week & drive around our property to make sure there has been no damages due to weather or vandals. Then they temporarily fix the damage & notify us by telephone!
I have a few things left to do before Halloween as well. I have to assemble the pieces of my costume. I need to find the kids trick or treat bags. Clean up the kids carseats & few other things.
My birthday was this month. On my birthday I slept late, spent three hours giving myself a pedicure & soaking my feet. I wore nice clothes (nice for me at least) & did my hair & make-up. I am a stay at home mom so I don't do any of that very often. My husband took our kids & I out for dinner & I got my very first tattoo. It is still healing, but it is healing surprisingly fast.
My father had an emergency appendectomy. My husband got a tatto as well & I spoke to one of my brothers for the first time in probably 6 months or so. I also spoke to my sister as well, but I can only reach her on an average of every 6 weeks or so.
Recently I have also started to make & mail out paper cranes to perfect strangers. When I mail them I send instructions on how to make their own paper cranes. It is said that when you make 1000 paper cranes & write your wish on the wings, it will come true. I haven't been writing wishes on most of my cranes but I include the instructions hoping I will receive a crane in return. It seems many Postcrossers know the legend of the crane. Postcrossing is how I am getting most of my addresses, but I did get one from 43 Things & 1 from Basic Human.
I have been decluttering my home...somewhat anyway.
I have been planning for our up comming trip to Illinois to visit family.
I have had 2 meetings with the contracted fire service for the area in which I live. We have to subscribe to a contracted non-profit fire department because we live in a rural area. It is something that most "City Folk" don't have to concern themselves with. It also covers emergency response for medical emergencies, snake removal, bee removal & when we are away, they will come out a few times each week & drive around our property to make sure there has been no damages due to weather or vandals. Then they temporarily fix the damage & notify us by telephone!
I have a few things left to do before Halloween as well. I have to assemble the pieces of my costume. I need to find the kids trick or treat bags. Clean up the kids carseats & few other things.
My birthday was this month. On my birthday I slept late, spent three hours giving myself a pedicure & soaking my feet. I wore nice clothes (nice for me at least) & did my hair & make-up. I am a stay at home mom so I don't do any of that very often. My husband took our kids & I out for dinner & I got my very first tattoo. It is still healing, but it is healing surprisingly fast.
My father had an emergency appendectomy. My husband got a tatto as well & I spoke to one of my brothers for the first time in probably 6 months or so. I also spoke to my sister as well, but I can only reach her on an average of every 6 weeks or so.
Recently I have also started to make & mail out paper cranes to perfect strangers. When I mail them I send instructions on how to make their own paper cranes. It is said that when you make 1000 paper cranes & write your wish on the wings, it will come true. I haven't been writing wishes on most of my cranes but I include the instructions hoping I will receive a crane in return. It seems many Postcrossers know the legend of the crane. Postcrossing is how I am getting most of my addresses, but I did get one from 43 Things & 1 from Basic Human.
September 30, 2006
4:30 AM & I have insomnia!
It's is 4:30 AM & I have a MAJOR case of insomnia! I have been up & awake since 8 am YESTERDAY! For some reason, I just can NOT get my mind to shut off. UGH! I dread days like this. The crazy that I have been yawning since 8pm last night. It makes no sense to me what so ever when this happens. Luckily, it doesn't happen often.
This month was the 2nd anniversary of this blog. It went by & I didn't even realize it. I have been kind of busy though. We went to San Diego for nearly 5 days in the beginning of September. When we returned we planned & paid for our approaching trip to the midwest. We have deceided to fly afterall. The little one doesn't travel in the car very well. We are HOPING the plane ride will go better. I was glad to hear of the easing of the restrictions of liquids on the plane. We will see how long the easing of those restrictions stay in effect though. Needless to say, the relatives we will be visiting are excited to meet their youngest grandchild for the first time. Only one isn't aware of our visit due to problems with her memory. My Aunt will let her know of our visit a few days before we are due to show up there.
Recently my husband had a rare Friday off work. We went to the DMV to get my license changed to my married name. It only took us 5 1/2 years to accomplish that. My SS had been changed for a few years now but with a break in pregnancy, eye glasses that work, a rare day off so my husband could watch the kids AND that approaching trip...we FINALLY got it done. Since I wouldn't be able to board the plane without ID in my LEGAL name...NOT getting it done was no longer an option. FINALLY I AM RID OF MY EX-HUSBANDS LAST NAME! THANK GOODNESS! IT feels REALLY good too. Wouldn't you know that literally minutes after I got my ID, I went to a local hair cutting place & COMPLETELY changed my hairstyle. LOL! It is still long, but now I have bangs & long layers on the sides around my face. It is nice to no longer be suffering from "HF"...High Forehead. I feel like I look nearly 10 years younger. It was a mini-makeover you might say. Now I need to do something about my clothes....
If the family wasn't peacefully sleeping in their beds right now, I would be doing housework instead of being online. Since I have a tendency to get a bit loud while doing housework at times, here I am.
Oh, our San Diego trip....we had fun for the most part. We arrived Friday afternoon & went to Scripp's Aquarium before we checked into our hotel. Bob & Liz got to touch a Sea Urchin. We saw the typical aquarium animals. We also got to see VERY pregnant Sea Horses & 2 types of Sea Dragons. After that we checked into our hotel & ate dinner. The off to Old Town we went. We toured the Whaley House, a real haunted house, walked around Old Town & went back to the hotel.
The next day we got up early & spent MOST of the day at Coronado Beach. About 4pm the girls got a quick nap in while we drove down to Imperial Beach. There we walked to the end of the pier, saw a kid hook a sting ray on his line, watched the surfers & body boarders & hit a couple of gift shops. Then we returned to our hotel.
Sunday we spent the day at Balboa Park. While there we toured all of the houses of nations, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Museum of Man & the botanical building. While at the garden we got to listen to the Spreckles Organ. We didn't even come CLOSE to seeing all there is to see at Balboa Park.It was very enjoyable though.
Monday we spent at Legoland California. The best part was Miniland. Past that...I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Spend your time & money at Sea World or Disneyland & you'll have a better time.
I am going to TRY & grab a nap before the kids & spouse wake up for the day.
This month was the 2nd anniversary of this blog. It went by & I didn't even realize it. I have been kind of busy though. We went to San Diego for nearly 5 days in the beginning of September. When we returned we planned & paid for our approaching trip to the midwest. We have deceided to fly afterall. The little one doesn't travel in the car very well. We are HOPING the plane ride will go better. I was glad to hear of the easing of the restrictions of liquids on the plane. We will see how long the easing of those restrictions stay in effect though. Needless to say, the relatives we will be visiting are excited to meet their youngest grandchild for the first time. Only one isn't aware of our visit due to problems with her memory. My Aunt will let her know of our visit a few days before we are due to show up there.
Recently my husband had a rare Friday off work. We went to the DMV to get my license changed to my married name. It only took us 5 1/2 years to accomplish that. My SS had been changed for a few years now but with a break in pregnancy, eye glasses that work, a rare day off so my husband could watch the kids AND that approaching trip...we FINALLY got it done. Since I wouldn't be able to board the plane without ID in my LEGAL name...NOT getting it done was no longer an option. FINALLY I AM RID OF MY EX-HUSBANDS LAST NAME! THANK GOODNESS! IT feels REALLY good too. Wouldn't you know that literally minutes after I got my ID, I went to a local hair cutting place & COMPLETELY changed my hairstyle. LOL! It is still long, but now I have bangs & long layers on the sides around my face. It is nice to no longer be suffering from "HF"...High Forehead. I feel like I look nearly 10 years younger. It was a mini-makeover you might say. Now I need to do something about my clothes....
If the family wasn't peacefully sleeping in their beds right now, I would be doing housework instead of being online. Since I have a tendency to get a bit loud while doing housework at times, here I am.
Oh, our San Diego trip....we had fun for the most part. We arrived Friday afternoon & went to Scripp's Aquarium before we checked into our hotel. Bob & Liz got to touch a Sea Urchin. We saw the typical aquarium animals. We also got to see VERY pregnant Sea Horses & 2 types of Sea Dragons. After that we checked into our hotel & ate dinner. The off to Old Town we went. We toured the Whaley House, a real haunted house, walked around Old Town & went back to the hotel.
The next day we got up early & spent MOST of the day at Coronado Beach. About 4pm the girls got a quick nap in while we drove down to Imperial Beach. There we walked to the end of the pier, saw a kid hook a sting ray on his line, watched the surfers & body boarders & hit a couple of gift shops. Then we returned to our hotel.
Sunday we spent the day at Balboa Park. While there we toured all of the houses of nations, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Museum of Man & the botanical building. While at the garden we got to listen to the Spreckles Organ. We didn't even come CLOSE to seeing all there is to see at Balboa Park.It was very enjoyable though.
Monday we spent at Legoland California. The best part was Miniland. Past that...I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Spend your time & money at Sea World or Disneyland & you'll have a better time.
I am going to TRY & grab a nap before the kids & spouse wake up for the day.
September 21, 2006
Not so gloomy anymore
After I got done crying while writing my last post, I got the kids up, we all ate breakfast & I watched some TV while the girls played in the livingroom.
Next the youngest took a nap & I got to work on my kitchen. For 2 hours straight (I know because I timed it) I tossed, cleaned, sorted, put away & repeated the process over & over. At the moment, I have stacks of sorted magazines on the kitchen counter top awaiting my return. The counter tops are all dust free because I cleaned them. I can now see most of the top of the kitchen table & most of the three kitchen counter tops as well. Three bags of trash went out the door & the bookshelves (yes my kitchen has built-in book shelves) are neat & somewhat organized. Laundry is sorted & ready to be washed. My laundry room isn't large enough for sorting clothes in & is adjacent to my kitchen. THAT is why I have dirty clothes in my kitchen.At least NOW they are sorted & in laundry baskets.
Last night I loaded the dishwasher & shined my kitchen sinks as well as cleaning the counter top on which those magazines currently sit. The at least ONE of each magazine will be left out for my husband to see. HE subscribes to all these magazines, most of which get thumbed through & not looked at again. I plan to write a list of WHICH magazines we subscribe to & as they come due for renewal, we will decide TOGETHER which ones will not be renewed.
Last night, since it was garbage pick-up day today, I broke down as many boxes as I could & put them in the trash. For some reason, my husband & I can never seem to get on the same wave length at the same time when it comes to boxes, magazines & papers.Then they pile up & become monsters. I have HAD it & I HAVE to break that cycle. I want to take a sense of pride in my home, be able to keep it presentable & able for us to display our treasures instead of clutter.
Now, I need to bring this entry to a close & go back to those magazines again. I have to have enough space to make dinner. As for dinner, I FOUND my CROCK-POT today! It's too late to use it to prepare dinner tonight, but not for tomorrow night!
Next the youngest took a nap & I got to work on my kitchen. For 2 hours straight (I know because I timed it) I tossed, cleaned, sorted, put away & repeated the process over & over. At the moment, I have stacks of sorted magazines on the kitchen counter top awaiting my return. The counter tops are all dust free because I cleaned them. I can now see most of the top of the kitchen table & most of the three kitchen counter tops as well. Three bags of trash went out the door & the bookshelves (yes my kitchen has built-in book shelves) are neat & somewhat organized. Laundry is sorted & ready to be washed. My laundry room isn't large enough for sorting clothes in & is adjacent to my kitchen. THAT is why I have dirty clothes in my kitchen.At least NOW they are sorted & in laundry baskets.
Last night I loaded the dishwasher & shined my kitchen sinks as well as cleaning the counter top on which those magazines currently sit. The at least ONE of each magazine will be left out for my husband to see. HE subscribes to all these magazines, most of which get thumbed through & not looked at again. I plan to write a list of WHICH magazines we subscribe to & as they come due for renewal, we will decide TOGETHER which ones will not be renewed.
Last night, since it was garbage pick-up day today, I broke down as many boxes as I could & put them in the trash. For some reason, my husband & I can never seem to get on the same wave length at the same time when it comes to boxes, magazines & papers.Then they pile up & become monsters. I have HAD it & I HAVE to break that cycle. I want to take a sense of pride in my home, be able to keep it presentable & able for us to display our treasures instead of clutter.
Now, I need to bring this entry to a close & go back to those magazines again. I have to have enough space to make dinner. As for dinner, I FOUND my CROCK-POT today! It's too late to use it to prepare dinner tonight, but not for tomorrow night!
Darn season finale of grey's Anatomy!
I watched the rerun of the season finale of Grey's Anatomy last night. I had only seen parts of it the first time it was played. I KNEW that the dog "Doc" was put to sleeep but I didn't know why.
The scene where his three humans were in the vets office surrounding him with Doc awaiting his fate was too much for me. I broke down in tears crying like an idiot. My Scooter's last moments came flooding back. I could see him, feel him even smell him with those memories. It was almost as if it has happened all over again. I've been missing him anyaway & he's been on my mind. The first anniversary of his passing is just around the corner. I don't dwell on it, but my daughter will see a picture pop up on the computer and say "Mommy, I miss Scooter. I know you miss him too". She doesn't cry for him, she just simply states how she feels & then she's done with it. She does say that when her & her sister are older that then maybe we can get another dog. This morning I woke up with silent tears streaming down my face, thoughts of my dear, sweet Scoot on my mind. I KNOW he is in a better place without pain. I KNOW it was time but I can't help but keep from thinking " Maybe I put him to sleep too soon" I KNOW it was time, just as I KNEW it was time when I had to put our dog "O.J." down in 1994. I also remember second guessing myself for about 3 years afterward, but I don't remember crying like this almost a year after her passing. I guess my heart is still broken, I just didn't realize it.
Man's Lost Gnome Attends Steelers Game
From Associated PressSeptember 20, 2006 10:01 PM EDT
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Allen Snyder's garden gnome is apparently out of jail and now traveling the country. The 14-inch tall red-and-white statue disappeared from Snyder's Morgantown yard in the spring, and Snyder has since received three letters claiming to have been written by "Gnomey."
The latest letter, which Snyder received this week, included photos of the gnome in the company of Steelers fans attending Pittsburgh's football home opener.
"You never took me to any games," the note said. The letter ended: "Have to go now. Boarding a plane. Now, finally, broadening my travels."
An earlier letter included a request for bail money and included what appeared to be booking photos of Gnomey and another of the gnome in the back seat of a police car.
Snyder has no idea who's pulling this prank but said his short list of suspects includes several gag-loving friends.
The plight of his gnome has gotten a lot of attention. Snyder says people are always asking if he's heard from Gnomey.
"I never thought it would go this far," he said.
The story has even caught the attention of officials at Travelocity, which uses a roaming gnome in the online travel agency's advertising.
"While we know that your dear friend, Gnomey, can never be replaced, we're sending the enclosed Roaming Gnome to keep you company in his absence," wrote Michelle Peluso, president and chief executive officer of Travelocity, based in Southlake, Texas. "Hopefully your friend will find his way out of trouble and back to your front yard soon, although we can't help but admire his sense of adventure and love of travel."
Information from: The Dominion Post, http://www.dominionpost.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The scene where his three humans were in the vets office surrounding him with Doc awaiting his fate was too much for me. I broke down in tears crying like an idiot. My Scooter's last moments came flooding back. I could see him, feel him even smell him with those memories. It was almost as if it has happened all over again. I've been missing him anyaway & he's been on my mind. The first anniversary of his passing is just around the corner. I don't dwell on it, but my daughter will see a picture pop up on the computer and say "Mommy, I miss Scooter. I know you miss him too". She doesn't cry for him, she just simply states how she feels & then she's done with it. She does say that when her & her sister are older that then maybe we can get another dog. This morning I woke up with silent tears streaming down my face, thoughts of my dear, sweet Scoot on my mind. I KNOW he is in a better place without pain. I KNOW it was time but I can't help but keep from thinking " Maybe I put him to sleep too soon" I KNOW it was time, just as I KNEW it was time when I had to put our dog "O.J." down in 1994. I also remember second guessing myself for about 3 years afterward, but I don't remember crying like this almost a year after her passing. I guess my heart is still broken, I just didn't realize it.
This article about "Gnomey the garden gnome" did help bring a smile to my face. Sometimes the heavens just seem to know how to bring a little light into an emotinally gloomy day.
Man's Lost Gnome Attends Steelers Game
From Associated PressSeptember 20, 2006 10:01 PM EDT
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Allen Snyder's garden gnome is apparently out of jail and now traveling the country. The 14-inch tall red-and-white statue disappeared from Snyder's Morgantown yard in the spring, and Snyder has since received three letters claiming to have been written by "Gnomey."
The latest letter, which Snyder received this week, included photos of the gnome in the company of Steelers fans attending Pittsburgh's football home opener.
"You never took me to any games," the note said. The letter ended: "Have to go now. Boarding a plane. Now, finally, broadening my travels."
An earlier letter included a request for bail money and included what appeared to be booking photos of Gnomey and another of the gnome in the back seat of a police car.
Snyder has no idea who's pulling this prank but said his short list of suspects includes several gag-loving friends.
The plight of his gnome has gotten a lot of attention. Snyder says people are always asking if he's heard from Gnomey.
"I never thought it would go this far," he said.
The story has even caught the attention of officials at Travelocity, which uses a roaming gnome in the online travel agency's advertising.
"While we know that your dear friend, Gnomey, can never be replaced, we're sending the enclosed Roaming Gnome to keep you company in his absence," wrote Michelle Peluso, president and chief executive officer of Travelocity, based in Southlake, Texas. "Hopefully your friend will find his way out of trouble and back to your front yard soon, although we can't help but admire his sense of adventure and love of travel."
Information from: The Dominion Post, http://www.dominionpost.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
September 14, 2006
Duane 'Dog' Chapman Arrested in Hawaii
By MARK NIESSE (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated PressSeptember 14, 2006 8:37 PM EDT
HONOLULU - TV reality star Duane "Dog" Chapman and two co-stars on his show were arrested Thursday in Hawaii on charges of illegal detention and conspiracy in the bounty hunters' capture three years ago of a cosmetics company heir.
Chapman, son Leland Chapman and associate Timothy Chapman were taken into custody and did not resist arrest, said Mark Hanohano, U.S. Marshal for the district of Hawaii. "It went down without incident," Hanohano said.
Mona K. Wood, a publicist for the star of the popular cable series "Dog The Bounty Hunter," said Chapman would be vindicated. "He arrests the bad guys - and he is definitely not one of them," she said.
The charges stem from Chapman's capture of Max Factor heir Andrew Luster on June 18, 2003, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, said Marshals spokeswoman Nikki Credic in Washington.
Chapman's capture of Luster, who had fled the country after being convicted of raping three women, catapulted the 53-year-old bounty hunter to fame and led to the reality series on A&E.
The three are being held in Honolulu. Bail has not been set. They will face an extradition hearing to Mexico under terms of treaties between the U.S. and Mexico, Credic said.
Chapman's son Leland, 29, and Timothy Chapman, 41, no relation, assist Chapman in exploits chronicled for the TV show around the Hawaiian Islands. The show focuses on Chapman's family as much as the bounty hunting, which generally involves tracking down bail jumpers, often creating emotional scenes with repentant captives.
Charges have been pending against the three since local police in Mexico arrested them shortly after they roped in Luster. They posted bail but never returned to Puerto Vallarta for their court hearing on July 15, 2003, Credic said.
Mexican authorities demanded that the Chapmans transfer Luster to Mexican police. Their refusal to do so led to their initial arrest.
A U.S. warrant for their arrest was signed by a federal judge in Honolulu on Wednesday.
By MARK NIESSE (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated PressSeptember 14, 2006 8:37 PM EDT
HONOLULU - TV reality star Duane "Dog" Chapman and two co-stars on his show were arrested Thursday in Hawaii on charges of illegal detention and conspiracy in the bounty hunters' capture three years ago of a cosmetics company heir.
Chapman, son Leland Chapman and associate Timothy Chapman were taken into custody and did not resist arrest, said Mark Hanohano, U.S. Marshal for the district of Hawaii. "It went down without incident," Hanohano said.
Mona K. Wood, a publicist for the star of the popular cable series "Dog The Bounty Hunter," said Chapman would be vindicated. "He arrests the bad guys - and he is definitely not one of them," she said.
The charges stem from Chapman's capture of Max Factor heir Andrew Luster on June 18, 2003, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, said Marshals spokeswoman Nikki Credic in Washington.
Chapman's capture of Luster, who had fled the country after being convicted of raping three women, catapulted the 53-year-old bounty hunter to fame and led to the reality series on A&E.
The three are being held in Honolulu. Bail has not been set. They will face an extradition hearing to Mexico under terms of treaties between the U.S. and Mexico, Credic said.
Chapman's son Leland, 29, and Timothy Chapman, 41, no relation, assist Chapman in exploits chronicled for the TV show around the Hawaiian Islands. The show focuses on Chapman's family as much as the bounty hunting, which generally involves tracking down bail jumpers, often creating emotional scenes with repentant captives.
Charges have been pending against the three since local police in Mexico arrested them shortly after they roped in Luster. They posted bail but never returned to Puerto Vallarta for their court hearing on July 15, 2003, Credic said.
Mexican authorities demanded that the Chapmans transfer Luster to Mexican police. Their refusal to do so led to their initial arrest.
A U.S. warrant for their arrest was signed by a federal judge in Honolulu on Wednesday.
September 06, 2006
Almost caught up & ready to go!
I think it was my Aunt that e-mailed this to me. All I know is that I cracked up when I read it.
It reminds me of a skit on the Man Show a few years back for a ficticious product called "Crack Spackel" That cracked me up as well.
Almost caught up refers to my Postcrossing activities.
This past week I mailed out BOTH of the photography books I contributed to & today I mailed out the creative notebook I contributed to. I still have to finish my "In the kitchen" handmade postcards & my matching photo/postcard round robin activites. Those won't be finished before we leave though.
Today I recieved a postcard from South Korea. That is very exciting for me. It is a first from that country. Hopefully my card from Jamacia will arrive soon as well.
In the mail I received the vacation planning kit I requested for our upcomming trip. There are even some coupons included for a couple of the sites we are planning to see! It will be so nice to escape this heat for a few days. Hopefully blogger will let me post photos of our trip when we get back!
The little one is getting teeth again & the oldest one got her ears pierced on Monday. She has been asking for the past few months & we have been able to discourage it. On Monday, she asked again & I told her it was going to hurt. She still wanted them pierced though. After she got the first one done, she didn't want the second one done anymore. Too bad, I wasn't going to pay $40 for ONE ear to be pierced! She screamed & cried but she got it done. After that we went for ice cream. After ice cream she asked to return to the store to tell the lady that pierced her ears sorry. I didn't suggest it, she just did it! She said "Lady, I'm sorry I screamed. Thank you for my earrings." For the record, the studs are now made with 14K gold instead of the stainless surgical steel ones they used when mine were pierced back about 1982.
!!NEWSFLASH!LIFELONG NAILBITER BREAKS THE HABIT!!
Also, it has taken nearly 37 years but I FINALLY have grown out my fingernails! I have been a habitual nail biter for as long as I can remember. I FINALLy have stopped snacking on my fingers & not only do I have natural nails, but they are 1/4 inch out past my fingertips! I even let the manicurist paint them...RED! My hubby LOVES it but I am still getting used to them. I have finally stopped accidentally scratching myself, my kids & my hubby with them. Only ONE broke off & that was a month ago so it is nearly as long as it's fellow nine nail siblings. I must admit that it feels good not to feel ashamed of my nasty, ragged looking fingers any longer.
In closing, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I must go as I have many things that require my attention before bed tonight.
August 21, 2006
I placed in a contest!
I entered a postcard contest & I tied for second place! I never win or even place in anything so this is huge for me.
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The cause of my husbands headaches are still currently unknown. After an MRI, an MRA & & $1000 in medical bills for those two tests...all we get are "I think the cause of your headaces are probably due to tension" Tension?!?! Thanks alot Doc! If it turns about to be something else that wasn't discovered & my hubby becomes mamed or worse...I am suing that specialist. On the other hand, I am glad it's not something serious like Cancer or an Annurisim. A $1000 bill when we were expecting a $200 bill is a tough thing to swallow. Thank God we have medical insurance.
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We are also taking TWO trips in the months ahead. We are going to San Diego to Legoland, the Whaley house, Scripps Aquarium & to Mission Beach. Bob didn't get to go anywhere on vacation...except once to Italy growing up. He is making up for vacations he missed as a kid with our children.
Later this year we are headed to Illinois to see family members. We drive straight through to Chicago & work our way down the state to see my family. The last time we saw family members in Illinois was November of 2003 so we are overdue for a visit. We were going to fly but by the time we bought tickets, dealt with ever changing air line restrictions (not good with a pre-schooler & a 1 year old) then we had to rent a car as well. We could rent a mini-van & pay for gas & still come out money ahead. That is what we are doing. My Grandmother Gaskins knows we are comming for a visit, but the T's do not yet. Of course my MIL knows as well.
Due to these two trips I must pass on trip to go with my girlfriends (no spouses or children allowed) to Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. There is no way my hubby could get the time off work to watch the girls in addition to the time off for the other 2 above mentioned trips. It stinks but it's a necessary choice & my family has to come first. It's not as if I won't enjoy our two planned trips. Since there is talk of doing a "girls only" trip every year, maybe I can go next year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We are also taking TWO trips in the months ahead. We are going to San Diego to Legoland, the Whaley house, Scripps Aquarium & to Mission Beach. Bob didn't get to go anywhere on vacation...except once to Italy growing up. He is making up for vacations he missed as a kid with our children.
Later this year we are headed to Illinois to see family members. We drive straight through to Chicago & work our way down the state to see my family. The last time we saw family members in Illinois was November of 2003 so we are overdue for a visit. We were going to fly but by the time we bought tickets, dealt with ever changing air line restrictions (not good with a pre-schooler & a 1 year old) then we had to rent a car as well. We could rent a mini-van & pay for gas & still come out money ahead. That is what we are doing. My Grandmother Gaskins knows we are comming for a visit, but the T's do not yet. Of course my MIL knows as well.
Due to these two trips I must pass on trip to go with my girlfriends (no spouses or children allowed) to Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. There is no way my hubby could get the time off work to watch the girls in addition to the time off for the other 2 above mentioned trips. It stinks but it's a necessary choice & my family has to come first. It's not as if I won't enjoy our two planned trips. Since there is talk of doing a "girls only" trip every year, maybe I can go next year.
August 04, 2006
Hopefully, they caught the right guy(s)
Police Arrest 2 in Ariz. Shootings Case
By CHRIS KAHN (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated PressAugust 04, 2006 10:26 AM EDT
MESA, Ariz. - Authorities arrested two men Friday in connection with a series of fatal shootings that have terrorized Phoenix area residents for more than a year, a police spokesman said.
The men were apprehended at a gated apartment complex and were being held at Phoenix police headquarters, police Sgt. Andy Hill said.
The men were considered suspects in the "Serial Shooter" case - one of two serial killers whom authorities say have been operating in the Phoenix area.
Authorities have said that the so-called "Serial Shooter" is believed to be responsible for killing six people and wounding 17 others, mostly pedestrians and bicyclists, since May 2005.
The most recent was Sunday in Mesa when a 22-year-old woman was fatally shot as she was walking from her parents' home to her boyfriend's house, authorities said.
Fear and paranoia have gripped Phoenix neighborhoods in recent months as police linked more and more seemingly random shootings to one assailant. Investigators believe the Serial Shooter targeted people in both the western and eastern edges of Phoenix's sprawling suburbs.
Police had said they had no idea who the Serial Shooter was, what he looked like and whether he was working alone.
"I hope they got him," said Caroll Roberts, whose 19-year-old son was shot in the torso last month and survived after four hours of surgery. "I want to shoot him in the stomach to see how he'd like it, like he did my son."
Officials from several police agencies searched the apartment complex Friday morning as part of the investigation. Some used flashlights to peer through the windows of a car, which was later hauled away by a tow truck.
Television footage showed police officers carrying what appeared to be several rifles or shotguns away from the apartment. Complex resident Loraine Salyers said she lives near where police came in Friday. "I came out and there were like a hundred cops," Salyers said. I was so scared. My heart's pounding."
Phoenix police have had about 200 officers working to try to solve the Serial Shooter cases and to find a second serial killer dubbed the "Baseline Killer."
The "Baseline Killer" is believed responsible for killing seven women and one man since last September, and sexually assaulting 11 women and girls in the past year.
Authorities have said that the so-called "Serial Shooter" is believed to be responsible for three dozen shootings of people, and dogs and horses. The shootings have generally happened late at night, with no witnesses.
Robin Blasnek, 22, was gunned down at about 11:15 p.m. Sunday. Neighbors heard a shot and ran to help the young woman, but she soon lost consciousness and died at a hospital.
The shooting was linked to earlier cases because of similarities and forensic evidence, authorities said.
Blasnek's father told the East Valley Tribune that his daughter grew up as a special needs child, and lived part time with her parents in Mesa and at a group home in Tempe.
"She was just a great kid. Very, very naive, and pure as far as not understanding the dangers of the world," Steve Blasnek said. "I guess my only regret is that I didn't give her a big hug."
---
On the Net:
Phoenix Police Department: Police Arrest 2 in Ariz. Shootings Case
By CHRIS KAHN (Associated Press Writer)
By CHRIS KAHN (Associated Press Writer)
From Associated PressAugust 04, 2006 10:26 AM EDT
MESA, Ariz. - Authorities arrested two men Friday in connection with a series of fatal shootings that have terrorized Phoenix area residents for more than a year, a police spokesman said.
The men were apprehended at a gated apartment complex and were being held at Phoenix police headquarters, police Sgt. Andy Hill said.
The men were considered suspects in the "Serial Shooter" case - one of two serial killers whom authorities say have been operating in the Phoenix area.
Authorities have said that the so-called "Serial Shooter" is believed to be responsible for killing six people and wounding 17 others, mostly pedestrians and bicyclists, since May 2005.
The most recent was Sunday in Mesa when a 22-year-old woman was fatally shot as she was walking from her parents' home to her boyfriend's house, authorities said.
Fear and paranoia have gripped Phoenix neighborhoods in recent months as police linked more and more seemingly random shootings to one assailant. Investigators believe the Serial Shooter targeted people in both the western and eastern edges of Phoenix's sprawling suburbs.
Police had said they had no idea who the Serial Shooter was, what he looked like and whether he was working alone.
"I hope they got him," said Caroll Roberts, whose 19-year-old son was shot in the torso last month and survived after four hours of surgery. "I want to shoot him in the stomach to see how he'd like it, like he did my son."
Officials from several police agencies searched the apartment complex Friday morning as part of the investigation. Some used flashlights to peer through the windows of a car, which was later hauled away by a tow truck.
Television footage showed police officers carrying what appeared to be several rifles or shotguns away from the apartment. Complex resident Loraine Salyers said she lives near where police came in Friday. "I came out and there were like a hundred cops," Salyers said. I was so scared. My heart's pounding."
Phoenix police have had about 200 officers working to try to solve the Serial Shooter cases and to find a second serial killer dubbed the "Baseline Killer."
The "Baseline Killer" is believed responsible for killing seven women and one man since last September, and sexually assaulting 11 women and girls in the past year.
Authorities have said that the so-called "Serial Shooter" is believed to be responsible for three dozen shootings of people, and dogs and horses. The shootings have generally happened late at night, with no witnesses.
Robin Blasnek, 22, was gunned down at about 11:15 p.m. Sunday. Neighbors heard a shot and ran to help the young woman, but she soon lost consciousness and died at a hospital.
The shooting was linked to earlier cases because of similarities and forensic evidence, authorities said.
Blasnek's father told the East Valley Tribune that his daughter grew up as a special needs child, and lived part time with her parents in Mesa and at a group home in Tempe.
"She was just a great kid. Very, very naive, and pure as far as not understanding the dangers of the world," Steve Blasnek said. "I guess my only regret is that I didn't give her a big hug."
---
On the Net:
Phoenix Police Department: Police Arrest 2 in Ariz. Shootings Case
By CHRIS KAHN (Associated Press Writer)
August 01, 2006
Mom Tracks Down Toilet-Tissue Pranksters
July 31, 2006 9:30 PM EDT
NORCO, Calif. - Teenagers who toilet-papered and damaged a home now face felony vandalism charges because of a mother's extraordinary sleuthing.
Katja Base, mother of six, was unwilling to let the teens get away with it, saying she tracked them down to teach her kids about accountability.
Base awoke one February morning to find her front lawn strewn in white two-ply toilet paper. She and husband Ken also found damaged landscaping and light fixtures as well as ruined finishes on two cars.
Dog food and flour also covered the lawn.
Realizing the sheriff's department has better things to do than track down teen pranksters, Katja Base decided to do some detective work.
"There needs to be accountability," she said. "Mainly, I pursued this as a lesson for my daughters. I don't want them to ever come to me and ask why I didn't do anything about this."
Base persuaded supermarket managers to tally daily toilet-paper buys for the week and a Stater Bros. manager said there was a run on bathroom tissue two days before her home was vandalized.
At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17, someone bought 144 rolls of toilet paper, cheese, dog food, flour and plastic forks, the same items found on her lawn and house. It was a cash transaction, making it difficult to trace the purchaser, but the store had video surveillance.
The video showed four teenagers making the purchase, one of them wearing a Norco High School letterman's jacket with a name stitched across the back. The store's parking lot surveillance camera showed the truck they were using.
Base then borrowed a Norco High yearbook and used online databases to get the name, phone numbers and addresses of the teens on the store tape.
"Her work was instrumental in helping us to identify the suspects," said Lt. Ross Cooper of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
The information was eventually sent to the district attorney's office and prosecutors confirmed that about six youths were now facing vandalism charges. However, they would not release details of the case or names of the defendants because they are juveniles.
The maximum penalty for the adult would be three years in prison; the juveniles could face probation and restitution, district attorney's office spokeswoman Ingrid Wyatt said.
---
Information from: The Press-Enterprise, http://www.pe.com
July 31, 2006 9:30 PM EDT
NORCO, Calif. - Teenagers who toilet-papered and damaged a home now face felony vandalism charges because of a mother's extraordinary sleuthing.
Katja Base, mother of six, was unwilling to let the teens get away with it, saying she tracked them down to teach her kids about accountability.
Base awoke one February morning to find her front lawn strewn in white two-ply toilet paper. She and husband Ken also found damaged landscaping and light fixtures as well as ruined finishes on two cars.
Dog food and flour also covered the lawn.
Realizing the sheriff's department has better things to do than track down teen pranksters, Katja Base decided to do some detective work.
"There needs to be accountability," she said. "Mainly, I pursued this as a lesson for my daughters. I don't want them to ever come to me and ask why I didn't do anything about this."
Base persuaded supermarket managers to tally daily toilet-paper buys for the week and a Stater Bros. manager said there was a run on bathroom tissue two days before her home was vandalized.
At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17, someone bought 144 rolls of toilet paper, cheese, dog food, flour and plastic forks, the same items found on her lawn and house. It was a cash transaction, making it difficult to trace the purchaser, but the store had video surveillance.
The video showed four teenagers making the purchase, one of them wearing a Norco High School letterman's jacket with a name stitched across the back. The store's parking lot surveillance camera showed the truck they were using.
Base then borrowed a Norco High yearbook and used online databases to get the name, phone numbers and addresses of the teens on the store tape.
"Her work was instrumental in helping us to identify the suspects," said Lt. Ross Cooper of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
The information was eventually sent to the district attorney's office and prosecutors confirmed that about six youths were now facing vandalism charges. However, they would not release details of the case or names of the defendants because they are juveniles.
The maximum penalty for the adult would be three years in prison; the juveniles could face probation and restitution, district attorney's office spokeswoman Ingrid Wyatt said.
---
Information from: The Press-Enterprise, http://www.pe.com
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