Jobs I've Had
1. Gasoline tank air-check-for-leaks @ a chain saw factory
2. School Bus Driver
3. Dr. Office receptionist
4. Bad checks return person at a bank.
Movies I Can Always Watch
1. Gone With The Wind
2. Pride & Prejudice
3. Pretty Woman (edited)
4. Dances With Wolves
TV Shows I Enjoy
1. Greys Anatomy
2. The Closer
3. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
4. Big Brother
5. TOO MANY other ones!
Favorite Places or Things to Eat
1. Red Pepper Stew
2. Red Robin (is there a theme going here?)
3. Chicken Wings
4. Taco Bandito
Websites I Visit
1. Family & Friends' Blogs
2. Woot
3. Bank
4. Addictinggames.com
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Has it really been 20 days since I posted???
I know I haven't posted in a really long time, but I'm here. Most everyone that reads this knows that, too.
I just got back from a quick trip to Idaho/Utah. Howard, Mike, Dave & I went up for the Catlin reunion, which is Howard's mom's family. There were 11 kids, 10 of whom lived to adulthood. LOTS of descendents. They've had this reunions since before I was in the family (31 years). There are so many younger generations now that I don't know, it's weird. We got there on Friday and learned that the youngest sibling of the 11 kids had died that morning! Midge. She had said something along the lines of "I'd give anything to get out of going to this reunion this year". Like someone said, she didn't give "any"thing, she gave "every" thing. Sad, really. We got to see some of her kids that we hardly ever get to see, and that was nice. Losing a parent just is a sad thing and I'm sorry for their loss.
It was nice to have Dave & Mike with us for one last together-time trip. And, next to seeing Randy and Dan, the main perk of the trip???? TACO BANDITO. I had a feeling that it would be the only stop there, so I had a Banditio Burrito AND a (small) Macho Nacho AND a cherry empanada. The only 3 things I have EVER eaten there in 30 years. The rest of the menu is wasted on me. 2nd best perk? Mill End Fabrics where I hit the mother-lode for cute, adorable flannel to make baby receiving blankets out of. Makes me realize how sad the selection is in Las Vegas.
After the reunion, I hooked up with Marsha and we drove to SLC. We drove as far as Brigham City and stayed at the Crystal Inn on Sun. night. VERY nice room. We talked and talked. Finally fell asleep around midnight. I'm always interested in what time I will wake up when I'm on vacation. I'm up at 4:30 this summer, on work days. Even on Sunday's I'm usually awake by 6:00 or 6:30. It's hard, because no one else is ever up as early as I am and I have to tiptoe around and not make noise and do the things I'm up and raring to do, so I piddle around doing quiet things so as not to wake people up. Anyway, on vacation, I find that a quiet, dark room is helpful in the sleep department. IF the bed is comfortable, which it wasn't, to me, on Sunday night. Way too soft for my back. Marsha loved hers. I was awake by 6:00. So, I read until 8:30 or so when Marsha woke up. She doesn't sleep well usually, and I didn't want to wake her for sure. We got up and drove to SLC, meeting Calleen in the middle. Centerville, or somewhere and had lunch at Chipotle. Calleen made the room reservations an we got a room at the HowardJohnson's EXPRESS. Had a lovely view of the HUGE, OLD apartment building to the west of us. But, you know, who cares? We were there to spend time with each other!
We talked and talked and talked and just caught up. It was great that Calleen got to come, because while Marsha and I never miss a summer, Calleen often can't make it. She's a good person. Seriously. Not an evil bone in her. She only wants to do what is right. Assumes the best in everyone. Kind and loving. Has been through colon cancer and came out ok. THAT was scary. Eats very healthy-ly now. Good example in all ways.
We were in SLC on July 24, Pioneer Day. GREAT day to visit the Temple Square sites, because NO one was around, hardly. The streets were deserted, nearly. Saw the Joseph Smith movie a the JSM buildng. Very touching. Then, we talked some more. All we did other than that was talk and go get something to eat when we got hungry. It amazed me that we can be together for 3 days and never run out of new things to discuss. AND, we all are interested in what the other says. Long stories. You know, girlfriend speak. It sustains me. I NEED this time together once a year.
We're down to 25 days before Michael enters the MTC. I told Howard last night that I really can't think to much about him leaving, because I'm going to miss him so much. Really, when I think about it, I consciously put it out of my mind. Denial, you say? Maybe, but not really, I don't think. We got his suit/shirt shopping done while we were enroute to Idaho, thanks to a conveniently located Mr. Macs in Ogden. His last day of work was yesterday, so he's got 24 days to get together whatever he needs to before he goes. I'm hoping he starts on his room and cleans some stuff out and makes room for my SEWING ROOM I'm converting it to. Oh, I have plans. I hope they happen!
It rained while I was gone. Figures. I hope it rains again. Never thought I'd say this, but I love it when it rains now. When I left Louisiana 32 years ago, I swore if it never rained again, I wouldn't care. Changed my mind about that.
I guess this is enough REALLY IMPORTANT, VITAL-FOR-YOU-TO-READ stuff for now. It's great to be home and have ALL my kids back in town. At least for the next few weeks.
I just got back from a quick trip to Idaho/Utah. Howard, Mike, Dave & I went up for the Catlin reunion, which is Howard's mom's family. There were 11 kids, 10 of whom lived to adulthood. LOTS of descendents. They've had this reunions since before I was in the family (31 years). There are so many younger generations now that I don't know, it's weird. We got there on Friday and learned that the youngest sibling of the 11 kids had died that morning! Midge. She had said something along the lines of "I'd give anything to get out of going to this reunion this year". Like someone said, she didn't give "any"thing, she gave "every" thing. Sad, really. We got to see some of her kids that we hardly ever get to see, and that was nice. Losing a parent just is a sad thing and I'm sorry for their loss.
It was nice to have Dave & Mike with us for one last together-time trip. And, next to seeing Randy and Dan, the main perk of the trip???? TACO BANDITO. I had a feeling that it would be the only stop there, so I had a Banditio Burrito AND a (small) Macho Nacho AND a cherry empanada. The only 3 things I have EVER eaten there in 30 years. The rest of the menu is wasted on me. 2nd best perk? Mill End Fabrics where I hit the mother-lode for cute, adorable flannel to make baby receiving blankets out of. Makes me realize how sad the selection is in Las Vegas.
After the reunion, I hooked up with Marsha and we drove to SLC. We drove as far as Brigham City and stayed at the Crystal Inn on Sun. night. VERY nice room. We talked and talked. Finally fell asleep around midnight. I'm always interested in what time I will wake up when I'm on vacation. I'm up at 4:30 this summer, on work days. Even on Sunday's I'm usually awake by 6:00 or 6:30. It's hard, because no one else is ever up as early as I am and I have to tiptoe around and not make noise and do the things I'm up and raring to do, so I piddle around doing quiet things so as not to wake people up. Anyway, on vacation, I find that a quiet, dark room is helpful in the sleep department. IF the bed is comfortable, which it wasn't, to me, on Sunday night. Way too soft for my back. Marsha loved hers. I was awake by 6:00. So, I read until 8:30 or so when Marsha woke up. She doesn't sleep well usually, and I didn't want to wake her for sure. We got up and drove to SLC, meeting Calleen in the middle. Centerville, or somewhere and had lunch at Chipotle. Calleen made the room reservations an we got a room at the HowardJohnson's EXPRESS. Had a lovely view of the HUGE, OLD apartment building to the west of us. But, you know, who cares? We were there to spend time with each other!
We talked and talked and talked and just caught up. It was great that Calleen got to come, because while Marsha and I never miss a summer, Calleen often can't make it. She's a good person. Seriously. Not an evil bone in her. She only wants to do what is right. Assumes the best in everyone. Kind and loving. Has been through colon cancer and came out ok. THAT was scary. Eats very healthy-ly now. Good example in all ways.
We were in SLC on July 24, Pioneer Day. GREAT day to visit the Temple Square sites, because NO one was around, hardly. The streets were deserted, nearly. Saw the Joseph Smith movie a the JSM buildng. Very touching. Then, we talked some more. All we did other than that was talk and go get something to eat when we got hungry. It amazed me that we can be together for 3 days and never run out of new things to discuss. AND, we all are interested in what the other says. Long stories. You know, girlfriend speak. It sustains me. I NEED this time together once a year.
We're down to 25 days before Michael enters the MTC. I told Howard last night that I really can't think to much about him leaving, because I'm going to miss him so much. Really, when I think about it, I consciously put it out of my mind. Denial, you say? Maybe, but not really, I don't think. We got his suit/shirt shopping done while we were enroute to Idaho, thanks to a conveniently located Mr. Macs in Ogden. His last day of work was yesterday, so he's got 24 days to get together whatever he needs to before he goes. I'm hoping he starts on his room and cleans some stuff out and makes room for my SEWING ROOM I'm converting it to. Oh, I have plans. I hope they happen!
It rained while I was gone. Figures. I hope it rains again. Never thought I'd say this, but I love it when it rains now. When I left Louisiana 32 years ago, I swore if it never rained again, I wouldn't care. Changed my mind about that.
I guess this is enough REALLY IMPORTANT, VITAL-FOR-YOU-TO-READ stuff for now. It's great to be home and have ALL my kids back in town. At least for the next few weeks.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
So, it's been a while!
I know, I know, it's been a while since I blogged. I just can't think of anything much to tell that I think anyone would even be remotely interested in. I could talk about how much I miss my kids when they are out of town, or the COUNTRY, as is sometimes the case. I could talk about how I go to call some of them 5 times a day, only to realize that they are gone. Not that I call that often when they are here, that's the weird part about it.
I could talk about how I'm finishing up a project we did in R.S. in MAY that still isn't done. I passed out 3 quilts today that just need to be tied. If I get the ones I kept for myself to do, then I'll have 10 blankets to give to Morris & Elaine to take to Mexico and give to some bambino's madre who needs it for her bambino. (Is it bambina if it's a girl?) I could also talk about how I'm obsessed with making receiving blankets and can hardly pass up flannel any more.
I could talk about how Michael leaves in 47 days, but we haven't bought the first thing. I was thinking we could get him his luggage, but then I thought we should wait until we buy all the clothes to see what size luggage he'll need. Or maybe it should be the other way around. I could talk about how most days I'm pretty proud of myself about how I'm not all emotional about him going, because I've been down this road before with Nathan (which is pretty comforting, actually), but then some days, like today, I just think I'm in a bit of denial. The thought of him being gone for 2 years and not getting to see his cute face and see his darling smile and hear his laugh is hard for me. All I can say is "Isn't it almost Christmas yet?" I could talk about how missionary-minded I get when I have a missionary and I want to share the Gospel message I know to be true with everyone know, especially those family members who just aren't interested right now and how I have a huge hurt-your-throat-lump right now, just thinking about that.
I could talk about how I've been thinking a lot about life and why I'm here and what I'm supposed to learn and how I'm supposed to learn those things. About how PERSONAL God makes the tutoring and that I don't live in the abstract, but in the very real specific-ness of it all and that most days I'm just wondering if I'm doing enough and am pretty sure I'm not. And don't even get me started on the quality of what I do. That's a whole other blog.
I could just talk about how much a hug and a kind word means sometimes. Sometimes not even a word; just a loving look can mean so much. Someone at church gave me one of those loving looks today, and all they said was "hello". It meant a lot and I hope God blesses them for it. So, I want to be that person that brightens someone else's day. About how I really do hope we're judged by the "intent of our heart" as well as our actions because, if that's the case, I have a better chance!
I could talk about how I can hardly wait until July 22 when I get to see Marsha and go see Calleen. Really, I might not want to come back this year. I could also talk about how my friend's son just got married and I feel like such a creep because I just kept putting off sending a gift and now it's a sorry-you-didn't-get-this-BEFORE-you-got-married gift. Or Mike's good friend CJ who is now IN the MTC and I never got around to giving him the $$ I was going to for his mission. Got to put that in the mail to his mom.
But, I'll just say life is good. Hard some days, but good. I love reading other people's blogs so thank you all for writing. It's usually a bright spot and is a real disappointment when they aren't there. And, since it's Sunday, I'll try to make it a day of real REST.
I could talk about how I'm finishing up a project we did in R.S. in MAY that still isn't done. I passed out 3 quilts today that just need to be tied. If I get the ones I kept for myself to do, then I'll have 10 blankets to give to Morris & Elaine to take to Mexico and give to some bambino's madre who needs it for her bambino. (Is it bambina if it's a girl?) I could also talk about how I'm obsessed with making receiving blankets and can hardly pass up flannel any more.
I could talk about how Michael leaves in 47 days, but we haven't bought the first thing. I was thinking we could get him his luggage, but then I thought we should wait until we buy all the clothes to see what size luggage he'll need. Or maybe it should be the other way around. I could talk about how most days I'm pretty proud of myself about how I'm not all emotional about him going, because I've been down this road before with Nathan (which is pretty comforting, actually), but then some days, like today, I just think I'm in a bit of denial. The thought of him being gone for 2 years and not getting to see his cute face and see his darling smile and hear his laugh is hard for me. All I can say is "Isn't it almost Christmas yet?" I could talk about how missionary-minded I get when I have a missionary and I want to share the Gospel message I know to be true with everyone know, especially those family members who just aren't interested right now and how I have a huge hurt-your-throat-lump right now, just thinking about that.
I could talk about how I've been thinking a lot about life and why I'm here and what I'm supposed to learn and how I'm supposed to learn those things. About how PERSONAL God makes the tutoring and that I don't live in the abstract, but in the very real specific-ness of it all and that most days I'm just wondering if I'm doing enough and am pretty sure I'm not. And don't even get me started on the quality of what I do. That's a whole other blog.
I could just talk about how much a hug and a kind word means sometimes. Sometimes not even a word; just a loving look can mean so much. Someone at church gave me one of those loving looks today, and all they said was "hello". It meant a lot and I hope God blesses them for it. So, I want to be that person that brightens someone else's day. About how I really do hope we're judged by the "intent of our heart" as well as our actions because, if that's the case, I have a better chance!
I could talk about how I can hardly wait until July 22 when I get to see Marsha and go see Calleen. Really, I might not want to come back this year. I could also talk about how my friend's son just got married and I feel like such a creep because I just kept putting off sending a gift and now it's a sorry-you-didn't-get-this-BEFORE-you-got-married gift. Or Mike's good friend CJ who is now IN the MTC and I never got around to giving him the $$ I was going to for his mission. Got to put that in the mail to his mom.
But, I'll just say life is good. Hard some days, but good. I love reading other people's blogs so thank you all for writing. It's usually a bright spot and is a real disappointment when they aren't there. And, since it's Sunday, I'll try to make it a day of real REST.
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