Thanksgiving Menu

We're having Thanksgiving at my mom's this year...about 20 people will be there! WOW!

Turkey
Ham
Stuffing
Spinach
Corn Casserole
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes (with marshmallows)
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Bread
Pie

Birthday cake (for dh's birthday, since it's on Thanksgiving!)

Who will be there: Mom, Dad, Bill, me, Kathy, Phil, nephews, aunt, uncle, cousin and her husband, cousin and his wife, cousin, grandma, bob, joy, jess and her husband (friends of cousin)...WOWSER!

Hopefully...

This cough syrup will FINALLY get rid of my cough. There's nothing worse than coughing so hard that
a) you feel like you are coughing up a left lung
b) you cough so hard, that when you are done, you begin to see stars
c) you cough so hard, you start to wet your pants (OMG!)

I've been sick on and off since September...whether it's been a cold or allergies or whatever, it's annoying. My poor husband is ready to send me to the moon. I don't have a nice delicate cough, I have a barking cough...ugh

Doctor gave me a prescription for robotussin with codeine...good night jenn!

Happy Monday!!

Music Sunday...

Here are some of my favorites...some are happy...some are sad...but I love them all!

STAY
Sugarland

I've been sitting here staring at the clock on the wall
And I've been laying here praying, praying she won't call
It's just another call from home
And you'll get it and be gone
And I'll be crying

And I'll be begging you, baby
Beg you not to leave
But I'll be left here waiting
With my Heart on my sleeve
Oh, for the next time we'll be here
Seems like a million years
And I think I'm dying

What do I have to do to make you see
She can't love you like me?

Why don't you stay
I'm down on my knees
I'm so tired of being lonely
Don't I give you what you need
When she calls you to go
There is one thing you should know
We don't have to live this way
Baby, why don't you stay

You keep telling me, baby
There will come a time
When you will leave her arms
And forever be in mine
But I don't think that's the truth
And I don't like being used and I'm tired of waiting
It's too much pain to have to bear
To love a man you have to share

Why don't you stay
I'm down on my knees
I'm so tired of being lonely
Don't I give you what you need
When she calls you to go
There is one thing you should know
We don't have to live this way
Baby, why don't you stay

I can't take it any longer
But my will is getting stronger
And I think I know just what I have to do
I can't waste another minute
After all that I've put in it
I've given you my best
Why does she get the best of you
So next time you find you wanna leave her bed for mine

Why don't you stay
I'm up off my knees
I'm so tired of being lonely
You can't give me what I need
When she begs you not to go
There is one thing you should know
I don't have to live this way
Baby, why don't you stay, yeah

READY SET...DON'T GO.
Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus

She's gotta do what she's gotta do
And I've gotta like it or not
She's got dreams too big for this town
And she needs to give 'em a shot
Whatever they are

Looks like she's all ready to leave
Nothing left to pack
There ain't no room for me in that car
Even if she asked me to tag along
God I gotta be strong

She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life
As ready as she's ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes
The prize is hers to win
She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby get ready
Get set
Don't go

She says things are fallen into place
Feels like they're fallen apart
I painted this big ol' smile on my face
To hide my broken heart
If only she knew
This is where I don't say what I want so bad to say
This is where I want to but I won't get in the way
Of her and her dreams
And spreadin' her wings

She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life
As ready as she's ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes
The prize is hers to win
She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby get ready
Get set
Don't go

She's at the startin' line of the rest of her life
As ready as she's ever been
Got the hunger and the stars in her eyes
The prize is hers to win
She's waitin' on my blessings before she hits that
open road
Baby get ready
Get set
Please don't go

Don't go
Don't go
She's gotta do what she's gotta do
She's gotta do what she's gotta do

Saturday plans

Well, today is big nephew's birthday. I can't believe he is 7 years old. His Transformers presents are wrapped, just waiting for Uncle Bill to get home! I'm looking forward to his party and seeing the boys again! :) I'll try and post a pic or two of the birthday boy later next week!

I can't believe that Thursday is Thanksgiving. Time is going by WAY TOO FAST!! This December is going to fly by with all of the church happenings and family happenings. 5 days after Christmas is GE's (grandma) 90th birthday, so we're trying to figure out what to do for her. Probably a little luncheon thing @ church, but that's up to Mom and Dad!

I'm looking forward to all the yummy food @ Thanksgiving...mom is making it this year, so I know it's going to be good! :)

Installing Husband

Dear Tech Support,
Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a
distinct slow down in overall system performance -- particularly in the
flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend
5.0.

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as
Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then installed undesirable
programs such as NFL 5.0, NBA 3.0, and Golf Clubs 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the
system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no
avail.

What can I do?
Signed, Desperate
-------------------------------------

Dear Desperate:

First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband
1.0 is an Operating System. Please enter the command: "I Thought You Loved
Me.exe" and try to download Tears 6.2 and don't forget to install the Guilt
3.0 update.
If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then
automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to
default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Beer 6.1 is a
very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-in-law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the
background that will eventually seize control of all your system
resources).

Also, do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are
unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0 .

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited
memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying
additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Food
3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck, Tech Support

Prayers for justice

This is a prayer request for a friend who's dealing with some major issues at the moment. I don't really feel comfortable sharing all the details but T's life and career have been jeoparized in this whole process. God, please grant her the justice that she so greatly deserves!

Best Sign seen in a Grocery Store...

This was sent to me, I thought it was cute and funny!

A Little Prayer to Remember

Especially when times are tough....

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

I think that says it all.

From this....to this....

Happy 7th birthday to one of the world's greatest nephews!!

Honoring our Veterans

Although my company didn't honor you by granting me a day off, I wanted to express my thanks and graditude for all of our veterans that have served, are serving, or plan to serve one day soon. Also, thanks to their families as they are also part of the military as well! You are ALL brave strong souls and we shouldn't just have one day to remember all of you!

Jenn

God is Still Speaking

Essentially, that is our motto of the church. In some publicity that came out recently, here are a few slogans that I thought were cool (and a little funny)


1. Our Faith is over 2000 years old...our thinking is not.

2. If you think getting up Sunday morning is hard, try raising from the dead.

3. If Jesus embraced Lepers, Prostitutes, & Convicts, shouldn't we?

Something to think and ponder about, eh??

Have a great week everyone!

Nice quiet Saturday and almost got us a kitty!!

For once, it was nice not having to go anywhere today! Well, I did have to go to get an oil change done. Afterwards, I headed over to Country Donuts and bought breakfast for me and mom.

We are looking for a kitty cat! We stopped at a pet store as they were having an adoption fair yesterday. I fell in love with two (well, actually I fell in love with all of them, but Bill told me I couldn't take them all home). We went back to the store after Bill got out of work. Sophie was a shy little kitty, but she was SO adorable and after a few minutes she warmed up to me. Bill grew up with cats and his mother bred cats, so this was nothing from him. As it turns out, the company that foster her, doesn't believe in declawing and Bill does...so sadly, we couldn't take her home. There were some other issues as well, and as sweet as she was, we weren't sure that this was the safest place for her. She had been an outside cat and will fight to get back outside, and will scratch at the windows and doors to get out. Being in a apartment AND on the third floor, we were nervous if she would be scratching the screen that with enough determination, that she would get out the window. Plus, we're in an apartment and don't want to lose our deposit.

Oh well, we will keep looking!! :) And it's all his fault that I now love cats!!

Dh's Birthday gift...

Since he couldn't wait until his actual birthday...we bought it a few weeks early! He's in 7th heaven!!

what i'm thankful for...

last week during sunday school, i had the kids tell me some thing that they were thankful for.  The list was too cute not to share...mind you...they are in kindergarten and first grade!

• my stuff that I have
• my fish
• food & family
• people who love me
• my hungriness (probably not a word, but we went with it)
• my gameboy
• that i have a place to live
• clothes
• everything!
• my dog
• my brothers
• coloring
• my sister
• water
• juices
• trees
• air
• best friends
• people
• pizzas
• teachers
• eating
• llamas (again, we don't ask, just list!)

Detentions = Hugging????

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21661718/

I think that this is CRAZY!  This poor girl was hugging her friend to say good-bye for the weekend and they give her a detention.  I saw this story this morning on the Today Show and I can't believe how far our society has gone.  Don't get me wrong, I understand the need to "control" public displays of affection...but do these morons realize that if they forbid it...that worse will happen OUTSIDE of school?!?!?  

Hug away sister, I'll sit in detention with ya!

Posters Part 2....

Motivational Posters

How Well Do you know your states?

You Know Your States

You got 10/10 correct. You've got a pretty good handle on US geography. There's a good chance you've visited at least a dozen of the fifty states.

How Well Do You Know Your States?

Pet Peeve...

Is the fact that on November 1st, all the commercials on the radio were talking about getting ready for Christmas!  That when I went out to shopping on Thursday, the store was DECORATED FOR CHRISTMAS!?!?!?!?!  WTF?  That starting on Thursday, one of the local radio stations is going to start playing Christmas music 24-7.  Um, you do people realize that we have another holiday that is happening on November 22nd.  Yes, that's right...it's called Thanksgiving.  Say it with me now....THANKS.....GIVING!

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but I don't really start decorating or listening to music (and sometimes even shopping) until the day after Thanksgiving.  

I would rather see people hold on to Christmas after the fact...we start decorating for it starting in September or October and BAM...December 26th...it all goes away.  Let's go until January 6th...you know...the 12 days of Christmas.

Sorry...I feel better now...back to your regular scheduled programming!

A Face only a mother could love...

My nephew showing off his fish face!

homecoming part 2

Saturday morning, we headed back to campus. They had an alumni reception for all psych majors, so I stopped there first. I met up with my advisor, Dr. Rose. It was like I had never left! She remembered me immediately and was asking where I was at and how I was doing. I was QUITE proud to share that I was in a job where I was actually using my major! Of course, we didn't have enough time to get all caught up but it was so great to see her again. I will defintely be keeping in touch with her!

Afterwards, I headed over to the college center for the SAI (sigma alpha iota) alumni reception. I was a little disappointed, there were no alums...just actives. but the girls were cute, asking what I was doing, what was my favorite part of sai. At 12, we headed to lunch at another local eatery and met up with brandy...another alum who is living in town! Again, it was another trip down memory lane of all the parties and get togethers. She filled us in on gossip of some people that we had lost touch with. We were there till almost 3:00. After lunch, Marcy, Brandy and i went for a pedicure. HEAVEN! Afterwards, I headed back to campus to buy a sweatshirt and the scrapbook kit (yes, I am sick in head) and took pictures of the awesome fall foliage! When i left campus, I was a little sad. The weekend went by so quickly, and all weekend, all that was running through my mind was the wonderful memories and the wonderful LASTING friendships i made while I was there!

Sunday, we got up and headed to breakfast at IHOP...from there, we all went our seperate ways and headed for home! It was great to catch up with everyone again and we made promises to not wait another 10 years before seeing each other again! Especially since we're all living in the same area practically!

I think I broke my tail feather...

Ok, crazy title I know, but I can't get the darn "Shake a Tail Feather" song OUT OF MY HEAD!! Especially when I have the adorable voice of my three year old nephew singing it! LOL

Today was a babysitting day for the nephews while Mommy and Daddy went to the NU football game. I also got to take the boys a kid's concert series that is hosted by Northwestern bands...today it was "Boom, Bam, Tap and Swoosh" We got to see an awesome group "Be the Groove" After the concert, we took a nice walk along Lake Michigan...it was such a beautiful day and I'm the silly one who forgot my camera! :)

The oldest nephew is going to be 7 in just a few weeks. Holy sh*T...7?!?! When the heck did that happen? He's all into the transformers, which excites uncle bill. At the request of mom and dad, we're going to hold off on buying him the new movie...but we plan on decking him out with transformer's "gear"...although we're teasing him that he's going to get "transformer barbies".

All in all, a fun day!

Does this work?

I keep forgetting that you can send what you want posted on your blog via email.  How cool is that?

But did you receive it??

By the Mighty Mississippi...

By the Mighty Mississippi, on a rocky shore!
Stands the School we love so dearly now and evermore.
Augustana, Augustana, We thy children as of old,
Sing thy praise in song unending to ole Augie's blue and gold.

Though the future years may part us,
still together now.
Faith and love to Augustana
Evermore we love!
Augustana, Augustana, We thy children as of old,
Sing thy praise in song unending to ole Augie's blue and gold.

I had an opportunity to head back to my alma mater for Homecoming this past weekend. Having not been back to campus since 2000, I was excited to go! My friend Marcy was having her 10 year reunion along with a few of our other friends as well. As soon as I got to campus, it was like I never left. The campus quad was full of vibrant color as the leaves had JUST started to turn. I was just mesmorized by the beautiful views!

Once I got there on Friday, I headed over to the technology building to meet up with my friend Kevin. I quickly realized how much I WAS OUT OF SHAPE!! LOL We talked and hung out for awhile and then made our way over to the College Center where I met up with Marcy. Marcy and I quickly felt our age...we didn't have cell phones when we were in college! And laptops...are you crazy? Afterwards, she and I headed out to hotel to check in and drop off our luggage. We went out for Chinese to our favorite hangout not too far from campus. Yea, it was still good :) Then we headed down to the district (downtown Rock Island) for the gathering at the "Blue Cat"...a local bar and grill. Marcy was buying me drinks for my birthday and I was well...drinking! Started off with a fuzzy navel and then had my FAVORITE drink...it was called "somebody's crazy momma with a banana up her butt"...honest to goodness. It has bailey's, kahlua, banana, and cream...kinda like a starbucks drink with alcohol...VERY VERY YUMMY!! :) Soon, we met up with Pat, Carrie, Jon and Elisa and began remembering all of the crazy stuff that we did while we were there. The nights of moonlight bowling with a trip to denny's afterward. The ZOO (zeta omega omega) boys and their midnight runs (sans clothes)...I never saw any of that. . We ended up staying there till almost midnight...but geez...we're old now! :) The formals and the parties that we went too. Going to formals and using the bathtub as your liquor cooler...which is all good until the labels peel off and you don't remember what's what....OOOOOOOPS!!! :)

More to come tomorrow...I need sleep!!!

NaBloPoMo 2007

Ok, so I'm jumping on the bandwagon with Sarah and Jess and joining "NaBloPoMo 2007", which stands for National Blog Posting Month. I have to remember that I can "email" my blog post and I don't have to worry about taking time to visit the site to do it.

Anyone else want to join in on the fun!?!

My Next Thirty Years....

Given the fact that today is my thirtieth birthday...I found this song to be MOST appropriate!

I think Ill take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now its time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my next thirty years

Hey my next thirty years Im gonna have some fun
Try to forget about all the crazy things Ive done
Maybe now Ive conquered all my adolescent fears
And Ill do it better in my next thirty years

My next thirty years Im gonna settle all the scores
Cry a little less, laugh a little more
Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear
Figure out just what Im doing here
In my next thirty years

Oh my next thirty years, Im gonna watch my weight
Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late
Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers
Maybe Ill remember my next thirty years

My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a little family and hang out with my wife
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here, in my next thirty years
In my next thirty years

Something to make y'all think & smile.

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back! Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.

Don't go for looks; they can decive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.

Always put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person too.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying!

Me so boring...

Mingle² - Online Dating

Remember me?

Ok, Ok, so it's been awhile...since I've last posted...

January

• Celebrated Gma & Gpa's 65th Wedding Anniversary - WOWSER. It was a very nice simple affair. Dinner with the family Saturday night and church service and reception on Sunday. Their minister did a mini vow-renewal thing. Way cool!
• A few days before their big celebration, Gpa was officially diagnosed w/Dementia. We had suspected it for awhile, but you try telling an 85 year old that. Ha ha. All of us are doing well and it's nice knowing what's wrong with him, even though you know the end result isn't that great. IMO, he's led a terrific life, so while I will be sad when he is no longer here, I will have joy knowing that I was able to spend 30 years with him!

February

• Interviewed an awesome candidate for our Director of Music ministries position! She is originally from IL and is coming home! We had a phone interview and wanted to hire her right then and there. She shares our views as a church, has some different views of our own that will challenge our congregation. We met her at the end of the month and she was just as awesome in person as she was on the phone!
• Prepared to say goodbye to current Director of Music Ministries. God had a plan for him down in Orlando. His partner was given an awesome job @ Disney and as much as he wanted to try and commute from IL to FL, it just wasn't in the cards. We will miss him dearly, but we know it was the best decision for him!

March

• Became Sunday School Coordinator! Yes, i do have sucker written on my forehead! The program is small (but mighty) and I'm hoping that we can work to make it grow and pretty soon we'll be busting @ the seams! :-)
• Promotion Baby!! After being w/my company for almost 2 years, received a promotion to Senior CSR. More responsibilties, more headaches, and the best part...more money! I'm very excited about, really feel that I can continue to grow within this position and help others (co workers and customers alike) just as I was helped/taught.

April

• Celebrated a wonderful Easter with family and friends! The church service was amazing, filled with music and joy in the resurrection! You could really feel everyone's excitement! Had a wonderful dinner with parents, sister and her family, sister's inlaws, grandparents and nephews! Incorporated part of Greek Orthodox Easter as it was on the same day. Dh's family is Greek Orthodox and while he doesn't practice it, it was a nice way to remember his family. Had lamb, avgolemo (egg lemon soup) and baklava along with our other favorites!
• Surprised Mom @school for her 60th birthday! Showed up with flowers and a balloon, along with treats for her and the teachers! She enjoyed the surprise and really made her day.
• Surprised Mom AND Dad with double 60th birthday celebration! All of the family came to church, surprised them with a double birthday cake during coffee/fellowship hour and my sister and I had dinner back at their house. gma, gpa, and mom's sister came up along with a surprise visit from mom's brother. he lives in the same apartment complex that bill and I used to be in. normally, he goes back home on the weekends, but he was in town for the weekend. Gma told him to be there and indeed he was! That was a surprise to all of us!
• Made the decision to stay in our apartment for another year. Housing market/mortgage market isn't that great, so take this next year to our selves on track (we're doing better, just need to stay there) and try again next year.

Looking forward to next few months! BIL's birthday, cousins birthday, god-daughter's 1st birthday, nephew's 3rd birthday, a few new babies (not ours unfortunately), graduation parties, and cousin's wedding at the end of july!

Whew...i think that does it for now!

I heart Easy mac

I have fallen in love with Easy Mac that come in the little containers. You just fill the water up to the line and pop it in the microwave and in 3 and a half minutes...dinner is served.
My question is, where was this shit when I was in college? LOL

How my blog address came to be...

I love the show Gilmore Girls...here is how I came up with the address for my blog....

Lorelai: Huh. You know what I just realized? Oy is the funniest word in the entire world.

Rory: Huh.

Lorelai: I mean, think about it. You never hear the word oy and not smile. Impossible. Funny, funny word.

Emily: Oh, dear God.

Lorelai: Poodle is another funny word.

Emily: Please drink your drink, Lorelai.

Lorelai: In fact, if you put oy and poodle together in the same sentence, you'd have a great new catch phrase, you know? Like, oy with the poodles already. So from now on, when the perfect circumstances arise, we will use our favorite new catch phrase.

Rory: Oy with the poodles already.

Lorelai: I'm telling you, it's knocking ‘whatcha talking ‘bout, Willis?' right out of first place.

Emily: Lorelai, for God's sake, be quiet.

Bragging rights

Well, it's official...I have bragging rights for ANOTHER year!! :) Why, you ask? Because the Northwestern Wildcats have once again beat the Fighting Illini (University of Illinois). Yes, I may have been born in the land of orange and blue, but on this game day, my heart bleeds purple for Northwestern! And my hubby is a U of I fan....muu ha ha!!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen TV Shows I Like to Watch:

1. Extreme Makeover Home Edition
2. 7th Heaven
3. ER
4. Gilmore Girls
5. CSI (any of them)
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Dawson's Creek (gotta LOVE syndication)
8. The View
9. Brothers and Sisters
10. Iron Chef America (love Cat Cora)
11.Friends
12. Numbers
13. Will & Grace

Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?

I'm sure this song or even this question has gone through everyone's mind sometime today.I felt myself reflecting on the past 5 years this morning. This day for me and "our generation" is our grandparents experiencing Pearl Harbor and our parents experiencing Kennedy's assination.

I remember hearing about the first plane hitting Tower 1 and the inital thoughts that were expressed by the radio personalities. At that time, we thought it was a small plane and the comment was made "Hello, did they NOT see it?" By the time that I arrived at work (school), we had learned that the second plane had hit. By the time that the kids arrived, they knew more than us and they were telling what they saw on the news. It was a hard day for teachers, because we had to put on our "brave faces" for the students even though we were just as scared as they were.

I saw and heard alot of mixed emotions about today. Some people thought that the media over-played this and we were just reliving it again. That we should not focus on it so much. I'm sure that there were some people who also felt that we could do more.

I ended up going to church tonight where we had a nice simple service to remember that horrible day as well as pray for our future. It was a small group of people, but it was nice nonetheless. I prayed for the firefighters, police officers and for everyone who perished in this horrible day. I prayed for the safety of our troops in hopes that they will all make it home safely and SOON! I hope that those who were most affected by 9/11 were able to get through the day today and that they had family and friends around them to support them.

sleep tight princess...another lo

my goddaughter...another lo

So I jumped on the bandwagon...

Of digital scrapping...I've come across some of my friends who have tried it...so I was procrastinating last night...and decided to give it a whirl with Microsoft Digital Editor!

Geoff and Brandi

What do y'all think??

Dateline with Britney Spears

Ok, so I watched the Dateline interview with Brittney Spears last night (hiding head in shame). Call me a sucker, but I feel bad for Brittney Spears. Everyone keeps saying that she’s a bad mom because of driving away with the baby in her lap…the baby falling out of the high chair and a few other assorted problems. I’m not excusing her or saying she was right, but I don’t think it’s right just to point out one person’s parenting flaws…especially when it seems like the paparazzi are “stalking” her. I’ve counted several times in which I see parents driving around with their kids either in the front seat of the car, in their laps…or they aren’t safely buckled in…where are the cameras on those idiots?
Ugh…I hate paparazzi…you would have thought they learned their lesson after the death of Princess Di, but I guess that didn’t happen.

Goodbye Sweet Child...Kayla Marie

So Bill's young cousin died the other night. Actually second cousin, but that really doesn't matter. What matters is that she was only 16 years old. Too young to die, so suddenly and so....god damn young. I can't even begin to comprehend what her parents and siblings are going through. They're good people, definately don't deserve this. That poor baby, she died before she had the chance to live. I hold those I love a little closer now, as we all do when death comes near. I keep thinking that even though she was taken so young, I know that there are her aunt and her great-grandmother will watch over her and they will take care of her up in heaven.

I also keep thinking about my own cousin...her name is also Kayla and she is only months younger...I hope and pray that she will stay safe and that no harm will come to her ever.

You can never have just one chip...

my nephew at his birthday party last week...count the bags of chips around him...

Time to pack it up!!!

Last week, we started the paperwork for a new apartment back in our HOMETOWN...woohoo. Yup, that's right...we're moving back to Schaumburg. As my sister-in-law said, back to civilization! Ha ha. Once we move, I'm only going to be about 7 miles from work as opposed to the 32 miles I am now. No more I-88 in the mornings! Once our company moves in January, the commute will be even less! Defintely can't beat that!
To make the move just that much sweeter, dh was offered a job up that direction as well. he'll be working for the new hotel/convention center...yippee!
Some people aren't happy with our decision and to that I say, tough shit. I've commuted from the Naperville area up to the northwest suburbs for almost 4 years and I'm sick of it. Just because it wasn't something you planned, doesn't make it wrong!
Not to mention, we'll be closer to a lot of our friends and family. I can be more help to Gma, since she is moving out to Friendship Village.
Ok, I'm done for now.

Evolution of Dance...

This is hysterical...all of your favorite songs to dance to in 6 minutes....makes me want to get up and dance!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

digi top ten...

Top Ten List of Songs that has special meaning to it for you

1. I don’t want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith – We saw this movie on our first date and this was the song that we first danced to as husband and wife…aww J

2. Live like you were Dying – Tim McGraw – This song took on a lot of meaning after I had my surgery to remove my thyroid and it taught me to do just that.

3. If I had a Million Dollars – Barenaked Ladies – By far, one of the best BNL songs EVER! Reminds me of my college days, hanging out with Marcy and friends and having a good time overall! Haven’t you always wanted a monkey? JJ

4. Son of a Preacher Man – Another flashback to the college life…this was one my roomies favorite songs and this was the perfect song to “start” getting drunk to! J

5. In My Daughter’s Eyes – Martina McBride – This song reminds me of the great relationship that I have with my mom and all of the mothers & daughters in my family. I hope that one day, I have a daughter, because I know I will be singing it to her!

6. Redneck Woman – Gretchen Wilson – This song reminds me a lot about myself…I can be a girly girl, but I’m not afraid to be a little redneck either!

7. Vogue – Madonna – This reminds me of my high school days, when life was so much simpler…all you had to do was strike a pose!! J

8. Jesus Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood – This song reminds me that I need to focus my life more towards my faith and whatever happens, happens.

9. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks – Another great dancing, party song…reminds of the good ole days!

10. Where were you when the World stopped Turning – Alan Jackson – Very powerful reminder of September 11th…makes me reflect that day over and over again in my mind.

I usually don't do this...

Get into much "religious" debate or throw my faith until other peoples faces...but there's always an exception to every rule! If you would like to learn more about all of this....visit Still Speaking.

It's been too long...

Since I've updated and for all of my fans out there, I apologize! :-)

Things are going pretty ok for us...I think that we are actually starting to make some headway after dealing with all of the unemployment and health issues that have plagued us for so long. B started back to work last month working for a security company. The job isn't great, but for the time being it's a job, and it does pay more than unemployment did. We don't get to see much of each other because he works second shift, but we are making it work. The nights that I don't have to go to bed early I stay up until he gets home and then we end up chatting for awhile and I do my best not to make any plans until after 3:00 on the weekends so we can spend as much time as we can together.

My job is going good...it's a busy time of year because all of the schools are testing their students, but it defintely is job security! :-) I've been with the company for over a year now...yea!!

I really have nothing exciting to say...sorry to disappoint...LOL

Jenn

1995

1995

Your senior year in high school is supposed to be the best year of your life. Let's see how much you remember:
Year: 1995
1. Who was your best friend? Hmmm…probably Karen
2. What sports did you play? None
3. What kind of car did you drive? My parent’s cars…lol…88 Plymouth Voyager and 77 Pontiac Bonneville (AKA…TANK)
4. It's Friday night, where were you at? With my boyfriend
5. Were you a party animal? No
6. Were you in the "In Crowd"? No
7. Ever skip school? Uh no
8. Ever smoke a cigarette? Another no
9. Were you a nerd? Probably Yah
10. Did you get suspened/expelled? No
11. Can you sing the Alma Mater? Fight on all you saxons…lead us on to victory tonight…raise your voice to the highest..for the red for the gold we will fight. Crap…I forgot the rest!
12. Who was your favorite teacher? There were some really cool teachers…it’s probably a toss between Mrs Meyers and Mr Williams.
13. Favorite class: Probably Band
14. What was your school's full name? Schaumburg High School…on Schaumburg Rd…in Schaumburg,IL….talk about original!
15. School mascot? Saxons
16. Did you go to Prom? Yes!
17. If you could go back and do it over, would you? Hell no…too much drama for my liking!
18. What do you remember most about graduation? The weather was awesome!
19. Favorite memory of your senior year? Walking out of the doors for the last time!
20. Were you ever posted up on the senior wall? Didn't have one of those, but if we did, I wouldn't have been.
21. Did you have a job your senior year? Nope
22. Who did you date? Greg
23. Where did you go most often for lunch? the cafeteria, sometimes out for lunch.
24. Have you gained weight since then? Probably a little, but not much
25. What did you do after graduation? Went to parties and then went to college

Who would like to buy me tickets??

To see this hottie? please please please? i'll even share him with his wife! lol
he's an awesome singer and he's a hottie. my husband already knows that if tim were to come to the door and ask me to run away with him...i would so be running! :)

When I Get Where I'm Going...

This is another awesome song. I heard this song the night before Aunt Mary passed away and I immediately thought of her. If y'all believe in signs, it seemed like a song she enjoyed. They played it Saturday at the burial service...not a dry eye in the house!

by Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton

When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

[Chorus]
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going

In Memory of Aunt Mary

Last Sunday, a very beautiful and strong woman, left this earth and was called back home to be with God. For some people reading this, it might make you feel uncomfortable, but these are my beliefs. As much as she will be missed, I know that she is in a better place. She is no longer sick and she will take care of all of us for many years to come. I didn't really know her as much as my husband did, but I know that she was an awesome woman. She proved that to me after my surgery in August of 2004. Even though she was dealing with her own illness, she made a point to call me in the hospital and let me know that she was thinking of me and praying for me. She was willing to listen if I needed to talk about what was going to happen to me, and she knew that I was scared. The phone call didn't last but for more than a few minutes, but it meant the world to me.

For those who know me, you know that music is one of my passions...this song was played at her service and it really fits...plus it's by Faith Hill...one of my music heroes. I found out later that Faith wrote this song for her mother...very appropriate since Aunt Mary has 2 beautiful girls.

When I think back on these times
And the dreams we left behind
I’ll be glad because I was blessed to get
To have you in my life
When I look back on these days
I’ll look and see your face
You were right there for me
In my dreams I’ll always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there'll always be a place for you for all my life
I’ll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am there you’ll be
And everywhere I am there you'll be



Well you showed me how it feels
To feel the sky within my reach
And I always will remember all
The strength you gave to me
Your love made me make it through
Oh I owe so much to you
You were right there for me
In my dreams I’ll always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there'll always be a place for you for all my life
I’ll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am there you’ll be

Cuz I always saw in you my light my strength
And I want to thank you now for all the ways
You were right there for me
(You were right there for me)
You were right there for me
For always

In my dreams I’ll always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there'll always be a place for you for all my life
I’ll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am there you’ll be
And everywhere I am there you'll be
There you'll be

Sometimes Life Isn't Fair

It's not fair that I still have 3 out of my 4 grandparents who are still alive and for the most part healthy...and my husband has no grandparents.

It's not fair that some people try for several years to have a child, but then there are those who get pregnant if someone looks at them the right way. I found out this morning that one of my friends from high school is about halfway through her pregnancy. I'm hurt on a few levels...they were wanting to wait until she was done with grad school which was right around Christmas time (last month)...well, turns out it happened in September. She is due in June, right around the time of another friend...who was planning to wait 5 years before having kids. She and her husband are going to have their 1st child before celebrating their first anniversary. Again, totally not planned.

Here I sit...having not been on birth control for almost a year...and nothing. Ugh, it just gets to me sometimes. I promised myself I wouldn't obbess over this, but today it just reared it's ugly head. Everyday I wonder if I will be able to have kids because of the thryoid cancer from last year. I had to have the radioacitve idoine to make sure it didn't spread beyond the thyroid...but did that screw me up? I'm sure the fact that I don't have my thyroid anymore is also making it difficult. But as rational i try to be, it still hurts. I keep praying that our lives will work out for us this year!

I also ask that you keep bill's family in your thoughts and prayers...his aunt/godmother isn't doing well and her time is very limited. please pray that she doesn't have to suffer too much longer and that the family can get through all of this.

Martin Luther King Day

Because of a wonderful man who dreamed a great dream, I don't have work today. I have to say...my job may be stressful but there are alot of benefits that can't be denied...thanks to being off today, I haven't worked a Monday in about 4 weeks! lol Off the day after Christmas, the day after New Years (legal holidays) and then I was home sick last week.

Plans for today??? Haircut...doctor's appt (oncology appt...always a little nervous)...scrapbooking, watching the golden globe awards tonight and just enjoying the day! ;-)

the bears lost last night and that sucked, but the STEELERS won!! Woohoo!! I'm kinda bummed about the bears, but a little relief that those two teams aren't playing in the Superbowl together...that could have been a divorce as we know it! I'm a bears fan since birth...but I've become a steelers fan by marriage!

that's about it from here... :)

1977

In 1977 (the year you were born)

Jimmy Carter becomes president of the US Most of the 10,000 Vietnam War draft evaders are pardoned by President Carter Singer Anita Bryant starts her "Save Our Children" crusade against gay rights Elvis Presley dies in his Graceland bathroom Congress creates a Department of Energy Anwar Sadat flies to Jerusalem in a dramatic gesture of willingness to discuss peace Orlando Bloom, Shakira, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Liv Tyler, and Ludacris are born New York Yankees win the World Series Oakland Raiders win Superbowl XI Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup Swedish music group ABBA passes The Beatles as having most records sold Star Wars is the top grossing film The Shining by Stephen King is published "You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone spends the most time at the top of the US charts Three's Company premieres

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

More cool things for your blog at
Blogthings

2005: A Year in Review

JANUARY
1. Did you have a new year's resolution this year? To become a mom...still working on that one... here's to 2006!
2. Who kissed you at midnight? My husband and then I think we were both asleep by 12:05...lol.
3. Did it snow where you live? Yea, it did...welcome to winter in the midwest!
4. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop? No, but that is one thing I would love to experience once in my life!

FEBRUARY
1. Who was your valentine? Bill
2. What did your valentine get you? LOL I can't remember...probably scrapbook stuff!
3. When you were little, did you buy valentines for your whole class? Yes!!

MARCH
1. Are you Irish? Nope
2. Did you wear green on St. Patty's Day? don't think so
3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day? Nothing much

APRIL
1. Do you like the rain? No, it tends to bring me down!
2. Did you play an April Fool's joke on anyone this year? No
3. Did you get tons of candy on Easter? No just what candy mom had! lol

MAY
1. What's your favorite kind of flower? Any that are given to me! (nice idea Sarah)
2. Do you like the spring? Yes!!
3. Finish the phrase: "April showers bring...": mayflowers..and mayflowers bring...Prom!! (old joke from my sister's friend)
4. What would you think of as a spring color?: all the pastel colors!

JUNE
1. What year did you graduate from school?: Class of '95...I'm old!
2. Did you go on any vacations last June?: No

JULY
1. What did you do on the 4th of July? Went down to Peoria and spent it with family.
2. Did you go on any vacations during this month?: If you count Peoria as a vacation...than yes!

AUGUST
1. Did you do anything special to end off your summer? Not really...enjoyed a visit with our good friends from out of town
2. What was your favorite summer memory of '05? don't really know of one
3. Did you go swimming a lot in the summer? Not alot...a few times at the inlaws pool and at our family reunion.
4. Did you go to the beach a lot? Nope

SEPTEMBER
1. Did you attend school/college in '05? No
2. Who is/was your favorite teacher? Mrs. Bethurem in junior high
3. Did you like fall better than summer? Yes, fall & spring are my favorite seasons

OCTOBER
1. What was your favorite Halloween costume ever? I can't remember.
2. What's your favorite candy? Peanut Butter cups :-)
3. What did you dress up like this year? Nothing

NOVEMBER
1. Whose house did you go to for Thanksgiving? My inlaws
2. Do you like stuffing? Yes!!!! One of my favorites!
3. What are you thankful for? My family and friends

DECEMBER
1. Do you celebrate Christmas? You bet!!!
2. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe? Of course!! ;-)
3. What did you want this year for Christmas? Living Room furniture...didn't get.
4. What's the best present you ever got for Christmas? My new photo printer this year!
5. Do you like cold weather? Not *TOO* cold...the below zero temps...NO!
6. How would you rate your year on a scale of 1-10? 5 - It's been a rough year with losing a job and a sick husband as well as some extended family problems so I'm hoping for an easier year! i'm soooooooooooooo ready to close the doors on 2005!

Merry Christmas to All!

Mr. & Mrs Smith...

In honor of the DVD release...i would share some funny quotes from the movie (all courtesy of imdb.com)

John Smith: Come to Daddy.
Jane Smith: [after she bashes him with a tablecloth-ensconced silver teapot and headbutts him] Who's your Daddy now?

John Smith: [during a car chase] I never told you, but I was married once before. Jane Smith: [slams on the brakes]
John Smith: What's wrong with you?
Jane Smith: [hitting John] You're what's wrong with me John.
John Smith: It was just a drunken Vegas thing.
Jane Smith: Oh, that's better. That's *much* better. [pause]
Jane Smith: What's her name and social security number?
John Smith: No, you're not gonna kill her.

Jane Smith: Wait, why do I get the girly gun?
John Smith: What? Are you kidding me?

Jane Smith: [after shooting through a wall at John] Still alive, baby?

Augustana...my alma mater

Show me some Augie love!!

I love this campus...somedays, I would give anything and everything to be back there! Every season, this campus looks so beautiful!

There is a special love that us Augie alums have...we know about the different party houses...the annual fraternity/sorority gatherings. We speak our own little language! And it's awesome!!!

And...we have bahls too...LOL

Party like it's um...1995

Well, our 10 year high school reunion was the past Friday and my question is...WHO ACTUALLY WENT? When we received our invites this year (on the day of matt's graduation...talk about feeling old)...we reverted back to our high school ways and wanted to find out if anyone we knew was going...so we didn't end up on our own. As it turns out, no one really felt like paying $160 for a flippin buffet dinner and only 2 hours of alchol!! WTF?

Don't get me wrong, I had a blast in high school...but I don't think I would EVER go back! Well, I'd go back, but only for special occasions...the disney trips with the band...those were awesome! Senior year was the time that Bill and I went off together @ MGM and people were wondering what the two of us were up to! Little did we know where we would end up only a few years later!

Oh well, i hope the 10 people that went had a great time! LOL

What I'm thankful for this year...

I've seen alot of people mention things that they are thankful for...so I guess it's my turn. It's been a very rough year, I'd so much like to close the books on 2005...it just plain sucked the whole year.

1)I'm grateful for my husband. He's a pain in the a** and I'm sure he says the same of me. But we've managed to make things work and stay together. I'm not one to give up easily. I take my marriage vows very seriously.

2)I'm grateful for my family, both immediate and extended families. They all have helped us out in same way or another and I am always grateful for that!

3)My friends...I have some truly awesome friends!!

Let the Christmas season begin!

Ok, now Christmas can ACTUALLY begin! Of course, being the fact that it is 55 degrees...it doesn't feel that way. I've already found myself digging out the Christmas CD's and listening to the music. This has to be my favorite holiday of the year, possibly even more than my birthday. The only thing that sucks this year is that we are dirt f-in poor and so I can't go shopping crazy. Part of me is bummed about that, but the other part of me, doesn't care about the presents...I'd just rather do nice things for others. Christmas is really for the little kids...who get all excited...it's fun to watch.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To anyone who reads this, I would like to wish you and your family a Happy Turkey Day! This is one of my favorite holidays because I love all of the yummy treats that we get to have! I have lots of family favorites and lucky for me, my husband likes the recipes as well, so I get to continue on the family traditions.

I do have one pet peeve about the holiday though...it seems to be one of the most forgotten holiday...seems like most people are looking towards Christmas. Everytime I see Christmas decorations out on the lawns and already turned makes me very upset! It should be a law to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to turn those on. LOL

I hope everyone that enjoys your day!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I'm old now...LOL

My 28th Birthday was Saturday...it sucks having your birthday on a weekend if you ask me. They decorated my cube at work on Friday...so it wasn't my true birthday! It was fun though...I had cards and lots of yummy treats (some of which I shared and others that I kept for myself!)

We went out to lunch with the in-laws on my birthday...nothing fancy, but that's not us anyways. They got the waitresses to sing this obnoxious song to me, and I got ice cream and a balloon. They gave me money, which I'll use for scrapbook stuff I'm sure. DH had to work in the evening so I was by myself...part of me felt sorry for myself because I was all alone and then the other part of me was like "what a birthday present!" I ended up going out to Target to pick up a few things...some fun stuff and some boring/practical stuff! One of the highlights of my day was my nephew singing Happy Birthday to me on our voice mail...I'll keep that around for awhile! :-) He's such a damn cutie pie!!!

Sunday, Bill did buy me flowers and a card...which was nice!

2 more years until I'm 30...

What Does your Birth Date Mean?

Your Birthdate: October 15

With a birthday on the 15th of any month, you are apt to have really strong attachments to home, family and domestic scene. The 1 and 5 equaling 6, provide the sort of energy that makes you an excellent parent or teacher. You are very responsible and capable. This is an attractive and an attracting influence. You like harmony in your environment and strive to maintain it. You tend to learn by observation rather than study and research. You may like to cook, but you probably don't follow recipes. This number shows artistic leanings and would certainly support an talents that may be otherwise in your makeup. You're a very generous and giving person, but perhaps a bit stubborn in ways.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

How Old Are You?

You Are 32 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

15 Days!!

Until my birthday! Happy Birthday to me!

The one thing I love about my birthday is that one year it can be 80 degrees and we're wearing shorts and the next year, it's snowing!

Fall is my favorite season...what's yours?

It's been awhile...

I really don't keep this updated like I should...oops

Nothing really exciting is going on in my life...I am probably the world's most boring 27 (almost 28) year old around. I get up, go to work, come home, have dinner, relax, go to bed...repeat daily. LOL

I'm enjoying my job which is good. Even though I was completely heartbroken when I was fired from my previous job, I also feel a little relieved. I don't have the stress load that I had the last time. I can take a vacation here or there and be able to get away without thinking about work.

Bill is still trying to find a job...it's frustrating, to say the least. Especially when the job market isn't good and there are certain jobs that he can't do because of his injuries. I'll be happy when he gets any job, no matter the sacrifices that we have to make with seeing each other or seeing other family. At this point, I'm not picky...I'll just take employment!!

We're also moving! Ha, not until next year, but defintely moving closer to my job...I have such terrible road rage...pretty soon I'll take some poor helpless driver out.

I can't believe tomorrow is the first day of October...but this is the fun time of year! My birthday, Fritz's birthday, Bill's Birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas! Fun fun fun! I can't believe Fritz is going to be 5 this year!

Top 100 Hits of 1995

1. Gangsta's Paradise, Coolio
2. Waterfalls, TLC
3. Creep, TLC
4. Kiss From A Rose, Seal
5. On Bended Knee, Boyz II Men
6. Another Night, Real McCoy
7. Fantasy, Mariah Carey
8. Take A Bow, Madonna
9. Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days), Monica
10. This Is How We Do It, Montell Jordan
11. I Know, Dionne Farris
12. Water Runs Dry, Boyz II Men
13. Freak Like Me, Adina Howard
14. Run-Around, Blues Traveler
15. I Can Love You Like That, All-4-One
16. Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?, Bryan Adams
17. Always, Bon Jovi
18. Boombastic / In The Summertime, Shaggy
19. Total Eclipse Of The Heart, Nicki French
20. You Gotta Be, Des'ree
21. You Are Not Alone, Michael Jackson
22. Hold My Hand, Hootie and The Blowfish
23. One More Chance-Stay With Me, Notorious B.I.G.
24. Here Comes The Hotstepper, Ini Kamoze
25. Candy Rain, Soul For Real
26. Let Her, w Hootie and The Blowfish
27. I Believe, Blessid Union Of Souls
28. Red Light Special, TLC
29. Runaway, Janet Jackson
30. Strong Enough, Sheryl Crow
31. Colors Of The Wind, Vanessa Williams
32. Someone To Love, Jon B.
33. Only Wanna Be With You, Hootie and The Blowfish
34. If You Love Me, Brownstone
35. In The House Of Stone And Light, Martin Page
36. I Got 5 On It, Luniz
37. Baby, Brandy
38. Run Away, Real McCoy
39. As I Lay Me Down, Sophie B. Hawkins
40. He's Mine, Mokenstef
41. December, Collective Soul
42. I'll Be There For You-You're All I Need To Get By, Method Man-Mary J. Blige
43. Shy Guy, Diana King
44. I'm The Only One, Melissa Etheridge
45. Every Little Thing I Do, Soul For Real
46. Before I Let You Go, BLACKstreet
47. Big Poppa / Warning, Notorious B.I.G.
48. Sukiyaki, 4 P.M.
49. I Wanna Be Down, Brandy
50. I'll Make Love To You, Boyz II Men
51. Dear Mama / Old School, 2Pac
52. Hold On, Jamie Walters
53. Keep Their Heads Ringin', Dr. Dre
54. The Rhythm Of The Night, Corona
55. Roll To Me, Del Amitri
56. Scream / Childhood, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson
57. Freek'n You, Jodeci
58. I Wish, Skee-lo
59. Believe, Elton John
60. Carnival, Natalie Merchant
61. You Don't Know How It Feels, Tom Petty
62. Back For Good, Take That
63. Tootsee Roll, 69 Boyz
64. You Want This-70's Love Groove, Janet Jackson
65. Tell Me, Groove Theory
66. Can't You See, Total
67. All I Wanna Do, Sheryl Crow
68. This Lil' Game We Play, Subway
69. Come And Get Your Love, Real McCoy
70. This Ain't A Love Song, Bon Jovi
71. Secret, Madonna
72. Player's Anthem, Junior M.A.F.I.A.
73. Feel Me Flow, Naughty By Nature
74. Every Day Of The Week, Jade
75. The Sweetest Days, Vanessa Williams
76. Short Dick Man, 20 Fingers Featuring Gillette
77. Brokenhearted, Brandy
78. No More "I Love You's", Annie Lennox
79. You Used To Love Me, Faith Evans
80. Constantly, Immature
81. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me, U2
82. 100% Pure Love, Crystal Waters
83. Ask Of You, Raphael Saadiq
84. Sugar Hill, Az
85. Good, Better Than Ezra
86. Brown Sugar, D'angelo
87. Turn The Beat Around, Gloria Estefan
88. 'Til You Do Me Right, After 7
89. 1st Of Tha Month, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
90. Like The Way I Do If I Wanted To, Melissa Etheridge
91. I Live My Life For You, Firehouse
92. Dream About You-Funky Melody, Stevie B
93. Cotton Eye Joe, Rednex
94. Thank You, Boyz II Men
95. I'll Stand By You, Pretenders
96. I Miss You, N II U
97. Give It 2 You, Da Brat
98. Best Friend, Brandy
99. Misery, Soul Asylum
100. Can't Stop Lovin' You, Van Halen

Sunset picture...

Recently took this as the sun was going down...

You know you're getting old when...

...when you receive the invitation for your 10 year high school reunion in the mail. Ugh, talk about a slap in the face. And for Bill & I, it was a double slap in the face, why you ask? Because we got *TWO* invitations...which seemed kinda silly if you think about it. wouldn't the reunion people take notice to the fact that "hmm...they have the same last name and the mail is going to the same address...maybe there married". well, i guess the reunion people didn't place that close attention. our next question was "do we each send in our own invitations and say we aren't bringing a guest" or do we fill out one form and go from there.

$160 for one frickin night of drinks and dinner with several people that I haven't talked to since June of 1995??? i don't think so...we'll take a pass and see you at the 20th. there are talks of having a get-together and have a fun time with all of our SHS friends...not just the ones who were lucky enough to graduate with us.

fight on all you saxons...ha ha...thanks for the memories!

Name change...

I decided to change my blog address...it is still Nifer's Notes, but i changed the address. dont' ask me why, it looked fun. i got the line from the Gilmore Girls, one of my favorite shows!

sorry i haven't been updating...haven't found much to say.

How are you living your life?

I received this in an email, so I thought that I would share it here!

01. Bought everyone in the pub a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins*
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
* 07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
* 08. Said ‘I love you’ and meant it
* 09. Hugged a tree
* 10. Done a striptease
11. Bungee jumped
* 12. Visited Paris
* 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
* 14. Stayed up all night long, and watch the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
* 16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
* 18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Touched an iceberg
* 20. Slept under the stars
* 21. Changed a baby’s diaper
22. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
* 23. Watched a meteor shower
* 24. Gotten drunk on champagne
* 25. Given more than you can afford to charity
* 26. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
* 27. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
* 28. Had a food fight
29. Bet on a winning horse
* 30. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
* 31. Asked out a stranger
* 32. Had a snowball fight
33. Photocopied your bottom on the office photocopier
* 34. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
35. Held a lamb
* 36. Enacted a favorite fantasy
* 37. Taken a midnight skinny dip
38. Taken an ice cold bath
39. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
* 40. Seen a total eclipse
* 41. Ridden a roller coaster
42. Hit a home run
* 43. Fit three weeks miraculously into three days
* 44. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking (that's pretty much how i ALWAYS dance)
* 45. Adopted an accent for an entire day
46. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
* 47. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
* 48. Had two hard drives for your computer
49. Visited all 50 states
* 50. Loved your job for all accounts
* 51. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
* 52. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
* 53. Had amazing friends
* 54. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
* 55. Watched wild whales
56. Stolen a sign and construction cones
57. Backpacked in Europe
* 58. Taken a road-trip
59. Rock climbing
60. Lied to foreign government’s official in that country to avoid notice
* 61. Midnight walk on the beach
62. Sky diving
63. Visited Ireland
* 64. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
* 65. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
66. Visited Japan
67. Bench pressed your own weight
68. Milked a cow
* 69. Alphabetized your records and books and video tapes and DVD’s andpersonal records (like bank not vinyl)
* 70. Pretended to be a superhero
* 71. Sung karaoke
* 72. Lounged around in bed all day
* 73. Posed nude in front of strangers
74. Scuba diving
75. Got it on to “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
* 76. Kissed in the rain
* 77. Played in the mud
* 78. Played in the rain
79. Gone to a drive-in theater
* 80. Done something you should regret, but don’t regret it
81. Visited the Great Wall of China
82. Discovered that someone who’s not supposed to have known about your bloghas discovered your blog
83. Dropped Windows in favor of something better
* 84. Started a business
* 85. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
* 86. Toured ancient sites
87. Taken a martial arts class
88. Swordfought for the honor of a woman
89. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
* 90. Gotten married
91. Been in a movie
* 92. Crashed a party
* 93. Loved someone you shouldn’t have
* 94. Kissed someone so passionately it made them dizzy
95. Gotten divorced
96. Had sex at the office
97. Gone without food for 5 days
* 98. Made cookies from scratch
99. Won first prize in a costume contest
* 100. Ridden a gondola in Venice
* 101. Gotten a tattoo
* 102. Found that the texture of some materials can turn you on
103. Rafted the Snake River
* 104. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
* 105. Got flowers for no reason
106. Masturbated in a public place
107. Got so drunk you don’t remember anything
108. Been addicted to some form of illegal drug
* 109. Performed on stage
110. Been to Las Vegas
* 111. Recorded music
112. Eaten shark
* 113. Had a one-night stand
114. Gone to Thailand
115. Seen Siouxsie live
116. Bought a house
117. Been in a combat zone
118. Buried both of your parents
* 119. Shaved or waxed your pubic hair off
120. Been on a cruise ship
* 121. Spoken more than one language fluently
* 122. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
* 123. Bounced a check
124. Performed in Rocky Horror
* 125. Read - and understood - your credit report
126. Raised children
* 127. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
* 128. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
129. Created and named your own constellation of stars
130. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
131. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
* 132. Called or written your Congress person
133. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
134. …more than once? - More than thrice?
135. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
* 136. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone waslooking (probably sang even louder!)
137. Had an abortion
138. Had plastic surgery
139. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived.
140. Wrote articles for a large publication
141. Lost over 100 pounds
* 142. Held someone while they were having a flashback
143. Piloted an airplane
144. Petted a stingray.
* 145. Broken someone’s heart
146. Helped an animal give birth
* 147. Been fired or laid off from a job
148. Won money on a T.V. game show
* 149. Broken a bone
150. Killed a human being
151. Gone on an African photo safari
152. Ridden a motorcycle
* 153. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100mph
154. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
155. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
156. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
* 157. Ridden a horse
* 158. Had major surgery
159. Had sex on a moving train
160. Had a snake as a pet
161. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
162. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
* 163. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
164. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
165. Visited all 7 continents
* 166. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
167. Eaten kangaroo meat
168. Fallen in love at an ancient Mayan burial ground
169. Been a sperm or egg donor
170. Eaten sushi
* 171. Had your picture in the newspaper (a few times actually)
* 172. Had 2 (or more) healthy romantic relationships for over a year inyour lifetime
* 173. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
* 174. Gotten someone fired for their actions
175. Gone back to school
176. Parasailed
* 177. Changed your name
178. Petted a cockroach
179. Eaten fried green tomatoes
* 180. Read The Iliad
* 181. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
* 182. Dined in a restaurant and stolen silverware, plates, cups becauseyour apartment needed them
183. …and gotten 86ed from the restaurant because you did it so many times,they figured out it was you
* 184. Taught yourself an art from scratch
185. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
* 186. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
*187. Skipped all your school reunions
*188. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
189. Been elected to public office
190. Written your own computer language
*191. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
192. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
*193. Built your own PC from parts
194. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
195. Had a booth at a street fair
* 196: Dyed your hair
197: Been a DJ
* 198: Found out someone was going to dump you
199: Written your own role playing game
200: Been arrested

God Bless Mama Mary

8 years ago, I lost a very special woman, although at the time, I didn't realize how important of a person she would be to me. I only wish I would have had the opportunity to get to know and love her. She is my mother-in-law and she was tragically taken from the earth on May 13, 1997. I am attaching a poem that I wrote a few years back...

The One I Never Knew

We love the same man but in different ways.
You are the one I never knew.

You are the one who gave him his life
and I am the one who he now calls his wife.
You are the one I never knew.

Your days were numbered and your life ended too quickly.
Although he was hurt, he kept on going. Trying to be strong
when all he wanted was to have you back in his arms. He took care of his
sister and his grandparents too. But there was no one to take care of him.
You are the one I never knew.

I never met you before you had left.
But he tells me many stories that lead me to believe you were heaven sent.
I can only picture in my mind how great it would be
to have my mother-in-law alive to see.
They tell me all about the fun times you had, and even about the times that were sad.
I promise to take care of him, along with your daughter too. She is turned from a little girl to a beautiful woman, you should be proud, she looks just like you.

1 year after your death, he called me on the phone.
We talked and went to dinner and eventually we fell in love.
2 years after that tragic night,
he became my forever knight…
when he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.
After he asked, and I said yes…we noticed it had begun to rain.
However, we were not upset, just knew that you were sharing our happiness and that your tears was the cause to the rain.

From that time, we planned and planned the perfect day.
I had my mom to help me with the details, but your help and guidance too would have been the better way.
Soon, that wonderful day in September was here
A perfect day all sunny and clear.
The ceremony was beautiful and the roses were too.
The one problem was I put your rose in a vase and didn’t give it to you.

You are the one I never knew.

New Job!!

On April 18th, I was offered a position that I quickly accepted! I started two weeks ago. I am working for Riverside Publishing in their Customer Service Department. So far, I love the job and love the people that are working there. Everyone is nice and helpful! I'm so glad to be back to work!

interviews interviews and more interviews....

Things are going pretty well for me and hopefully, I should have a job sometime in the next week or two. I had an interview on Tuesday and a phone interview on Wednesday both with staffing companies. I'm waiting to hear back on Tuesday's interview to see if it turns into a 2nd interview. For the phone interview, I had a face to face interview today at the staffing company. I think that it went pretty well and it sounds like it may be a job offer. I had another interview yesterday with a financial group as a recruiter and I have a final interview with the president of their company next week! I'm really hoping to hear something soon!!!!!

Also, dh and I have discussed this, and I am going to be placing a call to EEOC (Equal Employment) and put a claim against my old company. After talking about "where everything went wrong" I really feel as if they discriminated against me from when I had my surgery and was dealing with all of my follow-up and treatment plans (for those who don't know, I had my thyroid removed back in August. It turned out, that there was a malignant tumor on the right side....good news is that I am healthy now!) I'm not interested in getting my job back, I just don't want it to happen to someone else, kwim?

where i've been...

bold the states you've been to, underline the states you've lived in and italicize the state you're in now...
Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /
Go HERE to have a form generate the HTML for you.

What Color is your Brain??

http://quizilla.com/users/kstarbuck/quizzes/What%20Color%20is%20Your%20Brain%3F/">%20src="%20What%20Color%20is%20Your%20Brain?
brought to you by

How do these people survive??

As Bill Engvall from Blue Collar TV would say, "Here's your sign!"
You have to question yourself and say, "How do these people survive?"

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

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

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

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

5. Several years ago, we had an Intern who was not too swift. One day she was typing and turned to a secretary and said, "I'm almost out of typing paper. What do I do?" "Just use copier machine paper" the secretary told her. With that, the intern took her last remaining blank piece of paper, put it on the photocopier and proceeded to make five "blank" copies.

6. I was in a car dealership a while ago, when a large motor home was towed into the garage. The front of the vehicle was in dire need of repair and the whole thing generally looked like an extra in "Twister." I asked the manager what had happened. He told me that the driver had set the "cruise control" and then went in the back to make a sandwich.

7. My neighbor works in the operations department in the central office of a large bank. Employees in the field call him when they have problems with their computers. One night he got a call from a woman in one of the branch banks who had this question: "I've got smoke coming from the back of my terminal. Do you guys have a fire downtown?"

8. Police in Radnor, Pa., interrogated a suspect by placing a metal colander on his head and connecting it with wires to a photocopy machine. The message "He's lying" was placed in the copier, and police pressed the copy button each time they thought the suspect wasn't telling the truth. Believing the "lie detector" was working, the suspect confessed.

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

"Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid."

The picture above...

Is of our nephew...who is 9 months old. I was over there eating dinner and he was VERY interested in Daddy's beer bottle...he was very focused on it.

Daddy wanted to see what would happen if he actually give him the beer bottle...scary enough...it was quite a hit.

And...were his mommy and auntie appalled by daddy's actions.....nope.....we pulled out the digital cameras!

I'm sure this kid is destined for therapy!

It's Miller Time Baby 

It's been awhile

Since I've posted here...oops. I have no good excuse, despite the fact that I didn't have enough time!

Well, now I have some time, alot more than before. As of last Friday, I was let go from my job. I was let go for quite a strange reason, but as I've thought about it more and more, I can't help wonder if in some ways, they did me a favor. Now, I can find a job that treats their employees hopefully a little nicer and don't make one feel guilty if you have a medical condition and need to rearrange work schedules because of doctor's appointments. Or if you can't work a full day because you may have some medical restrictions, that they actually understand instead of making you feel guilty.

So, anyone want to hire me??