Where have you been....

Has it really been a week since I logged on?! Dang, where did the time go. Classes are going well. Math is easier than I thought, A&P is about what I expected. Quiz #2 is today but I feel pretty confident with the terms. Next week's, not so much. But I'll have lots of time to study while I'm sitting at the family garage sale this weekend. I'm hoping that Dan will take the girls fishing, because they can't sit still for more than 5 minutes, but if not, I'll have them quiz me....LOL.

Speaking of "LOL" I was thinking about all the internet abbreviations the other day. Where did they come from. I mean, who was the first one to say "LOL" and that's how it was going to be. When I was younger and wrote notes to my friends, "haha" was laughing. And who decided that "dh" worked for hubby? Maybe he's not a darling? Maybe I just want to say "hubby". I can't think of a lot of others, but I know that they are out there. I was going to do a search for internet short hand, but decided not to waste my time. If you feel so inclined and find some good ones, let me know. I may compile a list just for kicks. In my spare time. (yeah right)

Anyway, one last thought, Sahara Aldridge is still down in Texas. She starts a new treatment today that involves 2 therapies at the same time. (i'm thinking chemo and radiation, but I might be wrong). So please say a pray for her and her family as they go to this next step in her treatment.

C Ya~
Aim

TIme flies when you're having fun....

Where did the time go?!? It seems like just last week I was heading into to Chicago to see WICKED, oh wait, that was just last week. Since then, the girls have started school, I have started school, I have had several discussion about the lack of customer service with our school's transportation department (I mean how hard is it really to let one 7 year old get on the bus when you are already stopping there?!?), and we are all trying to adjust to our new schedule. In a couple of weeks, I'll throw in girl scouts on Monday nights and I'm sure everything will go to hell. it's not a bad schedule, just busy, different. Last night I spend 2 hours on homework. I studied like a fool and keep getting the same vocab words wrong. What is up with that? It should not be that hard.

Thanks to all who "informed" me that yesterday was Rick Springfield's birthday! I already knew that, but it's nice to know that people are thinking about me. (And he looks great for 57. check out his website for recent pix. You won't believe it! www.rickspringfield.com)
I almost brought treats to work to celebrate, but then I figured that was a little too hokey, so I didn't. Here's to self control!

Don't forget to check Sahara's blog for daily updates! http://saharaaldridge.blogspot.com

See ya later~

Aim

One Short day in the Emerald City...

WICKED totally rocked. It was no Rick Springfield concert, but it was so totally worth it. I must say, if you enjoy musicals and have a change to see this, you must go!

We left on time, got to Chicago just about when expected, parked fairly easily and then were able to shop a bit and grab some food. First time the girls and I ate Popeyes, and I must say, it was really good.
We hit a little leather bag store (I wish I could remember the name of it) They had the cutest little purses and everything was on sale. However, when you are looking at leather, sale is still out of my prcie range.
We spend some time in Borders, and that was it's own experience. This Borders had 3 levels. Ours is big, but boring (no offense- I love Borders). Anyway, spend a half an hour in the kids section. Who knew there were so many cool books for kids! I wanted to pick up some of the books to read myself. However, I was slightly disturbed by one thing. "Flowers In The Attic" was in the young adult section. What the (%&$? I know I was a teeenager when I read it, but there is no way that my 11 year old is going to read that book. I guess I need to pay closer attention to what she's reading. Anyway, then we headed down the street to the Ford Center/Oriental Theater.

The Oriental Theater was beautiful! Let me say that again BEAUTIFUL. I was amazing. I was glad that we got in there before the lights went out. The sucky thing was that we weren't allowed to take pictures. It was beautiful. Okay. anyway. On to the actual show...

The sets were fantastic and the costuming was amazing. The actors did a great job and mostly stayed true to the soundtrack. I liked that they were able to tweak some parts to fit their voices, instead of straining, and in that way, made the songs their own. This is definitely the untold story of Oz. Lots of twists and turns, but fun to watch. I must admit, I would almost be willing to see it again. Michelle, the other mom who went with, and I agree that a girls weekend to New York to see the orginial just might be in the plans for out future. It was a wonderful night, the girls had a great time (the 11 year olds are in love with Fiyero) and we didn't even get lost. Okay, a little, but that's because mapquest didn't know that our off ramp would be closed. We still managed to get home by 1am...even bigger than that, we GOT HOME. Anyway, go see WICKED, or at the very least, listen to the soundtrack. You will not be disappointed.

Til next time~
Aim :)

Off to see the Wizard

Oh, yes, ladies and gents, we are off to see the wizard. Today is the long awaited day that we go to see WICKED in Chicago. the girls know all the songs, have saved money for souvenirs, are looking forward to eating downtown. Mom (that would be me) is not looking forward to the drive into Chicago, the traffic in Chicago, or the one way streets in Chicago. But I am looking forward to the show. It should be very interesting and entertaining. I even offered to give my friend Kelley a "concert call". Baby has picked out her white outfit, so that she can look like Galinda/Glinda. Lyric is wearing her new favorite jeans and who knows what else. Mom is totally undecided. K and M are coming with us, so it is totally girls night out. However, non alcoholic it will be. That's fine. I'd hate to get a little toasted and then lose one of the kids in downtown Chicago. (that was supposed to be funny, I hope you all laughed). Look for tomorrow's recap of the show!

Til next time!
Aim

It's true, patience is a virtue....

A week or two ago, I found that one of the classes I'm taking had an opening at a different time. It wasn't the section I wanted, but it was better than what I had. I told myself to wait, and if it was still open when I got home, I would switch. Guess what? It wasn't there when I got home to check. So, I continued to check daily (or multiple times daily, if the truth be told) and there was nothing. Now, in general, my schedule was decent, but I was going to have to make some changed to some things that would effect others. But, today is my lucky day. I checked mid morning and found that the math section I wanted had 2 openings. So I took it. Now my classes are both on Tues/Thurs. I even have time between classes to go home and have dinner with the family. How cool is that? The funny thing is, if I had switched to the other A & P class, I would not have been able to change the math class I changed today. Go figure! Patience is a virtue. Now if I could just instill that in my kids.

Til next time~
Aim

Bats in the Belfry

Well, the sleepover was a success, i think! the girls earned the planned badges, only two cried about their parts in the play, and nobody was traumatized by the bats that came to visit. that's right, I said bats! It may have been the same bat twice, as we did not actually see it go outside, but regardless, we had 2 bat incidents. What do you think happens when there is a bat flying around 12 girls, that's right, screams, scretches and more screams. of course, after it was over, that was all they could talk about. (What if the bat comes back, where did it come from, that was freaky) But then in the morning, as they were getting picked up, I'd say "Tell Mom/dad about the guests/excitement we had" and nobody knew what I was talking about. I guess kids are pretty resilient! yah!

Saturday then started slow, getting the room cleared for Sunday school, headed home, hanging out. Then we decided to drive to WI and check out a new bike trail. I should have known that Baby would lose it, she was hot and tired, so we didn't go as far as we would have liked, but it was still a good day. then of course, both of the girls perked up when we stopped for ICE CREAM!

Sunday, Fisher went, well, fishing...early...like so easrly my brain cannot function at that time of day. When he got back, I took the girls shopping for first day of school outfits. Before you know it, it's time for bed and time to prep for another week of work. Little do the girls know that this is practice week for school, so bedtime just got moved up an hour, just to try to get them in bed on time. We'll see how that goes. I'm not holding my breath!

On a side note, there is a new fund raiser in the works for RMH (Ronald McDonald House, not Rockford Memorial Hospital). If you would like to contribute, let me know or contact Char Rush at shivoo78@aol.com. We are collecting things like toys, board games, and pop tabs. And of course, cash is always good.

Til Next Time~
Aim

sleepover or sleepless

Tonight is our annual girl scout sleepover. This will be the 6th time we've done it, not including camping. Somebody tell me what was I thinking!?!? No, no, I'm kidding. I love being a Girl Scout leader. It gives me a chance to connect with the girls, spend special time with my own, and be a kid again. Tonight's Theme is Hollywood! We are earning the music, dance and theatre badges. I have a play for them to perform, a red carpet for entrances, and music to dance to. It should be a good night. Some of the girls aren't going to be able to attend, but we'll just make due. Some of the attending adults may have to take parts in the play, which should be pretty funny! it's call " when nursery rhymes attack" or something funny like that. I have to get the "ballots" created so they can vote and we can do our award show. First Annual Troop Awards. That should be a riot in and of itself.


we are also going to make cards for Sahara. I'm not sure get well soon is the right thing to say, thinking of you? feel better? sorry your sick? Hmmm, I'm going to have to think that over. Anyway, I hope that she will like them.

Til next time~
Aim

What to do, what to say....

I logged in twice yesterday and then didn't know what to say, amazing huh? So, I logged out and went about my business. Not sure what to say today either. In a world where 12 year old girls get brain tumors, children loose their parents in horrifc car accidents (and parents loose thir kids that way, too), people are bring bomb onto planes and trying to kill hundreds of innocent people, what is there to say?! Not much I guess, but let's pray. Pray for peace, healing, health and friends. In this big crazy world, you have to have somebody to lean on. You have your family, but sometimes family can be smothering. Your friends will complain with you, fight for you, be outraged for you, support you, lift you up, talk you down, pick you up, and more. Mostly without judging (however sometimes we need a little judging) and always with nothing but your best interests in mind.

Sometimes we call family the people that we are biologically attached to, sometimes family is a group of people with a common bond (Rick World, and the family of "Those that are praying for Sahara" come to mind, as well as those that have rallied around Amy Hawkins and her family) with no biology but nothing but the best of intentions.

I have met people in my life that I wish were part of my family, and I draw them in, or they me, and we create a relationship, a bond that will outlast time. Sounds corny, don't it? But it's true. There are people that I am glad to have in my life, and I hope that they are glad to have me. People that I can count on, cry to, complain with whatever, and I always feel better in their presence, even if it is an online presence. I want to thank you all for coming into my life.

Til next time,
Aim

As Promised

This picture was taken by one of the fabulous Rick photographers a few years ago. Sahara is still as adorable as ever. Here's the information on the fund raising effort.

if you would like to use paypal send your money to ipgirl213@aol.com (keep in mind we do lose money in fees) if you would like to send check, money order, or cashiers check please send it to:
ashley kish 8750 mayfair Taylor, MI 48180.
We have reached almost 100 wristbands in less than 24 hours which is AMAZING keep the orders coming. ALSO: I MUST receive payment by august 20th in order to receive everything by sept. the cost of the wristband is $5.00 and the tshirt is $15.00. You can also get the shirts in ANY size from a small to 4XL. They are 50/50 pre shrunk.
if possible please email me once you send out your payment so i can keep an eye on the mail.
hugs..ashley

If you are so inclined, please consider helping. The wristbands will have "celebrate youth" on one side and Sahara's name printed on the other. I don't know if a color has been choosen yet, but the discussion was of pink/ purple/ something bright. the shirts will say "Believe" on the back, and I think Sahara's pix on the front. I could totally be wrong. If you want to know for sure before you order, email Ashley at the email addy above and she will fill you in.

See Y' later~
Aim

Too much to do...

We all knew that it was too good to be true that I would actually post every day. But, oh well. Today is our 13th anniversary. Woo Hoo! We had a nice day at church, then a nap, and a nice dinner with the kids. And so marks another year. Here's to many more.

Last week I received word, via Rick Springfield, of a little girl, who is Lyric's age who has a brain tumor. (Okay, I know that sounds like it was a personal "word" from Rick. It was not, it was via a RickMail email, but hey a girl can dream). Anyway, this beautiful 11 year old is down in Houston at MD Anderson Medical Center, receiving some treatment. Her mom is with her, her dad, it seems will be back and forth. If you want updates, please go to http://saharaaldridge.blogspot.com. I cannot even begin to imagine what this family is going through. Please send up prayers to her and her family, and if I find out that there is something else that can be done, I will post it here. So far, prayers prayers and more prayers. There is a link to RMH (Ronald McDonald House, not Rockford Memorial Hospital). So, if you are so inclined, please check it and and see what you can do to help.

There's a lot more that I could say, but I'm going to stop for now, I want to focus on Sahara. Prayers, prayers, prayers.

Til next time,

Aim