What Girl scout cookie are you?

Apparently I am a Peanut Butter Pattie...take the test(The link is below) and let me know which cookie you are in the comments. One lucky commenter will win a box of "their" cookie. Cookie contest runs today through 2/27/09 at 12pm CST.

You Are Peanut Butter Patties / Tagalongs

You are creative and artistic. When you think, you tend to think big. You go for the drama. You love excitement and passion... even if it gets you in trouble. You are intense and a little self centered. You can be quite full of yourself (but not without reason). You tend to be very indulgent. If you feel like having something, you go ahead and treat yourself.

What Girl Scout Cookie Are You?

Barbara Delinsky...PPPP

Last night was wonderful! Kelley and I headed up to Oconomowoc. We followed Fisher's directions and it worked out great, except for the bypass/shortcut to Lynn's house that we missed and drove all the way around the town. Anyway, we picked up Lynn, grabbed some food (which I'm sure was way over my points limit for dinner!) and went to the Arts Center.

Barabara did a mini meet and greet thing, then we went into an auditorium and she did a reading from the new book, and talked about her career, and answered questions. Then we went back out the lobby so she could sign the books.

It was so cool to be there, talking to her like we were old friends. Lynn and Kelley both took photos for me. It's like I was almost famous for 5 minutes. There was another lady in line who was even taking pix while I was talking to her. And Barbara even asked somebody to take a photo of us together on HER camera! Seriously, how cool is that?!?

Anyway, here's the photos. My desire to write is rekindled....watch for my next book....coming soon.

Now head on over to CandidCarrie and see what else is going on.


3pm update: went over to Barbara's site and saw that there were blog entries from her, from the road. Well, wasn't I giggling when I saw my name in print here . How super cool is that!?!? And after reading a couple of notes, I'm glad I didn't bring her a copy of my book.

Google Game

I found this while I was floating around the blogosphere. Thought I'd try it out. What you do is go to Google, and type in your name & a word (see list below) and see what comes up. There's no tagging allowed, but if you do try this, let me know.

Amy Needs: some help drinking (not usually!)
Amy Looks: like she's about to sneeze (with the cold I've had this week, this is fitting)
Amy Likes: mountains (not so much)
Amy Says: Discover music (YES! I love to discover new bands)
Amy Wants: to record in Jamaica (This was actually about Amy Winehouse
Amy Does: design (um, huh?)
Amy Hates: to work out (ain't that the truth!)
Amy Can: fish (pretty fitting considering hubby's blog name is Fisher)
Amy Goes: back onstage (Sure- if it's with Rick Springfield)
Amy Loves: Books (Absolutely! I'm going to get the new Barbara Delinsky tonight!)

I wonder if I'd get the same answers in Yahoo?! that will have to be a post for another day.

New York City is a GO!

Some of you may know that Lyric's girl scout troop (or most of them) are planning to go to New York this fall (August). Some of you may also know that the trip has been a maybe-go for months. Because of the economy many people who wanted to go backed out. Well, I got the official word today that the trip, at this point is a GO!



Lryic worked her butt off babysitting to pay for this and gave up a lot of spending money because NY is some place she's always wanted to go. I'm ambivilent, but since it means so much to her, I'm going. Thank goodness for tax refunds, so I can pay for my part of the trip. We are going to be super busy because we get to see...

CBS Studios/CBS Morning Show

central park

apollo theater

Times Square

Ellis Island

United Nations Headquarters

NBC Studio/Today Show (I'll let you know what day to watch for us!)

United Nations Headquarters Tour

We also get to see a Broadway show, however which one is yet to be decided. There's a few other things we get to see as well:

Radio City Music Hall Grand Tour
Rockefeller center Tour
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Upper Manhattan Sightseeing Tour
Top of The Rock Observation Deck
Ground zero Memorial
St Paul’s Chapel
South Street Seaport
Broadway Show
John’s Pizzaria

(Okay, so this post just took about 30 minutes- I gotta get going, but I'll be sure to take lots of photos on on trip!)

I have a new favorite Band...

Last night I got to go out with my sister in law for a girl's night. This was not a typical girl's night though. We went to a concert. A rock concert. A really, really loud rock concert.

We missed the opening band, The Last Vegas, and I really wanted to check them out because they are a local band working their way to the big time.

Then we saw these guys:

I wish I could have taken photos, but no cameras were aloud, so we gotta work with what I could find on yahoo images.

Anyway, these guys rocked it and I would definitely go see them again. We missed the first couple of songs, but what we did see and hear was ROCKING!

Then we saw these guys:

HINDER

This is my new favorite band! I could have listened to them for four hours and never got tired. (okay, a few less F bombs would have been okay, but overall...LOVED IT!)

Then we saw these guys:

That's right. Motley Crue. Tommy Lee is my favorite bad boy. He rocks the drums, is a good dad, and wasn't afraid to go back to school....LOL. Motley Crue's light/stage show was phenomenal! Unless you are prone to migraines or have epilepsy. The lights were flashing and flashing and flashing. The whole venue was pounding and jumping. The music was great, but the "entertainment" on the screens was less than entertaining. I'm sure they thought it would be a bunch of guys coming to the show, but the audience was pretty mixed. The poor mom in front of us probably has to buy her son a new video game to make him forget all the inappropriateness that he saw last night.

Rick was there,too. Rick Nielsen (of Cheap Trick) that is. He came out and did "Jailhouse Rock" with the Crue.

Oh, and we saw:

Kat Von D

She was there supporting her boyfriend, Nikki Sixx.

Except for having to wait out in the cold for 30 minutes, it was a great night. We're ready to do it again...

Nine Words

This has been going around for awhile, but I recently received it from my friend, Jill, and I decide to share it with you!

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE
(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are
right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an
hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given
five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something,
and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing
usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement
often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an
idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and
arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of
'nothing'.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman
can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard
before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just
say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true,
unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not
thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome'. That will bring
on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying F-- YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement,
meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several
times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man
asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

hope this made you laugh, or at least let out a little chuckle!

Weight Update...and more

That's right my fellow readers...you saw that ticker over there ---> move from 6 to 8.6.
8.6 is the three week total. If I can keep on the 2 lbs per week pace, I'l be at my goal weight well before Milwaukee. I should have do a before an after photo, but I forgot. I do have some from Christmas but they aren't really head on shots. We'll see what happens.


First Chemistry test is tonight. I feel like I know stuff, because it all makes sense when he's talking about it, but I'm not sure I can pull it back out of my head. Wish me luck.


A few months ago I had this GREAT idea for a blog/story/love triangle thingy. I've been mulling it around in my brain the last few days, and i think I'm going to start working on it again. I have lots of short(er) stories that I'm planning to publish as a compliation. I'll let you know when I make that happen.

25 Random Things

I was tagged more than once on Facebook for this, but decided to put it here for you all to view! (If I can figure out a way to link it-I will) And with a name of "25 Random Things" I figured I had to do it, because everything I do is random....LOL

1. I recently joined Weight Watchers
2. I've lost 6 lbs so far
3. I was a quiet,shy kid
4. I would fight to the death to protect my kids
5. I wish I still lived in a small town
6. I'm glad I have a grocery store around the corner
7. When I was 12 I wanted to marry Rick Springfield
8. I've always wanted to be a writer
9. I wish I would have tried out for the Spring Musical when I was in high school
10. I love to watch Lyric perform
11. I always knew I would be pregnant 4 times
12. I didn't know I would only get 2 kids out of the above
13. I sing in the car...LOUDLY
14. I love hard rock
15. I wish I would have never quit college when I was 20
16. I'm not sure what I want to be when I grow up
17. I have two sisters and a brother that I've never met
18. Some of my closest friends I met due to a common love of Rick Springfield
19. I love my job...how many people can really say that!?!?
20. I've been writing stories since I was 12 years old
21. I've always wanted to go to Australia
22. I didn't get my driver's license until I was 18 and graduated from HS (I had a college class that started on Monday and I needed to get there, so Saturday I went and got my license)
23. My first car was a stick shift, and so was my third
24. Once upon a time I wanted to be a teacher
25. My dream job would be "playing" on the computer all day

I don't think I have 25 people to tag so if you are reading this, you are tagged. Link back so I know you did this and I'll be sure to leave you a comment!

Color Me DUH

I recently realized that there is soo much more to Blogger than I ever thought. When you log in and go to settings/layout and can change/add gadgets....I always thought the only ones available were the ones shown. But now I see that there are categories and all kinds of fun things you can add. Go figure. I'm very much a jump in and go type of girl, and ask questions later.

On a little side note (and what kind of started all this in the first place), I recently joing Weight Watcher At Work. In the past 2 weeks, I have lost 6 lbs. Nice, huh. 19 more to my goal weight.

And on another end note- had some stress and chaos at our house this weekend. You may or may not know that I am anti MySpace, especially for children. Well, Lyric had previously had a myspace account (without permission) and we made her shut it down. Low and behold, she opened it up again a few months ago. Yes, i knew about it, but I also told her to delete it. Well, due to some sort of craziness, she can't log into her email account to get the email from Myspace, to confirm that yes, she does in fact want it cancelled. And, since I hadn't mentioned it again, she thought it was okay to go ahead and keep using it. We found out because she was messing with her ipod touch instead of doing homework and Fisher found that she was logged into myspace. So now I'm furious. Everytime I'm close to giving in and setting up an account for her that I can easily manage, she does something like this. I understand her need/want to have it, but I also want her to be safe. She thinks I'm just stupid.

Any parental thoughts on that one???

PPPP- finally

A few weeks ago, I went to Door County with my mom. It's where we were both born and where we still have family. This photo was taken at my mom's favorite place, anytime of the year.

Looks like a typical county park sign, right?? now look at the whole sign.

We called these the golf clubs. I hope that you can see how the icicles are hanging. I have lots more photos from this trip, but I wanted to get these up here for Friday's Foto Finish Fiesta!

now head on over to candid carrie and see what else is going on.

A sign of the times

I wish I had a photo to go along with this post because the visual on it is pretty powerful.

This morning I was running late for work, due to Jazz missing the bus. (She was in the bathroom, but when you gotta go, you gotta go) Anyway, took Jazz to school and was heading in. I drive the same route 99.9 % of the time, albeit usually a few mintues eariler. Today I saw something that at first glance was very sweet, and then very sad.

Three dads standing at the bus stop with their kids. "Aww" I thought. How cool that those dads are so involved, yada yada yada. Then, after a moment of thought, I realize that there is a good chance that each of them are layed off.

In this economy it can happen to anybody. It happened to my brother in law a few weeks ago. He's still not sure what the next step is for him. We have a friend who works for a car manufacturer who's not sure how long he will be back at work. Another friend who's in construction has worked less than 3 months out of the past 15.

So, I hope that...well, I don't really know what I hope. I hope that those that are looking are able to find a job. I hope that Obama can help turn things around.

Happy Sunday

hey, all. How was your weekend??
We went to a hotel Friday night for a quick overnight and let the kids swim. It was a great mini getaway and much needed. The rest of the weekend has been pretty layed back.

I've done all my homework, and studied for the potential pop quiz. The kids are done with homework as well and I think we are going to cuddle up on the couch after dinner and watch a movie. Fisher is out of town for work but will be back tomorrow night.

I didn't sleep well last night, (and ended up with a headache this morning) so hopefully tonight will go better.

I hope everybody is doing well, staying warm and feeling okay!

Fender Bender Follow Up

So, this is the story I got from Jazz. Somebody, in a car, pulled out in front of the bus. The bus hit said car. Everybody rocked. One girl fell out of her seat (she was in front, closest to the drive), two others hit their heads on the seats in front of them. Jazz bumped her head on the backswing and her knees hit the seat in front of her. I'm sure that everybody got bumped a bit. Nobody had to go to the hospital, but there were "police cars, and ambulances, and fire trucks there, Mom!". So it was kind of a big deal.

The bus driver looked a little hesitant/shy/scared/reserved when Jazz got on this morning. I felt bad for her.

The call you don't want...

Babysitter: hey, is Jazz coming here today?
Me: yes. Why, is she not there?
Babysitter: Nope.
Me: What time does she usually get there?
Babysitter: 15 minutes ago.

So, as my heart is pounding out of my chest, I call the school bus garage.

Me: yeah, I'm just have a question about my daughter's bus.
Lady: What school?
Me. (*********)
Lady: Bus ABC?
Me: yup.
Lady: I was just getting ready to call people. There was a little fender bender and we are dispatching another bus to pick up the kids and finish the route.

Yup, that's right. the bus got into an accident. Nobody was hurt (thank goodness) but the almost funny thing is when Lyric was in kindergarten this happened like 3 times within a month. It was crazy. I think that bus driver finally got let go. let's hope that this is not a sign of things to come.

Anyway, Jazz made it to the sitter about a half hour late and was laughing so I guess she's not bothered by the whole thing.

Sowing a Seed

AKA help Amy win a call from Barbara Delinsky. You may remember that I won a phone call last year for being a blabbermouth?!? Well, this year's contest is the "sow the seed contest".

go to www.barbaradelinksy.com , click on the contact page and leave a note telling Barbara that I (Amy Krueger) sowed a seed for While My Sister Sleeps. that's it. Whoever gets the most people to head over there will win a phone call, a green basket (for a gardener) and a copy of a backlist book.

I'm okay with not winning, but it would be super cool if I did. I'm also looking at going to the book signing 2/19 in Oconomowoc. Is that close enough for me to drive?!? I think it is. I'm going to mapquest it right now!

Strong, Independent Woman

here's my most recent dilemma. I have two daughters. (okay, really that's not it, that's just the beginning!) I want them to be Strong, Independent Woman. But I want them to know that it's okay to get married and be happy. Strong, independent woman don't need a man. They can take care of things themselves. But it's nice to have a man around (I've been married for 15 years, so I should know LOL).

How do I balance the lessons of marriage, family, career, independence?!? What do you think?

Chemistry...Girl Scouts and more

About five minutes ago I had a really cool title for this entry. Then the phone rang and I got distracted....can't quite remember what it was.

Anyway, went to Chem last night. I think it's going to be okay, now. I had a teeny tiny panic moment. I thought that maybe I was registered for the wrong class (there's a one semester and a two semester). So I called over to the school I'm trying to get into and got the word- I'm good.

It's girl scout cookie time (I'm sure that I mentioned this already.) Lyric is doing great, thanks to my mom. She might actually get a full NY payment out of them. I just hope that the NY trip is still a go. A lot of people that signed up initially are having to back out due to the economic crisis. If we don't get to go, Lyric will be heartbroke. But I do believe they do these trips every other year. So she can jsut put her money into savings and pull it out when it gets rescheduled.

We're getting snow and cold weather and I HATE cold weather. I'm sure in a previous life I lived someplace very warm- I don't know where, but somewhere. We'll see if the cars start the next couple of mornings when the high temps for the day will be below zero. Sounds fun, doesn't it?!? Who wants to move to the Midwest? Come on, raise your hand. LOL

Hello...Is it me you're looking for?!

Hello, my faithful readers! Sorry I haven't been as regular in posting lately. There's been a lot going on. I can't promise to post more, I can only promise to continue to post.

Chemistry starts tomorrow night. 7:25-10:05. Sounds fun, huh?!!? I know, I know, it's not fun...but I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing. Still don't know anything about Nursing...but I'm waiting.

Went to see Twilight again tonight. I actually liked it better the second time. I felt like because I had already read the book and seen the movie, I could relax a bit. I could analyze parts/characters and not have to worry about what I was missing. I'm sure that when it comes out on DVD, we will have a copy and I will get the opportunity to watch it over and over and over again.
Note: you can now pre order Twilight and HSM 3 DVD's on Amazon.com. Go ahead, you know you want to!

It's girl scout cookie time so if you don't have a girl scout in your area that you know, email me and we can hook you up for the cost of cookies and a small mailing fee.

Well, the weekend is almost over...I'll be checking in after class...

Going Green

One thing I've always done with my girls is have them use a Dixie cup when brushing their teeth so that the water doesn't keep running. I do that myself and I always kind of thought we were being good citizen of Earth. Until today. So, if we use a paper dixie cup and don't let the water run, then we throw away the paper dixie cup and it goes into a landfill, is that ecofriendly?!? A dilemma I never thought I'd have. By saving a resource (water) am I overusing another (trees).

What are your thoughts??

Must See TV

Finally, the networks are starting to air new shows! here's what I've watched this week.

Momma's Boys- this show is interesting in a train wreck sort of way. There is one girl in particular who worries me. If you have that much disrespect for the mom of a guy you are supposed to be into, then there is a big problem. I can't remember her name, but she is purposely annoying this one mom. I say she needs to go. Unfortunately, the "boy" kinda likes her. And really, do you want your mom picking out your wife??

The Bachelor- Jason got screwed over by De Anna. Really. But I think probably that was the best thing. Because now he can find somebody else who's decent. yeah, did you see the season previews?? DeAnna comes back and tells Jason that she made a mistake. DUH! We all knew that.

Rock of Love Charm School- The Reunion- All I can say is don't mess with Sharon Osbourne. She doesn't play around. Megan didn't get enough of what she deserved. Really.

Rock of Love The Bus- Seriously? Bret Michaels couldn't find the love of his life, twice, so now he's going on tour with a bunch of groupies?? really? Don't get me wrong, I'll watch, but TRAIN WRECK CITY.

Nip/Tuck- Yes, friends, it is that time of year again. Nip Tuck started up last night. I wasn't liking the beginning because it was more of a repeat/flashback thing, but I do love where they went with it. I love Christian Troy. he's a sexist pig bad boy, but what they are doing to him this year, and how it came out, was too much. and a good story to tell. I won't give it away yet, but I'm sure to be discussing it over the next couple of months.

So, what's on your must see TV list this year??

What's going on.....

* kids are back to school today, they were both excited, although Lyric wasn't happy about getting up this morning

*mom (me ) is back to school next week. Chemistry, two nights a week

*going to court this Friday. Not as bad as it sounds, or maybe it is. Somebody has decided that my aunt can't take care of herself or make decsions for herself and they are trying to appoint a guardian. there's a couple problems I see with this. 1) my aunt is 50 and has done a pretty good job of taking care of herself up to this point (granted, there was a little thing last summer but still), 2) the potential guardian is some random somebody that we don't know. There's a whole bunch of family members that could and would step up and help with this. (there's a whole bunch more to this story, but I won't broadcast it (at least not yet!)

*tonight we are going out to dinner to celebrate what would have been my father in law's 87th birthday. We started doing this a couple of years ago and it's fun for the family to get together

*have a new fiction and nonfiction book in the works

*haven't had a good nights sleep in two weeks. Tonight, it's Tylenol PM, baby!

I guess that's what's going on with me. What's going on with you??

To Do List

This is the start of my To Do List. I will update/add as necessary, and eventually there will be a link over to the side so you can see what I'm doing. This is in no particular order.


*Complete NaNoWriMo (I've participated, but not yet completed)
*complete the 100 push up challenge (this starts 1/1/09)
*play a game of tennis
*learn a song on the piano
*list of 25 things that inspire me (to be looked at when I need some inspiration)
*get a college degree
*publish a second fiction book
*read the bible
*publish a non fiction book (I've always wanted to write Rick Springfield's biography)
*get a family photo taken (more often!)
*read all Harry Potter books
*travel to Australia
*travel to Greece
*create a book of my favorite photos (more inspiration?!?)
*inventory CD's, DVD's and books as well as electronics etc around the house
*complete AHA instructor course
*go to a non Rick Springfield concert (2/15/09-Motley Crue, Hinder, Theory of a Deadman and Last Vegas!)
*participate in a walk/run for charity (4/11/09 Red Shoe Run for organ donor awareness)
*take kids to Disney
*join a writer's group
*write a book/story with the girls
*create a family "holiday" calendar
*See Lyric graduate High school
*See Lyric graduate college
*See Lyric get married
*See Jazz graduate high school
*See Jazz graduate college
*See Jazz get married
*host an annual family game night
*participate in a support group for infant/child loss
*learn to knit

Meet Rick Springfield has always been on my list. Nice to finally cross that off!
So has meet Barbara Delinsky- does a 15 minute phone call count?
Publish a book- done!

"101 Things" to a "Bucket List"

I'd like to say that I'm blogging with my Ipod touch, but I'm not that savy yet. Maybe someday.

I started working on my 101 things list 12/1. It's 12/30. I'm giving up. Well, not so much giving up as changing. I decided to transfer it to my "Bucket List"...or as I like to call it, "All the things I want to do before I die" or "My Lifetime to do list". some of the 101 things will transfer very nicely to the new/revised list. Some will just have to be forgotten. But I'm okay with that. I spent some time thinking about all the things I want to do and all the things I need to do. Then I decided that having a list of 101 things was too much pressure. There will still be things to do, items checked off, and photos of aforementioned things. Just here, instead of a seperate blog. And since I have "A lifetime" to complete them- the pressures off, or at least lightened.

So, once I get the new list written, I'll post it here. You'll get to see it and maybe get some ideas of things that you would like to do too! And now I'll be able to put things on the list that are farther in the future (trip to Greece for 20th anniversary, see Lyric & Jazz get married, be a grandma!)

I don't look at it as quiting. I look at it as realizing I jumped in with both feet before I really thought out the whole process. 1001 days is a really long time. And what if there was something that I didn't get done?!? Would I beat myself up about it? Would it really matter? A To Do list is nice because it is just things that I would like to do/make happen in a less stressful form.

Another nice thing about a to do list is you can add things and take away things as necessary. With the 101 things, I was kind of locked in to, well, 101 things....LOL

So, here's to a new year. A less stressful, more organized, fun year!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Return Everything That Doesn't Fit/You Don't Want Day...





Okay, not really. At least not at our house. Everybody liked what they got. The kids were thrilled. I'm not sure what their faves are yet but Lyric got Harry Potter Clue and all the Twilight books. Jazz got a HSM Build A Bear. They both got new radios and socks, warm stuff, movies, etc.





Wanna know what I got?? Do you really?? Okay. I got this...

unexpected but much appreciated! Don't get me wrong. I like my nano and it has served me well, but I LOVE the touch! I haven't worked out all the settings and what not yet, but I did carry it around with me all day yesterday. It helped keep Jazz busy when she was "bored" because I already had a few games on it. I'm going to put Mama Mia on it for traveling, too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Merry Christmas and all that! I'm starting to get a little more excite about tomorrow. I have a feeling that this might be our last "santa" Christmas, and I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can. I have a few gifts left to wrap, but overall, I'm ready for tomorrow.

We are getting more snow today and even though it is making the roads crazy slippery, it's the kind of light, fluffy snow that you should get at Christmas time. I wanted to take a pix but my memory card is full, so tonight I need to dump everything to the computer so I don't miss anything tomorrow.

Lyric got an ipod touch for her birthday. I'm hoping that Santa is bringing me one tonight. I know I won't get the camera or the car (and probably not the vacation) so I'm holding out for the touch. I must say though, Fisher is a very good gift giver. He is very generous and sometimes gets me stuff I didn't even know I wanted (like a couple years ago when he got me an ipod nano- that now I can't live without) So, whatever he gets me will be great. And since I know I've surprised him (because his gift is at my mom's) I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.

Side note- Fisher called last night to make sure he had my mom's phone number. Do you think that he's hiding my gift over there as well?!? Wouldn't that me funny.

Don't forget- Jesus is the reason for the season

Dear Santa....

I've been a good girl and I know that I don't usually post twice in one day (especially one right after the other) but since Christmas is so close, I wanted to make sure that you knew what was on my list. In case you are out finishing up some shopping or something. (these gifts are in no certain order or importance)


Yes, I'm a gamer. I've always loved video games and if you bring me a Wii, I promise to share with the rest of the family. I will, really!

I know our family vacation was like 7 months ago, and I know that you want me to relax after working so hard to be so good this year, so if you want to send Fisher and I to Greece for a week, I'm sure that I can get the time off of work.

Ipod touch. What more can I say. I'm a music fan. and a gamer. and a internet freak. So what better gift for me.

I love my current camera, and I think I even figured out a good setting for concert photos, but doesn't this camera look awesome!??!

This is my favorite car right now. The Chevy Impala. I've driven a couple of different ones (This is what I get whenever I need to rent a car) and I LOVE this car. I don't usually have any preferences for cars. It goes, stops, heats, plays music- good enough. But if I could have any car it would be this. I know it won't fit under the tree but it would fit in the driveway.

Thanks for flying all over the world to bring good kids like me just what they want on Christmas!

Fourth Photo

Lynn has the fourth photo in the fourth folder meme on her blog right now. She said if you read it, you are tagged. So, I'm tagged. Here's the fourth photo from my fourth folder. Nice, huh? This was from Beloit Riverfest, taken shortly before Rick Springfield took the stage.

One less photo and it would have been this:

Even nicer!

So, if you are reading this: go to your fourth photo folder and post your fourth photo. Link back to me or comment so I can check it out.

Phriday Photo Phinish

I don't think I've shared this one before. It was taken at my Great Grandma's 90th birthday party. I snapped this because I thought it was cute that the girls were getting along and smiling. Late I found out that they had snapped a photo on my phone. So basically, I took a picture of them taking a picture of them(selves).

If you want to see who else is playing today, head on over to Candid Carrie .

All I want for Christmas is....Kisses

okay, not really but look at this...





I got a gift from a co worker today. In it were these kisses. How many different flavors do you think they have?? These are mint truffle (green), peppermint (red on the left), cheesecake (gold on the right), hot cocoa(tan/orange on bottom) but the best is the one in the middle. Look closely. Can you read the tag??

I don't know if there are "nice" ones out there too, but how funny are these. I think they are just "regular" chocolate, but I haven't actually tried it yet.

So, have you been naughty or nice this year??

Phriday Photo Phinish Phiesta Phun- Where would we go....

if there was a tornado? This is what Jazz asked me when we were on vacation this year. We always stay on a lake. This year we were someplace new and for some reason she was really worried about tornados. The property used to be a family homestead but has been converted into a resort. The building we stayed in used to be the main house but now is 5 units. The building across from us used to be the guest house. As we were walking around the property, we found this.

"That's where we would go!" I exclaimed.

Okay, now that you've checked out my photo, head on over to Candid Carrie and see who else is playing along today.

holiday Traditions

In getting ready for Christmas, there are lots of things to be done. At our house, Fisher puts up the tree then the kids and I decorate. This year, I've realized that when the kids move out, I won't have any ornaments for my tree. LOL. Well, that's not entirely true. We have "our First Christmas" ornament and I get the fabulous decade ones from Hallmark. (one for each year). There's a few others in there, but I think I get new ornaments when Lyric moves out. :-) Fisher usually hangs the first Christmas one, so that is one of our traditions.

I do 90% of the Christmas shopping for the kids and the family. I usually don't mind shopping, but I hate buying just to buy, especially when I don't know what the nieces and nephews are into. I also do the wrapping of the previously mentioned gifts.

Fisher puts up some sort of lights outside. This year it's a spotlight on the wreath hanging on the house. Very cool.

The kids and I usually bake cookies with my mom. We don't have this set up yet, but Jazz was just asking about it the other day.

Christmas Eve is at our house with a 10pm church service to follow. Christmas eve is at Fisher's older brother's house. It's been that way for years, and it works out pretty good.

What are your holiday traditions???

Rain, Sleet and Snow- Oh, my!

yes, my fellow readers, I am getting the most awful winter weather! Rain starting last night, into sleet and, since the temp has dropped, now snow. The roads are slippery...the sidewalks slushy....and my brain mushy!

Finals are over (for me) and I'm *this* close to getting an A in art. Seriously. I took my final last night and then was able to figure my percent overall right away. 89.7% So, if they round up to an even percent, I'll have a 90- which is an A. If no rounding, a B. I hate, hate, hate being that close and not being able to do anything about it. I really, really,really want an A. Grades are due by Friday, and will be available to me next week. I'll let you know.

Jazz's first performance at her new school got cancelled due to the aforementioned weather. Which is good, we don't have to be out in this stuff, but bad because when will they reschedule it?? Next Tuesday when we are having our girl scout holiday party? Wednesday, when she has dance? After the winter break? I'm sure she'll bring a note home today.

Speaking of winter break- when did it become winter break instead of Christmas Break? Same with Spring Break instead of Easter?? Spring Break is for College kids. Not my 9 year old. I know that it's basically the same thing, and I am very open to other people, cultures, ideas and whatnot. I do however take offense that my kids can't sing "traditional" Christmas songs at school (you know, all the ones we sang) because we might offend somebody. If you are that easily offended, well, I don't know what to say. Instead of "Silent Night" or "Away in a manger" Jazz is singing some song about Martha Stewart. Yup, that's right. Martha has made her way into the Holiday Program. I know this, 1) because Jazz has been practicing and 2) because Lyric did this same performance when she was in 4th grade.

I hope that I have not offended anybody as that is never my intention. What are your thoughts on Holiday vs Christmas? Let's dish.

This Blog Measures Up

Thanks to Paula over at http://www.paulafasciano.blogspot.com/ for this award. Because I like to do things my own way, my tagged friends are below.

1. Say one nice thing to a man in your life.

*I'm assuming this means "THE" man in my life, right?!? I want to say thanks for thinking about storing the boat for the winter so I can park in the garage. I appreciate the thought, even though the storage thing is not necessary. I love you!

2. List at least six ways that you measure success in your life (or for your blog).

*Success is my kids being in bed at 9pm

*Success is my kids out of bed at 6:30am

*Success is the completion of the goal to write and publish a book

*Success is achieving a balance between what you want to do and what you have to do

*Success is the feeling of accomplishment- be it the conclusion of a class, figuring out a puzzle, or creating something out of nothing

*Success is being happy with what I have

3. Assign this award to five other blogs and leave them a comment telling the blogger that you’ve assigned them this award.

I’m awarding this to…

Amy

Sooz

Charlene

Two new friends (like two people who don't regularly read my blog but would like to play along) Just comment that you are playing!

I was so mad...Friday Foto Finish

I was so mad because the photos I wanted to post today weren't in my snapfish albums. But, then I had a moment. They are on my handy dandy flash drive that I carry around. (I'm thinking I did that on purpose for FFF but who knows). So, anyway, here are some photos I've taken recently. I've been in a "Sky photo" frame of mind.

(This was taken from my front yard during a fall storm)

(This was overlooking the neighbor's house during the afore mentioned storm)

This was the sunset over the lake -duh- when we were on vacation this summer

hello, my cold friends....

Okay, maybe some of you aren't cold, but if you live in the midwest you probably are. I went out to my car this morning and couldn't get in. The locks were frozen. Then I thought I'd start Fisher's car to get Jazz to the bus stop. Nope. he had to come out and start his car and unlock my car doors. My car has a history of not opening when it gets cold. I hate it. When I get done with school (if not before) I getting a BRAND NEW CAR! Right now, I choose an Impala, but I like the Dodge Journey and the Honda Pilot or Odyssey.

Here's to keeping warm!

Sisters and Snow

My mom took the girls for pix the other day. They did Christmas and then Birthday photos for Lyric. Here's a couple of my faves.

(This is her fave- we got wallets for her to share)

We're getting snow today, and Saturday, and Monday. I took a couple pix the other day, but I'm going to try for some more tonight. If any turn out, I'll be posting them here.

I'm Back...with my T list

I hope somebody noticed I was gone...LOL

I had a long weekend away from work, and except for studying for my final, I wasn't on the computer much. Now, I'm back.

I stopped by Lynns Life Online and she had a favorite things sort of post. I'm playing along. I got the letter T and it was not easy, but here's my list.

*Tinkerbell (she's cute, funny, and a little bit naughty!)
*tea (green or white- hot or cold)
*The Shield (I know this is a bit of a stretch, but since the series ended last week, I figured it would count)
*Thanks (as in giving thanks to those that deserve it)
*Taking pictures (again a bit of a stretch, but it's my list)
*Traveling (as long as I know where I'm going, I love to travel, either by car, train, plane or boat)
*theatre (musical theatre usually but I love a good play)
*time off (see note above)
*Telling stories
*Talking with friends ( I know, this is another stretch, but it's my list! )

New at the Store

Just wanted to let you know that there are a few new items in my cafepress store (Hannikah Designs) and more coming. I will be adding more to the store and upgrading to offer more items over the next few days/weeks. If there is something that you would like to see there, let me know.


A big Happy Thanksgiving to all! I'm looking forward to December and getting ready for the holidays. We have several December birthdays in our family, including Lyric and my mom. As well as just enjoying time with family.

I'll also be working on my next book starting next week. I believe that this one is going to be a collection of short stories as I have several that I've written but not developed into full novel length. I'll keep you posted!

I almost Missed

I was going about my business and realized I hadn't blogged yet today. Huh, just when I was doing so well. I bought another Christmas present today. I can't tell you for who, just in case, but after Christmas, I'm sure you'll see it here in a photo. It's supercool and something that this person really wanted. Now, if I could just figure out everybody else. LOL

I found some very cool photos on my computer last night that I forgot I had, so I will be posting them over the next few days/weeks (look for them on Friday).

Okay, I'm off. see you Wednesday.

Have You Ever...

no, this isn't one of those crazy game. Have you ever realized that something was not quite right, but couldn't quite figure out what was wrong/missing/different? I was having that sort of a moment (several times actually) with my keys. They just felt different in my hand. I thought maybe Fisher had taken off extra keys, but nope, they are all still there. Maybe I was just holding them different? Nope. Then, suddenly, it hits me. One of the keychains is missing. I lost my Ranger keyfob thingy. In the real world, not a big deal. In my world, huge deal! I got that keychain when I went to meet Janet Evanovich a few years ago. And Ranger is hot. Okay, on the key chain he's a cartoon hamster, but in the books- wow! So, now I'm bummed because I went to buy another one and the store is closed until 11/28. Okay, I can wait. But I ain't happy about it. I was on the website (www.evanovich.com) looking for the picture to put in here, but I can't find it.(Probably because the store is closed). I can tell you I will buy another one (or two) and I'm almost positive that Kelley will be getting something from that store for Christmas. (she's the one who originally turned me on to Janet). I might even get myself a black Rangeman tee. :-)

Happy Holidays

It's officially holiday time around here. We just got back from the Light the Park Parade (Lyric is in the band). It was cold out there, but not as cold as last year. The firemen had a cute thing. They were pulling santa's sleigh (it was on wheels) like reindeer. There were lots of police and fire vehicles lit up, too. I wish I had photos, but my mom has my camera and Fisher's camera doesn't have a zoom. Now I know I need to get him a new camera for Christmas. I was already planning to get him a photo printer so the two things will go well together. Lyric needs a new camera too. I might just give her mine and get a new one myself. I want a nice one like my mom's, but probably can't afford it. Oh, well.

Have a great Sunday night, all. See you tomorrow.

More Music

I was at Target today and bought the 2008 Christmas with You CD. I also picked up To Remember by Josh Kelley. I'm off to load it onto the ipod so I can listen while I'm cleaning. If it's like the other one of his, I should like it. There's a whole bunch of music out there that I want to buy but I have to control myself. I could spend hundreds of dollars on CD's and MP3! What's in you ipod?? Any new music suggestions??

Happy Friday!

It's finally the end of the week. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo for PPP because snapfish is stupid! usually I can pull a photo out of one of my albums and upload it. That's not working today. I guess next week I'll have to be more prepared.

I watched Grey's Anatomy last night, almost entirely uninterrupted. I liked it better than last week, but I'm not sure what the heck they are doing with Izzy and that bothers me. The morning DJ's were saying maybe she has a brain tumor. i don't know if I like that either, but come on! It's one thing to "see" dead people, a whole nother thing to do, well, what she was doing.

Twilight opens today (well, I guess at midnight it opened). We won't be seeing it for a few weeks, maybe by Lyric's birthday. I was excited for the movie, but after seeing a few photos and clips, I'm not as excited. I don't like what they did with Peter Facinelli, and Robert Pattinson doesn't fit my image of Edward. We'll see. I'd like to be pleasantly surprised.

People's sexiest man. Hugh Jackman. (Australian hunk) but sexiest?? Not so sure. Is it funny that he gets this honor right about the time his new movie is coming out?? And the others that I saw on the list?? Not impressed. What's the criteria to be on this list?? Blair Underwood and Zac Efron are the only two that I think deserve to be there. But that is my opinion. I understand that. If you are in love with Hugh Jackman then it's a great week for you! :-)

Okay, so that was a whole lot of "stuff" for today. Enjoy your weekend.

Dear Abby...

I found this post yesterday and had to share. It is almost hard to believe, but then again maybe not. let me know what you think. The whole question is a train wreck, but pay close attention to the text in RED.


DEAR ABBY: My wife and I received an invitation from a family member to attend their daughter "Heidi's" wedding on Father's Day weekend. We canceled our existing plans in order to attend, and gave "Heidi and Dave" an appropriate gift. As the ceremony progressed, the minister asked, "Do you, Steve, take Heidi" ... at which point the guests began whispering to themselves, "STEVE?"
We were embarrassed, thinking we had made a horrible mistake in addressing the gift card -- and we weren't the only ones. Finally, after much discussion among the guests, someone approached the bride's mother to ask if we had made a mistake. "Oh, no," she replied. "Dave backed out two weeks ago. Heidi asked Steve if he would marry her, and he said he wasn't doing anything else this weekend, so why not?"
I was flabbergasted. Predictably, in less than three weeks, this sham of a marriage was over. Heidi, of course, retained all the gifts.
My wife says it's no big deal. I say the bride's parents should have called the guests and explained the circumstances so they could make an informed decision about attending. I was also raised to believe that in cases such as this, where the commitment to marriage was so obviously missing, that the gifts should be returned. Am I wrong? This has caused a rift in the family. -- JILTED GUEST
DEAR GUEST: It appears that Heidi and her parents became so involved in the details of the "production" that they forgot the real meaning of the wedding celebration -- the joining of two people together in a lifetime commitment to each other. Frankly, I am shocked and disappointed that a minister would go along with such a farce, much less "bless" it. (Could the clergyman also have been a stand-in for the real thing?)
Yes, the wedding should have been called off when the groom backed out. Yes, the guests should have been notified. Yes, any unopened or unused gifts should have been promptly returned. And no, you're not wrong.

More About Music

Since yesterday's post was about music, today's post will be about, well, music. Do you ever rediscover music that you love? Have you ever heard a few songs by a band but suddenly one song turns you into an obsessed "i can't get enough of their music" fan?? Both have happened to me. Last summer it was Nickelback. I had heard some of their songs and like them okay. I think we even had a couple of their CD's already. But one day, with my friend (Chad Kroeger is her RICK), and I was hooked. I think I listened to all Nickelback all the time for over two weeks. It was like I was trying to absorb all of the music.

Now, it's Darren Hayes. I've liked him since the Savage Garden days. He's cute, he can sing, he's from Australia (sound like anybody else??) I didn't even care that people thought he was gay (not like the other guy). And then he came out...Darren, honey, it's okay. I really do like you for your musical ability. As long as you are happy and keep writing songs, I'm there for you. So, anyway, the other day I'm scanning my ipod (prior to the activity that lead to yesterday's post) and I find "In Your Eyes" Darren Hayes UK single. Okay, I just wish that I could imbed that song right her for you to listen to. (Note to readers: If anybody knows how to make that happen, I will send you a gift!) Anyway, there's a couple of things about this song. 1) it was original performed by Peter Gabriel (I don't know if anybody has done), 2) I didn't know/realize that it was on my ipod, and 3) I LOVE THIS SONG. seriously, there is something about it that has totally sucked me in. I listened to it multiple times, in a row. and I'm getting ready to listen to it again. Then, as I'm scrolling through said ipod I find two more Darren Hayes songs that i didn't realize I had. "Strange Magic" and "Can't Help Falling In Love" (which is my second fave Elvis song). So, I'm on a Darren Hayes kick right now. I know that he has some music out there that I don't have. I'll be putting it on my Christmas list. I've been good this year, Santa. I promise!!

Gunning Down Romance

This is cute. I got it from Heaven's Gift
By my answers, you'll see how varied my music tastes are!
1. Put your music on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag ** friends who might enjoy doing the meme as well as the person you got the meme from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"We Rock" Camp Rock Soundtrack
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Holiday" Waltham
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"You Look Good In My Shirt" Keith Urban
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
"Can't Have You" Jonas Borthers
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE??
"Nothin To Lose" Josh Gracin
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"It's A Love Thing" Keith Urban (This is sooo true)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"Hero/Heroine" Boys Like Girls
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"Who Knew" Pink
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
"For No One" Rick Springfield
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Hicktown" Jason Aldean
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
"This Is Me" Demi Lavato (I know, I know...I let my kids use my ipod too!)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Finale" Wicked Soundtrack
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"You'll THink of Me" Keith Urban
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"This IS The Life" Hannah Montana
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
(This one is weird because I'm already married but...)
"Special Company" Josh Kelley
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Holiday" Boys Like Girls
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"Rollercoaster" Keith Urban (SO not true)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
"Don't Let Me Down" Beatles
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"She Likes Rock N Roll" AcDc
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"Jessie's Girl" Rick Springfield (This is pretty funny because JG is my least fave RS song)
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"Seven Days Of Lonely" I Nine
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"I Caught Myself" Paramore (Twilight Soundtrack)
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"Bet On It" Zac Efron (Which is sooo true, there's a little inside joke with my friend, K and this always makes me laugh)
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"All These Lives" Daughtry (again, soo true. I love this song and the story within it)
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
(Umm, see previous note) "A Little Too Late" Toby Keith
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"Rock N Roll All Nite" Poison
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"On Top Of The World" Boys Like Girls
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Justice' Josh Kelley
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
"Abide In Me" Kristen Chenoweth
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
"Gunning Down Romance" Savage Garden

It was too fun so see what songs were shuffled to each question. Come on and try it! I'm tagging a few people but if you want to just play along, let me know.

Tagged: Amy, Lynn, Ally, Paula, Carrie

Happy Monday!

Well, the cruise that I didn't get to go on is over. Now I get to live vicariously through everybody else as soon as they start posting photos!

Lyric caught up on some sleep last night. One minute she was watching TV, the next, she was passed out on the couch. It was kind of cute. She's already looking forward to Thanksgiving week because they only have 2 days of school.

I thought I would be done with my math class this week, but I'm not so sure now. I only have 2 1/2 sections of homework left, but it's HARD. and I keep thinking I'm doing to right thing, but getting the wrong answer. At least on the tests we get partial points. I know I will be done early for sure. If all else fails I'll be taking the final next week instead of this week. Wish me luck.

Jazz got her science project done last night. She better get a good grade because we (All of the family) worked hard on it. It's taking her a little bit longer to do homework and she's having a bit of trouble understanding things that are not layed out black and white. BUt when I look at it, I have trouble understanding things too. Go figure.

well, that's all for now.

quick note

It's Sunday. i'm blogging. Done. LOL. I've been helping Jazz with homework for the past 4 hours. on one project. and we're not done yet. Almost, but we still have an hour or so. pray for me.

(no)sleepover

Lyric and Jazz and I went to a mom/daughter "sleepover" last night. Why, oh, why do they call it a sleepover? There's not a lot of sleeping going on. Jazz was up until 11:30, which is 3 hours past her bedtime and two hours past her "I can tolerate almost anything that happens"time. It's way into her "don't even look at me or I will cry hysterically for no reason and you will feel bad" time.

Lyric reconnected with an old friend. I don't know what time they layed down, but it was after 1am.

We are all kind of lazy today, but I did get 92% on my art test...and I finally finished section 8.2 in math. I only have four more sections (which is like 4 more days) one test and the final, and I'm DONE. Whoo, hoo!

Candid Carrie: Friday Foto Finish Fiesta 11.14.08

Candid Carrie: Friday Foto Finish Fiesta 11.14.08

PPPP-play along

Hello, All! Here's a couple of photos for PPP. You can play along right Here

This photo was actually taken by Lyric, then tweaked by me. I love doing this coloring thing.



This lis Lyric and a Friend, hanging out. The recolor on this is sort of subtle, but I always like to try to get those casual photos, and I think this turned out nicely.

So Much to Say

I almost forgot to post. I was watching Grey's Anatomy and then ER and I realized I hadn't posted yet today! So here I am.
My stop at the visitation was short and sweet. I found out later what happened, but I feel like that needs to stay private for the family. Suffice it to say, he was not in a good place and now his family has to pick up the pieces.
Lynn texted me from the ship! I was so excited to hear from her. She actually told me that there is talk of another cruise next year. I'm so going to try to talk Fisher into going, but I've got that NYC thing with Lyric in August, so I'm not sure. But a long weekend, Fisher and I, (and a few hundred Rick fans!) would be a great thing.
ER tonight is phenomenal. I have always been a fan of Anthony Edwards and it is so nice to see him back. I think the people at ER are going to do a great job of closing out the show, and I think I need to get all the seasons on DVD. I've watched ER since the very first night (The two hour movie). ER and Chicago Hope premiered in the same week, and ER has stood the test of time.

Six Things...an excerpt

Hello, readers. Today you are in for a treat. I'm going to give you a sneak peek at my next book. Enjoy!


Six Things By Amy Krueger

Find a Man Who:
*calls you beautiful
*is not afraid to hold your hand in front of his friends
*wants to show you off, even when you are in sweats
*kisses you on the forhead
*calls you back when you hang up on him
*tells you how lucky he is to know you


My mom gave me this list when I was twelve. I tucked it away and forgot about it. I found it again when I was packing to go to college. I read through it, and tucked it away again. I didn't really believe it. I thought it was just some junk she made up.
Apparently, it wasn't. And, as I would later find out, Tony was not the man for me either. We met the first week of freshman year. Tony and I. His dorm was across the square from mine and we ran into each other one morning on the way to class. Literally ran into each other. It seemed like we became a couple without meaning to.
........Our divorce was final when the kids were four and five. unfortunately, my sister also found the love of her life that year, with a wedding in the works. I was happy for her, even if I was a little cynical from my experience with Tony.
The wedding was a four day event, with the groom's family coming from out of town. Shelly, my sister, and Steve, her fiance, rented out half of the hotel and insisted that everybody stay there. I couldn't really afford it, but Shelly insisted and paid the bill.
After we checked in, Shelly and I were sitting by the pool talking. She asked if mom had given me the list. I laughed so hard, I almost choked on my drink.
"Mom gave you that list,too?" I asked.
"She gave it to me at the start of junior high. I thought it was a hoot."
"I thought it was mom's way of telling me what to do. I tucked it in a book."
Shelly patted my hand and smiled. "Steve is that guy. He does all those things."
"Are you kidding me? You really found a guy who does all that?"
"Didn't you?"
I shook my head. "Tony was so not that guy."
We looked across the pool at our parents. Dad kissed mom's forhead and they were holding hands.
"Dad is that guy," I said dryly.

Happy Tuesday

I don't know if it's really a happy day, but I'm trying to think positive. Tomorrow is the visitation, and I don't do well with stuff like that. If anybody is crying, I'll cry. Even if I don't know them. It's a really sad flaw of mine.

On a good note, my 101 things list is done. I'll be posting that on my other blog in a few days.

Another good thing is that I should be able to be done with my math class in about a week. I'm going to take one test Thursday. The next one on Monday, and the final the end of next week. That puts me done 3 weeks ahead, and that is a GREAT feeling. After that, I just have to finish up the art class, which is going well. And I'll be working on my next book.

I have two basically done, just need the "meat". I know, I know, last time I said that it took me like 3 years to complete it, but I'm a tad bit more motivated now. So, maybe by the end of the year I will have two books on lulu (and more things crossed off my 101 things list)

Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow.

Shocking Monday

I was going to blog about my 101 things list. I was going to blog about how we did nothing all weekend and it was wonderful. I was going to blog about getting ready for the holidays. I was going to blog about my latest story that I'm working on. But all of that went out the window with one phone call.

My mom was looking through the paper and found an obit for a friend of mine. We were friends in high school and two weeks after graduation, he married my best friend (at the time). We hung out together a lot over the course of the next few years. Then things tapered off. They did their thing, I did mine. They are no longer married, but they have 3 beautiful children (the boys are the same age as Lyric, their daughter just turned 19 and is about to have a baby of her own). The obit says he died "peacefully at home". There are notes in the online memory book that say things like "we didn't you call me" "I would have been there for you" "why did you leave us". I don't know for sure, but it seems like maybe it was self induced.

I called another friend, and she and I are planning to attend the visitation on Wednesday. I don't know if we'll be greated warmly by the ex-wife, but we're planning to show our support.

Sunday Post

I don't really have anything insightful for today. I've been working on math for 3 hours and it's killing me. I should be able to finish this class within the next two weeks though, so I'm going to keep working on it so I can be done. See you Monday! (with my 101 things list!)

Happy Saturday!

I've got nothing exciting going on and that is GREAT! I ran a couple of errands this AM, but now I'm home. I have homework to do and I'm going to watch Grey's. I taped it, but for some crazy reason, my VCR immediated taped ER over the top of it. And I missed Friday's GH, so I have to go check out some links on youtube. Homework will wait...a little bit.

I hope everybody is staying safe and dry (it's cold and rainy here, with snow on the way).

See you tomorrow.

PPPP- What I Miss (ed)

Last night we went to see Lyric's play. They performed "Ramona" based on the the Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary, that I never read. Lyric played the mom. No singing in this show (that happens with the spring musical). But while we were there I missed watching this

and this



So, tonight I will be playing catch up. Or not, the play runs again tonight.

(I know this was a bit of a stretch for PPPP but GH and GA are my two favorite shows, so I'm counting it!)

Getting technical... a possible GH spoiler

If you have not been watching GH this week (especially Wed) but you plan to, you may want to stop reading. I'm going to breakdown a couple of things again. Not major plot points, just referencing a couple of things. A few posts ago, I noted the paging of code pink and nobody responding. I know, I know, Aim, it's just a TV show, it's entertainment. I KNOW! But I also knwo that there should be some "realness" to my fake hospital shows. Here comes the spoiler parts.

When Robin passed out, Patrick started CPR. Without lowering the head of the bed. You only need to be certified in CPR once to know that your patient needs to be on a flat surface for CPR to be affective. Robin was still propped up on pillows as well. Second, PATRICK did the CPR. Come on. Doctor or no doctor, he wasn't the best choice to be doing it. How about, oh, Robin's doctor?? I know, I know. It's just a show. Thirdly, someone (I believe it was Ephiphany-who I love!) hollered at the family "Get that baby out of here!". Again, working in a hospital, I'm pretty sure that's not happening. Somebody who works there would have taken her to the nursery. The only people at my hospital who can take/move/transport a baby are staff/mom/dad (or whoever mom designates).

Okay, so that's my "point" for the day. I'll be watching GH again tonight, after Lyric's play. Hopefully Grandpa Drake will be making an appearance. It's about time, right?

101 things in 1001 days

I don't know how I got sucked into this, but yesterday I started my 101 things in 1001 days list.
101 things follow this link to start your own list. Starting 12/1 I will be blogging about all of the things I am doing. Some are for me (me time!), some are for the family (monthly family game night), some are for fun (read a new author every month). I have 78 things on the list right now, so I have a couple of weeks to complete the 101 things. I will be photographing things as well as blogging about them. It should be fun and not too overwhelming. I'll let you know.

If anybody wants to play along, let me know because one of the things on my list is to get somebody else to do this as well.

NaNoBloPo....whatever

This "requirement" to blog every day is tough. I've been keeping a list of things I wanted to blog about, but right now everything seems forced. I could blog about getting the girlies up in the morning (which is so much like work, I'm exhausted just thinking about it) or getting everybody to bed at a decent hour (which again is alot of work), or report cards (which is seems like we get once a month-there's mid quater, quarter, mid quarter, semester, mid quarter..well, you get the idea), there's the upcoming fall play, the fact that I can't get into ANY nursing program, and I don't really know what else I would like to do- maybe health education??, how about the upcoming holidays, or the fact that I hate math. Maybe I could blog about things I care about: girl scouts, organ donation, giving blood, my family, my friends, being a writer. Or I even have a couple compare and contrast things in mind. None of these seem to fit today, so they will have to wait and maybe show up later on.

More importantly than all of those things is that today is Election Day. I don't care what your beliefs are, or who you are voting for, or what you think about the candidates in general. Just get out and VOTE. If you are a registered voter, today is the day to use your mind, voice your opinion....VOTE

Breakfast with Santa

Lyric's scout troop is sponsoring a Breakfast with Santa. I, of course, have been the point person on this, making phone calls, fliers, etc. I just took the girls' ideas, polished them and off we go. I hope it all turns out for the best. Any money raised will help the girls get to New York next summer. YEAH! If you are in the Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin area and are interested, there should be a link to the right for the BWS blog. Or leave a comment here and I will get back to you.

NaNoBloPo

Is today Nov 1?? Does it count if my clock was wrong on my computer and it said 11/1 when I started it up?? No? Oh, well. Here is post #1 of hopefully 29 more.

We're off soon as Jazz is singing with a church group this afternoon. Fisher and Lyric are working in the yard, and I am avoiding my homework at all costs. But I am going to go print it out and take it with to work on before the performance. See, I am a good student.

See you tomorrow!