Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for. ~Joseph Addison
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Introducing.... MUFFIN!!
The vet called her friend who has run a dog rescue for 30 years, and is also a Vet Tech. We are told that Muffin was black with fleas and had Kennel Cough. They began a radical treatment for fleas, and gave her the Kennel Cough vaccine. She now has a clean bill of health. Thankfully, since she was being fostered by Vet Tech's, they gave this little girl the royal treatment. She has been groomed (cut shorter due to the fleas), given a dental cleaning, micro chipped, had a full blood panel done, a hearing and vision test. They did say that she does have some hearing loss. The GREAT thing is that she is already potty trained, and very gentle!
My parents were so excited when they were approved to adopt this little baby doll, they quickly made arrangements to drive to southern Indiana on Thursday, spend the night so they could pick Muffin up first thing Friday morning. She has the sweetest little face, and is about the same size as my little Lena.
This picture is of Karen, the lady who runs the animal rescue. My parents say she is a wonderful lady who just has a passion for placing dogs in good adoptive homes.
My dad with his newest little baby girl.
The long 6 hour trip to her new home.
The proud new owners of this little baby... so thrilled to have rescued this dog from who knows what. Little does Muffin know the life she is going to have with these two..... boy is she in for a TREAT!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Stupid Moments... we all have them!!
For several weeks now I've been wanting to check out my cellular plan to see if I qualify for the yearly trade-in / trade-up on my cell phone. I've been looking around asking opinions from people with other carriers, various phones, and rates. Sprint has been my carrier since day one of owning a cell phone, and feel I have the best monthly rate to suite my needs. I haven't paid extra to get all the "bells and whistles" that my phone comes with. Who needs texting when I can just pick up the phone and talk? And internet... on a cell phone... seriously!! Just seemed ridiculous!! However... technology has come so far, and monthly plans that include all the "bells and whistles" have become more reasonable. I am such a geek when it comes to certain things. I'm not one that "needs" the latest and greatest toys the moment they hit the stores. I will say that certain technology does peek my interest, and I could easily fall prey to their lures. The BlackBerry has always been that item. It's nothing new... it's been around for some time, and over the years have improved greatly. I've always thought it would be nice to have one, but my lifestyle has not, and does not in ANY WAY afford me that luxury. :-( or so I thought... Until Friday.....
Friday (after work and before the Sabbath started) I decided to head over to my local Sprint store to check things out. I called to see how late they were open, and the guy on the line said if I came and mentioned his name, for that day ONLY, he would give me a FREE car charger. Well, shoot, that's roughly a $30 value for FREE... and car chargers are a MUST!! BONUS!!! I was going anyway - free charger or not! The store was packed!! They have specials galore and just in time for the quickly approaching holiday. I went to the phones I figured I could trade in for next to nothing... knowing that I wanted something that had a nice keyboard for texting. I still didn't have texting on my monthly plan, but figured in time, I would. SO many options... so many styles... it was nuts. I knew BlackBerry had a special, so I checked them out. Talked things over with one of the sales girls there.... and before I knew it I decided on the BlackBerry Curve 8330 in red (picture above). Oh yes.. HELLO beautiful!! Finally... I was gonna own all the bells and whistles, and for only $26 MORE every month. Seemed like a pretty darn good deal! And, to a person that hasn't had two pay cuts in one year, and has worked 40 hours every week for 52 weeks... sure!! Only problem is... that person is NOT ME!! What was I thinking?!?!?! I walked out of the store trying to rationalize the stupid buy I had just made. Then, when that didn't work, I tried to ignore thinking about the stupid move. I got home and played with that beauty till midnight. Yup... I was determined I was going to learn all I could, and play with all I could before the inevitable happened... the RETURN!! They told me I had 30 days to return the phone, but would have to pay a $35 restocking fee.... I knew I should have chose another phone at that point... but still didn't go with my gut feeling. So, at midnight I finally decided I needed to charge the phone and go to bed. I didn't sleep well that night. EVERY time I'd wake up or roll over, that stupid phone was on my brain... What do I do? What utility can I try and reduce? What do I spend money on that I can stop? How can I get them to waive the $35 restocking fee? Oh yes... all that kept me from sleeping. I finally got out of bed at 7:15 a.m., determined that I MUST return the phone and get one that will support my old service plan. I didn't even know what time the store opened - I did know that I had to be there when they did. I also knew I couldn't spend one more minute with that beauty!! I MUST GET IT BACK, and get my money back!! ALL OF IT! I raced to get ready, and decided to call Sprint directly to talk to Customer Service about getting my plan back, and find out what they can do for a long time, good paying customer. I got a really nice girl named Becky who completely understood my problem. She was able to re-activate my old phone, AND gave me a better plan, to include texting, for the SAME amount of money I was paying before!! (give or take a dollar). Can you believe that?!?!? PHEW, I was super relieved!! Now, I just needed to explain all this to the kids that work in those stores.
I was at the store at 10 a.m. when they opened... first customer, nobody else there to hear my sob story. Thankfully, I had a different sales girl (named Laura) who took her time with me. At first she couldn't understand why anyone would return such a great phone, at such a great price, with such a great plan. Then, after I told her I was stupid, honestly cannot afford an additional $26 each month, and couldn't even sleep knowing I made such a dumb move... she got it... or maybe she got nervous seeing complete fear in my eyes... not sure! Anyway... she talked me through other phones and features, and helped me make my final decision. The Lotus LG in red is what I got (picture left), the free car charger, and 15% off the protective case. A wave of happiness came over me as I walked back out to my car. My life (as I know it to be) was back to normal. I knew I could once again sleep at night. AND, she never once mentioned about me having to pay $35 to re-stock the phone!!! Yippeeee.....
I would like to say it was nice owning a BlackBerry (for 15 hours), but it would be a lie!! Maybe one day that little lovely will be mine... but until then, hey... at least I now have free texting!! All things worked out!!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
If God is so powerful and so good, why do bad things happen? - Voddie Baucham
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Turning 40... (better late than never edition)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Goodbye Amber... We love you!!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Reflecting back... again
And then there is me... turning 30! (just 10 VERY short years ago) Two of my GREAT friends (Sharyn & Becky) took it upon themselves (with a little help from friends and family) to give me thee BEST surprise birthday EVER!! It was flawless I tell ya!! This is a picture of me and Sharyn (my sister-in-law)... gosh I miss our fun times together! I LOVE my brother dearly, but also wanted a sister to share "girl times" with... Here is a picture of the other friend responsible for this flawless birthday party! We met in 9th grade, and to this day remain the closest of friends... well, as close as we can since SHE decided to get MARRIED two years ago and MOVE far, far away... like to New Mexico!!! Excited for the day she tells me she's moving back!!And then there is my friend, Nicole, that I have know all HER life (since I am just 14 days short of being two years older than her - YES... I count). We literally grew up together... tormenting each other about stupid stuff that we talk and laugh about now. We would come up with the most devious plans on how to get our moms to let us have a sleep-overs, and then bring EVERY stuffed animal onto the bed with us because it was our "boat", and if they weren't on the "boat", they'd get eaten by sea monsters.... oh yes... the stories go on, and on, and on......A picture of me with my parents at my 30th birthday party...And the group shot that almost didn't happen. For some reason, my dad had the hardest time trying to get everyone together on the porch for this picture. I'm so happy that it finally happened.
For me, looking back through all these photos makes me smile today... the day I turn 40. I realize it's JUST ANOTHER DAY... but am reminded by several people that it's truly a "milestone birthday".
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Reflections of the last 39 years.... (in a nutshell)
As I sit here tonight - the night BEFORE my birthday, I'm wondering why turning 40 somehow causes you to take a serious look back over your life and think about all the stuff you've accomplished... and the stuff you haven't, or just can't seem to get right?? (I don't recall feeling this way when I turned 30).
I've never been one to make a "check list" of all the things I wanted to do in my lifetime. For example: graduate from college :: check, get married in my 20's :: check, buy a house with a white picket fence :: check, go for a ride in a hot-air balloon :: check... you get the idea. Yes, I've had goals, but never anything specific! More now than ever, I feel that I haven't made the most out of every moment. I do feel I am older and much wiser!! So, I guess I intend on making the next chapter of my life even better (how... I have no idea). Right now I need to keep reminding myself that "age is just a number".
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Huh.... I never knew.....
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Do you enjoy fresh squeezed lemonade??
Hello friends! Do you enjoy the fresh squeezed taste of lemonade, but HATE having to deal with squeezing tons of lemons to get just a few drops? If your answer is YES... then let me tell you about this wonderful product available at your local Costco store. Italian Volcano Lemon Juice!! This Lemon Juice by Dream Foods International is:
- 100% juice
- No preservatives
- USDA Organic
- Single-origin juice made form Sicilian lemons
- Not-from-concentrate
- Kosher
A 1-liter bottle of Italian Volcano® Lemon Juice equals the juice of 40 fresh lemons!
So, if you enjoy fresh squeezed lemonade, but hate the fuss and muss of squeezing lemons, then get your hands on a bottle of this stuff!! You'll never have to squeeze lemons again!
You're welcome!!
(p.s. There are a few other citrus flavors available by Dream Foods International - I have only tried the Lemon Juice.)
1 part organic sugar
1 part Volcano Lemon Juice®
5 parts spring water
Combine sugar and lemon juice. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add water and stir again until well mixed. Enjoy!Saturday, August 1, 2009
Laura's 26 ABC's
A - Age: 39 (gulp)
B - Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: Pulling Weeds
D - Dog's name: Lena
E - Essential start your day item: Shower
F - Favorite color: Purple
I - Instruments you play: None
J - Job title: Accounting, Mom to my dog Lena & bird Caleb, daughter, sister and friend
K - Kid(s): None
L - Living arrangements: Home in Eastpointe, Michigan
M - Mom's name: Virginia (a.k.a. Ginny)
N - Nicknames: Lo, Lola, Flowie
O - Overnight hospital stay: Yes, several times growing up
P - Pet Peeve: Dirty House
Q - Quote from a movie: "You had me at hello" - Jerry McGuire
S - Siblings: 1 brother
T - Time you wake up: 4:30 AM
U - Underwear: Yup
V - Vegetable you dislike: I love Veggies
W - Ways/Reasons you run late: I am never late
X - X-rays you've had: teeth and just about everywhere else at one time or another
Z - Zoo animals you like: I just love ALL animals
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday afternoon with Mom
We started out headed toward a watch repair store by my house, but found it to be closed on Saturdays... which consequently threw the entire plan off. My watch that I LOVE broke a few weeks back, and rather than try to find a replacement, I thought I would get it repaired. I've had this watch for eons and HATE thinking of having to find a new one. Originally, depending on how much it would cost to repair my watch, my mom and I were going to head out to the dreaded MALL (ugh!!) to look around for a new one. She picked three up during the week, and although I really liked them, she felt it best that I look around to make sure there wasn't one that I would like BETTER! Well, the problem is that my mom L O V E S to shop... I H A T E to shop... well, for anything other than housewares.
So, since the watch shop was closed, we drove through a sub division and found an "ESTATE SALE". We decided to go in and take a look. Found NOTHING of interest. Next stop... The Salvation Army!! YIPPEE!! I love shopping at thrift stores.... its like digging for treasures! There we found a few nice tee-shirts, athletic running pants, and four really cute, small bowls for who knows what?!?!? This Salvation Army was really one of the better ones... everything was so neat and organized. Funny thing is... my mom H A T E S stores like that... and I totally L O V E stores like that! That's so funny to me....
So... on to the next stop... DINNER! Since we both LOVE Mediterranean food, we went to a little diner close to my house. We went all out... Hommus with Chicken, Kibee Nahyee, salad, garlic butter, cucumber with yogurt.... we STUNK to high heaven when we left... but it tasted SOOOO good!!! Unfortunately, we still needed to make one more stop - and after eating the garlic butter... I was feeling bad for whoever came into close contact with us! :-) My mom needed to run into the Bulk Food store to get some type of "salt-free" diet thing... and she came out with that, PLUS a few small bags of candy.... I KNOW! Go figure! (love you mom).
Radio Shack was the last stop. We wanted to run in to get adapters for our iPods to play in our cars. That was a quick in-n-out. My mom was so excited because she was able to get one for their older mini van that doesn't have an "Aux" connector. She was able to get an adapter that works from a tape player... VERY COOL!!! They think of everything! On our way back to my house, we both (literally at the same time) thought it would be cool to share and Iced Latte Mocha from Dunkin' Donuts... MMMMmmmm!! So, since I don't have a DD close to my house... we drove to one by her house, shared one as we drove back to my house. She decided it would be fun to take a little detour down memory lane. We went past a few of the homes that she lived in growing up. It's a fun thing to do, but also kinda depressing to see how BAD they look now... and how people just let them get run down... they use to be BEAUTIFUL homes. FINALLY, we made it back to my house!! Right after unloading the car, my mom took off. It's funny, because she went home, got my dad, and went back out to the mall!! She's really something!! Actually, my parents were made for each other... they BOTH love to shop - especially with each other!!
This had me smiling all the way through...
Friday, July 17, 2009
MacKenzie for the weekend
I was able to snap a couple pictures of these two... what dolls!!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
"Then" by Brad Paisley
I fell in love with this song by Brad Paisley the first time I heard it.This is the live version of "Then" that was played at the CMA's. Ahhh... just listen to the words (and look at the cutie).... this would make a nice wedding song!!!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Silver (passed away June 28th, 2009)
And then this about our little Megan.
Now, I have to post about our little Silver Boy. I found out today from the co-worker we gave Harvey & Silver to that Silver passed away yesterday afternoon. He lived to be about 18, which is a pretty good life for this type of bird. He was a sweet little bird, that enjoyed just sitting wherever you placed him. He learned to say a few words, but the best was when he called for his best buddy ~ Harvey. Silver was a special gift to my parents (mainly my mom) for their 25th wedding anniversary. Silver was a rare type of Cockatiel, who just happened to be super clumsy!! I don't think he EVER had a beautiful, full tail, and somehow he always seemed to have poop on him! Usually Harvey would sit on a top perch while Silver was at the bottom. His little feet never seemed to have much coordination or strength... but this little guy could scream with the best of them!! Although his last year wasn't spent with my family, we still feel the loss... just knowing we won't get any updates... or ever be able to hold him again... it's sad!!! :-(
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Happy Birthday Dad!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day Dad!!! xoxo
A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong.
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
more grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day
June Celebrations!
I wish I thought to take a few more pictures than I did, but the ones I did take are like a little story. I couldn't seem to get one good picture where both my dad and brother were smiling at the same time, and then my camera was lagging... so, needless to say I took several in a row.... laughing so hard, tears were streaming down my face (which made taking a picture even harder). They were kind enough to let me snap one after the other... but even they became slap-happy! It was too funny... so, to best illustrate the moment, I created this little filmstrip of the pictures taken.
(if you click on the picture, it should open up full size - to better appreciate the facial expressions)
Pulling Weeds (part 1)
Last Friday the girls in my accounting department at work were "hired" to pull weeds in the front yard of our office. Usually, they hire a crew to take care of all that, but to help save $$$, the company decided to ask us girls if we would be interested in that job for CA$H. We all agreed, and the four of us threw on our grubbies and headed out front. OH-MY-GOSH!!! I have NEVER seen (or pulled) so many weeds in my life. There were weeds taller than me - and I'm 5'2". I took some before and after shots to show off all the hard. It took the four of us from noon, till 3:30 to get it all cleaned out. We worked NON-STOP to get that job done... and I was BEAT by the time I got home. Thankfully, my knees didn't suffer any pains!! Here are the pictures.
This first one shows some of the weeds that had grown along the front brick wall. The wall actually has beautiful Day Lilies that line it (which you will see in the after pictures). Below this picture is showing how LONG that brick wall actually is....
These shots below were taken from standing right outside our front door. The weeds were so bad that you can't tell that we had Tulips growing.
Now, maybe the Day Lilies actually have a chance to grow and bloom!!! (you can actually SEE them now) These "after" shots were taken from inside my car... on my way HOME!!!Our tree actually looks like a tree now...
And we can actually see out of our kitchen window. We had to leave one of the bushes alone because there was a nest with tiny little baby birds. In a few weeks, when the nest has cleared, we plan on going back and trimming it like the others.All in a days work...
Stay tuned for more "Small Jobs for CA$H" posts in the future!! :-)