Help In a Handbag

Where Have I Been? Not in a Relationship for One....

2011-11-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Things have been quite busy around here....I am and probably will always be a student at heart. I love taking classes - they provide the mental stimulation that keeps me on my toes. I love to continue my education in areas of interest and just finished a CSS & XHTML class. Now I am taking a Wordpress class that I think is going to be too easy, but I'm hoping to pick up some tips and tricks along the way that I don't already know. So it will be worth it in the long run. Next class will be Dreamweaver...now that one sounds really exciting...Yes, just call me a geek. I have resigned myself to the fact that - at heart - I am a geek. I just want to learn more and more so...ya know what? That's what I'm gonna do!!!

Any who....my daughter recently went to ASU - Arizona State University to check out the campus and I have included a pic below...She is only a junior so she is getting a jump on the college thing.

She looks like she goes there already...damn kids grow up so fast....LOL Oh yeah...new addy to the family...see below:

"Smokey" the mini horse. Pretty darn cute...bit of an attitude, but hey...little man syndrome I guess.

Back to work, more later!

D

AWOL...Yes....that's Me

2011-06-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

My dear friends and followers...I have been so neglectful in my personal writings (I believe due to the amount of time I spend already dealing with articles, blogging for others, and editing the website and newsletter I work for), but here I am. Ready and willing to spill my guts again to you all....JK

I don't have much to report - I've just been busy with work, the house, yard, and all the animals we've collected, plus a teenager who is now driving (or pestering me to driving constantly since she has her permit).

For some reason I cannot recall those long lost days when I must have done the same thing with my mom. Are those brain cell the ones that have been destroyed through time or just not that important. I surely will remember the experience with MY daughter. Its enough to drive a parent crazy. Can't wait for her to get her own car!

Anyway...I am totally excited for next weeks concert with Donna in Oakland...we are taking a limo to go see U2...woohoo!!! How fun..I need a break at the moment although it will be a 24 our trip...it will be so worth it!

We also have a trip planned to Disneyland with Sweetpeas sistas coming up. It will be so good to see them all again...been almost a year....wow does time fly when you're busy!

Well...that's it for now...back to work and I will be checking is soon.

Grammy's 2011

2011-03-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas To All

2010-12-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

It has been eons since I've posted here...not for lack of words but more for lack of time to post. My job keeps me busy at SiteProNews writing and editing and so by the end of the day...I am worded out. But wanted to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, etc. I do plan on posting more often in the coming year, teenage stuff, girl drama...you know life's little challenges that keep us going. If I didn't have a little drama....I really would be quite bored. :)

So....until next time....

It's Been HOW LONG????

2010-10-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Since I've posted that is...what were you thinking? Yes, I has been well over a month since I've had any time or anything interesting to talk about.Ok...how about this.... I am on day 40 of my sobriety...why? Don't know - don't want to analyze things too deeply, but I just know its the right thing to do at the moment.

Work is good...Sweetpea is good...Life is Good...could be better, but its Good. I've settled into some good books lately and I forgot just how much I LOVE to read a good scary novel. I read really fast too. I can put a book away in a few days - no problem-o.....just finished a Dean Koontz (one of my favorite authors) book and moving on to another. I LOVE the public library. OK...I know I am just rambling now...I really haven't had a breakthrough moment of writing lately and I am at a loss on what to write that won't be boring or just a bunch of nonsense. So I am going to STOP HERE.

Just Tell it Like it is....HE IS HOT!

2010-08-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah...just tell it like it is....that's what I say. Don't beat around the subject - say what you mean and mean what you say.

I had a fricking awesome time at the JOHN MAYER concert last night!!

He rocked the stage and ~~owns half of my heart~~ is now my GUITAR GOD...sorry Joe (Satriani) he's younger and definitely rocking things right now...and not too hard on the eyes. And even though I think he's a pig in the relationship department....he was kind of funny last night cracking jokes with the audience. This is song is one of my favs as is Gravity...I actually was able to video some of concert on video myself...and, if I could just figure out how to really work my new Blackberry I would have it here.....in the meantime....

I had a great time with old friends, a new one....(later on that detail) and just hanging on the grass listening to so really good music.

Sorry for missing your birthday party SIS...I will make it up to you!! But a date and John Mayer....I couldn't say no.

The County Fair is HERE!

2010-08-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the County Fair in my hometown. Every year, I hear many of my friends say, "I hate the Fair..I'm not going" and my question is "WHY?" (Of course, I run into those same people at the Fair every year, haha!)

Some of my fondest childhood memories are around going to our County Fair...the Fair was a culmination of what Summer was all about, you know - having a great time with friends...just hanging out, the excitement of meeting some new friends, the crazy ~~scary~~ Carney people and that whole freaky thing, the rides, the smell - ah.. the smell of corn dogs, caramel corn, the animals ~~poop~~...and, of course, the Fair meant school would start soon. A bummer then, a blessing now!!

But what I love most about the County Fair, running into people I haven't seen in years while walking around to all the buildings & booths to see all the crafts (where else would I buy my toe ring? I think I've bought them from the same guy for the past 10 + years), merchandise, and 4H animals kids have raised.

So when I go today....to just walk around and look and touch and wish I had cash to buy what every I wanted...I will remember - Summer is ending soon, school is starting, and life as I know it will be back to normal...but for a few hours I can pretend that I am not an adult and just have some fun!!

The Perfect Storm...As I Know It

2010-08-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

Did you ever feel like you were in the middle of something so swirly and twirly that you felt like you were in the middle of the Perfect Storm? Stuff coming at you from all sides....and you're on your Lil' boat all by yourself with no life jacket in site? Well...my Perfect Store came and went so fast --- it was like a when (according to Eminem) "a tornado meets a volcano." (I just like the song...not the meaning behind it!)

What I want to know is WTF is going on these days? Is everyone in a funk? Several people I know are struggling with events in their lives that just DON'T need to be happening. What happened to good ol' communication and the like. Don't people talk any more...just ASSUME? And you know what that gets you...right?

I decided to take things in my own hands and gain some control in my life...by doing the right thing and communicating. Duh...I feel so much better....WTF?

Demolition Derby 2010.....

2010-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well...my dear peeps..If you haven't been to a Demolition Derby recently (or at all) you must take yourself there! It is a blast. I went with the Pit Crew for the Pink Taco on ~~Date~~ Saturday Night and haven't had such raw excitement running through my body for a long time! Love watching those cars crash-n-burn. The exhilaration of the the crowd...cheering on their fav...the announcer booming out over the loud speakers, each drivers' hits, blow-by-blow....I'm telling you - there's nothing like it for this lil' country gal!!!

We ran in the 2nd to last heat of the evening...there were supposed to be 5 cars in the heat but only 2 showed. But...what a performance those two drivers gave the crowd. Of course, the Pink Taco took 1st Place - a huge trophy and cash prize.

Here are some highlights of one of the heats.....This will have to do until I get a copy of THE PINK TACO in action....

Vegas, Babies, and WTF....

2010-07-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Last week we spent 4 days (including my birthday) in Vegas, baby! Although it was work related...we had a blast in the 105+ heat! Monday it was 111 degrees...yuck! We did get to go see a show - Cirque du Soleil - Ka' which was totally awesome...my BFF came on Wednesday (the bday) and took us out for a great time on the Strip. Here is a picture of one of our adventures...at the Excalibur (we really wanted to see - Thunder from Down Under!) But these guys worked.

So....when we came back....still no baby goat. Damn that old nag was just holding on to that baby and NOT giving her up! Finally, yesterday I told Sweetpea I thought she was ready...her bag of milk was about dragging on the ground...and low and behold she started squawking last night and I said "Shes probably having the baby." I went down to check on her about 9 pm and there was a little bleating going on...she HAD THE BABY! Here is the no-name-yet baby....

and as for the rest of whats going on...all I can say is WTF???

JACKM 2010 - AKA Sista-Union

2010-07-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

Check out these sisters....all beauties....and of course Elijah...the only boy (Sweetpea is holding their nephew).

Sista-union...

2010-07-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Well...the day has finally arrived. We are headed to Los Angeles for a sista-union of all Sweetpea's 1/2 sisters. Yes...she has 4 (four) 1/2 sisters - two she has never seen before. This is going to be a very exciting and extremely emotional trip for the girls and their moms! For me...the hardest part will be the drive down there...just Sweetpea and I...in the car for 8-9 hours. Ugh...long drive, but we will have fun. Got the ice chest packed with drinks and snacks...lots of music - from old school to the latest pop, so we should both be happy.

Looking forward to seeing the dynamics between the girls - how much of their personalities are genetic - and how much is environmental. One of my interests left over from my school days....tune in next week to see how things went! Have a great weekend....my friends!

One Day at a Time...

2010-07-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

Taking things 'One Day at at Time' seems to be the best way to look at life. If I had applied that mantra years ago...I would have had less stress, more enjoyment out of life, and a heart that was easier to give to someone. Telling myself that "Life is Good" and knowing I truly mean it is a healthy move in the right direction (one which I haven't always maintained!). Whatever path I choose to follow now is based on a positive attitude and one that cannot be changed or influenced by others. I think we get to a certain place where comfort overrides fear of the unknown and I am comfortable with my life with or without changes. Take the good moments and savor them (with friends and family) and don't look back on unclaimed baggage that may cloud thought and reasoning and those good moments in time and run with it!

Life Is Good....

2010-06-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Life is Good these days. I have a job, my health & sanity, my daughter is doing awesome and I have someone in my life I really care about. It is amazing what timing has to do with relationships. I have known, and been good friends with, this guy for just shy of 30 years and all of a sudden I have seen him through different eyes. Wow...I really didn't see this coming either. Of course, things are still very much in their infancy, but for me to WANT to spend all my FREE time with someone is really, very different than the norm. I gladly helped him paint and move into a new place this weekend, during a damn frickin heat wave, and although a bit on the sore side this morning and probably dropped 5 lbs in sweat alone....I haven't laughed so much and in a long time....I am really very content at the moment.....as I said, "Life is Good!"

Dear Santa....

2010-06-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

I was wondering if I could get my Christmas present early this year. I know it's a little early in the year, but I have been a good girl...I promise I have...I am not asking for a lot...I would like it to be between 5'10" - 6'0" tall, with broad shoulders and a six-pack, so obviously in excellent shape. Somewhere between Gerard Butler and Robert Downey Jr (see photos if you need examples). If I could get it now...I would be extremely grateful and promise to take good care of my present forever. I would not forget about it in a few weeks, like what happens with other Christmas gifts. I would hold it and cherish it for as long as it lasts. I won't need any spare parts either. I promise not to break it or abuse it...just love it forever.

If you can do this for me Santa...I won't ask for another present EVER again.

P.S. Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Far, Far Away....

2010-06-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

I write more often...in the land far, far away. I have more time to read a good book, watch T.V., surf the Web, give myself a mani - pedicure, take a vacation (of course, that one costs money), visit with my BFFs....you get it, right?

I really don't mind that the days are in warp speed and there is no time to SNACK all the time. Good way for me to trim down...just get a full-time job! haha....I had a great time in Las Vegas. My gambling story goes like this.....

Monday morning I met the new employers in the lobby of the South Point Hotel & Casino. As I was waiting for them to arrive the "Wheel of Fortune" machines were calling out to me. I texted my BFF and asked if I should bet $20 on the machines...she said "Play $40 and Good Luck."

So.......after a long day working and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory...yummy, yum yum... I got back to my room, changed out of my suit and went down to the slot machine that was calling my name so loudly. There were two Wheel of Fortune $1 machines side-by-side and the right one was open. The machine sucked up my $20 literally out of my wallet and I gave her a few pulls (betting all 5 coins). On the fourth pull a got a few bucks back...on the fifth pull I hit a jackpot and Wheel of Fortune was announced. If you've never heard the machine, you are missing out. There is something about the sound that is an incredible turn-on to me! Well, my heart was nearly pounding out of my chest by this time and the dude next to me was just staring.....I pushed on the button and watched as the wheel spun around...praying that I would hit BIG. Well, I didn't hit big...but got a $75 jackpot. I immediately cashed out, grabbed my receipt and left. I was there all of maybe 3 minutes tops....The dude next to me just shook his head in disgust (he looked like he was loosing big-time, so sorry, not).

Yep...that is my big Las Vegas gambling story and I stopped there, resisting the urge to play any more. Yes....I came back a winner with a new job and an extra $55 bucks in my pocket! One hell of a week, if you ask me!

Vegas Baby...Vegas!!!

2010-05-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

The day has FINALLY come. I am on my way to Las Vegas this evening for the big "job interview" and subsequent training. I will be there for several days and I am hoping to have some R&R while there. You know the type "Wheel OF Fortune" my favorite game to play!!! I am not much of a gambler, but that game sucks me in every time I pass one by.

I only hope I have packed enough clothes....right...I have more luggage this trip than went down on the Titanic. My motto...you can never be too prepared. I must have business clothes, casual business clothes, dressy casual clothes, bumming clothes, and of course, dressy clothes in case I get the opportunity to go ~~pick up on some hot stud~~ out on the town.

I haven't gone anywhere for so long...although this is a business trip...I feel very liberated! An adult in an adult world for 4 nights and 4 days...woohoo!!!

Wish me luck on all endeavors ;)

Spring Fashion Trends and Handbags

2010-05-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Although we are NOT having a Spring here, we can still think about dressing for the occasion. Our local stores are full of Spring clothing and the colors are great this year. I really love the soft, sage greens that are out and the vibrant pinks and fuchsias. Things are selling out fast and if you haven't picked up your Spring handbag....you may be out-of-luck. The economy seems to be doing better and people are spending money on non-essentials. (Nice for the retailers!). This is a must-have this Spring....The SAK Artist Circle Cross-Body handbag. You can find it at Amazon.com.

I have been preparing for a, much anticipated, trip next weekend and have had to purchase a few items to supplement my ~~very unprofessional looking~~ wardrobe. What I found while shopping is - sale prices are good and there is lots to choose from on the racks....some of the big retail clothing stores are marking down items, and there are some great bargains to be had! Nordstrom Rack was a goldmine for business attire and the shoe sale at Macy's was awesome too. My two fav places to shop when I have money to spend.

Sweetpea did well at the teen stores...Forever 21, Love Culture, Charlotte Russe, and all the other basic hangouts for girls her age. She is definitely a bargain shopper (I've taught her well) and she immediately goes to the sale racks when entering a store...love it!!!

OK...we just love to shop......what girl doesn't????

Fake Nails....

2010-05-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sweetpea talked me into getting some of those glue-on fake nails for her last night and I ended up putting some on too. Now, I don't usually do fake nails as my own grow quite nicely, but recently my nails have looked pretty trashy. Stress maybe??? Anyway, the damn things are KILLING ME. Every finger hurts like heck and I am unable to complete the simplest of tasks like buttoning and zipping up clothes and other more personal duties without them feeling weird and uncomfortable.

UGH....I don't think they will come off easy either. I don't know what to do...just wait until the glue wears off or try to pop them off myself? The only good thing about this all is that they do look really, really nice for fake nails and Sweetpea also liked how they felt when I scratched her back last night. Hmmmm, maybe that was the whole devious plot...she wanted me to have nails for her back!!!!

Anyway....Tay, (momma goat) has found a way out of our yard that last few days. Much to our surprise, ~~and I think hers,~~ on Monday afternoon - there she was looking at us from the other side of the fence! Goats have that "deer in the headlights look" too. So, with a little shake of the coffee can full of grain....she slowly followed Sweetpea back to our yard with no problem. I couldn't find a hole in the fence, so I was a bit perplexed. Then, for the next few days we were finding her out at least once a day! A bit of Houdini blood??? But, I fix HER! Another two rows of barbwire and more fencing up in the back and damn...she better NOT be able to escape again. (Seriously, I think it was by accident...she just pushed on the fence and crawled through in a few places.)

If only I could spend this much time and energy with a man, life would be sweet...sigh. I wonder if that will ever happen, but then again I don't have much spare time as it is to even look.....

UPDATE 5/24/10 - The nails are still ON...How do I get them off???? Talk about super glue! Yikes!

When it Rains...it Pours!!!

2010-05-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

OK...it HAS been literally raining and pouring around here for months now, but what I am referring to is WORK... I have been besieged by work and all things related to working. That includes the following:

House work
Yard work
Child work
Home work
Cookie Lee work
Creative Web Solutions 4U website work, and
the possibility of 40 hour a week Work work!

I have cleaned the outside of my house, the yard, side patio I put in last summer, cleaned off and painted the front porch (all the crap is GONE!), rearranged the living room, put all my western stuff away, hung sheers, cleaned both my closets out (just so you know they are each about maybe 4' wide each...very tiny!), cleaned the top of the kitchen cabinets off and washed all the crap there (putting away the country looking stuff), and finally.....cleaned my office out to ready myself for a new adventure that just might be in the horizon.

The goats are doing a great job of cleaning out the blackberries and any other edible thing in the back yard, 40, whatever you want to call it...That is one place my cleaning services are NOT needed for now. Whew...I'm tired just thinking about it!

Puddin & Tay...

2010-05-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

OK...maybe Puddin & Tay are not quite as cute as the two goat in the wagon, but they hold their own. The baby (Puddin) is wild as they come. I prefer to call her "Wild Thing" but Sweetpea won't have it...It's "Puddin" she says. OK, OK! Momma (Tay) is a bit more friendly and is totally getting that we ARE NOT the enemy. I have started leaving some cobb (feed) by the front gate and she knows that I deliver...haha. She should be called "Piggy" though...as she does not share with the baby. Of course, the baby is not hers so I guess she doesn't feel the need.

Tay IS very protective of the Puddin though....Must be motherly instinct. She won't share the grain, but she will stand over her while she sleeps (keeping guard) and herd her away from what she considers a threat. Very interesting to watch this all unfold.

The back fence was not quite up to par to keep them in sooooooo.....yesterday I pounded in four (4) more 8' T-posts (ugh, I am sore) and ran two stands of barb wire fencing...about 200'. I am morphing into the Goat Woman....rancher mama! So much work and so little time ~~and no man around to help out~~ I don't want to push my luck asking the Bros to help anymore.

I did promise some pics of the finished project...so here they are! Puddin is in the first one. Tay is in the second photo and both in the last. Check out the fancy fencing and gate we put up!!

Update from the Goat Lady...

2010-04-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

Gee thanks cuz...I am now known to my family as the "Goat Lady." The only problem is...I DON'T HAVE ANY GOATS YET!!! So theoretically they can't call me that. The fence is up..thanks to my awesome brothers we put it all up last Sunday. It was a perfect day for hard labor (yes...we had snow again yesterday)! We installed about 26 - 8' T-posts and about 300' of fencing with a gate!!

Now...I just need the goats!

My Biggest Pet Peeve!!!

2010-04-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

People who don't even drive the speed limit! This drives me absolutely nuts. Take this morning...it's raining cats and dogs and I take a friend of mine's daughter to school most mornings. I leave early to get her there on time (once I made her late and I felt terrible). Well, we are cruising right along and then it happens...we get behind slow-pokey malokey! OMG WHY ME!! This ~~old MF~~ person was driving 20-25 mph in a 35 mph zone...DAMN! We had probably ~~100~~ 4 miles or so to go before we reached the school and no place to pass. This SA (stupid ass) guy was in his own little world at 8:00 in the MORNING!!! WTF people....look around you and see the traffic piling up! He wasn't even going the speed limit!!!

People are commuting to work and parents are trying to get their kids to school at this time! This is really frustrating and one of my biggest pet peeves. I will bitch and complain when they are just going the speed limit too, but I am OK with it (alright, I still get pissed, but nothing I can do about it..they are within the law). This kind of - I DON"T GIVE A RATS ASS ABOUT ANYONE ELSE- attitude is what really sets me off. Now I know how road rage happens. You get some ~~stupid MF~~ dumb ass driver taking a Sunday drive during rush hour and someone cracks!!!!

I would love to hear some of your pet peeves..please share if you have a good one.

What Have I DONE???? Read on...

2010-04-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

With all the rain we have received, my yard has exploded!! I have HUGE patches of blackberries and I am NOT going to try and cut them down again...they just grow right back! So.....I have come up with a plan....I am getting goats! Yes, I will have a mommy and baby goat mowing my back 40 all summer long! Hallelujah. My aching back can't take mowing that darn hill any longer and this, my friends, is a natural remedy to my blackberry issue. BUT, (always a but) in order to keep the goats in --- I have to build a fence. What have I done? Approximately 30 fence posts must be drilled into the ground at least 2' deep with this thing, called a post driver, weighing a few hundred pounds on its own. (OK, maybe not that much, but its damn heavy!) Try lifting that thing and pounding in 30 +/- stakes on your own...no thank you!

So, I enlisted the help of my wonderful brothers. What are brothers for anyway? All that hard stuff that we can't do ourselves (or don't want to!). After the posts go in -- then we have to stretch the fencing out and those roll weight even more. Approximately 300' of fencing to stretch, wire onto the posts, and cut to fit, and of course I will need a gate to get in and out of the property. Definitely a 3+ person job...wouldn't you agree! Thus, the calling on my bros..

Why, Oh Why did I do this to myself? Cause I'm lazy and don't want to cut down the blackberry bushes? Lets see how I am feeling come Monday morning...and I just thank God it's rained all week and soften the ground!!!

Pics will be coming of before and after!

Friday Follow Fellow Bloggers....Join the Blog Hop

2010-04-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on the Friday Follow hop for a while now...but I am back! Please join us, meet new fellow bloggers (some really cool people out there) and have some fun!

10 Different Ways to Say No to Your Child

2010-04-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

I wonder how many of you go through the same scenario I do, day after day, with a child who asks you something they know your going to say "No" to, but....they still ask anyway. My daughter will even say..."You're probably going to say no, but...?" What the heck is she thinking? Of course, I am going to say NO when she puts it that way! For one thing...there must be something up or she wouldn't assume I will say NO. Kids these days totally think their parents don't know a thing. Did I think that of my mother? So sorry Mom...You did know a thing or two...I didn't ....and my teen-age daughter has a few to learn still. So, how many ways can a parent say no?

No, not tonight. (Mom is tired and doesn't want to do anything other than cook, do the laundry, pick up the house, and finish up the dishes.)
No, because I said so. (I love this one...there is absolutely no reason given, I just say no.)
No, you are still grounded, aren't you? (I do tend to forget that I've grounded her sometimes.)
No, not until you clean your room. (this will take an act of God to get done..so it usually works.)
No, because I already told you no so don't ask again. (She was testing me to see if I would change my mind...I know how she thinks!)

Ok, I've run out of reasons to say NO to my child...haha just kidding....but I would like to know what yours are and I will add them to my list!!

Finally a Spring Day....WooHoo!

2010-04-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

Talk about a wet start to Spring. Some around here even got snow on Easter Day. We weren't able to hold our annual Easter Egg Hunt either. Our kids are almost grown and I really wanted t squeeze in a few more of them before they were too old to partake in the fun. I still like the thrill of the hunt so maybe we will get lucky and get a few more years out of them!

Business is really going well. If you haven't checked out either of my web sites...here are their links:

Creative Web Solutions 4U
Cookie Lee Fashion Jewelry

I am finding the days are going by so fast that the days done before I am finished with my TO DO list. Ever feel as though you will never get that list done in one day?? I always have some left over items to complete and they just get added on to the next days TO DO list.

Currently I am on the hunt for some FAB handbags to share with y'all because that's what I do. Yep...collect handbags or at least covet those I cannot have. I have seen a few beauties so far and the list will be mighty fine and affordable too. In my current unemployment status...I am reduced to the coveting for now.....but I will give you some ideas for Summer Shopping.

Our favorite shows these days seem to be all on the SyFy channel. Image that...me a syfy geek too...but we LOVE Merlin, which just came back for the 2nd season, and Warehouse 13...I think its 2nd season premiers in August??? I cannot HANDLE any of the reality shows out except for American Idol. To me its not really a reality show..but I know it does fall into that category. We have an AI potluck every Tuesday and I enjoy the gathering as much as watching the show!!!

OK...its back to work for now...ciao!

Latest on the SANs Dog

2010-03-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Red Truck dude took her to the vet and she has CANCER. Yes...that is what is wrong with her. Poor thing. Who goes away for a two week trip and leaves a dog in that condition by themselves to weather the elements??? Well...I guess if you a SA (stupid ass) you would. So who knows if they actually knew or not...the point is she is suffering and they did nothing to help her. Now...she is either still at the vets and hopefully getting treatment because she is not at their house.

I am truly appalled at the neglect. Can someone really have a pet in their house and not notice how sick it is??? Red Truck dude must have been freaked out when he found out. Who knows...they haven't said a word to me since coming back on Thursday evening. I am sure they will at some point.

Later....

Update on Yesterday's Story

2010-03-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on my post yesterday regarding the SANs dog. Animal Contol did come out and assess the dog. She has a terrible case of mange and big open sores on her back. She is extremely skinny and malnourished (could be due to her age, but I doubt it) but the mange and sores are an unacceptable condition. AC left a 24-hour notice to contact them or she would come back and take the dog. That was my hope, but their friend,Red Truck Dude (must be ~~starving~~ feeding her) came sometime before 6:00 last evening and took the dog and the note. DAMN....I don't know if it did it for the sake of the dog or the lousy SANs. BTW...there are two cats locked up in the house not one...which are usually outside or pooping in my swimming pool sand located directly under my bedroom window.

Oh well...I am really optimistic that something good will come out of this for the dog. She deserves better...

Tell All Tuesday...Letting it Out Some More!!

2010-03-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

That poor, poor dog next door. SANs (stupid ass neighbors) must be on vacation as they have been gone for the last week and a half leaving the dog in the backyard on her own. I felt sorry for her today, so I went down to go pet her and the dog is STARVING. She is sooo skinny, my heart went out to her. I ran back to the house and grabbed some dry dog food and she ate it so fast...it was gone in minutes. They do not DESERVE pets. My neighbor is calling Animal Control (she is a volunteer there) to come out and do an assessment on the poor thing. There is also a little black kitty locked up in the house.

This is not the first time they (SANs) have left their pets alone and without essential needs. They just don't care. I will admit that they have made arrangements for someone to come by and check on them, but obviously it has not been often enough. This kind of disregard for life just drive me nuts. Again, these are people who are now fostering/adopting disabled kids. Makes me wonder the type of care they are getting as well.

OK...its all out now and on to bigger and better things today. Sweetpea has a soccer game this afternoon and I am hoping to attend. They sure could use a win today. Keep your fingers crossed (toes too) and send some hope our way!!!

So glad Spring is on its way...of course, the lawn is growing fast and it will be another two weeks before I get my mower back from the repair shop. I guess everyone else had the same idea as me!! I will have to put the bunny and the tortoise out to pasture to mow it down some...imagine that scene!

Have a great day and an even better week!!

Tell All Tuesday...Let it all Out!

2010-03-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

I have decided to start a Tell All Tuesday. Anyone who wants to join in with me...great. I just want to be able to get all the BS off my chest today so I can start fresh and have a fabulous week. Anyway...you know what I mean...the stuff that just drives you crazy everyday. The small stuff we aren't supposed to "Sweat" but still do! Like my stupid ass neighbors (SANs).

They have lived next door to me for about four years now and their dog BARKS from the moment they leave the house until they come home. (Shes a big dog too!) So...every time I go in MY backyard...she starts barking until we go back inside the house. OMG...I can't even play with my own dog back there as she drives me NUTS. Of course, I have asked them (SANs) to take care of the situation repeatedly. They had a bark collar for awhile, but it disappeared sometime last year. In December, I asked if they could please put the collar back on. The wifey replied " Oh, we plan on getting batteries after the first of the year." Hmmmm....seams like the first of the year has come and gone and STILL NO BARK COLLAR. I could go on for days about their treatment of this poor dog...like leaving it, and another very small dog, outside for two weeks during one of the worst snow storms of the year while they go on vacation. OMG...they drive me nuts.

Ok...here's another one....we share a driveway. My house is at the top of the driveway and theirs is at the bottom. All their friends park their cars at the top across from my carport. SO...when they do this...I can't pull out unless I do about a 5-point backup job, because the car's in the way. I've spoken to them about this too. It's not so bad during the day, but at night it's pitch black and I can't see whats behind me. I have almost backed into cars over there several time. They have a HUGE driveway too. SO WTF....

I do feel way better getting this off my chest. Any suggestions my friends on how to handle the SANs??? I am so done with them. Let me know...I will try anything at this point.

Something New for this Friday Follow...

2010-03-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

I love Friday Follows...I don't have to think up something to post!!! I do like this one. We have a sponsor this week. Check it out!

Join in...have some fun and FOLLOW!

Debralee

ShaZamm!!!!

2010-03-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

Got up yesterday morning and looked at my bathroom floor (white linoleum) and realized ~~damn it~~ I needed to get on my hands and knees to really clean do a good job. So I did...after I was done...I looked at the walls and thought "now that the floor sparkles, I really need to clean them too." So, thinking rather than just washing them down (who ever painted before I bought the house used a flat paint - can you believe it!) I will just put on one coat of paint left over from painting the guest (Sweetpea's) bathroom. Kind of a bone - very neutral - color.

Of course, I then got the great idea to add some color, ~~stupid me,~~ like a faux over the top of the bone. Six hours later...duh my bathroom is a beautiful sage green all over - yes...every wall except the ceiling. SHAZAMM! Yeah...ditched the bone right off and LOVE the deep green walls. It's gorgeous and my accessories go perfect with the color. So for a few bucks I have a new bathroom. WooHoo!!! The only complaint - my body ached from head to toe when I was through. We had a killer workout on Friday at dance, so I was already sore and after up and down the ladder a bunch of times painting and I was a whipped dog by the end of the day!

I am a go-to and Get-er-done, kinda gal and when I paint, I don't stop until the job is completely finished. I will paint through the night if necessary. Pink used to be my favorite color...now its GREEN.

Have a good day, my friends.

Friday Follow #8....Lets Go!

2010-03-05T07:26:00.001-08:00

Wow...Friday already and I feel like I haven't done enough. I love Friday Follows though. Let's link up and get to know one another.

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning...blah, blah, blah....

2010-03-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

OK...yesterday at this time it was snowing bucket loads and NOW??? Blue sky overhead...with a few clouds mixed in just to make us wonder....whadup??? Mr. Weather Man get it right or else I am going to have to shut you down! Every morning Sweetpea asks me "Mom...what is it going to be like today?" and I, of course, spout off what I've just heard from Mr. Weather Man. Hmmm...I guess snow boots on a hot, sunny day isn't cutting it at school for her. Hey, kids will be kids and teasing a beautiful girl about shoe choice is what teenage boys will do, right? (That's my story and I'm sticking to it!) It is her choice to have very dry ~~ridiculous looking~~ shoes or wet ones.

And yes....sleep has finally arrived. I am so relieved. The last two nights have been lovely - me all snuggled down in my flannel sheets, down comforter, and extra comforter just because. I don't think I'm even moving...just dead to the world for 7 straight hours. It is amazing how a good night's sleep gives the rest of the day a different perspective. I jump up (ok...maybe roll out) and get right to work.

I've decided to blog Tuesdays and Thursdays on my business blog Creative Web Solutions 4U because of the time and research I plan on putting in to each post topic. I love to write, help, and educate others where I can. Not that I am an expert, but I have learned many things the hard way and if I can pass on those tricks, tips, and hard earned experiences...I will! And here - this blog? I know it is hit and miss, but I will try to make more hits as time allows.

Oh yeah...I just might take a nap later!

My Most Recent Coveted Item.....

2010-03-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

Sleep..yes that's what I'm talking about. Not a worldly possession but a naturally occurring product. Why it eludes me, I am unsure, but I truly covet it from those who get lots of it. I have always been a VERY light sleeper and had times of troubled sleep and I guess those times are back.

Last night, I woke up at 2 am and did not fall back to sleep until almost 4 am. I mean...what the hey? OK, I admit...once I got up and made myself a note to mail in my unemployment stuff, I did relax a bit. So, stress-induced insomnia maybe??? I have started keeping a notepad next to my bed in the event that an absolutely great idea pops into my head during the middle of the night.

I am excited that both my businesses seem to be moving forward....I am getting referrals for web design and I have 6 parties booked for Cookie Lee!!!! Yea! Sweetpea and I are getting along really, really good too! I am a happy MOM right now. Just a tired Mom.

My helpful tip for today is....On a rainy day, like today, grab one of your big handbags to load all your stuff in....like this one! One of my favs...have a good day!

Awesome Friday Followers...Your Rock!

2010-02-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

To all the awesome Friday Followers. I plan on getting back to you. This last week has been extremely hectic with my website design business (thank goodness) and I haven't had a moment to myself to collect my thoughts, respond back to the many bloggers who are kind enough to add and follow my blog. I want to visit each and everyone of your blogs as well. It may take me a few days to catch up...but I promise I will be in touch. I have found the most amazing writers and bloggers through the Friday Follow and really enjoy reading all the posts.

Of course, right now, business comes first and fun...well, you know how that is some times....down the list of priorities, but I will make the time to relax a bit, do some reading and have some fun!

Another Friday Follow...Yipee!!!!

2010-02-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

Here we go....I love Friday Follows.

Its Friday Follow Day....#6

2010-02-19T08:35:00.001-08:00

This is a fun way to find more blogs to read. I am enjoying reading posts from new followers and fellow bloggers. Join and have a great day!

You won't Believe the Week I've HAD!!!

2010-02-18T11:40:00.000-08:00

Lagging on blogging. Not! I've been very busy. OK...not busy right here at this spot, but busy none the less. I have updated my website with new features and a Contact Us form, written more copy for it, plus added a new blog to that site. As this site is what I am trying to generate income from, it does come first......don't know if I will be able to keep up with two blogs on a daily basis (not that I am keeping up with this one either!) but I will make a good effort.

So to add on top of that stuff....Sweetpea cut class yesterday! Know how I found out??? The school called last night with a prerecorded message asking her "where abouts" for a class that day. They wanted to know if it was excused or unexcused. I chose the option to get back to them with my answer today - while I ~~interrogated~~ asked Sweetpea "What the heck was going on!!" As most teens will do...at first, she said she "didn't know what they were talking about" (hands in the air and that look of complete surprise on her face) and of course I gave her the "if you tell me now Sweetpea, the consequences will be far less than if I catch you lying about it" talk....I went back to my office and about 5 a minutes later she came in and confessed the whole story. She cut last period with a SENIOR BOY. OMG...she is just a freshman for G-Sakes!! I have always told her that because we live in a small town...she can never hide the truth from me...it will come out eventually! But...what the F**K was she thinking. I know this type of thing will happen throughout the next few years, but I was totally caught off guard. I calmly explained the reasons she CANNOT go off campus with anyone, let alone a boy - and an older boy at that!!!

The beautiful thing about my daughter is that she has such a conscience. She has never been able to lie ~~much~~ to me with out a total confession later. It even opened up a dialogue last night about drinking. She admitted to that as well. WOW...I mean WOW..they are growing up so fast I feel like Linda Blair from The Exorcist. UGH and I am sure it will only get worse before things get better. For now...at least she still is my lil' Sweetpea.

Any advice on how to cope my friends???

Its Friday Follow Day....

2010-02-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

Friday Follow: A Celebration of Followers - Week #5

Welcome to the Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the celebration:

--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.

--Follow as many blogs as you'd like.

--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

The Blog Hop is the same at each of our three hosts blogs so you do not have to add your blog at each site. Just one - but you can follow each blog. Follow a few or follow them all.

The list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Please be patient with following or getting followers. With the tremendous response there are a lot to visit. The Mcklinky will stay here all week so you can visit blogs at your own pace.

Friday Follow Blog Hop #5
Hosted by Rita @ One 2 Try Tami @ Hearts Make Families and Lynn @ Midday Escapades . Join us every Friday as we celebrate followers! Link up your blog name and URL below to follow and be followed!
Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click here for instructions and code...

Is a Name Really that Important????

2010-02-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

If my name were Beatrice...would yo still love me??? Does a name make a person or does the person make their name suit them? I question this because I wonder if I had actually named Sweetpea, Sweetpea....would she just that....sweet all the time?

As our kids grow up I question the impact that we as parents have had on them. Is she going to turn out to be a lovely, kind, generous woman or stay basically how she is now...you know a teenager's attitude? Is it genetic or environmental which molds a child into the adult they become? This topic came up the other day with a group of dance friends and I wonder....which does have more impact and which trait can be changed.

I believe that somethings that are genetic will be the most difficult to change if at all, and environmental behaviors can be changed and are the ones that evolve over time making us who we really are. Any thoughts my friends??? Let me know what you think regarding genetic vs. environmental personality traits... Thanks!

Just a few slight adjustments...do not change your dial!!!

2010-02-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Yes...peeps...I am at it again. As I have more time and knowledge to play with things I keep updating the look and feel of my blog. This is a temp fix until I get my own custom design up. But I do like the way this template is laid out for now. So thanks to the following for the useage - Designed by Ipietoon Blogger Template Sponsored by Online Shop Vector by Artshare. It totally works for me.

So...It's Superbowl Sunday and the parties are on. My BFF dude is having me over for some drinks and a good shouting match as we take sides - just for the sake of betting against each other. And of course, laugh at the commercials. (Best part of the whole damn day!) The loser usually has to cook a nice steak dinner, or the like, for the winner's family. I think he's won once and so have I. This will be the tie breaker!

Sweetpea has been out of town with a friend since Friday. OMG...I so remember what I was doing at that age when I went out of town with my girl friends. I just hope she has better judgment than I had at that age. I miss her after a night so I don't know what I will do when she goes off to college in a few years. Waaaa......Get a life Girlfiend...right????

I have been busy all morning tweaking my website some more and now I want to redo much of it....the good thing is - I CAN!!!! As I have said, it is a work in progress and it is ~~soooo much~~ fun playing with the design. I am learning Adobe Photoshop too and can do more and more each day. There isn't enough time in my day to do what I want to do and ~~date~~ have a life though!!! haha. Guess the life change will have to wait a while longer. Good news is the Cookie Lee Shows are ON. Yep folks, I have 4 shows booked already. Just need more inventory and I am good to go....woohoo!!!

Now I just need to decide what team I am rooting for today.....hmmmmm...I like horses.

Blog Hopping Friday

2010-02-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Ok...I am new to this idea, but it looks fun. Way to find new bloggers, which is totally awesome since my time is limited on surfing these days. And thanks to Homesick Cajun for commenting on my blog and thus turning me on to this! I totally love Fridays anyway.

Parenting a 14 Year Old Daughter

2010-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Life is tough these days with my teenager in the house. The drama never ends. She is so moody...one minute she is my sweet little SweetPea, the next a raving monster that no way came from my womb. Where did I go wrong? She is a slob, lazy, rude, and did I say a lazy slob??? I have taught her everything right..or so I thought. I keep a clean house, don't like messy and my bedroom is ALWAYS picked up and the bed made. She on the other hand revels in the chaotic disarray of it all. I don't remember when she made her bed last - if ever. Her clean clothes are on the floor instead of put away. Only she knows what is clean and what is dirty. I say she uses the floor as her very own personal washing machine. Leave the dirties on the floor long enough (wash) and they miraculously become clean again after a few days of stepping all over them (rinse)!!! Hail to the floor Gods for taking care of them for her! I am done with washing and folding her stuff...just to have them end up all over the floor! Am I repeating myself? Been here before, me thinks.

Then....I go in her room, when she is sleeping, to wake her in the morning...mind you...it is a scary feat to walk in there...and I see her sweet, beautiful precious face and my heart melts all over again (as it does daily) and I realize how much I love her. So much more than any other human on this planet. Gods gift to me. I am so lucky...

Web Designer for Hire!!!

2010-01-29T11:27:00.000-08:00

One web site (Certified Automotive Repair) is almost done, needs just a few more tweaks, and I am finally working on my own now. Creative Web Solutions 4U. Yes, I know its one hell-of-a long name...but the alternatives when searching for a domain name were slim pickin's. I've just begun the arduous task of working on the copy, so let me know what you think...but don't be too hard on me yet cuz its no where near done!!! ~~The header will change, I am having the graphic artist I work with snazz it up a bit.~~ The new header is UP!!! Between this work and the Cookie Lee business, I am hoping I can continue as a self-employed, independent contractor. (I can now take credit card orders for payment for either business too.)

Rough as it is at times, I really do like being my own boss. I have the discipline and self-motivation (that's called...NEED MONEY) and the passion to do this kind of work, sooooo I am keeping my fingers crossed that the economy starts moving in a positive direction and people will be able to put money back into their businesses. My niche, here, is contractors and small businesses who do not have a presence on the Web/Internet yet, but need one to stay competitive.

Waving at the Rain through my Window....

2010-01-25T18:22:00.000-08:00

I am beginning to think my humor (for what it is) jumped ship and went down with the Titanic.

Is nothing funny anymore? I don't get scared (I watched, ~~laughed at~~ Paranormal Activity) by myself, in the dark, but my humor, and what I thought was funny in the movie, was badly placed I think. It seems as if life gets too busy or complicated for some of us bloggers and we don't, or can't find much more stuff that is funny or interesting for us to write about or ~~maybe just have a boring life like me~~. My fellow blogger, Skyler's Dad - Some days it's not worth chewing through the leather straps - was actually thinking, or is thinking about not blogging any more or taking a hiatus. NO WAY can he JUST STOP...THE HORROR....I love reading his blog. I understand the reasons...but I am hoping he changes his mind!!! (Hope you read THIS!!)

I think my first few months at it were my best at blogging...fresh words, excitement to blog, and a whole lot of stories to tell. Now...ugh..just boring, everyday routine..that just suck the big one! Even Sweetpea...my resident goofball and the one I love to tell stories about isn't giving me any good fodder to use. E-gads.....OK...I am lying...we do have PLENTY of DRAMA here, but reeeeeallly...who wants to hear mother-daughter drama day in and day out? NOT me.

OK..here is some good juice. MY mother is getting a divorce after 37 years with my step-father. 30 of those being married and living in the same house. She is getting her own apartment, moving about an hour from here (LEAVING ME!!!.....waaaaaa), and starting a new life of her own. Now that is a huge step and she deserves a huge kudos for taking back her life and not looking back.

Yes, it is hard, and yes...it is very sad and I wish she did not have to go through this...but it IS a good thing...really. I will miss her being so close. I guess its time for me to grow up. Bummer...

In the Pursuit of My Happyness....

2010-01-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

I have worked off a laptop for years....through 3 years of online schooling...last year with Twolia and now, while starting my own business in web design, etc. So...you know what??? I FINALLY, Yes FINALLY took my last few bucks out of the bank and bought myself a BIG monitor. A 21 inch HD LCD one! What a difference! WhoHoo....I can actually see my work in detail without neck and eye strain. I so wish I shoulda, woulda, coulda done it years ago. Now I have two screens to work from. Life is SWEET!

Doesn't take much these days to make my day better...does it? Not a whole lot going on with this chick at the moment but work and taking care of Sweetpea. I do get joy from working on a project from start to finish. The perfectionist in me and my attention to detail can make it a very arduous task, but does fulfill the Pursuit of My Happyness. I am morphing into a computer tech-type ~~geek~~ and actually finding I am loosing my ability to use my common sense. Why can't I have both? Can I only be one or the other? Oh...sigh.....

What In the Heck Have I DONE!!!!

2010-01-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

As I continue to expand my knowledge base and my head is filled with visions of HTML code (i.e. divs, tables, and CSS) I know it is all for a just cause...my bank account. Yes, friends, as I pursue a business of my own creating dynamic web sites for other businesses, I realize how much I have to offer them. With the experience I have gained by getting my Bachelors degree in Business/Marketing (and those were a ~~very~~, very, long and difficult three years) and last year with Twolia, I believe I will do well in the field of Web Design, Internet Marketing and Social Networking. I am using a great new software program to build my sites and I am finding it extremely useful in my time management too.

Also, while building the web design business, I have had to supplement my income in other ways. So...I have become an Independent Cookie Lee Consultant. Yes peeps....I can now order any piece of jewelry you want from the Spring / Summer 2010 Cookie Lee catalog collection. I have worn it for years now and ONLY promote things that I completely, and whole-heartedly believe in. So this...I can DO.

I don't plan on doing the shows...just the catalog orders. If you want to order something or know someone who does...just let me know. You can email me at debralee.cookielee at gmail.com. I will be placing orders by the end of each month unless its a larger order.

Have a great holiday weekend!

A Bit Out There....No Doubt!

2010-01-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Where have you been Charlie Brown? Snoopy has missed you...

I have been remiss in my blogging duties of late. This week was a busy one. I had a great meeting with a web designer who gave me some terrific advice and the up and up on web-hosting, and a software program that has made a huge impact on the ease and time needed in building websites. I have spent the last few days ~~playing~~ working with this new program and I love it. OK...you can call me nerdy, techy, ~~bitch,~~ or whatever you want...but I just LOVE this stuff. I have so many great ideas and much to do this year, I haven't had a chance to think about the fact there is no income coming in as of yet. All in due time though, my friends.

I am so glad it is Friday...got a great dance workout and then out to lunch with all the ~~girls~~ women from class. We drink, eat, and talk about everything under the sun. They guys at the restaurant/bar know when we come in...its going to get interesting. We have a great time and there's nothing like a bunch of hot, sweaty women in a bar to bring in the customers!! Woohoo!

I am planning on working through the weekend, making potential client lists and getting my own web site up and running. I will post it when its up!!!

Creative Web Solutions 4U

Yea for the Day!!!

2010-01-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

My computer is OK for now. Thanks to the cute dude at the computer shop. BTW...my computer did come up with another virus yesterday, but I was able to do a scan with AVG and remove it. I hope! I am hopelessly chained to this laptop and will definitely do a compete backup immediately to thwart any loss of important files, etc. I have also removed my profile from a few places (dating sites) that I believe may have nasties - men and viruses - attached to them as well.

My New Years had major flaws.....although it started as a good time with my best guy friend...it took a big turn and the last few hours sucked as he drank more and more. And as people can get when drunk...more obnoxious. Ughy Ugh...makes me really not like alcohol all that much (or I should say excessive amounts of alcohol that much). But I have been there before and he has taken good care of me so...no harm - no foul. All is forgiven for now. Of course...an occasional reminder of what really transpired will be my prerogative. and you BET I will remind him of his bad behavior when given the chance.

What again were my New Year's resolutions? I must go to my previous post and check them out....and see if I am on track. haha

Facebook Drama

2009-12-31T08:06:00.000-08:00

Users BEWARE. I just got my computer back from the shop. It cost me $150 and 3 days of no work and all because of a nasty virus I got from a Facebook friend. PLEASE be very cautious when opening any links from emails or messages from friends. This totally sucked the big one. As Catherinette asked on a previous post..."What did Santa bring you?". I could have replied "Money to go shopping at the Mall...woohoo!", but unfortunately, it was used for this damn computer.

I am trying to start my own business and without a computer and my files...I couldn't do much for a few days. Of course, this was a good time to be laid up as NO ONE is working anyway.

Just be very, very careful my friends. Facebook is an awesome place to socialize, but anything outside of the actual facebook site should not be used, opened, looked at...YOU GOT IT???

Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's and uses good judgment when drinking and driving if going out this evening. See ya'll next year!

To My Peeps....

2009-12-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome Back....

2009-12-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

What a great trip we had in San Francisco. I cannot begin to tell you what a truly wonderful, giving, and selfless person by friend is. She is the Energize Bunny and then some. Christmas for Sweetpea was good this year because of her generosity. First we went to see Avatar - OMG it was the BEST EVER. Anyone who does NOT see this movie at the theater is missing out on an a truly magnificent piece of art. James Cameron is a genius filmmaker. I can see why it took so long to get it into production. The beauty of the scenery, the storyline, absolutely everything was done to perfection. A MUST see in 3D.

Lots of shopping was accomplished...of course, what I got will be shared with Sweetpea and what she got is off-limits to me...but really, I am OK with that...as much as I do bitch about it...I am tickled that she finds my clothes cool enough to wear.

The City was beautiful and lots of Christmas lights to look at on the way home. We made one more stop at the mall on the way home and NEVER again will I go there the week of Christmas. It took us 45 min. to just get off the top deck of the parking lot. It was a nightmare.

OK...New Year's resolutions....

Loose 5 lbs (I would feel much better.)
Get a full time job! (It would feel even better than loosing the 5 lbs.)
Sign up for night classes.
Keep Sweetpea on track at school.
Maybe do some dating???
Go through and throw out all the stuff we are not using around the house to remove the clutter.
Have a yard sale!!

Its a start....what are your New Year resolutions or goals for 2010?

Screwed by the State and then some...

2009-12-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

To be screwed by that very entity that you are supposed to have faith in is almost like your BF or Husband cheating on you. Same feeling...total fricking suckness. Unemployment may NOT be coming through after all. My IC status of the last year has clouded my ability to collect or at least for now when the funds are needed the most. What is a person to do? I am reaching an all time low in my life...(just a few more moment of the bitch-fest and I will be done) and contemplating applying for a caregiver job at the local Senior center. Is this a bad thing? I think not...really...Food on the table and money to pay the mortgage is imperative and time is running out. OK I am DONE...moving on to the brighter things in life like our trip this weekend.

San Francisco during the holidays is most spectacular. We have been taking this trip for years now and it never gets old. I don't think we are going to make the King Tut exhibit this trip, but the ambiance of the city will be enough for me.

My Sweetpea has been very sweet during this challenging time and understands the need for thriftiness in the gift-giving/receiving department. Her list has changed, as has mine. What at one time was a extravagant display of spending on friends and family (shopping at only the best stores and high-end gifts) has become a more intimate form of what small item means the most right now. A truly thoughtful gift from the heart is more in the Christmas spirit anyway. Giving those few precious dollars to the bell ringers of the Salvation Army are more important than the bottle of booze to someone who really doesn't need it!

New Year's resolutions coming soon...in the meantime...wish me luck on the job search!!

Dear Diary....

2009-12-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Diary....I had the same dream again last night...the one where I meet the stranger with the piercing blue eyes, black hair, and a smokin' hot bod. I don't know why I keep having this dream. It's like I've known this guy my whole, entire life..but for the life of me, I don't recognize him. The feelings we have for each other are sooo intense, so real.

The dream takes place in France, he has a total accent (cus, he's French)...duh. I am there visiting on the first real vacation I have had in years. Deciding to go by myself to see some of the countryside and a bit of history. Little did I know that when I rented the stupid car from the airport car rental shop, the car was on its last leg. Yep...I was taken and taken good. So, there I was broken down by the side of the road, no idea of what I was going to do and this guy pulls up along side me and asks if I need help. I swooned (I actually now know what swooning is!) and before I could answer he was out under the hood of my, poor excuse of a, car. He said, "Start it up!" I did, and it did. Wow! Wasn't I lucky he came by when he did...it was just getting dark. I thanked him profusely and asked what I owed him. He said, "Just one kiss will do." How could I kiss a total stranger...a beautiful one, no less, but still....what if he was a serial killer or something.

He just stood there with his head tilted to one side waiting for my answer. As I stood there looking at him, I thought to myself...this seems soooo familiar. Then I realized...I saw something similar to this on Brothers & Sisters a few weeks ago. It was Gilles Marini staring at me and that is some smokin HOT SHIT. AND it was JUST A DREAM....Bummer! It seamed so real...and for a brief moment...I almost had my Knight in Shining Armour.

Deck the Halls and all that stuff.....

2009-12-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner friends...are you ready? Should I give you the number of days left? NO? Well, I have done some shopping, but due to my unemployment status, I am at the mercy of the State of California and its stupid claim system. I am now stuck in the cluster F*%K of the frustrating kind when dealing with any government agency and do you think I could speak to a live person? Nope...email seems to be the only way to reach them these days....it just sucks...

So...the lists are small and the gifts are carefully chosen with the utmost care to ensure I get the perfect gift for those select few. Of course, my daughter has a HUGE list of wants, but also is old enough to understand the situation and is being so careful of what she lists on her list. Bless her beautiful, big heart...

We've had a huge snow storm earlier in the week and still have tons of snow left...but the ice is what is still a bitch in getting around...The temp has been in the 20's and after doing a Matrix move in the front yard Tuesday morning...I went and got some salt to melt it away (it worked) so at least I won't break my neck on my property!

The highlight of our year is our annual Christmas Shopping trip to San Francisco to spend a few days with my BFF (Donna) from high school. We always have such a great time. This year we are going just before Christmas and hope to see Jack London Square and other areas of the city all decorated. (We saw the Christmas Boat Parade last year!) We are also going to try and get to the King Tutankhamun and the Golden Age Exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. WooHoo....We have both wanted to see this exhibit for a very long time. (I must thank the History Channel for inspiring my daughter in the pursuit of my obsession....Egyptology!!) Really....shopping for family and friends and a little bit of culture thrown in...that's all I want for Christmas this season.

In the Land of Far Far Away

2009-11-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

My dear friends...I have been gone far to long...gone to a place...Far Far Away...

Only in fairytales and movies does the heroine ride away into the sunset with her handsome knight...of course unless you are watching Shrek and then you (lucky girl) get an Ogre as your prize. I can easily see myself in such a place....with such a man. But alas..it really is just a story. My story is a bit more on the boring, mundane--yet complicated side. To know me...doesn't necessarily mean you will love me too. A hard worker I am...a pain in the ass I can be. (Ask my family these days.) I just ask for a fair deal, the ability to prove myself, and confidence in my decisions. I have not made it this far without some mistakes...but for each one I have a gray hair!! So no more mistakes!! haha

Holy Moly It's Friday Already

2009-04-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Of all weekends to schedule a volleyball tournament, it would be when I have scheduled time for myself. Tonight is Bunco Night, so its off to watch Caitlin play for a few hours (I'm hoping to catch two matches) then some girlfriend time. Tomorrow they play too, but I have scheduled my Aveda facial & pedi (Christmas gift) which will last for hours! OK...the choices are volleyball? or pampering? OMG....Which would YOU choose, if you were a stressed-out, working, single-mom? I feel guilty, but I am going to choose BonBon's and let them do their stuff.

We have been working so hard these last few weeks to populate the Twolia Music & Store sites, a few hours of down-time will do some good for revitalizing and refreshing my creativity and critical thinking stills. Yes, I do have those now and I do my best thinking, when not trying to...or when Shopping!!

Speaking of shopping, I have looked for a dress for next weekend's wedding and thanks to my lovely BFF, Phyllis, I have a beautiful black dress to wear, and no moola out-of-pocket. It is perfect! I just hope the weather is gorgeous too. So here is my goodies pick for the week. Our new Twolia Promo Video...you got to love it!

Spring is. . . All in the Handbag

2009-03-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

WHERE has the time gone these days?? I am sooo trying to be faithful at updating all you loyal FANS who read my blog. OK...FAN...but still since writing is a total stress release, putting down a few sentences every few days shouldn't be too hard for me...so, to explain where the time has actually gone...Twolia is now LIVE (yes...everything is up and working) and we are anticipating a mass rush to sign-on from the millions of women entrepreneurs looking for a platform for their music and products (handcrafted or otherwise)! Alright, maybe not millions, but I will take a few hundred thousand :)

Any who...Spring is now here and it is time to change that nasty handbag you have been carrying around all winter to a fresh, new look. If you have seen an awesome bag somewhere online and want me to post about it...let me know. Here is my choice for Spring...a luscious orange distressed push lock bag by Melie Bianco. To purchase, just click on the bag....this is similar to mine, but a bit more pricey than I paid last year.

Sunday Morning Twilight Time

2009-03-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

Ah...the serenity of a Sunday without anything more pressing to do than read my new book. Not quite the Sunday morning comics of the past....but now I know what all the hype has been about with the book and movie Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (truly an amazing story on how she got published too). I just finished the book in record time - less than 24 hours. I am totally hooked and will now HAVE to buy the box- set as I had originally planned. So, how do I find the time to read a book in such a short amount of time? Of course, no teenager at home demanding my attention. I wallowed in the unbelievable bliss of my own time clock, marched to my own drum. You know what I mean. . .Loved the book and it very much reminded me of Anne Rice 's vampire series (read all of those too). I am a complete sucker for bad boys!!!

2009-03-12T15:28:00.001-07:00

Ok...so the morning started out good, then went way down hill from there. You know, teenage drama queen and stressed-out mom. As usual we had an argument on the way to school. I felt terrible, I can tell she was mad as heck at me. Ugh...So mid-morning I sent her a text saying "I love you sweetpea." I got a text right back from her saying she loved me too.....(big sigh) I FELT so much better and I think she did too. It took seconds to make a better day for both of us! Most everyone knows I am NOT a huge fan of texting if it is not welcome, in fact, it can be quite annoying, but I knew this was the right thing to do. So was the bubble bath this evening...no stress in my life tonight. Of course, the night is still young!

Oh...and for you handbag snobs like myself...one of the lovely Twolia bloggers, Fashion's Side dish: Boots, Bags, Baubles and more, had this on her blog today...totally awesome and a have-to-have someday, Diane Patent handbag.

Why isn't Monday, Friday?

2009-03-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

That was one short weekend and this will be one long week. GoldCalJr. Volleyball was ALL day Saturday and although lots of fun to watch, it does make the weekend go by too fast. Leaving Sunday for housecleaning, laundry, shopping, etc. no wonder I am tired already! While I read up on all those Twolia & Blogger blogs I love to follow (check out my blogroll...I am still updating), I still have to find time to write my own. I am Twittering these days...you can find me here TwoliaDeb. OK...I am getting tech-ier (is that a really word?) by the day...but shopping is still my first love! I want to get the Twilight book series at Amazon soon. I am sure I can make some time to read these...Caitlin may like them too. Who knows?