New Years Meme 2009

I found this New Years Meme and I thought it would be a great way to end this year of blogging...

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Well, nothing very exciting or ground breaking, but I did see a 3-D movie, The Christmas Carol, at the IMAX, meant to blog about it and never did. I used a bidet for the first time, and could not believe I had lived without it all these years. I attended a Bondurant Family Meeting/Reunion. And last, and most important as far as I am concerned, is that I got to spend time with hubby's sister and her family four times this year to include Christmas.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?


It was more of a goal than a resolution, and now I did not. I will have the same goal. To get healthier and lead a healthier life style. And I will do it...SIL and I are going to walk in a marathon this year...if we work really hard, maybe we can run it...

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?


Well, not as close as I would like to be at this stage in my life. But a very dear friend that I met when I was thirteen gave birth this year and she and I turned 40 a day a part...she is a brave women. I had two cousins give birth this year also, well, cousins wives.

4. Did anyone close to you die?


Thank goodness no, not this year and hopefully not in the next.

5. What countries did you visit?


None outside the U.S.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
More time with family in GA and more time to concentrate on exercising and getting my body to a healthy weight.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Sadly it will be Sept 13, 2009. The day we transitioned to our new payroll provider at work. Sad that the date I remember the most is related to work.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


Work related of course...reorganizing the Dallas payroll office and ending the year with under 1700 corrected timecards. That is 3000 less than when I took over in March.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not taking the time for me. There is so much I want to do and I don't ever take the time to make it all happen.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Thankfully no, nothing serious or new.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Considering we buy way more than we should...hmmm...hard to pick...toss up between my Android phone and my Netbook I would say.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Nothing comes to mind here...

14. Where did most of your money go?
Living expenses and the IRS...probably not exactly in that order either.

15. What did you get really excited about?
Spending my 40th Birthday with my parents.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

The Black Eyed Peas - I Got A Feelin', along with the performance in Chicago for Oprah.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:


– happier or sadder? Happier, I have no time for being sad.
– thinner or fatter? there really has been no change...
– richer or poorer? Richer I do believe, especially with friends and family in my life.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?



I wish I had exercised more and found more time to get to GA and Philly.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?



Just sitting around watching TV...there is so much better things to do with my life.

20. How did you spend Christmas?



With my wonderful SIL and her family. It was our first and it was very enjoyable.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

Yes, my husband is always doing things that make me fall in love with him all over again.

22. What was your favorite TV program?



As I stated in #19, that is the problem, I have to many favorites.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?



Not really a hater, so no.

24. What was the best book you read?

OMG, I have read so many, and not nearly the number I intended to read, but I did read a lot. And there were so many good ones. I would have to say the very best one was The Shack with The Lost Symbol being 2nd. But I read some great books this year besides these. Check out my Shelfari link on this page.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?


Hmm, nothing comes to mind right off...

26. What did you want and get?

My Netbook??? I guess...

27. What did you want and not get?

I had wanted to find a job closer to my parents...Instead I moved further away. And it seems we like living in Texas and are really leaning on making this home.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Well, they did a really good job with Star Trek and I am sure if I had seen Avatar it would have been my favorite based on what I have heard, but I'll have to go with The Christmas Carol as I have never experienced anything like that with a movie.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Well, my birthday was the absolute best...even though dad made me forget my cake at the house...Mom and Dad came in from GA. I rented us a cabin in Weatherford, TX. We fished a little, had some dinner, went in the hot tub...it was great!! Oh, and I turned 40!!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

OMG, yes...the person I got this from said a shorter commute and I will have to second that...total round trip for me is 2.5 to 3 hours a day...so yes...I will take a shorter commute any day of the year.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Well, it is the last day of 2009 and I still have not figured that out...lacking in this area...

32. What kept you sane?



Blogging...talking with my BFFL...having an awesome hubby

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Trace Adkins...need I say anymore?

34. What political issue stirred you the most?



Nothing in particular. I believe I was more frustrated with the Republicans in congress just fighting every single thing that was put forward to try and help this country.

35. Who did you miss?



All the family in Philly, my family in GA, my BFF, and a few other really good friends in the about the country.

36. Who was the best new person you met?



No one comes to mind...

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.



Hmm, realy am not thinking of anything...I didn't really have any aha moments this year...those of you close to me...am I missing something?

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.



One of my very favorite songs...Unwritten, by Natasha Bedingfield

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten, yeah

Alice in Wonderland

I can't wait to see this....looks like a fun and exciting movie.

What Does Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Say About You?

Your PB and J Says You're Adventurous and Accepting

Your eating style is gluttonous. If you like something, you're going back for seconds... no matter how full you are! You don't really have a sweet tooth. If you go for dessert, you tend to go for something light. Your taste in food tends to be quite eclectic and wide. You are an adventurous eater, and you like many types of cuisines. You are probably a fairly normal, upper middle class person. You don't rock the boat too often. You are a tough person who isn't afraid to live life fully. There isn't a lot that scares you. Precise and controlled, you can be a bit anal retentive when it comes to how you like things. You're definitely a perfectionist.

What Does Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Say About You?

Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes and 3 Stupid Ones

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Party Mummy Meme

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you.

Two ladies, Diane Stephens, whom I used to work with and Nancy Drugan, whom I met on FB. Then there is Lance Armstrong, Frankie Avalon and Greta Garbo.

2. Where was your first kiss?

Hmm, I really don't know...sad, huh?

3. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? If yes, why?

True Confessions, huh? Sadly yes...when we were first married I hit my husband on his chest as some point...don't remember the why or whatever, but I could not believe I did such a thing and have never done it since.

4. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? When?

Uh, yes...poor people. In high school I sung at the Children's Christmas Mass.

5. What's the first thing you notice about your preferred sex?

The eyes....the mirror to their soul...

6. What really turns you off?

People who smoke and smell of smoke...and men who think they are all that...

7. What is your biggest mistake?

OMG...I have made so many....Probably the biggest was not smartening up about money earlier in my adult life.

8. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose?

No, not all...and never would.

9. Say something totally random about yourself.

I have been a nerd most of my life.

10. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?

They used to say I looked like a member of Menudo when I was a teen.

11. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows?

Of course!!

12. Are you comfortable with your height?

Yes, 5'5" is perfect for me...

13. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you?

Picked up something for dinner and whisked me away to an impromptu picnic at the lake...

14. When do you know it's love?

When you can't imagine your life without that person in it...

15. What's something that really annoys you?

People holding their cell phone to their ear when they are driving!!

Award ~Who Loves You~

This award is designed with one purpose in mind. Pass this on to other bloggers who have awarded you in the past. So with this in mind I am passing it on to a couple of ladies.

Staci from Life in the Thumb

Barbara at the Celtic Spirit

Saturday 9: Be True to Your School

1. What was your favorite subject in high school?

OMG, I don't know...I guess math...I was really good at it...

2. Do you watch reality shows? Which ones?

I do...to many...Big Brother, Survivor, Amazing Race, Wife Swap...sometimes, America's Got Talent, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Biggest Loser

3. What's your favorite all time reality show?

I have to pick ONE??

4. Do you feel "reality" shows are real or are they faked?

I think some of it is scripted...but I could be wrong.

5. What did you look like when you were a teenager?

Well, here is a picture from February of my senior year...

6. Whose advice do you listen to?

What do you mean by listen? Do you mean hear, but not necessarily follow or do you mean hear and do what they say? I listen to my parents, but I don't always do what they say....

7. How often are you sick?

It really depends on the environment, weather, etc...but a few times a year.

8. Do you like or dislike change?

I am fine with change...I roll with it...I look for what else I can improve upon when there is change...

9. How many times in your life have you had a broken heart?

Four times I think...once by a guy I dated in high school...and three times by my husband. From my experience if you can make it through the broken heart and can get back together your relationship is stronger for the experience....

Topical Tuesday - Past, Present & Future

Topical Tuesday


This weeks Topical Tuesday is in three parts. It all about reflections -

Where were you ten years ago?
Ten years ago today I was in Georgia. I lived at Camp Josey Rd in Blythe GA and worked at the VA in Augusta GA. We were living in a trailer that I had bought for 1600 dollars and only had to pay a lot payment. If I would have been smarter then I would have done a better job at saving and investing back then. We still had our Tippy dog in our lives then and I am glad this blog made me think of her as I really loved that doggie. I don't remember much more about my life at that time...it was pretty uneventful. I did have nights that I looked forward to going to my bffl's place and helping her to escape to an evening out, but other than that we just did not do a lot back then.

Where are you now?
Ah, well, a lot has happened in the last ten years. We are now living in the DFW area for the second time and happier than we have been in a long time. We are a little smarter with money, but still not as smart as we need to be. I have moved up in the VA and have more than doubled my salary from what it was 10 years ago. I have a lot more responsibility to go with that salary. We still do not have children, but w talk about the day we have our own home and will foster and possibly adopt. I miss my BFFL and being the selfish person that I am wish that she would move to this area.

Where would you like to be in ten years?
In ten years I assume I will still be in the DFW area as I have promised my hubby I would not move anymore. He would however let me move to Charleston in a second... I would be in my own home for at least five years if plans go as I hope they will. I can retire from the government in ten years so I will be making a big decision...to stay for another 9 or to get out and do something different...real estate or teach are the two I am looking at right now. We would have children in our lives and would be much happier for it...we look forward to sharing our lives with children and providing them a loving family to call their own. And just maybe my BFFL will live within 15 minutes of me and we will be spending a large amount of our free time in each other's company.

Friday Five

1.What’s your favorite sports movie?

The Replacements with Keanu Reeves. We have watched this multiple times. I would say a close second is Remember the Titans. Actually it is hard to pick between the two...and we love sports movies...have quite a few.

2.What’s your favorite romantic comedy film?

That is a hard one. I like so many. Kate and Leopold is a good one. Is Ever After considered a romantic comedy? If so that would probably be my favorite though.

3.What’s your favorite animated Disney movie?

OMG, I like them all, how do I pick. I guess it would have to be Peter Pan.

4.What’s your favorite non-Disney movie musical?

Finally one I don't have to agonize over...Fiddler on the Roof hands down for me.

5.What’s your favorite stranger-in-a-strange-land / fish-out-of-water movie?

I really don't have one of these...and the only one that comes to mind is that airport one with Tom Hanks.

Thursday Thunks

1. So Halloween is this weekend, if you haven't heard. Are you gonna open your doors up or not?
No, we won't be in town this weekend...and have not had may treaters in the last few years regardless of where I live.

2. You better open 'em cuz I'm coming... what are you putting in my treat bag?
Well, last year in addition to candies I got the little playdos and puzzles to put in bags. Though no one showed.

3. Since October is the bestest month for television (well for cable & dish subscribers it is) and there is a horror movie on at any given time of the day - are you sick of them yet?

I rarely watch horror movies anymore...got burnt out on them in my younger years I guess.

4. Which one of those movies can you watch over & over again?

I always liked April Fools Day.

5. Tell us about a Halloween scare you've had....

Have never really been scared on Halloween...

6. Did you watch the old Casper cartoons when you were a youngin? Well, back then they weren't old I suppose, but I'm sure you still understand my question.

I love Casper...I recently got rid of an old VHS tape that hadCasper episodes.

7. Have you ever found a four-leaf clover?

Can't say that I have...

8. Haunted Houses... you know, the kinds you pay to get in and they chase you with chainsaws and severed heads.... do you like 'em?

I used to, but I don't know if my bladder could handle them anymore.

9. Do you use cute cartoon type wrapping paper for Christmas presents or the not cutesy paper? Or are you one of those gift card and/or gift bag people?

I have this thing for snowmen the past few years so I get anything with snowmen...I also like angels.

10. How long do boiled eggs need to stay in the boiling water before they become hard boiled eggs?

This question is just to funny...right out of the blue...I say 8 minutes...

11. Jason is coming in through your front door... Freddy is coming through your back door... zombies are at every window of the house and Norman Bates is calling to invite you to dinner... what do you do?

Wake myself up...thishas got to be a bad dream...

12. Did you know that the scariest part of Halloween is giving all of your Reeses Peanut Butter Cups away?

I would have to totaly agree...love those single serving reeses cups...

13a. If you were to play a part of a haunted house (not the ghosts in the attic kind), what would you want to be?

A witch...I think I can cackle pretty good...hehehehe

13b. Have you ever played a part in a haunted house?

Yes, when I was a teenager we ran a haunted house in the basement of our apartments for the younger kids...I hadkids put their hands in bowls they could not see...spagetti...told them it was worms...and peeled grapes...told them they were eyeballs...lol

14. If Thursday Thunks had a Halloween party, what do you think Kimber & Berleen would come dressed as?

Clueless here...sorry...

15. Do you cook a turkey for Thanksgiving?

Most of the time it is just hubby and I so we have a turkey breast.

16. Have you ever read a book that scared the pants off of you?

Yes, Gerald's Game by Stephen King pretty much did that for me...

17. Whats the predicted high temperature for today?

It's 7am and I think we already hit it...73 or something like that...

18. Have you ever howled at the moon?

No, not in my book of experiences

19.You are in an alley and a werewolf and a vampire are coming at you - one of them has to win. Which one do you want to bite you?
A Vampire of course....are they not the most sensual of beings?

Craft it Wednesday

It's been about six weeks since we did this project and at that time I posted it to Facebook, but had not taken the time to post it here. I figured I had waited long enough.

We bought a dresser for 40.00 and a 1.5 hr ride to get it...spent the weekend stripping, sanding, and staining to change it into an entertainment center. I had been looking for a good low priced dresser of this style for a long time to do this. We went with a Sangria Red because we have a red couch and I wanted to pull that color across the room. It was a lot of hard work and is not perfect. We will probably replace the back board and redo the holes for the components when we move next year.

TMI Tuesday

1) What are three mistakes someone could make on the first date with you that would automatically make you turn down a second date with them?

OMG, I have not dated in 19 years...but let me see if I can remember what I would have done then...I sure don't want the chance to know now. Talking constantly about their mother or an ex would be one....using foul language continually, and doing something in sensitive to me or someone else

2) Pick an animal that best displays your personality. :)

Not real sure...maybe a cat, conforting and loving, but also very curious and smart about certain things.

3) If your so stopped having sex with you, how long would you stay?

Sex is not everything. I would stay forever as I love him for our life we have together and there is a connection that goes beyond sex.

4) Are you more passive or aggressive when the relationship becomes physical?

I am more passive. My mind is the aggresive part of my body so I let that go when things are physical.

5) Have you ever been INSIDE a store that sold adult themed toys and videos?

Yes, sure have...blushes...

Bonus (as in optional): What percentage of women do you think are capable of handling being in a "friends with benefits" relationship? How about men?

I think the percentage of women is small, maybe 15% because we tend to let feelings get in the way, but men? I would say maybe 50% as a large number seem to keep from keeping emotionally involved.

Monday Morning - Curious as a Cat Questions

Curious as a Cat

1. What genre of movies do you prefer?

I much prefer romantic comedies...I want to laugh and cry at the same time...LOL



2. If you could have overheard a conversation between any two people what would it be?

Okay, that is just to much for a Monday morning...I really don't know. Maybe Obama and McCain right after the election.



3. What behavior do you think is the most commen but rudest?

Young kids using foul language in public places



4. Show and Tell. What comes to mind when you see this picture:

To me it looks like the one guy is checking the other for fleas.

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Redskins :: Will lose this week
2. Show :: Show me the money...LOL
3. Smoker :: Wishing this word did not exist
4. Bad movie :: Inglourious Basterds
5. Play :: We all need to play more....life don't need to be so serious
6. Jaguar :: OMG, I love the old style Jags...hope to have one some day
7. Click :: Click of the mouse
8. Production :: How much work will my employees get done this week
9. Sand :: Would love to be able to walk in some right now
10. Foreign :: Need to study a foreign language...German...that way I will be more prepared next year.

Are you a Kink?

So, a very very dear friend of mine gave me a book to read for my birthday titled "When Somone You Love is Kinky", by Dossie Easton and Catherine A. Liszt. Yes, my friend is a kink. We leave a good 500 miles give or take from each other so we only talk on the phone and this aspect of her life is something that she shares with me often. As we have been friends, more like sisters, for over 18 years this is of course one of those topics that we would talk about...our sex life, right? Problem is I don't really relate...for the most part.

Now, my gf does not blog a lot about her sex life as it is out of the mainstream and most kinks tend to keep this part of their life within their kink family. Though it would be nice if they could share it with others in their life and I think this is why she likes to talk to me about it. I am going to be very careful in this blog not to say anything to personal about her or me for that matter. :)

So, I am over half way through this book, which has been very interesting, but truthfully nothing I did not already know. As I said, I have known this person for over 18 years, even though her kinky self only came to light in the last 6 or 7 years of our relationship it does not mean I don't know her nor that I have not been paying attention. But what has occured to me as I have read this book is that I trully believe that there is some kink in all of us. The question is who is willing to admit it freely to their loved ones and neighbors? Well, I am. I really don't care what people think of me and I find blogging to be so freeing, regardless who reads what I write. So, without detail, other than to say, I have not tried much kinky stuffage...I am here to say I have a kinky person hiding inside of me somewhere...next question....will I ever let it out? Who knows...I don't even know if this is the time to figure that out...I am monogomous and plan to stay that way, so it will depend on hubby on whether or not he will ever admit that he has a kinky side and is willing to play...

So, hon...you know who you are and it is up to you whether you want others to realize on here, but I want to thank you for the book...it really made me think and examine myself also...well, my head....not my body...LOL...luvs you!!

the friday five

Wow, it has been a long time since I have done a meme...thought I would give it a shot.


1. At what age do you think it's appropriate for someone to get their driver's license?

I think when they are old enough to work they should be able to drive on a restricted license.

2. At what age do you think it's appropriate for someone to first drink alcohol?

18 is appropriate...if you can serve your country at 18 you should be able to drink at 18.

3. At what age do you think it's appropriate for someone to become sexually active?

I think someone should have graduated highschool before becoming sexually active...reason being because if they do become pregnant/or impregnate they would hopefully be in a better position to deal with that situation, so I guess it is 18.

4. At what age do you think it's appropriate for someone to vote in elections affecting national and/or local government?

I think 18 is the right age for this again...if you are fighting for this country, why shouldn't you be able to vote? Any younger that I don't know that they are focused enough on things outside of school to vote responsibly

5. At what age do you think it's appropriate for someone to be conscripted for military service?

I don't think there is any right age...but be that as it may, 18 works...eat teaches responsibility, can be a career and provides financing for an education.

Brondell Swash 600 Luxury Toilet Seat

I did not know such a thing existed...I mean...I knew what a bidet was, but had never experienced one...but a heated toilet seat? And not only does it clean the posterior, it cleans the front...and has warm air dry. This is awesome...I could never have imagined how much I like it...

I do not believe I would have ever paid for such a toilet seat if I had not gotten to try this one...luckily this one was free as an elderly lady died at the assisted living center that hubby works at and the family left this behind...his work said to throw it out, not realizing I guess what it was...so, he brought it home...cleaned it with Clorox cleaners and wallah. I have seen these priced as high as 900.00, but on Amazon they have this one for about 400.00. If it ever went out on us I would have to get another as I can't imagine not having one now...

If you have never tried one I highly recommend it...And just think of the toilet paper you will be saving...And it is much healthier for us...

Lordy Lordy Stephie's Forty

Well...the day is finally here....at 6:30a.m. EDT I will be 40 years old. I am actually excited about reaching this milestone in my life. The start of a new decade is to me like a start of new possibilities. I reached this age at a weight I am not healthy in so my first challenge and possibility is to lose this weight to make myself healthier before major things begin to go wrong with my health.
Secondly, at the end of this decade I will have 30 years service with the government. So, I have the possibility to get education/training and investigate new career choices for the second half of my life.
There are two more choices that my husband and I will make together in this decade of mine and that will be where to settle down and whether to adopt or not before we reach the age of 50.
So, I am looking forward to all of these things in the next 10 years...10 years that I know will end of flying by way to quickly. I moved away from Georgia in 2000 and as I look back at all of the places I have lived since then and what I have accomplished in my career, well...I am amazed, that is all I can say...who woulda thunk it?

Wordless Wednesday Motivation

Bridges that require bravery

So, in the Life & Arts/Travel section of the paper today there is an article with this exact title.

There is a list of 5 Jaw-dropping bridges:
1. Millau Viaduct, Millau, France - Taller in spots than the Eiffel Tower
2. Tower Bridge, London - Two large towers standing over the river Thames
3. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic - Features 30 baroque statues of patron saints
4. Golden Gate Bridge, San Fransisco - Suspension bridge stretches almost 750 feet
5. Magdeburg Water Bridge, Magdeburg, Germany - Water passes atop and below this bridge

There there is the list of the 5 Scariest bridges:
1. Langkawi Sky Bridge, Kedah, Malaysia - More than 2,200 feet above sea level and 400 feet long
2. Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver, B.C. - Suspension bridge 230 feet above the Capilano River
3. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Antrim, Northern Ireland - A rope bridge 60 feet long and 100 feet high
4. Trift Bridge, Gadmen, Switzerland - A 550 foot long 300 foot high pedestrian bridge
5. Royal Gorge Bridge, Canon City, Colo - World's highest suspension bridge, 1053 feet above the Arkansas River

So, these all sound like great place to go see and I knew right away that I wanted to include these on my blog today...then I got to thinking about the title...and it said more to me than the physical bridges that people build...what about our mental bridges that we create in relationships and work, etc.

Fortunately for me, I have a pretty boring life. All in all things are pretty normal, whatever that means. My husband and I are happy, though it has been a tough road to get here at times. We have had some major bridges to deal with in our 18+ years together in order to get to this point and I do think there had to be some sort of bravery in that process. I think that is what often is lacking in these relationships that end all to frequently in divorce. Then there is the bravery my bffl must show as her only child has decided to move out and stay closer or with her father for awhile.

We have a lot of bridges in this life that we deal with and it is up to us to decide how we want to deal with them. Are we going to be brave and face it head on or are we going to crawl in a shell and not face the reality of the situation.

My message to everyone I know and anyone that reads this is to find your bravery...and make it work for you...in the end you will be so much happier with yourself.

Texas or the East Coast

So, when we moved back here I thought it was to stay...then Kerry has been talking about moving recently...and then yesterday we talked about staying here for a few years and then seeing where we go from there...boy does he confuse me. So, we have six more months on this lease and then we are going to look for a house to rent with a pool, hopefully in Euless.

In the meantime I hope to eventually get my old job back at the VISN office and maybe work a 13 out of it if I can. And Kerry will get a 1.00 raise next year. So, between the two salaries we should be able to work toward being debt free and put money away for our future home, wherever and whatever that might be.

It just means that we won't be able to see family in GA as much as we would like. Maybe three times a year if we are lucky. That is the part that sucks...

Oh, well...I am all for just taking one day at a time right now...we shall see...

Huh?

I should be in bed...I said that 30 minutes ago and never got there...well...I didn't move...that might be why.

I really don't have much to write...just thought I would leave a little of me here before really heading to bed..LOL

Today was an okay day at work...as much as I like the chaos I am tired of the pettiness...as much as I like the person that I hired to be a supervisor over the 10 staff we now have I am tired of her not taking control and doing what she needs to do...but I knew she did not have it in her when I hired her...but she is the only one that applied and really the only one out of the ones that we have in the office that I would want in the position...but she has some issues...some of which I need to figure out how to overcome...ugh!!

I think I will enjoy being in Indy next week...even though it means a week away from preparing for DFAS migration. Oh, well...can't win them all...

Looking forward to this weekend....off with hubby!!

Night All!!

What's Up??

Oh, so much and not so much..LOL

I did my week of training in Austin the first week of the month...it was a crazy week. Eight hours a day of training and then nights of no sleep. I was so exhausted at the end of the week.

I came home on Friday to family visiting, which was awesome. Hubby and I do not have visitors often and it was a great weekend. Though I have to tell you...as much as we love spending time with nieces and nephew we do question ourselves after wards if we could parent those ages...they wear you out a bit. But it is all good as they bring such joy and fun into the house.

This week I have not felt well and would be at work today, but for not feeling well I have decided to stay at home this weekend so that hopefully I am up to work on Monday. I have so much to do I just don't know how it will all be done in time.

The last week of this month I am going to Indy for a conference that will have training sessions based on things I learned in Austin. I am hoping to pick up tools and more info to assist me in training my staff.

Well, I am going to make up a menu for the week and go shopping tonight. I have got to get my life more organized so that I can loose this weight and be healthy. I am so tired of being fat. And flying lately really makes me regret ever letting myself get this big. I have been contemplating surgery to help with it, but I really don't want to go that route so I am going to make an appointment with my MD on for Friday to discuss him prescribing me something to help with the appetite suppressing. I sure hope he will work with me on this. And in September I am going back to water aerobics as it is the best exercise I have ever done at this weight. Then I need to figure out how to get some time in on WII fit in the AM before work. I think I can make it work, I just need to get on a schedule and stick to it.

I have been reading some great books lately. Check out my shelf...you can see these in the order that I have added them to see what I have read most recently.

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Let me know what you are reading...I am always looking for new things to read. Here is my shelf on what I am planning to read...as you see it is very eclectic.

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Miss all of my blogger buddies...but I think I can work out some more time for this with getting myself a bit more organized with diet and lifestyle.

Namaste!

Catching up...

Well, I finally got that netbook I have been mentioning and so here I am on the train and doing my blog. I told you it would make a difference. I don't bring it every day, but I bring it enough I will will be able to blog more often.

I don't know if I mentioned it, but my brother is going to Landstuhl Germany for a year. So, I went home for a few days this month to visit with him and my parents, both of whom I have not see since Christmas. It was a nice visit. My brother's dive team from work thru a party with dad picking up the ticket for a 120 lb piggy that they smoked all day. Delicious and a lot of fun at the party...I'll have to post the pics of us doing a rendition of YMCA with the hats...

I was supposed to go to training in Austin this week, but have been fighting for the access to the system I needed in order to go to the training. At the last minute last week they decided to give it to me, of course this is after my regional Chief Finance Officer had to go above their heads...ridiculous. So, now both me, the Section Chief, and the supervisor under me will be gone at the same time. Not what I wanted to happen, but cannot be avoided...darn it. This week half the staff and majority of my experienced staff are gone at the training so we are busting it to keep the office going and preparing to not be here next week.

My sister-in-law and her family are coming to visit for the weekend on August 7th. Hubby and I are very excited about that...ready for Tiger Woods WII Golf...LOL...of course Dan has Dori practicing so they can beat us...too funny...Kerry is planning on decorating the house for Alex's birthday and he is all giddy about that...ah...such a simple life....LOL

We are hoping to go visit my other sister-in-law in Houston the weekend of the 21st as we have not seen her or her children since 2006.

Then on the 24th I am headed to Indianapolis for a conference, returning on the 27th. So, a pretty busy month ahead.

Oh, I need some more ladies for my ladies only fantasy football league. Anyone interested? If so let me know and I'll give you the link and password.

Well, that is all for now. I need to go catch up on friends blogs. Namaste!

That’s My Answer!

If you were given 20 acres of land and the money to develop it however you chose, what would you do with it?

I have always dreamed of having land to build a residence that fits all of our needs and the outside to for being able to enjoy being outside through the summer. The most important thing is to be able to make that residence and use the land to be self sufficient. Such as our own gardens, our own power, a renewable heating source, etc.

We have learned in the last six years how important it is to have your property fitted to withstand extreme weather and to have back up power and our own sources of food and water.

I am not an isolationist, but I do believe that I can do things to better take care of ourselves and the environment.

Weekends Off

So, lately I have been working on Saturdays when Kerry works. I don't get paid anything extra, but I do it for peace of mind....I won't go into all the whys and what is going on...

Then when we have these weekends off together they mean so much to me. The thing is I don't want to do anything...go anywhere or see any one else. Then we end up not seeing friends for ages. We just stay home and veg...which we both like...but I don't want our close friends to think I don't care ab out them...

I have so much trouble finding that balance in my life between work, home, family, friends, health, physical fitness, and spiritual fitness. How do we find that? There just does not seem to be enough time...and now I plan to add something else into my time...I am going to get my Realtor agent license. I hope to start the classes in August and then from there I figure to be very busy...So, when will I have time for the really important stuff...I hope meditation will figure that out...

Friday 5 - Holes

1. Where can you go for a really good bagel, and how do you like yours?

We like to go to Eistein's Bagels...and I like a bagel breakfast sandwich or the french toast
bagel with the apple cinnamon smear.

2. What is your favorite style of doughnut?

I like that heavy doughnut that kinda looks like it has square edges...is that a sour dough one? I like it glazed with cinnamon.

3. What’s your favorite flavor of Lifesavers?

I love the berry flavors, but of the original flavors the Pineapple is my favorite.

4. What O-shaped breakfast cereals do you like?

The Kashi Heart to Heart...it has a great flavor.

5. How do you feel about onion rings, and where can you get some good ones?

OMG, I love onion rings...I really like Burger Kings, especially with their dipping sauce.

Thursday Thunks

1. Do you tend to have a guilty conscious?

Not unless I buy something that is a large price tag. I know I deserve it, but I just feel guilty about spending the money.

2. Do you still have your wisdom teeth?

Three, but they all need to come out.

3. Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy?

Crunchy!!!!!!!!!!

4. Get up off your butt. Take 5 steps. Which leg did you start out on?

The left...does that mean something?

5. What color is your favorite kitchen utensil?

Wood!!

6. Did you watch the Michael Jackson memorial/funeral?

Yes, but not LIVE.

7. Do you know anyone who graduated from high school this year?
Were you invited to their graduation party? Did you go?

Yes, I do and no I was not and did not...

8. White with black stripes or black with white stripes?

Black with white stripes...classy.

9. If we were to call your 6th grade teacher, what would they say about you?

Oh, sixth grade was a bad year...the first teach I had that year was not a good teacher...he gave all the girls As and all the boys Fs...he was fired and then we got a teacher that tried to make us work...I got Fs and Ds on my progress report and I forged it...bad, bad year...

10. Can you draw a perfect circle?

Not free hand.

11. What was your favorite scratch & sniff sticker scent?

Strawberry and cream...

12. What does your sibling do for a living?

He is a Captain of a Fire Station and a paramedic, and a Chief in the Navy Reserves.

13. How many light switches and electrical outlets are in the room that you are in right now?

I can't tell...I am in my work office...we have one light switch, but can't tell about the electrical outlets.

14. Do you know sign language?

I know most of the alphabet.

15. Do you step on cracks in the sidewalk?

I try not to..LOL

16. And the sheets on your bed look like....?

Cream colored with taupe stripes.

17. What is something that everyone else has, but you don't

Children...

Thursday

This has been a long week...even with going in a little later most days...Wishing you a fun summer day!

Another Day

I know today was the 4th and I did take time to reflect on what that means for this country...such a young country, but so strong. We are not perfect, but there cannot be a perfect country with all of the free will and different types of personalities in this world. But I think we have a good thing going here and am proud to call myself an United States citizen.

Other than that it was just another day for us. Hubby had to work and I was home alone. Was not feeling the greatest...but that is life, huh? I read a bit and napped. Now I have laundry and house cleaning I need to get done tomorrow before I go back to work on Monday.

I am hoping to get a Netbook this month. If I do I will be be able to keep up with this and other peoples blogs while I am riding the train to and from work. I'll let you know if that happens.

Happy 4th to you all!! Hugs!!

Being Lazy
I have been extremely lazy...as much as I want to post...I just don't...hope to get a netbook soon...hopefully that will help.

Friday!!

Okay...I made it...but it sure seemed to take forver to get here!!! I hope all my blog buddies have a good one!

Did someone leave the oven on?

Omg, who left the freakin'; oven on? I wish being out in the heat could make one lose weight. Well, today was a crazy day...had a section meeting at 830am.
One employee was missing, who really needed to be there. It went okay for the most part. Next I had PKI training. So, now I know the proper way to set up an employees security certificate for Outlook.

I then had a meeting with an employee and their union rep...that was a humdinger...had to see the look on her face when I told her how much time she has spent on the phone for the last three months.

I finally got to eat a little after 1pm...then it was on thing after the other the rest
of the day...glad to be going home. Well, sending this from my phone, so it's in SMS form, so this is going to be another adventure!

~Stephie~

I am still alive...I'll catch up soon...miss you all.

~Stephie~

The Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey

I think I mentioned it before, but if not....I am going to be 40 this year. Age really does not bother me, but this seems like an important mile stone for some reason. I want to be under 300 lbs by then...I can do it, but I am having trouble making myself do it. I would like to also be more control of my finances also. You would think by 40 a person would have a good plan in place and be living in financial freedom with a good retirement plan in place. Sadly I have failed miserably in this area. Mostly from my own stupidity. However, had it not been for my own stupidity I might be like a lot of other people with tons of credit card debts and a huge mortgage. Instead I owe Uncle Sam the largest portion of my debt, which I have finally taken serious and am making huge payments to get this taken care of within the next 18 months and then I have some multiple small debts. All in all though I am sure my debt must total about 50K. I can retire in 10 years and I plan to and go onto another career such as teaching, but with how I sit right now that would not be possible. I make a darn good salary and I sit back and ask why do we live pay check to pay check, there are people who make less than me doing well.

So, someone told me about Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover. It is a common sense book really. I think what makes people turn to it is that he lays out a plan. I am not to that part yet, but I can tell you just from what I have read in the first 50 pages I will be implementing his plan. It will be hard, because it is difficult to change who we are, but I am tired of living this way. As Dave says "living like no one else now so that later we can live like no one else".

So, I will be looking at my life and making some major changes. One of those may be that I am not online as much. I have already stopped getting on here as much because I am tired at night, but I need to create energy in my life and that will hopefully keep me busy in other areas. I will still try to post a couple times a week and I am sure my posts will often times be focused around this journey for which I am about to embark.

I went to a class last night on prayer and at the end of the night we formed a prayer circle and took a little piece of paper that we had written our prayer request on into our right hand and sent positive love and energy to that hand and onto the hand of the person we were holding...my prayer? To be able to make the changes in my life that I have to make to become financially free. I believe God is already talking to me...

Namaste...

Saturday 9: Uninvited

1. Do you mind people to show up uninvited?

Yes, I am a creature of habit and don't like my habits changed by others...

2. Last person you talked to on the phone?

My hubby...

3. Last person on your missed call list?

My hubby...

4. Who calls you the most?

My Bffl...

5. What is your favorite song about breaking up?

Hmm, there are so many...I love oldies music, so I'll go with Breaking up is Hard to Do

6. If someone sent you an unexpected gift, what would you like it to be?

Books...I love books...

7. Your classic rock station plays the top songs of all time. What is number one?

Not sure...Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith, maybe?

8. Do you live for today or tomorrow?

I always live for today...

9. What movie villain scared you as a kid?

None...I did not scare easy...

Friday 5 - Long & Shorts

1. What is the longest you’ve gone between haircuts? Hmm, I remember a couple years ago I waited like 8 or 9 months...No more...today I got my hair cut and I waited almost three months and that was too long...just hard to get time.
   
2. What is the shortest hour of the day? That is funny...an hour is an hour...I guess I could say my lunch break, but it is only 30 minutes...so that might be why...lol
   
3. What is the longest line you’ve ever stood in? Hmm, it was either at Six Flags...or the security check at the air port...not sure...
   
4. Who’s your shortest adult friend? Without a doubt Judy Wilson, a lady I work with here in Dallas. Well, she is in Arlington now, but we still kind of work with each other. She is not even 5 foot tall. But she is a sweet heart.
   
5. Who among your current friends have you known the longest? That would have to be Janet Hunt. I have known her since we were 13 years old. We still stay in touch and know somewhat of what is going on in each other's lives. Now, if we are talking close friends who know every thing it is close. I believe I would have to say Mona, but my BFFL is not far behind. I knew Mona a few more months than BFFL. They both know me quite well, but I think BFFL knows me just a little bit better.