My friend, Denise and I are saying GOODBYE to it all! To the Husbands, kids, (FOR ME) Grandkids, mothers, phones, animals, and anything else! At least for a weekend! We're getting in my little SUV and heading up for the hills! I can't wait! We've decided where we're going but not necessarily what we're gonna do. ...We're gonna hit an Indian Casino or two, have a nice dinner without the pleasure of children fighting, husbands being "dorkballs" and talk about life, stuff, the plus side of being married and the plus side of being single. Lately it seems being single has lots more Plus signs!

So for the last week or so,been throwing out suggestions via e-mail. I've made remarks about us being "Thelma and Louise" I get to be the one who slept with Brad Pitt!!! Not sure whether it was T or L.. but my "Brad Pitt" will have to look alot like Robert Deniro or Al Pacino! Getting Tattoos, Getting Drunk (which will be fun.. since, I am a cheap drunk,but better a cheap drunk than just cheap, right?) and finding new husbands, and never coming back... All in the name of fun! Knowing I would never act upon my suggestions, except for maybe the tattoo, but... I digress. Denise finally emailed me back and suggested I limit my suggestions since Her husband reads her emails! I laughed. ONly cuz my hubby, probably can't wait for me to leave!

Anyway... the count down begins! I can't wait for this adventure! I can't wait to spend the weekend away from it ALL. (not that ALL is a bad place) I'm excited my friend gets away from her family and spends some time on her. I think she's forgotten who she is and only dwells on what she has become. A stressed out wife and mom of 3 little boys 2 of who are ADHD! Me? Well, I plan on a great weekend without the responsibility of others and maybe what design will be my new tattoo? OH but don't worry... I don't plan on driving off a cliff!

Waiting for the Vacation Chaos!!!

It's almost time for our annual pilgrimage to the snow,South Lake Tahoe! This happens the week between Christmas and New Years. All I can think of, is a week with no work!
Every year I tell myself "I'm going to learn to ski" and every year, I don't. (I'm a little bit of a chicken...plus I don't want to make a total fool of myself- I'm a bit klutzy) But it's nice to get away from the phones, grab a good book or two, and a whole lot of gambling money!I like to gamble-I suck but I gamble just the same. Hubby likes it cuz you can smoke inside!!!! "Toto, I don't think we're in California anymore" Which it's really wierd to see people smoking inside... Living in Cali, it's just not done anymore.. o.k. it's illegal, too!
The last time we went, we were snowed in an extra day. The very pristine picture is what we got to look at while we where waiting in line on Highway 80 for 5 hours while they cleared the roads. The very snowy, stormy, picture is what we were driving away from ... It was an adventure to say the least! OH Can I say... I'm so proud of myself I could actually down load these photos!!!! I'm not a total dweeb!

Thirteen Things about Ann in High School. Yes, this might be scary, well , for me anyway! I took this idea from My Sick Mind who took it from some one else. Good one.. I was lacking any creativity today! Hopefully I don't sound too bitter! 1…I was not a popular kid- I didn't even come close! I was very, very, very shy- though many who know me know would never believe it. 2. I spent my entire Junior year "crushing" over someone I thought was a Senior-then I found out he was actually a sophmore. The good thing he turned out to be a friend of one of my friends! And he became a really good friend through my miserable high school years... which leads me to ... 3. My Sophmore was the only one to asked me to a school dance- I do believe I had more fun getting ready than actually being at the dance, however. He wasn't big on dancing. 4. I never actually had a boyfriend who went to the same school I did. they usually were older than me, with the exception of my "sophmore" but we weren't boyfriend-girlfriend so it didn't count. 5. I had a full time job all through high school, so, I never went to football games, friday night dances or rallies. but... 6. The people I worked with went to a local private college and well, I went to a few frat parties and "college" parties. Fun yes, by my best friend always got the cute guys and got drunk so I was always the "D.D." Oh and by this age (sr year) I wasn't so shy!!! 7. My dad worked at the high school I went to , and had for 20 years before I even got there.So most of the teachers had known me since I was a baby, I always had to be a good girl.. cuz everyone was watching and when he died, during my sophmore year, I really had to watch myself otherwise everyone was evaluating my grief level. 8 I wasn't the honor student my sister was - nor did I want to be. She was popular and pretty. can you guess my self esteem was in the toilet back then? 9 My favorite subjects were Sewing and English- but I hated making the wool blazer. 10. My least favorite subjects were History and Gym- But now, history is o.k. I wished I had listened more! And what is it about Gym teachers, male or female. 11. I graduated mid term- cuz I hated high school so much! 12. I still have 3 very good friends from high school but sadly enough it isn't my sophmore. I heard he got married and then later divorced. She wasn't as cute as me anyways! 13. At my 20 year reunion, the clicks were still "clicking" un-f-ing believable!!! Hubby and I sat the Nerd Table! Not that I knew any of these people but the welcomed us anyway! (hubby graduated 5 years prior to me) No wonder I hated these Non- nerd people so much! that was my first and last reunion! I had more fun at hubby's 30 year reunion last year!!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

MONDAY NITE CHAOS-GOOOO BEARS!!!!

I’m a Bears Fan. Or should I say, I’m a Bears fan by marriage. I never had the love of sitting on my Butt hours upon hours, watching the myriad of very well paid men knock the crap out of each other for the glory of 6pts and a victory dance at the end of the field.

I fought watching football tooth and nail! Let’s go out side, let’s buy a boat, and go motoring up the Delta, how about a Moto Guzzi and “tool” around town with the wind in our hair. Anything but WATCHING SPORTS ! I never dated anyone so into (watching) sports as my hubby. They had boats or bikes! I would like to think of myself as a “doer” not a “watcher”. So I suppose if I was to be with him I would have to learn to love it… What ‘s the best way to learn to love something? Well, for me and sports with would have to be pick the team with the cutest players! And the 1985 Chicago Bears was my team! I could look at them every week and not feel the least bit guilty about ogling cute men in spandex!!! Yummy! To top my list would be Gary Fencik! #45 “MR. CLEAN” to me he was just a “hottie!” Forget his playing skills, forget his Yale Sheep skin.. He was just HOT! And he still is. It was exciting because they were having an awesome season so at least there was some excitement for me to watch the game. Also on my list of hotties were Mike Singletary, Steve Bell, and Walter Payton. Plus Coach Ditka to me was probably one of those men who was Big Teddy Bear with his family, friend and I suspect at times, to his team, but, I could be wrong, however….
Needless to say, though, I could honestly say, You would never find me watching football by myself. REGARDLESS

Enter Circa 2004, and rookie, Rex Grossman!. Hello!!!! Yes, I know I am old enough to be your very young mother, but honey, you’re adorable! I have 2 daughters….wanna be my son in law? And how ‘bout Brian Urlacher? Yes, I offer him one of my daughters too! Hubby would be thrilled, too! Anyway…Yes, I’m back to reality!

This past Monday nite, it was the Bears –vs- the Cardinals. Stats should have told you who would probably come out victorious. We were supposed to go to a friend’s house to watch the game, but the youngest was sick so I sacrificed myself to stay home and tend to the sick child. Hubby left and left the game on in the bedroom. Knowing that if I were to change the station, it would be changed back somehow by osmosis, it just happens this way. My luck. So I watched Arizona score 2 TDs in the first 10 minutes.. GOOD GOD, REX, BRIAN, what’s going on?… Getting no answer from Rex or Brian. I left the room, however, I left the TV on. Maybe I was bringing them bad luck. I went about the house doing some house work , tending to the pets. And every time I walked by the bedroom I would stick my head in the door and check the score. (did I really say that?) 4th quarter, all looks bleak for my “boys” so I hit the shower. I get out of the shower with 5 minutes left and see I missed some action cuz, the bears were down by just a TD. HUM. I guess I will sit and watch. (did I really say that too?) And watch I did. I watched them make a TD and then the extra point with just a couple minutes left!!!! Yeah MY BOYS!!!!

What’s worse? I felt bad that the Kicker(I know thats not the correct term, It might be Punter?) for Arizona missed his kick. Poor guy!!! WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME??? I actually care who won? But really the icing on the cake was the look on hubby’s face when we actually conversed at length about the game. Did I say I would never watch football by myself? Yes, I did, but it also confirms the saying, “never say never!”

GO BEARS!!!

THE CHAOS BAD MANNERS CAUSE!

I gave a co-worker a baby shower this weekend. I was excited! I love to have parties and for some strange and odd reason, I love the planning, stress, staying up til midnite the nite before and all the other "fun" stuff that goes along with planning brings.

The guest list included up to 30-32 people. Not a problem, It was going to be a nice weekend, still fairly early in October so I wasn't worried about rain, snow(not that it snows here)or other harsh elements! The only problem that there ever seems to be is how many people to plan food for. Let's see, Do I plan for food for 30 when only 12 have RSVP'D?? Do I plan food for 12 when 30 have been invited?

For the last few days the guest of honor and myself had been in a quandary as too the amount of food. You want to have enough for everyone but then you don't want too much that you're eating this stuff for days upon days!

My mom always told me to RSVP! The invitation said Please RSVP. I realized that RSVP is French for (and I will misspell this) Respondezvous sil vous plait- and while here in Cali French is not the next language of choice ... but the acronym has been around for a really really long time. Is this not something that has been passed around from Mother to daugher for generations? I can remember my mom telling me what RSVP meant and why it was important. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY?

Well, the day went well, We had beans, rice and tamales. And, well, thanks to lack of responders,my freezer is full of rice, beans and tamales! And this was after the guest of honor took food home! To those who responded, Thank you! Your moms have taught you well, and you, yourselves are aware of the hard work that goes into planning something so memorable and fun for someone else. To those who failed to do anything.. well.. I reserved the right to shrug my shoulders, shake my head and say some people just have bad manners. I just hope they are at the planning end of a party soon.!!! :-)

Thirteen Things Ann did that will change her life and get her through this mid-life chaos! 1 Told hubby... quit drinking... that's it.. or I'm gone. It was rather empowering and he definitely got the message - He's 6 days sober! 2.I'm sticking really well to my diet. I'm wearing a size smaller. (KINDA) 3.Told my daughter (with the job)NO I DON'T HAVE $20.00 FOR HER USE HER OWN MONEY! HELLO???? AM I WRONG HERE? 4. Since losing the weight I have lost, I'm sleeping better -ANN'S GRUMPY WHEN SHE'S TIRED! 5. Switched from the classic rock station to Alternative! Hinder is an awesome band. 6. Hooking up with old friends-still looking for 1 (R.C.S.) however, it's o.k. if I don't find him - and soon I will start believing this. 7. I'm letting the youngest (12) to hang out with friends on school nites(only until like 7pm), provided homework is done. 8. Trying to stop stressing about thnings I can't change and joyful for those I can. 9. Trying to blog more, but as I have mentioned the 12 year old doesn't share my computer.--- doesn't share MY COMPUTER hummm there is something wrong with that statement.!!! 10. Embracing the roll of NONI-(Grandma) I love this role so much! there is something to be said when there is a cranky baby and I don't have to take care of her! I can just play with her and give her back to her mommy!!!! 11. Walk away from the office when I am at my wits end! Right Kim!? Yes, I "took my ball and went home" the other day, cuz I was so ticked off.. can these people not communicate with me?!!!!!!!!!! 12. Quit being so judgmental of people. I have done this and those people who sit in the front pew at mass (and seemed rather... upity, and self righteous )are actually very nice. Go figure huh? 13. Read Truewifeconfessions daily and know that It could always be worse!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, IÂ’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. ItÂ’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

13 of Ann’s favorite songs and Why!!! I’m sure this was really weighing heavily on everyone’s mind, but I’m gonna share anyways!!! 1…. STYX- LADY - this is the song my husband says is “our song.” He still “wells up” when he hears this. 2. Nickelback’s I WANT TO BE THAT SOMEONE YOUR WITH I think of a very special someone who, this song could apply to, and what he must have felt 21 years ago. I can’t say “I’m sorry” enough and I see his face everytime I hear this song. 3. Moody Blues – I KNOW YOUR OUT THERE SOMEWHERE - Cuz I know he’s out there somewhere and I will find him. 4. Damn Yankees – CAN YOU TAKE ME HIGHER – Tommy Shaw AND Ted Nugent! YUM I love the video! R.C.S. Can you...? 5. AC/DC’s HIGHWAY TO HELL! We used to listen to this song while cruising! Blarring with the windows rolled down, even in the winter time,… yes, someone was probably loaded at the time as well!!! 6. Journey’s – LOVIN’, TOUCHIN,’ SQUEEZING – This was my the “song” for me and my first boyfriend, Joe,… but there wasn’t a lot of …L,T or S- ing, going on, really! Maybe that’s why… #7 7. Eagles- THERES GONNA BE A HEARTBREAK TONIGHT – Again, Joe. 8. Tom Jones – WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT?!- Tom Jones is the epitomy of SEXY!!! He’s been married to the same person for ever that in it's self is so very sexy! his family tours with him, and he's a family guy, and he looks really good. I’ve seen him in person – He’s just sexy! 9. Sammy Hagar- I’LL FALL IN LOVE AGAIN – “You do what you want to do, I’ll leave it all up to you….I’ll fall in love again”… do I need to say anything else? 10. R.E.M. – SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE – Back when this song was popular, this was one of my “Little S’s” favorite songs and Videos, she was maybe.. 2 or 3 ish! Good times, good times. And the song does put a smile on your face.! 11. GIVE ME THAT NUT- I’m not sure who sings, (raps) this, it’s about well... you can tell by the title, but I love the music, beat and well the tune is a bit catchy! 12. Moody Blues- ONCE UPON A TIME .. IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS Refer back to #2 I wonder if you still remember.... (OBSESSED? yeah!) 13. Elton John- THE BITCH IS BACK! O.K. I had to put that one in.. cuz well, for the most part I’m not.. but you better get yourself in check, If I’m on the war path… My office mate found out about that yesterday…. I was pissed and things were flying!! Not at her though, she just witnessed my wrath!!!… Yeah, I guess don’t piss me off!!!! Geez, it looks like I'm stuck in the 80's... someone help me out of 80's.. Well Nickelback is in the now! their Songs remind me of ... I know I'll just drop it! So that's it for this week! Sorry I skipped the last couple... it's been a wild couple of weeks! Start your list here! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thirteen Things Ann prays for - maybe not in the biblical sense, however ! 1…. My girls to get a grip on life and realize, the world is theirs, it's up to them on how to use it. 2. A totally clean house for like, a whole day! This would mean everyone will have to pick up after themselves... Novel concept huh?! 3. A day, maybe a week all to myself, with a big pile of books and a big overstuffed chair and an unlimited supply of Java chip Frapps from Starbucks with a double shot, how bout delivered by a hot Italian! I have one in mind. ;-) 4. To be able to get totally drunk with my friends, and have someone take care of me for a change, when I'm unloading the contents of my stomach. O.K... I really am a cheap drunk... it's wouldn't take much! 5. A certain someone to make the move... that's all I can say. 6. Skinny, I pray to be skinny! Ok maybe like a size... 12.. I'm good with that! I'm working on it..but it's going too damn slow. 7. Another Nip/Tuck marathon! Paging... Dr Christian Troy???? 8. QUIET!!!! the TV while a good invention, does it really have to always be on so much and so loud. 9. Ball Room Dance lessons .. oh and Stacy Kebblers legs! God was good to that girl! 10. A handsome Italian-again, I have one in mind, to take those ball room dance lessons with. 11. To walk into Dillards and buy whatever I wanted-dreamer! 12. My log cabin by the lake...I don't care what lake as long as it's by the lake! 13. A hot, steamy, passion filled weekend. With my Dreamy Italian! I wish he knew! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

More Mental Chaos for Tuesday

I'm trying to come up with something witty to write about and the only thing that comes to mind, is they cut off my internet connection at work! How wrong is that.. I'm waiting for a very important e-mail! Do they not know this fact ???
So along with the internet cut off... I had to tell my boss.. I promised to be a good girl...God is this gonna be hard or what?

Did you happen to catch the new episode of NIP/TUCK? Its really not a good episode without seeing Julian Macmahon's naked tushie... God I would love to squeeze his tushie!

Did you ever want to scream at your kid for airing dirty laundry at school? My youngest is a serious drama queen and has no problem telling her teachers things that perhaps shouldn't be told! Not that there is anything bad going on at our home.. but......still....SHUT UP!

Did you ever want to be "not the mommy" anymore? I love my girls, but Damn, why do you have to call me at work to tell me they are bored? It's not like I can do anything about it? And NO you can't come to work with me! I really lose my flipping mind!

Did you ever get the feeling that your put between two co workers? One of my managers is forever getting on the other manager for something stupid...Sometime though, he's kind of a procrastinator, but don't make me the messenger!

Did you ever just sit back and watch your family interact without you being involved? It's kind of cool, kind of scary, kind of enlightening!

Well, those are a few of the great Ponderences- is that even a word?- that come to mind, and that was just Tuesday!

GROCERY STORE CHOAS!!!! AGAIN!!!

When did people become for stinkin' rude? I was in the grocery store today, doing the typical Saturday shopping for my mom. (who is more or less homeward bound) Nothing out of the ordinary, Except I was by myself,(it's very rare that I find myself ... alone...and I really do relish this time.) a little time to meander up and down the aisle and not hear, Can we get this? Can we try that?... or so I thought...
I swear everyone that was over 100 years old was doing their shopping today. Not really a bad thing,! Great that they are mobile and active and are about to do their own shopping. But Good Lord, could these people take their half of the aisle on the right or left and not down the center??? I did a lot of deeeeeeep breaths today.
They stand in the middle with their baskets...and stare at what type of cereal they should buy...How about the oatbran that you buy every week! GOOD GOD! and then they look at you and go back to their cereal selection. Do they move? Do they say sorry? Do they even acknowledge that you need to get down that aisle, NOOOO, but, they know you are standing, looking at them with every contemptuous bone in your being... and they remain in a mental gridlock of, should I buy Oat bran or Bran flakes! OHHHHH And get this... if they weren't standing in the middle of the aisle.. they were on that ever so important cell phone call.... Do these morons not know that cell phones work like crap in the grocery store....??????? I'm breathing deeply, I breathly deeply... I swear, I was like hitting Walmart on Welfare check day! NOW THAT IS BAD!!!!!! Next week has to be better or I'm going POSTAL!

Thirteen Things about What Ann likes about Ann, this could be kind of tough So the challenge from Denise was to think of 13 things we like about ourselves... 1Â…. I am a good mom, inspite of it all! I would hate to be a kid in this day and age, I try to be the kind of mom, mine really wasn't. I couldn't talk to her about sex, music, and other various issues... my girls do...Scaryy as it may be, sometimes I want to put my hands over my ears .... laa laaa laa laaa. but, I don't. I think my girls respect that. 2. I am a good wife, who doesn't nag,(though, I should in some cases) I hate nagging wives.. OMG. If I turn into one of those... just get the gun and shoot me! 3. I am a good friend. I have friends from Kindergarten still- Vic, Darren, Kerrie Liz from 3rd grade. Jeannine and Teresa since 10th 4. I am a loyal employee. It's a good quality...I will always have my boss's back. I owe him that. 5. I am a strong female, and I would like to think a strong female roll model to my girls. They could become a bit more independent but, it will come in time. My youngest is more like me in that respect. 6. I am a good daughter. I spend every Saturday helping my mom with shopping, house work and laundry and other stuff...With minimal bitching, from either of us. 7. I'm not beautiful, but I'm not unfortunate looking, either. Ok I'm vain. I like the comments I get when It's just me and my granddaughter on an outing.... Oh your daughter is sooo cute! YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER? you don't look old enough... Yes, I love my EGO to be stroked, who cares if they are just being nice. 8. I like I have lost 16 pounds in the last 2 months... well,,, I still have some more to lose but it hasn't been that hard this time, Why, I wonder? What could be the motivation? 9. I'm creative, not as much as I used to be, but getting back into the groove. 10.I am always open to new things...still getting the courage to ski-I'm a little nervous about that still, willing to try. I think... o.k. I'm sitting on the fence on that one. 11. I'm slightly Obsessive/Compulsive... Kimmy, you know what I'm talking about. It's a good thing, to some degree, but I'm probably making you nuts! 12. I'm not an emotional wreck! I sometimes find it hard to deal with people who can cry on cue... just bugs the hell out of me! It's all so fake. 13. I love life! I love the challenges it brings, the happiness and even the sadness. I try to keep in mind that we need TO ENJOY LIFE, AS THIS IS NO DRESS REHERSAL!!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, IÂ’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. ItÂ’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Internet Chaos or not, I love the net!!!

As I have been on my quest to find a long lost friend, I actually found 2 others I had lost contact with over 12 years ago I don't care what anyone says.. the internet CAN BE YOUR FRIEND!... (fade to flash back)

A long time ago before I was wife, mom, noni, I was just me, young and working in a grocery store in a sleepy little town in the Central valley. I loved the job because I sometimes met the coolest people. I hated the job because I had to work nights and weekends. But, now looking back that was a positive, if I hadn't, I wouldn't have ever met one of my most favorite people. He was tall, good looking, blonde and just an all around nice guy, and I think he drove a BMW/or a Volvo... I think, which I also think was a perk of his job. We became friends, he was never one of those "oh baby, oh baby," droolie guys or anything like that, where he was trying to get something from me...we weren't friends like that, plus I think the 12 year age different may have had something to do with that too. who knows, He was my friend, and I absolutely adored him! He would have the occassional date and of course they would stop in the store for a bottle of wine or something, she would be beautiful, and she would be just a bit stuck up. Not really his type (the stuck up part) but would be nice to me because, well, I was A's friend. But one day he brought in P She was perfect for him! She was nice, friendly, didn't act like I was a threat and at the time looked alittle, and dressed just like Pat Benatar! This was the girl he would marry. !!!! I liked her immediately. Through my 7 years at this store, we became really good friends, Like hey, we rented this movie come over and watch it with us... the movie, "FOOTLOOSE" My first experience with Kevin Bacon.!!!! YUM! Any way moving on, I would house sit for them, when they went on vacation, (I was in my early 20's, single and still living at home... so yeah, house sitting was good. It was a win win for both!!!! Years later, P helped me get ready for my wedding and I was one of her bridesmaids.
We kept in touch for a few years after I quit the store and they moved to different town.. but as it often happens, the weeks turn into months, and months turn into years and you loose touch. The last time we saw each other was when my youngest, now 12, was just about 3 months old. And their only was about 6 months old....( fade back to present day)

I googled his name, And low and behold they didn't live in the North West, they now lived in the South West...but there was a phone number and address....
so being me... I called, not really expecting to get an answer, but oh MY GOD! "A" picked up on the 3 or 4th ring...At that point I was speechless.. I couldn't even think fast enough to talk... dahhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Finally I spit out this is a voice from you past... he said the voice sounded familiar, then said, Annie? Yep it's me!!! Relieved, he remembered me and I didn't feel like a fool! He was working from home but, and coulnt' talk, but, called me back the next day.. I caught up with him and "P" and it was like the years had never passed, they were a little stunned that there were grandchildren now, but... other than that, it was all good! We exchanged email addresses, and sent pictures of the kids, and promised to keep in touch, better than we had.!!!! You gotta love the internet! I know I do!

Thirteen Things about what Ann would like to do before she dies... a really long time from now! 1. Learn to SKI...Which would bring me to #2 2. Overcome my fear of hieghts!!! It would make #1 much easier! ( snow angels are good too though!) 3. Learn to ride a motorcycle...A Ducati preferably! 4. Get in my little SUV and drive with no plans and see where I end up! Although I do know what direction I would head... 5. Organize my bedroom closet.... it's the black hole and very scary!!! (I'm shivering with fear from just the thought!) 6. Go to Italy and look up relatives... I think though, they all are over here now. 7. Find my friend again... tell him how sorry I am and how much I love and miss him. 8. Win the lotto - or win really big in Tahoe!!! 9. Teach my girls, that though I love them with all my heart. They really need to learn to stand on their own two feet. cuz someday, I am gonna be dead and then what? 10. Get hubby dearest to stop drinking... BASTA!! BASTA!! (translation... Enough Enough) 11. Tell Grandbaby K's daddy, and grandmother( and I use both terms loosely) to take a flying f*ck through a doughnut hole, he's a useless bastard who has made my daughter's life hell. The only good thing was grandbaby K! 12. Enjoy my "golden years" without the worries of Money or health issues! Like I said... it's really along time from now. 13. #13 would be good if I could get my hands on Julian MacMahon for like ...5 or 20 hours!!! Oh baby, oh baby... I"m ..... breathless thinking about that! Happy 13 Thursday my friends... See ya next week! Until then, I wish you well! Start your list here! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

45 MINUTES OF CHAOS FREE ME TIME!!! OH BABY, YEAH!!!!

After a near sleepless night last night, I really needed something fabulous to happen tonight to help put me to sleep. And since hubby dearest was asleep...Ah hell, I wont even go there.. I have just spent the last 45 minutes on me and for me! GOD I FEEL FABULOUS!!!

So I lit the aromatherapy candle...

long hot shower, new shampoo and cream rinse and wonderful new body wash- I smell so yummy!

brand new shaving creamy, and new razors... My legs are so silky smooth!

and after that luxurious 30 minute shower...and yes, I used all the hot water!!!!

FACE MASK! And while my face mask was working it's magic...Freshly painted red toe nails, and foot lotion. I don't think I have been this relaxed in like... Forever... Now if I could have some dreamy, gorgeous Italian hunk massage my shoulders and whisper sweet nothings in my ear... ( well, I guess that's what dreams are for, right?!)

I'm in heaven just thinking about it! I tell you, everyone needs "ME" time!

Sweet dreams to you all... and my Italian hunk! Watch out!

FIRST DAY ON THE JOB CHAOS!

So Little S got the job and she started on Friday. She was home before me so she basically worked 4.5 hours...

I walked in the door and asked her how it went...and it went something like this!

MOM IT WAS SOOOO HARD, I'M SOOOO TIRED!

Good Lord! you worked only 4 1/2 hours.!

But mom, I gave an 80 minute massage..

So? I asked.

But it killed my back and I was on my feet that whole time!

OH BROTHER!!!!

Mom I need a massage!

laughing hystarically!!!

Mom, it's not funny! I need a massage...

Like all those practice massages you did on me? (I'm still waiting)

Fine, But is so hard...

get over yourself, you need to work and you're only working 1 day aweek at the spa... give me a break.

I got the look!

FINDING SOMEONE CHAOS!!!

ROBIN,
SOMEWAY, SOMEHOW. I SERIOUSLY AM EXHAUSTING EVERY CONCEIVABLE WAY TO FIND YOU. I'M NOT CRAZED, I REALLY MISS YOU! AND I HAVE FOR 20 YEARS.

ANN

SHE GOT A JOB!!!

Well, it finally happened! Little S got a job! I really don't know who's more excited, S or mom!

She is rather inexperienced in Job hunting, ( you know they should come to her and beg her to work for them... I told her in most cases it doesn't work that way!) job interviewing, HELLO Job anything other than Del Taco... but, She nailed it today!

3 weeks ago there was an ad in the paper for a Massage Therapist! How perfect, She has been studying for this already has 300 hours under her belt! We fax the small, yet highly embellished resume to the number in the ad. Nothing, later that week, Nothing. Last week, nothing. God, it's been a long couple of weeks.

Yesterday I get this phone call at work, from an excited young woman, Could this be my mellow, non excitable child... HELL YEAH! Talk about a different person, She rapidly told me about the job opening and could she come in for an interview!!! "OH MY GOD, I'M SO NERVOUS!" Relax, calm down, I try to persuade, but she's talking a mile a minute...It's really great to see!
the interview was penned in for Thursday @ 9:30 am.

Well, here it is Thursday morning @ 9am and she's sitting in the parking lot at the Spa, "Stay on the phone with me until I go in" She begs. I asked her what time she planned on going in at , she nervously answered 9:15. OK, I suppose I could talk for 15 minutes and do my work. She finally goes in. I'll call you when it's over ...

Shortly after 10 am she calls sounding a bit dejected. Well, she explains, they are interviewing someone else and they will let her know. She said if she didn't hear from them by Monday, then she should call... Well, You know what that means...She had to give a massage as part of the interview... Interesting.

by 11:45 she 's back on the phone, that she has the job!!! Said the woman saw a potential in her and really wants her to work for them! (my skeptic mind is thinking other things.. but neither here nor there.) Cuz She got the job!

She starts training tomorrow, at which time I will gladly pass along how her 1st day went!

Thanks for your positive thoughts for my Little S!

Thirteen Things about I HATE ABOUT MY JOB! had to do the flip side! #3 1…. I actually have to be here. 2. I can't work from home. 3. I have to babysit grown adults. who can't seem to take care of their own business. I wonder sometimes who wipes their tushies when they're "done" 4. I can't sexually harass our RVP who is absolutely adorable... He looks like Jeff Gordon and he's Italian! That would be wrong but.... 5. Dealing with the public, though it's very little interaction at this point. But they're all so very stupid. 6. People who start out with this..." I know this isn't your job, but..." 7. The fact that when people start out with this sentence, I still end up doing what wasn't my job in the first place... O.K., Can I get a backbone here, always the people pleaser! 8. Did I mention, I can't work from Home? 9. While I work with some wonderful people, you know the flip side... 10. The vending machine has crap in it always. Well, this could be a good thing, too! 11. The Soda machine, has 8 different selections, 4 are Pepsi, and only 1 is Diet Pepsi... come on...we need more Diet Pepsi spots. 12. "Excessive Internet usage" Come on...people, we've got to do something to pass the time, It's not like we're surfing porn sites! We can do that at home! 13. Seriously, did I mention I can't work from home! as you can see,these aren't soooo very bad, I really do like my job...but would really like to work at home...Next job, next life! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

First Day of School!!!! YIPPEE...no chaos for me!!!

I love her dearly, my last born, my youngest, my sweetest of all! But after this summer, I was truly glad to pack her little tushy into my little SUV and drive her off to her first day of 7th Grade!!!

She left with apprehension, what was it going to be like? And all the normal things 12 year old girls think about on the first day of school... Like my mom is so mean, she won't let me wear this trashy T-shirt and is making me look ... well ... decent. Excuse me for wanting you to look like you give a crap about your appearence!

With much excitment, I will pick her up from her first day of 7th grade and hopefully hear all kinds of positive things about 7th grade, rather than the snotty popular girls, of which she is not... Wish me luck!!!

I'M FEELING A LITTLE SAPPY (OR GUILTY) CHAOS

TO ROB


I GOOGLED YOUR NAME THE OTHER DAY
TO SEE WHAT IT MIGHT SAY
AND UP YOU POPPED PLAIN AS DAY.

I CLICKED ON THE WEBSITE
AND WENT BACK 20 YEARS IN TIME

THAT SAME HANDSOME FACE
THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE
YOUR BEARD WITH A HINT OF GREY

I OFTEN THINK ABOUT THAT DECISION
I MADE SO MANY YEARS AGO
AND WONDER IF….

IF I HAD SAID YES TO YOU, WOULD WE STILL BE?
I STILL HAVE YOUR PICTURE
DO YOU STILL HAVE THAT ONE OF ME?

IF YOU THINK OF ME ONCE IN AWHILE
AND IF YOU DO
IS IT WITH A SCOWL OR A SMILE?

I’M STILL WITH THE ONE, I CHOSE BACK THEN ,
HE’S A GOOD HUSBAND
AS I KNEW YOU TOO, WOULD’VE BEEN.

I NEVER MEANT TO HURT YOU
THAT WASN'T MY INTENTION
BUT I WAS A STUPID GIRL OF 22?

I HOPE SOMEWHERE IN YOUR MIND
THAT YOU KNOW
OUR HEARTS ARE FOREVER ENTWINED

Sorry about this one... I was feeling very sappy (and inspired) even after all these years after seeing Rob's picture. He was a warm, wonderful person who, despite said "whatever my decision was he would always love me..."

I loved hanging out with him, he was fun and a great friend, and an all around great person!! I have carried this guilt for a long time. and I'm sitting at my desk, eyes welling for the hurt I caused him. So Rob, if your out there... I love you, I'm sorry I hurt you, and you really do have my heart forever.

KISSING CHAOS!

You're an Passionate Kisser

For you, kissing is about all about following your urges If someone's hot, you'll go in for the kiss - end of story You can keep any relationship hot with your steamy kisses A total spark plug - your kisses are bound to get you in trouble

What Kind of Kisser Are You?

finally a quizz that is really me!!!!!!

Thirteen Things about I LIKE ABOUT MY JOB! (THIS SHOULD BE INTERESTING!) 1…. I get a pay check. And a fairly decent wage, it could always be more tho. 2. I really get to meet some interesting, unusual people. 3. I'm in my own office and can close the door and play my radio really loud when a really good song comes on. Guns and Roses come to mind! 4. I can listen to Bob and Tom in the Morning and not worry about offending anyone. Christie Lee, I wish I had your job! 5. I don't have to deal with the public anymore! The public can be really rude, stupid and unthinking at times. (maybe that should be number #1) 6. If I'm late from lunch, it's o.k. my boss knows I will get my job done. (But I'm not ususally late, it sets a bad example) 7. My boss is fairly easy going (and not bad on the eyes either!!!!!!!!!!!) 8. I only work until 2:30 on Thursdays! 9. I don't have to wear office attire, I can wear casual Friday stuff and flip flops, if I want to. 10. My boss puts on an awesome Christmas Party!!! He's very generous! 11. I can have my internet purchases delivered here and Christmas presents can still be a surprise. 12. I'm only 10 minutes from home, in case one of the kids is sick, or home alone. or a natural disaster happens... 13. I've been here for 10 years now, that's 3 weeks vacation!!! And how's your Thursday going? Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Job Hunting Chaos... God How I hate it!! Part duex in my daughter's quest for a job,career or just something that pays the car payment!

I my previous post a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how my daughter got the axe from a freakin' gas station/car wash/mini mart. As it turned out getting canned from that place was probably a Godsend! I got a look at her boss the next day when she had to go back and (finally) get her only and final check... the Boss lady... Bright Orange sun visor-and yes, she was wearing it inside at 7:30 in the morning- and jet black hair piled up to there... they probably had to add 6 more inches to the door jam to allow for her hair. Good, She's outta there..
But now she is dealing with job hunting... While she's a pleasant young lady, she's very soft spoken, quiet, maybe a bit shy? Well, not around family or friends, but in public yes. She's filled out application after application faxed resumes' listing her one job, the gas station job doesn't even warrant a mention. She is sinking slowly into a slight depression. Not an ideal situation for this young, new mom. But we're trying every day to boost her confidence. Let her know she does have redeeming qualities and it's going to be o.k. She will find something,And it will be perfect for her! So as you finish reading this little blog, say a little prayer for my little "S" that the employment angels will swoop down upon her very (VERY) Soon!

EMOTIONAL CHAOS.. AM I REALLY A COURTNEY?

You May Be a Bit Borderline...

Your mood swings make a roller coaster look tame! When you're up, you're a little bit crazy... And when you're down, your whole world is crashing Scary thing is, these moods can change by the minute!

What Personality Disorder Are You?

Cell Phone Chaos... Or..B*t*h Put That Phone Down, Your Not That Important!

Have you ever been in a grocery store, retail store, gas station, and the person ahead of you in line has that damn cell phone to their ear, and doesn’t even acknowledge the person waiting on them?

I was in the grocery store the other nite, and this woman (early 20ish, skinny jeans, spiked heels and a “skanky” tank top, you know the type.) was on her phone…” blah, blah, blah,” The whole time, she’s looking around to the people around her, like how dare you listen to my conversation…. She wasn’t even trying to be a “low talker” she apparently wanted people to know her business or have them think she was important. So, it’s her turn, she doesn’t acknowledge the clerk waiting on her, all the while she’s talking about her decision to have a HALLOWEEN PARTY! OMG! It’s not like that couldn’t have waited until she got out of the store. HELLO!!! IT’S LIKE 2 ½ MONTHS AWAY!!!! So the clerk is done ringing her up and she barks out orders she needs cigarettes. NO please, NO thank you, NADA!! How rude. Finally I hear her tell her phone mate that she needs to go and she’ll call her back, ONLY because she needed to get money back with her purchase. Transaction completed, not a “thank you” was uttered! HOW RUDE.

I’m up! The checker started talking to her courtesy clerk (box boy, bagger whatever is PC these days) about this customer who was talking on her cell phone and kept asking her” Am I annoying you, cuz I’m on my phone?” I’m sure there could be many more reasons for her to be annoying! After experiencing the customer before me, I just had to join in. We came to the same conclusion. How rude some people can be with their cells. We laughed about how important some of these people think they are with their phone cemented to their ear! We vented, we laughed, we felt better…Transaction completed, I bid my farewells, “thank-you” & “have a nice night” I head towards the car with a smile on my face, knowing it not just me …I then observed the blonde in the silver Mercedes, taking up 2 parking spots, she couldn’t park right because she was on her phone. (It must be tough to pull that phone away for a minute) The SUV cutting off another car because, he wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings cuz…. He was on the phone. Lord, help us all! I swear, we’re all surrounded by idiots with cell phones.

Unemployment chaos… My poor baby! She’ll be o.k., though!

Did you ever have the opportunity to leave your current job for one, your friend got for you, telling you how wonderful it is to work there and you’ll get a raise every 2 months, blah, blah, blah. (you’re thinking if it sounds too good to be true, then maybe….)

Well, that’s exactly what happened to my 18 year old. She was at a fast food chain for the last year and a half. Her manager was a dick, as most fast food managers are…(I’ve worked in fast food and do know this as fact!) I suppose they act this way, because they will always be able to get desperate teens to work for them. I am in Human Resources and know that some of the things they told her while she was pregnant were totally unacceptable and illegal! He would call her in to work at a moments notice, which she always went in, the one time she didn’t, he cut her days from 5 to 2 that next week.

So, she was ready to leave this place. She had (being an operative word) a friend who was working at this gas station/car wash/mini-mart place, who said that she could get her a job, daughter said o.k. and went in to fill out the application, the manager calls her on the phone and interviews her for 10 minutes over the phone, and offers her a job. “Can you start tomorrow?” Daughter said sure, as the time didn’t conflict with the other job. She would go in and give her two-week notice. This was on a Monday. She goes in on Monday tells her boss, Dick, that she was giving her notice, he said “finish your shift, I wish you luck in your New job.”

She then works the next 6 days at the new job…5:30am –1:00pm, No easy fete for a new mom, getting up and out of the house by 4:45am. But she did it! Her “friend” was supposed to train her. She didn’t like it much, but who does like the new job on the first day? She said that she would stick it out for a while, it was a job, and she could work it around her school (college) schedule. Saturday, the Boss (b*tch) works with her and the whole time, told her she was doing “everything wrong” and she had “no common sense” and “why would you do it that way?”, Plus apparently a few other things that she was never trained to do… I asked, did you tell her no one told you, that you were responsible for these other tasks? She said no, because she didn’t want to get her “friend” in trouble. I take a deep sigh and pretty much can see what’s going to happen… but I didn’t say anything.

She calls Monday to see if she works the next day, and B*tch said “no, your fired, you just don’t have the right personality to work here”
Now, tell me what kind of personality does one need to work in a stupid gas station? Daughter calls me and tells me this and I ask… “Did she say you could come and pick up your check? Because, technically, she should have had it ready for you to pick up.?” She said, “No, their regular payday is next Friday” (deep breath) Ok I say and then try to let her see the bright side of the situation, She hated the job, they worked over 5 hours and were not allowed their breaks/rest periods, and the boss was a b*tch. She feels like a loser because she got fired from this gas station, I say a life lesson and a blessing in disguise! She then gets on the phone to talk to her friend, and what do you think… her friend won’t answer her calls, (she tried several times to get a hold of her) how convenient!

So now she’s on the job hunt again. She’s studying to be a massage therapist and is more than half way done with her studies. She just called and said that she is on her way to pick up her check… I hope it ready… for their sake!

NO CHAOS... HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY MTV!!!

Happy 25th Anniversary MTV!!!

How many of you remember when MTV first started out! A few dozen Videos, music news and gossip about our favorite 80’s groups! I loved it! I envied Martha Quinn – cute, perky, and probably no doubt one of the sweetest people to know in the middle of all this cold stuff! I thought Alan Hunter was the cutest thing around! How cool it would be to be a VJAY, meet the bands, wear cool clothes, and have great 80’s hair! (I had great 80’s hair, and if I still had my hot rollers I could, yet again!)

So, in honor of MTV’s anniversary, I thought I would stop by and visit the old station. So I tune into MTV, we’re they doing anything? Of course not, they’ve come away from videos and gone to those stupid reality shows, and just basic crap. But of course they have big doings on VH1 classics! Awesome, so I sit and watch. REO Speedwagon! Awesome! I love them! Kevin Cronin with BIG BLACK HAIR!? Gads! I remember! He’s much more handsome now, but still as “wiry” as he was back then! HEART? Yeah, you heard the Wilson sisters talk about how much they loved MTV, watching it as well and being on it! Then on comes Carly Simon! God, I think to myself, I remember that song! I remember that band! I dedicated that song to him or that song reminds me of when….. What a good time strolling down memory lane!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MTV AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!

BAR SCENE CHAOS.. I FORGOT WHAT IT WAS LIKE

Has is ever struck you that when Grown men get together for beers, they tend to revert back to their teen years? I wouldn’t have believed it so much if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes!

Last weekend, hubby and I are in a bar meeting up with his coworkers.. We all met there to hang out with a former co-worker who moved out of state. He was back visiting his kids, family etc. Cool. I like hanging out with these guys, there almost all married and I know their wives we’re all friends it’s all cool. This evening, I am the token female! No big deal. It’s kind of fun. Because I don’t drink, and am always the designated driver, my nickname is now…”Double D” hey, let your imagination run!

There is a new employee, who I haven’t met yet, but he seems ok, seems like a nice guy. wears his wrangler jeans VERY WELL and is not really hard on the eyes either.(no, I wasn’t looking to fix up any of my single friends, or anything, it was just an observation) He is fairly new in the singles scene after about 18 years of marriage. So he’s on the look out for a little piece of tail.

So, I hear him talk to another friend, about the blonde at the end of the bar. I casually glance toward that direction-.OH MY GAWD! I will lovingly refer to her from here on out as “Rode hard put away wet” or “RHPAW.” Him…” Wrangler jeans”. He, Wrangler was telling co-worker guy.. how much he like to get with this Piece~ And Starts staring at her, kind of like that love sick puppy look that Horny teenagers get… The night goes on and the booze is flowing on, almost all have a heat on.

Wrangle gets to meet RHPAW. Wrangler then proceeds to go out in the parking lot with RHPAW. Then the men folk in our group start talking… I swear to God, I felt like I was with my girlfriends, with all the gossip and speculation that was going on. About 5 minutes later they come back in.. not compatible? Doubtful. He that quick,? She that Good? Doubtful again. She then goes out on the dance floor with another woman and leaves him standing by the wall.? HUM…….Then he starts telling hubby his plans for this woman-hubby, who was not impressed with her at all, was like, Dude, why her, when you have 3 fairly nice looking women at the bar….???(I’ts ok hubby has good taste!) Wrangler checked them out but still chose RHPAW… and after the dancing was over they were at it again. It started to get late and we said our good byes. We knew there would be good smut on Monday!

And not to be disappointed, there was. As it turned out she was his third woman of the evening. Which to some must be a conquest, to others might be a “gross out” especially if they all looked like RHPAW. Much was shared about this woman and her … talents but hubby would share only that…she could suck the chrome off a tale pipe. MAN oh MAN!!!! The bar scene…too funny!!!

Thirteen Things about Bananas 62 1…."Bananas" is a nickname I've had since I was 15, my real name is Ann, oh and 62 is the year I was born. 2.... I'm Italian by Heritage. But I'm proud to be an American! There is no whereelse I would want to live. 3.... I always had great 80's hair! Big and permed!... not so much anymore though 4.... I love the The MoodyBlues, Styx, REO Speedwagon and many other 80's bands 5... I think I could be stuck in the 80's and be happy! 6...In September I will have been married for 20 years! 7.... My mom is one of the strongest women I know. I saw her become a widow after 23 years of marriage and have to go back out into the work force, not an easy task for someone almost 50 at the time. But she did it!!! 8... My husband said it was 'love at first sight" for him... I didn't really like him at firest. 9.... When people asked my mom if she planned to remarried? (Which by the way, is very rude) She would always reply, "Why? I was married to the BEST!" 10.. I think my mouse, to the computer is possessed... my "little arrow" seems to move by it's self. 11... I miss my dad and think that he would have gotten a kick out of his two great -granddaughters! He's watching from above with is grandson. 12... If I could meet just one person, I think it would be TED NUGENT! He's proud to be an American! "everyday is the 4th of JULY!" You're awesome! 13.... I would like to tell the only Male who ever broke my heart "thank you!" You made me realize just what I wasn't looking for in a relationship!... "Kurt, thanks I really hope your not on your 3rd or 4th marriage by now.!" you were kind of a controlling prick! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED CHAOS no other words can describe it!

My 18 year old is one of the most sweetest(blonde), prettiest (Blonde)girls, Young women, I know! She has a heart of gold, a fairly good work ethic, but that doesn't include cleaning her room, and is a relatively good, new mom... baby K is 2 months old. >That whole situation is for another time...

Tonite S calls from her cell, panicked, they closed the freeway I don't know how to get home. Now I have had this conversation with her before, but this time, she hadn't even left the town she works in. the conversation goes something like this:

s "THEY CLOSED THE FREEWAY, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET HOME"

she has to be on 3 different freeways to get home....

me" WHAT FREEWAY DID THEY CLOSE?"

S " I DON'T KNOW, THE FREEWAY"

again I ask "WHAT FREEWAY?"

then she begins to babble about Fresno... THAT'S 3 HOURS AWAY

and I'm thinking to myself.. this is gonna be a long nite! So finally I realized I needed to approach this in a different direction...

me "Where are you at?"

S " I'm at IN and OUT"

me "Which one?"

s "IN AND OUT!!!"

deep breathing is really helping me out right now...

"Are you at the IN and OUT in our town or in the town where you work?"
"BY MY WORK!!!!!"

This little bit of information helped out greatly... I got her on the correct road and "talked" her through the entire (small) town. Keeping in mind that you can't say "head west on xxx street" because NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST are just words to her... not directions. You have to say turn right and go straight!

I remember at that age, I was driving all over California, able to read a map. It just baffles me that she has absolutely no sense of direction, How can that be?

I guess that's why for those directionally challenged, new cars come with Navigation systems!

FUN CHAOS!

Your Inner Pop Princess Is Shakira

"Baby I would climb the Andes solely To count the freckles on your body Never could imagine there were only Too many ways to love somebody" You're more a poet than a pop star.

Who's Your Inner Pop Princess?

I'M GOOD WITH THIS!!!! IF I COULD ONLY GYRATE MY HIPS LIKE HER....

Saturday evening Chaos!... not really

Do you ever wonder what it is about mom sitting at the computer,that bugs the family? It's something like Mom on the phone. Nobody wants your attention or really even knows your alive, until, you look like you've got some down time.

So, to prove my theory correct, my 12 year old is watching WWE or RAW or one of those wrestling shows, hubby is watching the ball game and grandbaby is sleeping... well like a baby, and baby's mommy is at work.

I've been running allllll day long since about 7 am and I've been dying to get on line to see what Jen and Kim have added to their blogs, check e-mail, and maybe even google myself ( I know , get a life)hit e bay or hit the food network's shows I missed today. So I'm sitting at my computer with Kenny Loggins singing in my ear..and all is good and then...

I GET

MOM!!!! I think I need my appendix ( I apologize if I'm spelling this wrong)taken out, says the 12 year old

hummm I say

Mom, I've been having this pain all day.

let me stop here and explain, my 12 year old is a bit of a DRAMA QUEEN

Where does it hurt?

on this side

where?

on this side it's been hurting all day

Honey?

Yes, Mom?

your appendix is on the other side

oh, it's been hurting on my other side too... as she giggles her way back to the couch!

and then she's back

MOM,I know what city John Cena ( a cute wrestler)lives!

You do?

YEAH!!! All excited,now I can go there (somewhere back east) and tell him I love him and stalk him.

Honey?

YEs, mom.

You can't stalk people, it's against the law.

why, I'm going to marry him someday!

yes, but you can't stalk him.

oh

I know you think mom's a poop, but there are some things you just can't do

back to the couch

goofy kid!

now as I write this, the little stinker keeps popping in over my shoulder trying to read what I'm writing! She would do the same thing if I was on the phone, too!

goofy kid!!

Happy Saturday!!

WEIGHT LOSS CHAOS... I CAN DO THIS MYSELF well maybe with a little help from my friend!!!

The e-mailed office memo came out about 2 weeks ago, …”not wanting to offend anyone, we are having our own “BIGGEST LOSER” Contest” The rules rather simple… everyone who participates, has to put in $25.00 towards the “pay off” and you have to lose 2% of your weight the first month, if you gain, your out , game over plus you lose your money, and the list goes on and on, in the long run the BIGGEST LOSER can win close to $500.00, not bad as I see it. So you’re probably wondering… Is she going to take part in this bit of office bonding?

HELL NO!!!!

Now you ask, “why not?” Well the list of reasons, while rather short, may explain why.

1) I don’t like to lose money! 25 bucks is still 25 bucks and well I could put that to use somewhere else, like….a phone bill? An electric bill? GAS!!!!!
2) I suck at dieting… so If I fall off the diet band wagon… refer to #1. Plus that would just piss me off if I had to give my money to a person I was less that tolerant of.
3) We have to do a public “weigh in” NOW, for many of you who are not “weight challenged” you might say, not a big deal! Well, you don’t know the people in this office. I couldn’t bear to be the subject of gossip at the water cooler!
4) The keeper of the weight statistics is our General Manager, who, just doesn’t need to know some things… plus the fact that some of this information just might slip out during one of the “good ol boy lunches” he has with the other managers.

So with these small items in mind, I turn to my office mate who is “weight challenged” as well, we discuss partaking and not, we go back and forth and she comes to the same conclusion as I… there is some information some people just don’t need! SO we do the next best thing…We do our diet challenge via the Buddy system! Mind you neither of us still knows what the other weighs, but that’s o.k. We can keep each other on the straight and narrow and count points together, Yes, we are losing, using Weight Watcher Point system, I have still got the books and point counter, that I’ve had from many of my failed attempts at weight loss. But for some reason, this time is seems to be working!

This is week 1
According to the Dr A’s scale I have lost 8 pounds since the last time I was weighed! Not too damn bad. One of my fellow employees even commented on it yesterday, Cool! I told my hubby… his reply… I like girls with a little “junk in the trunk” oh please….this ass is keeping me from wearing some really cute clothes!
My office mate, says she feels better based on the choices she is making. Do you know she turned down her favorite Ice Cream last night? Hubby knew she was having a bad day… bought the Ice cream to make her feel better and she turned it down! Now that is an astounding feeling for her! SHE TURNED DOWN BEN AND JERRY’S! GOD WHAT WILLPOWER!

So as we start week number 2, we enter it with a warm and fuzzy feeling! Stay tuned.

NO CHAOS TODAY! CHE BELLEZZA

106 MILLION REASONS FOR HAPPY CHAOS

106 Million, the largest lotto in Cali's history

I buy the ticket and think, "why not me?"

Wednesday Nite is coming soon

I'll sit by the t.v., the channel in tune

Repeating MY numbers in my head

hoping that each on will be said

Knowing all the while,

someone in Cali is sure gonna smile.

"Why not me?"

what's your lucky number?

The computer Chaos continues... but I do see light at the end of the tunnel!!

I did it!! I finally did it! I got my virtual pet on my side bar!!!! Not feeling so stupid after all! I got the sparkle letters to work...kind of... But I ended up with them in 4 different places...!!! not bad for a hair lip as my friend Rich would say!! hee hee OK so it took me 2 hours to get the damn bunny on my site! Hey but tomorrow's another day... stay tuned, I may surprise you!

BLOGGING CHAOS!!! I'M REALLY NOT AN IDIOT!

I really don't think I'm an idiot but when it comes to my blogging site... well, it's not too cool... ok.. jen, kim .... Help!!!! i'm about ready to shot my computer!!! That would be my own created chaos!!!