Monday

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Baked Artichoke Dip---it looks yummy to me (I haven't tried it yet)

Need an idea for how to kick off the festivities with flair? Try this creamy and delicious veggie dip, but move quickly to get your taste -- it'll be gone before you know it.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 1 cup chopped fresh spinach)
1 (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 package cream cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Combine all of the ingredients and place in a baking dish. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes and serve with crackers.

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Well, the holidays do not allow for me to lose anything...I just gain TWICE of what I normally do in a month. Type 2 diabetes can suck....your body just doesn't react to sugars and carbs as friends...but enemies.

Have I mentioned I HATE MONDAYS??? ALL we have are meeting all freaking day. We meet during our planning period. Then have kids from 10-4 then meet again for some BS stuff from 4-5.....(no we are not paid for that time frame) MEOW~

I had to give myself a moment of lust~ I get so few that are attainable these days.....

Wahoo~ my team leader just came in and said our GRADE level meeting had been cancelled this week. Can I hear an AMEN????

I might ....might....go by a local hardware store after work and our AFTERNOON meeting in the Gym...and check out a guy I've been talking to on line for a month or so...He doesn't have all the qualities I want (like he's a smoker) but he seems like if nothing else we could be friends. Yep, I can dream hence I KEEP POSTING my Ronnie Dunn pictures......

Scared Damn it !

Well, I stayed in all day. I didn't even unpack my suitcase. I just fed kitties, threw away junk mail, read the paper, caught up on reading my emails....
Iwatched a little tv. I cried and cried like every two hours. I feel so helpless. I mean, I want to just hold my mom and make all of her fears and worries just disappear. I'm scared, but don't want to add to her dilemma. I did more research on line today about a few of the doctors that she has seen in the last two weeks. I also looked up the doc she is meeting with this week. He's a general surgeon and that makes me nervous. I want the VERY BEST MOST EXPERIENCED guy or gal for the job. I researched cancer centers of America and MD Anderson Cancer center in Houston. One of the docs in New Orleans had a lawsuit about 6 yrs ago. He performed Gall bladder surgery and she wasn't satisfied with her results. It was 15 pages worth of legal jargon...he was found to have completed his job without any type of negligence. It just makes you suspicious.
I sent my dad about 10 links and called mom with info I found. She is not what you call computer literate...so I have to hope he'll open and print stuff for her. Again, he is NOT a warm and fuzzy kinda guy. That makes me sad for her. I mean Hell I'm not the one this is happening directly too, but what I would give for a man to just hold me right now.

I am so scared.

Life's turkey and all of it's dressing

Where art thou Rebecca? I even brought you a rose.....

Happy belated Thanksgiving. A HUGE Thank you to all of our military folks allowing us our freedom and time to be with our families.

"ONLY IN AMERICA" (Where we dream as big as we want too.....)

Well, we made it back. My aunt decided to go with me to see Mom and Dad. She drove me a bit crazy about my driving techniques and the speed I like to go, but we made it back together in one piece.

"I Believe"

It was good to go home. I managed a little cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Mom was given a break. I was also able to interview 2 cleaning services. I was pleased with both, although one was more to my liking. They want $125 for the first visit and $75 for each bi weekly visit. My anut and I are going to rotate months, so mom gets at least 6 months of service. She deserves it, and frankly they do not need anything tangable for the house. They need to get rid of a bunch of stuff...as we all do. I told myself one of my Christmas days I am decluttering my computer room. Right now I have Christmas gifts and way too much paperwork ...and I need to give away some of the books I have in here too.

OK...yes that's me with a HELL of a SUN TAN....just how I feel about de cluttering. I'd rather clean than throw stuff away. After 3 days at mom and dad's I know I need to start parting with things now, and not just each time I move.....

I'll talk about more mom news maybe tomorrow. I need to have a clear thought for a day~ So I simply added a few more of my B N D pics from Atlanta 2 weeks ago....Yes, I have to obsess about SOMETHING positive~ just bear with me.

Ok , I am proud of this pic I took, I think its one of the best my camera got...Again, I LOVE this man!!!!

holidays

Totally how I feel these last

2 weeks.

I am going home to see mom today as soon as I can get away from work. The LA dept head is covering my last class. I need to get on the road.

Auntie is coming~ she is as upset about mom as I am. After all they are sisters. I PRAY to God that this is not our last Thanksgiving together.

Please love on, hug on, and let the ones that are special to you, know that over the next few days. THEY NEED TO KNOW YOU HOLD THEM CLOSE IN YOUR HEART, AND THAT YOUR LIFE IS BETTER FOR HAVING THEM SHARE PIECES OF IT.

I will get to see my kitties at mom and dads. I'll throw in a little cajun flavors, and I bought a blow up bed. Since my aunt is going she will sleep in my old room, hence Rebecca gets the OLD PULL OUT SOFA...ummm no. I went to wally world and spent 100 bucks. I figured when mom has surgery, and auntie and I are both there, it will come in handy then too. I hope it's comfy.

Sunday

There were lots of festivities here in GA this weekend. SOme surrounding the (soldiers in general) and those at Ft. BEnning. (which is about 8 minutes from me)..otheres were protesters of the war and fighting in general. I personally would like to see up pull out of Iraq. I do think we should do it in a s-l-o-w manner. I would rather see those troops in New Orleans rebuilding. After all these are OUR PEOPLE---IN THIS NATION.

Did anyone watch Comic Relief last night? I was up watching. Bits and pieces were in N.O. The cause was to help Katrina victims in LA and Misss that have been devastated.

I got up and went and had a pedicure! I needed to treat myself....couldn't afford the pedi and mani....so the feeted were rubbed well! I also had lunch with T today and gased up...2.19 here = ( . I also picked up a couple of gift boxes and bags for Christmas. I was hoping to find a gift or two for my aunt. I am getting mom and maid for a few moths. I may try to meet some while I am home over Christmas---depending on her surgery date. It will give her a break from a few or life's CHORES...My aunt said she would match me. SO I f I can pay for 3 months she would do the same. I think Mom will be thrilled! I'd rather find someone independant rather than a chain. Wish me luck.

I talked to John for 2 hrs last night. That was actually kinda nice. I'm not sure what I am thinking today....he just syas he's unhappily married. I WILL not tell him to leave her. I WILL NOT be responsible for that break up.

No other news here~ Again thank you for the prayers.

SATURDAY

I am going to lunch with my buddy T. I need to get my mind off of all of the thoughts scrambled up in my head. I will just keep praying . Thank you for all of your well wishes, hugs, and prayers. They really are appreciated!

Never do you want this call

OK. Mom just called. It's cancer. They have her going to do a total body scan next Tuesday to check for other growths. It is the size of your fingers put together excluding your palm.
DOc will let her know if she is having Chemo before or after the surgery. I feel devastated. She is trying so hard to be strong. I know she feels alone. I am going home next week even if for a couple of days. I need to be there for her, even if I am still on crutches with this damn ankle.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Work notes*

Dress Code:You are advised to come to work dressed according to your salary. If we see you wearing Prada shoes and carrying a Gucci bag, we will assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a raise. If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a raise. If you dress just right, you are right where you need to be and therefore you do not need a raise.

Sick Days:We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.

Personal Days:Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturdays & Sundays.

Bereavement Leave:This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend the funeral. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled for late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.

Bathroom Breaks:Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet. There is now a strict three-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture will be taken. After your second offense, your picture will be posted on the terminal bulletin board under the "Chronic Offenders". Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sectioned under the terminal's mental health policy.

Lunch Break:Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more, so that they can look healthy. Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure. Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim-Fast.

Thank you for your loyalty to our terminal. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternation and input should be directed elsewhere.The Management

Prayers

Mom has a doc appt at 3:00 tomorrow. We will all be on pins and needles until we hear from her. Just please keep praying.

Thank you.

A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

tears ~

Well, I just broke down to one of my co workers. She came in my room to ask about my Thanksgiving plans and I just burst into tears. (My parents were supposed to come up here) My aunt asked me to stop by her place yesterday after work. I stayed in the car cause these crutches are killing me and my arms n chest. I am using muscles I never knew I had. I was in more pain I think from them than my foot yesterday. The Doc gave me a shot yesterday that he gives to arthritis patients for inflammation and swelling.

Ok. My aunt said I talked to your mom after her doc appt this afternoon. She had a cyst in her breast that had filled with fluid. She had it drained about 2 weeks ago. Well, yesterday the doctor told her it looked suspicious and wants her to see a surgeon and an oncologist this week. OMG~ she's my mom. I mean, this can't be happening to MY MOM. Last night, all I could do was research on line for doctors in New Orleans and Cancer centers for women and Doctors records/lawsuits/complaints. I mean for the first time in my life I think I really dealt with the possibilty of death. Driving from my her house to mine.....in tears..all I wanted was to be held. I almost called my gay friend, (he would have come over) but it wouldn't have been the same. I miss John and feel like I need him right now.

I'm scared.

If I keep typing I am going to start crying again, and I just can't do that at work again today. I get kids in a few minutes.

MEOW

Alrighty then, I had an awful day---and need your prayers. Thanks.

This is me today!

Ok well, I made it to school.....to my classes...to my afterschool meeting and well, here~ HOME! However, a neighbor took my picture when I got home and well YOU SEE HOW I AM FEELING!!!!!
I can't take Vicodin at school, I'd pass out during my classes. So TYLENOL was my fiend today. I think I will pick up some aleve for tomorrow. A few of my kids were WONDERFUL...running errands and carrying stuff for me. One of my favorite boys (my VERY BEST reader) actually carried my purse proudly to our faculty meeting. Bless his sweet heart!
AT least this happened while I am in the middle of a novel for 3 of my classes. The other 2 classes will be working out of a workbook ALL WEEK.... Burger King is my dinner tonight. I am not standing up anymore than I absolutely have too.
QUESTION~~
Credit card info....What is the lowest APR you are offered on an existing card? Mine is 3.9% with Capital one...anybody out there got anything lower??

Vicodin and anti inflammatory

Definately one of my Favorites!!!

PASSIONATE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I slept pretty well last night thank you Vicodin. When I was walking around at the show I felt something *POP* in my left foot. Yes, I said OUCH and started to limp right away. I know B thought I was crazy, but going to urgent care yesterday, the doc asked my thoughts. I told him I would have guessed it felt like a bllod vessel popped. (It sounds weird cause I've never even considered it) well after 2 x-rays doc said he didn't see any broken bones, but after examining my foot, he thinks I tore a tendon. He put me on crutches (like I can move around with all my students) Can I say CRAP O LA? Well, if The swelling isn't better in 3 or 4 days he wants my primary care doc to do am MRI. I have to go to work...Just not sure how happy I will be with meeting all over the place~ You never realize how lucky you are to walk until you realize you can't.
He's singing the song HE WROTE that got 15 nominations this year, including Christian single of the Year "I BELIEVE" The stage was covered in crosses. I wish this pic was clear!!!

So as a viewer...how about them pics???And any suggestions on a new camera? I saw one in a catalog today for 799$$$ but it offers my 15x zoom.....I really need to look at Consumer Reports on line and get their ideas.

The pic above is labeled SOULFUL Ronnie.....He is full of it! Heart and Soul. My GOD how I would love to spend a day with him in his studio at home, he built a barn and uses it for inspiration and writing his ~ GIFT to the world..Oh and if you're not a fan, thats ok..his singing and writing is a gift to me!!!!

"NEON MOON" I think My favorite tune by them....



HE joked during the show that he thought his belt buckle was big enough to use as a salad plate....I could get raunchy, but for my prudish readers, I'll refrain. (It's the vicodin talking)

I'm turning the comments off on this one BECAUSE Barn Goddess was the only one to comment on yesterdays post~ SO if you wanna say something, you gotta scroll down and see those pics too!!!

Can I say OUCH

Well, the concert itself was wonderful!!! I managed to get great seats thank you B n D fan club !

I got some good photos. I am interested in a top of the line digital camera...something with a 15x zoom...I really enjoy photography and know I would take more pics if I had an even better camera...I will be passing along photos all week. I took almost 200 last night. I also did 2 live recordings on my camera...Is there anyway to post them???

My buddy B went with me ~ Lord I know he loves me to watch me drool over this man I ADORE!!!

See Ronnie knew exactly where I would like to place my hands~ and figured he's stay safe and do it himself. Ladies, (it's been awhile~)

I can dream...After all it is the American way!

We met a couple that sat next to us, she bought her tix on Ebay and paid twice the face value. They drove from Pensacola just for the show. I said I UNDERSTAND. Ends up she's a teacher too. WE swapped emails and just may meet up again for another one of their shows ...

I think it's pretty cool, I was so close to catch a pic of sweat rolling down his cheek. (Kix Brooks that is)

I am happy with about 50 of the pics I took out of 200~

Alrighty, well in conclusion.....Kodak easy share is giving me fits trying to order prints online. Normally, I would go to Wally world and print them myself...BUT during the concert last night I TORE a tendon in my foot. I'll tell ya more tomorrow. Now, I have meds to take and a bed calling my name.

Wahoooo

Those blue eyes and cheek bones.....and tight butt! Hehehehe....

Well one more day and I am off for 3 days!!! This pic can explain how I feel~
The dog actually reminds me of Dawn's doggie in New Orleans. She named him wrinkles..appropriate don't you think?




I love this pic of Ronnie smiling!!! I want to bear his children~ Can anyone arrange that for me??? Just in case you don't know...he's the one on the right! With the full go-tee.
I just hung up with the Ampitheater in ATlanta and the seats I have are 4th row on Ronnies side isle...center stage. I COULD SCREAM.

Ok look readers, there is not much in my life these days that excites me, but being that close to him and having him sing with that soothing voice..I could just melt....or as some of my kids at school say "You gonna melt like BUTTER~ "

questions

OK...well the Dem's got the majority that they wanted. I am a bit disappointed.... But the Gov I voted for got in, unfortunately, the mayor I voted for did not. He seems like a decent man, but he is limited in his education and experience. I was up late watching election results. So SLEEPY today~~~

I have Admin detention here today, which means I stay after school an extra hour---BAh Hum Bug!

Questions I would like answered....

1.) Favorite shampoo, conditioner and hairspray
2.) Favorite lotion
3.) Favorite recipe
4.) Favorite detergent for laundry
5.) Favorite gift to give at Christmas (or best gift you were given--family or friend)

Thank you!!!!

Voter turn out

Well, the day is here...I will be so glad not to see all of the CRUMMY political ads ALL over every station I seem to watch (except Lifetime Movie Network). I really hope voters make a positive impact today. I want to see Republicans keep their house majority. I know Bush has made some mistakes, but Democrats just don't seem to get the idea of correctly managing funds. Yes, we need some help with Health care, the Elderly need some tax breaks but so do the working middle class. Yes, we need to get out of Iraq, but we can't just hop on the next plane--- that would mean the solders that did lose their lives over there did it for nothing. We have to be able to pull out in a timely manner and leaving Iraq better than when we got there. They have the right to a democracy too. On the flip side I was upset on how we could send SOOOO many troops over there and HELLO in our own country let the victims of Hurricane Katrina be left to fend for themselves. I have been home several times since the devastation and in August there were still FEMA trailers ALL OVER. If we had military help to rebuild ----the city could move on and get rid of the debris, bring families home, open the family business again and "Let the Good times Roll again" in the City that care forgot.

One more note, I watched CMA awards last night and I was disappointed in how faith Hill handled herself when she didn't get the award and Carrie Underwood did! She has an incredible hubby to go home too, 3 adorable girls, and more awards and money than all of Georgia combined. The face and gasp she made was simply unnecessary.

If only!!!!

Ok, I posted yesterday how much I miss my single friends~ and the day before I told you about my bummer of a Saturday....

I failed to leave out that Dawn one of my oldest friends at home just announced that she is engaged! I am thrilled for her. She wants me in the wedding, of course I said yes. This is wedding # 6 for me as either Maid of Honor or Bridesmaid. I'm happy to do it, but feel like ---or should I say---

I KEEP asking God when is it my turn???

Okay well the icing on the cake was today. Not one, two, three BUT FOUR co-workers read the paper yesterday and found a wedding announcement for the other Rebecca (same last name) that lives in my town is newly engaged. I mean people who rarely seek me out and find me at work ask me this TODAY. I feel like SCREAMING bloody murder.

*****

Can I tell you how much I miss having just one single girlfriend! I have a few in Louisiana, but NO ONE near me here. I feel really sad.

Disappointment***

Ok. I'm home. My day was well relaxing and yet FRUSTRATING! I am just getting in. I drove to Dothan Alabama today. I went for two reasons. One was to see Jim a guy I used to date~ we met on line 5 yrs ago, right after I moved to Ga. We dated about 8 or 9 months. We both kinda decided that a 100 mile drive was tough on both of us. We have remained friends and talk a few times a month. Well, another guy started to email me on line that lives in Dothan. How strange is it thst he dated Jim's ex-girlfriend. (Freakishly small world)?????? Insert your comments here.

Well Jim and I had mexican for lunch. Well, the annual PEANUT festival is happening in Dothan. Jim's business has a boooth there. He deals with lumber. Anyway, he needed to get to the fest and I was going to meet up with 'A' for the first time. We say our goodbye's and I hop in my car....my car won't start!!! SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!! I just had my 60,000 mile check up with the Honda dealership 2 weeks ago. Well, Jim and I chase around town to find jumper cables---no neither one of us had any..(I do now--after buying them today ) I had to call "A" back and tell him, I would be late. Umm, this doesn't sound so wondeful, Hi. Let's meet but wait my car is broken down...Jim jjumped it, I drove to Walmart and got in line for service. I just broke down with the girl that waited on me. She asked so how is your day? Well, i let loose. I told her how Jim was an Ex. How he checked out this guy I am supposed to be meeting from on line. How he works for one of the local radio stations and announces football games in the area. Plus he teaches at the local highschool and college. Well, she's laughing her ass off at me for all of the turmoil I am feeling. Well, "A" gets out of his car and I see him in the rear view mirror, she starts describing his car--I get a look at him and was bummed. I sound so shallow~ He just wasn't what I was hoping for from the pics that I saw. ~ She wishes me luck and says it will be about 2 hrs before my car is ready. So I go with him, so he can eat lunch. He felt uncomfy meeting me and J for lunch. Well, he's SUPER sweet. I mean really a nice guy. I just couldn't see kissing him. We talked a couple of hours.

I asked him to bring me back to my car. I stopped at the mall and picked up a couple of presents for mom and auntie and Linda.

My drive home was simply beautiful. Dothan is about 80 miles north of Panama City ,Fla. The sun was setting, all I could see was Fall foilage, lakes, bails of hay, cotton fields and John Deere equipment. The sky was extraordinary. I love the wide open spaces. I really do want a few acres of land and someone special to share it with. Why do I have to be so DAMN picky??????