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Archive for August, 2008

Analise's bottle of Marilyn Merlot- Thanks for reminding me...

August 29th, 2008 at 03:23 am

After reading Analise's entry about her Marilyn Merlot...I remembered reading a poignant piece by Erma Bombeck, someone Ive admired for as long as I can remember.... This piece is something I have reread over and over again...Thanks Analise for your entry and for reminding me about perspective....

If I Had My Life To Live Over
by Erma Bombeck
The following was written by the late Erma Bombeck
after she found out she had a fatal disease.




If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.



© Erma Bombeck

Free tootsie treat today!

August 27th, 2008 at 04:49 am

I used a gift certificate today that I received from several of the girls that I work with..for a pedicure.

I had a pedicure about 10 years ago...but not since. Boy was I pleasantly surprised by the experience.

Big cushy massage chair that goes at the push of a button while my feet soak...then a great massage, toenail trim, scrub and nail polish- complete with little flowers...for the great price of a $3 tip!!! A full 45 minutes of foot pampering. WOW!

I go tomorrow morning for my orientation for school. Then, I will be able to register. Hopefully I can get into the class I want to start with.

The Luau is 4 days away...lots to do between now and then...but I have decided not to stress...this gig will come off whether I stress or not...so I am choosing to stay on task and not stress about it.

Placement test results

August 24th, 2008 at 03:40 am

I took my college placement tests today. I was pretty nervous, since I haven't set foot in a classroom in almost 30 years...boy. First thing I noticed is that I messed up BIG time by not bringing my glasses. some of the instructions were written for vision much clearer than mine!!

But I took the test...and am proud to say that I was not the last to finish...nor was I the oldest (ok, second oldest, but that's ok.)

I struggled with the math and felt the reading and writing went well...

Got my results...

Math: 76
Writing: 94
Reading 99

I was VERY pleased with the results. Now I make an orientation appointment and start my journey towards a middle-aged degree!!!

Spent part of the day with DD2 and Gs (age 4)...and then home to some major tree trimming...(the hub bartered with the trimming guy...lots of dead and unhealthy stuff gone...for free!)

Tonight We had a Costco lasagne ($6) and Nana ate with us...

All in all, a wonderful day.

And GS (age 4) said he would be over in the morning to make waffles...Big Grin doesnt get any better than that!!

$23 worth of pure BLISS

August 22nd, 2008 at 04:37 am

I spent $23 and enjoyed pure bliss tonight!! Ok- the pizza that the $23 bought was just so-so...but the enticement that pizza made into getting my kids..and subsequently grandbabies together was the golden ticket!! I have had an incredibly busy week and there is nothing quite like holding a newborn (he is now 16 days old!!)...and then a 1 year old, who loves pizza crust...and a 2 year old dressed up in a donald duck costume, just because it is fun! Loved it! Nothing quite like a good cuddle to get over stress.

I received the final word on my raise this week. Smile Big Grin I am so blessed. My boss also said that I will get a merit increase in January when our annual evals are done.

I take my placement exam this Saturday for college. I am planning to take Intro to Economics for the first class. Two nights each week 6-7:30pm.

The hubs 40th bitrthday luau is one week away...so I am going to have a CRAZY BUSY week next week...but it will be alot of fun too.

Lots of amazingly good blessings right now...I am sure my chipper mood is due much to that baby time tonight...too darn cute those lil ones!

Consolidating & College

August 14th, 2008 at 06:09 am

I decided to consolidate some debt this week into one place (my credit union). I was able to get a rate of 9.99% which isn't terrific, but it is better than what I was paying. By putting all my debt eggs into one basket, I will be getting a little lower rate, and will also earn cash back if we ever use the account...

Where did this debt come from??
Repairs, medical bills, helping parents and kids...and a little bad judgement. But I feel that by making it one big ol' ugly number, I will be better at managing and chiseling down on it.

I will be getting a raise starting September 1, which will help IMMENSELY with reducing our debt!
My goal is to have this paid off within 24 months....WHILE simultaneously paying extra on our interest only house payment (which will amortize out alot better!!) and saving 15% towards retirment.

My little grandson is doing great. He is a week old...and cute as a button!!

I have decided to go back to school at the ripe old age of 47 and work on getting a 2 year degree. Of course, I can only go very part time, so I might not get the degree until I am 55...but I will get it.
My first class? Intro to Economics!!

I take my placement test on the 23rd...and school starts at the end of September. So long as I am working towards a degree and pass with a C or better, my job will reimburse me for most of the expense. With DD3 getting her license and then doing all those "driving teen things"..which means she will be gone more in the evenings... and the hub working nights...it seems like a good use of my time. I am looking forward to stretching my brain...it has been almost 30 years since high school and Ive had very limited college courses since...but many, many work related conferences and certifications. A degree will be very nice!

I am going to start with ONE class...and work into this slowly, especially with the new responsibilities at work.

Finally...I think I got a message from my dad today...or perhaps it is just my crazy imagination.

I had to stop and pick up treats for a meeting this morning. On my way into the store, I noticed a little old man with a cane using all of his energy to get from his car to the door. I opened the door and waited for him...and then helped him get to one of those motorized carts and get settled. He thanked me...and then he looked me in the eye and said "It's heck to get old kid"....which is EXACTLY what my dad used to say to me all the time when I would help him. My head tells me this is simply a coincidence...but my heart believes otherwise...sometimes, life just feels better when you listen to your heart.

Life is good!



ps... dad...if that was you...I got your message!

You can call me COACH!

August 6th, 2008 at 03:21 am

Oh yeah....

I got to hold the left leg and foot...and say "push...push..." today...and watch my new grandson's head come into the world...and then his slippery little body...all 7lb 6 oz of him.

Welcome to the world little Connor...you are perfect and gorgeous...and gramma is beaming because you are here.

Big Grin I am ONE happy gramma tonight!!!

Birthday OVERLOAD....

August 3rd, 2008 at 04:39 pm

DD3 has scheduled her appointment (Aug 13) to get her drivers license. Yesterday, we went on a shopping excursion to town and she did all the driving...did great. She is eager to drive herself places and to get a part-time job. I have to say, it is a strange feeling to know my youngest is taking those steps that will all too soon branch her out on her own. sigh.

We are in the middle of MAJOR birthday season:
8-1 my BFF, 8-2 SIL, GB#4 is due any day (more on this later), 8-9 our 18th wedding anniversary, 8-16 & 27 good friends b-days, 8-29 hubs 40th, 9-2 GD #2, and 9-8 DD2 AND GD#1...whew.

So, lot's of juggling and buying--but ALWAYS looking for a good deal.

The hub and I are getting massages for the anniversary and then going to dinner.

Of course, substanitally more for the hub's bday luau later this month.

BFF is making an unexpected trip up from Cali next weekend...(Oh, yeah!)So we will be able to celebrate her bday together...an real treat!!!

And GS#2 is due next weekend...but we have seen several symptoms of an earlier arrival...DD1 was REALLY hoping that he would come yesterday on his dads birthday...but no such luck...so- even though his due date is next weekend, DD1 now considers herself overdue...lol. If you could see her, you would understand...her tummy is "ji-normous" (her words)

THNAKFULLY, August is an extra paycheck month for both the hub and me....so there is a little extra revenue to help with some of the costs coming up.

My boss has decided that my new responsibilities (and raise) will be much sooner than the first of the year. Probably September 1. (yeah!) I am already taking on ALOT of the new stuff and am really looking forward to it being official.

Lots of good stuff!!