I had a light bulb moment tonight. I have been spending most Sunday afternoons getting my laundry done for work the following week...but I am home alone on Friday nights. Duh! So I am doing all of my work laundry tonight so I dont have to think about it or 'get home' on Sunday to take care of this...wow. Sometimes my slowness amazes me.

I had my counseling session with the kids tonight. They have a long ways of digging themselves out of the financial mess they are in...but DD1 is using my points, printing coupons, finding/using sale ads...they are spending no frivulous money until they can check off all of their bills paid each month and they are cooking and eating at home. I asked them how it was going tonight and they both said they were enjoying having a plan and working together. So, I guess our plan is working. I will continue to meet weekly with them for at least the next 3 months..and then move it to monthly for the remainder of the loan that my mom gave them...which is two years. If they stick to the plan, there IS a brighter tomorrow in store for them and their kids.

I am also using the old envelope system to see if we can stick to a solid budget this year. The debit card is just to darn easy to use. Working with the kids is helping me rethink our financial priorities. So far I am keeping on track with the new years goals!

I am long overdue for an entry in my blog...This morning, on my way to work I was listening to John Tesch radio and he had a tip by our own Jeffrey about why saving dollar bills is better than saving coin. (Jeffrey, you're a celebrity!!)It was fun to hear John quoting Jeffrey...and mentioning OUR SITE!

Anyways, that made me remember that I need to take time to blog and to catch up on all of your blogs.

We had a great family vacation at the rental house. We played, baked, watched movies, visited...it was 7 days of fun family time!...with all 16 of us!

When we got home, the hub and I decided that we should eat more frugally at home, rather than going out as much as we have been. So, I made a big pot of soup, and we have been making meals at home this week. Hoepfully, this will help us lose some weight for our vacation in May. I would so LOVE to feel great on the trip.

I decided to also stop drinking caffine...and no more nightly glass of wine. I am on day 5 of both, and have had a heck of a headache this week...been a little tired...but am feeling better otherwise.

My boss talked to me today about taking on another area of responsibility. It will be a great opportunity for me...and will definately give me a learning opportunity. I should know more within the next week or two. This means, I will need to pass quite a bit of my 'assistant' role on to my assistant..which ultimately means more $$ for her. (She will be thrilled!!)I have been so blessed by this job.

I am meeting with DD1 and her hub tomorrow night for our weekly financial counseling session. I am trying to help them work out a plan to 1. stop living paycheck to paycheck (and always in the hole) and 2. become debt free and start saving for a house. We have been working on this for 2 weeks...and for the first time since they can remember, they have money left over abd payday is tomorrow! I will be working with them for at least one year, perhaps two--until they repay a loan that they had to take from my mom to get back on their feet...but so far, they are sticking to the plan.

All in all...all is well here. Everyone is healthy and well, I cant ask for more than that!

Hugs

We invited the kids/grandbabies over last night for bbq burgers. When we get everyone here...that is 16. Toss in a few baby seats, several diaper bags, baby blankets, toddler toys, board games, a movie, conversations, ...and it adds up to an amazingly busy, blessed evening.

The kids are all feeling the financial crunch right now...so feeding them is something I have been doing alot of. Either one couple at a time, or like last night, the whole kitandkabboodle. But when you do burgers, chips and homemade cupcakes, the tab isnt too much. I think I spent under $30 for everything...so less than $2 per person. Not bad.

The two oldest grandkids asked to have a sleepover...so we had little ones overnight. No waffles this morning though, grandson (4) was not feeling well and didn't feel up to it.

Oatmeal for breakfast. A $6 Costco lasagne is dinner...and will yeild enough for at least 2-3 lunches too.

I have been having a stay home weekend and loving it. It is really cold outside, and our fire is just too toasty to wander out for anything.

Tomorrow night I am turning in my final paper for my class...and then I will take the winter term off. (I dont like getting home that late when the roads will be icy.)

3 weeks until vacation!

I haven't seen a post from Julie in a few days..I hope she is ok. It is very unlike her not to post for several days.

I got a great deal on ebay this week. My mom joined a Red Hat Society and is enjoying it alot. I found a near new sweater for $4 and shipping was another $4...so for $8 I got her a pretty Red Hat sweater that I know she will love.

3 weeks to vacation. I am very excited for the week off. Way ready for the time off.

I hope everyone is well.

Sad to say, my family is outgrowing our house for holidays. So, we were fortunate enough to be able to use the community room where the kids have the business office today. Huge kitchen, plenty of dining tables and chairs, tv, fireplace, a pool table, and plenty of room for the lil guys to run.

We just had to pack everything over there. This added about 45 minutes to the day, but it was a great location...and the room was free!~

We enjoyed turkey with all the trimmings, game time, baby time, good wine, black Friday ads, and time to visit. The perfect day for a hard working gramma.

I hope everyone else enjoyed their Holiday too.

Now, just a little under a month until Christmas. Actually, on Dec 27 (one month from today) we leave for our week at the big rental house with the whole family!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Grandbaby #5 arrived two days ago. She was born at 2:38am Sunday. 8lbs 20inches..and absolutely adorable!! Once again, I was blessed to be the 'left leg' coach for my daughter as she labored. FIVE GRANDBABIES....at 47.

Last December, when my dad was so sick, I made a reservation for my entire family to rent a 7 bedroom resort home together. My dad died just a few days after Christmas, and I didnt want to sit home and relive those memories this year. So, we have been waiting for December to come so that we could all go to the mountains and snow together. All the kids, grandkids, my mom and the hub and I add up to 16 people in all for the week. I am in the midst of meal planning...which, for that many is a big task.

While we are there, we will celebrate DD3s 17th bday, DILs 23 bday, and New Years eve...we will also have "Christmas" on the 28th. We will also have a memorial for Papa on the 29th...with his favorite meal and everyone sharing their favorite memories. Can you guys believe he has been gone almost a year??

This is not a frugal trip...but it is something that will create a wonderful memory...and for a full week I get to play with the babies ages 4, 3, 1, 4mo, 1mo. Gramma heaven.

This means too, that I do not have to buy gifts for everyone, since the week at the big house was our gift. It is a little wierd to not be shopping for bargains right now.

I plan to get a few things for the little guys to open and we are all doing a stocking exchange for the adults. I picked DILs name...and have been having fun buying little foo-foo stuff she can use on the trip.

Otherwise, work is still very busy. My new assistant starts Monday...not a second too soon. I have been working like a mad woman trying to keep up. But I am keeping afloat. (hooray)

I am still pulling an A in my class. I just turned in a comparison/contrast paper. I compared the city life to the country life. I thought of several of you as I wrote that paper..comaparing frugal choices to...well, not-so-frugal choices in life...varieties to simplicities... I will let you know how it scores.

I got an A on my sparkly dress essay!!! My instructor wrote that she enjoyed the essay and I even got a prize for the title!!!

The job is pretty stressful right now...I think I blogged about losing my assistant a couple of weeks ago...so I am doing my job, her job and interviewing...wow. Thankfully, I hired a replacement today and it is a woman I worked with about 5 years ago who wants to come back to work for us. She is wonderful...so I am relieved...she starts on the 24th.

I have a long weekend this weekend (4 days off)...HOUSEWORK is my goal. Boy, I miss those work at home days that I could pace the housework...now I have to take vacation days just to catch back up...

Our passports arrived yesterday...so we are all set for the Mexi vaca next May...I have been saving a little each week...so we are on track for having the trip and all expenses paid in cash. (yeah!)

The new grandbaby is due at the end of this month...her mom is ready now...I will be sure to blog when she gets here. Everyone else is doing great (nana included!)

Hugs everyone!

GS (age4) and I made waffles this morning. We have been doing this for years and he is getting so good at it. He knows all the ingredients, and gets them all out himself. He can measure everything, can count the scoops, levels off the flour, cracks the eggs...and only he knows the secret ingredients and how much to add of each.

Even when life is crazy, busy...I will still make time for waffle time. It means so much to him!! And he is so proud to feed everyone.

This was a beautiful fall weekend. Mother Nature is amazing...knowing when to blow the yellow, orange and gold leaves from the tress. At times, it looked as though it was raining leaves this weekend. Gorgeous, almost warm, breezes...The colors this time of year are fantastic...Nature sure sends some wonderful freebies...doesnt it??

I did some early holiday shopping with my DD2 and last night, we got together with the guys and played dominoes---such good, cheap fun! DD2 is very, very pregnant...due the end of Nov, but the doc says it could be anytime...so I think she just wanted to hang close to mom this weekend.

DD1 and her family have been vacationing in SO Calif this week...and THEY TOOK NANA. Nana even braved a half day at Disneyland...and at 71, decided to go on SPlash Mountain!! Funny Nana...who knew?? But the rest of the week her back has hurt because of it...but they said her face on the drop was priceless. gads.

I am making dark molasses cookies this afternoon while the hub and DD3 are at the movie 'Max Payne'...not my type of movie, so I am enjoying some quiet time.

I have my mid-term due tomorrow night...I am still getting an A in my class, so hopefully, I will do well on the test. It is an essay on a lesson learned. I think mine will be about the Sparkly Dress...guess its time to reread that blog entry.

Well, I hope everyone is doing well. Happy Fall to you all.

Wow.

I have been so incredibly busy lately. I am attending school- taking my first class in 30 years (English Comp)...and loving it!! I am also taking an online course (Computing Concepts)- but am struggling to keep up with that one.

I am trying to fill my assistant's position at work...my previous assistant left unexpectedly Friday and so I will be doing double duty and trying to interview this next week. ugh.

I joined a wine class that meets once each month- There are 14 of us in the class and we meet at the coordinators (RJ's) restaurant. Each month, we taste a different wine and RJ makes dishes that pairs with the wine. He also educates us on the history of the wine. Our first class was a couple of weeks ago...and I sure enjoyed it! We will meet for 10 months and then next summer, we will go on a two day trip to a local wine region.

The past two weekends have been weekends away with friends... one to the beach with the girls, and the other with another couple to a local resort. Great, relaxing fun...that doesn't happen near enough. It was coincidence that they happend one after the other.

Grandbaby #5 is due in 6 weeks...but DD2 is on semi-bedrest as her body is ready to deliver what is looking to be a good sized baby girl. (The baby's dad was 13 lbs at birth and is now 6' 6" and very large framed.)

Nana was struggling with several issues, so we made a list and she got busy.....she now has joined a red hat society, gotten cortisone shots for her back, got hearing aids, and is going to counseling!! (yeah Nana!)

Today is my first full day at home in weeks...and GS (age 4) spent the night last night and we made waffles this morning.

I have a ton of housework to catch up on...and I have homework for both of my courses.

It seems like financially, we just keeping getting hit with one unexpected expense after another. We also got DD3 (16) a car...which adds gas, insurance, etc. to the budget.

All in all...things are great. Busy, but full of good stuff. I do read many of your blogs as often as I can...

Tonight in my Eng Comp class, I had to write a paper on something that I have done that included risk.

I wrote about leaving my job to help care for my parents.

I think back on that choice and it really was quite a leap of faith...ie risk. That I could leave a good job that paid well...especially as the major bread winner in the family....to stay home and care for my dad and mom....

Of course, it took refinancing our home, cashing out on my vacation and sick leave, giving up wants...no more meals out, new clothes, even makeup and haircuts....

In exchange, I got almost two years of time with my dad before he died....learned to knit...welcomed two grandbabies...baked, cooked and homemade gifts....

A risk that I would do again in a heartbeat, having the 20/20 perspective of that time with my dad....
Of course, as I wrote my paper tonight, I cried a little as I reflected on this choice...and included the ending which was going back to work to a job that I enjoy even more than the old one, making more than I did before.

Morale of the story in this case, Risk sometimes means an unexpected gift...with life changing consequenses.

I wonder what grade I will get on the paper?

...I feel like I am drinking from a firehose lately. I am typing this at 2:15am...can't sleep, for some reason my brain won't stop planning and thinking and making to-do lists...

We just wrapped a week of (offsite)planning at my job. This year I pulled double duty...now that I am a participant, I have more prep and involvement in the planning session...

But I am still transitioning some of my old responsibilities out...so I also did the hotel and meal coordinations, reservations, preparations, purchasing, organzing, and took all the minutes and notes...

Needless to say, I was very tired at the end of the week. To top it off, NOW there is all the fun that piled up and waited while I was gone for a week. Ugh. It will be several days before I am back into some form of routine.

Lots of birthdays, a couple of weddings, a baby shower, babysitting, and doctor appts for my mom in between.

Then there was registering for school and purchasing the books.

In my free time, I am trying to knit a baby blanket. (call me crazy, I do)...so far I am about a month into it and only a third of the way done...but it is my forced relaxation.

You know its bad when I am too exhausted to go camping....which I was this past weekend.

I will be getting my first paycheck with the new salary this week. I am going to help my son and his wife with college expenses this semester...they have both recently decided to go back to school to better their careers...so there goes the extra money that I would have from the first couple of paychecks...but it is money well spent if it helps them get re-engaged in bettering themselves.

The hubs wood business has kicked into high gear with the anticipation of a very cold winter. He has a long list of clients who have ordered their firewood. There was ZERO advertising this year...all repeat customers and word of mouth...and he will be working hard all fall to get all of the orders filled.

Thankfully, I have the first two weekends of October planned that will allow some much needed downtime and rest. The first weekend is a girls only trip to the coast for 3 days with two good friends. (We will clebrate both of their birthdays while there) The second weekend is a getaway with the hub and another couple to a rented home at a local resort...(no kids or parents invited!!) Can't wait.

It was a great party, great turnout, lots of food, drink..the weather was a nice 70ish...Everyone, especially the hub- who is now 40... had a great time!

We DID go over budget for some last minute expenses...but not enough to worry about.

My one bothersome point was that the hubs father who came solo..(he and wife were camp hosts...so she stayed behind to host...he came solo) They have been married for a little over 2 years. She is 50, he 68.

HE got very intoxicated, made many comments (not-very complimentary) about his wife. Suggested they were heading for divorce...and then proceeded to hit on at least 5 women at the party from age 52- age 22!! And two of them are married ...I learned the following day that they all were pretty offended.

I knew about two..One told me not to worry about it...she just took care of it herself..another left with her husband right after..but I MADE my husband apologize to her and her husband before they left.

The hub and I were not aware of most of dads obnoxious behavior...I tried to clean up after him as much as possible, apologizing for his obnoxiousness...but this is not the first time he has acted like this...just never to this degree before.

A little history...there is no love lost between FIL and I primarily because he is so obtuse. It has caused many bumps in the road and I have refused to spend time with the hubs extended family because of FIL. This was the FIRST time I have been around most of them since MIL died 6 years ago. SO...I was also trying not to make waves because it was the HUBs big party.

So, here I am a few days later...FIL has gone home to wife...no call to apologize (I am sure in his eyes, he was the hit of the party...gag)

So what do I do at this point? Ive apologized to the ladies...the youngest is my soon to be new Son-In Law's younger sister and their family is NOT happy that he hit on her (she had a little too much to drink but was definately not asking for his attention.She was trying to be polite since it was her brothers new family relative...unfortunately, I didnt find out about this one today when my daughter enlightened me)

These two families will be getting together for upcoming holidays...wife is unaware...and SILs family is angry with him. I don't want to wait until we are all in the same room singing Silent Night to address it. But I don't want to be the one to tell the wife...and I do not want the new family feeling like we think this is acceptable.

Where would you start? What would you do?

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

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.

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... doesnt get any better than that!!

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. 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!

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!

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.

I am ONE happy gramma tonight!!!

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!!

My job often received tickets to events because of our corporate sponsorships. I had the opportunity to pick a set of tickets to one of several upcoming concerts....so Thursday night, I get to go see Brooks and Dunn!!...and sit in reserved seats to boot!! (can you say YEE HAW??) The hub is working, so I am taking DD3 with me.

I went to the eye doctor this morning and, no suprise, my eyes are aging. I will get new glasses...$213 to me even though we have dual insurance with great coverage...ugh. But when the doc showed me the "before' and 'after' of what the glasses will do...I was all for it. It will be nice to see leaves in the trees again...vs just green blobs in the sky. lol.

DD1 is due Aug 9th...but she is so huge and uncomfortable, I dont think she will make it til then. She is hoping for this coming weekend. She is having a little boy...and I can hardly wait to meet him!

We did not have a chance to meet about finances yesterday...but she has promised NOT to spend any of her settlement until we talk. I am continuing to come up with a plan that I hope will help. Hopefully, we can get together before she gets super busy with baby.

Our trip on the river did not pan today. I will make reservations in advance and take nana in a couple of weeks. We invited her to lunch yesterday at a wonderful little bbq joint...and nana enjoyed the outing. She insisted on paying though. I was going to argue, but she desperately wants to feel like she gives back once in while and so I conceded and was glad I did...she lit up knowing she had 'treated'.

Wish me luck today guys. DD1 received a small settlement Friday from a car accident. Historically, the kids have blown any small windfalls on toys and wants...and they are in debt and still renting...with Baby 2 coming in about a week. So I have asked them to give me a chance to pitch a plan this time and help them get a bang for their bucks that will be beneficial for the long haul. I really want them to handle this money wisely. I have learned so much on this site...I am planning to take stories and examples from here and use them with the kids today...we will see.

I will post the outcome....as it unfolds!

Wow. The fraud team that I co-created 10 years ago was recognized by the mayor and the chief of police this week. I was invited to attend the anniversary breakfast and was so honored to see how this has turned out!! My job received recognition for the contributions that we have made for the team and the community!! (wow)

I am about 2-3 weeks away from meeting my newest grandson. He is due Aug 9th...but his mom (DD1) says to expect (Connor) on Aug 2nd (his dads bday)

My boss and I are going to sit down next week to talk about my new position and raise (yes!!) I have started taking over a few of the responsibilities...and am so excited.

The hub and I are taking my mom (nana) on a Sunday brunch jetboat excursion this weekend. I think it will be alot of fun!
It is a 4 1/2 hour trip...and is through some gorgeous canyons on the river..I havent been in years, so I am looking forward to it!!

I am looking forward to August...extra paychecks for both the hub and me.

Hope all is well with everyone...lookinf forward to catching up a little!!!!!!Hugs

Hi all.

I recently posted about my questions on making friends...I was wondering how others make new friends...and I guess I sent that thought out to the universe...because without much work on my part a few really cool things have transpired since that post.

1. A very dear friend invited me to spend a day out this weekend...we have never actually just took off like that. She has kiddie obligations...and I am usually busy playing catch up...but we spent the day "window" shopping and wine tasting...and decided to make reservations for her, her hub, me, my hub to get away for a weekend in October.

2. I was invited to go to a comedy show at our county fair this weekend (my job is paying) with several of my co-workers...many of who I will soon be working more closely with when I take over my new responsibilities...

3. I have been asked to join a wine tasting class with someone I used to work with (not sure about this one)

4. I have set up a get acquainted dinner for the other 4 couples who are going to PV next year...One of the ladies is becoming a very good friend through all of this planning...

5. I have looked into the "Red Hat Society" for my mom. She needs a friend or two very much so...and I need her to find a friend or two... (gads, am I a horrible daughter for wanting that???)

So...I have realized the importance of sending those thoughts out to the universe...mine certainly rippled some answers my way!!!


Thanks for all of your ideas...I keep rereading them and am determined to make new friends inspite of my shyness around others!!!

The hub and I are in a weird place.

We moved here about 14 years ago and did not really know anyone in the area when we moved here. He has a few family memebers, but I am not very close to them for good reasons... We have always worked opposite shifts (him nights, me days) and raised 4 kids...He is 7 years younger than me. He almost 40, I just turned 47.

But we are now at a place where we want to socialize more. We have a couple of friends from my job...but thats it, friendwise.

We are not involved with church..he never will be. Until recently, I have always felt very self-consious and avoided people I did not know in social enviornments.

So how do we make friends at this age??? (why can't all of you just live nearby...I would feel quite comfy and happy sitting down and visiting with you!!)

Have any of you encountered anything like this?? and how did you overcome it?

I have my grown kids...but sometimes, I just long to have dinner with friends.

Ideas???

Update:

My promotion was announced at work today. What a nice feeling to receive congrats from your co-workers!! I am so excited. And I have several months to transition into the new responsibilities. The most exciting is that I will be overseeing security...my passion. Next month when I attend the 10th anniversary celebration with the community fraud team, I can announce that I am back on the team!!!

I will not know my raise for a while yet, but I know the parameters of my position...and I am so very blessed. I honestly will be doing the job I love, making more than I ever imagined.

I found out today that mailing the invites for the luau will be $1.34 each...so we will be hand-delivering as we can...but mailing the others and working the postage into the budget.

Lots to think about...

Woo-hoo!

It will be announced tomorrow...but as of the first of the year I will be getting a promotion and raise...and I get to keep the favorite parts of my current job!! I am sooo excited!!!

I am starting to rev up the plans for the hubs 40th birthday Luau that I am planning for the end of August. Tonight I put the invites together...I bought cute little "message in a bottle" invites from the Oriental Trading Company.(and got 500 My Points for doing so!!) They are little plastic bottles with a mini glass, sand, sunglasses, an umbrella and a scrolled message inviting the guests. They are adorable!

I have been saving all of the plastic containers that we have gotten at work when we order in platters of sandwiches and fruits...so I have plenty of FREE storage for the food.

I asked each guest to bring a lawn chair, their suntan lotion and a fav side dish...and we will supply everything else...drinks, meat, dessert, music, entertainment, etc. Does that sound reasonable??? The hub wants to roast a pig in the ground...and we are planning to make a huge pot of bbq pork for sandwiches...

I bought almost all of the decorations from the dollar store...

So...now it is meal plan- buying the food, drinks...and then putting everything together. My SIL is a DJ so music is done...

I think we are on our way to a very fun party!!!

Today was fantastic!

The hub and I spent the day caring for GS who is 4. For years, GS and I have made homemade waffles when he comes to visit...and today was no different...except we made a double batch.

GS has done this enough that he is able to gather most of the supplies by himself...the mixer, waffle iron, flour, sugar, baking power, salt, eggs...etc. He can now crack eggs like a little pro...and he can count the number of scoops as he adds them in. And he has two special ingredients that he alone determines the amount of...cinnamon and madagascar bourbon vanilla (aka- cimanum and madagascoi boiben venewa). These are not in the recipe, but they are his to add as he sees fit...and he does a great job of pouring them slowly and seeing how the batter changes color and smell.

This morning, we had some fresh blackberries to add before we cooked them...and BOY did that add a fabulous flavor!

So, GS and I were alsmost done and he says "my other gramma makes waffle but she does it wrong and its not fun." apparently eggo waffles are just not the same.

Because we made a double batch, there is plenty of batter for homemade waffles again tomorrow...we even have blackberries left over. YUM

We have been hearing reports of a thunderstorm heading our way for days...and sure enough, about 7 tonight it hit. We sat on the porch and enjoyed the show. It was quite a storm..a nice cold rain ( after our 100 degree day)...some wind and lots of thunder. We really enjoyed it. Mother Nature can sure put on a show...and its free to boot!

Today was a very blessed, very rich, no spend day that we thoroughly enjoyed...and GS went home with a bag of waffles to pop in the toaster...a reminder of his morning with gramma.

In my prior post, I shared the news that a fraud team I co-created was reaching its 10 year anniversary next month.

Joan.of.the.Arch asked me to blog about some of the bad guys the team has caught.

It has been an interesting journey. When we first started the group, none of the associated agencies would talk to each other until a crime was committed and then, discussion was very 'protected'. We were leary of talking to each other.

A bad guy could actually hit every bank in town with the same type of crime and we would all independently lick our wounds.

NOW- a bad guy hits one bank and all of the agencies are aware of it within minutes....and there have been numerous occasions when the bad guy goes to the second bank and is apprehended because they are watching out for him. (Passing stolen checks is one example)

My favorite nabs have been caregivers who start to drain a senior citizens accounts...now when we are suspect of this activity, senior services and the police are very quick to act...AND we are able to tell if they are using more than one bank to commit the crime.

We are always careful of privacy laws.

Because the agencies work so close together, everyone is much better aware and trained on processes-- which speeds up the time it takes to catch the crime in action, take action against it and start the prosecution process.

Collectively, all of our communities bank staff are better trained on fraud because examples are discussed and shared at the monthly meetings on the hows, whys, wheres, etc.

We once had a hispanic gang coming to our community from Los Angeles...they would all enter the bank on Friday afternoon to cash their "paychecks' (stolen, of course)..and often the dollar amount of the hit would be 10-20K. But the word spread throughout the community, the banks and the police put a plan together...and the next time they came to town, the bad guys were arrested with no loss.

There are many, many stories like this. I wish I could say financial crime is decreasing, but because of the economic enviornment, it is increasing...we are just better informed and prepared when it happens.

Can I puff up with pride for a minute tonight???

10 years ago, I had a vision...to start a fraud team where all the local banks, law enforcement, senior services and prosecutors would work together to battle financial crime in our community....so I teamed up with a detective and hit the pavement...I went to every bank in town and invited the managers to attend a meeting, we started with a couple of cops, a few bank managers and met monthly. and before we knew it...senior services and the district attorney started coming...then cops from other local towns...

We started providing free seminars educating the elderly and the community on not getting scammed, how to protect their mail and identity, and how to be safe online.

Fast forward 10 years...we now have chapters in several counties, the team has collectively put dozens of bad guys behind bards, the seminars are attended from several states..and my baby is a household name.

Because I am not in operations anymore, I do not attend the meetings ...but I am happy to say that the team continues to thrive---

Yesterday, I was invited to the 10th anniversary party for the group on July 24th. I am so eager to attend the party and hear all the wonderful things that have come out of this team!! Wow.

I want to thank Jeffrey, Nate and Broken Arrow for responding to my last post so quickly. We have all expressed concerns and I am happy to say that they all checked in!!

It sounds like life is happening to a couple of them which has created needs to do things a little different than we are used to around here...but it is GREAT to know that all of them are well!!

I am happy to say that I might have some exciting news coming down the pike about my job. I really am blessed. We had a meeting today to talk about the future Org CHart and I am thrilled with the future of my position and the earning potential that comes with it!! I won't know for sure until Friday afternoon, but the current proposal looks terrific!!

I am eager to see how it all pans out!

Keep your fingers crossed guys!!

What is up?? It doesnt seem like Jeffrey and Nate are keeping an eye on the blogs or updating the contests...and now Broken Arrow has completely disappeared...this is very weird...any ideas what is going on fellow bloggers?

I am concerned.