Sunshine, most times!

On this day...

2009-10-07T20:33:00.006-05:00

Five years ago, I got news that would change my life- for better and for worse. Friends, come with me and Remember back:
.............................

Oct. 12, 2004-
I am starting this by saying sorry. This is not the way I would normally start out our week, fellow bloggers, but it can't be helped. I have been dealing/contemplating whether or not to even post about this here. But as we are all friends here, though I have not met you in person, I feel it would be deceitful not to let you know....
That last Friday, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. That's right- Those things which have been a part of me since the age of 12 have up and betrayed me. ( that's why my Friday funnie was missing- just didn't have the heart for it on that day). Tommorrow ( Tuesday) I have an appointment with a Surgeon, to discuss my options, although I know the answer, the questions needs be asked. By the way my OB-GYN acted, I will probably be in the hospital by week's end.

I won't lie- I'm scared shitless, but I'm determined! I have a VERY supportive husband, and 3 beautiful children, and I'll be damned if this beast is gonna get the better of me. And besides, I have alot left to do in this world. I have spent the weekend making CD's of my favorite music to take with me on my battle. I've hugged my kids to death. I've sat and cried in Hubby's arms. I'm Strong, Bullheaded, Armed and Dangerous. And I will survive.
I will let you all know tommorrow what goes on, Keep your fingers crossed for me.
......................................

5 years. Gods, where has the time gone? Although I have to say the first year took FOREVER, the rest have just gone by like all the others. But really, they're not. You know how they say to check your "girls" monthly? I do it daily. Someone who didn't know me would say I was a pervert! But I'm not going there again, and that's the point.

Many things have changed since then, especially in my world. Most of which have nothing to do with the passage of time. I'm more open. I'm more frank ( gods help the person that asks me my opinion on something- I used to be really diplomatic- now I give it to you straight!) I've taken the family on vacations EVERY year- even if we really should have saved the money. What's money- I want QUALITY TIME with my family. Riding the Roller Coasters of death! eating waaaaay too much food. laughing and just being with the people I love more than myself. Time is something you really get a true grasp of when your suddenly told you may not have it. Yes, I know you can "imagine". But you don't really KNOW until it hits you. Ask anyone who's walked in these very weighty shoes.

I remembered about this yesterday. Becky's reaction was a big high-five. "5 years Mom, it's is a good thing". Yes, my love, it is. But not until I'm 95, sitting my great-grandchild on my knee will I know it's all over.

I still sometimes, in my mind's eye, see that "grave" where the Beast lies. And I think- " Rest in Peace, you sorry SONOFABITCH! And don't come back here ever, ever again".

My friends, this is my reminder- CHECK YOUR GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still Bullheaded and Strong- KC

p.s.- my hair is down past my shoulders now- KISS MY ASS for THAT beast!

KC enters the room and sits down....

2009-10-06T20:54:00.002-05:00

"Hi, my name is KC *Hi's from the assembled people* and I've become a Yoville addict.

*Massive humms and head shakes all around*

"I really didn't intend to get involved, but I kept noticing neat stuff happening and could just not resist.

*Chorus of Amens and 'Sing it sista' coming from all over the room*

"I promise I will try with all I have to fight this addiction so that I will have time for more important things like blog posting, blog hopping, oh yeah, and maybe some housework."

* "yeah right!'s coming from every direction. You're in deep kiddo- you're in serious trouble!*

Ok, seriously. I'm having waaaayyyy too much fun with this. But if any of you are on facebook ( and I will try to link mine in the sidebar soon) send me your links so i can friend you.

I'm under my some-what real name ( KC Campbell-Fine)

Now- are my pies ready or what?

Peace and Love, KC!

Last night's game

2009-10-03T12:40:00.003-05:00

Well, as usual, the team didn't win. Although I'm seeing signs of improvement. Honestly, since this is their first year, and the team is made up of mostly 9th graders playing against Varsity teams, I hadn't expected much. But what happened last night with the bands was really kind-of cool.

They played against Viera HS last night. Which is a relatively new school as well ( they've only graduated 1 class- 2009- so they've been in existance 5 years maybe). When our band came marching in- their whole band got to their feet and applauded. AND kept applauding until the band got to the stands. Then their band director came over to welcome us- and asked if we could stay after the game for a "social" with their band. WOW! The hospitality- it was wonderful. They cheered us at we entered the field for our part of the show as well. Just really, really welcoming and polite.

Any of you that have never been involved in this sort of thing don't understand. Normally each side is involved in a game-long excercise in one-upmanship. Constant competition. Not there, not with this organization. They made us feel like old friends, who'd come for a visit to the house. We may have lost the game- but we really loved going there. So thank you to the Viera HS Marching Hawks- You all are the bomb!

I'm starting to get jokes coming in ( thanks Kat!) so that little feature should recommense next week. And as I have a party to go to at River BIL's house to go to this afternoon, I'd better get off of here and get some things done.

Talk at you later!
Peace and Love, KC!

Ok, here they are!

2009-09-29T20:42:00.006-05:00

These three are the one's i got last Friday nite. They are in order, with the last one being them in the stands during the 2nd half of the game.

( there is a middle song between these two, but it's a slow song and IMVHO- boring. He's changing the song, so hopefully it will be better soon!)

Just an FYI- The chant's they do? The first is the girls going "Your a Jerk!", then the boys say "I know!" the second is "SWAG!" ( I have no idea- really!) The long one is pretty obvious.
Also, the flag girls are having some problems with personnel. They had a few quit- and the new ones are.. well let's just say their sense of rhythm is not all that it should be. They're working hard on it though.

And in the stands:

The funny part of this last video is one you can't see. Those bleachers they are on are the "temporary" kind. Which means they weren't the most stable things to sit on. The whole time the band was rocking back and forth- you could see them move/rock. And the Squeaking! We parents were scared to death that they were going to break on the poor kids! ( they didn't though)

I had a great time tonight. Went to the local Barnes & Noble, to sit in with the local Romance readers club- and Roxanne St. Claire. She was doing a combo signing ( yes, another new book!) and online Q & A. If you go to the B & N site, in the Heart 2 Heart bookclub section, you can see it all. ( I can't get the link to work- I need to re-learn how to post this crap again darnit!)

You can see a picture of all of us, and the questions from the "Roundtable" ( which was us there with her) along with the online questions asked. I'm in the picture- hiding behind Becky lol!

That's about it for tonight. I'll be back tomorrow or Friday.

Peace and Love, KC!

OK, here's the story

2009-09-28T20:35:00.002-05:00

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Well, I went to the Dr. today. And basically- I'm fine ( no pun intended). But it seems that I have a "Genetically deformed Kidney". For the last 50 years. which never gave me any problems until recently ( after I've been out of work. Where I had to do the pee-pee dance for hours before actually being able to use the restrooms- GO FIGURE!)

So what that means is that it's nothing that they can fix, without major surgery. Thankfully, the Dr. said that wouldn't have to happen unless it keeps acting up.
That's a good thing- as I'm so sick of dr's, and needles, and knives that I can't even begin to express it!!!!!!!!

In other news- I have a couple more really cool videos of Andy's band. I just have to have the time to upload them. Unfortunatly, youtube takes a realllllllyyyyyy long time to upload videos. I'm going to try for tomorrow, but I won't promise it will happen. I've got an author Q & A I have to go to in the evening, so I've got to get stuff done earlier in the day. But I will try, and I will let y'all know when it's up.

Now I've got to put in some time on my book/thingy/whatever. I promised I'd work on it every day, even if I'm typing a bunch of crap. They have a saying in the writer's world- AICHOK- which means Ass in chair, hands on keyboard. I think it's good advice.

So hopefully, I'll have video and pictures for you no later than Wednesday. And as my son likes to say...

Peace, OUT!
Love, KC!

It's FRIDAY!

2009-09-25T09:32:00.002-05:00

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( This one's for you Jude!)

And that means I'm gonna be busy. Have to run errands, followed by getting over to the HS in time to feed, dress, and chaperone the band to their first away game! Have to be there by 4pm, and probably not home until after 11pm. But it should be fun anyway. I will have my camera this week, so hopefully some new/better video will come.

Still haven't heard anything from the dr, but I have an appointment to see him Monday morning, so I should find out something then. Hopefully it's good news. And no news on the job front- but I'm not really expecting anything there right now. I'm not really pushing it hard- I'm going to enjoy a month or two more before I start a big "push" to get back into the workplace.

I do have a problem though. Remember I used to post my Friday Funnies? Well, I don't have any saved from before this thing broke down last fall. So if any of you have any for me- please don't hesitate to send them my way! I'd like to get back to normal around here, and that means funnies to end the week.

Aside from that, it's been a pretty slow week here in the Fine household. Cleaning, reading, and such. I'm going to be having lunch with one of my old co-workers next week, hopefully she'll catch me up on all the gossip. And maybe give me some ideas for the book/thingy/whateverthehell it is I'm writing.

Have a great weekend all!
Peace and Love, KC!

Well, some stuff generally

2009-09-21T20:30:00.002-05:00

Just so you all know;
1- I haven't heard anything about my test yet. Which I'm taking as good news. I mean- if there was something majorly wrong with my kidney- the dr. would have called by now right? So I'm thinking it was just a fluke. Yeah- I'll go with that!

2- I didn't get anymore video of Andy's band this past week. I managed to get out of working the food booth, but since I thought I was- I didn't bring a camera. So this week for sure.

3- I've started doing something new/different. I've started writing. Nothing really interesting, but just jotting down some things I experienced working in retail all those years. Ideas for maybe something. A book/primer/something. Since I've got this laptop- I figured I'd put it to good use. The working title is " Retail 101- Or how I survived 25+ years in HELL". If nothing else- it will be an effort in purging all the crap I've put up with the past 26 years. And it's kind-of fun actually.

I blame Rocki ( Roxanne St. Claire). She's the one who told me to write while I was not working. And my Mom. Who for some strange/weird reason said the exact same thing to me not 2 days later ( and with no prompting from me??). So what the heck- I haven't anything better to do at the moment.

Except do the laundry. Or weed the garden. Or clean out the car. Or........

Peace and Love, KC

Ok, Finally.....

2009-09-16T09:42:00.007-05:00

Here is the video. I actually have 3, but 2 of them are too big file-wise for Photobucket to upload. So if anyone knows someway I can get around that- spill! ( edit: Photobucket is being a jerk- I ended up uploading all of them onto Youtube)

A little background. This is a brand new high school. They had NO band-camp before school started. NONE of these kids have ever been in a marching band before now. They've basically learned all of this in 4 weeks of 2 hour after school sessions. Andy is on the left - he plays baritone horn.

And here are some stills:

That's Andy coming out the band room door. Charging out would be more appropriate!( he's the one with the horn under his arm)

The whole band in the stands. My photoshop skillz- let me show you them lol! The girls in the "track suits" that are standing beside the band are actually the flag squad. Their flags are on back-order poor things. So they just march with the band until they get them.

I'm hoping to teg more pictures this Friday- but the problem is I think I'm working the concession stand. Which means I'll be up to my elbows in ketsup and such for most of the game. If not this week- I'll be going to the first away game the following week. I'll try to get better shots then!

As for me- I have a test tomorrow ( called an IVP test?). Hopefully they will be able to tell what's the problem with my kidney. The bad news?- nothing but clear liquids all day today. NO FOOD.

Have you ever noticed just how hungry you get when people tell you you CAN'T EAT!!!??????

Meantime- there is some cleaning around here that needs doing!

Peace and Love, KC!

Jeezz, if it weren't for bad luck....

2009-09-14T18:14:00.004-05:00

I know, I know- not keeping up here. But I have a somewhat valid excuse,if you'll just bare with me.

Let me explain- first weekend of this month, I suddenly had some severe pain in my side ( as well as what I knew was a bladder infection. We went to the ER, since it was Sunday. Turns out I had a kidney stone, and was admitted to the hospital for 3 days. Which, of course, sucked big time! Imagine, if you will, me spending my 25th wedding aniversary in the flippin' hospital! ( I'm glad I didn't book that long weekend in NOLA as I had originally planned- would have been a giant waste of monies).

So I've been running around getting a bunch of tests, and having stints put in/taken out of me, and generally been drugged up half the time. Not the best for trying to type and having the energy to do anything creative.

Now- I AM going to get that video of Andy uploaded. And get back on track here ( cripes- I haven't even wanted to play on my new toy?? ( and you know that's not me AT ALL!)

I have a Dr. visit tomorrow, and some stuff to pick up. So I'm thinking Weds. on the video. or something like that.

Meanwhile, just hang in there- It has to get better.....

Peace and Love, KC

P.S.- Awww heck! RIP Patrick Swayze. "Nobody puts baby in the corner....."

OOOps

2009-09-12T20:02:00.002-05:00

I know I said I'd be back on Thursday, but I have a video I'm trying to upload that is taking up all of my time/patience.

It's my Son in his very first performance in his marching band. I'm just SOOOOO PROUD!

I'm gonna try to do it on the "main" computer tomorrow- but if not- I'm doing it on my new "toy" tomorrow for sure.

Patience please my friends!

Peace & Love, KC

And another Summer shot to hell.

2009-09-08T20:17:00.002-05:00

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And I'm slooooowwwwwly getting stuff done around here. Working frome room to room, cleaning out drawers, closets, dressers, etc. It feels good to get all these " one of these days" chores done. I'm leaving the big ones ( aka- painting, yard work ) until it cools down. I just can't do that stuff when it's still 90+ degrees outside. I'm just not used to the heat for any length of time- and we all know that the last time I tried I ended up passed out for the afternoon! So those chores will just have to wait a month or so.

I have a new toy though-

Yes, I've got me a Laptop! And it's staying "gaming-free" and kid free for as long as humanly possible. I've spent the last week or so just trying to transfer all my favorites over to it. It's amazing how many links I've got on the main computer that I've added over the years!

Hopefully, once I get used to typing on this thing, I'll be around more often. I know the vast majority of you use My Space and facebook. And I'm only keeping those accounts so I can keep up. But here is where I started, and here is where I'll stay. It's warm, comfy, and less crazy than the others. Besides the fact that I just like my little corner of the www.

Another fun thing I got to do the other day was to go down to my local B&N's and meet a favorite author of mine- Roxanne St. Claire. She was there with another author- Traci Hall ( who was also awesome btw!) and I got to talk with both of them for about an hour. What was SUPER cool was that Rocki actually recognized my name from the various Romance blogs and Twitter. When I introduced myself- she sqeeed and came around the table to give me a big hug!!!??? Blew my mind. I'd've been happy if she had just said " Oh, yeah- I recognize your name". I even got a piccy;

She's going to be at the store again for a big interview/Q & A on the 29th of Sept. I'm SOOO going again. And Traci? if your reading this- next time I'll get a pic with you too. Total brain-fart on my part!! MY BAD!

Let's see- what else? Oh I've got a few applications out here and there. Mostly to the local hospitals, nursing homes and the local VA. I'm not holding my breath though- But 12 people have downloaded my resume from the Fl. work website, so there's hope. And quite frankly, I'm not in a rush at this point, I kind-of like this being home and playing Mom- without all the stress of work!

I'll be back probably Thursday. I've got a few things to do tomorrow, and Thursday the coast is ALL clear!

Peace And Love,
KC!

So here I sit.....

2009-08-10T12:09:00.002-05:00

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( Too funny- right?)

trying to decide what to do. Around the house, and with my life.

I'm pretty much content with my decision to leave gracefully. I don't love it- but I think I made the best choice for me. I've been reading/hearing all kinds of things that just plain scare me about what's going down back at work. I'm glad I don't have to deal with any of them. And that's about all I can say in public about that. ( part of my contract for my severance - and I need that money!)

So now what? Well, to start I have to figure out/remember/learn how to do a resume. I haven't done one in over 20 years!! But I'm not rushing it. I've got time, and I sure don't want to take the first job that drops into my lap ( Unless it's something really cool!) I'm looking into hospital/hospice pharmacy, or possibly billing ( Dr. office/hospital). I would really rather get out of retail, but if I have to I'll probably go with an Independent, or grocery/small chain deal. Hubby really would rather I NOT go back into retail. AT. All. So we'll see what happens.

So let's see-- what else?
The kids started back to school today. Yes, I know it's early. Our county gets " Special license" to open 2 weeks early supposedly because we have better schools. At least that's what they're saying. I'd have to get my "roomie" Janine to explain it to me- I really don't understand it. But at least this gives me time to get some major things done. Like major cleaning of closets, rooms ( Andy- I'm looking at you again dear!) and such. Maybe paint some. Definitely work on the landscaping around here ( once it COOLS DOWN! Sheesh!) That stuff will keep me pretty busy.

I'm also catching up on my massive- and I do mean MASSIVE- TBR pile! ( that's "to be read" for those needing translation) I've gotten about 10 read, and have about 10 to go. That doesn't count the 10 er, 12, er, LOTS more that I'd like to get. And as I got ( amongst other things) a gift card to Barnes & Nobles as going away present from my co-workers- I'm making up a list and then me and that card are going to have some fun!

In the next couple of days I'll post some pics I took over in Tampa. The family took our vacation over there this past July. I just have to get them loaded up on Photobucket first. And I'll probably be back here more often, since I've got nothing but time now ;-)

Peace & Love, KC

p.s.- if there are typos, I'm sorry. Got a new keyboard for this thing, and I'm having some trouble getting used to it!

2 more days

2009-07-22T10:46:00.001-05:00

And I'll be done with work.

I'll tell you all what's been going on after that. I just can't get my thoughts together right now.........

Ok, Here's the deal

2009-06-05T07:52:00.002-05:00

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The company I work for ( whom I'm not mentioning by name for a reason- I don't want any "Google search" hits) is starting a brand new program in their pharmacies. It sounds interesting and scary at the same time, but one of the things we'd heard ( and they are keeping a VERY tight lid on details!) is that staff reductions are a major part of it. Up to 50% of the present staff will be "severanced" out.

We had thought that the meetings Tuesday were to be the first part of the "re-interviews" to keep our jobs. But it was a talk with a HR Lawyer, about what our options were, and how the whole process was going to be handled.

Basically, I have 2 choices:

1- Go through the interviews, tests, etc. and take the chance that I will retain my job. If I don't- I get about 12 weeks pay, and a "so long, thanks for the memories". No other benefits. NADA! ( AND because of the way they are working it- IE the "severances", you do NOT qualify for unemployment!!!)

2- Because I have 26+ years, I can take a "Voluntary Severance" package, which basically means I will get a year's pay ( 2 weeks for every year worked) and can keep my medical for at least 6 months, perhaps up to a year.

Seniority is not an "edge" in this process. Recomendations from your bosses are only 1/3 of the total process. And they will put you where they see fit- not necessarily where you want to work ( in other words, I could get stuck working and a 24 hour store on the graveyard shift!) You take what they give- or you're out.

This whole thing has had me depressed for days. I'm only 4 & 1/2 years from qualifying for retirement from this company ( which would have allowed me to keep ALL of my benefits for life!) I've worked my arse off to be the best employee I can be. I've gone into work sick, the day after a surgery, and been what I always thought a good employee was supposed to be...... And now this?

Needless to say, after a long, LONG, talk with Jon, and an equally long talk with Mr. P, and my pharmacy Manager ( hereafter called "L") I've decided to go with option #2. Which means sometime in July/early August, I will no longer have a job.

I've been working my whole life. So many of the things I'd been taught about work-ethic and such has become a big-old rug that has been yanked out from under me. Oh, I know I'll get by. And I'm sure I'll find another job ( I've got a year- that's more than most people out of work these days!) But this whole situation just SUCKS! I love my job. I love the people I work with! My customers know my name, and treat me as a trusted friend.

Sorry, I'm just soooooo frustrated right now. It will take some time for me to be at peace about this. Just bare with me, OK?

Anyway, someone tell a good joke- I could use one right now!!!

The good news is- I'll have more time for this Blog, right?!

Yeah, keep thinking that KC!

Peace and Love, KC

I'm still here

2009-06-01T22:26:00.002-05:00

But I have to go to a meeting tomorrow morning. One that could change my life. Our company is starting a new pharmacy program that could see me jobless after 26 years of hard work and dedication .

Wish me luck.

Peace & Love, KC

Why is it?

2009-05-12T08:30:00.002-05:00

I just noticed this.If you look at my blog in IE, it looks fine. But on Google Chrome, or on Safari ( re: my IPhone) the Black background does not cover the entire blog. There's a gap between the blog body and the sidebar. Also the black only goes down about 1/3 of the sidebar?
Help??????

( It's been a couple of years since I've had to play around with the blog settings, I'm not sure I remember how!)

Peace, KC

No- Don't anyone die of shock!

2009-05-08T09:01:00.003-05:00

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I'm BAAACCCKKK!

Well, truth is I've never really been "gone". Stuff in life just started getting a little too crazy, and I decided that you all really didn't need to hear all the crap. So I took a hiatus as it were. So let's see if I can get you caught up- "crib-notes" style.

So, where do I start. Well, you all know about the economy. Because of that ( and other things that I'll explain later) Hubby has not been working alot. So I've been trying to pick up the slack ( although I can't match his salary!) More shifts at work meant less time home, and certainly less computer/play time. So that didn't help matters. Then a couple of techs quit, which helped me out shift-wise, but added to the whole "not enough time" thing.

December got even worse. Jon had been mentioning to me that he had this black *spot* in the corner of his eye. Now I have to say here that Hubby has one "lazy eye" and one good one. The lazy one basically doesn't work. Unfortunately, the spot was in his "good" eye. Week before Christmas, he came home and told me we had to make an appointment for him at an eye dr. Seems that "spot" was now covering 3/4 of his EYE!
LOONNNGGG story short- he had a torn & detached Retina. Which required immediate surgery. Friday before Christmas there we were in Orlando, spending monies we didn't have, getting Jon's eye fixed. ( And a shot out to Kat for coming over that evening for "Moral support!") This all meant that Christmas was a very lean ( read: kids only!) Jon was now officially out of work for about 6 weeks! ( and no- no disability, sick pay, etc.)

Now, I mentioned that Christmas was lean. We did however get one present that has proven to be a great joy/balm/treat to all of us during all this:

This is Nalla! She's a Calico American shorthair. I drove clear up to the only animal shelter in the county that was open Sunday before Christmas to get her. And she' been worth every penny!

She's here sleeping on my lap in my recliner. She's named after a charactor in a series of books that Becky and I love. ( "Black Dagger Brotherhood"- if anyone cares)

Even Shadow has taken a liking to her, and protects her as her own.

Now, we are not really "cat" people. Not that I don't like them, but we've always had dogs. But Becky has been wanting one really badly, and with all she does/has done to help me and her Dad during all this- I just couldn't say no. And I'm so glad I did. She is a hoot, and a love. ( Becky calls her "Bi-Polar Kittie". One minute she's racing around the house, climbing the walls. Next- she's sleeping like an angel)

Anyway- getting back to other stuff. Jon's eye eventually healed enough that he could go back to work in Feb. But he still has trouble driving too much. Thankfully the guy that works with him is more than willing to do that for them. And things are looking up, both with his work and in general. So I thought I'd better get back to my old routine. Which of course means back to this.

Gods, it's good to be back to "normal"! ( well, normal for ME lol!)

Anything interesting happen while I was gone?????

Peace and Love, KC!

I'll be here tomorrow

2008-10-30T09:15:00.004-05:00

With some pictures I have left from our trip. You know, the ones I had planned on posting before this stupid thing decided to take it's own *vacation*?

But before that, I have to go do something today. Something very important. Something that all of my ( American ) friends should be doing as well:

As my Dad was fond of saying; "If you don't vote- you can't Bitch!"

Peace and Love, KC!

It's fixed- FINALLY!

2008-10-27T11:58:00.002-05:00

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And let me tell you- it took some doing! After they got the computer back- again!- they gave it to use w/the back-up discs. We tried, and tried, and tried to get them uploaded. But they didn't want to work. Sooooo, back to the Geeks. Took them 3 days, as they had to direct upload from a master they still had!( thankfully one of them kept the master stored, just in case!)

So the past few days I've been re-uploading and sorting through all the files. And reloading my I-Tunes. And, and, and.......

But hopefully, this will be the last of it. Kind-of scary though that all the staff at that "squad" knows my name LOL!

Other than that? Well, I'm off this week. Not that I have any money to do anything. But I'm planning to get some serious cleaning/weeding/etc done. which means it's not a total waste. Besides, I need this break before the holiday/snowbird season hits. Otherwise I'd probably hurt someone at work lol!

Jon is still not working alot. Maybe 2 - 3 days per week if we're lucky. Which has seriously cut into our budget. He had some vacation time banked, which has helped some- but that's almost gone. I've warned the kids- do NOT ask for anything big for Christmas. Unless Dad gets more work ( har-har!) or He gets 6 good numbers a.k.a. hits the lottery ( hell, I'd settle for 5 at this point!) we are going to have a very skimpy Christmas. They're really being good about that, except for Kimmie. Which I understand as she's still a little too young to understand finances at this point. I might try to pick up some extra shifts at work, but I can't push too hard or my body will break down on me again. That wouldn't be good either.

Other than that? Not much else going on.

How've you been????

Peace and Love, KC!

I'm still alive....

2008-10-15T09:01:00.002-05:00

It's just my computer that's up *that* creek with only one paddle. Let me explain....

We got the computer back ( as promised ) on/around Sept. 25th. As it was a Friday, I really didn't get a chance to get on ( Hubby was hogging it lol!) until Sunday. He had just logged off, complaining about the sound not working (either through the speakers or our headphones). So I figured I'd get on to see what the problem was. When I tried to log on to my *corner* of the computer- it suddenly came up with a message that our Windows was ILLEGAL????

WTF?

So, of course, I had to call the Geeks again. Seems that when they replaced the motherboard it now was not working nicely with the Windows. Would I please bring it back down, and they could fix it in less than 1 hour. So, a couple of days later ( Hey- I had to work here!) I took it back to them. Explained exactly what happened, and they fixed that really quickly. But when they looked into the Audio problem, well...... THAT one was not as easy. 2 of them promised to work on it all night, and get the problem solved.

Two DAYS later ( 3 geeks working on it and 10 different audio cards according to them!) they just couldn't get the darn thing to work. The one guy kept calling me about every 3 hours, just to let me know they hadn't forgotten, and where they were work-wise. They finally figured that they had to send it BACK to the main repair facility. I was promised that they would put a rush on it, and that it would be handled ASAP.

Needless to say I was pissed off. ALL of my stuff is on there. But they were soooooo upset for/along with me that they promised to back up all of my files ( FOR FREE) and I would not be charged anything for all of this. So that's where we are now with my computer.

Waiting. again.

Other than that? Well, Jon's not getting alot of work in ( big surprise there- if people aren't buying/building, who needs a Surveyor?) and the kids are doing pretty good in school.

With my work- do you remember me telling you about the one girl that called out sick all the time, and came in late lots as well? Well, she quit last week. So right now, with or Flu shots and everything, at least I'm getting plenty of hours. Bummer though that I don't make near the money Jon does. Would help alot right now!

I'm on limited time here, so I thought I'd just get you all caught up on where I am.

I'll be back as son as possible- I miss you all!!

Peace and Love, KC

Still no word

2008-09-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

On my comuter. The Geek still have the thing, and I looked at the invoice they gave me which stated the date I'd get it back as the 25th of Sept>

Bear with me people!

Peace and Love, KC

oh crap!!!!

2008-08-24T21:02:00.002-05:00

My computer went haywire today. I think the graphics card was fried.

Therefore, it may be awhile before I can post again. As it is- I'm typing this from my phone, which is not an easy task!
I'll try to get to another computer, and let y'all know what the " geeks" say about my machine.

Until then,

Peace & Love, KC!

Fay, Fay, go away........

2008-08-21T08:12:00.002-05:00

more cat pictures

I can't believe this "Tropical Storm"! I mean, what did we do to piss off the Gods?
Every day they say " Oh, she's gonna move off to the west/east/north" and such but NOOOOOOOOOO! She's hanging in here like a dog with a meaty bone!

Tuesday was not too bad. Rainy, but nothing we couldn't handle. Yesterday it just kept up. Band after band of stormy weather. I went to work at @ 10:30 am, and we lost power at the store around 1pm. I kept hearing about roads flooding all around town, so my bosses sent me home. OMFG! I had to drive down past the main road to my house ( flooded!) down several back roads( also flooded, but not as bad) to my street. I didn't get 20 ft. in when my car almost got totally swamped! I had to pull into a driveway at the end of my street so as not to ruin my car! Thankfully, I know these people, and they said it was no problem to leave my car there until the waters went down. ( which I did this morning).

Let me show you:

My "street" yesterday. as you can see, only the tops of the front lawns were dry ( which is how I got home yesterday. I had to run through the rain in my work clothes ( with no umbrella, which wouldn't have worked had I had one lol!)across the lawns to my house. Another view:

My back yard:

I think our drought is over now!

Please, PLEASE pray that this storm starts moving. We here on the East-Central coast of Florida can't take too much more rain. Already they are talking about boiling water- sewer systems overflowing, and general nasty stuff.

Besides, if I spend too many more days stranded in this house with my kids and my hubby- someone's gonna get hurt!!! ;-)

Peace and Love, KC

Just an FYI...

2008-08-19T17:44:00.004-05:00

Yes, I'm in Brevard County. And yes, "Fay" has been a constant companion today. ( hell, she's in love with us I think! She's been dumping on us since 4:30 this morning!!)

But we're ok. My backyard looks more like a lake, and I hear our "guest" will be hanging around for the rest of tonight.

But we're ok. Safe, and at least for now, with power ( on and off).

I'll get back to you all in the next day or so. If FPL ( aka "Florida Pillage and Loot" lol) can keep the power going.

Peace, KC!

Ok... So where was I....

2008-08-12T07:43:00.005-05:00

Oh Yeah- Here I was: (Technically -- Murphy, North Carolina.)

As you can see,( despite my sucky "paint" skills lol!) we were WAAAYYYYY out in the boondocks. As the crow flies, we were about 3 miles from Tennessee, and about 10 miles from Georgia. Now, that's as the crow flies- as the car drives, add about 30 minutes lol! It took us 35 minutes to drive to the nearest grocery store! But is was beautiful! Let me show you some pics, shall I?

View from our porch. Yes, that's a stream right down there!

The stream. I can't tell you how wonderful early mornings were. Sitting out on the porch, with a book and a hot cup of tea. Listening to the water and the birds. NO cars/trucks/planes/NOTHING! And for this Fl. girl- a hoodie on 'cause they don't call these the Smokey Mountains for nothing! The mist that lays down there lasts until about 10am, so mornings were really cool ( both in atmosphere and temperature!)

This is the "road" leading to the cabin. As you can see, nothing buy a gravel path. And this is after traveling on another road called... and I have a pic to prove it...
"Rough Gravel Rd." No kidding- it was definitely an appropriate name!

Kimmie walking on Rough Gravel Road. We took a hike around the area one day- and look what we found:

I tried to make friends, but as I had no carrots/apples, he didn't take to well to me( though he followed us all the way as we walked along the field!)

*cue theme song from Twister*

We have Cows!

You can tell that these animals were very "human" friendly. They would walk right up to you, even if they didn't know you.

Some views inside the cabin:

Kitchen Chaos! That's Hubby, Becky, "Saturday nite" BIL, and Kimmie you see there.

I know this pic is a bit dark, but can you see the Franklin stove? Too cool! And those spiral steps you see were the ONLY way to get upstairs to the bedrooms. We had the upstairs, B/SIL had the one downstairs. Made it interesting to get suitcases/laundry/ANYTHING up there! Took me a couple of days to get comfortable walking them- that's a fact!

Livingroom. Actually, only 1/2, but the pic of the other 1/2 came out way too dark. It's just more of the same ( sofa, chair, card table). I was out on the porch most days, so it was just the kids and the guys that spent any time in there.

I'll continue the "pictoral" tomorrow, and show some of the other sights we went to. But I wanted to *update* you all on what's been happening with Mom, and myself.

Mom is doing really well. Her hair is starting to come back in, and although it's almost totally white ( she had less gray hair than I did before she started lol!) she'll be glad to give up the wig soon. It's bothering her in all the heat- which is why I never went that route myself.

I'm doing fine. I haven't made any definate decision on what I'm going to do ( reconstruct or not). For now I'm just going lop-sided. Hubby said in my scrubs, and with a bra on under a T-Shirt, you can't really tell all that much, so I'm not pushing myself. IF I decide to go with another reconstruct, it'd be a month or more until I've healed enough anyway. But I thank you all for the input. I'll let you know when I decide.

Well, I've got to get to work again *SIGH*. So I'll see you all tomorrow!

Peace and Love, KC!

I'll be here soon!

2008-08-11T10:37:00.001-05:00

Just thought you'd like to see where I've been for the last 10 days:

( Yup, that's me waving on the porch!)

More to follow- but unfortunately, it's back to work for me....... :-(

Oh Bother!

2008-07-02T08:35:00.002-05:00

more cat pictures

So now it's me with the problems.
It seems that my implant- the one I received after my mastectomy, is being "rejected" by my body *SIGH*. I was told this was a 20% possibility, since I had radiation therapy. But I'd figured it's been 3 years, so I'd made it through. BUT NOOOOOO!! I noticed a bruise under my arm a couple of weeks ago- but I didn't make much of it. I'm notorious for waking up with bruises that I've no idea where they'd come from. Just one more right? Nope. Seems that that is where my body is trying to "push" my implant out. So I went to see good'ole Dr. B- he who put the darn thing in- and he said I had to have it taken out- N O W!!.

And what's worse ( in my eyes anyway) is that I can't just have it *replaced*. See, if my body's rejected one, it will do it again. So now I'm faced with a couple of options- none of which I'm really liking ( which is why I did the implant to begin with!). One is to have an operation where they take some of *me* ( ie: from my back or stomach) and put it in as a filler if you will. OR- use what my mother's-age people used to call a "falsey". Which means I would need to purchase special ( read: EXPENSIVE!) bras, bathing suits, etc. FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

Shit- I don't want to have even MORE scars than I have now. I look like a war-zone already! But the thought of having to worry if my left boob is going to accidentally "pop out" at an inopportune time is not my idea of life either.

Either way- for the next couple of weeks, I'm going to be "lop-sided" again.
Just in time for vacation don't you know. Wonderful.

BTW- What would *you* do if you were me?

Oh Boy! Just when I thought everything was OK.....

2008-06-26T08:27:00.005-05:00

more cat pictures

It got worse.
Seems that Andy was having some problems with one of his classes. Yes, we knew this. But it had seemed that he had turned the corner and had brought his grade up. Unfortunately, not enough it seems. He failed his Science class. ( which btw- was not one of his advanced, HS level courses) But here is where things went south really quick....

You see, due to budget cuts ( thankyousoverymuch Mr. Crist- NOT! :-( ) there is NO summer school. So I thought that he would have to repeat the science class next year, along with his normal classes- BUT NO! Apparently, they said he'd have to repeat THE ENTIRE 7th GRADE!!!???

OMGWTFBBQ??????

Well, I was upset. Andy was really upset. I called the school, with the hopes that he could make up the course online this summer ( in the "virtual school" - the one Becky is taking classes in) But they said "No,not possible. Against school policy, blah, blah, blah, tell him to suck it up, blah blah.

FUCK NO!

Y'all know me. I'm a pretty easy-going person normally. BUT NOT when it comes to my kids. Mess with them- DEAL WITH ME! So the fight was on. I called the county school district's main office and asked to talk to someone ( I think he was in student counseling) and explained the situation: Top student, 98% percentile in the state on his FCAT's ( solid 5 out of 5 on ALL tests), rough year as he was put in several HS level courses in 7th grade, etc. All I wanted was to allow him to make up this class somehow this summer. Whatever that took. He, thank the gods said that he COULD take a course online- distance learning is what it's called. Might cost us some money ( to which I said "and your point is.....?") but he could "fix" things this way.

An aside: the "virtual school" (aka-FLVS, the "free" one online) was full up he said. which is why at that point it wasn't an option.

So I called his guidance counselor, Mr. L to tell him of this. He said he was told that was NOT an option, but he would check into it and get back to me. A couple of days later, he called to say "OK, it's been approved for Andy- FIND A SCHOOL!" Well, after some perusal, I found a couple. But the problem was- which one would be considered an *equivalent* course to the one that he failed??? So as I called Mr. L again ( Poor man probably hated me at this point!) I thought- why not look at the FLVS site, and see what they called it? Mr. L said he'd look it up, and while he was I noticed that they WERE STILL accepting applications to the very science course Andy needed!

HAPPY DAY! Mr L said- SIGN HIM UP NOW!!!!!!!

So now Andy is enrolled, and starts his make-up class next week. Since it's virtual, and he can take the 2 "halves" of the class at the same time ( fall and spring sessions) it should be no problem for him to complete the course in time to start the school year in the 8th grade. But the last 3 or so weeks have been a roller coaster of tears, frustration, and WTF's of major proportions!

And that's why I've been MIA again. Spending most of my time online, looking for alternate schooling for Andy. And making phone calls. And generally biting my nails while keeping Andy's hopes up and his ego from hitting the sewer system.

Please, PLEASE! If there is a higher power- could I please have a month or so of "normal"????? I swear, I'll be good :-)
Is it August yet? We're going to NC to a cabin my BIL has rented for all of us. Stuck in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but a creek and the birds for company. I'm gonna spend the first day on the porch, in a corner. With a glass of wine and a good book.

BRING IT ON!!!

PS- I just had to share this. Hubby is notorious for sitting here in at the computer some days ( read: weekend mornings) in his underwear. ( I know, TMI- but still!)
Well, the kids tease him about this constantly. I was cruising the LOLCats site again this morning, trying to relax and found this one;

more cat pictures

I just made it hubby's wallpaper. Do you think he'll get the hint? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!

It's FRIDAY!!!

2008-05-16T10:11:00.003-05:00

more cat pictures

And I'll just start things off with a bang ( no pun intended!)

COLONOSCOPIES

A physician claimed that the following are actual comments made by his patients (predominately male) while he was performing their colonoscopies:

1. .'Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone before!

2. 'Find Amelia Earhart yet?'

3. 'Can you hear me NOW?'

4. 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?'

5. 'You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married.'

6. 'Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?'

7. 'You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out...'

8. 'Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!'

9. 'If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!

10. 'Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity.'

11. 'You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?'

12. 'God, now I know why I am not gay.'

And the best one of all..

13. 'Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?'
....................................................

*SNORT!*

OK, one of the things I haven't mentioned ( truly, I thought is was not much) was that one of the computers I bought last year had already broken down. It was the Compaq one I bought for Andy & Kimmie to use out in the living room. Since I had gotten a 3 year service agreement ( kids + computers = CYA in my opinion!) I took it down to the "geeks" for fixing. Which they did- it needed a new power plug and motherboard. But somehow, when they replaced the MB, they screwed up the software! Now normally, they do not cover software problems. But since THEY CAUSED this problem, they have to fix it. So I had to order the "recovery discs" from HP this morning, to take to said "geeks" and have them *fix* the thing. But when I talked to the guy at HP ( who was probably in Delhi- jeez, to they have anyone working at these places from the USA????) he said that they wouldn't be able to fix it. Seems you "can't replace the motherboard with anything other than an HP approved MB. None of the others will work in our machines". I told him that it's OK, 'cause if they can't fix it- they'll have to give me a brand new machine.

Win=win in my books!

Oh, and as to my comment ( in the comments for the last post). Pharmacist "J" is seriously thinking of reporting to loss prevention about *certain peoples* inability to get to work on time. Since our manager, whom is aware of the situation has done nothing about it. She doesn't even have to name "names". They can just come in and compare records. I told her to "go for it", since yesterday we had one person come in an HOUR late, and the other almost 20 minutes late ( without even a call to say- sorry, I'm running behind). It's really getting ridiculous, that no one seems to think that being scheduled to come in at *X* time means you must BE THERE at *X* time! Used to be you got the "3rd strike - your out!" treatment for this.
Can't wait to see what happens there!

Other than that- just normal stuff happening.
I think I'll go get a book, and crank "Sparkle Lounge". Might at least wake the eldest!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Peace and Love, KC

Yes, I'm still alive!

2008-05-13T07:58:00.003-05:00

more cat pictures

Just so busy that I had to "let it go" for awhile. Not that I didn't care, but I had to deal with some stuff IRL and time just got away from me.

Let's see, where did I leave off? Oh, ok! Let's see if I can recap without writing "War & Peace"- the "Fine" years lol!

Mom- she's done with Chemo, and started her Radiation treatments. She's also started back to work, though on a limited basis ( 20 hours a week to start). She's got her energy back pretty well, and things are getting back to normal in her world. Which is great since things in MY world have been a little crazy.

Me, weeeelllll, let's just say there have been some bumps. At work. Having to do with the fact that there are a few of my co-workers that apparently don't like me. I was told by my boss that this is a fact. So I just go in- do my work, and leave. The "Youngsters" have taken over, and I guess they don't like working w/ the "old lady". Tough! I'm not leaving, and they ( at least 2 of them) will be in the next year or so ( due to college, career changes, etc.) So I'll just wait them out. Besides, they may not like working with me- but when the shit hits the fan- who do they call???? Yup, yours truly. So I can't be that big a PITA for them right? I've been around enough to know that they will go- and I'll still be there. Sucks for them as far as I'm concerned.

The one thing that has been upseting this spring has been Becky. We found out that she was having MAJOR difficulties in a couple of her courses this semester. Failing as a matter of fact. So after several phone conversations, and a meeting with her guidance counsolor, we decided to pull her out of school. Which means no graduation this June. Make no mistake- SHE WILL GRADUATE! But she is taking 2 classes online at "virtual school" this summer, and then will go back to HS in the fall to complete her electives. Which means she will graduate in the fall. I look back and see that I had wondered why she was taking some pretty tough classes, but I didn't say anything. Now I wish I had- we may have been able to avoid this. But she's doing pretty good with her online stuff, so perhaps this is for the best. Her grades would have sucked big time if she'd stayed in school. This way her last semester is virtually *erased* and she's starting from scratch. Should help her get into college at any rate.

So that's the short version of my spring. Not the best one I've had, but there certainly been worse! And I plan on getting back into this blog again.

I've missed you all! And I'm sorry if I worried you. I promise (cue the music!) that I won't do that again.

Peace and Love, KC

P.S.- Jude, I'll e-mail you my #, so you have it if you need ;-)

P.S.S.- If any of you are hearing about the fires that are raging in my town- they are south and east of me. So we are safe. But my Pharmacist "J"'s house is right in the middle of them. So send prayers that she and her family are safe- PLEASE!!!

Some days, you just feel old!

2008-03-04T09:28:00.003-05:00

Enter the ICHC online Poker Cats Contest!

Well, I'm home today. Trying my best to fight off a cold/flu/whatever. Seems like this past year I just can't avoid whatever is "going around". But hey - it can't help that I work around sick people all the time huh?

So what's been happening? Not a lot really. Mom's treatments go on. She had another lump removed last week, but it turned out to be scar tissue, and not anything bad ( thank goodness!) She's got 2 more chemo's to go, and then radiation starts. But she's doing better mentally, even if her energy levels are not very high. So not much to worry about there.

Kimmie's 8th B-day was last Saturday, and we met the family for lunch, and then we took her to the local Zoo. They have their annual Dinosaur exhibit on right now- and she just loves that! If I get some energy up I'll post some pictures for you all. It's not a big Zoo per se, but it's really a nice one. And of course- she made out pretty well in the present dept! I now have "moonsand" all over my kitchen table!!!

Work- WEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLL is work! Same shit- different week! I won't bore you all with the details, but suffice to say that things are still crazy in the Pharmacy biz!

OK- Since I've been "tagged" ( you'll get yours Orion!)
Here are the rules:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your blog entry.
5. Let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs

Orion is LINKED!!!

6 unimportant things about me?????

Ok, Ok, let's see....

1- I have a walk-in closet. But it's not full of clothes- it's full of BOOKS! Yup- I don't have a lot of bookshelves, and since I read about 3-4 books a week, that's where they are all stashed. Really! Ask my kids!

2- My kids call me "the Rabbit". I would rather eat veggies/salad than anything else. Give me a "bag'o lettuce" and some dressing and I'm in heaven!

3- I cuss. ALOT! I try not to in front of the kids, or my customers. But I can swear like a sailor if I'm truly angry. Thankfully, that doesn't happen very often!!

4- I sleep with 1 leg hanging off the side of the bed. Or at the very least, out from under the covers- even if it's cold as crap out. Mom said it used to scare the crap out of my parents, always being afraid that I'd fall out of bed ( I never did though!)

5- I own 4 dresses. A couple of skirt/shirt combos, and my scrubs for work. My wardrobe is mostly jeans and T-shirts. Yup, I'm a casual kind of person.

6- As much as I value my right to vote, I AM SOOOOO SICK of the presidential campaign B.S. on the TV/News/Web right now, I'm voting for Alfred E. Newman for president this time! ( those of you who understand this are showing your age lol!!!)

As for the "tagging" of others- Nope, not going to. But if anyone wants to join in go right ahead!

Now- I'm going to take some drugs and lay down. If they work, I'll try to get back on here later and post some Zoo pics.

Peace and Love, KC!

I still here!

2008-02-20T08:45:00.001-05:00

moar humorous pics

I'll be here tomorrow. I've got one more LONG day to work today, then I have the next 4 days off ( YEAH!)

I'll tell you what's happening then.
KC

Tired

2008-02-05T10:10:00.000-05:00

moar funny pictures

The story of my life lately. Seems as if despite the fact that our pharmacy has picked up our business, corporate keeps cutting hours. The last few weeks I've been so stresses/frustrated/exhausted after my measly 4 days of work, that I'm literally wiped out. Feet/legs hurting to the point that I can barely walk. Sleeping entire DAYS away just to recharge. It's getting to everyone, and I hear there may be more hours cut this week. I was discussing this with "J" and "L" ( our two pharmacists) and I mused how long it would be before someone somewhere actually "cracked" under the pressure. Not to mention- the possibility of mistakes happening because of the stress/pressure/exhaustion that comes from doing the job of 2 people, in half the time. I can understand, having been in management all those years, that Payroll is the easiest, fastest way to cut costs/raise profits. But in the case of Pharmacy- don't these "ijits" realize that a mistake from us could possibly be LETHAL???? Do they not understand that the fact that they can put "Drug Store" on the front of every building is because of the Pharmacy? We are their "rock". The thing the whole flippin' company was based on! "The PHARMACY America Trusts"????? We try hard to be- BELIEVE ME! I just wish each and every one of these corporate policy makers would have to spend a day in a store- in the phamacy. And see what we go through down in the trenches. 300 rx's a day- 2 pharmacists, and if we are very lucky- 3 techs. Spread over a 14 hour day. 5 phone lines, 3 cash registers, 2 drive-thru lanes, don't even get me started on insurance issues! I said it yesterday, and I'm saying it here now. If someone up there doesn't wise-up, they are going to lose a lot of good Pharmacists/Techs because it's just not worth it to kill yourself over a company that seems to see nothing but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

<>

Yeah, can you tell I'm having a bad week ? :P

Mom has started her new Chemo- and she didn't have a really good weekend. She had pain/tingling/spasms in her legs all weekend, which caused her to get no rest. Now, that IS a side-affect of the meds, and I wasn't overly concerned about it until I heard that she had called the Dr.s office for suggestions on how to deal with it- and the Dr. on call last weekend NEVER GOT BACK TO HER! That's right- 3 calls to the answering service- no call back! She called the office back yesterday ( she's feeling better now thanks!) and told them what went down. THANKFULLY, the nurse was very upset to hear about it, and said she would let the other drs. know what happened. I have a feeling someone ( IE- Dr. on call) is in for a severe arse-chewing. Good! he deserves it!

Other than all that crap, things have been normal. I'm just trying to make some decisions as to what I'm going to do. I really hadn't planned on quitting after I reach my official 25 year point- Start a new career at 50ish? Not something I had really felt the need to do. But I have to think about the possibility now, as my body is telling me something- and I think it's along the lines of "I can't take this much abuse at my age". Goodness knows, I've dodged enough *bullets* concerning my health. I don't want to set myself up for more.

ANY IDEAS????

Love and Peace, KC

My day off

2008-01-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

I've been having too much fun on a particular website today:

moar funny pictures

moar funny pictures

moar funny pictures

moar funny pictures

moar funny pictures

moar funny pictures

I could go at this all day! The site is called "LOLcats" aka. "canIhascheeseburger". Mostly cats, but all kinds of animals are in the pictures.

Fair warning- it's very addicting !

KC

I am like a deer in the headlights lately....

2008-01-18T11:27:00.000-05:00

Over something that's going on online. Serious accusations that a famous, NYT's best-selling author has been blatantly plagiarizing for years!

Now, some of you know that I love to read. Historical, Biography's, but mostly Romance novels. I read them a lot, and I can read 2 - 3 a week if time allows. The problem is that my favorite authors can't put out that many books a year ( though goodness knows- Nora Roberts tries!)During the summer, I found some blogs done by readers/lovers of Romance novels that actually review the books I like. They give not only reasons why they like/dislike them, but give good descriptions of the books. This is a tremendous help to me, since I hate like heck to spend $8.00 or so on a book that after 2 - 3 chapters winds up in the trash bin. Don't have money to throw away like that! So I've been going to these blogs, to get recommendations. And along with that they also are just a heck of a lot of fun. Not to mention- they are apparently really respected within the romance novel community, since some famous authors actually POST on these blogs as well.

Last week, one of the blog owners had a friend who had never read a romance novel ask to borrow some examples. Said owner- Candy - offered up 3 books. One of which was written by Cassie Edwards ( called CE here from now on). She does what she calls the "Savage" series, in which she spotlights individual Native American Indians. Now- I have read a few of her books- but I just don't like them. Personal preference- nothing against CE as a person. But she's put out like 100 books, that have sold like a million copies. So obviously somebody likes her work. Candy's friend, who apparently is an academic, thought something was *weird* in her writing style. LOOOONNNNGGG story short- CE has literally "Lifted" whole passages out of books about these different tribes and dumped them wholesale into her books. No- not paraphrasing them at all- but "cut-and-pasting" them verbatim into the books! And this apparently has been going on all through her writing career! I've been watching this whole mess blow up like a train-wreck in process.

If any of you like reading romance, or are just curious about this- I've put links in my sidebar to the 2 sites I feel are the best. Smart Bitches is the one where this came out first. They have all the info linked in their sidebar as well. I know Jude and Tracey like to read, we've discussed it one time chatting. And of the rest of you who do like romance novels- I highly recommend these blogs. And if you like romance novels- you might be surprised and just *who* posts there ( Nora, for one!)

I'm going back there in a minute- the Friday videos are usually pretty funny!

Oh, and my Vacation? Great! Didn't get shit done, but I'm totally relaxed. Which after the last couple of months is a blessing let me tell you!

Hope you all are well. I'll get back here soon.

Peace and Love, KC

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T08:28:00.000-05:00

Let's hope this one is better ( news-wise anyway!)

Mom's doing good. She has her 4th and final treatment using the meds she's currently on today. Then she gets a 3 week break- and on to the Taxol. But she's hanging in there and that's the most important thing anyway.

Christmas here was pretty good. Jon didn't get the *big* bonus that he has gotten in years past, so most of us didn't get the *Big Gift*. Which was totally ok with the kids- they were not expecting much, ( especially after having to replace not one- but 2 major appliances- I warned them that "Santa" was broke lol!) and they really didn't ask for anything major. Just hoodies, shirts, games, etc. However- One of us ( *ehem*) did get a new "toy";

An IPhone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know- I love my toys! And I'm just loving the darn thing like a fat kid likes cake! And my poor Hubby had to have used his entire bonus just to buy the damn thing ( for which I gave him some grief- but not too much ;-) ) No more toting my IPod and phone and addy book and ..........
Now I can have them all in one. AND I can surf the net on my lunch break! Too F**king cool for words! I've gotten most of you ( that I have addy's/#'s etc. ) plugged into the darn thing. Now I have to take the time to personalize it. Time- the one thing I haven't got alot of..... BUT.......

I'm working 5 straight days this week ( through Sat. ) then I work just 3 days next week. And the following week I have off!! Yes, in January! Since I'm in my 25th year ( ACK!) I now get 5 weeks vacation. Since we only have 1 vacation planned ( going to NC this summer with the In-laws) and only spring break as my other normal week off, I decided to spread the other ones out to give me breaks throughout the year. ( I normally leave one week unplanned- so that I have time off for emergencies, etc. ) SOOOO.... since I've been working/dealing/busting my arse for the last 4 months- I scheduled one for this month. I just need time to unwind, get some stuff done around the house, and have some "play" time for me. I've been feeling lately like I just can't get ahead on anything. Hopefully, this week off will help.

Well, speaking of work- I'd better go get dressed. Not going to be easy though- it's colder than a witches youknowwhat in this house. About 50 degrees outside- it was almost 80 yesterday!!! And tomorrow morning? FREEZE ALERTS???!! Yup! Two days to go from summer to winter. And people wonder why we down here have such a problem with cold weather. We just don't get the chance to get *used* to it. I was in shorts yesterday- now I'm digging out the sweaters! And I wear scrubs to work- which are not exactly the warmest clothes on the planet. I just hope I don't get sick- then I can't be much help for Mom, can I???

Oh well, WHATEVER!

I'll probably be back in full *posting* mode come the end of the week. In the meantime....

Love and Peace, KC!

HO,HO,HO!

2007-12-22T20:45:00.000-05:00

And so it begins. 3 kids a-asking, 2 In-laws pestering, 1.. Pissed ...off... spouse...........

No , really! I often wonder why I bother. But despite all that, THAT day is coming fast and furious. So with that I give you my yearly thoughts:

Peace on Earth. ( well, DUH!)

My mom gets through what's she's going through ( once again- DUH!)

That I don't regret that darn thing I bought for hubby the other day ( not mentioning that TMI!)
I know I haven't been the most "steady" of posters ( recently). And I know you all are probably writing me off. But I still hold all of you closely in my heart and soul as some of the best people I have the pleasure to *know*.

Most of all I wish for all of you - Happiness, peace and love to all my on-line friends. I know I haven't exactly been there for all of you the last month or so, but not without reason. And I know I owe you all mountains of stuff of which will take the next year to repay. But I still say that YOU ALL are the reason that I thank each day for waking, living, and laughing. Because without your strength and support, I would not be here. Or who I am today. Blessed. That's what I am- BLESSED!

May your God bring you peace. May your family/friends bring you joy. And may all of you have a happy/joyous/merry whatever you wish

With all my love and more- KC!

PS- Cool video- http://www.uselessgraphics.com/humorous%20videos/straight.htm

I love you all- KC

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas....

2007-12-17T12:42:00.001-05:00

Well, in my world anyway. I'm sitting here with a jacket on, having tried to thaw my hands out enough to type. I know- it's not THAT cold ( around 50 degrees at the moment). But having been running around in shorts a day ago- It's cold for me damnit! It got down to 42 last night, and the house just doesn't want to warm up. Well, at least it isn't 80+ any more....

Mom's doing ok. She actually called me yesterday about the football game ( Steelers/Jags- which meant we could actually WATCH!) and made no complaints/whines/questions. Sounded just like her "old-self" actually. She couldn't have her Chemo last week, her white blood cell count was down. And since she can't take the Neulasta, she has to have time for them to build back up. So she goes for #3 this Weds (hopefully!). She's wearing her wig now, which means she's probably lost most if not all of her hair. I didn't have the guts to ask her to see, but I will when I go over on Weds.

Me, I'm just hanging in there. I do have too much left on my plate right now. I've yet to get my X-Mas cards finished (so if they are late- I apologise in advance!). And because of some "financial" set-backs, I have not even STARTED my Christmas shopping! Having to replace both my dishwasher AND my clothes dryer in one month's time has put a hurting on the bank account. What really sucks about that is that darn dryer wasn't even 2 years old!!!! But the heating element died for the second time- and I just couldn't see spending another $100 to get it fixed again. Even the repair guy that I use said that it must have some sort of wiring flaw ( re: LEMON!) and I would be better off just getting a new one. So I'm just hoping that Jon gets a good paycheck today ( and his Christmas bonus check!) so that I can hit the stores big-time this week. Otherwise, the kids are going to think that Santa skipped the neighborhood this year.

I'm not working Christmas ( YEAH!), and I even have a 3-day weekend coming up. I'll have to work Christmas eve, but since the pharmacy closes at 5pm. it's no biggie as far as I'm concerned. I'll be working New Year's day though, but I always volunteer for that one. I never go out on NYE, and since all the rest of the staff are young, I figure they will probably need the day off to recoup. The only thing I don't like about working NYD is that there are tons of insurance problems, and no way to do anything about them. And the customers are always a PITA about it. "But I haven't gotten my card yet!?", "What do you mean it's not working??" "Can't you call them to find out?" - Yea stupid- like any one's working on New Year's day???? Oh that's right- I am * insert rolling-eyes smilie here*. Not looking forward to it, except that it's extra money on the paycheck!

That's all I have for right now. I've got to get back to the cards. Or clean the living room. Or that load of towels that's on the bathroom floor...........

Love and Peace, KC!

OMG- Has it been that long??????

2007-11-20T09:21:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry! But I'm here now and have some updates.

Mom is almost totally healed from her surgery ( still a little pain under her arm where they took out all the lymph nodes) and has gone through her 1st round of Chemo. Which went well, all in all. She even called me the next day and was upbeat ( "Hey- that wasn't so bad?!"). But the next day she got a shot of a drug called Neulasta. It's supposed to boost your white blood cell count, so your body has more to fight with. That shot gave her a migraine, and seriously made her sick to her stomach. I never had the darn shot ( and believe me, it was around at the time!) so we're thinking that's the culprit( since she didn't feel bad until 1 hour AFTER she got it!). So she's going to ask the Dr. if she can skip it next round. She spent all this past weekend not eating or sleeping- and that's just not good when your battling for your life!!!! I hope he agrees, cause all I heard from Mom this past weekend is "I just want to lay down and DIE!!!" Aside what that did to me mentally- it's not a good atitude for her to have! She needs to be strong, and keep herself as healthy and mentally "up-beat" as possible. Wanting to "die" either mentally or physically, is not the head space she needs to be in.

Everything else is crusing along as always. Thaksgiving plans and work have pretty much been the norm. At least I wasn't picked to work this year. We have a lot of people at our store that actually WANT to work the holidays, so those of us who don't get a pass. You know- either young and in need of the $$$$$, or older single women with no reason to stay home on the holidays. I looked at the "volunteer" lists for Christmas and New Years- and I'll probably not have to work those either. New Years I don't care about- we don't go out anymore anyway. But Christmas- THAT I worry about. With the kids, we have our X-mas in the morning, followed by going to Mom's for lunch ( though this year that may be changed?) and then the River BIL's for the big Fine family X-mas blow out/feast. If I have to work, then I have the car. Which means the rest of the family get's stuck at home. Which just plain SUCKS! BUUUUTTT, since I didn't volunteer, and there are already enough names on that list to cover the shifts- I should be ok.

I'm going to be working most of this coming weekend ( Hey- Black Friday y'all!) but I will be off for 3 days the next weekend (that's the deal). Which will be filled up with decorating and CARDS! So as Rhonda put on her blog- If you've moved in the last year, or I haven't had your addy in the past- now's the time to get it to me. I'd hate to miss you because of it :-). I'm also still missing some of your e-mail addys, from when my old computer died, so hey- two birds/one stone!

Other than that- I just hope life has been treating you all well. I try to get to your blogs at least a couple of times a week, even if I don't post. Some times I'm just too tired/busy to comment. I'll try and do better- I promise *cues music*.................

Oh, and to all my American friends:

And to all of you:
Peace and Love- KC!

*edit- 5:30pm* OMG-KIDS! There has already been 2 fights and tears in the last oooohhh hour or so. And they're going to be home together for the next 5 days??????

*HEADDESK*

Hey Y'all!

2007-10-29T08:21:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm still alive and relatively ok. Time to play catch up though........

Mom's doing ok. She got through her mastectomy pretty well. Though as of today she still has the drains in, but those *should* come out by the end of this week. She's starting her Chemo sometime around Nov. 9th. That is- if her heart *tests* strong enough to take the meds. ( I had to take the test as well, it's basically SOP when you go into Chemotherapy) I don't think she'll have any problems with that- her heart is pretty strong. She's also having a PET-CT scan. This is that test that is supposed to "track" all the cancer that is in the body. I had that too- and that's why my status was dropped from Stage 3 to Stage 2. But this is the test that will truly let us know just how far the cancer has "invaded" her body. This is the test that will decide just HOW much Chemo- and how bad things really are. 'Cause right now she's categorized as having "Uncontrolled Cancer"- which is the scary thing.

My cousin Rae is down and staying with Mom right now. Which has allowed me some time to get things done around the house, and spend time with my family. I'll have to "jump back in the zone" once she's gone, so for now I'm doing as much as I can here at home.

I did go with them to the Oncologist's office, where we got the breakdown on all that is coming up for her. And I have to tell you all- I'm worried. She doesn't seem to want to deal with this?! Like she's dealing with a "hang-nail" or something????? ( props to my cousin Patti for the analogy!) And she's having a real hard time keeping things straight in her mind. I mean- we were sitting there in the exam room and Mom kept getting the PET-CT scan mixed up with a PAP-Smear exam!!!! Like- "why do I have to do that now- that's my uterus- not my breasts?". I tried to help her get organized- told her she needed one of those pocket calender thingy's that she can write all these tests and stuff down in. She looked at me like I was talking out of my ass! Well- I did it! It's the only way you can keep all the dr.'s/tests/appointments straight! Especially once the Chemo kicks in- "Chemo-brain" is not an imaginary thing people! She still is thinking like she should just have some radiation treatments and call it done! But at least she's decided to be on disability through all this- and not try to work on top of everything! I've also got the telephone #'s of some of her friends, and I'm going to pull them in for help if we/she need it. One of them is also a survivor, so she should be a great help there.

Other than that, everything is pretty much the same old, same old. I did have my bi-annual Mammo last week, and it was NORMAL! Thank goodness- I wasn't up to "tag-team" chemo anytime soon lol! Oh, and good gravy- is the Senior year of H.S. expensive or WHAT!?? Becky is not even interested in getting a ring- and so far it looks like we're about $300 in the red right now!! Cap, gown, announcements, etc. And it's not even spring yet! I smell overtime in either Jon's or my future- either that or I'm going to have to make her announcements myself lol!

Oh, and on another front- Andy's M.S. has had a total of 6 bomb threats since the beginning of the year! Un-BELIEVEABLE! Kids threatening on My Space, or writing on bathroom walls, etc. They thought they had rounded up all of them, only to have ANOTHER one last week. Poor kids are not getting any work done- standing around in the field, or the gym at the elementary school next door! Doesn't exactly make my son want to go to school, when he's not getting anything done. Idiot kids!

Well, that's all I can think of right now. I'll be back as soon as I can and let you all know what's up or not as the case may be. Thank you for your kind words and support. Once again- they work wonders for my sanity!!!

Love and Peace, KC!

Quick post

2007-10-16T16:06:00.000-05:00

Just a short post- as I'm off to go back to the hospital. Mom got through surgery just fine according to her dr. She'll be released to go home sometime tomorrow afternoon.

But the bad news is the cancer HAS spread well past her armpit. Dr. got what he could- but he said it's traveled much farther. So until she has some further testing, we won't know just *how* far.

SHIT

Love and Peace- KC

Alright- here's the info:

2007-10-05T08:29:00.000-05:00

Mom's officially got stage 3 Breast Cancer. The mass they found under here arm is cancer as well. She's going to have a Mastectomy on the 16th, probably followed by Chemo. What we don't know- and what we won't know until the surgery- is how far the cancer has spread. But because it's under her arm ( re: past the lymph nodes) it could be invading her body somewhere else as we speak. My nodes were clear- so this is new territory for us. I'm hoping it hasn't gotten far- because... well, I don't have to spell it out for you all, do I?

I will try to keep you all informed on how things are going. But between work, the family and this- my time "off " is going to be sparse. That's why I've been AWOL lately- just no time for the www. Thankfully, my cousins Rae & Patti are coming in to help ( THANKS!!!!!!!) so that should be good for me and Mom. And the people at work are helping with my scheduling- so that I'll be there for Mom when she needs me.

I hope you all are well, and having a lovely fall. And October is Breast Cancer month- so get your friggin' Mammo's my friends! Else I'll have to come to your houses' and kick your collective butts! Oh, and click that link on my sidebar- and get "Corporate America" to pay for a mammo for someone who can't afford one. Lend a fellow female a hand- and possibly save a life!

And now for something completely different ;-)

..........................................................................................

"The Priest and the Rabbi"

A priest and a rabbi were sitting next to each other on an airplane. After a while, the priest turned to the rabbi and asked, "Is it still a requirement of your faith that you not eat pork?"

The rabbi responded, "Yes, that is still one of our laws."

The priest then asked, "Have you ever eaten pork?"

To which the rabbi replied, "Yes, on one occasion I did succumb to temptation and tasted a ham sandwich." The priest nodded in understanding and went on with his reading.

A while later, the rabbi spoke up and asked the priest, "Father, is it still a requirement of your church that you remain celibate?"

The priest replied, "Yes, that is still very much a part of our faith."

The rabbi then asked him, "Father, have you ever fallen to the temptations of the flesh?"

The priest replied, "Yes, rabbi, on one occasion I was weak and broke with my faith."

The rabbi nodded understandingly and remained silent, thinking, for about five minutes.

Finally, the rabbi said, "It sure beats a ham sandwich, doesn't it?"

............................................................

Have a great weekend Everyone!

Love and Peace, KC!

Caution

2007-09-07T10:57:00.000-05:00

Bragging Mom alert- so if your not in the mood- skip down to the funny!

Flashback to 2000- Andy was finishing Kindergarten. And his teacher and principal discussed the possibilty of holding him back. Seems he wasn't quite "developmentally" up to 1st grade level yet. They had this class level called TK1. Kind-of half way between the two grades. If we let him go on to first- he might struggle all his life in school. So we put him in TK1. Held him back "hopefully" for his benefit down the line. It hurt- and he hated us for a LONG time after that. But now, I'm really glad we did!

I just came back from a meeting at Andy's school with the guidance counselor. This is apparently SOP, so that parents and kids can get a handle on their schedules/future/planning for life that our schools here are doing now. Andy's chess club coach is actually his counselor this year ( having transferred from his elem. school to the middle school) and that made the meeting fun. BUT........

He totally blew my mind. Do you all remember ( if not go back in my blog to Andy's graduation post!) how I mentioned how his teacher took me aside? And told me Andy is going places??? To keep on him, etc....

WEEELLLLL, it was shown to me in cold, hard numbers by the Mr. L. It seems that Andy's FCAT scores were in the top 2%- OF THE COUNTRY! He's 96th percentile in both Math and Reading??!!! He said that there were only "a small handfull" of kids in the county that scored as high as Andy! AND- he basically said that there was NOTHING that Andy couldn't be/do if he wants. Rocket Scientist? Brain surgeon? next Bill Gates? NO PROBLEM!!! Apparently, 2 of the courses Andy is taking this year are HS courses! ( leave us not forget- the kid's only in 7th grade here!!!) That's right- before Andy even gets to high school- he will have about 6 credits already. And Mr. L. said at that pace, he could graduate high school with an AA degree already in hand?!!!! OMG! Mr. L. was saying all this, and I just choked up. I mean- my son- MY SON? Mensa material?- getoutoftown! But he just kept saying how brilliant and amazing my son's "gift" was. I cried y'all, I just sat there with tears in my eyes. What else could I do?

He's already helping Andy map out his courses. Since Andy wants to be an Architect- he's going to be taking computer drafting, stagecraft, lots of math ( poor boy :( ) and such. Mr. L is going to be with us in this until he graduates from HS. He'll be helping Andy to get into what he needs, and even help with the whole college/scholership/stuff for us. I'm still sitting here, not believing that that sweet, goofy, lovable kid I gave birth to was who we were discussing earlier. Don't get me wrong- I knew he was smart- but this? No way in hell.
..............

Ok, I'm done for now. And I'm starving here! So I'm gonna get back to what you've all come to expect from me - Your Friday Funnies!!!! ( and no- they are not PC!!)

FINALLY, THE 6 ANSWERS WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR:

Q: WHAT ARE THE SMALL BUMPS AROUND A WOMAN'S NIPPLES FOR?
A: It's Braille for "suck here".

Q: WHAT IS AN AUSTRALIAN KISS?
A: It's the same as a French kiss, but "down under."

Q: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH 365 USED CONDOMS?
A: Melt them down, make a tire, and call it a Goodyear.

Q: WHY WERE HURRICANES NORMALLY NAMED AFTER WOMEN?
A: Because when they come, they're wild and wet. But when they go, they take your house and car with them.

Q: WHY DO GIRLS RUB THEIR EYES WHEN THEY GET UP IN THE MORNING?
A: Because they don't have any balls to scratch...

AND:

Q: WHAT IS A MAN'S ULTIMATE EMBARRASSMENT?
A: Running into a wall with an erection and breaking his nose.

..............................

And with that- Have a great weekend everyone!!

Love and Peace- KC

OK, Ok, jeez!

2007-09-06T08:58:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm still alive and well. But with the kids back in school, and all the homework/activities/adjustments that have to be made at the beginning of a school year- I've just not had time. And the truth is- I needed to give myself a break from all the "online" time I'd been logging. I had been getting so "caught up" in so much stuff- that it just seemed to drain me sometimes. So I forced myself to take a break from the forums/boards/sites for a while. No, not entirely, and I have been "lurking" now and again ( to make sure nothing really BAD happened while I was away!) But I've decided to come back to the e-world. Hopefully, you all are still around.......???!

Well, what's new with me? Not a whole lot. Work is work- and that's pretty much it. Hubby is fine, and the kids are all getting used to school again. Becky's in her Senior year- and taking driver's ed. Which is another thing- she has her LEARNER'S PERMIT!!! OMG! I'm going to have to be the one that teaches her- I don't think Hubby is up to it. Should be interesting to say the least!

Andy's been placed in almost all AP courses. Which is really interesting- we'll have to see how well he handles them. Don't get me wrong- He's more than smart enough- but he has a tendancy to shrug off some of his homework...So...... We'll have to see how it works out. Kimmie is doing fine so far in 2nd grade- but then again I don't know if her "bullheadedness" has come into play yet. She's getting all smilie's on her work so far, so that's a good start. We've also decided that I will drive her to school in the mornings. I just can't justify:

1- Her standing out at the bus stop in the dark ( when the time change comes)

2- Her having to leave the house at 7am ( to catch a bus). The bus then gets them to school by 7:20am. (Campus doesn't even OPEN until 7:30! The kids have to stand outside the gates for 10 minutes!!!) And school doesn't start until 8:00am!! That's a whole HOUR early!

By me driving her- she gets more time to eat breakfast and get ready ( read=wake up!). This way- I can drop Becky off at her bus stop- and take Kimmie in. Kills 2 birds/1 stone. Even if I work the early shift- this still gives me plenty of time to get to work. So that's what we decided was best all around.

Other news=
My Mom it seems has found yet another lump in her breast. So she's going next week for a biopsy. Apparently, when they took her Mamo- there were 3 spots in question. She seems to be in pretty good spirits despite this ( her words were- "If it's that bad I'll just have them cut off!") Which at her age- I can totally see. Why go through all the chemo/radiation/bullshit if you don't "need them" anymore. She's been alone for 20+ years, and has absolutely no desire to get into any relationship. So yea- I can see her point. I would rather ( IF I were in her shoes- which I'm not thank goodness!) just get rid of my breasts as opposed to dealing with the constant trouble. I'll let you all know how it turns out once she gets the biopsy though.

Other than that- nothing much doing. I'm off this week, and have been just catching up on some needed R&R. I had hoped that Hubby would get a few days off this week as well, so we could get some major chores done ( IE- Garage?????) But he "claims" that they are in the middle of a big job- and his boss had a fit when he asked. Personally- I think he's using it as an excuse so he doesn't have to do "said chores". What do you girls think??? ;-)

I'll leave it at this now- but I'm gonna spend the day catching up with you all, and my "haunts". So if anyone wants to chat- I still have AOL and MSN on this thing :-)

Peace and Love- KC

Murphy- Leave me ALONE!!!

2007-08-20T07:24:00.001-05:00

So, I've been AWOL around here for a while. Sorry for that, but with school starting- and getting Becky her learner's permit ( she has driver's ed this semester, so she had to get it FAST!!) I've been spending all my free time organizing the kids stuff.

So this morning is the first day of school. A day of starts, and peace and quiet for me- NOT! My car, which has been running just fine, won't start! Nope, dead as a doornail! Gosh-darn battery must have crapped last night ( as it drove home from work just fine yesterday!?). Which means Kimmie is home here with me. She's having to miss the first day of school, 'cause I can't drive her there ( and the school is too far to walk to!)

AND- Becky missed HER bus ( thought it said 7:48- must have been 7:43 pick up time lol!!!) , so Becky is home as well. I swear- if Andy misses his bus I'm gonna freak out!

So here I sit waiting for the tow truck to come. Kimmie crying about missing school, and me wondering how much money I'm going to have to shell out to get the car running again. AND it's Hubby's birthday today- which means if I don't get the car fixed ( at a reasonable cost!) his birthday gift will be some-what lacking......

Is it a full moon today? Did I do something to deserve this?
God, it IS monday today isn't it...... :(

Murphy has got to move out- NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace and Love, KC

**edt, 11:40 am**

Car's fixed- I was right, it was the battery. And the dealership actually had their courtesy van drive me out to my house, picked Kimmie up and took her to school for me! WOW!
But Becky is still here- it's just not worth the time to take her- she'd miss all but 2 classes anyway. And I suppose Hubby will just have to have dinner out, instead of the BBQ grill I had planned to get for his birthday.

Now, to find Murphy and kick his ass out of my house........ ;-)
KC

I know, but it's been a crappy week or so...

2007-08-06T09:45:00.000-05:00

So shoot me! Between work troubles and that darn viral thingy trying to come back into my life- I've not had the time/energy/whathaveyou to get on this thing and post. Hell- you all should see my house right now- looks like a bomb hit it. Which is why I'm on here this morning. I'm waiting for the eldest to "rise and shine"- and then the kids and I are going to go through this house like Sherman through Atlanta! ( either that or I'll be sorely tempted to use a large flame-thrower to solve the problem!) No, that would not be a good thing- would it?

Anywho- I'm here so let me get on with what's been going on, and what's on the map for the next few weeks. Kidlets go back to school on the 20th, which means of course the preparations involved. Luckily this year both #1 & #2's registrations are on the same day- so that made part of it easy. Kimmie is already registered, although I still have to buy her supplies ( I won't know what the other two need until after their first day of classes).

The one thing that really pisses me off about this year is that I'm going to have to put Kimmie back into after-school care. The way they have the start times for the various schools has been a bone of contention around here for years- ever since some lame-brained idiot complained to the school board about 10 years ago. Seems her poor little teen-ager was having problems getting his/her sorry arse up for school, due to an after-school job. ( which, btw- in the state of Fl, they are not allowed to work past 10:30pm?!) So they complained about the fact the the HS students were the first ones due into school in the morning ( 7:15 at the bus stop- 8am school start time) Elemetary were the last in- 8:30ish bus- 9:15 start time. Well, the board- in it's every puzzling "educated" minds, decided to change all that:

Elementary- start 8 am
HS- 8:30 start
Middle- 9:15 start?????????

Now, correct me if I'm wrong- but 13-15 year olds are not able legally to hold jobs(?). And an extra 15-30 minutes sleep in the morning doesn't really make all that much difference does it? ( not to mention it's really more like 10- since the travel time to the HS's is much longer. Ergo- HS-er's pick at bus stops is only 10 mintes AFTER the elementary kids get picked up!!!)

The long and short of this is that now, Kimmie has to go to school ( IN THE DARK for at least 1/2 of the year!!) at 7, and gets out at 2:30. Becky will get home at about 3:30, and Andy at 4:30. So since Kimmie is still way too young to manage on her own, and thanks to those "loverly" people in high places, I will have to shell out serious $$$$ to have Kim picked up and sent to day-care once more. An expense that I had not missed truth be told. Great! Way to make my month! Others before me have complained about this- but all they get is "the board voted- this is how it is- deal with it" crap. HARUPMF!)

Then there is the ever changing world of work. We've hired a couple of new people- but one of them is just not working out. She's very nice- but a total space case. She's still making (potenially life-threatening/law-suit type!) mistakes that are just too basic not to be learned by now, and she totally ignores any help/advice given. She's already left early several days, and called in sick 2X. She's not long for this job- I can tell you that! And the other guy, while very personable and great with the customers is not picking things up as quickly as we had hoped ( but at least he does his job correctly!). So that's a bit of a drag, as he's not able to "pull" and opening or closing shift yet. Which means the 3 of us remaining have to open/close/work the weekend shifts all ourselves. Tiring to say the least. I worked yesterday and had two regular long-term customers call up to chew us out for errors that should have never had happened. But newbies make them, and that's taxing as well. So that's draining as well.

So.... Now that I'm done complaining ;-) , I'll just post some pictures of Savannah for you all.

My favorite restarant in town. It's called the "Pirate house" and if you ever get the chance- don't miss it!

The clan outside. Tired, fed, and ready to go crash!

My version of a "sit-in". This is one of the 20+ little park squares around historic Savannah. Jon had been dragging us around ( walking in 95 degree heat) and I'd just had enough! Not to mention it was about 1:30pm, and we'd had neither breakfast OR lunch at that point. That look in my eyes is "Cold drink and food- or your SOOOO sleeping in the car tonight" look!

Savannah's riverfront. which is really nice, but I would have enjoyed it better had it not been so flippin' hot!

I have a lot more pictures, but I've been so busy that I haven't really had the chance to edit/tweak them all. I'll get them up here in the next week or so. I've got a relatively easy schedule this week ( if it holds!) so I might finally have some time/energy to have some fun on this thing. In the mean time, those above will have to do.

I'm now off to re-connect with the rest of you. Hope your having a good week.

Love and Peace, KC!

I Know- I know!

2007-07-29T11:53:00.000-05:00

Part 2 of the vacation and other stuff is coming.

But right now Harry is up to his wizard-arse in trouble, and He Who Should Not Be Named is in his head and........

I can't put it down NOW!!!!!!!!!

I'll be done by tonight- I promise. Because I don't think I'll be able to sleep until the last page. Then I'll collapse and post tomorrow. I work the night shift on Monday's so that will be no problem.

Peace and Love (and chewed fingernails lol!), KC

Well, I'm back-ish!

2007-07-20T08:18:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to get this post in here for the last few days. But between family and work- it's been a bit of a struggle. Not to mention, Photobucket has been anal as far as adding/deleting/moving files. I swear I've had to back out and in to my account everytime I want to upload a picture. Not to mention, I've been trying to "clean up" my account and it just won't do it ( error messages abound!) So I don't have as many pics to put up here as I'd like. I'll keep trying though!

Our vacation was pretty good. I've learned a lesson though- I'm not booking any more hotels off Expedia. It seems as though I almost always have problems. Here's my point- with 5 people, you either have to have adjoining rooms ( which you cannot book- period!) or a Suite. Which is fine, but I've ended up getting the shaft on that more than once. Such was our problem in St. Augustine. I had booked a Suite- 2 queens, and a sofa bed. Fine- but the Expedia site was wrong! This hotel didn't have *2 queen* suites- only suites with 1 king bed!? Which would certainly not work for us ( I'm close to my family- but I'm not sleeping 3 to a bed, thankyouverymuch!!!) The young man running the desk did us a favor by giving us 2 adjacent rooms instead, but that still was not what I had ordered. The Suites came with a fridge, microwave, etc. And we had brought with us a cooler full of food/drinks which we now had no way to cook/cool. So we were constantly running to the ice machine, to at least keep the drinks cold. ( I'm sorry, but the way my kids drink- I'm not paying $2 for a 20 oz. bottle of soda every time they're thirsty- when I can buy a 12 pack of cans for almost the same price!) This also bit into our funds a little more- as we had to buy breakfast instead of having it in the room. But anyway- such was our lot- at least we got the 2 rooms.

St. Augustine was beautiful, though it was W A Y too hot! *memo to self- no more summer holidays that are not far enough north to excape the heat!* 95 degrees, with heat indexes in the 100's. Sweat was the order of the day down there- I don't care how much of a breeze came through! We bought tickets to a trolley service, which gave us a tour and also allowed us to get from place to place without having to drive/walk everywhere.

The family at a museum. See how tall Andy's getting- scary!

Hubby in "jail". Hummmmm... Nope- not going there! ;-)

Picture of the town from fort of San Marcos.

It was a nice time, although I have to say that since I was there last, it has really become "comercialized". The "old town" street of St. George's place used to be all historic shops and such. But now there are more "tacky T-shirt" shops. Which was a disappointment, but what can you do? Still, we had a pretty good time. Finding a place to eat seemed to be our only problem. * another note to self- no more vacations where the predominant food is seafood- 2 eldest are NOT seafood fans!*

Now, I'm going off to fight with Photobucket again. Perhaps I can get a few more pics loaded, and add part 2 about Savannah when I get back here ( hopefully tomorrow- I have to work Sunday lol!)

Love and Peace, KC!

I'm OFF!

2007-07-08T19:58:00.000-05:00

From work for the next week, and tomorrow the family leaves on our little vacation.
Which means of course I may be MIA around here until next weekend. My only caveat is that Becky will no doubt be bringing her laptop, so if I can convince her to share..........

Oh, and speaking of which- 17 years ago today, I gave birth to my first child. 6lbs, 19 inches. TINY, TINY, TINY! They put her in a bed by the viewing window- right next to a 13 1/2 lb behemoth!! Everyone was ooohing and awwwing over "giant-child" and my mother turned to them all and said "Look at the little one here- She'll grow!!!!!!!" ( Grandmothers- gotta love 'em!)

So today she's 17, and I feel SOOOOO old! But she's my first, and I love her!

At Sea World this past spring.

Happy Birthday Rebekah Leigh! May your year be filled with love, laughter and happiness!

And with that- I'm off to start packing. Somehow, I think I'll be doing that for almost everyone else come tomorrow morning. Or at least checking to make sure that clothes get packed, along with the gameboys, CD's, I-Pods, books, stuffed animals.............

Have a great week all! And if anything terrific/terrible happens, some of you have my cell #. Don't be afraid to use it ;-)

Peace and Love, KC!

Ok, where to begin?

2007-07-02T11:01:00.000-05:00

The new tech. A guy we'll just call "D" for the present. Actually it fits in more than one respect, but let's not jump ahead........

This gentleman came recommended. Seems he's worked for Walgreen's before. AND in the Phamacy to boot! Yes, he'd left- but that was because his family moved, and he had no choice but to go with them. Now that he was back in the area, he wanted to work for "us" again. And in our situation ( needing help FAST!) we thought we'd hit the motherlode. Well, we did in a way.

He is experienced. He knows how to run a register. But where his phamacy experience is- I can't see it. Simple, basic stuff- yes. He can put in a refill. He can locate a RX when needed. But there is just too much that he either doesn't know- or won't do! ( as we come to know him- more like the 2nd!). For instance- we have a standing policy: if a patient is trying to drop off an RX for a CII narcotic ( I.E.- morphine, oxycontin, percocet, etc. ) you first have to do the following:

1- Check that we even have the drug in stock! ( pisses people off if they're just out of surgery, you make them wait 30 minutes, only to find out you don't have the drug to begin with!!??)

2- Check to see if said patient has had this RX in the recent past ( Gods know- we get plenty of people trying to get the "good drugs" WAAAAYYY to early!) We don't break laws- I don't care how bad your hurting! Your not the one to get sued if things go wrong!

"D" never does any of this! And we've even gone so far as to post a list of the CII drugs- right by the Drive thru window- that he can use as a reference. BUT NOOOOOOOO! He just takes it in- and then one of us has to deal with the pissed off customer. This is just one of the many things he *should* know how to handle- but doesn't.

Now, here comes the hard part to talk about. Because I really don't want to offend some of my readers. But this is the truth about "D", and there is no easy way around it. He's a DIVA! No, it's not that he's gay ( which, he is) that gets us upset. Quite frankly, I've worked with many gay people over the years. Never bothered me in the least what they did in their private life. Do the job, and I could care less! But this is the first time I've come across this. He just WHINES about EVERYTHING! "Oh, jeez, this is so messed up again!" "OH LORD- I just can't take this crap any more- I'll just CRY!!!!!" " KAAAARRRREEEENNNNN!- Help me before I loose my MIND here!!" ( him in the quotes- I could go on- but you get my drift)

This all would be slightly annoying, but the worst part is his voice B O O M S out where everyone can hear him! That's right- on top of us going/thinking that "D" just needs to calm down- EVEN THE CUSTOMERS can hear his rants- clear across the store! Poor Mr. P has had numerous customers complain about "D" and his "dramatics" over the last couple of weeks. He's also notorious for pulling the "I'm too good to do that" crap ( i.e.- empting the trash bins, vacuuming, cleaning- you know-all the stuff all the rest of us do??????) And don't ask him to do anything besides count pills or wait on customers. "I'm a tech- not a clerk!" is his response. ( never mind the fact that the rest of us are "Certified" techs- and yes deary- you ARE a glorified clerk until you learn your job!!!)

So do you see what I mean? I've never worked with anyone- Male or Female- that has been this *emotional* in all my years! I've tried everything I can think of to calm him down. I've tried to get him to lower his voice when he starts up- but he just "Karen- I just can't STAND IT ANYMORE SWEETIE" 's me- and off he goes! I've tried to guide him in the right direction. But it seems that he's just not listening. Mr. P. pulled him in the office last week ( I heard- I was out at the time) and basically told him if he didn't cut down on the drama- he's hours would be cut. I hope he heeds the warning. When he tries- he IS a good worker. But it just seems like he's trying less- and whining more.

Now- anyone have any ideas on how to deal with this? I just don't know what else to do. And frankly- neither do any of my co-workers.

*SIGH*

Love and Peace, KC

Better, Thanks!

2007-07-01T07:48:00.000-05:00

I'm doing much better, although I'm not *totally* over the viral "whatever" that hit me last week. My appetite and energy levels are still not up to normal, and I'm still having a bit of a hard time staying hydrated ( Gatorade is my friend ;-) ). But I'm working a pretty easy schedule this next week ( which I was NOT expecting) so by the time my vacation starts I should be right as rain! ( and- I've lost 7 lbs through all this- WOO HOOO!!!!) Looking on the bright side here...... :-)

I was also impressed by how they "took" my illness at work as well. No complaints about my extended absence. No whining about being short handed. They all were just very understanding. The only biotching I actually heard was about another co-worker ( he who I haven't mentioned yet- He'll take a whole blog post!) who called out last Tues for "the lamest reason on earth!" knowing I was out for the week. They all said that I had a darn good reason for being out- He, however is in the dog-house at work at the moment! (maybe that will be my post for tomorrow- I'm just trying to figure out how to tell you all about him. It's a tough one to write about. )

Anywho- I've got a house that has been mostly neglected due to mom being "out of it" for the last week. So I'm sure there is a pile of laundry with my name on it. And I know that the vacuum has not seen the floors in at least a week ( 3 kids, 1 dog- you do the math!) But I wanted to get here for a bit today, just to let you all know I'm doing fine- NO pun intended!

Hope you all have a great Sunday!

Peace and Love, KC!

Am I still alive?

2007-06-26T08:22:00.000-05:00

Well, yeah- in a way. Apparently I've picked up....er... "something". Something that has knocked me square on my back and is worse then any of the chemo after-affects I experienced. Started Thursday nite at work- my entire lower back just started HURTING! I figured I'd over-done something. Nothing some Ibuprofen and 1-on-1 with my heating pad would not cure. Woke up Friday, tried to get out of bed and BAM! The room was spinning like I'd done 10 shots of *nameyourpoison*! managed to get up, dressed and out the door ( I would have called out but I was first in- with a unknown pharmacist). Managed to make it through about 1 hour before my guts started "clensing themselves". Next tech came in I was gone home. I really should have called/gotten someone to drive me, I had such a fever that my vision/concetration left much to be desired. The whole weekend went by in bouts of fevers/sweats/spasms/you name it! Poor Hubby wanted to take me to the ER twice over the weekend- I of course refused ( I know- I'm an ass!)

Suffered through that, and thought I was good to go by yesterday ( Hubby made me call out on Sunday- he said I shouldn't drive- he's mostly right darn it!) Went in yesterday and both "G" and I realized this was not "over". So I went to the Dr. He's not sure either, but he's hoping that the tests he had me take may find the source of all this. Meanwhile he has me parked at the house, eating bland food ( which is ok- don't have much of an appetite!) and told me not to go back to work until we "fix this". I hope he finds out today- cause that's all the further my work release pass lasts- and If I call in yet again after all this.............

I'm getting off now. the chills are coming back ( funny- how could I be cold in flannel PJ's in FL. in the SUMMER????) and it takes every bit of my concentration to even type here. Just wanted to let you know I'm still around. I'm just more in love with my gatorade and my comforter at the moment ;-)

Peace and Love, KC!

Sorry about being AWOL, but

2007-06-18T09:21:00.000-05:00

( Caution- there is some non-PG stuff in here!)

I've been in a major "funk" all week. Why? Well, as some of you might know, I spend a bit of time on Melodic Rock and it's forums. With the Journey news that broke this past week, I've been ensconced there like Zombie. WHY? WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???

Now, understand that Journey has/had always been a favorite of mine. Saw them a few times in the '80's, back when the wonderful Steve Perry was front and center stage. Was actually 2nd row between Neil and Steve on the "Raised on Radio" tour. Loved their live shows- worth every penny paid!

When Steve P. left- I really tried to give Steve Augeri a chance. Truly I did. But he just wasn't "It" for me. So I lived with my memories, and days gone by.

Flash forward to last summer. I had tickets to see the DL/Journey tour. I figured what the heck- I was really going to see DL anyway. And perhaps this Steve A. guy had gotten better with time. Then on MR I see where Steve A. was having problems. Couldn't sing anymore- and they were bringing in a guy I'd heard about but never seen- one Jeff Scott Soto. I figured whatever- BOY! Did he bowl me over. It was only his 4th night with them- and he had the whole crowd up and running. Was he Steve P? No, of course not- but he had an energy, and a vibe that was something I had not seen from this band in- shit, 20 years?????????? Then I saw him again in Orlando in November. HOLY HECK! He had gotten so good that even my hubby ( he who is not a music-phile in the least!) glued to him and the band for the entire set! Jon was impressed as all heck- and believe me when I tell you that's NOT easy! And I was thrilled for Jeff when he was announced as the new lead singer, couldn't happen to a nicer guy......

Which of course, leads us to this past week's announcement. Talk about "Gob-smacked"! Jeff, poor soul- is devastated. And I can't blame him. He was given a chance to live his dream, only to have the rug pulled out from under him. I know he'll survive this- he's just THAT good. But now, I have a problem. I can't listen to Journey's music anymore. If it's on the radio- I have to flip the channel. Because no matter what song comes on- all I want to do is either cry- or smash my fist through it. So that's where I'm at right now. And I have one other thing to say, this time to the "remaining" members of Journey:

Hope your happy with yourselves. Because the DL tour is going to go down in history as the LAST tour that you get any kind of praise. Everyone knows about you now. Your just a bunch of backstabbing, egotistical FUCKING-Idiots. You must have known the crap was going to fly- since you took down your forums ( which remain down-btw) a few scant hours before the announcement. Way to look like a bunch of professionals guys. You'll get no more money from me. And as a friend of mine has said on occasion- I wouldn't piss on you guys if you were on fire!

The Journey continue? Nope- toss it in boys- you've done more than "fracture the stone"- you've pulverized it!

See what you could have had:

Now you've got squat!

Done, finished, finito, BUH-Bye!

*RANT OFF*

I'll be back when I'm over this. In a day or two. I'm going back to MR- to Jeff's forum. And let him know that not everyone is an idiot.

Peace and Love, KC!

Friday- and the homestead is quite once again!

2007-06-08T10:03:00.000-05:00

Because Mom came home yesterday- and took her dog with her! Now do not get me wrong. I like "Maggie" alot. For a small dog she's really nice. But she has the biggest mouth this side of the Mason/Dixon line! AND she's on my mom's time/schedule. Which means she's up and raring to go at 5:30am!!! She's a Beagle- so she has that "hound-style" bark. You know, the one that can grate on you? I haven't had a decent night sleep in 3 weeks. And she insists on sleeping in the bed with you. Which is fine for mom- she's got a King size bed and sleeps alone. Whereas Jon + Dog = me with no room on our Queen bed! I've had a kink in my back for the last three weeks. I can't begin to tell you how hard I crashed last night- now that I had my share of the bed! LOL!
( Mom called me though- Maggie seems to miss us. She sat by the door after we left, and then went into her cage/bed and refused to come out. Do I feel like a louse or what???!!!)

Work is the same- not great, not too bad. At least I've been back to my normal schedule, which is fine by me. I just hope we get a couple more people lined up soon. Julie ( the tech/now a nurse) is officially leaving us the end of the month- and I don't want to go through any more BS again.

The kids are getting better about the house now. I had to lay down the law about dirty dishes/toys/ responsibilites. They're all old enough to pick up after themselves ( otherwise they wouldn't be left home!) and I think they understand that I can't do it all myself. At least- that's what I hope is going on. I've been home the last couple of days, so they haven't really had a chance to "fly solo" as it were. Cross your fingers on this please!!

I did manage to get our summer vacation planned out. We aren't going too far this year ( mainly because of the gas prices!) and Becky requested that we not go until after her birthday ( vacation is the 2nd week in July). So we're spending 2 days in St. Augustine, and 2 days in Savannah, GA. We're also thinking about spending a day in Ocala, FL. But I have to get with my roomie and see if she's gonna be there. That's the reason I want to go there ( along with Silver Springs) but I think we'd get there the day before she leaves on vacation herself. So the last day or so is still up in the air. One good thing about this vacation- Becky has her laptop- and both hotels we're staying at have wireless in the rooms! So I won't be out of touch totally! Expect some pictures and such while we're gone!

One other thing before we get on to our Friday Funnie.
I don't think I'm gonna make the DL show in Tampa this year. Between vacation, the fact that the Fan club presales for that show were so totally screwed up as to be rediculous ( I'm not worried about being right up front- but not being able to buy 2 seats together is just not gonna work for me! Not to mention the link not working at all most of the day yesterday!!). And well, it's gonna probably be the same set list we've seen the past 3 years- so I think I'll just pass this one by, and save up for 2008. Unless Jon hits some good #'s in the lottery or something

So that's my life the last week or so. Boring as all hell basically! SOOOOOOO......
...........................................................................................................................
Some food for thought

In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to
beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of Thumb". Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled
"Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into
the English language.

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred
and Wilma Flintstone.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.

Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska

The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28%

The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%

The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400.

The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given
hour: 61,000

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.

The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a Great King from history:

Spades - King David

Hearts - Charlemagne

Clubs -Alexander, the Great

Diamonds - Julius Caesar

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle.
If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.

Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what? A….Birthplace

Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested? A…. Obsession

Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to count till you would find the letter"A"? A….One thousand Q. What do bullet-proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?

A. All were invented by women.

Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey

Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day Of the Year?

A. Father's Day

In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.
When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed
firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase........ "goodnight, sleep tight."

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago a month after
the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the
mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was
lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today
as the honeymoon.

In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old
England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them
"Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down. "It's where we get the
phrase "mind your P's and Q's"

Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the
rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they
used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase
inspired by this practice. ~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~

At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!

Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you
can read it.

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg.
The phaonmneal pweor of th huan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde
Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are,
the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be
in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed
it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey
lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...

1.You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.

2.You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3.You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.

4.You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5.Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that
they don't have e-mail addresses.

6.You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if
anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7.Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8.Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have
the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic
and you turn around to go and get it.

10.You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11.You start tilting your head sideways to smile. = : ) 12.You're reading this and nodding and laughing. 13.Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14.You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15.You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself!

....................................................................................

Peace and Love, KC!

Kids are out of school....

2007-05-30T07:06:00.001-05:00

And I'm just swamped! I'd forgotten how much work it is to have them home 24/7. I mean, it seems that the house is clean when I leave for work- only to have a mess when I return. Not just "stuff" all over, but the dirty dishes/cups/such that pile up during the day. I really have to "get on them" to put these things away when they're done with them. Otherwise, we'll never survive the summer unscathed!

On to some pictures- of Andy's graduation. He's off to middle school next year, and they had ceremony to mark the occasion:

Some of the chess club people

Andy recieving his certificate from the principal

Andy and 2 of his good friends in his classroom after. Where something really cool happened. Whilst everyone was milling around, his teacher asked us all to come to her and sign for their final report cards. When it was my turn, and I said Andy's name- she grabbed my arm. She then looked *straight* into my eyes and said "Keep on him. Make sure he does his work. His FCAT scores are in- HE GOT ALL 5's!! He's going places, and if he can just get on paper what is in his head- he's just going to be AMAZING!!" ( FCATS are the state tests that are supposed to gauge how students/schools are doing- the ones the government mandated. 5 is the highest score you can get on the FCATS) I was totally blown away. I mean- I know Andy is smart. And I know he's very creative. But to hear this from a woman that has been teaching 30+ years- WOW! I mean, I saw how she greeted the other parents, and nothing like that went on with them. So needless to say I'm very proud of him! (even if I can't get him to tuck in his shirt, or take off that god-forsaken hoodie!!)

Now it's back to "normal", which means work, work, cleaning, and work! I've been trying ( somewhat) to spend more time NOT being on this thing. I found I was spending soo much time on the various forums/blogs/websites that some things around here were getting neglected. So that's why I'm not here as much as I have been. NO- I'm not shutting this down, and I will still be here, just not everyday as I once was. I've also been catching up on my "to be read" list. I have had a pile of books on my nightstand screaming at me for months. So I've been catching up there too. I'm totally hooked on a new series called the "Black Dagger Brotherhood" by J.R.Ward. They're a paranormal romance series- and WOO BOY! Are these guys/books HAWT! And what is really fun about being involved in this series is the forum the author has up. I mean, lots of authors have forums- it's the way things are now. But the charactors from the books actually come out and "play" on the forums! And JR is on there alot as well. If any of you are interested- the website for the author is http://www.JRWARD.com/ ( BTW- These guys ARE vampires, but not the stereotypical, Dracula type. No- they're just another species and the stories are just riveting!!) If you like a good romance/action type book, give them a try!

OK, ok, I'm done "pimping" the books! And I'm off today, so I guess I'd better get this place cleaned up. I'm working again on Sunday, so I have to get "ahead of the game" here today. Then again, the house will probably look like crap by Friday anywho............

Hope you all are well! "Talk" to you soon!

Peace and Love, KC!

OK- so it's Saturday?!

2007-05-19T21:00:00.000-05:00

Jokes-

THIS SHOULD END ALL 3 BEARS STORIES....

Baby Bear goes downstairs and sits in his small

chair at the table, he looks into his small bowl.

It is empty. "Who's been eating my porridge?!!"

he squeaks. Papa Bear arrives at the big table and

sits in his big chair. He looks into his big bowl, and

it is also empty. "Who's been eating my

Porridge?!!" he roars. Momma Bear puts her head

through the serving hatch from the kitchen and yells,

"How many times do we have to go through this with you idiots? It was

Momma Bear who got up first, it was Momma Bear who

woke everyone in the house, it was Momma Bear who made

the coffee, it was Momma Bear who unloaded the

dishwasher from last night, and put everything away,

it was Momma Bear who went out in the cold early

morning air to fetch the newspaper, it was Momma Bear

who set the damn table, it was Momma Bear who put the

friggin cat out, cleaned the litter box, and filled

the cat's water and food dish, and, now that you've

decided to drag your sorry bear-asses downstairs, and

grace Momma Bear's kitchen with your grumpy presence,

listen good, cause I'm only going to say this one more

time.....

"I HAVEN'T MADE THE @!#$*@! PORRIDGE YET"!
...............................................

Love you all- so another.... ( besides, I owe y'all!)

>> A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph 's Hospital. She timidly asked,
>> "Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is
>> doing?"
>>
>> The operator said "I'll be glad to help, Dear. What's the name and room
>> number?"
>>
>> The grandmother in her weak tremulous voice said, "Norma Findlay, Room
>> 302."
>>
>> The Operator replied, "Let me place you on hold while I check with her
>> nurse." After a few minutes the Operator returned to the phone, "Oh, Good
>> news. Her nurse has told me that Norma is doing very well. Her blood
>> pressure is fine; her blood work just came back as normal and her
>> Physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged
>> Tuesday."
>>
>> The Grandmother said, "Thank you. That's wonderful! I was so worried! God
>> bless you for the good news."
>>
>> The operator replied, "You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?"
>>
>> The Grandmother said, "No, I'm Norma Findlay in 302. No one tells me
>> shit."
..........................................

Bless you all for staying with me!

Love and Oh, heck, A few Hugs!
KC

Hell, life is crazy!

2007-05-17T08:50:00.000-05:00

Here I thought I'd get back on here in just a couple of days, but nooooooo! Anywho, you haven't missed much ;-).

Have my Mom's beagle for the next couple of weeks. She's up in PA again, staying with my cousin. Should be interesting to see how my dog takes to having her home invaded. So far, just a few growls between them. Thankfully, Mom's dog comes complete with a cage that she is to be put in while the house is empty. I can't imagine what it would be like to leave these 2 unattended. Scary- to say the least!

I'm also trying once again to plan the family vacation. the thing that sucks is- with 5 of us, it's hard to find a hotel. And after the near-disaster that was the first hotel I had booked on our trip to VA, I'm a little gun-shy to book online again. Plus, what we'd like to do is spend a few days in St. Augustine, a couple in Savannah, and then go to Stone Mountain or Atlanta for a few. Which makes it hard to book on-line. And I just can't do like Dad did back-in-the-day, which was to just drive until we find a hotel. With my luck we'd wind up in a dive or worse yet- in the middle of flippin' nowhere! So I may have to come up with another idea. Or can it altogether, which would be a bummer since Becky will start college next summer ( GULP!) and we won't be able to afford it next year!

Other than all that, it's been the same ol', same ol' here. Andy graduates from elementary school next week, so I'll get some pics of that. And probably some of our "visitor" while she's here. Hope you all are well, and we'll talk soon. I work the night shift tomorrow, so perhaps it's time I resurrected our "Friday Funnies"????

Peace and Love, KC

Hellllllloooooooo!!!

2007-05-08T08:06:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm back! And *hopefully* will remain that way lol! We've finally got some new help at work, and while it will be some time before they are "up to speed" at least that means less shifts for me. Which is really good, because my house looks like hell, and my body feels like I haven't slept for 3 weeks. I'm off today, work the closing shift tomorrow, and then off on Thursday. So with any luck, I'll have everything around here "back to right" by the weekend!

Today I have to go over to Mom's house. She has a few "Ms. Fix-it" things for me to do over there. Seems she didn't take my advice ( WHY does that not surprise me???) about her front door's knob. She said it was sticking, and I told her to just leave it alone until I could get over to take a look at it. BUT NOOOOOOOO!!!!! She had to go and fiddle with it, and it's been on the coffee table ever since! She really doesn't use her front door- she goes through the garage- so why it was so darned important I don't know. She's also got a dead-bolt on there, so it's not like anyone could break in?! So I'm off to her house in a little while to replace her doorknob. Half of which is still stuck in the doorjam? Don't make it easy on me Mom, sheesh!

( Thank you Dad, for letting me follow you around all those years, and explaining how you were fixing all the shit around the house!)

I'm also gonna do some serious "purging" around here in the next week or two. Both Kimmie and Andy have loads of stuff that needs to "disappear". The boy has so much junk stuffed into his drawers, there is no longer room for his clothes. Which wind up either on the end of his bed- or the floor! So I fear that Waste Management is really going to hate me very soon! And he wonders why I don't allow his friends over- his room is really "Hurricane alley"!

Other than that, just the same-old, same-old. I've been spending some time ( on-line) at some new "haunts". A couple of forums for the authors I am addicted to ( Sherrilyn Kenyon, J.R.Ward ) and trying to keep up with the pre-sales for DL. I don't know if I'm going to go to a show this year. The only one here in Fl. is in Tampa- about 3-4 hours across the state. Which would mean hotel,long drive, etc. All of that for the "same" show I've seen the past 3 years. I'll see what we decide to do for the summer vacation, and then decide whether the funds will be there. I'm still paying off the medical bills, and we really need to get some stuff fixed around here- the stuff I can't do (Plumbing!). So my "Leptrek" this year may not happen.

Well, I have to get over to Mom's house. So I'll leave you all for today. I'll be back either tomorrow or Thursday for sure! Just a pic to brighten your day- Kimmie and her "boyfriend" Wayne at my SIL's summer picnic;

Aren't they cute???!

See y'all soon!
Peace and Love, KC!

No- I am not dead!

2007-04-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

But the past couple of weeks have been hectic. But first- I want to send a shout out to a special lady on a special day!

Happy Birthday Jude! Hope your day is a wonderful one!

And now on to the stuff that's kept me away from the 'net for much of the time. It started when I went to lunch with my Mom. I had known that she's been in a bit of a "funk" since her sister died. But now she just seems to be depressed about everything. She had to get new homeowner's insurance ( she was one of the ones that got dropped by Allstate, in their attempt to save money) and that cost her dearly. Her boss is a raving lunatic, and with everything else- she's decided to look into moving back up to PA. She thinks she'll be able to retire up there, without it costing her everything she has. I'm OK with that really. Gives me a reason to go up and see family/friends ( are you listening Michael?) and if it gives her that chance to relax- so be it. But of course, that means I'm being drafted to help her get ready should she move. 20 years + of stuff that has to be gone through/pitched/donated. Not to mention all the stuff she needs done to her townhouse before she could sell it ( paint,deep cleaning, etc.) So my days off will be filled with that for a while. Which leads into part II.....

Days off have been infrequent lately. Because we've lost 2 techs AGAIN! Seems one didn't pass her random drug test ( OUCH!) and the other graduates in a week or two. So I'm back up to 40+ hours until they find more help- YET AGAIN! And the time I am home is spent cleaning/catching up on everything I normally do on said day's off. Which leaves me little time/energy to surf/post/enjoy being on here. Well, let's put it this way:

The Doorbell rang at 3am last night-

It was my ass dragging in!

So bear with me my friends, until things calm down and get back to "normal" in my life. ( what IS "normal" anyway!??) I'll get here as much as I can. I'll leave you all with a few pics from the wedding we went to a couple of weeks ago...

Under the tent at the wedding- isn't it beautiful?!

Me, River BIL, BIL ( the one who's house we go to on Saturday's) and River SIL ( and Hubby's twin!)

Hope you all are well, and I'll try to get around to say "Hi" as soon as I can ;-)

Peace and Love, KC

Jeez- Time flys

2007-04-11T10:20:00.000-05:00

It just seems like I was here yesterday. Oh well, life's been busy.

The wedding was pretty nice. I'd say great, except that there was a slight problem with the catering. Seems they didn't plan enough food for the amount of people. I don't know whether it's because more people showed than they planned or what. But all I know is by the time Jon and I went to get some- it was all gone! (They ended up ordering a shit-load of pizzas to feed those of us that didn't get any dinner). I don't think that was the case though- the didn't even seem to have enough hors d'oeuvres for the people either. 2 open bars, 3 kegs, and no food. Sorry, but I think someone screwed up there! And yes- they had a wedding planner! Don't plan on recomending her anytime soon ;-)

Other than that, just the usual work,housework, homework crap. I'm off today, so I'm planning on going out and getting some plants. I've managed to get a couple of the beds cleared, so it's time to get the veggies/herbs in. Some have survived the winter ( rosemary and oregano) so that will make it slightly easier. I'm also planning ( if there's time!) to go through this computer stand. It seems that I have a lot of discs that we just don't use. But I can use the cases for all my bootlegs, cd's etc. So out with the crap!

Which means I'd better get started. I've already made some salad for the week ( macaroni salad with tunafish- YUM!) and cleaned up a bit around the house. I'll catch you all tomorrow- I'll upload some pics of the wedding then.

Peace and Love, KC!

Vacation- Part II

2007-04-06T06:09:00.000-05:00

Did I tell you all about the little "glitch" in our vacation? No, well then.....

Seems that while we were at the Pirate's dinner, somehow my cell phone managed to "leave" my purse. I noticed this once we got back to the Villa. I tried calling the theater, but no one was answering the phones. I was pretty pissed, as I just got that darn phone less than 2 months ago- and all our "spares" are being used ( Jon's phone died, and Andy's was stolen- so they are using the spares!) Which means if I didn't find the thing- it would cost me $300 to replace it! But I called the place as we were leaving Sea World, and they had it. So that solved that "glitch"!

On to the pictures:

Becky feeding the Seals. May not seem like much- but my kids have never been this close to sea animals of any kind. You cold almost reach out and pet them. And they sure know how to pose!

A few of the show "Believe". Really- how do they train these whales? It is just amazing, what they do. And pictures really don't do it justice. I wish I had thought to get video of this. But I was so caught up I totally forgot!

Well, This weekend is gonna be busy 2X! Today is Andy's birthday ( 13th- I've officially got another teenager in the house lol!)

Tomorrow we have a wedding to attend, and Sunday of course is Easter. Though we don't celebrate it in the religious sense, we do have an egg hunt for the kids ( which means me up at the crack of dawn to hid the eggs!) baskets, etc. So that should keep me busy right up to afternoon on Sunday. Which may be the next-best chance of me here.

So I hope you all have a great weekend, and a Happy Easter!

Oh, jeez, is it Friday??????........

......................................

SOCIAL SECURITY SEX

Two men were talking. "So, how's your sex life?"

"Oh, nothing special. I'm having Social Security sex."

"Social Security sex?"

"Yeah, you know; I get a little each month, but not enough to live on!"

LOUD SEX

A wife went in to see a therapist and said, "I've got a big problem, doctor.

Every time we're in bed and my husband climaxes, he lets out this ear splitting yell."

"My dear," the shrink said, "that's completely natural. I don't see what the problem is."

"The problem is," she complained, "it wakes me up!"

QUIET SEX

Tired of a listless sex life, the man came right out and asked his wife

during a recent lovemaking session, "How come you never tell me when you have an orgasm?"

She glanced at him casually and replied, "You're never home!"

CONFOUNDED SEX

A man was in a terrible accident, and his "manhood" was mangled and torn

from his body. His doctor assured him that modern medicine could give

him back his manhood, but that his insurance wouldn't cover the surgery

since it was considered cosmetic. The doctor said the cost would be

$3,500 for "small", $6,500 for "medium", $14,000 for "large".

The man was sure he would want a medium or large, but the doctor urged

him to talk it over with his wife before he made any decision The man

called his wife on the phone and explained their options. The doctor

came back into the room, and found the man looking dejected.

"Well, what have the two of you decided?" asked the doctor.

The man answered, "She'd rather remodel the kitchen."

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY SEX

A husband and his wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th wedding anniversary.

The husband yells, "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads: 'Here Lies My Wife-Cold As Ever'."

"Yeah," she replies, "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads: 'Here Lies My Husband - Stiff At Last'."

WOMEN'S HUMOROUS SEX

My husband came home with a tube of K-Y jelly and said, "This will make you happy tonight."

He was right.

When he went out of the bedroom, I squirted it all over the doorknobs.

He couldn't get back in.

ELDERLY SEX

One night an 87 year old woman came home from Bingo to find her 92 year old husband in bed with another woman.

She became violent and ended up pushing him off the balcony of their 20th floor "assisted living apartment" ... killing him instantly.

Brought before the court on charge of murder, the judge asked her if she had anything to say in her defense.

She began coolly, "Yes, your honor, I figured that at 92, if he could have sex, he could fly."

..............................

Catch you Later!

Peace and Love, KC!

Well, it all started

2007-04-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

By putting Shadow in the kennel. Boy- she wimpered as she was lead off, and I really thought Becky was gonna cry! But we were not going to leave her home alone again- with only one of Andy's friends for company. Not gonna do that again- EVER.

We had decided to "bomb" the house as well while we were gone. This is Florida- and bugs are a way of life. But it seemed the sensible thing to do- no dog, and us out of the house safely. But having to strip down the kitchen is a pain. Everything out of the cabinets, and all the stuff from the pantry. It also meant that we had to put all that stuff BACK when we returned. But oh well...

(ps- as of this post- most of the dishes are still piled on the kitchen table lol!)

we got to Kissimme around 5 pm. Checked into our villa. Now- this one was not *quite* as nice as the one last year. A little older I think. But the place was clean, neat, and had a nice view of the pool- so we were content. These villas were/are all set up in little groups. With courtyards in the middle, all named after local attractions ( IE- Micky Mouse court, Universal court, etc.) Wouldn't you know- we were in Spaceport court???!!! Coincidence? I think not ;-)!

Anywho- off to the Pirate Adventure theater. It was pretty cool- not as good as Medievel times, but good none the less. Actually, I think the kids liked it more. But the food/drinks were good, and the show entertaining.

Us at dinner

An attempt to get the full stage- pretty big! This pic taken with the lens at normal...

Pirates up the main mast!
( Heck of a zoom I've got there huh?- Hey- I told you I'd be "playing" with my new toy :-) )

Next- off to Sea world. Florida residents can get these "Fun Cards". It means for the price of 1 day- you are good to go back all year. Which is what I got. The lady at the booth told me that the price on these cards is going to go up next week, so I got really lucky!

Ok- some pics:

"Journey to Atlantis"- Holy soaking Batman! We got good and drenched on this one!

You've heard of a Sea-horse? This is a Sea-dragon!

Me up under the sharks!

That's all I have time for today.

More pics soon!

PS- wouldn't you know- my darn dryer broke while we were gone. I've got 2 loads of clothes soaking wet in my laundry room. So I'm off to the local laundrymat to dry them. PFFFFFTTTTTT!!!

Have a good day!
Peace and Love, KC!

Just got home

2007-03-30T17:40:00.000-05:00

And just a few pictures:

Underwater at the Dolphin exhibit

And a short video from the Dolphin show:

And just to show you all:

Becky, Me, Kimmie & Andy.

I'll get more into it all tomorrow. But we came home to a house that needed cleaning ( we had decided to bug-bomb the house while we were gone, so all that had to be cleaned up!) and I have tons more pictures to edit. I took almost 300 shots- I LOVE MY NEW CAMERA!

Hope you all have a great Friday evening. I'll find my funny and put up tomorrow with more pictures and a bigger post. I'm just too wiped out tonight!

Peace and Love,
KC!

Almost ready!

2007-03-27T07:33:00.000-05:00

I've bought all the tickets ( the Sea World ones- that let us in all year for 1 days price!) And I take Shadow to the vet today to get her shots updated. Otherwise, the kennel will not take her! We're planning on leaving sometime tomorrow afternoon ( since we can't check into our villa until 4pm). I've been spending the past couple of days just doing the housecleaning and relaxing. It was nice not to have to cram all that cleaning into one day. At least I'm not as tired as I would be normally.

I'll try and post here while were gone- but I'm not making promises ( lalalala ;-) ) because I've found out that the only place that has wireless access is a place there called the clubhouse. And as I'm not sure where that's at- and how it's set up, well all I can say is we'll see. The plans are to go to the Pirates Adventure dinner thingy tomorrow night, Sea World all day Thursday, then possiblely returning there for awhile Friday. It all depends on what we see on day 1. They have a ton of shows there- and as the park closes at 6pm Thursday- we may not have the chance to see them all. And heck- since we have the "all year passes" - we might as well use them! So look for me back here no later than Saturday. And since my housework/laundry/stuff will all be done before we leave- the weekend will be a restful one.

Plenty of time to fool around here. I hope!

Until then- have a great week!

Peace and Love, KC!

WOO HOO!

2007-03-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

Having a good day here! Of course being off today is part of it- but after the rollercoaster that's been my world the last few days- it's nice to be on the "upswing" so to speak. Let me explain.....

Same old start to a weekend. Spent Friday morning paying the bills, blogging, etc. Saturday as well- went to the store, BIL's, no big. Thinking about what we were going to do on next week's vacation. I mean- Sea World? Something else? stay overnight- or do the "long-haul" from here to there in one day? Got online Sunday to check to see what was available. Looked at the bank account balance- and almost had heart failure! According to them- about $1000 was missing!!?? OH SHIT! Had someone hacked my account? Did the mortgage company double-charge me? ( that would not have covered all that was missing, still...?) I was scared shitless- I kid you not! At that point- there was nothing I could do. No one at the bank on Sundays after all.

Monday morning- and I had to be at work early. We were slammed, so I didn't get a chance to call until almost noon- then when I did- the monies were all there! Still- I talked to a clerk , who informed me that their computer system went "wonky" over the weekend. NO SHIT G/F! She said she'd been fielding calls all morning about it. Flash forward to Monday evening, Jon mentions to me that I had to do an "errand" for him Tuesday. Very unusual for him- he doesn't ask me to do that normally. But it seems that his boss decided he had too much vacation time accrued, and paid him 2 weeks! Extra monies!!!!!!!!!!!!

So we're going to Sea World alright! And I booked us dinner reservations at the "Pirates dinner theater" as well. ( It's kind-of like that Medievel Times place we went to last year- only it's with a Pirate theme). 2 nights out of the house, and OUT OF TOWN! Now I just have to find someone to watch our dog for 2 days. Shouldn't be too hard though. ( actually- I just called while typing this- I didn't realize boarding pets was so CHEAP!? Should have done this all along!)

So I'm now counting down the days. Looking forward to a "break" in the insanity that is my world. But don't worry y'all- Becky has a laptop- so look for postings while were gone. It's going to be fun though, just getting away with the family for a couple of days. I SOOOOO need this after all the shit that's been going on at work.

Fish, Pirates, and some cold beers ( Anheiser Busch owns Sea World- btw!)
A jacuzzi in the villa I rented!

(I don't think even "Calgon" can do all that for you!)

Have a great "hump day" all!

Peace and Love, KC!

Burn baby Burn!

2007-03-16T07:29:00.000-05:00

No- not disco- DISCS!

I've finally gotten around to burning all those discs I've promised everyone. I've been trying all week, but every time I got them all together, something came up. Usually someone from work calling me in early lol!

So I'm doing them now, and will mail them out later today. So if anyone wants to put in their "order", now's a good time! I'm also planning on getting to my garden today, provided mother nature doesn't screw with me again. It seems that every time I've tried, the rains came. Which is ok, as we need the rain badly, but I'm sick and tired of looking at weeds. I really need to get my veggies planted soon, before the weather turns from nice to HOT! I so love going out and getting fresh veggies to cook- YUMMIE!

I'm off the next 3 days, then I'm working 4 days next week, followed by a week off! That's right- my version of Spring Break is coming! The kids are off as well, and Jon managed to take off a few days. So we're going to do some major work around the house, as well as go to Sea World one day. All the kids want to go, and we haven't been there since Andy was about 2 yrs old, so it's time! I had hoped to go to St. Augustine for a few days, but I just couldn't get reservations anywhere. It's really hard to find good/cheap hotel rooms/suites for us. 4 people is easy, but 5 throws a major wrench in the works! Either you have to get 2 rooms ( which Jon insists have to be adjoining so we can supervise the kids) or a suite. Those are either hard to find, or expensive as hell! I'm working on our vacation this summer. Perhaps I can find something then that is both affordable and fun. (Yeah, and if hubby could just get a few numbers in the lottery- I wouldn't have this problem!) LOL!

Well, since it IS Friday.....

......................................................................................
Ever wonder?
Here are a few things to think about that you probably have never thought about;

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"?
Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

If Wiley E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride; he sticks his head out the window?

(Things that make you go HMMMMMMMM........)

Well, I've got to switch discs, and gather more for burning out of my car ( can you say Viva Lep Vegas?!) So I'm outta here for now. I'll be back this weekend for sure- since we now have 2 computers, it's not a battle for online time! Hope you all have a great one! ( and for those of you up in the Northeast- take care and stay warm/dry/safe!

Peace and Love, KC!

I am going to kill my son!

2007-03-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

Dead, as in doornail. Toast, kaput, finito, buh-bye!!!

I just got my phone bill. Which normally runs around $30 ( my land-line is pared down to basics, since we do most of our calling with the cell phones.) Andy has been 3-way-calling his friends, to the grand total of almost $200 !!!!!

WTF???!!!! was he thinking? Did he lose his brains somewhere in that pit he calls a bedroom? I knew he was spending a ton of time on the phone lately ( talking to his g/f I assume, as he hides in his room when he does!) But Holy mother of Bell South! I just called a few of the #'s on the bill, just to let them know what he's been doing. In case their kids are doing the same. So far though, it seems the others are using their cell phones to do this. Which is fine by me- we have enough minutes to call Mars if needs be. So I'm going in late to work. My son and I are having a "little" discussion when he gets home.

Film at 5pm.

Peace and Love, KC

Another week, another headache!

2007-03-09T08:26:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, our old computer ( that one I've used for almost 3 years) bit the dust when we moved it into the other room. The "geeks" said that is not unusual, as a computer gets "acclimated" to it's surroundings, and can be thrown off in a move. Well, I had them transfer all my files from the old one to a new tower I purchased. But I'm having a hard time pulling them up. Which means if I can't- I've lost my I-Tunes again. And all the CD's and stuff I bought that was on there! All my "singles" that I bought, all my JSS solo CD's, etc. I'm so pissed right now I don't want to even get on that blasted thing again and try! Perhaps sometime this weekend. I have to go to work in a bit, and I don't need to go in there already in a bad mood. That comes AFTER I get to work, thankyouverymuch!

I've also loaded my NERO 7 on here. I thought I could get away with using the Roxio that came with Vista, but it doesn't want to use the CD labels I have. It wants a specific brand- or none at all. And they don't sell that brand around here don't you know! So Nero is up and running. I just have to figure out how to use it lol! But that should be no problem. Give me a day off with no interference, and I'll have that wired!

Work's ok, things are slowly falling into place. Still some rough days, but for the most part- it's going well enough. I've noticed lately though that I'm getting ( on and off ) a stabbing pain shooting up the back of my head, from the base of my skull to the top. I'm thinking ( hoping more like!) that it's just stress. After that whole aneurysm thing a few years ago- I'm a little nervous. If it keeps happening, I may call the dr. for a check up. I don't want a repeat of that problem- no flippin' way! I'll see today if it happens again, or over the weekend. If it does- I'll call my dr. on Monday. Better safe than sorry!

Well, that's all that's going on in my little world. Fixing computers and work. Oh, and downloading/burning boots! Don't forget to check my list below- if you want any- you know how to reach me ;-) And since it's Friday.........

..............................................................................................

An accountant, a lawyer and a cowboy were standing side-by-side using the urinal.
The accountant finished, zipped up and started washing and literally scrubbing his
hands...clear up to his elbows....he used about 20 paper towels
before he finished.

He turned to the other two men and commented, "I graduated from the University of
Michigan and they taught us to be clean."
The lawyer finished, zipped up and quickly wet the tips of his fingers, grabbed
one paper towel and commented,
I graduated from the University of California and they taught us to
be environmentally conscious."

The cowboy zipped up and as he was walking out the door said," I graduated from the
University of Saskatchewan and they taught us not to piss on our hands."

(hehehehehe!)

And just because I can! ( Hey- it's my blog after all!)

Sarah walked into a pharmacy and told the pharmacist that she needed some cyanide.

The Pharmacist said, "Why in the world do you need cyanide?"

Sarah then explained she needed it to poison her husband.

The pharmacist's eyes got big and he said, "Lord, have mercy. I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband!

That's against the law! I'll lose my license; they'll throw both of us in jail and all kinds of bad things will happen!

Absolutely not, you can NOT have any cyanide!"

Sarah reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed... with the pharmacist's wife.

The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, "Well, now. You didn't tell me you had a prescription."

..................................................................................

Well, with that most appropriate joke ( no we do not carry cyanide lol!) I'll wish you all a great Friday!
With any luck, I'll see you all this weekend.

Peace and Love, KC!

Ok, listen up!

2007-03-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've got my Roxio up and running. I have some new discs that are ready. So if you want some of those CD/DVD boots that I've mentioned in the past- E-MAIL ME!

I'm working on some for my boss right now. Second spot goes to Steph, since she has lost so much of her stuff recently. The rest of you, well, ask and I'll burn them in order of your requests. Along with the "infamous" tour manager's video I have:

Behind the Music
Argentina 1997
Milan, Italy 1993
Philly, 2003
3 continents in one day ( kind-of hard to hear/see, but pretty cool!)
rare and recent interview footage
Unplugged and Unshaved
Beacon theater on the X tour- all three nights!
Japan-Euphoria-1999

I also have a Journey boot- live in Baltimore Nov 10 2006 ( with JSS)

these are all the DVD's- on CD I have:

Fresno 2005
Viva Lep Vegas
San Fran-X

I probably have more- but that's all I can think of at the moment. I've got a couple off a boot site, but they're on the other computer. Which is dead btw. I took it down to the "geeks" yesterday, and would you believe that just moving it to the other room, and trying to hook up the wi-fi killed the Window's programming. So I ended up buying a new tower ( there goes our big "spring-break" vacation!) And they are extracting my files from the old to the new. I'll let you all know what's there when I get it back! But let me know what you all want. I'm off tomorrow ( Weds. ) and can use the day burning like a fool!

Place your orders friends- first come, first served!

Other than that- I'm still trying to up load some pictures from Kimmie's party. God- this computer can multi-task better than I can! SCARY!

Hope you all are well-

Love and Peace, KC!

FRIDAY!

2007-03-02T08:06:00.001-05:00

And I'm OFF! Thank goodness. I have today and tomorrow morning to put this house to rights. Tomorrow everyone's coming over here to our house to help celebrate Kimmie's birthday. And since I've worked all week, this place needs some serious attention. So that's what's up for me today. I'm on here this morning only because there's a line of thunderstorms ( the ones that caused all those tornados in Al/GA ) coming through later today. I hope they fade out before they get here- but chances are really slim. So I have to catch up with you all now before the power goes! ( Except for RHONDA! She who hasn't sent me a password yet!!!??????? Ok, if you don't want me there- fine. But at least send me an e-mail so I have your addy at least!)

Work is s l o w l y getting better. The 2 new girls are learning the ropes, and while they both have a way to go- I think things will work out in the end. At least they have no problems schedule-wise, and are both in this for a career. Not that I have anything against people like that, but we have to have a "base staff" in place, and then can rotate in/out people who are there for the short-term. This is not a job that everyone's cut out for. Customers can at times scare even the staunchest person away with the whole insurance/health issues/crisises that happen everyday. And there are days when I wonder what I'm doing there! But at least there is less "stress" right now, and things are not quite as dire as they had been. But Christy ( senior tech) is apparently having some personally issues right now.( she literally overslept yesterday- which lead to me being called in 3 hours early!!) I just hope things smooth out soon. I've started looking forward to a year from now, when I'll have the option to just walk away and find something else to do. But I'd rather just stay there if I can. I like the customers ( for the most part lol!) and it's a good job really. But the older I get- the more I hate any kind of stress. Life is just too flippin' short- Ya know?!

Well, thanks to a few of you- I have some jokes this week! I still haven't gotten the old computer up and running ( just no time with Kim's birthday and all!) So I'm still looking for e-mail addy's from most of you. Just send a "hi" - that will do!

And Now for Something completely different........ ;-)

...............................................................................

SOMETHING TO OFFEND EVERYONE!
What do you call two Mexicans playing basketball?

Juan on Juan.

What is the difference between a Harley and a Hoover?

The position of the dirt bag.

Why is divorce so expensive?

Because it's worth it.

What do you see when the Pillsbury Dough Boy bends over?

Doughnuts

Why is air a lot like sex?

Because it's no big deal unless you're not getting any.

What do you call a smart blonde?

A golden retriever.

What do attorneys use for birth control?

Their personalities.

What's the difference between a girlfriend and wife?

About 45 pounds.

What's the difference between a boyfriend and husband?

About 45 minutes.

What's the fastest way to a man's heart?

Through his chest with a sharp knife.

Why do men want to marry virgins?

They can't stand criticism.

Why is it so hard for women to find men that are sensitive,
caring, and good-looking?

Because those men already have boyfriends.

What's the difference between a new husband and a new dog?

After a year, the dog is still excited to see you.

What makes men chase women they have no intention of marrying?

The same urge that makes dogs chase cars they have no intention of driving.

What's the difference between a porcupine and BMW?

A porcupine has the pricks on the outside.

What did the blonde say when she found out she was pregnant?

"Are you sure it's mine?"

Why do men find it difficult to make eye contact?

Breasts don't have eyes.

Why do drivers' education classes in Redneck schools use the car only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays?

Because on Tuesday and Thursday, the Sex Ed class uses it.

Where does an Irish family go on vacation?

A different bar.

Did you hear about the Chinese couple that had a retarded baby?

They named him "Sum Ting Wong."

What would you call it when an Italian has one arm shorter than the other?

A speech impediment.

What does it mean when the flag at the Post Office is flying at half-mast?

They're hiring.

What's the difference between a southern zoo and a northern zoo?

A southern zoo has a description of the animal on the front of the cage along with... "a recipe."

What's the difference between a northern fairytale and a southern fairytale?

A northern fairytale begins "Once upon a time..."A southern fairytale begins "Y'all ain't gonna believe this shit"
( SOOO TRUE!)

Why is there no Disneyland in China ?

No one's tall enough to go on the good rides.

How do you get a sweet little 80-year-old lady to say the F word?

Get another sweet little 80-year-old lady to yell *BINGO*!

....................................................................................

Well, that's it for now. I'll get some pictures at the party, and hopefully put them up here Sunday. After all, I won't have to spend the day cleaning, will I???!!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Peace and Love, KC!

**edit**- SHIT! I just got called and asked to work on Sunday. No rest for the wicked........... :(

Another week

2007-02-26T08:08:00.000-05:00

Another darn headache. I swear, I can't wait for stuff to get ironed out at work. I hate "dreading" going to work- I really do.

Well, we still haven't gotten the other computer up and running. It looks like something happened to the video card while Andy was trying to get it wi-fi'ed. So it looks like I'll have to do 2things;
Take said computer down to get fixed &
get a special cable to transfer all my stuff from the old computer to this new one. I hate the fact that I can't e-mail anyone, or bring up any of my pictures. Frustrating as all get-out! But I found out that this computer came with Roxio programed into it. So I'm gonna try it out, and perhaps that will allow me to take back the Nero I bought ( which was $99 btw!). I was all set to burn some stuff yesterday- but wouldn't you know, this computer uses/takes only DVD-R discs. And the old one used DVD+R! So I have to buy all new blanks for this one. Not a biggie, as Becky's laptop will use the other ones, but still is a bit of a PITA.

Other than that- and the crazy weather ( last weekend freezing our arses off- this weekend sweating buckets!) there's really not much else going on. Kimmie's birthday at the end of the week, and all the drama that is work.

Hope all of you have a good week!

Peace and Love, KC!

PS To Rhonda- PASSWORD????????????????

Well, Jeez!

2007-02-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

Just when I thought my computer problems were over, the old computer refuses to "wi-fi". I'll have to work on it this weekend, since all of my info is on it! That means my e-mail addys, my pictures- everything! had I thought that it would be this much of a PITA- I'd have downloaded everything to disc before disconecting the darn thing!!! Oh well, I'll figure it out eventually......

I have noticed that some of you are making your blogs "invitation only". That's cool with me, I don't care. I can't do that however, since I'm never sure just who is reading here. I have (both by e-mails and my tracker) learned that several members of my extended family have been visiting here on occasion. And if I locked them out- well, I wouldn't feel right about it. After all, I do like the idea that they care enough to see how I'm doing- I'd hate to alienate them! But Rhonda? I can't get into yours- so send me a password ok? I don't have your addy right now ( see above rant!) but my incoming e-mail is working just fine.

Work... Hell! This week has been a big mess all the way around. But there is light on the horizon. It seems that a tech is transfering down from GA, and wants to start work next week. So hopefully that's another experienced person on board! I'll tell you all how bad it's been- I've been soooo exhausted lately, I had totally forgotten that next week is Kimmie's birthday!!!! At least, with the new girl, I have Friday off! So I'll have to run around shopping for her, get home, wrap and have a family party with her on that day! But at least I'm only working 4 days next week! WOO HOO!!!

As stated above, all my "stuff" is on the other computer. So I have no "stored" jokes to give you today. Unless one of you reads this before say... 10am, and can send me one quick! If not- I'll try to get here this weekend and post one. That is- after I load Nero, burn some CD's/DVD's I've promised, get the other computer up and running, grocery shop, clean house, laundry....... UGH! I think you all get the picture!

I hope you all have a great weekend!
Peace and Love, KC!

Well, I can't stand it anymore

2007-02-21T08:35:00.000-05:00

So I'm gonna spend this morning moving computers. Which means I have to figure out how to Wi-Fi this one in the livingroom, and get Vista up and running here.

If I'm not here for the next couple of days- don't worry. I'll be back as soon as I figure everything out! I don't have to be in until 2pm, so maybe I'll be back ( and maybe I won't- it all depends!)

I'll update this if things go smoothly!

Peace,
KC!

**EDIT, 11am*
WOW! God, after downloading Norton, and tweeking the little bit I have- I have to say this thing ROCKS! The screen is so big! I had a 17in monitor before, so I had thought that this one wouldn't be a big deal. But the wide-screen has my eyes going crazy! At least I don't have to have my glasses on to read this thing now lol! I still have tons to do like upload my Nero and such, but it's going great. And to think that the "geeks" told us that the first couple of times this thing booted that it would be slow. Well, if this is slow I can sure handle it! I still have to put together the other one in the livingroom, and figure out how to network them. But this is going to be fun! ( that is, if I get the time off to work on this!!!?????)

Did I tell you all that there were only 2 techs on yesterday? Me, and a newbie that has 1 week's experience. I feel like I've been run over by a 18 wheeler! AND it's only Wednesday!
SHIT!

Peace and Love, KC!

Oh Boy- What a weekend!

2007-02-19T08:26:00.000-05:00

Kimmie with her "new friend".

Well, I know I should have been back here Friday, but work proved to be my undoing. Came home and crashed- sorry! At least that "trainer-biotch" didn't show up to cause more trouble! But the Intern is now gone, and we are back down to "bare-bones" staffing. Which means I'm scheduled WAAAYYYY too many hours this week! So if I'm scarce, you'll know why.

But look over to the right in that picture above.... See those boxes??!! YUP! New 'puter!!!! It's an HP 7750. It's got more ram and gigs than I ever HOPED to have! And I got a really good deal on it too. Seems the computer package I first had my eyes on was sold out. As it was Saturday, and the sale ended that day- the guy made me an offer on this one. Which was WAY better than my first choice. AND I got a 19" wide screen flat panel in the bargin!! I just have to move everything around now. But as we had promised the kids a day at the local zoo, and lunch out at their favorite restarant, by the time we got home yesterday I just didn't have the energy to move everything ( and set up the wi-fi, configure network, etc.) So we'll just have to do that some evening this week. I also learned that since this new computer has Vista on it, it will take several "bootings" ( is that a word???) to get it up to speed. Seems Vista has to major "scans" the first few times it's brought up. It took the "geek squad" 45 minutes the first time! Then they say 20 minutes, 15, 10 etc. So I'm not looking forward to getting that all sorted out. But it's a beauty, so it will be worth it once it's all done!

Some messages for my friends:
Kim- Honey, I hope to hell your Dad drags your Mom to the dr. It's getting so bad now that I really worry for your safety, as well as your Mom's. Either that or storm the Dr's office, and don't take no for an answer until you can speak with him. It's getting way too physical now, and something just HAS TO BE DONE!

Steph- It' was great talking to you. Just know that if you ever need a shoulder, I'm here! And I promise- Your "replacements" are first on my list of stuff to do once we get the new computer up and running!

Alan/Diane- Thanks for the phone calls and the concern. But ( and this is for everyone!) Walgreens has re-instated my insurance! So no worries on that score. Hug Sid and Miyoko for us! ( and Alan- leave a comment!!!!)

Well, that's all I have time for this morning. I have to go get dressed and get my "happy" butt to work. Let's just hope that they find some help for us soon. I'm really getting tired (physically and mentally) of working myself to death!

Hope you all have a great week!

Peace and Love, KC!

Oh Shit! They made me switch

2007-02-14T08:26:00.000-05:00

to the new blogger. So if there's anything missing/fouled up, I appologize. But that's why it's taken me so long to get back to all of you. I just didn't have time/patience to fuss with it the past few days. I really don't now, but I have tomorrow off, so I can fix it then.

I'm doing much better. The pain is gone, and itching has replaced it. Which is a PITA since I can't scratch it and rip the sutures! Kind-of like that itch you get on your back you can't reach?? Driving me flippin' nuts- but at least this is the LAST procedure I'll have to deal with. ( provided my health stays good!!)

I am SOOO bummed I missed all the shows this past weekend! From what I've heard/read- they were outstanding! Jeff has found his footing and the band is rockin' out! Angela ( Ratgirl on the forums) called me Friday and Monday nite with songs. Hell- I was at work Monday evening, and even "G" listened in with me ;-) ( He's Lebonese by birth- and he thinks it's so cool that people do this!) Anyway- I'll know not to pass these events by in the future!

We had a bit of a "misshap" with this computer Monday morning. It seems the CD burner/player "ate" Andy's favorite gaming CD. And now the door/drawer to the player won't stay closed. Another thing I'm gonna have to "tinker" with tomorrow while I'm off. At least there are 2 burners on this thing- and the DVD one still works! Heck- the Tax monies are due in anyday- and we're getting a new computer then as well. This one is going out in the livingroom for the kids/me to use, and the new one in the bedroom. WHICH begs a question to my "tech-savy" friends out there. How do I go about copying all my links/favorites/etc to the new computer?? I'd hate to think I have to write them all down and "re-list" them on the new computer! Any help you all can give me on this one would be appreciated!

Work is totally fouled up right now. In the process of bringing in help- we're only having more problems. "G" got an intern to come in- who is now leaving at the end of the week. She doesn't want to be a "tech"- she wants to be an Intern ( which I understand, which is why she was brought in in the first place is a mystery to me!!!) I've been stuck on register all the past 2 weeks, and Christy has been stressed to the max doing everything herself ( I can't help her if I'm stuck on register!!!) He wants another girl transfered from another store- but I've argued against it. I like her, and she's very competant...BUT.... She graduates from college this May! ( same as our little Julie) and she's leaving to be a Computer programming tech ( as Julie will leave to be a nurse) SOOOOO... We'll be back in the EXACT same boat come May! Why can't they find someone that wants to stay for more than a couple of months??? There are plenty of people applying/already working for us that WANT to work for us long-term!? "G" seems to want something that just doesn't exist. Or he refuses to see the "big picture". I've talked to Mr. P. about this, and he agrees. But he can't seem to get all this through to "G" either. "G" wants what amounts to "instant gratification". Someone that will step right in and know what they're doing. But that just can't happen all the time. All I know is that work is begining to be a big PITA for Christy and I, and neither one of us can see any light at the end of the tunnel.

Things really got bad yesterday. Our "district tech trainer" came by the store, and in her usual bossy way started stirring up the crap. Ordering me, Christy and the Intern around and generally pissing all of us off. "G" even yelled at her in front of everyone- telling her she did not run "his pharmacy!" ( had to love him for that!) She's stated she'd be back all week, to "help train our Intern". I'll tell you all one thing- if she talks to me again like I'm some 3-yr-old-idiot-bastard-red-headed-stepchild- Shit will FLY! I will not be treated like that. I don't earn it- don't deserve it. as "G" said to her yesterday;" KC works her butt off in this pharmacy, she knows 3/4 of the customers BY NAME, and she knows more than all the rest of us put together. Don't you DARE talk to her that way!" But if she does.........
Well, I'm Irish/Scots. I have a temper that few have seen( even Hubby leaves the room when I get truly pissed off!). If she doesn't watch her step, she might just see it this week.

News at 11pm.

Take care of yourselves!

Love and Peace, KC

OUCH!

2007-02-10T07:52:00.000-05:00

Well, I got my IV Port out yesterday. And wouldn't you know, it did not want to "pop right out" as the Dr. claimed. Seems that since the darn thing was in for 2 & 1/2 years, my body had grown *accustomed* to having it there. I won't go into details, but it took 1/2 hour, and much cutting/snipping to remove it. Now my shoulder/chest feels like someone took a sledgehammer to it. That goodness for Lortab! I'm glad now that I didn't attempt to drive to Clearwater for the show afterwards. I'd've been worthless at any rate. As is stands now, I'm trying to eat a bagel here this morning so I can take another pill. And I'm using my daughter's laptop at the moment- it doesn't require as much movement in my shoulder to type as our desktop ( sitting on the bed, with it on my lap here!) Well, my Mom said that I never could do things the easy way...... ;-)

About the cell phone- Some of you were commenting on Ringtones. I know Cingular doesn't have any good DL tones. But I've been using www.DDNMOBILE.com for mine. It didn't used to work for us (Cingular had it blocked somehow!) But it does now!! And they have a TON of DL tones! $5 for 3 months of unlimited downloads! I've already "tricked" out my phone with a bunch of cool ones, and I've got tons more to do. Just go there and follow the instructions. Goodness knows, if I can do it, Y'all can! I know I don't normally like to pay for stuff like that- but at $5- that's the equivelent of 2 ringtones at Cingular! Depending on the phone you have, they have tones, games, screensavers, everything!

Well, as I said, I'm on Becky's laptop right now. Which means I don't have my "Joke stash" here with me. I'll try to get on my main computer later and upload a joke or two for you all. But right now I'm going to pop a pill and relax. I want to see if Orlando tomorrow is still a possibility!

Peace and Love, KC.

PS to Melanie- I'm so bummed about the whole Coaching situation that I can't begin to tell you! That's just SO unlike the Pitt. franchise to fire a coach for 1 bad season- especially coming off a Superbowl win!( and don't tell me Cowher wasn't fired- he "leaves to spend more time with his family"- then gets picked up by Arizona 2 weeks later? Some "break" huh?) But what the heck are we gonna do? Hopefully things will work out for everyone. But right now I'm still pissed about it. :-(

Well- so much for "time off"

2007-02-08T08:13:00.000-05:00

****Caution- Rant on here!****

I was *supposed* to have yesterday off. I had all these plans;

Get oil changed in my car

Upload new Nero, and copy a bunch of DVD's that were promised to various people

Clean out the garden to make room for spring veggies

Take pics/video for here.

I got one of those done, anyway. The car bit. But I came home to the phone ringing. Now, I reached for the thing with hesitation- Was it my Mom? The school? Or work? Well, unfortunately it was the latter. Seems Christy called out, and "G" asked if I could come in "for a few hours". And like a good little employee, I did. But when I got there and asked ( after about an hour) how long he wanted me to stay- he said 4pm!!!!! WTF? That's a 7 hour shift- not "a few hours"!!!! ( I got there at 9am btw) Well, I told him this would be a problem. The 2 youngest had expected me to be home, and therefore Andy hadn't taken his house keys with him ( I thought- he had, but I didn't know that ;-) ) Now comes the best part- "G" said " well, can't you go home, let them in and come back???" WTF X2! By the time he'd said this, we had 2 other techs/interns there besides me. I'd gotten all the RX's in the work que done, the warehouse order up and owed scripts filled. Why in the world would he need me past say 1pm? Mr.P. came back and I asked him about this. He said to me " 'G' is just being a baby about this" and pulled him aside a few minutes later. But I still wasn't *allowed* to leave until 2:15pm. THEN "G" said " thank you so much Karen" as I left. That's it though- I'm gonna get caller ID. OR take my home phone out of the computer at work, and just leave my cell. That way I can see who the heck is calling an avoid this shit in the future. I'm back to being tired, overworked, and behind in all the things that need doing. SHIT!

*Rant off*

Anywho- at least I have the whole of this weekend off. I had planned on going to the Journey concerts this weekend, but finaces and such just got in the way. I may still try to get over to Orlando this Sunday and meet up with a few people, but I'm not sure that Jon's gonna go for it. But at least everyone at work thinks I'm out of town- so no worries there!

And I got a new cellphone. It's a Cingulair Sync phone. Which is really cool! Streams TV on it, the screen is really big ( good for us old folks lol!) And can play videos! So I'll have to spend some time figuring the thing out. More new toys! WEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Well, I'll back tomorrow. I have that off at least! And hopefully I'll have some more pictures/stuff to share besides my constant ranting about work!

Have a great day all!
Peace and Love- KC

PS to the "Seattle Campbells"- LEAVE A COMMENT DAMNIT! :D

We're OK

2007-02-02T18:39:00.000-05:00

The storms that ripped through Florida last night were nasty, but the worst of them came through north of me. While we had rain/thunder/winds, the Tornado that tore a path was up north of Orlando- just south of Daytona Beach. I live south of Orlando- and the storms had weakened by then- thank goodness. But that didn't help when it came to sleep. Jon and I kept waking up and checking the weather reports all night. Just in case we had to grab the kids and hunker down. NOTE TO STEPH: I got your message, but apparently the storms fouled up the systems down here, and only just now got into my voice mail! Thank you sweetie for thinking of me!

This of couse did not help my energy level today. Bed at Midnight, followed by hourly wakings, then up for work at 5:30am. ( I have to get the kids ready for school, then me!) Off to work at 7:45, work until noon, then race to the Dr.'s office. Mom met me there, and we went out for a late lunch. By the time I got home it was 3 pm, and I quite literally crashed on the bed ( in my scrubs, no less!) I woke up about an hour ago, but I still feel like a Mack-truck ran over me. Oh well, at least I have the next 2 days off.

Speaking of the Dr.'s visit- at least there is some good news there! It seems that my port-removal procedure is a simple one! As that it can be done right in Dr T's office. No major surgery- and more important!- NO MAJOR COSTS! So I can go ahead and get that done, despite the problems with my insurance. He could have done it today, but no one told me to stop taking the Coumadin ( blood thinner) to prepare for it- so I'm going next Friday. But that is one BIG load off my mind there! ( I take the Coumadin because of the port- to stop any blood cloting involved with it. Heck, that's part of the reason I wanted to get the thing out- one less pill, and less bruising!)

Other than that- nothing major in my little world. We've got some shopping to do this weekend. The girls' TV is on the fritz ( after finally getting their cable all sorted out lol!) So we have to get them a new one. Since I have $60 in Best Buy "reward zone" checks- that's one place we're headed. And Kimmie's Toys-r-Us card is burning a hole in her wallet so.....

I'll be back this weekend. Since there's not near the cleaning problems around here as there is usually. My gosh- a whole week and my house doesn't look like a warzone! Who'd've thunk it???

Giggle to follow ;-)
.........................................
Smart Cowboy

A cowboy, who is visiting Wyoming from Texas , walks into a bar and
orders three mugs of Bud. He sits in the back of the room, drinking a sip
out of each one in turn. When he finishes them, he comes back to the
bar and orders three more. The bartender approaches and tells the cowboy,
"You know, a mug goes flat after I draw it. It would taste better if you
bought one at a time."
The cowboy replies, "Well, you see, I have two brothers. One is in Arizona ,
the other is in Colorado . When we all left our home in Texas , we
promised that we'd drink this way to remember the days when we drank
together.
So , I'm drinking one beer for each of my brothers and one for myself."
The bartender admits that this is a nice custom, and leaves it there.
The cowboy becomes a regular in the bar, and always drinks the same
way. He orders three mugs and drinks them in turn. One day, he comes in and
only orders two mugs. All the regulars take notice and fall silent. When he
comes back to the bar for the second round, the bartender says, "I don't
want to intrude on your grief, but I wanted to offer my condolences on your
loss." The cowboy looks quite puzzled for a moment, then a light dawns in
his eyes and he laughs.
"Oh, no, everybody's just fine," he explains, "It's just that my wife and I
joined the Baptist Church and I had to quit drinking.".... "Hasn't affected
my brothers though."
.................Another just because...................
IN MY NEXT LIFE...

I want to live my next life backwards. You start out dead and get that out
of the way. Then you wake up in an old age home feeling better every day.
You get kicked out for being too healthy; go collect your pension, then when
you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day. You work 40 years
until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You drink alcohol, you
party, you're generally promiscuous and you get ready for High School. You
go to primary school, become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities,
you become a baby, and then...

You spend your last 9 months floating peacefully in luxurious spa-like
conditions with central heating, room service on tap, larger quarters every
day, and then, you finish off as an orgasm! I rest my case.
..........................
Oh hell yeah!!!

Have a great weekend all!

Love and Peace, KC!

Light at the end of the tunnel!

2007-02-01T08:33:00.000-05:00

Cool Moon I shot last night- Yes, on my "new" toy! I'm still trying to wade through the massive instruction booklet. But for now I've just left it in auto mode. I'll have more time to play with it soon.....

'Cause we're getting some help- at least short term. An Intern for 6 weeks, and a girl that wants to work nights and weekends. Along with another tech from a local store that's not getting enough hours, that is taking all our Sunday shifts. ( that's the one I always get stuck with- so bless him!) We've also got a girl that used to work at our store, that wants to come back. Apparently she doesn't get along with her present store manager and want to come "home". So next week I go back to my normal 4 day schedule. We know the Intern is temporary, but at least this gives us some time to find someone good- and not just a body to fill a shift! The other Karen has decided that she doesn't want to work back with us full time. But she's willing to fill in 3 days a week, so that's a help as well. She knows enough to keep me/Christy off the registers/drivethru and doing what we're trained to do. You just can't type/call insurances/deal with questions while your stuck at a drive thru window!!!

Other than that, and the crazy weather we've been having, things have been pretty good. We all managed to get the house "back to rights" last Sunday. An surprisingly, they've kept it that way! Maybe the kids have finally learned.................No, not a chance in hell KC! But it's nice to be in a house where I don't cringe going from room to room!

Weather: OMG! No wonder I've got the headcold from hell! The past 3 days the temps have come close to freezing at night, with all the wind and such that goes with it. Today- Back to 80! I've already got the slider door open, and it's not 9am yet! Jeez- no wonder everyone gets sick down here- you don't know how to dress from one day to the next!

I'll be back tomorrow, but it probably won't be until evening. I work until noon, then have to go to see my surgeon. I don't know what's going to happen there, as my insurance has not been re-instated as of yet. But we're still trying. And I promise my Mom we'd meet up after. She's still in a bummed-out mood ( since the funeral) and I'm gonna try and cheer her up a bit. Hope it works!

In the meantime- have a great day all!!!!

Peace and Love, KC!

* edit 6:30 am Friday*

If any of you are hearing on the weather about the tornados in my state, they are *so far* north of me. That line of storms is due in about the time I'm due at work ( *SIGH*). I'll let you all know later how it goes. That is- if we have power. If we don't- I'll try to text those of you I have #'s for.
Keep your fingers crossed! KC.

Well, I'm here

2007-01-26T09:47:00.000-05:00

If not entirely rested. Heck- I fell asleep at 8 last night, and I still feel like crap! But at least my legs aren't hurting today- so that's a good thing.

Work- well..... We've voted to have one of the girls from the "front" end come back and train. Her name is Karen also, and while she's a little "slow" on learning things, she's been around for 15+ years, and is not likely to leave anytime soon. She's also reliable- which is a big plus. So at least one of the "holes" have been filled, if not with someone who is knowledgeable. Now we need 2 more and things *should* get back to normal. At least until little Julie graduates from nursing school in May.

Home- I've managed to get some of the cleaning caught up. No- the Christmas stuff is still around, and that will have to wait until tomorrow or Sunday. But at least the livingroom is cleaned, the kitchen once again usable. And there are clean towels in the dryer ( I crashed before I could take them out to fold them- but they're clean and dry!)

The field trip with Kimmie was fun. I had taken my new camera, in the hopes of getting some cool pictures. But of course- one shot in and my batteries died! So I have to remember to pack replacements in the case for next time lol! It was a rainy/pissy day out yesterday. So I doubt the pictures would have been much anywho. Today is clear ( of course- I have to work!) but we're having a cold snap. Temps in the low 40's, wind chill in the 30's. And we're supposed to get worse next week. At least my AC is off for the time being!!!

Well, I'd better pack my lunch and get going. But first...... ;-)

................................................
23 things to make you smile
1.. My husband and I divorced over religious differences.
He thought he was God and I didn't.

2.. Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.

3.. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

4.. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.

5.. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.

6.. I'm not a complete idiot -- Some parts are just missing.

7.. NyQuil, the stuffy, sneezy, why-the-heck-is-the-room-spinning medicine.

8.. God must love stupid people; He made so many.

9.. The gene pool could use a little chlorine.

10.. Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.

11.. Being "over the hill" is much better than being under it!

12.. Wrinkled Was Not One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up.

13.. Procrastinate Now!

14.. A hangover is the wrath of grapes.

15.. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance

16.. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere!

17..They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken.

18..He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless DEAD.

19..A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory.

20..Ham and eggs¦A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

21.. The trouble with life is there's no background music.

22.. The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.

23.. I smile because I don't know what the heck is going on.
............................................

Hope that worked!!

Peace and love, KC!

Well, just when you thought it couldn't get any worse...

2007-01-24T08:37:00.000-05:00

Now the guy we hired last month, that was supposed to quit his old job and come to work with us full time gave his notice. He's been given a promotion at his old job, and chose to stay there. Not that I blame him, but that means we're down to Me, Christy and "little" Julie ( the tech- not the pharmacist) There is just NO WAY in the world we can staff the pharmacy with 3 techs!!! So much for my 32 hour weeks....* sigh*........

So we've been trying to get some "bodies", but believe it or not- it's not easy. Most that have applied give you the "I can't work nights/weekends/certain hours speil that can not be done while working in a retail setting. Or you mention the "drug-testing" and they run for cover. Why? Is everyone stoned/high/strungout anymore??? Is that the only people left without jobs?? We have one week left before the proverbial "shit" hits that spinning object, and I don't see any help in sight. Which means a couple of things.

1- That Journey concert trip is in serious jepardy. I can't take a weekend off when we don't have any staff to cover me.

2- Unless the "powers-that-be" get my insurance reinstated, the money will just not be there to go. Having to pay full $$ on my dr. visit, X-Ray and blood tests have seriously drained my budget.

So I think the Journey concert is a bust for me this time out. I really hate that- I was truly looking forward to going. The only way I could go is if my tax refund came in before then. And as neither Jon nor myself have gotten our W2's yet- that's not something I can count on.Turbo-tax may be fast- but it's not a miracle worker!!!

So here I sit in my scrubs, feet still hurting from yesterday. Heading out for yet another shift today. Tomorrow the field trip ( which will at least have me sitting more than standing- thank goodness!!!) and since I'll be home by 1:30pm, I should be able to get *some* rest tomorrow afternoon. That is, after I clean the kitchen, vacuum, pick up the scattered stuff the kids leave around, wash towels.........

Calgon- take me away! PLLLLEEEEEESSSSEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

'Til Tomorrow!
Peace and Love,
KC!

Jeez-

2007-01-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

Worked Sunday, work everyday this flippin' week! ( except for Thursday- and that's Kimmie's field trip!!)

I've got some stuff to say- but no time to say it!

Hang in there with me- I WILL be back! ( eventually.... soon.... *sigh* ...............................)

Peace and love, KC

You know what they say?

2007-01-17T08:47:00.000-05:00

That no good deed goes unpunished? Well, seems as if it's happening to me. Because of the week I took off ( unpaid ) to take my Mother to my Aunt's funeral, my average hours at work dropped down to 29.75 per week. So corporate is trying to drop my medical insurance! ( they're averages on a 12 week cycle, so that's why this has just popped up- apparently!)
Mr P. is trying to argue with them against it, but I doubt they'll care. Which means that the family now has no medical insurance, and I won't be able to get any until September again! And before you ask- I could get insurance through Hubby's employer. But because it's a small business, the premiums are something like $800 a month! Which is way to steep for us to handle, really.

Having said that- Rae, Linda, Patti- or Andy & Becky for that matter- If any of you are reading this, don't mention anything to my Mom about it. It would just kill her to think she's to blame for this. I would not have changed a thing anyway- even if I knew ahead of time. And believe me- she'd blame herself big time!

Hell, it's still not written in stone, Mr. P is fighting it for me. I may just get a reprieve. Especially since he figured out that since I've been working so many hours the last couple of weeks, my average should jump up over the 33 hr. mark with the next pay period. He just has to convince them that a funeral ( that is not covered by normal company policy) is justification.

GO MR. P!!

* SIGH*
KC

So Sorry!

2007-01-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

Still don't have my life back. Between work, and my family- I'm lucky to get in some sleep time! And this week is my tests/Dr's visit, so the little time I get in the mornings is being spent running around. Shit!

They tried to hire a girl the other day, but she can only work nights. Which is not what we need. We have 2 other people already on staff that work nights because of school. We need a full-time day/weekend person. And to add to that- the one I told you all was leaving the first of Feb. has now told us her last day is THIS FRIDAY!!??? As a result- good 'ol KC is working 5 1/2 days next week, and that's only because the one day I have off is Kimmie's field trip that I'm chaperoning!! I know I've worked these kinds of hours before, but I'm just not up to it anymore. My house is a wreck, I'm too tired to get anything of substance done. About all I'm good for is sleep. On my feet, almost running flat out for 8 hours is not something this tired old lady wants to be doing. I almost fell asleep on my lunch break yesterday!

So I'm going to let them know I will not keep this up for long. I'll help out the next week or so- then I'm going back to 4 days/week. Perhaps that will motivate someone to hire new help? God- I hope so!

Just wanted to check in and let you know I'm still here. Dr. visit tomorrow- then straight to work. I'm still *supposed* to be off Friday, and with the kids back in school, looks like that's my next best bet to be here. Cross your fingers that we get some help!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace and Love, KC

I need my LIFE back!!!

2007-01-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

Busier than a one legged man at that butt kicking contest! 2 people fired in the last couple of weeks ( both floaters/fill-ins) has caused me to work more hours than I have for 3 years! I know I'll be happy come pay-check time, but I'm just about shot energy-wise. Hopefully(??!!) next week I should be back to my normal workload. But I still have 2 mornings I have to go to the Dr.'s office ( tests one day- appointment the next) So time on here will be limited to say the least. Maybe I should steal Becky's laptop? Yeah, right! Like that's gonna happen- she's been guarding that thing like it's Ft. Knox!

I've been peeking in on all of you quickly in the mornings, but I just haven't had the time to post. I hope you'll hang in there until my life gets back to normal. I do miss you all!

Friday- ergo...... This one from our "Hippie Chick" ;-)

........................................

Subject: elevator conversation

Four guys and a woman are stuck in an elevator.

While they are stuck, they strike up a conversation.

The first guy says, "I'm a Y.U.P.P.I.E. , you know...

''Young, Urban, Professional, Peaceful, Intelligent,

Ecologist.''

The second guy says, "I'm a D.I.N.K.Y., you know...

''Double Income, No Kids Yet. "

The third guy says, "I'm a R.U.B., you know...

''Rich, Urban, Biker. "

The fourth guy says, I am a D.I.L.D.O., you know...

''Double Income, Little Dog Owner.''

They turn to the woman and ask her.

''What are you?''

She replies: "I'm a WIFE, you know...

Wash, Iron, Fuck, Etc.'

( Ain't it the truth??!!)
..................................

I promise- I'll be here sometime this weekend! Hopefully with some pictures from my new toy- that I haven't had the chance to play with yet!!!!!!

Peace and Love, KC

Happy Friday!

2007-01-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

And I'm working the late shift lol! Oh well, more time to surf this morning. And I'm meeting Devon for lunch so all around ok day.

I did find out something yesterday that has me a bit miffed. Apparently, one of our senior techs is leaving. Her hubby has been transferred to a new job and they will be moving probably by the end of the month. I'm sorry to see her go- she and I got along well. But that's not what has me disturbed. "They" ( who this "they" is- I don't know!) have decided to bring in another girl to be senior tech?! And once again- KC is overlooked. Not one person mentioned it to me, or offered the job to me. I'm beginning to feel like the bastard, redheaded ( sorry Kim!) stepchild! 23 years with this company- you'd think it would count for something? But no- once again, that's proved not to be the case!

I'd leave if I could. Hell, I could get a job anywhere with my credentials! But leaving now, with only 2 years left until I can be guaranteed my retirement would be a stupid maneuver for me. But I'm seriously considering transferring to another store. The only ones left from the "old" crew are the 2 Julies. And little Julie graduates from nursing school in May- so she'll be gone then. I know Pharmacist Julie has be contemplating transfering. If she goes- I'm leaving as well. I think the only people who will miss me are the customers, and Mr. P. The rest could give a crap! I know change is inevitable, but sometimes it really does SUCK!

Well, I'm done ranting about that! Goodness knows, you all have heard it before. Maybe it's just the weather down here. I swear, we've had nothing but clouds and drizzle for a couple of weeks! What I need is a few days off to work outside in the garden. Get my hands in the dirt and connect with Mother Nature. That would turn me around! I was out there a couple of days ago- and there's a Broccoli plant trying to make it's way up amongst the weeds! Bless it! I think I'll try to put that on the agenda for this weekend. Provided I can get some clear weather to do it in!

Well, back to our regularly scheduled stuff: Your Friday Funnies!!!!!
....................................................

One day my housework-challenged husband decided to wash his Sweatshirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to me, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," I replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
He yelled back, "University of Oklahoma."

And they say blondes are dumb...
------------------------------
A couple is lying in bed. The man says, "I am going to make you the happiest woman in the world." The woman replies, "I'll miss you..."
-----------------------------
"It's just too hot to wear clothes today," Jack says as he stepped out of the shower, "honey, what do you think the neighbors would think if I mowed the lawn like this?"
"Probably that I married you for your money," she replied.
----------------------------
He said - Shall we try swapping positions tonight? She said - That's a good idea... you stand by the ironing board while I sit on the sofa and fart.
-----------------------------
Q: What do you call an intelligent, good looking, sensitive man?
A: A rumor
---------------------------------
A man and his wife, now in their 60's, were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. On their special day a good fairy came to them and said that because they had been so good that each one of them could have one wish. The wife wished for a trip around the world with her husband.

Whoosh! Immediately she had airline/cruise tickets in her hands.
The man wished for a female companion 30 years younger... Whoosh...immediately he turned ninety!!! Gotta love that fairy!
--------------------------------------
A PRAYER....
Dear Lord,
I pray for Wisdom to understand my man;
Love to forgive him;
And Patience for his moods.
Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength,
I'll beat him to death.
AMEN
-------------------------
Q: Why do little boys whine?
A: They are practicing to be men.

Q: What do you call a handcuffed man?
A: Trustworthy.

Q: What does it mean when a man is in your bed gasping for breath and calling your name?
A: You did not hold the pillow down long enough.

Q: Why do female black widow spiders kill their males after mating?
A: To stop the snoring before it starts.

Q: What is the difference between men and women?
A: A woman wants one man to satisfy her every need. A man wants every woman to satisfy his one need.

Q: How do you keep your husband from reading your e-mail?
A: Rename the mail folder "Instruction Manuals"
.................................

Well, I hope those gave you your weekly giggles!
Take care, and have a great weekend!
Peace and Love, KC!

Welcome 2007!

2007-01-02T09:12:00.000-05:00

Me and "some old guy"- Christmas 2006 ( hehehehe!)

I'd say I'm sorry I haven't posted in over a week, but I'm not. I just had so many things going on, that it was better just to leave this place alone for a while. Let me explain......

Christmas weekend was one LONG one! Between wrapping, cooking and general running around for last minute stuff ( you know- I didn't get enough for X- too much for Y type crap) I was virtually exhausted come Monday. But we had a good day, although Mother Nature saw fit to screw with even the best-laid plans. Instead of a "White Christmas" ( which would have been a novelty down here!) we had a front come through. Which was accompanied by tornados, hail, and assorted fun stuff.

This is the "aftermath". Really, it wasn't as bad here as in elsewhere in the state, but it caused us to leave my Mom's house a little earlier than planned. You all have seen the pictures from my "river BIL's" house, and the big causeway bridge near there. Well we had to travel over that to get from Mom's house to his on Christmas. With the tornado warnings as such, we wanted to get over it before the storm hit. I didn't want to try and drive over it in 60+ mph winds! But it came through and we were fine ( no pun intended!)

Tuesday, one of the interns that was slated to fill in at various stores apparently went to work ( not at our store- at one nearby) a little worse for wear. Actually, she was drunk! So after she was fired ( DUH- who wants a drunk filling their rx's????) I found myself working a few more days than I was originally scheduled. So between that, cleaning up after the Christmas chaos, and just trying to unwind- I've been MIA around the www. But hopefully, that's all in the past and I can pick up where we all left off. I've been feeling a little like this though:

(one of the few pictures I can get of her- she SOOO hates cameras!)

Actually- if you'll notice- my pictures are pretty good. That's because "Santa hubby" got me my Canon! Powershot S3-IS. God- is this thing cool or what? I can be tired, shaky, and holding it in one hand- and still pull off a great shot! Even people who admit to being horrible at taking pictures used it ( as seen by the first pic in my post!) can't miss with this one! It's not as small as a lot of digitals, but in a way that works for me. It has a hand grip that is easy for my old self, and so many settings it may take me years to figure it all out! I will be experimenting on it soon though because.....

I've learned recently that Journey is playing in Clearwater, Fl. in Febuary. And I'm GOING! I don't care what I have to do. I'm meeting up with a few people from Melodic rock ( some of which you all know- "Ratgirl" and Melissa are 2 of them!). I'll test my "new toy" out then. THP- Look out!

We're also getting the house Wi-Fi'ed tomorrow. And I'm planning on getting another desktop here sometime in the next couple of weeks. So I should have a bit more internet access coming here soon. 5 people and 1 computer is coming to mean MAJOR fights- and I'm so over that! One thing though that I don't quite know- If we're all Wi-Fi'ed, can I access stuff on computer A, on Computer B? Or will I have to upload/download stuff from one to the other? I ask because both Andy and Becky got new I-pods from Mom, and I want to "spread out" the I-tunes. She got her Laptop, and wants to move her stuff to her computer, which right now is on here. And I want Andy to put his on the new desktop. I'm hoping to spread out load, so to speak. So anyone who can explain all that- HELP!

Well, I'm looking at the clock, and I'm due into work here in about an hour. So I'd better get my happy butt in gear! I'm not looking forward to the next few weeks. January is when *most* insurances change things, and most DON'T warn anyone ahead of time. New cards not in, new billing procedures, new co-pays- and guess who get's to play "Anger that patient"??? Yup! And of course, the phone lines will be tied up for hours. Yes, I *love* January. "Hell on Earth Month" they ought to call it!

When's that concert again???????????

Peace and Love,
KC!

Well, it's almost here!

2006-12-22T19:33:00.000-05:00

Christmas that is. And I have a few things to say-

First- I didn't get my cards done. I'm so sorry. But between work, the kids, my Mom getting severely depressed this year ( due to my Aunts passing) I just haven't had time/energy to finish them. There they sit- in my room undone. I apologize profusely, and I do promise to make it up in some form. Perhaps some New Year's DVDs to those who were "good" this year.....

Since I have the next few days off, I *may* be back. But I have a house to clean, laundry to do, and a PILE of presents to wrap. As such- I'm not promising anything. So this may be my last post until Tuesday next. So I'll do this now, while I have the time:

(I'll add the "new and improved" Journey to that list! Can't wait for that to come around again!)

My Holiday wishes for you all:
Peace, Love, Warmth of Heart & Happiness. An abundance of food, friendship and laughter. Good health, Long Lives --- and still more laughter!

May whatever God you worship grant you all of the above 1000 fold!
It has/is my pleasure to consider all of you part of those "friends" mentioned above. I send to all of you and yours "Cyber Hugs", and hope that all of your families are as blessed as mine. ( if not- I'll share!)

Until we "talk" again-

PEACE, LOVE, JOY!
From the Fine family- To yours; Jon, KC, Rebekah, Andrew & Kimberly.

Well, it's official!

2006-12-20T10:44:00.000-05:00

Meet the "new" lead singer of Journey:

Jeff Scott Soto- aka THP!
Congratulations Jeff, on getting the gig! May you and your new work blow the music scene out of the water!!! Enjoy the ride!

KC
....................
Now, some of you I'm sure have not been keeping up with the whole "Steve A." situation. The whole "Tapegate" scandal, as it's come to be called. I wouldn't even want to begin to explain it. If you go to the Melodic Rock forums, and research back to May/June of this past year, you will find all the threads pertaining to the whole thing. I'll let you all decide for yourselves what's truth, and what's BS. I will agree that it's taken entirely toooooooo long for things to get ironed out- but that's what happens when you get lawyers involved ( and believe me- they had to be!!)

But the recent bickering on the various Journey boards has had me thinking. Most see the situation as this: Steve had voice problems ( debate on when these started still abounds!) had to leave the tour. Jeff steps in- WOW'S the crowds- Steve is out. *Dumped* as it were. That point has always bothered me. I had always thought better of all of them. Neal et-al have been called Traitors, and worse, about the whole thing.

Now here's where MHO is going to differ from the various scenario's being played out. What if: Steve realized during this time off that he'd NEVER be able to return to singing Journey's songs. This is entirely possible, since those songs are a bitch to sing- even Perry can't do it anymore ( or at least I've read this!) His voice just will not physically hit those notes. * here it comes- get ready!*

Perhaps the switch was STEVE's idea. Or at least, kind-of. He can't sing the songs anymore. He's known about the voice problems for awhile. In comes Jeff- and Steve sees that he's got an "out" of the band. No recriminations from others in the band- no "leaving them in the lurch" so to speak. He can leave without feeling he let them down, and do his own thing with what voice he has left. And the "Journey" can continue, with Jeff in the front spot.

Could this be? Possibly. But this is one "option" that I have not seen expressed on ANY of the boards. And quite frankly- I'm not sure I want to be the one to express it. I'm still pretty new over there- and I'll probably get tons of flack for it. I'd just as soon wear a hair shirt as get involved in some of those "Flame-wars" as errupt on a regular basis. But why am *I* the only one who's thought of this? Am I totally out of left-field here? Cause if I am- I DEFinately will not express it. But if I'm not......

Food for thought for the day: should KC stick her neck out- or keep it safely in her collar?

Peace and Love,
KC!

Just a short note-

2006-12-19T09:26:00.000-05:00

Yes- I'm still alive ;-)
No- I haven't forgotten you all :-)

But since it's 6 days until Christmas, and I just yesterday got the funds to finish my shopping, it may be until say- Thursday- until I have time to post.
Shopping for everyone + work + housework + ......?
Hell, who said there's time for sleep, posting, etc?

Hell, I still have a few cards to finish!
Egads! I'm really behind myself here!
Try and be patient with me!
Peace- KC!

A few random things

2006-12-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

It's been raining all this past week. I don't mean those wonderful "thunderstorms" that we get. I mean the piddly-arse, drizzle-drazzle that is so rare down here. Which hasn't exactly boosted my mood/energy any. It's hard to get excited when you look outside and the whole world is just a grey, humid nothing!

Hubby wants to use this afternoon to go X-mas shopping. Well, I hope to heck he gets paid- or I don't know what we'll shop with! I refuse to charge up the credit cards. I've just gotten them down from all the stuff I had on them! That's one thing I hate about being the one who's in charge of the bills. I swear- he has no clue how much stuff costs! Go ahead- ask him how much our power/cable/phone bills are- he's totally clueless! For a man that a couple of years ago said "don't use credit"- he's certainly changed his tune since he's gotten to go on vacations and such! ( vacations I'm still paying for- btw!) Not to mention that emergency trip to PA for my aunt's funeral, and the medical bills that keep coming in! I can only hope that- as I stated in my post below- his boss is as smart as I give him credit!

The good news is- I found my Roxio CD! But then when I mentioned it- Hubby said to wait to load it. So I'm thinking maybe "Santa" may be getting me a newer/better program. So you all will probably have to wait until after Christmas. Just think of it as helping you get through those "aftertheholidays" funk!

I am totally addicted to the Melodic rock forums right now. Much more going on there- and some of those people are a hoot! Kim- I saw you over there- come out to play more often, it really is fun!

Oh, and another thing- I was looking at my tracker yesterday. I hadn't really looked at it in a while, and lo and behold! I notice some hits from Roanoke, VA- a certain college there no less, so-

HELLO LINDA!!!!!!

Listen Sweetie- there's a place at the bottom of the posts, it says "comments". You just click on it, type your name ( no need to leave your e-mail/website) and say hello! It's easy, fast, and I promise- no one here bites!( you all will behave if my cousin say hi now won't you!!) I am very glad your stopping by- Tell Billy and the Kids I said hi!

Well, that's all I can think of at the moment. I had a few other things to say, but of course- I can't remember them when I'm actually on here TYPING! I swear, I'm gonna leave a little notepad by me, so that I can write these ideas down when I think of them.
God- It's hard getting old :-P

Oh heck- I almost forgot! ;-)
........................................

BUBBA'S NEW TRUCK

One day, Jimmy Joe was walking down Main Street when he saw his buddy Bubba driving a brand new pickup truck.

Bubba pulled up to him with a wide grin.

"Bubba, where'd you get that truck?!?"

"Bobbie Sue gave it to me" Bubba replied.
"She gave it to you? I knew she was kinda sweet on ya, but a new truck?"

"Well, Jimmy Joe, let me tell you what happened.We were driving out on County Road 6, in the middle of nowhere. Bobbie Sue pulled off the road, put the truck in 4-wheel drive, and headed into the woods. She parked the truck, got out, threw off all her
clothes and said, 'Bubba, take whatever you want'.So I took the truck!"

"Bubba, you're a smart man! Them clothes woulda never fit you!"

Gotta love those Rednecks!
............................
One for the Ladies- AKA there is a God!

Housework was a woman's job, but one evening, Jenny arrived home from work
to find the children bathed, one load of laundry in the washer and another
in the dryer. Dinner was on the stove, and the table set. She was
astonished!

It turns out that Ralph had read an article that said wives who work
full-time and had to do their own housework were too tired to have sex.

The night went well and the next day, she told her office friends all
about it. "We had a great dinner. Ralph even cleaned up. He helped the kids
do their homework, folded all the laundry and put it away. I really enjoyed
the evening."

"But what about afterward?" asked her friends.

"Oh, that ..., Ralph was too tired.."

God is good

Can I get an "AMEN" from the crowd out there????
........................................

Well, speaking of housework ( great segue or what?) I have a house that looks like a tornado blew through. One thing about being sick around here- it proves what I always say- if I'm not doing it, it don't get done!

Have a great weekend everyone! I'll see you 'round the WWW

Peace and Love,
KC!

Once again- lost in the world....

2006-12-13T08:23:00.000-05:00

Sorry- But I can explain...

First of all, I had said I was working Sunday- which I did, but not without duress. Saturday I felt fine, but by about 2am Sunday morning, I was sicker than a dog! I must have gotten some sort of stomach virus, because I spent nearly 3 hours running at both ends almost non-stop! The only reason I even attempted to go to work was that I knew calling out sick on a Sunday is practially a capital-offense in the Pharmacy! ( Try and call someone in on the weekend. It just ain't happening!) So I dragged myself in, against my whole family's better judgements. Managed to make it through, and then when I woke up Monday feeling like someone had beat me round the ribs with a baseball bat- I called out then. I knew they had 4 other people working, so they could cover for me. Not that they were happy about it, but I hadn't even tried to eat anything for almost 2 days. I was dizzy and couldn't walk, so I would not have been able to work anyway!

Yesterday Mom and I finally got her end of the Christmas shopping done. And though I'm no where near finished, the major stuff is out of the way. All I need is Hubby's paycheck/bonus to finish all the loose ends up. I just hope he gets it Friday ( Short explanation here: He gets paid on the 1st and the 16th- but the 16th is on Saturday. In the past, if the payday fell on Saturday they'd get their checks Friday. But not in the past year or so. BUT- Since this IS Christmas season, and to hold paychecks off until Monday would mean that the majority of these guys would have to do their shopping the last 2 days before Christmas!! I hope that hubby's most benevalent boss has the heart to pay them on Friday. Or at least give them their bonuses on Friday!) Then I can use this next weekend to finish things off.

Oh- and did I tell you that not only do I have Christmas off- but the entire weekend before????!!!!! That, my friends, is a first! I have NEVER- NEVER- EVER had Christmas eve off in the 23 years I've worked at Walgreens! I won't know what to do with myself. I'll have time to wrap without doing it in the garage at 1 am in the morning! Get a decent night sleep on Christmas eve? UNHEARD OF! Not only that- but 2 days in which to prepare for Christmas. I swear I keep looking at the schedule not believing that it's true. I keep thinking my name has to be there SOMEWHERE!! lol!

So that is the sum total of my week. Not very exciting, but at least you all know I'm still alive down here! Oh, and as for the DVD's- I still haven't found/gotten the burning software to do them for you all. I looked around yesterday, but all that was left on the shelves were ones I wasn't familiar with. And I don't want to spend $100 on some crappy program I'll never use. So until I eather find my Roxio cd, or find one in the stores, you all will just have to bear with me. I do have your requests written down- and I WILL get them out to you asap. I just don't want you to think I've forgotten about them!

Well, I'd better get my happy-butt in gear. I never got around to doing my own laundry this past week.So I'd better get it in the washer- I doubt if my co-workers want me to come in today in my birthday suit!!

Have a great day all!
Peace and Love, KC!

Friday- and I'm BROKE!

2006-12-08T09:09:00.000-05:00

I spent entirely too much money yesterday. But I'm pretty much done with Kimmie, got Becky's biggie gift, and have a few for Andy as well. I only hope Hubby gets his paycheck next Friday- or we're eating PB&J's and beans and rice for a week!

Well, on to a special day for a special guitar-god:

Happy Birthday Phil Collen! Hope your having a great day, and a wonderful time relaxing after a killer tour this year!

OK- so I'm freezing my arse off right now. One of the bad things about winter in the "Sunshine State" is that the weather is a bit "schizophrenic". Which basically means that one day it's in the 80's, and the next it's in the 40's! I was shopping in my shorts yesterday- now I'm sitting here typing this in sweats! It's supposed to stay chilly for the next few days, and warm up on Monday. I remember when I was a kid- you put away your "summer wardrobe", and took out the winter stuff. Down here ( except in the summer) you have your tank tops sitting next to your sweaters! Makes it hard to fit all your clothes in one dresser- that's for sure!!! I guess that's why people are constantly getting sick down here- you can leave your house in the morning dressed for the weather- and come home to something completely different! I keep an umbrella and a hoodie in the car- just in case!

Well, enough about that. I'm sure those of you up north are thinking- "BFD KC- we're up to our arses in snow for the next 4 months!" But at least you all have a chance to "get used to the cold". Try to find warm clothes/jackets down here. Maybe in Orlando- but not over here in BFEast coast FLA. Becky wants a nice, black coat. Can't find one for looking! All they have are ski-jackets ( too warm for most weather down here) or leather ones. Which- I'm sorry- never seemed warm enough for me ( I've had 2 over this life- and I didn't find them as warm as a P-Jacket I had for years!) Besides, I'm not shelling out $200 for a coat she can wear maybe 4 days a year! I'm not totally crazy!( Stop that giggling- I hear you all!!)

Well, on to that which you all look forward to. This one is one we can all relate too! Thanks to Kat for this one!
...........................................
Subject: HOW MANY LIST MEMBERS DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB?

One to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been
changed.

Fourteen to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how
he light bulb could have been changed differently.

Seven to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs.

Seven more to point out spelling/grammar errors in posts about
changing light bulbs.

Five to flame the spell checkers.

Three to correct spelling/grammar flames.

Six to argue over whether it's "light bulb" or "light bulb" ... another
six to condemn those six as stupid.

Fifteen to claim experience in the lighting industry and give the
correct spelling.

Nineteen to post that this group is not about light bulbs and to
please take this discussion to a light bulb (or light bulb) forum.

Eleven to defend the posting to the group saying that we all use light
bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant to this group.

Thirty six to debate which method of changing light bulbs is superior,
where to buy the best light bulbs, what brand of light bulbs work best
for this technique and what brands are faulty.

Seven to post URLs where one can see examples of different light
bulbs.

Four to post that the URLs were posted incorrectly and then post the
corrected URL.

Three to post about links they found from the URLs that are relevant
to this group which makes light bulbs relevant to this group.

Thirteen to link all posts to date, quote them in their entirety
including all headers and signatures, and add "Me too".

Five to post to the group that they will no longer post because they
cannot handle the light bulb controversy.

Four to say "didn't we go through this already a short time ago?"

Thirteen to say "do a Google search on light bulbs before posting
questions about light bulbs"

Three to tell a funny story about their cat and a light bulb.

AND

One group lurker to respond to the original post 6 months from now and
start it all over again.
.................................
Truth hurts- don't it?!

Hope you all have a great weekend. I'm working Sunday, but I don't care- at least that means I get 2 days off next week. And it seems that I am officially off on Christmas day. Thank goodness for that! It's nice that we have so many young and older co-workers that really don't care if they work ( no kids/family/plans to deal with) Hell- some of them want to work, since they need the money more than the day off! All power to them- I've worked my fair share of Christmases over my 20+ years- let someone else have the "fun"!

Peace and Love,
KC!

Jeez, where did the week go?

2006-12-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

One of the worst things in the world about my job is the holiday season. I'd swear, instead of putting people in a good mood- it does the exact opposite! Grouches abound here, and they all seem to need medication ( well, they do! But not the kind they're picking up it seems)

Any-who- some things that I have going on.

First, I've found a website ( that I'm sure some of you have heard of) that has some really great bootlegs on it- guitars101. I've been scouring that site for good boots for the last week, although I had a little problem with the downloads once I got them. But I figure them out- now I just have to burn the darn things! Which brings me to chore #2....

You all know that this computer "crashed" last summer. Well it seems that I have totally LOST my Roxio CD! Which means I'm having a bit of a "burning hiatus" when it comes to DVD's and CD's. But I will be out and about tomorrow, and I'll just have to get a new program. My question of the week to you all- Which one should I get? I've used Roxio and Nero in the past, and while burning CD's is easy with both, I've had problems when it comes to formatting video on both. I just don't understand the process I guess, and I need one that's "idiot-friendly"- or for the Tech-challenged. Especially since I've got quite a few shorter video clips I'd like to put all on one DVD. Ah well, I'll figure it out eventually- I usually do.

Speaking of Videos- I've notices on a few blogs people asking about the "manager's video". Well, I happen to have a copy of that- amongst others. When I get the aforementioned program, I'd be happy to share! Some others I have:

Behind the Music
Argentina 1997
Milan, Italy 1993
Philly, 1993
3 continents in one day ( kind-of hard to hear/see, but pretty cool!)
rare and recent interview footage
Unplugged and Unshaved
Beacon theater on the X tour- all three nights!
Japan-Euphoria-1999

I'd be happy to share some of these with you all if you like- just e-mail me and we'll "Work it Out.......

Tomorrow Mom, Becky and I are finally going X-Mas shopping. Becky really wants to get involved this year, and quite frankly I could really use her help. She knows more about what her brother & sister want/need/have than I do at this point. ( IE- what video games/DVD's/CD's/etc they already have) I always manage to buy something for each of them that they already have, or that they don't want/need! So she should be good on that count! And it's my way of rewarding her for not pulling another one of those "I don't feel like going to school today- so I'll just skip" days. Bribery at its finest! hey- it worked!

So that's it so far. Thanks for all the birthday e-mails, text messages and wishes. I had a good one, although not much can be done on a Monday- it still was nice. Oh, and the funny part was that my Mom TOTALLY FORGOT IT! She even called Monday night- but she was so tired she totally forgot to mention it ( she was calling to get my schedule for the shopping trip!) She did call Tuesday morning and apologized, but I just thought it was funny! Maybe she'll give me a check or something tomorrow? Things that make you go HUM........ ;-)

I'm going to leave you today with a little pic I took on Thanksgiving. It's Kimmie and a little friend she made at the get-together. I just thought it was a cool picture;

Ok everyone: " AAWWWWWWWW"

Have a great hump day all!
Peace and Love, KC!

We interupt this weekend to bring you-

2006-12-02T15:36:00.000-05:00

A post about a "certain DUDE";

Happy birthday to the bassist, and founding member of a band I grew up with. One who's music has stood the test of time, and that still can lift me up with just a chord or two ;-)!

Hope your having a terrific day Sav!

Peace!
KC

Friday!

2006-12-01T18:50:00.000-05:00

And it couldn't come soon enough for me. I swear this week everyone has been in a lousy mood. Including me, which is very unusual. And since I'm tired as all get-out, I'll just get to the good stuff:

Subject: FW: Divorce?

>
> A married couple is driving along a highway doing a
> steady 60 miles per hour. The wife is behind the
> wheel. Her husband suddenly looks across at her and
> speaks in a clear voice. "I know we've been married
> for twenty years, but I want a divorce."
>
>
>
>
> The wife says nothing,
> Keeps looking at the road ahead but slowly increases
> her speed to 65 mph. The husband speaks again. "I
> don't want you to try and talk me out of it," He
> says, "because I've been having an affair with your
> best friend, And she's a far better lover than you
> are."
>
>
> Again the wife stays quiet, But grips the steering
> wheel more tightly and slowly increases the speed to
> 75 He pushes his luck. "I want the house," he says
> insistently..
>
>
> Up to 80 . "I want the car, too," he continues.
> 85 mph. "And," he says, "I'll have the bank
> accounts, all the credit cards and the boat!"
>
>
> The car slowly starts veering towards a massive
> concrete bridge. This makes him nervous, so he asks
> her, "Isn't there anything you want?"
>
>
> The wife at last replies in a quiet and co ntrolled
> voice.
> "No, I've got everything I need," she says.
> "Oh, really," he inquires, "so what have you got?"
>
> Just before they slam into the wall at 85 mph,The
> wife turns to him and smiles. "The airbag."
>
>
>
>
>
> Moral of the Story :
> Women are crazy!!!!
>
> Don't mess with them!!

......................

And just because:

Two bored casino dealers are waiting at the crap table. A very attractive blonde woman from South Alabama arrived ...and be twenty-thousand dollars ($20,000) on a single roll of the dice. She said, "I hope you don't mind, but I feel much luckier when I play topless." With that, she stripped to the waist; rolled the dice; and yelled, "Come on, baby....Southern Girl needs new clothes!" As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up-and-down....and squealed... "YES! YES! I WON! I WON!"

She hugged each of the dealers...and then picked up her winnings and her clothes, and quickly departed.The dealers stared at each other dumfounded. Finally,one of them asked, "What did she roll?"
The other answered, "I don't know... I thought you were watching."

Moral Not all Southerners are stupid.
Not all blondes are dumb.
But all men.....are men

...............................

I'm gonna go get some rest. Jon's company Christmas party is tomorrow night, so I have to get a lot done tomorrow, but I'll try to get here to say hi!

Peace and Love,
KC!

Hey!

2006-11-30T11:09:00.000-05:00

Still here, still working too hard, and sleeping when I can! But at least I'm getting some stuff done. All I have left is the X-Mas cards. Oh, and the shopping of course! But I don't mind that so much, and Becky wants to help me this year. At least, with the gifts for her dad and her siblings. She's getting the whole "better to give than receive" thing. She's getting as much a kick out of watching the faces of the others, as she is about opening her own presents. She's the one to yell- "slow down!" more often than not Christmas morning, which is fine by me! Oh- speaking of Christmas;

Our new tree. I just have to find a new skirt that I like. the old one went out with the old tree- the darn thing was WAAAYYY old!( I think my family had that thing when I WAS a kid- talk about ancient history lol!) Notice the requisite "bored teenager" to the right!

Work is work, as usual. I can't quite get "G" yet. He's sometimes easy to get along with, and then some days I just want to rip his head off. Oh well, at least we aren't getting the customer complaints we did when "D" was there!( although, yesterday I swear everyone took their "pissy" pills!) I just hope there are more good days than bad. And the time of year has a lot to do with it as well. We've all been sick, and the increased business ( ah, the Holidays! The very worst time to work in retail!!!!!) is not helping any one's demeanor!

Well, I work the early shift tomorrow, so I will try to get on here early to post our usual Friday fare. If you don't see it by 8:30am est- check back in the evening. I WILL get it up by then ;-).

Until tomorrow!
Peace, KC!

Well, sorry I haven't been here..

2006-11-28T13:19:00.000-05:00

But life- Ya know? I just have so many things to get done around here, and such. But I thought I'd leave you all a little video. Shot by Becky on Thanksgiving:

First part is Andy and Kimmie in my BIL's kitchen/family room. Sometime after dinner from what I can see . Then she comes out to the porch with the camera, and while you can't see anything- you can hear some of us. ( I'm the one who tell's people she's recording, and I'll put it up here- yada, yada. And my rather pathetic laugh at the end.)

Enjoy!
KC!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T09:20:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling better- which is reason enough to give thanks- believe me! We're sitting around the house right now, watching the parade from NYC. We will be going to "River BIL's" house today for dinner, and knowing him there will be too much of everything. So I'll just leave you all with a few goodies:
A couple of reason to give thanks-

They've won back a old fan in me- sorry!

Oh YEAH- My "first" love, and all the memories I have of this last tour. I only hope that these guys take a break next year. Why? Cause my finances could use the break- if nothing else!

And a little chuckle this morning ( as I'm not sure I'll have the chance tomorrow- everyone is home, and I have to work :( )
..........................................

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a
bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the
bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity

John tried and tried to change the birds' attitude by consistently
saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he
could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot
yelled back. John shook the parrott and the parrot got angrier and
even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the
bird and put him in the freezer, for a few minutes the parrot squawked
and kicked and screamed

Then suddenly there was a total quiet, not a peep was heard for over a
minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John Quickly opened the
door to the freezer

The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said
"I beleive I may have offended you with my rude language and actions.
I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I
fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and
unforgiveable behavior" John was stunned at the change in the bird's
attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a
dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued,

"May I ask what the turkey did?"
........................

Many thanks, for all your friendships. The laughs, the tears, and the shared memories that keep at least this one lady's spirit up even during the darkest of days.
May your day bring you good food, great big smiles, laughs and harmony. I will raise a glass to all of you today.

Peace, Love, and a nice big drumstick to all!
KC!

Someone please tell me...

2006-11-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

Who put the blow-torch down my throat last night? Or who shoved an entire king sized pillow up my nose?

I have some more pictures to share, but until someone warms this place up ( I'm sitting here with jeans, heavy sweatshirt, socks shoes- and shivering!) I'm afraid it's very hard to type and use the mouse.

I thought I'd shook this darn bug- but apparently he snuck up on me last night and dug in! My only consolation- not going to work tonight. Hell, when I called in this morning, even the manager heard my voice and said "stay away Karen"! ( I think my voice is 2 octives lower, and sounds like sandpaper!)

I just hope the rest of the family doesn't get this- 3 days before Thanksgiving!!
Right now- I'm giving thanks to Sudafed and Puffs Plus! ;-)

Until later-
KC