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Word got around that I made a JibJab cartoon of my sister Laura, to help cheer her up since the Olympics have ended. If you don't know, she is an Olympics nut, I expect her to have a countdown clock on her blog showing how long till the Winter Olympics 2 years from now. So everyone enjoy, and Laura, the Olympics will be here again before you know it. In the mean time, get some sleep.

Too Much Time on My Hands

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Ok, I couldn't help myself Mom and Dad. Computers are way too much fun.

Politics - The Fun Way

I was reminded why I love the Daily Show so much when I caught a repeat of last nights show this afternoon. This video about Barack Obama is one of the funniest things I've seen in a while. I can't wait till next week and the Republican Convention. Stuff like this makes the upcoming election tolerable.

On a side note, I watched Sarah Palin introduced as McCain's running mate. I'm confused but at the same time intrigued. I mean, I am happy that a women is on a ticket. Confused that he chose someone with so little experience and from such a small population center. I wonder if some of the die-hard Hillary supporters will now want to vote for the ticket with the women. Either McCain is really brilliant, or he just made a terrible mistake.

They Line Up and Take Aim?

Opening the National Hurricane Center's web site can give one pause. There are storms and potential storms all over the place. Every time I look, it seems like there's another. First Gustav, then Hanna and the three other systems that could very well become Ike, Josephine and/or Kyle. Makes me not want to look any more.

Right now thinking about Gustav leaves a pit in my stomach. Where ever this storm goes, destruction will follow and I only wish something miraculous would happen and it would disapate. I only hope everyone on the Gulf Coast takes this seriously. Whew, storm season and can't end soon enough.

Introducing..

Abby

Chloe

Our newest members of the family: Abigail and Chloe. They were born Monday in the early evening. Mom and Dad braved T.S. Faye and an evening and morning of power outages to see the new additions. Both are doing well and just need to gain some weight before they can go home. I'm sure we'll get up there sooner than later, just need to make sure that we don't overwhelm the new parents since there will be a parade of guests.

Jumping for Gold??

Watching the Olympics every now and then I find a sport that I had no idea was in the Olympics or why it's there. My sister talked about race walking (most people might think of this as exercise). And then there's now BMX (are the Olympics taking items from the X-games now?). Finally, Olympic trampolining.

Is this sport really for gymnists that couldn't tumble on the ground? How is this an Olympic sport? What's next? Olympic kick-ball? Olympic skipping? When does the maddness stop?

Welcome Babies

So my sister beat me to the punch in announcing the births of my two nieces yesterday evening. All the particulars are over on the World According to the K_C's blog.

But I wanted to congratulate my baby sister Karen and her husband Joe as they welcomed Abigail and Chloe yesterday in the 5 p.m. hour in Jacksonville. Both are in good shape, as my sister said "they just need to fatten up so we can take them home." We don't have any pictures yet, but we hope to have them towards the end of the week as Joe has been living at the hospital with Karen and the babies.

Congrats - love Aunt Sarah and Uncle Laszlo - the favorite aunt and uncle.

Storm Watching Makes Me Almost Ill

Tropical Storm Faye is out there churning just south of Cuba now and the forecasters are telling us that it may be setting its sights on the West coast of Florida. You think that you would get used to it, but you don't. The nerves from not knowing what is going to happen. And I kind of think it is worse that I have to be at work because you are leaving your home and love ones behind. And hoping that you come home to an intact place.

So its on to make those preparations that in case Faye decides to pay us a call, we'll be ready as we can. But I do keep hoping it will sputter and fall apart - but I doubt that will happen.

Noteable

There's something about little note cards. I have the hardest time not buying them, especially when they are on sale. Like today in Hallmark. There they were, boxes of cute note cards, all 75% off! Thank you cards, cards with little champagne flutes, lacy cards, modern ones and little pastel ones. I only bought one box, but I did have the hardest time saying no to more. And it's not that I don't have other note cards, I have boxes of them.

My little addiction. Note cards.

Dog Days of Summer

Whew, it's hot out there! Well, and wet. In Central Florida we've had our share of rain in the past few week.s It rains in the morning, the afternoon and in the evenings, heck even over night. I can't complain. We went through summers where the rain was sparse. In Florida it is supposed to rain in the summer.

Downside? Weeds. I can't pull them fast enough. They are growing in hyper speed. And the grass, whew, it's ready to be cut five days after it was cut last.

But that's OK. I'm happy to see the water pour from the sky. I'm one who likes to open the blinds and sit on the couch and watch the rain. Something fascinating about it.

Snotty, Scratchy and Tired

I felt pretty good by the end of the work day. I had accomplished a lot. I spent most of the day updating a web site. Not hard, just lots of clicking an typing.

But as the night has wore on, I think I am getting a cold. My nose is running (and I think we are out of tissues!) I have a scratchy throat and I am pooped.

Sucks.

I have lots of stuff I want to write about here - but my brain is having trouble putting together simple thoughts. So I give up, I'm off to find a glass of OJ and then sink into bed.

Night.

Tea for Two and Two for Tea..

This past weekend the family spent in Jacksonville celebrating Karen and Joe's twins by throwing a shower. Chef-sister Laura and I decided to do the girliest thing we could think of, throw an afternoon tea. The tea was complete with tea sandwiches and cookies, a minature tea set on a lemon cake and flowers everywhere. We had a great time. Karen even received a piggy bank with a tiara and tutu from her mother-in-law (a hit of the party).

Then Sunday we spent helping them organize the nursery, putting away a tidlewave of clothing, blankets, bibs, booties and other baby-related items.

Laura and I gave them a Flip Mino so they can take videos of the twins and share with family and friends. Or Karen can start vlogging (creating video blog entries) on her blog Twin Envy. Or

Joe can become a new star on YouTube. Many possibilities.

So I'm kinda tired. And I have a pile of laundry and a dirty house that should be cleaned. I'll get to it one of these days, just not today.

Another Weekend Ends

Weekends go by way too fast.

One day you are walking out of the office feeling great - a weekend is upon you. The next, you are working hard on your yard and watching a movie in the evening.

The next it's Sunday, you're at church, eating dinner with your parents and enjoying some fantastic homemade lemon/lime Cello and now it's 9:30 at night.

Wow. It's like a whirlwind. At least it's a short week with the holiday parked at the end.

Sigh - time goes way too fast.

Playing Catchup

Thought I'd play a little catch-up here. We've had a busy pair of weeks. We had the very cute and pregnant sister and brother-in-law in town for Father's Day. Below is a picture of the two dad's cracking up at a golf story. There's always something funny that comes out of their golfing excursions.
Then it was off to Jacksonville to attend Karen's first baby shower. Below is the Classic Pooh stuffed animal I gave her. He is soooo soft and cuddly. I would formally like to apologize to my family because I was high on estrogen from that wonderful time of the month and I was off the chart annoying - I'm annoyed at myself at how much so I was. Sorry.

By the end, we were a bunch of tired people. Laszlo took the time before we set off for home to take a nap. That char in their living room does kinda just suck you in.


Then it was back to work.

I had the cool chance to do some media training this week. It's hard. I give all the props to people who are comfortable in front of the camera. I realize my brain and mouth don't always work together. And that I really need a hair cut!

Anyways. Now it's on to working on pulling off Karen's second shower. I've never brought a party to another city. But, it should be fun. We are having a tea party - Tea for Two. Something so girlie about a tea party, it takes you back to being a little girl. I'm psyched.

Miscellaneous Catching Ups

I have a little catching up to do. Last week was kinda crazy - not the kind of short week you'd expect after a long holiday weekend. The two photos above are some of the leftovers from that weekend. First Karen and Joe, we spend a lovely evening doing the most primitive and simple thing, burning things in a fire pit while drinking beer (well - all but Karen). Why Joe's not smiling more, I don't know.

Then Monday we went hiking at the Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area on I do believe the last nice weather day Florida will get. Today it was 96 in Tampa, tied the heat record for this date.

But back to the past two weeks. On Wednesday morning my colleagues and I found out that our boss had "resigned" the night before. So we were thrust into the whys, what the *&^@? and what's next? And the next week and some we have been going through the grief process. Started off with shock and then it was back and forth with acceptance and anger. And by the time I get home, I just don't want to look at my computer.

BUT then my little sister is showing me up. She started a blog now, Twin Envy, where she is starting to chronicle this new chapter of her life, being pregnant and what her life will be once the twins come. She's blogged I think three or four times this week! But, in all fairness, she really has much more to talk about than I. My days are really all very similar and I can't imagine anyone wanting to read about my life on most days.

So anyways. I am happy the weekend is here. Relaxing sounds really nice. Now, off to find a cold beverage of the alcoholic variety.

Fort Caroline..Bum Bum Bum..And Other Ramblings

Happy Memorial Day weekend from Jacksonville. We want to thank all the men and women serving our country here and abroad. We are able to enjoy this weekend and freedom because of you and those who have come before you.

Today Karen was working so we thought we would spend the day seeing some sites where a woman pregnant with twins might not want to walk around. So we started out at Kathryn Abbey Hanna park. Where we took a few minutes to look at the Atlantic and step in some sand before we took to the "wellness" trail. Well, we weren't sure we were ever going to find out way out. We walked and walked and walked some more. We started to think we were going in circles. But we finally found our way out.

Then down the road we went to Ft. Caroline (bum bum bum), which is interesting. It is a "good guess" of what it might have been. No one really knows. Laszlo found himself in a recreation of a hut the native Americans lived in and then Joe and Laszlo were looking out over the water.

Overall a good day so far. It's always good to be able to get away, even if it's only a few hours away.

Now, I'm thinking a cold beer would hit the spot...mmmm Beer!

Karen Update

Here's the most recent picture I have of sister Karen's expanding belly. We are visiting them over the upcoming weekend so we'll have more after this.

A Photo Backlog

Random photos from the past 2 weeks.

Two Sunday's ago the family spent the day at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. From the picture above, bro-in-laws Joe and Greg, Hubby, sister Karen (can you see the beginnings of her twins baby bump?) and Mom.
Here's Joe playing a video game that had him sitting in a race car - he was the only one who could fit and he barely did at that.

One of the many race cars on the track on the streets of St. Pete.

The historic Columbia Restaurant last night. My Aunt Anne and Uncle Ted, parents and sister Laura and Greg all had the please to have a meal at the Ybor City landmark. mmmmmm! We even got a tour of the place by our waiter. The kitchen is huuggee!

Millennium Park - Part Deux

So we decided to head out to a park today. Nice weather, good company. Sister Laura and Bro-in-law Greg came along this time. We thought we would take them to Millennium Park in Seminole since it is by there apartment and they had never been there. We had lots of fun. As you can see above my hubby found a coconut - on the banks of the inter coastal waterway. He thought it would be cool if he peeled it (as he is doing above) and crack the sucker open. He did. Unfortunately my battery on the camera went dead so I couldn't catch the outcome - an open coconut that was bad - tasting that is. But he had a lot of fun doing it. We figured it was good to know that if we were stuck on a desert island Laszlo could get into a coconut as long as he had his keys on him.

This is a picture of Laura and Greg. Yes, Greg has an Aerobee on his. He thought we might play with it at the park. He got tired of carrying it so he started wearing it. Could he be starting a trend?

This was very sad. Millennium Park had these really cool sculptures along its boardwalk. I had taken a picture of this one about this time last year. Unfortunately some jerks decided it was up to them to destroy them. This one they broke the head off and almost all of her fingers. Another was completely shattered. It was sickening.

This was some really cool trees on the nature trail we took. It looked like there was a fire in the area. Fires are common in Florida. We have a fierce dry season. I thought they were very sculptural. It was the trail that we couldn't figure out which way to go on. We were hoping we'd come out eventually. We did and made it to my parents for a lovely dinner.

My sister has requested we ride on the Pinellas Trail as our next park visit. I'm in for that. I have to get my husband to make a path to the bikes as they are behind all kinds of stuff in the garage.

Laura, Greg and Laszlo - It's on - Like Donkey Kong!!

From Darkness to Light

Last night my husband, sister and brother-in-law attended the Easter Vigil Mass at our parish St. Matthew in Largo. Easter vigil is the most sacred mass of the year. It is the first mass of Easter where we celebrate Christ rising from the dead.

It is deep in tradition. As the photo shows we start outside (this year we were under and overhang because it was raining off and on) with a fire which signified the light of Christ. This light is then passed candle by candle through the crowd. We then process into the dark church illuminating it. Readings from the old and new testament are read, music is sung and finally the lights come up and we sing the Gloria. Following is one of the best parts - the baptisms of those coming into the church ending with their first communion and confirmation.

I know it's a long mass - more than two hours. But I always say it is worth it. It is the encapsulation of what we as Catholics are about. An Easter people, a people of the word, with up to nine readings packed in (it's up to the pastor on the number of readings), a sacramental people and a people of the light. I always say that every Catholic should attend this mass at least one time. Granted it's not the best place for young kids, it is a place for anyone wanting to witness deep traditions that use your senses well - from sight and sound to the smells of incense permenting the space and even taste as there's often cake to celebrate with the newly initiated.

So Happy Easter to all. Alleluia, Alleluia.

I Love the Wind

We've been having the strangest weather lately. The late winter and spring are typically very dry here in Florida. And while we often have breezy conditions because I live close to the beach, it isn't often windy. Recently we've had a series of fronts come through that have started and/or ended with lots of wind.

There's something that I love about the wind. I love coming home and opening wide the windows. I love the the way the curtains billow as the wind flows through them. I love sitting on my love seat by the front window and feeling the wind on my face. I love the smell of wind.

I have heard lots of ladies complaining about bad hair days recently. But I could care less. Because all I want to do fling open my windows or sit outside and enjoy this fabulous weather. I know that soon it will be hot and humid and I'll be shut tightly behind my windows and cooled by a machine rather than God.

As Seen on My Commute

I was behind an SUV that proclaimed "Born and raised a bitch" and "Drive it like you stole it."

Now I'm not too sure why you would feel the need to put either one of those things on your car. These are really things you want people to read about?

I just don't get it.

I have never understood liking being called a bitch. I'd rather go with strong, smart, sure of herself as positive words/phrases. Men don't get a label like that when they are successful. I see the word bitch as a negative word. Plus - ever heard of road rage?

And Drive it like you stole it? Um...you just want the police to hassle you?

Just something else that is random but bizarre in my world.

March - whhaa?

How can it already be March? I just can't believe how time flies. It just seems like days just roll into the others. One minute it's 8 a.m. and I am wondering will I EVER be at work right on time when my boss is in? and the next it's time for bed. I wish I could savor more moments. I am seeing how fleeting life can be. Rather than thinking about how to get to a next big moment.

Just a random thought. Pretty heavy for a Monday I know. But it's all I've got.

Whew - what a week

What a blur. That's how I would categorize my week.
Sunday, we had a health scare with my Dad. We thought he might have had a heart attack. Thank God, he didn't. He had a really bad cold and because he didn't eat and drink enough so his electrolytes got out of whack, causing his blood pressure to drop and him to pass out. The moral of the story? Drink when sick, just drink in general. My sister suggested the new family motto should be "Just drink!" And I said that the family coat arms would have that motto across it with four different kinds of glasses, a wine glass, a beer mug, a water bottle and sister Karen suggested a glass of milk since she is pregnant and is drinking milk by the gallon.

Then there was a jaunt to Orlando for a meeting. And then to Tampa for a different meeting. And in between, lots of work at work which also included my yearly evaluation that I wasn't prepared to do.

By the time I got to today, I just wanted to sleep and then sit on the couch in my pajamas watching cable.

And now? I am watching the bonus features on the Veggie Tales Top 10 Silly songs with Larry. Now I have admitted it out loud. I like the Veggie Tales. I don't have children, but I think they are the funniest thing. And now, I have sucked my hubby into them. What's not to like about singing cucumbers, tomatoes, asparagus, peas, squash and other various veggies?

Man, what a random post.

So Shiny and New..and Pink!

So I must be the last person I know practically who was iPodless. I had thought of getting one before..and it just didn't happen.

Until Valentines Day. My sweet Hubby bought me a lovely new pink iPod Nano. Yes PINK. I think that makes it even better. I've officially put some music on it and found out where we can buy music - you know Amazon is cheaper than iTunes? And their specials on entire albums can be pretty good.

So yes, now the only person I know who DOESN'T have an iPod? My Hubby. And now he wants one too, just not pink... Maybe if he's really, really good...

Breaking News - Part Deux

Previously I wrote about my sister's pregnancy. Here's the update - there's going to be TWINS! So I'll be an aunt times 2.

Congrats sis and bro and law. I'm sure they will give Dave Simanoff's nephew Ryland a run for his money for the cutest baby ever.

Breaking News..(cue music)

I'd like to congratulate my baby sister and bro-in law Karen and Joe. They announced they are having a baby in September (which is a good month for a birth if I may say so myself).

We are very excited for them and are looking forward to welcoming him or her.

Maybe one day he/she will have a cousin...

Yo ho..oh you know the rest..

Saturday I attended my first Gasparilla parade. It was interesting to say the least. Hundreds of thousands of people, most of them drunk, some stoned and almost all festooned with beads.

Really, the main reason I went was because my parents received tickets for one of the corporate tents that line the parade route. These tents offer many cool things, including food and drink, private port-a-potties, seating and the best chocolate chunk cookies I've had in a long while. Being that I live across the Bay from the festivities, the parking, traffic and the crowds on the parade route, don't tug at me to come. I'm happy to stay at home and catch some of the highligts on the TV.

I still can't say I understand the allure of the day. A bunch on grown men and women, dressing up in pirate garb, throwning beads and getting drunk? I don't know - maybe I'm a fuddy-duddy.

But I did have fun. Mainly the people watching. And did I mention those chocolate-chunk cookies? I don't know if I'd make the pirate-fest in Tampa a tradition, but I'd say try it at least once. Now what the heck does a person DO with all those beads?

Blah, blah, blah

I haven't had much to say recently. I was sick with a BAADDD cold last week and the last thing I wanted to do was type. I mainly lay in bed in a half coma-like state because of the great drugs I popped throughout the day. And on top of that, my hands have been really sore. I have a new symptom that I take seriously, the shooting pains in my thumb and pointer. I understand that's carpel tunnel. So I have been cutting down on the typing when I can. So blogging will take a side to the health of my hands, because it I can't type - I don't know what I'd do for work...seriously, and that is sad!

The Internet Rocks

The Internet is really cool. And I was reminded of it yesterday when I received an e-mail from a friend I hadn't talked to in a long time. While all the cool information s neat - the connectivity it offers is what keeps me coming back.

On a random note - I saw a zebra-striped golf cart with pink seats ad an air-brushed smile on the front driving home tonight. I have to wonder what would suggest to anyone to do that? But at the same time - it was in Pinellas Park - and that say everything.

Happy New Year!

Wow - I can't believe it's 2008. But you know, I am ready for a new year. It seems that I needed the clean slate that comes with the new year. I'm excited at the prospects for the new year.

Although being back to work with a regular schedule isn't one of the exciting things. I was getting used to working partial weeks and shorter hours and there's not a holiday in sight. Oh well - it is called work for a reason I guess.

I know that every one talks about getting organized in a new year. Well, we are actually doing it. We tackled the problem closet in December and have started on the biggest cluster #$@! in the house - the garage. Oh - it will be complete before summer. I look forward to walking into the garage and knowing where to find the thing I am looking for.

Any way. Happy New Years to my friends and family. I am hoping your year is prosperous, happy and full of wonderful memories. You only get to do this year one time, why not make the most of it?

A Little Craziness for the Holidays

So we woke up this morning with the power out. Not the thing you want to find when you need to put the Christmas roast in the oven in a short time for Christmas brunch. But, luckily the good guys at the power company fixed it and the lights were back on.

I wanted to share some pictures from last night - hubby and my official 2007 Christmas photo didn't come out. BUT, there were photos that DID come out. Drum roll please!

Karen and Joe putting on the dog...well or as we called it, Disco Christmas - alluding to Karen's shirt - Joe even coordinated.


Mom and Dad. Looking dapper and lovely as always. Seriously - Dad looks the same in almost every picture - he's got the photo smile always ready to pull out of the back pocket.


Greg here is excited because we are about to sit down for dinner. mmmm...ham! Now remember the comment about Dad above? Greg has the same thing - kinda. This is one of the more natural smiles for him. Maybe it's the ham. See the photo at the end - I could have photoshopped the head?


This is Laura showing her wacky side during opening of presents. This is a common expression too. If you recall me mentioning that in an earlier post. Pretty funny.


This is Dad opening a lovely set of wrenches from Karen and Joe. I know - every guy can do their best Tim the Toolman Taylor impersonation.


This is the lovely self-portrait Karen took Christmas Eve before dinner. This is how she looks BEFORE all the makeup and hair -- see prior photo.


Laura and Greg at church. Yes - Laura does wear something besides jeans and a t-shirt. To be nice - we were lucky she was there - she had a taxing work day and we are happy she made it.


Finally - here's Laszlo with his Christmas Eve dinner. As you can tell he wasn't ecstatic to be getting his photo taken - his dinner was getting cold.

Anyways. Once again...Merry Christmas all and to all a good night. Unfortunately my vacation has come to an end..so my blog vacation has officially ended.

On to 2008 - Can't believe next year is next week.

From My Family to Yours

I've been on a self-imposed vacation from the computer during my vacation from work so to help my sore hands catch a break.

But I wanted to drop by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. The wrapping is almost done - I'm waiting for a package from Amazon still!, the halls are decked and the famous green bean casserole is finished. I'm ready to enjoy the holiday.

And this is a special year for my family. This is the first time in six years that all of the siblings will be in the same city. It's a cool thing. Tonight we attend "midnight" mass (actually at 10 p.m. - yeah - I don't get it either - and then there are gifts will be exchanged. Tomorrow the in laws come to our home to celebrate.

So to all - enjoy the holiday season. Take time to sit back and enjoy those peaceful moments, laugh, and remember all you can because it's over quickly.

Merry Christmas!

Gold and Gold..

While cleaning the house and then putting up the Christmas decorations I now realize I am attracted to the color gold. As I was taking the decorations out yesterday and today as I sit with both boxes of Christmas cards, I noticed that I have been purchasing gold colored items that that are both inside and outside the house.

I never thought of myself as a gold person. But I guess I am.

From the angel clothed in golden threads on the top of my tree, to the gold balls down below to the golden curtains next to the tre in my dining room to the golden ribbon on the wreath on my golden yellow house to the gold on both of the boxes of cards I bought last year. I am truly surrounded by the color.

I'm not sure what this means. But if anyone notices me buying something in gold lame', please stop me. I guess I'm attracted to shiny things...or maybe it's my sparkling personality. ;-)

Happy Birthday Sister Laura

Today is the 31st birthday of my little sister Laura. This is the first year in many that she is home so she can celebrate with the family. In fact, we are getting set to head over to Mom and Dads to have yummy dinner and gifts and the cake deal.

So Happy Birthday sis - it's great to celebrate with you!

A Doodle and a Request

I was so happy to see my friend and fellow blogger Pat has brought back the very popular Mr. Doodle's Dog to the blogosphere. Pat and her furry family members bring a jovial look at being a canine and/or feline. As a fellow animal lover with a cat, a snake and a school of fish I felt it was important to help her (in my small way) get the word out about the monster who kept 97 wire fox terriers in deplorable conditions and if a judge makes the wrong choice, he may get some of the dogs back.

I know that many people will wonder aloud why we should spend time and energy on animals when we as humans have so many issues to deal with. I really think it is symtomatic of a society where we can allow any one or animal be abused. Especially those who can least protect themselves.

So please take a few minutes to read Mr. Doodle's plea.

Welcome back to the Doodle's - we've missed ya.

Happy Birthday Mr. Cooooee, Happy 30th to You!

I would be remiss if I hadn't taken a moment to wish our friend Roy a happy 30th Birthday! I know technically it was yesterday, but today the fun continues with Roy's Roast - which we will leave for shortly.

This man is a great guy with a big heart, a passion for NASCAR (I don't know if one should brag about that), a wicked sense of humor and a love for the Simpsons that is only matched by his brother's.

So Happy Birthday my friend! I toast with a Bud for you this weekend!

Presidential Politicing

Due to work, I was able to attend the Republican Presidential debate in St. Petersburg last night. I have to say it was a good time. It was fun just to people watch. From the national media, including the very svelte Anderson Cooper to tough-guy Chuck Norris (who has freakishly white teeth and is surprising short)to senators and representatives and the "executives" from UTube. But there were just lots of white middle-aged and older wealthy people. There was definitely lack of diversity.

One cool item, the back of my husbands and my head were on CNN. Kinda cool.

What I came away with was the knowledge that I know who I really really dislike and would never in a million years vote for. Namely Ron Paul and Mitt Romney. Yuck times 10. And I felt bad because I wanted to like John McCain. But the poor man just looked beat down, tired - heck I thought his coloring was a little on the gray side.

Anyhow, it was an interesting to watch. Interesting indeed.

Shoppers - Start Your Wallets

So Mom and I braved the retail world early this morning. We were at our first shop around 7:30 or so and finished before Noon. There were deals to be had - in fact there were a few gifts for myself along the way. Exciting things, drapes and two shirts. But I made a nice dent in the holiday shopping. I even got Hubby into the act by sending him to Target. Mom said she wasn't sure she wanted to go this year, but I told her it was tradition. That she could sleep in the afternoon. Happy Black Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm starting to change my take on Thanksgiving. I think this holiday has gotten the short shrift in the holiday season mix. Rather than people enjoying the day for what it is and really thinking about what they should be thankful for, people are putting up their Christmas decorations and thinking first and foremost what they will buying tomorrow morning. In the stores Christmas music has been playing for more than a month and finding something that looks like Autumn or with a turkey is not easy.

So take a moment to sit and really take stock of all the blessings you have in your life. I know I don't do that enough.

So I'm here to say that I have some pretty great things to be thankful for this year:

1. I am relatively healthy.
2. I am gainfully employed with good benefits and the chance to move up.
3. I am happily married to my best friend.
4. I live in a safe neighborhood in a cozy little home.
5. I have a great family - parents, sisters and brother-in-laws, not to mention all the aunts, uncles and cousins around the country.
6. I've got a core of wonderful friends who I can always rely on.
7. I was blessed so much that I was able to go on two vacations this year and see a little more of the world.
8. I'm thankful for my faith that keeps me grounded and helps me see that I should give thanks every day rather than only once a year. I want to strive to get gratitude more into my life.

So Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Take some time and really think about what you are thankful for. I bet it's more than you think.

Your Moment of Cat Zen

This was Tiger fast a sleep yesterday afternoon. Get your inner awwww on.

So Much Stuff..Where to Start

I have decided we have too much crap in this house. I am sure that at the time when we acquired a lot of it, it was really cool. But now, so much of it is shoved into closets where I can hardly find anything. And I am really beginning to understand I don't need lots of it.

So I am looking to go through it and decide what stays and goes. But it MUST happen. I am starting to understand I feel more restful when my surroundings aren't such a mess.

It's funny because I never thought I'd believe that. Messes used to never bother me. Maybe I am starting to finally understand it's not stuff that makes you happy. So I need to go through my stuff and keep only the stuff that I really love, the rest can find a new home where someone will love it.

Ooo! It's Chilly Outside!

So Winter came to the Tampa Bay area yesterday. It was may 65 today and tomorrow morning it is supposed to be in the lower 40s. Brr!

I love it!! It's an entirely new wardrobe. Jeans without sweating, a sweater, pajamas, slippers and maybe even a jacket in the morning.

I know there are many people up north who would laugh at me. That mid-60's is not cool enough for a sweater, let alone a jacket. But to those of us who have lived in Florida for a long time, this is cool. We Floridians will gladly pull out those heavier clothes, I'm sure tonight there will be people with hats, scarves and mittens outside. But hey, if we didn't do it now, when would we do it?

I know in a short time it will be warm again, but I'll take this while I can. Besides, all those Northerns laughing at me now, who is laughing in January when you are freezing and wishing the sun would just come out? Um, could it be me? :-)

Movie of Note

Last night we watched A Mighty Heart. It's the story of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter who was murdered in Pakistan by terrorists I didn't know what to expect from it and I'm not a really big Angelina Jolie fan. But I have to say this movie was excellent and Jolie was great. I know, I can't believe I just typed that either. I just cannot imagine the pain Marianne Pearl went through and how she soldiered through the investigation and losing her husband eventually.

Plus, it reminds everyone the danger journalists around the world have and continue to face as there are many countries around the world that do not protect the rights, let alone the lives of journalists.

Anyways, what I am trying to say is go see this movie.

Happy Birthday Mom!

I wanted to take a moment to wish my Mom a very happy birthday today. We just had a little shin-dig where we celebrated it up. There was a lovely dinner, champagne and cake. Yum!

So happy birthday Mom. We love you!

One Thing Leads to Another

So it started innocently enough. I have been noticing that my six-year-old comforter was looking pretty shabby. Some of the seams were coming apart and it was faded and spotted. So I decided to get a new one. Along came my birthday and some Tar-gey gift cards and there was an opportunity to get a new one for a little bit of money. So $10 of my dollars later, I have a lovely new comforter set.

I finally got around to putting it on this morning. The bed looks great! And now everthing else looks old and shabby. First there needs to be new curtains - which makes sense since they are the wrong color now and they are more faded than the comforter was. But in the back of my head I am thinking, darn, this furniture looks so dated and I really don't like it any more. With that there's also thoughts of, I wonder what the walls would look like with a fresh coat of paint in the new color scheme I have created?

I think the new comforter has created a monster. And I have learned something today. Once you get something new, it makes your the rest of your shabby things look even shabbier.

Hmmm...the bathroom next to master is also looking bad...paint? New tile? What about a new shower door? No wonder Lowes and Home Depot are so successful!

Look Ma, No Wires!

So the Husband and I finally came into the 21st century this week. We now have wireless at home. Sp far I like it. I can sit here and surf the net and be sitting on the couch. And for work purposes I do not have to be chained to office. Although, in a sense, it makes it easier to become chained to the job because I can just open the laptop up and work whenever. So maybe that part isn't the best.

In other news, a belated Happy Birthday to my Dad. On Wednesday we celebrated the big day with him. Had lots of fun. So Happy Birthday Dad!

And Fall officially came to the Tampa Bay area. In fact it was about 50 in the morning yesterday. Cool enough that I should have not worn open-toed shoes to work. My toes out in the open were COLD!

Well - Happy Friday everyone!! And Laura, sorry I haven't been "saysing" enough for you. It's just when you sit in front of a computer all day, most days the last thing I want to do it type again. But now with the laptop and wireless..who knows??