Looking Back at 2007

As I look back at 2007 I really can say that this year was a good year. Not a great year, but on a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it a seven. I mean there were a lot of things that I would have done differently, but other things were better than I would have imagined.

January was exciting and new. I had a new job and was learning all the ins and outs of my new job and the responsibilities that came with it. February brought a lot of snow and ice, and with that came sickness, it seemed the entire month I was feeling under the weather. March brought the better weather, and it also brought a few more bucks into our pockets. Dan went into the hospital and it brought a realization to me just how fast everything could be gone. He healed and came back home to me, and a whole new appreciation for the love we have. April was full of a lot of rain, and I became addicted to American Idol! Other than that April was quiet and nothing really exciting happened. May came and went without fanfare, June was much of the same. July DJ and i went camping, the first time in a couple years, and a much needed vacation. We had a great time, and of course I became a year older. DJ's grandmother passed in July, and I got the news that I am going to be a grandfather again. August brought a lot of changes in my life. I found out in August that I was diabetic. Everyday I was going to have to take medication to keep it under control, and change the way I eat. Silver's father passed in August. August was not a good month. September marked the end of a very hot, dry summer. It also brought the end of us living in the basement as we made the step to move out of DJ's mother's house and move back into our own place. We moved out officially in October and the entire month was full of changes and moves. DJ also started his new job. October was a plus month. November brought in the holidays and family, and December so far has been a great month.

So another year is coming to a close and a new year is right around the corner. No resolutions, as I can never keep them anyway, but I look forward to what the New Year is going to bring. It will be 2008, and I'm sure it's going to be great!

Thursday Thirteen #12

Thirteen New Years Resolutions That I Didn't Keep:

1. Quit Smoking.

2. I will never have sex again.

3. Eat less chocolate

4. Give up Coffee

5. Loose 15 pounds and keep it off

6. Put $$ into savings

7. Quit Smoking

8. Become a vegatarian

9. Go back to school

10. Publish my book this year

11. Learn a new language

12. Become debt free

13. Quit Smoking

The First Day After Christmas

The First day after Christmas and all through the office, the peers were all quiet for those that had not already asked off. The head was hurting and the stomach was churning, all I could think about was the Captain Morgan I felt in my stomach still burning. The night before I had too much, now today I feel the effects and all I want is something greazy for lunch.

Christmas 2007

Thursday Thirteen #11

13 Thoughts about Christmas

1. Just how does Santa get his fat ass down that chimney?

2. Do Atheists celebrate Christmas?

3. Why do we celebrate Christmas in December?

4. How does Santa get all those damn toys in that little bitty bag?

5. And what about going worldwide giving gifts in one night?

6. When you don't get what you want for Christmas, does Santa have a return policy?

7. Wouldn't it be better to leave Santa peanut butter and celery sticks instead of cookies and milk, I mean he is a little overweight...

8. Speaking of weight, just how do eight reindeer pull his fat ass on that sled full of gifts?

9. Remember those Norelco commercials at Christmas? Why? Santa has a full beard, why would he be a spokesperson for electric shavers?

10. If Christ was born on Christmas, wouldn't it have been cold out in the barn where he was born in the manger?

11. Who created egg nog? And why is it only on sale during the Christmas season?

12. If you stay up all night Christmas Eve, will you still get gifts under the tree?

13. If you buy the gifts in the twelve days of Christmas, just how much money would you have to spend?

Opportunity Knocking

A year ago I began a new job. In a career that I had been employed before, I was happy to just be working again, and working in something I was both familiar with and comfortable. Not only did I find a great job, I really think I found a great employer. Yes, there are days, but overall I can honestly say that I really LOVE my job!. How many people can actually say that and mean it? After my yearly review last week, I realize just how fortunate I am.

Now another possible opportunity has rose. A position has come available within my department. It will probably pay more, and my responsibilities will increase. However, I will not be in what I call, the "trenches". Everyday something new arises and I feel accomplished at the end of the week, or when a case settles. In the position that has become available it will be more of a group effort, and I will be overlooking several cases, and making sure our team completes tasks within time frames that we have been given. So, the question is...am I at a point in my life where job comfort is more important than the financial benefits? Or am I willing to step into a challenge and maybe reap more benefits down the road. I may not even get the position that has become available, but the choice of even wanting to apply is something that I have already put a lot of effort into.

Not only do I have a possible opportunity, but DJ has also been given a possible opportunity. With being employed at his newest job for only two months, he has been offered the opportunity to move into a middle management position. He would travel all over the continental US and train employees in new stores that open. He would be gone two weeks at a time who knows how many weeks a year. He would move from a serving position being paid minimum wage+ tips, to a salaried position. He has shown great interest in this position, and I also think it is a great opportunity not only for him, but our household. But do I want to give him up for two weeks at a time?

Doors open all the time for us, however sometimes we need to walk through them, and other times we have to just stand at the doorway and look in. How will it change us if we walk through? Will it be for the good, or not so good. Either way DJ and I decide, we will still have our jobs, that in itself is a blessing for us. But do we take these opportunities, or are the opportunities something that we will regret down the road.

Thirteen Thursday #10

Thirteen Things to Do to Survive the Christmas Holidays...

1- Tell everyone you lost your job and you have no $$, so that way they don't expect and gifts from you.

2- Go to Aruba

3- Ignore it. No tree, no cards, no shopping.

4- Take off all your clothes and run around in the snow, that way you get the flu and have to miss all the parties and festivities.

5- Stay drunk from Thanksgiving to New Years.

6- Fake it. Hey women do it all the time!

7- Win the lottery in October

8- Bake cookies, decorate your home to make it look like Santa threw up in it, have a Christmas party every Saturday inviting the same guests.

9- Watch Surviving Christmas over and over and over until you go into a coma.

10- Change your phone number

11- Go on a crash diet from September to November loosing 25 pounds, that way you can enjoy the holidays without guilt.

12- Therapy

13- Just let it happen, it's going to anyway. Enjoy it, they only come once a year...

Another Goodbye

Today my cousins said goodbye to their mother. The glue that held them together. My Aunt Joyce was always a small little lady, but a strong one. She was the epitome of strong. One of the strongest women I was ever blessed to have in my life. She married my uncle, a young service man, just starting out in the Airforce. She left her home and family to travel with him across the country as he served in Korea and Vietnam. She mothered five children, each one grew up and gained some of her strength. During those years she remained strong, being a mother and wife, but enjoying life. That she did. She enjoyed her life, she loved her life and dearly loved her family.

She lost her mother at a young age, but remained strong. Later in life, a few years ago she lost a son. Something a mother nor any parent should have to do, bury a child. But even in this she continued to remain strong. Through her own brain surgery in her 40's, through the illness that plagued and finally took her husband, and then to her own struggle over the past few years with the cancer that finally took it's toll. She fought every one of those battles with a determination and strength that others only wished they had.

Many of the women in my life have been strong women, but Aunt Joyce was truly one of the strongest. I thank God for the blessing of her in my life. The strength she showed me, the love she gave me and the compassion she shared with me.

I can not even to begin to imagine how her family must feel today, but I know if they learnt anything from their mother, they are being strong. Showing their strength... no her strength, in a time of pain.

All I Want For Christmas

With Christmas right around the corner I began thinking last night not what I really want for Christmas, but what I really NEED for Christmas. I pondered this question for a while and realized there is not really anything that I really need.

I have a great partner that I love more with each day that passes, and he loves me in return. I have four great kids and two great grandkids and a family that loves me. I have a great job that I enjoy going to... at least three days out the week. I have both my parents, still healthy and happily married. I am alive, and somewhat healthy with both my MS and diabetes under control. I have a great new apartment that keeps me warm and cozy. I have food in my fridge and plenty of water. So many things I have that I take for granted.

So, do I really need that 42" plasma screen TV, a new cell phone, more clothes, or a new upgrade on my computer? No, not really. Do I need any of those things? Well not really do I need them, but that 42" Plasma TV would look really great in my great, new and Cozy apartment!!

Thirteen Thursday #9

Thirteen Things that Have Never been Said to Me...

1) You are a very quiet person.

2) Do you always smell that way?

3) How's your elephant?

4) Hey, what about those Bengals!?

5) Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?

6) You have the right to remain silent,...

7) Your the winner of the 36 Million Powerball!

8) Do you use tampons or pads?

9) Hey Brother, can you spare a dime?

10) Is there a reason you had your nose pierced?

11) Remember that time at band camp...?

12) Hey! Watch that thing!!

13) Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.

A Classic Revisted

I am a freak fan of the Wizard of Oz. I have a collection of dolls, plates and other memorabilia relating to this ultimate classic film. Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr are totally brilliant, and Victor Fleming (among others) did a fantastic job at directing this timeless film. So when I heard, way back in October that the SciFi Channel was doing a new mini-series based on the famous L. Frank Baum novel, I was full of anticipation, to say the least.

TINMAN, is a whole new look at the story, and after two nights of watching it, I am enthralled in the story. The acting leaves a lot to be desired, but then who can compare the greats from the original? But this is not the story that we all know and love. At first I thought it was just a retelling of the same story, but now I am beginning to think that this is possibly a continuation of the original. A young woman named DG is drawn to this magical world known as the Outer Zone (OZ) through her dreams. She then is pulled into this world through a magical tornado. Sound familiar?, well guess again. At this point in the series, without giving away too much of the plot, I think that DG's mother is Glinda, the Good Witch years later after Dorothy left and went back to Kansas. She has named one of her daughters DG in Dorothy's memory. Who is her father? Well, my guess is the Wizard of OZ, who came back to OZ after leaving in his balloon. Now this is all just my own assumptions, but I will find out tonight in the final airing of the three part mini-series.

The Tin Man is actually a former police officer that was placed in a metal suit and forced to watch the holographic images of his family's torture over and over until DG comes along and releases him. Glitch (the Scarecrow type character) was actually an adviser to the Queen (who is now in exile), who had part of his brain removed to extract information that only he was privy to. Raw (the Lion) is half man and half lion who has the ability to read minds. And Toto? Oh, he is actually a shape shifter. A very imaginative story... and it has me hooked.

But regardless of how entertaining this show is, it will never take the place of the classic. But then again can anything take the place of the classics?

Where has it Gone?

It's December 1, 2007!! The last month of the year. Where has 2007 gone? It is so hard to believe that it is almost Christmas and that this year is almost over. Tonight I will be attending my first Christmas party of the season. The first of many.

Time flies when your having fun I suppose.

On the 12th of this month I will celebrate my first year at my new job, that too is hard to believe. So many hours of of time have been spent this year preparing documents, taking phone calls and preparing for hearings and amending complaints. It just seems so unreal to think I've been there a year already.

So officially tonight begins the slide to the end. The end of the year. Most of the month it will be spent in oblivion, as the parties, and holiday festivities will just go by me and very little attention will be paid to them. Make my stops, share my gifts and before I know it, Christmas will also be over and I will begin to make the move into 2008.

So before all the chaos, excitement, festivities and over-eating begins, if I happen to forget Happy Holidays!

Thirteen Thursday #8

Over the past few years there has seemed to be a rise in multi-generational relationships, meaning older dating much younger. Many of these connections have made the news due to the younger party being much younger, such as under-age. Many of them being older women involved with much younger males. In our area alone two women have been arrested for being with teen aged boys, while they themselves were in their 30's and even 40's. Personally my partner DJ is 20 years my junior, but just so you are aware, we were both legal adults when we met and began dating. I will touch on this issue in future posts, but I thought a good Thirteen Thursday post would be...

THIRTEEN ADVANTAGES OF DATING YOUNGER THAN YOURSELF:

1) You never feel as old as you are, dating a younger person allows you to have at least the "feeling" of staying young, a perpetual Peter Pan effect.

2) You are more open to new ideas and current fads.

3) It keeps you focused on helping your partner not to make the same mistakes you may have had. (This doesn't always happen as they are their own person and they will probably make the same choices you did)

4) It also makes you take better care of your self physically, as you want to "keep up" with your younger counterpart.

5) If your relationship lasts, you will have someone to take care of you when you are old.

6) You will continue to have a strong steady income once you retire, as your partner will undoubtedly still be working.

7) You can share your wisdom with someone that may actually appreciate it

8) Most of your mutual friends are younger as well, so you are surrounded with fresh ideas and opinions.

9) It has broadened my mind to try new things and new hobbies that I would have otherwise never probably ventured into.

10) You learn patience and so do they.

11) The cup always seems to be half full, not half empty.

12) You get the high fives, and "good jobs" from your peers due to being able to catch a "young'en"

13) And last, but certainly not least, the sex is Incredible!!!

480 Posts Later

This post marks my 480th blog post. Seems amazing to think I've been blogging for almost four years and there are only this many posts. But then again my posts are becoming less and less with each month. Now that I am employed full time (almost a year already!!) I have less time to spend on the things that matter, such as blogging. As well as laundry and house cleaning. But my goal for the upcoming year is to post more. Because I know that all of my loyal readers out there can not wait to read my scintillating posts about my life!

Right now I am living under a cloud. A dark cloud. It's called the dreaded pre-winter cold. It hit me Sunday night and for the last four days all I have done is cough, sneeze and drip from my nose. I know gross, but hey you've all been there! Finally by the end of the day today I begin to feel somewhat back to normal.

So there you have it. My 480th post. Mind numbing wasn't it? Wait until tomorrow!

I REALLY Wanted to Go Shopping

All day yesterday I thought about shopping. You know "Black Friday", but I refrained myself and stayed in all day, just venturing out long enough to take out the garbage. Even though my sons, who are staying the weekend wanted to get out of the house. I boarded up the doors and sat solemnly in my home, but my heart was saying... shop shop shop...

So today I decided I was going SHOPPING!!

We got up and I fixed breakfast and had a shower and we all headed out. I had my heart set on buying this new TV stand that I really wanted. So DJ, J2 and AT and I headed out into the world of bargain shoppers. We got all the way down the interstate, and onto the exit ramp to turn onto the busiest stretch of shopping heaven this side of Cincinnati. As I waited for the light to turn green, in anticipation of loading my car up with a newly purchased TV stand, the car died...

Yes, right on the exit ramp with cars coming up behind me, with that same determination that I had to shop, barrelling right behind me, but I was going...NO WHERE!!!

To make a long story short. I went shopping today. At Advance Auto Parts where I purchased a shiny new fully charged battery for my car.

So much for the festive shopping experience I was entertaining in my head.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Little Color

I did it. Something I said I was not going to do again.

I colored my hair. Yes, I colored the gray. Wash away the sign of age.

Yes, I know people say that men look "distinguished" with salt and pepper hair. I also know that DJ prefers my original hair color and doesn't like it when I color it. But I decided one more time. Just to try and remember what I looked like 10 years ago.

Yes, a picture would have been cheaper...

My Own Little Taste of Paris

I have several girls at work that I call friends. There is of course "Midget" whom I've known now for over 8 years. We worked together at another law firm and were also room-mates for a while. Then we have "Full Figured Model", who is a daily source of entertainment, sharing stories of her family and her and her new husband. Then "Newlywed" is one of those girls you love, her wit and sarcasm is just the right amount to make your day go so much better, plus we get updates on when she is ovulating. Her and her new husband are wanting to child, SOON. "Momma Kentucky" is just that, momma, she mothers all of us, including me, who is 10 years her senior. There is not a day that goes by that she is not "offering" her motherly advise to one of us. Then there is "Paris". Paris is a single mom of two beautiful little girls and who is quite attractive herself. Even though she refers to herself as Fatty McNofriends, which is not the case. She just says that so we will tell her that she is NOT fat, but we all got wise to that, and now we just ignore that comment or agree with her.

Most of the people I work with are highly educated individuals. I believe most of us have a degree or at least some kind of higher education. However, no amount of education is going to change who each of us really are. Case in point:

Paris has a brother that lives and works in D.C. She is planning a trip to visit him soon, however she has never flown before and does not want to make the trip alone, so she has asked Midget to be her companion on a little long weekend excursion. She is all excited about the trip, even though she is somewhat hesitant about flying. As she is talking about making her trip she makes the following statement;

"Oh I am so excited, I can not wait to go. Oh, I forgot, now I'm going to have to get a passport, aren't I?"

Yes, somethings do not change even if you are college educated. And now you know why we call her Paris.

Thursday Thirteen #7

I recognition to Mr. Matt Damon who was named this year's sexiest man alive by People magazine, my Thursday Thirteen today is;

THIRTEEN REASONS I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NAMED THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE INSTEAD OF MATT DAMON...

1) I am really good at hunting guys named Will.

2) I had some very close ties when in school

3) I am just as talented as Mr. Ripley

4) You would NEVER find me chasing Amy.

5) I never really had an identity problem

6) I also never thought of myself as supreme

7) I try not to give people I love ultimatums

8) When I leave a room, I don't make a big deal about Departing.

9) I'm not a fan of Jimmy Kimmel

10) Some people refer to me as the rainmaker

11) I've seen the ocean about eleven times

12) Or maybe it was 12 or 13, I can't remember

13) I know how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop!

Thursday Thirteen #6

THIRTEEN THINGS TO DO BEFORE THANKSGIVING

1) Loose about 10 pounds, so I can eat more!

2) Buy a Thanksgiving outfit, hey I'm going to loose ten punds, I deserve it!

3) Get a haircut, you know to look good in my new outfit.

4) Start my Christmas list, it is right around the corner.

5) Get the car fixed, no one wants to have their car breakdown on Thanksgiving!

6) Get curtains for the living room. Who knows, we may get company.

7) Find a new recipe for DJ to make. Everyone knows I don't cook.

8) Buy more minutes for the cell phone. Holidays mean lots more calls

9) Finish reading that book I bought last Thanksgiving.

10) Update myself on the current football standings, I need to have conversation material while with my brothers.

11) Send out Thanksgiving cards. Oh I don't do that, nevermind.

12) Update my phonebook, need to at least call those family members I haven't talked to all year.

13) Get all my to do's completed at work. Having two days off it will be terrible when I return after Thanksgiving if I don't.

Just a Few Days Away

The holidays are right around the corner. Of course my friend Silver is already listening to "Sounds of the Season", as it plays through his house via digital cable. The stores have already taken down all the Halloween things and replaced them with Santa Claus', reindeer, angels, Christmas trees and Christmas decorations.

You see a few Thanksgiving decorations, but nothing like you used to when I was a kid. Remember those pictures of the Pilgrims? Did those men really wear those hats with the belt buckles on them?? Haven't saw too many of those around.

Do you remember making the turkey with your hand print? You would lay your hand down on a piece of paper and trace around it. Then you would add color to the fingers as the feathers, and then add eyes onto the thumb. And don't forget the "gobbler". Thanksgiving has kind of faded away between Halloween and Christmas. Such a shame.

This year or tradition is changing. For years we have went to my parents for Thanksgiving, ready for mom's great cooking. She would work all day on the dinner and then settle down with her boys and their families for the meal. This year my brother and his wife will have the Thanksgiving dinner at their home. This is the first time in 47 years I have not been at my mother's for Thanksgiving. I understand the reasoning. Mom is just not able to do all that work like she used to, and her home is just not big enough for all of us now. But still it is kind of sad to think that the Holidays will be shared not in my childhood home. Christmas is going to be held at my younger brother and his wife's home this year. So neither of the Holidays will be the same.

But, they festivities are just a few days away. I need to let go of the nostalgia and just be happy that all my family are still here to share the holidays.

Thirteen Thursday #5

Thirteen Foods I Need to Avoid (but that doesn't mean I do!)

1) Doughnuts

2) Candy Bars

3) Ice Cream

4) Cake

5) Pasta

6) Non-Diet Soda

7) Alcohol

8) Pizza

9) Sugar Cookies

10) Bread

11) Pudding

12) Chocolate

13) Cheese

Monday, Monday

Yes, thank goodness there will be no more Mondays until next week. I'm not sure what it is, maybe it is the fact that now that I've been working for almost a year, a routine has set in. But it seems that I am not as eager as I once was to get up and head out the door to work. I still love my job, and I enjoy those I work with (for the most part) but Mondays anymore are just horrible for me to get motivated.

However, once I get there I am able to be productive. I accomplished a lot today, and a couple cases I've been working on since I started there will soon be coming to an end. But today was certainly a Monday. But apparently not as bad as DJ's Monday. His car wouldn't start!

Sorry baby...at least there will be no more Mondays this week.

Check out the Crib!

As promised I have added some pics of our new place. You can find them over on the left in my links. I am very proud of my dinning area. Check out the curtains, I learnt a trick off of watching too much HGTV, this curtain is actually an old shower curtain!! Yes, this used to hang in our bathroom, many many months ago and now it brings the right touch and color to our dining area.

After looking at our place I tried to decide what style it is, and all I can think of is a mixture of Mediterranean, and Bohemian, so take a look and tell me what you think. Be nice...

Thursday Thirteen #4

Sorry last week I just totally forgot, so here is my 13 list today:

THIRTEEN REASONS I WILL NEVER BE PRESIDENT

1) I try to be honest with everyone. Not that I'm saying our Presidents are not honest, but...

2) Hell, I am not even allowed to be legally married in this country, you really think I'd could be President?

3) I didn't vote in the last local election. Isn't that a prerequisite?

4) I don't think I'd like the weather or traffic in Washington D.C.

5) Me, living in the White House? Not unless there is a complete redecoration in the works!

6) I don't have enough $$ to even run.

7) I do not photograph well, and green is not my best color so the whole picture on currency would be out of the question.

8) Who would be my Vice President?

9) Iraq? Bomb it. Iran? Bomb it. Afghanistan? Bomb it.

10) I would outlaw any mention of Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan and Britney Spears.

11) What would I do on vacation? Camp David? I don't think so.

12) I'm not a Republican.

13) I'm not a Democrat.

180,000 !!

Hard to believe but some time between Tuesday evening and today I had my 180 thousandth hit on this blog!! 180k, that is a lot of hits. Not as many as say some of the porn sites I'm sure, and over a period of 3 1/2 years or more that may not seem like a lot to you, but to me that is quite a few hits!

Thanks for stopping in and being part of the 180k team!

FOCUS

I know that Halloween is not the season for resolutions, but I've made a few the last few days. Yes, I'm going to share, just so that I can have someone to account to when I blow it. So all you readers out there keep me in check.

First of all I am deleting all my other blogs. I had several, but now I am down to three. I just don't have time to keep up with the other two. Even though I love them and enjoyed working on my moive mania, they have fallen off way worse than this blog.

Second, I am going to try and post more often on this blog. If I only have this one to write on, maybe, just maybe I will write more often. Maybe? We'll see, but I am going to try.

Third, I have decided to have a new motto at work. Give it my all. 120% and then go home. What I mean is that I always try to give my best, over and beyond, but I tend to bring it home with me. The stress of the day, the aggravation of the situations I may have experienced, and yes even the pleasantries my job does offer. Leave those there, when I am at home I need to focus on home, and when at work I need to focus on work. Duplicity you say? Maybe just a bit.

Fourth, I really really want to stop smoking. I have been on Chantix for about three weeks, and I am still smoking. Not as much mind you, but they are still there. I want to quit, I need to quit and according to my doctor, I HAVE to quit. So let's see how that works.

So here they are.

FOCUS

That is my resolution.

Focus on my blog more

Focus while at work, on work

Focus at home

and Focus at quitting smoking.

Now if I could just focus my eyes. I think it's time to go to the eye doctor and get the prescription checked into. That will be 5.

Catching Up

You are probably asking..."where the hell you been? you gave us a cryptic post and then you disappear!"

Well I've been busy. First of all we got all moved in and it is WONDERFUL. The first night in my new tempurpedic bed all I could say was...this is AWESOME. I've had some of the best nights of sleep I have ever had. It is AWESOME!

The apartment is smaller than it looked when empty. Especially when our love seat and recliners are all over-stuffed. So the living room is full. The dinning area is very nice, and you will not believe our curtain for the dinning room. I will take a pic in a few days and let you see it. I love it and it was CHEAP! Got to love those shows on HGTV.

Speaking of which, HGTV and the rest of the hundreds of stations we now have. Thanks to Time Warner Cable and all the freebies we get for a year. They get you hooked on this stuff and then when the year is over you now think that you JUST HAVE to HAVE it. But for now, we have several on demand stations, free showtime and cinemax and DVR, which is the greatest invention since the DVD player. Now I never have to miss TMC, A&E or AMC. So for at least the next year I can catch up on all those old classics I missed the first time around.

So you can see that I have been busy. But, again I will try and post more often, and I swear as soon as I get around to it, and my apartment is "picture perfect" I will post some shots. Until then...

Keys

The word Key has varied meanings depending on if it is used as a verb or a noun or adjective.

No, this is not a grammar lesson, but just a look at this world that I call my life. As an example, today I made a key observation. Everything and everyone are not what they seem. Not that I didn't already know that, at 47 I've seen quite a few duplicitous people. Yet, it always annoys me when they are revealed that I did not see it sooner. Maybe someday I'll be able to do that.

I also made another key observation today. Regardless if you are in the wrong, or in the right, blame will still follow many times just because of your associations. You'd think I would have learnt that by now as well. I have, but sometimes you get caught up in the moment and forget these key essential rules to life and relationships.

However, regardless of these things life moves on and you will run across another one of the people that are not what they seem, and you will also get caught into a situation where you are guilty by association. It happens. No matter how hard you try to avoid it. The key is to learn from it and when you see it coming you can make the choices that are beneficial to you.

The bottom line is that you are the only one that is going to look out for you. No one else. No one else is going to really watch your back. You have to do that yourself. Some people say that is being callus or selfish, but it's the truth.

So I learnt lessons today. That's a good thing.

Oh by the way did I tell you that DJ and I get our KEY tomorrow!!

Yes, tomorrow is the day we begin moving out of the basement and into our own place again.

I promise pictures in the future! That is what it is really all about. A key to our future.

Blogiversary

Today marks my third anniversary blogging here on Blogger. I started my blog about 6 months prior to that on a service called mblog that closed without any warning and I lost my posts.

A lot has happened in the last three years. We have lived in three different places, both DJ and I have changed jobs, we have three cats, and two grandchildren with another on the way and this is just to name a few of the things that have transpired in our lives in the past three years.

I have closed the blog twice, only to re-open a few days later. I've met some great bloggers as well. Some are now gone to that big blog in the sky, and others remain strong and vital to the blogging community. While some blogs tend to be political or trendy, sharing the latest in the world of celebrity, or the newest trends on TV and the movies, my blog just continues to share my story. Sometimes I'm depressed, other times I am happy. Most of the time my readers are probably bored, other times they have told me how much they enjoy reading about my life. But, I put this blog up for me. I don't post for all the readers or to make a point politically or even to make a name for myself in the gay blogging community but just to put down my thoughts and have a place to just put it down into words so that I can recall them later.

I have gained some new readers, and have lost some. It doesn't matter though I will continue to post. Maybe not as often as I once did, but I'll stick around hopefully for another 3 years.

One thing I do miss are comments. So if you read the blog, let me know. Post a comment and say hi.

Happy Coming Out Day!

Thursday Thirteen #3

13 Costumes I Will NOT Be Wearing for Halloween
(Courtesy of Full Figured Model)

1. clear vinyl cat suit w/ hooker heels
2. a fluorescent netted thong suit
3. the Anna Nicole full figured outfit, b/c it's too damn small, lmfao
4. an outfit made of white castle boxes
5. an armored suit, that's way too much exercise to lug around
6. Anything too complicated to get off in the bathroom

7. nothing at all, close the window, no one wants to see that *&^%
8. costume made of post it notes, with dangling paper clip earrings
9. mummy costume during a heavy menstrual cycle
10. Britney Spears outfit
11. Greek goddess shoes (that clearly lace from ankle to thigh) with coordinating outfit
12. a chick magnet outfit
13. anything camouflaged b/c you couldn't see me

Thursday Thirteen #2

This week for my Thursday Thirteen I called upon some assistance from my "gang" at work. Each one gave some enlightening insights on the proper and not-so proper work attire. I think I should turn them in for the employee handbook. I was only going to post one response, but they were all so great I decided to post everyone's entry.

from Full Figured Model

THIRTEEN THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER WEAR TO WORK

1. um, Midgette's orange shoes (you know the ones, lol)
2. a thong that was dingy (sp???) and hung out of the top of my pants/skirt
3. zippered jeans w/ flowers on them
4. maternity clothes when you're not pregnant
5. petite clothes when you're an amazon
6. stirrup pants w/ sandals
7. pantyhose w/ sandals (THIS LOOK DOES NOTHING FOR FRESHLY PAINTED TOE NAILS)
8. daisy dukes
9. Paris Jr's Halloween costume, lol
10. an irridescent suit
11. a mullet wig
12. nothing at all, no one wants to see that shit!
13. and finally, last but not least, fake hair

from DC DUDE:

13 Things You Would Never Wear To Work
1. A dress shirt with holes in it.
2. A KISS '88 tour t-shirt
3. Uggs. Ewwwwww. But, honestly, how many dudes do you see wearing those things?
4. A cut-off pair of low-waisted black yoga pants.
5. My "I Support the Jena 6" t-shirt
6. Ski boots. Honestly, why would I ever wear them to work.
7. A bow tie. I can't tell you how often I want to kick someone's ass who is wearing a bow tie.
8. A Knight's chain mail, freaking heavy.
9. An AC Slater muscle shirt
10. Biker Shorts...
11. A Monkey Hat
12. Sumo Wrestler diaper.
13. A lot of freaky piercings.

from Louisville Starlett:

13 Things You Would Never Wear To Work
1. hot shorts
2.crop top
3.knee high stockings
4.a super short skirt
5.a dress that is too tight for me that reveals my fat rolls
6.pants that are so tight I have camel toe
7.sparkly anything
8.funky weaves
9.see through shirts etc....
10.lots of ruffles
11.a bodysuit like the one Michael sent a picture out of yesterday
12.clear shoes aka stripper shoes
13.excessive jewelry

from Holly Golightly :
13 Things You Would Never Wear To Work (some things that I would NEVER wear anywhere!!!) lol.
1. Push up bra (for what reason would you all need to see that?)
2. Mini Skirt (It's almost halloween but I don't like to scare people!)
3. Cut off jean shorts (you know the one with the frays!! soooo hot...yuck)
4. 80's anything... (aka stretch pants, multiple layers of socks, kiddie bangles, tacky plastic earrings and 80's Hairsprayed POOF) BARF
5. polyester pants
6. Strapless shirts (although we know how sexy they are!!)
7. Cowgirl boots (Although Kim and I love our country songs!! ALLL-COOHOOOLLLL)
8. tapered jeans (NEVER ANYWHERE!!!) remember when it used to be cool to 'peg' them, OMG!!!
9. Thigh Highs
10. Tie Dye
11. Short Shorts..."who wears short shorts?" NOT ME!!!
12. Little Black Dress
13. Crocks...ha ha ha

from Mommie Dearest:

13 Things You Would Never Wear To Work
1. anything that causes muffin top
2. daisy dukes
3. painted hair (unless its a mohawk then absolutely)
4. a bra too small that causes nips to peep out
5. white socks with your dress flats
6. a see-through skirt with no slip
7. jean skirts slit too high (visible cottage cheese)
8. crusty heels
9. visible thong
10. sandals with panty hose
11. stirrup pants
12. 'mom' jeans
13. a strap-on

from Midgette:

13 Things You Would Never Wear To Work
1. MC Hammer Pants
2. Pants that are ten times to big
3.Pants that are too tight
4.Pleather anything
5.Marie's red shoes
6.Bengals Anything
7.Ponytail on top or side of my head
8.Pig Tails
9. Banana Clips
10.Leg Warmers
11.spandex
12.Makeup that makes me look like a football player not a girl
13.Stretch pants

from Bridezilla:

1 puffy paint shirts
2 sweaters that jingle when you walk with Rudolph’s big nose puffing out
3 Camel Toe pants
4 Jelly shoes
5 Spandex pants
6 Floral pants
7 Dresses that have shoulder pads
8 Any sweater that has a Disney character on it
9 Orange, red, pink, purple…..pants
10 Pants that tie all the way up your leg to show skin in-between
11 Gym shoes
12 Bengal’s t-shirt
13 Salmon Clogs

from Lady behind the Green Door

13 Things You Would Never Wear To Work
1. micro mini
2. flip flops
3. gym shoes
4. orange anything
5. flannel
6. ben wa
7. handkerchief on my head
8. plastic jewelry
9. body sparkles
10. terry cloth
11. fuzzy clogs
12. camel toe
13. grill

from Paris Jr.

13 Things You Would Never Wear To Work
1. SPRAY PAINTED HAIR
2. Flip Flops that cost under $12.50
3. Stretch pants
4. Muu Muus
5. Jellies
6. Muffin Tops
7. Non-painted toe nails
8. Crusty heels
9. taperd jeans on Friday
10. Unwashed hair
11. Giant white sandal-esque things
12. Stone-washed denim
13. Sparkly belts

It Is Officially Autumn

How do I know that?

Has the weather gotten colder?

No, not really it was 83 today and supposed to be 86 tomorrow.

Have you pulled your sweaters out of storage?

They are still there, probably gathering moths. (Do they really do that, you know moths?)

So how do I know?

My nose, knows!

It has been running constantly for three solid days, and no matter what kind of allergy medication I consume it continues to drip...drip...drip!

Other than that October has came with little or no fanfare. However I have made my first Haunted House apperance for the year. Yes, DJ, his family and my son J2, and myself visited the possessed haunted Dent Schoolhouse. An experience I can only resolve myself to attend once a year. Things were going good until I decided I'd try and scare someone else in the party we were with, and I huddled behind a wall and suddenly this hairy creature thing came up behind me. Let's just say the one I tried to scare was laughing to hard at me to notice anything scary. Then when I thought I was safe a door shut in front of me. DJ was there and suddenly he was gone. When I reached out to see where he was, and where I was going (as it was dark) this large clown face was staring me right in the eye. I felt his breath on my nose he was so close. I screamed of course (I'm such a queen!) and literally jumped out of my shoes into my sister-in-law behind me knocking her into the wall.

What can I say, I don't like those freaky looking clowns!

But I survived. I returned home to the butt of the jokes.

Do You Want Fries With That?

Eating out has become more of a chore since I have changed my diet, due to the diabetes. I can not just run down to Wendy's and grab a double cheeseburger and fries. I have to actually put some thought into what I want to consume. So Today I decided that a nice broiled fish dinner from Long John Silvers sounded good. So off to LJS I went.

I ordered my food and was given a cup to go to the self serve isle to get my diet drink. In front of me was a very very elderly old man. He had to be at least 80-85. I stood there patiently while he continued to fill his cup with water. As he turned around to go to his table, he tripped on his feet and somewhat stumbled. By doing this, his drink, which had no lid on it yet came splattering down across my shirt and face. Thank goodness it was just water. As he was profusely apologizing he bent over to pick up his cup and as he came up he then proceeded to eject what water and ice was left on me as well.

Again he began apologizing, wanting to buy me a new shirt, buy my lunch, etc. I told him no, that was fine, it was just an accident and I would be fine. I asked the clerk to hold my food on the warmer and I would be right back. Luckily there was a KMart right next to this LJS. Yes, I know, Kmart, God forbid, but when you are soaking wet, does it matter where you shop?

I went in and grabbed a deal, two polo shirts at 2.99 a piece, went out to my auto and changed shirts. Realized that the shirt tails were WAY TOO long, so now I needed to go back in and buy a belt to be able to tuck in my shirt, as I could not wear that long of a shirt back to work. So I got the belt. (actually two of them for $9.99). I went back out to my auto put on the white shirt, tucked it in and realized my breast were exposed through the thin material. Not that I am a full breasted man, but it looked really bad, so I proceeded BACK into Kmart and bought a package of white t-shirts for $6.79.

Once back to work, it was amazing how many people realized I had changed shirts! I didn't think they really noticed what I wore. Anyway, a lunch that would normally cost me $5.49 was a total of $28.25!! Good thing I didn't get fries with that.

Thursday Thirteen #1

I found a great new blog, Jannverse. I love this blogger!! Witty, funny, outright hilarious at times. A joy to read every time I log on. On Thursdays she has what is called Thursday Thirteen. Each week a list of thirteen things are listed. Random thoughts, current pet peeves, Book titles, you never know what your going to get and every Thursday I get a good laugh reading the posts, so I thought to brighten my blog I would do the same thing on Thursdays, as well as link to her site. So today is my first and here are my Thursday Thirteen, First Edition!

THIRTEEN THINGS I WISH I'D NEVER DONE
1. Ironed my dad's guitar pick

2. Ran outside, around the house in my underwear in the middle of a snow storm

3. Tried jumping off a high porch when it was raining

4. Hit the reply all button on an e-mail I should not have

5. Had that 15th rum and coke

6. Dye my hair blonde

7. Ate a chocolate covered jalapeno

8. Ate a chocolate covered earthworm

9. Bought a fish tank

10. Watched Lost in Translation

11. Kissed that guy in the bar, when I was really drunk

12. Rolled through a stop sign

13. Quit my job, without having another one already lined up

Jannaverse's 13

Being Nosey

I'm being NOSEY

Taking an idea from my blog friend Steve

I want to learn more about those who visit my blog. This is what I’d like to know:

What’s your job?
Do you have any kids?
Are you attached?
Do you have pets?
Your parents still alive?
Do you have siblings?
What’s your dream job?
You believe in angels?
If you answered any of these questions, I’d be very happy.

Working on a New Me.

I knew there was some reason why I hadn't been to the doctor for a check-up. As most of you know if you read my blog, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on August 4. Since then things have been going pretty well. I got my drugs, and watching my diet and I have been able to maintain my blood sugars pretty good. It is amazing how much better I feel and even my vision is getting some better.

Then today the doctor's office called to give me my blood work results that I had done on Friday. My LDL was 137, which should be about 110. My HDL which should be around 60 was only 31, which in itself the doctor said wasn't real bad, but was high borderline, but my Triglycerides were 204, which was not good at all. My total cholesterol was 214, which should be below 200. So it looks as though I get to start taking some more drugs!

He is also putting me on Chantix. A new non-smoking drug. With my diabetes and the cholesterol I definitely need to throw away the cigarettes, but I've been smoking since I was 17, that is 30 years!! So I definitely will need help. The drug is somewhat expensive, but compared to the cost of cigarettes and the toll it has apparently taken on my body, I think I will opt for the drugs.

So over the next few weeks, while moving into a new home, I will be working on a new me. Hey, I'm even go to start an exercise program! The only exercise I really get now is my hand...no, not what you think, it's from moving my computer mouse over the mouse pad!

It could be worse. My son's father-in-law died Sunday of a massive coronary and he was only 42 years old. So luckily I caught this early and I can get it under control. I plan on being around to see my grandchildren marry and have babies of their own.

Moving On Up

YEAH!! We signed a lease today! We are moving. Out of the basement and back into the real world of renting. I am so excited. Can you tell?

We will be living in the same apartment complex where we were before, only this time we a moving into one of the deluxe one bedrooms. One less bedroom, but actually it looks like we will have more space in the living room and dinning area.

October 15th is the big day. I am sure I will have more interesting details upcoming...

Another Birthday, I'm Getting Old!

Today marks the 26 anniversary of my oldest sons birth. Yep, 1981 little J1 was born on a rainy, muggy September evening. What a day that was! I took his mother to the doctor that day early in the morning as she was late, very late, like 14 days late. He decided to induce her. Of course we had no idea what that was, but we headed to the hospital in a downfall of one of the worst days of rain that year. As we drove along at a slow pace, because I couldn't see to drive, her window falls down! She gets soaked. I stop several times on the way to the hospital to stop the car and pull her window up only for it to fall before we reached the next red light.

So we get to the hospital and we think, cool this will be over soon. Boy we were wrong! We checked in the hospital about 9:00 a.m. and still by 3:00 p.m. no baby. We chose not to find out the sex of the baby, so my family were in the waiting room placing bets. 6:00 p.m still no baby. 7:00, 8:00, 8:30 then finally after almost 12 hours he came into the world screaming bloody murder.

This being my first experience in seeing a birth I was shaking like all get out. I couldn't even hold him I was shaking so bad. Now that I look back on it I'm not sure if it was nerves, the cold delivery room or the lack of food.

Yes, 26 years ago I became a father for the first time.

I love good memories like that.

Thanks Son, and Happy Birthday

Remember

Illegal Pedestrians

Do you know what this is? I am sure you do. Most people do. It's a crosswalk. At most intersections they are posted very clearly, some even have walk lights to inform pedestrians that it is safe for them to use the crosswalk.

Unfortunately most of the people in downtown Cincinnati, and the surrounding areas have no clue what these lines painted across the road mean. As a majority of the pedestrians insist on crossing the street wherever they feel like it and across several lanes of busy traffic if they so choose. I have blogged about this before, but it has seemed no one has paid attention to my rantings!! Instead they are choosing to cross in the middle of the street avoiding at all costs the crosswalk, which in many cases is only a few more steps away from where they are crossing. And they don't even run across the street when they are illegally trying to cross. They just walk non-chalantly across, taking their time and then giving you dirty looks or vulgar finger signs when you blow your horn at them.

I think the cities can save loads of money if they just remove the walk signs, and no longer paint the crosswalk lines. As it seems no one pays attention to them anyway. Who knows if they remove all the crosswalks maybe it will decrease the over population of the major metropolitan cities!!

Another Boring Blog Post

I am finding less and less to blog about. Is it because my life is so boring? Well it could be, as my life is not all that exciting,but blogging isn't about that. I started the blog to help me break the writing bloc I was having. Now three and half years later, I'm still blogging, but not writing.

It would be different if my life was a little more interesting. Like some of my friends and co-workers for instance. But I am not divorced (well I am but...) and still in love with my ex. Seeing him every chance I can, hoping to be with him knowing he is involved with someone else. That sounds so "General Hospital" doesn't it? But if that was what was going on in my life, I'm sure I'd have loads to write about. I am also not a single young women looking for love in all the wrong places. Finding a guy who I think is great, only to find out he'd sell his soul to the devil for another fix or drink. But what scintillating blogging that would make. Or what if I was in a relationship, but not really happy with it so I pick up other men from the Internet for a "good time" and not having to worry about making a commitment or really get involved. Talk about some good blogging material!! Or I'm not in the middle of buying a home and dealing with mortgage companies, mold, electrical inspections and interest rates. Now that would some wild posts!

Now I'm not judging my friends, not at all. It's their life, just as it is. They call the shots and make those decisions, and they all seem very happy and in control of their situations. I care about each one of them deeply. But to be honest, I like my somewhat boring life. I don't think I could handle all that drama going on all the time. I suppose I'm just settled. Comfortable and happy with who I am and where I am in my life. Either that or I am just good at convincing myself of that.

So I suppose I will continue to write about me and DJ, my kids and grandkids, my MS and my diabetes, my job, my lack of money and all the other things that go on in my daily life. Boring or not, it's my blog and I'm sticking to it!

End of Summer 2007

Today marks the biggest celebration of Cincinnati, the end of the Summer and the WEBN Labor Day Fireworks. It's the largest fireworks display in the Midwest, and it's held every year the Sunday before Labor Day. Last year's attendance was more than 400,000, and that was with poor weather. While competing with nearly half a million people, finding a desirable seat can be difficult. WEBN will celebrate its 40th birthday the same way it has for the last 30 years - shooting off fireworks for a few hundred thousand of its closest friends.

When the station first staged a fireworks display on Aug. 30, 1977, to celebrate its tenth anniversary, Riverfest was born. I was there that night with my best friend at the time as we watched the fireworks from the Roebling Bridge.

The initial event, publicized only on the station, caught city officials and police off guard when 50,000 people showed up. There was so little organization that a freight train pulled along the Cincinnati riverfront and stopped, blocking the exit for thousands after the show.

Cincinnati's recreation department quickly picked up organizing the day-long Riverfest and WEBN was content to produce the pyrotechnics. What started as a little birthday blow-out quickly became an end-of-the-summer tradition, now attracting almost two dozen corporate sponsors. The event is heavily touted as a tourist attraction.

This year's Cincinnati Bell WEBN Fireworks (9:05 p.m. Sunday) will shoot off some 5,200 shells, with 40 percent of them packed into the finale. Many of the shells are custom-made by the award-winning Rozzi's Famous Fireworks of Loveland. The fireworks family has staged every Riverfest show since 1977.

Wireless technology allows a musical soundtrack to be synched with the booms to the millisecond by embedding computer chips in many of the shells. They trigger those shells' explosions by detecting a signal placed at key points in the soundtrack.

This year's soundtrack is more thematic than in past years, said WEBN production director Joel Moss. He says it will include more audio bites than usual, as it is designed to be a pop-culture history lesson, from LBJ to George Bush, from Sgt. Pepper to Korn.

For the first time, the fireworks will be seen around the world, as the show will be streamed at Cincinnati Bell's Zoomtown.com. Also, the Pentagon's Military Channel will carry the show on the cable channel seen in bases around the world.

Personally, I stay close to home on this particular Sunday as I really don't want to fight the crowds. It is actually more enjoyable to watch from the comfort of my living room. Yes, I am getting old.

Playing Grandpa

I kept my grand-daughter overnight last night. Yes, I played grandpa. My daughter and her husbands had tickets to see the Bengals last pre-season game and called to ask me if I could watch Lana. Of course i jumped at the chance. She is such a good baby, and seems to content.

But that's when she has her mommy! For the ride to grandpa's she was fine, she even fell asleep for about 20 minutes. Once we arrived home she was fine, a little sleepy as the only nap she had was the one in the car. But then one of DJ's mom's barked, and she became terrified and began crying. It took me a few minutes but she calmed down. But for the entire stay she didn't want to get down on the floor. Would you with barking dogs bigger than you?

She played and she talked and she became DJ's little sisters best friend. Overall the night was good. She went down for the night about 9:30 or so and she slept until 5:30, I gave her another bottle and she slept until almost 10. Not bad for a 13 month old.

I had a good time with her, and I hope she will not relate grandpa to the place with the scary barking dogs!

Call A Cab

Today on one of our local radio stations one of the DJ's was discussing her weekend. She said that she went to the Reds game and then afterward went out for a few drinks with some friends. About midnight her and another girlfriend decided to call it a night and went outside, and being the responsible adults they were, they grabbed a cab. About a 1/4 mile from her house she seen the lights of a cruiser behind them.

They cabbie pulled over and he then proceeded to tell her and her friend that there may be a little problem. When the police officer came to the car the cab driver could not produce his driver's license. Okay, he makes his living from driving a cab...and he doesn't carry his driver's license? He gave the officer his name and other identification and when the officer goes back to run his info, the cabbie gets on his cell phone and calls someone, telling them..."I may need you to come and bail me out."

The DJ, who by this time was thinking a practical joke was being played on her soon realizes it is not a joke when the cabbie tells her that there is a small warrant for him. Small warrant? As opposed to a big one?

When the police officer returns to the cab he arrests the cabbie for driving under suspension! A cab Driver driving under suspension? Don't they check these drivers out. Fortunately for the local DJ, she got a ride home from another police officer and a free cab fare, but it really makes you wonder just how safe are the cab drivers?

Next time your out and need a ride home, it may be better to just call mom to come and get you. Just make sure she has her driver's licence...