Updates Galore!!!

I am hoping all of you had a Merry Christmas. Mine was very busy, but good. The kids had a great time as well.

Well, the move is complete. I am in my new place. Pictures will not be coming for awhile as it is a mess. I am trying to find places for everything. Holy Cow!!!! I have lots of stuff!!! LOL. My garage is packed full and my basement is too. Yes say it I am a pack rat!!! Speaking of rats my daughter saw a mouse in the garage and is totally freaked out. So now I must get some traps and catch that darn thing before it gets in the house. I'll just have someone else empty the trap if I catch it. My son loves the new place, which is a relief. My DD's best friend only lives a couple of houses up and came and spent the night with us our first night there. My family was great in helping me move and we got it done in 2 days. Never again will I move!!!! UGGGHHH!!!!

OK I know you're all dying to hear about the guy. OK well the gentle giant as I call him got together Friday night to watch a movie, but ended up talking the entire time. It was very nice. He was a perfect gentleman. Remember I've known him for about 4-5 years so yes I went to his home. Don't worry I don't always do that. LOL. Now I actually had a date with another guy last night. Boy was I nervous!!! We were to meet at 5pm but he called and said he had gotten food poisoning the night before and felt really bad and wanted to move it to 7pm. I asked if he wanted to postpone, but he said no. So we met for coffee at Starbuck's. We had never met before or talked other than online or by cell phone texting. Yes I met him online before you ask. LOL. We were to meet outside Target because Starbuck's is in side. He told me he had a red car so I got there first and waited in my car in the parking lot. I figured I'd scope him out first before I got out of the car so if I had to I could run. LOL. He gets out he seems to be normal so I get out and say his name. HOLY MOLEY GIRLS!!!!! He was a cutey!!!!! He is a bit older than me, but we have so much in common. OK he's not so much into primitive, heck he didn't know what I was talking about when I said I was a folk artist. LOL. He is more modern cutting edge so we'll see. He is a professional photographer and you should see his website. His pictures are awesome! Then we walked around Target and looked at the Christmas sale stuff. We decided it was to soon to say good bye so we went to Applebee's had an appetizer and drinks. By 9:30 we were saying good bye and left and decided we wanted to go out again SOON. We may be going out New Years Eve, we'll see.

Now you know what has been going on this past week and a half. I'll keep you updated.

Good News All Around

I apologize for my few and far between posts, but as with everyone else I have been extremely busy with both the holidays and otherwise.

I have lots of good news to share. First, I was offered a full time job on Tuesday with the private ambulance company. I was offered more money than I thought and I also get to teach. I LOVE to teach. Anyway, Mon- Fri. 8a-6p no holidays or weekends. Next, I was off teaching last Saturday and the head instructor lives in the same town I do and we got to talking. He knew about my situation before as I tried to get a job where he worked. He was like you need to join the fire department here in town. Now this is where I'm still not sure I want to. I would be the only female in amongst a bunch of men who think women have no right to be in the fire service. Plus I would have to leave my kids alone while I was out on calls in the middle of the night. That does not thrill me. So like I said I haven't decided yet, but still plan to stay and work occasionally where I do now when the kids are not with me.

Next I found THE place. Girls it is awesome!!!! It is a 3 bedroom 1 full and 2 half baths, living room, dining room, eat in kitchen, basement, garage, newer carpet, and clean 1200 sq ft duplex. I LOVE it. The landlord is awesome. After we got to talking it came out that they knew my sister and BIL from church and live right down the street from them. I heard about this place from my neighbor's Mom who is a mail lady and knew someone had just moved out. Then my neighbor the plumber had worked on the place last year and gave me the phone number to call. I called went and saw the place and fell in love. It is in a nice neighborhood and below my budgeted price. I will take pictures when I can. I have already emptied out my attic which you will see pics of. I am packing up my sewing and painting stuff as I can move in January 1st.

This is my garage. The landlord says I can move stuff in the garage and basement before the 1st because they are redoing the bath room and it isn't quite ready yet. So I moved everything to the garage until this weekend. No laughing this is all decorating stuff!!!!! I got rid of a few things too. My neighbor the plumber came and picked out a few pictures, a shelf, and bird houses for his house that were from my more country days. He asked me if I had any other "crafty" stuff I would give him. Mind you he is 29 and a bachelor asking for "crafty" stuff. LOL. I told him I'd have to look. He has everything hung on his walls already. LOL. He is too funny.











OK ladies remember that guy who asked me for coffee awhile back? Well, he text me back this week and I think it is going to happen. He will be calling me tomorrow night. We have been texting back and forth all day for the last two days. So I will keep you posted. If you don't remember he's the one that is divorced with the daughter. Before you ask (hanging my head smiling slyly) he is younger than me. LOL. I swore I would never go younger nor see another firefighter. But guess what yep he is both. He is only a volunteer firefighter so I consider that ok. LOL. He also has a full time job and two other part time jobs. He is my in at Lowe's shhh anyone need anything. We call him "Tiny" yeah doesn't quite fit him. He is a huge guy. To see him he looks intimidating bald head, fu man chu mustache, over six foot tall and probably 280. But he is a gentle giant with a huge heart. No I don't have pics give me time. LOL.

The bad news is I started urinating blood again on Sunday. I went to the doctors again yesterday and didn't have enough blood in my urine for another scope, so once again it is wait and watch and go back when I have more blood. He just shook his head and said we'll find it. I just told him I liked to be difficult and he said your doing a good job of that. LOL. They sent my urine off for testing because it still had red blood cells in it. But I know everything will work out.

Wow It's Been Awhile

Alright so I still haven't finished my decorating yet because I am in limbo as to whether or not I have to be out of my home by January 1st. I would hate to get everything out and then have to pack it all up again.

Speaking of moving I have looked at several places here in town and WOW the price of rentals is horrible. I am sorry but I am a single income and can not afford $700-$900 a month. Guess we'll be living in a cardboard box. LOL. Then my neighbor calls me last night and asks if I got the newspaper. I don't that is a luxury item that I can't afford right now. She said there was a duplex for rent and that she called and it was 2 bedroom and 2 bath for $475 a month. So I called the lady and it has a rec room in the basement that could be used for a bedroom. Viola! 3 bedrooms just what I'm looking for. I am not able to go look at it until Friday since I work. That is a bummer but if it is meant to be then it will still be available. Then my neighbor (you know the plumber) said he'd go look at it with me to be sure it was a safe neighborhood and that it would be good enough. Then he is going to look at a dog and asked me if I'd go with him to see it. I LOVE dogs so it was a good trade.

As for the job front... I had a company call me last week out of the blue and tell me that they heard I might be looking for a full time job. I said there is no might about it I am looking. They're like well I think we can help you out. Now I did not apply at this place at all. My co workers at my job now told them about me. I would still be a paramedic only with a private ambulance company. It is not what I really want to do, but it is full time with benefits. They are suppose to call me this week to talk money, but basically the job is mine if I want it. I would work Monday thru Friday 8am- 6pm no weekends or holidays. I would have 10 hours of over time built in each week. So we'll see I guess. Things are looking up for us and I am now being told by my coworkers that I am different, happier here recently. I had one guy tell me I had a glow yesterday. I laughed and said most women don't glow unless they're pregnant and I am certainly not pregnant. LOL.

Anyway, I just thought I'd give you all an update.

In The Beginning....

Alright so I thought I'd share pictures of my unfinished Christmas decorating. Like I said I have not gotten out my greens yet or Christmas redware plates. So these are the before pictures.



This shelf is above the dry sink in the above picture.





Yep moved this out of the foyer. It looks OK here I think.















My foyer now. Still not done with it though.



Undecorated tree LOL. My kids get to do this one this year. All the ornaments will be hung on the same branches and from waist level down. LOL. I'll show you when we get it done.





Can't decide what to do on the shelves yet. I have tons of Santas and Snowmen but haven't gotten any of them out this year. Or I'll put my redware plates on the shelves. Not sure though.



Sorry about the quality of this picture.

Wednesday

Well I can't say I've been working on anything for Watcha Working on Wednesday, so I won't be participating again this week. Sorry Kim I really haven't been working on anything. LOL. I ran out of propane and am sitting in my house that is 52 degrees waiting on the plumber to hook up my natural gas. Yep that would also be my neighbor. He has been so nice through all this crap. He even emptied a dead mouse from one of my traps for me. He is my hero because I hate mice. YUCK!!!! He has been checking in on us and when my fridge and microwave stopped working a day ago he so kindly told me to check my fuse box. That was it the breaker had popped. Anyway, there are still nice guys out there I just didn't seem to have one of them. LOL.

I got asked by someone to go for coffee. We haven't talked since so who knows if it will happen. He too is divorced with a daughter. His wife left him basically the same way. So we thought we would get together for coffee. I have known him for a few years and he is so nice and would've done anything for his wife and daughter. He is now working 3 jobs so his ex can finish school and is paying for the house she is living in. So we'll see.

No luck on the job front yet or apartment hunting either. I need to make some calls today and also have a counselling session. He should be getting the letter from my attorney today so I expect to hear from him. We argued on Sunday when he dropped off my son. I told him that his girlfriend needed to stay out of our divorce. That it did not concern her. He told me he would not do that as he is not hiding anything from her and is having an open honest relationship. (Insert puking sound here) I'll be so glad when all the paperwork and red tape is done so I can go on and not deal with him except for with my son.

Alright I know I haven't been posting any pics and I apologize, but I don't have anything to take any of yet. I'm working on Christmas decorations, but they aren't done yet. I need to fill in with my greens and berries. Soon ladies soon before I have to tear it all down and move. LOL.

Good News and Bad News

As you all know I went for my scope yesterday. The good news is they didn't find anything because of course I wasn't bleeding yesterday. The bad news is they didn't find anything. LOL. There were no growths or broken blood vessels seen. However, now we still have no idea what was causing it. My parents asked if it could do with stress and he said absolutely not. So the doctor told my parents that if I started bleeding again to call him and they would do another scope that day. For now though that is something else I can cross off my worry list. Again the power of prayer and God are at work in my life.

As for how I am doing today. I know it is hard to put into words, but I am at peace with everything that has happened. I am settling into my new life and actually loving it. I am OK with being a single parent and not having a man in my life. My parents have told me that they are beginning to see the happy person in me they haven't seen in years. They say I seem more relaxed and happy. I did begin to decorate for Christmas yesterday, but I am keeping it simple in case I need to move out in a hurry. Yes, I am giving him MY home that I love. I just can't afford it and I think I would like to move to a smaller more affordable place. Anyway, I have forgiven him and and am being the bigger person and not saying harsh things to him other than I would like to see him start giving me a little money to help support our son. This of course is making him angry and he is lashing out and now trying to say I was having an affair before he left me, which is very untrue. He is also saying very hurtful things about the last 9 nine years we were married which again are untrue. But you know I am letting the comments roll off and not falling into his bitterness, anger, and emotionally controlling ways (yes my counselor pointed this out). He doesn't understand why I am not more upset about this whole thing. You know all I can say is I don't know, but I do know that I am happier with the way things are now. When I see him I feel pity and sorrow and nothing else. I know this is weird, but I don't even feel any type of love for him at all even if he did give me our son. Anyway, I am at work so I better get busy.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I will be spending it with my family this year. We will all be going to my sister's house. She only asked me to bring my corn casserole and sweet potato casserole. Hmmmm... is she trying to tell me I don't know how to make anything else. LOL. My son already went to spend the night at her house with his cousin so it's just me and my DD this am. You know I really thought I would wake up depressed today, but I am not. I keep looking at how he is treating me and saying to me and I am truly glad he is gone. I do not deserve to be treated harsh or be emotionally controlled by anger anymore. Like you have all said Whenever God closes a door he opens a window. It may not be what I want, but God will provide for our needs.

As for the question that keeps coming up about the UTI. I was checked for that and there was no sign of infection. They did put me on an antibiotic just in case. It has not helped at all though. I believe it is the fact that I have been bleeding off and on for 1 1/2 weeks is not right. The Medical Assistant yesterday made me give a urine sample in the office. If any of you are familiar with Pyridiam it is an antibiotic you take for UTIs that turn your urine an orange/red color. Well, after she looked at my urine she asked if I was on that medicine. I told her NO and she just stopped in her tracks and stared at me. It was the funniest look I've ever seen. I said that is my urine for the last week and a half. She just shook her head and walked away to test it. The doc came in and said no infection just a huge amount of blood. Then told me about the scope and sent me for a ton of blood work. So I will let you all know how I am soon.

I Spoke to Soon

I ended up going to the urologist today as my doctor made me go. LOL. Anyway, the bleeding has started once again so I will be going in for an emergency scope and or surgery on Friday morning depending on what is found. Please keep me in your Thanksgiving prayers tomorrow as I will be worried sick all day. I am not allowed to eat or drink after midnight tomorrow night so I was sure to thank the doctor for allowing me to eat my Thanksgiving meal. LOL. I can not go without my pumpkin pie and sweet potato casserole.

I also went to see my attorney yesterday and had a lot of questions answered and given a clear direction. That feels like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. It will now be in HIS hands to reply. We will see what happens.

In case I don't sign on tomorrow HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! I am thankful for all of you.

Happy Sunday

I just wanted all of you to know that the bleeding has stopped!!!!! Just as as fast as it started it stopped. I again spoke to the doctor Friday night after he spoke to the urologist. He told me that the urologist has only seen a few cases of tumors or cancer in "young people" and thought that what might have happened was that I had a really bad infection that actually burst one of the blood vessels in my bladder. That doctor is suppose to fit me in Monday, but I am wondering now if I need to go since it is done. WOOHOO the power of prayer!!!!!

I am going to the attorney on Tuesday and my girlfriend has said she will come with me. She has used this same one and has been cheering me on and helping me through this. She is a real spitfire. LOL. Just in case I forget what question I want to ask or whatever she has decided to open her shop late just to go with me.

My husband (ex or whatever he is) asked my son to HER house for Thanksgiving on Friday. My son has said he doesn't really want to go and would feel uncomfortable with her family since he doesn't really know them. I told him it was up to him. Yes I will admit I am smirking sorry...that he doesn't want to go with him. Anyway, I will have both of kids for Thanksgiving YIPPPEEEE!!!! Now my son is already worried about Christmas. He wants to make sure he gets to open all his presents everywhere. I told him we would worry about that later. All of his families would work around him. Oh a brighter note my MIL and I are talking. She and my FIL came to my sons' school program on Thursday and then he went and spent the night on Friday til Saturday with them. And if you are wondering no HE or SHE did not come on Thursday. My DD was worried about them coming and refused to sit with them if they did. I told her if they came I doubted they would sit with us and if they did we would move. Day by day this is getting easier with the kids and I am really enjoying being by myself though there are times I get lonely for companionship and someone to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, and a comforting hug that says it'll be alright. Don't worry girls there won't be any men in the near future!!! LOL. I have many things I am working on and through with my counselor. In time I am sure that I will share things as part of my healing process and moving on.

Just a Quick Update

The doctor called me personally last night at home to discuss what needs to be done. He explained that he will be calling a urologist today and setting up a scope as he said it has to be in my bladder. I am so scared as you can imagine. First, of all I can't afford the doctor bills. Second, I can't afford to take off work as I have no paid sick days or vacation. I am borrowing money from my parents to be able to have heat as I will run out of propane in the next few weeks and I must get my natural gas line hooked up. I am going to a job fair today in hopes of getting a full time job although it will not be in the medical field. I have to do what I have to do to support me and my kids.

My Wonderful Friends

This week has been such a trial for me. In my previous post you'll remember I told you I was urinating blood well I went to the doctor and had a stat CT done he was checking for kidney stones. Well, the results came back negative no stones, but I'm still bleeding. The words bladder cancer were mentioned, but I need further tests. I am hoping it is only stress related. I look like death warmed over dark circles under my eyes and now I can not stop shaking. I was eating, but after the text conversation with HER, since he won't talk to me at all, I stopped eating again. She was very rude and mean to me over something she should not be involved in. The good news is he has decided to only have visitation with my son and I get custody. The bad news he wants the house, which I was ready to deal on until SHE got nasty with me. We are going to try a dissolution, but I can't see my attorney until next Tuesday. And then it means we must agree on everything. As long as I have my kids I'll be OK.

On to many Thank you's.



This beautiful inspirational card was sent by Linda Thank you so much it was so kind of you to send it my son also thought so to. P.S. I tried to email you, but my email addy for you isn't working.



This stitchery was just what I needed to see each and every day. It is still my motto. Thank you so much Kimberly it was so sweet of you.



Justina was so kind to send me this book. The awesome thing is her aunt helped write it and even signed it. I have only read a couple pages, but so far I love the way it is written.



This is where things get odd with the bracelet. Each and every bead on this bracelet has a meaning. It is about the life and death of Jesus and how much he cares for us. This bracelet was given to me by the CT tech at the hospital. She noticed that I wear bead bracelets and she took off her wrist and said I think you need this more than me. She had made it herself. She didn't know me from anyone else she just gave me a hug and the bracelet.



Then as I sat at the table telling my Mom about the bracelet she started to giggle. She said I need to show you something. She pulls the key chain from her purse and said a lady that she and my dad have talked to at Wendy's restaurant before saw them that day and talked with her at lunch. She is a member of a local church and does RAK. She handed my Mom the key chain and said give this to someone who needs it. So guess who has it. I know that you are all praying for us and I can see that it is working as things are getting easier. Thank you so much everyone.

This is Taking its Toll

Oh I am at the point of wondering if things can get worse. I am not adjusting well to my medication so they added another one to help me sleep and not have my cold sweats all night long. Then yesterday I started to urinate blood and feel awful on top of. I am suppose to go back to the doctors tomorrow for that. I do not have the money to go as my husband has decided he will not help me until child support is ordered by the court. UGGHHHH!!!! Then my plumber informs me my hubby stiffed him for $400 that I never knew about. I have already explained to the kids that Christmas will be very small from me this year and my son has told me that it's alright if I don't buy him anything as his Dad and grandparents will and that will be enough. (Yes I am crying as I write this.)

On the up side if there is one... My neighbors are looking out for me. The one lady across the street invited me to make Christmas cookies with her. The other neighbor watches my house when he knows we are there and when we aren't and makes sure we're OK. Then my Dad called me today to tell me he knew some people who had rentals, here in the town I live in, that would be willing to for go the security deposit for a place for me when I'm ready to move. I am turning the corner on the depression and have been laughing the past few days. I have had friends coming out of the woodwork wanting to do stuff, but I just can't seem to push myself to go. I would rather stay in the house and be with my kids or by myself. I am getting better with the visitation stuff though I still don't like the living arrangements. I am trying to provide a stable place with lots of hugs and kisses here. I am still going to counseling once a week and it is helping as well as talking about things and getting it out in the open. Thanks to everyone for checking in on me and emailing me it is helping me to get through this.

I am Still Here

Just to let everyone know I am still alive and kicking. Thank you everyone for your kind emails, comments, and understanding I have read each and every one, but unfortunately I accidentally deleted some of you email addys so please forgive me if I didn't answer you back. I have been a bit scatter brained lately. This is the first I've been on the computer for awhile I just can't seem to find the time. I have been spending a lot more time with my kids and looking for another job. I am slowly adjusting to be being by myself and having my son go for visitation. I am use to him always being here with me. He says he got homesick when he spent the night this past weekend and it broke my heart. He is the one really suffering through all of this. He is torn and still believes his Daddy is coming home. I keep hoping too, but it is not going to happen I need to face the truth and try to move on. There is just too much hurt and anger between the two of us to hope for a reconciliation. Believe me I have tried to talk to him and tried to work things out even this morning.

In All Fairness

I must tell you some things about me. I have been informed that I must tell you about how I was unfaithful to my husband about 6 years ago. He stuck up for me and told his parents some awful things because of me. However, he stuck by me and we worked through them and stayed together. He forgave me, but never forgot which is understandable. I just want you all to know that I am not without fault. I am not trying to put myself on a pedestal and I am not trying to air my dirty laundry and get your pity. After this post no more about what is going on. There is no one at fault other than myself and my husband and nor should anyone think anything about anyone else involved. I am sorry I have caused embarassment to certain people because of my blog, but I wanted to come clean and let you know I am not without blame.

The Last Chorus Has Been Sung

We are now officially done. I confronted him and his "friend" last night and it was confirmed they have been having an affair. I never trusted this "friend" from the day they started working together. His clothes are on the porch and I told him to get his stuff out. I went hysterical after he left and it could have been much worse. He took my son to HER house where he told me that he would be spending the night even though I am not comfortable with that. Today my mood is anger to make myself calm for when he drops off my son and we talk about visitation and finances. I feel like I could just scream and cry and kick and punch. I am trying to keep my composure because my DD wants nothing to do with him and has been staying with me. He kept telling me she was just a friend that he always had girls as friends in high school. I trusted him I even confronted him a long time ago about her and he denied it. Now I have no trust left in him. Well, I need to prepare myself for the visit see you later.

Happy Anniversary To Me

Today is my 11th anniversary. I obviously will not be celebrating. I have still been out filling out applications at several places and have one interview Wednesday though the hours may not work for my kids. I have several other places to go as I told a co worker of mine from another EMS department what happened and my plight spread like wild fire. I have had several people texting me with places to look for jobs. These people know me in the county from EMS from all of my networking and classes that I teach. I also need tires for my car and went to a local place for prices we got to talking and he is also a firefighter from a neighboring dept so he gave me a discount on my tires. It is amazing how fast God works. I also went and got my "happy pills" at the doctor yesterday. I have lost about 5 lbs so far according to his scale. I went to bed at 8pm and woke up at 6:30 this am. The best sleep I've had. Guess I won't be taking those during the day. LOL. I felt drugged.

I went and worked at my friends shop for her Christmas open house yesterday. It was a little difficult for me as my SIL, MIL, and aunt in law came in. None of us know what to say to each other. (Tiff you know how I feel.. Mom if you are reading this you guys did nothing wrong we can still talk and do things after all you are still grandma and the kids still want to see you but it is up to you.) But I got to watch people buying my items, but never said a word. Remember my Canadian Goose it sold while I was there to a lady whose husband is dying of cancer and he loved the outdoors and woods. I had not sign it, but the lady asked me if I would after my friend Kim told her I made it. Then another lady saw it and now she wants me to make one for her also. No one bought the little crocks I made (they just don't have good taste I guess LOL), but it was only the first day of open house. I came home and my parents called to ask me and the kids to dinner. My son decided to go to my sisters to spend the night so my DD and I went. Today I have nothing planned, but to do some laundry and work on my stocking swap I have for Scoti of Red Cinnamon Prims.

Day By Day...

That is now my new motto. He is gone as of Monday night and has told me he doesn't want to work on the marriage or seek counseling. He comes in the mornings to see the kids still though. His stuff is still here as he has been sleeping in his truck or at his friend's house from work. The kids and I will be OK. Granted I can not afford all the bills on my own so I am out putting in applications in hopes of getting a job with health benefits. For now he has assured me he will help pay and will not drop me from the health insurance until I can get it for my DD sake and her meds. I saw a counselor yesterday, who advised me to see my physician for short term anti-depressive and anxiety meds. I go there tomorrow. For now sleeping is out of the question and so is eating. I did not cry today when he came over or while we were talking. I am so afraid of being alone with my kids. I am just so overwhelmed with everything. I am sorry that this blog has turned into a sad one and you all don't want to hear my problems. I will get through this no matter how it turns out.

It is Very Easy to Point Fingers

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers, but please keep him in your prayers also. It took two to get to this point and I am not faultless by any means. It just came as a huge shock as I didn't even see it coming. He is still here in the meantime until we do a little more talking. Maybe we just need a little time away from each other to sort things out and try to make it work. I am hoping this is the plan, but the final decision has not been made.

It Is With A Heavy Heart

I will no longer be blogging as of today. My husband has decided it would be best to leave me and his kids. So I must now pick up the pieces and figure out where to go from here. It has been a huge blessing to have met each and every single one of you and I appreciate each and every comment I have received. You all have been my best friends that I never had. Thank you to each and every one of you. I will miss you very much.

Fat Friday Recipe!!!!

Sorry everyone about just getting around to my recipe. I have been working a lot and also have some other personal issues I am dealing with. But since I promised a recipe a recipe you will get.

Pineapple Salad

1 can pineapple tidbits
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp Flour
2 whole eggs (slightly beaten)
2 Tbsp butter
1 cup mini marshmallows
2-3 sliced bananas

Drain pineapple juice into sauce pan. Combine sugar, flour, eggs, and butter with juice. Cook slowly until mixture thickens stirring frequently. Cool thickened sauce and add drained pineapple and marshmallows. Add bananas just before serving. Also really good with sliced strawberries if in season. This keeps well so it can be made ahead of time for your gathering.

The Lodge... No Eye Candy Here

Many of you know I went to another seminar this past weekend. This one was a little different for me as I was in the minority not of women, but EMS. There was me in a sea of policemen and one other fireman. There were several women there so that was not an issue. The issue was most of the police were either Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants, Detectives well you get the picture. You can just see them staring and trying to figure out what was up with the huge cut across my forehead. Many were nice and didn't ask, BUT I had several who did. OK you know I couldn't just tell them a piece of furniture attacked me right? You all know me better. All I said was " I didn't duck quick enough." Well that just left it wide open for them to draw their own conclusions. LOL. I did tell two of the guys what really happened and you can imagine the look on their faces like... right sure you had a piece of furniture fall on you that just happened to have a nail sticking out. It was too fun.

So I tried to take pictures of the lodge because it was just beautiful this time of the year. The name was Bear Creek State Lodge in Mt. Sterling Ohio. And yes Linda I used a flash with my camera. LOL. It was very hard to get the entire front in one shot. I so looked like a tourist taking these pictures. I had to tell a couple of the guys to either get in the picture or get out because I was posting them on the computer. Needless to say you won't see anyone in any of the pictures. LOL. Oh yeah Kimberly close your eyes you can't see the pictures. LOL.





The view as you walk in the doors. You have this little seating area that over looks a huge lake. The seating area had a fireplace, low lighting, nature sounds (music) playing softly, lodge type furniture to sit in. So relaxing.





This was looking to the right as you walk in. There was a restaurant that had a wall of windows to overlook the lake, a bar with huge TVs to watch the game, and of course a gift shop.



Looking to the left those windows overlooked the outdoor pool. There was also an indoor pool, workout room, and hot tub that I saw.



On my way to my room I saw this huge quilt hanging above one of the exits. Each square was made by a child then put into this quilt. It was so amazing and of course not being a good photographer this picture doesn't do it justice.



My room which was on the first floor. Now I am sorry, but I don't think I would pay $159.00 a night to stay here during the peak season. It was nice, but not that nice. LOL. Alright I'm a cheap skate you can say it. LOL.





The view from my patio. Now there were two chairs out here and a table. AHHHH.... how nice if you were a person with no legs. One of the chairs(the one you see in the above picture) was pushed up against the railing. There was no other place to put it so that a normal person could sit in it. How relaxing sitting Indian style in a lawn chair on a patio. The other chair was ok for me since I was short. The patios were a really weird shape. On the brighter side it was a beautiful view.



All in all the seminar was pretty good. It was about speaking in public to the media on a large incident such as school shootings, or the attacks in NY, or an incident such as this. Yep imagine me on TV. LOL. It's kinda like the presidential debates you'd get up and change the channel. LOL. OH POOH!!! It's Fat Friday again. DUH!!!! I'll post a recipe this weekend as I am at work then have a Halloween party to go to at my old neighbor's house.

The Offender...

I am back from my seminar. I know I know you missed me right? OK no comments from the peanut gallery I can wish can't I? LOL. I won't tell you about my seminar/trip... yet. Now that I think about it I never finished my Louisiana story either. Oh you are all in for some boring posts. LOL.

Also, I know many of you have asked for my little crock tutorial I am not ignoring you. Give me a week or so to get my Christmas stuff finished up and I'll see what I can do. It's one of those things that I have in my head and really have no pattern per say. It is hard to put down into words, but I will try.

Now I promised to show you the furniture offender that decided to attack me. I am not done rearranging and not sure it will work. But I have very limited storage in my kitchen and really no more walls or space to work with. So... after pondering and walking around my house I decided on this. Looks pretty harmless doesn't it?



The offender... perched high on it's pedestal proud as can be. "I'll get you my pretty" were the words whispered prior to the attack. I will open my doors and everything inside will also come off the shelves and attack you.



To seal the deal we will try to poke your eyeball out with our BIG nails sticking out of the doors. LOL. This is what actually cut my forehead. Boy, did I have a lot of fun explaining my wound to a bunch of police officers most being detectives. But that is a different story.



Again the pictures are pretty grainy as it is dark and SNOWING yes you heard me SNOWING here today. It is not a big change and I'm not sure I like it, but here are some other things I worked on. I don't like using the flash on my camera because it makes everything seem so bright and I don't like that since it is not a true picture of what it really is.

I moved it flat up against the wall instead of at an angle and closed the doors. mmmmm.... not too sure about it yet. We'll see.



The dry sink in the kitchen used to be here. I couldn't let it be blank so I put the table here. Then it still looked empty as I can't decide what I want to put on the wall. (The cabinet I'm working for at my friend's shop was going to go here, but now I'm not so sure.) So in one of Judy Condon's books someone put a drying rack on a box so I moved mine on top of the table.



Closer look... Before you ask yes it is leaning because the rack is that old. I got it from my great aunt who is 94.



So that is my story and I'm sticking to it. Hey Kimberly... sorry no eye candy... to shy to take pics of them. LOL. For the rest of you I did take pictures of the lodge that I'll share another time.

Something Happened Saturday...

I am leaving here in a few for my seminar. I have a 2 1/2 hour drive ahead of me. Anyways, I was home yesterday trying to finish up some last minute projects and ran out of black embroidery floss and was not going to drive 20 minutes for it. So, I grabbed my Judy Condon books sat down and decided to redecorate and move furniture. I won't post all the pics yet, but I will show you a few. My header has changed as you can tell so I will show you those pics, but you'll have to wait for the rest.

I know they are a bit grainy, but I was trying a new camera setting and taking them at night. I'll take better ones later...







Now, moving furniture does not come without blood (and lots of it) sweat and tears. Can you tell???



Wow look at the shine on that forehead. LOL. I know it's hard to tell, but yeah I had a piece of furniture fall on me that happened to have a nail sticking out of it that decided to lacerate my forehead and then also give me a fat lip. I also have a HUGE goose egg around the cut to go with it. I'll show you the piece of furniture in my next post. Won't this be fun at the seminar with this little prize. I guess it could be worse it could be that big huge zit that we all seemed to get as teenagers right before the biggest dance of the century right? LOL. I did not go for stitiches, but probably should have or at least butterflies. But you know us medical people we won't set foot in an ER in less we are dead or dying. LOL. This one is gonna leave a mark.

Fat Friday Recipe

I promised a recipe tonight so I thought I'd share my spin on Rice Krispie Bars.

1 cup Karo Syrup (light)
1 cup sugar

Cook til it just starts to boil.

Add: 1 cup peanut butter and stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies. Press mixture into 9 X 13 pan.

Melt 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup butterscotch chips togther. When melted spread on top of the bars.

That's it!!!

Now I was given the Fabulous Fall Decor award by Jan. If you have never visited her you're in for a treat becuase it is two rolled into one. As you will hear from both Jan and Brenda who are fabulous crafters and business ladies.



Now I am suppose to give this to 6 others, but I believe many of you have already been given this wonderful award. Just in case you haven't I am giving it to you so please go ahead and post it on your blog!

I won't be back until Tuesday or Wednesday as I am going out of town for work for a seminar with a bunch of police men. This outta be loads of fun. (Notice the sarcasm in my voice.) Anyway, I will be taking my camera as I will be staying in a lodge in a state park. Oh and if I see any cute men I'll snap pictures of them too so we all have eye candy. LOL. just kiddin... Talk to you soon!!!!

Fat Friday ... and I DID it

First of all, I am at work right now so I don't have any pictures. I know it is a blogger sin not to post pictures, but I don't have access to any unless you click on the highlighted words. As for Fat Friday Recipe it will need to wait until tonight when I get home because I have to have a recipe in front of me to type out for you. I can't cook by memory. I have trouble remembering numbers and names must be old age. LOL.

Anyway, I DID it!!!! Yesterday was my first day of working out at a gym. This is where I go. The city I work for has started a program where city employees can go for free and work out. We have 8 months to prove that it is a worthwhile program and we are making progress. So for FREE I figured I would do it. Now if you read my last post you know I decided to do this for me. When they first announced this program I said there was no way I was going to do it. I like being lazy. I like coming home from work and sitting and doing nothing. I'm married I don't need to worry about what I look like right? I have no motivation most of the time anyway now why would I do this. Plus I am not going to go walking into a gym and make a fool of myself because I have never been in one before and have no idea how to use the equipment. Do you see a pattern here? I LOVE excuses. LOL. So yesterday everyone who was on duty with me at the station went up to the rec center to work out. The Rec Center director is this big buff 20 something year old ex football player Italian guy that is very sarcastic so we get a long great. You thought I was gonna say he was a dork didn't you??? LOL. He and I are a perfect match with our wit and sarcasm. I will tell you I was a bit intimidated walking in to the Fitness Room. All those machines with wheels and pulleys and weights. How am I ever going to do this? Well, the director took me under his wing and showed me all the machines that would help strengthen my legs. He showed me the proper way and use of each and told me how many to do to get started. Luckily, we went in the middle of the afternoon and no one was there, but my partners and a few other EMS people who came up on their own time. I started out with about 30 lbs of weight for each exercise which seemed like a good starting point. He even showed me the "Gynecologist Chair Machine" as he called it. Let's just say "WOW" kind of a weird machine, but it strengthens those inner thigh muscles. Next, I did the treadmill. Now I have been walking for 2 weeks now on my own in my neighborhood, but not at the pace he made me do. HELLO!!!! the machine says 3 mph... doesn't sound like much then he put an incline on it and made me do it for 20 minutes. He was trying to make me sweat. Come on I don't like to sweat!!!! With 5 minutes left he comes over and makes the incline even steeper. I swear I was going to die!!!! But by golly I was going to do it and I did. Then of course my legs felt like rubber and like I was going to fall flat on my face and of course it would happen in front of my co-workers. I was tough though I acted as though it was no big thing. But of course the macho men I work with were in the middle of bench pressing and trying to out do each other. What is up with that? Anyway, there was another female there and of course we were dragged into this bench press thing. UHHHH I have never done it and now must do it in front of my co-workers. Yeah this will be fun... Alright guys lets do this. "Boy that sure does look heavy, I don't think I can do it guys." "Come on Mary you have to we did." So I lay down on the black sweaty cushion put my arms up grab the bar and pull it off the rack. Oh did I mention it was the bar only no weights on it. LOL..... OK they say the bar weighs 25 pounds. :GROAN: Holy Moley this is heavy for me... 1.... up and down I went until about 7. I started to get tired my arms were shaking but my spotter talked me into 3 more and I did 10 bench presses. Go me!!!!! So I am hoping to go back up today and work on upper body stuff. I am beginning to like this workout stuff even though I swore I wouldn't. I am not sore today like I thought so maybe I need to increase my weight on the machines. My arms are though from bench pressing. OK I have decided after talking with the director that maybe 10 lbs is a bit much as he said I would have to take protein supplements in order to gain muscle like that. I am not so sure I want to do that so I'll see what happens without having to take supplements. However, I did start to take vitamins, which since being pregnant I have not. I tell you in the two weeks I have been doing this I am starting to feel better and not so tired. OK... well except for this darn sinus thing I have going on for a week now I am feeling better.

So anyway, check back as I will add my Fat Friday Recipe when I get home tonight. Are you kidding??? No... it won't be Fat Free Healthy stuff!!!! I am not into being that healthy. LOL. Still gotta have my grease and chocolate!!!!

Watcha Workin On Wednesday...

Alright, I must apologize for my few and far between posts and comments on all your blogs. This is crunch time for me to get my stuff done for my wholesale shops that I have procrastinated about far too long for Christmas. I also have another seminar I must attend for two days this weekend for my regular job and then teach another class next week plus work my normal shifts. Then the shop closes down for a week Nov 2 to be exact to get ready for the holiday open house Nov. 7, which I will be working at instead of buying. That is why I have not been around. So for now I will only be showing what I'm working on for Christmas.

Now on to what I've been working on since last week. To find out what others are working on please visit Leslie's blog.

Tree topper star. She wanted something simple and this is all I could think of in a short period of time. Oh yes... before I forget...on my blog when the Christmas season rolls around you will see Merry Christmas NOT Happy Holidays. I celebrate Christmas and Christ is the reason for the season. Now I am not saying that those that are of different religions that celebrate their own holiday are wrong they are not they still believe in a God. I am saying those people who do not have a religion and insist everyone say Happy Holiday instead are the ones I have a problem with. So to those who think I shouldn't say Merry Christmas please grin and bear it during this CHRISTMAS season if you read my blog. (stepping off my soap box)



My Christmas goose made from my pattern which is available on my website.







I had other pictures, but I have misplaced my storage device of course. So once I find it I will show you what I decided for the Christmas trees I made last week.

I FOUND IT!!!!! Here's the rest of the pictures.






Now in other news...



I received the I love your blog award from Olde Country Creations. Thank you so much I really appreciate each and every award you all give me. Now for the bad part. Since I am so far behind I am unable to bestow this others. Please give yourself this award from me if you don't already have it. I appreciate and LOVE each one of you who read this blog and also comment when you can.

I was also tagged by AnnaSam to share 7 random facts about me. Then pick others to do the same. I will share the facts, but will leave it up to you to participate if you want.

1. I have started exercising and will begin weight lifting this week for me. This is something I am giving myself and doing for me.

Ok I just went blank... LOL. I have done this before and I don't want to say the same thing.

2. Oh yeah I am addicted to Airhead candy. If you don't know what it is it is chewy like taffy but sour.

3. I am a horrible cook. All of our meals as a kid came from a box.

4. I love all animals... except cats. They seem to attack me every time I get near them.

5. I am afraid of cows and mice. NO laughing.

6. I am only 5 feet 5 inches tall and would blow away in a strong wind, which is why the need for number 1. LOL.

7. I can't believe I am saying this to all of you, but this is my first step in recovering... I have very low self esteem and body image. The reason I am so skinny is I have been told I was fat so I kept my weight too low. You know this images you see of the movie stars where they look sickly skinny? That is me... I don't own a scale I have no full body mirrors at my house. For my new workout program I had to face my weight and body mass index. I have told them that seeing my weight go up due to muscle will be very hard for me. I will freak out. My goal for now is to put on 10 pounds of muscle and eat regularly.

So now you know and have stepped inside my personal life, which something I normally do not share. This will be a tough journey for me, but I will do it.