Kenda's Corner of the world

Back in the Swing of Things

2010-06-19T08:38:00.003-05:00

It's been a long while since I posted here. Facebook is easy but I miss my blogg.....

Since I am no longer working at the 9-1-1 center I won't be posting anymore funny stories about calls that come in.

I am job hunting, put in lots of applications and receive lots of responses..... most are that I'm over qualified for positions such as cashier, house keeper..... not many openings for a gimped up retired firefighter! I do have a job lead that I am currently waiting to be called for an interview. Say a prayer for me!

Both my boys are now gone from the nest... the oldest is back from a tour in Iraq, thankfully all in one piece; the youngest is still going through training and will be stationed in Germany at the end of August. Folks are doing good, Mom is going to have surgery the middle of July.... She's had so many health issues the last 4 years or so I hope this is the end for a while.....

Hopefully I'll be back to post again soon........

No Tell Motel, Part II

2009-10-06T20:26:00.003-05:00

9-1-1 What's your emergency?

Yeah, my husband had my mother's car stolen. The poooolice refused to take a report!

Ma'am, where did this happen?

He was over there

Ma'am where is over there?

You know, over by that No Tell Motel

Hold on one moment ma'am

I ask the police side of the room, "does anyone know why the officer's didn't file a report on that guy from the hotel?"

Yeah, he said that he didn't want one, he didn't want to his wife to find out that he was with a hooker.

Ma'am, I'm being told that your husband didn't want you to know he was with a hooker, she took the keys and money out of his wallet at the No Tell Motel, she then took your mother's car. Technically she didn't steal the car, it's unauthorized use.

The police side of the room is saying, "I can't believe she told her that! No she didn't!!!!!!

Her husband is on the phone too, I just find out as he says:

I weren't with no HO!!!

That ain't want he tol' me.

Ma'am, I took that call and he said that a hooker by the name of Lemon Head took his car. Ma'am can I send an officer out to make a report as this is your mother's car?

You damn straight I want an officer.

Yes ma'am, I've got the call in the computer we'll get an officer to you just as soon as we get one that is free. Good luck ma'am

HO HO HO …. NO TELL MOTEL

2009-06-13T08:07:00.002-05:00

9-1-1 what’s your emergency?

You need to send the police ova here

Where is here?

To the no tell motel

Sir, why do you need an officer?

She don teal ma car

Who took your car?

She took the keys off the dresser and stole ma car

Who is she?

I don’t know, that woman

What room are you in sir?

124

What is the woman’s name that took your car sir?

Just send a car they kno who she is

Sir I really need her name….

I don kno her real name she go by Lemonhead

(do you have any idea just how hard it was not to laugh at the name Lemonhead!!!!)

She goes by Lemonhead

Sir, how long ago did Lemonhead take your car?

Well, it’s not ma car, it belongs to ma mother-in-law

What kind is it?

I wok up an Lemonhead and ma mom-in-laws car was gone, she done stole it!!! She done tok my wallet too…man tell them to hurry, I don cashed my check an it was all in ma wallet…..hurry up, man she gonna be so pissed!!! HURRY!!!!

Sir we have officers started that way, what kind of car is your mother-in-law’s car?

It’s blu, ya gotta hurry…ohman, ohman,ohman

Do you know the license plate number of the car.

AIN’T YOU LISTENING!!!! IT’S MA WIFE’S MOTHER’S CAR!!!!

Sir, no need to yell at me, we have officer’s enroute…. Is there anything else I can do for you?

Naw, just get a car over here fast.

Good luck sir.

So, what is the moral to this story? If you're married and you are going to pick up hookers in your mother-in-laws old blue car and go to the no tell motel right after you've cashed your paycheck hide the keys and wallet where the ho can't find them!!!

to be continued............................

Where I iz !!!!

2009-06-06T06:44:00.005-05:00

9-1-1 What's your emergency?

I nedz an offizer here

Where are you?

Yes

Where do you need an officer?

Where I iz

Where iz here?

Orange

Orange what? What is the house number?

Don't know...

(sheesh!) Do you live there?

yeah

You don't know your house number?

No

Okay, step outside and off your porch....... have you done that?

yeah

Now, turn around an look just below the roof, but above the door way, is there a number?

Yeah

Good, read me the numbers....

1...4...2...5

Alright, you live at 1425 Orange, is that north or south? ( hate asking all these questions to people who dont know where they live!!!)

What?

Why do you need an officer? (by now I'm 3 minutes into the call, a call shouldn't last more than 1-2 unless something like a robbery, home invasion, ect is going on)

'Cause I want this mot#%r f@*king bi!&h outa ma house!

What's going on?

She won't leave

We'll get an officer started that way....sir has anyone in the house been drinking tonight?

Ya, been smoking crack too.

Sir are there any weapons in the house?

Ya

Do you have any on you right now?

Ya

Sir, I need for you to go back in the house, put the weapon on the t.v.... are there children in the house?

Naw.

(thank god!)

Put the gun on the t.v. and then step outside and wait for an officer....

Okay....

Sir, have you put the gun on the t.v.?

ya

Are you back outside?

ya

Sir do you see our officers that have turned on to your street?

ya

Sir go talk to them, they know you have the gun in the house, DO NOT GO BACK IN UNTIL YOU HAVE TALKED TO THEM, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

click.....

Can you say "ouch"?!?!?

2009-06-02T03:15:00.002-05:00

I returned to work today for the first time in nearly a week... Last Tuesday I had to go to the periodontist to have some areas in my mouth looked at. It seems that I grind my teeth (yeah like that's a big surprise! We've known that for a long time) and I am slowly a little at a time fracturing my lower jaw....and as it heals it pushes the bone fragments out through the gum. Yeah, like that only hurts a little..... it really hurt when the bone fragments are still attached and actually come through the gum and start really irritating the tongue....

This was fixed by grinding down the exposed bone, sending me home with an antibiotic and pain killers...... Not real happy as I will have to go back several times to have more areas taken care of....

The only word I have to say is, OOOUUUCCCHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Out of Gas

2009-05-29T09:05:00.003-05:00

911 what's your emergency?
yes, I'm out of gas.

You are out of gas? Are you in the middle of an intersection?
ummm no.

Where are you ma'am?
I'm on the off ramp from I-40 west bound.

Which exit ma'am?
John F. Kennedy exit.

Are you in the middle of the road?
No........

Ma'am, aside from being out of gas do you need an ambulance? an officer? (I'm trying to figure out why she called 9-1-1) Is your car on fire?
No!! (by now she's frustrated with my questions)

Ma'am if you don't have an emergency you don't need to call this number.
I need an officer! (she's now pissed at me)

Ma'am what do you need an officer for?
I need an officer to come and sit with my kids in the car while I walk to the gas station to get some gas.

(Moron) Ma'am what you are asking is for our officers to baby sit and we don't do that. Do you have a family member or perhaps a friend you could call to bring you some gas or sit with your children while you go get gas?
Well yes but I wanted an officer to sit with my kids.

Ma'am how old are your children?
9, 10,11

Ma'am do they have any physical/mental disabilities?
No....why?

Ma'am you need to hang up and call a family member or a friend or perhaps your roadside service to assist you.
Why? (you've got to be kidding me???!!!)

Ma'am you are now tying up my emergency line. Unless this is an emergecy you need to get off the line....
But it is an emergency!! I've run out of gas..

Ma'am, do you need an officer, besides to babysit, a fire truck, or an ambulance?
No,, I've run out of gas.

Ma'am, I'm sorry you've run out of gas but that is not an emergency as far as we are concerned.
You aren't being very nice! Let me talk to someone else.

Yes, ma'am hold please......(put her on hold... stood up and gave my supervisor the rundown of the conversation.)
This is John, I understand you've run out of gas. This is NOT our problem..... I've heard my operator trying to get you to understand that you are tying up an emergency line.
But I've run out of gas!

I see, do you have a gas can in your car?
Yes,
All your children can walk?
Yes

Get your gas can, then get your kids out of the car and walk to the gas station that is 300 yards to the north of you, get some gas then walk back to your car put it in and go about your day. Have a nice day, and don't call an emergency line when you don't have an emergency. (click)

Now it's not that we don't sympathize it's just that running out of gas isn't an emergency, perhaps to her but not us. Now while this was going on I was taking care of radio traffic (and computer info) for the fire department for a house fire, 2 car accidents, a shooting, and an assault victim. I was more than happy to turn this call over to my supervisor. He's a great guy, sounds ruff and mean but just a teddy bear under it all! He's more to the point than I am......

Guess the next time I run out of gas I'll call 9-1-1 and see if I can get an officer to come out and sit with my furbabies so I can walk to the gas station! LOL

What's up?

2009-05-28T07:58:00.004-05:00

I've been working ALOT....

It's rained so much, Daniel and I have been able to get the yard mowed in-between rain storms...

I took a puppy from one of the officers that removed several from a really bad situation in a horrible area of our city. The other puppy seemed to have broken ribs and a possible punctured lung....

Isn't she just adorable? Dad named her Tippy. Partly for the white tip on the end of her tail & the fact that when she walks she tends to tip over! LOL

All she wants to do is curl up with her big sis Joy. Joy isn't too over-joyed with the prospect having to cuddle up with the puppy.

Joy seems to be resigned to laying there with Tippy snuggled up next to her!

This isn't an Emergency, But.....

2009-05-03T11:52:00.003-05:00

9-1-1 What's your emergency?

Uuuhhh, I don't have an emergency.

(you don't have an emergency but you dialed 9-1-1??) What do you need?

Give me the number to the jail in Atlanta.

(WTF?!?!) Excuse me?

I want the number to the jail in Atlanta....

You dialed 9-1-1, an emergency line to ask for a number in GA?

Yeah, give me that number.....

No, you need to hang up and dial 1-4-1-1.

My phone doesn't dial that.....

I'm sorry but unless you have an emergency I will hang up.

I need that number!!!

Have a nice day (click)

Wild Life

2009-04-28T20:07:00.005-05:00

9-1-1 What's your Emergency?

(woman panting on the other end of the phone) Yes, I'm on the River Trail by the Big Dam Bridge.

Is there a medical emergecy?

Uh no?

Do you need a police officer?

Well, no I don't think so.

What can I do for you?

Well, my name is Easily Grossed out. I'm in Burns Park on the River Trail...(heavy breathing, lots of panting)....riding my bike..................................

Do you have an emergency? (or did you just call me to tell me you are outside enjoying the beautiful day, sunshine and fresh air while I'm stuck inside this old nasty building breathing stale air?)

Well, not really....you see there is a deer on the trail......

What is the deer doing? (Is it sleeping? Playing poker with his friends?)

IT'S DEAD!!!!

Alright, we'll put a call into animal control tomorrow and have them pick it up. (it's Sunday)

No, you need to have them come out today. It looks like the deer has been here a couple of days.

I'm sorry but due to budget cuts animal control only comes out if an animal is being vicious.

Well that's just dumb.

I understand how you feel ma'am...

No you don't (at this point she's rested enough that she is no longer panting)....you see the turkey vultures are eating it.

I understand that you find that disturbing....

No you don't, I'm looking at it.

(well, then stop looking at it!!!!)

Yes ma'am I'm sure that it's very disturbing, I'll make sure that I put the call in personally tomorrow to animal control tomorrow morning as soon as they open....

Fine, I guess I'll just have to find a different route back to my car.

You have a nice bike ride ma'am....

3 Month Evaluation

2009-04-28T19:52:00.003-05:00

Well, I did it!!! I've been at the new job for 3 months this past Sunday! I received my evaluation. On most of the criteria I was marked Outstanding, the rest was Satisfactory, mostly outstanding though....

I have to laugh though, I had been super stressed about this evaluation as those that know me know that many times my "edit" button is non-functioning....So I've really had to work on it...the best thing I've found has been to just be quiet when not on the phone...again very hard for me! LOL

Keep Nick in Your Prayers Please

2009-04-21T05:27:00.003-05:00

Please keep my son Nick and his platoon in your prayers. His MRAP was hit with a road side bomb that had been placed under the road. Thankfully there were no fatalies. Nick has a grade/level (not sure which) concussion and facial injuries. He has been released from the field hospital, though his Sgt said he will be watched for side effects of the concussion for several days.

I did talk with Nick, he said that he was a nervous wreck...who wouldn't be. I'm just thankful he and his buddies are okay and safe. His wife is coming over tonight to have dinner with us....

Just pray he comes home in one piece....safely

Job Security

2009-04-01T19:50:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have job security! I answer calls daily from IDIOTS!!!

911, what's your emergency?
uhhuh yeah I neeze the poleeze.
Okay, where do you need the police?
where I iz

Where is here?
on McCain Blvd
Where on McCain?
I'z goin to the Walz Mart
Why do you need the police?
See these men they be following me.
Why are they following you?
theys be trying to jump on me
Why?
I don'ts kno
Who are they?
one of em iz my girlfriends babys daddy.
What's his name?
don know...(mumbles something to someone)
Who are you talking to sir?
My girl.
Okay, please ask her what her babys daddy's name is.
Hey whoyababydaddy? (in the back ground,,,,I don no)
??????? She doesn't know the name of her baby's father?????Okay sir, please pull over somewhere and tell me where you are so I can send an officer...
k
Sir what is your name?
Johnny Be Stupid
What is your phone number sir?
501-555-1324
That isn't the number you're calling me from.
Naw, that mi homephoz.
Okay sir what phone number are you calling me from?
I'm callin on mi homeless phone
You're calling me on your HOMELESS phone?
yeah
You're calling on your HOMELESS phone? (laughter roaring in the com. center)
yeah
Sir have you pulled over yet?
yeah
Where are you?
Iz tole you I waz goin ta the walzmart.
What row are you on?
9
What color car are you in so the officer can find you?
Iz in a purple car
You are in a purple car, calling on your homeless phone?
yeah
Sir please stay in the car, put your flashers on to better help the officers find you. We'll get an officer started your way.
whaever (click)

See what I mean, idiots!!! LOL I've never heard of a homeless phone!!! I'll bet you haven't either! LOL Since I had his "homeless phone" number on my screen I didn't even bother trying to verify it, I was already having a hard time staying composed and not laughing along with everyone else over the homeless phone!

More stupidity to come in the future, each and every day is a new adventure! I get to laugh each and every day while at work, there is always something stupid going on....stay tuned for further adventures!

What we've been doing

2009-03-22T20:29:00.003-05:00

Things have been busy busy busy around here since my last post. I started working as a public safety dispatcher aka 9-1-1 dispatcher. Nick came home from Iraq on leave, Nick bought a new truck, I bought a new truck. We adopted a new cat. The divorce isn't going so well.

I love my new job. I find that many of the calls are from really stupid people but I keep telling myself it's job security! LOL Kinda like the guy that was calling me on his homeless phone, being chased by his girlfriends baby's daddy. By the way, the girlfriend didn't know the name of her baby's daddy.

Nick was home on leave from Iraq for 2 weeks. He and Melissa had plans to get away for a few days by themselves but Melissa got really sick and was in the hospital for a number of days. She had a terrible kidney infection. Thankfully she got to the hospital when she did, much longer and she would have lost the kidney. She was home for several days before Nick had to return.

It was really good to see Nick, more of a relief I think. Just to see him and know that he's in one piece and in good health was wonderful. Nick called me late last week to give the good news that they are scheduled to be home sometime in June!!! Thank GOD!!!!!

Daniel had his final ROTC awards banquet last week. He opted to attend alone this year. I must admit that I was rather saddened by this. I think that perhaps he didn't want to feel like he had to choose between me and Alan to take or explain why he invited one and not the other. It actually broke my heart as Alan is turning the divorce that he wanted into something really nasty and he's drug Daniel into it by lying to him about me.

Daniel started school year as the Group Commander with the rank of Captain. Later was promoted to Major, then Lt. Colonel. Daniel received the Son's of the American Revolution award. The following is an explaination of the award. " JROTC cadets who are selected for having a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing and general excellence. The recipients are selected by the Commanding Officer of the ROTC or JROTC unit." Daniel has also applied to the water park for the summer until he signs with the military.

Meet our newest family member. Her name is Boots. I took her in from a friend. This friend had several major changes in the household and Boots didn't adjust well. She is slowly adjusting to our busy loud animal filled household. She is just a doll, and believe it or not she's 2 years old....just a tiny thing.

I should be posting again, at least semi-regularly. I'm sure I will have stories to tell from some of the stupid calls we take. Though I will of course change the names and addresses to protect the stupid! LOL

Have a wonderful day, remember to thank God for all that you are blessed with. Love those around you and offer forgiveness to those who have wronged you.

Meet Hoss

2009-01-13T15:28:00.005-06:00

This is Hoss. I adopted him from Maumelle Friends of the Animals. Petey has been so lonely since we moved. He used to hang out with the neighborhood cats before we moved out of Jacksonville. Where we live now he's not allowed out as we live too close to a major road.

Hoss does not enjoy being held. He's just not real happy in the photo with Daniel. He went to the vet today as Petey had an appointment (he has worms (I told Petey to stop eating those squirrels!!!) and an infected tooth), and he needed to be checked as well. Come Saturday we'll have had Hoss for 3 weeks. When he was weighed today he tipped the scales at 17 lbs, 13 oz!!!! And he's lost some weight!!! Petey was 11 lbs when I took him to the vet about 3 months ago, he's up to 14lbs, 2 oz!

Hoss and Petey have settled into a comfortable routine for them. They don't fight much anymore. They play some, Petey has first dibs on the can of cat food in the morning and Hoss cleans out the bowl when Petey's done! They enjoy sunning themselves on the dining room table in the late afternoon while watching the squirrels & birds eating from the feeders. If we need to find Hoss we can ALWAYS find him in the linen closet in the bathroom piled up on the clean towels! Though I bought a latch today so he will have to find a new place to sleep.

Hoss really seems to love Daniel. He will continually go in Daniel's room if he's in there and want petted. Though if Daniel picks him up, it's all over! Hoss likes pets and loving, but on his terms only! The above picture is the one and only time Hoss has laid on the couch and first time Petey laid near him. I know they are going to be good friends after they settle in together and have more time get used to each other. Petey is alot happier now that he has a buddy & Hoss has a forever home.

*****NOTE*****
A good friend of mine lost her beloved kitty to kidney failure. M-C was there when Radar was born and she still has Radar's momma. I know they will miss him alot. I am so sorry you lost Radar M-C, I know how hard it is to have to take a furbaby in. Be comforted that he's at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for you. He was a sweet boy and will be missed. {{{Big Hugs}}}

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! 2009

2009-01-05T18:18:00.003-06:00

Where oh where did 2008 go? I know that we're all asking that question. I know that it was a busy year for all of us. Hopefully 2009 will be a happy and prosperous for all of us!

2008 was filled with a lot of bitter sweetness for me. Lots of different milestones happened in our home. A recap: Nicholas and Melissa went to his duty station in N.C. Mom, Dad & I went to N.C. to see Nick off to Iraq (due to schedule changes they were unable to stay until he left). Melissa came back to AR. I went as far as I can with my knee as far as treatment goes, at least for now. Alan asked for a divorce (I later found out he's been subscribing to on-line personal websites). I bought a house & Daniel and I moved out of our home of 8 years. I applied for a job as a public safety dispatcher. Daniel turned 18 years old. We celebrated Christmas without Nick for the first time. And without Melissa as spent it with her family.

In 2009 we'll all be another year older, we'll sort out things that need sorted. I'll hopefully find a job with health benefits (that I'll be losing with Alan divorcing me). Daniel will be graduating from high school and going off to the Navy (if his plans work out) and Nick will come home safe and sound from Iraq.

I'm looking forward to the year with trepidation and hope. I know that sounds weird. I know Alan and I will be divorced, though perhaps not completely un-entangled as we have 2 houses to sell. I'm looking forward to starting over and starting again.

Happy New Year and may you be blessed this year!

You Can't See Me

2008-12-28T14:23:00.003-06:00

Christmas morning while I was trying to get pies cooked Petey and Joy were playing. Petey generally acts like he doesn't like to play with Joy. He hisses and meows really loud, however when he hits Joy's muzzle with his paws I've noticed he's not using his claws. Well, I heard them playing and lots of claws on the tile floor trying to get traction; when I turned around this is what I saw! Petey "hiding" from Joy! LOL The sad thing is, Joy couldn't find him! It's a good thing she's pretty 'cause she's not so smart! LOL

Nick

2008-12-24T12:25:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Nick's 20th birthday. This was the first year I was unable to see him or be able to give him a hug and say face to face, " happy birthday". I'm sure many are saying, "and it won't be the last". I miss Nick, but it's nice to hear from him when he calls.

He called on Monday so I could "wish him a happy early birthday"! LOL He called again today tell me how he'd spent his birthday. Apparently it was an interesting day for him. He did tell me that they guys said to tell me that his birthday cake was good. He stressed the guys as he only got a small piece of cake. I'd made him a cake, put it in the freezer then vacuum sealed it and sent it out immediately. I'd also put in a container of frosting so he could frost it. The only thing missing were candles, and I'd forgotten to pack those!

I'd also sent him a little 2 foot tall Christmas tree, along with lights and decorations and a Santa hat. I wanted Nick to have a Christmas tree by his bunk so he had a visual reminder that his family loves him.

Keep Nick in your thoughts and prayers, he's 6 months into his deployment and has another 9 to go.

Nick

2008-12-24T12:25:00.000-06:00

Bowling the Modern Way

2008-12-21T14:32:00.004-06:00

Last month Mom and Dad came over for dinner and games. I bought Daniel and myself a wii gaming system when we moved in. (I did this knowing that our money would be tight after the first of the year and we wouldn't have much money for entertainment.) So we played Mario Cart, and bowling. This is a look at modern bowling, you don't even have to leave your house!!!

We had a really good time. Daniel kept getting gutter balls! Just like at a brick and mortar bowling alley!

Daniel couldn't stay out of the gutters and thus came in 4th.... : ( Better luck next time Dan.....he wants a rematch! Daniel spent alot of time trying to learn how to spin the ball like Mom; and he did, he just spun them into the gutter.

Dad is a good bowler. We really cracked up when he dropped the ball behind him and all the little wii people jumped getting out of the way.

Dad came in 3rd!

Turns out Mom is an excellent bowler!! She can put a mean spin on the ball. I'll bet she could kick our butts at a brick and mortar bowling alley! Mom says that when she was in school (you know back when the dinosours roamed the earth!) for gym class they bowled. How fun would that be?!?!

Mom came in second !

Daniel and I had played a few games several days before Mom and Dad came over. I really enjoyed it. I like the games we have as they are easier for me to play than the first person shooter games we have for the X-box and the x-box 360.

I came in 1st place! Yeah me!

I also have the wii fitness board. I love it. I've been using it 3-4 times a week and I've noticed more flexibility, though I have to keep the flexibility up to keep my knee moving. So essentially I'm using it as physical therapy.

If you don't have one of these, a wii, you should get it. It's lots of fun and the games that come with it are suitable for small kids. I was very pleased to see that my friends could let their kids play it....I couldn't let them play the xbox as we don't have any games that are suitable for them.

All in all it was a fun night with Mom and Dad, we had a lot of laughs. Thanks Mom and Dad for being there for me durig this hard time in my life!

Hobo Kitty

2008-12-18T18:42:00.003-06:00

Petey was laying on the couch and helping me read the Sunday paper last month. All he needs is a park bench. Though he would LOVE a park bench as that would mean he would be outside, where he really wants to be, instead of being forced to watch the birds and squirrels from inside on the dining room table!

HANKS FINE FURNITURE

2008-12-10T21:49:00.002-06:00

Warning!!!! Do NOT shop at any Hanks Fine Furniture stores!!! I purchased beds for Daniel and myself from there. The first clue should have been that the salesman didn't call me back as promised to tell me when the matteress would be in for the full size bed. After finally getting ahold of him I was told that, that particular matteress was a special order from the manufacturer for a full size. So I chose a different one. The store manager delivered the frame for my bed and both matteresses for me. I wrote a check out to him, not the store for the delivery.

It has been over a month now and the bedframe for Daniel hasn't arrived yet. It was supposed to be delivered last Wednesday. When I called the store to find out how far on the delivery list we were, at 5pm Korneluis, the assistant manager, informed me that it wasn't scheduled for delivery. Turns out he changed the delivery date, after recieving information from the ware house here in Little Rock, that the said piece isn't due in until later in the month.

I called the store manager the following day and he said that he'd sent an email to the manufacture to find out when it would be in & that he'd call me by the close of business the following day, a Friday by the way. I called him Monday morning approx. 30 minutes after the store opened to give him time to call me. When I told him that he should have at least called me to tell me that he'd not forgotten he began yelling at me. I hung up and then called the customer service line. I told the lady what happened and she said she'd send the information to his supervisor and I'd hear back as to when we'd get the bed. Well, it's Wednesday and I still haven't heard back.

The company has my money and they don't care when it comes in. I have since heard from several people that I know of simular problems. One had a bed delivered and one of the legs was split in two and they still don't have a replacement. Many of the complaints are of just plain slow delivery.

All Moved In

2008-11-25T19:14:00.007-06:00

Daniel and I are all moved in. We got moved in on the 8th but it took a few days to get everything unpacked and setup. We had a lot of help from my parents and some friends, Debbie and Brad & their kids.

Here are a few pictures of our new place.

This is the front of the house.

A view from the front door.

My room, it's small but I like it that way. It's a cozy retreat, I love it. I bought really comfortable beds for Dan and I. I won't show you his room as it's a total mess! LOL

This is a view into the kitchen from the living room. There are lots of cabinets, I even have empty shelves! And an empty drawer LOL

This is the dining area. The double windows look out over the back yard. We have several trees, I'm putting up bird feeders so Petey (the cat) has something to keep him occupied. Joy scared off the squirrels in a pretty short period of time. They must be smarter than the ones in Jacksonville! LOL

These next pictures are of my craft area. I knew I had lots of stuff but I didn't realize I had so much until I went to put it away!

The area off to the right of the picture below is what I call the "alcove" and it has the buffet that now houses a computer, routers, wireless printer and telephone. The drawers and doors have all my desk supplies, computer CD's, ect. Across from there is the back door, the rabbit cage.

The door you see in the picture below goes to the laundry room. And as you can see to the left is the guinea pig cage. The craft area is a bit messy but I had cards I finally finished for a card swap, the box you see is for packing up Nick a Christmas box. I'll put the little Christmas tree that can be seen in the pictures above, along with the decorations, lights, tree skirt, and candy canes. I want to get that out to him tomorrow so he can have a Christmas tree in his bunk area.

The back yard. It's really big, has a shed that's wired with electricity.

Joy is enjoying the back yard, though she's yawning in the picture. I'll bet it's really pretty when everything is green.

We are thoroughly enjoying the new house. We will be having an open house next month.

Election Day

2008-11-04T10:30:00.002-06:00

Here in the United States it is election day. I do hope that everyone who is eligible to vote has/will exercise their right today. Or they early voted. Daniel and I voted early last Tuesday.

I consider it a huge privilege to be able to vote for the leader of our country. I pray that everyone looks into their heart and really considers the issues and has carefully researched each and every candidate. I know that I had originally decided to vote for one but after doing my own research, I changed my mind. After looking at their voting records, their associations, their track records in not just their public life but their personal lives.

Who ever is elected will need to have great leadership and wisdom to lead our great country the next four years, leaving it in a better place.

News From Nick

2008-09-24T14:16:00.003-05:00

We heard from Nick today. His calls are always interesting, there is a delay and it's hard to get used to saying something then waiting for him to hear it without talking over him or him you. The quality isn't always clear so that's another hurdle. But it's always good to hear from him.

Nick sounded better today than I've heard in several months. Things are going better as far as the citizens accepting them being there. Apparently the insurgents had the population pretty beat down and now they are on the run which makes the citizens happy.

He has been pleased to get all the mail from everyone, currently they only get mail once a week (they have to travel to another city to pick it up). He says it's always "great" to get mail from someone, so please keep sending him letters and what not; or even just a card with a thinking of you in it. I asked him if there was anything that he would like to receive more of and he said baby wipes, lots of baby wipes. They use them to clean their weapons, and he said they have to do that sometimes 2-3 times a day due to the sand storms.

Nick had other things to say but I don't feel that it's something that I should put on the blog, so call if you'd like and I'll pass on the information. It's hard to remember who've I've told what to please don't be offended if I haven't told you something, I don't want to repeat myself and talk endless and the boy....eerr make that young man.

Know that Nick is doing well and please continue to keep him in your thoughts.

Cards I've made

2008-09-14T12:12:00.004-05:00

I've been accused of coloring and cutting pretty paper. To those that have accused, it is no secret that I enjoy doing that, along with getting together with other like minded women. On a newsgroup that I belong to we have a monthly challenge. The challenge is to make a few Christmas cards each month with the goal of having all our Christmas cards done by the beginning of December. So far I've made over 90 cards (I plan to send most to Nick's platoon so they can be sent back home to their families) This is in hopes of not running around like a chicken with our heads cut off wondering how we will ever get our cards done in time to mail them off.

These cards are made with a technique called the "Bandanna Technique".

I think they turned out okay. Not sure though, I will have to look at them again, later to make a decision.

Sometimes one has to look again later to appreciate it. That happens when you've worked on something too long.

You'll have to trust me when I say that they aren't crooked and as lop sided in real life. I have been having issues with my scanner and took the opportunity when it decided to work right to scan the cards. I actually made 4 but one didn't scan very well.

Sometimes when I work on a quilt for too long I have to put it away and go back to it at a later time when I can view it with fresh eyes.

RIP Warren Mobbs

2008-09-07T14:54:00.004-05:00

Captain Mobbs passed away on Friday the 5th of September. I first met Captain Mobbs when I hired on to the North Little Rock Fire Department. Warren was a Lieutenant at the time.
Warren was a very kind and gentle person. I know that Warren will really be missed.

Remember Me

2008-08-05T20:21:00.003-05:00

This was put together by a young woman named Lizzy Palmer. She was 15 when she made it, she's now 16. It is beautifully done. The ending brought me to tears. It is really a touching tribute to our troops. Fox News interviewed her on Fox & Friends either yesterday or today, I can't remember which.

Is It That Time Already?

2008-08-05T20:08:00.004-05:00

School starts in less than 2 weeks here. School starts on Monday August 18th. I am a bit sad about this. You see today was registration day for Little Rock School District. Today was the last time I will be registering a child in school. Daniel will be attending Central High School for the last school year, graduating on May 28th 2009; incidentally that will be exactly 21 years after I graduated.

It really is a beautiful school; keeping in mind that it is a historical site and gets Federal money to keep it looking so nice.

Many years ago as I registered Nick and Daniel in school, Daniel for the first time I was excited, only 12 more registrations to go!!! Now I look back and it's all gone so fast. I wonder where the time went. Time has flown by so quickly I can hardly believe it.

I have almost completely raised my boys. My parents were so much help to me in the boys very young years, I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks so much Mom & Dad. This time next year I will be entering a different period of my life. Wonder how that period will go? Hopefully much smoother than the one I'm in!

Toddler or Puppy?

2008-07-31T20:17:00.003-05:00

Sometimes having a dog in the house is like having a 3 year old! Our lovely wonderful toddler, err make that puppy decided to dig a hole. Joy has only dug one hole in the yard, by the back porch. We're not sure why she dug it but I have seen her eating bugs out of it and before you ask, Yes we do feed her! LOL

We've been having periods of heavy rain that last all of 3-5 minutes. The rain does several things: #1 drives the humidity WAY up, #2 fills the hole Joy dug up with water.

This leaves Joy a place to play.

When I let her out to potty and for some time to be outside, as she doesn't want to "hang out" outside during the heat of the day, I told her to stay out of the mud hole. I think that was a mistake. It was like saying to her, "go ahead and play in the mud dear!"

I went outside to get her and this is what I was met with!!!! Oh my!!! Alan had just come in ahead of her and told me that she'd been laying on the ground with her front feet and mouth in the mud! Yes, the picture below is a bit blurry but I tried to show the mud on her mouth.

"But MOM you told me to play in the mud!!!"

Not much to do but round Daniel up and have him hold her in one place in the front yard while I hosed her off. She wasn't very happy about it. This was the 2nd time I'd hosed her off today. Earlier she'd just walked through the mud, not laid in it.

Pets, they keep you on your toes!

Hot, Hot, Hot

2008-07-28T18:54:00.006-05:00

In the Northern Hemisphere we are in the early to mid-summer season. Here in Arkansas we've been lucky so far as the temperatures haven't been too bad. Until the last 5 days or so. Today we reached a high of 99 degrees F; mixed with 40% humidity it feels like 106 degrees F! Yes, it is hot and very humid. Though I decided that this year I wasn't going to complain. Why? Because Nick is in Iraq and it's even hotter there.

Tuesday in Iraq it is going to be 116 degrees @ 3pm! Cooling down to a mild 101 degrees by 9pm their time. Wednesday it is supposed to be 121 degrees and by Friday it looks like it will be 125 degrees. These nights it will cool all the way down to 95-97 degrees. Now granted the humidity is only around 5-6% BUT our guys are roasting!

Our troops must wear not only their uniforms, but their body armor/helmets & all their equipment as well, that's an additional 75-100 pounds! No wonder Nick has lost 15 pounds!! I just can't imagine the heat they are having to deal with. Can you imagine having to do a very physically demanding job wearing all that gear AND dealing with the heat?

Think cool thoughts for our troops and keep them in your thoughts and prayers

All photos were downloaded after doing a Google search for American troops

Airborne

2008-07-28T10:58:00.003-05:00

This is a picture that Nick had taken just before he deployed. I have had copies made and will be sending them out to family members and friends. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Summer Leadership School, aka SLS

2008-07-25T19:09:00.003-05:00

Last week Daniel attended Summer Leadership School @ Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. Daniel along with 3 other students from Central High School attended. It was a long way from home but Major Bledsoe, their instructor has allot of contacts in that area and he was offered 4 slots. Major taught in one of the high schools in New Orleans before Katrina.

I drove down last Thursday for the graduation on Friday. There was a parade review then the ceremony was held in a theater nearby. The flight Daniel was in won Honor Flight, though they didn't say why and all the kids in his flight seemed confused as to why they won! LOL Go figure!

Daniel said he learned allot and had a really good time. I hope that he is able to take what he learned at SLS and apply it as Group Command at Central High School. He is still wanting to join the Navy, even though the Air Force food is "really good". (that is sooo Daniel! LOL)

Deployed

2008-07-25T18:48:00.004-05:00

On the 26th of June our son Nicholas deployed to the middle east. My parents and I drove to Ft. Bragg to see him off and bring his wife back with us. She is going to be living here, she has an apartment and hopefully will have a job soon. Sadly Nick's deployment date moved several days and Mom & Dad had to come home so were unable to see him off. I stayed and rode back to Arkansas with Melissa. The above picture is of Nick and Melissa the evening he left. It was so hard to say good bye but we know that he will be home soon.

The two above pictures are of Nick and his buddy Barr. They've been stationed together since basic training. They went through basic, AIT and Airborne school together. I know that they have each other's back and that is comforting. Barr is a good a really good guy.

We hear from Nick fairly regularly, for now...not sure how long it will last but we are enjoying hearing from him. He's very upbeat and in good spirits, in spite of the mortar attacks they've been under. He said that the first one he experienced really put life in perspective, that I have no doubt! I worry about him as he's said he's lost 15 lbs....he didn't have any extra to spare! Wonder if I could send him some of my extra? Guess that wouldn't work, too bad!

I'll keep everyone posted on how he's doing.

Can My Luck Get Any Better?!?!?!

2008-06-05T16:05:00.003-05:00

So, I was involved in an accident on Sunday. Monday we started the process to get the other driver's insurance to start the process to get my car repaired. We find out yesterday that she had canceled her insurance IN MARCH !!!!!!! I've left several messages for the State Trooper that worked the accident to call me. I want to find out if he can ticket her for no insurance or what we can do. In the mean time we've rented a vehicle to drive, gotta have one of those....I need to be seen by a doctor again as my severe headache hasn't gone away nor has the neck pain.

In the state of Arkansas it is not required to have uninsured motorist coverage. If you don't have it GET IT!!!! Never in my life did I think I'd get hit by an uninsured motorist but I am glad that we have the coverage.

Now we have to file this under our insurance, once we have received the written documentation from her alleged insurance that she canceled her insurance our insurance will file this under the uninsured motorist policy. So my car will get fixed, our rates won't go up but actually they will, as will yours because of slugs like the one that hit me.

I am so tempted to go to the address she gave on the form she filled out for the Trooper but just like her insurance, it's probably not a correct address. I'd love to make a sign and hang it from her roof for all of her neighbors to see that says, " I drive recklessly and I drive with NO insurance." But it's just a wish as I would be the one to get into trouble. Ah, such is life & my luck.

Now, where did I put those cookies? I need another dozen or so to eat! LOL

How did you spend your Sunday Afternoon?

2008-06-03T19:15:00.003-05:00

We were supposed to go to Mom and Dad's for dinner and my Dad's birthday cake. Instead the family sat around at UAMS waiting to find out what all the x-rays and CT said about me. I was involved in an accident!

I dropped Daniel off at work and I was almost home when a woman came around me on the highway & hydroplaned on some water that had accumulated in the construction zone. Note: It had been raining for several hours.

She had been following way too close since the McCain area. When she saw an opening to go around me she took it and wiped out, taking me with her.
When she hit me I went into the retaining wall, after I straighted back out she hit me again; back into the retaining wall I went. Thankfully I didn't really hit the retaining wall, just the tires did, the front driver's tire is damaged.
Thankfully I always wear my seatbelt, even so I was tossed around good. The other driver wasn't so lucky. She went up on the retaining wall and rode it for a bit, I thought she was going to go over it. Her car is totaled. She told the firemen she was wearing her seatbelt but she had a big goose egg on her head and there was an impression of her head with some hair in her windshield. The axle of her car is broken, the gearshift and parking brake ended up in her passenger seat.
Thankfully nether of us was hurt real bad. I'm still really sore but that's it. And she has insurance, though how good and easy to work with remains to be seen. So now I'm driving a Dodge Caravan until my Escape is fixed.

They made it home!

2008-06-03T19:01:00.002-05:00

Okay, so they've been home for a week. I was happy to see the kids. This picture was taken just as they arrivedWe went to Mom and Dad's, on Memorial Dad, where Dad cooked some steaks that we'd brought over.
Melissa.
So Nick and Daniel decided to wrestle not more than 20-30 minutes after we ate. Needless to say it was an interesting match.

As you can see in the above picture, Nick came out on the worst end of this match! LOL They said it was fun but at the end of it I don't know how either of them had fun, they were sweaty, scratched, red and in Nick's case a busted lip and bleeding!

Nick and Melissa have been spending time with family and friends while they've been here. The kids will be here another week then they will head back to North Carolina. I hate to see them go.

Pout, pout....now what?

2008-05-27T21:21:00.004-05:00

I went to see the Dr. over at UAMS today. I had what seemed like 20 different xrays of my knees. When finally got to see the Dr. he poked and prodded on the bad knee, told me how much pain I was in (like I needed anyone to tell me that!) and said that he felt like, "at this point surgery isn't an option, you've had plenty for now". I'm not a candidate for the tibal ostomy as I have too much damage to the knee cap.

Dr. VanderSchilden wrote down a regimn of meds that he wants me on. He will also recommend to Dr. Crowell that I have Synvisc injected into the knee. Dr. V said that some people find it a "Godsend" others find that it doesn't help at all. He also checked my quad and was not happy with the atrophy, but I can't use the knee much so it doesn't get as much use as it used to. The rest was basically sympathy that I will have to live with this pain until I'm old enough for a replacement.

I don't know whether to sit down and just be depressed or sit down and cry. I was so hoping for some sort of resolution. I have so much pain that I can hardly sleep, it's so constant that I can hardly think straight. Just how old is "old enough"? Think I'll just go have a couple dozen cookies and a 1/2 gallon of milk.

Yet, More Pics

2008-05-23T13:32:00.003-05:00

These pictures were taken at the dog park in Little Rock on Wednesday. (at least I think it was Wednesday, hey ! I've slept since then!)

Joy is playing with her friends. The Basset on the bench belongs to my friend Debbie. The dog infront of Nikkie (the basset) was really funny. All three dogs would chase each other then the black dog would get in the water and they froze like the water was home base!

More playing.

The black lab puppy's name is Desiel, you can hardly see him between his humans legs. The little one is Sammy. Sammy and Desiel brothers. Joy wanted the tennis ball, she won't fetch at home but does a little bit at the park.

Pictures

2008-05-23T13:13:00.003-05:00

I promised some pictures last post and I must get them up today or it may be several weeks before I will be able to.

I took this picture of B.B. and her new friend, Hooligan (Hooli for short) , the day after we got Hooli.
This is Hooli the first day he went outside for a little field trip. He was just sitting by the tree taking it all in. B.B. had disappeared to go dig a tunnel.

This is Hooli running, he look hysterical running and his ears flopping up and down! ROFL
That's it for now. I'll post more pictures later

What's been going on

2008-05-21T19:38:00.003-05:00

Well, lots has been going on. We had to put our rabbit Snowball done. She had a tumor that ran from her jaw into her brain. Poor thing got so she was in so much pain it was just the right thing to do. B.B., the other rabbit, became vicious. She had never been alone before! So what did I do? I contacted a rescue and adopted another rabbit. He's adorable. I'll post pictures of him tomorrow. Needless to say, B.B. isn't quite as mean as before.

Daniel has started working at Wild River Country. He's very excited as he has moved up from being a bus boy to cook. It means more responsibility but more importantly to Daniel it means more money! LOL Wild River Country is only open on the weekends until the beginning of June then it's open every day until Labor Day. Daniel is hoping to get to work lots of hours. If it goes anything like last year long about the first to the middle of July lots of people will have quit and he'll get all the hours he wants. Daniel will be attending SLS at Keesler AFB in July. SLS is Student Leadership School. Central High School was invited to have 4 students attend and Daniel was one of them. I know he's excited about going. Though, I don't know about going in the middle of July!!!! It will sure be HOT!!!!!

Nick and Melissa will be home for two weeks or so. Hopefully they will be here by late Friday. Nick plans on leaving really early Friday morning, when he drops a friend of his off at the airport at 02:30 hrs! Nick plans to drive straight through. I hope they will be alright.

I got some good news on Monday. Workers Comp approved for me to see the dr. that Dr. Crowell wants me to see for my knee!!!! This was after getting the news that the new dr. agreed to see me. I see him on Tuesday. I am so hoping that he can do something for my knee!!! Keep your fingers crossed that he can!

I think that catches everything up for the family. Oh, can't forget Alan! LOL He's doing just fine. I know he's looking forward to Nick coming home. Work is the same for him and he's been busy with Union stuff. The Union sure doesn't pay him what he ought to be paid, he spends alot of time on it!

Service Today

2008-05-05T09:24:00.003-05:00

Today is the service for Nick. I was blown away by the number of friends that attended the memorial in the park. The kids told funny stories and simply shared their fond memories of Nick. It was really touching.

Today a service will be held for family only followed by a service for family and friends. The second service will be followed by a reception so everyone can visit, share memories of Nick.

Please keep the family in your prayers, it's so hard to lose a child.

Cancellation

2008-05-01T20:07:00.001-05:00

Due to an unexpected death in the family the Group Hug at Shannon Hills First Baptist Church is canceled. We will reschedule at a later time. I am sorry for any inconvenience.

Group Hug Countdown

2008-05-01T10:32:00.003-05:00

We are counting down to the group hug on Saturday! Debbie has managed to round up a few extra sewing machines. My Mom has volunteered to cut the fabric for the hugs. I've cut fabric for the helmet coolers. Today I will gather all the items I need to take and make sure that I'm not forgetting anything! I'm also going to tea dye some muslin, hopefully I won't make too much of a mess! Once that's done I'll cut some more helmet coolers and probably some neck coolers. I've had a number of requests for these for other soldiers that are deployed.

It looks like Nick's platoon will be assigned to a non-American base so they will be in great need of these as well as other supplies. I'll be keeping track of the needs they have after they arrive and will do my best to help them with whatever we can.

If you are interested in finding out more about the group that got me interested in this you can look them up at: http://www.thehugsproject.com/ You may need to cut and paste the website.

Tomorrow I will be putting up directions to the church where this gathering will be held. Thanks to everyone for all their support!

Knee Update

2008-04-24T18:49:00.002-05:00

Went to see the knee doctor again. He is referring me out to a sports medicine doctor. His office will start the paper work with Worker's Comp. and they we'll go from there. The only thing I know right now is I will have to wait to see what W.C. says, then if approved I have to wait to get an appointment. So all in all I learned I get to wait some more, but that isn't a surprise. When I know something, I'll let you know.

What a $50 hair cut will get you!

2008-04-23T21:14:00.004-05:00

The other night we spent hours listening to Joy pant & pant & pant & pant & pant & pant & pant & pant & pant & pant & pant & pant..... Well, you get the idea. So, I decided that it was time to get her a summer hair cut. I'm not so sure it was a good idea!!! You see the fun thing about Joy was that everyone that saw her commented about how pretty she was. We've always joked about how she is all hair. Alan told me that I didn't have a hair on my ass if I didn't post pictures of our baby with her new hair cut. So here are the before and after......and for the record, no hairs on MY ass! LOL

BEFORE

AFTER

This isn't exactly like I pictured she'd turn out. I dropped her off at the groomers @ 8 am, I called the groomers @ 4:45pm to see if Joy was ready. The groomer told me that she was STILL working on her, had at LEAST another hour before she would be done with her and she could move on to one of the other 6 dogs she had left!

It seems that Joy had a number of undercoats. The groomer worked on her for an hour this morning, having trouble getting through some of the undercoat. So she sent Joy to have a shampoo and get "blown out" hoping that would help the cutting process. It didn't! So she was having to work in approx. 5" patches cutting one way, then combing another and clipping. I asked her if she dropped down to the next blade size if that would help. "oh yes! Right now it's like trying to run the clippers through an SOS pad!" Less than 1/2 hour later she called me to come and get her, she was done. I made Alan promise not to call her ugly dog, while she's in the room.

I was stunned when I saw her! It was hard not to laugh but I couldn't believe it, Joy really was all hair! And she looks silly with the tail being left long and the "lion head". But she is cooler and that was the goal!!!! Oh, and for the record I don't have hairs on my ass!!!!!!!!

Group Hug, May 3rd

2008-04-22T08:03:00.005-05:00

On May 3rd @ 10:00 am, at the First Baptist Church in Shannon Hills there will be a group hug. FBC is located @ 10701 Shannon Hills Drive in Shannon Hills

What is a "group hug"? It is a group that gets together to make things for our troops deployed. In this case we will be making neck coolers and helmet coolers for Nick's platoon. If you have a sewing machine and can sew a straight stitch please join us. The temps. in the middle east are already hitting 115 degrees! We don't want anyone having a heat stroke and these items will help keep them cool. If you can't sew, come anyway as we have plenty of other things that will need to be done!

I will be providing some fabric, precut, as well as the water crystals. If you have a good quality, darker colored fabric that is 100% cotton please bring it. It MUST be 100% cotton due to the fire danger, we don't want them getting burned from a synthetic fiber. The fabric needs to be of good quality otherwise when the coolers are hydrated the crystals will ooze out of the fabric and that won't do the soldiers any good in fact could endanger them due to being distracted. There can be no white, light or bright colors. This will also endanger the soldiers as it could draw the attention of the enemy. If you have questions please call me and ask, we'll figure it out. If you have fabric that you are asking yourself what in the world did I buy this for bring it! If it's too light, over dye it!

If you want to attend and don't know how to sew, that's okay! There will be other things to do. We need some to cut, to turn the coolers, to iron, and bag stuffers. Also, if you can't attend but want to help, donations would be wonderful! The materials for this isn't free or cheap! (I don't like to beg but we are wanting to help out as many of Nick's platoon as possible, for their safety)

I hope to see you there!

1988

2008-04-21T18:51:00.003-05:00

1988, the year my first son was born. Some interesting facts: Ronald W. Regan was President, George Bush was Vice-President. The DNC nominated Michael Dukakis for President, Lloyd Bentson for Vice-President. Republic convention nominates George Bush for President, Dan Quayle for Vice-President. Republicans sweep 40 states in election!

Pan-Am 747 explodes from terrorist bomb crashing in Lockerbie Scotland killing all 259 on board and 11 on the ground. A U.S. Naval ship shot down an Iranian airliner over the Persian Gulf as they had mistook it for a jet aircraft killing 290. The Halabja poison gas attack is carried out by Iraqi government forces. Over 5,000 people "just dropped dead" and over 10,000 people injured.

98% of U.S. households had at least one television. C.D.'s out sell vinyl records for the first time. Record of the year was Graceland by Paul Simon. George Micheal's Faith was the #1 hit of the year. Top grossing movies: Rainman $172,825,435; Who Framed Roger Rabbit $154,222,492; Twins 111,936,400; Diehard $80,707,729.

Average income: $27,225, average monthly rent $420, a stamp cost $ .25 after the beginning of April. Average price of new car $10,400. A gallon of milk $.91, movie ticket $3.50, eggs $.65 and last but not least, gasoline was $.90 a GALLON!!!!

Wedding

2008-04-20T14:41:00.003-05:00

It occurs to me that I didn't post pictures of my oldest son's wedding. Keep in mind that it was a very simple civil ceremony. A good friend of ours from the Fire Department performed the ceremony in his home. This picture was taken in front of the court house.

This one was taken during the ceremony. They couldn't stop grinning! It was so cute.

This was the cake cutting at the reception. We had a reception for them the evening they were married. As you can tell Nick decided to go very casual! LOL

Thank goodness they didn't smash cake on each other!

They are such good kids. It is still up in the air as to when Nick deploys. Currently he is un-deployable. He has a crown that broke when he was in basic training and the replacement is lost in the Army's vast unknown. He must have it seated before he can deploy! If he is left behind in the rear detachment he will deploy 1-2 months after the platoon leaves. So....this leaves everything up in the air. Will Melissa come home as planned or will she come home later than planned? All very frustrating for both of them. But like everything it will work out in the end. Enjoy all the pictures. If I was supposed to give you some of these pictures and haven't please let me know and I'll get you copies ASAP!

Cruising

2008-04-12T08:42:00.002-05:00

I have paid my deposit to go on a cruise next March! We'll be going on a Wester Caribbean Cruise from Tampa sailing on the cruise ship Inspiration. Many thanks to M-C for setting this up! For those that don't know M-C is a wonderful woman I met several years ago on RCS, she and her husband moved to North Little Rock while her DH taught at the Law School in Little Rock. Sadly they had to move back to FL only a year later. But, we were fast friends and developed a wonderful friendship with Debbie. This will be a wonderful cruise as we will be scrapbooking and enjoying each others company. Debbie and I will be sharing a room, she's used to the sound of a CPAP as her DH has one; hopefully she doesn't snore! LOL I am looking forward to being in the company of so many talented ladies and seeing their scrapbooks!

Dogs???

2008-04-08T19:52:00.005-05:00

This is often where you will find our "baby". If you look really close you will see a little pile of dirt by her elbow. While I love her to death it's like a little dust devil visits her and she leaves little or in some cases large piles of dirt where ever she sleeps!

Daniel let Joy out of her crate after we came in from having dinner. I stayed outside and talked while Alan had his "post dinner smoke." Joy came outside, walked into the mud/water (did I mention we've had LOADS of rain here lately?) after I told her to move she sat down in it! LOL Sadly I didn't get the sitting down part, but you can see by her leg just how deep the water was.

Now she is drinking out of the muddy water hole. What is it with dogs??? Why do they feel the need to drink out of something so nasty?

But apparently it was delicious!

I've even notice that the cat who will not drink out of his clean water bowl doesn't mind drinking after the dog, nor as it appears after the rabbits. That's the rabbits water bowl he is drinking out of! What's up with that?? He also drinks out of the scummy pond, the bird bath (but only when I haven't cleaned it out yet), or like the dog he drinks out of pools of muddy water. Go figure!

Our Little Lap Dog

2008-03-27T21:08:00.006-05:00

Is that not the cutest tongue? It is always out and it's so soft, I'm surprised it doesn't dry out! LOL Oh, and for the record, those little beads on the floor that you probably see, those are what was in her baby that she ate.

Here are a few pictures of our "baby girl". Keep in mind she won't be 8 months, yes that's MONTHS until the first of April. Daniel loves to pick her up and carry her around the house. I wonder how long he'll be able to do that????

Here is my lap dog! I have friends who have dogs that weigh a measley 3.5 lbs, (Love you Cindy!) or 50 lbs (Love you Deb), my parents have a dog that weighs probably 60-70. (Love you Mom and Dad!) But those dogs don't fill up a lap quite like Joy fills up my very large lap! Let's say it all together, AH, isn't she adorable!

Military Ball for JROTC, Central High School, AR

2008-03-27T20:58:00.006-05:00

Well another year passed and our kiddo had a military ball. It was more of just a dinner and award ceremony as the last time this was held, 2 years ago, the Principle didn't like the way the kids were dancing so they weren't allowed to have a dance afterward this year.

This is a picture of Daniel and his date, Brittney. We love Brittney to death. She is a very sweet young woman and is just as nice as they come. She is very goal oriented as far as her schooling goes. They have attended several functions together over the past several years.

Daniel won several awards. 1.) Air Force Association 2.) Distinguished JROTC Cadet of the Year 3.) Group Commander 2008 -2009.

In order for Daniel to win the last 2 awards he had to work really hard and be very dedicated to JROTC. We couldn't be prouder of Daniel! He's our favorite At Home Son!!! Love ya Baby!

OOPS, I Forgot Something Important

2008-03-27T15:19:00.001-05:00

This surgery the Dr. thinks I should have should buy me 5-10 years before I need a total knee replacement. That's a long time when you consider I'm only 38. In my research this surgery has bought on average 10-15 years, depending on how active you are.

The Follow -up

2008-03-27T14:54:00.003-05:00

Well, today is 2 weeks and 1 day post surgery. How do I feel? Well, actually not too bad. I still have allot of pain and I do mean allot. However, I have range of motion back and I walk with very little limp. The ladies at Dr. Crowell's office mentioned that right off this morning. I am also not using my cane, YIPPEE!!!

Dr. Crowell is of the opinion that I need to have a high tibial osteotomy. This essentially redistributes where the weight bearing is for the knee. They take a wedge out of the tibia then pull together the edges. I looked it up http://www.kneesociety.org/index.asp/fuseaction/site.kneeOsteo The surgery looks painful and the recover doesn't look like a picnic either!

I will return to see Dr. Crowell in 4 weeks, in the mean time he will be contacting Dr. Vanderschilden. (at least that's who I believe he said) He works at UAMS and is apparently a good Dr. but I've heard that before! LOL Oh, I drifted, so sorry! Anyway, Dr. Crowell will contact this Dr. and see if the thinks I am a candidate for this surgery and then find out if he would take me on as a patient. Then if he gives the go-a-head we have to work and try to get Workers Comp to approve it. I hope they will as it is one doctor referring to another doctor, it won't be like I am the one requesting. If we get past that hurdle then we have to work on getting WC to approve the surgery. I am praying that all goes well!!!!

The surgery has a very long recovery. I won't want to have it until after Nick leaves for Iraq, but want to have it as soon as possible after. Why? He wants us to be there when he boards to plane. He says the family can wait with the soldiers while waiting for the plane to be loaded. I of course want to be there to see him off.

So that is the scoop. I'm sure I left stuff off. If I did, just let me know or ask and I'll tell you.
Have a wonderful day!!

Today's the Day!

2008-03-12T05:56:00.003-05:00

Well, here's hoping that the surgery for my knee goes as expected. I am hoping that Dr. Crowell can do some repair and make things much better, taking away some of the constant pain. I'll post again when I am feeling up to it.

The weather here is fantastic so those of you that are experiencing great weather get out and enjoy it, it's been a loooong winter. Have a wonderful day!!

Yo Dude!

2008-03-06T21:50:00.002-06:00

What can I say..................................

This is so serious!

I just can't put words to this one! I'm almost afraid to say anything!

Snow in March???!!!!

2008-03-06T15:34:00.005-06:00

Tuesday the 4th of March we had snow! The latest I remember it ever snowing here was the 14th of February. I took these pictures when Daniel went out to catch the bus. He was unhappy about having to go to school. He was really hoping the schools would be canceled. No such luck! It snowed until around noon and then quit. The snow lasted until the next day, only in the really shady spots.

We are SUPPOSED to get more snow tomorrow. Depending on which news station you listen to we will get between 4" & 12"!! Of course it ALWAYS depends on where the system comes into the state. Lets hope for LOTS & LOTS of snow!!! I'll keep you updated on our totals. Stay safe out there.

Wrestling Match

2008-03-06T14:11:00.004-06:00

So my favorite at home punk (aka Daniel) loves to play with the puppy. Yes, she's still a puppy! Here is a couple of pictures of them playing.

Daniel is trying to hold her down but she's not having it and will get him!

Joy has nearly gotten free just one more wiggle and head butt and she's lose!

Daniel loves to play with her and tease her. Alan has made progress with her, today he came home and she didn't growl or bark at her. Yeah!!!! She even went out when he tried to put her out and obeyed. We've had allot of laughs with Joy and she's really getting to know the rabbits. When I have to opportunity I will get pictures of her and the rabbits. They are so cute together. Have a great day!

Surgery on the horizion!!

2008-03-06T14:07:00.002-06:00

I got the wonderful news that I have been approved for surgery! Yeah! I will be having this done on March the 12th. The doc will be scoping it, and looking for any tears or damage that he can repair. Also he will look for anything that may be loose or a "floater". I am hopeful that this will take care of a majority of my pain. Cross your fingers and if you say prayers please keep me in them on Wednesday.

Creativity @ Work

2008-02-23T19:13:00.003-06:00

Cindy came by last night and after she had been thoroughly inspected by Joy she was allowed in! LOL Since Cindy had a long day/week and she had to work today she stayed just a little while. She put together a double page layout. I worked on one, though I was busy using my Cricut and trying to make a school bus cut work so I didn't finish before she left. I have since finished it. The pictures were from when Nick was in Kindergarten. I just can't believe how little they were! My babies are so grown up!! Let's see, this was from the spring of 1996. Cindy worked on a layout from this past fall during Halloween. It was just adorable!

What my name means?!

2008-02-23T10:24:00.002-06:00

Okay I was looking at the bloggs of those on RCS and Crystal (I believe) had a link to tell you what your name means. Since Kenda is an unusual name I thought I'd give it a go. So here it is.
What Kenda Means You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.
You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.
People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.
You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.
People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

Me again. I have to say that for the most part it does match me.

Joy, Joy, Joy!!!

2008-02-17T20:49:00.004-06:00

This is a picture of our new baby Joy. As you can tell by the cat to the right of her Petey, was not thrilled to have her in our home! LOL I adopted her yesterday. I've been on the look out for another dog, but all the ones I've seen or been offered it just didn't seem right. While in Petsmart yesterday afternoon I happened upon one of the local animal shelters, Friend's of the Animals. They take animals out of the shelters and place them in foster homes until they are adopted out. The little dogs loved me, and if you know me I'm soooo not a little dog person!! But this fuzzy beast just laid at the back of the room with her foster Mom and watched all that was going on. I was instantly drawn to her. We hit it off and it was love! Joy is 6 months old, she weighs 65 lbs! Joy's Mom is a chow/wolf mix and her Dad is a Great Pyrenese, the mother is 75 lbs and the father is 150lbs!! I think she will be a pony, not a dog! LOL She loves to watch the rabbits, but doesn't bother them, though she is still separated from them as it will take a while for me to trust her with them. She was highly confused with the guinea pigs. She couldn't see into their cage but could hear them so I took out the calm one, Sophia, and held her while Joy looked on. Joy looked at the GP, turned her head and looked at the rabbit cage, looked back at the GP, back the rabbit cage. She couldn't figure it out but her curiosity has been satisfied for now.

Joy isn't so sure about Alan. When he got home from work this morning, she and I met him in the driveway and she was okay, but after we got in the house she growled and barked at him!!!! She did this allot through out the day but it slowly tapered off and now she seems okay with him. We'll have to see how tomorrow goes. Joy likes Daniel, or should I say his Yoda! While I was home alone with her last night, before Daniel got home, she'd been exploring the house and she brought me Yoda out of Dan's room! Needless to say, he wasn't happy to find out there was puppy slobber on his stuffed animal! LOL But he likes her and just won't admit it. I'll hear him softly calling her name and she goes right to him.

I think Joy is a mothering type, she wanted to mother Yoda, one of my shoes, a slipper, and a tiny stuffed elephant I gave her. I can't even begin to tell anyone how much better I feel just having her in the house. I feel like I have a reason to get up in the mornings again. After Rocky left I really didn't have any reason to stay up after Daniel went to school or stay up after supper. Now I have to stay up to make sure Joy's needs are met, and so that she gets out to potty before bedtime (she's crate trained so she goes "night night" in the crate, at least until she doesn't chew anymore!). It also might keep strange men out of my bedroom!! Long story, I'll tell about it at a later time.

Digging Rabbit

2008-01-26T20:36:00.000-06:00

This video is of our rabbit, BB (aka BabyBunny/BitchyBunny) digging in a flower bed last March. She was sure busy, the sound is just of me laughing and talking a bit with my oldest son, nothing interesting. A day or two later we measured the tunnel BB dug and it was 13 feet! Amazing! We lost her at one point and discovered the entrance to the tunnel was filled in. We dug it out as we were afraid she was in it and sure enough she was. We got to watching and the other rabbit would fill in the entrance when BB was in it digging!!!! We finally filled it in so she wouldn't get hurt. Now BB just digs tunnels here and there but not nearly as long nor as deep. It's really funny to watch her "bulldoze" the dirt away with her front feet. When the weather is nice we put them out back. Though we do have to check on them as we've seen the neighbors cats watching, although I've noticed the birds do a good job of keeping the neighbors cats out of the back yard, but they let our cat back there; go figure!

Update, Update, Update! ♦♦

2008-01-26T20:14:00.000-06:00

Wow, it has been a loooong time since I put anything on this blog. Okay, to catch up on our life to date.

DS#1 graduated from Army basic training & AIT. He was also accepted into Jump School. He graduated from JS the first of December. After he came home he married his girlfriend and they stayed until after the holidays. They are now at his duty station on the east coast. The end of June Nick will be deployed to Bagdad, Iraq for 15 months. It's up in the air as to whether or not his wife will come back or not. The movers came Friday and packed/moved their things out of the room. It's offical, Nick is no longer at home. I am sad/happy at the same time. I am so, oh so proud of him, and Melissa. But sad that they won't be here anymore. I am proud that Nick was prepared to go out into the world and fend for himself.

DS#2 got his drivers license!! Look out! LOL I will let you know when he's actually out on the streets. He isn't insured on any of our vehicles, DH doesn't want him driving the new vehicles. I would like to buy an inexpensive car for him to drive. Perhaps he will have something after the incentives come in from the government! $1500 would get him a little something. I know that he would like to be able to go to work without Mommy taking him, or go to his "friend-girls" house/to the movies without Mommy taking him. Yesterday we reviewed his course selections for next school year. It's so hard to believe that come August he will be a SENIOR!!! Where has the time gone? The children are growing/grown up.

I had to take my beloved dog Rocky in yesterday to have him put down. I'd had him for nearly 13 1/2 years. It was time, he was just plain ready I won't go into details. It was like he knew where/why we were going. He was such a good boy. I've been asked alot if I'm going to get another dog right away or wait. I don't know what we are going to do. I think that if a dog comes along that needs a home we will provide it, but at this time I am not going to go look for one. One of the things that we'd have to consider is the rodents we have. We'd have to make sure a dog wouldn't want to eat the rabbits/guinea pigs, of which we have 2 of each, we'd also have to make sure it got along with cats as Petey has priority since we've had him nearly 10 years.

Update on Nick

2007-09-03T08:49:00.000-05:00

Well, we have some happy news and some sad news. Happy news: Nick graduates from Basic Training/AIT on November 15th. He and Melissa have decided to get married on the 23rd of November. Yes, that's one day after Thanksgiving. Nick will be home for 24 days after graduation then he ships to S. Korea for 1 year. He will get a mid-tour break to come home. Melissa will continue to stay with us. This will allow them to save money so when they get a domestic assignment they will have some money to get a good start.

I am sad that he will be shipping on an unaccompanied tour so soon after getting married but they don't have small children to have to worry about taking care of. Melissa will have time to begin taking classes while he's gone so that is good.

School started several weeks ago for Daniel. It's been so hot, now he's bogged down with allergies!!! Gotta love our wonderful weather!!!!

Retirement Here I come!

2007-07-26T18:08:00.001-05:00

Once again I’m giving knee updates.

Wednesday 25 July 2007

Mom is doing really well. She started physical therapy today, it’s been a week since her replacement. She is still having trouble with things like lifting the leg off the bed and things like that. She will be able to do that, it will just come with time.

I heard from the Retirement Board yesterday that I have been approved for a disability retirement. I am officially retired as of Wednesday the 1^st of August. I have 2 Personal Leave days to take so I will take them on Monday and Tuesday, I also have some comp. time I’ll take Friday afternoon, so as of 12:30 Friday afternoon I’ll no longer be working for the North Little Rock Fire Department.

I leave the Fire Department with a lot of regret and sadness, however I’ve been very fortunate to have had a job that I love and been able to help hundreds of people. Not everyone can say that they have a job they love, love to get up in the morning and go to work. My Dad had a job that he nearly had to hold a gun to his head every morning as he hated to go to work everyday.

I have been asked many times what I’m going to do when I retire. My reply has been not go back to work. “Oh but you’ll be so bored!” I have lots of hobbies and other interests, so I won’t be bored! I figure I’ll be just as busy as ever.

Daniel is still working for Wild River Country. (that’s a local water park in North Little Rock) I’m not sure if he enjoys the money or the girls more! He goes there on his days off occasionally with his harem! LOL He has a number of “friend girls” and they all get together to do things. He really enjoys it. I know that he treats them all so nicely as well. And I have to admit that all his friends seem to be good kids. School starts back for Daniel August 20^th,

We hear from our Army son on a regular basis. He’s into week 3 of basic training and having a ball! He’s been through the gas chamber. The following is part of the letter he sent us last week.

“Thursday was the gas chamber. They only let 15 enter at a time, so it took awhile to get everyone through. They made everyone line up in formation on one side of the chamber and made each rank file in. Every time the door opened to let people in or out, the gas would wash over us and we would start coughing and stuff. When it was my turn, we filed into the chamber where they made us say the general orders and the soldier’s creed with the mask on. Half way through the 3^rd general order, my skin felt like it was blistering or falling off or something that is really hard to explain. Then they made us do jumping jacks. Then they told us to hold our breath, close our eyes & break the seal on our masks just enough so the Drill Sgt’s could see our noses. After that, we were told to reseal & clear our masks. I got it resealed but not cleared before I took my first breath, so I started coughing like crazy. The girl next to me was crying. Then we took off our masks entirely. We said the General Orders and soldiers creed with the masks off. That was hard. It feels like you’re not getting any air into your lungs at all. All at the same time your lungs burn, your eyes and your skin burns. I’ve been sick for a couple of weeks now, but got most of that crap up out of my throat in 5 minutes. When you come out I had snot everywhere, my eyes were red, it hurt so bad. It was all good & in 5 minutes was laughing at the next group coming out.”

I have to admit that I’m not alarmed or upset about his experience; I am worried that he’s been sick and I can’t do anything to help him!!! I think I should be allowed to go up there and tend to my sick baby!!! LOL Chief McCall keeps saying to me, “No Mom you can’t go to basic with him” I just don’t see why not!

Thursday 26 July 2007

Well, the fat lady has sung!!! I have turned in my SIGNED papers to the retirement board. I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling that is. I woke up this morning and felt like a HUGE weight has been lifted off me. I feel so relieved that it all went smoothly. The way my luck runs I just knew that something would happen and I wouldn't be approved and then have the big, "what now" facing me. In fact the relief is so great I feel like crying.

For those that feel like I have dumped you as friends or feel like I've ignored you I am sorry. I can't describe how I've felt these last 6 months. (In some cases the last 1 1/2 years) I've known from the beginning of January that something went wrong with my knee surgery and I knew deep down in my gut that my career was coming to an end (I actually had an inkling since I had the original injury). I've had allot of depression over it not to mention the chronic pain. I have several friends who have chronic pain and have had for years and I simply with-drew because I just couldn't deal with everything and try not to complain around them because I felt guilty complaining. It's hard to explain. I miss my friends and I have started to reach out to them again. I hope that they accept my apology and hopefully understand a bit. I made allot of phone calls yesterday with my hat in my hand and talked with those that I've with drawn from, most were understanding. I have several more to make, and I'll be making those in the next few days.

On to happier things. Tomorrow will be a really tough day at work. I go in at 8 am and take a 1 hour lunch at 11:30, at 12:30 I take 4 hours of comp. time. Monday and Tuesday I have personal leave days. So tomorrow at 11:30 I will be done working at the North Little Rock Fire Department.

Updates: Knee, Nick & Daniel

2007-07-14T21:05:00.000-05:00

Okay, I went and saw the LOPFI (our retirement system) Doctor today. (Yes a Saturday) I had to go to Arkansas Children's Hospital. I was doing pretty good but then I got out of the van! To begin with ACH has grown so much I was unable to park close to the front entrance, but I was able to park fairly close. So I walked to the front entrance, only to find out that on Saturday the door was unlocked at 9 am, my appointment was at 8 am and it was 7:30am. The sign went on to say to use the South entrance. So I trekked back the way I came and then down the side of the hospital, down past the emergency room to the South Entrance. Once inside the the hospital I had to go down a really long hallway turn and walk all the way to the front of the hospital! My knee hurts all the time anyway and by the time I got to the front of the hospital I was REALLY feeling it! I checked in and found a place to sit (that didn't look too low to the ground and I thought I could get up & was close to another seat so I could prop my leg up and help with the pain) I no sooner opened my book when I saw a man walking toward me, he introduced himself as Dr. Blasier. Thankfully we didn't have too far to walk to the orthopedic offices.

After about 1/2 hour of questions about my knee & work/work history he began the exam. I walked from him to the door and back again several times, walked on my tip-toes (sorta), walked on my heels (kinda) and then came the part that I laughed at. He asked me to squat, was unable to do it very well, then he asked me to jump up and down on one foot. Okay, I can do this on my left side; hop, hop, hop. Right leg please, okay....uuuhhhh I don't seem to be able to get much lift. I was unable to that. Then came the part that brought me to tears, several times.

Dr. Blasier asked me to lay on the exam table. He did this part of exam by comparing the bad knee to the good knee. After much twisting (that really made the tears come), pulling, tugging, etc he was done, this part took about 1/2 hour. Then he gave me his opinion. "I believe your problem is that during the original surgery your surgeon took off entirely too much cartilage, and was unwilling to admit his mistake. That would be the reason he seemed to know that you need a knee replacement without looking at new x-rays or an MRI. You need a replacement now" He then told me that he will be putting in his report that I am permanently and totally disabled from the fire department. I came home, talked with Alan about the appointment. Then after a few hours I couldn't stand the pain anymore so I took a heavy duty pain reliever and slept until supper time.

So, now I just wait on Dr. Blaiser's report to get to the LOPFI offices and for them to process it. I was told by the Director of LOPFI that it could take up to 3 weeks to receive the report. From there I will be getting paperwork to sign, which I believe will be my "official retirement" paperwork. So I figure that by this time next month I'll be retired. I am really sad about this but then again I've always said that working gets in the way of my fun. Watch what you ask for you could get it! What are my plans? I don't know.....Clean the house, it needs some serious attention! Then I will get down to some serious scrappin' and cardmaking, just plain creating.

I will also be launching my new business as an Independent Consultant for Arbonne International. I have been getting all my business tools together, going to meetings and have had several business planning meetings so I am anxious to get started. Here's to success!!!

Nick finally made it to Basic Training!!!! It was a real ordeal!! He had a number of roadblocks along the way as far as medical paperwork that should have been filed by his original recruiter that retired. He has called several times and written. He is having a blast! He is on a weight gaining program, he has to get twice the amount of food and eat it! (he obviously didn't get my weight problem! LOL he can have some of mine!) He will graduate from Basic Training and AIT November the 14th. I know that he will do really well and I'm very proud of him. He asked his girlfriend to marry him before he left for basic. She said yes of course! I think that once he gets a duty station then they will talk wedding plans. She will be coming over tomorrow to visit. I'm really glad as I miss having her around.

Daniel is working at a popular local water park this summer. He is really enjoying it! With one of his paychecks he's bought a Nano iPod. He's currently saving the rest of his checks for "something big", what that could be Daniel hasn't said. He's also working on learning to drive. Nick said he could practice with his truck. Daniel doesn't do too bad, he just needs some practice. (And when I get home after a practice drive I need a really stiff drink! LOL) He's looking forward to school starting. I believe the part he's looking forward to is ROTC, he takes it so seriously and enjoys it so much.

My Mom is having her second knee replacement on Tuesday. She is looking forward to as she did so well with her other knee. If you think about it please keep her in your thoughts and prayers Tuesday.

I think that gets you caught up with everything in my life. Till next time.

The results are in & they're not good

2007-06-15T04:36:00.000-05:00

I went to see the new Worker's Comp. Dr. yesterday to get the results of the MRI I had on Tuesday. He confirmed what I knew all along, I won't be returning to work as a Firefighter/EMT. I have cartilage damage that is rapidly deteriorating. I have areas on the inside and outside parts of the knee that is considered a class3 almost a class4. A class4 is shiny bone on shiny bone and a knee replacement is in the near future. This explains all the pain I've been having.....

I stopped by work to let the power's that be know; and of course they weren't in. But Cindy (the Chief's secretary) notified the assistant Chief so she was able to start the process of medically retiring me. It could take anywhere from 1 month to a year to out process me. With my luck it will be closer to a year! LOL You know how my luck runs!

I can't express how I feel about having to leave a job that I dearly love. Being able to help people when they truly need it is so rewarding and such a great feeling. BUT, I have been very blessed (and I don't say that lightly) in that I have been able to have a job that I LOVE for the past 13 years. I don't know very many people who can truly say that, aside from those that I work with. I will miss the job however it is time to move on to something else....not sure what that is but when God closes one door he opens another.

On a brighter note my oldest son has asked his girlfriend to marry him!! She said yes of course! He leaves for basic training in less than a week. I think they will get married after he's done with all his training. I really like Melissa, they've been together all through high school. You can tell they really are in love, I just hope it works out for them.

I'll post again, when I know something.

A Big Thanks To My Friends

2007-06-10T13:20:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to thank all my friends for being there while I've been laid up, so to speak, with my knee. Mom, you've been great! I know you have your own knee problem to deal with and have had severe knee pain for years yet, you let me whine about mine. Deb, you've been a wonderful friend for listening to my worries and letting me cry on your shoulder many times. M-C, for the emails you've sent, they've really been appreciated! Dave, you've been really sweet. I know you've got your own worries going on, I hope things are smoothing out for you. April, wow!! For those that don't know, April sent me a Cricut as an early birthday/possible retirement gift. How generous can one get?! Again April thank you so much!!! Cindy, heehee you've sent me so many email funnies that have kept my spirits up, thank you.
I want to thank those who have been around ie: RCS members, and for those that haven't been around. I know there are those that have been unable to call or email have a life and that life gets in the way sometimes. Being a true friend is knowing that someone is going through something/a tough time and even if you can't be there physically for them you can be there for them in spirit and not getting your feeling hurt or your panties in a wad if you don't get a phone call from a friend when you think they should be calling. Perhaps they need you to call them, maybe they are so down and depressed they just can't muster up the energy to call. Call them up, even if you think they've slighted you, that's being a friend.
And now for my soapbox. If you don't want to read my rant, that's okay just skip it. I am so tired of hearing the put downs of Southerners and Arkansasans. I hear on a regular basis people putting us down. I have lived in 4 other states and visited many others; I have to tell you red-necks live in every state of the union, Arkansas hasn't cornered the market. While you are busy talking to me and putting down my state/county/city/school districts you are also putting me down. I don't appreciate it. Remember, I, for the most part, grew up here. If you don't like it here MOVE!!!! I'll bet you aren't happy anywhere you live. Just remember that you are putting down not just me but your husband/wife. Okay, stepping down off my soapbox now.
I will start posting the updates on my knee here, if you are interested. I'll also be posting some pictures of my family, furbabies, and hobbies. I also hope to learn how to customize this blog so I can make it mine and not a "cookie cutter" blog site. Have a great day!!!!

Graduation Day

2007-06-01T16:47:00.000-05:00

My darling little boy is all grown up! Nick graduates tonight. I am saddened as he will be leaving home soon. I am excited for him as this starts a new chapter in his life. He leaves for basic training in 20 days now. It is such an exciting time in his life!!

Life will be different around the house. I am so used to him being here that I'm sure that it will be very odd without him. Daniel I know will miss him, but not his haircuts!! (Nick gave him a quick hair cut this morning before he left for school and gouged out a spot on the top of his head! LOL Daniel wasn't very happy)

Daniel is the color guard commander for graduation. He worked hard to get the position and I think that Nick put in a good word with the Chief and Major. I do know the Major told me that Daniel was the most qualified.

We will be headed off to graduation soon, 751 seniors! It will be aloooong graduation!