Happy Holidays!

I just wanted to come by and wish everyone a wonderful Christmas. Things for me are improving health wise, and because I've stayed off of sitting directly on the swollen area (other than driving my parents where they need to go) for 3 weeks now, life is starting to be easier for me physically again. I'm going to continue staying off the computer through the next week though, as the holidays will bring some extra sitting for me and I don't want to get myself back at the place where I was. But, I think I will be able to return at the the start of the New Year as long as I don't spend 5 straight hours here as I was doing!! So, hang with me a little longer....I'm getting there!!

I have to tell you a short story though. I had to take my folks to the airport on Wednesday afternoon to pick up a friend of theirs coming to visit, and got the surprise of my life. I'm standing there with my parents and in walks Mandy & her little dog.....OMG!!!!!!!!!!! I screamed her name, ran over to hug her, and cried like a baby.....I cried and cried and cried LOL!! Her & my Mom really pulled that off because I really had no clue she was coming, I really bought the story that it was my parent's friend who we had to pick up. Then we got to come home and surprise Marv too....it was a lot of fun. She had to go back Saturday morning, but oh what a lift it was to see her smiling face. She spent a lot of money and gave up her two days off just to give us a hug for our Christmas gift......it's the best one I'll ever receive. She knew I needed a lift, and it was just what the Doctor ordered!

I miss all of you so much and this has been hard to do since I'm feeling good otherwise, but now that the swelling is reducing, I know it was the right decision. I hope your holidays are filled with joy & happiness. For those of you missing a loved one, I know these days are especially hard and my heart is aching for you.....and for those who are physically ailing, my prayers have been going up and will continue to do so. Thank you so much for all the snail mail & Internet Christmas cards that have filled my mail box......what special friends you are.

Much love & many blessings.....

A Little Note.....

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for all the well wishes, they have meant a lot. I'm doing okay, trying to make the best of the situation for now


I have a health issue that is not for talking about in journals, at least for me anyhow.....LOL! I'll try to describe it in a short way that I'm comfortable with though. I've had this growth/sac thing that my Doctor has been watching for a few years. It's basically located on the top of my vaginal area, and has been pretty harmless....except it always would swell when I did an extreme amount of sitting directly on it, one example being; 10 days of Disney World in a wheelchair. When I would return home and stay off my feet for a week or two, the swelling would go down to where my life could return to normal. This time....it did not, and I am pretty miserable.

It is hugely swollen, in the way, and interfering with everything. Sitting or laying in a position where I can use the computer is very painful and for awhile I kept doing it anyhow even though I was hurting so badly. I did it because you all mean so much to me and I don't want to lose my friends here because I can't read journals or write very often in mine. But it was making things much worse for me physically than they already were.....so, I finally had to stop. I usually just recline way back in the chair or off to the side, either in this apartment or at my Mom's....but, I just can't do the computer right now, it hurts so badly to sit for as long as it takes me to make the rounds. I'm trying to work on helping my parents, doing my Christmas cards & wrapping my family's gifts a few at a time when I'm up......it's all I can do before I give up and assume a comfortable position again.

I will be having some sort of surgery to remove it after the holidays, although it is going to be a quite complicated situation because of my weight. A lot to pray about. I will do what I can to stay in touch.....Marv is trying to rig something up for me, we just haven't figured out what yet. You never know, he might just come up with something! Until he does though.....please know I think of you all often and miss you very much. I'll be sending good thoughts your way.

Love & Pooh Hugs,
Linda

Checking In....

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm dealing with some health issues again, and that's why I've been MIA this week from being on line. As soon as I can, I'll be doing an entry and also catching up with yours.

Love & Pooh Hugs,
Linda

Just Maddie!

My Grand-dogger......Maddie :)



After I did my Thankful Thursday post, my daughter informed me that I had hurt my little Grand-dogger's feelings by not saying I was thankful for her. In fact, she told me that little Maddie was in the bedroom howling with sadness, howling louder than she did when she got her shots! :) So, I had her tell my little girl that I would do a post this week entitled "Just Maddie".....it's the least I can do, don't ya think?

For those of you who may not know......Maddie is my daughter Mandy's toy poodle, and they live in Celebration, FL, about five minutes from Orlando. She is five years old and just the sweetest thing ever. I am very thankful for Maddie, because she brings Mandy so much joy, and keeps her from being lonely. She is there waiting for her after a long day of dealing with thousands of tourists, and cuddles up close to her at night, keeping her company into her dreams.

She is very spoiled, not just by me & her Mommy, but by all of Mandy's friends, especially Josh, and Mandy's roommate, Casey.....everyone loves Maddie. She goes everywhere with them, even some places she is not allowed (shhhh). She's a tiny little thing....she just looks bigger in my pictures because she was way over due for her haircut, she only weighs 6 pounds, but she is all attitude :) She loves dingo bones, chicken jerky, and McDonald's fries.....and just about any other treat you have with you, also!!! LOL! She loves her Grandma too....she definitely remembered me me this trip, and I brought her a little pink hoodie sweatshirt, and some carob coated biscuits :)

She does two things that are just adorable, and crack both me and her Grandpa up. Our favorite is her ballet poses. After she does her business outside, she kicks her back legs like many dogs do, but she kicks one leg straight out.....holds it for about 5 seconds, then kicks the other leg out and does the same thing, back and forth for about 2 minutes. Kick, stretch, hold, and repeat! LOL! She also does this after she wakes from sleeping, she goes to stretch, but turns it into a work of art :) Our other favorite thing is when she tells Mandy she wants to go "bye-bye".....it is so adorable. Mandy will ask her if she wants to go, and of course she is all excited and runs over to Mandy. Then Mandy says to her "convince me"...."convince me"....."convince me"! Well, Maddie takes a couple of attitude steps backwards and starts "talking"....all kinds of growls, grumbles, and noises, "convincing" Mandy that she does, indeed, want to go bye-bye!!!! LOLOL!

So, that's my little Granddogger.....a sweet little baby for my baby to love. We are very thankful for you, too, Maddie....and I hope this makes up for Grandma slighting you the other day. I know all my blogger friends are going to think you are simply precious :)

Pooh Hugs, Maddie's Grandma :)

There's No Place Like Home!

Tonight at 8:00, TNT is broadcasting one of my favorite movies of all time, the classic "Wizard of Oz". I love this movie for so many reasons, but mainly because it is full of life lessons. No matter how many times I've seen it, and even though we have it on DVD, I still get excited when I hear it's coming on TV, and will watch it beginning to end, in some ways like a child I suppose....hehe. So this entry is just a few things...."Oz" :)

My favorite exchange in the movie comes towards the end, when Dorothy is left wondering how she will ever get back to Kansas, when Glenda once again appears:

Dorothy: Oh, will you help me? Can you help me?
Glinda: You don't need to be helped any longer. You've always had the power to go back to Kansas.
Dorothy: I have?
Scarecrow: Then why didn't you tell her before?
Glinda: Because she wouldn't have believed me. She had to learn it for herself.

Dorothy insightfully explains what she has learned from her experience - during her dream of being in Oz. In a self-revelation, she realizes that everything she could ever have wanted was right in her own backyard - IF she had wanted it hard enough. Glinda reveals the meaning of the ruby slippers and that they will carry her and Toto back:

Dorothy: Well, I think that it, that it wasn't enough just to want to see Uncle Henry and Auntie Em, and it's that if I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard because, if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with. Is that right?
Glinda: That's all it is!
Scarecrow: But that's so easy! I should have thought of it for you -
Tin Man: I should have felt it in my heart -
Glinda: No, she had to find it out for herself. Now those magic slippers will take you home in two seconds!


How true is that? If we can't find a way to be happy within ourselves, to find a way to be happy right where we are now.....chances are we won't be happy wherever we think the answer lies.

My other favorite exchange is when the "Wizard" is giving the Tin Man his heart:

Wizard: "Therefore, in consideration of your kindness, I take pleasure at this time in presenting you with a small token of our esteem and affection. And remember, my sentimental friend, that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."

Another life lesson! Love isn't love until we give it away. Letting others benefit from our kindness will give us the self worth & acceptance we need to feel truly loved.

Of course, how wonderful is the music in this movie!!! I'm sure almost everyone can sing along with each one, and they just make us happy & joyful, don't they? My favorite, as is many others I'm sure, is the timeless classic "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". Did you know we almost never heard that wonderful song? It tested badly in preview screenings so it was cut out, then later reinserted after reflection by a new director brought in to finish the movie....good thinking!! So many people have recorded it over the years, way too many to even begin to mention. But I thought I'd end this entry with a few of my favorites, I was able to find all but one of them on You Tube. Many different versions....I hope you will enjoy listening to them.

The Original & Best.....Ms Judy Garland



Rufus Wainwright



Israel Kamakawiwo'ole



Eric Clapton



Connie Talbot



Beyonce



Ray Charles

Placido Domingo



Willie Nelson




If you watch the movie tonight....enjoy, and know you have a friend in Michigan watching along with you :)


Pooh Hugs, Linda

Thankful Thursday

In Betty's journal entry yesterday, she asked everyone to do a Thankful Thursday entry today, so....here is mine, Betty :)


(1) I'm thankful for my parents, their presence in my life is a blessing to me in new ways every single day. I'm also thankful for the way in which they raised me, to love the Lord, to love my country, and to have a kind heart. I'm very honored and proud to be their daughter and fear the day I lose either of them.

(2) I'm thankful for my daughter Mandy, who is just joy defined. She teaches me to be a better person and just when I think I cannot love her more....I do. She is my saving grace and voice of reason, and on days when I'm feeling like a failure.....All I need to do is think about who she is as a person and I know I am not, for she is my greatest triumph. She also keeps me in stitches with her sense of humor....oh how thankful I am for her wonderful, contagious, laugh!

(3) I'm thankful for my husband, Marv, who truly is my soul mate & love of my life. In this 29th year of our marriage, we have been tested, and although battered at times.....we are still way ahead. He offers me unconditional love and and a hand to hold when I can't walk the path alone.....he loves the me that I cannot always love, and that's what keeps me whole. I love him so much.

(4) I'm thankful for my one year old Cocker Spaniel, Abby Cakes. When we lost Molly, I thought I may never be happy again. But just as Molly taught me when we lost Lacey, and Lacey taught me when we lost Kiley....my heart has the capacity to fall in love again. None of them have replaced the other, because they simply can't be replaced. They are their own special brand of joy and Miss Abby is a pure love sponge! She is a scamp of great proportions, which keeps us laughing....and tired!!! But that face, and those expressions, and those wonderful kisses.....we love her so much, and can't ever imagine life without her in it. Thank you Abby....for helping me to smile again. :)

(5) I am thankful for my best friend, Wendy, I would be locked away in the funny farm by now without her to keep me grounded. Everyone should have a friendship like this once in their lifetime....she is the sister I always wanted.

(6) I'm thankful for my Internet friends, whom each bring something different to my table. Some bring wisdom, some inspiration, some laughter, some knowledge, some bring great stories, some joy, some sadness, some bring great recipes, some teach me about photos and animals, some teach me about their country, some help me face the scales, and some help me face myself, some draw me closer to the Lord, and some draw me into their life and close to their heart. But everyone brings me blessings beyond measure and I'm so thankful for each and every one of you.

(7) I'm thankful for this small, cramped, dim, drab, apartment, for even though it is not home....it is shelter & warmth when many have none. I'm thankful that I have a place where my family can be together, including Abby.

(8) I am thankful for music....simply everything about it is wonderful & inspiring.

(9) I'm thankful for television, because even though I shouldn't be....I'm so addicted to it and it gives me a lot of pleasure watching my shows. Okay, you know I'm thinking it, so I'm just going to say it....I'm thankful that Patrick Dempsey is so pretty to look at :)

(10) I'm thankful for Blog Spot. Even though it was a pain to learn....it allowed us to keep our little cyber family in tact, and I still have a place to rest my head when I'm tired and need someone to listen to me whine about nothing in particular, or everything important. Thank you AOL for showing us we were tougher than you!

Singing Loudly All Day......

I have waited and waited for this C.D. to be released so I could dowload this song to my i-pod! It came out yesterday, and now I'm a happy girl :) The Song is "White Horse" by Taylor Swift.

"White Horse" Lyrics

Say you're sorry
That face of an angel
Comes out just when you need it to
As I paced back and forth all this time
Cause I honestly believed in you
Holding on
The days drag on
Stupid girl,
I should have known, I should have known

[Chorus]
I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale
I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet,
Lead her up the stairwell
This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town,
I was a dreamer before you went and let me down
Now it's too late for you
And your white horse, to come around

Baby I was naive,
Got lost in your eyes
And never really had a chance
I had so many dreams
About you and me
Happy endings
Now I know

[Chorus]
I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale
I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet,
Lead her up the stairwell
This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town,
I was a dreamer before you went and let me down
Now it's too late for you
And your white horse, to come around

And there you are on your knees,
Begging for forgiveness, begging for me
Just like I always wanted but I'm sooo sorry

Cause I'm not your princess, this ain't a fairytale
I'm gonna find someone someday who might actually treat me well
This is a big world, that was a small town
There in my rearview mirror disappearing now
And its too late for you and your white horse
Now its too late for you and your white horse, to catch me now

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa
Try and catch me now
Oh, it's too late
To catch me now

Many Pooh Hugs,

Linda

Six Things

I got tagged by a few people in the e-mails and journals I caught up on, so here are my six things you may or may not know about me!


(1) I love browsing through, & sending greeting cards......I spend hours in Hallmark stores!

(2) If I open a bag of potato chips, I will dig through the bag to find all the "folded" ones first.

(3) I love dishes! Especially serving platters, bowls, & holiday pieces. I know I have too many, and then I'll see this cute little bowl or plate and.....I just need it ;)

(4) I feel very deeply, and I always see things in a situation that lay beneath the surface. When I read a letter from someone, I read between the lines, so it does you no good to lie to me......everyone who really knows me says I would make an excellent profiler! Have you seen the new show, "The Mentalist?" Every week when we watch it, Marv says "he is soooooo much like you it's scary". LOLOL!

(5) I have said this one before, but I detest them so much it needs to be repeated! I HATE onions, all peppers, cucumbers, & tomatoes!!!

(6) I sleep with a towel curled up under my head.....I don't remember how it started, but I've been doing it for years, and I can hardly sleep without one now!

Eat To The Beat

I forgot to mention the "Eat To The Beat" concerts that we saw in EPCOT during the Food & Wine Festival. The three different nights we went over there, we saw Kool & The Gang, Atlanta Rhythm Section, & David Cassidy. They were all so great and it was so fun to see them now! I didn't take any pictures because I was too busy enjoying myself, but Mandy did remind me before David Cassidy was over to snap one! It's not that great, but it gives you an idea. I put a You Tube video of each band to remind you of one of their songs....take you back does it? Fun stuff :)

David Cassidy In EPCOT

Kool & The Gang


David Cassidy


Atlanta Rhythm Section

Disney Trip

Here are a few more pictures as promised! We had so much fun together, and the time just flew by. We spent time in all of the parks, and of course.....wore ourselves out! A few new things to see which is always fun.....especially the Toy Story Mania in The Disney Studios, where the wait was 80 minutes and more in the stand by line! They also have a new parade in the studios which is called "Block Party" and it's really awesome....don't miss it if you head that way. The Food & Wine Festival was once again, FABULOUS! We ate way too much, and I'm taking the fifth on how much wine we sampled ;) I think Marv & Mandy enjoyed the Lamb in Australia the most, while the Ziti in Italy won my vote! I didn't buy too many things this trip because until we see what collectibles we have to replace, there is no sense to it....although we did buy a couple of new pieces of art work. I did send home a box of goodies to Connor, Emmy & Peyton though, and can't wait to hear if they liked them....Emmy is into Cinderella, so that part was soooooo much fun! Oh, and Sugar.....as soon as I'm on my feet, you have a little surprise coming your way because I couldn't resist :)

Seeing Mandy at work is always a time of pride for us, because all bragging aside, she was simply born to do this job! Her ability to both firmly control "situations" at a moments notice, and happily socialize with thousands of people each day just amazes me. We met many of her cast, and some of her co-workers, everyone was so nice. But the best was hearing the words that make every parent happy...."You did such a wonderful job raising your daughter, they don't come much better than Mandy". Oh if you think we were both proud & teary eyed.....you guessed right!! :)

We spent one day taking her shopping, and after many furniture stores, she finally found the perfect couch, it is really nice. Because she special ordered the color, she has to wait a few weeks for it, but I'll try to have her take a picture when it arrives. We also spent some quality time in Sephora....I mean, ya just have to spoil your girl with some make up and sparkly stuff, right? ;) Her Daddy was a good sport and sat out in the mall & read....as to how many chapters he was able to get through, well, that's just our little secret! (LOLOLOL!)

I did pretty well on food, I always ate a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast, and a very light & sensible lunch, and then had whatever I wanted for dinner. I had a few desserts, but did not go wild and order them at every meal.....I'd probably say I had them 4 out of 10 dinners, and we usually split it between us. The only two days I over ate, were the days we went through the Food & Wine Fest....it's almost impossible not to, YUM-O! As soon as my swelling goes down, I will get weighed, but I really think I did well enough that I'm not worried that I gained a great deal at all. Yeah me! :) I will also tell you that people were pretty well behaved with their cruel comments, I only had two incidents where their ignorance tried to ruin my trip. However, it did not......I held onto my knowledge that the problem was theirs, not mine. The stares were a bit worse, but I did okay with those most of the time.....I just kept repeating over & over in my head "to smile and be proud of who I am". That worked 90% of the time, and the other 10% I had Marv & Mandy to catch me when I broke.....they were very comforting glue :) I've been back to eating right since I've been home though.....this trip was a huge wake up call, and when I'm ready, I'll share some of that part of it with you. I know I can't remain where I am any longer weight wise, or I won't be able to travel anymore, and maybe I won't even be here to enjoy my family. It was a sobering realization, but one which I needed to have.

I'm still suffering the effects of extreme swelling in my lower extremities, but I will try to start playing catch up tomorrow. Until then.....Pooh Hugs & Love :)

Happy Mom & Mandy :)

Mandy's Friend Josh Joined Us For the Afternoon

Eating Dinner Together in Celebration, Where Mandy Lives

Mandy & Marv In "Chef's De France" In EPCOT

My Handsome Hubby....I love this picture!

Eating Sushi!

Got Frozen Pina Colada?

Having Fun In The 50's Prime Time Diner

Mandy's Sweet Roomate, Casey, Joined Us For Dinner.......Just Pals :)

In Love In Paris....(hehe)

Back Home!

We got home last night, and now we need a vacation from our vacation!! LOL! We had an awesome trip and spending time with Mandy was wonderful.....she looks so good and is very happy. It was so hard to leave her behind, but now I'll start counting the days until March when we will see her again :) Miss Abby did well staying with Connie, she loved playing with the kids and the two puppies.....but she was so happy to see us and is being a little snuggle bug today.

Those of you who have been with my journal for a while know that I swell terribly when I travel, and this trip was no exception.....so I won't be catching up on journals until this weekend when I'm able to sit for longer periods of time. Until then, I'm catching up with my parents and helping Marv unpack. I can't wait to see what you all have been up to though....I hope all was well in your lives while I was away :)

Oh, and as we came home to a new President Elect, I will congratulate all those who supported him. I did not, and was not very happy with the outcome of the election. However, just as I have always supported President Bush, I will support President Elect Obama...I believe strongly in a country standing behind their leader, even if they do not always agree with his policies. So, I am sincerely praying for The Obamas as they prepare to take the helm of our nation, there is much work to do and the road will be long. I hope everyone who, like me, voted for John McCain, and those of you who didn't vote for either, will now close ranks as simply, Americans, and support our new leader. May God bless President Bush in his final months in office, and as always.....God bless and protect the troops who serve.

Here are just a couple of pictures to tide you over until I post this weekend with more about the trip and more photos.

Me & My Girl

My Family, Together Again!

Me & My Bear

Oh Bother! I Forgot My Send Off Music!!!

Okay, So I had this great music box created for my "I'm leaving for Disney World" post....and I was in such a hurry, I forgot it!! So...I'm in between being at my Mom's house and going with Marv to the nursing home to see his Mom, but I just had to take two minutes & post it anyhow, even if it wasn't playing when you saw the entry!! I mean, you guys just gotta have some Disney World songs, right? Even if Marv says it's putting us behind, right? ;) ;)

Ten Days Worth Of Pooh Hugs,
Linda

Mandy Time!

This will be my last post until I get back, as I have much to do before leaving tomorrow morning. I'm not taking my lap top with me so I can really spend time with my family, but I will start catching up with you all on Nov 6th. Have a great 10 days and take care.....you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Although......finding Pooh may occupy a lot of my thought time ;) Miss me at least a little, okay? (hehe)

Always

This post is for anyone who needs it tonight. I so love this group, "Building 429" and their new CD was just released on Tuesday. This was a pre-CD release video of the message behind the song "Always" and some of the song itself. It is available for download on i-tunes....and I encourage you to check it out.

When we feel hopeless and wonder where God has gone, as I sadly admit I have at times.....we are to remember that He is with us always, no matter what. I hope if you are in need, or not, that you are blessed tonight by this message & song.

Pooh Hugs,
Linda

A Fat Statement, Followed By Better Stuff :)

MySpace Countdown Clocks

I'm starting to get a little anxiety about the trip as it nears. Tonight, I was out with Abby in the apartment yard and a car went by.....the windows were down, and I heard enough to get that sick feeling in my stomach when I saw them stop and back up. They yelled out the window " Fat A$$ Freak". Now, they were teen boys, and yes, I know kids are cruel....I know all of that, and I should just let it go in one ear and out the other. But at times....that is hard to do, and it got me riled up thinking about the people in the airport and at Disney. Sometimes the looks and snickers are so hard to deal with. Well, I have a little something to say about this....so listen up if you're those boys or anyone like them!

I know I have no one to blame but myself for how much I weigh, but for the life of me....I just don't get why it bothers you so much. I have tried understanding it now for years, and I just can't. I know it's not the norm, and for all of you out there that have your weight under reasonable control....I'm so happy for you. But why then, does it bother you what I look like? You don't have to sleep with me, or eat dinner with me, you don't even have to look at me if you don't want to....so what is the big deal? I really wish I understood the need to make other people feel bad about the way they look. If you think it's just kids....you are dead wrong! Some of my worst moments have been with unkind adults....using me to make themselves feel better. But does it? How can you feel better when you are hurting someone? If I disgust you, then look away.....do you somehow think my fat is going to jump off me and land on you? Hey, if it did, I'd be chasing you around the block!!! I'm just fed up with this, I really am.....I'm not bothering you, so leave me alone! There....that is out and I feel better now :)

I've been getting everything ready and things are starting to wind down here. I have Abby's bag packed and our stuff is almost ready to go as well. I took my parents to get groceries today, and they stocked up so they won't need to go while I'm away.....and if they do, it'll just be for milk at the smaller store. I got my Halloween cards out and birthday cards ready to mail for birthdays while we're away.....can't think of much more to do except clean up the apartment and do the last load of dirty towels. I want to spend tomorrow finishing that all up, so I can spend time on Saturday with my parents and Abby.

I'm so excited to see Mandy! She normally works 5 days on (13 hour days!) and 2 days off , but she took 4 vacation days while we are there so she'll have 6 full days off to spend with us, plus a couple of mornings before she goes in!! On our first day we get there, we'll head to the Magic Kingdom where she will be working to see her. They have Magic Hours that night, so the park is open until 11:00. Our good friends (our Vet) are going to be there then, so we are meeting up with them that night, too. One of our favorite things, the Food & Wine Festival, is going on in EPCOT right now, that's one of the reasons we always go down in October.....we LOVE it!! Especially Marv, he is a HUGE wine guy, and he loves to cook, so he really enjoys tasting things from other countries! Here is a link about it:
Food and Wine Festival - Epcot
They also have these great "Eat To The Beat" concerts during the fest that are usually older groups....like we saw Three Dog Night last year. I think While we are there, it's "Kool & The Gang", and "David Cassidy".

My favorite attraction at EPCOT however are my hot Canadian boys!! They are this great band that plays in the Canada pavilion a few times everyday and I sit and listen to them a bunch of times each trip....I even have all their CD's!! HAHA! You just can't beat a guy in a kilt :) Here is the link to my boys....with a lot of cute pictures: Off Kilter - Epcot


The sad news is it looks like I may not get to meet Robin this trip :( It's just a bad time with Halloween & Gabby's birthday....so she may not have that day free after all. But, if we can't, we are going to get together in March when we go back for my birthday....it will be a less hectic time. She is still going to try though.....so keep your fingers crossed for us.


Well, that's it for today.....I'll be back with one more post before I leave, promise!

A Little Bipartisan Political Humor....

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. "Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem"

"We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you". "No problem, just let me in," says the man.. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up". "What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity". "Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven, says the senator". "I'm sorry, but we have our rules".

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, Shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting Rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him."Now it's time to visit heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. "Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven...now choose your eternity". The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell".

So St Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand", stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened"?

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning.....today you voted".

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Break In Update....

Thank you so much for all the support and hugs you sent my way since last night.....it really meant a lot to me. I'm feeling more calm about things today. I was just so upset last night, I think because we can't stay there and keep an eye on things....we both felt very out of control and it was a very unsettling feeling. It helped to vent about it, and thanks for listening and telling me I didn't need to apologize. Whenever I've had a bad day and complained about wanting to get back in my house....I always get an e-mail from, a "well meaning" blogger, mostly someone I don't know, telling me that I need to stop complaining, and they remind me about every person on Earth that lost more than we did, or who doesn't have an apartment to live in, etc. So at times I feel like I can't say what's going on in my life, like I have to be "up" 100% of the time. Thanks for reminding me that everyone has these kind of days, and it doesn't mean I'm self centered or non caring of others plight when I do, nor have I forgotten to be grateful for my blessings. Your gentle hugs made me feel better about letting my feelings out on stressful days.

Okay, here's an update about the break in. A deputy officer came out today and took finger prints & photographs....plus, Marv went along with him as he investigated things and got a better look at things in the day light. What we found was pretty disgusting. Two of our bathrooms had been plumbed last week, no toilets yet, but the holes cut and some of the pipes laid, and whomever was in our house on Saturday night, took a poo in both of the holes....and then jammed it up with paper. I kid you not. So, of course, all of that work has to be pulled out of there and will be redone this week sometime. The Sheriff thinks that "gift" was definitely personal, we just don't know if it was directed at us, or maybe at the guy doing the plumbing. The electric saw that was taken from the house was his, and it was worth around $600. They also took his pole light, and a few other tools he had in the house. In the garage, we know Marv's tool belt and a lot of his tools are gone, plus some personal items of ours from the boxes. They also saw that there were drag marks across the garage floor that led directly to the side door....so he thinks they got out of there with a big item too, we just can't decide what it is right now, we had a lot of things out there. He also agreed that they were definitely coming back for the items they had lined up by the door.....and had Marv not seen the gate open, they would have gotten everything. The lock to that gate was busted right off.....that's how they got that open and into the back yard. It's not a good feeling to think that one of the workers coming into your home may have come back and did that.....or even someone that may have been mad at us for something that happened in our grocery store, but it's probably the case. Who knows.

It stormed here today, so no temporary power lines were installed for security lights, but hopefully that will be done tomorrow. While we are in FL, we have friend who is a deputy for another county who is going to come by every night after the workers have left and inspect the house, inside and out. We are making that known to the builder, too, we want them very aware that our home will not be unattended for the 10 days we are gone.....hopefully that will detour his outsourced workers from removing anything. I will just be glad when it is all done and we are back in to take care of things ourselves!

I was gone most of the day today getting my hair done and running errands, and busy tonight getting some things done for the trip, so of course....I'm behind again in blog reading! If I miss one day....YIKES! I have to take my parents shopping for Emmy's birthday present during the day, but I'll catch up here tomorrow night. Thanks again.....I'm feeling much more relaxed tonight and counting the days off until I see Mandy, just look at that countdown!!!!

Pooh Hugs,

Linda

MySpace Countdown Clocks

I Need A Hug.....

This is going to be a down post....so you are warned before reading!


First, I want to apologize if I offended anyone in my last post when I complained about not getting back into my house in Jan as we were told. I do appreciate that we still have a house to go home to at some point, and I know how blessed we are. About 95% of the time, I remember that and I'm more positive. But after almost 4 months since the fire and being displaced, I do have down moments...I'm only human and I just can't be happy all of the time, I just can't. But, it never means that I take for granted what I do still have, or forget there are others truly suffering, while we are merely inconvenienced.

Maybe I'm being paid back in full for the times I do complain, because right now....I just feel that way, that we are being punished or something. We went to Target tonight to pick up some things we needed and swung by the house to pick up our Sunday paper. While pulling out, Marv noticed that the gate to the back yard was open, and since he was there mowing yesterday.....and knew it was locked, we pulled back in and he went to shut it and investigate. Once in back, he noticed the screen to our kitchen window and been cut and our window pried open. So, he went inside to see that indeed, someone had been in the house. The builders good saw was missing, and other tools had been gone through. He then saw that the door from our house into our garage was open, so he cautiously went in there to see our snow blower, mower, his golf clubs, our safe, and many other items were all lined up by the side door, which was now unlocked. Whomever was there, was definitely coming back tonight for what they couldn't take out of there then. It was getting dark and there is no power out there, so we couldn't do a complete inventory of what was now missing from the garage, but off hand, Marv could see the boxes had been gone through that were stacked up....they contained items that made it out of the house unscathed. So, tomorrow we will find out what is gone out there.

We called the Sheriff and made a report, and they are going to swing by the house and our neighbors are on the look out as well. We also took all the things that were lined up to steal tonight and safely stored them at our neighbors, and contacted the builder about getting some temporary power out there tomorrow. We asked him to install some temp motion detectors in the front, sides and back of the house.....because right now, the place is all dark and closed up with a big dumpster blocking the view of the front.

We had worried about this happening, I mean, obviously, it's a target for people who want to do these things. But now that it has....I'm angry, sad, depressed, and feel violated. I mean, we felt violated with the fire, but that didn't have a face, it was a fire. This....you wonder if this is someone you know, maybe some of the workers, or some of our neighbors in the new subdivision. It just makes us mad that we lost so much of our stuff and now, someone comes in and takes some of what we do have left. That people would come in a home that they know has burned and take advantage of the owners when they are vulnerable. I'm just upset.....and tonight I need to be, tomorrow...I'll try to see the sunny side of life again.

Back To My Journal!

Hi, finally back to my journal, and last night I think I caught up with every one .....if I missed yours, let me know! Thanks for worrying about me, all was okay. I was just having some issues with a new medicine I'm taking, and it was leaving me nauseated and dizzy when I was up or trying to do something like look at a computer screen. The complicated part was just the interaction with other meds I'm taking and why I have to take them at certain times, etc. The Doctor switched things around, and although I'm still having a little problem......it's so much better! I was actually able to sit at the PC last night for 5 hours (yes, it took that long to catch up, because I read every entry I missed!) without issue except being TIRED when finished!!

We are getting closer to leaving....one week from today!! We leave at 7:00 a.m., so this time next Sunday, I should be in the air! WHOOHOOO!! We've been busy doing all the things one has to do, stop mail & newspaper, etc. I have to say that packing is probably the easiest it has ever been since I don't have very many items to choose from! Usually I worry that I "may" need this or that and throw it in. Well, we don't have a lot of this or that since the fire, so there is nothing to worry about missing!! This should serve as a huge lesson to me, I do not need half of the things I usually lug around on a trip, simple is better and much faster :)

I'm getting excited to see Mandy, as I haven't seen her since June, when she was home for my parent's 60th anniversary open house. That was one week before our fire....little did we know what was to come the next week in our lives. My favorite song by Don Henley is "New York Minute" and nothing rings more true...."In a New York minute, everything can change". Things with the house are moving very slow, I haven't talked about it because it depresses me and I'm trying to stay in an up mood for my trip. They were not even working in our place for a solid month because of flood cases they went to work on in Michigan. I have to tell you that while I'm sorry that those people have displacement issues too, I'm very angry with the refurb company. If you are that short of workers, then you bring others in or hire new ones.....builders everywhere are out of work. They are extremely behind in our house and although a lot of things have been picked out, virtually no work has been done and it looks as if we will not get back in January now. Yep, like I said, I'm not talking much about it because I'm really depressed about where things stand. So, our trip with be a good diversion from what is going on here, and I'm soooooo ready to leave!!!! The bad part is leaving Abby behind, and although we have a great place to leave her....that little baby has wrapped her paws around our heart and I'm going to miss her terribly.

That's about it, just wanted to let you know why I was not here most of last week....spinning journals don't make you feel very good. LOL! Since I'm caught up now in my reading, I'm going to head to lay back down for a while. Until next time....hide your hunny, the Pooh bear is back on the loose :)

Single Digits!

Our countdown is in Single Digits!!!!

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Sorry I haven't been around to journals in a few days....my reason is too complicated to even explain here, but I plan to catch up with everyone this weekend!


Pooh Hugs,
Linda

Happy Dance!

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Luggage Replaced.......Check

Clothes Washed......Check

Plane Tickets Confirmed......Check

New Undies Bought (in case of accident, always have clean undies!)........Check

Plans In Motion To Meet Robin......CHECK!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG, I'm meeting Robin!!!!! The Yellow Brick Road :) As excited as I am to see Mandy, meeting Robin rates right up there....I'm so happy. She is one of my very first J-land friends, and we have remained good pals ever since. I absolutely cannot wait to wrap my fat little arms around her and give her a big hug.....get ready Robin!

Walk On

An oldie but goodie from my favorite rock band EVER.....U2.

Although this tune, "Walk On" may not be for everyone, it has probably my favorite line ever written in a song: "your packing a suitcase for a place none of us have been, a place that has to be believed to be seen". When I first heard them sing that line, I can remember physically stopping and saying "wow". That's true for so many of our dreams, for our futures, our hopes and plans. We have to believe that the pot of gold is at the end of the rainbow, or we will never scale it, I have to believe that I can be healthy, or I never will be. It's all in our mindset, our attitude, and we have to believe. In the midst of tragedy, pain, or stressful day to day frustrations, it is so hard to "Walk On", and sometimes, it is almost impossible. But we have to believe that when we do, a better day awaits us, that life will be good again....and that will never happen if we don't put one foot in front of the other and just walk forward.

Although I know you all have heard this song at one time or another over, listen to it again today with new ears, take the words into your heart and BELIEVE you can Walk On to a better day.

Nearing The End...

Whomever wins this election, I just can't wait until it's over.....I'm so sick of the negativity and mean spirits on both sides. This always brings out the worst in our country and it's people.....how sad.

Pooh Hugs,
Linda

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Yep, I'm excited..

My countdown to go see Mandy is getting closer....I'm so eager to see her! For those of you new to my blog, Mandy is my daughter, and she works for the Big Mouse House in Orlando. I don't talk much about her job in my journal, as I would never want to say things I'm not supposed to, ya know? She is the Operations Manager for Fantasy Land & Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom..and she loves what she does. It makes it tough on Mom & Dad though, to have her live 1200 miles away....oh how we miss our only child! But, as hard as it was on her (and us!) to leave & make the adjustment of living away from home, it was so good for her...it allowed her to spread her wings in many ways she never would have, had she stayed tied to us. This is really what you want...to raise your child to be able to live on their own and be a happy, responsible adult, and as much as I long to have her around....I wouldn't wish her back. I'm proud of her, and it does my heart good to see her bloom where she has planted her feet. Nothing says I can't go down there and spoil her like crazy a few times a year....right? :)

I'm dreading the trip physically, because since I'm the heaviest I've ever been, I know that it's going to be hard on me...harder than it was before when I was heavy. We have rented the wheelchair again because my feet swell so badly and it's just too much walking for me. It's sad, and I'm so angry that I was out of that chair two years ago, and now....her I am, once more, too fat to walk around and enjoy Disney with my family the way I want to. I know, no looking back at what I can't undo, but still....I'm angry with myself. I'm going to try hard to just remember that because I'm this way now, does not mean that next year at this time I have to be this heavy. Maybe, being embarrassed because I can't fit into seats, through turnstiles, etc, will be good for me, a wake up call of sorts. I don't know what it's going to take (sigh). What I do know is I'm worried about it, and how I let people make me feel bad about myself when I'm in public.

But enough of that....happy thoughts only! While we're there, we're going to take Mandy shopping for a couch, she needs a new one and it will be fun seeing what her tastes are these days. Speaking of couches, I need to be looking for some of my own! We have to replace two couches, two love seats, & three chairs......and we don't have too much of an idea yet what we want. We looked at a really nice burgundy leather set at The Lazy Boy Shop that we may get for the living room, just not sure. We let Abby Cakes get on the furniture, and that's not going to change, so we have to take that into consideration with what we choose. We're pets on the bed and couch kind of people, always have been....how bout you? We are going this weekend to look at flooring, as we have a lot of that to get....the entire house full needs to be replaced. I'll let you know if we make any decisions.

That's it for me, as I need to read more blogs....as hard as I try to keep up, I'm still missing some! Have a great start to your weekend and remember you have a friend here in Michigan who cares about you :)

Pooh Hugs,
Linda

MySpace Countdown Clocks