Three Hours to go...

Happy New Year!

Just A Quickie

As if LIFE hasn't dealt me enough already... My gramma is in the hospital. I'm not sure she'll be able to come home again. New Year's Day will be her 84th birthday! She told me last night, she only wanted to make it through Christmas, and she's done that. Actually, she sounded pretty content with herself, relaxed. I am sure gramma will go to a nursing home after this stay in acute care for her severe pain complicated by other problems of age.

I am soooo ready for a New Year!

Anxiously Waiting

I've been checking the UPS Tracking website all day at work. I kept refreshing the screen, and as soon as I saw that my package from NYC was delivered, I was going to rush home for lunch! The package never came. So, I decided to take a late lunch, run some other errands, pay a bill, and then run home anyway to let the dogs out for a few minutes.

It's been trying to rain all day. The walkway from my driveway to the house was damp and there was even a puddle where some light rain had pooled. As I walked towards the house, I didn't see any packages nestled behind the chair on the porch where the delivery guys typically leave them.

When I got to the door, I noticed a damp footprint. It was a man's boot. It was a very recent marking. I thought, "Ooh no, he's already been here!" Then I saw it, the sticky receipt the drivers leave stuck to your door when they need a signature for receipt of packages, and no one is home. ARRGGGHH!

I pulled the receipt off the door as I entered the house. The customer service phone number was proudly printed at the bottom of the receipt, right below the Tracking number.

I called customer service and explained I had missed the delivery and would like it redelivered tomorrow, at my place of work. When I purchased this camera, the shipping address was noted as my work address. But, when I gave them my credit card information, they verified my credit card billing address. I was so excited about the camera, I never thought anything more about the shipping address.

Anyway, I got things all squared away. I would receive this new camera at work tomorrow! I still was so very excited. People at work have asked me before to take pictures of this or that for them, and I've always done it because I love to take pictures! So, these same people knew I was expecting this camera and couldn't wait to see it either. Delivering it at work would be perfect!

So, now I'm driving back to work. It's starting to really rain. I have to keep my wipers on without using the intermittent control. I didn't get any lunch and was thinking where I could drive through fast. I made it down the street, turned and went down the next street, and then turned again onto the last street before getting out of our subdivision, and there he was! The UPS truck!

I honked several times and pulled in front of it. It was parked on the street in front of someone's house. It's absolutely POURING by now! I run back to the truck, waving my little UPS receipt, and this young guy pokes his head out from the back of the truck and says, "You must be C...!" He smiled. "I am! I am!" He found my package, I signed his electronic signature device and he handed me my package! I’ve got it! YES!

Look at all this stuff it comes with! I can't believe it! It's amazing!

I've got it all put together and now I'm so tired, I'll have to wait 'til tomorrow to play some more with it. I'm so happy!

My Christmas Present to Me!

I had waited until Christmas Eve to go shopping for my family. For months, this was my plan. It would be payday and no bills due that couldn't wait. Purchases of little things here and there for everyone on my list, were made since summer. When this week came and my family fell apart, I wasn't empty handed with gifts, but decided I had enough for everyone. I didn't need to get anything more for anyone. I felt it was time to treat myself. I deserved it.

My original intent of this journal was to be more of a "photo journal" of my life as I see it, and I've been very disappointed with my old camera. It is really old. Photos not turning out as I'd hoped. This new camera is the most camera I could find for what I could afford. I have great expectations for this new camera. It has so many more options and technical things than my first digital camera. I'm so excited! It was shipped today from NYC and I should receive it Wednesday. I can't wait!

Airing My Laundry

This doesn't happen to us, not to my family. Other people have these problems, not us. What the heck is going on!?

I said my 'good byes' to both my kids Christmas Day. Both kids flew out on the same airlines. Both flights were at about the same time, though in different directions. My parents took my kids to the airport.

My daughter flew to her home in Seattle without resolving any issues she has with us. I feel horrible this has happened. I love my kids! I'm so proud of who they are becoming in their adult lives. I feel confused and hurt. My daughter claims she wants to be treated like an adult, yet is allowed by my parents, to keep from seeing or talking to us. Staying away does not resolve anything. She stayed with my parents from Tuesday through Christmas, without seeing me the whole time other than the visit with the deacon. I'm angry at my parents for enabling her in this direction. She wasn't in any great danger, there was no fear for her life. She had an argument with us, that's it. A misunderstanding, a perception and reality never intended the way it was received. Apologies were given, and it seems, not accepted.

Christmas Day, before she left for Seattle, my guy and I drove to my parents house. I wanted to see my daughter. I wanted to give her a couple of gifts I had for her, one gift I had made for her before all this happened. My daughter ran and hid in a bedroom when she heard us pull up. My dad, after inviting us into their entry way, insisted she didn't want to see us. We handed him our gifts. My guy went back to our car. It was only when my daughter heard our car door shut and must have thought we had both left, did she come out from hiding and ran right into me. I gave her a huge hug and kiss, and told her I loved her. I asked if she would call me when she got to Seattle, just to let me know she got there okay. She said she'd try. I haven't heard from her.

My son supported his sister and stayed with my parents the same amount of time. He came home at 9 a.m. Christmas morning. I had talked with him Christmas Eve and he agreed to come home at 10 a.m. Christmas Day. So, when my front door opened I thought it was my guy who had just left a few minutes earlier to go get his son. It was my dad and my son, standing in my livingroom. They could have called to let me know they were coming earlier than planned. I wasn't ready, but I was very happy to see my son. My dad left with gifts we had for my parents.

My guy returned with his son shortly after my son's arrival home. We had a nice homemade breakfast, not my usual feast, but nice still. After breakfast we opened our gifts. Time seemed to move so fast, before we knew it, it was noon. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. My son asked me earlier if he could see his girlfriend and her family before leaving for Las Vegas that afternoon. (His dad lives in Las Vegas, my son will be visiting him there for a week.) I told my son, of course, I had no problems with him visiting his girlfriend. His girlfriend would pick him up here and then drop him off at my parents so my parents could take him to the airport when they take my daughter. The girlfriend arrived at our house and waited outside, she didn't come in like she usually does. I gave my son hugs and kisses and told him I loved him, and he was gone. He did call me when he arrived in Las Vegas. I think there's hope for this one.

I haven't spoke with my Mom since the day at the church. I fear I've hurt her with what I had to say to her, my true feelings. When my dad cancelled all our Christmas plans, he made it clear I would need to go through him for anything to do with our family.

Tonight, I am totally alone. My guy has just left for a long haul run to Los Angeles and will end up in Seattle before coming home next week. He teased about stopping by my daughter's to say "hello." I will have this week for soul searching and trying to get this mess worked out somehow. I have called my daughter a couple of times since she returned to Seattle. She hasn't responded. Now, I will leave it in her hands to get in touch with me. My son will return from Las Vegas on Friday. We will spend the New Year together, alone. Funny, I work at a mental hospital with all sorts of "free" counseling! I think I need some!

Will Life Ever Be the Same

We met with a church mediator yesterday at noon. We, my guy and I, both of my parents, and both of my kids. This ordeal has been blown way out of proportion. My son, who seems to be hurting the most, has been pulled into this by his sister. She is not budging from her feelings, even after the deacon suggested, just for the holiday, to let things go and get along for the Christmas holiday. Both of my kids decided to stay with my parents instead of coming home with me.

It was obvious that all six of us have issues much greater than this one hour meeting could resolve. The deacon scheduled us all for another meeting in two weeks. Of course, my daughter would not be able to attend as she lives in Seattle and is only visiting this week.

It seemed as though the rest of us were willing to work this out and try to have a Christmas together. But, when I called this morning to confirm the plans made after yesterday's meeting, I was told all plans had been cancelled. I was also told that there would be no meeting with the deacon in two weeks, this has to be postponed to an unspecified date in the future.

Christmas Blues

All my gifts are wrapped and under the tree, waiting for kids to arrive. See, my daughter flew in from Seattle, late Monday night, but by Tuesday night, she was gone. She ran off to my parents' home after arguing all afternoon with me and my guy. My son teamed up with his sister, and left too.

Now, my parents live just up the road, so I knew they were safe and sound. I am totally grateful these kids have my parents to go to when they feel they have no where else to go.

Today, we are all going to meet at the church with a mediator. I do not think an hour with this person will solve anything, but it will be a start. My parents, my kids, and my guy and I will there.

Yes, I know, we have serious problems at home and it's not all the fault of rebellious teens. My kids feel like I do not listen to them, I feel the same about them. My whole family cannot stand my guy, I feel like it's not their choice who I love. My guy knows how much my family means to me and will do what he can to help the situation.

We are all a little nervous about today, but it's something we need to do if we are to continue to be a family. If anything, it will be a start at mending the anger and hurt they, we are all feeling. At least, that's what I want out of all this.

It's Christmas Time

Oh, I haven't even started shopping yet! This year, I'm so far behind in the shopping department! I wanted, so desparately, to have something for everyone on my list by now!

Let's see... My Christmas cards are mailed, a package with presents to my brother's three children is on it's way. I have presents for my mom and my dad, and my gramma, all wrapped and under the tree.

Christmas Tree! Yes, my son got our tree out of the attic Sunday, and decorated it himself, lights and all the trimming! My daughter says it just won't be Christmas without a tree. I'm hoping the dogs don't decide to chew their way through all the presents! I've spray some of the product that keeps them away, around the tree and the presents. Let's pray!

But, I haven't a clue what to get my kids. I'm knitting (yeah, I haven't knitted in years!) a cute little scarf, red and black, her favorite colors out of this furry yarn. It's pretty cool looking. I'll have to get a picture of it when it's done.

Then there's my guy and his son, what should I do! I haven't a clue what to get them either.
Oh, I did get something for all the pups! They'll love their new toys, I'm sure. These dogs are so darn cute and funny. I love 'em all.

Christmas morning my kids are flying out, my son to his father's in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Did you know there's a Las Vegas, New Mexico?) My daughter will be flying back to her home in Seattle, Washington. My guy's mother, brother and nephew will be driving up from Twin Falls, Idaho to visit with us Christmas day.

My parents were going away for Christmas initially, now they're staying home. Turns out, where they thought they would go, is colder than here, so they changed their minds and will be home for the holiday.

I picked my daughter up from the airport tonight, she flew in from Seattle, Washington. My guy will be in about 2 a.m. and I'll go to pick him and Ozzy up then. My house will be filled with people within the next few hours. And my guy and I have the whole week off work! I can't wait!

My Furry Friends

Lucy is now our oldest Yorkie, and our biggest. Funny, we asked the vet just what was the average weight of Yorkies she sees. "Weights are across the board," she said. Lucy is about nine and a half pounds, and among the average weight this vet sees. Lucy is unrelated to our other pups, and she mother-hens them all, so well. She's very gentle and loving when playing with them. She entices and teases them, lets them win at games she plays with them.


Molly is one of Harley's daughters. Always full of energy, she loves to chase Lucy around, all day long. They play tug-of-war most of the time. She is the big sister to the boys, from another litter. Like most big sisters of little brothers that I know, she could do without the little brothers. Molly weighs in at just over four pounds. She's a little sweety and has her daddy's gold.

Rodney is now 14 weeks old! Time sure has moved right along. Seems like yesterday, we were bringing this little guy home at just six weeks old. Last night he weighed in at two pounds, fourteen ounces. Rodney loves to give kisses to anyone and everyone. He's our little love bug, cuddle butt. Rodney and Peanut go to work with me every day and are socialized very well. The patients love them. The boys lift the spirits of many who seem to have no hope.


Ozzy is growing like a weed! Also 14 weeks old, weighs more than five pounds! Hard to believe Rodney, Ozzy and Peanut, are all from the same litter. We think maybe mom dated a laborador on the side. Ozzy is such a good boy. He rides around the western states with my guy in a big rig most of the time, just like his dad used to. (Still miss you Harley!) Today, we noticed his colors are turning bright gold. He's gonna be big and beautiful.


Peanut is just doing wonderful. Fourteen weeks old. Hard to believe this little guy, the runt, was bottle fed and lifeless the first few weeks of his life. At six weeks old, we took him to the vet as he just was not right, he weighed only 11 ounces. We learned then, he had water on his brain causing massive swelling in his little head, which caused severe pressure to his eyes, and he was blind at best. Since then, he's been receiving treatment and amazingly, doing very well and much better. He's been able to see since two weeks into the treatment. Last night Peanut weighed two pounds, twelve ounces! Just two ounces less than Rodney! The vet was astonished. He's caught up to Rodney in size and weight, and running and jumping and biting and tugging, just like the rest of them.

Saturday Six - Episode 36

1. What is your all-time least favorite Christmas Carol or holiday song?
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.

2. Who is the most difficult person on your shopping list to buy a gift for, and have you already purchased his or her gift, yet?
Hands down, my parents! They are well off and have everything they need or want. No, I have only thought about this and that to get them, but haven't purchased anything yet.

3. What picture are you least proud of: A) Your most recent professional portrait B) Your driver's license photo C) Your passport photo D) Your work ID photo E) Your senior class portrait
B) My driver's license photo. Does anyone's ever turn out good?

4. How many Christmas/holiday parties have you been invited to this month and how many have you (or will you) attend?
I've been invited to one, attended none.

5. A previously-unknown rich relative appears and offers to buy you the car of your choice. What would you like?
Something in a two-seat, sporty car.

6. What is your favorite thing to wear around the house when you know no one else is at home? Is that what you're wearing as you answer these questions?
Well, that depends on the time of day. If you're talking, first thing in the morning, I would stay in my nighty. If it's later in the evening, I would just wear a big, baggie t-shirt and demin leggings.

Entries

Just a quick note, I've been having a hard time making time to add entries here. Life has been hectic, to say the least. I hope to find time tomorrow.

Saturday Six - Episode 35

1. What is your all-time favorite Christmas Carol or holiday song?
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He's making a list,
Checking it twice,
Gonna find out who's naughty or nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town!

He sees you when you're sleeping,
He knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've been bad or good,
So be good for goodness sake!

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town!

2. What percentage of your Christmas shopping have you completed?
Ooohh! I'm in trouble! I haven't really started my Christmas shopping. Just have a few little things I've been collecting since late this last summer.

3. Other than yourself, which of the following would you most like your child to have as a role model and why: A) Doctor B) Politician C) Professional Athlete D) Businessman A) A Doctor.
I think doctors, in general, have a great compassion for people. I've worked in healthcare for twenty years and have witnessed this compassion most physician truly have towards fellow humans. My son attends a Medical Arts Charter High School, he's a sophomore there, and all his training is geared to the Healthcare industry.

4. What current television show would you most like to see disappear permanently?
I only watch a few particular shows on t.v., as for the rest of the shows, I don't know what's really out there. Of course, I want the few shows I do watch to continue to air.

5. Have you used any themed photo wall calendar in 2004? Do you already have one ready for 2005, and if so, what is next year's theme of choice?
Yes, in 2004 it is "YORKIES", of course! LOL I think for 2005 I will be using the hospital's scenic themed calendar, which I already have stuffed in a drawer, waiting for the new year.

6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #35 from Armand: Read this quotation from Ralph Waldo Emerson recently posted in Armand's journal, "Uncommon Sense." Given the context of the quote, how have you been most successful in your life?
Not giving this much thought, the first thing that comes to mind for me is, raising my kids. I have a 23 year old daughter who is doing well on her own in the big city of Seattle, Washington. She's in her second band, playing self-taught guitar. My son is 15 years old and doing excellent in school this year. He's a good kid, has lots of friends and others are always telling how nice he is, like a month or so ago, he was given the "Best Attitude and Most Mature Award" in class.

Saturday Six - Episode 34

1. Think back to weddings you have attended (other than your own): what was the nicest part of the one you liked the most? My best friend's son's wedding. It was perfect, in September, the weather was gorgeous. The wedding itself, was held outside in a beautiful, huge, perfectly manicured yard. I took photos for the bride and groom and had plenty of backdrops to capture their special day with family and friends.

2. What is your favorite color and which room of your home has the most of this color in it? My favorite color is purple, but I don't have much of it in rooms. The most popular color around my home is green, a soft sage green in shades from dark to light, not the bright kelly greens.

3. What is your favorite kind of popcorn:A) UnsaltedB) ButteredC) Extra ButterD) Kettle CornE) Caramel Corn Can I pick two!? I really like buttered movie popcorn, but also go nuts over Poppycock caramel corn with nuts!

4. Take a little time (!!) for a quick inventory of the clocks in your home: how many do you have and what is the widest difference between any two of them? OMG! I don't know that I can count the number of clocks we have! My guy collects clocks, his favorites are the Anniversary dome clocks. We have clocks in every room.

5. When was the last time you used a real rotary dial telephone to place a call? I can't remember.6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #34 from Shannon: What is your favorite sport and why? I love baseball. Baseball is a game everyone can play. I've played baseball all my life, and have enjoyed a few Yankie games in Seattle. I have found recently, football to be running a close second in my interest in sports.

Go BSU!

Out of the Blue

Ever wonder how things that just happen, out of the blue, for no particular reason, and this thing is like the something that was meant to happen? Am I talking in circles? I don't mean to be confusing, but the other day something very strange but good, happened to me.

I know I've mentioned before how I take the puppies to work with me. The other day, when I had Rodney and Peanut with me, they needed a potty break. So, I took them down the hall and out the side door which opens to an empty lot. I always try to walk them down the fence line to the back of this lot, out of the foot path of anyone else. Our facility has grown so much, many of us have had to start using the street front of this empty lot for parking.

While I was out there, I noticed a man working on another employee's car. The back window was missing from this Jeep, and he was measuring to replace it. I wondered if he also fixed windshields that have been hit by gravel thrown up from another vehicle in front of you traveling 60 m.p.h. (My recent trip to Salt Lake City found us behind a gravel truck throwing pebbles half the size of golf balls! We tried to stay back and get around this truck as soon as we could, but my windshield was hit hard, leaving a pretty big blemish!)

I was holding Rodney and Peanut in my arms. This guy seemed to be really interested in the pups and asked if they were Yorkies. He told me he had a Yorkie at home. He wondered if I planned on breeding them. I explained I had two females at home that I had planned on breeding, but that I would have to find a stud for them. He explained that he had a three pound male at home that he was hoping to stud out.

My ears perked! I started asking questions about physical traits; are his ears up, color, etc. I told him my little female, just four pounds, wouldn't be ready until next summer sometime. He said that would be perfect, his male was born in April and is only about 8 months old.

I started to explain about the puppies' father, our stud, and how he had just been killed a few weeks ago. I mentioned Harley's name, and the guy just looked at me and said, his little three pound Yorkie's name was Harley too! It sent goose bumps all through me! I am sure we've found our stud for Molly!