Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The End Of A Year

For those of you interested, I am skipping Wordless Wednesday today. I’ll make a come back next week.

I was going to give you an in depth analysis of my year gone by. I was going to give you my new resolutions. I was going to fill you with the promise of hope for a new year. Instead, I am going to give you a bit of a rant first.

I began my day in a happy little mood. In just a matter of days, I will be off to work. 2009 is almost here and all it can bring is happiness. I was expecting a check in the mail today and I planned to go to the bank this afternoon, drop off the rent check, and buy a few snacks for our celebration. I cleaned the house, read some more of my book, watched some TV and added more to my iPod. I joined the Modern Mom Challenge, I listened to the President-Elect’s Podcast, and I baked my Grandpa some Snowball Cookies.

Anyways, my mail brought me to the bank. I went to the window to deposit the goods. I then wanted to get a bank check for $995. Please note, I just deposited around $1300. I don’t see a problem with that. Part of that money came from a government funded check, but the bulk of it came from the check my ex-husband sent. He sends the same check, for the same amount at the same time every month. I have never had a problem. Today, problem city.

I bank with Wamu. Well, I used to, now I bank with J.P. Morgan Chase. I didn’t think it was a big deal. Everything pretty much works the same. Apparently, they experienced quite a few losses though recently. And much like the Chrysler people, they decided to take it out on it’s customers. They informed me that there would be a 7 day hold on the personal check. I said that was ridiculous. I have been getting that same check for over 2 years with no problem. They told me it was the new Chase system that was being more strict. There was nothing I could do. I spoke with several people. They were all just as helpful. Carolynn was with me and getting impatient. Whatever. Perhaps I need a new bank. I have been thinking about switching to Bank of America.

Usually, this is just an inconvenience. Right now, it is a problem. Without this extra money, I am just about $200 short of the rent. I had some in there already that I was holding for bills. Of course, there was no hold on my other deposit. Nevertheless, the rent is due by Monday at 4 PM. The check will be released on Tuesday evening.

The old, 2008 me, would have cried and lamented. That me would have fallen apart. The new me, henceforth known as Officer Jennifer, spoke calmly to everyone I could. I came home and called several people at the bank. I got nowhere. However, I am still calm. I will figure something out. I am a survivor. I am an officer of the law. I am tough.

That is the point of this story. 2009 brings a new and improved me. This new me comes complete with a new career and a new outlook. The new me promises to be more positive. The new me plans to be healthier, happier, and hopefully thinner. The new me has a plan.

I have made a chore chart that so far has shown some improvement. Catherine will still need to be pushed. She keeps losing her stuff. As in, I keep taking her stuff. Tonight she will be going to bed at 9:30. I made a budget and I plan to stick to it. (As soon as they start paying me) I joined several weight loss and exercise groups on-line and am hoping they will help me to eat better. I am sure my new career path will help me get the exercise.

As I start on my journey, I have friends and family supporting me as they did through the tough times. It is nice to have them.

As we say goodnight to 2008, I would like you to think of the promises of tomorrow, not the nightmares of the previous year. Tomorrow I will bring you a video of highlights of 2008. Tonight we look ahead. I know I am looking ahead at a bright future. Enjoy your evening and do not drink and drive. Finally, I leave you with this video, because, when all is said and done, all we really need is more cowbell.



More Cowbell - video powered by Metacafe

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Popcorn


Were watching Forest Gump the movie. Rite now I'm reading Tuck Everlasting.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Just Chillin’

Okay, that is not all. I had some errands to run this morning. I took David to the new Red Robin because it said in the paper that they would be doing interviews there today. The paper was wrong and it will be tomorrow. I did a little house keeping. The chart is working, but I do not think they realize the rewards. Maybe when the week ends and they find out, next week they will be more willing. I do not think they believe I can give rewards because we have been poor so long.

I went by Chris, Sherri and Taylor’s this afternoon to drop off a bag of Chex Mix. I took a bag over the other day, but it was original flavor and Chris is allergic to garlic, which is an ingredient. I made a special one for her that was brown sugar and cinnamon. It is really good. They were having a nice relaxing day too. Taylor is on Christmas break.

I have spent most of the evening reading a book. It is called Cat Deck The Halls and it is the Readers Anonymous pick for December. It is about a cat that solves crimes. I was not sure I would enjoy something that sounded so silly, but it is actually good. I really enjoy reading again. Just no more Love In The Time Of Cholera. I still want to see that movie.

Carolynn is reading Tuck Everlasting. She will need tissues.

We tried our new popcorn maker tonight. The popcorn came out good. Just like the movies. It went well with my book reading.

Reading


I'm reading talk tomorrow!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Books To Read

As some of you may have already read, Carolynn finished her 2008 TBR Challenge. She ready 15 books from her list this year, as well as a few others. I, however, failed. I read one book and I barely managed to finish it today. In all fairness, I was very stressed for most of the year and I cannot relax when I am stressed. Reading is a relaxing activity in my world. It feels good to read again. The one book I read though, was in fact, torture.

I read Love In The Time Of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It is the longest book in the history of books. First, there are no chapters. I need chapters. I need a stopping point, especially in a book this complex. Second, it was so detailed. There were times when the author would go on for pages about someone’s clothes or a building. The story was so wonderful and romantic; I just wanted to get one with it already. It really was a great story. I am very excited to see the movie now. I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars. I loved the story, I hated reading it.

I have decided to try and take on this challenge again in 2009. I think I will do better this year. My new list contains quite a few from the old list, plus some newer ones. Carolynn is not going to do the challenge this year, but Catherine has decided to give it a go. Check out her list on her blog.

1. A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
2. Against Medical Advice by James Patterson
3. Atonement by Ian McEwan
4. Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
5. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
6. Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
7. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
8. Marley and Me by John Grogan
9. Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
10. P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
11. Rhett Butler’s People by Donald McCaig
12. The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards

Alternates

1. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
2. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
3. Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
4. Then We Came To The End by Joshua Ferris
5. A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton
6. Sunday’s At Tiffany’s by James Patterson
7. The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson
8. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
9. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
10. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
11. The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry
12. Where Are You Now by Mary Higgins Clark

2009 TBR Challenge

I am going to try to read one book every month for one whole year. I hope I can read more than that. I picked a lot of books I will like. They look good.

My 2009 tbr Challenge List

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
2. Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary
3. Ramona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary
4. Ramona Forever by Beverly Cleary
5. Ramona’s World by Beverly Cleary
6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
8. From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
9. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
10. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
11. A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle
12. Little House In The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Alternates

1. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
2. Around The World In 80 Days by Jules Verne
3. The Borrowers by Mary Norton
4. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
5. Emily’s Runaway Imagination by Beverly Cleary
6. Superfudge by Judy Blume
7. Fudge-A-Mania by Judy Blume
8. Kenny and the Dragon by Tony Di’Terlizzi
9. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
10. Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary
11. Ralph S. Mouse by Beverly Cleary
12. Socks by Beverly Cleary

I Made It!

I finished the 2008 tbr Challenge. My mom didn't. HAHAHA! I read 15 books from my list this past year. I read some that were not on my list too. My favorite one was The Doll House Murders. My least favorite was The Witch Of Blackbird Pond. I am not doing it for 2009. I just am using Shelfari.

Books I Read

1. Just As long As We're Together by Judy Blume
2. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
3. Island Of The Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
4. Julie Of The Wolves by Jean Craighead George
5. The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright
6. Little House In The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
7. The Cricket In Times Square by George Seldon
8. The Witch Of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
9. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
10. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
11. Ghosts Beneath Our Feet by Betty Ren Wright
12. Christina’s Ghost by Betty Ren Wright
13. The Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Patterson
14. Iggy’s House by Judy Blume
15. My Dog's A Scardy-Cat by Henry Winkler

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Book Last of Year MADE IT!


I finished My Dogs a Scaredy-Cat it was ok. I think this book was meant for boys. I’d give a two stars. Its about a kid named Hank who has a bully at the school that he hates him. So on Halloween he makes a haunted house to scare the bully with his best friends. First they had to test it on people and all the people were not scared. Yet when they try it on the bully every thing they did was unplanned that time and he got scared and peed his pants and ran out the door.
The End

Cleaning



Today was fun we cleaned a lot. I was also playing Animal Crossing for Wii its one of the things i got for Christmas. Its really cool. You can change your face to your Miis face which I thought was weird. Here is a Gibby.

Always Be Prepared

In just a few short days, I will be back at work. With my new job, I will not be available to be here all the time to remind my children to clean up after themselves or to shower and brush their teeth. I must have the laziest children in town. Anyway, in the time I have before I go, I am developing a new system. We are going to start with a total house clean up. We are implementing a new point based chore system that will be easy for me to monitor and see which member of our team in sitting on the bench. Team members who play ball get allowance and other incentives. Benchwarmers get their stuff removed. I hung a sign in the girls bathroom reminding them that no one likes stinky people and showers and soap are needed. We developed a system for organizing the schedules of four people- that includes jobs, school, and activities (Carolynn’s band and track and Catherine wants to play softball). I developed a new budgeting system to make sure each bill is paid in full and on time. It also allows for savings and fun. Look, I can afford fun again. Once the new job starts things will need to be purchased in order to keep everything running smoothly. I will finally get my washer and dryer. New laundry hampers will be in order. David will be purchasing a bus pass to easily get him where he needs to go. Catherine will be reactivating her cell phone so I can even more easily access anyone I need to. All need dressers. Carolynn needs more shelves.

In a short time, my life will be again under my control. No longer will I sit sadly and look for jobs. Well, I already stopped doing that. No longer will I have to struggle to pay my bills. No longer will I be unable to afford the slightest hint of fun. I will be able to do the things I once enjoyed. Things such as eating out, shopping with the girls, reading books, filling my iPod, and more.

It only took 6 months, a move to a new city, 526 e-mails, countless applications, many interviews, a strange stint as a fish tank cleaner at a pet store (that still has not paid me), and the help and kindness of my family and friends to finally get my life back.

Photo Hunter: Squeaky

This used to be squeaky. Gibby loves his toys.


See more Photo Hunters here.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas

Yesterday I got a lot of things I got a:
a Lucy doll
a Christmas glass doll
a Titanic Barbie
a a really cute bag
there is more like a camera its really cool I took a lot of pictures. We also went to my grandmas house and Alyssa and my uncle were there. I took a lot of pictures there was good food.

This was really good

here is all of them accept two. I was taking these pictures with my my camera

The Morning After

Christmas is over. In a way, I am glad. Why do the holidays always seem so stressful? Oh well, it was fun anyway. On Wednesday, we went to my brother’s house for Christmas Eve. We had a Mexican fiesta. Nicole made some very yummy tamales. That night we hung out with Allison so Joe and Nicole could run out for some last minute shopping. While they were gone, my dad called Allison as Santa. She was so excited. The look on her face was priceless. Her eyes got so huge. She was so good for the rest of the night too.

Yesterday morning, the girls got up around seven and proceeded to plow through their presents.

Carolynn and her new glass doll.


Catherine's new Wii Game


Rose from the movie Titanic


Catherine and a new book.


Catherine and her new Twister game


David got a waffle maker for Christmas (it was what he asked for) and he made everyone waffles. After the waffles and presents, we went to Chris, Sherri and Taylor’s for a Christmas visit. They got Catherine some really great cooking stuff. Real stuff, just for her to cook with. They got Carolynn some craft stuff. They got me a great popcorn maker. It will get much use.

After we left there, we went to my mom’s house. My Uncle Dan, Aunt Paveena and Alyssa came. We ate some ham. Aunt Paveena made wontons. They were soooo good. We got many nice gifts from everyone. Carolynn got the digital camera she wanted. She took over 50 pictures with it. We got plenty of movies. I got some nice sweaters. I listed it yesterday in my final installment of Thursday Thirteen. They are not having it anymore. I guess I am back to writing my own stuff on Thursday.

After we left my mom’s house, we came home and watched White Christmas. In the evening we had a nice dinner of roast beef. Then we watched The Dark Knight. That was David’s other present. It was okay. It was a bit dark for me.

It was a good day.

Today I had some work related stuff to do. I got a hair cut. It is much shorter now. I ran a few errands. I ate some leftovers. Carolynn has been playing Wii. Catherine is cleaning her room. David has to work. Now we are watching The Devil Wears Prada. Very girly.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Ahhh


Post Christmas tomorrow need to sleep!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you.
Jennifer
Carolynn
Catherine
David
Elvis
Gibby
Kitty
Cleo
and Little Dude

Thursday Thirteen



Thirteen Presents I Got For Christmas

1. iPod Nano from my mom
2. 2 Sweaters- One from the girls and one from Aunt Paveena and Alyssa
3. Chocolate Covered Cherries from David
4. Soaps from my sister and some from Joe and Nicole
5. Marley and Me book from David
6. Shirts from my mom and one from the girls
7. Candles from David and from the girls
8. DVD's from everyone. I got four- Friends, The Notebook, My Best Friend's Wedding, and The Holiday.
9. A picture from the girls
10. A popcorn maker from Chris, Sherri, and Taylor
11. A Mug from my sister
12. Money from Grandpa
13. A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is what I really wanted the most.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Almost Christmas


Today and yesterday I was at Joe's house. It was really fun. we went to the mall and Christmas shopping it was crowded in there. but it was really fun. tomorrow is Christmas I can't wait. Here is Tinker Bell.

Wordless Wednesday


"What the #$@*& is this all over my yard?"
Kitty
December 2008
Apple Valley, California

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

BRB

Christmas Cookies

We had a fun time in Palm Springs. I lost my money, but I knew I would. We ate at the buffet there and it was fabulous. I ate so much. It was all good. I have not been eating right because I have been so stressed. Now I cannot stop eating. I played some slots. I liked one called Lucky Meercats. It was like one I played in Pahrump called Lucky Lemmings. It was fun. I tried a few other ones, but that was my favorite. We went to Monday Night Football and ate some tailgate foods. They had hot dogs and chicken wings and stuff. It was good. We only stayed until half time. Then we played some more slots. I was not winning, so my mom and me went to the bar and tried a few fancy martinis. Some were better than others were.

This one was called Palm Springs. It was my favorite.


This one was called Razzberry Tini. It tasted like Formula 44. My mom really liked this one.


This one was called Lemon Head. It was very tart.


This one is called Lady Luck. It was kind of lemon-lime cherry.


This one was a melon one.


After a bunch of those, I was feeling pretty good.

Today we had a little breakfast, played some more slots and headed home. We had fun.

While I was gone, the girls spent the night at my brother’s house. I assume they had fun. I assume this because they are still there. They called this afternoon and asked if they could sleep over again. My brother was egging them on. (Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese can’t they stay????) I said yes. He took them shopping and out to eat and junk. That must have been fun. My brother, three girls, in the mall, two days before Christmas… Good luck with that. Then he took them out to eat. He is a brave soul. Now he has them for one more night.

I am still doing my holiday baking. There is only a little left. We have a million cookies, candies, and cakes.

Tomorrow I am going to my brother’s house to spend Christmas Eve. I am making some beans and Nicole is making some tamales. It will be a Christmas Fiesta.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Three Sheets To The Wind

You should never blog drunk. Yet, here it is. I have only been drunk maybe thee times ever. This is one of those times. Six martinis later. I just figured out why blogging is bad drunk. You cannot spell. I have had to correct it like 12 times.

Palm Springs is fun. I am finally relaxed. Maybe too relaxed. Grandpa is in the casino gambling. Good thing too. I would be embarrassed for my Grandpa to see me drunken. He’d probably just laugh though.

My mom is also drunken. It is funny. We met a guy who looks like this old dude.



We took his picture. Tomorrow we will have pictures of this guy and some drinks and more. Tonight I will sleep. And laugh. Everything is hilarious. Hilarious is a hilarious word.

A Fun Day Today


Today my Mom is going to Palm Springs and I'm going to sleep over at Nicole and Joe's house.Its going to be really fun.
There are a lot of presents under the tree but only 3 days till Christmas!
here is a cat.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Chinese Food


Today I went shopping with my Mom and Grandma. I bought some jeans and a shirt. Plus we ate some Chinese food it was really good but Chinese food fills you up fast. I'm going to sleep now. here is me at Halloween.

Just Sunday

I did a lot of baking today. I made the peanut butter cookie dough this morning. It had to chill. I baked them later. I also made brownies, chocolate peanut butter cookies and sugar cookies. I am still not done. I am making presents. Just because I have a job now doesn’t mean they are paying me yet. I do not start until January.

Today Carolynn and I went out with my mom. We have been doing that Sundays. My dad and Grandpa watch football Sunday. We went to the Circuit City because her computer was being a jerk. They fixed it up for her. While they were fixing it, we went for Chinese food. It was so good. We got egg fu yong, chicken lo-mein, and sweet and sour chicken. It was fabulous. After we ate, we went to the Mervyn’s. It only has 4 days left before it is gone forever. I got Carolynn two pairs of $42 jeans for $12.50 each. She loves them. My mom got a few things too. Then we went back to the Circuit City to pick up my mom’s computer. I got a little speaker dock for my iPod. It was crazy out there. I am glad I don’t have to go out more. It seems like every time I come home, I remember something else I need.

I went to the grocery store this afternoon because I needed powdered sugar. I got dog food and some other junk I needed. I got me a bottle of Bailey’s with Caramel. I thought it might be tasty in hot chocolate. It was too. I got home and realized I forgot to buy smaller Ziploc bags. I have big ones.

Well, that is all for today. I got my car insurance bill in my e-mail and I didn’t even have a panic attack. It was good.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Photo Hunter: Wide



This is my Grandpa's wide screen TV. It has sports on it everyday.

See more Photo Hunters here.

Where To Start...

My job offer was finalized yesterday. It is official. I am an employee of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. They called yesterday afternoon to let me know I should give my current employer notice right away. Okay, Gibby, you will have to hold down the fort by yourself, because I have to work. I begin training on January 5. I will have to go there sometime this week to discuss my recruitment bonus. I understand that it is 15% of my annual salary. I will be purchasing a washer and dryer immediately upon receiving this money. I have the appliance store on speed dial.

After they called, I called people because I was so excited to share my news. Nicole said the message I left on their answering machine was funny. I do not remember what I said. I was too excited. I was crying and yelling all over the house. Catherine thought something bad had happened. She was the only one home at the time. David and Carolynn were off bell ringing.

After my big news, I went to the Best Buy. My mom bought me an iPod for Christmas and I went to get it. It is blue. Once I got it home and figured out how to get songs on it (Thank you Trish), it was late. I did listen to it today. I even downloaded an episode of Friends onto it. (It is The One With The Mac And C.H.E.E.S.E.) I love it. It is so fun. I want to get many fabulous accessories for it, like a dock to listen to it in the house and something to play it in the car. My parents’ Jeep has a built in thing to play it.

Today has been busy. I was up early to take David to work. I found out that he will have to work Monday and Tuesday when I am going to Palm Springs. Luckily, once again, it was super Nicole to the rescue. She is going to take the kids over night while I am away so I can still go and David can still work. She’s a peach.

After I dropped off David, the girls and I had a Egg McMuffin and did some bell ringing. We saw my mom and Grandpa there buying chicken. After we rang the bell, we went to see the folks and Carolynn had some chicken. When I was there my Grandpa told me he wanted me to make him a gumdrop cake. My Grandma made that for him. I made him one last year, but it was not quite right. He gave me some pointers, I got a bundt pan, and hopefully this one will be right. I have it in the oven now. It is very dense. In case you do not know, a gumdrop cake is a fruitcake with gumdrops in it.

After I left my parents house, I went to pick up David, took him to the bank to take care of his check, and went to the Wal-Mart. (To buy a bundt pan.) Then Catherine and I went to do some more bell ringing. Then we went and got the gumdrops. I listened to my iPod while I made my cake.

Well, that is it for now. I am excited about the next two weeks. I can’t wait to start my new job.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Today



Today I didn't do much today I went bell ringing at Stater Bros and I saw Tiffany. My Mom got a job at the prison. Its really cold today.
My cat Cleo is really annoying I don't know if she wants pets or for me to go to bed but I'm on Christmas break so I'm staying up. My cat Kitty was out in the snow. We threw her in the snow because she was being a butt. Kitty ran off that snow fast and there was kitty print in the snow.
Today my Mom got a new ipod its a aquamarine color. I also got two CD's there really good.
This is Stich

Thanks

Let us just say, I am no longer worried about getting a job and that I was nuts to think anything would happen.

Now that I am gainfully employed, I am happier and healthier. Okay, my stomach was in knots all day and I probably will feel better tomorrow. However, I am so excited about my new job. I start on the fifth. I cannot wait.

Now that all this job hunting and stress has finally ended, I would like to say thanks.

Thanks to my mom and dad, without whom I would not have survived 6 months with no job.

Thanks to my Grandpa, who bought me a fridge and Carolynn’s bed and various other needed items and tanks of gas over the last six months. It was appreciated.

Thanks to David who watched the kids so I could do anything I wanted to or needed to do, kept the kitchen clean most of the time, and handed over every cent of his measly paychecks from McDonald’s.

Thanks to my kids, who spent the last six months knowing we were “on a budget”, did not beg and whine too much, and put up with an extremely frazzled and stressed mom.

Thanks to Trish, who is always supportive and would have paid every one of my bills for me, had she been made of money. She is the best friend and soap maker in the history of the world.

Thanks to my brother and Nicole, who filled my chest with ice when I had no fridge and fixed my car battery when Carolynn drained it.

Thanks to my sister, who is always good for a laugh.

Thanks to all my internet supporters. You guys all rule and I love you all.

Finally, I feel good. I finally feel like this place does not suck so badly. I finally am totally and completely relaxed.

Good night internets. Tomorrow will be super.

Is It Friday Yet? Oh, Yes It Is

I have a lot to do today. Besides waiting to hear if I am finally employed, I have to take Gibby to the groomer, go to the bank, take David to get his paycheck, clean the house, bake more cookies, and maybe do some more laundry. We did not do it all the other day. I still have a few presents to wrap. I am hoping to buy one or two more.

Carolynn and David will be doing some bell ringing later. It is chilly and wet so they better bundle up.

Yesterday I baked snowball cookies for my Grandpa. I thought he might like some snowballs that were tasty instead of wet and cold.

That is really all. I am just trying to stay focused. I have a job. (I hope.)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Thursday Thirteen


Thirteen Gibby Clothes

1. A Santa outfit
2. A Christmas shirt
3. A army coat
4. A green winter coat
5. A Hawaii shirt
6. A Hawaii Shirt
7. Peter Pan outfit
8. Brown coat
9. Red and white shirt
10. Green and white sweater
12. Cougars shirt
13. Bones costume

Frozen

I did not sleep very well last night. It had nothing to do with the cold. I started thinking…

What if I messed up? What if I don’t have a job after all? What if the prison decided that no, I am not worthy? I know they gave me, in writing, a job offer that is contingent on my passing a background check and drug test. I know I am not a criminal and have never done a drug in my whole life. However, what if there is some thing on there I did not know about? What if the lab makes a mistake and says I do some drugs? Then no prison job for me. What if that happens and the woman from the old folk’s home finds someone else? Then I am so screwed. I have not job searched all week. What if I missed some other great opportunity? I got an interview at an old folk’s home in Barstow as an administrative assistant and I turned it down. I got an interview at a gas station and I gave it to David. I was supposed to take a test to work in the county child support office on Tuesday and I skipped it. What have I done? Both places said they would let me know tomorrow. The prison should have gotten my drug test results and background check done and will let me know tomorrow. The woman from the old folk’s home said she would call me tomorrow and let me know the details. I am probably going to go nuts until I know for sure. I know, I have severe mental issues.

Here are a couple of pictures I took of our yard this morning.

This is the view from my front door. I am not going out there.


This is the view from the back door.


It is sunny today but the world is white. My mom said her gate was frozen shut. Oh darn, I guess she cannot go to work today. Unfortunately, she has Direct TV and it is out today. I have cable, so we have TV. Grandpa might go crazy with no sports to watch. School was canceled today. The girls get an extra day of vacation. I am going to clean and bake today. I need to keep busy or I might have a nervous breakdown. There are no bell ringers today. I just need to keep busy. I have to think… I have a job. Not the what ifs. I mean really, what are the chances? Slim, I know. Still, there is that chance…

Mental. Yep.

Thursday Thirteen



Thirteen Things You Can Do In The Snow

1. Shovel it
2. Build a snowman
3. Watch it fall
4. Make a snow angel
5. Eat it
6. Attempt to drive in it
7. Throw snow balls
8. Build a snow fort
9. Catch snowflakes on your tongue
10. Sled
11. Ski
12. Snowboard
13. Slip and fall in it

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Wordless Wednesday



Winter Wonderland

I want all of you friends and readers who live in the Midwest or any other place where it is regularly cold and snowy to not laugh.

It snowed here today. Honest to God snowed. It is the most snow that I ever saw in Apple Valley. It looks like about seven or so inches of precipitation today. It was crazy. I got up this morning to discover it was very rainy. My mom called and said the pass was closed so there would be no trip to Palm Springs today. We rescheduled for Monday. That way my parents can go too. Anyway, Apple Valley schools were open so I got the kids off to school. As I said, it was not snowing here. After the kids were at school, I went to the Salvation Army to count the buckets. I was there for a while when my mom called. She said that Carolynn had called her and that school was canceled. Carolynn thought I had gone to Palm Springs. Therefore, my mom went and braved the snow and the crazy parents to pick up Carolynn and I went to pick up Catherine. There was not that much snow, maybe an inch. However, Apple Valley is not prepared for any kind of snow so it was shut down. After we all got home, my dad called looking for my mom. She had stopped at the store to buy the stuff to make a pot of chili. I decided I wanted a pot of chili too. Carolynn and I braved the snow to go to the store. By the time we got there and home, the snow was worse. It just snowed and snowed. I have not seen it snow like that since we left Wisconsin. We have had a fire all day. We ate our big pot of chili. I had some tea. The girls went out to play in it a bit. The dogs are not happy. Elvis runs out only if he has too. Gibby was scared at first, but when the girls went and played in it, he went too.

Here are some pictures of our snowy day.

Here are the girls and their dirt snow man. This was early in the day, when there was only a little snow.


This is a snow ball fight in progress. Once again, this was early in the day.


This is our house toward the end of the day. It was getting dark. But it was still snowing.


This is Carolynn and Gibby late in the day playing in the snow.


Here are the girls and Gibby in the yard. Gibby loved chasing the girls through the snow.


Here is a short video of Gibby and the girls in the snow.



Also, my sister sent us a package yesterday. She called today and said the girls could open them up. Of course they did. So here they are.

Carolynn and her gift from Sarah.


Catherine and her gift from Sarah.

Wordless Wednesday


Allison
Halloween 2008
Victorville, California

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Busy As One Of Santa’s Elves

Today I did a lot. I filled out my background check paperwork for the prison. That took forever. I had to have addresses for every place I had lived going back like a million years. Not really. I did discover that in 10 years, I have lived in 10 houses, in two states and six different cities. I had to give them the names, addresses and phone numbers of my closest friends and family. I had to disclose my whole life history. When I finished, I went to my mom’s and printed it. I would have printed it here, but David’s computer crashed and he has not re-installed the printer stuff yet. It is almost back to normal. That means my mom will have to wait just a little longer for whatever fabulous new blog header David will design. I brought my mom a bottle of Sweet Hot Mustard from Hickory Farms while I was over there. Then I went and took the signed pages to the prison. She said she would be calling my by Friday. Then I rang the bell for the Salvation Army. After that, I did the laundry. There are always scary people in the Laundromat. As soon as I start being paid, I am buying a washer and dryer. One of Carolynn’s friends was there today. They were all giggly. When I got home, I cleaned a little. I packed for my adventure to Palm Spring with Grandpa. We leave tomorrow. I am picking him up at 8:00 am. He has a doctor’s appointment then we are off to Agua Caliente. It is going to be a fun trip. I will relax and Grandpa will have a good time too.

The girls only have a couple of more days at school. Thursday is their last day and it is a half day. Then they get three whole weeks off.

Well, I am off to bed because I have a big day tomorrow. I will be sure and post some pictures from my adventure.

Laundry


Today went with my Mom to the laundry mate. I saw my friend Lexus at the laundry mate and we were talking. We also ate tacos from Jack in the Box.

Monday, December 15, 2008

The Big House

Today I went to the prison for a drug test and a physical. I was there for five hours. FIVE! Oh well. It was fine. The health services are in the main building, which houses the maximum-security federal penitentiary. I had to be checked, re-checked and checked again. I had to go through a bunch of big metal doors. There were really prisoners in there. They were cleaning the floor. Oh well, I peed in a cup and was checked out. I was given a letter on conditional employment. As soon as they get my test results and my background check, I can expect my real offer. I would being training on January 5.

Tomorrow I was scheduled to take a test for the county tomorrow, but I think I will skip it. I like the sound of that. I already have a job.

Wednesday I am taking my Grandpa to Palm Springs. I did not realize that Wednesday night was also Carolynn’s band concert. Luckily, my mom is going to fill in for me. She can take the pictures and listen to the Jingle Bells. It is more important right now to take Grandpa. I can hear Carolynn play any time. It will be fine if this one time I sent in a substitute. Once I am working, it is liable to happen more often. When I was working last year, missed several cross-country meets. I try to go to as many things as possible. I always tried to send in a substitute though so at least someone was there.

Today was very cold and rainy. It was snowing in places close by. It might snow here tonight. David rang the bell for the Salvation Army for 6 hours. Good thing he got that new sweatshirt. He was still cold though.

School Day



Today I went to school. It was fun. I also sorted laundry it was boring. This is Jonathan. Today is his birthday. He is 17.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Not Much

Today Diamond and Makala went home I wanted them to stay but I have school tomorrow this is Panic At the Disco I know they look scary

Super Sunday

Today was a fine day. Do you know why? It is because I have a job. Nope, I do not get tired of saying it. I have a job.

I slept so well the last two nights. It has been cold so it is nice to be all tucked in. My dog snuggles up too. I did not realize how terrible my sleep has been until I finally slept. I have a terrible cold too. Well, it is mostly gone now, but I still have this painful cold sore on my lip. At least my nose stopped running.

Today I left David here with all of those girls and went out. I went to Wal-Mart and picked up some pictures and paper towels. Then I went to my mom’s house. My mom, dad and I went to a little tavern and played some darts. The woman there carded me. I was not even drinking, but I was in a bar. I felt so young. I am old enough to drink plus ten. Anyway, it was fun. My dads darts were kind of falling a part. He could use some new ones. After that, we picked up some tacos at the Del Taco and went back to my mom’s house to eat them. My mom gave me a new jacket. Well, new to me. It had been my grandma’s jacket. It was much better than the old, ugly one I was wearing. That one did not zip and was once my ex-husbands. I threw it in the trash.

After that, I came home and I was going to take the friends home. Catherine’s friend had been picked up earlier in the day, but Carolynn’s friends were still here. They weren’t ready to go home, so I left them here and David, Catherine and I went to the mall. Catherine wanted some orange chicken. We looked around at the Mervyn’s going out of business sale. It says “9 Days Left”. David got a zip up hooded sweatshirt for less than $20. It says Levi on it. He did not have one and it has been so cold. The Kay-Bee Toys in the mall is going out of business too. We looked inside, but they are only at 30% off. They did not have the Barbie’s Carolynn wanted. They were gone. I went to the Hickory Farms. I had a craving for some Sweet-Hot Mustard. I love it. I got a bottle for me and one for my mom. I also picked up a book to read on my trip to Palm Springs. It s this month’s Readers Anonymous pick. It is called Cat Deck The Halls. It looks kind of cute. It is about a cat that solves mysteries.

Tomorrow I have to go to the prison for a drug test and physical. It is kind of like getting up and going to work. You know, like because I have a job to go to.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Relaxing

I cannot remember being this happy. I really feel like a whole new me. Now wait, not a new me. I finally feel like the old me. I want to go back to all those sad, pathetic blog posts and stamp them all "Not Anymore" or something. I can not believe just days ago I was worried how I would pay a car payment. Now, not only is the car payment paid, I am employed.

Today, I got up early and went to the Salvation Army to count out the money. I did not do any bell ringing yesterday because I had my interviewing. I counted money from 7:00 this morning until about 12:30 in the afternoon. My fingers were black. Money is so filthy. After I finished counting, I picked up Carolynn and her friends so they could do the bell ringing today. Carolynn’s friends Makayla and Diamond are spending the weekend. David was going to go ring the bell today and Makayla was excited and really wanted to do it, so I said they could. Gary, the person who runs the Salvation Army, gave them all their own aprons and jingle bells. They rang the bell from 1:00 to 5:30. And it was very cold today. They sang songs and got a lot of donations. They were very proud of themselves. Here is a picture of them. I took it with my phone so it is not a super great picture.



David supervised the girls most of the day. I did it for the last hour and a half. While he and the girls were ringing, Catherine and I went over to my mom’s house. I was telling my parents and grandpa about my new job. While I was there, my Grandpa and I planned a trip to Palm Springs. He gets free rooms at some of the casinos he frequents and he has one for Agua Caliente. I have never been to Palm Springs and that is Grandpa’s favorite casino. Therefore, he and I are going to take a trip there. We are going on Wednesday morning after Grandpa’s doctor’s appointment. We will be back on Thursday. He gets to play his favorite slots and I get to hang out and relax with no kids. Woo Hoo! It would be cool if Trisha lived near enough to come hang with me. She could use a day off too.

Well, that is it for now. Carolynn and her friends are watching Titanic. Catherine has a friend over too. She came late this afternoon. They are playing dress up. Earlier they roasted marshmallows in the fireplace. There are five kids in my house for a sleep over, but I do not care… because I have a job!

Photo Hunter: Favorite


Christmas is my favorite holiday. I like the decorations and the food and the presents.

See more Photo Hunters here.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Friends



Diamond and Makayla are here were having fun.
I love Panic at the Disco I know all their names.