Holiday Updates

Hope everyone's holidays were great. We had a wonderful Christmas here. I took lots of pictures, will download them soon. Right now I am working on a scrapbook I am making for Matthew of his dad. I gave it to him for Christmas even though it was not done. He was really happy with it. I was a bit worried that he would not realize the time, effort and expense I have been putting into the project for the past 8 months, but he did. I underestimated my beautiful son. I am more proud of him every day. Kim spent Christmas Day with us and I was so very happy to have the day with the two of them. We laughed and joked and had the best time ever! What was everyone's favorite gift? I loved all my gifts. I got a Harbor Bay lighthouse; its a collectible. I collect them and love lighthouses. Kim got me this awesome box filled with scrapbook embellishments, all great things that I can't wait to use. She has great taste. I also got a bottle of my favorite perfume, White Diamonds, as well as many other great things. I just had to name a few of the epecially great ones. Thank you again to all you special people in my life.

More Pup Pics

Here are a few more pictures of the 'kids'. This is what that teenage brat of mine has reduced me to; he won't let me take pictures of him anymore so its all pictures of the poor puppies. He will be sorry on Christmas morning when they get all the presents too (lol)!. Aren't these the cutest babies?

Back to the scrapping. I am in the middle of a major project for someone very special right now.

Ho Ho Ho...

Getting ready for Christmas, slowly. Started baking some of my famous goodies. Right now the Black Russian Brownies are in the oven. They contain... Yes, Karen - Kalua and Vodka. Timer is going off, will write more soon...
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Now, this is really funny... Here are my Christmas pictures of Isabella and Mac. Isabella acted like she was being beaten while her brother hammed it up for the camera.

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Okay, Okay - here goes

A very dear friend had guilted me into updating this thing, but its got to be a 'quickie' for right now, I am on the run as we speak. Yes, I was just on vacation last week, but don't ask me what got done, I still don't know. Right now I am busy preparing for Matt's 18th birthday (my Pearl Harbor baby) and Christmas. Here is a picture of my baby! More news to follow...

Time Marches On

We are well into November already. So much has happened, yet things have not changed much here. Matt brought home a dog a few weeks ago, a one year old male that he named Mac. He's a handful, but funny, smart and handsome. Isabella likes her new brother, but she keeps him in his place, she is the boss, even if he is bigger than she is. He looks to be a mix of Rottweiler, German Shepard and Doberman. The German part is the most prominent, he is so stubborn.

I have got to get into gear, Thanksgiving, Matt's birthday and then Christmas will be arriving shortly. Anyone who knows me knows how I hate last minute shopping. Time to start writing some major lists and searching sale ads. I have plans for some homemade gifts too this year.

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Coffee time and then laundry and list making. Have a good weekend, all!

Need I Say More?

I DARE anyone to disagree with that!

October News

October has started out pretty rough. I have been working lots, and not on my scrapbooks, either. That is why I have not posted. Been very down also.
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Tuesday, my niece Angela turned Sweet 16 and we lost our beloved dog, Sarah. It was sudden and painful. She and Matt grew up together and he drove her to the vet where her heart just gave out. My heart is breaking for my son. He has been through way too many losses for a young man.
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Will try to write more news soon. Hopefully something more happy.

What A Mom!

Today was Matt's first day of school, senior year! I am so proud of my handsome young man. Yes, I got weepy when he walked out the door, and yes, I was really pissed at him because he would not let mommy take a picture of him on his first day. Its been a tradition every year and this is his last. I am big on revenge, though (lol).

Anyway, for anyone who cares, I apologize for not adding to my blog in so long. I have kept myself busy over the past few weeks. Lets see... Well, another migraine. In fact, this one probably gets the gold star. I am now taking a preventative med daily to avoid any more migraines. I still get headaches that start, but I take 3 ibrubrofin and a naproxin type pill right away and they usually help. I have not puked in two weeks, (yee ha!) and that is a new record for me! What else... Working on some really great scrapbook pages for some family members. I am happy with my work, like the way I have become more daring with colors. I am just starting to use ribbon. I am no artist, but I have to admit, I am fairly creative. Got a page done last night and two more done tonight.

Yesterday Matt and I had a great day to ourselves. Kind of. We had the house to ourselves If you knew what has been going on here lately, you would know how big a deal this was for us. He and his buddy banged aroound in the driveway on his latest 'project' - a white Bronco, while I did a month's worth of laundry, worked on a transcript and made dinner for us. My steaks were awesome, lots of garlic, yum!!! Then I worked on my scrapbooking.

I'm Scrap Happy

Well, I just finished going through all my scrapbook stuff looking for more karate pictures. I am scrapbooking tomorrow night and just finished packing my bag. And, now I can't wait to get home from work tomorrow so I can go. Let the dust bunnies roam the house, this babe is gonna crop till she drops! I do admit it will be nice when my mom and sisters start scrapping again. I used to have everyone over about once a month on a Saturday or Sunday, and we would scrap all day, and have lots of junk food. I love spending time with my sisters. : > )

Okay, I am really tired, must have been the tall glass of wine. Let's toast to a decent week. It has not been that bad all things considered. Good night from Bella and me...

At The Shore

Note to self: when in Ocean City, do not eat at Angelo's Pizza.

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Yes, I finally made it to the beach this weekend. Hey, when Rosee says she and the girls are taking a ride, do I want to join them, I am not going to stop and think about the dust piling up, the To Do List I have yet to 'do'. The sun was bright and it was oh, so *hot*! I took a good paperback and sat with my feet in the water. The wave weree pretty wild so when I would least expect it. a big wave would come by and soak my ass... Do you think I learned my lesson? Uh huh. Nope, not me. I loved every minute of it. We had packed drinks and snacks. Then, on the ride home we decided to stop for a couple slices of pizza since it would be late when we got home and we were starved. So, we thought pizza sounded good, and would be cheap. No one had much money on them. We drove the streets of Ocean City for nearly 1/2 an hour, looking and finally came across a pizza joint. Mom and Britt ran in and got some slices. They came back with 10 slices (a large plus two extra slices) - two slices each. It was $22. And, the cheap bastards could not even put some garlic in a little plastic container. Rose and I love to pile extra garlic on our pie. It tasted like frozen Ellios. NEVER AGAIN! Oh wait, here is the best part - as we are sitting in the car eating, around the corner from Angelo's is another pizza place - with a special of a large cheese pie, 2 liter soda and 10 wings for $17.95! Where were you when we needed you?

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Want to see the pictures from the beach?

Do You Understand Me?

OK, below is a joke a friend sent me. This was very funny, but also describes me totally. I'm the first to admit that. And, when I tell you that, LISTEN TO ME!

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Words Women Use:
*Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
*Five Minutes:
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

*Nothing:

This is the calm before the storm. This means "something" and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine".

*Go Ahead:

This is a dare, not permission. DON'T DO IT!

*Loud Sigh:

Although not actually a word, the loud sigh is often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".

*That's Okay:

This is one of the most dangerous statements that woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

*Thanks:

This is the least used of all words in the female vocabulary. If a woman is thanking you, Do Not question it, just say you're welcome and back out of the room slowly.

*Copyright from my dear, but crazy Scrapper friend, Margaret; many thanks!

Vacation Update

Here is a "Big Brother" picture from a challenge race and Madison on the slide.

My week has rocked! Watched Dianna's kids this week at the pool. I took tons of pictures. Yesterday and today Carly and Britt came over and we all swam, and the kids played "Big Brother" and "Survivor". Madison chased the kids up the slide, and I have the pictures to prove it. But, I was laughing so hard the pic's may turn out pretty shaky. Yes, I will be downloading them soon. I am a little bummed, was hoping to watch the kids again tomorrow, but their dad is working at home. So, maybe I will head to the shore - finally! First time this summer. Of course, my camera goes with me.

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Cutting it short tonight, Matt stopped home to shower quick then its off to job #2. I need to wash his work clothes for morning. Then I will download some pictures.

My Vacation

Well, it has been a whole week since I added to this blog (sorry Karen). But, I'm now on vacation. Things got off to a rocky start, with the worst migraine I have ever experienced. It caused me to miss a friend's wedding, which I had been looking forward to for the longest time. After lots of puking and drugs, I woke Saturday about 9:30 feeling a bit more normal (?). I had to hurry and get packed for my sister's. The next three days were spent quietly (sort of) with three dogs. I got to scrapbook and sit by the pool, reading. I got a great tan to show, but am in desperate need of sleep. I had my Isabella and two huge chocolate Labs in bed with me. Madison is a female, and her brother Grizzly is a male. I fondly refer to him as "Moose". He is as slow and calm as his sister is wild. Maddy and Belly had fun running the yard and playing "chase" every morning and every evening. I enjoyed the much needed peace. But, now I am home and have to get stuff done. I am paying bills, cleaning and trying to find a place to get Matt's Senior Portraits done. The place the school hired is too expensive. His pictures turned out good, but I think I can get better pictures for less. So, that is today's goal. I am going to work on finishing Matt's karate album after that. I am so proud of my progress!

Well, this scrap happy chick is going back to work. I promise to show my work soon!

Just Another Day

Another work day is done, three more to go. This week is harder than most. Friday we get to leave work early, cause one of the guys is getting married. Then, Isabella and I are spending the weekend at my one sister's to watch her dogs while they go away. POOL! And, I am on vacation for the week!

We are going to keep it short tonight. I just finished a run on the treadmill, so I need a nice cool shower and then I want to start reading my newest James Patterson book.

How Was Your Weekend?

My weekend went by too fast. Can I have a do over? Spent most of it with a migraine, that is still with me. Waaa...

Karen my dear friend, thanks for correcting my spelling of "be-yotch". My favorite 'English Teacher', I owe you an apple (lol).

Well, I printed and cut over a hundred pictures, paid bills, did laundry, cleaned my desk, and got online to order more scrapbook supplies. But the highlight of the weekend was waking at 3am to this migraine and laying there for 5 hours feeling like puking and not having the strength to move. Anybody want to change places with me?

Actually, the highlight of my weekend was getting an email from a good friend, Carroll. We lost touch over the years. Also, I watched one of my favorite movies with my nieces Brittany and Carly. We watched Legally Blond. That one gets funnier every time.

Work was really busy today. Didn't sleep last night thanks to my headache and the heat. Isabella was breathing way too heavy. Watched The Godfather and The Godfather, Part II on AMC during the night. Ok Belly, tonight Mommy sleeps! Oh, this is a picture of my baby girl. Isn't she beautiful?

All right, I have been home for over an hour and have not done anything except play on the computer. Better recharge the battery and get on the treadmill or I will never fit into that little black dress Friday night......

One More Day

One more day and its Friday. I can't wait. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate my job, and I AM a morning person. But, I just feel like getting up, being able to sit for an hour with my coffe and a good book. Then, I will get my cleaning done (in a hurry) so I can throw a couple good movies in the DVD player and scrapbook the rest of the day. That is my favorite hobby. Before I started scrapping, I never saw myself as a creative person. Now as I see my work, and hear the praise of others, I know there is something I can do fairly well. I have not felt that way in a long time.

Ok, I am an old bi-atch, and I admit I am tired. The place is quiet, which is rare anymore, so I am cutting it short for now. Maybe I will add some pictures of my scrapbook pages next time. Good night, sweet dreams and don't let the bed bugs bite (as Grandma always said to me)......

Hump Day!

All I can say is thank God it's almost over. Wednesdays are my least favorite day, and my "long day" at work. It's downhill from here as the saying goes. It was not a bad day though, just started out slow. I had ordered some scrapbook supplies I needed to finish Matt's karate album. I was hoping the stuff would arrive before the weekend so I could work on the scrapbook Sunday. Surprise! The package came today. At lunchtime I hit Dunkin Donuts and got coffee for Susan, Nora and myself. Instead of a hot one, I decided to go with a mocha latte. Man, I love those things! All that caffeine wires me and makes me goofy (goofier some would say). That helped make the day go faster. Oh, by the way, the three of us girls have new nicknames in the office. I think the extreme heat has burned up some of our brain cells. Anyway, a guy that Susan is sort of seeing called her the other day and said "hi, Cupcake". Well, that didn't sit too well with Suz. Of course, Nora and I had to tease her endlessly. Somehow we decided to all be some type of cake. Therefore, I am now referred to as Tastycake, Nora is Fruitcake and of course, Susan is Cupcake. We work in a very professional environment.

As I sit here and write about my day, I am enjoying one of my favorite shows, Everybody Loves Raymond, and drinking a nice, cold beer. Hey, I may treat myself to a second one. My favorite beverages are Tequila, Jack and beer. Non-alcoholic are coffee, Diet Pepsi with Lime and lemon lime seltzer. I wish I could live in Margaritaville. I guess its time to start thinking about what else I will do this weekend aside from the scrapbooking. I have a 6 o'clock hair appt Friday night (like I really need more blond in my hair!), so I know I won't want to go out and do anything by the time that is done. Good night to watch movies. I'll figure something out... Time for another Yuengling.

Where I Came From

I wasn't born yesterday, although it would make a great excuse some days. See, I seem to be suffering from CRS. For those of you that don't know, or are suffering from CRS, it is a very serious disease. It can strike anyone at any time, although it is more likely to hit as we get older (over 21, that's all I admit to). CRS was completely unknown to me until about 6 or 7 years ago when my beloved Grandma started showing signs of the disease. CRS stands for Can't Remember Shit. Actually, Grandma called it 'Stuff'. She was always a lady, and one of the mot important people in my life. She is in heaven now, baking and cooking, taking care of her flower beds, and shopping with other angels. I miss her every day. OK, well, I am the oldest (not old) of 4 siblings. I have a brother and two sisters. We grew up in Ohio, and moved to NJ when we were still kids. I have 3 nephews and 7 nieces, and love them all as if they were mine. Each one of these kids have a special placve in my heart. I try to spend time with each of them, quality time. For instance, I just spent my Saturday night watching three of the kids while their parents went out to dinner. We watched movies while we ate popcorn, peanuts, chips and dip, and wings. These are some pictures of me with the kids and my dog, Isabella.
I am a great aunt, but I am also mom to Matt. He will be getting plenty of time here. Matt is the love of my life, and some days he's the only reason I keep going. I am a single mom, its tough every day, all the time!

Now my whole story is out, I guess. My family consists of me, Matt and Isabella. Maybe we will add to our family one day, but not right now. I am just looking for a guy that likes to have fun, nothing more. I tried the "more" stuff, but it gets complicated. I want time to be me again, spend time with my loved ones and laugh. So, yeah, any single guys that can laugh and have fun, let's laugh. But you'd better like hot wings, icy cold beer and horror flicks. Otherwise, where's the fun?

Anyway, Saturday night with Frank, Miranda and Jade absolutely ROCKED! I have yet to meet the man who can outdo these kids in the fun department. Yes, that is a challenge...

My First Time

Ok, this is my first time at this stuff. I feel like the ultimate dork! Five years ago, I knew how to do just about anything asked of me having to do with a computer and the Internet/email. Today, I can't tell you exactly what an Ipod is, do not own one, and have no idea how to use them. And today, I had to learn what a Blog is. Hey, everyone else is doing it... Why can't I? So, I am gonna just do it! Maybe I waited because I was scared no one would be interested in what I did, or what I had to say. Who cares?

Today I was L... A... Z... Y. Isn't that what Sundays are for? I watched TV all day, did a few loads of laundry, and scrapbooked. Yes, I am a scrapaholic. If I had to choose, working on my scrapbooks is real high on my priority list, and one of my favorite pasttimes. Some days I would love to call out sick from work and spend an entire day doing something that I love. But, I have not done that, because I am too responsible, too honest. I put everyone else's needs in front of my own. How boring is that??

Question of the day (this is where I want feedback people): How can we make me less boring, more fun and exciting? I should be able to still be a "responsible adult" while having FUN.

I will be working on getting some pictures in here, some jokes that make my "A" list, and other things more fascinating.

Well, enough playing for one night. It is going to be one of those week's where there just isn't enough coffee to keep me going.