Saturday, July 30, 2005

 

So it's Saturday again, and it is a beautiful day! I just had to sit down and take a break from what I was doing: washing blinds and windows, doing laundry, cleaning the breezeway (again!), and vacuuming the house. All the windows are open and it feels so good! Let's hope this weather lasts for a while.

Other than that, there's not much going on around here. The spouse is doing some work on someone's house today; he's been doing some odd jobs for people these past couple of weeks and if he does good work, word gets around. He's retired so he's definitely got the time. And of course he's got me to motivate him! =)

I gotta go back to my work now; just wanted to pop in real quick. Maybe my next break I'll do some blog-hopping. Gotta see what's going on with my friends and family! Enjoy your weekend and I hope you're getting the beautiful weather we are. Summer is for enjoying the outdoors!

feeling...

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

 

Yay! The heat and humidity are gone... We woke up to 56 degrees this morning and low humidity. IF the weatherman's forecast is accurate, we will be enjoying summer again this whole week, meaning we can actually go outside without any danger of suffering heat stroke! Besides, we need some fresh air in the house, and the air conditioners need a break. I hope the weather has improved where you're at too.

Well, it's off to work I go! Take care and make the most of every moment!! =)

feeling...

Monday, July 25, 2005

 

After the storm...









...and at my stepdaughter's house (that's their garage)





...and just a little cutie-pie!!! =)



All is well and no one we know was injured or harmed in any way. I still think it was more than just 60 mph winds that created this damage. There were trees that literally uprooted from the ground. The weather is improving though and we'll be able to enjoy the outdoors soon (if the weathermen are right!) =)

P.S. I was just reading what I wrote and it sounds really selfish to say that no one we know was hurt; actually, I believe NO one was hurt in this storm at all. Good news, eh? We were without power all day and into the night. I was just ready to go to bed because there was nothing else to do, and as I was walking into the bedroom I heard a beep and noticed a red light blink. The power was restored here at just after midnight. I was so relieved!

feeling...

 

I didn't get ANY of that stuff done. We were without power all day, but all is well. More later.... =) With pics!!

Saturday, July 23, 2005

 

Just one week ago today we were enjoying a relaxing day at my parents' cottage. As I said before, my sister from California was visiting and I'm grateful that we were able to get away for a couple of days to see her and some other family members. My other sister is on her way to California today; I wish her and her family a safe trip and beautiful weather!

I've got nothing planned for this weekend; I just spent 2 hours ironing a basket of clothes and now I'm taking a break from cleaning my computer desk. The photo-organizing project is still in progress but I am very close to being able to burn all my photos from 2000 to present, to dvd's. Yay. I thought I lost some pics from last year's trip to Chicago and Muskegon, but I checked my laptop and sure enough, there they were. Now I have them on a cd AND my other hard drive. I'd have had to kick myself if I found out that I lost them.

Well, I'm going to make some August blinkie calendars this weekend, as well as a new patch for my friendship wall, and if I have time, some new mood blinkies and possibly even some regular blinkies. It's pretty decent weather today, but I understand tomorrow's supposed to be hot and humid again. Guess where I'll be??? Certainly not outside! =)

Before I close this post, I want to share another quote with you.... until next time, take care and enjoy your weekend!!

"Trust your own strength to get you through the difficult times. The only ones who can surmount difficulties are those with faith in themselves."

feeling...

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

 

Work has been very stressful lately; I won't go into details, but it looks like things may possibly be changing in the future. Our new pastoral administrator will begin working with us on August 1, and let's just say that she's been given the 'lowdown' on all the crap we've been putting up with for the past 5 years where a co-worker is concerned. I only wish I hadn't been dragged into the situation because it makes going to work not quite as pleasant as it could be. Considering we only have a staff of 4, it's crucial that we all get along. Out of the 4 people, 3 are team players; 1 is not. I'll leave it at that. Just pray that God has a plan and that things work out for the better of all, especially the people in the parish. I wonder sometimes how it is that some people can go through life with their own set of rules, making no attempt to conform (for lack of a better word), and their only priority seems to be what is best for them, not for the majority.....

The summer is about half over and our house project has not gotten off the ground yet. I'm not discouraged though; I'm confident that things will begin soon.

Now about this weather; can we see some NORMAL summertime temps please??? I realized the other day as I was sitting inside enjoying the coolness of the air conditioner, that I haven't walked every day, as I had planned to do.... I'm wondering now if I'm using the hot and humid weather as an excuse. Something I need to think about, I guess.

I know I've shared this quote with you before, but I want to share it again because it seems so fitting in my life right now.... Have a beautiful day! =)

"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations."

feeling...

Sunday, July 17, 2005

 

Are you in the mood to take a personality test? I found this interesting little test at fl0w3r's blog. (My score was 37.)

Record your answers, total up your score and read your results. Please share your results here, or on your own blog. =)

1. When do you feel your best?
a) In the morning
b) During the afternoon and early evening
c) Late at night

2. You usually walk...
a) Fairly fast, with long steps
b) Fairly fast, with little steps
c) Less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) Less fast, head down
e) Very slowly

3. When talking to people you...
a) Stand with your arms folded
b) Have your hands clasped
c) Have one or both your hands on your hips
d) Touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) Play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) Your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) Your legs crossed
c) Your legs stretched out or straight
d) One leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) A big, appreciative laugh
b) A laugh, but not a loud one
c) A quiet chuckle
d) A sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
a) Make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) Make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) Make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted, do you...
a) Welcome the break
b) Feel extremely irritated
c) Vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) Black
c) Yellow or light blue
d) Green
e) Dark blue or purple
f) White
g) Brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie...
a) Stretched out on your back
b) Stretched out face down on your stomach
c) On your side, slightly curled
d) With your head on one arm
e) With your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
a) Falling
b) Fighting or struggling
c) Searching for something or somebody
d) Flying or floating
e) You usually have dreamless sleep
f) Your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1. (A) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6

2. (A) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1

3. (A) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6

4. (A) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1

5. (A) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2

6. (A) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2

7. (A) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4

8. (A) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1

9. (A) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1

10. (A) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything. They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

feeling...

Friday, July 15, 2005

 

It's off to Ludington we go! My seester is here from CA for the weekend. See you all after the weekend! =)

Take care, and don't forget this.....

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has."

feeling...

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

 

How dumb am I???

I couldn't figure out why, when I typed in blogger.com, I would get this strange screen with all these links to truck and car sites. Um, maybe because I was typing in bogger.com instead....... must've been tired or something.

I'm still working on my photo-organizing project; it's going slow, but it's worth the time I'm putting into it.

No new developments on the house project yet; it's too bad that the only woman at the DEQ office who is authorized to submit permits, is in the office only a day and a half a week. It makes an already slow process even slower. I'm just waiting (patiently) for things to start rolling!

Ok, that's all I've got to say tonight. Get a good night's rest and have a glorious Wednesday!! =)

feeling...

Monday, July 11, 2005

 

Ok, we're at the grocery store yesterday afternoon and yes, it was hot outside, but not hot enough for me to ever THINK about walking out of my house with only pants and what LOOKS like a bra, on....... Can someone please tell me WHY people can walk around in public with any ol' thing on nowadays????? I swear this woman had pants and a bra on, and she looked disgusting!!!! Exactly what DON'T you need to wear in order to be arrested for indecent exposure? I would have arrested her on the spot! I just shake my head at what society considers acceptable these days. Most women I see with all kinds of skin showing really need to cover themselves up better. Do you think maybe they don't have mirrors at home?? As a matter of fact, even thin women tend to show too much skin for my liking. Can we make some new 'fashion laws' folks??? My, oh my.......

On another note: It's that time of the year again; time for our photographic scavenger hunt at 26 Things. Anybody in?? Thanks to my mom for alerting me of this fact.

And on yet another note: Let's all go congratulate Bryn, who became a grandma on July 5th!!! Congrats, Bryn!! Also, I just noticed she tagged me and I MUST answer some questions....

What I was doing ten years ago: I was working for a Catholic school cleaning and hoping to find a better job.

5 years ago: Working a better job!

1 year ago: Thinking seriously about remodeling our house and actually trying to start the process.

Yesterday: Housework and reading.

5 snacks I enjoy:
1.Doritos
2.Raisins
3.Spanish peanuts
4.Grapes
5.Dry cereal

5 songs I know all the words to:
1. Star Spangled Banner
2. Oh I Was Born...
3. I Will Always Love You
4. Because You Loved Me
5. Happy Birthday

5 Things I would do with $100 million:
1. Pay off our house mortgage.
2. Help any family members pay off their bills.
3. Pay for my kid's college.
4. Help some poor people in our country anonymously.
5. Start my own business.

5 locations I would like to run away to:
1. A big huge lake with barely any people on it.
2. An island far, far away.
3. My computer room for hours, without worrying about what's going on around me.
4. Spain
5. California

5 bad habits I have:
1. Eating too many snacks, but getting better.
2. Drinking coffee in the morning; can't seem to live without it.
3. Being too naive sometimes.
4. Worry way too much.
5. Spending money on computer-related items.

5 things I like doing:
1. Reading
2. Making graphics in PSP
3. Cross stitching
4. Visiting family and friends' blogs
5. Spending time with family and friends

5 things I would never wear:
1. A bra out in public!
2. A tatoo
3. A mini skirt
4. An earring in my nose
5. Gaudy jewelry

5 TV shows I like:
1. Survivor
2. Trading Spaces
3. Amazing Race
4. The Ellen Show
5. Desperate Housewives

5 Biggest joys of the moment:
1. Being very close to starting our renovation project, and designing my room layout on the computer
2. Looking forward to seeing my sister this weekend (I hope!)
3. Helping my parents with yard work
4. My family
5. Organizing my digital photos

5 Favorite toys:
1. My computer
2. My portable dvd player
3. My digital camera
4. My newest computer program
5. My scrapbooking

Ok, now I have to tag someone........ Guess I'll tag Sherle (aka my mom). That was actually quite fun!

Hope you all have a glorious week and please, stay cool! (We're currently having 90 degree weather here...) =)

feeling...

Saturday, July 09, 2005

 

Where DOES the time go??? Can someone slow it down please??? It's been a busy week; Monday of course was the 4th of July and we didn't go to the fireworks that day. Tuesday it was back to work for me after being off for over a week. It was a pretty 'normal' day, but very busy. Since the end of the fiscal year was June 30th, there is a LOT of bookkeeping to do! Wednesday I took a half day off and we went to my parents' house to help them with some yard work. It was a beautiful day to work outside and we were pleased with all that we accomplished. We had this HUGE fire going throughout the afternoon and sometime after dinner the local police pulled into the driveway because he saw smoke and wanted to make sure the house wasn't on fire. Wasn't that nice? =) Thursday I went to work, then had a house to clean, so that put me home around 7:30 p.m. Friday was a pretty slow day and I didn't do much of anything after coming home from my house-cleaning job.

Meanwhile, through all this, we've been trying to get our house project off the ground! We're now waiting for the DEQ to give us the necessary permit so we can take it down to the township office and get the building permit. With any kind of luck at all this will happen on Monday because I will be on that phone at 9:00 sharp to ask them to please speed this up for us. The contractor came to the house and staked out the area where the garage is going and he wanted to start work on Monday. He needs to understand that it's out of our hands and we're doing everything in our power to get this moving as soon as possible. If anyone should be frustrated, it's us! I must say this whole process has really tested my patience and endurance..... But it will all be worth it when the project gets underway, and of course when it's complete. I am SO looking forward to our house being more than twice the size it is now. I can decorate it any way I want, and the rooms we're adding will be what I want them to be! *smile*

Ok, it's off to clean a house, so I'll talk later! Not that you're sitting at the edge of your seat to hear the latest updates on our house project, but you can bet I'll keep you posted right here! Take care and enjoy this lovely weekend!! =)

feeling...

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

 

I finally decided I have some time to spend visiting my blog friends and what happens?? I can't get into any of them!! =(

I'll have to try again later..... Meanwhile I think I better make a couple more July blinkie calendars so you have something to choose from.

(Blogger better get its act together soon!)

Oh yeah; I started a huge project Saturday night; I am organizing (I mean REALLY organizing) all (and I mean ALL) my digital pics that I've taken since I owned my first digital in 2000. I have them all on cd's (somewhere; here and there) but now I want to put them on dvd's and I need to make sure I have them all in chronological order before doing so. SO, I'm putting them all on one of my hard drives first so it'll order them correctly, THEN I start making my dvd's. Joy of all joys..... =) (It's actually kind of fun; I have so many pictures I forgot I even took in the last five years so I'm doing a bit of reminiscing while I'm at it.) I'll let you know when I get this project finished. =)

feeling...

Monday, July 04, 2005

 

This is what I've been up to... We left for Chicago at 6:00 a.m. Monday morning in hopes of avoiding rush hour traffic (which we did), arrived at the Field Museum by 11:00 a.m. Chicago time (which is an hour earlier than Michigan), stood in line for about a half hour to buy tickets and spent the majority of the afternoon there. By 6:00 p.m. we were back to my stepson's apartment contemplating dinner. We all decided on a little place nearby because they had good Gyros; so big that we only had to order 1 per 2 people. Yum! That evening we sat out on the deck talking and catching up with my stepson and his fiancee. All was well until shortly after midnight when the towing company went by checking vehicles in the parking lot to make sure they were authorized to be parked there. I had just gone inside to use the bathroom when I heard commotion outside. I ran out and asked my daughter what was happening. She said, "They took your car." "Someone stole my car?" I asked. "No Mom, they towed it away." Well, my husband and stepson made it from the deck we were sitting on (3rd floors up), and down into one of his vehicles and went chasing after the tow truck in 10 seconds flat. We waited up until they made it home safely, about 45 minutes later. The towing company towed my car back and apologized for taking it; said they didn't see the parking permit in the front dash. (Don't you think they oughta be required to pass an eye test if this is their job???)

The next day we decided to do a little shopping. We started out at the Woodfield Mall and I really had to disciplin myself not to buy too much. It's a huge mall with a lot of stores that we don't have here. The next place we stopped was Fry's..... what a dangerous store to put ME in!! I found a few things I just needed to have and when were leaving the store, the guy at the door who checks the bags and receipts wished us a Merry Christmas.... =) Then we moved onto Border's Book Store. I only bought 4 books; it was buy 3, get 1 free. At that point we decided we had enough of shopping so started making our way back to the apartment. I wanted to cook one of my specialty dinners so the guys went out and bought the necessary ingredients. We enjoyed enchiladas, refried beans and spanish rice.

Wednesday the guys went to a Cub's game so the girls and me decided we'd visit the Lincoln Park Zoo and from there take the trolley to Navy Pier. All the trollies are free and if you have a map of where they go it's very easy to know just which trolley you need to go where. We then met the guys back at Buckingham Fountain because we all knew where it was, and it was very near to where Taste of Chicago was taking place. We hung around there to hear Morris Day and the Time and The Gap Band, then decided it was time to head for home.

Thursday we were planning on going home but we wanted to do something fun first, and since no one was willing to offer suggestions on what to do, I decided we'd visit another shopping mall, then go for some famous Chicago-style pizza. It was yummy! We were on our way home by 4:00 p.m. and arrived safely back in mid-Michigan by 10:00 p.m.

We want to go back in the fall hopefully, depending on what's going on with our house project (which hasn't begun yet, but hopefully will this week).

I hope you're all enjoying your long weekend (if you celebrate Independence Day)! It's back to work for me tomorrow.....

More later (and maybe with a few pictures!) =)

feeling...

P.S. Has anyone else been losing posts?? I posted something quickly last night before we went to the fireworks and now it's not there....... =(