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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Taking the Steps




did you ever feel that you are in another realm
that nothing else exists but the world that is
circling around you, for just that moment, and in
that moment reality just does not exist?

this past week, that is what i was feeling, a sense
of fantasy, each day as dawn would break and the
sunshine would envelop my room, i had to pinch
myself to make sure i was living this and not just
dreaming it

i decided a couple of weeks ago, i was going to treat
myself, as i have never done before, this trip was going
to be my "first class", and that it was, from the flight
to the beautiful suite, to the amazing dinners, it was
surely my "first class"

what is strange to me, is i thought i did not
deserve to do this, that i felt somewhat guilty for doing it,
i questioned myself so, and put myself in my so
familiar mode of panic and to my complete surprise, panic
was not to be, i found calm, i finally, after so many months found the yellow

i have promised myself, i will do this each year for as
long as i can, i will give myself that much needed fantasy,
i will never again, question my rights to be me

reality has now touched me, and my fantasy is now a
memory, and it is ok, because without fantasy, reality
can't exist, i have a renewed feeling, i found me, not
working me, not daughter me, just me!

we have one life, and i must remind myself of
this daily, as hard as it might be to make that step
i have no choice, for that step takes me to myself
and boy, what a great place it is to be

many times i have said this, and it is so very true,
no matter what it is, life, hurt, family, job, love, friends,
just take "baby steps" just a little at a time,
and before you know it, you will
be there!

~~first class awaits~~

130 comments:

scirish said...

first?

scirish said...

Woo Woo!!! insomnia does have it's benefits!

scirish said...

***from area 51***

Justlin...I cannot believe that he would give up a wonderful, caring and fun woman like you over (a) something that happened so long ago and (b) such a non-issue. I'm sorry you're hurting.

Shirley...So glad things went well for you!

Donna Jean...Great post! I hope you and Laurie get thru this with the minimum amount of stress.

Tink...I have not tried Tina's suggestion yet, but hope to be well enough to do so soon *wink*

scirish said...

Carol...Great blog...congrats on treating yourself! I think all of us need to remember to do that!

scirish said...

Helllllooooo??? I seem to be talking to myself!

Where are all the owls this morning?

hartldo said...

Great blog Carol! So glad your trip gave you this kind of feeling. THAT is what vacations are for! Many of us take trips and we come back exhausted or more stressed than when we left. I'm so glad you had the renewing experience that you needed and deserved.

Congrats on first scirish! Sorry you haven't slept though.

jigglin' in jax said...

Good Morning Owls!

Carol-
What a beautiful blog!

So very happy your trip was fabulous and you found your yellow.

You will always be a 'first class' lady in my heart.♥♥♥

Love and Laughs For All Today!

xoxo!

hartldo said...

Good Morning Jax!

goldie said...

Good morning Hooters!

Sorry abou the insomnia scirish, but congrats on 1st.

Hi Hart & Jax.

Carol- You have always been 1st class, you just didn't know it.

I have had 2 of those type of vacations. Once for a week in the Bahama's. The weather was outstanding, we were upgraded to a suite overlooking the ocean, and we dined first class everyday and spent every dime we had to our names- LOL!

The second was this past summer. I did everything I wanted to do, ate the "expensive" meals and spent time with my grandbabies to boot. It was perfect and I felt like I really had been given a great gift.

Now, I have actually flown 1st Class (once) and let me tell you- it is damn tough to go to coach again after that!!LOL So, if you are able to do it- go for it. Treat yourself to that or some other luxuary that you would normally never do.

Lynn D said...

Morning Glories!

Scrishy you got first! Yay! How is your back and is the acupuncture helping?

Carol wonderful blog! Yes treating ourselves is always needed. I find that women have a harder time doing this than men. At least this is true for me. Welcome back and I am so happy you had a wonderful time!

Justlin I don't even know what to say. I am so sorry that things have turned out this way for you. All I can offer up is to live your life with no regrets. No regrets about what happened 32 years ago, no regrets about Custard. Just no regrets. All of these experiences shape who we are and I know from your posting on the blog that you are a wonderful person! Be true to yourself.

DonnaJean I am also sorry that Laurie Elizabeth is so nervous. Tell her I am sending prayers and healing thoughts for a quick recovery her way. Also tell her that when it is all done she will have a new and improved heart that will be able to hold more love.

Ok I will not be on the blog much for the next few days as we are living in the moment in our house right now. My youngest daughter is being admitted into the hospital tonight and tomorrow morning they are going to induce labor. She is a week past her due date and her blood pressure is a little high and the doctor is concerned. So by Friday (keep your fingers crossed) we should have a new grandson.

Wishing all of you the best!

hartldo said...

Lynn: Wishing all the best for your daughter and new grandson!!!

Hi Goldie!

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Owls.

Tinkatia said...

13

Tinkatia said...

14

Tinkatia said...

15

hartldo said...

Good Morning Tinka!

I just had a TB test done and was taking a break, but I really need to get some work done. bbl

whabbear said...

Carol: Fantastic!! And I'm really resonating to your message this week. I'm spending an outrageous amount on renovating and installing an in-unit washer/dryer in my bathroom. I'm nervous as hell about it, but decided to take the plunge.

Kind of fun!

And now that you've had this breakthrough, and decided to do it once a year... please, pretty please, include next year's BABB in your trip plans!!!

DJ, all the best to you and Laurie Elizabeth. We're with you!

Good morning, scirish, Hart, JAX, and Goldie!

Lynn D: I agree with your words of wisdom to J/L!!! And we'll be waiting with bated breath for news from the hospital.

Tinkatia and Carol: Thanks for the kind words in A51!!

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Scirish. Congrats on lst even if it is because of your insomnia. Have you tried Melatonin?

Good Morning Donna, Jax, Goldie, and Lynn. Wishing you a good day today.

I must read Carol's blog. It's great to have you back, my Dear.

goldie said...

Lynn- Oh I can't wait- let us know the minute he is born! Ok, maybe not the minute, but close..lol
I was a nervous wreck with each of the grandbabies, but they were not induced and I was far, far away. The call when each was born were 2 of the happiest moments of my life!

Good morning bear, lynn, tink!

Tinkatia said...

20

MEK in AZ said...

Happy WEdnesday!!!

Good Morning....

cpgem - YOU ARE FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY!!!! and don't EVER forget that...
thank you for your thoughts today!!

Scirish - congrats on FIRST!!

waving howdy to Scirish, hart, JAX!!!, Goldie, Lynn D, Tinka, Whabby, and who ever lands!!!

Tina - YES, I did watch the Country Music show and YES, it was AMAZING!!

Donna Jean - give Laurie a HUG from MEK!!

Lynn D - hope all goes well and congratulations!!

I hope everyone has an excellent day!!
:-)

MEK in AZ said...

cpgem - My mom and i have flown first class twice (and I agree with Goldie - it's hard to go back to coach) - but - she had just had her radicial neck disection to remove the cancer - and when we checked in - the screen offered first class for a small fee - SO, I jumped on it - figured she was worth it.....

The one time I was brave enough to schedule a "fantasy" trip - it was canceled due to 9/11 - I was going to Ireland!! have never rescheduled it!! SOME DAY!!

Tinkatia said...

Carol, What a beautiful, insightful blog and oh so true.

I had the same feeling of 'fantasy versus reality' 20 years ago. My husband had left us and for a year I was in Limbo. I suddenly decided I was going to have an adventure. That decision alone was important because my ex had made all the decisions for 25 years. I joined the Victoria Choral
Society and went on their summer cruise to Alaska on a brand new Holland America ship. You described it exactly when you said you pinched yourself to see if you were really there. I had my first wonderful time in so long.

I turned a corner that summer. My family nicknamed me "The Phoenix" because I had risen from the ashes of despression. I went on to make 18 more trips (including 4 more cruises) in the next 8 years and met my Ron on the second trip. It was a wonderful 8 year journey.

I think my main traveling is over now. I have "been there, done that" and now I am content to be home with my 'fur babies'. Sometimes I feel guilty when I think of how much I spent of my children's inheritance but it's impossible to put a price tag on the experiences I had.

If you forget about your resolution to go on one fantasy trip a year, we will be here to remind you. Good for you for learning such a great lesson about living for today.

Tinkatia said...

24

Tinkatia said...

Lynn - How exciting about a new baby coming. Can't wait to hear the news.

Good Morning Mek - We always seem to post as the same time.

Whabbear - Good for you for taking the plunge, no pun intended, and "installing an in-unit washer/dryer in my bathroom." The money will be worth it.

Goldie - I was so excited when my first grand-baby was born, I took the wrong turn on the way to the hospital and ended up spending an extra 30 minutes finding my way back. That was 13 years ago and it seems like yesterday. When my latest grandchild was born last year, I had Brian drive me up island to see her. I didn't trust myself.

Tinkatia said...

I am off to Myspace to see who wrote me in the wee hours of the morning. Our Night Owls really are night owls. They post and talk on the phone all through the night. It amazes me. When do these owls sleep is my question?

(((((Hugs)))))) to Just-Lin and Donna Jean this morning.

Zona and VIG - Wishing you a Maria day.

Tinkatia said...

28

Tinkatia said...

30 Hi to all who post later.

Just_Lin said...

Scirish Woo hoo! Congrats on first today and thank you for the words of support. Apparently, he didn't love the real me, just the fantasy of me that he's held since we were in high school.

Carol What a wonderful blog. Yes, we are so worth it, each and every one of us! Why is it we are less giving and less kind to ourselves than we are to others? I think we are afraid of appearing selfish so we don't give ourselves as much love and attention as we deserve. We need to learn to be our own best friend. I'm so glad you treated yourself the way you deserve to be treated.

LynnD Thank you, too, for the kind support. Wishing an easy, uncomplicated birth of your grandchild. (((HUGS)))

****On the Custard, front****
He wrote me this a.m. to tell me what a wonderful person I am and that the problem is with him and not me. He's right on both counts.

Thank you all for being in my corner and offering such love and support. It really does help get me through the pain.

Bon'O said...

Carol~~Haven't welcomed you back yet. Missed you and am so glad you pampered yourself a bit.

Jax~~So good to see you here! Can you maybe lure Ronnie (I Don't Like Ike) & Birdee in? And if you see GM along the way, I miss her too.

DonnaJean~~Calming good thoughts to Laurie Elizabeth and to you. So well-said in Area 51.

Iteach~~Hope the cops catch the thief and dad comes home healthy today. Did September forget it's supposed to be your 'Good News' month?

LynnD~~Thanks :o) and All the best as you welcome little Richard Blaine to the world.

JustLin~~Hope you follow Carol's lead and be good to Linda today. (Also hope CussTurd enters the 20th or 21st century soon.)

Bear~~Just wondering if you have a blog for us on "Little Big Bang"?

canadiangirl said...

Hey strangers! I just flew in to catch up a little (and I do mean a little - you guys post a LOT of comments!). Carol - your post was beautiful - don't ever doubt your worth - you always deserve to be good to yourself, whether it in a small or a big way.

Justlin - I read all the stuff about Cuss-turd. I know it is easy for me to say you are better off (which, by the way, you are!), but I also know how much it hurts and I'm sorry you are dealing with that pain. I also know that you are strong and will come out of this with much better things ahead.

Whabby - can't leave without waving to you!

goldie said...

CG!!!! HI there grandma. How goes it? Nice of you to do a fly by.

Bon Bon- never ask Bear about "a little bang" you may get WAY more info then you want- LOL!!

I am at work. Everyone else played Hokey or is working out of the office today. The phones are quiet and I can't motivate to do anything. I am BORED out of my mind!!!

MEK in AZ said...

Goldie - you could practice swinging your tassles while at work!!! (that would be a sure way of getting the phones to ring!!)

CG - waving howdy - good to see you!!!!

Whabby - now you won't have to save those quarters anymore!! congrats!!

Just Lin - hope today is much better for you!!

Bono - howdy!!

Lynn D - any news yet??!!

I'm watching "Inside Edition" and they are doing a piece on street vendors - can I just say - GROSS!!

Just_Lin said...

Today Custard writes that sometimes people just need to be alone to work out there problem and issues and he hopes I can appreciate that. Yeah, whatevah!

I suddenly heard from my ex-fiance today. What timing! He sent me this video. I had seen a shorter version before but not this one with the music. I sobbed through the whole thing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adYbFQFXG0U

hartldo said...

Just checking in before my Latchkey shift begins.

Waving hi to Whabbear, MEK, Bon'o, and HEY CG, so glad to see you here!!!
(((((((BIG HUGS))))))) to Just_Lin!!!!

hartldo said...

Linda: That video (and one like it with a different song) has been going around for a while. Being an advocate for animals, I absolutely LOVE that video, and the story! I can't get enough of it! I cry every time. That big cat rubs his face all over those guys just like my little kitties do. That's why my allergies are in such a state today. :(

MEK in AZ said...

Just Lin - I can't write would I would like to say about Cuss-tard!

hart - waving back!!

MEK in AZ said...

40

hartldo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Just_Lin said...

(((HUGS))) back to you Hart. You have allergies and I have a cold and cry a lot lately. I hope we have lots of tissue in this nest!

Just_Lin said...

MEK Thanks for the thought. I'm sure I've been saying very similar words in my head for a couple of days now.

hartldo said...

That was my deleted comment. Sorry. I didn't think my previous post had gone through and I posted it again.

Just_Lin: This might be a cold too. Or a combination of both allergies and a cold. I'm not sure. I was sick over the weekend during my daughter's play but then it seemed to get better. Now I'm worse than ever!

Just_Lin said...

BTW, Hart, I'm so glad your daughter's performances went well. I'm very happy for you both. Maybe someday us owls will be seeing her on the big screen.

goldie said...

I just rushed out and bought a gross of kleenex- passing it around for all who need it.

I have slight allergies, but my youngest son is allergic to cats and my hubby and sons all have some hayfever type allergies. Bummer.....

J/L- While it may not seem like it now (and I know it doesn't) Cuss-turd did you an immense favor. You deserve better then to be judged for a non-incident that happened 32 years ago! How dare he make a judgement based on a persons skin color. JMHO

MEK- I left the tassles home today, damn- it would have at least amused me....

Just_Lin said...

Goldie Too bad you left the tassels at home. You could have practiced twirling them in front of the window. Maybe you would have attracted another fireman to come drop his pants for you. :)

Lynn D said...

Just flying through,

No MEK I don't expect any news until tomorrow! Daughter has her bag packed and is ready to get checked in tonight.

I have been doing chores and playing Ernestine. Coordinating phone calls and car rides! Yikes We are in the middle of a phone debate as to whether she needs her car at the hospital. For some reason she is insisting. My Friend is taking me up as she wants to know where the hospital is and what room.

Poor Mr. Lynn D set up earlier in the week a meeting with one of his sisters that is up from Utah on business and can't get a hold of her to let her know what is going on and other daughter is trying to figure out how to help!!!

I think we are all playing who is on first.....

Gads I think I will need a first class ticket when this is said and done! LOL

Crap the phone is ringing!

goldie said...

Now tassles in the window of a business office might really drum up some business!! Maybe not the kind we are known for, but revenue all the same!!!

goldie said...

50!

sacBarb said...

Happy Wednesday Owls.

I'm on the go again today (will it ever end?) so just doing a fly by.

Carol, You so deserve first class treatment ALL the time. Thanks for the reminder to all of us that we need to take time out for us.

LynnD, best wishes to your daughter and to you and Mr. LynnD, too.

J/L, loved the video. I loved that story. I haven't seen it with the music before either. And yes, there were tears here too. Ex-fiance? hmmmmmm, you have men coming out of the woodwork. Didn't another former classmate call you recently, too. I want what you are having.

Scirish, Congrats on first. Bummer about the insomnia, though. Hope your Mom is settling in her new place.

Donna Hart, I love the pic with your daughter.

Jax & CG, So nice to see you both back in the nest. Don't stay away so long.

MEK, LOL @ telling Goldie to swing her tassels.

Goldie, any business is good business...right?

Tinka, Good marching today.

Bear, We need to work on getting Carol to the next BABB...maybe in Sac.

Waving a wing at all the other Owls who land later. Have a good day everyone. BBL

Zona said...

Good Afternoon All!

CPGEM: There HAVE been times when I have stood here and wondered..is THIS really the real world...or is this some kind of dream? There have been good times that were just TOO good to be true. Then there were the bad times that I just hoped I would wake up from because they were just too painful to really be happening. In both cases the here and now seemed to be somewhere else entirely. Does that make any sense?? Ya know...I don't think it does..but I'll post it anyway. lol...

I'm glad you took the step to make this dream come true for yourself...you certainly deserved it.

Baby steps...I need to keep that in mind... :)

Zona said...

SCIRISH: CONGRATS on FIRST! I sure hope your back is feeling better!

JAX!!!! LOL...good to see you posting..did you take that elevator up??

GOLDIE: I've flown First Class twice..but only by accident. They overbooked the plane we were supposed to be on and First Class was the only thing left on the flight they put us on. We didn't get charged extra so we grabbed it...and loved it!!

LYNND: I'll be thinking about you and your family...can't wait to hear the good news that you have a new grandson!!

TINKA: You are my travelling Hero!! I wish I was as brave as you!!

BON'O: Wish that pic of HG could be in my real world...lol...

SACBARB: SLOOOOW DOWN!!! ;)

MEK: Ya know, I just realized that carrot cake never got here...hmmmmm... ;)

Waving HI to HART, BEAR, J/LIN and C/GIRL!

Tinkatia said...

Just-Lin - I loved that video but it didn't make me cry. It just touched my heart a lot. Cats, whether big or small have giant hearts and good memories.

ZonaBaby - You always make sense to me and your post was no different.

You have a lot of heart too.

I could no longer be a traveling hero. I can hardly believe now that I made those trips alone, (at least part of the way.) I am afraid to travel alone now. I am more directionally challenged than ever. I am taking VIG whenever I travel - First trip to see you. Second trip to the next BBQ.

We postponed our shopping trip until tomorrow so I guess I have to wait one more day for Grey's.

I am going to put the iMovie of my picture comments onto iDVD. I will be back this evening to check and see if Lynn's baby has arrived.

Tinkatia said...

55

Tina~in_ut said...

Carol~ Fabu blog~ and so timely~ I think we all need to be pampered once in a while. I'm glad you had a first class vacation. That's how I felt when we went to Hawaii. We flew first class (confirmed), stayed at the best condo, and had Kgrl to show us around~ It was perfect~

Zona~ :D

scirish~ congrats on first~

LynnD~ congrats on the new baby~ May it be easy for mom~

Jodi~ thanks so much for the song....I'll send you pronounciation charts! :)~

Bebbilane said...

Hi All! Congrats on first Scirish!

From Area 51: Thanks to everyone who congratulated me on my weight loss. It has been hard but it is really making me happy to finally get it off. I am really glad I am inspiring you to walk. I have 6309 steps today. I Have to go out and walk because my goal is 7,000 steps.

Tink: I miss meeting up with you too! It has been a while since we have been on at the same time.

J/L: I hope today is a better day and the cold is better too.
*HUGS*!!

CPGem: I think it is terrific that you were able to have your first class vacation. I bet it was so fabulous!!

Whabby, Has next year's date been set for the BABB..and anyway, what does that stand for?

Mek: I saw that advertised on Inside Edition yesterday. I bet it is gross!

Okay..off to walk to the rest of my steps. When I come back, I will let you all know how many I have.

See you all in a little bit.

Bebbilane said...

Oh, Mek, I did want to tell you. You love Golf, correct? Well, the Ryder's Cup is going to be less than a mile from my house! You wouldn't believe the preparations around here. Valhalla is right down the street!

MEK in AZ said...

Bebbi - YES, that segment was NASTY - and I won't even share any of the things those vendors were caught doing - YUCK.....

and - YES, I'm a huge golf fan - in fact, we just got notice for our upcoming match play!! Meetings will start soon - I AM SOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!

(crossing fingers that Tiger's rehab is going well!!)...

Zona - are you SURE the cake didn't get there...

Tina~in_ut said...

hmmmmm~

Tina~in_ut said...

la la la la la la la~

Tina~in_ut said...

maybe I should yodel~

kahonugrl said...

knock knock

Tina~in_ut said...

who's there?

kahonugrl said...

throws an elbow...

Tina~in_ut said...

oh bitch~

kahonugrl said...

bite me!

kahonugrl said...

69

kahonugrl said...

69

Tina~in_ut said...

don't tempt me~ :)~

Tina~in_ut said...

lol...that was fun~

Bebbilane said...

Back! I walked 10291 steps today! Woo hoo. You are supposed to get over 10,000 a day if you are an active person, but I feel really blessed when I have one of those days. :)

My dogged hurt his foot today though. It is hard for me to leave him behind. I couldn't do it tonight, he just looked so sad. So we walked really slow and then my mom picked him up and Chloe and I walked really fast back home. :) Chloe is my other Pomeranian. Actually she is my daughter's dog. She's a sweet pee though.

Just_Lin said...

Turtle! Congrats on your 69!

Tina Good try!

Bebbilane said...

dogged = dog

Just_Lin said...

Bebbi Congrats on your success with your walking and weight loss.

Bebbilane said...

Well, back to Ghost Hunters. HI j/l and that race to 69 was funny!

Bebbilane said...

thank you j/l..bbl, :)

Just_Lin said...

Bebbi I'm not real sure how the BABB initials work either but it has to do with Bay Area blog buddies' barbeque, since they've taken place in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Donna Jean said...

Hello Everyone!

First of all, I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all of you that sent such warm wishes and thoughts to My Laurie and myself, both today and yesterday:
ZONA,JUST-LIN,EBJ,GOLDIE,BEBBI, SANDIE,WHABBEAR,TINKA,MAUREEN,
MEK,SACBARB,DONNA JO,CAROL,SCIRISH, LYNN D,& BON'O. If I left anyone out, I am so sorry! I tried to go back and search and edit for names, so please forgive me if I forgot you! It wasn't intentional, believe me.

It means so much that each of you cared enough to specifically send both myself and Miss Laurie your support, love and encouragement!

After I wrote my post yesterday, I was really feeling stressed, and nervous about Laurie's upcoming procedure, even though I know deep down inside that everything will be OK. In fact, I still feel that way, and I have felt nauseous all last night and all of today. Just the thought of food makes me feel ill, and I have to cook for Laurie! In fact, I have chicken marinating right now for the BBQ!

Thank you all for just being there. At one time or other, each of us has felt the need to reach out and ask for some help, a hand to hold, some prayers to be sent, some encouraging words, and NEVER have the Owls let any of us down! That is why I LOVE you all so much. I know the word Love gets thrown around too much, that sometimes it sounds trite. But not in this case. I really mean it.

CAROL~ I have never flown first class, ever. Someday I hope to. And although I have stayed at lots of very nice Hotels, I have yet to experience the 5 Star treatment. Hopefully someday that will happen also.

I am so glad you had that opportunity on your trip to Vegas. You certainly deserved it!

I hope you all enjoy what's left of the day/evening.

Peace and Love to All, Donna Jean

Tinkatia said...

I messed up the numbers, sorry. I am sitting at the window waiting for VIG to come by for a short visit. She has worked hard today and needed to get out for a walk. She is making a little detour by my house to drop something off. I wish all owls live as close.

Donna Jean - We are here for you.

Here is VIG. Must Go.

Dianne/Denver said...

Hi Owls...

BEBBI: Good job on the weight loss and walking. I need some inspiration!

JUST/LIN: How was your day today? I hope it was a little better. Time for you to put your beautiful face on that avatar on myspace!

Oh sorry ZONA, I thought that cake MEK was sending was for me so I ate it! Yum Yum I knew you would be too busy getting in all the "swimming" that you can before it cools off. But then again...I remember how you and MrZ acted when you drove to some snow last winter...you little vixon!!

I went to see Mama Mia again last night only this time it was the Sing Along Mama Mia. My daughter and I and the two granddaughters and one of their friends. They loved singing all the words and so did I. They said they could mostly hear me! I hope when it comes out on DVD it has the sing along version too. I have seen this movie and play so much I think I can star in the next production!!

Dianne/Denver said...

ITEACH: Did you see my note about that Lakeside catalog a couple of days ago? How is the job search going for your husband? I hope well.

DONNAJEAN: That was a very from the heart post yesterday. I know how concerned and worried you are and then to be srong for Laurie..it does make it hard for the moms! Please know all those prayers are heading out to you and Laurie. What day is the actual surgery? It's interesting what you said about "have a good day", etc. My friend just started working for a large bookstore in Denver and she is not allowed to say have a nice day or anything close. The training staff has told her she can't "assume" what kind of a day a person is having. She is finding this difficult as she keeps forgetting!

CAROL: I am so glad you had a fun trip. I think treats of all kinds need to be given to ourselves. I guess my best travel "treat" were the two cruises we took. I loved them and all the service, etc. I do treat myself to a pedicure from time to time and today I treated myself to a pumpkin frappuccino at Starbucks even with the whipped cream. I seldom go to Starbucks but I wanted to see if they had the pumpkin and eggnog flavors yet. Dang it....they did!!

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

Hi all!

Congrats on 1st Scirish!

Just stopping by to give hugs out to JustLin, Donna Jean, Laurie Elizabeth and anyone else needing them.

Carol I'm so glad you found what seemed to be missing for you.

If anyone is in the path of Ike take care and stay safe.

I'm off to bed. Good night.

Dianne/Denver said...

TINK: I am keeping an eye on you with all your "virgin" marching to these numbers. I will be really watching you if you try to beat TINA for all the 69 numbers!!

SCRISH: How is your mom doing? I hope getting better adjusted.

JODI: Your song to me was so beautiful! It certainly made me smile and I was listening to it in the car and my grandchildren...said, "who is singing to you?" I also wanted to tell you congratulations on your "new" team!! Now tell me, are we cheering for your second favorite team as the Packers or the Jets? I was kind of glad to see the Packers and that cute little QB win the other night!

Dianne/Denver said...

Hi SHIRLEY and good night. Have sweet dreams.

RONNIE: Are you doing okay down in Texas? My cousin that lives by you (her husband) works off shore and they brought him home last night. Let us know you are okay.

Jodi said...

CAROL - Great blog!! And I'm so glad that you treated yourself to the first class/ 5 star treatment!! Of the 3 times I've flown, we did get bumped to first class once. Pure heaven!!! Of course, it's been about 13 years since I've flown anywhere. But like I always say, once I win the Powerball.....I will be traveling!!! And picking up a bunch of my friends along the way!!!

GOLDIE - Thanks for making time to meet me today. :D Enjoy your potato salad!! And I can't wait to have those cocktails. :)

TINA & TURTLE - Luv'd your march to 69!!! :P

LYNN D - Good luck to your daughter...I'm sure everything will go well. And please kiss that baby for me!!!

DIANNE - Glad you liked your song...although I think you're being kind about my abilities!!

TINA - lol @ pronunciation chart!!!

ZONA - It's been a doo dee doo dee doo day!!! SWAK!!!

MEK - Glad your check-up went well!!

JUST LIN - ((((HUGS))))!!!!!

TINKA - Glad you're enjoying the nice weather! It would be nice if it would stick around for a couple more months. :D

Jodi said...

DONNA JEAN - Thinking about you and Laurie....I'm sure her surgery will go well. Give her a squeeze for me!!

DIANNE - I'm kind of torn.....still love watching Brett, so I will be watching the Jets this season. But will always be a Packer fan, too!! GO BRONCOS!!! Thanks again for the lovely t-shirt!!

Waving a wing at SHIRLEY!!

Maureen said...

Good evening feathered friends!

LYNN...I hope everything goes well with your daughter and new grandson. How exciting!

CAROL...I am so glad you realized you deserve to take care of YOU for a change. Your trip sounds perfect. First class for a first class lady.

JAX...what a pleasant surprise to see your post.

JUST LIN...I hope today was a little easier for you and tomorrow is even easier then today.

Zona said...

DIANNE: What is it with you and orange?? My carrot cake, pumpkin something or other from Starbuck's...methinks you loves this color a little too much... ;D

MEK: I'm sure...DIANNE was standing on the side of the road and grabbed it before it got here!!

SHIRLEY: G'night, Sunshine..sweet dreams!!

KGRL: Well..looks like you still got it!

TINA: Why are you smiling sweet thang??? ;)

TINKA: Can't wait 'til you visit...but if I take babysteps, I may get to your house first!! :)

DJEAN: Hugs and prayers to you and Miss Laurie Elizabeth..

HI BEBBI!!

Dianne/Denver said...

ITEACH: Well, I left you that post/message before I saw your blog on Myspace. I will reply to it in awhile. I think it is such a good question you are asking. I was just noticing the other day how much longer it takes to even grocery shop-checking every little price! My history is in the mortgage industry and that is where so many of my friends and daughter work. Needless to say, many of them are without jobs and there is noting in sight right now with the industry taking such a turn.

BTW, our news is reporting today that the store IKEA is coming to Denver. I remember when you all used to talk about it so much and I had never even heard of it. It says it will bring 900 jobs to the market..so that is good.

Dianne/Denver said...

JODI: You are so brave saying Go Broncos. Now we will just wait and see if ZONA or SACBARB notice your loyalty. MEK...we are getting a group here!

Get this: ZONA took a picture of MrZ in his Bronco shirt (well, not really him just the shirt) on his favorite chair...GUESS WHICH CHAIR THAT WAS??? She was just being plain rude against a beautiful shirt that I worked hard to buy for him!!

hartldo said...

Hi All! Just got in from a grocery trip to shop for our Girl Scout campout that is this coming weekend. It took the other leader and me forever and we spent a small fortune. Cooking for 13 girls and 4 adults takes a lot!

sacbarb: Thanks for the compliment on my picture with my daughter.

Donna Jean: I'm feeling a lot like you. The thought of food is making me sick. I hope I'm not coming down with something. I'm going to go to bed and hope for a better tomorrow.

Tinkatia said...

VIG has left. It was nice having a short visit with her. She wanted to get her walk in and the nights close in faster now.

Dianne - I would never steal 69 from Tina. Don't you know she is addicted????

Tinkatia said...

95

Tinkatia said...

Where is everybody?

Tinkatia said...

97

Tinkatia said...

98

Tinkatia said...

99

Tinkatia said...

100

Tinkatia said...

100

Tinkatia said...

100 felt so good, I had to say it twice. Actually it posted by itself. Well, Dianne, there goes another virgin march. Does no-one want to compete with me because I am getting too fast? LOL

Just_Lin said...

Just a quick fly through to thank you all for remembering me with your thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate it. I hate feeling all broken hearted and crumpled like this.

Just_Lin said...

Tinka the Virgin Marcher Congrats on 100!

Zona said...

JODI: Thanks for the breathing lessons!! LOL...

TINKA: Awww..maaaaan...just missed marching with you!! I need to drink more Diet Pepsi so I can keep up! ;)

DIANNE: I wasn't being rude...I was just being truthful!! BTW...did you ever get that pic?? ;)

MO: SWAK! :)

HART: Eeeeeek....don't say campout...not unless it comes with a hotel room!! LOL...

Off to swim some laps....

iteach said...

Carol what a beautiful blog. It was filled with a lot of yellow.

I seem to be losing sight of that color lately. I need to regroup and refocus.

night.owls.sb said...

Hi!

I am here, just had a busy night, I was talking to my cousin on the phone for quite a bit. I am now working on tomorrows blog...

I will be back before going to bed, I did not read comments yet, so please forgive me...

bbl

night.owls.sb said...

iteach:
The yellow will come, its just that sometimes you have to go thru the bad to get to the good...

Smiles to you always
:O)

iteach said...

Dianne-I'm racking my brain and I can't remember the note about the Lakeside Catalog. I'm sorry, I'm pounding my head right now just like Pooh Bear and I'm trying to think.

Refresh me dear, what did it say?

iteach said...

Thank you Carol, I so appreciate it.

Tina~in_ut said...

here ya go iteach:

Has anyone shopped out of the Lakeside Collection catalog?

I had my two oldest go through it today and circle items that they like for possible Christmas gifts.

I thought it was a pretty cool catalog for people on a budget.

It came in the mail yesterday and I just love it.

September 6, 2008 11:52 PM

iteach said...

I mean the note that Dianne sent to me.

I remember writing the comment.

Hey, A+ for finding the comment.

iteach said...

I remember Ronnie sending me a letter about Lakeside and how she liked it.

I just can't remember what Dianne said about it, I feel awful about it.

MEK in AZ said...

Okay -NO spoiler here...

BUT - My favorite dog won the American's Favorite dog - or whatever that show was that seems like it's been on FOREVER!!LOL..

MEK in AZ said...

Iteach - I have ordered from Lakeside before - what I have gotten has been pretty good so far.. (LOL - alot of stuff that I really didn't need!!)

MEK in AZ said...

I think Dianne said that she has ordered also and liked it..

MEK in AZ said...

Dianne - I have never been in an IKEA store either!! That's great that Denver is getting one..

AND - what did our little Zona DO to the Bronco shirt??!! I think I am afraid to ask!!

MEK in AZ said...

Tina and K'Girl - LOVED your march to 69 today!!

MEK in AZ said...

Just Lin..

you are correct..

Bay Area Blog Buddy BBQ

hence BABB BBQ...

MEK in AZ said...

120

Tina~in_ut said...

iteach:

ITEACH: I receive that Lakeside catalog and order from there from time to time.

iteach said...

Sold, I'm going to buy from there.

It sounds like MEK and Dianne were happy with what they received.

I have 25 more papers to grade!

iteach said...

Has Ronnie left her home?

MEK in AZ said...

Iteach - have fun grading your papers!!!

Tina - you would make a great private detective!!!

MEK in AZ said...

Iteach - I was just wondering about Ronnie also..

hope she is safe!!

Tinkatia said...

Just-Lin - I love my new name. I think it suits me well.

Zona - Sorry I missed you.

Iteach - (((((Hugs))))) Just because.

I am off to bed. I have spent too long at the computer making the latest DVD of my picture comments. My back thinks it is broken. Bring on the ice pack.

Good Night All - Everybody be good tonight. I will peek in later and see if you are behaving.

MEK in AZ said...

Nite, Tinka!!

night.owls.sb said...

I am now pooped, wow long night...

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful Kudos on my blog today!
My vaca was really something special.

If anyone hears from Ronnie, please let me know..

Ha, and turtle stopped by, well, hello there :O)

Off to bed for me...

Nite..

:O)

sacBarb said...

Hi everyone. I am back from my Photo Elements class. I am really loving it. I just hope I can remember everything when it's over.

Dianne, Zona told me she took that pic of the Bronco shirt on throne. Isn't that a good thing?

MEK, please send me a spoiler. I missed the dog show tonight.

DonnaJo, I hope you feel better for the camp out.

DonnaJean, Did you tell us the date of Laurie's surgery?

J/L, I watched the last few minutes of America's Got Talent. Do you twirl batons that are on fire too?

MEK in AZ said...

sacBarb - OH - THAT favorite chair - that totally went over my head earlier tonight!!

and - a spoiler will be on it's way soon..

cpgem - love the new front page..

I'm off to bed.....

Hope everyone has an excellent Thursday!!
:-)

Dianne/Denver said...

SACBARB: I guess if that is MrZ's favorite chair but I think ZONA was sending me a hidden message of a Bronco shirt on a toliet!! Just thinkin' that...

ZONA: I see you are showing another one of your talents..swimming under water withOUT head gear! You are quite a woman!! BTW, I never received the picture. I thought you were going to send it again.

TINK: Who ever thought you would lose so many viginities at the ripe old age of 39? You know my 32nd is right around the corner?

ITEACH: You have tons of things on your mind and to do with work, kids,husband, etc., so I think it is okay that you didn't remember about the catalog!! :)

MEK: I am watching America's Got Talent and I love the singers. I guess I must be an American Idol kind of gal at heart. A couple of those singers are great!!

Dianne/Denver said...

Guess everyone went to bed....ho hum...guess I should too. Night

hartldo said...

Good Morning Owl Friends!

Zona: I know! I am NOT looking forward to this campout at all. It's just too much work to go eat and sleep somewhere uncomfortable. My Girl Scouts are so excited, though, AND at least we're staying in a cabin and not tents this time. We registered early so we could get a cabin. Rain is in the forecast. Let's pray that they're wrong. Help me out on this one everyone, okay? Thanks!

And thank YOU, sacbarb, for the get well wishes. I'm feeling a lot better this morning. Still have these allergies/cold symptoms but at least I'm not nauseous.

MEK: Thank you for not spoiling what dog won. I was out shopping after work last night. I was gone 2 1/2 hours and missed the final episode. Luckily, my mom taped it for me. Now finding the time to watch it will be the hard part.

I have to work 12 hours today. I have to pack for that campout. Not just MY stuff, but I have lots of stuff to pack for the entire troop, and I need to help my daughter with her things.

I am also getting things ready for a yard sale that is going on at school this weekend. It's a fundraiser for that teacher I was telling you all about. Her son is very sick with cancer and they have lost their health benefits. I can't work the yard sale but I'm gathering lots of stuff for it. I have to take it all into work tomorrow.

BTW, prayers are still desperately needed for Kenny. He is not doing well at all. Thank you.

iteach: Wish I could help you grade papers. That's what I do in my spare time at school. That, or I make booklets, or make copies, or whatever else a teacher might need. Whoever thinks a teacher's job was from 8am until 3pm is sorely mistaken!!!!

Tina (and others): I LOVE the Lakeside Catalog! Matter of fact, I won't let anyone else see it because I'm ordering so many Christmas gifts from it. I order on-line, though, through a place called MyPoints. I get points for everything I buy, and just for opening emails. Then those points can be redeemed for gift cards for LOTS of places, like Walmart, tons of restaurants, Starbucks, Macys, Lane Bryant, Amazon.com, etc. If anyone thinks that might be something they'd like looking into, please send me a MySpace message with your email address and I'll send you the info. I get credit for signing people up. It really is a program that can't be beat. My mom does it too. She takes care of her QVC addition through MyPoints and gets thousands of points every month.

I just realized today is 9/11. Remembering all those who lost their lives that fateful day. Remembering their families and friends too.