Last Day of 2009

Gosh, I can't believe a year has gone by, so many memories have been made, new beginnings surfaced, life is a year older. When I think back of this last year, I remember sadness, laughter, confusion, hope. I guess that is truly what every year is like, so many emotions packed into 365 days. We can never know what a new year will bring. But what we do know is that we can always hope, because with hope anything is possible.

I am so very grateful for my family and the joy they bring me. Especially my Italian Stallions, for if not for them, I would not be me. I am also very grateful for all of you, and the joy you all bring me each and every day. I am certainly looking forward to May 2010. We started this blog on 1/10/08, so we will be venturing into our third year. I wonder what surprises the manor has in store for us in 2010!

2010 is the year I turn 50, it is certainly a milestone. I am feeling quite melancholy tho, as I did not accomplish what I thought I would by now. This is something I need to come to terms with. I will hope 2010 brings me the answers that I have been searching for.

A special New Year Blog will post tonite @ 12:00am (1/1 est) this blog will stay up till a new blog is posted on 1/2.

Happy New Years Eve!

♥♥♥

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You Tube Countdown

You Tube (my new obsession) is doing a Countdown to 2010.

Each day in December they posted a video of what they are calling The Most Memorable Videos of 2009. I have been following each day, to see what videos made the cut and if I had seen them all. I have to say I was only familiar with a few.

We have two more days to go, but so far this is def my fav.





So Funny, and So Ingenious. I am so glad they put this video in the countdown or I probably would have missed it.

My second fav, which is number 29 on the countdown is the JK Wedding Dance.

Here is the link for the You Tube New Years Countdown Videos.

If you have time to watch them, let me know your fav!

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~ I Love Me Some Craig ~

by Tina~in_ut

There's nothing in the world like a little free advertising! And what a hot package it came in~ I find Craig Ferguson charming, hilarious, and damn hot! I love the opening of his show, but this one takes the cake!

The Pill Container From Hell

by Shirley

Due to the fact that I now have to take more pills at different times of the day, I decided to buy myself a new pill container. You know, one of the ones that has a compartment for breakfast, noon, supper and bedtime. So when I went to pick up my new prescription, I bought one ($10.00). I went home, brought all my pills out to the kitchen and proceeded to fill my new pill container...or so I thought. Little did I know that taking it out of the cardboard and plastic it was wrapped in would be the easiest part. I looked at it and thought to myself
"Ok, how the hell do you open this?"

There were panels on the top that looked like you just pushed them up. WRONG. There was a plastic divider on top of the panels so I thought maybe you push down on it and slide the panel out. WRONG. Five or six minutes into this I'm saying (out loud this time) "This is ridiculous. It's a freaking pill container, it does not hold the Queen's Crown Jewels!"

So I continue to look at this THING in my hand and wonder how I am ever going to get it open. Suddenly on the side I see a panel that says "To open press here and slide". Whoopie!!! Finally. So I press and slide the panel off.

"Ok now what?"

I see a plastic tab so I pull on it. NOTHING. Now at this point (probably about 10 minutes or so) I'm starting to get a little pissed. I pull a little harder on the tab. Keeping in mind it's only plastic and I don't want to break it off. Taking it back is now looking like a very good option. The tray starts to slowly come out.

"Ok, I think we have it now." When I get the tray out I notice how flimsy it is. You know when you buy a package of cookies and the tray that the cookies are in...it's very flimsy right? That's what this was like. But I put my pills in it anyway. The morning pills didn't fit so well. I rearranged them and started to slide the tray back in. This was not going to be easy (not that anything so far had been). After spilling some of the pills a couple times I got the tray back in. Then I thought if I have to do that four times a day...no, that's not going to work. So I again look at those top panels and figure there must be a way to get to the pills through them. After a couple minutes I figured it out. At the top of the container you have to push down really really hard and then slide the panel from the bottom. It was at that moment I decided I was taking this pill container from hell back to the store. There is no way a senior or anyone with arthritis could open that pill container. It was absolutely ridiculous!! And it sure as hell wasn't worth $10.00!!!!

Thank you all for reading my rant. Anything like that ever happen to any of you? Please share with us.

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~ Two Is Better Than One ~

by Tina~in_ut

"I remember what you wore on that first day!" That line makes me laugh! The day I met my husband, he was wearing this gawd awful yellow corduroy, long-sleeve shirt and jeans. Another day, he wore SHORT dark blue corduroy shorts! I wasn't particularly impressed with him. We didn't start dating for a year after that initial meeting. We were friends, though. I think that's why it worked. In any case, almost 20 years later, I think two IS better than one~

The After....

My SIL's tree, with all the gifts

Christmas day 2009 is now a memory. We prepare for almost two months for this special day. And now we are exhausted, stuffed, broke, but full of love. The latter should make the rest livable.

Pretty Festive Table

Now we get to go thru all our receipts, and see what we actually spent, and then the joyful ordeal of paying all the bills. And I use joyful in the most sarcastic way!

I hope your gifts for Christmas were special one's, and your Christmas Holiday was magical.

Merry Christmas

Tis the day! It has arrived, what a joyous day!
You can spend it with family, or friends, or even alone.
Christmas day is for everyone to do as they please.
And of course we must not forgot to be thankful.
We truly have so much!

So Merry Christmas everyone,
Hope your day is filled with love,
laughter, food, and smiles!

♥♥♥

Christmas Eve!

A five year old child asks the simple questions, of the man in red with the sled.....

But how can his reindeer fly without wings?

Jets on their hooves? That's plain cheaqting!

And how can he climb down the chimney pot

When we've got central heating?

You say it's all magic and I shouldn't ask

About Santa on Christmas Eve.

But I'm confused by the stories I've heard;

I don't know what to believe.

I said that I'd sit up in bed all night long

To see if he really would call.

But I fell fast asleep, woke up after dawn

As something banged in the hall.

I saw my sock stuffed with apples and sweets;

There were parcels piled high near the door.

Jingle bells tinkled far off in the dark;

One snowflake shown on the floor.

He was here, He was here.

It is true, there really is a Santa Claus!

~ Jesus vs Santa ~

by Tina~in_ut

We were driving to the kids' games on Saturday and we were listening to NPR. (not my choice!) I usually tune it out when hubby has it on, but I heard the guy say Nipomo and I perked up and started listening. It's located near Santa Maria, CA, and my cousin lives there with his family. What the news guy was saying was so unbelievable. It couldn't be true. I googled it when I got home and found this video. I had to make sure my cousin wasn't involved.



For those of you who cannot watch, here's the article: Jesus vs Santa

I couldn't decide whether to laugh or be appalled. On the one hand, I can see the man's point. On the other hand, it's just so wrong. What do you think?

A Poem for Christmas

Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect. "

-- By Oren Arnold

Dinner with the Fam!

White Sangria (made with no sugar) Delish!

Food and family, what a great mix. Last Thursday we all went out to dinner for Italian Stallion # 3's birthday. We went to a amazing restaurant called Iberia, its located in Newark NJ, in the Portuguese section. We had a amazing time and the food was made to perfection. Enjoy the pictures, and if you find yourself drooling, I don't blame you at all.

Portuguese Steak, and yes that is fried eggs on top of the steak!

My mother and I shared the Seafood Pailla
Lobster, clams, mussels, shrimps, scallops
over rice, Yummo!

Rodizio, all types of meats served just as you see,
the waiter keeps coming to the table,
it does not stop till one is ready to burst!

The Rodizio fail, Italian Stallion # 1 could not finish it!


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~ Mary Did You Know ~

by Tina~in_ut

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It amazes me to really sit back and think of Mary as a mother, let alone, the Mother of God. I know how it felt when my first child was born and hubby and I would just stare at him in amazement and wonder what he would be like when he grew up......frankly we still wonder, but now we pray A LOT for Mr. Smartmouth!!!!! I can't imagine what it was like for Mary, or for anyone who gives birth to someone who does great things with their life, like Pope John Paul II. Today I heard that he is one step closer to becoming a Saint. His mother died when he was 8 years old and never got to see all the wonderful things he accomplished. I wonder if she had any idea in the short time she had with him, what a special man he would become to the world. For those of you with grown children, did you know they would become who they are today?

Christmas ParTay!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Song sung by the dancing drunken Tina to the tune of Jingle Bells


♪♪ Dashing through the snow
In a nest upon a sleigh
O'er the fields we fly
Pooping all the way
Dianne on Bronco watch
Making her drink with scotch
What fun it is to poop and drink
while watching Shirley dance ♪♪

♪♪ Oh, whoo whoo bells, whoo whoo bells
Zona's on her way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a nest upon a sleigh
Whoo Whoo bells, whoo whoo bells
Zona's on her way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a nest upon a sleigh ♪♪

♪♪ A day or two ago
I thought I'd take a flight
And soon Miss EBJ was in sight
dancing with all her mite
The plane was blue and white
Misfortune was in earshot
We got into a drunken plot
And then we got a swat ♪♪

♪♪ Oh, whoo whoo bells, whoo whoo bells
Zona's on her way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a nest upon a sleigh
Whoo Whoo bells, whoo whoo bells
Zona's on her way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a nest upon a sleigh, yeah ♪♪

♪♪ Oh, whoo whoo bells, whoo whoo bells

Zona's on her way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a nest upon a sleigh
Whoo Whoo bells, whoo whoo bells
Zona's on her way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a nest upon a sleigh ♪♪

Straight No Chaser

by LynnD

I discovered these guys the other night laying in bed watching TV. I was flipping channels and decided to see what was on PBS. Well these wonderful men were singing my song. Love them and I am now a huge fan. They inject humor and laughs, you can tell they are having fun!

So Here are two videos to lighten your Christmas Crazies. A gift from me to you.

Love you all,







My Favorite from them. IT WASN'T ME! I think it was Shirley. IMJS

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Its up to you!

Today is all yours

Whoever is first
picks one word
the next person to comment has to use
that word (in a sentence) in their comment
then
add another word to be used
for the next comment
please be clear on the word you are using
for the next person to comment
put it in bold or
put "word for next comment....."
if you leave
multiple comments in a row you still must complete
the task using the original word that was before
your first comment
and then repeat your word for the next comment
in case its not you

Deletes will be allowed if two comments
are posted at the same time as the persons
would have no control over who is posting
within the same time frame

Lets see who breaks the cycle
should be fun

Enjoy!

What happen to Respect?

I have written about my family many times. We are a very close group and we not only love each other, but generally speaking we also like each other. A lot of people remark about what a special bond we all share. How we are there for each other and we can also sit around a table and laugh for hours. None of us take our selves too seriously and we all share a bit of self deprecation. I truly love each and every one of them.

In reading CAROL'S blog I find myself thinking of one of my little cousins. She is 10 going on 40. She can be so loving and sweet and MANIPULATIVE! She is the only girl with three brothers and is totally DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL. She is spoiled rotten. I have gotten to the point that when she is sweet, I don't trust it. I think it is for a reason and wonder what she expects. There are stories I could tell about her for days!

Whatever she wants, she gets. If not from Daddy, then from her grandmother or her aunts. No one ever seems to say no to her. And it is not just in things, but in her actions and behaviors. When she was little, she never expressed an interest in dolls. Every doll she ever got she destroyed. Along with all the fancy clothes and shoes she wanted...and got. This year, she decided she wanted an American Girl doll. Guess what...she got it. That sucker cost almost $200. She was given it on Sunday at our Hanukkah party. At about 9:30 her parents told her that they had to go home. Her little brother still had homework and needed a bath and to get to bed. Her response was that she wanted to make matzo balls!! At 9:30! Her parents said no and so did her grandmother. That little brat marched herself in the kitchen and took out the ingredients and utensils and began cooking! Even after she was told NO. And the sicker part was that she was not reprimanded in way, shape or form. I was so mad. I had to leave before I said something that was not my business to say.

I fumed all the way home...and am still fuming! My first thought was that at the moment she walked into the kitchen that $200 doll would have been scooped up and locked in a closet until she can learn to listen and RESPECT her elders.

I don't remember how I was taught, but I just knew that if my parents said no, it meant no. I also knew that if I got something I took care of it. I also knew that I was "entitled" to nothing. I knew that whatever I did get was something my parents worked hard to get me. They did it because they believed in it...not just because I wanted it. Maybe it was just a different era. I don't know.

Am I crazy? Am I making a big deal of nothing?

It can happen, anywhere

There is to much on my mind, can't concentrate on words. All that keeps popping in my head right now, is what is going on in the news I guess because I just watched it. What did get my attention on the news was a incident that was to occur today at a high school in Bridgewater NJ which is about 1hr from where I live. Two kids were planning a copycat of Columbine. I learned today that a student, a female, did the right thing and told someone about what she knew.

From NJ News:

"We are justifiably proud of the source within our student body that came forward and of the staff members who passed the information along to the administration in such a timely manner," Riccobono said yesterday of the girl who tipped authorities. "We hope that this whole scenario can serve as a model for future incidents, whether here or at other schools."

In the home of one of the accused they found:

"The suspect, whom police have also not identified, was arrested Friday after authorities said they found an arsenal of explosives, bomb-making plans and ammunition in his Bridgewater home. The teen has been charged with attempted murder, possession of explosives, possession of a destructive device and attempted widespread damage or injury."

I'll tell ya, that is just so scary. What are these kids thinking, and why would death to innocent students, faculty etc, be so enticing? How would doing this deed serve their purpose. It is so baffling to me.

Bridgewater is normally a very quiet town and not know for violence of any kind, it is somewhat of a upscale town. Most people move there to get away from violence and give their kids a good education. It is predominantly of the Caucasian race.

What makes this almost unbelievable is that when you sit and think, it truly can happen anywhere, there are no boundaries. I am just very glad that girl came forward, as she saved many lives, today would have been much different if she did not.

Really frighting and sad....


Click here if you want to read the article

Holiday Nut!

Are the days going by fast for everyone or is it just me? Each day I have to double check the date, because I am in totally disbelief. I tried to be so organized so I would be ready for this Holiday month. However it did not work out as planned. So now I find myself rushing around trying to get all the stuff done that needs to get done. I think the problem is there is to much stuff to do. I know I put to much pressure on myself and it would be a lot easier if I did not do what is perhaps expected of me. But then, well, that would not be me.

So as much as I try to slow it down, or not do certain stuff over the Holiday it is not going to happen. I will just continue on my crazy quest of being the typical Holiday Nut, or as I am better know "The Crazy Lady". I just hope that whoever comes in my path will forgive my craziness. And if not, maybe they will join me in my craziness. But wait, they might already be there!

:O)

~ All I Want For Christmas Is You ~

by Tina~in_ut

Love Actually is one of my favorite movies and this song has become one of my favorite Christmas songs~ I've been thinking about posting it for a while now. Every time someone asks me what I want for Christmas, I think....I just want my family. I want them happy and healthy, and in the case of my kids, working hard at school. I don't need any material things......well, except for maybe the Gypsy which may be purchased online, or at Robert's Crafts, or at Michael's. :D Mostly, though......all I want for Christmas is you....and you...and you....~

So then I was reading my emails and Zona sent me two videos. I about wet my pants....I called her immediately.....it was like she was reading my mind! Here are two alternate versions of the same song, sung by Mariah Carey instead....I don't care for her, but I really liked the videos~ :)~

Here is a video of my Husband and one of my
Boyfriend

Its that time of year.....

The wonderful ordeal of Christmas Shopping
The crowds, The germs, The messy stores,
The traffic, The beeping, The parking,
The shoving, The pushing, The lines


The thought process!
Should I get this, No maybe I'll get that
But they would like this, No the color is not good
So I will go with that, No they don't have the right size
Well then I will will go with this, No its not on sale
I think I will get a gift certificate


The Ending Results
The headache, The feet pounding,
The sweating, The aggravation,
The exhaustion, The backache
The hunger!


Oh, yes the wonderful ordeal of Christmas Shopping


Tis the Season do be jolly, Ho Ho Ho


NOT!


Wish me luck!


:O)

~ The Eddie Is On ~

by Tina~in_ut

I received an email from Kgrl on Tuesday......The Eddie is on! She sent me a link so I could watch it live. I was mesmerized all day long. I had it in the background on my computer at work and showed everyone who walked by. I couldn't wait for my kids to get home from school so they could watch, too. It was still on when I got home from work and the family was watching.

"The Eddie", officially called The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau, is held at Waimea Bay, Hawaii. In its 25 year history, this surfing competition, which is by invitation only, has only actually been completed 8 times. The event is only held if waves reach a height of at least 20 feet sometime between Dec 1st and Feb 28th. Tuesday, Dec 8th, the waves consistently reached 35 to 40 feet, with some as high as 50 feet. It was an awesome spectacle. One participant's surfboard broke in half when he wiped out. Another competitor came charging through the white foam even after I was sure he had wiped out. When all was said and done, Greg Long won by a margin of 10 points.

"The Eddie" got its nickname from the very first lifeguard at Waimea Bay, Eddie Aikau. Eddie was regarded as one of the best big-wave riders in the area. The phrase "Eddie would go!" refers to his willingness to take on huge waves that others would not brave and his courage to make a rescue in impossible situations. Not one life was lost in the time that he was a lifeguard. On March 16, 1978, Eddie set out on a 2,500 mile trek from Hawaii to Tahiti in a double-hulled sailing canoe as part of the crew. The canoe developed a leak in one of its hulls and capsized about 12 miles south of Molokai. Eddie paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard in an effort to save the crew. Hours later, a commercial plane spotted the crew and the Coast Guard was sent to rescue them. Eddie, though, despite rescue efforts, was never seen again and lost at sea at the age of 31. Six years later, Eddie's memory would live on as the first surfing contest in his honor took place. His brother, Clyde, won the contest in 1987.

When my daughter and I went to Hawaii in October, we spent time with Kgrl at Waimea Bay. The waves were just a tad rougher than when we had been there in July a year before. We had to go out a little further so as not to be pounded by the waves. Here is a picture Kgrl took that day:



....here's a picture from July 2008.....



....and here is a picture from Tuesday....



Can anyone see a difference? The Eddie Is On.........

Mission Accomplished?

Just me driving and chatting away. Talking to my flip.
And of course bringing you along with me.

Enjoy!

btw.. the soup was delish!

:O)

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Out to Lunch…Literally

By Lois Lane AKA Nonewz

One cold fall afternoon, a few little owls flew from the nest. They gathered in a small town in Illinois to share lunch and laughter.

Jennifer Squared, (also known as, Iteach Jennifer and The Other Jennifer) Jodi and Lois accompanied by their 15-year-old daughters Lane 2 and Samtastic, sat at a table in the center of an Italian restaurant.

It was my first meeting of them, although the Jennifer's are practically my neighbors. It’s funny how the internet can bring people together. When you’re an adult, it’s hard to make new friends. Sure you have your work people, neighbors, kids’ friends’ parents who become your friends basically by default, and people you run into around town, but when is the last time you made a real new friend outside of the internet? I can’t even remember.

Iteach was the last to arrive. Lane 2, pointing randomly, excitedly said, “Oh there she is!” The Other Jennifer and Jodi turned to look, until I said, “Yeah, only you don’t even know what Miss Jennifer looks like!” Who knows where she gets her little prankster ways?

The Other Jennifer, not to be confused with The Other Sister (who was equally lovable but not nearly as bright) gave me a tiny scare right off the bat. The waitress approached our table to take our drink order. When she uttered the words, “I’ll have a Chianti.” I looked at my new friend and said, “If you order fava beans as your main course, I’m outta here!” With a slithery sound of their tongues, mother and daughter, Jodi and Sam gave the infamous Silence of the Lambs sound effect. Perfect comedic timing!

We talked about our jobs, kids, The Nest, The Hooters, schools, the towns we live in, books and old guys who look like Santa. We learned that Sam and Lane 2 are in love with Asians, a fact neither could explain. Lane 2 dresses like a senior citizen with her crocheted cap and flashy scarf. There was actually a cute little Asian lady at a table next to us dressed an awful lot like my kid.

Sam the vegan, likes mustard and pickle sandwiches, and much to Lane 2’s shock, “can’t even eat cheeseburgers.” Apparently mustard and pickles provide enough energy to run a locomotive… that child never stops talking, and I kind of loved that about her. Plus she laughed at some of my corny jokes, not the one where I pretended to grab her mom’s boobs, however.

My daughter was certain she was heading out to be, “murdered by Mom’s crazy internet friends” it was even what she set as her status update on Facebook on our way out the door to meet them. So, from Lane 2, “Thanks for not murdering us!”

Jodi came bearing gifts. For the Lanes, a lovely Raspberry Tart Wisconsin-brewed ale, which may or may not have gotten someone laid. *cheeky grin*

Ladies, it was a pleasure to meet all of you. I’m looking forward to Chicago 2010!

~ He's Catolic! ~

by Tina~in_ut

My parents pray the rosary every night. Whoever is home prays with them. Sunday night, my mom asked me if I wanted to join them. I said no. I've had a cough and I just didn't feel like it.......too much talking/praying. Oh boy did that make my mom mad! Of course I dragged my butt to their room to join them. After all, half the list of people they pray for is from me!

My mom has this cat. I don't like this particular one. They got him after I got married, so I was never really around him and didn't get attached to him. lol.....I don't even remember his name! Well this cat was laying on my mom's bed during the rosary. He would get up, someone would pet him, and he'd start purring. Then he'd get up again and move over to his blanket, which I had to crochet for him after my mom found out that I crocheted a blanket AS A JOKE for DeeDee's dog!!! Also, that blanket had to be baby blue......my mom says it's the cats' favorite color! Whatever!!!! Anyway, I watched this cat go from person to person and finally noticed something on his back. I squinted and then my eyes widened when I realized it was a rosary! My sister had the cat at this point and I looked up at her with this "WTC" look on my face! She just shrugged her shoulders and said, "He's Cat-olic!" I've heard of people treating animals like part of their family, but this is going just a wee bit too far, don't ya think?~

Say What?

by Shirley

My sister sent me these embarrassing medical exam stories and I thought I'd share them with all of you. Enjoy!

Embarrassing Medical Exams

1. A man comes into the ER and yells 'My wife's going to have her baby in the cab.' I grabbed my stuff, rushed out to the cab, lifted the lady's dress and began to take off her underwear. Suddenly I noticed that there were several cabs - - - and I was in the wrong one.
Submitted by Dr. Mark MacDonald, San Francisco


2. At the beginning of my shift I placed a stethoscope on an elderly and slightly deaf female patient's anterior chest wall. Big breaths,'. . . I instructed. 'Yes, they used to be,'. . .replied the patient.
Submitted by Dr. Richard Byrnes, Seattle , WA


3. One day I had to be the bearer of bad news when I told a wife that her husband had died of a massive myocardial infarct. Not more than five minutes later, I heard her reporting to the rest of the family that he had died of a 'massive internal fart.'
Submitted by Dr. Susan Steinberg


4. During a patient's two week follow-up appointment with his cardiologist, he informed me, his doctor, that he was having trouble with one of his medications. 'Which one ?' I asked. 'The patch ... The Nurse told me to put on a new one every six hours and now I'm running out of places to put it!' I had him quickly undress and discovered what I hoped I wouldn't see. Yes, the man had over fifty patches on his body! Now, the instructions include removal of the old patch before applying a new one.
Submitted by Dr. Rebecca St. Clair, Norfolk , VA

5. While acquainting myself with a new elderly patient, I asked, 'How long have you been bedridden?' After a look of complete confusion she answered . . . Why, not for about twenty years - when my husband was alive.'
Submitted by Dr. Steven Swanson Corvallis , OR

6. I was performing rounds at the hospital one morning and while checking
up on a man I asked . .'So how's your breakfast this morning?' It's very good except for the Kentucky Jelly. I can't seem to get used to the taste.' Bob replied. I then asked to see the jelly and Bob produced a foil packet labeled 'KY Jelly.'
Submitted by Dr. Leonard Kransdorf, Detroit

7. A nurse was on duty in the Emergency Room when a young woman with
purple hair styled into a punk rocker Mohawk, sporting a variety of tattoos, and wearing strange clothing, entered. It was quickly determined that the patient had acute appendicitis, so she was scheduled for immediate surgery. When she was completely disrobed on the operating table, the staff noticed that her pubic hair had been dyed green and above it there was a tattoo that read ' Keep off the grass.' Once the surgery was completed, the surgeon wrote a short note on the patient's dressing, which said 'Sorry, had to mow the lawn.'
Submitted by RN no name

AND FINALLY!! ! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8. As a new, young MD doing his residency in OB. I was quite embarrassed when performing female pelvic exams... To cover my embarrassment I had unconsciously formed a habit of whistling softly. The middle-aged lady upon whom I was performing this exam suddenly burst out laughing and further embarrassing me. I looked up from my work and sheepishly said. . . ' I'm sorry. Was I tickling you?' She replied with tears running down her cheeks from laughing so hard . 'No doctor, but the song you were whistling was . . I wish I was an Oscar Meyer Wiener.'
Doctor wouldn't submit his name....

Whataya Want From Me

by Adam Lambert

chosen by Just_Lin

Well, Adam Lambert sure shook things up at the AMA show the other night! His overt display of sexuality made plenty of folks uncomfortable, although they had seen the same thing before, only done by female artists, such as Madonna. A few shows canceled his appearance because of it but Dave Letterman was not one of them. I was watching Letterman's show when Adam came on and sang this song. I love it and the words seem very appropriate as he finds himself in the middle of controversy. The kid sure has talent and he's even prettier than Tina!


*****************************

When you Wish Upon a Star........

♪♪ When you wish upon a star, makes
no difference who you are anything your
heart desires will come to you ♪♪

by Jennifer

That is the intro to one of my favorite songs from Disney and I still get goose bumps every time I hear it. Today is Walt Disney's 108th birthday and I wanted to take a moment to remember his great accomplishments. I have always been in love with his movies and his theme parks. I also admire him for not giving up and not letting his dreams die. If you have time google his biography on wikipedia. He started off with nothing and worked hard all his life to succeed. During his life journey he had many set backs, but he still kept trying. I can't imagine what the world would be like with out all the great entertainment that he has provided for everyone. He was truly a genius.

My all time favorite movie has always been Snow White. It was interesting to read the history of that movie. It was his first full length movie film and he went bankrupt trying to make it. Hollywood joked about it and called it "Disney's Folly". He begged at banks to get more money to finish the film. He finally did and it became an instant success. I watched it with my mom at the theater and now my daughter watches it with me.

I just want to say "Happy Birthday " to Walt and thank him for enriching my life.

Should we judge a book by its cover?

by Bonacci

I would like to introduce you to Oderus Urungus. He is the frontman for a band called GWAR. You can find GWAR’s music in any music or book store. Remember Elvis? The Beatles? How about the Stones or Led Zeppelin? Well, this is what the youth of today is listening to. Not so popular, I think, but mention the band to a teen you know and they’ll probably have to scoop their jaw up off the ground after realizing you even know there’s such a thing as GWAR. Oderus is the product of a super computer and a Petri dish. So he says. Really, he’s Dave and he has a real mom and dad. His stage persona is that of an evil being. No good. He sprays his fans with fluids during his live shows. An oxygen thief if ever I met one. I don’t like his music, I don’t like his attitude and I don’t like looking at him.

Then he went and screwed me. He was driving in Pennsylvania and happened upon a woman, in her 50’s or 60’s, who had a flat tire on her car. Oderus morphed into Dave. Dave stopped and changed the tire for the woman, who was grateful and found him to be a delightful man. She asked how she could repay his generosity, and he told her she could never mention he changed her tire. It was bad for his image. He then explained who he was and why he didn’t want news that he might be a decent guy to leak out.

I am not the first to “out” Oderus. The woman wasn’t either. She kept her word. It’s just not common knowledge. Just like the existence of anything called GWAR isn’t common knowledge, at least to us. My point is that I will never “like” Oderus. I’ll never like Dave because he becomes Oderus. But whoever this thing is, he is a human being and he is compassionate. I know of at least one woman who thinks he’s a gentleman and a stand-up guy. The moral? No matter how disgustingly ugly the cover is, the book might not be so bad.

A little slice of my life...

Our Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving came and went so quickly, I can't believe how fast my long weekend went. We spent Thanksgiving at my house entertaining the Italian Stallions and my dear SIL. We ate, drank, played games, and most important laughed. My mother was as giddy as a teenager. She loves her family and was thrilled that all went so well.

After Thanksgiving I headed down to Atlantic City (AC) to meet up with the Italian Stallions and extended family. I arrived on Saturday, and took a long walk on the boardwalk, the weather was perfect, not to cold. The walk felt so good, and my legs did not bother me once, so even tho I hate the treadmill, and I was thankful for it.

Italian Stallions and More

All that walking certainly made me parched, so, we did what anyone would do while in AC, hit the bar. We drank till we were swimming, no one had to drive so we were all relaxed and continued on our quest to drink as much as possible. My choice of drink, a red wine spritzer, so refreshing, and lite. The laughter throughout the day was infectious

Jess, Me and Melissa

We had a wonderful dinner at Carmines, and then went to hit the gambling tables. I did not gamble as I don't enjoy it so much, but everyone else did and they all did well.

I love doing things with my family, we get along so very well. It is surely a treasure. I would have not wanted my weekend to be anything other than what it was. Pure Perfection!

The crew!
I love this pic, we are all out of sorts,
I guess we were not ready to say cheese!

Life gives us happiness
a true blessing
Great Memories, Good Times
♥♥♥

My Piggies!

by Maureen

A few blogs ago, BEBBI asked how my adoration of piggies began. So, I decided to write about it. It is nothing earth shattering and really rather boring!

A number of years ago I worked as a Manager for Harry and David. The company also owned a gardening division called Jackson and Perkins. I saw the cutest planter and it was called Pickles the Pig. It was a mommy pig that was the planter and a whole gaggle of baby piggies around her. It was so adorable and EXPENSIVE. A couple of years later I was running a warehouse sale for the company and OMG, there was Pickles! And she was only $20! I HAD to have her. I brought her home and she sits in my living room with beautiful (!) silk flowers in her! I still love my little Pickles. My friend Joni always teases me about her and I have told Joni many times that when I die, she is inheriting Pickles and if she doesn't love her like I do I will haunt her from the grave!

A couple of years after that I went to Italy. In a little shop in Venice I found the cutest little pig family...mama, papa and baby. They were hand blown Murano glass. The biggest one, Papa, was only about an inch high and the baby was teeny. I had to have this family and that began my collection. I found a few more tiny glass piggies to bring back to my sty! In my mind, my collection would be small and only little glass piggies.

Needless to say, I have acquired mugs, bowls, banks and other assorted pigs! ENOUGH! I had to tell people to stop giving me pigs. My house was being overrun! I have even moved some to my desk at work!

So that is how my love of piggies began. They are the cutest things, right?! I told ya it was boring!

What kind of collections do you have that have gotten out of control?

Day of Thanks

by Bonacci

*** DISCLAIMER *** This blog is not funny. It may become funny, but the author denies any and all blame for this incidence, should it occur.

Not to take undue credit, but I believe I am the resident newbie here at the Nest. It’s not a label I like, but I think I’m the most recent one to take up residence and not just enjoy the lunacy silently. We all know where I came from. I was quite happy there for a time because of the acceptance and camaraderie there. Boy, I had no idea.

I tried to be polite and asked permission to come in. I was welcomed with open arms. I put my foot in my mouth several times and was either gently nudged or in Tina’s case, just told to shut up. Everyone seemed to know each other so well. It was as if you were all life-long friends who naturally gather to share your lives. I didn’t feel like an outsider for long, mostly because of the warm welcome and encouragement to jump in that everyone offered.
I could single people out. Each resident here at the Nest has a distinct and glorious personality well worth noting. I’m not going to do that because this blog is about the community itself, not each individual.

The Nest is not a blog. Well, technically it might be, but it’s more. It’s a family. I have so many sisters, a few brothers and more nuts than I’ll ever know what to do with. I come here eagerly each day to see how everyone’s doing. There’s always something happening.

What, in my life, did I do that merits the reward of the Nest? It is truly a wondrous place. Who are these people who allowed me into this amazing community, who made me feel so much a part? It defies belief that such a place exists. There are real friendships here. People actually care. We laugh, cry, scream and ponder.

I know better than to take the Nest for granted. It exists because well, Carol started it, but everyone keeps it going. Without each and every person here, it just wouldn’t be the same. It seems as if many of us are feeling the same way about our appreciation of this community. I’ve seen some comments that broach the subject. It’s a good subject and one well worth devoting an entire day to. I don’t have the words to describe what the Nest truly means to me, so I’ll just say, “Damn glad to be here.”

Maybe today we could have a special Thanksgiving just for the Nest? What here, are we thankful for? I know I said it wasn’t about individuals, but I’d like to start the Day of Thanks by saying Thank You to Carol and her small army who keep the Nest going. You’ve given so many of us a home.

How You Hear A Message

by Dianne_in_Denver

"Nana, now don't freak out (in a crying dramatic voice) but mom and dad are taking me to a doctor in Mexico because something awful happened to me in the ocean."

A month ago my daughter and family went on a vacation to Cabo and this was a message I received on my cell phone one afternoon. I will be the first to admit that I "freaked out" when I heard this sobbing scared voice of my 11 year old granddaughter. I will also admit (only to you owls) that my imagination went wild. How serious it must be for my daughter to be out combing the streets of Mexico looking for a doctor; I knew she was alive but did a shark bite her; she wasn't even crazy about the ocean..what could have happened?

Needless to say, I instantly called and thank goodness she answered and was still whimpering. In my best freak out voice I asked her what happened. She said to me, "Nana, I told you not to freak out." As the conversation continued, she told me the doctor was at the resort they were staying at (one worry gone-kind of) and that a jelly fish had stung her arm. She had stripes going into her hand and it was hurting really bad. I was relieved to know that it wasn't a shark and that her body parts were still attached and that the doctor had already ordered two prescriptions for her. She said that in that message she had ended it with the part about the jelly fish. I still don't think she did, but regardless, this Nana didn't hear it. My daughter said that when the ambulance/cart was taking them to the doctor, my granddaughter was looking for the phone and my daughter asked her what the heck she wanted the phone for right at that moment. My granddaughter said, "to call Nana." This is my first grandchild and she knows my sympathy is always on her side with mom and dad, sister, and yes...even the ocean. Oh, one more thing....she is NEVER going into the ocean again!

My five grandchildren are the heart of me and to think something had happened made my heart stop until I was able to return this phone call.

Have any of you ever received a voice message, email, note, whatever, that "freaked you out" before you knew the whole story? I would love to hear any stories or even comments.

Meanings in a Song

by Bebbi

I love this song so much! I have Regina Spektor’s cd and for some reason this song just really is uplifting. I play it on my short ride to work every morning. The second part when she sings, “Outside the cars are beeping….” Really touches my soul. What do you think it means? I would love to know everyone opinions. She has a lot of cool songs and the meanings to them intrigue me.

Thanks and I hope you enjoy this.




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Food for Thought?

by Maureen

As Thanksgiving has come to pass, all the talk of food has gotten me thinking of food and food stories! Have you ever done something disastrous...or embarrassing concerning food preparation or the serving of it?

I like to think of myself as a good cook. I like to experiment with different things. And I hate to measure! I may concoct something incredible but I never know how much of what I used to recreate it!

When I first started cooking and entertaining with dinner parties, I wasn't a smart cook. I cooked for my mom and brother growing up while my mom worked, but it was never fancy for entertaining food.

I had decided to invite my boyfriend and another couple to dinner. I wanted to make beef stroganoff. I don't know why, but that was what I decided on. The recipe said to brown the meat on all sides. In my infinite wisdom and lack of skill, I cubed the meat and then browned it...one piece at a time! I wanted each piece to be perfectly browned! Needless to say, that took FOREVER!! But, I must admit when all was said and done it was DELICIOUS!

Another time, I decided to make lasagna. I made my own sauce and then moved on to the lasagna noodles. Well, I didn't have a stock pot or pot big enough so I boiled EACH FRICKIN NOODLE...one at a time!! I told you I wasn't a smart cook! It was good and got rave reviews but it was exhausting!

As I mentioned, I don't like to waste time measuring. That could be why I don't bake. I am not a good baker, so that is why I don't do it. I suppose if I did it more I would get better at it.

I was dating this guy in California and his favorite food was brownies. Being the kind person I am ;), I decided to bake him brownies...from scratch. BIG ASS MISTAKE! Let me just cut to the chase...the brownies came out like a roofing shingle. And bitter! It was nearly impossible to get them out of the pan! My boyfriend, bless his heart, tried to eat them. He really tried! Tried dunking them...no help! I finally told him to give it up and admit it was a ginormous failure! I had to fill the pan with water and then put it back in the oven to soften them up enough to get them out of the pan to wash it!! It turns out I didn't put in enough flour, not enough sugar either!

I have more disasters, but I would rather hear yours! Put your stories on a lovely platter and add them to the blog buffet!

~ Twisted Black Friday ~

by Tina~in_ut

Black Friday is all about getting up at the butt-crack of dawn to get the best deals….for some people! For me, it usually means getting up about 12noon, leisurely showering, and maybe, just maybe, heading out at about 2pm. Hubby and I will shop some, eat, maybe see a movie, eat, and shop. The crowds aren’t as bad then and we get a lot done.

This year my mindset is different and I can’t figure out why. I have no idea what I want to get anyone, except for the hubby. On Tuesday, the Robert’s Crafts and Michael’s ads came to my house. They have turned me into a crazy person! (shut up, all of you!) Michael’s is open on Thanksgiving night from 5pm-9pm and they have Cricut cartridges on sale. Robert’s has them on sale on Friday morning from 6am-11am. Both stores have the new Gypsy on sale!!! Janice and I have been plotting our strategy. In between calls at work, we have our ads open on our desks trying to figure out what we “need” and where we’ll go first. Our “dream” scenario is for her to leave work and come to my house on Thursday (and tell her husband that she is still stuck at work!). We would need to be at Michael’s by 4:30pm. We’d bring my daughter with us cuz she’s tiny and can squeeze in between all the women jockeying for the good deals. There are two Robert’s by my house so Janice can spend the night (still telling hubby that she’s stuck at work!) and we can hit both stores in the morning!!! My hubby will just be told that Janice has left her husband and needs a place to stay….and I’m taking her to therapy! He doesn’t need to know it’s retail therapy!~

Realistically though, I’ll beg my hubby to let me out of the house on Thursday to go to Michael’s and I’ll text Janice to see if what I have found is what she wants cuz she has a long drive after work to go see her dad and can’t shop! I hate when the real world gets in the way of my fantasy life! Both of us are trying to figure out how to buy the Gypsy without our husband’s killing us.

So just when did the “can’t wait to buy stuff for my family” shopping season turn into the “to hell with everyone else, I’m buying for myself and you can all go to hell” shopping extravaganza? I used to love shopping for others or making things for family and friends. I have absolutely no desire to do so this season. I haven’t even started making my Christmas cards. I need to get into the holiday spirit. I've got to get out of my twisted Black Friday funk! Please help~

Happy Thanksgiving

All year we move about forgetting what is
around us, we don't stop to listen to the
sounds of life, we take them for granted

Our sight that allows us to see what is before us
gets cloudy and tarnished

Our mind that allows us to think, becomes
a jumble of negativity

Our body which allows us to move, gets stiff
with anguish

Our hands which allow us to feel, become
fists of anger

Yes, we forget, that around us is the gift of life
no matter what life is in your path
it is truly a gift

There is much to be thankful for
and today is a day to remember all we hold so dear
our family, our friends and so much more

Today shall be our reminder to let our body go
allow our eyes to see, let our hands feel,
and give our minds peace

Yes, today is that day

Enjoy your day of giving Thanks

♥♥♥

~ In-n-Out ~

by Tina~in_ut

Our first In-n-Out Burger opened on Thursday. I thought it would be so fun to take the kids since it's the first place we go to eat every time we go to California. A friend of mine from work has a son who works near the restaurant and called us to say that the wait was 2 hours. No way was I going to wait that long for a burger! I found out later that people slept in tents to be the first in line when they opened. Now I love their hamburgers, but not for breakfast and surely (that's for you, Carol!) not enough to sleep outside in 30 degree weather. That's just crazy!

I knew better than to try going on Friday or Saturday, but I thought that since the Mormons stay home on Sunday's and only venture out to go to church, we would be in the clear. I took the boys Sunday afternoon.......drove by and waived to the people standing outside waiting to get in, and drove on down the road to McDonald's......only because we were starving! We were disappointed, but since we were going to 7pm mass, I thought maybe, just maybe, we’d try one more time after church. Well the planets must have aligned themselves (not in the 2012 way!), because when we finally got there around 9pm, there were just a few (10) cars in the drive thru and only a couple of people in line inside. Of course, it had been snowing for 3 straight hours by then, the roads were horrible, and it was late.

Can I just tell you…..it was SO hard for me not to groan and say out loud how orgasmic that first bite of my burger was! The look on my kids’ faces said that they were thinking along the same lines……well sorta….ykwim! My youngest ordered two hamburgers, my oldest ordered three (one for lunch at school the next day!), and hubby and I ended up going back and ordering one more each…..definitely not on our diets, but so yummy!

Since then, many of my friends have tried to go, but the wait is just too long. I don’t know what it is about their hamburgers that makes people willing to hang out in line outside in the freezing cold! I just know that they are scrumptious and so are their fries~ If you find yourself in California, Nevada, Arizona, or Utah, make it a point to try them out~ …..but quite frankly, if you’re in Utah…..I’m taking you there anyway~ :D

It is clear, with time

there is a reason, but to no avail, it does not appear
it can take time, not sure how long tho
you will have to wait, patience is needed

when things happen you have to wonder
why? is it suppose to be this way
or is it something that is unexplained
can it be i did something? how would i know?

at first, there is no way to know, you have to
wait, and see if it becomes clear
you can read into all you want
but you stumble for the answer

and as time goes by, in the shadow of a normal
day, the reason is there, and you are
hit with the reality of the reason
and behold it all makes sense

the reason will come, it always does
its the patience that allows it to be free
a light gleams,
time as cleared the fog
the reason is there, you knew all along

A Twist to the Traditional Thanksgiving Meal

by Maureen

I can't believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner already. It doesn't seem possible. The weather has been unseasonably warm so it makes Thanksgiving seem like it should be later then it is.

We are having a different Thanksgiving this year. It is going to be a very small gathering...5. Elaine, who is hosting it decided that we are not going to have turkey and the fixins. We are having steak, twice baked potatoes, vegetables and two desserts...monkey bread and pumpkin pie.

When I have relayed this to some people they are horrified. Blasphemous came out of one friend's mouth! It got me thinking (shut up, TINA!) about the day. Why is it wrong NOT to have turkey? Isn't being thankful for family, friends, health, peace of mind, life enough? Isn't being thankful for whatever food you are consuming enough? Isn't spending the time with the people you love, regardless of what you are eating enough? I think so.

What are your Thanksgiving plans? Are you staying with tradition? Do you or your family have a special thing you do for the holiday?

Whatever you do...

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Chances Are.....

Me @ 13

"Chances Are"
and
"Its Not For Me To Say"


by Johnny Mathis


chosen by Just_Lin

Her bedroom is dark and the window is wide open. The night air is finally cooling off after another hot summer day in Southern California. Lying there in the dark, the young girl feels the breeze come in through the window and slowly move over her skin like cool water, bringing refreshment and relief to her sunburned skin. She reaches over and lifts the arm of her portable record player and gently sets the needle down on the spinning LP. First there is the hiss of the needle against the vinyl as it whispers into the darkened room, then the first note fills the air. The girl recognizes the song immediately by just that one note and she will just as readily know every other song that follows just by hearing the very first note of each. She has played this record so many times, on so many similar nights, that she knows all the notes and all the words by heart. It is her favorite record for romantic dreaming.

She is thirteen years old in 1960 and Johnny Mathis sings in sweet and velvety tones of a love and romance that she has yet to experience but is anxiously awaiting. Her heart rides the waves of Johnny's beautiful voice and she imagines that love will be as wonderful as his songs promise it will be. She sways slightly, dreaming that she is dancing in the arms of a lover that she hasn't yet met........but there's always tomorrow. At thirteen, all things are possible.

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