Onward and Upward

Wow, it's been an interesting year. Lots of ups and downs, probably about equal, but we made it. I've gotten to the point where I don't make resolutions usually, because I know that I won't keep them. Best of intentions and all that... How about a "What I'd Like to do in 2009" list instead? Not as much pressure...

1. The requesite Lose Weight. Been on my list for decades...lol
2. Read the Bible daily. Bill gave the one I'd been wanting for Christmas. (Life Application Bible) It's not like I don't have any others, but KJV kills me.
3. Another requestite...less procrastination. That one is hard for me. I don't know if I'm ADD or something, but it's hard.
4. Work on my photography skills (a fun one). I've always loved photography and would love to work on Black and White pics especially. I'm up for any pointers.

That's a good start.

2008 had it's good points for me.

1. Recieved 2 college degrees this year, March and December.
2. Got my notary license.
3. Now on the board for the band boosters.
etc....
I will continue to support and love my kiddos completely. I do feel that this year may be tough for the boys. I'm not sure why, but I'm there for them always.

Enough blather for the moment. Have a great NYE and a wonderful 2009. I thank all of you, my readers and the blog authors I read, for making me laugh, cry and think this year. You are the greatest.

Shopping, ho.....

Today my mom, Molly and I went shopping. Yeah, my mom just had knee surgery, but you can't keep the woman down. She works at the mall and needed to go to her store to let them know what was going on doctor wise and to see some of her friends. Mom got me a place setting for me, I collect Fiesta Ware and have now, 8 place settings in different colors. I started the collection right before we moved into the house, to bring some color into my life. ;-) Molly got a pair of red suade boots...very cool.

Here are the three of us at my moms store...mirrored ceilings, the three of us...I'm at the top of the pic, then Molly then mom...

We also visited Target and the local orchard. All in all, not a bad day.

I had hoped to hear from B today, considering it's his 16th birthday, but he won't answer his cell and he's probably by now on his way home. He'll be back at noon tomorrow. Then he'll be here for the evening and we'll do cake. More to come for him on the weekend.

Oooo...btw.... Here is the hutch that I got for free... Thrilled to say the least.

That's it for now...have a good evening.

Twitter mug

If you know me, you know I love coffee and the corresponding mugs that it goes in. I admit it, I'm a mugaholic. So, today, at Julie's, I find out about a Twitter mug contest. I started using Twitter a couple months ago, and while I don't have many followers, I think it's a pretty cool thing. If you would like in on the mug contest, head on over to Owen's to find out the details.

Merry Christmas

I want to wish every one a very Merry Christmas. :-)

After work I have church and a party to go to. I get the boys tomorrow and the rest of the family is coming over for the day.

Be safe.

I have a feeling this should be me.......

nataliedee.com

Whew...

I'm tired. Not sure why, though. Oh well, what else is new??

Got some of my shopping out of the way this weekend. M and I went to IKEA and White Marsh mall on Friday night. M got a bit scared when she saw all the people there....lol. When the kids were younger, we really didn't go to the mall much because we didn't have the money to spend there. I have since remedied that situation, not because I have the money to spend, but because it's fun. ;-) Did you know that if you go to Starbuck's and order a coffee, and they are currently brewing the coffee, they won't charge you for it?? I was stunned. Hey, I'll take the coffee, free or otherwise... ;-)

Saturday Bill, M and I went to the outlets in Lancaster. I had no idea that the Big Dogs chain was closing. Everything in the store was $10 and under. Well, got the boys some stuff there. Bill even got some boots. I usually have to drag him kicking and screaming to shop anywhere. He's a far cry from my ex who loves to shop and buy shoes for himself. But, Bill tells me he loves to spend time with me so he'll suffer through shopping....isn't that sweet?? ;-) Then M and I dragged him to another mall.....poor guy. But I did get some more stuff.

Now if I can just get him to hang up the stuff I need hung, I'll be a happy camper.

:-)

Need some assistance

Does anyone know how to create a one paragraph bio? I mean, formatting wise? I've been asked to be on a committee at my church that deals with some specific grants, meeting with legislators etc... and I need a bio. I have no clue how to do it. Anyone???

Why do I have, on the outside, a pretty good public life when (I feel) that my personal life is going to hell in a handbasket? Ok, it's not that bad, but geez... I better start taking my meds again... I have a wonderful husband, a good job, am on the board of the band boosters, just graduated from college, also just became a notary public and now asked to be on a committee...why don't I feel it? I am way beyond grateful and thankful, but I have no idea what to do anymore. I think my focus in life has been altered dramatically, and I don't know how to deal with it.

Sorry for the whining.... maybe shopping will help.... ;-)

Wow

I was reminded that I hadn't reported back on the cabinet I was picking up this past Saturday morning. OMG, I was stunned. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much. You know, something that needed to be refinished etc..., no problem. But when I got there to get the hutch I almost said to the lady..."Are you crazy??" The corner hutch I picked up FOR FREE was a floor to ceiling, 7 ft. tall, hand made, absolutely stunning looking cabinet. Glass doors, 2 drawers and a small cabinet at the bottom. I haven't taken pictures yet because it is still in my garage. My son, B, came with Bill and I and even he was impressed. I swear, they could have easily made money on this and the other stuff in their home. It seems that they just bought the house, were remodeling and the previous owner had built most of the cabinets etc... It will made a wonderful addition to my kitchen. :-)

The weather today sucks...blah. "Wintry Mix" my butt. Ice is more like it. Thank God I live a minute from work. But, I have no excuse to not be here...as my boss loves to point out...lol.

Be safe everyone. :-)

Madness

Well, maybe not........ I've had an interesting day. Not that I want to recount the whole darn thing, but I am frustrated and disappointed. Nothing that happened surprised me in the least, but there will some people who will gloat heavily at my expense right. about. now. Oh well, karma my friends can be a bit of a bitch.....

I've been on a couple freecycle type mailing lists for a month or so now. So far I've gotten a basket and tomorrow I will be, hopefully, picking up a corner hutch. I've been looking for one that wasn't too expensive, but hey, free is a very good price...to quote Tom Peterson....lol. We'll see what it looks like when I get it.

If anyone is interested in any woodwork, my husband is wanting to make and sell some. He will be making a cabinet (my Christmas present) and wants to branch out. He will start small (other than the cabinet) and make some cool looking boxes, and will go from there. I have told him about Etsy, and will show his work here when he's ready.

In the craft arena, I've been interested in the stamped jewelry for a while now. I found the stamps for a great price, but didn't get them yet. I may see where I can get the foundations and make some for myself. There are plenty of ladies who make these and they look wonderful.

Such a babbling post. What can I say, it's almost 11pm. :-)

Have a great weekend.

Oh no, it's Monday....

Another installation of the fun...

I did not laugh when the boys told Bill and M that "Mom cusses when she scared...". To explain, Saturday afternoon we had small snow/ice showers. So, in driving up a hill, I started to slide and get into an ice rut. I think why I was upset was that the people behind me , 5-10 cars, decided to go around me while I'm sliding up hill. I did do a bit of..."Oh no, you ARE NOT going around me."..with a couple choice words thrown in...lol

I did not want to throw said boys out of the truck when they were fighting earlier in the day.

Ok, not much, but hey....

Saturday stuff

Well, Saturday once again. Today the boys and I will do a bit of shopping. Bill got called into work, M is going to lunch with some ladies from work and then to dinner later with her dad, so it'll just be the boys and me.

We will head up to York and do a bit of Christmas shopping. No clue what I'm looking for, but we'll have fun. We'll also go a local orchard for some fruit. Thrilling stuff, huh? ;-)

I think we may also decorate the house for Christmas. I'll have to see what I have, which is not a whole lot. I get depressed about decorating sometimes. I just have no idea what to do. Couple that with not a whole lot of extra money for that stuff and it just compounds. Not as bad as it used to be, but it'll be ok.

Have a great weekend.

Late (semi) Wordless Wednesday

Gone...

I had a post all ready to go and Blogger ate it. :-( It was whiny and such, so I'm kinda glad it's gone. PMS must be rearing it's ugly head, I get blah around that time.

Oh well, I'll come back later and post because I was tagged by Maggie. ;-)

For a cause

Over on my sidebar you'll see a button for Rebel Without For a Cause. It is a raffle-way for a great camera package that will benefit Strings of Pearls. Visit MckMama for all the details.

Nada

Not sure if I have anything of value to say, but here goes.... :-)

First, I want to thank Heidi for mentioning my accomplishment. Totally surprised me, made me tear up. :-)

Second, go visit That Family for some wonderful gift ideas. I think I will steal both of them. ;-)

It's SITSmas time.... head on over to The Secret is in the Sauce for some good, clean (I hope..lol), fun.