Black cats R lucky

Long time, no me...

2009-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

My name is Dens and it's been 6 months since my last post....

Okay, Grandy, I hear ya...and I appreciate all the encouraging comments from Grandy's Sunday Stalker spotlight...to respond to you all, I will do my best to post more often..I know I have some intersting stories in this head of mine somewhere...I will find them eventually.

So for a the past 2 days, I've been at home. Not really by choice cuz today I had a colonoscopy. For those of you who've never had one (this was the 2nd in my life) you will remember that the day before is classified as "clean out day" and I don't mean your spare room. When I had my first (6 years ago) I had to drink this nasty crap that reminded me of drain cleaner. Now, if you are under 50, they give you these pills to take....okay, pills don't seem too bad.

...well, it all started Friday morning at 9am...instructions: take 4 pills every 15 mins with 8oz of clear liquid, until you've taken 20 pills....20 PILLS!!!! First of all, they were totally the size of horse pills, and they tasted like a chlorine salt lick...so I managed to choke them down....then the waiting begins....okay, so I'll turn on the TV and see what's on....did I mention, I'm not allowed any food for the enitre day..only clear liquids....so naturally every channel had some kind of food commercial or cooking show....okay, so I could do some house cleaning instead...get out the vacuum....and then it hits me...RUN FOREST, RUN!!!...hence the name "clean out day."I will spare you the crappy details...LOL. But I did have to repeat this same ritual Saturday morning starting a 4:30am. These are the pills I had to take this morning:

So needless to say, I had the procedure, it went well, except for the fact that it was inconclusive...and they had to give me 3x the sedation medication..that is why I am so rambly and this post probaly doesn't really make any kind of point...except for the fact that I am actually posting something...I guess I'm really surprised that I can even type with as loopy as I feel..I am so thankful for spell check...now if only they made brain check...

yeah, yeah, rambling Dens...I am what I am...

p.s. stay tuned..next Friday for Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Tag I'm it!

2008-11-29T18:43:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged by Suzanne
The Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you Suzanne

2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading).

3. List 6 random things about yourself.

4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.

5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

Six random things about me:

I've always wanted to be the voice of a cartoon character. Not a funny or goofy voice, but just a voice.
I have a secret addiction to QVC...wait, it might not be so secret cuz it's on the TV right now...not as bad as my Aunt Donna..the logo is burned into her TV screen...hehehe.
I once danced on stage with Bryan Adams. I went to a concert years ago. Our seats weren't very good, kinda in the middle. We were waiting for the band to come out for one last song...next thing I knew, the floor next to me started rising up and there he was, I could reach out and touch him!! I was in shock for a few seconds...then just started dancing away. The seats turned out to be the best.
Me and my cousin, Little Joe, once ate the stems of Calla Lillies...won't ever do that again. My tongue was numb and itchy for hours...that's the only way I can describe the feeling. It was probably 20 years ago or so..but I will never forget that weird feeling...ewww!!
I will only eat spinach dip that I make myself....yes, that is very random.
I went to Australia and climed Ayer's Rock. When I got to the top, I spelled my name wrong in the guest book...it must have been the heat, yeah, that's it.

Thanks, Suzanne, for the tag. Grandy will be happy cuz I finally have a post....hehehe.

Now I have to try to figure out how to tag the others....and someone needs to show me how to do that strikethrough word thingy...

-Mike Golch-cuz you're the only other one I know that has read my blog besides Grandy.

-Kelly O- cuz I've read some of your blogs and found you via Grandy.

-Grandy- well, cuz you're you....(I know you were already tagged, so you can count that meme for double, but only cuz you're my friend...lol)

I don't know anyone else...so I'll have to read some more blogs to try to find some blog friends.

Happy reading!!

My first award

2008-11-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Grandy for this award!! I hardly deserve it since I'm not a very good blogger. But I do what I can, I guess. I read a lot, I juist don't give as much feedback as I should. I have yet to learn your cool strike through feature, which I'm sure I would use when I do get to blog. I am still very blog challenged, so I feel kinda dumb when I can't do all the cool things you all have on your sites. Guess I'll have to ask Santa for a copy of "Blogging for dummies".

Since I am posting this on Veteran's day. I would like to take a moment to remember all the men and women who have served in order for me to actually have this blog and be able to say anyting I want on it....and to those who are still serving today. Thank you to all, may you always be remembered and never forgotten.

I would also llike to give a shout out to MZ's girls tennis team. They have made it to the CCS playoffs for the first time in a few years and they have their first match this afternoon. They also finished 2nd in thier league beating out Santa Catalina way to go!!). Good luck, and congratulations!

Thanks again, Mar, for the award. I'll try to blog more, really....

Wii would like to play...

2008-06-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been going to Weight Watchers now for about 8 weeks and that's going pretty well. But I've been trying to figure out ways to be creative with my exercise. I never seem to get enough and I know that's the key.

Let me back track a bit...last Christmas MZ bought himself a Nintendo Wii. Of course, he said it was for his Mom to give her something to do at home since she is retired...yeah, right..it was really for him... Anywho, I had played it a few times when I was at his house. Games like tennis and bowling. The thing about it is, it's not just an ordinary type video game. You actually have to get off your a$$ and move. The remote controls you use control the actual characters on the screen by your own body movements....one way to help those of us fattys in the world. So I thought the thing was pretty interesting and all that blah, blah, blah... Well, just last month, Nintendo came out with a new game and accessory for the Wii unit called WiiFit. It comes with a balance board(that you actually stand on) and loads of fitness games. MZ bought that too, using the same excuse, that it was "for Mom." So he brought it over to my house so I could see what all the hoopla was about. Can I just say that this thing was amazing. First, it talks to you...it does all kinds of body tests, BMI, weight, etc..AND it keeps track of it all. It will tell you if you're overweight, how much weight you have to lose, and help you set goals to help you lose weight. Not to mention all the fun games...yes fun..and they are all exercise related. There's yoga, strength training, aerobics, and balance games. It even helps you improve your posture!! It has personal trainers you can choose. It keeps track of all your exercise minutes and rewards you with new games and exercise tips.

The only thing I didn't like...it was MZ's and he would only bring it over once in a while. Because he said, technically it belonged to his Mom and she liked using it. So Dens did the only thing she could do...she went out and bought her own...now I'm having trouble doing anything else...hehehe...I guess that's a good thing. The exercise is great...and fun. I've only had it for 2 weeks, but I'd gladly trade in all my old exercise crap.

Boy, those Japanese can sure come up with some amazing things. I would recommend it to anyone.

Cuz Grandy said so!!

2008-05-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

K, so it's been a while since I posted anything...so sorry Grandy. So I decided I would take up your challange with another meme from New Tag From a New Guy and give you some more facts (maybe useless) about me.

One of my best friends rear ended me with her car once, and I still talk to her.-okay that one was kinda cheating...but I only have 6 left...lol
Since I was about 3 years old, I've had to wear glasses, or contact lenses...well, until Aug 2007, when I had LASIK. <> "I can see clearly now the rain is gone...."
I am a cookbook junkie!!- I have hundreds..and I actually read them like books. I learn lots of tricks and I like to tweak the recipes and make them my own.
When I was little, I honestly believed that my toys came to life while I was sleeping. -I'd even pretend to be asleep just to see if I could catch a glimpse of what they were up to.
In kindergarten, my glasses broke and I had to go to school without them. So I hid inside a play cabinet so no one would see me. No one ever knew I was there. After a couple hours, I decided to come out...scary thing was, no one knew I was missing. -now days, the teacher would be sued or something...lol
I love the smell of Palmolive dish soap. My grandmother always used it and the smell reminds me of her. -funny thing I don't use the stuff on my dishes...huh?
I once super glued myself to the carpet. I was gluing a birdcage back together and somehow I managed to glue myself to the carpet instead...not to mention glued my fingers together in the process. -not an easy task...un-gluing oneself..

So I hope you enjoy some weird stuff about me. I did it cuz Grandy said so!!!

Enough already!! and stuff

2008-03-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been a while since my last post. So very sorry Grandy. I know you were counting on me for your 100th post...and I know you cheated for me...thanks my friend. As for my response to chewing gum while talking , thank you for the dedication of your quote...very appropriate for you, I might add..hehehe... one I like is

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt

I also have taught myself some more blog skills. I hope to learn more...very soon...and maybe post some more pictures.

So this weekend I've had a little down time since Michael is working and also busy with his taxes and home chores. When the weather is crappy, like it has been all weekend. I like to curl up on the couch, with the kitties and see what's on the TV...well, apparently I've been so caught up in my daily "get ready for work routine" it has taken me a little longer to realize the only thing playing lately is the "Obama and Hilary show." I mean, I know that every morning, like clockwork, I turn on the news while getting ready for the day....and now that I think back, that's all that has been on. I know that we are in an election year, but come on, lets be serious. Who cares about what some guy thinks that wrote some book about some thing because Hilary or Obama made some comment about something that might be remotely related to his topic. That's all that's been on almost every local channel and news channel for that matter. I guess "The Writers' Strike" has affected more things than we think. I'm beginning to think that anytime I see either one of them on TV, there's a new reality show or something.

Yes, an election is important, and being educated about it is also important. But there are other important issues that can be covered on CNN, the FOX news channel, or MSNBC.

ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

...and we've all seen enough stories about the politicians that cheat on their wives...so ladies, dump the bastards and move on!!

K, now I'm fired up...time to de-stress with some Pilates.

gum-me fun

2008-03-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

You Are Fruit Flavored Gum

You are quirky and independent. You don't tend to follow any one style or rule book.

You are a mix and match type of person, and you draw inspiration from many sources.

While you're definitely a bit unusual, you get along well with other people.

You're eager to welcome anyone into your world. You are not judgmental at all.

You form close bonds with your friends, and your relationships tend to be very secure.

You hold firm to your beliefs and values, and you don't let anyone talk you into compromising them.

What Flavor Gum Are You?

Thanks for the fun, Mar...enjoy.

The Cat Diet-update

2008-03-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to update you all on the status of my cat's diet. Yeah, I know, nothing interesting, but since I posted it before, someone might be curious....so last Saturday I took her in for her first weigh in...yeah, sounds like Weight Watchers (actually WW works). So of course the car ride was not unlike the last time...she whined the whole time. Something is working, she lost 7 ounces. I guess for a cat that's a lot...would be like a few pounds to a human...not bad for 3 weeks. She seems happier and has way more energy....just want her to be healthy and happy. So for now, I'll continue with the "diet food." Expensive as it may be, at least so far something is working....now if I could just get myself to lose a few pounds...hmmm, not desperate enough to eat the diet cat food just yet...hehehe...

Until next time....

Power Colors

2008-02-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

I found this interesting...please enjoy..and share your comments.

Your Power Color Is Teal

At Your Highest:

You feel accomplished and optimistic about the future.

At Your Lowest:

You feel in a slump and lack creativity.

In Love:

You tend to be many people's ideal partner.

How You're Attractive:

You make people feel confident and accepted.

Your Eternal Question:

"What Impression Am I Giving?"

What's Your Power Color?

The "cat" diet

2008-02-18T19:34:00.000-08:00

Today was a holiday, so being the Federal Employee (not disgruntled) that I am, I had the day off. Doesn't mean I didn't have my work cut out for me this morning.
...it was vet day!! I'm smart to only take one animal to the vet at a time...I have 3 so that could be a nightmare...the drive alone would be suicide...

So, it was Raven's day to do..she's one of the 2 black cats I have...hence the blog title...anyway...her day to go.
...open cat carrier....hunt for cat....locate cat under bed...coax cat out from under bed...pick up cat(being careful not to strain back, cat is severely overweight)...lock cat in carrier...the whining begins...put carrier in car...drive 10 miles to vet...whining all the way...arrive at vet and wait in "the room"...more whining...try to coax cat out of carrier...vet arrives...power goes out...sit in dark with whining cat....power goes back on...finally...lenghtly exam..."your cat is fat"...whining...vaccinations...bloodwork...."your cat is fat"...exercise...diet...blah blah blah...

So the bottom line...my cat is fat...she is 8 years old and she weighs....drum roll.....17 pounds... vet has put her on a "restricted food diet" (isn't that what diets do, restrict food?) and exercise...how do you exercise a cat?? okay, I know with play and toys and all that...you don't understand, I own the laziest cat in the world...she even makes Garfield look energetic.

I also have another black cat..so now I'm supposed to restrict the food for one of them and feed them separate...so he has his food and she has her own special diet food...we won't even get in to how much the visit was!! But they ARE my children and I want them to be healthy...so you can't really put a price on that.

Raven is the youngest...and that being said, I now have a family of senior citizen pets. The other cat is 14 and the dog is 13....that's a lot of people years.

So tomorrow begins "the cat diet"...I guess we'll have to see what happens...she is supposed to have her first weigh-in in 3 weeks...sounds like Weight Watchers for felines...hehehe.

Please feel free to send me any comments, tips, or suggestions to help my kitty get back in to shape...she was such the ball of energy when she was younger...and I would really like her to be healthy.

Believe me, it's not going to be as easy as it sounds.

Ways to de-stress

2008-02-11T21:23:00.000-08:00

I like to post about things I've read and/or seen on television, internet, etc...well, during a recent trip to my pharmacy, I came across some information about stress..which we all suffer from on a daily basis. Here were some tips that I wanted to share...and maybe share a few of my comments..enjoy..

1. Take a deep breath. Shallow breathing can contribute to stressful feelings. So try this easy exercise: Close off your right nostril and inhale slowly through the left. Hold that breath for a count of five. Then close off your left nostril and exhale out of your right nostril. Do this for about five minutes. Breathing slowly and deeply helps prevent stress from overwhelming you.
hmmm...yes, I think breathing is pretty important to do on a daily basis...don't think I could live without it...hehehe...

2. Reach for protein. When work gets in the way of eating, we tend to reach for quick fix snacks that are high in caffeine and sugar. Instead, try snacking on foods that are richer in energy boosting proteins and minerals like potassium, which gets reduced when we're stressed. Better alternatives: peanut butter on a banana or whole wheat crackers. I hate it when work gets in the way, don't you?

3. Write it down. Start a journal where you can jot down some of your thoughts about what's bothering you and help yourself put stress into perspectvie. Hey, maybe I should start a blog...hehehe..

4. Get out and walk. Walking just five minutes with your mind concentrated on your stride and rhythmic breathing does wonders to clear your mind. If you can't walk (or don't want do), simply step outside, swing your arms back and forth and breathe deeply for an energy boost. There's that breathing thing again...must be of some importance.

What kind of fruit are you?

2008-02-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

Some fun fruit things....

You Are a Strawberry

You are friendly, outgoing, and well liked by many people.
You are popular, but there's nothing you ordinary or average about you.

You a very interesting person, and you have many facets to your personality.
Sometimes you feel very conflicted. Your different sides of your personality pull at you.

You are a very sensual and passionate person. You are fiery... you can't help it.
In general, you keep your passionate side under wraps. You are only wild in private.

What Type of Fruit Are You?

It's winter...isn't it??

2008-01-30T20:40:00.000-08:00

Michael(MZ) loves to ski. He went to college in Montana where skiing was almost a daily ritual during the winter. Since we've been together (2 years this July) he's gone on several ski trips. None of which I've been on...well, last year we planned a trip, but due to unplanned illnesses (yeah, like they're planned) we didn't go. So this year we've planned another trip for the two of us...which just happens to be this weekend.

Not very fond of the cold, or skiing...I am going and I've been told I will learn how to ski....

Remembering the first, and only time I've ever skied(sp?) in my life...I was a freshman in highschool and I went with a group. I had never been on skis...and after I was rescued by the entire ski patrol, I thought I would never be on skis again. Dens brought new meaning to the phrase "let's hit the slopes"hehehe...Not to mention the fact that it seemed like forever for my knee to heal after that trip.

Okay, so we are planning our trip for the weekend and since I am not very partial to the cold, I've decided to get some nice warm thermals to wear under my clothes to stay warm.

So I'm off to the mall (the place I hate) to JC Penny's...they should have them, they seem to have everything else....and better yet, there seems to be a sale on everything....looking through the women's dept., then the men's..hmmm where could they be...how about the lingere dept...ooo there's a nice nighty MZ would like..wait why am I here again..oh yeah, thermals...searching...bras, chonies, pj's...robes...hmm...hey some kid lost their backpack...okay, time to ask the clerk...
Dens: excuse me, I'm looking for thermal underwear...can you tell me where they might be?

Clerk: (looking a little confused) oh, we don't have any, it's not the right time of year for us to carry those.

I had no comment...
Dens thinking: what do you mean it's not the right time of year to carry thermal underwear?? It is winter, isn't it? It's friggin freezing outside and it's not the right time of year???

Well, I at least should find some other warm clothes to take...so searching back through the women's dept...hmmmm baithing suits? bikinis? shorts?...capri pants...tank tops? k...getting headache...need to get out of this store...this IS January...right?? Back in the car...freezing...still in shock...replaying the scene in my head all the way home.

I just don't see myself hitting the slopes in a bikini...where would I put my lift ticket???

Thanks for letting me ramble on...

Just for fun....

2008-01-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

Your Birthdate: April 25

You excel at anything difficult or high tech.
In other words, you're a total (brilliant) geek.
It's difficult for you to find people worth spending time with.
Which is probably why you'll take over the world with your evil robots!

Your strength: Your unfailing logic

Your weakness: Loving machines more than people

Your power color: Tan

Your power symbol: Pi

Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Watch out...I'll sick my evil robots on you....hehehehe.....

2008-01-25T16:54:00.000-08:00

While searching for some new blogs I found this...kinda fun...hehehehe...

Your Drag Queen Name Is:

Sofonda Dildos

Drag Queen Name Generator

participation is optional...

You asked for it...

2008-01-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, earlier this week I was tagged by Grandy for this meme from To Pick Just 7 is Difficult. So I could probably think of 7 things..but I don't have 7 blog friends..I guess I will have to find some.

Here is how it works:

1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So here goes:

-I lived in Australia for a year. I was 18 and it was pretty much a very long vacation. I was supposed to be there studying on an exchange program. I learned more than I ever would in books. It it the most awesome place!! If you ever get the chance to go, don't pass it up. It is so worth it!!

-I've seen the original Star Wars movie (IV) over 100 times. When we were kids, we got our first VCR. It was the only movie we owned. My brother and I lost count after 100. We could recite the movie from memory...very sad... But it is still a classic.

-My first car was a 1989 Yugo. Yes, those cars really existed. It was a great little car. It only needed a fill up about every 6 months...lol. It was painted Iroc Blue...we couldn't afford the real thing, so it was at least painted the same color. I've only known one other person in my lifetime that has owned one...in fact, I've never ever seen any other ones.

-I am a people watcher. I love to watch people in public places...especially when they don't know someone is watching them...that is the ultimate reality show.

-I live for chocolate!! I HAVE to eat some every day. It's a total addiction, I know. But it's a good one. I like all chocolates but the darker the better....and dark chocolate IS good for you.

-I am the queen of useless facts. If you haven't already guessed from previous posts. My brain is like a sponge for that stuff...one of these days that crap will come in handy.

-I snoop in other people's shopping carts. I like to see what kinds of things people buy....especially at Costco. I don't literally rifle through their cart...just have a peak and try to figure out what they will use that stuff for. I once saw a guy with an entire flat bed cart filled with huge bags of carrots...nothing else just carrots...hmm...I was so curious I actually asked him what he was going to do with so many carrots. I was disappointed to learn that he was just going to feed them to his horses....kinda makes you wonder.

So the rules tell me I'm supposed to tag 7 blog friends...well, I don't have that many.

Just Grandy and she tagged me first....but Mike Golch from rambling stuff stopped by so I guess I could count him as one too.

Participation is optional...enjoy.

Animal facts...useless of course

2008-01-19T23:56:00.000-08:00

You might find some of these interesting...I would have added pics..but I'm still learning how to post this stuff.

-Kangaroos are lactose intolerant
Better switch to soy..I had to.

-Crab-eating seals don't eat crabs
Picky eaters!!

-Elephants adopt orphans
So that's what happened to Annie!!

-Foxes pollinate plants
Related to bees??? B-oxes??

-otters can get herpes
Ladies, use a condom

-Cows get hair balls
"Waiter, there's a hair in my sundae!"

-Horses can't sit
Um, like they'd fit in a chair...

-Sheep snore
Must be related to Michael...hehehe

-Armadillos can be housebroken
Yeah, how??

I'm no Cruella!!

2008-01-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

I found this. Not sure if I think it's true..but it's just for fun...

You Are 22% Evil

A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well.
In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil.

How Evil Are You?

Who wants dessert?

2008-01-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

I borrowed this from Grandy too...thanks, Mar!!

You Are a Brownie

Decadent and intense, you aren't for the weakhearted.
Those who can deal with your strong flavor find out how sweet you really are.

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

I'm a green crayon!!

2008-01-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

I "stole" this from Grandy at http://functionalshmunctional.blogspot.com/. A dear friend of mine who happens to be a red crayon.

You Are a Green Crayon

Your world is colored in harmonious, peaceful, natural colors.
While some may associate green with money, you are one of the least materialistic people around.
Comfort is important to you. You like to feel as relaxed as possible - and you try to make others feel at ease.
You're very happy with who you are, and it certainly shows!

Your color wheel opposite is red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Cherries, a life lesson...well, maybe

2008-01-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

So if you know me, you know how addicted, yes addicted, I am to the Food Network. Not to mention I've seen most of the shows as reruns. So I'm watching a show about fruit and blah, blah, blah...lo and behold....

FRUIT COCKTAIL!!

Remember as a kid, it was usually the dessert served in the cafeteria. Whether it was by itself, or made into jello, or some other kind of mystery dessert that was only recognizable by the fruit. Whatever it was, you were almost always judged by the number of cherries it contained. The more, the better, gave you the high esteemed honor of....what??? What did it actually mean? I really have no clue to this day. It just seemed it was important to brag about the number of cherries in your cocktail...and if you didn't have any...you needed to hoover your dessert as fast as you could to avoid anyone else knowing....or you needed to try to steal your neighbors when they weren't looking. I guess this must have been the early lessons for many of those that judge others by the abundance of their "cherries." I, on the other hand, seemed to be the one that secretly managed to move them from my plate, to the plate of my neighbor, who always seemed to be devastated by not getting any cherries. I could see how much it mattered to those around me, but what did I care? I was the kid with the coke bottle glasses, I had my own problems. Who cares about some cherries?? It would just mean more ridicule on the playground not to have any. I was used to that, my friends weren't.
So I guess I wasn't one of the "cherry counters" in kindergarten, I was a "cherry giver."

Which one are you???

FYI-Did you know that Del Monte actually pays a person to count the number of cherries that go into their fruit? Each can must contain a minimum of 2 cherries.

-TTFN

This is all new to me....

2008-01-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

So I was turned on to this blog thing by one of my dearest friends, who I miss very much, who lives in a land far, far, away....I mean, well, um...okay, 3 hours away. Apparently she is now a blog addict... and soon, I too will become drawn in. Yeah, yeah, moth to a flame kinda stuff.

Back to my point...which, right now, I don't remember what that was....side effects of government employment.

So needless to say, you'll be hearning from me.