It's off my chest now

Opening Day

2009-11-14T08:18:00.004-06:00

Several of my family and friends look forward to this day all year long...opening day of gun season to hunt deer. Some are lucky enough to get one opening day, others sit in the woods, in their trees stands, all week and aren't so lucky.

This morning Patrick was one of the lucky ones:

Him and his dad are off to check in with the DNR, then back home to hang, skin, and process the deer meat. I'm sure later this afternoon, the fever will take them back out to the woods in hopes of seeing another one, or two.

Today We Say 'Thank You'

2009-11-11T13:21:00.003-06:00

The annual American holiday honoring military veterans is today, Veterans Day. On the 11th month, the 11th day, at the 11th hour, the local VFW Post #1083 honored our America heros. Veterans Day is a day of celebration to honor American's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Peggy Adams, choir director at the Crothersville Junior Senior High School, along with the high school choir sang the National Anthem to open the ceremonies. Sidney Carder, foster child of Betty Jaminson, read her essay, "Does America Still Have Heros?" The songs the choir chose to sing and Sidney's essay were very touching moments and showed the veterans how much everyone appreciates them.

Every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, I get a picture of my dad, Barton Riley, a Korean War veteran, and my son Patrick:

My dad served in the Air Force from June 17, 1952 until June 16, 1956. The Korean War started on June 25, 1950 and paused with an armistice signed July 27, 1953. Dad is also a member of the VFW funeral detail and has performed 45 funerals this year for his fellow veteran.

The above picture was taken prior to the ceremony today at the VFW post. Pictured are the funeral detail personnel, Mike Fink, and a spokesperson from Barron Hill's office.

Today, the least we should do is take time to say thank you to a veteran, for their sacrifice they have given, so that we have the right to our freedom in America.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -- Elmer Davis

"Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marine don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

Better put would be, some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world...but a Veteran should never have that problem!

Thanks to all the heros!

Through the Years

2009-11-08T17:18:00.005-06:00

I posted some older pictures a few blogs ago. One of Patrick at three days old and another three years old. I love looking at pictures, old or new ones, it doesn't matter. With each photo there is a story that goes along with it. Where you were when the picture was taken, what was happening at that moment, etc.

When I got the following layout I knew it would take 13 years to complete. The closer I get to completion, the harder it is to look forward too.

Seeing him on a daily basis, it is sometimes hard to see the changes he's made. Check back soon, as I've got a suit case full of pictures I'm still going through!

Friends

2009-11-08T12:40:00.004-06:00

It's a good feeling to have great friends. Sadly, some people never get to experience a true friend. Some are miles apart, some are as close as next door. I'm thankful my best friend is still close and I can count on her at any hour, day or night.

Other people, even though they grew up in my hometown, I'm glad they are gone. Hopefully never to return!

What Are Women Thinking?

2009-11-04T18:08:00.003-06:00

Today we were able to go to the Season's Lodge in Nashville, Indiana to a users meeting for our software. Keystone always puts on a great schooling with their latest updates and answer questions we might have about year-end procedures. Today was a little different, as it was our first time to Nashville. We are usually at the Holiday Inn in Columbus. There were some problems, so Keystone booked the Season's Lodge.

I wasn't disappointed.

We arrived shortly before 8:00AM and enjoyed a continental breakfast. I had a bowl of fresh fruit and a glass of apple juice. Also available was danish rolls, blue berry muffins, donuts, orange and grape juice.

After Keystone's introductions, we were off to our first class with Cathy Stewart. She is an accountant who knows all the secrets which helps make my job easier with payroll, W2's, insurance and all the questions concerning deductions, comp time, clothing allowances, etc.

From there we are off to a payroll class. Keystone consultants are always helpful and willing to find the answer for your questions if they don't know the answers. Today, all may questions were answered! ;-)

From there, it's off to lunch. The food was awesome! Salad with mushrooms, egg, cheese, tomatoes, dressings, slaw, cottage cheese, fried chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls and apple cobbler for dessert. I had a little bit everything except the roll and dessert and if they were anything like the rest of the food, I'm sorry I missed it...all of it was delicious!

After lunch we headed to the budget class. Since I don't do too much with the budget software, I decided I'd go to the restroom once the class got started.

Most of the users present were women. A few men were in attendance, but the line to the women's restroom was usually long. Once the class started, I figured most would be done and the wait would be minimal.

I was right!

When I entered the restroom, all three (yes only 3!) stalls were full. One lady was waiting in front of me. Shortly after I entered the restroom, a lady emerged from the stall, walked past me and out the door. That's right. She came out of the stall, where the toilet is, walked passed me AND the sink, out the door! GASP! I only had to wait a few seconds until someone was done and it was my time to enter. As I was sitting there, I noticed how quiet it was. There were two other women in the restroom with me, but all was quiet.

Pretty soon the quiet got even quieter! That's right...I didn't hear any water running, no soap being dispensed, no hand towels being used! As the woman beside me flushed and opened her stall door....more quiet! Still no water running, nothing.

Just quiet!

The stall to the left of me was for the handicapped. This stall had it's own sink. Finally, I heard the sound of running water! Finally! When I came out of the stall, I made my way to the sink, washed and dried my hands. To my amazement, another lady came out of her stall, walked passed me and out the door.

I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed in less than 5 minutes. These women had just used the toilet, flushed, and walked out of the restroom without washing their hands!

I guess it was a good thing we had already ate lunch, but then I got thinking...I wonder how many women went to the restroom before lunch?

Sometimes I wonder what women are thinking!

Here We Go Again

2009-10-26T18:50:00.002-05:00

Another 'superstar' is coming out of retirement. This time it's Garth Brooks. Yuck. What is up with the latest retirees? Seems they want to retire, then change their minds. I guess it's hard for them to adjust to a life they aren't use too.

Brett Favre, Michael Jordan, Roger Clemens, Lance Armstrong, etc. The list goes on and on. Mark Martin was suppose to retire a couple years ago and only drive a select few races the following year. Now, he's driving every race and fighting for the championship in NASCAR. Some have retired, tried other sports, purchased a franchise and tried their hand at managing a team, only to give it up and come back to play the sport again.

Depression, maturity, or losing the thrill of the audience has gotten the best of the retired individual and they crave a return to the spotlight.

It's hard to tell what's up with Garth. I lost all respect for him when he divorced Sandy, his college sweetheart and wife of 15 years. At the time Trisha Yearwood was his opening act at his concerts and the tabloids had the two in a hot and steamy affair. Of course, Garth and Trisha both denied all of the rumors and said they were just 'friends'.

Whatever.

Sandy Brooks was pregnant with one of their baby girls and in the hospital. I recall she was very ill, close to death, and also in danger of losing her child. Where was Garth? On tour with Trisha.

Again, whatever.

So now, Garth has decided he wants to come out of retirement and sing again. Well, I probably don't have to tell you I won't be purchasing any of his concerts tickets. I wouldn't even waste my time walking across the street to listen to him.

Good night Garth.

If Tomorrow Never Comes

2009-10-23T19:37:00.004-05:00

We have all heard it said, or we have said it ourselves, "I wish I had spent more time with my kids when they were growing up!"

Usually by the time that is said, the parents are at their child's high school or college graduation, the wedding of their child, or at some other life changing event in their child's life.

I don't think I've ever heard a parent say, "Darn! I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

`

Wooly Worms

2009-10-21T20:45:00.003-05:00

If you have been driving at all during the past few days, you have had to seen all the wooly worms trying to get to the other side of the road! This week on fall break we have traveled several miles across Indiana. Everywhere we have went, we have seen these:

I am kind of curious as to how many of these worms actually make it across the road without be squashed by the passing vehicles.

Big ones, little ones, but mostly the orange/black ones. We did see one white one, but didn't have a camera at the time (gasp!) According to the following link, you are able to tell what kind of winter we will have:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2143194_predict-winter-wooly-worms.html

I don't believe it. I believe we will have whatever kind of winter it wants to be. For me, the deeper the snow the better! ;-)

According to the website if the wooly worm is more brownish in the middle, the winter will be mild. I didn't get a picture of everyone we seen today, there were 100's of them, but I was looking for ones with less brown in the middle!

By the way, the website says to look for the wooly worms under rocks and in hollow logs. I don't know about that, but if you want to see your fair share, travel the roads of southern Indiana...they are everywhere!

Bugged?

2009-10-21T20:23:00.003-05:00

Today Patrick and I had an appointment in a nearby city. As I pulled into the parking lot there wasn't very many parking spots to choose from. Once I found one and pulled the truck into the parking slot, we couldn't believe what we seen!

We went to our appointment and much to our surprise, when we came back out to get into our vehicle, the buggy vehicle was still parked beside us. Patrick wanted my iPhone to take another picture.

It keeps getting worse...

and finally...

This car was full of larva, adult carcass, small and large and every size in between! I don't know if they car had spent most of it's days in a barn or where, but I think I would be a bit afraid to drive it thinking something would be crawling up my back or in my pant legs! Ewww!

I couldn't believe it. Patrick wanted to wait around to see who the vehicle belonged too, but I was afraid to!

Another Day of Spirit Week

2009-10-21T20:18:00.002-05:00

A few blog posts ago, I reported how Patrick's spirit week was going. Thursday of Spirit Week was multiplicity day. As many students as you wanted could dress alike for the day. Patrick and one of his buddies decided they wanted to wear a suit and tie. After going through the closet, Patrick and his buddy decided on a blue jacket, white shirt and red tie.

I think the outcome was pretty handsome:

October 2009

2009-10-20T13:34:00.003-05:00

Patrick is on Fall Break this week, yes, all week, so I decided to take a vacation from work too. Plans were to go to Tennessee, but Ric wasn't able to get off from his work (another long story that I don't care to re-tell at this time) so, it ending up being Patrick and I who went on a short 2-night stay at Spring Mill Inn.

It was beautiful as always and the food was delicious. I never got a picture of the dining area, the food that was available, or any inside pictures at all. We played ping pong, went swimming in the indoor heated pool, played checkers and did puzzles and video games. It was a nice little get-a-way for a couple days of all the drama that goes on here in the 'burg.

Monday was simply beautiful so we decided to walk to the mill. The creek was full of water, some of the shops were open and we even got to see the mill at work, grinding some corn!

I can't recall how many times I've taken the exact same picture above. Seems like 100's or 1,000's, but every time I'm there I take another because it's so beautiful. On my facebook page, I have the entire album posted, so make sure to check out those photos as well.

Here's the website you can copy/paste to your browser:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2729759&id=675904006

On our way back to the 'burg, we decided to stop and get some lunch meat and head up Skyline Drive. Again, I don't know how many times I've taken the next couple of shots, but again, it seems like 100's and every time it seems more beautiful...

I thank God for His beauty and for being able to enjoy the scenery.

Hopefully, everyone will be able to get outdoors and enjoy a little of the beautiful fall colors nature has provided for us this year! Enjoy yourselves!

.

80's Day

2009-10-14T15:00:00.004-05:00

This week at our local junior/senior high school the students are participating in Spirit Week. Always the week of a sports sectional the entire week the students do crazy things to show their spirit for the particular sporting event. This week it's volleyball. The events for this week include, pajama day, camo day, 80's/neon day, multiplicity day/twin day, (trying to get as many people to dress alike as possible) and Friday caps it off with red and white day.

I don't remember all the things we dressed like on spirit week, but I do remember red/white day and dress like your favorite TV character day. (That day, my best friend Robin and I dressed like the stars from Rescue 911). We also had 50's day.

To me, the 50's were easy to duplicate. Bright red lipstick, skirts with poodle dogs on them, bobbie socks, greased back hair, you know like John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the movie Grease. That time was easy to come up with ideas.

Patrick comes home Monday with a sheet of paper telling me what the week consists of. Today, Wednesday was 80's day. What? Did we do something in the 80's that is so different from what the kids do know? I mean, come on! Compare the 50's to the 70's and look at the difference! Spirit week in the 70's was easy.

For the 80's (which don't seem that long ago...) the paper said to wear bright colors and your glam jewelry. (don't kids still do that today?)

Anyhow this is what Patrick came up with...

I DO NOT recall anyone looking like this in the 80's (DID WE?)

.

A Blast From the Past

2009-10-10T13:33:00.002-05:00

This week a friend from school paid me a visit. His son works at the school in maintenance. The school recently demolished a barn that was probably used for storage more than anything else. The contents of the barn was moved before barn was torn down and evidently some of the contents were getting thrown away. My friend said he found something and knew exactly where it belonged.

When he handed me the envelope with the above picture on the front, I didn't really realize what I was looking at. As soon as I turned it over I knew exactly what I was looking at.

Notice the name at the top.

I knew this belonged to my brother, from a few years ago. Actually, it would be way back in 1974-75 era. When I opened up the prize and seen the contents inside I had to smile.

I remember my brother playing the drums during the boys basketball games and doing a solo to the song, "Hawaii Five-O". The song "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" and the theme from "Mission Impossible" was also some great music. I can't read music, but I'm sure if I heard the songs "Something" and "The Horse" I would know the song as soon as I heard the music.

It's funny how some things from the past you just never forget and it only takes a little picture to recapture some great memories!

10-10-09

2009-10-09T19:44:00.002-05:00

Today my husband is celebrating his 52nd birthday. A great friend, a great husband, and a great father...

Sometimes his wild side shows, but I still love him!

Happy birthday Ric!

Octoberrrrr

2009-10-01T21:39:00.003-05:00

I'm in mourning. We closed our pool last week! We really should have done it a few weeks ago, but I was holding out for one more blast of hot, ok just warm would be nice, weather.

Instead we got rain, rain, rain, then cooler (cold) weather. Anymore it seems I freeze and can't get warm! I've gotten the long sleeve shirts out of storage earlier than normal.

Only good thing about this year going my so fast is pretty soon it will be spring time, the flowers will be blooming, the trees will be budding, AND the cover will be off the pool again!!

Intersection

2009-09-23T13:48:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed this problem or not, but I'm sure after reading this, you'll notice it the next time you are at an intersection, because it happens to me almost every time I drive!

Lots of you might not remember Carl Witt, but he was my drivers' education instructor back in the day. Mr. Witt was cool. (That's a complement coming from a teenager at the time) I remember so many things about him and all the good times we had during the course. At first I was mad I didn't get the other instructor, but after getting to know Mr. Witt, it was all good.

One thing Mr. Witt taught us is how to navigate a vehicle through the intersections. Sad thing is, there are millions of drivers that didn't have Mr. Witt, and millions more who didn't learn how to navigate the intersections!

Millions don't realize when they are stopped at an intersection because of a red light, when the green arrow is displayed to turn left, the driver is to proceed to turn left. As long as the green arrow is displayed, the vehicles should continue to turn. After the green arrow, the traffic light displays a yellow arrow. This signal means to continue turning left, with caution of course.

Some traffic signals will then display just the green light. This signal means the driver may still turn left, if nothing is coming from the opposite direction. It does not mean to sit behind the cross walk and continue sitting there until the green arrow appears again! For crying out loud, with the green light displayed, there should be 3-4 vehicles and possibly 5-6 vehicles that can make it through the intersection is nothing is coming in the opposite direction!

What really gets confusing for some of these drivers is when there is a green light only! They don't realize green means GO. When the signal turns green, some drivers just sit there waiting for a clear lane opposite of them, which most of the time never happens.

Usually what happens then, there is only one car that makes it through the intersection. They wait to turn when the green light has turned yellow to red. This usually leaves a string of cars still sitting at the intersection waiting to turn left.

I'm usually the vehicle sitting 2-3 vehicles behind you, waiting my turn, to turn left. I'm not hard to miss...I'm the vehicle with the steam rolling from the windows!

First Day of Autumn

2009-09-22T20:28:00.002-05:00

I love this time of year...Autumn. The leaves getting their beautiful colors, the cool, crisp air in the mornings. Being able to raise the windows and have the freshness of the outdoors on the inside...I love it!

My only wish is that it would get a bit cooler so I could wear my new jacket...

Tony rocks!

Good Food...Good Times...Good Memories!

2009-09-21T16:45:00.002-05:00

Sunday night Patrick's house youth group was at our home for the evening. I think the way it works is which ever home you are at for the week, what you eat is their child's favorite food. At least that is the way it was last night at our home! I had 10 pounds of cheesy potatoes, 4 boxes of mac and cheese, 20 pounds of chicken breast, batches of ultimate chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cup cookies, sweet tea, mountain dew, big red and root beer. It was lots and lots and lots of food, but everyone enjoyed it and almost all of it was gone!

Today I'm going to share with you the way I made my chicken. I got the recipe from my good friend, Mike Hall, with The Pines Restaurant. His blog can be found here:

http://pinesponderings.com/

First I started with thawed chicken breast. I cut them up into nugget size bites.

I then made a batch of flour and Marion-Kay Spices and coated the nuggets.

I placed some oil in the pan and placed the flour coated nuggets in the hot oil.

I let the nuggets get a golden brown before turning them. I don't cook them too fast, as it causes them to get a little tough. Cooking them slowly ensures they are cooked through thoroughly.

I didn't get a picture of the completed batch, however, I did manage a picture after the evening was over...

I guess they were as good as they looked! I had just a few pieces left and everyone left with a full stomach and smiles on their faces!

In my next blog I will try to give everyone another recipe to try, and please let me know how it turns out for you!

The secret to the chicken is the spice.

99-X from Marion-Kay. You can't go wrong! Enjoy!

What You Think isn't Always the Way it is...

2009-09-14T22:32:00.004-05:00

I find it odd when I think I know someone, yet when they open their mouth, I realize I never really knew them at all? I can sometimes predict how a friend will react to a certain situation, then at another my friend (?) is totally unpredictable!

I often wonder what people will say about me when I'm gone. Will they have a smile on their face? Will they chuckle at a memory we shared? Or will they simply frown?

Customer Satisfaction

2009-09-04T09:03:00.014-05:00

Before you tell me, I already know this is my second post in a row with the title, 'Customer Satisfaction'. There will be differences with this post as it will include pictures:

The above picture is a sample which was received by the police department wanting them to order their calendars. If you will notice, there is no 'T' in the word department. But, I fixed it:

The chief called to inquire about the calendars, cost, etc. and decided to order some. When the order was repeated to the chief he specifically told them to make sure there was the 'T' in department, with a chuckle of course. Here's what he received:

The chief was overly excited about receiving his order! When they finally arrived, he couldn't get them opened fast enough. He thumb through the pages and was pleased with all the beautiful pictures...for about 30 seconds! I can't type what I heard next as it would make this post X-rated! First thing I thought was they had spelled his name wrong, or they did leave the 'T' off of the word department! When he finally calmed down he showed one of the calendars to me. I seen it immediately. Relook at the above photo. Do you see the mistake? CHIEF is spelled incorrectly!
Can you believe that one! Our chief now has a box of 150-200 calendars that can not be distributed.

Immediately, he called the company to complain and asked how they were going to fix their mistake. After about 20 minutes on the phone with a customer service representive, she transfered him to a supervisor. Eventually he was told, "You ok'd the order over the phone, there's nothing we can do!" He was told he would have to pay for them as it was not their mistake!!! He explained to them when he placed his order, the sales person spelled the words back to him and correctly spelled c-h-i-e-f. I guess they don't have spell check in the south. I believe the company is based in Tennessee, so you'd think they should have known how to spell 'chief'
You'd think they would anyway.

Needless to say, he won't be ordering from this company ever again! All isn't lost though:

I worked a little magic. Now, the calenders can be distributed and not used as a fire starter this winter. Once again the chIEf is happy!

Customer Satisfaction

2009-08-16T20:44:00.005-05:00

Ric and I took Patrick to his Sunday 'Church House Group' this afternoon in Brownstown. Earlier this week when I had found out the Sunday meeting was in Brownstown, I had BIG plans to take the fishin pole, some crickets, and catch me a mess of fish. Today was 90+ degrees and I decided when we left at 5:15, it was too hot to fool with. We decided instead to go to Jay-C store to pick up a few groceries for the week, visit the park and drink some cold water and just enjoy the outdoor beauty.

We dropped Patrick off a little before 6:00 and headed toward the store. On the way, we had to pass Dairy Queen. Now, what is more comforting on a hot day than a blizzard from the local DQ restaurant?

Of course, the ice cream isn't on my diet, but I thought a small one wouldn't hurt too much, I'd just have to walk an extra block on my next excerise night.

Ok, I was pumped! We walk into DQ, the cool air hits your sweaty body, ahhhh, refreshing. The two couples in front of us couldn't make up their mind on what they wanted to order, so the young lady behind the counter looked at us and asked if she could help us.

I stepped to the counter and said, "I'd like a small brownie batter blizzard please." The young girl behind the counter yelled at the other workers by the ice cream machine, "HEY! DO WE GOT ANY BROWNIES?" Evidently, they told her no, because that is what she told me.

Darn! That's the second time I'd been to a DQ restaurant and wanted a brownie batter blizzard and for some reason, the DQ's are always out of an ingredient to make one.

I was feeling rejected. Ok, I thought. I looked at the other flavors DQ had to offer then said, "I'd like a small extreme chocolate blizzard."

Again, the young girl behind the counter said, "We aint got no brownies."

Damn!

So bad I wanted to ask, "Do you have any friggin ice cream???" I didn't. I just slid my napkins over to Ric and said, "Forget it, I don't want anything." (I guess all the diet gods were looking out for me tonight)

Ric ordered a peanut butter cup blizzard and came over to where I was sitting. While I was waiting for him, I'd already killed three flies that were buzzing my head. Of course, when Ric got there with the ice cream, they flies were going crazy!

Needless to say, within about five minutes, we were outta there!

Next time I want some ice cream, I think I'll visit the burg's local grocery store, Tanner's Market. I'm sure I'll be satisfied!

More Friends!

2009-07-15T06:50:00.002-05:00

Last week my horoscope said I was to make new friends. First of all, I don’t get into all the foretelling of the future, palm or mind reading or anything like that, but thought it was interesting what my horoscope said. I’m happy and satisfied with the friends I have now. Every one of them are the best any person could ask for and would do anything for me if I’d ask them. Some I’ve referred to as Thelma on many occasions since I’m usually playing to role of Louise!

Funny how things work out sometimes! I feel as if I’ve made a hundred new friends in the past few days. I’m on a first name basis already with Jeff, Martin, Lelsie, Andrew, Kim, Peggy, Cathy, Kathy, David, Brad, Sherry, Michelle, Lisa, Judy, Jill, Angie, Dan, Riley, Maggie, Brenda, Bridgett, Robert, Roxanne, and a girl I was lucky enough to get her first and last name, Phyllis Renshaw, who was very helpful.

These ‘friends’ are the ones I’ve talked to with the insurance companies, billing agencies, contracting departments, etc. I am just trying to get answers to the bazillion questions I have regarding insurance companies, claims, credits, etc.

All of the above mentioned names have been extremely helpful. If they didn’t know the answer to my question, they were always quick to apologize and then made the effort to resolve the problem by searching for someone who could help me find an answer.
I have only spoken to one female over the last several days who wasn’t very friendly. Actually, she was just plain rude. She was a receptionist who answered the phone when I called a doctor’s office. I guess maybe after the sixth time, in the same hour, she was tired of transferring me to another extension. I wanted to explain to her if it wasn’t me calling, it would be someone else wanted transferred so ‘get over it’, but I didn’t. Maybe she did get over it the last time, since she gave me the correct department and I didn’t have to call back again! Ha, ha, ha! Hopefully she was kinder to the next caller who rang her number!

Maybe I will look at my horoscope for the next week to see what it says and wait for it to come true!

Living Forever?

2009-07-08T07:04:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, July 7, family, friends, and fans said good-bye to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. I didn't have the opportunity to watch the live coverage of the entire service, but by tuning into any channel last night I could see the reruns, much like today too. Sad thing is, he's still not buried and the news channels, actually every channel, is still having coverage of the service.

Some of the biggest names in entertainment shared stories and songs of MJ. Jennifer Hudson, 8 months pregnant, was awesome, Stevie Wonder was great as always, Michael's brother Jermaine sang too. Brooke Shields told stories of their childhood. Brooke said he was a 'slacker' because she was 11 months old when she went into show business and he waited until he was 5 years old! Queen Latifa read a poem, then MJ's 11 year old daughter, Prince, had her chance at the microphone, "every since I've been born, Daddy's been the best father anyone could ever imagine and I love him so much".

After that was there a dry eye anywhere around the world? Regardless of what you think of Michael Jackson, that was a moment that will live forever.

Watching the Today show on NBC this morning, the MJ stories are going to continue. Now the discussion of where his final resting place will be. The media is saying his father, Joe, is involved with the drama and expect a surprise announcement later this week.

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing, 30 years ago, in 1978 when Elvis died. I don't remember this much hoopla over his body, funeral and burial. Maybe it's because Elvis has left the building, but still resides in Hawaii?

I was four years old when John F Kennedy was shot and killed. I remember his service in Washington DC being broadcast by Walter Cronkite. Thirty years from now I'm sure we will have the media telling us of the anniversary of MJ's death. Hopefully he's buried by then!

The world lost Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett recently, but those two were over shadowed by the MJ coverage. Sad, but it's time to move on...PLEASE!

3 months!!!

2009-07-03T07:38:00.002-05:00

Gosh, how time flies. I think it's been almost three months since my last blog! Many things have happened since then so where do I begin? I've been to school again at Ivy Tech, Patrick's graduated from middle school and will be 15 in 23 days and a Freshman in August! Again, can you believe how time flies?? It's unreal!

Another baseball season has begun and ended already. Patrick is playing on the Pony League again this year, but will be playing with the high school team next spring. Again, unbelievable!!

I promise to the cyber gods to do better in the future, rather than trying to recap everything that happened into one blog. Sometimes life just don't corporate with your personal plans! Ha!

I am on my first summer vacation of the year and have a few things planned. Nothing extravagant, just being lazy by the pool each and every day and some serious relaxation!

I'll try to get a few pictures of the excitement this week to share with everyone. Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July!

God Bless America!

Gas Cards

2009-04-07T10:50:00.008-05:00

Right off I'll tell you I hate Wal-Mart. My family is living proof you don't have to shop there to survive. I do purchase my gas with a gas card from there. Usually once a month or less I will reload my card and use it till it's about to run out of money.

I usually have 3-4 different cards in my purse and take turns putting money on one or the other.

My latest card has $2.83 on it, so this past Saturday I went by the Scottsburg Wal-Mart to add some more money to the balance. I went to the cashier and told her the amount I wanted on the card. She ran the card through the cash register then has this puzzling look on her face. She cleared her register then ran the card again. I noticed the register said something like 'invalid card number'

Now, had I had a hundred bucks on the card and it said invalid I'd be upset thinking I'd lost my money. I just simply told the cashier to put the money on a new card.
I usually switch the cards and get a new one every couple months just to make sure the coded bar isn't scratched or something and the gas pump would be unable to read the code. So I thought it was no big deal.

Well...the more I thought about it I thought I wanted my $2.83 off of my card! On the back of the card I found an 800 number you could call to check the cards balance. As I was pumping the gas, I had Patrick call the number and punch in the code from the card.

When Patrick got off of the phone he told me my balance was $10.00!!! As soon as he told me that I started laughing so hard I was crying!

What I had done was grabbed my Chili's card instead of the Wal-Mart card! Scroll back and look at the cards. They look the same...expect for the fact the Wal-Mart cards actually have Wal-Mart printed on them!!!!!

What was even funnier was Patrick thought I had played a practical joke on him! Guess it was a good thing I didn't get aggravated with the Wal-Mart cashier. Now that might have gotten embarrassing!

Still, it was good for a laugh for the rest of the weekend!