Rafter Swinging

So the surgery went really well. SO glad it's behind me. I had wanted the epidural but since I was the LAST person scheduled for surgery it was a no go. Only those of you who have ever been put to sleep know that SICKENING feeling of drugs that you first feel before you go under. I HATE IT! However, on a major bright note, NO nausea or vomiting. I'm sure the anesthesiologist thought I was crazy, but I don't even care. Whatever he did, it worked. Knee kind of hurts now...not bad....mostly concerned about keeping the swelling down. The bad part is the horrible swing from the rafters feel I have as I really can't get out and can't even be much walking around... It just struck me however that a few days of this will be NOTHING compared to the MONTHS of bedrest during pregnancy...Guess I'll make it after all.

A ridiculous time for surgery

Got the time for my surgery tomorrow....3:45! Arrive at 2:15, and NOTHING to eat or dring from midnight tonight. I literally asked her "Are you serious?" she was somewhat of a b and simply repeated the instructions. Alrighty then. Guess I could cheat (what real diff could there be as long as the same amount of time has transpired if I had the surgery at 7:00 am) but the truth of the matter is, I'll do better having not eaten anything. I don't usually have breakfast and don't really get hungry till around noon. If I eat at 5:00 am, I'll die by then. I love my life....

A Post as Promised

A brief note so that I can join the other "posting" bloggers. I'll cover a bit about me and family and what's going on.... Me: Working part time at a place called Animalia. The money is minimum wage, the hours are VERY part time, but I REALLY am enjoying myself. It's kind of like a boutique for dogs and cats. It also has grooming and, VERY popular are the self serve baths for dogs. The weekend traffic on these baths is unreal. A LOT of people stopping by on their way home from the dog beach. The store is REALLY busy. I can't help but wish I'd thought of the idea. Don't know how long I'll get to work here...should probably be pursuing a full time job but for right now, it's all I can commit to with knee surgery pending. Knee surgery story: Scheduled for tomorrow in fact. I have a torn meniscus (sp?) Hopefully, it won't be any big deal and I'll be up and about soon. Jess: "Building her nest" so to speak. Her and Phil's condo is really cute. She's done a great job of decorating it, though the task does continue. She and Phil got a puppy. A Puggle, which is a cross between a Puggle and a Beagle. She has picks on her Facebook if you're a friend. He keeps them pretty busy with his Puppyness. Her hair business continues to grow and Phil recently got another promotion at work. The usual wrenches, but I'll just post the up items right now. Rob: Is still with Kaitlyn. Seems pretty serious though marriage isn't even in the room let alone on the table. She's studying to be a nurse at UCLA but her parents live in HB and she's down quite a bit. Paul and I actually met her parents the other night. They ADORE Rob, so I love them! Though seriously, what's not to love? He's still going to school and working as a Valet. Tony: Continues to flucuate on what he's going to major in at school. He's currently majoring in Physical Therapy, but has decided he wants to leave the option open. He still works at Adam's Donuts, as the manager now (how cute is that?) and it's works out great cause they work around his school hours. I generally see the kids once a week still for dinner. Don't know what I'd do if I didn't. Paul is working in Rialto still....has recently starting looking into places much closer to home. His knee is a bit better since the cortizone shot. Hope it continues to work. Sorry to those of you who talk to me all the time. Guess this wasn't anything new or exciting, but it's a start.

Yep, I'm writing a blog

Howdy. Now that I've spent a half hour updating my page, I'm over writing the blog altogether...lol I'm not even sure if anyone but Deb reads these anymore?? Anyway, for whatever reason I'm saying hello and seeing if anyone's out there.

Checking in

Sorry, no specific topic or anything of any particular interest. Just me with the normal nothing.

I'm sitting here at the computer listening to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. I made a playlist of it. I was showing Di yesterday how I have Playlist's of things that I create and listen to while I'm on the computer. Obviously, you can find any music you want. I got the idea of going back in time from Deb's Dean Martin song. Nothing takes me back like the Tijuana Brass. I can FULLY picture the house on Christopher...the stereo going...Mom and Dad dancing to this music. Isn't it weird the way music and smells take you back to a particular place and time? To this day the smell of Doublemint gum reminds me of David's friend Sam. I don't even remember his last name....if someone does, let me know.

Today I'm going to Mom's for a bit and then my hair at 4:00 and then dinner with the kids. The highlight of my week. I'm real perky cause all three are going tonight. I'm hoping it's one of those pleasant nights of sharing, laughing and talking. Occasionally it's a night of fighting and getting on each other's nerves and I spend the night trying to help everyone get along.

This Friday is my official three month marker for being off of work. (actually three months was two weeks ago but the severance started on March 6th.) I cannot begin to tell you how bizarre this experience has been for me. Of course, as expected, my mood and outlook change and flucuate. Sometimes I feel like a loser. Sometimes I feel sad and miss it. But more often than not lately, I am REALLY enjoying it. Every week, every day for that matter seems to bring something to do. Some things are really enjoyable and fun..some are fulfilling and meaningful. What amazes me is how God continues to confirm that this is all a part of His plan. Or at least He's making the most of it.

I imagine at some point in time I'll start to think about going back to work. Not just yet. I still haven't run out of the unemployment and the severance continues for a full year so.....for now, I just see what the Lord has for me every day and pray about it. It it the WEIRDEST thing to just hang out and pick and choose what I'm up to all of the time. If I didn't admit it was REALLY fun, I'd be lying. Of course the fact that we're not broke is part of it I imagine. But that will run out, and I'm aware of the fact that a plan will need to be made and put into action. But not just yet.....

Back to the cell phone (C)

The last cell phone post got so long and jumbled I got lost trying to determine everyone's opinion on this particular aspect of the cell phone....

I understand everyone's varying opinion on being on the phone when you're in line and being helped. Yes, it's true, there are those people that cannot seem to handle doing two things at once. (frequently I'm one of them lately)

This however is VERY annoying to me. The other day I'm walking into Stater Brothers on the phone with Di. I don't remember what was said but I was laughing. Yes, Michelle has pointed out some people do find my laugh annoying, but that's besides the point. Anyway, this big black lady says..."that's right, talk out loud!" with an annoyed glare in my direction.

This has gone too far! Suddenly, I feel conspicuous and rude...like I need to leave the building to continue my conversation.... Wait a minute, why do I not have as much right to talk in the building as much as the next guy? So my friend isn't right next to me. They're on the phone. Does that give the person with their friend physically there more right to "talk out loud?"

Welcome Sifters

To those of you sifting around on here looking for something fresh to read, Welcome! Since I know the expectations are not that high, I feel free to post my pointless dribble about nothing.

So what's new? A few more birds to the collection. The first clutch of eggs were duds. They too frequently are but I think the next will be good (I hope) I've been on the bird pop quite a bit lately and it seems to be entertaining me nicely. I've always loved birds, and pets, and the taking care of them and it's nice to have the time to really enjoy them.

I've worked in the yards quite a bit as well. Love that too. The weather has been SO nice! What a difference it makes to be home enough to even know what the weather has been. I always thought it was either burning hot or cold here and frankly the last two months have been nothing short of perfect for the most part.

I'm still open to whatever is ahead for me. I've embraced the fact that I'll be going back to work at some point in time but for now, am TOTALLY enjoying this time. Most days are wide open to whatever comes up and somehow something always tends to fill the day. Who knew?

I've enjoyed seeing the family a lot more, being able to go to the parties and the weekly bible study. It's truly all been an enormous blessing. Paul's been a tremendous support to me as well.

I see the kids every week for dinner. In fact, tonight is dinner at Island's. The boys come every week and Jess comes if she's not working. Sometimes we switch the night to allow for her to join us as well. Mostly she's there and I can't tell you what it means to me to be able to see them every week and spend a little time with them.

Still don't know what the vacation plan is for the summer. It seems to change daily. I do know we're not going to Leech Lake in June. Jess couldn't make it cause of work and I really wanted to have all of the kids there. I'll keep you posted.

Love you all!