Monday...Already Can't wait for the Weekend!

Ok...it's Monday and I am already looking forward to the weekend! Is that wrong? I have to say I had an exciting past weekend. I was invited by my lovely sister-in-law to go to a Kentucky Derby party in Minneapolis where the host has a poker tournament every year. I originally said I would be the cheering section for Michelle and her friend, Sherry, because I have never played poker in my life! After much discussion, persuasion (ok, ARM TWISTING) I was coerced into participating. So I laid down my $20 and told the 17 other players that they would have to help me because I had "No Clue" how to play! To top it off...I only knew 2 people at the party (Michelle & Sherry)! We start playing and things are looking good. I'm getting instructions, asking tons of questions, and generally BS'ing my way through the first few rounds. Within the first hour I was well on my way to holding my own little pot of gold. With utter amazement I continued to generate a ton of good luck (& chips)! As the players left the table, and more filled their vacated seats, the competition became harsh. My hands began to shake and my stomach felt queasy. I was doing my best to appear confident and in charge. How does one do that when they have absolutely NO IDEA what they are doing?! Hmmmm? I continued on and blazed a mixed trail of excitement and anxiety! Even Michelle and Sherry were kickin' butt and laughing up a storm! The three of us made it to the final table and round in the tournament. Every time I would take someone "out" I would grin and try to stack up my accumulated chips. By the end of the game...someone just brought me 2 plates and I threw half of them on the plates because they kept tipping over...hee hee! Fun! I can't even begin to tell you how surprised everyone was that I was still winning! Most people thought I was lying about never playing before. The finale was great! I was feeling pretty confident. In the end I ended up winning the entire "Texas Hold 'Em" tournament with a winning pot of $200! I completely forgot that there was a cash reward! I was too busy having fun, learning, laughing, and playing poker! I think I missed my true calling! Ha! Ha! I let the party host keep the trophy because I didn't know if I could make it up again next year. Michelle will have to play in my place (the winner has to come back next year). We arrived back at our hotel and ordered pizza and finally fell asleep at 3:30AM! uuuugh! I was dragging at work today! That's why I can hardly wait for next weekend already! Funny huh? Livin' life is such a good thing! No regrets! That's my motto. I hope it can be yours too.

Dining Outdoors!

Come on over and have dinner with me! :)

My Silly Son!

This is the intersection in Amsterdam that my silly son, Jamey, and his girlfriend Kate will be waving to the camera on Saturday, 12:00pm central time. You can visit his website and click on the link to go to the live camera in that intersection. They should be there waving to all of us! Check it out! It's truly amazing! Leave it to Jamey to come up with such an unusual event. Set your alarms!
Jamey's website address is www.sevnthsin.com/randomnotes/ You can click on the link there.

"Holla Out!"

A big "Holla" goes out to my Auntie Bev and Uncle Danny who brought this beautiful weather back with them from Arizona! Yeah!!! Thanky, thanky, thanky!

Make it Stop!!

Enough already! We need a break up here in Minnesota! Even a little sun would be welcome! C'Mon now Mr. Weatherman! It's time fo you to get it right. After all...it IS spring, right?! Uffdah!

I don't think the cold bothers these turkeys! They know it's spring even with the snow!

Get your Swatters ready!

A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with
a fly swatter.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Hunting Flies" He responded.

"Oh. Killing any?" She asked.

"Yep, 3 males, 2 Females," he replied.


Intrigued, she asked. "How can you tell them apart?"

He responded, "3 were on a beer can, 2 were on the phone."

A New Day!

Is it time to create a New Day?! A New Start?! I'm thinking about it....most seriously. After all...Isn't Easter about new beginnings?

Welcome Spring!

Today was another beautiful day. I began what will be called my "entrance" back into the workout world again. It felt good. It's good to be back. I stepped outside this morning to breathe in the fresh air. The birds were singing their early morning greetings to the world. All was peaceful. I allowed the moment to "Just Be". And it was. I tried to carry that moment with me throughout the day but it was hard. It's so easy to get caught up in life. I hope you can all take a moment each day to "Just Be". Happy Spring and God Bless.

On Wednesday, March 21st, 2007 my oldest born will turn
26 years old! How can this be?! Where does the time go?
Happy Birthday Jamey! You make us proud!

You Made It!

Congratulations on making it through your first day
of work Megan! We're proud of you!

Happy Birthday Dad and Gavin!!

Gavin, you're so tall now Megan is scared of you!! Hee Hee!

Dad's favorite past time....fishing....hope you get to do it again soon!

Ah Yes! Kickin' back on your birthday is a good idea!

Woo Hoo! It's my daddie's birthday today! And a huuuuuuge hollar out to my great nephew "Gavin" on his "golden 16" birthday! I hope you BOTH have a special day because you hold a special place in a lot of hearts! God Bless You on the day we celebrate your entry into this world! It wouldn't be the same without you!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

A Little Birdy...

A little Birdy told me to update but I got nothin to say. The Job search is once again on since I just couldn't stand the thought of selling advertising and the stress was killing me. Sooo....I got nothin! Reeeally! Nothin! Just depressing.

Our Manzanillo, MX trip

This was my hangout for coffee in the morning and Siesta in the afternoon.
It was beautiful and sooooo relaxing. Wish I was there!

The view every day from our balcony.
Leaving the resort to go on a Snorkeling Adventure! Fun!

Our Beach...Great Snorkeling and swimming!
My Breakfast every day! :^)

Breakfast out on the patio every morning! ahhhhh....
A Sunset Dinner overlooking the ocean!

Rick's Sexy Dessert
A Romantic Dinner after a day at the beach :)

Many Surprises!

Cooking Chicken for lunch.
A Game of Hide and Seek...I Seeeee Youuuuu!

A Perfect End to A Perfect Day!

One More Day...

Just one more day to relax and sit in the beautiful sunshine. I hear you've all been having beautiful weather there too. Yesterday Rick and I went into Manzanillo and did some touristy things...shopped, had lunch by the ocean, and just walked around taking in the sights. It was fun! Then we came back to the resort and sat in the sun for a few hours. Rick made dinner reservations at a beautiful restaurant so we took a taxi ride to the top of a hill and had dinner on a patio overlooking the ocean while we watched the sunset and the waves crashing into the shoreline. "What a perfect husband...he's so romantic!" Tonight we will have a lovely dinner at on the ocean again. It will be a perfect way to wrap up our heavenly vacation. I'll see you when we get back!

A Sunny Day at the Beach...

I can't upload any pictures because we forgot our adaptor for the computer and you can't buy one that will work for our cameras here in Mexico so I'll just have to describe it in detail and post pics later...ok? It is in the mid 80's every day and sunny :) Yesterday Rick and I spent the day at the beach relaxing, reading, eating, and snorkeling(saw some beautiful fishes). Yes, we got sunburned. Today we traveled on the local public bus to a small town called Mirimar. If you've never taken the public bus before, you must do it. It's quite the experience in itself! We then spent time at the beach (again...I know you're all jealous) and went shopping in the local flea market. Fun! We sat on the beach and swam in the ocean. Rick even got his toes nibbled by some fish. Aaaaahhhhhh (sigh). Then we came back to our resort and ate a late lunch and swam in one of the 7 connected pools here at the resort (and yes...we got even more sunburned). Rick is taking a siesta right now while I hack on the computer. Tonight we eat on a patio by the ocean. I think it will be romantic. I can't believe you can eat in the open air with NO BUGS!! Aaaaaaahhhhh (relax). Tomorrow we'll visit the town of Manzanillo. We'll visit the statue of Snoopy (located in time square) and say hello. Did you know that Manzanillo is the sister city to St. Paul? That's why they have a statue of Snoopy (he's holding a fishing pole and wearing a fishing hat). It promises to be a fun and beautiful day. Every night Rick and I go sit out by the ocean and take in the beauty. All the lights in the surrounding hills by the ocean, the yachts and huge ships in the bay, and the quiet creeking of crickets accompanied by the waves hitting the shoreline. God's gifts to us! I will appreciate them and thank him for the wonder! Until later....may you all be blessed.

New Post...Blah!

I don't have anything to post...don't know how I feel about my job. I don't feel good anymore. Tired, Exhausted ALL the time. Waivering on the edge. Will it get better? Hmmmm....I wonder.

Wish Me Luck!

New job Monday! It's always nerve wracking to begin a new journey. Expecially heading into the unkonwn. I'm quite nervous. I know everyone says..."You'll be fine". I know that. Now tell that to my stomach, OK? Wish me Luck!

Happy 23rd Birthday Brianna!

Congratulations!

You're all growed up!!

The Good Times Roll...

Last Saturday afternoon was spend with 4 of my old High School Buddies. It was an amazing afternoon and one I hope we repeat again soon!
Jackie...you may recognize the girls since you and I graduated the same year. It has been over 20 years since I've seen 2 of them and yet, when we reunited, it was just like the old times again. How wonderful!

CONGRATULATIONS KOMETTES!!

Today was an exciting day spent at the Winter Carnival Dance Team Competition in Mounds View. The KoMettes Varsity Team began the day with a few problems (hopefully they will all be resolved soon) and struggled to keep their focus. They ended up taking home a 2ND AND 3RD PLACE trophy from the AA division. The Junior Varsity seemed to have a bit more luck on the dance floor. They took home 2 FIRST PLACE trophies and the Performance Team followed the Junior Varsity with the 2nd place trophy!! It was all amazing!! The girls did an excellent job and we're all looking forward to seeing the Varsity "UP THE ANNIE" at Sections in 2 weeks. It should be incredible. Thanks to my wonderful "cuzzin" KaTHY and Randy and Lindsay Rae for allowing Megan and me to come along with them. It was the funnest day I've had since before Oct. 1st. (And I'm not kidding....how sad is that?!).
For all of you who think I'm MIA...I'm baaaack! Because of the slow retail sales at the mall I will now be entering the 40 hour per week career oriented, goal setting, salary earning, community of citizens. I was offered a position with the Post Bulletin of Rochester in Executive Account Sales. It will be interesting and another challenge to meet. If the stress of this past Holiday season didn't kill me then I don't think moving into a new career will either (although my heart tells me different). Oh well. It is what it is and I'm thankful to have been offered such an exciting career opportunity. Wish me Luck!
Love you all!

The Road of Life...

New Ventures...New Demands...when will it end? Hopefully never! I wouldn't want to stand still in my journey on the road of life. Or is that the "Road To Life"! Yes! That's it. The road to life...

Today I got to play my hand at catching criminals trying to use fake money. It all turned out good cause they got em good! Now we only hope the police can actually prosecute them. Luckily I didn't take their money and so I didn't lose out! Yeah for me!!!! Now just get me OUTTA THIS MALL! I hope my children are having a grand time in Italy. Think of me while you're basking in the italian sunshine OK? I'm sooooo jealous!

Happy New Year?

I don't think so but I'm gonna try (or cry).

May the Angels in your life guide you through a Merry Christmas Season. God Bless you all!

How bout this one?

CONGRATULATIONS MEGGIE LOO HOO!

With a bright future ahead of you there'll be "No Looking Back"! I'm Proud of You!

God Only Knows!

How will this all turn out? I have no idea...pray for me!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

A wish to everyone for a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving filled with good friends, family, and food! Yum!

Crystal Notion

Lots of new and different "Pretties" to buy. Come and Visit!

Thanks Everyone!

Thanks to all for the support and suggestions to help me with my emergency employment issues. I put up a sign at my kiosk for one day and got 2 good candidates for the job. I think I'll hire one of them tomorrow! I could do a commercial for Staples to say "That Was Easy"! Hee Hee! Love you All!

All Work and No Play!

Ok...so today is the first day I've had a moment to breathe in awhile. I don't work until tonight so I can get my hair done, and catch up on book work among other things. Sales are picking up and people are already shopping for Christmas. It gets earlier every year. Come and visit me at the mall. It's my new home until Dec. 31st! I'll try to get a picture of my crystal cart sometime soon. It's beautiful! God Bless you all!

Halloween Fun!

Halloween Fun for Jamey,Kate and Megan. Jamey looks mighty fine in his "Mr. T" Bling...Fool! Megan looks bewitching and Kate looks absolutely scrumptious as a "Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia" Pet! You guys crack me up!

Happy Howlaween!

Yep! Even dogs get to dress in costumes! Come see ours at PurrSniKitty-Bow WoWser in Apache Mall! We're handing out dog and cat treats on Halloween for a "Howling" good time!

You are the CAT'S MEOW! Did you know that?

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!

Wow! 23 years of amazing experiences and challenges! We're always there to support you and lift you when you need it or celebrate life when it's good! You make us VERY PROUD! Love you always and forever! Please check back tomorrow or tonight for pictures...stupid blogger photo uploader is down! How incovenient!
May your days be blessed.

PurrSniKitty-Bow WoWser

Check out the new Kiosk in Apache Mall! I know you want to!

A Heartfelt Blessing...

"People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the
huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the
vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and
yet they pass by themselves without wondering."
~St. Augustine

Let your thoughts be still for a moment and travel within to the
Isle of You, that incredibly peaceful place inhabited by your Soul.
As your breath eases in and out, and all the world around you fades
away, you'll find yourself in the most restful, relaxing place on
earth. And the nice thing is, you can go back any time you like.


May your day be filled with all things good.

Steppin' Out of the Shadows

Here is today's Heartfelt Blessing.

"Man stands in his own shadow and wonders why it is dark."
~Zen saying

We stand in the shadow of our lives every time we tell ourselves
that something cannot be done because we are not good enough, or
strong enough, or rich enough, or young enough or thin enough, or
anything else enough. It is only when we boldly declare, "I am
enough!" that we are able to step from the shadow and into the
light of a beautiful new day.



May your day be filled with all things good.

"Hey Coach! I think I need a bigger jersey!"

Coming Soon!

Oh Yeah! Did I tell Ya?! I'm opening on Sunday!! It will look a lot different once I get all my goodies loaded on it so come out to Apache Mall and see! You can click on the pictures to enlarge them and inspect some of the merchandise more closely. I am also doing a "Cutest Pet" contest so you can all bring pictures of your cutest pet and vote to win a $10 gift Certificate. No Really!! I'm not kidding! Tell all your friends. Even if you don't have a pet you can still vote (or just come visit me!)! Wish Me Luck!

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,!
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn! 't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Isn't it Lovely?

We had a lovely weekend in Minneapolis! Friday night we met Rick's brother Randy and his wife Michelle at our favorite downtown restaurant to celebrate our 26th anniversary. We got to sign up to win tickets for 4 to the Oct. 8th Vikings football game and the guys got to have their picture taken with 2 very "Hot" Vikings Cheerleaders! Hee hee! Michelle WON THE TICKETS!! Then we went to the Comedy show "Triple Expresso". We laughed soooo hard! This is a Great Family Show that runs all year in Minneapolis. I would suggest it to anyone who loves to laugh! A great time was had by all! On Saturday we ate and shopped and then crashed our son Jamey's party he was having that night. We had a blast! Sunday we had an awesome breakfast and then walked around downtown until it was time to bring bagels for breakfast to jamey and Megan and friends. They were actually up until 5:30AM and we showed up around 11:00! Hee Hee! We visited Jamey's studio that he's in the process of remodeling and then Megan had to take off for Winona. Jamey is part of a fall Recreational soccer league and he had a game at 3:00 so we grabbed sandwiches and went to the game. It was so nice to sit in the sun and get excited about watching a sport! I haven't watched him do anything like that since high school over 7 years ago! Weird. Brought back lots of fun memories! You'll all be glad to know that the team won! If I'm not mistaken...this was their 4th game and they're undefeated so far. Check out the pics below. For those of you who wish to know...Jamey's new friend is sitting next to me in the cheering section (blond hair and blue jeans). Her name is Kate and she's a REAL SWEETIE!

2 of the Star members of the team...but where is Osamu?

The Cheering Section!

Yep! He's still got it!

I believe Megan thinks she's still in London. Wishful thinking I guess. Isn't she lovely?

"26" ...But Who's Counting?

It was 26 years ago we were wed. We've made it through. It can be a challenge at times but as you all know us so well...We're up for it! May God keep us going in the same direction. That will help! Happy Anniversary Honey!

Biker Biddy's ready to roll! Rrraaahhrrr!

Who's Counting?

Ok...I am! Only 19 days of freedom left. I'm kinda excited to be back in the grind. At least for a little bit. For now I shall continue to price tag everything and go crazy finding space for everything. It's getting ridiculous! Megan...I may have to resort to your room (Ha! JK)

God Help Me!

Only 26 days of freedom left!!

Another BEginning

So we took the day on Sunday to move Megan into her temporary home at college for one last time. She'll finish up her requirements for a degree in English (writing emphasis) and a minor in Theatre, Communications & Public Relations. Soooo with a little bit of luck, proper preparation, and a lot of prayer she'll be able to move to the "Big City" to begin the pursuit of her dream in entertainment. It will be a long road but, then again, with a little bit of luck, proper preparation, and a lot of prayer, she'll be successful at whatever she chooses to do. Good luck Megan!
We're proud of you!

Beautiful!

So today was such a beautiful day that we decided to go to Lanesboro and ride bikes on the Root River Trail. It was such a good time but I don't think I'll be hopping back on any ol' bike for awhile. 20 miles of pedaling and the wind blowing through your hair can create a pretty Sore You Know What (A--!) Ahhhh... the life. Megan decided that she didn't want to stay home and be bored so she came with us. She was a real trooper. We picked up a bucket of chicken to eat on our way home and called it a fantastic way to end another beautiful summer day! Oh...did I ever tell ya?....I LOVE SUMMER!!!!

Crow's Feet...

"Look at everything as though you are seeing it for the first time,
with the eyes of a child, fresh with wonder."
~Joseph Cornell

It is not the passage of time that ages us nearly so much as it is
the erosion of childlike eagerness. As essayist Samuel Ullman
pointed out over 80 years ago, "Years may wrinkle the skin, but to
give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."

Beginning today, make a daily committment to return to the ideals
of your youth, where adventure was more important than ease and
each day was met with eagerness instead of dread. If anyone asks
why the sudden lightheartedness, tell them its your new wrinkle
treatment. Your using it to get rid of all those little crow's
feet that tend to show up around the soul.

The 2 newest Vikings...

May God have Mercy!!

The 3 Men arrive in Norway

And 3 makes 5! Rick, Randy, & Jamey arrived in Norway safely to join their father Gale (grandfather to Jamey) & Uncle Bob who have been over there for a week. They should feel right at home with all that extra Norwegion Blood pumping through the country. Hope the country survives them!

A good Day was had by All!

This was last Saturday! It was spent with the girls out on Lake Zumbro. Deb, Shirley, and Kathy are all previous co-workers from the K-M School District. It's been awhile since we've gotten together but we always have a great time when we do! Thanks for inviting us Deb! It couldn't have been a more perfect way to spend such a warm day. And the ending fireworks spectacular was the icing on the cake! I loooove Summer!

Words of Inspiration:

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson