Merry Christmas

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

We enjoyed a family meal and gift exchange at Chris's grandmother's house on Christmas Eve. This morning, we met Chris's parents for breakfast. Then it was off to my parents house for Christmas lunch and gift exchange and time with family.

More Christmas parties

Two more Christmas parties today, one at the neighbors, and one at my boss's house. The photo is from the office Christmas party.

Asthma

Finally, I have at least one part of the puzzle - I have asthma. I had a methacholine challenge test today, and I flunked. Had a response, reaction, attack - whatever term you want to use on the 3rd dose of methacholine. The Albuterol treatment afterwards really helped. First time I felt like I'd been able to really breathe in about 3 weeks.

Little Aiden is sick :-(

Aiden is sick, and had to be admitted to the hospital for treatment of RSV. He's getting better and is supposed to come home on Monday.

Hope you feel better soon little guy!

Remembering Sandi

It's hard to believe that 10 years have passed since I received the phone call. My dear friend Sandi had just died in a car accident.

Every time I wrote the date today, I thought of her. You are still loved and missed Sandi.

Sandi Li

September 24, 1946 - December 18, 1998

Christmas at the neighbors

Our next door neighbors hosted a Christmas gathering and invited us. The food was absolutely wonderful, and the company as well. We got to meet several other neighbors we had not had the opportunity to meet before. It was a wonderful evening.

Disney on Ice

More Disney on Ice

Meeting Aiden

Finally! I got to meet Aiden!! Here are a few photos Chris took of the event. He is such a sweetie.

$1.43

I saw gas for $1.43 the other day, bought some for $1.46

Happy Birthday Twolie!

Well, her name isn't really Twolie, it's Julie M. She works in the office next door, I was around first, so they call me Onelie, and her Twolie - this came up when Julie #3 was hired, so you guessed it, she is Threelie.

And, as you can tell, my birthday and Twolie's birthday are only 2 days apart.

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday to me!

Chris got me an external hard drive for my lap top because it is getting so slow! I'm really excited about getting everything moved over to it. Thanks Chris!

iPhones

My phone has been acting up and Chris's needed a new battery, so I had to go get my driver's license renewed, and then I decided to stop by the AT&T store. I was just going to upgrade my phone and get him a battery. I ended up leaving with two iPhones, one for each of us. Really enjoying them, but we are both finding that some of the things our simple phones can't be done on the iPhone. Simple things - two main ones for me - I can't forward a calendar note and I can't create groups so I can easily pull up a certain group of people who would be receiving the text (and calendar note).

Also, we found that if you enter a contact, you can enter a birthday for that person, BUT it does not import it into the calendar which makes no sense to me. So, I had to go through the calendar month by month and enter all of that information even though I had already entered it in each contact.

But, all in all, I love it. We are downloading all of our music CDs into the iTunes.

Sick!

I got sick on Saturday, (Nov 29th) and thought I was getting better, even managed to go to the Sarah Palin rally and to class after that. Tuesday, I wasn't feeling so hot again - wound up in the hospital - dehydrated and low potassium. So, after getting re-hydrated, I got dismissed. Feeling better, but not completely over it yet.

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin came to Georgia today to campaign for Saxby Chambliss. She was close enough for me to go see her. I managed to get this shot which turned out to be my favorite one, it was shot through someone's arms. Notice the tiara - a young girl behind her was wearing it, but it looks like Sarah is wearing it.

It was awesome getting to attend the rally.

Welcome Aiden!

My nephew Aiden joined the family today about 5:15 am. He was scheduled for a Dec 1st c-section arrival, but decided to put in an early appearance.

November 30th, 2008
7 lbs 15 oz
21 inches long

Son to Lee and Jessica
Brother to Katie Beth

I hope to see him soon. I was so sick I thought I was going to go to the ER and of course I didn't want to expose any of them if I were contagious. That and the fact that I couldn't walk more than 2 or 3 steps before I needed to sit down.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

My friend Leona-from-Arizona, her daughter Nadine and her mother Jean came for a visit. I haven't seen her in about a year and a half, so I really enjoyed getting to spend several hours with her. I'd never met her mom or her daughter, so that was fun.


We decided to be a little silly and the leaves just looked like they needed to be stirred up a bit.


You know you've got great friends when you go buy some fresh pork skins and they dig in with you and enjoy them as much as you do. It was Nadine's first time trying them, but she enjoyed them.

Lazy day

I've been nothing but lazy today. My left leg has been slightly numb all day. I read it might be one of the after effects of the injection I had yesterday.

$1.71

Forgot to post yesterday that gas was $1.71 at the new gas station. They were having their grand opening, so I think that is probably why it was so much lower than everyone else's $1.94 - $1.99. Lines were long, and we were short on time, so we bypassed that station and paid $1.99 at the next station.

Much better

I am much better this morning. About midnight last night, I was frustrated, I'd been in pain for hours, couldn't get comfortable, etc.

Ouchie!

I had the first of two spinal injections for my back today. Ouchie! They said it would get worse before it got better, and man are they right! I can't get comfortable, and I hurt. I've been home for about 6 hours now and I can't decide whether to sit, stand, lie down, pace or what.

My next injection is scheduled for the 25th.

$1.89

Gas was $1.89 yesterday and today at a nearby gas station. Has been holding steading in the $1.90's.

Appropriate

Obozo (that says it all)

My brother

I'm so proud of my little brother! He was called and hired by the Saxby Chambliss campaign to photograph an event today. John McCain was there to endorse Saxby. My brother got to meet John McCain and have his picture made with him.

He has done work for Saxby before, he has also photographed President Bush and V.P. Cheney, among others.

Happy Birthday Chris!

Happy Birthday Chris!! I love you, Jules

Willy's new door

Yesterday Chris installed a cat door for Willy in the window we would always open and close for him to go onto the back porch. I'm so excited about it! It's taken him a little while to get used to it, but he is using it on his own now. Thank you Chris from Willy and me.

Fall leaves

Just a couple of shots of the leaves in my backyard.

Doves

We stopped at a rest area on the drive home from Florida and Chris was able to get several shots of some doves. This one was my favorite.

Better today

My spirits are a little better today. I started receiving jokes by text and email - some of them were very cute. Laughter helped some. Talking with all of my friends who have the same fears, and basically venting has helped. I am not watching the news, or reading the news on the Internet, my brain needs a break from it all.

Happy Birthday Edna

Happy Birthday Edna.

Heavy Heart

I went to bed last night with a heavy heart after the election results came in. I've not liked results before, but I've never been so saddened and scared by results. Life as we have known it in the United States is over. I pray for us, I pray for future generations. I hope I am only nervous, but in my heart, I know that something life changing has happened to our country, and I don't think the change is going to be good for any of us.

The failure to salute our flag - rumor? His associations with known terrorists exaggerated? His middle name... well, should I make a public statement about how I feel about that? I could go on with the things that make me concerned, these are just small examples.

I woke up this morning, trying to sort out my emotions, and my phone rang, it was my boss, calling to gloat, to rub in the victory of his candidate - I asked him if it was okay to tell my boss "screw you", he laughed and said "it's a free country". My response was "maybe not for long". He came into my office this afternoon and off and on for an hour or two, he gloated. At other times during the day, I received phone calls and text messages, and had face to face conversations with people just as upset as I am about the outcome. My boss called me a sore loser, I told him that I'm not a sore loser, I'm a scared loser.

One friend told me that we still have God on our side, and we still have prayer. Those thoughts did make me feel better. I am a Christian, and I know God is there for us.

Someone told me "it's only 4 years, (hopefully) so maybe it won't be too bad".

John McCain's speech last night was amazing - and it made me all the more certain that he was the right man for the job. Maybe he can be the one in the future to be elected to clean up the mess that is coming. I also believe Sarah Palin capable of cleaning up the mess.

God Bless America, now more than ever.

Election results

The prayer in my heart is that the voters that have yet to cast their votes today will put God and "Country First".

Happy Birthday Lee

Happy Birthday to my brother Lee.

Praying

I will be praying for our country all day long today. God Bless the USA.

Thanks Bebe & Pops

Thank you Bebe and Pops for keeping Willy for me while we were gone.

He has been very clingy since we got home. He was under my feet every step I took it seemed. He started at 2:45 am trying to get me out of bed. I didn't give in until 5:52 am though. He's sitting next to me while I blog this, making it hard to type at times since he thinks I should be petting him instead of typing.

$1.89

Filled up once I picked Willy up from my parents house at Wal-Mart. It was $1.89. The last place we filled up on the way back from Florida was $2.15.

Scrapbook Jackpot!

My friend Dee had heard about a scrapbook yard sale, so we struck out to find it, and find it we did. I got all of the stuff in the photo for under$30!! Now, all I have to do is find the time to actually use it all! Maybe today since it is the last day of our vacation.

More Vacation photos

Outside a church in Tarpon Springs, Florida.



YAY!! We found a large McCain/Palin sign and I just had to take advantage of the photo-op.



We drove to Tarpon Springs, a Greek community, to check out the sponge docks and an arts and crafts festival they were having.

Shopping!

Finally, we made it down to the beach. Perfect weather to wear my Sarah! Sweatshirt.

Happy Birthday Cecil

Happy Birthday Cecil. Hope you're doing well in W.VA.

More St. Pete Photos

St. Petersburg Welcomes You


The Don CeSar Hotel

The Salvador Dali Museum


We saw a good many McCain/Palin signs!! YAY!!

Watching the sun set from the balcony in our room.

St Pete Beach - a few early morning shots

On vacation!

We're on vacation!! We're on vacation!! We're in St. Petersburg, Florida on the 7th floor of a hotel in a room overlooking the gulf of Mexico. We got a late start, but that was okay - we're in relaxation mode, so we're just getting in and getting settled. Tomorrow, we are going to the Salvador Dali Museum.

Gas on the way down ranged from $2.23 - $2.39.

$1.71

I paid $1.71 at Wal-Mart tonight. Aunt Sally posted a comment on my last post that she paid $1.71 today at Ingles. Across the street, it was $2.35.

$1.74

So yesterday I get a text, the gas at Ingles and Wal-Mart is now down to $1.74!! Cars lined up at the pumps. Everywhere else, it is averaging $2.35.

Quad Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Jessie, Ralph, Leona and Susie!

Just Because

It was one of those just because gifts. One that touches your heart like no other. Months ago, Anna Grace called me, she was so excited, she had me a surprise. For one reason or another, we'd all be together, but we'd forget about the surprise. It was fun though, the anticipation of what could she have seen that made her think of me. Finally, on the day we took the trip to the American Girl Boutique and Bistro, Anna Grace gave me the surprise. The photo above is the front of the personalized gift card she made for me.



The note she wrote me.

The gift, and I absolutely love it! She nailed it, it is perfect for me, just my style. Thank you Anna Grace, this gift really means so very much to me. I think your art work is great. The personalized card is a treasure, and will stay on the cat, I can't bear to take it off.

I love you sweet girl. Aunt Jules

Purple Amethyst

How could something as simple as a package of Almay purple amethyst mascara mean so much to me? Well, it is because of the way I got it.

The other morning Chris and I were getting dressed for work. I was putting on my mascara, and he asked why was I having to work so hard to get it onto the brush. I told him it was because it was almost empty. In a little while, he picked up the tube and complained that he couldn't even read the small print anymore. He asked me what it said, so I read it off to him.

Fast forward. I get home from the HeartWalk and after a while, he arrives home. I went outside to meet him, and as we are walking in the house he said that "I got you something. It's just something stupid." He handed me a new package of mascara. It wasn't stupid to me, it almost made me cry it was so sweet. awwww...

Well, later on we were talking, and he gave me a few more of the details about what was involved with the purchase of the mascara. He and two of his co-workers were talking about priorities. The basic conversation went along the lines of making time for things for those who are important to you, doing the things you can. So, it became a mission, the purple amethyst mascara. The three of them went into 2 different stores until they found it. That's why a tube of purple amethyst mascara is so important to me. Thank you Chris and co-workers, you made me feel special.

$1.97

I got so excited about the $1.97 a gallon price, that I didn't take the time to realize that I could have used my Ingles card and gotten it for $1.94 a gallon. But I'm still happy to be able to buy the gas for under $2 a gallon. Just down the road in a neighboring town, the prices ranged from $2.41 - $2.58.

Happy Birthday Ruth

Happy Birthday to my friend Ruth.

Happy Birthday Ty!

Happy Birthday Ty! 14 years old. He's growing up so fast.

Happy Birthday Bebe

Happy Belated Online Birthday wishes Bebe!

Shopping

I went shopping yesterday with Chris's cousin Lynn. We went to North GA. Had a great time! The weather was wonderful. I wore my Sarah! (McCain/Palin) sweatshirt, and was stopped 6 times with compliments on my shirt.

I ended up spending the most in Harry & David - got some delicious goodies. Found some Grey Flannel for Chris. Got some soup bowls, a shirt and some cookie cutters. We ate supper at Pappa Deaux - great food. Love the crawfish.

I really enjoyed spending the time with Lynn - that was the best part of all.

On the way to pick Lynn up, I stopped to get gas, filled up at $2.62, stopped at the same gas station on the way back home to top off, it was now $2.53 a gallon. It cost $23.95 to top off.

$2.65

Gas is $2.65 where my parents live. 30 minutes away where I live, it is $2.96 - it is coming down.

Ty and PT

Ty has to start PT for his soccer injury. He is still on crutches, is out for the rest of the season - but he is improving.

AHA Heart Walk

Meet Bella. She is Kellie's dog. Kellie is the AHA director and coordinator of the Heartwalk.


Just a few of the tents at the Heart Walk.


The gifts I received for being one of the top 3 individual fund raisers. I raised $1330. My team's total was $1630. (lots of goodies inside)

Last I checked, the total was up around $96K. The goal is $135K, there's still time to reach the goal even though the "walk" has already taken place.

Kellie did a wonderful job! I think this was the best Heart Walk yet. This is my 4th Heart Walk.

American Girl Boutique & Bistro

October 12th - It's that time of year again - getting close to Christmas and BB decided we would make an earlier trip to The American Girl Boutique and Bistro this year in hopes of avoiding the disappointment of some little girls when the dolls or clothes they were seeking were sold out like last year. Also, we hoped the store wouldn't be as busy at it was last year when we went closer to Christmas. Well, the shelves were full, and the chosen dolls and outfits were available.

The store was busy - but not nearly as busy as it was last year in December.


FYI - you have to make RESERVATIONS at the bistro! Can you imagine?!?! They serve icecream and snacks, and they require reservations! And of course, when we attempted to make reservations, we were turned away with the "We're not taking any further reservations today." Come on! We drove 2 1/2 hours to get here, and last year the bistro was closed, so the girls were promised that if it was open, they could eat in the bistro. Oh well, country come to town... next year might be the charm.


Both girls chose "Felicity" (photo below). KB was bound, bent and determined she was going to have the exact doll and clothes that AG chose. BB got Felicity's pal Elizabeth for her house so there would always be a doll to play with.