Surprised

Well. tie me to an anthill and fill my ears with jam!

That would be one surprised person--- and sticky too!

Nothing very exciting going on around here.  Went to church this morning, came home and took a nap.  Then did a little and I do mean a little bit of work around here.  Mike grilled steaks and asparagus for dinner and I made couscous. 

Worked in my studio for a bit, basically just got stuff ready for the club meeting on Thursday.

Off to work in the morning, then Tuesday and Wednesday nights, then finish the week in the office on Friday.

Hoping for no more snow on Tuesday night.....

Progress

I am so excited!!!  I got the wainscoting done in part of my project room and the bed in place.  The rest of the wainscoting will wait until the pillar gets installed.  The pictures are only so-so, but here you go anyway.

 Hopefully this gives you an idea of what I got done today. 


Got some unexpected news from Marshall today-- he got orders to Korea.  His orders are for mid-August, he is going to try to get the date moved since the new baby is due then and they are planning to all go with him this time.  That's right, my sweet grandbabies will be WAY far away for 1-2 years.  And I was sad when he was talking about putting in a request for Texas.  Well, Kris and Marc--  my "Ireland account" might have to get renamed my "Korea account"-- you know, it's that grandchild thing----- guess we'll have to talk about it.

Next Saturday we are hosting the neighborhood supper club.  We thought we would kick off March Madness a little early and asked everyone to bring their favorite "game food".  There will be 14 of us, which makes a sit-down dinner hard.  I'm planning to make meatball sandwiches and shrimp in some form. 

March is shaping up to be a really busy month for us.  There's supper club, a trip to Virginia, a trip to Myrtle Beach and possibly an Easter Egg Hunt.  Hope we can survive all that excitement!

Today's saying is....  Hothead

He could start an argument in an empty house.

I'm sure we can all name one or two folks we know who fit this description--- and maybe it even hits pretty close to home for some of us!

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

More Snow???????

This morning we got some MORE snow!  It covered the cars and trees and grass, but didn't stick on the roads.  It was really pretty coming down and thankfully, it was gone by noon.  It looks like there is another system coming through next week that could be rain or possibly snow-- I'm REALLY hoping it is rain because Greg Fishel (local weatherman) said it will be coming on Tuesday and Wednesday and I have to work both of those nights!

I was training with Megan at the gym today--- she said "I don't know who that gentleman is, but he keeps looking at me".  I don't wear my glasses when I train, so I really couldn't see who she was talking about-- turns out, Mike had stopped in on his way back from Charlotte --- this evening I told him what Megan said, he said "she needs to get over herself, I was looking at you".  He said he was looking at me and one time I looked at him and he smiled, but I didn't smile back so he realized I couldn't see him.  After the gym, I stopped at Kroger for some "supplies"-- apples, milk, bread-- I also got some great looking asparagus that I'll roast for dinner tomorrow. 

Tomorrow I should be able to get the wainscoting done on my club project-- I finished dressing the bed today and got the alcove wall glued in, then spackled the corners and repainted the walls.  After I do the wainscoting, I'll take some pictures of the progress. 

Finishing up the bed for my project was almost the end for the house-- Sometimes I wonder how I make it through the day in one piece-- but this story falls in to the category of "when you do something stupid, don't tell anyone", so just suffice it to say, I did something dumb today, but all is well now.  

I need to come up with an idea for tote bag favors for State Day-- I think I know what I'll do for table favors.  And lastly, I need to come up with a door prize--which I am sure I can find in my stash!

I almost forgot today's calendar saying!!! 

To compliment your wife, you might say...

You're prettier than a glob of butter meltin' on a stack of wheat cakes.

Now I don't know about you, but--- if Mike told me I looked like a glob of anything, I don't think I would take that as a compliment, and to be called a glob of butter, I'm sure there would be tears!  Mine or his, I don't know, but there would be tears.  I've been working too hard and have given too much to be compared to a glob of butter!

I'm heading to bed now...

Wet Wednesday

Rain, rain, go away..... but don't bring snow instead!!  I think it rained or at least "misted" all day today and who really knows where the next system is going-- guess we'll just see what is happening in the morning!

Today's saying..... Anger

He was as mad as a mule chewin' bumblebees.

I think chewing bumblebees WOULD make a mule (or anything else) really mad, and I certainly do not   want to be anywhere near where it would be happening.

I have a day off tomorrow!! I'm planning to work on my club project and I'm training with Megan in the afternoon. 

Is anybody else out there as tired of hearing about John Edwards, Andrew Young and Reille Hunter (or whatever her name is) as I am?????? Come on folks WE DON'T CARE--- PUT A LID ON IT---QUIT GIVING THEM PUBLICITY AND ALLOWING THEM TO MAKE EVEN MORE MONEY .  The best thing I've heard about the whole disgusting story is the woman from Chapel Hill who wants the money back she donated.  Maybe they should all have to literally pay for their behavior---OK, that's all I'm going to say for now and I hope I never have to revisit this subject--- I feel like I need a shower to get the slime off of me. 

OK--- church in the buff????  Just saw a news story about a church in Virginia where the preacher is naked-- then at the end of the story they say the church is at a nudist camp--- how low do we stoop for "news"-- I feel validated about my decision NOT to watch the news on TV and read the paper instead.

Enough for now...sleep tight, hope you are warm and dry........

Something New

Just playing around--- trying something different with my blog---

Thanks for the help Elizabeth!!!

Hello Tuesday!

If a friend is setting unrealistic goals, you might say.....

You're hangin' your basket higher than you can reach.

What a nice way of saying "dream on" or "yeah, right".  I think this one will be filed away-- I'm sure it will come in handy soon.

And from the nurse's calendar:  Nursing Superstition....

NEVER say the "Q" word or the "S" word....

 Pronouncing your shift either "quiet" or "slow" will result in an onslaught

of the most difficult patients with the messiest problems.

How true!!! I will shush anyone who uses either of these words in a heartbeat-- including patients and visitors!  At least we pretty much know what the chief complaint of patients in our unit will be, vs another unit like the ED (emergency department--PC for the emergency room).

So, today's entry is early because I am working tonight, and tomorrow's will be late or possibly combined with Thursday because I'll be going in 3-11 to do office hours.  

I do not plan to be very productive today--- think I'll go take a nap!!!

Take care........ 

Intelligence

He's as dull as a widow woman's ax.

This has got to be an old saying, because I'm having trouble thinking of a woman I know who couldn't or wouldn't be able to sharpen her own ax.  I'm thinking of my three daughters in law-- two of them have had to manage life on their own when their husbands were deployed not once, but twice each in the past four years--- all three are very strong women who keep my boys in line (and I'm sure they need it).  I'm thinking of my sisters-- Cheri moved  over 500 miles from home right out of college and had to do it on her own and Lisa, who has overcome too many obstacles in her life to count, because our parents believed they could and supported them through it and expected it of them.  I'm thinking of my mother, those of you who knew her know what I mean-- the word can't was not in her vocabulary.  The list of names goes on and on, but I think you know where I'm going with this.

I had a wonderful birthday day today!  It started early (5:15) at work by 7, so I was done at 3.  April (a dear coworker)  baked a fabulous chocolate cake with white chocolate buttercream icing decorated in spring colors that matched the scrub top I wore today!  I got loads of email and facebook birthday wishes and even some cards in the mail!  I worked a little in my studio (the organizing continues).  Mike and I went to Greek Fiesta, believe it or not, I had a coupon for a free meal! Then it was home, into jammies, wrap up in a blanket and watch TV.  I am blessed!!!

Last week I got a surprise in the mail from Cheri-- a nurse's calendar with jokes, quotes and anecdotes.  I don't think I'll be using each of them in a post like I have been doing with the Southern calendar, but don't be surprised if one or two of them pop up here on the blog from time to time.

Well, that's probably more than enough for tonight........take care.....

A Boring Day

Ain't nothin' to write home 'bout.

It might not be anything to write home about, but I manage to blog about it!!!

Well, I managed to spend the weekend working in the studio----and NOT playing until this evening.  I started in the closet and then the cabinets.  There's still a lot to do, but I got more done than I thought I would.

I even took some pictures of my club project.  I have to get the bed done before I can go any farther because it has to be placed before I can glue in the alcove-- any way, here are some pictures of the bed....

You can get an idea of the size of the bed if you look at the glue bottle next to it. (And you can get an idea of how old the glue is by the price on it!).

The room gets wainscoting on the wooden floor part.  There will be posts at the edge of the wooden floor to separate from the hallway.  It's a long way from finished, but we will be making a lot of progress on it at the next couple of meetings.

Well, tomorrow is "Payroll Monday", so I'm heading to bed so I can get up early and "get 'er done".

Later.......

Be sure to click on the pictures to get a bigger view!!

Spendthrift

She can spend my paycheck faster than a preacher can spot a counterfeit nickel.

For the life of me, I can't think of ANYONE who might fit that description... ummm... yeah... really.

After work today I went to the gym.  I walked then did some arm, leg and ab machines.  Then I got to work in the studio.....

I got the wood stained for my club project, then got started with some organizing.  I am putting all items for specific projects together and labeling the container.  That way as I come across things, I can put them in the appropriate container and get a better idea of what I have and where it goes.  It sounds like a good theory to me, what do you think? 

So, tomorrow and Sunday afternoon my plan is to continue trying to tame the chaos....more to come on that!

Stay tuned... I might even get brave and take some pictures along the way...later...

Happy Thursday!

If you want to compliment a man on his choice of a wife, you might say.....

You sure didn't pick up no crooked stick!'

Not sure if I can work this one into everyday conversation, but I'll have to try.

Had some more exciting news from Marshall today---he was named Airman of the year for his Wing.  If you're keeping count, that is level 3--- first was his Squadron, then Group and now Wing.  He said he thinks he goes to the Agency level now.  Way to go Bud!!!

Talked to Mason this evening.  He's been down with what sounds like the same stuff I had this week.  Hope he's feeling better soon.

Marc and Kris are in rehearsal for the next play with the Atlantic Stage Co.  The play is Almost, Maine.  We will go to see it the weekend of March 19th.

I talked to Mdx on the phone this evening.  She told me they ate pancakes at chuch and were having pizza for dinner.  She also told me she was wearing slippers and she has purple sunglasses.  I asked her if she called Opa for his birthday-- Marshall said they had forgotten, but would call him this evening.  Later, Marshall said they did call Opa, but Mdx was too busy saying birthday cake to tell Opa Happy Birthday. 

Got some more wood to stain for our miniature club project today.  I've got to spend this weekend working on it.  Because I added a few "extras", I've got to finish the bed for the alcove before I can do the woodwork that was supposed to get done today. 

After club, I tackled the front closet in our bedroom that has fabric and some other craft supplies in it.  (This is stuff that isn't miniatures or scrapbooking, so it doesn't get to go to the studio).  I found several old handkerchieves--  I'll be using one with a lace edging to dress the bed for my club project!  I was so excited -- and now I know what is in that closet to use in the future.  I need to put some labels on the totes, but other than that, the closet is cleaned.  The best part is I had a huge pile for a yard sale, 3 bags of trash and a pile of crushed up old gift boxes---what was I thinking keeping all that stuff???

Off to bed so I can get to work early in the morning, then to the gym.  Planning to spend the weekend in my studio working on my club project and getting some organizing done out there.  I'm hoping I'm on a roll now!!!

Take care, more later........

Back among the living

I know I've been quiet this week-- how out of character!!! I went to bed Saturday night not feeling bad, but really cold.  I woke up Sunday morning feeling like I had been run over by a truck and no voice!  Ended up staying home both Sunday and Monday nights.  I finally went in today and will go in on Friday too.  So much for having 4 days off in a row and getting some things done around here.  Oh well......

Got a nice surprise at work today-- Erika brought a birthday cake for Ann and me, then April told me she is bringing a cake on Monday--- I'm feeling pretty special!!!

Today was Dad's birthday-- hope it was a good one!!! and yes, I was late getting your card in the mail---

Tomorrow is miniature club--- I spent the evening catching up with my "homework".  I doubt I'll follow directions at the meeting, because I've put some of my own touches on the project and I'm not ready for what is supposed to be done tomorrow.  I need to dress the bed before I can go much further, because I have to put it in before I can glue the alcove wall in. 

I couldn't sleep the other night-- so in a moment of "inspiration" I rearranged the "blue" bedroom-- I really think it looked better at 2 AM than it did at 8 when I got up--- HMMMMMMM...... need to make a mental note NOT to move furniture in the middle of the night.

So, time to catch up on the calendar.......

for Sat and Sunday.....   Living in Sin

Now there's a coiuple who planted corn before the fence was built.

Not one I particularly care for but I guess there are cruder things that could be said.

Monday......       The Boss

He's the big dog in the meat house.

Working in a hospital, I don't think this would ever be appropriate for me to use.

Tuesday...... If you're referring to a friend who came into wealth, you might say...

Now there goes a man who broke out in money.

This one is actually kind of cute-- and I like the image I got when I first read it.

And finally for today... Anxiety

He's as jumpy as a cockroach in a fryin' pan.

Part of me thinks this is really funny and another part is totally grossed out.

Well, that's about all for today---- and thanks to everyone who restrained themselves and had the good manners NOT to point out my spelling error when I announced Marshall's promotion.... I know how to spell sergeant--just not surewhat got into me!

Take care..... more later.....

Hope your day was as good as mine

Woke up this morning to about 2 inches of light fluffy snow on the ground, but clear roads.  Sydnie picked me up and we headed off to Mary Ellen's for UPS.  Got a few little things done, but mostly just socialized.  ME made us a wonderful lunch-- hot chicken salad, rice with fresh asparagus in it, salad with mandarin oranges and dried cranberries.  She had brownies and ice cream for dessert-- I passed on the brownie, but did have a SMALL dish of strawberry ice cream.  Sydnie dropped me off about 4. 

Mike and I had decided to go out for Valentine's Day tonight (I have to work Sunday night).  We left about 5:30 and stopped at Costco-- can you believe they close at 6 on Saturday???? So, we spent a few minutes walking through the store, but didn't buy anything (the check out lines were REALLY long).  Then we went to Bali Hai to eat.  We talked about going somewhere different, but decided we like Bali Hai, they know us there and it's pretty cheap-- plus we always have leftovers, so we end up with 2 meals each!  After we ate, we thought we'd make a special night of it, so we went to Lowe's and looked around, didn't buy anything, but did some looking.  We managed to stretch our "date" out until 8:30-- late night for the old folks!

Talked to Mdx this afternoon--she said Grandma, where are you?-- yes she called me Grandma, not "B".  Her big news is that she got a new bed "just for Mdx".

Kris sent a text with a picture of the snow at their house.  The Myrtle Beach marathon was cancelled, but she and Josh went this evening to pick up their medals.  Then they were going to play trivia.

Think I'll wrap this up for tonight......take care.......

Cant believe I forgot Friday.....

I don't know what I was thinking--- I forgot to post yesterday.... HMMMMMMM

So here we go......  Invitation to dinner

Stay a spell and see how the poor folks live.

Don't know if I'd ever have the opportunity to use this one, since if anything, we usually eat pretty well (just take a look at us!)

We had more snow overnight.  Just about 2-3 inches.  The road is pretty clear and from the TV it looks like the main roads are clear.

Just heard from my friend Sydnie, she's going to pick me up in a few minutes for UPS, so need to go finish getting ready to go. 

Take care and stay warm....

Thursday's saying.....

If you need someone to repeat what he just said, you might say....

Can you lick that calf again?

The image in my head is NOT a good one.  I think I'm going to just let this one lie.....'nuff said.

Today's BIG news was ..... drum roll please.....

       Marshall made Staff Sargent!!!!!

 He will "sew it on" sometime this summer --- more info as it becomes available.

Mary went to BJ's and bought him a "huge slab of beef" to celebrate!  What a sweetheart she is!

Going to go work out in the morning then go for a playdate with my friend Mary and Peggy might join us too.

Saturday is UPS day, then it's back to work Sun and Mon nights.  It's gonna be another busy weekend!

Off to bed.... take care....

Oh yeah-- I know y'all are out there because I see the numbers change on the counter-- feel free to leave a comment or two from time to time--give me a little feedback!

Stubbornness

Try to change her mind?  Heck, I might as well be a rubber-nosed woodpecker in a petrified forest.

That must be one stubborn person.  Having had a "pet" woodpecker-- who liked to peck on our METAL fireplace chimney--- I remember how much noise that thing made. I'd have welcomed that thing to have a rubber nose! 

Well, I'm off to work this evening and then again tomorrow from 3-11.Have plans to play minis on Friday with my friend Mary (after we both go to our gyms--YEAH Mary!).  Then Saturday is UPS day.  I think on Sunday I'm going to try to plow through some of the clutter around here.  Maybe THIS will be the year we clean out all the closets in the house like we have said we would do every year for the last 4 or 5 years.

Can you believe there is STILL some snow/ice on our deck?  It's been almost 2 weeks since it snowed and we've had a couple of days with temperatures above 45.  Sorry to my Pittsburgh and Maryland family, but we just don't have snow stay around like this around here.

Take care......

When it's time to eat, you might say......

Let's get greasy 'round the mouth.

Are you thinking fried chicken, corn on the cob, hush puppies and sweet tea--- 'coz I sure am!!!!!  All things I'm staying away from right now. But I can dream. 

So, I had to go in early tonight to work on the schedule-- my phone rang on the way in and the day charge nurse asked me if I wanted to flex down---- decisons, decisions, decisions--- alas, I am weak and said yes--- but I still went in for the schedule then worked in the office until about 10:30. So, I am sitting here at home now.  I'm going to read Tuesday's paper then get some sleep.  I have to work tomorow night (well, I guess it is technically tonight). 

This weekend is the half marathon in Myrtle Beach-- Kris will be running along with their friend Josh.  They did it last year, too.

Jennie got a coin from Mason's wing commander for her work on a bake sale raising money for a family activity for the unit.  Way to go Jennie!!!!

Mary had an ultrasound last week, too soon to tell what the little one is, but we'll know soon enough.

I've got no idea what my boys are up to, but their wives are keeping busy!!

That's all for now....take care........

And Today's saying is.......

New Father

A new daddy is as proud as a dog with two tails.

Through the years I've seen more than one daddy who fits this description!

Got to work at 7 this morning----- left in time to be at the gym at 4--- Used a couple of  "new" (to me) machines today--overhead leg presses and some kind of kneeling leg curl thing-- yes, once again it was a lot of legs.  I made a BIG booboo--- I let the bike pause while doing a cardio sprint (which I was doing a really poor job of to start with) not just once, but twice-- so I had to do 20 pushups---I did my penance like the big girl I am.  Megan took pity on me and gave me a good stretch when we were done.

Tonight we had tilapia, roasted potatoes and steamed cauliflower and broccoli for dinner... yum!

Don't know much else--- work tomorrow and Wed nights. 

Later.....

Precision

Measure twice and cut once.

Why is it that I know this one, but constantly ignore this very wise advice????????  Something (else) I need to work on.

We're sitting here watching the last 2 minutes of the Super Bowl.  Been pulling for the Saints---our church had a work team in New Orleans last week, they got back last night and were full of stories this morning about the excitement in the Big Easy.  One member even talked about going to the courthouse and the (female) judge had on a boa and the courtroom was decorated!  They also told about the airline (Southwest I think) employees were all wearing Saints shirts rather than their uniforms...Well, it's over --- the Saints won---not the most exciting Super Bowl I've ever seen, but good for them!

Working tomorrow during the day, then meeting Megan at 4 to train.  Not much else exciting going on around here----  got a little bit done in the studio yesterday and today--I get very impatient and bored watching glue and paint dry.  There are only so many projects I can have out at once-- I worked on the club project, a piece of furniture I stained a while back and on some furinture for my Fairy Tale house.  I wanted to work on the wine cellar and the diner, but, like I said, only so much can be out at once.

Gonna call it a night soon.....5:30 comes early.....take care.....later

Taxes

We'll have taxes as long as ducks swim barefoot.

How true, ducks do swim barefoot!!!  That's all I'm going to say about today's saying---taxes are too depressing.

Not much going on around here.  It has been raining ALL day-- a cold, cold rain, but at least it is not snow, although snow would look prettier.  Speaking of snow, our deck STILL has snow/ice from LAST Friday even with all this rain.  I'm really sick of this weather!

Walked 3 miles on the treadmill today then came home to a crockpot of soup I put on before leaving for work this morning.  I tried a recipe from a coworker-- we really liked it!  It was a chicken broth base with kielbasa, shredded hashbrown potatoes and cheese--what's not to like!!!

Hoping to get some laundry done and play a little in my studio tomorrow--not planning on doing much else.

Take care and stay warm.......later.....

I Am SOOOOOOOO Behind....

This has been a crazy week----  It all started last Friday night--- can I still use the snow as my excuse for everything that I've neglected to get accomplished?-- HMMMM ---I think I'm gonna try!

Anyway,  I went in early Monday night to work on the schedule, worked again Tuesday night and then 3-11 yesterday.  Today was miniature club, then I went to the gym-- I supposed to train today, but Megan plugged me in for 3:30 AM instead of PM-- so I walked some and then did some machines.  After that, I got a haircut and did some grocery shopping. I am working tomorrow, but will only be there about 6 hours so I don't go into OT.  I'm hoping to be productive around here this weekend, but I'm not making ANY promises.


To catch up on my calendar sayings.......

Tuesday:     If you are talking about a man of few words, you might say....

He don't use his kindlin' to start a fire.

Wednesday:    Go-getter

He always shows up bright eyed and bushy-tailed.

and for today:  If you want to threaten someone, you might say.....

I'll cut off your water and take out the meter.

The first one I don't quite get, the second one I've heard all my life, but the third one I think is hilarious!!!!!  I can think of some people I know who may have had this happen to them or DONE it to someone else!!

Well, think I'll close it down for tonight and try to get a good night's sleep.........

More later........... 

Opportunity

When life gives you scraps, make a quilt.

I think I've seen this one in a fabric store.  But if you think about it, our lives are pieced together like a quilt to become the people that we are. There's always an ugly block or two in a quilt or a mistake made by the person creating the quilt.  If you look at needlework done by a young girl in colonial times (and probably earlier), you will always find a mistake left on purpose as a reminder we are not perfect.

So, I challenge you to think about the quilt of your life and include the "scraps" life has given you along the way.  Really consider how those "scraps" have been sewn into your life and become a part of the person you are today and perhaps have changed the direction you THOUGHT your life was headed before the "scraps" came your way.  My hope is, you might find what first appeared to be "scraps", have shaped you into someone you never believed you could have become and have helped to take you farther than you ever believed possible.