As 2006 ended with a flash, and far too quickly for my taste, I sit here and reflect on all the things that have happened, good or bad, this year.

I found a temp-to-hire job at the beginning of February, which ended abruptly toward the end of April.  They had decided to bring in an employee who had worked for the company previously, and let me go.  I got a call after 6pm on a Friday, from the temp agency, telling me that I couldn't get my things from the office, either.

If I hadn't lost that job, I wouldn't have been able to be a stay-at-home Mom for 7 glorious months!  My son is thriving, and he is so cute when he talks.  He turns 3 this month, and talks like he's a year older, at least.  Now, if I could just find the "Off" switch for the violent behavior and destructiveness, I'd be even more happy.

My husband had found a MUCH better job in July and gave his ass-boss his notice, but left the job before that two weeks was up.  His new boss was a dream come true, helping us to get back on our feet, from bills piling up.  The job was going great!!!

I was able to make it to Las Vegas in September, to see my brother have a committment ceremony with his life-partner.  It was a beautiful ceremony, and I couldn't ask for a better brother-in-law.  It was a wonderful visit, seeing some of the sights of Las Vegas, and my son getting to see his uncles.  My brother, Chris, was even able to make it from Chicago, and it's the first time that our entire family had been together since my wedding 4 and a half years ago.

My brother, Chris, left the big city life in New York City, to move to Chicago.  He's doing all right, though things could be a little better for him.  He finally got a twin-sized bed to sleep on, instead of the couch or floor, and his roommates were ecstatic about it!  The simple things in life ...

Halloween was fun for Bobby.  He wanted to dress as a pirate, so we bought the costume and he had a blast trick-or-treating.  It would've been better if he had taken a nap during the day, and hadn't been so tired by the time we were done, but it was cute to see him at every door.

Thanksgiving was just terrific!  We went up to see Greg's sister and her family, in Oklahoma.  We had a good visit, and look forward to being able to see them again soon.

On the 22nd of December, Greg was fired from work.  What a time to lose a job ... so Christmas was interesting, to say the least.  We had already bought all of our gifts, for friends and family, so there was no way to take them back.  We visited with Debby, Bob and Dan, opening gifts at their house on Christmas Day.  Bobby had the motherlode, this year, in gifts.  My best friend, Vada, even sent him 5 gifts from Washington State, even though she's never even met him.  It was wonderful to see the joy on his face when he opened all his gifts.

Greg's been looking for work and has had a couple of interviews already.  He's got a few more scheduled over the next few days, and we're really hoping he can get himself a job again.  We decided that it would still be best for me to be able to stay at home, so I haven't been steadily looking for work.  We're sure that something good will come out of this.  We're hoping he can find a job for a little bit more money, and with benefits, considering his arthritis and medical expenses.  Two of his medications are over $50 a month, and we really need a co-pay on those!!!  LOL

We found out, yesterday, that the reason he got let go, was because his boss is closing his print shop, completely.  The other girl who works there, is not being warned, so she will up a creek without a paddle in a few months.  The only problem had been that we had found an absolutely gorgeous apartment, finally!  It had a garden bathtub in the master bath, a private alarm, sprinkler system and full-size washer/dryer connections.  The rent was significantly higher, so we weren't able to sign the lease, due to no income at the present time.

So, 2006 ended with a BANG, almost literally.  However, things are beginning to look bright already for 2007, or at least, we can hope so!

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? UGH!
2. How much cash do you have on you? I don't carry cash
3. What’s a word that rhymes with “TEST” (not last person’s answer!) Best
4. Planet?  Pluto
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list? I only have 3 missed calls.....the third one is my mom and dad's cell
6. What is your favorite ring on your phone?  Don't have one right now.  Lost all my ringtones when my first phone broke.
7. What shirt are you wearing? My nightshirt
8. What do you label yourself? Cautious
9. Name the brand of your shoes you're recently wearing? White Stag (Keds)
10. Bright or Dark Room? Dark
11. What were you doing at midnight last night? Playing Gravity Tiles on my computer
12. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? "You have 69 T-Mobile To Go Whenever Minutes remaining. Please refill your account soon by dialing *TOGO from your mobile phone."   I have a plan where if I run low, I can use a refill card to add minutes until I get more.....
13. Where is your nearest 7-11? Right around the corner
14. What's a saying that you say a lot? "Sure"
15. Who told you they loved you last? Greg
16. Last furry thing you touched? A friend's cat 
17. How Many Drugs Have You Done In The Past three Days? 800mg of Ibuprofen for a headache 
18. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? I don't....I own digital
19. Favorite age you have been so far? 23
20. Your worst enemy? My ex-in-laws
21. What is your current desktop picture? A picture of my son being carried, asleep, by my dad 
22. What was the last thing you said to someone? "I love you and I'll be in bed soon" 
23. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly, which would you choose? A million bucks, easily!
24. Do you like someone? I like a lot of people 
25. The last song you listened to? "Me and My Gang" by Rascal Flatts, on the radio 

I have a 'new' car!!!  It's a 1998 Toyota Sienna LE Minivan!  It has tinted windows, power locks, power windows, AM/FM CD player, Air conditioning (with vents through the back), tilt steering, ABS, Front wheel drive........it's so awesome!!!  It's even in great condition; no rust or dings anywhere.

Greg had to take it back to work today, so that they could put new front brakes on it and give it a tuneup and oil change.  The only thing I don't know how to take care of, is getting it registered.  Right now, it's an untitled vehicle, so I don't know how to get plates for it.  We'll find out.  I'm posting a pic from google of the van, but I'll take some today or tomorrow of the outside and inside!

I'm just so excited.....!!!!

so, greg's on his way to work yesterday morning and looks in his rearview mirror to find his old boss, mathew, following him.  now, greg works a little further south than his old job, and there was no reason for mathew to be in that neighborhood to begin with.  so, greg sees him there and turns left into a residential area.  mathew follows.  greg speeds up and goes right, takes a left and another left, just to see mathew's tail end going straight to continue to follow.  greg speeds up and loses him.  i told greg that the next time he sees mathew behind him, to call 911 and report someone following him; remain at the same speed and, as much as possible, on the same road.  mathew can be ticketed or arrested for stalking and harassment.

see, he's been trying to figure out where greg is working now that he's left.  i'm surprised to know that mathew hasn't been calling greg on his cell phone and he hasn't been calling here, either.

meanwhile, the other graphic artist, who incidentally left two weeks before greg did, had to go back to work for mathew.  the job that she had gotten for $11 an hour, worked her a lot of overtime in her first week there, but then told her that she'd be part time, only 3-4 hours per week.  single mom with two kids.....she ended up having to go back to mathew.  mathew, of course, is now offering to pay her $12 an hour, but he's out of the office so much that she has to run the entire shop.  she's brand new and doesn't know a whole lot, but he's expecting her to run it for him.  greg's trying to get his boss to hire her where greg's now working.  even if it's for only $12 an hour, it'd be a calmer and better environment than where she's working now. 

What a wonderful time!!!  A bit crowded, but all in all, it was a blast!!!  My mom picked me up and drove me to the hotel in Arlington, TX.  We arrived and saw Debby, just as she was preparing to leave her class for the evening.  We all went up to the hotel room, and mom showed me all the things that she had learned how to do.

Mom and I hit the pool, and watched some of the "dive-in" movie.  They were showing Sandlot 2.  It was a pretty crappy movie, but that's okay.  I enjoyed swimming and chatting with mom.

The next morning, I got out of bed around 8am.  Mom and Debby had to be at a class, and took off.  I looked and looked for Debby's car keys, so I could get mom's stuff in the car, but Debby had taken them with her.  I headed down to the convention and decided to wait for them to get out of their class and get the keys from her at that point.
This was the entrance to the convention.
This is the hallway, just after people were being let into the convention.  I was sitting and waiting for mom and Debby to get out of their class.
       
       
These were pictures of the crowds.  I couldn't get very good ones, but it gives you an idea of how many people could've been there!
This is Tamara.  She taught "Make and Take" projects during the convention.  My mom was known as the "Troublemaker" during her visits to Tamara's make and takes.
This picture is my mom, Tamara and me.

It was loads of fun!!!  By the time Debby got out of her class at 1:30 pm, we were all ready to go home!!!

There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park.  Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad.  Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat and watched the people go by.  She never tried to speak.  She never said a word.  Many people passed by her, but no one would stop.

The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see if the little girl would still be there.  Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes.

Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl.  For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone.  As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress.  It was grotesquely shaped.  I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no effort to speak to her.  Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.

As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoid my intent stare.  As I approached her, I could see the shape of her back more clearly.  She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form.  I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk.  I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, "Hello."

The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a "hi"; after a long stare into my eyes.

I smiled and she shyly smiled back.  We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty.  I asked the girl why she was so sad.  The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, "Because, I'm different."

I immediately said, "That you are!"; and smiled.

The little girl acted even sadder and said, "I know."

"Little girl," I said, "you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent."

She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and said, "Really?"

"Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all people walking by."

She nodded her head yes, and smiled.  With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her wings to spread, then she said "I am."

"I'm your Guardian Angel," with a twinkle in her eye.

I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things.

She said, "For once you thought of someone other than yourself.  My job here is done".

I got to my feet and said, "Wait, why did no one stop to help an angel?"

She looked at me, smiled, and said, "You're the only one that could see me," and then she was gone.

And with that, my life was changed dramatically.  So, when you think you're all you have, remember, your angel is always watching over you.

Like the story says, we all need someone...  And, every one of your friends is an Angel in their own way.  The value of a friend is measured in the heart.  I hope your Guardian Angel watches over you always.

I won't have the time to blog later today.  My mom is coming over and we are taking Bobby to a playground.  Then, we'll be heading to her house to make homemade jam.  They are spraying for cockroaches (again) in my apartment today.  This time, it's an actual pest control and they recommended that we remove things from our cabinets.  I asked that they bait for them, too.  They're so horrible.......

So, 3 blogs in one, so that you all have something to read today.

Personal Blog Idea of the Day:

Action, horror, comedy, romance, drama, slap stick, sci-fi (any other not mentioned).....what genre best describes your life?   I think romantic comedy best describes my life.  It's lovely, while remaining true to comedy.  There are things that are too funny to pass up and ignore, and things that are devastating.  All in all, it works out to be even.

I read this on Anastaza's blog yesterday, and asked if I could post it.  So, here it is.  Feel free to use it, if you'd like.

Innocent/ Guilty?

1. Dated outside your race? Innocent

2. Given a hickey? Guilty

3. Gotten a hickey? Innocent

4. Singing in the shower?  Guilty, I sing every chance I get

5. Spit in someone's Drink? Innocent - that's just gross

 6. Played with Barbies?  Guilty, but I preferred Hot Wheels

7. Made someone cry?  Guilty

8. Opened your christmas presents early?  Innocent - my mother would've killed me

9. Lied to a friend?  Guilty

10. Seen the "goonies" more than 10 times?  Innocent

11. Played a Computer game for more than 5 hours?  Guilty, I play World of Warcraft

12. Ran through the sprinklers naked?  Innocent

13.  Ate food that fell on the floor?  Guilty - it's the 10-second rule

14. Went outside naked?  Innocent

15. Flashed somebody?  Guilty, and I was arrested for it

16. Mooned somebody?  Innocent

17. Been on stage?  Guilty - lots of times

18. Been on stage naked or close to it?  Innocent

 19. Been in a parade?  Guilty - marching band in high school

20. Been in a school play?  Innocent, although I did try out for a few.  I did act in plays when I was younger, but they weren't school plays

21. Drank beer?  Guilty

22. Gotten detention?  Guilty

23. Been on a plane?  Guilty

24. Been on a cruise ship?  Innocent

 25. Broken into a house?  Innocent

26. Gotten a tattoo?  Guilty

 27. Gotten piercings?  Innocent, unless you count my ears when I was much younger

28. Gotten into a fist fight?  Innocent - she hit me and knocked me down, I got in-house detention for getting my butt kicked cuz she said I hit her first

29. Gotten into a shouting match?  Guilty

30. Swallowed sea/pool water?  Innocent

31. Spun yourself in circles to get dizzy on purpose?  Guilty

32. Laughed so hard it hurt?  Guilty

33. Tripped on your own feet? Guilty

34. Cried yourself to sleep?  Guilty

35. Cried in public?  Guilty

36. Thrown up in public?  Innocent

37. Lied to your parents?  Guilty - who hasn't???

38. Skipped class?  Guilty

39. Cried so hard you threw up?  Innocent

40. Had more than five bf/gf?  Guilty

I changed this a bit so for each 'guilty' you get add  5 dollars to your bank account!! That's a heck of a lot better than 1 year in prision! 

I will be in prison 23 years!!  With the change from anastaza, I will have $115

The Story of Mother's Day

During this time many of the England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch.

As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" - the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration . People began honoring their mothers as well as the church.

In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year.

In 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.

Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessman, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was successful as by 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May.

Running around, trying to get all of the easter eggs!  We spent Easter with "family".  My mom has a best friend, who we all stayed with when we first moved down to Dallas, Texas.  She says that they're "adopted" sisters.  They've been friends for 40 years!!!  Anywho, we were all invited over for Easter dinner and an easter egg hunt.  So, after church, we all went over and had a wonderful easter dinner.  The kids were told to go outside and find their eggs.  The oldest child, Nathaniel, who is 6 years old or so, had "N" on all of his eggs, and "J" on all the rest, so that he didn't take those.  Bobby went ballistic, running over the other little ones to get to the eggs.  He ended up with 3/4 of all the eggs, so Greg and I ended up making him share them with the other kids.  He had so much fun - no nap makes a very tired boy at 6pm.

Before we all headed over there, right after church, we went back over to my parents' house.  My mom shows him a basket, and asks him what it is.  "Basket."  "Go find your basket somewhere in the house," she told him.  We all followed him into the living room, and he found it right away, hidden in plain sight on the bookcase.  He immediately started eating jelly beans and Robin's Eggs (malted milk balls).

It was such a fun day yesterday!!!  I hope you all enjoyed your Easter Sunday's as well!!!!

1.  What is your favorite Easter memory?

2.  How old were you when you stopped believing in the Easter Bunny?

3.  Some families believe that Jesus is the reason for the Easter.  How did you celebrate Easter with your family?

4.  If you can remember, what kinds of candy did you always have in your Easter basket?

5.  Have you ever done an easter egg hunt?  If you did, how many eggs do you think you managed to find?

Bonus:  If you could change a family tradition about Easter, what would it be?

Four Jobs I’ve Had:

1. Customer Service Representative with GE (General Electric)

2. Receptionist with rental agency

3. Cashiering at Wal Mart

4. Waitress

Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over:

1. Dirty Dancing

2. Any Harry Potter movie

3. Legally Blonde

4. The Patriot

Four Places I’ve Lived:

1. Dallas, TX

2. Berlin, Germany (in 1989 when the wall came down)

3. Rapid City, SD

4. Athol, ID

Four TV Shows I Love to Watch:

1. ER

2. 7th Heaven

3. American Idol (cuz I auditioned for it this year)

4. CSI (Las Vegas)

Four Places I’ve Been on Vacation:

1. Belle Fourche, SD (for my sister-in-law's wedding last year)

2. Athol, ID (to meet my ex-in-laws for the first time)

I've never been really able to take a vacation, but when I'm able to, I'll go back to New Hampshire to visit some good friends of mine!!!

Four of My Favorite Dishes:

1. Macaroni and Cheese (my Nana's recipe, made with CheezWhiz)

2. Spaghetti

3. Shrimp Alfredo (made by my husband (homemade) with prawns)

4. Any kind of fast food

Four Websites I Visit Daily:

1. Hotmail

2. Grab

3. Elite Housings (for work)

4. My online banking account

Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now:

1. The Caribbean 

2. Asleep

3. In Pennsylvania, helping my best friend get through a tough time

4. In Portsmouth, NH, singing karaoke with all my good friends


Four bloggers who I’m tagging as "it":

Anyone who wants to join in......most of my friends' list has been tagged already!!! 

I am walking on Cloud Nine, right now!!!  I had a phone call yesterday from Office Team, who I've been working temp jobs with for a few months.  They had an opportunity for a temp-to-hire position as a receptionist for me.  I went in today, for a working interview....basically, to see how I would like it and whether or not they would like me.

They didn't have enough compliments for my recruiter today!!!  They were all impressed as to how confident and happy I sounded on the phone!  They were all impressed that I learned the programs quickly!  They even gave me a 50 cent raise, already!!!  I'm only earning $10 an hour, but that could quickly go up, depending on how much more I can learn that isn't in my "job description".

I now have a full-time job!!!  We can catch up all of our bills!!!  I'm sooooo happy!!!!!  Thank you, all my friends, for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!!  It's amazing how much God can help you, when you ask for it.  I believe, truly, that He placed me into the job that he meant for me to have!!!

Oh, and on a side note, the band that I auditioned for did finally contact me.  The singer who was going to leave, has decided to stay.  But, the lead member of the band did tell me that he had a LOT of people come up to him at the bar last week, just to let him know how well I sang.  He's keeping my contact info handy, so that if he sees anyone else looking for a singer, he will give them my info!  Maybe, I can sing in a band someday, too!!!

To my dearest friend (you know who you are)

Things may be tough right now
But you have a friend who cares
I'm here if you need a shoulder
And just a phone call or email away

I'm here for you, to listen
to talk and cheer you up
Things will turn out all right
Keep your chin up!!!

I got this from d0rk.....Thanks, hun!!!

This is sooo true.  I love to write and constantly correct those people that say things the wrong way.  Thanks again, d0rk!!!

I stole this from d0rk, who stole it from Hellykwee, who also stole it.  It can be found here.

You entered: Julie ********* ****

There are 18 letters in your name.
Those 18 letters total to 93
There are 7 vowels and 11 consonants in your name.

Your number is: 3

The characteristics of #3 are: Expression, verbalization, socialization, the arts, the joy of living.

The expression or destiny for #3:
An Expression of 3 produces a quest for destiny with words along a variety of lines that may include writing, speaking, singing, acting or teaching; our entertainers, writers, litigators, teachers, salesmen, and composers. You also have the destiny to sell yourself or sell just about any product that comes along. You are imaginative in your presentation, and you may have creative talents in the arts, although these are more likely to be latent. You are an optimistic person that seems ever enthusiastic about life and living. You are friendly, loving and social, and people like you because you are charming and such a good conversationalist. Your ability to communicate may often inspire others. It is your role in life to inspire and motivate; to raise the spirits of those around you.

The negative side of number 3 Expression is superficiality. You may tend to scatter your forces and simply be too easygoing. It is advisable for the negative 3 to avoid dwelling on trivial matters, especially gossip.

Your Soul Urge number is: 1

A Soul Urge number of 1 means:
Your Soul Urge is the number 1. With a Soul Urge number of 1, you want to lead and direct, to work independent of supervision, by yourself or with subordinates. You take pride in your abilities and want to be recognized for them. You may seek opportunities to display your strength and usefulness, wanting to create and originate. In your desire to manage the big picture and the main issues, you may often leave the details to others.

The positive 1 Soul Urge is Ambitious and determined, a leader seeking opportunities. There is a great deal of honesty and loyalty in this character. If you possess positive 1 Soul Urge qualities, you are very attainment oriented and driven to success. You are a loyal friend and strictly fair in your business dealings.

The negative side of the 1 Soul Urge must be avoided. A negative 1 is apt to dominate situations and people; the home, the spouse, the family and the business. Emotions aren't strong in this nature. If you possess an excess of 1 energy, you may, at times, be boastful and egotistic. You must avoid being too critical and impatient of trifles. The great need of the 1 Soul Urge is the development of friendliness, and a sincere interest in people.

Your Inner Dream number is: 11

An Inner Dream number of 11 means:
You dream of casting the light of illumination; of being the true idealist. You secretly believe there is more to life than we can know or prove, and you would like to be provider of the 'word' from on high.

The funny thing is that this is extremely accurate!!!  I couldn't believe it.

This info on my birthday, you can find here.

You entered: 9/7/1978

Your date of conception was on or about 15 December 1977 which was a Thursday.

You were born on a Thursday
under the astrological sign Virgo.
Your Life path number is 5.

The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2443758.5.
The golden number for 1978 is 3.
The epact number for 1978 is 21.
The year 1978 was not a leap year.

The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 26 March 1978.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 8 February 1978.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 14 May 1978.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 21 May 1978.
 
As of 1/10/2006 3:30:29 PM EST
You are 27 years old.
You are 328 months old.
You are 1,427 weeks old.
You are 9,987 days old.
You are 239,703 hours old.
You are 14,382,210 minutes old.
You are 862,932,629 seconds old.
Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 3.90880626223092 years old. (Life's just a big chewy bone for you!)

There are 240 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 28 candles

Those 28 candles produce 28 BTUs,
or 7,056 calories of heat (that's only 7.0560 food Calories!) .
You can boil 3.20 US ounces of water with that many candles.  

In 1978 there were approximately 3.1 million births in the US.
In 1978 the US population was approximately 203,302,031 people, 57.4 persons per square mile.
In 1978 in the US there were approximately 2,152,662 marriages (10.1%) and 1,036,000 divorces (4.9%)
In 1978 in the US there were approximately 1,921,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)


Your birthstone is Sapphire
The Mystical properties of Sapphire

Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Sapphire is used for clear thinking.

Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)

Agate, Moonstone, Lapis Lazuli

Your birth tree is

Weeping Willow, the Melancholy

Beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.

There are 349 days till Christmas 2006!
There are 362 days till Orthodox Christmas!

The moon's phase on the day you were
born was waxing crescent.