1) I'm so tired of being unemployed. But, talking to my doc he won't give me clearance just yet to even start job hunting again. "Let's get these health issues under control once and for all", he says. Sure ... whatever. He's not the one who has to squeeze pennies to survive. I mentioned something at my appointment yesterday about having over-slept. He comes back with "must be nice, wish I could over-sleep". "Believe me, it's not my choice. I'd rather have a job to wake up to every day like you do". He couldn't argue that, but he sure won't give me the okay to work again! And without doctor's clearance ... well, I'm on Medicaid right now, and on too many *health warning* lists with them, so without that clearance IF I were to get a job I loose what benefits I do have. I can't afford that, not with about $300 a month in prescription costs alone!!
2) So, to get clearance to go back to work I have more tests to go through. I can live with the mammogram and papp smear and the half dozen other tests I need, it's that colonoscopy I'm having trouble dealing with. Just the thought of it makes me shiver.
3) OK, I have a question for my "medical" friends ... what in the world would possess someone to want to be a "poop chute inspector" as my dad calls 'em? Just curious.
4) I had to laugh today while making my lunch. Tuna sandwich. I always drain the tuna water and give it to one of the cats. I waited and waited until Ringo was the only cat in the kitchen so he could have the fishy treat. As soon as he started slurping the other cats came running. Poor Ringo. As usual he let the two kittens take over. Only they're not kittens anymore, LOL, but Ringo still makes sure they get their share while he sits back hoping for leftovers. I ended up eating in my bedroom just so Ringo could come with me (a rare treat, as I don't allow the cats in my room normally). He ate about a quarter of my sandwich. He's spoiled, LOL. Now he's snoozing on my bed, happy as can be.
5) Speaking of sandwiches. I've been craving grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches lately. Or fried bologna. Go figure. And I have to wait until my sugar is way down below normal before I can have one ... talk about a great way to raise those gluclose levels ... JELLY!! LOL!! In fact, that's how it started ... we were at the Alien Bowl-a-thon and my sugar was too low. They had grilled PB&J sandwiches. Yup, that'll work so I ordered one. And yummy, too!! Been craving another one ever since. Hey, I never claimed to be normal.
6) DIL decided that since there's a dozen or more adults and only three children she'll have Grandson's party this Saturday at their house instead of at Chuck E. Cheese. Yippee!! I still haven't figured out what I'm going to get him. I wanted to get Grandson his own digital camera. He *steals* mine all the time, he takes pretty good pictures, too. However, I can't afford something like that just now. Grrrrrrr. Alien and I will go out Friday to see what we can find. Something truck related, I suppose ... he loves cars and trucks.
7) OMG!! Single Son's been shopping again! He believes in quantity, that's for sure. He did pass on the 10/$10 waffles this time. Now it's peirogi, microwave popcorn and Raisin Bran that's taken over my cupboards and freezer. And he's threatening to go back to get more waffles, too!! We only just finished the last ten boxes of waffles ... took us two months! LOL!
8) Finally got an email from Tiger. He'd love to go with me to my class reunion. Cool. Blog to follow after the late July reunion. LOL.
Yup, number nine ... and I'm struggling for thoughts here. LOL.
9) Oh ... I clicked on some banner ad on Multiply the other day for "RottenNeighbor.com". Out of curiosity I put in my zip code and OMG!! One of the people that we suspect as the one who may have shot at my cat last summer is actually one of the rotten neighbors!! I've had other problems with these fools, too. Seems I'm not the only one who has had problems with them!
10) It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, lol ... 65 and SUNNY!! Windows open wide, birds chirping ... ah ... Spring is finally here!!
KUA
5/13/08
5/12/08
Happy Un-Anniversary ...
Wow, 29 years ago today my first ex and I were saying our vows. Ten years later we were undoing them.
He taught me a lot in those ten years.
I learned to rely on no one but myself for any of my needs and for my children's needs. Yet, at the same time, I learned that I could rely on my family and certain friends to offer me support, and guidance.
I learned pain. Physical and mental abuse leaves pain, a lot of pain. The physical heals long before the mental injuries do.
I learned to read between the lines. What was the motivation for him suddenly being generous? A guilty conscience. Surely not to show his appreciation of me. For that he usually used his fists.
I learned that money doesn't buy happiness. I learned that I'll gladly give up wealth for certain poverty so that myself and my children can life safely and without fear of him coming home. Being broke all the time, living on the other side of the tracks and driving an old car do not mean that we can't live in a clean, healthy and loving environment. I learned to sacrifice for the kid's sake.
I learned to laugh. It's a hard road, but along the way there's been plenty of things to laugh about. And if there isn't ... create them!
I learned I am a strong person. I can overcome insurmountable odds. I'm not talking poverty. I'm talking overcoming abuse. Mental abuse. Being told you're dirt for so long, you start to believe it. Being called an idiot, ugly, fat ... and those were the nice names he called me! Yes, I am an idiot in that I stuck it out so long! I don't recommend anyone in an abusive situation to say that "yes, I'm an idiot for taking your shit" to him. It was the worst beating I ever got, but yeah, I did say it to his face. Ugly? I used to be pretty before you came along. I'll find it again in me after I've dumped your pathetic a$$. Fat? So freaking what? If it keeps the likes of you off of me all I have to say is ... where's the twinkies? I'm gonna pig out!
I learned to think for myself. This also includes learning to speak for myself. No one believes me when I say I used to be a shy girl. Very shy. I learned to open my mouth, to voice my opinion, and to be very outgoing.
I learned to let go. To let go of the fear, the pain, the anger, the hatred that had built up. I am not his judge, nor am I his jury. He will have his day of judgement, if not on earth, then after. I will, too. Will I be denied my place in Heaven because I could not let go and LET GOD ... Let God be his judge, his jury. I had to let go, to become the best person I could be.
I learned so much more, too. In spite of him. I think the most humbling of lessons was to realize you can still love your enemy. After all he'd done to me, I still loved him for the good he did bring into my life, and there were those good times, too. And who could hate him for those two beautiful, wonderful, loving sons he gave me. I also learned that I can still love and yet I could walk away from a dangerous situation. And in the process ... the biggest lesson of all was ...
LOVE YOURSELF FOR WHO YOU ARE!
No matter what others say to you, don't listen to the negativity ... it's NOT true!
Thanks, Exie Poo #1 for all you taught me. Happy Un-Anniversary.
He taught me a lot in those ten years.
I learned to rely on no one but myself for any of my needs and for my children's needs. Yet, at the same time, I learned that I could rely on my family and certain friends to offer me support, and guidance.
I learned pain. Physical and mental abuse leaves pain, a lot of pain. The physical heals long before the mental injuries do.
I learned to read between the lines. What was the motivation for him suddenly being generous? A guilty conscience. Surely not to show his appreciation of me. For that he usually used his fists.
I learned that money doesn't buy happiness. I learned that I'll gladly give up wealth for certain poverty so that myself and my children can life safely and without fear of him coming home. Being broke all the time, living on the other side of the tracks and driving an old car do not mean that we can't live in a clean, healthy and loving environment. I learned to sacrifice for the kid's sake.
I learned to laugh. It's a hard road, but along the way there's been plenty of things to laugh about. And if there isn't ... create them!
I learned I am a strong person. I can overcome insurmountable odds. I'm not talking poverty. I'm talking overcoming abuse. Mental abuse. Being told you're dirt for so long, you start to believe it. Being called an idiot, ugly, fat ... and those were the nice names he called me! Yes, I am an idiot in that I stuck it out so long! I don't recommend anyone in an abusive situation to say that "yes, I'm an idiot for taking your shit" to him. It was the worst beating I ever got, but yeah, I did say it to his face. Ugly? I used to be pretty before you came along. I'll find it again in me after I've dumped your pathetic a$$. Fat? So freaking what? If it keeps the likes of you off of me all I have to say is ... where's the twinkies? I'm gonna pig out!
I learned to think for myself. This also includes learning to speak for myself. No one believes me when I say I used to be a shy girl. Very shy. I learned to open my mouth, to voice my opinion, and to be very outgoing.
I learned to let go. To let go of the fear, the pain, the anger, the hatred that had built up. I am not his judge, nor am I his jury. He will have his day of judgement, if not on earth, then after. I will, too. Will I be denied my place in Heaven because I could not let go and LET GOD ... Let God be his judge, his jury. I had to let go, to become the best person I could be.
I learned so much more, too. In spite of him. I think the most humbling of lessons was to realize you can still love your enemy. After all he'd done to me, I still loved him for the good he did bring into my life, and there were those good times, too. And who could hate him for those two beautiful, wonderful, loving sons he gave me. I also learned that I can still love and yet I could walk away from a dangerous situation. And in the process ... the biggest lesson of all was ...
LOVE YOURSELF FOR WHO YOU ARE!
No matter what others say to you, don't listen to the negativity ... it's NOT true!
Thanks, Exie Poo #1 for all you taught me. Happy Un-Anniversary.
5/11/08
Mother's Day and *Alien* Bowling - part two
So, there's nothing going on here today. Can you tell? I've been photoshopping for the last few hours. LOL. Thanks to Helen and an idea she planted in my little brain. Hehehe ...
Mother's Day and I haven't recieved so much as a phone call. I'm not upset, really. Single Son went to work after the bowl-a-thon and worked until this morning, so he's been sleeping all day. He works midnights tonight and besides we spent yesterday together at the Alien Bowl-a-thon and dinner that he bought afterwards. Alien is at her father's house. My choice. She'd rather work on her car this weekend. It's been raining all day. I wonder if she got any work done on the car. LOL. Don't know what Married Son, DIL and Grandson are up to. I did get a short "Happy Mom's Day" email from DIL yesterday, though.
I did call my Mom today. Wished her a Happy Mother's Day. We talked for a few minutes. I apologized for being broke and not getting her something. She laughed, saying the typical "I don't want or need anything. And anyway, Grandson's birthday party is this weekend, spend your money on him." Riiiight. But then, that's what I say to my kids, too, that I don't want or need anything. Nothing going on at Mom's house. No dinner plans, just a quiet night of taking over the remote control from Dad. Yup, that's his Mother's Day gift to Mom. She picks the tv shows for the evening.
And I'm actually enjoying the quiet around here. No one to interupt me. No one whining that it's raining out and there's nothing to do. No one bugging me to turn over my computer to them. I can photoshop all I want, or play the pirate computer game I've become somewhat addicted to these last few weeks.
Hoping all my Mom friends are spending this Mother's Day doing exactly what they want!!
Gross Grub - Raggedy Robins
Description:
Source unknown.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup milk
1 stick margarine
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 c. sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. oatmeal
Directions:
Combine first four ingredients. Cook on medium heat until boiling. Rolling boil for 1 - 1 & 1/2 min. Remove from heat and mix vanilla and peanut butter. Mix well. Pour over oatmeal in a large bowl. Mix quickly in a large bowl. Spoon out onto wax paper. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Source unknown.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup milk
1 stick margarine
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 c. sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. oatmeal
Directions:
Combine first four ingredients. Cook on medium heat until boiling. Rolling boil for 1 - 1 & 1/2 min. Remove from heat and mix vanilla and peanut butter. Mix well. Pour over oatmeal in a large bowl. Mix quickly in a large bowl. Spoon out onto wax paper. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Gross Grub - Ladies Fingers
Description:
Makes 48 Pretzels
The amount of flour you need will vary, depending on humidity.
Ingredients:
24 blanched almonds, halved lengthwise
Red food coloring, optional
1 tbsp sugar
1 scant tbsp active dry yeast (one 1/4 oz pkg)
5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour*
*plus more for work surface
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsp baking soda
1 large egg
Sea salt
Dried rosemary (optional)
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
Directions:
1. Place a small amount of food coloring in a shallow bowl, and, using a paint- brush, color the rounded side
of each split almond; set aside to dry.
2. Pour 2 cups warm water (110 degrees) into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough-hook attachment. Add sugar; stir to dissolve. Sprinkle with yeast, and let stand until yeast begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
3. Beat 1 cup flour into yeast on low speed until combined. Beat in salt; add 3 1/2 cups flour until combined. Beat until dough pulls away from bowl, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low; add 1/2 cup flour. Knead 1 minute more. If dough is sticky, add up to 1 cup more flour. Transfer to a lightly floured Surface; knead until smooth, 1 minute.
4. Coat a large bowl with cooking spray. Transfer dough to bowl, turning dough to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap; let rest in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Heat 3 quarts water to a boil in a 6-quart straight- sided saucepan over high heat;
reduce to a simmer. Add baking soda. Lightly coat two baking sheets with cooking spray. Divide dough into quarters. Work with one quarter at a time, and cover remaining dough with plastic wrap. Divide the first quarter into twelve pieces. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each piece back and forth with your palm into a long finger shape, about 3 to 4 inches. Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles. When all 12 fingers are formed, transfer to simmering water. Poach for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer fingers to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, blanching each set of 12 fingers before making more.
6. Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush pretzel fingers with egg wash. Using a sharp knife, lightly score each knuckle about three times. Sprinkle with salt and rosemary, if using. Position almond nails; push into dough to attach. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on wire rack. Fingers are best eaten same day; or store, covered, up to 2 days at room temperature.
Makes 48 Pretzels
The amount of flour you need will vary, depending on humidity.
Ingredients:
24 blanched almonds, halved lengthwise
Red food coloring, optional
1 tbsp sugar
1 scant tbsp active dry yeast (one 1/4 oz pkg)
5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour*
*plus more for work surface
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsp baking soda
1 large egg
Sea salt
Dried rosemary (optional)
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
Directions:
1. Place a small amount of food coloring in a shallow bowl, and, using a paint- brush, color the rounded side
of each split almond; set aside to dry.
2. Pour 2 cups warm water (110 degrees) into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough-hook attachment. Add sugar; stir to dissolve. Sprinkle with yeast, and let stand until yeast begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
3. Beat 1 cup flour into yeast on low speed until combined. Beat in salt; add 3 1/2 cups flour until combined. Beat until dough pulls away from bowl, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low; add 1/2 cup flour. Knead 1 minute more. If dough is sticky, add up to 1 cup more flour. Transfer to a lightly floured Surface; knead until smooth, 1 minute.
4. Coat a large bowl with cooking spray. Transfer dough to bowl, turning dough to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap; let rest in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Heat 3 quarts water to a boil in a 6-quart straight- sided saucepan over high heat;
reduce to a simmer. Add baking soda. Lightly coat two baking sheets with cooking spray. Divide dough into quarters. Work with one quarter at a time, and cover remaining dough with plastic wrap. Divide the first quarter into twelve pieces. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each piece back and forth with your palm into a long finger shape, about 3 to 4 inches. Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles. When all 12 fingers are formed, transfer to simmering water. Poach for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer fingers to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, blanching each set of 12 fingers before making more.
6. Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush pretzel fingers with egg wash. Using a sharp knife, lightly score each knuckle about three times. Sprinkle with salt and rosemary, if using. Position almond nails; push into dough to attach. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on wire rack. Fingers are best eaten same day; or store, covered, up to 2 days at room temperature.
5/10/08
Alien Bowl-a-thon
As most of you know I'm a member of an international Star Trek Fan Association called Star Fleet. Chapters are called ships and are fashioned after the star ships on any of the Star Trek series. The *ship* I'm on is the USS Sinclair. We are a Defiant Class ship.
Today was one of our Regional functions. An Alien Bowl-a-thon. This was my first "official" function as the USS Sinclair's Historian (photographer). Today's fun was hosted by two of the ships in our region. Our charity for this event was the V.A.D. (Volunteers Assisting the Disabled).
It wasn't a large turn out this year. We can blame the cost of gas for that as most members would have had to travel 50 or more miles.
Anyway ... we had a blast!! Bowlers showed up in full costume or with their ship t-shirts. Parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren were there to bowl.
Of the three or four ships that had representatives present over $800 was raised for the V.A.D. Not bad for a few hours of fun I'd say!!
Several members, myself and Single Son included, went out after the event to an early dinner at a place called Roger's Roost. They make an awesome Buffalo Burger! Yum!!
Klingon Warrior
Lady Klingon
Star Fleet Admiral Smith
Today was one of our Regional functions. An Alien Bowl-a-thon. This was my first "official" function as the USS Sinclair's Historian (photographer). Today's fun was hosted by two of the ships in our region. Our charity for this event was the V.A.D. (Volunteers Assisting the Disabled).
It wasn't a large turn out this year. We can blame the cost of gas for that as most members would have had to travel 50 or more miles.
Anyway ... we had a blast!! Bowlers showed up in full costume or with their ship t-shirts. Parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren were there to bowl.
Of the three or four ships that had representatives present over $800 was raised for the V.A.D. Not bad for a few hours of fun I'd say!!
Several members, myself and Single Son included, went out after the event to an early dinner at a place called Roger's Roost. They make an awesome Buffalo Burger! Yum!!
Klingon Warrior
Lady Klingon
Star Fleet Admiral Smith
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