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October 31, 2005
A New Sheriff In Town
A friend of ours is running for sheriff here in Clark County so we visited his booth before we began trick-or-treating.
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I know you’re probably sick of seeing pictures of candy, BUT here is what Ashley earned tonight:
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We had to drag out the biggest bowl in the house (the punch bowl) in order to fit all the candy in one place.
I tried a new candy bar tonight. Yes, it was from Ashley’s stash, but that’s what parents do. It’s called TAKE 5 and it is yummy!
Posted by tami at 9:05 PM Comments (0)
October 30, 2005
Red Boots
Tonight we went to a trunk-or-treat at a local church. People decorated the trunks of their cars and handed out candy. There were many cute decorating ideas.
Here are Ashley and Hayden. Hayden was mad because her dad made her dress as a cowgirl, but everyone else loved it. She even had red cowboy boots!
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When we visited the ladies room, there was this awesome old couch. It reminded me of something you would see on The Addams Family or The Munsters so I had to get a picture.
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This painting is hanging on a wall in the church. I have no idea who painted it, but I thought it was very compelling and original.
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Here are the spoils:
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Tomorrow night we get to do it all over again!
Posted by tami at 7:43 PM Comments (2)
October 29, 2005
More And More And More Seeds!
We went to Wal-Mart today and bought two pumpkins for $5. I love a great deal! In the past, we have bought pumpkins straight from the pumpkin farm, but I cannot imagine doing that again. Why would I pay by the pound for a pumpkin when I can get one just as pretty and big for $2.50?
Kevin carved one and I saved the seeds.
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This is a dancing scene. There is a cat, a witch, Frankenstein, and a skeleton.
Posted by tami at 9:41 PM Comments (0)
October 28, 2005
Harvest Day
Today was a fun day. We dipped apples in chocolate then drizzled them with caramel. They were topped with nuts, raisins, sprinkles, candy corn, gummy candy, and crushed Oreo cookies.
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We popped popcorn and then made these spooky hands.
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These ghost suckers were fun and easy to make:
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Earlier in the week, we carved a pumpkin and kept the seeds. After washing the seeds off and then allowing them to dry for several days, we were able to cook them. My friend’s recipe is different from my own. She uses butter and salt – that’s it. They were wonderful!
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Posted by tami at 3:02 PM Comments (3)
October 26, 2005
Boy
Kids are funny. Today at circle time the teacher said, “Okay, whoever has on pink flowered pants can get up and choose a work.”
One little girl left.
Then she said, “Okay, now whoever has on blue pants can get up and choose a work.”
Several kids got up, but then I looked over at one boy and had to take a second look. He was holding on to his underpants and pulling them out, “I have on blue too –see!”
He had pulled down his overalls and wanted us to see that he was wearing blue. He wanted to get up bad!
We quickly informed him that those didn’t count and to pull his overalls back up.
Only a three or four year old would try to pull something like that! (I hope!)
Posted by tami at 3:35 PM Comments (3)
October 25, 2005
10
I got this in email today and thought it was cute:
Ten Things Men Understand About Women.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Just smile and send it on.
Posted by tami at 6:14 PM Comments (0)
October 24, 2005
I Am Learning
Getting a full-time job after never having one in my life has been a huge revelation. As far as getting up and out in the morning and not returning until later – that has been fine. I’m an organized person anyway, so I have everything ready the night before. The kids are old enough to get themselves prepared, so that’s also a load off me.
The problem that I am experiencing is: who do I trust? I am finding out the hard way that I cannot fully trust anyone. When I first got this job, I assumed that at the end of the day I would be able to open up to my coworkers and vent a little. Everyone needs another ear to listen to them.
It’s not that I complain a lot, but I do have opinions and it’s nice to be able to express my opinions sometimes. In the beginning, I looked at my coworkers as pals – friends. I would tell them anything that was on my mind. Unfortunately, that’s not the way things are at my work place. There are always people listening who want to stab you in the back and make you look bad. They want to twist your words around. Later, when you try to defend yourself it’s no use. Once someone has reported bad things about you to the boss, those things are always in the back of his or her mind. Nothing you can say to defend yourself will help; that is, IF you get the chance to defend yourself.
I am also learning that asking questions makes you a bad person. Bringing attention to the unfairness of any situation puts you in a bad light. You’re supposed to roll over like a dog and take whatever it is they have to spout. They ask you if you have any questions or problems, but don’t want to deal with them when you do speak up.
I am learning to keep silent even though I would have a lot of valuable contributions.
I am learning that the only person I can trust is my husband. He is my best friend and he loves me. He listens to everything I have to say and then he gives me his true opinion of the situation.
I am learning how to walk on eggshells …
Posted by tami at 5:12 PM Comments (2)
October 23, 2005
Question
How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie-roll center of a Tootsie Pop?
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The world may never know.
Posted by tami at 8:56 PM Comments (0)
October 22, 2005
Boonesboro
A new addition to the photo gallery can be found HERE.
You will see from the pictures that we had a very spooky time. I hope you enjoy them :)
Posted by tami at 10:38 PM Comments (2)
October 21, 2005
Flappers
I hate these window decals:
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You see them everywhere especially on mud flaps. I actually found THIS SITE dedicated to selling “Mud Flap Girls”. The site is NOT work safe.
I’ve never understood the fascination that goes into these things. If the circumstances were reversed, would men think it was so cute? I don’t think so!
Posted by tami at 2:41 PM Comments (1)
October 20, 2005
On Aging:
From email:
* I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over.
* Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman: "And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked. She simply replied, "No peer pressure."
* The nice thing about being senile is you can hide your own Easter eggs.
* Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, "How old was your husband?" "98," she replied. "Two years older than me." "So you're 96," the undertaker commented. She responded, "Hardly worth going home, is it?”
* I've sure gotten old. I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees. Fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I'm half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends. But, thank God, I still have my driver's license.
* An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart. "Wal-Mart?" the preacher exclaimed. "Why Wal-Mart?" "Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week."
* Any woman can have the body of a 21-year-old, as long as she buys him a few drinks first.
* My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.
* Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.
* I've still got it, but nobody wants to see it.
* I'm getting into swing dancing. Not on purpose. Some parts of my body are just prone to swinging.
* It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffeemaker.
* The good news is that even as we get older, guys still look at our boobs. The bad news is they have to squat down first.
* These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, "For fast relief."
* I've tried to find a suitable exercise video for women my age, but they haven't made one called "Buns of Putty."
* Don't let aging get you down. It's too hard to get back up.
Posted by tami at 3:10 PM Comments (1)
October 19, 2005
Tips
From email:
Five tips for women....
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
Posted by tami at 3:27 PM Comments (0)
October 16, 2005
Over
I’ll be back at work tomorrow. It’s amazing how quick a week passes. I did read 2 1/2 books though, so I’m feeling pretty good. I wanted to watch a few episodes of The Waltons but never got around to it.
I went to a jewelry party this afternoon and paid excessively much for a pair of earrings that I don’t need. I felt obligated though since my sister was the one throwing it. I own four pairs of earrings. That’s it. Unless I see a pair that is breathtaking – I’m not buying. I prefer to sink my money into books. In my opinion, that’s the smarter choice ;)
Posted by tami at 8:01 PM Comments (3)
October 15, 2005
Busy Bone
The weather was perfect today: not too hot and not too cold so we took Guido for a long walk. I feel bad leaving him home alone now that I work, so I have to do something to make up for it on the weekends. We have found that he loves THESE. Give him 15 minutes and the entire thing is gone! I love seeing him happy.
We took Andrew to the movie theatre tonight so that he could meet up with his girlfriend and they could see a movie together. As we were waiting for her mom to drop her off, another movie let out. I watched in horror as a teenager climbed into the trunk of her friend’s car for a ride home. The car was packed with teens and this was the only place not taken.
After that, we saw a pickup truck go by with three teenage girls riding in the bed. Never mind that it is 56 degrees. They will probably be sick come Monday.
Posted by tami at 10:49 PM Comments (0)
October 14, 2005
Pass Go
Andrew passed his driver’s exam this morning. I can’t say that I’m glad he got it over with though. I will always be one of those mom’s who can’t bear to admit that her baby has grown up.
To mark the end of our fall break, we went to see Corpse Bride. It was a good movie, but the songs weren’t near as catchy as they were in The Nightmare Before Christmas. I would recommend this for kids 7 and up just because it’s a bit spooky seeing a woman rise from the grave.
This evening, we bought our first Christmas gifts of the year. We have to buy a few out of each remaining check or it becomes too overwhelming as Christmas nears. I have already wrapped them up and put them away. I can be the Queen of Efficiency when I want to be.
Posted by tami at 11:12 PM Comments (0)
October 13, 2005
Lipstick
I received this today in email. I have seen it before, but it still makes me laugh!
According to a news report, a certain school in Garden City, MI was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the washroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night, the maintenance man would remove them and the next day, the girls would put them back. Finally, the principal decided that something had to be done.
He called all the girls to the washroom and met them there with the maintenance man. He explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night.
To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, he asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it. Needless to say, since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.
Posted by tami at 11:10 AM Comments (0)
October 12, 2005
Three Little Witches ...
My sister brought the cousins over during her lunch break:
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We had big plans. We were making cupcake witches.
The supplies were ready:
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Here is Sydnee’s finished witch:
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And Jesse’s:
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And Ashley’s:
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And here are all the finished witches:
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We listened to Halloween music and watched The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. They played with all the decorations and had a great time.
Posted by tami at 5:06 PM Comments (3)
October 11, 2005
The Procedure
On June 15, I posted about my ingrown toenail. After living with it over a year, it was in bad shape. It was painful and filled with pus. Each night, I had to clean it off where it had oozed all day under my sock. It also had a slight odor from the infection.
I tried to buy new tennis shoes before school started, but none gave me enough “toe room”. I believe that one of the things that egged this on was having my toes squeezed by the wrong shoes.
Every other day my toes were being stepped on at my job – literally. I had to do something, so I made up my mind that I was seeing a podiatrist. This morning I had my appointment.
As promised, my regular doctor called in some Valium. Unfortunately, it must have been a child’s dose because it did absolutely NOTHING for me.
When I got to the podiatrist’s office, to my surprise and delight, it was a woman. You know I like women doctors better – that’s just me.
The procedure happened fast. She leaned me back in the chair so that I couldn’t see anything. (I wouldn’t have looked anyway!) Then as she sprayed this cold air on my toe, she gave me several shots to numb the area. To be honest, I only felt one though. I laid there for about 15 minutes waiting for my toe to completely numb.
Once she came back in the room, I have no idea what went on other than the fact that she removed the nail on each side of my big toe. Until tomorrow, it will look this way:
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I will have to soak it three times a day for 10 days. After that, I hope I never have to worry about it again.
It is sore as I type this, but really, no more sore than it was with the infection anyway.
Posted by tami at 5:36 PM Comments (2)
October 10, 2005
Short Post
This day has been productive. It is the first day of our fall break and I couldn’t be happier. I got caught up on the ironing, we mowed the grass, and I finished reading a book.
Tomorrow I will begin reading The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I did not watch the made-for-TV movie because I knew that I wanted to read the book.
Posted by tami at 11:10 PM Comments (2)
October 9, 2005
On Vine Street
Earlier this week, mom and dad gave us all of these tomatoes out of their backyard:
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Kevin decided that he would try his hand at making salsa with them since we could never use them all before they went bad. We went to the farmer’s market on Vine in Lexington and bought some small, dark green peppers to put in the salsa (I cannot recall their name). We also bought these hot banana peppers since we hadn’t had any all summer:
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We couldn’t leave the market without buying Ashley a rose:
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Posted by tami at 10:02 AM Comments (1)
October 8, 2005
Happy Things
I love this picture ….
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It was taken earlier today at the public library in the children’s department.
We visited the cemetery and I found this:
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At the bottom edge of the globe it says, “The World Was Their Classroom”. I am wondering if this is a special section for teachers.
This stained glass monument caught my eye:
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I worry about vandals though – it would seem that this glass could easily be broken.
I love this old bench:
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The area where it sits is round. All of the monuments are in circles. It is curious.
Outside the mausoleum and near a loved one was this pumpkin pot:
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It was a splash of color so near the mausoleum and on such a dreary day – it was totally unexpected. Sometimes the unexpected can be nice.
Posted by tami at 8:33 PM Comments (0)
October 7, 2005
Cold
Knowing that a coworker’s birthday was coming up soon, I suggested that we all make her a card. When I made the suggestion, the other girls acted as if it was a good idea. I brought this up on two different occasions, but the card was never made.
On Thursday, one of the girls brought in a gift bag for the birthday girl. That afternoon, there were only three of us there. Someone asked if we were each buying gifts. I replied that I wasn’t buying a gift because I hadn’t been working there that long and I didn’t think that she would “expect” a gift from me. The girl who had asked the question agreed and said that she wasn’t buying a gift either. The third girl said that “she hadn’t really thought about it”. She didn’t give a yes or no answer which I was immediately suspicious of.
Friday comes and everything is going fine. I go on my lunch break right across the hall from where we work. Five minutes later as I am taking a bite from my sandwich, I hear everyone singing “Happy Birthday” to the birthday girl. I was shocked. My mouth hung open as I sat there and listened. I couldn’t believe that they had left me out of that moment.
One of the girls – the one that said, “She really hadn’t thought about it” – brought in a big chocolate chip cookie decorated with icing. She had forewarned the other two girls of what she was going to do, but had left me out completely.
She did tell me afterwards that I could have a piece of the cookie.
I am still shocked at her AND the other girls who didn’t say one word to me about this. It will be hard to forget.
Posted by tami at 8:16 PM Comments (0)
October 6, 2005
Different Types of Books
I love to color and I love different coloring books. I still have some Barbie coloring books that my parents bought me in the 80’s. You should see the hair – it was large!
These are my Halloween coloring books. I put them away and only have them out during October. Right now, they are in Ashley’s possession.
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If you’ve read me enough, you know how much I love books. Out of all my possessions, my books are my favorite things. One day, I would like a library. I think we could at least fill one wall.
Here are my Halloween books. I adore every one and hope that I never tire of reading them.
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These are the last of the Halloween decoration pictures. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them ;)
Posted by tami at 4:43 PM Comments (1)
October 5, 2005
Mc Nuggets & Magnets
I know that I showed you a picture of my Chicken Mc Nugget collection last year, but this picture is for new people. I went all over Lexington collecting these things and ended up getting the pumpkin years later on ebay. They are my very favorite Halloween pieces. When Andrew was younger, he loved playing with them and now Ashley still does. I’m sure the cousins will want them when they visit!
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Below are some magnets that I have had for many, many years. I ordered them from one of those catalogues where you can get cheap stuff that you don’t need. I have always enjoyed them and they are another thing that the kids have played with.
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Posted by tami at 5:55 PM Comments (3)
October 4, 2005
Sylvester
Years ago, my dad carved these leaves and then pumpkins, as place settings for Thanksgiving. I love using them as part of my holiday decorations.
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Here is a stuffed Sylvester with mini McDonald’s candy dispensers.
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Posted by tami at 8:48 PM Comments (0)
October 3, 2005
Bones
Over the years, I have collected many Halloween decorations. Some, I have passed on to other people, but for the most part, I have had this stuff for a long time.
Over the next few days, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of my decorations.
Below are buckets for collecting candy. Most of them came from McDonalds, but some came from Hardee’s or were bought at the store.
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These skeletons crack me up. Andrew outfitted one and Ashley dressed the other. You can guess who did which one!
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Posted by tami at 4:24 PM Comments (1)
October 2, 2005
Good Stuff
Although I am not in the grieving process, I still found much wisdom in my pastor’s sermon last week. He spoke on grief and what we need to do in order to make it through the grief.
Several statements stood out in my mind. They were:
* You can’t live life without loss.
and
* Bitterness never changes anything; it only prolongs the hurt.
Both of those are things to think about. I know that in my personal life I need to work on not being bitter when something bad happens.
When it comes to our feelings toward grief, he says,
“Don’t resist your grief.”
“Don’t rehearse your feelings.”
“Don’t reduce the grief.”
“Don’t repress your feelings.”
You must release your grief to God.
On bitterness he says,
“Accept what you cannot change.”
“Focus on what is left – not on what is lost.”
“Give it to God in prayer.”
In life:
“We need to call out to God in stressful situations.”
Grieving or not – I got the message.
Posted by tami at 12:15 AM Comments (2)
October 1, 2005
Mixing It Up
I love this time of year – the fall. I love knowing that there are three holidays to look forward to – one in each of the remaining months. Halloween is still a blast for me because I have a daughter who is still young enough to trick-or-treat. She still gets excited about putting out the Halloween decorations that we have collected over the years. Today has been so hectic that I guess we will decorate tomorrow afternoon.
Even though I am excited about all the upcoming celebrations, I wish the stores wouldn’t run them all together. They could at least wait until one is over with before putting out decorations for the next.
Tonight, I took some pictures of things that I find silly.
In the picture below, you see an outdoor snow globe. It’s actually pretty cool and blows fake snow all on the inside of the globe. What takes away from its prettiness is the Grim Reaper standing right behind it!
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In the next picture on the left, you will see a snowman, Santa Claus, and a reindeer. On the right of the picture are ghosts and pumpkins.
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Last, but not least is a black cat, ghost, and monster and in the background – Santa and a snowman.
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This is humorous to me, but also a bit sad. I would hope that I am not alone in feeling this way.
Posted by tami at 9:00 PM Comments (5)