When You Least Expect It.....

When you least expect it someone comes into your life that amazes you. People come into your life and go. What you don't realize is that is for the time they are in your life you don't realize their purpose until after they are gone.

I have had someone come into my life suddenly. I have met this person a few times in the past here and there but didn't realize the person I was meeting. I have spent the last 2 days being allowed so to speak to get to know this person.

What amazes me is this person looks you in the eye when you are talking to them. I have the utmost respect for this person. Something that is not easily earned from me.

I enjoy the no BS attitude and the honest retorts in conversation. There is nothing dull in conversation between us.

Mark you are one unique individual that I appreciate spending time with. Thank you for your honesty, respect and friendship.

Not A Full Moon

Somehow with the exception of My Dad, My Son and Sight See'r. Every man in my life has found a way to make me angry or cross the wrong line.

My ex husband, Enough said :)

Another friend who spends a few months not talking to me and then all of a sudden out of the blue doesn't say, "Hi, how are you?" Its "My girl friend wants to email you, what email should I give her?" Wait a second. I'm the friend not the girlfriend don't proceed to tell me I am or not going to do this. I was so frustrated and angry by this. I don't like her why do I have to communicate with her? She has done nothing but force us not to be friends. The only difference is he has allowed it. He made his choice and I feel as though I have lost my friend in this whole situation.

My brother, Trucker, bitching about the smallest things. Today it was his parking space. "Grow Up Big Brother" you can park somewhere else for 20 minutes. It will not kill you to walk an extra 20 feet. He threw a tantrum over a parking place in front of one of my friends. After my friend was gone I chewed him out. It was a huge respect issue.

A second friend thought he would step in and pry where he didnt belong. I chewed him out right away and had to wonder why I was so angry about the situation. I have other reasons that I am choosing not to list here and opinions.

Maybe its just me and maybe I am PMS ing with my hormonal levels. Maybe I have to look at why I have all these men mad at me. Nawww.....its just that they like to irritate me all at the same time. I think men take a class on this. :)

Oh well, the day is over and I am going to put it in the past and let it go.

Unbelievable!!

I was on my way to take Mr. Frogman to the leaders house. In order to get to the Leaders I have to drive over a very large steep hill. Nothing like the hills in San Francisco but still steep enough that my pea shooter of a car has a trial of a time making it up that hill faster than 30 mph. The speed limit is 35mph on this road. I was coming to the crest of the hill when I noticed a woman behind me in a silver pontial grand am very dramatically flashing 35 with her fingers at me in my rear view mirror. So I raised my hand and smiled and waved. She got angry and started flipping me off so everytime she did I again smiled and waved at her. I smiled really big into the mirror so she could see it very clearly. As I got to the light at the top of the hill there were 5 or 6 cars in front of me so she couldnt go anywhere anyway. The more she flipped me off the more I smiled and waved the angrier she became.

She rolled down her window and started yelling obscenities. The man in front of me parked his truck and got out. He walked to my window and told me he had stalled and was stuck. He looked at her yelling as she continued to flip me off and he asked me what was going on. I explained and chuckled, got out of my car which I'm sure was really ticking her off as she continued to yell. I finally looked at her and said, "You are definitely showing off your age and IQ with that one finger in the air, and with all the single men around at the moment you really aren't showing your best side." Mr. Frogman was in the car listening to music oblivious to what was going on. He asked me when I got back in the car and I told him nothing. The nice gentleman let me know his truck broke down and I offered to help. Then I told him to turn around and wave at the nice woman behind us for being so patient. He did and all of a sudden her hand shot down and she politely waved back. Unbelievable! She is such a moron.

Memorial Day

Between the camp outs, the hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill. Take a moment to stop and remember what today is all about. Although some remember this everyday, for those that have not been touched by the loss of someone in the services, remember for a moment or two the people who have paid the ultimate price for your freedom.

God Bless those who have fought, are fighting and will fight to keep us free.

God Bless America.

3 Day Weekend!

Mr. Frogman is with his dad this weekend. You would think I could get out and about and do something fun. With the short respite of not having Mr. Frogman at home I decided to take some much needed time away from things. I escaped into the wonderful world of Corporate Taxes!! Can you believe it crunching numbers between sips of wine.

Ok next it's going to be a drink in general. Nothing like being squared up with the computer inputting data for a long period of time. **SIGH** I will be done soon and then I won't have to look at the numbers again for another month...then I can keep up on it and take very little time each month to keep it up to date and accurate. One of my main goals achieved for the year.

My vacation coming up SOON will be at least a 5 day get away! Mr. Frogman and I are leaving town! Mom and Son! Just doing what we want to do!

I am taking suggestions for out of town get aways for Mom and Son. Any ideas let me know! I have several of my own but it would be interesting to get input from what others think would be fun too!

Changing Times!!

You hear reports about STD's running rampant with todays youth. Here is a turn of events...Each time I read it I laugh even harder....Enjoy!!

http://www.local6.com/news/9283707/detail.html

50 Ways To Save On Gas

This was taken from a local paper....some suggestions. Hope these help fight the ever increasing costs of gas.

Just because we have little to say about the price coming from oil wells, we can still take control of what happens on the road.

While the new hybrid cars are all the rage, you don't have to invest in a whole new vehicle to start saving on gas. You can do things to drive your vehicle more efficiently,” said Alan Steinberg, Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator.

1.Use car wisely
It starts with paying attention to why, where and when you drive. Drive only when necessary

2. Use shortest route
Always use the shortest route, which can usually be determined in advance with online map services.

3. Multi-task errands
Multi-task your errands and consolidate them into one trip.

4. Avoid rush hour traffic
Avoid rush hour & other peak traffic periods whenever possible.

5. Plan ahead
Speed wastes gas, plan ahead and you will still get there on time.

6. Shop before you drive
Use the Internet, newspapers or phonebook to comparison shop before you drive to several stores.

7. Find delivery services
Find companies willing to delivery what you need to your home. Consider dry cleaning delivery services, food and anything else that will bring what you need, without burning up your gas.

8. Grocery shop once/week
Small trips to pick up a few things add up to a big waste in gas. Do grocery shopping once a week.

9. Let kids walk
Let the kids walk. They are often close enough to school and friends. They may complain now but they'll thank you someday.

10. Walk or bike
Walking or biking is also good for adults. It narrows the waistline and widens the wallet.

The way you maintain your car has a big impact on its gas performance.

11. Check for leaks
Before you take your car out, check the driveway for gas tank leaks. Even little ones can waste plenty of fuel over time.

“Gasoline evaporates you might not see a big pool of it but if you see some discoloration in the concrete you might have some, and yes if you're leaking gas you're leaking pennies and maybe dollars and that something to be fixed,” Csaba Csere, Editor-in-Chief for Car and Driver Magazine

A lubricated car runs much more efficiently.

12. Check your oil
And follow the carmakers' recommendations which you will find on your side door panel.

13. Energy-saving oil
Look for oil labeled energy saving. With computer-diagnostics, modern cars don't lend themselves to do it yourself tune ups, but you can:

14. Change air filter
Change your own air filter. Check it first, if the dust won't shake out cleanly, get a new one.

“If you don't have a good air filter it's going to result in terrible reductions in terms of mileage efficiency,” said Alan Steinberg, EPA Regional Administrator.

15. Seasonal tires
Seasons change and so should your tires. Make sure you're using the proper tire for winter and summer.

16. Inflate tires properly
And make sure your tires are inflated properly. It’s easy to do. Check the tire when its cold and compare that number to the recommended tire pressure. It will mean your car doesn't have to work as hard to get you where you want to go.

17. Junk out of trunk
Get the junk out of the trunk. No sense in dragging around blizzard gear all summer and adding weight to your vehicle.

18. Fill up when cool
Early morning or late evening. Cooler temperatures mean less vapor.

“From the environmental standpoint, it's better to fill up your tank in the cooler hours of the morning or the evening,” said Ray Werner, Chief of the Air Programs Group in New York, Environmental Protection Agency. “Gas is less volatile and won't evaporate quite so quickly and form ozone damage in the environment. So we recommend early morning or late evening.”

19. Get a light colored car
From a lighter colored car.

“So (if) you buy a lighter colored car it's going be a little bit cooler, the air conditioner won't have to work as hard, and you'll save gasoline,” said Robert Sinclair of the American Automobile Association.

20. Park in the shade
And regardless of the color, park in the shade.

“What happens is in a vehicle that's sitting out in the hot sun there is something called evaporative emissions,” said Sinclair. “You know, the fuel and the tank is expanding, it creates fumes that get out past the gas cap and go out into the atmosphere. That's why you see the bellows on gasoline pumps, for recovering that evaporative emissions.”

21. Don't top off gas
Don't top off your gas - it frequently winds up spilled on the road.

22. Tighten gas cap
Tighten your gas cap. It needs to contain both fuel and fumes. Most cars do not benefit from higher octane - higher priced gasoline.

23. Use correct grade fuel
Use the lowest grade recommended by your car maker. If you still prefer a richer blend - stop by the auto parts

24. Buy octane additive
Store and buy a bottle of octane. A little of this every few tank fulls will keep your car and your pocketbook smiling.

Air conditioning is practically standard on modern cars. Is there a way to keep cool for less? It depends. There are two strategies for air conditioning.

25. Slow speed: no air
Around town at slow speeds, turn the air off and roll down your window. On the highway, at speeds of 40 and over, open windows

26. Use air on highways
Create drag. Roll them up and use the air. Potential savings depend on many factors including how high and how long you run your air. Speaking of drag on the highway, about half your engine power is needed to overcome wind resistance. Avoid hauling

27. Avoid roof hauls
Things on your roof. Or check out some of the aerodynamic carriers. They look cool and will help minimize drag.

28. Avoid warm-ups
Avoid long warm-ups. Even on cold mornings, your car doesn't need more than a minute to get ready to go. Anything more and you're just burning up that expensive fuel.

Turn off before you turn on.

29. Turn off electronics
Starting your car with electronic devices, like the radio and air conditioning, turned off, will put less strain on your engine which translates to better gas mileage.

30. Use GPS
A moderately priced GPS unit will pay for itself in wasted time and wasted gas. It's perfect for the directionally challenged or those of us who are just too embarrassed to ask directions

31. Go the speed limit
When you drive, go the speed limit. It's calculated for maximum safety, but will reward you with maximum mileage. Count on getting more than 20 percent more mileage traveling at 55 than you would at 70 mph.

Dragging brakes are a total drag for your gas mileage.

32. Keep brakes adjusted
Your foot and hand brakes adjusted.

“If you're going down the road and you notice your car is drifting constantly to one side it probably means you've got a break drag on the car,” said Csere.

33. Drive evenly
Drive evenly with a steady foot. Don't jiggle the accelerator. Quick starts - are a quick way to the poorhouse. They burn plenty of gas.

34. Avoid hard stops
Panic or hard stops will also cost you. Try to anticipate stop signs and traffic lights.

“If you know you're going to be stopping half a block down take your foot off early and coast a little bit,” said Csere. “Because all that energy you’re putting in to speed you’re going to waste when you step on the brake.”

35. Avoid idling
An idle mind may be the devil's workshop. And an idling car isn't much better.

“But when you are idling, you are burning fuel,” said Sinclair. “We do recommend that you don't idle your car for more than thirty seconds and just to give you an idea of how much gas is used when you're idling, for every hour you're sitting at idle, you're probably burning a gallon of gasoline.”

The old belief about using more gas to restart a car than leaving it idle, is just that, an old belief. It’s rendered obsolete by modern starters. With modern fuel injection and electronic ignitions deliver consistent amounts of fuel.

36. Don't rev engine
Revving your engines impresses no one. What it will cost to replace your cylinders and gas could go to a truly impressive dinner date.

37. Use right foot only
To avoid riding the brake and wasting gas, use your right foot to control both pedals.

38. Shift to high gear
Shift into high gear as soon as possible. Get there by lifting a your foot from the accelerator a tiny bit early.

39. Don't weave
The more you weave the more gas your burn. Keep your wheel still.

“Adjusting your speed to get in and out and those constant throttle motions hurt you and there's probably a little bit of drag from constantly turning like that so you know you're better off picking a lane and staying in it, doesn't meant don't change at all but one lane change in miles is a whole lot better than 10," said Csere.

40. Don't accelerate up hill
Don’t accelerate up a hill. When approaching it, build up speed before the incline then maintain on the way up - and of course you can coast down.

41. Follow traffic reports
It’s practically impossible to scan the radio without hitting a traffic report. Use them to avoid jams and other delays.

42. Park and walk
If you wander all over the parking lot looking for that really close parking space, you'll use more gas. Don't be afraid to walk a ways if it comes to that, the walk will do you good!

With gas prices still on the rise, how do you make the system work for you?

Don't drive around shopping for gas. It's counterproductive.

43. Gasbuddy.com
A website called gas buddy will tell you where the deals are before you leave the house. Prices are statistically the cheapest on Wednesdays, but this

44. Find discount gas days
Is only statistically true over a large number of days. It won't be true every week. Check nearby service stations to see if they offer discounts any particular days.

45. Fill up before holiday
Also, getting a fill-up three days before a holiday will help you save on the price bump.

46. Wait until near empty
Don't fill until near empty. If you do this, it can extend your gas because you are hauling a lighter load as the tank nears empty. On cold days, however, you may not want to do this. Running a car with less fuel can be harder on the fuel pump life.

And speaking of lighter:

47. Find credit card discounts
Some credit cards offer gas savings when you use the card for purchases. This works in much the same way that some credit card companies give you frequent flyer miles when you use their card for purchases.

48. Member benefits
Some gas stations offer membership benefits. There are also department and grocery stores that give discounts at the fuel pump when you use their store membership cards.

In blind tests, motorists can hardly find a difference between:

49. Brand difference
Brands of gas. You could be paying more for next to nothing.

“They're using the same refineries, they're using the same pipelines to transport the fuel,” said Sinclair. “They're using the same trucks to transport the fuel. And the federal government has standards that gasoline must achieve in order for it to be sold as a motor fuel. So the old idea that one brand of gasoline might be better than another, is really something that's a myth these days.”

50. Carpooling
Is carpooling the new way to meet your life partner? No, but it can save you enough to go on several dates.

And finally...

51. Public transportation
Look into public transportation. What better time than when gas prices are high, to re-investigate whether there's a train or bus that is on your route to work and can save you money.

“I'll tell you the best way of avoiding pollution and saving money in terms of driving, I got it right in my pocket,” said Steinberg. “New York has the best mass transit systems in the country. So don't drive if you don't have to.”

Joke of the Weekend

I took my Uncles suggestion and wanted to see what happened. There is a burn ban in effect so I borrowed a friend of mines fake fire (it takes a plug in to run it). I hooked it up this afternoon under a covered area of our house. I knew the manager of our complex was hanging around doing some clean up work. I made a small stack of wood and put out lawn chairs and roasting sticks with the "campfire" in the middle.

I proceeded to start the fire (I plugged it in) and it roared to life. My son and I sat down around the fire with our roasting sticks and marshmellows. The phone calls must have come in pretty quick from our neighbors. Within minutes the manager pulled up to where we were and was very red faced. "What are you doing?" I looked at him and said, "Relaxing." He went on commenting that he had put flyers up on our door telling us there was to be no burning. There is a burn ban in effect. He looked at me and said, "You need to put that fire out." I looked at him and chuckled quietly and said, "Okay, if you say so." For some reason he started to get angrier and replied,"Yes! I say so." So I reached over and unplugged the fake fire and it died immediately. He looked at me then looked at the fire and back again. He then started smiling and laughing. I told him to pull up a chair and we could invite more people around until we run out of room under the covered area in the rain.

Before the night was over we had 15 people standing around a campfile shooting the breeze as though we were out camping. It is amazing how one small device can create such a social atmosphere.

What A Day Follow Up!

After my one horrendous day at the beginning of the week,I took the rest of the evenings off during the week to relax. Tuesday was a normal day, busy, busy, busy.....Wednesday my doctor told me I had another issue iwth my heart. Iam so tired of of hearing that they don't know what is going on. I finally said enough is enough. I can't justify taking several medications when one makes it so I don't feel heart palpitations (which is my sign something is going on), that medication causes night sweats and then they were telling me I needed to take one medication to offset nausea, and another to offset the symptoms of the nausea medication, then finally an anti-depressant to counter the depression 2 of the other medications cause. I gave all of the medications back to the doctor and said enough was enough. These symptoms haven't gotten any worse, they aren't sure of what is going on. As long as they arent talking about congenital heart failure then I really have nothing to be as concerned about.

I talked to a wonderful nutritionist and holistic doctor last week. I am not for putting medications into my person no matter how well it will help me. I will however take vitamins and minerals that are natural that will help maintain my health. I am going to give this 2 months and see what happens. This is nothing life threatening and its too long to explain here. But I am hopeful about what this will do in the future. This will not effect my health or life in the future, at least if I have anything to say or do about it.

What A Day-Faith in Mankind is Somewhat Restored

I can't believe it's finally over! I should have crawled back under the covers when my phone rang at 6:15 this morning. I am usually up at 5am but being that I didn't fall asleep until really late I slept in a bit. More so it was I turned off my alarm and was really glad that someone called me that early since I was still sleeping.

I am only going to list the things that happened today with no explanation. My day went as follows:

• Woke up late.
• Mr. Frogman took his own sweet time.(10 minutes late for work)
• On the way to the bus spilled juice down the front of himself.
• Drive back home and change.
• Missed the Second bus.
• Drive up the hill. (Only 20 minutes late for work)
• Run out of gas (lets see if you can follow this) in front of my exhusbands sisters exhusbands parents house (how embarrassing, luckily they weren't home). (40 minutes late for work).
• Man pulls up with a full gas can (as I sit on the back of the car and cry).
• Offer to pay and he refuses payment.
• Thank him profusely.
• Drive directly to the gas station to fill up. (50 minutes late for work).
• Take Mr. Frogman to School. (55 minutes late for work).
• Get on the freeway and head to work.
• Driving with good traffic (30 minutes late for work).
• Being rear ended at my exit. (1 hour 15 minutes late for work).
• Busy day. (7.5 hours at work)
• 2:30 pm Irate client due to his license being left in our office. (5.5 hours at work, trip down the hall needs to happen)
• 35 minutes to calm him down. (6 hours at work with no trip down the hall yet)
• 3:05pm Courier to deliver his license to him.
• 3:30 pm 1st apologetic phone call from former irate client. (6.5 hours at work no break and have to make a trip down the hall)
• 4:oo pm problem solved 1 hour 30 minutes(try to walk down the hall and stopped at the door by next listing).
• 4:05pm 2nd apologetic phone call from former irate client. (Really need to go down the hall)
• 4:15pm 3rd apologetic phone call from former irate client. (Truly can't wait to go down the hall).
• 4:20pm I get to go home for the day! (Finally make it down the hall!!)
• 4:30pm Phone call from co-worker telling me I received flowers from former irate client.
• 5:30pm Home Sweet Home (for 5 minutes)
• 6:00 Pick up pizza at Costco
• 6:30 at Wolfmans with pizza
• 7:00 Pizza on hold I have to make another trip down the hall.
• 7:30 Home Sweet Home!!

Tomorrow will be better. I have flowers waiting for me at work!!

Family Gatherings....

My family, it never fails. Every family meal we have we always have a ton of laughs. It is what we all enjoy. My family is filled with alot of quick witted individuals who, sit back at the table after the meal and talk about (very quickly) all sorts of topics from something serious that will bounce into something very humorous and then back to serious again.

One example of this today was we were talking about my mom/sisters cat missing. My mom commented about the cat leaving due to he was mating up the road (great, just what we need a cat who can't get enough). With all the road construction going on in their area we were talking about the cat doing the Happy Garfield dance in the middle of the road after being satisfied and getting hit by a car. I commented that well at least he would have a few more lives and a few more chances at "happiness". You had to be there but according to Peacemaker he was getting his piece of tail. I could come up with many other comments to go along with this but this really isn't appropriate. This was better than having everyone sit around the table burping and farting.

My Uncle broke in with a comment about the NSA. Being that he doesnt get very many visitors to his house that when he is on the phone to mention recent events and people in Iraq several times and the NSA would probably pay him a visit and he would finally have some company.

My uncle, is my uncle very unique. Most people would call him weird but he is smart, funny and a big kid too! He once called me his favorite niece....he only has 12 or more of them. Everytime I call him I tell him it's his favorite niece on the phone. I don't think he is sure of who is calling since I think he refers to all of his nieces as "darlin'" and his favorite niece. But you can't help but love him anyway. :)

Happy Mothers Day!!

Happy Mothers Day!
Happy Mom's Day!
Happy Mommies Day!
Happy Mamas Day!

No matter how you phrase it, it is still Mother's Day. I hope those of you that have your mom in your life were able to at least call her or drop her a note saying Happy Mother's Day! I also hope that you don't wait only until Mother's Day to tell your mother how much you love her and how much you care. Take the time.

People come into our lives and quickly go. Those that mean the most to us leave footprints on our hearts and will never be forgotten.

When push come to shove.....

When push comes to shove you find out who your true friends really are. I guess with my previous post, yes I do hope that people are like me in some way and I am disappointed by people in many ways. I guess in some ways I would like to believe in and have some faith in the goodness of mankind.

My ex husband and I are friends. I keep that friendship since he knows me very well. He and I have a mutual friend. More so his closest friend Black Night. Black Night and Renaissance Fairy are separated and getting divorced. They need help moving. I offered my help. Out of everyone that they know only 3 people showed up to help Black Night originally 5 total throughout the day. One person stayed until about noon. I showed up with Wolfman about 10 am (we got lost trying to find the house) and we were there until 7pm that night. Another person showed up around 3 and was there for 3 hours. Black Night found out who his true friends were that day. He is disabled due to a severe head injury in the past and was not having a good day.

After a short rest and up and down with his talking, black outs and short naps. He started talking to me. Asking me about my divorce and my anger. We talked very openly with one another. I hoped what I shared from my experience is helpful. He was more so amazed at how well My ex husband and I got along. Joking and teasing one another. He was more amazed at how well I got along with my ex husbands fiancee. She really is a nice person when she is given the chance to get to know you and you her. It took us getting divorced to develop communication which would have come in handy while we were married. I hope that Black Night and Renaissance Fairy can do the same. They are great people individually as well as a wonderful couple when they were together. I wish both of them the best of luck and remind them that I will be there for both of them. I am not going to take sides.

What is Your Path Number???

Your Life Path is Number 1

Your purpose in life is to lead others. You have great drive and determination. Nothing is going to stand in your way.You seek out challenges and the spotlight. You'll take all the work - and all the glory.Status and success are important to you. You demand the best from everyone and everything. In love, you tend to take a protective role. You enjoy being the provider in relationships. You expect others to be like you, and as a result, you are often disappointed.A little selfish and vain, you always put yourself first.Remember, everyone already knows you're great - you don't need to remind them!

What Is Your Life Path Number?

I thought this was really interesting. I got this from a friends blog and I thought it would say something about me. There are a few things I disagree with but still for the most part how I see myself.

Rest In Peace Annie

Annie. Definitely not little orphan Annie either. Let me give you some background on my life and where Annie comes in. I was in Swedish Hospital having a heart procedure done. I was alone, and the person who had brought me to the hospital had gone. I had put many of my affairs to rest and had my life in order. If anything were to go wrong my son would be taken care of. He will have a home and a large sum of money as he got older. The only problem as I was being prepped for the procedure was that I was alone. No matter how hard I tried I could not avoid being scared. I put on a strong front but inside the whole time I was scared. Scared for what, I am not sure. More than likely it was the unknown. No matter how many times I told myself nothing was going to happen, I wasn't sure of it.

I sat in a room waiting. I was as ready as I was going to get. As I sat there shaking more so from fear, and what I thought was cold but I think I was only cold due to the fact that I was scared. Now and then a doctor or nurse would come in to talk to me. As I sat in that room with alot of time to think the more frightened I became. No matter how much strength I showed on the outside Annie was the only one who saw what was going on on the inside.

This shorter woman stood in my doorway waiting for me to come out of my solemn reverie, I had hit bottom (which for me is very difficult to do). I had pushed most of my friends away when I actually needed them. I never told anyone but 2 people where I stood on all of this, where all my legal papers were. She stood there waiting until I was able to bring myself back to the real world. She came in and sat down, made herself comfortable in the chair nearest to me. She started talking then drawing me into conversation. She continued on and on until it was time for me to be taken into surgery. She held onto my hand and told me it was going to be ok. I was still scared but not nearly as much as I was before.

After my procedure she returned. She asked about who was there with me. When I told her no one I had a ride home she lectured me. In times of need you keep the ones you care about close. She left that day with, a smile and "take care of yourself." I didn't see her again until the next time I was in the hospital.

I again was alone and in comes Annie. She asked again what I was there for but I knew my situation was no where near as critical as the time before. Her and I had more time to talk. I learned more about Annie.

Annie had congenital heart disease and was on a donor list for a heart. No matter what was going on around her Annie was always in a good mood. She was a patient at the hospital frequently. She would walk around the area that dealt with people with heart conditions and talk. I had no idea what she was dealing with, yet she was there for me in what I consider a very minor thing compared to hers. I feel guilty to this day for being scared.

I can't put into enough words the warmth and comfort she gave. Her free spirited nature and much more. I would talk to her now and then when she would return my calls. I know nothing more of her than the little she actually shared.

I received the call that she passed away from heart failure 2 days ago. You would have thought I lost my best friend hearing that news. How do you put into words how much someone means to you yet they are only in your life for mere moments. It's amazing the difference that one person can make.

I know at her memorial service there will be standing room only. She touched so many and even as briefly as she touched my life I will be there as well to pay my last respects. I will never be a part of her life like she was mine. Annie was my guardian angel that day.

Thank you Annie!

List of Things To Do Today

Here is my must get done list in the next week, month and throughout the year.

1. Corporate Taxes
2. Vacuuming the carpet
3. Clean Out the Gerbil Cage
4. Finish Editing Book 2
5. Look for a New Job
6. Get my Ex husband to pay his child support (not that I need it) but it would help.
7. Do the dishes
8. Do the laundry
9. Take the sleeping bags back to storage with the other 4 boxes I have sorted out.

So with too many things pending with time limits what did I do today? Mr. Frogman and I sat back with a large bowl of popcorn with extra butter and salt (not good for me) but worth the night off, watching a movie and relaxing.

1. Corporate Taxes for the business, I have sworn for the past 3 years I would have them done by March 15th and have failed for the last 3 years to accomplish this task on time. After filing an extension I now have until September 15th. Maybe next year.

2. Vacuum the carpet - Weekly task that will only take about 15 minutes but I continue to put it off until it drives me batty and I have to get it done.

3. Clean out the gerbil cage - It will be done soon. I don't want to have it smelling up anytime soon.

4. Finish Editing Book 2 - I do that off and on...I would like to get it done sooner than later and off to an editor. I am not in a hurry for this but will eventually have it go or flop.....:)

5. Get a new job - Pending the outcome of the visit from our Vice President of Sales this week. Nothing may happen but due to other issues the company has been restructuring and downsizing a bit. Could we be next? I hear conflicting bits of gossip that I won't believe until I hear it from the mans mouth.

6. Not even going to go here.....

7. Do the Dishes - Have to do them daily. Didn't feel like it today.

8. Do the Laundry - One load a day is all I need to keep it up.

9. Take "stuff" to storage. Eventually. Probably not until the weekend when I can ask to inconvenience my brother.

**Sigh** there are other things this is just the beginning. Just like the song my list of things to do today will remain under the weight of my cell phone in the back room so I don't have to answer it.

A Lot Happening in A Short Amount of Time

I will be back in the next day or so to post more. Have to take some time off and get my thoughts together after a long trip happening today.

Have a great day and I will be back soon!

Of All The Nerve!! Ok..I'm not that surprised...

A friend of mine placed an ad on Craigs List for me (I didn't need one placed as I am not currently dating). I started getting responses to this add. When I finally found out what was happening. I became a bit more curious as to what people were responding with. The ad read something like this:

"I have read through many ads just to see what the demands are out there. I sit back and have a good chuckle. Can anyone be themselves anymore? I understand out of the hundreds of ads out there it is hard to pick and choose. I don't believe you can derive who a person is from a picture and a few sentences. I believe it takes more than that.

Let me tell you a bit about myself and if you are still interested feel free to email me. If not, good luck in what you are searching for. I am a single parent of a wonderful 11 year old son. I have been told many times I am smart and can hold my own in almost any conversation. I have a sense of humor that goes on and on but I know how to be serious too (its hard for me to show my humor here). I have my own place, a car, a full time job, my own company, and many other things. I have goals for my future and I am not looking for someone to support me nor am I looking to support someone. I do just fine on my own.

I have many interests that are too long to list here. If you would like to know more send me an email. If not, again Good Luck to you.

this is in or around Out There Somewhere"

I laughed when I read the add, except for a few things that pretty much explained me in a nutshell. Here are some of the responses I received from people and I do say people since one of the responses was a woman.

"wow please send a pic and i do feel we might be a real match " hmmmm....

"so what are you really lookin for seems you got it all but a (insert male body part here) , I could share mine with you but what you really lookin for" (My response to this was....why would I need that when I have one that works well in my drawer? I haven't gotten another response from him, yet).

"I think we are a match. Send me your pic and I can tell you" (yeah, yeah, like I am going to do that so I can be stalked).

"You are the woman of my dreams, can I make you dream of me?" (insert nude photo of a man here) More like make me have nightmares.

"I want a LTR - can you come and sleep with me tonight?" (This was the woman).

"I just can't help it, I love single moms and their kids." (This one had me really scared. I wanted to change my phone number and this person didn't even have my email address. :)).

I asked my friend to please not post anything for me any longer. The dating world is not a place I truly want to be at this time. I am not into the one night stands or going out to get drunk scene. I have too many other things to spend my time and energy on. Although I have had a good time reading the responses and laughing about it. Most of the responses were definitely Out There Some Where...

Almost Healthy Again!!

Update on Mr. Frogman!! He is almost fully healthy again! No more fever...he came to me Sunday morning and asked for a grilled cheese sandwich and pickles. I still wanted him to avoid milk products but told him he could have a pickle or two. I didn't honestly think he would really eat a pickle but he did!

Monday morning he got up and complained that he had to go to school so I told him that anyone who could eat pickles after hardly eating anything for 3 days was feeling well enough to go to school! He scrunched his nose up at me and smiled his "you're gonna make me do it anyway smile," and begrudgingly went to get ready for school.

Articles on Autism

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1191843,00.html

This was a link sent to me by Mr. Frogman's Teacher. It is a link on schools for children with autism. I have mixed feelings over these articles, although they are positive for the children they work with, I have more mixed feelings of the parents that send their kids to these schools.

Maybe I am wrong for my "assumptions" but this is only my opinion. I know Mr. Frogman is not nearly as severe as a lot of children with autism. There are many different spectrums of autism as well and these articles discuss the more severe cases. I don't have anything against the schools or the parents as each family has their own reasons for things they do.

I am a firm believer that a child can be taught in their own home. Instead of being institutionalized. Could the parents just not handle it? And maybe that is the case. They don't want to change their lives for their child. Isn't this part of parental responsibility? I have such mixed emotions about this. I am a single parent and I would never think of institutionalizing my child. I have found ways to work with him at home to work through the tough things with practice and patience to help him develop the skills he will need to function in life. Repetition is key. Again, Mr. Frogman is not even close to the levels of autism that alot of these kids experience or have to live with. Besides what do I know??? I'm just a mom dealing with the day to day things that come up. What I do know though is that I am very intune with my child his needs and I wouldnt have our life any other way.

Trip Down Memory Lane....

I ended up taking a walk down memory lane today. It's been a while since I've done that. I spent an hour on the phone with a friend I haven't talked to in a couple of weeks. We usually talk more than that and life just keeps getting in the way.

Boomer I still miss you guys lots!! That hour caught us up somewhat but I need to make the trip north soon!! I am thinking before the wedding!! Have to see what happens. Can you believe this makes 3 or 4 years?

It has gotten me thinking of all the people I really miss and all the people I really need to call. Unfortunately tonight it's really too late to call any of them. But I thought I would put this note out to let them know how much I miss them.

Bugs - May he rest in Peace....Your voice always rings true in my ears and in my heart. I love you and miss you Man!

Nell - The young years are gone forever, your light burns strong and true...Never in my heart will I feel cold and blue, you have given more than you know and again your light will forever glow. I miss you!

Nina and Larry - Remember the days of cards? Kissing the Tag? The hospital window? Hot summer days on the summer camp busses? Those were the days....moving onto the corporate world the kids are just much older and in nicer clothing. :) Can you believe this year marks 13 years???

April - A friend across time, life has moved us onto different paths. No matter the distance we are still in touch. I do miss our talks, you are the one who always knew....

Tia - I miss you and the kids soo soo much. You're the country mouse and I am the city mouse. We are that different. Can you believe its been almost 25 years???? I am feeling so old! :)

Annie - You're time is not up yet. You have so much more to see and do. I will be there as you need me. If its to hold the bowl or to hold you. Remember you can't get rid of me by getting angry. I will be your rock, just like you were mine. Remember David in the 7th grade??? Thought that thought might make you chuckle a bit. My arms are here to hold you. My shoulder for you to cry on, my smile to help pass on a better day and my foot to give you a swift kick in the back end when you feel like you want to give up. Isn't that what you said to me when I didn't want to fight any more???

Wolfman - I know we talk daily. But wanted to let you know what a great friend I think you are. You keep asking how come you got so lucky finding a good friend....well now its my turn? How did I find you anyway??? ;)

Intimidator - I'm only going to say one thing as you know where I stand. "I miss my friend." There is a long story behind this that not everyone needs to know. But I will tell only my part of it at a later time. Now is not a good time.

Sight Seer - You are a great friend to have and life has gotten somewhat in the way of the time we are able to spend together. I value our friendship greatly and I miss our time to talk. :)

I have been truly blessed in my life. They say you only find one or two true close friends in your lifetime. I have been lucky to find 6. When I lost 2 during one of the hardest summers of my life I had unknowingly made 2 more that became very very good friends. I still have those friends to this day and have found 2 more that mean alot to me. I have many long term friends that I have known for 20 or more years as we grew up together and have grown apart but still stay in contact.

This trip down memory lane will continue at a later time. I really miss my friends. All the more reason my phone bill is going to get more expensive tomorrow night! :)

No Longer Economical

I drive an economical car or did until the gas prices rose. What used to be a $10 tank of gas has now increased to a $35 tank of gas. Now since I drive this car most of the time now it is more economical than anything else. I am not complaining as there are many others who drive larger vehicles and pay much more. I choose not to. I can take the bus for $54 a month instead of driving but then I lose 2 hours or more a day with my son. Is it worth it? or is it better to just pay the price? I may get paid by the hour at work for what I do that at a specific price so to speak but my time out side of work is priceless so I guess paying $3+ dollars for a gallon of gas is not a bad thing, is it???

I Have A Floor!!

Mr. Frogman and I were supposed to go on a Boy Scout Camp Out this weekend when he got sick. I spent the weekend instead helping Wolfman and his son Monkey Dude Junior clean their house in return for his help in cleaning one room in mine.

We agreed on this until he found out which room I needed help cleaning. Of course it was my room. No big deal huh? But my floor has been covered in boxes and baskets since I moved in. Pretty much the junk room until I could figure out what to do with it. I finally decided I couldn't live with it that way any longer.

I spent most of the day Saturday helping Wolfman (again him still sick) cleaning his house and putting things away. Sunday, however, he had to help me clean my room. It only took about an hour and a half but we got it done. The biggest challenge was finding a way to set up the DVD player so it would stay up instead of falling sideways. That's really hard to explain given the circumstances. We started by dumping all the clean laundry on the bed (maybe 3 baskets) and clearing out all the boxes from the closet.

The closet had 12 boxes and now it only has 3. I have 2 boxes for my business paperwork in one corner that needs to be filed. Now let me explain boxes, I am not talking shoe boxes I am talking case size paper boxes full to the top and needs 2 people to pick them up. Then I have one box of notebooks that has all of the stories for my book in it. Along with the business notebooks that I use to keep alot of my business paperwork organized.

For those that don't know I still co own a business with my ex-husband, we are still friends. It's awkward for some people to understand and I don't expect anyone to. That's just the way it is. I do all the books for the business on a day to day basis and he runs all the outside operations. Hence the cases of business paperwork and file cabinet.

So from a total of 15 boxes I am down to 6!! Woohooo!! I have so much space now and I even have a floor! It's carpeted too a very nice gray. Very calming and soothing! I expect now since I have everything put away where I like it to be and (hehehe I have a floor), things will go alot more smoothly for me in the mornings. I won't trip my way to the bathroom. :)

I Know It's Been a Few Days

I know its been a few days since my last post. Mr. Frogman came home from Camp Casey to be sick. He was home from school Thursday and Friday and sick through the weekend. He hardly ate anything and drank a ton of gatorade. I have been waiting on him hand and foot, watching him sleep, listening to his breathing (since he is all plugged up). I wonder......

Mr. Frogman slept through the night at two weeks old. I wonder if the many times he has gotten sick, the one time he had surgery, the broken arm, the stitches in the forehead (after all he is an active growing boy) if this isn't my make up times for loss of sleep that many other parents experience when their children are young. I won't complain though. He is completely worth it.

Today he woke up asking for a grilled cheese sandwich and pickles. He informed me two pickles later that his stomach didn't hurt. I was so thrilled that he was actually eating it almost didn't matter to me what he ate. He finally sat down and had a full meal. When I was having him shower and get ready for bed and told him he had to go to school tomorrow he whined, "Awwww mom, do I have to???" I looked at him and said, "Anyone who can eat pickles at breakfast and still feel ok. Is ready to go back to school tomorrow." It's just good to see him up and around.

Under The Weather

Mr. Frogman came back from having a great time at Camp Casey to being sick with 102 degree temperature. It absolutely amazes me that the doctors call it the crud. He has a severe cold that is affecting his ears, nose, throat and eyes. He looks like a mini zombie, but like any guy he is as whiney as the next one and very demanding. But he needs and deserves it.

He was so upset when I told him he wasn't going to school that he almost started to cry and I explained that if he cried he would be more stuffed up than he is right now. He didn't want that so he accepted the fact that his perfect attendance record for the year was shot and only 6 weeks before school let out. He commented, "Oh well, something to earn next year." He has been sleeping most of the day and is in bed asleep for the night now.

I wish I could sleep like that for one day and night while not being sick. He will be better soon and up and running again. Lots of fluids and sleep right now and waiting it out.

Chivalry is Not Dead! I admit it!

Ok. You guys got me to admit it. Not all the times you try to help is it a pain. You are trying to be chivalrous. Wolfman admitted today to me (in his delirious and delusional ill like state) that he isn't sure when to help. I get frustrated if he does and I get frustrated if he doesn't. No I am not going to put on a nurse outfit anytime soon.

We finally figured it out. When he thinks he should help, he really shouldn't....when he thinks he shouldn't....he really should. Sounds mixed up but with him this may help! Backwards thinking for the dyslexic thinker :)

Yes I will admit to my other male friends. Chivalry is not dead. I am not talking about holding a door open or putting a coat over a puddle, or helping out carrying things and so on and so forth. I am talking about like changing a light bulb, fixing some wiring, setting up a 45 gallon fish tank, rotating rollerblade wheels, putting in a new showerhead for the shower, taking apart a computer with a screwdriver. Intimidator...you were drooling when I offered you the tools :) ok maybe not drooling but chomping at the bit. Things like that, where you feel you need to step in. Yes I have told some of you that I have to make you feel useful by helping. You all know that is not true. If I ask for help I truly need it. You should all know that.

You all know what I keep you around for don't you? I always have that elusive jar of pickles that I can't get opened and will need your help on. :)

I appreciate all of you. You are great! ~~~Kasey~~~

What Do I know?

Now that is a loaded question. Many people (mainly men) think that just because I am a girl that I don't know how to do certain things. I have been separated and divorced for 4 years, and I have a father that raised me very independently to make sure I knew how to do things for myself. He made me change the oil on my car, rotate my tires so if I was ever stranded with a flat tire I could take care of it without having to sit out waiting for anyone to show up to help. I value that.

Most men, in my opinion, (this is based off of observations from my friends) think that because I am female that I am not able to do things for myself and that I need rescuing. I recently had three incidents where this was the case.

The first incident was my sisters Truck. If you go back to a previous post titled, "Read The Manual" you will understand.

The second was at work I was dealing with a flat tire. I had several of the men from my office offer to come out and help me change the tire and then offer to stand around talking about what could be wrong with my car when it didn't start. They all kept coming up with things that could prevent it from happening. So I thought I would play the "Damsel in Distress". As we stood out in the sunshine that afternoon they all looked under the hood offering suggestions as to why the car wouldn't start. With each suggestion I would try what they suggested and again attempt to start the car to no avail. This went on for a good 30 minutes, the longer it went without resolution the more frustrated I was becoming. As they all gathered abot 10 feet away, I climbed into the car and sat there for a moment. I made a few adjustments inside the car and turned the key. The car suddenly came to life. They all walked over and started questioning what I had done. I looked up and said, "It helps if when you decide to roll the car to change the tire that you put the car back in Park. " They all had a good laugh and walked back into the office. It was never mentioned again.

Incident #3: I was driving a van for a friend and I agreed to check all the fluid levels in the van. I went to open the hood on the van and could not find the latch. My friends dad came out (he is a large burly aging bald man, the kind you don't want to mess with, looks like he is one of those guys from a prison movie). He looked around and found the latch under the hood but it wouldnt open. He pounded on the hood to "shake it loose" as he told me. He jumped up and down on the bumper as he tried to pry the handle to shake the hood free. As he was doing this I looked in the driver door of the vehicle. There was a handle with a key release on it of which I didn't have the key, I asked him if that could be the hood release. He looked at me, by this time he was red faced and sweating from putting forth so much effort to get the hood up, and said no it had to be under the hood. He continued trying to get the hood open with no success. Finally he took the keys from me and took it down to a local service station. He came back about 15 minutes later even more red faced but no longer sweating. He climbed out of the van and opened the hood by pulling the key locked lever that was on the inside. The look on his face said, "Don't say a word." He handed me the keys and went back into the house. I stood there shaking my head. BUT, I didn't say a word.

Amazingly people think I don't know what I am doing. I have more knowledge than people give me credit for. Even some of my friends underestimate the amount of knowledge I have. (Intimidator and Wolfman).

Sight Seer...you are NOT one of them. :)

This can be very frustrating. Not that venting here will help but......

Wht's Missing?!?!?!?!

Now there is a completely loded question. There re mny people who think tht just becuse I m a girl tht I am helpless. I lugh. I m a fr cry from tht. UGH!! I m noticing my a key is sticking so if there re ny a's not showing up in this post I m truly sorry bout tht. It is bsolutely mzing how mny time I use the letter AAAAAa thought I would prctice a bit to get the A button to work. I guess its time to pull out my new keybord. This one is truly stinking if I cn't type the letter A without using 5 times the force to press on the key. Ok so this post hs now truly chnged. If my letter A works Great if not then I will leve tht letter out of my typing ll together. Sometime it works (click, click) sometimes it don't. Sung to the tune of Sometimes I feel like a nut....Sometimes I don't. **Sigh**

Chnging Keybords!

Observations

One of the observations I had, which in a way is not surprising at all after Mr. Frogmans Best Friend from School (The Sheriff), his dad was there during the camp fire at Camp Casey. One of Mr. Frogmans Teachers was sitting at the end of the bench and then there was "The Sheriff's" dad, myself and then Wolfman. As we were singing songs I was observing the involvement of the kids and the adults in the audience.

Since most of the adults visiting didn't know most of the words to the songs they sat looking along at their kids song books and quietly mouthing the words. The song that made the most impact on my observations was "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain".

This song has movements that go along with it. I watched the kids doing the motions and then observed alot of the adults too. It was amazing as we got to , "She'll be wearing red pajamas when she comes (scratch, scratch)" all of the girls and women would scratch their arms or top of their thighs (since we were all sitting). The majority of the boys and men would scratch the top or side of their legs up to just below the hip...ok ok almost to their back side. I thought this was funny as all the guys were doing this.

I continued to look around to see if it would happen throughout the song and sure enough it did. I started to laugh. I shared the observation with Sheriffs dad and Mr. Frogmans Teacher and we chuckled, when Sheriffs dad made the following comment, "It's not where we really want to be scratching." I laughed.

I didn't want to know where "they" really wanted to be scratching. I thought I would leave that one alone although I can only guess.

Camp Casey

Mr. Frogman was so excited the night before he was to leave for Camp Casey. I was so excited for him. He is going to go with his clas up to Camp for 3 days. We ordered the special sweatshirt. We were packed and ready to go. The morning he was to go to camp I went to get him up expecting him to jump out of bed and race to get ready. When he laid in bed wanting to go back to sleep. He looked at me and told me his ears were hurting. I explained that if his ears were hurting I couldn’t send him to camp in case he had an ear infection. We would have to go to the doctor first. He was so upset that he couldn’t go to camp with his class, but made me make all the necessary phone calls wanting to know that if he didn’t have an ear infection could he still go? Would I drive him up? After all the emails confirming he could still go to camp barring he wasn’t contagious or running a fever and seeing the doctor to confirm there was no ear infection we headed up to Camp Casey.

Now we were in for the long drive up there….we had our mapquest directions and left. Driving up to this camp we have to take the Ferry across. There was Mr. Frogman on the front deck of the ferry standing out like a scene from the Disney movie “Brother Bear” where they are standing on the edge of the hill in the wind and it is holding them up. Mr. Frogman stood in the wind for about 10 minutes when he turned around and announced that he was freezing.

We left the ferry driving the final 40 miles to our destination. The directions weren't clear and we ended up driving in from the opposite direction. Of course it couldn't be the drivers fault it HAD to be the directions. We finally made it to the camp just in time for the campfire. Mr. Frogman was the only student at the campfire since he had to wait for everyone to get back from the evening hike. We ran around, playing him and I and Wolfman who made the trip up with me so I wouldn't fall asleep driving home (since we had both been up since about 4am). Finally all the kids arrive for campfire and we stayed for another hour until all the songs had been sung and the kids were headed for their evening snack and their cabins.

I am sure going to miss the squirt....

**UPDATE**

Mr. Frogman is home from camp. He fell asleep at 7pm (2 hours earlier than normal). He told me aside from 2 used up disposable cameras and some great memories the only thing he brought home from camp was a cold. He had a great time!