Holiday survey!

2007 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends  

  

Welcome to the 2007 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends! You know the drill. Please Cut and Paste. Don't be a Scrooge!!!


1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?  Egg Nog: my Mom used to make it from scratch!   2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?   Santa wraps   3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?   Colored    4. Do you hang mistletoe?  No   5. When do you put up your decorations?  A couple weeks before Christmas   6. What is your favorite holiday dish?  Christmas Ham     7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:  Opening gifts on Christmas morning, the snow falling gently outside.  The mittens, hats and scarfs my mother made.     8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? My sister told me.  She even showed me the presents.    9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Only if we are visiting family.   10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? A mix of homemade and store bought ornaments.  I like unique ornaments, one of a kind.   11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love it in the beginning of winter, then it can go away!   12. Can you ice skate?   NO.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? There were so many, Drowsy doll, Viewmaster, Looms, Silver horse, a rabbit my mother sewed for me!   14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with my kids     15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?  Cherry topped Cheesecake and Christmas cookies!   16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?   Watching Christmas programs   17. What tops your tree?   A Star     18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?   Giving
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?  Silent Night   20. Candy Canes?  Yes   21. Do you feel Christmas is too commercialized? Or Is it still magical for you? Oh yes, seeing things in the store before Halloween is too much.

Don't squeeze the Charmin

 

Many of you around my age of 39 and holding remember growing up watching TV commercials with Mr. Whipple in them.  He always said "Don't squeeze the Charmin" and he would always end up doing it himself!  He died this week.  I understand he was not only famous for his commercials, but he also was in television programs of that era.  Goodbye Mr. Whipple and Thankyou!

 

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Happy, happy

My Dad and I are talking again.  Now I know that what he did is still wrong but I'm glad he is talking to me... 

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The deed is done...

I had a hard decision to make and I hope it was the right one.  I had my friend take poor Tiger to the shelter.  I felt he had to much for me to be able to take care of financially.  It made me feel bad and the shelter is over-crowded also.  I do want another cat, but I can't afford to take care of a sick one.  I was hoping to maybe get a kitten near Christmas.  I feel like a really bad person for having Tiger go to the shelter.  He did show back up, this time with something wrong with his tail.  It was all matted and he cried if I touched it.  I don't know how people can just dump off thier animals like that outdoors to fend for themselves.  I hoping they will find him healthy enough to be adopted out at least. 

I still haven't heard from my Dad, it really does hurt my feelings, but I can see where he probably thought I was trying to cause trouble.  I wasn't, I was just hoping his heart would melt when he saw his first Great-grandchild.  I got some shopping done.  I got the X-box 360.  Ended up buying the Pro model because the Arcade model does not have a hard drive to save anything on.  I have to see if I can get a couple more games.  It came with two.  I really don't have much more news.  Bye for now...

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What more can go wrong?

Yea, thats me climbing out of the crapper...  I came home to find out my computer monitor is not working.  I can't find the papers that came with the computer.  Right now I am using an ancient (1993) TV style monitor that Dave let me borrow.  Bless his heart!  My work was giving away flat-screens that they didn't need anymore, so I am going to ask and see if they have any more. 

Brownie the cat is being very clingy tonight.  If I am typing, she tries to lay on my arm.  She keeps getting in front of my face.  I haven't seen Tiger since last night.  Travis put him out and I haven't seen him today.  I hope he is ok and not dead.  He is not a very healthy cat.  All he did was eat and sleep.  It has been raining, so maybe he is holed up somewhere. 

I am off light duty at work.  My shoulder feels somewhat better.  I still have the head cold and I am getting tired of it! 

Oh wow, listen to me, whine, whine, whine.  Been doing it for two days now..  Ok one good thing that happened to me... hmmm let me think.  Dave had a monitor, said that already.  Ummmm, I had money for gas for the car!  I had some yummy thanksgiving leftovers for dinner!  I talked to my Mom tonight!  Ok bye for now!

hi mom and brennie

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Blue Monday

I am still feeling pretty low today.  The weekend is over too soon as predicted.  My father is not talking to me now.  I sent him an e-mail, but he didn't answer it.  I guess I'm in the doghouse.  So be it... 

We had a coating of snow overnight.  So all these snow snags from Donna are appropriate!   I went over to Dave's last night for dinner.  Becky made roast pork with T-day leftovers.  Very good.  I still have my turkey to finish off in the fridge.  I might throw together some to take to work.  Work.... sigh...  I go back to the Dr. today about my pulled muscle so I can go back to regular work.  They have still been pulling us to do care.  Not everyday, but alot.  New CNA's are going on the floors now, I hope they stay. 

I love this graphic.  I love wild animals of all sorts and this has a nice mix.  I saw a pair of cardinals working over a floribunda rose bush yesterday.  They were eating the little berry like rose hips.  I feel sorry for the animals in the winter, they have to scrounge about for food that was so plentiful in the summer and fall. 

So how is everyone doing on their Christmas shopping?  I have a little done.  I have grabbed some generic items to put in bundles for people.  I shop now for Dave's family, because they get things for me and the kids.  They are practically family anyhow.  I told Dave yesterday that I would like to "resume" our relationship.  He was all for it..  Well, I have to go shower so I leave you with this nice one also from Donna..

A very unhappy day...

 

What happened today at my Dad's could of been avoided, but was probably inevitable.  I brought Logan over there.  My Father has never acknowledged Logan or William for that matter.  He says Lindsay should be ashamed for having babies while she is a teenager and not married.  He has never seen either one of the boys.  I had Logan with me when I went to my Dad's.  I tried to call first and let him know I had him, but the phone was busy.  He probably would of said, Don't bother coming.  When I got there, he said come on in.  He looked at Logan and didn't say anything.  I told him I tried to call but the phone was busy.  My Father totally ignored Logan the whole time we were there.  He sat in his chair and wouldn't even look at us.  It felt very uncomfortable.  Logan had a toy and went over to show him and he ignored Logan.  He ignored that little boy.  Logan is only 1 1/2 yrs old.  How can you treat your own great-grandson like that?  I cannot fathom it.  I was so upset, I put coats on everyone and left.  I said goodbye to Nancy, at least she seemed interested in Logan.  My father said nothing.  He has always been very judgemental of other people.  He only speaks to one or two other relatives of his.  He is very critical of me too.  He really never praises me or says he is proud.  I did drag it out of him once.  He never offers to help me even though he knows I have a hard time financially.  He is so quick to judge other people.  I don't know why he is denying his own great-grandson's.  I am just so shocked and upset.  I was crying when I left and cried half way home.  I haven't called him and don't plan on it.  He will probably expect me to apologize for bringing Logan over there.  When Lindsay found out she was so mad.  She was threatening him with bodily harm.  I begged her not to do anything stupid.  She said she was going to call him and tell him off.  She is so angry at him anyhow for the way he treats her and the boys.  He has never really been a grandfather to her kids or mine for that matter.  So I am pretty upset tonight.  I don't want this to cause a rift in between my father and I, but I am very upset and I know he is wrong. 

I am joining in on the online snowball fight!  I'm angry and ready to kill so watch out!

Join in copy picture, post and put your link here, visit all your friends!

Hooray a weekend off!

I'm so glad its my weekend off.  The only problem with that is it goes by so fast and then I have a four day stretch to contend with, then one day off and three more days to work.  I will try to enjoy it while I can! 

I may go out to my Dad's today.  My friend Dave is going to Duanseburg with his family and invited me, but I think I will pass.  I need to stop by Lindsay's anyhow and drop off a big bag of clothes, shoes and toys I got on Freecycle.com for her boys.  They are a nice lot of clothes, jackets etc.. all in great condition too.  I was very pleased to get them. 

I went and did some shopping last night at Rite-Aide.  They had candy, nuts etc.. on sale.  I bought some for the grown-ups on my list.  My son Travis loves cashews so I got him two big cans, they were buy one get one free.  They are just the halves and pieces but he will enjoy them anyhow.  I am really torn about what to do for him for Christmas.  He really wants an X-box 360 but they are so expensive.  He has asked for an I-pod also, so maybe I'll get him that instead.  He wanted the Halo 3 game that is for X-box 360 also and I already got him Halo 3 shirts that I found at Wal-mart.  I don't want him opening those and start to think I got him an X-box 360.  I could discuss going half with his Dad, but his Dad is a real cheapskate is and loosing his job besides (going out of business).  I could put it on credit and then pay for it when I get my income tax return.  Maybe I should make it a gift for him AND Sarah and buy her a couple games too.  The games for that system are around $60 brand new! 

 

Ok this poll and your opinions should help!  Also if the game is for both of them, I won't have to buy Sarah an equally expensive gift.  I planon buying the Arcade version that is $279.  Ok folks that is about it for now...  I 'm making my turkey tomorrow... 

 

Turkey Day

Now those are some smart turkeys!  Work went well yesterday.  Things went off pretty much without a hitch, well there was one hitch.  One of our diabetic residents had low blood sugar that couldn't be brought back up so she was shipped to the hospital.  Just as they were loading her onto the stretcher, her family came in!  They were a little surprised to find her getting sent out to the hospital.  It happened so fast, there was no time to contact them. 

The meal itself was typical Wesley fare.  Nothing fancy.  Deli meat style turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, cran sauce, roll, pie.  I felt sorry for the residents and some of them complained.  Can't blame them really.  Back in the day before the nursing home got too big and it was more "family-style" they roasted real turkeys downstairs.  They sent up pies baked there and gave people a choice of what they wanted.  There was enough staff and nobody felt rushed.  We could spend more time with the residents and it really felt like a holiday.  Well, those were the good old days thats for sure. 

After work, I went over to my sister in law's.  Her little trailer was packed with people.  There was alot of variety of food.  I grabbed a plate and ate and then left soon after.  I got to see my Grand-nephews and my nieces too.  Travis' father was there and was drunk.  I can't stand being around drunks.  He gets loud and obnoxious and know it all when he has been drinking. 

Gotta go to work.  Have a good day everyone... 

hi mom

hi brenda

Thanksgiving...

Isn't that an adorable blinkie?  I got it from HERE.  I am still really sick from my head cold.  I hate them.  I think the only thing I hate worse is the puke n' poops. 

It's hard to believe that this time last year, my kids and I were living in a shelter for abused women.  Unbelievable!  I can't believe how far we have come.  A new house, a new life, freedom...  I have so much to be thankful for.  Family, friends, a good job, pets, fairly good health, etc...  Now all I need is the love of a good man...  Well, I can live without that, but it would be nice! 

I hope everyone has a happy and blessed Thanksgiving tomorrow. 

Hi Mom

Hi Brenda

The Mighty Hunter returns...

My friend Dave came back from hunting yesterday and he had 3 deer and a coyote.  One was a 4 pt buck and the other two were does.  His Dad got a button buck.  Here is Dave with his buck..

I was going to post all the pictures I took, but they are pretty gory and bother me.  I am not against hunting at all, I just don't like to see such beautiful animals dead on the ground. 

I go back to the Dr. today about my shoulder.  I also have a sinus infection and am wondering if I should go to my regular Dr. about that or just give it a couple days.  We had snow this morning.  Here is a picture taken out my front window..

I broke down and let Tiger come in the house this morning.  He is sleeping on the couch.  I will have to get him up to the vets.  I just pray to God he doesn't have FIV or FLV.  I don't want it spread to my cats.  I know he has fleas, but I can deal with that. 

A boring weekend

Yes, I am bored.  Terrible isn't it?  Bored, bored, bored.  Worked all weekend doing boring things like passing trays, diapers, making beds...  I'm glad I have a job however.  I can't believe its almost Thanksgiving!  Arrrgggghhhhh!

I'm glad I don't have to worry about cooking a big dinner.  I am going to work and then go over and pick Travis up at his Dad's and have a plate there.  Then off to have dessert at Dave's maybe.  I will cook something this coming weekend.  I will get a small turkey because we will waste a big one, unless I cut it up and freeze it.  I love turkey soup also. 

I have been trying hard to eat less and take in fewer calories.  I have been successful the last two days in staying under 1400 cal a day.  It is hard!  I am hoping to get down 8 lbs before I have to see the Dr. again.  Hope everyone has a good week! 

Thanks to Sugar and Emmi for my tags today!

Hi Mom!

My son went to college!

Yup thats right, my 16 yr old son just went to college.  It's only for a day, but he can say he went to college.  Myself I've been to Harvard!  He is taking a field trip today to Herkimer Com. Col with his class.  They are touring the campus, having lunch and also seeing what the Criminal Justice program there is like. 

I may have been wrong about my co-worker.  She has been sort of friendly toward me.  I will be off light duty tuesday.  I had to work on 3H yesterday and there is a charge nurse there who likes to micro-manage everything.  She was riding me like I was a pony yesterday.  She does it to everyone.  Well, I'm off to clean house and maybe go back to sleep for a while! 

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Mouse heads, mouse heads...

Warning!!!!  If you are easily grossed out do not scroll down!

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Last warning!!!

What a proud boy Tarzan is posing with his "Catch of the Day"!  Good boy Tarzan!

My Veteran's Day

I had a good day yesterday despite the fact that I had to work.  I was assigned to work up on 4 Springs which is my favorite unit and I had an easy assignment to do.  I am thankful that I can work and that I have a job that pays me enough so I can get by and take care of my children.  I am thankful for my warm house and lights and food. 

I had to give a lady a tub bath yesterday and she enjoyed it so.  It has jets in it and she just lay there stewing in the bubbling water.  I was teasing her about throwing in some vegetables.  The girl who ran the tub for me promised to keep an eye on it.  Needless to say, when I came back with my resident there was soapy water streaming across the tub room!  Oops! 

I took Travis yesterday for his annual physical.  He weighs 121 lbs and is 5' 10" tall!  He is still growing and I believe will be at least 6' before he is done.  The weight will come with age.  She said he appears very health.  She gave me a prescription for some acne medicine and one for an antibiotic to help.  We discussed how much longer he can come to the practice as he is 16 now.  She said until he graduates if he feels comfortable.  I said well, what if he is 25?  She said NO!  LOL!  Then she said and he better not be bringing his kids with him.  I said well, they might come some day!  We had a laugh about that.  She has been his pediatrician since he was about 2.  He also got 3 shots yesterday.  His last Hepatitis A, his flu shot and also a mengiccocal one. 

The lady that lived next door let Tiger's brother out to fend for himself now.  Clearly abandoned him.  Poor thing is an indoor cat.  Not nuetered either.  I think I may take them both to the shelter.  I cannot take care of 4 cats.  I can also get in trouble by the park owner for feeding them outdoors.  Tiger has gotten in a fight and has a tear on is ear.  I hope someone adopts them, they are really nice, friendly cats.  Not much else to write about, gotta work again.  I also have to call the garage again.  My transmission has been slipping.  They checked it out and said it wasn't coming up on the computer coding.  It did it again yesterday and now my check engine light is on!  Hope everyone has a good day! 

Thanks Sugar for my graphics today!

Hi Mom!

Happy Veteran's Day

This day is so very special to me and to thousands of others out there.  I am proud to be a U.S. Veteran.  I may not have served in a war, but I served our country for 4 years.  I was so proud to be part of the organization that works to keep our country free.  Enjoy freedom?  Thank a veteran!

 

Albany view

I went out today geocaching with my Dad, Nancy and Sarah.  First we met fellow cachers at the monthly breakfast.  It was at Cracker Barrel this month.  I wasn't crazy about the menu, but it filled my tummy and the biscuits were great!  There must of been 40 of us there!  Nice to see others who enjoy the hobby.  From young to old, everyone ate, laughed and talked.  After that we gathered for a group photo.  When it us uploaded to the forum, I will try and post a photo.  After, everyone went their seperate ways to go caching.  We saw them on and off through out the day.  We found 10 caches today.  My total is up to 183.  I want to get up to 200 before winter comes. 

I have to work tomorrow and I am just dreading it.  We have been getting pulled nearly every day to do care on the units.  Never know where.  I hate that the worst.  Never knowing what you will be doing from day to day.  It really stresses me out and is hard on me physically. 

I did call child support and they told me to take the money, just write him a reciept.  They haven't recieved any info yet on his income.  I guess he never sent in the paperwork.  So I guess its my job to prove if he has any at all.  Isn't that a crock of crap?  They can track him by his SS number and find out if he is making any money at all. 

I got to visit two daschunds today.  When I was a little girl we had two daschunds.  I just love them.  So soft, long and wiggly!  If I ever get another dog, its going to be hard to choose.  I've always dreamed of having a German Shepard.  I love boxers too and Golden Retrievers.  I like small dogs too.  Ok I've blabbered on enough. 

Ann Curry on the Today Show

This past week the Today show was broadcasting a program called At the Ends of the Earth.  I missed most of it because I was working, but I found out today that Ann Curry who went to the South Pole was brought there on one of our C-130's from the Stratton ANG station about 20 miles from me!

She flew on an LC-130 Hercules transport piloted by a four-man crew from the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Air Lift Wing. The unit is highly skilled in dealing with extreme weather and sudden changes in conditions and pilots all flights to the pole.

These planes are a marvel!  They can take off from a very short runway using rockets.  Here is a website on the C-130.  Hope you all enjoyed this entry!

Also a video showing them in Antartica with Matt Lauer!

 

 

The 109th Airlift Wing