Joann's New Journey

2011-04-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed with alot of wonderful friends... I've shared that before. I love my friends, and am always there to help in whatever they need.

We know each other differently, all the 'good' and all the 'fun' in each other. We enjoy each other's company, and spend time together that we take for granted.

When someone we love is suddenly faced with an illness that we think will never hit that close to home, that feeling of helplessness is almost too much to bare.

We think that we're, somewhat, invincible.... that we're too strong to have such a devastating illness.

The emotions of discovering such an illness in someone you are so close to, are immeasurable.... you dwell on the realization that a best friend that you always call whenever you want to take a spontaneous road trip.... one who you know will always have your back... one who will keep your secrets.... one who understands you when noone else will.... is facing something that NOBODY should have to face.

It's not fair!!

But God is good, and He will get us through things that we don't understand. I will do whatever I can for my friend, and most of all, I will pray... ALOT!

It's been a very emotional day for me, so if some of this doesn't make sense... it's ok, it doesn't really have to, right now.

I just felt I needed to write something. Thanks for reading it.

Joann~

Robert Roy Rohde

2011-02-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

July 5, 1930 ~ February 5, 2011

This was my good friend, Bob.

I met Bob at the local high school football games, about 10 years ago, or so. We both worked the football games, and each September, I looked forward to seeing Bob, again. He was a person that everyone loved and respected.

Bob, his wife, and I would meet at the steakhouse, where my son worked at the time, for dinner and talk for hours.

After Bob, had a stroke, he looked forward to coming back to work the field, again, to see everyone.... but with Bob's deteriorating health, that never happened.

Over the next few years we actually become closer friends... I would pick him and his wife up and take them grocery shopping, out to dinner, to the bank or whatever they needed.

Later, when Bob couldn't get out anymore, I would just come and visit, and bring Bob his favorite goodies.... mostly maple bars from the local donut shop, but he loved my pot roast, and pumpkin pie too.

But a massive stroke finally took my friend away earlier this month, and I miss him tremendously.

Bob was a very good man. At his service I got to meet the rest of his family... his daughters and their families. They were all wonderful. And my prayers are with them for comfort in their loss.

Joann~

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T21:56:00.000-08:00

I'm kinda late with this post asking people to tell me how their holidays were, and wishing you all a Happy New Year!!

But there's some I haven't heard from, and since I didn't send Christmas cards out this year, I didn't get to greet you.

So if you haven't told me yet, let me know how your holidays were. I miss hearing from you. = )

Mine were wonderful of course. Spent it mostly with friends and my mom.

Some pics from some of the holiday fun!!

Joann~

Congrats to Rudy & Carrie!!!

2010-12-27T19:42:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to post a Special Congratulations to my FANTASTIC nephew, Rudy, and his Beautiful BRIDE to be, Carrie!!!!

I'm SOOO proud and very happy that my nephew has found his perfect soulmate!

Joann~

Being Accountable

2010-12-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Well, last time I blogged here, I had lost 12 pounds... and was heading for the holiday season.

Now the holiday season is WELL underway, and I have NOT gained a single pound back!!! I haven't LOST any more either, but just not gaining any back has been a real feat!!

I'm certain that after the holidays I can get back on the losing track!! = ) The girls at work are talking about an office version of 'The Biggest Loser'.... that should be real encouragement.

I didn't do ANY baking this year, but my mom & I did make some tamales, and my mother-in-law brought me some of her famous Guatemalan tamales.... Oooooh, I LOVE them!!!

Last night for dinner, I made some chicken and veggie soup, the weather was so cold and that's just what sounded good... it was.

Anyway, just wanted to check in while I'm STILL at a loss.... because the next few days might be different.... LOL!!!

May you all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! May you enjoy the love of those closest to you throughout the season!! And may you enjoy God's richest blessings in 2011!!!

South Beach on Thxgiving ~ FAIL!

2010-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

I gained a pound and a half yesterday.... LOL!!!

It's ok, I knew I wouldn't be able to stay on the strict eating plan on Thanksgiving Day!!

I did really good up to that day (not sure how much I've lost, but it's about 12 - 15 pounds!), and I'm jumping right back on that wagon today. But everything was SOOOO WELL WORTH IT!!!! What a great meal we had!!

I ate turkey, rice stuffing, brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes with leeks, a little gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, green beans (actual fresh green beans, NOT the casserole), baked yams (WITH ALL the bad stuff on them), appetizers, wine, and a slice of apple pie.

BUT, I didn't bring ANY leftovers home!! And I left two whole pies (I'd made four) there with my cousin at his request.... which worked out perfectly for me. I brought a couple slices each of the other two pies for Chris and my mom.

Yes, I went WAAAY off plan, but hey, it was Thanksgiving Day!!

We had a BLAST though, my cousin just moved down here from Oregon about a month ago, and his mom was here visiting from Arizona, so we had a great time together catching up and enjoying 'family' again. There was 11 of us and we fit perfectly around the huge ROUND table my cousin has!! I got to help in the kitchen, and we laughed so much, I didn't feel like I was missing anything not preparing the meal at home.

My cousin's new place is beautiful, and he's VERY proud of the fact that you can see the world famous 'Hollywood' sign from his house.... but my sister brought him back down to earth when she rolled her eyes and said 'TOURISTS!!!' LOL!!!

Thanksgiving with FAMILY, worth EVERY OUNCE!!! = )

I caught a fish THIS big!!! (My nephew) (Note: my cousin MADE that beautiful fresh flower centerpiece!!)

NO video games at the dinner table!! (My nephew and my son)

My niece, my mom, and my sis

My gorgeous niece and her handsome boyfriend, Tony

My handsome nephew and his beautiful fiancee, Carrie

My beautiful sis and her son

Sixth day and still going strong!

2010-11-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

Just finished my fifth day of the South Beach eating plan. I'm still doing very well. Thank you all for your encouragement, I feel it!! = )

I got alot of tips to help me stay on track, and writing about this journey was one of them.... (you can thank Ken for that! = )

I've learned some new ways to conquer the sweet cravings, although, they haven't really been that bad.... the first night or two, I was literally, dreaming about sweets... I think my mouth was chewing in my sleep, but hey, at least I didn't sleep walk into the kitchen... LOL!!!

But the cravings are more scarce now... I still NOTICE sweets nearby, but it's MUCH easier to JUST SAY NO!!!

Last night, I had an 'episode'.... but I conquered it with a tablespoon of peanut butter!!! Then I went to bed, that helped. = ) This morning, instead of the pancakes I thought would be nice... I'm having blackberry flavored tea which DOES have some natural blackberry flavoring in it.... but hey, it's WAY better than the pancakes, right!?! LOL!!!

MOST of all, I have to remember NOT to DWELL on the thoughts of something that enters my head, like the Fuji apples that my boss brought to the office yesterday, my favorite kind... yes, apples ARE a good snack, but for this initial period, I can't have ANYTHING with sugar AT ALL.... so I quickly forced myself to turn my thoughts to other things, work, weekend plans anything else but those apples.

A wonderful friend wrote me about the dangers of becoming, and challenges of being, diabetic. My dad was diabetic, so I'm right in line to becoming diabetic if I'm not careful.... I'm really trying not to. And although my dr. says ALL my numbers are really good right now, (he checked everything about two weeks ago... sugar, cholesterol, iron, etc.)..... I know my good luck isn't going to last forever if I keep eating the things I do and NOT exercising the way I should.

So I'm pretty determined to stop eating the junk food, there's no reason a woman my age should be eating all that stuff anyway, LOL!! No kidding, sometimes, I eat like a five year old would. LOL!! My meals are normally decent, healthful and well balanced, but it's the snacking on sugar junkfood that I have a problem with... So this was my answer.... an eating plan that absolutely BANS ALL sugar from my diet for a couple of weeks until I kick the sugar craving.... my plan is to STICK to the eating plan forever, and enjoying (sparingly) only good-for-me carbs after this initial two week period. If I start getting weak again, I'll just jump back on the first phase of the plan every once in awhile. I'm truly hoping this is something I can LIVE with. I really HAVE to make it work... otherwise I'm doomed.

Now, to set my mind on getting to the gym!! LOL!!!

Joann~

On the wagon, AGAIN!!!

2010-11-16T21:25:00.001-08:00

The sugar wagon!! I've banned myself from eating sweets. I'm doing the South Beach eating plan. I wasn't going to post about it, but I have to.... I'm excited, and I'm doing well.... of course, it's ONLY my second day! But hey, I'm feeling REALLY good... good enough to stay pretty determined. Soooo, I'll probably post about my accomplishments and set backs for awhile, until I find something better to blog about. Sorry, I'll try hard not to bore you too much. LOL!!

I've been making the best dinners!! Of course, anything's really good when you're HUNGRY!!

I opened my front door this afternoon... and I SMELLED donuts!!! They smelled so good, but I'm ok, I don't need it.... I just came back in, grabbed a handful of delicious raw almonds, and I was set. = ) And I'm hoping that after a couple of weeks, the sugar cravings will subside, and I'll forget about missing it.

Thursday, I'm going to start my work-outs... I had to get over the 'weakness' hump first... you know, the one where you feel like you're gonna FAINT everytime you think of food, which for me, is ALOT!!! But I'm getting better at that, too!

Even my son is encouraging me.... he's actually eating what I make WITHOUT complaining that there's no pasta or bread with the meal. He just eats the protien and veggie dishes I prepare.... then goes out and buys a burger somewhere!!

Well, thanks for any encouragement you can send over, I'll appreciate it. = )

Joann~

The story of Sam

2010-10-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

I can't write this entry without the possibility of looking really bad to some of you who might not agree with a decision I made, but good or bad, it's a decision I made at a moment's notice and I can't turn back and change anything now.

About a month or so ago, my son met a friend I'll call Sam. Sam is homeless... I don't know Sam's story, and I've only seen and spoken to Sam once, very briefly, and VERY late one night when he came by our house to ask if he could stay over for the night, about two nights after my son met him. THAT's where you MAY not agree with my decision.

I said no. My heart BROKE to do that, but that was my decision. That's what I felt was right at the time. Sam is very young to be homeless, not a child, but a young adult..... to accept this young stranger into my home could bring on all kinds of problems. However, I could have also helped Sam by showing him kindness in letting him use our sofa for the night, and that's probably where I'll struggle with my decision forever. I'll never know if I made the right decision. But there was NO time to THINK, so I did the safe thing (and strangely enough, my son easily agreed with my decision, maybe he knew more about Sam than he was telling me??? I don't know. I DID tell him to tell Sam that we would drive him to a shelter, but Sam declined.)

Anyway, the day before that night, Sam asked my son if he could keep some food here for him... he gave my son about 4 grocery bags of sealed quick-and-easy food items to hold for him. Sam has never come back for the food... it's been by our door for a month.

I've looked for Sam on the streets, not even sure I'd really recognize him. My son had seen him on the street once or twice, but neither one of them mentioned the grocery bags.

Finally, when my son saw him again a few nights ago, my son asked him about the groceries, Sam told him to just throw them away..... it's been a couple of days, because I couldn't bring myself to get rid of a homeless person's food.... not even knowing if he's eating now.

But this morning I finally went through the bags to rebag them for a homeless shelter. Again, it totally broke my heart to do this, it felt like I was taking food from someone who really needs it.... I cried the whole time. And I prayed for Sam. That's all I can do.

If I see Sam again, I will offer him food, and again offer to drive him to a shelter.... but my hope is that if I see Sam again, he'll say that he's doing well, living somewhere safe and eating well.

Lord, hear my prayer!!

2010-08-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary, J-Land!!!!

Even though J-Land doesn't TECHNICALLY exist anymore... it will always live on in our hearts.

I was only a member of J-Land for the last 2 years (or so) of it's existence, but I made some real friends there.... people that are an important part of my life, still.

It broke my heart when J-land ended, I thought I was losing all the good friendships I'd found.... but, because we were ALL tossed out on the street together, we bonded even more.... and together we found a new home with lots of wonderful new friends who accepted us with open arms. Some of us don't blog as often, because we have found other means of keeping in close touch.

How many of us would have bothered to get on FaceBook, otherwise?!?! Now we are together there, and others can find us easily. Hopefully, others from J-land that are still lost out there in cyberspace will find us and choose to come back to us. (You know who you are!! = )

Glad you are all still part of my life!!

A hug from a Stranger

2010-08-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

I was in church this morning, and there was a young man sitting next to me on FIRE for the Lord.... you know how you can just pick that up on people. He was probably my son's age or a few years older (early 20's). He was one of those people you could just SEE carrying that beautiful glowing light of the Lord. He was HAPPY, greeting people, singing with raised hands, praising/worshipping, and praying down on his knees while the rest of us were standing.

At the beginning of the service, when the music stopped, the Pastor always asks us to greet each other.

Normally, I'll turn to the people around me and shake their hands and introduce myself.

Today, this young man sitting next to me turned towards me and I reached out my hand to greet him, and he threw his arms open and said "Gimme a hug!" He gave me a strong, hearty hug!! A hug that makes a person feel good!! A hug that says.... "WE HONOR THE SAME FATHER, AND I LOVE YOU!!!"

It may seem like a simple thing to some, but I was really impressed with him. Boys his age don't like to hug fat old ladies, they seek out the cute young ones to hug... but he was REAL!!! He was SINCERE in his Godly love!!

And after the service, he shook my hand again, introduced himself and asked my name. I told him my name and said "Thanks for that hug, you made my day!" So he gave me another one, and told me 'God Bless You'. And we parted ways.

I'm telling you this, so that you'll know that when you hug someone, they FEEL it!! They know when it's sincere.... so go hug a stranger!!!

Joann~

4th of July with a SURPRISE!!!!

2010-07-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

First of all, a picture of me and the new MAMA to be....... WOO HOO!!! Shannon's gonna be a MOMMY!!!!!!!!

I'm SOOOO excited for them... CONGRATULATIONS to Shannon & Chad!!!!

The proud grandparents.... (and the GRILLMASTER!!!)

The other proud grandparents....

These are the grandfathers.... is THIS what the new baby is going to look like??!?!

Of course, some pics of my son & me.... :)

Celebrating the festivities.....

And one tired mama.....

Hope you all had a great 4th of July, too!!!

Joann~

Why is everybody crying??

2010-06-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Long Story:

I used to have an uncle, my mom's brother, who died just a few months before my dad, five years ago. I really loved my uncle and miss him terribly. He was a good, Christian man.

While he was living, he and his wife divorced and she brainwashed their kids against him, 2 daughters that I was pretty close to growing up, I even lived with them for awhile, less than a year, but in that time, the girls used to call me their big sister.

I was totally devastated when they divorced, ESPECIALLY when they wouldn't return my phone calls pleading for them to call me. I cried so much, to think that they could just write me off like that.... I'd never done anything to hurt any of them, ever. They knew how much that hurt me, they just didn't care. It's like they did it deliberately.

They were teens when their parents split up, and they grew up. The older one moved to New York and still lives there.... the younger one lives locally, but we haven't seen her or her mom (who I was also very close to) in at least 20 years, except at the funeral of my uncle.

They were nice to me at the funeral, they RAN up to ME and hugged me like they were actually HAPPY to see me, they wanted me to sit next to them... we all cried and caught each other up on our lives. In fact, everyone was nice to everyone, which was a big surprise to me because of all the anger and resentment the family (my uncle's sisters) all had about not ever seeing the kids. But they were hugged and loved abundantly at the funeral of my uncle by our whole family. The girls (and even their mother) were told over and over again, that we wanted to see them more often, that we wanted a relationship with them, which they agreed to, with all kinds of promises of visiting, phone calls, etc..... until they went home.

Immediately, they refused all phone calls of the family, and have never spoken to or seen any of us again..... and AGAIN, my heart was hurt.

In time, my heart healed.... I realized that the girls were old enough to KNOW that we loved them but CHOSE to abandon us on their own. They made that decision themselves.

Fast forward 5 years to today.... last night the younger daughter passed away. My sister found out somehow. My ENTIRE family is crying... I just don't understand... they wanted (and still want) NOTHING to do with ANY of us, we've seen them once in 20 years.... they were ALL ALREADY dead to us, as far as I'm concerned.

Am I too cold?!?! Is my feeling too harsh!! I'm really NOT a cold hearted person, I love abundantly. And I really AM sorry she's gone, because she leaves behind a young teenage daughter (my uncle's granddaughter whom he was never allowed to see, either) who needs her, but as for me, I've cried enough for all of them. My life will be NO different. They're the ones missing out on FAMILY!!! I have no more feeling left.

One thing I WOULD have liked to have seen, though, is the reunion between her and her (earthly) father, because I DO believe that in Heaven, everyone forgives completely and is at total peace. I think that NOW she'll realize the love we had for her.

Joann~

5 years

2010-06-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today is 5 years since I lost my daddy. The picture above is my dad holding my son.

Thank you to my beautiful friend Phyllis for remembering and sending her well wishes for my mom and me. She knows my pain well, having lost her own dad more recently.

Another close friend of mine lost her father last week.

It breaks my heart to see others go through that loss. The only thing I can tell them is that I don't think the pain ever goes away, but I know that it does get easier with time.... and the memories won't ever leave either.

There are STILL times when I can feel his presence, when I hear something he used to say, see something in his favorite color, or sometimes I can smell him... I could be driving or just sitting at home and all of a sudden, I'll just smell him... THAT'S when I feel him most.... and I close my eyes and talk to him, just tell him how much I miss him and what's been going on in our lives (as if he didn't know). It's just a comfort for me.

He used to like to feed the pigeons, and they would sit on the wire across the street from his house and wait for him to come out in the morning with bird seed and bread. Whenever I see a bird on a wire sitting outside my window, I think of my dad.

There will always be things to remind me of him, so he'll never be far away.... Thank God!!

I miss you so much, Daddy, I love you!!!

Welcome Spring!!

2010-05-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

I know Spring came back in March, but today it really FEELS like it.... it's beautiful & breezy. We've had a good mixture of cold and hot, recently, but not warm NICE!! Today is a really beautiful day!!

I haven't blogged in quite awhile, because I haven't really done anything or had anything to say worth blogging about.

So I'll share some pics of the latest.....

This is my beautiful cousin, Shannon & Me

My son, Chris on his 20th birthday

My other beautiful cousin, Sandy & Me

Well that's it for now, but I'll try to post again soon..... meanwhile, look for me on Facebook.

God Bless!!

Joann~

The test of TIME!

2010-03-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my cousins, Sandy & Dave, on their 30th wedding anniversary!!

They make such a beautiful couple, they're good people and fun to hang out with.

They have 3 beautiful children together, and 3 more from previous marriages and they're all good, smart, level-headed people, too!

We had a great time celebrating with them, and I wish them another 30+ years of happiness together.

Marriages that stand the test of time are so rare these days. My parents had a beautiful 43 year marriage before my dad passed away.

I'm envious (in a good way) and very proud of any couple that can get through the difficulties that life throws their way. If the love is strong enough on BOTH sides, it's SO worth fighting for. It's such a blessing!

But sometimes people can't get through things life brings to a marriage, sometimes people get married for the wrong reasons in the first place, sometimes things just can't be fixed, and people have to start over again. There's no shame in going your own way if you know you've done the best you can to keep that commitment, and there are even situations in which you cannot stay any longer or should not stay any longer. Sometimes leaving can be a blessing too.

Whatever YOUR situation is, do the very best you can with it. If you have a good strong marriage, do everything you can to keep that marriage solid. However, if you are in a place that you must leave or have already done so, keep your heart OPEN.... remember that life CAN bring you happiness in someone else, don't block out someone who could truly love you and make you happy... just be sure it's REAL!!

Sandy, You have been through alot in your life, and you've lived many lives over. Now, you've found your happiness and you two have been such a blessing to each other, and an inspiration to everyone around you. Keep going strong. Many blessings to you and Dave in the years ahead. I love you!

Dave, Thank you for blessing Sandy's life so wonderfully.... You're AWESOME, I love you!!

Rosanne, Jason, Shannon, and Heather, you guys did a GREAT job with EVERYTHING!!! It was BEAUTIFUL!!!

Joann~

Just Hi = )

2010-02-23T22:07:00.000-08:00

Just sharing pics of my handsome son. He was DETERMINED not to smile... but you could tell he was giving in a little.... LOL!!

I haven't posted in awhile, and I still don't really have anything to say, but I miss you all, so thought I'd just stop by to say hi.

I updated my playlist, so take a listen, see if there's anything on there you like. = )

I'll be back soon, I wanna keep blogging, I miss it!!

Take Care,
Joann~

A 'HANK'ering for the good ol' music

2010-01-23T23:36:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, my dad listened to old country and western music. It took me awhile, but eventually I learned to appreciate it, and my dad's influence opened me up to really listen to the stories these songs told. Many of the songs taught me about history, Christianity, and life in general, because many of their songs had morals, sequels, and life lessons.

Artists like Johnny Horton, Lefty Frizzell, Jimmy Dean, and Marty Robbins wrote and sang fun songs, but they also sang about what was in their hearts.

Johnny Horton taught me about a fantastic German Battleship in WWII and the efforts to sink the battleship called the 'Bismarck', and about an early American icon named 'Jim Bridger'. He sang fun sing-along songs like 'The Battle of New Orleans' and 'North to Alaska'.

Marty Robbins told me about the night his life changed forever in 'The Master's Call' and the love and appreciation that a husband can have for his wife in 'My Woman, My Woman, My Wife' (which my dad always sang to my mom = ), not to mention the fun listening songs like 'El Paso' (which was part of a great trilogy) and 'Devil Woman'.

Lefty Frizzell had a great song that I loved called 'Saginaw, Michigan' with an ending I STILL love to listen to, and a story about how he died to save a woman's honor in the 'Long, Black Veil'.

Jimmy Dean's 'Big, Bad John' had a sequel called 'The Cajun Queen', I loved that story. He also had a song about a historical event called 'P.T. 109' which taught me something about JFK.

But my favorite Jimmy Dean song is one that my dad used to play for me when I was little, he always told me it was made for me... (I still have the actual LP album my dad played).

It still brings me happiness to hear the music my dad loved so much, and I'm really glad that, no matter how UNCOOL it is, it's my own history, part of my childhood, and I don't care what anyone else thinks.... it's a big part of ME!!

Now, I don't claim to know ALL about the music of this era... after all, this was just 'a little' before my time.... but I AM able to appreciate it a little more than most people my age, at least on my side of the country where most people are NOT U.S. natives and haven't even HEARD this kind of music.... LOL!!

Listening to Country music is a just part of life for me now, I listen to the newer stuff, though... and I love it.

Beautiful Weather!!

2010-01-21T22:46:00.001-08:00

I know that you probably don't think much of this weather for Southern California, but this week has been AMAZING, weatherwise!! I LOVE IT!! We haven't had THIS much rain in a VERY LONG time!! I believe we've had more rain in the last 5 days than we've had in the last year all together!!

Hope YOUR weather is just how YOU like it!!

Joann~

2010 Meme

2010-01-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

I got this from Leslie, and of course, decided to post my own....

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I bought my Annual Disneyland Passport for 2010. Never had one before. My son and I each got one!! WOO HOO!!!

2. Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions from last year and will you make any for 2010?
Of course, I didn't.... and yes, I will !! = )

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, not anyone CLOSE to me. But I did go to one baby shower for a co-worker.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank God.

5. What countries did you visit?
None... in fact, I don't think I even visited another STATE!!(?) BUT I'm going to Mexico in two weeks!! LOL!!

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A thin body, my associates degree, a new love, a new house, and Derek Jeter's personal cell phone number.

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory...and why?
None that I can think of at the moment.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting my son graduated from high school and into college... ok, it was really HIS achievement, but you don't understand how much of that effort was MINE!!!

9. What was your biggest failure?
I'm not a failure! LOL!!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
MY DISNEYLAND ANNUAL PASSPORT!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My mom, we had a rough time over the summer, but she's much better (Yes, I AM talking about her behavior! LOL!!) And I HAVE told her that I'm proud of her!!

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
The American people when they voted the wrong person into office! (I have a right to MY OPINION!)

14. Where did most of your money go?
Probably food out!! I meet my friends for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast ALOT!!!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I GOT MY DISNEY ANNUAL PASSPORT!!! (you asked!)

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Ummm... I have NO idea!!!

17. Compared to last year, are you...
...happier/sadder? happier
...thinner/fatter? what a depressing question!!! LOL!!
...richer/poorer? Poorer, no more child support, gotta pay for college for the boy, and inflation is killing me.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercise!! But I'm sure I won't do much more this year, either!! LOL!!

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eat!

20. How will you be spending New Year's Eve?
Spent it with friends!

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Yeah, AGAIN..... but Derek Jeter won't return my messages!

22. How many one-night stands?
This question is unclear to me.... I have one night-stand!? ; )

23. What was your favorite TV program?
American Idol which starts soon, and I won't be able to watch it because I have class on Tuesdays, now!!! UGH!!! I know, I can record it, but I like to vote!! LOL!!

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No NEW ones. = )

25. What was the best book you read?
I'm assuming you mean THIS year, not EVER. The best book I read this year was probably The Shack!

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Can't think of anything right now. But I'll work on that.

27. What did you want AND get?
My DISNEY ANNUAL PASSPORT!!!! LOL!!!

28. What did you want and NOT get?
A thin body, a new house, and Derek Jeter's personal cell phone number.

29. What was your favorite film of the year?
I haven't been to the movies in months!!! Don't remember the last movie I saw, so I can't answer this question.

30. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
WENT TO DISNEYLAND AND BOUGHT MY ANNUAL PASSPORT!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! I am 47!!

31. What ONE thing would have made your year immensely more satisfying?
Hmmm!! It's a toss up between a thin body and Derek Jeter's personal cell phone number .

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
I'm SO totally my OWN fashionista, I do NOT follow any trendy styles!! If I like it, I wear it, regardless of the 'fashion' at the time!! If it's in fashion, but I don't like it, I WON'T wear it! I don't worry about stuff like that!! My concept is that there are WAY more important things in life to concern myself with!

33. What kept you sane?
NO DRAMA!!! I don't allow ANY unnecessary drama in my life!!

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Derek Jeter (ALOT during the World Series, which, by the way, was WON by the NY Yankees for the 27th time!! = )

35. What political issues stirred you the most?
EVERYTHING Obama said or did!!! And NOT in a good way!!

36. Whom did you miss?
My son, he goes out with his friends ALOT and I miss him being home.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
My friend, Becky. She's funny, and just a really good person.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson that you learned in 2009.
Do what I have to, to become the person I want to be.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: (My LIFE):

"I've been locked up way too long in this crazy world, how far is Heaven?
I just keep on praying, Lord, and just keep on living."

Now, it's YOUR turn!!!

Joann~

My Birthday Dinner photos

2009-12-31T11:53:00.001-08:00

Hey, if there's music...........

My MOM will be dancing to it!!!!

I had a WONDERFUL birthday dinner and am grateful for all my wonderful friends!! Thank you, Jesus, for such a blessed life!

Joann~

Disneyland at Christmas!!

2009-12-31T00:15:00.001-08:00

Our friend, Jack Skellington, in the Haunted Mansion!

Jack Sparrow relaxing with a drink!!

Sally, Jack, Chris, and Jennifer (a friend that went with us).

The Main Street Christmas Tree.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle really sparkles at night!!

God's Blessings!

2009-12-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

These are my friends, Roseann & Kathy.

This is ME after a good SOAK!! LOL!!

We went to a friend's house for a Christmas party yesterday. Janie has a beautiful condo right on the beach.... outside her living room window all you see is ocean, it was beautiful!! She also has another home in the desert... that's the best of both world's!! She had several homes before she and her husband retired, but they've sold most of them now, and live very comfortably.

I talked a bit with Janie, and she gave me some very valuable advice. Advice that I'm totally taking to heart.

She said that there's NO WAY in the world that she and her husband should have such a great life except for the grace of GOD!! She said that during their entire married life (and they married young), they've ALWAYS, ALWAYS TITHED!!

That REALLY got me thinking, you know, I tithe, but I don't tithe my FULL 10%. I know that I'm supposed to, but 10% of my GROSS salary (which is what He requires) is ALOT of money, so I compromise... I'm sure GOD understands... running a household on one salary is hard enough without giving back 10%... I could USE that 10%... I have LOTS of bills to pay... I'm sure God will excuse me from paying my FULL tithe.... right!!???

WRONG!!! He GAVE me my job, and everything else I have, I know that... so why would I be exempt from His law, and essentially, His PLAN. This money is ALL HIS to begin with... it really is!! So why not give Him just the small part that He requires back!?

My New Year's Resolution is to give Him back His FULL 10% of the money He gives me.

I may never see the blessings that Janie has, but I'll be right with God, He'll know that my heart is where it belongs in HIM!!! And it will allow Him to do the things He is trying to do THROUGH ME!!

Thanks, Janie!!

Happy Birthday, Roseann!!

2009-12-09T21:50:00.001-08:00

OK, these pics were taken with my phone, so they aren't the best pics... but I thought I'd post them anyway!!

My friend, Donna, and I at one of many birthday dinners for Roseann!! LOL!!!

Denise & Roseann

Of course, we all had a great time!! Great food, and great company.... what more could you ask for, right?!?!

Our Community Christmas Parade

2009-12-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

I'm so proud of our little community. Tonight was our annual Christmas parade, and it rocked!!

We are a community that actually CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS!!!! There were THREE different nativity scenes in the parade from 3 different churches; there were several floats singing different Christmas songs celebrating the birth of Jesus... and there was one float from another church where my friend, Lilly (along with others from her worship team), sang "Mighty to Save".... (you guys were the best, Lilly)!! All the banners on the floats and cars said "Merry Christmas", not 'Happy Holidays'! PEOPLE shouted "Merry Christmas" to each other!!

It's just so wonderful to live in a place where people aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe!! I love my Lord, and I'm so blessed to live in a place where I'm free to share my passion.

Sometimes, I'm not sure how much longer I'll be FREE to do that, but I'll always feel the same about Him!! That will NEVER change!!

Joann~

It's Christmas Time!!!

2009-11-30T20:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't posted an entry in a very long time... and now that I've changed my playlist, the only way to get anyone to listen is to post something, right?!? LOL!!

I just added a few of my very favorite Christmas songs... hope you enjoy them!! Can you tell which one is my absolute fave?? OK, so I have to make a choice... oh wait, no, I don't... It's MY playlist!!! LOL!!!

The last post I did was in early October, when my nephew was leaving to Australia. Well, an update is that he's made alot of new friends there, and is having a good time. He's DRIVING there now... which is a feat, because they drive on the WRONG side of the road, there... (OK, maybe it's US who drive on the wrong side of the road, but it's become the CORRECT side for us... LOL!!) He has a job, and seems to be doing ok. Just remember to keep him in your prayers, kind of sad to be away from family over the holidays.

I'm writing out my Christmas cards already.... so if anyone would like one, just e-mail me your address and I'll send you one.

Some pics of our Thanksgiving......

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.... Mine was wonderful!! We went to my cousin's where there were about 18 people, so we potlucked it, and there was ALOT of delicious food!! My mom took a ham and I made an apple pie (my first ever), and two pumpkin pies with the little crust maple leaves and pumpkins on them!! I didn't get a pic of those!

Well, I hope you are all doing well, if I missed anything important in your life, please e-mail me... because I'm here now. Meanwhile, I'll try to get to all the blogs this week, because I've really missed you guys!!

Take Care,
Joann

The Land Down Under

2009-10-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

What's Down Under got that we don't have here???

My nephew is MOVING to Australia this week. He's leaving Thursday to LIVE there. Said he'll check it out for a year, see how things go, then decide whether or not he'll stay there.

He is a real adventurer!!! When he was in the navy, he lived in a few different places, including Iraq and Hawaii, and he saw many different places. But he fell in love with Australia, and made some good friends there.... so they talked him into moving there and staying with them until he gets settled. I think he's going for the GIRLS, myself... but hey, wherever he'll find happiness, right!!?

He asked my advice, rather than his mom's or his grandmother's, because he knew they'd give him selfish advice to stay here.... LOL!!! I was proud to tell him that he should GO, he's not married, he has no kids, and he just got home from Iraq, so he doesn't have a job here yet to tie him down. He's young and should experience as much of the world as possible, in my opinion.

I did and I love the experiences I've had, I didn't LIVE in any other country, but hey, I tried another state for a summer... LOL!! I think that if I were as bold as my nephew, I'd be living in England right now, I LOVED England!! But I'm not bold that way, I was chicken to move away from home, away from mommy and daddy (at the time!).

I'm really glad that my nephew is taking chances to find his happiness, and of course, I'm VERY PROUD of him!!!

When I told him how much I'll miss him... he said "Hey, just think of it as another vacation destination!!" = )

Joann

2009 L.A. County Fair

2009-10-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last day of the Los Angeles County Fair. We loved going when the weather was cool enough to actually enjoy it!!

I did not go crazy on the fair food.... instead I bought fun stuff. Got a couple of very pretty rings, some flavored dipping oil, and some Christmas gifts.

Chris saw the concert (Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd, and Saliva... crazy names, huh!?? LOL!!). He and his (girl)friend enjoyed the concert, and we closed down the park.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend, too!!

Joann

California Central Coast!

2009-09-17T23:03:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share some of the pics from our vacation, last week!! We had a great time, wish we were still there!! We shopped alot, tasted wine, ate alot, and RELAXED some, too!! LOL!!! The weather was PERFECT, we slept with our balcony door open every night to hear the ocean!!

Our Beach!! This was taken from our balcony.

Splashes!

Chris and a friend at the caves down the beach.

Beautiful sunsets.

My son and me.

Another Beautiful Sunset!!

A better view of September 11

2009-09-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

September 11 holds a bad memory for us all... a memory that will forever be with us. We will never forget the tragedy that affected so many lives.

However, as of Friday, September 11, 2009, New Yorkers have another view, a better memory.

It happened in the bottom of the third inning, NY Yankees against the Baltimore Orioles....

Derek Jeter singled to right off of Orioles's pitcher, Chris Tillman, for hit number 2,272 of his career, beating Lou Gehrig's (NY Yankee) record set 70 years ago!!

Derek Jeter, Captain of the NY Yankees, hit another single later that day, for a total of 2,273 career hits. Only 727 more hits to go to get to the elite 3,000 Hit Club!!

THAT'S MY MAN!!!!!!

(info. & photo courtesy of the Bleacher Report)

Fun at an Angel's Game!!!

2009-09-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

Angels vs. Detroit!!!

Angel's lost... DRATS!!!

Thank you, Linda (My Thotful Spot)!!

2009-08-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

My beautiful friend, Linda, sent me the most 'thotful' gift. She totally surprised me!! (Sorry about the reflection, I had some files on my desk! LOL!!)

I currently have it on my desk at work along with all my other pics of Derek!! LOL!! (Julie may recognize those pics!! = )

Thank you so very much, Linda, I LOVE IT and will treasure it, not just because it's 'DEREK', but because it's from YOU with Love!!

You're such a wonderful friend and I truly appreciate you!!!

Joann

Happy Birthday, Beth!!

2009-08-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a day late.... and I DID send birthday wishes to Beth, yesterday!! HOWEVER, I have something for you, Beth!!!

A small portion of this side of Route 66 for your birthday!!

Hope you had a wonderful day!!!

Joann

South Beach, again!

2009-08-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Before I start my blog.... the links that I am putting in here are bold and italized, the other links here are from some stupid advertising place that I won't name, because I hate that they are invading our blogs.... does ANYONE know how to get rid of them???

I'm on my third day of the South Beach eating plan, which worked really well for me last time I did it! The problem the was that I didn't continue with Phase II (which is the best part, really... that's when you get to add all the FRUIT....LOL!!) this time, I will do Phase II!!

I've made a couple of mistakes... the first day I ate some pinto beans before checking the Phase I food list (they aren't on there). Then yesterday, I went to dinner and ordered VERY well, but when they brought the bread, I instinctively grab a slice and took two bites before remembering, so I left the rest of it alone. Today so far, I'm on a roll!! LOL!! Of course, I've been home all day, haven't been out yet.... LOL!!

My main goal is to ween myself OFF of sugar... (which means that last night, WINE was OUT!!! OH, that hurt!!!) I know that sugar is my biggest obstical in my journey to lose weight. I really believe that if I could kick the sugar habit, I'd be well on my way.

Well, wish me luck... I know I'll need it!!

Joann

My Shutterfly

2009-08-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get photos from shutterfly to my blog... so I created a new shutterfly site instead!! LOL!! You can click on the word shutterfly or you can copy and paste this to your browser....

http://joannsfun.shutterfly.com/?role=-1

But please go and check out the pics... there's only a few, I promise!! I think you can leave a comment too if you want to!!

The pics are from my fun here with Lydia, my friend from Florida.... and so that Garnett can see what 'a Solvang' is?? = )

Joann

Thanks for the support

2009-08-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a short note to tell you all Thank you for the encouragement and support after my last post.

My mom is doing MUCH better.... we threatened her with 'the HOME' if she falls again... LOL!!! JK!! But I do think that all the talk of the independent/assisted living facility made her bounce (pun intended) back to health real quick.

She's home, and a nurse comes to check on her a few times a week and leads her through some physical therapy. She's got a walker now, and a back brace which she's not happy about.... but she'll deal with it.

I go over to see her and bring her dinner 3 or 4 times a week, her neighbors also check on her and bring her food, and so does my sister. So she's pretty well set for now. In fact, she's doing well. She's off most of the strong pain meds, Vicadin, Demural (sp?), and whatever else she was taking... she's now down to a couple of extra strength Tylenols a day.... which is a LONG way from where she was a couple of weeks ago.

I'm glad, though, that I had the chance to go check out a facility close to me, and I told her that I'd like to take her on a tour so that she'll be a little more open minded about it, if and when that time ever DOES come. ME, as long as it's independent living, I can't WAIT to get there.... those residents are treated like royalty!! LOL!! Elegant dining at every meal, games, music, pleasure day trips, someone to do all your housework and laundry... Oh yeah, I can't WAIT 'til it's MY turn.

I've had a great couple of weeks with my friend from Florida here... she left on Wednesday morning, but we had so much fun while she was here. We went to Tea, we went to the local wine bar, we went to Solvang, we went to the gates of Neverland Ranch, we went wine tasting.... and she invited me to go back to Florida for Thanksgiving, again... I loved it so much last time I was there!!

OK, I said this would be short, sorry, I had more to say than I thought I did. = )

I've fallen WAY behind on blog reading, I plan to get somewhat caught up this weekend. Have a great weekend everyone!!

Joann

Don't read this!

2009-07-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

I knew you would!! I'm just going to complain a bit here, so you can stop here if you'd like... consider yourself warned!!

I usually like to keep this blog upbeat, and I really do have alot of fun things to write about right now.... my friend from Florida is here visiting, it's SO good to have her here!! I'm all done with year end closing of the books at work, and I feel the stress completely lifted... rejuvenated!!! I have some weekend getaways and a vacation planned for very soon!!!

However, I did receive a bit of news today that threw me for a loop... I didn't go to work today, because I was at the hospital for the most part of the night until 3:00 a.m. with my mother (AGAIN!).

They CT scanned her, and suggested that we think about alternative living arrangements for her.... she shouldn't be alone anymore.

She has osteoperosis and very bad degenerative disks in her lower back that are effecting the strength in her legs, that's the reason she keeps falling, her legs are just giving out from under her.... and the pain meds are causing other problems for her.

My mom is VERY petite.... she's only 4' 11" and weighs just over 100 pounds. (I hate to think about what I'm in for, in my later years).

So, I have some daunting tasks ahead, I'm sure. I think we'll first look into finding someone to stay with her at home whenever we can't. We'll see how that goes. It'll take someone with ALOT of patience, that's for sure!! I love her, but she DOES demand constant attention!!

HEY!! Maybe a little scooter, and just someone to check on her every morning... I could go at night!! Hmmmm!!

If you're still reading.... Wish me luck, will you?

Thanks,
Joann

My Evening Highlight!!

2009-07-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

I got a call from my son today.... He said "Hi Mom, What are you doing?"

I said "I'm just about to leave work."

He said "Why don't you come over to La Tazza? They're having an open mike night, and this guy's pretty good."

So I went to sit with my son.... we had dinner and a good time listening to good music. He wants to go again next Friday!!

He's at his friend's house now, but he started the evening with his mom!! = )

And I was going to go out with the girls tonight, look what I would have missed!!

Joann

4th of July Weekend!!!

2009-07-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

This is my famous Aunt Sylvia & Cousin Xavier (the aunt that my sister and I fight over, all the time)!! We were having lunch at the Mustard Seed Restaurant in Solvang, CA. (She's much prettier when she smiles, but I took the pic before she knew it.... in fact, she'd probably kick me if she knew I was posting it... LOL!!)

This is a glimpse of the festivities we enjoy from my mom's front yard... this was the very end of a grand finale of just one of THREE shows of which we have a perfect view!!!

Hope you all enjoyed your holiday weekend as much as we did!!

Joann

My Friend, Bob!

2009-06-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

This is Bob. I've mentioned him before on my AOL journal (many moons ago).

Bob, and his wife Linda, are an elderly couple that I look after. I used to work with Bob before he had a stroke just over a year ago.

We all went to dinner tonight. They take me out once in awhile as a 'Thank You' for helping them and because, although it's really hard for him to get around, Bob needs to get out sometimes to keep his spirits up.

Today, after dinner, I took Bob outside for a cigar as Linda paid the bill and hit the restroom. Bob told me that he doesn't want to live anymore. He was crying when he told me that. He said that everything's just too hard, now.... he's on a wheelchair, always. He'll be 79 on July 5th.

I know things are hard for him, and I guess I'd feel the same, but selfishness made me encourage him to not give up. I told him that there are many people who care for him, and that he should try to find things of interest to keep him occupied. It was lame, I know, but I didn't know HOW to encourage him.

He opened up again, to me more when we stopped at the grocery store and Linda went in to get a case of water. We talked about Jesus, and his beliefs. We talked about where he'd be going after he died. I'm comfortable in his beliefs, that if he died tonight, I'd KNOW that he's going to Heaven, and so is he (comfortable in that faith).

That was the most important thing to me... I don't want to lose Bob, but I understand... there isn't much left for him, here, anymore.

At dinner, he ordered chopped steak, and as I cut his steak for him, he said "I can't even eat Prime Rib anymore." (which he used to LOVE). So for his birthday, I'll cook a roast for him, he loves my roast, and I make it tender enough that he can enjoy it. It's all I know to do for him, anymore.

I'll buy him some large print books of interest to him, and maybe some imported beer, but what else can I do to make him comfortable... there isn't much.

I want to give him back his youth, I want him to walk again, I want him comfortable. But this is where I trust God to give Bob what he needs, and to take Bob home when He feels Bob is ready.

Please don't wait too long, though, God. I'll miss him terribly, but he's so tired, now.

Thanks for listening.

Joann

A Story of Perfect Timing

2009-06-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

My son is 19 years old, I don't normally tell him who to hang out with anymore. He usually picks good people for friends. But once in a while, a parent still have to set boundaries, when you see something that is NOT good for them.

Thank God for His blessings and guidance!!

About a month ago, I had to restrict my son from a friend he'd been hanging out with for a few months. This person was NOT good for my son to be around, this friend was leading my son away from the good, happy person he normally is.

I prayed on the whole situation, and waited for the right time. I wanted God to lead my actions, so that my son would not rebel. I mean, this person had turned into his best friend almost over night... how could he just STOP seeing this person!!

One Friday afternoon, after I found that Chris had lied to me a second time, (both times involving this same friend), I told him that was it!! This 'friend' was not allowed at our home, and Chris was NOT to see him again, at all. Chris didn't even argue, he just said 'OK'. (I was really prepared for a big arguement... LOL!!)

Now, I realize that I can't watch his every move, I can't be with him all the time, he's on his own most of the time, so I had to set some severe consequences for him.

Well, that Friday night, it happened that Chris was going out with another friend of his that he's known for quite awhile, to a party where all Chris's old friends were going to be. Those friends intervened (on my behalf, without even knowing it), they told Chris that this person (the one I'd restricted him from) was NOT COOL, that they did NOT like that person, and that they did not want that person around. They were just accepting him, because of Chris.

Talk about God's perfect timing.... WOW!!!! With his old friends confirming what I'd just told him that very same day.... he has NOT seen this friend again.

Chris, at first, was making up excuses not to see this person when he'd call, then just told him straight out he didn't want to go out whenever he'd call, and now won't even answer this other person's calls anymore... that person hardly ever calls anymore, really.

Thank you, Lord!! Thank you for taking care of YOUR SON!!! Thank you for always watching over him, when I can't!! Thank you for making him the wonderful person he is.

A few weeks ago, Chris started going back to church on his own. I never bug him about it, it has to be his decision. He doesn't go with me on Sundays, (well, I do ask that he go FOR ME on Mother's day and my birthday which he does.) but he goes to his age appropriate church groups on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

I'm just so grateful to have God's blessings in our lives. And I wanted to share with you what amazing things He can do, like handle situations for you that you might not be able to, otherwise.

Hope you all had a great weekend, and that you'll enjoy a great week ahead.

Joann

Happy Father's Day!!!

2009-06-20T23:10:00.001-07:00

Thanks, Sugar for the beautiful graphic!!

I want to wish all the fathers (& stepfathers) out there a very Happy Father's Day!! I also would like to wish any mothers who are also fathers in the lives of their children, a Happy Father's Day, too!!! (I KNOW the struggles we face being BOTH parents to our kids!! And you all deserve this special day, too!!)

I hope you all spend the day doing whatever it is that makes you happy!! I pray that you have a blessed day full of joy!!

My son is spending the weekend with his dad, right where he should be. And I will go with my mom today and visit my dad and leave flowers!

If you don't have your dad with you anymore, visit with him if you can, even if it's just in your bedroom for a private moment.... tell him Happy Father's Day!! You'll feel good for having told him.

Enjoy your day,

Joann

2009-06-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have to let you know about a blog that I really love to go to.... the music this guy posts almost always takes me back. You may know Garnett from another journal, but I'm not sure how many people go to his Jumpin' Johnny G blog.

My son and I used the last day of our Disney passes yesterday, to go to California Adventure. So after this post, you won't have to hear anymore about Disneyland from me for awhile.... (at least until December!!).

They're building something here, in front of the Mickey wheel, so it looks kind of odd.... but whatever it is, I bet it'll be great when it's done!!

Record Catch!! (The weight listed for the record catch on the sign is 7 1/4 tons!! LOL!!)

My lunch was a chicken salad (with apples, walnuts & cranberries) YUMMY!!!!!

Laker Flowers....... = )

Have a great week, everyone!!

Joann

Goofy's Kitchen!!

2009-06-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Does it look like my son is kinda STRANGLING Pluto??? LOL!!!

We went to Downtown Disney for dinner, on Sunday, to celebrate the boy's birthday... (this is the LAST time this year, though!! I think!!)

We ate at Goofy's Kitchen!! They had a great menu and a FANTASTIC dessert bar!! LOL!! I had salad and bbq ribs and roasted chicken and mashed potatoes and steamed veggies and LOTS of dessert stuff... jell-o, fruit, strawberry cheesecake, brownie, lemon squares, apple crisp, some of just about everything!!! Oh, was I ever FULL!!!

Yes, I KNOW we're all grown ups, but sometimes you just gotta be a kid!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!!

Joann

Today is Mary's Birthday!!!!!

2009-06-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Please go over and wish our good friend Mary a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, today!!!

Wishing you much love today, Mary!! Happy Birthday, friend!!

Joann

Lunch with Linda!!

2009-05-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

I had lunch today with a wonderful lady you all know.... Linda from Washington is in town!!

We became good friends last time she was here over an In-N-Out Burger!!

Today, we continued our friendship over tortilla soup and fish/veggie tacos from Islands!! LOL!!

We had a great time catching up and I really enjoyed Linda's company.

Joann

My Swap Package

2009-05-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

I recvd my swap package from my swap partner, Vickie!! It was very nice of her to send me all her favorite snacks, some socks, and a nice blue paisley journal for me to fill!!

Thank you, Vickie, I really do appreciate you!!

Hope everyone is enjoying their week, so far.... it's hump day, so we can look forward to the weekend again!! WOO HOO!!

Joann

Cat food recall

2009-05-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Is this a THIRD post from me in ONE DAY?!?!??! How UNUSUAL is that!?? BUT it's for good reason.... Dad posted something he got from his friend, and now I'm going to post it to get the word out....

"...just in case you haven't gotten the alert yet, NUTRO is recalling more of their cat foods -- all dry -- and whether or not you currently feed cats, you'll want to pass this on/crosspost as it will undoubtedly save precious lives. Please visit http://www.nutroproducts.com/ for listings and information on the recall."

This is also being posted in memory of Vickie's beloved cat, Cloe, who passed away today, (NOT from eating the recalled cat food)! Please call around and offer Vickie support. I'm sure she'll appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks,
Joann

Video Dedication

2009-05-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

This video is dedicated to the families of our service men and women that are serving away from home... (courtesy of YouTube, posted by http://www.youtube.com/user/caitysmarine08)

Styx / REO Speedwagon / 38 Special

2009-05-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

This is a pic of REO Speedwagon, could not get a decent pic of Styx because of the stage lighting, and I didn't even TRY to get 38 Special (not a big fan here). Anyway, the concert was great!! Styx could have played ALOT more of their hits, but they did pretty good, anyway. REO did all their big hits... they were the headliner! (I think it SHOULD have been Styx, but who am I?)

Well, today was the day to ship off our SWAP packages if anyone joined Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap!! It was so much fun collecting stuff for this swap, that I really hated to see it end!!

Well, I hope you have a wonderful long weekend, and I hope you'll remember to celebrate those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. We take it all for granted sometimes, but without their sacrifices, who can even imagine what our lives would be like today!

Joann

Another earthquake in L.A.

2009-05-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

Just to let you all know that we had a 4.7 earthquake at about 8:39 this evening.... everyone seems to be fine. It was felt far and wide, but those closest to the epicenter, which was just south of LAX in a city called Lennox, said they experienced shattered glass, dishes falling out of the cupboards, a couple of tv's falling down, and their animals getting a little riled up, etc. We've had three aftershocks since the major one.... hopefully, we'll have a peaceful night.

My weekend was very good!! Yesterday, I met a girlfriend for a very nice lunch at a sidewalk cafe, we sat at an outside table under a huge shady tree and shared a cobb salad and a turkey sandwich.... it was so nice to be somewhere that we could feel a cool breeze on a hot day!!

And today, after church, we went to lunch, then we (2 girlfriends and I) went to Tom's Farms and just enjoyed walking around, shopping in the wine & cheese store (where I bought 5 bottles of wine) and then the candy store (I bought ALOT of candy, too... LOL!!). I also bought lots of fruit. And before we left, I got a Mango smoothie!!

Didn't get pics today, but check out the link to Tom's Farms, it's a pretty cool place.

Hope everyone has a great week!!

Joann

Introducing Javid & Naoko

2009-05-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

I have to share a beautiful new sound I found while walking through Downtown Disney, Thursday night. This husband & wife team are guitar wizards. I don't even know how to explain their music, it's kind of a mediterranean/cuban music mix... sample the first two albums, those are my faves... http://www.javidandnaoko.com/samples.asp

I wanted to take a picture of them playing for you, but it was pretty crowded.

Anyway, my son and I had a great time at Disneyland, Thursday, celebrating my baby's 19th birthday!! (Today he's celebrating with friends at the beach). We enjoyed riding on all our favorite rides with only 5-15 minute lines!!

This one's for Beth.... who LOVES Space Mountain!! That's us in the second seats!!

And this one's just for fun... this is the beginning of Main Street!!

Hope you're all having a great weekend!!

Joann

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to be sure to wish all the mother's a very Happy Mother's Day... some of you have kids, some of you are a mother to your pets, and some of you are mothers to your husbands!! Anyway, Hope you are able to celebrate with your mother, too!!

We had a beautiful relaxing morning... the streets were actually pretty empty. We took my mom some flowers and a portfolio of son's senior pics.

Then my mother, my son, and I, went to church, where they were offering free family photos, so we got our photo taken, and we'll get the pics in a week or two.

Then we enjoyed a very nice, quiet breakfast at a place where I was SURE we'd have to wait at LEAST half an hour or more to be seated, but surprisingly we were seated right away, and served right away, too!! I had a Shrimp and Asparagus omellete, and it was DEELISH!!!

Now I'm home ready for a nap, before going to my mother in law's, a little later!!

I hope you all had a beautiful day!!

Joann

My Graduate!

2009-05-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

OK, I still may be jumping the gun a bit... we're HOPING that he'll graduate, but he's cutting it CLOSE, I'll tell you!!

And THIS is how he looks every OTHER day.....

Yes, that IS the same guy.... cleans up well, doesn't he?? LOL!!!

Hope you all have a great Cinco de Mayo... if you don't celebrate, have a taco and a cerveza, anyway!!

Joann

8 Special Things

2009-04-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL ENTRY - EIGHT THINGS

Playing the game...Tag You're It. I was tagged by Lynne!!

Here's the rules: mention the person that tagged you. Complete the lists of 8's. on it! Tag 8 of your wonderful blogger friends. who do i want to tag??? mmm....Go tell them you tagged them! here we go!

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. Getting rid of this cold once AGAIN!!!
2. Reaching my goal weight;
3. Getting son graduated from high school
4. Seeing DANNY win Hell's Kitchen;
5. Summer being OVER!!
6. Getting the year end closing DONE
7. Heaven and all that goes with it (I like this Lynne, Can I keep it in mine = )
8. Leasing an RV someday and travelling the USA. (this, too!)

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Took my mom's dogs to get their shots.
2. Went to lunch with my mom.
3. Took a good long nap.... and wanted to sleep the day away.
4. Went to church for a class.
5. Cleaned the kitchen
6. Went to Pollo Loco to get dinner.
7. Thanked God for such a beautiful cool day.
8. Complained all day to noone in particular about how badly I felt from head congestion and cough.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
1. I wish I could fly like an eagle
2. I wish I could swim with a dolphin (I will one day!!)
3. I wish I could play the piano or guitar or a HARP... How cool would THAT be!!
4. I wish I could encourage my son more.
5. I wish I could see my name on a marquis on Broadway.
6. I wish I could defeat this weight challenge
7. I wish I could be a philanthropist of the needy, going around a making wishes come true anonymously. If I ever won a multi-million dollar lottery - I would give back. I like this one too, Lynne.
8. I wish I could be content in all things.

8 Shows I Watch:
1. Hell's Kitchen
2. American Idol
3. Lie to Me
4. Desperate Housewives (sometimes)
5. Seinfeld (reruns but still great)
6. Fringe
7. Medium
8. Bones

I was tagged, if you want to be tagged, grab this and do your own, be sure to leave me a link on the comments.

Joann

Mamarazzi's Swap

2009-04-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Mamarazzi's Favorite Things SWAP 3 is now UNDERWAY!!!!! WOO HOO!!

This is my first time joining the SWAP, and I'm so happy I was able to get in!!!

Check out the website for more details... although it's filled up now, you can keep watch for the next one at Dandelion Wishes!!

Joann

Mom's childhood home

2009-04-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Whenever I'm with my mom visiting Tucson, she likes to drive by her childhood home, the one that her father built with his own hands for his family of 10 along with a general store next door to the house.

This past visit (about two weeks ago) was no exception, only THIS TIME, there were people outside the house... and my mom jumped out of the car before I could stop her. She went over and told the people her history with the house, I was SURE they were going to call the cops on this crazy woman!!

Lo and Behold, it was the SAME people that my grandfather sold the house to in the mid 60's!!!! They STILL LIVED THERE!!!!!! An elderly couple who turned out to be the NICEST people in the world, they didn't remember my mom, specifically, but they remembered her family, and INVITED US ALL IN TO SEE THE HOUSE!!!!!!! (My mom, my son, and me.)

Of course, I didn't know the house when it belonged to my grandparents, I was like TWO last time I was there (my mom said so). But my mom was so happy to be inside the house again, she couldn't stop crying... and I don't know about YOU, but when my MOM cries, I tend to cry too!

There were ALOT of things in the house that were left EXACTLY as when my family owned it.

This is the SAME Planter from way back then!! No kidding!! I saw pics of the front porch with my mom standing there when she was little!!

This is the front porch swing that my grandfather made from old bed springs, and still it's strong enough to hold people who want to relax and reminisce. My mom has a picture of herself behind the bars of that porch window "jailed".

My Grandfather made his signature doorframe around every single window and door in the house, and they're STILL THERE today!!!

This crucifix is still above the front door after all these years!! I saw it in my mom's wedding pics!!

It was an amazing trip down memory lane for my mom, and a pretty cool visit for my son and I, too!!

Joann

My Lemonade Award & Awards

2009-03-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Leslie, for my Lemonade Award!! The icon symbolizes the old saying 'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!' I'm honored, because this award is for blogs that show Great Attitude or Gratitude, and I do try to keep my blog 'happy'!!

The rules for this blog award are simple:

1. Put the logo on your post or blog.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.

3. Link your nominees within your post.

4. Let the nominees know they have received the award by leaving a comment on their blog.

5. Share the love by linking back to the person you received the award from.

So....without further ado....the nominees for the Lemonade Award are..... (and if you DON'T want to play by the rules... you STILL get the Award!!! = )

Mik ~ This guy has so much GRATITUDE in life!!! While some of the things in his life would bring others down, he is truly grateful for the blessings in his life, he keeps a smile on his face and puts a smile on faces that surround him.

Kat ~ This lady is such an inspiration to me because she stays on top of her weight loss goals, keeps us posted about her progress, and is doing very well with it. And I think she displays GREAT ATTITUDE during it all.

'On-Ya'ma ~ Talk about GRATITUDE!! This wonderful lady DEFINES it!!

Jimmy ~ You can't talk about GREAT ATTITUDE and NOT mention Jimmy!! This guy will keep you in stitches with EVERY entry he writes, be prepared... when you leave Jimmy's journal, your sides will ache!!

Ken ~ Ken always displays a GREAT ATTITUDE, even when he has to work nights!! Pop in Sundays for a quick dose of Sunday Silliness.

OK, I owe you FIVE more... but that'll have to be on part II, son will be home soon, I HAVE to make dinner!! LOL!!!

Have a great week (and a great attitude!)
Joann

Eating out less, in more

2009-03-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

AOL posted an article today from Wallet Pop on Restaurant Tricks.

It really made me think about eating out a lot less than I do.

The article mentioned things that restaurants do to save a buck. Things like, making soups 'brothier' with less ingredients; using less salad ingredients; using more inexpensive fillers in burritos, etc.; or reducing to ridiculously smaller quantities or portion sizes.

Even adding on bill surcharges; drink charges (ice tea/soda can be $2.79 ~ $3.10 or more which can really add up for a family of four); condiment charges or watered-down condiments; substituting expensive items with cheaper imitations; and using processed meat instead of real chicken or beef.

They also use fancy names like 'old fashioned' to get you to think you'll be getting a greater value.

Not to mention one restaurant where the owner would rescue customer's unused pickle slices from the trash and re-use them for the next customer, although, I can't imagine that happens too often, but WHO KNOWS??

Times are tough, and just like the consumer, every business is looking for ways to save a dime.

I, myself, have switched to ordering water at restaurants instead of ice tea, lemonade, etc. (And NO, I don't take my own kool-aid or make lemonade out of it, I drink only the water as it's served.. LOL!!) Yeah, it may sound cheap, but it helps, it even helps me to get my daily water in. I still allow my son to order whatever he wants, but since it really doesn't matter to me that I drink water, it's no big deal.

The biggest switch I've made recently (within the last 3 weeks or so) is just eating out LESS. I haven't been going out for breakfast or lunch (which I've done quite a bit in the past), I've been taking my own breakfast & lunch to work.... I know, I should just eat the breakfast at home, but who has that kind of time... LOL!!!

The article also mentioned that STARBUCKS is NOT supposed to charge for extra caramel in that Frapuccino, but they do as often as they can. (Sorry, Marty! Oh, Wait! Marty doesn't read my blog... LOL!!) Anyway, I have yet to verify if that's true or not, but I HAVE noticed often time, the barista will say... "Oh, I won't charge you for that!" but sometimes they just do.

Anyway, if you have anything that you do to save on your restaurant bill, will you share in a comment??

Have a great next meal!!

Joann

Solvang & a 2009 Log Cabin

2009-03-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody...

Hope you are enjoying a beautiful weekend!! Mine has been great so far, I took the day off yesterday and took my mom for a drive up the coast to Solvang!! It's a very cute, very touristy little Danish town. We had a great time, the weather was PERFECT, (60's there in town, 50's on the coast) and we loved the fact that it was a FRIDAY, and there were NO CROWDS!!! Of course, we came home with baked goods, chocolates, and LOTS of wine!!

Also wanted to show you the new 2009 penny.... they've traded Lincoln's Log Cabin for the Lincoln Memorial. (And YES, it still says "In God We Trust" on the front!! = )

My son is grounded this weekend (nothing big, he just forgot to bring home his weekly progress report, this week).... SOOOO his loss is my gain... we're watching movies tonight. Just got back from the Red Box, and got Hancock; Righteous Kill; and Lakeview Terrace... like I'm gonna watch ALL THREE tonight, but hey, at $1/night, I'll just return the ones I watch and keep the others 'til Monday.

Have a great rest of the weekend!!

Joann

Tea & Windchimes!

2009-03-14T21:21:00.000-07:00

Thank GOD for my girlfriends, and for Blogs... my son is hardly ever home anymore, and I MISS HIM... LOL!! Well that's life I guess, huh?!?! I KNEW I should've had MORE KIDS!!! LOL!! He's out with friends tonight, and I'm home, but not alone, I have YOU!! = )

Anyway, last weekend I went to a Tea with some girlfriends, I bought a beautiful windchime I wanted to share with you... but the pic doesn't do the colors justice!

and last night I went to play BUNCO with some other friends.... we had so much FUN!! It was PINK night, could you tell... LOL!! Alot of them were still wearing the pink from work where we all wore pink to let the governator know how the upcoming pink slips will affect the schools.

BUNCO BABES!!!!!!!

Well, hope you all are having a great weekend!!

Joann

A Technical Dinner

2009-03-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

OK, So Chris and I wanted to take Anthony (hidden behind Chris) to Joey's BBQ for his birthday.... another friend of theirs, came along too (across from Anthony)... so much for conversation, huh?!?

Lana (my friend, Anthony's mom) and I were sitting at the other end of the table CRACKING UP at these guys!!! We should have taken away all the iPod's, phones, etc. ALL THREE of them were like this until the food came!!! LOL!!!

YOU??? What about ME??!

2009-03-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

OK, this is me whining.... it's long, drawn out, and really boring... but I'm doing it to make ME feel better... to talk out my anger.

Today, I was talking with a co-worker, and happened to say something like "I can't afford THAT!" I don't even remember what we were talking about, but she said "YOU, what about ME!??"

I make a little more than she does, but she has 2 side businesses, and a husband who makes VERY good money, plus very skilled side jobs that pay WELL. She has renters, AND just won a HUGE LAWSUIT from an accident.

I was really URKED... I totally understand that EVERYONE feels that they don't ever make enough money, everyone lives at different levels, and I also know that I can't complain because I HAVE a job, when alot of people don't... and I DON'T complain, I totally realize my blessings... but I was being realistic, it wasn't just a phrase I was throwing out, I really couldn't afford what we were talking about. She didn't even THINK about what she said.... or WHO she was saying it to!!!

I don't play the 'single-parent' card too often, I really don't... that's just the way the world is now, probably HALF the kids in the country (if not MORE) are from single parent families (and they ARE still families!). But when someone like this woman throws this at me, I want to scream.... DON'T TELL ME that you're worse off than ME in ANY way, shape, or form when it comes to AFFORDABILITY!!!

I'll have to chalk it up to the fact that she just wasn't thinking AT ALL!!! She was talking through her butt!! I DO know that she is an EXTREMELY selfish person... and that IS the right word.

I hope I didn't offend anyone, in this entry.... I just had to get it off my chest!! Thanks for letting me!!!

Gotta go, American Idol is coming on!!! = )

Joann

Queen for the Day!!

2009-03-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize how long it's been since I last blogged. Guess I don't have much to say, huh???! LOL!!

Well, I do want to share a couple of pics with you from my mom's 70th birthday dinner which turned out GREAT!! She had SO MUCH fun!!!!

Hope you all have a great week!!

Last night's dinner

2009-02-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

I had alot of inquiries wondering what I made for dinner last night, that my son stayed home a little longer for... LOL!!

It wasn't the recipe that did it, really.... it was one of the simplest meals I've ever made.... I'm almost embarrassed to say how simple it was, one of those 'throw together' dinners, you know... LOL!!

I had some cubed chicken leftover from something else I'd made the day before, it was already seasoned and cooked, so it was easy to toss into a pot of elbow macaroni soup, which I started by saute'ing onion & garlic with the macaroni in olive oil, and later adding tomato sauce (I actually used V-8 juice instead of tomatoe sauce, because it's what I had, it works the same, and it has even MORE vitamins!) and water. Then I threw in the chicken, brought it all to a boil, then lowered it to simmer.

Very simple, but it was just nice to feel so appreciated, you know.... I think ANYTHING on the stove at that moment would have been perfect. = )

Joann~

Do I know how to keep the boy home or what??

2009-02-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

My son came out of his room, "Mom, I'm leaving, going over to Jenna's!"

I said, "I just finished making dinner! Aren't you going to eat first?"

He said, "No, I'll just eat when I come back."

So I opened the lid, with a bowl in hand, I picked up the ladle to serve...

He said, "OOh, wait, what's that... Mmmm, yeah, I'll eat first!"

It was just a simple meal, no big deal, but it's the aroma and the thought of going outside in the cold with a good hot meal in you first, I think.

3 bowls later, he left full and happy.

I LOVE IT!!!

Joann~

Old Friends are back!!!

2009-02-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

I'm SO EXCITED!!! I just found two new friends (AND a cousin) that I've been looking for, for MANY years!!! I found them on Facebook, but it wasn't easy!! I've been looking for them for a lot of years on Google, Facebook(way before I was on Facebook), old addresses, etc.

Well, I was going about it all wrong.... I finally wisened up and found them through their KIDS!!! You know, EVERY kid in the WORLD is on the World Wide Web SOMEWHERE!!!

Anyway, I sent out the messages to their kids last night, and had answers waiting for me this morning!!!

One is local, my friend, Cynthia, she called me about an hour ago, and we talked about how long it's been and about old times and we're meeting for dinner THIS WEEK!! It'll be so good to see her.

The other one, Maggie, (who is married to my cousin, Shookie) lives in New Jersey... I know it's weird that you'd lose contact with family, huh?! And I'm not sure HOW that happened, but you know, phone numbers change, and people move, and it just happened.

BUT I was able to find their KIDS!!! Hope to talk to them all on the phone soon, too!!! And, Hey, I've got new young friends on Facebook!!! LOL!!!

OK, so now I just have one last one that I've been looking for, again, for years.... guess I'm just not good at keeping in touch, huh?!?!? These were all very good, very close friends at one time. This last one didn't have any kids... so I'm on my own, here!!

Have a blessed week!!!

Joann

An old J-lander needs some luv!!

2009-02-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

I'm wondering if Mik was lost in the move (from J-land to Spottersville). He needs some visitors!! Just click on his name above.

Joann

It's Raining!!!

2009-02-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

Hello,

It's POURING RAIN outside, a HARD rain for us, here in Southern Calif. I love it!!!

I'm on my second day home from work. My sweet friend, Delia, called me this afternoon from work to see if I wanted her to bring me lunch... that was so nice of her, but I was already making my lunch.

Then Roseann e-mailed me to see if I wanted dinner, I love my friends. I'd already had my dinner planned, but they were each so nice to think of me. What a blessing friends are.

So, I'm carrying a tissue box with me everywhere I go, I look like crap, I'm not in my PJ's but scrappy looking anyway, you'd think my son could call and say "Mom, I'm bringing my friend home"??? But NOOOO, he walks in the door with her while I'm totally knocked out on the sofa with my pillow and blanky, with my little table full of scrunched up dirty tissue, a half eaten bowl of chicken soup, empty tea cup, etc. I have no make-up on, swollen eyes, the tv's droning.... UGH!!! A LOVELY picture, you know?!

Oh well, they were only here for awhile, and she's such a nice girl, I didn't really mind. I offered to make them dinner, but they were going out. But Chris will be hungry again when he comes home.... I know, kid's ALWAYS hungry... LOL!!

Tomorrow, I'm going to work, it's boring at home, I hate daytime tv. I was supposed to work a basketball game tomorrow night, but told them that I wouldn't make it so that they could find someone else.... darn, I HATE giving up jobs!! LOL!!

WOW!! It's REALLY COMING DOWN!!!! I love when it rains this hard!! We're SUPPOSED to get some thunder tonight, that'll be a treat!!

Well, I guess I'll cut this short, don't have anything exciting to tell you. Enjoy the rest of your week, hope you're all warm and cozy!!

Joann

My Superbowl Sunday!!

2009-02-02T22:57:00.001-08:00

Did you watch the Superbowl??? Well, (unless you live in Arizona) this is probably what you saw.......

At the end of the 2nd quarter, the cardinals had the ball and the play was about 5 yards (or less) from the touchdown line.... do you remember that.... the score was Pitts 10 - Cards 7.

My numbers were Pitts 0 - Cards 4...... had the Cardinals made that touchdown, they'd have had 14 points.... meaning I would have won $500!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then stupid Steelers #92 took that ball away from them in the LAST 30 SECONDS of the quarter (or so) and ran it 100 YARDS to make a touchdown for the Steelers.

THAT STUPID STEELER ROBBED ME!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, I just haven't gotten over that, yet!!! My throat hurts from yelling at #92.

Just had to vent!!! Thanks for listening!!

Joann

Sorry I haven't been around.....

2009-01-30T07:17:00.001-08:00

Good Morning,

I haven't been here much, because I've been on Facebook trying to figure out HOW and WHY I'm accepting all the gifts and things people sent, what does it all mean?.... I opened one and it asked me if I wanted to use PayPal????!!! Others want me to share my info but I don't know who I'm sharing it with. Can anyone out there help clear this up for me?

AND I've been watching American Idol (THREE days this week!!).

Anyway, I will be reading blogs this weekend, so sorry I haven't been visiting, I do miss you all!!

Our 'interim' CBO is leaving today, we have a new CBO and she's wonderful too!! We're SO blessed with management there, recently!!! So anyway, we're having a breakfast for him this morning, but I'll be careful not to overdue it, I HAVE been walking... just starting again, so gotta ease into it. LOL!!! The weather here has been good for walking, a little warm yesterday, but still do-able.

Well, take care, and I'll look for you this weekend, but if I don't see you, ENJOY SUPERBOWL!!!!!!!! I will!!!

Joann

FACEBOOOOOK!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm on Facebook now.... but don't know anybody's real names... so if I haven't accepted you as a friend yet, I'm sorry.... send me an e-mail or something. I'm just learning Facebook, Beth and Ken have been kind in showing me the ropes, like who my friends are.... LOL!!! I can't find my 'wall' that everyone's writing on, but I'm sure I will soon enough.

You all know by now, I'm sure, how SLOW I am at NEW stuff, but I'll keep at it!

Tonight, My son and I are going to see Phantom of the Opera in Hollywood!!! Can't wait, that's one I have NOT seen yet!! And one that Chris has always wanted to see, so I bought him a ticket for Christmas (and myself one too... LOL!!!) Wish I could have taken a pic of his face when he opened the box containing the tix at Christmas!!

I made a shadow box out of a shirt box, and pasted (internet) pics of the play, with the tix right in the middle, and put a t-shirt on top. So he opened it and thought it was just a t-shirt, but when he took the t-shirt out, he saw the ticket on the bottom of the box!! His eyes and his mouth just got wider and wider as he realized what the ticket was for!!!

Anyway, we'll go have dinner locally, then head out to the Pantages in Hollywood.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, too!!

Joann

My latest find

2009-01-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

My dad was a mail carrier all my life... well, until he retired when I was in my late 20's.

Today, I was browsing through an antique shop near my home, when I saw something that took my breath away for a split second.... I saw the post office uniform patch that my dad wore when I was little. I had to have it. It was an emblem of happiness to me, it made me smile... it almost made me laugh out loud. It reminded me of running out the front door to greet my dad when he came home from work every day... he'd scoop me up and give me kisses and say "How's my girl?".

On February 1, 1965, they started wearing this new patch (when I was 2, so it's the only patch I really remember well), the direction of the horse and rider on the sleeve patch was flipped to face forward (left), and the center background of the patch changed to blue.

This one is pre-1965. I remember it, but only vaguely, because my dad had a few of the old uniforms left over.

This patch is VERY RARE.... I only found ONE on e-Bay and it was $50.... I'll have to pass for now!!

Funny, how silly things like a uniform patch can have such an impact, huh?!?! I NEVER thought about it until I saw it in that antique shop, today!! But when I did, it was almost like seeing my dad again!!

J~

2009-01-15T21:39:00.000-08:00

DB posed a Winter Quiz question

Above is a link to his journal.

He asked

What one person, living or not, would you most like to have dinner with?
What is the first question you would ask them?

I'm assuming he means someone famous, not someone like my dad or grandmother who have passed on but would still be my first choice! = )

I guess the famous ones for me would be either Princess Diana or Gene Kelly!! I don't know WHAT I'd ask them, but they just seemed like such NICE people. They're both gone, but hey I've got just about the same chance to have dinner with them as I would my living choices, like Kenny Chesney or Derek Jeter, right!?!?

But I could think of ALOT of famous people I'd like to talk with over dinner... people that I could have real conversations with and not just google over and stare at during the entire dinner (although, I COULD stare at Kenny and Derek for HOURS without complaint!!!)

I understand (from a friend who knows first hand) that Cher is a very attentive dinner partner, she's real, and very intelligent. I'd probably ask her specifically about her days with Sonny.

Charles Stanley would be an interesting conversationalist, I think. I'd have ALOT to ask him, he seems to be able to answer ANY question based on biblical principles and he always makes sense.

Then there are some people from the history books... like King Solomon, Abe Lincoln, and the guys who were in the battlefield when the famous Christmas Truce took place.

I guess there are alot of others I could think of .... but I have to get up in the morning!!

OH, BTW, I'm sorry that I've fallen behind on blog reading, my computer was down for a couple of days, but I'll be catching up this weekend.

Good Night!

Joann

Meme

2009-01-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

Picked up this one from Linda's blog (Linda in WA) and Atlantic Lines (Guido).

Just boldface the items that you HAVE done, and leave the rest normal… (I had to do mine in italics, it wouldn't bold for some reason.)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

WOW!!! I've done alot!! Most of this was B.C. (Before Christopher).... a lifetime ago. I better start living again!!!

Joann

Conversations AWAY from Technology

2009-01-09T08:54:00.001-08:00

OK, So we're sitting at Starbucks, having a great conversation, away from video games, away from the computer, and the tv.... just my boy and me talking about school projects and classes, people, friends, and FEELINGS, when the PHONE rings (can't leave ALL the technology at home!)

My son's buddy calls him to say, "Hey I'm leaving to Texas for a few weeks, came by to say bye, but you're not home, where are you?"

My son says "I'm at Starbucks with my mom, I can't believe you're just leaving like that..... well, I'll see you when you get back!"

There was more conversation, but he didn't tell his friend to come to Starbucks or say to me "Let's go home."... Nothing. Just told his friend, "See you when you get back."

I STILL RATE!!!!!!

I think we'll do this once a week... it's SO WORTH it!!

Oh, BTW, that earthquake was only a 4.5 magnitude, not the 5.0 I stated in my last entry.

Joann

I've been ROBBED!!

2009-01-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

BY TECHNOLOGY!!! Technology has robbed me of my FAMILY!!!

My son plays video games all evening, as I sit here and blog or bid on e-bay!!

My fault I know, we're both addicted to these things, and there's not much I can do about it, anymore... he's not a kid that I can just make turn the TV off, and say, "Let's get out of here!"... unless I bribe him with a Starbucks!!! Hmmmm!!!

Hey, I just asked him if he wants to go have some coffee, he said YES!!! I told him that we're going to have it THERE, he said "That's cool!"

BUT FIRST.... I just felt an EARTHQUAKE!!! We just had a 5.0 Magnitude earthquake, in San Bernadino county somewhere, I think!!

Later,
Joann

Rose Parade Floats

2009-01-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

We went to view the floats on Friday and I did get some pics as promised, but they aren't the best, it was very crowded and I couldn't get around the people to get close up pics (you'll see all their little heads)!! I don't even remember which floats these are, but I hope you'll enjoy them anyway... I don't know how to do slideshows, so pics will have to suffice. We finally got tired of fighting the crowds and left after seeing only half the floats.

This first one is of "The Miracle Worker". A photo of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan.

This one shows pics of living transplant recipients, but I'm not sure what organization this float belongs to. Remember all the pics are made with seeds, or other natural materials.

This one (City of Anaheim) is for Betty, who asked me to get some pics of the city floats, but I couldn't get many.... it was just so crowded, I couldn't get close enough.

This is also for Betty.... it was a church with pews, organs pipes, and all... wish I'd gotten a better one of this, it was so pretty.

Well, I won't narrate the rest of them... Just enjoy....

And this one's for Lisa.

I need your expertise!!!

2009-01-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

I have a favorite sweater that I splattered grease on, and I can't get it out!!

Usually baby powder works well for me, I pat on the baby powder immediately, it soaks up the grease, and washes right out.... but it didn't work this time.

I've tried dishwashing detergent, and Shout.... nothing's working.

Does anyone have any other suggestions... I dry the sweater flat, so it hasn't been through the dryer.

HELP!! Do you know any special tricks???

Thanks,
Joann

My Birthday Celebration!!

2009-01-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

My birthday celebration dinner on Saturday the 27th, at a Japanese Teppanyaki Grill & Sushi Bar... we had a great time.... (my birthday was actually on the 29th)

I was the only ASIAN in the group....

Then Roseann and I took off for Vegas on the 29th, for a couple of days, (her son lives there, Air Force ~ off base), where I won $37.50 in an exclusive and highly secured, underground poker tournament!! (otherwise known as a cheap slot machine).

We couldn't take any pics there, but we took one on the way home in Baker (home of the 'world's biggest thermometer'... behind us).... I took this pic myself, can you tell?? LOL!!

As for New Year's Eve... a few of us, girls, just had dinner together and watched some movies.... quiet, but nice. Today, my mom made menudo, so of course, I went and had some.... see EVERYTHING revolves around food.

Well, the last few days, I've eaten at least one salad and one serving of veggies every day... I know it really should be more, but I was only eating comfort food, so that is a small step in the right direction.

Tomorrow, I'm taking my mom to go see the Rose Parade Floats... if there are any that you'd like a close up pic of, let me know, and I'll do my very best to get you one... I'll check my comments and e-mail in the morning before I leave (remember I'm most likely way behind you in time zone).

Well, Happy New Year to you all, I hope you enjoyed your holidays and will be returning to work fresh and revived!!! I know I will!!

Joann

I don't usually do this, but....

2008-12-28T18:56:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sitting at Coco's having soup with my friend, Kathy, when a man walks in with his wife and 2 little girls.

Our waitress (Kathy's daughter) says "That's Brock (Christopher Rich) from REBA". Then, we heard him talk in that cute Texas accent.

He and his wife were real nice talking to everyone, SOOOOO of course I went over and asked if he'd take a pic with me when he was done with his dinner.... I really DON'T do this to people, NORMALLY.... ESPECIALLY when they are with their families. But by this time the whole restaurant knew who he was, and he was talking to everyone.

Anyway, when he was done, he came to our table and said "Scoot over, let's take a picture!!" Well, it came out great, but stupid me DIDN'T SAVE IT!!! So he took ANOTHER one with me on the way out!! LOL!!

Joann

Horrible Tragedy

2008-12-27T08:33:00.001-08:00

I guess most of you have heard on the news that a horrible tragedy has happened in my little community. I've received some e-mails regarding the Christmas Tragedy in Covina, California.

Since I'm off work right now for the season, I haven't heard if these kids belong to my school district, but chances are, they do. There are several kids left without parents, the death toll is up to 10 people killed there... all adults (different news stations say 9 people, I'm not really sure yet, they're still searching.)

Anyway, I wanted to ask that you all please keep the surviving family in your prayers, such a horrible thing to happen on Christmas will, I'm sure, ruin Christmas for these kids for the rest of their lives.

Thank you very much, I appreciate all your well wishes for this family.

God Bless,
Joann

Forgiveness

2008-12-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

I like to think that when we get to Heaven, we'll see the opposite sides of all the injustices that have taken place in the world (or at least the ones that affect us in our lives) so that we can forgive completely and live in Heaven with pure and loving hearts.

When I get angry or hurt with someone, and I feel that what they've done is purposeful, I have a hard time forgiving.... SOOOO, I wasn't planning on spending Christmas with my family this year.... but I did, and all went well.

It's the season of forgiveness, right!! A time when you're supposed to put things aside and remember the actual reason for the season. It's hard, I know... but it makes your life so much richer when you can find a way to do that.

I think I talked myself into just letting go of it all, and enjoying Christmas!! I forgave, even when I wasn't asked for forgiveness, or nobody cared if I forgave... I did, because otherwise, it would have ruined Christmas for my son and for me!!

I also forgave the neighbor who was giving me a hard time with the parking situation a few months back.... she got her way so it was easy for her to come bring a Christmas present to us, it was harder for me to accept it, and offer her some tamales I'd made... but I guess it's much easier to live in peace than in anger, huh?!?!

Hey, 'tis the season, right!!

I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas, and will enjoy a blessed New Year!! Be careful and stay safe!!

Joann

Merry Christmas to all

2008-12-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, blessed New Year!!! May you enjoy the love of family during the holiday season!!

Always,
Joann

2008-12-13T17:33:00.000-08:00

I added a new song to my playlist for the season. I know that you've all heard this song, but just in case you've never really listened to the words of the song..... (as recorded by Stevie Wonder, and many others)

"Someday At Christmas"

Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see
A world where men are free.

Someday at Christmas there'll be no war
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth.

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime.

Someday at Christmas we'll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
A world where people care.

Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears,
For one shining moment my heart ran away
From our world today.

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime.

Someday at Christmas man will not fail
Hate will be gone and love will prevail
Someday a new world that we can start
With hope in every heart.

Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime,
Someday at Christmastime.

Too Many Friends???

2008-12-10T20:10:00.000-08:00

Can anyone really have too many friends?? I LOVE having lots of friends, I love spending time with them and sharing meals with them, and during the holidays people want to spend MORE time together and just enjoy each other's company, and of course, EAT MORE!!!!!

I haven't stopped eating in weeks and I see no end in sight. EVERY NIGHT there's another dinner invitation, EVERY DAY there's a brunch or a lunch, every weekend there's a party!! People EVERYWHERE are offering me baked goodies and even tamales, already!!! I SWEAR I could FEEL my butt growing!!!

I'm so scared!!! I think I'm going to POP soon.... and the END of the Holiday Season is STILL THREE WHOLE WEEKS AWAY!!!!!!

Another friend invited me to dinner tonight, I graciously declined with every intention of going to the gym... well, the intentions were there!! But then i got home, and... well, it's COLD outside... (ok, maybe not the kind of cold YOU are dealing with, it's 54 degrees out, but STILL!!)

Well, tomorrow night I'll hit the gym for sure!! = ) Oh wait, tomorrow night I'm meeting a friend for coffee!! One can never have too many friends!!

Joann

My Thanksgiving weekend

2008-12-01T21:13:00.000-08:00

My Thanksgiving was wonderful, spent with family and lots of good food. This is a pic of my mom and me.

I went to the mountains with some girlfriends, four women in a huge cabin for an entire 3 day weekend.... and we had a BLAST (and ALOT of wine!)

We each brought a meal to prepare and share, mine was Saturday morning breakfast. I made scrambled eggs with onion, garlic, red/green bell peppers; bacon; a potato and cheese casserole; diced cantaloupe/honeydew melon; yogurt; cinnamon rolls; OJ, and coffee (with bailey's... LOL!!!) Can you imagine... all that food for just four women... not big women either (well, maybe ONE {she says blushing}). We did have just a bit of leftovers, but not much!

We went on a hike... I actually CLIMBED a pretty good size dirt hill !!!!! We met a beautiful (and VERY FRIENDLY) black cat named Tuna Breath!!

We watched movies and played games like Scrabble and Uno... and mainly just laughed ALOT (and even cried, just a little) all weekend long!!

This was us enjoying the cool mountain air on one of the many deck around the cabin! The girl with the BIG smile on bottom is Roseann, it was her 50th that we were celebrating, her birthday was on Thanksgiving day!!

ADVERTISERS are COMMENTING!!!!!!

2008-11-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

WHAT THE HECK....!?!??! ADVERTISERS are posting COMMENTS on my blog!!!!! I can't believe this!!! I don't want to have to read every comment before it's published or have my readers enter in funny letters that make funny words just to leave a comment!!! Grrrr!!!! This is RIDICULOUS!!! I'm not going to delete it, so that you all can see it... it's the last comment on my last post! A comment from 'online casinos'..... Online Casinos, if you are reading this, I want you to know that you are the reason we hate advertisers!!!! You get into everything!!! This is my personal blog for my friends, I will not go private just because of you!! I will, however, in the future, delete all the comments you leave here.... and absolutely BOYCOTT 'ONLINE CASINOS'!!!

Joann

2008-11-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

I'd like to request all you wonderful 'spotters' to visit Estela, she'd really like to have some visitors at her blog!!

I went out to celebrate a very close friend of mine's (Roseann) 50th birthday today. Her birthday is actually on Thanksgiving Day, but we celebrated her today!! 14 of her closest friends and family, all women, went to a nice and fun mexican restaurant called La Huasteca. There were mariachi's there, and we all loved our food (which was a good thing, since I picked the restaurant... LOL!!) It was a great time for everyone, and Roseann's mother (whom I've know pretty well for quite awhile) came to me afterward and thanked me for organizing it all for her daughter and for being such a good friend to her... she made me cry!! LOL!! It was 'a moment'... LOL!!

I've decided that I'm going to celebrate my mom's 70th birthday at this same restaurant next year. My mom will LOVE the mariachi's!!! LOL!!

Don't forget to visit Estela... thanks!!

Joann

2008-11-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize that I'd won ONE MORE... Congrats to Linda who won this award, and passed it on to me. Thank you so much Linda, you're a sweetie!! Hope you are doing well!!

Take Care, Have a great weekend everyone!!

Joann

2008-11-21T22:49:00.000-08:00

I am honored to have received the Marie Antoinette award from TWO different bloggers!!! Julie and Missy

I would in turn like to honor 7 other bloggers that I think are wonderful!!

My Thotful Spot

The Fox Diarys

Lurkynat

I'm on a Mission

Grains of Sand

From my front porch

Starting Over previously I'm a Survivor

I was trying to find blogs that I didn't think received the award yet, but if you already did, then you must've deserved it again... = )

Now, pass it on.

Joann

2008-11-18T20:59:00.001-08:00

Posting a new entry, mainly, to see if the comments problem still exists!! So I MAY delete this to try something else.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that we are safe and sound, the fire near us, I BELIEVE is under control now.

Hope you are all doing well, and enjoying your cool weather, can you send some over to me please.... we're still in the 90's here.

thanks,
Joann

2008-11-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

The Yorba Linda fire is now into Diamond Bar.

Diamond Bar, California is less than 10 minutes away from me... you can read here about the fires at the link provided. I believe there are pics too.

We are safe, here, but the smell of fire is strong and the air quality is so bad that most of the city was pretty quiet today, because most people are staying indoors. I did see some people walking around with those little paper masks over their nose and mouth. The air is gray and thick.

The firefighters are doing all they can to keep the fires away from homes, and when they lose some, it's personal for them... they are really working hard, and they are exhausted!!

My eyes and lungs are burning just a bit way over here, but I feel it... I can only imagine how they feel!!

Please say a prayer for them, they are working so hard for us!!

Google is getting just as bad as AOL.... AGAIN you can't leave comments, so sorry. Nothing I do in customizing the comment box is working... Grrrr!!!! Well, no worries, just say prayers for the firefighters, that's all I'm asking right now.

Thanks,
Joann

California Fires... again!!

2008-11-15T21:41:00.000-08:00

OK, THIS time the fires are a little closer to me... I mean, we're not in any danger, but we sure can smell it, it's smokey outside, the layer of smoke is really visible, and I'll probably have ashes on my car in the morning if the direction of the wind changes. Earlier in the day, when the fire started, we were close enough to see 'orange' smoke over the ridge.... the fires in Yorba Linda and in Brea are the ones closest to me, and I watched them spread very quickly this morning!!

I'll have to pick up an inhaler for Chris tomorrow (he has asthma), just in case the smoke affects him. Of course, we waited until the last minute to replace emergency ones, because he hasn't needed them in SO long... but he has a nebulizer machine if need be, and a hospital right up the street... LOL!!

My prayers are with those who've lost homes and businesses there, there were quite a few this time.

There were at least 5 fires raging this afternoon, possibly more.... keep the victims in your prayers, please!!

Thanks, have a great Sunday!!
Joann

Short work week ahead

2008-11-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

Well, my long weekend is over, but I won't be glum, I only have a 3-day work week ahead, so I'm happy.

I did NOT get the things done that I'd hoped this weekend, but it's ok, it'll all get done eventually.

I got a little online Christmas shopping done, and I'm hoping to be ALL done with that before Thanksgiving weekend, so I can go away and relax, guilt-free!! LOL!! I'm heading to a local mountain cabin with some girlfriends for that weekend... Chris will be on his own!! He never minds staying home alone, though!! What 18 year old boy would, right??!?! LOL!!

Yesterday, on the way to my mom's house, I saw an elderly man walking across a busy intersection. He was having trouble getting through the long crosswalks in a hurry for traffic, so I pulled over and met him once he got to the corner, and asked him if he wanted a ride... he was carrying about 4 grocery bags, and I figured he wasn't near any houses, so he probably still had a ways to walk (he was actually just walking to the bus stop).

He accepted the ride, he said that he would have had to take two buses to get home if I hadn't come along, and he thought it would be a great surprise for his wife that he'd be home so early, and get to see her before she left for work. What a sweet man!! We talked on the way to his house, which really wasn't too far in a car, and he told me that he was 81, and that his wife was a few years older than him, but she still worked!!!

When we got to his house, he wanted me to come in and meet his wife. What an amazing woman!! She was smartly dressed for work, honestly, the lady looked beautiful. She was a bit frail, but she dressed herself in a beautiful gray tweed pair of pants, a soft white blouse, and even a gray silk scarf to match!!! She had on earrings, just a little make-up, and her hair was done up... MAN, I want to look like HER when I'm her age!!!

Apparently, their sons live far enough away to not be able to help them get groceries and such... so we exchanged phone numbers and I told them that I'd be in touch again. It's such a good feeling to be able to help someone... I'm glad that I was lead to them.

Have a wonderful week, everyone!!

Joann

Comment Responses & 6 things about me

2008-11-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying the most BEAUTIFUL BLUSTERY day we've had in a LONG time!!!

I want to first say that I don't know how to respond to the comments left here, except to e-mail you... and that could take forever!! So here's my responses to the comments on my last post:

Sugar: Thanks for letting me know I'm NOT the only one totally lost here... there ARE others. And I LOVE the song we BOTH have on our playlist.

Estela & Traci: Was thinking of you both when I put my playlist at the top of the page... = )

Lynne: I AM blessed, thank you. And I think your blogs are beautiful!!

Friedmsw: Thanks so much for the compliment.. you're wonderful!!

Gem: Thanks for stopping by and for your wonderful words of encouragement!

Missy: Thanks for tagging me, I FINALLY thought of 6 things... that posts is below!

JosephAnn: Thank you!

Jimmie: Thanks, Jimmie... I love the songs on your playlist too, especially, have always loved Europa!!

Linda: Welcome Home!! Thanks for the beautiful Card!!

Lisita: I finally had my son put my playlist on for me, he did it so fast, I didn't see how he did it.... but if he can help you, let me know.

*************************************************

Now for the 6 things about me (tagged by Missy)

1) I hate shopping (at the mall), football, and hip hop!!

2) I love yard sales, windy days, and football pools!! LOL!!!

3) I hate to paint, I have to paint a couple of rooms in my mom's house and I'd really rather just hire someone to do it, but don't have time, because the cabinet installers with be here this week.

4) I gave up COFFEE, one of my favorite drinks in the whole world, because Jesus told me to!!

5) I almost NEVER follow a recipe... it's VERY RARE that I do. I'll usually glance at the ingredients and decide for myself what I'll actually put into it. And I'll almost never go to the store for something I don't have for it, I'll make do with whatever I have, often substituting ingredients... LOL!! It usually works out just fine!!

6) (thinking... thinking... still thinking) I am on a FOUR day weekend... I'm off tomorrow and Tuesday!! LOL!!! HOWEVER, I'll most likely be PAINTING... UGH!!

Love you all,
Joann

2008-11-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

OK, Thanks to Beth and my son for helping get my playlist onto my blog!! I'm sure I'll be changing the songs from time to time. I put the playlist at the top, so that you can easily stop the music if you don't want to hear it, I know not EVERYONE wants to hear MY music... = )

I still think my blog needs work, it's too plain, but I can't figure out how to get ANYTHING across the top of the blog.... you guys are getting bored with me, huh?!?! LOL!!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead, with beautiful weather, and lots of leftovers from Halloween... LOL!!!

Joann

I need help again....

2008-11-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

Can anyone tell me how to put a playlist on my blog?!?! I got my playlist together, but can't get the correct code to put it on my blog. I love checking out everyone's playlist and decided I'd like to have one too... I hope I can do it!! I really don't know WHAT I'd do without you all!!

And thanks to Ma, and all the others who offered a link to Dad's Tomatoe Garden Journal.

Thanks,
Joann

2008-11-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have Dad's journal link?? Dad's Tomatoe Garden???

Can you please e-mail me or leave it in a comment??

Thanks,
Joann

My Halloween

2008-11-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

I'm just so excited about learning new things here, that I wanted to post another entry... LOL!!! I have the journals that I'm following listed, if yours isn't there, please let me know.

I really didn't do anything for Halloween, I dressed in the 80's for work. But at night, I worked the football game, which was homecoming so not too many showed up because it was Halloween!!! DUH!! Oh well!!

My son went to a party with friends, and is going to another one tonight. He was/is a vampire, (Lost Boys type of vampire). He bought these really cool fangs that mold onto your teeth so they look real.

Today the weather is BEAUTIFUL!! It's gray and raining... WOO HOO!!! NOW I KNOW summer is over... LOL!!!

I have new neighbors, not the most considerate people in the world, hopefully things will get better. There are parking problems, noise problems (at 3:00 a.m.), UGH!!

Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday evening, and a great Sunday!!

Joann