Wednesday, August 30, 2006

We could have sold tickets....

Assignment = Homecoming dress must be purchase tonight due to hectic work schedules.
What - Two hours in the Dillards Junior Department.
Who - The event consisted of my daughter, her friend and Ms Lori (my dear friend that has twohigh school aged girls).
Mission Complete = We have successful purchased a Homecoming dress and shoes to boot. We found an awesome Jessica McClintock dress and cute shoes for $55.00. Great job ladies! (the picture is an exact match - she is going to look beautiful)

Seriously, those girls tried on at least 50 dresses and some of them more than once. The Dillard clearance racks were packed with great deals and the shoe clearance was fabulous. All she needs now is a manicure, pedicure and hair appt. When I was in high school noone got pedicures, Shoot I was 35 years old before I pampered myself with a pedicure!



I watched this last night with my daughter’s small group. It was me an and six girls 15-16 years old.


Luggage - NOOMA 007

Maybe a friend turned their back on you.

Maybe someone you loved betrayed you.

We all have wounds and we end up carrying around these things that people have done to us for weeks, months, and sometimes even years.

It isn't always easy to forgive these people and after a while these hurts can get really heavy.

So the only way to feel better seems to be somehow getting back the people that hurt us, to get revenge.

But does revenge ever truly satisfy?

Maybe forgiving isn't something you do for someone else to let them off the hook.

Maybe forgiveness is about you.

God didn't create you to carry these wounds around.

God created you to be free.


It really spoke to me. The video clip is only 11 minutes long, but just long enought to get a verly clear message across. Rob Bell is amazing. He has an entire collection. NOOMA COLLECTION

grab the nearest book

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your Blog (Please include the book and author) along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
6. Tag five people.



Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
Page 123 was empty- I went to page 124
But before all the big language and grand claims, the story of Jesus was about a Jewish man, living in a Jewish region among Jewish people, calling people back to the way of the Jewish God.
When I first began to realize that Jesus was Jewish, I thought; No way; he was a Christian.
But as I have learned more about Jesus, the Jewish rabbi, I have come to better understand what it means to follow him

Saturday, August 26, 2006

The last two Netflix

Word wars-
The film makers follows several men for a year as they prepare for the World Scrabble Championships.
This was a interesting look at people that devote their lives to Scrabble – some having no other motivation in life… interesting… but get a life.
I did discover that there is a family version of the scrabble dictionary of the game- the professional edition includes the word “blowjob” which is a pretty good play on the board.

MOVIE details


Grizzly Man
Hmmm.. Now I know what happens to a recovering alcoholic who thinks he is bear. His friendship with the bears results in both him and his girlfriend being eaten.
Plentyof great close-up pictures J
Movie details


Random Observations

We moved into our home in Feb 2001.
Over the last month all of the light bulbs in the ceiling fan in our bedroom have burned out.
So, the average life span of a light bulb is about 5 years.
The hall light is burned out as well as one of the bulbs of the dining room table.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

1976 - Looking back at six is much easier than other years. I was in elementary school enjoying life. We lived in a rural area, where we had to ask permission to pack a snack and walk out to a tree in the middle of the corn field. (it seemed so far away) I was learning to read and I loved going to school. My mom plopped my brother and I down in front of the television on July 4, 1976 and made us watch the parades for the 200th birthday celebration of our country. I fretted and fussed, that I remember. But, she was right I will not see the 300th birthday and since 9-11 our country and our lives have never been the same. I had no idea that eighteen months later I would lose my father to brain cancer. I wish I would have asked more questions or my memory would provide me with clearer memories, but it does not. I remember getting off the school bus, running down my driveway. I was excited, because we had company. There were several cars lined up in the drive. The idea of visit was exciting. Only, later when they guided me in the kitchen and told me what happened, did I realize that this day would change us for life. My brother and I camped out at Allore Funeral Home for several days. Strangely, I do remember them playing the old hymn “The Old Rugged Cross”. Much later in life, I would realize what really happened on the cross, for me and the entire world. For years we became “regular attendees” at that funeral home.

1986- Sixteen. I turned sixteen the summer before my junior year. All of my closest friends had just graduated from high school. Most were moving off to college and starting jobs. I was involved with journalism and continued to have expectations for things I wanted to experience and become. That weekend my mom purchased me a Ford Escort. I had wheels, and a job that provided money. I drove that car as fast as I could until the day I went in the Army. I was busy going to concerts and driving to Easter Michigan University. There were people in the dorms that thought I actually went there; little did they know I was only16, still in high school. I was determined to see the world, and not get married. Two years later I would find myself not in dorms, but barracks, I was not refining my college schedules, but refining my marksmanship position. I met my husband and married in 1990.

Twenty-Six – 1996. I had a daughter getting ready to start kindergarten. I had been married for six years. I was busy beginning my career. We were living in the same neighborhood where I grew up much of my life in. We lived three streets from my mom. It was this year that things began to transition once again. I received a call at work stating that they had found a few spots on my mother’s lung and I had better come home. I remember feeling the panic, almost like I feel now when I type the words. I had no idea that two years later in 1998 I would lose my mother to lung cancer. I wish I would have asked more questions… grabbed more details, loved a little deeper.

Thirty Six. – 2006 My daughter is now a sophomore. My career has been solidified. I work hard and they pay me. This year will mark our 17th anniversary. There are so many things just waiting for me to grab a hold of. I want to kayak for days, walk endless trails. I want to travel to Greece, build relationships with others that are hungry for love and life. I want to have good skin, a trim waist, and a genuine warm inviting smile. I want my refrigerator to stay clean and stocked with fresh produce. just live.


I am thankful for all that I have today - my family, my friends, a good job, and my health. Too many blessings to count really.

Last Night I was taken back standing in the middle of Old Navy. The music when we walked in was a techno/hip-hop song; I ignored it and headed for the direction by daughter made a bee line for. Then a pause and the music segued to Echo & the Bunnyman. Yes, ECHO AND THE BUNNYMAN. I loved them. But why on earth were they playing "bring on the dancing horses" in a mainstream store like Old Navy. Then I looked at the bubble skirts, leggings and leg warmers and began to feel sad. My things that belonged to my teen years are now being recycled to my daughter 20 years later.

the lyrics

Jimmy Brown made of stone

Charlie Clown no way home

bringing the dancing horses

headless and all alone

shiver and say the words

of every lie you've heard

first I'm gonna make it then I'm gonna break it

till it falls apart

hating all the faking

and shaking while I'm breaking

you're brittle heart

Billy stands all alone

sinking sand

skin and bone

bring on the dancing horses wherever they may roam

bring on the new messiah

wherever he may roam


That is my advice for all... young and old. Always take along a book. My friend Beth sent me the gally copy of Frangipan in May. I started itan lost interest. I left it sit on my nightstand for month. Last weekend I picked it back up and I am enjoying it.

The publisher description:
n international literary sensation. First published in Australia, FRANGIPANI has already been licensed in Canada, Holland, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the US. The debut of an entrancing new storyteller, Vaite seasons her tale with charming bits of Tahitian tradition and folk wisdom.
A heroine you'll wish was your best friend. Her name is Materena Mahi, and she's the best listener in Tahiti.
In Tahiti it's a well-known fact that women are wisest and mothers know best. But it's Materena Mahi who really knows best of all. Everyone—everyone except Materena's daughter, that is—seems to think so.
Materena starts her new job as a professional cleaner at the same time she becomes the mother of her beautiful baby girl. Leilani is a challenge almost from the start, posing questions ("Why doesn't it snow in Tahiti?") that seem to Materena not worth wondering about. Soon enough, mother and daughter are engaged in a tug-of-war that tests the bonds of their mutual love. Materena is determined her girl will grow to be a smart, considerate, take-no-nonsense young woman. But when Leilani meets Hotu, a handsome boy and a heartbreaker for sure, Materena must figure out what's best for her daughter—and for herself.

The excerpt
chapter_excerpt

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Am I really a hard person to buy for…

On Sunday were visiting my in-laws and they were asking me what I would like this week for my birthday. I have pretty firm feeling on this topic, if you do not know what to get me without asking, than it is best not to get me anything at all. She told me I was the hardest person to buy for. I was stunned. My daughter even laughed and said “wool” grandma, anything wool will do. (Yes, wool socks, wool sweaters and wool blankets are all top notch gifts in my book) Seriously, my life is pretty much an open book. Anything to do with books is always a good choice. I have dozens of candles throughout the house and I burn them daily. I love fresh fruit; nothing puts a smile on face faster than fresh berries. I garden and have dozens of herb plants. I wear the same style of clothes regardless of the latest fashion trends. I love food, food is always good. Any polish pottery item is always fun and Longaberger is a solid choice as well. I love classic pooh, quality books and journals, fresh cut flowers and sparkling water.
She asked me if I wanted knick-knacks. Ok. No, I do not want knick-knacks, our basement is filled with them and our inn tables house a robust collection as well.
I am trying to limit these items for when we travel. Little momento's from places we have visited.
I just smiled and my daughter said anything from the Korean store is fine grandma. I have been thinking about this all week. Have I put off these negative vibes that I cannot be pleased with presents? I want small inexpensive meaningful acts of kindness, not last minutes indulgences. Seriously, I do not need anything. Just simple conversations and meaningful laughter is enough.

I invited friends to go to dinner on Saturday night. We rarely go out to eat with them and it is normally just the two guys hanging out. I was looking forward to just catching up and enjoying fun conversation. She said she would call us back this week and let us know. Last night, the husband said that I should not ask other people to go to this moderately-expensive restaurant with us, that it was rude. He asked if I intended on buying for everyone. She knew exactly which restaurant I was talking about and it sounded like they had gone there before. I think I have the right to decide which restaurant I want to go to dinner for my birthday. I did not invite scores of people that would feel uncomfortable with the menu prices. I think I will officially name this “guilt” week – but for the record I am not interested.

Monday, August 21, 2006

I found this link truewifeconfessions from on mothergoosemouse
I spent over an hour reading the blog.
It can be pretty intense and several times I just sat there shaking my head thinking dang.

It is Monday morning and life resumes moderately back to normal. Daughter has school and homework. I have work, house and garden.
The husband will be spending Tuesday –Thursday with the beloved guard. Which I will hear daily how messed up it is and what a dysfunctional organization it is, I already know this, I try not to let it shock me any more.
Over the weekend I worked on the garden and cleaned out most of the cucumber and squash, I have an arm load for work today. I also, picked the first pumpkin. It is early, but it was taking up all this room in the garden. It is a beautiful orange color. My sunflowers are up and greet everyone with an eye shot with beautiful bright flowers.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

I was reading this...
He shared this name definition site. It tells you about yourself based on your name. name...
My Results are freakishly close to accurate

There are 20 letters in your name.
Those 20 letters total to 85
There are 8 vowels and 12 consonants in your name.
Your number is: 4
The characteristics of #4 are: A foundation, order, service, struggle against limits, steady growth.
The expression or destiny for #4:
Order, service, and management are the cornerstones of the number 4 Expression. Your destiny is to express wonderful organization skills with your ever practical, down-to-earth approach. You are the kind of person who is always willing to work those long, hard hours to push a project through to completion. A patience with detail allows you to become expert in fields such as building, engineering, and all forms of craftsmanship. Your abilities to write and teach may lean toward the more technical and detailed. In the arts, music will likely be your choice. Artistic talents may also appear in such fields as horiculture and floral arrangement, as well. Many skilled physicians and especially surgeons have the 4 Expression.
The positive attitudes of the 4 Expression yield responsibility; you are one who no doubt, fulfills obligations, and is highly systematic and orderly. You are serious and sincere, honest and faithful. It is your role to help and you are required to do a good job at everything you undertake.
If there is too much 4 energies present in your makeup, you may express some of the negative attitudes of the number 4. The obligations that you face may tend to create frustration and feelings of limitation or restriction. You may sometimes find yourself nursing negative attitudes in this regard and these can keep you in a rather low mood. Avoid becoming too rigid, stubborn, dogmatic, and fixed in your opinions. You may have a tendency to develop and hold very strong likes and dislikes, and some of these may border on the classification of prejudice. The negative side of 4 often produces dominant and bossy individuals who use disciplinarian to an excess. These tendencies must be avoided. Finally, like nearly all with 4 Expression, you must keep your eye on the big picture and not get overly wrapped up in detail and routine.

Your Soul Urge number is: 3
A Soul Urge number of 3 means:
With the Soul Urge number 3 your desire in life is personal expression, and generally enjoying life to its fullest. You want to participate in an active social life and enjoy a large circle of friends. You want to be in the limelight, expressing your artistic or intellectual talents. Word skills may be your thing; speaking, writing, acting, singing. In a positive sense, the 3 energy is friendly, outgoing and always very social.
You have a decidedly upbeat attitude that is rarely discouraged; a good mental and emotional balance.
The 3 Soul Urge gives intuitive insight, thus, very high creative and inspirational tendencies. The truly outstanding trait shown by the 3 Soul Urge is that of self-expression, regardless of the field of endeavor.
On the negative side, you may at times become too easygoing and too optimistic, tending to scatter forces and accomplish very little. Often, the excessive 3 energy produces non-stop talkers. Everyone has faults, but the 3 soul urge doesn't appreciate having these pointed out.
Your Inner Dream number is: 1
An Inner Dream number of 1 means:
You dream of being a leader and one who is in charge. You want to be known for your courage, daring, and original ideas. You seek unconquered heights. People may get a first impression that you are very aggressive and sure of yourself.

one thing I do enjoy about longer flights is the interrupted amount of time I have to either read, sleep or just rest


Yesterday I chose reading.
I picked up Sue Miller’s Lost in the Forest.
This is the kind of book you pick and just read. The characters were striking and the story familiar.
Recommended…
The publisher has an excerpt online

Friday, August 18, 2006

Yesterday was amazing.
I have never been to Arlington National Cemetery.
The changing of the Guard was intense, but the weight on my chest while looking at the faces of the fallen exhibit was completely overwhelming.
I found our neighbor CPT Josh Byers, a Colorado Guardsman SFC Daniel Romero, PFC Dennis Miller that was from close to my home town and CW2 Michael Blaise.
I cannot forget.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

I have not been to DC in years.
Since AIT in1988 at FtLee, VA.
This is a wonderful place to visit. I was taken back a bit by the Korean War memorial. Wow. More details to follow. Just being here gives one a lot to think about.

Monday, August 14, 2006

Our Children are growing up.
Chelsea and Mitchell started pre-school together 11 years ago. They played in the backyard and rode bikes when we were neighbors. They celebrated kindergarten together, rode the bus together, fought, bickered, played, and sang together at our church, Redeemer. They used to be our neighbors. I miss them. They were near us when my mom passed away and surrounded us with love and support. They moved and about 6 months later, we moved out of state. We try to keep in touch with notes and letters. Occasionally, we trade a package or fun pictures. Chelsea spent a few days with them a few years ago; they stopped at our house one evening for a bbq while driving through our state.
I miss them – I know if we were neighbors, today we would be sharing everything, the good, the bad and the ugly.
We live thousands of miles away, but they both went on mission’s trips this summer and both are changing and figuring out who they are.
Reading this made me feel proud and a little sad
Mission Trip Feedback
Mitch wrote....
First of all, I would like to thank you for your prayers. This mission trip has had the greatest affect on me out of all the other ones. I rededicated my life to Christ and completely gave my life to him. I also realized that of all the talents I have, I was not using them to glorify God, so I prayed for God to give me extra help to help me use my talents to glorify him instead of using them as self pride. Mitch Mc…

They both turn 16 next year, only 1 month apart. I will keep praying for them. ;)
I learned a new word.

Kleptocracy

Known Kleptocrats
Saddam Hussein, former President of Iraq
Hussein looted Iraq of billions of dollars by skimming workers’ profits, taking kickbacks, smuggling, and stealing state funds. He used these ill-gotten gains to maintain despotic power, develop and purchase weapons, and enrich his family, cronies, and himself.
Arnoldo Aleman, former President of Nicaragua
Aleman and other officials embezzled millions from the Government of Nicaragua by diverting government funds offshore for personal enrichment.
Sani Abacha, former President of Nigeria
Abacha amassed about $2 billion in illicit proceeds by taking bribes and kickbacks from foreign contractors, awarding contracts to bogus companies, and stealing money from the Nigerian Central Bank.
Alberto Fujimori, former President of Peru
Fujimori fled to Japan and resigned his presidency amid accusations of fraud, corruption, and money laundering leveled against him and several of his close associates. U.S. law enforcement agencies discovered more than $20 million in assets hidden in the United States which were returned to the Government of Peru.


This is part is amazing…
How much impact do kleptocrats have? Just a few examples; the World Bank estimates that $1 trillion a year is paid every year in bribes. Over 400 billion, according to the UN, has been looted from Africa and stashed away in foreign countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, we have eight -- about 800 million people, many living on a dollar a day. $400 billion is a lot of money that belongs with the citizens of those nations. Transparency International estimates that former Indonesian President Suharto, for example, embezzled between 15 and 35 billion dollars from his people during his tenure. Ferdinand Marcos and many others, but he was estimated to have embezzled $5 billion from his people. Where is that money coming from? It's coming from the citizens of those countries.
IF someone gives you the great idea to make cucumber bread, unless you are a really great baker... you can skip it. They ended up looking like bricks and weighed as much. My dogs sorta of like it, but I think they were more keen on the attention. I can cross off another weekend. I had towork with the Guard on Saturday and yesterday was a combination of church, shopping, cleaning and relaxing.

The C- word is raising it's ugly head again.

I took our dinner leftovers to the older couple next door. Mr S. started hospice about 10 days ago. The treatement for his cancer has came to an end. So, they are working on pain maintenance and taking one day at a time. When I got to church they made an announcement that a gentleman from our church had died Saturday from brain cancer. I hate it, hate it, hate it damn it.

I read this blog over the weekend, and just like what she had to say.


Mmmm. My CSM brought me back some Slovenian coffee, I made a pot this morning. It is very good.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

These are not my words

But.... I have had similiar thoughts.
You must run over to Mistakes Were Made (scroll down a bit)
and read "Ten Simple Rules for Dating My Daughter". I laughed so hard, I was crying at the end.

Friday, August 11, 2006


If you have not done so already, you have to check out the Horizon on Hope, Brest Cancer Awareness baskets and mugs. I believe the sale will end at the end of August.
Info

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

17 Cucumbers

I have picked 17 cucumbers in the last 5 days.
We simply cannot eat that many.
I have been handing them out left and right. hmmm....
I wish I could pay my electrical bill in cucumber slices.

I did find a recipe that notes you can freeze cucumbers


CUCUMBERS TO EAT AT ONCE OR FREEZE

7 c. sliced cucumbers
1 c. sliced onion
1 c. diced green pepper
2 c. sugar
1 c. white vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. celery seed
Combine cucumbers, onion, and green pepper. Mix remaining ingredients until sugar is dissolved. Pour over cucumbers, cover, and refrigerate or freeze.

Has anyone ever ate a frozen cucumber? It just seemed unnatural to freeze cucumbers.

Mr. McCormack

I am trying to listen to the State Department’s Daily briefings.
Daily Press BriefingSean McCormack, SpokesmanWashington, DC


This dialogue today was price less

MR. MCCORMACK: Okay, Goyal. Yes.
QUESTION: Sean, last week I asked question about terrorists in Bangladesh and the very same day Assistant Secretary of State of South Asian Affairs Mr. Richard Boucher was in Bangladesh and also then he was in India. He's a fine, great diplomat and he also understood and there was a need for (inaudible) who is behind the terrorist bombings in India and very, very strong public opinion in India that Pakistan is behind many bombings in India. And my question is that Mr. Boucher, Ambassador Boucher, was not very clear that if U.S. has demanded Pakistan to hand over bomber but he was clear that he's a terrorist and should be labeled as a terrorist organization also. What I'm asking you really if Indian Government and in talking with the Secretary of State or any demand there for the release -- I mean, of his handing over to India. And also they are saying that there is a need now for --
MR. MCCORMACK: Do we have a question in here?
QUESTION: -- on Pakistan.
MR. MCCORMACK: I don't have anything to add to what Richard said.
QUESTION: But my question is --
MR. MCCORMACK: You had your question, okay.

That is the way I feel like ending my discussions some days… Thanks for make me smile Sean…

Monday, August 07, 2006

Another drill weekend… But this one was eerily quiet.
Diagnostic PT test, 2 retirement ceremonies and paperwork. I hope this is not the calm before the storm. I have to do an extra day next Saturday and then I will be going to Guard Bureau for 3 days the following week. I have never been there, so it should be an adventure. I am going with my dear friend Jenn and 2 Colonels & a Captain. I am sure I will have at least one entertaining tidbit to blog about.

This blog about fresh figs is a must read FreshFigs
The colors in this blog made me smile fun reading


My hair… I am in the process of growing my hair for Locks of Love. This will be my second donation, and I plan on getting it cut in November. I should have the required 10 inch surplus at that point. My hair is thick and gets heavier by the weeks. By beret barely fits now, and I get the red “beret head” mark if I have it on too long. Tonight I was carrying my niece; she was giving me hugs throwing her arms on around my neck so that she could nuzzle in hair. Her little hands and her simple playfulness touched my heart. It was just so sweet, and exactly what I needed.


School starts on Thursday; the daughter has three days of summer vacation left.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

my new favorite picture

Friday, August 04, 2006

I wanted to pass along this great website.
The customer service is fantastic, I placed an order on Wednesday and received it on Thursday. Yep - one day. Ground Shipping. My husband neededa few new work shirts, shoes for the daughter and a few items for me.
I bought all of these things for 93.00 (this include 5 items for Christmas):

1 30727-27-XL MOOSE CREEK CHAMOIS WESTERN SHIRT - LONG SLEEVE (For Men) BLK XL
1 30707-12-XL WOOLRICH SPORTSMAN CHAMOIS SHIRT (For Men) LTBRN XL
1 69886-27-7.5 SIMPLE JULIA SHOE (For Women) BLACK 7.5
1 35662-10-M COTTON TIPPED V-NECK T-SHIRT - 3/4 SLEEVE (For Women) LBLU/DBLU M
1 38762-73-M-P COTTON SPREAD COLLAR 1 POCKET SHIRT - LONG SLEEVE (For Women) LGN/BRY/WA M P
1 18096-23-12 BUBBLE ROMPER (For Infants) PNK 12M
1 18096-36-12 BUBBLE ROMPER (For Infants) RSE 12M
1 33566-72-XL DICKIES COTTON PLAID SHIRT - SHORT SLEEVE (For Men) LTBL/BLK XL
1 37139-06-M BONNIE AND BILL SILK BLEND CREWNECK SWEATER (For Women) GREY M
1 90241-02 KENYON INFANT BLANKET NVY
1 26925-30-XL Jan Sport Laguna Terry Cloth Pants (For Women) GREY XL
1 32719-78-S SLEEVELESS SCOOPNECK JUMPER by BARNFLY (For Women) BLU CRBN C S
1 21439-01-4-29 ALLEGHENY TRAIL CANVAS CARGO JEANS (For Women) KHAKI 4 29
1 29140-70-6 V-BACK DRESS by NOMADIC TRADERS (For Women) BK/WHT PRT

I recommend...
sierratradingpost.com

Faxing Friday

I faxed my info for this today.
Diplomatic Courier
It is good practice.

The last two Netflix

I have been wanting to the Straight Story since 1999. I am not kidding, 1999. I wouls always say... Hey, let's get the movie about the guy that drove his lawn mower across Iowa to see his brother in Wisconsin. It was a semi-popular movie, but we could never find it. It was well woth the seven year wait. I loved it. I have added it to my top ten movies of all time. The true story about Alvin Straight

Last weekend I watched The Bituminous Coal Queens of Pennsylvania (2005) Documentary
As you could imagine, I had to watch it by myself, but it was entertaining.
I found these while making the grocery list.
You might find them useful
Dog Food Coupon
Pillsbury Coupon

I need to stop by the commissary on the way home.

Jeans 10% off from American Eagle

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

For Dinner

A sandwich made with
Kaiser Roll, 2 Slices of Jalapeño Monterey Jack Cheese, a Large thick slice of Roasted Green Chile, Spicy Yellow Mustard
3 slices of home-made pickles
A sliced peach
Ice Water


It really is too hot to cook.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

The Garden
This year has continued to surprise me over and over. The squash, spinach and beets are doing very well. The turnips have grown and no are the size of baseballs. More and more cucumbers will pop-up every day. Over the weekend I made three batches of "pickles". I just had so many; I did not know what to do with them. You cannot freeze them. So, I am persevering them and giving them away. I have a lone pumpkin; it should be a beauty this Fall.
I am losing the battle to the weeds, They multiple overnight and I cannot keep up with them. It is amazing, a few specs of dirt and voila two days later a healthy weed. We need to take my weeds over to turmoil countries; maybe this would give them something to do beside kill one another.

Work
Two dear friends have given their notice in the last week. It is sad to see them go. They always made things a little easier. They both have great opportunities. I am happy for them.
They officially announced that part of my team will be expanding into Argentina. I will be traveling down there for two weeks in a month or so.


Home
My trip back home has left me with mixed feelings. I brought back a few things that belonged to my parents. I have my dad's grade school report cards and postcards he mailed my mother while hunting in 1961. I have my mom's birth announcements, clippings from the newspaper from when she was in high school and some great pictures. I need to make copies of the pictures for my brother and find a way to preserve these items. One other cool thing I borught back was my mom's war bond booklet from 1942 (she was just a few months old at the issue date).

I have received two pieces of consistent feedback. I am on ok writer. My last paper for school was not that great. My grade showed the truth. The written exam that I turned in the State Depart was “good” but not “great”. The gentleman that graded the written portion said, “It was not great, but I personally enjoyed reading it.” This information has left me thinking, “What happened?” Has nine years in ecommerce dumbed me down that I can only write brief content and short emails? I need to get together a plan that allows me to write more. Do I need to change my resume that reads excellent written communication? This being said I am going to take a few months break from my masters and craft a plan.

My daughter is off camping with her cousin in ninety degree heat. I know her, and I am sure she is miserable. Rain is on the weather’s man slate for her region today and I think she might me miserable for that as well. The only saving grace that might help this, is meeting cute boys.