I had a Gee Whiz moment Friday while watching my grandniece, Eli.  She grew tired of the set of toys she played with all day and I went to through the diaper bag to find another toy to entertain her.  I saw this cute little corn cob toy and I took it by the handle and proceeded across the room to give it to my young charge.  I grabbed the corn cob end to give it to Eli and as soon as I squeezed a bit, the corn cob vibrated!  Gee whiz - a corn cob that vibrates!  It's the John Deere Massaging Corn Teether.

It didn't occur to me how funny this was until I was telling Vickie about it Friday night.  We laughed and laughed over the fact that I had my Auntie Karen and Photographer hat on and didn't realize how funny it really was. 

Dang... I need to get me one of these!!  No, not for that...  It's a great little massager for stress relief... oh crap... never mind...  LOL

Gee whiz, it vibrates!Miss Eli and I had a great day together.  We played with toys, she ate lunch of sweet potatoes, we went for a walk around the apartment complex where there is lovely streams and ponds.  The ducks waddled and swam while we enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.  Her daddy told me that taking her for a walk was a great way to get her to sleep, however, she did not fall asleep.  Rats.  She did take a short nap but she wanted to play more than anything.

It's amazing how much she changes in a week or two.  She is sitting up better and she is a lot more active; she really keeps me on my toes. 

While I tend Eli, I also get the pleasure of spoiling Bella, the Wonder Cat, and two dogs.  I'm allergic to dogs so I can't spoil them as much as I'd like but sometimes they don't care.  If Bella gets attention, they get attention!  Bella is usually a calm kitty but Friday, she was on crack!  Actually, she finally showed me her true personality and she is a hoot!  

Just My Size!She kept jumping up the wall to attack something that wasn't there, sliding and skitting around on the bathroom and kitchen floors, and sneaking up to the dogs and batting them on the heads a few times then running away.  She doesn't have claws so it was more irritating to them than anything and it made me laugh.  She tried to wear my Crocs on her paws and her head (I didn't get a shot of her head in the Croc - darn it!) and then flipping them around the floor.  She really got my attention when she kept trying to climb up my body (tough to do without claws!) until I finally sat down so she could share my lap with Eli. 

Eli was on my left and Bella was on my right and the two of them played a bit, Bella kissed Eli and she tugged on Bella's fur.  Bella buried her face between Eli's arm and body and nuzzled her a bit then she decided to climb my chest, which forced me to lay back in the chair.  She climbed over Eli and nuzzled my neck, then the next thing I knew, she flipped out my first earring hoop and had my second earring (a half carrot diamond!) in her mouth! 

I managed to get the diamond out of her mouth before she swallowed it and I thought she swallowed the other earring until I found it on the floor while looking for the back of the diamond earring.  I have no idea why she did it or how she could see my earrings because my hair covered them. Needless to say, I was a bit freaked but while Eli napped, she cuddled with me and kissed me all over my face so she's forgiven.  What a cat...

When Sara got home, I asked her if Bella was hitting the Nip.  She laughed and said it was normal for her to be hyper.  Bella never gets the Nip because she clearly does not need it!  ;-) 

I was outside for a bit over the weekend and took some photos of the latest blooms in my yard.  There are three daffodil blooms and about ten Forget-Me-Nots out so far.  The blue of the Forget-Me-Nots is so vibrant and I've waited a long time to get a good, clean shot of these.  Thanks to my lovely macro lens, I finally did it! 

Photos are copyrighted and can only be used with the expressed written permission by KJR.  

What a slacker I've been in not writing my Gee Whiz posts!  Gee whiz, what's wrong with me?  LOL

1.  It's been an interesting week for the news in Utah.  This first story is about some pranksters who went into a 7-11 with a bag of feces and put it in the microwave, set it for 10 minutes, and walked out.  Needless to say, the shit hit the fan - or should I say, it exploded!  It not only ruined the microwave but it caused $3500 in damage.  The police ask help in finding the pranksters... good luck to them!  We had a lot of laughs about it at work yesterday when we heard about it.  Not even I would go that far but it's funny!  Gee whiz, what a shitty thing to do! 

2.  An ESPN Analyst, Ric Bucher called out the Utah Jazz fans.  He said that Utahans are Mormon and there's nothing to do here and they have to be happy and smiling all the time so the only time they can be vicious is at a Utah Jazz game.  He also said that there is more off-color language than anywhere else.  Click on his name in blue on the link and you can listen to the mp3 file.  Gee whiz, what an ass.

3.  The inner prankster inside me escaped this morning.  A coworker and buddy, Kent, had both his knees replaced last week.  He's doing great and we all miss him because he's a fun guy and likes to joke around.  

We call Kent every day to see how he's doing and to see what he's up to.  He told a couple of guys about an experience he had in the hospital last week.  A woman nurse named Arianna gave Kent a sponge bath and it turns out that Arianna was once a man.  Nothing against her but Kent had everyone cracking up at his reaction (no - not that type of reaction LOL) to her and how embarrassed he was.  A little light went off in my mind this morning as one of the guys was retelling the story. 

I wrote a letter, posing as Arianna, to offer Kent her special sponge bathing services.   The letter looked professional wiht a logo and address.  The address is bogus but the phone number is another coworker's number *snortle*  Below is the letter.

************ 

Arianna’s Magic Fingers
1269 Rubadubdub Cir
Roy, UT 84067
801-XXX-XXXX

Dear Mr. B*,

Greetings!  How are you, my friend?  I hope you remember me; I was your nurse last week at LDS Hospital.  I am known state-wide for my special sponge baths that you enjoyed during your hospital stay. 

Besides working at the hospital, I am available for house calls for a variety of services:

•    Specialty Sponge Baths, includes pure Rocky Mountain spring water, authentic sponge, and gentle aromatic cleansing gel
•    All-over-body massages (I am a licensed masseuse)
•    A variety of personal services, as requested (charges may vary) for your enjoyment
•    High tech methodology and the latest devices for your every desire
•    Portable playground equipment provided for an additional charge and is available for month-to-month rental
•    No job is too big or too small, I love them all!

Health care premiums may cover the majority of the costs of services rendered and my assistant bills insurances at no additional charge.  I look forward to serving you!

Sincerely,

Arianna

************ 

The "playground equipment" is what Kent calls "bedroom furniture."  He will know it's from one of us - or all of us - and that's OK.  We were all laughing and imagining Kent's reaction.  I bought a stamp from the office and mailed it in a plain envelope yesterday.  One of the guys is taking Kent lunch today and we hope the letter will get there so he can see the look on his face.  Oh, to be a fly on the wall...with a video camera to capture his reaction!   

Gee whiz... sometimes I really crack myself up. 

Top O' the Mornin' to ye!  The one day of the year that it's OK to be green and show some of my Irish blood. I'm a melting pot of English, Irish, Scottish, German, and Danish blood. 

I am teaching a workshop this mornin' (and Wednesday) and it's an interesting group.  I'm going to bribe them with chocolate to keep them focused on the workshop instead of green beer... well, it's worth a try anyway.

Chocolate is appropriate since we begin with a short film about Milton S. Hershey's life and the history of his company.  He was an amazing man and never let his dreams of success die.  

I've been waiting for the appropriate time to share my experience, the first day of teaching The Leadership Challenge... which is where the a day of red comes in to play.

I was teaching the Inspire a Shared Vision portion of the workshop and the subsection of breathing life into a vision.  The students are required to share their inspired vision speeches on the second day of the workshop and I was conveying the fact that they needed to use picture-type words. 

Picture it - the class is filled with 23 men and one woman (the brave soul that she is!). 

I used the example of Paris and asked what came to mind.  I had several responses; Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, romance, city of love, wine, the River Seine, and so on.  Then I asked how many students have actually been to Paris and four men raised their hands.  Then I asked how the others knew what was in Paris, from their answers.  They responded, pictures, history, stories, movies, etc.  

Then, I asked the class, "When I say 'Tuva,' what do you think of?"  Most responded, "Never heard of it."  Then one very outspoken man said, "Isn't it a part of the female anatomy."  I face, neck, and chest turned HOT in an instant and I know my face was the color of a beet.  I cleared my throat, bit my lip to stifle a giggle and said, "No, I'm afraid not... it's a place in southern Russia/Siberia, near the border of Mongolia and they're known for a unique form of throat singing." 

Needless to say, I quickly finished the section and called for a 10-minute break.  My co-instructor said that I recovered well and that his face even turned red.   

Interestingly enough, on a workshop evaluation/critique, someone answered, "more info on Tuva," to the question, "What would have made this workshop better."  Gee whiz, I can guess who that was!

Here is a website if you're interested in Tuva.  Here is a website of a group that travels the world.  Interesting...

Thank you, Nate and Dawn for calling me to let me know my site was down - I had no idea!  Also, thank you to those who emailed me. 

Turns out there was an issue with my debit card expiring and *cough, cough* I neglected to update it on my billing info for my SquareSpace account.  Gee whiz, definitely a *duh* on my part. I was in bed most the weekend with a cough/cold, so I wasn't online all that much and wasn't very good at checking all my email.   I thought the warning went to my junk mail and missed it, but upon further investigation, I found it hidden between two other messages I was waiting to answer.

I'm feeling mucho better today that I went to work and felt so good that I went out with my sexy man *grin*  Gee whiz... what a guy. 

I want to thank Merle, who gave me the Cheer Me Up Award.  I'm honored to receive this award from Merle because she always cheers me up.  I'd like to pass this award on to many special people in my life who always cheer me up.  I certainly don't want to leave anyone out so I will name a few who are always there for me when I need to be cheered up.  Vickie, Dawn, Hula, Raggedy, Margaret, Vickie B., Suzanne, Theresa, Annie, Emma, Sally, my cuz Hoss, Dave C., Michael (Big Orange), Dr. Mike, Rayne, Andrea, Pam B, Pam (Siamese), Princess Roo, Susan, Dyane, Skunk, Kirsi, and many more.  Please forgive me not linking to everyone - Blogrolling is down as I write this. 

It's so great that the weekend has arrived; it's been a long and busy week but it had its highlights.  I attended a workshop at work, "Crucial Confrontations" and I learned a lot and will use it in the future.  I was home sick on Wednesday with a tummy virus and luckily it only lasted a day.  

My nephew Travis called me this evening and asked what I am doing tomorrow (Friday).  I'm working from home but it's just light computer work so he asked if I could drive down to Salt Lake and watch little Eli for the day.  That's a big YES!!  I'm so excited to hold her and take lots of photos.  I also get to spend time with the kitty, Bella.  I'm hoping the big dogs are in their kennels; they're good dogs but they're a handful.  One is a Boxer and the other is a mix, like a small German Shepard. They also asked me to babysit on Valentine's Day and I think I should be able to since my sexy man will probably have to work. 

Tomorrow night is my niece-to-be, Shalise's, bridal open house (she's marrying my nephew Adam in March).  So, gee whiz, I'll be on the run all day and into the evening - as well as working on my reports for work. 

Saturday I will see my sexy man... and perhaps even Sunday, depending on his son's plans.  Gee whiz, I'm just a little excited............... and I'll leave it at that.  *snicker*  

Have a wonderful weekend!!   

Last weekend, my friend Linda and I went to the movie, P.S. I Love You, and while I was waiting for her in the lobby, I noticed this display and couldn't help but giggle about the phallic sillouette.  *snicker*  I snapped a photo (click to EMBIGGEN *snortle*) while getting weird looks from the movie theatre staff... then Linda came out of the restroom and I showed her and we both giggled as we walked to the theatre where our movie was playing.  We are so easily entertained and it's clear what is on our minds. 

We also had some laughs over my new scarf that my aunt got me for Christmas; it is a polyester fluffy scarf that is SO wonderful and silky.  Linda had to feel it (the scarf) and when she did, she said, "Ohhh my... that IS sexy."  Then she went on about moisture... I didn't really follow that.  *snicker* 

P.S.  the movie was wonderful; quite a tear jerker but I loved it.   

Now, there is actually something else the title of this post represents, besides the above two paragraphs.  North Ogden, where I live, got well over 21 inches of snow yesterday.  We got the brunt of the all day storm when Ogden, a short distance away) only got 6 inches.  However, I don't believe that because I had to drive through a good ten inches to run an errand for my parents and a doctor appointment.  No one was going over 25mph... well, that is, no one who stayed on the road!  

This morning was a mess getting to work - the photo to the left is right after I got to work and trudged through the snow to the front door.   There was about six inches but the condition of the road, I thought there was a lot more.  There was an inch+ sheet of ice under the snow.  The drivers that stayed on the road didn't go over 40 mph and at times, no more than 20mph on the freeway.  I was thankful to get to work! 

I left work an hour before my Remicade treatment was scheduled, which is usually a 15 minute drive from work.  Most the traffic lights were covered in snow.  I had to go to one doc's office to get some meds for Dad, which was fun, I almost got stuck in the parking lot.  I did good though, Dad taught me well; I rocked back and forth and got out.  After that, I had 20 minutes to get to my Remicade appointment... I pulled into the hospital parking lot five minutes late but I got a really good parking place.  I tell you - Someone was watching out for me today.  As dangerous as it was out today, it was so beautiful.  See why I love the snow? 

The roads were decent after my doctor appointment - except when I got to North Ogden then it was fun, fun, fun.  I was chatting with Vickie on my phone (using my hands-free!) when I said, "Holy shit.  I gotta gun it because I'm going through two feet of snow," when I turned on the road before my street.  I couldn't go more than 5mph through the twists and turns and she got all the commentary!  I waved to a guy who I thought was a family friend but it wasn't him... but he was cute.  LOL  He must have thought he knew me because he had a big grin on his face. I'm such a dork.

I turned on my street and it was a lot better than the last and I backed in my driveway with no issues... unless you count scraping the pile of snow with my car.  It looked just like someone cut the snow with a knife.  Ah well.  I took my things into the house and went back out with my camera to get some shots of the huge piles of snow around the house.  It was amazing - it's been years since I've seen that much snow at one time.  Now this is a Utah winter.   

The little black thing in the photo on the left is my across-street neighbor's mail box.  The pile of snow in the front is my mailbox. The puffs surrounding the gray siding is a bit of my house's roof. 

After I finished having fun taking photos in the front of the house, I went to the back yard.  I noticed Mom's flowering plums were bent all the way down to the snow level; they're at least 7 feet tall.  Since I still had my boots and coat on, I went out back to rescue the flowering plums.  That sounds simple, huh?  You should know by now that with me, nothing is simple.  More about that in a minute.  On my way out to rescue the plums, I took more photos.  There are descriptions under the photos. 

Snow on the railing of the deck 
Antique plow in garden, 3 feet tall

Cool ice cycles on fitzer
Snow on a garden hoseI made my way down the stairs of the deck, despite the 4 inches of snow on them since my very generous brother cleaned them earlier.  At the bottom of the deck, there was about a foot-wide strip where there was very little snow before I began trudging in the snow so high, it was above my knees.  OK, didn't plan on this, but I had cozy socks on and I figured my legs would be OK for a couple of minutes while setting the flowering plums free from their snow traps.  Uh huh. 

I got about two feet when one foot slid under my other when I hit the pocket of icey snow under the fresh stuff and I had myself a seat made from snow.  As I sat there squatting and unable to find a stable enough place to put my hands so I could get up, my ass and my legs became reallllllly cold and realllllly wet.  I sat there and giggled at my prediciment; only I could get myself into such a position.  Mom was in the kitchen fixing dinner for Dad when I decided to call for help. 

She asked if I left my camera in the house so she could take a photo.  Yeah, that would have been reallllly funny.  ;-)  Luckily, the camera was in my coat pocket, safe and dry.  She pointed out the fact that the barbeque grill was back and to my left a bit then proceeded to tell me, "Why don't you clean off the show from that with the broom in your hand and use that to push yourself up with?"  

Where I fell and trompedMighty fine idea, especially because my knees have been killing me lately and I wasn't about to do a face-first dive if I were to roll over.  Voila.  It worked.  Mom is brilliant.  After that, I made my way to the flowering plums and freed them - minus a few branches.  I only stumbled one more time but luckily the broom broke my fall.  As I made my way back to the deck and back to a warm house where I could get out of my cold and wet jeans and panties to have a nice, HOT shower, I looked back at where I'd been and could only laugh and thought, gee whiz...  now that was fun!

Gee whiz, the past few days have been a whirlwind of activity; first with all the cooking and baking I did then with the Christmas celebrations.  I have to admit, despite the sadness I've felt lately, this was one of the best Christmases I can recall.  My family focused more on one another than we have in the past.  My siblings and me pooled our money to purchase Mom and Dad a frost-free freezer.  Mom was upset with us at first, for spending the money, but once the freezer arrived and she realized how much work and energy this will save, she began to come around a bit.  I'm afraid she'll have to continue getting upset with us all because we plan on going in on gifts for her and Dad's birthdays as well as Mother's and Father's Days. 

Sara, Caleb, & TylerChristmas Eve, my two sisters, my niece Elyssa, and my brother Bob and his four kids (two have spouses), and two grandchildren came to dinner.  This is the first year in so long that they've all come and it made Mom and Dad so happy.  I got a lot of compliments on dinner and I think everyone had a good time.  Susie and I kicked Mom out of the kitchen so she could visit with Bob and his kids. 

Matt, Keldi, Jaxton, & BobThis was a hard Christmas for Bob, and I was happy to see his family rally around him.  His wife Kori is divorcing him due to problems she had with Bob's daughter, Heather.  He also said it all was a matter of bad timing - they remain friends - and who knows, when her son grows up and Heather does too (18 and 19 respectively) and they won't cause problems. 

After our dinner was over and Bob and his kids left, Mom, Dad, Susie, and Elyssa went to my brother J Dee's house.  I got my Christmas wish of having a white Christmas - it was wonderful!  Although driving in the blizzard of snow, up several hills, gee whiz, I could have used Santa's sleigh with Rudolph, but Santa needed it more than I did on his busy night.  When I arrived, feeling like I'd taken a dive, head first in the snow, Santa called out my name to sit on his lap.  I can't tell you what I wished for *snicker* but he and Mrs. Claus gave me a wink.  We saw all of J Dee and Patti's kids and grandkids while we were there. 

Chelese & Adam taken earlier this yearI also was able to congratulate my nephew Adam and his new fiance', Chelese; Adam proposed to her on Sunday night.  It was wonderful to see all my siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.  My heart was filled with love and happiness, which felt so good. 

Me holding Sweet EliSusie was holding sweet Eli and pointing out the fact that she had her and I didn't.  Right then, Eli decided to cry and Susie handed Eli over to me.  She calmed right down - proving once again, I have the magic touch and that Eli likes me and we have a special bond. ;-)  I cuddled Eli, talked to her, and she cooed back while I stood and rocked back and forth.  Pretty soon, her momma, Sara, covered her up with a blanket and she soon fell asleep. Gee whiz, that little girl has a hold of my heart strings.

Elyssa and vanityAfter Mom, Dad, and I got home, Mom and I finished cleaning up the dinner mess and then stayed up until midnight playing the roles of Santa's Elves to put Elyssa's lovely vanity together.  It was a labor of love, if not a royal pain!  Seeing her face Christmas morning was worth every bit of frustration we had.  I even had fun playing with the hair dryer, lipstick, cell phone, and scissors because it played noises when each one was lifted up.  What a hoot.   

After we opened gifts, I decided to go out and do some light shoveling (gee whiz, I think that is an oxymoron); we had another six inches of snow that fell during the night, which makes about 10-12 inches out of the whole storm.  It felt good to be outside in the lovely sunny day with everything covered in snow and breathing in the lovely fresh air.  I shoveled 1/3 of the triple car driveway then the front steps and walkway and was about to leave the rest for my brother when two neighbors walked over and finished the driveway and helped me finish the front sidewalks.  I offered them some treats but they both laughed and said they were shoveling snow to work off the Christmas goodies they had already eaten. 

The rest of the day, I relaxed and napped a bit, while begging my body to forgive me and to quit hurting, but alas, it did not.  I felt better yesterday and my muscles were sorer than my joints so I figured I was forgiven since I slept twelve hours that night.  

Today, I am working a 12-hour day (oh joy) and then another weekend will begin again; gee whiz, I could get used ti this.  Lots of snow is in the forecast so we'll see if it's a white New Year's too. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families and those special to you.   

I come to you live as I am sitting atop my throne of cleansing for my yearly colonoscopy ritual.  The colonoscopy is tomorrow - so ... Merry Christmas to me!  The past five years, I have sat upon this very throne of cleansing but without any creature comforts.  This year is different; I have my laptop atop a television tray, two bottles of water, which I must drink in the three hours to come (which will be repeated once more), and my portable DVD player with “Christmas Vacation” to watch.  The only things missing are my blanket and pillow, and cheap thrills like I get when I sit atop Hula’s throne.  ;-)  The goal of tonight's cleansing is to be cleaner than a whistle... and I'm almost there...

Anyone afraid to get a colonoscopy shouldn’t worry about the procedure itself but the cleansing part.  I have lost my tolerance for lime, lemon, orange, and now peach Jello (part of the clear liquid diet prior to the cleansing).  The Fleet Phospho-soda is nasty and makes me ill; the lemon-ginger flavor is one I will never forget – ever.  It would be better if it were unflavored.  I swear each year that I’m going to write the Fleet company and tell them to give us a choice, perhaps this year, I will.  There are pills available now but my doc wants me to stick to the nasty elixir.  Talk about torture!  Then there’s the drawback of my lower limbs falling asleep while sitting on my throne so long.  Me thinks I should get a cushioned seat for said throne… one of these days.

Mom came downstairs to check on me while I was curled up on my bed – during a cleansing break – and I heard her laugh.  She saw my little setup in my bathroom and cracked up.  I’m happy to be a source of entertainment for someone else besides myself.  ;-)

Gee whiz, that’s enough about this crappy subject.  

The Christmas preparations are underway and almost complete.  I have one more gift to wrap after my sister brings over a gift card for the second part of my niece’s gift.  I have two nieces left who are under the age of 18 – the nieces and nephews over 18 do not get formal gifts from us any longer.  The next things on my to-do list are to make fudge and spicy Chex Mix.  I usually make 10-12 batches of the Chex Mix for family and close neighbors and have my production slim-lined; I use the microwave instead of the oven then use the garage for my quick cooling system.  By the time I’m on my fourth batch, I’m ready to bag the first batch.  The fudge isn’t too difficult and I’m only making two flavors: peanut butter fudge and white chocolate fudge with cranberries, nuts, and orange zest.  Yum.  I’m giving most of it away, which is a good thing for me; less temptation.  

I’m cooking for Christmas Eve; spiral cut ham, baked beans, and sour cream augratin potatoes.  Mom is making her yummy rolls and that is where I’ve cut her off.  She’s really tired lately (since Dad has had more problems) and she’s going to take it easy.  My sisters, Susie and Kathy, niece Elyssa, Mom, Dad, and possibly my brother, Bob and his daughters, Morgan and Heather are having dinner.  Then we’re all going to my brother J Dee’s house for Santa, where we’ll see the rest of my family and the kids and women get to sit on Santa’s lap and the men get to sit on Mrs. Claus’ lap.  It’s always fun but it’s a shame that Santa and Mrs. Claus have to leave so early due to the busy night.  

Christmas morning after breakfast and the festivities, I plan on a nice, long nap.  Unless, of course, if I get an invitation to have some fun under the mistletoe. *wink, wink* I haven’t heard from him yet but I’m guessing no bad news is a good sign and his sister made it through another surgery.  Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers for them.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!  May your lives be filled with love, laughter, and celebration.

Update:  Susan mentioned her niece Kayla in her comment on this post.  Please go over and read about Kayla's next battle.  She is a true inspiration to me and although I think I'm a fighter, I don't think I would fight as hard as she fights.  She's an extraordinary young woman and she reaches for her stars. 

Gee whiz, it's been a while since I've written my gee whizzes and you all have Dave to thank for it because of his post yesterday regarding Christmas and him knowing, G-Wiz, what I want for Christmas this year.   I don't know what's so different about this year from others.... oh, gee whiz, yes I do.  *snicker*  OK,  'nuf said.

Last week, for Thanksgiving, my responsibilities for dinner were a veggie tray and a pickle/relish tray.  Okee dokee.  Who knew it would be a self-entertainment job?  You know, with the cucumbers, carrots, and pickles...and tomatoes.  My family loves a certain type of pickle that my mom makes, it's called the sour pickle.  It's a really easy recipe, cucumbers (it's got me drooling already), canning salt, and cider vinegar.  As I was cutting the sour pickles, there was one that looked interesting enough for me to pause. 

I saw a big eye and... well... it all went downhill from that.  After I was done with the veggies and pickles, I decided to make the cream pies since Mom was running ragged.  See what a good daughter I am?  LOL  I have to admit, they were some of the best cream pies I've made.  The family flipped over the key lime, coconut cream, banana cream, and chocolate cream that I made.  Gee whiz, however, this pickle does not go well with the cream pies, taste-wise... *snicker*

The work week has gone OK; it's good to be back in a lot of ways but boy, I'm tired.  I'm SO happy today is my "Friday."  I've had a lot to do but at least it makes the day go fast.  There was one snag yesterday afternoon - an issue had to be cleared up between a coworker and myself.  The problem started at the end of October and it got worse because of time constraints and me not being at work, the feelings festered (at least on my end).  We had a mediator and it's a good thing because it would have gotten ugly.  Despite feeling as if I was put on trial, we kept working at it and it turned out well.  We used the tools that we've learned (and teach).  Gee whiz, I was really drained emotionally last night but it needed to be done and I'm glad that things are cleared now.  We have made a promise that if there's ever a question or a miscommunication, we will not be afraid to confront the other and discuss the problem right away.  I believe that it's better to be honest and timely in resolving issues instead of putting someone else through waiting and through undue stress and pain. 

Gee whiz, I'm looking forward to Friday because I get to return to the pool to work out!  YAY!!  The physical therapists have several exercises for my calves as well as the other exercises I've done before.  I never would have believed that exercises in water could make my joints hurt less if I hadn't witnessed it myself.  Gee whiz, I love it and I'm also looking forward to visiting with the ladies there - they are all so wonderful and fun. 

That's all the gee whizzes I can think of for this week... hopefully next week will be more exciting!  

Have a wonderful weekend!! 

Every year, I look forward to February because it is when my birthday is, but this coming February, I am looking forward to it a bit more than previous years.  Why?  Because it is when one of my favorite TV shows returns.  This show is more than just entertaining, it's addicting.  It leaves many questions and even frustrations at times but it never disappoints where excitement is concerned.

I read the TV Guide's special fall preview and that this TV show was not listed.  I was irritated at best, however, in a smaller article, I saw where LOST, Season 4 would premiere in February 2008, therefore, cutting out the reruns of the episodes during the winter and later in the spring.  I have the semi-perfect solution to the reruns - film more episodes!  However, if they did that, it would take some of the quality writing and filming of the show, which are two of the things I like best.  The other things are the very hot Jack and Sawyer, but I digress. 

As I watched Pushing Daisies last night, I caught the end of a teaser for Lost.  My heartbeat sped up and my blood pressure raised a notch or three.  Oh, how I love DVR because I can rewind if I miss something AND not have to watch irritating commercials, but once again, I digress.  I rewound a bit and watched the teaser with anticipation. 

The teaser was about Lost: the Missing Pieces, which are 13 clips of Lost we haven't seen before that are newly created, not clipped from previous seasons.  Every Monday, there will be another clip released.  Click on the link above and it will take you to the first clip.  Oh... how the writers and producers love to tease and taunt us.  I hate to tell them that it's working. 

From what I gathered, Lost will premiere in 13 weeks, which is on February 6, 2008.  Yeehaw.

Welcome to the Gee Whiz Itchy and Scratchy edition.  What is this, you may ask?  I've got the itchies and scratchies due to a reaction to either the anesthetic or the pain medication.  I'm banking on the anesthesia but the surgical center nurse thinks otherwise because I didn't have the reaction directly after surgery.  She seems to think she knows my body better than I do.  If there's anything that is different from the norm, it's me.  With a lot of my allergies, the initial reactions are delayed 12 to 24 hours.  I asked what anesthetic they have me and it was the same as October and I'm sure I've had it before that for other minor procedures.  I tried to find the meds online but nothing came up on Biprovan and Seva.

I'm taking Benadryl and as of this morning, am finally getting some relief.  Between the Benadryl and the pain meds, I'm really out of it.  I am able to write somewhat coherently (or so I think I am!) now because I haven't taken my meds yet.  ;-)

Gee whiz, yesterday was quite a trip.  Have you ever gone potty when you are sleepy and fallen asleep on the toilet for a few minutes?  I have!  And five times between yesterday morning and last night at midnight.  I felt like such a dork but I had some giggles over it - and so did Mom.  She caught me three of the five times when she came down to check on me and she kept asking if I had a tummy ache.  Ummm...  no... I just took a short nap because my toilet is so comfy.  I'm not getting any cheap thrills as I've gotten at Hula's house on her toilet and its cooling system.  If this keeps up, I may have to hook up my own toilet cheap thrill system again! 

Which leads me to another problem.  My kidneys are very overactive and so I have to go potty... a lot.  It gives a whole new meaning to gee WHIZ!   There's not much chance of blood clots forming in my legs with as much as I have to get up.  Fun, fun, and more fun... there's never a dull moment around me. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

I cannot wait until Thursday to announce this major GEE WHIZ.  This is a GEE WHIZ that I've waited and worked so hard toward for four years. 

1. My Music final test, which I was worried about, I earned 232/245 - giving me a final 95.1% for the entire class, which equals a big, fat, GEE WHIZ A.

2. My Visual Arts final test, which I was not worried about, I earned 97/100 - giving me a final 95.16% for the entire class, which again, is a big, fat, GEE WHIZ A.   

3.  My grade point average (GPA) at the beginning of the last term was GEE WHIZ 3.81.   

4. My ending GPA, with the big, fat, GEE WHIZ A's, gives me a WOPPING GEE WHIZ 3.816 GPA.

What does all this mean?  GEE WHIZ, I can hardly contain my excitement (and tears of joy).  It means that I will graduate with freeking, GEE WHIZZING high honors, Magna Cum Laude.  I did it; I really did it. The one song pops into my head...I know, I'm sick.

What's up next?  I'm going to wait a year or maybe two to go for my masters.  I've already looked at two degrees that interest me:  Masters of Business Administraion or Masters of Communication and Leadership.  I cannot believe I'm already thinking about more school when I just finished the four years when I'm supposed to be thinking of all the FUN things I can do with my spare time.  Don't get me wrong, I'm thinking of FUN things but that masters thinking keeps sneaking in.   

The Gee Whiz of To Do Lists - what I have to do before my get away next week:

Get my car lubed *snicker*

Attend concert Friday night in Salt Lake for Music Class (will write my report while I'm gone or when I get back)

Two weekly Music quizzes

One Music Listening quiz

One Visual Arts quiz for 6 chapters

Read 15 chapters for Music and Music Reflections (will have to more while I'm gone)

Read 4 chapters for Visual Arts (VA)

Watch four movie video clips for (VA)

Participate in four discussions for VA (which include watching videos and reading articles for four artists) and two for Music.

One VA response paper

Work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

See my cool doc Tuesday at 2:15 then get my Remicade treatment at 3:00 

Pack my cameras! 

Pack clothes, personal stuff, DVD player, and DVDs.  Note to self:  cabin already has kitchen sink - do not take one from home.  Don't forget favorite pillows and blankets. 

Charge my iPod

Check weather forecast and pray for some rain so I am lulled to sleep by the sound of it hitting the roof.... heaven 

Check for cell phone coverage in the part of Idaho where I'll be or throw caution to the wind and just see when I get there.  I know I'll get coverage in West Yellowstone and it's only 30 mins away.  I think I'll throw caution to the wind. 

Get some groceries together

Load car

Make a "do not forget" list of things not to forget

Gee whiz.... what am I forgetting?

1.  Yesterday, the lovely Hula called me to see how I was after my "trip."  I explained that I was probably being punished for making fun and dreading seeing the choir on Sunday.  We laughed then she said, "That was definitely a 'Come to Jesus Meeting' that brought you to your knees!"  How true it is!  Gee whiz, Hula cracks me up every time... thanks for checking on me! 

2.  This past weekend, my dad has done some weird things during the night.  One night, he got up to go to the bathroom, which is next to their bedroom.  Mom noticed he didn't come back to bed right away and didn't remember hearing the toilet flush.  The bathroom light wasn't on so she began looking for him.  There he sat, in his recliner in the spare bedroom/his TV room holding Mom's Bra, poking and stretching it.  She left her bra on the inside doorknob of their bedroom door that night.  When she asked what he was doing, he replied, "Going potty."  She pointed out he wasn't in the bathroom then they had a good laugh and he did his business in the bathroom then went back to bed.  Mom hung her bra back on the doorknob and went back to bed too.  Later the same night, Dad did the same thing so they were really laughing about it the next morning.  He doesn't have a clue what he was doing with her bra... perhaps practicing how to unhook it?!  Or perhaps slingshot practice?  As I told Vickie this story, she said, "Maybe he was thinking back on the good old days."  Gee whiz... I cracked up.

3.  Dad did something else odd and Mom or I can't figure out why or how.  Mom went to use her disposable razor to shave the back of her neck a bit (she's got short hair) and there was something hard and pink between the blades.  The she realized it was denture adhesive.  She asked him about it but he has no clue.  He's always had wild dreams but since he got Parkinson's, his dreams are whacked!  Gee whiz, they're a good source of entertainment though!

4.  The outpour of caring and concern you all give me always makes me feel so good - thank you again.  My knee is much the same - looking sexier and sexier and more purple, which is part of the process.  I saw my internist on Tuesday and all is good (no blood clots in the veins - just in the tissues).  He gave me extra instructions and I'm behaving... well, as much as I can possibly behave.  Gee whiz, I'm such a source of entertainment for my doc; he gave me a couple of zingers as I was leaving.  But then he had to admit, he fell on his bike last week so I'm not the only klutz. I went to work yesterday and did OK - I had my heating pad and icepack and kept my leg propped up. 

5.  Monica's daughter is back home but please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, it's been a rough 10 days. 

6.  I am taking Sept 20 - 24th and running away to one of my favorite places - my aunt's cabin.  Gee whiz, I can hardly wait!   

7.  I will have two weeks (possibly three) off of work in October but the first few days won't be fun, I'm having some surgery then six weeks later, I'm having the second surgery.  No worries, I'll be fine.  My finals are hopefully on Oct 8 which will be great, then I'll have more time to study for my finals than I would have if I was working.  I'll probably be high on pain meds so I won't be stressing!  Gee whiz, sounds like a great plan to me!  

I think I'm out of gee whizzes for this week... have a wonderful weekend!  I know I will... homework, homework, and hopefully a PJ Day.  

Gee whiz, this week has whizzed by quickly and as of today at 4pm, I'm on weekend status.  Not that I'll have much of a weekend but there's a holiday on Monday.  I get paid for eight hours of doing anything I want - how sweet is that?!  Other than Monday, the rest of the weekend will consist of homework, homework, a concert, and writing a report then more homework. 

I have to attend two concerts (classical type - no rock, dude!) for Music class.  I want to see Andre Watts playing Beethoven (I figure I will enjoy that) but unfortunately, he isn't playing until Sept 14, which is a week late.  Being that I live in po-dunk-ville, and the "Season" hasn't arrived, I have only one alternative. 

I have to drag my behind out of bed at 6am on SUNDAY morning, MY PJ DAY, to make it to the Sunday morning broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I kid you not.  There are two other classmates in the area that will have to suffer through attend it as well.  I'm not saying it's torture and awful because the choir sings beautifully and the pipe organ is really cool, I'm mostly complaining about my PJ Day being interrupted.  However, I'd rather see/listen to 30 minutes of choir music than a 3 hour opera on DVD.  I will see Andre Watts on Sept 14 though; one classmate and I will go together and that will count as our second concert.  Because I'm genius and have a student ID card, we'll get in for $8 ($30 seats).  Gee whiz, I'm cool.  ;-)

My Art class is going well; it's interesting and I've only come across one asshole who doesn't think anyone should have a differing opinion.  He wasn't nice when he replied to my comment about something being bad art.  In my opinion, it IS, but he didn't like that.  The prof told him to play nice and the guy had to apologize to me.  There aren't field trips for this class, only "web field trips" where we watch video clips of certain artists. 

Gee whiz, did I mention there's just over six weeks left of this term?!! 

Tuesday night/morning was a moon eclipse so who do you think went outside at 3:30am and snapped photos of the moon for two hours?  Gee whiz, that would be me and gee whiz, they didn't turn out well but there are some cool colors!  These photos are staying small because they look cool that way but worse as original  This tells me I need a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig, high-powered lens for my camera.  Yup.  Definitely.  I have until 2010 to get it, when the next lunar eclipse will be here, and I imagine it will take me all that time to get the lens ;-)  

Tuesday, my sister Susie had knee surgery and it went well.  I drove her to the surgical center then took her back to her apartment and stayed with her until yesterday morning.  She was a real trooper and she was grateful I stayed there instead of Mom (she couldn't have fun that way).  I worked a lot of the day on my laptop during her surgery and while she slept.  She watched movies while I worked but work didn't stop me from listening and giggling along with the movies.  She calls me a spaz (in a loving way) because I giggle so much. 

Susie treated me to Chinese for dinner and I had enough left over for two lunches!  Lots of sweet and sour chicken! I had to laugh at our fortunes.  Susie's was, "You will have surprise tomorrow (in bed)."  I asked her if she had something planned after I left for work!  Then my fortune was, "You are admired for your adventurous ways (in bed)."  Gee whiz, really?!   Now that is funny, I don't care who you are.  Must be all the books I read hahahahahaha

On to the next gee whiz... over the weekend, Suzanne left a comment and told me I needed to visit her blog.  When I did, I saw she gave me the Nice Matters Award and now I need to pass it on to eight which is tough to narrow it down; just as the Inspirational Blogger award was but I'll give it a go.  I do want to state that if you are not listed here, please know that you matter to me.

Deni is a sweetheart and deeply cares for others and is more concerned about what others are going through than what she has to deal with.  She's a great friend and I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

Christine, a dear friend, and previous hostess for my blog, is a giving person.  She's got a heart of gold and always goes the extra mile when I've needed her.  She is incredibly talented and creative... she's also a Red Sox fan :-D 

Ol' Horsetail Snake, AKA Hoss, is my cousin of my heart.  He has a true gift for writing and a fantastic sense of humor.  He is a true friend and generous with all he has, heart and soul.  I lovingly call him Cuz. 

His Phoenix is a special lady who I've come to respect and admire.  She cares deeply for anyone who comes into her life and is a true friend.  

Hula.  Wow, where do I start with her?  She's warm, kind, generous, loving, funny, caring, genuine, and completely unselfish.  I've had the honor to meet her and stay in her home several times.  She has the patience to take me places to take photos - and that says a lot - and always makes me feel at home.  I just love her to bits.  Her niceness doesn't stop with her; her entire family is wonderful!  Hula Hubby rocks and her kids, Hula Girl and Hula Boy are such sweeties that I have to be their aunt. 

Margaret is always so kind and she gets me; she and I have a connection that is hard to explain.  We have a lot of the same personality traits and it's nice not to have to try and explain how we're feeling.  She's fun and I consider her a fabulous friend.  I admire her for being a teacher; despite the tough times, she doesn't lose sight of why she is a teacher; it's for the kids.  

Merle is a completely sweet lady who always has a smile and beautiful words for me.  The blogging world became better when Merle began blogging (that goes for her brother, Peter, as well!).  Her blog is wonderful, whether it's words of wisdom, jokes, or inspirational stories.  She's got a vibrant spirit and a kind heart. 

 Sally is an inspiration to me; she is so nice that I don't think she'd hurt a fly that was buzzing around her head.  She has a big heart and she too cares deeply for those she comes in contact with.  She's supportive and always there, no matter what she's going through herself. 

Gee whiz, that was only eight... but I could go on and on and on.  To heck with the eight limit, I nominate everyone for this award!   

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!  Happy Labor Day! 

Why is it that when life should calm down (on my break from school) it doesn't? It's been a busy time filled with good and not-so-good times. I appreciate all the comments and emails to check on me during my absence; each person made my cup runneth over. Be warned, this is a long post because there was so much that happened and I'm barely catching my breath now.

1. I'll start with a big gee whiz; today is my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary!

Here is a poem I wrote from me and my siblings:
Fifty years together
Is more than just a marriage.
Fifty years of devotion
To one another and our family.
Fifty years of friendship
One another’s best friend.
Fifty years of cherishing
Every day with one another.
Fifty years of love
That grows stronger still.
Fifty years of hard work and labor
To raise our family and care for our needs.
Fifty years of a home
Where we grew and thrived.
Fifty years of providing a safe haven
Where everyone feels safe, loved, and cherished.
Fifty years of guidance
Teaching us life's essentials.
Fifty years of laughter
To celebrate life and get us through the tough times.
Fifty years of memories
That we hold close and dear to our hearts.
Fifty years to have you as our parents
Is a treasured gift from Heaven.
Happy 50^th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!
All our love,
J Dee, Bob, Susie, Kathy, and Karen.

We threw them a party this past Saturday evening that included a family dinner and an open house for extended family and friends.   What a fantastic party it was and many people came to wish my parents well and to have many more years together.  (Mom is second from left and Dad is in the middle; surrounded by friends.)  The weather cooperated until the last half an hour then decided to storm.  All the tables, chairs, food, photos, and other items were cleaned up in a matter of five minutes due to all who were there at the time.  We didn't let it "dampen" our spirits, we moved the party inside.  Mom and Dad had such a great time and that was the best gift to us. 

Of course, I over did things and was miserable and living on pain meds.  I had my Remicade treatment on Monday and the doc felt sorry for me and gave me a cortisone injection in my right knee.  It's still hurting but it's getting better.  I will be able to get back to my physical therapy on Friday.

This afternoon, I will take my parents to Salt Lake to visit Temple Square where their marriage began 50 years ago. I'm looking forward to it and am excited to take their photo at the reflection pool where it is so beautiful. Mom has a hard time taking Dad places like that alone and I'm honored they asked me to be with them on their special day. The plans may change if Dad isn't feeling up to it but I have a feeling he will be.

2. The next gee whiz is quite exciting for me!   On August 6, I submitted three photos to the local county fair in the Pro-Amateur class (since I sell photos online, I couldn't submit amateur), one in the Macro category, one in the Flower category, and the last in the Scenic category.  The fair opened on Aug 8 and I was supposed to get a call if any of my photos placed but I didn't so I assumed I didn't win anything.  I was disappointed but proud of myself for trying.  On Aug 9, my brother sent me a text message, "1st place, congrats."  Apparently, a waitress who works with my sister Susie told my brother that I won a first place ribbon when he was at the diner for lunch.  He could only tell me that it was a rose... OK, but which one?!... I submitted two. 

Then that evening, Susie and her friend were at the fair and she called to tell me that I won. I was so shocked that I had to sit down and I even told her not to joke around about such things but she laughed and said she was serious. 

The next day, I took my parents and my niece to the fair where we saw my photos with the ribbons.

1st Place in Macro, "Yellow Rose of Utah"

1st Place in Flower, "'Peace' of My Heart":

and 3rd Place in scenic, "Mount Nebo in the Fall":


3. The next gee whiz is that my niece, E, lost her two front teeth and one on the bottom. This photo was taken at my parents' anniversary party, she was having so much fun. Yesterday was her first day of Kindergarten where she is attending a special class to help with her developmental delays. She'll be six in a couple of weeks - wow, time flies.

4. During the last week, I've received a new hard drive at one office and a "better" computer at my other office. As nice as it is to have new and better things, it's a big pain to get everything loaded again. Gee whiz, a huge pain.

5. I taught part of an Interviewing Skills workshop last week. I was in charge of the "mock interviews," which was a lot of fun. I enjoyed being part of the team and making a contribution. Gee whiz, even two students asked if I was going to keep teaching classes. Aww! I actually am thinking about it. I was nervous but the students were great and I enjoyed interacting with them. The workshop was a success and the people who asked us to produce it is happy and it will probably continue.

6. Tuesday afternoon, I attended a graduation ceremony for one of the groups that graduated the training series and it was awesome. The National Anthem was played then it was followed by a prayer (invocation) which off-set the chills I already had from the Anthem. How incredible it was, to witness all the "politically correct" crap in the world around us then to be in a room with about 300 people sharing what our country stands for. The prayer was non-denominational but it was clear that we all honor God and His higher power.

7. After the ceremony, some of the students unveiled a gorgeous wooden eagle statue that a student carved with a chain saw. The statue was given in thanks for the program and all who were involved. Many of the students wanted it to be displayed in the building my group works in, but the funding organization will have it in their building. It's still one big gee whiz, in my opinion, and we are still in awe of the gesture!

8. Gee whiz, as of Monday, I started my LAST term in school. Gee whiz, eight weeks and I will be DONE with my bachelor's degree! As of Monday, I was already behind since the weekend was so busy, I didn't have time to do my "pre-reading" and I'm still going insane. I took yesterday off to rest my painful knee and did some reading and started on my homework. Both my classes are online and there is a lot of work to be done but I think I will enjoy the classes: Intro to Visual Arts and Intro to Music.

9. The not-so-good gee whiz leaves me heart-broken. That stray/lost kitty that I had a friendship with had to end because she (I found out he is a she) has severe biting and behavioral problems. I worked with her and thought that I could make a difference but I couldn't. She bit me twice without provocation and the bites were deep and far from gentle "play" bites. Both bites left me bleeding and feeling awful for her. I placed a sign on our mailbox out front for ten days but no one inquired about her.

Yesterday, the little girl next door told Mom that the kitty bit her as well and the decision I was putting off couldn't be delayed any longer. I had to call Animal Services to come get her. I had her in the garage eating and I held her as I took her to the truck and she freaked out as I placed her in the cage (which ripped my heart open) but the officer did not close the cage quick enough and she got away but not before biting my thumb so hard that my nail and side of my thumb are bruised. There are bite and back claw scratches on the backs and underside of my hands - they look as if I've tangled with a meat grinder. She doesn't have rabies or distemper but I soaked my wounds in hydrogen peroxide all afternoon because I'm prone to infection.

The officer was supposed to bring a trap in the afternoon so we could trap her overnight but he didn't so we'll see what tomorrow brings. I'm scared if we do catch her because either way, I am going to cry more and feel as if I've let her down. My heart is hurting but my head is telling me I have done what I can and there's nothing more I can do. There is one small saving grace and I pray that someone has been looking for her and that the officer will have record of them. Gee whiz, sometimes life really sucks

! I believe I'm gee whizzed out for this week and I think I've summed up all that went on during my absence... or at least the interesting things ;-). I hope that everyone is well and that I can catch up with you all soon! Gee whiz, have a great day!

I'm feeling somewhat gee whizzed out, perhaps because there hasn't been much gee whiz activity in my life lately (I'll let you decide what that means).  I took my Geology final Monday and I won't know my score until Sunday or perhaps not until next Wednesday when grades are released.  My teacher hasn't even graded my last field trip report yet.  However, he told me that my report on Ogden Canyon and the earthquake evidence was the best and most complete report he's graded.  That's a pretty big gee whiz, even if I do say so myself!

Tuesday I woke up with a migraine and felt like poo.  This is usually the result of so much stress and it always hits me after the happiness is over.  

Not much exciting yesterday; I worked and went to physical therapy.  Oh wait - the temp didn't get over 89F, then last night we had thunderstorms, which I LOVE.  We've had some off and on all week but nothing but sprinkles (at least where I am!), but last night it actually rained for a few minutes.  I love the smell of the rainstorm.  Ahhhh.  I went outside after the storm to take photos of the raindrops on the flowers.  Gee whiz, I love to do that.

Today, I have my Remicade treatment then I finally made an appointment with my foot doc, which I've put off for months.  The neuromas aren't totally gone so I need more alcohol injections and then the foot I broke last December still isn't liking me so I'll go see what's going on with that but I hope it's only Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Gee whiz, it's pretty sad when I wish that, huh?  If it's not, I will probably have to have surgery.

What is gee whizzable about your week?? 

1.  My inner stress monkey has been around quite a bit this week but it hasn't defeated me yet.  I'm NERVOUS about my Geology final on Monday and freaking out a bit about all the work I need to do to study and be prepared.  I am my own worst enemy when it comes to stressing out but I'm doing my best to avoid a melt down.  I wouldn't look very good all gooey, although in the heat, it would not be difficult to really melt.  Gee whiz, *ommmm*,  *ommmmm*

2. Tuesday morning, I opened my office blinds to admire the lovely thunderstorm clouds we had and much to my surprise, I see some feathers stuck to the window and upon closer scrutiny, I notice there are marks of where a bird flew into my window!  Being the sick twisted photo-happy person I am, I shot this photo with my cell phone camera.  I then called the receptionist and asked her if we could get the window washers to come clean it.  I told her there was no blood but there were tell-tell signs that the poop was scared out of the bird.  *snortle*  Click the photo to embiggen if you're curious.  The receptionist also told me to close the blinds and to not to take a photo of it (she knows me well) but I told her it was too late on the photo part because I did that before I called her.  Gee whiz, it's kinda like looking at a car accident as you're driving by, you cannot help but look for that rolling head on the freeway. 

3.  Last Friday while enjoying my aquatic physical therapy, I was chatting with one of the ladies, D, in the pool about photography.  Earlier in the month, she invited me to join the photography club in Salt Lake and I am pretty sure I'll join.  Anyway... D, asked me what my favorite setting on my camera is and it's the "P," setting, what it does escapes me at the moment, but I've found that I get better photos than with the "auto."  The she asked me if I shot in raw. 

Gee whiz, how was I supposed to respond to a question like that?!  I'm a perv but not that much of a perv!  

I replied, "No, I shoot with my clothes on," being completely clueless about what she was asking and what RAW is.  She looked at my as if I lost my mind then she busted out laughing.  I'm no stranger to people laughing at me so I joined in.  Then she explained that RAW is a setting for taking photos that gives the photographer more freedom with editing the photo.  All righy then - learn something new every day!  I also learned I need Photoshop and to learn A LOT about photography! 

4.  I  went on a field trip on Tuesday to the largest man-made outside mine in the world.  Bingham Canyon Copper Mine is 2.5 miles around and almost 3/4 a mile deep.  What looked like Tonka Trucks (tm) were trucks with six-12.5 foot tires and two stories off the ground (about 32 feet).  Gee whiz, it was amazing.  I won't bore you with more gee whiz facts but if you want to see my paper, let me know LOL  Here is a document I found online with all the specifics.  Again, click on the photos to embiggen. 

 

 

 

5.  Tuesday night, my two brothers J Dee and Bob came over to give Mom and Dad Bob's old dryer because theirs is going out.  The dryer has been in storage for a year (since he married Kori) and he was happy to give it to my parents.  They took the bad dryer out and brought the other in without any problems but when Bob showed Mom how to operate it, he opened the door to the dryer and there was a load of whites in there.  At that point, Bob started laughing because he has looked for his favorite white shirt and several pair of socks and underwear since he moved.  Gee whiz, isn't that hilarious?!!  He's not going to live that one down.  

6. Last night I finished my Geology field trip report and uploaded it.  YAY.  Then in class, I turned in my Study of Family term paper (WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO), my short paper on a movie we watched last week, This Boy's Life.   I gave my teacher - the coolest guy ever - and he said, "Is this everything?  You've turned in all your assignments?"  YES, and YES.   Then he told me that I am done with class!  W00T W00T W00T W00T W00T W00T W00T!  No classes next week!!  The only thing left to do (besides jump up and down) my Geology final (refer to gee whiz #1)  Gee whiz, can I callapse into a big heap now?

7.  When I got home from class last night, Mom told me about what an ordeal she had.  My parent's main car, the Buick, isn't running right so they took it over to a good friend of theirs who does all the maintenence on it but after taking 24 hours to "look at it," they told Mom that it may be a leaky manifold so it's not something they want to get into.  Mom then called my sis Susie because she has a friend (for 25+ years) who used to be a mechanic but now manages two or three M*das shops and he has always helped Susie out and he also fixed my old Cavelier Z-24 a couple of times. 

Well, the mechanic (details are fuzzy about exactly who it was right now) told my mom that it is a bad battery.  It's only giving out 200 volts (or whatever it is) instead of 600.  It is a two-month old battery; J Dee bought it at C*stco's and installed it then.  So, they told Mom that was the problem with the idle running too fast.  Right.  The bastard put in a used Interst*te battery and gave her that voltage reading - not the new C*tsco battery.   She told the mechanic that she would have my brother exchange the battery so she didn't buy one.  She didn't know it was the wrong batter until J Dee came over to get the battery to exchange it and they saw the wrong battery.  Needless to say, we're all pissed.  Susie is going to call her friend tomorrow to see what happened and whose head we are going to have on a platter.  I told Mom that she should not only get her money back for their "work" but charge them $110 per hour for all the time she spent on this today - and everyone who was invovled.  Gee whiz, I'd like to kick someone's butt right now. 

Gee whiz... I think I'm gee whized out for this week.  I also may be taking a week or so off from writing but I might still post some photos - don't hold me to that though, I'm not sure how much time I'll have between studying, my final, working, and trying to catch up on my sleep... I've almost forgetten what it is. 

Have a fabulous weekend! 

As I went through all the wonderful gee whizes in my life, my giggles (to myself) faded as the events of this week - and past few weeks flooded my mind. How blessed I am to have close friends and family in my life. I cannot imagine my life without anyone.

On June 27, a small miracle came into my family via my nephew Tyler and his wife Sara. I finally was able to see him on Tuesday and fell in love with Caleb instantly. He slept all the time I held him except for some cute little squeaks and stretches.

I visited with Tyler and Sara, which I haven't really been able to do for ages. Sara has not been in our family long so I caught her up on a few things. Sara is such a sweet lady and I thank Him for sending her to Tyler. Tyler lost his mom, my late sister-in-law Lisa, eight years ago and that changed an already brooding boy to the point I thought I lost him forever. He grew up and married Sara and for the first time, I'm seeing a whole new Tyler - especially as I saw him with his son.

We spoke about Lisa and I told him that every time I am around him and his three sisters, I feel Lisa's presence, which I was afraid to tell him before. He smiled and said, "She was definitely there when Caleb was born." I got chills. I left there feeling loved by him for the first time in years and more so than ever.

My dad had surgery yesterday (brace yourselves - especially men!) to remove scar tissue from his urethra (from having a catheter in for four+ months last year. He's also had an infection that took the doc a week to finally sort out what type of infection it was. Dad has been so miserable and now to add the pain of the surgery today. He's entertaining on morphine but he behaved for the most part - no streaking down the hall or anything. He was in quite a bit of pain when we got him home but it has subsided since the pain meds got in his system. He's such a trooper - not letting this get him down and we're hopeful he'll stop getting infections and having trouble. I'm so blessed to have incredible parents and siblings as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Then there's my friends, near and far. I was feeling sorry for myself because due to school and life being so nuts, I am not able to go to Denver as I planned this coming weekend for Hula's kids' birthday party. She called me Monday morning to tell me that she broke the news to Hula Boy (who just turned 5) that I wasn't coming and he responded, "But we can't have a party without Karen!" My heart swelled and I felt bad and good at the same time. Hula Girl is disappointed too but when I spoke to her on Tuesday (her 10th birthday), she said, "Just because you're not coming doesn't mean I can't send you something." She's an amazing artist and such a sweetheart! I guess we will have to celebrate double next July when I'm going - and nothing short of a disaster will stop me. I also miss Hula's magical air conditioned toilet and the cheap thrills it gives me.

My friends Vickie, Monica, Dawn, and Annie rarely let a day go by without checking on me. My friends that visit me here, whether comments are left or not - it means so much that you all visit me despite me not being able to visit you all. I feel so disconnected at times and I want time to hear about what's going on in your lives and wanting to be there for those who need support - or a laugh. I've decided I need a 24-hour day for all I need and want to do plus a 10-hour night so I can sleep.

Gee whiz... I am so blessed and thankful. Love to all!

1.  Gee whiz, it's great to have incredible friends in my life; I am truly blessed.  I want to thank everyone again for all your thoughts for me this past weekend.  One such incredible friend, Vickie, can always make me laugh.  She called me Saturday to see how I was doing.  I responded, "I'm hot and sweaty."  She a